Olive Press Costa Blanca South and Murcia Issue 121 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

Take a tour of a million years of

page 14

O P LIVE RESS

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

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

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

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

One British tourist arriving from

stamped.

An aﬀected passenger at Lanza- rote told

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

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

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

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

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

COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA here for the latest news

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

By Laurence Dollimore

ﬂights and hotels.

“People were ultimately told to sort themselves out.”

The issue emerged when airport bosses were ordered to stamp British passports on both entry and departure after it emerged they had hardly been doing it in a bid to reduce delays. Since the UK left the EU, Brits are only allowed to spend 90 in every 180 days in the Schengen zone - with stamps on entry and exit de-

REDUCEDSELLINGFEES

signed to keep a tally.

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

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

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

The thinking was to ‘make the passage of British tourists

PASSPORT CHAOS

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

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

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

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

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

Another Londoner arriving in Malaga for a short weekend break three weeks ago, said she had to endure

Strike extended

WORKERS at Alicante airport will continue their partial strike throughout the month of August, it has emerged.

The industrial action has been extended by security personnel and may cause delays at baggage control.

More than 290 security workers are being called to support the partial strikes during the height of the sum-

a ‘nearly 90 minute wait’ to get her passport stamped on arrival.

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

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

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

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

mer season. Workers are demanding improvements in conditions on the 3.30am shift, as well as a better ‘work-life balance’.

The unions have called strikes on August 15, 16, 17, 18, 30 and 31, between the hours of 8.30am and 9.30am and 6pm and 7pm. Some airlines, such as Jet2, are already advising their passengers that they should arrive at the airport earlier than usual on these days.

WAIT: Passengers have reported waiting 85 minutes in passport queues

DENIED PASSAGE: The passengers at Lanzarote

Visit the historic town of Antequera

FREE Vol. 5 Issue 121 www.theolivepress.es August 8th - August 21st 2024

IN BRIEF

Pool boost

THE number of registered home and community swimming pools in Alicante province has risen by 1,772 in the last year, meaning there’s one for every 15 residents in the region.

War footing

SEVERAL sightings have been made in recent days of the Portuguese man-ofwar in Torrevieja coves. Frequently mistaken for a jellyfish, it has long tentacles and a painful bite for humans.

Teen injured

A 15-year-old bicycle rider was airlifted to Alicante General Hospital with serious injuries when a cement lorry reversed into him last week on the Sierra de Redovan.

Storks killed

FIVE white storks migrating to Africa were electrocuted on power lines in Calasparra, Murcia, with the ANSE wildlife group filing a complaint to energy supplier Iberdrola.

HOAXER CLEARS TRAM

A 26-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested for making a hoax bomb warning on a Tram d’Alacant service carrying around 200 passengers. The Policia Nacional said he had been

charged with a public order offence. The incident happened at around 8.30pm on Monday inside the Sangueta tunnel on the Line 3 route between El Campello and Luceros.

The Spaniard shouted threats that he was about to explode a bomb, prompting the driver to open the doors and passengers to evacuate the carriages. Police officers checked the man’s backpack and mobile phone and found no explosive device.

KILLED OWN HUSBAND

A NORWEGIAN woman has been arrested on the Costa Blanca for allegedly stabbing her husband to death in front of their three young children. She was refused bail after appearing before an Orihuela

judge, much to the chagrin of her lawyer who said she had been a victim of repeated domestic violence for over 12 years. Her brother branded her husband as a ‘psycopath’ and said

Fraudulent flutter

A NORWEGIAN man lost almost €70,000 at two Elche gambling saloons and tried to get his money back by claiming he was a victim of credit card fraud.

The Policia Nacional have arrested the 54-year-old suspect on multiple fraud charges and for reporting a bogus crime.

He alleged that 184 transactions were made on his card at the two gaming establishments.

CCTV images and a witness confirmed that he was in fact the man who made all the transactions.

He spent months going to have a flutter, sometimes betting and spending up to €20,000 in a single day.

The man tried to claim back the lost wagers from his bank after falsely claiming somebody else had been using his card details.

By Alex Trelinski

she was kept prisoner in her own home.

He alleged that she was kept from having contact with other people and had been previously assaulted three times, but was too scared to go to the police.

Her sibling claimed her partner ‘constantly threatened’ to kill her two other children from a previous relationship and who live in Norway,

The family had been on holiday since May, staying at a remote finca on the PAU-9 Garbanzuel urbanisation close to the municipal border with Torrevieja. The woman, 49, phoned emergency services at 1.35am last Friday to say that she had got into an argument with her partner.

Tourist stabs ‘abusive’ partner to death following argument witnessed by their children

She stated that after being attacked, she acted in self-defence by plunging a kitchen knife at least three times into him, witnessed by their children aged 6, 8, and 10.

The woman told the operator that she believed that her husband, 45, was dead.

Paramedics were unable to do anything to save the man's life while she was treated for her injuries and arrested by the Guardia Civil.

