King in action
THE King of Spain, Felipe VI, has been spotted across the island of Mallorca having the time of his life. However, on Saturday, August 2, he reportedly was about to suffer an accident while participating in the 43rd King’s Cup Sailing competition, one of the Mediterranean’s most important nautical events. When he was preparing to board Aifos and in front of dozens of onlookers, a massive part of his sailboat’s mast landed centimetres away from his head.
The incident occurred during manoeuvres before setting sail, causing significant tension on board the
vessel. However, the king was unfazed and continued as if nothing had happened.
Later, Felipe VI presided over the King’s Cup Sailing award ceremony held at the Aludaina Palace in Palma.
The ceremony in which the winners of the different classes received their trophies from the hands of the king was held for the first time in the Patio de Armas of the Royal Palace of Almudaina, with the attendance of the president of the Balearic Islands, Marga Prohens, the president of the Parliament, Gabriel Le Senne, and the mayor of the city, Jaime
Martínez, among other authorities.
The Copa del Rey de Vela, which was held in the Bay of Palma, ended with a triple Spanish victory: Estrella Damm Sailing Team in the Sail Racing ORC A, Nunoto Cafiver in the Uber ORC C, and Balearia in the Balearia Women’s Cup.
The Navy’s Aifos, in which King Felipe VI competed, finished sixth as the best Spanish boat in the ORC 0 class, a category led by the American crew of David Team’s Vesper.
The award ceremony is one of the King’s favourite activities in Mallorca. On this occasion, he demonstrated his style. Don Felipe
always stands. Hola said he is ‘the best-dressed king in Europe’.
Despite staying at the Marivent Palace, Don Felipe never misses an opportunity to visit two of his favourite restaurants and sample the finest dishes.
The first of these is Ola del Mar, where the kings are very clear about their specialities, among which sautéed squid with sobrasada and teriyaki sauce stand out.
The second one is Mia, which stands out for offering the most typical Mallorcan cuisine - a culinary experience filled with fresh fruits and an extensive wine list.
RAFA NADAL attended the Marivent reception on Monday, August 4, for the first time as Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca. King Felipe VI granted the Manacor native the title in June, recognising his sporting career and role as a national figure. It was the first noble title the monarch has conferred in his 10-year reign and coincided with the 11th anniversary of his accession to the throne.
The marquisate, formalised by royal decree in the Official State Gazette, refers to the Llevant region of Mallorca, where Nadal was born, and is hereditary.
The Marivent reception, hosted annually by the Royal Family at Marivent Palace, gathered over 300 guests from across Balearic society. This year’s event highlighted generational change and the recognition of notable figures. Held in the Marivent Gardens, the setting combined native plant species with sculptures by Joan Miró, underscoring the symbolic and intimate tone of the occasion.
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Nadal attended the Marivent reception.
King Felipe VI presided over the 43rd King’s Cup award ceremony.
Helping children in Palma
Record-level arrivals
OVERALL, international tourism in the Balearic Islands continues to break records. According to official statistics, 6.42 million foreign visitors arrived in the Balearics during the first six months of this year.
The number of arrivals represents a 4.09 per cent increase compared to the first half of 2024. However, when it comes to spending, the foreign tourists spent 6.47 per cent more than they did in the same period last year, totalling €7.791 billion.
The statistics show that the Balearic Islands, comprising Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera, Cabrera and Ibiza, have consolidated themselves as a leading tourist destination in Spain.
The statistics also show that the number of international tourists arriving in the Balearic Islands is growing year after year, according to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE).
The INE also reported that the Balearic Islands were the most visited
autonomous community in the country in June, accounting for 23.88 per cent of total international arrivals, ahead of Catalonia (21.09 per cent) and Andalucia (15.04 per cent).
The positive trend in tourism in the Balearic Islands was particularly notable in June, when 2.26 million international tourists chose the islands as their destination, 3 per cent more than in the same month of 2024. They spent a total of 2.83 billion, 2.9 per cent more than in June 2024.
Local shop support
bility organisations, while the remaining €200,000 are for for-profit organisations.
Vox’s Regional Minister for Economic Promotion and Local Development, Pilar Amate, stated that the purpose of this call for proposals “is to help modernise, raise awareness, and improve competitiveness in this type of social economy store, which has a business model based on the values of participation and equity, and which values the consumption of local and nearby products, such as those from Mallorca.”
Puerto de Soller on the island of Mallorca, one of the five Balearic Islands.
Pension tax refunds
Up to €4,000 back
THIS summer, many Spanish pensioners are set to receive long-awaited tax refunds of up to €4,000, with payments expected by Christmas. Following years of campaigning and a Supreme Court ruling, Parliament has approved compensation for retirees unfairly taxed on ‘mutualidad laboral’ workplace pension schemes between 1967 and 1978. For thousands, it’s a long-overdue financial boost.
Who qualifies? If you contributed to one of these mutual schemes and your pension has been reduced as a result, you may be eligible. Refunds apply to tax years 2019 to 2022 and vary depending on contributions and how pensions were taxed. The process is straightforward - apply via the Agencia Tributaria website using the dedicated mutualista refund form. Those who already claimed in recent tax returns are ahead, but there’s still time for others to act. Local tax offices can assist if needed.
For many, the refund offers welcome relief amid rising living costs - whether to carry out home repairs, help family, or finally take a postponed trip. The government has pledged to issue all payments by December 30, in one instalment. If issues arise, pensioners have the right to appeal, with claims to be handled carefully.
If you think you’re eligible, check your documents
- this is one refund worth pursuing.
https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/en_gb/ irpf/mutualistas-solicitudes-devolucion.html
Stay covered abroad
HEADING off for a European getaway this summer?
Don’t forget one of the most important travel essentials for anyone living in Spain: your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), known locally as the Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea (TSE). This small blue card grants you
blic healthcare across the EU, EEA and Switzerland, offering peace of mind if you fall ill or get injured abroad. But here’s the catch - EHICs only last two years, and you’ll want to renew yours well before it expires, especially as summer travel ramps up.
Renewing your EHIC from Spain is refreshingly simple and can be done in three easy ways. The quickest option is online: just visit the Social Security website, click the ‘Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea’ section, enter your details (no digital certificate required), and your card will arrive by post in about a week. Prefer a personal touch? You can renew by calling the Social Security helplines 901 166 565 or 915 421 ), or visit your local CAISS office in person - booking an appointment is recommended, especially in busy months. If your card hasn’t arrived before you travel, ask for a Certificado Provisional Sustitutorio
Landlord visit rules
RENTING in Spain comes with plenty of myths - one of the biggest being that landlords can enter your home whenever they please. But here’s the real story: even if your contract says the owner can ‘check the state of the property’, Spanish law is firmly on your side. Once you’ve signed your lease, your rented flat is your private space, and landlords cannot just show up unannounced, no matter what the contract says. So, when can your landlord actually visit? The law sets out some clear boundaries. First, there has to be a legitimate reason - think urgent repairs or a genuine maintenance issue, not simply showing the flat to friends or checking up for no cause. Second, you must receive reasonable notice before any visit. While Spanish law doesn’t state an exact timeframe, 24 to 48 hours is the typical standard. Finally, the time of the visit must be agreed with you. If you’re not available at the suggested time, you can propose an alternative - unless there’s a genuine emergency, like a gas leak or flood, in which case the landlord can enter immediately for everyone’s safety.
Even if your rental agreement sounds stricter, the law prevails. Any contract clause that tries to sidestep your right to privacy is invalid. Remember, your landlord can only enter for real, necessary reasons, with proper notice, and at a mutually agreed time. Random pop-ins and unannounced checks simply aren’t allowed.
You have the right to peace and privacy in your own home, and Spanish law is there to back you up. If your landlord pushes their luck, don’t be afraid to politely stand your ground. Understanding the rules ensures you stay in control - because, ultimately, your flat is your home, not just a space you rent.
(CPS) - a temporary certificate available online, by phone or at the office, which acts as a stand-in for the real card. Why bother with the EHIC? It covers medically necessary treatment in public health facilities - think emergency care, doctor visits and prescriptions - on the same terms as locals, often for free or at a reduced rate. However, it won’t cover private clinics, repatriation, or planned medical procedures, so you’ll still need good travel insurance for full peace of mind.
