Costa Blanca South 14 - 20 August 2025 Issue 2093

Dreams set sail

THE Pascual Flores, a Torrevieja-based schooner captained by Rodrigo Boj Pérez, has made history by winning rst place in the 2025 Tall Ship Race, the world’s premier regatta for tall ships. This is the rst time since 1964 that a Spanish vessel has taken home the prestigious trophy, making this victory even sweeter.

Built in 1917 as a cargo schooner, Pascual Flores was a key player in Torre-

vieja’s maritime trade and carried salt, fruit, and other goods across the Mediterranean and North Africa. After decades of neglect, the vessel was lovingly restored, and it now stands as a symbol of the city’s rich seafaring heritage.

The 2025 Tall Ship Race, an international race organised by Sail Training International, had a challenging route through Northern Europe. Stops included Le

Havre, Dunkirk, Aberdeen, Kristiansand, and Esbjerg.

Captain Boj Pérez started with the organisation in 2019 as a volunteer trainee, and his determination and talent ultimately resulted in him leading a skilled crew of young Spaniards, all under 25, to glory.

Despite setbacks due to mechanical failures in 2024, the schooner cemented its reputation in 2025 as a beacon of traditional sailing.

With this victory, the Pascual Flores and its crew have not only claimed a trophy but also ful lled a dream nurtured through generations.

Costa Blanca South • No. 2093 • 14 - 20 Aug 2025

FREE FREE FREI GRATIS

GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS GRATUITO VRIJ

LIVRE ILMAINEN

G F GRATIS GRATUIT G DARMOWY D

The Pascual Flores carries the spirit of Torrevieja across the seas.

Photo credit: Tall

Tabarca ticket war

THE Santa Pola port has become the setting of one of the latest local competitions. There, two companies of ‘tabarqueras’, or those who sell boat tickets to Tabarca, are trying to see who can attract the most customers, and they’re doing so by o ering round-trip tickets for as low as €5.

Known for their loud, marketplace-style sales tactics, employees from both companies vie for attention by shouting o ers to passing visitors. Highlighting the aggressive methods used to promote boat trips to the island, this spirited rivalry has even gone viral on social media.

Every August - the island’s high season - the competition intensi es, with Tabarca’s population swelling from around 50 residents to up to 5,000 visitors. To one-up each other, the tabarqueras have dropped prices dramatically from €9 to

€5 per ticket.

Despite the lively competition, the port’s current setup remains a bit chaotic, with the companies relying heavily on vocal persuasion to make sales. This dynamic is expected to continue until the long-awaited maritime station project moves forward.

The project aims to modernise and regulate the area by creating a uni ed ticketing space with improved working conditions. Unfortunately, construction has been stalled since late 2023 due to the contractor’s nancial di culties.

For now, visitors and locals alike will have to continue to navigate this rambunctious yet entertaining environment while awaiting improvements that could transform how Tabarca trips are organised in the future.

Historic hotel bid battle

THE future of the iconic Hotel Casa del Gobernador in Tabarca has attracted massive interest this past week. Seven companies have submitted bids for the 15-year management concession of this iconic 18th-century building, with o ers ranging from €280,455 to €1,748,554over 10 times higher than the minimum starting bid of €160,141.

Contenders include Poseidón Water Sports SL, Paladar 2012 SL, Hotel Boutique Isla de Tabarca SL (the current operator), Lunetoile Ocio SL, Hotel

Polamar SL, Transportes Marítimos Nueva Tabarca SL, and a joint venture formed by Simpro Proyectos SLU, Jengibre SL, and ATM Muhc SL.

The three-star hotel currently has 15 rooms - a family room, 13 standard double rooms, and one double room adapted for guests with reduced mobility. While upgrades are possible with approval from the regional tourism department, the winning bidder must, at least, maintain these standards.

Located within the former Governor’s House,

the hotel is a carefully restored historic property that must remain open year-round. During the low season, a maximum closure of three months is permitted. The concession will be awarded with no possibility of extension, replacing the outgoing 10year agreement.

The winning bid is expected to be announced in October, and the new operator is set to take over within a month. This arrangement will ensure the historical and cultural preservation of this unique island property.

Peak season brings noisy battles for ticket sales to the beautiful island.

Photo credit: Manuel Torres Garcia / Unsplash

New operators of the hotel will maintain an enjoyable experience for island visitors.

Photo credit: jaleante / Pixabay

Spain’s safety net

Non-contributory pension aid

MANY assume Spanish state pensions are only for those with long contribution histories - but Spain’s non-contributory pension offers vital support for anyone aged 65 or over who hasn’t met the 15-year minimum. Whether due to informal work, caring duties, or illness, eligible individuals can receive nearly €8,000 a year, paid in 14 instalments - even without ever contributing to the system. The aim is to prevent poverty in old age and support those otherwise left behind.

To qualify, applicants must have lived legally in Spain for at least 10 years between age 16 and retirement, including the two years before applying. Annual income must be under €7,905.80 in 2025, though this threshold increases for larger households - up to €13,439.86 for two people or €18,973.92 for three, with higher limits for relatives living together.

Pension amounts are reviewed yearly. Recipients must declare income annually, and payments may be reduced or stopped if income rises above the limit. As long as eligibility continues, so do the payments. This is not a loophole, but a key support for those without contributions, including homemakers and the long-term unemployed. Applications can be made online or at Social Security offices, with proof of age, residence, and income.

For many, it’s the difference between hardship and dignity in old age.

https://www.seg-social.es/wps/portal/wss/internet/Pensionistas

New rental portal

Affordable homes go online

SPAIN’S troubled rental market could soon become easier to navigate, thanks to a new government-backed platform aimed at reducing stress, uncertainty and price volatility in house-hunting. This summer, the Ministry of Housing will launch a public rental portal to compete with private sites such as Idealista and Fotocasa, but focused solely on a ordable homes. Unlike the current system, where renters face unanswered messages and sudden price hikes, the new site promises greater transparency. Users will be able to browse listings with photos, check criteria in advance and register interest online. Contracts, paperwork and even maintenance requests will be managed digitally.

Bank holiday weekend

Assumption is observed across all of Spain

ON Friday, August 15, Spain will celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a significant Catholic holiday, creating a long weekend known as the ‘puente de agosto’, or ‘August bridge’. The extended break, falling on a Friday, will bring heavy traffic on Thurs-

day and Sunday as countless Spaniards hit the roads to make the most of the holiday. As a non-transferable national holiday, the Assumption is observed across all of Spain. In some towns, like La Nucia in Alicante, it coincides with local

holidays, extending the break to four days, as August 18 is a Monday. Public offices, including councils and health centres, will close, as will banks and many local shops. Coastal supermarkets and shopping centres, however, often remain open to serve tourists, though Mercadona typically adheres to the holiday schedule. Some coastal Mercadona stores may open until 3pm, while inland locations generally close to give employees a rest day. While some towns mark the occasion with processions and masses, many Spaniards skip religious observances, preferring beach outings instead. In 2025, Spain will observe four more national holidays: National Day on October 12 (observed October 13), All Saints’ Day on November 1, Constitution Day on December 6, and Christmas on December 25. The Assumption remains a beloved tradition, blending faith with a mid-summer escape.

The rst properties will come from Sareb, the ‘bad bank’ created after the nancial crisis, with 13,000 homes in regions including Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia. The platform is expected to expand to 40,000 properties as more state-owned and new-build ats are added. Rents will be capped at 30 per cent of the average local wage to prevent households spending disproportionate amounts on housing.

Questions remain over how quickly stock will grow, whether eligibility rules will be straightforward and whether the initiative can make a dent in Spain’s overheated rental market. If successful, it could provide both relief for renters and serious competition for private portals.

Crisp cash only

Bank targets old notes

SPAIN is withdrawing thousands of worn €10, €20 and €50 notes as the Bank of Spain launches a major e ort to remove old, faded and torn cash from circulation. The goal is not a new design, but to ensure notes remain clean, intact and reliable - similar to a wardrobe refresh. Damaged notes are quietly replaced behind the scenes, although more shopkeepers may begin refusing visibly tattered ones. Despite the rise of cards and mobile payments, nearly 60 per cent of Spaniards - and almost 80 per cent of those over 65 - still rely on physical cash for everyday spending. If you come across a dog-eared €10 or faded €20, you don’t have to keep it. Most banks, including all Bank of Spain branches, will exchange worn notes or credit your account, provided more than half the note is intact and it has not been deliberately damaged. However, if a note is ink-stained by an anti-theft device or shows signs of tampering, it may be rejected - unless you can prove you received it innocently. Deliberately defaced or contaminated notes may even require inspection for safety reasons.

Worn-out €10, €20 and €50 notes will soon vanish from circulation in Spain, with the Bank of Spain calling for only crisp, high-quality cash to remain in your wallet.

A sustainable switch

AT the end of July, Euro Weekly News reported that Youth Climate Save Valencia had urged San Fulgencio Town Hall to swap single-use plastic bottles used in municipal meetings for more sustainable alternatives. At the time, the group had received no official reply.

Giant Costra celebration

Since then, the council has confirmed it will adopt the change. Plastic bottles will be replaced with reusable glass containers during plenary sessions, reducing waste and promoting greener practices within the local administration. The decision marks a win for grassroots environmental advocacy in the region, showing how persistent community action and local support can influence meaningful local policy changes. Youth Climate Save Valencia is continuing its campaign across the Valencian Community, urging other town halls, including Sueca, to follow suit. Beyond waste reduction, the measure reflects a growing recognition among municipalities that their own operations can set the tone for wider sustainability efforts.

San Fulgencio’s choice adds momentum to a broader regional push for practical, achievable steps toward sustainability, demonstrating how even small policy shifts can contribute to long-term environmental goals.

ON Sunday, August 10, Elche’s Paseo de la Estación came alive with a glorious celebration centred around the traditional Giant Costra, a highlight of the city’s Patron Saint Festivities. This traditional savoury rice dish from the Alicante region is cooked in a clay pot over a wood fire, and it features ingredients like eggs, sausages, and pork. Named for and characterised by its crispy, golden crust, this regional classic has a unique flavour and texture.

To make the Giant Costra for this special event, an impressive amount of ingredients were used, including 1,080 eggs, 90 kilograms of rice, and 130 kilograms of meat and sausages. With over 2,500 portions served, residents and visitors came together to enjoy this delicious symbol of local gastronomy.

Mayor Pablo Ruz personally joined the festivities, and he even helped cut and serve the costra. This representation demonstrates the importance of the tradition in Elche’s cultural calendar.

However, the celebration was marked by the notable absence of the Festival Town Crier (Pregonero de Fiestas), who traditionally opens the festivities with a speech and participates in many events throughout the festival. Because their presence usually sets the tone for the celebration, their absence from the Giant Costra event sparked reflection among organisers and attendees.

Despite this, the Giant Costra celebration remains a powerful symbol of Elche’s identity and cultural heritage, showcasing the city’s passion for food, community, and tradition.

The traditional Giant Costra, as seen during Elche’s Patron Saint Festivities in 2022.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Elche

Scrabble showdown

THOSE in Almoradi looking for a new, brain-stimulating challenge, a new club to join, an afternoon out every month, or simply some new friends, are welcome to join in on the fun at the Almoradi Scrabble Club.

The club, which has been active for years and ranges from experienced players to novices, holds a fun-filled meeting from 15.00 to 17.30 on the first Wednesday of every month at Café Almoradí, on Calle Mayor, opposite the health centre. New players can use the club’s Scrabble boards or are welcome to bring their own.

At the sociable Scrabble club meetings, members get together to compete in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere at forming words on a board using letter tiles, with the aim of getting as many points as they can. Scrabble is one of the most famous board games in history, invented in the 1930s and still widely played today.

Seasoned Scrabble lovers or anyone new to the spelling-based, brain-teasing game are encouraged to join. Any interested new members can contact Christine Walkins through 694 437 698 . The group is friendly, sociable, and always looking to expand for new members - it would be the perfect opportunity for fans of the famous board game to find people who could give them a real run for their money.

Babilonia’s uncertain future

THE Generalitat Valenciana has begun the formal process to declare the century-old Babilonia beach houses in Guardamar del Segura as an urban core of special ethnological value. Prompted by the local Neighbourhood Association under the new Valencian Coast Protection Law, this step acknowledges the cultural and historical signi cance of these early 20th-century homes.

Despite this recognition, over 60 houses remain scheduled for demolition starting mid-September due to expired State concessions. The Generalitat currently lacks

the transferred powers from the State to manage coastal public domain issues, limiting its ability to prevent these demolitions or make binding decisions.

Citing studies that attribute coastal erosion partly to the presence of the buildings, in combination with climate change, the Central Government refused to extend the permits that protect the houses from demolition. Residents, however, dispute this claim, noting that a breakwater constructed in the 1990s is the main cause of erosion, as it changed the natural sediment ow.

While the new Valencian law provides mechanisms to protect traditional coastal settlements and guarantees compensation for a ected residents, its application depends on the formal transfer of authority from the State, which has not yet occurred. This legal gap complicates e orts to safeguard Babilonia’s heritage. The process highlights ongoing tensions between environmental concerns, cultural preservation, and administrative powers, with the community continuing to advocate for solutions within this complex framework.

The Almoradi Scrabble Club is looking for new members.

