Mallorca Olive Press - Issue 23

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March 1st - March 14th 2018

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Onto the streets

LA CULTURA

A

Santa Catalina

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ll about

Vol. 1 Issue 23

Is this Mallorca’s hippest barrio?

9

March 1st - March 14th 2018

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March 1st - March 14th 2018

VILLAGE IN THE CITY CAPTION:

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CAPTION:

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T

CAPTION:

HE clinking of wine glasses, clicking of designer heels and the cacophony of foreign languages… welcome to a typical lunchtime in Santa Catalina.

Palma's trendiest neighbourhood is often described by locals as 'the village in the city', and there is no doubt it has a very distinct look and feel about it.

With the city’s best food market, some of its most exciting restaurants and, bit by bit, some of the coolest shops, it is little surprise that Santa Catalina has become - by the

square metre - one of the most expensive places to buy in Spain.

The area may be small - only seven streets wide, stretching from Feixina park to busy Calle Joan Crepsí - but it has literally exploded over the last few years.

There has been a huge influx of expat buyers, in particular Scandinavian, and Santa Catalina today is vastly different to the area that Palma residents remember just a decade ago.

CAPTION:

Continues on Page 10

Bar-Coupe.es

STANDING UP FOR SANTA CATALINA nearly 1000 signatures, while the island’s PP party has come out in support of the restaurants. Restaurant owners in Santa Catalina meanwhile, insist that a ‘one rule fits all’ new law will be very damaging to them. Italian Luca Veronesi, at Prosecco, said: “We all rely on these terraces to make a living.

Shut mine, I will have to lay off staff for sure and may even be forced to close.”

SEE MORE IN THE RESTAURANT SECTION INSIDE1 Untitled-1.pdf

The Olive Press spends a week in fashionable Santa Catalina

Coupe Cocktail Bar

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Banged to rights!

Picture exclusive

A ROMANIAN has been sentenced to three years in prison for assaulting a protected witness in the Tolo Cursach case.

Florian Bogdan Puscasiu, from Sibiu, attacked the man to warn him against giving evidence in the ongoing case, which began a year ago with the arrest of the 16/06/2017 15:36 nightclub magnate.

EXCLUSIVE: First pic of Romanian thug imprisoned for attacking Cursach witness The vicious attack on so-called ‘witness 29’ came after he had testified to the courts over Cursach’s drug trafficking and sex parties arranged for police and politicians.

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PROTESTERS have taken to the streets as the fight for Palma’s terraces continues.

Dozens of angry restaurateurs gathered on Calle Blanquerna to voice their disapproval of new terrace rules, which could see around 500 terraces affected.

Under new rules, pavements will have to be a minimum of 2.5 metres free of any obstructions, leaving little space for tables.

It could mean dozens of expat owners - the majority in Santa Catalina will no longer being able to serve clients outside their premises.

Protesters argue that the street has 'more than reasonable space for both pedestrians and the terraces’.

“The current dimensions have not caused any problems before," said a spokesman for a new group opposed to the plans We All Fit in Palma.

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The attack, which took place in the victim’s garage, is believed to have been ordered by Cursach, who is on trial for murder, money-laundering, extortion, bribery and corruption.

During the sickening assault the victim was dragged to the ground and kicked while being told he would be killed if he continued to speak out.

Puscasiu, who lists his UK BASED profession as a builder on websites, has also been ordered to pay a fine of €7,200, plus €8,000 in damages to for Spanish the witness for the injuries received. residents The court heard how www.globelink.co.uk the witness, who worked as a waiter in the VIP zone of Cursach’s club Titos, was 96 626 5000 +44 (0) 1353 699082 Continues on Page 2 VICIOUS: Puscasiu worked for Cursach

TRAVEL INSURANCE

2

crime

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News IN BRIEF

Semen snafu MALLORCA’S Ramón y Cajal hospital is being sued after losing two semen samples in recent months. One patient saved his samples before undergoing cancer treatments that left him infertile, and is now unable to have biological children without his samples.

Pricy petrol PETROL prices in the Balearics are the highest in Spain, with punters paying on average €1.245 per litre.

BP garages have the highest prices for petrol, followed by Cepsa and Repsol – Cepsa is most expensive for diesel.

Swipe left!

Expats in France now warned to watch out for seasoned fraudster Paula Neale

EXCLUSIVE

By Laurence Dollimore

SEASONED conwoman Paula Neale has officially set up shop in France.

Using one of her several aliases NEWS - Paula Kari - she is now offerVoting rights ing ‘bouncy blow dries and come nearer eyebrow tidying’ in Perpignan. OUCH! It comes just a fortnight after she crossed the border from Spain, with police in hot pursuit, following an ongoing Olive Press probe.

The mother-of-two, 44, who is accused of taking rental deposits from dozens of victims over a number of years, had fled to Catalunya following our invesFLASHBACK: Last issue tigation.

Not child’s Strike play43, Now wanted by Malaga po- Mother-of-threefour !Neale, lice, Neale, who uses various took rental deposits for propaliases, has set up shop, claim- erties she didn’t own in Spain Easter strikes en route for Ryanair ing to be a hairdresser.

In an advert on Facebook she offers to visit expats’ homes to blow dry their hair for an ‘ideal night out, a special occasion, or just to save yourself the effort.

An Olive Press reader, who saw the ad, Jacqui Field, told the Olive Press: “I'm just another of this woman's victims whom she scammed last year when she sublet my house in the UK. “I would assume this is just a way to get into some expat homes in France and see how she can scam them!”

4

www.theolivepress.es

February 15th - February 28th

Seasoned conwoman Paula Neale ‘flees to France’ with cops in pursuit

NOT WANTED: Rajoy

EXCLUSIVE

By Jed Neill

TWO friends on holiday in Puerto Andratx won the Euromillions lottery.

Marcia from England and Sandra from Ireland heard a winning ticket was bought in the village, checked their numbers and are one million euros richer.

2018

A NEW law will allow all expats to finally vote in UK elections.

The Overseas Electors Bill, due for a second reading in the House of Commons on February 23, will give expats the right to vote no matter how long they have lived abroad.

If successful it will then go to the committee stage before being voted on and becoming law.

Currently anyone who has lived abroad for more than 15 years is disenfranchised from voting.

Expats in Spain can only vote in local elections at present.

It is not certain however, if expats would be allowed to vote if there was a second referendum on Brexit.

“There is no one rule for who can vote in a referendum,” a spokesman for the UK Foreign Office told the Olive Press: “When a referendum is announced, Parliament will decide who can vote in it as part of the legislation on that referendum.”

Of the estimated 1.2m expats living in Europe, around 800,000 were unable to vote in the last referendum, in which the leave vote won by just over a million votes.

POLICE are in pursuit of seasoned expat fraudster Paula A WHOPPING 85% of Span- Neale who has fled to France ish voters want Prime Minister following an Olive Press ON THE RUN: Paula and (above) Spain-France border and her Mariano Rajoy to hand over his probe. hotel leadership to someone else.

Detectives contacted us folA poll by Metroscopia also lowing a tip off that the mothfound 62% of people who voted er-of-two was staying in a hofor him think ‘his time is over’. tel in Catalunya and preparing The 62-year-old has been in to cross the border this week. politics for nearly forty years She had been staying at Hotel and is the most veteran of Figueres, near Girona, and Spain’s political leaders. asked to pay for the room He is the only one who is still using her ‘husband’s’ credit the head of his party after all card. other groups – including the It comes after four years of inmonarchy – have renewed vestigation by the Olive Press their leadership. has uncovered more than 30 The drop in support comes af- victims of her rental scams ter the December 2015 election undertaken in various false yielded a hung parliament and names. before another vote in June 2016 saw the PP narrowly form Ransacked a minority government.

