Olive Press Andalucia Issue 450

BRITISH expats are declaring war on donkey taxis in Mijas Pueblo after tourists reported witnessing ‘shocking animal abuse’.

A holidaymaker said she would ‘never return’ to the resort after seeing two burros collapse amid 40C temperatures this week.

Her comments to the Olive Press were echoed under viral images online showing several animals struggling to pull people in carts - with scores of people threatening to boycott the town unless the donkeys are treated better.

Complaint

Today, Lynda Martin, 58, is taking on the controversial trade by filing an official complaint at the town hall before making a denuncia with the police.

The British expat, from the Lake District, told the Olive Press: “These donkeys need a voice, what is happening to them is not right.

“Every time I’m in Mijas Pueblo I see these big, fat tourists sitting on these tiny donkeys or being pulled along by them in carts - just the other day a baby donkey was forced to pull two carts of people at the same time.

“The town hall promised to introduce

PASSPORT CHAOS

Brits missing flights home and facing ridiculous queues due to shoddy police controls at Spanish airports

DOZENS of British tourists have missed their flights home from Spain due to poorly-managed passport controls, the Olive Press can reveal.

At least 30 people missed their Ryanair service to London Stansted last week due to serious delays in getting their passports stamped.

The chaos ensued at Lanzarote airport when passengers were informed they had failed to show up in time for boarding - after suffering ‘ridiculous’ waits at passport control.

Stamped

It came just days after similar scenes in Malaga airport saw British flyers queuing inside the terminal ‘all the way past duty free’.

One British tourist arriving from Bournemouth spent 85 minutes waiting for her passport to be stamped.

An affected

EXCLUSIVE

By Laurence Dollimore

at Lanzarote told the Olive Press, she had missed important cancer treatment back in the UK due to the delay.

“Families were split up and ridiculously Ryanair then had to spend an hour and a half getting luggage off the plane. Therefore we could have boarded during that time.

“None of us were actually late to the gate despite the long queues.

“It was such disgusting behaviour by a supervisor who made the decision.”

She added: “We were told the gate was shut and they couldn’t do anything. And then families were not given food, or alternative flights and hotels.

“People were ultimately told to sort themselves out.”

ports on both entry and departure after it emerged they had hardly been doing it in a bid to reduce delays.

sage of British tourists easier’ and lower queues for everyone.

The issue emerged when airport bosses were ordered to stamp British pass -

Since the UK left the EU, Brits are only allowed to spend 90 in every 180 days in the Schengen zone - with stamps on entry and exit designed to keep a tally.

But this has caused a nightmare at tourist hotspots, particularly in Spain, where millions of UK visitors arrive each year.

Brits now have to queue with other non-EU or ‘third’ countries, creating painfully long queues for everyone on arrival and departure.

For this reason, sources told a Canary Islands newspaper that border staff at Lanzarote were ‘subtly and verbally’ told not to stamp UK passports.

The thinking was to ‘make the pas-

However this practice was recently discovered and quashed by Madrid, despite airport bosses warning police simply do not have the resources.

In Malaga at the end of July, one line for passport control for UK citizens snaked all the way through the departures area of the airport, past restaurants, cafes and even duty free.

The queue had got so long it had to double back on itself.

Brexit

One reader told the Olive Press: “Four years down the line, Brexit can’t still be used as an excuse! It’s just bad management!”

Another said: “It was the same two weeks ago. Another Brexit gift. However, that does not make it acceptable at all.”

Another Londoner arriving in Malaga for a short weekend break three weeks ago, said she had to endure a ‘nearly 90 minute wait’ to get her passport stamped on arrival.

“It really took a shine off the weekend,” she said.

A Ryanair spokesperson told the Olive Press: “Due to passport control delays at Lanzarote (31 July), a number of passengers missed this flight to Stansted.

“Should these passengers have presented at the gate desk before it closed, they would have boarded this flight alongside the 140 passengers who did.

“We regret that these airport passport delays, which are out of our control, and causing passengers to miss their flights.”

PASSAGE: The passengers at Lanzarote

CRUEL: Donkeys are collapsing in the heat while tourists vow to never return

Under pressure

A VUELING flight from Barcelona to Lisbon suffered cabin pressure failure last week. The plane went into a holding pattern before returning to Barcelona.

Journo swap

SPANISH journalist

Pablo Gonzalez – real name Pavel Rubstov – has been sent to Russia as part of a spy swap after Britain’s MI5 accused him of carrying out Kremlin destabilisation.

100ml returns

RESTRICTIONS on flying with liquids are about to swoop back into place after the European Commission decided new scanners designed to ease the process are not good enough.

Heartbreak

SPANISH badminton player Carolina Marin, who had battled back from two career-threatening cruciate injuries to play at the Olympics in Paris, suffered a third breakage just as she was poised to make it to the final.

POLICE have broken up a network of drug houses in the centre of Marbella that each catered to a different drug and user. While one locale would sell cocaine, another would deal in hash and a third in marijuana, with the criminal network operating them targeting a different profile of drug user.

User friendly

Marbella police went undercover to track down the houses after neighbours began to complain about the narco activity. Through observing the neighbourhood around Calle Las Peñuelas they managed

to identify the criminal gang, which operated with varying hours depending on the drug being sold.

Police made five simultaneous raids on the Marbella homes and rounded up 13 people – including one narco who had several outstanding arrest and imprisonment warrants.

LAW’S AN ASS

A GERMAN couple who claim their Spanish home was ‘stolen’ from them now face losing their belongings inside after a judge made a shocking error and then went on holiday. The judge at Estepona court denied a request to order the current occupants out after ruling the public prosecutor was opposed to it – when precisely the opposite was true.

But before the mistake could be remedied she went away for the entire month of August.

Expat pensioners who lost home in an alleged ‘con’ now face losing their priceless possessions as judge swans off for her summer break after mix up

By Walter Finch

Now a court clerk has told the Olive Press nothing can be done until September as other cases are ‘more urgent.’ She explained that substitute judges did not have time to attend to the case.

Chicken mystery

THE Catalan regional police have found the body of a man in a small bay surrounded by headless chickens.

The Mossos d’Esquadra said that there were no signs of criminal activity at the scene, which was in the municipality of Palamos in the province of Girona.

The headless chickens suggested that some kind of ritual was being carried out, but for now the police said that they did not know how they were linked to the death of the man.

Police say that the man’s partner raised the alarm, staying with the body until officers arrived.

“We have a lack of clerks, judges, prosecutors - everyone,”she admitted.

“We have people in prison and all kinds of cases of abuse and criminality that are more urgent.”

She added: “If there’s been an error by the judge, the family can take it to the provincial court in Malaga and maybe they can redress it, but there’s nothing we can do until the judge is back from holiday.”

The Olive Press previously reported how Dagmar Neveling, 78, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, signed away her three-bed apartment last December.

The nightmare began when an estate agent friend, who denies any wrongdoing, showed up when he knew Dagmar would be home

alone.

He then allegedly ‘cajoled and threatened her’ into selling the €400,000 home for just €1,000, her family claim.

Dagmar and husband Rudiger, 81, returned home later that day to find the locks changed and a new alarm installed – and all their lives’ possessions trapped inside.

The property was then sold to a third party a month later for €250,000.

Since then, the Nevelings have been battling in court to have the current occupants ejected and the contract signed by Dagmar annulled. However they are not just desperate to get their home back – their valuable family heirlooms, hundreds of photo albums and personal documents are all at the mercy of the occupants. They claim their passports and birth certificates are inside as well as a porcelain collection worth €30,000 and silver cutlery valued at €35,000.

weight restrictions but I never see them enforced, and when I tell the donkey owners they don’t have enough water they basically tell me to bugger off.”

Lynda said she will soon make and hand out leaflets that tell tourists to stop using the donkeys.

Tourist Nicola Sweeney told the Olive Press: “I am staying in Mijas Pueblo and this will be the last time. Two donkeys have collapsed this week and the owner would not untie it so it was left hanging.

“Another donkey which was videoed collapsed in the street last night. I asked about water for them and was met with anger.

“This is shocking blatant animal abuse in full view of tourists. This has to be highlighted.”

The Olive Press has contacted Mijas town hall for comment.

Don arrest

A NOTORIOUS Italian mafia don has been arrested in Barcelona on a European Arrest Warrant.

Thought to be a high-ranking member of Naples’ feared Camorra mafia, he had been on the run from Italian authorities.

The unnamed figure already had convictions in his homeland for large-scale narco trafficking – specifically cocaine, hashish, and marijuana – between Spain and Italy.

From front

TEEN FUN

TEEN sensation Lamine Yamal, 17, prompted chaos on a visit to Marbella following Spain’s Euro 2024 victory.

The star had paid a visit to the Costa del Sol to relax alongside fellow footballer Nico Williams.

After videos surfaced on social media showing Yamal on a Malaga airport

bus, the word was out - Spain’s next footballing prodigy was in Marbella. That evening, he dined alongside teammate Williams at Mosh Fun Kitchen, Nueva Andalucia.

Videos posted on social media capture the huge crowds gathered at the venue to catch a glimpse of Spain’s hottest footballing talent. Yamal had to be helped by private security amongst the gaggle of fans to safely reach his car.

Fatal attraction

Michael Douglas blames Airbnb and rental cars for tourism backlash in Spain

HOLLYWOOD icon Michael Douglas has sounded the alarm about the growing number of Airbnbs and rental cars in Mallorca –his second home.

Douglas used the Atlanti da Mallorca Film Fest, where he was hon oured with the Masters of Cinema award, to address the issues of mass tourism on the islands.

“Airbnbs and rental cars feed off each other,” he said.

“It’s a delicate issue. We’re talking about 14 million tourists a year, and that generates problems, like water shortages. Everyone is aware of it, and we need to find solutions.”

The actor, who has long considered Mallorca a second home, praised the island and its people but acknowledged the strain that overtourism can put on local resources and communities

ROARing good time

own personal playground!

The Firework singer, who was in the city to film a video for her latest track Lifetimes, took a break from the cameras to party at the trendy La Terrrazza club (pictured).

The glamorous star, 39, who has a three-year-old child with Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings actor Orlando Bloom, 47, joined in the fun with gusto.

The happily inebriated singer grabbed a water gun and started soaking the crowd, turning the dancefloor into a water fight zone before energetically dancing the Macarena.

She then bought the entire club a drink, exclaiming to those that didn’t think she was serious: “I’m rich!” before reappearing with a tray filled with shots.

KYLIE Minogue has been spotted partying in Ibiza.

The 56-year-old Australian singer attended the Circoloco party at DC-10 club where she revealed her new single Edge of Saturday Night.

The Can’t Get You Out of My Head singer danced with DJ The Blessed Madonna (real name Marea Stamper) in the viral video, which they both uploaded to Instagram.

Kylie has recently reached a new level of fame after her hit Padam Padam rose in the charts and became increasingly popular amongst the LGBT community.

as millions of visitors are attracted every year. His comments acknowledge the growing concerns among residents and local authorities about the impact of mass tourism on the island’s unique character and environment. During his acceptance speech,

Douglas shared his heartfelt gratitude towards the festival and the island. “This award means a great deal to me because Mallorca has been my second home, and I love the island dearly. This moment is truly magical,” he said.

DRIVEN MAN NEW HEIGHTS

Privacy

“The people of Mallorca have always been so good to me, so considerate and have given me a lot of privacy. For all of this, I can only thank them from the bottom of my heart,” he added.

Douglas added that he considers himself ‘semi-retired’ and will spend more time in Mallorca as he turns 80 this September.

Douglas received his award from Queen Letiz ia, who has supported the event since 2019.

“It’s the first time that a queen has given me an award,” cracked the movie star.

