A
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Issue 69
BENIJOFAR - A HOME FROM HOME SEE OUR PULLOUT INSIDE
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HOME FROM HOME HISTORIC CORE: Benijofar has its roots in Arabic times and is famed for its citric fruits
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ESTLED between Murcia and Elche, Benijofar and Cuidad Quesada are known for their orange courses, as wellgroves and golf as fantastic beaches with coveted blue flag status. Handily close to the A7 motorway, and the airports of Alicante and Murcia just 30 minutes away, they also count on a great range of shops and restaurants. As well as being
The promised land
of orange blossoms , beaches, and shopping lar tourist
self-contained with amenities, Benijofar their own Quesada are close and Ciudad to the popu-
resorts del Segura and of Guardamar the expat towns Torrevieja, and of Rojales, For-
mentera del Segura, its well-known Zoco Algorfa - with ket, Almoradi, San Sunday marFulgencio, and
Heredera. Residents and endless choice visitors have an and things to do. of places to go, With around 5,000 inhabitants, Benijofar is a stronghold for British and Northern European expats, as well those coming on as vacation. About 60% of permanent residents hail from Northern Continues overleaf
The
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COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA
Vol. 3 Issue 69 www.theolivepress.es July 14th - July 27th 2022
SHAMBLES!
EXCLUSIVE: Crisis at Costa Blanca hospital as doctors quit in their droves and patients wait ‘up to 60 hours for a bed’ DOCTORS at the Costa Blanca’s most beleaguered hospital have slammed the appalling working conditions and disgraceful levels of care. They told the Olive Press that delays of UP TO 18 HOURS were frequent for patients just to see a doctor at Torrevieja Hospital. Meanwhile, the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department was functioning with around ‘a 50% staffing level’, with sometimes ‘just three doctors’. And in an alarming state of affairs, we can reveal that dozens of medics have resigned over conditions where patients are sometimes forced to wait for UP TO 60 HOURS for a bed. Emergency doctor, Jose Peris Giner, who resigned last month, told the Olive Press that his position had become untenable. “I didn’t believe I could work under such conditions any longer,” said the senior medic, who worked at the hospital for 15 years. “It has got to breaking point.” He continued: “When you receive a patient who has been waiting for more than eight hours, it is really difficult to develop a relationship with them. “Everything promised was never
By Alex Trelinski & Jorge Hinojosa
put into action. I think the director should resign.” Matters got so heated last autumn that police had to be called in to calm down angry patients who waited for hours to be seen.
Kidnapped
The Olive Press reported last month how a Swedish family was so shocked at the treatment of their father, Bo-Eskil Svensson, 80, they kidnapped him from the ward and took him home to Sweden. Over the last two years we have continually highlighted worsening conditions at the hospital. Doctor Peris confirmed things spiralled dramatically from 2020 when private firm Riviera Salud was told it would be losing its contract to the Valencian government in 2022. “While Valencian officials promised the hospital would improve when they took over, that’s far from reality,” Peris added. Indeed, he explained that staffing issues came to a crisis point in the
SCANDAL: Hospital ‘at breaking point’ claims Doctor Peris Giner (top), while Mayor Dolon (middle) and Doctor Manuel Peris want action autumn as doctors and other medical staff quit ahead of the changeover. His damning indictment was backed up by local union boss, doctor Jose Manuel Peris. “There are simply not enough doctors and the ones who are employed are overworked,” he told the Olive Press. “They hire doctors but they instantly quit as the working conditions are not good enough.” He added that the A&E department
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was working on around ‘50% of the staff needed’ and this is causing stress and depression among his members, resulting in a worse service for patients. “Most doctors have to work 24-hour shifts without a break, eight days a month, which is against the law. “A patient can wait up to 18 hours to be seen and with the low number of doctors, mistakes are more likely.” He added his members were having to take sick days due to depression and were also taking early retirement. While the Valencian Health Ministry says average A&E waiting times have fallen by 15% since the plan was introduced in June, unions rubbished the claim. They insist patients are simply being backed up in A&E corridors or observation rooms with delays of ‘up to 60 hours’ for a hospital bed. According to medical unions the problems began when the hospi-
CHARGERS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES
tal returned to public management in October, after years of political rows. Previously the hospital, run by Ribera Salud since 2006, had regularly appeared in ‘best hospital’ lists and won numerous awards. “It is really alarming as 15 years ago it was one of the best hospitals in Spain,” Torrevieja mayor Eduardo Dolon told the Olive Press. “It is a fact that a lot of doctors left over broken promises of excellent working conditions when it changed from private management,” added Dolon, who insisted hospital chiefs neither briefed his office, nor local media.
Investment
Valencia’s new Health Minister, Miguel Minguez, claims heavy investment has led to an increase of staff to 1,793 people, compared to just 1,043 when Ribera’s contract ended. Yet, despite continual requests for answers on specific complaints over the last six weeks, The Olive Press has been totally rebuffed with no one available for comment from the hospital or regional goverment. Opinion Page 6
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CRIME
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NEWS IN BRIEF Hot ride POLICE stopped a drunk and naked couple who were having sex while driving a car through Crevillente. They were nabbed after their car horn continually honked as they passed a police checkpoint.
Easy fill A San Pedro del Pinatar man has been arrested for running up €4,000 of fuel bills from petrol stations on his employer’s credit card when he let 11 of his friends use the card.
Fire plan THE Valencian government will spend €750,000 over the next decade to prevent fires breaking out in the Torrevieja-La Mata natural park.
Stay safe A CAMPAIGN has been launched to prevent drownings across Valencian Community beaches. Some 24 lives have been lost at the seaside so far this year.
Costly dispute A CALL out to sort a family row in a Torrevieja house ended up with a Spanish couple arrested for drug dealing. A neighbour complained about the noise coming from the home and when Guardia Civil officers arrived, they discovered a variety of drugs ready to be sold. They also uncovered a small homemade greenhouse used to cultivate hallucinogenic mushrooms.
July 14th - July 27th 2022
A CAR thief totalled a vehicle in a high speed crash before claiming to police that he was the car owner. The 25-year-old man was arrested in Pinoso accused of theft, reckless driving, making false claims and not having a driving licence. Experts say the stolen car
No joy hurtled at speeds of up to 200 km/h on the CV-840 before the ‘joyride’ ended when he crashed at La Romana. The thief was travelling with two friends and forced them to say he was the owner.
YOU’RE NICKED
A MAN dubbed ‘Britain’s most wanted cocaine baron’ has been arrested in Benidorm. The search for Louis Edwards, 44, had initially focused on Malaga but investigators finally tracked him down to a hotel on the Costa Blanca. The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) believes that Edwards was the leader of a gang that distributed large amounts of cocaine across southern England. It called in the Guardia Civil after being told that some of his relatives were moving to the Alicante area.
Brit cocaine baron arrested after police track family to Benidorm
A Guardia Civil spokesman said: “After close surveillance of this family group, the investigation focused on a hotel in Benidorm, where the fugitive was arrested.” Earlier this year the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Crimestoppers launched an appeal in Spain to track down 12 of the nation’s most wanted criminals. It came on the back of the extremely successful Operation
A FEMALE doctor was attacked by a woman told to wait for emergency treatment at a Valencia hospital. The 32-year-old aggressor has been arrested with police confirming it was not the first time the woman has been detained for violence. The incident at the unnamed hospital occurred on June 14, but details have just been disclosed. The angry woman appeared at the emergency department at around 10.30 pm accompanied by family members. She demanded immediate attention but was
By Dilip Kuner
Captura fugitives campaign, which resulted in the arrests of 86 offenders. “Spain is not a safe haven,” warned the NCA’s Steve Rodhouse. “We have a brilliant relationship with the country’s various law enforcement agencies and work together daily to protect the public.” He explained that those on the
Doctor assault
told to wait her turn. Flouting advice from a receptionist, she brazenly went into cubicle areas where doctors were attending patients. On being told to leave she hit the medic, who took refuge behind a stretcher. Medical staff managed to get the assailant out of the treatment area and phoned the police, as she and her family left the hospital.
LED AWAY: Edwards run usually continue to engage in criminal activity. “Fugitives usually continue offending while on the run and these men will be known in criminal circles wherever they are. “The last thing the fugitives’ associates will want is the combined determination and capabilities of the UK and Spanish law enforcement focusing on them. “Loyalties change over time and we urge anyone with information about these men to help us find them.”
Fertility con THREE expat women registered with an Alicante fertility clinic have been conned out of over €30,000 in a computer scam. The Guardia Civil have arrested two people and are investigating three others in Almeria and Malaga. The gang was led by a Romanian computer expert, 41, who had hacked the clinic’s IT systems. They sent out bogus emails asking for payments. The Dutch, German and Irish women made bank transfers to the fraudsters who then sent the money to the Netherlands to launder the proceeds.
Payola cops FOUR Torrevieja police officers have gone on trial for taking bungs of up to €40,000 from bar and restaurant owners. In return for the cash, complaints against businesses went unfiled and inspections ignored. Two other people, who acted as intermediaries for the police, have also been accused of bribery dating back to 2017.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
SO THAT’S THE POINT
T
HE famous San Fermin ‘bull running’ festival has eturned to Pamplona after a two-year Covid break with the ‘Chupinazo’ kicking things off with an inaugural rocket. People from all across the world have flocked to the historic city with over one million punters set to attend the eight day bash. While the running of the bulls and associated bullfights are the most high-profile of events, there is much more to the festival than that. A total of 532 events including concerts, fireworks and a ‘wine fight’ take place over the week. Here, the Olive Press takes a look at its history and customs:
KIDS PLAY: Teenager with water pistol at the bullfight
July 14th - July 27th 2022
Who was San Fermin? He was the son of the Roman ruler of Pamplona. His father was convert-
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Spain’s biggest festival San Fermin is about much more than just bullrunning, as the Olive Press discovers ed to Catholicism by San Saturino in about 300 AD. Fermin was sent to Toulouse for religious instruction and returned as a bishop. Why do people wear the red scarf (pañuelo) around their necks? As a new bishop, Fermin began to spread his teachings. He ran into trouble in Amiens in France where he was tortured and beheaded before being declared a martyr. The pañuelo represents the blood pouring from his neck during his gruesome death.
Why do people wear white? There are three different theories on this. One is that the peñas, which are local social groups in Pamplona, started to wear white to differentiate themselves from the rest of the crowd. From here, the tradition spread. Another thought is that before the Running of the Bulls was even an official event, people still needed to guide the bulls from their enclosures to the bullring. They were helped by people on horseback but also others who ran in front of the bulls to get them to follow. These people wore white - hence the tradition. The final theory comes from the three fundamental pillars of the festival. One is spontaneity, the second tradition and the third anonymity irrelevent of wealth and social standing.
HOLY: Celebrations are steeped in the history of slain martyr San Fermin
Are there two San Fermín fiestas? Yes, there is the big messy international one in July, but also a local traditional celebration of the saint in September. There is no bull run or fight, but the religious ceremonies take precedence and, of course, the drinking, fun and fiesta too. Who are the giants with huge heads? The parades of the Gigantes and Cabezudos take place every day of the fiesta. They carry pikes with foam balls on the end and will hit you with them if you annoy them enough. There are FIVE pairs, to represent all the continents, as when this tradition first began, they had no clue about the land down under, and, well, the traditional number stuck.
SCARY: Giants roam the town scaring the revellers (but not all!)
