Olive Press Spain - Issue 381 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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Vol. 15 Issue 381

Your expat

voice in Spain

www.theolivepress.es November 3rd - November 16th 2021

Journey back in time A Vol. 15

ll about

Issue 381

errania de Ronda

FUNDADA EN 2017

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Pictures by Jon Clarke

It’s time to head to the hills for a classic winter break... our 20-page Serrania de Ronda special gives you the inside track

AUTUMN DREAM: The road to Ronda from San Pedro through the Genal Valley

MOORISH

JON CLARKE waxes lyrical where the sense of history about his hometown of Ronda, is only matched by its soaring mountain scenery and (almost) its food T’S

one hundred metres, ralling steps, to reach theand 300 slippery spi- collected water during tunnel of the Casa del Reybottom of the siege dark days of the end of the regular sieges in the the Moro. One of various escape just over 500 years ago. Kingdom of Granada siege, there is no better routes during times of On a cultural holiday to explore the days of Al-Anfascinating historical past. reminder of Ronda’s daluz, she and her daughters spent a day wanA must-visit, alongside the dering around the gem the 13th century House nearby Arabic baths, than an hour inland fromof a town that sits less of the Moorish King was the Costa del Sol. a highlight of Michelle Obama’s Having visited the charming visit to Andalu- the Palacio Arabic gardens of cia a decade ago. Mondragon America’s former first bullring - Spain’s oldest and the town’s iconic - she decided to undershe wanted to witness lady had insisted that take some exercise. bic defenders took and first-hand how the Arareceived messages and Continues on Page 2

DINE IN

•

INTACT: The 13th century

TA K E A W AY

•

Arabic baths and (left)

gargoyles being hung on

a street chapel pillar

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Teacher fury after being forced to sleep outside airport in the ‘wet and cold’ A FURIOUS granny has slammed a Spanish airport after being forced to sleep outside in ‘freezing and rainy’ conditions. Mary McIntaggart was forced to spend the night in a bus shelter outside Almeria airport during a thunderstorm last week. The Irish teacher was left stunned after being refused access to the terminal overnight as she waited for an early-morning trip to the UK. The 58-year-old had been forced to get there the night before in order to take her flight to Manchester to see her grandson. But McIntaggart, a teacher living in Aguilas, was told she could not stay in the lounge to wait for the 10am

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EXCLUSIVE by Kirsty McKenzie & Elena Goçmen Rueda flight as the airport shut at 11pm. McIntaggart, who is a resident in Spain, was ordered out by airport staff and forced to stand ‘freezing and distraught’ beside a bus stop. “There were no buses and no taxis so there was no way I could get to a hotel,” she told the Olive Press. “I ended up having to spend the night sheltering outside from a thunderstorm.” She continued: “I was completely shocked and distraught when staff

STUPID: Acres of space but nowhere for Mary (pictured with grandson Theo) to shelter

told me the airport shut at 11pm but I could sit at the bus stop across the road,” she added. “There was flooding in Almeria that day and it was freezing.” Left alone at ALL AREAS COVERED the bus stop, she got creative 4G UNLIMITED with a large cardboard box INTERNET to keep her off IDEAL FOR the ground and STREAMING TV dry. She said: “I was ALSO IPTV, worried about SATELLITE TV getting sick before the flight. tel: (0034) 952 763 840 It was a very info@theskydoctor.com tortuous night www.theskydoctor.com and I became

very upset.” She had arrived at the airport via a car sharing service BlaBlaCar and without the app she would have really struggled to arrive at all, she claims. “I paid BlaBlaCar €8 to get from Aguilas to Almeria which with a taxi would have cost me around €62. I'm disgusted at the poor standard of transport links in this area. It was hard to arrive any other way.” She added the experience had put her and her family off flying from Almeria airport again. “I don't know how this impacts on their tourism but not everyone drives and this needs to be considered. There isn't even a train. “Worst, I am really upset that the authorities there think it is OK to put someone out in that weather to sit outside. “I am still very shocked that it happened.” A spokesman at Almeria airport told See pages 39 & 40 the Olive Press: "We are deeply sorry for the extreme situation that Mrs McIntaggart

PICTURE BY: Jon Clarke

November 2021

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suffered.” She added that only six Aena airports are open 24 hours a day. “Almeria airport is open from 6am to 11pm. Providing a waiting area after that would mean keeping the airport fully open, and due to the expense and taking into account the number of flights it is not an expense we can afford,” she added. Opinion Page 6

CRIME

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS IN BRIEF Halloween horror A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been injured in Dos Hermanas (Sevilla) after being stabbed in the abdomen with a knife on Halloween. No one has yet been arrested.

Axe attack A WOMAN in Fuengirola attacked with an axe by her husband is recovering in hospital suffering from multiple injuries. She was allegedly kicked, punched, and struck in the head with the back of the axe.

Mask fury AN off duty policeman who told a fellow bus passenger to put on a mask needed hospital treatment after he was punched to the ground and repeatedly kicked in the chest on a trip to Zaragoza.

Bad eggs SOME 21 minors have been identified in Algeciras as suspects for pelting town hall buildings with eggs and stones and spraying graffiti.

THE Belgian leader of notorious biker gang Los Bandidos-Spain has been arrested in Marbella after an 11-ton cocaine haul. He has been charged with drug trafficking, money laundering and membership of a criminal organisation. Spanish and Belgian police joined forces to investigate the gang and discovered they planned a massive cocaine shipment from South America. The drugs were sent to Antwerp hidden in a consignment of scrap metal but were seized on arrival.

Leader of Police identified the leader of Los Banditos-Spain - which rivals the Hells Angels in the murky and violent world of drugs dealing - as the organiser of the shipment. A total of 26 searches were carried out in the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain with high-end vehicles valued at more than €700,000 and jewel-

November 3rd - November 16th 2021

the pack

lery worth €300,000 seized. Thirteen other people were arrested in Belgium. The leader of Los Bandidos-Germany, who lived on the same luxury urbanisation as his Belgian counterpart, was also arrested on a warrant for his arrest and extradition to Germany.

STICKY END

A SCOT who went on the run after being accused of murdering his own mother 19 years ago has been found dead in Spain. Sean Flynn, aged 37, had failed to appear at the start of his trial at Livingston’s High Court in Scotland. He was accused of murdering his mother Louise Tiff-

Fugitive Brit accused of murdering his own mother found dead ney, 43, who disappeared without trace in May 2002. He had been tried and cleared of her murder by jury in 2005 but was due to stand trial again after new evidence was found in the

case. In April 2017, her remains were finally discovered hidden in woodland and police relaunched their investigation. Prosecutors applied for per-

Expat sex attack

Swede assault

A MAN who raped a British teenager has been jailed for 12 years. The 36-year-old from Senegal pleaded guilty to carrying out the January 1, 2020 attack in the early hours of the morning in Fuengirola. The victim, who was aged 15, has subsequently suffered from post-traumatic stress symptoms. The court also ordered compensation of €20,000.

A MAN aged 29 from Sweden was shot in the stomach as he left a brothel in Fuengirola. The man was said to be in a ‘serious condition’ after doctors at Malaga hospital operated to remove the bullet from his abdomen. The victim and two of his friends were fired at as they left the Estark 92 club at 3am.

mission for a retrial under double jeopardy legislation, which came into force in 2011 and allows a person to be retried for a crime for which they were previously acquitted. Judges had quashed the previous verdict and authorised a fresh prosecution. Flynn (above) is believed to have fled to Germany before flying to Spain where he took his own life. He had been staying in a sixth floor Airbnb flat in Peniscola near Valencia when his body was found. It was originally though he had fallen from the balcony.

Five arrested over child porn images POLICE in Gibraltar have arrested five people on suspicion of offences relating to the possession and distribution of indecent images of children. Detectives from the Royal Gibraltar Police arrested three Gibraltarian men aged 38, 24 and 19, a Gibraltarian woman aged 36 and a Spanish woman aged 30. They also carried out searches of two properties in Gibraltar in an operation that followed information passed on from international law-enforcement partners including Interpol and Spain’s Policia Nacional.

Suspects

An RGP spokesman said: “All suspects remain at New Mole House Police Station whilst the investigation continues and further arrests have not been ruled out.” They also confirmed that the children that appeared in the images were not from Gibraltar.

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NEWS

www.theolivepress.es FRENCH footballer Lucas Hernandez has escaped a jail sentence after he broke a restraining order to marry his girlfriend. The case dates back to February 2017 when he and his girlfriend Amelia Lorente, were both convicted of domestic violence after fighting each other in Madrid. Neither made a complaint, but the public prosecutor brought a case against them both. A restraining order was placed on each, banning them from seeing each other for six months.

What a result!

But just four months later Hernandez was arrested at Madrid airport when he and Lorente arrived back from their US honeymoon after getting married. The Bayern Munich defender – who became the Bundesliga’s most expensive player when he was sold by Atletico Madrid for €80 million in 2019 – was jailed for six months. On appeal, the sentence has been suspended for four years and a fine of €96,000 imposed.

Storm over teacup EXCLUSIVE: Helicopter sent off to locate the right porcelain set for Lady Diana’s Spanish tea time in The Crown THEY might have had the perfect hillside mansion to portray the legendary secret escapes of Lady Di to the Costa del Sol in the 1990s. But producers of the hit drama The Crown were left choking on their Darjeeling when they spotted the wrong set of porcelain during filming of the fifth

PLUSH: Interior for tea

series. So lousy were the tea cups a helicopter had to be dispatched to pick up a new set in Cordoba some 200kms away, the Olive Press can reveal. “It was deemed the quickest way to get the filming back on schedule,” revealed a source from the production, which has been shooting in Spain. The scene involved Diana taking tea with a close friend at the villa, which was rented in La Zagaleta, near Marbella, and based on the actual estate of Torre de Tramores, in nearby Benahavis. While the actors, in-

Clocking in!

BRITISH actor Malcolm McDowell, who famously played Alex in the controversial ultra-violent film A Clockwork Orange, was the star attraction at the premiere of a new documentary in Spain. Director Pedro Gonzalez decided to mark the 50th anniversary of the infamous Kubrick film from an unusual angle - the events around its first screening in Spain. In something of a coup he managed to persuade McDowell to narrate the documentary. The film was banned under the Franco regime, but just seven days after the dictator’s death it got its first airing at the Valladolid International Film Week. In La Naranja Prohibida (The Forbidden Orange) Gonzalez has tracked down many peo-

STUNNING: The Zagaleta villa featured cluding Elizabeth Debicki, 31, tea set. who has replaced Emma Corrin “Amazingly this as Diana in the fifth series, were meant going somedressed perfectly, the tea set where in Cordoba and was out of place. only took an hour or so. “The director shouted cut as ap- “He turned up with two parently there was no way that light blue cups with matching such an esteemed estate would saucers. Job done, filming rebe serving tea out of such low sumed, having lost less than rent porcelain,” continued the two hours.” source. Despite spending thousands A high-level meeting was con- changing the furniture of the vened and a flunkey was duly rented villa - and bringing in rushed off to take the produc- vintage cars such as a Rolls tion helicopter to get the right Royce Corniche cabriolet there were other things out of place. In another scene filming had to be stopped because a mirror Diana was making up in had a black frame.

Gold

EVIL: McDowell as Alex ple who were involved in the screening. Presenting the documentary at this year’s 66th International Film Week in Valladolid, McDowell recounted anecdotes from the making of the movie and his unforgettable experience working with the late director Stanley Kubrick.

“The director was insistent it had to be gold and cut the scene sending it off for some gold paint,” continued the source. “It was nearly an hour wait while it had to be carefully painted with some gold lame.” Debicki has been joined by Dominic West playing Prince Charles in the new series, which airs next year, while the Queen is being played by Imelda Staunton and Prince Philip by Jonathan Pryce.

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WHEN it comes to bling, rapper Kanye West might feel a bit deflated when he realises that European royalty put him in the shade. While famous for his purchases of expensive jewellery he simply can’t compete with ‘old money’. A report has revealed that three pieces of Spain’s royal collection are among the most valuable jewellery in the world. The Marichalar Meander Tiara, recently worn by princess Elena, is valued at a cool €3.5m, with the Fleur de Lys Tiara of Queen Letizia (above) coming in at €2.9m and The Prussian Diamond Tiara of Queen Sofia worth €2.3m. Now, West is a wealthy man and could conceivably afford similar items, but one royal collection blows him out of the water. It emerges that the world’s four most expensive pieces of royal jewellery, worth a combined €179.3m, are all owned by the British royal family. Top of the list is the Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace, last worn by the Duchess of Cambridge (left) and worth a staggering €78.6m, reported website jewellerybox.

Precious Stone SHARON Stone brought some Hollywood glamour to Sevilla at the Elle Awards. The 63-year-old actor famous for roles that include Basic Instinct and Casino has taken her social media followers on a tour of the Andalucian capital. “Look how gorgeous this is,” she said in a Twitter video filmed in Plaza Espana, which has clocked up more than 270,000 views. “I’m at the Elle Awards but with COVID I don’t like to go to after parties where people can get in my face so I like to walk around and see where we are,” she continued. “Isn’t it gorgeous?” She ends her dispatch with: “Sharon Stone, reporting from Seville. Good Night.” She also posted a video of the Giralda Tower at sunset, its bells ringing out across the city.

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NEWS

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NEWS IN BRIEF

ANDALUCIA’S Women's Institute (IAM) has tripled its budget to give financial help to victims of gender violence to €1.5 million.

Busy time EXPORTS from the ports of Almeria grew 41.1% between January and September, exceeding 3.1 million tonnes. It ranks as the eighth busiest Spanish port system.

Good guide AN Archaeological November has been launched in Baeza (Jaen) as a tourist initiative with free guided tours to learn about the history of the Cerro del Alcazar historic zone.

A RECORD 50,000 plus visitors descended on Cordoba’s celebrated patio festival this year. The two-weekend special event marked 100 years since the patio contest began. The most visited was Patio number 40 in Calle San Basilio. THE UK authorities have warned expats about submitting fraudulent residency applications in Spain - directly or indirectly. It comes after the Olive Press revealed how a number of gestors had been caught submitting bogus paperwork to get people officially registered in the country. Embassy officials say the Spanish are now ‘on alert’ for forged healthcare insurance certificates, padron certificates, as well as rental contracts. They are also looking out for

ON ALERT

Embassy warns expats against fraudulent residency applications particularly through third parties

OLIVE PRESS

The

Cash help

Welcome to Spain

Blooming again

Bad faith THE Catholic church in Spain has offered an apology to victims of child abuse and for its failure to investigate and punish the culprits, after the launch of an anonymous email service where victims can report incidents of abuse.

