HM Hospitales has confirmed plans to build the region’s first private hospital in Velez-Malaga, a project that promises cutting-edge technology, hundreds of jobs, and a major boost to health care in the south, according to the local press.
The new facility will open with more than 70 beds, a full emergency department, operating theatres, outpatient clinics, and all the specialities of a general hospital. It will be integrated into HM’s national network, allowing patients in Axarquia to access top specialists from Madrid, Barcelona, or A Coruña without leaving the area.
Location was key in the decision. The hospital will rise next to Baviera Golf, just off the motorway, with fast links to towns across the entire region. A new four-lane avenue is already being developed, and talks are underway to improve motorway access for even smoother connections. HM Hospitales says the project will generate over 200 direct jobs and up
to 600 indirect ones, most of them long-term contracts. With more than 70 per cent of its workforce women, the group highlights both stability and equality as part of its growth model.
If all permits arrive on schedule, construction could begin by late 2025. The hospital is expected to open its doors between 2027 and 2028, and change healthcare in Axarquia for good.
New star in Andalucia
VELEZ-MALAGA is becoming one of Andalucia’s cultural and tourist hotspots. Recent figures confirm what locals already feel: the town is on the rise, both in visibility and in visitor numbers.
According to the local authorities, Google Trends data show a sustained growth in interest for Velez-Malaga. “We remain well above pre-pandemic levels, with an average increase of 4.4 per cent compared to 2019 and 2020,” Jesús Pérez Atencia, first deputy mayor and councillor for Tourism, explained.
The trend reached a historic record in April 2023 and continues to peak during Semana Santa, one of the town’s most important cultural events. This year’s Holy Week alone brought more than 37,000 visits to the official website, with users spending an average of two minutes exploring content. Notably, 90 per cent of those visits came from
mobile devices, thanks to the website’s mobile-first design and its integration with Google Maps.
While most visitors to the site were from Spain, traffic also came from the UK and Sweden. On the ground, the exhibition of thrones along the Paseo de Larios welco -
med more than 6,000 people during the festivities.
All in all, we have a new star in southern Spain. Velez-Malaga is now a point of interest for national and international visitors, and the future looks bright for the biggest town in Axarquia.
Gracias, tourists!
TORROX knows how to throw a party and to thank its visitors for choosing the town for their holidays.
This year’s Dia del Turista (Tourist Day) proved it once again. More than 3,000 people gathered at the Faro viewpoint to celebrate local businesses, enjoy music, and shine a spotlight on the town’s guests of honour: its tourists.
The evening included awards for some of Torrox’s most iconic establishments, from beach bars to family-run restaurants. Local dance groups brought energy to the stage before Spanish big pop star Edurne wowed the crowd with a concert marking her 20-year career. Fireworks over the coast closed the night in style.
But the festivities didn’t stop there. The Faro also hosted a recreation of the traditional Fiesta de las Candelarias, drawing another 500 people. Visitors enjoyed typical dishes like ajoblanco, gachas, and roasted chickpeas, while soaking up songs, dances, and crafts that keep Torrox’s legend alive. It was a party to remember, with music, tradition and genuine hospitality. And Torrox once again showed why it proudly calls itself the place ‘with the best climate in Europe’.
HM Hospitales has confirmed plans to build a private hospital in Axarquia.
Velez-Malaga.
AXARQUIA is taking its charm to Paris this month. From September 23 to 25, the Axarquia Tourism Promotion Association (APTA) will present the area at the IFTM Top Resa 2025, one of Europe’s most important travel fairs, held at Porte de Versailles - Hall 1.
APTA will promote the region with a variety of materials, including a French-language fold-out map highlighting all 31 municipalities and five nationally recognised tourist routes in Andalucia.
The goal is to attract more French visitors to experience the diverse offerings of Axarquia.
France has become a growing market for Costa del Sol, with frequent flights from Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Visitors are drawn
THE Local Police of Velez-Malaga will be officially recognised on November 14 by the Velez-Malaga Business Association (ACEV) for their outstanding service and dedication to the community.
“Security forces perform an essential job every day to keep our streets safe. Often, this work goes unnoticed, which is why events like this are so important,” mayor Jesús Lupiáñez, who also heads the Police Department, said.
He also praised the Local Police for their perseverance and professionalism, emphasising the commitment behind
French eyes on Axarquia
not only to the region’s sun and beaches, but also to its cultural, culinary, rural, and nature tourism. Highlights include the natural beauty of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama Natural Park, alongside spectacular historic towns and local gastronomy.
The previous edition of IFTM Top Resa welcomed more than 32,000 tourism professionals, 1,500 brands, and representatives from 170 destinations worldwide. It is now an essential platform for networking and promotion. Participation gives Axarquia a prime opportunity to solidify its reputation among French travel agents, tour operators, and international tourism companies.
APTA aims to turn curiosity for the region into visits, making Axarquia a must-see destination in southern Spain. The French market, dynamic and growing, could become one of the region’s most loyal tourist bases in the coming years.
Local heroes honoured
Police in Velez-Malaga.
maintaining safety across all the town. “I’m proud of all our officers. Their hard work ensures the well-being of our residents, and this recogni-
tion is well deserved,” Lupiáñez added.
Velez-Malaga has been investing in strengthening its police force, opening more than 20 new
positions over the last two years. Today, the department has over 100 active officers, with plans to reach 140 in the near future. There are also available modernised equipment and reinforced teams, with the goal to improve public safety and community well-being.
“This government has a clear mission: the safety and welfare of our residents is non-negotiable. Velez-Malaga already has an excellent police force, but we’ll continue improving to reach the highest standards of excellence,” Lupiáñez said.
APTA will promote Axarquia in Paris.
Spain community fees
What homeowners need to know
IN Spain, community fees - the monthly cuota de comunidad - are a fact of life for anyone owning a property in a residential block or urbanisation. Under Article 9 of the Horizontal Property Law (Ley de Propiedad Horizontal, LPH), every homeowner must contribute to shared expenses such as cleaning, lighting, lifts and gardens, regardless of whether they personally use those services.
The amount each owner pays isn’t random. It’s based on a “coefficient of participation” listed in the title deeds, which reflects your floor area, location in the building, orientation, and relation to shared spaces. As a result, two neighbours in the same block may pay different amounts. Special levies (derramas) for upgrades or repairs are split using the same formula.
But when - if ever - can you legally refuse to pay? The law allows exemptions only in very specific cases, and only if clearly stated in the community statutes or approved at a general meeting. Saying “I don’t use the pool” or “I live on the ground floor” isn’t enough.
Owners seeking an exemption must follow the proper process: check the statutes, raise it at the AGM, and make sure any change is formally recorded at the Property Registry.
The takeaway is clear: in Spain, paying community fees is the rule, not the exception. Exemptions exist, but only on paper and under strict legal conditions. Skip payment without solid backing, and you could end up paying far more - in court.
For more information, read the full article at: https:// tinyurl.com/community-fees
Community fees in Spain - what owners pay, and the few legal exemptions
Understanding residency rules NIE vs TIE confusion
FOR many British residents living in Spain, navigating the country’s bureaucratic processes can be complexand in some cases, getting it wrong could put their right to reside at risk.
Several documents - including the NIE, TIE, Tarjeta de Residencia, and Certificado de la Unión - are commonly misunderstood. However, knowing the difference is vital for maintaining legal status.
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a foreign identification number used for administrative purposes, such as opening a bank account, buying property, or working. Crucially, it is not proof of legal residence. Relying on it at border controls or with authorities offers no protection.
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero) is the only valid document proving legal residency for non-EU nationals, including Britons post-Brexit. It is a biometric card that includes a photograph, fingerprints, and expiry date, and has replaced the old Tarjeta de Residencia.
Since January 1 2021, British residents fall under the EU Withdrawal Agreement (Article 50), and only the TIE confirms their protected status. Confusing the NIE with the TIE can lead to loss of rights and being treated as an overstayer. There are two types of TIE: temporary (five years) and permanent (ten years), both with strict renewal rules. For Britons in Spain, the message is clear: the NIE is not enough.
