Axarquia 27 March – 2 April 2025 Issue 2073

Surprise for 20 millionth visitor

Historic milestone for Nerja Cave

NERJA CAVE, one of Spain’s most visited natural monuments, has reached a historic milestone: 20 million visitors since it rst opened to the public in 1960. The honour of being the 20 millionth guest went to María Cutanda from Badajoz, who was visiting with her family.

To mark the special occasion, the Fundación Cueva de Nerja refunded the entrance fees for María and her seven relatives. She also received a selection of branded gifts, including a backpack and a commemorative t-shirt.

The Nerja Cave Foundation attributes its steady rise in visitor numbers to a mix of modernisation, digital strategies, expanded attractions, and a fresh communications approach. Additionally, the foundation has built sponsorship agreements with some top sports teams in the region, including Malaga CF (football) and Unicaja Baloncesto (basketball), boosting its visibility.

THE Axarquia Tourism Promotion Association (APTA) will attend the B Travel Show in Barcelona to promote the region’s travel o erings. The event will take place from March 28 to 30 at Montjuïc.

B-Travel is one of Spain’s largest tourism fairs, bringing together industry professionals and the general public. It attracts travel agencies, hotels, cruise operators, transport companies, and other tourism service providers. APTA, in collaboration with local municipalities and institutions, will present Axarquia’s

Thanks to all these initiatives, Nerja Cave has recovered from the Covid-19 tourism downturn and then surpassed pre-pandemic attendance levels. By 2022, visitor numbers had already exceeded those recorded in 2018. The upward trend continued, culminating in a record-breaking 530,782 visitors in 2024.

Promoting tourism

tourism opportunities using QR codes and promotional materials from

various towns.

At last year’s edition, 129 exhibitors participa-

ted and more than 26,500 visitors attended, with 78.6 per cent stating that the event in uenced their holiday plans.

APTA’s goal is to attract visitors planning trips for Easter and the summer season while also establishing connections with industry professionals. Axarquia bene ts from strong transport links with Barcelona, including direct ights and high-speed train connections to Malaga.

Future talent

TORROX has introduced the rst beach football school in Malaga Province, in order to develop future talents and facilitate social inclusion. The initiative was presented by Mayor Óscar Medina, who highlighted the town’s facilities. “We have some of the best pitches in Spain and southern Europe,” he said.

The new school will operate under the guidance of Club Deportivo Arena Torrox. Training sessions will take place four times a week at the Ferrara sports complex: Mondays and Tuesdays at 5.00pm and on weekends at 12.00pm.

Sports councillor José Manuel Fernández praised the role of Alexandre Soares, director of Club Deportivo Arena Torrox. The four-time world champion with Brazil’s beach football team is now leading the academy.

Soares explained the school’s philosophy, pointing out social inclusion. “We welcome all children and young players who want to train and improve. Beach football helps with physical and mental development,” he said.

María Cutanda at the Nerja Cave.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Nerja

APTA prepares for the B Travel Show in Barcelona.

The mayor of Torrox presented the beach football school.

Credit: Ayuntamiento

New animal registry

THE town hall of Torrox and the Malaga Veterinary Association have signed a collaboration agreement to create and develop a municipal pet registry. The agreement was signed by Mayor Óscar Medina and Association President Juan Antonio de Luque in the presence of councillor Ana Pérez Rico and veterinarian José María Ramírez.

The town hall will contribute €3,000 plus VAT annually for four years to support the project. The initial registry includes 5,631 dogs, of which 213 are considered potentially dangerous, along with 1,135 cats, eight ferrets, and 10 other companion animals, totalling 6,784 animals.

De Luque presented to the mayor five microchip readers, which will be used by the Local Police for proper animal identification. Medina said that this agreement meets com-

pliance with current legislation and thanked councillor Ana Pérez for her efforts in ensuring animal welfare and public safety.

De Luque also highlighted that the agreement helps Torrox comply with Andalucia’s animal identification regulations. The registry will provide real-time data on local pets and will improve protection for animals and their owners. He also reminded the public about the legal requirement for pets to be vaccinated against rabies and treated for Echinococcus granulosus, the dog tapeworm.

Councillor Pérez also announced the town hall’s collaboration with the Malaga Veterinary Association on the Andalucia CER protocol, which manages community cat populations through humane methods, including capture, sterilisation, and return.

Axarquia reads together

FOURTEEN reading clubs from across the region came together in Velez-Malaga for a day of literature, discussion, and shared passion for books. Acclaimed writer Luis Landero was the event’s special guest.

The Centro del Exilio in Velez-Malaga hosted the First Axarquia Reading Clubs Meeting on Saturday, March 22, drawing book lovers from across the region. The event, which ran from morning until evening, provided a space for clubs to share their experiences and celebrate their love for reading.

Participants included 14 reading clubs: Velez-Malaga, Mainake, Juan de la Cierva, Callejón del Cuento, Colegio La Gloria, SAC ‘Mercedes Junquera’, Lectura y Teatro de La Viñuela, Biblioteca CEIP Andalucia, Entre Hojas de Periana, Algarrobo-Costa, Libros con Salitre, Benajarafe-Chilches,

and Libros y Amigos de Rincon de la Victoria. The day began with a welcome speech from the local Culture councillor, who was joined by event organisers Isabel Rodríguez and Chon Sarmiento.

Throughout the morning, clubs took turns presenting their work, sharing insights about their activities, and discussing their favourite authors.

A special moment was an inclusive storytelling session, organised by the

‘Entre Hojas’ club in collaboration with ‘Letras y Aventuras’.

Martina López Larrubia read the story aloud, while Lidia Molina translated it into sign language, ensuring accessibility for all. The event ended in a high-note, with a live music performance. This first-of-its-kind meeting proved to be a resounding success, fostering connections between Axarquia’s reading clubs and encouraging future collaborations.

Protection for local pets.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

First Axarquia reading clubs meeting.

Credit: Club de Lectura y Teatro La Viñuela Facebook page

Spanish retirement reforms

Key changes from April 2025

FROM April 1, Spain’s Social Security system will introduce significant changes affecting partial retirement, active retirement, and delayed retirement. These changes aim to improve the compatibility between pensions and employment, allowing more people to work, should they choose to, while still receiving their pension.

Partial retirement in Spain

One of the most notable reforms is to partial retirement, both with and without a replacement contract. The key up dates include:

• Early partial retirement will be available up to three years before the official retirement age.

• Employees working more than two years in advance can reduce their working hours by 20-33 per cent in the first year.

• Temporary workers can now be hired as relief workers for those on partial retirement.

• The replacement contract must now be full-time and permanent, the replacement employee must remain in the position for at least two years after the partial retiree steps down.

• Workers reaching the standard retirement age can now opt for partial retirement without a replacement contract, with working hour reductions between 25 per cent and 75 per cent (previously capped at 50 per cent).

Active retirement in Spain

Active retirement, which allows pensioners to work while receiving their pension, will undergo major changes. From April 2025:

• Pensioners will no longer be required to have completed their entire contribution career to qualify.

• Active retirement can now be combined with delayed retirement incentives, offering greater flexibility.

The percentage of pension allowed while working will gradually increase over time:

• one year of active retirement: 45 per cent of pension can

be received.

• two years: 55 per cent

• three years: 65 per cent

• After five years: 100 per cent of pension can be received.

This reform aims to encourage older workers to stay in the labour market without financial penalties while providing a smoother transition to full retirement.

Delayed retirement in Spain

The Spanish government is also modifying delayed retirement rules, which allow workers to postpone their retirement in exchange for a higher pension.

• From April 2025, workers will only need to contribute for six months in the second year of their delay to qualify for Social Security financial incentives.

• Previously, a full year of contributions was required to access these benefits.

• This adjustment aims to encourage more workers to delay retirement, giving them access to incentives sooner. https://www.sede.seg-social.gob.es

Warning to used car buyers

THE Guardia Civil has sounded the alarm on Spain’s booming second-hand car market, warning buyers to be on high alert for online deals that seem too good to be true. With prices soaring, more motorists are turning to used cars, but that bargain motor could come with a nasty surprise.

In a video on TikTok (@ guardia_civil_navarra), an officer from the Benemerita delivered a clear message: “Never make a pay-

ment before seeing the vehicle in person.” He also offered a golden rule for spotting a scam: “If the price seems suspiciously low, don’t trust it.”

The warning comes amid a rise in fraudulent listings and dodgy deals, with criminals preying on eager buyers looking for a bargain. Scammers often lure victims with unrealistically low prices, pressuring them into sending deposits before they even set eyes on the car.

To steer clear of trouble, the Guardia Civil recommends requesting a full vehicle report from Spain’s DGT. This official document provides crucial details, such as past owners-

Clocks go forward

DAYLIGHT Savings Time begins on Sunday March 30 at 2.00am. At this time, clocks will ‘spring forward’ as we welcome in the longer days and sunnier seasons of spring and summer.

British Embassy: get TIE now

FOR those of you who still have the green certificate to validate your legal residency in Spain, you will have to change it for a TIE card now or face not being able to travel.

New information from the Spanish government, supplied to the Euro Weekly News by the British Embassy in Spain, says that the soon-to-be implemented Entry Exit System (EES) of the EU will not recognise the old green certificate as a valid ID.

The EES is expected at some point in 2025. Under this new border system, all non-EU short-stay travellers will need to register their name, passport details, and data upon entering Spain or any other EU country.

British residents in Spain will need to show a valid uniform-format identity card, in this case the TIE, to be exempt from the EES system and therefore travel freely across the Schengen EU border to the UK and back, as the green certificate will no longer be accepted as proof of residency in Spain. Without a TIE, it could be that the computers flag you as having stayed too long in the EU and therefor Border officers may detain you, or expel you from the country.

More information on how to apply, including links to Spanish government websites where the applications are made, can be found on the ‘Living in Spain’ guide on gov.uk.

Tax season is almost here!

hip, accident history, and any outstanding debts on the car.

Beyond checking the paperwork, experts advise buyers to consider key factors like the car’s reliability, size, fuel type, and, most importantly, their budget. Comparing different makes and models is also a smart move to ensure you’re not overpaying - or worse, being conned.

Many buyers also use second-hand car checking services like www.needcarhelp.es. These services will come and check the second-hand car you’re interested in and give you a full report of any faults or issues found. They also run a car history check and check the documents for you.

TAX season is approaching fast in Spain, and from March 19, residents can access their fiscal data online via the Agencia Tributaria portal. This early check allows you to spot mistakes or missing details before the official income tax return (IRPF) filing period begins on April 2. Reviewing your information ahead of time helps avoid last-minute corrections or potential fines. Common errors include incorrect addresses, outdated bank accounts, or missing income records. If you discover an issue after submitting, you can still amend your return before the final deadline. To check your data, visit the Agencia Tributaria website and select ‘Datos Fiscales’.

You can log in using cl@ve, electronic DNI, a digital certificate, or the reference number from last year’s return. Once inside, you’ll be able to verify and update your tax details directly. While online filing opens on April 2, those preferring in-person appointments will need to wait until May when face-to-face services become available. Spain’s tax office reminds residents that Bizum transfers under €10,000 usually don’t need to be declared, unless they are business-related. Inheritances themselves are not included in income tax returns, but any profit from the sale or rental of inherited assets must be reported. Workers with multiple employers also face additional filing obligations - if you earned more than €15,000 across various sources and over €1,500 from a second employer, you will need to file. In general, anyone earning more than €22,000 per year must submit a return, though exceptions apply. Taking time to review your data now could help you avoid complications down the line.

https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/

Honours for officers

THE Nerja Town Council has officially recognised four Local Police officers and a doctor for their exceptional actions in two critical incidents.

During the plenary session last week, the council unanimously approved two institutional motions commending officers José Luis Muñoz, Francisco Javier Sedeño, Eva Rueda, and Jorge Acosta, along with Dr Carolina Valotta, for their meritorious service.