November 3rd - November 16th 2021

Mijas SAN JAVIER Costa FREE

COSTA BLANCA

SUR / MURCIA

Your

expat

voice in Spain

Find out about Spain’s 10 capital cities

ONE WAY OUT Vol. 2 Issue 41

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June 3rd - June

16th 2021

See page 12

Expats must stay in Spain in limbo for two years while alleged residen scam is probed cy by police EXCLUSIVE By Simon Wade

How one organised community of expats is putting El Raso on the map

EXPATS caught OLIVE ulent residency up in a fraudscam run by a PRESS gestor on the Costa been told by policeBlanca have can’t leave the country that they case is investigated. while the Dozens of people life in legal limbo are facing a years while policefor up to two investigate the alleged fraud cided if they face before it is decan legally stay. deportation or It comes after the Olive Press reported on a of expats who had been group 952 Tel: 952 147 834 detained 147 by834 police over padron certificates SCOOP: that appear to have been doc- broke How the Olive Press tored by one particular the story last edition gestor they hired to process their TIE One Way Services, applications. a doctored certificateabout why had been submitted on their behalf. Grilled “Smith said he They included to help people,” was only trying she told the Olow Lily Higgins71-year-old wid- ive Press. and friend Jay STUCK: Jane Long Elliott, who were “He said he’d their town hall grilled over his guilt to already admitted Elliott were ‘treated(above) has been told by police the police, before like criminals’ forms, which were registration shredding after using One that she can’t travel while Williams, 63, told Lily Higgins and Way Services us he One Way Services. handled by front of my my fake padron in to give Jay eyes” a statement at also had Several more have Alicante He added that she added. police station last she should week. forward to complainsince come pect a phone call from the ‘ex- It involved the property about the merely British gestor, in to answer a few police who has lived in Spain owner, da, which is at Ciudad Quesa- tions’. ques- en years, for sevthe having his fingerprints centre of the investigation. However, after being taken taken, as well as getting photoThese include Jane Long of Tor- away in a police car, held for graphed. revieja who was two hours, fingerprinted “It was astonishing, taken to Alican” he told the te Police Station and Olive photographe over her part and questioned detectives at d, she was told by court Press. “I’m now told the case could take in ‘an alleged the fraud’. 18 months nal that she will Policia Nacio- to two years, be possibly considered The 53-year-old more.” He continued: “I said she and ‘guilty, until proven innocent’. her husband Nigel Mrs Long despaired: on September 1, started all this had con- I couldn’t “I was but fronted Matt Smith, even travel back told apparent as time wentit became owner of UK to the was something on there because I’m a criminal!” amiss. “I feel T h e found this can go two ways: I'm guilty and deported K e n t ter possibly or aftwo years I'm grantw o m a n ed residencia. revealed “I put all my faith into that the Services One and have been Way p o l i c e down, so let a very stressful had in- me time for working and countless alongside the f o r m e d added. others,” he Civil to now investigate Guardia ents that they would her, ‘anall res- criminally not be held idencia applications o t h e r responsible. in Alicante “So made in 2021. it is totally clear Cleared 40-plus now that The lawyer later the criminal p e o p l e When the Olive Press called to the Olive Press confirmed ing focused investigation is bewill also Matt Smith for only against my that Smith 35 years experience • an explanation had made clibe Interior and exterior ar- he refused to answer questions. lice clearinga statement to po- ent so for sure the fiscal will not start criminal “Speak to my rested.’ Best quality products actions against lawyer,” he said knowledge of his clients of any his clients the alleged fraud. F e l l o w before hanging up. used sadly affected,” “My client explained Special effects, stencilling he said. B r i t , National Police confirmed [to the If it & feature walls etc to the police] that none emerges that any B r i a n Olive Press that Fully legal/registered • other of detectives are had produced theof the clients One Way clients Full liability insurance were to be dethemselves [but] applications tained over the matter, only paid All works guaranteed client to apply my yer said: “Mr Smith will the lawproceed for immediately the TIE on their to Contact Michael for of police or/andclarify in front behalf,” David a FREE quote the court that Gui- these clients jarro Mayor from michaelwillis5@sky.com have no relation at all with any criminal See page 23 ABC solicitors activity.” the Olive Presstold in Have you response to written been affected? Please contact questions. us on He sought to reas- desk@theolivepress.e newss sure One Way cliOpinion See page 12

The

Your

SAN JAVIER Mijas Costa

expat

make sure they are as reputable as possible,” notes the warning. Since the UK left the EU due to Brexit there has been a number of instances of gestores submitting false residency claims on behalf of recommends using its onUK Nationals. 834 database of registered line The Olive Press revealed952 147 in June (see right) how gestores. one British-run gestor on It also stressed that if expats the Costa Blanca had been are submitting applications caught putting dozens of themselves, it is important expats' paperwork through to provide as much documentation as possible to illegally. We revealed how many of avoid being turned down. them were now living in le- The most important factor gal limbo and facing stiff proving they moved to Spain fines while police investi- before January 1 this year. gated the alleged fraud by Organisations that form part One Way Services, in Ciudad of the UK Nationals Support Fund can provide free, conQuesada. To remedy this, the embassy fidential support. FREE

COSTA BLANCA

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/ MURCIA Vol. 2 Issue 40 www.theolivepress.es May 20th -

voice in Spain

June 2nd 2021

Prime suspect

Bear in the for series of frame grizzly livestock killings in the Pyrenees See page

Tragic mystery

The Olive Press TV investigation helps into the death of Kirsty Maxwell

Girl power

The female who took onwarriors army - and Drake’s won!

I BEG YOU PADRON R See page 6

See page

By Simon Wade

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‘Hellish and as British humiliating’ expats arrested over ‘fraudulent’ residency applications

A GROUP HUMILIATED: have been of British expats detained by Lily Jay were after their padron police EXCLUSIVE questionedand certificates proving they even deportation. By Simon Wade lived in appear to “I’ve never have been Spain derly expats tored. before but been in trouble doc- situation described At least eight as ‘humiliating’ the treated like here I am, being ‘hellish’, after a common people have and inal,” been grilled crimthey were held said for questioning over the town hall registration miliating.” Higgins. “It’s huunder caution. were all handledforms, which They added They told the that the same gestor company by the same gestor is being Olive Press they were on the Costa how for changing investigated Blanca. carted to Alicante police station the date National Police least about falsifying and grilled cants.22 more British on at confirmed the Olive applito submitted documents Press that tives are working Another couple, detecwith their card applications. TIE not to alongside the Guardia be named, who asked “We were told the vestigate all Civil to now inive Press how wrongly arrested for submitting they had Olcations in residencia appliquestioned fake padrons, Alicante made even when they been 2021. to collect went in rect though we put the that his is cor- “We were their TIE cards. ones in with only gestoranything but the our papertaken work for residencia,” read our rights into a room, dragged into business to be Elliott, 66, said Jay explain and Fraud the investigaof Orihuela tion why our 2021 told to who has lived Costa, had It comes padron “Nobody has fraud’ was after ‘widespread over five years. in Spain for 2020been doctored to show been arrested, allegedly detected She that is a fact,” date - it was a in over 22 Britons and her hell.” All adding: “Other he insisted, attempting gins, 71, hadfriend Lily Hig- Onethose detained had to become gestors are used Way Services, also being brought planned for peaceful retirement This week resident here. a based a gestor in as part a number of an ongoing in the revieja,in Quesada, near of el- sun but are now investigation Torinto TIE applications.” to living with the threat plications process their apof a court A police spokesman - including case or padron. the told the Olive Press: “All residencia Owner Matt Smith insisted Continues

on Page 5

21/6/19 13:30

youngsters falsely claiming student status. “If you are using a gestor

Not fair! A MAYOR is facing disqualification for banning a fairground stall that has been run for 75 years by the same family. The mayor of Turre, Maria Lopez could be banned for 12 years for her decision to prevent a sweet stand from opening. A court will decide if she was racist or corrupt in her decision to prevent the traveller family from having the stall, which had been at the town’s San Francisco fair since 1949. The stall selling turron (nougat) and other sweets had been in the same family for three generations. A total of two applications were turned down during the feria season in 2018.

965 078 812 / 698

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SOME 15,000 asylum seekers will be given a home in Spain thanks to a change in the country’s immigration laws. It means 8,000 unaccompanied minors will be given residence, and 7,000 youths under 23 will also be granted residence and work permits. Ministers hope the move will prevent the youngsters from falling into poverty and legal trouble. The change comes after it was revealed the country was struggling to cope with the large amount of arrivals from Africa in recent years. Around 30,000 migrants have arrived so far this year, which is 37% higher than in the same period last year, according the UN.

Teen found dead POLICE are continuing to investigate the case of a teenager found dead in hills above Marbella. The body of 16-year-old Jacobo Isidro was found in an abandoned building in the Lago de las Tortugas area. A public appeal for the missing teen had been launched by police on social media.

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

November 3rd November 16th 2021

Home jury

Viewers transfixed by docu-drama on the costa slaying of a Dutch girl by a British criminal with links to Spain’s most famous lesbian IT was a murder case that transfixed Spain, and the UK, for decades. The alleged slaying of a teenager by her mother’s lesbian lover followed by the arrest - and later conviction - of a British expat, who moved to Spain having changed his name by deed poll. It is little wonder the country became gripped with every twist and turn of the Rocio Wanninkhof saga. Now the case has been studied under a microscope in a sixpart documentary that has had unprecedented access to many

By Elena Goçmen Rueda

of the key characters. The HBO drama, Dolores, The truth about the Wanninkhof case, attempts to reconstruct the case using archive footage. It also includes exclusive access to the first suspect Dolores Vazquez, who now lives in the UK, as well as the mother of Rocio, based on the Costa del Sol. Rocio, who was half Dutch and half Spanish, was brutally murdered just metres from her home in Mijas in 1999.

Taking off? THIS is the new air taxi designed and manufactured in Spain Straight out of a sci-fi movie, the single person aircraft could change the future of travel. Powered by four drones and 16 independent motors, it will be the first vertical take-off craft in Spain. Covering 15 kilometres in 15 minutes, the aircraft can carry one person or loads of up to 150kg. Reaching an altitude of up to 300 feet, it will travel at speeds of up to 90 km/h. The prototype could be operational by 2024.

TRIO: Rocio, Tony King and (top) Dolores Vazquez Her body had turned up a who was better known as the month later in Marbella, burnt ‘Holloway Strangler’ back and apparently sexually as- home. saulted. Until he was arrested over the Billed as being one of the big- death of a second teenager, gest miscarriages of justice in Sonia Carabantes, in 2003, Spanish history, the series stud- Vazquez had served 17 months ies the involvement of Vazquez, jail for the murder of Rocio. who grew up in the UK, but “I owe my life to Sonia”, she moved to Spain to work in the claims in the documentary, betourist industry. cause without her subsequent It also looks in detail into the death, she would have ended up lifestyle of Rocio and her moth- serving her 15-year sentence. er - who still believes Vazquez is The film directed by Tania Ballo guilty - as well as the emergence has put the murder case back of her convicted killer, Tony on the table, sharing Vazquez's King, who became known as story and painting her as the ‘The Costa Killer’. ‘third victim’. The story stunned the Brit- There are still many answered ish media, particularly after it questions, in particular, the beemerged he had changed his lief of the jury in the King trial name from Tony Bromwich, that he was ‘not acting alone’.

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FEATURE

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

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

OPINION POOR CONNECTIONS THE shocking story of an expat grandmother being forced to spend a night outside in the rain highlights the sometimes deplorable infrastructure found outside of Spain’s main transport hubs. The airports of Madrid, Malaga, Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante are always bustling and are well served by flag carriers and budget airlines alike. In Madrid, as befits a modern capital, there’s a choice of a fast and frequent dedicated bus service direct from the door to the city centre for those that don’t want to catch the metro or train. But the same cannot be said of Spain’s smaller airports, as one Olive Press reader found out to her peril. She thought she was making well laid plans by arranging to arrive at the airport late at night before an early morning flight from Almeria. In fact she wasn’t aware that unlike most airports where travellers are often found stretched out on a bench or snoozing in a departure lounge, or drinking coffee in an all night cafe, Almeria airport won’t allow passengers to stay in the terminal overnight. Given the fact that Almeria airport is a gateway to a region that is hugely popular with visitors and expats from across northern Europe, it’s astonishing just how bad the services are there. No airport hotel within walking distance, no rail connection and few buses from there to resort towns along that stretch of coast and with no late flights due in, not a taxi to be seen. The bad luck in Mary McIntaggart’s story was that her unfortunate sojourn coincided with a stormy night – an unusual occurrence in a zone that boasts more than 330 sunny days a year.

Adventures in

S an admin-phobe, my main beef with Brexit was the paperwork that would ensue; I had an inkling it would be a ball-

buster. For three years at least, I prayed the whole nightmare would go away. The referendum vote would be overturned or Brexit would exist in name only. When I finally pulled my head out of

A bid for Spanish nationality leads to a Kafkaesque scenario involving inaccessible authorities and missing documents, writes Heather Galloway

the sand, it was to confront the worst deal short of no deal. I changed my UK driving license and Spanish residence permit relatively

HARD WORK: Janie leaves the register office empty handed and with her mum, heather

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painlessly towards the end of 2020 in the thick of COVID. Then came the hardest nut to crack: acquiring Spanish nationality for my oldest daughter, Janie, to allow her access to an EU university outside of Spain on manageable fees. Though born and brought up in Madrid, Janie is a UK citizen and was awarded a student loan for a threeyear ballet course in London. Unfortunately, injuries to her feet and a dislocated knee prevent her pursuing a career in dance, but she is not entitled to a further loan in the UK. We hold our breath and take the plunge. Spanish nationality has to be obtained. How hard can it be? Having triumphed with the other paperwork, I am tentatively optimistic. But that is only because I have yet to become acquainted with the disaster that is the Ministry of Justice. I hand the necessary documents over to my nearest civil registry which happens to be the local town hall. Time is of the essence but

Purr...pers please Here’s what you need to know about Spain’s plan to introduce ID for pets

HE government has unveiled plans for a national ID scheme for domestic animals as part of a far-reaching animal welfare reform bill. The new legislation will act as a sort of bill of rights for animals giving them an elevated status of a ‘sentient being’ above that of a possession, which is the current legal status. a pet passport. The Olive Press understands that the new ID system will allow for a record to be kept of any mistreatment suffered by the animal and to make it easier to locate the owner in cases of abandonment. It may also include a photo of the animal in the same way that Spain’s National Identity Card has for humans. As well as stricter punishments for those guilty of animal abuse there are tougher guidelines on the care of domestic pets, from how many you can keep to how long they can be left alone. Part of the legislation currently being reviewed, is the need for animals to have a unique ID to be included on a national database that will make it easier to register and identify the animal’s owner. According to Ione Belarra, the Minister of Social Rights, the identification of domestic animals will serve ‘to guarantee that we are on the right path and have a model where no ani-

mal is left helpless in Spain’. The pet ID will work in conjunction with a microchip that is already compulsory for owners of dogs and cats and will include essential information such as breed, date of birth and details of owner. But it is, as yet, unclear how the new ID document will differ from the health certificate booklet already issued by vets to responsible owners in Spain. This already shows the microchip number plus vaccination records of the animal. For those who take their pets across borders with the EU, it can already be issued in the form of The draft bill is set to be discussed by the cabinet this month before being presented for parliamentary debate.

November 3rd - November 16th 2021

Hunter of Monsters

O NOT ALL MISERY: Heather and Janie fret over the laptop but still have time to enjoy Spain

the first appointment is November 11, 2020. I say I am worried that Janie’s UK passport will be close to its expiry date by then, but am told it will be no problem as long as it is valid when submitted. I go home with the receipt and the sense of a job well done. The months pass and no word. In May, 2021, I decide to investigate online and am asked for a number I don’t have. An R number. I scour the receipt then I phone the Ministry of Justice. Finally I get through to a woman whose customer service skills were acquired in the Franco era. “You can’t know the status of your application without the R number,” she barks. I say I don’t have one. “Well, I can’t do anything without it.” I go back to the receipt and search again to no avail. I call the ministry again. “How do I get the R number?” I ask the woman on the other end of the line when I finally get through. To my surprise, she reels it off. Aha, I say, feeling as though I have been thrown a bone. I enter the R number online and Janie’s file comes up. Missing a paper, it says, with no further clues. I get back on the phone and provide the R number and Janie’s details to the gentleman on the other end. “You’re missing a paper,” he tells me. “I know. Which one?” “I can’t say.” “Why not?” “Look Mrs, it says a paper is missing. That’s all.” “So, how do I find out?” “Listen! Listen to me! You have to go to your daughter’s citizen’s file.” I call off. My head is about to explode. Vital weeks are passing. Every phone call is a morning’s work. We go through the laborious process of getting Janie a Clave Pin and finally get into her citizen’s file. The missing paper is the passport, but it is now too late to submit it as we have missed the three-month window. This, it

says, will result in the application being annulled. Okay, I think. Calm down. Never mind. We will start afresh. I get the papers together again and hand them over to the local registry with copies of a passport with 10 years on it. I get my receipt and go home. In September, almost a year after the first application, I phone the Ministry to get the R number for the ber I can ring?” new application. A woman answers. “No,” says the woman, categorically She says no application for 2021 has not. Nor can the woman be expected been registered but the first applica- to get in touch with the Department tion is still active and missing a paper. of Nationality, which is buried some“But it said that application would where in the same building. be annulled if I didn’t provide “Doesn’t the department have a the missing paper in time, which phone?” Janie cries. I didn’t,” I say through gritted teeth. “Write them a letter,” she says. “If you don’t annul the first appli- She gives Janie two sheets of paper cation,” she shoots back, “both so she can make two handwritten applications will be annulled.” copies, as though the photocopier or “How do I do that?” scanner were too futuristic to be at “Write a letter.” home in this environment. “To who?” Fighting an urge to sob, “The Department of writes two identical The world is no Janie Nationality.” letters, hands over one I write a letter. Dear longer anyone’s and leaves. Madam/ Sir. To whom it A month later, no news. oyster, except Janie’s future is uncermay concern. And send it by registered post. I for the likes of tain. The adventure has might as well have writbeen so ludicrous as to Boris Johnson verge on exhilarating. We ten to Santa Claus. A few weeks pass. hate the Ministry of JusJanie’s citizen’s file tice but most of all we is now empty. There is no word of a hate Brexit for forcing us to deal with missing paper anymore. it. We hear that Brexit might also be No word of anything. But responsible for the empty shelves in the ministry still says the UK, for the lack of lorry drivers she’s missing a paper. I and queues at petrol pumps. To cap decide to send a copy it all, there is a suggestion from Brexit of her passport on the mastermind Dominic Cummings that off chance, linked to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson nevthe ghost application. er entirely grasped the implications Now the submission of the withdrawal agreement that he of the passport reg- hammered out. isters in the citizen’s I think of my daughter, who at 21, canfile but the applica- not now study or work in another EU tion continues to country aside from Spain. I think of say it is missing a all the youngsters Janie’s age whose paper. horizons have shrunk. It strikes me My daughter goes that the pro-Brexit contingent were down in person to perhaps too arrogant to consider plead and beg for an- that by restricting the movement of swers. people coming into the UK they were “What do you ex- also curbing their children and grandpect me to do?” children’s opportunities. The world is the woman dead- no longer anyone’s oyster except, of pans from the other course, for the likes of Boris Johnson side of the desk. – ‘the trolley’ as Cummings calls him, Janie doesn’t know. who has pockets deep enough to side“Isn’t there a num- step all the red tape.