Is there an unofficial running of the bulls every evening? The bulls need to be moved from their enclosures to the pens from where they start the encierro the next morning. At sunset the short run is made in mystical darkness. The street
lamps go out, the crowds are hushed and the nearby fairground comes to a standstill to allow the bulls to move in peace.
PROCESSIONS: Drummers, virgins and bullrunners
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NEWS
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July 14th - July 27th 2022
OLIVE PRESS INVESTIGATES - THE DESTRUCTION OF SPAIN’S COSTAS
Fight them on the beaches By Jon Clarke, Jorge Hinojosa & George Mathias
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DS N A
(comprising 1,360 bedrooms) in a 623,000 square metre area right opposite Los Lances beach. The mostly wooded area - inside the protected Paraje Natural de Los Lances - currently has almost no buildings, apart from the La Codorniz hotel and restaurant. Developers hope however, to overcome the area’s current protection status and their plans have been sent to Cadiz for an Environmental Impact
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speculative form of tourism that will make the Tarifa area like the Costa del Sol.” The projects at Valdevaqueros, Las Piñas, Torre de La Peña, Los Lances, Pedro Valiente and Cabo Plata (in nearby Atlanterra) total thousands of new homes and dozens of hotels. “It’s absurd to be developing such a large unspoiled area,” said British businessman Peter Whaley, from the Hurricane Hotel group. “We should be trying our best to protect this jewel of the coast, not build all over it.” In the most recent scheme to be announced, the town hall is backing plans to build 730 homes and a number of hotels
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protected land are being made available to developers. In plans that have been on the drawing board since 2004, Tarifa town hall is hoping to develop six specific areas, increasing its urban footprint by 450%. “This is the blatant destruction of one of the loveliest bits of coastline in Europe,” Javier Gil, of Ecologistas, told the Olive Press. “Everyone needs to get involved to condemn this invasive and
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GREEN campaigners are digging in to save one of Andalucia’s last remaining coastal zones. They are launching a national campaign to prevent a series of projects from ‘destroying’ the fragile ecology of the stunning Tarifa coastline. Hundreds of expats are expected to join Ecologistas en Accion to fight the plans that mean around 6.2 million square metres - or 600 football pitches - of
DISFIGURE: Plans (below) show how the unspoilt Los Lances beach will be ruined
C O S TA
Virgin danger Final part of protected Costa del Sol coastline set for €120 million megaproject of 300 buildings
GREEN groups have joined the Junta to appeal the construction of a €120 million mega-project in one of Andalucia’s most fragile protected spaces. Ecologistas en Accion have slammed the ‘crazy’ decision to allow nearly 300 buildings to go up inside the only coastal part of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, near Sotogrande. It comes after a Supreme Court ruling permitted giant olive oil conglomerate Carbonell y Figueras to develop a tourist project in the protected zone of the Campo de Gibraltar. In total, the pair can now build 263 bungalows and six hostels over 330 hectares of parkland, home to dozens of protected species, that reaches down to the sea. Environmentalists insist that all
UNSPOILT: But protestors ask for how much longer? activity, including cultivation, is strictly banned inside the park to prevent any alteration of its ecosystem. And the Andalucia Supreme Court agreed, when in 2021, it denied permission to the builders of the Borondo area, that sits between Alcaidesa and Sotogrande. The scheme, which developers say will create up to 600 jobs, sits in an unrivalled area between the A7 motorway and Pla-
Pic credit: Jose Maria Caballero
Battle lines are being drawn as massive megaproject could see 600 football pitches of homes and hotels ‘swamp’ Tarifa’s famous virgin beaches
ya del Guadalquiton with amazing sea views. Describing it as a ‘green gem’ Borondo developer Joan Cruz insists only 1.5% of the 330 hectares of land owned by the olive oil giant will be built on. “The coastal area will be protected and will allow the movement of any wild animals into the Alcornocales park,” he claimed. He added that the developers had travelled the world to visit similar schemes inside national parks in Tanzania, Canada and Ecuador.
Court The company still needs several permissions to start building and it could take approximately three years to start the construction. Ecologistas is joining the Junta in appealing the decision to the European Court.
Report (EAE). But alarmingly, this is far from all. Another project above nearby Valdevaqueros beach will
OPINION Price of everything, value of nothing EVERYTHING has a price… including Spain’s last virgin beaches. With over six million square metres of pristine coastline in Tarifa in line for urban development, a cabal of bankers and housing developers are rubbing their hands with glee. All rubber stamped by the council, wait for the politicians to wax lyrical about all the jobs it will bring and how much it will clean up the coast. Forget the millions of tourists who visit precisely because they want to enjoy it exactly how it is. Meanwhile the price of the only seaside stretch of Los Alcornocales Natural Park, near Sotogrande, looks to be €120 million. A princely sum it may seem, but not when you consider the unparalleled beauty and unique terrain of this green gem nestled in one of Spain’s most alluring corners. Forget the 600 jobs the Borondo project will bring. The area will be irreversibly altered if it gets the green light and, when finished, if there are two dozen full time sustainable jobs we’d be surprised. There is, of course, a need for more affordable housing in the area, but these developments are not for low-income families, they are for high end holiday homes and tourist retreats for wealthy jet-setters. Perhaps even more concerning is the radio silence from other media outlets here for whom the destruction of such delicate green space is apparently a flippant issue. It falls on all of us to battle the beadyeyed developers who see only euro signs when looking at the most precious natural landscapes in the country. Our Hands off the Costas campaign launched two years ago could be set for a busy summer.
add to the constant pressure on the area. The scheme, which the Olive Press understands comprises around 60 luxury villas, costing millions of euros each, is already on the drawing board. Another scheme at Las Pinas, will see 50 luxury villas constructed. The Olive Press first reported plans to develop the area in 2012, when a series of protests were organised by the pressure group Salvemos Valdevaqueros. The body argued that the area was totally unsuitable for development (back then for around 360 homes and various hotels) as it bordered the Parque Natural del Estrecho and sat in the EU’s Red Natura 2000 zone. This week, Tarifa mayor Francisco Ruiz refused to confirm how advanced plans were for any of the schemes. When pressed on the Lances development, he told the Olive Press: “The project was approved in 2006, but due to the economic crisis building did not begin.”
Respect
While admitting that environmental laws are much stricter today, he is supporting the project for economic reasons ‘as long as the developers respect the environment.” It is a big ask, insists Ecologistas spokesman Javier Gil. “There are only three areas of Andalucia left without mass urban development; Cabo de Gata in Almeria, Donana National Park and around Tarifa. “That is why most of the tourists come to Tarifa. They come here to see virgin beaches, not concrete. “The mayor is going to destroy Tarifa and turn it into a resort like many others on the Costa del Sol. “There is not enough land there to build more houses and developers are naturally interested in virgin areas as they know they will be able to sell the properties quickly and expensively.”
NEWS
Back on track
Political failure By George Mathias
“We are thinking about revoking our residency. We contribute a huge amount to the Spanish economy and we feel after the Brexit situation we are being victimised,” added Reid, who is now hav-
Bad case THOUSANDS of travellers have been stranded without their luggage as cases pile up at Spanish airports. Many passengers have arrived at their destination, but their luggage has been put on to later flights as so many journeys are at full capacity. When their bags finally arrive no one is there to claim them. Passengers at airports around Spain have reported seeing heaps of cases piled up unclaimed in arrivals. The Spanish airport’s company, AENA, blamed the chaos on other airports in Europe not anticipating such a large number of passengers as bookings surge. Compensation of up to €1,350 can be claimed if your luggage does not appear within 21 days, says consumer organisation FACUA.
ing to be driven around by her son. Despite contacting Transport Minister Grant Shapps, Ambassador Hugh Elliott and MPs Lee Anderson, Andy Carter and even Boris Johnson, she is not holding out much hope. “This is a human rights issue and since Brexit, it feels like our rights are being stripped away. I support the Olive Press’ campaign 100% and pray you make a difference.” Meanwhile Hugh Elliott has yet again refused to provide any details with an agreement eluding both sides.
Priority
“We are still working through the technicalities. Resolving this remains our top priority,” he said last week. The Olive Press campaign to get Brits back on the road is in full swing, with almost 5,000 signatures so far on an official parliamentary petition.
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Back come the Brits!
NEARLY half a million Brits arrived at Alicante airport last month. Some 497,070 passengers jetted in from the UK, as the airport saw figures approaching 2019 levels. The next highest number of visitors were from Holland with 88,654 passengers, while 86,000 came from Norway and 72,000 from Belgium. June saw 87% of the numbers who arrived in June 2019, nine months before the pandemic. Some 1.34 million people used the airport last month with 8,846 flights. The overwhelming bulk of travellers came from international destinations. The first six months of the year has seen 5.7 million passengers - around 83% of the total of 2019.
NOW
U-TURN CAMPAIGN: British expat stranded without a licence plans to revoke residency in Spain
U -T U R
July 14th - July 27th 2022
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ONE of the longest bus replacement services in Spain has finally been retired. It comes as train services between Teulada and Gata de Gorgos finally resumed after the section of Line 9 between Calpe and Denia was closed over safety concerns in 2016. The reopening of the six kilometre stretch means direct rail travel is once again possible between Benidorm and Gata de Gorgos. The final section to Denia is expected to open in early 2023, once a new 370-metre long viaduct is built alongside the 107-year-old Quisi viaduct. Over €30 million has been spent upgrading the 17 kilometres of track with the Gata section alone costing over €15 million. Work has included protecting the line from landslides and flooding. It has also seen the ‘straightening out’ of the line to allow new electro-diesel trains to use it- including the ability to travel faster.
AN expat pensioner stranded unable to drive due to the licence swapping scandal has slammed UK politicians for their ‘total inactivity’. Backing the Olive Press’ U-turn campaign, Sue Reid claims she is now considering moving back to Britain due to the victimisation. The retired hotel manager from Cheshire has so far contacted a host of MPs and mandarins to demand action over the inability of thousands of expats from being able to drive in Spain. “They have either failed to respond or just claimed they’re working towards an agreement,” she said. Reid, who became a resident in early 2021, was given bad advice by a gestor that it would be easy to swap her licence over as an agreement was set to be struck. As with hundreds of others, Reid is now stuck unable to drive in her village of Benijofar, near Alicante.
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You won’t get far... A TRIO of tortoises have been rescued wandering around the Murcia village of Sangonera la Seca. The abandoned Greek species, also known as Spur-thighed tortoises, are classified as endangered in Spain. They have been transferred to El Valle Recovery Centre.
...far from home A MARMOSET monkey has been found walking the streets of Alzira. A resident somehow managed to capture it so a local vet could take it into care. He has now been transferred to the AAP exotic animal rescue centre in Villena. The Guardia Civil is trying to find its owner as possessing the species is banned.
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OLIVE PRESS ALL EDITIONS - PROMO 2 - Half page 170 X 256 - JULY 13, 2022
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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 You deserve better THERE would appear to be some sort of omerta among the bosses at Torrevieja hospital. The Olive Press has reported on appalling standards there for over two years, with some cases having led to deaths. Such have been the problems that a Facebook group was even set up for expat ‘victims’ and their relatives. Today we finally delve deep into the matter. In our hard hitting front page report, we reveal how doctors are appalled at the conditions they are being forced to work under leading to desperately ill people having to wait up to 18 hours to even see a doctor. Having to then wait sometimes 60 hours for a bed has been adding salt to the wound. Each time the Olive Press has run a story - and today is no exception - we have attempted to give the hospital and regional government a right of reply. Not once have we had so much as a courteous ‘no comment’. This shows a certain contempt not just for the press, but for the people we represent and who rely on us to tell them what is going on. Our readers (and indeed all taxpayers) have the right to know about the shocking issues of care and why and how the long waiting lists are being tackled.