See What’s the beef? page 6

SPAIN’S Carlos Sainz has announced he will sign for Williams at the end of the 2024 F1 season, ending a four-year association with Scuderia Ferrari.

In February, the Ital ian-based outfit con firmed they were signing the seven-time world cham pion Lewis Hamilton when his Mercedes contract expires at the end of the year, igniting a domino effect

throughout the driver lineup which Sainz has labelled as ‘exceptionally complex’. Having lost his seat, Sainz, 29, received offers from Alpine and Sauber but has signed a two-year deal with Williams, nine times winners of the Constructors’ Championship. Williams have struggled in recent years, with their last Grand Prix win coming with Pastor Maldonado in 2012, but Sainz believes the team are on an upward curve.

WHEN pop princess Katy Perry decided to let her hair down in Barcelona after shooting a music video, she transformed a nightclub into her

By Walter Finch

MOBBED: Fans tried to get a glimpse of Yamal

AWARD: Douglas was named a Master of Cinema by Queen Letizia

Costa Angels are ‘Assisted Living’ professionals who provide the best client centered care for our Clients while enabling them to maintain their all-important independence in their own home.

PUT A SHIRT ON!

BRITISH tourists have been told to 'dress properly' while walking through the streets of the Costa del Sol.

A new campaign by the City Council of Malaga has plastered posters in English around the city with the headline 'dress completely'.

Above a drawing of a man and woman clearly wearing t-shirts, it reads: "Both on the street and in public places, always wear an upper garment for respect and hygiene."

The message is repeated in Spanish at the bottom of the poster.

The poster is clearly directed at British tourists, who make up the majority of foreign visitors to Spain.

Under laws passed late last year, visitors to Malaga city could be fined up to €750 for walking around public places topless.

Whale of a row

Yacht owners slammed for fitting spikes to their boats to ward off Orca attacks in the Staits

By Walter Finch

SHIP captains are adding spiky new armour to their rudders and keels to ward off killer whales in the Straits of Gibraltar.

It comes after a string of Orca attacks that left numerous boats damaged and some even sunk.

In the latest incident British-registered Bonhomme William was sunk a fortnight ago with its crew having to be rescued off Tarifa.

The 12-metre yacht was repeatedly nudged by a pod of killer whales after leaving Gibraltar.

Just a few weeks earlier an-

other boat Kelba had its rudder and keel badly damaged by five orcas leading to a further rescue.

And in May, the

Alboran Cognac was sunk after being attacked off Tangier, with its crew members needing to be rescued by an oil tanker. The same month, two boats, Malaika and Galaxia, had to be towed to Barbate due to damage caused by whale encounters.

Green groups, though, have slammed the move to add the sharp edges to yachts to repel the whales.

One, Sea Shepherd, filmed a

NO VISA DEAL

HOPES that the UK and Spain were thrashing out a working holiday visa deal to ease travel for young people between the two countries appear to have been dashed. It would have allowed young Spanish people to live and work in the UK, with Brits aged between 18 and 30 able to head to Spain without current post-Brexit visa restrictions. But it is now thought that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer ruled out the scheme at a recent meeting with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez.

French boat in Barbate this week after adding around a dozen angular spikes.

The conservation group criticised the move, which is likely to ‘injure orcas that approach’.

RUDDER: Spiked to discourage Orcas

It has long been feared that sailors might start taking aggressive reprisals against the creatures, which could seriously threaten the existence of the pod.

Orcas are considered an endangered species and are protected under European law, which makes it illegal to harm them.

Penalties include hefty fines and prison, depending on the severity of the harm caused.

However, the sharpened objects are a ‘grey area,’ according to Sea Shepherd.

“Our legal team is working on a complaint for ‘attempted destruction of a protected spe-

cies,” a spokesman said.

He emphasised orcas are not aggressive towards humans and the interactions with them in the Straits have been ‘anything but attacks’.

“As we recently showed in several videos of our boat surrounded by 15 orcas, these majestic beings show no signs of aggression,” he said.

“Large, curious and playful cetaceans... whose damage, if any, is due more to their size and strength than to their desire to harm anyone.

“As a reminder, no human being has ever been injured by an orca in the wild, ever.”

A BRITISH expat has called for the Spanish government to be held accountable for dozens of northern European deaths linked to Nolotil.

Andy Brooks, was given the drug in 2018 for knee pain, ending up in Javea special care unit suffering from ‘near deadly’ immunosuppression and sepsis. Though he physically recovered, the expat still suffers the mental effects of the ‘terrible’ incident and in July 2022, he was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

He told the Olive Press: “Since this happened my ‘bucket list’ has been reduced to just one thing, that I live to see the day when the Spanish government is taken to court for giving this drug to people knowing the terrible side effects.”

FOUR French tourists have been arrested after breaking into Tivoli amusement park and trying to hide from police in the ‘Castle of Terror’.

The group, aged between 25 and 28, managed to sneak past security guards and slip into the abandoned park in Benalmadena.

However security picked up on their presence after the group started vandalising the site, causing significant damage to the property.

Epidemic warning

LOCALS in southern Spain are demanding a vaccine to fight the deadly West Nile virus following an uptick in cases and two recent deaths.

Residents in La Puebla del Rio, Sevilla, took to the streets on Monday to demand a plan of action from the Junta, including

new protocols in hospitals.

It comes after an 86-year-old local died from the disease, which is transmitted by tiger mosquitos, on July 20.

Juan Jose Sanchez Silva, who is the spokesman for the La Puebla del Rio residents’ association, warned that ‘this is going to get worse and will become an epidemic.’

He said the recent death was the ‘first of many’.

CAT KILLERS

CATS are being shot, poisoned and deliberately run over by ‘cruel’ locals in southern Spain, activists have claimed.

A rescue group claims the abuse has been going on for years around Castellar de la Frontera.

According to the Cats and Dogs Chispa association one cat was recently submerged in boiling water, while another was beaten and killed by a weapon.

According to the Spanish charity, some residents are even taking aim at local cats with shotguns.

Meanwhile, poison has been found left on pavements leading to serious illness and even

Charity appeal after felines shot, poisoned and doused in boiling water by ‘cruel’ locals

By Laurence Dollimore

death to dogs.

“In one block of flats, several people have been receiving threats from a neighbour who does not like cats,” a spokesman told the Olive Press.

He added a number of cats in the block had gone missing and never been seen again, while others were found brutally beaten.

Cameras of life

NEW speed cameras are going to be installed between Marbella and Coin on a notoriously dangerous length of road.

The Junta will put in two cameras on the A-355 to improve safety along a four-kilometre stretch dubbed the ‘death road’, which saw a total of 10 people lose their lives in traffic accidents last year.

The cameras will be installed at kilometre 0.95 and 4.4.

“One was beaten to such an extent it had a destroyed heart and lungs,” he said.

“Although he was found alive and taken to a vet, the beating was so brutal he could not be saved.”

He continued: “Another cat was found with its head almost burst and its eyes popping out.”

The charity claims the alleged attacker has been reported to the police, but there are a number of others involved.

“We have already spent a couple of years fighting this suffering because of heartless people.

“There are cases of poisoning, beatings, attacks, deliberate hit and runs, and one cat was even submerged in boiling water.”

The Olive Press has reported on numerous incidents of animal cruelty over the past two decades, including expats attacked for reporting similar cases to police.

Spain

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.

OPINION

Get a grip!

IT’S absolutely pathetic that Spain has done nothing to combat the growing passport chaos at its airports ( Passport chaos, p1).

Every year, since god knows how long, Brits have accounted for the highest number of arrivals from abroad.

Literally millions and millions of people flock in from the UK all year round, be it to the Canary Islands over the winter or to the Costa del Sol and Balearics all summer.

Nevermind the countless city breaks to the likes of Barcelona, Sevilla or Madrid.

So why is it that every single time I arrive into Malaga airport, for example, there seems to be one worker manning the passport control?

That was my experience when I last flew into Spain in January, when the queue to have my passport checked almost went back to the plane (in the dead of winter, mind you).

And things have only got worse, with queues for passport control in departures last month snaking through the terminal and past duty free.

I understand that Britain ‘must be punished’ for leaving the EU.

In the eyes of Brussels, at least, the UK needs to be made an example of so that no one else is tempted to leave the 27-nation club.

But if you’re going to force the majority of your arriving and departing passengers to go through a separate passport area, at least be bloody prepared!

In typical fashion, no one from Spain nor the EU, in fact, needs to suffer the same fate when landing in Britain.

They are not having their passports stamped nor are they being sent to a separate passport control.

It means, ironically - and in theory - that they can stay for as long as they like in Britain without being detected.

If only the scores of non-resident British homeowners - and more importantly taxpayers - in Spain had that luxury!

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Walter Finch walter@theolivepress.es

Yzabelle Bostyn yzabelle@theolivepress.es

(+34) 951 154 841 admin@theolivepress.es

Simon Hunter simon@theolivepress.es

Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es

Ben Pawlowski ben@theolivepress.es

Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@ theolivepress.es

WHAT’S THE BEEF?

The Olive Press investigates why

there has been such a backlash

against tourism

By Laurence Dollimore

UNLESS you’ve been living under a rock this year, you will have witnessed the anti-tourism protests sweeping across Spain.

From soaking holidaymakers with water pistols in Barcelona, to ‘reclaiming’ beaches from ‘outsiders’ in Mallorca, the tactics seem to be getting more and more direct.

In Sevilla, Airbnb lockboxes were found smeared with excrement, believed to be from a dog, just a couple of weeks ago.

While protesters insist their beef is with local and regional governments, and not the average ‘guiri’, it’s hard for foreign visitors to not

WE all tend to applaud global efforts to develop the greater use of clean renewable energy. After all, who does not want clean energy?

Many of these efforts are not seamless however. For example, nuclear energy is ‘clean’ but problems with waste, the toxicity of uranium mining and the risk of catastrophe are omnipresent.

Solar power is sunlight and weather dependent - not to mention the land use issues surrounding massive solar farms.

feel personally attacked.

Some of the graffiti seen across resorts over the past year have included messages like ‘Guiris go home’, ‘all tourists are bastards’ and ‘tourists go home, you are not welcome.’

When I spoke to activists in Tenerife back in March, they claimed such phrases were simply

ENOUGH: Spaniards are at their limit with tourism

designed to get media attention and to place pressure on local governments to act.

But as the number of fed-up locals - and their anger - grows, it seems quite a few people do actually resent tourists.

So what is their problem? On the surface, tourism is one of Spain’s most important industries.

In 2023, more than 85 million people visited the country and spent a total of €108.67 billion.

Tourism Minister for Spain Jordi Hereu insisted in February: “The tourism industry is not only growing quantitatively, as this successful

2023 of record visits and spending shows, but also qualitatively, with better jobs… a lower rate of temporary employment and a greater number of salaried employees with permanent contracts.”

However scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find all is not as rosy as it seems. The biggest issue for many Spaniards is the lack of affordable housing.

Salaries have barely increased over the past decade, and in some regions have actually decreased when inflation is taken into account. This has been paired with surging property prices, in both the buying and renting markets.

OPTIMISM ON THE HORIZON

theolivepress.es

The development of electric cars is facing set-backs as they are prohibitively expensive with too few charging stations.

Wind turbine farms, while producing clean emission free energy, are not without their own variety of unintended consequences. A threat to birds, noise and vibration issues, visual pollution, deforestation, construction costs (both to install and decommission) are the most mentioned problems.

But there is some good news regarding wind power. Consider the new potential to produce clean, emission-free wind energy from offshore floating wind farms AND Spain’s cutting-edge role in this new technology.