She subsequently had surgery at Torrevieja Hospital for an arm injury.

The children were transferred to an Alicante reception centre and her oldest son, 10, testified via a video link to the Orihuela court on Monday.

Brit arrest

A BRITISH fugitive, 32, has been arrested at Alicante-Elche airport on suspicion of a brutal assault on two American soldiers in Germany.

The man had a European Arrest Warrant issued against him by German authorities for attempted homicide.

Policia Nacional officers were carrying routine passenger border checks when the suspect's name came up as having a warrant against him.

He was transferred to the National Court in Madrid for extradition to be processed and faces up to 15 years in jail if convicted.

Assaults

The Brit is accused of the assaults in the early hours of June 2 outside a restaurant in an undisclosed part of Germany. In consort with two other people, two American soldiers were attacked for no reason.

The detainee practiced martial arts and bodybuilding on a regular basis, and was said to be in ‘unusually’ strong physical shape as he knocked out the two soldiers without much effort.

When the victims were lying unconscious on the ground, he allegedly continued to hit them hard all around their bodiesincluding their heads. He left the scene with his companions after witnesses called the police.

The two soldiers were seriously injured with initial concerns about whether they would pull through.

TEEN FUN

TEEN sensation Lamine Yamal, 17, prompted chaos on a visit to Marbella following Spain’s Euro 2024 victory. The star had paid a visit to the Costa del Sol to relax alongside fellow footballer Nico Williams.

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

bus, the word was out - Spain’s next footballing prodigy was in Marbella. That evening, he dined alongside teammate Williams at Mosh Fun Kitchen, Nueva Andalucia. Videos posted on social media capture the huge crowds gathered at the venue to catch a glimpse of Spain’s hottest footballing talent. Yamal had to be helped by private security amongst the gaggle of fans to safely reach his car.

Fatal attraction

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

HOLLYWOOD icon Michael

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

Douglas used the Atlantida Mallorca Film Fest, where he was honoured with the Masters of Cinema award, to address the issues of mass tourism on the islands.

By Walter Finch

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

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

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

ROARing good time

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

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

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

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

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

KYLIE Minogue has been spotted partying in Ibiza.

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

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

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

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

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

DRIVEN MAN NEW HEIGHTS

Privacy

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

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

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

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

See What’s the beef? page 6

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

In February, the Italian-based outﬁt conﬁrmed they were signing the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton when his Mercedes contract expires at the end of the year, igniting a domino effect

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

MOBBED: Fans tried to get a glimpse of Yamal

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

LEFT BEHIND

A MUM and dad had to hail a taxi for a mad chase through Valencia streets after they forgot their children, aged three and five, on a bus.

The foreign tourists had got off the vehicle to visit the National Museum of Ceramics but unfortunately did not check the youngsters were still with them.

The French-speaking parents hailed a taxi and asked the driver to follow the bus, which was stopped - only to find it was the wrong one.

As messages pinged between the control room and city buses, the children were identified after a passenger alerted the driver to the crying kids.

The driver slowed down so the taxi could catch up with the correct bus and the family was reunited.

Flash, bang, and serious wallop

ELCHE is gearing up for next week's Nit de l'Alba on August 13 - a massive ﬁrework display that is recognised as a ‘Festival of National Tourist Interest’.

The event attracts thousands of tourists from Spain and abroad.

It dates back many centuries to when families made oﬀer-

ings to the Virgin Mary by way of launching a rocket for each of their children.

The display starts at 11pm next Wednesday and lasts for an hour before the bells of the Basilica of St Mary strike midnight.

Around 300 palm tree-style fireworks are fired from different parts of Elche before the whole

Not in our backyard

Residents take to the streets to protest against new biowaste plant

UP to 1,000 residents marched in Los Montesinos to protest against the council deciding to house a regional biowaste recycling plant.

Locals were angry about the lack of consultation before a deal was struck and approved by the town’s socialist mayor Jose Manuel Butron.

An agreement was made after months of secret talks with the Vega Baja Sustainable Consortium before being approved at short notice by the council, which Butron has led since its formation in 1991.

By Alex Trelinski

Opponents are concerned about smells coming from the facility, which would be located on the town’s Levante industrial estate as well as lorries bringing in rubbish to be recycled from around the Vega Baja.

Last week’s protest was the biggest seen in the municipality of 5,000 residents since the days of it campaigning to become independent from Almoradisomething it achieved in 1990. Protestors chanted against the

city is plunged into complete darkness.

Then the palm of the Virgin appears - represented by a big array of ﬁreworks some 700 metres in diameter and climbing 300 metres.

It’s visible over a wide area including Alicante, Crevillente, and Santa Pola.

SEE YOU IN COURT

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

Andy Brooks, was given the drug in 2018 for knee pain, ending up in Javea special care unit suﬀering from ‘near deadly’ immunosuppression and sepsis.

mayor during the one kilometre-long walk from the industrial estate to the town hall.

The biowaste plant will treat household and hospitality food waste, which would be converted into organic fertiliser.