LIVE Press editor Jon Clarke has had dozens of exclusive stories and investigations published in the international press over the last few decades. Now he is making headlines himself. In a terrific accolade, Spain’s national newspaper ABC has run a three-page profile on him following the publication of his book My Search for Madeleine. Dubbing him Un Cazador de Monstruos, or A Hunter of Monsters, it charts his dogged reporting on the missing Madeleine McCann case - and its current prime suspect Christian Brueckner over the last 14 years. But, as ABC points out, this is not the only high profile criminal case that he has reported on – and gone into far deeper than most. His first big hits in Spain came during the 2003 investigation of the so-called Costa Killer over the murder of teenagers Rocio Wanninkhof and Sonia Carabantes. He wrote a book on the case, securing the only exclusive interviews with the wife and mother of British killer Tony King, also known as the Holloway Strangler. He had earlier probed and exposed Prince Andrew’s controversial links to global paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in a string of exclusives for the Mail on Sunday. And most recently he revealed how another arguable monster Boris Johnson was having a holiday here. And the list of exclusives goes on. It is no wonder the Olive Press has maintained its standards and remains the best English language newspaper and website in Spain While some media groups are headed by number crunchers and sales people whose eye is only on the bottom line, the Olive Press places journalism at the very heart of its operation. It is probably why hundreds of you are signing up to our website every month.

NATIONAL NEWS: Jon’s Maddie stories in The Sun and (above) the Times

The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: - EXCLUSIVE: German and Portuguese cops 1wanted meet to swap evidence on prime suspect who to catch something small in Madeleine McCan case

go back in 2021 and 2- Whenwhydodotheweclocks change the time in Spain Halls across spain deliberately 3- Are Towntargeting expats for cash the Benahavis villa that serves as 4- This issecret hideout for princess diana Are brits really leaving Spain 5- ANALYSIS: in droves. Where’s the evidence?

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Rafa Nadal making the switch to EVs By Dilip Kuner

TENNIS legend Rafa Nadal has thrown his weight behind a move to eco-friendly motoring by pledging to use electric cars. He took delivery of a Kia EV6 crossover at his academy in Manacor, Mallorca as part of a sponsorship deal with the Korean multinational. Nadal will use the car whenever he is in Mallorca as well as at major tennis tournaments such as the 2022 Australian Open. He is also looking at switching all vehicles used

Electric dreams

at the Rafa Nadal Foundation to electric vehicles by 2022. Accepting that his lifestyle of jetting around the world is not eco-friendly, he said: “My job naturally requires a lot of travel, and my lifestyle is not fully sustainable. But I’m determined to make the necessary changes where I can, starting with my personal use of the EV6 crossover in Mallorca and beyond.

GOING GREEN: Rafa Nadal

Wind giants A NEW floating windfarm with the capacity to generate 28% of Almeria electricity could be built off the coast of Nijar and Carboneras (Andalucia). The 300 MW Mar de Agata Offshore Wind Farm will be developed by BlueFloat Energy and SENER. It will create 7,500 jobs during the construction and decommissioning phases, 50% of them direct, with an estimated contribution to GDP of €630 million. There will be 12m tonnes of CO2 saved during the life of the wind farm, estimated at 30 years. The wind farm will be equipped with 20 turbines, each up to 261 metres above sea level, and will be 15km from the Cabo de Cata viewpoints.

November 3rd - November 16th 2021

REPSOL plans to invest €2.55 billion in projects to produce clean hydrogen. It will develop capacity by using different technologies including electrolysis and biogas to build 1.9GW of capacity by 2030. At the moment, most hydrogen is made

“I would like to encourage others to join me in driving these kinds of vehicles wherever possible.”

Cunning plan from natural gas, which negates hydrogen’s green credentials. Hydrogen can be used to power EVs using fuel cell technology giving greater range then conventional electric vehicles. While the figures sound impressive, it is a downgrade from original plans, which would have seen up to €2.9 billion spent by 2026. The plan, if fulfilled, will still make it the market leader in hydrogen for Spain and Portugal.

Martin Tye explains why solar power is back from the dead in Spain

Sunshine resurrection

Green Matters

By Martin Tye

PTIMISM has returned to the Spanish solar market after a decade of sluggish growth. It’s hard to believe that Spain was once a leader in the European solar energy market. It started well until the government killed it, effectively putting the solar industry into a coma for 10 years. In 2008, a massive 2,718 MW of new solar capacity was installed. In 2009 it decreased to a measly 44MW. This happened because of two key reasons: ● The financial crisis ● The appalling handling of the crisis by the Spanish government Spain should be leading the way with solar energy production. With solar irradiance in excess of 6 Kwh per square metre, as the climatic conditions are perfect.

SOLAR: Comeback

After all, one of the reasons most of us chose to live here is the sun. At the beginning of the new millennium the Spanish government had successfully stimulated the solar energy market with attractive remuneration schemes for developers and investors. When the crisis hit, unlike elsewhere in Europe, the government retroactively cut and killed subsidies. Investors fled the country. Lawsuits are still pending. Spain went backwards. In 2019 there were fewer than 1,000 houses in Spain with solar panels installed. Compare that to Germany with more than 1,000,000 homes generating electricity. Compare the climates – it just doesn’t make sense! Things started to change with the Paris agreement on climate change and its common EU commitment to reduce carbon emissions significantly before 2030. The Paris agreement was in 2015. It still took Spain until October 2018 to abolish the infamous sun tax, introduced by the former Mariano Rajoy government, under the influence of the former state monopolies Endesa and Iberdrola. I still find the concept of being taxed for producing renewable energy for self consumption beyond bonkers. “The country is finally freeing itself of the great absurdity, scorned by international observers, that is the sun tax,” said Teresa Ribera, the Minister for Ecological Transition. The solar market no longer requires subsidy to stimulate investment.

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Electricity prices have soared, solar panel costs have decreased in the past 10 years and their efficiency has increased. Return on investment used to be 15 years. It’s now less than five years. At last there is no more punishment, just encouragement.

Thought of the week If Spain had carried on installing solar panels as it should have, we would not be suffering as much from the horrific electricity prices we are now all subjected to. We actively support Debra España, the charity that helps Butterfly Children. A donation of €1 will be made for every contract we organise.

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The Olive Press all editions - FP_342x256 - PROMO - November 3/4/5

LETTERS

November 3rd - November 16th 2021

RED MIST ABOUT RED TAPE What a mess! Dear Olive Press,

had to pay the FOR the past two years I have out ever rewith IBI my for late payment fee ceiving the first bill. the council ofLast year I therefore went to ils so they can fice to give them my bank deta y to avoid late charge my account automaticall payment fees. ived the physHowever, last month I again receto be told I had only , them d calle ical letter and too late. shared my bank details a few days my correct I could see online that they had and said it bank details but they didn’t care was my fault. ed a friend Additionally, last January I help car. y pan com new her up pick forgot that we I had to go to Sant Cugal but icipality then. mun the e leav to wed weren't allo in July, which I ended up being issued a fineber. So I had to tem Sep in ut I was notified abo was too late for pay €300 instead of €180 as it ount. me to get an early payment disc I should have When I complained, I was toldam going to do checked their website - as if I ht have a fine so daily on the off chance I mig outstanding! changed my On top of this, the municipality out notifywith fifth to h sixt floor address from I receive all ing me nor my neighbour, so now sometimes gets my neighbour’s mail and mine lost. It’s a huge mess in Spain.

Yousif Hameed, Barcelona

The Olive Press report last issue of several instances where legal notices have never arrived or been sent to wrong addresses, sometimes resulting in the loss of people’s homes, has touched a nerve with readers Driven to distraction

Bad banks

I RECEIVED two Notificacion Providencia De Apremio’s from the Dependencia Regional De Recaudacion in Benidorm in March. This was the first contact re any traffic violations. They advised they were taking €720 from my bank account (which they did). It was only when my daughter phoned up Trafico that we learnt this was for two outstanding speeding fines in/around Tarragona in 2019. I sent a letter to Transit Tarragona explaining that I had not received any speeding tickets as they had sent them to an old address despite all my car documentation correctly listing my current address. This letter was not answered. I passed all the documents over to my car insurer and they tried to at least get the overpayment returned. They failed. I have now sent a second letter in Spanish, again recorded delivery on September 30, which has also not been answered. I am sure they believe I will just give up if they continue to ignore me.

I AM loathe to say they do it deliberately to raise money - but there is certainly a level of incompetence and a refusal to put matters right endemic to many of Spain’s public and private institutions. The bureaucracy is of course fabled for its intransigence. I have not once been notified of IBI at a commercial property I own in Fuengirola. The attitude is ‘you know you have to pay it, so you should come into the office every year to check how much it is’. Easier said than done when you live in another country and to get online you need a digital certificate. To get the certificate you do of course have to turn up in person. Banks are just as bad. I have been trying to close my account with Sabadell as I have not been in Spain for a long time due to COVID. The insistence is I have to go into the branch in person. In the meantime I am having to pay charges on the account. It is about time these institutions realised they are there to serve the public, not for the public to serve them.

Bill Paterson, San Pedro Alcantara, Malaga

David Connors, Rugby, UK

Frustration!

Simply theft!

IT can be frustrating trying to obtain town hall bills. I have been in person to the council office to get the bill, knowing extra charges would apply if payment was late, only to be sent away with the comment ‘it will be sent in the post’. Of course my IBI and water bills did not arrive until after the early payment discount period had passed. My complaint was then met with a shrug of the shoulders. ‘It is just what it is’, seems to be the attitude.

WE we are not only being pursued for ground rent from years ago, but had a sum of €3,891 stolen from our bank account. The authority concerned claims we have been notified, but neither ourselves nor our registered financial representative, have received such a notice by letter or email. Our accountant is Spanish, qualified in Spain and is having difficulty extracting a reason for this from the local authority concerned, which appears to be Almogia , where we used to own property. So far, no satisfactory explanation for this unwarranted theft has emerged . We are still pursuing this case at some expense to ourselves.

Mike Jones, Alicante

James Howie McMillan (by email)

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All solutions are on page 31

Pictures by Jon Clarke

Vol. 15

ll about

Issue 381

errania de Ronda www.theolivepress.es

F UNDA DA EN 2017

November 2021

MOORISH JON CLARKE waxes lyrical about his hometown of Ronda, where the sense of history is only matched by its soaring mountain scenery and (almost) its food

T’S one hundred metres, and 300 slippery spiralling steps, to reach the bottom of the siege tunnel of the Casa del Rey Moro. One of various escape routes during times of siege, there is no better reminder of Ronda’s fascinating historical past. A must-visit, alongside the nearby Arabic baths, the 13th century House of the Moorish King was a highlight of Michelle Obama’s visit to Andalucia a decade ago. America’s former first lady had insisted that she wanted to witness first-hand how the Arabic defenders took and received messages and

collected water during the regular sieges in the dark days of the end of the Kingdom of Granada just over 500 years ago. On a cultural holiday to explore the days of Al-Andaluz, she and her daughters spent a day wandering around the gem of a town that sits less than an hour inland from the Costa del Sol. Having visited the charming Arabic gardens of the Palacio Mondragon and the town’s iconic bullring - Spain’s oldest - she decided to undertake some exercise. Continues on Page 2

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ll about

November 2021

errania de Ronda

DETAIL: Ronda is filled with architectural delights around every corner

Simply charming From Front Page

By navigating the ‘la Mina’ staircase down to the bottom of the gorge, she was really getting a true understanding of what makes this mountain town so wonderful. For down at the bottom by the River Guadalevin - with the steep walls of the

famous Tajo towering above, and the swallows and rooks swooping around with gusto - you truly step back in time. Restored in 1911, the deep tunnel was originally carved out by Christian slaves to get water during the reign of Ronda’s Moorish king, Abomelik. While intended as a secret, Christians then living in Andalucia used the refrain that ‘in Ronda you

TYPICAL: Chestnut sellers from the nearby Genal Valley

die carrying water skins’. own atmospheric gardens, had three They were certainly not likely to have main rooms - hot, cold and tepid - and enjoyed the wonderful welcome were fed with water from the river outmostly Muslim travellers would have side. The domed ceilings with their starreceived in the nearby Arabic baths. The Banos Arabes, built in the 11th shaped air vents were part of a comcentury, are said to be the best pre- plex astronomical symbolism so popserved in Spain today and, for me, are ular in Moorish times. the best place to start a history tour of The baths were the main hammam and lay just outside the Ronda. defensive walls by the Take my advice, for main gate to the town having lived in the area Arabic towns from the direction of for nearly two decades, nowhere else offers up Granada. became such a good introducA clever virtual reality genuine tion to the wealth and video, in both Spanish sophistication of the and English, brings the paradises to former Arabic inhabpast back to life and is live in itants who ruled this a must-watch, before part of Spain for an incontinuing your tour credible 700 years until up the hill into the old the late 15th century. town. With clever urban planning, a careful By the time of the collapse of Arabic use of water and tactical planting of rule in 1485, Ronda had been receivtrees and shrubs towns like Ronda ing foreign visitors for around 1500 (and others including Priego de Cor- years. doba, Alhaurin and Alhama de Grana- Established in 9BC, it is one of Andada) became genuine paradises to live lucia’s oldest towns and in Roman in. times was completely independent The Arabic baths, which sit in their with a thriving wine industry and even

Pictures by Jon Clarke

CLASSICAL: Ronda town hall and (right) a busker in Plaza Socorro

TRADITION: the bullring and (left) matadors have been star attractions for 300 years

with its own coinage, fittingly with a tendril of grapes on its flipside. A bustling military bastion known as Arunda - which means ‘surrounded by mountains’ - it had a sister settlement of Acinipo a few miles away in Ronda la Vieja. The nearby mountains between the two ancient settlements are literally swollen with ancient remains. They include the pre-roman salt mines of the Cerro de las Salinas, the hidden Arabic baths in the Llano de la

3 November 2021

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Culinary dynamos Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver both told me how lucky I was to live there, while making TV shows in the area, and celebrity chef Jean Christophe Novelli once gave me an interview in which he told me he was moving to Ronda (he actually only stayed for a couple of months, after failing to find the right property to buy). There is something inextricably magical and tough about Ronda in equal measures. The extremes of weather (its spiky dry heat in summer and freezing winters thanks to its altitude of 800m) doesn’t suit everyone. Equally its inward-looking locals, so typical of conservative mountain types the world over, are not openly friendly and take a while to warm to you. But there is no denying its location and landscape. Take the view from the famous new bridge across the Tajo (or Ronda’s famous gorge). It goes on forever towards the Grazalema mountains on one side and the recently inaugurated national park of the Sierra de las Nieves in the other direction. In the old town the highlights include various museums (the one at the Palacio Mondragon particularly worth a visit) while keep your eyes peeled for the splendid Renaissance mansion known as the Palacio del Marques de Salvatierra, which has a portal full of colonial images of Peruvian images (see top left). The neoclassical town hall is also an architectural gem, while the cathedral (once a mosque) is also well worth a poke around. The bull ring, which is still privately owned by the Ordonez family, is an excellent introduction to a pastime that goes back 300 years in Ronda. Built by the godfather of modern bullfighting Pedro Romero, who was painted by Francisco Goya and fought into his eighties, it is a one of Andalucia’s top visitor attractions and particularly worthwhile for its collection of Goya etchings, not to mention the perfect proportions of its soft sandstone arches. It was here that Michelle Obama had ended her tour at the next door restaurant of Escudero (now moved outside the town), where she had prawns as a starter, followed by ‘a fine fillet steak’, at least so says her waiter on the day, one Jose Manuel. Then finally (before taking the windy hour-long drive back to her hotel on the coast) the world’s then most powerful woman is said to have told the mayor that she would ‘definitely be back.’... and next time with her husband! I’ve not yet bumped into Barrack. But believe me, it really wouldn’t surprise me in Spain’s most evocative town.