Photo Credit: Clarissa Watson via Unsplash

Residents of Babilonia hope to preserve their historic seaside homes.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Guardamar del Segura

Seismic swarm

ON Monday, August 4, the Alicante Province recorded several earthquakes between 50 and 110 kilometres off the coast of Torrevieja, Santa Pola, and Guardamar del Segura. This unusual

series is known as a seismic swarm, and more than a dozen tremors in total were detected off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. A seismic swarm refers to a cluster of small

earthquakes occurring in the same region over a short period, without one main dominant quake. With Alicante lying within the Betic Cordillera, which is a seismically active zone of the Iberian peninsula, small quakes are quite common. Stronger ones are rarer.

The most powerful earthquake occurred during the night of August 4, with a 3.6 magnitude and an epicentre about 60 kilometres from the shore of the Mediterranean-Levante South area. Other tremors included two magnitude 3.7 earthquakes. Located roughly 50 kilometres from Santa Pola and Guardamar del Segura, these earthquakes ranged from 10 to 12 kilometres deep.

Despite the frequency and intensity of these events, no material damage was reported.

Tenacious trailblazers

ON August 6, Santa Pola celebrated its vibrant youth with the ‘Jovens Amb Valors 2025’ gala, held at the historic Santa Pola Fortress Castle. Recognising their dedication, passion, and commitment to community progress, the annual event - organised by the Youth Council through Racó Jove - shines a spotlight on local young people excelling in culture, sports, academics, entrepreneurship, science, and more.

Ten incredible individuals, aged 17 to 35, were honoured for their achievements and their inspiring journeys of perseverance and growth. From talented dancers who represent the town in national competitions to young entrepreneurs breaking barriers in shipbuilding and culinary arts, the event showcased the dynamic

spirit of Santa Pola’s youth.

Academic excellence was celebrated with awards to students who achieved top marks and are now pursuing university degrees. Sports stars were also recognised for their national and international successes. Additionally, the gala honoured scientific innovation and paid tribute to a beloved librarian whose decades of service enriched the town’s culture and education.

Organisers emphasised the importance of values like effort, social impact, and inspiring others, highlighting that these young leaders are already shaping Santa Pola’s future. This gala is a powerful reminder that with passion and perseverance, the youth of Santa Pola are truly the heart of a bright and hopeful tomorrow.

Santa Pola’s future leaders take centre stage at the gala.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola

Improving services

TO bring essential social services closer to neighbourhood residents, the town hall has reopened the Gran Alacant Social Centre, located in the Evoca Living shopping centre on Monte de Santa Pola Street. With social workers, a psychologist, and an educator, the centre has been operating Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm since early July and continues to provide the same services as before its reopening.

Additionally, the councillor in charge explained that services currently offered at the Santa Pola Civic and Social Centre will gradually be transferred to Gran Alacant based on community needs. The plan is to progressively introduce six new services in the coming months.

Among these offerings, residents will have access to legal advice and support from a law graduate, and individuals with chronic

illness will be able to receive specialised psychological care.

The centre will also provide intervention services for vulnerable children and adolescents, focusing specifically on those facing risk, neglect, or legal protection measures. Furthermore, the centre will support people at risk of social exclusion and promote equality and non-discrimination, with particular attention to

gender issues. Another key goal is to simultaneously prevent risks related to drug use, addictive behaviours, problematic technology, and gambling while encouraging healthy lifestyle habits. With these enhanced services, the reopened Gran Alacant Social Centre represents a significant step toward improving community well-being and accessibility to vital support.

Rock rescue success

AT around 10am on Friday, August 8, a 35-year-old Belgian man slipped and became trapped between the rocks of the breakwater along Torrevieja’s Juan Aparicio promenade. Though it was a challenging rescue that lasted about two hours, the efficiency and determination of local emergency services freed the man and brought him to safety.

Thanks to the teamwork of the Torrevieja fire department and the crucial assistance of a crane truck provided by the local company Acciona, rescuers successfully lifted the heavy stones to free the trapped man. Firefighters highlighted the essential role of Torrevieja Town Hall in facilitating this support by coordinating with Acciona to provide the crane. Without this specialised equipment, the firefighters would have had to use hydraulic tools, which would have been much riskier for both the man and the rescuers.

Fortunately, the individual

sustained only minor injuries, suffering from some scratches and a few bruises. He was quickly attended to with oxygen at the scene before being transported for further medical care.

The natural pools of Torrevieja have been a beloved

summer destination since 1999, and when safety advice is respected, they offer a beautiful and safe place to enjoy the sea. The combined efforts of emergency services and public awareness help keep Torrevieja’s beaches safe and welcoming for all.

Reopened social services centre brings help closer to home.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola

Museums in the moonlight

THE Orihuela City Council’s Department of Culture, in collaboration with Orihuela Cultural, have organised a special summer programme that began in July and is stretching to Friday, August 29,

where interested museum lovers can visit the municipality’s Holy Week Museum at night. The event will include activities in the museums as well as tours through the historical and artistic exhibitions

of the museum, all under the light of the moon. The nighttime museum visits will be available on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the whole month of August. The activities include workshops, open house events, escape rooms, guided tours, and walks through important Orihuela cultural and heritage sites, such as the Colegio de Santo Domingo, the Museum of the Reconquista, and the Miguel Hernández House Museum. These activities all go under the event slogan, ‘When the heat cools off and the magic ignites’. Interested museumgoers can reserve a spot for the event by phoning 672 219 071, or sending an email to reservas@orihuela cultural.es. The Orihuela City Council, as well as Orihuela Cultural, will be pleased to see interested night owls join the fun for a special and unique museum experience under the light of the moon.

Threads of history

A VALUABLE collection of historical business documents has been generously donated to the Crevillent Town Hall, shedding light on the town’s rich carpet-making heritage. These 16 volumes, dating from 1879 to 1914, were safeguarded and donated by brothers José Belmonte Belmonte and Juan Antonio Belmonte. The volumes include nine account books and seven letter copybooks that were used by the Salvador Espinosa Mas company, a significant player in Crevillent’s early carpet industry.

Containing detailed correspondence from the company’s manager to various business partners and family members who emigrated across Spain, these letters offer more than just insight into busi -

ness operations and orders for materials such as pleita (braided rush), filet pieces, and double fabric. The letters paint a picture of the social and economic connections that helped Crevillent’s industry thrive nationwide, and they provide a peek into the lives of people seeking new opportunities while maintaining family ties.

The archives will be

incorporated into the upcoming Carpet Museum in Crevillent, which aims to become a leading research centre celebrating this important cultural and economic legacy. Mayor Lourdes Aznar Miralles praised the donation for its incredible potential to help researchers trace the evolution of Crevillent’s carpet industry from the late 19th century onward.

Committed caretakers ensure history lives on.

Cleaner streets ahead

THEY’VE finally arrived. Orihuela is getting four new solid waste collection trucks after years of reliance on an outdated, breakdown-prone fleet that caused issues with the quality and timeliness of garbage collec tion. This upgrade is a welcome change that will surely improve the lives of residents and workers alike.

Although five new trucks were pur chased, only four were actually presen ted publicly at a cere mony in the historic centre of Orihuela. The vehicles will primarily serve the coastal urbanisations, which deal with the highest volume of waste, especially during summer months when the population triples.

The fifth truck is set to join the fleet shortly after registration completion.

Enabling more efficient routes and better service planning, the new trucks feature modern compaction systems and GPS tracking. With a two-year warranty, the trucks will also be guaranteed reliability during this intensive initial period.

Mayor Pepe Vegara emphasised how the fleet renewal responds to residents’ and workers’ demands for modern, safe, and sufficient service.

Additionally, Solid Waste Councillor Rocío Ortuño noted that the new vehicles will improve working

conditions for waste collection staff, which is a major priority. Part of a larger investment exceeding €1.2 million, the fleet renewal complements the recent upgrade of over 1,600 waste containers in Orihuela. This commitment demonstrates Orihuela’s dedication to maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment for all.

A dancing delight

GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA is yet another Costa Blanca municipality getting into the summer spirit with their August Ball d’Estiu, or Summer Dance. On Thursday, August 14, 21, and 28, the municipality will host a special dance that will be enjoyable for all ages, from

small children to the elderly, at the Orquesta Gúmar Auditorium in the Reina Sofia Park.

The dance is organised by the Guardamar del Segura Town Hall and will be completely free of charge for interested visitors. It will be a wonderful way to get together with the neighbours, dance with a partner, or enjoy the relaxed summer night atmosphere.

Beginning at 21.30 and lasting until 23.30 on the final three Thursdays of

August, it will be a way to connect with loved ones and also make the most of the hottest summer month. Taking place at the very scenic Reina Sofia Park, which is known for its beauty, relaxing ambience, and variety of wildlife that call it home (ducks, peacocks, and even turtles), visitors are sure to have an enchanting night dancing into the sunset.

In addition to August, the event will also run throughout September, specifically September 4, 11, and 18.

The fresh fleet is reporting for duty.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela

Guardamar will host its Ball d’Estiu in August and September.

Speeding scooter seized

PMVs must also comply with local and national driving laws.

ON Wednesday, August 6, Torrevieja Local Police intercepted an electric scooter travelling at a dangerously high speed of 135 km/h on Avenida de la Purísima, far exceeding the legal limit of 25 km/h for such vehicles.

While the law allows scooters to have a maximum 1,000-watt motor, this particular scooter was equipped with an 8,000-watt motor. To make matters worse, it also lacked the required European Union certification, bearing only a ‘China Export’ mark.

The driver, a 24-year-old Ukrainian man, had previously posted TikTok videos show casing reckless tricks and manoeuvres on the scooter. This dangerous behaviour com bined with the vehicle’s illegal specifications prompted police intervention. Police confis

cated and impounded the scooter, and the driver faces potential fines and legal action for endangering public safety.

This scooter seizure is part of a broader campaign by Torrevieja authorities to regulate Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) such as electric scooters. The aim is to prevent misuse and improve road safety. Recent police controls have also taken place on Calles Ramón and Cajal as part of this ongoing effort. Authorities remind the public that PMVs must comply with strict regulations. Irresponsible use of these vehicles can lead to severe consequences - both legal and in terms of road safety. The campaign emphasises the importance of responsible driving and adherence to speed limits to protect all road users.

Plastihistory of Sport

SPORTS fans in Torrevieja will have access to a creative display of sports history art, the ‘Plastihistory of Sport’, at the Vista Alegre Exhibition Hall. This unique and fascinating art show highlights some of the most incredible and outstanding moments in the history of sports, using only hand-crafted plasticine figurines.

This charming and creative exhibition will recount the history of various sports and pay homage to some great moments in sports, including: the constitution of the International Olympic Committee, the modern Olympic Games, the first Monte Carlo Rally or the first Davis Cup. It will also feature prominent athletes in their moments of glory, such as the athlete Carl Lewis, the swimmer Mark Spitz, the boxer

Cassius Clay and the Paralympic judoka Carmen Herrera. The exhibit will also feature prominent moments in Spain’s athletic history, from the first Vuelta Ciclista a España (Tour of Spain) to Spain’s historic goal against the Netherlands that led them to win the coveted 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa.

The exhibition will

have entirely free admission and be open to the public starting from now until August 31.

The visiting hours for the show will be from Monday to Friday, from 4.00pm to 9.00pm. Sports lovers, art lovers, and children will all be delighted by the unique, creative, and personality-filled pieces of the ‘Plastihistory of Sport’.

Photo credit: Yiting He / Unsplash

The Plastihistory of Sport arrives in Torrevieja.

Photo Credit: Madrid City Hall

Boosting local healthcare

IN order to discuss urgent improvements to the town’s healthcare services, Joaquín Lucas, the mayor of Catral, and the councillor for Health, Daniel Escudero met with Dr Dario Medina, the new Managing Director of Health Department 21 of the Vega Baja, and Dr Aránzazu Seguí, the Medical Director of Primary Care.

Gathering at the town hall, local officials stressed the priority need for a health centre in Catral that offers continuous medical care and a 24hour Continuous Care Point (PAC), which provides urgent medical attention outside of regular primary care hours. Such a facility would enable quicker, more effective treatment for Catral residents, particularly in emergencies, and would help reduce the burden on hospital emergency rooms.

The town hall also

called for an increase in emergency medical transport services, and they have requested more SAMU (Advanced Life Support) and SVB (Basic Life Support) units in the area.

With Catral’s growing population and evolving healthcare needs, this would ensure faster, higher-quality urgent care.

Mayor Lucas noted that the government of Catral is committed to giving residents the

health services they deserve, underlining his administration’s determination to improve the town’s medical infrastructure.

The meeting forms part of the Catral council’s ongoing action plan to strengthen healthcare provision and reinforce resources within the Vega Baja public health system. The overall goal is to guarantee quality care and accessible services for all residents.

Catral leaders meet health officials to improve care.

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Catral

House-sitting boom

SPAIN’S summer tourism scene is thriving, but with hotel and rental prices soaring - up by as much as 60 per cent since 2021 - holidaymakers and locals alike are rethinking their travel plans.

Enter house-sitting: the clever alternative that’s letting people see Spain for a fraction of the usual cost. Instead of shelling out hundreds for a hotel or apartment, travellers care for someone’s home (and sometimes their pets or plants) while the owners are away, enjoying a comfortable stay for free.

This year, house-sitting has truly taken off in Spain, mirroring a trend already big in the UK and Australia.

