Costa Blanca South 24 – 30 April 2025 Issue 2077

Top of the class

schools

IN a country with nearly 29,000 schools, standing out is no easy task. But six schools along the Costa Blanca have done just that, earning a spot on Forbes’ list of the 100 best schools in Spain.

The Costa Blanca is already known for its beautiful coastline and Mediterranean way of life. Now, it’s also gaining attention for its top-quality education. From British-style schools to those using new teaching methods, these institutions go beyond exam preparation. They help students grow as people, often combining local and international curricula.

The schools included on the list are El Limonar International School Villamartín in San Miguel de Salinas, King’s College School in Alicante, La Devesa School in Elche, Newton College in Elche, Lady Elizabeth School in Benitachell and Xabia International College in Javea.

These six schools re ect the best of what the Costa Blanca has to o er: exce-

Costa Blanca South • No. 2077 • 24 - 30 April 2025 FREE

High quality learning for families who want the best for their children.

ELCHE will offer hot air balloon rides on Saturdays as part of the city’s Jubilee Year celebrations.

According to Tourism councillor Irene Ruíz, this activity will give both tourists and residents a unique view of the Palm Grove, a

UNESCO World Heritage Site, while offering the exciting experience of a hot air balloon ride.

The rides will start on Saturday, April 19, and visitors can book their spot on the website elche.es/englobo . The cost is just €3, making it affordable for residents. The hot air balloon, de -

Up, up & away Mini marvels

corated with the slogan ‘Elche, Heaven on Earth’, will be located in the Candalix parking lot, next to Paseo de la Estación, every Saturday from 8.00pm to 10.00pm. The balloon will take off in groups of four.

Councillor Ruíz emphasised that the rides

EVERY weekend in May, Santa Pola’s Museo del Mar will host guided tours of an exhibition that showcases the work of local nativity scene makers. These miniature models represent key symbols of Santa Pola’s heritage and were created for different municipal nativity scenes in the town.

Santa Pola has built its unique identity over the years, shaped by its landscapes, strategic location, watchtowers, streets, and iconic buildings. The Santa Pola Nativity Scene Makers Association has carefully recreated these features in the models on display.

What began as part of the town’s nativity scene has grown into a celebration of local history. Each model gives a glimpse into the past, showcasing the craftsmanship that reflects Santa Pola’s spirit and the importance of preserving its history.

The exhibition also includes large historical photographs, helping visitors understand the town’s evolution.

This event honours the dedication of those who have worked to preserve Santa Pola’s history through their art. The town isn’t just remembered here; it’s brought to

will provide a unique view of the Palm Grove. The initiative will be available until November 1, marking the end of the Jubilee Year. Ruíz also mentioned that this new activity will enhance the tourist experience and help showcase what makes Elche special.

Local nativity scenes.

life through these miniature works. The exhibition is open every weekend in May. Tours are available on Fridays and Saturdays at 11.00am, 11.30am, 12.00pm, 12.30pm, 5.00pm, 5.30pm, 6.00pm, and 6.30pm, and on Sundays at 11.00am, 11.30am, 12.00pm and 12.30pm.

Reservations are required by calling (+34) 965 416 223. Please note the event is not accessible for people with reduced mobility.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Elche

Hot air balloon rides.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola

Driving licence shock

Stricter tests for older drivers

SPAIN’S traffic authorities announced a major change in 2024 - from 2025, every driver renewing their licence will face tougher medical tests at the wheel. The decision has sparked criticism from some drivers, who describe the move as ageist bureaucracy. But is it really about safety, or an attempt to discourage older drivers from staying on the road?

If you’re over 65 and still enjoy the freedom of the open road, you’re not being pushed out of the driver’s seat - but it does mean meeting new require ments to stay there.

There’s no legal age limit to driving in Spain. But once you hit 65, your licence must be renewed more frequently - and the tests aren’t getting any ea sier.

Drivers over 65 are preparing for what many see as the most significant change in decades, brought on by the introduction of a new medical test that’s already catching out thousands.

Now, older drivers must also pass cognitive and reflex tests, including memory challenges, attention assessments and simulated reaction scenarios. It’s part of a push to bring Spanish standards in line with tougher EU norms.

According to estimates, 15 per cent of drivers over 65 may not pass the test on their first try.

The DGT has announced free refresher courses for over-65s to help prepare for the tests.

So, is this the end of the road for elderly drivers? Not quite - but there’s no denying the bar has been raised.

Change to delivery date

PLEASE note that due to the upcoming May 1st holiday, your copy of the Euro

News will be distributed on Wednesday April 30 rather than the normal Thursday distribution.

Cheap holidays

IF you’re retired, living in Spain, and love a good deal, the IMSERSO holiday scheme could be your ticket to sun, sea, and savings.

Run by the Spanish government, IMSERSO offers subsidised holidays to pensioners, with hotel stays, meals, and transport included for as little as €115 to €405. It’s more than a break – it’s a chance to meet people, enjoy cultural trips, and dance the night away.

To get in, you’ll need to build up points. The 2025/26 season is coming, and here’s how to qualify:

Age: The older you are, the more points you get – up to 20 at age 78+.

Disability: A 33 per cent disability rating earns you 10 extra points.

Income: The lower your monthly income, the higher your score. For example, under €517.90 = 50 points; over €2,100 = 0.

Past travel: If you’ve missed out recently, you could get up to 175 points.

Family: Large family? That’s worth up to 10 bonus points. In a tie, age wins.

To apply, you must be a legal resident of Spain, receiving a Spanish state pension or affiliated with Spanish Social Security. Expats meeting these criteria may be eligible; private pensioners usually are not.

Check your points, and if you qualify, you could be swapping your sofa for a sun lounger next spring.

Visit imserso.gob.es for full details.

Weak PIN warning Account freezes

STILL using 1234 as your bank card PIN?

You’re not the only one - and that’s exactly why it’s so risky. Spanish authorities are warning of a surge in card fraud, with weak, predictable PINs making it easy for scammers to drain accounts. Despite the rise of digital wallets and contactless payments, millions still rely on chip-and-PIN

cards. That means criminals only need your card - and a guessable code - to access your cash. According to data analyst Nick Berry, the most common PINs globally include 1234, 0000, 1111, 1212 and 6969. Easy to remember, yes - but also easy to crack. Experts say to avoid anything that follows a pattern or links to your personal life, like birthdays or addresses. Safer options are random combinations like 7063, 7394 or 8957. And never use the same PIN across multiple cards. If you

struggle to remember random numbers, use a password manager - or pick something meaningful only to you.

Even a strong PIN won’t help if you’re careless at the cashpoint. Always cover the keypad, watch for tampered card slots, and stay alert to anyone lingering nearby. Banks also recommend activating SMS alerts for card activity and setting daily withdrawal limits to reduce risk. A few seconds spent choosing a better PIN could save you from losing thousands - and a major headache.

RUMOURS are swirling online about banks in Spain suddenly freezing or closing customer accounts. While it’s true that some accounts are being blocked, the Bank of Spain confirms there is no widespread shutdown taking place. Still, account freezes can happen - and they’re often the result of increased security checks.

Banks are required to follow strict regulations designed to prevent tax fraud and money laundering. That means keeping customer records updated. If your bank requests documents like ID or proof of address and you don’t respond, your account might be temporarily frozen.

Transfers over €3,000 or involving €500 notes are also flagged automatically and reported to tax authorities. If anything looks suspicious, banks can pause access until the issue is resolved.

Joint accounts can be affected too. In cases of divorce, disputes, or inheritance, banks may freeze funds until all parties agree or a court intervenes.

The good news? Most account blocks are reversible. If it’s a paperwork issue, sending the required documents is usually enough to unlock the account.

Importantly, banks are not allowed to freeze your account without notice. They must inform you, explain the reason, and give you a chance to respond. So if you get a request from your bank, don’t ignore it - it could help you avoid unnecessary stress.

End of the road for older drivers? New medical test has over-65s fearing the worst.

Credit: Shutterstock, Savanevich Viktar

Safety in numbers Jungle joy

SIX new Local Police officers have joined the team in Torrevieja. The town, which has around 108,000 residents, sees its population double during the summer. The mayor, Eduardo Dolón, aims to have 200 officers in service by the end of 2027. According to the mayor, this num-

ber is key to meeting the needs of both local residents and the many tourists who visit each year.

The mayor announced this during a ceremony where the six officers officially took up their roles.

The new recruits include four constables and two officers.

THE orangutan family at Rio Safari Elche - Kai, Joly, and their young one, Membelai - enjoyed a special Easter treat this year: a festive piñata served alongside their usual midday meal.

Orangutans are native only to the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, where three di erent species live: the Bornean, Sumatran, and Tapanuli orangutans.

All three are listed as Critically Endangered due to the ongoing destruction of their rainforest habitats.

At Rio Safari Elche, there are two adult pairs of orangutans. One pair, Nakal and Kai, share the enclosure with Joly, who gave birth to Membelai in 2021, making the park part of an important conservation e ort. Nakal has lived at the safari park since 2012. His arrival led to the creation of a special facility designed speci cally for orangutan care. Nakal receives daily medical attention due to his diabetes.

Keepers monitor his condition closely, regularly testing his urine glucose levels and giving him medication with his breakfast and dinner. His diet is strictly vegetarian, made up mostly of leafy greens like white cabbage, spinach, lettuce, endives, and chard.

Torrevieja doubles its population during summer.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja

Image: Río Safari Elche / Facebook

Elda heroes

A 48-YEAR-OLD worker’s life was saved thanks to the swift response of two officers from Elda’s Local Police, after he suffered a 380volt electric shock at a company in the Finca Lacy industrial estate.

The officers rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call via 112, reporting that a worker had lost consciousness in a workplace accident. When they arrived, they found the man unconscious inside a van, showing signs of cyanosis and in full cardiac arrest. One officer immediately began CPR, while the other prepared the defibrillator carried in their patrol car.

Before the emergency medical team (SAMU) arrived, the officers managed to deliver several defibrillator shocks and continued with resuscitation efforts. Their quick actions kept the

man alive long enough for medical professionals, supported by a second police patrol, to intubate and stabilise him. He was then taken in critical condition to Elda Hospital.

The officers didn’t stop there, they accompanied the ambulance to the hospital, where the patient remained in a very serious condition for several days. Fortunately,

he is now out of danger and continues to recover.

A follow-up investigation revealed that the worker had been electrocuted after grabbing a cable from a faulty electrical installation at his workplace. A colleague managed to pull him away from the cable, but the shock had already caused significant injuries, including severe burns to his hands.

Team Geri leads

STUDIO 32 is putting in a lot of hard work as they prepare to bring Sister Act to the stage, and the excitement is steadily building.

When it comes to transforming a group of ageing, slightly stiff nuns into a polished, harmonious choir, there’s no one better than Geri Core, the exceptional choreographer leading the way. With a background that includes performing since the age of six and showcasing her dance talents on the renowned stages of Blackpool, Geri brings a wealth of experience to the table. But what really stands out is her unique approach to coaching.

Rehearsals can be long, and not all of the cast are the most coordinated, but Geri’s patience and dedication never waver. She has an incredible ability to guide and support, particularly those who might struggle with timing or movement. Her smile and positive attitude fill the room, boosting everyone’s confidence.

For those who remember the fa-

mous ‘Geri can’ phrase, it holds a special meaning. For the seasoned members of the group, it’s more than just a catchphrase it’s a symbol of strength, reliability, and someone who carries the team to greater heights, much like a sturdy container that holds everything together.

Performances will take place from Wednesday, May 28, to Saturday, May 31 at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio.

Tickets are priced at €12 and can be purchased online at studiothirtytwo. org , or by calling (+34) 679 062 272.

Image: Policía Local de Elda

The officers rushed to the scene.

Image: Studio 32

Rehearsal of Studio 32’s new production, Sister Act.

Harbour project Swat squad

THE tiger mosquito, known for its irritating bites, is an invasive species that poses a threat to public health, as it can transmit up to 22 diseases, including dengue and Zika.

To tackle its spread, the Ministry of Agriculture will, for the first time in the Costa Blanca Province, introduce a mass sterilisation method to control the mosquito population.

This method, called the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), has already been trialled in parts of Valencia and Castellon, where it successfully cut mosquito numbers by up to 80 per cent.

The process involves sterilising male mosquitoes using gamma rays before releasing them into affected areas. These males

Tiger mosquitos are an invasive species.

cannot reproduce, so when they mate with females, no offspring are produced, gradually lowering the mosquito population over time. The Ministry is working alongside the Tragsa Group to breed,

sterilise, and release these mosquitoes. Only female tiger mosquitoes bite and spread disease, so releasing thousands of non-biting males each week poses no risk to people’s health.

THE new leisure area at Torrevieja’s port is set to be finished before the end of the year, marking the first phase of a larger redevelopment project currently underway.

