Olive Press Andalucia Issue 451

RIP Maria

SPAIN’s oldest woman in the world has died at 117.

The family of Maria Branyas announced her death via social media on Tuesday.

In a post on her X account they wrote:

“A few days ago Maria told us: ‘One day I will leave here. I will not try coffee again, nor eat yoghurt…, I will also leave my memories, my reflections… and I will cease to exist in this body.

One day I don’t know, but it’s very close, this long journey will be over.

“‘Death will find me worn out from having lived so long, but I want it to find me smiling, free and satisfied’.”

Maria was born to Spanish parents in San Francisco on March 4, 1907, but moved back to northern Spain when she was very young.

Scientists last year took samples from Maria in a bid to discover her secrets to a long life – and to develop cures for diseases.

She incredibly had no health complications other than hearing and mobility issues.

The ‘Super Grandmother’, who regularly updated her followers on X, beat Covid in 2020 and had survived the Spanish Civil War, a deadly earthquake in the US and a major fire.

The mantle of oldest person alive has now passed to 116-year-old Tomiko Itooka from Japan.

O

LIVE RESS ANDALUCÍA

KICK IN THE TEETH

A BRITISH tourist claims he was attacked by a Mijas donkey owner while attempting to expose ‘horrific animal abuse’.

Ian Grace, 52, began filming after seeing six horse drawn carriages operating in Mijas Pueblo despite the ‘insufferable heat’.

The incident occurred at around 6.30pm on Sunday, August 18, during an orange weather alert for extreme temperatures.

According to new town hall rules, introduced this month, no animals should be working if an orange or

British tourist ‘is beaten up by donkey

taxi driver’ for trying to document ‘animal abuse’

EXCLUSIVE

By Yzabelle Bostyn

red heat alert has been issued by weather agency Aemet.

Ian started filming the stables after being shocked that horses and donkeys were still being forced to work.

Speaking to the Olive Press this week, Ian claimed a donkey owner suddenly ‘ran around the barrier and smacked him in the face’.

Ian said he was knocked to the ground and pinned down by the man who repeatedly punched him in the face, smashing his glasses and throwing his phone across the pavement.

ment the plight of the donkeys,” he continued.

The assault has prompted a protest urging tourists to boycott the controversial donkey taxis.

Organised by pressure group Free Mijas Donkeys and Horses, the protest will take place on Thursday, August 22. It will see some 100 people gather outside the tourism office at 1pm.

Anne Blitz (pictured in-

The businessman was left with various cuts to face and neck after the attacker allegedly screamed: “I’m going break your head.”

Ian added: “I’m an activist and I've stood up to abusers before, but I have never been assaulted like that.

“He couldn’t abuse the animals so he turned on me instead.”

The incident follows a number of videos that have surfaced online showing the donkeys collapsed in the street due to extreme heat.

set), the leader of Free Mijas Donkeys, claims despite the town hall's attempts to make the practice more ethical, donkey owners ‘do not respect the rules’. Currently, owners are not allowed to run donkey taxis during orange and red heat alerts and should not operate between 2pm and 6pm if yellow alerts are in place.

Activists claim Mijas town hall is already considering a ban, as they are ‘fed up’ with complaints from tourists and fear they are avoiding the town altogether.

It comes nine months after the new PP government established an animal welfare department and began

introducing new measures to improve the donkeys’ wellbeing, such as dedicated veterinary services. Blitz claims the Minister for Animal Well Being, Marco Cortes, has pledged to end the practice but says it will ‘take a long time’ to dismantle as the 65 donkeys come from 26 local families.

When approached by the Olive Press , the council did not respond to a request for comment.

She proposes swapping the donkeys for tuktuks or creating a new attraction by establishing a sanctuary.

Opinion Page 6

Ian, who lives in Shrewsbury, England, but spends much time in Spain, branded the tradition a ‘stain’ on the country he loves.

“I love Spain but this is abusive, I want to empower people to docu-

BLOODY: Ian was left with cuts and grazes to his face

ABUSE: Activists claim the donkeys have welts

See Viva España page 6

Ibiza hotel takes inspiration from 60s California

Nightclub death

AN AUTOPSY has confirmed a male British tourist was strangled to death ‘by a nightclub doorman’ in Spain’s Gran Canaria on July 27.

Smells fishy

A SPANISH lawyer has been arrested on suspicion of bribing high-ranking officials in Equatorial Guinea to secure a lucrative contract for a fish processing plant.

Fire tragedy

AN 80-year-old man has been left ‘brain dead’ after a fire fighting aeroplane dumped water on his head in Caceres.

Driving crackdown

THE Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) has announced that it will be stepping up its efforts to catch drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs from August 19-25.

A 20-year-old suspect accused of stabbing an 11-year-old boy to death has told police it was his ‘other self’ who carried out the killing. The Spaniard was arrested on Monday some 36 hours after he allegedly

STABBING HORROR

stormed a football pitch in Mocejon, Toledo, where children were playing and grabbed a young boy named Ma-

teo. The child was stabbed 11 times, hitting at least three of his vital organs.

The boy died at the scene. According to reports, in his first conversations with the Guardia Civil, the suspect told them: “It was my other self, it was my copy... I was there, but it wasn't me.”

Where is Bernie?

THE family of an Irish expat who vanished more than 30 years ago have launched a fresh appeal for information.

The case of Bernadette Cooper continues to be shrouded in mystery, with her nephew convinced she had links to organised crime - after he allegedly received death threats for looking into what happened to her.

Bernadette moved to the Costa del Sol with her husband Brian in the late 1980s and they opened up Molly Malones bar in Benalmadena Costa.

But things went south when the business struggled to make ends meet and the couple’s marriage broke down.

Nephew of Irish expat who vanished in 1993 fears mafia involvement in her disappearance

In late 1992, Bernadette decided to temporarily shut up shop and returned to the UK - where she had lived - so she could apply for a loan that would keep the bar afloat.

Her last known contact with her friends or family was in January 1993, when she phoned a pal living on the Costa del Sol to tell him she had secured the funds and was on her way back. She was never seen or heard from again.

To this day, the family do not

By Laurence Dollimore

know if she ever made her flight to Spain.

They spent years contacting people along the coast but no one claimed to know a thing, and the case went cold.

There were fresh hopes of a lead in 2020 when Surrey Police reopened the case following a tipoff from Bernadette’s nephew Leon Moore.

ARSON ACCUSATION

A KNOWN criminal has been remanded in custody by Estepona magistrates for allegedly starting a devastating fire that saw homes evacuated on the Costa del Sol last month.

The 67-year-old, who lives in Casares, was arrested with ‘three lighters on him’ and later charged

with starting a forest fire.

The blaze, which broke out near several homes on July 5, forced the evacuation of one property and caused significant damage.

Around 100 firefighters and 14 aircraft were needed to tackle the blaze in the hills of Nagueles inland from Marbella

Moore revealed that Bernadette’s real name was actually Susan, a fact investigators never knew before, meaning, according to him, the investigation was ‘wrong from the start.’

Moore made the comment during an episode of his pod-

cast series called The Missing. The series will take a look at Bernadette’s last known movements both in Spain and the UK.

Moore is convinced that his aunt, who would now be aged 81, had links with a crime gang on the Costa del Sol.

A spokesperson for the family said: “Please, someone must know something. Her nephew has already had a death threat.

“Was this a crime perpetrated by an organised gang, or someone who knew she was carrying money?

“We are reaching out to the expat community on the Costa del Sol for any information that could assist us in seeking the truth.”

Do you know anything about this case? Email tips@theolivepress.es

Squats raids

POLICE have launched a crackdown on a series of suspected drug dens.

Some 50 Guardia Civil officers armed with sniffer dogs and drones stormed an urbanisation in Manilva.

Parts of the Royal Manilva complex have been taken over by squatters for some time, with the authorities suspecting the houses of being used to run a drugs ring.

Complaints

At least two people were arrested in the raids, with further detentions not ruled out.

Officers searched multiple properties in the complex following repeated complaints from neighbours.

The complex was left empty following the 2008 financial crash and most homes were eventually taken over by a bank, which launched a rent to buy scheme.

But this attracted many squatters who simply stopped paying the rent - or entered without any resistance - and refused to move on.

Icy protocol

AS temperatures soar zoo animals have been given ice-cream treats to help them cool down.

Bioparcs in Fuengirola and Valencia have mixed fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and insects into special frozen blends designed for each spe cies’ dietary needs.

Gorillas, chimpanzees, gibbons and lemurs are some of the animals which enjoyed colourful sor bets made with fruit and vegetables.

For tigers and leopards, ice pops made of meat and blood were hidden around their habitats to help them cool off and activate their hunter instincts.

Meerkats, on the other hand, munched on ice cubes filled with worms and grasshoppers.

Have a heart!

Horse-drawn carriages and donkey taxis in the sights of activists as temperatures soar

ANIMAL rights activists are ramping up calls to end horse-drawn carriages and donkey rides across Spain, particularly amid soaring summer temperatures. The issue has come to the fore despite the introduction of new guidelines in Mijas (Malaga) prohibiting donkey taxis during extreme heat conditions after video emerged of some of the animals collapsing. While the municipality’s decision to ban donkey taxi operations during orange and red heat alerts has been welcomed by some, animal welfare groups argue it is merely a superficial measure. Laura Riera, equine lead for the Foundation for the Assessment and Action in Defence of Animals (FAADA), described the new rules as a ‘clever ploy’ to appease

public concerns after a video emerged showing a donkey collapsing in the heat, as the Olive Press revealed in our last issue.

“They’ve done this so the public feels better but it doesn’t stop it being animal abuse.”

She also criticised horse drawn carriages popular in cities like Sevilla and Malaga. Riera says the ‘intelligent’ creatures are not given even the ‘minimum amount of care’.

“They have to spend all day tied up, they can’t rest properly, they can’t wander. It’s not even the minimum level of wellbeing,” she said.

“They have leg and muscle problems and if they rebel, they put mouth guards or

ROBERT De Niro has been spotted enjoying the culinary delights of one of Spain’s most historic cities.

The Hollywood legend, 80, was pictured with top chef Benito Gomez (right) after eating at his two-Michelin-star restaurant Bardal in Ronda, inland Malaga.

De Niro tucked into the €180, 18 dishes, set menu, which includes such delights as raw

bosals on to restrict them.

“Most learn to accept their own powerlessness and become extremely depressed. They’re the ones with sad eyes, head down. If they were free they would play and have fun.”

According to the equine expert, the animals should not work in temperatures above 25C, restricting them to the

Ronda de Niro

vegetables and elderflowers broth, squid with Payoyo cheese; chicken skin and shrimp and eel Gazpachuelo followed by sweet potato and orange.

But the 18 dishes were not quite enough. Gomez said that De Niro was ‘hungry’ so also tried some croquettes and ‘left delighted’.

Fluid by design

HIS ‘gender flu id’ designs have made a splash ever since his first fashion show in London in 2016.

Now Alejandro Gomez AKA Palomo Spain, the 31-yearold Andalucian, has been recognised by Spain’s Ministry of Culture with the National Design Award.

Judges described his designs as ‘the work of a creator who has managed to establish a unique perspective within the fashion de sign industry’.

It is hard to argue that his men’s wear collec tion is not unique, using daring materials such as chiffon, feathers and beads and more feminine themes than usually mod elled by men. Indeed, his latest col lection even included a ‘man bra’.

“The heat affects donkeys and horses much more than people,” Riera explained.

“Their body temperatures rise much faster than ours and it's dangerous, they can get dehydrated, have health problems, and cramps. It’s brutal”

Yolanda Morales, spokesperson for the animal rights political party, PACMA, agrees:

“None of the ‘rules’ regarding horse carriages or donkey riding are legally binding, they’re just recommendations.

“We need to end this. Animals are not here to serve us, these are tourist attractions that were perhaps very popular in their time but have no place today.”

The politician suggested that tourist attractions ‘evolve’, using tuktuks, tourist buses or even bikes instead.

She also pointed to Palma, Mallorca, where horses were replaced with motorised carriages.

VINICIUS OFFER

REAL Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has been offered a whopping €1 billion to sign up for the Saudi Pro League - with another billion to go to the Spanish club.

The Brazilian international star, 24, would be bought out of his contract by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Sources close to the player confirmed the approach, which would also make him an ambassador for the 2034 World Cup that is set to be hosted by Saudi Arabia. That deal would last for 10 years and be separate to his playing con tract.

Reports say he would earn €200m per season for five years with bonuses to be added on top.

Another source claims Real Madrid have no interest in letting Vinicius leave unless the Saudis cough up a €1 billion buy-out clause.

winter months when fewer tourists visit Spain.

EXCLUSIVE

By Yzabelle Bostyn

ANIMAL ABUSE: Donkeys still working despite heat

BEFORE there were smart phones, before there was Facebook, before Netflix, there was Pete Tong.

For those of a certain age and musical bent, the legendary DJ was crafting the electronic music scene in the 1990s and the golden era of Ibiza.

And the 64-year-old brought his Ibiza Classics show to the Marbella Arena on August 10 –along with the remarkable talents of the Heritage Orchestra led by conductor Jules Buckley and a complement of live singers.

Opening with the Rhythm is a Dancer and Freed from Desire, Tong brought the bouncing

Tommy’s back

FAR-RIGHT agitator Tommy Robinson has returned to his safe haven bolt hole in Spain. He was most recently spotted in an Indian restaurant in his regular getaway of Albir on the Costa Blanca.