Land covering 3,500 sqm has been allocated on the industrial estate for the facility which will cost €4 million to build.

The Vega Baja Sustainable Consortium says it will have a minimal environmental impact.

The plant would recycle 4,400 tonnes of waste per year with Los Montesinos council getting a €3 payment per tonne of waste, plus an annual €22,500 fee for ‘environmental improvements’.

Residents say the 4,500 tonne ﬁgure is conservative as the Vega Baja region generates over 100,000 tonnes of waste per annum.

Though he physically recovered, the expat still suffers the mental effects of the ‘terrible’ incident and in July 2022, he was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. He told the Olive Press: “Since this happened my ‘bucket list’ has been reduced to just one thing, that I live to see the day when the Spanish government is taken to court for giving this drug to people knowing the terrible side effects.”

MOTORISTS have been warned about a new ‘sophisticated’ speed camera that has appeared on a key Torrevieja entrance route. The unit has been installed on the CV-905 between the San Luis and La Siesta roundabouts which is a dual-carriageway with a 50 kph speed limit.

It can also detect people travelling without seat belts and drivers holding mobile phones.

Olympic tears

MURCIA’S Carlos Alcaraz wept openly after losing Sunday’s Olympic tennis final to Novak Djokovic.

The 21-year-old four-time Grand Slam winner from El Palmar could not hide his tears of disappointment in Paris.

Alcaraz said: “The tears are because I have

not achieved my goal of making the Spanish people proud of me by winning a gold medal.”

Alcaraz revealed that Djokovic, who he only beat last month to retain his Wimbledon title, told him at the net that he will win Olympic gold one day.

“Achieving silver at my first Olympics is a wonderful moment that I will remember all my life, and I'm going to enjoy it," Alcaraz added, once he had got over his initial disappointment.

UBER BEACH DROWNING TOLL SHOCKER

BEACH goers won’t have to go far if they want food and water, or perhaps if they’ve forgotten their sunscreen lotion.

Uber Eats has launched a service delivering products directly to the ‘towel’ during the summer holiday peak season.

Deliveries to Benidorm’s Levante beach, San Juan in Alicante, and Villananitos on the Mar Menor started last week.

Order

Bathers can order sunscreen, ice cream, food, and other products through the company’s mobile phone app and then pick up the items at a designated beach collection point. The scheme was piloted last summer in the Canary Islands where over 1,000 orders were taken at a Las Palmas beach.

More deaths in just 3 months than the whole of 2023

MORE people drowned on Alicante province beaches between May and July than in the whole of 2023, according to the Spanish Lifesaving Federation. Some 18 fatalities were recorded during the three months, with the federation demanding that lifeguards should be provided outside the peak tourist season due to increasing numbers of visitors. There were 12 drownings alone in early June before lifeguard services started, including a British man trying to save two children in Guardamar del Segura. Alberto Garcia Sanz, head of the Royal Spanish School of

Lifesaving and First Aid, said:

“Increased tourism means a greater risk of people dying through drowning.”

He pointed out incidents are happening before lifeguard shifts start or when they have ﬁnished.

“Most beaches do have lifeguards but they are only there during peak hours,” he commented.

Garcia observed that increasing numbers of people are arriving at the beach as early as 7am and those who are negligent tend to be non-Spaniards.

“Bathers hit the water before the lifeguards arrive and they

don’t

know if there is a red, yellow or green ﬂag or if there are currents that are likely to drag them out into the sea, with nobody around to help.”

Too hot to handle

A MURCIA restaurant says it’s protecting its waiters by refusing to serve people wanting to sit outside in 40C temperatures. Customers at the Las Cumbres Restaurant in Cabezo de Torres were given a ﬂat rejection by the owner when they inquired about dining on the terrace at midday during the current heatwave.

Spanish labour laws make it clear that ‘environmental conditions’ should not cause discomfort for workers and states that in any case, temperatures must not exceed 32C.

One client said: “We don’t care if it’s hot, we want the outside table anyway.” The owner responded by stating: “It’s not down to you to make a waiter work outside at 40C.”

He suggested that since the Spanish economy is heavily supported by tourism, authorities need to take better safety measures which are not being increased at the same rate as visitor numbers.

The Ministry of Health has a summer safety campaign running where it stresses the importance of keeping an eye on children and for adults not to swim on their own in the sea.

NETS to keep jellyﬁsh away from Mar Menor beaches have been laid down for the ﬁrst time since 2021. Barriers have appeared to protect bathers at three San Pedro del Pinatar beaches - Villananitos, La Mota, and La Punica. La Manga’s Veneziola beach and part of the Santiago de la Ribera coast have also received netting. Nets have not been used for three years due to fears of reducing water quality.

DEATH TOLL: Alberto Garcia Sanz (right) wants lifeguard hours extended

Spain

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

OPINION

Get a grip!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Walter Finch walter@theolivepress.es

Yzabelle Bostyn yzabelle@theolivepress.es

Simon Hunter simon@theolivepress.es

Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es

Ben Pawlowski ben@theolivepress.es

Santaella

accounts@ theolivepress.es

theolivepress.es

WHAT’S THE BEEF?