This major initiative includes the creation of several parking zones to form part of the future Paseo del Mar Leisure Centre.

After more than 18 months of work, the newly built car park now offers 640 spaces. Among these, 18 are fitted with electric charging points and 20 are designated for people with reduced mobility, two of which also have electric chargers.

The car park already has seven pedestrian access points open to the public, as well as a working lift. Plans are in place to improve accessibility further, with two more entrances and four additional lifts.

As part of the overall project, around 40,800 square metres of space are being redeveloped, with nearly 18,000 square metres taken up by the new infrastructure.

Global greens

A full experience.

LAS COLINAS Golf & Country Club in Dehesa de Campoamor has officially announced the calendar for the 2025 Race to Las Colinas Trophy, now in its fourth year.

The tournament series will include stops across Spain - in Sevilla, Madrid, Mallorca, Valencia, and Alicante - as well as in four European countries: Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Belgium. This international expansion reflects the growing number of international players who regularly visit the club.

The national leg of the tournament, sponsored by Grupo Eulen, Heineken, and Las Colinas Residential, will kick off on May 24 at the Real Club de Sevilla. It will then continue through Madrid, Mallorca, and Valen-

cia, with Las Colinas Golf & Country Club itself hosting the penultimate event on August 2 at its Orihuela Costa course. The national circuit will wrap up on September 20 in Valencia, setting the stage for the grand finale in December.

Internationally, the tour will begin on July 19 and 20 in Poland at Gradi Golf Club, followed by events in the Czech Republic and Belgium, and finally closing in Germany. Each tournament serves as a qualifier for the highly anticipated Las Colinas Trophy, the final event held on December 6 and 7 at the club’s main course in Orihuela Costa.

The Las Colinas Trophy is more than just a golf tournament, it’s a full experience!

Timeless treasures

ALICANTE is currently working on restoring a newly discovered Roman archaeological site in La Almadraba. The site contains the remains of a Roman villa connected to the ancient city of Lucentum and dates back to the third and fourth centuries AD. The goal is to turn this space into an open-air museum so that residents and visitors can explore and learn about the city’s Roman past.

The area was first excavated in 2009, and that work is now being completed as part of the redevelopment of La Almadraba. So far, archaeologists have uncovered the foundations of Roman houses, well-preserved ceramic pieces, Roman coins, and an Islamic-era fire pit.

Once the excavation is complete, the next step will be to prepare the site for visitors. The remains of the housing structu-

res, which mostly consist of foundations, will be partially reconstructed to give a clearer idea of what these Roman rooms looked like.

Wooden walkways will be installed to guide visitors around the site, and informative panels will be placed throughout to explain the discoveries.

Alongside the remains of Roman homes, archaeolo-

gists have found many ceramic items and coins that help tell the story of how long this area was inhabited. These include Campanian pottery from as early as the second century BC, Iberian painted ceramics, coins from the time of Emperor Antoninus Pius, and various types of fine and everyday Roman pottery dating from the first to the third centuries AD.

Image: Las Colinas Golf & Country Club

Restoring a new discovered site.

Image:

Next stop

THE arrival of the tram in Alicante 22 years ago changed the way people get around the city and the surrounding areas.

With Alicante continuing to grow, the time has come to expand the tram system even further.

One planned line would start at the new Intermodal Station and pass through Benalúa and La Florida, heading towards Mercalicante and Pla de la Vallonga along Ocaña Road.

Another proposed route would start at the General Hospital, already served by Line 2, but instead of going north, it would cross the Gran Vía and Red Bridge to reach the Barco roundabout on Calle México, eventually extending to San Gabriel.

A third line would also begin at the General Hospital, travelling along Gran Vía and through

Garbinet to Avenida de Denia. This route would connect public transport across the city, from Playa de San Juan all the way to San Gabriel.

A fourth route would also head north from the hospital, but instead of following the current Line 2 towards the university, it would go along Avenida de Novelda to Ciudad Jardín, making the hospital a

major interchange.

The last proposed route would run underground from Luceros to Marq, then continue along Avenida de Denia and Bulevar del Pla to Santa Faz.

The plan also highlights the need to keep tram stops between 400 and 800 metres apart and to introduce park-and-ride facilities to reduce traffic in the city centre.

Pollution pause

TORREVIEJA is in no rush to meet the legal deadline for introducing a Low Emission Zone (LEZ), despite being required to do so under European regulations for cities with more than 50,000 residents. The aim of the law is to reduce pollution by limiting traffic in certain areas, but Torrevieja has already missed the deadline, which was in July 2024.

According to Federico Alarcón, the councillor for Traffic, the council wants the LEZ to coincide with other planned changes in the city, such as pedestrianising certain streets and restricting vehicle access in the port area. These changes are meant to reduce the impact on drivers and are part of wider redevelopment works, which are themselves delayed.

LEZs are meant to limit access to more polluting vehicles to improve air quality and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Usually, this means that older, more polluting vehicles can’t enter central parts of a city.

However, Alarcón said he doesn’t think an LEZ is necessary in Torrevieja, as he believes the air quality is already good. Measurements from national monitoring stations along the CV-905 usually show levels within normal limits.

But this isn’t always the case. Ozone levels often exceed legal limits, and the same goes for fine particles. The city has 60,000 registered vehicles, with around 40,000 using the N-332 bypass and 35,000 travelling daily on the CV905.

The present tram system is to be expanded.

Pollution pause

ROUND 5 of the Carp-R-Us Spring Series was fished at a blustery but warm El Bosquet. Before the draw, our President, Roy Dainty, presented the trophies for 2024 to the various winners.

Congratulations to everyone.

The match was split over three lengths with pegs on 1 to 9, 19 to 25 and the far end of the 27 to 41 stretch. The first section was won by Steve Fell with 10.78kg from peg 2 caught on the pole using bread or maggot. Trevor Morrey on peg 9 was second on this section with 7.90kg, using pole and pellet.

ggins from peg 24. Steve had 8.32kg on pole and maggot beating Neil McBirnie into second place. Neil had 6.90kg from peg 21, again on pole and maggot.

The last section was won by Ron Salisbury with the best weight of the day of 11.74kg from peg 41 and making it two wins in two matches since he rejoined the club. Ron used pole with bread to beat Willy Moons into second place who used his normal feeder and pellet tactics for 8.44kg.

Tiny treasure Flavour fest Well done to all

The next section was won by Steve Hi-

SPAIN has 8,132 municipalities, each offering a glimpse into the country’s rich culture, varied landscapes, and deep history.

These towns range from large, busy cities to small, quiet villages tucked away in remote areas.

In the Valencian Community, especially on the Costa Blanca, one town

Information about the club can be found on www.carp-r-us.weebly.com or on the Facebook page Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blanca.

stands out for its small size. L’Alqueria d’Asnar is the smallest municipality in Alicante, covering just 1.08 square kilometres. It has a population of 519 people and is located in the northern part of the province, next to the Serpis Ri-

ver, in the Condado de Cocentaina area. It borders other towns like Cocentaina and Muro de Alcoy.

Even though it’s small, L’Alqueria d’Asnar has a long and interesting history. It dates back to Muslim times, and by the 16th

DOLORES will celebrate the seventh Annual Artichoke End-of-Year Gastrocultural Festival from April 24 to 27.

This event highlights the town’s strong connection to the artichoke, a crop rooted deeply in Dolores’ culture, history, and farming traditions. Thanks to its unique soil, traditional irrigation, and proximity to El Hondo Natural Park, the Dolores artichoke stands out for its quality and taste.

The festival will include a variety of activities.

century, it became part of the Ferris family’s land. In old records from that period, it’s referred to as ‘Alquería de Ferris’.

Guests can enjoy cooking demonstrations.

Guests can enjoy cooking demonstrations, a giant paella, an artichoke burger, and home made dishes by the Dolores Housewives Association.

Visitors can also take part in a bike tour through the gardens, attend workshops and talks, and enjoy live music from local bands. Several contests will return, including the arti -

choke omelette and peeling competitions, along with a new challenge to find the biggest artichoke.

To accommodate families travelling in camper vans, the town will once again provide a designated area with showers and toilets. With over 60 families attending last year, even more visitors are expected this time.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Dolores

Neil McBirnie and Alan Smith, winners of the Pairs Cup.

Smallest municipality.

Image: Ajuntament l’Alqueria d’Asnar

Tourism upgrade

THE Alicante Tourist Board has updated its website, alicanteturismo. com , to provide more information and improve accessibility.

It’s now mobile-friendly and available in seven languages: Spanish, Valencian, English, French, and German, plus new additions of Chinese and Polish. These updates reflect the rise in Polish tourism, and Chinese is added to target the large

global market.

The website is a popular resource for tourists.

In 2023, it had 1.5 million visitors, and the number is expected to grow to 2.2 million by 2025, a 45 per cent increase.

The councillor for Tourism, Ana Poquet, introduced the new website, describing it as “easier, more intuitive, and practical.” She explained that it allows tourists to plan their trips

from home and continue using it for more information during their stay.

The site also includes a new section called ‘Alicante in Three Days’, offering a guide for visitors staying for the weekend. It highlights culture, food, nature, beach, shopping, and must-see spots.

Other sections provide practical details on things to do, see, and where to stay in the city.

Councillor Ana Poquet at the presentation of the new Alicante Tourism website.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Alicante

Flight milestone

Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre tours

ALICANTE-ELCHE Miguel Hernández Airport closed March with a total of 1,475,739 passengers.

This figures represents a 16.4 per cent increase compared to the same month last year, despite the fact that Easter was celebrated in March in 2024 and this year it fell in April. This is the third consecutive monthly record of the year, both in terms of passenger volume and operations.

International traffic con-

tinues to dominate and has registered an increase of 18.2 per cent, reaching 1,274,566 passengers.

Domestic traffic is also growing, adding 199,917 passengers, a 6 per cent increase compared to March 2024.

By market, the United Kingdom remains in first place, with 502,586 passengers, followed by the Netherlands (97,869), Germany (95,729), Poland (88,584), and Belgium

(81,616). Regarding the number of flights, the airport handled 9,396 operations during the month of March, representing a 19.1 per cent increase compared to the same period last year and also setting a monthly traffic record.

During the first three months of the year, Alicante-Elche Airport registered a total of 3,699,742 passengers, representing a 14.6 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Image: Aena

LOOKING for a meaningful and memorable way to spend a day on the Costa Blanca? The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales offers something truly special: the chance to meet more than 100 rescued horses, donkeys and other animals and hear their extraordinary stories of survival and hope.

Tours run daily at 12 noon and last around an hour and a half. They are relaxed, informative, and guided by the centre’s friendly and knowledgeable team. Visitors will learn about the centre’s remarkable history, hear how each animal came to be rescued, and meet not only horses and donkeys but also pigs, cats, dogs, peacocks and even chickens who now call the centre home.

“Every animal here has a story, and every tour helps us raise the vital funds needed to keep going,” said a spokesperson for the centre. “We tailor each

visit to suit our guests, whether you’re an animal lover, a family with children, or someone looking for a meaningful experience during your stay.”

Tours cost just €10 for adults and €5 for children under 14, payable by donation. Booking in advance is essential - either through the centre’s website or via social media channels such as Messenger.

The centre is fully acces-

sible to those with limited mobility. Visitors are advised to wear a hat, bring water, and wear sturdy shoes due to the hot Spanish sun.

Come along, meet the animals, and see firsthand how your visit makes a real difference.

To book your tour or find out more, visit www. easyhorsecare.net or message them on Facebook or Instagram.

International traffic continues to dominate.

The centre offers something truly special.

From Tokyo to Torre

SPAIN will host the 2025 World Nations Cup for walking football, welcoming teams from around the world in what’s expected to be a major event for the sport.

Countries from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania will take part.

Japan and England are each entering six teams, while Spain, the host nation, will have four. New Zealand, Wales, and the Catalans are also sending four teams each. Other countries like Canada, France, Australia, and Cyprus are fielding multiple squads. Single teams are expected from Portugal, Scotland, Colombia, Brazil, and Rwanda.

As part of the build-up to the tournament, a training camp will be held on Saturday, May 3, at the Nelson Mandela Sports Pitch in Torrevieja. The day will include matches and training sessions. Sweden will bring

over-60 and over-65s teams. England’s over 65s and several Spanish squads will also take part. A local team from the Orange Bar Entre Naranjos league will join the games as well.

After the matches, players and fans will gather at Mullins Irish Bar in Torrevieja for food and a celebration. Spain’s teams include a mix of local players and expats, some of whom will travel from Madrid for the event. Organisers are currently looking for sponsors. For more information visit: spainwalkingfootball.com or email: markkavanagh.swift@ gmail.com.

Three days of mourning

POPE FRANCISCO has died at 88 following a severe respiratory illness, and out of respect, the Spanish government called for three official days of mourning beginning Monday, April 21.