Officers Muñoz and Sedeño were honoured for their heroic rescue on January 1, 2025, when they saved two young people trapped on the rocky coastline of Carabeo Beach, preventing a potentially life-threatening situation.

Keeper’s new career

Affiliated to

Meanwhile, officers Rueda and Acosta, along with Dr Valotta, were praised for their swift intervention on January 19, 2025. Responding to an emergency call at the Verano Azul football field, they assisted a person experiencing severe respiratory distress. Their combined efforts in performing resuscitation helped stabilise the individual, who regained a pulse and was later transferred to Malaga Regional Hospital.

MIGUEL GUERRERO, former goalkeeper of Velez CF between 2020 and 2023, has taken an unexpected turn in his career. The ex-footballer, now 31, has found new success in a very different field: model content creation.

goalkeeper. “I never make less than five figures a month,” he revealed in an interview. “Someone even offered me €500 just to have coffee with them. I spent an hour there, and that was it,” he explained.

In recognition of their merits, the Nerja Town Council has formally requested that the Andalucian government consider them for the region’s Police Merit Award.

Born in Cordoba, Miguel Guerrero changed his life in 2023 when he joined La Isla de las Tentaciones, a popular Spanish reality show. The exposure brought him thousands of new followers on his social media, and soon after he decided to retire from professional football.

With a growing fanbase, Guerrero launched his OnlyFans account, and the results have been impressive, according to the former

So far, he has earned nearly €100,000 through subscriptions and interactions, and his new career on social media is just getting started.

In football, Miguel Guerrero had stints at Cordoba, Xerez, San Roque Cadiz, San Fernando CD or Écija Balompié, before joining Velez in 2020. He was the first option in goal for the Axarquia team, who was playing then in the Spanish fourth league.

Local Police in Nerja.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Nerja

Miguel Guerrero playing for Velez CF.

Credit: Miguel Guerrero’s Instagram account.

THE construction of the Velez-Malaga Municipal Music and Dance School building is now complete. The project is located in the El Pilar neighbourhood and the total investment is nearly €2 million, partially funded by European Regional Development Funds (FEDER).

The next steps include equipping the facility and creating an adjacent parking area. While no official opening date has been set, authorities expect the school to be operational before 2026.

Mayor Jesús Lupiá -

Music House is ready

ñez visited the building alongside Jesús María Claros, councillor for Municipal Buildings, and Lourdes Piña, councillor for Education. Lupiáñez highlighted the institution’s significance as a cultural and touristic asset. “This space will uphold the highest standards of quality, providing a hub for music and dance education that Velez-Malaga truly deserves,” he stated. Now that construc -

THE Andalucian Water Commission has decided to increase the maximum water consumption in the Axarquia region. The consumption has been set at 225 litres per person per day, with 12.8 cubic hectometres allocated for agricultural irrigation. Previously, the consumption was set at 200 litres per person.

At the same time, some restrictions on swimming pools and beach showers will remain in place at least until summer. According to future weather conditions, the authorities could take new de -

tion is finished, efforts will focus on furnishing and equipping the facility. The project features 10 music theory classrooms, eight instrumental rooms, two dance studios, and two soundproof booths.

Other spaces include administrative offices, rehearsal rooms, an auditorium, and a performance hall with seating for 200 people. A second phase of development within the complex is

also planned.

Lourdes Piña underlined the school’s importance for local education and cultural growth.

“This initiative will elevate music and dance in our region, providing new opportunities for artists and hosting high-profile events,” she said. She also noted the revitalising effect the school will have on the historic district, further energising the area’s cultural landscape.

Water rules relaxed

cisions in the next few months. But despite the increase in water levels due to recent rainfall, the commission also decided to keep the drought alert in place for Axarquia. La Viñuela reservoir now holds over 73 cubic hectometers (44 per cent of its capacity), but officials warn that water resources remain critically low in the region and the prolonged drought continues to represent a risk of supply shortages.

Beach showers will remain off.

Mayor Jesús Lupiáñez visited the new building. Credit:

Eggstortionate

THE cost of a dozen medium-sized eggs has jumped 25 per cent in just two weeks, with category M eggs - typically the cheapest - rising from €2.60 to more than €3.25 in Spanish supermarkets. This sudden spike, follows price hikes in olive oil, sugar, coffee, and chocolate, hitting a dietary staple known for stable pricing across stores.

The increase varies by type: basic size M and free-range eggs have risen more sharply than free-range chicken or organic varieties, though all categories are affected. In contrast, size L eggs, previously €2.80, have also climbed but less dramatically.

Multiple factors drive this surge. In the US, avian influenza outbreaks have led to the slaughter of millions of chickens, cutting supply and boosting egg exports from countries like Spain.

This reduces local stock, pushing prices up. In Europe, fears of bird flu spreading - though Spain remains unaffected - have sparked stricter controls and higher production costs. Social media amplifying these concerns has fuelled a collective panic, further pressuring markets.

Ryanair rules

RYANAIR will introduce stricter travel rules this winter as part of a shake-up affecting all passengers from November 5, 2025. The airline has confirmed that paper tickets will be scrapped in favour of a fully digital boarding pass system aimed at streamlining check-ins and speeding up boarding.

The most significant change involves hand luggage. The maximum size for free cabin bags will now be capped at 40 x 20 x 25 cm. Bags exceeding this limit will incur a steeper fine of €70, up from the previous €60. Travellers requiring additional bags will now have to purchase Priority Boarding, with fees varying depending on the route and booking time. Ryanair will also introduce a €100 penalty for passengers who arrive at the check-in desk less than 40 minutes before departure.

The same fine applies to trave-

face stricter baggage and check-in rules from November 2025 as

llers attempting to catch a later flight after missing their original booking.

Although rebooking will still be possible up to one hour after departure, passengers will face additional charges. The airline is encouraging travellers to check luggage dimensions carefully and

Alcohol limits

PORTUGAL is weighing stricter drink-driving laws as Spain pushes forward with plans to cut its blood alcohol limit.

Spanish lawmakers have approved a proposal to lower the limit for all drivers to 0.2 grams per litre, scrapping the current thresholds of 0.5 grams for most motorists and 0.3 grams for professional drivers such as lorry and bus operators.

Backed by Spain’s ruling Socialist Party, the bill cleared its first parliamentary hurdle with 177 votes in favour. Vox voted against, while the Popular Party abstained. The measure will now head to the committee stage for further discussion and potential amendments, but no date has been set for when the new limit could take effect.

policies.

arrive early to avoid these fines. Experts also advise passengers to pack essential medication in their hand luggage and review airline policies on carrying medicines. These updates mark Ryanair’s latest move to tighten its baggage rules while maintaining its reputation for low-cost fares.

Spain is moving to tighten drink-driving laws and Portugal is considering similar reforms.

A GERMAN city set a new Guinness World Record by hosting a parade with nearly 900 dachshunds, also known as sausage dogs.

The draft law would also ban the sharing of police checkpoint locations on social media

platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram, targeting what authorities describe as ‘organised groups’ who undermine drink-driving controls by warning others about roadside checks. In Portugal, Joana Teixeira, president of the Portuguese Society of Alcoholism, has called Spain’s proposal a potential model for Lis-

bon. “Reducing the limit to 0.2 grams would significantly impact driver awareness and safety,” she told local press.

Although no official bill has been introduced in Portugal, the debate is gaining momentum, with campaigners urging lawmakers to consider following Spain’s lead to improve road safety.

Regensburg, which is home to the Dackelmuseum (a museum dedicated to dachshunds), organised the world’s largest dachshund dog walk, called the Dackelparade. At least 897 dachshunds, along with their owners, participated in the event. Some estimates suggested there were as many as 1,175 dogs, but Guinness confirmed 897.

Seppi Küblbeck, who co-founded the Dackelmuseum with his husband, Oliver Storz, said the parade was meant to spread positivity throughout the community. He explained that “the dachshund isn’t political” and that for dachshunds, “all people are equal, regardless of skin colour or where they come from.”

Ryanair passengers will

the airline updates its travel

Credit : Shutterstock, Dan Kosmayer Dachshunds on parade.

Image: Dackelmuseum Moni, Blümchen & Klein-Seppi / Facebook

Brits abroad

BRITISH tourists make up a large share of visitors to Alicante, with one in three coming from the UK. Last year, over 2.6 million Britons travelled to the Costa Blanca, showing that neither Brexit nor the pandemic has slowed them down. They remain a key part of the region’s tourism industry.

The numbers reflect what’s happening at Alicante-Elche Airport, the main entry point for travellers. The airport set a new record for passengers, and the trend has continued into 2025. Out of 18 million people who passed through, more than 6.1 million were British, confirming their status as the largest group of visitors.

Ryanair dominates the market for UK travellers, handling 45 per cent of British tourists.

easyJet follows with 27 per cent, and Jet2 has 17.5 per cent.

Leading tour operators include Southall Travel, ST&H, Svenska Reisengruppen, E Dreams, and British Airways. London is the top city of origin, accounting for 29.4 per cent of visitors, but other cities also contribute significantly. Manchester makes up 12 per cent, Bristol 7.3 per

cent, Nottingham 6.6 per cent, and Birmingham 6.3 per cent.

Flights between Alicante and the UK are frequent, making up 37 per cent of the airport’s operations. Last year, there were 36,430 flights between the two locations, averaging 99 per day. Manchester had the highest number, with 5,090 flights, or about 12 daily.

Acronyms Decoded: Ultimate cheat sheet

EVER felt like you’re trying to decode an ancient script from a lost civilisation when reading your text messages?

You see a message packed with strange codes, your brain freezes, and suddenly, you’re blushing because you have absolutely no clue what anyone’s talking about. Cue the desperate Google search. Sound familiar?

FROM COAST TO COAST

2. IDC – I Don’t Care (Use when you’re unbothered)

3. HMU – Hit Me Up (Use when you want someone to message or call you)

Honestly, with all these acronyms flying around, I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re secretly part of some intergalactic communication network and don’t even know it! Maybe aliens are using these codes to chat with us, just waiting for the day we crack the code and realise we’ve been texting Mars all along. But jokes aside, while acronyms make communication fast and fun, sometimes I feel like they’re stealing the soul of writing. Writing, aside from the obvious, helps us process our thoughts and even acts as a built-in therapist - saving us a fortune in therapy fees! But hey, whether we like it or not, the world is changing, and those long, beautifully crafted sentences we used to write are being replaced with bite-sized codes. The future is here... and it’s all about acronyms. Alright, enough of my rambling - before I get lost in my own thoughts! Love them or loathe them, acronyms are like that stubborn stain on your favourite shirtthey’re not going anywhere. So why not embrace the madness and have a laugh? Here’s your ultimate cheat sheet to crack the code of modern texting before you find yourself googling ‘What does that even mean?’ every five seconds:

1. ISTG – I Swear To God (Use to emphasise sincerity or frustration)

4. ILY / ILU – I Love You (Use to express affection, obviously!)

5. TTYL – Talk To You Later (Use when signing off)

6. FWIW – For What It’s Worth (Use when giving your perspective)

7. OMW – On My Way (Use when you’re heading somewhere)

8. GYAT – Get Your Act Together

9. ONG – On God (Like ‘I swear’)

10. RIZZ – Short for ‘charisma’ (Used to describe someone’s ability to flirt)

11. BET – Means ‘okay’ or ‘for sure’ (Used to agree or confirm plans)

12. NPC – Non-Playable Character (Used to call someone boring or predictable)

13. SLAY – To do something really well or look amazing (Often about fashion)

14. L – Loss (Used when someone fails or embarrasses themselves)

15. W – Win (Opposite of ‘L’, used when someone succeeds at something)

16. MID – Mediocre, average, not great (Used to insult things)

17. NO CAP – No lie, being honest These acronyms are super common on TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. So now, you can decode your friends’ messages with ease - without having to Google every acronym!

aif2018@hotmail.com

LUCCA MOVALDI PRESIDENT: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CLUB MARBELLA

Ryanair dominates the market for UK travellers.

