Olive Press Costa Blanca issue 249

FAKE BANKSYS

Madrid

Defective

SPAIN is now classified as a ‘defective democracy’ due to its high levels of corruption.

The country now has a worse ranking than Saudi Arabia, Rwanda and Costa Rica, when it comes to transparency.

In its worst score for three decades, Spain came 46th out of 180 nations.

It now scored just 56 out of 100 in the evaluation by Transparency International , which compiles data from many sources including the World Bank and World Economic Forum.

Spain dropped 10 places being slammed for its control of corruption, government efficiency, regulatory quality, and rule of law.

Scandals

The country ‘continues to lack a national anti-corruption strategy’ to counter scandals such as the Koldo case and the Jose Luis Abalos affair.

The loss of the anti-fraud agency in the Balearics, and the weakening of the Valencian equivalent were noted, while only four autonomous regions tackle corruption head on.

The UK has also seen a decline of 11 points since 2017 scoring just 71 out of 100.

Overall Europe has declined for the second year running to 64 out of 100.

Only six countries improved their scores, while Denmark remained on top being the least corrupt nation, with a score of 90. Russia holds the worst position in Europe, ranking 154th globally with a score of just 22.

FOREIGN van-lifers are ‘dumping human waste’ on beaches and in public water fountains, outraged expats claim.

Michael Cultrona, a 64-year-old German expat says the seasonal motorhome visitors to Xeraco, on the Costa Blanca, pose a ‘public health risk’.

“They clean their chemical toilets in the water fountains in the park where kids drink,” he told the Olive Press.

“It’s very concerning as they are also throwing human waste into our bushes, onto beaches and into rivers.”

The long-time expat alleges locals have made numerous complaints to the council and police, to no avail.

“They want the ‘tourist money’, but as far as I can tell the only money they spend is in the local Spar shop,” he said.

“In fact, they steal from local orange farms and even our gardens.”

OUR BEACH NOT YOUR TOILET

Outrage as illegal campers accused of dumping human waste on Costa Blanca beaches

Cultrona also claims the van lifers - also known as caravaners, snowbirds and blowins - are to blame for the death of ‘several’ local cats.

“Their dogs have killed several cats and anyone who dares to challenge them is threatened verbally or physically.

“I was actually threatened with a knife after I shooed a dog out of my garden to protect my cats,” he said.

According to the German, the campers are parked illegally and often block the pavements despite their being a campsite ‘just metres’ away.

Even those who run the legal campsites around the nearby Gandia area are dealing with multiple issues, the Olive Press understands.

Cultrona claims that a couple he knows who live in the caravan park behind his

house were attacked with human excrement.

“They paid €10,000 to have a plot for 10 years, but soon after their caravan was smeared in human waste and their tyres punctured.

“I think it was an attempt by the owner to keep their money while making them leave,” he said.

It comes after numerous Alicante residents have hit out against campers on the prime

coastal spot of Saladar Beach, between the city and Santa Pola.

Despite signs prohibiting caravans from parking in the area, they reportedly occupy large swathes of land, illegally dumping their waste into a nearby nature reserve.

“They come with their dogs and leave the place full of excrement” one local resident said.

Many of the tourists pretend not to understand complaints even when addressed in English or German.

Action

The issue extends beyond Saladar, with numerous frustrated residents near Cala de los Borrachos and Carabassi Beach, near Santa Pola also complaining.

Despite this, local councils have yet to take action against the tourists, and though police sometimes clear out the areas, the campers soon return.

Similar problems have been reported around Spain.

In Mallorca, Palma mayor Jaime Martinez recently insisted ‘caravans cannot

become a housing solution or an uncontrolled tourism model’.

It came as he introduced a new law

banning overnight stays except in campsites, with fines of up to

€1,500 a night for staying elsewhere. His comments brought a strong reaction from one motorhome group which insisted what they do is a legitimate form of sustainable tourism.

“They are criminalising us for no reason and the only thing we want are adequate spaces to park and coexist in harmony with the city,” it said.

The Olive Press revealed five years ago that Madeleine McCann kidnap suspect Christian Brueckner, spent most of the year living in a variety of motorhomes around Portugal and Spain. In particular, we tracked the rapist and paedophile to various camping spots north of Valencia, around Castellon, and he spent many months living near Orgiva, in the Alpujarras region of Granada.

SCOWL: Campers block the whole pavement and pay no fees

IN HIS SIGHTS: Former sniper Cultrona is taking aim at campers

EXCLUSIVE

By Yzabelle Bostyn

Polluter escapes

A SIX month probe to find a ship that leaked oil - polluting several beaches in Valencia’s El Saler area - has ended with no culprit identified.

Out of control

A DRIVER of a 40 tonne lorry which swerved all over the A-7 motorway in Valencia was eight times over the drink-drive limit and struggled to get out of the cab when stopped by police.

New market

ELCHE’S new Central Market building and its surrounds costing €8.8 million will be built by mid-2026 and will include 24 stalls and a gastronomic area.

Dialled in

A DUTCH resident of Javea has been arrested for being part of a group that made over €13.5 million by selling specially encrypted mobile phones to international criminal gangs.

Here we go again

IRISH mobster John Gilligan is back behind bars after police discovered a pink cocaine laboratory at his Orihuela Costa villa. The 72-year-old was sent to Fontcalent Prison in Alicante by a judge.

The Policia Nacional operation was carried out in association with the UK's National Crime Agency. Besides Gilligan, eight other arrests were made - members of a Macedonian criminal family based at La Alberca in Murcia.

LOCKED UP

A WEALTHY American businessman has been jailed for eight years for the murder of his Russian wife in 2021.

Michael Martin Hoseyni, 55 at the time of her death, admitted to strangling his wife, Yana Rose, 40, to death in a rented apartment in La Línea near Gibraltar on Christmas Day. He then embarked on a bizarre cross-country journey with her body in the boot of his hire car before burying his wife in a

American who killed wife and buried her in Valencian forest gets eight years

By Walter Finch

shallow grave near Valencia.

The American was also ordered to pay the family a further €75,000 on top of the €150,000 indemnity he had already paid via a Cadiz court.

LONG STRETCH

A BRITISH man convicted of drug trafficking by Turkey has been arrested at Alicante-Elche airport. He faces 30 years in prison for offences dating back to 2007. The 44-year-old flew in from London Stansted airport and had an International Arrest Warrant issued against him. He was part of an organised gang involved in the production, transportation and sale of narcotics in Turkey. He bought over 23,600 kilos of heroin and hid it in a lorry loaded with textiles. He managed to flee but was convicted and sentenced in his absence.

Hoseyni, an American citizen of Iranian descent, and Yana were a prosperous couple who ran a successful car business in Denver. But the court heard that he had a history of domestic violence.

The prosecution argued that, in their rented holiday apartment, Hoseyni had taken ‘an extremely aggressive and violent attitude, after hitting her several times and with the intention of ending her life, strangled Yana with his own hands.’

Shallow grave

He then bundled her body into the boot of their hire car and made the long trip to Valencia. After her disappearance had been reported by a friend, police were able to locate the hire car company at Milan airport, which had kept GPS data for the

They allegedly took orders from Gilligan to make and distribute different types of drugs in the Murcia region. Two properties were searched in La Alberca where a 'significant' amount of pink cocaine - also known as tusi - was seized.

couple’s entire holiday.

This, in turn, showed that the husband had spent long periods, over several nights, parked up by a patch of woodland in the grounds of a derelict mansion near Alzira.

Police discovered the body buried in a shallow grave hidden under branches on Friday, January 21. It was naked and showed signs of bruising. Hoseyni has hopped on a flight to Denver but then voluntarily flew back to Madrid where he was arrested.

Behind bars

THE Policia Nacional have arrested a 'very dangerous' British prisoner who escaped in a mass jailbreak in Portugal last September.

Mark Cameron Roscaleer, 35, was captured on the outskirts of Alicante City along with fellow escapee, Rodolfo Jose Lohrmann.

Torture

They were in a luxury car that had pulled over at a petrol station on an industrial estate. Both fugitives were subjects of international arrest warrants and were listed on Interpol’s Red Notice, making them high-priority targets for law enforcement across Europe. Roscaleer was serving nine years behind bars for the 2018 kidnapping torture and robbery of a 45-yearold man on the Algarve.

I CHOOSE HAPPINESS

EXCLUSIVE: TV business mogul Charlie Mullins insists ‘people are happier’ in Spain compared to the UK, where a ‘doom and gloom’ attitude seeps into everyday life

IF you ignore the plush surroundings of his multi-million euro villa, the UK’s richest plumber Charlie Mullins could be any one of the thousands of expats who live on the costas. His reasons for moving south are remarkably similar to those of so many of his fellow countrymen, he told the Olive Press over champagne and beer at his four-storey Costa del Sol home.