Ingreso Minimo Vital Renting in Spain:
Support for low-income households
SPAIN’S Ingreso Minimo Vital (IMV) will continue supporting thousands of households in 2025, with those born between 1960 and 2002 among the key groups encouraged to apply. The benefit isn’t limited to the unemployedworkers with low or unstable incomes may also qualify if their household earnings
below Social Security thresholds. Applicants must have lived legally in Spain for at least 12 consecutive months and be registered at their current address. The IMV is assessed per household unit, meaning income and circumstances of everyone living together are considered. It is designed to top up, not
replace, existing wages or benefits - a vital cushion as food and rent prices remain high.
ID for all adults (DNI or NIE), a recent padrón certificate, proof of income, and family documents (Libro de Familia or birth certificates) are required. Applicants should submit their file even if something is missing, with an explanation, rather than delay. Consistent names and addresses help avoid hold-ups. Claims can be made online or via Social Security offices, with support often available at town halls.
Amounts vary by household, with child supplements of up to €115 per month. Other income is deducted, and non-residence assets may affect eligibility.
For those who don’t qualify, support like pensions, SEPE subsidies or the RAI may apply. While not a cure-all, the IMV can provide crucial stability in tough times.
RENTING in Spain involves paperwork, but data protection laws limit what landlords can request. They’re only entitled to information genuinely needed to set up and manage the tenancy - not a full profile of your private life.
The essentials include your full name, DNI or NIE, contact number, current address, and bank details for the standing order. If utilities are in your name, your data may be shared with energy or water suppliers strictly for service set-up.
Proof of solvency is fair game: landlords can ask for recent payslips, a work contract, tax return, or “vida laboral” (employment history). A guarantor - relative, friend, or bank - may sometimes be requested. These checks are legal and focused on ensuring rent can be paid.
However, tenants are not obliged to provide medical records, criminal background checks, social media profiles, relationship details, or character references. If asked, a polite but firm refusal is appropriate: you’ll provide what’s necessary for the contract - nothing more. To protect your privacy, consider showing documents in person, redacting sensitive details, and keeping records of what you’ve submitted. Landlords who overstep can face action from Spain’s data watchdog, including fines.
Good screening should be thorough but not intrusive. Tenants should remember: if a document isn’t strictly required for the rental, it stays private.
Credit : Brian A Jackson, Shutterstock
Spain’s IMV
Highway upgrades
MALAGA’S provincial government is investing €3 million to upgrade six key roads in the Axarquia region to improve safety, drainage, and overall driving conditions.
The most prominent work is on the MA-3119, connecting Benagalbon and Moclinejo. The project, managed by Asfaltos Jaen at a cost of €218,928, includes resurfacing 1.2 kilometres with two layers of asphalt, reinforcing roadside drainage and repainting road markings.
Wine & raisin power
THE Malaga Provincial Government has launched a new campaign to shine a spotlight on the Axarquia’s wine and raisins, and this time with the help of social media influencers.
President of the provincial government, Francisco Salado, visited the site to highlight the importance of maintaining the roads that link Axarquia’s towns. “Our goal is to make travel safer, smoother, and more reliable for both locals and visitors,” Salado said.
are the MA-3116 (access to Benamocarra), MA-3120 (N340 to Almayate), MA-4104 (access to Alcaucin), MA4108 (Salares-Archez), and MA-5104 (A-7206-Archez).
Other Axarquia roads included in the current plan
Printed at Recoprint: Polígono Industrial La Palmera, Parcela 3, Av. de la Palmera, 41, 41703 Dos Hermanas, Sevilla
These improvements form part of a wider initiative covering 63 kilometres across 18 roads in five comarcas, with a total investment of €5.2 million.
Since 2022, sections of MA-3106, MA-3108, MA3109, MA-3114, and MA3200 have already been upgraded. The remaining 4.2 kilometres of MA-3114 and MA-3109 are scheduled for 2026.
Over two days, Almachar, Comares, El Borge and Moclinejo will welcome well-known food, travel, and wine communicators, who will experience local enotourism firsthand and share it with their thousands of followers.
María del Carmen Márquez, Provincial Deputy for Employment and Training, explained that the project is designed to promote not only local products but also the traditions and rural culture that define the Axarquia. “We want to show that the Axarquia and its raisins are full of opportunities for entrepreneurs,” she said.
The programme begins in Comares with a visit to
traditional vineyards and a demonstration of the drying process in paseros.
Guests will also try out the village’s record-breaking zipline before enjoying lunch and a tour of local wineries. In Almachar, they will explore the Raisin Museum and attend a tasting dinner with local agents.
On the second day, Moclinejo will showcase its automated raisin dryer
and the historic Bodegas Dimobe, while El Borge will host live demonstrations of raisin-drying techniques. Among the invited influencers are Malagadictos (318,000 followers), wine communicator Amaia Soto, award-winning sommelier Meritxell Falgueras, journalist Laura Sánchez Lara, and Antonio Carlos Miñán, nominated Wine Communicator of the Year in 2024.
Successful camps
VELEZ-MALAGA has finished another successful edition of its inclusive summer camps, bringing smiles and support to hundreds of local families.
More than 120 children with special educational needs and nearly 100 youngsters at risk of social exclusion took part in activities held across July and August at the Antonio Checa school in Torre del Mar and the Axarquia school in Velez-Malaga.
Councillor for Social Rights and Equality, Juan García, praised the initiative as “a great help for families,” noting how the camps made it easier for parents to balance work and childcare during the long summer break. This year, the programme was extended to also cover the last week of June and the first week of September, giving even more su-
Everyone deserves a summer.
pport to families in need.
The activities went far beyond the classroom and made a beautiful summer for everyone. Children enjoyed trips to Triana’s swimming pool, Cinesur Ingenio, the provincial nursery in Benamocarra, as well as rides on Velez’s tourist bus. Sports, shows, and workshops rounded out a summer of fun and dis -
covery.
“These children, some with reduced mobility and others facing social challenges, deserve a summer just like any other child,” said Juan García.
He also pledged that, despite cuts in national subsidies, the town hall will work to secure funding so the camps continue in 2026.
€3 million to upgrade six key roads in Axarquia.
A new campaign to shine a spotlight on Axarquia’s wine and raisins.
Credit: La Diputación de Málaga
Credit: Diputación de Málaga
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Velez-Malaga
Bold tourism ahead
AXARQUIA’S tourism is going full digital.
Turismo Costa del Sol and the Mancomunidad of Axarquia are working together to bring local leisure businesses into the new ‘Big Data Costa del Sol’ system. This bold tool will give companies valuable insights to boost their visibility, attract more visitors, and, of course, improve profits. The system collects and analyses a huge amount of information. Everything from online reviews and sales channels to average prices and where visitors come from is displayed in easy-to-use dashboards. Business owners can even see real-time data and adjust quickly to trends and tourist needs.
Antonio Díaz, Managing Director of Turismo Costa del Sol, explained: “Digitalisation is key to improving Costa del Sol’s tou-
rism. Giving Axarquia’s leisure businesses access to Big Data strengthens their ability to attract visitors and grow sustainably.”
The project is a public-private partnership. Municipalities, associations, and local companies are all working together to make the region smarter and more innovative. Apeco, which represents leisure businesses, says entertainment is a major draw for visitors. This initiative will increase exposure for local companies and also improve the overall tourism system.
With this push, Axarquia isn’t just keeping up with trends, but it’s leading them. By combining technology, strategy, and sustainability, the region is building a tourism sector that’s stronger and smarter. It now has all the tools to shine on the national and international stage.
Torre gets its theatre
TORRE DEL MAR is one step closer to finally getting its long-awaited theatre. The local council has now chosen the company that will take on the construction, after carefully reviewing three different bids.
Jesús Pérez Atencia, first deputy mayor of Velez-Melaga and Torre del Mar, called it an important step for “bringing this major cultural project to life for our town.”
