THE port of Malaga is celebrating an extraordinary autumn, confirming its position on the global map for the most luxury holidays and a major player in the global luxury yachting circuit. Iconic vessels like Kaos, Dragonfly, and Tatoosh have flocked to the IGY Malaga Marina, reaching an occupancy of 100 per cent through most of the season.
Unprecedented demand is a glaring signal of massive operational success, forcing the marina to use additional commercial docks just to accommodate the influx. Superyachts are not only arriving in record numbers, but they are also getting dramatically bigger; stays for vessels over 50 metres have risen by 156 per cent.
Malaga is winning over captains who traditionally chose Palma or Barcelona. The strong growth, though posing the sweet challenge of needing more space, confirms Malaga’s strategic role and bright future as Andalucia’s undisputed must-visit port for high-value maritime travellers.
Bikers give back
Annual Papanoelada.
BIKERS on Spain’s Costa del Sol are gearing up for charitable toy runs this Christmas, ensuring no underprivileged child wakes up without a gift.
Leading the events is the Moto Club Komando Amimoto’s 11th annual Toy Run in Torremolinos on Saturday, December 13. Scores of riders, all dressed as Santa over their leathers, will gather at 11am in Plaza Blas Infante outside the town hall. Under the slogan ‘No Child
Without a Toy’, the convoy departs at noon, roaring through streets to collect new, toys in Torremolinos. What began in 2010 as a small gathering has grown into a cherished tradition for the club’s nearly 200 members. “These tough-looking bikers have the softest hearts,” said one member. “For many children facing hardship, this toy might be the brightest spot in their holiday.”
The event returns to the
plaza for live music and a charity bar until 3pm, with proceeds buying more gifts.
The initiative spreads along the coast. On Thursday, December 18, Fuengirola’s Circle of Friends club will ride through the town collecting toys. That same evening from 6pm, Marbella’s Los Mentirosos bikers will cruise Marbella and San Pedro. These rides show the season’s true spirit: community coming together for vulnerable children.
MIJAS PUEBLO launched its Christmas season on Saturday, December 7 with the 10th year of the much-loved Ruta de los Árboles Solidarios (Charity Christmas tree route) Twenty-five hand-decorated charity Christmas trees - five more than last year - now brighten the whitewashed streets from
Christmas tree route
Plaza Virgen de la Peña to Plaza de los Siete Caños. Organised by the local Cáritas branch, the route has become a highlight of the festive calendar.
Each tree is created by schoolchildren, families, neighbours and local groups, featuring everything from delica-
te crochet ornaments to bold new designs. “For 10 years the village has come together to decorate Mijas and raise money for those in need,” said veteran Cáritas volunteer María Jesús Moreno.
Visitors can pick up a charity leaflet (tríptico solidario), stroll the rou-
te, admire the displays and vote for their favourite tree.
All proceeds go directly to Cáritas community projects. Completed leaflets also enter voters into a prize draw with gifts from more than 30 local businesses.
The winning tree receives a commemorative plaque. Leaflets are available at Mijas Pueblo Tourist Office, Farmacia Bootello and Calzados Moreno.
The open-air exhibition runs daily until January 11, and invites everyone to enjoy the lights and discover the creativity that has made the Ruta de los Árboles Solidarios a firm festive tradition.
No one wraps like an elf
THE International School Estepona is pleased to announce that its annual Christmas Play was performed at Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI in Estepona on December 3.
This year the performance was ‘No one wraps like an elf’.
All children took part from two to 12 years old to a rapturous applause from an audience of family and friends.
More pictures can be found on www.marbella school.com.
Recoprint: Polígono Industrial La Palmera, Parcela 3,
de la Palmera, 41, 41703 Dos Hermanas, Sevilla
The children performed before family and friends.
CREDIT: International School Estepona
Handmade by residents of Mijas Pueblo for charity.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Mijas - FB
Border rule clarity
What residents need
BRITONS living in Spain have faced confusion since the EU introduced its Entry and Exit System (EES) at Schengen borders. The key point is clear: UK nationals with a valid Spanish biometric TIE residence card are exempt from EES and should not use the new biometric kiosks or short-stay queues.
EES applies to third-country nationals visiting the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It replaces passport stamping with a digital record of entry and exit dates, photographs and fingerprints. Tourists and second-home owners must use EES, but residents must not. Anyone holding a residence permit or long-stay visa issued by a Schengen state is excluded, covering British Withdrawal Agreement residents and all other TIE holders in Spain.
Confusion arises because many long-term UK residents still rely on the older green residency certificate. While valid for some administrative purposes, it is no longer accepted as proof of residency at the border. Both the Spanish government and UK Embassy warn that border staff may treat green certificate holders as tourists, meaning their days could count under EES rules and may trigger an incorrect overstay alert.
The solution is clear: only the biometric TIE card provides recognised proof of residency. TIE holders should use the EU or residents’ queue, presenting passport and TIE together while bypassing EES entirely.
Read the full article at: https://euroweeklynews. com/2025/12/03/queues-scans-and-stamps-why-brits-with-atie-dont-have-to-play-the-ees-game/
Card payment reform
New reporting rules
FROM January 2026, Spain will introduce major changes to banking and tax reporting. All card payments received by self-employed workers and businesses will be reported to the tax authorities, regardless of amount.
Until now, only payments over €3,000 were re-
ported. Under the new rules, every transaction via card, mobile app, or online platform must be submitted monthly. Private individuals who are not self-employed are mostly unaffected unless annual card spending exceeds €25,000.
The government says the move reflects a digital economy where most pay ments are
electronic. Authorities aim to improve transparency, combat tax fraud, and ensure a full picture of income. Digital banks and foreign payment providers will also be included.
Self-employed expatriates must expect all payments to be reported. Keeping accurate invoices and receipts, separating personal and business finances, and declaring all income will be essential. Even payments via apps such as Bizum and Revolut will now be monitored, making proper record-keeping critical.
The reform ensures fairer competition but adds administrative pressure. Freelancers and micro-businesses will need to track every transaction, including side jobs, rentals, or online work. Failure to comply could result in fines or additional scrutiny.
Expatriates should consult a gestor or accountant and organise accounts before the new system begins. Planning ahead and keeping a clear paper trail will make the transition smoother and avoid surprises during tax season.
Offline card payments
SPAIN has set a goal of creating a system allowing card payments without an internet connection, proposed by the National Payments Committee in November. The move responds to vulnerabilities in current payment systems, which are frequently disrupted by blackouts, cyber-attacks and network failures.
The system, explained by radio host Alberto Herrera on COPE, is more secure than current arrangements. Herrera cited commercial flights, where cabin crew accept payments without knowing if cards have sufficient funds. Transactions are only processed once connections are restored, meaning some payments may fail.
The new system would embed a spending limit in the card chip, verified instantly by point-of-sale (TPV) terminals, eliminating reliance on external connections. TPVs could confirm the card’s authenticity, verify the PIN, and store transaction data for later processing when connectivity is restored.
Officials are also considering ‘emergency ATMs’ in key locations to operate during electricity or network failures. Implementation, currently scheduled for 2029, faces challenges including privacy, fraud risks and assigning liability.
The rollout requires changes to card chips, TPVs, and coordination among issuers, acquirers, processors and regulators, defining activation scenarios, priority sectors and responsibilities. If successful, the system could reduce dependence on cash, provide more resilient payments and allow transactions to continue even during network disruptions.
Retirement age rises
SPAIN’S pension system will undergo major changes in 2026, marking the final step in a long-running transition towards raising the standard retirement age to 67. From January 1, 2026, the ordinary retirement age will be set at 66 years and 10 months, although workers with at least 38 years and three months of contributions will still be able to retire at 65 without penalty. Alongside this, a new phased ‘dual’ system for calculating pensions will begin, gradually expanding the career period used to determine benefits.
The reforms also include financial adjustments. The Mecanismo de Equidad Inter-generacional surcharge will rise to 0.9 per cent, split between employers and workers, with further increases planned. Maximum contribution bases will be raised in line with inflation, and minimum pensions will be updated above average price rises to protect against poverty. A solidarity surcharge on higher salaries will also continue to grow.
These measures aim to improve long-term sustainability while limiting immediate shocks for long-serving workers. The changes affect both Spanish nationals and expatriates contributing to the system. Analysts advise those nearing retirement to review contribution records and consider voluntary options. Policymakers view 2026 as a technical turning point that will shape Spain’s pension landscape for decades.
Queues build at Spanish passport control as the new EU border checks roll out.
Spain to track card payments.
Donkey deadlock
CONTROVERSY continues to surround the donkey taxis of Mijas Pueblo after a November meeting between animal welfare groups and council o cials failed to resolve concerns over the welfare of around 60 donkeys used for tourist rides.
Representatives from FAADA, Donkey Dreamland, Todos los Caballos del Mundo, and El Refugio del Burrito met municipal leaders, including Mayor Ana Mata, who attended brie y. She expressed limited knowledge of the issues and ruled out compensation for licence holders. O cials con rmed the service would continue for at least ve more years.
Shop local says resident
Welfare organisations proposed a phased end to equine tourist activities, with safeguards for the animals, nancial support for handlers, educational programmes to preserve cultural heritage, and specialist veterinary inspections, as the current municipal vet lacks equid expertise.
Attendees highlighted serious problems: unregistered and illegal stables, overcrowding, poor hygiene, hoof deformities in over 80 per cent of donkeys,
chronic wounds from inadequate harnesses, geriatric animals still working or permanently tethered, and avoidance of castration leading to constant restraint.
The groups pledged to work collaboratively for rapid improvements but warned of legal action if progress stalls. They criticised the council’s stance as lacking empathy.
A decades-old tradition, donkey taxis remain a key attraction in the historic village. Operations continue unchanged. Authorities insist existing regulations protect welfare, while campaigners vow ongoing advocacy for reform.
AS the festive season nears, Shanna Hillebrand, a resident of Costa del Sol, warns of the ‘silent death’ of small businesses in Malaga Province. Over the past two years, 3,872 family-run enterprises have closed - an average of ve per day.
Hillebrand urges locals to support neighbourhood shops and restaurants this Christmas to halt the decline. “More and more local businesses are under pressure, yet they’re the backbone of our community,” she told Euro Weekly News.
Family rms make up 90 per cent of Spain’s companies and provide 70 per cent of national employment. In areas like Fuengirola, they face sti competition from online retailers and major chains.
The closures trigger a “devastating domino e ect,” Hillebrand says. Job losses follow, alongside reduced community spending, empty shop units, and falling property values. Struggling businesses cut sponsorships for local associations, foundations, and events,
harming wider society. Small changes could help, she believes. Redirecting 10 to 20 per cent of holiday budgets to local outlets might sustain countless families. Residents should buy foods, decorations, and gifts from nearby shops, and dine at family-run eateries. “Every euro spent locally helps family businesses survive and keeps our neighbourhoods alive,” Hillebrand stresses. Local economists agree: supporting small rms preserves jobs and builds stronger communities.
Donkey rides Mijas Pueblo.
Credit: Anonymous
Fuengirola shops.
Star power for charity
A STAR-STUDDED wave of generosity has set sail with Sea of Thieves’ new charity campaign, Treasures for Hope, running until December 18. The initiative transforms in-game treasures into real-world support for the Global Gift Foundation, co-founded by Eva Longoria, Alina Peralta, and María Bravo.
High-profile artists and actors - including Emilia Clarke, Amaury Nolasco, Vitaa, and Kendji - have joined the campaign to raise awareness and inspire participation.
Their involvement highlights the impact of the foundation’s flagship project, Casa Ángeles, an inclusive support centre in Marbella serving children and young adults with special needs.
“Seeing such extraordinary talent rally around our cause is deeply inspiring,” said María Bravo. “Each Treasures for Hope pack
Hiking
ADRIÁN RUIZ PELAYO, 35, from Marbella, set out on his quest, ‘Un Camino por Descubrir’, to highlight human generosity amid negativity. Originally planned with a friend to sail from Marbella to Sicily, setbacks forced a change. In April, he flew to Sicily and began walking penniless from the airport.
purchased becomes a lifeline, funding education, therapy, inclusion, and empowerment for children and families.”
Players can support the campaign by visiting www.treasuresforhope.
com and selecting from a variety of treasure packs.
Each pack unlocks exclusive in-game rewards and simultaneously donates directly to the foundation, allowing players to enjoy Sea of
Thieves while making a tangible difference.
The Global Gift Foundation, founded in 2013, works internationally to support vulnerable children, women, and families.
Through initiatives like Treasures for Hope, the foundation continues to create meaningful change and foster inclusion, giving children at Casa Ángeles the tools and opportunities to thrive.
for humanity
Carrying a backpack, seeds and a small cypress plant - symbols linked to the True Cross - Adrián aims to have them blessed by the Pope before planting at Santo Toribio de Liébana Monastery in Spain.
He spent nearly four months in Sicily, welcomed warmly due to historical Spanish ties. Locals offered meals, homes and more, far beyond his request for ‘water and bread’. His social media updates have attracted over 32,000 followers.
Highlights included crossing the Strait of Messina on a paddle surfboard, escorted safely through dangerous currents. He then walked the Tyrrhenian coast, passing Paestum, the Amalfi Coast, Positano, Sorrento and Pompeii.