Exuding an incredibly relaxed attitude to life, the man who made a fortune founding the UK’s most successful plumbing business explains that ‘people are simply happier’ here. Back home where he sold his successful Pimlico Plumbers firm for a cool €170 million in 2021, a ‘doom and gloom’ attitude seeps into everyday life.

PRISTINE:

The expat and his shiny Rolls Royce

By Tom Ewart Smith

And it’s getting worse, just as many an expat will tell you.

His decision to move permanently to Mijas in July following Labour’s recent election win did not come out of nowhere.

Charlie had been mulling over the move for sometime, having holidayed on the Costa del Sol for 20 years.

Friendly

He has now taken the plunge and told the Olive Press he is really enjoying the much more ‘relaxed’ and ‘enjoyable lifestyle.

“There is a never-ending social life here,” he insists, adding ‘it is 10 times better’ than back home.

Luck of the Irish

HE is the rising star of the Spanish gastronomic scene, but by his name you may never have guessed.

He attributes this primarily to the weather, as well as the slower pace of life between La Cala de Mijas and Marbella, where he spends most of his time.

“People are a lot more friendly and inviting here,” he explains. “In fact I’ve got more friends here than in the UK.”

He adds that, in contrast, Brits are constantly concerned with day-to-day issues, which contributes to a depressing atmosphere.

The frantic nature of life in Britain means he sees more of his seven great grandchildren and 11 grandchildren in Spain.

“They can come out here for two weeks straight whereas if I go back to the UK, I would only see my family for half a day or a day at a time,” he explains.

He plans to stay in Spain indefinitely where he particularly rates the culinary scene.

His favorite hospitality spot is the nearby El Oceano Beach Hotel in La Cala, which is also frequented by many of his friends.

He also speaks highly of Olivia’s La Cala and La Sala in Banus, which he describes as ‘always

STUNNING: Charlie enjoys expansive Mediterranean views

lively’ and he was sad that one of his favourites, Villa Tiberio, has shut.

Mullins is particularly drawn to such venues because ‘people dress up’, and he enjoys the ‘unpredictability’ of whom he might meet.

He explains how he could go out for a seemingly quiet breakfast but return home at midnight after a day of unforeseen socialising.

Despite his escape from the London rat race, like a true entrepreneur he is keeping busy.

Upmarket

He is developing several villas in the upmarket Los Monteros area, near Antonio Banderas’ former home, while he is also the non-executive chairman of a new company, WeFix, in the UK. He is also staying incredibly fit, working up to five times a week with a personal trainer.

Trump’s a thug!

RICHARD Gere has branded Donald Trump a ‘thug’ and a ‘bully’ while accepting his award at the ‘Spanish Oscars’ in Granada at the weekend.

The Pretty Woman star, 75, was picking up his International Goya at the Palacio de Congresos when he launched his verbal attack on his country’s new president. It comes after he moved to Madrid with his 41-yearold Spanish wife Alejandra Silva last year.

Gere, who also starred in Primal Fear and An Officer and a Gentleman, told the crowd: “I’m coming from a place now... we’re in a very dark place in America, where we have a bully and a thug, who is president.” He paused as the crowd of Spanish stars began applauding.

The International Goya was first awarded in 2022 with the previous three winners being Cate Blanchett, Juliette Binoche, and Sigourney Weaver.

Sweet Melody

in

Axel Smyth is in fact Galician born and bred, but his surname comes from an Irish grandfather. Alongside his partner (personally and professionally) Claudia Merchan (right), they have been crowned as joint breakthrough chefs at the prestigious Madrid Fusion event. They couple, who run Simpar in Santiago de Compostela, follow in the steps of three-times World’s Best Chef Dabiz Munoz

who took the award as a young man. Also honoured was Andrea Martin (left) from Tragata, in nearby Malaga, who was named ‘Best Front-of-House-Professional’. Tragata has a sister restaurant in Ronda.

“You can get out in the daytime a lot more”, he says, and the better weather encourages him to exercise more.

Does he miss anything about life in London, where his old plumbing firm employed over 400 people and turned over around €400 million?

In fact, no. He insists the city ‘hasn’t got that buzz anymore’ and lost its charm when David Cameron stepped down as Prime Minister in 2016.

Fortunately for him he has rediscovered that buzz again here in Spain.

MELODY will again represent Spain at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest after her song Esa Diva won Benidorm Fest.

The 34-year-old from Sevilla finished as runner-up back in 2009 and her song tells the story of her career in the music industry. This year’s contest takes place in Switzerland in May and Spain will look to emulate the 2022 success of Chantel’s Slo Mo which finished third.

OLIVE PRESS IS HIRING

Commercial rep

7-10 hours per week - based around Javea/Moraira/Altea

This is a part-time job of around 1-2 hours per day representing the Olive Press on the Costa Blanca. Estimated earnings between €500750 per month. Must be outgoing, presentable with sales experience. Own car and clean driving licence essential.

Photos by: Walter Finch

Fowl decision

SMOKEFREE CALPE

CALPE has banned smoking on all of its beaches and coves, with the exception of two designated areas after a limited trial last year.

The two spots will be at Playa La Fossa next to the Plaza

Mediterrani and Plaza Colon at Arenal-Boi.

Reusable ashtrays will be available from tourist information points to stop cigarette butts being dumped in the sand.

TORREVIEJA will spend €27,000 on capturing chickens that freely roam in public spaces.

The population of roosters and hens is exploding, and can cause accidents as they stride down roads oblivious to the situation.

The city's animal welfare councillor, Concha Sala, says a one-year contract

has been advertised for a company to control numbers.

“Wild or feral fowl have proliferated in an uncontrolled manner in public parks and gardens, roads, or wherever they can find food,” she said.

Sala said that around 700 birds had been counted and that would be the total that the winning contractor would have to

capture and rehome.

They are frequently spotted in the Parque de Las Naciones and Parque de la Estacion as well as around 40 in a long-standing settlement on a Villa Amalia roundabout.

There have also been incidents of birds in the Parque de las Unidas area walking onto the slip-road for the N-332 highway.

On the fast track

Wet wipe invasion

Train corridor coming to Valencia, with high-speed routes direct to France

HIGH-SPEED rail services will link all three Valencian Community provinces in 2027, Transport Minister Oscar Puente has announced. New tracks will be completed as part of the Mediterranean Corridor allowing AVE trains to run between Alicante, Valencia and Castellon.

Puente said his ministry is also looking into the feasibility of having stops in Xativa,

By Alex Trelinski

Villena, Orihuela, Elche, and Sagunto.

It means that travellers will be able to use AVE services to the French border and as far south as Almeriathe final objective being a link to the south at Algeciras.

“In 2027, a person can get on

KILLER EXTREMES

A RECORD number of people died last year in the Valencian Community from extreme temperatures.

Madrid’s Carlos III Health Institute says 516 people passed away in 2024 from causes that were connected to either high or low temperatures - 42% more than in 2023.

The average Valencian temperature in 2024 was 1.4C above average.

The Institute reports that as of February 6, 138 people have died so far this year due to the winter cold.

Last winter saw 205 people die due to the cold, while 268 perished in the summer - almost the same total as in the whole of 2021.

in Almeria and reach France without passing through Madrid or making any transfers,” the minister said.

A train journey between Alicante and Valencia would take less than an hour and work on the La Encina section to allow that to happen will be finished within 18 months.

Upgrades to the CastellonValencia section will be ready this year.

Oscar Puente said: “The AVE lines will have the flexibility to boost travel within the Valencia region, as well as long

NEW TRACKS: Minister Oscar Puente declared high speed network will go direct to France

distance journeys.”

He promised to have meetings with mayors to see what benefits the faster service can bring to their municipalities.

The government says it has boosted money for transport improvements in the Valencia region, allocating over €770 million last year - up 23% on 2023.

Some €450 million of that has gone to the AVE upgrade, while other projects include improvements at the Port of Valencia terminal.

SOME 300 tonnes of wet wipes that were flushed down Benidorm toilets last year caused damage needing €400,000 worth of repairs to pumping and treatment plants. The problem is becoming increasingly serious with wipes accounting for 90% of solids filtered from local wastewater.

A breakdown a few months ago at the Severo Ochoa pumping station caused staff to spend days unblocking pipes crammed with wipes.

Benidorm City Council and water company Hidraqua have launched a campaign to get people to change their wipe disposal habits.

A slogan - Stop wipes from being news - will appear on billboards and display screens to hammer the message home to tourists as well.

Last orders! RESIDENTS WANTED

New noise zones lead to earlier closures for Alicante bars and businesses

By Alex Trelinski

LATE night boozing will soon be a thing of the past in Alicante.

Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs will have to close earlier in two popular nightlife areas of the city classified as Acoustically Saturated Zones (ZAS).

One zone will cover parts of the old town and the other is in the city centre around Calle Castaños.

