Costa Calida 24 – 30 April 2025 Issue 2077

Holiday Crowds

Record numbers visit Cartagena port

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

FROM July 7, the Region of Murcia will have its first direct air link with France, connecting Murcia International Airport to Marseille-Provence. Operated by Volotea, the new route will offer two weekly flights on Mondays and Thursdays. Tickets are on sale now, with around 5,000 seats available across 32 flights in July and August.

Volotea is also strengthening its connection with Barcelona, providing flights on Mondays and Fridays. Between June and March 2026, 37,700 additional

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 ci -

ty’s famous Easter processions, which are recognised as an event of international tourist interest. Many visitors also enjoyed the mild spring weather and nearby cultural sites.

Local officials say these visitor numbers show

New route

Direct flights to Marseille begin

how important Cartagena has become as a top spot for Mediterranean cruises. They credit the hard work of the city council, the Port Authority, and the regional government for helping the city stand out during Semana Santa.

seats will be available on this route.

These updates mean Murcia will soon have direct connections to 23 airports in seven European countries. The Marseille route is seen as strategic, with France being the region’s second most important international market.

In addition, Volotea will continue flights from Murcia to Bilbao and Asturias. Since 2019, nearly 200,000 passengers have travelled with the airline from Mur-

LOCAL residents came together to support MABS Mazarron, a charity that offers practical help to people diagnosed with cancer. An event was held at Mariano’s Bar that featured live entertainment from singers Carolynn May and Liam Halewood, known for his Boy George tribute act.

The event raised a total of €347. This included a generous donation of €127 from the patrons of Leanne and Tel’s Bar, and €220 raised through a raffle held during the evening.

MABS Mazarron provides emotional and practical support to cancer patients and their families in the area. Events like this help fund the charity’s services, which many in the community rely on. Organisers thanked everyone who attended and contributed to the successful evening. More fundraisers are planned in the coming months.

Costa Calida • No. 2077 • 24 - 30 April 2025

Image: Shutterstock/ Ground Picture

Funds raised through music.

Cruise ships fill the port.

Image: Cartagena Town Hall

Volotea expands Murcia links.

Image: Creative Commons/ Dylan Agbagni

Budget fix

CARTAGENA'S City Council is stepping up to tackle budget issues after missing out on key state funding. At a recent Finance Commission meeting, Finance councillor Ignacio Jáudenes revealed that the city remains one of the least indebted in Spain, with just 27.66 per cent debt, well below the 75 per cent limit set by law.

Jáudenes also pointed to the city’s strong nancial management, saying the average payment time to

suppliers is now just 7.41 days, far better than the legal 30-day limit. While the city slightly exceeded the budget growth limit set by the government, with a 3.35 per cent increase, this is still much lower than last year’s 7 per cent.

Thanks to smart nancial strategies, Cartagena managed to turn a €4.9 million de cit into a surplus by the end of 2024, despite challenges like rising public salaries and in ation. This

was achieved through a mix of actions, including raising waste taxes and adjusting business taxes. Looking forward, the council is launching a cost-cutting plan to better align with new government guidelines and cope with global economic uncertainty. The council also approved a plan to cover streets in Cartagena’s historic centre and allocated €4 million for a ordable housing projects in Los Mateos-Santa Lucía.

Huertano style

THE Bando de la Huerta festival has officially begun in Murcia, and the streets are full of excitement. As one of the Fiesta de Interés Turístico Internacional (Festival of International Tourist Interest) events, it’s a big celebration of the region's agricultural roots, and the traditional clothing worn during the festival is a key part of that.

of the Fiesta de Interés Turístico Internacional (Festival of International

Women take part in the festival wearing batas de cola (long dresses), decorated with floral patterns and lace. These dresses are often paired with a mantilla (lace shawl) and a peina (decorative comb worn in the hair). The outfits are brightened up with flowers and ribbons. These dresses not only reflect the region’s rich cultural history but also add a touch of elegance to the celebration.

tant to Murcia.

