D.L. MU 74-2025 - ISSN 3045-6703
Costa Cálida I No. 2146 I 20 - 26 August 2026 I FREE Newspaper
Pop in paradise THE Cabo de Pop festival recently closed out its ninth edition after two incredible days of indie artist performances, nautical and water sports activities, and environmental initiatives, uniting nearly 7,000 people in the coastal area of Cabo de Palos. The festival is already looking ahead to its 10th anniversary, taking place in 2027, and audiences left wanting more but satisfied after another successful year. During the two days of the festival, residents and visitors in Cabo de Palos participated in concerts performed by emerging and popular independent artists, taking place near the idyllic and famed Cabo de Palos lighthou-
Photo Credit: Cartagena City Hall
Cabo de Pop festival unites nearly 7,000 in Cabo de Palos
Cabo de Pop festival blended indie music, sports, and sustainability.
se. Some of the highlight performers included Mujeres, El Último Vecino, El Diablo de Shanghai, KU!, La 126, Los Chivatos, Mare Carrier, Estela Gris, the Cucaña and Desaparezca. These concerts
transformed the cliffside into a memorable, open-air stage for fans of various music genres. In addition to the concerts, visitors also participated in guided sessions of fun-fi-
lled, water-based activities, including scuba diving and snorkelling in the cool Mediterranean sea. Other visitors joined guided coastal routes, including paddle surfing and kayaking routes through the privileged scenic areas of Cabo de Palos’ shoreline. But the beloved festival’s offerings did not end there. During these two days in August, a programme of family-friendly, environmental activities also took place, aiming to take advantage of the beautiful areas in Cabo de Palos while also promoting knowledge and respect for its natural heritage, all wrapped in a fun package of music, community, and sporting activities.
Sight solidarity THANKS to an ongoing solidarity campaign in Murcia, 227 pairs of prescription glasses and sunglasses collected from local residents are heading to Senegal this September to restore vision for individuals with limited access to eye care. Glasses that once were lying forgotten in a drawer will now grant clear vision to people in need in the African country. This initiative forms part of the long-running El Milagro de Ver, or ‘The Miracle of Seeing’, project, spearheaded by the Murcian non-profit organisation Azul en Acción, in collaboration with Aguas de Murcia. The journey from a Spanish
Photo Credit: Harpreet Singh / Unsplash
Murcia donations to transform lives in Senegal
Donated glasses from Murcia restore vision for communities in Senegal.
24
home to an African recipient involves careful preparation; before travelling, all collected glasses are sent to the Faculty of Optics and Optometry at the University of Murcia, where students and experts classify, measure, and catalogue each lens into a database. This meticulous work ensures that, when medical teams arrive in M’Bour, Senegal, each recipient is matched with the exact prescription they need. Senegalese people who previously relied solely on hearing their surroundings can suddenly see the faces of loved ones clearly, return to school, or even regain their independence.
Maritime motion Cartagena welcomes more than 22,000 cruise passengers in August THE coastal city of Cartagena is set for a busy weekend, welcoming a major influx of international tourism over a two-week stretch. Beginning in mid-August and until Saturday, August 29, 11 cruise ships are scheduled to dock at the city. Together, these ocean liners will bring a combined 22,500 passengers, bringing lively action to the city at the peak of summertime. The cruise parade officially kicked off with the arrival of Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess, a massive vessel carrying more than 4,600 passengers. The port will also host the luxury vessels Silver Ray and Crystal Serenity on the same day, followed later in the period by simultaneous stops from Cunard’s 3,000-capacity Queen Anne alongside Oceania Cruises’ Allura. Silversea’s Silver Muse will also arrive alongside AIDA Cruises’ Aidastella. The absolute peak of this cruise rush occurs during an intense five-day window between Sunday, August 23, and Thursday, August 27. Seven distinct ships are scheduled to dock in Cartagena, bringing a total of more than 13,800 travelers to the city’s waterfront in less than a week. Other notable vessels making stops include P&O Cruises’ Aurora and Britannia, with the fortnight of visits finally drawing to a close when Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sky brings more than 2,400 passengers into port. Thousands of disembarking passengers will explore rich Roman history, vibrant, charming markets, and mouth-watering waterfront dining, reinforcing the city’s emerging status as one of southeastern Spain’s premier coastal destinations.
2
LOCAL NEWS
20 - 26 August 2026
THE 56th edition of the San Javier International Festival of Theatre, Music and Dance has brought the performing arts back to the streets over the weekend. On Saturday, August 15, the municipality celebrated its jaw-dropping Elipsión show, performed by Cadiz-based company El Carromato. Beginning at 10.00pm at the Yacht Club in Santiago de la Ribera, the free event was a stunning array of large, luminous structures, electronic music, and seamless pyrotechnic effects. The impressive event combined these elements to transform the seafront of San Javier into a futuristic stage inhabited by surprising creatures moving among the crowds for about 50 minutes in a mobile parade, before ending at the Barnuevo Esplanade. The immersive electronic music and
Trending tourism Photo Credit: Malaga City Hall
Futuristic festival
euroweeklynews.com
Photo Credit: San Javier Town Hall
Street theatre performance Elipsión wowed audiences at San Javier Festival.
the production value helped to wow audiences, but the main attraction was the large characters, formed by luminous tubes and circular structures as they came alive, moved, and danced to the rhythm of the music. This breathtaking show also told a story of living technology, and proposed a thought-provoking question of whether humans are
prepared to coexist with an intelligence capable of behaving in an increasingly autonomous way. The show was directed and written by Adrián Varo, who is also responsible for the puppet and lighting design. The spectacle combined art, technology, and stagecraft in an experience created specifically to transform public spaces at nighttime.
LOCALS and residents in the Los Alcazares area have a chance to make a positive impact, meet new people, and become part of a kind-hearted group: the non-profit organisation HELP Murcia Mar Menor has announced that they are actively seeking new volunteers to join the
Cartagena promotes its gastronomy and heritage at Malaga Tourism Festival.
THE Costa Calida hotspot city of Cartagena is taking centre stage at the Malaga Tourism Festival, putting its incredible historical monuments, culture, and gastronomy at the forefront. With more than 300 tourism professionals in attendance at the event, the initiative will reinforce the arrival of visitors from Andalucia in the city and strengthen the overall tourism promotion on the Costa Calida. The official reception of the Tourism Festival of the Malaga Fair, held at the Municipal-San Miguel Pavilion, brought together more than 300 institutional representatives and professionals linked to the tourism sector. There, representatives from Cartagena showcased some of the city’s main attractions. A major highlight was its mouth-watering
gastronomy, in the form of marinera, a classic tapas favourite consisting of Russian salad served on a crispy bread ring topped with an anchovy, and caldero, a rich, traditional rice dish prepared with fresh fish from the Mar Menor. These are two of the most representative and emblematic dishes of Cartagena and its surrounding areas. According to surveys conducted by the Cartagena Councillor for Tourism, Beatriz Sánchez, some 60 per cent of tourists consider gastronomy when making their travel decisions, meaning it is one of the key reasons people visit Cartagena. The historical and archaeological heritage are other main reasons people visit the city, as well as the breathtaking coastline, festivals, and vibrant cultural offerings available.
Helping hands long-standing charity, inviting enthusiastic and passionate people in the area to help its dedicated team across a variety of roles. To be specific, the organisation is currently see-
king volunteers in three areas. Those who are wellorganised and enjoy administrative tasks can assist in the local Los Alcazares office by handling phone enquiries, filing, and data entry to keep operations running smoothly behind the scenes. For those who prefer meeting people and working in a more social environment, the San Javier outlet shop needs friendly helpers to serve customers, price items, and sort
through incoming donations. Finally, the charity is looking for van drivers with a valid driving licence to handle the collection and delivery of donated goods and store purchases. As HELP Murcia Mar Menor approaches its 25th anniversary in 2027, volunteer support is needed more than ever to ensure its vital community work continues to thrive. Those who want to lend a hand can reach the team by emailing helpmmm@ gmail.com, or visiting their official website at help murciamarmenor.es. Photo Credit: HELP Murcia Mar Menor
Local charity seeks volunteers for office, outlet, and driving roles.