Real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, he was reportedly ‘seen on the phone to his brother, discussing his legal issues and the unrest in the UK’. Albir, a 10-minute drive from Benidorm, was Lennon’s base of operations last summer after the Olive Press revealed that he had been using a luxury villa belonging to a British billionaire to film his podcast.

An investigation by this newspaper found that Lennon had been granted access to the €1.6 million property owned by former-highstreet fashion tycoon Phillip Day.

A spokesperson for Day denied that the billionaire had any knowledge of which individuals had access to one of his many properties on the Costa Blanca.

Orchestral classics

crowd back to a different era as a slew of classic hits were done the highest justice by the strings and brass of the orchestra.

The highlight of the set was undoubtedly an incredible rendition of Zombie Nation, featuring a tuba solo and the ominous, deep bass bursts from the highly talented player.

Other much-loved classics in the concert included Sing It Back, You Don’t Even Know Me and to close out the set Don’t You Worry Child.

WE LOVE YOU REALLY!

DESPITE a summer of apparently endless anti-tourist discontent in Spain, the latest opinion survey reveals a very different picture.

It shows that 69% of the populace across the country have a ‘positive’ or ‘very positive’ attitude to wards tourists. And three quarters give the country’s tourism industry – critical to the economy – a glowing report, with

75% saying it has a positive impact on their town or city. The results might come as a surprise after images of fed-up Barcelona residents shooting holidaymakers with water pistols reverberated around the world. In fact, the discontented few who exhibit the strongest turismofobia seem to be a miniscule segment of society, with only 2% expressing a

New poll shows majority of Spanish locals ‘value’ tourists despite wave of protests

By Walter Finch

very negative view of tourists. A further 4% said they viewed tourists just ‘negatively’.

Meanwhile, a quarter of the Spanish population (25%) describe themselves as ‘neutral’.

However, when you dig into the data some nuance does start to emerge. In the larger cities, such as Sevilla and Barcelona, the negative perception of tourists increases, with about 12% of residents expressing negative feelings.

Even among those who don’t, almost half of the population (48%) see tourism as a growing problem in their city. And only 30% believed that their local governments were taking appropriate measures to tackle the negative effects of tourism.

In these large cities, 66% of the populace are fuming about the local town hall’s inability to limit tourist rentals. In medium-sized cities, meanwhile, the negative perception is much lower, at around 4%, while a large majority (60%) of the locals do not see tourism as a growing problem in the city.

Killer mosquitos

FEARS surrounding a deadly outbreak of West Nile virus have turned a village in southern Spain into a ghost town.

Residents in La Puebla del Rio, in Sevilla province, are scared to go out at night following three deaths and at least 10 new cases of the mosquito-borne virus over the past few weeks.

According to El Español, ‘very few people’ dare to go out when the sun sets.

Residents told the national newspaper that the recent deaths were ‘avoidable’, had the proper precautions been in place.

Spokesperson for local pressure group Fight against the Nile Virus, Juanjo Sanchez, said: “I have had to take my daughter out of summer school, for fear that one of these mosquitoes will hang around the stagnant waters.”

JELLY MENACE

ALMOST 100 swimmers have been stung by jellyfish off a popular tourist beach in southern Spain within a week.

The high number of stings have been recorded on Playa de Victoria in Cadiz, on the increasingly popular Costa de la Luz.

There were 20 people affected on Thursday and a further 72 last Sunday, giving a total of at least 92.

The City Council was forced to twice raise a specially-designated jellyfish warning flag, both in Playa de Victoria and Santa Maria del Mar.

Anyone who is stung is advised to seek help from nearby lifeguards.

No-bnb

FUENGIROLA has cancelled 600 licences for tourist accommodation. The affected properties will not be allowed to become Airbnb-style flats because they do not have a separate building entrance for their guests.

Sustainable Fuengirola town hall announced the measure this week in a bid to ‘make tourist activity sustainable’ and ‘in harmony with the well-being of residents.’

It comes after a ruling from the Junta in Febru -

By Laurence Dollimore

ary which amended the general urban development plan (PGOU).

It gave town halls the power to deny requests for tourist accommo dation licences if the homes in question did not have a sep arate entrance to the building.

Major Costa del Sol resort cancels hundreds of tourist flat licences

were ‘placing pressure’ on residents’ ability to rent and buy homes.

Fuengirola decid ed to crack down on the number of Airbnb-style lets after a re cent study it commissioned found they

Town planning councillor Rocio Arriaga said: "The council aims with this initiative, which is already widespread in other Spanish tourist municipalities, to make tourist activity sustainable, as a central axis of the economy, in harmony with the well-being of the residents.

“This is within a quality model that continues to make the destination attractive

Swamped by cruisers

LOCALS in Cadiz are up in arms after the historical centre was inundated with cruise ship passengers equal to half the number of residents in just one day last week.

Located on an island off Spain’s southern Atlantic coast, the entire city is home to just 116,000 people due to its inability to expand, with fewer than 30,000 of them in the historical centre. However, three cruise ships arrived in its famous port in one day, dropping off 13,000 tourists to wander around its mediaeval old town.

The largest ship, MCS Virtuosa, deposited over 6,000 sightseers, followed by Norwegian Viva, from which 3,800 tourists disembarked.

A further 2,648 people arrived from the Aida Stella, meaning that the sudden influx of people overwhelmed the small city.

and ensures the comfort of the residents."

But the town hall has gone a step further and will make owners of tourist flats pay the same rate of tax as hotels, hostels and guesthouses, making the business slightly less profitable.

It said in a statement that more measures could be brought in in the near future.

FERIA FIRE

PARTYGOERS at the Malaga Feria got a shock in the early hours of Tuesday morning as a van burst into flames. The vehicle caught fire near the children’s area of the fair at around 2.30 am. Teams of firefighters were soon on the scene to extinguish the flames. No one was injured but the van was burnt to a crisp. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

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A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in

OPINION

Kick the tradition

SPAIN’s cruel tradition of offering donkey and horse rides to tourists in the sweltering summer heat must end.

The practice has long been under scrutiny and with good reason, the animals cannot regulate their body heat as well as humans and should not be ‘put to work’ in temperatures above 25C.

If this limit were adhered to, that would mean limiting horse and donkey services to just the winter months.

Clearly, this is necessary as a horse collapsed and died of a heart attack during Sevilla’s Feria de Abril. Better yet, the practice should be banned completely and replaced with more ethical and environmentally friendly measures.

Catalunya and Mallorca have banned horse drawn carriages, replacing them with alternatives such as electric carriages, tuk tuks, bikes and small electric cars.

Far from damaging the tourism trade, business is still booming in these areas, with Barcelona and Mallorca becoming the focal points of a nationwide anti-tourism debate.

In fact, insisting on keeping such antiquated tourist attractions actually puts tourists off visiting places like Mijas, Andalucia.

No one wants to see a poor donkey collapsed in the street or trudging tourists around in the blistering sun.

While the costumes and frills of the Mijas donkeys may make them look more attractive, activists claim they are hiding blisters and welts sustained from their ‘work’ and that more often than not, their hooves are cracked and sore.

Why continue this barbaric practice when there are perfectly viable options available that do not involve abusing animals?

The animals’ main advocate has even designed a cute donkey themed tuk tuk to replace the animals and we are sure tourists would love it.

With increasing protests from animal rights organisations and aggression from the donkey drivers themselves, it is only a matter of time before Mijas is forced to pull the plug on its donkey days.

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

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

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CELEBRITY showdown

Look no further than Ibiza and Marbella if you want to spot celebs - but who has been where?

Marbella

SPAIN’S glamorous coastline has long been a playground for the rich and famous, with Marbella and Ibiza emerging as the top contenders for celebrity hotspots.

While the likes of Mark Zuckerburg, Leonardo DiCaprio and Michael Jordan have sailed megayachts into Ibiza, plenty of sportspeople have chosen to enjoy the glitzy nightlife of Marbella.

But which luxury coastal enclave do the elite prefer?

Celeb-spotter Yzabelle Bostyn investigates.

Marbella, the crown jewel of the Costa del Sol, boasts a reputation for opulence and

personalities seem particularly drawn to the area.

Football legend Wayne Rooney took a breather from his new role as Plymouth Argyle manager to give his verdict on the Euro 2024 final at a swanky event in Mar-

The Manchester United legend jetted into Spain with

SET to surpass Japan as the country with the world's longest life expectancy by 2040, Spain, it seems, may hold the key to human longevity.

At 85.8 years, Spain’s life expectancy by that date will far surpass that of other rich countries like the United States (76.3) and the United Kingdom (80.7).

Other countries expected to have life expectancies surpassing 85 years include Japan, Singapore, and Switzerland, according to a study published in The Lancet.

Pointing the way in this trend is the fact that the former oldest person in the world, Maria Branyas Morera, was Spanish.

The 117-year-old Catalan unfortunately died yesterday, August 20 after living through both World Wars and the Spanish Civil War. She is the eighth oldest person to ever have lived.

Maria is succeeded by Tomiko Itooka (below), an 116-year-old Japanese woman born in 1908.

Recent Eurostat data reveals that the Spanish Community of Madrid has Europe’s second highest life expectancy for men, at 82.2 years, behind Aland, Finland.

He gave his opinion ahead of the Euros final, declaring a 2-1 En gland win. However, it wasn’t to be for En gland as Spain defeated the side 2-1 in Berlin.

Spain’s football prod igy, Lamine Yamal celebrated the win in Marbella, declaring it ‘very

Viva España

Spain is set to overtake Japan as the nation with longest-lived residents

By Cole Sinanian

On the other hand, the highest life expectancies for women - who are almost universally expected to live longer than men - are all in Spain.

In Madrid, women are expected to live 88.2 years, while in Navarra it’s 87.6 and in Castilla y Leon, 87.5.

But Barcelona Autonomous University demographic researcher Elisenda Rentería Perez cautions against hailing Madrid as an urban fountain of youth.

“Madrid attracts people with a high income and education level, and that’s why their life expectancy is higher,” she told The Olive Press.

“And the same thing happens with regions of lower life expectancy, where there are worse living conditions,” she said.

Researchers often point to diet, lifestyle and genetics as the most important factors influencing longevity, and the Mediterranean diet — one high in olive oil, fruits, nuts and vegetables, and low in red meat, dairy, sugar and highly processed foods — has been long known as a key to reaching old age.

That’s largely because it’s rich in hearthealthy foods known to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of

death globally.

One study from 2018 tracked major cardiac events in three groups of 55-80-year-olds, and found those on Mediterranean diets high in olive oil and nuts suffered fewer heart attacks and strokes than those on standard low-fat diets.

And though it’s fallen out of fashion in recent years, the Mediterranean diet still plays a significant role in Spanish culture, with Spain consistently ranking among the world’s top olive oil consumers.

While the ailments that might prevent one from reaching old age are primarily prevented through diet, genetics are most influential in producing centenarians.

“No matter how well you look after yourself throughout your life, if you don’t have that genetic makeup, then you’re not going to make it to 100,” Consuelo Borrás, a University of Valencia physiology lecturer, told The Guardian.

“But when it comes to normal longevity – living to 85 – your lifestyle is more important than your genetic makeup,” she said. Aspects of Spain’s healthcare system may also help explain the longevity of its people. Increased public health spending has been shown to both increase overall life expectancy, as well as years of healthy life — ie, years lived into old age without suffering from a debilitating condition or terminal illness.

A 2022 study by researchers from the Barcelona Autonomous University — which Pérez co-authored — found that public health has a significant effect on the management and prognosis of diseases in peo-

Coleen and the family to speak at the Clubhouse in La Sala restaurant in Puerto Banus.

WHO’S WHO: Can you spot Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, Wayne Rooney, Conor McGregor and Keely Hodgkinson in Marbella, and Carlos Leo DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti (plus a few friends) in Ibiza

They aren’t the only footballers who love the Costa del Sol.

Banus.

Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland toured Marbella, Sotogrande and Tarifa while visiting in June.

The 36-year-old held a press conference at the Hard Rock Marbella to promote the fight night, scheduled for October 12. A cradle of all things luxury.

The pair partied at local venue, Mosh Fun Kitchen, although it lona player was also spotted

He was caught up in a police raid at Marbella beach club, Playa Padre and was even forced to hand over his ID to balaclava-wearing, machine gun-toting cops as hundreds of tourists identified themselves to police.

The Manchester City star has long favoured Marbella as a holiday destination and is not suspected of any wrongdoing.

IBIZA, the queen of the Balearic Islands, offers a more laidback yet undeniably glamorous atmosphere.

The Nordic giant was later spotted visiting Bolonia Beach in Tarfia after being seen in Sotogrande and at a petrol station in Algeciras with his blue Ferrari.

Following in Yamal’s footsteps, British gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson chose Marbella as the spot to celebrate her Olympics victory. She was spotted in Puerto Banus on Friday, August 9, celebrating becoming the third British woman to ever win the 800m running event at the Olympic Games.

A banner hung up in the yacht reads: "Congratulations on your gold medal Keely Hodgkinson."

But, it's not all play for the celebs in Marbella. Irish UFC champion Conor McGregor was there in July to promote his upcoming bare knuckle fighting event.

He was spotted in Versace speedos while lifting weights on his yacht, docked in Puerto

ple of advanced age.

“Nowadays, public health isn’t just about interventions,” said Perez, “but also about long-term treatments for chronic diseases, treatments that often only can be afforded with the public healthcare system.”

The study linked a number of factors to length of life after 55, including unemployment, GDP, education level, public healthcare spending, and concentration of specialist doctors.

The researchers found that a spending increase of €800 per person on public health translated to an additional 1.5 years of life expectancy for men at age 50 and 1.2 years for women.

