Olive Press Andalucia Issue 445

Video footage recorded by the Olive Press shows a security guard waving his finger and shouting ‘no, no, no!’ at the men as he frantically made hand gestures towards his watch. The pair were then escorted away from the area at the Melia Hotel in Benidorm and told to get to the back of a queue, which had been forming from 8am. It comes as hotels are bracing for the dreaded sunbed wars this year, which are starting earlier than ever.

Last week two elderly tourists were branded ‘selfish’ for laying on stacks of sunbeds, also in Benidorm.

Fight them on the beaches!

A HISTORIC anti-tourism march has alarmed holiday firms as the main summer season begins.

An incredible 10,000 people took to the streets in Mallorca this weekend to demand change to the ‘destructive’ effects of tourism.

Chanting ‘They will not force us out of Mallorca’, they goaded holidaymakers with signs including ‘ Guiri go home!’ and caused mayhem on a busy Saturday. It comes after local protests also took place in Sevilla, Malaga and the Canary Islands. Tourists told the Olive Press how they felt ‘intimidated’ and even ‘scared’ when the hordes of angry protesters marched

sees 10,000 take through Palma, on Saturday. Under the slogan ‘Mallorca isn’t for sale’ the principal complaint is the lack of affordable housing caused by a surplus of Airbnbs, hotels and

tourist lets.

Posters read: ‘Our ancestors land is for sale’ and ‘It’s not tourism-phobia, it’s Mallorca-cide’, while protestors chanted: “No, no, they will not force us out of Mallorca.”

charming bit left to buy,” he said.

The group is demanding immediate ‘emergency measures’ to solve the issue.

One local told the Olive Press:

“The general public has had to take a stand as our politicians just don’t want to get involved.”

For young people, the situation is particularly dire.

Locals relate how they are ‘stuck’ living with their parents due to high rent prices.

A spokesman for the organisers, a local collective called Sencelles Time Bank said ‘enough was enough’ as tourism took a grip across every part of the island.

“Foreign investors are honing in on the interior of the island because it's the only

These include: declaring Mallorca a ‘stressed’ real estate zone, the approval of a vital moratorium on tourist lets and standard of living guarantees for locals.

Model

“People are really suffering and we don’t trust this government to change the tourism model,” added the spokesman. It follows action in the Canary Islands last month, where some 57,000 residents gathered to protest against mass tourism.

A German tourist boss, who owns a string of holiday rentals in Sevilla and Marbella, told the Olive Press: “I am genuinely worried about it and don’t tell anyone I meet anymore what my job is.”

Asking to remain anonymous, she added: “It is clearly becoming a major problem.”

IN BRIEF

Scooter warning

MALAGA city has begun erecting portable speed cameras in its streets to catch out e-scooter riders driving too fast.

Bike thief

A MARBELLA ‘thief’ who ‘stole 33 bikes’ has finally been arrested after a huge haul of 33 bicycles was discovered on a ‘finca’ in San Pedro de Alcantara.

Bingo blow

A MALAGA cocktail bar has been raided over its popular and unlicensed bingo sessions which offered holidays and TVs as prizes and brought in hundreds of punters.

Tragic deaths

PRESIDENT of Andalucia Juanma Moreno has offered his condolences to affected friends and family following the ‘terrible’ murder of two children in Granada at the hands of their grandfather, who killed himself immediately afterwards.

Homeward bound

A BRITISH couple who were arrested for allegedly running a UK prostitution ring will be extradited from Spain by the National Court.

They were previously convicted for an identical crime in Britain in 2009.

Neil Lock, 43, from Griñon, near Madrid, agreed to the extradition order while his wife Natalie - also 43 - initially opposed the application.

They are accused of running a website from Spain that ran apartments where 35 women were sexually exploited.

Each of the victims were given the homes to conduct their business, with the Locks taking 40% of earnings.

The women were allegedly forced to work up to 21 hours per day.

UK prosecutors revealed to the Olive Press that text messages to one woman revealed 'extremely aggressive con-

Husband

and wife

‘pimps’ to be sent to face UK justice

By Alex Trelinski

trol' including threats to keep them in line.

British authorities said that an associate of the Lockswith the initials A.B - threatened to unpixilate her photo from the website to reveal her real name if she did not obey him.

When she said she was pregnant, A.B. 'threatened her' and insinuated that if she left the criminal operation, she would 'suffer unspecified consequences'.

"In the course of the crime, many millions of pounds

WATCH OUT!

TOURISTS have been warned of a rise in thieves targeting luxury watch owners.

There have been more than 55 known robberies so far this year in Marbella alone, according to Marta Garcia, the chief inspector of the Policia Nacional’s so-called Rolex Team.

Her force is dedicated solely to catching gangs who target watches, which have increased since the end of the

CHEERS: Natalie and Neil Lock enjoyed pool parties, hog roasts and magical entertainment as they splashed the cash

were transferred to the various accounts of the Locks, which appear to have funded

Covid pandemic.

Romanian mafias used to come down from Madrid and Barcelona to target wealthy visitors on the Costa del Sol during the months of March, April and October. However they are now operating all year round, seven days a week, Garcia said. Thugs posing as a couple will typically cruise the streets looking for a target. Once they find a victim they signal to a thief on a motorbike who pulls up and snatches the watch, using violence if necessary, before speeding off.

their lifestyle," according to British authorities.

According to UK authorities, the Lanes and a business partner managed the prostituted women from Spain, with two ‘drivers’ back in Britain who 'looked after them' and supervised the payments.

An international arrest warrant was issued against the Lanes by Birmingham Magistrates Court last November for charges of coercive prostitution and sexual exploitation, membership of a criminal organisation, human trafficking and money laundering.

IN the latest in an alarming spate of shootings a 33-yearold man has been shot in Estepona. Spain’s Policia Nacional responded to calls after shots were fired in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The injured man was taken to the Costa del Sol Hospital, where he is said to be ‘stable’.

In March, a 20-year-old man was taken to hospital after being shot in the knee in a bar in Marbella, while in April a 33-year-old Albanian was shot five times in Guadalmina.

The Olive Press knows of up to a dozen smilar attacks this year.

A MAN guilt-ridden after he hit and killed an elderly pedestrian on a crossing has apparently committed suicide.

The female victim in her 70s was hit on a zebra crossing in Estepona.

The driver told police that he ‘hadn’t seen’ the woman, and that he could do nothing to avoid the accident.

He also told officers that ‘minutes earlier’ he had drunk ‘a couple of beers’, although a breath test showed he was below the legal limit.

The driver of the car was later found dead on the roof of his apartment block, lying next to a shotgun.

Golden princess

THE heir to the Spanish throne - Princess Leonor - has been awarded the highest honour in the Aragon region.

The Princess of Asturias, 18, began her first year of military training last August at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza. Wearing her second-year cadet uniform, she was greeted at the parliament building by Aragon president, Jorge Azcon. In a brief ceremony, Leonor was awarded the Gold Medal of the Aragon parliament by the speaker, Marta Fernandez. The first Gold Medal was awarded to her father, King Felipe, in 1986, when he held the title of Prince of Asturias.

Back of the net!

Brazilian superstars lined up to take management positions in fourth tier of Spanish football

A LOWLY fourth-tier football club is calling on a trio of Brazilian supersubs in an effort to catapult it up the Spanish leagues.

CD Estepona, which plays in the Segunda Federacionsome 80 places below Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid - has lined up none other than Ronaldo Nazario as its new sporting director.

The original - and some maintain the best - Ronaldo re cently announced his intention to sell his ma jority stake in Real Valladolid with the club poised for promotion to La Liga. His next move is likely to be Estepona, according to media reports, where he would

By Walter Finch

spearhead the club's sporting direction. And not only would he bring a sprinkling of star-dust but also fellow Brazilian football legends Roberto Carlos and Julio Baptista.

Juan Jose Hidalgo, chairman and CEO of Globalia, which owns AirEuropa, who bought CD Estepona two seasons ago, is reportedly close friends with 'El Fenomeno' from his first season at Real Madrid in the Galacticos era back in 2002. He is not scared of putting his hands in his pockets either. He reportedly paid €500,000

A RESTAURANT napkin used to secure Lionel Messi's first deal with FC Barcelona in December 2000 has been sold at auction for an incredible €881,000. Auction house Bonhams handled the sale which had a starting bid of over €310,000.

It's not known who the bidder was, but he or she has a waxy-papered napkin with a piece of football history scrawled over. Messi (right) was

to short-circuit the football promotion pyramid system and jump directly to the Segunda Federacion by buying the league spot of defunct team Extremadura.

Despite having one of the highest paid squads in the league, Estepona could only finish sixth, although it did secure a spot in next season’s

Messi napkin

just 13 when Barcelona direc tor Carles Rexach met with him and his father for lunch at the restaurant of Barcelo na’s Pompeia Tennis Club.

Rexach wrote and signed the ad hoc 'contract' in a bid to secure someone viewed at the time as a footballing prodigy.

SPANISH pop-star Rosalia has been revealed as a Dior global ambassador after advertising images of her wearing a vintage purse ‘created for Princess Di’ were leaked.

del

Bringing in Ronaldo would be an incredible coup for Estepona to secure the technical services of the only player to line up for both Real Madrid and Barcelona and still be revered by both clubs’ fans. Reported to be joining Ronaldo are Julio Baptista, who will serve as coach, and Roberto Carlos, who will be Baptista's assistant.

Baptista, a former Real Madrid, Arsenal, Roma, and Malaga player, is a close friend of Ronaldo and has expressed his confidence in Roberto Carlos as his second-in-command.

Legendary left-back Carlos has so far enjoyed a brief but promising coaching career. He worked as assistant coach at the now-defunct Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala and has also held head coaching positions at Sivasspor, Akhisar Belediye, and Delhi Dynamos.

Before the recent Met gala, Vogue revealed the Spanish songstress would be Dior’s latest international ambassador. Shortly after, numerous promotional images were leaked, showing the Malamente singer holding an iconic Lady Di number.

The bag was designed for the ‘People’s Princess’ to celebrate her 1995 visit to Paris.

It was created by Gianfranco Ferre after the wife of French president, Jacques Chirac, asked the fashion house to create an exclusive design for Diana. Today, it is produced in many colours and versions and is has a price tag of €3,100.

THE numbers of Iberian Lynx are starting to boom, with the population nearly doubling in just three years. There are now 2,000 of the wild cats in Spain and Portugal according to official statistics.

Around 20 years ago, there were fewer than 100 specimens, with the animal on the brink of extinction.

Numbers have gradually increased, with 1,111 lynxes detected in 2020, and 900 new specimens added to the Iberian population in the subsequent three years to a total of 2,021 by the end of last year.

Andalucia has the most, with 755, while in Castilla-La Mancha there are 715.

Copa

Rey.

ESTEPONA BOUND: Ronaldo, Carlos and Baptista?

A BLACK man has ignited a race row after claiming he was refused entry to a beach club due to the colour of his skin.

Playa Santa beach club, in Torremolinos, allegedly refused entry to the Italian man and friends on Saturday.

Carlos Montaño blasted the Los Alamos beach venue for racism after he was not allowed entry ‘because he was black.’

In a Google review he claimed he was officially refused entry because he ‘violated the dress code.’

Starting up in Marbella

A MARBELLA fair will connect more than 1,000 entrepreneurs with potential investors this month.

OLE Marbella Startup Fair will take place from June 26-28 at the Andalucia Lab headquarters.

According to Marbella town hall, the event will ‘put the city on the map of entrepreneurship.’

Some 100 speakers are expected at the event, with an expansive programme of talks.

Many startups will have the opportunity to present their projects to help attract investors and growth.

OLE founder, Emilio Corchado said: “Marbella is a great power in terms of talent and innovation.”

Anyone with an idea is encouraged to attend the fair, which is free of charge, with an estimated 2,000 people set to attend.

But he added this was ‘just an excuse’ and added it was the ‘worse experience’ he had ever suffered.

“It is the third time they have not let me in using the excuse I violated the dress code.”

He continued: “They didn’t let me in because I am black.”

The incident happened after the group had

gone out for lunch and decided to spend the rest of the afternoon at the beach club.

They were told they couldn’t get in because of their shirts, despite images on the club’s social media showing a ‘similar style’.

The angry man added that a security guard insisted: “I’m sick of that smug morenito [dark one]. If I say no, it means no.”

He claims a friend of his, who is also black, has also been denied entry with the same excuse. “It’s racism, we need to make that clear,” he said.

RACE ROW Eye on the Rock!

Gibraltar ‘will be attacked’ if UK weapons used on Russian territory by Ukraine

RUSSIA has warned it ‘will not hesitate’ to attack Gibraltar if Ukraine uses British weapons in its territory. The threat came from Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She told reporters that British enclaves would find themselves in the firing line, both ‘within Ukraine and beyond its borders’, if UK weaponry is found to have been used on Russian soil. Zakharova specified that such enclaves include military bases inside the war zone, as well as military installations in Gibraltar, the Falkland Islands and Africa. It comes after Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Camer-

By Laurence Dollimore

on said Ukraine's military had the right to use UK-supplied weapons to attack targets in its interior.

The comment infuriated Putin (right) and his government cited it as one of the reasons why he chose to conduct exercises simulating the launch of tactical nuclear missiles this month.

Putin and his cronies believe London is becoming increasingly involved in the conflict. But any attack by the dictator on British targets could trigger a direct military response from the UK and its NATO allies, including Spain. It would drag much of Europe

and the US into a complex, region-wide conflict.

In a military report last year, the UK said Gibraltar was one of its five most important strategic outposts. It said the territory can ‘act as a springboard’ for Britain to project its power throughout the world, branding

Although there are positive comments on Google Reviews, some reveal similarly prejudiced attitudes. Many also claimed the staff were really rude.

Camilia F wrote last year: “All of a sudden, the doorman said: ‘they’re all Argentinian’ and stopped us from coming in.”

Another Asian clubgoer Bita Mohamady added: “They didn’t let me in because I didn’t speak Spanish.”

We were unable to get a comment from the club before going to press.

it ‘essential’ in combating ‘current and future threats.’

The Ministry of Defense employs 952 people on the Rock of whom 528 are local, the rest are military and civilians based in the UK.

Royal Navy ships, RAF aircraft and other units temporarily deployed there for training routinely visit Gibraltar.

In addition, the destroyer HMS Diamond is regularly rearmed at GIB’s naval base with Sea Viper missiles between combat missions against the Houthis in the Red Sea In 2022, 79 naval ships docked and 117 military aircraft visited the Rock, with 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers deployed each year mainly on training missions.

WHAT A DOUGH DOUGH

A BAKERY in Coin has denied being homophobic after a gay employee got his April payslip with the word 'fa***t' written on it.

The Labour inspectorate is investigating Panaderia La Semilla de Oro for the insult.

Spain's deputy Prime Minister, Yolanda Diaz, described the incident as 'shameful'.

The CGT union has denounced what happened after the worker received his notification with the writing: 'Payroll for the month of April fa***t'.

Bakery owner, Lucas Rico, told Cadena Ser: “It is a mistake by the bank and I've never had a problem with this man because of his sexuality.”

He added he also employs four lesbians.

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

OPINION

Guiris should NOT go home!

AS Spain enters the summer months, a wave of anti-tourism protests are popping up across the country. (Fight them on the beaches, p1).

Some 10,000 locals took to the streets of Palma holding up signs reading ‘guiris go home’ and other offensive messages.

Their gripe, essentially, is that too many tourists are visiting the Balearic Islands, placing a strain on local resources and causing more traffic and other environmental problems.

They add ‘excessive’ tourism is inspiring an ‘uncontrollable’ surge in tourist flats, which make renting or buying a home increasingly impossible.

And there’s no doubt they are right: the property crisis is worsening. Just look at Ibiza, where lifeguards and police have been forced to live in their cars because they cannot afford rent.

Meanwhile Malaga city has the highest number of tourist rentals per capita in Spain - and fed-up locals will also now take to the streets (on June 29) in protest.

We get it. It is entirely understandable to call for changes to the tourism model.

No one wants these picturesque areas to be overrun and their environments damaged by overcrowding. It is also incredibly frustrating for young people who cannot get on the property ladder or even afford to rent.