By late November, after more than 2,600 kilometres, Adrián reached Naples, soaked but triumphant, protecting his surviving saplings.
The death of Pope Francis altered plans, but new Pope Leo XIV has granted a brief meeting. Adrián now prepares for the final 200 kilometres to Rome, hoping to arrive before the Jubilee Year ends on Monday, January 6.
Supported only by generosity, he refuses money to preserve the project’s spirit. “I’m living a unique experience, meeting people I’ll carry for life,” he says.
Eva Longoria and Maria Bravo at Casa Ángeles.
Adrian Pelayo en route to Rome.
Credit: MPF
Marbella.
Pet friendly congress
MARBELLA is set to host its first-ever congress on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, titled ‘Marbella Pet Friendly’.
The free event, organised by Marbella Council in partnership with the Marbella Canina association, will take place on Friday, December 12 at 7pm at the Adolfo Suárez Congress and Exhibition Centre. Places are limited and prior online registration is required.
The evening features three expert-led talks aimed at giving pet owners practical, everyday advice.
Veterinarian Ramón Fernández from Clínica Artemis will guide attendees on how to respond to pet emergencies. Sergio Moya, head of Marbella Canina, will deliver “The formula for a balanced dog and a happy owner,” covering training techniques and
solutions to common behavioural issues. A representative from the Local Police Canine Unit will clarify urban coexistence rules, including muzzle and lead requirements, waste collection duties, and regulations for potentially dangerous breeds.
‘Marbella Pet Friendly’ is part of a council project that will include social-media campaigns, educational videos, and further workshops.
Attendees can submit specific dog-behaviour questions when registering, allowing speakers to address real concerns on the night.
Organisers say the event will help clear up long-standing confusion over local pet laws and improve community coexistence. High demand is expected from pet owners across the Costa del Sol. Registration is online at marbella.es.
Back galloping
AFTER years of abandonment, Mijas’ once-glamorous Hipódromo de la Costa del Sol is poised for revival.
On Monday December 1, Mijas Council unanimously voted to dissolve the bankrupt company Recursos Turísticos de Mijas SA, which had run the 380,000-square-metre site since the 1990s. Following a share donation from Unicaja Banco, full ownership now returns to the council, ending a bankruptcy process that began in 2018.
Opened in 1999 as Spain’s premier winter racing venue, the hipódromo attracted up to 7,000 spectators with its 1.7-kilometre track. The 2008 financial crisis triggered mounting debts of more than €3 million, races stopped in 2013, and the site fell into ruin.
Locals described the overgrown, vandalised complex as a ‘war zone’.
Restoring it solely for horse racing would cost an estimated €3.5 million.
Mayor Ana Mata called the decision a “historic turning point.” Existing facilities – including an equinotherapy centre, municipal gym, athletics track, showjumping school, weekly flea market and karting – will continue uninterrupted.
The council has received up to four priva-
te-sector proposals to transform the site into a multi-purpose equestrian and leisure hub, featuring competitions, training, sports complexes and family attractions.
Cautioning against past errors, officials promise a sustainable approach. A public tender or ideas contest will launch shortly, with work potentially starting by mid-2026.
Keeping your pets safe and well in
Still from Mijas Hippodrome.
Credit: Quinoal - Creazilla
LA CALA DE MIJAS LIONS celebrate a Festive Gastronomic Christmas Lunch at Cyrano Bar & Grill.
The La Cala de Mijas Lions Club returned to La Cala’s Cyrano Bar & Grill on Saturday, December 6, for their 2025 Christmas Lunch - marking the second consecutive year the popular venue has hosted the Club’s seasonal celebration.
Styled as ‘a social and taste extravaganza, a complete gastronomic experience’, the occasion more than lived up to Lion social secretary Sandie’s promise, drawing around 100 guests for an afternoon of exceptional cuisine and festive cheer.
Cyrano Bar & Grill delivered a seamless service, presenting a three-course meal that show-
A 35-YEAR-OLD man died of cardiorespiratory arrest on Sunday December 7 during a police intervention in a Torremolinos phone shop, prompting a judicial investigation and community outrage.
Police responded to reports of an attempted robbery at the locutorio on Calle Hoyos. The shop owner had locked the man, named locally as Haitam, inside after a dispute. Officers found him highly agitated, reportedly throwing objects and resisting commands.
Video footage shows him behind the counter holding phones and ignoring orders. Attempts to
Lions Christmas lunch
cased both creativity and tradition. Alongside the classic Christmas turkey dish, guests had options to enjoy the restaurant’s signature specialities, including spicy Thai noodles and an eye-catching chicken pâté crafted in the shape of black
glazed pear - demonstrating the venue’s flair for culinary artistry and attention to detail.
As lunch progressed, the atmosphere grew ever more lively. Well-known entertainer Ricky Lavazza provided upbeat live music, filling the restaurant
Torremolinos tragedy
subdue him failed, leading to tasers being deployed: one discharge to his leg had no effect, followed by two more after he was brought to the ground. He was handcuffed but soon became unresponsive.
Paramedics and police
performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem is underway to establish if the tasings contributed.
Haitam’s family described the death as an ‘injustice’, insisting he entered only to borrow a
with beloved hits from the 60s and 70s, inspiring many guests to take to the dance floor. His performance added a warm and nostalgic touch to the afternoon’s celebrations.
The generosity of those attending was equally uplifting.
Guests enthusiastically supported the raffle and auction, featuring a range of local prizes donated by businesses and friends of the Lions. Funds raised from these activities will contribute directly to the La Cala de Mijas Lions’ ongoing commitment to support individuals and groups in need within the local community. The Lions were heartfelt in their thanks.
Don’t forget the Lions Charity Shops for your Christmas gifts. Something there for everyone and they are busy getting together gifts to distribute to the local families in need so if you have any treats they can donate - chocolates, toys, cakes anything really to bring a smile on a dull day…. Please leave in the Lions Shop marked for Julie. Thanks so much.
charger after his phone died while paying for a taxi, with no intent to steal. They have launched legal action against the officers.
Residents held vigils, mourning him as a devoted husband and father. The tragedy has renewed calls for publicly accessible defibrillators, highlighting Spain’s low provision compared with other European countries and the absence of such devices in police vehicles.
Campaigners say immediate access could have saved him, as CPR alone is often insufficient.
The occasion more than lived up to everyone’s expectations.
Tributes to Haitam at scene of incident.
Credit: Simon Firth
CREDIT: La Cala de Mijas Lions
Foot showers back on
MALAGA Council is pioneering a saltwater system for beach foot-washing stations, a crucial step to conserve the region’s strained drinking water supplies.
The innovative initiative, which is expected to be operational by summer 2026, directly addresses long-standing international criticism of Spain’s use of potable water for cleaning sandy feet along its extensive coastline.
Costing an estimated €80,000, the project involves drilling a 30-metre-deep well on La Malagueta beach to source the seawater. This water will be pumped to supply the 13 existing foot-washing taps located between the Levante promenade breakwater and the Antonio Martín restaurant. The entire necessary infrastructure will be concealed benea-
Crime busters
th walkways to ensure ‘no visual impact’.
This pilot scheme aims to completely remove the consumption of fresh municipal water from these popular stations. For the last two years, many beaches across the region were ordered to shut o their water supply entirely due to the persistent drought, a move that increased beach users’ awareness
Credit: No-Mad - Shutterstock
of the critical need for water conservation.
Local authorities will closely analyse the system’s performance with the key objective of potentially expanding the scheme to other Malaga beaches and eventually across the wider Costa del Sol. Currently, there are no immediate plans to extend the initiative to standard full-body beach showers yet.
MIJAS has emerged as the sole municipality on the Costa del Sol to successfully combat delinquency, achieving an impressive 10 per cent reduction in total criminal offences. This positive data contrasts sharply with neighbouring towns, where crime has, on average, increased by 10 per cent, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of the Interior.
The council attributes this success to a profound operational reorganisation and new working strategies within the local police force. These new methods have specifically targeted offences most concerning to the public, yielding significant results: violent robberies have plummeted by 25 per cent, home burglaries are down by 23 per cent, and computer fraud has been reduced by 20 per cent.
The successful strategy involves high-visibility patrols and intensified preventative checks across Mijas Pueblo, Las Lagunas, and La Cala. The
force launched an intensified campaign against serious crime earlier in the year, leading to multiple arrests for offences including robbery with force. Furthermore, a large-scale surveillance operation resulted in 15 arrests linked to outstanding judicial warrants, while preventive traffic checks detected 13 drug-related offences.
In a commitment to summer safety, police presence was doubled on July 9, incorporating new cycling units to patrol coastal areas.
Malaga foot washers update.
Mijas police checkpoint.
A tight-knit Christmas
ESTEPONA is set to be the talk of the Costa del Sol with its newest dazzling decoration: one of Andalucia’s largest crochet Christmas trees.
Standing at an impressive 12 metres, the tree is taking shape in the Plaza José Vázquez in Cancelada, promising to be a real highlight for locals and visitors alike.
The tree is entirely covered in thousands of handcrafted crochet pieces, lovingly stitched by volunteers of the local crochet workshop held at the Cancelada Town Hall. Since September, this group of dedicated women have spent hundreds of hours creating the colourful designs that now adorn the towering structure.
Begoña Ortíz, the deputy mayor for the Extrarradio area, described the project as “a brilliant example of talent, dedication, and community spirit. It’s
not just a decorationit’s a celebration of what can be achieved when people come together with enthusiasm.”
The tree will be officially unveiled on December 12 at 6pm, just before the Zambomba Flamenca, a traditional festive music and dance event organised by the town hall. Attendees can
enjoy performances by the group ‘Con Azúcar y Canela’ and the dance academy ‘Solo Flamenco’, as well as a tasting of Christmas treats and roasted chestnuts.
It’s a truly unique festive attraction, combining art, tradition, and community spirit - definitely one to see this Christmas in Estepona.
A festive clean up
MARBELLA is preparing to welcome the big man himself, Santa Claus, with Marbella Town Hall activating a special cleaning operation to ensure the city remains in top condition throughout the Christmas season.
The initiative, which involves more than 200 municipal staff, aims to manage the increased footfall and events expected during the holidays.
Councillor Diego López highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive city image, stating that “the rise in events and the high number of residents and visitors makes it essential to reinforce our cleaning services.”
On peak days - December 24, 25, 31 and January 1 - between 80 and 100 operatives will be on duty daily, supported by
five street sweepers and three to four water-spraying lorries, prioritising areas with heavy traffic and event locations.
In addition, the Sustainability Unit, comprising 105 staff, will provide extra support, while the Parks and Gardens team will focus on green spaces.
Specific measures will also be taken around the Christmas Market, including extra waste bins and regular cleaning. The Avenida del Mar will be washed three times weekly, with manual sweeping carried out twice daily.
Councillor López appealed to the public to make proper use of bins and recycling containers, emphasising that “citizens’ cooperation is vital to enjoying a clean, cared-for, and respectful festive environment.”
The tree is an impressive 12 metres tall.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Estepona
Keep the streets clean for Father Christmas.
Credit: Shutterstock, Roman Samborskyi
Zoco Home Xmas market
Credit: Shutterstock, Bandersnatch
Sober Socials Christmas celebrations
LOOKING for a more relaxed, alcohol-free Christmas gathering? Sober Socials, the Costa del Sol community bringing people together without alcohol, is o ering the perfect alternative with their free event, ‘The Revitaliser’.
ZOCO HOME is bringing festive cheer to the Costa del Sol this winter with the third edition of its much-loved Christmas Charity Market, returning to Centro Idea in Mijas on Saturday, December 13. Running from 10am to 4pm, the event again raises funds for Cudeca, the local foundation dedicated to providing palliative care.
handmade gifts, boutique wines and plenty of gourmet treats. Local businesses will showcase everything from jewellery and ceramics to natural honey, artwork and home décor. Even furry friends are welcome, with a dedicated pet-friendly area.
handing him their letters and snapping a few magical photos. There will also be face painting, creative crafts and a charming visit to Santa’s own little house.
Taking place on Sunday December 21, at 9.45am, ‘The Revitaliser’ is designed to be a rare moment of calm before the usual, some may say traditional, Christmas chaos sets in. This event combines a relaxed seaside walk, friendly chatter, a dip in the ocean for those who dare, and a cosy co ee afterwards.
Families can expect a warm, lively atmosphere lled with artisan stalls,
Live music from local artist Bárbara Pereda will set the tone, adding a cosy soundtrack to the festivities. Children can look forward to meeting Santa,
Adults won’t miss out either, with European-inspired snacks, pastries and mulled wine available to enjoy as they browse.
With just a €1 charity entry fee and on-site parking, the market o ers an easy, heart-warming way to support an important cause.
All are welcome to join, whether you’re sober or simply fancy some fresh air, a calmer Christmas celebration and good company.
Co-founders Louise Hazleden and Emma Thorne Lees created Sober Socials as a way to make socialising fun without the pressure of alcohol. “December can be a lot,” the co-founders explain. “The Revitaliser is a chance to take some ‘you time’ and a reminder that it’s OK to slow down before life speeds up.”
The group will meet outside Cafe Bora Bora in Carvajal before heading alone the promenade. Coee is optional and the event is free to join.