Image: Ryanair / Facebook

Your VOICE

Shutterstock / Tricky_Shark

Credit:

THE European Commission is currently scrutinising the Star Stable online game, created by Swedish company Star Stable Entertainment

Many buyers are still drawn to the brand, despite the issues.

If you had the money, would you buy a Tesla?

TESLA is currently facing some serious challenges. Elon Musk, the man behind the brand, has been under fire recently for his lack of focus on Tesla due to his other projects and political engagements, and investors are getting frustrated.

Musk’s controversial opinions, including his support of far-right movements in Europe, have also made it harder for customers to separate the product from the man, which can be seen in the recent drop in Tesla’s stock price and in the rise of sales of bumper stickers that say, ‘I bought this before Elon went crazy’.

Despite all these issues, Tesla still has a lot of appeal. Many buyers are still drawn to the brand for its innovative cars, safety features, and the environmentally friendly appeal of driving an EV. So, with all this uncertainty around the company and its CEO, would you still consider buying a Tesla?

John Trueman voices a strong opinion, “Bankrupt him!”

Emma Monks raises concerns, noting that, apart from “the brand toxicity,” there are significant safety issues: “Tesla models are topping research studies globally (including the US) for being the faultiest cars on the market... There are any number of good, and cheaper, EVs to choose from without having to resort to a Swastikar.”

Angela Edgley, meanwhile, questions the environmental impact, saying, “No. Can’t see how using an electric car can ‘save the planet’. Plus, although difficult living in Spain, we are doing our best to boycott anything ‘US’.”

Bor Dinjo asserts, “It’s not a question of money; it’s a question of insanity - only mentally disabled would buy any EV no matter what.” Colin Wheeler adds, “I wouldn’t have an electric car as a gift!”

On the other side of the debate, Marc Ireland is a strong advocate, stating, “Yup, always. Fantastic car. Best EV around. Will buy another soon.”

David Cooke has a more political angle, writing, “Yes... Just to piss off the lefties!”

Meanwhile, Brian Clarke has his own reasons for not purchasing a Tesla: “Even if Elon wasn’t such an obnoxious character, I still wouldn’t buy one. I simply don’t like the ride...”

In conclusion, while some are still in favour of buying a Tesla, the overwhelming majority say they would not. For some the issue lies with Musk, while for others, the reluctance stems from disinterest in EVs. It seems that, despite Tesla’s innovative technology, many remain unconvinced about the brand and the shift to EVs.

The game defines itself as ‘a magical online world full of horses, friendship, mystery and adventure’ but players are at an advantage if they spend real money to acquire ‘star coin’ currency.

Consumer watchdog Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC Network) is probing the game’s alleged unfair practices, following a complaint from the Swedish Consumers’ Association.

These violated European Union consumer protection laws, the association said, citing pressure to buy through advertisements, lack of transparency in transactions, and using influencers to promote products to children.

After Star Stable Entertainment was asked to provide information regarding the game, the CPC Network’s assessment of

Play the game

the company’s answers identified the same practices cited by the Swedish Consumers’ Association.

The company must now send a written reply addressing the issues highlighted by the CPC Network and setting out proposals for remedying shortcomings.

On March 21, the CPC Network, coordinated by the European Commission, published guidelines directed at promoting transparency and fairness in the online gaming in-

dustry’s use of virtual currencies. The regulations highlighted the need to respect consumer vulnerabilities, particularly those of children.

“Children spend a lot of time online, gaming and interacting on social media,” said Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection

“It is crucial to ensure a safe online environment for consumers, especially children.”

EUROPEAN COMMISSION: Brussels probes children’s online games.

AXARQUÍA - MÁLAGA EAST

A ‘Rocket’ weekend

IF you’re looking for a great night of live music in Axarquia, O’Leary’s is the place to be this weekend.

The Killer Rockets, one of the fastest-growing rock bands in the area, will be lighting up the terrace this Saturday at 3pm. Known for their high-energy performances and evergrowing fanbase, this three-piece band is rapidly becoming a crowd favourite.

Lead by the talented Rocío, with her punk-inspired guitar riffs and powerful voice, Priscila on bass, and Alex on drums, The Killer Rockets deliver a perfect mix of classic and modern rock.

Whether it’s hits from Bon Jovi, Muse, The Killers, or a little Elvis Presley thrown in, they know how to keep the party going.

But that’s not all! Tony Whitehouse will be taking over on Sunday at 3pm for another unforgettable performance.

A seasoned entertainer, Tony will have you dancing to your favourite movie hits, boy band anthems, and classic pop songs. It’s guaranteed to be a weekend full of music, fun, and dancing at O’Leary’s, so make sure to book your table in advance.

O’Leary’s Irish Bar is located at Paseo Marítimo de Ferrara 2, Torrox. You can call for reservations on 657 075 854 or contact Niamh on WhatsApp.

San José celebrations

CHILCHES is putting the finishing touches on its preparations for the Fiestas Patronales, on Sunday, March 30, celebrating their patron saint, San José. The festivities will kick off with the traditional Rociera mass at the church of Nuestra Señora Inmaculada Concepción.

Following the mass, a procession carrying the statue of San José will make its way through the streets. Both locals and visitors will join in the tribute, which has become a highlight of the celebrations. The procession will begin at 12.00pm, after the religious service. The music performances will begin at 1.30pm, with the Jéssica Domínguez dance academy providing entertainment before the popular community paella. A €2 donation is requested for the meal.

In the afternoon, at 4.30pm, the Hakuna Matata group will perform, followed by the closing DJ set by DJ Nene. Ambient music will also accompany the event, in order to ensure entertainment for all participants.

Rocío Ruiz, the deputy mayor of Chilches, presented the festivities at Plaza de la Constitución alongside event organizer Coral Gordo. Ruiz praised the atmosphere created during the San José celebration and encouraged everyone to take part in the celebration.

Traditional Andalucian

LA TASQUITA DEL SEVILLANO has the reputation of a great spot for tapas and wine lovers in Nerja. The restaurant is located right in the centre of Nerja, making it a great choice both for the locals and the tourists.

La Tasquita is part of the Sevillano brand, which has six different locations in Nerja and Torrox. The place receives its clients with a traditional Andalucian atmosphere spread across three floors.

The ground floor features a lively bar area, street barrels, and high tables, designed for casual tapas.The first floor houses the main dining area, while the rooftop terrace provides visitors a relaxed setting. The menu caters to all tastes. House specialties include di-

Classic live music by the sea

LIVE music returns to Chiringuito Bambú in La Herradura on Saturday, March 29, as The Bahía Band takes the stage from 6pm. Led by former Las Vegas entertainer Dave Appel and local favourite Debbie, the band will perform a mix of classic hits and modern chart-toppers, perfect for a night of dancing by the sea.

The Bahía Band are former RCA recording artist, multi-talented musician and singer Dave Appel and local vocalist Debbie Skyrme. Young guitarist Miles Appel

contributes with guest sessions. The band name comes from the La Herradura bay where the members live. The band was formed back in 2021 after the trio were thrown together by circumstances and rocked a successful New Year’s Eve gig with only 48 hours notice. The Bahía Band is playing high-energy sets featuring pop, rock, and some of the greatest hits across the decades. The event is open to all, so head to Paseo Marítimo, La Herradura, for great music and a lively atmosphere

at Chiringuito Bambú.

shes such as teriyaki chicken, chicken curry with pineapple, fried egg with chistorra, Galician-style octopus, and shrimp tortillas with cane honey.

There are also many vegetarian options such as falafel with yoghurt sauce, aubergine with honey, and nachos with guacamole. Beyond tapas, diners can choose from fresh seafood from the area, meat dishes, pasta, and a carefully selected wine list.

With a Sevillian-inspired décor, La Tasquita del Sevillano blends tradition with variety.

The restaurant is open daily from 11.30am to 2.00am.

La Tasquita del Sevillano is located at Calle Gloria 15 y 17, Nerja, Malaga. For reservations, call at 951 325 119.

Chiringuito Bambú is located at Paseo Andrés Segovia, La Herradura. You can call for reservations on 958 827 227.

La Tasquita del Sevillano.

Credit: La Tasquita del Sevillano

The Bahía Band performing live.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Velez-Malaga.

Plaza de la Constitución, Chilches.

The Killer Rockets band.

Credit: The Killer Rockets Facebook page.

MY life never prepared me for April 1, 1997, the day I first walked into the small apartment that then housed the local newspaper I had been sent to restructure and improve. It was there I met the formidable Linda Hall de González. She was sipping a glass of cava while typing at an astonishing speed. She glanced up, arched an eyebrow, and returned to her work, muttering something in Spanish that I knew wasn’t complimentary, even as an ignorant Guiri.

For the first few days, we circled each other like two shecats, testing the waters. But later that week, she realised I was serious about overhauling the paper, regardless of the hours it would take. That led to a long meal of Spanish tapas, plenty of wine, and a friendship that has endured nearly three decades. From that moment, I knew Linda was someone I could rely on - and she never let me down.

ten skipping meals to ensure that no stray cat in her vicinity went hungry.

For years, Linda worked tirelessly for Euro Weekly News. As she entered her seventh decade, she remained one of the most dedicated members of the writing team, a walking encyclopedia of knowledge.

Linda came to Benidorm as a pioneering tourist, fell in love with a local artist, Andres, and never looked back. She embraced Spanish culture and language, using her journalistic talents to write for various Spanish and English publications. One of her proudest accomplishments was the invaluable book ‘Expand Your Spanish’, a must-read even today.

Always abreast of the political landscape in Spain, Linda wasn’t afraid to voice her opinions. Her insight made her a regular on local TV and radio, making her one of the most recognised foreign journalists in the region.

Beyond her career, Linda and Andres devoted themselves to their daughter, Alicia. But Linda’s love extended beyond her family; she had a passion for animals, of-

As she approached her eighth decade, she turned her focus toward the paper’s financial and European sections - topics she didn’t particularly love, but ones she mastered. Her commitment to excellence made her an indispensable pillar of Euro Weekly News

Now, on March 27, 2025, Linda is packing away her pen and retiring. Will we miss her? Absolutely. Is she one of the company’s fundamental cornerstones? Without a doubt. Will we ever find another Linda? Most definitely not.

So, instead of saying ‘adios’, we say ‘hasta luego’, knowing she’ll still be cycling the pathways of Valencia, embracing life with the same spirit. Tears will be shed, but more than anything, there will be gratitude - for who she is, what she has done, and what she has given to us all.

Linda Hall de González, you have written your own story on your terms - a force incredible, a woman unmatched.

Flooding and sinkhole in Jönköping

A MAJOR water main burst in central Jönköping on March 24, leading to extensive ooding, property damage, and the formation of a large sinkhole on Södra Strandgatan.

Thousands of households temporarily lost access to water as emergency services tackled the situation.

According to SVT Nyheter, the leak began just before lunchtime when one of the city’s largest water mains ruptured. “It’s one of our largest main pipes that has broken, so enormous amounts of water have owed out,” said Roger Rohdin, head of the water and sanitation department at Jönköping Municipality.

As a result, several thousand residents were left without water. The street Södra Strandgatan was closed to tra c, and Jönköping County’s pu-

blic buses had to be diverted.

Large amounts of water ooded several shops, restaurants, and homes along Södra Strandgatan. Fire crews and suction trucks worked throughout the afternoon to pump out the water from ooded interiors.

A sinkhole about 10 metres deep formed at the site, raising serious safety concerns. “It is a

heavy pipe that is broken and that is where the leak occurred and this large sinkhole appeared,” said Mikael Döbel, duty o cer at the local rescue service, speaking to Göteborgs-Posten.

The municipality conrmed that parts of Södra Strandgatan were now structurally compromised. Rohdin stated, “You can’t go there, there’s a risk of falling through.”