The economic crisis, several Neale, 43, took rental deposcorruption cases and the Cata- its for properties she didn’t lunya crisis have all played a own and allegedly ransacked had checked out on Tuesday properties she had rented bepart in eroding his popularity. and stumbled upon our catamorning.

While the next general elec- fore selling the stolen goods She had been planning to logue of stories. tion is not until 2020, a recent online.

He refused to leave his hocross into France with her two opinion poll showed Ciudada- However, despite four stories children, Nina, 12, and Oscar, tel room or open the door to nos would win if an election and at least eight denuncias her, setting off alarm bells for 14 and live in Bordeaux. was held today, with 28.3% against her, she has yet to be Neale, who packed up and left Staff at the hotel said the support from Spanish voters, picked up by police. after repeatedly trying to raise room was left in a ‘complete compared with only 21.9% for This is looking increasingly him. mess’ after unlikely after a receptionist at Rajoy’s PP. CHANGING FACES: Paula with police she left in a hurry, Neale’s speedy departure the hotel confirmed that Paula arriving within an came as the Olive Press was Neale fled to France hour. handing over details of variHer plan to escape to France was rumbled by her own pal, ous denuncias and victims to actor Anthony Webster, who the Guardia Civil in Malaga. ratted on Neale when he A detective confirmed they were ‘in a race against time’ found out her real identity.

A CONSTRUCTION worker Webster told the Olive Press to get an arrest warrant with Catalan police. has died after falling down an this week that he had recently elevator shaft in Palma. befriended Neale online.

The Spanish builder, 41, hit He said she had promised to xxxx his head and was knocked help his acting career and that One of her victims, unconscious when he fell 15 she knew people in the film mont, says Interpol Sara Belhas been metres at the site above the industry, claiming to be ‘a notified but because former Bluesville music bar. the producer’. crimes were committed in But after meeting her at the Spain, she must be charged hotel and agreeing to drive there. her to Bordeaux, he said he Family and friends felt ‘something wasn’t right’ the UK meanwhile, back in when she claimed her mother that she had madeconfirmed it across had suddenly died and that the border on Tuesday in a she needed to leave immedi- hire car. ately.

They claimed she had a long He researched her online chequered track record of scams and probwww.theolivepress They’re singling .es NEWS lems, and had a me out!

January Freeze on Seasoned 17th - January 30th 2018 5 third son, conwoman who plastic Paula Neale was taken into caught by the Olive Press a care. fourth time The friend deStill on-the-run scribed her as an ‘unfit mother THE UN has called for a ban who long dison children witnessing bullplayed erratic befights or attending bullfighthaviour’. ing classes.

On one occasion A panel of independent exshe even preperts said it was concerned by tended to be her the impact bullfighting could daughter to try All aboard! have on under-18s as spectaBalcon wins big and strike up a tors at events. connection with PROBE: Previous story in the There are 55 schools for her long-lost son. young bullfighters around the Olive Press country.

Border drama

Tragic tumble

10

the olive press

NEWS IN BRIEF

- October 16

- October 29

2014

NEWS

Ashya thanks

www.theolivepress.es

BRITISH ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, has the Hospital thanked Materno Infantil in Malaga for its treatment of Ashya King, on behalf of the British government.

Top stamps

SPECIAL edition stamps of King Felipe and Queen Letizia launched by have been vice Correos. postal serShowing official photographs of the Royal duo, bought for €1.they can be

Boozy trips

A FINNISH grandmother ordered to demolish a year-old extension EXCLUSIVE ninehas accused Estepona

By Rob Horgan being 'racially Town Hall of 'singling' her motivated' and year legal battle with the hall after out.

Terttu Balson, they served town with a demolition her 70, has involved in an ongoing been fined her €24,300order and six- for in 2008 building a loft extension

ONE in seven youngsters to Spain on coming holiday have admitted they are drunk that on the plane, to a surveyaccording by website Jetcost. com.

Pensioner, after being 70, complains of discrimination ordered to despite neighbours take down extension, all having the same

without the permission. correct planning only resident Several other facing court tion. properties acthe Seghers in "It is community completely similar extensions have discriminawithout tory, I cannot help but planning licences think - including that it is not Balson's next door Spanish that I have beena coincidence neighbour chosen I but Balson is the ingam the only foreignerwhen livhere," she told the Olive Press.

Balson believed ceived planning she had repermission when she contracted a Spanish architect Mario Jones 2005. in Now however, he did not do she feels that despite being his job properly take over the paid €2,500 to project and out the building sort Jones, however, licence. said he feels 'no guilt or that Balson responsibility and situation. is to blame for the He said: "I beginning told her from the allowed to that she wasn't ple get awaybuild. Most peowith it but hasn't. she DESPERATE: "She is definitely Balson being un- and dogs fairly treated and I am sure why. not with town hall is I hope that the ing so many foreigners because she not targeting her it on the coast I don't livTerttu’s ‘illegal’ think happens now."

"Maybe thatis foreign. extension and Despite adjoining neighbour’s happened in sort of thing Esteponanumerous attempts the old days, A WANTED (right) but answer Town Hall did not any of our questions. ster has been property frauda luxury hometracked down to in Benahavis, after an exclusive Olive Press investigation According this month. to neighbours upmarket La in Heredia urbanisation, Rebecca Wells, 37, has fled owing kids barely eral businesses.money to sevand rarely went to school Keen horserider even came play. out to Wells spent eight years posingwho “She never mixed an estate agent as with the lo- is now being cal community sought by police, here and day she was as reported in the Olive gone leavingone unpaid electricity an after four Press last issue, denuncias The Olive Press bill.” posted against were unable to contacthas still been “She owes her. money to her defrauding Wells, over butcher, restaurant the DISAPPEARED: paid rent on of expats who and the baker, as well Wells and La did not own. properties she Heredia, where her car,” said as for repairs to home she rented one neighbour. former Wells, aka a An expat couple took a series Prior, allegedly living oppo- myn, neighbour Frank Cosite Wells’ president of deposits reported concern house in the banisation reported ur- eras del Golf of the Palmfor her four homes which she did not for children.

If you have urbanisation own. that they in Benalmadena saw her packing any information Comyn, who about Costa, has ily’s possessions all the famher for two lived opposite contactRebecca Wells, please years said: car on October into a rental “The press.es newsdesk@theoliveexpose came 1 the day our out.

When the Olive Press visited a few days had clearly later, the house been abandoned and the family car - a black Chrysler was apparently Fabulous food dumped outside. and entertainment or New Years Meanwhile including a another Eve Gala 5* Christmas

ICELAND is the permarket in the first suBig Willy world to remove plastic packaging from its own-label products.

Customers of Overseas, which stocks Iceland EXCLUSIVE ucts in 20 shops prodBy Jed Neill Spain and Portugal,across will A SEASONED British benefit from the Offer five-year fraudster has struck again. plan to reduce plastics in Paula Neale - exposed 1,400 products.

Olive Press four times in the plastics a ‘scourge’ Calling on the years - has brought in two world, Iceland managing tricks to the Costa del her dirty director Richard FaNtastiC Sol again.