The Airbnb and Booking.com craze must be addressed immediately, with limits put in place nationwide.

Too many homes are being turned into holiday lets, creating festering resentment between locals and innocent tourists who simply want to enjoy their holidays.

But this is a question of policy and law, which must be enacted by the ruling government.

Telling ‘guiris’ to ‘go home’ is unlikely to achieve that, and comes as a disgusting slap in the face to the thousands of European expats who have every right to live and work here.

The majority of us - from young workers to wealthy business owners - all pay their taxes and have the utmost respect for Spain.

Aside from creating tens of thousands of jobs and bringing billions to the economy, we mostly support the locals’ point of view on excessive tourism! It’s time for the government to act, before this gets nasty.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Walter Finch walter@theolivepress.es

Yzabelle Bostyn yzabelle@theolivepress.es

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

Simon Hunter simon@theolivepress.es

Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es

Ben Pawlowski ben@theolivepress.es

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

theolivepress.es

DEMAND AND

After various Olive Press staff fall victim to scams and lawbreakers, Yzabelle Bostyn looks at the ‘perfect storm’ in Spain’s rental market

By Yzabelle Bostyn

EXACTLY a year ago, the Spanish government introduced its much heralded Ley de Vivienda

The new Homes Law aimed to tackle a myriad of problems in the rental market, in particular to increase the amount of affordable homes for the young and vulnerable.

The main measures included a 3% cap on rent rises, additional rent caps in ‘stressed’ areas, and the right to renew contracts for up to five years.

However, despite their good intentions, many of the proposed changes have simply been

NEW research has shed light on the espionage activities of thousands of Nazi collaborators and informers who lived double lives in Spain during World War II.

In the Dictionary of Spies, Catalan historian Xavier Juncosa has painstakingly examined over 25,000 documents to produce a 400page insight into the shadowy lives of over 1,000 Nazi agents, informers, Francoists, Fascists and French collaborationists who spied on behalf of Adolf Hitler.

Extracts from the new book have been serialised by La Vanguardia, Catalunya’s leading daily newspaper, bringing to light the vast network of agents who spied in Spain, France, Italy and Germany throughout the Second

ignored around the country.

With the 17 autonomous regions allowed to adapt or dilute the law as they saw fit, it has led to chaos and outright opposition.

The Junta de Andalucia, for example, even took its anger to the Constitutional Court, which has since declared parts of the law ‘unconstitutional’.

The pushback around the country has left the rental market under even higher pressure than before, with rents 30% above targets set by regulatory bodies, and social housing on its knees.

According to leading property portal Fotocasa, tenants spent 43% of their salary on rents last year, a five year high (see Rental nightmare, page 18).

It’s no surprise that a ‘new class divide’ has developed between renters and landlords, according to a study by the Critical Urban Study Group.

The anger is all too palpable looking at the recent protests against tourism and AirB-

nB style holiday rentals in cities around the country, including Malaga, Barcelona and Palma over the weekend.

There has been an angry backlash that has even led to some local protest groups (such as the one in Girona) that are demanding to know where foreigners have lived or bought. Derogatory stickers have gone up criticising tourists and key locks for AirBnBs have been vandalised.

So where did it all go wrong?

In an attempt to protect tenants, the Ley de Vivienda simply went too far. The law lacked subtlety and gave too

Web of spies

The thousands of Nazi collaborators in Spain who used businesses as fronts for top secret espionage

By Ben Pawlowski

World War.

In particular, the compilation of ‘mini-biographies’ reveals how Nazi spies used businesses and modest apartments as fronts for top-secret espionage activities. Number 240 Carrer Consell de Cent (pictured far left), located in the L’Eixample neighbourhood of Barcelona, was officially recorded as being rented by Albertina Cottrell Ullmer, a retired Danish widow in her 80s - but the situation is not what it seems.

Kopp, a Nazi intelligence officer and right-hand-man to Paul Taboschat, the head of the Nazi espionage service in Spain’s second largest city.

Juncosa’s research

In reality, the flat was a front - Ullmer lived with Maria Betty Mayerhofer, a Munich-born woman in her 50s who was wife to Ludwig highlights that this flat served as the base of operations for the network of Nazi informers in Barcelona - the flat’s interior was littered with all manner of espionage paraphernalia, including encryption devices and top-secret codes. Elsewhere, a glass and porcelain gift shop on Passeig de Gracia (left), owned by Frenchman Hugo Vincon, was used as a de-facto mailbox for the network of agents who slipped around the city.

Often, a man would enter the shop, heading to the backroom and leaving an envelope which would later be picked up by a lady.

The business also acted as a discreet meeting point for Nazi collaborators, although this was soon discovered by the French intelligence services.

On Carrer de Valencia, a jeweller’s store served a dual purpose as a liaison point for Nazi informers who discussed operations in

DESPERATION

much protection to tenants, including the right to automatically renew long term contracts for up to five years. It also insisted all agency commission fees fell on the landlord, meaning the tenant no longer needed to pay anything extra to the agency.

“There is so much red tape now that it is counter productive,” explained Olive Press property expert, Adam Neale (left), of agency Terra Meridiana in Estepona.

“It has had the opposite effect to what was intended. Landlords simply have no incentive to rent or play

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, where another network of agents operated.

But why would the shop owner, Rudolf Bauer, agree to such a dangerous double role?

The shop received a significant intake of diamonds from Antwerp which had been plundered by Nazi forces early in the war.

A female clothing store on La Rambla de Catalunya also acted as a front for informers, whilst the Ritz Hotel (above left) was a hotbed of espionage activity thanks to its head, Spaniard Ubaldo de la Fuente Ramos, working for Nazi intelligence services.

The majority of spies operating in Spain at the time - some 60% - were German, but Hungarians, Italians, Belgians and, of course, Spaniards spied on behalf of Hitler’s brutal Nazi regime. Reflecting on his work, historian Juncosa said: “With the information and addresses I provide, a tourist route through Nazi Germany in Barcelona could soon be organised.”

by the book due to the risk of bad tenants and squatters.”

He continues: “Landlords would rather sell or develop tourist flats. And there is clearly now an oversupply of tourist lets and an undersupply of living spaces to rent,” he adds. This high demand and unen forced laws intended to protect tenants leaves them ‘vulnerable to landlords who think they can get away with skirting the law’.

Astronomical prices, scams, dodgy contracts and ‘under the radar’ rentals are rife across the country.

In the last decade, rent has increased 2.3 times more than average incomes (77% vs. 33%), making it increasingly difficult to afford to rent.

“The current prices are ridiculous,” says Christina Ford, an agent at Paraiso Casas in Alhaurin de la Torre, with 15 years experience on the Costa del Sol.

“Although it’s true that costs have gone up for landlords, they are greedy and are still asking too much.”

Many landlords however argue they see renting as a ‘risk’, meaning they try to ‘try to twist and turn’ the law to protect their interests.

Incredibly, it is still legal to operate as an agent without a licence in many parts of Spain, meaning many landlords and agents are ‘unaware’ of the current law.

According to Christina: “Many landlords come to me, but when I ask if they know about the new law I have to show them it.

“Even if they know the law, they will go to multiple agents until they find one willing to break it.”

One of the most common scams landlords and agents take part in is charging tenants agency commission fees.

Once a 50/50 split between landlords and tenants, the Ley de Vivienda made it illegal for tenants to pay agency commission.

However, an Olive Press investigation has revealed it is still common practice to charge tenants the fee.

Half a dozen tenants we interviewed for this article claimed they were asked to pay a commission of a month on top of an advance of two, often many more months, rent.

Damon Schur (below), a student from Pennsylvania, USA, was charged a €975 ‘agency fee’. He ‘knew it wasn’t legal’ but claims the system of ‘oneing up other tenants’ by agreeing to pay extra fees forced his hand.

“It’s just something you have to do,” he said. Even still, the 32-year-old had to ‘convince’ the agent

PROTESTS: Have been held on the streets of Palma (top) in Madrid (above) and many other Spanish cities

to let the property to him, paying six months rent upfront plus a two month deposit, both illegal practices.

Overall, this set him back an advance payment of an eye-watering sum of €8,775.

“I had to play the game or I’d be homeless,” he confessed. “Most people know it isn’t right but it’s how it is. It’s a messed up system but I can’t fight it alone. We need to come together.”

According to Ford, it is a Catch 22 as if the agents don’t ask the tenants for a commision, they ‘risk not getting paid’ as many landlords simply ‘re fuse’ to pay the agency fee.

Some agents will even try to charge a fee each year a tenant is in the property.

Oliver Reynolds (left), 32, was told he would need to pay an extra €900 to stay in his Marbella flat for another year.

“They told me it was just to change the date on the contract,” he told the Olive Press

When he pointed out that this was illegal, the agent told him it was ‘just how they do business’. The maths teacher at an international school said: “It’s harsh and not a very nice way to treat normal working people.”

Now, he is looking for another flat but ‘keeps coming up against’ other common practices such as being offered an 11-month contract to circumvent the new laws.

WELCOME: Franco allowed Nazi spies to operate with relative freedom in Spain

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UNSUNG HEROES

US

couple search for Spanish pensioners who saved them from a holiday hell

A PAIR of American tourists have launched an appeal to track down two Spanish pensioners who helped rescue them from a holiday nightmare. It came after Jyothish Rajan, 51, and his wife Mini Kunhiraman, 49, had a flat tyre while travelling between Tarifa and Gibraltar.

The software engineers, who live in Connecticut, managed to pull into a petrol station,

EXCLUSIVE

By Laurence Dollimore

but quickly discovered they had no spare wheel.

As it was past 7pm on a Satur day, no local mechanics were available while the rental car company was not even picking up the phone.

Rajan told the Olive Press: “We tried to fill the tyre with air, but it didn't work. It was

ANDALUCIA is bracing for a summer of record breaking temperatures and no rains until September.

The tourist season could even surpass the scorching temperatures of 2023, which broke all records.

There have already been above-average temperatures this year and a series of heatwaves and Saharan dust storms known as the ‘Calima’ are due, according to the Meteorological Agency, AEMET.

"These are not unusual for Malaga," noted spokesman Jesus Riesco, "but the key will be the intensity of the heat."

Rainfall is not expected until the end of August, and even then, it will come as thunderstorms in inland areas, he added.

The agency is more optimistic about the situation in September, when ‘some DANAs

After numerous drivers stopped and drove off without offering help, two elderly Spanish men in their 70s came to their aid.

No rain till September

(low-pressure systems) could bring intense precipitation.’

The accuracy of weather forecasts meanwhile, are improving as a €445,000 upgrade is going towards a key radar base in Alhaurin el Grande, while a similar improvement is planned for Almeria.

These upgrades will provide greater precision for firefighting and communication in general. They will give a more accurate forecast of rain intensity and length.

See Managing risk page 40

They had been cleaning their clothes at an adjacent laundromat, but didn’t hesitate to help.

Using a translation app on their phone they explained the problem and they insisted they could fix it. The men patched up the couple’s wheel and told them to ‘drive slowly’ until they reached Malaga, where they finally arrived about 10pm. Despite offering the pair €100 in cash, they refused and joked: “Just buy us a beer when we come to New York!” They hugged them goodbye but in the ‘mad rush’ forgot to get a photo or phone number - so are now hoping to track them down online.

Rajan said: “If anyone knows these two men, please pass on this message that we arrived in Malaga safely. One was tall with glasses and a big white moustache, and the other was short with a clean shave and friendly smile,” recalled Rajan. He said anyone with their information should give his contact details of Ramanuja. Iyer@gmail.com.

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.

Empowering Independent Living

LA CULTURA

Paws for thought

MALAGA’S first ever cat cafe is set to open this year and will offer coworking, therapy events, parties and more.

Run by Misha Buenaventura, Paws for a Moment is a pure passion project.

He told the Olive Press:

“Growing up I always took care of animals and looked for ways to help people.

“Malaga is the perfect place to do this because not only are there digital nomads and tourists who love cat cafes but local sanctuaries need help.”

Misha highlighted one sanctuary in Marbella which houses 300 cats but only receives one or two adoptions a week.

Paws for a Moment will be ‘storefront’ for these sanctuaries, with many of the cats coming from local charities and infrastructure within the cafe to encourage customers to adopt a new furry friend.

“We want to make people cat lovers,” said Misha.

For full interview see Olive Press online

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November 29thDecember 12th 2023

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Bacon brought home

Stolen €5m painting recovered nine years after Madrid heist

THE fourth of five paintings by Irish-born painter Francis Bacon stolen in a mass heist from a Madrid apartment in 2015 has been recovered.

Authorities said the 1989 painting Study for Portrait of Jose Capelo is valued at €5 million. They were part of a collection owned by Jose Capelo - a close

By Alex Trelinski

friend of Bacon - who reported the robbery to police. The latest recovery followed the arrest in February of two people suspected of having received two of the five works by Bacon. The five paintings stolen

WORLD famous acrobats from Cirque du Soleil are coming to Spain this year.

Alegria is the show’s longest-running production reimagined for the modern audience.

An ‘immersive’ two-hour experience, it leaves punters feeling ‘joyous’ and ‘magical’.

It kicked off in Barcelona in March and is now moving on to Malaga, where it will run from

MASTER:

Bacon was a regular at the Prado Museum

were said then to be worth a total of €30 million.

The Policia Nacional said 16 people, including the alleged thieves, have been arrested since investigations

Big top thrills

began.

A police spokesman said they are continuing the search for the missing fifth Bacon painting and are focusing investigations on Spaniards with connections with criminal gangs from Eastern Europe.

Roman roots

THIS is what a Roman settlement in Andalucia would have looked like, according to AI. Using excavated ruins of homes, spas and other buildings, experts and computer technology were able to imagine how the Roman city of Arucci Turobriga would have appeared.

Located near Aroche in inland Huelva, the city dates back to the time of Augustus, at the end of the first century (15-10BC). Experts using AI images re-imagined forums, public squares, a necropolis and more, as well as countless pieces of pottery found by archaeologists.

May 31 to June 30 at the feria ground. Next stop will be at Alicante’s Playa de San Juan from July 16 to September 1 and then Sevilla’s Charco de la Pava from September 28 to November 10. The tour rounds off at the Escenario Puerta del Angel in Madrid from December 4 to January 6.

Francis Bacon often visited Madrid, where he spent time studying old master paintings at the Prado Museum.

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He became famous for his raw, unsettling imagery which focused on the human form.

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Introducing an exclusive partnership between Olive Press and AnyTech365

His subjects included crucifixions, portraits of popes, self-portraits, and portraits of close friends, like Jose Capelo, with abstracted figures sometimes isolated in geometrical structures Bacon died in Madrid in 1992, aged 82.

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Comprehensive Cybersecurity

Round the clock support

Their services include cybersecurity, device maintenance and performance optimization, and malware removal, enhanced by AI for faster and accurate solutions.

Olive Press is excited to announce a partnership with AnyTech365, the leading IT security and support company on the Costa del Sol. This collaboration offers Olive Press readers enhanced tech support and cybersecurity solutions. Subscribers will receive exclusive discounts on AnyTech365 services, ensuring their digital safety and worry-free use of any Internet-connected device, personal, or within the household or their small business.

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

THE Olive Press is excited to announce a partnership with AnyTech365, the leading IT security and support company in southern Spain.

This collaboration offers readers enhanced tech support and cybersecurity solutions at special discounted rates.

excited to announce a partnership with the leading IT security and support company del Sol. This collaboration offers Olive Press enhanced tech support and cybersecurity solutions. will receive exclusive discounts on AnyTech365 ensuring their digital safety and worry-free use Internet-connected device, personal, or within the their small business.

Subscribers will receive exclusive discounts on AnyTech365 services, ensuring their digital safety and worry-free use of any Internet-connected device, both personal and within the household or their small business.

Over the next year the team at the Málaga-based firm will be producing a monthly advice column on the healthiest ways to protect your technology - and how to avoid online fraud, viruses and scams.