Renew at least 15 days before your card expires, check expiry dates for everyone in your travel group (kids need their own), and keep both your EHIC and passport handy when abroad. Renewing takes just minutes, so you can focus on your trip - safe, covered, and ready for anything.
Spain expands family leave
ON Tuesday July 29, Spain’s Council of Ministers approved a new law extending ‘permiso por nacimiento y cuidado del menor’ (birth and care leave) from 16 to 17 weeks per parent. The leave remains non-transferable, fully paid, and aligned with EU Directive 2019/1158 on work-life balance. Six weeks must be taken immediately after birth, while the remaining 11 can be used flexibly within the child’s first year.
A major change was also introduced to ‘permiso parental’ (parental leave) for children under eight. Previously unpaid, two of the eight weeks will now be paid at 100 per cent of the social security base, with the remaining six still unpaid. This paid portion applies retroactively from August 2, 2024, provided the leave was formally requested.
Single-parent households will now receive 32 weeks of paid birth and care leave (equivalent to two parents’ entitlement), plus two weeks of paid parental leave, totalling 34 weeks.
The reform avoids EU sanctions and addresses a formal infringement procedure triggered in 2024. It aims to boost gender equality and shared childcare responsibility. The law takes immediate effect upon publication in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE), and employers must update HR systems accordingly. Spain now joins leading EU nations in family leave policy.
Credit : Kittyfly, Shutterstock
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you access to public healthcare across Europe - make sure yours is up to date.
ON Thursday, August 7, not only are bulls back in Palma’s Coliseo Balear bullring with a lavish cartel that includes Morante de la Puebla, Sebastián Castella and José María Manzanares, who will fight bulls from the prestigious Juan Pedro Domeq ranch, but so are children for the first time since 2017.
The event has all the ingredients to satisfy Mallorcan fans, visitors, and tourists alike, thanks to the renowned bullfighters and another opportunity to see Morante de la Puebla after the great success he recently obtained in the Beneficencia bullfight in Las Ventas.
De Puebla, a Sevillian bullfighter, made history in Madrid. He cut two ears in two performances during the Beneficiencia bullfight to close out Madrid’s San Isidro festivities. His
Bullfights in Palma
THE municipal water utility company Emaya reported it had been working since early Monday, August 4, to repair two leaks detected almost simultaneously on main water supply arteries. The incidents caused outages and water pressure drops a ecting various parts of the city of Palma.
Also, according to local
masterful triumph drew thousands of fans to the ring to carry the maestro on their shoulders on a 2.2-kilometre (approximately 1.4 miles) journey from Las Ventas to the Wellington Hotel.
Children were allowed back in the ring in April at the Plaza de Toros de Inca, east of Palma, which sold out its 6,000 tickets in record time.
The return of minors has not been without opposition from the Franz Weber animal rights association.
The animal rights organisation considers this initiative ‘a dangerous offer’ intended, in its opinion, to ‘capture’ children into a practice they describe as ‘violent’.
Water outages
news reports, the Deia water authority reportedly shut o the supply of the vital liquid in some areas of the municipality to deal with the persistent drought and increased demand during the summer season starting from August 4 in the morning.
This measure is temporary and will a ect La Residencia hotel and areas in s’Empeltada, ses Coves de can Puigserver, la Cala, Llucalcari - including the Costa d’Or hotel - and some zones across the road to Soller on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The outages a ected water supply in various neighbourhoods of the city, including in the residential area
of the Son Moix stadium, and the Vía de Cintura, as well as in Policlínica Miramar, the streets of Joan Gris, Salvador Dalí, Joan Ripoll i Trobat, and the roundabout leading to Calle Dragonera.
Llorenc Bauza, the president of the water board Emaya, said there is no cause for alarm and that water supplies are guaran-
teed throughout the island during the entire holiday season.
“The records updated this week show that the data are similar to those of other summers, so there is absolutely no cause for alarm regarding the level of water resources in Palma,” said Bauza.
Reinforcing clean-up
PALMA’S municipal public company Emaya, announced it has a new eet of 16 modern street cleaning vehicles that will enhance its services across the municipality.
“Emaya has taken a further step in modernising its cleaning services with the addition of 16 new specialised vehicles, thanks to an investment exceeding €2.3 million,” the company said.
The new vehicles that will become operational in September will enable Emaya to launch a new enhanced high-pressure water cleaning programme to bolster cleaning throughout Palma, with special focus on the most densely populated neighbourhoods in the city.
The company acquired 10 heavy-duty dual-purpose sweepers, one street scrubber, three hydro-cleaning vans, and two
electric vans.
According to a statement released on August 5, the Palma City Council said this renovation was part of the strategic plan to improve and modernise the city’s street cleaning services.
The new dual-purpose sweepers stand out for their 1,600-litre tank capacity and a maximum speed of 40 km/h. Equipped with high-pressure pumps, they allow for the combination of vacuum and sweeping functions, signi cantly improving cleaning performance.
Each of these units costs €193,750, reaching a total investment of €1,937,750.
Among the new vehicles, a street scrubber-dryer stands out, specially designed for use in high-tra c areas, such as squares and commercial spaces.
Water supply outages were reported in Palma, but officials say there’s no cause for alarm.
Credit: Jaume Rossello Cuni/Shutterstock
Spanish bullfighter Morante de la Puebla will fight in Palma.
Hoteliers’ August optimism
MALLORCA’S hoteliers are approaching August in hopes that occupancy rates will be similar to last summer’s, the Mallorca Hotel Federation, anticipating high demand across all the island’s destinations. They said they are condent that last-minute bookings will ll available spaces.
The local hotel group is sending out a message of optimism for August. They are forecasting hotel occupancy rates will rise in comparison to July and will be at least as hight as they were in 2024,
with high demand across all destinations on
The executive vice president of the employers’ association, María José Aguiló, said he predicts this month will be good, with bookings similar to last year’s. Furthermore, last-minute bookings will ll the unsold spaces. He asserts that demand remains strong, and hoteliers are con dent of closing out August with positive results, especially if the good weather continues.
According to gures con-
rmed by the Association of Transport Companies of the Balearic Islands (CAEB), tourist bus bookings for July and August have fallen by 20 per cent compared to last year.
This gure not only re ects a decline in demand for excursions but also serves as a gauge of the general sentiment among visitors.
The decline in German tourists is having a domino e ect on other sectors. Hospitality and nightlife, which rely on foreign visitors, are reporting drops in revenue.
Bye, Spanish place names
THE Ministry of the Presidency, Justice, and Parliamentary Relations has ordered all courts and tribunals in the Balearic Islands to use the official Catalan-language names of their headquarters in court orders, rulings, and judgments, regardless of the language in which they are written.
Moving forward, for example, the place names of Palma, Eivissa, and Maó will be used, and the previously common forms Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, and Mahón will no longer be utilised.
FEM-HO celebrated the decision for the government only to use the Catalan-language place names in the Balearics.
the toponymy of the official language in all judicial proceedings.
This new measure responds to a request submitted in March 2025, which reported that most courts in Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, and Mahón continued using the Spanish names on their documentation and letterheads.
Spain’s Minister of Presidency Félix Bolaños said the changes in municipal names become official when they are registered in the Registry of Local Entities and published in the Official State Gazette, so it is appropriate to apply
FEM-HO, a Menorcan association for the defence of the Catalan language, welcomed the decision, calling it ‘an act of justice’.
However, Hablemos Español, a group advocating for the use of a common language across the country and the rights of Spanish speakers, wrote on X that with the measure, ‘the plundering of our toponymy continues’, as it does in Catalonia, Valencia, the Basque Country, and Galicia.
the island.
Mallorca hotel owners believe things will pick up significantly this month.
Credit: Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock
Madrid nightlife reigns
MADRID has just been crowned Europe’s top city for nightlife, outshining rivals across the continent and coming in second only to Las Vegas worldwide, according to the latest Time Out global ranking. This isn’t a verdict from travel experts in boardrooms, but the real-life verdict of over 20,000 people from 100+ countries - locals, expats, and visitors who know where the party really happens.