DEals For Paying €1,700 fromChristmas The rentals conwoman said: “A truckload Walker is enterhas YEar to change to February, Paula November& NEw snared a series of ing our oceans every said she was vented the locks she has preunsuspectmoving inTakenwith ing foreigners through ute, causing untold minanyone else moving for her child and However, damage in. black cat.a ride oiled ruse of sub-letting her well to our marine environment in just properamount of time she the short However, after reading ties. and ultimately humanity was over – pose on Neale in early our ex- this month, two disappointed A number of victims since we all depend on the have lost ALL CHANGE: Passport ber, Belmont quickly Decem- couples arrived to stay. thousands in lost deposits, oceans for our survival.” names and (right) after the owner, investigate and found started to “One couple from Russia she took over a two-bedroom Plastic ready meal 2016 story mother-of-three, trays erty being advertisedher prop- paid a two month deposithad the authorities apartment in Mijas. will be removed Sara Belmont, rumbled to rent €1,400 of the where she believesin Gibraltar, through a variety Using the alias ‘Sharon lowed by frozen first, folscam. of Facebook were for a year’s rental. They Paula keeps groups. her money. she rented the Riviera Tate’ The 41-year-old owner, gutted,” Belmont told bags changing tovegetable a the paper aparta fire- She told the Olive Olive One had been shared ment for three months, based material. fighter Press how she ible an incred- “ThenPress. before broughtfrom London, has now was contacted 4,000 times. a few hours later an in police and contacted

by Neale English couple an online rental website.through Fortunately she was able to a year’s turned up, also with move fast and after lease and having paid coming over a deposit.”

It is unknown how many people in total fell for the THE first ever ferry scam, but her property was in a between Ireland and link terrible state with a Spain has been announced toolkit also stolen. stereo and a by IT has the best Brittany Ferries. days to clean. “It It took three some of the best caves in Andalucia and has got to The company presented stop,” added Belmont. beaches in Malaga ince. provits new route from is this going to end?” “When Cork to Known as ‘Balcon northern Spain today. has been unable to So far she de Europa’ it is what fitting that someIt will begin at the Neale, but has put track down one of the must Nerja has been chosen as April and will linkend of visit destinations notices in various up reward Cork Travel vets this around and Santander, with year. site Tripadvisor Calahonda. In 2017, has listed the resort among its top return trips per week. two Press twice exposedthe Olive 10 emerging worldwide destinations.

It is the first ever antics. But it has also Neale’s link beIt is the only destination tween the two countries. that we exposed her emerged in Spain to tipped, with Gdansk, name ‘Sharon Tate’ using the in Poland, Riga, be Latvia and Rovinj, in inland Malaga. A newin 2016 in in Croatia. ber Paula had been UK numnot answer our calls. using did MANCHESTER City goalkeeper Willy Caballero has Liga officials told La that he was approached by a match-fixing

when playingsyndicate Malaga last for year.

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Police expat probe alleged property who ‘took fraudster deposits homes she didn’t for own’

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VICTIMS are hunting erty fraudster an alleged Costa who EXCLUSIVE propeuros. del Sol owinghas vanished from tens of The Guardia thousandsthe is investigating Civil confirmed of EXCLUSIVE

By Imogen becca horse-owninglast night Wells cias against Calderwood after days as expat it posits a holiday her. receiving four Briton Reto me around denun- claim to. rent properties rental, accusedWells, 37, also an 11-monthit and but One victim, of duping that she known convinced she showed contract. has no “I want as Prior, people British told the me to into paying is expat Raymond Olive clared. her caught sign and punished,” de- posit on rentingPress: “I Iost Paul, Wells, a “She had a Page mother-of-two he deactuallya home she €1,000 de- hampton, 11 didn’t only rented same trick appears own. to havefrom Wolverit for four the region at different repeated properties over the A Facebook the last campaigneight years.around launched has now by been ing to gather the group, as possible. as many aimvictims In the case of Yorkshire, Paul, 60, as a deposithe put down from first month’s and €500 €500 erty in rent at for the August. La Cala de the propMijas But after in just three asked days Wells clear outPaul and his certificate‘so an urgent wife to energy dealt with’. matter could “We were be two days, left in the AN embattled discoveredand upon dark for centre animal staying anotherreturning the placeowner has rescue there, couple Kim admitted our possessions is ‘out with many Halliwell of control’. he said. of now agreed still inside,” (above) “We still to allow 15 dogs has and many an initial get some haven’t managed her Mijas absolutely things back, kennels,cats to leave to an we are It Olive Press following furious filed a investigation. comes BLAZE: When denuncia.” and have spected after police F1 legend meetingPaul set up also invarious the site, Gachot denuncias following cuss what with Wellsan urgent mer (inset) to dis- Afterstaff. from forloses failed to had happened, yacht show. we told However in fire she conditions’ of the another their ‘terrible Rescue, at early couple friends Kim’s Animal up telling 20s also in ers and supportturned aim rallied around similar him they of cutting with the “Lots amount of had lost a animals the money. worse of her victims The Oliveby half. number of situation are who knows than us, in a emergency Press attended are still how meeting, and various an to come many more found other spoke with woodwork,” centres out of new volunteers.

Another and has he added. the We have is Stuart victim who now launched appeal lost to Hall, 44, and out animals. find homes an Continues for the his on

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and allegedly ransacked properties she had rented before selling the stolen goods online.

She perfected her craft for years, knowing that holidaymakers would more often than not give up and go home rather than stay and file a denuncia.

Despite four stories and at least eight denuncias against her, she has yet to be picked up by police.

Meanwhile she has set up a new account on Tinder, discovered by the Olive Press.

In the racy profile (right) she describes herself as 44 and ‘Not your typical English wom-

Home Insurance RYANAIR has warned there benefits may include:be strikes this Easter thanks to ‘laughable demands’ u Excess water consumption in from its pilots. case of water damage claim. u Windows and Its boss Michael O’Leary Panels breakages. saidSolarthe airline was prepared to fight the u All Risk accidental damage unreasonable de(building and contents). mands of the European-based u Repair assistance pilots service 24/7 who and a DIY service. want conditions similar to high-cost rivals.

While the low-cost airline managed to dodge Christmas strikes by recognising unions for the first time ever, it has struggled to formalise relations since.

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“We are getting laughable demands,” he said, adding: “Frankly we will never to those … if we have to take strikes agree in those jurisdictions, then we will take those.”

But pilots insisted they only wanted same conditions to those at low-cost the such as easyJet and Norwegian Air. rivals Sources claimed pilots were not with a toxic working environment happy and a lack of trust between staff and management.

attacked and threatened 24 times over the last year.

He told the court he was taunted as the ‘gay of Tito’s’ and was warned he would be ‘buried in a box underground’ if he didn’t leave the island and drop his evidence.

Another Romanian who is also thought to have been behind the attack has not yet been identified by police.

Cursach and his business partner Bartolome Sbert have been charged with a total of 16 counts, also including the possession of firearms.

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17 January

SICK: Bennell with victims in Mallorca

Mallorca monster caged A BRITISH football coach, jailed for 30 years for child abuse, brought boys on trips to Mallorca to rape them, it has been revealed.

The father of an 11-year-old abused by Barry Bennell has spoken out about how the sick coach won his trust before betraying him and his son in the Balearics.

It comes after Bennell was convicted of 50 sex assaults, at Liverpool Crown Court The father recalled how his whole family had been delighted when Bennell scouted son Mark for his ‘feeder team’ for Manchester City.

But it wasn’t long before Bennell began assaulting the child during a training trip to Butlins in Wales, before taking him on an abusive ‘warm weather training’ trip to Mallorca.