Buried millions

A Fond Farewell to Linda Hall de González: A Journalist, A Trailblazer, A Friend Thank you!

PORTUGAL’S central bank says millions of euros have been lost as a result of people burying cash or hiding it in unsafe places, with thousands of ruined banknotes flooding in each year for exchange.

Since 2014, the Bank of Portugal has replaced more than 317,000 damaged notes worth €13.8 million, many destroyed after being hidden underground.

Many in Portugal still prefer to stash cash at home, with common hiding spots including mattresses, safes, and even gardens, leading to millions in damaged notes recovered by the Bank of Portugal.

“Most notes are ruined by humidity,” explained José Luís Ferreira, who heads the bank’s cash operations. “Insects, moisture and time take a toll.” While burying money is common, other bizarre hiding spots include fireplaces, microwaves and even septic tanks. The surge is partly driven by a pandemic-era ha-

bit of hoarding cash, with 2024 seeing the highest figure in a decade: over 40,000 notes worth €1.7 million. Wildfires have also played a role. In 2018, after Portugal’s devastating 2017 fires, more than 32,000 notes were exchanged. One sawmill owner reportedly lost €40,000 when flames destroyed a safe. To qualify for a refund, over half of the note must be intact and verifiable. Ferreira warns that sophisticated forgeries sometimes sneak through, but advanced technology helps detect fakes. The Bank of Portugal continues to caution against storing cash at home, urging people to rethink old habits. “People still believe it’s safer underground,” Ferreira said, “but the risk is real.”

Overview of Jönköping.

IS now the time to buy in Spain? Taylor Wimpey says ‘yes’ after experiencing its best year ever in 2024. It’s not just Europeans snapping up Spanish properties, Spain has a worldwide appeal. In 2024, Taylor Wimpey sold homes to buyers from 41 different nationalities.

Across Spain, house prices continue to rise. In the last 12 months, property prices have risen an average of 8.4 per cent, and the rise shows no signs of slowing.

By the end of 2024, Taylor Wimpey Spain had acquired land for 3,196 homes, up from 2,866 the previous year, across the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and the Balearic Islands. The company is actively seeking more land to expand its presence.

With over 65 years of experience on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, Taylor Wimpey saw significant growth in sales, profits, and overall performance despite economic challenges, reinforcing the

Right time to buy property in Axarquia?

strength of the housing market.

In 2024, the developer handed the keys over to 504 homes, a sharp rise from 410 in 2023, driven by strong demand and the company’s ability to meet buyers’ needs. Revenue surged by 34 per cent to over €225 million, with the average home price increasing to €447,000 from €411,000 in 2023.

By the end of 2024, 491 homes were reserved for delivery in 2025 and 2026, closely matching the previous year’s

490, reflecting continued demand and confidence in the company’s developments.

Taylor Wimpey’s Managing Director, Juan Diego Menéndez, described 2024 as an “exceptional year” and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The company now plans to focus on acquiring more land, launching new projects, increasing sales, and strengthening its reputation as a trusted homebuilder.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Finding your Dream Home in Nerja

AT SM Real Estate, our mission is to provide high-quality real estate services based on trust and our absolute commitment to our clients.

With our different departments we are ready to give you the service you deserve. We are specialist in sales, holiday rentals, Home Staging and Project Management.

With over 20 years of experience in the real estate sector, we have had the privilege of working with numerous sellers who have entrusted us with the sale of their properties. We are proud to say that many of them have returned to make new purchases or sales with us, reaffirming their trust in our professionalism and the quality of our work.

We reside in Nerja and have dedicated more than half of our lives to the real estate services in this town and along the Costa del Sol. Over the

years, we have learned to not only understand the real estate market but also the needs and expectations of our clients.

At SM Real Estate, our priority is to provide you with a professional, committed, and tailored service. We know that choosing the right place to live is an important decision, which is why we put in all our effort to ensure your experience is satisfying and successful.

Visit us and discover why Nerja is the perfect place for you!

Prolongación Rodriguez Acosta nº 3, Local 1

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Email: info@smnerja.com

Tel: (+34) 678 692 046 and (+34) 952 523 267

Discover your perfect home with Guido Bauer SL in Torrox Costa

TORROX COSTA, a prime location on the Costa del Sol, is the perfect place to live or invest in property.

At the heart of this paradise is Guido Bauer SL, a real estate agency known for its commitment, professionalism, and passion for finding the perfect home for each client.

Established in 1999, our agency has been a market leader in Torrox Costa for years.

Who We Are

At Guido Bauer, our mission is to provide personalised, high-quality service tailored to each client’s needs. Our team of highly qualified professionals, well-versed in the local market, are always ready to offer expert advice and innovative solutions.

What We Offer

We offer a diverse selection of properties, from beachfront apartments and elegant villas to spacious town-

houses and investment opportunities. Our holiday rental management service includes full promotion, maintenance, and guest care - ensuring your property remains well-kept while delivering an exceptional experience to visitors year-round.

Our Commitment

We understand that buying or selling a home is a major life decision. That’s why we focus on truly understanding your needs, providing clear and trustworthy guidance, and offering full support from your first viewing through to completion and beyond.

Contact Us

Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Torrox Costa? Guido Bauer SL is your trusted partner in the real estate market.

Visit us at our offices or contact us through our communication channels.

Address: Avenida Del Faro Bloque 76 Bajo, Torrox Costa, Malaga. Phone: +34 952 532 427

Email: info@guidobauer.com • Website: www.guidobauersl.com

Discover your perfect home with Guido Bauer S.L. in Torrox Costa today.

Outdoor evolution

ONE of the biggest shifts in home design over the last few years has been the transformation of outdoor spaces. Gardens and terraces were mainly decorative or used for recreation and are now seen as natural extensions of the interior.

The focus is on full integration with nature. This includes vertical gardens, plant-filled terraces, and outdoor furniture made from natural materials. Chalets and single-family homes are making use of functional outdoor gardens that go beyond aesthetics, incorpora-

ting dining areas, urban vegetable patches, and dedicated relaxation spaces. In flats, terraces are turning into small green havens with planters, modular furniture, and automatic irrigation systems.

Garden design in 2025 prioritises practicality, sustainability, and visual appeal. The same approach applies to facades, where natural materials like stone, wood, brick, and ceramics are commonly used for pathways, patios, walls, and furniture.

Vertical gardens and climbing plants are key

trends in outdoor decoration adding greenery, and creating a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Stone-clad walls, hanging planters, and green walls bring a refreshing, natural feel to exterior designs.

For garden furniture, modular and weather-resistant pieces are becoming the norm. Durable materials such as wrought iron, recycled wood, and waterproof fabrics ensure longevity while maintaining style and comfort.

Outdoor spaces are now designed for year-round enjoyment.

Why choose Nerja Center?

NAVIGATING the complexities of real estate transactions and legal services in Spain requires a deep understanding of local regulations and market dynamics. Nerja Center offers a comprehensive suite of services to guide clients through these processes with professionalism and care.

Real Estate Services: Whether you’re looking to buy or sell property in Malaga, Nerja Center provides expert assistance. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of properties, from apartments and townhouses to villas and commercial spaces. With a keen understanding of the local market, they ensure clients make informed decisions that align with their goals.

Wills and Estate Planning: Establishing a legally sound will is crucial to ensure your assets are distributed according to your

wishes. Nerja Center offers guidance in drafting wills that comply with Spanish legal standards, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Inheritance and Probate Services: Managing inheritance matters in Spain can be complex, involving various legal and tax considerations. Nerja Center assists clients through the probate process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met efficiently, facilitating a smooth transfer of assets to beneficiaries.

Property Reforms and Renovations: Undertaking property renovations in Spain involves adhering to local regulations and obtaining necessary permits. Nerja Center offers tailored support throughout the renovation process, ensuring that your project complies with legal standards and meets your expectations.

For personalised assistance with real estate transactions, wills, inheritance, probate, or property reforms, you can contact Nerja Center at:

Email: info@nerjacenter.com

Phone: +34 649 825 379

Their dedicated team is committed to providing expert guidance tailored to your individual needs, ensuring that your property and legal matters are managed with the utmost professionalism.

Power smart

IMPROVING your home’s energy efficiency helps reduce energy use, lower electricity bills, and support a more sustainable environment. By understanding what energy efficiency means, you can take the right steps to make your home more efficient.

Energy efficiency means using less energy to perform the same tasks. A well-insulated home with efficient heating, cooling, and electrical systems minimises energy waste, leading to lower bills and a smaller environmental impact.

One way to improve energy efficiency is by ensuring your home is properly insulated. Good insulation keeps heat in during winter and out during summer, reducing the need for excessive heating and cooling.

Replacing outdated appliances with modern, energy-efficient models also helps. Newer fridges, washing machines, and water heaters consume less energy, making a noticeable difference in overall consumption.

Switching to LED lighting is another simple and effective step. LED bulbs use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, reducing electricity costs over time. Smart thermostats can also help by adjusting your home’s temperature based on your schedule, preventing unnecessary energy use.

Installing motion-sensing lights ensures that lights are only on when needed, and making the most of natural daylight by opening blinds during the day reduces the need for artificial lighting.

POLAR AIR

CONDITIONING

POLAR Air Conditioning offers a dependable and personable service, supplying high-quality products at competitive prices.

Air Conditioning from Malaga to Axarquia · Costa del Sol Serving the area from Malaga to Axarquia, their certified AC and refrigeration technicians carry out repairs, servicing, supply, and installation of all manufacturers’ equipment. All work is guaranteed, and new air conditioning units come with up to a 10-year warranty.

Polar Air provides energy-efficient inverter technology air-conditioning systems from Malaga to Axarquia, suitable for both cooling and heating. These systems can reduce running costs to as low as four cents per hour for both homes and businesses. They’re F-Gas qualified and able to work on all air-conditioning units.

They ensure quality work at fair prices, covering all makes and models at the best rates, with service extending throughout Malaga and the Axarquia area.

For further information call 0034 655 211 192. www.polarairconditioningmalaga.com

The perfect pergola

A PERGOLA is a stylish outdoor structure made of vertical posts or pillars supporting cross-beams and an open lattice roof. Unlike gazebos, which are fully enclosed, pergolas typically have an open top. They can be decorated with climbing plants or fitted with covers for extra shade and protection.

When choosing a pergola, it’s important to consider the different styles and materials available. Wooden pergolas have a natural charm but need regular maintenance to prevent weather damage. Metal pergolas, made from aluminium or steel, offer high durability.

Vinyl pergolas are low-maintenance, easy to clean, and resistant to rot, rust, and insect damage. Bioclimatic pergolas have adjustable louvres that allow you to control light and airflow, providing ideal comfort in all weather conditions.

A pergola serves as an eye-cat-

ching focal point in a garden, offering a stylish yet practical shady area. Pergolas provide shelter from the sun and light rain, making outdoor areas more usable. Their versatility makes them a great addition to patios, gardens, and poolside areas.

When choosing the right pergola, consider the material and maintenance needs. Wood requires

upkeep, while metal and vinyl offer durability with minimal maintenance.

The size of the pergola should suit the available space, ensuring it complements the outdoor area without overwhelming it. Budget is also important, as both installation and long-term maintenance costs should be considered.

Vinyl vibes

VINYL flooring is a popular and practical choice for homes and businesses. It is durable, easy to care for, and comes in a wide variety of styles, making it a great option for any renovation.

Unlike ceramic tiles, which can crack when heavy objects fall on them, vinyl flooring is more resistant to damage. Laminate flooring, which is less dense, may sag over time. Vinyl is easy to install with options like glue-down, drop-lock, and click-lock systems, and it doesn’t need grout, making it comfortable to walk on.

Cleaning vinyl is simple, just a damp mop and standard cleaner will do. It’s waterproof, making it perfect for areas like bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Water won’t damage it, making it a dependable choice for these areas.