Sober Socials will also be running a few Dry January gatherings in the new year. Follow Sober Socials on social media @ sobersocials.es or via their website www.sobersocials. es, to stay updated on upcoming gatherings.
Shopping and Santa. Fun for all the family.
Xmas & neighbours
SAN PEDRO ALCANTARA is set to come alive this festive season with the programme ‘Christmas Among Neighbours’, running until December 21.
Presented by Deputy Mayor Javier García and councillor for Citizen Participation Enrique Rodríguez, the initiative aims to strengthen community bonds, celebrate local traditions and energise neighbourhoods through seven main activities, excursions and gatherings.
Deputy Mayor García emphasised the collaboration between the town council and the local community.
Councillor Rodríguez highlighted the programme’s focus on creating spaces for residents to connect, recalling recent initiatives including trips to Rute, Mollina and Malaga, and ‘Cinema Among Neighbours’, where local associations select films to watch during the Christ-
mas period. Activities kicked off with the Association El Cruce presenting their handcrafted nativity scene in the Plaza de la Libertad, accompanied by chocolate and churros. Festivities include a children’s party on December 13, a visit from Santa Claus on December 18, and a traditional zambomba on December 20 with live music and villancicos.
Other associations will host their own events, such as the Arcos Blanco theatre performance on December 19 and the Julio Romero de Torres zambomba on December 21, featuring music, ballet, churros and a Santa visit.
The programme promises a vibrant celebration for all residents, reinforcing the spirit of community during the festive season.
Christmas Among Neighbours” celebrates community and tradition.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Marbella
AUTHORITIES in Cologne
uncovered an unexploded 450kg ‘Hundredweight’ British Second World War bomb during maintenance work in a public park in the city’s southwest.
Due to the presence of a rear-firing detonator, officials immediately established a 500-metre security zone and
WWII bomb found
deployed specialist bomb disposal teams.
Roads, public transport and nearby facilities were disrupted as residents were instructed to avoid the area or evacuate if required.
The North Rhine-Westpha -
lia bomb disposal service conducted a careful operation to stabilise and defuse the device. Authorities stressed that despite its age, the bomb remained highly dangerous and even minor disturbance could have triggered detonation.
Residents were asked to be patient due to the complexity of the operation.
Cologne’s history of heavy wartime bombing means unexploded ordnance is still regularly discovered across the region. Many of these de -
vices are found annually in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The incident disrupted daily life, including schools and transport schedules, and reminded residents of the lingering physical legacy of the Second World War. Once made safe, officials confirmed the area would be inspected for further devices.
Lifetime ban
A DISTRICT COURT in Ireland has imposed a lifetime ban on a 63-year-old woman from keeping animals following one of the most serious animal welfare cases in recent years.
Sandra Hennessy, from County Waterford, pleaded guilty to multiple offences after between 69 and nearly 80 dogs were found living in overcrowded, unsanitary and unhealthy conditions at a property in Ballinamult.
The court heard evidence of untreated infections, prolonged neglect and serious failures to meet the animals’ basic welfare needs. The offences were prosecuted under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
Inspectors and welfare officers had attended the property on several occasions following public complaints, but conditions
deteriorated over time. A large number of dogs were eventually removed and transferred into the care of animal welfare organisations. The court ordered that any remaining animals be immediately surrendered. The judge imposed a four-month prison sentence, suspended, and issued a lifetime prohibition on owning or keeping animals. No financial penalty was applied due to the defendant’s personal circumstances.
Animal welfare groups welcomed the ruling, describing it as a strong deterrent and a signal that informal animal hoarding and neglect will face serious consequences. Campaigners say the case highlights gaps in early intervention and the need for stronger enforcement to prevent extreme suffering.
Animal welfare groups welcomed the ruling.
No-buy cashback
THE European Union is preparing major changes to how people access cash and protect themselves from payment fraud.
New rules agreed provisionally by the European Council and Parliament would allow shops and supermarkets across the bloc to offer cash withdrawals of up to €150 per transaction with chip and PIN verification and without requiring a purchase.
The aim is to improve daily access to cash as ATMs and bank branches continue to disappear particularly in rural areas. Local grocery stores petrol stations and small shops could soon function as convenient alternatives for people who currently travel long distances to withdraw money.
A central part of the reforms targets the rise in banking and payment scams. Banks and payment providers would need to share real time information on
suspicious activity which would help identify fraud patterns more quickly. IBAN numbers would have to be checked against the recipient name before transfers are approved which extends protections already used for some instant payments.
Consumers would gain stronger protection. Providers that fail to use required anti fraud tools could be held financially responsible for losses. Online platforms would only be able to
promote financial services from companies authorised in the relevant EU country.
The rules also improve transparency around fees. ATM operators must display all charges and exchange rates clearly before customers complete a withdrawal and merchants must receive clearer information about card terminal fees.
The package still awaits final approval but promises easier access to cash stronger fraud safeguards and clearer pricing.
Largest dairy farm
GERMAN industrial engineering company GEA, together with Qatari firm Baladna, is building one of the world’s largest integrated dairy facilities in Algeria, aiming to boost the country’s domestic milk production and reduce its dependence on imported milk powder.
The project will combine a vast dairy farm with high-capacity processing units capable of producing milk powder and other dairy products for national use and regional export. It reflects a broader trend of European industrial firms moving large-scale agricultural operations outside the EU, where land availability and regulatory conditions allow for expansion.
Algeria was chosen due to its extensive land, reliable water resources, and government-backed incentives that support long-term agricultural investment. Unlike Spain and Morocco, whose advanced agricultural sectors face land scarcity and
tighter environmental rules, Algeria offers the regulatory flexibility and food-security alignment required for a project of this scale.
The facility will house tens of thousands of cattle and include automated milking systems, climate-controlled storage, and industrial milk-powder production technologies supplied by GEA. The integrated model, livestock, processing and
distribution within a single hub, aims to secure a stable national supply chain.
Economically, the development is expected to create jobs, strengthen local supply chains and support Algeria’s wider diversification strategy. It also underscores a shift in European agriculture, with major firms exporting technical expertise to regions where large-scale production is more viable.
The facility will house tens of thousands of cattle.
Driving home for Christmas
SPAIN is entering one of its busiest travel periods of the year, and anyone heading back to the UK for Christmas should prepare for crowds on the roads and at the airports.
The DGT recorded more than 20 million long-distance journeys last Christmas, and Aena airports processed over 309 million passengers in the same year. The combination means pressure across the entire transport network from mid-December through to Three Kings.
The DGT’s Operación Especial Navidad, running from December 20 to January 6, consistently produces the same pattern: heavy traffic in the days just before Christmas, again before New Year, and once more on the evening of January 5 as families return home for the Three Kings holiday.
The busiest hours usually fall between early evening and mid-night, especially on December 22-23 and December 29. Saturday mornings are also a perennial pinch point.
For those seeking quieter moments, early mornings tend to be the safest bet, as do Christmas Day and December 26, when most long-distance travel pauses.
The DGT continues to warn about accident risks on major single-ca-
rriageway routes. Stretches of the Madrid–Valencia corridor, the AP-7 and N-340 along the Mediterranean, and coastal N-roads on the Costa del Sol all see regular congestion and incident reports. Travelling north towards Aragon often involves navigating snow alerts and slow-moving traffic on the Monrepós pass.
Urban gridlock is another seasonal challenge. Malaga, for instance, has added thousands of extra hours of traffic control to cope with the influx of visitors to its Christmas light displays.
Anyone driving into city centres before catching a flight should factor in this additional delay.
Airports face a similar surge. UK flights from Spain rank among Eu-
rope’s busiest in the days before Christmas and again around New Year. This means longer queues at security, slower passport checks and crowded departure halls.
A recent dispute at Madrid-Barajas led to hour-long delays, and although the situation has improved, the airport still advises arriving well ahead of time.
Madrid and Barcelona usually need a full three to four hours before departure, particularly for early morning flights. Malaga, Alicante and Palma are slightly less intense, though travellers still report sudden spikes in security queues.
In the Canary Islands, weather disruptions can add another layer of uncertainty.
Travelling from Malaga airport.
Cows in, budgies out
SPAIN’S draft Royal Decree on companion animals has triggered controversy after it emerged that cows, goats, and sheep could be legally classified as domestic pets, while parakeets, parrots, reptiles, and various small exotic mammals would be excluded. The reform aims to modernise Spain’s ‘positive list’ of species allowed as pets, aligning the country with wider European regulation on animal welfare, invasive species, and public safety.
Officials argue the classifications protect biodiversity and animal welfare.
Photo credit: Molly Grace
Christmas shopping price hike
across borders.
However, critics argue the proposal is inconsistent, allowing large farm animals but banning many commonly kept exotic pets. Under the draft, permitted pets include traditional animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, and certain farm species if reclassified outside production. Chickens, ducks, pigs, horses, donkeys, and cattle could all legally be kept as companions. In contrast, parrots, parakeets, cockatiels,
reptiles, turtles, amphibians, hedgehogs, spiders, and other exotics are likely to be prohibited due to ecological or health risks.
The proposal raises particular concerns for expatriates, many of whom keep birds or reptiles commonly allowed in their home countries. Foreign residents may face new registration requirements, restrictions on acquiring prohibited species, and stricter rules when transporting pets
Officials argue the classifications protect biodiversity and animal welfare, while critics highlight the practical and logical contradictions of permitting large livestock but banning widely owned cage birds.
Veterinary associations warn that unclear definitions could create confusion for urban and rural households alike, making compliance challenging once the decree is finalised.
SPANISH families are preparing for one of the most expensive Christmas seasons in recent history, according to consumer group OCU. Ten out of 16 key festive food products have reached record prices, driven by inflation, energy costs, transport expenses and strong seasonal demand. Items such as beef, oysters, sea bass, Iberian ham, lamb and turkey have seen significant increases, with some rising by nearly 20 per cent. Only a few products, including pularda (young hen) and sea bream, recorded modest price decreases.
The price monitoring covered markets and supermarkets in major cities including Madrid, Malaga, Valencia and Bilbao. Fresh and perishable goods have been most affected, putting pressure on household budgets and food choices. OCU warns that higher costs are already reducing diet quality, particularly for lower-income families and pensioners. Consumers are encouraged to plan carefully, compare prices, consider cheaper alternatives and make use of local markets and bulk deals. Freezing perishable foods early and avoiding last-minute purchases are also recommended strategies. The organisation has called on the government to extend VAT reductions to essential foods such as meat and fish to ease pressure on households.
Further monitoring is planned before Christmas, with consumer advocates warning that this could become the most expensive festive season Spain has experienced.
IF Christmas had a spirit animal, it would absolutely be Sharon Garner - the fabulous whirlwind behind Spanish Property Choice, coast-to-coast legend, animal rescuer, star of the screen, cushion queen, charity champion and general December sparkle distributor.
While the rest of us turn into frantic elves and frazzled gremlins around mid-month, Shazza… glows. She literally glows.
So naturally, we asked her the only question that matters this time of year:
“Shazza, hun… HOW do you do it?”
What follows is her hilariously honest, heart-meltingly warm guide to surviving the festive season without losing your sparkle - or your sanity.
• 1. Start Your Day the Shazza Way
“I get up early, have 15 minutes of me-time, jump in the clothes I laid out the night before and smile like a lunatic because I’m grateful to still be here. Nothing ruffles my feathers - I don’t have time.”
There are two types of people at Christmas:
Those who meditate and centre their chi.
And Shazza, who centre theirs while hiding in
it.
• 2. DECORATE… The Shazza Way
Boys do the tree. Shazza does the cushions. This is not a drill.
“I scatter my sparkly cushions everywhere. Everywhere. The house looks like Santa’s VIP lounge.”
Add in her “sparkling balloon army” and visiting her home becomes a mild sensory experience.
• 3. Baking? Absolutely Not.
“Me and baking divorced decades ago - we weren’t compatible. So I buy local and simmer mince pie mixture to make the house smell like I’ve been busy.”
Pro tip from Shazza:
When the house smells festive, people assume you’ve been working hard. It’s aromatherapy deceit - and it’s genius.
• 4. Events, Parties & Surviving the Social Whirlwind Shazza stays slim because she never stops moving.
“I’m a pop-in, pop-out kind of woman. I table hop, gossip, kiss everyone, cuddle the charity dogs, and then I’m off answering emails. Hardly time to eat!”
10,000 steps? She does that before noon on a good gossip.
• 5. The Real Heart of Christmas - Shazza Gets Serious (for 30 seconds)
“Christmas is the time of giving - not presents, not money, not running round malls like a turkey with its head off. Give your TIME.”
If you’re new on the coast or feeling a bit lonely:
Grab a packet of biscuits. Knock on your neighbour’s door. Have a cuppa. Make someone feel loved.
If you’re cooking lunch?
One or two extra plates won’t kill you. Invite someone lonely to join you - or drop it round.
That’s the magic of Christmas. That’s the magic of Shazza.
• 6. And Finally… The Zoo. Not many interviews end like this but… Shazza has nearly 200 rescued animals.
It keeps her grounded. It keeps her busy.
It keeps her Christmases… lively.
Spanish Property Choice: Homes with Heart
Because behind the brand is a woman who gives until her cup runs over - to her family, her clients, her community, and to every creature great and small.