Mark told the court how the attacks were so horrific he managed to block them out for 40 years.

But at 51, he has finally spoken out

against the man who scarred him for life.

He is one of 86 victims who have gone to the police with horror stories about Bennell’s decades of abuse.

Now several victims are suing Manchester City claiming the club should have known about his behaviour.

One former City star David White, now 49, was also taken on abusive trips to Mallorca.

“When he and my son came back from Mallorca we picked them up from the airport. “David seemed very quiet. We asked what was wrong. My son said David had missed his mum.” But it would later emerge that both had been abused throughout the trip. White said: “In one of the pictures of me and him in Mallorca I have a big beaming smile, full of hopes of becoming a professional footballer.

“On reflection I think he took that smile and dream away from me with his actions and breaking the trust.”

Teenage hairaway A TEENAGE thief has been caught after a month-long robbery spree of hairdressers.

The 19-year-old has been charged with stealing at various salons in Palma, where he made off with cash from the tills, as well as handbags from clients.

He distracted staff by asking to make an appointment for his sister.

He has also been charged with at least two robberies of bars, where he stole €450 and €500.

Cursach, who owned or ran 30 nightclubs and bars on the island, faces 80 years in prison for effectively running Mallorca as his own personal fiefdom.

He is accused of corrupting a vast array of police, lawyers and politicians to suit his benefits.

They turned a blind-eye to Cursach’s employees allegedly selling cocaine in his nightclubs and allowed mega-club BCM to operate without a license since 1989.

Another of the witnesses in the trial however, is facing trouble, after allegedly making false accusations.

The so-called ‘madame’ who testified that Cursach paid politicians with prostitutes, could face at least two years in prison.

The ‘madame’ is accused of lying about threats made to her and her son and keeping money from an insurance policy that she came into while she was separately managing a nightclub.

The case continues.

Pistol whipped POLICE arrested a man after spotting him sitting in a car with a gun.

The man was picked up on a routine patrol in the Son Ferriol area.

As well as carrying the 9mm pistol, he also had four cell phones and a computer in the car.

He has been charged with the illegal possession of the firearm.

Burglary death A THIEF has been killed as he attempted to rob a country home, near Porreres.

The man was killed after being shot in the stomach by the homeowner, who fired his shotgun at the intruder, who was with two accomplices.

Police are investigatng, helped by one of the accomplices.

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Rap sheet A RAPPER has released a new ‘diss track’ after being sentenced to three-and-half-years in prison for slandering the Spanish monarchy.

The song, released this week alongside a video by Mallorca star Valtonyc, includes phrases like ‘go and tell them I have thousands of missiles pointing to his majesty.’

Images of the Royal Family appear throughout the threeminute clip in what is a direct response to his controversial sentence.

“I have understood, that I feel more alive than ever, I am more feared, than an active rifle pointing to the neck,” he raps in the song.

UNSEEN: Pics of Capa and Taro working finally came to light more than 75 years after the Civil War

It comes after Spain’s Supreme Court upheld a sentence that a Madrid court had given to Valtonyc, real name Jose Miguel, for ‘inciting terrorism’ and insulting the Spanish royal family in an earlier song.

In his defence plea, Valtonyc's legal team argued that his lyrics were protected under the freedom of expression law.

They added that rap often uses lyrics seen as ‘extreme, provocative, allegorical and symbolic’.

Rejecting his defence, the court ruled that his lyrics ‘supported and praised’ terrorist groups such as ETA. ‘The Bourbons are thieves’, was just one of the lyrics cited and referred to the House of Bourbon of which King Felipe VI and his father, the former monarch Juan Carlos, belong.

Love down under AUSTRALIA has decided to join in on the mega-success that is Love Island, and has already found the perfect Mallorca property for its version of the ITV show. Channel Nine down under has announced it is casting for contestants to come to Mallorca and find love – and a big chunk of cash.

Oh, snap!

By Laurence Dollimore

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to recognise German war photographer Gerda Taro’s work, which many believe was wrongly attributed to snapper Robert Capa.

It comes after a never-before-seen photo of Taro, who documented the Spanish Civil War with Capa, emerged last month.

It shows the heroine being treated by a doctor in a British hospital outside Madrid in El Escorial, just hours before her death.

Work of war photographer too often attributed to snapper Robert Capa, say campaigners

ICONIC: The Falling Soldier

Famous

She worked with the Magnum agency co-founder Capa - born Endre Ernö Friedmann - who was also her partner and first became famous as a war photographer in Spain.

She died while photographing a chaotic republican retreat after the Battle of Brunete, shortly after Franco’s troops had won a major victory.

But campaigners say a lot of her work was simply ‘lumped in’ with Capa’s after her death.

A change.org campaign is now calling for photos on display at the Reina Sofia museum, in Madrid, by Robert Capa to also be attributed to her.

The petition claims that the photos at the museum, as well as many other museums around the world,

Hear ‘em roar

TRAGIC: Taro being treated are the work of both photographers.

“On the Reina Sofía website and museum posters, along with Robert Capa's photographs, it exclusively includes the name of Endre Friedmann, never that of Gerda Taro,” campaign author Ira Lombardia told the Olive Press.

“The co-authorship of Taro with Friedmann has been documented,

so not recognizing it means committing a serious error and a tremendous injustice towards the memory of an important photographer who died in the Spanish Civil War.” Among the photos which were almost certainly taken by Taro are the famous falling soldier pictures, taken in Cordoba province (above).

It comes after work by historians Eijiro Yoshioka and Fernando Penco proved that the snaps were taken by a Reflex Korelle camera, mostly used by Taro, and not a Leica, used

by Friedmann.

More than 60,500 people have signed the petition so far.

It comes after never-before-seen photos of the pair in action were also revealed this week.

Care4health

KATY Perry has faced a backlash from pro-independence Catalans after using the Spanish coat of arms to announce her concert in Barcelona.

Posting a video, which featured the Spanish shield on a red and yellow background, to her 68.5 million followers on Instagram, the Roar singer wrote: “Trust and believe I'm coming for you, too, Barcelona See you June 28!”

One angry Catalan responded with: “What an idiotic woman.

You're coming to Catalonia not Spain you son of a b*****.”

However, several pro-unionists hit back, with one writing: “Shut your mouth. Catalonia is Spain.”

And another mockingly saying: “Look at your passports and ID cards, what do they say?”

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Pause for ports NO more marinas will be built on the Balearic islands, the government has announced.

Land and energy minister Marc Pons said the government is making a ‘clear commitment to sustainability’ by instead focusing on bringing current marinas up to their full potential.

All future upgrades will also need to meet sustainability guidelines that aim to prepare the ports for the future.

Pons stressed that marinas need to adapt to changing water levels, more violent storms and an increase in natural disasters and extreme weather.

He added that they must also prepare for electric cars with charging spots, and that there should be plenty of shops and restaurants surrounding them.

You’re hired!

GRADUATES in the Balearics have the second-best chance of finding work in Spain. A new report found that those educated at a degree level are most likely to find a job in the Balearics than anywhere else in Spain, bar Navarra. Only 7% of graduates are unemployed in Mallorca and Ibiza, compared to 17% in Andalucia and the Canary Islands.

Balearics get permission for ambitious plan to wipe out greenhouse gases THE EU has approved an ambitious plan by the Balearic Islands to phase out greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

During a meeting in Brussels, climate commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete officially sanctioned the plan with Balearic energy minister Marc Pons.