R PA

Cruz valley, the remains of the Roman aqueduct on a private estate south of the town and the recent discovery of a Roman grape-treading floor and bodega at Morosanto vineyard just outside Arriate. Here, on a lovely wide open slope, archaeologists have excavated a sizable wine operation with pipes through which wine was transported to vats. The discovery – among a series of columns, statues and a 21-metre Roman swimming pool and sauna - now means that historians can link the production of wine in Ronda to 3AD. You most definitely feel the pull of the Romans (and later Moors) just wandering around the old Casco Historico, with its wonderful buildings, sleepy alleyways, doorways and arches. It is little wonder that so many writers have waxed lyrical about the place… Orson Welles moved here and had his ashes scattered at a nearby estate, while Austrian writer and poet Rilke described it as the ‘City of Dreams’. Ernest Hemingway partbased his novel For Whom the Bells Toll here and much of his work is a love letter to the town. The Dangerous Summer is largely about its Ordonez family bullfighting dynasty, while in Death in the Afternoon he wrote: “It is where you should go if you ever go to Spain on a honeymoon or ever bolt with anyone. The entire town and as far as you can see in any direction is a romantic backdrop.” It’s why Madonna has shot a music video here, why the film Carmen was filmed here and why Bill Gates, Adrian Brody, Ricky Gervais, Anne Hathaway and Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker, plus many more celebrities, have recently taken holidays in Ronda.

Calle Virgen de los Dolores 11 29400 Ronda, Málaga, España

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4 November 2021

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The castle tour

Pictures by: Jon Clarke

Battle stations It’s the moment Napoleon’s unpopular army is finally sent into retreat by a legion of local townsfolk. Pitchforks, muskets and all... And Ronda Romantica, when the whole town dresses up in 19th century garb, in spring is a must-visit event

Take the back route into the Serrania de Ronda and visit the many castles of its western edge

GORGEOUS vista unfolded as we drove past Casares and looped around the valley towards Gaucin, known as the ‘balcony of the Serrania de Ronda’ because of its wonderful views, writes Jon Clarke. This is the back way into the Serrania and one of Europe’s loveliest drives, particularly now they have finished the A-377 inland. This is the perfect alternative route to Ronda, taking in the c e l e b r a t e d town of Gaucin, the stunning Genal Valley and the charming market town of Jimena de la Frontera, which sits at the extreme we s te r n edge of the Serrania alongside the amazing Alcornocales natural park. Gaucin can

Pictures by Jon Clarke

November 2021

FORTIFICATIONS: The west end of the Serrania includes Jimena (above) and Gaucin (far left), while a mother at a fountain in Gaucin and a local (right)

be seen for miles around, like a white ribbon on the peak of a hill. It’s a charming spot, popular with upmarket tourists and walkers and has a fabulous castle, the Castillo del Aguila, which sits at 688 metres above sea level and offers a classic eagle’s perch of the surrounding area. Another half an hour on and you come to Jimena de la Frontera, a whitewashed town officially declared of Historical and Artistic Im- portance in 1983. A wonderful weekend getaway, it has been inhabited by Iberians and Phoenicians, as well as the Romans, while its 13th century Moorish castle has looked out over many a bloody battle. Today things are rather more tranquil and you will see plenty of children running around, as well

as men on horseback and remar- de- fence system that stretched ka- bly few tourists. from It may be a mostly quiet town but Olvera to Tarifa and protected the that doesn’t mean that the locals western edge of the Kingdom of don’t know how to party and on Granada. many Saturday nights it comes It remains as a constant realive. minder of Ji- mena’s Try the historic Hosintriguing past as a tal Anon, which has ‘frontera’ - or fronIt remains as live music and a detier - when it guarded a reminder of cent young crowd. In the western flanks of the daytime, thouJimena’s past the Arabic Al Andalus gh, it’s all about puwith Christian Spain. as a frontier tting your walking The castle witnesshoes on and headsed many battles as town ing around the steep Christian armies laid cobbled streets… frequent siege to and, in particular to the castle the fortifications protecting the that rises above it. important Moorish stronghold of The eighth century castle became Algeciras. a National Monument in 1931 The view of the surrounding counand has recently been renovated, tryside below is amazing, in parti but it was once part of a Moorish cular the sprawling forests and

H O T E L & R E S TA U R A N T

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un- dulating hills of Los Alcornocalesnatural park behind. One of Europe’s largest protected spaces, it is the ideal spot for putting on your walking boots and exploring. When the Hozgarganta River swells there are dreamy waterfalls and pools to be found but, as ever, ask the locals to point you to the best spots. The park is also home to the prehistoric paintings at Laja Alta which incredibly date back as far as the Bronze Age. After a day spent exploring the wild and stunning terrain, Jimena offers a range of enticing dining options with a mix of Spanish and Moorish cuisine. The area is known for mushroom picking and game hunting, but the one thing you can’t leave with-

out trying is the sweet ‘piñonate’ cake. For history lovers another great castle worth visiting is at nearby Castellar de la Frontera. The drive up to the village passes through forests of cork trees and past the beautiful turquoise reser- voir formed by the Guadarranque River. When you get there, the small village within the old castle walls has a traditional Hispanic feel but is sprinkled with quirky shops selling a mix of Moroccan jewellery and trinkets. When you finally head home after a weekend of castle-hopping, re- joice in the knowledge that hidden just behind the Costa del Sol’s shining bright lights lie some of Spain’s most precious mountain gems.

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FUND ADA EN 2017

Shelling out! Ronda is becoming the new ‘Pistachio valley’ with its perfect climate for the popular nuts, writes Jon Clarke

T VISION: Henk has big plans

AKE a walk around the Ronda area these days and you’ll notice a series of bright green trees springing up everywhere. Look closely and you’ll see them bearing some unusual yellow reddish fruits in September… well these are pistachios, most commonly seen in parts of Iran, California and Turkey. Thanks to a big demand worldwide, they are now becoming a popular cash crop for the inland Andalucia mountains, in particular around Ronda. Many plantations have gone in over the last few years and now, finally,

TREES WITH A VIEW: The soaring Ronda hills have the perfect climate for pistachios (below) with their red fruit Ronda has one of the first processing plants in Andalucía. Set up by an expat Dutchman, Ronda Pistachios, sits in a wonderful location surrounded by 15 hectares of pistacho trees. Officially opened this september by the mayor of Ronda, it will be capable of processing pistachios for not just the immediate area but the needs of farmers from a few hours by car around. “We planted our first pistachios six years ago,” explains Henk van Dalen, who has had a home in the Ronda area for two decades. Alongside his Spanish business partner, Joaquín Becerra, a local agronomist, the pair are developing the business entirely sustainably. Our vision is to develop future pistachio growing in Andalucía with respect for the environment, by

improving the soil in innovative ways and by sharing information. “These will be 100% organic pistachios and we expect to be up to full speed in the next few years. We now have 16 ha and we are planting another 65 ha. We will then care for 16.000 trees pistachio trees,” adds the softly-spoken 71-year-old, who divides his time between Holland, Spain and Africa. Thinking about Pistachio growing started in 2014 when Henk needed

PLANT: Farmers can now process their precious crop locally

to find a project for an estate he had bought in the Los Prados area of Ronda. A licence was needed in order to renovate a farmhouse. Together Henk and Joaquin decided that planting pistachios was a good thing for the “camarca de Ronda”. Pistachios make it possible to earn more from agriculture than almonds or olives provide. Starting a new crop in the region, a sustainable crop, good for the farmer and the environment is exiting too. On the other side it takes 10 years for the pistachio trees to be fully productive,” he explains. There are currently five main types of pistachio trees in the area and a crop fetches around eight to nine euros per kilo. “We are working to develop pistachio growing in Andalucia. We like to share our knowledge and invite growers from within an hour or two from our plant in Los Prados to use our plant to process their pistachio crop. “We can help in terms of advice about anyone’s local climate and soil type and select varieties that will do well,” he continues. Coincidentally, the well travelled Dutchman had actually visited Kerman, the pistachio growing region of Iran, back in the 1970s as a student. “I was 25 and studying biology in Amsterdam and two times headed out that way to travel. Since then I did not forget Iran.” It is interesting to note that a delegate of farmers are set to visit Ronda from Iran, primarily to find mutual interests in the pistachio culture.. “I know we have started something that grows organically and one day pistachio growing will provide Ronda with some important new products: The pistachio nuts: unpeeled as a snack, peeled for use in restaurants, as a paste for bakeries and pistache oil for the kitchen. Any farmer interested in pistachio growing is invited to contact us for information at: www.rondapistachos.com

7 November 2021

RONDA CIRCULAR

Seasoned walking writer Guy HunterWatts on the joys of the new long distance footpath that circles Ronda

HEN Spain finally lifted the State of Emergency after months of enforced isolation, what I, like many people, most craved was a breath of fresh air, in both the literal and metaphorical sense. And what better way to escape the nightmare of lockdown and rediscover a sense of space than with a long hike through the mountains? Fortunately for me, I live in a small village 20 minutes from Ronda and so hiking the new ‘Gran Senda’ was a natural choice for a trek close to home. The GR-141 - La Gran Senda de la Serrania de Ronda, to give it its full title - is among several GR walking routes that have recently been created in Andalucía. GR stands for Gran Recorrido and comes from Grande Randonee, a term first used in France to designate a long distance hiking trail.

The Gran Senda is a six stage, 110km circuit that begins and ends in Ronda. The walk links several of the prettiest villages of the surrounding Guadiaro and Genal valleys via tracks, footpaths and an ancient drover’s route that once linked the Campo de Gibraltar with the summer pastures of the Serrania. You can walk all of it, part of it and, if you stay over a night, almost all the villages have small hotels and restaurants, so you don’t need to carry camping and cooking gear. High summer wasn’t an ideal time to be tackling a long distance walk in Andalucia. But I knew that by carrying plenty of water and making early starts, the hike would be the tonic I needed. Leaving Ronda’s old town via a spectacular path that snakes down beside its famous gorge I felt elated to be back on the trail, my thoughts turning to Laurie Lee’s celebrated on-foot adventure, As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning. The 24 kilometres of stage 1 are its most challenging, leading across the depression in front of Ronda’s towering cliffs before descending into the Guadiaro valley. Passing through Benaojan the trail leads south to the sleepy village of Jimera de Libar via a riverside path where I chanced upon a kingfisher, a grey heron and – rare luck! – a family of otters gliding through the clear waters of the Guadiaro. From Jimera, the trail’s second stage runs south past Cortes to the plunging gorge of La Buitrera where you’re guaranteed close encounters with the colony of griffon vultures that nests on its vertical cliffs. Reaching Colmenar after another 23kms

MOUNTAIN VISTAS: New trail rolls around Ronda and its surrounding villages of stunning views, but with the tempera- ing in 2018 while ture in the high thirties most of the way, the narrow path the beer I gulped down in the station’s leading up towards the Puerto railside bar could not have tasted better. Leaving Colmenar, stage three heads de Encinas Borraup a steep climb to Gaucín where the chas is overgrown trail swings back towards Ronda. Here with prickly gorse you enter the cork oak forest of the Bajo and thistles; by Genal before descending to the valley the time I began floor and a beautiful section of riverside my descent into the sandstone walking. Oak forest gives way to vast stands of gorge of El Tajo chestnut trees as you pass through Be- del Abanico my narraba, Benalauria, Atajate and Alpan- legs were looking like one of Jackdeire. de Ronda has much to offer, and in these These middle three stages of the Gran son Pollock’s messiest creations. Senda are shorter than the first two but If you’re looking for a challenging week of troubled times, there’s nothing quite as still tough enough, with a couple of pun- walking, La Gran Senda de La Serranía good as heading out into them thar hills. ishingly steep ascents. The final leg of the Gran Senda - from Guy leads bespoke half day and full day walks along the most beautiful trails Alpandeire back to Ronda - proved to be in the Ronda mountains and Grazalema Park. He is soon to publish his book unexpectedly challenging. Sections of on the GR-141 and is the author of several walking guides to Andalucia. For the trail were washed away by flash flood- details see www.guyhunterwatts.com or call Guy on + 34 616 057 184

MOLINO DEL SANTO IS

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S KEEPING HISTORY ALIVE A

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November 2021

ANT to get an idea what life was like in Andalucia 5,000 years ago? Well, at the Algaba education centre just outside Ronda, you have the perfect opportunity. Through its hauntingly realistic prehistoric village you learn about how our forefathers created fire, ground their bread, as well as decorated their homes.

You can even find out what they did with their dead. “We teach people about ancient Mediterranean ecosystems because this land has been occupied from prehistoric times to the present day,” explains owner Juan Terroba. Algaba’s work also includes research and teachings on the geology and ornithology of the area, as well as acting as a rare breeds centre for endangered cows. These include the Spanish Pajuna – of which there are just 500 left (pictured top right)– as well as the Andalucian Cardena, which in the early 90s had been reduced to just seven individuals. Thanks to the work of organisations like Algaba, there are now around 200 Cardenas. Guests and groups can come and stay at the centre’s restored 250-year-old finca. “It is certainly a place where people can come and get away from it all”.

VISIONARY: Juan Terroba

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errania de Ronda

“

INLAND DREAMS

THERE are so many dreamers, but we are simply trying to deliver them to those who dream of luxury,” explains the owner of one of inland Andalucia’s most experienced estate agents. Just one quick look at Oscar Villas and Fincas knows all the best country properties Ernstsen’s website Villas and in the Serrania de Ronda... and further afield Fincas and you understand immediately what he means. These are not your average run-of-the-mill country properties or costa villas… the homes for sale via his agency, based in Casares, are simply extraordinary. Fortresses, palaces and castles, this is one website that has them all. “I guess you could say we are very picky,” explains the erudite Dutchman, 63. “We know immediately what we are after and we know our clients well.” His buyers are cultured and sophisticated buyers, mostly from northern Europe, who realise that they can get a lot more from their money inland. “They also appreciate 1000-year-old oaks, 800-year-old monasteries and they know they get far better quality of food at better prices,” he Belgian, Scansquare villas RE A L E S TATE A G E N T FO R TH E FIN E S T C O UN TRY P RO P E R TI ES IN AND ALU SIA, SPAIN dinavian and adds. you find in increasingly British His family business - including Zagaleta, then buyers,” he says. “In fact over wife Anita, daughter Nienke and two there are not the last few weeks the British market is co-workers Rebecca and Aurelia - is many that size really back. It is growing and growing. certainly doing something right having inland. You “The Brits love Spain and they are so its best year in two decades. really need to fed up with waiting and they are prepaAnd he’s expecting things to get better. be prepared to red to put up with two 90-day periods a “We’ve sold dozens of homes this year, travel.” year over here.” millions of euros worth of property,” he Ernstsen and While he has dozens of amazing places explains. “But we just can’t get enough his wife Anita to buy around the Ronda mountains, places to sell.” set up in Spain SUCCESS: Oscar Ernstand two stunning including Gaucin, Casares and GrazaDespite marketing many beautiful hoin 2001 ha- sen Ronda homes for sale mes from the Serrania de Ronda all the lema, his agency also has some plum ving worked way to Jaen and Huelva, he is desperaproperties further afield. for developers in the Netherlands and STUNNING MANSION, RONDA te for more.UNIQUE COUNTRY ESTATE WITH “We have just sold a huge estate near Portugal. country estate only available for a privileged few. This estate has everything you could wish for; natural beauty, a vineyard, livestock, hunting. “WeIt Awilldream have a lot of American, Dutch, Aracena, in Huelva, and a current faTheir business grew slowly and orgasoon have an olive grove and it counts with over 1300 m2 constructed area, including a four-bedroom mansion, a three-bedroom guest house and a two-bedroom staff house. The current owner of the finca loves it so much that he is constantly investing in improvements for the property! vourite of mine is nically out of an office in Casares and they have built up many good friends a m3,200 hectare 186-00660P 9 bedrooms 6 bathrooms 1.968 m 2,510.000 private garden private pool around the region. hunting estate for P.O.A € €16m, north of “We are now getting to the point where Cordoba. we are selling homes again for a se“We travel as cond time and we have lots of good far as four hours personal recommendations,” he conaway, but it is cludes. more than worth Above all, he is delighted that as he it as there are so approaches retirement age, that his daumany stunning ghter looks set to take over the business. haciendas, hun- Having grown up in Andalucia, Nienke ting estates and is bi-lingual, but has a degree in ChineMAGNIFICENT ESTATE, RONDA AUTHENTIC CORTIJO, RONDA CORTIJO WITH COURTYARD, RONDA se philosophy and has recently relocacountry properties Magnificent country estate in the hills of Ronda overlooking the Impressive Andalusian Cortijo property has panoramic views Beautiful Cortijo with courtyard, stables, independent guest old Roman amphitheatre and the rolling fields of Ronda towards the Arriate valley and the Ronda mountains. Currently houses, a garage and a bodega. This country property is ted back to Spain from the Netherlands. within that area.” la Vieja. The property is set in its own private valley. in use as a luxury rural getaway, inc one-bedroom staff house. completely fenced and comprises 35.000 m2 of fertile land. 6 bedrooms | 6 bathrooms | 800m² build | 268.700m² plot 8 bedrooms | 8 bathrooms | 809m² build | 15.300m² plot 6 bedrooms | 810m² build | 35.000m² plot “She loves it here and knows it well,” He | 4 bathrooms continues: Ref: 186-2773P Ref: 186-00756P Ref: 186-00744P “One 1.150.000 thing € for explains her father. “In fact she is the 3.300.000 € 1.495.000 € sure, if clients want perfect person to explain the benefits of those big 1,000m buying in inland Andalucia.” 2