Despite reports of shortages, Spain’s physician density has grown since the 1990s, now at around 448 per 100,000 inhabitants, making it the sixth-highest physician-dense country in the EU.

In terms of overall healthcare expenditure, Spain’s is rather modest compared to its northern neighbours, with healthcare

amounting to 10.7% of the country’s GDP, below the 10.9% EU average.

However, it’s worth noting that Spain’s per capita healthcare expenditure was the highest in all of Southern Europe, topping Italy’s at 4,290.

The people of Southern Europe, the region most commonly associated with the aforementioned Mediterranean diet, may have a greater tendency towards longer life spans due to genetic, dietary and lifestyle factors that, when combined with Spain’s marginal improvements in public healthcare, could help explain the superior longevity of Spanish people.

Pérez says the relationship between public healthcare and life expectancy has less to do with adding years to old age, and more to do with providing lifesaving treatments and prevention to people from lower income backgrounds and worse living conditions, which increases the population’s overall average lifespan.

Known for its bohemian spirit and world-renowned nightlife, the island attracts a younger, trendier crowd. Musicians, actors, and models flock to Ibiza to unwind and recharge.

Another popular holiday spot amongst the rich and famous, Ibiza is a particular favourite amongst singers, actors and sportspeople.

The islands offer the chance to disconnect and relax, so it's no surprise that tennis star Carlos Alcaraz was spotted on the Balearic Islands following his defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Paris Olympics.

The Murcian is a frequent visitor to the islands and was seen in Port D Andratx, Mallorca, as well as Ibiza.

It is thought he was recharging his batteries ahead of the US Open, which began on Monday.

Also getting in some ‘R & R’ was one of the most celebrated basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan.

He was spotted in June while holidaying on the Balearic Islands.

The 61-year-old was touring the islands with his second wife, model Yvette Prieto, and their twin daughters Victoria and Isabel.

They were seen go karting in Ibiza before having a private magic show on their yacht from German magician Sean Christopher. Jordan is no stranger to the islands and last visited in 2017, when he relaxed at a Magalluf beach club.

Flouting

Similarly chilled out was Facebook founder and billionaire Mark Zuckerberg as he sailed into Ibiza flouting maritime law.

He moored his €278 million yacht, the Launchpad in Portinatx Bay. The three-deck 118 metre-long craft has a helicopter on it as well as capacity for 24 guests and a crew of 48 people.

It is thought Zuckerberg ‘broke maritime law’ by switching off the location trackers to ensure no one found out about their Balearic Islands trip.

A favourite amongst actors, Hollywood icon Leonardo DiCaprio has often visited the Balearic Islands to relax between films.

This summer, the 49-year-old has been spotted in Ibiza and Formentera, enjoying a trip with his girlfriend, 26-year-old Italian model, Vittoria Ceretti.

The pair were papped on Dicaprio’s yacht and Ibiza’s Casa Jondal, a restaurant favoured by the rich and famous, including Mick Jagger and Toby Maguire.

He was later spotted with Maguire and friends at Es Moli de Sal restaurant, Formentera.

It is thought they were staying in Ibiza at a villa known as ‘Monterey’.

The 30,000m2 finca is found in the exclusive Bellavista area, with views over Portmany bay.

This summer it has seemed like you could spot a celebrity on every corner of the Balearic Islands.

beautiful and fun’.

He has made two visits to the Costa del Sol since Spain’s Euros victory, alongside teammate Nico Williams.

Alcaraz, Michael Jordan, Sean Christopher,

RIPE AGE: Maria Branyas Morera was the oldest person in the world until this week

Renewable room RISING SUN

SPANISH renewable energy firm Zelestra has begun constructing two solar farms with a combined capacity of 83 MW in Castile-La Mancha, Spain.

The output will be enough to power around 20,000 homes, or charge around 30,000 electric vehicles a day.

The 50.4-MW Jose Cabrera solar farm is being built in Guadalajara, while the 33MW Socovos II site is in Albacete.

The two solar farms will produce approximately 143 GWh of electricity annually once they become operational in 2025. It would be enough to power 6.7% of Spain’s near 6 million street lights for an entire year.

IN HOT WATER

Spain see its highest ever sea temperature while average temperature also sets new high

Spain’s Mediterranean waters have hit a scalding 31.87C at the Dragonera buoy off the west coast of Mallorca, beating the previous record of 31.36C set in August 2022.

Meanwhile, the Mediterranean Sea set a new average surface temperature record of 28.15C on Saturday, August 10. It is the highest temperature ever recorded for the Mediterranean since data collection began in 1982, according to the Mediterranean Environmental Studies Centre

By Walter Finch

(CEAM).

In recent weeks, temperatures across the French and Italian coasts have surged by as much as 5C above the seasonal norm.

The sea heating in the Mediterranean is occurring 20% faster than the global average of other seas and oceans, while 18 of the 20 highest values observed since 1982 have been recorded between 2023 and 2024. These exceptional water

Katy video shoot row

temperatures are liable to create atmospheric conditions which could give rise to previously unseasonable storms more akin to what is found in the Caribbean. Experts warn that these extreme temperatures could signal bad news for marine

A BRITISH firm has reached a deal to buy 12 solar power projects in Spain with an overall capacity of 248 megawatts – enough to power 620,000 homes.

ecosystems and coastal communities.

BALEARICS officials are looking into a new Katy Perry pop music video shot in Formentera that may have caused environmental damage. Footage was taken on the protected sand dunes of the islet of s’Espalmador, which is part of the Ses Salines de Eivassa and Formentera natural park.

Despite claims from Katy Perry's record label that they had received verbal authorisation to film, the Balearic Government has categorically denied granting any permits, either written or verbal. Perry recorded the video for her song Lifetimes around Ibiza and Formentera.

Scenes feature the American singer dancing and jumping in different locations, including urban areas, a busy nightclub and in natural landscapes, such as the s’Espalmador dune system. That was done within an area that is blocked off by ropes and fencing indicating clearly that entry was prohibited and all the recording equipment had been taken inside as well.

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

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

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.

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

The rapid warming of the Mediterranean is leading to a process known as ‘tropicalisation’, which could result in the loss of biodiversity and the see the spread of harmful algae and seaweed blooms. Furthermore, these high sea temperatures can intensify extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall. Experts have spoken of dozens of coral species being subject to a ‘mass mortality event’ brought about by the rise in sea temperatures.

There is nothing new about the drive to a sustainable future but we must work together to achieve this aim

UK-headquartered NextEnergy Capital (NEC) has made the investment in Spanish renewable energy – mainly in the northeast of the country – for an undisclosed sum. Earlier this year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that it expects solar power investment to reach €500 billion worldwide –more than will be invested into any other single technology.

Solar is expected to make up roughly a quarter of the world’s total clean energy investments made in 2024.

NEW IDEAS NEEDED

THE impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, particularly during these scorching summer months.

Temperatures are soaring, and rainfall, when it does occur, is often heavy and sudden. With Europe experiencing the consequences of climate change more acutely, many people are now personally understanding the significance of sustainability.

But when did sustainability become such a prevalent topic of discussion, and what are the fundamental principles that guide it?

Theoretically, Hans Carl von Carlowitz was one of the first proponents of sustainability. Around 1700, noticing a scarcity of wood, he realised that only as much wood should be harvested as could be replenished. This laid the foundation for the sustainable use of resources.

However, the ‘Club of Rome’ marked the beginning of modern sustainability in 1972.

It represented a countermovement to the burgeoning capitalism of the time and questioned whether unlimited growth was truly possible with limited resources. The club developed 12 scenarios and concluded that: “If the present growth trends in world population, industrialisation, pollution, food production, and resource depletion continue, the limits to growth on this planet will be reached sometime within the next 100 years.

“The most probable result will be a rather sudden and uncontrollable decline in both population and industrial capacity.”

Even today, the report is continuously updated with current figures. While the Club of

Rome originally projected this tipping point for 2050, Gaya Harrington published a study in 2020 suggesting that the peak of growth could be reached as early as 2030. Instead of looking towards the future, people are often preoccupied with the ‘now,’ as they are frequently struggling with daily survival.

To counteract this, the global community, represented by the UN, agreed on 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. At the top of the list are the eradication of poverty and hunger, but health and education also rank high. To promote a sustainable economy, goals such as ‘affordable and clean energy,’ sustainable infrastructure, and ‘responsible consumption and production’ were included.

The final major theme is the restoration and protection of ecosystems. Through our past actions, we have already destroyed numerous ecosystems, ultimately harming ourselves: we are destroying the planet on which we live and on whose resources we depend. If we irreversibly destroy it, the prediction made by the Club of Rome will come true.

The UN’s goals are set to be achieved by 2030. It now seems impossible to achieve all of them. But perhaps we can still accomplish something if we all work together?

The SDGs are explained simply and comprehensively, including practical examples, on the UN website.

Maybe one of you will come up with an idea that helps make the world a little better? And if we all do a little more, together we will have already achieved a great deal!

BUSINESS

Pensioner entrepreneurs

SPAIN is granting retirees the ability to start a business while receiving a pension.

Although the program has been in place since 2013, a reminder has been put out to eligible pensioners.

The conditions are that they must have reached the legal age of retirement (65) and have at least 37 years and 9 months of social security contributions.

The program is also only available to retirees who are entitled to the maximum pension.

However fear not: if you don’t meet these requirements you can still apply – at the latest – at 67-years-old.

Known as ‘active retirement’, the application process is relatively simple and can be done through the website portal for la Seguridad Social.

Land of hope

40% of new jobs in Spain taken by immigrants

SPAIN is experiencing a dramatic shift in its workforce, with foreign-born workers rapidly filling many new jobs. While the Spanish economy is booming, with over 550,000 jobs created in the first half of 2024 alone, a staggering 40% of these positions have gone to immigrants, despite making up only 13.9% of the total

By Walter Finch population.

The tourism and hospitality sector, a cornerstone of Spain's economy, has seen a surge in foreign workers, accounting for over 25% of new job creation. This rapid influx has raised concerns among some locals, particularly in areas heavi-

ly reliant on tourism. However, it's important to note that while foreign workers are filling a significant portion of new job openings, they are generally earning lower wages compared to their Spanish counterparts. Spanish men, on average, earn €26,448 annually, while foreign men earn only €16,950. This wage gap holds true

ONLINE SHOPPERS

E-COMMERCE in Spain has seen remarkable growth, reaching a total turnover of €84 billion in 2023 – an increase of 16.3% on the previous year.

Unsurprisingly, the tourism sector has been leading the way, with travel agencies and tour operators taking up 8.5% of total turnover.

The last quarter of 2023 saw more than 432 million online transactions – an increase of 15.1% compared to the previous

period – with gambling and betting leading the ranking by sales with 6.9% of the total.

Transport has also seen robust growth in e-commerce as customers book their tickets increasingly online rather than at the physical office.

Clothes shoppers are also increasingly eschewing traditional shops and turning to the internet to order their items and now accounts for 7.3% of the total turnover.

SUCKERS

for females too, with Spanish women earning €21,033 compared to foreign women at €13,401.

The country that sent the most immigrants to Spain in the last six months is Colombia, with 37,936 –or 16.5% of the total new workers.

Italy comes second with 22,879 (9,9%), then Morocco with 21,488 (9.3%).

Also notable in the creation of jobs in the last six months are Romania (17,115), Venezuela (13,033), Peru (11,180), Argentina (8,441), Senegal (8,372) and Ukraine (5,407).

According to figures from June, there were 21.39 million workers in Spain, with 2.9 million being foreign. However, the number of foreign workers has nearly doubled in the last 10 years. In 2014 it was just 1.5 million.

SPANISH farmers are begging the EU to approve the use of specific pesticides to help tackle a growing plague of mosquitoes which threatens their harvest. The invasive tiger mosquito, which has been spreading all over Europe, has been impacting the health of field workers, according to Juan de Dios Hernandez, the president of the Murcia agricultural association.

Pandemic

“We call on the EU to take responsibility and request that the regulations regarding phytosanitary products be reviewed to eradicate this pandemic of harmful bugs, which directly affect our interests and, most seriously, people’s health,” he said.

De Dios Hernandez pointed out that the plague of mosquitoes has already forced workers to abandon the fields. It has also been linked to a number of fatalities with its capacity to spread dengue fever, malaria, and West Nile Virus.

With a UNESCO world heritage site offering 120,000 years of human history and only short drive from the Costa del Sol, enjoy the warmth of the British Gibraltarians and splash out VAT-free in Sterling.

Gibraltar. Sun, sea and history served with a very British twist.

LA CULTURA

Legendary find

RESEARCHERS in Spain have uncovered lost islands that sank into the ocean millions of years ago, which may hold the origin of the legend of Atlantis.

The team found the islands off Lanzarote on an underwater mountain, which contains three inactive volcanoes and is 50 kms in diameter.

Project head, Luis Somoza, said: “They were islands in the past and are still sinking, as the legend of Atlantis tells us.” The team has called the underwater mountain Mount Los Atlantes, after Plato’s writings about the gods plunging them into the ocean as a punishment for the immorality of citizens.

The islands date back to between 34 to 56 million years ago.

Fake works

November 29thDecember 12th 2023 LOOKING FOR MORE CULTURE STORIES? Scan

HONOUR: Almodovar will be rewarded

CELEBRATED Spanish director, Pedro Almodovar will receive one of the country’s highest honours in the cinema industry. The Premio Donostia is given out once a year at the San Sebastian Film Festival.

Final bow

It will be presented by Tilda Swinton, one of the protagonists of his new film.