As part of the green project, Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera will take new diesel cars off the market from 2025.

In that same year, all street and road lighting will be replaced by LEDs. The green manifesto will also see solar panels installed on all buildings with roof spans of more than 1,000 square metres, while coal plants will be phased out and all rental cars will be electric.

Francina Armengol, president of the Balearics’ socialist-green government said: “We are very aware that plenty of the measures in the law we are announcing demand efforts from the public and private sectors.

“It has to be this way if the law is to be more than a mere statement of intent.”

Joan Groizard, the islands’

Toxic fury

Green giants director-general for climate change, previously said it could clash with Madrid, and that the legal implications were being studied ‘very carefully’.

“There is a live debate about what regions can and can’t do, and we are working on the legal side of this,” he said.

“We can’t ratify the Paris

agreement on our own but we can take a decision to adhere to it.”

But now, with EU approval, the region will go ahead with its emissions-reducing plan.

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RESIDENTS are furious after a deadly herbicide was used to fumigate roads in Sant Joan.

The town hall sprayed the weed killer without informing locals or expats, contaminating wild asparagus, as well as many snails commonly picked by residents.

It is the first time the council has sprayed the roads with glyphosate in six years.

The toxic substance will officially be banned by the EU in five years after being criticized for its ‘unnecessary killing of vegetation that plays an important role in the ecosystem.

More dumping A RECYCLING point at Son Caselló is being used by six times as many residents than two years ago after recent upgrades.

The drop off spot sees between 250 and 350 residents each day. The increase is leaving triple the amount of trash than a year ago.

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F e at u r e

www.theolivepress.es Mallorca’s original community newspaper

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than 500,000 people a month.

OPINION Need for cooperation During our time with the Royal Gibraltar Police’s Marine Section, their love for the job and belief that they are making the terrority safe was infectious.

However, as much as we admire the thin blue line for risking serious injury or worse, we couldn’t shake off the feeling that red tape and politics were hindering their plight.

From the blatant lack of police numbers, to the strict no-go policy outside of Gibraltar’s three mile water radius, to the social media app which tracks their location everything seems to be conspiring against them.

While the smugglers are getting richer and richer, to the extent that houses can be bought in La Linea just to enable radars to be placed on the roofs, funding for public services just isn’t keeping up.

That up to 10 drug boats are reaching our shores every day at present is a major cause for concern.

The Spanish and Gibraltarian authorities need to work together on this issue, if there is any chance of reducing this scourge.

Otherwise it will be a continual never ending game of cat and mouse, and in the words of one of the policemen ‘that only benefits the smugglers’.

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March 1st - March 14th 2018

Amid a rising drug ‘crisis’ in southern Spain, Joe Wallen goes smuggler hunting with the Royal Gibraltar Police Marine Section

T

HE drug trade in the Campo gained international attention this week after Spain’s United Police Union (SUP) warned the region is in danger of becoming the ‘Colombia of Spain’.

It came after 20 masked thugs stormed a hospital in La Linea and freed a suspected drug trafficker from under the watchful eye of the police.

“There’s clearly a lack of security in La Linea and it’s down to the fact that we don’t have sufficient personnel or resources to tackle drug traffickers,” a spokesman said.

“The increasingly high-profile drug trafficking lies at the root of the problem.

“This is a city in the hands of the lawless and we can’t allow that.”

La Linea is only a small town, with a population of just over 63,000 people.

This conservative estimate suggests that just under 5% of the town’s population earn their income directly from illicit drugs.

“They have thrown out whatever shame they had,” a former drug trafficker said.

“These are mafias that don’t care about killing or being killed.”

Despite their best efforts - and recent successes - the Spanish police are still struggling to keep up with organised crime.

“We are seeing an average of 10 launches come in daily loaded with 1,000 or 2,000 kilos of drugs,” police admitted.

Still, the Strait of Gibraltar must be a relatively safe place, right?

After all, it is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and patrolled by a host of international powers, including the United Kingdom, Spain and the United States.

On arrival at the HM Naval Base, our five shipmates entertained us with their best horror sto-

Murky Waters

I was chasing a RHIB boat when we heard two shots fire in our direction ries from patrolling the high seas. It was an initiation like no other.

“It’s pretty common in a chase to come up alongside a smuggler’s boat, so close you could reach out and grab them… or vice versa,” the Skipper says ominously.

“I was out several weeks ago chasing a RHIB packed with cannabis resin when we heard two shots fire in our direction,” interjects another of the police, “It can get dangerous out there.”

I began to understand the importance of the lengthy waiver forms we had been forced to sign.

We soon headed out on one of the RGP’s speedboats, the HMS John Chapple.

Fitted with four Yamaha engines and with the ability to reach 60 knots, it is a vessel that should strike fear into the heart of even the most foolhardy smuggler.

The crew of five will work on a six days on four days off pattern to ensure they are alert should a chase ensue.

During the six days the group will work a mixture of early mornings, evenings and nights.

But perhaps worryingly, Gibraltar only has one boat patrolling for smugglers at any given time, while certain high-tech apps can allow their boat to be tracked on any mobile phone or tablet only making it easier for traffickers to time their runs.

“There is no real pattern for heightened smuggling activity, other than the number of RHIB’s coming across increases in the time period directly after a cannabis harvest in Morocco,” says one of the crew.

“Sometimes we will have a week where we will have absolutely nothing then one night there will be nine or ten boats coming through our waters.

“It could be at 4pm or 4am, they will try at all hours of the day.

ON THE RISE: Drug smuggling is becoming a crisis in La Linea, say Spanish cops The Spanish Interior Ministry has estimated that it seized 70% of all hashish exported from Morocco to Europe in 2017.

For a successful journey from Morocco to Spain, a smuggler could expect to earn £50,000.

The smugglers will typically try to land with their expensive cargo on unattended beaches in the Campo, but our crew are often called to intercept them as the criminals will also pass through Gibraltarian waters.

The RGP’s Marine Section will also attempt to catch smugglers operating from South America, usually trying to bring cocaine into Europe.

Lastly, they will assist HM Customs in catching tobacco runners, who routinely use small, inflatable Zodiac boats to transport cigarettes across the border into Spain, where they can be sold for over double the price.

It becomes evident shortly after leaving shore that the men have no qualms about risking their lives to protect the Rock.

“This is why we always have a boat out, we’re “This boat is like our second family,” the young always prepared.”

Gibraltarian spotter says casting his eyes around The Captain explains that the crew have to the boat, “we depend on one another and our deal with several types of illicit smuggling in the absolute priority is ensuring the safety of each Straits. of the crew when we’re out on patrol.

The majority of the RHIB’s passing through Gi- “Even the Skipper – and he is an Arsenal fan,” braltarian waters are those attempting to bring he jokes. hashish from Morocco into Spain.

The job is certainly not for the faint hearted.

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1 2 3 4 5 BORDER FORCE: Gibraltar’s boats are powerful, but only one roams the waters at a time Within a matter of minutes of setting off, the RHIB is corkscrewing through the choppy Mediterranean at a speed of forty knots.

When the Skipper changes the direction the boat turns at a stomach churning 90 degrees, rendering you below the water level for a few terrifying moments.

We patrol on both the east and west of the Rock, relying on a combination of state-of-the-art radar technology and the sharp vision of the crew to look for smugglers.

The first couple of hours at sea are relatively quiet and a call around midnight explains the lack of activity.

The Guardia Civil in La Linea has conducted a series of high-profile raids, making a large number of arrests.