Days of official mourning in Spain mark a time during which the country respects and mourns the death of a person of great importance, such as the Pope. During the last three days, the country’s institutions and authorities have publicly expressed their condolences in symbolic

forms. Flags have been lowered to half-mast on public buildings, and official governmental acts have been suspended or postponed to a later date. Any government-led public celebrations have been cancelled so that the public can pay homage and grieve the loss of Pope Francis.

The Royal Household has issued public statements, as have members of the government and local councils, as well as churches. Television and radio services have adjusted programming to allow

for tributes to be voiced. While sports events were cancelled in some countries, especially Italy, major Spanish sporting events were not affected.

The last time a national three days of mourning was declared in Spain was directly following the DANA catastrophe that took so many lives in Valencia, Castilla la Mancha, and in Malaga. Tributes flooded in to the Vatican from world leaders and religious heads of all denominations.

The World Nation Cup for walking football.

Image: Spain Walking Football

Flags flew at half mast during days of mourning.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

New office and special offer

BREAKING NEWS: Inmobiliaria Estate Agents Launches Second Office in Villamartin with Unprece dented 0% Commission Offer!

Local real estate company makes waves by offering a full estate agency service with ZERO commission for a limited number of sellers.

Villamartin, Costa Blanca - In a move that’s already creating buzz across the Orihuela Costa region, Inmobiliaria Estate Agents has opened its second office, and is marking the occasion with a bold, history-making offer.

Beginning April 24, 2025, the first five homeowners to list their property for sale with Inmobiliaria’s new Villamartin office will benefit from 0 per cent commission fees, a full estate agency service, absolutely free.

“No estate agent has ever done this before on the Costa Blanca.

This is our gift to the community that’s helped build our success.”

- Rebecca Serwotka, Co-Foun -

der, Inmobiliaria Estate Agents

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• Full estate agent service - mar -

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Inmobiliaria Estate Agents – Villamartin Office. Avenida Brisas 26, Villamartín Call or WhatsApp: +34 655 301 730

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This exclusive campaign is only available through Inmobiliaria’s new location at Avenida Brisas 26, Villamartín. With just five spots available, the company urges homeowners to act fast to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“We’re not just opening doorswe’re removing barriers.”

- Rebecca Serwotka

Whether you’re actively thinking of selling or simply exploring your options, this offer presents a riskfree, high-value opportunity to enter the market with no upfront costs and no agent commission.

Email: Sales@SellingOrihuelaCosta.com • Website: www.SellingOrihuelaCosta.com

Belgium at Cannes

15 cups of coffee a day!

Nine French-speaking Belgian films are set to premiere at the prestigious 2025 Cannes Film Festival, marking a major moment for Wallonia-Brussels cinema.

BELGIUM is making waves at Cannes 2025, with nine French-speaking films selected and a strong spotlight on Wallonia-Brussels filmmakers.

Among the standouts are Les Jeunes mères by the Dardenne brothers, L’intérêt d’Adam by Laura Wandel, and La danse des renards by Valery Carnoy. The Dardennes return with their 11th Cannes selection, a raw look at teenage girls raising children in a group home. Wandel’s L’intérêt d’Adam follows a mother

staying at her malnourished son’s bedside, despite a court order. Alexe Poukine makes her fiction debut with Kika, a quietly gripping tale of grief and financial hardship. Valery Carnoy’s La danse des renards, based on his award-winning short Titan, tells the story of a young boxer whose life is changed by an unexpected friendship. This year’s Cannes films champion women and stories from the margins. Alexe Poukine praised the support of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation,

Credit : Tsuguliev,

saying it’s helped “give women space to grow and take creative risks.” The Federation’s cinema chief, Jeanne Brunfaut, said the aim is clear: “We want more bold, inclusive filmmaking.” And it’s paying off - viewership of French-speaking Belgian films has soared by 157 per cent, according to Cineuropa. With co-productions like Alpha by Julia Ducournau and Imago by Déni Oumar Pitsaev also joining the lineup, Belgium is stepping onto the European film stage like never before.

BJÖRN ULVAEUS is turning 80 this week - and how does the ABBA legend stay so sprightly? Apparently, with a ridiculous amount of coffee.

During the making of ABBA’s comeback album Voyage, Björn met Danish PR executive Christina Sas, 51, - and says it was love at first sight. But not without a few doubts.

“I struggled at first, especially with the age gap,” he admits. “When someone older falls in love with someone younger, you ask yourself: ‘Is this right?’ But in the end, I let it go. I thought - it’s her choice if she wants to be with someone older. And we’re happy.”

Life’s a little different now. He shared how Christina changed his morning routine.

“She’s introduced me to porridge - proper stuff, with blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and granola on top.”

Björn Ulvaeus will celebrate his 80th birthday this week.

At 79, Björn’s more energetic than most people half his age. The secret? Could be the 15 to 20 cups of coffee he drinks daily. But it probably also has something to do with a health kick that started all the way back in 1974, just after ABBA won Eurovision with Waterloo.

These days, his routine

includes morning kayaking, skipping breakfast (he’s a fan of intermittent fasting), and evening workouts on the elliptical and vibration plate.

On Friday April 25, he’ll celebrate his 80th birthday in Mallorca with 20 of his closest friends and family. But don’t expect a glitzy dinner with speeches and all that jazz.

Shutterstock

PRESS RELEASE

Long-time Embassy driver Pedro Molina and Arbúcies mayor Pere Garriga awarded BEM

HIS MAJESTY King Charles III has awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) to Pedro Molina, a driver of the British Embassy to Spain and Andorra, and Pere Garriga, the mayor of Arbúcies.

Pedro Molina joined the Embassy in Madrid in 1993 as a messenger and biker, progressing to his current position as His Majesty’s Ambassador’s driver 25 years ago. His hard work and dedication to the Embassy, as well as to the six Ambassadors and countless visiting Ministerial delegations he has served, are an exemplary record of public service.

The British Ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis, said:

“Pedro’s commitment and service over the past three decades have been invaluable to the many British ambassadors and to the Embassy in Madrid. His professionalism, dedication, calm and good humour have greatly contributed to a deeper and stronger UK-Spain partnership and the comfort of numerous high-level visitors.”

Pedro Molina said:

“I am proud to receive this award, after three decades working as a driver with several representatives of the United Kingdom in Spain and Andorra. My main goal is that the

car is their safe space and an opportunity to pause between meetings and calls.”

Pere Garriga, the mayor of the Catalan town of Arbúcies, has been recognised for services to the memory of British nationals in Spain following his efforts to commemorate those who died in the 1970 Arbúcies plane crash.

On July 3, 1970, a plane travelling from Manchester to Barcelona crashed into the densely forested mountains of the Montseny, near the small village of Arbúcies. This disaster resulted in the single largest loss of British lives on the Iberian Peninsula, with 112 British nationals perishing in the crash.

Mr Garriga, who remembers the accident as a child in Arbúcies, has ensured that the final resting place in the cemetery of Arbúcies, known as el cementiri dels anglesos, the Cemetery of the English, was restored and is maintained with care. Each year Mr Garriga organises a memorial service on July 3, ensuring that the tragic accident is remembered with dignity.

Ambassador Alex Ellis said:

“Pere has shown remarkable dedication in commemorating the British nationals who tragically lost their lives in the 1970 plane

crash near Arbúcies. I am pleased that his efforts to ensure the victims are remem bered with dignity and respect are being honoured with a British Empire Medal.”

Pere Garriga said:

“Everything I’ve done over the years has been aimed at improving the quality of life of our citizens and, in the case of the 1970 plane crash, keeping the memory of the victims alive and strengthening ties with their families. It’s a commitment that remains more alive than ever and invites us to continue working with the same spirit of respect, memory, and humanity.”

Pere Garriga remains committed.

Pedro Molina is proud to receive his award.

NEWS Travel

Juzcar - The Blue Village

with Hispavan Campers

JUZCAR is defi nitely one of Spain’s most whimsical villages. Once a traditional whitewashed village, it gained plenty of attention in 2011 when Sony Pictures painted the entire village blue to promote The Smurfs movie - but what was meant to be a temporary change became permanent when locals voted to keep the colour, and the town was offi cially transformed into ‘La Aldea Azul’ - The Blue Village.

Juzcar is a fun stopover on your campervan journey. While the roads leading into the village can be narrow and winding, there is a designated

parking area just outside the village where you can park your campervan safely and explore on foot.

History

It may be known for its bright blue houses and Smurf-themed murals, but Juzcar’s roots go way deeper. The village dates back centuries, and despite its fairy-tale appearance, it’s still full of traditional Andalucian charm with its narrow, cobbled streets and historic church dating back to the 16th century, the Iglesia de Santa Catalina, which remains a peaceful, authentic, and Smurf-free spot amid the playful surroundings.

What to see?

All the buildings are painted vivid shades of blue, which looks striking against the backdrop of green hills surrounding the village. If you walk through the town, you’ll come across hand-painted Smurfs on walls, statues in the plazas, and themed signs to guide your way. For families, there are Smurf-themed playgrounds and even a zipline and adventure park on the outskirts.

Cuisine

Even though you’ll feel like you’re in the Smurf

National King’s Day

KING’S DAY (Koningsdag) is a national holiday in the Netherlands, celebrated with lively outdoor festivities to mark the birthday of King Willem-Alexander in April. The biggest and most popular celebrations take place in Amsterdam, where more than a million people gather to join in the fun.

The holiday was known as Queen’s Day (Konninginnedag) from 1885 when the Netherlands had only female monarchs. However, after Queen Beatrix abdicated in 2013 and her son Willem-Alexander became King, the holiday was renamed King’s Day.

This year, King’s Day will be on Saturday, April 26, with King’s Night taking place on the evening of Friday, April 25.

The day is filled with street carnivals, markets, and boat parades through the canals. People dance, sing, and enjoy music, while portraits of the monarch are displayed. The streets are decorated with Dutch flags and orange, the colour of the royal family.

Many people dress up as the King or wear his insignia, and nearly everyone wears something orange. There’s also plenty of street food and drinks, including beer and orange juice.

Image: City of Amsterdam

Nearly everyone wears something orange.

day, April 30. The fun kic-

THE Palm Tree Bar is proud to present its K9 Spring Fiesta on Wednesday, April 30. The fun kicks off at 4.30pm, with live music from Ricky starting at 5.00pm. It’s set to be a great afternoon of music, food, and community, all in support of a good cause.

Fiesta fun Fiesta fun

Divine Divino COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Seats are available for €5 per person. A special fiesta food menu will also be available, but guests are kindly asked to choose and pay for their food in advance. To book your seat and order your food, just pop into The Palm Tree Bar, located at Consum Square, La Marina Urbanisation, Calle Francisco Quevedo.

I HAD heard a lot of great things about El Divino by Juan Campoy, and it really did live up to all the hype.

and Tuesday

to Saturday from 10.00am to 1.00pm.

Located in Orihuela, this restaurant is a must-visit if you’re looking to try new and ridiculously tasty flavours with a special touch. The menu is carefully put together to highlight the best of every ingredient they use.

This event is in support of K9 Animal Rescue, a local charity that has been active in the Valencia region for many years. They also run a charity shop at Calle Alfredo Kraus 6 in Urb. La Marina, San Fulgencio, right next to Em’s Dreams. The shop is open Monday from 10.00am to 3.30pm,

If you’re doing a clear-out, donations of clean and good-quality furniture are always appreciated, whether it’s something that can be sold in the shop or used at the kennels. Every bit of support helps.

For more information about the charity or future events, you can email k9clubinfo@gmail.com or call (+34) 711 075 305.

The restaurant itself is beautiful, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It was obvious that the food was made with high-quality ingredients and prepared with great care. Everything we tried was absolutely delicious! The staff were not only friendly but also very professional, making the experience even better.

For us, some standout dishes include the eggs with prawns, mini burgers, and a range of

amazing fish dishes. It really was a fantastic dining experience. Thanks to Juan, we got the chance to try things we would never have thought to order before. If you go, I highly recommend following his suggestions, they won’t disappoint.

With a five-star rating across over 100 reviews on TripAdvisor, it’s clear that El Divino deserves all the praise it gets.

The restaurant is clo-

sed on Mondays and open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday from 1.00pm to 5.00pm. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, it is open from 1.00pm to 5.00pm and again from 8.30pm to midnight. You can reach them on (+34) 635 159 199 or by email at eldivinobyjuan campoy@gmail.com. The address is Calle Oriolanos Ausentes, 23, 03300 Orihuela, Alicante.

Glasto vibes Glasto vibes

THE Neon Collective is bringing the energy of the famous Glastonbury Festival to Alicante on Friday, May 16, at the Marearock Room. This tribute show will celebrate the British bands that have made a significant impact on music history.

The first part of the show will feature a mix of unforgettable anthems from Blur, Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, David Bowie, The Smiths, Franz Ferdinand, Coldplay, and many more. These iconic songs have shaped generations and continue to be loved by music fans around the world.