The Room Next Door is Almodovar’s first film in English and the 74-year-old’s last ever project. It stars Swinton alongside American actress Julianne Moore. The awards ceremony will be followed by a screening.

Other recipients of the award include Judi Dench, Ian McKellan and John Travolta.

HOLY BONES

BONES found in a tomb in north-west Spain may well belong to a ninth-century bishop who is believed to have been one of the creators of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage walk.

The remains were discovered in 1955 but modern-day bone analysis, carbon dating, stable isotope analysis and DNA testing has produced results that support a very strong probability that they be-

THE Policia Nacional have seized three fake paintings attributed to Pablo Picasso and one by Benjamin Palencia that were going to be sold for €13.5 million.

Officers from the Historical Heritage division based in the Valencian Community have arrested five people who all claimed the bogus works were inherited from family members.

The Historical Heritage division confirmed from a group

Camino bishop identified through modern technology

By Alex Trelinski

longed to Bishop Theodomir. Tradition has it that Theodomir discovered the tomb of St. James the Apostle between 820 and 830 AD fol-

representing Picasso's family that none of the three paintings attributed to him were genuine. In fact one of the detainees went to the group - Succession Picasso - in June 2016 and the authenticity appraisal was negative.

Despite that, the fake work was being marketed for €10 million. Meanwhile, the great-nephew of Benjamin Palencia told the police that the artist’s work was not genuine and that his signature on it was also bogus.

Preparing for university

IN today’s fast-paced, globalised world, the traditional education system is evolving to meet the needs of modern students. For expat families, finding a high-quality, flexible education solution can be particularly challenging. Enter Crimson Global Academy (CGA), an online high school that is revolutionising the way students prepare for university. With a proven track record of success, CGA offers a unique blend of rigorous academics, personalised learning, and global opportunities that give students a competitive edge in university admissions.

Your Child’s Journey to the Ivy League?

One of CGA’s recent student successes was Jade, a full-time student accepted to 7 top US universities including Princ University and Colum University. Starting ear with CGA, Jade dedicat herself to a rigorous cur ulum, encompassing a broad spectrum of A Level subjects including Math, Economics, English Literature, Physics, Psychology, and Chemistry.

Jade’s acceptances to seven top US universities, underscore the incredible opportunities that CGA’s innovative online platform offers to students with big dreams. Her eagerness to dive into university life, reflects the confidence and

readiness that CGA instils in its students. “I don’t think I’d imagined I’d be at this point, so soon, but I think CGA and the community around me have really prepared me for the next steps in my life. And I’m very excited for everything.”

Jade’s success in this challenging process can be attributed significantly to the support from CGA’s Director of Admissions, Bob Fan, who provided invaluable mentorship. Jade credits Bob for assisting with managing deadlines, sorting out recommendations, mentoring her through the common app and supplement essays, and keeping her on track throughout application process.

Using Online Learning Alongside A Local School

Crimson Global Academy (CGA) is a fully accredited institution that boasts impressive results for fullt-eim and parttime students. CGA students consistently achieve top scores worldwide in international exams such as the International GCSE and A Levels and their results surpass the global averages for the Advanced Placement courses also. For students looking to boost

lowing a divine revelation in what is now the Galicia region capital, Santiago de Compostela.

News of the find reached

PILGRIM: Modern-day bone analysis may have unlocked the secret

King Alfonso II of Asturias, who marched with his court from Oviedo to Santiago - a 146 km route that became the famous pilgrimage.

Theodomir’s existence had been hotly debated until 1955, when archaeologist Manuel Chamoso Lamas discovered a tombstone underneath Santiago's cathedral inscribed with his name.

Initial studies said the bones found inside were of an elderly adult male but 30 years

later another researcher suggested they belonged to a woman.

The newest study, led by Patxi Perez-Ramallo of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, combined different analytical methods in a bid to reach a definitive conclusion including carbon-14 dating.

Perez-Ramallo said that the results showed that there was a ‘98% likelihood of the bones being Theodomir’.

HAIL CAESAR

A RESEARCH team using air-based LiDAR technology have discovered an astounding 57 Roman-era sites in the Guadalete River valley in Cadiz.

The stunning finds pave the way for on-the-ground investigations as the team hopes to understand how the region’s trade routes were interconnected.

Villa

The first site to receive attention was a Roman villa in Bornos, which included walls separating the residential areas from the work zones within the settlement.

The team used unmanned aircraft equipped with multispectral cameras and LiDAR (light detection and ranging) to assess the terrain quickly and accurately.

The team then used geo radar to help sketch out wall and settlement layouts not visible on the ground.

their transcript without leaving their school, they can take an advanced course in a subject, or a subject not offered at their school. This individualised approach allows families to access online courses to nurture each student’s strengths, helping them to excel academically. Moreover, CGA’s flexible scheduling accommodates the unique needs of expat families, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments.

Education Tailored to Each Student

One of the key advantages of CGA is its focus on personalised learning. Each family starts their journey with CGA by meeting with a dedicated academic advisor who helps them create a customised learning plan. This plan is tailored to the student’s academic goals, strengths, and areas for improvement. By providing this level of personalised support, CGA ensures that each student is well-prepared for university admissions.

In the words of one CGA student Mayoora, who received offers from 7 top universities in the UK and Europe, “In terms of academics and getting to university, I would say that the quality of teaching and academics in general

is much higher at CGA than what I’ve seen in your average physical school”.

With CGA, your child can achieve their academic goals and embark on a successful university journey, visit our website to find out more.

LA CULTURA

SPANI SH CON

New excavations shed light on the Spaniard who helped Rome finally conquer Spain

THE Roman conquest of Spain was sealed by a man whose tomb has only just been uncovered in the petrified ruins of Pompeii.

Back in the 20’s BC, an ascendant Rome was battling in northern Spain to put down the last resistance to its dominium in Iberia.

To the surprise of many, the Roman troops were led by an unheralded Spaniard who had been born to a local tribe but had taken up arms for the Empire.

Numerius Agrestinus commanded the legions in Cantabria, where they faced other tribes known for their warrior culture and stubborn refusal to bow down to the might of Rome.

The Cantabrian Wars (29-19 BC) – the final Roman campaigns to subjugate the remaining and fiercely independent Cantabri and Astures – were helped immensely by loyal tribes who knew the land and the enemy well.

Richly rewarded for successfully subduing the last holdouts to Ro -

By Walter Finch

man rule, Numerius Agrestinus was granted Roman citizenship, Pompeii’s highest magistracy office and a monument in the doomed city upon his death.

His newly unearthed tomb features a bench with large lion’s paws carved into each end – signalling the importance of its owner.

Thanks to his endeavours, the complete Roman Hispania was finally born; a flourishing era that lasted nearly five centuries, until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 495 AD.

But it took two centuries of conquest to get there.

Before the Romans could expand the boundaries of their empire into Iberia, they had to contend with the all-powerful Carthaginian Empire.

They made their first landings at modern-day Empuries on the Girona coast in 218 BC and set their sights on conquering first Catalunya and Murcia – and then all of Andalucia.

The ruins of the old Roman settle -

ment of Emporiae are still clearly visible, with visitors able to trace the town forum, basilica, amphitheatre, necropolis and much more.

The first great Roman victory came in the Battle of Cissa that same year (218 BC), when Tarragona was captured during the Second Punic War.

Led by Gnaeus Cornelius Scipio, the battle dealt a crippling blow to the Carthaginians in Spain, and severely disrupted supply lines to Hannibal and his famous elephant march across the Alps. Tarraco, as it was known in ancient times, went on to serve as a key administrative and military hub in the newly Roman region of Hispania.

The Romans broke the back of the Carthaginians in Spain with the conquest of Carthago Nova in 209 BC.

Nowadays Cartagena, the Romans established it as a critical naval base and commercial hub in the Roman Empire.

The modern city features well-preserved Roman ruins, including a famous theatre, a forum, and various public buildings. Today the

ROMAN: Alcala del Rio in Sevilla was established 2,000 years ago (inset) and how it is today

REMAINS: In the heart of Tarragona

HISTORIC: The Romans beat Carthage at the Battle of Ilipa

SPECTACULAR: Tarragona Amphitheatre

ART: The Capture of Carthage by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo

www.theolivepress.es

MODERN MIRACLES

The minimalist theme of new Spanish churches

See page 20

NOT SO SWIFT

10 years on, Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium renovation finally complete

WHEN Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium hosted Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, all eyes were on the pop superstar.

But for the football club the real star of the show was the stadium itself.

Swift’s concert marked the first occasion the ground was fully open - al beit ‘unofficially’ - after a massive revamp some 10 years after the plans were first announced.

But now it has been ‘officially’ unveiled.

It took €1.8 billion - about €1 billion more than initially planned - for architects GMP Architekten, L35, and Ribas & Ribas to transform it into a multifaceted public attraction, boasting a Real Madrid Museum, dining and retail spa ces, and a skywalk offering panoramic views.

It also boasts a sliding roof and even an underground ‘greenhouse’ where the turf pitch can be retracted for optimal growing conditions.

A striking feature of the stadium is its sinuous stainless steel facade. This metallic skin, designed to conceal the original concrete structure, gives the Bernabeu a distinctive, sculptural form.

“The curved stainless steel louvres have imbued the Bernabeu with a new identity, solidifying its status as a Madrid landmark,” said a spokesman for GMP Architekten. “From afar, the metal facade shimmers like a jewel, reflecting light in countless ways.”

Beyond aesthetics, the metal cladding serves a functional purpose. Horizontal gaps between the louvres allow natural ventilation for the stadium's interior.

The renovation also increased seating capacity by 3,000 to 85,000, added VIP and hospitality lounges.

STILL GOING UP

PROPERTY prices are climbing ever higher in Spain as demand outstrips supply.

Since 2019, only the Balearics have seen faster price rises than Andalucia, according to a report by BBVA Research.

Both new and existing homes have increased in price by over 20% since 2019. Despite the boom, BBVA estimates prices are yet to reach the peaks of the previous real estate bubble from two decades ago.

Current prices are still 9% below those levels (8% for new homes and 10% existing) with only Madrid and the Balearics having surpassed prices

By Walter Finch

from 2000.

The Canary Islands has seen the sharpest rise with houses being 16.4% more expensive than a year ago. It is followed by the Balearics (11.9%), the Valencian Community (11.5%), the Community of Madrid (11.5%), Murcia (8.8%), Andalucia (8.7%). By province, 45 have higher prices than a year ago, led by Santa Cruz de Tener-

ife, where seller expectations rose by 18.6%, with Las Palmas (13.5%) second and Malaga (12.2%) third. By cities, the most significant rise was in Malaga, where prices grew by 18.2%, followed by Alicante (18%), Soria (17%) and Valencia (16.1%).

The smallest rises were in Melilla (0.3%), followed by Pamplona (1.1%), Palencia (1.8%), Vitoria (2.1%), and Pontevedra (2.4%).

The price of property in Madrid is now €4,622 sqm, while in Barcelona

it stands at €4,477 sqm.

Across Spain house prices rose by 3.9% in 2023 and 4.3% in the first quarter of 2024, with forecasts predicting a 5% increase in 2024 and 4.7% in 2025.

According to BBVA’s Real Estate Observatory 2024 report, key factors driving this trend include a booming economy, higher family incomes, demand from foreigners and lower interest rates.

The most affordable regions are Cas-

tilla-La Mancha (€939), Extremadura (€976) and Castilla y León (€1,198). While Spanish authorities urgently try to build new houses, supply is still expected to fall short of meeting the growing demand.

BBVA forecasts 120,000 construction permits in 2024, an increase of 10,000 from the previous year. The first four months of 2024 saw a 14.8% growth in permits compared to the same period last year, indicating a new construction cycle driven by increased demand. However, challenges such as zoning issues, labour shortages, and regulatory uncertainty continue to hinder new projects.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

ON THE UP

Mark Stucklin

SPANISH home sales were up 6pc in the first half with prices also rising in what looks like one of the most buoyant housing

Spanish property market buoyant in the first half of

the year

markets in Europe in 2024, according to the latest data from the Spanish notaries’ association. There were 350,818 home sales witnessed by notaries in

the first half of the year. Q2 sales were 189,909, up 10.5pc on last year, and the second best Q2 on record during the last 15 years, as illustrated by the chart above.

But figures just released by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), and widely reported in the press, showed sales declining 4pc in Q2 , which appear to be at odds with the numbers from the notaries.

witnessed by them in the month, and 2)

The Institute of National Statistics (INE) based on sales inscribed in the Land Register by the Association of Spanish Land Registrars.

Sales in the second quarter increased in all the regions of most interest to foreign investors with the exception of the Balearics where sales declined by 8.4pc compared to a year before. Sales increased the most in Madrid (+16pc) followed by Andalucia (+11pc).

The notaries data shows average Spanish house prices increasing 3.4pc over

12 months to the end of June 2024, having increased in every quarter but one since Q2 2015, (if you exclude a three-quarter dip in prices over the pandemic, for obvious reasons).

Spanish house prices have risen steadily since bottoming out in 2013, and have continued to rise despite higher interest rates that have sent other European housing markets like France and Germany into decline.

Spanish home sales figures come from two official sources: 1) The Association of Spanish Notaries based on sales it all depends on your starting point.

However, the average Spanish house price is still below where it was more than 15 years ago in nominal terms, so

By region prices rose the most in the Valencian Community (+7.2pc) and the least in the Balearics (+2pc), as illustrated by the final chart (left).

Pool grab

RESIDENTS of four large apartment blocks face losing their swimming pools, gardens and car parks as part of an ongoing legal dispute.