The project has faced some delays, first when the original contractor stepped away, and later due to rising construction costs linked to the war in Ukraine.
The new plan has been updated to fit today’s realities, but keeping quality high while staying on budget.
“This theatre is now really moving forward,” the first deputy mayor said. He is sure that
the new space will be a top-quality venue for culture, not just for Torre del Mar but for the wider Velez-Malaga area. He also made it clear that the council is focused on real progress, not just promises, and is basing decisions on solid reports and careful planning.
Once finished, the
theatre will be a hub for culture, community, and the local economy. Work is set to resume soon, bringing Torre del Mar closer to a venue that has been needed for so many years. Residents and tourists can look forward to a new cultural landmark that will benefit the town for generations.
Torre del Mar, closer to its theatre.
Velez-Malaga
Business owners can even see real-time data and adjust quickly to trends and tourist needs.
Credit: Mancomunidad of Axarquia
Support local sport
THE mayor of Torrox, Óscar Medina, renewed his membership with the CD Torrox football team, which is preparing for the next season in Spanish football.
The mayor wanted to set an example when it comes to supporting local sports. Medina encouraged residents of Torrox to follow suit.
“Sport is life,” Medina explained, highlighting the key role that community support plays in keeping local teams active and thriving. He added that backing these clubs isn’t just about money, it’s about morale, participation, and helping young athletes develop values like teamwork, discipline, and equality. Joining the mayor in renewing members-
hips were other members of the municipal government. CD Torrox’s vice-president delivered the membership cards in a small ceremony that symbolised the town’s officials’ commitment to local sport.
Local sports clubs in Torrox are operating on tight budgets and rely heavily on community support. They exist especially because of the dedication of coaches, volunteers, families, and directors. Meanwhile, the town hall recently invested in facilities and infrastructure over the past few years, with the goal to position Torrox as a sporting hub. By joining local clubs and paying a small membership, residents contribute directly to this objective.
ALMUÑECAR is standing firmly behind its farmers as the mango and cherimoya harvest hits full swing.
Mayor Juan José Ruiz Joya and councillor for Agriculture Carlos Ferrón recently toured Frutas El Cerval, one of the town’s leading tropical fruit companies. They showed support for a sector that is vital to the local economy.
“Our land, our pride. Two treasures that provide thousands of jobs for our neighbours, as behind each fruit there is a family, an effort, and a tradition. It is my duty to always stand by their side, and we cannot look the other way because defending our agriculture is defending Almuñecar,” said Ruiz Joya.
The mayor renewed his call for the long-delayed Rules Dam water channels to be completed, saying that farmers cannot be left with unbearable irrigation costs. Ferrón added that growers face a
Tropical pride
double squeeze: mangoes fetching under €1 per kilo while water prices climb above €0.50 per cubic metre.
Despite the challenges, the region’s tropical fruits continue to shine. Almuñecar boasts around 150 hectares of mango groves, mainly the Osteen variety, with harvests running until
November. Cherimoya, especially the prized ‘Fino de Jete’ protected by a Denomination of Origin, will carry the season through spring.
Founded in 2009, Frutas El Cerval alone produces more than 1.5 million kilos of tropical fruit each year, proving the sector’s strength and export potential.
Tourist revival
THE mountain village of Periana is betting big on its future. This summer, the local council approved the lease of the long-forgotten Villa Turistica de la Axarquia, a heritage property sitting just outside the hamlet of Cortijo Blanco.
The contract, worth €75,000 (excluding VAT), has been awarded to the only company meeting the tender requirements.
For locals, this is the beginning of a long-awaited revival.
The company now has 20 working days to submit a detailed rehabilitation plan for the villa and to sign the lease. Once that’s done, the site could finally reopen its doors as a new tourist attraction, bringing new energy and jobs into Periana.
Villa Turistica, built in the early 1990s for €3.3
million, was closed for 22 years. It consists of 20 two-bedroom units, six one-bedroom units, and 14 double rooms. It also includes a main building that once housed the reception, cafeteria, lounge, meeting rooms, and restaurant. Other facilities include a swimming pool and an orchard.
Mayor Meritxell Vizuete underlined the importance of the step:
“This is both about protecting our heritage and building a future. It’s the result of ongoing work and shows our firm commitment to conservation and development.”
In this context, the mood in Periana is hopeful. After years of watching the villa sit idle, locals are eager to see if this latest move can finally breathe life back into their village.
Óscar Medina renewed his membership with CD Torrox.
Credit: Óscar Medina
Mayor and councillor for Agriculture recently toured Frutas El Cerval.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Almuñecar
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Periana
View of Periana.
Spain’s rental clampdown
Locals and expats voice their views
SPAIN’S battle over holiday rentals has erupted into one of the country’s fiercest political and social debates. Sweeping national reforms introduced in July 2025 require every short-term rental to register for a National Rental Authorisation (NRA) code, with platforms such as Airbnb and Booking. com obliged to remove unlicensed listings. Residents’ associations can now vote to block tourist lets in their buildings, and local governments from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca have imposed freezes or outright bans.
The backdrop is a housing crisis in which rents have soared, protests have drawn tens of thousands to the streets, and more than 65,000 properties have already been delisted nationwide. Critics say tourism has fuelled ‘overtourism’ and neighbourhood decline, while others argue the real culprit is the lack of affordable new housing.
In Andalucia, the government’s decision to revoke 53,000 tourist rental licences has stirred particular anger. AVVAPRO, the association representing temporary rental owners, calls the move “populist” and says it “threatens Andalucia’s economy,” warning that the national decree defies regional autonomy and undermines businesses that have “operated legally for years.” Many property owners, including British second-home owners, fear being branded illegal despite holding valid regional permits. Further north in the Valencian Community, enforcement has been equally tough. The Housing Ministry has removed 7,499 illegal tourist flats, including 538 in Denia alone. “They should publish the addresses of those properties so that neighbours know who those uncivil landlords are,” said Daniel, a Denia resident frustrated by rising rents. Gabriela, who runs a local hotel, welcomed the crackdown, declaring, “When a section of society proves incapable of imposing ethical limits on itself, the state must act
with the force of a hammer.” Paul, a long-term Torrevieja resident, said: “Everything is being replaced to suit tourists… rents are through the roof, parking is difficult, prices rise, and crime has increased. It helps tourist spending, but it’s harder to live here.”
On the island of Mallorca, authorities have struck agreements with Airbnb to ensure every host provides a valid registration number, hoping to curb what one minister described as profiteering: “Enough with protecting those who make a business out of the right to housing in our country,” said Spain’s Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy.
Protests there have at times turned hostile, with locals dousing visitors with water. Some business owners also blame shortterm lets for changing tourist habits; restaurant leader Juanmi Ferrer complained, “We’ve reached the point where in Port de Soller there are restaurants that are giving their staff vacations in the middle of July because of the so-called sandwich tourists.”
In Malaga, the tension is palpable. The
Unlicensed listings being removed.
city has imposed a three-year moratorium on new tourist licences and revoked more than 10,000 existing ones after long-term rents ‘doubled in around eight years’, according to resident Lucinda de la Cereza. “No owner will rent long-term over short-term. Too many are scared of squatters,” added another resident. Yet not everyone blames tourism. Holiday-rental entrepreneur Juan Cubo Guerrero calls the backlash ‘demonisation’ and insists ‘Malaga is not Venice’, arguing that short-term lets have decentralised tourism and revitalised neglected villages
Neighbouring Axarquia has taken a gentler stance. Only about 5 per cent of homes in Torrox are listed as tourist rentals and most residents are relaxed for now. Still,
pressures are evident. “My rent has gone up 30 per cent in the last three years,” said Antonio, a waiter in Torre del Mar, who believes “it’s not only Airbnb, but it’s part of the story.” Locals note that visiting families spend freely in neighbourhood markets and restaurants, keeping small businesses alive. Further east in Almeria, where demand from British expatriates is strong, the impact is mixed. Caroline Webb of Almerimar sees both sides: “Airbnbs can attract more visitors… It also draws people who prefer ‘living like a local’,” she said, while acknowledging that in bigger towns “Airbnb makes housing more expensive in busy tourist cities.” Smaller communities, she added, have so far escaped the steep price rises seen elsewhere. Murcia’s quieter Costa Calida presents another perspective. There, holiday rentals are largely confined to purpose-built resorts, and illegal listings are rare. Paul, a local estate agent, warned that too heavy-handed a ban would hurt livelihoods: “Some resorts were set up with holiday rentals in mind; their daily spend is much higher than that of locals. If demand drops, the resort shops, bars, and restaurants could close.” Many residents favour sensible regulation but oppose outright prohibition, seeing tourism as vital to jobs and services.