NEWS
20 - 26 August 2026
Wilfire awareness SPAIN ISSUES ADVICE
3
Incoming number change Cold callers get labelled
Credit: Bomberos
Credit: Lazy_Bear / Shutterstock
euroweeklynews.com
From October, Spain’s sales calls will carry a number that cannot be rung back.
Wildfire near Valencia.
A SERIES of recent wildfires across Spain has rocked local communities and prompted concern among nearby residents and holidaymakers. While much of the country remains unaffected and open for the summer season, all are advised to stay vigilant, especially during peak fire season. Official advice from local governments emphasises vigilance. Anyone spotting smoke or flames should contact the 112 emergency line immediate-
ly with accurate location details. If a fire approaches, individuals should move towards clear ground with minimal vegetation, heading downhill and against the wind. Already-burned patches of land offer safe temporary refuge. Drivers encountering smoke should shut windows, turn on headlights, and turn back; vehicles should only be abandoned if flames force the decision. To protect accommodation, occupants must seal windows, doors, and
shutters, blocking gaps with damp towels. Gas supplies should be turned off, and baths filled with water. If an evacuation order is given by local authorities, residents must leave instantly via designated safe routes, carrying only essential items such as passports, medication, and phone chargers. Monitor daily fire-risk updates from Spain’s weather agency, AEMET, maintain a full fuel tank, and prepare a small bag with critical supplies.
SALES calls in Spain are about to start announcing themselves. From Saturday October 17, any company ringing to sell something must do it from a nine-digit number beginning 400, and operators have to block commercial calls made from any other number. The logic is simple. A number that starts with the same three digits every time can be recognised at a glance, and phone companies are allowed to offer customers the option of switching off the whole range in one go. There is a catch. Numbers in the 400 range only make calls, they cannot receive them, so a missed one cannot be rung back. The association representing Spain’s contact centre industry has taken the rule to the Audiencia Nacional over exactly that, warning that a customer could miss a call about a suspicious bank transaction or a hospital appointment and have no way of returning it. The court has admitted the case but has not suspended the measure. Not every caller is covered though. The obligation applies to essential service providers and firms with more than 250 employees or €50 million in turnover, so smaller operations and charities stay on ordinary numbers.
Credit: Me dia - Shutterstock
Changing habits DEPOSIT SCHEME BEGINS SPAIN launched a nationwide drinks container deposit scheme on Wednesday, August 12, adding a 10-cent refundable charge to single-use bottles and cans. Known as the SDDR, the initiative aims to boost recycling by encouraging consumers to return empty drinks packaging to authorised collection points to recover their deposit. However, assigning monetary value to everyday waste could alter public behaviour in urban areas, nightspots and coastal resorts. Similar schemes in Germany and Ireland demonstrate that small deposit values reduce litter while creating informal collection economies. In Germany, citizens routinely gather discarded containers from public spaces or leave them beside public bins for others to collect. Meanwhile, Ireland recorded a near-50
per cent reduction in drinks container litter within its first year, supported by schools and community organisations collecting empties for fundraising. Local councils may also witness reduced volumes of recyclable material in municipal rubbish bins as individuals and groups collect containers before council refuse lorries arrive. For automated return machines to issue refunds, returned packaging must remain undamaged with legible barcodes, meaning heavily crushed cans will lose their value. Ultimately, the system transforms abandoned packaging from environmental waste into accessible currency, altering how residents and tourists manage everyday rubbish across Spanish towns and beaches.
Things that the everyday folks leave behind.
euroweeklynews.com The information on this page is intended for general guidance only, and should not be considered legal advice.
4
20 - 26 August 2026
LOCAL NEWS
Murcia red flag fines
euroweeklynews.com
Credit: josefkubes / Shutterstock
Photo Credit: Los Alcazares Town Hall
Los Alcazares hosts Sardine Day with parades, food, and music.
A TOTAL of 22 people had to be rescued from Murcia’s La Manga and Cabo de Palos beaches on Sunday, August 16, after several ignored red flags warning of dangerous currents, with some bathers refusing to leave the water until Local
Ignoring a red flag on a Spanish beach can prove a costly mistake.
Police were called in. Cartagena’s Protección Civil, the local civil protection emergency service, pulled 17 swimmers from Galua and Entremares beaches, at distances of up to 60 Dep. MU 74-2025 - ISSN 3045-6703
+34 951 38 61 61
euroweeklynews.com
sales@euroweeklynews.com info@euroweeklynews.com editorial@euroweeklynews.com distribution@euroweeklynews.com Printed at Localprint: C/Manuel de Falla 16 03203 ELCHE Parque Empresarial - ALICANTE - SPAIN
The EWN does not accept responsibility for the following: Claims actions and promises made by advertisers; Errors in advertisements reproduced frotm poor quality artwork or inadequate instructions for text layout or for any loss or damage caused by any error; Inaccuracy or non-appearance of any advertisement; More than ONE INCORRECT insertion. No republication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement, errors and omissions excepted. EWN Media Group no part of this newspaper may be reproduced without written permission from the publishers. All rights reserved / Todos los Derechos reservados.
Affiliated to
metres from the shore and involving people as young as nine. Five more, all on paddle boards, had drifted around 300 metres out at Cala del Barco and Cala Reona that needed a rescue boat sent to bring them in. Under Cartagena’s beach rules, swimming in a marked red flag zone is classed as a serious offence carrying a hefty fine of up to €1,500. Councillor Álvaro Valdés said a moment of recklessness can end in tragedy, adding that lifeguards’ safety cannot be put at risk to protect bathers who ignore the warnings.
Sardine celebration THE coastal town of Los Alcazares is set to come alive with joy, tradition, and community spirit on Saturday, August 22, with the official closing event of the 54th International Week of the Orchard and the Sea. The municipality will host the highly anticipated Sardine Day, a celebration that coincides with the incredible 175th anniversary of the Burial of the Sardine, one of the most iconic cultural celebrations in the Region of Murcia. Celebrations will begin at 11.45am along the seafront promenade with lively entertainment and DJ sets. Shortly afterwards, at 12.30pm, attendees can experience the headline addition to this year’s roster: the First Annual Popular Sardine Feast, a free community event that will offer complimentary grilled sardines alongside brass
bands and family-friendly activities. The feast is meant to honour the rich traditional history of the festival while giving locals and tourists a true taste of local identity. Festival participants will also visit the El Palmeral and Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles senior homes in the afternoon, bringing music, joy, and festivities to elderly residents who cannot attend the main procession. As night falls, the festivities are set to reach their peak at 8.30pm with the grand Sardine Parade. Departing from Plaza del Espejo, the quirky and colourful spectacle will wind along the seafront promenade toward Plaza Manuel Floreal Menárguez, culminating at the municipal Sardine Space.
euroweeklynews.com
LOCAL NEWS
20 - 26 August 2026
5
Fundraising fight Community camaraderie
Photo Credit: San Pedro del Pinatar Town Hall
PUERTO DE MAZARRON blenPhoto Credit: Nemesia Production / Unsplash ded high-impact combat sports with community solidarity on Saturday, August 15, as it hosted the Kick Boxing por la Vida (Kick Boxing for Life) charity gala. Held at the Varadero del Muelle in the fishing port, the event brought together athletes, spectators, and local organisations to raise funds and awareness for the ongoing fight against cancer. Organised by TitansFit Fight Charity kickboxing gala raises vital funds for Events and AEMMA in collabolocal cancer support. ration with the Mazarron Town Hall, the action kicked off at 8.00pm, the seaside atmosphere. featuring a packed sporting programme While the matches provided boxing of kickboxing, K-1, and mixed martial fans their fix of excitement and athletic arts, or MMA, matches. The ring showskill, the core purpose of the evening cased a blend of home-grown talent remained firmly focused on supporting from Mazarron competing alongside incancer patients and their families. vited fighters from across the nation. All proceeds from ticket sales and The evening was designed as an all-enother proceeds from the event went dicompassing community festival, not rectly toward supporting local efforts only appealing to sports fans. The venue and organisations, including local hosted live musical performances, DJ nonprofit Alas de Esperanza, which sets, and various entertainment options provides essential care, companionship, tailored for families, combat sports enand guidance to individuals navigating thusiasts, and summer visitors enjoying cancer diagnoses.