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an exclusive partnership between Olive Press and AnyTech365

Founded in 2014 by Janus R. Nielsen, a seasoned IT entrepreneur, AnyTech365 leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to offer unparalleled service quality and efficiency in tech support and cybersecurity, keeping your digital life secure and hassle-free.

tournament, including the ATP 250 tournament in 2021, the biggest sporting event in the region.

Olive Press is excited to announce a partnership with AnyTech365, the leading IT security and support company on the Costa del Sol. This collaboration offers Olive Press readers enhanced tech support and cybersecurity solutions.

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

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

2014 by Janus R. Nielsen, a seasoned IT AnyTech365 leverages the power of artificial (AI) to offer unparalleled service quality and tech support and cybersecurity, keeping your secure and hassle-free.

FINANCIAL TIMES ACCOLADE

Founded in 2014 by Dane, Janus R. Nielsen, a seasoned IT entrepreneur, AnyTech365 leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to offer unparalleled service quality and efficiency in tech support and cybersecurity.

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

The company - one of the largest expat-run companies in Spain - aims to make your digital life secure and hassle-free.

The company and its solutions have been widely recognized and won multiple awards on local, national, and international level.

The Financial Times dubbed it the ‘Fastest growing technology company in Spain and the 27th fastest growing company in Europe across all sectors”. It also scooped the Andalucía Excellence Award in New Technologies. Making a meaningful local impact, AnyTech365 was the proud sponsor of the Andalucía Open tennis

OP EXCLU S I

is currently in the process of becoming publicly New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with the 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 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).

So, Why Choose AnyTech365?

Their services include cybersecurity, device maintenance and performance optimization, and malware removal, enhanced by AI for faster and accurate solutions.

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IBIZA will come to the Costa del Sol this summer as a famous electronic music festival touches down in Marbella. Elrow Town Summer Edition will take over San Pedro Alcantara’s feria ground on August 24. The electronic music festival promises over six stages of techno and house beats with more than 50 DJs and 300 acts.

AnyTech365 AI powered unique software can pinpoint the root cause of a problem providing real-time protection and immediate response to suspicious activity. This proactive

Subscribers will receive exclusive discounts on AnyTech365 services, ensuring their digital safety and worry-free use of any Internet-connected device, personal, or within the household or their small business.

Founded in 2014 by Janus R. Nielsen, a seasoned IT entrepreneur, AnyTech365 leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to offer unparalleled service quality and efficiency in tech support and cybersecurity, keeping your digital life secure and hassle-free.

COMPREHENSIVE CYBERSECURITY

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to suspicious activity. This proactive 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.

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.

AnyTech365 adapts its product and technical support solutions to individual needs, offering a safe online experience to any user.

AnyTech365 SECURITY

AnyTech365 TotalCare

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.

Some of AnyTech365 products and features

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

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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 AI powered unique software can pinpoint the root cause of a problem providing real-time protection and immediate response

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

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(NYSE), with the transaction expected to complete in

Fill her up

PRIVATE pools on the Costa del Sol will be allowed to be filled from Saturday (June 1). The regional drought management committee has given the green light to the measure in Malaga city, the Axarquia, the Western Costa del Sol and the Campo de Gibraltar.

According to the Junta’s water secretary, Ramiro Angulo: “This will ensure the health quality of water and reduce the impact of water loss as a result of evaporation or filter cleaning.”

The daily water allowance for many municipalities will be increased from 200 to 225 litres across the western Costa del Sol and the Campo de Gibraltar. Areas set to benefit from the new measures will be Benahavis, Benalmadena, Casares, Estepona, Fuengirola, Manilva, Marbella, Ojen, Torremolinos and Mijas.

Electric dreams

Car buyers shun EVs and hang on to old bangers instead

CAR ages in Spain are rising with motorists keeping what they’ve got and shunning electric car purchases.

That's the conclusion of the Ancera car dealers association in its annual report produced in collaboration with marketing consultants AutoInfor.

The average age of cars on the road reached 13.6 years in 2024, up from 13.3 years the previous year.

The report stresses the limited number of electric vehicles which it estimated at only 0.63% of all cars,

OVER half of people in Spain would not pay to take their vehicle into a city centre Low Emission Zone (ZBE), according to a survey.

Cities with populations of 50,000 and more have to introduce such zones under the Sustainable Mobility Law which is going through Congress right now.

A study conducted by mobility app Freenow looked at the likely response to such zones from the public.

Each council creating a ZBE will

By Alex Trelinski

though that is predicted to rise to 4% by 2029. This figure conflicts with government estimates of EVs making up 4.4% of the carpool, with hybrids adding another 4.5%.

Despite an increase in registrations towards the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, Ancera says new car purchases have fallen by 0.3% so far this year. - again a conflict, with the government saying sales rose 3.3% in the

Toll resistance

also have the ability to charge tolls on private vehicles.

The survey found that 51% of drivers are not willing to pay a charge to use their own car, with the percentage rising to 55% among those under 35 years of age.

Instead, 72% of people would change the way they move around a city, mainly by using public transport.

first quarter of the year. The report suggests that 45% of vehicles on Spanish roads are more than 15 years old and are likely to emit more pollutants than newer models

Ancera general-secretary, Carlos Martin, said: “The latest report shows that more than 60% of the fleet is more than 11 years old and 99% of the vehicles in circulation have combustion engines.

“Although almost 94% of the fleet continues to be petrol and diesel, the volume of hybrids and, to a lesser extent, electric vehicles is expected to increase in the coming years," Martin predicted.

Ancera has called on promoting policies and measures to coax motorists to switch to a less-polluting car and a greater use of sustainable technology.

UPCYCLING BID

DURING Milan Design Week, I saw a showcase of innovative furniture boasting new designs, textures, and materials.

Many brands presented sustainable options that are better for the environment. However, is buying new furniture truly the most eco-friendly solution?

While these environmentally conscious materials are a positive step for new purchases, it’s actually more sustainable to use existing furniture for as long as possible.

Every new piece requires resources, not just in materials including wood and fabric, but also indirect resources like water and energy used in production.

Second-hand use and upcycling are two great ways to conserve resources.

You can even refresh old furniture with a coat of paint or even by exchanging it at a second hand market.

Resource conservation isn’t limited to furniture. Using reusable tableware is another key aspect of sustainable living.

Dishwashers make it easy to clean and reuse dishes, even for large gatherings. For picnics, pack reusable plates and cups.

When I was a child, we had sturdy, reusable plastic plates and cups.

Today, many brands offer stylish and packable reusable tableware that folds easily. Another challenge of sustainable living is cooling our homes.

Ball of fire

A HUGE fireball has been spotted flying above Spain and parts of Portugal after entering the Earth’s atmosphere at more than 160,000km/hr.

The Calar Alto Observatory in Gergal, Almeria, confirmed the passing of the ‘meteor’ in the early hours of May 19.

The scientific outpost said the ‘very large fireball’ crossed the skies of both Spain and Portugal at around 12.46am. The alien object was also detected by several other observatories, including in Toledo, Huelva, Sierra Nevada in Granada, Sevilla and Tarragona. Experts later confirmed the huge piece of rock had likely broken off from a comet.

Currently, cooling systems, mainly refrigerators and air conditioners, are responsible for 10% of global heating emissions.

This is largely due to the use of fluorocarbons (HFCs), which have a greenhouse effect 23,000 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2)!

So, what can we do to improve this situation? Scientists are working hard to develop more efficient cooling systems, but this takes time. Fortunately, we can make a significant impact through our behaviour:

COOLING TEMPERATURE: How cool does your room really need to be? A large temperature difference between inside and outside can be uncomfortable and cause temperature shock.

COLDS AND ACHES: Don’t cool a room while keeping windows open! This forces the air conditioner to work double-time, using more of those harmful fluorocarbons.

DO YOU NEED COOLING EVERYWHERE?:

Smartly designed homes may not require cooling in all areas. Cellars built into the ground often have a natural cooling effect due to the earth’s temperature. Windy areas can also be used for natural ventilation.

THE POWER OF PLANTS: Did you know that

GREENING: The ugly old Feldstrasse flak tower in Hamburg has been transformed

plants can cool a building by up to 15 degrees naturally? Planting a large tree with a wide canopy in your yard provides shade and beauty. Even balconies can be used for this purpose. In Germany, architects are experimenting with green, plant covered roofs and walls to achieve a similar cooling effect.

So why not have a go yourself? You will be surprised how much you can cool down your terrace with the strategic use of plants!

BATTERY POWERED: But EVs are being shunned

Living in the most eco-friendly way has its challenges but solution are at hand too explains Christin Hagemeier

www.theolivepress.es

The Olive Press visits this year’s EU Mies award winner, p 16

Designer digs

ITALIAN fashion gurus Dolce & Gabbana are pushing ahead with their appropriately named project, Marbella Design Hills.

The stunning Golden Mile project has already reportedly seen advancesales of over €250 million. Images of what the finished development will look like have finally been released.

It is the brand’s first project of its kind in Europe and will count on properties that have between 280 and 900 square metres of space.

Each property has up to five bedrooms, and exclusive furnishings created by the brand.

Surrounded by gardens as well as infinity pools, resi-

DESIGN WINNER

Exclusive first peek at amazing Dolce & Gabbana homes in Marbella

dents will also enjoy padel tennis courts, a gym area, and a covered astroturf five-a-side football pitch, as well as their own spa.

Work has already begun and is expected to be completed by 2026. The pilot home, meanwhile, should be ready by 2025.

“We want homeowners to be certain that their purchase does not end with the delivery of their future home,” said Carlos Rodriguez, the boss of Sierra Blanca Estates, which has partnered exclusively with the fashion brand.

“This is much more. We're talking about experiential access to an iconic fashion brand in a way that no other outsider could ever have achieved before.”

GOOD TIME TO BUY

VERY high demand and low supply. That’s the current situation in Spain’s property market, according to experts, and as such a good time to buy. In coastal regions, particularly in Andalucia, prices continue to soar. And there is no sign of them stopping.

‘If it fits with your plans right now, it’s the time to buy,’ the group concluded in a round table discussion with property portal Idealista.

By Alex Trelinski

Their thinking is that, given the low supply in the market right now, if an opportunity appears, buyers should not let it slip through their fingers.

“We are seeing high levels

of buying activity in the first quarter of this year, and at the same time, the launch of new residential projects on a national level,” Carlos de Almeida, sales director at leading property firm CBRE explained. “All of this means that demand continues to be very high.”

In terms of demand, a key figure at leading UK agency Savills, pointed out exactly how high it remains.

“We are surprised by the strength of demand, it is above what we initially expected,” insisted Pelayo Barroso, national manager at Savills Research. Meanwhile, Lawyer at the

API estate agents, Carles Sala, pointed to prices as well.

“Prices are not growing with the intensity that they have done in recent years,” he said.

“So a fall in prices is not going to happen, meaning that while it is not the best moment, there is nothing to indicate that over the next year prices will be any better,” he added.

As for mortgage interest rates, these are not likely to fall anytime soon.

“Any reduction will likely be gradual,” said Ricardo Sousa, from US giant Century 21 Spain. The forecast is that mortgage rates will hover around 2.5% for some time.

“As such, if a buyer finds a property that meets their requirements and it is within their budget, it would be prudent to buy now rather than wait for the market conditions to improve,” added Sousa.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

THE Spanish housing market returned to growth in the first quarter of the year (Q1) and delivered the second-best level of sales in more than 15 years, according to the latest data from the Spanish notaries’ association.

The numbers show there were 159,324 home sales witnessed by notaries in Q1, a fractional increase of 0.2% on the same period last year, but second only in sales volume to the post-pandemic boom year of 2022, when pent-up demand from lockdown pushed sales to the highest level since 2007.

The return to growth in Q1 comes after five consecutive quarters of annualised declines, with the whole of 2023 in negative territory in annualised terms.

But that was more a function of the extraordinary sales boom in 2022 than a reflection of weak demand in 2023. By the standards of almost any other year, 2023 was an excellent year for the Spanish property market, and 2024

Mark Stucklin

Strong start for Spanish housing market in 2024

has got off to a good start.

So it looks like buyers have stepped up since the pandemic and helped the market find a new equilibrium significantly higher than it was before Covid.

With Q1 sales 13% higher than the same period in 2019, the coronavirus turned out to be a tonic for the Spanish housing market.

ON THE UP

We will have to wait a few months for notary numbers to see how much support came from foreign demand. Last year the number of foreign buyers was the second-highest on record but data from other sources suggest international demand is cooling down this year, though still 30% above the 10-year average.

Looking at the regions of most interest to foreign investors, sales increased by 6% in Murcia and by 1% in the Valencian Community, but declined by 1% in Catalonia and Madrid, 2.5% in Andalucia, 4.5% in the Balearics, and 11%

in the Canaries - the only region where the downward trend accelerated.

Turning to house prices in Q1, the national average of sales according to the notaries was 1,698 €/sqm, an increase of 5% on the same period last year, and 35% up in a decade (in nominal terms). Prices increased more than 12% in Murcia and the Balearics, but declined by 3% in Catalunya. Compared to other European housing markets for which data is available from Eurostat (the EU’s statistics office) Spain has been outperforming the neighbourhood in recent quarters, thou-

STEADY: Second best start to the year for over 15 years

gh data for Q1 is not yet available. Spain had the highest level of quarterly sales growth in Q4 of last year (+15%), compared to a 14% decline in France.

The overall picture presented by the notary figures is one of strong but steady home sales and prices that should reassure investors, especially when compared to the less favourable numbers coming from other European markets. However, you never know what shock might be around the next corner.

Mark Stücklin runs Spanish Property Insight and writes reports on the housing market in Spain.

BRITISH expats have vented their anger after an activist group demanded ‘a list of foreign residents’ who live in the area in an attempt to slow down tourism.

They dubbed the move in Girona, Catalunya, as ‘fascist’ and an example of ‘far right nationalism’.

One told the Olive Press it was ‘populism taking a hold even in traditionally left-leaning liberal areas’.

The demand was made by the ‘Platform for the reduction of tourists in Girona’, which wants less visitors staying in the mediaeval walled city, northeast of Barcelona.

As part of their manifesto, the group are calling on Girona town hall to create a census of foreign residents.

Its spokesperson, Jordi Mateu, described them as ‘alien’ to local culture and the neighbourhoods they live in.

“Tourism erodes resources and territory, exacerbating the climate crisis and destroying local cultures, faced above all with contempt for language,” he said.

The group also demanded an increase in the number of patrols searching for illegal tourist apartments.

Known as the ‘City of the Four Rivers’, Girona is popular among visitors for its historic quarter dominated by mediaeval buildings and Roman, Arab and Hebrew influences.

In 2022, over 8.4 million tourists visited, generating 26.4 million overnight stays.

29thDecember 12th 2023

PAY TO STAY?

ANDALUCIA’S inland cities are at loggerheads with their coastal neighbours over introducing a tourist tax.

The mayors of Sevilla, Granada and Cordoba support the levy to fight ‘overtourism’, while resorts, including Marbella and Estepona, fear it could scare away business.

Meanwhile, dozens of smaller towns have complained they feel sidelined in a debate predominantly focusing on how to increase revenue.

Tourist tax legislation which proposes a levy of between €1 and €5 a night depending on the stars of a hotel has been stalled since December.

Discussions on the proposal continue between the Junta, local business groups and the Andalucian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FAMP).

A Junta spokesman insisted the plan was ‘not about frying people with taxes’, adding it is better to reach a ‘good solution than a quick one.’

Despite previous opposition to the tax, the Junta now sees it as a viable option.

The discussion aims to balance the economic benefits brought by tourism with the strain it puts on local infrastructure and services.

In come the big spenders!

SPAIN’S capital is now among the world’s top hotspots for the super-rich. Madrid has emerged as the fourth most popular destination for high net-worth individuals to purchase a home, according to leading French agency Barnes International.

The agency, which has 1,300 staff worldwide, also puts Barcelona and Malaga in its top 50 locations but well below Madrid.

According to the company’s Global Property Handbook, which breaks down where the rich are seeking to invest, Dubai came top last year.

The country knocked Paris off the number-one spot, with the French capital now in fifth place, while Miami and New York come in second and third.

Barcelona scrapes into the top 20 at 19th, while Malaga comes in at 47.