The Olive Press investigates why

there has been such a backlash

against tourism

By Laurence Dollimore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

feel personally attacked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENOUGH: Spaniards are at their limit with tourism

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

However scratch beneath the surface and you’ll ﬁnd all is not as rosy as it seems.

The biggest issue for many Spaniards is the lack of affordable housing.

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

OPTIMISM ON THE HORIZON

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

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

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

How and where do these wind farms work?

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

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

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

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

Elicio is using the MH Hywind offshore wind

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

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

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

When Elicio begins this upcoming project, it will not be Spain’s ﬁrst. In the summer of 2022, the Saitec Offshores Technologies launched a semi submersible barge vessel two miles off the coast of Bilbao. Atop the barge was a wind turbine with a rotor diameter of 97 metres. The barge was then ballasted down lower into the water until the unit became buoyant. It was anchored with a single point mooring system that allowed the structure to twist passively to align itself into the wave and wind direction.

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

MALAGA: Protests in the city centre

SEVILLA CITY

Population:

688,711

Tourists in 2023: 3.42 million (+12%)

Average salary: €1,339

Average rent: €928 (+6.5%)

MENORCA

Population: 96,620

Tourists in 2023: 1.66 million (+2.8%)

Average salary: €1,672

Average rent: €840

THROUGH THE ROOF!

MALAGA PROVINCE

CANARY ISLANDS

Population: 2.2 million

Tourists in 2023: 14 million (+13%)

Average salary: €1,630 (+4%)

Average rent: €1,136 (+13.6%)

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

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

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

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

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

Population: 1.66 million

MALLORCA

Population: 923,608

Tourists in 2023: 12.46 million (+8.62%)

Average salary: €1,854 (+3.5%)

Tourists in 2023: 14 million (+9.4%)

Average salary: €2,241 (+4%)

Average rent: €1,592 (+21%)

Average rent: €1,208 (+12.6%)

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

Renting your home out long-term in Spain is incredibly unappealing due to recent laws which say you cannot up the rent for ﬁve years and which offer squatters a great deal of protection.

It means anyone with a second property will have much less hassle and earn far more by letting it out to tourists.

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

In Malaga, at least 800 businesses, bars and

expand the development for deep-water offshore wind farms.

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

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

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

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

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

FLOATING: Turbines far out at sea receive stronger winds

PivotBuoy is also testing a new downward conﬁguration rotor blade that enables the platform to ‘weathervane’ and automatically orientate to ace the wind and maximise energy yields. Additionally, different platform mooring systems are continually tested in hopes of reaching deeper ocean depths. PivotBuoy has made great progress in the ability to ‘wet tow’ the platform out to sea thus simplifying and accelerating the installation process.

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

Spain is actively establishing itself as a global leader in innovative wind solutions, with numerous companies developing cutting-edge technologies and research centres. To be sure, the testing and research costs are prohibitive but advances invite optimism. Stay tuned!

Some 5,000-plus readers are registering at the Olive

Press website each month

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

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

Activists say this is stripping the city of its ‘soul’ and risks turning it into a ghost town when the tourists stay home during low season and leave the thousands of Airbnb properties empty. Where mid-century tapas bars once stood there are now garish locker businesses to look after tourists’ luggage.

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

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

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

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

But that’s only one part of the problem.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE people are joining the Olive Press website than ever before, new figures show.

In the last 30 days, a total of 5,008 readers have registered an account at www. theolivepress.es.

It comes as we continue to grow from strength to strength in terms of views, bringing in news fans from around the world, including the US, Australia and all over Europe.

On average, more than 70,000 people now visit the Olive Press website each day, more than double that of a year ago.

It comes after we launched a whole new look and updated our server, meaning it’s now capable of managing more than 10,000 people a second.

So why are so many people registering on our website?

For starters, registering an account allows you to access another free article. It also allows you to comment on stories and engage with other readers.

Newsletters

Registered users are then sent weekly newsletters on travel, health and property, keeping them informed of the latest news in Spain.

And increasingly, they have the privilege to take part in exclusive competitions and be sent offers from a growing list of big-name partners.

In the last few weeks we’ve given away concert tickets, top-quality mattresses and free days and meals out at popular beach clubs and restaurants.

But to take advantage of such deals you need to become one of the 43,000-plus members on our website.

And advertisers should also be taking note, with our unique database expected to surpass 50,000 people within weeks.

It means we can generate fantastic sales opportunities through competitions, deals, and other offers that are beneficial to both reader and advertiser.

If you want to advertise with the OP, please contact sales@theolivepress.es or call our ofﬁce on 0034 951154841 for more information. Scan

MISERY: Grafﬁti in Tenerife earlier this year

Inﬂation dips

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

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

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

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

“The change in the overall rate is down to a fall in electricity and good prices over the last 12 months, and to a lesser degree in leisure and culture,” the INE explained.