Men wear the traje de huertano (traditional farmer's outfit), consisting of a white shirt, black vest, and brown trousers. The look is completed with a wide-brimmed hat and a colourful scarf or sash. This outfit reflects the farming heritage of the region, honouring the huerta (orchards) that are so impor-

The traditional clothing makes the Bando de la Huerta stand out, giving the festival a distinctive, local flavour. As the festival continues, it’s a great opportunity to experience Murcia’s traditions and its deep connection to the land. For more details and the full schedule of events, check the Murcia City Hall social media pages.

Bedding

Duvets

Pillows

Sheets

Mattress protectors

Mattress Toppers

Curtains & Voiles

Towels

Cushions

Rugs

Throws

Blankets

Electric Blankets

much more

Murcia dresses up proudly.

Image: Shutterstock/ Marina Nozhko

Balancing the books in Cartagena.

Image: Cartagena Town Hall

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

LOS ALCAZARES is gearing up to welcome back the Splash-IN hydroplane festival from May 2 to May 4. Pilots from around the world will gather for aerial displays, exciting competitions, and a look at the rich history of seaplanes in Spain.

The festival kicks off in Pollença, Mallorca, from April 30 to May 2. Then, on May 2, the seaplanes will make their way to Los Alcazares for the main event. So far, six seaplanes are confirmed, three from Spain, plus others from Italy, Switzerland, and Germany, but more are expected to join soon.

Alongside private pilots, the Spanish Air Force will bring in firefighting seaplanes for demonstrations. Two larger planes, the Donisilestar, and the Tuaila Note, will also perform impressive aerial manoeuvres.

“Splash-IN isn’t just for aviation

Splash-IN 2025

fans, it’s a great way for everyone to see these incredible planes in action and learn about their deep ties to Los Alcazares,” said Mayor Mario Pérez Cervera.

One of the festival highlights is

the Schneider ‘SIGLO XXI’ Cup, where pilots will fly a course without GPS, relying only on traditional navigation skills. The full event schedule will be released soon, so stay tuned!

National Triathlon event launched

MAZARRON will once again be in the spotlight this month as it hosts the start of the 33rd Fuente Álamo Triathlon, Gran Premio Melones El Abuelo. The event will take pla-

ce on Saturday, April 26, at Rihuete Beach and is one of the best-known races in Spain.

Around 1,000 athletes are expected to take part. The race is also a qualifier for the Spanish Championships, and many top athletes will be there, including European champions, World Cup winners, and the current leader of the national rankings.

Triathlon star Javi Gómez Noya will also be at the event, working as a coach for the Spanish Triathlon Federation. He’ll perform with his music group at the party after the race.

The official launch was held at Caja Rural Regional, one of the main sponsors. Local sports and tourism councillors attended, along with regional representatives and the mayor of Fuente Alamo.

The race will also support a good cause. €1 from each registration will be donated to help the family of Elia, a young girl from Los Canovas who has a rare illness.

This is an important sporting event and a proud moment for Mazarron’s coast. Everyone is encouraged to come along and enjoy the day.

The Hydroplane Festival is back.

Image: Los Alcazares Town Hall

Mazarron welcomes top triathletes.

Image: Mazarrón Town Hall

THE mayor of San Javier, José Miguel Luengo, has renewed the town’s support for the Hot Rally motorbike event. He recently signed a new agreement with Andrés Soto, president of the Hot Rally Murcia association, to help organise this year’s rally.

The event will take place in Santiago de la Ribera from May 29 to June 1. Now in its 23rd year, Hot Rally brings together motorbike fans from all over Spain and Europe. Organisers expect more than 10,000 visitors and more than 3,000 motorbikes this year.

Although the full details will be announced soon, Andrés Soto has already confirmed some of the musical acts. The well-known group Tennessee will perform, and Murcian guitarist Santiago Campillo will join the

THE Region of Murcia took part in a promotional tour across Poland last week to raise awareness of its tourism offerings among Polish travel agents. The ‘Roadshow Spanish Event 2025’ visited the cities of Katowice, Poznan, and Warsaw, aiming to boost Murcia’s presence as a year-round destination.