So what makes Madrid such a magnet for night owls? The city lives and breathes after dark, with terraces buzzing, laughter echoing through Malasaña and La Latina, and friends sharing tapas well past midnight - on any night of the week. Whether you’re after amenco in a tucked-away bar, rooftop cocktails, or the electric energy of live music, Madrid
o ers endless options, from underground clubs to old-school vermouth bars. And it’s not just about the venues; it’s the atmosphere, the spontaneity, and the people. Here, nightlife is a way of life - where generations, backgrounds, and cultures come together in an open, welcoming spirit.
Industry leaders behind Noche Madrid, the city’s nightlife association, credit this ‘capital of fun’ status to the warmth and inclusiveness that draws everyone - from young friends and families to tourists - into the same spaces. Bookings for music festivals, special events, and gastro tours are at an all-time high, and the city’s late dinners, impromptu estas, and open-air terraces are becoming an international trend.
El Prat airport booms
BARCELONA’S El Prat Airport is making serious waves in European air travel, now ocially crowned the continent’s second-busiest hub for ‘origin-destination’ passengers. In the past year alone, a staggering 53 million travellers either started or ended their journey in Barcelona - putting the airport just behind London Heathrow, with the gap shrinking fast. What sets El Prat apart is its role as a true gateway city: only 5.5 per cent of yers use it for layovers, meaning nearly everyone landing here is actually exploring Barcelona or heading home, not just passing through. This surge in passenger numbers is no accident. El Prat has boosted its seat capacity by more than 5 per cent in a single year, launched ights to 12 new destinations - in-
cluding direct, intercontinental routes to Essaouira, Beirut, Halifax, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra - and brought in fresh competition on popular long-haul trips like Shanghai and Boston. These new connections have cemented its place not just as Europe’s number two for arrivals and departures, but also as the seventh-busiest airport overall on the continent.
What’s fuelling all this growth? City breaks across Europe remain top of the list, with hotspots like Palma, Madrid, Rome, Amsterdam, and Lisbon drawing huge crowds. But El Prat is also seeing a spike in long-haul trac - destinations like Doha, Dubai, and New York are becoming increasingly popular, reecting the city’s global reach.
Barcelona tourist tax
BARCELONA has announced a major hike in its tourist tax, aiming to double the city’s local surcharge from the current level to €8 per night by 2029. Starting at €5 in 2026, the fee will rise by €1 each year until it hits the new maximum.
When combined with the Catalan regional tourist taxwhich is also set to increase - some visitors could end up paying a combined €15 a night at top hotels by the end of the decade.
This signi cant move isn’t just about raising extra cash. City leaders, led by ERC’s Elisenda Alamany, argue it’s a response to locals who feel pushed out by Barcelona’s booming tourism industry, rising rents, and crowded public spaces. The new revenue is earmarked for neighbourhood reinvestment: a Tourism Reinvestment Fund launching in 2026 will funnel money into areas hit hardest by tourism, promising more green spaces, upgraded public transport, and other communi-
ty-focused improvements.
Deputy mayor Jordi Valls insists the step-by-step increase gives hotels and the tourist sector time to adjust, rather than forcing a sudden, painful rise in costs.
Most believe the city’s enduring appeal - its beaches, food, and culture - will outweigh the higher price tag for most travellers.
If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona after 2026, budget a little extra for nightly fees.
Madrid’s iconic Gran Vía lights up after dark.
Credit : Matej Kastelic, Shutterstock
Busy scenes at Barcelona El Prat.
Credit : Olena Syvets, Shutterstock
One of the city’s most visited landmarks.
Credit : Arcady, Shutterstock
VORO, 2 Michelin stars RESTAURANT REVIEW
VORO is among Mallorca’s 11 restaurants that boast Michelin distinctions, but this luxuriously set restaurant is the only one with two stars.
Their well-known chef Álvaro Salazar has worked hard to achieve the two top distinctions for 2021/22 season. It’s that determination and passion, combined with the experience and charm of the maître d’, Mario, that make the experience at VORO so memorable.
The decor doesn’t seem to correspond to that of a top-class establishment, but it soon becomes clear that nothing at VORO happens by accident.
Mario and his sommelier, Cecilia, introduce themselves and explain the gastronomic experience we are about to experience. It involves an expert pairing of various dishes with Mallorcan wines chosen by Cecilia. With great anticipation, our symphonic journey through Álvaro’s menu begins.
Craftsmanship awards
VORO gives diners a choice between an 18- or 22-course tasting menu, giving guests the unique experience to sample a wide range of exquisite dishes from the widelyacclaimed chef.
An experienced sommelier is on hand to guide diners through an extensive wine list of over 400 national and international wines as they embark on an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
Spontaneous, yet mindful of its Mediterranean roots, is how the chef describes his cuisine. The dishes captivate with their elegant presentation and intensity of flavour.
Cap Vermell Grand Hotel Urb Atalaya de Canyamel, Vial A2, 12, Mallorca Tel: 871 811 350
Beach fests with religion
SEVERAL towns across Mallorca celebrate this month with fervour and passion, and they carry out a wide variety of activities during August to celebrate La Mare de Déu d’Agost. And although it has become a beach festival, its roots are actually religious.
On the island, La Mare de Déu d’Agost has been celebrated since the 14th century with a series of rituals, performances, and protocols that accompany the mysterious death, assumption, and coro-
nation of the Virgin Mary.
The celebration has been expanded to include sporting, cultural and gastronomic events to ensure there’s something for all the family from August 1 to August 23.
The main religious event is on the 15th, and it is celebrated in Mallorca and across all of Spain. It is a national religious holiday more commonly known as the Feast of the Assumption, the day the Virgin Mary rose into heaven.
In Mallorca, activities take
place in Puigpunyent, Sineu, Can Picafort, Campos, Caimari and Sa Coma and three more towns.
Past events have included basketball, football and chess tournaments, nocturnal cycling, toddler workshops, open mic nights, cooking competitions and live music.
In Sineu, everyone dresses in pink for their relatively new but highly successful La Mucada party, which is held in the run-up to their Mare de Déu d’Agost festivities.
SIXTY-SEVEN artisans have signed up for the Mallorca Crafts Awards 2025, making the 12th edition of this event the second most popular.
The event organisers announced the winners will be unveiled in a lavish ceremony on October 29 at the Es Baluard Museum of Palma de Mallorca.
The nominees and their entries will be judged by a panel composed of master craftsmen and industry professionals, the organisers said.
The 12th edition of the Mallorca Craftmanship Awards will be given on October 29.
The Vice President of the Consell de Mallorca and Minister of Culture and Heritage, Antonia Roca, on Monday, August 4, celebrated the “large number of professionals from the island who have registered throughout the month of July.”
With this year’s entrees, the three editions have now accumulated 222 entries, which reflects, according to Roca, “the positive reception and the growing dynamism of the Mallorcan artisan sector.”
According to the island’s institution, this
‘Hidden Spain’
THE Hidden Spain photographic exhibition by Cristina García Rodero ( Puertollano, 1949), winner of the 1996 National Photography Award and the first Spanish member of the prestigious Magnum agency, is displayed at the Juan March Foundation Museum in Palma and will be there until October 11.
Ms Cordero is an undisputed figure in contemporary photography. Since her beginnings, she has travelled thousands of miles in a constant search for images and characters.
That beginning dates back to 1973, when the Juan March Foundation awarded her an artistic creation grant with which
year’s awards are consolidated with a ‘record-breaking prize pool (€40,000)’, a total of 12 categories, and ‘a high-level jury’ that will evaluate criteria such as technique, sustainability, creativity, design and respect for tradition.
The category with the most entries was the Mallorca Craftsmanship Award, followed by the Artisan Tradition Award and the Artisan Design and Innovation Award.
Roca also highlighted the record participation in the Impuls Award, aimed at students. “It’s a gateway for new talent that aims to foster generational renewal,” she said.
she purchased his first camera.