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Issue 381

THE REPUBLIC I OF FUN

www.theolivepress.es

November 2021

While enveloped in stunning mountain scenery, warm-hearted independent Arriate is famous for its friendly locals and a love of partying, writes Jon Clarke

T might only be five minutes from Ronda to Arriate by car, but it’s five light years away in character. Indeed what Ronda has in history and heritage, its nearest neighbour of Arriate has in authenticity and charm. And it definitely has more fun. A buzzing village of nearly 5,000 people, Arriate offers a great quality of life, far from the usual tourist drag and it punches well above its weight. Fiercely independent of Ronda, it wrestled control from its near neighbour over four centuries ago and the locals insist they have always been entirely different. It was in fact on February 14, 1630, that the villagers paid 352,739 Maravedies in order to buy their independence from Ronda. It then took its name from an estate which had existed since the Moorish times, with Arriate deriving from the Arabic term Arriadh, which means ‘the gardens’. And this was no surprise as the leafy area is well irrigated and long supplied most of the fruit and vegetables to nearby Ronda, which totally envelops Arriate making it a sort of island. But while just over eight kilometres square - the smallest district in Malaga province - it is one small village that massively punches above its weight. Staunchly left wing since the death of dictator Franco in 1975, the locals insist their snobbish Continues on Page 2

Pictures by: Jon Clarke

Vol. 15

rriate

COLOURFUL: Fiesta en el Aire, Halloween fun and the Romeria

Fusion Cuisine Restaurant, situated in a 1940s cinema

Open Thursday to Sunday 13.00-00.00 restaurantecaireles@gmail.com tel: 613 00 99 22 Calle Ronda nº 10, 29350 Arriate, Spain

2 November 2021

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rriate

Friendly

Pictures by: Javier Anet

From Front Page

HOLY: The church of San Jaen de Letran

‘pico’ neighbours may have the money, but Arrieteños are far more worldly and friendly. “We are certainly far more open than the locals in Ronda,” explains businesswoman Carmeli Gamarro, whose family firm Melgar have been curing and salting meat for many centuries. “The Arrieteños are worldly people, who have travelled the globe in order to work,” she continues. This is certainly the case with the majority of them having to emigrate to other parts of Europe - principally France, Switzerland and Germany - during the harsh impoverished years of the 1960s and 1970s before the death of Franco. Many of them finally made it back and you can’t fail to notice the number of contented pensioners hanging around watching the day go by. One place, Bar La Albarra is so famous for these old boys that one Dutch photographer put together an exhibition based entirely around its regulars. There are dozens of bars here for them… but equally there are dozens of shops, with at least two greengrocers, two flower shops, three bakeries and four butchers alone. To take a pulse of the village spend five minutes in the queue at Pedro Montesino’s greengrocer, which usually snakes around the shop. This is as good a snapshot of life in this Andalucian village as I can possibly conjure up. And there is always banter and discussion on the events of the week. A hard-working man, Pedro typifies the hard-working locals and is up with the lark to locate his wonderful selection of fruit and veg and spends much of his afternoon

PROUD: Of its independence from Ronda and (right) colourful displays during Fiesta en el Aire delivering it around the nearby area. “It is the best thing about living in a village “And as long as the locals keep supporting like this,” he explains. our local shops and demanding good qual- Local mayor Javier Anet is of a similar ity goods then I will continue finding them,” mindset and sums up Arríate’s passion for he says. the countryside and nature. Pedro is typical of the Arriate stock. A A staunch environmentalist, having studstaunch supporter of old fashioned village ied geography at university, he is keen to life, he spends most weekends enjoying promote the wonderful green spaces and the local countryside, when not looking af- walks around the local area. ter his ageing parents. In particular, the trails around the Arroyo A keen hiker, he is forever in training for de la Ventilla, a stunning hidden valley this or that, the highlight of his year being choked with nature and evidence of man, the annual 101km walk organised by near- going way back before the Romans. by Ronda’s famous Spanish Legion. “It’s a breathtaking space and a real ad-

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3 November 2021

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venture for anyone looking for a genuine escape,” he explains. “It’s this natural way of life we want to promote to anyone thinking of visiting the area.” Anything but your average politician, he has spent the last few years working parttime as a photographer and had various photos published in the national press. A few are featured here. It is little surprise that Arriate – after Ronda – is one of the only inland Malaga villages to continue to grow over the last few decades. Much of this must be down to its laid back nature and reputation for being a party town. Despite being ruled by the IU (or Communist party) for well over a decade (the socialist PSOE party finally took over a few years ago), there is more interest in having fun than the teachings of Chairman Mao. This might perhaps explain why – despite its apparent hard left leanings - the village has some of the best known Easter parades in Andalucia. Highly competitive and reaching fever EASTER: A big deal in Arriate even during COVID pitch around Good Friday, practically every most of those involved hardly ever go to church family has a member in one parade or another. Indeed, such is the clamour to be involved, the and so it is really just down to tradition.” brotherhoods even hold lotteries for the right to Aside from the 400 years of tradition that brings thousands of visitors to see the Hermandad del carry the floats (or tronos) of Jesus and Mary. “It has always seemed a real contradiction to Santisimo Cristo de la Sangre y del Santo Entierme,” says Jose Antonio Coca, a local fitness in- ro de Cristo at Easter, there are other festivals structor and masseur, who grew up in the town. such as the Romeria, the Dia de la Vieja, and the “The processions are taken very seriously and now famous Fiesta en el Aire, which outside of they are very moving, but it is a simple fact that the pandemic normally takes place in October. “It is this sort of thing that really makes the Arriate people stand out,” explains former mayor Melchor Conde, who now works for the Malaga provincial authorities. “They are above all very generous; and always have an open door and are happy to give you what they have.” Another curious trait about Arriate is its wealth of musical talent. There are two town bands, a drumming group and ‘everyone plays one instrument or another,’ it is claimed. It is a tradition that can be traced back even before the origins of the town, when a mythical group of country musicians roamed the area playing music in the dead of night. Known as La Aurora de Arriate, the group of musicians still keep up the tradition playing in the dead of night on Sunday morning between the hours of 4am and 6am. With origins from Arabic times in the 13th century, the coplas, or local songs, have been passed down from generation to generation and became famous when in 1973 the British National Geographic Society recorded them for an album on Spanish cultural music. A capacity for music and culture is all too obvious with a visit to the incredible Los Caireles restaurant on the high street. There are few surprises in the Serrania de Ronda as pleasant as walking through the anonymous, easy-to-miss doors into this wonderful space that was once a cinema. Continues on Page 4

2021

estación de arriate s/n 29350 arriate (málaga) www.elmuelle-arriate.com closed on Mondays and Tuesdays +34 952 166 370 | +34 637 784 416

Wonderful country escape in the Ronda valley. Roaring fire, American pool table and acres of private gardens.

C O N TA C T laalcantarillaronda@gmail.com Minimum 2 nights stay

www.casamaia.co.uk

ocus on

November 2021 From Page 3

rriate

GREEN ESCAPE

The brainchild of brothers Roberto and Monolo Rivera, they have undertaken an amazing conversion of the 1940s Cine Ideal, that is incredibly still intact out back. The bar and open-plan restaurant with its glass roof light is just one small corner of what was once the cinema. And what a gem it is, with all its cine memorabilia scattered around the walls and corners. “Our father was a real film fantasist,” says Monolo. “This was one of the most popular cinemas in the Serrania. “People came for miles around despite the movies being heavily censored by the local priest and mayor, who would watch the film first demanding cuts all over the place.” Running until 1988, when due to dwindling audiences part of it had to be converted PARADISE: Walking in the into a flamenco venue, the Arroyo de la Ventilla brothers have kept it intact out back despite numerous offers from developers to turn it into flats. rant is going from strength to “This is our legacy and part of strength with its young chef, our town’s key Ivan Tirado, who history,” says Rotrained under berto. “I grew up two-Michelin star This is our watching CineBenito Gomez at legacy and ma Paradiso and nearby Bardal always dreamt of (see review latpart of our one day opening er). the cinema up The brothers town’s key again. One day are also already history we hope to be thinking of a few able to find the concerts and funding to do special events that.” for the festive season as well For the time being, the restau- as next year’s Fiesta en el Aire,

Picture by: Javier Anet

CASA MAIA

which was actually modelled on an idea that came from their father in the 1950s. Taking place each October, the festival is an ‘open air’ celebration of the town’s artists, musicians ‘and creativity in general,’ explains Roberto, who is himself a photographer. Weather permitting, the three day bash sees the whole town coming out onto the streets for a range of concerts, food and general fun. It is, after all, what Arriate is about.

On top of the World! Arriadh Hotel is situated in the beautiful ‘Serranía de Ronda’, just a 10 minute drive from Ronda’s city centre. The village Arriate, undiscovered by mass tourism, is within walking distance and offers a wide variety of restaurants and tapas bars. Arriadh Hotel is the perfect ‘home away from home’ to rediscover Ronda and the area. Or just to relax and take in the breath taking views and sunsets from one of the terraces, the garden, the swimming pool or your own balcony. If you want to stay in, don’t worry. Your hosts John and Wilbert always have a variety of tapas available and on request they will prepare a lovely dinner.

Tel.: +34 952 11 43 70

Lugar Partido Rural Santa Maria, 274 in Ronda

www.arriadhhotel.com RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT when you reserve on www.arriadhhotel.com using promotional code OLIVEPRESS

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November 2021

PEAK DINING WHERE TO EAT

A pair of Michelin stars, Trip Advisor’s top Spanish restaurant and an international line up of talented chefs: Is Ronda now Andalucia’s top foodie escape, asks Jon Clarke

T was two decades ago that Ronda became famous for its Michelin-starred restaurant Tragabuches, named after its infamous local bandit. Guided to the top with the help of Andalucia’s current culinary superstar Dani Garcia, it became one of the hip, must-visit eateries for foodies the world over… and spawned a bustling food scene in Ronda that was as authentic as it was exciting. But, as quickly as it made it, Tragabuches sank due to poor promotion and

STAR: Benito Gomez with Jon and some of Bardal’s inventions mismanagement leading to the ignominious loss of its star and the buzz of the local scene fizzling out with it. Ronda became something of a culinary desert once again and you (mostly) had to head out to the nearby villages to eat well. Now however, that has changed… in part, thanks to various former staff,

who have begun to thrive out of the ashes of Tragabuches. The best example of this is Benito Gomez, whose two Michelin starred Bardal has been on the up and up since opening five years ago, coincidentally in the former kitchen of Tragabuches. While shut for over a year due to the pandemic, it reopened earlier this

year with many critics (me included) believing he could actually soon pull off the unspeakable and win three stars for his amazing joint. Gomez is a genuine character, a real livewire, totally passionate about food and constantly changing his menu, which may have doubled in price since he got his second star in 2019, but on

a recent visit more than justifies it. I particularly love his passion for Ronda’s finest local ingredients - that are many, due to its geography - and his total unswerving support of Andalucian cuisine in general, particularly given he is a Catalan. Continues on Page 10

BY MAR TIN ABRAMZON

November 2021 WHERE TO EAT

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DINING HIGHLIGHTS From Page 9

He has been here though for well over two decades, having first cut his teeth with legendary El Bulli genius Ferran Adria, when he opened at Hacienda Benazuza, in Sanlucar la Mayor, near Sevilla, gaining two stars in almost as many years. I first met Benito there, standing in for the former three-Michelin maestro, where I ate pretty much the best meal of my life - a 25-course four-hour masterclass, for just €99 - that literally blew my mind. From there he moved to Ronda, where I have lived since 2003, first working under Dani Garcia at Tragabuches before leaving to open his own less formal tapas restaurant Tragatapas a decade ago. It coincidentally keeps getting better and better and where his wife, a local Rondenan, runs the show with military precision. Another former Tragabuches hand, who keeps improving, is Martin Abramzon, an Argentine, who is also now a genuine Rondenan local. His hip joint Kutral sits in Ronda’s industrial estate and is style personified. Focusing on the best cuts of meat available cooked on a parilla-style BBQ, he has quickly made a name for himself. But there is a lot more besides, with top picks including a burrata salad with sun dried tomatoes, amazing Argentinian empanadas and a mean lemon curd pudding. It is no surprise to learn he trained with Spanish legend Martin Berasategui and has cooked for Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo among others.

Another three-star Berasategui trainee is Jose Antonio junior at Tropicana, which was recently voted Spain’s top restaurant by Trip Advisor. Yes, ‘Number One for Best Everyday Dining in Spain’ and tops for all round good quality, great local restaurants. It is an amazing accolade and he and his father, Jose Antonio senior, have done an amazing job turning this place into yet another ‘must visit’ joint in Spain’s most evocative mountain town. While not an enormous fan of the global food website, there is no doubt they are getting it right with Tropicana, which really is magical. The father and son UP AND UP: Martin at Kutral, while (right) Pedro Romero team deliver a great range of carefully considered dishes focus- looking out over the ancient part of Roning very much on local ingredients with lots da, with a mountain backdrop behind and of small twists. It is hard to fault anything an almost Biblical landscape folding out in about the place, in particular its decor and front of you. location but if there is one major stand out, The hard-working owners Jose Manuel and it is Junior’s amazing service and advice girlfriend Rocio have created a charming in English on the food and wine. Test him. and busy eatery in possibly the hardest He’s the best. time in history. Another great new joint Jose really knows his onions having is Escudero, which is worked in the restaurant trade for nearly a definite must-visit on 20 years, firstly with Dani Garcia at Tragathe outskirts of town. buches, then later at his family restaurant, The views are among where he personally waited on the likes of the best in Spain, Michelle Obama. Yet another well-trained chef is Javier Pimentel of hip El Almacen, who travelled the world working in Ireland, London and San Sebastian, before opening his restaurant three years ago. It’s a stylish spot, with a great selection of music, including a huge pile of re-

951 48 98 18 hola@tabernaelalmacen.com www.tabernaelalmacen.com

Cl Los Remedios, 7. 29400 Ronda, Málaga

NUMBER ONE: Dad and son at Tropicana and (above) a dish and views at Escudero

Come and try Ronda’s amazing wines with a tapa TEL: 672 284 146 Closed Sunday and Monday

Calle Pozo 2, 29400 Ronda https://qrco.de/bbWFvy

11 November 2021

RONDA ALL STARS: Javier at Porton, Javier at El Almacen, and Tomas and Carlos at Pedro Romero