In the second half, the focus will shift to Oasis, the band that defined Britpop with

their unforgettable attitude and timeless hits. Their anthems will take centre stage, bringing their powerful energy back to life.

Before the main event, Karl Sound will set the tone with an early DJ session, playing the best British beats for a perfect start to the night.

This show promises to bring back the spirit of Glastonbury, showcasing the unique power of Neon Collective.

The event will be held at the Marearock Room, located at Calle del Comercio, 10, 03008, Alicante.

Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/ GlastAlicante.

Delicious duo Pop power

GET ready for an unforgettable afternoon of music, fun, and empowerment at the Girl Power Party on Sunday, May 4, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at Lakeview Restaurante.

IF you happen to be passing through Santa Pola and fancy a bite, the Maleante Group invites you to “discover the new gastronomic experience in Santa Pola.”

Maleante, in contrast, is a more refined experience.

It’s the perfect event for

This event celebrates the biggest female pop stars, featuring hits from the Spice Girls, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Megan Trainor, Little Mix, Christina Aguilera, Sabrina Carpenter, and more.

fans of pop anthems and empowering tunes, with plenty of dancing, singing, and good vibes. Experience the power of pop,

The event will be held at Lakeview Bar & Restaurant, Calle Toledo 16, Ciudad Quesada, 03170. Doors open at 1.00pm, and the show kicks off at 2.30pm.

This is a standing-only event, and all under-18s must be with an adult. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase at the bar.

Don’t miss out! Grab your tickets now at ticket tailor.com.

The team behind the Maleante Group explained, “We were born in Santa Pola and bring you two very different restaurants with two very different lines of cuisine, with high-quality ingredients and more than satisfactory customer service.”

Those two restaurants are Maleante and La Gamberra, and both offer something special.

“We await you,” they say with confidence.

La Gamberra describes itself as offering “a gastronomic experience with a different, unique, urban, and very mischievous style.”

The menu reflects that vibe, with starters, burgers, tacos, fries in all sorts of styles, and some seriously good desserts.

“It’s an incredible restaurant; you won’t find one like it anywhere in the province.” Their menu features rice dishes, meat, and fish, all full of flavour. “The food is an explosion of flavours that will thrill any food lover’s taste buds.”

The atmosphere matches the food. Add views of the port, and you’ve got something memorable.

By offering two very different experiences under one name, the Maleante Group has found a way to “cater to everyone.”

Maleante is located at Fernando Pérez Ojeda Street, 8, 1, Unit 4, 03130 Santa Pola, Alicante. You can contact them at dioni@ grupomaleante.com or call (+34) 623 731 776.

La Gamberra is right next door at Unit 5. You can reach them at info@ lagamberra.es or call (+34) 665 829 491.

AFTERNOON TEAS HOME-MAD E CAKES SAVOURIES & SA NDWICHES

Open Tuesday to Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday

BUTTERFLIES

TORREVIEJA International Auditorium is thrilled to host The Divas Xperience on May 18 at 7pm. This tribute show celebrates pop legends like Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga.

More than just a concert, the show takes you on a journey through the glamour and energy of these iconic artists. Enjoy live vocals, exciting choreography, and stunning visuals that bring their music to life.

The Divas Xperience will be an unforgettable night. Whether you’re singing, dancing, or simply enjoying the performance, it’s sure to be a night to remember. Join the fun at the Torrevieja International Auditorium, next to Quirónsalud Hospital in Torrevieja, Alicante. For more details, visit the website culturato rrevieja.com.

Avd La Paz 63, Jacarilla, Alicante 03310 960 201 577

Image:

Meleante

Diva fever

Image:

Melinda Nagy / Shutterstock.com

Not ‘Rembrandts’

THE Mauritshuis Museum, in the Dutch city of The Hague, has announced that two paintings that were attributed to Rembrandt were not completed by the artist himself.

After examination done by the museum’s research department, the conclusion appears to be that these are paintings created by students working at the Dutch artist’s studio, but not by Rembrandt himself.

Rembrandt, generally considered one of the greatest painters in Western art, has been attributed the authorship of around 300 paintings, many of them displayed in his native country of the Netherlands. For years he also taught artists at his highly influential studios, located in Amsterdam and Leiden. It is in these studios where experts believe

Study of an Old Man, created in the 1650s, was completed. The painting features Rembrandt’s signature, however the painting appears ‘awkward’ according to the museum. The same situation applies to his Portrait of Rembrandt with a Gorget, which has long been suspected to be someone else’s work. However, experts were able to confirm its status as not a fake, but a copy of his original work done by someone else at his studio.

The final misattributed painting is Tronie of an Old Man, highly likely to have been produced at the same studio. The mystery is still not fully resolved, but while art history experts work out the details, visitors can enjoy these three works at a special exhibition at the Mauritshuis during future visits to The Hague.

Irish observatories

IRELAND could soon add two remarkable scientific landmarks to its limited list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To mark World Heritage Day, the government has placed Birr Castle Demesne in County Offaly and Dunsink Observatory near Dublin on the country’s tentative list. It’s the essential first step in what could be a long journey towards official UNESCO status. Birr Castle is home to the once world’s largest telescope - the Leviathan of Parsonstown, built in 1845 and unmatched for over 70 years. Dunsink Observatory, founded in 1785, played a central role in Irish astronomy and was the workplace of renowned scientist William Rowan Hamilton.

The nomination also includes Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland, with the three sites presented as a scientific

INTERVIEW

trio showcasing Ireland’s contribution to global knowledge. “This isn’t just about bricks and telescopes,” said Minister James Browne. “It’s about shared heritage, island-wide cooperation, and putting our story on the world stage.”

Currently, Ireland’s World Heritage Sites include Brú na Bóinne and Sceilg Mhichíl, while

Northern Ireland has the Giant’s Causeway and Gracehill. Birr and Dunsink could soon join that list - though only sites on the tentative list for over a year can be considered. Professor Peter Gallagher said the goal is not only to preserve history, but also to inspire the future: “These places hold stories that can light the way for the next generation.”

Tamás Nagy videographer from HungarySpeaking European

ORIGINALLY working in hospitality on a cruise ship, he propo sed to his wife Zsuzsanna and decided cruise life wasn’t suitable for marriage. So, they jumped ship and settled in Spain, where Tamás got a job working in Gibraltar.

“I bought my first GoPro just before we went on our honeymoon, and that got me started. Every Christmas or birthday, it was something else. I asked for my first drone, then it was a new lens, and so on. I started meeting a lot of people and getting work offered to me.”

Do you do weddings?

Credit:TN

His career grew through networking and never saying no to work, from filming Ironman events to corporate projects in Dubai and Miami often covering sports and corporate projects.

“I can find my romantic side when I want to, but recently I’ve been working on rock climbing videos. I rock-climb myself. I like getting my hands dirty.”

Despite competition from amateurs with iPhones, Tamás’s professional work stands head-andshoulders above the rest.

Would you ever move back to Hungary?

“NO!” He immediately and emphatically cries. “It’s a different style of life here. In Hungary, no one speaks to you in anything other than Hungarian. Here in Spain, people help you if you don’t know much Spanish. The neighbours invite us to garden parties and we buy each other wine on birthdays.”

Tamás Nagy from Hungary, videographer.

Tamás Nagy, a videographer living between Estepona and Gibraltar, found his calling in Spain.

Rembrandt exhibition at Mauritshuis Museum.

Birr Castle Demesne in County Offaly, once home to the world’s largest telescope, is now on Ireland’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Bayesian yacht raising

THE Bayesian yacht looks set to finally be lifted from the depths, after the original operation planned for January 2025 had to be delayed. The Bayesian sank on August 1, 2024, and is now lying 165 feet under the sea, just off the coast of Porticello in Italy. Sadly, as a result of this sinking, seven people aboard the yacht lost their lives, including British billionaire Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah.

The salvage operation had originally been inten-

ded to start at the beginning of this year, but the winter weather put paid to those plans. This, in turn, meant a further delay in getting answers as to what really happened as part of the inquest into the cause of death.

The shipbuilder has continuously denied the possibility that the yacht’s design was technically faulty in any way and insisted that the vessel was ‘unsinkable’. Instead, they have pointed the finger firmly at the crew, claiming that mis-

takes were made that led to the tragic incident. Up until now, several crew members, including the yacht’s captain, have been placed under investigation.

Now the Italian authorities have tasked two Dutch salvage companies with lifting the 540-tonne wreck, with the operation expected to start later this month. One piece that is considered to be valuable evidence is the hull, and officials have stated that this is unlikely to be lifted until around mid-May.

The Bayesian yacht salvage operation begins this month.

Hidden messages

The Luxor Obelisk, gifted to France in the 1830s, stands in Place de la Concorde - now revealed to contain hidden messages from Pharaoh Ramses II.

THE 3,000-YEAR-OLD Luxor Obelisk in Paris has just revealed a set of ancient secrets - and it’s all thanks to a French Egyptologist who decided to read it sideways.

Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier, a hieroglyph cryptology expert at Sorbonne University, says he uncovered seven hidden messages on the monument in Place de la Concorde. These were no ordinary inscriptions - they were coded messages from Ramses II, aimed at Egypt’s elite. “During lockdown, I walked past it daily,” Olette-Pelletier said. “When the scaffolding went up, I got close enough to spot something strange.”

The breakthrough came when he stopped reading the hieroglyphs vertically

and tried them horizontally. Subtle puns, hidden signs and coded references began to emerge - all glorifying Ramses II’s divine power. One message, likely aimed at nobles sailing past the original site in Luxor, stressed the pharaoh’s direct link to gods like Amun-Re and Maat. Others featured cryptograms urging offerings to the gods, using animal symbols like bull’s horns to hint at divine wrath. “These carvings were for the educated elite - a secret divine language,” said Olette-Pelletier. Originally a pair, only one of the Luxor obelisks made it to France in 1836. The other remains in Egypt. Nearly two centuries after its arrival in Paris, it turns out the obelisk still has stories to tell - if you know how to listen.

Least rewarding?

MILLIONS of workers across Europe take home just a fraction of their country’s average salary. According to the latest Eurostat figures, nearly 15 per cent of the EU workforce is classed as low-paid.

Young women with low levels of education and temporary contracts are the most likely to earn the lowest wages.

That label applies to anyone earning two-thirds or less of their national average wage. And the gender gap is striking: 18.2 per cent of women fall into this category, compared to just 12.5 cent of men. Young people are hit hardest - one in four lowpaid workers is under the age of 30.

The highest shares of low-wage earners are found in Bulgaria (26.8 per cent), Romania (23.9 per cent), Latvia (23.3 per ccent) and Greece (21.7 per cent). At the other end of the scale, Spain, Sweden, Finland and Slove-

nia show the lowest ratessuggesting a more balanced income distribution.

Topping the list are workers in food and hospitality, making up over a third (35.1 per cent) of all low-paid employees in the EU. Close behind are those in admin, logistics and consulting, accounting for 32 per cent.

Contract type and education also play a key role in shaping income. Those

on temporary contracts are more than twice as likely to fall into the low-pay bracket compared to workers with permanent jobs (27.2 per cent vs. 12.6 per cent).

Education makes a huge difference too: nearly 28 per cent of workers with low educational attainment land in the lowest wage group, compared to just 4.8 per cent of those with higher education.

Credit Leonid Andronov, Shutterstock

Education makes a huge difference too.

Credit: Jack Georges. Creative Commons

Credit:

Protection for fjords

BIG changes are coming to Norway’s legendary fjords - and they’re all about keeping these natural wonders as pristine as they look in the postcards. Starting January 1, 2026, only zero-emis-

sion passenger ships under 10,000 gross tonnes will be allowed to cruise through the country’s World Heritage fjords.

It’s a bold move by the Norwegian government, aiming to reduce pollution and preserve the breathtaking beauty of these glacier-carved inlets. The new rules were signed off by the Norwegian Maritime Authority, who’ve been wor-

king on this plan since 2018 on behalf of the Ministry of Climate and Environment.

But the timeline doesn’t stop in 2026. By 2032, the same zero-emissions rule will apply to larger ships too - those over 10,000 gross tonnes.

What makes a fjord a fjord?

By the way - if you’ve ever wondered what exactly a fjord is - it’s a long, na-

rrow sea inlet carved out by glaciers. Picture towering cliffs, deep blue waters and jaw-dropping views. Norway is home to more than 1,100 of them, including several in the Arctic Svalbard islands.

With these new protections, the aim is clear: to keep the fjords just as wild and wonderful as they’ve always been - but without the dirty footprint.

Penguin panic

IN a strange twist earlier this year, a helicopter crash in South Africa was caused by an unexpected passenger; a penguin.

The helicopter had landed on Bird Is land, off the Eastern Cape coast, to pick up passengers. One of them, described as a ‘specialist’, placed a live penguin in a cardboard box with plans to transport it from the island.