Banishing biomass LOCAL neighbourhood associations from Los Nietos and Islas Menores have rewarded an initiative that has cleared the shoreline of the Mar Menor, removing thousands of tonnes of biomass from the area. The associations have officially recognised the work of the brigades in charge of this mass clean-up project, which required 80 personnel per day. The initiative was carried out by the Plant Biomass Removal and Marine Area Cleaning Service of the Mar Menor, and has already removed the equivalent of 75 per cent of all the biomass collected during the previous year. Additionally, since the beginning of 2026, the cleaning service has removed an incredible 6,625 tonnes of biomass. The neighbourhood associations officially recognised these efforts during the patron saint festivities of both towns, highlighting the performance of
the units both in coastal areas and in the rest of the southern part of the lagoon. They praised the “magnificent work” of the clean-up crews, as well as their commitment, dedication and willingness to collaborate for the benefit of the residents and the fa-
med saltwater lagoon. This project works across the entire lagoon, its banks, the inland islands and the surrounding natural areas, encompassing the municipalities of Cartagena, San Javier, San Pedro del Pinatar, Los Alcazares and Torre Pacheco.
Neighbouring coastal communities united to celebrate San Roque patron festivities.
THE coastal hamlet of El Mojon, located on the border between San Pedro del Pinatar and Pilar de la Horadada, recently celebrated the feast of its patron saint, San Roque. The annual gathering, which took place on Sunday, August 16, brought together residents and visitors from both the Region of Murcia and the province of Alicante in a vibrant display of tradition, devotion, and community camaraderie. One of the main draws of the event was the merging of both communities from San Pedro del Pinatar and Pilar de la Horadada. It was a wonderful opportunity for neighbours and visitors to mingle with people from nearby towns, socialise, and share in community spirit.
The feast day served as the grand finale to an extensive multi-day festival programme. Throughout the week, El Mojon hosted a diverse selection of leisure and sporting events, including a football tournament, a bustling maritime market, ping-pong championships, dance performances, and an open-air cinema. Younger attendees enjoyed children’s activities, water games, interactive workshops, and a foam party to combat the August heat. Music also played a central role in the summer celebrations. The lineup featured a tribute performance of Vivo por Ella, a lively Ibiza-themed party, and an evening of authentic flamenco with live sets from Al Relente and Di Flamenco Fusión.
6
LOCAL NEWS
20 - 26 August 2026
Sal celebration Photo Credit: Sal de Música Festival / Facebook
euroweeklynews.com
Litter liberators Photo Credit: Region of Murcia
Sal de Música festival celebrated Spanish pop-rock with iconic performers.
SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR was transported back to the legendary golden era of Spanish pop-rock as the fifth edition of the Sal de Música festival officially drew to a close. From its explosive inauguration on Saturday, August 1 until its closing ceremony on Sunday, August 16, the festival delivered a celebration of national music that offered thousands of attendees a unique cultural experience packed with nostalgia, energy, and timeless hits. One of the highlight nights of this emblematic
festival brought three iconic powerhouses, Duncan Dhu, Los Rebeldes, and Nacha Pop, together on a single stage. Each of these performers represented distinct styles of Spanish rock, rockabilly, and new wave, and these veteran bands proved that their catalogue of classic and timeless anthems remains a vibrant part of the nation’s collective soundtrack. The momentum continued as the lineup moved towards top-tier contemporary pop. Celebrated artist Leire Martínez cap-
tivated fans with a striking vocal performance, while local favourites Maldita Nerea brought the crowd to their feet. On the final evening of the festival, Sevillian singer-songwriter Marta Santos took to the stage to bring this landmark edition to a triumphant finish. Her soulful melodies and intimate stage presence provided the perfect closing act, capping off a weekend dedicated to honouring both legendary musical trailblazers and modern smash-hit artists.
RESIDENTS in the Region of Murcia have, once again, demonstrated their commitment to environmental conservation through the incredible 10th edition of the national campaign ‘1m² contra la basuraleza’ (1m² Against Trashure). In the Region of Murcia, a total of 456 Murcia volunteers removed more than a tonne of volunteers joined forwaste from natural areas. ces across 33 different collection points in beaches, rivers, mountains, and Using the ‘Basuraleza’ mobile protected natural areas in the re- application, volunteers categorised gion to clean up and fight against more than 1,100 collected items to the ‘Trashure’, a portmanteau of contribute to the national Barómetrash and nature that has come tro de la Basuraleza, or ‘Trashure to define overly polluted areas in Barometer’. This tool provides enviSpain. ronmental researchers with crucial Their collective effort resulted in data on the types of waste polluting the removal of 1.1 tonnes of abando- natural habitats. ned waste from valuable natural siMurcia’s contribution showcases tes, including the El Valle y Carras- a growing citizen dedication to keecoy Regional Park, the Segura River ping natural spaces in the region near Beniel, and the Las Amolade- clean, beautiful, healthy, and resiras beach in Cartagena. lient.
8
20 - 26 August 2026
SPANISH NEWS
Trapped by Google Maps
Earthquake strikes Credit: @luzarcsan
A SPANISH village has put up a sign accusing Google Maps of getting its own streets wrong, after cars and lorries kept getting stuck trying to follow the app into its historic centre. Santa Pau, in Girona province, has repeatedly asked Google to fix the route, which sends drivers along an alley that narrows so much some can’t even open their car doors. “The drivers would throw themselves into a well if Google Maps told them to,” said Mayor Cris Capó. The village is not alone though. In Etulain, Navarra, lorries have been diverted off a main road so often that a crane once had to free a stuck fruit lorry, closing the street for 24 hours. Correcting the routes is possible through a free Google scheme for councils, but small town halls
Credit: Laborant / Shutterstock
euroweeklynews.com
Granada shaken by several large quakes.
A car squeezes through a narrow Spanish village street, the kind Google Maps keeps routing drivers into.
say they lack the technical staff to use it. Girona city did manage it once after Google kept sending tourists through its pedestrianised old
quarter, while Cataluña’s traffic authority has also become a Google partner this year to fix dangerous reroutes reported by councils.
GRANADA PROVINCE residents felt walls and ceilings shake for several seconds on Tuesday, August 18, when a powerful earthquake struck the city’s metropolitan area. Spain’s National Geographic Institute recorded the tremor at 10.37am local time with a provisional magnitude of 4.8 and an epicentre in Gojar. It is the strongest event since a seismic sequence began on Friday, August 14. Quick aftershocks followed, including a magnitude 4 tremor at 10.53am and a magnitude 4.2 at 11.34am. Emergency services received around 50 calls following the main shock. Building facades cracked, awnings collapsed, and vehicles suffered damage across the region. Regional emergencies minister Antonio Sanz confirmed
three people suffered light injuries, including a young girl who went to hospital. The emergency plan for seismic risk remains activated at operational level 1. Staff at the Alhambra emptied and closed the Nasrid Palaces and the Alcazaba as a precaution while specialists examine the historic structures. Visits to the Partal and Generalife gardens continue. Provincial authorities also closed administrative buildings, museums, and sports facilities for inspections. Officials urged maximum caution, advising residents to stay clear of balconies and damaged walls. Experts warned that further aftershocks remain possible in the coming days across the Granada region.
Illegal amputations A SICK dog arriving at a veterinary hospital has led investigators to an alleged Spanish network selling dogs after illegal cosmetic ear and tail amputations, with buyers reportedly able to choose how the animals should look. The Guardia Civil operation, named Goscan, has resulted in 14 arrests and another six people being investigated for alleged animal offences, unlawful professional activity and falsification of documents. The investigation began when veterinarians
Photo credit: Guadia Civil. es
The trail led to a breeder in Alicante.
in Caceres examined an Italian mastiff and discovered that its ears and tail had recently been amputated. Its owner produced a certificate claiming the procedures had been legally performed in Russia. Investigators later established that the document was allegedly false. The trail led
to a breeder in Alicante and a much larger alleged operation. According to investigators, customers could agree on the type of ear and tail cuts they wanted for aesthetic reasons. Breeders allegedly supplied videos explaining how to care for the wounds and provided falsified documents to make the procedures appear legal. A veterinarian is also accused of supplying blank passports and documents bearing a signature and stamp, while investigators say the breeder implanted microchips without the required qualification. The network operated in several parts of Spain and exported dogs to Mexico. A total of 20 people have been placed at the disposal of judicial authorities. The case is now before the courts in Novelda, Alicante.
euroweeklynews.com
Citronella alert Photo credit: Tetyana_Pidkaluyk/Shutterstock
SPANISH NEWS
10 20 - 26 August 2026
Citronella can still be used as part of general mosquito control.