Hot Rally

band Gatos Locos on stage.

Hot Rally is one of the biggest events in the area, known for its live music, motorbike displays, and great atmosphere near the beach. The support from the local council helps attract more visitors and gives a boost to local businesses, including shops, bars, and restaurants.

The town is getting ready to welcome large crowds again at the end of May, as this popular event continues to grow year after year.

Polish promotion Table Top Sale

2022-2032 Tourism Strategy, which focuses on both traditional and emerging international markets.

The event, organised by Turespaña and tour operator Nekera, gave around 300 Polish travel agents a chance to learn about the region’s attractions. It also featured various Spanish destinations and hotel chains, highlighting Spain’s varied tourism options.

During the tour, prizes such as trips to Murcia, including stays and nautical activities, were

raffled off to the participants. Juan Francisco Martínez, Director of the Murcia Tourism Institute, said that this promotion is part of the region’s

Looking ahead, the Murcia Tourism Institute will continue its efforts with a familiarisation trip in May. Travel agents from Nekera will visit popular destinations such as Cartagena, La Manga del Mar Menor, and Cabo de Palos, giving them a firsthand look at what Murcia has to offer.

This shows Murcia’s commitment to attracting Polish tourists and building lasting international relationships.

AGE CONCERN COSTA CALIDA is on a mission to support those over 50 with valuable services like advice, befriending, hospital visits, and medical equipment hire. This charity, entirely run by unpaid volunteers, offers all its services for free.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 26! Join the fun at their Table Top Sale, where you can declutter your home or hunt for amazing bargains. With a variety of stalls featuring second-hand treasures at fantastic prices, it’s the perfect chance to find something unique.

The sale runs from 10am to 1pm at the Age Concern Social Centre garden in Camposol, Sector C. Whether you’re looking to sell or simply enjoy a morning of treasure hunting, this event promises a friendly atmosphere and great finds. Plus, there will be delicious cake to enjoy while you browse! Don’t miss out! Each table costs €10. For more information, call 634 344 589 or email ageconcerncostacalida@gmail.com.

San Javier Town Hall

Murcia’s year-round appeal.

Riders return for Hot Rally.

THE FAST (First Aid Support Team) on Camposol is offering a valuable opportunity for locals to learn CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) through their free training sessions. Run by trained volunteers, these sessions aim to equip residents with life-saving skills that could make all the difference in an emergency.

Did you know that the person you’re most likely to perform CPR on could be your partner or someone you live with? FAST encourages couples to take advantage of this training together so that both can be prepared to save each other if necessary.

Life saving skills Protected areas

MURCIA’S regional government has started a new study to help protect some of its most popular natural coastal areas, Cuatro Calas, Calnegre, Cabo Cope, and Sierra de Las Moreras. The goal is to make sure people can enjoy these places without harming the environment.

The study, which began this month, will count how many people and vehicles visit these areas. Visitors will also be asked questions to find out why they came, what they think of the visit, and how much they know about the area. This information will help decide how many people the areas can welcome without damage.

Work will be done throughout the year, including mornings and afternoons, weekdays and weekends, and both

The next CPR session will be held on Friday, May 16, at the Cultural Centre in Sector B from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. This two-hour class could prove to be one of the most important things you ever do, learning skills that could save a life.

To reserve your spot, simply email lead_trainer_fast@outlook.com. The FAST team urges everyone to get involved and gain confidence in dealing with emergency situations.

Don’t miss this chance to learn a potentially life-saving skill, completely free of charge.

Protecting Murcia’s coastal nature.

warm and cold seasons, to get a full picture of who visits.

The study will run through 2025 and 2026 and will be carried out by two nature guides, led by a specialist. The project has a €14,500 budget, partly funded by the EU and partly by the regional government.