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NEWS FEATURE
PANISH cinema is at its best when portraying rural life and the award-winning 2022 Alcarràs is no exception. It tells the tale of a struggling farming family divided when their century-old orchard is mercilessly trampled ‘by progress’ in the shape of a solar farm. The award-winning film has struck a chord with audiences already witnessing the colonisation of swathes of rural land by international companies capitalising on Spain’s unique combination of sun and wind. Lightsource (owned by BP) has made Spain its largest renewables market in Europe and is joining others in a race that kicked off when the current Socialist government swept aside the notorious sun tax introduced by the PP government a decade ago. In Andalucia alone, 1,2m hectares are being ringfenced for clean energy purposes while 10% of Teruel province could be covered by panels by 2030. This is when the country’s National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) hopes to hit a target of 60 gigawatts of clean power, reaching 74% of its energy requirements. Such is the excitementof this ambitious target, it could make the area the ‘Saudi Arabia of Europe’ claims Spanish economist Jose Carlos Diez. And, given Spain’s vast areas of depopulated countryside, it would seem there’s room for everyone to join the party. But like any progress, the renewable energy boom has its detractors. While speculators merely see Spain as hot and sandy, Javier Oquendo, spokesman for
Territorial fight threatens Spain’s bid to become the Saudi of Europe, writes Heather Galloway
VIEW: from the Mas de Cebrian hotel where there are plans for a solar farm the Platform in Defence of Teruel’s Landscape has a different country in mind. “The big corporations don’t care about our stunning countryside. They are just putting the infrastructure here so they can consume the energy elsewhere,” he told the Olive Press this week. “What we want is a kilometre zero policy. Local use of electricity.”
Oquendo stressed however that he is not against renewables. The Teruel platform and more than 200 others like it have grouped under the umbrella association ALIENTE (Energy and Territory Alliance) with the slogan: “Renewables yes, but not like this.” Their first demonstration last year saw 15,000 protesters in Madrid demanding a different, scaled-down model –
one that cuts out big energy firms with their big export projects. Gorka Ederra, spokesman for Navarra’s Salvamos El Perdon platform explaied: “They plan to cover 40% of the Adios region with infrastructure. These big companies make out they’re coming to save rural Spain. I wish they would leave us alone.” The platforms call it ‘the industrialisation of the coun-
SEEDS OF HISTORY
Jack Gaioni takes a look at Spain’s love affair with the olive, and how it defines the past, present and future
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LIVES and Spain! Spain and olives! It’s no surprise to those of us who live here that the two are virtually synonymous. Chances are that olives will be part of your next tapas, olive oil will be in your next meal, and that olive groves are within view. Even the Olive Press is named after them. Yet, there is another dimension to olives that you might not have considered – a dimension beyond food, views and newspaper titles, and that’s the role of olives in archaeology. Archaeology is concerned with the recovery and dating of artifacts in an attempt to give history some lineal order. Putting findings in a chronological sequence has long been the subject of debate. Pottery remains have provided archaeologists with one of the most accurate metrics: the shapes, styles, glazing and decorations are reliable indicators that can be confidently associated with different time periods. Also, as pottery is fragile, it is not passed from generation to genera-
tion, but discarded when broken. Since olives have always been such a mainstay in Mediterranean diets, olive seeds and pottery often show up together in archaeological sites – places like ancient hearths, kitchens and rubbish dumps. The olive seed, when subjected to something called carbon-14 dating, has perhaps become the most accurate part of the methodology archaeologists use in determining age. Simply put, all plants are made of carbon, and when they die they release it. Scientists are able to analyse the rate and patterns of plant decomposition and carbon release, and, from that, accurately calculate their age. A high degree of accuracy is possible with seeds in general and olive seeds in particular. Scientists now claim that by carbon dating olive seeds they can place an archaeological dig within a 25year time frame with a ‘confidence rate’ of 90-95%.
The implications are enormous. For example, the veracity of the Old Testament story of David and Solomon has long been debated. Does the story tell of an actual sophisticated and prestigious Jewish empire that stretched from the Mediterranean to the Jordan River? Or is it a myth – a mere allegory – crafted as a symbol for storytellers to buttress their own morality lessons? Recent archaeological digs at sites near Jerusalem and the Jordan Valley have revealed a host of new scientific data as a result of cross-referencing of olive seed dating with sophisticated pottery inscriptions. Some archaeologists offer this as proof positive that the biblical accounts of David and Solomon are accurate.
www.theolivepress.es
July 14th - July 27th 2022
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SUMMER’S HERE - WE MAKE IT EASY TO ESCAPE! AS the world descends on the costas…we like to give you some alternatives. While taking a trip to the Costa de la Luz (as we suggest in this issue) is a world away from Marbella, Torrevieja or Javea, the Olive Press likes to help you really escape. For those of us lucky enough to live here, now is the perfect time to head off and explore some of the quieter - and cooler - corners of Spain. From the temperate climes of Galicia, to the mountains of Granada A Costa de la Luz and the historic towns of inland SEEING I Spain - we have researched and THE LIGHT written hundreds of top-quality travel articles over the years. Even better, they can all be found in one place: in our travel section of the Olive Press website. Chock full of ideas of where to visit, where to stay and where to eat. So what are you waiting for? Visit theolivepress.es and the whole of Spain is at your fingertips. ll about
www.theolivepress.es
July 2022
CAPTURED: The moon rising over Vajer
On a second visit to the Costa de la Luz, Jo Chipchase was finally switched on to its beautiful beaches and illuminated villages… oh, and tuna fish
PIC CREDIT: Jon Clarke
EYESORE?: Some residents think solar panels and wind turbines blight the landscape tryside’ and for those in the Some of the area is part of tourism sector the visual im- the European Natura 2000 pact could be very damaging. network of breeding sites for “They plan to fill rare and threatthe field in front ened species of my hotel with and, though ‘Most of the solar panels,” there is legislaexplained Diego tion protecting renewable Pilaquinga who Natural Parks runs the Mas de companies are and Special ProCebrian hotel in tection Areas The top five most read stories on here to make the Sierra Gu(SPAs), when www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: dar-Javalambre. it comes to the money’ The Forestalia’s Natura 2000 - British 17-year old holidaymaker reports Maestrazgo sonetwork, the Vietnamese performers over alleged rape in lar project set government’s Spain’s Mallorca to cover 137 hectares with line is merely indicative and solar panels. “People come can be overridden. here to see nature, not to According to Daniel Lopez - Why You Should Never Buy Pre Cut Fruit look out on a field of black from green group Ecologis- GREEN: Renewable energy is booming in Spain And Veg At Supermarkets In Spain panels,” he added. tas en Accion ‘these are frequently areas of are scared of change. In any “They’re the biggest barrier - Ryanair Strike: Low-Cost Airline Announces great beauty but case, you can’t save your vil- to the ecological transition in 12 New Strike Days For July the problem is the lage if you don’t first save the the country right now.” law doesn’t actual- world.” As for Alcarras, Donoso - UK Foreign Office Updates Travel Advice In ly guarantee their Just like the movie, Alcarras, points out that the actual Spain protection’. Catalan village of Alcarràs, the issue is proving divisive. “And most of the According to Oquendo, entire where the film is set, actu- Big Easyjet strikes set to go ahead in Spain renewable compa- communities in Teruel are at ally does have a solar farm nies are here to loggerheads, with vandalism installed on land previously make money,” he surfacing in April and many used as a deposit for waste added. from an industrial pig farm. threats being made. Get in touch today at sales@theolivepress.es or Forestalia, one of Causing much of the anger There was no orchard decall us at 00 34 951273575 for more info the biggest play- is the fact that land can be stroyed and the ‘landowner is ers in the Teruel expropriated if at least 80% very happy’. region, has a back- of local landowners are in ground in the meat favour of installing a project. industry and has “There are neighbours who been accused of have literally stopped speakspeculation and ing,” he said. being given a blank The majority of ALIENTE’s cheque by the gov- groups are demanding multiernment to set up ple small projects instead of where it wants. just a few macro ones, with “If you say you don’t priority for local consumption. EU FORMAL REGULATED DEBT SOLUTIONS want their project, “Unlike with coal, the locals their response is can all participate in this,” Ireland’s leading Personal Insolvency Practice “IRS Ireland” is now available to facilitate that it’s not the claimed Ederra from the Salpersonal insolvency applications in Ireland for people currently residing in Spain. public’s opinion vamos el Perdon platform. that counts. It’s the But Jose Donoso, head of the If you have legacy debts, unsustainable debts secured on property, or simply legality,” said Oqu- Spanish solar association unsustainable unsecured debts, did you know you may be eligible to make an application endo, who flags UNEF, dismissed this idea for a Personal Insolvency Arrangement in Ireland that can resolve debts incurred in any up a viral video in as ‘suicide’. He pointed out of the 27 EU member states? which a Forestalia that the ecological transition CONTROVERSIAL: Religious history is advisor was filmed is not just about ‘decorating If you are in debt and living in Spain, whether your debts are owed to Irish creditors, or creditors divisive telling a protester the countryside’. in an EU member state, contact us on +353 58 23511 or email admin@irs-ireland.com ‘if the villages op- “We need €25 billion in inSceptics argue this is ‘made-up science’. IRS Ireland facilitates Bankruptcy applications, and applications for Personal Insolvency pose us, Europe vestment to reach the 2030 They say it is not a case of carbon dating Arrangements (“PIA”) or Debt Settlement Arrangements (“DSA”) short of bankruptcy. Uniquely will tell you where National Integrated Energy affirming the scriptures, but the scriptures Ireland’s PIA mechanism allows for the restructuring of debt secured on a property asset without the you can put your and Climate Plan (PNIEC) taraffirming carbon dating. opinions’. get. Small companies simply requirement for the property to be sold or surrendered by you. Mitchell O’Brien, senior personal Issues involving politics and religion in this Forestalia has don’t have that kind of moninsolvency practitioner with IRS is Ireland’s most successful facilitator of PIA applications. part of the world tend to be explosive, so denied the blank ey,” he claimed. we’ll leave those arguments for others. A personal insolvency practitioner (“PIP”) is a regulated professional authorized by the Irish cheque claims in- Donoso adds that those who The point here is that olive seeds, because Government’s Insolvency Service of Ireland. Mitchell O’Brien was Ireland’s first licensed PIP. Formal sisting it is ‘impos- maintain we can respond to of the way they can be carbon-dated, are sible’ when there climate change with small Irish insolvency arrangements are recognized and enforceable in all EU Member States. front and centre in these historical arguis a public bidding companies alone are neo-nements. Face-to-face consultations can be arranged with Mitchell O’Brien in the Malaga region, process to win gationists. So, the next time you eat olives, please or using Zoom video conferencing. the project. “The “These people may not deny know that you could well be helping to tell people on these climate change but that future generations something about life in platforms play the makes them more dangerSpain, circa 2022. victim,” insisted a ous because they oppose any spokesman. “They policy to address it,” he said. Take a front row seat on the Costa de la Luz’s most beautiful square +34 956 45 53 02 www.garimbasur.com
Plaza de España, 32 – 11150 Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz
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HAD visited the Costa de la Luz only once before, a decade ago with my young sons. At the time, I had only heard of Tarifa, famed for its knockabout winds and fortified historical centre, facing across the straits to Africa. The southernmost tip of Spain, it was the place to catch a ferry to visit Morocco or hang out with fit windsurfers, who practically lived on the beaches and then partied into the early hours of the morning. Back where I’m based in inland Granada, young people with vans invariably had a ‘Tarifa Pirates’ sticker on it. So, we were constantly reminded of the name. But what was further up the long N-340 from Tarifa westwards? Who cared? It was a big, empty space, as far as I knew, and that meant missing out on so much. For someone who loves photography, I should have known better… but now I’ve been switched on and have finally seen the light, if you’ll excuse two puns. My discovery came on a recent trip along this stunning windswept stretch of coastline that stretches all the way to Cadiz… and then all the way through Huelva to the Portuguese border. The area of most interest - is loosely between and Conil.