The properties in Benalmadena, which comprise 1,750 flats, may not officially own the two hectares of land surrounding them.

The buildings in El Gamonal were constructed by the Sofico group, founded back in the 1960s during the regime of dictator Francisco Franco.

Tourism was on the rise in Spain, back then, and construction in the area became wild and rampant.

Sofico went bust in the 1970s so it was a great surprise when the residents received notifications from the company’s heirs in 2015, informing them they were claiming ownership of the plots of land.

The four blocks, Agata, Hercules, iris and Aguila, do not have detailed documentation, making it difficult to prove ownership.

The ensuing legal battle has so far seen Sofico victorious, obliging the residents to pay for the land or lose access to it.

The company has won its case in the local courts as well as on a provincial level.

Now the litigation is headed to the Supreme Court, where the residents are hopeful they will win.

Should their legal bid fail, they will likely lose the land valued at around €12 million.

The residents insist they now have the right to the land as they have been paying for lifeguards, gardeners, water bills and taxes, among other communal costs, for decades.

“If we don't get something in the Supreme Court we will have to pay Sofico to recover the land, which is what they want, to make a profit,” one owner, lawyer Bernardo Gomez, told local newspaper, Diario Sur.

“This is unacceptable, we are going to fight this until the end.”

BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

THE Hard Rock Hotel in Marbella has been taken off the property market – its owners will, instead, keep the establishment on their portfolio, thanks to its ongoing profitability.

Stoneweg Hospitality and Bain Capital Credit are the two firms that own the hotel, which began to take shape as a project back in 2021.

According to real estate portal Idealista, the Hard Rock Hotel Marbella was born after Stoneweg and Bain bought up the Hotel Andalucia Plaza, as part of a strategy to reposition Marbella as a luxury destination.

The location of the establishment, in Puerto Banus, was part of the opportunity that the firms identified.

Refurbishment work was completed in 2022, and included a major upgrade of the facilities, in order to attract high-

net-worth tourists seeking luxury and entertainment experiences.

But a recent move to put the hotel on the market for sale has, reportedly, come to nothing.

Sources from the sector consulted by Idealista said that the business was up for sale with a price take of between €140 and €145 million, but after several months and interest from different funds, no final buyer was found.

“Funds ruled it out because it was overpriced and had a prohibitive impact,” the sources told Idealista.

“According to the talk in the sector, another of the reasons it was withdrawn was the lack of offers,” they added.

Only for locals

Controversialproposal

toremedyexcessive tourism would see foreignersbarredfrom buyingpropertyin Mallorca

By Walter Finch

UNLESS you have lived in the Balearic Islands for years you won’t be allowed to buy there.

This is one controversial proposal by a local think tank looking at ways to remedy excessive tourism.

The Forum de la Societat Civil has come up with a total of 200 suggestions, after a debate was held in Palma last month.

It comes after a series of heated protests blocked the centre of the city, with tourists made to feel uncomfortable.

The new suggestions include efforts to recover the historic quarters of

Palma and other towns for residents, rather than just tourists. Meanwhile the group wants to see the conversion of old and obsolete hotels into housing or infrastructure for locals such as cultural, technological and healthcare facilities.

FOREIGNERS’ FAVOURITES

FOREIGN home buyers looking for a Spanish property are mainly eyeing up Mediterranean coastal locations plus the Balearic and the Canary Islands.

The report by idealista highlights 120 areas where foreign demand represents more than 50% of the home buying market in sun and beach destinations. In areas like Roses (Girona), Calpe (Alicante) and Andratx (Mallorca), foreign interest is over 65% in regard to searches made on the idealista website with people from France, the Netherlands, and Germany the most prominent. Alicante province has the highest number of search locations, namely 30, where foreign interest exceeds 50% of the total demand.

Popular spots include Los Frutales in Torrevieja; the districts of Moraira de Moravit-Cap Blanc, Paichi or Pinar de Advocat-Cometa, all with a foreign demand of between 64%-65% of the total, as well as areas of the Orihuela Costa like Playa Flamenca and La Zenia.

The Balearic Islands have 28 locations, some of them attracting 67% of foreign interest including Cala Ratjada and Canyamel, in Mallorca, together with Andratx, including Port d'Andratx and Es Camp de Mar, and Cala Murada in Manacor.

In Malaga, the Nerja area stands out as does the Bay of Casares as well as the districts of Guadalobon, Buenas Noches and Bahia Dorada in Estepona, and Puerto Banus, in Marbella.

The group has also come up with the idea of a maximum number of visitors to the Balearics linked to the number of residents on the islands.

Spokesman Jaume Garau insisted foreigners buying property must first prove that they have resided in the community for a set number of years.

The suggestions are now to go in front of the regional government.

Spain has seen a series of unprecedented protests calling for a change to the country’s tourism model, as locals grapple with problems such rising house and rent prices, antisocial behaviour and noise.

Squirted

There have been protests in Malaga, the Canary Islands, the Balearics and Barcelona.

The protest in the Catalan capital made worldwide headlines after demonstrators squirted tourists with water pistols, taped off hotels and outdoor restaurant dining areas. They also shouted slogans such as ‘Tourist go home’ at visitors.

Rental market heatingup

THE cost of renting a home in Spain has spiralled 10.4% in the past year. This surge is particularly noticeable in Barcelona and Malaga, where demand for rental properties remains high, according to idealista

But rents have surged in all Spanish capitals compared to July last year, with the most substantial increase in Caceres (18.9%), followed by Palma (18.7%) and Valencia (17.6%).

Hotspots Madrid (16.1%), Barcelona (14.3%), Alicante (14.1%), and Malaga (13.6%) have all seen double digit rises in the past year.

Bargain hunters should look at Tarragona (1.9%), which saw the smallest increase, along with Zamora (2.9%), Cádiz (3.9%), Huelva (4.1%), and Pamplona (4.3%).

Barcelona continues to be the most expensive city to rent in, with a square metre on average costing €21.60, followed by Madrid (€19.80) and San Sebastian (€17.60).

They are followed by Palma (€17.20), Malaga (€14.50) and Valencia (€14.10).

The price spiral has been blamed, in part, on the number of tourist rentals which reduce the long-term housing stock. But experts have been quick to point the finger at last year’s new housing law, which made it more difficult to evict tenants, scaring landlords out of the market.

Banking on a bargain

A SPANISH bank has launched budget rental properties in Andalucia, with prices starting at just €300 a month to relieve the area’s rental crisis.

InmoCaixa is advertising affordable properties in an attempt to relieve the stress on the market.

Part of Caixa Bank, there are over 20,000 properties, including houses, flats and even new builds.

In Sevilla, you could rent a flat for as little as €307, with 102 properties advertised at this price.

Built in 2010, the apartments have between one and two bedrooms, heating, double glazed windows and a fully-equipped kitchen.

Meanwhile in Malaga, InmoCaixa are offering 98 flats for €402 a month.

Onthe cheap

THE cheapest areas to buy a property in Andalucia in 2024 have been revealed. According to data from idealista, the cheapest town is Velez Blanco, in Almeria, where the average property sells for €397/m2 - around €1,900 below the regional average.

It is the fourth cheapest town in Spain for a home, behind only Almaden in Ciudad Real (€344/m2), Alcaudete de la Jara in Toledo (€357/m2) and Malagon, also in Ciudad Real (€395/m2).

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NESTLED in one of the most coveted areas of the Golden Mile, Las Lomas, this villa will set you back €35,000,000.

Villa Gratitud, described as ‘the ultimate unification of art, architecture and engineering’ was crafted by renowned interior designer, Luisa Olazabal.

€35m

The layout centers around a stun-

ning chandelier and with custom finishes, it exudes an eclectic and timeless style. You could never get bored in this adult playground, which comes complete with a cocktail bar, cinema, gym, paddle tennis court and indoor pool.

There are nine bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms in the main house, followed by seven additional bedrooms in the guest property.

The impressive estate is surrounded by panoramic ocean views from the expansive garden, inspired by Andalucian architecture.

www.sothebysrealty.com•Property code: E2MP7T

Spla$h the ca$h

If you have tens of millions to spend one of these properties might be just up your street

THE Costa del Sol is known for its luxury, nowhere more so than Marbella.

Alongside Puerto Banus and Benahavis, it is home to some of the most exclusive enclaves on the peninsula.

Marbella is one of the most expensive areas to live in Spain, with designer brands like Dolce and Gabbana building homes in the area. Between 2022-2023 the luxury market grew by 20%, according to local estate agents.

But what are the most expensive properties in Marbella actually like?

Well, we can give you a clue herebut details of the truly most upmarket homes are hard to get hold of. Many are sold privately and discreetly through property brokers rather than having their prices advertised.

So if you have the cash to splurge take a look at the following proper -

ties. If they do not come up to your standards, then you better find yourself a broker…

THIS Villa in Sierra Blanca, part of the famous Golden Mile, will set you back €29,000,000.

It has six bedrooms and six bathrooms split over its three floors.

The double height ceiling living room opens out onto the outdoor pool and stunning garden, with terraces lining the perimeter. It also boasts a games room, gym, wine cellar, hammam, laundry room, storage rooms and a lift.

The master bedroom comes with two private dressing rooms, two bathrooms and a study.

INSIDE the Marbella Club, this villa is found in one of the most exclusive areas of the Golden Mile, the Santa Margarita urbanisation.

At €23,500,000, it has the price tag to match the impeccable location, just a short drive from Marbella old town and luxurious Puerto Banus.

The 1339m2, three floor property uses only the best quality materials and advanced technology. It houses eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, including a master suite with a walk in dressing room and separate his and hers bathrooms.

The master bedroom also comes with a private terrace with panoramic sea views. Downstairs, you will find a spacious living room, smaller sitting room, kitchen, gym, soundproof cinema room, yoga studio and a games room.

There is also a garage with space for eight vehicles, as well as a glass lift.

€26.5m

THIS beachfront property in the exclusive Los Monteros area, east of Marbella, comes in at €26,500,000.

Inspired by traditional Mediterranean architecture, the house is built over two floors.

The first floor comprises of a spacious living room with high wooden beamed ceilings, leading out on a covered terrace and fireplace.

There are also formal and informal dining rooms, a kitchen and two guest bedrooms with an ensuites and balconies.

You can also find a wine cellar with a bar, a billiard room and cinema.

Upstairs, there’s a master suite with a beamed, cathedral ceiling, fireplace, living room, small kitchen, a sea view terrace, his and hers dressing rooms and bathrooms.

The master bathroom is equipped with a jacuzzi, a spa, a gym, a massage room, a Turkish bath, a sauna, a pressure shower and a pool.

The property boasts large entertainment areas, including the pool chill-out zone, a gazebo, a BBQ, a summer dining area and additional seating.

www.luxuryestate.com

Property reference: 4654

Cascada de Camojan

A ‘resort-style’ mansion, this €27,500,000 property has the luxury and convenience of a five star hotel.

€23.5m

Located in the most prestigious gated community in Marbella, Cascada de Camojan, offers the best of modern architecture infused with Mediterranean touches. Luxurious from the very start, you are welcomed by an impressive entrance hall and a double staircase.

The living area boasts impressive views to the Mediterranean Sea and Africa. Stepping through the terrace to the kitchen, you will find a piano bar and state of the art appliances.

Downstairs, there is a spa, heated indoor pool, hammam, sauna, gym, cinema, additional bedrooms, entertainment space and a private car showroom.

www.luxuryestate.com•Property reference: 127734893

THIS beachfront villa in Puerto Banus clocks in at an eye watering €30,000,000 for 4,600m².

It has 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms spread across the 2,000m2 built area.

A new build, it comes with a pool, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, cinema room, barbecue area and a spacious dining room. The interiors ooze classic grandeur, with gold detailing and marble finishes.

The garden is a ‘private, tranquil space’ with lush greenery and sea views.

On the front line of the beach, the breathtaking ocean views are backed by equally stunning mountains.

While private, the villa is still close to many amenities, golf courses and Marbella center.

There is also a guest apartment, so guests can feel right at home.

Barking up the right tree

AS the ever increasingly hot summers - and extreme weather around the worldremind us, global warming is real.

And its inspiring industries around the world to find solutions within their fields - not least architects and designers.

One Barcelona-based studio has created two energy efficient homes in the forest in the Basque country made completely from cork and wood.

Emiliano Lopez Monica Rivera Arquitectos explains: “The structural base is in concrete and supports the cross-laminated timber structure above (produced in the Basque Country).

“All is clad on the outside by two layers of insulating cork.

“Inside the houses, the structural wood is left exposed, resulting in an atmosphere that is closer to the surrounding woodland than to the sea five hundred meters away.”

Both houses obtained a Class A energy rating (highest achievable by Spa-

nish standards) with an annual energy consumption of 41.44 and 46.22 kWh/m2 and emissions of 7.04 and 7.88 kg of CO2/m2 a year.