Whether you’re buying, selling, moving or dreaming…
Shazza and the gang are here to help you find your place on the coast - with support, sparkle, and probably a cushion or two.
“Life is never dull with a Shazza in your life.”
Want more? Catch the Garners’ antics on Facebook, follow the podcast, and tune in early next year when they’re back on your screens - sparkles, cushions, chaos and all.
“It’s Disney meets chaos. Someone’s always eating, escaping, or judging me.”
bathroom from the family for 15 minutes. She swears by
A homage to Mickey
YOU might not recognise the name Jose Garcia Padilla, but adults and children across Spain have grown up listening to his voice. For 34 years, the actor has lent his voice to the world’s most famous rodent: Mickey Mouse.
His years of dedication to Disney were recognised recently, as Padilla was appointed an honorary member of Club Mickey, the Spanish Association of Disney Fans. Club Mickey is a nationwide fan collective that channels their passion for Disney into charitable endeavours. They frequently organise meets ups, support social causes and aim to spotlight the Spanish talent that have brought their magical universe to life.
Walt’s Originals, an animation art gallery in Madrid was the host of Padilla’s appointment. He was introduced by club president, Jon Valera, to gleeful applause. A Q&A even followed, where Padilla spoke on his experience and his connection to Mickey Mouse who was originally voiced by Walt Disney himself.
Jose Padilla is the Spanish voice of many iconic animated characters: Principal Skinner in The Simpsons, Fozzy Bear in The Muppets, Doctor Zoidberg and General Zapp Branningan in Futurama. If you’ve ever spent a night in a Spanish hotel room with limited TV channels, chances are you’ve heard this man’s work.
Guardia Civil celebrated
THE Spanish Guardia Civil and ONCE Foundation have earned international recognition recently, after being awarded a ‘Zero Project Award 2026’ for their innovative Pictogram Guide.
The Pictogram Guide is a visual tool that enables
officers to effectively assist individuals who have intellectual disabilities, cognitive difficulties, speech disorders or hearing impairments.
An initial general-purpose page helps the Guardia Civil to determine a person’s condition. Once the problem has
been identified, officers turn to a corresponding page which contains a logical sequence of specific actions in the hope of easily resolving the issue.
It also facilitates communication with migrants and tourists. All but erasing language barriers, the guide has become an instrumental tool for the Guardia Civil. Its inclusion in the Zero Project’s global database marks it as an international triumph in accessibility.
The Zero Project Awards were created in 2008 with the aim of rewarding projects that directly impacted and benefited people with disabilities. Of the 568 applications submitted for this year’s awards, only 75 were selected to participate in the upcoming Zero Project International Conference, taking place in Vienna in February 2026.
Being recognised with such an honour reinforces the Guardia Civil’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups.
Jose Padilla, the Spanish voice of Mickey Mouse.
Credit: Mickeymania
Dodgy number plates
A DAMNING report released by the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group for Transport Safety has labelled the British number plate system ‘outdated and poorly regulated’. It warns that misuse of fake and modified plates is allowing criminals to evade detection and threatening national security.
The inquiry estimates that one in 15 vehicles on UK roads may use non-compliant ‘ghost’ or ‘stealth’ plates, often coated with reflective films that render them unreadable to Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras. Such evasion enables offences ranging from speeding to drug trafficking and organised crime.
These revelations carry unintended consequences for British expatriates in Spain. Many retain UK-registered vehicles, including cherished classics, while shuttling be-
tween the two countries. Post-Brexit rules restrict non-residents to 90 days in any 180day period within the Schengen area. Residents must re-register cars with Spanish plates promptly.
Spanish authorities have stepped up enforcement. DGT cameras and Guardia Civil now routinely target overstaying or suspect foreign-plated vehicles. UK-registered cars face heightened scrutiny, potentially tainting legitimate owners and complicating insurance, tax and criminal record checks amid bilateral data-sharing. As the UK considers reforms - such as tighter supplier rules, higher penalties and standardised plates - innocent expatriates risk fines, stops or penalties on both sides. What was once a symbol of home now demands rigorous compliance across borders.
Four day doctor strike
DOCTORS across Spain are carrying out a four-day national strike from December 9 to 12, prompting widespread disruption to public healthcare services. The action has been called by the Spanish Confederation of Medical Unions (CESM) and the Andalucian Medical Union (SMA) in opposition to the government’s proposed reform of the Estatuto Marco, the legal framework governing doctors and other public health workers.
Unions say the reform fails to recognise the responsibilities, training and workload of medical professionals. They are demanding a separate legal statute for doctors, better pay for on-call work, improved working hours and protection against forced relocations. Hospitals, primary care centres and health services across all regions, including Madrid, Catalonia, Valencia, Andalucia and the Balearic Islands, have confirmed participation.
Authorities stress that emergency and critical care
will continue, but non-urgent consultations, routine tests and elective procedures are expected to face delays.
Patients are being urged to attend hospitals only for genuine emergencies, while healthcare centres advise residents to check for cancellations.
Expatriates in Spain are particularly affected, as access to public health services may be limited. Those relying on GP appointments, prescription renewals or specialist referrals could face delays.
Routine checks by Guardia Civil.
Tracks, tremors & towering terrors
FROM COAST TO COAST
FROM Malaga to CaliforniaNo Planes
I like the motion in my feet… maybe it’s because I’m from California, where the San Andreas Fault shakes your coffee every other morning - you don’t even need a stirrer! - so when I stepped off the QM2 in Brooklyn, I missed that sway. Even standing still after a cruise, you keep feeling that subtle motion - the kind you make listening to your favourite tunes. Did you hear about last December 5? We had a 4.1 tremor on the Costa del Sol! Real, not just a cat leaping on your bed or our neighbour bungee-jumping from the lamp.
The first leg was done. From Malaga to California, the experiment was underway. Now, the next adventure started at Penn Station, NYC - from serene sea to chaotic city in one ticket. The crowds, announcements, rolling luggage - it’s a wonder anyone gets anywhere.
Ah, the Big Apple… coined by racetrack gamblers in the 1920s, later jazz musicians’ badge of honour: “There are many apples on the tree, but only one Big Apple.” If you could make it here, you could make it anywhere.
Next stop: Chicago. Nineteen, 20 hours on the train, landscapes sliding past like a living movie. Naturally, I made a soundtrack:
“Albany waves, Syracuse in snow, Buffalo wings and Chicago winds blow!”
By song’s end, sleep claimed me… and most of the cities.
Union Station is a dream - BeauxArts vaulted ceilings, enormous columns, golden-age grandeur. I felt like a gangster movie extra, minus the danger.
A brisk walk outside nearly claimed my hat and wig, courtesy of Chicago’s gusts. My scarf even tried to escape.
Then, the Sears Tower (Willis Tower) - 110 floors! Could you imagine leaving your office up there and realising you forgot your keys… and the elevators aren’t working? I’d rather quit my job! I braved The Ledge on the 103rd floor, 4.3 feet of glass over the city, 1,353 feet below!
Hesitation quickly gave way to selfies. Nothing says “I’m braver than my fear of heights” like dangling over a skyscraper. And yet… I still don’t like flying. Give me a train, the scenery rolling by, the gentle sway of the tracks, and the rhythm in my feet.
NYC - Chicago is long - 19 to 20 hours. I saved a Roomette for the longer haul: Chicago - Los Angeles, which I’ll share in my next column - crossing the Southwest, countless states, and legendary Route 66. Tumbleweeds, diners with neon so bright I’ll need sunglasses, and gas stations that look designed by aliens. Maybe a cowboy in flip-flops.
For now, I’ll savour city lights fading, the wind, the tracks… and the rhythm in my feet.
And the buffet… Vegas, you are known for epic ones - here I come! I fully intend to eat like a tourist who just won the lottery… probably nap on the slot machines afterward.
LUCCA MOVALDI PRESIDENT: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CLUB MARBELLA
26 Years of ACE
MIJAS animal rescue centre, Animal Care España (ACE), also known as SHIN, is celebrating its 26th anniversary with a special Christmas Open Day on Sunday, December 14, from 1pm to 4pm. The charity is one of the only shelters in the region that maintains a strict ‘no-kill’ policy, refusing to euthanise healthy animals.
Under the leadership of founder Fabienne Paques, ACE-SHIN has rescued and rehomed tens of thousands of abandoned and mistreated dogs and cats.
The centre, located in La Cala de Mijas, is currently at crisis point, providing
temporary refuge for 500 dogs and 200 cats awaiting adoption. Despite local authorities frequently bringing abandoned animals to the shelter, the charity receives no public funding and operates solely through private donations and volunteers.
The Christmas Open Day is a crucial fundraising event. Entry requires a simple donation: a bag of dry dog or cat food. Attendees can enjoy food stalls, music, games, a barbecue, mulled wine, and mince pies while meeting the animals.
Jack & the Beanstalk
FUENGIROLA’S Salón Varietés Theatre launches the Costa del Sol’s only English-language pantomime when Jack and the Beanstalk opens later this month.
The festive favourite runs from Friday, December 19 to Tuesday, December 23, then returns from Friday, January 2 to Monday, January 5. Evening performances begin at 7.30pm (7pm on Sundays), with 2pm matinees on Saturdays, Sundays and Monday, January 5. There is no evening show on Saturday, December 20 or Sunday, January 5.
Laura Carter stars as Jill, alongside Jacob Botha, but the spotlight will fall on veteran panto dame John Sharples, loved for his cheeky humour that keeps adults grinning and children gi-
ggling.
Written by Nigel Holmes, directed by Keith Spitalnick and choreographed by Alexandra Avery, the high-energy production promises dazzling costumes, traditional mayhem and plenty of audience participation.
The Salón Varietés, the coast’s sole English-speaking theatre, expects packed houses for what has become a cherished Christmas tradition.
Tickets are selling fast. Book online at salonvarietes.com or telephone 952 474 542 (weekdays 11am2.30pm).
Celebrating doggy Christmas.
Credit: Ace/Shin FB
IN the heart of Nueva Andalucia, within the well-known La Dama de Noche urbani sation, Cortes Garden has quickly be come one of Marbella’s most versatile and appealing dining spots. Its concept blends international cuisine with Mediterranean and European influences, paired with a relaxed atmosphere and a service style desig ned to make every visit feel special.
The menu is varied and contemporary, featuring dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and a balance of flavours that attract a wide range of guests: local residents, tourists, families, couples and groups seeking a pleasant setting for anything from a casual lunch to a more refined dinner. From refreshing starters and Italian-inspired options to dishes with Asian touches and nods to Spanish classics, Cortes Garden combines creativity with comfort food at a very competitive average
price of around €23 per person.
The venue itself is one of its strongest assets. Its spacious terrace, surrounded by greenery, is ideal for enjoying the Costa del Sol climate nearly all year round. Inside, the modern and cosy décor creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for gatherings, celebrations or more intimate meals. The restaurant is also pet-friendly, offers private parking, and provides takeaway options, making it a
convenient and flexible choice for different types of guests.
With friendly, attentive service and a dynamic approach, Cortes Garden is steadily positioning itself as a local culinary reference point. Its mix of quality cooking, accessible prices and an inviting ambience makes it one of those places people are keen to return to, to recommend to friends, and to rediscover with new dishes on each visit.
A modern twist Beat December blues
ON Friday, December 12, El Lago restaurant invites gastronomy enthusiasts to a dinner that promises to delight the senses.
Under the title ‘Modern Twist on Mediterranean Seafood’, international and accomplished chefs, Kevo Etoyan and Milos Zdravkovikj, create a unique culinary experience blending creativity, local ingredients and surprising flavour. Born and raised in Beirut, Kevo Etoyan trained with acclaimed chefs, and currently leads the Eccentrico Kitchen in Lyon, France. Milos Zdravkovikj is originally from Serbia, and joined El Lago as Executive Chef in 2020 where he combines his passion for local products and sustainability, reinforcing El Lago’s position as a standout restaurant on the Costa del Sol.
ner will be held at El Lago, a renowned restaurant on the Costa del Sol.
Located in Marbella, dinners will enjoy beautiful views over the lake, the perfect place to enjoy a memorable culinary experience in an elegant and relaxed atmosphere.
The one-of-a-kind din-
A carefully curated tasting menu that respects local products and highlights innovative tech-
niques will delight guests. Highlights include delectable plates of tartelette with tarama and bottarga, Motril shrimp tartare with Palo Cortado caviar, and Wagyu and lobster duo with foie gras sauce and confit peppers. The tasting menu costs €185 and the wine pairing €45. This combination transforms the dinner into a true sensory journey, full of flavour, elegance, and surprise.
WHILE Christmas is a time of joy for many, it can also be a period of deep loneliness and darkness for others. The Costa del Sol community is offering multiple social events designed to combat isolation, encourage conversation, and help residents make new connections during the festive season.
Age Concern Fuengirola, Mijas & Benalmadena is hosting a special Social Lunch on Monday, December 16, at 1.30pm at Bodeguita el Tejo in Mijas Pueblo.
Attendees can enjoy a three-course meal plus a drink for the discounted price of €18 per person. Bookings are essential via Michelle on 619 792 738.
Elsewhere, Age Concern Marbella - San Pedro continues its regular 11am coffee mornings at venues including Hapimag and Urban Chai, drawing a friendly and chatty crowd.