The report draws on a number of

factors, including climate, safety and infrastructure.

It predicts that Madrid will stay in the top five for the coming years, given a spike in interest among Europeans to invest there Thousands of Latin Americans, who already live and rent in the city, are also looking to buy.

The report also points to the ‘excellent investment opportunities’ in Barcelona and Malaga, as well as their ‘Mediterranean lifestyle’.

It claims the Spanish coastline holds a lot of allure for clients from the US and, in particular, those from California.

JOINING THE CLUB

SHE’S been moseying down to Marbella every summer for years. So it seems appropriate that Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria should finally move into the resort.

She is set to move into a luxury villa after upping sticks and abandoning her Hollywood lifestyle. LA-based Longoria, 49, and her husband, Mexican businessman Jose Baston, 56, are moving in

Inside Eva Longoria’sluxury villa in Marbella

By Ben Pawlowski

with their five-year-old son, Santiago.

The couple revealed they are moving to avoid their child from get-

“Finally, in early 2023, this house came on the market. It needed refurbishing, but it had just the size and location I was after”.

Longoria is well-acquainted with the area, having hosted the glamorous galas of the Global Gift Foundation of which she is an honorary president, for ting ‘sucked into the Hollywood cycle’. The lavish pad, which they bought last year, counts on six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a swimming pool, a cinema, sauna and gym. “I have been looking for a place in Marbella for the past five years,” she told Hello magazine. “I visited a few places but nothing was quite what I wanted.

La Sala expands

IT is easily Marbella’s most famous

years.

“I don’t have a schedule. My days are full of activities - padel tennis, the beach, lunch, drinks, socialising…in fact, they’re full to the brim, but with things I really enjoy”.

In terms of essentials, Eva said she ‘wanted a garden for my son to play in, and a swimming pool because he is always swimming’, ‘lots of bedrooms’ and ‘of course, a big kitchen’.

She added that she also loves her ‘amazing’ dressing room which is home to ‘loads of space’.

The popular and award-winning actress is best known for appear-

La Sala Homes managing director Justin Boland told the Olive Press: “It was a no brainer really, with our database and the location.”

A partner in the new business, he added: “I’m very excited to be involved in the launch and getting to meet so many interesting people.”

The

and next to a brand new Clubhouse sports bar set to open imminently.

Boland, 47, previously worked for years at Engel & Volkers, in Marbella, and has set up property businesses in other parts of Europe, including Bulgaria. He grew up in Spain, the son of well known local celebrity Maurice Boland, who has been working at rival agency Bromley Estates for a decade.

a helping hand when you go on holiday, someone to cherish your pets in their own home? Join us, and control pet care costs. Find free checked pet and house sitters through HouseSit Match, the friendly

restaurant.

To foreigners at least.

Now the La Sala restaurant empire has expanded into property after launching its own real estate business.

La Sala Homes launched last month with a who’s who of Marbella pres ent, including the mayor Angeles Muñoz.

office sits below the main restaurant

ing on our screens in Desperate Housewives as Gabrielle Solis, a wealthy Latina living on exclusive Wisteria Lane.

She also has Spanish citizenship and, in 2022, was given the honorary title ‘Dame’ due to her family roots which trace back to Oviedo.

DESPERATE TO ESCAPE: Eva and Jose want their son to avoid ‘getting sucked into Hollywood’

SHOWING OFF: Video Eva posted on social media

VIPS: Maurice Boland and mayor Muñoz

BIG CHEESES: La Sala boss Ian Radford with Justin Boland and Mayor Muñoz

LAUNCH: Over 200 guests enjoyed the bash

29thDecember 12th 2023

GABRIEL GARCÍA MÁRQUEZ LIBRARY

STUDYING and reading are the winning themes in this year’s prestigious architecture awards.

The two main prizes in the EU Mies award (formerly the Mies van der Rohe award) went to a university study facility in Germany and a city library in Spain.

The Study Pavilion at the Technical University of Braunschweig is ‘joyous’ as the Olive Press discovered on a visit this month (see overleaf).

Featuring slender steel beams, wooden ribbed decks and glass facades, it emphasises sustainability and reusability.

The clever use of materials allows for different configurations, which can be changed for various student activities and events.

Designed by Gustav Düsing, 30 and Max Hacke, 28, the judges praised how it ‘promotes social exchange and interdisciplinary knowledge between students and teachers alike’.

The building was chosen from a list of

By Dilip Kuner

40 finalists around Europe with the judges also liking the rigour and precision of the project, which came in under its budget of €5.2 million.

Awarding the €60,000 prize they added the building had ‘a clear architectural idea, scrutinised it and pushed it to the limit’.

The Emerging Architecture Prize (also part of the EU Mies award, the EU’s biennial prize for contemporary architecture) meanwhile, was handed to the Gabriel García Márquez Library in Barcelona.

University campus and Barcelona library are winning designs at Europe’s top architect awards

The library's structure integrates laminated and cross-laminated timber with steel, and the interior spaces are organised around a central triangular courtyard. This design not only provides a welcoming environment for library users but also pays homage to the architectural traditions of Barcelona's Eixample district.

Judges said that both projects reflect the principles of the ‘New European Bauhaus’, emphasising the integration of green transition concepts into everyday living spaces.

The award ceremony took place at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona, which was designed by Geman arichitecture legend Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona.

Originally dismantled after the exposition, it was rebuilt according to the original plans in 1986 and inspired the creation of the biennial awards ceremony two years later.

EMERGING STARS: The Spanish SUMA studio won second prize for its library, praised for its ‘welcoming environment’ and style

OLIVE PRESS VISITS EU MIES WINNER

IT SAYS IT ON THE TIN!

IT’S rare to come across a building that feels so completely right. In terms of functionality and form, the Study House, at Braunschweig’s Technical University, ticked so many boxes for me.

Set alongside the city’s river, it emerges suddenly from a copse of trees, which almost mask its ingenious intentions. Fundamentally a large glass box, as you look closer you realise its two floors are being brilliantly utilised.

The architects and their commissioners couldn’t have dreamed of seeing their building being better used…on both levels and from every available space. It was as if they had paid the 100 or more students to set up their laptops and throw their books, notepads and

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

By Jon Clarke in Braunschweig

own, some in groups, they were clearly finding it of use. A few chatted quietly, while most were deep in thought getting on with their studies, with a quiet hubbub in the back ground. Those that needed total silence climbed out onto the dozen or so balco nies, or at desks on the ground level, outside. The overall feeling was one of peace and sustainability, particularly with nature enveloping the building at every opportunity. I spoke to a few of the students and discovered them extremely happy with the pavilion, which has also won prizes locally in Germany.

space to work and hopefully I’ll do well enough to get in to study here in September,” she explained. Now

The German design double act of Dusing and Hacke, who trained in London, were inspired by toy sets from Everything is bolted or screwed together, rather than welded or glued and the frame is made of 10cm wide hollow steel sections which contain all the wiring, lighting and sockets, as well as rainwater guttering.

Staircases inside and out create drama and interesting lines. “It’s a bit like nesting,” explained Dusing

One girl, just 18, told me she was not even attending the university and had her final school exams coming up in the next few weeks.

“It is a really inspiring

The first floor is designed to be a ‘series of islands’ connected by bridges, creating separate study zones, some open plan overlooking the action below, while others are withdrawn and more intimate.

The desks around the edge feel almost suspended in the trees and are inspirational in the extreme.

The staircases inside and out create drama and interesting lines. “It’s a bit like nesting,” explained Dusing. “Students can come in and find their spot.”

There is no front or back, but nine equal entrances around the 1,000 square metre structure, making it feel like an open hub, accessible from all directions, even from the footpath along the nearby river, from where I entered. It is also more than welcoming to members of the public, too, as long as they are quiet, while some students have adapted the structure in certain ways, with one stringing up a hammock.

“It should feel like an extension of the living room,” explains Hacke, clearly

delighted. “They come here to eat and play cards, as well as work.”

The judges ruled the Study House was ‘more than a building’, a ‘versatile system, merging technological inventions with flexible and reusable principles’. I wouldn’t change a thing if this is how the end users feel about it. A real joy!

JOYOUS: Every available space is being used, while one youngster (above) isn’t even studying at the university yet!

Photos by: Jon Clarke

ON YOUR GUARD

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Contact John today to schedule your Fireshield application and

Rental nightmare

AveragetenantspendsalmostHALF theirsalaryonrent-withHUGE differencescertainprovinces

RENTING is becoming untenable in some parts of Spain as it eats up an increasingly large proportion of average salaries.

Tenants spent an average of 43% of their salary on rent in 2023, the highest percentage in the last five years, but the figures belie huge regional disparities. The most desirable provinces of Spain devour almost two thirds of take-home pay, with Barcelona leading the way at a barely-believable 65%.

This is accord ing to a study looking at av erage salaries on portal Infojobs and the average rental price for an average 80-metre-square home on Fotocasa.

By Walter Finch

hind, handing over 63% and 62% of their salaries respectively.

Punters meanwhile in Malaga wave goodbye to almost half of their earnings (49%) each month for a roof over their head.

Renters in the Balearics and Madrid follow closely be-

Rentals increased by an average of 5.7% to €11.66 per square metre per month last year. Meanwhile, the average salary hardly changed at €26,245 (or €2,187 per month).

The top ten most expensive provinces to rent include Guipúzcoa (60%), Vizcaya (52%), Valencia (50%); Malaga (49%) and Girona (48%).

The cheapest places in comparison to earnings are Ciudad Real (19%); Jaen (21%) and Caceres (21%).

In Malaga, rent is €13.92 per square metre per month, while the gross salary is €27,418 per year (€2,285 per month).

The annual cost of rent, according to Fotocasa, is €13,363.

This is a historical high, claims the website, and well above the 30% target set by rental control bodies.

"It is more than ten points

above ten years ago, so inaccessibility has skyrocketed,” a Fotocasa spokesperson said.

“With the exception of just two communities, rental costs are at harmful levels across Spain.”

InfoJobs, which published 2.5 million vacancies in 2023, has blamed the rebound on inflation - especially in 2022 on ‘reducing purchasing power and it continues to mark the living conditions of workers’.

See Demand and desperation, page 6

STUNNING MANSION, CASCADA DE CAMOJÁN Ref: OP13154

BEACHSIDE VILLA, CORTIJO BLANCO Ref: OP14611 Built: 365 m² | Plot: 1,000 m² | Beds: 5 | Price: € 3,300,000

GOLDEN

VILLA Ref: OP13650

212 m² | Plot: 1,000 m² | Beds: 3 | Price: € 2,700,000

LUXURY APARTMENT, MARINA PUENTE ROMANO Ref: OP14482

CASA SHALIMAR, LA CAPELLANÍA Ref: OP14224 Built: 610 m² | Plot: 3,861 m² | Beds: 5 | Price: € 2,950,000

CORNER APARTMENT, LOMAS DE SIERRA BLANCA Ref: OP14735

212 m² | Terraces: 65 m² | Beds: 3 | Price: € 1,295,000

MARBELLA

MILE

COOL! KEEP

With summer around the corner, the Olive Press picks 10 of Spain’s coolest coastal hotels

Cortijo Boutique Siete Calas, Rodalquilar

Want to mix a stunning hidden, rural getaway with your beach holiday? Look no further.

The name Seven Coves (siete calas) is the clue, with no less than seven great spots to take a dip nearby.

Based in the heart of the Cabo de Gata Natural park, the ancient cortijo farmhouse has seven luxurious rooms with all

the amazing mod cons you expect from a boutique hotel. You are surrounded by Almeria’s breathtaking landscape and look down to Playa del Playazo beach. The hotel offers bikes and paddleboards for the adventurous and you can book homemade meals back at base. www.cortijosietecalas.com

THE Spanish coastline stretches for around 5,000 kilometres and, naturally, has its fair share of places to stay.

So finding somewhere new and stylish is something of a battle.

But tucked away in Valencia, and even Andalucia, are a huge range of hip

spots to track down, places little known to the hordes.

Some are well off the beaten track, while others are simply new, or little written about.

In any case, here we pick out ten ‘cool coastal hotels’ from around the country.

Madreselva serves as a true oasis, right in the heart of buzzing Canos de Meca. Literally oozing laid back charm, the watchwords here are peace and simplicity. While you can literally throw a tennis ball onto one of Andalucia’s nicest beaches, its amazing leafy courtyard and refreshing swimming pool, allow you to easily escape. Breakfasts are superb and the staff couldn’t get more smiley.

www.califavejer.com/en/hotel-madreselva

Hotel Madreselva, Canos de Meca, Cadiz

Punta Sur, Tarifa

Few places have such a privileged position surrounded by unspoilt coastal dunes and soaring protected mountains.

In fact, it is almost unheard of in southern Spain, where overdevelopment has been a continual spectre for decades.

Here you are surrounded by space, a huge pool area, tennis court and a decent restaurant, with an adjoining pool room.

On top of that rooms are stylish, well appointed and the only thing that might wake you up is the occasional screech of a peacock that roams the grounds.

Great for families, best of all, you are well protected from Tarifa’s famous winds thanks to its clever planting.

www.hotelpuntasur.com

Palacio de Luces Lastres, Asturias

Between the soaring Picos de Europa National Park and the Cantabrian sea, if five star luxury is your thing, then few places are better suited than Palacio de Luces.

This well refurbished 16th century palace is surrounded by 13.000 m2 of gardens, yet incredibly close to the charming seaside village of Lastres, often voted one of Spain’s most charming.

It has an indoor swimming pool and spa, plus, best of all, a fabulous restaurant, which is understandably busy in summer.

You can walk from the door along dirt tracks to nearby Lastres, which has its own port and some of the best fish restaurants in Asturias.

www.coolrooms.com/palaciodeluces

Gran Hotel Brillante, San Esteban de Pravia, Asturias

One of the most unusual coastal hotels in Spain, the Gran Hotel Brillante sits in a once important port, now a kind of living museum. Restored to the grandeur of its original opening in 1905, it is a paragon of good taste with art deco features and plenty of space. Nothing fancy, but grand is indeed appropriate as it is a fitting epithet for this charming building that sits in the heart of the old fishing village of San Esteban, beside the river Nalon.

Conveniently close to Asturias airport as well as many of the famous Asturian surf beaches, it also has an excellent restaurant and charming terrace outside perfect at sunset.

www.granhotelbrillante.com

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New development of villas located in the La Viñuela reservoir just 10 minutes from Vélez Málaga and 30 minutes from Málaga, ideal to enjoy tranquility, security and comfort in a natural and privileged environment and with easy access to the main highway.

GREEN BACKDROP: Even in summer, while Palacio de Luces is also just 5 minutes to the beach

Hotel Crisol de las Rias, Miño, Galicia

If simple, unpretentious places are your thing, few get better than Hotel Crisol in Mino.

Sitting right on the edge of this wonderful beach, this two star beachside joint wins no beauty prizes.

But you are here as much for its location and wonderful restaurant terrace, as the general ambience. That said, the rooms are functional, well appointed and, above all, great value from around €70 a night in July.

The food at the restaurant is excellent, with plenty of steaks, crab and famous Galician Scallops (below).

www.www.hotelcrisoldelasrias.com

Akelarre Hotel, San Sebastian

Credited with being Spain’s godfather of modern cuisine, Pedro Subijana began his journey in the kitchen at Akelarre in 1975.

Having held three Michelin stars for nearly two decades it has become a global pilgrimage for foodies and rightfully so.

The only problem being, the restaurant sits out on a limb, a good 10-minute drive from the centre of nearby

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

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GODFATHER: Chef Pedro now has a stunning hotel to make his food

San Sebastian, so getting home was tough when the Olive Press visited a decade ago. Problem now solved, when a hotel opened next door to the restaurant in 2017.

Simple, yet stylish the rooms are inspired by the sea and look over the Bay of Biscay.

www.akelarre.net

Hotel Balandret, Valencia

It is usually hard to find a great value, well located city hotel.

The Balandret sits right on Valencia’s wide Playa de la Malva-rosa, famous for its restaurants and links to the region’s best known painter.