Los Monteros

Puerto Banus

ANDALUCIAN MASTERPIECE, BENAHAVÍS Ref: OP14851

Built: 936 m² | Plot: 3,650 m² | Beds: 6 | Price: € 6,950,000

BEACHSIDE APARTMENT, TERRAZAS DE PUENTE ROMANO

Ref: OP15068 Built: 235 m² | Beds: 3 | Price: € 3,950,000

CHARMING HOUSE IN LOMAS PUEBLO Ref: OP15081

Built: 166 m² | Terraces: 64 m² | Beds: 3 | Price: € 995,000

HIGH-END, SEMI-DETACHED VILLA, GOLDEN MILE Ref: OP15130

Built: 655 m² | Terraces: 282 m² | Beds: 3 | Price: € 5,250,000

SEMI-DETACHED, FRONTLINE GOLF IN ALOHA Ref: OP14879

Built: 253 m² | Plot: 952 m² | Beds: 3 | Price: € 2,300,000

CORNER, DUPLEX PENTHOUSE, ALOHA Ref: OP15010

Built: 140 m² including terraces | Beds: 3 | Price: € 795,000

Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 panorama.es

Offices at Puente Romano and opposite the Marbella Club hotel

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

Heavenly DESIGNS

SPAIN’s ancient churches are some of the nation’s most famous architectural gems. They display a variety of architectural styles reflecting the various eras from which they originate , from Mudejar to Renaissance and Baroque. But a new minimalistic church in Tenerife has shown that the era of great religious architecture is by no means over in Spain.

The Holy Redeemer Church of Las Chumberas in San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife, has just won the 2024 ‘Frate Sole’ international prize for sacred architecture.

How the architects of modern churches are taking a minimalist approach

By Dilip Kuner

Fernando Menis is the man behind the design and has described it as a ‘labour of love and dedication’ for the tight-knit community and the ‘evolution of a collective dream’ that took 15 years to build. It draws on the local volcanic lands-

San Jorge Church, Pamplona

cape to create an austere space which incorporates natural light, energy efficiency, and acoustic quality. The church is by no means alone in showcasing modern architectural trends being brought into religious buildings.

Of these, the influence of minimalism on contemporary Spanish religious architecture is undeniable. This artistic and philosophical movement, which seeks simplicity in form and function,

Built in 2013 this church accommodates 400 people, with a daily chapel for 100.

The parish centre includes offices, multi-purpose rooms, classrooms, priest residences, and a guest room.

The building, surrounded by eight-story structures, occupies a site between two squares. Its design focuses on connecting these squares, creating a central atrium for gathering and urban interaction. The church aligns with the street's rhythm, seamlessly integrating into the neighborhood. A rooftop patio provides light while preserving privacy.

has left a profound mark on the design of modern churches.

Minimalist architects aim to create interior spaces that invite reflection and contemplation. Large windows and high ceilings allow for abundant natural light, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

The Holy Redeemer Church of Las Chumberas, San Cristobal de La Laguna

Wood, stone, and concrete are common materials in minimalist churches. Their natural textures and colors contribute to a sense of connection with the earth and the divine.

Basic geometric shapes, such as cubes, spheres, and rectangles, are recurring elements in the design of these churches. The simplicity of the forms conveys a sense of order and balance. Furniture is reduced to the essentials: benches, altars, and pulpits. Clean li-

nes and simple shapes create a clear and focused spiritual environment. White, gray, and beige colors predominate in minimalist churches. These tones create a neutral background that allows architecture and light to take center stage. It is a far cry from the frequently ornate, intricately carved decor of previous centuries. Here we bring you a selection of some of the best and most unusual churches designed in the 21st century…

Architects: Tabuenca & Leache

Architect: Fernando Menis

• Offices in Calahonda, Torrequebrada and La Cala de Mijas.

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• Multilingual, 12 languages spoken!

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• No sale - No fee! Call us for a free valuation!

Contact our property valuers Daniel Holmquist or David Hemmings to value your property!

CALAHONDA

TORREQUEBRADA LA CALA DE MIJAS

The Church of St. John Paul II, Entrepinos

Architects: VZ Arquitectos

This small community church completed in 2008 is nestled in a residential green space. Its rounded design, resembling a sculpted form, stands out in the landscape.

The building's mass is divided by an exterior atrium and bell tower, creating a sense of excavation. Large granite base and limestone cladding contribute to the monolithic appearance. The interior features a single nave with a double-height space expanding into a side chapel. A floating choir and hidden light sources enhance the sculptural feel. The chapel, presbytery, and auxiliary spaces are unified by a wooden latticework.

La Ascensión del Señor Church, Sevilla

Architects: AGi Architects

The Parish Centre expansion aims to strengthen community engagement and spiritual growth. The design focuses on economical and sustainable solutions, using simple construction techniques.

A large central courtyard connects the church and other facilities, while two smaller court-

yards serve specific liturgical areas.

The main entrance welcomes visitors and invites them inside. The roof's unique shape introduces natural light, defining different liturgical spaces. The architects aim to create a space that addresses community needs and fosters a sense of belonging.

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November 29thDecember 12th 2023 LOOKING FOR MORE PROPERTY STORIES? Scan to visit our website

NEW HIGH

THE average cost per square metre for a property in Marbella hit €4,812 at the end of the first half of the year, according to the real estate portal

Idealista

It’s a new record, something that is starting to become unsurprising, as month after month the figures surpass the previous ones.

Specifically, according to The Agency’s Annual Real Estate Market Report on Marbella and the Costa del Sol, housing prices in Marbella have increased by 10% in the past year, reaching an average of €4,533/m²

Real estate prices in Marbella continue to break records

in February 2024. Areas such as Nagüeles-Golden Mile, Nueva Andalucía, and Las Chapas-El Rosario stand out for their high real estate value. The evolution of housing prices for sale in Marbella is unstoppable, and from February to June 2024, prices have risen by €279/m². The Agency’s Annual Real Estate Market Report on Marbella and the Costa del Sol positions Marbella as

the 16th most expensive city in the world for luxury residences, surpassing Madrid and Dubai. New constructions and renovated properties in exclusive areas can reach prices of up to €28,600 per square mere. The rental market also shows notable figures, with an average rent of €2,263 per prop erty.

Benjamin Beza (pictured), Sales Director of The Agency

Marbella - The

ON THE UP: Marbella, where property prices are steadily rising

Belleside Team, highlighted the region’s appeal: “The solid growth of Marbella’s real estate sector underscores the region’s unique appeal. With its luxurious lifestyle, beautiful landscapes, and solid market fundamentals, Marbella is increasingly becoming a top choice for discerning investors from the United States.”

THE best all-inclusive hotel in the WORLD is in Andalucia, according to a new ranking.

The World Travel Awards - considered the ‘Oscars of tourism’ - have bestowed the prize on a stunning resort in Huelva. Hotel Barcelo Isla Canela, near Ayamonte, was already considered one of the jewels in the crown of Spain’s tourism sector. But now it’s gone up another notch.

Despite only counting on four stars it is very popular with models, celebrities and influencers. The 349-room hotel has beautiful grounds, including tennis and padel courts, a golf course, as well as a spa.

It is also close to some of Spain’s most beautiful beaches and just a short hop across the river into Portugal.

But, best of all, it has been chosen for the excellent quality of food, which provides guests with three meals a day, all within one global price.

Thus, housing values are rising in the seven main areas into which Idealista divides the municipality. In Nagüeles-Golden Mile, the price is already at €6,252; in Nueva Andalucía, at €5,329; in San Pedro, it nearly reaches €4,000, standing at €3,997. The most affordable area is Elviria-Cabopino, where the price per square meter is €3,702.

A GROWING MARKET

THE Spanish real estate market continues to show significant strength, suggesting further growth in the coming years.

However, to see this trend requires looking at some of the figures in a broader context because of the distortions of the Covid and immediate post-Covid period.

Keeping in mind this context is key if we're going to interpret market data properly. For example, analysts are beginning to skip the usual comparisons of current to immediately preceding years. Instead, they compare current data with years before 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began.

They argue that economic behaviour during 2020–2022 can be misleading, given the wild swings the pandemic and its aftermath produced.

If we make this adjustment, the picture for Spain looks very positive, especially for regions like Malaga and the Costa del Sol, where the number of foreign buyers and the luxury market offset negative factors like inflation.

Let’s start with some raw figures that suggest a bleak picture of Spain’s real estate market as compared to 2022. These are worth picking apart to understand their real meaning and to see why they are incorrect.

Based on raw numbers, home sales fell by 9.7% in 2023 (10.8% for used homes, 4.8% for new homes) compared to 2022. Prices began to rise rapidly at the start of 2021 as the economy opened up and then declined through 2022.

However, these numbers are distorted by being compared with 2022. In that year, the

A PERSONAL TOUCH

Melec: More than appliances, we have been building relationships that last for generations

IN an era dominated by technological advancements and corporate giants, Melec Costa stands as a testament to tradition, resilience, and personalised service.

We are already in our second generation, with the third generation growing up fast and hopefully ready to take the business to new levels!

We offer more than just products. We provide a sense of familiarity, trust, and a personal touch that is increasingly rare in today's fast-paced world. We build relationships with our customers, understanding their unique needs and offering tailored solutions that fit their budgets.

We prioritise quality over quantity, customer satisfaction over profit margins, and long-term relationships over one-time transactions. Our charm lies in our ability to adapt to changing times while staying true to core values like punctuality and respect.

Our specialty is Bosch, Balay, and Siemens appliances. We sell their products along with associated replacement parts and extended warranties. While we all hope your appliance never fails, in the rare event that it does,

we keep detailed records to alert the manufacturers and minimise any inconvenience for you.

For Melec, the sale doesn’t end after your purchase. We'll be with you every step of the way to resolve any issues during or after the warranty period, which is now three years in Europe.

Loyalty

Melec is proud to employ a local Spanish staff. We thank them for their loyalty, hard work, and dedication, especially during the busy summer months. They will respectfully address you in English if required.

Our team of seven has survived the financial crisis of 2008 and the pandemic of 2019, thanks mainly to our fantastic customers who have supported us despite stiff competition from online and large retail stores. Many of you know our team by name: Mark, Joseph, Patrick, Pablo ("Moy!"), Carlo, Phoebe, and Miguel in the shop.

Melec extends our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all our customers, from the early 2000s to today. Without you, we simply wouldn't exist! We will continue to listen to your feedback and learn as technology and the market evolve.

real estate market experienced a surge of pent-up demand in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

To correctly position sales from 2023 in terms of overall trends, we need to look at their relationship

Spain’s real estate market returns to normal

to the last year of sales numbers prior to Covid. According to the same Caixa Bank report, what we find is that home sales in Spain have grown by 16.1% nationally compared to 2019. What applied to the Spanish real estate market is equally evident when we look at regional statistics in Malaga province and the Costa del Sol. Home sales in Malaga province have come down from the pent-up demand we saw released post-pandemic in 2022.

estate transactions occurred between January and November 2023. In relation to 2022, that is a 17.75% decline from more than 39,000 sales in total.

That looks alarming until we compare this with pre-pandemic transactions: there were 27,710 for 2019, which means a 15.9% increase between that year and 2023.

That’s more or less a 4% per annum growth rate, which is very healthy.

As well as the overall strength of the Costa del Sol market, we also see that luxury home purchases play an outsized role here.

For instance, 32,115 real ments and penthouses, drawn by Spain’s favourable climate, lifestyle, and good value compared to other prime European destinations. Prices in Spain’s luxury housing segment have surged 10 - 20% since 2021. In the super-luxury range, homes in Benahavis have an average value of €6.8 million with an average price of €6,437 per square metre. In Marbella, the average is €7 million, with a square metre price approaching €11,000. For comparison, the average price per square metre for Spain was €2,152. By the end of 2023, foreigners made up a third of all home purchases in the Costa del Sol’s golden triangle towns. Compare that

According to a luxury Spanish housing market report by Hiscox, there were 2,500 homes for sale in 2023 with a value greater than €3 million in Malaga province, or 34% of the total Spanish super-luxury market.

Most of these high-end homes are located in Benahavís, Estepona and Marbella, an area known as the Golden Triangle.

Foreign ultra-high net worth investors are flocking to purchase luxury villas, apart-

to the rest of Spain, where foreign purchases make up only 21.4%. The British continued to lead the ranking of foreign buyers, followed by Swedes, Dutch and Belgians.

Please visit our website www.melec-costa.com for more information and a sample of our products. You can also book service calls on WhatsApp (627 120 352), by email (meleccosta@gmail.com), or by phone (952 493 426).

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

The Property Insider

by Adam Neale

Spanish house prices - especially in coastal regions

- have remained remarkably stable. In the last two years, they have grown above the rate of inflation through both the post-pandemic buying surge and the 2023 return to normal.

What can explain the fact that house prices in Spain rose in Q1 2024 by 7% (3.68% inflation-adjusted) compared to the previous year? Likewise, in 2023, prices rose by 8.16% (4.19% inflation-adjusted).

One of the most important reasons is that while prices are rising in Spain, they are doing so from a very low level. The housing crisis of 2007-2013 hit the Spanish market especially hard. It is only now reaching price levels comparable to those in 2007, 17 years ago.

real estate purchased for tourist rentals a quality investment with solid returns.

CaixaBank Research forecasts that the tourism sector's GDP will grow by 2.5% in real terms in 2024, reaching a level of 7.1% above 2019. It ended 2023 with a year-on-year growth of 6.9% and exceeded the 2019 level by 4.5%.

Real estate purchased for tourist rentals is a quality investment

That not only means that buying even a luxury home still seems like a bargain, to foreign buyers especially. It also means that they are willing to push the price up to get the house that they want because compared to their home country, it still seems like a bargain.

A second factor, especially in coastal regions, is the sustained growth in tourism. This has made

The third factor, related to the first two, is that new construction of homes in Spain – and especially in high-demand areas like the Costa del Sol – lags demand.

In 2023, the number of housing starts rose by 1.1% y-o-y to 98,040 units, an improvement from an annual decline of 3.5% in the prior year, based on figures from the Ministry of Development. Likewise, housing completions also increased slightly by 0.7% to 80,473 units in 2023, in contrast to a 4.9% drop in 2022.