Terrace areas used by hospitality businesses will also be slashed by half.

The move is in response to resident complaints about

TARGETS: Late night revellers are not wanted in Alicante

noise.

Business owners have described the decision as ‘nonsense’ which will lead to job losses.

The ZAS also suspends the granting of new licences to nightclubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, karaoke bars and bingo halls.

There is even a stop on ap-

WELCOME BACK

A SHOPPING mall ravaged by October’s floods holds its big reopening today (Thursday).

Aldaia’s Bonaire Shopping Centre made headlines over fears that dozens of people might have died in its underground car park.

The parking lot was totally flooded, with water reaching the ground floor of the shopping complex.

Fortunately, rescue teams - including divers - found nobody in the 1,800 space facility.

All of the stores were closed until three retailers reopened in mid-December in the outdoor area known as the Bonaire commercial park.

From today, the majority of shops will open for business in the indoor arcade.

Some retailers will wait until mid-March as they continue carrying out renovations.

proving new terrace spaces.

The council says the Policia Local will run a special operation to make sure closing times are observed and bar terraces are cleared, including dispersing crowds of people close to premises.

A 1am closing time will be observed on Fridays and Saturdays plus eves of holidays. Nightclubs will have to pull down the shutters at 3am. For the rest of the week, 12.30am will be closing time - 1am for the clubs.

Hours

Terraces will have to be cleared half-an-hour before closing.

Longer hours will apply during the Bonfires fiestas and over the Christmas and New Year/Three Kings periods which the council will determine nearer the time. And 24-hour shops will be a thing of the past as they will have to shut between 12.30am and 7am.

IF you are fed up with the costa rat race, move to Enguera.

This is the message from the local town hall, which is offering incentives for people to move to the village.

It has just under 5,000 residents and is nestled in the beauty of mountain range foothills in the Canal de Navarres region but needs workers.

It is located 72 kilometres south of Valencia and 118 kilometres north of Alicante - both with excellent road connections.

Enguera Town Council is offering grants to potential residents to start up businesses. The amount payable depends on individual circumstances and how many people apply.

But it is unlikely to be much - the scheme’s entire budget is €12,000.

The council points out that renting a home is an average of just €500 per month while a small wooden property on a campsite is available for €11,000.

The area is lacking in people to work in agriculture, construction, masonry, carpentry and plumbing. It also needs home care professionals plus a butcher, a baker, and a fishmonger.

Outlets selling bakery goods, take-away meals, newspapers or drinks will also be affected by the restrictions.

The Alroa hospitality association says it will look at all options including legal action to stop the restrictions which it says don’t have any sensible rationale.

Opinion Page 6

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

with an estimated

OPINION

Zones of interest

LIFE is always about balance and so it should be about the tourism and hospitality sectors in Alicante City. Alicante constantly beats the drum about how tourist revenue is important for jobs and prosperity, but some locals don’t see it that way.

We don’t think many people want live in a city centre street where bars and clubs are open into the middle of the night with all the racket

But the new ‘noise’ zones approved by the council tightening up closing times and halving terrace sizes might not be the answer.

Last we checked, we are not in a police state and if people out for a night of fun choose not to disperse from streets and are not trouble-makers, then we are into potential conflict.

Also hospitality groups are not happy about the way the zones have been drawn up with a lottery element to which roads have been included or excluded.

There’s a sense that this has not been properly thought out.

Motorhome stays need sorting

MOTORHOME owners are causing annoyance in Alicante by popping up from various countries, including the UK, and parking up overnight for free - often for many days. There’s nothing new here and there appears to be a lack of a coordinated approach to solve this problem once and for all.

It does depend where you live and how seriously a local council treats the issue, meaning it is time for regional governments like Valencia to get more involved with this to apply consistency.

Residents paying their ever-rising taxes have to put up with the blight of these ‘ad hoc’ van farms, and if police move them on, then they pop up elsewhere.

It’s not as if there’s a shortage of approved motorhome parks, but they charge - of course.

If we have draconian Coastal laws for all kinds of trivia, then surely it should not be beyond the bounds of logic to come up with something to deal with irresponsible motorhome owners.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Walter Finch walter@theolivepress.es

Yzabelle Bostyn yzabelle@theolivepress.es

Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es

Tom Ewart Smith tom@theolivepress.es

Marquez

theolivepress.es

DOWNFALL OF THE COCAINE QUEEN

Nicknamed ‘The Model’, the narco boss who has run out of runway and crash landed in jail after a 25 year reign as Spain’s stunning Reina de Cocaine

By Dilip Kuner and Jon Clarke

SHE was known as La Modela (The Model) due to her taste for €700 blouses and €1,000 Jimmy Choos, all financed by the drugs trade.

Now Maria Teresa Jaimes Caicedo is cooling her heels behind bars rather than parading through Marbella as if on the fashion runway.

But given her 25-year year reign as Spain’s ‘Queen of Cocaine’, she could be forgiven for thinking that she has in fact ‘got away with it’. She has been sentenced by Malaga Provincial Court to just five years jail for crimes against public health and membership of a criminal organisation.

The prosecution had been asking for a 10 year sentence but a plea bargain that saw her admitting to being the boss of a narco gang that exported drugs from here to Northern and Eastern Europe saw that cut to five.

It does not seem to be very much considering her high-profile, not just in the cocaine trade, but also on the glitzy Marbella social scene.

The glamorous Colombian expat lived a life of luxury in a giant mansion with two swimming pools, a tennis court and ‘a garden that resembles the rainforest’.

A long police investigation eventually snared her as the ringleader of a gang of 16, behind a European-wide cocaine smuggling operation. Eight of her co-conspirators have also been jailed.

Speaking exclusively to the Olive Press, a lead investigator revealed how she had managed to ‘live the high life’ for nearly three decades, while quietly pulling the strings behind one of Spain’s biggest drug smuggling operations.

Describing her as ‘a real black widow’ - who has already seen two previous husbands put behind bars for smuggling - the undercover officer added it was ‘remarkable’ she had somehow flown under the radar.

The policeman from Greco, part of the National Police’s Udyco organised crime and drug unit, revealed how his colleagues were ‘amazed’ when they started investigating her opulent life.

“From the street her house didn’t look anything special, but when we entered it was like a city, with interlinking paths and numerous outbuildings where all her family lived,” he told the Olive Press “I’ve seen many homes of criminals, but this was something else. Some

M3,000-metres squared in size and with a garden like the jungle with a tennis court and two pools.”

He continued: “She was supporting around 10 people, including her mum and four children and she had a daily fitness trainer and also went to crossfit classes.

“If she needed a plane ticket, someone got it. A hotel, it was always five stars, a restaurant, always the best. A boat, her friends had them. The cars, always changing, but nothing too flash.

Think BMW or Audi.”

He continued that the €3m villa in central Marbella was ‘like a fortress’ with numerous CCTV cameras, high walls and incredible security.

“She actually slept in her own panic room bedroom, which was only reached via a false door from a library.”

He added it could only be accessed by pushing a button that, like a Hollywood movie, opened to a staircase up to Maria Teresa’s suite.

The suite itself featured an elevated marble jacuzzi, supported by marble columns, while a giant mirror was placed on the ceiling above the bed.

Inside a giant walk-in wardrobe amid racks of Prada shoes, Dsquared2 jackets and Gucci bags was a packet of cocaine that gave everything away.

Adorned with, appropriately, a Rolls Royce logo - the kilo of cocaine had clearly been used to show off the quality her family in Colombia could supply.

“A corner was missing that had clearly been syphoned off for potential clients and friends to try,” explained the Greco operative. “It was a big mistake for her.”

While she claimed to work as a ‘commercial mediator’ and regularly travelled between Madrid and Barcelona, as well as Colombia, police began to probe her after a tip off two years ago.

Called Operation Dryad (after the nymphs in Greek mythology, who lived supernaturally long lives and were tied to their homes) the probe found her to be the ‘brains’ behind a big Polish/Danish gang, which smuggled drugs around Europe.

OST of us have never heard of Spaniard Julio Camba, but this charming author wrote wittily and amusingly about the British, and mostly got it spot on.

Camba lived and worked in many parts of the world 100 years ago, but perhaps the climax of his career was the time he spent in Britain.

IT would undoubtedly be the crowning engineering feat of the 21st century so far, eclipsing the likes of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge or the Three Gorges Dam (both in China).

The unlikely bearers of this crown, should they ever succeed in realising their fantastically ambitious dream of digging a tunnel under the Strait of Gibraltar, would be Spain and Morocco.

The plan to connect the Iberian peninsula with the African landmass under the waterway – 17km wide at its narrowest point – has been around since as far back as 1930.

But for most of this period it has been considered little more than a literal pipe dream, given the immense engineering complexities involved in drilling a tunnel between two separate continents.