A FAMILIAR summer defence against mosquitoes may be giving people a false sense of security, with Andalucia’s health authorities warning residents that citronella does not provide reliable protection against mosquito bites. The warning comes as West Nile virus continues to circulate in Andalucia, with six human cases confirmed by July 28. All were described as mild.
Virus circulation has also been detected in mosquitoes across 15 municipalities classified as areas on alert, while mosquito numbers are increasing in several locations. Health centres are displaying advice recommending registered topical repellents rather than relying on citronella candles, plants or scented products. The Junta also advises covering exposed skin with light-coloured clothing, reducing standing water around homes and taking extra care around dawn and dusk, when mosquito activity can be higher. Citronella can still be used as part of general mosquito control, but the authorities stress that its smell should not be confused with protection equivalent to an authorised skin repellent. More than 200 mosquito traps are being used across Andalucia as health teams monitor virus circulation. Most people infected with West Nile virus develop no symptoms, but some become ill and a small proportion can suffer serious neurological complications. For people living in or visiting areas with high mosquito activity, the warning is straightforward: don’t assume a citronella candle is protecting exposed skin. Use a registered repellent and take additional steps to reduce bites.
12 20 - 26 August 2026
FEATURE
euroweeklynews.com
FINANCE Nintendo win
THE Japanese gaming giant Nintendo has recorded a profit surge of 53.5 per cent in the second quarter. Strong demand for the Nintendo Switch 2, and the box office success of the Super Mario 2 film helped the company post a €810 million revenue, up from €530 million.
Gold soars
IN late January, gold hit a record high of €4,855.91 per ounce. Gold prices remained high throughout the first quarter, before eventually dropping 28 per cent. However, the start of August again saw gold increase in price, up 8 per cent to €3,789,82 per ounce.
Bankruptcy down
BANKRUPTCY filings in Spain fell for the second consecutive quarter, dropping 11.8 per cent to 14,608 cases, according to the College of Registrars. Individuals accounted for 90 per cent, however, company insolvencies rose 11.6 per cent, highlighting continued pressure on businesses despite falling bankruptcies.
Climate claims
PROPERTY damages caused by extreme weather events have skyrocketed insurance claims. In summer 2025, 8,800 cases were recorded, double 2024’s 4,274 during the same period. 29 per cent of damages were caused by rain, 24 per cent by wind. As climate change worsens, weather-related claims are expected to rise.
EasyJet sold
BUDGET airline EasyJet has agreed to a £5.7 billion deal from private equity firm Apollo. Castlelake was the first to propose a take-over offer, but ultimately backed down from the bidding war when Apollo presented a deal it could not match. Apollo will pay shareholders £7.15 per share.
euroweeklynews.com • 20 - 26 August 2026
STAT OF WEEK
1.7 %
The number of new businesses created in Spain increased by 1.7 per cent in June compared to the same month in 2025, according to INE.
Fast food evolution FAST-FOOD chains have been a cornerstone of the restaurant business for decades. A cheap and convenient indulgence that has racked up a European market value of €198.5 billion in 2025, and is estimated to be worth €289.9 billion by 2034. In Europe, the UK has consistently accounted for the largest share of the fast food market, increasing to 26.2 per cent in 2025. Chains like McDonalds, Burger King and KFC have been high-street staples for years, but the UK is now seeing an influx of new US chains like Wendy’s and Wingstop, potentially creating increased competition. Comparatively, Spain takes up a much smaller share of the market. Fast food makes up only 5 per cent of its restaurant sales, although this is growing, driven largely by tourism. Fast-food chains have always benefited from the need for convenience. Long work hours and
Fast-food market grows in Europe.
an endless to do list make ordering a Big Mac meal the easier option over preparing a quality meal at home. This convenience model has been further improved by food delivery apps. According to Statista, digital food delivery sales in Europe reached €45 billion in 2025. Chains themselves have implemented several measures
Heatwave losses THE summer of 2026 is on track to be the warmest on record in the UK. Consistently warm days and repeated heatwaves have taken their toll on daily life. Economic data shows the warm weather has also affected the UK economy, generating losses in the billions. Research by think tank Verdant indicates high temperatures have cost £4.4 billion, with £2.3 billion lost in June alone.
Property investment Credit: Tada Images / Shutterstock
BUSINESS EXTRA
13
Less worker productivity, equipment overheating, and forced closures due to temperatures all impact the bottom line. Estimates by Allianz Insurance suggest for every degree over 30C, workers output an hour declines by 3 per cent. This is unlikely to be the last record-breaking summer. As such, Verdant has called for much needed improvements to urban design to combat the heat.
to improve custom. There has been a notable shift towards “healthier” options following the long-held belief that to eat fast food meant to eat greasy junk food. This is especially true in the European market, with fastfood products adapting their menu to appeal to foreign consumers with different dietary preferences. Credit: Jamie McBean / Shutterstock
Heatwave affects UK economy.
Unions across the UK have also called for change, lobbying the government to adapt the maximum temperatures employees are expected to work in. The effects are being felt nationwide.
Fashion battle
Pension delays
EU grants
CURRENTLY operating 67 stores across Spain, Primark has been a staple of affordable fashion for 20 years. That is until Shein and Temu arrived on the market with their ultra-low prices. In July, however, Primark regained the fast-fashion crown. As of July 1, Shein and Temu sales were affected by the €3 surcharge applied to non-EU shipments. Taking advantage, Primark announced discounts on hundreds of items. Throughout July, textile sales remained stable, increasing by 0.3 per cent.
RULES around retirement are constantly changing. The biggest shift came 15 years ago with the 2011 pension reform which gradually increases the legal retirement age from 65 to 67 by 2027, and extends the contribution period. New research by Fedea, the Foundation for Applied Economic Studies, has analysed how big of an effect this has had on working Spaniards. Their report shows workers are retiring, on average, eight months later. Women’s retirement is postponed by 10 months as they often take time away from work for childcare.
BRUSSELS has approved Spain’s sixth and penultimate payment from the EU’s recovery fund, worth more than €6.23 billion. The package includes nearly €5 billion in grants and €1 billion in loans, bringing Spain’s total funding received to €61 billion in grants and €17 billion in loans. The payment also releases €265 million previously withheld over unmet commitments. However, three milestones remain outstanding, involving bilingual vocational training, telecare services and support for vulnerable groups and small businesses. Spain now has until September to request its final payment, potentially worth around €18 billion in grants and more than €5 billion in loans.
SPAIN’S property investment market is on track for a strong 2026, with €10.5 billion invested during the first half of the year. Cushman & Wakefield expects total investment to reach between €17 billion and €20 billion, well above the €15.4 billion recorded in 2025. Growth is broad, with hospitality and residential leading activity, while offices, logistics and retail are also recovering. Strong interest from both domestic and international investors is supporting the market’s momentum.
Heineken growth HEINEKEN is experiencing a strong 2026 with sales skyrocketing. The Dutchbrewer recorded €17.56 billion in global revenue in the first half of the year, 3.8 per cent higher than during the same period in 2025. Cruzcampo has been a big proponent of its success, with UK sales of the Spanish beer increasing 30 per cent year-on-year. Despite high gains, the company is still pursuing cost saving measures after recently cutting 3,000 roles for planned restructuring.
Electric car supply CHINESE electric vehicle sales in Europe reached a record high in the first five months of 2026, with Chinese brands accounting for 14.2 per cent of battery electric vehicle sales, up from 9.4 per cent. Some 171,800 vehicles were sold, driven by strong demand, competitive prices and lower tariffs. The rise has increased pressure on European manufacturers, while the EU considers further measures to protect its car industry from subsidised Chinese imports.