For a year, Cordero journeyed through the villages of Spain to document and preserve their festivals, ceremonies, rituals, traditions, and ways of life. The result of this work was the series of photographs collected in España oculta (Hidden Spain, 1989). This book captured the face and spirit of a very special moment in the country and became a fundamen-
tal milestone in the history of photography in Spain. In 2024, 50 years after receiving the scholarship that, in the words of the photographer, “changed her life” and has allowed her “to spend 50 years making a dream come true,” several institutions are celebrating her work by organising the exhibition Cristina García Rodero. Hidden Spain. This exhibition includes a series of photographs taken before 1989.
Majorcan Black Porc Bun
Credit: Consell de Mallorca
The Assumption of the Virgin Mary has been celebrated on August 15 in Mallorca since the 14th century. It now includes beach fests across the island.
Credit: Consell de Mallorca
Cristina García Rodero’s exhibition will be at the Juan March Museum Foundation in Palma until October 11.
Credit:
Juan March Foundation
Credit: VORO.com Gallery
Missing millionaire
A MYSTERY Lotto winner in Munich has just months left to claim their €1.1 million Spiel 77 prize from August 2022. The lucky ticket, number 0299095, remains unclaimed, and the clock runs out on December 31. Lotto Bayern is now launching a public campaign to find the elusive millionaire before time runs out and they miss their chance to claim.
GERMANY IRELAND
Celtic loot
A GERMAN court has convicted three men for the theft of a Celtic gold hoard worth €1.6 mi llion from the Kelten‑Römer Museum. They stole 483 coins from around 100 BC in just nine minutes, after cutting telecom cables to disable alarms. Sentences range from four years nine months to 11 years; most of the treasure remains missing.
EURO PRESS
Cloudy claims
AN investigation by the HSE repor tedly found some ‘nicotine free’ vapes sold in Ireland actually con tain nicotine. Products like the McKesse MK Bar were seized by health authorities after lab tests confirmed misleading labels. Ex perts warn this could cause unin tended addiction, and a RAPEX alert was issued to order retailers to stop selling these products.
Credit: Yta23 / Shutterstock
Banker’s shock
A WOMAN from Mâcon won €1 million on a French scratch card after several unsuc cessful attempts. Shocked by her jackpot, she shared the news with her children and even surprised her bank manager. She now plans to invest in property and open a fa mily business, turning her unexpected win into new opportunities.
Minute madness
PORTUGAL NETHERLANDS ITALY FRANCE DENMARK
Celeb circuit
SEVERAL international stars have been spotted enjoying Portugal recently. Singer SZA attended Kendrick Lamar’s concert in Lisbon, while basketball legend Michael Jordan visited northern Portugal and Lis bon in June. Other celebrities like Shavo Odadjian and Benson Boone have also been seen exploring Lisbon and Cascais.
Price pain
PORTUGAL’S petrol and diesel prices are among the highest in the EU, mainly due to taxation. In the second quarter of 2025, taxes made up 56 per cent of petrol prices and 52 per cent of diesel prices, exceeding the EU averages of 55 and 50 per cent res pectively. This results in prices up to 21 cents higher than in neighbouring Spain.
NORWAY
Hook halt
NORWAY is set to ban all fishing in the Oslo Fjord from January, to protect its de clining marine ecosystem. The ban covers recreational and commercial fishing in key areas, including around Hvaler and Færder islands. While some fishermen oppose the move, the government says it’s essential for the fjord’s long-term environmental health.
Taste tragedy
NORWEGIAN strawberries are changing as traditional farming shifts to modern me thods like plastic tunnels. Once prized for their small size and intense sweetness, to day’s berries are larger but less flavourful. Only 3 per cent of strawberries are now of the traditional sweet Korona variety favou red by most Norwegians.
Pirate panic
AT Jesperhus Holiday Park in Mors, seve ral small children were mistakenly served blue drinks containing cleaning agent du ring a pirate show. An employee confused cleaning fluid with concentrated juice, mi xing it into drinks. Though the Poison Hel pline confirmed no immediate health risk, several children were taken to hospital.
Swim scare
A TOXIC jellyfish, Gonionemus vertens, was recently discovered at Nykøbing Sjælland Harbour. Typically native to the Pacific Ocean, contact with this jellyfish can cause severe symptoms such as in tense pain, muscle cramps, breathing di fficulties, and swelling. Authorities advise caution and immediate medical attention if stung.
Gold grab
DUTCH prosecutors revealed that four stolen Romanian treasures, including the golden Cotofenesti helmet, were trans ported in a sports bag after the January 25 heist at the Drents Museum in Assen. Gold micro traces found in the bag link it to the crime scene. The artefacts, on loan from Romania’s National History Mu seum, remain missing.
Luck lockdown
MORE than 100,000 individuals have vo luntarily enrolled in a six month gambling self-exclusion programme. This initiative, introduced by the Dutch gambling au thority Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), aims to combat increasing addiction rates linked to online gambling. The programme aims to promote responsible gaming practices.
FINLAND SWEDEN
Sacred summit
THE Danakosha Ling temple in Finland has become the largest Tibetan Buddhist cen tre in the Nordic region with the completion of its huge stupa a traditional monument which contains thousands of sacred texts and relics. In August, hundreds are expec ted to attend a special blessing ceremony led by a respected Buddhist teacher from India.
Benefit bust
FINNISH Cartoonist Hans Nissen was or dered to repay five years of unemployment benefits after authorities reviewed his so cial media and concluded he was running a full time business. Nissen says he only sold a few books on Facebook. Authori ties are increasingly using social media to check claims, raising calls for clearer rules.
Kid courage
TWO 12 year old boys rescued a man from drowning at Lilla Flatenbadet in sou thern Stockholm. While out on a stand up paddle board, they saw three men fall off an inflatable duck and one began to struggle in the water. They paddled over, and pulled the distressed man onto their board. Emergency services arrived shortly after.
Flip flop fury
OVER one weekend, 30 40 guests were denied entry to Lilla Helfvetet nightclub in Mora, sparking anger and threats against door staff. The reason for this is the club’s long standing ban on flip flops, sandals, and open toed shoes. Owner Nicklas Björ klund explains that the policy is essential to protect guests from injury.
AN 80 year old woman in Jura was char ged €1,000 for a hospital stay lasting just one minute. She was hospitalised for three days after a bad fall, which was partially covered by Social Security, but the hos pital billed her for the first day, beginning at 11:59pm. The hospital said it complied with Social Security billing rules.
Pilgrim predicament
AROUND 70 Spanish pilgrims visiting Rome for the Jubilee of Youth were unex pectedly locked inside a train station when staff closed the gates around mid night. After being locked in for about an hour, the group contacted police, who coordinated with station management to open the gates.
Crocodile chaos
A TOY crocodile sparked a false alarm in Ladispoli, after a photo circulated on so cial media. Residents feared a real reptile was in the Sanguinara river, prompting a police investigation and drone search. Mayor Alessandro Grando confirmed there was no danger and condemned the prank as reckless, vowing to find those respon sible.
BELGIUM
Palace price
THE Belgian royal family’s security costs reached nearly €21 million in 2024, a 40 per cent increase over four years. The Ro yal Palace Security Detachment, about 200 officers, protects the royals and their esta tes. Critics highlight rising expenses due to salaries and Crown Princess Elisabeth’s studies abroad, calling for a budget review.
Soft siren
SINCE January, Brussels has limited am bulance siren volumes to 100 decibels by day and 90 by night to reduce noise pollu tion. However, emergency workers warn this makes sirens harder to hear, risking safety. A recent collision due to a missed siren highlights concerns, though authori ties say they’ve had no official complaints yet.
Professional help for English speakers
NATIVE English speakers who have settled in Spain can’t always escape from problems back ‘home’, regardless of whose fault they may be.
It is difficult enough to cope with problems with Spanish bureaucracy without having to try to deal with demands of any type from overseas.
Often, people tend to ignore problems but they can actually escalate and become much worse or alternatively decide to employ lawyers to try to deal with the problem for them.
According to Spanish based Richard Szrabe, a distinguished retired London barrister who is proud to be known as Mr Rigorous, there is far more personal satisfaction in dealing with any problem yourself rather than having to deal through third parties in other countries.
Richard doesn’t have clients but refers to everyone who he assists as friends and he acts as a knowledgeable advisor on matters which are causing problems in any English speaking country including the UK,
INTERVIEW
Ireland, Australia and the USA.