Marta from Sevilla, who spent a summer in Barcelona house-sitting, says she lived like a local and saved hundreds of euros, just by looking after a dog and keeping flowers alive.

According to TrustedHousesitters, Spanish property listings have doubled this summer, as more people look for ways to escape high tourist costs. Financial experts point

while discovering new cities across Spain.

to the simple reason: traditional holidays are becoming out of reach, especially for families. House-sitting, by contrast, is both budget-friendly and lets travellers experience Spain off the beaten tourist path. Homeowners love the peace of mind, too. With cities and coastal towns emptying out in August, house-sitters keep homes safe from break-ins and give pets or gardens the attention they need. Ana from the Costa Brava says having a sitter while she travels means less stress, knowing her elderly cat isn’t alone. The appeal is ob -

vious: no steep hotel bills, no crowded resorts, and a unique chance to live like a true local. House-sitting opportunities are popping up everywhere, from Madrid and Barcelona to beach towns and even the Balearics. All you need is a willingness to help - and maybe a little patience with a houseplant or two.

With tourist spending in Spain now topping €200 a day and hotels booked solid months ahead, housesitting is fast becoming the go-to solution for savvy travellers. It’s more than a free bedit’s a whole new way to experience Spain.

Professional help for English speakers

NATIVE English speakers who have settled in Spain can’t always escape from problems back ‘home’, regardless of whose fault they may be.

It is difficult enough to cope with problems with Spanish bureaucracy without having to try to deal with demands of any type from overseas.

Often, people tend to ignore problems but they can actually escalate and become much worse or alternatively decide to employ lawyers to try to deal with the problem for them.

According to Spanish based Richard Szrabe, a distinguished retired London barrister who is proud to be known as Mr Rigorous, there is far more personal satisfaction in dealing with any problem yourself rather than having to deal through third parties in other countries.

Richard doesn’t have clients but refers to everyone who he assists as friends and he acts as a knowledgeable advisor on matters which are causing problems in any English speaking country including the UK, Ireland, Australia and the USA.

He invites those with problems to visit his website https://www.mrrigorous. pro/ to learn all about his experience and pedigree and to arrange for a free of charge zoom meeting to discuss how he can assist to resolve the problem.

This is not a faceless lawyer, but a man who wants to assist in order to ensure that individuals benefit from his wealth of knowledge.

Rigorous by name and also by nature,

Richard prides himself on the fact that he is extremely thorough and as the dictionary suggests, a rigorous person is harsh and demanding with regards to standards of professionalism especially law. He won’t deal direct with the company causing the problem but will prepare a thoroughly researched draft for his friend to send which for the third party is likely to be seen as a demonstration that you are acting from a place of knowledge and should not be dealt with lightly!

Often times, once he has discussed the problem, he will offer his services free of charge whilst other times, if the matter looks as if it will need a great deal of intervention then there will be a fee but everything will be agreed and recorded in advance.

Mr Rigorous is not a Euro Weekly News advertiser, but on this occasion, we consider that highlighting his unusual acts of assistance is a service to readers who may or may not decide that he can help with their specific problems.

House-sitting is giving travellers the chance to save money on accommodation

Credit : Nastya Yosypenko Shkred, Shutterstock

Tracking tourists

A POPULAR tourist hotspot in Spain appears to be cracking down on the number of UK holidaymakers. Girona’s Old Town, located in Catalonia, has implemented a special network of sensors that will count the number of visitors around the Barri Vell area, as well as map the most used routes by them across the city, using their mobile devices.

A network of nine devices will use mobile phone signals to count tourists walking around Girona, and will also be able to identify whether the person is a resident or a visitor. Reportedly, the devices will also be able to register whether the person is spending the night in Girona’s Old Town, or if they will only be there for a few hours.

To be specific, the sensors will be located

at the Barri Vell, Plaza Independència, Calle Santa Clara, Plaza Catalunya, the History Museum and the Tourism Office in La Rambla, among other sites.

With these sensors, the tourism officials in Girona will be able to better determine how tourists roam the town, the events or places they tend to visit most or least often, and the ways in which the town can become more visitor-friendly and therefore increase factors such as tourist spending in bars, restaurants, and shops. They will also be able to more precisely determine how to maintain a balance between visitors and locals, and adapt schedules to accommodate locals’ needs, something that has been causing tension in other parts of Catalonia, most famously Barcelona.

Little C15’s big journey

IT sounds unbelievable, but it’s true: a young Spaniard has taken his modest Citroën C15 van on an extraordinary road trip from Spain to Germany to tackle the world-famous Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit.

The 20-year-old enthusiast, Gerard Casals, set off from near Barcelona in early August 2025, covering 1,265 kilometres to reach the legendary track, nicknamed the ‘Green Hell’ for its complexity and danger.

Known for attracting high-performance supercars and professional drivers, the Nürburgring’s 21-kilometre layout and 170 challenging corners are the ultimate test for any vehicle, especially one originally designed as a humble workhorse.

Casals purchased his Citroën C15 at the age of 18 to compete in a rally raid in Morocco. When the

original engine failed at around 240,000 kilometres, he replaced it with a turbocharged 1.9-litre diesel from a Citroën Xsara, boosting its output to over 100 horsepower, a significant upgrade from its original specification. He also removed non-essential features such as power steering and air conditioning, and stripped unnecessary weight to improve handling.

The result? A quirky yet surprisingly capable machine that managed

not only to survive the gruelling journey across Europe, but also complete laps of one of the most demanding circuits on the planet. Videos shared on Casals’ YouTube channel capture the C15 taking on iconic sections such as the Karussell, drawing admiration from car fans worldwide. The Citroën C15, produced in Vigo between 1984 and 2005, is an icon of Spanish motoring history, celebrated for its durability and practicality.

Girona’s Old Town will be tracking tourists through specialised sensors.

Photo Credit: Enric Domas via Unsplash

The Citreon C15 is an icon of Spanish motoring history.

Photo credits: Capturing images/Shutterstock

What to do in a wildfire

Madrid’s second airport

WILDFIRES are a common summer danger in Spain, with most caused by human negligence. When they break out near roads, the risk to drivers increases sharply, making it essential to know how to react.

Recent years have seen fast-moving blazes in the Costa Blanca and Andalucia, forcing road closures and evacuations in tourist hotspots. Dry vegetation, strong winds and high temperatures create ideal conditions for flames to spread quickly,

Credit: Sua Sponte Photography /Shutterstock.com

often catching motorists by surprise.

Flames or smoke can usually be spotted from afar. If your route leads towards a fire, turn around and find another way. Avoid high mountain areas where fires spread faster, and never drive in the direction of the wind. Keep headlights and hazard lights on - fog lights if necessary - and call 112 to alert emergency services.

If you encounter a wildfire while driving, remain calm and assess the situation.

Never drive through flames or thick smoke. Stay inside your vehicle if possible, with windows shut and ventilation off. Only abandon it if instructed by authorities, covering your mouth and nose with a cloth and moving against the wind.

Over 80 per cent of Spain’s wildfires are started by humans, with around 30 per cent due to carelessness - often from throwing cigarette butts from cars or leaving glass that can ignite dry grass.

MADRID-BARAJAS, Spain’s busiest airport, is feeling the squeeze. Handling over 60 million passengers last year and already seeing a 10 per cent rise in 2024, projections suggest traffic could hit 90 million by 2030 - well beyond its current capacity. Even with planned expansions, the capital faces a serious vulnerability: if Barajas experiences weather disruptions, strikes or technical issues, there’s no major alternative runway for hundreds of kilometres.

runway would serve smaller aircraft and general aviation.

Business leaders believe the answer lies just 30 kilometres away at Casarrubios-Álamo aerodrome, straddling the Madrid-Toledo border. While little known to holidaymakers, it’s a surprisingly busy hub, managing around 70,000 flights annually. The vision for ‘Madrid Sur’ is to transform this site into a fully fledged second airport.

Phase one would deliver a new 3.2 km runway, a 15,000 m² passenger terminal, 50,000 m² for hangars and maintenance, plus dedicated areas for private jets and corporate flights. The existing

The economic stakes are significant.

An initial €150 million would kickstart the first phase, with total investment potentially reaching €1.95 billion over 25 years. The project promises around 12,500 construction jobs, 32,500 in surrounding industrial growth, and more than 48,000 long-term positions once operational.

However, hurdles remain. Environmental assessments, funding agreements and construction timelines must align, and final approval from Aena and the Spanish government is still pending.

Avoid high mountain areas where fire spreads quickly.

Long waits at Madrid-Barajas passport control highlight the need for extra capacity.

NEWS Travel

Frigiliana - whitewashed charm, hillside views, and artisanal delights

FRIGILIANA, in Malaga Province, is one of Andalucia’s most beautiful and best-preserved white villages. Set above the Costa del Sol, it combines narrow, flower-lined streets, local food traditions, and striking views over the Mediterranean and the Sierra Almijara mountains. Spring and early autumn are ideal for a visit - warm, not too crowded, with clear skies and long daylight hours.

It’s a good stop for those travelling by campervan. There’s a designated parking area just outside the village, with easy access on foot to the old quarter. While the streets inside the village are not made for large vehicles, the main road in is wide and manageable, especially if you avoid peak holiday weekends.

Moorish quarter

Frigiliana’s historic centre is known for its steep, cobbled streets and white façades accented with blue doors and ceramic tiles. The upper part of town, the Barrio Mudéjar, reflects centuries of Moorish influence. Follow the ceramic plaques dotted along the walls - they tell the story of the 16th-century rebellion and the region’s layered past.

Landmarks and viewpoints

The 16th-century Church of San

with Hispavan Campers

Antonio stands near the central square, with views stretching to the coast. Just beyond the church is the old granary, El Ingenio, now a private building, but recognisable for its decorative tilework. For wider views, walk up to the castle ruins (Castillo de Lízar). There’s not much left of the structure itself, but the panorama is worth the climb.

Walking and local products

Several hiking routes start in or near Frigiliana, including trails into the natural park. Shorter walks loop through nearby olive groves and avocado fields. Local shops

sell artisan ceramics, wine, honey, and cane syrup made in the village - the latter produced at the only remaining active cane sugar factory in Europe.

Events

The Festival of the Three Cultures, held in late August, celebrates the village’s Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences. Over four days, the town fills with food

SUMMARY

Frigiliana is a place to explore on foot, camera in hand, walking slowly up shaded steps and pausing often. From the higher streets, the sea seems close enough to touch. For

THOSE in Orihuela Costa

looking for a fun activity to stay fit, that also won’t break the bank have the excellent opportunity to attend one of La Zenia Boulevard’s August

La Zenia fun COSTA BLANCA SOUTH Pristine Pizzería

classes, which will include yoga, zumba, and water activities. The programme will

consist of a variety of fun, challenging, or relaxing activities, and the best part is that it will be completely free.

Most of the activities in the programme will take place at the Plaza Mayor, in the La Zenia Boulevard shopping Centre in Orihuela Costa. With everything from zumba and yoga to get participants moving, to water slide activities to cool off from the summer heat, and even magic shows, August in La Zenia Boulevard is promising to be a spectacular and fun-filled event.

Interested visitors can register for the events and classes through the La Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre. They can phone 966 761 530, send a WhatsApp message to 621 323 855, or send an email to contacto@zeniaboulevard.es. For more information, check zeniabou levard.es/en, or Facebook.

FOR anyone on the Costa Blanca with a taste for fine Italian dining, Pizzería Verona, a charming Italian eatery in the coastal town of Guardamar del Segura, has become a much-loved spot for its authentic flavours, relaxed atmosphere, and welcoming service.

This family-friendly restaurant specialises in hand-stretched, stone-baked pizzas alongside a varied menu of pasta, risotto, grilled meats, and fresh salads. Vegetarian and lighter options are also available, making it an easy choice for groups with mixed tastes. The ingredients are fresh, the portions are generous, and the dishes are carefully presented, whether enjoyed inside the cosy dining room or out on the sunny terrace.

The service is warm and efficient, with family accommodations available: highchairs, children’s menus, and a relaxed atmosphere make it especially popular with locals and holidaymakers alike. The

restaurant is also located just a short way from the coast, making it perfect for a relaxing dinner after strolling along the Costa, adventuring on the beach.

Open daily from 13.00 to 23.30, Pizzería Verona is ideal for a leisurely lunch, a casual dinner with friends, or a relaxed evening meal after a day on the beach. With its inviting setting, satisfying menu, and attentive service, it’s no surprise this spot remains a firm favourite in Guardamar del Segura. Booking ahead is recommended during peak times.

Located on Avenida dels Pins, 68. T. 965 729 822

pizzeriaveronaguardamar.com

Crafts in the caves

THOSE living in Rojales or those who will be there until the end of August have a unique opportunity to see a one-of-a-kind exhibition organised by the Department of Culture, as well as the artistic crafts association, Cuevas del Rodeo. Throughout August until the last day of the month, the ‘3 Senses’ exhibition, created by artists Salvador Pardo and Luisa and Yvonne Jarrett, will be available to the public.

The exhibition itself will be held at the Sala Mengolero and Cave No. 15, at the Cuevas del Rodeo in Rojales.

The event will feature more than 20 craft stalls, interesting trade demonstrations, and interactive workshops. There will also be pottery and silversmithing workshops, as well as events and activities revolving around recycling in art. Moreover, fans of

The ‘3 Senses’ exhibition will be a wonderful gathering of crafts, artists and artisans.

reggae and live music also have something to look forward to: the reggae band Spirit of 69 will liven up the night at the small concert square.

