AROUND 50 volunteers joined forces in Nerja for a beach cleanup organised under the Abrazos de Mar campaign. In one day, they managed to remove 103 kilogrammes of waste from the coastline, including plastic items, cigarette butts, wrappers, wet wipes, and even bulky debris.
People travelled from different parts of Malaga Province to take part, showing dedication to protecting the coastal environment.
Abrazos de Mar is an initiative led by long-distance swimmer Alberto Lorente, who is swimming around the Spanish coastline to raise awareness of marine pollution. Lorente, a professional bus driver and
Embracing the sea Tourism gets smarter
RINCON DE LA VICTORIA has renewed its designation as a Smart Tourist Destination (DTI). The Axarquia town first joined Spain’s Smart Tourist Destination Network in September 2020 and has now successfully passed a new diagnostic review.
The distinction is valid for two years and follows an evaluation process based on 97 criteria and 261 indicators, mainly measuring innovation, accessibility and sustainable tourism. With the renewed status, Rincon de la Victoria strengthens its position as a forward-looking tourist destination.
Dedication in protecting the coastal environment.
holder of four Guinness World Records, swims between 10 and 12 kilometres daily as part of the campaign.
On May 3, he swam between the Torrox Lighthouse and Nerja’s Balcon
de Europa, a stretch of approximately 12 kilometres.
Enrique Herrero, also known as Quique Bolsitas, joins him on land. Herrero collects plastic and other waste during each stage as
a symbolic protest against marine pollution.
So far, the pair have completed segments not only in Axarquia, but also in regions including Asturias, Galicia, Huelva, Cadiz or Lanzarote.
Rincon strengthens tourist strategy
gent tourism management,” according to local officials.
The Smart Tourist Destination programme aims to boost the competitiveness of tourism hubs while enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Local craftmanship
A space for everyone
FRIGILIANA now hosts a new space for solidarity and inclusion, thanks to El Taller de la Amistad, a Nerja-based organisation that supports children and adults with disabilities.
The newly opened shop, located at Sala Real 98, features handmade soaps, bookmarks, greetings cards made from recycled paper, and other hygiene products. All of these products are crafted in the occupational workshops of their day centre.
The shop serves dual purposes: it provides a pathway to employment for people with disabilities and offers the local community a chance to engage with their daily work, promoting visibility and inclusion.
Volunteers from Axarquia and other local community groups, including the Azalea Women’s Association, helped to launch this new project.
The shop will help the association raise funds to reach more persons in need. At the same time, its goal is to create a safe place where craftsmanship and social commitment come together.
Rincon de la Victoria, which in 2024 surpassed 52,000 citizens, is taking steps to adapt to future challenges in the tourism industry. Rincon is now the ninth most populated municipality in the Malaga Province and the second in the Axarquia region, just after Velez-Malaga.
“This achievement is a sign of our commitment to intelli-
The El Taller de la Amistad shop in Frigiliana.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Frigiliana
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Nerja
Rincon de la Victoria is becoming a smart tourist destination.
Credit: Creative Commons
Phone help for Spanish taxes Book early to avoid delays Spain’s tech grant
FILING your Renta 2024 in Spain doesn’t have to mean forms or waiting rooms. This year, the Agencia Tributaria is offering a phone-based tax return service for those who prefer personal guidance over digital tools.
You can now file your income tax by phone - no need to visit a tax office. However, you must book your appointment in advance.
Booking and deadlines
The phone service started on Monday May 6, and appointments can be booked until Thursday June 27. If you owe money and want to pay by direct de bit, file by Tuesday June 25 to avoid penal ties.
Once booked, a Tax Agency representative will call during your chosen slot to help complete your return. Be ready - phone charged, documents at hand - and note the call may arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled. Missed calls may not be retried.
Who should use it?
The service is ideal for older adults, those in rural areas, or anyone preferring a human touch. Even if you’re tech-savvy, having expert help ensures accuracy.
How to Book
By phone:
• Call 915 530 071 or 901 223 344 (Mon–Fri, 9am–
section Via app:
• Use the Tax Agency’s mobile app
Book early for your preferred slot - and a stress-free tax season.
Lost job, no benefits?
