Olive Press Costa Blanca North and Valencia Issue 102

VALENCIA’S Fallas celebrations came to a loud and fire-filled end on Sunday - the traditional last day of the event on the feast of San Jose.

The Crema de la Falla saw the burning of all of the well-crafted displays and papier-mache caricatures around the city, along with another spectacular fireworks display at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

After changes and cancellations since 2020 caused by the Covid pandemic, big crowds attended the festival boosted by the last two days falling on a weekend. Valencia mayor, Joan Ribo, said: “This has been a special year where we have fully restored the celebrations after all of the pandemic restrictions.”

Stupendous

“We have experienced a stupendous Fallas with splendid weather and we have been happy about the way everything worked,“ he added.

The mayor praised the behaviour of residents and visitors barring a violent homophobic attack on a member of a Fallas committee on March 11.

Government delegate to the Valencian Community, Pilar Bernabe, said there were 'many more people' in the streets of Valencia and surrounding areas on Sunday compared to last year's final day.

She agreed with Ribo that people gave a good example of ‘co-existence and civility’ during the event. The Cruz Roja said it treated 1,008 people during the Fallas fiestas with almost two-thirds of cases involving fainting.

The local economy was also boosted with the Hosbec hotels association reporting a 1.1% increase in occupancy compared to 2019, and hospitality groups saying revenues were 10% higher compared to four years ago.

P LIVE RESS The

Bowled out

Lifeline needed for Javea Green Bowls Club after 30 years

By Alex Trelinski & Anthony Piovesan

A POPULAR Javea area bowls club faces an uncertain future after hearing its home for the last 30 years will be closing its doors.

Javea Green Bowls Club owner Matthew Taylor told the Olive Press he was forced to make the ‘heartbreaking’ decision due to dwindling membership, paired with a rise in the cost of living.

The 50-year-old said only about 80 members socialised and played there today compared to 220 people five years ago.

“It is no longer an affordable sport to keep going,” Taylor said.

“Bowls fees have stayed stagnant in the last 10 years while the cost of everything has just gone through the roof.

“It’s a terrible shame but with Brexit and the lack of English people able to come out in the past 12 months has put a stop to it.”

Taylor has owned the club for the past 25 years and said he has had a ‘wonderful time’, but will now move to sell the family-business.

Club press officer, Alan Philips, told the Olive Press: “This is devastating news for the members, some of whom have been at the club since it opened in 1993.

“It will have a negative effect on other bowling clubs as we host league games, and losing yet another club puts pressure on their ability to provide enough players for each game each week.”

Alan added that the club provided a structure for the members’ diaries with league match-

es, open competitions, special days, and club mornings spread throughout the year. It also arranged a number of social occasions, BBQ, Race and Quiz nights with a good number of members ‘dropping in’ on a daily basis to watch games and catch up with the newsin effect being a very supportive social group.

The club also donated up to €5,000 per year to local charities supported by 40 business sponsors who provided money and prizes to specific competitions.

“There are other problems in our world today and this is a small matter compared to those

situations, but for all of us involved in this it may prove to be life changing,” said Philips. The club’s committee is exploring a number of options for the membership and members are supporting each other, but unless a new owner appears soon, they will be left homeless.

Bridge closure

VALENCIA’S Puente de las Flores was closed off to traffic from Monday to start surface and support repairs following a December fire, with work expected to last through to early May.

Less time

AVERAGE waiting times for a hospital operation in the Valencia region were 80 days in February - the lowest figure in three years following the Covid pandemic.

Bad dose

A FORMER pharmaceutical company worker was one of three people arrested in Burjassot after selling stolen vaccines worth €511 to a Paterna pharmacy.

Tomato hike

NON-BUÑOL residents wanting to take part in this August’s ‘La Tomatina’ tomato fight will have to pay more due to rising tomato costs, with entry charges up from €12 to €20.

WORKERS at a waste treatment plant were shocked to discover a dismembered body amongst the rubbish last week.

The gruesome find led to work being suspended at the Algimia d'Alfara facility as the Guardia Civil began investigations to identify the body and where it came from.

The Algimia plant receives garbage

Corpse riddle

from more than a hundred municipalities in Castellon and Valencia provinces.

It has an automated system of extracting bulky waste to classify, recycle and recover it, which is when the workers spotted the body.

The large amount of rubbish that is recycled at the plant makes it difficult to track where any waste originally comes from, making life harder for the Guardia Civil in the event that the corpse cannot be identified. Photographs were taken of some rubbish next to the body to possibly locate where the garbage was originally collected.

FIREBUG BRIT

Scotsman to be deported after serving arson jail term

By Alex Trelinski

Scotland - has been in custody ever since and was given a three-year jail term by the Alicante Provincial Court at his trial.

Peeping Tom

A 34-year-old man has been arrested for recording videos of women in changing rooms and toilets at an Alicante shopping centre.

One victim complained to police that she was changing in a female locker room at a shop when she spotted a mobile phone poking round the door focusing directly on her. Police identified the man after reviewing security camera footage and made an arrest soon after.

They then found several videos of women using bathrooms at the same shopping centre.

He will have served 11 months behind bars by the end of May, which makes him eligible for early release, and will therefore be deported. It’s not been revealed whether he lived locally or was on holiday.

Unholy robbery

THE Guardia Civil have recovered over 60 religious statues and artefacts stolen from a house in Cullera.

Some of the items had already been posted for sale on a prominent online buy and sell platform.

Three men have been arrested over the break-in at a property owned by a priest. The stolen artefacts were valued at over €200,000 and were recovered after the Guardia raided two addresses in Cullera. Most of the objects belonged to the priest with efforts being made to discover the owners of the other items.

Scam and burn

A 46-year-old woman cleared out a bank account belonging to an elderly man living on his own in Picassent and then set fire to his home to try to cover up any evidence of her crime.

The fraudster pretended to be the man’s wife to get a debit card which she used on 20 occasions at ATMs to empty the bank account to the tune of €4,227.

The court also fined him €7,200 and he will also have to pay compensation of nearly €12,000 to the Valencian government and Alicante Provincial Council to cover the cost of extinguishing the blaze.

A quick response from emergency services prevented a more serious incident with planes dropping water over the area.

Scrubland and pine trees were incinerated, but despite the fire starting close to several properties, the flames never reached them.

The man never admitted his guilt until last week’s trial and the reason for causing the fire at the Sierra Helada has never been revealed, with no mitigating circumstances of mental illness discovered. The court heard he deliberately started fires at three different points of the natural park.

In January, the 70-year-old victim realised there was something wrong and complained about the disappeared money, which had left him in dire financial straits.

The Guardia Civil identified the suspect by contacting the bank to get times and details of the withdrawals and which ATMs were used.

They matched those up with ATM security videos to see who was making the illegal withdrawals.

The woman had occasional access to the man’s house and after realising that her scam had been discovered, she went into the property and started a fire to destroy his bank documents.

The elderly man’s problems did not end with her detention, as his relatives a few days later discovered an unlicensed shotgun in a cupboard while they were cleaning up the fire-hit room.

They reported the find to the Guardia Civil, who are now investigating the 70-year-old for illegally possessing a weapon.

MUSIC legend Bob Dylan is bringing his 'Rough and Rowdy' tour to Spain this June with 12 concerts. The veteran, who turns 82 in May, will perform in Sevilla, Alicante, Barcelona, Granada, Huesca, Logroño, Madrid and San Sebastian. His visit to Alicante is regarded as a major entertainment coup for the city, which is vying for international stars to come there, with another veteran - Sir Tom Jones - doing a show at the Plaza de Toros on August 1.

Dylan's Spanish dates are part of a world tour that started in November 2021 and is slated to finish next year.

ON TOP

CARLOS Alcaraz has regained his world number one tennis ranking after an easy straight sets win over Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in the Masters 1000 event at Indian Wells.

The 19-year-old from El Palmar only needed 71 minutes to destroy Medvedev 6-3 6-2 to return to the top of the ATP rankings.

Novak Djokovic overhauled Alcaraz to take the top ranking in January after winning the Australian Open, which the young Spaniard had to miss due to a 10-week injury lay-off.

Indian Wells was the Murcia player’s third Masters 1000 tournament victory and he becomes only the second teenager to achieve that feat after Mallorca’s Rafa Nadal, who has now dropped out of the top 10 for the first time since 2005.

FA-KING IT

Lover of ex monarch slams reports that she is taking part in a Sky Documentary about the life of King Juan Carlos

By Simon Hunter

THE former lover of King Juan Carlos has blasted Spanish news reports that she will be in a documentary about the disgraced ex-monarch as ‘fake news’.

Vanitatis, the society page of online daily El Confidencial, ran a story claiming that Corinna Larsen, who

Joining up

FUMING: Larsen (below) has dismissed claims

still uses her former married name Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, would be appearing in a new production from Sky Documentaries. What’s more, LOC, the gossip section of newspaper El Mundo, claimed that she wanted to present the documentary at the Cannes Film Festival, which will begin in May.

However, a spokesperson for Larsen said: “Corinna has not initiated any documentary, is not narrating any documentary and she is not presenting anything at Cannes. This is fake news, again led by Vanitatis.”

THE heir to the Spanish throne, Princess Leonor, is due to start military training in the autumn, following in the footsteps of her father, King Felipe VI. She will spend time in the three Spanish armed forces during her training.

Leonor, 17, is currently studying at the United World College of the Atlantic in Wales. But from the end of August she will start training in the regular army at the General Academy in Zaragoza.

The second year of her training will see her join the Marin Naval School in Pontevedra,before a third year at the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier, Murcia.

Dhole arrivals

Cruz in control

SHE may have missed the Oscars red car pet, but Pe nelope Cruz stunned with her out fit in Madrid. She stole the show at a popup shop in support of the Lancome ‘ Vie Est Belle’ paign. The star lit up the event with her re nowned beauty and enthusiasm - and a stun ning black and pink ensemble by Alexan dre Vauth ier. Cruz has been a longtime am bassador for the brand, and has thrown her weight behind the cam paign, which celebrates ‘beauty and joy in life’.

Getting rough and rowdy Big backing

Sky has, however, announced that the four-part series will happen, and is due to arrive on Sky Documentaries and NOW later this year.

“Told from the perspective of his close friends and confidants, palace insiders, former intelligence officials and critics, the four-part documentary series sheds a new light on the former King’s personal life including affairs, allegations of corruption, and alleged abuse of power – leading up to and including the events and circumstances of his abdication in 2014,” read a statement from the broadcaster.

Larsen was a regular fixture in the news headlines last year, not least thanks to a podcast in which she recounted her affair and subsequent breakup with Juan Carlos.

Revelations

Titled Corinna and the King, the eight-part series contained revelations, including how the king would appear with ‘bags full of cash’, how he was seeing someone else while she tended to her father on his deathbed, and details of the infamous elephant-hunting trip that started the chain of events leading to his 2014 abdication.

A PAIR of rare Asian wild dogs - known as dholes - have arrived at Benidorm's Terra Natura to form a breeding group which will contribute to conserving the animal.

Less than 2,500 adults are left in the wild living in the jungles, forests and prairies of Central and East Asia. Dholes are regarded as very social animals, which group in packs for hunting and can catch prey weighing up to 10 times their weight, although their feeding is usually based on small mammals and reptiles.

The new Terra Natura guests are a female named Dorinka, from Hungary’s Budapest Zoo and a male called Balto, from Magdeburg Zoo in Germany. Both are two years old, and so have reached adulthood and have the ability to reproduce.

The veterinary team has started the first bonding sessions between Balto and Dorinka and they join the other dholes, Kira and Lennon, at the park.

SPORTING superstars Rafa Nadal and Cristiano Ronaldo may be approaching the end of their playing days, but they are teaming up for a new career.

The Tatel restaurant chain, owned by investment company Mabel Capital in which Nadal and Ronaldo are partners in its hospitality division, is opening a new eatery in Valencia.

The chain currently has outlets in upmarket areas of Abu Dhabi, Ibiza, Madrid, Mexico City, Doha, Bahrain, Riyadh and Beverly Hills in Los Angeles.

The new Valencia restaurant will be located in the former Banco de Valencia building on Calle Pascual i Genis with the group promising it will be based on American 'speakeasys' of the 1920s.

Trapped Brit rescued

A BRITISH woman had to be rescued after falling onto the floor of her Javea apartment and breaking her hip. The accident happened at a property on Calle Doctor Fleming in the city centre. Despite suffering severe pain, the victim - aged over 80 - and who lives on her own was able to call emergency services. Police opened the front door and found her lying on the floor. Firefighters lowered her down the apartment block staircase and she was taken to Denia hospital.

Greener Benidorm

ARTIFICIAL sand dunes to protect Benidorm’s Poniente beach from the effects of climate change is just one of 16 ideas the city has produced under the title of ‘Green Benidorm’. The authority will bid for €7.5 million of European Union 'Next Generation' funding which would finance initiatives between 2024 and 2026 to improve sustainability, tourism and energy efficiency.

New centre

CONSTRUCTION of Oliva’s €4 million San Francesc health centre will start in late April and will take 15 months to complete.

THE Gibraltar courts have stepped in to probe a suspect crypto trading platform amid allegations it was a Ponzi scheme following a sensational kidnapping in Alicante.

It comes as a UK liquidator was brought in to close down Globix, which is suspected of defrauding hundreds of investors in Spain and Gibraltar out of as much as €70 million.

At an explosive investors meeting, hosted by former leader of the opposition Daniel Feetham KC this week, the finger was firmly pointed at Globix owner, Damian Carreras (pictured). Gibraltarian Carreras, who ran his unregulated crypto company via Gibraltar and the British Virgin Islands, vanished last year with up to €70 million owed to investors.

As the Olive Press revealed a fortnight ago, the company crash was linked to the kidnapping of one of his partners, Russian Pavel Sidorov, in Alicante, last year.

London-based liquidator Begbies Traynor is now trying to establish and locate the assets of Carreras’ company ‘Miracle World Ventures Limited’ and

Where’s the money?

Liquidators probing whether Globix is ‘a fraud or Ponzi scheme’ while Olive Press names its beleaguered boss, believed to have fled to Barcelona

EXCLUSIVE

By Walter Finch

various linked businesses. The insolvency team is trying to establish if Globix was a fraud, while primarily recovering any assets it can find.

“Was Globix a scam? Good question,” insolvency expert Adrian Hyde, of Begbies, told dozens of investors gathered for the online meeting.