“The smuggling gangs have so many on their pay-book in these towns whenever there is a lot of police activity they will call over to Morocco and tell the boats not to come tonight,” explains one of the crew.

“As the Spanish police are out in force tonight and they have cameras trained on the coast not even the most desperate smuggler would attempt to land this evening.”

Slightly disappointed that an exhilarating chase could be off the cards, I consoled myself with the news that thanks to the action of the Spanish police, illegal contraband would not be making its way to the Campo that evening at least.

My interest turned to the men’s relationship with their Spanish counterparts.

“We are trying to do the same thing at the end of the day,” says the Skipper.

“If we chase a boat and it goes into Spanish waters we will communicate with our Spanish colleagues and if they pick them up it’s great.

“It depends on the individual, not all of them are so friendly but at the end of the day if we catch someone or they do, it is more drugs that will not be passing through the Campo and potentially into Gibraltar.”

The men explained however, that if they could change one law, it would be to give them the power to chase suspected criminals into international waters.

They hoped that a more open relationship between Spain and Gibraltar could lead to a relaxing of this law.

I ask the men what their families make of their unusual job.

“They are concerned but they know we are doing an important job,” shrugs one of the men.

“I only fear when I go across the border into Spain.

“In Gibraltar I am in the unique position that I might go out for dinner with my missus and be sat next to someone I nicked the week before.

“No-one will bother me here despite that because it is such a small community.

“However, it is completely different say when I go across to do my shopping.

“The smugglers know who we are, and I’m pretty sure they would have different photos of our crew as well.

“If I nick someone’s brother for example and word gets out it was me, I would be a little cautious crossing over.”

Just as the night appears that it will be an uneventful one, we identify a tobacco spotter at Sandy Bay. A spotter will watch out for the police boat and then call ahead to those shipping the drug into Spain to let them know when is best to make the run.

They can make up to £1,000 a day.

Sure enough, outside a dingy nearby carpark, a group of young men seem to be waiting on the beach.

“When they get the call through that the coast is clear these men will load up their Zodiacs with tobacco and run it over to La Linea,” says one of the crew.

“They can do it in five minutes or so, so its important we disrupt them as soon as possible.”

Belted in once more, we career close to where the men are loitering.

The men disperse and the police seem chuffed to have broken up what clearly looked like a major tobacco smuggling operation.

“See, you can be having the quietest night and all of a sudden you have to go from 0 to 100,” says the Skipper.

“Just last night one of our crews picked up a bloke trying to swim from Gibraltar into Spain with the world’s biggest wet bag full of tobacco, it is relentless.”

As the night draws to a close, despite not intercepting any hashish heading for the Campo, the men are pleased to have kept the tobacco smugglers at bay for now.

Another crew will relieve them of their duties at 6am, taking on the responsibility for protecting the Rock from the pervasive drug smuggling on the Med. As we return to the HM Naval Base, the Skipper makes an apt remark.

“They are just getting more and more desperate and have so much money,” he says, referring to the hashish gangs.

“And I’m not getting any younger,” he says laughing. “More and more boats seem to be coming across and people are worse off in the Campo, they are more willing to do things they wouldn’t have previously for money.

“They aren’t bad people and I do sympathise but the situation is on the verge of tipping out of control there.”

The next day, Spain’s interior minister, Juan Ignacio Zoido, pledged to send more police to the Campo and promised the area will ‘not be dominated by narcos’.

However with the sheer scale of the criminal activity at play, immediate action is needed.

“It is too big an enemy; it’s like a seven-headed serpent, because no matter how often you cut one off, new ones grow,” complains Juan Franco, the Mayor of La Linea.

He laments that the Spanish government has ‘abandoned’ La

Linea, providing few job opportunities for locals who have then made tobacco and drug smuggling their source of income.

For the crew of the HMS John Chapple they cannot influence socioeconomic conditions in La Linea. However, these everyday Gibraltarian heroes will still be out on patrol tonight, tomorrow and forever more, dealing with its effects.

We all owe them a big thanks – even if the Skipper is an Arsenal fan.

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The Palma Auditorium has the honour of hosting stars from the Bolshoi Theatre for the Moscow State Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet on March 8.

THE Mallorca Saxophone Festival is celebrating its ten year anniversary through March 28, with free concerts across is the island.

This year the festival has produced the most international lassic Cars The Olive Press festival in the ten year hisHundreds of tory, with 105 musicians from classic cars from TOP through for news in21Spain! different nationalities. the 1950’s The events consist of 38 con80’s will be touring the certs, 17 conferences and 13 island and joining in workshops spread out over activities from March six locations.

8 through 10 in the Two of the guest saxophonPuerto Portals Classic ists that stand out are the Car Rally.

Japanese Ryo Noda and the Cuban Cesar López, considire Straits ered the greatest musicians The UK’s numworldwide in their respective ber one Fire specialities.

Straits tribute band Workshops mix the saxowill be rocking out to phone with yoga, modern the famous bands best hits on March 17 at the Palma Auditorium.

Tickets to Dire Straits Tribute are on sale for €42.

Free concerts announced to celebrate ten years of saxophone festival

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DJ and club music, jazz and other unique combinations.

Free evening concerts will

take place around Palma including at the Hotel Saratoga, and the Palma Music Conservatory.

A novelty this year is the addition of a saxophone and DJ concert every Friday night at the San Juan food market near Cineciutat, with DJ's Kiko Navarro and Pepe Link.

Bar battle Balearic’s Day THE five islands join together on March 1 to celebrate Balearic’s Day, honouring the union of the islands in 1983.

Since 1999, Balearic's Day has been a public holiday, bringing Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Cabrera, and Formentera together.

This weekend’s celebrations are ideal to explore the main government buildings and museums, as there many open houses and guided tours around Mallorca.

Monasteries, art galleries, museums and buildings such as the Consell de Mallorca, Palma City Council, Bellver Castle, the Balearic Islands Parliament and the Mallorca Cathedral open their doors to visitors over the weekend and for events over the next couple weeks.

From March 1 through 4, many towns are hosting events from markets and open houses to workshops, lectures and art exhibits, with the biggest events taking place in Palma.

CLUB and bar owners in Ibiza are furious with new laws which are forcing businesses to close at 3am.

The establishments in West End, San Antonio say that the measures to curb drunken tourists are too strict and will cause a loss of income.

The rules that include soundproofing and the clearing of open air terraces by 11pm instead of 2am, have been blasted by owners.

They say it will lead to the laying off of 300 employees.

Currently clubs in the West End are open until 5am in the summer and 6am in the winter.

El Cigala WORLD famous flamenco singer Diego 'el Cigala' has announced a concert in Palma's Trui Theatre as part of his ‘15 Years of Tears’ tour.

The singer won a Grammy award and was ranked by The New York Times as best album of the year in 2003.

Classic car rally THE annual Puerto Portals Classic Car Rally is returning from March 8 to 10 for the 14th year.

The port hosts an array of classic cars, many of which travel to Mallorca just for the event, with organised events and countryside drives. Family friendly activities focusing on the world of mo-

torsport can be attended all weekend, or simply pop by for lunch and watch years of motor history drive past.

This year the oldest car registered in the rally is the 1957 MGA Roadster, which will join cars from the 60s, 70s and 80s as they drive around Mallorca on closed roads.

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AUTHENTIC: From the dishes of Chilean chef Hector Marcelo to the architecture of El Jonquet

Village in the city

HIVE: A market trader with his wares

The boom in Santa Catalina has created a magical mix of restaurants and more, discover Jon Clarke and Gillian Keller

T LANDMARK: Sant Magi Church

HE clinking of wine glasses, clicking of designer heels and the cacophony of foreign languages… welcome to a typical lunchtime in Santa Catalina.

