Costa de Almeria 21 - 27 August 2025 Issue 2094

Tourist rentals soar Bookstore

ALMERIA has experienced a surge in tourist rentals, with short-term lets rising 30 per cent in two years. Local press reports 3,221 new properties since 2023, reflecting growing appeal to domestic and international visitors.

Coastal areas such as Mojacar, Roquetas de Mar, and Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park have seen the most growth, as tourists are drawn to its beaches, climate, and cultural offerings. Property owners have converted long-term rental homes into short-

term holiday lets, which generally offer higher returns. The expansion has boosted the local economy, with tourism income rising alongside more accommodation. However, rapid growth has prompted local authorities to consider measures to ma-

nage proliferation. Plans include stricter licensing, limits on short-term lets, and incentives to maintain long-term rental availability, ensuring communities remain sustainable.

Almeria’s experience mirrors a broader trend across Spain, where po-

pular regions are seeing a surge in holiday accommodation. Officials stress the importance of balancing tourism growth with residents’ needs, preserving quality of life and protecting the province’s cultural and natural assets for future generations.

ALMERIA students are poised to have a fruitful school year: next academic year, 2025-2026, students in their first and second years of primary education and students in their fourth year of secondary education will receive brand new - and free - textbooks. In total, more than 86,000 Almeria students will benefit from the programme.

The investment, made possible by a budget of €57 million allocated by the Ministry of Education, will be widespread across the whole of Andalucia. The so-called Free Textbook Programme will allocate more than €5.4 million and benefit more than 86,000 students in Almeria specifically. Students who enrol in the registered courses will receive a book voucher and a list of textbooks to redeem at a local bookstore of their choice, at no cost.

With this programme, the governing bodies of the community of Andalucia hope to provide financial aid to families, facilitate the learning and growth of students, and create accessible academic materials and resources that all students can benefit from for years to come.

Costa de Almeria • No. 2094 • 21 - 27 Aug 2025 FREE FREE FREI GRATIS

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The expansion has boosted local economy.

Photo: Flystereo/Shutterstock

Bandidos in Balanegra Flying fireballs

A FAMED observatory in Almeria recently witnessed a spatial spectacle. The Calar Alto Observatory, located 2,168 metres high up in the Sierra de los Filabres, captured two fireballs on camera on August 16 and 17, during the month’s long weekend, in the skies of southern Spain.

The fireballs were detected by the observatory’s cameras, with the SMART (Spectroscopy of Meteoroids in the Atmosphere) Project, a system that detects and tracks objects in space. The first of the fireballs, reminiscent of an asteroid, was captured hurtling through the Earth’s atmosphere with a speed of 60,000 kilometres an hour, an initial altitude of 96 kilometres, and a final altitude of 68 kilometres.

The second, which occurred the following day, was more than twice as fast, with a speed of 239,000 kilometres per hour, an initial altitude of 109 kilometres, and a final

altitude of 79 kilometres.

According to researchers at the observatory, these events were captured by several external cameras. The principal investigator of the SMART Project, Professor José María Madiedo from the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalucia IAACSIC, has conducted a preliminary analysis of the objects.

The Calar Alto Observatory, also known as the Hispanic Astronomical Centre in Andalucia, also recorded another major fireball event at the beginning of this year, on January 9 and 10.

THE Los Bandidos Running Group from Mojacar recently celebrated a successful end to an eight-kilometre race. On Saturday, August 16, six runners from the Los Bandidos group travelled to Balanegra to participate in the Popular Races of the Almeria Provincial Council 2025.

The race, which consisted of three laps spanning 8.13 kilometres, started at 8.00pm. Despite the hour, the conditions were still

extremely hot and humid, but with local supporters there to cheer the group on and take action photos, the runners were encouraged and were able to successfully nish the mentally and physically challenging feat.

The winner of the race crossed the line with a time of 26:06. Los Bandidos placed 10th on the teams category. In total, 191 runners completed the event, and trophies were given to the top three in

every age group as well as the overall winners.

The Los Bandidos group was founded in June 2018 with a few friends from Mojacar, and since then, has grown to be a community for all di erent types of sports, including road cycling, swimming, and triathlon events. Not only this, the group also is known to participate in local charities, and is currently collecting food and toiletries for the Red Cross Food Bank.

The Los Bandidos Running Club celebrated a successful circuit on Saturday, August 16.

The Calar Alto Observatory has captured two fireballs hurtling through the atmosphere.

Los Bandidos Mojacar Running Club

Photo Credit: Calar Alto Observatory

Widow pensions Spain

Make sure you follow the rules

SPAIN has tightened the rules around widow’s pensions, its second-largest benefit after retirement, with officials running stricter checks, demanding new proof, and even withdrawing payments where conditions aren’t met. The average payout stands at €874 a month, but Social Security’s message is clear: any change in civil status, income, or cohabitation must be reported immediately or recipients risk sanctions and back-payments.

The biggest pitfalls include remarrying or registering a new civil partnership (pareja de hecho), living with a new partner without proper registration, or failing to prove economic dependence on the deceased spouse where required. Advisors are reporting a rise in cases of suspended pensions while beneficiaries scramble to provide documents such as residency certificates, income statements, or registry entries. Authorities warn that if irregularities are found, they have the power to demand repayment of wrongly received sums.

The rules also cover new living arrangements. You can form a household with a new partner and still keep your widow’s pension, but two strict income tests apply. First, the pension must represent at least 75 per cent of your annual income. Second, the combined household income cannot exceed twice the Salario Mínimo Interprofesional (SMI). With the current average payout at €874 per month, claimants are urged to do the maths for their situation and keep proof to hand.

The bottom line: Spain’s clampdown isn’t about trapping be-

neficiaries but ensuring rules are followed. Staying compliant means reporting any changes quickly, keeping documentation organised, and knowing the income thresholds. Those who act proactively can safeguard their widow’s pension, but failing to disclose changes could lead to suspensions, clawbacks, or even permanent loss of entitlement.

Widow’s-pension controls: beneficiaries must report marriages, new partnerships or income changes quickly.

Cash limits

A MAJOR Spanish supermarket chain has responded to frequent customer questions about payment rules by providing clarity on legal limits and store policies through its official online customer service channel.

Spanish law sets a cash payment cap at €999.99, meaning any purchase reaching or exceeding €1,000 must be paid entirely by bank card. The retailer accepts cards with Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro symbols, but American Express is not permitted due to charges the card company imposes on the retailer. Also, for those who have broken into their piggy bank or raided the sofa for loose change under the cushions, only up to 50 coins can be used per transaction, regardless of denomination, following Spanish law.

Mercadona, the supermarket chain led by Juan Roig, also clarified that it does not accept discount coupons or vouchers, nor payment methods such as luncheon vouchers or gourmet cheques, which are restricted to hospitality establishments. This policy is particularly relevant in tourist areas, which may catch some customers off guard.

For international visitors, Mercadona explained that tourists eligible for VAT refunds can process them through the company’s Customer Invoice page online. They must present a passport or foreign residency document, register before payment, and show it at the checkout.

The clarifications are meant to improve and streamline the shopping experience and ensure compliance with Spanish regulations, especially for customers in high-traffic tourist regions.

Grandchildren Law deadline SEPE warning

Application window closes October 22

SPAIN’S Democratic Memory Law, widely known as the Grandchildren Law, is entering its final stretch, with the eligibility window closing on October 22. This provision grants Spanish nationality to descendants of Spaniards, and officials stress that the only way to secure

Creating a usuario consular (consular user) profile before the deadline will lock in your place in the queue, even if your actual appointment is scheduled after the law expires. Miss that date, and your opportunity is gone.

The urgency is real - demand is massive. In Ar-

around 290,000 applications have already been processed from an estimated 1.5 million potential candidates, while global submissions are nearing one million. Consulates like Buenos Aires handle roughly 10,000 appointments a month, meaning delays are inevitable but participation is still within reach if you register on time.

The law applies to grandchildren of Spaniards regardless of whether their ancestors later acquired another nationality, children of those who gain citizenship through this law, and certain great-grandchildren where the grandchild parent has died without claiming. Each case depends on proper documentation, with Spain maintaining its commitment to process every file submitted in time. Applicants must build a chain of official records linking them to their Spanish ancestortypically birth, marriage, and death certificates for each generation, many of which must be recently issued, apostilled, and translated if obtained outside Spain.

SPAIN’S public employment service (SEPE) has issued a clear warning to unemployment benefit claimants: check that your phone number, email and postal address are correct, or risk payment delays, missed appointments and even suspension of your benefits. A single wrong digit or outdated address can block important messages and lead to sanctions. SEPE stresses that being reachable is part of the rules for receiving payments, and mismatches between their records and those of your regional employment office can cause further problems.

The agency uses your contact details to send appointment notifications, compliance reminders and payment updates. If those messages bounce or you fail to respond, SEPE assumes non-compliance, not lack of awareness. That’s why the advice is urgent: update your details as soon as you move or change numbers.

Updating is straightforward. You can check your expediente (benefit file) online or via your last SEPE letter to see what contact details are on record. Report any changes immediately, ideally before moving or activating a new number. Proof of address - such as a rental contract, padrón certificate or recent bill - is usually required if you’ve moved. Keep your details consistent with both SEPE and your regional employment service to avoid mismatches. Saving a screenshot or receipt of your update can serve as proof if issues arise later. Failing to update can trigger sanctions under Spain’s employment law.

Credit : fizkes, Shutterstock

Thousands of descendants applying for citizenship under Spain’s ‘Grandchildren Law’ ahead of the October deadline.

THE Albox summer schools are celebrating booming success in the month of July. With fun - and most importantly, educational - activities, the two municipal schools of Albox welcomed almost 200 children for a summer full of learning and laughter.

In total, 198 children participated in the summer school programme. At the El Saliente Association Summer School, 142 children were enrolled, and the other 56 were enrolled in the Music Summer School of the municipality.

Said the Albox Town Hall in a statement, “We want to highlight the labour of school monitors, teachers, associations, and families that have made it possible for the little ones to enjoy, learn, and grow in a safe and educational environment.”

Summer school success

The town hall also thanked the community of nurses that participated in the programme, who created a special talk about the importance of taking care of the skin with sun protection, as well as the prevention of mosquito bites.

Not only this, Delegate of Social Inclusion, Francisco González Bellido, visited the summer schools and supported the initiatives that helped to include all the children in the programme, to ultimately strengthen the community.

“The Albox Town Hall continues to support the activities that combine education, fun, and health,” the statement concluded.

ALMERIA’S two marine reserves, which form part of the Spanish Marine Reserve Network, have seen booming success as sustainable models for conservation and competitive, and controlled, fishing. The Spanish Marine Reserve Network is made up of 12 protected areas which preserves the marine ecosystems and play a huge role in

the landscape of fishing in Spain, the security of seafood in the country, as well as the overall health and well-being of local communities.

Almeria’s marine reserves, the primary being the Cabo de Gata-Níjar, and the secondary but no less important Alboran Island, are important hubs for the fishing sector of the province,

as well as marine biology and science that helps to preserve the breathtaking marine life that thrives there. The main objective of these fishing reserves is to conserve and regenerate native fishing resources, and put the spotlight on traditional artisanal fishing, which is better overall for the native marine wildlife populations.

THE coast of Almeria has seen a recent increase in numbers of a curious marine visitor: the Cotylorhiza tuberculata, or, more amusingly, the fried egg jellyfish. These gelatinous holidaymakers are steadily increasing their presence on the Costa, and are now even being seen in beaches on the coastline for the very first time. This type of jellyfish, characterised by its resemblance to a fried egg, is a Mediterranean species that tends to live in warm waters. They are usually between 15 and 20 centimetres in diameter, although in Almeria, they tend to be a bit larger. As with many other species of jellyfish, they are steadily encroaching on the coasts of Spain as the waters get progressively warmer. However, beachgoers need not be afraid of them. They are typically harmless, and don’t tend to form massive schools like other jellyfish do.

The 12 total fishing reserves across Spain span more than 105,000 hectares; more than 10,000 of these are reserved exclusively for scientific work, focusing specifically on biodiversity, the impact of fishing on marine wildlife, and raising awareness for the health of the sea’s ecosystems.

Notwithstanding, swimmers should avoid getting too close, as they should not be removed from their habitats and if they are touched they may cause some irritation of the skin.

Not only this, their tentacles often offer shelter for other types of fish, including mackerels and jacks.

Photo Credit: Albox Town Hall via Facebook

Albox celebrates the success of its summer schools in July.

New life for lynxes Petanca playoff

PETANCA fanatics in San Juan de los Terreros will be able to show off their skills and play against other members of the community in the local petanca tournament, being organised by the Pulpi Town Hall’s Department of Sports. The tournament will consist of two days in August, one for children between the ages of 12 and 15, and another for competitors over the age of 15.

The tournament is part of the ‘Expláyate 2025’ initiative, a summer pro-

gramme organised by the governing bodies of Pulpi for local areas, with the aim of getting the local residents active and having fun this summer.

The petanca tournament will be held on Thursday, August 28 and Friday, August 29 at the Petanca Fields in the Bellavista Park. The event will begin at 6.30pm on both days, and will accept registration for new players up until 30 minutes before the tournament begins. Thursday will be

reserved for the children’s division, and adults will play on Friday.

In addition to this tournament, the ‘Expláyate 2025’ programme includes other sports and water sports activities, talks, sports tournaments, cultural events, workshops, parties, and much more. This marks a concentrated effort by Pulpi officials to make sure the community is enjoying the summer in an active way, and staying fit while doing so.

A FRESH start for these incredible animals, once on the brink of extinction: at least four Iberian lynxes, two males and two females, have been confirmed to be in the Sierra Maria-Los Velez Natural Park in Almeria. These particular lynxes had originally been released in the Tierras Altas de Lorca, in Murcia, and later on traversed into Almeria.

The lynxes were released in a staggered plan, beginning first in 2023 with one female, and the other three released in 2024. The release of these lynxes into the wild in a staggered arrangement is part of a larger plan to allow the animals to settle before introducing other lynxes, encouraging them to mate, as well as encouraging their long-term claim on

the habitat.

The Sierra Maria-Los Velez area provides the perfect habitat for these animals, due to its mountainous terrain and abundance of food sources, in particular rabbits, which accounts for 90 per cent of the Iberian lynx’s diet. The lynxes also regulate other carnivores including foxes and martens, which ultimately benefits prey species and facilitates biodiversity in the region.

Thanks to tireless conservation efforts, these incredible animals have been given a second chance, and as of 2024, census reports show that there are now more than 2,000 Iberian lynxes in the wild, upgrading them from an endangered to vulnerable species.

Photo Credit: Eszter Miller via Pixabay

Four Iberian lynxes have been confirmed in the Sierra Maria-Loz Velez Natural Park.

San Juan de los Terreros will host a petanca tournament this summer.

Photo Credit: Caroline Hernandez via Unsplash

Maintenance measurements

THE Costa de Almeria continues its steps forward towards a better peak season for both residents and tourists alike: the Mojacar Town Council has approved the expansion of street and beach cleaning, as well as garden maintenance services in the municipality. This motion was approved in a plenary session held on Monday, August 11. The changes were inspired by recent urgent needs that have arisen, due to the population growth of the municipality, as well as the strong tourist presence in the area. The motion is an investment made by part of the government to improve the quality of life in Mojacar, pri-

marily by ensuring the streets and beaches remain clean and that public health remains a top priority.

In Mojacar, the number of residents has grown by 15.38 per cent since the year 2016, according to an official press release by the Mojacar Town Council. This is not including the number of visitors who come to enjoy the wonderful Costa and its breathtaking sights year on year.

The effort to upscale its cleaning services will greatly benefit the municipality, maintaining the quality of public spaces and protecting the health of all who live in or visit Mojacar.

A sweet surprise

THE municipality of Vera is combating the suffocating heatwave with a fun frozen treat for residents and visitors, and is supporting local businesses at the same time. In collaboration with the Vera Town Council, the Almeria Chamber of Commerce has launched a campaign that will gift customers a free ice cream with the purchase of over €10 at various shops in the municipality.

The ‘Vera Commerce Will Leave You Frozen’ campaign, as it is called, will be active until September 15 and will provide paying customers with a scratch card that can win a medium ice cream cone or a slushie, redeemable at any of the local ice cream shops registered with the campaign. The customers only need to present their receipt at the Vera

Chamber of Commerce headquarters in order to receive the scratch card.

More than 40 different types of stores are participating in the initiative, including fashion, footwear, opticians, stationery stores, pharmacies, jewellery stores, toy stores, and even hairdressers. The aim is to reward custo -

mer loyalty, encourage shopping at local stores, and liven up the scene on the beach and in the town.