Last month the Belgian based company Elicio, announced plans for a mammoth ‘floating wind farm complex’ in the Bay of Biscay off the coast of France and Spain.

The company recognises the huge potential to generate clean renewable energy far offshore as opposed to onshore sites.

Research shows that harnessing the power of wind further out at sea has huge advantages to land-based farms. The wind speed and frequency are higher beyond the horizon. Also, there are few obstacles with more consistent wind patterns.

In addition, most fabrication for offshore farms can be done ‘in port’ before being towed to their location making the installation much more efficient.

Elicio is using the MH Hywind offshore wind

Are huge floating wind farms the way forward in the search for renewable energy, asks Jack Gaioni

farm, located 140 kms off the coast of Norway, as a model prototype. That project, launched in 2023, consists of 11 turbines (producing 88 MW.) that float in 200-300 metres of water depth.

The turbines are anchored by a tether system (more about this later) and the installation is recognised as the world’s largest floating offshore farm to date.

How and where do these wind farms work?

By design, these systems are mounted on a floating structure that allow the turbines to generate electricity in deep water depths where fixed foundations are not feasible.

Some designs incorporate a ballasted configuration with below the surface weights hanging vertically from the turbines - much like a buoy.

Other designs tether the turbines to the sea bed. Taunt tensioned cables run straight to a fixed anchor on the ocean floor.

Another completely different design calls for a ‘waffle-shaped frame’ adorned with no less than 126 rotor driven turbines. Theoretical-

ly, putting this many tightly packed turbines together creates a synergy that allows increased air to pass more easily through the rotors - much like a wind tunnel. Essentially the entire structure is packed atop a floating platform, similar to an oil rig. Some designs would stand as tall as the Eiffel Tower!

When Elicio begins this upcoming project, it will not be Spain’s first. In the summer of 2022, the Saitec Offshores Technologies launched a semi submersible barge vessel two miles off the coast of Bilbao. Atop the barge was a wind turbine with a rotor diameter of 97 metres. The barge was then ballasted down lower into the water until the unit became buoyant.

It was anchored with a single point mooring system that allowed the structure to twist passively to align itself into the wave and wind direction.

The project is the first floating wind turbine to be commissioned to the mainline Spanish grid system and is a key development to help

MALAGA: Protests in the city centre

SEVILLA CITY

Population:

688,711

Tourists in 2023: 3.42 million (+12%)

Average salary: €1,339

Average rent: €928 (+6.5%)

MENORCA

Population: 96,620

Tourists in 2023: 1.66 million (+2.8%)

Average salary: €1,672

Average rent: €840

CANARY ISLANDS

Population: 2.2 million

Tourists in 2023: 14 million (+13%)

Average salary: €1,630 (+4%)

Average rent: €1,136 (+13.6%)

In tourist hotspots, this dichotomy is magnified to often extreme levels.

Ibiza, for example, has become one of the most expensive locations in Spain.

Homes are so scarce and unaffordable for locals that lifeguards and even Guardia Civil officers are living in their cars.

In Tenerife, I was told how dozens of locals were resigned to live in caves because they had been priced out of affording a home.

According to the latest figures, the average monthly salary on the Canary Islands is €1,630, while the average rent for an 80sqm flat is €1,136 - you do the maths.

MALAGA PROVINCE

Population: 1.66 million

Tourists in 2023: 14 million (+9.4%)

Average salary: €2,241 (+4%)

Average rent: €1,208 (+12.6%)

And it’s no secret that the domination of tourist flats on Airbnb and Booking.com is partly behind the problem

Renting your home out long-term in Spain is incredibly unappealing due to recent laws which say you cannot up the rent for five years and which offer squatters a great deal of protection. It means anyone with a second property will have much less hassle and earn far more by letting it out to tourists.

In turn, the few remaining apartments available for long-term residents become more and more expensive.

In Malaga, at least 800 businesses, bars and

expand the development for deep-water offshore wind farms.

It is important to note that the technologies associated with floating wind turbines are in the early stages of development.

There are still plenty of questions about how floating wind farms will work most expeditiously. For the gold standard in innovation and product development we need look no further than the PivotBuoy Project in the Canary Islands.

In the offshore waters of Las Palmas, prototypes of all designs are theorised, tested, and innovated.

The project’s main objectives are to reduce the costs of mooring systems and floating platforms to allow more sustainable operations.

To date, a 1 to 3 scale model has successfully been able to export electricity via a first-ofkind subsea cable.

STOP NAPPING…

…And register an account on the Olive Press website.

MALLORCA

Population: 923,608

Tourists in 2023: 12.46 million (+8.62%)

Average salary: €1,854 (+3.5%)

Average rent: €1,592 (+21%)

BAD MATHS: Rents are soaring as wages stay stagnant around Spain

shops have been converted into tourist apartments over the past couple of years.

Activists say this is stripping the city of its ‘soul’ and risks turning it into a ghost town when the tourists stay home during low season and leave the thousands of Airbnb properties empty.

Where mid-century tapas bars once stood there are now garish locker businesses to look after tourists’ luggage.

It’s a story repeated across Spain, with activists claiming historical centres once packed with locals are now ‘theme parks for holidaymakers’.

In Sevilla, campaigners decry the constant rattling of wheelie suitcases as they’re dragged along the ancient cobbled streets.

But what’s the solution? It’s clear that governments must act fast to tackle the housing problem.

IT costs you nothing and this week you can enter yet another competition to win a fabulous prize at www.theolivepress.es.

After our giveaways to win tickets to the exciting Pete Tong night in Marbella, and free meals at upmarket local restaurants, now you’ll have the chance to win three double mattresses (or 2 x singles).

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It comes as Micolchon opened a new bed shop in Ronda, its 15th in Andalucia (pictured above).

FLOATING: Turbines far out at sea receive stronger winds

Barcelona has already taken this step by vowing to eliminate all Airbnb properties by 2028.

But that’s only one part of the problem.

The sheer number of tourists and their effect on the environment and public services is also under scrutiny.

The Canary Islands is home to 2.2 million people but last year welcomed 14 million holidaymakers.

Activists in Tenerife told me this year how the island is at breaking point, with services like water having to be cut off for locals in the countryside to make sure hotels and tourist resorts don’t lose supplies.

Meanwhile, noise pollution and damage to wildlife is another bone of contention.

Boat parties that blast music into the sea create terrible problems for whales, dolphins and other protected creatures, who become confused and lost and sometimes dead.

Add to these issues the odd tourist behaving badly - drinking, fighting, ‘balconing’, litteringand you have the perfect ingredients for fostering so-called turismofobia

On the subject of winners the

Gary told the Olive Press : “Thank you so much! This is awesome news, really looking forward to going.”

There were over 100 entrants to the competition out of our 41,000 registered users online.

PivotBuoy is also testing a new downward configuration rotor blade that enables the platform to ‘weathervane’ and automatically orientate to ace the wind and maximise energy yields.

Additionally, different platform mooring systems are continually tested in hopes of reaching deeper ocean depths. PivotBuoy has made great progress in the ability to ‘wet tow’ the platform out to sea thus simplifying and accelerating the installation process.

With 5,000 km of Spanish coastline, floating wind farms are poised to be a game changer in the clean energy industry.

Spain is actively establishing itself as a global leader in innovative wind solutions, with numerous companies developing cutting-edge technologies and research centres.

To be sure, the testing and research costs are prohibitive but advances invite optimism. Stay tuned!

Spanish cities must take meaningful action that genuinely addresses local concerns, before the backlash against tourists goes too far.

As our website gathers speed this summer with a brand new server able to handle over 10,000 visitors a minute, we have seen our numbers spike.

Indeed, over the last few weeks we have been averaging 75,000 visitors a day from all over the world, with over a third of them here in Spain.

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Get in touch today at sales@theolivepress.es or call us at 00 34 951273575 for more info

MISERY: Graffiti in Tenerife earlier this year

two pairs of tickets to the Fiesta Live Pete Tong show on August 10 were Gary and Sandra Walker and Hans van de Rakt and his partner.

LA CULTURA

‘Abusive’

SPAIN’S consumer organisation (OCU) has reported Ticketmaster to the Minister of Consumption for irregular and abusive charging systems. It says the ticket platform charges two commissions, inflating the price of online sales. In a statement, the OCU confirmed that Ticketmaster charges a fixed €2 ‘service’ commission for each transaction that does not appear until the person is paying.

Fees

It also charges a commission of up to 13% of the original ticket price for ‘processing fees’. The OCU has called the extra costs ‘unjustified, abusive and not transparent’ as it is often the only platform on which the public can buy tickets to events.

It is now asking the Minister of Consumption to sanction Ticketmaster, make it stop the practice and recognise the rights of consumers to claim the money back.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023 LOOKING

At the centre

LONDON’S finan cial district has been taken over by Span ish in sculp tures in an out door art exhibition. It marks the 13th edition of Sculpture in the City, an open air modern art exhibition held every year in the City of Lon don.

Spanish inspiration for City of London art exhibition

By Yzabelle Bostyn

Amongst the 17 artworks selected to help busy finance workers disconnect from the hustle, many take inspiration from Spanish culture. Clare Burnett, a

WORD ON THE STREET

SPAIN will explode with colour this Autumn as the latest edition of the National Graffiti League is held. Taking place in October, the competition will take place in various towns and cities, including Ronda (Malaga), Tarifa (Cadiz), Lerma (Castilla y Leon), Aviles (Asturias), Ferrol (Galicia) and Acula (Granada). In this edition, 26 of Spain’s best street artists will take part in the open air competition. There will also be live music and workshops dedicated to urban art. Last year’s winners included Murcian Jota Lopez, with his work Demonios

INSPIRATION: The Granary is strikingly familiar to grain stores in Galicia

French-Belgian sculptor, was inspired by Antoni Gaudi’s famous trencadis technique to create her ‘Secret Sentinels’ figures. Trencadis is a mosaic technique using broken tiles to create scenes or sculptures, often associated with Gaudi’s Park Guell.

According to Burnett, her

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For students who are driven and focused on achieving academic excellence, online schooling can be a game-changer. CGA offers personalised learning pathways that allow students to take control of their education. They can choose as many or as few sub jects as they like, study part-time or full-time, and work towards gaining admission to top universities worldwide. Jade from New Zealand shares: “Before I started at CGA, I would go home from school and do a lot of self-study to cover topics that were not talked about in class and to extend myself. Whereas, at CGA I found teaching is very thorough and I don’t have to do that myself. That gives me a lot more time to do stuff I am really interested in.”

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For families who move frequently due to work, lifestyle, or personal reasons, CGA’s fully online and internationally recognised curriculum offers a stable educational solution. This consistency allows students to continue their education without disruptions, no matter where they are in the world.

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For students whose training and performance schedules require flexibility, online schooling offers the perfect solution. It allows them to focus on their education while pursuing their passions.

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Could online school be the perfect fit for your family?

work is a reflection on ‘privacy and vigilance’ in heavily monitored areas like London.

Burnett’s work is not the only part of the exhibition that Spaniards will recognise.

Jesse Pollock’s The Granary, though inspired by her Kent childhood, will look familiar to anyone who has visited Galicia, bearing a striking resemblance to their traditional grain stores.

Since the scheme’s inception in 2011, 162 sculptures by 137 artists have been exhibited.

According to artistic director Stella Ioannou, the exhibition hopes to make the City more ‘welcoming’ by including younger and more diverse artists.

FASCIST MURALS

THE Catalan government has removed murals depicting the history of Spain from its Barcelona headquarters.

The paintings, which decorated the Sant Jordi de Palau salon, were added by fascist dictator Primo de Rivera between 1926 and 1927. In 2019 then Catalan leader, Quim Torra, announced the removal of the pieces - but it has taken five years to do the deed. Altogether, the 69 paintings measured 850 m2.