FINANCE
14 20 - 26 August 2026
euroweeklynews.com
LONDON - FTSE 100
DOW JONES
Closing Prices 17 August
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Closing Prices 17 August
Net
3I Group.....................................2.796,50............2.810,00......... 2.783,00......... 227,61K Admiral Group.............................3.894,0..............3.950,0........... 3.894,0........... 73,37K Airtel Africa................................. 325,80...............332,20............325,60.......... 150,54K Anglo American...........................3.914,0..............3.952,0........... 3.907,0.......... 267,74K Antofagasta................................3.631,00............3.705,73......... 3.628,00......... 143,78K Associated British Foods.............2.024,0..............2.057,0........... 2.024,0........... 53,06K AstraZeneca...............................11.556,0............11.690,0......... 11.546,0......... 475,38K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 536,20...............541,80............534,40.......... 260,53K Aviva........................................... 726,40...............735,89............725,40............1,12M B M European Value Retail.......... 230,00...............233,00............230,00.......... 485,46K BAE Systems..............................2.259,00............2.267,00......... 2.239,00......... 558,06K Barclays...................................... 517,10...............523,60............516,10............3,02M Barratt Redrow............................ 323,00...............326,00............322,15............1,08M Beazley.......................................1.293,00............1.293,50......... 1.292,00.......... 97,85K Berkeley......................................3.578,0..............3.604,0........... 3.518,0............. 4,3K BP............................................... 518,90...............524,20............516,70............4,16M British American Tobacco...........4.183,0..............4.218,7........... 4.173,0.......... 340,62K BT Group.................................... 198,27...............201,50............198,27............1,23M Bunzl...........................................2.744,0..............2.770,0........... 2.738,0........... 46,05K Centrica....................................... 156,45...............156,95............155,60.......... 979,55K Coca Cola HBC AG......................4.544,0..............4.596,0........... 4.538,0............ 86,9K Compass...................................... 31,87.................32,12..............31,65........... 115,08K ConvaTec Group......................... 229,80...............231,00............228,60.......... 469,44K Croda Intl....................................3.220,0..............3.271,0........... 3.220,0............ 59,5K DCC.............................................6.365,0..............6.370,0........... 6.365,0............ 5,07K Diageo.........................................1.739,1..............1.756,0........... 1.730,5.......... 550,08K Diploma.....................................7.361,75............7.415,00......... 7.305,00.......... 32,41K EasyJet........................................ 672,80...............674,40............671,00.......... 724,88K Entain.......................................... 569,20...............572,60............554,00.......... 431,14K Experian......................................2.876,0..............2.889,0........... 2.853,0.............276K F&C Invest.................................. 343,60...............346,40............343,40........... 341,6K Frasers........................................ 805,00...............824,00............799,50........... 11,27K Fresnillo.....................................2.923,00............2.952,03......... 2.908,00.......... 74,14K Glencore...................................... 555,60...............562,60............555,60............4,57M GSK plc......................................1.833,00............1.860,00......... 1.829,00......... 774,11K HALEON...................................... 351,40...............356,20............350,90............3,56M Halma..........................................3.698,0..............3.720,0........... 3.690,0........... 77,14K Hikma Pharma...........................1.637,00............1.652,00......... 1.635,00.......... 48,15K Hiscox........................................1.803,00............1.807,00......... 1.785,00.......... 70,94K Howden Joinery.......................... 808,00...............829,92............808,00........... 191,9K HSBC.........................................1.539,80............1.541,20......... 1.532,40...........2,71M IAG.............................................. 442,90...............446,46............442,60.......... 966,93K ICG PLC.....................................2.052,00............2.070,00......... 2.050,00.......... 49,21K IMI PLC......................................3.084,00............3.102,00......... 3.084,00........... 40,8K Imperial Brands..........................2.594,00............2.614,00......... 2.580,00......... 277,74K Informa....................................... 917,80...............927,00............917,80.......... 123,91K InterContinental........................... 160,1.................160,6..............158,8............ 16,95K Intertek........................................5.840,0..............5.845,0........... 5.840,0........... 53,14K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
J Sainsbury................................. 337,41...............343,40............337,40.......... 927,19K JD Sports Fashion........................ 90,54.................92,22..............90,25.............3,42M Kingfisher.................................... 324,30...............327,40............323,30.......... 252,69K Land Securities........................... 704,00...............715,00............704,00.......... 215,32K Legal & General.......................... 303,66...............305,60............303,20............3,23M Lloyds Banking........................... 115,10...............116,05............114,95...........10,01M London Stock Exchange..............8.546,0..............8.576,0........... 8.492,0........... 100,9K Londonmetric Property............... 192,30...............194,50............192,10............1,68M M&G........................................... 356,80...............358,00............355,50.......... 672,76K Marks & Spencer........................ 376,80...............383,60............376,74............1,06M Melrose Industries...................... 495,62...............496,20............490,20........... 235,4K Mondi.......................................... 874,00...............880,20............869,80........... 74,43K National Grid..............................1.187,00............1.201,00......... 1.186,00......... 550,79K NatWest Group........................... 707,30...............711,00............705,90............1,29M Next...........................................15.150,0............15.315,0......... 15.140,0.......... 10,81K Pearson......................................1.198,00............1.201,50......... 1.190,00.......... 83,94K Pershing Square........................3.963,07............4.000,00......... 3.952,00.......... 35,68K Persimmon.................................1.175,0..............1.192,5........... 1.174,5.......... 364,91K Prudential...................................1.048,50............1.048,50......... 1.032,50......... 662,38K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.030,0..............5.176,0........... 5.030,0.......... 113,23K Relx............................................2.509,00............2.521,00......... 2.494,44......... 295,21K Rentokil....................................... 351,40...............352,40............348,30.......... 796,65K Rightmove.................................. 513,40...............514,20............506,60.......... 354,37K Rio Tinto PLC..............................7.131,0..............7.166,0........... 7.122,0.......... 310,04K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.566,60............1.570,20......... 1.551,00...........1,84M Sage...........................................1.053,50............1.057,50......... 1.044,00......... 150,65K Schroders.................................... 583,0.................583,5..............582,5............ 14,11K Scottish Mortgage......................1.445,00............1.451,50......... 1.441,50......... 356,86K Segro.......................................... 955,60...............962,60............954,00.......... 271,04K Severn Trent...............................3.044,0..............3.108,0........... 3.044,0........... 42,95K Shell............................................3.312,5..............3.327,5........... 3.306,0.......... 488,54K Smith & Nephew........................1.090,50............1.096,50......... 1.088,00......... 230,03K Smiths Group.............................2.619,00............2.630,00......... 2.610,00.......... 52,33K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........6.930,0..............7.040,0........... 6.890,0............ 24,4K SSE............................................2.405,00............2.427,00......... 2.402,00......... 133,42K Standard Chartered....................2.232,00............2.244,00......... 2.227,00...........1,38M Standard Life............................... 923,50...............930,00............922,00.......... 198,57K Taylor Wimpey............................. 85,24.................85,84..............85,14.............2,16M Tesco.......................................... 453,20...............460,10............452,80.......... 775,19K Unilever.......................................4.514,5..............4.561,0........... 4.514,5.......... 325,61K Unite........................................... 524,96...............531,50............524,00........... 82,03K United Utilities............................1.391,00............1.419,00......... 1.390,00......... 286,04K Vistry Group................................ 273,98...............283,20............270,75........... 644,1K Vodafone Group PLC................. 120,418.............121,600..........120,250...........3,54M Weir Group................................2.706,00............2.730,00......... 2.676,00.......... 78,64K Whitbread...................................2.465,0..............2.475,0........... 2.457,0........... 47,06K WPP............................................ 389,36...............397,40............388,50.......... 708,63K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3M.............................................. 182,65...............184,25............181,36............2,64M Amazon.com............................... 262,65...............265,81............262,42...........27,25M American Express....................... 342,48...............345,99............341,69............1,53M Amgen........................................ 415,21...............416,03............410,50............2,04M Apple........................................... 305,93...............307,49............304,30...........28,23M Boeing......................................... 231,67...............233,43............229,88............2,65M Caterpillar.................................... 856,57...............870,99............850,00............1,89M Chevron...................................... 200,00...............201,63............198,36............7,91M Cisco........................................... 111,68...............113,68............110,06...........29,42M Coca-Cola..................................... 87,71.................87,97..............87,20.............9,17M Goldman Sachs..........................1.039,42............1.043,74......... 1.029,58...........1,59M Home Depot................................ 338,86...............340,81............336,01............3,07M Honeywell................................... 233,96...............234,80............232,39............2,69M IBM............................................. 234,32...............239,15............233,73............4,52M J&J............................................. 260,35...............261,71............259,16.............. 5M JPMorgan................................... 362,84...............365,90............361,45............5,06M McDonald’s................................. 272,83...............275,34............271,27............2,74M Merck&Co................................... 135,84...............135,97............133,40............6,87M Microsoft.................................... 495,40...............500,01............493,92...........16,22M Nike.............................................. 40,73.................41,33..............40,71............23,64M NVIDIA........................................ 225,16...............227,49............224,50...........75,68M P&G............................................ 144,55...............144,91............143,42............7,25M Salesforce Inc............................. 196,21...............204,40............195,32............8,66M Sherwin-Williams........................ 359,10...............361,58............356,87............1,12M The Travelers.............................. 370,36...............371,62............368,01............1,22M UnitedHealth............................... 401,73...............403,18............396,56............3,48M Verizon......................................... 48,48.................48,61..............48,19............15,06M Visa A.......................................... 364,15...............366,80............362,76............8,11M Walmart...................................... 115,27...............116,45............114,64...........14,52M Walt Disney................................. 106,85...............107,11............104,91............8,18M M - Million Dollars