It was here that the Master of Light Joaquin Sorolla painted

his famous El Balandrito work, showing a boy playing with a toy boat.

Nothing fancy but achingly hip, the rooms offer sea views and are simple, yet stylish.

Just 15 minutes from Valencia’s amazing old town, it is good value for money and has its own excellent restaurant.

www.balandret.com

EMBLEMATIC: Balandret is named after the Sorolla painting created outside

Continues on page 24

STUNNING VIEWS FROM THIS VILLA IN BENAHAVÍS HILLS – R4446487 – 1,275,000€

This beautiful home is located on a dead-end street in the complex, which makes it very quiet and private, plus because you have no other houses in front, this house offers spectacular views from every level and room.

As you arrive a private two-car parking space welcomes you while looking straight to the mountains in Benahavís and the Mediterranean Sea. On this level, we find the main entrance that leads us to the stairway and a lift, which connects all floors in this property.

One floor lower we have a large living area with a fireplace, connected to a dining area next to the open-plan kitchen. You can enjoy meals at any moment of the day in any of the two terraces on this level and you also have a guest toilet.

Further down we find the three en-suite bedrooms, the master with access to a private terrace and the second and third with balconies, all of these with beautiful views in the same direction. The main bathroom enjoys a lovely walk-in shower and a private sauna.

On the bottom floor, there is a fantastic entertaining area with a full kitchen and access to the garden and pool area with an outdoor shower. This space has been utilized to maximize the storage and living areas. The garden is a very well-used space with a lounge, dining area, and a good-size private pool on the side.

Vista Lago is located in the 200-hectare country club estate of Real de La Quinta, surrounded by magnificent countryside, just 15 minutes from Marbella. Each award-winning villa has breathtaking views across the Mediterranean Sea to Gibraltar and the African coastline beyond.

Villa Salvador, Cadaques

great artists like Dali and Pablo Picasso. Set between two coves of crystal clear water, Villa Salvador is a good base for exploring the region including the nearby Cap de Creus Natural Park, as well as Dali’s off the wall home in nearby Port Lligat. Equally, you can hang around in the gardens with their salt-water pool and fragrant plants and enjoy lunch and dinner on its terrace restaurant. www.hotelvillasalvador.com

Hotel Aiguablava, Begur

Titanic of the mountains

Historic train station high in Spain’s Pyrenees transformed into five-star luxury hotel

AGRANDIOSE railway station which served both as an escape route for thousands of war time Jews and the key junction for an illicit trade in tonnes of Nazi gold, has been resurrected as a five-star hotel.

Known as the 'Titanic of the Mountains', it has now been named as ‘Spain’s Best Outdoor Escape Hotel 2024’ by National Geographic for its fusion of history and nature.

Set in the heart of the Aragon Pyrenees, the hotel offers guests a carefully designed experience, promising to transport them to rail travel’s golden age.

It is part of an ambitious make-over of the village of Canfranc on the border between Spain and France, which has also seen houses given a bright paint job to greet the arrival of tourists.

The station, which was originally built in the style of a French chateau, was reopened to local travellers in 2020, 50 years after it fell into disrepair and closed.

And now an ambitious restoration pro-

By Dilip Kuner

gramme has transformed the accommodation at the massive station into a hotel designed to symbolise the original spirit which led to its creation: unity between Spain and France.

The station, which is 10 times the size of London's St Pancras station, has a high slate roof crowned by domes and balustrades - a perfect look for the 104-bedroom hotel.

Architects made sure to keep the facade of the station intact to preserve its history and structure, however, they have re-imagined the interiors completely while giving its 104 bedrooms and common areas a nostalgic feel.

The station had stood abandoned for half a century after an incident that saw the brakes fail on a French freight train climbing through the Pyrenees. It careered

KSSIR-27623P

This charming town house is located in a peaceful urbanisation nestled in the beautiful area of Nueva Andalucia, Marbella, Malaga. With its prime location, this property offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the nearby Turtle Lake, providing a serene and tranquil atmosphere for its residents. This town house offers ample space for a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle. Equipped with all the modern amenities, this town house offers air conditioning and central heating.

This modern luxury apartment is located in the prestigious area of Marbella, Puerto Banus, in the beautiful city of Marbella, Malaga. With its prime location, this apartment offers breathtaking views of the marina and the sea.

Upon entering the apartment, you will be greeted by a stylish and contemporary living room, perfect for relaxation and entertaining guests. The apartment is fully furnished and boasts a fully fitted open plan kitchen, equipped with all the necessary appliances.

Charming east facing penthouse situated in the Golf Valley, Nueva Andalucía, within walking distance to Puerto Banus, and 10 mins drive to Marbella. The property is distributed into entrance hall, living -dining room and kitchen in an open-plan area, three bedrooms and two shared bathrooms. The complex enjoys 24 hours security, video surveillance, 2 communal swimming pools, paddel courses, lovely landscaped gardens and restaurant. It is provided with parking space and 2 storages.

This luxurious apartment offers the best panoramic views in the area of Marbella . With breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea, beautiful mountains,a peaceful golf course with its lake, even on the clear days, you can see the coast of Africa, and Gibraltar, this property is truly a sight to behold.

Renovated to perfection, this apartment provides a sense of spaciousness and an airy ambiance that is second to none. The abundance of natural light creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere,

WINNER: National Geographic’s best ‘escape hotel’ in Spain for 2024

back down the mountain at about 100km/h and crashed into a bridge, causing it to collapse.

Although nobody was hurt, the accident led to the closure of the Pyrenean rail line between France and Spain.

The idea of a cross-border Pyrenean line was first suggested in 1865, but work did not start until 1928.

Situated in a valley, the original station and adjoining hotel were known originally as the ‘Titantic of the Mountains’ for its sheer size.

During the Second World War, it became a

vital point of escape for Jews fleeing persecution in Nazi Europe.

Jewish refugees would travel to Canfranc and change trains onwards to other parts of Spain or Portugal and eventually freedom in Britain and the United States.

The painters Marc Chagall and Max Ernst and the singer Josephine Baker, whose husband was Jewish, were among those who travelled through the ornate station.

“We know that between 1940 and 1942, about 15,000 Jews managed to travel through Canfranc and made it to safety,” said

Making a real home

FOR more than 40 years, CASA has been synonymous with comfort and creating a sense of well-being.

Currently, we distribute this sense of well-being in eight European countries. We closely follow trends and translate them into a wide range of interior products and are committed to making your house a cozy home.

For CASA, the feeling of home is very important. With a wide range of high-quality, decorative, and functional interior products, we help you enjoy life in the comfort of your own home even more than you do now.

Our central focus is to inspire you to create a cozy home, which is why we carefully select affordable and fashionable items for our range of decorative pieces.

Ramon Campo, a journalist who has written books about the history of Canfranc.

The trade in Nazi gold was uncovered years after the war by chance.

In 2000, Jonathan Díaz, who drove a bus between Canfranc and the French town of Oloron-Saint Maire, was waiting to leave on a grey November morning.

Among broken rail lines, he found a pile of fading war time customs documents.

When he looked at them more closely his eyes lit up when he saw the words ‘Three Tons of Gold Bars’.

“The papers revealed that 86.6 tonnes of plundered Nazi gold was heading from Germany into Spain and Portugal to pay for vital wolfram which Hitler needed to make tanks and other weapons,” explained Campo. Spain and Portugal were officially neutral. However, General Franco, the fascist dictator who ruled Spain after winning a bitterly divisive civil war, and Portugal’s Antonio Oliveira Salazar, had worked illicitly to help the Germans.

Apart from this clandestine trade in gold, Canfranc was a nest for spies.

Albert Le Lay, the head of customs on the French side, has been described as the ‘Schindler of Canfranc’ because of the way he helped people to escape across the border into Spain and passed information to the British consulate in San Sebastian in Spain.

When he believed the Gestapo was about to arrest him, he walked across the border into Spain with his family and eventually made it to Gibraltar.

More information: www.barcelo.com

CASA in Marbella and San Pedro have your home furnishing solutions

summer, and Christmas. We closely follow interior trends, making our range surprising and inspiring. Since 2015, when we opened our store in Marbella at the Oasis Business Center, we have cared for the homes of thousands of our customers. And recently, with the aim of reaching local customers, we have inaugurated our new store in San Pedro at the La Colonia Shopping Center. Our mission is to offer advice to the customer and make buying and ordering simple and offer home delivery and an assembly service if necessary. Our after-sales service is second to none too. For professional customers, we offer personalised treatment and special discounts for large purchases.

These include indoor and outdoor furniture, kitchen accessories, textiles, and a changing seasonal offer on themes like Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day,

Our teams are waiting for you at our centers in the Oasis Business Center and La Colonia Shopping Center.

See you soon,

FIRST CLASS: An historic hideout for Nazis and Jews escaping the holocaust is now a luxury hideaway

FAMOUS FACES: Josephine Baker, Marc Chagall (centre) and Max Ernst visited Canfranc

Casa Marbella

UNLOCK your dream

Roc Estates: Your Marbella property experts

At Roc Estates, we take pride in our 26-year legacy in the Marbella real estate market. Our multilingual, internationally experienced team is committed to guiding you through every step of your property journey, from finding your ideal home to maximising your investment.

PERSONALIZED PROPERTY CONSULTANCY

We’re not just another real estate agency; we’re your personal property consultancy. Our mission is clear: to match you with the perfect property tailored to your unique desires. Whether you’re seeking a villa, a renovation project, or an investment opportunity, we’re your trusted advisors.

MARBELLA’S PREMIER PROPERTY PORTFOLIO

Discover a curated selection of luxury properties in prime Marbella locations, including Benalmadena, San Pedro, Cala de Mijas, La Zagaleta, and more. Our specialisation lies in villas, with options starting from €500,000 and extending into the realm of million-euro dreams.

lows us to breathe new life into older villas, turning them into contemporary marvels. From updating bathrooms and kitchens to complete villa makeovers, we bring your vision to life.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

For the discerning investor, Roc Estates is your gateway to success. We offer a range of investment portfolios, ensuring your wealth is wisely placed in Marbella’s thriving property market.

YOUR MARBELLA DREAM AWAITS

As Marbella’s landscape evolves, Roc Estates stands firm as your trusted partner. Whether you’re looking for a family home, an investment opportunity, or a renovation project, we’re here to make your dream a reality.

Ready to take the first step? Explore our world of Marbella properties, where luxury meets lifestyle. Contact us today to unlock the Marbella dream with Roc Estates.

THE FRIENDLY, MULTILINGUAL TEAM HAS OVER 20 YEARS PROPERTY SALES EXPERIENCE IN THE COSTA DEL SOL AND SCANDINAVIA. CALL THEM ON: +34 650952084 OR EMAIL THEM AT: INFO@ROCESTATES.COM. GO TO WWW. ROCESTATES.COM FOR LISTINGS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Dilemmas and drama

Exclusive: Meet one of the stars of Netflix’s hot new reality TV property show in Spain

A FROTHY reality TV show on the excitement and drama of selling homes to the super rich in Marbella is set to launch this summer.

The Netflix series follows the staff and lives of the team at Scandinavian agency, Homerun

By Yzabelle Bostyn Brokers.

Called Making It In Marbella, the 25 staff work across sales, rentals and developments.

“We’re all really unique, funny characters, we move fast, sometimes we have dilemmas or dramas but I think we have what it takes to make a cool and interesting series,” agent Matias Concha, told the Olive Press.

The 44-year-old partner continued: “What is a TV series without a little bit of drama.

“I’ve seen other real estate programmes and I think ours will be just as good.”

Filming at the Swedish firmwhich launched on the Costa del Sol four years ago - took place in the Autumn for six weeks.

“We got to show nearly every corner of Marbella,” explained

Matias.

Much was filmed at the company HQ at Los Naranjos Golf, as well as on the Golden Mile and in the exclusive enclave of La Zagaleta.

The series follows the professional and personal lives of the team as they sell luxury properties to Marbella’s rich and famous.

It is ‘completely authentic’, insists Matias, adding: “They never told us what to do or say.

“We just went about our day to day jobs but with huge cameras. “It was very different but fun and exciting too.”

Born in Sweden to a Chilean dad, Matias moved to Marbella six years ago, where he began

his career in real estate. He previously played professional football in Sweden, as well as managing teams and working as a TV pundit.

“Real estate always interested me so when the opportunity came up I took it,” he continues.

“I love it. Everyday is a surprise. No day is like any other.”

Despite the glitz and glamour of Marbella, he never expected to reignite his celebrity status.

“The worldwide publicity we will get from the show will be invaluable. Netflix is one of the biggest platforms in the world.

“I was in professional sports for a long time so I’m interested to see if getting known from Netflix will be different.”

The most iconic development situated in a luxurious resort which boasts an artificial lake and beach (canoeing), paddle and tennis courts and a golf

ALDEA BLANCA, NUEVA ANDALUCIA

Renovated & furnished elevated ground floor apartment.

3 Beds | 2 Baths | 147m2 Built | 72m2 terrace

REF: 176-02709P | 829.000€

We are happy to introduce this fresh recently renovated & furnished three bedroom elevated ground floor unit in the popular development of Aldea Blanca, Nueva Andalucia. The apartment has been fitted with high quality materials throughout creating a beautiful mix between Mediterranean and Scandinavian design. The Danish designed open plan kitchen is the heart of the apartment with access to 2 spacious terraces. There is a large master suite and 2 guest rooms sharing a bathroom. Aldea Blanca has 24-hour security, several pools and beautifully maintained gardens. Aldea Blanca is situated within walking distance to the beach, restaurants and shops. This is a property well worth seeing.

ALDEA BLANCA, NUEVA ANDALUCIA

A stunning newly fully refurbished apartment in Aldea Blanca.

3 Beds | 2 Baths | 137m2 Built | 35m2 terrace

REF: 176-02752P | 995.000€

The style is fresh mixture between Scandinavian coolnes and Mediterranean warmth. The open plan kitchen, living & dining room is perfect for relaxing and socializing. The 2 large double doors from the livingroom takes you out onto the spacious terrace with plenty of sun, built in bbq and a nice sea view. Aldea Blanca has 24-hr security, several pools and beautiful gardens, conveniently located within walking distance to restaurants, shops etc. Furniture pack + €30.000.

ALOHA GARDENS, NUEVA ANDALUCIA

Completely renovated Scandinavian-style corner poolside unit.

2 Beds | 2 Baths | 98m2 Built | 653m2 build

REF: 176-02745P | 495.000€

The apartment is bright and comprises open-plan modern fully fitted kitchen, dining/ lounge area with access to the covered terrace & private garden area. There are 2 bedrooms, one of which is ensuite with walk-in shower and a further double bedroom and bathroom. The complex itself is gated with 24-hour security, several pools, and immaculate gardens. All the amenities anyone could need are right on the doorstep including restaurants, café’s, supermarkets, sporting facilities and much more.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

Caught the EYE

Laguna complex, Estepona

CAUGHT THE EYE

A new era in architecture is setting the scene for inspirational designs, here our Olive Press team of roving photographers bring you some of their favourites…

THE Costa del Sol has seen a huge amount of building in the past decade. Too often the designs have been ‘rinse and repeat’ with almost identical blocks being thrown up without much thought to the aesthetics of the buildings. But more recently the value of imaginative architecture to quality of life has been coming to the fore.

Unusual designs are springing up.

By Dilip Kuner

Here we picture some of the more interesting buildings that have caught our eye on our travels along the Costa and inland…and if you have spotted a design worthy of comment, send your snaps to newsdesk@theolivepress.es

Take a stroll along the Carvajal promenade and 25 metres inland is this striking building, part of the Higueron complex. It emulates the sea, taking inspiration from the rolling waves of the Mediterranean to make an easy-on-theeye addition to the seafront location. The Wave, Fuengirola

The old Laguna Village was burned to the ground four years ago. Now it has risen from the ashes as the Laguna complex, featuring Sublim Beach Club. Gone are the old thatched (and highly flammable) roofs and in their place is an imaginative space-age building with ‘flowing lines’ in a striking seafront location.