Forecasters believe that rates at around 3% are expected for the rest of 2024.

BAD BOOKING

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

THE online accommodation reservation platform Booking.com has been stung with a massive €413.2 million ﬁne for abusing its dominant position in the Spanish market. The penalty is over double the previous highest ﬁne handed by Spain’s competition body, the CNMC, which totalled €203 million to civil works companies in 2022.

The verdict and penalty can be appealed before the Na-

By Alex Trelinski

tional Court in Madrid. In 2021, the Spanish Association of Hotel Directors and the Madrid Hotel Business Association denounced Booking for abusing its market status. The following year, the CNMC initiated disciplinary proceedings which concluded that the Dutchbased company abused its position of ‘exploitative’

KILLER CARGO

A US oil tanker ship transporting jet fuel for Israel’s war in Gaza was denied entry to the Port of Gibraltar after an international outcry.

Activists eagerly tracked the Overseas Santorini’s entry into the Strait on July 30 after the government refused to confirm or deny if it had granted permission to bunker in the Rock. In the event, the tanker did not

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enter the port or refuel in Gibraltar, but it did take on supplies.

Its last known location was just past Almeria on July 31 before it switched its tracker off.

Malta’s transport ministry confirmed on Sunday that the ship and its controversial cargo did not request a port call on the island, leaving its current whereabouts a mystery.

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dominance by imposing several unfair commercial terms on hotels. It said Booking imposed unfair terms on hotels that used its reservation services and restricted competi-

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

tion from other online travel businesses.

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

Unfair predatory tactics were used on hotels, including a price clause, which prevents them from offering their rooms on their own websites below the price they offer on Booking. The company also reserved the right to unilaterally lower the price that hotels offered through their own website or app.

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The CNMC also slammed the lack of transparency in information on the impact and proﬁtability of subscribing to the Booking’s Preferred, Preferential Plus and Genius programmes, which allow hotels to improve their ranking positioning in Booking website searches.

Jobless boost

SPAIN’S unemployment rate in the second quarter of 2024 stood at 11.27% - the lowest ﬁgure between April and June for 16 years.

There are 2.75 million people registered as jobless while there’s a record 21.68 million in work.

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

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

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

SPAIN’S ﬂedgling ‘green’ hydrogen industry has been given a major boost after the European Commission approved an investment package worth €1.2billion. The support, sourced from Green fund

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

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

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

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

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

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Open tennis tournament, including the ATP 250 tournament in 2021, the biggest sporting event in the region. It has excellent online reputation scores with tens of thousands of end user reviews on Trustpilot (4.8/5) and Google Reviews (4.9/5).

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

CABLE ROW

ECOLOGISTS have appealed to the Spanish government to stop the underwater electrical connection between the peninsula and Ceuta.

Stretching from Puente Mayorga through the Gibraltar Strait, environmental activists Ecologistas en Accion Verdemar believe it will cause huge environmental impact.

The project will supply power from thermal power stations located in the Campo de Gibraltar, which use fossil fuels.

They claim three wind turbines stationed in the Mar de Alboran could supply Ceuta with electricity.

Sticky situation

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

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

One member of the group was arrested when local police detained the protesters. The remaining activists were fined for their involvement.

The protest formed part of a coordinated set of

Marine park

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

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

The area is renowned for its extraordinary marine biodiversity including sharks, dolphins, tuna, stingrays and turtles.

The underwater landscape is sculpted by reefs, caves, tunnels and volcanic peaks,

By Ben Pawlowski

eco-demonstrations across Europe by Oil Kills, which has links to climate group Just Stop Oil which gained notoriety in the UK for their disruptive tactics including blocking roads and disrupting sporting events. Cologne-Bonn Airport in Germany was forced to halt flights after climate activists glued themselves to the

with the seabed dropping to 3,000 metres in depth, providing a habitat for an astonishing variety of species. Once approved, it will be Spain’s 17th national park, but the ﬁrst to entirely be based in water.

use of fossil fuels by 2030. Elsewhere, nine Just Stop Oil activists were arrested in London for ‘conspiring to disrupt Heathrow Airport’, according to the Metropolitan Police, while protestors also targeted airports in Oslo, Helsinki and Zurich. According to Just Stop Oil, the activists who targeted El-Prat Airport belonged to the climate group Futuro Vegetal (Plant Future). They say it is a ‘civil disobedience and direct action group that fights against the Climate Crisis by adopting a plant-based food system’.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Fair’s fair

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

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

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

Cruise ships targeted

nated targeting of European airports was simply ‘ordinary people taking matters into their own hands to do what our criminal governments have failed to do’.

Innocent

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

November 29th - LOOKING FOR MORE TRAVEL STORIES?

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SCORCHIO!

Foreigners warned against visiting Spanish city during the summer

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

Fiona Watson, a Sevilla resident and veteran tour guide, has warned Brits against the August heat. While locals take refuge in air conditioned apartments during the day, they marvel at tourists traipsing about the city in the middle of the day.