Beach cleanup

THE Cartagena City Council has cleaned up the beaches around La Manga and the Mar Menor after a large number of jellyfish were washed up by the sea. The work was done to make sure the beaches were safe and ready for visitors during the Easter holidays.

For two days, council workers focused on areas like Entremares, Sirenas, Bocana de Marchamalo, Islas Menores, Mar de Cristal, Los Nietos, Playa Honda, Playa Paraíso, Playa de Los Alemanes, and Playa de Levante. They worked hard to remove jellyfish and tidy up the beaches.

“The coast of Cartagena was ready to welcome everyone this Easter. Thanks to the quick and dedicated work of our teams, the beaches were clean, safe, and looking great,” said councillor for the Coast, Gonzalo López.

As well as clearing jellyfish, workers also trimmed trees, cleaned up litter, and looked after the palm trees on several beaches to improve the safety and appearance.

López added that keeping the beaches in good condition is a year-round job, but it’s especially important at busy times, when many people come to enjoy the coast.

This continues the work already done since 2017, especially in Calnegre, where a beach access system has been running since 2018. Other improvements include marked walking paths, signs, and protected areas to help people enjoy the coast in a more respectful and sustainable way.

Free CPR training available now.

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

Murcia moves upwards

ACCORDING to a study by Fotocasa, the cost of buying a home in the Region of Murcia has risen signi cantly over the past 10 years, with average prices increasing by 37 per cent between 2015 and 2025. The sharp rise re ects a broader upward trend in the Spanish property market, although prices in Murcia remain lower than in many other regions.

According to recent gures, the price of an average-sized property in Murcia has reached just over €126,000. While this is a notable jump from 2015, current prices are still below the highs seen during Spain’s property boom in the mid2000s.

In fact, homes in the region are 23 per cent cheaper per square metre than they were 20 years ago and 8 per cent lower than in 2010, when the e ects of the housing crisis were still being felt. However, prices have rebounded strongly in recent years, with a 37 per cent rise since 2020 and an 18 per cent increase in just the last year.

Compared to other parts of Spain, Murcia’s growth has been more moderate. While regions like the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, and Madrid have seen prices more than double since 2015, Murcia continues to o er relatively a ordable options for buyers.

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 o cial days of mourning beginning Monday, April 21.

Days of o cial 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 o cial 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 a ected.

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 ooded in to the Vatican from world leaders and religious heads of all denominations.

Home prices climbing in Murcia.

Image: Shutterstock/ nito

Flags flew at half mast during days of mourning.

COSTA CALIDA

Oasis Fusión Concert for AFACMUR

SONRISAS HARMONY, the largest all-female A Capella chorus in the Murcia region and possibly all of Spain, will soon perform in Los Alcazares to raise awareness and funds for children with cancer. Founded in 2022, the chorus has quickly gained a large following both in Spain and internationally. They have also appeared several times on Spanish television in recent months.

Every year, Sonrisas Harmony supports local charities. This year, they are partnering with AFACMUR, a nonprofit association that helps children and young people aged 0 to 18 who have been diagnosed with cancer. Founded in 2008 by a group of parents,

Image: Sonrisas

Songs of Solidarity

having experienced every parent’s nightmare of being told their child has cancer, AFACMUR has been declared a public utility and is now based at Arrixaca Hospital in Murcia. The charity has played a key role in creating the Paediatric Oncohematology Unit and continues to provide vital support for families during treatment and, when needed, end-of-life care.

The concert will take place at the Salon de Plenos in Los Alcazares Town Hall on Wednesday May 7 at 7.00pm, in collaboration with Cultura Los Alcazares.

Entry is free, but seats are limited, so early arrival is recommended. Sonrisas Harmony hopes the community will join them for an evening of music in support of this important cause.