Dignity

Officials called the move ‘an act of justice and dignity’, thanking those involved for ‘bringing back the light’. They said that the murals depicted ‘a warlike and imperial patriotism’. Protestors criticised the move, approved under the Democratic Memory Law, which seeks to remove Francoist symbols from public spaces.

lowed Anastasia to pursue performing arts. The degree that she was able to practice and perform at the South African championships where she won numerous awards and the flexibility that CGA provides, is something she wouldn’t have been able to do in a normal bricks-and-mortar environment,” says Michael, a CGA parent from South Africa.

Creating an environment to build confi-

dent

learners

For students who struggle in traditional school settings due to bullying, social anxiety, or the need for a different learning pace, CGA’s online community offers a supportive and understanding environment.

Siena, a CGA student from New Zealand, found a renewed drive for learning after transitioning to online education. “All my teachers really get me, which is something that I hav-

en’t really had in a traditional school because I learn a little differently. I feel like when I talk to them they really take it on board,” she says. Her mother, Kelle, adds, “Since joining CGA she’s met great friends; they meet up after school and play games, or they meet up in the city.

Is online schooling right for your family?

CGA’s diverse curriculum offers something for everyone, from International A Levels and Advanced Placement courses to the US High School Diploma and even Primary School. No matter what stage your child is at, the team works with each family individually to build a tailored academic plan based around your child’s needs and goals.

LA CULTURA

Incredible remains found in Spain from 1.3 million years ago spark archeological breakthrough

By Walter Finch

RESEARCHERS have made an archeological breakthrough after they found human remains in Spain that date back 1.3 million years.

The discovery, made in Granada’s Orce region, marks the oldest human remains ever in Europe, and suggests that early humans may have migrated to Europe through the Strait of Gibraltar.

The team, led by Lluis Gibert from the University of Barcelona’s Faculty of Earth Sciences, employed geological dating techniques to determine the age of human re mains found in the three Orce sites in the Baza basin.

FINDING HUMANITY

The findings support the theory that humans entered Europe via the Strait of Gibraltar rather than through the

Mediterranean via Asia.

The dating was achieved through paleomagnetic analysis, a method that dates rocks by studying the ancient magnetic fields recorded in their minerals, which

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align with Earth's magnetic field when the rocks formed.

This technique allowed researchers to establish precise time periods, revealing that the sedimentary sequence in Orce is exceptionally long and undisturbed by erosion,

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Prehistoric

Discover some of Spain’s most important archaeological sites, with Dilip Kuner

making it a unique site for such studies.

“The uniqueness of these sites lies in their stratification within a lengthy sedimentary sequence, more than eighty metres long,” explains Gibert.

This long sequence provided the researchers with the opportunity to develop detailed paleomagnetic records.

They pinpointed the Venta Micena site as the oldest with human presence in Europe, dating it at 1.32 million years.

The Barranco Leon site followed at 1.28 million years, and Fuente Nueva 3 at 1.23 million years.

These findings suggest that the Orce sites predate the famous Sima del Elefante site in Atapuerca, Burgos, by 200,000 to 400,000 years.

The groundbreaking research favours the Strait of Gibraltar as the migration route for early humans into Europe.

Evidence

Similarities between lithic industries in Orce and those in North Africa, as well as the presence of African fauna like Hippopotamus and Theropithecus oswaldi, bolster this theory.

“We also defend the hypothesis of the Gibraltar route because no older evidence has been found along the alternative route,” adds Gibert.

The researchers note a significant time difference between the oldest human occupations in Asia (1.8 million years ago) and Europe (1.3 million years ago).

This suggests that early humans took over half a million years to cross biogeographical barriers and reach Europe.

Gibert concludes, “These differences in human expansion can be explained by Europe’s isolation from Asia and Africa. Humanity arrived in Europe when the necessary maritime technology was developed, similar to the early migration to the island of Flores in Indonesia.”

IN Spain, you only have to look around you to find history - but do you know how far back it goes?

While the country is renowned for its Roman ruins, Moorish architecture and medieval castles, it is the prehistoric heritage that sets it apart.

From towering megalithic structures to intricate cave paintings, Spain offers an unparalleled journey back through time to the earliest days of humanity.

The Iberian Peninsula has been home to humans for over a million years. The Atapuerca Mountains, located in northern

Spain, have yielded some of the most significant discoveries in human evolution.

The Sima del Elefante site has revealed the remains of hominids dating back an incredible 1.2 million years - the oldest site of early hominids in Europe, until the recent discovery of remains dating back another 100,000 years in Granada (see left).

These early inhabitants provide crucial insights into the origins of our species.

On top of that, Spain is a global centre for Paleolithic cave art. The most famous example is the Cave of Altamira in Canta-

MIGRANTS: Evidence suggests humans used the Strait of Gibraltar

STUNNING: Paintings at Altamira, while (below) dig in Sima de Elefante

LA CULTURA

treasure trove

bria, often referred to as the ‘Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art’. Its breathtaking ceiling adorned with images of bison, horses, and deer, executed with astonishing realism, is a testament to the artistic abilities of our ancient ancestors and equals the famous cave site of Lascaux in France.

More recent evidence of human life can be found amongst the numerous megalithic structures, standing as silent witnesses to prehistoric cultures.

The most iconic are the dolmens, chambered tombs built with massive stones. The Dolmen of Menga in Antequera just inland from the Costa del Sol, is one of the largest and best-preserved examples in Europe. Its intricate construction and astronomical alignment suggest that the people who built it 5,500 years ago had a sophisticated knowledge of engineering and celestial phenomena.

Another megalithic site is the

Cromlech of Lanchuelas in Extremadura. The circular arrangement of standing stones, similar to Stonehenge in England although on a less massive scale, is believed to have had ritual or astronomical significance.

Spain also has plenty of evidence of Bronze Age people, centered around the El Argar culture, which flourished between 2200 and 1550 BC.

The civilization developed complex societies, metalworking, and pottery.

El Argar itself, located in southeastern Spain, was a fortified city with a thriving economy.

Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of a hierarchical society with skilled artisans and warriors.

Spain's prehistoric heritage is a living legacy. Ongoing research and excavations continue to unveil new discoveries, expanding our understanding of our ancestors.

The preservation and interpretation of these sites are crucial for future generations. Spain

has made significant efforts to protect its prehistoric treasures, creating national parks and visitor centres.

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ANCIENT: The Dolmen of Menga (above and far left)

CIVILIZATION: The El Algar town of Fuente Alamo and some of the incredible finds (above left)

MINI: Cromlech of Lanchuelas is not as huge as Stonehenge

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INFLATION DIPS

SPAIN'S annual inflation rate fell to 2.8% in July - 0.6% down on the previous month.

The National Institute of Statistics (INE) says the rate is at its lowest since February.

Core inflation which strips out fresh food and energy prices has gone down to 2.8% - 0.2% lower than June.

It's the lowest core rate in over a year and is broadly in line with expert forecasts.

“The change in the overall rate is down to a fall in electricity and good prices over the last 12 months, and to a lesser degree in leisure and culture,” the INE explained. Forecasters believe that rates at around 3% are expected for the rest of 2024.

Green fund

SPAIN’S fledgling ‘green’ hydrogen industry has been given a major boost after the European Commission approved an investment package worth €1.2billion.

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OUTSMARTING CYBER TROLLS

In the vast landscape of the internet, cybercriminals lurk like mischievous trolls, targeting unsuspecting victims with scams and fraud. Older adults often find themselves in the crosshairs, viewed as easier prey. However, with a sprinkle of humour and a dose of common sense, navigating the digital world safely becomes not just achievable but enjoyable.

The support, sourced from Spain’s share of the postCovid EU recovery fund, was approved by officials from the executive arm of the European Union as part of an effort to support zero-carbon, renewable energy initiatives across the continent.

BAD BO

Holiday lets giant hit with record fine for ‘market abuse’

THE online accommodation reservation platform Booking.com has been stung with a massive €413.2 million fine for abusing its dominant position in the Spanish market.

The penalty is over double the previous highest fine handed by Spain’s competition body, the CNMC, which totalled €203 million to civil works companies in 2022.

The verdict and penalty can

By Alex Trelinski

be appealed before the National Court in Madrid. In 2021, the Spanish Association of Hotel Directors and the Madrid Hotel Business Association denounced Booking for abusing its market status.

Jobless boost

SPAIN’S unemployment rate in the second quarter of 2024 stood at 11.27% - the lowest figure between April and June for 16 years. There are 2.75 million people registered as jobless while there’s a record 21.68 million in work.

Compared to the first quarter of 2024, the number of unemployed people decreased by 222,600 with seasonal jobs in the tourist sector among the reasons for the fall.

Hospitality and tourism accounted for 188,700 new positions - some 43.4% of the jobs created in the quarter.

The Balearic Islands saw the biggest unemployment rate drop, going from 15.48% to 7.95%.

The following year, the CNMC initiated disciplinary proceedings which concluded that the Dutch-based compasny abused its position of ‘exploitative’ dominance by imposing several unfair commercial terms on hotels. It said Booking imposed unfair terms on hotels that used its reservation services and restricted

Why

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Introducing an exclusive partnership between Olive Press and AnyTech365 AI-Powered IT Security

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Phishing emails are the internet’s bad puns, seemingly harmless but capable of regrettable consequences. These deceptive messages mimic trusted entities like banks or postal services. Signs of a phishing attempt include generic greetings, sloppy grammar, and urgent requests for personal information. If it feels like a bad action movie, treat it like a scam. Remember, trusting a phishing email is like trusting a fish to walk on land, it’s just not going to end well.

A guide to dodging digital disasters with wit and wisdom

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Imagine a call claiming to be from Microsoft, warning of a computer virus turning your device into a toaster. Legitimate tech companies don’t operate this way, no unsolicited house calls or surprise diagnoses. Ignore demands for payment to fix non-existent issues and promptly dismiss such calls. Just remember, Bill Gates doesn’t need your 50€ to fix a “virus.” If Microsoft really did want to turn your computer into

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The company and their solutions have been widely recognized and won multiple awards on local, national, and international level such as “The Fastest growing technology company in Spain and the 27th fastest growing company in Europe across all sectors” (Source: Financial Times FT1000), the Andalucía Excellence Award in New Technologies, and others. Making a meaningful local impact, AnyTech365 has been a proud title-sponsor of the Andalucía Open tennis tournament, including the ATP 250 tournament in 2021, the biggest sporting event in the region. It has excellent online reputation scores with tens of thousands of end user reviews on Trustpilot (4.8/5) and Google Reviews (4.9/5).

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Introducing an exclusive partnership between Olive Press and AnyTech365 Olive Press is excited to announce a partnership with AnyTech365, the leading IT security and support company on the Costa del Sol. This collaboration offers Olive Press readers enhanced tech support and cybersecurity solutions. Subscribers will receive exclusive discounts on AnyTech365 services, ensuring their digital safety and worry-free use of any Internet-connected device, personal, or within the Founded in 2014 by Janus R. Nielsen, a seasoned IT entrepreneur, AnyTech365 leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to offer unparalleled service quality and efficiency in tech support and cybersecurity, keeping your

The company and their solutions have been widely recognized and won multiple awards on local, national, and international level such as “The Fastest growing technology company in Spain and the 27th fastest growing company in Europe across all sectors” (Source: Financial Times FT1000), the Andalucía Excellence Award in New Technologies, and others. Making a meaningful local impact, AnyTech365 has been a proud title-sponsor of the Andalucía Open tennis tournament, including the ATP 250 tournament in 2021, the biggest sporting event in the region. It has excellent online reputation scores with tens of thousands of end user reviews on Trustpilot (4.8/5) and Google Reviews (4.9/5).

online shouldn’t resemble a soap opera script, unless you’re auditioning for “As ” tions! You’ve won the you never entered. uine lotteries never demand payment upfront. Treat unexpected prize notifications with scepticism, just like an unsolicited offer of a free yacht. Avoid disclosing personal infor -

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a toaster, they’d probably include a bread slot in the next Windows update. On dating sites, scam mers craft fictitious profiles, offering af fection and then fabri cating cri ses like robbery or travel mishaps. Requests for money signal a scam, real connections should withstand video calls. If it sounds melodramatic, it’s time to disconnect. After all, finding true love

(Source: Financial Times FT1000), the Andalucía Excellence Award in New Technologies, and others. Making a meaningful local impact, AnyTech365 has been a proud title-sponsor of the Andalucía Open tennis tournament, including the ATP 250 tournament in 2021, the biggest sporting event in the region. It has excellent online reputation scores with tens of thousands of end user reviews on Trustpilot (4.8/5) and Google Reviews (4.9/5).