Traditional dishes of Ronda

tel: 952 87 11 10 info@rpedroromero.com www.rpedroromero.com Virgen de la Paz 18, 29400 Ronda, Málaga FRIENDLY: At Cerveceria Bandolero in Plaza San Francisco and (below) Monolo at Almocobar cords, thanks to his girlfriend, who is the Maitre. But you are here for the food and Javier doesn’t disappoint, after training at San Sebastian’s three-Michelin cathedral of cuisine Akelarre. The dishes are amazing, but they are tasty and have some excellent twists. No wonder the Rondenans love it so much. For history lovers take a ride to the town’s grandest restaurant Pedro Romero sitting opposite the bullring, with wonderful bullfighting photos and posters, as you might expect. It is a classic family restaurant, now 40 years old, and in the hands of brothers Carlos and Tomas, whose children are starting to come into the fold and their 86-year-old father still regularly pops in. This is the place for classic dishes, such as rabo de toro, which is the best in town, while Tomas, a leading sommelier, is well up on wines. Soulful Almocabar meanwhile, has been consistently one of the town’s finest places to eat for well over a decade, with a superb wine list and atmosphere personified, particularly if eating in the square outdoors at summer time. It has long been one of the town’s most reliable local places to dine and there is a major doffing of the hat to local ingredients and the concept of

AUTHENTICITY: Siempre Igual

TAPAS BAR

LOCAL WINE

A Real Surprise! slow food. His wine list is also second to none. In the same square in Barrio San Francisco is, Cerveceria Bandolero, which really could be the friendliest place to eat in Andalucia. It’s very much service with a smile from these two cousins, who run backwards and forwards charming guests and plying you with excellent simple and local fare, with a bent towards Carnes a la Brasa. For wine lovers you mustn’t miss Entre Vinos, which has over 100 wines from Ronda, with more than a dozen wines available by the glass. There are some excellent tapas and it’s a charming place to while away a few hours. Just up the hill is Siempre Igual, which is exactly that ‘Always the same’, it’s a bloody excellent place to enjoy tapas and some excellent wine with friends. Run by a friendly family team, they always have some experimental new dishes, worth a try and in a great location, just up from the bullring. For those up in the heart of Ronda, authentic Porton – an institution run by Javier for the last 40 years - has wonderful old photos on the wall and a guaranteed feel good factor. Here, you will find my favourite Ronda tapa, the wonderful quails egg with ham on toast. Venturing out of Ronda there are so many amazing country escapes for lunch or supper. Also in the centre is the highly-rated Da Vinci restaurant. Actually giving Tropicana a run for its money on Trip Advisor, this Pizzeria restaurant is normally packed five days a week and serves famously

SELECTION: One of the best wine lists is at Entre Vinos

Continues on Page 12

Tel: 952 87 15 73 C/ San Francisco de Asís N°140, Ronda

Traditional & Mediterranian food We specialise in Andalusian Wines

Tlf: 687 153 867 / 609 925 554 C/ San José n° 2 Esquina Calle Jerez. Ronda ( Málaga)

12 November 2021 WHERE TO EAT

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Zany: And creative dishes at El Convento

AUTHENTIC: In Arriate you’ll find Frank at El Muelle (left) and the talented team at Los Caireles toy train running around the ceiling. Run by capable Dutchman Frank shown before the main event have From Page 11 And the food, with a good mix of tapas Rottgering, he has turned this railway been conserved. and larger dishes are very much hewn storeroom into an atmospheric and Even better, the original screen and good pizzas. out of the Serrania de Ronda and orig- charming eaterie, boasting superb au- stage for the Cine Ideal, with its fadRun by brother and sister Soraya and inal to boot. thentic dishes. ed paintwork, is still intact out back in Jose Manuel, this is one of the most Working alongside talented local chef a big space, through a set of double family friendly places in Ronda, and Isa, there are always plenty of specials doors. the kids will love the food. and the menu is a blast of good ideas. Another superb spot is Molino del Another great fun place for kids and, The wine list is simple but inspired Santo, by a raging stream, just outparticularly, if you are staying in Barrio and the food is always amazing, fresh side the stunning mountain village of San Francisco is Bar el Convento. and beautifully served and the service Benaojan. This amazing find will blow you away with Frank at the helm tip top. This emblematic place - alongside on lots of levels. It is firstly charm per- Outside of Ronda you are also spoiled Another exciting new addition to the one of Andalucia’s first rural boutique sonified with the most friendly waiting for choice in the villages. food scene in Arriate is Los Caireles. hotels - has turned itself into one of staff in town, while the design and de- Arriate is one of the key spots to head This amazing converted cinema is one the true destination restaurants in the for, in particular to El Muelle, which of the most original, must-visit joints province. cor is eclectic in the extreme. Created by Jose Antonio and Carmen, boasts hundreds of regulars who drive this winter. It’s shut from December, but reopens it has the flavour of Charlie and the all the way from the coast - and even The creation of brothers Roberto and in March when expats from around Chocolate Factory, particularly with its Sevilla - for lunch. Manolo, with talented young chef Ivan the region flock here for its consistentTirado in the ly reliable menu. kitchen, it is slow- In good weather you dine on a shady ly finding its way terrace with amazing mountain views to being a leading and the constant sound of the river culinary find. flowing, while when rainy the warm TASTY: New dish at Sarmiento As well as original dining room is cozy and comfortable. posters, some of My advice, book a room for the night, and better. the seats, tickets take a nice stroll before lunch or sup- It is a great return for them with their father first setting up this restaurant and even adverts per and make a weekend of it. Looking for a in the classic white town three degreat place to cades ago, before leasing it out to aneat in Casa- other local family. res make a The skills they picked up at various five beeline to star hotels and restaurants around Sarmiento, the world certainly count for somewhere the thing and their restaurant is ‘based on food really the essential pillars of the Andalucian does some- lifestyle: authenticity, spontaneity and how match the enjoyment of friends and family’. the views. You can’t argue with that. With one of Last but not least is the brand new the best vis- kitchen of Javier Ruiz, an extremely tas in Chris- talented and well travelled Malaga tendom you chef, who is now working at La Frucmight think tuosa in Gaucin. the food Having trained, appropriately, with doesn’t mat- Dani Garcia in Ronda, he travelled the ter, but the world with the Melia group and even brothers Mi- ended up running a team of 85 chefs guel and Juan at a five star hotel in Morocco. S a r m i e n t o So it is a joyous return to ‘real cooking’ keep working with his small team at this charming to make sure converted olive mill, that is also a hothe kitchen tel. NEW BROOM: Javier and happy diners gets better Under the watchful eye of a gourmet at La Fructuosa Belgian, who bought the hotel a few years ago, he is creating a compact menu, celebrating local and seasonal produce and cooking ‘for a long time at low temperatures’. I particularly loved his caramelized foie starter, his gazpachuelo Malagueno fish soup and his lightly seared sea bass in ratatouille. The last time I ate well in tel: 952 89 50 35 info@restaurantesarmiento.com Crta. de Casares Km 12’5 Gaucin was alongside GorWednesday to Sunday 13:30 to 16:00 & 19:00 to 22:00 don Ramsay during one of his legendary TV shows, Monday & Tuesday Closed where I was chosen as a critic. www.restaurantesarmiento.com On this showing, we may have a new star in the Serrania. Someone to keep authenticity, spontaneity and enjoyment when being around a table Ronda on its toes!

Around the Serrania

13 November 2021

Viva the vendimia! allman Photos by Karl Sm

AUTUMN marks the arrival of the grape harvest – or vendimia - in Spain. Serrania de Ronda, around three dozen bodegas are hard at work collecting their crops ready to blend it into wine. One such winery, now busy picking its grapes, is the Mures bodega of Julio Sánchez Moreno in the tiny village of Atajate, the smallest in Malaga province. The finca grows four varieties of grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo and Chardonnay and produces between six and 7,000 bottles of wine every year. The artisan wines can be enjoyed in many fine restaurants and bars across the area including the Molino del Santo in Benaojan, La Casa Grande in Alpandeire and Restaurante Audalazar in Atajate. They can also be purchased from the bodega - which is also Julio’s home - in calle Nueva in Atajate. More info on 627633649 or email: pagodemures@gmail.com

ESCUDERO R E S T A U R A N T E

–

R O N D A

Modern tastes with a Timeless backdrop!

Restaurante Escudero Ronda – Reservas 649 120 208 Carretera Ronda San Pedro KM1, Ronda restauranteesdudero@cartatech.es

14 November 2021

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Secret Serrania From bandit hideouts to Roman wine cellars, there is so much to see and do close to Ronda, writes Jon Clarke

PREACHING THE BLUES

ONDA is surrounded, the Sierra de las Nieves and the Sierra de Grazalema, not to mention its very own breathtaking Serrania. These surrounding hills are creaking with

wonderful walks and pretty towns and villages to visit, all easy to reach in the car and most with their own excellent places to stay and eat. Here are a few top picks for a trip out of Ronda.

ROMAN RONDA

WHILE it’s about as stunning as any of the pretty villages around Ronda, there is one big difference with Juzcar… it’s blue. This is thanks to the Smurf movie that in 2011 decided to use the tiny village as the mythical base of the tiny creatures. It has been used a handful of times since and voted to stay blue some years back. But apart from the many attractions for kids, based around the movie, it is also the perfect place for a walk and to see Griffon vultures and crag martins.

A 15-minute drive from Ronda takes you to the ancient city of Acinipo, where the Romans built another ancient settlement. The highest hill for miles around, it still has much evidence of their skills with a large part of its amphitheatre intact and a lot more to look at, not to mention the views. The visitor centre is only open for the morning, but one can always climb up to the amphitheatre out of hours.

Using their loaves! Two friends have set up the first gluten-free bakery in Ronda, Piquito Bakery

HE idea had been slowly warming up for years. But when it came, it was a masterstroke for Ronda: the first gluten-free baker! Piquito Bakery, set up by friends Javier Criado and Juan Antonio Rosado, is the perfect place to buy bread, pastries and biscuits for celiacs. Only emerging on the Ronda food scene this Spring, the artesanal bakery is already delivering bread and cakes all around the Serrania… and even as far as the coast. Splitting the workload between them, they are managing to bake dozens of

different loaves of bread a day, as well as cakes, cupcakes and even mille feuille puff pastry. Javier had been looking for a new business to set up when his previous venture with a language and cultural school came to an end due to the pandemic. It was after Juan Antonio told him that his partner was celiac and they spent hours trying to create the best gluten-free bread that they came up with the idea. “It seemed like a real growth area and both of us knew various people who were celiacs and so many restaurants need gluten-free products these

days,” explains Javier. After locating a small premises in one of the least known corners of Ronda, they have now created Piquito Bakery, which is named after Juan Antonio’s cat Piquito. “We have been really busy over the first six months,” explains Javier. “And we are not standing still and continually trying to innovate and come up with ideas for the consumer.” The recent ideas include some amazing chocolate chip cookies, great Magdalenas, as well as pre-

sent packs of bonbons, in loads of different colours and flavours. “Our half-kilo loaf is the recipe we have worked on the most, with sourdough, olive oil and long-term preparation. Once made, it has to be rested for three hours and is of a very high quality,” explains Juan Antonio. “We even have rice bread, which is made with rice milk, as well as a loaf of carob, walnuts and raisins, which is wonderful.” Get in touch and ask for the easy to use menu, which includes a range of mother dough loaves and various white loaves.

Visit the bakery in Plaza Virgen de la Esperanza, in Barrio de San Cristobal or call 670495314 or email piquitobakery@gmail.com

FANNING ITS FORTUNE

AN hour walk from Ronda will take you to one of the most stunning natural sites, the Cueva de Abanico (the Fan Cave). Near here celebrated flamenco star Estrella Morente, and husband bullfighter Javier Conde were planning to build a hotel and it is no surprise why. This is one of the most beautiful walks imaginable, with bits of Roman road to discover, ruined towers and then the amazing cave and river at the end.

CAVEMEN COLONY THE historic Roman town of Setenil de las Bodegas is a real eye opener and amazing for photography. Nestled in the rolling landscape, 20 minutes out of Ronda, it was built around a series of caves, which served to keep the wines of the Romans cool in summer, hence its name. It is best to leave your car outside the town, wander up to the old fortress before heading down to the famous overhanging cave for a fine tapas lunch. THE Serrania was once a major stronghold for bandoleros (bandits) and the tiny towns of Benaojan and Montejaque were famously where many holed up. But there is much more, such as the Cueva de la Pileta, near Montejaque (left), which has the oldest cave paintings in Spain, while Benaojan is the centre of the ham and sausage industry. There is also a fabulous walk from Benaojan Estacion down the river to Jimera de Libar, from where you can get the train back. At each end is a great lunch spot, with hotel Molino del Santo, when open in season, the obvious pick.

BANDIT TERRITORY

15 November 2021 WHERE TO STAY

OU shouldn’t have too many problems sleeping in the ‘City of Dreams’, as Austrian poet Rilke once dubbed Ronda. After all, you will have spent, most likely, the day taking in all the mountain air either sightseeing or trekking around the nearby hills. In the town itself you have everywhere to stay from the Parador to the luxurious Reina Victoria, built by British builders over a century ago when the railway first arrived from the coast. If on a budget you can also find the great value Hotel Morales, right in the centre, but you’d be better off spending just a tiny bit more at the excellent, recently opened Ronda Romantica apartments. This apart-hotel (visit ‘Ronda Romantica apartamentos’ or ‘Ronda Romantica lofts’ on Booking.com) comprises five tastefully-converted apartments in a charming part of the Casco Historico. The ancient building was once owned by Pedro Romero, who built the Ronda bullring and was painted by Goya. It has maintained all its original features, including vaulted ceilings and fireplaces, plus it sits next to many of the town’s best restaurants.

Bolthole

For complete authenticity in the countryside try its sister retreat Casa Maia (www. casamaia.co.uk) which is a bolthole extraordinaire, based in a stunning country finca, just ten minutes out of Ronda. Just outside Ronda you should ensure to check out luxurious Hotel Arriadh (www.arriadhhotel.com), which counts on some of the best views anywhere in Spain. Often described as ‘zen-like’, the clean lines and maximising of light and landscape is all thanks to the talents of Dutch couple John and Wilfred. Excellent value, it has an amazingly peaceful garden and a splendid infinity pool and can also offer meals if required. Another good place to stay near Ronda is evocative Molino del Santo (www.molindelsanto.com) which sits by a raging stream just outside Benaojan. A wonderful rural retreat, with

LUXURY: Hotel Arriadh (left) and Ronda Romantica

The Serrania has many romantic and comfortable places to stay, writes Jon Clarke

City of Dreams amazing grounds, the rooms ulous place to stay at the hostalanon.com). It’s been a the rooms have a Spanish rustic are well appointed and you western end of the Serrania in classic stopover for travelers feel, while the outside intertwining have an excellent restaurant Jimena is Hostal Anon (www. for nearly four decades and terraces have a Moorish décor. for lunch or supper. One of Andalucia’s first rural escapes, it is run with military precision by owners Andy and Pauline and you won’t want to leave. Closed from December to mid-March, make sure you book early for Spring, or get one of the last rooms this November. Visiting Gaucin make sure to stay in wonderful La Fructuosa (www.laVISIT to La Donaira begins in a dusfructuosa.com) ty square in El Gastor, a sleepy town which has nestled in a valley between the Sesome of the rrania de Ronda and the Grazalema most charmmountain range less than a 40-minute drive ing, best apfrom Ronda itself. pointed rooms in the entire It is here that guests leave their cars and are Serrania. collected by 4X4 to be driven up a snaking Most of the track past vineyards and olive groves into the rooms have the hills for a stay at an eco-lodge that has carved most amazing out a corner of paradise. views towards Centred around a beautifully restored cortijo Gibraltar and with a glorious central space and an open Africa, while plan kitchen where guests can watch chefs you have a superb restaucreate culinary magic with local ingredients, rant downalmost all of it sourced from La Donaira’s SPRING FED: Natural pool, a yurt and yoga classes every day in an incredible location stairs to boot. own organic farm and kitchen garden. It’s great value There are just nine suites providing accom- tural wines’ showcased at La Donaira ,which and stylishly modation for a maximum two dozen guests produces its own Petit Verdot and Blaufrändesigned with so you’ll never feel crowded and even the two kisch from the vines you’ll see across the a charming, yurts take luxury to a new level. estate but also has a collection of natural, attractive leafy Every room is impeccably styled and makes biodynamic and organic wines with over 90 garden. the most of the beauty of the location with pic- references from 12 countries. Another fab-

ESCAPE TO NATURE

Authentic, laid back and beautiful. La Donaira is one of Andalucia’s top hotels

ture windows offering vistas across wildflower filled pastures and craggy cliffs beyond. Dotted around lavender-filled gardens are nooks designed for romantic moments or private moments of contemplation, and a traditional style Andaluz patio positively bursting with colourful geraniums. Beneath the shady pergola of the herb garden, private wine tasting sessions are offered by La Donaira’s resident sommelier. It’s an opportunity to learn more about ‘na-

DISCOVERY: ‘Natural’ wine tasting

COMFORT: At La Fructuosa

Relax in the sybaritic spa, complete with sauna and hammam, where you can float in an indoor infinity pool soothed by the endless view through the floor to ceiling window of rippling golden grasses beyond. An outdoor pool is fed direct from a mountain spring, with the constant trickling providing an accompaniment to the abundant birdsong and buzzing of bees, whose honey is served at breakfast along with fresh yoghurt from livestock that roam across the 1,700 acre finca. A platform perched on a hillside provides a place for the nimble to enjoy some aerial yoga and doubles up as a concert space on summer evenings when the Steinway is rolled out for sunset musical performances. In a leafy spot beneath cork oaks, guests can enjoy the ultimate in meditation in the form of a wooden chamber specially built over bee

For more information call (+34) 951 39 00 59 or email info@ladonaira.com

hives - don a bee suit, climb inside and let the humming take you on a spiritual journey. La Donaira is all about communing with nature. The medicinal garden is home to around 200 varieties of herbs and flowers, many of which are used to produce unguents, soaps and lotions that equip each bathroom, while others appear on delicately plated dishes served in the open kitchen or brewed to make teas.