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

By Yzabelle Bostyn

weekend temperatures surpassed the 40C mark. Anything above 40C can make it diﬃcult to maintain the body’s optimal temperature of 37C, especially for the elderly or those with health issues. While heat exhaustion does not pose a threat if you can cool down, heatstroke can be deadly.

That’s why in 2022 Sevilla launched a groundbreaking

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

Bargain Blanes

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

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

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

EXTINCTION Rebellion held a protest in an Ibiza port timed with the arrival of three cruise ships carrying a total of 10,400 tourists to the island. Some 12 activists showed up at Botafoc Port holding posters reading ‘Your luxury, our climate crisis’ and ‘Stop cruises’. They shouted at the visitors whether they knew ‘how much contamination’ their trip causes or ‘how many visitors the small island of Ibiza receives each year.’

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

Wine disaster

THE Valencian Community is expected to produce its lowest grape harvest for 30 years, due to the ongoing drought.

La Unio Llaurador, which represents Valencian farmers, says this year’s yield of white and muscatel grapes will be well down on normal expectations.

It says wine grape production will fall compared to last year and be around 42% lower than the average yield of the past 30 years

Harvest

By Designations of Origin (DO), in Utiel-Requena and Valencia the harvest fall compared to last year could be 30%; in Alicante down by 31% and the decrease is projected at 27% for Vins de Castello.

La Unio says there are profits to be made for white grapes used in the production of cava but other white or red grape varieties are getting price quotes that do not even cover production costs.

A recent study by the farmer’s group put vineyard losses caused by the drought at over €24 million and has demanded emergency aid from the government.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

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

IT’S often described as ‘the Prehistoric museum of Andalucia’, and within minutes of arriving it’s easy to see why. Antequera, in inland Malaga, is brimming with history, with its narrow and cobbled streets nestled below hilltop castles and churches.

Incredibly, around 70% of listed buildings and monuments in Malaga province are found in the ancient

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Dollimore

TIMELESS: The views from Antequera have hardly changed in a millenia and are well worth a visit to take in

aga are found city. President of tourism do aga there You see end.”

A GEM OF A TOWN

19th century traveller Washington Irving, a former US ambassador to Spain, was particularly taken by the place, when he wrote: “Everything in this venerable city has a decidedly Spanish seal.”

Humans have left their mark on Antequera since the stone age, and the impressive dolmens left by ancient tribes are one of the most visited sites in southern Spain.

It was later ruled by the Romans and then the Moors, before the Christians took it back over in 1410.

Antequera thrives as an ‘atelier’, crafting religious ﬂoats

President of the local tourism initiative Silvia Jurado told the Olive Press: “Malaga city doesn’t come close… there are so many gems here. You would be hard pressed to see them all in one week-

Like much of Spain, the rich and multicultural history of the city has left it littered with gems.

Its streets are lined with orange trees and its wide marble pavements would not look out of place in Dubai, while practically every corner hides a Baroque or Arabic wonder.

Head to Plaza de las Descalzas or Plaza Santiago if you want to see prime examples.

A fun fact about Antequera is that there are more churches per capita than anywhere else in Spain – although it’s the incredible ancient fortress of Alcazaba that

brings the crowds.

You can access the historic site by walking up the hill from the tourist ofﬁ ce and through the imposing Arco los Gi-

gantes. Its leafy gardens offer the perfect spring or summer stroll, while the 13th century Torre del Homenaje is a great example of Islamic architecture.

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

For centuries, Antequera has been the silent architect of the elaborate ﬂoats, or pasos, that grace the streets during Holy Week. When religious brotherhoods around Andalucia decide they need a new paso, it is more often than not to the craftsmen of Antequera that they turn.

Continues on page 12

GRANDEUR: For a small town, Antequera has some impressive architecturen, while (left) a detail of Santa Maria Church

The

An unspoilt haven

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A GEM OF A TOWN

These meticulously crafted masterpieces, adorned with life-size, hyperrealistic sculptures depicting biblical scenes, are the centerpiece of the passionate processions that grip the nation

vibrant hues to recreate the dramatic lighting of biblical Despite the global recognition of Spain’s Easter processions, Antequera’s role in this extraordinary tradition remains largely Visitors can delve into the heart of this hidden artistic world, gaining a deeper appreciation for the passion and skill that underevery spring. at painters blend

Behind the ornate facades of Antequera’s workshops, a world of meticulous detail unfolds. Sculptors chisel away at blocks of wood, giving birth to life-like ﬁ gures that seem to breathe beneath their delicate patina, while

WALLS: The Alcazar towers over the town, while (right) many of Andalucia’s most impressive ‘pasos’ are crafted in Antequera pin one of Spain’s most cherished traditions - and discovering the other hidden gems that make up Antequera.