Across Spain the dilemma is the same: how to protect housing for residents without undermining an industry worth more than €200 billion a year. From the water-throwing protesters of Mallorca to the cautious shopkeepers of Axarquia and the hoteliers of Denia, reactions differ sharply. What unites them is a recognition that the free-for-all of unregulated tourist rentals is ending.
Whether the new laws can tame both soaring rents and public anger without crippling local economies remains the country’s great unanswered question.
AXARQUÍA - MÁLAGA EAST
Simply La Bottega
SOME places are a mustsee for certain towns. For instance, La Bottega in Nerja has built a reputation as one of the town’s must-visit dining spots.
Run by Enzo and Lucia since 2017, this Italian–Mediterranean restaurant combines the warmth of a family spot with the polish of fine dining.
The menu is broad yet carefully curated. Crisp salads, house-made burgers, fresh fish, perfectly seared sea bream, tender beef fillet, and pasta dishes that taste like they’ve come straight from Italy. Add to that a fine collection of cocktails, especially gin and tonics.
Food quality is consistently praised by visitors. Simple, honest dishes
Folk beats in Benagalbon
elevated by fresh produce and thoughtful presentation. Service is another strong point of the place: friendly, professional, and quick with helpful suggestions, whether you’re sharing starters or choosing the right wine pairing. And speaking of wine, La Bottega’s cellar boasts over 100 labels, from Spain and Italy to California and New
Zealand. Many are available by the glass, which makes experimenting easy. The only challenge? Getting a table. With ratings pushing 4.8 on both Google and TripAdvisor, advance booking is almost essential.
La Bottega is located at Avenida Castilla Perez, 21C, Nerja. You can call for reservations on 951 571 434.
BENAGALBON will celebrate 30 years of one of Malaga Province’s most popular cultural traditions. The 30th edition of the Traditional Verdiales Competition will take place on September 20.
Verdiales is a centuries-old folk music and dance tradition from the Malaga region, featuring small bands called pandas. These groups play violins, guitars, tambourines, and castanets while dancers perform energetic routines.
This year, as usual, the streets will turn into a stage for music, dance, and friendly rivalry. Twelve pandas from the Montes style (a specific local variation) will compete, including groups from Moclinejo, Benagalbon, and other nearby towns. Two guest groups will showcase other regional styles, giving visitors a full taste of Malaga’s music heritage.
The festival kicked off on September 12 with the opening of a special exhibition at
Casa Fuerte Bezmiliana, displaying the history of the competition through posters and photographs. This year’s official 30th-anniversary image is by Antonio Montiel.
This edition also introduces a ‘Best Improvised Song’ award, recognising performers’ creativity and wit, adding a playful twist to the traditional duels of music and dance that continue late into the night.
Francisco Salado, president of the Malaga Provincial Government, said the festival “reaffirms the roots of Verdiales in Malaga’s popular culture.”
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Rincon de la Victoria
The traditional Verdiales Competition will take place on September 20.
Credit: La Bottega Facebook page
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Turespaña Convention
ZARAGOZA will host the 6th Turespaña Convention from October 20-22, 2026, as recently announced by the Spanish Tourism Institute. Backed by the city’s tourism industry, the bid emphasised sustainability, including a carbon footprint plan and a dedicated forest.
AI hospitality
AI is transforming Spain’s hospitality industry, with studies showing 20 per cent of Spanish travellers use AI to plan trips (Nucamp). Hotels are adopting chatbots, WhatsApp conversions, and smart pricing tools, while experts stress staff training to balance automation with human touch.
Tourism growth
SPAIN’S tourism GDP grew 2.7 per cent in early 2025, outpacing the national economy’s 2.4 per cent, according to CaixaBank Research. The catering industry rose 2.6 per cent year-on-year. Analysts highlight slower but more sustainable post-pandemic growth. US tourist spending remains uncertain.
Ski upgrade
THE Sierra Nevada ski resort will invest €19 million in a major modernisation plan for the 2025/26 season, reports Spain Travel News. Upgrades include new snow grooming machines, 12 snow cannons, lift renovations, and a rebuilt Nevasol restaurant, following a record-breaking financial year.
World Research
THE UK will launch a “New Horizon” campaign in Spain and Germany to boost collaboration through Horizon Europe, the world’s largest research programme worth £82 billion (€95.5bn), reports the UK government (Gov.uk).
STAT OF WEEK
Spain is the world’s second-largest tourism earner.
Spain fintech awards
SPANISH fintech ID Finance and its consumer platform Plazo Credit have been honoured at the Global Banking & Finance Awards 2025, with judges recognising their impact on financial innovation and customer empowerment.
ID Finance, which operates in Spain and Mexico, was named ‘Best Fintech Company Spain 2025’ for its role in making digital financial services more accessible, inclusive and efficient.
Wanda Rich, Editor of Global Banking & Finance Review, said, “ID Finance continues to drive digital innovation in Spain’s and Mexico’s
First Movers
financial sector, combining advanced technology with a clear mission for financial inclusion. Its ability to merge innovation with customer trust positions the company as a leader in fintech and
Coalition
SPAIN officially joined the First Movers Coalition on September 8 becoming the 14th country to back the global push for decarbonisation in hardto-abate industries.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said it marked “another step forward in [Spain’s] commitment to climate action and sustainable innovation” (World Economic Forum).
Launched at COP26 in 2021 by the World Economic Forum and then US envoy John Kerry, the coalition drives demand for clean industrial tech across sectors like steel, cement, aviation and shipping. It now has over 100 members and aims to cut 30 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2030.
Several Spanish firms, including Iberdrola and
Labour costs
SPAIN’S labour costs rose 5.4 per cent year-on-year in Q2 2025, according to provisional data from the INE’s Harmonised Labour Cost Index (INE).
Adjusted figures show a 3.8 per cent rise, with salary costs up 3.5 per cent and other costs up 4.5 per cent.
The sharpest increases were in professional, scientific and technical activities and energy supply (both 6.5 per cent).
By contrast, public administration and arts and entertainment saw rises of barely 1 per cent.
a trusted partner for consumers” (Global Banking & Finance).
Plazo Credit, ID Finance’s flagship consumer finance product, received the title of ‘Best Alternative Credit Specialist
Spain 2025’. The platform offers flexible debit and credit solutions without long-term commitments, aiming to boost financial stability and freedom.
Rich added, “Plazo Credit stands out as a dynamic alternative credit provider, offering lending solutions that empower customers and promote responsible borrowing. Its dedication to transparency and customer empowerment is reshaping the way credit is accessed in Spain.”
The Global Banking & Finance Awards, founded in 2011, celebrate institutions setting new standards in the financial industry.
Acciona, are already members, joining heavyweights in the global supply chain. With Europe enduring record heat and wildfires in 2025, Spain’s decision underlines both urgency and opportunity.
PROPERTY portal Idealista posted revenues of over €300 million in 2024, a 16 per cent year-onyear rise, according to Online Market Places. Its domestic arm, Idealista SAU, grew 15 per cent to €159m. But profits dipped, with EBITDA down 10 per cent to €84m and a €52m net loss, blamed on staff bonuses linked to last year’s Cinven acquisition. Employees have now received three such bonuses in nine years.