“We know it's been suggested it was a Ponzi scheme,” but he

Mayor honoured

THE family of the late Benidorm mayor, Agustin Navarro, were presented with an honorary MBE last week - eight years after he was awarded it for services to the British community. The ceremony was conducted by the UK Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, with Navarro's widow, Olga Cascales, accompanied by her children Elena, Pablo, and Didac, receiving the medal.

Agustin Navarro was Benidorm's mayor between 2009 and 2015, and died in February last year.

He was awarded the honorary MBE in 2015 but never physically received the medal when he was alive.

added it was ‘too early’ to answer the question.

He also denied the liquidators were in any way connected to Carreras and were ‘working for’ the Gibraltar courts.

But Hyde made it clear that they would go after the assets and property of individuals who may have ‘received huge gifts from the company’, even if it meant bankrupting them first.

The Olive Press can reveal that the 39-year-old CEO of Globix is currently hiding out in Barcelona after fleeing from furious investors in Gibraltar.

Carreras, who speaks fluent Russian, studied Economics at Tambov University, in Russia, where he met his business partner Sidirov, with whom he set up Globix in 2021.

He lists himself as a ‘crypto mining broker’ on his LinkedIn profile and claims to have worked in the energy sector, as well as for the Ministry of Defence.

When we finally tracked down Carreras for comment he told the Olive Press: “I have nothing

SOLAR PAIN

HUNDREDS of environmentalists will come together in an idyllic village in the Valencia region to protest against plans for a solar mega plant in the area.

The Salvatierra-Ecologistas en Accion de Villena Association has organised the demonstration in Villena on April 1 at 12pm at the town’s fairground and is calling for a ‘sustainable, fair and rational implementation’ of renewable energy.

“The aim is to show the discontent of the citizens by the lack of action by local governments such as Villena Town Hall and other municipalities in the Vinalopo regions in the face of the installation of photovoltaic mega plants in our territory,” a group spokesperson said.

Avalance

952 147 834

to say to you.”

He added: “Basically someone is shit stirring and if you have any evidence send it to me.”

It was a kidnap attempt on Sidirov last June by angry investors frozen out of their funds that first alerted authorities that something was amiss with Globix.

In the kidnap, Sidirov was snatched with his girlfriend outside their El Campello villa, before they contacted police. It was during the attack that Sidirov was able to send an estimated €40m to Ukraine in a crypto-wallet.

They claimed an ‘avalanche’ of large solar and wind farms will result in an ‘environmental, agricultural and tourist ruin’ of the Vinalopo region. Iberdrola, world leader in the renewable energy sector, has plans for three photovoltaic projects in the Valencia region which will have a capacity of 450 megawatts and represent an investment of €235 million.

They plan to build two solar plants in Valle de Ayora-Cofrentes, and a third 50 megawatt facility in the La Encina district in Villena.

*Data extracted from process closure surveys after using our roadside assistance and breakdown services.

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.

Voted top expat paper in Spain OPINION

Hands off

PROTESTORS against giant solar macro projects have been demonstrating across Spain and chanting: ‘Yes to renewables, but not here’.

Their message is simple, and deserves to be heard and considered.

The latest demonstration will be in the idyllic village of Villena in the Valencian region on April 1 over plans for a 50 megawatt facility in the La Encina district in Villena.

There have been similar protests in Malaga and Setenil de las Bodegas recently with thousands of environmentalists pleading against huge solar projects in the valleys of the Serrania de Ronda.

We are not against renewable energy projects, but developing them on such a huge scale in areas which attract tourists risks destroying its beauty and reputation. There is already enough overdevelopment occurring in coastal Spain, with huge property developments completely destroying the look of some parts of the coastline.

It feels as if this overdevelopment is now moving inland, and the La Encina district in Villena is similarly facing threats of destruction to its charm and character.

The Olive Press has consistently campaigned for the environment but this does not mean we support giant renewable energy projects that blanket the countryside. This is why we are backing campaigners who take pride in their beautiful land and bravely stand up to authorities and defend it.

Protesters argue that areas of outstanding natural beauty will be destroyed by mega solar farms and we agree with them.

Large private energy companies are creating a speculative bubble that will exploit our countryside for obscene profit margins.

One must question, wouldn’t it be better to encourage solar panels on the roofs of industrial units, on shopping centres, car parks and train stations to create self-sufficiency instead of massive projects that will destroy the environment with no benefits to locals?

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

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ADMIN Sandra Aviles Diaz (+34) 951 273 575 admin@ theolivepress.es

BILLIONAIRES’

By Walter Finch

THERE may be light at the end of the tunnel for long-suffering malagueños , whose team Malaga FC are four points adrift of safety in the Segunda Division B, and staring another relegation in the face.

It has been reported that the fabulously wealthy company Qatar Sports Investment, owner of big-spending Paris Saint-Germain, has started negotiations to buy the club.

Just last month, a Spanish judge ordered the seizure of club owner Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani's assets in Spain over a litany of unpaid debts.

They include his shares in Malaga FC and could lead to the forced sale of the club at a knockdown price – after all you’d hardly pay top dollar for an asset that appears to have been run into the ground.

It would end the troubled tenure of Qa tari royal family member Al-Thani,(pic tured below) whose purchase of the Costa del Sol club in 2010 amid grand promises ushered in a new era of foreign ownership in Spanish football.

Traditionally, Span ish clubs have been owned by local busi nessmen or the fans themselves, and the system seemed to work well.

When Al-Thani

bought Malaga FC, La Liga was already top of UEFA’s complex coefficient ranking system and Spanish clubs were regularly winning the Europa and Champions League. But it was hoped that foreign owners might provide further financial firepower and push Spain to even greater heights.

However, with English clubs dethroning Spanish clubs in UEFA’s coefficient in 2020, let’s see how successful this era has really been.

Banned

It was just 10 years ago in April that Malaga FC stormed

to the Champions League quarter-finals, brushing shoulders with football royalty at Europe’s top table. They bested Italian titans AC Milan in the group stage, and eased past Portuguese powerhouse Porto in the round of 16. They met their match against German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund in the next round, but it was a tight 3-2 affair. The 2012-13 season had Al-Thani looking like the saviour whose leadership would bring Malaga among La Liga’s second-tier heavyweights (at least equal to Sevilla and Valencia, if below Real and Barca). Unfortunately, financial difficulties including unpaid player wages and transfer fees soon followed on-pitch failure and relegation down,to the Segunda Division. Al-Thani’s ownership of the club came under investigation in 2018. Sufficient wrongdoing was found for the club to be

JOB DONE, AS OLIVE PRESS U-TURN CAMPAIGN FINALLY SEES SUCCESS

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Madrid correspondent Simon Hunter on the long road to a driving licence deal that left thousands of expats stranded

TO the relief of thousands of expats around Spain, the government has finally approved a deal on driving licence exchange with the UK.

The move brought an end to the more than 10 months of hell endured by foreign residents with UK licences, after they were banned from the roads on May 1 last year.

When it became clear there would be no more extensions and UK drivers resident here were really going to be banned, the shock, frustration and fear was palpable.

It was a situation that genuinely caught many by surprise, particularly given most had done everything within their power to avoid.

And it was a situation that everyone thought – or at least hoped – could only last a couple of weeks.

But in the end it took a shocking 10 months for the UK and Spain to reach a post-Brexit agreement on licence exchange, coupled with driver information related to traffic fines.

Ten long months, during which many vulnerable residents were unable to legally use their cars to get to work or attend hospital appointments, let alone go shopping or see friends.

After hearing many sad and desperate

stories, the Olive Press decided to launch a campaign to help them. Our U-Turn Campaign - which gave the victims a voice and pushed officials on both sides to find a solutioncan finally now be retired. Job done.

While rival newspapers ignored the victims' plight and some social media commentators even insisted they ‘deserved it’ for ignoring the warnings and trio of extension periods, we knew there were a myriad of other reasons.

In particular, many got hung out to dry by gestors (some of them bogus) who failed to do their job, while others were caught abroad or unable to act due to the strict pandemic restrictions.

Take David Dawson, who had moved to Spain in December 2020 and gave a lawyer instruction to apply for the exchange. He didn’t do so and David missed the deadline. “Our house is in an isolated location with no public transport of any kind,” he told the Olive Press. “It has caused countless nightmares.”

Meanwhile, an Olive Press employee found herself in a similar position - unable to drive to work or lead a normal dayto-day life, as were dozens of other Brits who got in touch with us.

There were a few reasons for the long delay, but the main sticking point was the UK wanting to keep the licence exchange and data access for traffic offences issues separate, whereas Spain wanted them together.

Despite story after story, many on our front page, we just couldn’t get answers. The main problem was communication and, as it often does in Spain, as summer arrived the information dried up, and despite numerous requests from our journalists no further explanation was forthcoming from either side – no one could

Malaga FC’s ownership nightmare might just be coming to an end, but how have other Spanish clubs fared under foreign owners?

BALLS UP

NET GAIN

THE Olive Press website has been in a continuous state of growth for the past sixteen years - and there’s no secret to our success. We are the only English-language paper dedicated solely to news, culture and travel about Spain… you won’t find stories about Australia and India or even the latest UK TV gossip, like you would in one of our ‘rivals’ as it chases hits. We hire NCTJtrained journalists who write their own exclusives and know how to source and deliver the most relevant and intriguing stories for expats.

sanctioned and banned from European competition for a season.

After promising fans the world, and spending heav ily on players in order to get into the Champions League, huge outlays ul timately got the club into catastrophic diffi culties.

Why didn’t AlThani, a wealthy Qatari royal, just wave his hand to make the debts go away, as wealthy benefactors at PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle

U-T URN N O !W

explain why it was taking so long.

For users of social media, the UK ambassador, Hugh Elliott, became a target for their ire.

In his regular video updates, he made clear that the embassy staff were reading all of the comments that victims were leaving for him. That must have been quite an experience, given the levels of frustration that people were expressing.

But thankfully, in the end, the situation has been resolved.

Now UK licence holders can get back behind the wheel. All they have to do is navigate the Spanish bureaucracy to complete the process. Let us hope this goes smoother than the negotiations did.

United have done?

This question takes us down a rabbit hole of wild conspiracy theories regarding Al-Thani and his stewardship of Los Boquerones.

Many malagueños suspect that his ownership was merely an exercise in laundering large sums of money internationally at the expense of the clubs and fans.

Valencia

Malaga fans might find some common ground with the Valencianistas , supporters of one of Spain’s traditionally more powerful clubs.

They performed the rare feat of toppling Barca and Madrid to win La Liga in 2004, after reaching back-toback Champions League finals in 2000 and 2001.

But then Singaporean businessman Peter Lim (pictured above left) arrived in 2014, and it all went downhill.

Lim is accused of asset-stripping Valencia FC, selling star players Carlos Soler, Gonçalo Guedes and Ferran Torres, and appointing his pal, former Manchester United hero Gary Neville, to manage the club for an abysmal four months.

Neville (who shares ownership of Salford FC in Manchester with Lim along with David Beckham and other famous United alumni) lost half of the 16 games he managed during a car crash tenure.

Lim has also refused to invest in the infrastructure or facilities of the club, and is currently burning through his 17th manager, club legend Ruben Barajas being the latest to sip from the poisoned chalice.

In fact, since Lim took charge, the club has reached the Champions League just once, in the 2017-18 season. Otherwise the trajectory has been borderline flatline. In response, fans of the club have been mobilising; abandoning the stadium on match day and taking to the streets to protest at the start of matches.

Not that Lim would notice: he hasn’t been at the Mestalla stadium in five years.

Models and money

Foreign ownership of Spain’s football clubs has not brought the riches and success seen in England and France, or, to a lesser extent, Italy.

That might be because the clubs with the greatest sporting and commercial potential are owned by their fans and not for sale.

Real Madrid and Barcelona, the true apex predators of European football over the past decade, are owned by their members, who vote to elect a president and board of directors.

This socios model, unique to Spain, treats clubs as a social organisation rather than a purely commercial enterprise.

Yet even this benign approach has run aground, with Barcelona struggling with a bloated wage bill and huge financial problems.

Real Madrid are faring better, but even they are struggling to compete with the financial firepower found in the Premier League.

The English league’s monetary muscle is based around highly lucrative television deals, and the wealth shared equally among the league’s 20 teams, whereas in Spain, the lion’s share of the television revenue is hoovered up by Real and Barca, leaving the rest of the league struggling.

Coupled with the genuine largesse of wealthy owners, English football clubs have blown their Spanish counterparts out of the transfer market water – and it is beginning to show in results. Already at a financial disadvantage, Spanish clubs find themselves attracting the wrong foreign investors who only make things worse.

Granada

Fans of Granada FC might beg to differ, of course: Chinese businessman Jiang Lizhang bought a controlling stake in 2016 through his sports investment company Desports Group.

Under Lizhang's ownership, Granada FC achieved promotion to La Liga in the 2018-2019 season, finishing as runners-up in the Segunda Division.

In their first season back in La Liga, they achieved an impressive seventh-place finish, qualifying for the Europa League for the first time in the club's history.

They reached the quarters of that competition the following season.

Things are looking up for Granada FC, with Lizhang making substantial investments into the club and looking like a proper businessman.

In the end, as malagueños might excitedly agree, to compete with billionaires and sovereign wealth funds you need to be owned by one.

In the past few months we have helped to get the Irish government to demand the reopening of the sad Amy case and also broken scandals like the giant Otero group’s sudden suspicious collapse, leaving hundreds of mostly foreign buyers out of pocket.

Reporter Walter Finch has doggedly pursued the truth behind the construction firm that has projects in Malaga, Mallorca and Valencia, now suspended.

Most recently Finch, who we poached from the Daily Mail last year, has exposed a cryptocurrency ‘investment’ scandal involving Gibraltar’s Globix platform that has seen hundreds of people - mainly expats - lose huge sums of cash totalling up to $70 million, maybe much more.

Over the course of weeks we have built up an ongoing investigation into the shady firm with a number of Russian links before carefully breaking the news a fortnight ago. No surprise it has since gathered steam with the involvement of a big London-based liquidators and one of Gibraltar’s leading KCs and politicians stepping in and we continue to probe.

Stories such as these are the reason we exist. It is a core part of the Olive Press’ identity to uncover wrongdoing and warn expats of the pitfalls that await them if they are not careful.

For years we have supported the expat community by rooting out crooks and scammers and launching environmental campaigns.

That’s why Sky News and the BBC, the Daily Mail and the Sun - to name a few - all come to us frequently when they want a story investigated.

We are the only English website dedicated to Spanish news that you can trust.