He invites those with problems to visit his website https://www. mrrigorous.pro/ to learn all about his experience and pedigree and to arrange for a free of charge zoom meeting to discuss how he can assist to resolve the problem.
This is not a faceless lawyer, but a man who wants to assist in order to ensure that individuals benefit from his wealth of knowledge.
Rigorous by name and also by nature, Richard prides himself on the
Caroline Mary Webb - Speaking European
“I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
CAROLINE, originally from Stoke-on Trent, first came to Spain as a teenager after a family holiday to the province of Almeria, inspired by her father’s passion for golf. “We kept returning year after year,” she recalls. Eventually, her parents bought a home in Berja, a village situated in the Alpujarra Almeríense, where her family settled.
Caroline later made her own home in Almerimar, where she raised her three children, all born locally. She also built a career as a teacher. But it wasn’t without challenges. “The biggest hurdle was the language,” she says. “I love talking to people, so not speaking Spanish was really frustrating.” Her breakthrough came when she started working at a nearby international school. “That’s when my Spanish really took off,” she explains. What keeps Caroline here is the lifestyle. “I love the family-oriented culture. You can take your children out at night, and the people are so warm and welcoming.” Though proud of her British roots, Spain has become her true home.
Having lived in the region for near-
Caroline has no regrets about choosing Spain.
ly 40 years, Caroline believes learning the language is essential to belonging. “Living in a very Spanish area, I was forced to learn. Now, being able to speak to everyone feels wonderful. You really need to speak the language where you live.”
Her experience is a reminder that embracing a new culture takes time, but the rewards can last a lifetime.
fact that he is extremely thorough and as the dictionary suggests, a rigorous person is harsh and demanding with regards to standards of professionalism especially law.
He won’t deal direct with the company causing the problem but will prepare a thoroughly researched draft for his friend to send which for the third party is likely to be seen as a demonstration that you are acting from a place of knowledge and should not be dealt with lightly!
Often times, once he has discussed the problem, he will offer his services free of charge whilst other times, if the matter looks as if it will need a great deal of intervention then there will be a fee but everything will be agreed and recorded in advance.
Mr Rigorous is not a Euro Weekly News advertiser, but on this occasion, we consider that highlighting his unusual acts of assistance is a service to readers who may or may not decide that he can help with their specific problems.
Water meter warning
SPANISH homeowners face a looming deadline: by September, all properties must be fitted with digital water meters or risk fines of up to €5,000. Introduced in 2020 under Order ICT/155/2020, the regulation gave households five years to replace old meters with smart models.
The devices allow more accurate readings, detect leaks and overuse, and support water management amid droughts and rising costs. Most single-family homes are already compliant thanks to upgrades by suppliers or councils, but apartment blocks and buildings with communal meters face a greater challenge. For rented properties, landlords are legally responsible.
Properties still using outdated meters in September face fines of up to €5,000 per home, plus potential charges for inaccurate readings or water loss.
Photo credit: Caroline Mary Webb
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Spanish retail
SPANISH retail sales accelerated to a 6.2 per cent year on year gain in June 2025 on a calendar adjusted, inflation adjusted basis, according to INE data published on July 29. This followed a revised May rise of 5 per cent (up from an initial 4.8 per cent).
EIF’s €75m
THE European Investment Fund has invested €75 million in the Serena Infra II fund, raising its total to €230 million. Backed by InvestEU, the fund targets sustainable mobility, energy transition, and digital infrastructure across Europe. EIF says the move supports the shift toward a low-carbon economy.
Public bank
CATALONIA’S government is reviving plans to transform the Catalan Institute of Finance (ICF) into a public bank. Backed by Esquerra and with support from the Spanish government, the ICF has been authorised to create a commercial arm, pending approval from EU regulators, to promote financing for SMEs and social projects.
Zegona payday
ZEGONA CEO Eamonn O’Hare received a record £131m (€154.6m) in 2024, making him the highest-paid CEO of a London-listed company. The payout followed Vodafone Spain’s turnaround after Zegona’s €5bn acquisition. COO Robert Samuelson earned £66m (€76.3m). Vodafone Spain returned to growth, cut jobs by 28 per cent, and boosted Zegona’s share price.
Revolut standoff
BANK of England Governor Andrew Bailey reportedly clashed with Chancellor Rachel Reeves over Revolut’s stalled banking licence. Reeves pushed for urgent talks to speed up approval, but Bailey blocked the meeting, citing the Bank’s independence. Revolut remains in a limited mobilisation phase after missing its July 25 deadline.
STAT OF WEEK
EIB lends €50m to Iberdrola
THE European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted €50 million to Iberdrola to rebuild and climate-proof the electricity network in Valencia after floods in October 2024 damaged local infrastructure.
The investment supports Iberdrola’s il lumina project, aimed at strengthening the region’s power grid against future climate events. “The financing will back investments from il lumina, Iberdrola’s project to reconstruct and modernise the power distribution grid affected by devastating floods in 2024,” the EIB said in a press release.
The loan is split equally: €25 million from EIB resources and €25 million from Spain’s Regional Resilience Fund, overseen by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise.
Funding will go towards rebuilding infrastructure, installing smart transformers, automating facilities, burying overhead lines, and resizing substations. “These operations
are expected to benefit more than 650,000 clients,” Iberdrola stated, “improving electricity supply security against a backdrop of extreme weather events and increasing integration of renewable energy production.” The EIB said the project supports REPowerEU and strengthens its role as “the climate bank.” In 2024, the EIB invested €8.5 billion in power grids and storage across Europe, in-
UK car market
THE UK is set to sell 9.75 million cars in 2025, its strongest year since 2019, according to Auto Trader. That includes two million new and 7.75 million used cars - a 3 per cent rise on last year’s sales.
Used vehicles, especially five to 10 years old, are driving the boom. Auto Trader predicts 10.1 million of these will be on UK roads by year-end. Older models - over 10 years - are also climbing, now expected to make up 26 per cent of all UK cars.
The shift is fuelled by Covid-era supply issues, a shortage of nearly-new models, and the cost-of-living crisis. Nearly a third of all views on Auto Trader
Travel salaries dip
UK business travel salaries dropped 4.2 per cent in H1 2025 to an average of £35,544 (€41,234), according to C&M Travel Recruitment. This follows sharp increases in 2023 and 2024. Despite the decline, placements in corporate travel roles rose 12 per cent year-on-year. Senior roles saw a 7.4 per cent salary boost, while standard roles dipped 1.6 per cent. C&M’s Barbara Kolosinska said travel pay has risen 19 per cent since 2020, making the sector more competitive for top talent.
cluding €1.5 billion in Spain - double the amount in 2023.
After the DANA floods, the EIB also launched a €1.4 billion package for affected regions. Iberdrola, in response, formed a 35-person task force and hired 1,000 local workers to implement il lumina, which it calls a long-term investment in safer, more efficient energy infrastructure aligned with EU climate goals.
are for cars under £7,000.
“UK car sales are on course to reach their highest level for six years,” said Ian Plummer, Auto Trader’s commercial director.
Spain’s economy +0.7%
SPAIN’S economy expanded by 0.7 per cent in Q2 2025, driven by household spending and business investment, according to INE data. Year-on-year, GDP rose 2.8 per cent, matching Q1 figures.
Employment hit a record 22 million, with joblessness falling to 10.29 per cent. Experts say Spain’s growth is increasingly led by domestic demand and investment, supported by falling inflation and interest rates. Despite weaker foreign tourism and government consumption, public investment remains strong.
Analysts believe Spain will surpass 2025 GDP forecasts, maintaining its lead over other eurozone economies. ING and Oxford Economics both expect continued outperformance in the coming quarters.
SPANISH crypto exchange Bit2Me has received authorisation from Spain’s CNMV to operate across the EU under the new MiCA regulation. It becomes the first fully Spanish and Spanish-speaking platform to achieve this, boosting access to crypto services for Spanish-language users.
CEO Leif Ferreira called it a milestone for transparency and trust. Bit2Me, already registered with the Bank of Spain since 2022, now leads regulatory compliance in Spain’s crypto industry. Compliance officer João Augusto Teixeira said the approval reinforces Bit2Me’s leadership and sets a precedent in both the Spanish and wider European markets.