REAL ESTATE AGENT FOR THE FINEST COUNTRY PROPERTIES IN ANDALUCIA SPAIN

LUXURY CORTIJO WITH SEA VIEWS, CASARES 186-00900P

5 bedrooms

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LA CULTURA

November 3rd - November 16th 2021

ETERNALLY FAMOUS

True beauty of Canary Islands revealed with Marvel latest blockbuster THE rugged coastlines and dramatic landscapes of the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are about to make it big on the silver screen. These Canary Islands were chosen as the location for filming on Marvel’s latest blockbuster Eternals, which premieres in cinemas on November 5.

Stars

Featuring Hollywood stars including Angelina Jolie (pictured inset), Richard Madden and Salma Hayek, the $200 million movie directed by

By Amber Edirisinghe

double Oscar winner Chloé Zhao showcases the true beauty of the Spanish islands.

In the money! ELEVEN artworks by Malaga-born Pablo Picasso have been sold for over €93.6 million at an auction held in Las Vegas. The works had been displayed in the Picasso Restaurant at the Bellagio Hotel before being put up for sale. The most expensive piece was ‘Femme au beret rouge-orange’ (1938), which went under the hammer for €34.3 million at the auction held by Sotheby’s. This is one of the last portraits Picasso painted of his muse Marie-Therese Walter. Its estimate had been between €17m and €25m.

Popular

A trailer for the film could easily be used as an advertising campaign for island tourism. Spain has long been popular as a film location destination. Game of Thrones chose destinations across Spain, from the craggy cliffs of the Basque Country to the Arab palaces of Andalucia, as the backdrop to scenes. While the popular Netflix series The Crown has recently been filming on the Costa del Sol and Mallorca.

OP Puzzle solutions

Down: 1 Scraps, 2 Arrogant, 3 Mass, 4 Chaste, 5 Stitches, 6 Done, 7 Assent, 13 Enforced, 15 Underlie, 16 Dwells, 17 Limits, 19 Napalm, 21 Rand, 22 Soil.

SUDOKU

Quick Crossword

Across: 8 Car wash, 9 Trots, 10 Atoms, 11 So there, 12 Shame, 14 Exhaust, 16 Dutiful, 18 Sidon, 20 Eardrum, 22 Syrup, 23 Lunge, 24 Trivial.

The film was shot on location in 2019 across the island of Fuerteventura, from La Solapa beach to Las Peñitas Dam, and Lanzarote where the volcano of El Cuervo serves as the backdrop for a dramatic finale. Tourism chiefs expect the movie to boost the number of visitors to the islands as the destination is introduced to new audiences.

A NIGHT of classical music and opera has been lined up to raise money to help regenerate the Sierra Bermeja, which was recently devastated by fire. The event, which has been organised by local resident, singing tutor and performer, Clarice Williams, will take place on November 12 from 8pm at Este-

Musical help pona’s Centro Cultural Padre Manuel. Visitors will pay €15 on the door to listen to performers including Williams herself, baritone David Geary and many more who are performing for free.

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LA CULTURA

November 3rd November 16th 2021

Uncovering the past The online British education that revolves around you

Mass graves a reminder of the bloody civil war battle that included expat troops

At King’s InterHigh, your child can learn and shine as part of a diverse and welcoming school community that’s built around their needs and interests. With small classes, interactive lessons and lots happening outside the classroom, they can benefit from a highquality British education from anywhere. All with the backing of Inspired, one of the world’s leading education groups.

THE grim task of exhuming, identifying and reburying dozens of victims of the Spanish Civil War has started after two mass graves were found. Archaeologists discovered the bodies at a cemetery in the town of Belchite in the province of Zaragoza. So far 15 bodies have been

Cirque du sol

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found in one of the graves, with diggers estimating that there could be a total of 150 bodies there. Around 400 men and women from the town and surrounding areas were executed during the 1936 to 1939 conflict. The skeletons so far uncovered are of men and

RETURN: British POWs from Belchite

women aged from 20 to 40 years-old. Belchite was the site of one

THE spectacular Cirque du Soleil is returning to Spain in 2022 after a COVID-enforced break of a year-and-a-half. It’s new show called Luzia can be enjoyed in Barcelona (Districte Cultural de L'Hospitalet) from March 17, Alicante from July 14 and Madrid (Escenario Puerta del Angel) from November 5. The last day the famous circus was in Spain was on March 8, 2020 when it put on a show in Sevilla. “It has been nearly two years since then, a long time in which all the artists and workers who are part of Cirque du Soleil have been waiting impatiently to be able to meet the public again,” a spokesman for the Canadian company said. “This is the moment we have all been waiting for,” said president Daniel Lamarre. In the past, the circus has presented 14 different shows in 19 Spanish cities. In more than two decades, 9 million spectators - in Spain alone - have attended its shows, with more than 3,500 performances. ‘Luzia' is a production created and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, which transports the viewer to the heart of an imaginary Mexico. “With impressive acrobatics and great visual surprises, the show invites the audience members to immerse themselves in a dreamlike journey”, explained the company.

of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, which included British and other foreign troops in the Republican’s International Brigade on one side and Franco’s rebel forces on the other. A total of more than 3,000 people were killed. The houses were bombed to pieces, the churches razed and many of the townspeople died amidst the carnage. The Republicans took the town but Franco’s forces retook it in 1938.

Ruins

Franco ordered the townspeople to build a new town a few hundred metres away and declared the ruins of the old town stand as a monument to the power of the Nationalists. They still stand as a ghost town giving an insight into the devastation of the war. Some 130,000 people are buried in unidentified mass graves throughout Spain.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

November 3rd - November 16th 2021

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GET READY! All set to submit your Self Assessment tax return (SA100) asks Emilia Carvell

T’S that time of the year again! The 31st of January is fast approaching which means it’s time to submit your 20-21 tax return! Now we know that this isn't exactly seen as a fun task - in fact it’s probably always on the bottom of your to do list! But there are some simple steps you can take to prepare for submitting your Self Assessment Tax Return (SA100).

STEP ONE - Dig out your government gateway ID & Password Now, bear with us here - we know that this may seem super obvious, but not having access to your government gateway ID & Password, could cause you to have a late filing penalty! If you aren't planning on submitting your tax return until the deadline of the 31st of January, and you can’t find your government gateway credentials, then you won't be able to submit & file with HMRC (or software like APARI). Somehow, I don't think “I've lost my password” is a valid excuse for late submission, and even worse, could result in a £100 fine.

STEP TWO - Get your tax records up to date! If you’ve read our articles before, you’ll know that this is something we talk about - a lot! The biggest part to being tax savvy, for any type of tax, is good record keeping. Whilst we would always recommend doing this throughout the year, there is still time to get up to date before the submission deadline. If you’re not sure where to start, your business, or property bank statements are always a great place to get stuck in. You can even use a record keeping tax software like APARI and automate some of this process - but if software isn’t quite your thing (yet), then a good excel spreadsheet will work too! Remember to check all receipts for business related payments and receipts that you may have paid in cash. Getting on top of your tax records won’t only save you time when it comes to submission - it could also save you money! By keeping track of everything spent for

your landlord business, you may even unearth some additional tax-deductible expenses - every deduction helps, and if you were ever to be subjected to some sort of review form HMRC, then having good proof of your business income and expenditure will always help. Sign up to the APARI community to keep up to date on what you can claim.

STEP THREE - Check your calculation & submit! Don’t worry we don't expect you to start doing mental arithmetic or long division! But there are a couple of ways that you can check your tax liability before submitting to HMRC. As a landlord, it is likely that your income and expenditure is pretty similar year on year - that means that last years tax return is usually a good guide as to what this year's tax calculation should look like (unless of course there have been any major changes). You can also use a software, like APARI - we can calculate your tax liability for the year, AND submit directly to HMRC - meaning the only thing left for you to do is pay your tax liability! Regardless of how you do your tax return, the most important thing is to remember that the deadline is looming! So, get started today and remember to submit before the 31st of January!

For all the latest information and advise, visit www.apari-digital.com

BUSINESS

SOUTHERN Spain is the cheapest part of the country to die in, according to the OCU consumer association. The highest prices for funerals and cremations were reported in Vigo in the northwest, averaging out at €6,115. Cadiz in the south averaged a far more modest €2,551. The OCU survey contacted 113 funeral homes in 29 cities. It said a third of those spoken to showed a ‘lack of transparency’ in providing proper estimates for their services. The consumer group recommends ‘shopping around’ to get a range of prices as it discovered significant variations even within a local area. For example, it got quotes of between €4,886 and €6,164 for an Alicante funeral. The tariffs are far lower in Valencia, ranging between €2,542 and €4,434. The most cost-effective area to die appears to be

November 3rd November 16th 2021

Price of death southern Spain. Cadiz has the lowest average rates (€2,551) among the OCU surveyed cities, but Malaga also has a low average funeral cost of €2,966. Further north, Murcia comes in at €3,051, while Palma de Mallorca charges €3,636.

Coffin

The OCU says an average Spanish funeral costs €3,739. A cremation service package would come in marginally lower at €3,617. The price of a coffin is the costliest element, coming in a range between €600 and €1,300 for a ‘no frills’ casket. The OCU survey reports that most people pay around €1,200.

SOBERING ISSUES

Spirits sink as transport problems cause shortages of whisky, gin and rum THIS Christmas you may have to stick to the beer and wine. International transportation ‘issues’ could lead to a shortage of whisky, gin, vodka and rum in Spain, industry bosses have warned. Already many bars, restaurants and nightclubs in some parts of Spain have had difficulties getting their usual supplies. And

Spanish distillers are facing the same problem in reverse. They export 40% of their production and are finding it difficult to deliver their stock abroad, despite being willing to pay higher transport costs. Bosco Torremocha, the executive director of the Spanish Spirits Association, (FEBE) said: “We do not expect to re-

Inflation setback SPAIN'S inflation rate has soared to 5.5% due to steep energy price rises. Figures from the National Statistics Institute(INE) for October were 1.1% higher than September. It’s the biggest inflation hike since September 1992 when Spain's old currency of the peseta came under pressure from Germany's deutschmark. The rise is around 1% higher than analysts had predicted. The INE says the surge in power costs are the main cause of the rise, along with petrol price increases. The inflation rate would have been much higher had it not been for the government reducing tax on domestic power bills.

cover the sales levels of 2019 until the end of next year or beginning of 2023.” He cited a rise in maritime freight costs, logjams at customs – partly due to Brexit – and shortage of glass, cardboard and energy costs, as factors that could badly affect Spain’s 3,800 distillers.

Costs

Torremocha added: “The issue is not only an increase in costs, but also the fact that even if you pay, you are not sure when you are going to have stock delivered.” Fortunately for beer and wine drinkers, the same issues do not seem to be affecting that sector as much, with many breweries running their own transportation systems within Spain.

Does your property lack First Occupation License/Licence of First Occupancy? Did you know architects can now issue these licences? Having a First Occupation Licence/Licence of First Occupancy Will enable you to comply with current laws if you wish to rent your property short-term OR will improve your chances to close a sale if you wish to sell your property.

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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Still testing

NEW rules allowing fully-vaxxed travellers flying into England to take lateral flow tests instead of PCR tests have come into force. The lateral flow tests for returning travellers must be bought from private providers and the government website has published a list of approved companies where prices start at £19.

Rules

The rules still state that passengers must book tests before travelling to the UK and include the code on the Health Locator Form that must be filled out within 48 hours prior to departure. But travellers are now required to send a picture of their lateral flow test to verify the result and failure to do so could result in a fine of £1,000. The change also applies to those under the age of 18 whether or not they are vaccinated. Only children aged four and under do not need to take the test.

RESTRICTED VIEWING Adverts for sugary treats will be banned from next year

SPAIN is banning adverts for high-sugar content foods that target children, as cases of overweight youngsters continue to climb. Consumer Affairs minister, Alberto Garzon, said the move will affect all forms of broadcasting, cinemas, social networks and online/mobile app outlets that are aimed at

By Alex Trelinski

children aged under 16. The ban will begin in 2022 with a third of Spanish youngsters having some kind of

weight issue, compared to just 3% in 1984. “Over 40% of children aged between six and nine years are overweight, and advertising is one of the causes,” said Garzon.

Sunborn honours SUNBORN London has won the prestigious title of Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel at the 2021 World Travel Awards, celebrated on the 22nd of October 2021. In addition, the sister yacht hotel Sunborn Gibraltar (pictured) won the title of Gibraltar’s Leading Hotel 2021.

la sala

35 Rising to the top

November 3rd - November 16th 2021

“The figures show cases of obesity and being overweight are doubled in poorer families compared to wealthier households,” the minister added. “Advertising is one of the causes of this figure.”

Guidelines

Spain’s move is based on World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines over foodstuffs that it classifies as ‘harmful’ for children. The ban will include adverts for ice cream, soft drinks, sweets and pastries that have added sugars. Foods that have a content of 225 or more kilo-calories per 100 grams will also have an advertising ban slapped on them.

A PANADERO from Lebrija has scooped the top prize in the World Baker Awards 2021. Domi Vélez won the best baker crown in an event organised by the International Bakery and Confectionery Union in Munich. The 43-year-old baker beat three other finalists Peng Fudon (China), Sigurdur Mar Gudjosson (Iceland) and Han Chih Lu (Taiwan) to win the top award, becoming the second Spaniard to do so. Catalan baker Jordi Morera walked away with the prize in 2017. Velez creates his artisan loaves at El Horno de Velez which opens at 5.30am each morning. Velez, whose family has been baking bread for five generations, develops his recipes using family traditions teamed up with modern food science with which he creates 75 different types of bread.

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School is changing, find out how

THE COVID-19 pandemic changed the idea of education dramatically

RAISE A GLASS

t introduced many of us to the power of online learning and the opportunities it brings forth. Some schools have not only embraced this change but are passionately working towards elevating the perceptions around online learning, demystifying ‘remote’ or ‘distance’ learning and continuously increasing the quality of the outcomes delivered online. There is a similar conversation also taking place in the world of work with companies implementing ‘work from home’ policies and hybrid working environments. This November, the UK’s leading online school InterHigh becomes King’s InterHigh. While it may seem like a small change in name, it moves the conversation around education to a new level. It represents a rich addition of the King’s group of schools and their 50 years’ experience in delivering educational excellence and a connection to the global Inspired group of 70-plus schools spread across 5 continents to the original online school, InterHigh. Pioneers in online learning, InterHigh was the world’s first fully online school to offer a high-qual-

ONE of the country’s most famous sherry and wine producers has been voted ‘Best Spanish Winery of the Decade’. ity UK curriculum in real-time classrooms. InterThe AEPEV association of High’s 15-plus years’ experience of delivering wine journalists gave the unparalleled virtual education has fostered a accolade to Jerez-based thriving community of 10,000-plus successful Gonzalez Byass, which is bealumni. hind the internationally-reInnovative online learning means different things nowned Tio Pepe brand. to different people. Some recent pilots and work The business was founded in at King’s InterHigh include virtual science simula1835 by Manuel Maria Gontions for exam years (think science experiments zalez like a game!), additional gamified and and shine AtPlaystation King’s InterHigh, your child can learn as and British importer Robert Byass. Gustav Eiffel, AI-driven learning in foreign languages as well as part of a diverse and welcoming school community who designed the famous richer, more varied online learning in the Primary that’s built around theirbringing needs and With tower in Paris, built a large years. Online learning means new interests. conbodega for the firm, called cepts to life in a virtual and connected small classes, interactive lessons environand lots happening La Concha in 1862. Over ment. outside the classroom, they can benefit from a highDue to their very nature of being online, schools quality British education from anywhere. All with like King’s InterHigh cater to families both inside backing of Inspired, one of the world’s andthe outside the UK. With students joining from leading education countries acrossgroups. Europe and many international destinations, the global community of online learners continues to grow and thrive. Students, Withteachers over 16 years of experience, we are and families share a high re- the original gardonline for theschool. British curriculum and the many opportunities it brings for both fulfilling careers and pathways to univerkingsinterhigh.co.uk sities and future studies. So how is school changing? King’s InterHigh is one example of a school without walls where students are not constrained to one location and where opportunities for learning are available on line and in person. While education should be student centered and focused on learning, schools that bring learning online in an engaging and effective way, represent a viable alternative for many families now and into the future.