In kitchens, where spills and temperature changes are common, vinyl is hygienic. Its non-porous surface keeps dirt and bacteria from building up. It can also mimic wood or stone, fitting in with any home style. In bathrooms, vinyl’s water and humidity resistance prevent warping or leaks, and its non-slip surface reduces the risk of falls. Its seamless installation gives bathrooms a clean, modern look.

For living rooms, vinyl flooring combines style and durability. It resists stains and scratches, making it a great choice for homes with pets or children. Vinyl’s tough construction stands up to heavy foot traffic in hallways, and its flexible design helps reduce noise, creating a quieter atmosphere.

Cool savings

SUMMER will soon be upon us and summer heat can drive up electricity bills, but simple changes can help. Using energy-efficient appliances, like ACs, fans, and refrigerators, saves power and money over time. Set your AC to 78°F for comfort without overuse. Fans improve airflow, making rooms feel cooler. Keep AC filters clean

for efficiency. Proper insulation, such as weatherstripping and attic insulation, keeps cool air inside. In apartments, smart thermostats adjust temperatures based on habits, reducing waste. Avoid using ovens and dryers during peak heat; opt for microwaves or outdoor grilling instead. Open windows in the morning or night for natural cooling. Reducing hot water use also helps, lower the heater to 120°F, take shorter showers, and use low-flow

España Estates: Your trusted real estate

partner in Nerja

ESPAÑA ESTATES, an independent real estate agency based in the heart of Nerja, has been serving clients for six years, with an office in the center of Nerja for the past three. Owned by Swedish entrepreneur Anna-Lena Roshag, the agency is known for its personalised service and local expertise. Anna has lived and worked as a real estate agent in Nerja for more than nine years, establishing herself as a trusted name in the community. Alongside her, Isabel Toro Núñez brings 19 years of experience in real estate across Nerja, Torrox Costa, and the surrounding villages.

The agency specialises in helping

clients buy and sell properties along the eastern Costa del Sol, focusing particularly on Nerja, Torrox Costa, and nearby villages. With deep local knowledge, España Estates offers a tailored approach to match clients with their ideal homes, whether they are looking for a permanent residence or a holiday retreat.

As an independent, non-franchise agency, España Estates prides itself on providing a more personal and dedicated service than larger chains. With a passion for the area and an in-depth understanding of the market, Anna and Isabel guide clients every step of the way in the property journey.

For more information, visit España Estates’ office on Calle El Barrio 53 in Nerja or contact them on +34 691 536 146. You can also reach them by email at info@espanaestates.com or visit their website espanaestates.com to see what nice properties they have for sale right now.

Live and work anywhere

GAME-CHANGING technology is broadening home options for digital nomads and homeworkers. One of the bugbears of many working solely online has been the limitations on where precisely it’s possible. How fast and how reliable will the Internet be? How idyllic a house is has been, until now, dependent on the Internet connection for so many.

The whole point of becoming a digital nomad, after all, was all about escaping the hubbub of inner-city life. But how can one take that inner-city convenience out to the sticks and truly escape?

Today, however, Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, is revolutionising connectivity and unlocking new possibilities for nomads seeking both natural beauty and productivity.

Starlink’s main benefit is its reasonably

priced high-speed Internet, delivering 50 - 150 Mbps even in Spain’s remotest corners. Unlike traditional fibre, which can flop out of town, Starlink’s loworbit satellites guarantee consistent access no matter where.

If juggling video calls, cloud projects, or transferring weighty files, the reliability has led to a paradigm shift. No more panicked searches for café Wi-Fi or suffering sketchy mobile hotspots, work now flows seamlessly from a rustic finca or mountain retreat.

Spain’s digital nomad visa, coupled with incentives like Extremadura’s ‘Live in Ambroz’ grant (up to €15,000), opens up options, encouraging relocation to underpopulated regions where Starlink is a godsend.

While the upfront cost of around €350 for the receiver, plus €40 per month might put off city dwellers, in Spain’s countryside, it’s priceless.

Why are others dropping prices? Are you really getting full value?

FOR more than 20 years, CASA & TERRENO has been a trusted name in real estate, delivering results without cutting corners. Lately, agencies have been lowering commissions just to win listings. But ask yourself - if they truly offer quality service, why do they need to drop their price to get your home?

What do lower fees really mean?

Agencies that cut commissions often limit your property’s exposure, losing access to key international buyers. Some even charge buyers instead, leading to unhappy clients and failed sales.

Your property has value - so does the agent’s work

A motivated agent works harder for your sale. Lower commissions often mean less effort, fewer resources, and

missed opportunities. CASA & TERRENO charges fair fees because we invest in the best marketing, networks, and strategies to maximise your sale price.

Agents: Are you being paid what you deserve?

If you’re an agent working for a company that undervalues you, it’s time to rethink your worth.

CASA & TERRENO is always looking for skilled professionals who know their value.

Ask yourself this

If an agency truly delivers top results, why do they need to drop their price just to get your home? Choose experience, trust, and proven success - choose CASA & TERRENO.

In the business for over three decades

WE are well versed with the local laws and legislations that apply to EU and Non-EU nationals when buying and selling in Spain. We’re here to help take care of everything necessary for the sale and purchase of your property. Offering to our clients legal and tax advice through our legal department.

Established in 1988, Al-Andalus Real Estate agency is an experienced agency specialised in the eastern part of the Malaga Province. Our portfolio includes properties on the coastline as well as the hills and picturesque 31 villages of the Axarquia region. We cover areas of Torre del Mar, Caleta de Velez, Torrox, Algarrobo, Almachar, Viñuela and surrounding areas.

Our property portfolio is updated regularly so checkout our website for the latest additions: https://www.al-anda lusrealestate.com/en/properties.

Start your property search today and

let Al-Andalus Real Estate team help you find your piece of paradise on the Costa del Sol. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious villa, stylish apartment, traditional town or country house, do

browse our website and we’d be delighted to organise the viewings for you. Our multilingual international team is here to show you around the properties and answer your queries.

Al Andalus Real Estate

Sell your property with us as well. We have a customer base of thousands of customers who are actively looking for a property from all over the world. The premium subscriptions with international and national property listings, ensure that your property gets the visibility it deserves to find its new owners.

Whether you’re looking for a new home, an investment project, a doer upper, whatever your needs - here you have personalised financing services, legal services, advice with documentation and permissions - basically everything to facilitate the process of sale and purchase of property for both the buyer and the seller.

Conveniently located in Caleta de Velez with easy parking, do not hesitate to drop or call us for more information. We are certified by the CIPS to practise our profession worldwide.

Our office: Al Andalus Real Estate, Avda. Andalucia nº 122. Caleta de Velez 29751. Malaga (+34) 952 555 005 • (+34) 624 077 585

Email: andalucia@al-andalusrealestate.com • Website: https://www.al-andalusrealestate.com/en/properties.

Malaga, Spain’s new luxury property capital

MALAGA has firmly established itself as the province with the highest percentage of luxury properties in Spain, accounting for 30 per cent of the national offering of homes priced over €2.5 million.

This is according to the latest report from Lucas Fox, a leading company in the prime residential market. The luxury segment currently represents 10 per cent of Malaga’s total real estate offerings, which include new residential complexes such as Be Grand Limonar, La Térmica Beach or Malaga Towers.

Across Spain, Malaga Province outpaces other renowned luxury destinations. For example, Mallorca holds 27 per cent of the prime property market share, Madrid has 9 per cent, and Barcelona stands at 7 per cent. Other locations like Alicante, Ibiza, Girona, Cadiz, Tenerife, and Menorca contribute significantly less, with shares ranging from 1 per cent to 7 per cent.

A large proportion of high-net-worth individuals (57 per cent) purchase luxury properties in Malaga as second homes, followed by 29 per cent who buy them as their primary residence. Around 7 per cent of buyers are making the purchase as an investment. In terms of buyer origins, 64 per cent are from the European Union, while 21 per cent come from North America.

Malaga’s Costa del Sol is famous for its warm climate, beaches, and vibrant cultural and gastronomic offerings. However, the market faces a significant challenge: a shortage of new builds. This deficit has caused property prices to rise even more, with an average price increase of 5 per cent recorded in the first half of 2024.

The Power of Colour Pond perfection

CREATING a garden pond is a rewarding project. Start by marking the shape of your pond before you begin digging. The shape is less important than the depth, cleanliness of the water, and the edges.

Next, dig the pond to the appropriate dep th. For a wildlife pond, avoid making it too deep. It’s better if half of the pond is shallow, with the deep area not exceeding 30 cm. For fish ponds, the common advice is to dig dee per, but for a wildlife pond, the shallow areas are where most of the pond life will thrive.

After shaping the pond, create shallow ba sins. These basins will provide spaces for creatures like tadpoles and increase the ha bitat available for wildlife, especially if your pond is small.

Once the shape is ready, it’s time to add the liner. It’s a good idea to lay a protective underlay beneath the liner to prevent sharp objects from damaging it. Lay down a dou ble-thick layer of underlay before adding the rubber liner.

After placing the liner, you can fill the pond with water. Let it fill naturally with rainwater or collect it in water butts, as tap water of ten contains chemicals and nutrients that can harm wildlife.

Once your pond is filled, it’s ready! Wildlife will likely start to visit soon. Plants will gradually find their way to the pond, but if you’re eager, you can add local plants.

THE living room is where we relax together. Artwork, sculptures,

Clean mat hacks

REGULAR cleaning

of your shower mat is important for hygiene and a fresh bathroom. Over time, mats collect bacteria, mould, and mildew.

A rubber shower mat is easy to clean. Remove it from the shower, shake off any debris, and scrub it with warm water and mild detergent. Focus on stained areas, rinse thoroughly, and let it air dry completely before placing it back.

Fabric shower mats absorb moisture and require frequent washing.

Always check the care label. If machine washable, use a delicate cycle with mild detergent. If mould appears on any shower mat, a simple cleaning routine can help remove it. Spray the affected areas with a mixture of white vinegar and water, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly. Drying the mat in sunlight helps kill mould spores and keeps it fresh. For tough stains, make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit for a

few minutes, then scrub and rinse. Repeat if necessary. For stubborn marks, a commercial cleaner designed for the mat’s material may be needed. Always test on a small, hidden area first. Suction cups on shower mats trap grime, so regular deep cleaning is essential. Soak the mat in warm water and vinegar for 30 minutes, then scrub around the suction cups to remove any trapped dirt. Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry before reattaching it to the shower floor.

We guide you every step of the way

THE Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) in Spain offers a unique opportunity for non-EU nationals to reside in the country without engaging in any work or professional activities. This visa is particularly appealing to retirees, individuals with passive income, or those simply seeking to enjoy Spain’s exceptional quality of life.

To qualify for the NLV, applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves and any accompanying family members. The minimum required income is €2,400 per month (€28,800 per year) for the main applicant, with an additional €600 per month (€7,200 per year) for each dependent. This ensures that visa holders can comfortably cover their living expenses without the need for employment.

The application process involves submitting various documents, including proof of financial means, a valid passport, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. Once approved, the visa grants an initial one-year residency permit, which can be renewed for two-year

periods. After five years of continuous residency, holders may apply for permanent residency, and eventually, Spanish citizenship.

One of the key benefits of the NLV is the freedom it provides. Visa holders can travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries. Additionally, the NLV does not require any investment in Spanish real estate, unlike the Golden Visa, making it a more accessible option for many.

In conclusion, the Non-Lucrative Visa is an excellent pathway for those looking to immerse themselves in Spanish culture and lifestyle without the need to work. It offers a stable and secure route to long-term residency and citizenship, making Spain an attractive destination for non-EU nationals seeking a new home.

www.helpathandspain.com • WhatsApp +34 646 458 250 office@helpathandspain.com

The pros and cons of buying a Spanish property

Purchasing property in Spain with cash can be an attractive option for international buyers, offering a mortgage-free transaction with fewer restrictions. However, while buying with cash has clear benefits, it also comes with potential drawbacks. Understanding these factors is crucial for making an informed decision.