Cubic
This 40-something mile stretch of breathtaking coastline is full of unspoilt beaches, cubic white towns and too many places to stop and take a perfect holiday snap. Broadly speaking, you should spend at least two days in Vejer and Tarifa, with a day in each of Conil and Zahara and with a side trip to Barbate, which is incredibly one of Spain’s poorest towns (on paper). With a bit more time, make sure to see Bolonia and its famous sand dune (the biggest in the world) and an inland stop in Medina Sidonia, one of the true unspoilt, authentic gems of southern Spain. The start of the Costa de La Luz and its famous light begins at the Mirador del Estrecho, about quarter of an hour’s drive past Algeciras. It’s a must-stop, as this high point has some of the best views in the world, looking across to Africa, over the Continues on next page
GREEN
www.theolivepress.es
July 14th - July 27th 2022
DRYING UP
Seabin
THE Port of Malaga is taking action to keep its waters clean by installing a revolutionary new device, known as a Seabin, to collect rubbish from the sea. Located in IGY Malaga Marina, the ‘trash skimmer,’ that has already been installed in the water, acts like a floating garbage bin skimming the surface of the water. It’s expected to collect an average of 1 to 1.4 tonnes of waste per year. Seabins have previously been installed in Valencia, Mahon, Getxo, Gijon, Cartagena, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and A Coruña.
Spain and Portugal experiencing driest spells in over a millennium THE Iberian Peninsula is going through its driest period for 1,200 years, according to new research. The majority of rain in Portugal and Spain falls in the winter months, but a high-pressure weather phenomenon known as the Azores high can block wet weather fronts which provide much needed rain. Researchers from the Oceanographic Institution in the US said winters with ‘extremely large Azores highs’ have increased significantly. Prior to 1850,they only occurred once every 10 winters. Since 1980 however, this has risen to one in every four. When they occur, they force the wet weather northwards, making downpours in the UK and Scandinavia far more likely.
Climate
The scientists said this increase was undeniably the result of the climate crisis, caused by increased carbon emissions from human activity. Dr Caroline Ummenhofer who headed the research team, told the Guardian: “The number of extremely large Azores highs in the last 100 years is really unprecedented when you look at the previous 1,000 years. “That has big implications because an extremely large Azores high means relatively dry conditions for the Iberian peninsula and the Mediterranean. We could also conclusively link this increase to anthropogenic emissions.” Droughts and heatwaves are becoming more and more common on the peninsula and this May was the hottest on record in Spain.
By George Mathias
Environmentalists say heatwaves are becoming 10 times more likely than they were before the effects of climate change were established.
PARCHED: Water levels are low
Just consider the facts - climate policy has failed
NO SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE T HE central goal of climate policies is to reduce harmful emissions. Yet even with all of the international agreements of the last three decades - The UN Framework on Climate Change of 1992, the Kyoto Protocol of 1997, the Copenhagen accord of 2009, the Paris climate accord of 2015, 26 Conference of Parties, DECARBONISATION HAS REMAINED UNCHANGED. The world is witnessing an alarming outbreak of weather disasters: ● Giant wildfires ● Deadly heatwaves ● Powerful hurricanes ● Unprecedented flooding Despite the overwhelming current evidence, inaction abounds. There is no doubt that this is just the beginning of the grim toll that climate change will
PROTEST: to save the Amazon
Green
take in the years to come. Countries rely on others to act. This is the road to nowhere. All of the agreements that countries have entered into are not binding. They have no teeth. There are no penalties. There is a vast chasm between aspirations and effective policies.
BIDEN’S POWER TO CUT EMISSIONS LIMITED BY SUPREME COURT America is a huge polluter. What goes on in the US affects us all. 19 largely Republican states brought a case against the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and won. The Supreme Court, in a landmark ruling, destroyed President Biden’s (pictured below) aspirations to tackle the climate crisis. The 19 states are home to America’s largest coal companies. Their political and financial power is so strong that they derailed plans to do the right thing for the world. How sad. How corrupt. How damaging. The US accounts for 14% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Biden had committed to reducing this by 52% by 2030. Fat chance of this happening now! BAD NEWS EVERYWHERE In the UK last month, the Forestry Commission said the government has ‘zero chance’ of reaching its tree planting targets. At COP-26 last year 196 countries agreed to a deadline to submit detailed plans to reduce emissions. Only 11 countries complied. Talk
is cheap …action requires resolve. Countries agreed to reduce the use of coal yet 34 countries are now considering new coal plants. India has announced that it is increasing production of coal power and reopening 100 power plants. Countries promised to stop deforestation by 2030. But in Brazil (home to more than half of the Amazon rainforest) deforestation is up 70% on last year. Countries agreed a scheme to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030. Last year, methane levels saw their biggest annual increase since records began. Countries agreed to reduce fossil fuel subsidies. In 2021 they increased. Wealthy nations agreed to provide $100 billion a year to help developing countries move away from fossil fuel dependency. It hasn’t happened. Here in Spain and Portugal we are suffering the driest climate in 1200 years. In Italy there is a declared state of emergency in five northern regions where they are said to be experiencing the worst drought in 70 years. The river Po valley which produces 40% of Italy’s rice and grain has not seen rain in four months. How many more alarm bells need to ring before governments actually do the right thing?
Martin Tye is the owner of energy switch company Mariposa Energy. +34 638145664 ( Spain Phone ) Email him at martin@mariposaenergia.es
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Pic credit: seabinproject.com
8
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ll about
Benijófar
and Ciudad Quesada
Issue 69
www.theolivepress.es
July 2022
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HOME FROM HOME
HISTORIC CORE: Benijofar has its roots in Arabic times and is famed for its citric fruits
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ESTLED between Murcia and Elche, Benijofar and Cuidad Quesada are known for their orange groves and golf courses, as well as fantastic beaches with coveted blue flag status. Handily close to the A7 motorway, and the airports of Alicante and Murcia just 30 minutes away, they also count on a great range of shops and restaurants. As well as being
The promised land of orange blossoms, beaches, and shopping self-contained with their own amenities, Benijofar and Ciudad Quesada are close to the popu-
lar tourist resorts of Guardamar del Segura and Torrevieja, and the expat towns of Rojales, For-
mentera del Segura, Algorfa - with its well-known Zoco Sunday market, Almoradi, San Fulgencio, and
Heredera. Residents and visitors have an endless choice of places to go, and things to do. With around 5,000 inhabitants, Benijofar is a stronghold for British and Northern European expats, as well as those coming on vacation. About 60% of permanent residents hail from Northern Continues overleaf
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Benijófar and Ciudad Quesada
From front
AN EXPAT STRONGHOLD Europe. Its beginnings date back to an old Islamic farmhouse – a far cry from the modern town found today. Lying on the banks of the Segura River, Benijofar is an important agricultural centre. Fruit and vegetables grown here are supplied to market towns across the Alicante region. Between November and March, oranges, lemons, and tangerines are found in abundance, while tomatoes, broccoli, artichokes, and eggplants are staple local produce.
Head to the market for the freshest local veg
The town’s market day takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays and is a colourful experience for visitors as well as being a vital resource for residents. Here, you can buy the local fruit and vegetables, as well as clothes and homewares. Well-placed for excursions, Benijofar is a popular destination for the summer holidays, as it’s sufficiently close to the coastal resorts, yet quiet enough for visitors to escape the tourist madness. The urbanisation has its own park,
GREEN AND RURAL: Remnants of the old agricultural community and (above) a typical street
Parque Canada Marsa, which lies between built-up areas and features a barbeque area, wildlife, and ducks. Towards the east of the urbanisation, there’s a skate park, which is likely to appeal to the teen contingent.
Well-served with amenities… and food!
For those wanting to eat out, cuisine from many nationalities is represented in Benijofar. As there’s so much choice, prices are reasonable.
The area is strong on seafood, as well as traditional British dishes for its ‘extranjero’ population.
For example, Oasis Benijofar serves a traditional Sunday lunch, where three courses cost €13.
Breeze Bar cooks up bacon butties, while Restaurante Asador Casa Paco offers lamb chops, as well as swordfish. Some of the best-rated eateries in Benijofar are the Hamilton’s Bake House, The Pines Bar & Resturant, Restaurant La Luna, Fratelli, Oasis Bar Bistro, Maitie and El Gusto. You might also like Restaurante La Cosecha - a large establishment with a wide choice of food – or Bambouzza, a rooftop terrace bar with an Ibizan vibe. Fancy some fast food? There’s a McDonalds - or you can cross the road and enjoy a kebab for around €4.
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Calle Ramon y Cajal, 4, Bloque 1, Local 1, 03178, Benijofar
July 2022
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FROM DREAM TO REALITY W
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Seeds of a pearl
S its name suggests, Benijofar’s roots go back to the Islamic conquest of Spain. The name translates loosely as ‘son of pearl’ although no one knows if this refers to a person’s name or maybe the shape of the original homestead around which But what is known is tha the village grew. neighbours were handed t in 1243 Benijofar and many of its ruler Muhammad ibn Hu over to the kingdom of Murcia when its It later came under thed capitulated to Don Alfonso de Castilla. backwater for hundreds control of Orihuela but remained a of years, wit much of the land lay wil h records showing that d and The estate of Benijofar untended. wa by a Galician named s bought in 1686 Jaume, but little changed. It wasn’t until 1729, und tro – a descendant of Jau er Jaime de Casme – that things started to look up. He decided to settle 17 ‘vassals’ to farm the land in exchange for village began to grow. tithes and the This feudal system rem until the early to mid-18 ained in place ing watered by the River00s, with farmbasis of its economy. Segura as the To a large extent, it still is, vegetables including ora with fruit and melons, artichokes, pumnges, lemons, and broccoli the main cro pkins, onions ps. But the influx of foreigner the town has brought news settling in as Benijofar looks forwa prosperity rd to continuing its growth.