All comparable engineering feats pale into comparison: far deeper than the Channel Tunnel, far longer than Istanbul’s Marmaray Tunnel – the only other that connects two continents – and in far more hazardous than Japan’s Seikan Tunnel.

But the Spain to Morocco tunnel took another step closer with the recent awarding of a €300,000 feasibility contract to German drillers Herrenknecht through their Spanish subsidiary in Madrid, following on from a pre-

he’ll be as angry as if you came the following day!’

By Michael Coy

While there between 1910 and 1912 as a correspondent for El Mundo, he took a wry look at the British and had an uncanny knack at picking out the many varied differences they had with his own race.

Take this: ‘If you want to meet a Spaniard at 11am, tell him to be there at 10am. And anyway, he won’t show up at all. Make an appointment with an Englishman and arrive 15 minutes late,

And this: ‘Britain is a waterproof country. It has to be!’

And with regard to alcohol: ‘When they get a little tipsy, British people almost seem human. They start using gestures and even facial expressions. Some of them even laugh!’ English ideas of romance were not spared his sarcastic wit. ‘You know what an Englishman does to show his woman that he’s aroused? He buys her a box of chocolates.

In Britain, a night of passion means eating the whole box.’

These and many other of his observances of the British race have now finally been published in a new book, Viviendo a la inglesa (Living the English Way).

And how topical they are, after our recent

wrenching from Europe care of Boris and co with Brexit.

‘For English people,’ he wrote. ‘living next to Europe is as irritating as having a nextdoor-neighbour who is always practising the piano.’ Some things clearly never change!

One of his funniest remarks was made on his arrival at Victoria Station in London in December 1910. ‘The worker grabbed my suitcase and shouted, so I started to shout too,’ he wrote. ‘Given I’m Spanish, I shouted much more than he did and finally, he shut up.’

In Camba’s new book, you certainly won’t find much dwelling on world events, who was in power, what policies were being in-

BLACK WIDOW: Maria (top) dealt ‘Rolls Royce’ cocaine

DEEP: The tunnel will have to go nearly 400m under the Strait

PIPE DREAM

Spain and its North African neighbour are contemplating taking on one of the challenges of the century – but what exactly is involved in digging a tunnel to Morocco?

By Walter Finch

vious technical study carried out in 2021.

Famous for using the world’s largest boring machines to dig Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland, the longest and deepest in the world, Herrenknecht has been tasked with assessing the likelihood of drilling a tunnel from Tarifa to Tangier.

Extreme

“Current deliberations assume a distance of over 30 kilometres and a depth of several hundred metres below sea level,” a Herrenknecht spokesperson told the Olive Press this week.

“This construction project poses extreme challenges in terms of technology and logistics – can these challenges be overcome and what solutions would be necessary?

troduced, etc. Similarly, you’ll look in vain for self-pity or any hint of bragging. He simply did not care about political parties or celebrities. He just liked observing people.

And he got us Brits spot on, when he wrote: ‘All Englishmen are policemen, deep down. Deep down, all Spaniards are anarchists.’

Let’s face it, all of you must have heard a British person in a bar in Spain telling a smoker to go outside (yes smoking laws are often broken in small pueblos).

I’m equally sure that you’ve seen a Spaniard park his car next to a ‘no parking’ sign, or a disabled bay.

Camba was 13 years old when he arrived in Argentina at the end of the 19th century.

For five years he made a precarious living writing pamphlets, until in 1902 he was thrown out of the country.

TUNNEL VISION: The plans envision three tubes 8 metres in diameter running under the sea

“This is what we are setting out to find out. Herrenknecht was unable to comment further due to ‘confidentiality’ clauses in their contract.

However, the list of challenges to overcome is daunting.

Almost a kilometre deep at its lowest point, the Strait is home to a soft, unstable seabed and strong currents that transfer water between the Mediterranean and Atlantic.

Even avoiding the worst depths, the tunnel will have to go under the Umbral de Camarinal, a giant underwater ridge in the Strait of Gibraltar around 280 metres below the surface.

At such depths, the pressure is enormous, requiring a tunnel not just deep but in-

Back in Spain, with typical independence of spirit, he launched his own newspaper (he was 21 years old) and what title could he possibly give it, but The Rebel?

After writing some sarcastic mickey-takes of Spain’s leading politicians, he was hired by a now defunct national newspaper to be its correspondent in Turkey, of all places.

That’s where he ended up getting picked up by El Mundo – a collaboration that would make him famous.

During the First World War and the years leading up to Hitler, he held posts in London, New York, Rome and Berlin. His articles were so highly-regarded that many were compiled as books, and sold well.

Camba died in Madrid on February 28, 1962. It would have amused him to know that he left this life on Andalucia Day, and no doubt he would have had something acerbic to say about it.

credibly strong to prevent a catastrophic collapse.

Meanwhile, the tunnel may collapse anyway due to the seabed, which is made of soft clay, loose sediments, and fractured rock – unlike the stable chalk of the Channel Tunnel. Boring through loose materials is far more difficult because the tunnel lining has to reinforce the entire structure as it is dug.

Another immediate threat to the tunnel’s integrity is the seismic activity prone to the area, magnified by the loose rock in which the tunnel would sit.

And all of this coupled with some of the fastest and strongest currents in the world.

Current plans imagine two single-track train tunnels with a diameter of 7.9 metres separated by a six-metre-wide central service tunnel running interconnected by cross-passages every 340 metres. The total length would be 42 kilometres, with roughly 27.7 running under the water.

Early projections estimate the project will cost between €5 billion and €10 billion, with some less optimistic forecasts believing it could approach €25 billion and not be ready until 2040, dashing hopes of opening the tunnel in time for the 2030 World Cup, jointly hosted by both countries.

Meanwhile, the majority of the costs will likely be put up by the respective governments of Spain and Morocco, raising the issue of whether the political will is really there for such an exorbitant and challenging endeavour.

However, experts believe the train line could carry 13 million passengers each year and stimulate economic growth in both countries.

But before any of that can be considered, we must await the result of the feasibility report, due out in June this year.

Proof of delivery

itself on its environmental credentials.

We have always vowed not to waste paper and guaranteed fewer than 1% returns.

This year however, we are going one step further insisting that less than 0.5% of our papers will go to waste.

In a promise to our readers - and more importantly advertisers - we are ensuring that 99.5% of copies are accounted for.

In a new ‘Proof of delivery’ transparent system we are guaranteeing that Spain’s most popular English newspaper gets into all the right hands.

This is a stark contrast to our rivals, whose newspapers get left in huge piles each week and often end up getting blown around the streets.

Yes, wherever you live, you will have seen hundreds of copies left, literally sitting on the shelf. Unclaimed and unloved.

Indeed, rival distributors tell us they now call delivery day ‘pickup day’ as there are so many papers going unread that have to be returned.

We have never had that problem and are always the first free newspaper to get picked up wherever we distribute.

To guarantee this continues, we have teamed up with the UK’s largest free newspaper delivery company, Self Select Media. A company that distributes millions of newspapers each week.

In a high-tech and vital new way of delivering our newspapers, we get proof of delivery of every drop with photos and exact numbers distributed… and even better, monitor the numbers into the single digits.

In an important drive for sustainability and accountability, we can now ensure our advertisers that all our papers have been safely dropped AND signed for. And we can make sure we don’t unnecessarily waste paper and money, as part of the process.

Contact sales@theolivepress.es if you need more information

LA CULTURA

Going with a Boom

ESTEPONA’s Boombastic music festival has sold 10,000 tickets within minutes of being released last week.

Picture perfect

From July 2426 2025, the Parque Ferial will host one of the biggest musical events of the year.

Big names such as Melendi, Maria Becerra, Steve Aoki (below) and Gordo will take to the stage. They are just some of the stars announced for the festival and more will be revealed shortly.

Boombastic is a nationwide event, with dates in other locations such as Asturias and Gran Canaria.

The Asturias edition has already confirmed huge names such as Bad Gyal, Tiago PZK and Omar Cortes.

Meanwhile Gran Canaria is leading the way with American singer Nicky Jam.

Prices for the Costa del Sol event range between €85 and €200.

Culture vultures should head for Madrid to get their fill of Spanish heritage and particularly art

IF you want to find culture in Spain head for Madrid. The city has topped the charts for the most cultural city and region, according to the Cultural Observatory 2024.

The annual research reveals where Spain’s culture vultures are hiding. In Madrid visitors can immerse themselves in world-class art at the Museo del Prado, home to masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, and El Greco.

The city also boasts the Reina Sofia, where Picasso’s iconic Guernica resides.

For a taste of local culture, one can explore the vibrant street

By Yzabelle Bostyn

art in the Lavapies neighborhood or catch a flamenco show at the historic Corral de la Moreria.

In second place is Barcelona, followed by Bilbao, Malaga and Valencia.