Our growing readership numbers (we have 30,000 registered on the website alone) are the proof of the pudding - consumers value well written, relevant and trusted news and are willing to pay for it.

The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are:

1- The UK hits back at the European Union’s Brit-hitting ETIAS tourist tax with one of its own

2- Lanzarote joins the Balearics in seeking to shut out British tourists in favour of Germans

3- The nightmare is finally over! Spain finally approves driving licence deal with UK meaning residents can legally get back on the roads

4- Spanish cuisine ranked third best in the world

5- Liverpool fans try to skip out on €2,200 bar bill in central Madrid

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

FAN FAVOURITE: Jiang Lizhang has taken control of Granada

SOLAR SOLUTION

AS thousands of Europeans do every year, Jan Arlemark has recently moved to Spain in his retirement. But the Swedish inventor is not sitting on his hands. Having witnessed both traffic congestion and overflowing

rubbish containers in Barcelona, he has joined a small innovation centre called Accacio to start designing a new and improved garbage-handling system.

The result, he explains, is an ‘intelligent system’ that guides dustcart drivers only to the containers that need to be emptied. This can reduce the distance travelled by up to 50%, making it simpler, more efficient and cutting CO2 emissions.

What’s more, the containers in his system are equipped with a ‘solar-powered disinfection system’, which eliminates bad smells and stops bacteria from spreading.

That’s electric!

SPAIN’S first two public electric charging points for lorries have opened.

The stations at Sangonera and San Isidro just off the AP-7 motorway in Alicante and Murcia have been installed at logistics bases of the Disfrimur freight company. They can be used by lorries and vans from all companies in addition to private light vehicles. The aim is to create an emission-free HGV motorway route for 450 kilometres between Puerto Lumbreras in Murcia and Vinaroz in Castellon, with plans to extend the project to the rest of the country’s main transport corridors over the next few years.

Brake on cars

By Simon Hunter

“This added feature makes the garbage-handling system much more hygienic and environmentally friendly,” he adds.

Arlemark had previous experience in disinfection technology, which he has combined with this AI system for the garbage collection itself.

“I have drawn up my visions as a map for the future handling of our garbage,” says

Arlemark. ‘“My hope is to find an investor and a municipality to prove my statements.” A simulation he carried out in one of Barcelona’s 12 districts showed savings on fuel and personnel thanks to the system.

The inventor has already filed a patent application for his system and will be present at the EU Startups Summit in Barcelona, which will take place from April 20 to 21, to present the project to potential investors.

According

In

SHOULD WE FEAR NUCLEAR?

What is nuclear power?

To generate nuclear power (in non-military reactors ), uranium atoms are bombarded by much smaller neutron particles. This causes the atoms to break down and release huge amounts of energy as heat. The heat is used to boil water which produces steam which drives turbines and generates electricity. That’s enough of the science lesson.

How ‘green’ is nuclear power? And how safe ?

The International Atomic Agency has called nuclear power ‘intrinsically safe’.

In the UK, the chancellor Jeremy Hunt said in his recent budget that the government wants to provide 25% of the UK’s electricity needs by 2050 with nuclear power. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear power stations do not produce greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide or methane during their operation. So in that sense, yes they are a greener solution.

The downside

The bad news is that it takes around 10 years to

commission a new nuclear plant. And it’s very expensive. It will cost over £30 billion to finish Hinkley C in the UK. Governments really don’t have much choice. The lights of Europe cannot go out, and we have to rein in the well documented damaging effects of global warming.

So I say yes to nuclear. And we must continue to invest in it as well as other new technologies.

Expat inventor’s intelligent system uses solar power to reduce bad smells from rubbish bins

PRETTY AS A PICTURE

The views of the Javea headlands have been mesmerising visitors since Joaquin Sorolla painted here at the end of the 19th century

THE majestic umbrella pines perfectly frame what must be one of the prettiest stretches of coastline in Europe.

The countless vistas of the cobalt blue sea and its coves, playing off perfectly against the honey-coloured sandstone headlands, have helped to make Javea famous.

Best viewed from any of the 15 viewpoints - collectively known as the Ruta de los Miradores - the coastline has somehow managed to survive the worst excesses of the construction boom.

While there are a few obvious exceptions, the majority of the rutted coastline and the nearby hills are blissfully still intact and perfect for a hike.

Javea’s rugged beauty holds enough hidden jewels to share all around, writes Jon Clarke

While some visitors attempt the Mirador challenge, taking in all viewpoints over 29 kilometres, my early morning stroll to one of them, Cap Negre, followed by a hike downhill to empty Playa Ambolo was by far the best start of the day this year so far.

I’ve known the coastline around Javea for decades and, in fact, many years before I even visited, thanks to the keen eye of Madrid’s astute 19th century painter Joaquin Sorolla.

It was at his former home in the capital, now a museum, that I used to marvel at

the colour and light of this marvellous region and its impressive geology. Sorolla was a massive fan of Javea (also known as Xabia in Valenciano) and would spend many of his summer holidays here, painting children on the beach or setting up his easel in the nearby headlands. To head to his museum in Madrid when I lived in the capital in the 1990s, was the best way to escape the frenetic pace of the

Continues overleaf

city and quickly find yourself transported to the seaside around Javea.

Forget long, white sandy beaches, like in nearby Benidorm or Almeria, say, Javea is all about its natural protected coves.

Once a remote beach, Conde Nast Traveler named Cala Barraca as one of the Mediterranean’s ‘most Instagrammed spots’, while award-winning Playa Granadella becomes something of a roadblock in summer.

Make sure you head here out of season and enjoy the resort, that half a century ago was only connected to the rest of Spain by dirt tracks.

In summer the town of 29,000 souls (around half of them foreign) swells to over 100,000 people, which is no surprise thanks to its frenetic nightlife, bustling gourmet scene and, of course,

Fending off pirates

fabulous weather.

Javea also has everything you might need for a holiday (or to relocate) from golf courses to bowling clubs and from a VO cinema to a sailing club.

“One of its best things is its Llebeig athletics and swimming club,” explains British expat Stella French, who moved to Javea with her husband Ed eight years ago.

“It’s like one big family and they organise daily runs, swims and cycles and swimming in the clear water here, with rays swimming around you takes some beating.

“While the Javea triathlon in Septem-

ber is amazing, if you can somehow manage to get in.”

She has been coming to the town for 23 years, while Ed first came on holiday in 1982.

“There was no running water back then and you got your drinking water, or ‘agua dulce’ from specific water deposits scattered around the town,” recalls the former Royal Navy avionics engineer, 77. “You needed to take buckets with you.”

While it hasn’t always changed for the better (‘we struggled to get a table at any restaurants at the weekend, even in March’), the pair were quick to commend the town’s excellent mix of Germans, French and British, plus many other nationalities.

Javea certainly has a very different mix of expatriates that you might find on other parts of the coast or down on the Costa del Sol.

Many are drawn to its atmospheric old town, which unlike many others, has been almost completely untouched and looks the same as it did a century ago.

Wandering its ancient narrow streets you can still feel the protection they provided from unpredictable attacks by Barbary pirates, while its 14th-century Iglesia-Fortaleza de San Bartolome was always completely siegeready.

Make sure to take a look around its cool municipal market full of morning-fresh sepia squid and crimson-red prawns, while marvelling at its local honey-coloured Tosca stone.

This is where the locals take their morning coffees with a ‘coca’ – a traditional sourdough flatbread topped with either chopped tomatoes and salted tuna or typically, a single anchovy.

Head off in all directions and up the main drag and you will find some funky local shops, not to mention plenty of good places to eat.

But Javea however is basically divided into three separate parts: the old town, its nearby port area and ‘el Arenal’, the modern beach area at the other end of the bay.

This is where the tourists head and where, predictably you find most of

FORTIFIED: Javea’s Iglesia-Fortaleza de San Bartolome, while (right) Stella and Ed French first visited Javea in the 1980s

FAMILY FUN: Surfing at Arenal Beach, while (below) enjoying the amazing views and (far right) the stations of the cross leading up to Ermita Cristo del Calvari

Javea has a very different mix of expats than you find along the coast

the nightlife.

However it does have a great natural sandy beach, which offers easy access to warm, shallow waters and sometimes when the waves are up, some excellent surf.

Near here, look out for David Ferrer’s tennis club, while one of the town’s famous Michelin-starred restaurants, Tula, sits pride of place, near the Parador hotel. The other, BonAmb, is a short five minute drive away.

If you are finding it all a bit hectic in the Arenal area and not a fan of the more rocky coastline between here and the port, you can take a 20-minute hike towards the San Antonio headland to Cala Tango.

This is a fabulous spot for kids with its 17 metre-high jumping platform and amazing crystal clear blue waters. Meanwhile, a 10-minute walk south of Arenal will take you to Cala Blanca, a lovely round cove, excellent for an evening dip.

From then on you are heading into the dramatic Cabo de la Nao headland with its many hidden coves, many of which are a real battle to reach on foot.

The ones you can reach more easily are the aforementioned Playa

Granadella and Playa Ambolo, while there are plenty of others, such as the little-known Cala en Calo that’s a genuine swimming secret. And finally, for those who like something pretty, but would rather drive there, head to Playa Barraca, also known as Portitxol, where you can find a local chiringuito, that hits the spot (sometimes). Or, as Joaquin Sorolla used to do on his regular painting days at the beach, you could simply bring a splendid slap up picnic, along with a giant parasol.

Matt Damon is a regular holidaymaker to Javea thanks to his Argentine wife, Luciana Barroso, whose brother lives in the area. Meanwhile various Hollywood films, like the Cold Light of Day, starring Bruce Willis and Sigourney Weaver, have been shot around Javea.

DID YOU KNOW?

Jennifer Cunningham didn’t plan to move to Spain…until she fell in love with Javea

BEST PLACE IN SPAIN

“I never tire of Javea,” insists local businesswoman Jennifer Cunningham. “I can sit on a terrace and gaze at the sea day after day. It’s wonderful at sunrise and sunset, spectacular, but it’s when the bay twinkles in the moonlight that Javea is at its most beautiful.

“Sitting with a coffee or a glass of wine and watching the world go by is one of my pleasures in life. Even in early March you can enjoy the warm sunshine on your face, look out over at Montgo, and see waterskiers in the bay.”

She insists that the town, where she has lived for over three decades, occupies a special corner of Spain with its ‘very own microclimate’.

“It’s a wonderful place to live and while it has changed a lot since I arrived, it has the old town with a marvellous market that still retains the feeling of the fishing village it once was.”

This however, is pushed to the limit during the summer when tens of thousands of Spanish swoop on Javea.

“Those of us who live here year round breathe a sigh of relief when September 1 comes and the multitudes go home.

But in truth, the tourists are needed to keep the local businesses, the shops and restaurants alive,” explains Jennifer.

Despite the pandemic not as many businesses closed as Jennifer feared and Javea is now thriving again. “There are new apartments going up everywhere,” she continues. “Little teeny patches of scrubland suddenly get snapped up and then there’s an apartment block.

“This isn’t always a good thing. Parking is a huge problem in Javea even outside the summer months but in peak tourist season, it’s impossible.”

She believes the town should introduce a ‘park and ride’ type system so visitors can leave their cars outside and catch a bus in.

“It’s hard seeing the town I know change so much and I wish there was more thought going into its development,” she admits. But on the whole the love affair with the town she first encountered on a holiday in the 1980s con-

GOLDEN FIND

A PAIR of snorkelers found 53 gold coins off La Cala Barraca, just beneath Portitxol Island, two years ago.

Local archaeologists reportedly ‘cried’ as one of Europe’s largest finds of Roman-era gold put their little bay in the history books (Portixtol comes

tinues.

She recalls the snap decision she made to move to Javea all those years ago.

“Here I was on holiday having a lovely time and I did everything you shouldn’t really do when making important life decisions. Just like that I saw a property I loved and put down a deposit, then went back and sold up in the UK,” she laughs. “I was ruled by my heart and not my head and that isn’t something that I would normally do. But if you asked me if I would do it all again I’d say yes, I absolutely love Javea and feel very safe here. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”

Jennifer Cunningham runs one of the most successful expat businesses in Spain, a giant insurance business, which began with one small office in Javea and has now grown to seven branches across the Costa Blanca and one in Lanzarote. For more information please visit www.jennifercunningham.net

Javea still retains the feeling of the fishing village it once was

VISTA: Towards the Montgo mountain, while (right) sunbathing in March and a line of towers windmills

TRULY SPECIAL

Grupo Garcia can guide you to the the best quality of life inland and on the coast

FROM the Granadella beach and national park to the south, passing the Arenal to the Port and Montgo National park in the North, Javea has an amazing coastline but it is not just the coast that makes Javea special to the people that live and visit here.

Grupo Garcia understands the unique quality of life available here and the property market that is unique to Javea. We have spent 25 years enjoying matching people with homes and we try to make it as enjoyable and as stress free as possible.

Grupo Garcia offers honest advice and guidance to both buying and selling your home and right now we have some very attractive offers for both buyers and sellers alike.

We have a portfolio of attractive properties - vendors have trusted us for years with their homes but now demand outstrips supply and we have a large collection of buyers, investors and developers who are constantly demanding more property.

If you have a property to sell in Javea or surrounding areas please contact us urgently via telephone, email or just pop into our office next to the Club de Tenis in Javea for a friendly chat - we look forward to helping you!

From more information, call 637 844 891 or visit www.grupo-garcia.es

THE year of 1908 marked the first time Londoners set eyes on Javea.

In an age where aeroplanes were still learning how to fly, and photographs still in development, the meeting inevitably came through the paintbrush.

But the exhibition at Grafton Galleries through May, June and July weren’t just any old paintings of Javea.

The posters put Javea’s name next to that of Joaquin Sorolla, calling him ‘the world’s greatest living painter’ following international success. Sorolla, born in Valencia in 1863, fell in love with the Costa Blanca fishing town of Javea during a visit in 1896. “Javea is sublime, immense, the best I know to paint. It surpasses everything,” he wrote in one of more than 2,000 letters kept by his wife, Clotilde. Sorolla’s obsession with the play of light and water in

A CENTURY OF

Artist Joaquin Sorolla hoped that his first UK exhibition featuring Javea would make him rich

Javea saw the town make up a large part of the 278 paintings he took to London in search of fortune.