Interested visitors can sign up by directly contacting the Rojales Town Hall on 966 715 001

Additionally, artisans and crafts artists who want to take part in the exhibition and show off their art can send descriptions, photos of their work, a stall or exhibition proposal, and any other relevant information to artesanosdearte@ gmail.com.

Photo Credit: Pizzería Verona

Pizzería Verona embodies fine Italian cuisine on the Costa.

Photo Credit: Community of Valencia

Circus spectacles

RUNNING until September 1, visitors or residents in Torrevieja will have the incredible opportunity to witness a spectacle of talented and brilliant performers in The Circus France. This circus, which will take pla-

ce for the first time in Torrevieja next to the Habaneras Shopping Centre, will be a spectacular and fun-filled event for the whole family to enjoy.

In the circus acts, acrobats will defy gravity,

clowns will have the audiences crying with laughter, and magic tricks will make mystery and intrigue come alive under the big top. Moreover, the act will also feature the massive King Kong, a giant animatronic beast that will steal the show.

The circus, organised by Grupo Elich, has performed all along the Costa Blanca and had a gleaming reputation from visitors. Now, the act is ready to take the stage once more and enchant audiences with their talent, jokes, and charm.

Tickets are now available from €12 for children and €14 for adults. Additionally, there is a special €10 discount for guests on Thursdays. Slots are limited, so guests are invited to register through the circus’ official Facebook or by phoning 686 124 644

The circus will be performing every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 21.30.

Plaza parties

THE Council of Festivities of the Torre de la Horadada have organised a variety of activities that will run until August 17, for anyone in the area to come and enjoy.

The event will take place at the Plaza Antonio Sánchez Lozano. Starting from August 14, at 20.00, there will be a floral offering to the Lady of Assumption, an important cultural figure in Pilar de la Horadada, accompanied by a performance from the Horadada Musical Union. Following that, at 22.30, another musical performance by musical group La Rueda will take place.

On August 15, at 6.30, there will be a mass celebration and a maritime procession for the

Lady of Assumption, as well as another musical performance by the Horadada Musical Union, at the Torre de la Horadada Nautical Club. That evening, at 21.00, there will be another procession through the streets of the municipality. Moreover, a fireworks spectacle will take place. Later on, at 23.00, there will be a performance by music group Siempre Disco in Plaza Antonio Sánchez Lozano. On Saturday, August 16, in the square, a children’s show will take place at 19.00, and later on at 22.30, musical group Inercia will perform. Finally, on Sunday, August 17, orchestra group Athens will perform at 22.00, at the square to close off the celebrations.

Photo

Torre de la Horadada’s summer festivities are underway.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A restaurant that feels like home

ITS amazing how time has flown, Punjabi Palace I at La Marquesa in, Quesada, situated at the bottom of the golf course is in its 10th year and Punjabi Palace II in Cabo Roig has recently celebrated its sixth year and both restaurants are going from strength to strength.

The two Punjabi Palace restaurants are synonymous with serving up superb quality food coupled with outstanding service and a friendly atmosphere for you to enjoy your lunch or dinner. That’s why they get so many repeat customers, not only English and Spanish but Scandinavian, Swedish, Norwegian, French, Italian and German all come back for an evening of amazing food and the wonderful atmosphere.

If you’ve not been to the La Marquesa restaurant, then you have been missing out on a treat, as the regular diners can vouch for a wonderful view of the golf course, along with a large enclosed outside terrace that is perfect for the cooler nights and opens up for a spot of al fresco dining in the summer.

They are also very proud to have had the same staff for a number of years, which makes going back to the restaurants feel like home. Balli, Mani and Rahul have been making dining out an experience to enjoy and relax alongside their staff. They are dedicated to service with a smile and welcoming people with pride. Next time you pop in make sure to say hi!

Both restaurants are open seven days a week from noon til 3pm when you can enjoy the popular lunchtime special for only €14.50 per person and then 6pm til late, except Tuesdays when they open at 5pm. At Punjabi Palace I, La Marquesa Golf the large outside terraced area is perfect for Birthdays, Parties and Weddings etc. They even cater for the younger ones and have a varied Children’s menu. There is also a takeaway service available.

You can call the restaurants on the following numbers and also make reservations via Facebook: Booking is highly recommended. Punjabi Palace I - La Marquesa Golf, Quesada - Tel: 966 714 963 / Punjabi Palace II - CC Lomas de Cabo Roig - Tel: 865 754 972

One big street party

MADRID in August, was once eerily quiet, with locals fleeing to mountains or beaches, leaving streets empty and smog-free. Renovations were common, as families hired builders during their absence. Today, the city buzzes with life. Terrace bars overflow, music festivals thrive, and late-night street parties animate every neighbourhood.

The Museo del Prado sees long queues, as many Madrileños choose staycations despite 40ºC heat.

The cost of living crisis has impacted Spanish culture, with skyrocketing prices and stagnant salaries. Fewer Spaniards visit the Costas, and holidaymakers spend less. Gran Vía, once desolate in August, now teems with locals enjoying traditional festivals like San Cayetano and La Virgen de la Paloma, drawing huge crowds in neighbourhoods like Embajadores and Lavapiés.

Taking the full month off is outdated; people split holidays or travel off-season for affordability. Hospitality booms, with businesses staying open instead of closing for staff holidays. Madrid’s appeal as a luxury urban destination grows, attracting international tourists, especially from Latin America and the US, to its cultural sce-

ne and affordable shopping.

In June, Madrid hosted 1.2 million visitors, with international tourists spending €8.93 billion in the first half of 2025. Locals are rediscovering their city through outdoor cinemas and lively terraces, transforming August into Spain’s biggest community street party.

Flames in Cordoba’s mosque

A FIRE broke out at around 9pm local time on Friday, August 8, in the historic mosque-turned-cathedral of the Spanish city of Cordoba. Videos online showed flames and smoke coming from inside the major tourist attraction.

Local officials said firefighters deployed to La Mezquita-Catedral on Friday evening later said the blaze had been brought ‘under control’ but it had not been extinguished.

Local media reported the blaze broke out when a me-

chanical sweeping machine caught fire in one of the chapels at about 9pm, and then spread to the roof. The extent of the damage was

not immediately known.

The Cathedral Chapter announced at around 10.30pm that firefighters had finally managed to

extinguish the flames that threatened the main temple of the Diocese and the city’s great monument.

Considered a jewel of Islamic architecture, the site was built as a mosque on the site of an earlier church between the eighth and 10th centuries by the southern city’s then Muslim ruler, Abd al-Rahman, an emir of the Umayyad dynasty.

The Unesco-listed heritage site received two million visitors in 2024, according to its website.

Streets of La Latina, Madrid.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Madrid.

Firefighters brought the fire under control at this historic world patrimony.

Credit: Robert Harding Video/Shutterstock

Spain’s happiest town

THE happiest town in Spain is one where you can enjoy turquoise beaches, a castle, and the tallest lighthouse in Spain, as well as a fascinating combination of the sea, rich heritage, gastronomy and a welcoming atmosphere, where you might not want to taste the water because you might not want ever to go back home.

On the coast of Cadiz, with a cheerful atmosphere permeating every corner, lies Chipiona, a town with a population of roughly over 15,400. Oh, but wait, over the summer period, the population grows tenfold to about 180,000.

This town not only boasts being one of the best destinations in Andalucia, but also the happiest village in Spain.

This is corroborated by a survey conducted in 2025 by YouGov, a British public opinion research company, for

Azucarera, which searched for the happiest town in Spain.

The Cadiz municipality received the most votes. This is no surprise, considering its perfect blend of incredible beaches, rich historical heritage, delicious cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere that wins over any visitor.

Chipiona is perhaps best known for its ex-

tensive beaches and the iconic Chipiona Lighthouse, the tallest in Spain at 62 metres. One of its standout attractions is Playa de la Regla, a beautiful Blue Flag beach stretching over a kilometre in length.

Among the municipality’s main attractions are its beaches of turquoise waters and fine white sand.

This town is voted the happiest in all of Spain.

Pub crawl crackdown

BARCELONA, in a move that will devastate beer lovers but will bring a sigh of relief to the locals, has officially extended their so-called ‘pub crawl ban’. The ban, which was originally placed during nocturnal hours from 7.00pm to 7.00am and began on June 1, will now be enforced all day, and will result in a hefty fine for infractors.

The motion was tested in a few areas before being placed into effect for the entire city, namely Ciutat Vella, or Barcelona’s Old Town, and the Eixample neighbourhood, which have both had this pub crawl ban since the year 2012. According to local officials, the ban has resulted in a net positive for residents, as the city wants to shy away from the

image of drunkenness and rowdiness that often accompanies Barcelona’s party culture. According to local officials, the law has been well obeyed in the past.

Pub crawling can also be a health risk, as it encourages very fast alcohol consumption within a limited period of time. Moreover, many Barcelona bars offer a free shot of liquor upon entry, which, of course, are not diluted with any sort of juice or soft drink. Organisers of these pub crawls could be fined up to a whopping €900 for the infraction, and the fines could also reach other branches such as promotion of the consumption of alcohol or noise infractions. The ban also extends to sellers of these bar routes.

Wizz Air expansion

WIZZ Air is making a major play for Spain, boosting capacity by about 20 per cent in its 2025/26 financial year as it scales back operations in the Middle East.

The Hungarian lowcost airline is redirecting aircraft to Spanish routes after geopolitical tensions and weaker demand hit Gulf markets, with Spain now delivering returns above the group average.

Instead of opening new bases, Wizz will strengthen existing Spanish stations, adding more seats and new pointto-point connections to match booming leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel.

From March 29, 2026, London Luton will gain five new Spanish routes - Madrid (daily), Barcelona (10 weekly), Valencia, Sevilla and Bilbao - timed for the Easter ho -

liday rush. Poland also benefits, with Gdansk–Madrid launching October 28, 2025, alongside Bucharest-Santander, Gdansk-Valencia and Gdansk-Malaga.

Wizz currently serves 16 Spanish airports with 117 routes as part of its 870-route European network. The airline operates 239 aircraft, around two-thirds of which are newer, more fuel-efficient Airbus models. Its long-haul ambitions have been scaled back,

with fewer A321XLR orders, focusing instead on short- and mid-haul growth in Europe. For travellers, this expansion means more choice, higher frequencies and potentially lower fares on popular UK–Spain routes, plus fresh links from Poland and Romania. The increased capacity is likely to benefit passengers looking for affordable flights on the north–south corridor across Europe.

Barcelona has enacted a citywide pub crawl ban.

Photo Credit: Victor Clime via Unsplash

Wizz Air boosting capacity by 20 per cent and launching new London Luton links various cities.

City cleared

THOUSANDS were evacuated from central Dresden on August 6 after a Second World World War bomb fitted with a detonator was discovered near the Carola Bridge over the Elbe. Authorities established a 1 km evacuation zone, cleared it by 9am, successfully defused the bomb on site and later transported it to a disposal facility northwest of the city.

Critical delay

ON the A4 near Wilsdruff, Saxony, fire crews were delayed by nearly an hour reaching a crash, not because of roadworks, but due to drivers failing to form an emergency corridor. Crews had to abandon their vehicles and walk through traffic, turning a quick 10 minute journey into a prolonged trek. Thankfully, no serious injuries occurred.

EURO PRESS

Wild solution

BRUSSELS is exploring the use of ferrets to control its growing rat population. Ferrets, natural predators of rats, can enter small holes and flush rats out of hiding, making it easier to catch them. This method, already used by some local housing groups, may be introduced city-wide in 2026. The idea was discussed alongside smart digital traps as part of the city’s efforts to manage pests more effectively.

Silent danger

PORTUGAL NETHERLANDS ITALY FRANCE DENMARK BELGIUM

Lisbon upgrade

PORTUGAL’S main airport operator, ANA, has submitted plans to expand Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport. The project aims to boost capacity to 45 flights per hour by upgrading existing infrastructure. The proposal now awaits review by national authorities and environmental agencies before any construction can begin.

Gen zapped

ACCORDING to a recent stury by Deloitte, nearly half of Portuguese Generation Z live paycheck to paycheck, or struggle to cover daily expenses, due to stagnant wages, soaring living costs, and high housing pressure. Many remain in their parents’ homes longer. The trend reflects both financial strain and evolving lifestyles for young people.

Emergency updates

DENMARK’S Capital Region has rolled out a new SMS-based system that sends an alert when an ambulance is dispatched to your location. The message includes a map link indicating the ambulance’s approximate location, and an estimated arrival time. While it doesn’t speed up response times, it offers reassurance during critical moments.

Jackson joins

SAMUEL L JACKSON has partnered with Swedish firm Vattenfall to sell seaweed grown on lines between Danish offshore wind turbines. This WIN@sea project aims to combine clean energy with sustainable production. Jackson features in a campaign highlighting how wind farms can support renewable power and environmental restoration.

Neon victim

A HEDGEHOG in Zeist, Utrecht, was found spray-painted in bright neon yellow, pink, and green. Rescued by the Utrecht Animal Ambulance, it is now being treated at the Snorhaar Foundation. Staff believe the paint was applied deliberately. After careful cleaning, the hedgehog is recovering and will soon be released back into the wild.