The company is currently in the process of becoming publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with the transaction expected to complete in Q3 of 2024.

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clicking on suspicious links.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. Winning a lottery you didn’t enter is as likely as finding a unicorn in your backyard, and both should be treated with equal disbelief. Secure accounts with complex, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA).

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The company and their solutions have been widely recognized and won multiple awards on local, national, and international level such as “The Fastest growing technology company in Spain and the 27th fastest growing company in Europe across all sectors” (Source: Financial Times FT1000), the Andalucía Excellence Award in New Technologies, and others. Making a meaningful local impact, AnyTech365 has been a proud title-sponsor of the Andalucía Open tennis tournament, including the ATP 250 tournament in 2021, the biggest sporting event in the region. It has excellent online reputation scores with tens of thousands of end user reviews on Trustpilot (4.8/5) and Google Reviews (4.9/5). The company is currently in the process of becoming

BE

MFA acts as a digital bouncer, safeguarding against unauthorized access. Regularly update devices, operating systems, and antivirus software to maintain digital hygiene. Think of your password as your online superhero, it should be strong, unique, and definitely not the name of your pet goldfish. In the unfortunate event of a scam, cease communication immediately. Report the incident to authorities and monitor financial statements for unauthorized transactions. Seek support from AnyTech365 and consider a fraud alert on credit reports. Remember, dealing with a scam is like dealing with a bad haircut, act swiftly to minimize the damage and prevent a repeat performance.

World class, cross-platform security platform with advanced scanning techniques to identify potential threats from files, programs and neutralization of viruses, malware, and phishing attempts.

AnyTech365 AI powered unique software can pinpoint root cause of a problem providing real-time protection immediate response to suspicious activity. This approach significantly reduces the risk of cyberattacks.

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World class, cross-platform security platform with scanning techniques to identify potential threats files, programs and neutralization of viruses, malware, phishing attempts.

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Navigating cyberspace needn’t be grim. Keep informed, exercise caution, and maintain a sense of humour to outwit scammers. Laugh at their futile attempts and revel in the benefits of a secure digital life. After all, a well-secured online presence is the best defence against cyber trolls and their schemes. So, stay sharp, stay safe, and keep trolling the trolls with your digital wit and wisdom!

A comprehensive security suite, combining all AnyTech365 premium products together with quick issue resolution certified technicians without onsite visits anytime, night, with AnyTech365’s around-the-clock support all offered in more than 15 native languages.

region. It has excellent online reputation scores with tens of thousands of end user reviews on Trustpilot (4.8/5) and Google Reviews (4.9/5).

The company is currently in the process of becoming publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with the transaction expected to complete in Q3 of 2024.

Oasis of calm

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Sotogrande is the perfect place to chill and relax

AHAVEN for the discreetly wealthy and famous, Sotogrande stands as a beacon of luxury on the Cadiz coast.

With a scene-stealing location and near-perfect weather, it’s not surprising that this is one of Spain’s most desirable places to live. Head down the Costa del Sol west towards the famous pillars of Hercules (Gibraltar and Jebel Musa in Morocco) and you will eventually come to Sotogrande.

Roughly 100km from Malaga, Sotogrande is where business moguls and A-List types move to upgrade. The mastermind behind the extraordinary transformation from farm to an enclave of privilege, where most people seem to have have a yacht (or at least a rhib), was the American-Filipino, Joseph McMicking. As president of the Ayala Corporation, he had

Once simply farmland, Sotogrande has blossomed into Andalucia’s largest privately owned residential development, writes Dilip Kuner

overseen the creation of Forbes Park, a prestigious Philippine property development. Inspired by this success, he dreamt of replicating its exclusivity on the Mediterranean.

In 1962, McMicking tasked his cousin, Alfredo ‘Fredy’ Melian, with finding the perfect location. Af ter exploring the region by motorbike, largely on dirt roads, Melian discovered an 1800-hectare estate near Gibraltar.

The farmland had been owned by a succession of rich and famous – the Duke of Arcos, the Larios fami ly and then financier Juan March, arms and tobac

9 5 6 7 9 0 3 9 0

co dealer, founder of the eponymous science and arts institution and once the richest man in Spain. It seemed fated for grander use – and it ticked the boxes.

“We bought the land at Sotogrande without having seen it, like a pig in a poke,” said Mc

Puerto de Sotogrande

Sotogrande is an outdoor haven

A timeless legacy

SIXTY years ago, Joseph McMicking envisioned a European escape that combined the glamour of the French Riviera with the relaxed charm of family life. His dream took root in the unspoiled beauty of Andalucia, where rolling hills, cork oaks, and olive groves provided the perfect canvas.

Ben Bateman, a lifelong resident, has seen the enclave grow and develop into one of Europe’s premiere destinations.

Born and raised amidst the estate’s lush landscapes, Bateman’s deep-rooted connection to Sotogrande is evident in his desire for preserving its unique character.

Understanding

After a brief stint at university in Bristol, the irresistible pull of home brought Bateman back to Sotogrande. His return marked a pivotal mo ment in his life and career, as he took the helm of the family-owned real estate business, Holmes Prop erties.

With a deep under standing of the local market Bateman has seen how Sotogrande’s real estate landscape has developed.

“Sotogrande has remained true to McMicking’s original vision,” says Bateman.

“It’s a place where people can relax and enjoy life without pre tense. Families thrive here, and the range of

How one local family has seen Sotogrande grow and develop

outdoor activities is unparalleled.”

A keen sportsman himself, Bateman shares a passion for the active lifestyle that defines Sotogrande.

From world-class golf courses to polo matches and sailing, Sotogrande offers something for everyone. Bateman added: “I love skiing too - and it is one of Sotogrande’s great advantages that I can be on the Sierra Nevada’s ski slopes in two-and-a-

“There are not many places in the world where you can quite easily be on the slopes in the morning then on the beach in the afternoon.” Yet, it’s more than just a playground for the wealthy. A thriving international school, fine dining options, and a growing remote work community have solidified Sotogrande’s position as a year-round destination.

The Bateman family’s own story is a testament to Sotogrande’s enduring appeal. Ben’s father fell in love with the area on a golfing holiday and soon relocated the family to establish a real estate business.

“Sotogrande has a unique ability to make people feel at home,” says Bateman. “Generations of families return year after year,

DES-RES

and Melian stayed on as director of works. As the only bar for miles, the Antigua Venta Toledo served as an early HQ. The team had experience, connections but, best of all, patience and plans.

Inspired by golfing communities like Palm Beach and Pebble Beach in the US, McMicking was determined to build the community around a golf club and, in 1963, the world’s top golf course designer, Robert Trent Jones, was flown in to design the course. The Real Club Sotogrande was Trent Jones’ first European venture and the first course in Europe with a new-fangled automated irrigation system. None other than Spain’s top modernist architect, Luis Gutierrez Soto (Callao Theatre and fnac building, Madrid), designed the low-slung clubhouse – still avant-garde today, as well as the ultra des-res course-side bungalows. McMicking poached the direc

Spanish Open and Ryder Cup. With another three courses in Sotogrande, and almost 70 within driving distance (no pun intended), McMicking helped the Costa del Sol become one of Europe’s top golfing destinations.)

A keen polo player, Enrique Zobel built a polo ground by the beach. La Playa, inaugurated in 1965, wasn’t Spain’s first (the Jerez Polo Club dates back to 1872), but it revived polo passion and set the social tone. Although la Playa has gone, Sotogrande’s Santa Maria Polo Club is considered one of the best in the world.

The first beach club appeared below the golf course. Cucurucho (cornet), named for the conical roof, still exists today, though it’s bigger and grander, and officially called Trocadero.

And also in 1965, the first hotel, the modernist, luxury motel style Tennis Hotel, now the Hotel Encinar. Word spread and the rich, powerful and discreet began moving in. Jaime Ortiz-Patiño of the Bolivian tin mining dynasty, diamond magnate Philip Oppenheimer, and banker and advisor to Onassis, the flambuoyant George Moore were among the

drawn to the same relaxed lifestyle and strong sense of community.”

Orion, the company that acquired Sotogrande in 2014, has been instrumental in preserving its character while embracing new opportunities. The growing popularity of remote work has brought fresh energy to the area, and Sotogrande’s stable property market has proven resilient to economic downturns.

As Sotogrande moves into its seventh decade (it celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023), it’s clear that McMicking’s dream has not only endured but flourished. This special corner of Andalucia, shaped in part by the vision and dedication of individuals like Ben Bateman, continues to offer a lifestyle that is both timeless and inspiring.

BEACH CLUB: The original Cucurucho is now the Trocadero, which maintains the high standards expected in Sotogrande

SPORTS: From water sports to polo and golf,

counts, scions of business followed, and, later politicians (including Tony Blair and Fabian Picardo), and a smattering of celebrities from former England manager Glenn Hoddle and golfer Tony Jacklin followed.

Most houses are architectural gems. The Domecq family mansion is now the clubhouse of the San Roque golf course, but unless you are a houseguest you are unlikely to see the best of the rest, some of which, like the Zobel house and Biddle House, have preservation orders on them.

American diplomat Nicholas Biddle’s house, built by Javier Carvajal fresh from designing the Spanish Pavilion at the New York 1963 World’s Fair, cost $160,000. Sadly, prices have gone up: When Joseph Kanoui, head of the syndicate that bought Cartier, put his Casa La Manzana on the market for €26m in 2006, it was the most expensive house for sale in Spain.

McMicking’s plans for Sotogrande extended to the kind of person who came and what they built. “A Sotogrande based on money would be the most horrible society imaginable,” he said. However, it was only when Sotogrande was running out of cash and needed to open up to a new market of buyers that more affordable housing was developed.

Franco had helped the Sotogrande shareholders by waiving the rule that prevented foreigners purchasing land in Spain. But he stuffed them by closing Spain’s border with Gibraltar in 1969. With the N-340 under construction, the trek to Malaga airport was arduous. The jet set couldn’t jet in, and Sotogrande fell into debt.

In the late 70s, the decision was taken to build apartments on the left bank of the Guardiaro. In 1978, to appeal to all-year residents, the International School at Sotogrande (ISS) was set up – initially in the old cattle sheds of one of the farms, Cortijo de Paniagua.

By the time the border reopened in 1985, Sotogrande was a different kind of place, still off the beaten track – it would be another 17 years until the AP-7 motorway hooked it up, but more connected to the real world. Some of the residents even had day jobs! McMicking’s vision had always included a

marina with canals and islands of apartments with yacht views, and the 1980s developments included just that, in shape of the Puerto Deportivo Sotogrande, completed in 1987, three years before his death. The construction of this mini-Venice was as good as saying times might change, but the dream of Sotogrande as a beautiful playground, a gorgeous sanctuary, remains intact. As he predicted: “Sooner or later the Costa del Sol is going to be mobbed but Sotogrande will be an island of order in the chaos.”