PAN GLOBAL RESOURCES has reported significant gold assay results from drilling at its Cármenes Project in northern Spain, with highlights including 34m at 3.01 g/t gold near surface and 5m at 8.93 g/t gold, the company announced (Pan Global). CEO Tim Moody said, “The new results expand the near-surface breccia-hosted gold mineralisation and include the highest-grade gold intercept at Providencia to-date.” Drilling continues with further assay results pending.
FCA warning Clear Channel
CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR
HOLDINGS has agreed to sell its Spanish business to Atresmedia for €115 million, the company confirmed in a statement (PR Newswire). CEO Scott Wells said, “This agreement represents the final step toward completing our process to divest our European businesses.” Proceeds will be used to reduce debt, while Clear Channel Spain’s CEO Jordi Sáez Camacho described it as “an exciting new chapter.” The transaction is expected to close by early 2026, pending regulatory approval.
THE UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has told MPs it will not accept claims from car finance firms that customer data on mis-sold loans has been “lost” as part of a potential £18 billion redress scheme.
FCA chief executive Nikhil Rathi told the Treasury committee, “Where a firm says to us that they don’t have the data, we’re not just going to take that at face value. We will look at that very forensically.”
The scheme, triggered by a Supreme Court ruling in August, could compensate millions of drivers who were overcharged through commission deals.
CSH, a Sheffield-based specialist in liquid cooling systems for AI data centres, has secured a £250,000 finance facility through Dynamic Funding.
Founded in 2016, CSH now exports 99 per cent of its products, with demand soaring in Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East. Director Colin Hume said, “We wouldn’t have been able to build the foundation that we have done to date without the guidance from UKEF and the finance facility from Dynamic Funding” (Gov.uk). The funding allowed CSH to process £1.5 million in orders between April and May.
Fintech - trasforming global markets.
Pedro Sánchez and Børge Brende.
3I Group 3.822,00 3.845,00 3.817,00 23,38K
Group 3.306,0 3.324,0 3.306,0 3,32K
25,98K
45,17K
9,73K
British Foods 1.975,0 1.977,5 1.973,0 10,73K
62,65K
382,55 383,35 381,80 991,93K
Redrow 368,90 369,70 368,56 46,4K Beazley 831,00 835,00 818,00 118,75K Berkeley 3.652,0 3.670,0 3.646,0 3,17K BP 420,30 423,40 420,30 1,16M British American Tobacco 4.164,0 4.187,0 4.158,1 45,43K
BUSINESS
EXTRA
Energy exodus
INEOS, owned by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has halted UK investment and shifted £2.2 billion to US operations, blaming Labour’s North Sea oil tax, reports GB News Executives slammed Britain’s ‘unstable fiscal regime’, warning it jeopardises energy security and industry.
Fashion sales
INDITEX, owner of Zara, Bershka, and Massimo Dutti, reported H1 2025 sales up 1.6 per cent to €18.36 billion, with net income rising 0.8 per cent to €2.8bn, reports Fashion Network . CEO Óscar García Maceiras praised a “solid performance.”
BBVA under pressure
BBVA’S takeover bid for Banco Sabadell is facing strong resistance, with analysts and Sabadell’s leadership calling the €14.7 billion offer ‘poor’ and undervalued compared to the bank’s €16.3 billion market worth.
BBVA is offering one share plus €0.70 in cash for every 5.5483 Sabadell shares. But with Sabadell trading nearly 9 per cent above the offer, experts say an increase is essential.
Market analyst Franco Macchiavelli told El Economista, “BBVA’s
RIPPLE has expanded its European presence by signing an agreement with Spanish banking giant BBVA to provide its digital asset custody technology. The deal, announced on September 9, supports BBVA’s new crypto trading and custody service for Bitcoin and ether available to retail customers in Spain.
Cassie Craddock, Ripple’s Managing Director for Europe, said the partnership came at a crucial time, “Now that the
Ripple expands
EU’s Market’s in Crypto-Assets regulation (MiCA) is established across Europe, the region’s banks are emboldened to launch the digital asset offerings that their customers are asking for” (Ripple).
The agreement extends Ripple’s existing work with BBVA in Switzerland and Turkey.
offer starts with a negative premium, and to be attractive, it should be at least 7 to 10 per cent above the current share price.”
Atl Capital’s Ignacio Cantos was blunter, “The increase should be around 20 per cent because, if we applied economic logic right now, no one would participate in the takeover bid.”
JB Capital argued BBVA could raise the bid by up to 34 per cent without losing most of its expected €900 million in synergies.
Sabadell chairman Josep Oliu dismissed the proposal as ‘poor’ and based on ‘unrealistic’ assumptions, urging shareholders not to accept.
Shareholders have until October 7 to decide, leaving BBVA in a delicate position: raise its bid and risk diluting its own investors, or hold firm and risk rejection.
Avocado project
SPAIN has financed a €37 million (US$40m) avocado project, one of the country’s largest agribusiness deals to date, reports Iberian Lawyer. Led by Banco Santander with backing from Arcano Partners and public bank ICO, the project funds land purchases and a major Qultiva Farms avocado plantation. Law firms Dentons and Ontier advised on the deal.
Electricity grid
POWER utilities lobby Aelec has warned over 80 per cent of Spain’s grid’s nodes are saturated, threatening instability and blocking new energy connections, reports Reuters. Operators say massive investment is needed to prevent bottlenecks. Aelec said, “Without these conditions, it will not be possible to connect industry, housing, storage, or electric mobility.”
BBVA, Madrid.
Credit: JJFarq, Shutterstock.
Playing it all down
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT
WITHOUT question the news media is the most powerful propaganda machine on the planet. This is why, in the event any coup or takeover operation, the first places the insurgents or rebels make for are the offices of the newspapers or TV and radio outlets. Once this is achieved, they can deliver their messages and rhetoric to all and sundry. Although the social media can often give us a broader spectrum of events, the main media is nevertheless still the world’s most influential outlet. Quite often however, it is not what they do report that is the most revealing of their intentions, but what they actually decide to omit. How often have you said to yourself, whatever happened to ‘so and so’? Or how did that story of what’s his/her name finally pan out? It’s actually quite simple.
The censorship of exclusion can often be the most powerful disinformation of all. Did you notice how quic-
kly the assassination of that Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi ultimately disappeared from the front pages? There was no way the Saudi Royal family would be brought down or threatened by the untimely demise of some relatively small time dissident.
You can bet some form of high diplomatic influence was brought to bear and the media instructed to play it all down until it was conveniently forgotten.
And whatever happened to the three young men from the dating agency who set fire to the car and former abode of Kier Starmer? Not a peep. Mind you don’t trip over the ever-rising carpet all this information has undoubtably been swept under! Reports of any possible punishment for the man found guilty of assaulting the police officers at Manchester airport has also been extremely quiet of late; this is because the public’s reaction could be so hostile it could jeopardise the whole distorted operation of sentencing, which you can bet is still under full ‘woke’ throttle with hand rubbing legal teams earning fortunes from tax payer’s
money in the process. (what’s the betting he receives no jail time at all).
Were you also aware that with the breaking up of the Arctic ice sheets, methane, a greenhouse gas which is far more harmful than carbon monoxide, is being released into the atmosphere at an alarming rate and could result in temperature changes of four to six degrees centigrade in just two decades? This would not only be an utter disaster for the planet, but make cutting CO2 emissions an utter waste of time. Better to not publish that. After all, what would all the ’wokers’ do then? Protest for God to retilt the Planet? Not to mention endangering the billions being earned by the electric car manufacturers, which is given so much leftie propaganda people actually believe it’s a commendable operationwhich it most certainly is not. Never ends. Many thanks for all your mail. I always try to keep abreast of most of your suggestions. Keep ‘em coming, and whatever ya do, always….. Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
Expensive cheese
A 2.5-KILOGRAMME Cabrales cheese from the village of Arenas, Asturias, created by Angel Diaz Herrero’s dairy and aged by Encarnacion Bada, fetched a record-breaking €37,000 at auction, earning the title of the world’s most expensive cheese in the Guinness World Records.