Among these paintings include Cabo de San Antonio, Javea that captured the site of Javea’s iconic headland back in 1896. There was also Cordelores de Javea, Nadadores de Javea, El puerto de Javea, A child in Javea and countless others referencing the seafaring, sea-loving and golden-coloured moments Sorolla encountered. One of Sorolla’s most famous paintings known to have sold was Encajonando pasas from 1900, showing hundreds of women in Javea packaging raisins for an international trade of which Britain was one of Denia port’s largest customers. While London may have fallen in love with Javea and Sorolla at the exhibition, the opposite never happened. Sorolla was disappointed with his reception in London.

He complained about the cold air, he complained about being lonely, and he feared the ‘polite’ upper-class English were too cerebral to appreciate his masterpieces of light and fresh air.

Worst of all, Sorolla sold few paintings in London in 1908. “I feel old, I can’t live alone, I’m emptier than you, for you at least have the children,” he wrote to Clotilde. “Today is a disgusting day, I’ve

BEACH LIFE

only just had my lunch with electric light and it’s already 2pm – I hate big cities, viva Javea.”

England later proved to be Sorolla’s lucky ticket, however, as it was there he met American philanthropist Archer Milton Huntington.

Sorolla soon received an invite to exhibit at The Hispanic Society of America in New York, where he sold 195 paintings.

The society later commissioned Sorolla to

paint a huge mural called Vision of Spain , that captured the Spanish nation in a series of works taking six years (1913-1919) to complete.

By the time Sorolla was done, he had earned enough money to buy a house in central Madrid that today houses his works as the Museo Sorolla.

When he died in 1923 Sorolla was already established as one of Spain’s all time greats. It took another 100 years – until 2019 – for London’s National Gallery to put on a British exhibition of Sorolla ( Sorolla: Master of Light ). Except that, this time, Sorolla’s painting of Javea had already become priceless.

BY DESIGN

Dumas Design offers a better experience tailored to all their customers

AT Dumas Design, we respond and adapt to living trends and tradition when it comes to outdoor design.

Through innovation and keeping up with current trends, Dumas Design aims to offer you a catalogue of different styles to suit the outdoor space you want to decorate.

The philosophy of the Dutch family-run brand recognises the importance of utility alongside aesthetics for furniture that allows people to escape the daily stresses of contemporary life in their own environment. Whether that applies to the lounge area or dining area or everything in between.

Here at Dumas Design, we want to offer the customer a different, better, experience than they are used to at other furniture shops and exterior design studios. It has to be enjoyable. And convenient.

This lofty goal is achieved by reflecting our team in our service. It is a by-product of our culture. After all, it all starts with an amazing staff that loves what they do. Dumas Design takes a more tailored approach to beautiful furniture and exterior design. With our beautiful styles, a range of great accessories and an abundance of cosiness, customers will be surprised every time they come back.

OUTSTANDING RESULT!

Fine & Country Costa Blanca North Award Winners for third year running

FINE & Country Costa Blanca North was presented with Spain Regional Winner at the brand’s annual conference and awards ceremony, held on Friday, March 10 at The Brewery in London. The event was attended by many of the brand's UK based agents, as well as those based in locations further afield,

including France, Germany, Hungary, Jersey, Namibia, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, and Switzerland.

“We are elated to receive this award and be recognised for our hard work and dedication to our clients over the past year. This award is a culmination of our efforts throughout the last 12 months and a symbol of our commitment to providing exceptional customer service,” said Chris Hara, Managing Director of Fine & Country Costa Blanca North.

Opportunity

Titled ‘To stand out, be outstanding’, the conference focused on the fact that while 2023 is proving to be another year of unpredictability for the housing market, in the challenge lies opportunity for outstanding agents.

Nicky Stevenson, Managing Director of Fine & Country,

says: “While 2023 will be a more challenging year for the estate agency sector than what we have experienced in the past few years, we believe that with our experience, arsenal of technology, award-winning marketing and international network of like-minded, passionate people behind us, there is no reason why Fine & Country will not stand out from the competition and continue to achieve outstanding results for our clients this year.” The conference and awards event is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the agents within Fine & Country who had achieved remarkable results over the past year.

“Throughout 2022, many of the agents within the brand achieved some incredible results and truly are outstanding. Our awards ceremony is a celebration of their excellence, and an opportunity to recognise their achievements,” adds Stevenson. “Congratulations to those who won awards this year. We are extremely proud of the exceptional performance of the brand throughout 2022, and we are delighted to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our network,” she concludes.

ELATED: Chris Hara

A South facing Bel Air inspired Mediterranean Mansion, Javea

2,150,000€

This is a palatial classically designed villa with Spanish colonial architecture known for its luxurious open-air style. Embracing natural surroundings with stunning views of the Montgó mountain while celebrating the finest elements of construction and décor with marble columns and floorings that are timeless in their appeal. The open concept interior flows from room to room, from the showstopping entrance hall with an imperial staircase to the impressive double height living room that takes you out to the terrace via the Palladian glass doors, stepping down to the lush verdant garden with lawn to the heated pool with water feature and slide, the arched riu rau inspired garden feature adjacent to the summer house with bar, kitchen, BBQ , relax/dining area and a separate bathroom with shower facility.

Numerous areas for sophisticated entertaining, to enjoy the most amazing parties and what are simply beautiful spaces that have even been used to host several weddings.

This villa is a virtual playground of amenities including its own wine bodega of 27.60m to proudly display any wine connoisseur’s fine collection and to entertain guests. An exceptionally private property designed for all occasions and to provide maximum versality with eight bedrooms, tailored to suit a multitude of lifestyles.

Step elegantly back in time into an exclusive property that is being sold fully furnished and only a short 5 minute drive to the beaches, yacht marinas and nearby golf courses.

If

you are looking for an exceptional real estate service here at Fine & Country Costa Blanca North we help “buyers” find the dream property to suit their lifestyle and “sellers” to find the right buyer wherever they are in the world. We don’t just sell properties; we sell the lifestyle.

Fine & Country Costa Blanca North - Regional Office: Marina de Dénia, Edificio E Bajo 2, Darsena de Babor, Puerto de Denia, 03700, Denia

IT’S JUST LOGICAL

Find out how award winning experts Logic Financial Consultants can help you

WHO ARE WE?

We are Logic Financial Consultants - an award-winning, financial-run IFA practice, based in Javea.

At Logic, we are proud to have two fully qualified, Diploma status advisers in Ian and George.

This provides our clients with peace of mind that we continue to build our family- run company for the long-term; to be sustainable, licenced and regulated moving through the generations.

Clients have certainty with who they are dealing with and know exactly who is going to turn up at every review meeting.

WHAT SERVICES DO WE OFFER?

We take a holistic approach to financial planning and can help clients in the following areas:

● Wealth Management

● Tax-efficient investment solutions for Spanish tax residents.

● Flexible pension product solutions.

● Cross-border tax planning.

● Highlighting differences between the UK and Spanish tax systems.

Through our professional connections, we are also able to assist clients with insurance products, residency applications and Wills.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

As part of one of the leading networks in Europe, we have freedom of market across Europe, thanks to our MIFID II and IDD licences. These licences are not easy to obtain but ensure that our company can always find the best solutions available for every one of our clients.

PROFESSIONAL, TRUSTED

Being a family-run business, client service is at the heart of everything we do and strive to deliver on as a company. This led us to our biggest achievement to date, winning the sought-after European International Adviser award for “Excellence in Client Service”.

For more information call + 34 965 02 04 44, email info@logicfc.com or visit www.logicfinancialconsultants.com

Jewels of the Costa

COSTA BLANCA is a region that is renowned for its spectacular coastline, beautiful towns, and rich cultural heritage.

The region is also home to numerous charming towns, each with its own unique character, but Javea and Altea stand out among them.

Javea is famous among international expats and visitors because of its vibrant lifestyle. With its natural beauty and lively cultural scene, Javea is one of the most sought-after places to live or visit.

The town's bustling port is a hub of activity and offers some of the freshest seafood in the area.

Javea's beaches are also a major attraction, offering crystal-clear waters and golden sand.

The town is becoming an increasingly attractive investment zone compared to the rest of Europe, offering numerous opportunities for real estate investment and development.

With its stunning natural scenery, excellent schools, easy access to airports, and

Javea and Altea stand out for their charm, food and culture

burgeoning investment potential, Javea is a truly special place to live, work, and visit.

Altea, the best-kept secret

The lesser known Altea, hides beautiful corners that are the delight of visitors who have the privilege of coming across this charming village. The old town of Altea features narrow cobblestone streets, traditional white-washed buildings, and quaint shops and cafes.

The area is a hub for artists and it is home to numerous art galleries. Visitors can explore the streets, admire the local artwork, and enjoy a glass of wine or a delicious meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area.

The gastronomy in Altea is also something to behold. The town is famous for its fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and tradi-

tional Spanish cuisine. There are numerous restaurants and bars in the town that serve up an amazing meal using only the finest ingredients.

If you are looking for a more luxurious experience, Altea Hills is the place to be. This exclusive area with golf course and tennis facilities is home to some of the most stylish properties on the Costa Blanca. The hills offer stunning views of the sea and the surrounding countryside, and they are a popular destination for those looking to buy a holiday home or investment property in Spain.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a luxurious getaway, these towns have it all. And if you're interested in buying property in the area, be sure to choose Lucas Fox as your trusted real estate agency. For more information and details of how to contact Lucas Fox international properties, please see the advert (right).

LUCAS FOX SPECIALISES IN MARKETING LUXURY PROPERTIES AND ARE LEADERS IN SELLING TO INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS.

WE GUARANTEE PROFESSIONALISM AND HIGHEST QUALITY SERVICE TO MAKE BOTH SELLING AND BUYING YOUR PROPERTY AS EASY AND TRANSPARENT AS POSSIBLE.

COAST WITH THE

Javea is one of Europe’s best places to locate in thanks to its climate and mountain backdrop

FOR a coastal destination like Javea it’s strange that a mountain means so much. The honey-coloured Montgo massif is only 753m tall. But that’s enough to make it a photogenic backdrop as well as giving Javea one of the best microclimates in the world.

According to one of the world’s first major microclimate studies conducted in the 1990s, Javea shot to number two behind Rio de Janeiro, also backed by its famous mountain. The Montgo blocks icy, arctic winds from ruining winter (20C days in January are common) while cool sea breezes keep scorching summer temperatures to between 23C to 27C. This geographical stroke of luck has turned Javea into a top retirement destination for expats from around the world.

And Javea understandably swells in summer as the well-to-do from Valencia and Madrid flock down to enjoy their well-earned holidays.

For them, Javea has become something of a status symbol thanks to the entrancing paintings of Joaquin Sorolla, as well as being the birthplace and home of Spain’s former world no.3 tennis player David Ferrer.

PRIME LOCATION: Stunning villas overloooking Cala Ambolo

MOST

IN DEMAND

Changing lifestyles mean more people than ever are looking to Javea

ARE you considering selling your property in Javea?

The recent changes in the way people live and work could make this an excellent time to do so. With many people looking to move to quieter areas for a better quality of life, the demand for properties in Javea has never been higher.

The property market has evolved in recent years, with many people reassessing their living situations and looking to move to areas that offer more space and better outdoor living options.

Javea is an ideal location for those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle, with its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and mild climate.

Javea also shares a bounty of fresh gambas rojas (red prawns) with its neighbour of Denia, one of the gastronomy hotspots of Spain.

According to popular local agency Blanca International, Javea has one of the largest concentrations of foreigners in Spain.

“With a reputation for stunning beaches and great food it’s no surprise that Javea has one of the highest expat populations, with 54% coming from abroad,” says Sigve Kommedal.

“In Valencia province, this is only beaten by Calpe, Altea, Teulada-Moraira and Rojales,” says Kommedal.

But this popularity comes at a price, with few places on Spain’s coastline having such high house prices.

With average prices in Javea at €2,438

MOST EXPENSIVE: Valencia region’s priciest street is Carrer Penaguila, which winds above Javea port (above), while (left) a unique villa on Cala Ambolo

per m2, it is the third most expensive municipality in the Valencian Community, after Alboraya in Valencia and neighbouring Teulada-Moraira.

On a par with Estepona and Nerja on the Costa del Sol, it is considerably cheaper however, than Marbella which averages out at €3,108 per m2.

Exclusive

While it is pipped by nearby Moraira for average price, Javea however has the Valencia region’s most expensive street to buy in.

According to Idealista, property prices in Calle Penaguila averaged out at nearly €2.7 million in 2020. And that’s no surprise with the amazing

road snaking up from the edge of the port into the nearby hills with incredible views. They say location is everything and this street is hard to beat with less than 100 houses, most of them large - but not outsized - with decent gardens and in easy reach of both countryside walks and the heart of Javea old town and the port, with its cinema and restaurants. Currently the most expensive home for sale in Calle Penaguila is at €4.5m, a four bedroom property with an infinity pool, while you can pick up a five bedroom further down the hill for €1.2m.

This has led to an influx of buyers from all over the world looking for properties in the area, which means there is a great opportunity to sell your property to an international buyer.

At Villas-Plots, we understand the market conditions and can help you navigate the process of selling your property in Javea.

We pride ourselves on delivering a professional and personalised service to all of our clients.

We understand that selling your property can be a significant decision, and we’re here to provide support and guidance throughout the process.

If you’re considering selling your property in Javea, now is an excellent time to do so.

Contact Villas-Plots today to find out how we can help you get the best price for your home in the current market conditions.

For more information, visit The Hub on Avenida de Libertad, 19, Local 5, Jávea or call + 966 468 474 / +34 648 100 615 or email info@villas-plots.com

Villa, Javea | 1.949.000€

SOLE AGENCY SOLE AGENCY

Expansive south orientated sea-views villa, the beautiful “Ca Lola” is an authentic Mediterranean design villa of 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms in natural light offering stunning views spanning from Ambolo to the bay of Granadella. Set for completion Autumn 2023 fully furnished, equipped and landscaped.

Ref. 007815

Old Town, Jávea | 360.000€

Meticulously refurbished townhouse of 156m² in the most emblematic street of the old town. South facing with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

Hot/Cold A/C.

BBQ and terrace with sea views and across Jávea.

Old Town, Jávea | 429.000€

South facing penthouse duplex of 167m² with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

Hot/Cold A/C.

Roof terrace of 25m².

Sea, valley and Montgó views. Community pool & gardens. Elevator, parking and store room.

Arenal | 265.000€

Located just a few hundred metres to the Arenal and its sandy beach, close to all amenities, this ground floor 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment features a vast private terrace overlooking a pedestrianised boulevard. Hot/Cold A/C.