T is time to dust off your jodhpurs and head over to the playing fields of Sotogrande as it hosts the prestigious Gold Cup from August 19 to 31. This annual highlight of the World Polo Tour attracts thousands of spectators to the Ayala Polo Club. As part of the month-long International Polo Tournament – the 53rd edition of the event – the Gold Cup showcases the crème de la crème of the sport. With three levels of competition – low, medium, and high handicap – there’s something for every polo aficionado.

SOTO GOLD

The action is already in full swing, with the Bronze and Silver Cup events being contested, and is open to all comers to view.

Beyond the thrilling matches, there is a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of activities. You can explore the stylish boutiques, enjoy live music performances, or unwind at the lively ‘After Polo’ tent.

Families are well catered for with a dedicated children’s area featuring many exciting attractions. And when hunger strikes, there is no shortage of delicious morsels to tempt you.

Development has been controlled and is sympathetic to the natural surroundings POPULAR: The beach remains unspoilt,

Avda. Mar del Sur s/n, Torreguadiaro, San Roque

Facial

Paseo

THE Rio Guadiaro is more than just a river; it's the lifeblood of Sotogrande, shaping its landscape, ecology, and lifestyle. Originating in the Serranía de Ronda, the river wends its way through stunning scenery before reaching its outlet to the sea at Sotogrande.

Here it forms an estuary which is a haven for wildlife, particularly migrating birds, and is now a protected natural area, boasting a rich biodiversity. But the area attracts more than birdwatchers. The waters are also a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling world.

Sotogrande's proximity to the river has fostered a unique blend of

luxury living and natural beauty. Beyond its ecological significance, the Guadiaro is a water sports enthusiast's paradise. Canoe trips on the river offer a delightful way to explore the surrounding area and soak up the sun.

TRANQUIL: The Guadiaro is popular among kayakers and is a wildlife haven where thousands of migratory birds stop off on their journeys

RIDING HIGH ON FASHION

PREPARE to be enchanted as SO/ Sotogrande SPA & Golf Resort once again transforms its idyllic gardens into a breathtaking runway for the return of Riding Between Seams.

This extraordinary fusion of fashion and equestrian artistry is set to captivate audiences on August 17.

After a sold-out summer debut, which saw 270 people attend, the show is back with even more glamour and grandeur.

Equestrian extravaganza returns with plenty of style to SO/ Sotogrande

Imagine the most coveted haute couture from Andalucian designers accompanied by noble Spanish stallions, all set to a symphony of classical music. This is the magic that awaits at Riding Between Seams.

Award winning designers Alejandro Andana (from San Roque and winner of the Tio Pepe Flamenco Catwalk 2021 and SIMOF 2022), Angel Bar rera (who won the Jerez 2024 newcomer contest at the Tío Pepe Flamenco Catwalk) and Jose Juan Hurtado Revidiego (who won the Young Designers contest at SIMOF 2024) will showcase their latest collections, embodying the essence of Andalucian style.

SPECTACULAR: The equestian and fashion worlds come together

From the fiery passion of flamenco-inspired designs to the timeless elegance of haute couture, this event promises a feast for the senses.

For those seeking an elevated ex-

perience, exclusive VIP boxes offer unparalleled views of the spectacle, complemented by exquisite culinary delights crafted by Chef Leandro Caballero. As the sun dips below the horizon, guests can immerse themselves in an atmosphere of opulence and sophistication.

Riding Between Seams is more than just a fashion show; it’s a celebration

of Andalucian culture and artistry. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable event. Tickets are selling fast.

Event Details: Riding Between Seams SO/ Sotogrande SPA & Golf Resort August 17, 10pm.

Tickets: €45 General Admission, VIP Boxes from €1,200

Just call Collect

Sign up to Collect Corner Sotogrande and say goodbye to missed deliveries

SOTOGRANDE’S private online shopping pick-up point and its monthly plan, for only €30, provides the best solution to avoid wasting your holiday waiting to receive the orders you placed.

This service lets you enjoy your holiday without worrying about wasting precious free time waiting for parcels to arrive.

Thanks to this business, you can make your online purchases on any national or international website and use the Collect Corner address in the Mar y Sol Shopping Centre as the destination address for your orders. Once the package arrives (items up to 2m x 1m in size can be ordered) you will receive a QR code and you will be able to pick it up at Collect Corner when it is most convenient for you. This solution is ideal for avoiding the hassle of waiting at home, providing a reliable, secure alternative with an easily accessible lo-

cation and easy parking.

Collect Corner is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 7 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm (Sundays and Bank Holidays closed).

Collect Corner offers a monthly plan that allows you to receive or return up to 25 packages in 30 days for only €30.

Annual plans are also available for residents and frequent visitors at €199/year. In addition, Collect Corner also offers assistance and advice on customs formalities and allows foreign residents to use their telephone number if they do not have a Spanish one so they can place their orders. This service is perfect for both occasional and regular Sotogrande residents, and even for customers from Gibraltar, who face difficulties with online shopping due to the border crossing. You can also send parcels or documents worldwide with DHL, print and scan documents and leave a set spare of keys for emergencies.

Subscribe to their monthly plan at www. collectcorner.es. For more information, you can contact Collect Corner at +34 676 43 18 43 or by email at info@collectcorner.es

IN THE KNOW

SOTOGRANDE is the antithesis of glitz and glamour. Its understated elegance and quiet charm have made it a haven for the world's elite.

Unlike its flamboyant neighbour, Puerto Banus, this exclusive enclave offers respite from the spotlight.

Behind its gated communities, a diverse array of high-profile indivi duals find sanctuary. From royalty and A-list celebrities to sports stars and bu siness titans, Sotogrande caters to those seeking privacy and sophistication.

If Porches and handbag pooches are sta tus symbols in Marbella, Landrovers and la bradors are more to the taste of the unshowy Sotogrande set.

But while the community oozes influence and affluence, it is anything but snobby. People come here to leave their high-powered life be

hind and live like ordinary folk, even though many of them are quite the opposite. You don’t hear too much about the resort’s celebrity scene and that’s the way they like it so you may be surprised at some of the names on our

The famous faces who retreat to Sotogrande to escape the cameras of Puerto Banus

list of well-known public figures who either holiday or have a des res in

They include former British prime minister Tony Blair (bottom left), who is said to own property in the enclave and has been spotted on various holidays there, as well as current Gibraltar leader Fabian Picardo and former leader Peter Caruana, who reportedly invested in Sotogrande to indulge his passion for golf.

The Botin family, who own San tander bank, are said to own property in Sotogrande, as well as the wealthy Aya la family, who own their own private polo field.

British princes Harry and William played polo in the annual summer tour naments at Santa Maria polo club. Their father Charles did too.

On the subject of royals, keep your eyes peeled for French aristocrat Louis Alphonse de Bourbon, Duke of Anjou, who brings his wife Maria Margarita Vargas Santaella and three children to Sotogrande to

enjoy the opulent paradise. They are big fans of polo and spend a lot of time at Santa Maria Polo Club, especially in August when you could find them clapping from the VIP sidelines during the International Tournament.

Spanish TV celebrities, such as Ana Rosa Quintana, are regularly seen at the polo events in the resort as well as the many restaurants.

British actors, meanwhile, such as Hugh Grant (above), have been seen in the resort, while DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles bought a property in the marina a few years ago. Footballers have long been well represented in Sotogrande, with Argentinian legend Lionel Messi (inset) not only owning a home there, but also having part ownership of the luxurious MIM Hotel, which is due to reopen next year after extensive re -

Other footballers drawn to the resort have included Glenn Hoddle, the former England manager and former Liverpool star Glen Johnson, while Irish motorsport legend Eddie Jordan has a villa there.

A long time visitor, he described the place as the ‘nicest urbanisation in Europe’ with some of the ‘best weather’.

Discover the charm of The Tipsy Mermaid bar

Discover the charm of The Tipsy Mermaid, a delightful bar that has become a beloved gathering spot in Sotogrande! Marc and Alison fell in love with this beautiful area during a week-long vacation and decided to make it their home. With their warm hearts and inviting personalities, they have transformed this little corner into a hub of friendship over the past year.

Often referred to as the “Cheers bar” of Andalucía, The Tipsy Mermaid is always ready to meet the needs of its customers. Marc and Alison are dedicated to expanding their business, not just as a café bar but also as a tapas bar (in the next month...work in progress), bringing even more delicious offerings to the table.

Join us for a cozy atmosphere, friendly faces, and a menu that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind after a day in the sun or a lively spot to enjoy with friends, The Tipsy Mermaid is the perfect destination. We can’t wait to welcome you always with a big smile!

TEL: 856 56 48 28

Tuesday-Saturday:10am-11pm Sunday: 10am-9pm Monday closed Puerto Sotogrande, Ribera del Marlin Local 11

Sushi paradise

HIS family have been running one of the oldest restaurants in Sotogrande for decades so when Juan Moncayo decided he wanted to do sushi, there were no half measures.

His amazing new Japanese section at his waterfront restaurant Don Diego in the port is simply stunning.

With a local chef who's got sushi in the blood (her dad being the country manager for a huge sushi chain) she knows exactly what quality of rice and fish she needs.

Massaging a lovely cut of bluefin tuna from nearby Barbate, Sulaema, from Algeciras, knows what she's looking for.

“I've learnt to tell the quality immediately and we get all our tuna from one of Spain’s top suppliers in Barbate,” she explained.

“It's a pleasure to work with such good quality in-

amazing quality avocados from the nearby Guadiaro valley you've got some special tuna California rolls.

And then when you couple these super fresh avocados with cuts of ‘pez mantequilla’ (butterfish) and scallops for a tar-

Push the boat out more and go for the Lobster rolls with caviar gredients.”

When coupled with

tare you're on for a surefire winner. Push the boat out more and go for the Lobster (yes Lobster!) rolls

wife's from Bolivia) or northern Spain, so he's always on the lookout for the best quality cuts or new

There is a much wider menu than just sushi

SUSHI SUPREME: Chef Renato (below) chooses only the best ingredients for Sulaema (right) to delicately prepare, while the meat is from Galicia

ternational in flavour with an ex-

The steaks come from Galicia (rubia gallega) and are aged to

“Minhota gourmet is the best steak you can eat in Europe right now,” claims Juan, who buys them directly from farms in Galicia and Northern Portugal.

He's been serving similar quality fare at his other restaurant Moncayo in nearby Pueblonuevo for decades so speaks with authority.

It's hard to disagree when it comes out rare alongside a hot stone over which you cook it to your perfect

While I've no inclination to take a pudding after my meat feast I'm persuaded to try a Brownie of white chocolate which comes with pistachios and strawberries.

I'm not disappointed and thankfully am able to spend the next hour relaxing watching the boats go by in the nearby port, as the afternoon sun finally starts to drop.

But that’s not all at Don Diego in Sotogrande port

OKING

DOMINANT: Regulator was not impressed by holiday lets giant’s policies

competition from other online travel businesses.

During the period of the CNMC probe, Booking had a market share in Spain that varied between 70% and 90%.

Unfair predatory tactics were used on hotels, including a price clause, which prevents them from offering their rooms on their own websites below the price they offer on Booking

The company also reserved the right to unilaterally lower the price that hotels offered through their own website or app. The CNMC also slammed the lack of transparency in information on the impact and profitability of subscribing to the Booking’s Preferred, Preferential Plus and Genius programmes, which allow hotels to improve their ranking positioning in Booking website searches. That comes in exchange for a higher commission or to offer discounts on the best-selling or cheapest room that the hotel has on the accommodation platform.