The initiative will encourage visitors to explore more of Vera’s local stores, as well as amp up tourist spending. Not to mention, the promotion offers tourists and residents alike a sweet way to beat the heat.

Mojacar will expand its cleaning and maintenance services.

Photo Credit: Mojácar City Council

Vera is gifting shoppers a free ice cream with their new campaign.

Photo Credit: Alex Jones via Unsplash

Bewitching ballads

FOR three nights, on Sunday, August 10, Monday, August 11, and Tuesday, August 12, the town of Aguilas celebrated the booming success of their ‘Music by the Light of the Sea’ event, a sensory experience that saw a turnout of more than 1,500 people.

The production, by part of the Tío Caracoles Production Company (Miguel Ángel Chulia and Ana Belén Beas), and organised by the Department of Culture of the Aguilas Town Hall, took place on the serene shoreline at the Cocedores del Hornillo, and treated the audience to wonderful piano performances of famous and tear-jerking ballads.

The event originally had just two dates, but a third was added due to its immediate

popularity with the residents of Aguilas. Decorated with hundreds of lit candles and under the bright light of the moon, the piano became the centrepiece of the night, as the musician performed piano renditions of well-known ballads including My Heart Will Go On from Titanic, River Flows in You by Yiruma, music from the film Interstellar, Hedwig’s Theme from the Harry Potter franchise, themes from Pirates of the Caribbean, and much more.

Interspersed with the sounds of the ocean and the beauty of the hundreds of points of light from the candles, ‘Music by the Light of the Sea’ was a sensory event that left the audience bewitched.

Solar-powered sanctuary

HUERCAL-OVERA’S cemeteries have gotten an interesting new update.

This month, the local town council completed the installation of new solar-powered lights in various cemeteries in Huercal-Overa that previously hadn’t had a lighting network. This new installation not only promotes sustainability, but also allows local residents to visit the cemetery even in low light conditions.

The light fixtures installed run exclusively on solar energy and remove the need for complex works to be done on the grid. In a win-win scenario, the fixtures are not only clean energy that’s good for the environment, but will also save municipal finances for Huercal-Overa.

The cemeteries with the new fixtures can be found in the nearby vi -

Huercal-Overa illuminates its cemeteries with

energy.

llages of Goñar, Urcal, La Fuensanta, El Puertecico, La Perulera, and Las Norias.

Said mayor of Huercal-Overa, Domingo Fernández, after inspecting the finished structures, “[N]ow the neighbouring villages will be able to visit their loved ones with the peace of mind of having enough light. This investment shows

our firm commitment to the well-being of all our citizens, no matter where they live, and to a more sustainable future for our municipality.”

Huercal-Overa continues to improve its infrastructure in order to provide the citizens with innovative, environmentally friendly, and functional services and updates.

The Music by the Light of the Sea event in Aguilas was a booming success.

Photo Credit: Aguilas Town Hall

solar

Photo Credit: Huercal-Overa Town Hall

Sculpting paper into life

CUBAN-BORN artist Felix Semper has transformed paper into a globally recognised medium, and his innovative sculptures are now being crafted in Villaricos, a coastal village in Almeria. With more than a million followers across social media platforms, Semper has captivated audiences worldwide, drawing attention not only for his skill but also for the unique elasticity of his creations.

Semper’s signature technique involves layering thousands of sheets of paper, glued together like an accordion, to create exible sculptures that can stretch and bend. This method allows his pieces to mimic the malleability of rubber or latex, o ering a striking contrast to traditional rigid sculptures.

His works include hyper-realistic busts of well-known gures such as Thalía and Tupac Shakur, alongside everyday objects like hamburgers, sneakers, and cola cans. Each sculpture is painstakingly crafted, often taking over a month to complete, and demands meticulous attention to detail.

Having relocated his studio from Miami to Villaricos, Semper has embraced the quiet charm of Almeria while continuing to push the boundaries of contemporary art. His approach blends

traditional craftsmanship with modern themes, challenging audiences to reconsider paper’s potential as a medium. Beyond their technical mastery, his sculptures have become interactive visual experiences, frequently shared on social media, allowing people around the world to engage with his work virtually. Through his innovative methods and artistic vision, Félix Semper is rede ning the landscape of modern sculpture. By turning an ordinary material into extraordinary, malleable works of art, he demonstrates that creativity is limitless, inspiring both emerging artists and art enthusiasts to view the everyday in a new light.

Locals save the day

ON the afternoon of Sunday, August 17, a wildfire broke out near the village of Agua Amarga, within the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park in Almeria. The blaze ignited along the AL-5106 road, alarmingly close to residential areas, immediately raising fears of a wider catastrophe.

More than 20 emergency personnel, including firefighters from the Infoca plan, Levante firefighters, Local Police, and

Civil Protection units, rushed to the scene to contain the fire. Their rapid response was critical, but it was the proactive efforts of local residents that proved decisive in preventing the blaze from escalating.

Neighbours quickly mobilised, alerting authorities as soon as the smoke was visible. Some assisted in clearing dry vegetation from the roadside and around homes, while others helped create improvised firebreaks to slow the fire’s spread.

Residents coordinated with each other to protect vulnerable properties, moving vehicles and flammable materials to safer areas. Several locals even assisted in guiding firefighters to the most affected areas, ensuring no time was lost in

accessing remote spots.

The combined efforts of the community and emergency services successfully contained the fire before it could reach the heart of Agua Amarga or the protected areas of the natural park. No significant injuries or property damage were reported, a testament to the effectiveness of immediate local action. In areas such as Cabo de Gata-Níjar, where dry conditions and dense vegetation increase fire risk, the alertness and courage of residents can be just as important as professional intervention. The swift collaboration between locals and authorities prevented a potential disaster, safeguarding both human life and the fragile ecosystem of this unique natural park.

Locals assisted the Infoca team to successfully contain the fire.

The sculptures are hyper-realistic.

Photo credits: Felix Semper/Facebook

Charismatic ‘chiringuito’

FOR visitors of the coast of Almeria, there are few things more appealing than relaxing at a beach bar and ordering a drink and a delicious Mediterranean meal … and for that matter, few beach bars are better and more locally beloved than the El Espigón beach bar, in Garrucha. This charming ‘chiringuito’ offers a seat by the seaside and a mouth-watering menu of the best and most fresh fish from the Almeria region. Despite recent years’ renovations to the seafront promenade, which struck a blow to local businesses, El Espigón has been able to stay afloat thanks to their loyal customers, who go every year to relax and

enjoy the seafood in a classic Spanish beach bar atmosphere. Now, El Espigón is one of the trendiest, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing places on the Garrucha beachside.

This year, El Espigón will have been standing strong in Garrucha for 30 years. Run by Carmen Aguilar, this seaside bar is paramount to the beach experience in the coastal town, and has gained a considerable amount of local fame in Garrucha. Without a doubt, with its varied menu, delicious grilled options, and beachy atmosphere, it will continue to attract visitors and residents alike for many years to come.

Agricultural ascension

ALMERIA continues to be a hotspot for foreign workers, especially in the agricultural sector. This year, according to data provided by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, 2,826 more foreigners have been registered as employed in Almeria.

In total, the province of Almeria has 71,403 workers from other countries registered with Social Security. Almeria, following a months-long pattern, is the province with the second-highest number of foreign employees in the whole of Andalucia, beaten out only by Malaga.

Not only this, Almeria’s countryside is a hotspot for foreign workers, with a total of 31,335 employees working in the agricultural sphere, compared to 30,681 working other

types of jobs. Of these foreign workers, the grand majority of them come from countries outside of the European Union, a total of 28,771 workers registered. The total of non-EU workers, agricultural and otherwise, exceeds 50,000.

Within this group, men also outnumber women by nearly double. In the province, 46,847 men are registered to the 24,557 women. Moreover, these

workers from outside the European Union far outnumber the European workers in the Almeria Province, with 12,881 registered in total.

In the last 12 months, the province of Almeria has contributed 200,000 new jobs to the population, and around 40 per cent of these have corresponded to foreign workers, further cementing Almeria as a darling for expatriates looking for employment.

The El Espigón beach bar turns 30 this year.

Photo Credit: Chiringuito El Espigón via Facebook

Almeria is continuing to be a province preferred by foreign workers.

Photo Credit: Cameron Witney via Unsplash

A love that lasts

IN an age when divorce has become commonplace, Almeria is quietly defying the trend. The province has just recorded the lowest number of divorces and separations since records began in 2005, marking a moment of pride for local families and communities.

Figures from the Andalucian Institute of Statistics and Cartography show that 1,146 marriages ended in 2024, a striking contrast to the rising numbers seen across Andalucia as a whole. With just 1.5 dissolutions per 1,000 inhabitants, Almeria now boasts the lowest divorce rate in the region.

Paws-Patas thanks

IN the world of ‘rescue’ it’s the best feeling ever when an older dog finds the amazing home they deserve and this week it was the turn of our beautiful ‘oldie’, Tango. 12 years old and sharing his kennel with a young female who suddenly found she had a home, leaving him destined to be alone and sad

What is most striking, however, is not only the decline in numbers, but the longevity of many marriages. While some unions did end within the first five years, the province also revealed a touching statistic: only six couples who had been married for more than half a century chose to separate. For the overwhelming majority, love and companionship endured through decades of life’s challenges, underscoring Almeria’s reputation for strong family values and lasting bonds. Most divorces were hand-

led amicably, with three-quarters settled by mutual agreement. When children were involved, shared custody was the norm, reflecting a cooperative approach to parenting even after separation.

Far from being a story of decline, the figures suggest a province where the promise of ‘for better, for worse’ continues to hold real meaning. In towns and villages across Almeria, countless couples are proving that commitment, patience, and love can truly last a lifetime. For a region often celebrated for its sunshine and traditions, perhaps its greatest treasure lies in the enduring strength of its marriages.

However, just days after a Facebook posting earlier last week he had been adopted in to the most incredible family, allowing him to live out the rest of his years in a happy and loving home after a previous life of kennels, abandonment and, before that, wellwe just don’t know

As you can see from the photos he left our shelter smiling and is already settled with his paws literally ‘under the table’. We’re sure by now he’s found his bed and is

enjoying home comforts.

Thank you to his new family. We wish you and Tango many wonderful years together

Also, an unexpected donation came in to us for €1,000 from Riders For Dogs, a charity that raises money to support dog charities. They had heard from two different sources that we run a great organisation, so many thanks to them. What a wonderful donation and very kind words. It makes us even prouder of what we do when we receive such positive feedback Thank you as always for your support. It’s true that we can only do what we do with your help and support.

Almería has the lowest divorce rate since 2025.

Photo credit: Freepik

Tango left the shelter smiling.

Madrid pharmacy shake-up

MADRID’S pharmacies are on the verge of a major transformation - and if you’ve ever raced the clock for a prescription or cursed the ‘closed’ sign at 9pm, the changes are set to be a lifesaver. New regional plans will soon let many chemists across Madrid open longer hours, with some even operating 24/7. Whether it’s a midnight migraine, a weekend emergency, or just a late-night need for essentials, these extended hours will ensure help is always close at hand.

The overhaul doesn’t stop there. In a bid to make healthcare more accessible for everyone, the new rules mean that home delivery will become standard for those who need it most. Forget scrambling for a neighbour or paying extrayour medication can be delivered right

to your door by trusted pharmacy staff, at no additional cost.

Rural areas and small villages aren’t being left behind, either. While tiny chemists won’t be forced into non-stop shifts, every region will have a plan to guarantee you can always get what you need, no matter the hour.

Another win for patients: Madrid’s pharmacies will now offer personalised pill organisers, helping you keep track of your medicines - no more confusion about which pill to take when. And for those holiday headaches (literally), at least half of all pharmacies in each area will stay open on public holidays.

All of this is set to kick off in early 2026, with the regional government finalising the details over the coming months.

Giant Christ statue

BOADILLA DEL MONTE, a town just outside Madrid, could soon host the world’s largest statue of Christ, surpassing Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer and Poland’s Christ the King.

The proposed ‘Sacred Heart’ monument would stand 37 metres tall, with a 60-metre wingspan, and house a 2.5-metre tabernacle heart.

Designed by Madrid sculptor Javier Viver, it would be built with a reinforced concrete torso and head, and carbon-fibre arms. Visitors could enter the structure, making it both a landmark and a pilgrimage site.

The project’s €17 million budget will be funded entirely through donations, with €5 million targeted via crowdfunding before construction begins.

So far, just over €94,000 has been pledged. The initiative, led by the Asocia-

ción de Devotos del Corazón de Jesús de Boadilla, is now in its first phase - finalising designs, fundraising and preparing logistics.

If funding is secured, building would take around three years, aiming for a June 2030 unveiling.

Organisers describe it as ‘a courageous invitation to hope’ and pledge to dedicate 10 per centy of future donations to charity.

Supporters see the statue as a ‘beacon of recon-

ciliation’ that could boost tourism, create jobs and put Boadilla on the global pilgrimage map. But critics question the priorities of spending millions on a religious monument during a housing crisis and budget pressures in health and education.

There are also practical concerns over traffic, visitor facilities, environmental impact and who will fund the necessary infrastructure.

Pharmacies preparing to extend their hours.

Credit : AntonioAC, Shutterstock

Concept image of the planned Sacred Heart statue.

Madrid’s Blue Card

MADRID’S Tarjeta Azul, or ‘Blue Card’, is transforming daily life for thousands of the city’s residents - offering unlimited public transport across Metro Zone A and most bus routes for just €3.70 a month. It’s not a secret hack, but a city-run scheme aimed squarely at those who need support the most: pensioners, people with disabilities, and anyone scraping by on a tight income. Right now, the card’s usual price is even lower than normal, thanks to a temporary 40 per cent discount, meaning you can cross the capital all month long for less than the cost of a single café con leche.

Who qualifies? The Blue Card is strictly for Madrid residents who are officially registered on the city census and fall below

certain income thresholds set by Spain’s IPREM index. This includes people over 65, younger pensioners aged 60-65, and those with significant disabilities. For minors with disabilities or people legally incapacitated, eligibility is automatic, and the income limit is higher for those with greater needs. If you’re not sure whether you fit the bill, the process for checking is surprisingly painless - either online with a digital ID or in person at your neighbourhood Citizen Attention Office.

Applying for the Blue Card is refreshingly straightforward: upload or provide a photo, proof of income, ID, and residency, and you could have the card in your mailbox within a month.

Mediterranean ‘bathwater’

THE Mediterranean Sea is boiling like never before, with Spanish buoys in Mallorca and Menorca recording water temperatures above 30°C in mid-August. Scientists warn this marine heatwave is among the strongest on record, threatening marine life, fuelling jellyfish blooms along beaches, and raising the risk of violent late-summer storms.

Two buoys in the Balearics have logged Caribbean-like readings: 30.86°C at Dragonera (Mallorca) and 31.24°C at Mahon (Menorca) on August 13, measured three metres below the surface. These values confirm a renewed heatwave across the Mediterranean, with anomalies spreading from Spain to France and Italy.

Spain’s buoy network paints a clear picture. Mid-August sea temperatures include Tarragona

28.91°C, Cabo de Palos 27.55°C, Malaga 27.20°C, Cabo de Gata 26.76°C, and Cabo de Begur 26.48°C. After weeks offline, the Valencia buoy returned with 29°C on August 17, its annual high.

A stubborn high-pressure ridge has blocked the cooling Tramontana winds, leaving calm seas to soak up heat. Thirty-degree waters are not

unheard of in the Med, but multiple buoys sustaining such levels for days is unusual. The Mediterranean is warming faster than the global ocean average, making heatwaves like this longer and stronger.

Forecasts show the hot spell persisting through this week, with a slow cool-down into late August.

Worst wildfires on record

SPAIN is fighting its worst wildfires in history, scorching nearly 120,000 hectares across Asturias, Castilla y Leon, Extremadura, and Galicia, claiming four lives, including a firefighter killed in a fire engine accident. The fires, fuelled by a relentless

heatwave with temperatures expected to hit 45ºC, have overwhelmed emergency teams, leading Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to cut short his Canary Islands holiday and seek assistance from other countries.

The blazes have disrupted

transportation, closing 16 roads, including the N-621 between Leon and Cantabria, and suspending the Madrid-Galicia high-speed rail line due to unsafe conditions in Ourense. Firefighters and Spain’s Military Emergency Unit battled multiple fires amid extreme weather, with strong winds and high temperatures complicating efforts.