The pros of buying with cash

One of the biggest advantages of buying property in Spain with cash is avoiding mortgage-related costs. Without a loan, buyers eliminate interest payments, bank fees, and lengthy approval processes. This can speed up the transaction, allowing buyers to secure their dream home faster.

A cash purchase also strengthens a buyer’s negotiating position. Sellers are often more willing to accept lower offers from cash buyers due to the certainty and speed of the transaction. Additionally, without the need for mortgage approval, buyers avoid complications that could delay or derail the purchase.

The cons of a cash purchase

While a mortgage-free purchase can be advantageous, tying up a large amount of capital in a property may not always be the best financial decision.

Cash buyers should consider whether locking up funds in real estate is the right choice or if diversifying investments would provide better long-term returns. Another consideration is liquidity. Unlike stocks or savings, property isn’t easily converted into cash. If financial circumstances change, selling the property quickly may be challenging. Additionally, property purchases in Spain come with significant costs beyond

the purchase price, including transfer tax (6-10 per cent depending on the region), notary fees, land registry fees, and legal fees, which typically amount to 10-15 per cent of the total cost. Managing exchange rate risks For international buyers, currency exchange fluctuations can have a major impact on the overall cost of a property purchase. Sending large sums via traditional banks often results in poor

Sell your property in Costa del Sol & Costa Tropical Spain with Homes-Abroad.com

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• International Exposure: Your property is showcased to buyers from Scandinavia, Europe, the UK, and beyond, increasing your chances of a

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• Verified Buyers: We connect you with serious buyers interested in Spanish real estate for relocation, investment, or vacation homes.

• Professional Listing Assistance: We help you create compelling property listings with high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and key selling points.

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listing your home to negotiating with potential buyers and finalizing the sale.

Maximise your property’s potential

To ensure a successful sale, Homes-Abroad.com provides valuable resources, including:

exchange rates and high transfer fees. How Currencies Direct can help Currencies Direct specialises in helping property buyers save money on international transfers. Unlike banks, which often charge high fees and offer subpar exchange rates, Currencies Direct provides competitive exchange rates, no transfer fees, and expert guidance from dedicated currency specialists.

Services such as forward contracts also allow buyers to lock in exchange rates in advance, protecting them from unexpected market changes.

With Currencies Direct, buyers can ensure their funds go further, making the overall cost of their Spanish property purchase more manageable. Pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or call +34 910 786 109 today to see how much you could save on your Spanish property purchase.

• Pricing Guidance: Set the right price with market analysis and expert advice.

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WHEN looking for that forever home in the sun, where to choose to invest can depend on multiple factors. The lifestyle we desire, the amount of space, and whether we are beach or countryside kind of people. However, there is much to consider when weighing up town or country.

In thriving beach towns like Fuengirola, Nerja or Torre del Mar, convenience is a bonus with little need to rely on a car. Proximity to shops, nearby healthcare, and international schools are a major plus, especially for families or retirees. Towns are buzzing with social opportunities and a strong sense of expat community. In Mijas, 40 per cent of the population are expats, which has led to a thriving social scene without the place losing its Spanish character.

Property values here appreciate steadily, offering a solid investment. However, drawbacks can include noise, crowded streets in tourist season, and higher property

Town or country?

prices. A modest townhouse in Marbella might set you back €300,000, compared to more affordable rural options.

The countryside, stretching into the hills in Axarquia, promises tranquillity, space and

a more traditional cultural experience. Expats can snap up a sprawling villa originally designed for a large extended family, or a finca even, for a lot less, often with stunning views of nature and room for pools or gardens. It’s ideal for those craving privacy or

a slower pace, perfect for remote workers or retirees.

Lower costs (a rural three-bedroom home might cost around €200,000) raise the attractiveness. Yet, isolation is not for everyone. Limited public transport means a

car is essential, and amenities like hospitals or supermarkets may be a fair drive away. While Internet reliability can be excellent in town, it is definitely something to look into further outside urban areas. One can be taken aback by how low prices of large houses can be in rural Malaga Province. The fact is that few Spaniards like the isolation, hence the bargains.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on lifestyle. Town life suits social butterflies and convenience-seekers, while the countryside is a draw for nature lovers and bargain hunters. Expats should weigh their priorities based on how they are going to be spending their time. It’s community versus calm, accessibility versus affordability. Many get carried away when they first lay eyes on a property and sign the dotted line before consulting professionals in the field. Both town and country offer that slice of paradise in the Costa del Sol and Axarquia, each with differing flavours.

A cornerstone in kitchen design

IDECOCINA, established in 1980, has been a cornerstone in kitchen design and installation in Malaga, Spain. With over 35 years of experience, the company specialises in creating kitchens across various styles - modern, rustic, industrial, vintage, and traditional - tailored to each client’s unique preferences. Their comprehensive service

encompasses the design, assembly, and installation of kitchens, including accessories, countertops, and appliances, all managed by their dedicated in-house team.

Staying abreast of the latest trends, Idecocina ensures maximum customisation, delivering kitchens that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They

collaborate exclusively with toptier brands and suppliers, guaranteeing high-quality materials and finishes. Their commitment to excellence is reflected in glowing customer reviews, with clients praising their professionalism, attention to detail, and exceptional after-sales service.

Beyond residential projects,

Idecocina has undertaken notable commercial endeavors, such as the Sabores cooking school in Torre del Mar. This project featured high-gloss white HPL laminate fronts, BLUM Legrabox drawer systems, and Lapitec Gloss porcelain countertops, showcasing their versatility and expertise in accommodating diverse client needs.

For those interested in transforming their kitchen space, Idecocina offers consultations at their showroom located at Calle los Prados, 4 Bajo, 29740 Torre del Mar, Malaga. They can be reached via phone on 952 541 895 or 605 932 060, or through email at idecocina@idecocina.com.

Further information and a portfolio of their projects are available on their website.

Deserved a mention

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

I SUPPOSE, as a singer and scribbler, I shouldn’t get the hump when I feel I’ve received the dodgy end of the stick from those who follow in the same professions.

Over many years in ‘Show biz’, I have both seen and experienced, someone pinching an idea, or claiming to be the originator of some money-making scheme, or melody that was not truly hatched from their own creative prerogative. Andrew Lloyd Webber was the first I actually came across. Although highly talented, he was once accused of nicking large bits of his hits from classical music of the past. When I sang one of my personal compositions to a member of Wayne Fontana’s group ‘The Mindbenders’, I later discovered that a part of one of their biggest hits ‘Groovy Kind of Love ‘matched my ‘Wonderland of Love’ almost exactly! It’s all a part of the game and does in fact go on all the time. Last week however I did receive a true pang of

discontent, when I watched the TV documentary about the wonderful history of ‘Porridge’, which became one of the biggest successes in TV series history. Shortly after my release from prison, I was visited by an old friend Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart. Ed was a very successful DJ and TV artist and was also the goalie in the Showbiz Eleven, the charity team I was a member of during many a hair-raising outing on weekends. I was of course delighted to see both him and the friend who accompanied him.

Although I had never met his companion Ian, I found him pleasant enough and as one does, was soon supping the brandy and regaling them both with often extremely humourist stories of my term behind the high walls of incarceration.

One had occurred when I successfully managed to get the guvnor of a semi open, which actually sported a football pitch, to allow me to invite the Showbiz Eleven team to play the POs and inmates one Sunday afternoon! After Ed’s visit, his companion amicably enquired, that as he would be nearby the following week, could he perhaps drop in again?

To cut a long one short, he subsequently dropped in some three or four following weekends. Not being present on a couple, I essentially suspected he had designs on my lovely wife Mary. He then dropped off of our radar altogether. The following year (1974) Porridge was launched on BBC TV! The very first edition depicted the Showbiz Eleven being invited to play against Ronnie Barker and his team of inmates in Slade prison. Some of you may even remember this truly hysterical first viewing. I actually quite understandably couldn’t quite believe it. All became totally clear however when I inspected the credits. The series had originated from the pens of Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais!

Ed’s friend Ian had picked the brains of yours truly, cleverly decided that no one had ever thought of featuring prison as the setting for a situation comedy and I suppose the rest is history. I just thought the ol’ boy should have deserved a mention somewhere; or perhaps even a shuffle on. Ah well.

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.

INTERVIEW

Marianne Bahl (Denmark)

- Speaking European

A twist of fate brought Danish-born Marianne Bahl to Spain. Originally bound for Marseille, it was a detour that led her to the sun-soaked streets of Mojácar - and she hasn’t looked back since.

“I WAS actually going to Marseille in France but then life happened and destiny wanted me to end up in Mojacar.

“And I haven’t regretted it for a moment.”

Marianne quickly fell in love with the region’s climate, cuisine, and culture. “The warm weather, Spanish food, and afternoon siestas are wonderful,” she says. But it’s the people that truly won her over: “I love the Spaniards’ laid-back atti tude to life.”

Still, that same relaxed approach can sometimes test her patience. “The saying ‘If we don’t get it done today, we’ll do it tomorrow - or maybe the day after’ is charming… until it’s not!” she laughs.

Her advice for anyone thinking of making the move? “Patiencetons of it. Spanish bureaucracy moves at its own pace, and ‘frus -

trating’ doesn’t even begin to cover it.”

She also emphasises the importance of staying active. “Too much time and too little to do can pull you down fast. Keep yourself busy - it makes all the difference.”

Amazon.ie has launched

AMAZON has officially launched Amazon.ie, its dedicated Irish online store.

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a reduced Amazon Prime subscription fee for Irish customers. Previously, Irish users subscribed to Amazon.co.uk, paying €11 per month. With the launch of Amazon.ie, the new Prime membership is now available for €6.99 per month or €69.90 annually. This includes access to fast and free One-Day Delivery, Prime Video, Prime Gaming, and exclusive discounts.

Amazon.ie aims to support Irish businesses, with over 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) already selling more than 5.5 million products on the platform, according to The Irish Independent. The company is also launching a ‘Brands of Ireland’ page featuring popular local brands.

Micheál Martin, Ireland’s Taoiseach, welcomed the launch, stating in a press release: “This expansion by Amazon will give consumers more choice and better value, as well as help small, medium, and large businesses across the country promote their own Irish and international products.”

Amazon employs around 6,500 people in Ireland. The company has invested more than €22 billion in the country since 2004, with €17 billion of that occurring since 2020.

Amazon office in Dublin.

Loving life in Mojácar.

Credit: Marianne Bahl.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Ikea opening

AFTER an 18-month delay, Ikea announced that its centre in London’s Oxford Street opens on May 1. The furniture and household goods retailer will occupy three floors of the former Topshop flagship store featuring showrooms and one-to-one design consultations as well as a Swedish deli with seating for 130.

In safe hands

CRITERIACAIXA named former vice-president and Economy minister Elena Salgado as its representative on the board of French company, Veolia. The Caixa Foundation’s holding company recently paid approximately €1 bn for a 5.5 per cent stake in the group which also owns Spanish water utility, Grupo Agbar.

Takeover perk

NATIONWIDE paid a surprise £50 (€59.62) bonus to 12 million members who had a savings account, current account or mortgage at end September 2024. Debbie Crosbie, the building society’s chief executive, said the payment was recognition of the successful £2.9bn (€3.4 bn) Virgin Money takeover.

Simple sums

COCA COLA’S Spanish executive vice-president Manuel Arroyo received $13.08 million (€12m) in 2024, making him second-highest paid after James Quincey, chief executive and chairman who received $28m (€25.7m). Arroyo also owns 848,310 Coca Cola shares including 650,554 stock options.

Widening scope

ASTRAZENECA is paying £773 million (€921.698 million) for EsoBiotec, a privately-held Belgian company specialising in cancer immunotherapies. This was the latest in a series of acquisitions byAstraZeneca, valued at £184 billion (€219.4 billion) and the UK’s largest listed company, which continues to expand globally.