The online British education that revolves around you

To discover more, visit: www.kingsinterhigh.co.uk

a century later, the family company constructed their giant three-storey Tio Pepe bodega at Jerez in 1963. Relatives of Robert Byass ended their interest in the producer in 1998, leaving it solely in the hands of fourth and fifth generation members of the Gonzalez family. The firm expanded 13 years ago to takeover the Viñas de Vero wineries in Aragon The AEPEV said it wanted to ‘recognise the essence of a family company that offered consistency and innovation along with respect for the environment’.

November 3rd November 16th 2021

BEST: Top bodega

On the fast track Renfe set to challenge struggling Eurostar for tunnel route, potentially linking the costas with London in 24 hours

RENFE, Spain’s state-owned rail operator, is in talks to take on Eurostar. It plans to operate a highspeed passenger service between London and Paris. An school Since its high-profile launch in 1994, the channel tunnel service has been provided by Kings_InterHigh_83x170_The_Olive_Press just one operator, completely unchallenged. Renfe wants to run its own two-hour service between the two capitals, utilising time slots still available through the tunnel. The Costa de la Luz’s most HS1, which manages the tracks between London St emblematic restaurant and hotel. In the Pancras and the south coast,

We are open – See you soon!

stunning white town of Vejer de la Frontera.

By Simon Wade

is reported to be ‘very interested’ in the development of the project.

Vurger King

CalifaVejer.com tel: +34 956 44 77 30 Plaza de España, Vejer de la Frontera,Costa de la Luz, Cádiz

ONE Burger King in Spain is going entirely meat free for a month. The branch on Madrid’s famous Paseo del Prado has teamed up with The Vegetarian Butcher to offer plant-based food only. There will be a plant-based Whopper and vegan ‘chicken’ nuggets as well as a Long Vegetal – a vegetarian take on the Long Chicken in the restaurant dubbed ‘Vurger King’. But vegans beware – the mayonnaise in the sandwiches contains eggs, so you will have to ask for no mayonnaise if you want a fully vegan option. “We want to reach both people who base their diet on vegetable products and those who do eat meat but want to reduce their consumption,” said Burger King boss. The Vegetarian Butcher – a Dutch company owned by Unilever - and Burger King are working to get plant-based burgers on the menu in 25 countries.

Eurostar’s majority-owner, SNCF, launched heavily-discounted services from France into Spain only this year. Trips from Paris to Barcelona cost €39, and Marseille to Madrid is still only €59. Renfe looks to have countered the bold move by claiming: “According to the demand analysis carried out, it would be viable and profitable for [us] to compete with Eurostar.” Pre-pandemic, Eurostar carried more than 11 million passengers and provided more than 80% of journeys between London, Paris and Brussels.

Deal

However, travel restrictions during various COVID lockdowns reduced services to as few as one a day. They were bailed out with a £250m loan in a refinancing deal with shareholders and banks in May, 2021. With high-speed RENFE services now reaching the south coast of Spain, when will we see a rail connection from the costas all the way to London without having to change? Currently, Orihuela to Madrid takes 2h 30m via Alicante. From Malaga it is 2h 40m. Madrid to Paris averages 19 hours, and Paris to London is a swift 2h 20m. In theory, and with timely connections, the trip could be made within 24 hours on one ticket, with one service provider.

PROPERTY Fine time FINES and costs of up to €90,000 will apply to private landlords who illegally increase rents, under new regulations in Catalunya. Barcelona City Council approved a range of measures to strengthen the powers of tenants against money-grabbing landlords last September but no one had yet received a fine under the new laws - until now. Barcelona City Council has now fined a landlord for the first time for setting a rental price above what is deemed appropriate by the Catalunya Housing Agency's Average Price Index. The landlord was fined €9,000 for asking the tenants to pay €1,200 per month, when the previous contract was just €950 a month. He was also ordered to repay the tenants €250 for each month they were ‘overcharged’. The minimum fine is €9,000 and the maximum €90,000.

November 3rd November 16th 2021

Government plans restrictions on rent rises By Dilip Kuner

SPAIN is to bring in rent controls to stop landlords of multiple properties hiking prices and hitting low income families as housing becomes more unaffordable. And owners of property portfolios where homes lay empty will also be slapped with extra tax to try and force them to rent rather than sit on them hoping for capital gains. The new housing bill due to take effect in the second half of 2022 is aimed at people or businesses that own 10 or more properties. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: “It was urgent to combat the abusive rise in prices, to fight the growing inequality and degradation

PRIME Minister Pedro Sanchez says that youngsters should be offered a monthly bonus towards rent to help them fly the nest. The €250 benefit would be handed out for up to two years, and forms part of a broader housing package. Whilst Spain has one of Europe's highest rates of property ownership, it also means fewer than 25% of domestic properties are rented. In Madrid and Barcelona, rents have risen exponentially while income has dropped by over 7% in the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keeping control that was taking place. “It’s a way out of the labyrinth where many people find themselves because they can’t pay for the house they want to buy or find a home to rent at reasonable prices.” The bill may also force developers to set aside lowcost housing as part of their plans. In the past five years aver-

FLY THE NEST

age rents in Spain have risen 40%, according to the fotocasa property website. The government will use a reference price index to curb rent increases in areas where housing costs have risen the fastest and priced low-income families out.

If the plans come to fruition, the bonus will be paid by Spain's regional authorities to under-35s who earn less than €23,725 a year. Reports from Eurostat show that Spaniards don’t leave the family home until an average age of 30, with the EU average being 26. Chronic unemployment figures point to the reason why young adults stay at home, with Spain’s unemployment rate among under-25’s being the highest in the EU.

Whether the new legislation will have any effect is debatable. It will be up to regional governments to enforce any law, and the opposition PP, which controls several autonomous communities including Madrid, has said it will not do so.

Law

MAKING THE MOVE I

Normality

Over in the UK, as the nation returns to a renewed sense of normality, many are making lifestyle changes that reflect their post-pandemic self. With travel restrictions easing, British citizens are thinking about their options, especially in relation to conducting business and work. Spain has long been one of the most popular destinations among Brits to escape to on holiday, and as we come into the cold and rainy British winter, Spain is looking all the more desirable as a pro-

Malini Peñalva is a Spanish abogada at Del Canto Chambers (Ibiza). Visit the website for more information spective new home. Known as ‘the gateway to Europe’, Spain is the ideal place to access other European markets and capitalise on the opportunities that are available. Although the complexities introduced by the Brexit rules may appear off-putting, with the right advice, it is entirely feasible to move one’s affairs over to Spain. This might entail investing in Spanish property, acquiring a Spanish business or moving one’s own operation. At Del Canto Chambers, we are seeing more and more private clients choosing Spain as their preferred destination, both to make their dream lifestyle changes and expand their financial portfolio, particularly as Spain is seeing a big slow down in COVID rates. The two hurdles – COVID and Brexit – can be worked around so that prospective Brit-

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Moving to Spain is starting to get easier again as COVID rates lower and new rules become clearer

T was recently announced that Spain’s COVID transmission rates have taken it into the ‘low-risk’ category for the first time since July 2020. The cases have fallen below 100 per 100,000 and life is starting to get back to normal. More rules are being relaxed as the pressure on the healthcare system begins to ease. Experts have said that the worst of the pandemic has finally reached an end and face masks are one of the only visible reminders. Many restrictions are easing, signalling a return to normality, including fans at sporting events and the reopening of nightclubs, albeit with COVID vaccination status checks on the doors.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

ish expats are able to make an easy and successful transition. One of the most important elements to consider, however, is residency. There are, mainly, three visa options available for UK investors and business owners looking to relocate to Spain. The right visa depends on the activity one is looking to embark upon. The ‘Entrepreneur Visa’ is used to live in Spain over a two-year period, providing a project is set up which is in the interest of the Spanish economy. Secondly, there is the ‘Golden Visa’ for which either property purchase is required at over €500,000 – tax and expenses excluded – or a significant investment must be made in a Spanish company. This option, like the ‘Entrepreneur Visa’ rewards investment in the country. Not all UK nationals will necessarily want to invest in property or business in Spain, in which case the ‘Non-Lucrative Visa’ is a good option as it is only applicable to those whose financial situation is ‘sufficient’ enough to sustain themselves and any family members. Being aware of the options available and the vast array of opportunities to capitalise on is essential in the steps to truly making lifestyle changes and relocating to Spain. With more freedom, and the onset of the British winter, now is the time to make the move.

To make a no-obligation enquiry, please either call Del Canto Chambers now on: +44 2070 430648 or complete our online form on www.delcantochambers.com contact page, which after receipt we will come back to you within 24 hours. Our office in Ibiza is located on: Calle Illa Plana 7, 07800 Ibiza, Islas Baleares. Contact us directly on 971 761 171

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COLUMNISTS Battle of the Planets Nov 3rd Nov 16th 2021

Beating about the bush - a case of mistaken identity

HERE are mix ups and there are mix ups. And then there are the kind of mix ups that leave even yours truly, with several decades of dealing with customer service in Spain, open mouthed. What follows is a cautionary tale about data protection or a complete lack of it. I have a blog called Planet Marbella – mainly because Marbella doesn’t follow any of the normal rules of life on Earth. There also happens to be an excellent restaurant called Planet Beat in Nueva Andalucia - that i n c i d e nt a l l y serves a killer margarita but that was a long time ago in my, ahem, 'dark and hazy days'. Last month I received an invoice from delivery company Just Eat for Planet Beat in my inbox. Being a responsible online citi-

zen, I called Just Eat's customer service and informed them of the mistake. The following day I received another invoice from Just Eat to Planet Marbella. So I called the customer service number again, to let them know that I was Planet Marbella, and not Mexican Restaurant Planet Beat. I also informed them that they had sent me confidential information about how many deliveries had gone out, as well as the name of the owner of the restaurant. So could they please amend their information as this was probably breaking a data protection law or seven. The Just Eat customer service person on the other end,

IN A PERFECT WORLD Imagine a place where cars never double-park. Where roads are free from traffic jams. And where overtaking on the inside is a thing of the past. One-day, maybe. Until then, you need a safe pair of hands. Línea Directa has been keeping you and your car safe since 1995.

seemed a little confused, seeming to think that Planet Beat was part of my huge Planet Marbella network. If only, although you would probably want to steer clear of my tacos. Then he did something that caused my jaw to drop open. He gave me the mobile number of Planet Beat's owner and suggested that I call her to let her know that I was receiving her invoices! Which I duly did. She was somewhat shocked, but when she realised that I wasn't trying to sell her advertising, said that she would notify Just Eat immediately. As an aside, there is a scooter shop in central Marbella called Planet. I'll keep you informed if I get any of their invoices!

History, adventure and romance. That’s just the setting.

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Línea Directa is constantly innovating its car insurance policies to offer much more for less. Customer satisfaction is at the very heart of everything they do. Extensive coverage levels ensure a quality car insurance product. Additional policy benefits such as cover for lost keys, courtesy cars, windscreen repair excess and dedicated legal advice. Línea Directa are customer service experts and they can guide you through a wide range of covers to offer you the very best car insurance policy that’s right for you and your vehicle.

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sive car, motorbike and home insurance to British expatriates and residents in Spain for *Fully compre over 25hensivyears. With over 3 million customers e offer valid for new custom ers only. Guaran approv ed garage , and tee subjec t to cover, repair cour tesy vehicle availab at ilit y. Subjec t and to condit ions. nationwide, all services documentation O ffer ends 30/11/ 18. is in English. Your car insurance protects you financially against loss in the event of a motor 2/8/18 17:01 vehicle accident or theft of your vehicle. From flat tyres and dead batteries to empty petrol tanks, Línea Directa is always on hand 24/7, 365 days a year for total peace of mind.

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Did you know that Línea Directa has its own Expat2Expat programme? Whenever an existing customer recommends a friend, then we reward the policy-holder and the friend with 30€ in cash. You can recommend up to 10 people and earn up to 300€ in cash per year. Simply ask your friend to call 917 002 006 and quote your full name. Then once their application for car, bike or home insurance has been approved, Línea Directa will pay the reward straight into the bank account following payment of next or first premium. See terms and conditions at lineadirecta.com.

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Join us for a celebration of history, art, heritage and pageantry in a unique part of the world.

With a UNESCO world heritage site offering 120,000 years of human history and only short drive from the Costa del Sol, enjoy the warmth of the British Gibraltarians and splash out VAT-free in Sterling. Gibraltar. Sun, sea and history served with a very British twist. PROUD

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FINAL WORDS

AN IBERIA Airbus landed at Barajas airport with a dead black vulture embedded in its nose after a bird strike.

Salty scoop ICE CREAM maker Massimo Pozzi has invented an ice cream with payoyo cheese and marine plankton, to be released on November 6 in Da Massimo ice cream parlour in Cadiz.

Vol. 15 Issue 381

THE former King of Spain, Juan Carlos I, must be flushed with embarrassment after it was revealed he was injected with female hormones to control his rampant sex drive. This is the sensational claim made by an ex-police chief during a court hearing in Madrid.

AN 89-year-old Spaniard has gone viral on twitter after her grandson posted that, every time she Google searches something she types por favor at the end.

Your expat

voice in Spain

www.theolivepress.es November 3rd - November 16th 2021

ROYAL FLUSH

Old ways

It was THIS big!

ANDALUCÍA

Jose Manuel Villarejo, a former police commissioner at the centre of the far reaching Casa Kitchen case told the court that secret agents ‘injected female hormones and testosterone blockers to control the monarch’s sex drive after it was categorised as a problem of state’. Juan Carlos, who abdicated in

A CAT that had succumbed to choking volcanic ash was brought back from the dead when a soldier performed ‘mouth to moggy’ resuscitation. The lucky feline on the island of La Palma, where there has been an ongoing eruption for weeks, had been engulfed by ash. But, using up one of its nine lives, the cat was pulled from

Randy royal ‘injected with hormones to quell libido’ June 2014 after a series of scandals, was a notorious womanizer. One recent book entitled Juan Carlos: The King of 5,000 lovers by Amadeo Martinez Ingles claimed the king, now 83, was a sex addict who had slept with more than 2,000 women between 1976 and 1994. One of his last affairs came

Kissing pussy a mound of cinders and brought back from the brink of death after a soldier with an emergency rescue unit used a tiny plastic filter to give it the kiss of life. The cat survived and was pictured recovering in a cage after the ordeal.

RED FACED: Sex mad king

to public attention when it emerged that the King had broken his hip while on an elephant hunting trip with a companion identified as Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein (also known as Corinna Larsen). She has since spoken out about the affair and is attempting to sue the Royal and Spain’s secret service for harassment. The disgraced former monarch has been living in exile in Abu Dhabi since last year when an investigation was launched into his financial affairs amid allegations of money laundering and backhanders. Adultery in the Gulf state is a criminal offence punishable by up to three years in jail and deportation.

A GIGANTIC sunfish has been caught up in tuna fishing nets off the coast of Ceuta, one of Spain’s enclaves in north Africa. The fish, known as a pez luna in Spanish, measured 3.2 metres long and 2.9 metres wide and weighed in at a whopping two tonnes. Enrique Ostale, a marine biologist at the University of Sevilla was there to study the creature. He said he had only ever heard of sunfish this size from books but never thought he would see one so big. After being weighed and measured, the creature was released safely back into the wild.

Dog’s life IN a Spanish first a judge has awarded a couple joint custody of their dog. The Madrid court decreed that the estranged duo would care for their pooch called Panda on alternate months. The ruling recognised an equal bond between the dog and the two caregivers and said proof of ownership of the dog by one person over another wasn’t enough to override a bond between the dog and the other person in the couple.

952 147 834 * O f f e r

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