At the other end of the coast, The ACE Club in Estepona is holding a Christmas Carols Afternoon on Friday, Decem-
ber 20, from 2pm to 4pm at their social club on Calle San Roque 69. All are welcome to join.
For those planning into the New Year, the Simply Thriving Group’s January and February events are now booking. Future socials include Karnali Yaks in La Cala on Thursday, January 16, and Tapa y Tai in Fuengirola on Thursday, February 6. Contact Val Williams or the group’s Facebook page for details and reservations. There’s plenty going on and no need to feel alone.
El Lago invites you to experience a unique culinary journey.
Time for a cuppa? Credit: MagdanatkaShutterstock
Christmas at La Fonda
LA FONDA HERITAGE Hotel Relais & Châteaux, a boutique gem in Marbella’s Old Town, is preparing a festive December programme following its recent Michelin Key award for exceptional hospitality.
Housed in a restored 16th-century building overlooking the picturesque Plaza de Santo Cristo, the hotel blends Andalucian heritage with modern luxury. Its spaces, including covered courtyards, a tapas bar, and rooftop Sky Bar, offer ideal settings for holiday gatherings.
Groups can enjoy a tailored menu or elegant Afternoon Tea with refined teas, pastries, savoury items, and signature Crumbz Cookies.
Key events include: On Saturday December 13, Saint Lucy’s Day features a candlelit procession on the plaza, with a family-friendly atmosphere and special menu
fusing Nordic traditions with local flavours.
On Wednesday December 24, Christmas Eve offers an intimate set menu dinner at €155 per person from 7.30pm, with live music.
On Thursday December 25, Christmas Day brings à la carte lunch from 1pm, accompanied by live music.
On Wednesday December 31, New Year’s Eve celebrates with a DJ, midnight grapes tradition, and party accessories.
On Thursday January 1, New Year’s Day serves à la carte lunch from 1pm with live music.
Overlooking the festively lit plaza, La Fonda promises culinary delights inspired by Mediterranean and seasonal ingredients. Reservations are recommended. La Fonda Heritage is in Plaza Santo Cristo, 9 & 10 Marbella. Web: lafondaheritage.com.
Festive TAPAS
THE Andalucia Performing Arts Society (TAPAS) delighted a sold-out audience with its ‘Voices of Christmas’ concert on Saturday, December 6 at the festively decorated clubhouse of Alhaurín el Grande Golf.
True to its mission of fun for performers, pleasure for spectators and funds for charity, the evening proved a resounding success.
Exuberant MC Lee Jay kicked off proceedings, introducing the popular Sibling Duo, Nick and Eliza Handley, who launched into uplifting numbers with lively audience participation.
They were followed by Ruth and Craig Norris, performing as ‘Naughty But Nice’ with classic favourites.
The multinational TAPAS choir, directed by James Burn, then delivered what many called their finest
performance yet. A raffle with prizes worth €650, donated by local businesses, raised at least €750 through enthusiastic ticket sales.
All proceeds will support 2025’s chosen charity, the Alzheimer and Dementia Support Group (ADSG), which aids carers.
The choir’s second set sparked equal enthusiasm, before a joyous sextet pre-
miered an original medley, ‘All I Want For Christmas is Tunes’, including a hilarious audience version of ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’.
The evening closed with a jazzed-up ‘Feliz Navidad’, leaving everyone in high festive spirits. TAPAS will return with its next showcase in late spring or early summer. Details at www.tapassociety.com
TAPAS choir giving it their all.
Cookie Crumz Christmas tree at la Fonda.
Leon’s Sol journey
LEON PATRAS, singer, MC and entertainer brimming with charisma and boundless energy, has become a much-loved figure on the Costa del Sol. Known for his ability to read crowds and energise dance floors, he brings boundless energy to every performance.
From the UK to Zambia to studying theatre in South Africa, he was born to perform. “What I love about drama is that it is constantly changing. No two days are the same,” he says.
Family drew him to life in Alhaurin el Grande in 2017. “For me, Spain is like a small piece of Africa in Europe,” he says. Inland, he volunteered at a horse sanctuary and organised charity fashion shows promoting sustainability, and even
MCs at the Cricket Oval in Cartama.
A pre-pandemic steampunk event proved popular, followed by a 2022 ‘Slow Fashion Show’ at Artsenal Inoxis, aiding Cudeca cancer hospice and ARCH horse rescue.
But, the stage beckoned. Patras sings only songs he connects with emotionally, from The Pixies to 90s hits plus a brief stint at Salon Varietes. He improvises sets and engages with audiences, inspired by local acts like New Tricks.
In late 2024, he launched Leon Events at Alhaurin Golf Hotel and began hosting talent showcases at Artsenal Inoxis.
From corporate roles to party nights, Patras embodies dedication, lighting up the Costa del Sol with his energy.
Anniversary special
CLARENCE JAZZ CLUB in Torremolinos will celebrate its 12th anniversary in spectacular style with an exclusive double concert by internationally acclaimed singer and trumpeter Andrea Motis. Known for selling out major theatres and festivals worldwide, Motis rarely performs in intimate venues - making this appearance a rare treat for Costa del Sol jazz heads.
Discovered at age 12 by bassist and educator Joan Chamorro in Barcelona’s Sant Andreu Jazz Band, Motis quickly drew global attention.
Legendary producer Quincy Jones invited the teenager to join his Global Gumbo All-Stars after hearing her play, declaring she performed trumpet like Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison, alto saxophone like Johnny Hodges, and sang like Billie Holiday.
At just 20 she became the first Catalan artist to record for the iconic Impulse! label - home to John Coltrane and Charles Mingus - with her critically acclaimed album Emotional
Dance.
Now with 10 albums exploring classic jazz, Brazilian music and funk, Motis has shared stages with Milton Nascimento, Omara Portuondo, Esperanza Spalding and Yo-Yo Ma.
The evening will also include the presentation of the annual Clarence Jazz Club Award for the Promotion of Jazz, plus gifts and surprises. Clarence Jazz Club, Torremolinos. Tickets: Zone A (rows 1–3) €45 | Zone B (row 4 onwards) €40 Reduced Visibility/General €35. Tickets available now at clarencejazzclub.com.
Andrea Motis in concert.
Leon is a much-loved figure on the Costa del Sol.
Celebrate the Wyndham Way
festive season at Wyndham Costa del Sol
AFTER the whirlwind of festive gatherings, late nights and overflowing Christmas cheer, there is nothing more welcome than a moment to relax and let someone else take care of you. This year, make Boxing Day and New Year’s Day wonderfully effortless with our indulgent Festive Brunches at Safari Restaurant, right here at Wyndham Costa del Sol.
Designed as the perfect post party treat, our brunch experience features a generous Continental Brunch Buffet, a tempting choice of delicious mains, and an array of desserts and ice creams. Adults can unwind with bottomless Cava, Mimosas, Bloody Marys and Virgin Marys, while children enjoy unlimited soft drinks.
Whether you are winding down after Christmas Day or starting the New Year on a relaxed and flavour filled note, our team will ensure you are spoiled from the moment you arrive.
The celebrations are enhanced with
live entertainment that brings a warm and festive atmosphere to every table. On Boxing Day, the wonderfully versatile Michelle Jane performs an uplifting selection of favourites. On New Year’s Day, the iconic duo Terri Ryan and Ian Jacks set the tone for the year ahead with their engaging style and unmistakable musi-
Brunch is served from 11.30am to 4pm. At just €50 per adult and €22 per child under 12, it is a delightful way to extend the holiday spirit wi thout any of the effort.
However you choose to celebrate, do it the Wyndham way this year.
Reserve your spot now - Limited spaces available! Tel: (+34) 952 669 988 • Email: restaurant.booking@wyndhamcds.com
cal charm.
Lots of cheese delights
FROM Friday December 12 to Sunday 14, Estepona’s picturesque Paseíllo on Calle Real will host the 11th Feria del Queso ‘Popi’ Sabor a Malaga, one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular food events.
Organised by Estepona Town Hall with renowned ham cutter José María Téllez - known as ‘Popi’ - and backed by the Diputación de Malaga’s ‘Sabor a Malaga’ brand, the fair runs daily from 12pm to 10pm with free entry.
More than 30 producers, 80 per cent from Malaga Province itself, will offer an impressive array of artisan cheeses. Visitors can expect fresh goat’s milk rounds, sharp cured Payoyo, and mature cow’s milk wheels that rival top Manchegos. Sliced portions typically cost €5, but ge-
nerous free tastings and buying by weight often prove better value.
The stalls go far beyond cheese, brimming with extra-virgin olive oils, marinated olives, pâtés, nuts and selected regional wines - making the event a full gourmet market under the mild Andalucian winter sun.
Now a firm fixture before Christmas, the fair has grown from humble beginnings into a major showcase for Malaga’s finest produce, while boosting Estepona’s international profile.
Cheese lovers and casual visitors alike will find tempting discoveries, warm hospitality and the chance to stock up on luxurious, locally made gifts or create memorable festive cheese boards.
Thousands of cheeses and 1,000s of flavours.
Bubble Fest by Invinic triumphs
THE first Bubble Fest, organised by Invinic Wine Collection Boutique, has been hailed an outstanding success after attracting 370 sparkling-wine enthusiasts to an exclusive premium tasting event held on Saturday November 29 at El Gamonal restaurant in San Pedro de Alcantara.
Described as the Costa del Sol’s first festival dedicated solely to high-end sparkling wines, the event featured almost 100 international references spanning Champagne, Cava, Corpinnat, Prosecco and Crémant de Bourgogne.
the day.
Twenty-five prestigious houses and producers, including Laurent-Perrier, Louis Roederer, Gosset, Pol Roger, Moët & Chandon, Gramona, Recaredo and Juvé & Camps, presented between two and five cuvées each, with more than 300 bottles popped open throughout
Guests enjoyed a freeflow premium tasting format, receiving a crystal glass and a detailed tasting guide upon arrival. Exclusive discounts of up to 45 per cent were offered only during the event, driving exceptional on-site sales.
Sebastián Lozano, founder of Invinic Wine Collection Boutique, said “We wanted to create an elegant yet accessible celebration of the world’s finest sparkling wines just before the festive season,
and the response from both the public and participating producers has far exceeded our expectations.”
Following the triumphant launch, Invinic has confirmed that Bubbles Fest will return with new editions and additional enogastronomic experiences planned for 2026.
SPAIN’S number one Guns N’ Roses tribute band, Gansos Rosas, return to Estepona’s iconic Louie Louie venue on Saturday, December 13 for a midnight headline show that is expected to sell out.
Regarded as the country’s most authentic recreation of Axl Rose, Slash and the original line-up, the five-piece have spent over 10 years mastering every riff, scream and stage move from the classic catalogue. Fans can expect a two-hour-plus onslaught featuring ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’, ‘November Rain’ and more, delivered with leather-clad attitude, pyrotechnics and note-perfect Slash solos from a top-hatted lead guitarist.
From Axl’s bandana, snake-hipped swagger and rasping vocals, creating the raw,
dangerous energy of late-1980s Sunset Strip rock ’n’ roll, it’s all there.
Louie Louie, the harbour-side live music institution, has hosted Gansos Rosas many times before. Doors open at 11.30pm after the resident KP band, with Gansos Rosas taking the stage at midnight. The late start ensures the party spills into Sunday morning.
Advance tickets cost €17.88 and are available now on Entradium.com. Previous shows have sold out weeks ahead, and with Christmas party season underway, organisers say demand is at an all-time high. For die-hard fans of Appetite for Destruction or anyone craving high-voltage rock, Gansos Rosas on Saturday, December 13 is the Costa del Sol’s must-see winter gig.
Best festive markets
COSTA DEL SOL offers a unique, sun-drenched festive experience, with major towns transforming into Christmas market havens throughout December and into January.
Malaga, the region’s capital, is an essential stop. The scenic Muelle Uno market, complete with sea views, runs until Monday, January 5. For sheer scale, visit the many stalls in the central Parque de la Alameda.
In Estepona, the focus is on family attractions. The Felipe VI Auditorium hosts an ice rink and Santa’s house until Sunday, January 4. Additionally, the popular ‘Santa’s Christmas Village’, featuring artificial snow, will be set up on Sunday, December 21 at Plaza del Ajedrez.
Further west, Marbella hosts a festive village on the Avenida del Mar Esplanade. Over 30 stalls offer gifts, fashion, and crafts, alongside shows and children’s workshops. The market is open daily until Monday, January 5. Nearby, the San Pedro Market opens on Saturday, December 13.
The town of Mijas features two markets: Mijas Pueblo until Monday, January 5, and a cosy market at La Cala de Mijas until Tuesday, January 6, known for its traditional wooden kiosks and hot drinks.
The Benalmadena market, in Arroyo de la Miel, runs the longest until Wednesday, January 7.
However, visitors should note that the charming market in Fuengirola, offering nativity scenes and local crafts, closes earliest on Sunday, December 21.
Christmas donkeys
sanctuary is also working to protect the endangered Andalucian donkey breed.
DONKEY DREAMLAND, the Mijas-based sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates donkeys, will hold its annual Christmas Fair - the charity’s biggest fundraiser of the year - on Saturday, December 20.