Job applicant (11) 8 No longer surprised by anything (4,2,2) 9 Chair (4)

Strike lightly (3)

Emoticons disturb ﬁnancial specialist (9)

Essentials (4,5) 16 Become ﬁrm (3)

(4)

(4,7)

1 Congo capital (8) 2 Wall supports (5)

Group of three (4)

Small compensation (8) 5 Pair mews too discordantly (7)

“The Wolf Man” actor --- Lugosi (4)

Albatross killer (8)

Dotted, like some eggs (8)

Hiring (7)

Rubs down (5)

Gravlax garnish (4)

Bumped off (4)

So long cerveza

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

By Yzabelle Bostyn

SPANISH police will soon be able to fine drinkers for consuming alcohol in certain areas under new national rules. It is part of a new draft law approved in the Consejo de Ministros on the ‘prevention of alcohol consumption and its effects on minors’. Police will also be authorised to carry out breathalyzer tests in areas where alcohol consumption is banned, including sports facilities where children are present, schools and playgrounds.

If caught, offenders could face a fine of between €60 and

€600. Individual municipalities have long been able to impose similar sanctions under local byelaws. But the new draft law - which is almost certain to come into force - extends restrictions

nationwide.

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

The new regulation further proposes a ban on any 0.0% alcohol drinks within a 200 metre radius around health centres, schools, social ser-

From death comes life

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

The woman, who lives in Germany, first had to fight to have her husband’s genetic material transferred to Spain, where post-mortem insemination is allowed. It is banned in Germany. After a first failed attempt, she could not continue with the process due to Spain’s one year time limit on the treatment. But now Madrid’s provincial court has ruled that the woman will be able to carry out new attempts until the biological material runs out.

vices, parks and children’s play areas.

It also suggests banning any furniture or decoration sponsored by alcoholic drink brands - even if they are alcohol free.

This is a response to so-called ‘0.0 washing’, wherein brands get around advertising rules by using their non-alcoholic editions.

The new rules could also mean a ban on adverts during kid’s television or any media targeted towards children.

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

‘Abusive’

SPAIN’S consumer organisation (OCU) has reported Ticketmaster to the Minister of Consumption for irregular and abusive charging systems.

It says the ticket platform charges two commissions, inﬂating the price of online sales.

In a statement, the OCU conﬁrmed that Ticketmaster charges a ﬁxed €2 ‘service’ commission for each transaction that does not appear until the person is paying.

Fees

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

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

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At the centre

LONDON’S financial district has been taken over by Spanish insculptures in an outdoor art exhibition. It marks the 13th edition of Sculpture in the City, an open air modern art exhibition held every year in the City of London.

Spanish inspiration for City of London art exhibition

By Yzabelle Bostyn

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

WORD ON THE STREET

SPAIN will explode with colour this Autumn as the latest edition of the National Graﬃti League is held. Taking place in October, the competition will take place in various towns and cities, including Ronda (Malaga), Tarifa (Cadiz), Lerma (Castilla y Leon), Aviles (Asturias), Ferrol (Galicia) and Acula (Granada).

In this edition, 26 of Spain’s best street artists will take part in the open air competition. There will also be live music and workshops dedicated to urban art. Last year’s winners included Murcian Jota Lopez, with his work Demonios

FASCIST MURALS

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

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

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

French-Belgian sculptor, was inspired by Antoni Gaudi’s famous trencadis technique to create her ‘Secret Sentinels’ figures.

Trencadis is a mosaic technique using broken tiles to create scenes or sculptures, often associated with Gaudi’s Park Guell.

According to Burnett, her

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

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

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

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

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

Dignity

Oﬃcials called the move ‘an act of justice and dignity’, thanking those involved for ‘bringing back the light’. They said that the murals depicted ‘a warlike and imperial patriotism’.

Protestors criticised the move, approved under the Democratic Memory Law, which seeks to remove Francoist symbols from public spaces.

By Walter Finch

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

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

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

FINDING HUMANITY

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

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

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

align with Earth's magnetic ﬁeld when the rocks formed. This technique allowed researchers to establish precise time periods, revealing that the sedimentary sequence in Orce is exceptionally long and undisturbed by erosion,

making it a unique site for such studies.

“The uniqueness of these sites lies in their stratiﬁcation within a lengthy sedimentary sequence, more than eighty metres long,” explains Gibert. This long sequence provided the researchers with the opportunity to develop detailed paleomagnetic records. They pinpointed the Venta Micena site as the oldest with human presence in Europe, dating it at 1.32 million years.

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

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

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

Evidence

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

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

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

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

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

Prehistoric

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

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

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

From towering megalithic structures to intricate cave paintings, Spain offers an unparalleled journey back through time to the earliest days of humanity. The Iberian Peninsula has been home to humans for over a million years. The Atapuerca Mountains, located in northern Spain, have yielded some of the most signiﬁcant discoveries in human evolution.

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

On top of that, Spain is a global centre for Paleolithic cave art.

The most famous example is the Cave of Altamira in Cantabria, often referred to as the ‘Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art’.