IF you lose your job in Spain and haven’t worked long enough to qualify for full unemployment benefits, SEPE’s €3,000 subsidy could help. Known as the ‘subsidio por insuficiencia de cotizaciones’, it’s available to anyone who’s worked at least 90 days and becomes unemployed after November 1, 2024. You can even claim it if you have a part-time
job, as long as your hours stay below full-time level. The amount paid is linked to the IPREM index: 95 per cent for the first six months, then 90 per cent and 80 per cent after a year.
How long you receive payments depends on how long you workedfrom three months for 90 days worked, up to 21 months if you have family responsibilities.
To apply, you must register as a jobseeker, sign an activity agreement, and prove you don’t exceed income limits. Applications can be made online, in
person with an appointment, or by post. You’ll need your ID, bank details, proof of family dependents if relevant, and your latest tax return. EU citizens must show their NIE certificate; non-EU nationals must show a valid residence card.
If your family situation changes, you can extend your support - but you must notify SEPE within 12 months. The subsidy isn’t automatic, so applying within six months of unemployment is crucial. In an uncertain job market, this little-known help could make a real difference.
IF you’re self-employed or running a small business in Spain, there’s good news. The government is offering a €1,000 grant to help upgrade your computer. It’s part of an update to the Digital Kit programme, aimed at pushing freelancers and micro-businesses into the digital age. The grant is for freelancers and businesses with fewer than three employees, under Segment III of the Digital Kit scheme. The extra €1,000 must go towards buying a new computer with specific requirements: at least four processor cores, 2.9 GHz speed, 16GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. It must also run a professional operating system with cybersecurity features. There’s a catch: for the first year, the computer technically belongs to the Digital Agent supplier. After 12 months, you can fully own it by paying just 15 per cent of the price. Applying is simple. Visit the AceleraPyme website, register, complete a short self-assessment, and select the ‘Secure Workstation’ option. Choose an official Digital Agent to handle the purchase. The €1,000 is deducted directly from the invoice, not paid to you. If you already received the initial €2,000 grant, you can still apply for the €1,000 top-up starting June 2025. The programme runs until June 30, 2025, with a €350 million budget.
https://www.acelerapyme.gob.es/en
A biometric future
PAYING with your face or fingerprint could soon be the new normal in Spain. Banks and major retailers are preparing to roll out biometric payment systems as early as 2026, meaning no more cards or phones needed. Instead, shoppers would register their fingerprint, face or iris with their bank - and use it to pay directly at the till.
No internet connection required, no PIN to remember, just a quick scan. The system is designed to be safer than traditional methods, with biometric data being unique and much harder to steal than a physical wallet or mobile phone.
A recent survey by Visa found that nearly half of Spaniards believe biometric payments are more secure, and 36 per cent say they would be happy to start using it within five years. Supermarkets, pharmacies and small shops are expected to be the first to offer the new payment option, needing only minor upgrades like biometric scanners. Given that millions already unlock phones and bank apps using fingerprint or facial recognition, the jump to full biometric payments might feel more natural than futuristic.
Spain’s move reflects a growing global trend towards ultra-secure, seamless transactions. If all goes according to plan, by 2026 your body could be your new wallet - no card, no phone, just you.
224 Online:
• Visit the Agencia Tributaria website - ‘Cita Previa Renta’
Wheels of determination 5,000 Homes in sight
JUAN CARLOS TRUJILLO delivered another inspiring performance. Competing in the wheelchair category, the Club Deportivo Playas de Torre del Mar athlete secured second place during the fourth Senda Litoral Half Marathon in Estepona.
Trujillo finished the race, which gathered 750 participants, with an impressive time of one hour and 36 minutes. His determination stood out as he tackled a demanding course made up of concrete, compact dirt, wooden bridges, and boardwalks.
“This exceptional spring day gave us extra motivation to face the challenge,” said Trujillo just after crossing the finish line. “Navigating mixed terrain in a wheelchair isn’t easy,” he added.
Nerja rail project
THE long-anticipated coastal train linking Nerja to Algeciras has made a new step forward. The Spanish Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has awarded a contract for the feasibility study of the project.
Earlier this year, he won the 26th Almeria Half Marathon and also placed third in the challenging Sevilla Half Marathon.
“I remind myself in every race, what truly matters is taking part, carrying the voice of inclusive sport across the province,” Trujillo said.
Proud to represent his hometown of Torre del Mar, Trujillo continues to be a true inspiration.