STAT OF WEEK

€100 billion

in assets for Berlin-based online bank Trade Republic, which operates throughout Europe, received Bank of Spain authorisation to open a branch with an international bank account number (IBAN).

Santander wields the axe

Linda Hall

SANTANDER UK is closing 95 of its 444 branches, the Spanish multinational announced on March 19.

The move will affect 750 employees although the bank announced in January that it had no plans for permanent closures during 2025.

Following closures beginning in June, Santander will have 290 full-service branches with another 18 becoming ‘counter-free’ and 36 reducing their opening hours.

There will also be five Work Cafe hubs with co-working space, super-rapid internet and facilities for events that the bank is launching globally.

“Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision,” a Santander spokesperson said. “We spend a great deal of time assessing where and when we do this and how to minimise the impact it may have on our customers.”

Santander UK, which posted a

THE National High Court in Madrid ruled in favour of Spanish companies claiming more than €100 million in tax breaks after investing in Hollywood productions.

38 per cent reduction in pre-tax profits of £1.33 billion (€1.6 billion) for 2024, scotched rumours in January that the bank was planning to leave Britain.

“We love the UK,” chairwoman Ana Botin declared at the time. “It’s a co-market and will remain a co-market for Santander. Full stop.”

But in a Bloomberg TV interview on March 18, Botin said the bank

was in a position to be able to “shift resources away” from lower-performing units and did not need to sell them.

Santander would prioritise the US and Latin America, she continued. “We continue to have a big business in Europe, we see a lot of potential over the next few years in Europe. But our focus will continue to be more on the Americas.”

Hollywood defeats Hacienda

Ten years ago, attracted by tax incentives, Banco Santander, Bankinter, Mediaset, MasMovil, Air Europa, and Tous Jewellers amongst others put money into Economic Interest Groups (IEAs) led by big American companies and Spanish producers. Films financed this way

included Fast and Furious VI, where Spanish bac-

On the up City float

JAMES DAUNT, managing director of Waterstones, recently raised hopes of a City listing for the UK bookshop chain.

Talking to the media, Daunt, who is the founder of Daunt books and chief executive of the US bookseller Barnes & Noble, said he believed London would be a good location for a Waterstones float. Private equity firm Elliott acquired Waterstones for an undisclosed sum in 2018 but, as Daunt pointed out, “at some point in the near future, it will look to cash in its chips.”

SPAIN’S two biggest retailers, Inditex and Mercadona, have continued to swell their earnings from investments.

By the end of 2024, when both posted record sales and profits, they had made the most of their enviable liquidity by taking advantage of high interest rates.

The Zara-owner’s cash flow was its lowest since 2011 as it stepped up investments that earned the company €442 million in 2024, an increase of 16.3 per cent on 2023. Mercadona’s investment income grew by 90 per cent to €180.5 million.

Compared with 2021 when interest rates were still negative, Inditex’s earnings from its investments were 111 times higher, while those of Mercadona had multiplied by 164.

A £225 MILLION (€268.3 million) grant could convert Grangemouth into a plant processing pine timber into biofuel, chemicals or cosmetics. Scotland’s only remaining oil refinery will be shut down this summer by owners who include Sir Jim Ratcliffe, bringing with it the loss of 500 direct jobs and 2,500 jobs in related industries.

The UK government pledged earlier that it would allocate £200 million (€238.4 million) to finding a new, low-carbon use for the plant, with the Scottish government providing another £25 million (€29.8 million).

kers reclaimed more than €63 million, and Ridley Scott’s Exodus, filmed in Tabernas (Almeria) which has asked for at least €34 million.

By 2017, Spain’s Tax Authority decided the IEAs involved were not exclusively aimed at film production and eventually barred investing companies from putting in for rebates.

Slow but sure

GALICIA-BASED fashion and accessories company Bimba y Lola, whose fiscal year concluded on February 28, posted a €234 million turnover for 2024

This returned the company to its pre-pandemic figures and was also the first time that the company outstripped its 2019 sales.

A company statement referred to a ‘positive business evolution’ both nationally and internationally but although 2024 set a record, Bimba y Lola has reported comparatively modest growth over the past three years, analysts said.

Sales grew by 2.5 per cent in 2022, dipping to 2.25 per cent in 2024, picking up to 3 per cent last year.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUP (IAG) is seeking €1 billion in financing for 26 new aeroplanes in 2025.

This will also help to meet some of the cost of 19 aircraft that the Madrid-registered group, which owns British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling, acquired last year. The new fleet includes 10 Airbus A321 XLR aircraft plus two wide-fuselage planes, all of which will cover long-haul flights.

In all, IAG will spend €11.4 billion on 171 new planes between now and 2029.

THAMES WATER avoided temporary nationalisation and may use a £3 billion (€3.6 billion) loan to keep afloat in coming months.

The Court of Appeal ruled in favour of Thames Water, dismissing a challenge by Lib Dem MP, Charlie Maynard and a group of Thames Water creditors. The company has debts of £19 billion (€22.6 billion) and said that without the loan it would run out of cash by March 24.

RIDLEY SCOTT: Spanish companies invested in 2014 film, Exodus.

Photo credit: CC/Gage Skidmore

SANTANDER UK: Plans to close 95 of bank’s 444 branches.

3I Group 3.750,00 3.759,00 3.675,00 645,09K

Group 2.946,0 2.952,0 2.915,0 164,75K Airtel Africa 160,80 161,30 159,30 852,75K

American 2.289,5 2.305,5 2.265,5 1,03M

British Foods 1.918,5 1.925,0 1.900,5 549,68K

791,66K

295,35 301,85 294,20 14,23M

Redrow 422,08 428,00 420,40 1,08M

Beazley 865,50 866,00 854,50 551,54K Berkeley 3.644,0 3.654,0 3.616,0 107,77K BP 447,60 448,95 445,10 11,99M

1,12M

163,57 164,45 161,30 5,2M

2.976,0 2.980,0 2.942,0 256,94K

Entertainment 18.490,0 18.580,0 18.330,0 29,19K

642,50 647,50 636,50 71,25K

928,50 929,50 915,50 193,84K

Inditex pays

EXECUTIVES working for Inditex all benefited from the fashion chain’s good results, starting with chief executive Oscar Garcia Maceiras who received €11.2 million last year. The group’s second echelon executives also did well, earning an average annual wage of €5 million in 2024.

Big guns

DEFENCE group Babcock International joined the FTSE 100 index on March 24 following a 50 per cent increase in its share price this year. The company, which maintains Britain’s nuclear submarines, is now valued at £3.8 billion (€4.5 billion).

Merger in the offing

ACCORDING to the UK media, plans for a merger between ITV and the All3Media production company are making progress.

The transaction revealed by the Daily Mail is said to be ‘far from certain’, but if it were to go ahead, both parties would create a new company and float it on the London Stock Exchange.

Nevertheless, the first hints of a possible ITV-All3Media deal were heard in January when Reuters quoted two people ‘with

Call to arms

SIX companies will be vying for Spain’s defence and arms contracts as the government ups its spending on defence.

Airbus, Indra, Navantia, Santa Barbara, ITP Areo and Italy’s SAPA Group already account for 80 per cent of spending, ending 2023 with consolidated revenues of €13.9 billion between them.

According to the company’s calculations, this should increase annually to €4

billion as Spain commits to increasing its Nato contributions to 2 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (PIB) by 2029.

These six are the only companies capable of absorbing Spain’s defence spending, which will increase from the present €17.5 billion per year – 1.32 per cent of the PIB – to more than €36.5 billion.

knowledge of the situation.’

The merger would create one of Europe’s largest production groups, with revenues of approximately £3.176 billion (€3.8 billion) based on the companies’ 2023 figures.

Two years ago, ITV had considered buying All3Media for £1 billion (€1.9 billion) but was outbid by Emirati-backed RedBird IMI’s £1.15 billion (€1.4 billion) offer.

Carolyn McCall, ITV’s chief executive, has since been talking to the owners of London-based All3Media. Headed by former CNN president Jeff Zucker, it is behind popular series including The Traitors, Call the Midwife and Gogglebox.

Meanwhile, recent contacts have progressed ‘to a very detailed level’ the Daily Mail’s sources said.

ITV shares rose 1.1 per cent to 77.83 (€9.26) on March 17, giving the company a £2.92 billion (€3.5 billion) market capitalisation.

Changed habits

CEREAL PARTNERS UK & IRELAND, which makes Shreddies, Cookie Crisp and Nesquik, is preparing to close its Merseyside factory, involving the loss of 300 jobs, and move production to Staverton (Wiltshire). The company, which will no longer produce own-label cereals for supermarkets, blamed stiff competition and the changing eating habits of the British who now prefer protein-heavy breakfasts.

A SURVEY by the Foundation of Studies for Applied Economics (Fedea) revealed that 70 per cent of the jobs that were created in Andalucia, Valencia, Catalonia and Madrid since the pandemic went to over-50s. Nationwide, Fedea also found that foreign residents or those with double nationality occupied 75 per cent of the new jobs.

CAROLYN McCALL: Reportedly discussing an ITV-All3Media deal.

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Luxury marina in 2 years

MALAGA is on the verge of achieving its dream of a luxurious marina akin to Puerto Banus, as the Port Authority has given final approval to the San Andrés marina project.

The administrative step clears a major legal hurdle in the process for building the luxury nautical complex, giving a clearer date for completion and backed by the same investors behind the planned 147-metre skyscraper on the Levante dock.

The San Andrés marina is expected to take two years to complete, and it is hoped to be up and running by late 2027. It will feature over 500 berths, including spaces for superyachts up to 50 metres, and is set to transform Malaga’s urban landscape.

Led by a consortium including Qatar’s royal family-linked Al Alfia, Igy Marinas, and Ocean Capital Partners, the marina promises to be the height of luxury.

Costa Blanca North MABS fundraising feat

The MABS Cancer Support Foundation has been raising funds to support cancer patients and their families since 1999. In 2024 their network of five shops, 335 selfless volunteers and their local communities raised €380,000. The astounding amount of money helped 525 cancer patients, with just over half of the donations, 51 per cent, being spent on nursing, 22 per cent, translation services and 11 per cent being used to fund equipment for those who desperately need it.

Representatives from the charity said that money raised would continue to be “used for various programmes aimed at improving the day-to-day life of cancer patients and their families, from providing them with means of transport to taking them to treatments etc.”

MABS help patients of all nationalities living in the Costa Blanca and the Costa Calida, and has charity shops in Alfaz del Pi, Javea, Oliva, San Javier and Totana all run by volunteers.

Mallorca Business optimism

ACCORDING to a study conducted by KPMG and the CEOE, seven out of 10 Spanish business owners anticipate an increase in their turnover in 2025. This optimism is more pronounced in the Balearic Islands, where eight out of 10 businesses expect to see an increase in sales this year. Furthermore, 42 per cent of executives plan to expand their workforce, surpassing the figures from 2024.

The sectors most likely to benefit include insurance, tourism, banking, and real estate, with 80 per cent of respondents rating the current situation as good or excellent. However, in the automotive sector, the percentage of optimistic business owners drops to just 20 per cent.

The Balearic Islands, Andalucia, and Aragon are the regions where the most business owners and executives expect to increase their turnover, while Galicia, Madrid, the Balearic Islands, and Aragon show the best job creation forecasts.

Costa Blanca South Broadening horizons

THE Costa Blanca is making waves as a must-visit destination, attracting visitors from around the world.

Recently, a group of Chinese journalists and influencers, with millions of social media followers, explored Elche’s rich cultural heritage.

Alicante, too, is stepping into the spotlight with a series of visits from international tour operators and journalists throughout March and April.

Italy’s Evolution Travel will also send agents to explore Alicante as a family-friendly destination.