Palma's trendiest neighbourhood is often described by locals as 'the village in the city', and there is no doubt it has a very distinct look and feel about it.

With the city’s best food market, some of its most exciting restaurants and, bit by bit, some of the coolest shops, it is little surprise that Santa Catalina has become - by

the square metre - one of the most expensive places to buy in Spain.

The area may be small - only seven streets wide, stretching from Feixina park to busy Calle Joan Crepsí - but it has literally exploded over the last few years.

There has been a huge influx of expat buyers, in particular Scandinavian, and Santa Catalina today is vastly different to the area that Palma residents remember just a decade ago.

TERRACE LIFE: Outdoor at Sumaq and in Calle Fabrica

Continues on Page 10

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New SoHo

NEW LOCAL: Mads Makkelson

“There is always good food to taste and wine to drink, and more importantly there are so many interesting “It’s amazing how much it has changed in such a short and friendly people around the streets,” she adds. time,” explains estate agent Miguel Llinas, from First This is one of the main differences between Santa CataMallorca. lina and the rest of Mallorca - the crossing of so many “We have seen houses selling there for up to two mil- cultures and background in one small neighbourhood. lion euros and it is not just the international market that “Everyone co-exists really well, and appreciates the loves Santa Catalina. We are increasingly getting local international feel - it's not segregated and people are Mallorquins also looking to buy,” he explains. open and friendly,” co-owner of BConnected Vintage This is perhaps no surprise, as the subDesign Angela Kholodny, from New urb increasingly becomes THE place to York, explains. eat in Palma and more and more hip is all too apparent when walking The sheer variety This and trendy people move in. through the streets, even on a rainy day, This includes James Bond villain with most people making the effort to of nationalities Mads Mikkelsen, 52, who has already nod hello and even the shopkeepers at snapped up three properties in the here create an least trying to smile. area, the Olive Press can reveal.

This is the clear pride in the neighbouralmost unique The Hollywood heartthrob, who also hood that everyone shares. starred in the hit US series Hannibal, “It is the most amazing melting pot,” buzz ‘has bought one apartment for himself says German businesswoman Madeand two for his wife and daughter’, a leine from restaurant Santina. “And the source reveals. sheer variety of nationalities here creAside from Mads, who is regularly seen shopping in the ates an almost unique buzz.” market and eating out, you have a number of profes- Her story is so typical of the new residents flocking into sional golfers, as well as leading European models in- Santa Catalina, the Berliner having worked in fashion vesting here. and marketing before moving to the island with her “There's SoHo in New York, there's Soho in London, and Dutch boyfriend Vincent, who owns three restaurants now there's Santa Catalina,” local entrepreneur Franc- in Barcelona. esca Lagartera tells the Olive Press.

And then you’ve got Ronny from Greece, Irene from From Page 9

QUIRKY: A dog pees in ‘Pou’ street

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VIBES: Santa Catalina is about its streets and its terraces and the people you meet out and about every day

Peru, Luke from the UK, Ricardo from Italy and Bernabe from Argentina… all running their own restaurants here.

“There are over 100 different places to eat here,” explains Ronan Levy, from Simply Delicious, an Israeli, who grew up on a kibbutz, before moving to Santa Catalina, via Sweden, a few years ago. “And many of them are unique to the island.”

There is no doubt the vibes in the area revolve around the concept of fresh, healthy and authentic ingredients. Locally sourced products are the norm for the neighbourhood… and beyond this, many establishments boast using local pottery, tiles and decor, fabrics, packaging and endless other Mallorcan-made goods.

Second hand shops are beginning to thrive in the area, where reusing and recycling is a priority, including Flamingo's offering vintage American goods, and BConnected Designer Vintage with loads of top designers from across the decades.

Santa Catalina however, has not always been the trendy village it is today.

Its history began with fishermen and flour millers, and later numerous factories covered much of what we find today.

The neighbourhood is named after an old hospital, dedicated to Saint Catalina of Alexandria, appropriately, the patron saint of sailors and merchants.

Santa Catalina - and its seafront neighbour El Jonquet, which is usually included within its orbit were the first areas outside Palma's old town to be built up with houses.

Palma was overcrowded, but there was a ‘no build’ law outside the city walls, until finally a piece of the wall was taken down, and Palma had its first expansion.

In 1865, a series of ship captains and shipbuilders began constructing charming two and three storey houses from the sea up into the middle of Santa Catalina. Soon they were joined by fishermen, rope makers, and flour millers, who built a variety of houses with colourful facades, and tradition wooden shutters.

In 1897, a Palma town planning contest was held with proposals for expanding Palma westwards.

This was won by Bernardo Calvet, whose plan for wide streets and low buildings letting in light and fresh air came into effect, in contrast to the dark and narrow streets in the old city.

Calle Fabrica - the main street in Santa Catalina - still represents this vision today. The wide streets leave room for pedestrians and large restaurant terraces, which are ideal next to the low buildings, letting in the sun all day long.

HISTORIC: The area still counts many original shops such as this 1924 haberdashery and (far left) knife shop

The neighbourhood served as “This is what really makes the area so popular today with northern Europeans,” explains Christine Silke Leja, boss of leading a simple village for traders and workers for many decades. Things real estate company B Connected, who is often credited with first went well until the 1960’s when the booming tourism industry took a grip on Mallorca, leading to decades of growth with new holiday making the area fashionable.

“The fact that the houses are lower and the streets wider means resorts popping up along the coast, east and west of the city.

Santa Catalina started to fall through the cracks and fell into disrethe homes get more light and sun.”

The year after Calvet’s plan was adopted, a theatre was built and pair. Many of the original tradesmen and workers, moved to work in to this day the Mar i Terra Theatre is a key cultural centre the tourism industry, leaving the central city location behind.

Bit by bit this led to the area becoming dilapidated, with various and drama school. homes becoming squatted or taken over by gypsies, and numerous Shops and businesses popped up along Calle Industria, furthest from the sea, with factories oc- drug dealers and users moving in.

The charm however, never went away and it was thanks to a few cupying most of the business space until the pioneers, who could see the true potential of the area that helped line of windmills near the sea, to bring it back to what it is today. a number of them still existOne of these was Antonia Martorell, 67, a local ing to this day.

I get all my food from Santa Ponsa, who launched her first real esTake a walk around the tate business in Santa Catalina in the early 1980s. back streets around Calle from the market, A woman with a very international outlook, havIndustria and you will find a series of unique I go early and get ing lived in London, Germany and Stockholm, she could see the potential of the rundown area Andalusian-style cottages, that still boast colourful all my veg, lots of thanks to its close location to the marina and central Palma. facades and traditional fish and meat She started to buy up and renovate old apartgreen shutters. ments in the area, the majority to rent or sell to But the best was to come in yacht captains, many of them British. “I realised 1920, when the famous Santa Catalina market was first built, with a local there was a market for these guys once their boats were out of the water come winter time. Where would they live? I started buying branch railway line running through the middle. and restoring properties with a South African boat owner and soon It became the lifeblood of the area and one of we had 14 of them, all of them rented. the key markets for the whole city… and to this day is “It was a great business and these guys loved the area for its vibe still supplying fresh fish, meat and vegetables to the local and location and it went on from there.” area… and many of the local restaurateurs.