Although the pilot carried out a risk check before take-off, he didn’t consider the dangers of flying with a loose animal on board.

The box, held on a passenger’s lap in the front seat, slipped shortly af ter take-off. It slid across the cockpit and hit the helicopter’s control lever, causing the aircraft to roll and crash onto its side. The rotors hit the ground, but luckily, no one, including the penguin, was hurt.

The crash caused serious damage to the helicopter. An investigation found

passenger.

that the penguin should have been in a secure, flight-safe container. Without it, the animal was able to move during flight and create a major risk.

While the situation sounds funny, authorities stressed the importance of following safety rules, no matter how unusual the cargo.

Steinar Haugberg / Norwegian Maritime Authority

The new rules don’t tell operators exactly how to achieve zero emissions - just that whatever method they use.

Unexpected

Image:

Your VOICE

The overall cost of living has increased.

Do you still consider Spain a ‘cheap’ country to live in or visit?

ONCE widely regarded as a budget-friendly destination, Spain has long held a reputation for offering sunny weather and a relaxed lifestyle at relatively low costs. From affordable tapas to reasonably priced rents, the country was seen as the perfect place to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank. However, recent economic shifts and increased tourism have prompted a re-evaluation of Spain’s status as a ‘cheap’ place to live or visit.

A recent article by Euro Weekly News highlights that relocating to Spain in 2025 involves significant financial planning, with moving expenses for a couple ranging between €15,000 and €36,000. Monthly living costs also vary by region - average household expenses in Madrid can reach €2,500€3,500, while smaller towns may offer lower costs. These figures suggest that while Spain remains more affordable than some European countries, the overall cost of living has increased.

With these changes in mind, we asked our readers: Do you still consider Spain a ‘cheap’ country to live in or visit?

Mark Cook says, “Depending where you are coming from! Obviously! If you live here on a wage here in Spain it’s expensive, if you are coming from the UK, then ob -

viously it’s much cheaper, it’s all relative.”

Many note the rising prices, such as Carol Souter, who comments, “No way, stuff goes up every month, especially food!”

Stephen Cosgrove shares his perspective, “It’s still relatively cheaper to live here than the UK. It’s most certainly a LOT cheaper than Ireland and massively cheaper than The Netherlands. Of course, it’s not AS cheap as it WAS!” Jan Fleming shares a similar perspective, “No not cheap, but cheaper than others.”

Cherryl N Manuel Calvo-Suarez reflects, “We retired to Spain when my husband was 50. We could never have retired if we had stayed in the UK... Prices have gone up, but they have everywhere.”

Freda Jeanette Maria Casagrande notes, “I am retired and find it really lovely living here. Certainly, cheaper than the UK. Also, warmer.”

In conclusion, while many acknowledge that Spain is no longer as cheap as it once was, it still remains more affordable compared to countries like the UK and Ireland. Prices have risen, especially for food and housing, but the overall cost of living is still considered lower by those coming from more expensive nations.

Credit: Shutterstock / esfera

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Krone crisis

IN just 3.5 months of 2025, the Norwegian krone swung from strong to heavily penalised. New US import tariffs announced on April 2 and falling oil prices triggered a sharp downturn in the currency’s value, marking a volatile start to the year.

Ryanair ruckus

RYANAIR continues to pressure Aena Airports and the Spanish government over airport fees. The airline’s CEO, Eddie Wilson, plans to withdraw more planes and flights from medium-sized and small airports in 2026 if the airport authority does not lower the rates it charges airlines to operate.

Telecom trim

TELEFONICA, one of the largest telecommunications service providers in the world, has exited Argentina and Colombia in 2025, marking two sales this year. The Spanish group now aims to sell its operations in Mexico and Uruguay, continuing its strategy to streamline assets and boost cash flow.

Orkney okay

THE Orkney Islands Council, in the north of Scotland, awarded Acciona and Jones Bros a contract to study and possibly develop a port at Scapa. Scapa Flow, a major deepwater harbour, could host large vessels vital for supporting the region’s growing offshore wind industry.

Rate hopes

IN early 2025, Europe’s fixed-income markets were driven by growth, inflation, and interest rate expectations. Europe’s hopes for European Central Bank rate cuts are starting to fade as concerns about reigniting inflation are growing, despite signs of economic weakness in the eurozone.

SPAIN is set to become one of Europe’s leading markets for shorthaul flights by 2030, according to Bain & Company. The country is expected to reach 40 million outbound travellers on routes under 4,000 km. It will join the UK (69 million) and Germany (47 million) at the top, despite concerns about the environmental impact of these flights.

The growth is driven by a recovery in tourism and strong demand for travel within Europe.

Short-haul flights will continue to dominate in Spain, while long-distance routes will grow more slowly.

In 2023, Spain’s Sumar party and the PSOE agreed to limit short flights that could be replaced by train journeys under four hours.

France already has a rule banning such flights if a train can do the trip in two and a half hours, but this only removed six routes.

If Spain introduced the same limit as France, it could cut many mainland flights. However, travel to the Canary and Balearic Islands

IN big news for coffee lovers, Italian coffee maker Bialetti has been bought by Hong Kong-based Nuo Capital, owned by businessman Stephen Cheng. The firm has secured 78.6 per cent of Bialetti through two separate deals: 59 per cent from the main owner for €47.3 million, and another 19.6 per cent from Sculptor Ristretto for €5.7 million.

Nuo Capital plans to buy out the rest of the shares in June and remove Bia-

Thrifty travels

TRAVEL to Europe is getting more expensive this summer, with costs up 38 per cent from 2024. As prices rise, more people are now eyeing up cheaper destinations that still offer a great experience.

According to travel site Squaremouth, affordable European spots are becoming more popular as travellers look to get more for their money.

Budget-conscious tourists are picking places rich in culture, beauty, and value. This summer, Poland leads the list as the most affordable European destination.

per cent is the increase of foreign workers in Spain since 2019, reaching 2.9 million. They now hold 13.7 per cent of jobs, contributing to 40 per cent of new employment.

Key players

is still increasing. So far, the government has not enforced the rule and supports airlines, who say these flights are important for connections in Madrid and Barcelona.

Across Europe, short-haul flight demand is expected to fall by 7.5 per cent by 2030 due to new rules,

Latte

legacy

carbon costs, and delays in aircraft supply.

In contrast, air travel in Asia is expected to rise by 53 per cent.

The US will lead in outbound travel, while China and India also show strong growth.

Global air travel in 2024 passed pre-pandemic levels.

Nordic nest

HYATT Hotels has opened a new Hyatt Place in the heart of Gothenburg, Sweden.

The 300-room Hyatt Place Gothenburg Central, located above the Central Station, was previously the Hotel G Gothenburg. After a year-long renovation, it has been rebranded as part of Hyatt’s expansion.

The hotel features amenities like the Blanche Brasserie & Bar, a fitness centre, and various meeting spaces, with the largest room accommodating up to 100 guests.

Hyatt Place is one of the hotel brand’s ‘select service’ options, with over 400 properties worldwide, including 12 in Europe.

Last month, Hyatt also opened a dual-branded development in Leeds, UK, featuring both Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotels.

letti from the Milan Stock Exchange. The offer will start at €0.467 per share - a rise from the previous closing price of €0.28. On the French market, Bialetti shares have climbed to €0.30. Bialetti, founded after the First World War by Antonio Bialetti, became world-famous for the Moka pot, launched in 1933. With its unique design and cartoon mascot, the brand became a symbol of Italian coffee culture, still loved today.

Brussels

blueprint

IN March, the European Commission unveiled its Savings and Investments Union (SIU) strategy to channel more public savings into EU capital markets. The Commission believes these proposals will increase spending on key priorities and make the EU more appealing to businesses.

The initiative builds on two prior Capital Markets Union (CMU) action plans and the push for a banking union. Although the CMU concept dates back to the 1957 Treaty of Rome, real action began in 2015.

Following the UK’s 2016 Brexit vote, the CMU’s focus expanded to strengthening the EU’s economic resilience and adapting to post-Brexit challenges.

SHEIN is facing some serious challenges ahead. New US tariffs on Chinese goods could hurt its top market, North America, where it made $14.1 billion (€12.4 billion) last year.

Chinese sellers like Shein used to avoid duties on orders under $800 (€704), keeping prices low. This brought in up to $46 billion (€40.5 billion) a year.

But in May, even small shipments will face a $75 (€66) fee, rising to $150 (€132) in June. Plus, new tariffs may hit 145 per cent.

Elite upgrade Shein struggle

SCANDINAVIAN Airlines (SAS) is improving the travel experience with the introduction of a new European Business Class, set to begin on October 1. This updated offering is designed to meet the increasing demand for a more comfortable and clearcut Business Class experience on European routes. This move is an important step to strengthen SAS’s role as a top premium airline. With a more competitive and globally aligned Business Class, the airline hopes to attract travellers who value comfort, flexibility, and high-quality service.

crown

SPAIN’S CaixaBank has been named the ‘Most Innovative Bank in Western Europe’ for the fifth time at The Innovators awards, presented by the US magazine Global Finance. The awards, in their 11th year, recognise organisations that lead in technological innovation, highlighting their development of groundbreaking products and services in global banking.

CaixaBank has won this accolade five times in the past seven years.

The brand became a symbol of Italian coffee culture. Image: Bialetti / Facebook

The Spanish government supports airlines.

909,00 920,00 908,50 1,29M

3.938,0 3.942,0 3.864,0 301,4K

359,40 360,75 351,40 57,54M

Catalan crunch

FIRST, there were long-term rentals. Then, seasonal rentals. And finally, room rentals are on their way to becoming a luxury in Spain’s Catalonia region. According to data compiled by Fotocasa, the region has become the most prohibitively expensive for apartment sharing.

Clean Power

THE European Commission has now approved Spain’s €400 million aid plan to fund green hydrogen projects via Hydrogen Bank auctions, using Recovery Plan funds for Spanish-based projects excluded from the EU-wide auction set for December 2024.

Billionaire boost

SPANISH billionaire Amancio Ortega, founder of Inditex, is preparing to make a major investment in Spanish real estate through his firm Pontegadea.

He is currently in negotiations with Blackstone to buy a prominent office building located at 662 Avenida Diagonal in Barcelona, home to the headquarters of Grupo Planeta.

The deal is expected to be worth around €240 million, making it Ortega’s largest property purchase

Monopoly war

META, formerly known as Facebook, is the tech giant founded by Mark Zuckerberg. It owns three of the world’s most widely used social networks: Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Today, it’s hard to find someone untouched by Meta, whether through WhatsApp (used by over 90 per cent of Spaniards), Instagram, or Facebook. But its dominance is now under fire.

The company faces a major lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which argues that Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp over the past decade have created a monopoly. This, the FTC claims, has formed a monopoly over the last 10 years that hasn’t allowed free competition and opportunities for other social media apps.

in Spain since 2016, when he acquired Torre Cepsa in Madrid for €490 million.

Blackstone bought the Barcelona property in 2018 for €210 million from Inversiones Hemisferio and invested €10 million in upgrades, renaming it D Garden 662.

The 27,000 m2 building, designed by architects Josep Maria Fargas and Enric Tous in 1978, is known for its prime location and for being Europe’s first vertical garden. It has nine floors and 350 parking spaces. Grupo Planeta leases the majority of the space, with other tenants including HIP, Antena 3, and Banca Mediolanum.

Ortega is one of the largest private landlords in Spain and globally. He uses dividends from his 59.24 per cent stake in Inditex to fund property investments, receiving over €3 billion in dividends this year alone.

Tit for Tat

THE European Union has announced it will impose tariffs on American products like toilet paper, soybeans, eye makeup, and many others if trade talks with the United States fail.

The 27-country bloc released a list of U.S. products that will face additional customs duties of 25 per cent unless an agreement is reached with the U.S.

Pharma power

IN 2022, pharmaceutical companies invested €110 million in organisations across the EU, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK. Major companies like Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, and AstraZeneca are funding various initiatives, including advocacy, campaigns, media projects, and podcasts. This is now raising concerns about the growing influence of the pharmaceutical industry in the sector.

Amancio Ortega

Things are different

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

ONE thing the Brits have never lacked is courage. World wars, the blitz, Roman invaders and a whole host of past adversaries, have always failed to quench the indomitable spirit of our great Island race. Well, I’m sorry to say that whole scenario is now changing. An enemy more deadly than all the opposing forces that have assailed us in the past now threatens to engulf our once great country and is slowly but surely eating it away from within. For the first time ever, people are genuinely frightened.