NASDAQ
Closing Prices 17 August
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced Wetour Robotics............................................. 127,70 %........................63,04M MDxHealth ADR............................................... 74,89 %........................326,59M Capricor Therapeutics...................................... 57,96 %.........................66,33M CBL International............................................. 55,92 %........................516,04K Harte Hanks..................................................... 53,02 %..........................4,67M VisionWave Holdings....................................... 44,72 %..........................25,3M Eton Pharmaceuticals...................................... 44,26 %..........................2,32M Digital Asset Acquisition.................................. 43,53 %........................114,72K Safe Pro........................................................... 37,72 %..........................7,37M AudioEye.......................................................... 37,52 %........................965,07K Heartflow......................................................... 35,70 %..........................9,91M Apollomics....................................................... 34,72 %.........................47,75K Evolution Metals Tech...................................... 34,07 %..........................3,56M Modular Medical.............................................. 33,16 %.........................176,2K Neonc Technologies Holdings.......................... 31,46 %........................646,95K China SXT Pharma........................................... 31,21 %.........................16,11M CDT Environmental Tech Investment Holdings.30,63 %..........................1,25M MindForge........................................................ 30,00 %..........................3,86M DEFSEC Tech................................................... 29,87 %........................... 27M M - Million Dollars
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Declined Innventure........................................................-55,28 %.........................32,64M Blaize Holdings................................................-49,57 %..........................57,2M Microvision......................................................-40,72 %.........................13,65M CXApp..............................................................-36,97 %..........................43,4M YXT.Com Holding ADR....................................-36,81 %........................460,08K GaxosAI...........................................................-34,13 %.........................10,66M Amplitech.........................................................-33,31 %.........................10,36M OFA..................................................................-33,13 %..........................2,75M Super League Enterpris....................................-32,44 %........................433,26K Dare Bioscience...............................................-32,12 %..........................8,09M Healthcare Triangle..........................................-30,06 %..........................1,72M Dawson Geophysical........................................-29,93 %........................520,87K Generation.......................................................-29,35 %.........................34,92M Rocky Mountain Chocolate..............................-26,06 %..........................2,78M Intellicheck Mobilisa........................................-25,20 %..........................2,59M SoundThinking.................................................-25,03 %.........................876,1K Jianzhi Century Technology ADR.....................-24,90 %........................140,58K Our Bond,........................................................-23,52 %..........................2,01M Veritone...........................................................-22,82 %..........................9,19M M - Million Dollars
FINANCE
euroweeklynews.com
Rip offs
PRIME MINISTER Andy Burnham has announced plans to stop “rip off” business practices. Burnham will take steps to prohibit falsely advertised discounts, and aims to make cancelling a subscription less complicated. Overall, the crackdown is expected to benefit UK consumers by up to £400 million.
EA buyout
ELECTRONIC ARTS, the creator of FIFA and The Sims, recently sold to Saudi Arabia’s wealth fund for €47 billion. Despite being a market leader, EA’s annual revenue stagnated in recent years, generating around €6.5 billion annually. The deal is thought to be one of the largest leveraged buyouts, with significant purchasing funds financed by JPMorgan.
Euribor hits two-year high THE Euribor has climbed almost a full percentage point in a year, and mortgage holders in Spain are paying for it. The index that sets most variable mortgages reached 2.913 per cent on Tuesday, August 11, its highest since September 2024 and close to 3 per cent. A year earlier the monthly average was 2.114 per cent. On a €150,000 loan over 25 years at Euribor plus 1 per cent, an annual
Credit: mehaniq / Shutterstock
BUSINESS EXTRA
20 - 26 August 2026
Variable mortgage payments in Spain are rising again as the Euribor climbs.
Bezos buys into Liverpool THE world’s fourth richest man, Jeff Bezos, is looking to expand his portfolio. The Amazon Founder has invested in a variety of sectors since stepping down as CEO, from aerospace to artificial intelligence. Now he’s eyeing a stake in the prestigious Liverpool Football Club Bezos is reportedly part of a consortium that is in talks to purchase
a 30 per cent stake in the club for £1.4 billion. Liverpool’s current owners, the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) bought the club in 2010 for £300 million, when it was reportedly on the brink of bankruptcy. The club is now valued at £4.5 billion, it’s annual revenue totalling £703 million last year.
revision now lifts the payment from €845.24 to €909.65, a difference of more than €64 a month, or around €773 a year. Loans revised every six months rise by just under €56. The European Central Bank raised its key rates by 25 basis points on Thursday, June 11, the first increase since 2023, pointing to inflationary pressure from the war in the Middle East and higher energy costs. Rates were held on Thursday, July 23, but the Euribor has kept rising because markets expect another increase when it meets again on Thursday, September 10. Anyone facing a revision can renegotiate with their bank, move the loan elsewhere or switch to a fixed rate, though the costs have to be recovered from the saving.
15
Project redirected A £430 MILLION power link between the UK and Ireland has been forcibly diverted, after obsessed Harry Potter fans fumed the cable would disturb a ‘memorial’ to Dobby the House Elf. Instead, the 125-mile cable will be rerouted close to the Bronze Age burial site, far from the fictional character’s grave.
Inditex expands SPANISH retail giant Inditex is expanding its presence in Mexico with the opening of new flagship stores for Zara, Massimo Dutti and Oysho. The openings strengthen its presence in South America, where it already operates across major cities. Inditex now has more than 400 stores and 6,600 employees.
16 20 - 26 August 2026
FEATURE/SPANISH NEWS
euroweeklynews.com
The perks of growing old Ibiza beaches half empty Credit: Martin SC Photo / Shutterstock
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT GROWING old can often get a bad press, but at 87 I have discovered that it also comes with several advantages, apart from waking up every morning and finding that you are still here! First, there is the bus pass. You can travel all over the place for nothing, although by the time you qualify, you may have forgotten where you intended to go! There are free prescriptions too, which is just as well because the older you become, the more medicines people seem determined to give you. Then there is National Insurance. After paying it for most of your working life, you eventually reach an age when they stop taking it from your wages. It is almost worth getting old just to see something disappear from your payslip rather than another mysterious deduction being added. Airports are easier as well. Special assistance is a wonderful thing. So-
mebody collects you in a wheelchair, whisks you through the airport and often takes you straight to the front of the queue. I don’t really look old enough to need a walking stick yet, but I have a feeling that, eventually, one will be extremely useful, not only for walking, but for pointing at things, retrieving objects from under the bed and prodding anybody who gets in my way. There is less to worry about too. When you are young, you worry about what may happen over the next 50 years. At my age, I don’t have 50 years ahead of me, so that cuts the worrying down considerably. Life also becomes safer. Nobody looks at an 87-year-old man in a pub and thinks, ‘I’ll pick a fight with him.’ If they do, I can always pretend I haven’t heard them. I no longer need Grecian 2000. There is no point pretending the grey isn’t there when the eyebrows, ears and every other part of you have joined in. Nor do I have to keep up with fashion. I have spent years wearing tight trousers, elaborate shirts and shoes that looked marvellous but felt like instruments of torture. Now I choose
comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes. If anybody thinks I am unfashionable, they are welcome to suffer on my behalf. I have slowed down on the road too. I no longer get stopped by the police and even regularly waved on at checkpoints, perhaps because they assume I am doing my best. As for being over the limit, those days are behind me. I would rather enjoy a drink, leave the car where it is and let somebody else worry about the journey home. Best of all, age teaches you who your real friends are. The fair-weather ones gradually disappear, leaving the people who genuinely care about you and still laugh at your stories, even when they have heard them several times before. So, getting older isn’t entirely bad. You receive free travel, free prescriptions, comfortable shoes and permission to ignore fashion. And if you forget what you were complaining about, that is another advantage altogether. Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
Ibiza’s beaches have been unusually quiet in peak season.