LOS NAREJOS is adding to its growing food scene with the opening of Oasis Fusión, a new restaurant on Boulevard Oasis in Los Narejos. This exciting spot offers a mix of barbecue meats and international dishes, giving locals and visitors plenty of tasty choices. Oasis Fusión is the latest venture by Ely Rivera, who also runs the popular Mexican restaurant Mr.Taxo. The menu features a variety of dishes, from Swedish-style sirloin to Indian Chana Masala, and BBQ chicken. There are also vegetarian options and dishes like Chili Paneer, along with charcuterie platters and crème brûlée for dessert.

restaurant to thank Ely Rivera for opening his new business in Los Narejos and wished him success with his new venture. Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy entrecôte with gratin potatoes or a vegetarian dish, Oasis Fusión has something for everyone.

Pedro José Sánchez, the local Economic Development councillor, recently visited the

Located at Calle Penélope 22, Los Narejos, you can book a table by calling 623 237 232. Oasis Fusión is the latest addition to the growing restaurant scene check it out!

Festival of Soul

THE seventh Soul and Motown Festival will take place on Saturday, May 31, at La Serena Golf in Los Alcazares (Avenida Príncipe Felipe, 30). It’s part of a weekend full of music and fun, all to help raise money for prostate cancer research.

The first festival was held in 2016 and has grown into one of the best-known soul events on the Iberian Peninsula. Every year, it brings people together to enjoy live music, sing along to Motown favourites, and dance the night away.

returns this May.

This year’s event promises more great performances, a friendly crowd, and a feel-good atmosphere. Whether you’re a big soul music fan or just looking for a fun night out, it’s a great way to enjoy the start of summer.

Now in its seventh year, the festival is a

time to enjoy good music, support a good cause, and remember how far it’s come since it first began. A great night for a great reason and one not to miss.

Harmony/ David Christopher

Motown magic

New flavours in Los Narejos

Images: Facebook/ Oasis Fusión

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.

15 cups of coffee a day!

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.

Some bags hold far more unusual contents.

Image: Akimov Igor / Shutterstock.com

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.

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

pulations were estimated by tracking their footprints.

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

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 -

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.

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.

ITALY FRANCE

Vatican nursery

THIS month the Vatican inaugurated its first nursery, ‘San Francesco e Santa Chiara’, located within the Vatican walls. Designed for children aged three to 36 months, it offers bilingual (Italian and English) care. This initiative aims to support Vatican employees by providing structured early childhood education and care.

Rome’s birthday

ON April 21, Rome celebrated its 2,778th birthday with the annual Natale di Roma festival. The event includes gladiator shows, historical reenactments, live performances, and the traditional ‘tracciato del solco’ ritual symbolising Rome’s founding by Romulus in 753 BC.

PORTUGAL

Guarded reaction

A CHEEKY ad campaign by NOS operator WOO has sparked outrage among prison guards. The ad recreates a 2023 escape from Vale de Judeus prison, showing inmates climbing a ladder while a guard is on his phone. The National Union of Prison Guards called it a disgrace and unethical, threatening an injunction to protect their reputation.

Wine war

THE United States has halted orders for Portuguese wines amid escalating trade tensions. The National Association of Traders and Exporters of Wines and Spirits (ANCEVE) reported that US distributors have ceased placing orders for Portuguese and European wines due to uncertainty over potential tariffs.

NORWAY

Fish future

NORWAY has launched a new plan to make its fish farming industry more sustainable over the next 10 -15 years. The strategy includes rules based on environmental impact, tradable sea lice limits, and removing production caps. It also aims to boost the use of locally made fish feed to 25 per cent by 2034, cutting emissions and imports.

Twitch trouble

A MAN in his 20s from Lillestrøm had his driver’s licence revoked after livestreaming reckless driving on Twitch. The footage showed him swerving into the oncoming lane and turning off his headlights to intimidate a cyclist. Viewers reported the incident, leading to his arrest. Police are investigating the case, including the passenger who filmed.

EURO PRESS

SWEDEN

Moose migration

SWEDEN’S ‘The Great Moose Migration’, livestream, is capti vating millions globally. Laun ched in 2019, the annual 20-day broadcast follows moose swim ming across the Angerman River during their spring migration. This year’s stream began early due to warmer weather, with over 30 remote cameras capturing the tranquil scenes.