Sánchez, criticised for his delayed response, visited a coordination centre in Ourense and Leon, calling for a ‘grand state pact’ to bolster Spain’s climate disaster preparedness. He urged unity beyond partisan divides to address the climate emergency. King Felipe visited the Military Emergency Unit headquarters in Madrid to support frontline efforts.

The fires have devastated communities, with stories of loss highlighting the human toll. Residents and psychologists emphasise that beyond statistics, entire towns have been ravaged.

Madrid’s distinctive blue city buses. Credit : brunocoelho, Shutterstock

Spanish buoys top 30°C as a fresh marine heatwave grips the sea.

Spanish hero in China

MARTA SANTANA, a 31-year-old Spanish tourist, became an internet sensation in China after rescuing a child from drowning in the Tuo River in Hunan Province on August 7. While traveling

with friends, Santana, a former swimming coach, saw the boy fall into the river and struggle against strong currents. Without hesitation, she dived in to save him, followed by the child’s grandfather. Toge -

ther, they brought the boy safely to shore.

The rescue was filmed and shared on Weibo, China’s equivalent of X, gaining 1.8 million views on the first day. The story trended under the hashtag ‘foreign tourist bravely saves child in Fenghuang ancient city’, becoming a top topic on Chinese social media.

Santana’s decade of experience as a swimming coach and lifeguard drove her instinctive response. “I didn’t think twice; I just wanted to get him out of the water,” she said, praising the grandfather’s courage.

Yang Xiaoli, a local tourism official in Fenghuang County, commended Santana’s ‘act of heroism’, noting her bravery and kindness. On her first trip to China, Santana expressed relief that the child was safe and reaffirmed her commitment to helping others.

Cheap supermarkets

FOOD inflation has turned the weekly grocery run into a financial headache, but a new study by Spain’s consumer group OCU shows families can fight back simply by choosing the right supermarket. Researchers tracked 155,489 prices for 236 products across 1,108 stores in 65 cities, finding that households could save around €1,056 a year - nearly 17.5 per cent of their food budget - by shopping at the cheapest chains.

The study ranked Family Cash, Alcampo, Supeco, Consum and Mercadona as Spain’s most affordable supermarkets. These retailers consistently kept baskets cheaper, especially through own-brand ranges. But the report also stressed that location matters: the gap between the lowest and highest bills within the same chain is particularly sharp in cities such as Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona. That means shoppers in urban areas could pocket even bigger savings by being selective about where they buy.

OCU notes that the average basket is now 14.1 per cent more expensive than

last year and up 30.8 per cent compared with 2022. Essentials like sugar and condensed milk have spiked, while items such as sunflower oil and Canary bananas have eased, but the overall climb leaves many households squeezed. Most savings come from swapping to store brands for pantry staples, dairy and cleaning products, where the difference to big-name labels is minimal. The key is combining supermarket choice with smarter habits: planning meals around real promotions, sticking to a list, splitting the shop across chains, freezing leftovers and resisting impulse buys.

Rare September eclipse

THE final total lunar eclipse of 2025 is set to dazzle Spain on the night of Saturday September 7.

Wondering when is the next total lunar eclipse in Spain? This one, known as the Blood Moon, will be one of the most vivid and longest of the decade. For 83 minutes, the Moon will glow a deep copper red as Earth casts its shadow across the lunar surface.

This rare Blood Moon will be fully visible across most of Spain, except parts of western Galicia and the Canary Islands, where only the end will be seen.

The eclipse begins at 7.31pm, peaks at 8.11pm and ends at 8.53pm, just days before the Moon reaches its perigee, when it appears slightly larger in the sky.

A total lunar eclipse happens when Earth moves between the Sun

and Moon. Sunlight passes through our atmosphere, scattering blue light and allowing red and orange tones to bathe the Moon.

The colour and brightness are measured using the Danjon scale.

This eclipse is expected to score L=2 or L=3 – a coppery red centre with brighter edges.

To watch it, no special glasses are needed. Find high ground, avoid light pollution, and take a camera with tripod. Apps like Stellarium and SkySafari can help you track the Moon’s path. This will be the second and final lunar eclipse visible from Spain this year – and perhaps the most spectacular.

Price-checking in the aisles.

Red Moon Rising: Blood moon eclipse to stun Spain in September skies.

Your

Does climate change worry you? VOICE

CLIMATE change refers to longterm shifts in global or regional climate patterns, largely attributed to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. Scientists report rising global temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, and changes in ecosystems, which could affect societies and economies.

To understand how these developments are perceived, we asked our readers whether climate change worries them. Climate change sparks strong opinions worldwide, and our readers were no exception. The responses revealed a division of views and the reasons behind them.

Some respondents were unconcerned. Denis Taylor wrote, “84 years old and lived through climate change every year but I like to call it Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.” Jeff Bridges commented, “No, it’s called unpredictable weather.”

Others framed it as a natural phenomenon, with David Egner noting, “No. The planet’s 4.6 billion years old and this isn’t the first time the climate’s changed and the planet’s still here.”

Many expressed doubts about the motivations behind climate change discussions. Jason Latham suggested the issue provides “governments another poor excuse to tax us to death.” Les Nunn echoed this perspective, calling climate change,

“a massive con just like all the ridiculous things governments have tried to scare us with in the past.”

Some attributed climate change to broader conspiracies. Anthony Harris wrote, “The climate is being manipulated before your own eyes,” while Neil Ross called it, “A bigger scam than the plandemic.”

Others, like John Jenkins , expressed concern, especially “for future generations.” Angela Edgley noted, “Climate change is very disruptive to everyday life… Much of it is a man-made occurrence because nature is being messed with.” Sian Foster stated the need for more awareness and informed action, saying that we should “plant more” and have “green spaces rather than asphalt and concrete.”

Some readers shared more personal feelings. Jacqueline Treadaway wrote simply, “TERRIFIED,” while Dorina Cathy said, “Duh, of course it does!” Deb Horses , reflecting on her age, wrote, “At my age, you worry about blood clots, heart attacks, your last visit to the oncologist… you don’t worry about what you can’t change.”

In summary, opinions were divided. The majority said they are not worried, but several find it to be a serious issue. Others gave longer responses pointing to natural cycles, government agendas, or future concerns. While views differ, it is clear that climate change continues to engage and divide readers.

Climate change discussion sparks diverse opinions.

Photo credit: Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Scorpions up close Catalonia fi bre

SPAIN is home to several scorpion species, most of which are small and relatively harmless to humans. While their presence can surprise locals and visitors, understanding their behaviour, habitats, and safety measures helps minimise risk.

Scorpions are found mainly in southern and eastern regions such as Andalucia, Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia, favouring dry, rocky environments where they hide during the day. Some also shelter in gardens, under roof tiles, or occasionally inside rural homes.

The most notable species include Buthus occitanus and Buthus ibericus, both capable of painful stings with swelling and discomfort, though serious e ects are rare. A recently identi ed species, Buthus gonzalezdelavegai, discovered in Doñana National Park in 2024, shows similar venom strength. In contrast, the smaller Euscorpius avicaudis and Euscorpius italicus are generally harmless and avoid human contact.

Spanish scorpions typically measure three to seven centimetres, with colours ranging from pale yellow to dark brown. Their venom, designed to immobilise prey, usually causes localised pain, redness, and itching in humans. Severe allergic reactions are uncommon but may require medical attention.

Activity peaks between May and September when temperatures are warm. Preventive measures include wearing boots and gloves in rocky terrain, checking bedding and shoes, and avoiding unnecessary contact. If stung, washing the area, applying a cold pack, and using pain relief are usually su cient.

CATALONIA has just switched on public fibre in 684 towns, marking a huge step toward digital equality. The state-owned backbone now stretches 7,454 kilometres, reaching 72 per cent of the map with fibre at the kerb. Back in August 2024, the total was only 6,021 km across 533 municipalities.

Since then, crews have added another 1,433 km and connected 131 more towns. For the government, the aim is clear: close the digital gap and give rural communities the same access to modern services as Barcelona’s urban core. Presidency minister Albert Dalmau has summed it up with one line - ‘100 per cent connectivity’.

The roadmap for 2025 is ambitious. The grid is expected to pass 8,000 km and cover 739 municipalities, or around 78 per cent, with another 650 km already under construction. Investment has topped €300 million so far, with officials claiming each euro generates €12.85 in social value through productivity, healthcare access and new business opportunities. This year alone, €91.5 million is ear-

Embryo breakthrough

SCIENTISTS in Barcelona have filmed, for the first time, a human embryo implanting in real time and in 3D - a breakthrough that could reshape fertility care and IVF success. The team at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), working with Dexeus Mujer–Hospital Universitari Dexeus, created a lab-built 3D model mimicking the outer layers of the uterus. Using this setup, they watched embryos push, pull and burrow into tissue, offering unprecedented detail of the critical first step of pregnancy.

Published in Science Advances, the study reveals why implantation failure is one of the main causes of infertility and is linked to around 60 per cent of miscarriages.

Lead researcher Samuel Ojosnegros explains that the embryo is far from passive: it exerts force while releasing enzymes that break down the surrounding collagen-rich tissue, clearing a path inward. Once embedded, it begins to form specialised structures that will eventually connect with the mother’s

blood vessels. Co-author Amélie Godeau adds that embryos also respond to external mechanical cues, suggesting that natural uterine contractions could help guide implantation in real life. Until now, doctors relied only on snapshots, but this system tracks implantation second by second. The findings could help clinics select embryos with the right ‘mechanical fingerprint’, design supportive lab conditions, and time transfers more precisely. For couples undergoing treatment, this may mean higher IVF success rates and shorter waits to achieve pregnancy.

marked for more ducts, cabinets and connections, all aimed at pushing toward universal coverage. But fibre is only the backbone; the benefits will come with new programmes. XCatConnecta plans to connect 100 per cent of schools, hospitals, police stations

and other public services by 2031, with work starting in 2026. For rural businesses, clinics, schools and families, the upgrades mean reliable upload speeds, smoother healthcare transfers, proper digital classrooms and a real chance at remote work.

Engineers hook up new lines to the public network.

Human embryo implantation, in real time.

NEWS Travel

Benagil - coastal cliffs, sea caves, and Algarve viewpoints

BENAGIL is a small fishing village on Portugal’s southern coast. Though once little-known, it has become increasingly popular due to the nearby sea cave known as Algar de Benagil - a natural rock formation with a circular skylight and beach inside. The area is defined by steep limestone cliffs, clear water, and a series of coves and inlets. While the village itself is small, it serves as a convenient base for coastal walks, boat tours, and time on the beach.

The village itself is not suitable for large vehicles, so parking further out and walking or cycling in is recommended. There is a campervan parking area near the cliffs above Benagil Beach, and several nearby beaches also have parking areas that accommodate outside of peak hours.

Food and local products

There are a few local restaurants and cafés offering grilled fish, rice, and simple Portuguese dishes. More choice is available in nearby towns such as Lagoa or Carvoeiro. Along the coast, seasonal beach bars open from spring to early autumn, serving snacks, drinks, and fresh local produce. Supermarkets and shops for supplies are best found a short drive inland.

When to visit

The best time to visit Benagil is between late April and early October. During these months, the weather is warm, the sea is calmer, and boat tours run daily. July and August are the busiest, with high temperatures and heavy foot traffic. Early summer and early autumn have a more relaxed atmosphere, with fewer crowds and still-pleasant weather.

What to do

Visitors typically focus on hiking, swimming, and taking photographs of the sea cave and surrounding cliffs. Kayak and stand-up

paddleboard rentals are available directly from the beach, and boat tours can vary in length and cost, but most include multiple stops and commentary on local geology. Swimming is best at Benagil Beach itself or at the less crowded Praia do Carvalho, a short walk away.

Above the cliffs, there is a coastal path that connects Benagil to Praia da Marinha and other bea-

SUMMARY

Benagil is not a large destination, but for travellers interested in coastal scenery, short hikes, and ocean access, it is a convenient and scenic stop. Planning ahead helps, especially during high season, but the area is manageable and accessible

Neanderthal Valley

A NEW excavation is underway in Madrid’s Pinilla del Valle, known as the ‘Valley of the Neanderthals’, a site that has already produced remarkable finds, including a half-million-year-old human molar and a Neanderthal ‘trophy room’ suggesting ritual behaviour.

More than 100 archaeologists and palaeontologists are now digging into a sector never before explored, hoping to refine the chronology of cave use, better date stone tool traditions, and shed new light on population shifts between Neanderthals and early modern humans. The campaign runs until mid-September, after which guided visits for the public are expected to resume.

The importance of Pinilla del Valle lies in its unique combination of deep chronology and symbolic traces. Past campaigns revealed a 480,000-500,000-year-old human

tooth, the oldest yet recovered in Madrid, and an arrangement of animal skulls in Cueva Des-Cubierta that made global headlines as evidence of Neanderthal symbolic behaviour.

These discoveries placed the site alongside Atapuerca, Guadix-Baza and Aroeira as one of Iberia’s key Ice-Age references, making it the only site in Madrid with hominin remains predating Homo sapiens.

The new trench could prove equally decisive. Researchers are investigating whether early Upper Palaeolithic layers belong to the Aurignacian or Gravettian periods and are expected to release initial results later this autumn, with detailed studies to follow.

For visitors, the wait is short: public tours will reopen once the field season concludes, offering a first glimpse at what could be another chapter in rewriting Iberia’s deep past.

No independence for youths

IN Spain, a significant proportion of young adults continue to live with their parents, driven largely by low salaries and soaring housing costs. Recent data reveals that approximately 45 per cent of Spaniards aged up to 31 years remain in the family home, a figure that highlights ongoing economic and social challenges facing the country’s youth.

The root causes are clear. Wage growth in Spain has been relatively stagnant for years, particularly for young workers entering the labour market. According to official statistics from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), many young adults earn incomes that are insufficient to afford independent living. Meanwhile, the cost of renting or buying a home has surged dramatically in many urban areas, further complica-

ting the ability of young people to move out.

Housing prices in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia have risen steeply, driven by demand, limited supply, and rising interest rates. Rental costs, in particular, have become prohibitive for many young workers, whose earnings have not kept pace with inflation and market trends. This disparity has made it increasingly difficult for young people to achieve the traditional milestone of moving out

and establishing their own households.

The economic pressures are compounded by the precarious nature of youth employment. Many young Spaniards face temporary contracts, part-time work, or underemployment, which undermines financial stability and long-term planning. This job insecurity discourages commitments such as signing rental agreements or mortgages, leading to a greater tendency to stay in the parental home.

Field team working at the new Pinilla del Valle dig.

Credit : X - Comunidad de Madrid @ComunidadMadrid

Unless cohabiting, independence is near impossible.

Photo credits: Freepik

SPAIN has once again secured 36 places in the 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), matching last year’s tally but with one change: the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria enters, while the University of Valladolid exits. Leading the national field, the University of Barcelona (UB) maintains its 151-200 global band - its strongest bracket - holding steady from 2024. The rest of Spain’s top 10 is unchanged: Valencia (201-300), Autònoma de Barcelona, Autónoma de Madrid, Complutense de Madrid, Pompeu Fabra, Granada, Basque Country (all 301-400), followed by Polytechnic University of Valencia and

Barcelona tops ranking

The University of Barcelona’s main hall, with its neo-Gothic arches and grand staircase.

Sevilla (both 401-500).

While 22 institutions keep their 2024 positions, five climb - Oviedo, Rovira i Virgili, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Cantabria and Jaen - and eight drop, including La Laguna, Murcia and Malaga. Globally, Harvard continues its 23-year reign at number one, with Stan-

ford second and MIT third. The remainder of the top 10 features Cambridge, UC Berkeley, Oxford, Princeton, Columbia, Caltech and the University of Chicago. In Europe, Paris-Saclay leads at 13th, while ETH Zurich sits at 22nd.

On the global stage, Tsinghua University (18th) heads Asia and the University of Melbourne (38th) tops Oceania.

For Spain, the results confirm a stable and competitive university landscape, with Barcelona holding its place as the flagship. Regional institutions are showing upward mobility, keeping Spain’s research presence firmly visible in the global arena.

Spain waste charges

Councils are now notifying households of the updated waste-collection fee - charges vary by municipality, with payment via bank/app (direct debit from 2026).

RESIDENTS across Spain will soon receive letters from their local councils announcing higher household waste charges, part of a nationwide adjustment to meet EU recycling and recovery rules. While the framework is national, the calculation is strictly local, meaning the amount owed can differ dramatically depending on where you live. In some municipalities of Alicante Province, bills have reportedly quadrupled compared with previous years.