Overall, the numbers show that the market has clearly passed through a period of readjustment from the pandemic era. The ‘irrational exuberance’ that accompanied the reopening of the economy post-COVID couldn’t last.

Hipster

Hottest hotel of the summer, Los Felices, launches with host of celebrities and fashion designers

IT’S a style of hotel that rocked California’s inland retreat of Palm Springs in the 1960s.

And with over 100 fashion designers helping to inspire the suites and public areas it is bound to be a huge hit in Spain.

The huge raft of fashionistas, including Alejandro Gomez Palomo, An-

By Jon Clarke

gel Nokonoko and Pepa Salazar, have lent their name to Los Felices (meaning ‘happy people’), in Ibiza. Claiming to be the first hotel in the world entirely dedicated to fashion, each designer has lent a garment to the six villas and 107 rooms.

The hotel on Sant Josep bay, near San Antonio, is showcasing the designers, many who are only now emerging onto the Spanish scene. At a launch party this month, dozens of them attended alongside Hollywood stars Paz Vega and Josh Hutcherson, famous for his role in the Hunger Games. Interior architects Ilmiodesign have done an incredible job matching the style of the Sixties with its clean lines, pastel colours and retro touches.

A riot of colours, quirky furniture and giant photos make up the lounge areas, while tall palm trees and cactus dominate the planting outside. The rooms are buzzing, with Mar-

RETRO: Los Felices is inspired by 60s California

hangout

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

shall speakers, bright colours and numerous products.

Meanwhile, a kiosk offers, naturally, a host of fashion magazines for sale, as well as a range of stylish clobber.

The lucky few will get to stay in the UFO-shaped villas, designed by Danish architect Matti Suuronen back in the 70s.

His bright pink Futuro House is the backdrop to a stage, which will host fashion shows and concerts.

Part of the Concept Group’s chain of hotels, it opened this summer and costs from around €200 +a night in September.

A connected nightclub will open next year, while the restaurant Bambola di Grosso Napoletano fusing Italian with Spanish cuisine.

LA CULTURA

Murcian city is the home of the Spanish navy.

Not content to literally rest on their laurels – as victorious military commanders were wont to do after being garlanded with laurel wreaths – the Romans steadily moved west across Iberia. They met the Carthaginians once again for a final showdown in the Battle of Ilipa in 206 BC, close to modern-day Alcala del Rio near Sevilla.

A decisive Roman victory, led by Scipio Africanus, paved the way for an era of Roman domination in Andalucia that would last for centuries.

Other important victories in Andalucia included the siege of the city of Gadir – what is now modern day Cadiz – in 206 BC and the Battle of Baecula near present-day Bailen, Jaen, in 208 BC.

In barely 20 years the Romans conquered a huge swathe of Iberia, going on to establish Hispania Ulterior in 197 BC, which covered much of southern and western Spain and Portugal. But it would be nearly another two centuries until they finally vanquished all the tribes of Spain – with the help of a certain garlanded Spaniard.

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REMAINS: Roman theatre in Cartagena

GREEK: The city of Empuries on the Girona coast

MILITARY BASE: Cartagena, was and still is, in a strategic position

RESTING PLACE: The tomb of Numerius Agrestinus in Pompeii

Social media journalists

Dear Olive Press,

ACCUSING someone of animal abuse definitely requires clear and unambiguous evidence, if you want to avoid a defamation lawsuit (see our front page story on the donkey taxis of Mijas). Video recordings may be used in court under certain conditions, but you can’t publish them on the internet. Please take the legal route rather than the social media path, where too many people have opinions on things they know very little about.

Sietse Vliegen, via email Editor’s note: We report what we can back up, in this case by talking to the victim of the assault. The difference between social media posters and journalists is we dig further and fact check, as we have done in this case.

OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Carry-on chaos

Let’s throw out silly airline rules and standardise the ones that remain

REGARDING your article about the changes in carry-on luggage changes (see ‘Change in hand luggage rules to affect all airports in Spain within days – here’s all you need to know’ from August 12).

Why do we even have these checks? Obviously, checking for weapons and knives makes sense.

But taking off our shoes is absurd; it was a knee-jerk reaction to the ‘shoe-bomber’; one event.

Nothing like that has happened in the past two decades. And why a belt? Surely computer cables are just as dangerous for a nefarious agent? Liquids?

That's ridiculous and there are no international standards. Some airports have a

limit of 30mls. What can liquids do?

I've never understood that one. At the airport in Singapore, where I changed planes to London on my way to Malaga, a canned drink I had bought IN THE TRANSIT LOUNGE was taken away from me. In Malaga, going through security, I had one centimetre nail scissors taken away from me. Most airports say the minimum for scissors are two centimetres. These are antiquated, arbitrary rules that make no sense. It would be interesting to investigate each bizarre rule regarding carry-ons and examine if these random activities are even needed anymore.

A fan!

I AM a freelance journalist and page editor from Ireland and I’ve been visiting Javea for a few days.

I have just picked up an edition of your Olive Press and wanted to send a message to say what a great little publication it is! Javea seems like a great place to live. I have loved every minute of our visit. Have a great day, Cammy, via email

A critic

I WAS thinking about vacationing in Spain again this year but your pages tell me that if I don't fry in a superheated cauldron I'll catch West Nile virus; Crimean Congo virus; Monkeypox; I'll be killed by a drunk driver or I'll be murdered by a drug gang. Doesn't look very inviting to me.

David James Bentley, via email

Across: 7 Current events, 8 Bed sheet, 9 Hock, 10 Bumpy, 12 Flaring, 14 Falters, 16 Tense, 19 Isn’t, 20 No return, 22 Private sector.

Down: 1 Bureau, 2 Gras, 3 Ended, 4 Textile, 5 Sea horse, 6 C T scan, 11 Putative, 13 Granite, 15 Absorb, 17 Sermon, 18 Press, 21 Tech.

Unmissable!

Overwhelming Success at the Grand Opening of MiColchón in Ronda

THE grand opening of the new MiColchón store in Ronda surpassed all expectations. With over 200 people lining up early, some as early as 6am, the leading sleep brand in Spain celebrated the opening by giving away 50 free mattresses to the first visitors.

All the mattresses were snapped up in just 15 minutes. But the surprises didn’t end there: due to the huge turnout, MiColchón decided to give away more than 100 pillows to those who didn’t get a mattress, ensuring that no one left empty-handed.

A new benchmark for sleep

The store, located at C. Genal, 28, has strengthened MiColchón's presence in the province of Málaga, solidifying its position as a leading provider of high-quality sleep products.

The store offers a wide range of mattresses, recliners, sofa beds, armchairs, and other sleep accessories such as pillows and headboards, from top brands like Tempur, Flex, Relax, Nessen, Nightland, Sealy, Hukla, and Dorwin.

Manuel Guerrero, founder of MiColchón, expressed his satisfaction at the launch, saying: “The response from the Ronda community has been incredible. We are very grateful for the enthusiasm and welcome they have given us.”

Offers and personalized advice

Attendees at the grand opening not only enjoyed the free gifts but also exclusive discounts and personalised advice from the Colchonólogos® experts at MiColchón.

Throughout the month of August, the store will offer special offers and promotions for residents of Ronda, allowing more people to experience the comfort that characterises the brand. The opening of MiColchón in Ronda has made it clear that the demand for quality products in the sleep sector continues to grow. For more details on products and current offers, please visit www.micolchon.com or follow the company on social media.

MiColchón remains committed to its mission of providing the best sleep to all households in Spain.

Melanie Morningstar, via email

PROTEST POINTERS

THE protestors against tourism need to target the travel agents, hotels, people who rent out their homes, etc, as it is only when these people stop their actions that tourists won't arrive. No good targeting those who have

already arrived. People need to be stopped before arriving if properties can be used for residents. It's too late otherwise.

Roz Frampton, via email

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

AN INVASION of oriental hornets is threatening honey production in Malaga province.

There are over 30,000 hives in the area and the hornets pose a serious threat to the natural ecosystem as they kill the bees to boost their protein consumption

The plague is reducing the production of honey in several Guadalhorce Valley municipalities such as Coin, Alhaurin and Alora, as well as affecting hives from the Genal Valley to the coast around Estepona. Beekeeper, Antonio Vazquez, said: “Hornets are destroying entire hives and many farms may not be able to deal with the losses in the autumn and winter.”

RED FACES!

Tomatina VIP ticket row as council charges €500 for privileged positions

CLASS

The

The

By Alex Trelinski

The move has been branded as ‘classist’ by a left-wing political party which says the tickets threaten the unifying spirit of the event.

The Izquierda Alternativa de Buñol says the tomato has a unique position of equality and not being expensive for

By royal approval

A LONDON-BASED Spanish chef has revealed that Queen Camilla has praised a Huelva province manufacturer for producing ‘the best Iberian ham in the world’.

The revelation came from Jose Pizarro who visited the Cinco Jotas ham cellar in the small town of Jabugo for an interview with The Times newspaper.

Pizarro said the product got the royal seal of approval from Camilla when he cooked her a meal at Buckingham Palace.

“I cooked for the Queen a month ago when I sliced a Cinco Jotas for her,” he stated.

“She is a very nice woman and I was amused that she told people to eat this ham as it is the best in the world.”

Honey threat BACK TO BEFORE

HAND luggage rules will be changed for airline passengers departing from some Spanish airports as of September 1.

anybody to enjoy.

The council attracted criticism last year when photojournalists had to go through all kinds of processes to do their work to avoid paying for balcony access.

The event - always on the last Wednesday of August - gets bigger every year and with more cash being invested, the council argues that the tickets are an easy way of re- couping public money. It is a

balancing act between tradition mixed with an egalitarian spirit as well as making it a profitable tourist event.

Up to 50,000 people used to take part in La Tomatina but safety issues have meant numbers are now a maximum of 20,000 official ticket-holders.

All of the pear tomatoes used in the hour-long battle are grown further north at Benicarlo, Ciudad Real, and Hellin because they are cheaper than those that are locally grown products.

The EU has ruled that expensive new security scanners are not up to scratch in dealing with larger items. It will now switch back to previous restrictions meaning that travellers will be limited to liquids in carry-on bags that are 100ml and under.

Airports at Barcelona and Madrid had installed the new C3 scanners this year as part of a roll-out across Spain.

The European airport trade association, ACI EUROPE, called the decision 'a setback for the passenger experience and a blow to major investments made by airports'.

Double trouble

MALAGA and Valencia are taking on the traditional ‘big two’ of Madrid and Barcelona to woo business and conference tourists. Figures suggest that the two ‘newcomers’ are pulling clients away from Spain's two biggest cities, helped by new facilities and improved transport links.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Chilling out

Cooling off: beat the heat this summer with these inland swimming spots

ALTHOUGH Spain is known for its sandy beaches and chilled chiringuitos, those who flock to the coast to cool off may be missing a trick.

Inland Andalucia, Valencia, Mallorca and Murcia are also home to many stunning spots often missed by tourists.

Fresh water pools make for a refreshing dip, without clinging sand and saltwater stinging your eyes. Although finding an inland swimming spot can sometimes be a challenge, as they are frequently nestled in mountain ranges, caves and canons, it’s well worth the effort.

The Serrania de Ronda in Andalucia is undoubtedly one of the best places in Spain to cool off, with many rivers and streams running through the hills.

Just an hour away from the Costa del Sol is the Rio Genal, a popular bathing spot for locals of Algatocin and Jubrique.

The river is a great option as you can walk through it to reach many different pools, or ‘charcos’, each quieter than the next.

Plug ‘Venta de San Juan’ into your GPS and after an hour of snaking through mountain roads, you’ll arrive.

Park along the road or in the small car park of ‘Camping El Genal’, before making your way down to the first pool, known as ‘El Puente’.

Found under the El Puente de San Juan, the spot is aptly named, ‘the bridge’.

Here, there is plenty of space to set up camp, with concrete slabs under the bridge and surrounding the river.

The water is also quite deep here, making it perfect for a refreshing dip. However, the first of many pools, it

By Yzabelle Bostyn

can often get crowded and doesn’t have the same natural charm that those who wade further upstream can enjoy.

Walking away from the road up the river, you will find Charco Picao, another deep pool thanks to the artificial dams built to trap water. This is by far the largest body of water and feels almost like you could be at the beach.

Carrying on further, you will reach El Estrecho or ‘the thin one’, named after the rocks squeezing the river at either side.

Be careful as you walk along as excitable children launch themselves from the rocks above into the water. It is possible to walk throughout most of the trajectory, even for short people like myself (I measure 5ft 3’) but it is recommended to wear water shoes, alongside a backpack you can hoist up to safety.

The last pool, La Toma, boasts a small ‘natural jacuzzi’ as water bubbles over rocks to go downstream. Surrounded by leafy trees, butterflies and flowers, the clear waters are a relief from built up Malaga and you’ll want to come back for more.

If you are looking for somewhere a little closer to home (wherever you are in Andalucia) here is a selection of other spots in the region…

Formed by a cavern that gives way into the Guduares river, this natural pool has icy cold water that is derived from the cave itself, which visitors can explore while wading in the water. After leaving the mouth of the cave, the water creates a natural pool that is shaded by the nearby forest and mountains.

CAÑON DE LAS BUITRERAS, CORTES DE LA FRONTERA, MALAGA

An official natural monument since 2003, this canyon makes for an adventurous swimming spot due to the Guadiaro river that runs through it, with its winding watercourse and vertical stone banks more than 100 meters in height. Visitors here can easily transition from swimming, to hiking and to canoeing. Due to its occasional fast-moving water, visitors are advised to wear a full wetsuit, to really enjoy the water.