DENMARK

AI Brew Crew

ROYAL UNIBREW, Denmark’s second-largest brewer, has introduced five AI-powered virtual colleagues to assist its human staff with routine tasks. The digital assistants help with information gathering, allowing employees to focus on creative and customer-oriented tasks. The initiative has increased engagement, with staff viewing the AIs as valuable team members.

Trump effect

ONLINE news consumption in Denmark has surged by 11 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This increase follows the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency in January. According to Danske Medier, daily page views on national news websites have risen significantly during this period.

IRELAND

Mentorship mix-up

A SCHOOL in Dublin has apologised after a list containing names of senior cycle students and subjective comments about their suitability for a mentorship programme was mistakenly shared on Google Classroom. The school acknowledged the breach, and has launched an investigation while offering meetings to affected families.

Activism alert

IRISH students heading to the US for J1 summer trips have been warned about the risks of engaging in activism. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs advised caution, as participating in protests or demonstrations could lead to visa issues or deportation. Students are encouraged to stay informed and follow US laws during their stay.

Prison attacks

FRENCH prisons have recently been targeted by coordinated attacks, including arson, gunfire, and death threats, at over 11 facilities nationwide. Authorities attribute these incidents to organised drug trafficking networks resisting a government crackdown. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin condemned the assaults and announced increased security measures.

Kardashian testimony

KIM KARDASHIAN is scheduled to testify in person at a French trial beginning April 28, concerning the 2016 armed robbery during Paris Fashion Week. Five masked men held her at gunpoint, stealing over $10 million in jewellery, including a $4 million ring from then-husband Kanye West. Twelve suspects face charges.

GERMANY

Housing push

GERMANY’s incoming CDU-SPD coalition plans to tackle the country’s housing shortage, which exceeds 800,000 apartments. In Berlin, this includes proposals to develop Tempelhofer Feld, an area previously protected by referendum, into new residential buildings. The initiative aims to streamline regulations, reduce taxes, and accelerate construction.

Expensive hug

IN May 2023, a man infiltrated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s motorcade at Frankfurt Airport and hugged him before he boarded a plane. The 50-year-old, under the influence of drugs, has now been fined €4,500 and banned from driving for 2.5 years for endangering road traffic and trespassing.

NETHERLANDS

Record spring

THE Netherlands has set new spring weather records, experiencing exceptionally high sunshine hours and minimal rainfall. In March the country recorded an average of 248 hours of sunshine, significantly surpassing the typical 150 hours. Additionally, only five millimetres of precipitation fell nationwide, marking it as the driest March on record.

New vision

DUTCH designer Duran Lantink has been appointed creative director at Jean Paul Gaultier, marking a new era for the brand. Known for his bold and avant-garde designs, Lantink will revive Gaultier’s ready-towear line, with his debut collection set for Paris Fashion Week in September. Gaultier himself praised Lantink’s innovative spirit.

FINLAND

Two-vote victory

IN Finland’s recent municipal elections, Left Alliance candidate Daniel Zilliacus secured a seat on Kimitoön’s council with just two votes, thanks to the d’Hondt proportional representation system. This system allocates seats based on party vote share, allowing candidates with minimal personal votes to be elected if their party performs well overall.

Deer danger

IN 2024, Finland experienced a seven-year high in wildlife-vehicle collisions, with over 13,000 incidents reported. White-tailed deer and roe deer were the most common animals involved. Autumn months saw a spike in accidents due to increased animal movement during mating and hunting seasons.

BELGIUM

Ant smugglers

TWO Belgian teenagers were arrested in Kenya for attempting to smuggle over 5,000 live queen ants, including a rare species, through the airport. The ants were hidden in modified test tubes and syringes. The two teens pleaded guilty but said they were collecting the ants for fun. The suspects face charges related to wildlife trafficking.