How the search for a quieter life by Hennifer Cunningham led to one of Spain’s most successful expat businesses
ITH its close-knit expat community and its location close to popular urbanisations on the Costa Blanca, Benijofar was the ideal location for Jennifer Cunningham as she looked to expand her business. What began with one small office in Javea has now grown to seven branches across the Costa Blanca and one in Lanzarote. As they say - from a small acorn the mighty oak grows. In this case the acorn - or at least a germ of a dream - was planted when Jennifer was enjoying a holiday with friends in Spain. As with so many people, the allure of a ‘quieter life’ drew her into moving to Javea from her North London home. The quieter life never really happened. In a short while she had decided to move into business after realising that this part of the Costa Blanca was crying out for someone to design special insurance packages for the expat market and the business thrived. But she recalls the hardships of starting up three decades ago when it was hard for a woman to be MUCH MISSED: Jennifer’s son Paul inspired her taken seriously. “I was a widow, surviving on a meagre widow’s charity from her La Marina base pension and so the only way I could start up was to re-mortgage my home, borrow money and make it work,” she recalls. “I had problems finding a bank who would support me and I remember the first time I presented my business plan to get a loan, the bank manager wouldn’t address me directly but kept looking towards the male friend I had brought with me.” She eventually found a sympathetic bank mana- by donations from all over the Costa Blanca. ger, a man who has supported her ever since her Although fundraising efforts were paused during first venture Covid, the charity managed to keep afloat and The Benijofar branch of Jennifer Cunningham In- activities are once again returning to pre-pandesurance opened in 2007 around the same time mic levels. as another in nearby La Marina. These efforts enable the charity to A branch in Playa Flamenca came provide free hospice care for people These efforts along five years later. in their own home - those who are At the same time as she opened an discharged from hospital once there enable the office in Benijofar, Jennifer set about is nothing more doctors can do for charity to doing something that really mattered them. to her on a personal level. “We supply the equipment needed provide free She created a hospice charity that for them to be cared for at home, hospice care offers invaluable support to the tersuch as a hospital bed, wheel chair minally ill and their families among and pressure mattress, as well as the expat community. nurses to provide palliative care The charity is very close to her heart as she set it and give support to any family up following the death of her son Paul from cancer they may have,” explains Jenwhen he was only 33-years-old after witnessing nifer. the care he was given during his last days in a Sue Over the last year alone, the charity and its team of 20 voRyder hospice in Bedfordshire. “They had taken such exceptional care of my son lunteers has helped more than but on my return to Spain I looked around to see 100 people by providing what would happen if someone was in the same care at the end of life. circumstance here in Spain and discovered that “The nurses are abthere really wasn’t anything similar. People were solutely incredible. simply being sent home to die to be cared for by How they do it day and day after day their family, but what if that wasn’t possible?” The realisation led her to set up the Paul Cunnin- I don’t know,” she gham Nurses Charity, which is based in nearby La added. “I admire Marina and is run thanks to volunteers and funded them so much.”
Visit www.jennifercunningham.net or www.paulcunninghamnurses.com for more info Visit Jennifer Cunningham Insurances S.L and Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity by clicking on the links.
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HOME COMFORTS
Ciudad Quesada - a taste of Britain in Spain
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YING to the southeast of Benijofar, Ciudad Quesada falls within the municipality of Rojales and is 6km from the Mediterranean Sea. It has a population of 16,500 people, who live in some 30,000 homes arranged in interconnected urbanisations, including Atalaya Park, Bungalows Rosas, Bungalows Bravo and Scandia. Many of the residents are British, and the area has become a real ‘home from home’. A good starting point for visitors is
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the Ciudad Quesada cultural centre, which provides information about local events, adult education, Spanish lessons, concerts, performances, and a library of English-language books. For those who want to retain their own customs and cultures, Ciudad Quesada combines a taste of Britain with the lifestyle of Spain. Residents can shop for familiar foods at The Food Co. supermarket and Big Shopping, and some of the bars serve pints – for example, pints of Carling – instead of the
GM Abogados of Benijofar is a property retail specialist that can help you through the sales process, ensuring that conveyancing proceeds smoothly. When selling a property, there are many things to consider and documents to provide. Firstly, you’ll need your NIE number and/or fiscal residency document. If you don’t have a NIE, SGM can help you obtain one. To sell a property, the purchase title deeds – otherwise known as the escritura – are vital. If you have the originals, that’s great. If you don’t, a copy from the notary will be sufficient to sell your property. You’ll need to provide your most recent utility bills for water, electricity, and gas (if connected to the mains). Bank statements are not enough, as you must show the customer reference numbers for all your utility contracts. For example, the CUPS number for your electricity supply. You’ll also need the current year of suma – known by Brits as council tax. This document should be accompanied by the Community of Owner’s Certificate, which shows that
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Shops, services, bars and restaurants make Ciudad Quesada popular with expats
more typical ‘quinto’ or ‘cana’ of Spanish beer. This is a place to “shop ‘til you drop’. It has shopping centres where you can buy your clothing, handbags, or homewares, or visit a beauty parlour. A short drive towards the AP-7 motorway will take you to big name superstores. A wealth of eateries and bars The Olive Press quickly saw that the sheer volume of bars and eateries in Ciudad Quesada could easily keep us busy for a week… or two! Driving around the urbanisation, which is more like a town, every type of bar and restaurant was encountered, representing more international foods than you could dream about! Popular choices are Pintxos and Tapas Bar, Indian Ocean Restaurant, Da Silva’s European restaurant, Antica Italia, Laurel’s with its black leather sofas, Chiefs on Broadway – which has gluten-free options - Restaurant Chino Nan Kin, and Bombay Grill. There’s also a Patagonian Steak House, Quesada Fish & Chips, Wok Buffet Yu Hai,
Chinatown Laguna, Harry’s Bar (which is very British), Coopers with its carvery, Shennanigan’s Irish Bar and The Halfway House, which sounds like a recuperation facility when you’ve visited everywhere else in town and overly consumed! For lovers of the juniper berry, Diva’s Gym and Prosecco Bar, a family-run venue near the cultural centre, has more than 55 gins, as well as cocktails, and music on Saturdays. Many of the venues in Ciudad Quesada have regular music nights, live shows, Blues, Belgian nights, karaoke, and other entertainments for their guests.
TAKE IT EASY
SGM Abogados Legal Spain – a conveyancing service that makes selling your property in Benijofar stress-free the community fees have been paid in full and there are no debts associated with your account. To show that your property is legal, and complies with the town hall’s habitation requirements, you’ll need a Habitation Certificate. This allows the buyer to change the utility bills into their name, as the new owner. The document is valid for 10 years and must be in force at the time of sale. All properties for sale require an EPC – energy rating certificate. This determines the energy rating of the property and must be legally registered. It also has a validity of 10 years.
You’ll also need a certificate for Tanteo and Retracto. In June 2020, a new regulation came into force in Valencia (Law 6/2020 of 5 June) and impacted the property market. The new regulation states that the region of Valencia is entitled to exercise the right of first refusal and withdrawal, on any property transaction. Therefore, before a sale is completed, the owner must apply for authorisation to the regional government. A sale cannot be completed without this authorisation at a notary. Applicable properties include those bought before 21/04/2005 and those acquired after this date from banks. If a bank ever owned your property after 21/04/2005, it doesn’t matter how many owners there were before you – you still need the authorisation to sell. If your property has any extension or major modifications, further documents are required. SGM Abogados can help you with any questions or concerns about your sale and take the worry out of the whole process.
You can find SGM Abagados at 90 Avenida Frederico Garcia Lorca, Benijofar, 03178 Alicante; Call: +34 688 48 37 50; Email: info@sgmlegalspain.com or visit www. sgmlegalspain.com
July 2022
5
BE SMART WITH YOUR MONEY
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What dreams are made of
WISH YOU WERE HERE
A IN THE PINK: The salty lakes
FTER you’ve had your fill of the zone’s activities, you’ll probably want to chill out somewhere. Attracting people from far and wide, the beaches near Benijofar and Ciudad Quesada are excellent. In fact, many of the local beaches are ranked amongst the best in Spain. A 15min drive will take you to the Guardamar beaches, which have sand dunes and clear water, while a 10min drive is required to reach the famous beaches of Torrevieja – Del Cura, De Los Locos, and Los Naufragos – which have rocky coves and are ideal for snorkelling.
The expansive Playa La Mata is also nearby and is a popular choice with visitors. Inland water is also an option. It’s a short 15min hop to the Torrevieja salt lagoons – Laguna Rosa and Salada de la Mata. Boasting a microclimate, they play home to many rare birds, including flamingos. They are recommended for those with respiratory diseases and allergies, and for pregnant women and children. However, be aware that the water doesn’t always have a strong pink appearance, and take your anti-mosquito spray, as water attracts the flying pests.
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ITH something as important as your life savings or proCURRENCY EXCHANGE ceeds of a property sale at stake, getting expert advice from a financial services specialist is essential. When it comes to currency and payments to and from Spain, Smart Currency Exchange are the experts. Smart can protect your money from the risks posed by exchange rate movements. For homebuyers in Spain, the time between agreeing a price in euros and completing the purchase a month or two later could see exchange rate movements make the price tens of thousands of pounds more expensive. The good news is that you do not have to take that chance. Speak to Smart as soon as possible in your property search or sale. Registering for an account is free and simple, taking just a few minutes over the phone. Smart is UK-based and authorised by the FCA, and also has offices in Benijofar - Mijas Costa and Calahonda. Your Personal Trader can discuss your options and what will work best for you. Many of our clients opt for a forward contract which fixes today’s exchange rate for up to a year on payment of a small deposit. So no more worrying about the pound falling mid-purchase! Once you own a home here, the need for certainty over your currency transfers remains essential so you should speak to Smart about our Regular Payment Plan. It all helps to make a retirement or holiday home in Spain even more enjoyable and care free. Speak to us today, or pop into our office. Selling up in Spain? Speak to us about cost-effective ways to return your money to the UK (or 33 other currencies!). Why not call and request our free guide: Returning to the UK.
Find them at Calle Ramon y Cajal, 4, Bloque 1, Local 1, 03178, Benijofar Call: +34 966 392 539 Email: spain@smartcurrencyexchange.com
The P
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Benijófar and Ciudad Quesada
Sports for all PIC CREDIT: @gokartsciudadquesada Facebook
PIC CREDIT: @GreenlandsGolf FACEBOOK
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ENIJOFAR and Ciudad Quesada are well-placed to enjoy a vast range of sports on ‘terra firma’ and on the ‘agua’– including walking, running, cycling, swimming, watersports, kiting, diving, sailing, golf, fitness, and go-karting, to name a few. Benijofar has its own skate park, a municipal sports centre, and the Greenlands mini golf a Nine minute drive away. Quesada has a fitness gym and bowling alley, as well as another municipal sports centre. Go Karting Ciudad Quesada and Quesada Mini Golf are situated on the doorstep. For those wanting real golf, the closest options are the La Finca Golf Course in Algorfa and the famous La Marquesa course at Rojales – this is something of a golf-lovers’ paradise.
TAKE A PUTT: Greenlands is just a nine minute drive away
Flumes
PIC CREDIT: aquaparkrojales.es
REV UP: Put your foot to the floor or have some splashing fun (below)
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Fitness clubs and yoga centres can be found towards Torrevieja, as well as tennis courts and soccer pitches. If you want to enjoy water flumes, Aquapark Rojales lies just between Benijofar and Ciudad Quesada. Further afield, Torrevieja has its Aquopolis Torrevella waterpark. If you head down to its beaches, Torrevieja also has centres for boat hire, parasailing, jet skiing, surfing and paddle boarding. For the hikers amongst us, there are popular walking trails along the banks of the Segura River and in Guadarmar. Alternatively, you can drive to Rojales and walk to the village of Formentera. The nearby El Reccoral park is also recommended for walkers. If you find Shanks Pony tiring and prefer two wheels, you can hire bikes and scooters to go between towns.