In Madrid, the average annual charge stands at around €140, but neighbourhoods show sharp contrasts: households in Aravaca may pay up to €574, while those in Villaverde average closer to €47. Such disparities reflect each council’s own tariff structure, which combines service availability with waste generation factors.

The new levy typically has two compo-

Spain’s

SPAIN’S million-euro property market is booming - but not everywhere. New data from Idealista show that 84 per cent of homes priced above €1 million are concentrated in just six provinces: the Balearic Islands, Malaga, Madrid, Alicante, Barcelona and Girona. On August 1, 43,707 homes were listed above the million mark, and more than 8,700 of them topped €3 million. The pattern is clear: islands, coasts and the capital dominate.

The Balearics lead with 23 per cent of the country’s €1m+ listings, driven by sea views, yachting culture and steady international demand. Malaga follows with 20 per cent, thanks largely to Marbella’s Golden Mile and Estepona’s new-build boom.

Madrid claims 14 per cent with blue-chip neighbourhoods like La Moraleja and Salamanca, while Alicante

nents: a basic fee for service availability and a generation fee based on expected household waste. Variables that influence the calculation include the floor area of the home, cadastral value, number of registered residents, water consumption, and local collection and treatment costs. This explains why even neighbours on the same street may face different charges. Residents like Yolanda, from Arganda del Rey, have already voiced frustration, calling the increase ‘disproportionate’ after seeing her bill climb to €152 for a modest flat. Payment details will arrive with each notice, including the amount, reference number and deadline. Most councils currently allow payment via bank branch or mobile app, with direct debit (domiciliación) expected to be standardised nationwide from 2026.

luxury clusters

Spain’s €1m-plus homes are heavily clustered in just six provinces, led by the Balearics and Malaga.

and Barcelona each hold 11 per cent. Girona rounds out the top six with 6 per cent, powered by the Costa Brava.

In contrast, some inland provinces barely register - Zamora has none, and Palencia and Soria have just two each.

At the ultra-prime end (€3m+), the concentration is even sharper. The Balearic Islands (34 per cent) and Malaga (31 per cent) account for nearly two-thirds of listings, followed by Madrid (12 per cent), Barcelona (6 per

cent), Alicante (5 per cent), Girona (3 per cent) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife (3 per cent). Nine provinces have no homes at all in this bracket, underscoring how Spain’s top-tier market is essentially a coast-and-capital story. Spain’s luxury boom is real but uneven. If you want maximum choice and liquidity, follow the clusters. If you’re chasing space, serenity and character, inland Spain offers rewards - provided you’re prepared for a slower market.

GERMANY

Cheeky theft

IN Salzwedel, thieves have stolen the bronze backside from the famous ‘Puparschbierbrunnen’ - literally ‘Bottom Beer Fountain’ - a statue of a man bending over with beer flowing from a keg on his back. The fountain has been a well-known quirky landmark for decades. Police are currently investigating.

Cash bounty

VICTIMS of a daring bank heist in Lübeck last December are offering an extraordinary reward of €240,000 in cash, gold and Krugerrands for information leading to the four men who broke into 371 safe-deposit boxes worth more than €18 million at Deutsche Bank. Earlier, prosecutors had offered only €5,000, with no result.

PORTUGAL ITALY FRANCE DENMARK BELGIUM

Jagger’s journey

ROLLING STONES frontman Mick Jagger, 82, has been spotted holidaying across Portugal, from the streets of Lisbon to the surf town of Nazaré, the historic city of Coimbra and the riverfront of Porto. Travelling with family, he took in local sights, met fans and posed for photos during his summer tour of the country.

Wine tariffs

PORTUGUESE wine producers warn that a planned 15 per cent US tariff could result in a 30 per cent price rise for consumers. Lower-priced bottles are expected to be most affected, and industry figures fear that if importers push down producer prices in response, the consequences could be particularly severe for smaller wineries.

NORWAY

Oslo outbreak

A HEPATITIS A outbreak in Oslo has been traced to the popular Frognerseteren restaurant, which remains closed following the cases. To date, 22 cases have been reported, 12 genetically confirmed, among patrons who consumed food there between mid-June and August 2. Local health services are offering vaccinations to anyone potentially exposed.

Cheaters charged

SKI jumpers Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang, along with three team officials, have been charged with ski suit tampering at the World Championships in Trondheim. FIS says reinforced thread was used, but the athletes deny knowledge. Both were disqualified in March and suspended. The ethics committee’s ruling is pending.

EURO PRESS

NETHERLANDS

Lafufu bust

SINCE March, Dutch customs officers have seized approximately 400,000 counterfeit Labubu dolls, predominantly at Schiphol Airport. These fake versions, dubbed ‘Lafufu’, are of inferior quality and pose safety risks, including choking hazards due to detachable parts and potential exposure to harmful chemicals.

Credit: Enjoy The Life / Shutterstock

Wedding refund

COPENHAGEN Municipality has been ordered to refund nearly 23 million kroner (around €3,082,000) to more than 12,000 primarily foreign couples who were incorrectly charged wedding fees at City Hall since 2018. The charges - up to 4,500 kroner - were only lawful for ceremonies held outside the hall.

Canine risk

A NEW Danish study shows that wild carnivores such as foxes, badgers and mink can carry canine distemper virus, which poses a threat to farmed and domestic animals. It’s highly contagious among carnivores, but cannot be transmitted to humans, underscoring the importance of vaccination for dogs and biosecurity for vulnerable species.

Kit copycat

BRITISH designer Diana Al Shammari has accused Belgian football club Beerschot of copying her floral embroidery design featured on their new limited-edition kit. The sportswear company Nova, which produced the shirt, denies wrongdoing, stating they contacted her for collaboration but received no response.

Bikini brawl

TWO women from Brussels, aged 19 and 21, are set to appear in court after allegedly attacking police officers in Blankenberge for violating a local bikini ban. During their arrest, one struck an officer, and another was slightly injured. A minor accompanying them was released without charge. They face charges of resisting arrest and assault.

FINLAND SWEDEN

Spirit slump

ALCOHOL consumption in Finland is declining, while interest in alcohol-free options is rising. In July, state-owned retailer Alko saw a 65 per cent increase in non-alcoholic drink sales from July 2024. Wine sales fell about 5 per cent, spirits 8.2 per cent, and overall sales volume dropped 2.5 per cent year-on-year.

Veteran’s gift

THE University of Eastern Finland has received its largest-ever donation - more than €3 million - from the estate of a late farmer and war veteran. The gift will be used to support research and education, with the university establishing a dedicated fund in his name to honour his legacy.

Illegal cargo

A 53-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to one year in prison in Sweden after police found about 750,000 illegal cigarettes and 198 litres of spirits in his car. The cigarettes, lacking Swedish health warnings, carried an estimated tax value of over 1.5 million kronor (around €134,208.69), according to Dagens Juridik.

Sea treasure

THEO WANDERYDZ, 31, a screenwriter from Gothenburg, lost his ring in the sea earlier this summer while visiting the Bohuslän coast. Despite searches, it seemed gone for good until it was later found attached to a sea star by a diver. The discovery, quickly shared on social media, drew widespread attention for its unusual and whimsical nature.

Charity ride

A 20-YEAR-OLD student from Lyon, Maxime Jerez, cycled an ambitious 1,100 km from Palavas-les-Flots to Calais in just three days to honour his late grandmother and raise funds for cancer research. “No stress, just excitement,” he said before setting off, supporting the Ligue contre le cancer with €5 donated for every kilometre.

Pigeon control

THE town of Suresnes has introduced an animal-friendly method to curb its pigeon population: since early August a dispenser on Place Henri IV has provided pigeons with corn kernels coated in a reversible contraceptive gel each morning. The €19,000 initiative aims to reduce pigeon births by 30 per cent to 80 per cent, without harming other wildlife.

Pageant outrage

IN Italy’s Campania region, a 13-year-old girl appeared on the Miss Italia ‘Mascotte’ catwalk, wearing a bikini and high heels, despite the minimum age being 18. The incident, spotlighted by journalist Selvaggia Lucarelli, sparked outrage and prompted the immediate dismissal of the regional representative.

Italian roots

COMEDIAN and US host Jimmy Kimmel has obtained Italian citizenship through his maternal ancestry, saying it offers him ‘options’ for the future. Speaking on The Sarah Silverman Podcast, he noted the move came earlier this year and hinted he might spend more time in Europe, depending on how political events unfold in the US.

IRELAND

Bar blaze

A MAN in his 20s has been arrested in connection with a fire at Conor McGregor’s pub, the Black Forge Inn, in Dublin. The incident occurred on July 25, when a flammable liquid was used to set fire to the pub’s front. The suspect was apprehended by the Gardaí’s Special Detective Unit and remains in custody. Investigations are ongoing.

Sports solidarity

SPORTING legends from various disciplines have rallied behind a fundraising campaign, ‘Stand For Féile,’ to support a young Cork girl who tragically lost both her legs in a farm accident. The initiative has garnered widespread support from the sports community to aid Féile O’Sullivan’s recovery and future care.

Train suspension

HIGH-SPEED train services between Madrid and Galicia were indefinitely suspended following a wildfire in the province of Ourense. The fire, which broke out on Wednesday August 13 in the area between A Mezquita and A Gudiña, forced Renfe, Spain’s national rail operator, to halt all AVE and Alvia services on this route. The decision comes as firefighting teams struggled to contain flames that have threatened railway infrastructure and nearby communities. Renfe announced the suspension of services citing the proximity of the fire to the railway line as the primary reason for the disruption. Passengers affected by the cancellations were offered the option to change or cancel their tickets without incurring additional charges.

For those whose journeys were interrupted, Renfe provided bus transfers between stations such as Sanabria, Ourense, and Zamora

to ensure travellers could continue their trips, albeit with delays and longer travel times.

The wildfire in Ourense was part of a broader wave of forest fires impacting several regions of Spain, including Castilla y Leon, Galicia, Extremadura, Madrid, and Andalucia. These fires have resulted in at least two fatalities and left several people critically injured. In the province of Ourense, the most severe fire was located in the municipality of Chandrexa de Queixa, where over 3,500 hectares were burned in a mountainous area difficult to access.

The Spanish government declared a level 2 emergency in Ourense, mobilising extensive resources including helicopters, aircraft, and units from the Military Emergency Unit. Local authorities evacuated residents in several towns as a precaution, while power outages affected parts of the provincial capital.

Barcelona pollution alert

BARCELONA has issued a preventive air-quality warning after pollution monitors detected a spike in PM10 particles across the city. The alert, triggered at midday on Wednesday August 13 by Catalonia’s air surveillance network, calls on residents to limit car use, adjust home cooling and shift outdoor activities to safer hours.

PM10 particles - tiny dust and soot fragments less than 10 microns in diameter - can penetrate deep into the lungs and are linked to respiratory and heart problems. In Barcelona, around 40 per cent come from road traffic emissions, brake dust and tyre wear, with the rest tied to construction work and occasional Saharan dust intrusions. When levels rise, the city issues early alerts to reduce exposure and avoid a full-blown smog episode.

City hall’s advice is clear: leave the car at home whe-

re possible. Residents are urged to use public transport, walk or cycle, and car-share if driving is unavoidable.

At home, lowering air-conditioning use helps cut waste heat; keeping rooms shaded and ventilated during cooler hours can also help. Sensitive groups - such as children, older adults and those with asthma or heart conditions - are advised to exercise in the evening or at night, when pollution levels usually drop.

Authorities are also taking direct action to reduce dust at source. Measures include extra street-watering on busy roads, banning leaf-blowers, irrigating unpaved parks to prevent dust, and reminding contractors to control emissions at building sites through fencing, wheel-washing and dust suppression.

These steps aim to tackle two of the city’s main PM10 sources: road-surface dust and construction debris.

The train line from Madrid to Galicia suspended indefinitely.

Photo credit: Markus Mainka/Shutterstock

Haze hangs over Barcelona’s port as the city issues a preventive PM10 pollution alert.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Hiring gap

ONLY 16 per cent of UK firms recruit ex-offenders, research by DSA Connect shows. More than half of reoffenders struggled to find work after release, with 61 per cent blaming this for returning to crime. Skills shortages mean businesses are missing valuable hires.

Recycling reform

ONLINE UK marketplaces must now share recycling costs for electrical waste under new rules, creating a fairer system for domestic retailers. The changes target items from washing machines to vapes, aiming to boost recycling, cut fly-tipping, and make a more sustainable economy.

Biomass boost

ENSO has secured €165 million to build two biomass plants in Spain, supplying energy to ACOR in Olmedo and Solvay in Torrelavega. The projects will cut more than 400,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, with financing led by Santander, MUFG, Natixis, Bank of America, and Cajamar.

Eco-Park launch

PUERTO RICAN firm Toroverde will open its first European mountain eco-park in Cuenca, Spain, in 2027. The €90m project, expanding to €118m over six years, will feature Europe’s longest zip line, immersive trails, and an eco-resort, aiming for 280,000 visitors in year one.

Nuclear AI

ROLLS-ROYCE says powering AI data centres with its small modular reactors (SMRs) could make it the UK’s most valuable company. Deals for six SMRs in the Czech Republic and three in the UK are planned, targeting a trillion-dollar global market by 2050.

STAT OF WEEK

119,811

Spain’s population increased by during the second quarter of 2025, standing at 49,315,949 on July 1.

Binance and BBVA

BINANCE, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is partnering with Spanish banking giant BBVA to let customers store their assets with the bank instead of directly on the exchange, according to the Financial Times .

The move comes as Binance faces intense global regulatory scrutiny following a record $4.3 billion (€3.69 billion) fine from US authorities in February for violating anti-money laundering laws and international sanctions.

Its founder, Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao, was sentenced to four months in prison for failing to prevent money laundering.

Under the deal, BBVA will act as an independent custodian - essentially a trusted third party - safeguarding client assets in case Binan -

ce faces security breaches, bankruptcy, or further legal action.

As Spain’s second-largest bank, praised for innovation and sustainability, BBVA is heavily regulated and required to meet strict compliance rules. This could reassure

UK hiring activity

UK hiring activity dropped sharply in June, with permanent job placements falling at their fastest pace in almost two years, according to the latest KPMG and REC UK Report on Jobs.

At the same time, the supply of candidates surgedthe steepest increase since November 2020 - amid reports of redundancies and weaker demand for workers.

“Ongoing geopolitical turbulence and the threat of

€230m fund

SPAIN’S Regional Resilience Fund has committed €230 million, via loans from NextGenerationEU, to finance projects through A&G (€130 million) and Urbania Alpha (€100 million). Part of the country’s Recovery Plan, the funding will support affordable housing, sustainable tourism, green mobility, waste and water management, plus energy efficiency. The European Investment Bank will monitor compliance with environmental and social criteria, with investments due by December 2030. This latest agreement brings total financing under the EIB’s new mechanism to €640 million.

wary investors still reeling from the collapse of rival exchange FTX in 2022.

Banks are far more tightly regulated than crypto exchanges, and BBVA’s involvement could encourage more cautious investors to enter the digital asset market.

rising costs, alongside the promise of technology efficiencies, mean companies continue to wait and see with their hiring,” said Jon Holt, Group Chief Executive and UK Senior Partner at KPMG.

Morocco’s air taxis

MOROCCO is stepping into the fast-growing air taxi market, hoping to join forces with Spain and the UK to produce next-generation electric aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL).

The proposed partnership would see British firm, Vertical Aerospace, and Spanish aeronautics giant, Aciturri Aerostructures, work alongside Morocco.

Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 will carry four passengers and one pilot, with a range of over 150 kilometres and a cruising speed of 240 km/h.

Plans in Spain could see air taxis operating routes such as Malaga–Marbella, Ronda, or even Ceuta and Melilla.

John Lewis Beauty

JOHN LEWIS is investing millions into six new Beauty Halls across the UK, starting with a redesigned Liverpool store that will act as a blueprint for national rollout. The 16,000 sq ft space - expanded by almost 40 per cent - houses 132 premium brands, including Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, and features ‘sensory spaces’ for treatments and consultations. Stores in Bluewater, Solihull, and Cambridge will follow by late 2025. Chief commercial officer Vikki Kavanagh said stores are the ‘physical heartbeat of the brand’ and destinations for discovery, part of an £800 million wider commitment as beauty sales rise 40 per cent in five years.

FC BARCELONA has refinanced €424 million of Espai Barça debt, originally due in 2028, into a new structure repayable from 2033 to 2050 at an average cost of 5.19 per cent, in collaboration with Goldman Sachs. The move, ahead of schedule, reduces the risk premium by almost half compared to 2023 and follows a Morningstar DBRS outlook upgrade to ‘positive’. Funding for the €1.45 billion stadium project remains without mortgaging assets or costing members.