The winning bid, placed by Ivan Suarez of El Llagar de Colloto restaurant in Oviedo, made it the sixth consecutive year the establishment got the top cheese at the 53rd Cabrales Cheese Contest, a regional tourism event which drew more than 2,000 attendees.
Selected from 13 entries under the Cabrales Protected Designation of Origin, the stinky cheese, made from cow’s milk and aged for nine months in the Los Mazos cave at 1,500 metres altitude, surpassed last year’s record of €36,000 by another €1,000. The auction saw fierce competition, with bids from nine Spanish establishments, including La Montera Picona in Gijón and La Cuenca in Madrid, starting at €3,000. Suarez, who hesitated to attend but was egged on by his father, said the purchase was a passionate investment in promoting Asturias and its iconic Cabrales cheese, and despite the high cost of €14,800 per kilo, he plans to share portions with family, friends, and customers.
Robert Redford dies
ROBERT REDFORD, one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors and a driving force behind independent cinema, has died at the age of 89. The actor, director and activist passed away on September 16 at his beloved home in Sundance, Utah, surrounded by family. His death marks the end of an era for film, but his influence will continue to shape the industry for generations.
Redford rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s with unforgettable roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting and All the President’s Men. His charm, good looks and screen presence made him a box-office star, yet he refused to be defined only as a leading man. In 1980, he made his directorial debut with Ordinary People, a drama that stunned critics and won the Oscar for Best Picture.
But perhaps his most enduring legacy is the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, founded in the early 1980s. At a time when Hollywood had little space for independent voices, Redford created a platform that launched the careers of filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Steven
Soderbergh. Sundance became a global symbol of creative freedom, reshaping modern cinema and inspiring generations of storytellers.
Outside of film, Redford was a passionate environmentalist, long before it was mainstream. He campaigned to protect the American West, lived close to nature in Utah, and used his influence to advocate for conservation.
Hollywood, fellow artists and fans around the world are now mourning the loss of a man whose career spanned six decades. As tributes pour in, one thing is clear: Robert Redford’s legacy will never fade.
Credit: Llagar de CollotoFB
Ivan Suarez and Encarnacion Bada.
Hollywood icon Robert Redford at a red carpet event.
Credit : Andrea Raffin, Shutterstock
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Spain’s vineyards, valleys & vintage - In vino veritas!
TUCKED between the Basque Country, Navarra and Castile-Leon, La Rioja is perhaps Spain’s least flashy region - modest in size, but mighty in wine. Once known as Logroño Province, it gained its snazzy new name (and autonomy) in 1982, with Logroño remaining its capital.
Geographically dramatic, the region is bookended by the Obarenes Mountains in the north and the rugged Iberian Cordillera in the south. Through it all meanders the Ebro River, hydrating vineyards and villages alike.
Down by the Ebro, you’ll find fertile farmland yielding grapes, cereals and veg. Up in the hills? Fewer people, more sheep. Historically transhumant (a posh word for ‘follow-the-goats’!), the highlands have emptied out since grazing rights were scrapped in 1836.
La Rioja’s wine fame blossomed in the 19th century, thanks to enthusiastic Basque investors. Upper Rioja produces reds that inspire poetry; lower Rioja specialises in sweeter table wines. Small wineries have survived by forming cooperatives, while locals now also grow everything from leeks to gherkins.
Food processing dominates industry, with textiles making a quiet comeback. Even oil made a surprise entrance in Najera in 1980.
And yes, they throw grape-filled fiestas! The Vendimia Riojana in September features carts, costumes and bullfights - because, in La Rioja, they take both wine and tradition seriously. Really seriously!
And finally, many thanks for the generous feedback on my website! Really thrilled you enjoy both the column - and novels!
Nora Johnson’s 14 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The House of Secrets’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.
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INTERVIEW
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Speaking European: From Athens to Spain
For Alexios Christopoulos, known as Alexi, life has always been shaped by movement and music. Born in Athens in the 1980s, he remembers his childhood in Ano Elysia with affection, recalling the slower rhythms of family life in Greece.
AT 11, everything changed when his family moved to England. For two decades, Britain became home, a place where he grew into adulthood, worked tirelessly and adapted to a busy lifestyle. Yet the pull of the Mediterranean never left him.
That call led Alexi and his wife to make a bold decision. In January 2022, they left England with their young daughter and relocated to Spain, seeking sunshine, simplicity and proximity to family. The move transformed their lives. “I like the balance of work and life here. It’s far more relaxed than in England,” Alexi told Euro Weekly News. Spain offered warmth, fiestas and a sense of belonging. Yoga, part of his personal practice for over 20 years,
became a way to connect with others. Teaching in Denia and across the Costa Blanca allowed him to share his passion while embracing Mediterranean living. Music remains at the centre of who he is. Whether playing covers or performing original songs, Alexi brings joy to local audiences. Yet above all, it is the sea - long walks, winter surf and quiet reflection - that grounds him.
Music, however, remains at the heart of who he is.
Credit: Alexi
Your
VOICE
Do you think smoking should be banned on bar and restaurant terraces?
THE debate over smoking on terraces has reignited in Spain after new restrictions were introduced, with bar and restaurant owners warning of serious financial losses. According to recent reports, hospitality businesses fear that prohibiting smoking outdoors could drive away many regular customers, particularly in areas where terrace culture is central to social life.
We asked our readers: Do you think smoking should be banned on bar and restaurant terraces?
Opinions revealed a strong backlash against the idea of a blanket ban. Many respondents stressed that they do not smoke themselves, yet still oppose further restrictions. As Fergal Hanrahan put it: “No, and I don’t smoke.” Trev Vennard and Roz Toone echoed this sentiment.
Several comments highlighted inconsistencies in the policy. Rachelle Claret asked: “No. Many bars have cigarette machines. Why sell them if we can’t smoke them on the terrace?” Similarly, Anne Dawson argued: “No. It is in the open air a lot of terraces, and bars are next to the road with fumes from petrol, diesel etc, and you do not hear complaints about that!”
Karen Poland suggested: “I’ve asked many people and all, without exception, think bar/restaurant owners should have the choice then make it clear on
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advertising and at the entrance stating whether they allow or don’t allow smoking. People choose their venue based on food type and price, etc, let them have that extra choice too.”
Some respondents distinguished between bars and restaurants. Dennis Norton Maidana stated: “Restaurants yes, bars no.” and Ron McCormick agreed: “No if you don’t do food, yes if you do.”
Former bar owner Craig Tomlinson offered a practical view: “As a nonsmoker I’m inclined to agree, but being a former bar owner there, and common sense, no, as why would smokers come to a bar if they can’t smoke inside OR outside. What I did do was have a no smoking zone around the entrance to stop people smoking there as the smell would go into the bar, and I served food.”
A few suggested compromises such as Martine Rees-Naylor: “No. A designated smoking area away from people eating is good enough. I’m a non-smoker.”
In conclusion, the majority opposed the ban, including many non-smokers. Several argued that restaurants serving food could reasonably restrict smoking, while bars without food should not be affected. Designated areas were widely suggested as a fair balance, though a small number of voices supported the new ban outright.
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Bars and restaurants face pressure to enforce new no-smoking rules.
Credit: Pisit Koolplukpol / Shutterstock
• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •
Costa del Sol Old ways best
LIVESTOCK farmers in Malaga Province are pressing for long-term wildfire prevention plans after Spain’s worst fire season in 2025. Despite Malaga recording minimal scorched land due to a rainy March ending a three-year drought, farmers warn that neglecting land clearing could lead to devastating fires like those in Mijas or Sierra Bermeja in 2022.
Jubrique’s mayor, Alberto Benítez, highlighted a shortage of forest agents, with only three to four active instead of seven, recalling the 2021 Sierra Bermeja fire that destroyed 10,000 hectares.
Local councils are acting. Benarrabá’s mayor, Silvestre Barroso, invested €3,000 in a 40-goat herd to clear forest land in Serranía de Ronda and enlisted Donkey Dreamland’s rescued donkeys for natural undergrowth clearance.