Today’s adversaries are the bureaucrats and MPs, the so-called leaders of the British people. The public servants, who have been voted into positions of power and trusted to protect and stand up for the British community and defend their rights and their heritage. The betrayal by these people is making UK citizens feel even more unsafe in their own country than they felt

when the Nazi jackboot threatened. At least at that time we were all in it together. The enemy was there for all to see and the Brits knew who and what they were fighting for. Now the scenario is so confused people are utterly baffled as to how they should react or even behave. I’ll give you an example. In my cabaret spot (attended mainly by British tourists) I do slip in a couple of extremely mild ‘racist’ jokes. As the act has never really changed (I know I know!) I have seen the different reaction to these same gags from UK audiences over many years. At first the stories were generally met with open guffaws of pretty innocuous merriment. As the years went by reactions slowly altered.

These different phases went from full on laughter to somewhat derisive scoffing. We then moved on to laughter mixed with occasional whoops of defiant communal assent. The next phase involved rather more subdued sniggers with people looking at each other to see if their merriment was being shared. We have now hit rock bottom.

What I see now is subdued embarrassment and actual fear on the audience faces as they furtively glance around to see if they could be involved in some type of ‘offence’ that could get them reprimanded or even arrested. And it’s not pretty. The British spirit is being defeated, by brainwashing political correctness, ‘uman rights advocators and the appeasers of minority groups to a point where they are utterly confused as to what is right and wrong and are actually in fear of revealing their true feelings in public.

One thing I have happily noticed however is that the Labour government is at last following the USA example (probably leftie crawling!) by completely banning all biologically non-females from lady’s public amenities, including the quarters of victims of domestic violence. A good start. Hopefully the rules of all their sporting competitions are next on the agenda. Keep that mail coming. Having a few WiFi probs at the mo but will answer when I can.

Keep the faith

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

Lamb weekend

NOVAS VENDAS is putting lamb on the map. On May 19 and 20, this tiny parish near Évora is hosting its annual Lamb Gastronomic Weekendand it’s all about comfort food, tradition, and community.

Seventeen local restaurants are taking part, each serving up their own take on classic Alentejo lamb dishes. Think oven-roasted lamb with crispy potatoes, slow-cooked stews, grilled chops - even lamb’s head for the brave.

It’s not about fancy plating - it’s about heart, flavour, and bringing people together. The event taps into what makes this region feel like home: honest food shared around a table. But it’s not just about eating. For every €10 spent, diners get a ticket for a prize draw. The prize? A €50 voucher to use at one of the same restaurants later on. In other words, eat now, maybe eat free next time.

Organisers say the goal is to highlight local culinary heritage while supporting small businessesand judging by early buzz, it’s working. So if you’re anywhere near Évora and craving a proper plate of lamb, this is your sign.

Come hungry, bring friends, and stay for the good vibes.

Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Tender Lamb shanks like these will be on the menu during Évora’s Lamb Gastronomic Weekend.

It pays to buy

ITALIAN authorities have rolled out a plan to revitalise the northern region of Trentino, located on the Austrian-Italian border.

The grant consists of €80,000, aimed at covering renovation costs, and up to €20,000 towards the cost of the purchase of the property. But not everyone can access this generous offer: the grant will only apply to Italian residents or those who hold Italian nationality while living abroad.

A total of 33 towns are included in this deal, in an effort by the Italian government to combat depopulation of its rural regions, as part of a wider issue that affects many southern European nations, in -

cluding Spain, where similar initiatives have been deployed by local authorities. Municipalities under 5,000 inhabitants have been selected for this project, aimed at giving these towns a second life.

There is, however, another catch that potential home-buyers should be aware of.

Grant recipients will be mandated to sign a contract guaranteeing that they will live at the property for 10 years, or at least maintain the lease for that amount of time.

Located in the shadow of the Dolomites, Trentino boasts breathtaking alpine views, a rich Austro-Italian heritage, and a quiet lifestyle that many urban dwellers dream of.

Census reveals bear boom in Romania

ROMANIA is home to up to 13,000 brown bears - a figure significantly higher than the previously estimated 8,000, according to a census conducted by the Romanian Forestry Research Institute.

Specifically, there are between 10,419 and 12,770 individuals, marking a notable increase from earlier estimates.

After years of relying on estimates - sometimes controversialbased on visual sightings or indirect methods, this is the first clear picture drawn from DNA samples collected in hunting grounds, natural parks, and national parks.

For the first time, Romania will also have a nationwide digital tool allowing authorities to make fast, well-informed decisions in real time.

However, the study has raised some scepticism among experts, who criticise the data collection methods.

“The samples were collected from 2022 until the end of last year - essentially over a threeyear period, whereas genetic stu -

dies are usually carried out over a much shorter timeframe,” according to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The new figures are based on a genetic census carried out across 25 counties in the Carpathians, using over 24,000 samples of faeces and hair. Previously, bear po -

pulations were estimated by tracking their footprints.

Ancuta Fedorca, a representative of the research institute, explained the delay: “It was due to the large number of samples we worked with, the laboratory analysis required, and the available human resources.”

Romania’s Environment minister presented the results.

IF you could choose any superpower, what would it be? A recent survey asked the UK public this very question, and the results reveal some fascinating insights into the superpowers Britons would most like to possess.

Secret powers

Invisibility takes the top spot, with 19 per cent of those surveyed saying they’d love to become unseen by the naked eye. The ability to fly follows closely behind, with 15 per cent of respondents expressing a desire to soar through the skies, though whether a cape is involved remains unclear.

Teleportation and time travel are tied in third place, with 7 per cent of people picking each of these powers. Rounding out the top five is healing powers, which appeals to 6 per cent of respondents.

When it comes to gender differences, women are significantly more likely to choose invisibility than men. Around 22 per cent of women selected this as their preferred superpower, compared to just 15 per cent of men, for whom flight was equally as popular (16 per cent).

A TOTAL of 2,461 brave individuals plunged into the icy waters of the Czech Republic’s second-largest lake to set a new world record for the largest polar bear dip.

The record-breaking event took place on March 1 at Most Lake, with the water temperature recorded below 50°F. The attempt was organised by Czech freediver David Vencl, who led the effort to surpass

Age also seems to influence choices. Invisibility is more popular among those aged 25-64, with 21-22 per cent of people in that range opting for it. In comparison, only 14 per cent of those aged 65 and over, and 12 per cent of 18-24-year-olds, chose invisibility. Meanwhile, younger Britons are more likely to pick teleportation, with 16 per cent of them choosing it, this number decreases with age, dropping to just 3 per cent among those over 65.

Frozen feat

the previous record of 1,799 swimmers.

This record was set in 2015 at the 12th Ice Swimmers Convention in Poland.

David Vencl is no stranger to extreme water feats; he previously held the record for the longest swim under ice, a record he set in 2021 and only recently lost in

March this year.

Polar bear plunges, where participants dive into freezing water, are popular winter events. In the United States, they are often held to raise funds for charity, while in Canada, they typically take place on New Year’s Day as a way to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

A new world record was set for the largest polar bear dip. Image: David Venci Facebook

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Trust and respect

TIKTOK user @anna.matea, a Spanish lady who now lives in Finland, has been using her social media platform to highlight the cultural differences between the two countries. In her latest video, she has shared just how much the Finns respect other people’s property. This feels reminiscent of the stories of ‘days gone by’ where it was ok to leave your door unlocked as there was no fear of a break-in.

In this instance, she is talking about property that is left outside of the parking area of a high school or in front of the ice hockey or training rinks. She asks: “What do you think would happen if you did this in Spain?” She is referring to the fact that those with motorcycles will happily leave their helmets on the handlebars, confident in the fact that their property will still be there when they return.

She delights in telling her followers how she lives in a place where respect for others’ property is a priority and comments on how she feels this should still be the case everywhere. She goes on to explain that it could be a helmet, a book, a phone or even a bag that has been left; Finns would feel safe doing so because it is their culture not to touch what doesn’t belong to them.

Finns respect the property of others.

Lost oddities

FEW things dampen the joy of arriving on holiday more than the sinking realisation that your suitcase didn’t make the journey with you.

In 2024 alone, over 36 million items of luggage were mishandled by airlines, whether lost, damaged, or stolen. That equates to roughly seven bags per thousand checked in. While the majority do eventually find their way back to their owners, a small fraction simply vanishes into the void.

While most bags contain clothes and toiletries, some hold far more unusual contents. In just the past year, everything from a medieval suit of armour to a glass eye and even a toilet seat has turned up.

Unclaimed Baggage, a company in the US that sells items from lost luggage, sees it all. Their annual report reveals the odd and often unbelieva-

ble things found in suitcases. CEO Bryan Owens says these finds tell surprising stories about people’s lives and travels. Some discoveries are almost unbelievable: a Roman soldier’s helmet, a medieval breastplate, and even a freeze-dried chicken’s foot. One bag held a rattlesnake in a jar of whisky, while another was filled entirely with preserved spiders and beetles, no clothes at all, just insects.

Then there are items that leave staff scratching their heads. A worn-out French book on exorcisms, silicone pregnancy bellies, glitter-covered dentures, and padded underwear have all turned up. One suitcase, surprisingly heavy, turned out to be packed only with rocks, no explanation given.

Lost luggage might be a traveller’s nightmare, but what turns up can be stranger than fiction.

Some bags hold far more unusual contents.

Image: Akimov Igor / Shutterstock.com

Spain’s stunning story

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.

FORGET Champagne-soaked beach clubs and Michelin-starred indulgence: Marbella’s newest residents are flocking to a rather different hotspot. It’s called The Pool, but don’t pack your swimwear. This sleek, glass-walled co-working space on the Golden Mile has become the meeting point for young entrepreneurs, especially involved in start-ups, from over 30 countries.

Welcome to ‘Marbella 2.0’, a reinvention of the Costa del Sol’s ritzy resort town. Once the preserve of retirees perfecting their golf swings, it’s now a magnet for digital nomads, tech innovators and families seeking year-round sunshine. They’re lured by an expanding tech scene, high-end residential developments, top-tier healthcare and international schools.

The numbers tell the story: Marbella is now home to 153 nationalities, making it Spain’s third most international city after Madrid and Barcelona.

Of its 170,000 residents, nearly a third are foreign-born. The ultra-exclusive Golden Mile (stretching from Marbella to Puerto Banus) counts tennis champion Novak Djokovic and Spotify billionaire Daniel Ek among its residents.

“Marbella’s undergone a huge resurgence in the past four years,” says Daniel Shamoon, co-owner of luxury hotels Puente Romano and Marbella Club. “As a holiday spot, there’s competition. But as a place to live? The best in Europe.”

And for the new wave of digital nomads, The Pool is where they dive into networking before an afternoon at the beach - this time, with the family in tow. Splash!

Nora Johnson’s 14 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The House of Secrets’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Nora’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Long-lasting make-up

ACHIEVING long-lasting make-up requires the right techniques and products to ensure your look stays fresh all day. Here are some essential tips:

1. A clean base

Cleanse your face thoroughly before applying make-up. This helps remove excess oils and dirt, providing a smooth surface for makeup to adhere to. Follow up with a moisturiser suited to your skin type to keep your skin hydrated.

2. Use a primer

A good primer creates a smooth canvas, blurs imperfections, and helps your make-up last longer. Choose a primer that matches your skin concerns, such as mattifying for oily skin or hydrating for dry skin.

3. Long-wear foundation

Choose a long-lasting foundation designed to stay put throughout the day.

4. Set it and forget it

After applying make-up, use a setting spray or powder to seal everything in. Setting sprays provide a lightweight finish and keep make-up in place for hours. If using powder, lightly dust over the face to prevent it from looking cakey.

5. Waterproof products

For smudge-free eyes and lips, go for waterproof mascaras, eyeliners, and long-wear lipsticks. These formulas hold up better in humid conditions or during long hours.

6. Hands off!

Avoid touching your face throughout the day, as it can transfer oils and dirt onto your make-up, causing it to break down faster.

With these tips, your make-up will last longer, ensuring you look fresh from morning until night!

Smart eating habits

YOUR liver works nonstop to filter toxins, support digestion, and regulate metabolism. Yet, daily food choices can either help or harm this vital organ. Maintaining a liver-friendly diet can reduce inflammation, prevent fat buildup, and improve overall function.

Healthy fats, fruits, and wholegrains play a key role in protecting the liver. Unsaturated fats from avocados, oily fish, and nuts help lower inflammation, reducing the risk of conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains such as brown rice and wholemeal bread aid digestion while preventing fat accumulation in liver cells. Simple swaps - like using olive oil instead of butter or adding berries to breakfast - can have longterm benefits.

However, certain foods

can overwork the liver. Saturated fats from processed snacks, fatty meats, and pastries can contribute to harmful cholesterol buildup. Excess sugar, especially in fizzy drinks, promotes fat storage in liver cells, increasing the risk of disease. Alcohol remains one of the biggest threats, as regular overconsumption damages liver tissue. While occasional treats are fine, keeping an eye on

portion sizes and having alcohol-free days can ease the strain.

For a sustainable approach, diets like the Mediterranean or DASH plan offer liver-friendly options rich in lean proteins, wholegrains, and healthy fats. If you have liver concerns, consulting a dietitian can help tailor a plan suited to your needs while keeping your liver in top shape.