Barcelona offers architectural marvels like Gaudi's Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. The city’s Gothic Quarter is a labyrinth of history, while the MACBA showcases cutting-edge contemporary art. Meanwhile the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao has striking

architecture as a cultural attraction in itself, complemented by exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.

Malaga has the Picasso Muse-

PAINTING STAYS

THE joint owners of a painting attributed to Velazquez have been told by the Supreme Court that they can't sell it at an international auction house.

The work - Portrait of a Cleric - was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest by Madrid in 2020.

The Court backed a lower bench ruling that it was a cultural asset, and therefore cannot be taken out of the country.

Five members of the Royo-Villanova family have been battling for nine years to get permission for the painting to be sold abroad - potentially for millions of euros.

That's despite it not being 100% certain that it is a genuine Velazquez.

um and the artist’s childhood home, also a museum. The city’s Carmen Thyssen Museum houses an impressive collection of 19th-century Spanish paintings.

Valencia combines tradition with futurism at the City of Arts and Sciences complex, while also preserving its historic central market, a feast for all senses.

Sixth spot was snapped up by Sevilla, with San Sebastian, Santander, Valladolid and Zaragoza rounding off the top 10.

In terms of regions, Madrid also took top spot, followed by Catalunya, the Basque Country and Andalucia, which overtook the Valencian Community to take fourth place.

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

Language barrier

KING Felipe has criticised US President Donald Trump's administration for scrubbing out Spanish from the White House’s official communications, website and social networks. Speaking in Madrid at the AGM of the Cervantes Institute, the monarch described the move as ‘striking’. The Institute is a worldwide non-profit organisation created by the government in 1991 dedicated to Spanish culture and language. The king said he hoped the decision is temporary because Spanish will become the second most spoken language and will continue to consolidate as a language of influence in the US. He emphasised that the teaching of Spanish is 'inseparable' from the dissemination of culture, celebrating the fact that last year, the Institute carried out more than 7,800 activities around the world.

THE PRADO: The Madrid museum is a top attraction

November 29th - LOOKING FOR MORE CULTURE STORIES?

Scan

SPAIN’s second Banksy museum has caused controversy after opening in Madrid.

The museum claims to have Europe’s ‘largest ever’ collection of life size Banksy ‘creations’ but has drawn criticisms from art lovers. The problem? None of the pieces are actually by the artist.

In fact, the 170 works on display are recreations of Banksy’s most famous pieces by uncredited Spanish painters.

While it has received rave reviews from visitors since it opened in January, the museum has also drawn criticism from fans, who believe the controversial artist’s work is being ‘copied for profit’.

“It goes against Banksy’s own message against the marketisation

LAUGHING ALL THE WAY TO THE

New museum accused of ripping off works by elusive artist for ‘profit’

By Yzabelle Bostyn

are reportedly donated to refugee charities.

“The message is more important than the technique and all the messages are here,” he said.

“A few months after I opened the first museum, Banksy came out and said he encourages people to make copies. I’m a conservationist.”

Museum coordinator Agustina Guzman, shared this view, saying:

of art, doesn’t it?” El Confidencial culture writer, A Nuño writes.

But the creator of the museum, Haziz Vardar, has defended the project, whose profits

“We respect the original size and technique used so the works are as similar as they can be to the original. We want visitors to feel like they are standing in front of the real work of

Banksy has caused a stir in Spain.

An exhibition bearing his name came to Madrid in 2018 after Belgian authorities confiscated almost 60 pieces over licensing issues.

This is not the first time British artist

It returned in 2021 with ‘original pieces, sculptures, installations and photographs’ according to event promoter IQ Art Management.

Although most of his pieces appear in the UK, Banksy has been linked to Spain on multiple occasions.

Last year, photos surfaced of a man believed to be the artist painting a circus truck in the Alpujarra mountains in Granada.

The 17-tonne lorry was painted in 2000 while Banksy was still radar’.

It later became known as The Turbozone Truck and went up for auction at £1.5million after being authenticated by his studio.

Also in Andalucia, the artist was reportedly invited to paint a strip club on the set of failed BBC soap El Dorado near Coin.

According to an interview with Banksy in Level Magazine, he refused after being told to buy his own paint and spent the week ‘going to work’ along the Costa del Sol with a stripper. Then in 2018, a regeneration project in the Galician town of Ferrol de Coruña caused a stir after inviting the British artist to paint there.

A message spray painted onto a

wall read ‘reserved for Banksy’ and five months later an image of two Guar- dia Civil officers kissing appeared.

Believed to be a nod to Banksy’s famous ‘Kissing Coppers’ in which two policemen are seen locking lips, the artist later confirmed the piece was not by him.

The museum has branches in Madrid’s Arganzuela neighbourhood and Barcelona’s Calle Trafalgar.

It opens from 10am-8pm, with tickets from €14 per person.

POLITICAL: Banksy recent work (above) has critised the conflict in Gaza

IN SITU: The museum recreates how the graffiti was found

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

BRITISH people have certain days of the year which are special to them, such as Bonfire Night, Pancake Day or maybe the FA Cup Final.

Well, so it is in Spain. One of the big ones is Carnaval, which is dependent on Easter. Because Easter is exceptionally late this year, Carnaval 2025 will be celebrated on the weekend of February 14-16. It’s fun.

In Spain, two traditions have merged over the centuries. First, let’s talk about Shrove Tuesday. (This year it falls on March 4, but Carnaval can’t wait!) Lent almost doesn’t exist today, but within living memory, it was a big deal. Lent (cuaresma in Spanish) is the sixweek period leading up to Easter. The idea used to be

As carnival is nearly upon

us, Michael Coy takes a closer look at the traditions behind the event

that Christians (there was a time when everyone in Europe was Christian) should imitate Jesus Christ. Forty days before His death, He went off into the desert and meditated. He hardly ate anything. This is why we used to ‘give up’ things we like (chocolate, cakes etc.) for Lent.

Go West! Making a song and dance of it

THE Valencia region, in recent years, has become a magnet for expats, tourists, digital nomads, and retirees, offering a harmonious blend of cultural charm, modern amenities and breathtaking coastlines.

Many are drawn to the Costa Blanca for its coastal allure, or Valencia city and its history and energy.

However, for those willing to venture inland and who have a deep appreciation for nature and tranquility, the Requena-Utiel region presents a captivating alternative.

Less than an hour inland from Valencia city, this magical little-visited region is renowned for its high mountain peaks and rolling wine country, and it even has its own Natural park.

Full of vineyards (among Valencia’s best) and wonderful places to eat, it also counts on excellent outdoor activities and festivals that showcase its deep cultural richness. Here, American expat Layi Ali, who settled here with his wife two years ago, picks out his top five reasons to visit:

1. Wine Tourism and the Excellence of Las Ocho

The Requena-Utiel region is steeped in viticulture, with a winemaking heritage spanning nearly

(February 15) in Cadiz, your evening may be interrupted when five guys dressed as pirates (or bullfighters, or cartoon characters) burst in and start singing.

In the days before every house had a fridge and freezer, this was a problem. If milk, eggs, butter and other perishables were not going to be used during Lent, best to eat them the day before - i.e., Shrove Tuesday, before they went off. All over the Christian world, the eve

of Lent turned into a party day. The other tradition is mocking the rich, powerful and famous. The city of Cadiz is well-known as a hub of democracy (it’s where the Spanish people first told the king he had to obey a constitution). The citizens (known as gaditanos) have a reputation for being funny, and for laughing at pretension. They developed a tradition of chirigotas, which can’t be translated into English, but means something like ‘joker’. Groups of young men get together in secret and make up scurrilous, insulting but very funny songs about anyone in the news - the king, Rafa Nadal, Paris Hilton. This year we can expect a lot of Donald Trump jokes.

These chirigotas go around town over the Carnaval weekend, entering into bars and restaurants and singing their libellous songs. It has been the custom for a long time now for them to dress up in identical costumes: if you’re out having a drink and a chat on this Saturday

The Olive Press offers five good reasons to visit this hidden region of Valencia, under an hour inland

2. Outdoor Adventures

3,000 years. The area is particularly celebrated for the Bobal grape, native to the region and responsible for producing distinctive, high-quality wines. Visitors can explore dozens of vineyards each with their unique history and wine-making traditions. Many offer guided wine-tasting sessions led by owners who have centuries of deep knowledge of winemaking that has been passed down over the generations. One of the standout wines from the region is Las Ocho from Bodega Chozas Carrascal in Requena. This exquisite blend, featuring eight different grape varieties, represents the pinnacle of winemaking in the area. Aged to perfection, Las Ocho offers a complex and elegant profile, making it a must-try for any wine enthusiast. The winery itself provides a top-tier tasting experience, where visitors can learn about the meticulous production process that makes this wine so special.