The decline of grazing animals in forests and scrubland like sheep, goats, and wild boars has increased fire risks.
Costa Blanca North Living the high life
BENIDORM is preparing to add another giant to its skyline. The TM Tower, currently under construction beside Poniente beach, will rise to 230 metres, making it the tallest residential building in Spain and the fourth highest tower in the country.
The only structures taller are three of Madrid’s Cuatro Torres business district: Torre Cristal (249 metres), Torre Moeve (248) and Torre PwC (236). TM Tower will surpass Torre Emperador, which stands at 224 metres.
Benidorm is no stranger to vertical landmarks. Its 192-metre In Tempo tower is currently the nation’s tallest residential block, while the Gran Hotel Bali, at 186 metres, has dominated Poniente since 2002. According to the specialist website Skyscraper Page, the city of 70,000 inhabitants already boasts 108 skyscrapers.
The project is being developed by TM Grupo Inmobiliario. TM Tower will offer 64 floors of one-tofour-bedroom homes.
Mallorca Star-studded spot
FAMED English singer Ed Sheeran recently enjoyed a fantastic pasta lunch in the popular Mallorcan capital of Palma hours before the launch of his much-anticipated new album, which came out on Friday, September 12. The Shape of You singer confessed that he loves the Balearic Island, and frequently chooses it as a holiday destination. He was passing through the city for a few days prior to the album launch.
On Thursday, September 11, Sheeran visited the Mama’s Pepper pizzeria, located in Santa Catalina, where he surprised customers, servers, and the restaurant owners. The recognisable redhead arrived for lunch with a friend and was reportedly very friendly throughout the visit, even snapping some photos with some customers and workers at the restaurant.
The songwriter’s eighth studio album, PLAY, experiments with a different sound and marks a new chapter in Sheeran’s career.
Costa Blanca South Rocking it up
THE annual Rock Against Cancer festival returned to Torrevieja this past weekend, bringing two nights of live music and supporting local cancer charities. Held at Parque Antonio Soria, the festival featured tribute acts to some of rock’s biggest names. Friday honoured Foo Fighters, AC/DC, Bryan Adams and Bruce Springsteen, while Saturday brought tributes to Green Day, The Offspring, Guns N’ Roses and Sum 41.
Organisers confirmed that around 10,000 people attended each day, many of whom were tourists or expats. Speaking to Euro Weekly News, organiser Janet said: “I think we broke a new record for attendance. I’ve never seen so many people.” She added: “Around 90 per cent of those who attended were foreign, with only around 10 per cent being Spanish.” When asked about the amount raised, Janet said: “We’re unsure as we have yet to calculate the final amount, but it is definitely more than last year.”
Almeria
Briton bounty
THE region of Almeria has long been the object of Britons’ love: its beautiful and glimmering coast, the breathtaking nature of its inland areas, and its quaint and rural towns have made it a top destination for UK holidaymakers, and it’s no surprise some of them choose to stay for good. Rental and housing platform Idealista recently reaffirmed this with data from the second quarter of 2025, showing that 22 per cent of the inquiries from property listings from abroad come from Britons. This represents the highest percentage of interest across the whole of Spain, even ahead of the famously bustling and desirable Alicante.
Almeria has recently been of great interest to holidaymakers, with a booming peak season in 2025 and more opportunities for touristic growth and expansion, including more participating in worldwide tourism fairs and gastronomic events. With affordable housing, delicious food, and unparalleled natural draws, Britons are increasingly more enamored with the province.
Costa Calida Ed Sheeran surprise
LA ALGAIDA, a small village in Archena, is in full swing for its annual patron saint festival, and this year came with a big surprise. The celebrations kicked off with the crowning of the festival queens, followed by the traditional opening speech, or ‘pregón,’ delivered by local-born Clara Guillén.
Now living in Bristol, Guillén works as a civil servant, researcher, and lecturer at the Open University, and she has written several books and scientific articles. Her speech touched the crowd, bringing back shared memories and pride in the village’s traditions.
But the biggest moment came right after. British singer Ed Sheeran appeared on the big screen with a video message, sending his best wishes to everyone celebrating. Sheeran has a special connection to the area, his first visit to Spain as a child was to Murcia for a family wedding, and he still remembers it fondly.
PETS
Plan now for Christmas pet-sitters
AS with all travel arrangements peak season must be planned early. And it it applies to the Christmas and New Year holidays. If you are planning to go away and need pet-sitters please plan now.
This is the perfect time to fi nd a sitter and get a commitment for that very busy time of year. Join HouseSitMatch and we can help you fi nd free checked pet-sitters who won’t charge you a penny. And in exchange they enjoy free accommodation in your home. It’s a win win!
The pet-sitters come for free!
Don’t leave finding a pet-sitter at Christmas to the last minute - plan now.
2. Choose a Standard account (£89 per year) to ensure you can get help online when needed
3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house
4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work?
HouseSitMatch can help you fi nd suitable sitters or a new place to discover as a house-sitter. Join our network for a small fee, get ID checked for safety and build your advert or house-sitter profile. It’s done in minutes!
Unique working dogs
All around Europe, especially in the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Belgium, farmers once used dogs to pull small carts of milk from farms to the cities. Then, they’d sell milk in the streets or markets. Even today, there are a few dog-drawn milk carts in France and Belgium. Pulling these carts, however, tends to be a form of exercise for dogs today.
And, if you’re planning a trip in 2025 register now to fi nd pet-sitters in time. Earlier is better than later. Whether your trip is short or long, get organised ahead of time. All pets benefi t from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Join our pet and house-sitting network, and the sitters come for free! Choose HouseSitMatch for affordable travel, home and pet care. Next steps:
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Pure Joy - I have completed two house-sits so far, so early days. Both sits have been well suited to me and my dog.
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Thoroughly enjoyable experiences with beautiful homes and well-rounded animals. I’m looking for more!
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Saying goodbye
HEARING that your beloved pet needs to be put to sleep is one of the hardest things a pet owner can face. While nothing can truly ease the heartbreak, preparing thoughtfully can help you and your pet find peace in their final moments.
Start by spending quality time together in the days or weeks you have left. Keep their routine comfortable, offer favourite foods, and shower them with affection. Take photos, create memories, or even write a letter to your pet if it helps you process your emotions. Speak with your vet about what to expect. They can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and explain options like in-home euthanasia for a more peaceful setting.
Decide in advance whether you want to be present, and consider having a trusted friend or family member with you for support. Afterwards, give yourself permission to grieve. Losing a pet is losing a family member. Me-
morials, keepsakes, or simply sharing stories can help honour their memory.
Preparing with love and intention allows your pet to leave this world surrounded by care, comfort, and dignity.
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New Life Church Whether you live in Nerja or are visiting our area, you are very welcome to come and join us at our Sunday gathering. Join us for a time of Holy Spirit led worship and experience the presence of our God. Our teaching is Bible based as we honour God and obey His Word. During this time of uncertainty, God’s Word reminds us that the Gospel shines brightest in times of darkness. Our service lasts for about 1 hour and 30 mins. With Tea and Coffee afterwards. Sunday Service 11.00am; Prayer Meetings Wednesdays 11.00am; Pasaje San Miguel, Nerja, 29780 Email: info@nlcnerja.com Website: www.nlcnerja.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ nlcnerj
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CHURCH SERVICES
THE ANGLICAN Chaplaincy of Nerja & Almunecar. Every Sunday there is a Holy Communion service at midday in San Miguel church in Nerja. Every Wednesday morning at 9.30 we have an online ‘Zoom’ HC service - please contact Fr Nigel with an e-mail address if you would like to join us. Priest in Charge, Father Nigel Thomas. Tel: Church House - 951 815 736, Mobile: 608 695 756, e-mail: cofenerja@gmail. com
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Kia Picanto - characterful fun
By Mark Slack ROAD
TEST
SMALL city cars are an endangered species it seems nowadays, the SUV rules the showrooms but there are a few exceptions and one of these is Kia’s Picanto. It’s been in the sales brochures since 2004 and remains one of the most popular small city cars.