Credit : Shutterstock, RossHelen

A visual reminder of how nutrient-rich foods and balanced eating can support long-term liver health.

Sunscreen spotlight

A REVIEW by Spain’s Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) of 29 sunscreens - 14 with SPF 30 and 15 with SPF 50 or higher, including products for childrenconfirms they’re effective against UV radiation.

However, the study also found some contain chemical filters like octocrylene and homosalate, which are suspected endocrine disruptors.

The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has restricted octocrylene to a maximum of 10 per cent, and from 2025, homosalate will only be allowed in certain non-spray facial cosmetics, at up to 7.34 per cent.

As a precaution, OCU has downgraded the rating of products with these filters, even if they fall within legal limits. This particularly affects some children’s sunscreens, such as those by Babaria and Lidl, as well as several adult products. OCU advises consumers to check ingredient labels carefully, since the same brand might sell options both with and without these chemicals.

For babies, OCU stresses that those under six months should never be exposed to direct sunlight, as no sunscreen can fully protect their sensitive skin. Even up to 12 months, sun exposure should be avoided - even with protection.

This review is backed by independent lab tests and the input of OCU’s health, nutrition, and statistics experts.

The organisation, supported by over 200,000 members, has been working since 1975 to provide independent, science-based consumer guidance and to defend consumers’ rights - without profit or industry influence.

Butter swap

SWAPPING butter for plant-based oils could help you live longer, according to a major new study led by Harvard and Mass General Brigham.

Researchers followed over 200,000 participants for 30 years and found that high butter consumption was linked to a 15 per cent higher risk of death - while people who used more plant oils had a 16 per cent lower risk.

Published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the study drew on data from three landmark US health surveys. Participants completed detailed dietary questionnaires every four years, allowing scientists to track habits and outcomes across decades.

Plant-based oils like olive and soybean showed strong protective effects, especially against cancer and heart disease. Replacing just 10g of butter per day - under a tablespoonwith oil was linked to a 17 per cent drop in cancer-related deaths.

These findings echo earlier research from 2022 that connected olive oil to reduced risks of neurodegenerative and respiratory diseases. Experts say the results push back against online trends that glorify butter and vilify seed oils. “This is a timely reminder to listen to science over sensationalism,” said Prof. Sarah Berry from King’s College London.

Dietitian Catherine Gervacio added that while all oils aren’t equal, olive, avocado and canola oils offer good options.

For public health experts, the message is simple: small swaps on your plate could add years to your life.

Medicine recommends avoiding sun exposure without sunscreen.

No chocolate

AFTER the Easter festivities, it’s not uncommon to find yourself reaching for yet another chocolate egg or sugary treat, even when the celebrations have long passed.

Curbing your sweet tooth after such indulgence begins with gently resetting your habits, rather than cutting out sugar altogether. Start by swapping sweet snacks for naturally satisfying alternatives like fruit, yoghurt, or a handful of nuts. Keeping hydrated can also help, as thirst is often mistaken for hunger - particularly sugar cravings.

Planning balanced meals rich in protein and fibre will help stabilise blood sugar levels, reducing the temptation to graze. It can also be helpful to keep sugary items out of sight - or better still, out of the house entirely - to avoid mindless snacking.

Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself. Easter is a time for enjoyment, and a little indulgence is perfectly natural. By making small, consistent changes, you’ll soon find those cravings fading into the background, helping you feel more in control once again.

Natural wellness

GROUNDING mats, also known as earthing mats, are designed to mimic the natural benefits of walking barefoot on the earth. The concept comes from the belief that direct contact with the Earth’s surface can help balance the body’s electrical charge, reducing inflammation, improving sleep, and supporting overall well-being.

While the idea has roots in ancient practices, grounding mats became popular in the early 2000s as a modern way to stay connected to nature - especially for those living in urban environments.

These mats work by connecting to a grounded outlet, allowing you to rest your feet, hands, or body on a conductive

surface while working, sleeping, or relaxing. Supporters say they feel calmer, sleep better, and experience reduced tension. However, scientific research into their effec tiveness remains on going, with some studies showing promise, but not conclusive proof.

In Spain, grounding mats can be found throu gh wellness stores, online marketplaces, and spe cialist retailers.

Prices vary, but a stan dard mat typically ranges between €50 to €120 de pending on the size and brand.

If you’re curious about trying one, it’s best to read reviews, explore trusted suppliers, and consider it a gentle addition to your well-being routine.

Swap sweet snacks for natural alternatives.

Costa del Sol Malaga was the place to be

MALAGA’s Semana Santa 2025, increasingly popular across the province, has illuminated Andalucian culture to tourists, complementing the traditional sun-and-beach appeal.

With largely favourable weather, the event surpassed expectations, with last-minute bookings driving hotel occupancy to 85 per cent over the final four days, up from the 83 per cent forecast by Aehcos on Ash Wednesday. The hospitality sector also celebrated higher revenues compared to 2024, when poor weather waged out turnout.

Unlike 2024’s rain-soaked processions, 2025 saw near-perfect conditions. This barely impacted bookings, with a strong jump in the final days. Malaga’s airport handled nearly 5,900 flights, 1,200 more than last year, peaking with 535 and 554 operations on Easter Sunday and Monday, respectively. Aehcos reported provincial hotel occupancy rising from 77 per cent early in the week to 82 per cent by Saturday.

Axarquia

Record-breaking tourism

VELEZ-MALAGA had one of its most successful Holy Weeks in recent memory, with thousands of visitors filling the streets, terraces, beaches, and events across the municipality.

According to Jesús Pérez Atencia, deputy mayor and councillor for Tourism, the 2025 edition of Semana Santa has marked ‘a historic moment’ for local tourism.

“We’ve witnessed our streets and venues overflowing, day and night,” he said during a press conference. “The response has been overwhelming: people have contacted me non-stop to say it was one of the best Holy Weeks we’ve ever had.”

The coastal areas of Torre del Mar and Velez-Malaga were buzzing with activity. The throne exhibition along Paseo de Larios attracted nearly 6,000 visitors. The parades by the Spanish Legion and Regulares also captivated large crowds along the seafront and main squares.

Night processions were another draw, attracting spectators from across Spain and beyond.

Mallorca

New summer routes

THE British airline Jet2.com has inaugurated its new routes to Palma, departing from London Luton and Bournemouth airports.

Jet2.com’s route from the English capital to Mallorca will offer around 40,000 inbound seats thanks to six weekly flights, while flights from Bournemouth to Palma Airport will total approximately 22,000 seats, with four flights per week, the airline stated in a press release.

These two new routes form part of Jet2.com’s summer offering to Palma, which will reach a total of 850,000 inbound seats - 10 per cent more than the previous summer.

To mark the occasion, the first passengers arriving from the UK on these new routes were welcomed in Palma with a special reception and a themed cake.

The airline had already announced it would increase its seat capacity to the Balearic Islands by 9 per cent for this summer season.

Costa Blanca North Flavours and traditions

AN unforgettable experience awaits those who attend this vibrant and highly traditional festival. The Mercat Gastronomic i Tradicional will take place between April 26 and 27. It is the perfect way to continue the festivities after the Easter celebrations. With 50 stalls displaying their wares and carrying out enlightening demonstrations, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and perhaps learn something new.

Ever wondered about the wool-making process, from shearing the sheep to producing some cosy socks? Or how about the ancient art of iron forging, where skilled blacksmiths transform metal with heat, force and expert hammering? Perhaps you fancy learning to cook traditional recipes such as ‘arros ambs fesols I naps’ (a traditional Valencian stew)? Or how about seeing the incredible human towers ‘castells’?

There will also be musical acts, parades, and a special performance from La Gran Babylon.

Almeria A busy Easter

MOJACAR welcomed one of its busiest Easter weeks in years, confirming its place as a top destination on the Mediterranean. Hotels across the town reported occupancy rates of 90 per cent to 100 per cent on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, with most maintaining strong bookings throughout the week.

A mix of tradition, culture, warm spring weather, and quality tourism once again attracted visitors from across the region and beyond. While many hotels were full, some newer establishments and tourist apartments managed to accommodate last-minute travellers.

The town’s Easter programme, set in the heart of the historic centre, featured a range of cultural and religious events. The Holy Thursday and Good Friday processions, which began at Santa María Church and passed through Mojacar’s most iconic streets, were the emotional highlights of the week. With temperatures reaching 22 to 25 degrees and no rain, visitors were able to enjoy both the festivities and time outdoors on the beach.

Costa Calida

Holiday crowds

CARTAGENA had one of its busiest Easter weeks ever, with thousands of tourists arriving by sea. The city welcomed a record number of cruise passengers this year, with 13 ships docking during the holiday period.

The biggest day was April 16, when five cruise ships arrived at once, bringing 9,000 visitors to the city. Over the full week, around 17,000 cruise passengers docked in Cartagena Port. Good Friday saw three more cruise ships, with two on Holy Saturday and one more on Easter Sunday.

The Easter celebrations started with a double cruise arrival on the Friday of Sorrows, which also marked the feast day of Cartagena’s patron saint. That day, more than 4,000 people visited local museums, including the Roman Theatre, with 1,500 of those visitors coming from other countries. Cruise passengers were drawn in by the city’s famous Easter processions, which are recognised as an event of international tourist interest.

PETS

Does your pet need a pet-sitter playmate?

NUKKA is a friendly labradoodle, she’s eight years old now but still plays like a puppy. She particularly likes pet-sitters who come to her home, and stay to play with her while her owners are away. Could you play with pets like Nukka keeping them safe and happy in their own home? Do you have a pet like Nukka who needs care while you travel away from home?

HouseSitMatch saves you money

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

HouseSitMatch is safe - All members are checked

All members are checked for safety, and you choose which 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 from the applicants.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.8 / 5 Excellent

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

HouseSitMatch’s professional approach and secure platform allowed me to have confidence in the people who applied to look after my dog.

All sitters are checked and referenced before they can approach available ‘sits’, so I found it easy to select the person based on their likelihood of getting on with my pet and our home location.

Teresa, pet owner

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

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

Keeping track

GPS tracking devices for pets are becoming increasingly popular, offering owners peace of mind by pinpointing their furry friend’s location in real time. Especially helpful for dogs with a taste for adventure or cats who like to roam, these devices can be li- fesavers if a pet

is the instant access to your pet’s whereabouts via a smartphone app. Some models also monitor activity levels, offering insights into your pet’s daily exercise. For those living in rural areas or near busy roads, the extra layer of safety is a strong plus. However, there are a few downsides. GPS trackers require regular charging, and not all are waterproof or suitable for smaller animals. Some services also involve monthly subscription fees, which can add up over time. While not a replacement for microchipping, a GPS tracker can be a helpful addition, offering reassurance and a greater sense of connection to your pet’s daily wanderings.

Nukka, loves playing ball. Guess how the pet-sitters pass time in her house…

AIR CONDITONING

BALUSTRADES

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

BLINDS

BLINDS

ELECTRICIAN

GRILLS

PAINTERS & DECORATORS

STORAGE

WATER LEAK DETECTION

BUILDING SERVICES

J & J PAINTERS. Insideoutside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (311284)

BUY & SELL

PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

OVER 400 DVDs for sale. As new. €300 ONO. 0044 7971 459588 (WhatsApp) (305596) FOR SALE WASGIJ/JIGSAWS

Several Wasgij 1,000 piece. Very good condition €9 each or 10 for €80. For further details call 699 307 503 or email dopetaz@htomail.com Albatera (312548)

CHARITY

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life - damaging everything that is important to you. English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca.org (93323)

CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_campello@ hotmail.com (95475)

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR

Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)

CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH Tel: 950 617 549 www. givinglight.com.(10006)

FREEMASONRY Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various Lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact  sec@ glpvalencia.com Tel 600 841 064 (95477)

HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). We are online at www.helpvegabaja.com and also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@helpvegabaja. com. We also have a 24-hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA Calle Beniajan 16, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday morning Services at 11.00am From 2nd March, 10.30am. All nationalities welcome - Contact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273. For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www. icatorrevieja.org (95476)

LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, English-speaking church. For more information, including details of our services, see our website www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org (10005)

PHILIP SCOTT LODGE No 10671 of the RAOB. Please call the secretary, Colin Bird on 693 287 614 for further information. (95459)

PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information, www. pilarchurch.org Reg No: 2009-SG/A (95463)

ROYAL Air Force Association Costa Blanca Registered Members Group:  The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG replaces the RAFA Costa Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the Royal Air Force Association and the RMG can be made via the RAFA website  rafa.org. uk Tel:0044 800 018 2361. (238593)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Why not make this year the year you volunteer? See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, then contact us on  676 451 780. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Billy who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at,  http://branches. britishlegion.org.uk/ branches/orihuela-costa covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. Visit our Facebook page Costa Blanca South RBL.  (95457)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran

Alacant & La Marina Branch. For info, contact the branch Secretary at granalacant. secretary@rbl.community

ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION

(Costa Blanca) The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. For further details contact Hon Sec P S Wilkins Tel: 966 194 158 email: inkinspain@ yahoo.co.uk (10004)

THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION TORREVIEJA Branch (RNATB) meets throughout the year on the 1st Wednesday of each and every month at 1700. Currently this is at the Lakeview Bar & Restaurant, Calle Toledo 16, Ciudad Quesada 03170, Alicante. Or contact: The Chairman, Tony Jenkins. Email ChairmanRNATB@Gmail.

com  Mob: +34693866709 or +4470576117222 (What’s App). The Treasurer, Carl Louden. Email carllouden@ msn.com  Mob +34678518202 (What’s App). The Secretary, Steve Hemigfield. Email SecretaryRNATB@gmail. com Mob +34 711011372 (What’s App) (95455)

STROKE ASSOCIATION Spain (formally known as Torrevieja stroke support) Our aim is to help and support stroke survivors and their carers, with rehabilitation, speech therapy, OC therapy and a very active social group. For info please contact 653 588 475 English and 620 907 474 Spanish or email  strokesup portgroup@hotmail.com , website: torreviejastrokesupport.org. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473)

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188. (95461)

THE BAKER Foundation Spiritual Centre Playa Flamenca. Calle Luis Gordillo, 1 Playa Flamenca Alicante 03189. You can join us on Facebook, The Baker Foundation spiritual centre. Or contact Linda Schug Tel. 606 990 665 for more details (95458)

THE PATIENCE LODGE No 2177 of the R.A.O.B Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information. (253807)

THE SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, Benijofar meets at Hamilton’s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178.  We hold a Sunday Sevrice at 11.30am. For further information: www.spiritualistcentre-benijofar. com.  Telephone 711 060 171. Email martindroute66@ hotmail.com. Fiscal G54713789

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

We are a non-profit organisation that supports people and their families with neurological diseases such as; HUNTINGTON’S, ATAXIA, MOTOR NEURONE, MUTTIPLE SCLEROSIS and PARKINSON?.  NEW LOCATION: The club is held at Silverstones Bistro Restaurant. Avenida Romero, Montabello,  (except July and August), the 1st Tuesday of every month from 1pm to 3pm. For more details, contact Marion Smith on 711 008 250, or email: marion.smith@amscb. org.es, or you can find us on Facebook : fb@movers and

shakers  www.amscb.org.es (295976)

ELECTRICIAN

MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (302127)

FOR SALE/WANTED

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel678 716 693 (288662)

GARDEN AND POOLS

FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TO) OR VISIT www.sosinsuranceinspain. com or email tracey@sosin suranceinspain.com (311580)

MASSAGE

MAINTENANCE of community gardens and pools. 600720042. www. cys-gardenblue.com (301852)

BATHROOM & KITCHEN Conversions Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434. (302893)

LANGUAGE TUITION

LEARN Spanish/English with experienced teacher. Individual classes at home/work. Also translator service Doctor/ Police. Andrew 628217813. (301873)

INSURANCE

BENEFICIAL INSURANCE - Car, Home, Travel Life, Business, all insurances covered! Funeral plans start from 2250€, with option of 5 years interest free payments. BEST RATES AND EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. Call or Whatsapp 622 275 561, email info@beneficialinsurancein spain.com or get an online quote www.beneficialinsuran ceinspain.com (311579)

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU

FRENCH, ELÉGANTE, slim, Sophie, 3 languages spoken. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (303965)

MAGIC TOUCH, French, speaks 3 languages, professional masseuse, tantric. Apartment in Villamartin and home visits. Tel 693 357 526 (305795)

CLASSIC MATURE SPANISH LADY, Playa Flamenca area, private premises, all massage services from 50€. Ana 657 603 495 (311630)

RELAX  and unwind with a 1hr unique massage with Veronica. Shaving or permanent hair removal available. For appointments call 679 292 678 (311667)

MERY polish, relaxing massages, best attention. Dehesa de Campoamor. 672539332 (312596)

MISUKY. ASIEN QUALIFIED MASSEUSSE.the BEST relax.. private Dehesa de Campoamor – Tel 663 088 170 (312596)

ANA massage only outcalls 24 hours massages with happy ending, prostate, linghan, toys, fantasies, BDSM I speak English, French. Tel: 697 207 715 (312593)

QUESADA attractive young lady, warm & friendly, body perfect offers sensual massage & more. 614 742 949 (312853)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MUSIC TUITION

PIANO, Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535

OTHERS

KAMAGRA Gold 100mg, Kamagra Jellies, Super Viagra & Cialis (Weekender) available. Collection or delivery. Roy - 613 584 915

EDS?  We have the solution, Kam agra pills & jells, Cialis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs. Available by mail-order. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

PAPERWORK SERVICES

Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709)

P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www.pepaspain.com

SITUATIONS VACANT

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

MOTORHOMES

MOTORHOME / Campervan wanted. Left or right hand drive. Cash waiting for right van. Tlf 650 722 905

DRIVING Licence Exchange + Vehicle Transfer Service. No trip to tráfico, registered DGT representative. Orihuela Costa and Surrounding Area 691 961 315 victoria.scott1985@gmail. com (311361)

PET CHARITY

EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE

CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorsecare.net www. easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706)

GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, de-wormed, de-flead. volunteers to

SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting rehoming. Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www. spama-safor.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)

PLUMBERS

MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (302127)

POOL MAINTENANCE

POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 865 758 056 / 676 945 360 www. pooltechspain.com

PROPERTY FOR RENT FOR RENT WITH OPTION TO BUY. NEW 4 bed 2 bath villa on 5 fenced acres in Sax. Studio flat attached 1 bed/1 bath. Huge pool. 4 car garage. Off grid.  2500€ per month. 747 438 225. (312839)

WANTED semi-retired person, ideally from a marketing background to work two or three hours a day Leaflet Distributing and Prospecting for family Home Improvement Business. Established for more than 30 years on the Costa Blanca. Basic rate plus commission and expenses. Permanent Position and Contract after trial period. Please contact Linda Roberts with your CV. Email: admin@noneedtopaint.com

SPAS AND JACUZZIS

WANTED

Driverless test bus Fined for long drive

A LORRY driver traveling from Belgium to Morocco was recently intercepted by the Guardia Civil in Cadiz after reportedly driving non-stop for more than 20 hours. The journey spanned approximately 1,500 kilometres without a break, prompting concerns over road safety.

The infraction was discovered through the vehicle’s tachograph, a device legally required in commercial transport vehicles to monitor driving hours, distances, and rest periods. Authorities issued a total fine of €4,501 - including €4,001 for violating European Transport Regulation and €500 for a breach of the General Traffic Regulation. In addition to the financial penalties, the driver lost six points from their driving licence, and the ve-

Credit: Shutterstock / Maksim Safaniuk

hicle was immobilised on the spot.

Tachographs play a critical role in maintaining road safety by ensuring that drivers comply with legally mandated rest times. Any tampering or manipulation of these devices is considered a serious offence in Spain, with potential fines reaching up to €20,000 due to the risks it poses to both traffic safety and labour fairness.

Spanish regulations

impose varying sanctions for exceeding permitted driving times. Minor infractions may lead to fines of up to €200, while more severe cases can result in penalties as high as €4,600, along with possible licence suspensions. This case highlights the importance of respecting regulated driving and rest periods, both for the safety of all road users and for compliance with transportation laws.

A SMALL electric bus with no driver at the wheel is now cruising the streets of Barcelona. Renault has begun testing its new autonomous minibus along a 2.2-kilometre city loop, offering free rides to passengers on four central stops - including the iconic Passeig de Gràcia.

The vehicle, developed with Chinese tech firm WeRide, controls its own acceleration, braking and lane positioning using advanced sensors and AI software. It’s fully electric, surprisingly quiet, and glides gently through the city - turning heads wherever it goes.

“We passed a regular diesel bus and I just thought, ‘That’s the past - I’m in the future’,” said 18-year-old Pau Cugat, one of the first to hop on board.

Barcelona joins the

race for autonomous transit

This is the vehicle’s first real-world test in an urban setting, following earlier demos at the French Open and in Valence, France. Renault is also trialling it at Zurich airport.

While the route is limited for now, it marks a big step in Europe’s push towards driverless public transport.

The bus operates

slowly for safety, with real-time scanning to detect traffic and pedestrians - no human backup needed.

City officials say the test is part of a broader goal to explore smarter, greener transport solutions.

Autonomous buses won’t replace traditional routes just yet, but if all goes well, they could become a familiar sight on Europe’s roads.

Rain rage

MOTORISTS warned as DGT cracks down on rainy day driving sins. A rainy day behind the wheel could leave you drenched… in fines. Here’s what you need to know:

If your windscreen is smeared, streaked, or fogged up to the point it affects your view of the road, the DGT can hit you with an €80 fine. That includes worn-out wipers, which, if found in poor condition, are also punishable. Think it’s funny to fly through a puddle and soak an unsuspecting pedestrian?

According to Article 46 of the General Traffic Regulations, drivers must reduce speed if there’s a risk of splashing water or gravel onto others. Fail to show restraint and you could be fined up to €200. If it’s pouring down, the DGT recommends switching on your vehicle’s lights as soon as it starts raining. And if visibility takes a nosedive, use fog lights.

Renault’s driverless minibus is currently being tested on real roads in central Barcelona.

The vehicle was immobilised on the spot.

Redefining the Golden Age of British Sports Cars

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

MARKING 70 years since the debut of MG’s most aerodynamically advanced model, the MGA Factory Edition is Frontline Cars’ lightest and most refined restomod yet. The company says it stays true to the spirit of the original while delivering a modern driving experience, and made its debut at the recent 82nd Goodwood Members’ Meeting.

Weighing just 815 kg, each MGA Factory Edition is powered by a choice of naturally aspirated Duratec engines: a 2.0-litre unit producing 225 bhp or an optional 2.5-litre variant delivering 290 bhp. Each MGA Factory Edition is equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Extending its knowledge and expertise to the MGA, the new Factory Edition’s chassis has been developed entirely in-house. It comes with a limited-slip differential and the classic fly-off handbrake, a nod to the original, has been seamlessly integrated with modern braking technolo-

gy. Adjustable electronic power steering adds everyday usability without compromising feel, too.

While the modern drivetrain and engineering features are at the heart, the MGA Factory Edition is faithful in appearance while featuring subtle, contemporary enhancements that distinguish it from its Fifties predecessor. Thoughtful exterior touches include crystal-clear LED headlights, which eliminate the traditional sidelights for a cleaner, more modern front fascia. Each lamp is etched with a bespoke Frontline

logo, serving as a discreet signature of its bespoke, handcrafted origin. There’s also a Frontline badge on the bonnet, a first for the brand in its 30+-year history, to identify the MGA.

Available in both roadster and coupé form, every Frontline Cars MGA Factory Edition is built from a fully restored body, ensuring each car is finished to the highest standard. Using its customer configuration room, which is at the heart of Frontline’s Abingdon-based HQ (or remote meetings can be arranged), which sits alongside the

tomise every aspect of their dream MGA. The possibilities in paint hues, finish and interior materials are endless, creating an experience akin to selecting a hand-made suit in Savile Row.

Following its Goodwood Members’ Meeting debut the MGA Factory Edition will enter full production at Frontline’s Oxfordshire headquarters in the UK. Optimised for the company’s growing international audience, particularly in the USA and Australia - two regions where the original MGA was most celebrated - both right- and left-hand drive builds are now available to order. First customer deliveries are expected from summer 2026. Frontline Cars was founded in 1991 with a remit to enhance the driving experience of classic MG cars and is based in Oxfordshire in the UK.

Roland Garros plans tribute for Rafael Nadal

TENNIS legend Rafael Nadal will receive a tribute at this year’s Roland Garros on Sunday May 25.

Nadal, one of the most celebrated Spanish athletes in history, retired in 2024 after a career spanning more than two decades. He will see his career celebrated at the inaugural day of French Open Roland Garros, in a ceremony commemorating his dominance of the famous clay court. He will also feature in an exhibition displayed at the tournament’s offi museum.

The Mallorca-born player holds the record for the most French Open titles, with 14 trophies under his belt. Across his career, he has won 22 Grand Slam titles, making him one of the most successful players in tennis history. His last appearance on the iconic French court took place in 2024 when he was eliminated in the first round.

Roland Garros officials have revealed that this tribute was planned for last year’s edition, but it was not confirmed that Nadal would retire, as he eventually confir-

“Rafa has left his mark on the history of the French Open in so many ways, that’s why a tribute ceremony will be held in his honour,” Roland Garros director Amélie Mauresmo said.

“We want the tribute to be special, exceptional. We want it to be a surprise for everyone.”

Credits: El Confidencial

Nadal with one of his 14 Roland Garros trophies.