The event helps fund veterinary care, feed and upkeep for dozens of donkeys, many retired from the controversial donkey-taxi trade in Mijas Pueblo or saved from neglect. Founded five years ago by Amaya Isert, the
The family-friendly fair runs from 1pm to 5pm at the finca in La Cala de Mijas. Visitors can meet the donkeys, browse market stalls with unique gifts, enjoy cakes and mulled wine, and play traditional games.
Children can visit Santa in his grotto and sleigh, while adults relax in the festive atmosphere.
Entry costs €5 per per-
son, with under-twos admitted free. Every euro raised goes straight to the animals’ care.
The sanctuary, run by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, relies on events like this to cover rising costs and ensure the donkeys enjoy a comfortable Christmas and a strong start to 2026.
Address: Diseminado la Rosa, 79, Las Lagunas de Mijas. Advance tickets are available at www.donkey dreamland.com/events.
Christmas market time.
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Qida appointment
QIDA has named Jordi Tusell its new Director of the Public Sector after two decades in leadership posts. He previously served as Managing Director for Spain at Falck and spent 20 years at ISS Facility Services. Tusell holds business qualifications from Esade and IESE.
Crypto property
THE UK has passed the Property (Digital Assets etc) Act 2025, formally recognising crypto such as bitcoin and stablecoins as a new third category of property. Industry body CryptoUK says this gives digital assets a ‘clearer legal footing’ for ownership and criminal cases.
HL appointment
HARGREAVES LANSDOWN has appointed Vanguard’s Doug Abbott as chief product officer, overseeing its £11bn HL Fund Management range and leading third-party partnerships. Abbott, formerly in senior roles at Schroders before joining Vanguard in 2024, will be reporting to CEO Richard Flint.
Spanish services
SPAIN’S services sector kept growing in November but at a slightly slower pace, the HCOB PMI showed. The index dipped to 55.6 from 56.6, still signalling solid growth for a 27th month. Domestic demand stayed strong, though international sales fell.
Dakhla investment
A CANARY ISLANDS business delegation visited Dakhla in the Moroccan Sahara to explore investment opportunities, particularly in port, maritime, and logistics sectors. The group met regional authorities and toured the Dakhla Atlantic port project, which FEDEPORT said offers major strategic opportunities.
STAT OF WEEK
UK 0% tariff
THE US will exempt UK-made pharmaceuticals, ingredients and medical technology from new tariffs, making Britain the only country in the world to secure a zero per cent rate on pharmaceutical exports to America.
The agreement, part of the UK–US Economic Prosperity Deal, protects more than £5 billion in annual UK medicine exports and aims to strengthen Britain’s position as a leading life-sciences hub.
The government says
7.4%
the deal will su pport thousands of skilled jobs and reinfor ce confidence among global firms. Companies including Moderna, Bristol Myers Squibb and BioNTech have recently committed major new investments in the UK.
As part of the package, the UK will invest around 25 per cent more in innovative, safe and effective treatments - the first significant increase in more than two decades. The reforms will allow
UK phone networks
FOUR of the UK’s biggest mobile networks – O2, Vodafone, EE, and Three – are facing a £1.1 billion class action lawsuit over claims they overcharged millions of customers on mobile phone contracts.
The case, certified by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), alleges that customers on bundled handset-and-airtime deals continued paying for phones they had already repaid, rather than being moved to cheaper SIM-only tariffs. The operators deny wrongdoing, and the Tribunal has not yet ruled on liability.
The claim covers an estimated 10.9 million contracts taken out between October 1, 2015, and March 31, 2025, with potential compensation ‘up to around £104 per contract’ if the case succeeds.
M&S live event
MARKS & SPENCER has begun a five-day festive Live Shopping event as it taps into surging demand for entertainment-led e-commerce. Streaming via Facebook and Instagram, the series features UK influencers offering advice across fashion, beauty, gifting and hosting. M&S research shows 40 per cent of shoppers plan to spend the same as last year, prompting curated offers for all price points. Daily themed broadcasts aim to make Christmas purchasing ‘stress-free’ while reflecting consumers’ shift toward social-first shopping experiences.
The total expenditure of international tourists visiting Spain in October increased by 7.4 per cent and reached €12,785 million.
lue medicines that might previously have been declined on cost-effectiveness grounds, including breakthrough cancer therapies and treatments for rare diseases.
The confirmed tariff exemption applies for at least three years and covers:
• Finished UK pharmaceuticals
• Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
• UK-origin medical technologies
While the deal focuses on UK access, it has wider implications for Ireland, which remains subject to US tariffs of up to 15 per cent on EU-manufactured medicines. Ireland is one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical exporters, with around 80 per cent of its US-bound goods made up of medicines.
A CAT judgment published on November 14, 2025, confirmed that the claim could proceed on an opt-out basis, meaning eligible UK customers are automatically included unless they choose to opt out.
Gamesa Electric acquired
ABB has completed its acquisition of Gamesa Electric’s power electronics business from Siemens Gamesa, strengthening its position in high-power renewable energy conversion. The deal, first announced in December 2024, includes wind converters, BESS systems and utility-scale solar inverters, alongside around 400 employees and two factories in Madrid and Valencia. Financial terms were not disclosed. ABB confirmed that Gamesa Electric generated approximately €145 million in revenue in the year to September 30, 2025. The Swiss group has also signed a supply and services agreement with Siemens Gamesa as it expands its global footprint in clean-energy technologies.
THE OECD expects the UK to be the third-fastest growing G7 economy in 2026, forecasting GDP growth of 1.2 per cent. In its latest report, the Paris-based organisation warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves that tight public spending and higher taxes could restrain consumer demand. The UK is projected to outperform France, Germany, and Italy, but lag behind the US, forecast to grow 1.7 per cent. The OECD said fiscal constraints and weak household confidence remain key challenges as the government seeks to sustain economic momentum next year.
ZIPCAR is consulting on shutting its UK operations by year-end, telling customers it has suspended all new bookings beyond December 31, 2025. The US-based car-sharing firm, which has over 650,000 UK members and more than 3,000 vehicles, said employees have entered formal consultation. Subscription holders will receive pro-rated refunds, and those with 2026 bookings will be contacted. No reason for the proposed closure was given, despite recent expansion.
BIOMETHANE developer Cycle0 has commissioned two new plants in Manlleu (Barcelona) and Artajona (Navarra), bringing its Spanish operational portfolio to seven sites. Each facility converts cattle waste into up to 120 Nm3/h of biomethane, using upgrading technology from FNX, a Cycle0 subsidiary. The renewable gas will be injected into the network via a virtual pipeline. Cycle0 said the projects support local farmers and advance Spain’s Biogas Roadmap.
ZARA has reopened its fully redesigned Diagonal Avenue store in Barcelona, one of its most luxurious spaces and the first created by Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen. Inditex president Marta Ortega attended the launch, part of the brand’s accelerated repositioning strategy. The premium-focused concept reflects Zara’s global shift toward higher-value collections. Zara and Zara Home contribute 72 per cent of Inditex revenue (€27.7 billion in 2024).
BP 462,05 466,20 460,85 1,7M British American Tobacco 4.343,0 4.343,0 4.282,0 240,24K BT Group 176,60 177,75 176,05 573,09K
2.154,0 2.166,0 2.142,0 60,02K
170,03 170,95 169,70 684,42K
3.710,0 3.674,0 33,53K
2.349,00 2.355,02 2.324,00 140,83K
Cushman & Wakefield
CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD has appointed Álvaro Alonso as managing partner for its residential and corporate finance practice in Spain. He joins from EY, where he led M&A services in the financial sector, following a long career at Colliers International in senior corporate finance roles.
BOE announcement
BANK OF ENGLAND’S Andrew Bailey warned financial risks increased in 2025 due to geopolitics and stretched asset prices, especially in AI-related markets. Even so, stress tests show UK banks remain resilient, with capital requirements lowered to around 13 per cent.
Tesla sales slip
TESLA’S new car sales in Spain dipped in November even as the wider market for electrified vehicles (EVs) doubled, according to fresh registration data from Spain’s automotive industry.
Figures published on December 1, show that Tesla registered 1,523 new cars in Spain last month, an 8.75 per cent fall compared with November 2024, industry association ANFAC confirmed. Over the first 11 months of 2025, Tesla’s Spanish sales were still up 5.56 per cent year on year.
Total registrations of
electrified vehicles – fully electric (BEV) and plug-in
Rioja winery restructures
BODEGAS SONSIERRA, Rioja’s second-largest bottling cooperative, will convert into a Limited Liability Company after 87 per cent of members approved the change, aiming to become “more agile and competitive across global markets,” general manager Luis Del Águila Rodríguez said. Founded in 1961, the group became the first Rioja cooperative to market bottled wine and
is known for incentivising growers to preserve old vines by paying double for grapes from these parcels. Members will remain shareholders, though the board will be dissolved. Del Águila said the shift removes slow decision-making requirements and resolves challenges linked to returning capital when members retire, reflecting a broader national decline in cooperatives.
hybrid (PHEV) models –surged in November. ANFAC reported 23,367 electrified vehicles registered in the month, up 103.8 per cent compared with November 2024 and representing 20.77 per cent of the overall market across all vehicle types, according to the association’s monthly bulletin (ANFAC).
For passenger cars alone, electrified turismos reached 21,315 registrations last month and 22.65 per cent of that segment - essentially twice their share a year earlier.
Spain’s new-car market grew 12.9 per cent in November to 94,124 registrations, bringing 2025’s yearto-date total to 1,045,638 vehicles, up 14.7 per cent on the same period of 2024. Even so, sales remain 9.3 per cent below 2019 levels, according to figures compiled by ANFAC alongside dealer associations Faconauto and Ganvam.
Saab systems
SAAB has confirmed the Spanish Army’s first order for its Individual Duel Simulation systems under a new framework agreement worth up to €34 million. The package includes GAMER live training equipment and soldier systems, to be delivered with local partner Tecnobit and deployed across multiple regiments in Spain.
IESE leads Spain
IESE is Spain’s top performer in the Financial Times 2025 European Business School Rankings, placing fifth overall. Esade and IE Business School also score strongly - 11th and 21st. The UK sees standout results for London Business School (third) and Oxford Saïd (14th). Rankings span 100 institutions.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO.
AI is getting to me
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS
THINK IT
WOW, ‘Leapy’s law’ experienced a knockback recently, but only just. Apparently, the Airbus A320 has been affected by a blip in the computer, causing some to vertically descend at an alarming rate. Some 6,000 aircraft were involved but, surprise surprise, not the one the ol’ Leaper had entrenched on.
Normally it was more likely I would have been a passenger on the only one affected! Thankful for small mercies. So here I am back in the ol’ country again. Whatever else has changed it certainly hasn’t been the weather. Dull and drizzly at the mo. Hopefully it will clear, because tomorrow I’m invited to emulate our beloved Santa and go up and down a chimney in Battersea power station. Hope my sack of gifts doesn’t get stuck half way!
The route we are taking is quite a surprise. Apparently, you can now call an Uber on the Thames.
Not one with four wheels of course but they now have passenger craft in the form of a boat. Let’s hope the skipper doesn’t want to discuss politics! Another treat in store is a bit of jazz in the Troubadour. A wonderful old venue which has been operating for some 70 years. Apparently (performing under the pseudonym Blind Boy Grunt) Bob Dylan would take the occasional set in the basement. Worked it myself many moons ago! So, looking forward to that.
Although my regular perusers will know how much I am in opposition to graffiti, the only artist I truly admire is Banksy. This excellent exponent of art and free speech has an exhibition of 250 works on view, which we will also be experiencing. So, lots to look forward to. I see the Christmas lights are now up. Will be in the West End enjoying those at some stage. Have already observed Putney High Street. Rather a sparse and somewhat gloomy exhibition there. Probably trying to save money. I bet the West End isn’t in the same category.
Not that I truly enjoy plugging myself, I delighted to make an exception and announce my two upcoming gigs on the mainland. On December 17 I shall be attempting a warble in Torrevieja, with one performance in the afternoon and one in the evening. I understand tickets are going well, but it would be a pleasure to see any of the ol’ boys’ readers could they make it.
Couldn’t help but finish on a somewhat uneasy note this week. It’s all the controversy around AI that’s getting to me. Do you realise that one day all entertainers, including newscasters and journalists will be out of a job? AI can replace everyone! It really is a bit disquieting. It can even arrange for you to converse coherently with departed relatives. Basically, one day in the not too distant future, we will not be able to completely believe in anything or anyone? (Rachael Reeves comes to mind!)
Keep the faith Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@gmail.com
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
Spanish Memory Law
A FLOOD of applications for Spanish nationality is underway.
Descendants of exiles and emigrants are forced to queue outside Spanish consulates.
Since 2022, the Memory Law has opened the door to children or grandchildren of Spanish exiles - many from Latin America - to reclaim citizenship.
By late 2025, more than 2.3 million people have sought to benefit: over one million applications submitted, plus 1.3 million still waiting for consular appointments. Around 237,000 new nationalities had been granted by September.
Argentina alone accounts for more than 40 per cent of the demand. Cuba, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Venezuela follow behind, reflecting decades of Spanish migration across continents.
For many applicants, this is more than paperwork: it is a second chance - a symbolic reconnection with origin, a legal recognition of history, identity and belonging, often across generations.