Community pool and gardens. The apartment possess a tourist license.

A walk through history

JAVEA’S old town is a perfectly preserved relic of the past, exuding a rustic charm that is all too rare in today’s world.

Dating back to medieval times, its buildings are a patchwork of historic architecture spanning seven

centuries.

Today’s old town is distinguished by its narrow lanes adorned with white façades and gothic windows alongside its distinctive tosca sandstone. The beating heart of the town was once dedicated to the rai -

sin trade, and its ornate raisin drying facilities still remain in the form of sandstone partitions and galleries with large ulls, which would shelter the grapes on thatched mats to dry. Indeed, to walk through the old town is to dip one’s toe into a rich mercantile history.

In the 13th century, Javea was but a small enclosure sealed in by city walls but the 16th and 17th centuries gave rise to the construction of Javea’s most inspired architecture, with gothic buildings such as the Palau dels Sapena and the Casa dels Bolufer.

There is a nice range of small shops and restaurants to stop at, including the excellent Irish-Romanian-run place, La Sucreria, right by the main church. Also look out for the recently opened Carniceria tapas bar, on the outskirts of the centre. Make sure to look out for its ancient market, now converted into a gourmet hall, perfect for lunch or supper. Needless to say Javea’s old town retains an allure that has wowed visitors for centuries and long may it continue.

PICTURESQUE: An old town street (far left) and ancient market are just some of the spots to see charming architectural details, while (right) townsfolk old and new and the impressive church

Old town stroll takes you through Javea’s past

VillaMia, established over 15 years ago, offers the complete property service. With an office in Jávea we cover sales, long term rentals, winter lets and property management in the coastal towns of Jávea, Moraira, Denia and the surrounding areas.

Villa Mia guides you to the top Costa Blanca weekly street markets

BUYING local goods and produce to support local traders is a very laudable reason to visit Costa Blanca street markets.

The chance to shop in the open air and the range of stalls selling everything from pottery to shoes are also super reasons to go to the weekly markets.

There are some great bargains to be had, and we always end up buying more than on our original shopping list.

Most towns and villages hold a weekly market, but these are our favourite Costa Blanca markets within a 30-minute drive of our Jávea office.

Most are open from around 8am to 1.30pm or 12pm. Go early to avoid the crowds and also the heat in the summer months.

Alternatively, head to the market for an early lunch, as traders often sell snacks, including churros with chocolate.

WEEKLY MARKET IN JÁVEA OLD TOWN

Where better to start than Javea’s very own market. From food to footwear, there are plenty of goods to be found at the Thursday market in the Plaza de la Constitucion. You’ll find more than 100 stalls selling fruit, vegetables, sausages, cheese, clothes, shoes, bags, belts, flowers and plants, household items, sweets and more.

You can easily make a whole morning of it because there are plenty of places to stop for lunch in the old town.

The indoor market is a few minutes away in a lovely old building in Plaza Celestino Pons for more fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, and bread.

MORAIRA MARKET

Every Friday morning, the large car park in Ctra Moraira-Calpe in the centre of town becomes a lively outdoor market. For the

SHOP TIL YOU DROP

weekend, you can pick up fruit, vegetables, herbs, spices, and cheese. There’s also a great selection of flowers, clothes, bags, handicrafts, etc.

DÉNIA WEEKLY MARKET

The Monday market in Dénia is held in the extensive Torrecremada car park. Much like Moraira´s market, it is full of stalls selling everything from crafts, pottery, clothes, bags, shoes, household items, goods, plants, flowers and fresh local food.

Calle La Vía, Dénia, is lined with stalls selling fresh fruit, locally-grown vegetables, spices, and plants every Friday morning. We love the variety of tomatoes you can get here and the sweetest oranges and grapefruits at a fraction of the price of the shops.

JESUS POBRE MARKET ON SUNDAYS

Jesus Pobre riurau - a traditional building used in producing raisins - has to be the prettiest spot for a market. This farmers' market is full of excellent local produce and crafts, including fruit, vegetables, bread, jam, cocas, olive oil, and wine. The Jesus Pobre market is held on Sundays from 6 pm to 11 pm from the end of June until mid-September and from 9 am to 2 pm during the rest of the year. Often there’s live music and a bar to have a drink while enjoying the views from the market.

JALÓN RASTRO OR FLEA MARKET

Many people - and some coach partieshead into the Jalon valley for the rastro or

flea market on Saturdays. If you’re a collector, it is worth a trip to see what antiques and second-hand goods are on sale. The market is opposite Bodegas Xaló so that you can pick up some wine and gourmet products such as olive oil, turrón and jam simultaneously.

PEDREGUER RASTRO

For a Sunday market on the Costa Blanca, the rastro in Pedreguer industrial estate is a very popular choice. There are plenty of stalls for picking up fruit and vegetables as well as second-hand goods, clothes, gifts and food.

BENISSA MARKET

You'll find fresh fruit and vegetables, typical food products from the Marina Alta region, clothes, shoes, plants and other goods at Benissa's street market. It is held every Saturday morning in calles San Jose, San Nicolas and Hort de Bordes.

IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY TO RENT OR SELL, OR ARE LOOKING FOR ONE, CONTACT VILLAMIA ON INFO@VILLAMIA.NET OR CALL 965794139.

We have a multilingual, hard working and friendly team. We use our knowledge, experience and dedication to find you your perfect home with the best service in the area!

If you have a property to sell, we offer just 3% commission for exclusivity and free professional photography and matterport videos.

villa in perfect location with walking distance to Consum supermarket in Javea, a short 5 minute drive to the Javea Arenal beach, as well conveniently located only a short drive to the international schools.

Fantastic Villa in La Corona with panoramic sea views, located a short distance from the port of Javea and the old town. With South orientation enjoy the sun all day and also throughout the year, which makes this house and home.

Charming Spanish style villa with sea views in Balcon al Mar. This property has lovely designed terraces, arched windows, round walls, Mediterranean garden and large swimming pool. guarded by an amazing summer kitchen and living area.

Lovely 5 bed

DIVINE INSPIRATION

IT could well be the most quirky-looking church in Spain.

Sculptural Nuestra Señora de Lo -

The modern church that brings a new grace to the town’s architecture

reto rears up over its nearby buildings like an angry spider or a space-age creature from HG Wells’ War of the Worlds.

It was built on the site of an old fishermen’s church by

the port in 1967, designed by four architects.

An important example of avant-garde religious architecture, it stands out for its bold lines and its use of space.

AMBITIOUS GREEN EU GRANT BID

JAVEA council has applied for a €5.6m grant to reduce visitor saturation and improve facilities at popular tourist spots.

It hopes the EU Tourism Sustainability money will help to bring in capacity restrictions for the Els Orguens and Llop Mari caves.

A phone app will allow visitors to view in real time access availability and to make reservations.

Javea also wants EU cash to pay for the traffic controls it deploys every summer on access roads to the popular beaches of Granadella and Barraca.

The biggest spend would be on €2.5 million of improvements to busy Avenida Mediterraneo to convert it into a coastal path that would be safer for pedestrians.

Javea council also wants the EU to fund the €1.4 million conversion of the Cap de Sant Antoni lighthouse into an environmental and marine visitor centre.

A further €1.6 million would go towards energy-efficient lighting and installing information boards to raise awareness of the natural environment.

On the outside, its 12 slender pillars represent an allegory of the 12 apostles. Inside, its cement and red pine wood interior is said to represent a fishing boat, with the light penetrat -

ing through the skylights in the form of jets, sliding down the pillars and giving the building its boat keel shape.

It is a must visit from 9am to 8pm all year round.

Advantage Building Surveys

SAFE AS HOUSES

Better be safe than sorry by getting a proper structural survey done

THE Costa Blanca has stayed ever popular as an investment and lifestyle hotspot for buyers from both the UK, EU countries and the US.

Brexit and a pandemic have actually increased demand, and estate agents have a shortage of properties, with property values and speed of sale being greater than ever. Alternative investments like crypto currency and stocks have been performing badly, whilst bricks and mortar investments have proved to be literally ‘as safe as houses’. With increased newbuild costs, most buyers are still getting great deals on resales (at well under the true cost of the building and plot). Importantly however, they need to know what they are really purchasing and whether their chosen property has significant defects that could prove costly to correct.

A structural survey not only highlights defects, but will provide estimated costs of the works required, which can be used to negotiate the price. Typically this achieves a better deal for the buyer, which more than covers the survey fee.

If you are concerned about structural stability, damp, mould risk, concrete decay, termite attack, pool and retaining wall stability etc. be sure to include a professional structural survey when buying.

See advert below for more information and how to contact Mark Paddon about arranging a structural survey

Mark Paddon BSc Hons. MCIOB. CAAT. is a British Building Surveyor and Spanish registered Arquitecto Tecnico, insured via Lloyd’s of London. He has been working on the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida for over 20 years carrying out buyers structural surveys and providing general property purchase and insurance claims. (Thermal camera inspection is also included).

Whether its an old town house, apartment or luxury villa every property purchase represents a considerable investment and deserves a close inspection for defects such as damp, termites, subsidence etc. Specialist structural assessment of problem retaining walls and swimming pools is also undertaken.

Fast turnaround video survey options now available.

FREE buyers guide available via website. Initial telephone and email advice is FREE.

Señora de Loreto brings a touch of the avant-garde

If you are buying property in Spain or have problems with a property you already own, a professional structural survey can help identify and record defects whilst suggesting remedial solutions and cost implications.

HASTA LA VISTA

La Granadella

THE challenge starts in the 700ha Granadella Forest Park, a scrubland still recovering from a forest fire in 2016 that decimated the area.

The most challenging partthe route, this walk through scrubland can be steep and rocky, though the lack of trees offers sublime views all the way down to Javea’s amazing Playa de la Granadella. (above).

After a short scramble up the hill from the beach the Mediterranean arrives like a balm for sore bodies out from Castell de la Granadella viewpoint.

CHALLENGE: The route takes in 15 viewpoints as it winds along the coast

La Falzia

THE woods around La Falzia viewpoint are the only forested area on this otherwise highly-developed coastline. But with sunrise views over Porticholl island, who can blame residents for choosing such an inspiring vista ear-

The

Mirador

challenge may be gruelling at 30kms long, but the views more than make up for it

VISTAS are places for dreamers as well as the adventurous, looking for something different.

They are also perfect places to show off on Instagram and Facebook - and to get in your minimum 10,000 steps a day.

The Mirador Challenge helps you with those… and a lot, lot more.

First created by British expats Mike and Fay Smith over a decade ago, it traces 15 viewpoints (miradores) along the dramatic limestone coastline cradling Javea.

The route covers 29km and promises some of the best scenery in Spain.You can of course do parts of it, or the whole lot in one day if you get your skates on early. Here, we pick out our favourite sections.

ly in the day.The water is so crystal clear you can almost see the fish, and you probably would quite rapidly if it wasn’t for wooden barriers keeping you from the sheer cliff-edge. A great place for walking, La Falzia is only a

Cabo de la Nau C

stone’s throw from the Playa de la Barraca, which offers a secluded bay for swimming in the summer months. From this, the seventh viewpoint, you drop down to Javea and along the coast to the port.

ABO de la Nau is the name given to this whole headland south of Javea.

The protruding cliffs here mark the closest point on the Costa Blanca to Ibiza, which can be seen on a clear day across the shimmering blue. But Cabo de la Nau also refers to a high, rocky outcrop boasting two restaurants, Cabo de la Nau and Mirador de Javea, with unbeaten views over the Med.

The viewpoint itself, the fifth on the challenge, is bejewelled with purple clumps of toothed lavender—a rare, endemic species that is separate to the more common English lavender seen in ornamental gardens.

Cala Ambolo

THE third viewpoint looks out over the Isla del Descubridor (Discoverer’s Island), allegedly named after a Javean sailor who accompanied Christopher Columbus on his first voyage to the Americas.

A more shocking discovery for anyone who decides to take a pair of binoculars, however, would be the nudist beach at the foot of this cliff. The real crown jewels is the dramatic coastline stretching east of the Ambolo viewpoint, locked in a perpetual battle with the sea that happily produces the shingled beaches enjoyed by the fully-clothed and nudist alike.

Cabo San Antonio

FROM the port you have the final climb up the winding footpath to the top of Cabo San Antonio which offers perhaps the most stunning, near-360 degree views on the Javea coastline. From Ibiza to the east, the whole of Javea beneath you, and the Montgo mountain to the west, this is a true dreamer's paradise. From here, you can see how the citrus groves just outside the old town of Javea find sanctuary in this valley from the hard limestones cliffs that confront the sea like a rampaging Spanish bull. And as you gaze longingly over the town, it won’t be long before you’re enticed back into one of its bars to remind your battered body why beer is best served ice-cold.

In expert hands

British education in an international familiar environment of academic excellence with incredible facilities to foster learning

FOR over 35 years Lady Elizabeth School has been offering British and international private education for children from 2 to 18 years old, with a unique educational experience in English through what we call ‘Amazing Learning’: learning based on discovery and growth, blending innovative methodologies with an international perspective. The goal of LES is to build a community of open-minded long life learners, ready to thrive and contribute in today’s global context: Innovative Learning & International Mindset. Independent, curious and active students who find their way within the multiple academic options we offer. Through constant immersion in English and in an environment of academic excellence, we prepare them to unleash their full potential and inspire them to grow globally. We use a curriculum based on UK national standards and define, design, deliver and demonstrate learning through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), our Key Stage 3 curriculum and then UK GCSEs and A-levels.

Broad GCSE and A Level offer to suit all academic paths

We have a wide range of over 20 subjects on offer - from the arts to the sciences with subjects such as Marine Science, Photography, Business, Graphic Design or Tourismfor GCSE and A Levels. Based on the British system, we also offer the Tests of Specific Competences (PCE) in Baccalaureate, thus ensuring access to the best universities in the world including Spanish ones.

Lady

Student life beyond class

We promote a student life beyond the classroom to extend the learning process. More than 40 extracurricular activities under our Plus Clubs - arts & crafts, sports, swimming, stock exchange, robotics, board games, filming and much more! -, business trips, sports and cultural activities, the Student Body, or awards such as Duke of Edinburgh Award. As part of the ISP group we also offer international opportunities for students within the ILOS program with 11 proposals such as ISP Virtual Buddy Exchange, ISP Maths Challenge, ISP Model United Nations or I am an ISP Scientist. We also offer ISP Future Pathways, a tailored career program for students ages 5-18 to support each ISP student in making informed decisions to succeed now and in the future.