BUSINESS GROWTH FUND (BGF) has made its first investment under the £300 million Invest in Women Taskforce pledge, backing Northern Ireland’s CWC Group, a specialist care provider founded by Monica Byrne and Imelda McGrady in 1983. Now led by Aisling and Shauna Byrne, CWC operates seven sites. The funding will support acquisitions and service expansion. Backed by major UK banks, BGF has invested £500 million in female-led scaleups over five years, as part of its £3 billion UK-wide growth commitment.

THE share of UK working-age adults reporting a disability surged to 24.8 per cent in 2024 - 3.9 million more than a decade ago - with the sharpest rise among young women citing mental health issues (Economics Observatory). Disabled people’s employment rate is 54 per cent, nearly 30 points lower than non-disabled peers, with a 12 per cent hourly pay gap. The trend is straining public finances, raising welfare costs, and increasing demands for workplace adjustments and inclusive employment policies.

Binance and Bitcoin.

Stressed office worker.

3I Group 3.963,00 3.998,00 3.962,00 114,92K Admiral Group 3.562,0 3.592,0 3.544,0 24,63K

Airtel Africa 216,40 217,60 215,60 137,8K Anglo American 2.149,0 2.175,6 2.135,0 154,95K Antofagasta 2.134,00 2.134,00 2.098,00 105,52K

Ashtead Group 5.282,5 5.332,0 5.264,0 41,82K Associated British Foods 2.268,0 2.285,0 2.266,0 34,84K AstraZeneca 11.716,0 11.724,0 11.642,0 127,55K Auto Trader Group Plc 810,40 811,40 806,00 40,9K Aviva 662,80 671,51 661,40 603,51K

B&M European Value Retail SA 224,90 226,00 224,00 275,76K

BAE Systems 1.796,00 1.801,50 1.774,00 755,44K Barclays 367,85 372,25 366,75 3,91M Barratt Redrow 375,59 376,90 374,30 307,02K

Beazley 783,50 785,00 775,50 292,74K

Berkeley 3.794,0 3.810,0 3.782,0 19,08K

BP 420,90 421,85 418,65 2,57M

British American Tobacco 4.243,0 4.249,0 4.228,0 193,86K BT Group 213,10 213,50 212,30 1,09M

2.288,0 2.296,0 2.278,0 53,78K

164,90 167,59 164,30 961,67K

Cola HBC AG 3.892,0 3.900,0 3.884,0 23,51K

2.579,00 2.598,06 2.578,00 67,52K

Group 229,20 229,20 227,40 175,44K

4.757,2 4.762,0 4.710,0 27,84K

879,25 888,40 878,40

Bingo blunder

GALA BINGO UK players were left angry after a glitch wrongly credited over £1.6m in winnings during its Summer Nights promotion. Some withdrew funds before being told of the error. The Gambling Commission is investigating, while Gala cites terms allowing voided payouts after malfunctions.

Top choice

SPAIN is Europe’s top summer holiday choice, with 13 per cent of travellers picking it - up five points on last year, says the European Travel Commission. Most plan to spend €1,500–€2,500 per person, with September breaks and lesser-known destinations growing in popularity.

Tether and Bit2Me

TETHER, the world’s largest company in the digital assets industry, has acquired a minority equity stake in Bit2Me, Spain’s leading Spanish-speaking cryptocurrency platform, as part of a €30 million funding round.

This deal comes shortly after Bit2Me became the first Spanish-speaking exchange to receive authorisation from Spain’s CNMV as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider under the EU’s new Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). This licence allows the company to operate legally

Iberdrola’s EV charging

IBERDROLA Spain has launched the first electric vehicle charging points under a contract with Murcia City Council to install 190 across the city. The inaugural stations, on Avenida de los Pinos, include fast (50 kW) and semi-fast (22 kW) chargers, all powered by 100 per cent renewable energy. “This public-private partner-

ship... helps to promote emission-free transport,” said Enrique Planells, Iberdrola’s regional Key Accounts Manager (Atalayar). Users can locate, reserve, and pay via Iberdrola’s app, with card payments available on fast chargers. Iberdrola operates Spain’s largest EV network, with over 9,500 public points.

across all 27 EU member states.

Tether’s CEO Paolo Ardoino said, “Bit2Me has consistently demonstrated its commitment to building compliant, secure, and intuitive infrastructure for the digital asset ecosystem. We’re proud to support Bit2Me as they help shape the future of regulated crypto services in Europe and beyond.”

Founded in 2014, Bit2Me has over 1.2 million users and serves more than 7,000 companies, with transaction volumes exceeding €3 billion in 2025 so far.

Bit2Me’s co-founder Andrei Manuel said, “Welcoming a global leader like Tether into our shareholding structure is a transformational moment for Bit2Me. With their backing, we aim to accelerate our leadership in Europe and Latin America, markets that are just beginning to unlock the power of decentralised finance.”

Entain’s results

ENTAIN reported strong H1 2025 results, with UK and Ireland online Net Gaming Revenue (NGR) up 21 per cent and Spain seeing double-digit online growth. Group EBITDA rose 11 per cent to £583m. An interim dividend of 9.8p per share, up 5 per cent, will be paid on September 29.

BELARUS confirms release in Spain of its citizens subjected to labour exploitation. Press Secretary Ruslan Varankov said the embassy in Madrid is working closely with Spanish law enforcement and will offer consular and legal support.

Once investigations conclude, the freed individuals will be safely repatriated. The Foreign Ministry will continue monitoring the situation.

Spain’s leading Spanish-speaking cryptocurency platform.

Credit: PJ McDonnell, Shutterstock

ALMERIA

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Vinoteca delights & wine-country escapades

SNUGGLED at the front of Hotel Tikar lies a welcoming vinoteca that is as much a journey through Spanish terroir as it is a wine shop. Guests can ponder each bottle, admire the labels and let the knowledgeable owner guide them to unexpected Spanish gems, particularly wines from native varieties now gaining recognition.

The collection includes classics from Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Rueda and Rías Baixas, but the true pleasure lies in uncovering bottles from Almeria, Priorat, Jumilla, Alicante or Bierzo. Co-owner Sean highlights how traditional grapes such as Mencía, Tintilla de Rota, Godello and Treixadura are producing exciting wines thanks to modern techniques and a new generation of winemakers.

Hotel Tikar’s shop remains open throughout December, offering bottles and gift selections for the festive season. They also provide curated wine packs for local delivery within 40 km of Garrucha, from ‘Sunset Rosados’ and ‘Verdejos from Rueda’ to themed Ribera del Duero boxes.

From Shop to Vineyard: Organised Wine Journeys.

A decade ago, Sean began leading wine trips to Almeria’s hidden bodegas. These day-long excursions usually include a winery tour, a tasting with the winemaker and a traditional lunch at a mesón. Detours to olive oil mills, ceramics workshops or jarapas rug makers often enrich the experience, offering cultural depth alongside the wine.

Beyond excursions, Hotel Tikar hosts wine dinners and garden tastings, perfect for enjoying excellent wines and food beneath the Andalucian sky. Guests can join their invitation list to stay informed about upcoming events.

This six-suite hotel is cherished for more than its wine. Visitors praise the hospitality of owners Sean and Beatriz, the relaxed atmosphere, comfortable rooms and delicious meals in the tranquil garden. One reviewer described a tasting dinner as ‘fun, educational and delicious’, while another admired the ‘superb wine shop with a marvellous selection’. Guests consistently celebrate the personalised service, Sean’s recommendations and the restful ambience that inspires return visits.

Hotel Tikar is more than a boutique retreat; it is a gateway to Andalucia’s rich but often overlooked wine culture. Its vinoteca, excursions and tastings promise discovery, charm and warm hospitality in equal measure.

Tuscany Treasure

RESTAURANT REVIEW

PERCHED in the picturesque coastal town of Mojacar, La Toscana del Mar offers a refined, yet welcoming dining

experience that blends Italian culinary tradition with Mediterranean charm. Located on Avenida Andalucia, 16, this elegant restaurant has become known for its combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients, creative presentation, and attentive service.

The menu is a celebration of both land and sea, featuring handmade pastas, fresh seafood, tender meats, and imaginative vegetarian dishes. Diners can enjoy classics such as ravioli with mushroom and truffle, artichokes with foie, salmon in almond sauce, or a perfectly grilled entrecôte.

Seasonal produce plays a starring role, ensuring vibrant flavours in every dish.

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 1pm to

4.30pm and again from 7pm to midnight, La Toscana del Mar is equally suited to a leisurely afternoon meal or a romantic evening under the Mojacar sky. The interior dining room is intimate and stylish, while the terrace offers a relaxed setting with a gentle coastal breeze, ideal for warm evenings. With its blend of authentic Italian craftsmanship, fresh local produce, and a setting that captures the essence of the Mediterranean coast, La Toscana del Mar stands out as a true gem in Mojácar’s dining scene - perfect for special occasions or simply savouring great food in good company.

T. 722 246 135 Av Andalucia 16 latoscanadelmar.es

La Toscana del Mar is a taste of Tuscany in Mojacar.

Photo Credit: La Toscana del Mar via Facebook

5 Spaniards who changed the world

Spain isn’t just tapas, siestas and flamenco, it’s also the birthplace of some of the most influential people in world history. From daring queens and literary giants to revolutionary scientists and artists who redefined modern creativity, Spain has long punched above its weight when it comes to changing the course of humanity.

HERE are five Spaniards you should definitely know. Their legacy may be centuries old, but their impact is still felt today.

1. Isabella I of Castile (1451-1504) - The Queen Who Shaped a Nation

Isabella of Castile wasn’t just royalty, she was a game-changer. Alongside her husband, Ferdinand of Aragon, she united two of the most powerful kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula, laying the foundation for modern Spain. Known as the Reyes Católicos (Catholic Monarchs), their reign transformed the country from a fragmented collection of territories into a united crown.

But her most controversial decision? Backing a young navigator named Christopher Columbus. With her support, Columbus set sail westward and ‘discovered”’ the Americas in 1492. Love her or loathe her, Isabella’s influence on global history is undeniable.

2. Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) - The Father of the Modern Novel

If you haven’t read Don Quixote, you’ve almost certainly heard of the man who ‘tilted at windmills’. Cervantes’ classic satire of chivalry, imagination, and idealism is often cited as the first modern novel, a literary milestone.

Born near Madrid, Cervantes lived a colourful life: soldier, tax collector, prisoner,

and, eventually, literary legend. Don Quixote was an instant hit in 1605 and remains one of the most translated books in the world. His influence can be felt across centuries, from Dickens to Dostoevsky.

3. Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) - The Artist Who Changed Art Forever

There’s a reason why the name Picasso has become synonymous with genius. Born in Malaga and raised in Barcelona, Pablo Picas-

so didn’t just paint, he shattered artistic conventions.

With over 20,000 works to his name and a portfolio that spans everything from realism to cubism, Picasso helped define 20th-century art. His painting Guernica, a haunting depiction of the Nazi bombing of a Basque town during the Spanish Civil War, remains one of the most powerful anti-war images in history.

4. Severo Ochoa (1905-1993) - The Brain Behind the Code of Life

While some Spanish heroes are known for their politics or paintings, Severo Ochoa made his mark in the world of science and earned a Nobel Prize doing it.

Born in Asturias, Ochoa’s work in molecular biology was groundbreaking. In 1959, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for deciphering how RNA and DNA synthesis, the very blueprint of life. His discoveries helped pave the way for genetic research and modern medicine.

5. Dolores Ibárruri (1895-1989) - The Voice of Resistance

Known as La Pasionaria (The Passionate One), Dolores Ibárruri became the voice of defiance during Spain ‘s darkest hour, the Spanish Civil War. Her famous slogan ‘¡No pasarán!’ (‘They shall not pass!’) rallied Republican forces against Franco’s fascist uprising and became an international symbol of resistance.

A powerful orator and lifelong fighter for workers’ rights and democracy, Ibárruri served as a member of Spain’s parliament both before and after the dictatorship. Though her politics remain divisive, her courage and legacy as a symbol of resistance endure.

TOPTrending

brought to you by Revolution Technology

Amy Bradley Is Missing

Batty in Barcelona

AMY BRADLEY IS MISSING follows the harrowing cruise story of the 1998 disappearance of 23-year-old Amy Bradley from a Royal Caribbean ship. It’s a case steeped in mystery, conflicting witness accounts, and heartbreaking hope. The three-part docuseries is gripping and expertly draws viewers into the Bradley family’s pain and perseverance. Then, some interesting theories come into play. Crucially, the series glosses over the massive fraud scam by conman Frank Jones, who duped the family out of thousands. Worth watching, but don’t mistake it for the whole truth. Stream it on Netflix.

My Oxford Year

MY OXFORD YEAR tugs at the old heartstrings. Sofia Carson plays Anna, a young driven American who trades Wall Street ambition for an Oxford education and ends up falling for her poetry professor, Jamie. (Corey Mylchreest). Cue cobbled streets, rain-soaked kisses, and those feelings of falling in love. It has a gorgeous setting, a powerful soundtrack, but a sad twist. There’s beauty, warmth, and soul.

HEALTH authorities in Catalonia have issued an alert urging residents and visitors to avoid direct contact with bats following 88 reported animal exposures between January and July 2025, 22 of which involved bats. Of these, 21 per cent were classified as high-risk, with 63 per cent requiring urgent post-exposure treatment.

The main concern is European bat lyssavirus type 1 (EBLV-1), a virus naturally carried by serotine bats (Eptesicus serotinus) and Iberian serotines (Eptesicus isabellinus). While sometimes referred to as ‘rabies’ in media reports, EBLV-1 is distinct from classical rabies, which historically comes from terrestrial mammals such as dogs or cats. Both viruses can cause rabies-like disease

in humans, usually fatal once symptoms appear. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective if administered promptly. Surveillance shows at least one EBLV1 case is recorded in Spanish bats each year.

Spain remains free of endemic terrestrial rabies. Rare imported cases have occurred, including a Spanish tourist from Alicante Province who died of rabies in June 2025, the first human ra-

bies death in Spain since 1978; previous cases were recorded in 2019. Rabies has also appeared sporadically in Ceuta and Melilla.

To reduce risk, authorities advise avoiding direct contact with bats, securing homes, and reporting ill or dead bats to local authorities. Handling bats without protective clothing is dangerous, and only trained professionals should manage them.

Covert charges

CONSUMER advice centre, FACUA, based in Barcelona has led a claim with the Balearic Islands against an Ibiza restaurant for charging a customer for the usage of a purse hook. Reportedly, the waitress attending the customer had insisted the customer use the hook, but did not disclose that it cost money.

The restaurant in question, a Japanese food establishment called Wakame, had charged the customer €12 for the usage of the purse hook, which is used to hang bags and purses from the table. According to the customers, who shared their story via X, they had reportedly declined the waitress’ initial o er to use the hook, but ended up accepting upon her insistence.

Wakame has defended the charge, stating

A customer at an Ibiza restaurant charged €12 for a bag hook.

that customers will often steal the hooks, thinking they are free. Moreover, they claim that the usage of these hooks is not obligatory. Wakame claims the €12 charge on the bill actually functioned as a type of deposit, and is not charged to the customer’s card, unless they steal or keep the hook. Notwithstanding, social media users have pointed out that these types of hooks can be found on the market for as little as €1.

The FACUA association considers this practice abusive and intentionally misleading for customers, primarily because the establishment doesn’t let customers know the hook costs money.

Serotine bats, one of the main carriers of Lyssavirus.

Photo credit: Colin Seddon/Shutterstock Photo

Rental crackdown

Make sure your booking is fully licensed.

MEDITERRANEAN hotspots are tightening the screws on unlicensed tourist apartments in a coordinated push to curb overtourism, protect local housing and restore balance in crowded neighbourhoods. From Spain and Portugal to France, Italy, Greece and even the Netherlands, authorities are stepping up inspections, forcing platforms to display licence numbers, and delisting properties that fail to comply. The message is clear: visitors are welcome, but only if they book legally.

The crackdown follows mounting frustration from residents, especially in Spain, where protests last year highlighted how unregistered holiday lets were driving rents up and long-term supply down. In the Balearic Islands alone, around 7,000 illegal flats

remain despite heavy fines, with Mallorca’s prices jumping 15 per cent in a single year. Spain’s government now calls the housing crunch a ‘social emergency’, estimating up to a million new homes are needed in the next four years.