Notable wineries such as Murviedro - Bodega Histórica and Pago de Tharsys also offer immersive experiences, including tours of historic underground cellars and tastings of their finest selections.

It has become a kind of art form, and is taken very seriously in some places.

Torrevieja is also gearing up for Carnaval - in fact events started on February 7.

The 2025 Torrevieja Carnival runs through to early March.

The main events will be scheduled at the weekend to attract more people as the carnival bolsters its reputation as one of Spain’s best.

The Grand Parade Contest will be Sunday, February 23 and the finale of the Grand Night Parade will take place six days later, before the celebrations end on March 2.

Dozens of troupes numbering over 2,000

participants get involved in the parades. Cash prizes and trophies cover many categories including best group, individual, creativity, and make-up as well as awards to children.

We could add a third element to the mix of traditions. Many readers will know that in Brazil and the Caribbean Carnaval is celebrated with dance and street parades.

This is thought to have originated with African slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries, who brought their voodoo religion to the New World (and had it co-opted by their European masters.) The huge Brazilian and Caribbean population of the Canary Islands have made Carnaval one of Europe’s biggest street parties (and the LGBTQ community has not been slow to get involved).

The region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Hoces de Cabriel Natural Park (right), for instance, offers breathtaking landscapes ideal for hiking, cycling, and bird-watching. The park's diverse terrain includes deep gorges carved by the Cabriel River, dense forests, and expansive meadows, providing a serene backdrop for nature walks and picnics. The park is also renowned for its place in Spanish history because it’s also home to numerous bunkers that were built during the Spanish civil war.

For those seeking more adrenaline-fueled activities, the area's rivers and reservoirs are perfect for kayaking, rafting, and fishing.

Local adventure tourism companies cater to both novices and seasoned adventurers, ensuring safe and memorable experiences.

One of the unique highlights of exploring the region is the chance to encounter cabras montesas, the mountain goats that are the true kings of these peaks.

3. Cultural Experiences

The towns of Requena and Utiel are rich in history and culture.

Strolling through their medieval quarters, visitors can admire well-preserved architecture, ancient churches, and charming plazas.

The Cuevas de la Villa, in Requena, is a network of underground caves, offering a glimpse into the town's

storied past, having served various purposes from wine storage to refuge during conflicts.

In particular the town’s Grape Harvest Festival in late August sees locals and visitors come together to celebrate the bounty of the grape harvests with music, dance, and, of course, wine.

4. Culinary Experience

No visit to the Requena-Utiel region

would be complete without indulging in its culinary offerings.

The local cuisine features traditional dishes like ajoarriero (a flavorful blend of cod and garlic), casseroled rice, and hearty stews.

Many wineries complement their tastings with local cheeses and cured meats, providing a holistic gastronomic experience.

5. Rest and Relaxation

Whether exploring the nearby natural parks, visiting the region’s wineries, or simply enjoying the slow pace of village life, guests will find that every moment at the wonderful expat-run Hotel Raimblanc, which is infused with warmth and authenticity.

The attentive team ensure a personalized experience, offering packages for local excursions and hidden gems.

As the sun sets over the rolling vineyards, you will love relaxing by the fireplace in the lounge or in its restaurant savouring a glass of local wine and enjoying a delicious dinner, while recounting the day’s adventures.

IN ACTION: Chirigotas are a main attraction of carnaval

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Bionic barista

MADRID's first ‘robot cafe’ has opened prompting outrage from locals.

Cofe+ Robot Cafe serves over 50 different drinks but has zero employees.

Found in the ‘Ole Ole’ souvenir shop, visitors can marvel at the bionic baristas preparing their drink in just 50 seconds.

From hazelnut matcha to ordinary coffee, prices range from €2 to €4.

However, the innovation has drawn criticisms on social media, with some calling the machine ‘expensive’.

“You can get a coffee from a good barista for €1.20, €2 minimum is just too much,” said one user.

“We shouldn’t be encouraging this, it puts people out of work,” commented another.”

TOP TAPAS

LOOKING FOR MORE TRAVEL STORIES?

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

Scan to visit our website

A RESTAURANT in Ciudad Real has Spain’s best tapas, according to the National Tapas and Pinchos Championship. Mirador de La Mancha was given the accolade for its partridge, corn and escabeche tapas. Chefs Ivan Anaya and Javier Donaire competed alongside 31 Spanish restaurants for the prize at the Madrid Fusion food convention. It was followed by Orixe do Campo in Lugo

Costa del Sol city more expensive than Barcelona or Madrid for hotel stays Portuguese treats

AN iconic Portuguese bakery has made its Spanish debut. Manteigaria, famous for its pastel de natas, has opened on Madrid’s Carrera de San Jeronimo, adding to its shops in Lisbon, Oporto, Braga, Paris and Macao. Baked fresh in view of customers, Manteigaria promises an authentic Portuguese experience using the finest ingredients.

By Walter Finch

MARBELLA has become Spain’s most expensive tourist destination for hotel stays, according to the latest figures from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE). The data reveals that hotels in the Costa del Sol hotspot commanded an eye-watering average of €214 per night.

Profitability

The figure significantly outpaces other major tourist destinations, with Barcelona trailing at €173 and Madrid at €153 per night. Malaga city ranked notably lower at €139.

Marbella Mayor Angeles Munoz has lauded the town’s growth and profitability in the hotel sector

THE white village of Casares, often dubbed ‘the cradle of Andalucia’, has been voted the most beautiful in Southern Spain.

It collected 4,922 votes in a survey off 99 towns in the region by travel portal Noradoa It was followed by Olvera in Cadiz, with 3,711 votes and Vejer de la Frontera, with 875 votes. Casares has long been on Spain’s official ‘most beautiful towns’ list – aka Pueblos Mas Bonitos. And this year, National Geographic magazine included Casares in its own 100 ‘most beautiful towns in Spain’ ranking.

“These figures prove we’re successfully tackling seasonality while strengthening our position in new markets, particularly the United States.”

The luxury resort town broke its own

record in eight out of 12 months last year, while also achieving historic highs in revenue per available room, averaging €148 throughout the year, with August peaks reaching €289. The statistics paint a picture of a booming tourism sector, with hotel occupancy between April and October hovering near 80% –showing the peak season is even growing.

Top white town

with its Petisco Larpeiro tapas, a scallop tartare with avocado cream, Porco Celta ham foam and semi-dried tomato on a New York roll. Finally, third place went to Martina, Albacete for their Manda Webos dish, where a metal chicken overlooks an ‘egg’ filled with jamon and egg whites, followed by emulsified yoke and migas.

The city welcomed 719,151 tourists who accounted for 2,584,174 overnight stays. Spanish tourists led the pack with 201,923 visitors, followed by British holidaymakers at 120,685. Germany (33,621), France (33,092), the Netherlands (29,130), Ireland (28,833) and the United States (26,588) rounded out the top markets.

Visits

Tourism Director Laura de Arce highlighted the varying length of stays among different nationalities.

“While Spanish visitors typically stay for 2.65 days, making shorter but frequent visits throughout the year, international tourists average 3.82 days, with British, German, and Irish visitors typically enjoying the longest stays,” she said.

MONEYBAGS MARBELLA SO good

THE SO/Sotogrande SPA & Golf Resort in Cadiz has earned a nomination for the 2025 National Geographic Travel Awards in the category of Best Hotel in a Natural Setting.

This nomination highlights the resort’s commitment to sustainable tourism, blending luxury with nature. Known for offering a variety of activities such as hiking, sailing, and polo, the fivestar resort stands out for its innovative approach to tourism.

Enjoy life

National Geographic describes it as ‘a contemporary country house where you can enjoy life the Spanish way’, due to the Andalucian elements infused into the building and garden architecture. Voting for the awards is open until February 21, and winners will be announced on April 22.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

FORGET THE HOTSPOT S

SPAIN is famously a great destination for tourists.

While sun-worshippers head for the costas, those seeking culture tend to head for the big, well-known, cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Malaga, Granada and Sevilla.

However, if you’ve already explored the well-known hotspots, you might be curious about what other gems the country has to offer.

And as you sit curled up at home

By Yzabelle Bostyn

tinations you can visit away from the tourist hordes this spring.

From lush countryside to serene beaches and vibrant urban hubs, Spain has plenty to discover beyond the usual tourist trail starting with these fi ve lesser known destinations.

Find your way to these five lesser known destinations that are well worth a visit

staying warm and saving money at this time of year, there is not a better time to plan your 2025 holidays and daydream about the sunny des-

CATALUNYA

mous for its proximity to the tAven-

tura theme park and mass tourism, Reus itself offers a quieter, more picturesque escape.

Known for its art nouveau architecture, the city is a delightful spot to explore. Antoni Gaudi was born here, and although none of his works are found in the city, his modernist infl uence is unmistakable. Reus is also celebrated for its vermouth, a fortifi ed wine that locals love.