Yet the surge has overloaded Spain’s consular network of 178 offices worldwide. Even after the October 2025 deadline, countless applicants remain in limbo, facing potentially long waits before their paperwork is fully processed. Some could wait years - or even lose the chance to see the resolution.
The Memory Law wave is more than a bureaucratic moment; it is a global expression of identity - of history reclaimed, roots acknowledged and citizenship restored. Credit:
Marbella for Christmas
BY NICOLE KING MARBELLA MOMENTS
IF you haven’t had a chance to watch the new format for my show, English Edition-Marbella Now I really encourage you to do so because apart from interesting interviews there’s a lot of relevant information coming from our town hall.
There are so many events coming up with Christmas in mind, some of which you might really enjoy. For example, after last year’s success, San Pedro is bringing back its Christmas ‘tardeo’, an afternoon-into-evening celebration. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the festive season in the unique setting of La Caridad, with live music from top local artists and plenty of surprises. All happening on Saturday December 20.
The ‘Saboreando Marbella’ initiative has officially kicked off with a special plaque to identify the venues that are taking part. The idea is to highlight the businesses that truly offer a one-of-a-kind experience. The first plaques have already been presented, so keep an eye out.
The big news of the week however is that
English Edition. Saturdays 1.30pm first showing.
Marbella has just lunched an exciting new virrtual assistant in partnership with Internalia that brings together all the municipal information on the Christmas agenda, including nativity scenes, concerts, street markets, and festivals. There is no need to install a mobile app as the assistant works through WhatsApp and it can also be accessed using a QR code. Information is available in several languages and the data is not transferred to foreign servers so it remains under European data protection law. The idea is that once the Christmas season is over, the impact and use of this tool will be analysed so it can be added as a tourist information assistant. Why not give it a try and let me know how it goes? WhatsApp +34 630 001 576.
Mediterranean eating made easy: What to buy & what to eat on the Costas
MEDITERRANEAN
LIFESTYLE EXPERT
MIGUEL FRANCO
ONE of the questions I hear most is:
“Miguel… what do I actually buy at the supermarket? And what should I order when eating out?”
Let’s keep it simple, the same way I did when I improved my health. These small daily choices are what helped me balance my blood sugar, lose weight naturally and reverse my type 2 diabetes. No strict diets. Just real Mediterranean food.
At the supermarket
I always say: your health starts in your basket. If you buy good food, you eat good food and your blood sugar and energy improve almost instantly. My basket is usually full of tomatoes, peppers, spinach, courgette, oranges, berries, sardines, eggs, chickpeas, olive oil, nuts and potatoes. Nothing fancy. Just simple food that keeps you full, steady and feeling human again.
Eating out (yes, easily!)
Yes, I eat out. A lot. I live in Spain it’s
almost a national sport. And the good news? You can eat VERY well here without destroying your progress. When I look at a menu, I always ask myself:
“What’s the simplest, most natural thing on here?” I stay healthy by choosing simple dishes: espetos, dorada a la plancha, tortilla, pulpo, grilled chicken…Your blood sugar LOVES these foods. They’re fresh, natural and not drowned in sauces. And my favourite: verduras a la plancha - grilled vegetables. Light, healthy and every restaurant has them (even if they say they don’t). Just ask.
A little secret
You don’t need motivation. You just need the right groceries at home. And if you ever wonder what to cook, my cookbook
Mediterranean Home Cooking
Made Easy is full of the simple recipes I’ve been eating for the last three years, this are the same meals that helped me regain my health.
Mediterranean Tip of the Week Buy three vegetables, one protein and a bottle of olive oil.
Small choices add up fast.
Read the full version online or visit www.casamiguel.life to learn more and to find my cookbook.
ALMOST one third of the global population suffer from insomnia symptoms. If you’re one of them, I’m sure you’ve heard it all before: no screen time before bed, keep your room cold and dark, maintain a relaxing night-time routine, etc. And yes, while all of those tips can be efficient, there’s another trick you might not have heard yet. A recent study led by researchers at UChicago Medicine and Colom -
Mental health goes digital
IN this digital age, there’s an app for everything, including managing your mental health and making sure you are prioritising self-care.
These apps all serve different purposes and are designed to help you excel during various points in your dayto-day well-being routine. Some apps help you organise and understand your feelings, some help you learn new coping skills, some have the sole purpose of helping you even out your breathing.
One popular app gets you to take care of a ‘virtual pet’ by taking care of yourself. It’s a glorified to-do list, with easy to accomplish tasks such as ‘drink water’, ‘go for a walk’. The more you look after yourself, the more your virtual pet grows.
There has also been an uptake in online, on-demand therapy services. Whe re once you’d have to look through the yellow pages to find the right match, online therapy servi ces can now pair you up with a therapist from anywhere in the country. While accessible therapy
and mental health support is clearly a positive development, there are potential risk factors. Lack of data privacy, poor quality control and high demand causing burnout are chief amongst them.
Eat better, sleep better
bia University found that eating more fruits and vegetables during the day can make a big difference to your sleep quality. Co-senior author Estra Tasali, M.D. said “Dietary modifications could be a new, natural and cost-effective approach to achieve better sleep.”
The link between what we eat and sleep is well documented. It is scientifically proven that the sleepier you are, the more likely you’ll be to crave unhealthier foods, high in fat and sugar. And it goes without saying that food and drink with a high caffeine or sugar impact your sleep.
If you’re struggling to meet the recommended intake, there are plenty of easy dietary switch-ups you can make: Try swapping meat for plant-based proteins with meals like veggie-burgers, curries or stews. Hide or blend vegetables to better incorporate them into your weekly rotation. Incorporating just one more fruit or vegetable to your meals can make a big difference.
Smell good, feel good
NEVER mind look good to feel good, in hot climates you’ve got to smell good to feel good. Or at least not feel so utterly uncomfortable in your skin.
As long as you maintain a consistent hygiene routine, smelling good is easy. It’s often a case of feeling like you smell, when you really don’t.
That can be trickier, especially when you’re sweating in the summer months.
There are plenty of ways you can calm those paranoid thoughts, ensuring you smell just as good as if you’d stepped out the shower all day.
Use scented products. Scented products,- from shampoos to moisturisers to deodorants - will help you feel fresh from head to toe.
Stick to one scent. If you’re using scented products, stick to one scent.
Mango shampoo paired with coconut lotion paired with straw
FESTIVE celebrations
invite a touch of sparkle and many people look forward to ad ding a little extra shine to their make-up at Christmas. The challenge is to capture a radiant glow without stepping into glitter explosion territory. A calm and thoughtful approach creates a look that feels elegant, confident and full of seasonal charm.
berry perfume might be a sensory overload. Find a flavour profile you like, and work around that. Be strategic. Rather than spritz your perfume and hope for the best, be strategic. Apply to your pulse points for a long-lasting fragrance. What’s more, adding Vaseline
Portable products. Keeping a small can of deodorant or perfume in your bag is lifesaver when you’re out and about. Mints and more mints. If your breath is minty fresh, there’s no need to stress.
Glittery glow up
Preparation begins with smooth hydrated skin. A light moisturiser allows make-up to glide on evenly and creates a natural base that reflects light in a soft way. A subtle shimmer works beautifully on the eyelids. Choose gentle tones such as champagne or soft rose and press
a small amount onto the centre of the lid for a bright but controlled highlight. A sweep of mascara defines the eyes without overwhelming the sparkle.
Cheeks benefit from a creamy blush that brings warmth to the complexion. A tiny touch of highlighter along the cheekbones adds radiance yet remains refined. Lips
look festive with a satin finish in berry or classic red.
A dab of gloss in the centre creates a plump effect without becoming too dazzling.
Balance is the secret. Focus the sparkle on one feature and keep the rest softly polished. This creates a beautiful Christmas glow that feels joyful and sophisticated.
before perfume helps the scent stick.
• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •
Costa Blanca North Little heroes shine
THE youngest residents of El Poble Nou de Benitachell have once again proved that compassion starts early. Pupils at CEIP Santa María Magdalena have been organising an annual charity run for four years, raising funds for a variety of causes. This year, they chose to support Payasospital, a non-profit bringing joy and comfort to hospitalised children and teenagers. Their efforts raised an impressive €2,500, all of which will go directly to Payasospital’s programmes.
Payasospital works in public paediatric wards across the Valencian Community, sending professional clowns to perform personalised shows for each child.
In close coordination with medical staff, the clowns aim to ease anxiety and create moments of fun and distraction. Laughter therapy has been proven to support both emotional and physical recovery, making these visits invaluable for young patients.
Axarquia
Churros and chocolate
HUNDREDS of residents and expatriates gathered in La Herradura’s Plaza de la Independencia on Saturday for the ninth annual Tradicional Merienda de Churros y Chocolate, the village’s popular winter charity event.
The free outdoor feast raised funds for January’s Three Kings Parade. Volunteers served almost 60 giant wheels of freshly fried churros - made from 100kg of dough - and 100 litres of thick hot chocolate. Local favourites Juan Salado and Carmen Medina from Churrería La Herradura cooked the churros on site, while members of women’s associations kept enormous pots of chocolate stirring.
Families packed long tables and benches, children darted between bouncy castles with chocolate-smeared faces, and adults browsed a lively craft and local-produce market. December’s unusually mild weather meant the traditional bonfire remained unlit, adding to the relaxed multinational atmosphere.
Mallorca
New ambulance fleet
MALLORCA has begun the phased rollout of a modernised ambulance fleet, replacing 169 vehicles to strengthen emergency medical services. Coordinated by the Balearic Health Service (IB-Salut) through the 061 system, the deployment includes basic life support, advanced life support, and specialised ambulances suitable for urban, rural, and coastal areas.
The renewal addresses ageing vehicles, improving reliability, response times, and patient safety. Upgraded medical and communication equipment enhances on-site assessment and care during transport, while redesigned interiors and reinforced suspension systems improve paramedic working conditions and patient comfort.
Staff have been trained to operate the new vehicles safely and efficiently, maintaining current operational protocols and staffing levels. The programme is part of a wider Balearic initiative extending similar upgrades to Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera.
Costa Blanca South
Britons boost
towns
FOREIGNERS are breathing new life into Alicante’s towns, keeping businesses afloat, filling empty homes, and helping to curb depopulation. New data from Spain’s National Institute of Statistics (INE) reveals that in some Alicante towns, foreigners - particularly Britons - now outnumber local residents.
Many of the newcomers in small Alicante towns arrive after having lived in major tourist hubs along the Costa Blanca South, like Torrevieja. They come to the more rural towns seeking to escape the bustling noise of the city and rising housing costs, looking instead to retire in a peaceful setting, work remotely, or raise their children.
There are a number of reasons why Britons gravitate towards Spain, but the main reasons include the mild climate (which offers what the UK cannot: reliable sunshine), a slower, more laidback pace of life, more affordable properties, the cost of living and a higher quality of healthcare.
Almeria
Tourism ties
THE Almeria Provincial Council is promoting the Costa de Almeria as a prime destination at some of the most prominent tourism industry events in other Spanish locations, as well as in other countries. The Council is showcasing the province’s diverse offerings for tourism to key players in the industry, including the Andalucia Professional Days in Madrid and Portugal, the Aviareps Nordic Roadshow in Denmark, and ‘A Night with the Stars’ in the United Kingdom.
The promotional activities consist of a series of professional networking workshops with large groups of companies and institutions from various cities. The efforts are aimed at key players in the industry, including wholesale and retail travel agencies, aiming at facilitating, expanding, and updating knowledge about the province of Almeria and all it has to offer as a holiday destination.
The event has presented a unique and unmissable opportunity for representatives from the Almeria Provincial Council to network.
Costa Calida
Calida Christmas
THE Costa Calida municipality of Cartagena has kicked off its Christmas festivities with the lighting of their special holiday lights, and is looking ahead to an exciting December schedule full of magic, merriment, and music. The festivities, which began on Friday, December 5, represented the start of another great year of Christmas festivities, from drone shows, to movie showings, concerts, family activities, and much more.
Cartagena began the event with a great spectacle of light and colour: a drone show over the town involving more than 220 drones. The show, apart from dazzling audiences, marked the beginning of a Christmas programme with more than 300 activities available for the whole of the municipality. In addition to the drone show, Cartagena has welcomed different shows taking place in town, being held at the Apolo Circus Theatre El Algar, the El Batel auditorium, and the Ramón Alonso Luzzy Cultural Centre. These shows will be apt for both the young and old.
Make-do and mend
WHEN I moved to Spain, I expected sunshine and simplicity. I did not expect a lesson in practicality. Recently, I found myself in a tiny cobbler’s shop, boots in hand, confronting the reality of my own make-do and mend era.
In the UK, worn boots might languish at the bottom of a wardrobe. Here, minimalism makes repair essential. The shop was filled with shoes, boots, bags and hats, all waiting to be mended. It felt nostalgic, reminiscent of old-fashioned towns where local trades thrived.
My daughter watched the cobbler with fascination, asking questions about each repair. It was a reminder of the value of teaching children to appreciate, reuse and care for what they own.
Spain’s culture contrasts sharply with the throwaway habits common in the UK. Items are
INTERVIEW
fixed, reused, and passed on rather than discarded.
Charity shops are rare, and fast fashion less prevalent, at least in small towns. There is pride in prolonging an object’s life, reflecting a quieter, more mindful approach to consumption.