Other countries are mirroring the approach. Portugal has frozen new licences in parts of Lisbon and Porto, Italy and France are tightening tax and data rules, and Greece is targeting multi-listing hosts. Barcelona is going further, pledging to phase out all tourist apartments by 2028 in a bid to push visitors towards regulated hotels. For travellers, the practical impact is minimal if bookings are made through reputable platforms with visible licence numbers.

Doggy route to happiness

NOT only is Helsinki recognised by many as the happiest capital in the world, but it has just taken an extra step to ensure its dogs are happy too.

As a one off (but likely to be repeated) it hosted ‘The Doggy Route to Happiness’, believed to be the world’s first sightseeing tour designed especially for dogs and more than 1,000 dogs and their ‘partners’ took part.

One of the most popular attractions which was nicknamed the Stickelius Monument, was created from sticks collected by local rescue dog Neris, and had been produced at one-quarter scale of Eila Hiltunen’s original Sibelius Monument which can be visited in Helsinki.

Other highlights of the tour included Café Dogatta, a ‘pup-up’ café next to the fashionable

Café Regatta, as well as Rajasaari Island, a unique dog-only island in the heart of the Finnish capital.

Some 20 per cent of the four legged visitors decided to pose in front of a photo wall created by Fanny Haga of Helsinki Council owned Helsinki Partners, a company very much involved in this promotion.

With a population of just 5.6 million people owning an estimated

800,000 dogs the country is believed to have the highest number of dogs per person in the world.

Helsinki itself is home to around 40,000 dogs, and has created more than 90 dedicated dog parks, several dog beaches and a 50-hectare forest for canine use.

Unlike many other European countries, dogs are allowed in most shops, cafés and restaurants, and ride for free on public transport.

The special canine photo wall.

Credit: Fanny

Haga Helsinki Partners

Sunny complexion

WITH temperatures rising, choosing the right foundation becomes essential for keeping your make-up looking fresh and feeling comfortable.

Both cream and liquid foundations have their merits, but how do they hold up in the summer heat?

Cream foundations are known for their rich texture and high coverage, making them ideal for evening wear or when you want a flawless finish. However, in hot and humid conditions, they can feel heavy and are more prone to melting or creasing, especially if you have oily or combination skin.

Liquid foundations, on the other hand, offer more versatility. Many formulas are lightweight and breathable, allowing the skin to stay cooler throughout the day. With options ranging from matte to dewy finishes, they suit a variety of skin types and summer occasions. When paired with a good primer and setting spray, liquid foundations tend to stay put longer without caking.

For most, a long-wear liquid foundation is the go-to choice for summer, offering comfort and durability. That said, if you prefer cream textures, opt for oil-free, lightweight versions and apply sparingly for a fresh, heat-proof look.

Bare brows

attention of make-up artists worldwide.

The process involves using a gentle hair bleach to lift pigment from the brows. When carried out professionally, it is generally safe, though repeated bleaching can cause dryness or weakening of the hairs. Applying nourishing treatments and avoiding harsh products afterwards helps maintain healthy brows. For those not ready for a permanent change, tinted brow gels or concealer can create the same effect for a single event or photoshoot.

Celebrities including Jenna Ortega, Kendall Jenner, Lizzo and Maisie Williams have embraced the bleached brow, showcasing its versatility with both natural and dramatic make-up looks. Whether you are aiming for subtle elegance or an avant-garde statement, achieving it safely and maintaining good aftercare ensures this daring trend remains as flattering as it is eye-catching.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Redpin launches payments platform

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

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

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

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

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

International residential real estate is a $4.5 trillion annual market, and Spain sees over 125,000 foreign property purchases each year. With one in five Spanish property deals involving overseas buyers, and international participants 32 per cent more likely to be targeted by cybercrime, the need for secure, modernised solutions is urgent.

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

Helping hands

SPAIN is currently battling massive wildres, and the Netherlands is sending military helicopters to help them in their e orts. The wild res have already burned more than 150,000 hectares of land this year, and with three dead and thousands forced to evacuate from their homes, the Dutch Ministry of Defence is o ering a helping hand.

To be speci c, the Netherlands is sending two Chinook helicopters, as well as 60 military personnel to Spain. The helicopters have a capacity to drop 8,000 litres of water at a time from its large bags. The aircraft departed on Monday, August 18, for a base near the city of Leon in the northwest of Spain, one of the places most devastated in the wild res. There, the helicopters will be operated by the Spanish civil authorities until Sep-

tember 1. Particularly in the Leon, Ourense, and Castilla areas of Spain, o cials report extreme devastation, entire villages being cut o , highways shut down, and thousands of people displaced as re ghters and Spanish o cials battle the ames.

The current wild res, which have been ongoing for about two weeks, are caused by a myriad of factors, including the all-encompassing and su ocating heatwave. Strong winds also fan the ames and make the wild res spread fast. Moreover, a persistent drought has been recorded.

The hectares destroyed in these res are already twice the national average for this time of year, and Spain has described the re ghting e ort as one of the largest in the history of the country.

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

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

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

https://www.redpincompany. com/payments

Hotel data theft

ALMOST 100,000 high-resolution scans of passports and ID cards stolen from Italian hotels have surfaced for sale on the dark web, Italy’s national digital agency (AgID) has warned. The breach, discovered between August 9 and 11 , involved identity documents lifted from hotel systems and o ered online for prices ranging from €800 to €10,000.

The seller, operating under the name ‘médoc’, claimed the data was harvested via unauthorised access to hotel IT networks between June and August this year. At least 10 hotels have been con rmed as victims, including Ca’ dei Conti in Venice, where around 38,000 images were stolen, and Hotel Continental in Trieste, with 17,000 documents taken. Further breaches have been reported in Milano Marittima and on the island of Ischia.

The stolen scans are a goldmine for criminals, who can use them to forge documents, open bank or phone accounts, apply for loans, or steal digital identities. Hotels are required to scan guest passports at check-in to comply with local registration laws, but the images are often stored in poorly secured systems vulnerable to hacking. AgID’s investigation points to compro-

mised hotel servers whose data was packaged and sold to multiple buyers. Travellers who stayed in the a ected areas this summer are urged to monitor bank accounts, check for unauthorised credit applications, change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and report any misuse to the police or their national data protection authority.

The Netherlands is deploying helicopters to help battle wildfires.

Photo Credit: Michael Held via Unsplash

Portuguese police Ferrari Norway loves Tesla

THE backlash against Elon Musk is over in Norway as sales of Tesla vehicles leap in the country of electric cars.

Almost 100 per cent of new vehicles in Norway today are electric, and despite a huge in ux of Chinese vehicles from new manufacturers, including BYD, deliberately undercutting European and US manufacturers, it seems the Norwegians are not biting.

Tesla sales in Norway grew 24 per cent in Q1 2025 despite political backlash against Elon Musk and his political statements while he was acting as advisor to Donald Trump, with the biggest jump in sales driven by Model Y.

In most other Northern European countries, Tesla sales slumped in early 2025, while in Norway Tesla sales are enjoying a boom,

INTERVIEW

making it the company’s second-largest market in Europe. The new and refreshed Model Y, introduced in March, a lower-priced version, is proving extremely popular.

Tesla’s history in Norway goes back to 2013 when it rst rolled out the Model S and built its rst supercharger network outside North America. Market analysts speculate that it was this infrastructure and early market entry that founded Norway’s exceptional brand loyalty.

Despite mounting criticism of Elon Musk’s political stances, as well as widespread boycotting of archetypal US products, including Coca-Cola, many Norwegian drivers are back favouring charging convenience and trustworthy tech over reputational worries and taking risks with newer and cheaper brands.

Speaking European: Rebecca PierikFrom Amsterdam to Benidorm

Originally from Amsterdam, Rebecca Pierik arrived in Spain almost by accident. She rst came for a few months during the nancial crisis, unable to sell her home in the Netherlands. Recently divorced and unemployed, she took a holiday to decide her next move.

IN 2014, she travelled through Suriname and Cuba for three months. Returning to a struggling Dutch economywithout work, a partner, or a home - she began comparing the €2,500 monthly cost of living in Amsterdam to Spain’s €1,000. The idea of relocating took hold.

At first she considered Barcelona or Malaga, but by chance chose Benidorm. Her parents approved, and she rented a house online for a month. She drove down with her mother, while her father flew. Within weeks she was working in a Dutch bar. Rebecca learned Spanish, earned her teaching licence, and, drawing on her naval background, joined the Red Cross in Altea. For the past four years she has volunteered in emergency services and on ambulances in Benidorm.

pporters’ clubs. Earlier this year, she and her chef launched a cooking workshop where guests learn to prepare paella, enjoy alioli and pa amb tomàquet, and dine together.

THE Portuguese Public Security Police (PSP) has added a Ferrari 488 GTB to its eet - the rst Ferrari ever to serve the force - after it was seized in a drug tra cking case.

According to Jornal de Notícias, the €240,000 supercar was handed over to the state under a court ruling, rather than purchased through the government’s €34 million vehicle programme launched in 2023.

330 km/h.

After being tted with re ective PSP livery, communication systems, and other modications, the Ferrari entered service last month.

Management of these seized assets falls to Portugal’s Asset Management Bureau (GAB), which decides whether vehicles, property, or money from criminal cases should be sold,

Today, she teaches Spanish to Dutch learners and belongs to two Athletic Bilbao su-

Fully booked for September, the venture is thriving. Rebecca, also a licensed lifeguard, said to Euro Weekly News: “I didn’t want to be a foreigner living in Spain - I wanted to live like the Spanish. It’s been a chance to meet people, improve my Spanish, and embrace the culture.”

Tesla Model Y.

Portrait of Rebecca Pierik, and her in action as a Red Cross volunteer assisting a person in the sea.

Credit: Rebecca Pierik

The seized Ferrari. Credit: X @SergioFonseca8

Lawsuit defending wolves

LANDSCHAP vzw, a Belgian nature organisation, has sued the Flemish government due to its alleged failure to protect wolves in the northern region of the country, according to a statement the NGO published on its website.

In their lawsuit, Landschap vzw, the nature association behind the Welcome Wolf campaign, said their lawsuit against the government is in response to eight years of lax policy regarding wolf protection in Flanders, in which the Flemish government has flouted a series of legal obligations - both European law and its Flemish legislation.

do not do enough to protect this species.

Church on wheels

WHEN the ground beneath your town starts crumbling thanks to the world’s biggest iron ore mine, you don’t argue. You pack up and move. And in Sweden’s Arctic north, that includes putting the nation’s favourite church on wheels.

On Tuesday, August 19, the 113-year-old Kiruna Church, a 672-tonne Lutheran landmark often voted Sweden’s most beautiful building, began its two-day crawl to a brand-new city centre.

The government is now summoned to appear before the Brussels Court of First Instance to respond to the NGO’s allegations.

Landschap included their demands in the document they presented at the court, which provides for immediate measures such as eco-fencing or speed limits to stop the killing of wolves and other large game at all well-known crossings.

They also called for the immediate ban

on hunting roe deer, which they say is the wolves’ primary food source. They included four more demands aimed at protecting the wolves across the Flemish region, which extended from Antwerp, Brabant, West and East Flanders, as well as Limburg.

The court case comes amid growing political and public tension over wolf conservation in Belgium, where the species has naturally returned in recent years after being absent for more than a century.

Perched on a convoy of remote-controlled flatbed trailers, the wooden giant trundled along at half a kilometre an hour, covering about five kilometres (three miles) in total.

It was not quite Formula One, but it did draw a crowd. At least 10,000 spectators turned up, including Swe -

den’s King Carl XVI Gustaf, who watched the slow-motion spectacle unfold.

The move is part of a decades-long plan to relocate most of Kiruna after mining weakened the ground beneath its historic heart.

State-owned miner LKAB, which runs the vast underground operation, is footing the bill. The price tag is estimated at 500 million

kronor (€45 million / £38 million / $52 million). Roads had to be widened to make way for the rolling cathedral.

To keep spirits high, Swedish broadcaster SVT branded the event ‘The Great Church Walk’ and streamed it live. Sweden’s Eurovision 2025 entry, pop act KAJ, was also booked to perform for the thousands lining the route.

A heated debate

THE Eiffel Tower may just warp again in this heat: France is experiencing yet another intense heatwave, and at the centre of it all, the governing bodies of the country are in fierce debate over air conditioning.

The heatwave that’s currently gripping most of Europe has brought this debate to the forefront in France, and citizens are feeling the full brunt of it without AC.

Marine Le Pen, leader of the right-wing National Rally, has called for a nationwide plan to effect mandatory installation of air conditioning in some public spaces such as care homes, schools, and hospitals.

to the European heatwave as the country saw one of the hottest months of June on record.

detrimental effect on the environment, as AC is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions by use of its harmful refrigerants.

Indeed, the lack of cooling in many of these often municipal spaces may have caused excess heat strokes and even deaths. At least two deaths have been attributed

Notwithstanding, the French government has pushed back against the proposal, saying that mandatory installation of AC is not a sustainable answer to the rise of temperatures - the installation of AC in more public spaces would most definitely have a

As it stands, France has fewer homes and public buildings without air conditioning than some of its European counterparts. Only about 25 per cent of households in France were equipped with AC in 2020.

A Belgian NGO has sued the Flemish government, saying they

Credit: ambquinn/Shutterstock

Sweden forced to move Kiruna Church on wheels.

Credit: Roninnw, Shutterstock

As France swelters under the sun, politicians argue about AC.

Photo Credit: Dewang Gupta via Unsplash

7 tonnes of clams seized Tourism price hikes row

SPANISH and Portuguese authorities, backed by Europol, have seized more than seven tonnes of clams un t for human consumption and arrested 11 suspects accused of making at least €1.6 million this year from the illegal shell sh trade. O cials say the contaminated seafood was destined for restaurants in Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy. According to Europol, the suspects were part of a network harvesting ‘Manila’ or Japanese clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) illegally from the River Tajo along the Spain-Portugal border.

The clams were allegedly kept alive in water containers before being passed into the legal market using fake documentation, bypassing health inspections.

O cials warn the shell sh posed a major public health risk. Consumption of contaminated clams can cause food poisoning, gastroenteritis, or hepatitis.

Investigators estimate the wider trade could be worth up to €2.5 million per week, with criminal pro ts allegedly laundered through luxury vehicle sales.

The case has also exposed suspected human tra cking. Europol said workers - often irregular migrants - were reportedly paid just €1 to €1.50 per kilo of clams harvested. The investigation began in April after Spanish Guardia Civil seized 235 kilos of clams and shared intelligence via Europol’s SIENA network. Two coordinated action days were carried out on June 23-24 and July 30. Police arrested 11 suspects, seized seven vehicles, and con scated clams worth an estimated €150,000.

PRIME MINISTER

Giorgia Meloni and Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein have clashed over soaring summer tourism costs in Italy. From coastal resorts to mountain villages, prices for accommodation, dining and beach services have risen sharply during peak months, often outpacing inflation. In some seaside towns, renting sunbeds and parasols now costs double compared to five years ago.

Schlein told La Stampa that ‘summer price hikes’ had ‘exposed Meloni and her government’. Meloni accused the opposition of spreading falsehoods that harm Italy’s image, pointing to Interior Ministry data showing an increase in arrivals and millions of overnight stays. She argued that tourism was thriving, not in crisis.

Economists cite post-pandemic demand, rising energy and food prices, and a surge of foreign visitors as key factors behind the increases. Higher utility billsparticularly electricity - have hit hotels and restaurants hard, with many passing costs to customers.

Talgo trains approved

SPAIN’S Talgo 230 trains have received full clearance from the EU Agency for Railways (ERA) and Germany’s Eisenbahn-Bundesamt (EBA), paving the way for their debut on Deutsche Bahn’s ICE L routes and Denmark’s cross-border EuroCity services.

The approvals mark the final step in a process that began in 2019, when Talgo secured orders for 23 trains for DB (within a framework of up to 100) and eight for DSB, later increased to 16.

All units are designed and built in Spain, with core manufacturing at Ribabellosa (Álava), making this a milestone for the Spanish rail industry, which often imports rather than exports rolling stock to Europe’s biggest markets.

The new trains will soon connect Germany

and Denmark, with further approvals in Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland expected shortly. This cross-border readiness is key to the EU’s push for rail to replace shorthaul flights on journeys of three to six hours.

The Talgo 230 may top out at 230 km/h, but its real strength is in quick acceleration, powerful braking and a lowfloor design that makes

The debate has also been fuelled by growing disparities.

Some municipalities have also raised tourist taxes, further pushing up holiday prices.