Best in class facilities

Our 28,000 m2 campus includes 2 swimming pools, 2 libraries, 2 orchards, sections by educational stage, sports hall, basketball court, soccer field, playgrounds, digital whiteboards, 2 dining halls, computer classrooms, music classrooms, psychomotor classroom, childcare room, physics, biology/chemistry, food science and robotics labs, recording studio, theatre and dance room, photography studio, and auditorium with seating for 400 people. School residence (boarding school).

Amazing language offer

We offer English, Spanish, French, German with the option to study any mother language. Russian school on Saturday & active support of study groups for other mother languages.

JUST PERFECT!

No wonder so many people are attracted to Javea

WHY do people come to Javea? Why do they invest their money in property in this small Mediterranean town over many others? What is it about Javea that brings people here on holidays, makes them retire and invest here or to relocate here with families?

Julie Jones, the owner and founder of Alta Villas, a thriving and busy estate agency based on the Arenal beach in Javea, believes that the answer is simple.

“It is because Javea has it all.

Fabulous weather, gorgeous scenery, wonderful beaches, a rich history and culture, with the perfect infrastructure for foreign and local visitors and residents.

“I firmly believe that Javea deserves its reputation as the Costa Blanca’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’. It is for all of these reasons that I came here with my family in 2008, and I think it is the same for all the expat colleagues, friends and associates I have known over the years.

“At the time of writing this article, the weather is gorgeous, a balmy 25 degrees, sunny with clear blue skies – not bad for mid March!”

Julie adds: “It is perfect weather for horse riding in the beautiful Javea countryside. When I consider that in the UK it is snowing in most areas today, I appreciate Javea all the more.

“In the 14 years I have had Alta Villas, I am proud that my team and I have helped hundreds of people achieve their goals relating to buying and selling property here in Javea.

“I particularly like to help people to relocate here and always go that extra mile to support them in this.”

Julie continued: “Sometimes it is a buyers’ market, other times, such as now, it is more favourable to vendors, but always our job at Alta Villas is about helping people transition through this potentially stressful process. This is not just a job to us. It is the way we get to enjoy our perfect place in the sun.”

If you are looking to buy or sell property in Javea and surrounding areas or would simply like to talk to Julie and the team for advice, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Alta Villas.

Office: +34 965 796 311

WhatsApp: +34 635 720 355

Email: office@altavillas.com

Website: www.altavillas.com

Loyalty rewarded

Mark Petrie brings more than 50 years experience to his clients and a helping hand to Britons

MARK Petrie moved to Spain when he was just 11 years old and opened his first business here in 1977. Today he counts on hundreds of loyal clients from all over Spain and has rightfully been recognised in the UK with an MBE for his services to expats.

So, it's no surprise to discover that Mark is also Denia's Honorary British Consul - a

safe pair of hands to turn to in a time of crisis.

His company, Mark Petrie Insurance Brokers, brings more than 50 years of experience offering clients the best available policies tailored to their individual needs. With offices in Javea and Denia, his experienced team offers a wide range of insurance services from car, home, health and boat insurance, to legal assistance

policies.

Because the brokerage is not affiliated to any company, it can offer the most appropriate policies on the market to suit individual needs at the most competitive prices. His team of five works with all the leading agents such as Liberty, Allianz, Plus Ultra, Reale, Zurich, DKV, Salus and many more to offer a personalised service from day one.

“Each policy is tailored to what the customer needs and wants, and we are very expat orientated,” explained Mark. While we have many clients here, we have others from as far away as Galicia, Madrid, Sevilla and Málaga. By reducing response times and with an insurance programme run by professionals, our clients get the most out of any policy that they take out.

3 BEDROOM APARTMENT | JAVEA REF. AVS 55425

Fantastic ground floor garden apartment for sale in one of the best residential areas of Jávea only 400 metres from the sandy Arenal beach. 375.000€

3 BEDROOM VILLA | JAVEA REF. AVS 54094

Exclusive listing. Immaculate 3 bedroom villa for sale situated in the charming La Mandarina residential area overlooking Jávea Golf Course. 545.000€

3 BEDROOM VILLA | JAVEA REF. AVS 55364

A traditional and spacious front line villa with sea and mountain views and surrounded by green zones. In the residential area of La Cala. 799.950€

5 BEDROOM VILLA | JAVEA REF. AVS 54915

Large, private villa in the exclusive area of Cuesta San Antonio, close to the lighthouse and with spectacular views over the bay of Jávea.

2,490.000€

GOING SOLAR:Yourtop questionsanswered

SOLAR energy has been gaining popularity as an affordable and sustainable alternative to traditional electricity sources. But if you're considering going solar, you may have some questions about how it works, how much it costs, and what benefits you can expect.

In this article, we'll answer the top 10 questions people have about solar power, based on our expertise and experience in the industry.

Whether you're a homeowner, a business owner, or just curious about solar energy, read on to learn everything you need to know before making the switch to solar.

1 - HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SIZE SYSTEM I NEED?

Where possible, we like to start by looking at an electricity bill where we can see the last 12 month usage, combined with a discussion with you about your past and future energy needs. If a previous bill is not available or relevant, then we will use our experience and expertise during the survey process to provide the best recommendation to you.

2 - WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF A SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM?

Solar panels: These are the main components of the system that capture the sun's energy and convert

it into electricity. Inverter: This device converts the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into AC electricity that can be used in your home or business.

Monitoring system: This allows you to track the performance of your solar panel system and monitor the amount of energy it generates.

Batteries (optional): If you want to store the energy generated by your solar panels for later use, you can install a battery bank to store the energy.

3 - HOW MANY WATTS DOES A PANEL PRODUCE?

The new generation of panels produces between 450w and 550w. We mostly use 550w panels to produce more energy, using less space, which makes future expansion possible.

4 - DO I NEED SOLAR PANELS FOR THE HOT WATER OR THE POOL PUMP?

The new solar panel systems supply the house with energy for everything that uses electricity, such as the hot water cylinder, the pool pump, the air conditioning, or electric heating.

5 - HOW DOES A FEED IN TARIFF WORK?

The system does this automatically.

There is a device called an energy meter that controls the energy flow in the installation. For example, if the system is producing 5 kW and the house needs 3 kW, it takes 3 kW to cover the consumption of the house and sends the other two to the grid. Conversely, if it produces 2 KW and the house needs 5 KW, the system consumes the 2 KW and imports the other 3 KW from the grid.

6 - DOES THE ELECTRICITY COMPANY PAY ME FOR THE ENERGY I PRODUCE AND DO NOT USE?

Yes. Electricity companies offer a program called "net metering" or "feedin tariff" which allows homeowners or businesses with solar panels to sell excess energy back to the grid. Under these programs, if you produce more energy than you use, the excess energy is sent back to the grid and you receive credit from your electricity company for the energy you produce.

7 - CAN MY ELECTRICITY BILL GO TO 0€ INCLUDING FIXED COSTS?

Yes, we work with a few electricity companies that use a mechanism called ‘virtual battery’. It is a kind of virtual wallet that accumulates credit from the sale of surpluses. At the end of the month, if we have

100€ and the bill is 60€, 60€ of the credit will be used to cover the total bill and we will have 40€ left for the following month.

8 - HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER THE INVESTMENT ON SOLAR PANELS?

The time it takes to recover the investment on solar panels depends on various factors such as the cost of installation, energy usage, and government incentives. Generally, when we scale a system for our clients, their return on investment is between 4 and 5 years. That's not counting grants or surplus sales, which would make that return on investment even faster.

9 - ARE BATTERIES NEEDED?

Not necessarily. You can start with a system without batteries. Once installed, we can analyse the data, look at the production and consumption, and as the system is easily expandable, you can add batteries later if necessary.

Normally, the feed in tariffs from the electricity company covers a large part of the night-time usage.

10 - WHAT ARE THE SUBSIDIES IN SPAIN FOR SOLAR INSTALLATIONS?

Normally, each town hall offers a discount on the IBI.

Then, there are the subsidies from the European funds that offer 600€ per KW installed for panels and 400€ per KW for batteries.

If you're interested in going solar after reading this article, we have a special offer for Olive Press readers like you.

Simply use the coupon code ‘OLIVE 10’ when you contact us for a solar consultation, and you'll receive a free survey of your property's solar potential, plus a direct discount of 250€ off your solar installation. This offer is available for a limited time, so don't wait to make the switch to solar and start enjoying the benefits of clean energy for your home or business.

Solar Panels Systems | Air Source Heat Pumps Pool

Heaters

WHERE TO EAT

Javea is becoming a

THERE is a quiet revolution going on in the charming back streets of Javea.

Not content to count on its two Michelin-starred joints, BonAmb and Tula, the fast-growing resort is developing a food culture to rival anywhere on the Costa Blanca.

“It’s amazing how much it has changed in the nine years I’ve been here,” explains expat chef Robert Mcteague, who owns two restaurants in Javea old town with his wife, Andrea.

“There is so much healthy competition now and everyone is doing their own thing,” continues the Irishman, who ran restaurants back home and in Italy for over a decade before moving to Javea.

“It’s a really cosmopolitan place and best of all it is not expensive, even the Michelin-starred Tula, where we ate a lovely long meal with two bottles of wine for just €250 recently,” adds the father-of-two.

Sandwiched between sea and sierra, it is no wonder

Javea has the best of both worlds when it comes to ingredients.

Split between its three distinct areas, the port, the Arenal and the old town, you have everything from tapas joints to formal sit downs.

By a long way my favourite is stunning BonAmb (www. bonamb.com), which manages to combine the best quality local ingredients, with creative cooking and amazing ambience.

The two-Michelin star restaurant is an experience that any genuine gourmet will need to try out.

As well as its stunning architecture and

Dining revolution

grounds, the kitchen guarantees a journey through the senses, like nothing else on the Costa Blanca.

Creative and inspiring and continually fighting for its third star (which must be fast approaching), its head chef Alberto Ferruz does the Valencian community proud, showcasing mostly local dishes.

Having partly-trained in Paris and San Sebastian as well as nearby with Denia’s culinary king Quique Dacosta, you are in safe hands.

There is lots of fish and plenty of fruit and veg and the restaurant’s Maitre

Pablo Catala is one of the most interesting restaurateurs in Spain, having worked as a cameraman in war zones, including Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia, and then as an army press officer.

Its main rival is Tula, which has had a Michelin star since 2019 and is known for its simplicity and excellent use of local ingredients. Run by Borja Susilla and Clara Puig, it regularly changes its ingredients and is a breath of fresh air in the busy Arenal area.

Among other places you have to try are Robert Mcteague’s very own Carneceria tapas bar, on the outskirts of the centre.

This hip new joint is set up in a former butcher’s shop that first opened in the 1950s and

counts many of its original features, such as counter, floors and even its ancient walk-in fridge. The sign outside says it all, while Robert continues the authenticity, making his own bacon, ribs and sausages and featuring a simple menu to go alongside a nice array of tapas plates.

It’s a great place to while away a few hours and has plenty of local wines by the glass, as well as Guiness on tap, as you’d expect from a West Coast of Ireland native. Don’t forget ‘Taco Thursdays’, while there are other fun nights in the offing for the Spring.

His other place, mostly run now by his friendly Romanian wife Andrea, is La Sucreria in a prime location next to Javea old town’s main church. It has an excellent mix of dishes and is always busy. Among other exciting places to try out are Volta i Volta, run by a Valencian chef and his Italian wife Marguerita from Verona. Focussing on great local ‘KM0’ produce, expect plenty of pickles, conserves, syrups and marinades. Es Tapa Ti on the Arenal is also good.

In terms of country joints, El Campo, takes some beating with its charming garden and experienced local chef Amanda Trenco, 40, who knocks up a great mix of Asiatic twists and a solid a la carte menu, with such joys as shrimp gyozas with spinach and roast suckling pig with apple and red berries. There is even an occasional Mexican special menu.

Heading into Javea port you should look

Continues overleaf

As a private chef, my team and I offer catering services in your home, garden or place of business for all occasions.

In our shop in the Arenal, Jávea we have a fresh salad bar, ready-made meals and a list of other dishes that are posted daily on Instagram and Facebook such as vegan, vegetarian, meat, fish and seafood dishes plus a choice of desserts. We also make bespoke party and wedding cakes for those very special occasions!

We look forward to taking you on A Food Adventure!

Catering4u, Avda del Plà 121, Jávea/Xàbia

Tel / WhatsApp: +34 688 684 674

Facebook: Catering4UJavea

Instagram: afoodadventurejavea

Website: catering4u.es

Family friendly local bar under new owners Stephen and Christina as of 2019

English Fry-Up, Sandwiches, Wraps, Burgers, Salads, Pies, Fish & Chips

Weekly Changing Specials

Daily Baked Croissants

Fun Quiz Nights

Every Tuesday & Thursday evening Sunday Roasts twice a week!

Park your broom and sit for a spell

Check our Facebook page for more info

tel: +34 965 79 69 10

WhatsApp: +34 686 64 01 23

lancashirebrujajavea@hotmail.com

Carretera Cabo La Nao-Pla, 123 Urb Moreras del Saladar, local 24 03730 Jávea

WELCOME: To Jon from chef Alberto at BonAmb (right) and mushroom dish

real gourmet hive with a range of chefs vying for attention, writes Jon Clarke

Robert at Carniceria makes his own bacon, ribs and sausages

EXCITING: Robert Mcteague and his new bar Carneceria

WHERE TO EAT

FOOD TOUR

out for popular tapas bar, Andares Ibericos, opposite the cinema that specialises in excellent ham and cheeses and great light bites.

A friendly, family-run place it has real charm and an excellent selection of wines by the glass.

The best spot to enjoy wine is at the Bonapata, which describes itself as a ‘boutique bar of grapes and acorns’ just up the road, also in the port. There are around 70 different wines by the glass, not to mention an amazing selection of pates, cheeses and, best of all, the best Jamon Iberico, from the Val de Pedroches, in Cordoba.

The Spanish couple who run this place have just opened a new place up on busy Arenal, which will also likely do very well.

Another great spot, always busy, and an excellent spot for burgers and light snacks is Geographic, which always has all sporting events on a huge range of televisions.

BUSTLING: Andares Ibericos is always busy, while (right) tomato dish at Bonapata

And make sure you drop into the excellent Lancashire Bruja, just opposite the tennis club, where well established local expats Stephen and Christina serve up sell out roast dinners and all your British favourites including fish and chips and the classic English fry up, of course. The couple also organize the town’s popular New Years Day swim. Finally down on the beach there are two chiringuitos, one La Siesta that really gets going in the summer when it is

THE place to hang out and be seen and Thalassa, which sits halfway along the road from Arenal to Caleta de Dins. Named after the Greek word for ‘sea’ it is exactly that, dominated by the ocean, and with a seafood style menu to match.