The contract is worth €991,911, and the study aims to explore sustainable, accessible, and efficient mobility alternatives that promote rail transport, territorial cohesion, and better urban planning integration across the region. It also delivers on a key government promise to improve rail connectivity in the Malaga Province.
The project will examine major upgrades to Malaga’s C1 commuter line, which currently connects the city with Fuengirola, and
consider extending it eastward to Nerja.
The study will explore the project in five sections: Malaga to Fuengirola, Fuengirola to Marbella, Marbella to Estepona, Estepona to Algeciras, and Malaga to Nerja. As part of the process, it will include a detailed analysis of financial viability and so-
cio-economic benefits. These findings will help determine the best course of action for future investment.
If the project goes ahead, it could make a big difference for Nerja, boosting its connectivity and making it easier for both locals and tourists to move around the Costa del Sol.
VELEZ-MALAGA is undergoing a major urban transformation, positioning itself as a provincial leader in residential development. The Axarquia town has set in motion the process to create almost 5,000 new homes, including more than 400 subsidised units.
New housing developments are now underway in areas such as Benajarafe, Torre del Mar, Caleta de Velez, and Lagos. In addition, the municipal company Emvipsa is promoting the sale of public land at affordable prices, making way for 295 protected homes.
The plan, according to the local authorities, is to keep prices in check and ensure access to housing, especially for young people and for families.
The urban drive in Velez-Malaga also includes strategic projects like the Torrox Road area, where plans are underway for 500 homes, a business park, and a private hospital in collaboration with HM Hospitales. Meanwhile, Iberdrola is advancing new residential projects in La Pañoleta.
Authorities say that all developments are progressing in line with technical and legal requirements, including water supply guarantees. “Our goal is sustainable urban growth that brings jobs, opportunity, and a better future to Velez-Malaga,” declared Mayor Jesús Lupiáñez.
A new study will look at Malaga to Nerja.
Hugh Llewelyn, Flickr.
housing underway in Caleta de Velez.
Senda Litoral Half Marathon in Estepona.
Cooking Andalucian
FOOD lovers now have the chance to discover the culinary heritage of Andalucia.
Axarquia will host three hands-on workshops, with the first one taking place this month in Velez-Malaga. The workshops aim to showcase the region’s deep-rooted gastronomic ties to its Andalusi past, with local ingredients like sugar cane honey, raisins, olive oil, and avocados taking centre stage.
“There are striking similarities between Andalucian and Arab culinary traditions,” pointed out Jesús María Claros, councillor for AgroFood in Velez-Malaga.
Three workshops will be held, each lasting three hours. The first, focusing on appetisers, takes place on Friday, May 16, at the San Francisco Market kitchen in Velez-Malaga. Partici-
pants will learn traditional recipes in a collaborative setting. Two more sessions will follow: one centred on main dishes, and a final workshop dedicated to Andalusi desserts.
Workshops are free and open to all, with 20 spots available per session. Registration opened on Wednesday, May 7.
Led by the local Muslim women’s association Hidaya, the programme promotes cultural exchange and community empowerment.
“This is more than cooking, it’s about reclaiming a shared legacy,” said Hidaya’s president, Hanan Lmohdi.
The initiative, part of the Innova Experiencia Andalusi programme, is backed by the Axarquia-Costa del Sol Association and supported by partners across Spain.
Traffic flow upgrade
THE town of Velez-Malaga is moving ahead with a project aimed at improving traffic in one of its busiest areas. A new roundabout will be built near the El Romeral residential area, on the Camino de Algarrobo, an important road that connects the town centre with the coast.
The project has been awarded to the company Solve Construcción Sostenible SL, with a budget of just over €262,000. Construction is expected to take about four months.
Mayor Jesús Lupiáñez described the project as “a high priority,” pointing out that the intersection where the roundabout will be built sees constant traffic from both locals and visitors. The goal, he said, is to organise the flow of vehicles in a more efficient and safer way.
In total, the project will cover an area of about 2,000 square metr s. Alongside the roundabout, the plan includes new lighting, drainage, water supply, irrigation, and phone infrastructure. The goal is to modernise the area and make it safer for drivers and pedestrians. The authorities are convinced that the roundabout will reduce congestion and create a more orderly traffic pattern.
Camino de Algarrobo is a key route in the area, connecting neighbourhoods like El Limonar and industrial zones such as La Pañoleta. The roundabout is part of a wider urban improvement plan that has already started with the redevelopment of Camino de Torrox.