SPAIN’S antitrust regulator CNMC is expanding its probe into Apple, citing ‘new evidence’ the tech giant may be abusing its dominant position by imposing unfair App Store pricing rules. The investigation, launched in 2024, focuses on alleged restrictions that violate EU competition laws. Apple denies wrongdoing, insisting its App Store supports both users and developers. This follows a €1.8 billion EU fine last year over anti-competitive behaviour in music streaming and a closed case under the Digital Markets Act.
ENDESA reported a 30 per cent rise in first-half profit to €1.04 billion but warned that Spain’s new grid investment plan lacks strong incentives. The company, owned by Italy’s Enel, is focusing on power network upgrades amid rising electricity demand. CEO José Bogas criticised the proposed 6.46 per cent return rate, saying it jeopardises Spain’s decarbonisation goals. Despite market challenges, including lower gas margins, Endesa says it remains on track to meet full-year targets.
THE UK government is allocating at least £30 million (€34.8 million) each to local leaders in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland - joining seven English regions - to drive innovation through the £500 million (€578 million) Local Innovation Partnerships Fund. The investment will focus on regional strengths such as AI, green energy, and life sciences, aiming to create jobs and spur economic growth. From April 2026, local partnerships will work with UKRI to deliver region-led, high-impact tech and science projects.
Real estate company Panattoni has developed 554,000 m² of gross leasable area across Spain and Portugal in just five years.
DANA aftermath in Valencia, October 2024.
Brian A Jackson,
UK used-car boom.
LONDON - FTSE 100
3I Group 4.124,00 4.150,00 4.116,00 44K Admiral Group 3.402,8 3.408,0 3.382,0 21,28K
Airtel Africa 205,40 205,60 203,40 154,97K
Anglo American 2.101,0 2.152,0 2.090,0 364,44K Antofagasta 1.877,00 1.878,50 1.860,50 123,86K
Ashtead Group 5.018,0 5.062,0 4.999,0 57,33K
Associated British Foods 2.175,0 2.199,0 2.166,0 56,64K AstraZeneca 10.890,0 11.102,0 10.846,0 471,77K Auto Trader Group Plc 827,80 834,60 826,40 163,03K Aviva 637,40 643,40 636,40 856,75K
B&M European Value Retail SA 221,00 224,60 220,30 1,21M
BAE Systems 1.797,00 1.804,50 1.786,50 410,19K Barclays 366,05 370,13 365,90 3,95M Barratt Redrow 368,40 373,00 367,80 907,43K
Beazley 887,50 892,50 884,50 113,7K
Berkeley 3.616,0 3.642,0 3.602,0 33,88K
BP 405,30 406,70 403,50 2,13M
British American Tobacco 4.085,0 4.091,0 4.047,0 399,35K BT Group 206,50 206,70 203,80 2,1M
2.242,0 2.256,0 2.234,0 45,58K Centrica 165,00 165,25 162,85 1,35M Coca Cola HBC AG 3.938,0 3.942,0 3.914,0 23,31K
2.656,00 2.661,98 2.643,00 188,01K ConvaTec Group 229,20 231,80 228,40 891,12K
4.724,0 4.750,0 4.698,4 42,02K
EURO
EUR/GBP: Up from £0.85 to £0.86
EUR/USD: Up from $1.16 to $1.17
The euro fluctuated over the past month. Initially being propelled to new multi-year highs, before slipping back to a two-week low. This volatility in the euro was primarily linked to EU-US trade uncertainty. While an agreement was eventually reached, it sparked a wave of criticism from EU leaders, casting doubts on whether the deal will even be ratified.
The focus now turns to upcoming Eurozone data, with the initial highlight being the bloc’s latest consumer price index, where an expected slowdown in inflation in July may stoke European Central Bank (ECB) rate cut bets.
POUND
GBP/EUR: Down from €1.16 to €1.15
Currency outlook: US dollar rocked by Fed uncertainty, Euro volatile amid transatlantic trade tensions
GBP/USD: Down from $1.36 to $1.35
The pound trended lower over the last four weeks, amid growing concern over the UK’s fiscal health, with a watering down of the government’s welfare bill stoking expectations of additional tax hikes in the autumn.
Adding to the pressure on Sterling were some underwhelming UK data releases and mixed messaging from the Bank of England (BoE).
A key focus for GBP investors
in August will be the BoE’s latest interest rate decision.
Another rate cut is largely priced in, but Sterling could rally if the bank signals it might hold off from further cuts for the time being.
US DOLLAR
USD/GBP: Unchanged at £0.73
USD/EUR: Down from €0.86 to €0.85
Trade in the US dollar remained erratic in recent weeks, with US President Donald Trump’s
repeated criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell acting as a significant source of volatility.
US trade uncertainty also contributed to USD volatility after Trump delayed his tariff deadline once again.
However, the ‘greenback’ was able to find some bullish momentum at the end of July, following the signing of several key trade deals, robust data and hawkish signals from the Fed.
The immediate focus now tur-
ns to the Fed’s upcoming rate decision. While the Fed is expected to leave its policy unchanged following its July meeting, USD investors will be looking for any clues as to whether a rate cut can be expected in September. Currencies Direct have helped over 500,000 customers save on their currency transfers since 1996. Just pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more about how you can save money on your currency transfers.
The pound trended lower over the last four weeks amid growing concern over the UK’s fiscal health.
Buying rooms in Spain
WITH Spain’s housing crisis pricing many out of the property market, a growing number of residents are turning to an unexpected solution: buying individual rooms.
A Barcelona-based start-up, Habitacion. com, has 22,000 people on a waiting list to purchase a share in a flat, just one room at a time.
Habitacion.com, founded in 2023 by Oriol Valls and Anna Bedmar, is pioneering this idea. The company renovates apartments and sells them off room by room, allowing co-owners to hold a legal share of the whole property, including communal spaces.
“It takes a young person, on average, between 15 and 20 years to save up for the down payment on their first home,” said CEO Oriol
Valls, as reported by Telecinco News.
A 12-square-metre room in central Valencia can now go for around €50,000, according to Telecinco News. The price of a room depends on features like private bathrooms or balconies. According to El País, most rooms cost between €60,000 and €80,000, often financed through loans rather than paid upfront.
The deed is signed before a notary and registered, just like any other property purchase. Owners can resell their rooms, with fellow co-owners getting first refusal. Habitacion. com even offers a buyback option.
According to Telecinco News, the startup plans to use this funding to improve its tech platform using AI and expand further into southern Europe.
Madrid taxi changes
THINKING of becoming a taxi driver in Madrid? You’ll need more than just a good sense of direction under the city’s new rules, which are set to transform the capital’s cab service in 2025.
The headline change: all aspiring drivers must now show proof of secondary education (ESO), raising the professional bar for the city’s 15,000-strong fleet. This education requirement is part of a wider push to boost service standards and give passengers more confidence in the drivers they meet. But that’s not all. Madrid is scrapping the old requirement for drivers to memorise every twist and turn of the city’s maze-like streets. Instead, GPS devices will be mandatory in every taxi, making the job more accessible and the journeys more relia -
New regulations set higher education and GPS standards for all drivers.
ble for both drivers and passengers. Gone are the days of cramming for municipal map tests - modern tech is taking over, and the focus is now on service, safety, and professionalism.
Accessibility is another big focus. Currently, just 2 per cent of Madrid taxis are adapted for people with reduced mobility. The new tar -
get? At least 5 per cent of the fleet must be ‘eurotaxis’, with special licences and perks like the right to work every day of the week. These adapted vehicles, plus any 100 per cent electric cabs under 10 years old, get extra operational flexibility to keep the city moving and make public transport greener and more inclusive.
2025 World Baker
CORDOBA’S José Roldán has been named World Baker of the Year 2025, receiving the title on July 21 in São Paulo, Brazil. The annual award, presented by the International Union of Bakers and Confectioners (UIBC), recognises global excellence in baking and pastry. The 36-year-old triumphed over finalists from France, Germany, Iceland, Taiwan and Brazil at the Fipan fair. Judges praised his technical
skill and creativity. Roldán runs El Brillante, a Cordoba bakery founded by his family in 1919. Known for blending cutting-edge techniques with traditional values, he credits his parents for shaping his approach to the craft.