HONEST AND RELIABLE
HE Property Shop has been established in Ciudad Quesada for over 20 years and in that time has earned a reputation for good, honest, service and information. It is a family run business that prides itself on being able to help
The Property Shop’s reputation speaks for itself people sell their properties, buy their dream home in the sun or find the ideal rental property in the area. They offer all related services including legal representation, medical insurance and information, home, personal and vehicle insurance, as well as building and refurbishment quotations from reputable local tradesmen. In fact, they can help you
out with pretty much anything you need, whether you are a resident or just taking the first steps in your search for your dream home in Spain. The Property Shop also offers all of the above services from their El Raso and Cabo Roig offices. If you need any assistance or advice pop in for a chat with one of the team, they will be happy to help wherever they can and the team looks forward to meeting you.
www.propertyshopspain.com info@propertyshopspain.com Avenida de las Naciones No.8, Ciudad Quesada Tel: +34 966 718 836
Walk on the farm side
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HE history of Benijofar is rooted in farming and the walk ‘Pasear por Benijofar’ gives an insight into its past and present as a centre of agriculture. The route focuses on the traditional market gardens of the municipality, on its cultivated areas and on the great riches provided by the Segura River. Designated as local footpath SL- CV 135, it is about four kilometres long and is well signposted. There are also information panels dotted along the route that explain some of the different environments and landscapes that you can see. The walk starts in the heart of Benijofar at the Plaza de la Constitucion, then carries on along Calle Rafael Alberti. Continuing along the road, you soon reach the Secano leisure and recreation park, ideal for a short rest stop. The route then follows the Segura River, with crops on the left bank. Traditional orchards and market gardens form part of the protected area of the municipality and are mainly made up of citrus and vegetable crops. They Local form Avenida de las Comercial Euroterra, No.12 de a Aguamarina habitat Naciones No.8, Ciudad Plaza de la Figuera No, 1, edf. where many Quesada Local 27, Urb. El Raso, Playa d i f f Marina e r e n tII, Calle Mar, Guardamar del Segura, Cabo Roig,find Orihuela Costa species Tel: 966 718 836 shelter. 03140, Alicante 03189, Alicante Continuing Tel: 965 501 006 Tel: 965 along the057 730 route, you will discover a waterwheel, which is situated in a meander on the right bank of the river and was built in the mid-17th century. It is a great spot to rest and enjoy the views, aromas and tranquillity of the landscape and the river. Keep following the signs and you will eventually end up back in the town centre, coming along the Camino Viejo de Orihuela.
July 2022
CULTURE VULTURES
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DUG IN: Miners carved homes into the rock
T VISIT: Selection of artifacts on show
HE town of Rojales has several museums and associated projects, including an Archaeological-Paleontological Museum, that was created in 1981 and has its own selection of finds, the ‘Huerta Museum’, eco-museums, and the ‘Rodearte’ initiative, which organises annual days of art, crafts, music, dance and circus, besides hosting exhibitions and running children’s workshops. Rojales has some historical monuments, including the famous ‘Cueves del Rodeo de Rojales’.
Avenida de las Naciones No.8, Ciudad Quesada
Tel: 966 718 836
These are caves excavated from the mountain in the 18th century by Murcian miners, who came to Rojales to work in agriculture. They soon used their stonecutting skills to build unusual dwellings, creating a true underground attraction. The caves are now used for art events and exhibitions.
For those wanting to experience true Spanish culture, Rojales has traditional fiestas that take place through the year – such as Fiesta de las Naciones on May 6-9, Romeria de San Isidro on May 15, San Pedro Apostol on June 29, and Nuestra Virgin de Rosario on October 7.
Comercial Euroterra, Plaza de la Figuera No, 1, Local 27, Urb. El Raso, Guardamar del Segura, 03140, Alicante
Local No.12 de Aguamarina edf. Playa Marina II, Calle Mar, Cabo Roig, Orihuela Costa 03189, Alicante
Tel: 965 501 006
Tel: 965 057 730
Doña Pepa, Quesada – ref: 6069Q
Ciudad Quesada – ref: 6076Q
Doña Pepa, Quesada – ref: 5112NB
139,995€
169,995€
279,950€
3 bed, 2 bath ‘Lola’ townhouse Glass curtains to raised terrace West facing Communal swimming pool Furnished and aircon
3 bed, 2 bath detached villa Communal swimming pool South facing Central heating Furnished and aircon
New development 2 bed, 2 bath apartments Communal swimming pool and garage Gated complex Electric shutters Walking distance to all amenities
We are a small but very experienced family owned and operated real estate business info@propshopspain.com www.propshopspain.com
LA CULTURA
OLD TIMER
THE earliest ever skull fragments of a prehistoric European man dating back 1.4 million years have been unearthed by archaeologists in Spain. The jaw fragments were found in the Atapuerca Mountain range in Burgos. The Atapuerca Foundation - a body that supports scientific research into human evolution - said carbon dating has established that the human - or ancient hominid - is the oldest human ever discovered in Europe.
Human
The Spanish archeologists behind the momentous discovery said: “This forces us to rewrite the books on human evolution.” In 2007, a fossil was found on the same site and dated back 1.2 million years. Prior to this discovery, it was generally thought that the first modern humans migrated to continental Europe 50,000 years ago. The new discovery was found at the Sima del Elefante archaeological site by doctoral student Edgar Tellez.
July 14th - July 27th 2022
Sunny delight The greatest show in town returns to Alicante for the summer THE internationally renowned Cirque de Soleil has returned to Alicante Province for the first time since 2018. The troupe's Luzia show celebrates Mexican culture in what is described as an explosion of
By Alex Trelinski
light and rain. It will be Cirque de Soleil’s only visit to the Valencian Community this year. Fresh from successful shows in Geneva, Switzerland, a giant 19-metre high tent has been erected at Playa de San Juan for performances starting tonight (July 14) and running until August 21. The tent can accommodate up to 2,600 people and occupies a 20,000 square metre area. Some 65 trailers have been used to bring the travelling show from Switzerland. It took over a week for the tent and surrounding structures to be erected. According to circus bosses ‘Lu-
Have Murcia MURCIA’S answer to San Fermin fiesta is underway in the town of Moratalla. The event, known as Santisimo Cristo del Rayo, is back after a two year covid-realted absence and this year celebrates its 400th anniversary. An 18-year-old man had to receive medical attention after he was gored, having been swung around by the bull in mid air. Hundreds of people took to the streets to view the first run, which took place on Monday.
SPECTACLE: Fabulous new show zia takes the audience to an actors, and great visual surprisimaginary Mexico, in a dream- es, Luzia glides between an old like state where light quenches movie set, the vast ocean, a ballthe spirit and rain soothes the room, and an arid desert. soul’. The show features the many With an international cast of 50 sights, faces, and sounds of acrobats, musicians, singers, Mexico, blending tradition and modern themes. It also includes rain for the very first time in a Cirque de Soleil touring production, which promises to create some memorable moments for the audience. The group was founded in Quebec, Canada, by Guy Laliberte in 1984 and employs 5,000 people worldwide including 1,300 artists. Ticket prices for Luzia start from €40 with performances at 6.30 pm and 10.30 pm.
Tic-TacWoah! A HISTORICAL association has called for the preservation of Santiago de Compostela’s historical carvings of noughts and crosses. Colectivo A Rula first published findings of the games in 2015, following widely shared photos on social media of the ancient game. Thereafter, eagle-eyed residents started spotting other carvings in the Galician city in its plazas, fountains, and buildings. Some of the carvings have been dated to the 16th century. There are thought to be at least 200 games inscribed into walls throughout the city. Luis Leclere of Colectivo A Rula, told the Guardian: “They’re hidden in plain sight. We’ve never heard of anything like the concentration of games we have here.”
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BUSINESS
Cash happy
TOURISTS are splashing the cash, with foreign visitors now spending more money than before the pandemic. Aaccording to data released by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE) tourists spent a total of €1.1 billion in Andalucia in May alone. During the month, 1,036,243 tourists headed to the region with an average budget of €1,100, some 12% more than before the pandemic. Andalucia is the third most popular region of Spain for tourists after the Baleares and Cataluñya - with over a quarter of visitors coming from the UK (28%) and 11% from France. A report from the American multinational VISA also revealed that Andalucia is the top destination for Americans visiting Spain, who cited the cultural visits, relaxing beaches and sprawling countryside as the main attractions.
July 14th - July 27th 2022
Dirty diggers Construction giants fined and banned from public tenders for collusion SOME of Spain’s biggest construction companies have been fined €204 million for collusion over public contracts. Spain’s antitrust regulator said the six firms had illegally shared information on bids for public projects over a period of 25 years. These were often for major infrastructure projects such as roads and airports, but also affected bids at a smaller local level. A spokesman for the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) said that the
SPAIN’S jobless figure dropped to 2,880,582 in June, its lowest level since October 2008. This was 42,409 fewer than in May, according to data published by the Spanish Ministry of Labour and Economy. The Spanish Social Security system has now set a new record with 20.3 million people working across Spain. According to the
By Dilip Kuner
companies will also be banned from working with public authorities.
Guilty
The guilty companies are some of the biggest names in the country with the biggest penalties handed to Dragados (fined €57.1 million), FCC Construccion (€40.4 million), and Ferrovial Construccion (€38.5 million). The others are Acciona Con-
struccion (€29.4 million), Obrasco Huarte Lain, (€21.5 million) and Sacyr Construccion (€16.7 million). A spokesman for Dragados said the company dis-
BACK IN WORK
Ministry there are 733,757 fewer unemployed people than in June 2021. However, the decline in joblessness in June 2022 was four times lower than in 2021, when it fell by 166,921 - its largest drop ever as pandemic restrictions were lifted.
Second Deputy Prime Minister of Spain, Yolanda Diaz, claimed: “We continue in a downward trend with regards to unemployment and companies are creating more indefinite contacts than ever, however, there is still a lot to do.”
DRAMATIC SHIFTS T
GBP/EUR exchange rate skyrockets amid Eurozone recession fears, writes Peter Loveday
HE pound euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate saw some dramatic shifts in movement over the past two weeks amid fears of global recession, diverging central bank policy, and UK political uncertainty. GBP/EUR began the past two weeks on a slow decline, falling as low as €1.15 before rocketing up to almost €1.18 as Eurozone recession fears increased. WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING? Poor Eurozone PMI results helped the pound to climb higher against the euro toward the end of June. Eurozone growth slowed to a 16-month low across the manufacturing and services sectors. An improvement to UK retail sales for May also likely helped Sterling to make gains. Confidence in the pound faltered amid fresh Brexit-related headwinds, however. A strong US dollar limited major losses for GBP/EUR however as it sapped demand for the single currency. The exchange rate slumped following a day of central bank speeches at the very end of June. The Bank of England’s (BoE) Governor Andrew Bailey led with a cautious tone which saw investors drastically pare back their bets on future rate hikes. The European Central Bank (ECB) president Christine Lagarde meanwhile signalled her commitment to future rate hikes by the central bank. The beginning of July saw the euro nosedive. Soaring energy prices and fears that Russia may soon cut off gas supplies to Europe dramatically increasing the risk of an imminent Eurozone recession and pushing EUR exchange rates sharply lower. At the same time the resignation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson also helped to bolster the pound in the first week of July as it quelled UK political uncertainty. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR? Looking ahead for Sterling, next week is set to bring fresh GDP figures for May. Economic growth is expected to fall, albeit at a reduced rate, which could see confidence in the UK’s economy falter further.