Axarquia will host three workshops centred on Andalucian culinary heritage.
Credit: Pixabay
A new roundabout will be built near the El Romeral, in Velez-Malaga.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Velez-Malaga
Returning to normal
LA VIÑUELA reservoir, the largest in the province of Malaga and essential for the Axarquia region, has now reached more than 50 per cent of its capacity for the first time in years.
According to the latest data published by Hidrosur, La Viñuela reservoir holds 82.56 cubic hectometres of water. The improvement comes after a particularly wet March, the second rainiest on record in the province, according to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). Though inflows are now tapering off, residual runoff from earlier storms continues
to boost the reservoir’s reserves.
At the beginning of January 2025, La Viñuela held just 36 hm³. By mid-March, that figure had risen to 55, and by late April, it surpassed 80. A year ago, the reservoir contained just 31.56 hm³, less than half its current volume.
The recent increase in water levels marks a turning point for La Viñuela reservoir, which has been among the hardest hit by drought in recent years and was considered a ‘dead reservoir’. On January 16 of this year, it reached a record low, just 7 per cent of its total capacity.
‘Rebuilding Europe’ wins
STUDENTS from IES Trayamar in Algarrobo have claimed top honours in the 19th edition of the JACE Prize (Young Andalucians Building Europe) with their creative project Escape Room: Rebuilding Europe.
The secondary school represented Malaga Province at the regional competition, held at the Euro-Latin American Youth Centre in Mollina, where nine finalist schools from across Andalucia presented their entries.
The winning team, made up of 18 students from 4º ESO and 1º Bachillerato, designed an educational escape room based on the idea that the European Union has vanished due to misuse of citizens’ rights. Only by recalling and learning from Europe’s shared democratic history can it be restored. The concept merged innovative learning te-
chniques with a strong message on the importance of European values.
Organised by the European Information Network of Andalucia, the JACE Prize aims to encourage understanding of the EU among
students and educators. This year’s edition involved around 180 students. The IES Trayamar presentation stood out for its originality, digital approach, and the students’ enthusiastic delivery.
La Viñuela reservoir. Credit: Creative Commons
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
AI alliance
THE UK leads Europe in corporate-startup collaboration, especially in AI, with 81 per cent of British firms seeing startups as key to their AI strategies. Partnerships succeed more in the UK than elsewhere, according to the 2025 Open Innovation Report by Sopra Steria Next and Insead.
Golden block
THE EU Court ruled Malta’s golden passport scheme illegal, stating citizenship can’t be sold. It breaches EU law by treating nationality as a commercial transaction. Malta must dismantle the programme or risk penalties for violating its obligations as an EU member state.
Profit leap
LINEA DIRECTA Insurers reported a net profit of €20.8 million in the first quarter of 2025, more than doubling last year’s result with a 106.1 per cent increase. This strong performance was fuelled by faster revenue growth, a rising number of customers, and better insurance margins.
Coke confidence
COCA-COLA beat first-quarter earnings expectations and said tariffs will likely be ‘manageable’. Despite a 25 per cent aluminium tariff affecting beverage makers, Coke remains optimistic, unlike PepsiCo, which cut its earnings outlook. CFO John Murphy noted tariffs could affect costs and consumer sentiment.
Helping hand
THE Bank of Spain’s Executive Committee has approved the granting of 150 grants of €1,000 to students from the areas affected by the DANA disaster on October 29 in Valencia. The grants are distributed equally between vocational training and university degree students registered in the affected municipalities.
27 STAT OF WEEK
Productive paradox
SPAIN’S unemployment has risen to its highest level in a year, reaching 11.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, yet workplace productivity and economic growth remain solid. Despite the jobless rate exceeding expectations and climbing from 10.6 per cent in the previous quarter, new research shows Spain leading Europe in workplace productivity.
A study by Opinion Matters for Ricoh Europe, based on responses from 1,800 business decision-makers and 7,000 workers across Europe, found that 92 per cent of Spanish employees consider themselves productive, higher than any other country in the survey.
Spain’s unproductivity rate stands at just 4 per cent, compared with 9 per cent in the UK and Ireland. Italy ranked second in productivity, followed by the Netherlands, France, Germany, the UK and Ireland.