The range starts at a modest, by today’s standards, €19,362/£16,695 and standard equipment across the range includes cruise control, heated and adjustable door mirrors, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, navigation, auto lights, TPMS and reversing camera with sensors.
ve-speed automatic.
The three model Picanto line-up starts with the Pure grade and follows on with the GT Line and GT Line S. Picanto power is a 1.0-li-
Despite the Picanto’s diminutive size it’s surprising how spacious it is inside, don’t get me wrong you won’t be packing for four people on a week’s camping holiday. However, unless you have very long legs and lots of luggage, you’ll be plea-
DGT plate rules
MOTORCYCLE
and moped owners in Spain can now breathe easier.
The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) has updated its regulations on number plate placement, turning what was once a finable offence into something fully legal. Under the new Order PJC/780/2025, riders of mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles now have more flexibility as long as plates remain visible and easy to read.
For quadricycles, the reform goes further, allowing the option of a front plate for the first time. It’s a move that recognises both practicality and design, giving owners more choice without sacrificing safety. The DGT insists, however, that plates must still be mounted vertically, or close to it, so they can be clearly identified at all
times. Visibility remains the key condition.
For bikers, the change means more freedom to adapt plates to their vehicle’s design, reducing previous clashes between style and regulation. The update also reflects the reality of modern vehicles, where rigid placement rules often made little sense. By easing restrictions, the DGT hopes to strike a balance between driver convenience and road safety.
The decision highlights
a shift in traffic policy towards adapting rules to fit real-world use. It also underscores that avoiding fines is only part of the story - the aim is to modernise Spain’s traffic framework while keeping essential safeguards in place. Riders are encouraged to review the full text of the order to ensure compliance.
The DGT has given light vehicle owners more flexibility, but the golden rule remains clear - if the plate isn’t visible, it isn’t legal.
santly surprised. Although there is quite a lot of hard plastics the interior looks and feels pretty decent and doesn’t feel like a cheap option.
My top-of-the-range GT-Line S model is a fantastically well equipped car with heated seats, steering wheel, auto lights including high-beam assist, electric glass tilt and slide sunroof, automatic air conditioning, faux leather uphols-
tery, keyless start and entry/exit, rear privacy glass, wireless mobile charging, the list is endless.
On the road the Picanto has the usual array of bings, bongs and chimes for seemingly anything the driver does, but then that’s common to all new cars irrespective of manufacturer. The ride is good and the visibility excellent, and being able to see all four corners of the car makes it a doddle to manoeuvre in tight spaces.
It’s a car that can be immense fun, certainly it’s got character, but the engine is its downside. If you are using the Picanto for urban driving, which to be fair it’s designed for, then you’ll thoroughly enjoy the drive. Meet the slightest incline or need a turn of speed to join a fast road and you’ll need to make very good use of the gears. The price tag of my top-of-the-range GT-Line S at €22,667/£19,545 is also a potential stumbling block when you look at some of the competition.
All that said the Picanto achieves something few ‘ordinary’ cars can manage, it puts a smile on the driver’s face.
The DGT’s new rule offers more freedom for number plate placement on motorcycles and light vehicles.
Credit : Daniel Vargas Peset, Shutterstock
Another Marquez win
AFTER Sunday September 14’s San Marino MotoGP win after a spectacular duel against Bezecchi, Marc Marquez is much closer to crowning himself champion this year in Japan.
The Spanish racer won the San Marino Grand Prix at Misano, taking revenge in style, winning a spectacular race against Bezzecchi, who he held at bay.
Conditions were good, with the sun drying the track after the overnight rains, with temperatures of 27 and 35 degrees Celsius on the asphalt. All the favourites started on medium tyres, front and rear.
At the start, Bezzecchi held onto his lead, while Marc again
climbed from fourth to second. Alex was third. Augusto Fernández, who was riding the new Yamaha with a V4 engine, and Rins jumped the start and were penalised by two penalty passes.
At one point, as MotoGP, pointed out on X along with a video, “Bez made a mistake.
Marques breezes past him to take the lead.”
Along with the two riders, Álex Márquez completed the podium, the only rider who can prevent his brother from becoming champion at the Japanese GP, which takes place from September 26 to 28.
If anyone thought the race was over, they
Djokovic quits Serbia
NOVAK DJOKOVIC, the tennis legend with 24 Grand Slams to his name, has left Belgrade and decided to move into another European country.
Nole swapped the Serbian capital for the Aegean, uprooting his family from Serbia and settling into a new life in Athens after a bruising fallout with his homeland’s political elite.
The 38-year-old has quietly enrolled his two children (Stefan, 11, and Tara, eight) at St Lawrence College, an elite international school in the Greek capital.
His wife Jelena has been spotted shopping in Glyfada, the couple’s new coastal neighbourhood, while Novak himself has already been seen hitting balls at the Kavouri Tennis Club. Locals say the Djokovics are blending into life in Athens, greeted warmly by residents who stop him for selfies on the promenade.
But behind the sunshine move lies a stormy backstory. Djokovic has faced fierce criticism in Serbia for voicing support for mass protests against President Aleksandar Vucic.
When he backed student demonstrations after a deadly train station collapse that killed 16, regime-friendly media branded him a ‘false patriot’.
Flick slams the Federation
LAMINE YAMAL did not play Barcelona’s game against Valencia Sunday, September 14, and team officials have ‘serious doubt’ he’ll be available for Barça’s Champions League opener on Thursday, September 18.
Yamal, a top Ballon d’Or candidate, has discomfort in his pubic bone, stemming from mismanaged playing time with the Spanish national team.
“It’s a shame, because he went to the national team with some pain. He hasn’t trained at all with the national team. He took painkillers to play. They scored more than three goals in each game, but Lamine played 73 and 79 minutes in both matches. After Bulgaria, he didn’t train again. This is not taking care of the players,” Hansi Flick said.
Minutes later, far from seeking to ease the tension with the Federation, he insisted: “73 and 79 minutes. Spain has the best national team in the world. The best players in every position are outstanding. Perhaps when we talk about taking care of young players, we’re referring to things like this. This saddens me
The smear campaign intensified when he condemned police violence, leaving him increasingly isolated in his homeland.
Now, Athens appears to be more than a refuge. Djokovic has purchased property in Glyfada and is reportedly seeking Greece’s ‘golden visa’, a residency scheme for big investors. He’s also considering launching a tennis academy on the Riviera.
greatly.” According to Barcelona’s doctors, Lamine Yamal finished the match against Rayo Vallecano with discomfort in his pubic bone.
However, the Federation has a different version of this story. “There are two
Hatton family pays tribute
THE family of world boxing champion Ricky Hatton, from Stockport, has paid tribute to him after he was found dead at the age of 46 in his Manchester home, just weeks before a planned comeback fight.
Hatton died on September 14. Two days later, boxing pundit Steve Bunce revealed that his body had been discovered the same day, by his manager and longtime friend, Paul ‘Speaky’ Speake. “On Saturday night, Ricky hadn’t gone to a boxing show. Speaky realised the next morning that he hadn’t turned up, so he went round to Ricky’s house and let himself in,” Bunce explained.
Speake immediately notified police, who confirmed Hatton’s death. Officers said the circumstances were not being treated as suspi-
cious, though the cause has not yet been disclosed.
Just days earlier, Hatton had shared videos on Instagram of himself training in the gym, apparently preparing for a return to the ring in two months’ time.
His family released a heartfelt statement: “He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and
loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him. Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.” Hatton had spoken openly in the past about his struggles with mental health, drug addiction, and surviving suicide attempts.
Marc Marquez taking revenge in style.
Credit: MarcMarquez93/Instagram
Ricky Hatton was found dead at his Manchester home just weeks from making a comeback to the ring. Credit:
Lamine Yamal is a top favourite to take the Ballon d’Or shortly.