IBIZA’S beaches were strikingly empty in the second week of August, and the island’s own figures help explain why. A video filmed on Friday, August 7, along Playa d’en Bossa showed clear sand, half-speed beach clubs and sarong sellers outnumbering customers. “It is the first summer it has looked this empty,” the woman filming said. What was on the sand was not sunbathers. She panned across cool boxes, bags and people eating from plastic containers. “The tourist comes, and they are not in a hotel any more, they are staying directly on the beach,” she said. “This is the new tourist of Ibiza.” Ibiza and Formentera received 560,121 tourists in June, 28,000 fewer than a year earlier. Spending curiously went the other way, rising almost 6 per cent to more than €690 million, with spend per person up 11.21 per cent to €1,232.01, the highest in the Balearics. Island tourism director Juan Miguel Costa said higher hotel and flight prices may account for much of that, describing it as “a very flat season.” Restaurant owners also report visitors buying supermarket food rather than eating out.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM
22
20 20 - 26 August 2026
FEATURE
euroweeklynews.com
• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •
Costa del Sol
Costa Blanca South
Samuel cycles the world
Making waves
SAMUEL will set off from Malaga on November 15, to pedal 20,235 kilometres across 20 countries. Over 594 days, the 11-year-old plans to visit 56 animal shelters. At every location, he will film a single dog and share its story online, directing donations straight to that shelter’s official payment link. Samuel will be accompanied by his parents. The family chose standard touring bikes to ensure straightforward repairs and avoid airline battery restrictions, so Samuel cover the entire distance using his own pedal power, averaging 50 kilometres a day. His parents will oversee his education during the 19-month trip. Samuel speaks Dutch, English, and Spanish fluently, allowing him to communicate directly with local shelter staff from Morocco to Turkey. The family is currently gathering gear and seeking supporters to help cover equipment, visa, and living expenses.
GENERATIONS of sailors came together on the Costa Blanca for the 62nd Travesia Cabo Roig-Memorial Fernando Pedrera, combining one of the area’s longest-running sailing traditions with support for an important charity. Nearly 40 boats took part in the event, organised by the Real Club Nautico de Torrevieja, with crews racing from Torrevieja to Cabo Roig. The race dates back even further than the Real Club Nautico de Torrevieja itself. More than six decades after the first event, the annual crossing remains firmly established in the local sailing calendar. This year’s Travesia formed part of three days of activities alongside the first Torneo Las Ramblas Golf & Vela and the 12th Copa Astoria. Importantly, the programme also supported AESPANC, the Spanish Association of Pancreatology, helping to give greater visibility to its work.
Axarquia
Almeria
72-year-old lifeguard
Camino calling
GUILLERMO LACHICA PANDO is 72 years old, but his daily routine puts many younger people to shame. Spain’s oldest lifeguard starts his morning with a 10-kilometre cycle to work in Torrox Costa, followed by a one to two-kilometre swim before beginning a nine-hour shift. Born in Buenos Aires, Guillermo qualified with the Red Cross in 1977 after rigorous training in the South Atlantic. Although trained as an agricultural engineer, his passion always lay with the sea. He later became a yacht captain, tackled Mount Aconcagua, and competed in triathlons. His work requires constant vigilance, walking, and occasional rescues when swimmers encounter trouble. Guillermo regularly updates his maritime safety certificates and rescue qualifications. He remains a registered triathlete, and attributes his longevity to daily exercise, adequate rest, and avoiding junk food. Guillermo has no immediate plans for retirement, choosing instead to remain on duty.
SHAUN GARNER, best known as a member of the Spanish Property Choice team and a Sun Sea & Selling Houses favourite, will be embarking on an incredible cross-country challenge this September, walking over 100 kilometres along the Camino de Santiago. Shaun will be joined by his best friend Emily as they walk the length of Northern Spain, from Ferrol to Santiago. The challenge is about fundraising for a special cause: PAWS-PATAS Animal Shelter. Based in Los Gallardos, the dedicated volunteers at PAWS-PATAS Animal Shelter rescue, rehabilitate and rehome lost, abandoned and abused pets. Every cent raised will go towards food, medical supplies, veterinary care, shelter and adoption transportation for the animals in PAWS-PATAS’ care. Already, Shaun and Emily have already raised over €1,000 through the official GoFundMe page and they haven’t even left home yet. Shaun plans on documenting every step of the Camino on his social media pages, @shaungarnerofficial.
Mallorca
Costa Blanca North
Sweeney sets sail AS one celebrity departs the island, another arrives, with actress Sydney Sweeney swapping the busy streets of Los Angeles for the calm waters of the Mediterranean. The Emmy nominated star was spotted arriving in Mallorca with her boyfriend and music executive, Scooter Braun. Upon arrival, the Hollywood stars headed to Puerto Andratx where the Rising Sun, a 138-metre superyacht was waiting for them. They boarded and set sail for several days cruising around the island. This Mediterranean getaway comes as a much-needed break for Sweeney, who spent the first half of the summer in Australia, filming for her latest film project. Sweeney was spotted tanning in a blue bikini and diving into the sea to cool down, while Braun entertained himself by racing through the water on jet skis. After several days aboard the Rising Sun, Sweeney and Braun disembarked at Cala Gamba and returned to Palma Airport.
A magical performance
OLIVA’S Artistic Musical Band Association recently took centre stage at Disneyland Paris, opening the great parade and bringing the sound of Oliva’s musical traditions to the most magical place on Earth. Dressed in smart slacks and shirts, the band marched through the streets, each step perfectly in sync, each note perfectly in tune. Leading the parade was no small honour. With the park’s famous characters, colourful floats and thousands of visitors filling the streets, the band became part of one of Europe’s best-known entertainment experiences. The performance marks a significant achievement for the association and its musicians, who have spent decades establishing the organisation. After their performance, band members got a chance to explore the park without their instruments, making the most of everything Disneyland had to offer.
• EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM •
21
PETS
euroweeklynews.com • 20 - 26 August 2026 SPONSORED BY
We need more house & pet sitters - Could it be you? WE’RE aways looking for new house and pet sitters to join our community. Have you ever thought about offering your experience in home and pet care in exchange for free accommodation somewhere interesting? How does it work? • It’s a fair exchange: Our housesitters don’t charge for their services. No money changes hands. They exchange their time and dedicated pet care for free accommodation in your home. • Safety is our priority: A mandatory triple ID and fraud check protocol keeps our entire community safe for housesitters and homeowners. • It’s a collaborative community: Our sitters are simply happy to help pets thrive while you’re away. Need a dog sitter for your own canine friend? Whether you’re off on a long cruise or visiting family back home for the holidays, your pets prefer the comfort of their own home. Live-in sitters keep their daily routines intact and your property secure - saving you
Tiera travels as a housesitter meeting new pets at each new housesit.
money and sparing your furry best friend a stressful trip to the kennels. Next step Joining our network is simple, secure, and collaborative: 1. Register at HouseSitMatch. com. 2. Create your profile with photos highlighting your property features and pets. 3. Match and explore with your perfect housesitter partner and start planning your next trip!