Located just a 15-minute drive from Tarragona, home to a Roman amphitheatre and excellent food, Reus makes a great base for exploration. The nearby Priorat region, with its atmospheric villages and scenic vineyards,

is perfect for hiking and wine

OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Across: 7 Macau, 8 Cool off, 9 Acerbic, 10 Retro, 11 Slavic, 13 Osama, 15 Mixed, 18 Elijah, 23 Jaffa, 24 One inch, 25 Curlers, 26 A S E A N.

Down: 1 Impasse, 2 Schema, 3 Mumbai, 4 Courts, 5 Bottom, 6 If not, 8 Coco, 12 Cod, 13 Ode, 14 The Hand, 16 Infirm, 17 Enamel, 19 Leeway, 20 Junket, 21 Eject, 22 Lois. tours.

To make the most of the experience, consider stay-

ing at the H10 Imperial Tarraco in Tarragona, which offers stunning Mediterranean

views and an outdoor pool, starting at €100 for a double room.

JAEN, ANDALUCIA

Often overlooked by tourists, Jaen is quickly becoming a foodie hotspot, boasting four Michelin-star restaurants within a 400-metre radius.

The city is rich in history, with Renais-

sance architecture, olive oil tours, and hiking trails, including one to the Santa Catalina Castle, offering sweeping views of the region.

Jaen Cathedral is home to the Holy Veil, a relic believed to have been used by Saint Veronica to wipe Christ’s face on the way to his crucifixion.

Jaen also has an astonishingly well preserved Arab bath complex that covers 450 square metres, making it the biggest such complex that you can visit in Spain.

Built above it is the 16th century Villardompardo Palace, which is now a fascinating museum that examines the way of life of Jaen citizens in days gone by. Best of all, both are free to enter. For

BIRTHPLACE OF A MASTER: Gaudi was born in Reus

LOOKING FOR MORE TRAVEL STORIES?

Scan to visit our website

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

a luxurious stay, the Jaen Parador offers panoramic views of the city, starting at €120, while you can often get a double room at super central Hotel Condestable Iranzo from just €75. Jaen’s extreme temperatures make it best to visit in spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant.

OVIEDO, ASTURIAS

Located in northern Spain, Oviedo is known for its spectacular unspoiled beach-

es, scenic hiking trails, and Romanesque churches. It was also the Spanish Gastronomic Capital of 2024, famed for its cider and cheese, making it a must-visit for food lovers.

The area’s lush green countryside is nourished by frequent rain, so visiting in the summer offers mild temperatures without the intense heat of southern Spain.

The city is also home to brown bears in its mountains, and recent highspeed rail connections make it easy to access from Madrid. Accommodation is affordable, with stylish hotels like the Soho Boutique Hotel offering rooms starting at just €55. For a memorable culinary experience, try the local cider and visit one of the many food festivals held throughout the year

LA GOMERA, CANARY ISLANDS

If you’re dreaming of a semi tropical getaway without the hefty price tag, La Gomera in the Canary Islands is the perfect alternative. This hidden gem is fi lled with lush forests, dramatic gorges, and fruit plantations, offer-

ting.

ing opportunities for hiking, cycling, and stargazing. It’s an excellent spot for nature lovers and those looking for a relaxing break in a tranquil set-

laid-back experience or the luxurious Hotel Jardin Tecina for a more refi ned stay.

JEREZ, ANDALUCIA

The island has a relaxed vibe, with friendly locals and delicious food, making it an upand-coming destination.

While many associate fl amenco with Sevilla, Jerez is arguably the best place in Spain to experience this passionate art form.

Visit between November and April for a bit of winter sun, and consider staying at the Valle de Gran Rey resort for a

The city’s many sherry bars, or tabancos, often feature impromptu fl amenco performances, providing an authentic experience for visitors. Jerez will also open the Flamenco Museum of Andalucia later this year, where you can learn about this iconic art form.

Jerez is famous for its sherry, and you can visit the local sherry factories to learn about the production process.

And of course, its world-famous ‘dancing’ white horses are a ‘must see’ while you are there.

For a stay in the heart of the action, the Hotel Bodega Tio Pepe offers modern rooms and a rooftop pool, with prices starting at €120, including breakfast.

Like much of Andalucia, Jerez is extremely hot in the summer, so it’s best to visit in the spring or autumn when the temperatures are more bearable. a bit of win-

VIEWS: The cobbled streets of Jaen are well worth a wander Iranzo best

FANTASY: The forests of La Gomera could be out of The Lord of the Rings

HISTORIC: Jaen has a rich cultural heritage including the stunning town hall

CHEAP AND TROPICAL: La Gomera is a great budget beach holiday

FANCY A TIPPLE: Jerez is famous for its Sherry

LIBYAN DREAM

SPAIN has dispatched its first business delegation to Libya in over a decade in a signal that the wartorn country could be returning to normality.

In a series of bilateral meetings, Spanish delegates showed an interest in Libya’s agricultural investment opportunities, especially in the fields of equipment and modern

farming technologies.

The Libyan Business Council organised field visits to nurseries and model farms to showcase the possibilities and agricultural potential. The council signalled its eagerness to receive Spanish technology and introduce advanced production techniques to its farmland.

Plans approved to ‘modernise Spain’ by reducing working week across the board to 37.5 hours

SPAIN has approved a plan to reduce the standard working week to 37.5 hours for private sector workers –making it one of the shortest in Europe. Some 12 million workers across key sectors including retail, hospitality, and agriculture, will be affected, but the plan faces stiff opposition from business.

While public sector employees and many large

By Walter Finch

SIESTA TIME!

companies already enjoy a 37.5-hour schedule, this extension will mark the first time workers across the spectrum stick to it.

Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz (above) proclaimed the plan will ‘modernise Spain’ and enhance productivity in an economy that posted a 3.2% growth rate last year

Bank battle continues

SABADELL Bank has offered bigger payouts to shareholders to fend off a hostile takeover by BBVA. It has raised its payout pot to €3.3 billion as it tries to convince them to not sell to their rival.

Meanwhile, Sabadell CEO, Cesar Gonzalez-Bruno, said that BBVA had not done enough to appease concerns that it would have too much dominance on the Spanish banking sector.

BBVA has promised not to close branches where there is no alternative nearby within a 300-metre radius. It also says it will maintain commercial terms for individuals and SMEs in areas where fewer than four banks operate.

Spain’s government cannot stop Sabadell shareholders selling to BBVA but it does have the power to stop a full merger.

NOT FINE!

that outpaced its European counterparts.

“This isn’t just about working less – it’s about being more efficient and giving hope to workers across Spain,” Diaz declared following the cabinet meeting where the measure was approved.

The proposal, emerging from the coalition agreement between the Socialists and the far-left Sumar party, aims to implement the reduced hours without any salary reductions by the close of 2025.

However, the path to implementation faces significant hurdles.

While Spain’s two main unions have thrown their support behind the measure, business leaders have withdrawn from negotiations after 11 months of discussions, expressing concerns about the potential impact on competitiveness.

The government now faces the challenging task of securing parliamentary approval, with key pro-business Catalan and Basque separatist parties showing reluctance to support the measure.

Green project starts

IBERDROLA and BP have started building Spain’s biggest green hydrogen plant in Castellon. Costing over €70 million, the 25 megawatt site will produce 2,800 tonnes of green hydrogen annually. It will replace some of the grey hydrogen used by the local BP refinery.

Ceramics

The facility will become operational in the second half of 2026 and reduce CO2 emissions by 23,000 tonnes per annum. Future plans could see the plant make green hydrogen for other Valencia region industries such as the ceramics and chemical sectors, as well being used to fuel heavy goods vehicles.

THE European Commission will investigate fines of €179 million imposed on five budget airlines, including Ryanair, for abusive practices.

The penalties were announced last November by Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs over hand-luggage charges and reserving adjacent seats for family members.

Ryanair was hit with the largest fine of over €107 million.

The EU probe was launched in response to a complaint sent to Brussels by airline associations A4E, IATA and ERA.

A European Commission spokesperson said: “Although the Commission generally supports consumer protection measures that comply with the rules of the EU internal market, these must respect the freedom and transparency of prices.”

BAD RANKING

SPAIN ranks eighth in the list of countries impacted by climate change.

According to the Climate Risk Report 2025, the Mediterranean country made the cut due to its large number of mortal victims.

Some 27,000 people have died and over €24 billion lost to extreme weather events caused by climate change in the last 30 years.

In Spain, this is mainly characterised by heat waves, drought and forest fires.

Leading the list are Dominica, China and Honduras.

NEW LIFE

SPANISH scientists have discovered a new species of mud dragon (kinorhynch) a vital part of the marine ecosystem.

The Universidad Complutense de Madrid researchers identified the animal 6,000 metres deep in the Orkney Trench, part of the Antarctic Ocean.