Mail paradox

SENDING letters from Germany to the Netherlands is now cheaper than posting them within the Netherlands due to rising Dutch stamp prices, which reached €1.31 in 2025. PostNL faces losses amid fewer mail deliveries and seeks government support. Border residents might save money by mailing letters from Germany when visiting.

NORWAY

GERMANY IRELAND

Lost found

US Climate journalist Alec Luhn, 38, was found alive after nearly a week missing on a solo hike in Norway’s Folgefonna National Park. Despite a leg injury, he is in good health. Known for his Arctic reporting, Luhn disappeared after setting off on July 31 and was rescued thanks to a Norwegian search team.

Royal memories

PRINCESS Märtha Louise of Norway is selling her cherished four-bedroom home in Lommedalen for 18 million kr (around €1,680,000). The royal shared on Instagram how the house was a peaceful sanctuary for her family, filled with happy memories of outdoor activities like skiing, horseback riding, and family gatherings.

FINLAND SWEDEN

Birth drop

FINLAND’S Social Insurance Institution (Kela) has not distributed any 2025 baby boxes (kits with essential newborn and care items) due to lower-than-expected birth rates. Families continue receiving leftover 2024 boxes as Kela uses existing stock first. Kela is considering removing the year label, but no decision has been made.

Musk misstep

ELON MUSK claimed his AI chatbot Grok was Finland’s most downloaded app, but Grok itself contradicted this when users asked, admitting it wasn’t number one. It named apps like ChatGPT, Vinted, and Dott as leaders instead, calling Musk’s claim a ‘humorous exaggeration’. Despite this, Musk reshared the post.

Bra bust

A CRAFTSMAN hired to work in a villa in Uppland was caught on surveillance wearing the homeowner’s underwear. The woman, alerted by a security camera notification while at work, saw him leave her bedroom dressed in her bra and panties. He now faces charges of breach of home peace and unlawful use, and has lost his job.

Wild wonder

TWELVE-YEAR-OLD Ville Sandström caught a surprising 900-gram goldfish while fishing on holiday in Örebro. Using a home-made bait mix similar to cookie dough, Ville’s 34cm catch stunned him, as goldfish are usually found in aquariums. Experts say such fish in the wild often result from released pets or may be a similar-looking species.

FRENCH health experts and patient groups have criticised the government’s decision to reintroduce the bee-harming pesticide acetamiprid. They warn it poses serious health risks, urging the Constitutional Council to reject the law. The move, opposed by over two million petitioners, bypassed parliamentary debate and ignored medical advice.

Massive breach

MAJOR French telecommunications operator Bouygues Telecom confirmed a cyberattack affecting 6.4 million customer accounts, compromising personal and bank details. Although bank card numbers and account passwords remain safe, customers were warned of potential fraud attempts via fake emails or calls.

Youth Jubilee

AROUND one million young people from across the globe gathered in Rome’s Tor Vergata for the Jubilee of Youth. The weeklong event featured music, discussions, and cultural activities, culminating in a major outdoor gathering. It marked the largest event of the Vatican’s Jubilee Year.

Recipe roast

THE BBC’s ‘Cacio e Pepe’ recipe caused a stir after it was called out by Claudio Pica, the head of the Rome and Lazio branch of the Fiepet-Confesercenti business association in Italy, for including butter and parmesan instead of the authentic pecorino and olive oil. Italians voiced strong complaints, leading the BBC to update the recipe.

Dublin diplomacy

PRINCESS ANNE visited Dublin’s Áras an Uachtaráin for a courtesy call with President Michael D Higgins and his wife. She attended the 150th Dublin Horse Show, toured an exhibition, and met equine therapy charity representatives. A former Olympic equestrian, she also presented awards in the Small Hunters competition at the event.

Battery backlash

LOCALS in Newmarket, Co Cork, strongly oppose the county council’s approval of a lithium battery farm by Neoen Renewables Ireland. The site is near a historic graveyard, a Blue Flag river, housing, and community facilities. The Newmarket Environmental Protection Group calls it ‘the wrong project in the wrong place’.

Credit: Molly K. Grace

Property sales peak

THE real estate market isn’t slowing down, despite skyrocketing prices and a shortage of supply. In the first semester of this year, the number of houses sold was the highest in nearly two decades.

In the first six months of 2025, 357,533 home sales were reported as sold, the highest volume since 2007, just before the housing bubble burst, plunging the world into an economic crisis.

In fact, “In the first half of 2025 alone, more homes were sold than in the entire year of 2015,” said Beñat del Coso, spokesperson for the real estate platform Idealista. “It demonstrates the strength of demand and puts into context the very sharp price increases the market is experiencing, especially in an environment where supply

Helpline expands

remains scarce.”

The number of transactions signed from January through June represents a sustained increase compared to last year’s figures of almost 20 per cent.

The numbers also exceed those from 2022 by more than 8 per cent, when the market expanded significantly and sales transactions reached levels close to

Milan/

those of the 2008 global housing bubble.

Transactions in the first half of this year exceeded the figures for the second half of 2007, when the market began to cool off from the heat of the early 2000s.

This confirms the first half of 2025 as the second-best half-yearly figure in the INE’s historical series, which dates back to 2007.

BIG news for Catalonia residents: starting January 2026, the region’s popular 012 helpline will be available seven days a weekmaking it much easier to tackle admin problems, book appointments, or just get information, whenever you need it. From the new year, you’ll be able to call 012 between 8am and 10pm Monday to Friday, and now from 9am to 8pm every Saturday and Sunday (except bank holidays). That means no more waiting until Monday for help with paperwork, health queries, or everyday headaches.

more accessible - especially since calls became free last year, driving a 12 per cent spike in use and a stellar 4.8/5 satisfaction rating from users.

This change comes after the Catalan government recognised that many people simply don’t have time during the regular workday to call for help.

As Minister Albert Dalmau explained, it just didn’t make sense for 012 to shut at weekends when demand is often highest. Now, with a team of 300 agents already answering over two million calls a year, the helpline will be even

But it’s not just the phone line getting a boost. Over the next few months, the government plans to hire more staff, invest nearly €17 million, and pick a new company to manage the expanded service. There are also plans to improve the digital side, with a new-look website, more online self-service options, and video-chat points for those who prefer not to call.

Property sales in Spain at highest peak since 2007.

Catalonia’s 012 helpline expands its hours in 2026.

The importance of better hearing: A sound investment for your health

AT Apple Hearing and Healthcare, we believe that hearing well is about much more than just sound - it’s about living a fuller, healthier life. The ability to hear clearly impacts communication, emotional well-being, and even brain function. Unfortunately, many people overlook the importance of hearing health until they experience noticeable difficulties.

Hearing loss doesn’t just affect the ears - it affects the brain. Studies show that untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, memory issues, and even an increased risk of dementia. That’s because hearing keeps the brain active.

Hearing well allows for better engagement in conversations, increased social interactions, and an overall improved quality of life.

The future of hearing techno-

logy: Starkey Edge AI

We are proud to offer some of the most advanced hearing aids on the market. Starkey Edge AI represents a revolutionary advancement in hearing technology.

What makes it unique? It features the all-new Neuro Processor, which mimics how the central au-

ditory system processes sound using Deep Neural Network (DNN) technology. This means the hearing aid doesn’t just amplify sound - it learns from real-world environ-

ments and adapts to deliver an incredibly natural hearing experience.

With this breakthrough technology, users can enjoy:

- Clearer speech, even in challenging environments.

environments.

- Reduced background noise for a more comfortable listening experience.

- Real-time adjustments based on their surroundings.

- AI-powered health tracking, including steps and activity monitoring.

Signature

Discreet, invisible, and effective: Signature For those looking for a discreet and invisible hearing solution, our Signature Range offers a perfect blend of performance and aesthetics. These ultra-small

hearing aids are designed to sit deep within the ear canal, making them virtually undetectable while still delivering outstanding sound quality.

Whether you’re looking for an AI-powered smart hearing aid or a virtually invisible option, we have something to suit every need.

We offer a Free No Obligation Hearing Check and Demonstration at all our clinics.

AUGUST SPECIAL PROMOTIONS:

• €200 off your purchase.

• A free TV streamer (for seamless audio directly to your hearing aids).

• Five-year warranty.

• Free lifetime aftercare.

Take the first step today Book an appointment at one of our locations in Quesada, Cabo Roig, or Campoverde.

Steals stone, sells online

SEGOVIA City Council in Castilla y León has formally accused Glenn Murray, an American resident and heritage activist, of removing a stone from the city’s renowned Roman aqueduct and attempting to sell it online for €1,000. The granite block, weighing 17.3 kilos and measuring 25 x 22 x 15 cm, was listed as a unique piece of the aqueduct.

Murray claimed the stone had already fallen from the monument and said his action was a protest against years of neglect of the UNESCO World Heritage site. He also stated that proceeds would go to a charity chosen by the buyer.

However, Alejandro Gonzalez, Segovia’s councillor for Urban Planning and Heritage, refuted Murray’s claim on Friday August 8, clarifying that the stone was forcibly torn o and came not from the main aqueduct but from a nearby masonry wall in Plaza de Avendano - also part of the protected heritage zone.

Authorities have ordered Murray to return the stone to the Provincial Museum for conservation and possible restoration, while the case is now under investigation as a potential crime against heritage.

Murray, known for his long-standing campaign to protect Segovia’s historic treasures, has criticised the lack of protective measures around the aqueduct, such as signage, barriers, and control of disruptive gatherings.

Murray now faces possible criminal charges, igniting debate over the safeguarding of Segovia’s most iconic monument.

Glenn Murray presenting his report on the Segovia Aqueduct at UNESCO in Paris.

Your

VOICE

Should holiday rentals and Airbnbs be regulated more than they are now?

SPAIN’S crackdown on illegal holiday rentals has reignited debate over short-term rental regulation. In July, Airbnb complied with a court-upheld order to remove nearly 66,000 listings lacking required licence numbers or clear host details, and authorities have since flagged even more properties.

The question now is whether platforms like Airbnb should face even stricter controls to protect residents’ housing rights, without affecting tourism. So, we asked our readers, should holiday rentals and Airbnbs be regulated more than they are now?

Yolanda North said, “YES. There are still way too many owners renting and not paying a penny of taxes.” Angela Edgley agreed: “Absolutely. Would never rent a holiday home without a licence. Some are just money laundering properties... Airbnb are the worse culprits,” and Clive Hedley Jones called for “much more, and limited in numbers per district.”

Others argued that the priority should be enforcing existing rules. Bev Townsend said, “The legal holiday lets are already heavily regulated. Shut down the illegal ones.” Dave Williams said, “No, the regulations are in place now. They’re not being enforced properly... what’s the point of adding even more?” and David Chapman noted, “Makes

no difference how many regulations there are if owners choose to ignore them.”

Some readers said the answer depends on location. Deb Horses explained, “It all depends. A big city is one thing, but tiny towns and certain beach areas are another... Ibiza, there is a serious lack of housing... Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga and Sevilla are moving towards the same problem... no housing problem in those sleepy coastal towns... Hotels pay lots of taxes but private rentals are usually black-market so something needs to be done.”

Others opposed further regulation outright. Smara Chiorean argued, “No, it is already over regulated here in Spain. The competition will ‘regulate’... Nobody will book a low rated vacation rental, or a rude host...” Roberto von Harris said, “Why would you want any more regulation... if it’s your property... it’s yours to do with as you wish.”

While a few readers opposed further controls, and some stressed tailoring measures to location, the overwhelming majority of commenters supported stricter regulation of holiday rentals and Airbnbs to curb abuses and protect housing. The debate continues, but it’s clear that many believe stronger oversight is essential to balance tourism with the needs of local communities.

Trying to balance tourism with the needs of local communities.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Lufthansa exits

LUFTHANSA has pulled out of talks to buy into Air Europa, leaving Turkish Airlines as the Spanish carrier’s sole option after Air France-KLM also withdrew and IAG was ruled out as a takeover candidate by competition concerns.

BK-Iberdrola

BURGER KING and Iberdrola España have signed a long-term deal for 1,900 GWh of renewable electricity, now powering over 900 Spanish restaurants. The partnership includes 348 EV charging points across 173 sites, supporting the chain’s green energy transition.

Parents struggling

LOQBOX’S 2025 Parents’ Planner reveals 81 per cent of UK parents feel financially strained this summer, with over half worse off than last year. Rising holiday, childcare, and school costs are pushing more families to rely on credit cards.

WFH

NEARLY half of UK businesses now want staff back in the office full-time, according to the British Chambers of Commerce. Despite 9 per cent reporting staff resignations over inflexibility, many firms are saying no to working from homesome linking it to bonuses.

Data ban

SPAIN’S Data Protection Agency has blocked the Chamber of Commerce and companies including Camerdata and Informa from selling self-employed workers’ data, citing no legal basis. The AEPD says such use violates GDPR transparency rules and must stop immediately.

STAT OF WEEK

The M&A market in Spain fell by in July 2025. 17%

Spain’s biggest fibre network

SPAIN’S largest fibre optic network is coming, as MasOrange, Vodafone Spain and GIC team up in a €5 billion joint venture to boost digital infrastructure and sustainability.

Announced on Monday, August 4, the joint venture - called FibreCo - will serve approximately 12 million premises and five million customers through networks contributed exclusively by MasOrange and Vodafone. The network will not be open to third parties. Under the agreement, MasOrange will hold 58 per cent of the new company, GIC will own 25 per cent, and Vodafone Spain will retain 17 per cent.