Baking since childhood in his family’s workshop, Roldán refined his skills across Spain, France, Switzerland and Brazil. Though he studied Economics and Business Ma-
nagement at the University of Cordoba, he chose to follow his passion for baking. “This award is the most special moment of my career,” he said. “It belongs not only to me but to my entire family. My parents taught me to love this craft, to work with humility and perseverance.”
El Brillante now ships across Spain via its website, allowing customers nationwide to enjoy Roldán’s pastries.
A bedroom overlooking Barcelona City.
Credit: Lina Kivaka, Pexels
José Roldán with his tasty creations.
Costa del Sol Golf generosity
IN a powerful show of community spirit, Golfinfo. com and prestigious accounting firm Spence Clarke & Co partnered to host a charity golf tournament that raised much-needed funds for Collective Calling, a local nonprofit supporting the homeless in Spain and street children in Tanzania.
Held at the stunning Marbella Club Golf Resort, the event brought together businesses and golf lovers from across the Costa del Sol.
Golfinfo.com, a Costa del Sol-based golf tour operator, donated the full proceeds of the tournament to Collective Calling, a total of €4,855.
“We’re proud to use our platform to support good causes here in Malaga Province,” said Simon, founder of Golfinfo.com. “Partnering with Spence Clarke & Co made this initiative an even bigger success.”
Paul Carr, co-founder of Collective Calling, shared his gratitude: “This generous donation helps us continue providing showers, food, and dignity to the homeless here in Spain.”
Axarquia Urban revolution
THE Axarquia region is growing and one seaside town is preparing for its biggest transformation yet.
With a bold urban plan already in motion, Rincon de la Victoria plans to add nearly 10,000 new homes and welcome more than 18,000 new residents by 2043, pushing its population past the 70,000 mark. In 2024, according to Spain’s National Institute of Statistics (INE), Rincon de la Victoria surpassed 52,000 citizens.
It’s more than just building, it’s about rebranding and preparing for a smart, sustainable, and self-sufficient future.
The new General Urban Development Plan lays out Rincon de la Victoria’s vision: modern housing, smart mobility, and also a booming productive sector. Residential space will grow by 1.5 million square metres, while new infrastructure will support the surge in both people and vehicles.
But housing isn’t the only headline here. Rincon wants to triple its productive land, creating more space for business and tourism.
Costa Blanca North Costa Blanca boom
TOURIST spending in the Costa Blanca region has reached an all-time high, exceeding €6.8 billion in the first six months of 2025 - a 6.23 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
According to data published on Friday August 1 by Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), a total of 5.59 million international visitors travelled to the region between January and June, marking a 5.68 per cent rise. This makes it the second-largest increase among Spain’s major tourist destinations.
Daily average spending by foreign visitors rose by 4.67 per cent to €136, also the second-highest increase nationwide. Meanwhile, the average total expenditure per tourist reached €1,216, with an average stay of 8.9 days - mostly in towns and cities along the Costa Blanca. Looking ahead to the second half of the year, the regional government plans to step up international promotion by attending over 30 tourism fairs and events, targeting Canada, the United States and Australia.
Costa Blanca South Tees, tech, tourism
THE Alicante region is reaching new heights when it comes to the tourism game. Not only has it become one of the most desirable regions for swimming, sun, and sand, but it is also making significant improvements to its tourism efforts by making the region more immersive, sustainable, and digitalised, even in the off-season.
For example, the Costa is taking full advantage of its golf attractions - Costa Blanca South has some of the most desirable golf tourism regions in all of Spain, and the pull to come to the Costa to play golf alone accounts for nearly €1 billion in gross income and over 10,000 jobs. Golf is also helping the Costa to expand its appeal into the off-peak season.
A majority of the towns on the Costa now come equipped with apps and devices that help tourists and freshly arrived expats to integrate into the Costa lifestyle.
Holidaymakers can now check the swimming, weather, and jellyfish conditions.
Almeria Active Almeria
UNEMPLOYMENT in Almeria has fallen to 43,603, the lowest July figure in nearly two decades, after 818 people left the unemployment register last month. This 1.84 per cent drop compared to June highlights a significant increase in job opportunities during the peak summer season.
The growth in employment has been driven mainly by tourism and hospitality, sectors that thrive in summer as visitors flock to the province. Hotels, restaurants, and leisure services have accelerated hiring, while related industries such as transport and retail have also seen demand for workers rise. Seasonal employment continues to act as a powerful engine for the local economy. Compared with last year, the improvement is even more striking.
Unemployment in Almeria has fallen by 4,619 people since July 2024, a 9.58 per cent drop. Experts say this sustained decline indicates a strengthening labour market and a positive outlook for the service sector, which remains one of the province’s key job providers.
CARTAGENA is set to welcome 190 cruise ships and around 250,000 passengers in 2025, matching its all-time high from 2019. A decade ago, it was a lesser-known stop, but it has steadily become one of the most in-demand cruise destinations in the Mediterranean. The shift hasn’t been accidental. It’s the result of a long-term strategy involving the Port Authority, city council, regional government, and local businesses. Together, they’ve built a more accessible, attractive port city, where passengers can walk straight from the ship into the heart of Cartagena. The figures speak for themselves: 16 first-time ship visits, three new cruise lines, 30 double dockings, 10 triples, several quadruples, and even one five-ship day. More than half of the ships expected are premium or luxury class, often carrying under 1,000 passengers. Most visitors are over 55 years of age and travel as couples. The majority come from the US and UK, followed by German, Canadian, Italian, and French tourists.
PETS
Cat-sitters love HugoCould you cat-sit for him?
HUGO is a very friendly cat, and at 18 years old he really prefers to stay at home. But his owner travels and so they need a cat-sitter from time to time to care for Hugo. Could you be that cat-sitter? Or do you need a cat-sitter to move in and care for your pets and maintain their routines. Do get in touch, we’ll be happy to help you.
HouseSitMatch saves you money
Our role at HouseSitMatch is to promote collaborative exchange enabling house-sitting and pet-sitting matches, through our managed online system. You experience free accommodation for free pet care! It means everyone benefits in that exchange.
HouseSitMatch is safe - All members are checked
All members are checked for safety, and you choose which housesitters come to care for your pets in your absence.
Your pets stay at home - Safe and undisturbed
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If you’re planning travel this year, join now. Get organised today:
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Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.8 / 5
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Feline fancy
Hugo is a cat of advanced years, and needs a cat-sitter in his own home.
A genuine matching service. Hou seSitMatch is well described; it is a true matching service with Lamia at the helm. It has that personal touch because Lamia makes it her business to get to know the sitters and homeowners personally. She is able to recommend and answer questions that people might ask to find a suitable match for their needs.
Pet-sitter - Liz Edge Date of experience: 24 July 2025
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Need a pet-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation!
INTRODUCING a new cat to your resident dog can feel a bit like refereeing a reality show for pets. One minute they are sniffing each other with polite curiosity, the next it is a dramatic standoff worthy of a soap opera. But with a bit of patience and a calm approach, you can turn furry tension
into genuine friendship. Start by creating separate safe spaces where each pet can relax without feeling threatened. Let them get used to each other’s scent before any face to face meetings. Swapping blankets or toys between their areas can help them adjust gradually. Keep ini-
tial introductions short and always supervised, rewarding calm behaviour with treats and praise.
Try not to rush things. Your dog may be eager to investigate, but the cat is likely to prefer a more measured pace. Use baby gates or a cracked door to allow visual
contact without full access. Over time, with positive reinforcement and consistency, most dogs and cats learn to coexist peacefully, and many become inseparable companions. The key is patience, a good sense of humour and plenty of tasty bribes for good behaviour.
EVER noticed how a cat will saunter past a room full of people and make a beeline for the one person who is not fussing over them? Cats are curious creatures, and their reasons for choosing human company are not always as straightforward as we might think.