CLAIM NOW!

WHAT BANKS WERE INVOLVED IN FLOOR CLAUSES?

Most Spanish banks, but especially Banco Popular (now merged with Santander), Caja Duero, Caja España (merged with Unicaja), La Caixa, Solbank and many other savings banks which have since been taken over by major banks.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR MAKING A CLAIM?

You need to submit a claim before the bank to try to reach a settlement out of court.

Then comes a three-month period in which you await their response.

Unfortunately the Spanish banks do not want to reach any kind of agreement or settlement and they always force the clients to go to court to get a positive ruling. They do this because they hope clients will get fed-up with the process and drop the claim - which is why we operate on a no win no fee basis.

Brits with homes in Spain could be owed tens of thousands of euros over ‘floor clause’ scandal

BRITISH homeowners are winning up to €48,500 in compensation after major banks in Spain were exposed for putting a hidden clause in their mortgages.

In the early 2000s a string of lenders secretly wrote in their contracts that their clients’ payable interest rate could not drop below 3.5% - in what is now known as a ‘floor clause’.

But for 10 years, between 2011 and 2021, the interest rate in Spain sat between zero and 1%.

It means countless homeowners spent years paying hundreds of euros more per month than necessary.

Fairway Lawyers, based in Marbella, has been at the forefront of winning back money for affected homeowners - and on a no win, no fee basis.

CEO Diego Echavarria told the Olive Press that one of his latest clients, the Brighouses, were recently awarded a total of €48,359 - plus legal costs.

The couple had bought an off-plan apartment in Mirador de Costalita, in Cancelada, in 2004.

Fairway LAWYERS

They took over the mortgage from the developer, which contained the hidden clause and they ended up paying an extra €250 per month than required.

Diego told the Olive Press: “This is the fourth case I’ve won in Mirador de Costalita alone, but there are thousands of similar cases in which expats have no idea they are victims.

“Right now we are seeing cases involving Brits all over the country.”

If you feel you might have been affected by a floor clause, then there are two tell tale characteristics; Your mortgage was signed off between 2001 and 2010 and your payments were the same amount for a large number of years and never lowered.

Diego added: “Even if you have sold the property and paid off the mortgage, you can still claim.

“There is no deadline since the latest ruling from TJUE (Tribunal de Justicia de La Union Europea).

“There are around 100,000 mis-sold mortgages that have yet to be resolved in Spain.”

If you want to claim for a mis-sold mortgage or feel you may have been affected, contact diego@fairwaylawyers.com or send a message via Whatsapp to +34 606 307 885.

From Marbella to Mollina and Mijas to Manilva Covering the Costa del Sol and inland for 20 years CONVEYANCING OFF PLAN PROBLEMS FLOOR CLAUSE ISSUES FRAUD AND TAX LITIGATION INHERITANCE

C/Nuestra Señora de Gracia 28, 1C 29602, Marbella (Malaga) Contact Diego at Fairway Lawyers diego@fairwaylawyers.com Tel: 952 77 11 50 WhatsApp: 606 307 885

www.fairwaylawyers.com

CEO: Diego Echavarria

A holistic approach

TARA is a London based yoga teacher and a personal trainer as well as fitness, mindfulness, and breath

So long cerveza

Fines in store for people flouting drinking ban at children’s playgrounds and leisure centres

SPANISH police will soon be able to fine drinkers for consuming alcohol in certain areas under new national rules. It is part of a new draft law approved in the Conse jo de Min istros on the ‘pre vention of alcohol consump tion and its effects on mi nors’. Police will also be

By Yzabelle Bostyn

authorised to carry out breathalyzer tests in areas where alcohol consumption is banned, including sportsties where children are present, schools and If caught, offenders could face a fine of between €60 and €600.

From death comes life

A MADRID court has ruled a woman can continue with IVF treatment using her dead husband’s sperm, a year after his death as a result of a tumour.

The woman, who lives in Germany, first had to fight to have her husband’s genetic material transferred to Spain, where post-mortem insemination is allowed. It is banned in Germany.

After a first failed attempt, she could not continue with the process due to Spain’s one year time limit on the treatment. But now Madrid’s provincial court has ruled that the woman will be able to carry out new attempts until the biological material runs out.

Take a step on your wellbeing journey with Body and Soul Tribe work coach.

She has worked in the fitness and wellness industry for over six years and has been on her own fitness and wellness journey for over 20 years.

Tara says: “During this time I have learned a great deal about fitness and holistic wellness, and how we need to be connected to our body and have peace of mind to feel truly healthy and empowered.

“I am a firm believer that health and happiness start from the inside out, and using a combination of yoga, strength training, breath work and mindfulness I help my clients feel the best versions of themselves.”

Tara was born in the seaside town of Blanes on the Costa Brava and spent her early years growing up there. Spain, and especially Catalunya, has a special place in her heart, so she is hosting a four-day Fitness and Yoga retreat called ‘Body and Soul Tribe’ set against

the breathtaking backdrop of the Catalan countryside, just a 38-minute drive from Barcelona Airport.

It is an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in a rejuvenating experience focusing on holistic wellness.

The Body and Soul Tribe retreat offers a perfect blend of yoga sessions, fitness classes, mindfulness, and breath-work, cooking workshops, nutritious meals, and ample time for relaxation in a programme designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

Tara offers a warm welcome to everyone, whether they are a seasoned yogi or gym goer, or just beginning on a fitness and wellness journey. You will be guided through each practice by Tara, helping you reconnect, find inner balance, strength, and inner peace. Take this opportunity to invest in yourself, recharge your batteries, and connect with like-minded individuals in a supportive and nurturing environment.

But be careful where you open a bottle - it could cost you a fine

drink brands - even if they are alcohol free.

Individual municipalities have long been able to impose similar sanctions under local byelaws. But the new draft law - which is almost certain to come into forceextends restrictions nationwide.

The new regulation further proposes a ban on any 0.0% alcohol drinks within a 200 metre radius around health centres, schools, social services, parks and children's play areas.

It also suggests banning any furniture or decoration sponsored by alcoholic

This is a response to socalled ‘0.0 washing’, wherein brands get around advertising rules by using their non-alcoholic editions. The new rules could also mean a ban on adverts during kid’s television or any media targeted towards children.

As well as the ban on adverts, health authorities have called an end to the term ‘responsible consumption’. According to a spokesperson: “Responsible consumption is over. There is no evidence that consumption in moderation has any health benefits.”

BOTTOMS UP:

EXTINCTION Rebellion held a protest in an Ibiza port timed with the arrival of three cruise ships carrying a total of 10,400 tourists to the island.

Some 12 activists showed up at Botafoc Port holding posters reading ‘Your luxury, our climate crisis’ and ‘Stop cruises’.

CRUISE SHIPS TARGETED

They shouted at the visitors whether they knew ‘how much contamination’ their trip causes or ‘how many visitors the small island of Ibiza re -

ceives each year.’

Spokesperson Karen Killeen said the group ‘wants the tourists to know the economic and social effects of their holidays’.

Sticky situation

FIVE activists linked to the notorious environmental protest group Just Stop Oil were intercepted at Barcelona El-Prat Airport after attempting to glue themselves to the runway.

One member of the group was arrested when local police detained the protesters.

The remaining activists were fined for their involvement.

The protest formed part of a coordinated set of

Five activists linked to ecoprotest group are intercepted while ‘attempting to glue themselves to runway’

By Ben Pawlowski

eco-demonstrations across Europe by Oil Kills, which has links to climate group Just Stop Oil which gained

MARINE PARK

THE Spanish government has approved a proposal to create the country’s first fully marine national park.

The 24,000-hectare park will be located in the Mar de las Calmas, the sea off the coast of El Hierro, the tiny Canary Island and Spain’s southernmost point.

The area is renowned for its extraordinary marine biodiversity including sharks, dolphins, tuna, stingrays and turtles. The underwater landscape is sculpted by reefs, caves, tunnels and volcanic peaks, with the seabed dropping to 3,000 metres in depth, providing a habitat for an astonishing variety of species.

Once approved, it will be Spain’s 17th national park, but the first to entirely be based in water.

notoriety in the UK for their dis ruptive tactics including blocking roads and disrupt ing sporting events.

Cologne-Bonn Airport in Germany was forced to halt flights after climate activists glued themselves to the runway, urging the German government to pursue a global agreement to end the use of fossil fuels by 2030.

climate group Futuro Vegetal (Plant Future). They say it is a ‘civil disobedience and direct action group that fights against the Climate Crisis by adopting a plant-based food system’.

Elsewhere, nine Just Stop Oil activists were arrested in London for ‘conspiring to disrupt Heathrow Airport’, according to the Metropolitan Police, while protestors also targeted airports in Oslo, Helsinki and Zurich.

According to Just Stop Oil, the activists who targeted ElPrat Airport belonged to the

A spokesperson for Just Stop Oil exclusively told the Olive Press that the coordinated targeting of European airports was simply ‘ordinary people taking matters into their own hands to do what our criminal governments have failed to do’.

“We are putting our bodies on the wheels of the machine of the global fossil economy and saying oil kills; we refuse to die for fossil fuels and we refuse to stand by while hundreds of millions of innocent people are murdered.”

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Fair’s fair

A NEW nationwide ranking has been launched to help tourists pick hotels based on how well they treat their employees.

The Workers’ Commissions (CCOO) and Workers’ Union (UGT) have launched a new ‘Fair Hotels’ certification which guarantees workers are treated fairly in hotels and tourist lets. The project, ‘Just and Responsible Employer Hotels’, was started in 2019 but suffered setbacks as a result of the pandemic.

University of Malaga researchers began developing a series of indicators to show the relationship between hotels and their workers. These include trade union representation, work contracts, ratio of full to part-time workers, rotas, health and security, opportunities for professional growth, equal opportunities, diversity and gender pay equity.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

SCORCHIO!

Foreigners warned against visiting Spanish city during the summer

A TOUR guide has warned tourists against visiting Sevilla due to blistering summertime temperatures.

Fiona Watson, a Sevilla resident and veteran tour guide, has warned Brits against the August heat.

While locals take refuge in air conditioned apartments during the day, they marvel at tourists traipsing about the city in the middle of the day.

Known as the ‘frying pan of Spain’, Sevilla can reach highs of 48 C and just last

By Yzabelle Bostyn

weekend temperatures surpassed the 40C mark.

Anything above 40C can make it difficult to maintain the body’s optimal temperature of 37C, especially for the elderly or those with health issues.

While heat exhaustion does not pose a threat if you can cool down, heatstroke can be deadly.

That’s why in 2022 Sevilla launched a groundbreaking

alert system to warn citizens of upcoming heatwaves. It has proved a success, with the system’s inaugural heatwave coming soon after.

Bargain Blanes

A HOLIDAY comparison site has revealed that the cheapest beach holiday in Spain can be found on the Costa Brava. According to TravelSupermarket, the average cost of a seven-night stay in Blanes is a wallet-friendly €530. They analysed package deals in major Spanish holiday resorts to find the best prices. The average price of beer in the area is €2 and a three-course meal for two can cost as little as €32 at a mid-range restaurant.

Unlike locals, who take siestas and drink gazpacho by the gallon, tourists do not know how to handle the heat and many are seen splashing themselves with water from fountains or pressing cold Coke cans to their heads in desperation. During the peak months of June to September, many restaurants deploy water mists and umbrellas while even the winding alleyways are covered with shady material.

Watson, a former journalist and travel writer who moved to Sevilla in 2003 to host tapas tours, urged visitors to ‘stay in an air-conditioned room’ and ‘not go out at all’.