Unemployment figures later in the month could be a key driver of bets on action from the BoE. The next UK consumer price index will also be closely watched by investors. If inflation remains high, then the pound could climb owing to the need for aggressive rate hikes from the BoE. The aftershock of Johnson’s resignation could weigh on Sterling in the coming weeks. A protracted leadership battle could prompt further uncertainty and limit any bullish bets on the pound. The euro’s movements are also set to be driven by speculation over central bank movements ahead of the ECB’s interest rate decision toward the end of the month. Investors will certainly be looking to speeches from various policymakers, including the ECB President Lagarde, for further hints on the central bank’s forward policy. On the other hand, the euro is at risk of plummeting if Russia moves to cut off gas exports to Europe as the resulting disruption would inevitably plunge the Eurozone into a recession. PROTECTING AGAINST VOLATILITY This kind of volatility can cause some nasty surprises if you need to transfer money overseas. On a £200,000 transfer, just a onecent gap translates to a €2,000 difference. And the larger the sum, the higher the discrepancy. Fortunately, there are ways that you can protect against volatility. Specialist currency brokers, such as Currencies Direct, offer different tools to help you navigate the ups and downs of the currency market. For instance, you can use a forward contract to secure an exchange rate for up to a year. This way, you won’t lose out if the market moves against you. Services like rate alerts and daily updates make it easy to keep track of what’s going on in the forex world so that you can make informed decisions. And with Currencies Direct you’ll have a dedicated account manager there to provide guidance and support whenever you need them. At Currencies Direct we’re here to talk currency whenever you need us, so get in touch if you want to know more about the latest news or how it could impact your currency transfers. Since 1996 we’ve helped more than 325,000 customers with their currency transfers, just pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more.
agreed with the decision and pledged to appeal it. The regulator claimed that between 1992 and 2017, the companies met weekly to discuss which projects they were going to bid on.
Strategy
They would then devise a common strategy and share technical documents between them. This, said the regulator, affected bidding on thousands of construction projects advertised by public authorities throughout Spain.
Tax surprise BANKS and energy companies are to be hit with new ‘temporary’ windfall taxes. The surprise announcement was made in Congress this week by socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez during the annual ‘State of the Nation’ debate. The new taxes are predicted to bring in €7 billion over two years, split between €3 billion for the banks and €4 million for the energy firms. The money raised will help people suffering from rising inflation and utility bills. Spanish banking shares fell dramatically in the wake of the announcement.
No staff BENIDORM bars and restaurants are being forced to close because they can't find enough staff. The city's Abreca hospitality association says another 3,000 employees are needed and that around 90% of businesses are suffering. Shortages mean nobody is available to cover days off, resulting in businesses having to pull down the shutters at least one day per week. Some outlets have temporarily closed until they get workers.
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Centro Comercial Quesada Centro, Avda Las Naciones 24, Local 6A, Ciudad Quesada Rojales, Alicante, 03170 quesada@currenciesdirect.com +34 965 994 830 MAZARRÓN
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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
FRESH strikes by cabin crews of Easyjet and Ryanair have caused the UK foreign office to update its travel advice for Spain. Some of Ryanair’s staff are now on a strike until Friday with Easyjet cabin crew expected to join them over better pay conditions. Should talks fall through between the unions and bosses, an Easyjet strike is pencilled in from Friday until Sunday, mostly impacting flights to and from Barcelona, Mallorca, and Malaga. Meanwhile two unions representing Ryanair staff in Spain, have announced 12 fresh strikes from July 18 to 21 and July 25 to 28 across 10 airports.
Minimum
Spain’s Ministry of Transport urged a minimum service to be maintained for flights, while airlines have pledged to keep their schedules running as smoothly as possible while warning of some delays and cancellations. The news comes as tourism is booming in Spain once again, with June arrivals higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. See Brits are back page 5
In a frenzy THANKS to a ‘travel frenzy’ sweeping Europe, tourism bosses are hoping Spain will match the record visitor numbers of 2019. According to the Exceltur Tourism Association Spain has seen a ‘dazzling surge in tourist numbers’. Official figures show that 22.7 million tourists visited the country in the first five months of 2022 - a massive seven times the number in the same period of 2021 but it is still just 78% of the record year of 2019. However, the good news is that tourists are spending more than ever, with the total tourism spend for the first five months standing at €22.77 billion - matching the 2019 figure for the same months. Exceltur hopes that a recent
By Dilip Kuner
surge in bookings will see this year’s visitor numbers match 2019. Before the pandemic Spain
Chicken virus THERE has been an outbreak of a poultry disease on a chicken farm. Newcastle disease virus (VND) has been detected in birds in Huercal-Overa, Almeria. The farm, which houses around 10,000 chicks, reported a surge in sudden deaths. Tests confirmed many had VND, leading to every chick being slaughtered and all food supplies destroyed. Jose Maria de Torres, Andalucia's Director of Public Health and Pharmaceutical Regulation, said the virus is deadly to many kinds of birds. He added that the virus is destroyed by cooking.
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No new rules! NEW Covid-19 restrictions have been ruled out in the Valencian Community amid a seventh wave spike in new infections. President Ximo Puig merely appealed for people to wear masks and for buildings to be properly ventilated to prevent a sharp rise in cases. But he dismissed any need for new restrictions during the summer holiday season. “The infection curve is expected to flatten within the next 10 to 15 days and though the variant is very contagious, it is striking at people who have not had the full course of vaccinations,” he said. Hospitalisations stand at over 1,000 admissions locally with deaths almost exclusively among people aged over 60. “Covid is not on vacation and those not fully vaccinated should do so now,“ added Puig. All vaccination centres will remain open throughout the summer.
Hopes for a record year as tourism surge is described as ‘dazzling’ was the second most popular tourist destination in the world behind France and just ahead of the USA, a position it hopes to cement this summer. Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto backed Exceltur’s optimism, saying: “The number of bookings confirms Spain as a favourite international destination and indicates a good outlook for the high season.” Fernando Valdes, a tourism ministry spokesman, added: “After two long years we are finally going to see a summer like in previous years.” Exceltur believes tourism will generate €151.8 billion this year, some €10 billion more than initially expected. This would be slightly lower than the €155 billion reached in 2019 but far more than the €52 billion of 2020 or the €88 billion generated a year later.
Snap happy MOTORISTS have been caught 47,246 times by a single speed camera in Malaga, with millions of euros of fines collected over the last four years. The camera on the A-7 at Cerrado de Calderon is only marginally more successful than the camera on the A-7 at Rincon de la Victoria, which has dished out 45,648 fines. The two cameras are the third and fourth most prolific in Spain, although it is not known exactly how much they have raised as fines range from €100 to €600 depending on speeds. The busiest camera in Spain is on the AP-7 in Valencia at KM478. It doled out 60,525 fines in the same period.
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More air strikes on the way
July 14th - July 27th 2022
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Across 6 No question (2,6) 7 Young ---, eager for change (4) 8 Foggy (4) 9 Such lines never cross (8) 10 Retrieve (3,4) 13 Remote target? (2,3) 14 Walk noisily (5) 16 Middlingly (3,4) 20 Curt dismissal (5-3) 21 Sharp high-pitched resonant sound (4) 22 The beginning of cheese (4) 23 Broad-minded (8)
Down 1 In recent times (2,4) 2 Consecrated (4) 3 Henry Miller’s “--- of Cancer” (6) 4 Lehar’s widow (5) 5 Architectural feature usually found near ceilings (6) 7 Israel’s economic centre (3,4) 11 Perplexed (7) 12 Range of knowledge (3) 15 Twisting force (6) 17 Recorded (2,4) 18 Spats (3-3) 19 Northamptonshire, to Northumberland (5) 21 Tiny hole admitting passage of a fluid (4)
All solutions are on page 14
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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
July 14th - July 27th 2022
SEEING THE LIGHT On a second visit to the Costa de la Luz, Jo Chipchase was finally switched on to its beautiful beaches and illuminated villages… oh, and tuna fish
I
HAD visited the Costa de la Luz only once before, a decade ago with my young sons. At the time, I had only heard of Tarifa, famed for its knockabout winds and fortified historical centre, facing across the straits to Africa. The southernmost tip of Spain, it was the place to catch a ferry to visit Morocco or hang out with fit windsurfers, who practically lived on the beaches and then partied into the early hours of the morning. Back where I’m based in inland Granada, young people with vans invariably had a ‘Tarifa Pirates’ sticker on it. So, we were constantly reminded of the name. But what was further up the long N-340 from Tarifa westwards? Who cared? It was a big, empty space, as far as I knew,
and that meant missing out on so much. For someone who loves photography, I should have known better… but now I’ve been switched on and have finally seen the light, if you’ll excuse two puns. My discovery came on a recent trip along this stunning windswept stretch of coastline that stretches all the way to Cadiz… and then all the way through Huelva to the Portuguese border. The area of most interest - is loosely between and Conil. This 40-something mile stretch of breathtaking coastline is full of unspoilt beaches, cubic white towns and too many places to stop and take a perfect holiday snap. Broadly speaking, you should spend at
HISTORIC: Tarifa old town where the Atlantic meets the Med
least two days in Vejer and Tarifa, with a day in each of Conil and Zahara and with a side trip to Barbate, which is incredibly one of Spain’s poorest towns (on paper). With a bit more time, make sure to see Bolonia and its famous sand dune (the biggest in the world) and an inland stop in Medina Sidonia, one of the true unspoilt, authentic gems of southern Spain. The start of the Costa de La Luz and its famous light begins at the Mirador del Estrecho, about quarter of an hour’s drive past Algeciras. It’s a must-stop, as this high point has some of the best views in the world, looking across to Africa, over the straights. From here, it’s a short hop down into Tarifa old town, and parking near the port. Here you’ll find two types of queue; those heading on the hydrofoil to Morocco and many others, frequently queuing for a must-do trip to view the famous whales and dolphins of the Staits. From here, looking out along the spit to Tarifa island, you can clearly see where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean - and with the water taking on a beautiful twotone, blue-green hue. This joining of oceans causes a zone where both the Poniente and Levante winds take centre stage, causing gusts and attracting surfers and kitesurfers by their thousands from around the world. Tarifa old town is a must visit. Once inside its old walls, between the castle and the stunning Puerto de Jarez, it’s charm personified. You’ll love wandering its cobbled streets, enjoying its boutiques and general ambience, but restaurant-wise, you’re better looking out for something just outside the walls on Calle Santisima Trinidad. Heading west from Tarifa, I marvelled at the sheer
RECORD: Bolonia’s giant dune and its stunning Roman remains
number of diving, windsurf and kite schools, as well as quad hire companies that have set up. There are numerous dreamy hotels and hip restaurants, many sitting right on the wonderful Playa de Los Lances or its next door Valdevaqueros beach.
Sand battle
I took a side turn onto the A235 towards Punta Paloma - a must see - and was amazed to find it almost completely blocked with sand. It had blown down from the Valdevaqueros dunes in copious amounts, rippling across the road surface, and making it difficult to pass other cars without putting a wheel into a dune. I wished I had brought my 4x4 for some fun, sandy action. Soldier on for a couple of kilometres, and you’ll come to two restaurants on the headland – Justito de Copas and El Mirlo Tarifa. What a place this is to enjoy a sundowner, or - even better - head up the hill to the secret spot, Tesoro (go on, try to find it!). From here, you can continue on foot on the well-marked GR145 Arco Atlantico walking route. It takes you over to Bolonia and its Roman ruins – although I was advised by a local that this could take ‘several hours’.
Roman ruins of Bolonia
Next up is the hamlet of Bolonia which has a museum devoted to its famous Roman ruins, which are considered among the best in Spain. These ruins originally formed the Roman town of Baelo Claudia, located directly beside the beach. There is so much to see including a bakery, a statue of Claudius and semi-intact columns. Bolonia’s beach is 3.8km long and features a massive sand dune. People climb this in their droves – most to take a selfie - but choosing a cool time of day is advised.