WHERE TO STAY

The best places to stay in Javea, writes

Jon Clarke

UNWIND AND RELAX

AS one of Spain’s emblematic towns - like Ronda, Toledo and Santiago - Javea rightfully counts on a Parador.

Yet, surprisingly, the popular Valencia resort has a real paucity of good places to stay. Assuming you don’t have a few hundred euros per night to splash the cash, the 1969-built Parador is out of most people’s budgets.

By far the best value option is Javea Hotel (www.hotel-javea.com) in the heart of the port, next to the stunning Nuestra Señora de Loreto church and a short 100m walk from the beach.

While some of the rooms are small, it is stylish and friendly and counts on its own restaurant on the roof with a stunning sea view.

It is also next to the celebrated VO cinema and walking distance to a dozen good places to eat, not to mention with air-conditioning and WIFI in the room.

Another great value spot is Quinta la Sal (www.quinta-la-sal.hotel-in-valencia.com) that sits right at the other end of the town in the hills above the Arenal area. Set in pine woods, full of red squirrels and birds, it is just a short walk from breathtaking Playa de Ambolo and a

five-minute drive to Granadella beach.

Each of its dozen or so casitas are well appointed and have plenty of outside space and shade, plus a nice pool to chill out by.

A step up in quality and a little bit in price is the stylish Ritual de Terra Resort and Spa (www.ritualdeterra.com), a hotel to cleanse your mind and unwind.

This dreamy spot is surrounded by nature and focuses on wellness, as well as making the most of its lovely views towards the sea and the faraway Montgo mountain. There are yoga classes twice a week, meditation classes, as well as wellness workshops and a fascinating ‘gong vibrational sound bath’ which is said to reduce stress, aid sleep and encourage creativity.

The spa counts on a massage suite, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, as well as an indoor pool and there are plenty of face and body treatments available. With quality linen, super king size beds as well as a great wonderful central pool area, tennis and padel courts, you should end up feeling both energised and pampered.Meanwhile its new restaurant MADRE serves Mediterranean classics, with mostly seasonal ingredients.

VISTAS: Ritual de Terra is incredibly well appointed

COMFORT: Quinta la Sal, while (top) Javea hotel

THE value of Spanish pension scheme assets fell by €482 million to €82 billion in February 2023, according to new data. Following an increase in asset values in January, a more ‘challenging market environment’ caused the drop last month, according to pension advisory organisation Inverco.

But Inverco suggested that projected returns in the medium to long term for individual schemes were positive.

Falling value

“For example, at 26 years, the pension schemes will register an average annual return of 2.5% while at 10 and 15 years it is estimated that the return will be 2.6% and 2% respectively,” a spokesperson said. Benefits paid out during the month totalled €207m compared to contributions of €115m.

RECORD HIGH

FOOD and non-alcoholic beverages rose in February by 16.6% over 12 months - 1.2% higher than in January.

The food inflation rate, according to the National Institute of Statistics, is at its highest point since it started using the current measuring system in 1994. The peak in the current economic crisis was 15.7%

Price rises continue as food inflations hit peak

By Alex Trelinski

in December with this year’s IVA tax cuts on basic food essentials being quickly swallowed up by rising prices. Increased fresh food costs for vegetables, fruits, and

CAR FACTORY LAYOFFS

FORD has announced 1,100 job losses20% of its workforce - at its Almussafes car plant in Valencia.

The news follows last month’s announcement of 3,800 job cuts elsewhere in Europe, including 1,300 posts in the UK. Last year, Ford said it was delaying production investments in Spain, citing a ‘revised outlook for Europe’, but emphasised that it was moving forward with plans to start producing electric vehicles later this decade at Almussafes.

Production of the S-Max and Galaxy

Legal Eagle

legumes are behind the rise due to supply issues caused by weather conditions in Spain and in other EU countries, and the resulting increase in international demand.

Last month, Agriculture Minister Luis Planas said there were ‘reasons to be -

lieve that food inflation had peaked’, but clearly that is not the case, with added pressure now on the government to do more. Among some of the biggest rises over 12 months, there’s sugar (52.6%), butter (39.1%), sauces and condiments (33.8%), olive oil (33.5%) and whole milk (33.2%).

Food inflation has been in double digits for 11 months in a row and Spain’[s problems are mirrored elsewhere in Europe.

Farmers

models will cease next month at Almussafes as Ford moves to manufacturing only electric passenger cars by 2030. It means that only the Kuga SUV will be made at Almussafes until 2025, when the new GE2 electric car starts rolling off production lines.

For example, Germany’s rate for February was 21.8% Rising prices have been caused by farmers having to pay more for basic items like seeds, feed, fertilisers, electricity or fuel, but experts believe with those rates now falling, reductions will start to be passed on through the food chain.

With Victoria Wright

AVOID RENTAL FLAWS

IF you are relocating to Spain, or if you already reside here and wish to now rent a property, here is some useful information about the rights and obligations when renting or letting a property in Spain.

The format of contracts can vary. However, a rental contract must contain: details of both landlord and tenant, description of the property; contract term and start date; amount payable and payment terms; any other agreed provisions e.g. payment of utility bills. The document must be dated and signed by all the parties.

A short-term rental contract is usually up to 11 months, whereas long-term has a duration of five years, with a ‘get out clause’ each year having given two months’ notice.

The tenants are required to pay a deposit (normally equal to one month’s rental payment) to guarantee the property will be returned in good order and also with no money outstanding. The deposit should be returned if these conditions are met.

Knowing the law can protect both landlords and tenants

Repairs to the property are normally the responsibility of the landlord unless this damage has been caused by the tenant.

Small repairs (normally on account of daily use) are normally the responsibility of the tenant.

Any urgent repairs which are undertaken by the tenant to avoid further damage should first be notified to and approved by the landlord.

The landlord may terminate a tenancy if the tenant has not paid the rent, sublets to a third party without consent, causes damage to the property, carries out repairs without consent or if the tenant causes serious nuisance to neighbours.

Likewise a tenant can suspend or terminate

the contract and not be liable to pay compensation if maintenance work or refurbishment of the property make it become uninhabitable.

The above points are just a few of the considerations you need to be aware of.

If you are having problems or are thinking of renting a property, it is best to seek advice from an expert. ALBA CONSULTAS would be happy to assist.

ALBA CONSULTAS – SOUND ADVICE AT REASONABLE PRICES

ARMED INVASION

PIECES for a unique exhibition featuring China’s Terracotta Army have been unpacked and put ready for display at Alicante’s MARQ archaeological museum. The exhibition called The Legacy of the Quin and Han dynasties opens to the public on March 28 and will run until the end of next January.

It’s the first time since the pandemic that parts of the Terracotta army have left China in what MARQ officials have described as one of Spain's ‘biggest cultural events of the year’. Some 120 original pieces and five replicas arrived at the museum on Friday with specialists from Chinese museums and

Chinese terracotta soldiers arrive in Alicante for unique exhibition

By Alex Trelinski

institutions assisting MARQ officials during the unpacking and placement process.

Careful handling was paramount with the exhibition including nine warriors and an original terracotta horse as well as two bronze chariot replicas.

It’s the first time that many of the pieces have been exhibited outside of China. The life-size terracotta warriors were discovered nearly

Helping hikers

A NEW phone app is being developed to guide hikers around the natural beauty of Alicante province as well as providing extensive information about the area. The idea comes from Alicante University researchers contributing to the province's Digital Intelligence Centre. The app will allow users to access real time data from anywhere in the world as well as during a walk. Information given will be extensive with four sections covering birds in the area; plants and vegetation; geology; and remains of old settlements.

50 years ago in Xi'an province with over 2,000 figures recovered so far from an area that was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987. They lined the entrance to the tomb of Chinese emperor, Qin Shihaung, over 2,000 years ago. Besides the figures, the exhibition will contain interactive elements and videos looking back at the Chinese history of that period. Tickets will cost just €5 with group reductions available as well as discounts for the over-65s, children, and students.

Passport seized

A COURT has confiscated the passport of a 17-monthold girl in a bid to prevent her parents from subjecting her to female genital mutilation (FGM).

The mother of the child tried to get the procedure performed in Spain and also stated that she would ‘do it herself’, police said.

Healthcare staff activated a prevention protocol that included informing the parents that FGM was a crime in Spain. When the family missed medical visits and meetings with social workers, the police were informed.

A court subsequently ordered the young girl’s passport to be seized given the risk that the family would travel to Sierra Leone, her mother’s country of origin. The case is currently in the hands of the social services. The child’s passport will be held until she is 18 years old.

DIET PERKS

Consuming seafood, fruit and nuts could reduce the risk of developing dementia

EATING a ‘Mediterranean-like diet’ can lower the risk of developing dementia by up to 23%, according to new research.

The groundbreaking study, published in the BMC Medicine journal, shows people who kept to a diet rich in foods like seafood, fruit and nuts, had a much reduced risk of developing the condition.

A Newcastle University team analysed data from 60,298 individuals from the UK who had provided

By Anthony Piovesan

information about what they ate.

The scientists scored people based on how closely their diet matched the key features of a Mediterranean one and followed those involved for almost a decade.

The team took into account each individual’s genetic risk for dementia too.

BENEFICIAL: A Mediterranean diet is good for health

Dr Oliver Shannon said: “Finding ways to reduce our risk of developing dementia is a major priority for researchers and clinicians.

Dementia risk

A COMMON irregular heartbeat condition known as atrial fibrillation (A-fib) may increase the risk of dementia, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that people newly diagnosed with A-fib had a 13% higher risk of developing dementia. The risk was even higher (65%) among those who developed a-fib before age 65, and in people who did not have chronic kidney disease (20%), the University of Washington study found.

The best way to avoid developing A-fib is to maintain a normal weight and blood pressure, avoid sleep apnea, get plenty of exercise and eat a healthy diet.

952 147 834

“Our study suggests that eating a more Mediterranean-like diet could be one strategy to help individuals lower their risk of dementia.”

John Mathers, Professor of Human Nutrition, added: “The good news from this study is that, even for those with higher genetic risk, having a better diet reduced the likelihood of developing dementia.

“Although more research is needed in this area, this strengthens the public health message that we can all help to reduce our

Landmark deal

FIVE health unions have signed a deal with the Valencian Health Ministry to improve primary health care working conditions in the region, but a key doctors union has refused to back it.

The package includes a maximum number of patients to be seen per day by family doctors and the launch of a 35-hour working week by January 1, 2025.

risk of dementia by eating a more Mediterranean-like diet.”

Achieving the reduced hours will cost €130 million with at least 2,500 extra staff needing to be taken on. But doctors’ union, the CESMCV, has yet to approve the package, calling it an ‘electoral gimmick’ ahead of May's Valencian elections.

Rosa Atienzar of the CCOOPV union disagreed.

*Data extracted from process closure surveys after using our roadside assistance and breakdown services.

WHERE DID COVID GO?

March 14 marked the third anniversary of Spain’s state of alarm: a strange new world of Covid, masks and nasal tests, and Europe’s strictest lockdown. But has it really gone?

By Jo Chipchase

WHO could forget how strange our lives became on 14 March 2020, thanks to the new virus with the spike protein?

We were told it hailed from the Wuhan wet market in China, and constant news coverage whipped up public fears.

With little warning, we were instructed to stay at home (quédate a casa) and were only allowed outside for ‘essential supplies’, animal care, or to empty our bins, all to be undertaken in a mask.

The national state of alarm only ended on June 9, 2021.

After that, regional goverments could decide rules – such as, residents must remain within their own province or municipality and not gather in groups.

Despite the strict lockdown, Spain had 255 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, an unenviable rate in Europe.

Afterwards, we eventually ‘de-escalated’ out of Covid restrictions, returning to a full life with family, friends, and fiestas in 2022.

Three years on, what (if anything) have we learned from our collective experience? And, with many people currently sick with coughs and fevers, has Covid

really gone – and if so, where?

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE KRAKEN VARIANT?

In January, when China abandoned its ‘zero Covid’ policy, and opened its borders, the world feared that new subvariants would fly out.

A much hyped subvariant is Kraken (XBB.1.5). Derived from Omicron and related to the XBB strain, Kraken appeared last October. The World Health

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

Organisation (WHO) has been watching it as a ‘variant of concern’. According to a December study in Cell magazine, it’s great at evading immune defences and vaccines. So where is it? Although Kraken is already supposed to be in 29 countries, and already accounts for 40% of cases in Spain (of those that are tested and reported), who knows anyone who has been diagnosed with this subvariant? Answers on a postcard.

DO TESTS STILL WORK?

Down

1 Leave-taking (8)

2 Finely honed (5)

4 Submissive (8)

12

13 Disrobe (7)

16 Like a brainiac (5)

18 Favourite (3)

19 Type of beer (3)

Despite everyone seeming to be sick with fevers, persistent coughs, and weakness over the last few months, reports of positive Covid tests are anecdotally scarce. Are the home antigen tests doing their job? This is debatable. The advice from the Federal Drug Agency (FDA) is ‘if you think you are infected with Covid but test negative, test again in 48hrs . . . if you’re still negative, take another in two days’.

A 2022 study showed that home antigen tests were only 60% accurate on the first day of a person’s

All solutions are on page 14

symptomatic infection. For asymptomatic infections it dropped to 12%. A second test improved accuracy to 92% and 51% respectively. The need for ‘serial testing’ is hardly inspiring. Lucy Hayes Logan of Lanjaron says: “I recently caught Covid from someone with a ‘bad cold’. When they notified me, I tested every day and got a positive after two days. I had previously caught Covid in January 2022. The symptoms were different this time, with fever, dizziness, chills and body pain, so it could have been a different variant.”

She adds: “Maybe there aren’t many positives because people test once when they start to develop symptoms, rather than retesting during the estimated incubation period. It’s an expensive process and unpleasant. So, with a negative test they put it down to a bad cold or flu and just treat the symptoms.”

WHAT

ABOUT THE SUPER FLU?

With hardly anybody claiming to have Covid, many people complain of a cough with fatigue lasting three weeks, or a feverish flu that sends you to bed for a week instead. Colds never used to last that long.

Arguably, the lack of mingling, and the prevalence of masks during the pandemic have lowered our resistance to germs, our immune response.