San Pedro Sports Centre, San Pedro Alcantara

Too many sports complexes are cheap to build concrete blocks that are a blot on the landscape. This soon to be finished centre takes a different - and far more aesthetically

pleasing - tack. The teardrop design of the building between San Pedro town and the beach is an architectural treat that does not dominate through ugliness.

Mayoral distribution centre Malaga, Malaga Edificio Maria Jose, Malaga seafront

This amazing distribution centre for clothes company Mayoral was originally a giant textile factory. Ordered to be built by Franco in the 1960’s, it was abandoned in the 1990s. Now the building has been brought back to life as a stylish central base with a stunning new look.

This olive oil museum created by French design guru Philippe Starck thrusts out of an olive grove near Ronda like a bull at Pamplona, and gives hikers a real surprise. With a giant copper horn, a beady eye and

a pair of lips that double as a viewing platform, it is likely to become an internet sensation. Built over 26 hectares, LA Organic Experience is part of a €22 million investment which has seen around 10,000 trees planted. LA Organic Experience, Ronda

The architects took inspiration from the area’s industrial heritage, as seen by the neighbouring protected sugar refinery chimney. The use of bricks was enhanced by an unusual exterior design that is very different from other modern blocks in Malaga.

SOLUTIONS NEEDED

AS we approach the summer of 2024, we are facing a new challenge in Andalucia.

The Junta de Andalucia has recently introduced water restrictions affecting both irrigation and the use of swimming pools.

These measures are in response to the extreme heatwaves and drou ghts that the region has experien ced, which have led to increasin gly strained water supplies.

The restrictions mean that residents and tourist establishments have to adapt to new rules on water use, which have included bans on watering gardens and filling up pools. These measures are intended to prioritise agriculture and ensure that basic needs can be met during the summer months.

Recently, the Junta de Andalucía lifted the ban on topthe water in tive from June 1), thanks to the rains that came during March and April. This was welcome news as this particular ban had received a

Water restrictions are a challenge for real estate agents, buyers and holiday makers, writes Start Group’s Christofer Fogelberg

lot of media coverage and has meant that bookings for shortterm rentals this summer have gone down a lot. We have never had so many people asking if the pools will be open before they book, and the problem was that no one could say for sure if pools would be open until very recently. As an estate agent or buyer in Spain, it is now more important than ever to consider the availability of water and the sustainability of water use when making property investment decisions. The water restrictions in Andalucia have a significant impact on the property market. They

can affect everything from property values to the buyer's decision-making process. Here are some examples:

● Property values: Areas with strict water restrictions can experience a drop in property values as potential buyers may be reluctant to invest in areas where water scarcity is an issue.

● Buyer Priorities: Buyers may start to prioritise properties with water-saving features or those located in areas with more stable water supplies.

● Rentability: We have already seen a slump in early bookings for holiday rental this season. Holiday makers from all over Europe have been worried about renting a property with limited use of swimming pools, and opted for hotels in many cases.

● Infrastructure and Development: Areas with better water infrastructure or plans for future development may become more attractive to investors.

SPLASHING FUN: With no water tourists will stay away and have a knock on effect on rentals and property values

● Tourism and Agriculture: Water restrictions can also affect tourism and agriculture, which are important economic drivers in the region. This in turn can affect the demand for property in the affected areas.

It is important for real estate agents and buyers to stay informed about the latest water restrictions and how they may affect the property market. Understanding these factors can help them make informed decisions when it comes to buying or selling property in Andalucia.

On the Costa del Sol, several in-

frastructure projects are already underway, including the expansion of the desalination plant in Marbella, new desalination plants between Fuengirola and Mijas, and in Estepona. So we hope that politicians can now push through these projects to solve the problem of water shortages for tourism in the coming years.

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THE International Monetary Fund has called on Spain to build more homes in order to ease the housing crisis that is ‘affecting the vulnerable.’

Much of Spain, especially in the big cities and along the costas, has seen a frenzy of demand - both from renters as well as buyers - pushing up prices to sky high levels.

The IMF has now urged the government

IMF wades in

to tackle the crisis by increasing the housing stock.

“To improve housing affordability, authorities should prioritise increasing supply rather than distorting support for demand,” ruled IMF spokesperson Kristalina Georgieva.

Such a measure would lead landlords to lower prices in their attempt to find tenants, the report suggests.

The recommendation came a day after the government announced its intentions to boost house building to tackle sky-high prices.

The IMF also criticised the 2023 Housing Law’s price cap measures in congested urban zones, which has so far only been implemented in parts of Catalunya.

“Past experiences suggest that such price

controls can diminish the rental housing supply,” the IMF notes.

Landlords might take their homes off the market if they cannot freely set rental prices, it warned.

The knock on of this could be a one-two effect of a reduction in rental properties and more expensive rents.

“This has happened in other countries when such limits were introduced,” explained Romain Duval, (above)head of the IMF mission in Spain.

BARGAIN BASES

TheseexpathavensinCadiz andMalagaareamongthe mostaffordabletownsinSpain forbuyingandrentinghomes

By Yzabelle Bostyn

A RECENT report has proclaimed two Andalucian towns are some of the most affordable places in Spain

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A superb opportunity to purchase a 476 sqm plot with planning for a 7 storey hotel only 100 metres from the beach and the Paseo Maritimo in the heart of Fuengirola. The buildable area is 2,765.67 sqm and could include a rooftop terrace with pool. The plot is a 5 minute walk from Fuengirola train and bus stations and very close to tourist attractions, shops, bars and restaurants. The Malaga airport to Fuengirola train service takes only 35 minutes. With a limited supply of suitable plots available and high demand for hotels this is an ideal investment for a developer.

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Casa Costa Property, Calle Federico Ruiz Vertedor, Local 2, Fuengirola 29640, Malaga

for buying and renting homes. While prices have risen in the past few years to unprecedented levels, some towns have stayed reasonably priced.

According to Business Insider

Conil de la Frontera, in Cadiz, is of exceptional value with houses coming in between €150,000-200,000.

The research carried out by Catedra Grupo Tecnocasa-UPF revealed buying in Cadiz could be a great

Dwindling numbers

PROPERTY sales in Spain dropped by almost 20% in March compared to a year earlier. There were 44,878 sales, which is a 19.3% drop on 2023, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE). It comes after 5.8% growth in February, which ended a run of 12 consecutive months of year-to-year falls. On a month-to-month basis from February to March, sales fell by 15%, while in the first three months of 2024, the reduction was down 5.6%. There has however been a 3% increase in new properties.

investment. It also highlighted Fuengirola, in Malaga for its reasonable house prices.

“There are only 100 places where the financial burden of buying a flat (the mortgage) is less than renting,” ruled the study.

These are Mogan (Gran Canaria), Barakaldo (Vizcaya), Benidorm (Alicante), Conil (Cadiz), Fuengirola (Malaga), L’Hospitalet (Barcelona) and Yecla (Murcia).”

The study indicates that in the long term, buying instead of renting in these areas could save you between €100,000 to €150,000.

“The sharp drop in March has been surprising for its intensity, although it is consistent with the dwindling supply of properties available,” said Francisco Iñareta, from property portal Idealista.

“The seasonal factor of Easter, which this year was in late March compared to April last year, could have increased the year-on-year drop,” he added.

“It will be very interesting to closely monitor future numbers to see if the extent of this drop is maintained or if it is just a blip.”

By region, Andalucia generally bucked the trend in March with 8,805 sales, followed by the Valencian Community (7,423), Catalunya (6,802) and Madrid (5,944).

The biggest annual falls were led by the Balearic Islands (-39%), Castilla y Leon (-30%), Extremadura (-28.9%) and the Basque Country (-25.9%).

SAVINGS: Buying rather than renting in Conil could save you €150,000

GREAT VALUE: Property in Fuengirola

WARNING: Price caps can worsen rental issues

CALIFORNIAN QUALITY

THE glitzy American luxury real estate agency made famous by the Buying Beverly Hills Netflix documentary series has landed in the Golden Triangle. The Californian real estate titans are celebrated for selling iconic properties such as Hugh Heffner’s Playboy Mansion and Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch.

Now, under the leadership of a pair of Teutonic tycoons, Managing Partner Leif Orthmann and Sales Director Benjamin Beza, The Agency is poised to revolutionise the luxury property market on the Costa del Sol.

With the aid of their friendly international team and ‘no assholes’ motto, they make it easy for buyers searching for their dream property to navigate the hurdles.

While The Agency Marbella is a new arrival on the costa, for Leif and Ben

it is not their first rodeo.

Leif, a seasoned property developer, has been shaping the real estate landscape of the Costa del Sol since 2012.

With a keen eye for transforming properties into luxurious homes, Leif’s expertise ensures that every property meets the highest standards of elegance and comfort.

His partner, Benjamin Beza, brings a rich cultural background to the table, having grown up in Germany with Spanish parents.

Benjamin’s diverse experience and his knack for understanding clients’ needs make him vital to The Agency’s operations in Spain.

The Agency was originally founded in 2011 by Mauricio Umansky, who is well-known from Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills even before the Netflix documentary.

Under Mauricio’s guidance The Agency established itself as a leader in the California high-end real estate market.

Their reputation for handling high-profile transactions precedes them, with one high-profile NBA star and president of a country already on Leif and Ben’s client list.

Among The Agency’s exclusive listings are two standout prop -

The Agency arrives on the Costa del Sol: Prestigious Californian real estate maestros bring their trademark quality and excellence to the Golden Triangle

erties: Casa Cenote and Casa Las Palmeras.

Casa Cenote, a luxurious €8.19 million villa nestled in the serene neighbourhood of Nueva Andalucia, offers a unique beach resort ambiance. This Tulum-inspired haven features an expansive pool, a natural cavelike ondoor pool with a cascading waterfall, and sandy areas perfect for relaxation.

The villa accommodates up to 12 guests and is packed with amenities including a built-in jacuzzi, a fully equipped gym and spa with bamboo accents, a wine cellar, a cinema room, a bar, a pool table, and even a meditation room.

The €8.8 million Casa Las Palmeras is a magnificent villa undergoing a comprehensive renovation in the prestigious Las Brisas neighbourhood of Nueva Andalucia, Marbella.

Spanning 900m2 on a 2560m2 plot, this villa ensures absolute privacy amidst a beautifully landscaped garden.

The property features an extensive basement with a 3-metre high ceiling, a spacious garage with a car turning plate, a luxurious spa area, a state-of-the-art indoor gym, and a home cinema with direct garden access. Traditional elements such as a

charming patio and an outdoor master shower with views of the golf course add to its allure.

With their combined expertise and the prestigious backing of their American partners, Leif and Benjamin are set to make The Agency a dominant force in Marbella’s luxury real estate market.

Their focus is on high-end properties but they can also accommodate lower budgets as well.

Mallorca

Carrer Oratori 9A, Portals Nous 07181. Palma de Mallorca

TYCOONS: Leif and Benjamin’s experienced agency sold Michael Jackson’s Neverland

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

Sign of the times!

Drasticdropin‘for sale’ boards due to squatterfears

ESTATE agents in Southern Spain have stopped putting for sale signs outside properties in a bid to deter squatters.

Advertising has generally moved to online real estate sites and dedicated property publications to further avoid the scourge.

The Murcia Estate Agents Association spokesperson, Jeronimo Jover says over two thirds of all properties no longer have signs outside.

“Traditional sale boards are down by 70% due to owners fearing that an empty house with a sign will tempt squatters,” said Jover.

He estimates that barely a third of homeowners 'still put the signs up'.

The problem, he admits, is that using a real estate portal makes things harder for potential buyers or tenants as many listings don’t mention the actual location.

"The advantage of the sign is that you could see where the property is,” he explains.

He added that this lack of information leads to more time being wasted for agents, as in many instances a

Tourist crackdown backfires

A PLAN by Sevilla town hall to limit the number of tourist apartments has backfired with landlords and investors rushing to register hundreds of new holiday rentals before the rule comes into force.

From March to May a total of 356 new tourist properties were registered, for a total of 1,961 new beds. During the same period, 20 tourist buildings were also registered, for a total of another 540 new beds.

The rush to register them began on March 21, when Sevilla City Hall voted to approve limits on them ‘for compelling reasons of general interest’, given the negative effect they are having on the local population. The plan is still in the public consultation stage, but the mere announcement of the crackdown led to a jump from 8,905 to 9,261 tourist rentals by the end of May.

Negative

In terms of the number of beds, the figure has risen from 43,590 to 45,541 for the same period.

In its latest annual report, the Bank of Spain warned that the high concentration of tourist accommodation in Sevilla was having a negative effect.

The other cities on the lender’s radar for the same problem were Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia.

In terms of coastal areas, the Bank of Spain has also warned about similar issues in Malaga, Marbella, Palma de Mallorca and Elche.

In its April report, the bank stated that the percentage of tourist apartments from the total rental market in Sevilla’s historic quarter was at 14%, while in Marbella the number was as high as 60%.

particular location does not meet the requirements of an interested party.

Jover recommends that sellers at least list the location so that if anybody shows interest, they have some of the details.

"In the old days when you wanted a house in an area, you walked around,

By Alex Trelinski

made a phone call and you knew what was being talked about - now you have to go to the portals or publications," he commented. It comes despite a fall in the number of

The Costa del Sol has seen massive changes

SINCE development began in the 1950s, the Costa del Sol has been defined by spectacular growth in high-end tourism.

This growth vaulted Malaga province into Spain’s top destination for travellers and second-home buyers worldwide, fuelling its economic and cultural renaissance.

That enviable growth continues, largely thanks to the Costa del Sol. However, its character has changed over time. The market has moved into a more mature phase, sparked by population changes and world events.

IMPACT OF GLOBAL EVENTS ON LOCAL DYNAMICS

Consider some of the dramatic geopolitical economic events of the last 15 or 20 years.

The economic crisis of 2008 hit Spain extremely hard, followed by the Arab Spring, Brexit, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

This has had an impact on the Russians departing Spain and Ukrainians arriving. In addition, there has been the rise of remote working, accelerated by advances in technology and the Covid pandemic.

Finally, there has been an explosion in the growth of Scandinavian immigration.

It really has been a transformative couple of decades.

TOURISM AS A CATALYST FOR DEVELOPMENT

Tourism has long been the engine of growth in the Costa del Sol. By the 2000s, the area had become Spain’s largest tourist destination.

The economy had matured from its freewheeling early decades but continued to grow at a furious pace. Hotel construction boomed.

Between 1993 and 2007, 252 new hotels were built, most of them four and five-star, adding 35,312 new vacancies.

A whopping 49-plus million people visited the region during this period.

Over the next 15 years, that number doubled again! Current government figures point to more than 14 million tourists in 2023 alone.

Nor has Malaga tourism hit its limit. However, the region may be looking at a different type of tourism in the future.

POPULATION GROWTH AND DIVERSITY

Before returning to that, it’s worth noting that the growth in tourism had another effect: massive population growth. Malaga province numbered 781,690 in 1960; by 2021, the population had exceeded 1.7 million.

It continues to be one of Spain’s fastest – if not the fastest – growing provinces.

In the last decade or so, growth has spread out from its historic centres in Malaga city to the luxury tourist city of Marbella.

It’s now found even in smaller cities like Estepona, Fuengirola, Manilva, and Benalmádena. And one of the interesting things about the growth in mass tourism is its secondary effects.

On the one hand, it has led to the internal migration of Spaniards coming south for jobs and lifestyle changes.

On the other hand, there is the arrival of people who have come from outside of Spain. People come, fall in love with An- dalusia, and then buy a home here. The sun, the pace of life, and the cost of living all encourage a portion of people to transform themselves from tourists into residents.

squatting cases going to court in recent years, which is due to ‘other reasons’.

“Barely 20% of the cases reach court as owners know that squatters will leave if they get out the chequebook.

“Most of the current occupations are simply about trying to extort money from the owner.”

70 percent

Ever growing

Age is a key factor.

Median age continues to increase in Malaga province, especially among those settling on the Costa del Sol. Retirees are the main drivers.

Most of this group comes from Northern Europe. The UK continues to top the list despite the damage caused by Brexit.

Though Brexit did cause some British residents to return home, it also compelled many of those who stayed to become more deeply invested in Spain and the Costa del Sol.