Meanwhile, travel journalists from New York will discover the city’s best experiences and share them with American audiences, a market that continues to show growing interest in Alicante.

Ten MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) specialists from the UK will tour Alicante. Their goal is to organise world-class business events and incentive trips that put Alicante on the global business tourism map.

Almeria

Food lovers delight

GARRUCHA is preparing to welcome food lovers to one of its most eagerly awaited gastronomic events, the eighth Ruta de la Tapa, running from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, April 6. The town’s restaurants and bars will offer a spectacular selection of tapas, showcasing the finest local ingredients and the creativity of the region’s chefs.

The Ruta de la Tapa has become a hallmark of Garrucha’s culinary scene, drawing locals and visitors alike to experience its rich gastronomic heritage. Participants will be able to explore the town, sampling the best culinary creations and engaging in the lively atmosphere that makes Garrucha’s food culture so special.

Visitors can take part by visiting the participating restaurants and bars in Garrucha, each of which will serve a specially prepared tapa. For €3.50, guests can enjoy a tapa accompanied by a drink, choosing from beer, wine, or a soft drink.

Diners will also have the opportunity to rate their favourite tapas.

HOTELS in the Region of Murcia had their best start to the year, welcoming more visitors and overnight stays than ever before. In January and February 2025, 184,658 travellers stayed in the region’s hotels, a 7.1 per cent increase from the same period in 2024. This growth was much higher than Spain’s national average of 1.2 per cent, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). More Spanish tourists visited Murcia, with 144,526 domestic travellers, up 6.5 per cent from last year. The number of international visitors also increased, reaching 40,132, a 9.4 per cent rise, compared to Spain’s overall growth of 2.5 per cent. February was a particularly strong month, with 100,792 visitors, setting a new record for that month. Hotel prices also rose slightly, with the average daily room rate at €64.79, up 1.5 per cent from 2024.

Tourism officials say these figures show Murcia is becoming a year-round destination.

Lupa needs dog-sitters to care for her at home

LUPA is a mature West Highland Terrier. She needs daily medication and so travelling with her owners is getting harder. So she needs dog-sitters to come to her home to care for her when her owners travel away on holiday or for work. It helps the homeowners that the dog-sitters will also care for the home and don’t charge for the house and dog-sitting.

HouseSitMatch saves you money

We promote collaborative exchange through our managed online system - free accommodation for free pet care! It’s a real win win!

HouseSitMatch is safe - All members are checked

All members are checked for safety, and you choose which house-sitters come to care for your pets in your absence.

Your pets stay at home - safe and undisturbed

All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed.

If you’re planning travel this year, join now. Get organised today:

1. Register as a house-sitter or a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Join for as little as £89 / €99 per year

3. Create a profile with photos

4. Sitters apply for the available house-sits, you hold a video interview via the site and match! How does it work?

Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then house-sitters build a profile and homeowners build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.8 / 5 Excellent

Unbelievably good service! HouseSitMatch take the worry away from leaving your dog. Lamia and her team helped me through the whole process of finding the right sitter for my slightly nervous dog.

HouseSitMatch’s professional approach and secure platform allowed me to have confidence in the people who applied to look after my dog. All sitters are checked and referenced before they can approach available ‘sits’, so I found it easy to select the person based on their likelihood of getting on with my pet and our home location.

How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com

Teresa, Pet owner

Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation!

Allergy advice

IF your pet is constantly scratching, sneezing, or experiencing skin irritation, allergies may be the culprit. Just like humans, the vet can help determine the cause through allergy testing or elimination diets. Adjust their diet : Food aller-

washing pet bedding can help reduce environmental allergens like pollen and dust. Provide relief : Medicated

DOGS need mental stimulation to keep their minds sharp and help keep cognitive dysfunction syndrome at bay. Interaction with other dogs and play time are a couple of ways to keep dogs mentally fit.

tamines or allergy medications can soothe symptoms. If fleas are the issue, use proper flea

nary guidance, your pet can live

Just like humans, pets can suffer from allergies.

Credit Shutterstock kobkik

As a mature dog Lupa prefers staying at home, and needs dog-sitters.

Wednesdays 11.00am; Pasaje San Miguel, Nerja, 29780

INSURANCE

BLINDS

BUY & SELL

SOLAR BLINDS ES Ideal for large glazed areas to reflect heat / glare and stop furniture fading and still keep the view. SAVE HEAT IN THE WINTER to improve your living environment. ian@ solarshadetinting.com Tel Ian 958 496 571 / 644 546 176 (287972)

PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel – 678 716 693 WE

BUY Persian carpets, fur jackets and coats, pewter and silver of all kinds 90/100/800, silver-plated cutlery, jewellery and watches of all kinds, amber, coral, coins, medals, porcelain. Inheritances and household liquidations, military until 1945, photos, medals etc. Fair price - cash Tel. 688 335 497 (312158)

CHARITY

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

Email:  info@nlcnerja.com Website: www.nlcnerja.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ nlcnerj

CHARITY Shop Pocapecunia we need things for the house/ kitchen, decoration, vases, plates, cups, saucers, kitchen tools, paintings, pottery pots and pans etc. Prolongacion Avd. Rodgriguez Acosta, Nr the Parador Roundabout, opposite café Trébol, Nerja (294373)

CHURCH SERVICES

STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygateinsure.com (2887610)

MISCELLANEOUS

GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

MOTORING FOR SALE

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

LOOKING for motorhome or caravan. Fair price paid in cash. Tel 688 335 497 (312158)

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

& Cialis – Best & Cheapest in EU. Extra promotion this week! FREE delivery in 48 hours. Call/ text WhatsApp +34 603 624 444 (312343) SITUATIONS VACANT

ST BARNABAS IERE Church, meets at Lux Mundi Centre, Avd Moscatel, Torre del Mar, every Sunday from 11am. More info call Jon 447738 148 306 (300065)

FOR SALE/WANTED

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

WE BUY high quality vehicles, also customs. No obligation offer. Tel 688 335 497 (312158)

OTHERS

EDS? We have the solution, Kamagr a pills & jells, Cialis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.Free delivery throughout Costa del Sol. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

Camp Nou delay

BARCELONA have confirmed that their return to the iconic Spotify Camp Nou will be postponed until next season at the earliest.

The club’s redevelopment project has faced multiple setbacks, with fans now told that the team will continue playing at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. Initial hopes had centred on a comeback by late 2024, then February 2025, and later Maywith whispers of an El Clasico marking the occasion.

However, Barcelona have now updated their Socios, saying that the wait will extend into the next season. The club has avoided a logistical headache after a series

ANDALUCIA

WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE

DESPITE the continuing rain last week, several games went ahead and weather prospects now look more favourable!

AWFL Over 50s

Nerja 1 v 2 AC Benahavis

This match was a tight affair, with the visitors edging the better of the chances, only to be repeatedly thwarted by home keeper Bryan Flynn. An eventual lapse in concentration allowed Benahavis to capitalise on a rebound to take the lead before the break. Nerja were only really able to manage long range shots until Tony Deacon brought them level with a confident penalty strike. Nerja missed the chance to go ahead when Deacon dragged his second penaty attempt wide. Close to full time, the visitors struck again with a well-worked move and superb shot into the top corner to seal all three points for Benahavis.

AWFL Over 60s

Sporting Benahavis 1 v 3 Real Calahonda

Sporting began by taking the game to the visitors but were unlucky to go behind to a deflected goal awarded to Steve Muschamp. The hosts pressed for an equaliser and were arguably unfortunate to go in 0-1 down at half time. After the break, both teams seemed to cancel each other out,

Ferrari disqualified

Barcelona’s return to the renovated Camp Nou has been delayed until next season, forcing the club to stay longer at Estadi Olimpic.

of concerts scheduled at the Estadi Olimpic this summer were cancelled, allowing them to extend their lease at the temporary venue. Despite the stadium being a valuable short-term solution, attendance figures have fallen short compared to the sell-out crowds typically seen at Camp Nou. Barcelona’s financial struggles have compounded the frustration.

The club had been counting on the Camp Nou’s matchday revenue to help ease budget pressures. Instead, playing at the Estadi Olimpic has meant missing out on millions in potential income. Fans and officials alike now hope the 2025-26 season will finally signal the long-awaited return to their spiritual home.

until a swift turn and snap-shot from Sporting’s Charles Kleimunt drew the sides level. With only 10 minutes to go, Calahonda continued to press and scored two quick goals, thus sealing the victory.

Nerja Utd. 2 v 3 AC Benahavis

The game began at a frantic pace, with both teams testing the two keepers. Nerja struck first with Tony Wells pouncing on a defensive error and slotting into the bottom corner. After hitting the crossbar twice, Benahavis replied with a splendidly-placed shot and took the lead. A third goal for the visitors came from a Nerja goal kick, as AC contiued to press. However, the home side fought back and Wells scored his second, finishing off a slick counter-attack. Both sides had chances towards the end but Benahavis held firm to seal the win.

AC Benahavis Over 65s at Eurocopa As mentioned recently, AC Benahavis Over 65s travelled to the Algarve to defend their Eurocopa Cup, won in 2024 in its inaugural year. Completing a tough first round of matches (W 4 D1 L2), they progressed to the quarter finals where they were sadly defeated by Bolton, who went on to win the Cup. See you next week!

FERRARI drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix that took place on March 23. This means that, unbelievably, Ferrari missed out on scoring any points towards that all-important Constructors Championship.

In the case of Lewis Hamilton, the reason for his disqualification has been cited as an issue with the rearmost-skid. A Technical Delegate’s report highlighted that when the skid wear of Hamilton’s car was checked following the end of the Chinese Grand

1st

Prix, the rear-most skid was found to be below the minimum 9mm thickness required. In a Ferrari double-disappointment, Charles Leclerc also received a post-race disqualification when his car was found to be below the minimum weight required by the technical regulations.

More specifically, the report that followed a steward’s inquiry stated Leclerc’s SF-25 was 1kg below the minimum weight. In an added twist, the Alpine car driven by Pierre Gasly was also found to be under the required weight,

leading to disqualification for him too.

With Leclerc, and Hamilton originally finishing in P5 and P6, respectively, drivers from P7 to P10 all benefited. This meant Esteban Ocon, newcomer Kimi Antonelli, birthday boy Alex Albon, and the other newcomer, Ollie Bearman, all shifted up two positions and secured extra points for their teams.

Finally, as Pierre Gasly had originally finished in P11, both Lance Stroll and Carlos Sainz also ended up taking home points by moving into the top 10.

woman IOC head

KIRSTY COVENTRY has just shattered the glass ceiling to become the rst woman to be named the head of the International Olympic Committee in its 130-year history.

The Zimbabwean swimming champ came out on top to replace Thomas Bach, taking the top job in world sport.

“It’s a signal that we’re truly global and that we have evolved into an organisation that is truly open to diversity, and we’re going to continue,” she said on Thursday, March 20, in Athens.

Coventry clinched the position, leaving candidate Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr in second place, followed by Sebastian Coe in third. She said that she would spend the next few months working with Thomas Bach to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities and to exchange some key ideas.

Seen as a controversial choice, Coventry has been outspoken with her views on transgender people in single-sex sports, arguing that sports should be categorised by the biological sex of an athlete and not what gender they identify as.

Reported by the Telegraph, she said she wanted to “ensure fairness in women’s sport and maintain the integrity of women’s categories.” Coventry highlighted the dangers of allowing male-born athletes to compete in women’s categories.

The seven-time Olympic medallist was invited to the IOC’s Athletes’ Commission in 2012, and her election to the presidency heralds a new era for the committee, with expectations that she will bring a fresh perspective to pressing issues such as athlete rights.

Hamilton and Leclerc, Bahrain 2024.

Credit: Shutterstock: Jay Hirano

Kirsty Coventry speaking at IOC meeting, Thailand.

Credit: KC, Instagram

Credit : Shutterstock, Yuri Turkov