For a small annual registration fee (and zero ‘per-sit’ fees), you access a secure, vibrant community. Pets get to stay at home, routines intact, properties remain secure, and you get a budget-friendly way to travel. Why HouseSitMatch works We’re more than a platform - we’re a community. • Checked members - We verify both homeowners and sitters to keep the whole network safe. • Human support - Our team is on hand to guide you, answer questions, and help you. • Easy video tools - Use our secure video call features to meet sitters before confirming the match. “This site is definitely the best... Lamia and her team provide such a personal approach and will talk you through any problems.” - Kay Lattimore Claim your exclusive reader discount Register today at HouseSit Match.com and use code WEL COME25 to receive 25 per cent off your first year.
Lamia Walker, Founder. Call: +44 (0)7772 142 742 Rated excellent on Trustpilot - 4.9/5
Canine perception EVER wondered whether your dog can tell what you’re feeling? New research suggests they may be reading more from your face than we realised. Scientists at the University of Vienna used functional MRI scans to monitor dogs’ brain activity as they looked at photographs of people showing different facial expressions. The dogs were trained to remain still in the scanner while researchers recorded how their brains responded to happy, sad, fearful and angry faces. The results were striking. In one experiment, happy faces produced stronger activity in brain areas involved in visual processing, social information and reward. A second experiment found that dogs’ brains could distinguish happy faces from negative ones. They also showed different patterns of activity when viewing fearful faces compared with sad or angry faces, although they did not reliably distinguish sadness from anger. The research adds to growing evidence that dogs are highly attuned to human emotions. For dog owners, it offers another glimpse into just how closely our pets may be watching us. While it does not mean dogs understand emotions in exactly the same way we do, their ability to pick up subtle facial cues could help explain why they often seem to know when something is wrong, or when we’re ready for a bit of fun.
Common cat illness CATS are experts at hiding when something is wrong, which can make illness difficult to spot. Knowing the common warning signs can help you act quickly and get your pet the care they need. One of the most common problems is dental disease. Bad breath, difficulty eating, drooling or avoiding hard food can all suggest that your cat’s teeth or gums need attention. Fleas and worms are also frequent concerns. Scratching, excessive grooming, changes in appetite or an upset stomach may indicate a parasite problem. Regular preventative treatment can help keep these unwanted visitors at bay. Cats can also develop urinary problems, particularly as they get older. Frequent trips to the litter tray, straining to urinate, blood in the urine or suddenly avoiding the tray should never be ignored. FACT
Credit: TarasBeletskiy / Shutterstock
Look out for signs you cat isn’t feeling well.
Other common conditions include skin allergies, ear infections, obesity and respiratory infections. Symptoms can vary, so changes in your cat’s normal behaviour are often worth noticing. If your cat stops eating, becomes unusually quiet, has difficulty breathing or seems to be in pain, contact your vet promptly. While not every change signals a serious illness, acting early can make a significant difference. Regular check-ups, a balanced diet and good parasite prevention can all help keep your cat healthy and comfortable.
Snow-white puppies
DALMATIAN puppies are actually born completely white. Their famous spots are completely invisible at birth, hidden deep within their skin layers. The iconic black or liver-colored spots only begin to emerge on their snow-white fur when the puppies reach about two to three weeks of age.
Credit: Stokkete / Shutterstock
Dogs know more about emotions than we think.
CLASSIFIEDS BUY & SELL FOR SALE 2010 black Jaguar XF (black interior) 3 litre premium diesel, right hand drive, Spanish plates, full service history, excellent condition, economical, 1 year ITV, 9 months tax. Only 3995€ Contact Phil 647 715 933 (351079)
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
MOTORS FOR SALE
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) CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)
MASSAGE ELEGANTE, slim Sophie. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (314062)
22
MOTORING WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)
20 - 26 August 2026
MOTORING
euroweeklynews.com
20 - 26 August 2026
23
VW T-Roc – polished and premium ROAD TEST
Facts at a glance
By Mark Slack THERE’S a very generic design trend these days for SUVs, and it’s almost reached the point where if it weren’t for the badge, one would sometimes struggle to identify individual marques. VW is a bit of an exception though in that their distinctive badging and overall packaging sets them a little bit apart and makes them more identifiable. Some vivid colour options also help. T-Roc has four trim levels with two power options from the turbo-charged, 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre eTSI mild hybrid petrol engine. Range prices start from £31,635. Standard fare across all models includes keyless start/stop, auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, LED headlights with high beam assist, wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control and more. Moving up the range, the equipment levels gather pace to the topof-the-line R-Line at £38,935. Inside the T-Roc there’s a more solid, premium feel than many competitors, with soft touch, more durable materials and far less hard plastics. There are decent amounts of space for both front and
• Model: Volkswagen - T-Roc R-Line • Engine: 1.5 eTSI 150 PS 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol Gears: 7 speed DSG • Price: €45,543/£38,935 • Performance: 0 - 100kph/62 mph 8.9 seconds/Maximum speed 212kph/132 mph • Economy: 5.6 litres per 100km/50.3 mpg • Emissions: 128 g/km
rear occupants and the luggage area feels okay rather than a lesson in capaciousness. Naturally the spectre of touchscreen functions rears its head, as with all manufacturers, and the heating and ventilation controls are an example in point being way too fiddly. To be fair VW aren’t as bad as some manufacturers and in the T-Roc a centre console mounted rotary control does mitigate matters. On the road the test T-Roc was the 150PS R-Line model priced at £38,935. The R-Line isn’t an R, even though it looks suitably sporty, and while it’s no sports
SUV it is more than capable of being fun with the benchmark 62mph reached in a whisker under 9 seconds, so it feels brisk rather than fast. It handles well too and the 7-speed DSG - no manual option - changes smoothly. The engine itself is a smooth performer, maybe because it eschews the once popular 3-cylinder power units that found favour with so many manufacturers, VW included. The T-Roc offers a less homogeneous style than many SUVs, particularly Chi-
Model tested was UKspecification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets nese models, and the VW name still possess a cachet that’s lacking for many rivals. Unlike a lot of SUVs the T-Roc isn’t brash or in your face with its look. VW has upped their game with what is only the second iteration (with a mid-term facelift) of the T-Roc. Its popularity will certainly be bolstered by this latest more polished and premium entry to their SUV catalogue.
SPAIN is becoming an increasingly motorbike-friendly country, but the typical rider is changing. Motorcycle registrations are rising strongly, while the average age of riders continues to climb. In the first half of 2026, Spain registered 141,101 new motorcycles, a 23.6 per cent increase on the same period last year, making it one of Europe’s fastest-growing major markets. For many Spanish riders, motorcycles are about far more than weekend thrills. Scooters remain a practical choice for navigating busy city streets, cutting commuting times and avoiding the perennial search for parking. Others are choosing larger bikes for touring, leisure rides and exploring Spain’s famously varied roads. The changing age profile also says something
Credit:Romain P19 / Shutterstock.com
Motorcycle boom Credit: Jakub Sisulak / Shutterstock
Get out, lift barrier, drive through.
Family’s French free ride Older riders are hitting the road.
about how motorcycling is evolving. Experienced riders are staying in the saddle for longer, bringing with them different priorities. Comfort, reliability, safety and technology can matter just as much as outright performance. That does not mean the adventurous spirit has
disappeared. Spain’s climate, winding mountain routes and long stretches of open road make riding an attractive way to travel and unwind. With registrations continuing to grow, Spain’s motorcycle scene looks set to become bigger, older and increasingly diverse.
A BRITISH family has been caught after dodging French motorway tolls for at least six months by simply lifting the barrier at toll booths. Officers from the Doubs departmental flow-control squadron said the family used three cars travelling together. One passenger would get out, raise the barrier by hand, let all the vehicles through, then close it again and climb back in. Their scheme unravelled on Saturday, August 8, when cameras operated by APRR, the company running the A36 motorway, spotted the same manoeuvre near Belfort. APRR alerted local police, who had a motorised patrol nearby. Officers set up a checkpoint at the next toll station, in Saint-Maurice-Colombier,
in the Doubs. Shortly after 1pm, the three vehicles arrived and were stopped. All occupants, described as English nationals from the same family, were questioned at the scene. Police called it “the simplest technique there is,” though they said toll fraud of this kind is common. Fake number plates and drivers forcing barriers with their vehicles are also frequently reported. Investigators calculated the family’s unpaid tolls at roughly €3,000. Rather than face legal proceedings, they paid the full amount that same day. Police warned that camera surveillance across France’s motorway network makes it increasingly difficult for repeat offenders to avoid detection.