Cats are often drawn to calm, predictable energy. They tend to favour those who let them come closer on their own terms, rather than being scooped up or smothered with affection. Scent plays a role too - your natural smell, the soap you use or even the rustle of your clothes can make you more appealing.
Body language matters just as much. A relaxed posture and a soft voice are far more inviting than sudden movements or loud noises. Some cats are especially tuned in to tone and may approach those who speak to them gently. Ultimately, it is a mix of personality, presence and patience that attracts a cat. Win their trust, and you will have a furry friend for life - on their terms, of course.
TIP
Safely clean up after your cat
CATS can carry many germs in their poop. To stay healthy, take precautions when cleaning a cat’s litter box. Change litter boxes daily. Always wash your hands after cleaning the litter box. People with weakened immune systems and pregnant women should not clean litter boxes, if possible. Keep your cat’s litter box away from other animals, children, and food preparation areas.
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Ford Puma - affordable style
By Mark Slack ROAD
TEST
EVEN after it has been on our roads for the best part of six years, Ford’s Puma still draws admiring glances with its Porsche Macanesque lines. When I had my first Puma test car, I was parked in a supermarket car park and a rather trendy young couple walked past, “That’s the new Puma,” said he. “Nice, isn’t it,” said she. A few minutes later they both purred past in their Porsche SUV. If you think a lot of people buy a car because they like the looks and then argue they bought it for more common-sense reasons then it’s probably the former.
Ford has a hard-won reputation to maintain for building affordable cars that bring a smile to their driver’s face. The Puma more than lives up to the accolade, with the sort of eagerness to tackle a corner that the taller body might warn against. The more sporting ST-Line and ST look enhanced in all the right places with a sports body kit. However, they also have sports suspension so it’s worth checking the ride is to your liking before making your final choice, even the non-sporting models ride and
• Model: Ford Puma ST Line X
• Engine: 1.0-litre EcoBoost 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol
• Gears: 7-speed automatic
• Price: €35,676/£30,830
• Performance: 0 – 100kph/62mph 9.6 secs Max’ speed 190kph/118mph
• Economy: 5.69l per 100km/49.6 mpg combined driving
• Emissions: 131g/km
Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels, prices and specification may vary in other markets
Urban tolls in Spain
Credit : DFLC Prints, Shutterstock
and holiday plans, as Spain’s parliament debates a sweeping new Sustainable Mobility Law. The proposed rules would allow more than 150 cities - any with over 20,000 residents - to start charging drivers for simply being on the road, not just for using motorways.
Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla have already shown the way with their Low Emission Zones, but now even smaller cities could follow suit, affecting millions of locals, commuters, and tourists.
What’s the deal? City councils would get the power to introduce urban tolls in a bid to cut congestion, lower emissions, and encourage public transport or cycling. The plan is already in motion on
Islands, where visitors to Ibiza and Menorca pay up to a euro a day to drive their rental cars - and Mallorca looks set to join them soon. If you regularly drive for work, school, or just everyday errands, you might want to check what your town hall is planning. Discounts and exemptions could apply to residents, electric car owners, or those with special needs, but nothing’s set in stone.
Why now? Spain faces pressure from the EU to tackle climate change, and lawmakers see fewer cars and cleaner air as the way forward. Supporters say tolls will make city centres safer and more liveable, while critics warn it’s just another extra bill for families already facing high costs.
handle extremely well. Prices start at €30,756/£26,580 for a Puma that comes with a 1.0-litre 125PS engine and shares all the attributes of dearer cars. The Pumas also add mild hybrid to the mix for improved green credentials and you can buy a Puma EV now too. The 1.0-litre power plant also comes in 155PS and 170PS guise, six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gears and five trim levels. Every Puma gets a cockpit that looks modern, works well but arguably lacks the surface shine of some rivals. There’s plenty of room up front and more than adequate in the back, before we reach the clever bit in the boot. Lift the boot floor and you discover what Ford calls a MegaBox, an 80 litres waterproof compartment, complete with drain plug for dirty wellies and the like. The goodies count is impressive, with even the leadin Puma featuring power heated powered door mirrors, auto lights, high beam assist, auto wipers, cruise, climate and selectable drive modes.
The Puma is one of the few SUVs that has a distinctive style, as opposed to so many that are very bling or aggressive and as a result looks stylish beyond its affordable price tag. You can also go full electric with the Gen-E.
Facts at a Glance
DUTCH driver Max Verstappen has confirmed he will stay with Red Bull for the 2026 Formula One season, ending speculation about his future. Despite earlier vague comments suggesting a possible switch to Mercedes, Verstappen, whose Red Bull contract extends to 2028, clarified his commitment before the Hungarian Grand Prix, according to CNN.
“I’ve never said much about it because I was focused on discussing
Big-name exits at Barça Verstappen ends speculation Barcelona Tour kick-off
how to improve performance and next year’s plans with the team,”
Verstappen said. “It’s time to stop the rumours. It’s always been clear I was staying.”
He emphasised ongoing talks with Red Bull about car development, showing his dedication.
“If you’re not interested in staying, you stop discussing these things. I never did,” he noted.
His decision confirms George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will remain at
Credit: Jay Hirano/Shutterstock
FC BARCELONA are getting ruthless this summer and three players may be packing their bags soon.
According to reports from Spanish media, Andreas Christensen, Fermin Lopez, and Marc Casado are all on the chopping block as the Catalan giants look to slim down their overloaded midfield and also boost transfer funds.
Mercedes next season. Russell, unsurprised by Verstappen’s choice, told the BBC he’s “not in a hurry” to sign a new contract but wants assurances about his role at Mercedes, describing the team’s situation as “unique.”
Verstappen is third in the drivers’ championship, 81 points behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. Red Bull ranks fourth in the constructors’ standings, trailing McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes.
Despite showing promise, Casado’s star has dimmed in recent months. The 21-year-old La Masia graduate impressed early last season but couldn’t hold his good momentum. Barça are now open to offers for the young midfielder, with a €30million price tag on his head.
Meanwhile, Fermin Lopez could be Premier League-bound. Manchester United are reportedly ready to go quite big - to the tune of €70 million - to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford.
Fermin Lopez has already snubbed Chelsea and various clubs from Saudi Arabia, but United’s offer might be too tempting, especially if Barcelona gives
him the green light.
Andreas Christensen’s exit feels more strategic than sentimental. With new manager Hansi Flick not counting on the Danish centre-back as a starter, the Catalan club sees him as an easy way to generate some cash.
Club president Joan Laporta claims registrations are ‘on track’, but everyone at Barcelona knows sales are now a must. With just weeks left in the transfer window, the clock is ticking and the Camp Nou departures lounge is getting busy.
BARCELONA is set to make cycling his tory as it hosts the Grand Dé part of the 2026 Tour de France - putting its architectural icons front and centre for a global audience. Next July, millions will watch as elite riders line up beneath the stunning spires of the Sagrada Familia, the ornate Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, and along the vibrant Avinguda Gaudí. The city’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, has promised ‘a unique and unforgettable’ Tour launch, using the race as a stage to showcase Barcelona’s status as the 2026 World Capital of Architecture.
By spreading the spotlight across three public sites, organisers want to bring the Tour closer to the city’s people - creating what they promise will be a ‘spectacle on an impressive scale’. For those eager for a taste of Tour glory, the official trophy is already on display at the Museu Olímpic i de l’Esport Joan Antoni Samaranch.
Full route details are still being kept under wraps, but the anticipation is sky-high.
The excitement kicks off with the official team presentation on July 2, where cyclists will be introduced at three of Barcelona’s most breathtaking venues. Fans can expect an event that’s as much about culture and community as it is about sport.
For Barcelona, landing the Tour’s prestigious Grand Départ is a long-awaited victory - the city’s first-ever Tour start, and a moment that puts it in the same league as San Sebastián and Bilbao. With the eyes of the world watching, the 2026 Tour de France promises to be an unforgettable summer for the Catalan capital and cycling fans everywhere.
Silverstone Circuit, Towcester.
The iconic Tour de France logo, as the world’s top cycling race prepares for a spectacular start in Barcelona 2026.
Fermin Lopez celebrates after scoring a goal for Barcelona.
Credit: Christian Bertrand/Shutterstock