Mud dragons are tiny animals measuring between 100 micrometers and one

millimetre, often occupying sediments.

They are a kind of meiobenthos, a key part of the marine food chain and breakdown of organic material.

“This discovery significantly expands our knowledge of the biodiversity of these animals, adding to a very limited group of species known at these depths,” said Alberto Gonzalez Casarrubios, researcher at the UCM Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution.

FLYING AWAY

Fewest number of aquatic birds in Doñana since records began

THE numbers of aquatic

birds hit an all time low in Doñana National Park last year, a new report has revealed.

A TOP Spanish virologist says the Zika and West Nile viruses could become endemic in Europe unless preventative measures are taken now.

Nerea Vergara from Zaragoza has been leading a Zika research group at Cambridge University since 2018.

Dangerous viruses are on the rise in Spain due to climate change and Vergara says now is the time for action before things worsen.

“The entire Mediterranean basin is highly exposed to virus-transmitting mosquitoes and controlling them is essential,” she said. Vergara wants mapping of mosquito hot-spots to identify tiger mosquitoes which spread potentially fatal diseases.

“Health workers must also be trained so that they can recognise the symptoms of Zika and West Nile,” Vergara added.

of forest planning and subterranean water use,” said report director, Elroy Re-

The Doñana Biodiversity Report registered the lowest number of birds for the year since rebegan in 1973.

LOOKING FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES?

LIFE SAVING FIRSTS Virus warning

As the marshland dried, birds were forced to the nearby Veta La Palma

Scan to visit our website

A STRING of Botox clinics across Spain have been implicated in the use of illegal aesthetic medicine products, following a major investigation.

Arrest

Low rainfall and high temperatures are being blamed for the decline, with just 43,989 birds visiting the park in the first month of 2024. Despite this, experts are hopeful the uation will get thanks to an agreement between the Junta and the central government to maintain Doñana.

However, just 30% of birds took refuge there and though spring rain gave some respite, high summer temperatures quickly dried up Doñana yet again.

GLOBAL warming could cause more than 2.3 million extra deaths in Europe by the end of this century.

Cancer chatbots

TWO medical students from Madrid are developing AI-powered chatbots to help diagnose cancer. Maria Garcia and Blanca Urbelz Lopez-Puertas, students at the Complutense University of Madrid, conceived the project for their final-degree thesis, earning them a scholarship from the CRIS Against

“I’m optimistic compared to how we were three years ago. Aquatic systems are resilient and things will improve with the modification

The Santa Olalla lake at the heart the reserve dried up for the third year running, allowing scientists to confirm that permanent lakes have now disappeared from Doñana.

“I have faith that if we

TWO babies born with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have become the first in Spain to get a drug that blocks the disease from developing. The youngsters have been treated at Valencia’s La Fe Hospital - home to one of the country’s top child

manage to maintain this large and complex park, the waterbirds will not abandon it, because they have the ability to identify the best nesting sites,” said Revilla. Conservations are also concerned about flora and fauna struggling to survive in the dry conditions. The European pond turtle was not detected in 2024 and only two Spanish pond turtles were spotted. Wild boar population also reached an all-time low last year. Rabbits have also been in decline since 2013, a blow to the park’s predators - including the rare Iberian Lynx.

medicine units. They are on a course of Risdiplam, that blocks an error in their genetic code present since birth, which stopped them producing a protein vital for the survival of their motor neurons.

A study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) has warned heat related deaths could increase by over 50% if urgent action is not taken to control carbon emissions. Published in Nature Medicine journal, scientists stated some 70% of heat related deaths are avoidable.

The drug is given orally once a day at homes.

Without Risdiplam, SMA could have developed, leading to serious disabilities or even death with treatment essential within their first six months.

BAD MEDICINE

Dozens of Botox clinics across Spain accused of using illegal products

By Tom Ewart Smith

The ‘Botul/Kalopsia’ operation has led to the arrest of four people involved in the import, storage, and distribution of unregulated medicines from South Korea, which were used in clinics across the country. These products failed to meet European health standards, and some patients have suffered serious side effects as a result.

In addition to the arrests, 41 other people are under investigation for crimes including public health violations, fraud, professional malpractice, and involvement in organised crime.

Cancer Foundation.

The students are developing two chatbots designed to minimise errors and inaccuracies when providing information on esophageal and colon cancer. The AI will adapt its language and level of detail depending on the audience - patients or medical researchers.

To ensure accuracy, the chatbots’ responses will be reviewed by experts, including oncologists.

Authorities launched their investigation in 2023 after detecting illegal clinics offering aesthetic treatments without proper medical oversight. The network was found to include 24 clinics in Alicante, Malaga, Murcia, Madrid, Cadiz, Cordoba, and Sevilla.

The gang smuggled substances such as botulinum toxin (botox), hyaluronidase, and lidocaine into Spain via the port and airport of Sevilla before distributing them nationally.

Vials

In a series of raids, law enforcement seized 700 vials of botulinum toxin (botox), plus 475 vials of other medicines including local anaesthetic. The investigation continues.

ALICANTE is experiencing a sharp rise in flu cases, with infections rising by 70%. Alongside flu cases, hospitals are also seeing an increase in COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.

Public health experts attribute this surge to increased transmission in schools, workplaces, and public transport.

Children under four years old are particularly affected, as nearly 5% of this age group have experienced respiratory infections. Hospitals across the province are struggling to cope, especially in the Elda, Orihuela, Torrevieja, and parts of Elche health departments, which report infection rates above the national average.

In Alicante, the incidence of respiratory viruses at the end of January was 1,184 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to the lower national average of 894.

SEIZED: Illegal aesthetic medicine including Botox was found

By Yzabelle Bostyn

Heat warning

Holiday to remember

US comedian Chelsea Handler has admitted she gave an elderly couple LSD during a recent trip to Mallorca - telling the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast that they had 'the best night of their lives'.

Robbie date

BRITISH icon Robbie Williams will play Malaga port on April 9, where he will be named ‘godfather’ of German operator TUI Cruises’ latest vessel, the Mein Schiff Relax.

It’s a circus!

RYANAIR boss Michael O’Leary dressed a Spanish politician as a clown to protest against a €179 million fine put on five budget airlines for bag and seat charges.

O P LIVE RESS COSTA BLANCA

AN expat couple has sounded the alarm after falling prey to a ‘classic’ bird poo scam on the Costa del Sol. Gomer Evans, from Wales and his German wife Hilke were enjoying a Sunday stroll

EXCLUSIVE

By

Laurence Dollimore

in La Duquesa, near Manilva, when they were targeted. He is now warning others to ‘be aware’ following the upsetting incident. He told the Ol-

IN a baa-rmy twist of fate, a sacked shepherd in Extremadura has pulled the wool over his ex-boss’s eyes by nicking a staggering 264 sheep. The 41-year-old rogue farmhand decided to take matters into his own hands after getting the chop by fleecing his ex-boss.

Don’t get dumped on!

ive Press: “We were walking along the path when a man rushed over to us and showed us our coats and my wife's hair were absolutely covered in bird poo!

“It was far too much for any bird. He was very helpful and took us to the side behind a fence and produced lots of

Coming home

STOLEN works of art - including one by Spanish virtuoso Joaquim Sorollahave been handed back to Spain by Italian police. Sorolla’s Port of San Sebastian (left) and White horse, by Hermenegildo Anglada Camarasa, had been stolen from

Brit couple issue warning over ‘classic’ bird poo swindle

paper tissues.

“He helped us wipe our coats and offered us water to help clean my wife’s hair.”

He added: “Two hours later I discovered my credit cards were missing! And he seemed so friendly!” He ended up buying three payments of €48 on tobacco.

an exhibition in a Madrid hotel in 2021. Also recovered by Italian police was a sculpture by Javier Martin, which had been stolen in 2022 from an art gallery in Barcelona.

Spanish investigators enlisted the help of Italian authorities to track down the stolen art. They were found and on Tuesday a ceremony at the Spanish embassy in Rome saw them handed over to the ambassador.

The Guardia Civil has now collared the crafty culprit, but only 30 of the fluffy fugitives have been rounded up so far, leaving the authorities scratching their heads over the whereabouts of the rest of the flock.

The disgruntled former employee is also accused of helping himself to a whopping €31,700 worth of farm machinery.

a stink

ALICANTE City Council is facing a stinky situation as a mysterious culprit has been smearing excrement on a string of municipal buildings. The malodorous mayhem began at the City Hall entrance, which had just reopened after a three-month closure due to falling debris.

Unsuspecting council workers were greeted by a foul stench upon their return, only to discover that someone had left more than just a calling card, with poo smeared on the building’s facade, windows and deposited outside.

The brazen bandit has since expanded his territory, targeting other municipal buildings including the Department of Social Welfare. Causing