While Italy remains attractive to international travellers, stagnant wages mean many Italians struggle to afford domestic holidays. Consumer advocates warn this could exclude large parts of the population from traditional summer travel, a point the opposition has linked to calls for a minimum wage and measures to curb living costs.

boarding with luggage, prams or wheelchairs straightforward. The modular build allows formations from nine to 21 coaches, adapting capacity to weekday peaks, quiet weekends or summer surges.

For travellers, the benefits will be tangible: more seats, smoother timetables, easier boarding and no awkward platform changes at borders.

Green light for Talgo 230: EU and German approvals clear the Spanish-built ICE L/EuroCity trains to run in Germany and Denmark at up to 230 km/h.

Is Gothenburg smarter?

Gothenburg, Sweden - Brunnsparken City Centre: Is Gothenburg outsmarting Stockholm?

STOCKHOLM may dominate Sweden’s postcards and politics, but on the west coast Gothenburg is proving it can compete. It is not the capital, yet it runs the Nordics’ largest port, anchors a global mobility R&D cluster, and has topped the Global Destination Sustainability Index for multiple years.

Founded in 1621 by King Gustavus Adolphus, modern Gothenburg was planned by Dutch engineers. Their canal and grid design created a fortified city perfectly placed between the North Sea and the Baltic. Today the port avoids sea ice, shortens shipping routes, and handles nearly 30 per cent of Sweden’s foreign trade. Volvo built its first car here in 1927 and still bases its lorry, bus, and heavy equipment divisions in the city. Now 44-tonne electric lorries are in commercial use, while Heart

Aerospace is developing the ES-30 electric aircraft at its Northern Runway campus.

Gothenburg issued the world’s first municipal green bond to fund climate infrastructure. Almost every hotel is eco-certified, the southern archipelago is car-free, and low-emission zones are in place as part of a push for a zero-emission centre.

Liseberg amusement park, Sweden’s most visited attraction, doubles as a concert venue and Christmas market. The tram network is Sweden’s largest, and the islands offer ferry-to-bike commuting in summer.

Quick facts

Metro population: ~1.09 million

Metro GDP: €88.6bn (2021)

Top industries: Transport manufacturing, maritime logistics, R&D services

Driver passes buck

IN March, a Tesla driver in Norway was fined and had his licence suspended for relying on the car’s Autopilot system, which failed to detect a temporary speed limit change in the Nøstved Tunnel.

Caught driving at 90 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, he exceeded the limit by 40 km/h. The driver contested the fine in court, arguing that Autopilot, set to follow speed limits, did not adjust for the temporary reduction from 90 km/h to 70 km/h and then 50 km/h due to a lane closure. He claimed no signs indicated the change.

However, the court rejected this, confirming clear signage based on evidence from the toll control centre, police, and other drivers.

The court ruled that relying solely on Autopilot was negligent,

stressing that drivers must stay aware of speed limits. “It is the defendant’s obligation to be aware of the speed limit, and it would be negligent to rely blindly on the car’s technical systems,” the ruling stated.

The driver was found guilty of gross negligence, fined 16,500 kroner

(€1,382.60), ordered to pay 2,000 kroner (€168) in legal fees, and had his licence suspended for nine months, as reported by TV2. This case underscores the limitations of Tesla’s driver-assistance system, which is not fully autonomous, and reminds drivers to remain vigilant.

The curse of Pompeii

and long linked to a so-called ‘curse’ said to bring bad luck to thieves.

According to a statement issued by the Archaeological Park on Thursday August 13, a tour guide leading a night visit saw the man picking up pieces of stone from the streets of the site and placing them in his backpack. The guide alerted park management and security, who called the Carabinieri (National Police).

Officers stopped the suspect outside the site, near the Villa dei Misteri railway station, and found five stones and one piece of brick inside his bag.

Investigators said the tourist admitted he had intended the pieces as part of his son’s collection and claimed he was unaware it was forbidden to take them.

The incident recalls similar cases in which visitors have returned stolen artefacts, citing a supposed curse.

In 2024, a woman sent back several pieces of stone with an anonymous letter, explaining she had breast cancer and had been unaware of the superstition. In 2020, a Canadian woman returned stolen items and in 2005 another Canadian couple did the same.

Labour levelling

ACCORDING to new figures released by Statistics Netherlands, fewer workers have switched jobs in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period of 2022. The new report states that overall, 305,000 workers, or 3.8 per cent, changed jobs in Q2 of 2025, compared to the 358,000, 4.7 per cent, in 2022.

The figures show that most people who changed jobs in this year, around 62 per cent, were involved in a flexible, not permanent, employment contract. These flexible contracts include contract workers, temporary workers, and those only working for a fixed period of time, as well as other types of non-permanent employment arrangements.

switchers remained the most common in these fields as well as the agricultural sphere.

Hornet havoc

In particular, the statistics show that people with sales, administration, reception desk, and driver (including taxi and delivery van) occupations are choosing to stay put in 2025 more than in 2022. Notwithstanding, though the decline in these groups is the most dramatic compared to three years ago, job

Moreover, those who didn’t have much seniority in their companies (that is, less than a year) were less likely to switch jobs. Managers of all kinds were also more likely to stay put.

This dramatic shift could be attributed to the fact that the labour market is much more stable now than it was a mere three years ago. With the easing of the job market, people feel safer to look for other, more beneficial options that better align with their needs.

Flight shocker

engine

flames.

A BOEING passenger jet operated by Condor Airways made a dramatic emergency landing in Brindisi, Italy, on Saturday, August 16, after one of its engines caught fire shortly after takeoff from Corfu, Greece.

The DE3665 flight, carrying 273 passengers and eight crew members bound for Dusseldorf, Germany, experienced the terrifying incident at 1,500 feet above Corfu’s port.

Eyewitnesses on the ground reported hearing a ‘deafening sound, like an explosion’, as orange bursts of light sparked from the jet’s right engine. Video footage captured the flames flickering for several seconds before abruptly stopping. The pilots veered the aircraft back toward Corfu

Airport initially, which was placed on red alert, but they determined the plane could continue flying on a single engine. Due to the engine malfunction, the flight was diverted to Brindisi, where it safely landed at an altitude of 8,000 feet.

Condor Airways issued a statement apologising for the inconvenience, emphasising that ‘passenger safety is our top priority all the time’. All passengers and crew were accommodated in a hotel overnight and were expected to resume their journey to Dusseldorf on Sunday August 17.

Aviation authorities are investigating the incident to determine the cause and make sure passenger safety is paramount moving forward.

IRISH officials have issued a serious biosecurity warning after the sighting and capture of an Asian hornet was carried out in the Cork area on Tuesday, August 12. The Asian hornet, also known as the yellow-legged hornet or the predatory wasp, is a large species of hornet indigenous to Southeast Asia, but is invasive to other parts of the world, particularly Europe.

The Asian hornet is described as being between two and three centimetres long, mostly black and brown with an orange face, orange abdomen (or ‘tail’ section), and yellow legs. This type of hornet is a natural predator for the honey bee and other types of pollinators, and has the potential to devastate essential honey bee populations. While in itself it does not pose a significant

health risk (they are not generally aggressive), the already vulnerable honey bee is essential for the pollination of flowered plants, including fruit plants, and are a fundamental pillar in agriculture. The hornet is also a risk for the biodiversity of Ireland. Another Asian hornet was spotted in the Dublin area in 2021, but it was determined that that particular hornet was not associated with a larger group of wild hornets. Officials postulate, and hope, that this hornet was likely a stowaway that came through one of Ireland’s ports and not part of a larger nest.

Irish governing bodies will be monitoring to determine if the insect was individual or if it was a part of a larger population.

Fewer workers are changing jobs.

Photo Credit: Fons Heijnsbroek via Unsplash

Irish officials have issued a biodiversity warning after an Asian hornet has been spotted in Cork.

Plane’s

shows bursts of

Photo Credit:CharlesJSharpviaWikimediaC ommons

Costa del Sol

The €18,000 tomato • News from Our Other 6 Newspapers

A

SMALL box of tomatoes sold for €18,000 in Coin on Friday, August 15. In a historic moment for the Guadalhorce Valley, a batch of the finest huevo de toro tomatoes fetched the record-breaking amount at the 13th annual auction.

The winning bid came from local resident Francisco José Jiménez for a lot grown by Daniel García Plaza. According to a statement from Coin’s town hall, the proceeds will be donated to charitable causes.

The event, sponsored this year by flamenco singer Kiki Morente, saw Antonio Gámez’s tomatoes take second place and Isabel Cortés’s lot secure third.

Coin’s mayor, Francisco Santos, celebrated the gobsmacking payout, stating, “We’ve overtaken all records since we began promoting this tomato variety, unique to our valley, nearly 15 years ago.” He expressed his joy that the funds would support local associations and community groups.

Axarquia

A world of opportunities

NERJA is making a huge step in education and job opportunities. The town’s long-awaited Training and Employment Centre is set to open its doors in the first half of October. The training complex will carry real value and lead to certified qualifications for the residents of Nerja.

Mayor José Alberto Armijo confirmed the opening, highlighting that the new hub will not just boost skills but also raise the quality of training available to locals. “We want to give locals access to better opportunities, closer to home,” he said.

The project has been years in the making and represents an investment of €2.9 million, co-financed with both European and municipal funds. Spread across two floors, the 1,511-square-metre space has been designed to feel modern, practical, and accessible. It includes three classrooms, three specialised workshops, a computer room, staff offices, and even areas for one-on-one support. Courses will range from basic training to full professional certificates.

Mallorca

First cocktail boat

IN the Bay of Pollença and off the beautiful Palma beaches, there’s an increasingly heard sound that has become a sign of joy: ‘Pirí-pirí!’

That cry, shouted from yachts, motorboats, and sailboats , isn’t a nautical whim, but a call on the first cocktail boat to sail around Mallorca. Behind that picturesque name are Mar Margarit Bauzà and Ferran Permanyer Molist , a couple in their 30s who, five summers ago, decided to bring cocktails to the sea. The spark was ignited in 2022 when Mar, immersed in the endless scrolling of Instagram, came across a video recorded on a Thai beach, where a small vessel served drinks to others.

“We saw it elsewhere and we did it here,” she recalls. What began as an improvised adventure, with a single boat and the two of them as the only crew members, is today a small fleet of three four-metre boats that serve cocktails throughout the Bay of Palma, from Illetas to Portals Vells, and maintain their original headquarters in Pollença.

Costa Blanca South Foreign visitors save August

ELCHE’S streets are usually quiet after August 15, with shops closing for summer holidays and locals winding down after the Maredeu festivities. Yet this August, the city is noticeably livelier, thanks in large part to foreign tourists, who are keeping central shops and cafés busy throughout the day.

Business owners are also adapting. On main streets such as the Corredora, approximately 70 per cent of shops remain open, a higher proportion than in previous years. Many small businesses have shortened their holiday periods to just a week or 10 days, returning before September, whereas historically, closures usually lasted two to three weeks. Some professionals, including estate agents and legal offices, close only temporarily and provide emergency contact details as well.

Higher temperatures keep locals and tourists at the beach until late, reducing footfall in commercial areas during peak sun hours. To compensate, some businesses extend their opening hours.

Costa Blanca North French and German officers

THREE foreign police officers – two from the French Gendarmerie and one from the German Federal Police - are serving at the Guardia Civil stations in Altea and El Campello throughout August.

At the main station in Altea, German officer Jessica, 29, who normally works as a traffic officer on Germany’s federal motorway network, is joined by French gendarme Robin, 30, who manages a patrol and intervention unit in his home country. Meanwhile, French gendarme Maud, 26, is stationed at El Campello, where her usual duties include assisting the public, supporting victims, and handling reports. During their time in Spain, the three officers are performing general policing duties within the Guardia Civil and have been warmly welcomed by their colleagues. They patrol in mixed teams, pairing a foreign officer with a Guardia Civil officer, and also work closely with the Local Police forces in Altea and El Campello on daily crime prevention and law enforcement tasks.

THE Region of Murcia will see a big boost in tourism, with 16 new hotels planned to open over the next three years. These projects will bring more than 700 extra rooms for visitors. The most eye-catching news is the opening of three five-star hotels. One will be built in Alhama, another in San Pedro del Pinatar, and Murcia City will finally get its first five-star hotel when the Arco de San Juan reopens.

Four more hotels will carry a four-star rating, including new options in Cartagena, Molina de Segura, and Caravaca de la Cruz. There will also be new mid-range choices, with two three-star hotels and one two-star hotel on the way. Tourist apartments are also planned for Cartagena.

Cartagena comes out on top, with four of the new hotels set to open there, strengthening its role as a leading destination on the Murcian coast. Overall, the new hotels are expected to attract more visitors, create jobs, and raise the profile of the region as a quality destination in Spain.

Costa Calida Hotel boom

The house-sitting and pet-setting business

THE origins of house-sitting goes back to early pet ownership. You help neighbours when they’re away from home, ensuring pets are cared for. Though if a pet owner lives away from close networks finding support is harder. HouseSitMatch helps!

When I was working in corporate, I always needed sitters to care for my property and pets. So, when a friend came to visit from Australia and said she’d been house-sitting in exchange for free home and pet care, the penny dropped. What a great idea!

Pet-sitting like a friend

Our philosophy is pet-sit like a friend, so you collaborate fairly. By working through a managed platform, you access a wider network of checked sitters for more choice. You find people to help, pet lovers and retired folk who love travel and enjoy a spot of gardening.

I loved this idea so much that I gave up a 25-year London career and invested in building HouseSit-

Match, for people to meet safely online.

Every home needs one

Most of us have homes, pets and travel occasionally. HouseSitMatch has helped all kinds of clients find

Bye-bye ATM fees

Greek banks and third-party ATMs adopt new consumerfriendly rules.

TAKING out cash in Greece just got a lot easier and cheaper for both locals and tourists. The Greek government has announced that from now on, withdrawals from ATMs operated by Greek banks will be completely free, and fees at independent cash machines will be capped at €1.50.

This change comes after outrage earlier this year over a major bank replacing hundreds of its own machines with third-party ATMs, leaving customers to pay €2 per withdrawal. With the backlash quickly reaching parliament, the Ministry of Finance was forced to act.

Under the new system, customers will not pay fees if their bank is linked, either directly or indirectly, to a third-party ATM. Additionally, in towns with only one machine,

withdrawals will be free regardless of who owns the ATM, and balance checks at any ATM will be free as well.

As far as digital banking is concerned, online money transfers will carry a at fee of €0.50. The government also con rmed that customers will never be charged for withdrawals at their own bank’s ATMs, and this protection will now be written into law.

People who have commented on the change online have had quite positive reactions, and many have praised Greece for prioritising its consumers. Some even called on other European countries to adopt similar measures.

The new policies mean that Greece now has some of the most consumer-friendly banking rules in Europe.

pet care and security, and frankly every home should have one. They keep pets at home and homes running smoothly. Home and pet owners choose their sitters, house-sitters apply for places to visit and the pets they love to care for. Yet, not a penny changes hands. It’s old-fashioned barter!

Growing and running a hou-

se-sitting business

We began in Europe and the UK, and now we go further afield. We help retired grandparents living in Spain wanting to visit family abroad and any expats needing help with pets when they want to travel, or just wanting to keep their home secure in their absence.

Ten years on we’ve won a Guardian newspaper award and earned a Trustpilot rating of 4.8/5. And we survived Covid and Brexit. As any business owner will know growing a business is hard, but recent years were a challenge. However, we’re lucky with our collaborative members and we always want to welcome more.

I still house-sit myself so I can meet clients, and if we can’t meet in person I’ll call on the phone. Want to join our HouseSitMatch community?

Visa shopping risks

APPLYING for a Schengen visa through the wrong consulate might feel like a harmless shortcut, but the consequences can derail your trip. The practice, known as ‘visa shopping’, means applying to whichever country o ers appointments fastest instead of the one you’ll spend most time in.

Consulates and border o cers are now cracking down, cross-checking travel plans against visa details, accommodation bookings, transport tickets, and even card transactions. If the numbers don’t add up, travellers risk being refused a visa, denied boarding, or turned back at the border.

The Schengen rules are clear. You must apply to the country where you’ll spend the longest stay. If stays are equal, then the country of rst entry handles the application. For example, if you y into France but spend nine ni-

ghts in Spain and only ve in Paris, Spain is your main destination and the correct consulate to apply to. Multi-entry visas don’t o er loopholes either. The rst trip must follow the rules, otherwise future applications may be agged.