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

Its breathtaking ceiling adorned with images of bison, horses, and deer, executed with astonishing realism, is a testament to the artistic abilities of our ancient ancestors and equals the famous cave site of Lascaux in More recent evidence of human life can be found amongst the numerous megalithic structures, standing as silent witnesses to prehistoric cultures.

The most iconic are the dolmens, chambered tombs built with massive stones. The Dolmen of Menga in Antequera just inland from the Costa del Sol, is one of the largest and best-preserved examples in Europe.

STUNNING: Paintings at Altamira

MIGRANTS: Evidence suggests humans used the Strait of Gibraltar

MINI: Cromlech of Lanchuelas is not as huge as Stonehenge

treasure trove

Its intricate construction and astronomical alignment suggest that the people who built it 5,500 years ago had a sophisticated knowledge of engineering and celestial phenomena. Another megalithic site is the Cromlech of Lanchuelas in Extremadura. The circular arrangement of standing stones, similar to Stonehenge in England although on a less massive scale, is believed to have had ritual or astronomical signiﬁcance.

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

complex societies, metalworking, and pottery.

El Argar itself, located in southeastern Spain, was a fortiﬁed city with a thriving economy. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of a hierarchical society with skilled artisans and warriors.

Spain’s prehistoric heritage

is a living legacy. Ongoing research and excavations continue to unveil new discoveries, expanding our understanding of our ancestors. The preservation and interpretation of these sites are crucial for future generations. Spain has made signiﬁcant efforts to protect its prehistoric treasures, creating national parks and visitor centres.

Tailored for your kids

AS the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the traditional classroom is no longer the only option for quality education.

With over 1,500 students from more than 60 countries, CGA’s private online school is at the forefront of this educational revolution. Families from Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, the USA, the UAE and beyond are discovering the myriad beneﬁts of online learning.

Whether it’s for academic excellence, the ﬂexibility to travel, or personalised one-on-one guidance, online schooling offers a tailored educational experience for every student.

Why ambitious students excel online

For students who are driven and focused on achieving academic excellence, online schooling can be a game-changer. CGA offers personalised learning pathways that allow students to take control of their education. They can choose as many or as few subjects as they like, study part-time or full-time, and work towards gaining admission to top universities worldwide.

Jade’s dedication paid off when she was accepted into seven top universities in the US, ultimately choosing to begin her studies at Princeton University.

Online schooling for travelling families

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

Jade from New Zealand shares: “Before I started at CGA, I would go home from school and do a lot of self-study to cover topics that were not talked about in class and to extend myself. Whereas, at CGA I found teaching is very thorough and I don’t have to do that myself. That gives me a lot more time to do stuff I am really interested in.”

The Patton family exempliﬁes this lifestyle. They have lived worldwide, travelling to every country while their children continue their education online. “The adaptability and comprehension that CGA has with knowing what our lifestyle is and being willing to work with us throughout those challenges because sometimes we are in different time zones... CGA has been very understanding when it comes to that and so it’s been super helpful for our girls,” says Chantal, a CGA parent.

Supporting student athletes

For students whose training and performance schedules require ﬂexibility, online schooling offers the perfect solution. It allows them to focus on their education while pursuing their passions. “The support that CGA has provided has al-

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OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Across: 7 Interviewee, 8 Used to it, 9 Seat, 10 Pat, 11 Economist, 15 Bare bones, 16 Set, 18 Adds, 20 Sri Lanka, 22 Long overdue.

Down: 1 Kinshasa, 2 Studs, 3 Trio, 4 Pittance, 5 Twosome, 6 Bela, 12 Crossbow, 13 Speckled, 14 Leasing, 17 Sands, 19 Dill, 21 Iced.

Could online school be the perfect ﬁt for your family?

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

Creating an environment to build conﬁdent

learners

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

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

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

Is online schooling right for your family?

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

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

O P LIVE RESS

COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA

Alcoholic ascension

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

Beer here

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

Social gaﬀe

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

SCAN

XMAS TRADITION

Cartoon cherubs

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

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

Conservationists and experts have branded it as ‘disastrous and disrespectful’ to the church. The cherubs have been paint-

Isle be back

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

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

Angels become ‘caricatures’ in church botch-job

By Alex Trelinski

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

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

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

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

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

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

The island is uninhabited and,

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

unfortunately, home to zero pheasants.

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

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

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

IF you stumbled across Berchules, Granada, last weekend you would be forgiven for thinking it was December. Hundreds of people wandered the streets wearing Santa hats and antlers, while Bing Crosby’s White Christmas ﬂoated through the white washed alleys.

That’s because in this small town, Christmas and New Year’s are celebrated in August. The tradition began when a power cut hit Berchules on December 31, 1994, cancelling celebrations for the town’s 400 residents.

Locals vowed to never let this happen again, so instead hold a ﬁesta during the ﬁrst weekend of August. Up to 12,000 people attend each year, converting this sleepy town into a hive of Christmas festive mayhem in the heat of the summer.