This ageing demographic creates greater demand for long-term properties and leisure services. It also creates a widening demand for general, specialist, or longterm healthcare.

The result has been a growth in world-class infrastructure and services in the region.

The population has diversified as well. For instance, Marbella’s registered non-Spanish residents currently boast over 153 countries of origin, out of a world total of 195.

The nations represented range from Tajikistan to Burundi to Vanuatu.

The most common nationalities, besides Spanish, are British, Moroccan, Ukrainian, Colombian, and, until recently, Russian.

Obviously, Spaniards continue to hold a lot of buying power in the region.

However, at least 90% of all properties over €2 million are sold to foreigners.

In the last quarter of 2023, 33% of all home purchases in Malaga province were by foreigners.

THE RISE OF RESIDENTIAL TOURISM

There is also an intermediate trend between pure tourists, who come for a week during spring break or Christmas, and those who decide to move here permanently: residential tourism.

This is characterized by the movement of relatively well-to-do people from mostly Western countries to tourist destinations for long-term stays, often in second homes.

This phenomenon began in the 1990s, mainly among the British, until the 2008 financial crisis ended. Soon

after, it re-emerged, driven less by those fleeing work and more by those bringing it with them, thanks to smartphones and online remote working. However, it was the Covid-19 pandemic that caused the remote working earthquake. Suddenly, large groups of workers were encouraged –or forced – to work online rather than in offices.

A whole new international community of telecommuting and freelance work has accelerated the growth of a new demographic.

These are people of working age, sometimes with families, who wish to relocate full- or part-time to places like the Costa del Sol.

Spain has recognized this global phenomenon by introducing the digital nomad visa last year.

It has some bureaucratic kinks to work out, but it is a good attempt to meet this demand. Quality of life is typically the motivation for digital nomads.

They also typically bring considerable wealth with them. By 2023, to illustrate, the average budget of a second-home buyer grew to €740,000, three-quarters of whom “are cash buyers”. They are staying longer, too, beyond the usual busy summer season.

This is a real net gain for Spain and Andalusia specifically. A report says that providing housing and services for foreigners generated 105,606 full-time jobs in Spain in 2022, highlighting the importance of the sector.

The tourist boom will not end anytime soon, which means more people are discovering the possibilities of living here long term.

We can expect continued changes with the diversification of the typical tourist who visits. This will result from the shift towards higher-end tourism and the countries that contribute to tourism.

Malaga—and Andalucia—is a place in constant flux. That has been a net gain regarding quality of life, culture, and economics.

The Property Insider by Adam Neale

THE NEW AGE OF RESIDENTIAL TOURISM

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Los Boliches, Fuengirola, modern apartment in excellent position close to beach, services, transport, etc, bright and sunny with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, spacious fully fitted kitchen, utility room, lounge and sunny terrace. Private underground garage and community pool. Excellent condition makes it an ideal home!

Reserva del Higueron, beautiful bright apartment with 2 double bedrooms, one of them with ensuite bathroom, shower room, kitchen, lounge with access to the spacious terrace with beautiful open views over the sea. Private underground parking space and storage room. Beautiful communal pool and gardens, gym, spa and exclusive restaurants within the complex. Perfect as a home or rental income!

Fuengirola Sohail area, bright apartment close to the beach and services, comprising of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, lounge and large sunny terrace with beautiful views over the castle and the sea. Community pool and gardens, private storage room and garage space. Makes an excellent home and great for rental income. Must be seen!

Los Pacos, Fuengirola, beautiful duplex penthouse within very prestigious complex with very good quality of construction. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully kitchen, spacious lounge with access to sunny terrace overlooking the sea, mountains, pool and garden, community pool, gardens and gym, private garage space and storage room. Fantastic family home and great rental potential, close to the beach and amenities.

A beautiful dúplex top floor apartment within the most popular complex in Fuengirola, spacious with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, main bedroom with walk in closet, fully fitted kitchen, lounge and terraces overlooking the beautiful communal gardens and swimming pools. Completely renovated to very high standard, a/c hot cold throughout, electric shutters, everything is brand new. Come and see your new home in the most desirable complex in town. Excellent for rental income!

Sunny and bright townhouse in very quiet area near the prestigious Mijas golf course, comprising of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully fitted kitchen, lounge with fireplace leading to spacious sunny terrace overlooking the garden and pool. Large terrace from the bedrooms also facing south and west. Semi olimpic swimming pool and gardens. Very well looked after it makes a great home and great investment!

Impressive, detached villa built on 9.000m2 plot, a dream for country and horse lovers, with a total of 970m2 built in 2 dwellings, one with 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, lounge, patio and terrace + apartment with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, lounge and shared terrace. 41m2 heated pool, waterfall, chillout area, yoga room, 2 wells, stable for 7 horses, leisure area with, kitchen, bar, bedroom and bathroom, garage.

FUENGIROLA

RESERVA DEL HIGUERON

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LOS PACOS, FUENGIROLA

FUENGIROLA CENTRE

LOS BOLICHES, FUENGIROLA

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MIJAS AREA

Spaced out

SPAIN'S space technology sector has received a €70 million boost thanks to the EU’s Covid-19 recovery fund.

The Ministry of Science will allocate the cash and has asked for companies to make bids.

It will hand out €30 million to projects to develop new products, processes or services to improve the production capacity of space systems like those that send satellites into orbit.

The remaining money will go to projects to improve existing space technologies, focusing on those with 'high disruptive potential'.

Science minister Diana Morant said the government was supporting space technology as it is a chance to pursue new opportunities and to secure Spain's independence in the field.

META PROBE

Social media child safety investigation launched

THE European Union will probe social media giant Meta for alleged breaches of its online content law applying to children.

The European Commission said that it is investigating whether the Facebook and Instagram platforms ‘stimulate behavioural addictions in children’.

The commission added it is concerned about age verifications on Meta’s sites, as well as privacy risks linked to the company’s recommendation

The great divide

ANDALUCIA and Alicante province dominate in a Top 10 list of Spain's poorest municipalities with populations of 50,000 and over.

The two areas account for seven placings led by El Ejido in Almeria with an annual average income of €13,066 - putting it top of the national impoverished list.

The figures have been compiled by the Foundation for Applied Economics Studies (Fedea).

It analysed the average personal income of 1,207 towns and cities plus income tax returns from 2017 and 2018.

The three other featured Andalucian municipalities are Sanlucar de Barrameda in Cadiz,

By Alex Trelinski

algorithms.

The probe has been launched after a preliminary analysis of a risk assessment report supplied by Meta last September.

Thierry Breton, the EU’s

Utrera in Sevilla and Motril in Granada. In Alicante province, Orihuela, Torrevieja, and Elda are all included as well as Lorca in the Murcia region. Madrid, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca lead the ranking of the richest cities in Spain, followed by Valencia and Sevilla.

commissioner for internal market, said that it is ‘not convinced that Meta has done enough to comply with rules to mitigate the risks of negative effects to the physical and mental health of young Europeans on its platforms’.

He added that it was a ‘matter of priority’ to carry out an investigation into Meta’s child protection measures.

A Meta spokesperson said: “We want young people to have safe, age-appropriate experiences online and have spent a decade developing more than 50 tools and policies designed to protect them. “This is a challenge the whole industry is facing, and we look forward to sharing details of our work with the European Commission.”

The Commission has the power to impose interim measures on Meta and will also study changes made by the company to remedy its concerns.

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Managing risk

Pharaoh knew best

GLOBAL health experts have revealed an ancient Egyptian ‘super cereal’ that is ‘best’ at reducing cholesterol.

In Europe, oats have traditionally been seen as the best cereal for reducing cholesterol. However, they now have strong competition in the form of a little-known grain with roots in Ancient Egypt. Kamut has been recommended by the World Health Organisation for its numerous health benefits.

Much like oats, kamut helps to lower blood sugar and control cholesterol.

So, it makes the perfect addition to any diet if you have hypertension or diabetes, claims WHO.

The only downside? It has very high levels of gluten, so it isn’t recommended for celiacs.

Scan to visit our website

SPAIN has launched its annual plan to alert vulnerable people about heatwaves during the summer.

The initiative from the Health Ministry has run for 20 years and active until September 30 - with an option to extend it to October 15 if needed.

A new feature will be meteoalert zones kicking in from June 3, which will be a reference map for extreme heat warnings.

The 182 meteohealth zones are designated areas of the country that, according to previous years’ records, vary in temperature between each other.

The plan’s main objective is to prevent and

reduce the impact of high temperatures on the elderly, pregnant women, children and the chronically ill. Another important category takes in workers who are employed for ‘open air’ tasks.

One of the priorities is to alert regional health authorities and the public, of possible risk situations with ‘sufficient advance notice’ so that preventive measures can be taken.

It will done via forecasts provided by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) with the Health Ministry passing on risk levels daily to the country’s 17 regions.

Level 0 or green, means there is no risk; level 1 or yellow, donates a low risk; level 2 or orange, marks medium risk; and level 3 or red, is a high risk category.

A series of general recommendations to prevent the

effects of high tempera tures has been published which include drinking water and liquids fre quently and avoiding caffeinated, alcoholic or highly sugary drinks that could cause dehydration. They also recommend wearing ‘light, loose-fitting clothing’ and to never leaving anyone in a parked car, especially if they are children, the elderly or people chronic diseases.

If any heat-related symptoms last more than an hour, the Ministry recommends going to see a doctor.

DOUBLE TROUBLE

AN expat who spent four days in hospital after suffering a reaction to Nolotil was horrified when he was prescribed the drug a second time. It came despite the British 60-year-old telling doctors about his specific allergy to the painkiller. Pete Packer, an English teacher in Marbella, had already had a near-fatal reaction to the killer drug after a motorbike accident in 2017. Despite breaking numerous bones in the 110kph accident, the father-of-one was let out of Hospital Universitario, in Malaga, the same day with a prescription for Nolotil. Little did he know, his nightmare was just beginning. The next day, he awoke to a terrible fever and ‘couldn’t

‘Nolotil almost killed me, then doctors told me they gave it to me AGAIN without thinking’

KILL THE DRUG

stop shaking’ with frequent ‘convulsions’.

“I thought I was dying, I was sick, shaking and sweating all over,” he told the Olive Press.

“As a single parent it was scary that I couldn’t look after my daughter who goes to school here.”

After fainting while shopping for food, he decided enough was enough and went to

EXCLUSIVE

By Yzabelle Bostyn

After several blood tests, he was informed he had ‘no white blood cells’ and had an ‘AIDS-like’ illness.

Pus was soon streaming out of his eyes and nose, as doctors informed him that an ‘atom bomb’ of bacteria was ‘having a party in his body.’

“No one could figure out what was going on,” explained the expat, who has lived in Spain for 15 years.

“It wasn’t until one of the doctors mentioned in passing that he'd read about Nolotil killing ‘guiris’ that they decided to take me off it,” he continued.

It was only then, after four days drifting in and out of consciousness, that his immune system finally began to recover.

Badly shaken, he made sure the hospital listed his strong allergy to Nolotil on his medical records.

So he was more than shocked when after another recent motorbike accident he was again hospitalised and given the dangerous drug.

And it even came despite wearing a ‘No Nolotil’ wristband when he was admitted

to the Hospital de Alta Resolucion in search of pain relief.

Despite also telling triage nurses and a doctor he was allergic to the drug, he was STILL prescribed it.

When he demanded to know why, the doctor apologised and told him he ‘automatically’ prescribed it ‘out of habit’.

It comes six years after the 2018 decree demanding medical professionals do a thorough background check to make sure no one of northern European descent is given the drug.

“People are routinely being given this drug that kills thousands,” he said.

“It is appalling that doctors are ignoring the advice that is seeing people die.”

Nolotil is known to induce

‘agranulocytosis’ in some northern Europeans, reducing the amount of white blood cells to dangerous levels and depleting the immune system. It is currently under investigation in the Spanish National court, after tireless campaigning by the Association for Drug Affected Patients (ADAF) and the Olive Press. “I’m actually lucky,” said Pete, this week. “I’m fluent in Spanish so I could tell them not to give me Nolotil. But if I was just on holiday, I wouldn’t stand a chance.” Our campaign against the drug has been signed by nearly 800 people.

You can sign it on our website www.theolivepress.es.

FISHY PARASITE ALERT

Call me, Fijaz Mughal, in confidence. I’m fully-accredited and professionally-trained in London and recently moved to Spain.

I understand the issues many expats feel in Spain. Change through relocation abroad can really add to mental health pressures and these life changes are never easy. Counselling and therapy has changed the lives of many. Getting in touch is the first step. Recognising that there is an issue is the first step on the road to recovery.

Help is available through my confidential counselling CONTACT: Fijaz Mughal OBE FCMI MBACP on info@counselling4anxiety.com www.counselling4anxiety.com

A HEALTH warning has been issued after anisakis has been detected in a fish imported from Morocco for sale in Spain.

The hake roe containing the parasite was analysed at a Spanish border control point. Anisakis is a parasite that attaches itself to

the digestive tract of fish and cephalopods and can cause an allergic reaction if eaten. Among the most frequent symptoms in case of infection within 12 hours after consumption includes strong abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever.

In addition, skin rashes, difficulty breathing, hives or conjunctivitis may also occur.

The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (Rasff) says they don't know where the hake roe was infected and what the final destination was.

It is not known either whether other batches that may have anisakis have gone on sale in Spain.

The Rasff agency described the situation as 'serious' and has asked consumers not to buy hake roe until they learn more about the anisakis contamination.

Hospital de Alta Resolucion, Benalmadena.

Should be ashamed

I READ your front page report

(Tricked out, Olive Press, all editions) with incredulity .

Ourselves, like many expats, have experienced the sharp dealings of property agents in Spain. Stories abound of duping and questionable actions. Is there not a governing body that oversees the operations of property agents? Is there a code of conduct, a pledge or some kind of self management ?

Many countries require agents to register as members of an Estate Agency Board.

They would have successfully completed a course and written a test before they are allowed to act as estate agents.

They also pay an annual fee of which part goes into a fidelity fund guarding the interests of the industry’s reputation and credit-ability.

Does anything like that exist in Spain?

As for Mr. Taha al Amine Benmahjouba, he should be ashamed of the callous and devious manner in which he conducted his business with the Nevelings.

To entrap elderly people with reduced cognitive ability is highly questionable. His action of changing their locks on the eve of their Christmas celebrations is particularly mean.

From a legal point of view his

tions are even more questionable. Documents signed by advanced

of

S J Smuts via Olive Press Online

Nolotil thanks

Dear Olive Press,

THANK you for taking on the very important issue of Nolotil.

I noticed in another article that you have a few private hospitals that are on board to stop providing Nolotil to those who could have adverse effects. I did not see Vithas Hospitals on your list. I hope they will join the other hospitals and stop giving out Nolotil as well.

I was hospitalised for a hip fracture and was given Nolotil, then prescribed it and told to take it for six weeks during the healing. I did not know about this at the time, so I feel VERY blessed to be ok.

I now tell all doctors and hospitals I’m allergic. But I’d love to see Vithas on your list.

GOVERNMENT ACTION NEEDED

WITH regards to the stories you have written about anti-tourist protests. I agree that it is the government that needs to act and not the tourists.

The biggest problem is Spanish law protects renters to a degree that they can become almost impossible to evict. This is the main reason why I do not rent my property.

The second one is high interest rates and purchasing costs. In order to get my money back I would need to rent

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

my 1 bedroom seafront apartment for €1,000 per month and basically the person renting is just covering the purchasing cost.

Now add in the fact that salaries in Spain have not increased in the last 25 years that I have been living here….€1,400 per month is considered a good salary. If tourists stay away as well, I will have no job!

Carly Unwin via Olive Press Online

Shirley Taylor via Olive Press online

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

BAG OF TRICKS

A RYANAIR passenger has gone viral after snapping off the wheels on his suitcase to fit it into the hand luggage tester en route to Malaga airport.

In a video uploaded to X (Twitter), the man was shown breaking his suitcase after being told he would have to pay a €70 fee to check his bag in.

Ryanair staff looked on incredulously, before scanning his ticket and letting him board the flight, no extra fees paid.