The report also revealed wides-
REPSOL and Telefónica are teaming up to expand their partnership and compete with major players like Iberdrola, Endesa, Naturgy, Netflix, and Max. They’ve launched a joint offer combining energy supply with premium entertainment from Movistar Plus.
This move aims to boost revenue in a tough market by cross-selling: new customers signing up for Repsol’s Waylet electricity ‘Fixed Price TV’ plan get
Price surge
BANKINTER reported a profit of €270 million for the first quarter. This figure marks a 35 per cent increase, driven by strong business performance.
Gross operating income rose by 11 per cent, supported by higher sales of high-value products. The bank is gaining market share in all areas and regions.
Its loan book grew by 5 per cent, retail customer funds went up by 7 per cent, and off-balance sheet assets, such as mutual funds, pension and funds, jumped by 17 per cent.
pread concerns across Europe about the impact of outdated technology. About 22 per cent of French and 27 per cent of German business leaders see ageing tech as a key barrier to productivity. Many workers agree: 40 per cent of those surveyed believe better document management tools would improve output, while 37 per cent want improved
communication systems.
According to the National Statistics Institute, the number of unemployed rose by 193,700 to 2.8 million, while employment fell by 92,500 to 21.8 million. The working population rose to 24.6 million. Job losses were seen across several sectors including services, construction, industry, and agriculture.
Power play
Movistar Plus+ free for a year, worth €119.88.
The promotion runs until March 13, 2026.
This alliance helps Repsol diversify beyond energy, enhancing its home offerings. They’ve already introduced perks like fuel discounts (10 cents/litre) and 50 per cent credit for electric vehicle charging,
aiming to boost customer loyalty.
Telefónica expands Movistar Plus+ reach through indirect deals, aiming for growth outside traditional telecom packages.
This move attracts consumers interested in its diverse audiovisual content, including 80+ channels, movies, series, documen-
Career climb
LINKEDIN, the social network focused on careers and professional connections, has now released its latest ‘Top Companies’ list, naming Santander as one of the best places to grow a career.
Santander has been recognised as a top employer in both Spain and Brazil. The list highlights companies that are committed to both supporting their staff and helping them progress.
In Spain, Santander is the highest-ranked financial institution on the list and has climbed several spots compared to the previous year. Its Brazilian arm now also appears on the national ranking.
On a global level, Santander continues to strengthen what it offers employees and promises real career development.
taries, sports like LaLiga and Champions League, and BBC Earth documentaries.
Visa standoff
THE ongoing visa dispute between Turkey and the European Union (EU) has escalated. Some Turkish business leaders have condemned the new EU visa requirements as an ‘economic embargo and not a security measure’ and a breach of international trade law.
Under the latest rules, EU countries are demanding that Turkish companies provide full three-month bank transaction records when applying for employee Schengen visas.
This goes beyond personal payslips and bank statements, requiring detailed financial data from the businesses themselves.
Many in Turkey’s business community argue this added burden is both unfair and damaging to trade and international cooperation.
INDIA’S Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal’s recent visit to the Netherlands has paved the way for establishing a green and digital trade corridor between Indian ports and the Port of Rotterdam, aimed at supporting green hydrogen exports to Europe.
During his visit, Barthwal met with Boudewijn Siemon, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam authority, to discuss the initiative. Rotterdam, being Europe’s largest and one of the most advanced ports globally, is seen as a key gateway for expanding India’s green energy exports to the European market.
Strong surge Green gateway
DESPITE recent geopolitical uncertainty, European airline group Lufthansa continues to see strong demand for flights. The group, which includes Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Swiss, and ITA Airways, reported a 10 per cent year-on-year rise in revenue to €8.1 billion for the first quarter of 2025.
Lufthansa also noted an increase in passenger numbers and higher average fares on its transatlantic routes compared to the same period in 2024.
MORE Cypriots now see the island as a good place to start a business, but fear of failure continues to stop many from taking the leap, according to the latest National Report on Entrepreneurship in Cyprus by the University of Cyprus. Some 60.5 per cent of respondents say they have the skills to start a business, which is well above the European average. Despite this, 53.3 per cent admit it is the fear of failure that is stopping them.
The number of Kuiper Network satellites was successfully launched by Amazon, deployed 600 kilometres above Earth. This marks Amazon’s entry into the low-orbit satellite market, rivalling Starlink.