The transaction, which includes MasOrange’s acquisition and transfer of northern Spain’s Conexus Networks into FibreCo, is expected to close in Q4 2025, pending regulatory approvals.

The newly formed FibreCo promises to drive digitalisation, innovation and sustainability in Spain’s telecom

segment. “We are very pleased to announce this agreement with Vodafone and GIC to establish the largest FibreCo in Spain,” said Meinrad Spenger, CEO of MasOrange. “This venture will provide our customers with the best premium FTTH connectivity and assure future technology upgrades.”

The infrastructure will incorporate cutting-edge technologies like XGS-

Spark backs

BBVA Spark has provided €2.5 million in financing to digital real estate platform PropHero as the Australian-founded startup shifts its headquarters to Spain and targets a major expansion in the country’s housing market. The deal, announced August 4, is supported by the European Investment Fund under the InvestEU programme and will bolster PropHero’s liquidity as it seeks to double its business volume in Spain by the end of next year. Founded in Australia, PropHero operates in four countries and currently boasts over 10,000 active users. Its platform uses AI and data analytics to help users make smarter property investments, offering digi-

UK car finance Services sector

SPAIN’S services sector saw its fastest growth since February, with domestic demand driving a sharp jump in activity in July, according to S&P Global. The HCOB Spain Services PMI rose to 55.1 in July from 51.9 in June, showing solid expansion. Economist Jonas Feldhusen of Hamburg Commercial Bank said this “reinforces expectations that the current growth trajectory could persist.” With 0.7 per cent GDP growth in Q2 and robust manufacturing data, Spain may outpace the euro zone this year.

PON for ultra-fast speeds and meet high ESG standards, using energy-efficient systems to lower environmental impact.

The fibre rollout will be supported by more than €5bn in net debt, with around 20 global banks involved. Most of the financing is investment-grade, reflecting strong investor confidence in Spain’s fixed broadband future.

BBVA

the

by BBVA in 2022, chose to support PropHero based on its scalable business model and disruptive tech.

MILLIONS of UK drivers could get compensation from 2026 over mis-sold car finance - but payouts will be far smaller than feared. A Supreme Court ruling on August 1 cut the expected bill from £44 billion (€51.5 billion) to £9–18 billion (€10.5–21 billion), according to the FCA. At the heart of the scandal are now-banned Discretionary Commission Agreements (DCAs), which let dealers hike interest rates for extra commission. A six-week consultation launches in October. Following the ruling, UK lender shares surged: Close Brothers rose 23.5 per cent, while Lloyds hit a 10-year high.

BRITISH tourists spent £742 million (€871m) on VAT-free shopping in the EU last year - five times more than in 2021 - putting pressure on the UK to bring back its scrapped tax-free scheme. France accounted for 35 per cent of the spending.

Retailers say the policy is damaging UK high streets. Walpole’s CEO warned it ‘undermines the competitiveness’ of British brands. AIR says reinstating it could boost GDP by £3.65 billio n and generate £500m (€574m) in VAT.

ON August 5, the UK government announced plans to remove ‘discriminatory’ age bands from the minimum wage system, moving towards a single adult rate.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the change aims to ensure ‘a fair deal for our lowest paid workers’ as part of the government’s Plan for Change source. Could this finally mean equal pay for equal work, no matter the person’s age?

George Osborne’s warning

THE UK risks missing a second wave of the cryptocurrency boom, former chancellor George Osborne has warned. Writing in the Financial Times on August 4, he said Britain had ‘allowed ourselves to be left behind’ while places like Singapore and Abu Dhabi pushed ahead with crypto regulation.

Osborne, now an adviser to Coinbase, called the government’s approach to stablecoins too hesitant, accusing current chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Bank of England of dragging their feet. He warned the crypto market now reinforces US dominance, thanks to dollar-backed stablecoins and the new US Genius Act.

SOUTH KOREAN tech giant Naver has acquired Spain’s largest second-hand marketplace, Wallapop, for €377 million, as confirmed on August 5. The move gives Naver full control of the popular C2C platform, which boasts over 19 million monthly users. Rob Cassedy, CEO of Wallapop, told Business Korea, “We will strengthen our position in the European market by securing differentiated service competitiveness.” Will this shake up Europe’s second-hand scene?

tal tools for remote buyers and portfolio builders.

Spark,

innovation unit launched

GIC will own 25 per cent.

BBVA Madrid.

BUSINESS EXTRA

MAPFRE soars

MAPFRE AM now manages €39.67 billion, making it Spain’s largest non-bank asset manager. Profits hit €25.95 million in H1 2025 - up 19.4 per cent. Client assets rose 4 per cent, driven by €297 million in net subscriptions across investment and pension funds.

W2M expansion

W2M has appointed Elena Cabrera - former Ryanair country manager for Spain, Portugal, France, and Moroccoto lead its international growth. She’ll drive the Spanish group’s expansion into markets like Morocco and Central Europe, strengthening its global broadcasting presence.

Mango founder’s family

THE Andic family, owners of 95 per cent of Mango, have repurchased the fashion brand’s massive logistics centre in Lliçà d’Amunt, Barcelona, for €170 million, reclaiming a core asset nearly a decade after selling it. The deal, finalised by their holding company Punta Na, marks the family’s largest move since founder Isak Andic’s recent death.

The 280,000m2 logistics hub is one of Southern Europe’s largest in

MHP’s takeover of UVESA

UKRAINE’S MHP has acquired over 92 per cent of Spanish food giant Grupo UVESA after securing regulatory approvals from six countries and the EU.

The March 2025 deal, worth €225 per share plus a possible €21.43 bonus, gives MHP full operational

control. MHP Chair Dr John Rich said the integration will focus on “operational excellence and sustainable development” (PR Newswire). UVESA’s President called it a ‘new and significant chapter’. MHP is Europe’s largest poultry producer and exports to over 70 countries.

the textile industry, distributing stock to over 2,800 Mango stores and handling major volumes of online orders - up to 180 million units annually, according to Brainsre.

It was originally developed in 2011 but was sold off in a sale and leaseback deal in 2016. Over the past decade, the asset changed hands multiple timesfrom Punta Na to VPG, then to Tritax EuroBox, followed by Brookfield, which acquired it in 2024 before selling it back to the family.

Punta Na has been actively expanding its premium retail holdings. In April 2025, the group acquired the Prada flagship store on Barcelona’s Paseo de Gracia for €60 milliona 1,000m2 site marking one of the largest Spanish retail deals this year.

Team work

BANCO SABADELL has teamed up with DXC Technology to make its digital banking services more accessible, especially for people with disabilities. As PR Newswire reports, the AI-led project is run from the bank’s Alicante tech hub and aims to meet Spanish and EU accessibility standards while improving inclusion for its 12 million users.

GIBRALTAR was officially taken off the EU’s list of high-risk third countries as reported by an official press release on August 5. This follows major improvements to its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) systems. “This is good for business. It is good for trade,” said Minister Nigel Feetham KC MP.

A Mango store in Mallorca.

Credit: Tetyana_Pidkaluyk, Shutterstock.

Nurseries tackle bullying

HELSINKI has confirmed that all its nurseries are adopting a consistent approach to prevent and address bullying as the new autumn term begins.

While bullying among older children often makes headlines, problems can start much earlier, as shown by a recent survey of parents and children in the Helsinki metropolitan area.

The latest joint survey on early childhood education experiences in the region asked parents and guardians what their children liked least about nursery. Fourteen per cent of children identified bullying as the biggest issue, with many also mentioning conflicts with other children.

When asked what bullying means, children aged six to seven at a Helsinki nursery gave answers such as:

“Bullying is when you hit someone. It’s not nice and you should tell an adult straight away.”

“Saying something nasty or doing something to another child.”

“Hurting someone.”

“Not being included in games.”

“Something that makes another person feel bad.”

Helsinki has said that nursery staff will receive training on the updated anti-bullying programme, along with support materials for parent-teacher meetings. The city emphasised that preventing and intervening in bullying is a key part of early childhood education.

Bullying can have a serious negative impact on children’s mental health, with surveys regularly highlighting it as a major concern.

‘Porno’ mermaid removal

A DEBATE has erupted in Denmark over the fate of a sculpture of a huge, naked mermaid by Peter Bech, who many are describing as ‘ugly and pornographic’ and ‘a man’s hot dream of what a woman should look like’.

The Danish agency for palaces and culture is reportedly removing the 4x6 metre Den Store mermaid from Dragør Fort, part of Copenhagen’s former sea fortifications, because it does not align with the cultural heritage of the 1910 landmark.

Mathias Kryger, the art critic for Danish paper Politiken , has branded the statue ‘ugly and pornographic’. Sorine Gotfredsen, a priest and journalist, wrote in the newspaper Berlingske : ‘Erecting a statue of a man’s hot dream of what a woman should look like is unlikely to

promote many women’s acceptance of their own bodies’.

Getfredsen said, “It’s truly uplifting that many find the statue vulgar, unpoetic, and undesirable, because we’re suffocating in overbearing bodies in public space.”

Bech says he does not understand the criticism, adding that the stone figure’s breasts are simply ‘of a proportional size’ to its scale.

Aminata Corr Thrane, Berlingske’s debate edi -

tor, said the scrutiny of the mermaid’s breasts was comparable to body shaming.

However, in March of this year, Danish cultural officials requested its removal, declining Bech’s offer to donate it for free.

Helle Barth, chair of Dragør municipality’s climate, urban and business committee, told Berlingske that although it was a nice offer, “it’s just hard to fit in. It takes up a lot of space.”

Ryanair tax clash

RYANAIR CEO Michael O’Leary has renewed his warning to Paris, saying the airline will cut more flights from France if the government raises its flight levy again.

The dispute centres on the solidarity tax on air tickets (TSBA), which jumped from €2.63 to €7.40 in March 2025. O’Leary called the increase ‘unjustified for a sector that doesn’t make a lot of money’ and warned that the carrier could redeploy planes to cheaper markets if France won’t reverse course.

Ryanair claims it had a plan to double its French traffic by 2030, but only if taxes fell. Without that, aircraft will be moved elsewhere. The lowcost airline has already cut French capacity by 13 per cent for winter - about 750,000 seats - and will drop Strasbourg, Bergerac and Brive from its network.

The airline warns it could cut more flights in France if air passenger taxes rise again.

O’Leary also criticised French air-traffic control, calling it Europe’s least efficient and accusing controllers of taking ‘recreational’ pre-weekend strikes that disrupt overflights by prioritising domestic services. He argued that higher taxes and poor ATC performance ultimately raise fares and reduce passenger choice.

Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot

hit back, telling Le Parisien that ‘dialogue, not threats’ is the way forward.

In the short term, passengers can expect reduced winter schedules, fewer low-cost options from affected regions and no Ryanair flights from the three axed airports.

Passengers should monitor schedules closely, as the politics of tax could directly affect their flight choices.

Nursery staff will receive training on the updated anti-bullying programme.

Credit: Uniqueton / Shutterstock.com

The Naked Mermaid by its proud maker, sculptor Peter Bech.

Pensioner jailed after bottle mix-up

FROM Switzerland to Spain to the UK, the wrong bin can cost you more than speeding - and one man’s willing to trade cash for a cell to make the point.

A Swiss pensioner refused to pay a €254 fine for putting the wrong bottle in the wrong bin and chose a day in jail instead, sparking debate over Switzerland’s strict recycling laws.

Marc-André C, of Vaud, was fined 240 Swiss francs after tossing a PET bottle into a hard plastics bin. “I thought you could put PET with hard plastics,” he said. The slip-up was spotted by an employee, who ordered the waste sorted and issued the fine - 90 francs for ‘pollution’ and 150 for admin. Marc-André, an avid recycler, expected a warning, noting that running a red light

can cost 250 francs.

Under Écublens’ rules, even mistakes can mean a fine; non-payment can mean jail. “I prefer to spend a day in prison. I’ve got time,” he said.

In the UK, councils warn first before issuing fines of up to £80, but under the upcoming Simpler Recycling scheme, putting banned items like

nappies in the wrong bin could cost £200. Heavy-handed cases include a £500 fly-tipping fine for an envelope blown from a bin, later cut to £100.

In Spain, fines for bin blunders range from €90 to €3,000. In Madrid, over €2,000 was issued for leaving cardboard beside a recycling container.

Formula 1 frenzy

DUE to popular demand, the Formula 1 exhibition currently taking place in Amsterdam is extending its stay until Sunday, September 7. The blowout event has seen extreme enthusiasm from both Formula 1 fans as well as curious newbies, and is taking place at De Kromhouthal in Amsterdam-Nord, the Dutch capital.

The exhibition has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors since its grand opening and received waves of enthusiastic positive feedback. The exhibition which offers a look into 75 years of the sport’s history, has already received international acclaim. The set features iconic moments such as Max Verstappen’s 2021 title-winning RB16B, Jim Clark’s Dutch Grand Prix-winning Lotus 33, and the wreck of Romain Grosjean’s Haas from his 2020 crash in Bahrain.

To be specific, the exhibition traverses across seven themed rooms. In the Amsterdam edition of the exhibition, there is a special local highlight included: the Circuit Zandvoort and the Dutch Grand Prix.