The budget airline’s current policy states passengers can carry hand luggage of 40 x 20 x 25 cm, designed to fit under the seat.

Alternatively, you can pay for a ‘cabin bag’, which goes above your seat, or checked baggage.

Tractor justice

FARMER strikes are set to return with a plot to block the border between France and Spain on the eve of next month’s European elections.

The protest group Revolta Pagesa have called for a new demonstration on June 3 which will see coordination between French and Spanish farmers to block the border for 24 hours. They are protesting against EU regulations, which they claim allows them to be undercut by foreign growers who can offer their produce for less.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

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May 29th - June 11th 2024

Luxury backlash

British expats fear being priced out of Estepona amid surge in ‘exclusive’ venues

BRITISH expats are considering moving away from Estepona following the arrival of a string of new 'luxury' venues, it has emerged. It comes as three new beach clubs are being criticised

LUSH!: But expensive

By Laurence Dollimore

for 'appealing to the uber wealthy' with 'rip-off prices'. Expats and locals fear being priced out of the area, while some claim the town, known as 'the garden of the Costa del Sol', is 'losing its charm.'

The latest project to be revealed is the Eva restaurant and beach club, which sits high above the popular Playa del Cristo and is set to open in July.

It follows Beso Beach and Sublim, the latter of which has replaced the former Laguna Village. Both of them have received backlashes online in recent days. Eva covers 5,500sqm and

MALAGA has seen the biggest surge in hotel prices in Spain.

High demand and high occupation have seen the average daily rate (ADR) in the city shoot up 22% for the first three months of the year compared to the same period a year before.

The average cost of a Malaga hotel room came in at €112.69 in the first quarter of 2023, but that figure has now risen to €137.42.

While prices in Malaga may have risen the most, Marbella remained the most expen-

includes a ground-floor restaurant, an outdoor terrace, a more intimate firstfloor dining area, and a beach club with an infinity pool, private rooms, and VIP cabanas.

One British expat said online that he could 'only de-

PRICE SURGE

sive city in the region for hotels.

A room cost an average €168.40 a night during the first quarter of the year.

In terms of occupation, Malaga filled 76% of its hotel rooms during the first quarter. Marbella, meanwhile, managed 55%.

The Canaries are the most expensive region for hotel stays, with an average room costing €171.20 a night in the first quarter.

spair' after seeing the club's plans.

Another agreed, saying: "So glad I sold up, Estepona used to appeal as traditionally Spanish, now they want to make it Puerto Banus II…. drugs, crime and vice will surely follow."

Another expat said: "We and many people like us did like Estepona. A genuine lovely town. Now with so many changes towards 'Estebanus' we might think of moving from here. It hurts."

Others rushed to defend the venue, saying it would bring jobs.

One wrote: "Looking forward to trying this place. Not somewhere I'll be going every week, but as a treat or for a special occasion definitely!"

Historic

THE historic Triton Benalmadena hotel is set to reopen this summer, after a major refurbishment project that has lasted 18 months.

Owner Best Hotels has not revealed how much the project has cost.

The revamped hotel includes a new pool for kids featuring a ‘splash zone’, as well as an infinity pool for the grown-ups. The hotel dates back to the 1970s and has been seen as a symbol of the town’s growth through tourism.

Air battle

A PASSENGER has been awarded €600 compensation because his flight was early.

A court in Malaga has ordered Swiss International Airlines to pay compensation after the flight was brought forward by more than an hour, despite him being notified of the change two weeks in advance.

But it did so through an intermediary, the online travel agency eDreams.

As a result, through a legal loophole, Swiss was still liable to pay compensation as it had not directly notified the customer.

The passenger arrived at his destination more than two hours earlier than he had planned to.

According to the court, he had bought his ticket at that time for a specific reason, and the earlier journey caused him a series of inconveniences.

WORTH THE MONEY?: Some people think not

Feel like a movie star

JUNE is just days away and the scent of summer is already in the Costa del Sol’s air.

There’s nothing like waking up in the morning, grabbing a coffee, looking out the window and smelling the fresh air. At that moment you realise your skin should look as bright and beautiful as the day ahead.

Here we will reveal the secrets towards achieving a healthy and radiant skin for those authentic mediterranean beach days so you can feel and look like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.

Hidden in the heart of Mijas, a half an hour away from exclusive Marbella and vibrant Malaga, lies a paradisiac oasis, La Zambra Resort.

Concealed within its andalucian-style grounds sits one of the largest spas on the Costa del Sol, with its 2000 sqm, called Mood Spa.

Here, amidst the serene courtyards, two world-class golf courses and sunkissed terraces, whispers of tranquility beckon.

The Spa includes two heated dynamic pools including a hot tub and hydrotherapy pool, and a heated 15-metre free swimming pool.

Get ready for summer with Mood Spa at La Zambra Hotel in Mijas

In another room we can find a finnish sauna, biosauna, steamed room, scottish shower and ice shower.

As well, as 12 massage rooms including hollistic, innovative and traditional, and a beauty salon. Head out doors and you will find an Andalucian terrace that remains from the antique Byblos Hotel, which hosted prominent figures from the elite and royalty including Princess Diana. In this luxurious sanctuary, we have prepared the Pre-Sun Ritual, a treatment tailored specifically for the upcoming summer season.

Pamper your body and face with our exclusive one hour exfoliation treatment with Dead Sea salts, followed by a full body hydration session, and another hour of circuit spa to complete the wellness experience. Finally, to top it all off, a delicious handmade tea will put the cherry on top of this definitive relaxation voyage. This intensive care day will take you back to your childhood summers when your sole worry was to enjoy and relax. Let yourself loose under the hands of professionals and come out feeling like a movie star with Mood Spa at La Zambra Resort.

For more information, please call (+34) 951 311 234, email info@lazambrahotel.com or visit the website www.lazambrahotel.com

Arabian nights

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

Gypsy ballads, Flamenco nights and world-class orchestration at the 73rd Granada Festival of Music & Dance

ERNEST Hemingway once said that if you were to visit just one Spanish city, it should be Granada.

For over half a century, the Granada Festival of Music and Dance has added to the appeal, hosting some of the world's finest musicians and dancers.

Celebrated by the BBC as one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in Europe, it returns for its 73rd iteration this year, from June 7 to July 14.

A total of 116 performances will take place over 33 days, with Franz Schubert's more intimate compositions providing the common thread running through this year's programme. Some of Europe's leading musicians and dancers will be appearing in sold-out venues across the city; from state-ofthe-art auditoriums and renovated monasteries, to world-renowned concert halls, even a breathtaking 14th century open-air theatre.

By Michael Molyneux

This year, for the first time, attendees will enjoy the symphonic vivacity of one of Europe's greatest orchestras, the Vienna Philharmonic, directed by Lorenzo Viotti. Also taking to the stage: the Spanish Na tional Ballet; British classical pianist Paul Lewis, widely regarded as one of the leading mu sicians of his generation; and Trio Arbos, winners of the 2013 National Award for Span ish Music, who will be per forming com positions by both Schubert and Jose Maria Sanchez Ver du, this year's festival's artist-in-residence. The origins of the festival can be

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!”

ROMANTIC: A concert setting at the Alhambra

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

traced back centuries, beyond the jasmine-scented courtyards of legendary Spanish pianist Manual de Falla, and the theatrical duende of Federico Garcia Lorca, to the region's Moorish ancestry, whose roots still spread out across the city in the form of architectural,

and musical wonders.

This Arabian Nights fantasy, and the festival's other worldclass venues, threaten to steal the show. As, last year, did a surprise performance by an on-form Bob Dylan at the Generalife Theatre. This year's roster of visiting orchestras and performers also features an

incredible line-up.

The soloists include legendary pianists such as Martha Argerich, Elisabeth Leonskaja and Sir András Schiff; the duo of Alexei Volodin and Edith Peña; and young talents such as Seong-Jin Cho, Alexandre Kantorow and Juan Floristán, all of them winners of international prizes.

Orchestras will take over the Carlos V Palace; Spanish and modern dance as well as ballet performances will be held in the Generalife gardens; and the smaller classical recitals will take place in the Alhambra's Arrayanes Patio.

Candlelit

Concerts are also being held in churches and halls throughout Granada, and flamenco shows in the Albaicín and Sacromonte – outside the city walls, where the gypsies were historically forced to live – will liven up the nights following the festival's scheduled performances.

During the festival there will also be an extensive programme of workshops and dance-troupe street-performances, many of which are free to attend.

Candlelit nights in the gardens and courtyards of Andalucia – where the scent of jasmine, orange blossom, cigars and perfume mingle in the evening air – are rendered all the more sublime by the spectacular backdrop of the Sierra Nevada (snow-capped until early-summer) and the immortal Alhambra, half citadel half palace, that adorns its foothills.

Less boisterous than its Andalucian neighbours Sevilla and Cadiz to the west, what Granada lacks in vociferousness, it more than makes up for in artistic virtuosity. As the city's most famous poet Federico Garcia Lorca once said: Granada will always be ‘more lyrical than dramatic’.

The Granada Music and Dance Festival was born in the Alhambra, to reinforce the link

INSPIRATION: Venues include churches and the Carlos V palace

between the ‘imaginary city, and the real city’, between the popular and the traditional aspects of Andalucian life, and to give recognition and momentum to the great heritage of European musical culture.

For festival tickets and information, please visit www.granadafestival.org

Molyneux

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

+34 630 344 897 or email: info@casaresliving.com

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

FLOWER POWER

Is Cordoba’s Festival of Patios worth the visit? Yzabelle Bostyn finds one young lover proposing to his bride in one

COMING from Esteponadubbed as the Costa’s ‘Garden City’ , I wasn’t sure Cordoba could beat my flower-laden hometown.

But the city overwhelmed me with its beautiful patios, rich history and delicious food - and yes, the fragrant displays of flowers more than matched Estepona’s floral attractions.

This is hardly surprising as the Cordoba Patio Festival was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity site by UNESCO in 2012.

For just one week every year, Cordoban families open up their homes to share their patios with the world.

Thousands of tourists flock to the city, eager to explore courtyards battling it out to be crowned the most beautiful in the historic city.

Some 52 took part in this year’s competition, alongside 12 non competitive entries.

Safe havens amongst the hustle of the city, these patios offer a quiet, green oasis for local residents for the other 51 weeks of the year, once the gawping visitors have gone back home.

Each has its own distinctive look and feel, with different prizes awarded for best patio, modern architecture and traditional architecture.

Here I give my impressions on this year’s winning patios.

BEST PATIO: MARROQUIES, 6

What better place to pop the question than in Cordoba’s prettiest patio?

For one prospective groom, the hordes of people streaming through the win-

By Yzabelle Bostyn

ning locale did not matter, as he got down one knee amongst the bougainvillea and overflowing flower pots.

Such a beautiful moment was befitting of the patio, a complex of multiple houses and workshops brought together by their cobbled paths, floral arches and bright blue doors.

Every corner, alleyway and porch was filled to the brim with plants, water features and ceramic arts, lending the patio a typically Andalucian charm.

Marroquies, 6 was also home to many tiny workshops selling ceramics, soap and magnets, showing the tiny barrio’s entrepreneurship.

MODERN ARCHITECTURE: PASTORA, 2

Although much smaller than the overall winner, Pastora, 2 was just as full of charm.

Each wall was covered in Cordoba’s typical blue pots, with unique touches such as the Andalucian plates, a fountain decorated with the Virgin Mary and other religious imagery.

But what really stood out in this patio were the flowers.

The perfectly curated blooms and the huge orchids particularly caught my eye.

And as I left the patio, I made sure to tell the owner how wonderful his flowers were, provoking a huge smile, beaming with pride.

I also dropped a euro or two in the donation box as I left as it is customary to support your favourites.

MARROQUIES,

TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE: TINTE, 9

Even smaller still was Tinte, 9. Depending on the size of the patio, only a select number of people are allowed in at one time and this was by far the longest queue I waited in all weekend.

However, it was definitely worth the wait.

As soon as you enter the patio, you are greeted with an explosion of colour, from the hundreds of plant pots lining the walls to the lemon tree nestled in a corner.

TINTE, 9

With various levels, stairs and balconies, each nook and cranny seemed to fit a sprawling plant, making the tiny house feel like a jungle hideaway. Aside from the three winners, there are dozens of secret gardens tucked away throughout the city. I spent two days in Cordoba discovering the patios and still only managed

PASTORA, 2

OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Across: 5 Omission, 8 Rule, 9 Troublemakers, 10 Logic, 12 Eyelid, 14 Err, 15 Staged, 16 Scams, 18 Documentaries, 21 Joni, 22 Necklace.

Down: 1 Assuming, 2 Mills, 3 Trek, 4 Altruism, 6 Mar, 7 Number, 11 Orthodox, 13 Encircle, 14 Edge-on, 17 Stick, 19 Unit, 20 Etc.

O P LIVE RESS ANDALUCÍA

Millennial saint

A BRIT born to Spanish parents in Manchester could become the first British saint of the 21st century after his diocese sent the pope a request for canonisation following his death from cancer.

Swift to anger

TAYLOR Swift created

some Bad Blood with locals in Madrid after 100 mammoth trailers for her concert caused a series of roads to be cut off, disrupting people’s morning and afternoon work commutes.

Cruz win

THE Sun caused a few raised eyebrows in Spain after it ranked the country’s 10 best beers and announced the cheap Cruzcampo from Andalucia as the best.

BOARD PATROL

THE unusual sight of surfing dogs greeted Cantabria beach-goers this month when pooches of all shapes and sizes showed off their prowess in Bay of Biscay waters.

La Concha beach at Suances hosted the 3rd European DingoNatura Dog Surf Championships over two days. The pooches didn't go solo but had their adult partners to guide them through the

Pooches take to the waves in unique surfing championship

By Alex Trelinski

waves as dozens of spectators looked on.

The overall winners were Koa and Juan Manuel Santiago (below).

The Cantabrian Surfing Fed-

eration divided the furry competitors into different categories based on their size and experience, ensuring a fair and exciting competition. Dogs were judged on various criteria, including their ability to balance on the surfboard, their confidence on

TREAT YOURSELF WITH OUR DAY PASSES

Indulge in a taste of paradise mere steps from your doorstep.

Immerse yourself in luxurious amenities, bask in the sun by the poolside, unwind in the Costa del Sol’s largest spa, and savor delectable dining options—all without the hassle of travel.

dogs is spreading. “It is a celebration of the special bond between dogs and their owners. Many participants highlighted how training for the event had strengthened their relationship with their pets.” Spectators enjoyed a festive atmosphere with various activities, including pet-friendly stalls, educational workshops on dog training and surfing, and interactive games. the water, and the style of their surfing maneuvers. This year's championship saw a record number of participants, with over 50 dogs taking part, ranging from seasoned surfing dogs to enthusiastic newcomers.

Organiser, Michael Calvo, said: “It is great to see more people taking part in this beautiful sport. Little by little, surfing with

Bootleg

TWO Galician farmers admitted making 10,000 litres of bogus hand gel out of brandy on their chicken farm, which was sold to hospitals and pharmacies in the early days of the Covid pandemic.

Prosecutors wanted the men from A Coruña jailed for nine years, but they took a plea deal where they each were

Beaky blinder

AN American expat made a friend during her afternoon coffee after a parrot took up residence on her head.

Michele Jordan and her husband were enjoying an afternoon coffee in Estepona when a parrot flew up to their table. The ‘friendly’ bird ‘stayed quite a while’ with the couple, even hopping on Michele’s head. Even when the pair set off on a walk around town, the small grey parrot continued to follow them.

She posted the incident on social media, in hopes of finding the owner.

Luckily, the owner, a local Spanish lady, swooped in and claimed the bird.

According to the owner’s Facebook page, she had reported the parrot missing over a week earlier.

She said: “I’m begging whoever finds him to return him to me, it would be very noble.”

hand gel

fined €17,520 and given twoyear suspended sentences. They started making the fake gel in April 2020 with the important alcohol component being brandy. The con was exposed after pharmacies complained about labels without an expiration date, barcode, lot number or even the name of a manufacturer.