Ivan Sanz Muñoz, of Spain’s National Influenza Center of Valladolid, said in an interview: “Covid-19 displaced all respiratory viruses, in general. For this reason, now everyone is sick, since the viruses are recovering their ecological niche.

“In addition, the flu virus mutates 10

times faster than the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.”

Recent articles from America suggest that during the pandemic people lied about their children having Covid. That’s no surprise.

People working in the gig economy, or freelancers with no sick pay, cannot afford to be ill. A possible Covid infection is easy to pass off as a bad cold; a lack of testing means that most people don’t even know what they’ve caught. And then they spread it.

WHERE DID COVID REALLY COME FROM?

This March, the US Congress passed a bill to declassify documents about the origins of Covid. They suggest that it comes from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

The American contingent is now asking what research the Wuhan laboratory carried out before the outbreak of Covid, and why some researchers were sick in 2019.

As one Olive Press reader said when the pandemic started: “If there was a puddle beside the puppy, you might reasonably think the puppy did it”. Despite that, WHO did its best to reassure the world that Covid mutated from pangolins sold in the nearby Wuhan wet market.

WHERE ARE WE GOING NOW?

According to Statista, Spain had 3.7 million Covid cases up to March 1, 2023; and 119,400 deaths. Despite that, some people still claim that Covid never existed, and was just ‘flu’. Although we have emerged back into a kind of normality, the impact on Spain’s mental health (and people’s finances) is still felt today. And there’s a whole Covid generation: children born after March 2020 know nothing other than the Covid era.

During the pandemic, we all saw division and even hate within our communities –mask wars, conspiracy theories, and reporting of neighbours who ventured outside. This division in society exists today. It hasn’t gone away.

If we have learnt anything at all, it’s maybe that the truth can be bent, and, where the pandemic is concerned, falls somewhere in the big space between official dialogue and conspiracies.

GOODBYE: to the worst of Covid?

BUMPER NUMBERS

ALICANTE-ELCHE and Valencia airports have reported a second successive record month for passenger numbers.

The Alicante-Elche total of 790,766 was the highest February figure since the airport opened in 1967 - and up 1% on the previous best recorded in

THE UK is set to introduce a new requirement for visa-exempt visitors to Britain which will see them fill in an online form and pay a fee in order to enter the country. The move will affect all European Union citizens and seems to be a tit-for-tat response to the EU’s ETIAS tourist tax, which has been causing consternation among Spanish tourism bosses. Starting from next year, tourists from Spain and other European countries will need to complete an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) form before boarding a plane to the UK.

2019. The rise at Valencia’s Manises airport was even higher- a rise of 6% on its 2019 record figure- with a total of 555,683 travellers.

After two record-breaking months, the signs augur well for the rest of the year as the travel market in Spain continues to recover after the pandemic.

Tit-for-tat

UK hits back at the European Union’s Brit-hitting ETIAS tourist tax with one of its own

By Walter Finch

The ostensible purpose of the ETA, according to the British Home Office - just as with the ETIAS - is to improve security and digitise the UK’s borders.

FOUR cold soups from Spain have been named in Europe’s top 10. Food guide Taste Atlas, has compiled a list of the best cold soups in Europe, three of which are typically ‘Made in Malaga’; Gazpacho, ajoblanco and porra antequerana. The very similar salmorejo, from Cordoba also made it on to the list. Tarator from Bulgaria - made with yoghurt and cucumber - was named best. Meanwhile readers of Taste Atlas have rated Spanish cuisine third best in the world. Based on criteria such as the ingredients,

Visitors will be required to disclose their full name, their date of birth, country of citizenship and details of their trip. There will also be a fee to be paid although it has not been revealed how much it will be.

Happy sopa

dishes and drinks of each cuisine, they gave Spanish food 4.59 out of 5 points. Among the top-rated Spanish dishes are 100% Iberian acorn-fed ham, followed by cured Manchego cheese, fried fish, espetos (grilled sardines) grilled prawns and paella.

Leading the list is Italian food, followed by Greece.

Meanwhile the ETIAS tax that’s set to charge Brits €7 to enter the Schengen zone has been pushed back to 2024. The controversial measure has been bedevilled by delays, uncertainty and internal criticism. Applicants for the ETIAS form will have to detail their health history, criminal record and EU immigration history.

Taxes

With the ETA also coming in in 2024, the two reciprocal tourist taxes look set to come into effect at the same time. Visitors from Canada, the USA, Australia, Brazil, Japan and dozens of other countries will also be affected.

Ladies not waiting

Carme Ruscalleda, Moments, Barcelona, 1952

AS legend has it, the Catalan chef began selling a bit of home-cooking at the family charcutería and before you know it the shop had become Sant Pau, one of the best restaurants in Spain. For a while Ruscalleda, mother of two, had three restaurants with seven Michelin stars between them.

Sant Pau closed in 2018, and these days, she just manages Moments (at the Mandarin Oriental) and Sant Pau Tokyo, advocates for healthier food options in hospitals and schools, writes foodie books and serves as an example of all that’s possible.

Susi Díaz, La Finca, Alicante, 1956

IN Netflix movies, the pressures of running a restaurant break up marriages, but Diaz jokes that she opened this gem of a restaurant in Elche in 1984 to save hers because, with a husband also working in hospitality, without a joint project they’d never see each other.

Self-taught, she’s known for fish and seafood dishes using citrus and edible flowers that are as exquisitely beautiful as they are delicious.

Author of a popular cookbook (Sentidos) familiar to Spanish TV audiences as a judge on Top Chef, Diaz is also an ambassador for the Marine Stewardship Council.

MICHELIN STARS

REPSOL SOLS

Elena

MICHELIN STARS

REPSOL SOLS

SHE spent seven years training in Switzerland and working in top restaurants across Europe (including London’s Le Gavroche and elBulli) before coming home to work with her Dad.

It was a risk: Juan Mari Arzak is one of the biggest names in Spanish gastronomy. But talent, technical skill and her own distinct approach have seen her scoop up awards in her own right – Best Female Chef in the World (2012)

among them. She is the only woman running a three-Michelin star restaurant in Spain, albeit with Juan Mari alongside. ‘He’s my maestro,’ she says. ‘I love it!’

Maria Jose San Roman, Monastrell, Alicante, 1955

VANGUARD technique, a celebration of the local gambas, and playful tasting menu have won her multiple awards at this top marina-front spot. San Roman also has the very important role of president of the Asociación de Mujeres en Gastronomia (MEG) pushing for visibility and equality.

As International Women’s Day celebrations continue, Sorrel Downer takes a look at Spain’s top female chefs

OF all the very many things women do at least as well as men, most people would seem to agree standing in a kitchen and cooking stuff is among them.

Yet only one in 10 of all Michelin-starred restaurants in Spain has a female head chef. And in the Repsol Guide only three restaurants run by a woman have the maximum three Sols (suns) – out of 42.

The obvious conclusion is that women are too busy creating alta gastronomia to go around blowing their own trumpets.

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Planning

REPSOL SOLS

While some of the most famous male chefs seem to be just as interested in self-publicity and burgeoning business empires as in their food, many a talented female pours all their creativity into the dishes they lovingly assemble. To get to the top as a female chef in Spain takes a lot of talent and oomph. Here are the brightest stars in the gastronomic galaxy, and the rising stars with restaurants that every self-respecting gourmand should know.

in Spain

KNOWN as the ‘volcanic chef’ not for a Ramsay style temper but for being part of the ‘volcanic cuisine movement’ dedicated to using local produce, most ingredients in the minimalist dishes she creates with precise and scientific skill come from her own orchard, veg plots and chickens in Olot.

Home-grown and KM 0 also applies to her team: Daughters Martina (ex of Blue Hill at Stone Barns, New York) and Carlota (ex of El Celler de Can Roca) now work alongside her, while her third Clara works front of house.

MICHELIN STARS

Fina Puigdevall, Les Cols, Girona, 1963

REPSOL SOLS

OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Across: 5 Focaccia, 7 Stir, 8 Objectionable, 9 Owned, 11 Credit, 13 U S A, 14 Violin, 15 Hedge, 17 Temperamental, 20 Cost, 21 Spritzer.

Down: 1 Farewell, 2 Acute, 3 Majorca, 4 Yielding, 6 Orb, 7 Sea, 10 White-hot, 12 Eternity, 13 Undress, 16 Smart, 18 Pet, 19 Ale.

Arzak, San Sebastian,

REPSOL SOLS MICHELIN STARS

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

RISING STARS Here are some of the future female stars breaking into the cooking scene

Camila Ferraro, Sobretablas, Sevilla, 1987

REPSOL SOLS

Rakel Cernicharo, Karak, Valencia, 1985

REPSOL SOLS

Alba Esteve Ruiz, Restaurante Alba, Alicante, 1989

SUCH was the impression she made when working in Rome in 2018, she won Italy’s best young female chef award.

Now home and running her own restaurant, her elegant and aesthetically pleasing dishes are, writes one critic, impregnated with a touch of Italian.

Alba (another graduate of the hit machine that is Joan Roca’s El Celler de Can Roca) is the only woman on the shortlist for Spain’s best young chef award (results due imminently).

Incidentally, Joan Roca has received Michelin’s Chef-Mentor 2023 award for services rendered.

CERNICHARO creates dining experiences: Her restaurant is a world of its own, where design, art and moody lighting complement the food.

The tasting menus are journeys through the senses and based on themes (currently ‘fire’, ‘smoke’ or ‘embers’) and truly unique. Karak has been going for ten years, though in its current central location (at Hotel One Shot Mercat 09) for just five. Another Top Chef winner (2017), she finally got on the Repsol radar last year.

Rocio Parra, La Parra, Salamanca, 1982

ANOTHER chef who learnt her trade at El Celler de Can Roca and other great restaurants of the north, Ferraro’s fresh reinvention of traditional fare in her home town of Sevilla generated a gigantic buzz when Sobretablas opened in 2018. Bouncing back after lockdown, she became the first female winner of Spain’s Cocinero Revelación (young cook of the year) award in 2020.

IT would be wrong to call her the Pork Queen, but she loves the stuff: 13 of the 25 courses on one of her tasting menus feature it in some form, from tartar of salchichon to an Iberian pate éclair. The Madrid-born chef trained under Michelin-star chef Paco Roncero and also worked with Yolanda Leon before moving to Salamanca for love.

Lola Marin, Damasqueros, Granada, 1978

MICHELIN STARS

REPSOL SOLS

HER ambition was to be an architect, but Marin changed course and enrolled at the Basque Culinary Centre, before honing her skills working for top chefs Subijana and Arzak. Her deceptively simple tasting menus make full use of Granada’s rich local produce and Arab heritage.

Vicky Sevilla, Arrels, Valencia,1992

MICHELIN STARS

REPSOL SOLS

The amount of skill and imagination, artistry and sheer graft that goes into the two lengthy, seasonal tasting menus on offer, defies belief. It won her a Michelin star five years after opening, in 2020 – she was the only female chef in Spain to get a first star.

IN 2021, the 29-year-old from Sevilla became the youngest female chef in Spain to get a Michelin star. Just four years earlier, she’d been begging banks to loan her the money to start a restaurant. Despite her grit and determination, she drifted into chefdom by accident when, as a 17-yearold, instead of flying home from a holiday in Menorca, she stayed and got a job in a restaurant. She later worked with both Susi Diaz and Begoña Rodrigo (who she counts as mentors).

MICHELIN STARS

REPSOL SOLS

Better drivers

WOMEN are safer than men on the road, according to Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic. It revealed 60% of women drivers have never received any type of traffic penalty.

Stitch Up

A MALAGA policeman has been sent to jail for attempting to frame a drunk driver for assault. The cop smashed his own head on a wall and told the driver ‘you did this’.

High notes

TICKET sales from live music and festivals have contributed a whopping €459 million in 2022 in Spain, with Andalucia contributing €75,907,173 to that total figure.

COSTA BLANCA NORTE / VALENCIA

Trash or treasure

Aussie farmer finds ‘Spanish’

Unidentified Floating Object

By Anthony Piovesan

VOYAGE:

at his property near Mission Beach in Queensland, in the country’s north.

The 55-year-old believes it could have come from Spain because of the words inscribed in it, ‘Cape Finisterre’. The location is a rock-bound

TABBED UP

A PAIR of Liverpool fans in Spain for a match against Real Madrid ‘generously’ bought everyone in the bar several drinks. But when it came time to leave at 2.30am the self-proclaimed ‘millionaires’ tried to scarper without settling their €2,200 tab. They had earlier stumped up €1,000 but carried on running up the bill. Police were called and - after a struggle - the duo were arrested, accused of fraud.

peninsula on the west coast of Galicia in Spain.

The object is about 32cm wide and shaped in a circle, with a barcode and serial number, and an on-off button.

“I was just walking along the beach naked - it’s my private property so I can do that - and I found this thing that at first looked like a jellyfish,” Deacon said.

“When I looked closer I realised it was some gadget UFO-type thing.

“It has it written faintly in black ‘Cape Finisterre’, and I Googled

it and saw it was a location in Spain.

“If this thing has travelled all the way from Spain, especially to the Queensland coast, then it would have needed to get around South America or Africa which is an absolute miracle.”

It may seem unlikely that the mystery object travelled 12,500 miles all the way from Spain, but there has been a recorded instance of a bottle thrown into the sea in Spain being found in New Zealand.

Do you know what the object could be? Email newsdesk@theolivepress.es

FOUR years after hitting the headlines after installing ‘Spain’s largest urban slide’ then shutting it down 24 hours later after several injuries, Estepona is trying again. In 2019 the terrifying slide in the Costa del Sol town, which was 38 metres long and had a gradient of 33 degrees, was ripped out after several people suffered friction burns and bruising.

It connected two streets and was designed to give people a fast way down.

Now the council has opened its new offices - and incorporated a slide between floors for employees, again to save time.

Suckers

CAMPAIGNERS are calling for plans for the world’s first commercial octopus farm to be sent to Davy Jones’ locker. Seafood producer Pescanova has proposed a €65 million farm on Gran Canaria. The proposal to kill around 1 million octopuses a year with ice slurry will ‘cause considerable pain, fear and suffering as well as a prolonged death’, according to animal rights activists.

AN AUSTRALIAN farmer wearing nothing but a cowboy hat was walking along the beach with his dog when he found an object washed up on a beach which he believes came all the way from Spain. Rob Deacon told the Olive Press he found the mysterious circular object on the shore

A mystery object could have washed up in Australia from Galicia