Repsol have already introduced perks.
Ninety-two per cent of Spanish employees consider themselves productive.
Keeping an open mind
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT
CONSPIRACY theorists are everywhere, I have over the years, researched and investigated large numbers of these theories; from Queen Elizabeth I being a man, Area 51, the assassination of Kennedy, the death of Princess Diana and the Twin Tower attack etc.
One thing I endeavoured to do is to always retain an open mind. This can give you a clear advantage over these theorists - it is the one asset they most definitely do not possess! Once a CT has its teeth into something, irrespective of any proof to the contrary, they are virtually impossible to shake off.
With this in mind I thought I would delve a little further into the psyche of the compulsive theorists and what makes them actually tick. According to one school of psychiatry the paranoia that drives individuals to constantly scan the world for dangers and imagines the worst from others, is a throwback to Neanderthal times. To mitigate threats from other tribes,
these ancient humans needed to be suspicious of everything and everyone, merely to survive.
The doctors also reached the conclusion that many theorists were people who retained manipulative unusual patterns of thought, practised Machiavellianism, were insecure, lonely or stressed, which made them more inclined to believe in conspiracy’s and the supernatural.
These suspicious people are of course not always in the wrong. Although some of their theories, ie that the earth is flat or the Moon landing didn’t take place - are laughable; there have been a number of instances where they were proven to be correct. That the FBI was spying on John Lennon (True). Project Sunshine, where the US government was accused of stealing dead bodies to test for radiation after a nuclear explosion. (True). That as far back as 1950 tobacco companies were fully aware smoking was lethal and could cause cancer. (True). That you can be spied on through your laptop camera. (True – and worrying!)
On the other hand some of their theories can be highly dangerous.
Those who believed the Covid pandemic didn’t exist could, if they were in charge, have been responsible for the deaths of millions.
In 2016 the personal mail of John, Hillary Clinton’s campaign manager was hacked. He was found to have ordered large numbers of pizzas. The conspiracy theorists decided that these orders were a code for a child sex ring run by the members of the diplomatic party. The shop who supplied the pizzas was subsequently attacked by a man with a semi-automatic rifle! It was a miracle no one was killed. It ultimately transpired that Podesta really liked pizzas!
All I can say to the conspiracy theorists is keep believing what your heart and mind tells you. But please don’t patronise and pour scorn on others who hold a different point of view. What about turning your efforts to the biggest conspiracy theory of all; that we are merely figments of our own imagination?
Now that is one I would truly like your views on.
Keep the Faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com
Italian Brainrot
YOU’RE scrolling through TikTok when a bizarre monster with a made-up Italian name pops up, yelling nonsense and maybe dancing. Congratulations - you’ve discovered Italian Brainrot, a viral trend that’s as ridiculous as it is addictive. Brainrot is internet slang for random, overstimulating content that feels like it melts your brain. Add an Italian twist, strange AI-generated monsters like Tung Tung Tung Sahur, and gibberish soundtracks, and you’ve got Italian Brainrot. What began as harmless fun has grown into a full-blown TikTok subculture, complete with backstories, fake documentaries and a loyal fandom. But not everyone is laughing.
Some mental health experts warn that constant exposure to loud, chaotic videos could shrink attention spans, especially in kids and teens. Clinical psychologist Carlos Hidalgo says overstimulating content can make it harder to focus or think clearly. “It’s not just mindless entertainment anymore,” he explains. “It starts to change how we process information.” The solution? Balance. No one’s saying you need to quit TikTok, but it’s smart to take breaks and mix it up with slower activities like reading, walking, or listening to a podcast
Best places to retire
DODGED deadlines? Raised children? Braved British drizzle? Then you’ve earned a retirement with more sunshine and fewer spreadsheets. Spain is calling - and it’s not whispering.
A 2025 study by Global Citizen Solutions names Menorca, Mallorca, Tenerife, and the Costa Brava as the top beach spots to retire in Spain.
These coastal areas are all about slow living, low stress, and sea views for days.
And it’s not just a British obsession. Nearly 900 people retire in Spain daily, according to Social Security data. Why?
Because Spain ticks all the boxes: low cost of living, world-class healthcare, warm locals, and sunshine that just won’t quit.
Here’s the best four: Menorca - Peaceful, pretty and free from party crowds. Menorca’s whe-
re you go to drop your shoulders and soak in turquoise coves.