Another common misunderstanding is that a visa guarantees entry. It doesn’t. Border guards have the nal word and may request the same

documents you provided when applying: proof of accommodation, return ights, insurance, and nancial means. The 90/180 rule also appliestravellers can only stay 90 days in any rolling 180day window.

The smart approach is to book early with the right consulate, stay exible with airports and routes, and carry documentation that matches your declared itinerary.

Here I am pet-sitting for Delphi. sitters. Sitters help with

Visa shopping can mean refusals or trouble at the border.

PETS

Our house-sitters love animals

THE thing about our HouseSit Match house-sitters is that they just love animals and pets. Most of them prefer to stay at home with pets while they travel because they love the company. Many have had pets in the past but no longer have them at home so house-sitting is a great way to enjoy the company of a pet while discovering a new location. It can be a great way to travel for the right house-sitter. And the pet owner benefits because your pets are cared for in the home. It’s a win-win!

The pet-sitters come for free!

If you’re planning a trip in 2024 register now to find pet-sitters in time. Earlier is better than later. Whether your trip is short or long, get organised ahead of time. All pets benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Join our pet and house-sitting network, and the sitters come for free!

Tiera loves animlals and is a very experienced house-sitter.

Choose HouseSitMatch for affordable travel, home and pet care. Next steps:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Choose a Standard account (£89 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

3. Create a profile with photos

of your pet and the house

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. House-sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.8 / 5 Excellent

Pure Joy - I have completed two house-sits so far so early days. Both sits have been well suited to me and my dog. Thoroughly enjoyable experiences with beautiful homes and well-rounded animals. I’m looking for more!

Lisa Stimpson, pet-sitter from the UK

How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com Need a pet-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation!

ANYONE who shares a home with a cat knows that meows can range from gentle chirps to full-blown demands.

Cat call

This vocal behaviour is often charming, sometimes confusing and always meaningful. Unlike wild cats, domestic cats have developed meowing as a way to communicate with humans rather than other cats.

Each meow carries a purpose. Your cat might be hungry, seeking attention or simply saying hello. Some meows are short and sweet, while others are longer and more insistent, often used to express frustration or excitement. Over time, many cats create a specific ‘language’ tailored to their owner’s responses.

Kittens meow to their mothers, but adult cats typically meow just for us. This special form of communication highlights the unique bond between cats and their people. Understanding the tone, timing and frequency of your cat’s meows can help you better respond to their needs. While meowing is normal, sudden changes in vocal behaviour may suggest illness or stress, so it is always worth listening closely.

CLASSIFIEDS

AIR CONDITIONING

BUILDERS

ALMERIA BUILDERS: Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www.almeriabuilders.com (253556)

BUY & SELL

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

CHURCHES

Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services take place at Mojacar and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) churches every Sunday 11am and at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions and contact details,

can be found at  www. almeria-anglican.com

Here you can also find information about funerals, baptisms and wedding blessings. We are an inclusive church. (10002)

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end on the left. To know more contact 711 086 162 (10021)

ROYAL BRITISH

LEGION

Zurgena Branch meetings are now held at Hostal Rosaleda opposite New Bar International in Arboleas. New and Existing Members Welcome Branch Meetings for existing and new members are held on the 1st Thursday of the month, Coffee Morning on the 3rd Thursday and a Quiz on the last Tuesday of the month. For further details please email zurgena. treasurer@rbl.community or zurgena.chairman@rbl. community if you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us we

are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly. (253989)

DRAINAGE

MISCELLANEOUS

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

MOTORING FOR SALE

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

OTHERS

PETS

THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs €8.00, medium dogs €9.00, big dogs €10.00, cats from €7.50 a day. 630 234 556 / the5bone hotelturre@gmail.com fivebonehotel.com (312130)

PLUMBERS

Tel: 606 807 797 or 684 143 560 (313270)

SITUATIONS VACANT

SALES advisor required in Turre, 12 hour contracted position. Applicants must be fluent in English and Spanish and have a valid driving license. We are looking for someone with excellent customer service skills and able to work on their own initiative. Applications by email only to revolutionsales@ protonmail.com (313294)

SOLAR ENERGY

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

ESTATE AGENT

VOSS HOMES are a professional, British family-run Estate Agents with an office in Huercal-Overa town. They specialise in selling and renting properties in the Huercal-Overa, La Alfoquia, Zurgena & Taberno area. Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele, Hannah, Amy & Karen look forward to helping you buy, sell or rent your ideal property. Please call 678 002 006 for more information (283824)

INSURANCE

ALBOX INSURANCE contact us today for all your insurance needs. Albox Office: 950 121 943  Mojacar Office: 634 323 399 (313361)

MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)

If you can read it, so can your clients. Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386

KNOWLES PLUMBING No 1 for all plumbing jobs big or small. Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits.

SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience. Established 17 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@ sunergyalmeria.com (300068)

Guardia Civil fed up

MORE fines, fewer cops, and a new job nobody asked for. The traffic division of Spain’s Guardia Civil is once again hitting the brakes - not on speeders, but on what they call yet another absurd task handed down by the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico).

Once known for helping drivers and stopping dangerous behaviour on the roads, traffic officers are now stuck playing postmen for fines and babysitters to speed cameras. And according to reports, they’ve had enough.

From policing to photographing plates

The core complaint?

Instead of stopping reckless drivers and warning motorists face-to-face, officers are increasingly reduced to snapping number plates and letting the fine do the talking.

In short, human judgement and road safety

have taken a back seat.

The result? Fewer interactions, more fines - and a growing sense that traffic policing has turned into a mechanical money-making machine. Now they’re speed camera nannies, too

If that wasn’t enough, the DGT has now ordered Guardia Civil officers to monitor and maintain roadside speed cameras.

Officers must now

check the status of fixed radar units and log their condition on a tablet, according to reports. It’s a job more suited to a technician, yet it’s falling to frontline traffic police.

As numbers of traffic officers dwindle year after year, the workload only increases. The role, once considered honourable, is now the least requested assignment in the entire Guardia Civil.

Motorway toll shake-up

SPAIN’S famously free national motorways could soon be history, with new tolls on the horizon that might change the way locals and tourists travel. A fresh proposal from SEOPAN - the country’s infrastructure lobby - has landed on the government’s desk, calling for a nationwide system of motorway charges that could see drivers paying three cents per kilometre for cars and 14 cents for lorries. It’s a dramatic shift for a country where the open road has always meant ‘gratis’. What does this mean in real terms? If the plan goes ahead, a road trip from Madrid to Barcelona would cost drivers nearly €19 one way. Journeys from Madrid to Sevilla or A Coruña, or from Barcelona to Bilbao, would set you back between €16 and €18. Lorry drivers, meanwhile, would be hit

much harder - up to five times more per trip. The aim, say supporters, is to address a mounting €11.5 billion maintenance deficit and get private companies to help foot the repair bill, sparing the public purse. There’s a nod to the green revolution too: hybrid and electric cars could get eco-discounts, but the details are still vague. For now, it’s just a proposal - the government hasn’t signed off, and the last attempt fizzled out in 2023. Still, with budgets tight and road repairs overdue, many think this time the tolls could become reality.

Shared lane sign

SPAIN’S streets now have a new splash of blue: the S43 road sign. Rolled out from July, it’s part of a national update to make road markings clearer and better suited to modern traffic. The sign’s design is simple but striking - a blue background featuring three icons: a pedestrian, a bicycle and an electric scooter.

The S43 marks shared-use zones where walkers, cyclists and personal mobility vehicles (like e-scooters) all have designated space. Instead of a free-for-all, it signals that the path or lane ahead is divided into sections, keeping pedestrians, bikes and scooters in their own area. That means fewer near-misses, less swerving and a smoother flow for everyone.

Its arrival comes as Spanish towns and cities adapt to a surge in alternative transport. With more people leaving cars at home, pa-

vements and cycle lanes are busier - and conflicts between users more common. The new sign aims to reduce those tensions, making it clear who belongs where and helping all three groups move without getting in each other’s way.

For pedestrians, it means fewer scooters darting past unexpectedly. For cyclists and scooter riders, it’s a green light to ride without weaving through crowds. And for everyone, it’s a small step towards safer, greener and calmer urban travel.

Guardia Civil officer next to his vehicle, on the road watching traffic flow.

Credit: Ivanb.photo, Shutterstock

Credit : BearFotos, Shutterstock

The new S43 road sign signals dedicated spaces for e-scooters, bikes, and pedestrians.

Credit : X - Dir. Gral. Tráfico @DGTes

Honda refresh enduring Civic

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

HONDA has given its Civic e:HEV a refresh, introducing updated interior styling and exterior design changes, alongside its range assuring hybrid performance.

Every Civic trim level now features a redesigned front upper and lower grille, highlighted in black gloss and finished with a new grille and headlight trim for a sharper and arguably more sporting look. New 46cm/18-inch two-tone, diamond cut alloy wheels in grey for Advance grade and black in Sport grade models add to the Civic’s striking exterior.

In addition, all grades will no longer have front fog lights, for a cleaner look, that has been made possible by improved LED headlight technology. To complement these upgrades, a new exterior paint option is now available in Seabed Blue. Inside, all trims will feature a new black interior roof and pillars

In addition, the Advance model will now include interior illumination and footwell lights, while the Sport grade features a new heated steering wheel for improved driver comfort during colder drives. It also receives a 26cm/10.2-inch Digital Driver Display to offer clearer gra-

phics and improved visibility. Finally, all Elegance vehicles will now offer wireless charging within the centre console, ensuring ease of access for both driver and passenger. Elegance models will now include an auto dim feature on the rear-view mirror, which previously came as standard in the Sport and Advance grades.

Every Civic e:HEV is equipped with an array of Honda SENSING active safety technologies including the Forward Collision Warning System, designed to detect the presence of vehicles in front, issuing audible, visual and tactile alerts for the driver when approaching with too much speed.

A wide-angle, high-definition camera can identify objects accurately, including pedestrians in both light and dark environments.

At the heart of Honda’s e:HEV powertrain are two electric motors, powered by the EV battery or the engine depending on driving conditions. The system is designed to switch between three distinct driving modes - Electric, Hybrid, and Engine Drive - enabling it to adapt to different driving conditions. For those with varying driving requirements, including long journeys, a full hybrid is a reassuring option if an EV creates too much concern on range and charging.

The latest Honda Civic e:HEV is priced from €39,306/£33,795 for the Elegance trim, the Sport model from €41,167/£35,395 and the Advance €45,006/£38,695.

Messi close to new record

ARGENTINE football

star Lionel Messi, currently playing with Inter Miami in the US, has one up on Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of goal assists.

Although Messi is reducing the goal gap versus Ronaldo with 875 against CR7’s 938, another statistic shows the former Barcelona striker is about to make history.

Goal assists require a great measure of creativity, fast decision-making and under pressure, as well as vision and strategic capabilities.

That said, the now US Major League Soccer star is just a handful of passes away from reaching a historic milestone: 400 assists.

That would also put him only four away from the world record set decades ago by Hungarian superstar Ferenc Puskas, 79 years old, and who each year is honoured by FIFA, which annually delivers a Puskas

commemorative trophy to the player in world football who has scored the ‘most beautiful’ goal of the calendar year.

For Messi, who currently has 389 career assists to his name, breaking that world historic record will not be difficult, according to BolaVIP, primarily because the Argentine

forward stands out every game for being a player who works collaboratively with the rest of his squad in search of a goal.

On the other hand, Ronaldo boasts only 257 career assists. He has proven he can provide passes, but he proves he focuses primarily on being the finisher.

Girl makes chess history

A 10-YEAR-OLD British girl from London has made chess history by becoming the youngest female player ever to beat a grandmaster, earning the title of woman international master.

Bodhana Sivanandan, from northwest London, defeated 60-year-old grandmaster Pete Wells in the final round of the 2025 British Chess Championships in Liverpool on Sunday, August 9.

1 Magnus Carlsen.

At only 10 years, five months and three days, Sivanandan broke the record set by American Carissa Yip, who was 10 years, 11 months and 20 days old when she defeated a grand master in 2019, according to the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

Sivanandan is now an international master, one level below the female-exclusive woman grandmaster title; the highest title in chess is grandmaster, owned by the likes of current world chess champion Gukesh Dommaraju and world No.

League ends partnership

THE Premier League has announced it will end its eight-year partnership with Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, a prominent initiative promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in English football.

Players and clubs may still display rainbow symbols voluntarily.

Since 2017, the league collaborated with Stonewall to encourage players to wear rainbow-coloured laces, clubs to display rainbow branding, and fans to show support, with a dedicated round of fixtures highlighting the campaign each season.

Stadiums, broadcasters, and official channels regularly showcased rainbow symbols as a visual commitment to diversity. The partnership will conclude before the 2025–26 season. In its place, the Premier League plans a new in-house campaign in February, coinciding with LGBTQ+ History Month in the UK. The league has stated the initiative will maintain its focus on diversity and

inclusion but broaden its scope to support multiple under-represented communities within football. Players and clubs may still display rainbow symbols voluntarily, but the league will no longer coordinate or require official match-day displays, potentially reducing the visibility of LGBTQ+ representation across televised games and stadiums.

Reactions to the change have been mixed. Some campaigners and supporters warn that stepping back from Rainbow Laces could diminish representation for groups who felt included. Conversely, many fans and commentators welcome the move, arguing football should prioritise the sport itself and that social campaigns risk distracting from the game and dividing supporters. The Premier League is expected to provide more details about its February campaign closer to launch.

Diogo Jota lives on

LIVERPOOL’S Premier League season opener against Bournemouth on August 15 was marked by a heartfelt tribute to the late Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident in July alongside his brother, André Silva. For the first time since the tragedy, Jota’s family attended a match at Anfield, including his wife, Rute Cardoso, their three children, and his parents.

Sivanandan said she picked up the sport during the Covid pandemic when she was five, after one of her dad’s friends gifted them some toys and books.

“In one of the bags, I saw a chessboard, and I was interested in the pieces,” she told the BBC. “I wanted to use the pieces as toys. Instead, my dad said that I could play the game, and then I started from there.”

She says chess makes her feel ‘good’ and helps her with ‘lots of other things like maths, how to calculate’.

The occasion was deeply emotional. Tears were reportedly seen among players, including captain Virgil van Dijk and forward Mo Salah, reflecting the strong bonds within the squad. Fans united in remembrance, with a minute’s silence, a mosaic display, and a rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ before kick-off.

Bournemouth also paid homage, with their players and supporters observing the silence and displaying

banners in memory of Jota and Silva.

Liverpool announced that Jota’s No. 20 shirt would be retired across all levels of the club and revealed plans for a grassroots programme in his name to support young footballers. Manager Arne Slot emphasised the importance of supporting the grieving family, praising the unity shown by players, staff, and supporters. Throughout the match, the stadium was

filled with floral tributes, scarves, and heartfelt messages, highlighting the profound impact Jota had both on and off the pitch. The emotional day was topped off by a Liverpool win, providing a sense of triumph alongside remembrance. The tribute demonstrated the power of the football community to come together in times of loss.

Lionel Messi is on path to break the world’s record in career goal assists. He currently boasts 389.

Liverpool announced that Jota’s Nº20 will be retired.

Photo credit: Jason Wells/Shutterstock

Bodhana Sivanandan playing chess in September 2024.

Credit: Victor Velter/Shutterstock

Barcelona stuck with third kit

BARCELONA fans were scratching their heads last weekend, when they saw their team in last season’s third kit during the away victory at Son Moix Stadium over Mallorca (3-0).

The green-lime strip is loaded with some painful memories from their Champions League semi-final loss to Inter (6-7 on aggregate) last season. This time, the kit brought luck for Barcelona. Goals from Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and young star Lamine Yamal secured a comfortable win for the reigning La Liga champions.

The confusion stems from La Liga’s ‘Kit Selector’ process. None of Barcelona’s three kits for the 2025-26 season (including the unreleased orange third kit) were approved for the Mallorca clash. The bad news? The same rules are expected to affect the up-

coming match, away against Levante, so the Catalans likely won’t debut their new look on the field.

According to La Liga officials, Levante’s home kit features a ‘chromatic combination’ that clashes with Barcelona’s three new kits, forcing the reigning champions to stick with the green-lime option for the Estadio Ciudad de

Valencia fixture. Fans will hope for smoother kit approvals in matchday three against Rayo Vallecano. Given that Barcelona wore their home strip in last season’s Vallecas encounter, the odds are better. Until then, the green-lime kit continues its unexpected comeback, blending nostalgia, superstition, and a touch of style in equal measure.

Barcelona won 3-0 at Mallorca last weekend.