The exhibit also features a multimedia experience called The Pit Wall, a 360-degree show that takes visitors through the heart-pounding excitement of a thrilling race weekend.

The exhibition has already travelled through major cities such as Madrid, Vienna, London, Toronto, and Buenos Aires. Some of these cities even included racing simulators that the public could partake in. Moreover, the exhibition coincides with the Dutch Grand Prix, giving visitors with a need for speed another reason to stay in beautiful Amsterdam.

Swiss pensioner fined for plastic bottle mix-up chooses jail over paying: ‘I’ve got time’.

The Netherlands hosts the Formula 1 exhibition in Amsterdam.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The hidden extension dilemma

UNDERTAKING an extension without the necessary permits brings several potential drawbacks.

- Firstly, the lack of legal compliance poses a significant risk. Homeowners can face penalties, fines, and even demolition orders if the unlicensed extension is discovered. Living in a property with an illegal extension can cause ongoing worry and anxiety.

- Furthermore, the lack of proper documentation may complicate property transactions, hinder resale potential, and deter potential buyers or lenders.

- The fear of discovery and constant unease create anxiety. Homeowners live with the constant worry of being exposed by authorities or neighbors. The knowledge that their extension is unauthorised brings a sense of unease and

discomfort. This psychological toll prevents homeowners from fully enjoying their property, un dermining their overall quality of life.

- Addressing these hazards is vital. Obtaining a retrospec tive licence can provide re lief from the constant anxiety and stress associated with an unapproved extension. It allows homeowners to rectify their non-compliant actions, restore legal compliance, and enjoy their property without fear of denouncement or legal repercussions. This proacti ve approach demonstrates a commitment to adhering to local regulations and provides peace of mind.

- Moreover, a retrospective licence positively impacts the property’s value and marketability. Prospective buyers and lenders value properties with documented, legally compliant

extensions. Such properties generate increased interest and have the potential to maximise the selling price.

- Obtaining the necessary documentation also enables homeowners to secure appropriate insurance coverage for

the extension, offering financial security and peace of mind in case of unforeseen events.

- Retrospective licensing provides homeowners with the opportunity to plan for the future with peace of mind. It eliminates the fear of hidden legal issues or denouncement when undertaking further renovations or modifications.

- Additionally, obtaining a retrospective licence facilitates future property transactions. The comprehensive documentation provided satisfies buyer and lender requirements, ensuring a smooth and worry-free transfer of ownership. Homeowners can proceed with property transactions without concerns about the legality of the extension, streamlining the process and avoiding potential obstacles.

- To obtain a retrospective li-

cence for an extension built without a proper building licence, certain conditions must be met:

· In Murcia, the building work must be at least four years old.

· In Almeria, the building work needs to be over six years old.

· Alicante, it must have been completed before August 2010.

- By demonstrating a commitment to following regulations and taking the necessary steps to obtain a retrospective licence, homeowners can transform their hidden extension dilemma into a path towards legal compliance, security, and peace of mind.

Martinez de la Casa Architects, a trusted and reputable company, specialising in Building Certification. They offer services such as Energy Performance Certificates (€121 IVA inc) Habitation Licences, and Retrospective Licences €326.70 incl. IVA.

For all enquiries or to arrange an appointment, homeowners can contact Martinez de la Casa Architects on 665 810 411 (English) or visit their website www.martinezdelacasa.com to learn more and access over 300 testimonials from satisfied clients.

Portugal airport strikes

TRAVELLERS heading to Portugal this August have been warned of severe disruption due to ongoing strikes by baggage handlers, which are taking place every weekend across the country’s main airports, including Lisbon, Faro, Porto, Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Azores.

The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Portugal on August 7, warning that, ‘Industrial action by baggage handlers at Portuguese airports from Friday to Monday during the months of July and August may cause delays. If you are travelling over this period, check for announcements and follow the advice of your airline or tour operator.’

The strikes are being led by ground staff from SPdH/Menzies, who are walking out for five weekends in total, citing wage disputes, night shift payments, and staff

Credit: Kenneth Surillo, Pexels.

Moomin Day: long queues for special mug

SATURDAY August 9, marked the 80th celebration of Moomin Day, with fans across Norway queuing early to get the exclusive anniversary mug. In Oslo, the line outside Glassmagasinet at Youngstorget stretched for several hundred metres, as hundreds of Moomin enthusiasts waited from dawn.

parking as reasons. These walkouts began in July and continue with three more scheduled dates:

• August 15-18

• August 22-25

• August 29-September

1 According to National World, the action is already impacting UK holidaymakers, with up to 60 UK flights a week at risk of delays or cancellations, affecting

over 10,000 passengers. Major UK airports, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh are also expected to see knockon effects, with Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways reducing flight capacity.

The first round of strikes reportedly caused several dozen flight cancellations at Lisbon Airport.

Inger Malene Logje, a dedicated collector from Tromsø, arrived well before opening hours at the Jekta shopping centre to secure this year’s mug. “I kept thinking: should we not leave so early? But it’s scary not to get one,” she said. Inger has been collecting Moomin mugs for years, growing her collection to around 90 pieces.

This year marks 80 years since Tove Jansson created the Moomin characters, making the limited-edition mug an especially significant release. Arabia’s Moomin mugs are highly prized collectibles, with previous editions commanding high prices on the second-hand market.

Only a handful of stores nationwide received the special mug, including Kitch’n

at Jekta in Tromsø, where customers queued from 7am. The store opened an hour early and prepared overnight to handle the high demand.

Anne Karin Samdal Remmer, managing director of Kitch’n, likened the event to camping out for a rare wine release, highlighting its importance and fun for collectors.

Meanwhile, the first major US exhibition of the Moomin universe opened this summer at Brooklyn Public Library, New York. However, the library removed the character Stinky from the exhibition after a visitor perceived the figure as racist.

Airport delays are to be expected.

There has been controversy over one character at a Brooklyn exhibition recently.

EVER looked in the mirror and noticed your face seems rounder or fuller than it used to be?

This is a natural part of the ageing process and happens to almost everyone.

While many expect wrinkles or sagging skin with age, a fuller face can come as a surprise and it is not just about weight gain.

As we age, our body’s fat distribution changes. In youth, facial fat is spread more evenly, giving the face a firm and sculpted look.

Over time, fat pads in the face can shift and accumulate in certain areas like the cheeks, jawline or under the chin, creating a softer or fuller appearance.

Hormonal changes, reduced collagen production, and

Soft shift

slower metabolism can all contribute to this shift.

Even water retention and loss of muscle tone play a role in how our face changes sha pe.

To maintain a balanced look, stay hydrated, eat a nutrient-rich diet, and incorpo rate facial massage or gentle exercises to support circula tion and tone.

While ageing is natural, understanding

these changes helps you care for your skin and feel confident at every stage.

Mani matters

OUR nails are made of keratin, a tough protein also found in hair and skin. Nail growth begins in the matrix, the area under the base of the nail, where new cells form and push older ones forward. On average,

fingernails grow about three millimetres a month, while toenails grow more slowly. Several factors influence how quickly nails grow. Genetics play a key role, meaning some people naturally have faster growing nails. Age, hormones, and even hand dominance can also affect growth rates, nails on your dominant hand may grow slightly faster due to more frequent use and stimulation. Nutrition is vital too. A diet rich in biotin, zinc, iron, and protein supports healthy nail growth. Staying hydrated and avoiding harsh chemicals helps prevent breakage and damage. Regular gentle massage of the cuticle area can also stimulate blood flow to the nail bed.

As for nail shape, this is largely determined by the shape of the nail matrix and the bone underneath. Whether you have naturally square, oval, or almond shaped nails, it is mostly down to genetics.

Healthy nails reflect overall well-being, so looking after them from the inside out really does make a difference.

Shutterstock / Anton Vierietin

Sensible slim down

STEPPING on the scales and setting a weight loss target can feel a bit like staring at a DIY project - full of good intentions but slightly overwhelming.

But before you set your sights on dropping several stone by next month, it is worth asking whether your goal is truly realistic. Health experts suggest that aiming to lose 5 to 10 per cent of your body weight is both safe and achievable, offering real health benefits without pushing your body too hard.

A steady loss of around one to two pounds per week is generally recommended. It might sound slow, but gradual progress is more likely to stick in the long run. While diet plays a leading role, success often depends on what is going on between your ears rather than just on your plate.

Setting clear intentions, staying motivated and developing a strong inner drive can make a world of difference. Try visualising your progress, setting small milestones and rewarding non food achievements.

Surround yourself with positive support, whether it is friends, a walking group or an encouraging app. Most of all, remember this is not a race, it is a commitment to yourself that should feel empowering, not punishing.

Flaming locks

STRIKING, rare and often admired, natural red hair stands out in any crowd. Associated with porcelain skin and freckles, this vibrant shade owes its existence to a genetic mutation in the MC1R gene. Found on chromosome 16, this mutation causes the body to produce more pheomelanin, a reddish-yellow pigment, and less eumelanin, which results in red hair and often a heightened sensitivity to sunlight.

Only around 1 to 2 per cent of the global population has natural red hair, with higher concentrations in regions like Scotland and Ireland. The rarest combination of all is red hair and blue eyes, found in less than 1 per cent of people. This is because both traits are recessive and must be inherited from both parents.

Red hair and green eyes is slightly more common, seen in roughly 2 per cent of the popula-

tion. Pairings with brown eyes are more frequent, as brown is a dominant eye colour. Each

beauty enthusiasts alike. Redheads truly represent a rare and beautiful thread in

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Redpin launches payments platform

REDPIN , the global property payments platform backed by a £140 million investment from Blackstone, has launched Redpin Payments in Spain - a new digital platform designed to make international property payments more secure, efficient, and fraud-resistant.

Targeting lawyers, estate agents, and other real estate professionals, Redpin Payments digitises a traditionally manual and high-risk process. It offers end-to-end, bank-grade security with full regulatory compliance, helping users save time and reduce fraud across international transactions. The platform is built on infrastructure that handles over £10 billion in annual transactions and is regulated by the Bank of Spain.

International residential real estate is a $4.5 trillion annual market, and Spain sees over 125,000 foreign property purchases each year. With one in five Spanish property deals involving overseas bu -

was developed in partnership with Spanish professionals: “We’ve built Redpin Payments to complement existing workflows, so solicitors can focus on high-value legal work and client relationships instead of admin. Clients get greater transparency and protection - exactly what they expect in a high-value transaction.”

yers, and international participants 32 per cent more likely to be targeted by cybercrime, the need for secure, modernised solutions is urgent.

Redpin Payments enables property professionals to manage all transactions from a single online dashboard

without directly handling client funds. It cuts down completion-day stress and eliminates the need for outdated bank processes like inbranch transfers or banker’s drafts. Features include instant payments, multi-factor authentication, and fraud-resistant communication channels - protecting clients from email-based scams, phishing, and fraudulent payment redirection.

Nathan Gill, Redpin’s Chief Product Officer, emphasised that the platform

Spain is the first launch market for Redpin Payments, with further territories to follow later in the year. The platform’s infrastructure supports 1,800 currency pairs across 135 countries and integrates easily with existing legal practice systems.

Redpin was formed in 2023 following Blackstone’s investment in FX firms Currencies Direct and TorFX, whose combined expertise spans 25 years and over 925,000 customers, with a Trustpilot score of 4.9.

With real estate fraud up 43 per cent during peak buying seasons and older buyers particularly vulnerable, Redpin Payments aims to bring security, simplicity, and speed to a market long overdue for innovation.

https://www.redpincompany. com/payments

Bridge too far?

ITALY has approved a €13.5 billion project to build the world’s longest suspension bridge, spanning 3.3 kilometres across the Strait of Messina, connecting Sicily to the mainland. Planned to be even longer than Turkey’s Canakkale Bridge, the structure is scheduled for completion by 2032.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called it a showcase of Italy’s engineering skills and ambition.

The bridge, designed by WeBuild, will feature six road lanes, two railway lines, a 60-metre-wide deck, two 399-metre towers, and thick steel cables. It aims to cut travel times significantly, reducing the current hour-long ferry crossing to 15 minutes for cars and streamlining train travel, which now takes up to three hours.

Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, a key supporter, claims the bridge will create 120,000 jobs and

boost southern Italy’s economy, dubbing it the ‘biggest infrastructure project in the West’. He dismissed mafia-related concerns and highlighted its seismic resilience, noting suspension bridges’ success in earthquake-prone areas like California and Japan. However, opposition is strong, particularly from Sicilians. Critics cite the

region’s seismic risks, recalling the 1908 Messina earthquake that killed up to 80,000. Environmentalists warn of impacts on migratory birds, and left-wing politicians call it a waste of public funds. Despite decades of debate, construction may start in September, though opponents vow to continue legal challenges over safety,

Eternal Flame insult

ON Monday August 4 it was the turn of the Eternal Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris to be treated with contempt.

Appearing on TikTok and apparently filmed by a Latvian visitor to the much respected site, a man was shown calmly bending down to light a cigarette from the Eternal Flame before wandering off into the distance.

There was an immediate outburst of anger and disgust when the video appeared on Social Media which prompted a timely statement from French Minister for Veterans and Remembrance, Patricia Miralles who observed “I am filing a case immediately with the Paris state prosecutors so that this man will be found and sanctions imposed to make an example of him.”

She added “The tomb, under the arch at the top of the Champs-Élysées Avenue, contains the remains of a soldier killed in the First World War and is laid there as a tribute to France’s war dead.