Mallorca - Think postcard-perfect villages, great healthcare, and direct UK flights. A top choice for a soft landing.
Tenerife - Volcanic beauty, eternal spring, and the perfect winter sun escape.
Costa Brava - Dramatic cliffs, secret coves, and just enough edge to keep
things interesting. It’s like the Amalfi Coast, but cheaper and Catalan.
And don’t overlook Malaga and Valencia - vibrant cities offering beachside bliss, art scenes, and top-tier healthcare. Retiring in Spain isn’t about slowing down - it’s about finally living it up.
Café con leche in one hand, sea view in the other? That’s not a dream. That’s Tuesday in Spain.
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
TikTok trend.
Credit : Worawee Meepian, Shutterstock
Sun, sangría and slippers: Spain’s top six seaside retirement hotspots revealed, from Menorca to the Costa Brava.
Credit: Gustavo Frazao, Shutterstock
TIP ‘Windows to Wellness’
Research and learn how to properly care for your cat or kitten before you purchase or adopt. Ask your vet how to properly care for the cat or kitten you are selecting. This includes asking about the best food and enclosure or environment for your potential pet.
House-sitting for cats
POPPY (shown in the picture) lives with Frank, Gracy and Audrey her siblings, and Angela their owner. Angela finds house-sitters to care for them through HouseSitMatch when she travels away from home.
She finds it is much easier to find checked sitters to move into her home than to rehouse her pets when she goes on holiday. Four cats are a lot to rehome for a temporary period and they feel safer in their own home. And it’s cheaper too!
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
Meet Poppy - Her owners find cat-sitters for her and her siblings on HouseSitMatch.
year, join now. Get organised today:
1. Register as a house-sitter or a homeowner on HouseSit Match.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
All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed.
If you’re planning travel this
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
I really love HouseSitMatch it’s just perfect for me and Lamia the owner is so very kind and helpful in every way
Angela, Pet owner
How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com Need a pet-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation!
A Super power
A DOG’S sense of smell is nothing short of extraordinary. In fact, it’s estimated to be up to 100,000 times more powerful than a human’s.
Dogs have up to 300 million scent receptors in their noses, compared to just five million in ours, allowing them to detect even the faintest odours.
Dogs can smell a wide range of things, from food and people to emotions like fear or happiness.
Some can even detect illnesses such as cancer or diabetes, thanks to their ability to pick up on subtle chemical changes in the body.
They also rely heavily on scent to navigate their environment and communicate with other animals.
However, a dog’s sense of smell can be affected by factors like age, illness, and even certain medications.
Dogs with respiratory issues or older dogs might not detect scents as sharply as they once did.
powerful noses make them ideal for roles in search and rescue, police work, and therapy.
we can only imagine.
Their
Truly, a dog’s world is painted through smells, offering them a rich, detailed experience of life
Earthquakes at Anfield
ANFIELD was literally rocking as Liverpool thumped Spurs 5-1 - seismologists recorded real mini-earthquakes during the goal celebrations. Mac Allister’s strike hit 1.74 on the Richter scale.
It wasn’t just Tottenham that got shaken by Liverpool’s title-winning 5-1 demolition on Sunday April 27 - the ground beneath Anfield quite literally trembled as the Reds clinched the title.
Credit: Thomas McAtee, Shutterstock
In a bizarre twist of football meets fault line, scientists from the University of Liverpool have confirmed that actual earthquakes were recorded during the match, thanks to a raucous crowd of 60,415 delirious fans.
Researchers claimed that ‘much like natural seismic events, these goals produced bursts of ground-shaking, triggered by the sheer passion of Liverpool fans’.
The most powerful quake hit at 24 minutes, when Alexis Mac Allister buried a beauty to put Liverpool 2-1 up - a moment that registered a 1.74 on the Richter scale.
The Kop’s favourite son, Mohamed Salah, wasn’t far behind. When the Egyptian
King struck in the second half, jubilation hit 1.60. Even Destiny Udogie’s own goal caused seismic sadness for Spurs, clocking in at 1.35.
Cody Gakpo added to the Richter ruckus with a tidy goal (1.03), while even Luis Diaz’s initially disallowed equaliser gave the Earth a polite nudge at 0.64.
While Tottenham were left in tatters, seismologists were busy checking their instruments.