PRETTY: An inlet at Barbate
Tuna tales
The next leg of the journey, past the hundreds of wind turbines of Fascinas valley, is a real eye opener for aesthetes. It gets even better when you turn left onto the A2227 to Zahara, driving past rolling fields of sunflowers, fighting bulls and grand country cortijos eventually emerging at the stunning village that has a slightly eccentric feel. You soon begin to realise that the relaxed and friendly vibes characteristic of the Costa de la Luz are best found in Zahara de los Atunes. This is a true gem of a town with a centre crammed full of whitewashed buildings and a diverse range of small shops and bars, many appropriately serving dishes based on tuna. Zahara is famed for its tuna, hence the name, and it is one of the true delicacies of Spain. It’s quite different from any other tuna (indeed fish) I have ever eaten. Wandering towards the seafront, we found boutiques selling funky clothes, beach bars with colourful chairs, hotels of various sizes, and vendors selling Indian throws. Looking for a place to stay? Hotel Pozo del Duque has sat on this wonderful beach for decades and does some impressive deals.
No Barbs
The next stretch of coastline (the 11km stretch of the A2231) is one of the most beautiful drives in Spain. It cuts through rolling fields of cattle, stretching right down to a lovely sandy beach. The light is stunning, but sadly there aren’t many places to park, as it’s mostly military land on both sides of the road. Eventually, you’ll come to the larger and less touristy town of Barbate, which - with 22,500 people - many of them brought here during the Franco dictatorship, has had to address some social problems over the years. But it is definitely one to visit. Lying on the River Barbate, and surrounded by Natural Park, Barbate has a long history of fishing that dates to Roman times. Of particular interest are the port, an art deco-type building that hosts a town hall fishing initiative, and nearby restaurants serving fresh fish. The famous Campero restaurant is also here. Barbate is extremely popular with Spanish tourists in the summer but attracts far few foreign visitors, which is a shame, as it’s worth exploring.
HEALTH
Milk of kindness
MORE than 1,000 litres of human milk have been donated in just over a year since a pioneering initiative was launched in a Spanish region. Some 160 babies have benefited from the breast milk donation scheme set up by the Murcian Health Service in March 2021. Some 230 women have already donated breast milk which has been given to newborns that weigh less than 1.5 kilos or who are born before 32 weeks. Women are interviewed as part of the scheme and must have a health check before they are able to donate. Once they are approved by the hospital, their milk is frozen before it is transported to Arrixaca Hospital in Cartagena where it is analysed, pasteurised and frozen once again.
July 14th - July 27th 2022
Game changer Pill to tackle Covid now available to most vulnerable in Spain TABLETS that reduce the severity of Covid-19 symptoms can now be bought in Spain. Paxlovid is available in Andalucia, Aragon, Navarra, Cantabria and Catalunya, with it expected to be rolled out across the rest of the country imminently. The tablets require a prescription from a doctor and they are currently reserved for people most vulnerable to the illness. The medication is made by Pfizer and people can take it up to five days after testing positive for Covid. The drug reduces respira-
COVID SURGES
THE incidence rate of Covid in Spain more than doubled in June. According to the Ministry of Health the vast majority of cases are registered in patients aged over 60 years old. There are currently 1,225.28 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to a rate of 586.71 per 100,000 in-
By Jorge Hinojosa
tory difficulties and early studies suggest it could cut hospitalisations and deaths by up to 90%. The treatment consists of taking the tablet every 12 hours, for five consecutive days. The news has been welcomed by the medical profession in Spain, though there are some unknowns about the drug. For example, it has not been tested extensively on pregnant women or on people who take other
habitants at the start of June. At the moment there are around 12,000 Covid cases in Spanish hospitals and last week 321 people died of the illness, most of them in Castilla La Mancha and Madrid. Some 92,7% of the population is vaccinated with 39,113, 419 people having had at least two jabs.
ON SALE: Anti-Covid drug is now available
forms of medication. Experts say pregnant women should avoid taking the drug until further research has been completed. Fears are growing that Spain is approaching a seventh wave of Covid. By last week Spain had 10,245 people hospitalised by the illness.
available, although there are no immediate plans to do so.
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Fourth jab call EUROPEAN health bosses want all EU citizens over the age of 60 to be offered a fourth Covid jab this summer. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also say a fifth jab in the autumn should also be offered to atrisk groups. Covid cases have been rising rapidly in Spain and across Europe as a new wave sweeps the continent. Both agencies stopped short of recommending a fourth dose for health workers. Most Covid restrictions have been lifted in Spain, though wearing masks remains mandatory on public transport.
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PROPERTY
Bedsit land
AS property in Madrid becomes more expensive, an investment company is looking to return to the days of bedsits. Dazia Capital will spend €15 million on transforming a former industrial building in Tetuan (Madrid) into a ‘co-living’ property. Originally it was intended to convert the 2,700sqm property into 32 rental apartments at a cost of €8.5 million. But now the co-living project will comprise 79 ensuite bedrooms, divided into groups of eight that will share common spaces such as kitchens and dining rooms. Most of Dazia’s properties are in Madrid, with some on the Costa del Sol.
Specialists in Fitted Kitchens and Bedrooms Full Installation Service or Supply Only Wide Range of Doors and Worktops Laminate • Silestone • Granite Suppliers of Appliances Ovens, Hobs, Extractors tel: (+34) 965 077 555 mobile: (+34) 661 861 416 C/Alfredo Krauss 2, Local 11, Urb. La Marina Email: thekitchenshop@yahoo.co.uk Visit: thekitchenshop.es OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE: Baby Equipment Hire, Letters and Parcel Postage, Fax and Photocopy Service, Greetings Cards, UK Passport Renewal, Boarding Pass Printing
BREXIT HIT
THE proportion of Brits buying homes in Spain as part of the foreign market has halved since Brexit. They accounted for 12% of the total houses bought by foreigners in the fourth quarter of 2021 and the first quarter of 2022. Before Brexit, the British made up 24% of foreign buyers according to Idealista. In 2016, after the Brexit referendum, the UK share dropped to 15% in just a year and this fell to 10% in mid-2021 before starting a recovery. According to Idealista, Brits’ favourite regions are Valencia, Murcia and Andalucia. The director of the report, German Perez Barrio, claimed that Brexit has had a negative influence on home sales in Spain, but in a moderate way as there has been an increase in buyers from different nationalities across Spain.
NICE SET-UP
Film set where Sergio Leone made iconic film is up for sale By Dilip Kuner
A BUYER is wanted for the film set where iconic Sergio Leone film Once Upon a Time in the West was shot. The mock town was built by the Italian director in the Tabernas desert of Spain’s Almeria back in 1968.
FOR SALE: Western Leone
The movie starred Henry Fonda, Claudia Cardinale and Charles Bronson and was part of a series of spaghetti westerns directed by Leone and filmed in the desert. Western Leone is one of three sets to survive as theme parks and has now been put up for sale as its present owners want to retire. Whoever takes on the set – which the sellers insist must be preserved as a tribute to
the movies filmed there – will be walking in the footsteps of acting greats. Other stars to have filmed there include James Coburn, Faye Dunnaway, Yul Brynner and Jack Palance. Not far from Western Leone is the set A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, were filmed, making Clint Eastwood a Hollywood A-lister.
Squatters wrongs SECOND home owners have been warned of a risk of squatters moving in. The General Council of Real Estate Agents in Spain expressed concerns following a rise in the number of ‘ocupados’ in Spain. Second home owners in the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, the Canary Islands, Murcia, Valencia and Madrid are most at risk. Estate agents claim that the laws are unclear and do not favour property owners.
RISK: Squatting is an emotive subject
OP Puzzle solutions Quick Crossword Across: 6 Of course, 7 Turk, 8 Hazy, 9 Parallel, 10 Get back, 13 TV set, 14 Stomp, 16 Not very, 20 Brush-off, 21 Ping, 22 Curd, 23 Tolerant. Down: 1 Of late, 2 Holy, 3 Tropic, 4 Merry, 5 Frieze, 7 Tel Aviv, 11 Bemused, 12 Ken, 15 Torque, 17 On file, 18 Run-ins, 19 South, 21 Pore.
Jose Ruda, of Grupo Rukasa which is handling the sale, told EFE: “Anyone can buy it, but we are looking for someone to preserve to the smallest detail these 40 years of history, this bit of the history of Tabernas, of Almeria, where the Spaghetti Western was born.” The surviving set includes the Western, Indian and Mexican ‘towns’ that featured in more than one movie. “It has everything to begin functioning from minute zero, with eight hectares out front that can be developed into a film school or recording studios,” added Ruda.
STAR: Henry Fonda
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Turkey arrest
FINAL WORDS
A TURKEY that bothered residents with its loud gobbling in a Pilar de la Horadada, Costa Blanca, neighbourhood was netted by police who had to clamber onto a roof to reach it.
Long walk! SPAIN’S longest catwalk, which stretches 300 metres along Malaga’s iconic Calle Larios, will see models displaying the latest fashions in front of 30,000 people on September 2 and 3.
Puffed out POLICE arrested a man who flew into Alicante-Elche airport on an easyJet Belfast flight after he was caught smoking a cigarette in the plane’s toilet.
COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA
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Vol. 3 Issue 69 www.theolivepress.es July 14th - July 27th 2022
CHILLING OUT Meaty ice lollies and worm slushies as zoo tries to keep animals cool
WITH temperatures soaring to above 40 degrees as the second heatwave of the year strikes, a zoo has decided to treat its animals to cooling ice creams. But these frozen treats are not the same as the sugar-laden versions humans enjoy. Staff at Bioparc Fuengirola use vegetables and fruit, chopped meat, fish and insects combined with
ferent species and the keepers are doing juices to stimulate the senses of e v e r y t h i n g many of the species such as ti- they can to sure COOL CAT: Leopard has its treat gers, leopards, gorillas, hippos make and meerkats that call the zoo that all the animals stay hydrated and cool tigers and leopards, can lick home. The conservation centre is in the face of this incredibly hot at frozen blocks of ice water mixed with blood and pieces of home to more than 200 dif- weather. While the big cats, including meat, other animals have their own icy treats adapted to their own particular diet. A WOMAN has been fined €200 after police In the case of gorillas, chimcaught her tootling along a toll motorway on an panzees, gibbons and lemurs, electric scooter. the kitchen prepares colorful Guardia Civil spotted her on the AP-7 between San sorbets of beet juice, spinach Pedro Alcantara and Estepona on the Costa del Sol. combined with pieces of other She must have raised a sweat - officers say not only vegetables, and fruit such as was it a blistering hot day but the battery on her apples, carrots, tomatoes, bascooter had run out. She was left pushing with one nanas and watermelon. foot for around 12 kilometres before police picked her up. Meerkats Electric scooters can only be ridden in bike lanes and on roads with speed limits of 30 km/h or less. And the popular meerkats get FAST LANE: On the wrong road The AP-7 has a speed limit of 120 km/h. slushies of worms and grasshoppers to enjoy. By Dilip Kuner
Scooting along
IT’S not easy to run in heels but participants of Pride Week in Madrid had a go. Runners strapped on their killer heels and hot-footed it through the area cheered on by massive crowds. Several came a cropper, turning their ankles and sprawling to the ground. But most made it to the finishing line unscathed. Madrid’s Pride Week is one of the most globally famous and attracts around 2 million visitors to the city each year.
No sex please FAR RIGHT political party VOX has blamed Spain’s low birthrate on too much sex. According to the party’s Juan Garcia-Gallardo, casual sex and the ‘hypersexualisation’ of society is to blame for women having fewer children. The 31-year-old claimed that adults are acting like teenagers who would rather have casual sex than be burdened with a child. He added that people should be married and have sex to procreate.