MAJACEITE RIVER TRAIL, BENAMAHOMA TO EL BOSQUE

The upper part of the Majaceite River between El Bosque and Benamahoma is found in the heart of the Grazalema Natural Park, in Cadiz, and offers one of the most magical midsummer walks. Mostly in the shade, the walk follows the course of the river, criss-crossing it with bridges. But best of all - with a dozen fantastic places to jump in for a swim. Even better, there are superb restaurants for a cool, shady lunch at either end, in particular in Benamahoma.

This natural pool is formed by the Chillar River, which has created small canyons that can be so narrow that visitors can touch both walls at once. In order to access it, visitors must embark on a short hike that runs along the river and leads to the wider portion meant for swimming. Since there is only one main area for swimming, it is best to go earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.

POZA DE LOS PATOS, NERJA

RIO GUADALMINA, BENAHAVIS

While the Guadalmina River is 28 km long, this wider portion of the river offers a great place to swim or go on an exciting 30-minute river tour. The river can be easily accessed from the A-7175, where visitors can park in the lower area of Benahavis and take a short walk down to reach the starting point. Keep in mind that it has been growing in popularity due to visitors' ability to safely jump from the small rocks surrounding the water. Unlike other natural swimming ponds, this river is regulated for swimming use and is only open between 10am and 8pm.

‘I visited two incredible and barely-known cities in northern Spain - here’s why you must add them to your travel wishlist’, writes Yzabelle Bostyn

THESE two cities in northern Spain are a must-add to your travel wishlist, despite being missed by many tourists.

Although Galicia is known for the famous Camino pilgrimage and Santiago de Compostela, there’s so much more to the region.

If you’re spending a few days in northern Spain, we recommend venturing out of the tourist hotspots to discover some of Galicia’s lesser known cities. Both found on the Camino de

Santiago, Vigo and Pontevedra are charming cities with curious backgrounds.

The bigger of the two, head for Vigo first to get a taste of a ‘real’ Galician city without the tourists and students of Santiago.

Start your day with a coffee and pastry at one of the old town’s many cafes.

We sampled cookies and cinnamon rolls from vegan bakery, the Hippie Baker but the chocolate loaf stole the show, with a delicate chocolate ganache encased in dark chocolate and

dried raspberries.

Then, we made our way back up the hill, passing through the city’s famous oyster street.

A local delicacy, here you can find the fresh, great quality seafood Galicia is known for.

If a whole street isn’t enough for you, check out the Mercado da Pedra for all your seafood needs.

As well as food, Vigo’s old town is home to many museums and cute independent shops that could make for a full day of mooching amongst the porti-

coes and grey stoned buildings. Highlights include the Basilica de Santa Maria, the Plaza de la Constitucion and the Plaza de la Princesa.

If in typical Galician style it starts to rain, take shelter in the city’s ‘cultural golden mile’, visiting museums such as the MACRO (Museum of Modern Art).

Once you’ve had your fill of culture, head up to the O Castro Mountain for panoramic views over the Vigo estuary.

Once a fortress, the mountain is free to visit and shares an inter-

VIGO: The city has many hidden nooks and crannies that are well worth searching out

FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL

esting part of Galicia’s military history.

It is also the city’s best spot to watch the sunset, so grab a bottle of wine and settle in as you bid goodbye to this perfect day.

Another lovely day trip in Galicia is Pontevedra, known for its hospitality and friendliness.

A stop along the Camino, Pontevedrans welcome hundreds of pilgrims every day and the town is inextricably linked to the religious walk.

The main attraction is the Sanctuary of A Virxe da Peregrina, a small chapel where walkers can stamp their pilgrim passport.

After admiring the chapel, you can pay one euro to wander up

the stairs and look around from the balcony.

But this is just one of Pontevedra’s multitude of historic churches.

Next door, you will find the San Francisco Convent and the enchanting Plaza Ourense.

With granite buildings covered in moss and vines, Pontevedra is truly atmospheric and the looming clouds only add to this.

The Basilica de Santa Maria, is another highlight, built to honour the patron of the Portuguese Way, the Spain-Portugal route of the Camino.

Continues on next page

VIEWS: Head for the hills around Vigo for breathtaking vistas, while (left) buy the freshest shellfish in the bustling streets

SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Spoilt for choice

After touring the churches, we recommend losing yourself amongst the old town’s winding pathways and fairytale squares including the Plaza de Teucro, the Plaza de Verdura and Plaza de Leña.

Though small, the latter manages to house many Michelin star restaurants and is often booked out, so make sure you reserve a place early.

After refuelling on quality food, wander down to the River Lerez. The shores of the river hold many attractions, including the Ilsa de las Esculturas (Sculpture

Island) and the Rosalia de Castro park.

But the main sight is the O Burgo bridge, which has Roman origins but was replaced in the 12th century.

You may even spot pilgrims crossing the 12 arch structure as part of the Portuguese way. Then, visit the Mercado de Abastos for all your fresh fruit, veg and fish needs.

Upon exiting, you’ll also find a lovely gift shop with local products hidden in one of the porticoes.

Work your way back into town via the Pedreira Square, home to the Baroque mansion of Mugartegui.

Then, take a look at Pontevedra’s parador before heading to the best part of your visit, the wine bar district.

Cinco Ruas square, Paio Gomez Chariño Square and Tetuan Street will leave you spoilt for choice with their host of wine bars.

This area is also very cultural, with the theatre, town hall, the Cafe Moderno cultural centre and Praza de Musica (Music Square).

If you’ve loved the architecture so far, finish off your day by checking out the fishermans’ houses around the Praza de Touros and A Moureira district.

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 the high seas!”

FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL

Hard work

What makes Jennifer Cunningham Insurances so different?

Agood question and I can offer you a number of answers. I started my company nearly 30 years ago, working from home and developing the business slowly over a number of years. Once established, I employed staff and rented a large office in Javea port, where I am still to this day. How life has changed for me, and for the better.

I realised when I moved to Spain, that there was very little help available and what was available was normally in Spanish. There was no private health insurance, no funeral plans and no insurance dedicated to the Expat, and little customer service. I started the business selling health insurance for a British company, along with funeral plans. Having lost my husband in Spain, I realised how difficult it was to arrange a funeral and the costs were enormous.

Being very disciplined myself (probably due to my time in the Air Force), I have a strong work ethic. I used to work from home during the day, and I would go out early evenings making home visits until I was busy enough to take someone on to help me. From those early days when I worked tirelessly, I built my company and now have seven offices. I demand from my excellent and loyal staff that they treat all my clients with respect, courtesy and honesty and offer them the best service that is possible. I pride myself that the after sales service is the best, a service very rare in Spain. I have a Claims Administrator and a dedicated Renewal department, who will make sure that as your circumstances change, your policies can change with you and you fully aware of your coverage.

So these are just some of the reasons why we are so special. We are more than just a voice on the phone, offering good, old fashioned service. Not always the cheapest, but the best, working with Liberty Seguros and ASSSA healthcare, who both provide special Expat policies and are the best in the market.

Mark, Jennifer’s son, will be taking on the company to continue with his late mother’s ethos of customer service and information and this is one of the previous articles from Jennifer that is still relevant today. The only difference is Liberty Seguros has now merged with Generali Seguros, although the policies remain the same.

For more information or a quotation, please call one of my

or visit

Original Article from February 2023

PONTEVEDRA: Seek out stunning architecture centuries-old streets and incredible countryside on a trip to the Spanish city

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

HEALTH

Be safe

AUGUST'S Valencia Medusa Sunbeach Festival set up tents for attendees to drug-test their drinks to see if they were spiked.

Social workers were also present at the so-called ‘violet point’ to deal with possible cases of gender-based violence or sexual abuse.

The drink testing kits, a first for Spain, detect GHB - an odourless party drug - that acts as a central nervous system depressant.

In recent years, it has gained notoriety as a ‘date-rape’ drug.

Rosana Galvez, a social worker for the Valencia region’s women’s network, said the tests were a way to prevent sexual assaults.

It’s not known how tests were carried out during the festival, which welcomed over 56,000 people.

KILLER TEMPS

Extreme heat killed 47,000 people in Europe last year

A NEW report has revealed that the scorching heat that gripped Europe last year killed 47,000 people, 8,300 of them in Spain.

The research, published in Nature Medicine, found that Spain had the second highest number of heat-related deaths in Europe in 2023.

Italy took top spot with 12,743 deaths and Germany suffered 6,376 heat-related deaths.

Following on are Greece, with 4,339; France, with 2,734; and Romania, with 2,585.

Greece topped the list of countries with the highest death rate at 393 deaths per

TOURISTS in Spain have been warned as a spate of painful poisonings have been taking place on the country’s beaches.

Over 700 people have been stung so far this summer by the venomous Weever fish, also known in Spain as Spider Fish. The danger lies in the fish’s venomous dorsal fin.

When stepped on, it releases a toxin that can cause severe pain, potentially leading to unconsciousness. Victims often experience stinging and swelling at the

By Walter Finch

million inhabitants.

It was followed by Bulgaria with 229 deaths per million; and Italy with 209 deaths per million.

Spain (175 deaths per million), Cyprus (167 deaths per million), and Portugal (136 deaths per million) followed.

The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact of heat on vulnerable populations, with older adults and women being particularly at risk.

The mortality rate among women was found to be 55%

STINGING WARNING

sting site, vomiting, fever, and respiratory issues. While primarily found in the Atlantic waters around Galicia, the Weever is also present in the Mediterranean, making it a widespread concern for beachgoers around Spain.

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nerable, with a staggering 768% higher mortality rate compared to younger age groups.

The study reveals that the majority of these deaths occurred during intense heat waves in mid-July and late August, periods when temperatures soared across Europe. However, the research also showed that Europe has made progress in adapting to heatwaves, with measures such as early warning systems and public health campaigns helping to reduce the number of deaths compared to 2022.

Dollygänger

SCIENTISTS have produced Spain's first genetically modified sheep as part of studies over farm animal reproduction and to use findings to learn more about human fertilisation. The lamb has been named Teodoro by staff at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).

Research team leader, Pablo Bermejo-Alvarez, said: “Genetically modified animal studies are essential to advance the knowledge of any biological process, including those involved in reproduction.”

Genetic

Until the emergence of gene editing technology known as CRISPR, genetic changes were mainly carried out in mice as techniques were not good enough.

With the birth of Teodoro, research can now be carried out on a new range of gene development which can be applied to humans.

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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).

AnyTech365 TotalCare

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.

Some of AnyTech365 Products and Features

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.

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 Security

AnyTech365

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

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

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.

The company and their solutions have been widely recognized and won multiple awards on local, national, and international level such as “The

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.

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).

BE SMART: And you too could slay the troll!`

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

AnyTech365 TotalCare

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.

Little Nessie

THE Loch Ness Monster’s cousin has landed in Spain. Tebi, a playful winged kelpie, was brought to Teba, Malaga all the way from Inverness some 700 years ago, or so claims the local council.

The imaginary creature will now become the town’s ‘mascot’ from its home in the Guadalteba reservoir.

Teba has a strong link with Scotland, celebrating the Douglas Day fiesta for the past 18 years.

The celebrations mark Scotsman Sir James Douglas’ bravery during the battle of Teba in 1330, in which he died.

Part of the reconquest of Spain, Douglas is also remembered by a memorial in the town.

THONG GATE

Social media users get their knickers in a twist after influencer dumps underwear in bread cabinet

A BRITISH influencer has been warned she faces legal action in Spain after putting her used underwear among loaves of bread at a supermarket. In one of her latest videos, Chloe Jade Lopez is seen pushing a trolley around a Merca-

MIND BOGGLES

A PEEPING Tom who put a spy camera on window grilles to watch elderly people in their bedrooms has been caught after police identified him on his own recording.

A resident in Alicante saw the man place the device on his window at dawn - the camera was even painted so it would blend in with the surroundings.

The Guardia Civil studied the downloaded footage, which was taken at different Formentera de la Segura homes and even showed the man’s face when he was installing it at a property. He was arrested and charged with crimes against privacy as well as drug possession and trafficking.

By Laurence Dollimore

dona supermarket before suddenly stopping.

She then smiles into the camera as she takes off a pink thong before opening a bread tray, placing the underwear inside and closing it again.

Donning a short black skirt and heels, she then chuckles as she pushes her trolley away from the scene. She shared the video with her 183,000 Instagram followers alongside the caption: “Leaving a donation.”

But the clip has sparked a backlash from locals online, with dozens vowing to file a police report.

One commenter wrote in Spanish: “Reported for put-

ting consumers’ health at risk. I hope Mercadona does the same but through the courts.”

Another said: “She is committing a crime against public health, how is it possible that her account has not been closed for this? She must be reported and fined.”

Others simply tagged accounts belonging to the Policia Nacional and Health Ministry.

Crimes against public health in Spain can bring fines that run into the tens of thousands, depending on their severity - and in the most extreme cases even jail time. Mercadona has strict rules about handling bread at its supermarkets, with customers told they must wear plastic gloves that are provided next to the trays.

Reptile rap

POLICE who searched the car of a ‘nervous’ 52-year-old ferry passenger in Tenerife were shocked to find three giant lizards hidden in the boot.

Costly cubes

A SPANISH tourist shelling out €250 for a high-end lobster meal at a Menorca restaurant was left speechless when he was charged €3 for extra ice cubes.

Political lies

FAR-RIGHT agitator Alvise Perez disappointed his followers after cancelling a raffle offering his first MEP salary of €6,876.04 as a prize as he’d prefer to ‘buy a finca’ or ‘go on holiday in Ibiza’.