“This flame does not light a cigarette, it burns for the sacrifice of millions of our soldiers.

“This is an insult to our dead, to our history and to our nation.”

Although the name of the individual involved was unknown at the time of the desecration, French Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau stated on X on August 5 that ‘The man who desecrated the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by lighting a cigarette with the memorial flame was arrested in Paris. He was taken into custody and admitted the facts’.

Messina bridge design.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris.

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Heartfelt gratitude

THE Eyedrop initiative spearheaded by Jenny and Alan Boardman of Mijas has brought renewed vision and hope to nearly 1,000 residents of remote villages surrounding Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Thanks to generous donations of spectacles collected along the Costa del Sol, the Eyedrop project successfully distributed glasses during a January visit, has enabled locals to rediscover the stunning natural beauty of their region, and the gift of reading.

Elasmus T Godfrey, the Boardman’s guide, praised the effort, stating, “These donations are giving the people around Bwindi National Park a second chance to see the beautiful natural wonders around them.”

The impact has caused widespread enthusiasm, with 400 more villagers already signed up to receive spectacles during the Boardman’s return trip in January 2026.

Axarquia

From Nerja, with pedals

NERJA and Maro are close, but now about to get even closer.

And they’ll do it in the best way possible: on two wheels. The town hall has approved plans for a new 1.2 km stretch of bike lane that will finally link the two towns along a continuous 3.2 km cycling route.

The project carries a €449,248.80 budget and forms part of the ‘Nerja Sostenible’ tourism sustainability plan, funded by the EU’s NextGenerationEU programme.

Once complete, riders will be able to pedal from the roundabout to Burriana Beach all the way to the western entrance of Maro, crossing the Barranco de Maro bridge and running parallel to the old N-340 road. More than just an upgrade, it’s a boost for sustainable mobility and a fresh attraction for active tourism in the area.

Nerja’s mayor José Alberto Armijo says this is the fourth such project the council has launched, and the one that finally connects Nerja and Maro.

Mallorca Palma’s train expansion

PRELIMINARY Balearic Island government surveys confirm that the entire Palma Bay area has a high level of demand that would justify extending the train to Calvia or Andratx, which would also meet a long-standing demand.

The government headed by Marga Prohens is planning to develop a railway line connecting Palma with Calvia, passing through Son Espases Hospital.

Although the government is currently considering several projects, the idea is to prioritise transport infrastructure that meets the demands of the population. Surveys done by the government have helped officials determine which routes would be most useful for commuters in Mallorca.

The government plans to extend or construct a new train line linking Calvia with Son Espases, a major step toward improving public transportation infrastructure in Mallorca.

Costa Blanca North

Top quality TRAM line

LINE 9 of Alicante’s TRAM service, which runs between Benidorm and Denia and is managed by Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV), has received the UNE-EN 13816 European Quality Standard certificate. This recognition comes after a comprehensive modernisation process involving investments of over €150 million in recent years. TRAM d’Alicante combines trains and trams to connect the city of Alicante with its metropolitan area and nearby cities. The train service was suspended in summer 2016 due to safety concerns caused by the poor condition of the infrastructure. It only resumed running to Denia in January 2023, after six and a half years. Even after reopening, further work was carried out on viaducts and other key structures along the route.

Line 9 joins the other 15 lines that already hold the UNE-EN 13816 certification - covering 10 metro and tram lines in Metrovalencia and six tram, train-tram, and conventional train lines in Alicante.

Almeria

Festival fairytale

THE Dreambeach electronic music festival in Villaricos saw an unexpected romantic moment that temporarily stole the spotlight from the music. On Saturday night of August 9, during one of the main stage performances, festival-goer Cristian surprised his partner Sandra with a marriage proposal that briefly brought the show to a standstill.

The couple had been attending Dreambeach together for years, making the festival a particularly meaningful setting for the life-changing question. As the crowd danced under the laser lights and heavy beats, Cristian made the proposal in front of Sandra and the thousands of spectators gathered.

The emotional scene reached its peak as he asked her to marry him, prompting cheers, applause, and a wave of camera flashes from the audience. Sandra’s immediate ‘yes’ sparked an eruption of celebration, with the atmosphere shifting from electric to euphoric.

Costa

Calida Festival fever

ÁGUILAS is set to light up the summer nights with the return of its much-loved Summer Carnival Parade on Saturday, August 16. Starting at 9.30pm, the parade will roll out from the Nautical Club, making its way along the Paseo de Parra before ending at Ícaro.

Sixteen colourful carnival groups will take part, joined by the Official Ballet of the Carnival Federation and the well-known characters already chosen for the 2025 festivities. Expect feathers, sequins, music, and non-stop dancing as the spirit of February’s famous carnival takes over the warm August evening.

But the fun won’t stop when the parade ends. The celebration will carry on in Plaza Antonio Cortijos, where DJs will keep the music pumping and bars will be serving drinks well into the night. With a large crowd expected and plenty of space to dance, it’s the perfect place to soak up the carnival atmosphere.

Wolfie loves playing with his pet-sitters

EVERY week at HouseSitMatch we meet new pets and there are such fun characters among them, we have a hard time featuring one above the others in our articles. However, this week Wolfie is head of the pack for his cheeky personality. Several house-sitters have applied to dog-sit for him. Do you have a fun pet like Wolfie who needs a pet-sitter? Do get in touch, we’ll be happy to help you.

HouseSitMatch saves you money

Our role at HouseSitMatch is to promote collaborative exchange enabling house-sitting and pet-sitting matches, through our managed online system. You experience free accommodation for free pet care! It means everyone benefits in that exchange.

HouseSitMatch is safe - all members are checked

All members are checked for safety, and you choose which housesitters 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.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.8 / 5 Excellent

A genuine matching service. HouseSitMatch is well described; it is a true matching service with Lamia at the helm. It has that personal touch because Lamia makes it her business to get to know the sitters and homeowners personally. She is able to recommend and answer questions that people might ask to find a suitable match for their needs.

Pet-sitter - Liz Edge

Date of experience: July 24, 2025

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!

Affection or alarm

CATS have many curious ways of showing affection, but one of the most endearing is bunting. This is when a cat gently presses or rubs its head against you, furniture or even other pets. Far from random, bunting is a sign of trust and bonding.

Cats have scent glands on their heads, so when they bunt, they are marking you as safe and familiar - a quiet compliment in the feline world.

While bunting is normal and healthy, persistent and forceful head pressing is a different matter altogether. Unlike affectionate nudges, abnormal head pressing usually involves a cat pressing its head against walls, floors or hard surfaces, often with a vacant or distressed look. This behaviour can be a symptom of serious medical issues, including neurological problems, poisoning or liver disease.

Any sudden change in behaviour should never be ignored. If your cat starts pressing its head repeatedly in strange places, seek veterinary advice immediately.

Early diagnosis is crucial and

can prevent more severe complications.

Knowing the difference between a loving head bump and a sign of illness can help you act quickly and ensure your cat stays healthy and safe.

Wolfie is a character and loves teasing his sitters. Bascially he loves playing.

BLINDS

GRILLS CLEANING

POOLS

WATER LEAK DETECTION

Spain’s airbag law

SPAIN is about to become one of Europe’s biker safety leaders, as new rules will soon make airbag vests compulsory for riders on large motorcycles travelling outside cities.

Starting January 2026, anyone with an A-class licence riding a big bike on intercity roads must gear up with an airbag vest - a move aimed at slashing the number of serious injuries and deaths among motorcyclists. It’s a step that puts Spain alongside France and Italy, where similar measures are already in place.

The reason is simple: official figures show that riding a motorbike is still 12 times riskier than driving a car, with chest injuries being the leading cause of fatalities.

Experts and the DGT (Spain’s traffic authority) insist that airbag vests - already trusted by MotoGP pros - can save lives and prevent the worst outcomes in crashes.

The law won’t apply to city commuters or riders of sma-

ll scooters, but if you’re on a bigger machine outside urban areas, you’ll need to add an airbag to your kit.

2025 will focus on education and awareness, and there’s talk of financial aid to help offset the cost.

Riders are encouraged to start budgeting for a vest, check which models work with

their existing gear, and look out for discounts from councils or clubs. Some vests attach to your jacket via a cable; others use sensors - so it pays to shop around for fit and comfort.

Make sure any vest you buy is officially approved, so you’re not caught out when the law comes in.

Mandatory insurance for e-scooters and e-bikes

SPAIN has approved a new law that will make civil liability insurance mandatory for electric scooters, e-bikes and other light personal vehicles.

The move comes as part of the country’s adaptation to EU Directive 2021/2118, which updates the legal framework on motor vehicle insurance across the European Union.

The reform was passed definitively by the Spanish Congress after incorporating amendments from the Senate on July 23. The government is expected to give users a six-month grace period before sanctions are imposed, allowing time for compliance. According to legal experts, full enforcement could begin as early as January 2026.

One of the key changes is the extension of com-

pulsory insurance to new forms of mobility. A public register of these vehicles is expected to be in place by January 2, 2026.

The law also reinforces protections for accident victims. Victims suffering serious injuries will now have access to up to 24 hours of home-based rehabilitation care, up from 16 hours. Families of deceased or seriously injured persons will receive up to 12 months of psychological assistance, doubling the previous six-month limit.

Black radars

SPANISH roads are about to get a major tech upgrade - one that’s got more to do with who’s in your passenger seat than your speedometer. Starting in 2025, a new wave of ‘black radars’ (radares negros) will quietly monitor cars using carpool, bus, and emergency lanes, checking if drivers are really following the rules.

Forget the old, highly visible yellow speed cameras: these next-generation devices are nearly invisible, with no signs and no warning. Their mission isn’t catching speeders, but rather those trying to sneak into special lanes with mannequins or fake passengers.

Using thermal sensors, infrared cameras, and advanced AI, they can tell the difference between a real person and a dummy - even through tinted windows or clever disguises. Their manufacturers boast an error rate below 1 per cent, meaning cheating is basically impossible.

Why Spain is making airbag vests mandatory for highpowered motorcycle riders.

A public register of these vehicles is expected to be in place by January 2026.

Credit : Yurginn, Shutterstock

Credit: Terminator216 / Creative Commons

GWM - launch new double cab pick-up

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

GWM has announced the upcoming launch of its POER300 double-cab pickup truck. Globally, GWM is a technology company, whose business includes automobile and parts design, R&D, production, sales and service. Its UK business, formally known as GWM ORA, officially launched in 2022 here in the UK with the all-electric ORA 03. However, although the company has cancelled initial plans to expand into Spain these rugged pickup trucks may still tempt expats venturing back to the UK.

Scheduled to arrive in dealerships from next month the POER300 (pronounced ‘POWER’) double-cab pick-up will be powered exclusively by GWM’s robust 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine, delivering 183ps of power and 480 Nm of torque. This efficient yet powerful engine will return 32.7mpg in combined driving and is paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4×4 system with low-range capability.

A braked towing capacity of 3,500kg and a payload of 1,000kg means the POER300 is capable of towing livestock

trailers, generators, heavy equipment or a caravan.

In Australia, the POER300, known in some global markets as the Cannon Ute, has established itself amongst its well-known and established rivals from Europe and Japan in a short space of time. The vehicle consistently ranks in the top 10 best-selling pickups and has quickly gained a reputation amongst owners for its overall performance and value for money. GWM are

display and wireless charging area for a mobile device.

The vehicle offers multiple intelligent all-terrain modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow, Mud, Sand), and an electronically activated rear differential lock (standard), for enhanced off-road capability. There is an off-road approach angle of 27°, departure angle of 25°, and 230mm ground

hoping for a repeat here in the UK.

There’s a bold exterior design with soft-touch materials, a simplified console layout, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto inside the cabin alongside a 7.0-inch digital driver’s

A three-tier trim range offers Lux, Ultra and Vanta with all variants carrying a five-year/125k warranty. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloys, leatherette seats, keyless entry and rear parking sensors. Moving up the range sees heated/ ventilated seats, ambient lighting, privacy glass, sunroof, tailgate step, 360° camera and at the top-of-therange a blacked-out exterior trim, wheel arches and black alloy wheels.

Prices start from €36,329/£31,495 for the lead-in Lux variant and GWM showrooms will have the vehicles from later in September.

Official Ballon d’Or lists

THE complete list of men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or 2025 nominees has been revealed ahead of the September ceremony. Also, the rest of the award nominees have been released.

The awards ceremony is on September 22, and for now, Ousmane Dembe-

le will take the trophy, although Lamine Yamal follows closely behind.

Headlining both lists are standout players from both Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal’s Champions League triumphs in the men’s and women’s competitions, respectively.

Barcelona superstars in both categories also make up a significant portion of the nominees, including Lamine Yamal, Alexia Putellas, Pedri, and Aitana Bonmatí, among others.

Last year’s winner, Manchester City star Rodri, is not among the nominees after suffering an ACL injury last September, which kept him out of play for an extended period. As such, a new men’s winner will be crowned this time.

bélé, Yamal, Raphinha and Salah are favourites to take home the men’s award. However, Dembélé leads the group, having won his firstever Champions League trophy in Munich, convincingly defeating Inter Milan 5–0. PSG also won Ligue 1 and their domestic cup in convincing fashion.

On the women’s list for a Ballon d’Or were Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea), Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride), and Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona), among 27 more.