American invasion

THE number of US tourists visiting Malaga city has reached new highs. According to the Hotel Occupancy Survey by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), there were more holidaying Americans in June than Germans or French. There were at least 8,073 travellers from the US, behind only the UK, which accounted for 12,859 holidaymakers.

In third place was Italy (8,033 visitors), followed by Germany (6,020), France (5,469) and the Netherlands (4,962).

AT THE LIMIT

MALAGA airport is being pushed to its limit with flights arriving or leaving every three minute.

It comes after a historic six months which saw 11.5 million travellers pass through the airport, some 1.5 million more (14.1%) than in the same period of 2023.

It is Aena’s fourth biggest airport in terms of volume of passengers, behind Madrid, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca. The biggest market is still Brits, with 2,602,205 passengers since the start of this year, followed by Germans (881,119) and Dutch (723,313).

An unspoilt haven

SITTING among the gentle hills of southern Burgenland, where Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia meet, you will find the Hotel & Restaurant das Eisenberg..

In addition to the main building, we offer our exclusive country house and the rustic Romantikstadl.

We have a total of 54 rooms in var ious categories, ranging from the Standard Double Room Lavender with approximate ly 18 m², to the Suite Wil drose with approximately 70 m² – there’s something for everyone.

Our hotel is surrounded by a 20-hectare garden landscape, making it an ideal spot taking in objets de art, a Uhudler vineyard, and a lounge terrace with an unobstructed view of the gentle hills. The unspoiled nature invites you to linger.

Hotel das Eisenberg – an oasis of tranquility in the heart of nature

Enjoy quiet moments in the hotel’s NatureSPA, the spectacular view while swimming in the heated panorama infinity pool, and from the relaxation room, or relax in the sauna, infrared cabin, or steam bath. Here, you can unwind and delightfully slow down. The relaxation in the NatureSPA is complemented by the range of massages available in-house.

Discover the numerous culinary destinations in the hotel’s vicinity – the Zotter Chocolate Factory

RELAX: The hotel is the perfect escape from the stresses of the world

(www.zotter.at), Vulcano Ham Factory (vulcano. at), or the Fromagerie (thecheeseartist.at). There is always something to explore in the region around our hotel: Riegersburg Castle, perched on a volcanic rock (dieriegersburg.at), Tabor Castle with cultural events (schlosstabor.at), and many other regional attractions await you! For hiking and cycling, there are signposted trails.

Dogs are also warmly welcome - we offer a playground for your four-legged friends with an offleash area, a dog shower, and walking paths for summer and winter directly from the hotel. Just

Your Resort at the Tri-border Region Austria-Hungary-Slovenia

Pleasure for Body and Soul

Experience Nature, Find Peace

Dream Vacation with Your Four-Legged Friend

We would be delighted to welcome you!

HOTEL DAS EISENBERG

Mitterberg 32 – 34, A – 8383 St. Martin an der Raab ÖSTERREICH

Tel: 0043 (0) 3329 488 33 hotel@daseisenberg.at www.daseisenberg.at

a few minutes by car is the Raab river, offering shady spots for a long walk and, on warm days, a chance for your dog to cool off in the water. Evenings end beautifully with a delicious dinner and a glass of wine. When creating our dishes, we focus on local quality products. Specialties from the Burgenland and Styria regions, as well as from Hungary and Slovenia, complement our menu.

Indulge in regional products and experience relaxing days in Austria’s sunniest region. We look forward to welcoming you!

Feel at Home

LOOKING to catch up on your favorite British shows in Spain? Look no further than Home IT Services! We offer a user-friendly IPTV solution that lets you enjoy British television from the comfort of your home. Here’s why you should choose Home IT Services for your IPTV needs:

● Simple and Affordable: No need to navigate complicated setups. Our IPTV service is easy to use and comes with a special offer: pay for 11 months upfront and get an additional month free!

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More Than Just IPTV

Home IT Services offers a wide range of IT support for your home, including assistance with computers, laptops, WIFI networks, and home security systems. We are committed to clear communication and will explain everything in easy-to-understand terms. Ready to ditch the frustration and enjoy seamless home entertainment?

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A GEM OF A TOWN

The charming town once dubbed the ‘rural capital’ of Spain has so much to offer, writes Laurence Dollimore

Candela Marbella, a restaurant right in the heart of the charming old town. Enjoy traditional local and national dishes with unique international touches and flavours thanks to our chefs Andi Zillner and Mathias Theodosis.

tel: 646 88 84 31 candelamarbella.com Pl. Gral. Chinchilla, 2, 29601 Marbella, Málaga And what about a dream day out with a gourmet lunch on Candela’s stunning new yacht? “A choice of four distinct menus, one vegan, perfect for a fun - or romantic - day out on

with history, with

narrow

cob-

streets nestled below hilltop castles

churches.

of

and monuments in Malaga province are found in the ancient city.

President of the local tourism initiative

Silvia Jurado told the Olive Press: “Mal - aga city doesn’t

HISTORY: Every nook and cranny of Antequera seems to have a reminder of the past

FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL

24/7 Emergency roadside assistance

BREAK DOWN COVER

If your car breaks down it can be an upsetting experience, especially if you don’t have roadside assistance cover. But they are also the most common type of problem on the road.

STAY SAFE

If you break down, stay calm and safe until rescue support arrives. Remember that while you wait for help, your priority is to safeguard yourself and any fellow passengers. Línea Directa policyholders simply call 919 171 171 and inform the emergency hotline where you are. Línea Directa provides emergency roadside assistance anywhere in Spain 24/7 and 365 days a year, with a national network of operators and recovery vehicles.

GEOLOCATION SERVICE

This service is exclusive to Línea Directa and allows breakdown recovery and roadside assistance services to pinpoint your location and send help directly to you. This service is available throughout mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. The technology is

simple to use and really useful when you need it most.

BREAKDOWN KIT

To help you stay safe here is a checklist of some important safety items in the event of a breakdown. This emergency breakdown kit should be kept in your vehicle at all times. The kit includes: a torch and spare batteries, warm clothes and blankets, high-visibility jacket, first aid kit, jump start cables, empty fuel can, food and drink, two reflective warning signs, a road atlas, and a mobile phone charger.

OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERTISE

As Spain’s most experienced provider of insurance for British expatriates, Línea Directa has been keeping motorists on the move for over 20 years.

We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Línea Directa please call 952 147 834. More information about Línea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com

We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Linea Directa please call 952 147 834. More information about Linea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com

From previous page

A GEM OF A TOWN

multicultural history of the city has left it littered with gems. Its streets are lined with orange trees and its wide marble pavements would not look out of place in Dubai, while practically every corner hides a Baroque or Arabic wonder.

Head to Plaza de las Descalzas or Plaza Santiago if you want to see prime examples. A fun fact about Antequera is that there are more churches per

walking up the hill from the tourist office and through the imposing Arco de los Gigantes. Its leafy gardens offer the perfect spring or summer stroll, while the 13th century Torre del Homenaje is a great example of Islamic architecture.

Antequera thrives as an ‘atelier’, crafting religious floats

When it comes to Christianity, Antequera thrives as an ‘atelier’, crafting the soul of Spain's most fervent religious celebrations: the Easter processions.

GRANDEUR: For a small town, Antequera has some impressive architecture

DETAIL: In Santa Maria Church

cide they need a new paso , it is more often than not to the craftsmen of Antequera that they turn.

These meticulously crafted masterpieces, adorned with life-size, hyperrealistic sculptures depicting biblical scenes, are the centerpiece of the passionate processions that grip the nation every spring. Behind the ornate facades of Antequera’s workshops,

WALLS: The Alcazar towers over the town, while (right) many of Andalucia’s most impressive ‘pasos’ are crafted in Antequera

a world of meticulous detail unfolds. Sculptors chisel away at blocks of wood, giving birth to life-like figures that seem to breathe beneath their delicate patina, while painters blend vibrant hues to recreate the dramatic lighting of biblical events. Despite the global recognition of Spain's Easter processions, Antequera's role in this extraordinary tradition remains largely unknown.

Visitors can delve into the heart of this hidden artistic world, gaining a deeper appreciation for the passion and skill that underpin one of Spain's most cherished traditions - and discovering the other hidden gems that make up Antequera.

JOIN US on august 1oth to celebrate our two year anniversary

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We work in and around Alcaidesa, Sotogrande, Manilva, Estepona, Cancelada, San Pedro, Marbella, La Cala, Fuengirola and everywhere in between including inland areas.

To see how we work visit us at www.casaresliving.com Jaime +34 630 344 897 or email: info@casaresliving.com

Your International School in Marbella

British and Spanish Curriculum • Academic Excellence • Multidisciplinary Education • Experiences beyond the classroom • Extensive Facilities

IF you stumbled across Berchules, Granada, last weekend you would be forgiven for thinking it was December.

Hundreds of people wandered the streets wearing Santa hats and antlers, while Bing Crosby’s White Christmas floated through the white washed alleys.

That’s because in this small town, Christmas and New Year’s are celebrated in August.

The tradition began when a power cut hit Berchules on December 31, 1994, cancelling celebrations for the town’s 400 residents.

Locals vowed to never let this happen again, so instead hold a fiesta during the first weekend of August.

Up to 12,000 people attend each year, converting this sleepy town into a hive of Christmas festive mayhem in the heat of the summer.

Cartoon cherubs

A BOTCHED restoration at a church has seen its cherubs painted to appear like something in a low-budget cartoon. Bringing back memories of the infamous ‘Ecce Homo’ restoration in 2012, the Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Miron in Soria has now made its own unwanted headlines.

Work was carried out on the 300-year-old church including the painting of the building’s interior and figures in the central nave.

Conservationists and experts have branded it as ‘disastrous and disrespectful’ to the church.

The cherubs have been paint-

Isle be back

SPAIN has just returned a tiny island to French control - but it will get it back in six months time.

At just 200 metres in length and 40 metres in width, Pheasant Island, in the Bidasoa River

Angels become ‘caricatures’ in church botch-job

By Alex Trelinski

ed bright white with red lips and brownish hair, with critics describing it as a ‘caricature’ amidst claims the revamp had been done without any preliminary studies.

Francisco Manuel Espejo, president of Spain’s conservators and restorers association, thundered: “We are not just

talking about a failed restoration, but an attack on heritage.”

He also queried why a Baroque-era building was sub-

which separates Irun, in Spain, and Hendaye, in France, is the world’s smallest territory with joint custody.

Between February 1 and July 31, Spain officially holds ownership of Pheasant Island - for the remaining six months of the year, the French take over.

The island is uninhabited and,

jected to such a makeover when it enjoys protected status with any work needing to be signed off by Soria City Council and an expert.

unfortunately, home to zero pheasants.

But it has an important place in European history - the island was the location for the signing of the Treaty of the Pyrenees, which formally ended the 24-year-long Franco-Spanish war and handed joint sovereignty of the island to the two powers.

As for the bright cherubs, Espejo said: “Those eyes and painted lips really grab your attention.”

A spokesperson for the diocese of Osma-Soria, said: “The work was carried out with the required authorisation and some people like the end result and others don’t.”

Alcoholic ascension

A WAITER in Cadiz has hailed a ‘beer miracle’ after a punter enjoyed a few drinks and then apparently wandered home – forgetting their wheelchair in the bar.

Beer here

SPANIARDS drink 58 litres of beer a year, with Estrella Galicia being their tipple of choice, closely followed by Alhambra, Mahou, La Virgen and coming in fifth San Miguel – according to Google searches.

Social gaffe

LAMINE Yamal, the 17-year-old Barcelona and Spain star, has unfollowed his girlfriend Alex Padilla on Instagram after she was filmed sitting on another boy’s lap in a viral video.