Golden tribute

BELGIUM’s Royal Mint has issued a €12.50 gold coin to commemorate King Philippe’s 65th birthday. This coin is the only gold issue for 2025 and reflects the King’s support for the nation and various social initiatives. Only 2,500 coins are available, each priced around €200, making it a limited-edition collector’s item.

Credit: Shutterstock / Petr Salinger Moose are on the move.

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.

Secret powers

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.

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).

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.

Michelin Stars: a mystery

MICHELIN GUIDE

2025: Anonymous Inspectors, Secret Visits, Opaque System... How are Stars Awarded?

Every year, the same questions are on the lips of all food lovers. Which chefs will earn their first star? Who will see their restaurant rise or fall in the rankings? The awarding of stars is the result of a lengthy process, as secretive as feared.

Any chef will tell you: earning a Michelin star guarantees fantastic attention, sometimes even a fully-booked restaurant months in advance. But contrary to what one might believe, there is no fixed rating scale. Restaurants are rated by anonymous inspectors. They visit restaurants unannounced and pay their bill like any other customer. They then submit a report and judge the cuisine based on five criteria: the quali-

ty of the products, the mastery of cooking and flavours, the originality of the chef, the value for money, and the consistency over time.

Although the visits are unannounced and the identity of the inspectors remains a secret, the final verdict is never left to a single critic: several visits are made before a collective decision is reached. The inspectors then award

one or more stars depending on the quality of the cuisine. Only 100 establishments worldwide hold the prestigious and coveted three stars.

This year, the Michelin Guide awarded 68 new stars in France. In total, there are 31 triple-starred restaurants in France, following the downgrade of the Georges Blanc house (Vonnas) recently.

Restaurant recognition plaque in the Michelin Guide.

Ability to fly.

Image: jamesteohart Shutterstock.com

Spain’s stunning story

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

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

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.

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.

INTERVIEW

Tamás Nagy videographer from HungarySpeaking European

ORIGINALLY working in hospitality on a cruise ship, he proposed to his wife Zsuzsanna and de cided 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 be fore 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?

“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?

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.

“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.”

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

Tamás Nagy from Hungary, videographer.

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

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.

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.

Credit: TikTok Anna Matea

Finns respect the property of others.

The Bayesian yacht salvage operation begins this month.

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 South Top of the class

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.

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.

Their place on Forbes’ top 100 list confirms the region’s rising status as a centre for high-quality learning.

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 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.

Caution: Jokes ahead. Sense of humour required

FROM COAST TO COAST

LUCCA MOVALDI PRESIDENT: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CLUB MARBELLA

“WHAT am I going to joke about?”

The comedian asked the scriptwriter, both staring at the blank page as if it might blink first.

The easy answer?

Avoid anything that might offend.

Simple - until you realise that everything seems to offend someone these days.

We seem to be living in a contactless society - not just for payments, but for feelings too.

And heaven forbid a joke brushes against someone’s delicate sensibilities. They might spill their Rioja in shock.

But seriously - when did we start getting offended by everything?

There’s no tidy answer. Comedy is a slippery art form, meant to entertain, help unwind, and, most importantly, make us laugh.

Because laughter - proper laughter - comes from the delicious absurdity of it all.

It reminds us that we’re human, flawed, fabulous, and frankly a bit ridiculous.

Whether or not we agree with a punchline, comedy is there to break the ice, lift the mood, and remind us of something we all need more than SPF 50 on a July afternoon: To smile.

Smiling isn’t just a mood - it’s chemistry. A full-body ‘you’re doing fine’ from nature.

And sometimes, that little chuckle is all you need to feel a bit better about life.

So why are we trimming humour down just to keep the peace?

Once again: no simple answer.

I’m not here to conclude anything - I’m just here to ask the question.

A question you might have quietly asked yourself over a cold drink on a sunny terra-

ce in Malaga.

Let’s be honest: we’ve all laughed at things that today would spark an online petition.

Little Britain? Fawlty Towers? Benny Hill? Cancelled.

Married… with Children? Gone.