This mindset fits nicely with the Spanish emphasis on experiences over things. A repaired pair of boots might last a season, while a shared coffee at a local café becomes a cherished memory. Embracing small repairs at home, visiting local repair
Speaking European: Jan from Ireland
Jan moved to Denia, Spain, from Ireland 10 years ago to continue her doll’s house business on the Costa Blanca, a decision she hasn’t regretted.
WHY Spain? Jan’s primary motivation was twofold: “to be closer to my twin-nationality grandchildren and to start a new life. I thought either I do it now, or I’ll never do it,” she explains, seeing it as the quintessential dream of making a fresh start in Spain. How was adapting to life in Spain? Adapting to the local language and culture proved challenging initially. “My husband went to all the language classes, but I struggled. I attempted to learn vocabulary by labelling household objects - like the cupboard (‘armario’) and teapot (‘tetera’) - with post-it notes, but I don’t think it worked very well.”
When asked about what she dislikes, Jan points to the roads. “I learned to drive in Spain but still feel unsafe due to all the twists and turns. You never know what’s around the corner,” she says.
The biggest factors keeping her in Spain are the strong friendships she has formed and the weather, “though that is obvious! However, the humidity often makes me and my husband return home for the hottest summer months.”
When considering a permanent return to Ireland, Jan is open to the idea but not ready yet. “One day,” she says, “but not just yet. It’s still too much fun here.”
Charity shops in Spain
CHARITY shops are a familiar part of life in the UK, where donated clothes, books, and household goods are sold to raise money for nonprofits. Every purchase supports a charitable cause while giving items a second life. In Spain, however, charity shops remain uncommon. Most are run by British or international expatriates who recreate the UK-style model in tourist areas or communities with large foreign populations. These shops introduce locals to a different philanthropic approach, but the concept has not yet become mainstream across Spain.
The limited number of charity shops, around 800 nationwide compared with over 10,000 in the UK and Ireland - reflects several barriers. Opening a shop in Spain requires navigating complex bureaucracy, including registration, tax obligations, and commercial permits.
shops, and passing items to neighbours can all be part of this lifestyle.
Spain has shown that practicality can be beautiful. Living with intention, valuing what we have, and repairing instead of replacing offers lasting satisfaction.
Smaller charities often lack the resources or guidance to manage these processes. Funding is another challenge: unlike in the UK, Spanish charities rely heavily on irregular donations, making it difficult to sustain a shop financially. Cultural attitudes also play a role, as many people still prefer buying new items over second-hand goods.
Despite these obstacles, charity shops offer clear benefits. They provide steady income for charitable projects, support sustainability by reducing waste, and create valuable volunteering opportunities. Expanding the model would offer Spanish communities affordable goods, stronger local engagement, and a more accessible culture of giving.
Spain’s saintly secret revealed!
ned the town in 997 except, miraculously, the tomb. The current cathedral rose in 1078 under Alfonso VI. Its grand Romanesque body and Baroque ‘face’ (added 1738-50) are crowned by Maestro Mateo’s Pórtico de la Gloria: a dramatic Last Judgement in stone.
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, situated where the Sar and Sarela rivers shake hands in north-west Spain, has been charming the devout and the curious since 813. That’s when a tomb near Padrón was ‘divinely revealed’ to contain the remains of St James the Apostle. Martyred in Jerusalem around 44 CE, his bones were taken to Spain, where, according to legend, he’d formerly evangelised.
With Christian Spain feeling a bit squeezed by Moorish neighbours, the relics sparked national enthusiasm.
King Alfonso II built a modest church on the spot. Alfonso III (do keep up!) thought bigger. Pilgrims flooded in, and Santiago soon joined Jerusalem and Rome as Christianity’s top three pilgrimage centres.
Almanzor’s Moorish forces flatte-
Nearby, the Royal Hospital (now a posh hotel) once welcomed weary pilgrims. The town boasts 16th-century colleges, a 10th-century monastery (still monastic!), cobbled rúas and museums ranging from Galician ethnography to edgy modern art.
Santiago is spiritual, historical and, as for the Camino de Santiago, utterly walkable. So, put on your walking shoes and get exploring. Just follow the scallop shells - and mind your knees!
Santiago de Compostela’s past is as rich as its treasures - a must-see!
Nora Johnson’s 14 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The House of Secrets’ (www.no ra-johnson.net) all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.
From worn-out to wonderful: Spanish style.
Credit: PixabayJillWellington
NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.
NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS
Jan on the Costa Blanca Credit: EWN
Once a species of wolf
DOGS were the first animal domesticated by humans, more than 20,000 years ago! As they evolved from wolves, their skulls, teeth and paws shrank, and they became more docile and obedient.
Bennie the Corgi: Village celebrity and house-sitter favourite
IF there’s one resident who needs no introduction, it’s Bennie the Corgi. With a tail that wiggles like it’s trying to power the village and a grin as wide as his jaunty little gait, Bennie knows everyone - and everyone knows Bennie.
A natural socialite, Bennie treats life like a rolling meet-and-greet. New house-sitter arriving? Excellent - another human to charm. A trip to the local café? Even better - more admirers for his signature neckerchief (yes, he has a collection).
His owners are keen travellers, and while Bennie can’t join most trips, he’s never short of company. Thanks to HouseSitMatch, there’s always a willing sitter ready to spoil him with attention and keep his routines blissfully intact. Locals greet him warmly no matter who’s on the other end of the lead - Bennie accepts these honours with regal composure.
On HouseSitMatch he’s something of a mascot. Pet competitions? He’s in them all - Funny Pet Photo, Best Dressed, Most Photogenic. Sitters
adore him, his owners relax, and Bennie thrives.
Could you care for a dog like Bennie? Bennie thinks yes.
HouseSitMatch: Where humans behave and pets thrive
This is where HouseSitMatch comes in - quietly effective, big impact. Homeowners find trusted sitters to secure the home, water the plants, and offer first-class room service to resident pets. Sitters enjoy free accommodation (plus the delight of furry companionship).
Everyone wins: money saved, homes cared for, and pets thoroughly pampered.
Travelling in 2026? Time to register:
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The Fair Exchange: Homes, pets and happy hearts
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Bennie has a collection of neckerchiefs.
ACE OF SHADES
WINDOWS
WINDOWS
SPAIN has launched a €700 million national initiative to accelerate electric-vehicle (EV) adoption and expand charging infrastructure, forming a key part of its long-term Plan Auto 2030. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed the package includes €400 million in direct purchase incentives and €300 million for fast-charging points along major transport corridors and ‘zonas sombra’, areas currently lacking EV coverage.
€300m electric car investment
The new Plan Auto+ simplifies EV subsidies, offering point-of-sale deductions directly at dealerships, replacing the slower MOVES reimbursement system. The scheme prioritises full battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) with the highest support, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) receive lower incentives. Eligibility is broad, covering residents, legally living expats,
Buying an e-scooter?
ELECTRIC scooters
are a popular Christmas gift for teenagers and young adults in Spain, but strict regulations are making them far less carefree.
Currently, they are classified as personal mobility vehicles (VMP) and banned from pavements and pedestrian areas.
Riders must use the road or designated cycle lanes, respect a 25 km/h speed limit, carry no passengers, and face the same penalties as car drivers. Police enforcement has intensified; in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol alone, nearly 600 fines were issued in 2025, mostly for riding on pavements.
From January 1, 2026, two major nationwide rules become mandatory: every electric scooter user will need compulsory third-party liability insurance to cover damage or injury to others, and all scooters must be registered with the DGT traffic authority and display an identification plate or sticker.
Only models that meet official technical and safety standards, such as EN 17128, will be eligible for registration; uncertified scooters will be illegal on public roads. Many towns are adding extra requirements, such as compulsory helmets for all ages in 2026.
Anyone buying a scooter this Christmas should choose a certified model that can be registered next year, budget for liability insurance (currently €20-50 per year, though prices may increase), and expect helmet rules soon.
Recipients must be taught from day one to ride only on roads or cycle lanes, stay under 25 km/h, and never carry passengers.
autónomos, SMEs, larger companies, leasing firms, and public administrations, and applies to cars, vans, fleets, and mobility-service vehicles registered in Spain that meet efficiency and emissions standards. The €300 million charging fund aims to tackle ‘range anxiety’ by installing fast chargers on highways, commuter routes, tourist trails, and rural areas, en-
suring EV access extends beyond major cities. The plan also seeks to bolster domestic manufacturing, attract investment, and safeguard tens of thousands of automotive jobs, aligning with European climate goals and Spain’s 2030 mobility targets. Spain’s new plan represents a decisive push toward zero-emission transport, signalling cheaper, easier, and more accessible EV ownership across the country.
Local Police stopping scooter riders.
Kia EV3 - a distinctively striking package
ROAD
TEST
By Mark Slack
IT’S hard to believe that just over 10 years ago Kia launched its first useable EV, the Kia Soul had a range of around 209km/130 miles and only sold a small number through a limited number of Kia dealers. A decade later and Kia is one of the foremost providers of EVs, and the number you see on the roads proves just how popular they have become with eco minded motorists.
The Korean car maker’s style has also become one of the most distinctive on the road and no matter which side of the marmite fence you stand they are a welcome sight amongst a motoring sea of lookalikes.
The EV3 is arguably one of their more conventional looking models, although there are still elements of Kia’s distinctive styling pen. It’s effectively a replacement of the aforementioned Soul and its cubic looks hide a particularly specious interior.
A three trim model line-up - Air,
GT-Line and GT-Line S - makes things simple and there is a standard range 58kwh battery and a longer range 81kwh version.
Standard fare across all models includes auto lights and wipers, powered heated and folding door mirrors, heated front seats and steering wheel, air conditioning and keyless entry and start.
Priced from €37,518/£33,005 the standard range Air model will carry you for around 270 miles, although in real world driving probably 320-350km/200-220 miles. Although some complain about
the manufacturer stated range figures with EVs, it’s really no different to the MPG figures with ICE cars, it’s all ideal world testing.
An additional €3,410/£3,000 gets you the larger 81kwh Air model which adds a likely 100 additional miles to your range and standard equipment remains unchanged from the lead-in model. In addition to the usual rear boot, you get a smaller but still useful ‘frunk’ and occupants fare well inside the EV3 with very decent space and a nice airy feel to the interior.
On the road the EV3 is smooth, refined and handles the appallingly bad road surfaces that seem to populate most of the country extremely well. It will never be a performance machine but still offers the instant acceleration that is beloved by EV drivers. It is extremely useful for nipping past slower moving traffic, where in an ICE car you would think twice before attempting the same manoeuvre.
As you would expect of Kia the build quality is excellent and the EV3 is probably one of most
0-100kph/62mph 7.7 seconds Maximum speed 169kph/105mph
• Economy: Combined driving range 603km/375 miles
• Emissions: 0
Model tested was UKspecification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets
practical and useable EVs out there at the moment. There are cheaper EVs but the EV3 does offer a more practical option for longer journeys.
Turkey Trot Torremolinos triathlon
ONE of the most distinctive sporting events of the year is set to take place on Sunday, December 14. The Torremolinos Indoor Triathlon is a one of a kind competition, returning for its 27th edition.
Embracing a time-trial, the event features a Super Sprint format with competitors pushing themselves to the limit with 300 metres of swimming, 10 kilometres of cycling and a two kilometre run.
The race is designed to deliver an intense but accessible challenge. There’s really nothing else like it on the Costa del Sol.
Councillor for Sports Ramón Alcaide highlighted the unique indoor na-
ture of the competition, and thanked the Virgen del Carmen indoor pool for their collaboration in making the event possible.
The indoor setting ensures that athletes can enjoy their triathlon experience as much as possible, even in mid-December.
“Torremolinos has a close relationship with
triathlon, having hosted major events such as the Triathlon World Championships and the Spanish Championships. These top-level are possible because we have all the necessary ingredients to make our town a benchmark for national and international triathlon,” the councillor proclaimed.
ON your marks, get set, trot like a turkey! Benalmadena’s Turkey Race is making a comeback on Sunday December 14, injecting a shot of lively sport, heartfelt charity and community togetherness to the streets of Arroyo de la Miel.
Runners, walkers, and if you really want to commit, trotters, will set off at 10.00am, tackling a family friendly 4.5km urban route. They’ll wind through local streets, completing a loop back to the Arroyo de la Miel’s Polideportivo.
There’s also an adapted 2.2km course to ensure accessibility for everyone.
A total of 300 places are available, with registration open until December 11 at 14.00 via the Torremolinos Despega app. Entry costs €20 and includes a commemorative t-shirt, with a 50 per cent discount for Delegation of Sports members.
Don’t worry if you find yourself at the back of the flock. The race is designed to be a fun event, more focused on community spirit than competitive rivalry.
Registration remains open until Satuday December 13 at 14.00. If you’re taking part, bibs must be collected from the sports centre by 21.00 that same evening.
Charity is at the heart of the turkey trot. Organisers ask participants to bring at least 2kg of non-perishable food to support local families in need.
Prizes are available to participants and there’s more than trophies up for grabs.
At this event, runners can compete to win festive turkeys!
With a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the Turkey Race offers a relaxed morning of exercise for the whole family.
Turkey trot, a family friendly charitable event.
A unique sporting experience on the Costa del Sol.