The seismic sensors had been specially installed for the occasion by experts hoping to track fan-induced earth movement.
Barcelona target Lookman
BARCELONA is preparing its summer transfer window and is ready for all scenarios in its search for attacking reinforcements.
Nico Williams, from Athletic Bilbao, remains the top target for the Blaugrana team, the Catalan giants are keeping an eye on other players.
ANDALUCIA WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE
AWFL League and Eurocopa
AWFL Over 50s
Boca Seniors Competa 3 v 6 Nerja United
With this league match having all the ingredients for a fiery local derby, it was played in great spirit, with both teams showing attacking intent throughout!
From the start, the visitors took full advantage of a Competa side missing several key players, though the hosts worked hard to compete. With clinical finishing, Nerja’s Tony Wells scored twice early on and bagged his hat-trick soon after from the penalty spot.
Competa responded quickly, Andrew Baker scoring to complete a counterattack, but Nerja struck again through a well-taken Martin Tompsett effort. The hosts pulled another goal back through Steffan Moos, following a defensive error, before Wells finished off a flowing move for his fourth, Nerja’s fifth. The home side refused to give up and Moos scored their third to close the gap. But it was too late, and Gerry Black finally sealed the result for Nerja with a sharp finish.
AWFL Clubs in the Eurocopa, Algarve
El Cañadon OB entered the Over 50s Eurocopa for the first time last week and did themselves credit by winning eight of their 13 matches in the group stage but unfortunately went out in the knockout rounds. They enjoyed this first experience greatly and intend to return next year.
Winners two years ago but this year with a hugely depleted squad resulting in some tired games in the latter stages, Malaga Over 50s failed to make it out of the group sector. However, the Over 60s had their most successful Eurocopa to date, only beaten in the semi-final by the eventual winners! No doubt they too will return next year. And finally......
Congratulations to Dave Coverdale and Steve Eastwood, two of our AWFL referees, who, having passed their formal assessments, are now classed as International Walking Football Referees and will officiate in the World Cup of Nations in Alicante later in the year.
Sweden stuns USA
Spanish media report that Barcelona have identified Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman as a potential target for this summer. The 27-year-old Nigerian forward is seen as a player who could strengthen the squad while still fitting into the club’s tight budget.
around €35 million, less than the price tag on Nico Williams.
Lookman has impressed for the Bergamo club this season, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists across 37 appearances. He was instrumental in Atalanta’s presence in UEFA Champions League and also for the successful Serie campaign.
Lookman’s situation in Italy may also play in Barcelona’s favour. Reports suggest a breakdown in his relationship with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has led the player to request a transfer. That internal friction could push down his market value, with estimates placing a potential transfer fee
A fast and skillful attacking player with massive international experience, Lookman fits Barcelona tactical requirements. The Nigerian has the advantage of being capable of playing anywhere across the frontline.
While Nico Williams remains the preferred option, Barcelona’s sporting department is making sure they have a strong Plan B.
A LATE-GAME surge and nerves of steel send Sweden into the gold-medal match against Canada
It was the kind of match that kept fans on the edge of their seats - a tense, hard-fought semi-final between two ice hockey powerhouses. But in the end, it was Sweden who edged out the USA in a dramatic 4–3 victory to book their spot in the U18 World Championship final.
“We played to win,” said national team head coach Thomas Paananen, after what was arguably one of the most nail-biting finishes of the tournament so far.
Things didn’t exactly go Sweden’s way in the opening minutes. Paananen admitted the team struggled to find their footing ear-
ly on. That gave Team USA an opportunityand they took it, opening the scoring less than five minutes into the second period.
But the Americans’ lead didn’t last long.
The Swedes responded with calm determination, equalising soon after and shifting the momentum.
The third period delivered the drama. At one point, Sweden
faced a serious challenge, going two men down and playing 3-on-5 - a nightmare scenario in any hockey match. With just under five minutes left on the clock, the USA narrowed the gap to 4–3, igniting hopes of a comeback. But Sweden kept their composure and closed out the match, sending them through to the final.
Liverpool fans cause seismic shock as Reds smash Spurs to clinch title.
Sweden beats the USA 4–3 in a thrilling U18 hockey semi-final.
Credit : Paolo Bona, Shutterstock
Barcelona players celebrating winning the Copa del Rey.