But there’s a difference between being crude for the sake of it and being clever with a twist.

Between poking fun and punching down.

I, for one, appreciate humour with a little elegance.

But I also love a well-placed cheeky jabthe kind that sneaks in just as you’re taking a sip and makes you nearly spit it out.

If you looked at my DNA, you’d probably find a blend of sun cream, good tacos, and a healthy sense of irony.

So should I walk around with my Offendemeter™ strapped on, beeping at every imagined insult?

No, thanks.

I’ve chosen to take life with a grain of salt… and maybe a slice of lime.

Let comedy be comedy. Let drama do its thing.

But let’s not take everything so seriously. Even life itself has a twisted sense of humour.

One day, it’ll lean in, tap you on the shoulder and say:

“Guess what? Today’s your last day on Earth.

“Don’t bother packing. Your bank card won’t work where you’re going.”

And the only question that’ll matter is: Did you laugh enough?

Disclaimer:

Laughed? Perfect.

Didn’t? Snack, siesta, retry. Offended? Update your Offendemeter. No refunds - like €3 rosé, best enjoyed chilled.

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.

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

Shutterstock Chrisdorney

Image:

Nearly everyone wears something orange.

PETS

LIVING with pets brings endless joy - but also a fair amount of fur. Keeping your home hair-free doesn’t have to be a daily battle, though a few clever habits can make a world of difference.

Start with your pet. Regular brushing, especially during shedding season, reduces the amount of loose hair ending up on your floors and furniture. Choose a grooming tool suited to your pet’s coat type and aim for consistency.

Around the home, a damp rubber glove works wonders for lifting hair from sofas and cushions, while microfibre cloths are perfect for hard surfaces. Vacuuming frequently, particularly with a pet-specific hoover, helps keep carpets and rugs fresh. Don’t forget to go over baseboards and corners, where hair loves to gather.

On wooden or tiled floors, electrostatic mops can trap hair far better than sweeping. For clothing, a lint roller or reusable fabric brush does the trick - keep one by the door for a quick de-fuzz before heading out.

With a few daily tricks, your home can stay clean and cuddle-friendly.

TIP

Fur free Fur free Keeping track

‘Windows to Wellness’

GIVE your dog or cat a thorough once-over every month. Carefully feel for any kind of lump or bump. Take photos if you find a lump and note any relevant details. Early detection is a key to cancer prevention in your pet.

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.

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

Teresa, pet owner

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

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…

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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)

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 (301711)

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Redefining the Golden Age of British Sports Cars

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

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

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-

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

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.

Driverless test bus

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.

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.

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.

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

The vehicle was immobilised on the spot.

Credit: Shutterstock / Maksim Safaniuk

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

Iconic surf spot shut down

THE Munich fire department has closed the Eisbachwelle, a famous recreational surf spot in the city centre that attracts surfers from all over the world.

This decision comes after a surfer was injured in a dramatic scene, as a woman fell from the attraction and her leash, typically attached to the surfer’s leg, became hooked on the bottom of the Eisbach river, where the artificial wave is located.

Strong currents initially made it hard for emergency services to free her. Half an hour after the incident the fire department was able to unhook her and resuscitate her, after which she was immediately taken to hospital in a critical condition.

City officials have not provided a timeline for reopening, but emphasised the importance of reviewing safety measu-

res before allowing access again. The attraction has been marked with caution signs and authorities have cordoned it off.

The Eisbachwelle, or Eisbach wave, is an artificial wave of around 0.5 metres, created at a spot where the Eisbach river hits a concrete step as it emerges from underground. These con-

ditions make it hard for surfers to take on this challenge, as the strong current and shallow waters present a challenge even for skilled professionals.

The site is located at the entrance of Englischer Garten, one of Munich’s largest parks, and has attracted surfers and curious onlookers since the 1980s.

The surfing spot attracts surfers from all over the world.

Credit: Shutterstock, katatonia82

Nadal with one of his 14 Roland Garros trophies.