“I get almost all my food from the market,” says Chilean chef, Today Antonia has 53 apartments and runs the highly successful Hector Marcelo, from Fulla d’ostra. “It’s fantastic. I go early like Caimari Real Estate from the heart of Santa Catalina. many chefs around 8 to 8.30am and get all my vegetables, lots “Our clients now are from all around the world and we get three or four foreigners coming in to enquire about property every day. of fish and meat and flowers of course.

The place has completely changed and mostly for the better.”

“We are so lucky to have it so close.”

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Church for abandoned orphans

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LANDMARK: Sant Magi church has a 1720 alterpiece

NE of the key buildings in the heart of Santa Catalina is the striking Catholic church on Carrer de Sant Magi.

It has its roots dating back to the 14th century and sailors stuck outside the city walls.

The church has the privilege of two names, The Church of the Immaculate Conception, and Saint Maginus, or ‘San Magín’ locally.

The church is named after Saint Maginus, who was a Catalan hermit in the late third century, orphaned when he was a young boy, and later persecuted for his faith.

The site of today's church was originally an orphanage with a small chapel and legend has it many of the children were abandoned by sailors, who set off to sea for years on end.

Later, a more substantial chapel replaced the orphanage in the 16th century. Construction began on today's church in 1867, and was finished in 1920, the same year the market came to Santa Catalina.

The main altarpiece is a grand piece of baroque art, designed by Italian Giuseppe Dardanon for the Palma Cathedral in the 1720's. It had been part of the city’s main cathedral until celebrated architect Antoni Gaudí came to Palma and re-designed the cathedral, moving the altarpiece to the nearby Santa Catalina church.

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The Godmother of Santa Catalina’s real estate sector Antonia Martorell launched four decades ago

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Buying for boaties

T was 38 years ago that Antonia Martorell launched her business in Santa Catalina.

The boss of estate agent Caimari had an inkling that the area - then known for its gypsies and drug users - was set for bigger and better things.

“The streets were wide allowing more light and sun and the market was giving the area life. I had a feeling it was a good place to launch,” she explains from her central office in the heart of the popular Palma suburb.

The 67-year-old had arrived in the area having lived in Sweden, Germany and the UK and teamed up with a South African boat owner to buy up and renovate properties in the area.

As she has been working here for so many years, she knows almost every single property and she is a fiscal advisor by trade.

“A fair amount of them haven’t got the right paperwork and are not legal, so I always warn buyers to be careful,” she adds. “It pays to be wary and remember, while quite a few agents claim it, you mostly cannot buy to let.”

The urbane businesswoman is now working on a number of projects with her son Samuel, who is a graphic designer and specialist in CAD. It means they can tailor make exactly what each client wants in terms of materials for the walls and floor and in terms of furniture and even colours, if they want.

Safe

They now own 53 properties, the vast majority rented to foreigners, many of them working on boats in the nearby marina.

“We have British, German and Danish clients, a lot of Swedes, particularly from Stockholm, a lot of Italians and even some Spanish,” she says.

“The area is an amazing place to live and you know everyone once you have been to the market twice.

“On top of that it is very safe and even as a woman you can happily walk home at 4am without any fear.”

These days she is getting three or four clients walking into her office every day and she collaborates with three or four other local agents.

March 1st - March 14th 2018

KNOWLEDGE: Antonia with client

Contact sales@accomodationpalma.com or call 971284828 for more information

FOR SALE: Interesting buildings on her books include windmills

Telephone: 971 73 56 37 Carrer d’Espartero, 6, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears Monday to Friday 10am-8pm Saturday: 11am-2pm Sunday closed

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Santa Catalina

+34 971 007 March 007 1st - March 14th 2018

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half dozen delights FIRST Mallorca has an excellent range of properties for sale in Santa Catalina.

The well-established agent has six different homes on offer in the hip Palma enclave.

They go from €300,000 to €950,000 and are expected to sell ‘pretty quickly’ according to the local specialist Miguel Llinas.

“We are definitely seeing the number of buyers growing in the area,” he explains.

“A lot of Germans, plenty of Scandinavians and even local Mallorquins are looking these days.

“It’s the perfect place to buy. You are living right next to central Palma and you can visit a different restaurant every day.”

The properties on offer include a 80m square rebuild property, ‘which will make a fantastic one-bedroom space, with a big living room’.

“There has been an explosion in Santa Catalina, similar to the rest of the island,” adds Llinas. “The south west is booming, but so are other parts of the island.”

FABULOUS: Range of clothes at Mozaic

Bohemians and globetrotters IT is all about fashion, furniture and vintage decor.

And Mozaic, is easily one of Santa Catalina’s hippest shops.

Crammed full of stylish clothes, quirky objects and stunning antique furniture, this is one place you certainly don’t want to miss.

Describing itself as a ‘creative lifestyle store for globetrotters and bohemian spirits’ it certainly has a true cornucopia of curios and collectibles.

Created nearly two decades ago by an expat British/Venezuelan family, it is continually adapting and changing with the times.

Nowadays there is an emphasis on fashion, alongside home decor and gift items.

There is also, what they describe as a range of ‘curious eccentricities’.

The range of items for sale come from dozens of countries, including India, Morocco and Indonesia.

The parents and son team visit fairs and exhibitions around the world looking for a range of interesting items.

They run a second shop around the corner Tony Malony and a stunning bed and breakfast in Valldemossa.

Visit www.mozaicshop.com for more information

It is for this reason that the company is set to open two new offices this year, in Santanyi and Pollensa.

“We have sold three properties in the Santanyi area and we haven’t even opened the office yet,” he jokes.

Visit Miguel at his central office on Paseo Mallorca or call on 971425262 for an appointment.

Laying the foundations Jon Clarke meets B Connected boss Christine Leja, one of the true pioneers behind the resurgence of Santa Catalina

S

HE is often credited with making Santa Catalina chic.

And there’s no doubt Christine Leja was an early trailblazer into Palma’s hippest barrio, having launched her first business here 15 years ago.

“It was definitely a bit of a gamble. When I first got here it was a pretty run down neighbourhood, but I could see the potential,” the urbane German tells the Olive Press.

Having worked around the world in the design business, including a decade in Ibiza, she knew a fair bit about style.

“The houses were lovely, the roads were wide letting in a lot of light and it felt like a village in the city,” she says. “And on top of that you had the market.”

Her first clients were the yachties, who lived and worked around the corner in the marina and had a fair amount of disposable income.

“They were a cool, healthy young bunch and came from all around the world.”

“Mallorca is a massive global hotspot to Best of all, they were earning fabulous salaries buy at the moment, similar to Ibiza and Miwith almost no expenses, living mostly on the ami, as well as other fashionable places, boats. such as Bali and Tulum in Mexico.”

They were only too happy to put down anchor and invest in real estate in the city they spent tecture and design studio. much of the year.

“There is no doubt we have been “And they were able to get mortgaga part of creating the spirit and es easily with their healthy bank style of the place, which is balances,”adds Christine. now the most cosmopoliPretty soon she had dozens tan and innovative area of clients and, along with of Palma,” she insists. her partner Andree, they She is talking at the started to buy old properstylish architecture ties in the Santa Catalina “The properties in arm of the business in area and do them up to Santa Catalina are well Carrer de Sant Magi. sell. built on sandstone and are It is a cool spot, clean So successful has been mostly of a similar proportion, and minimalist, while their business that they two to three storeys high, with her office on a meznow have four different an eight metre facade and zanine floor is full of businesses in the Santa around 11m to 13m deep. sumptuous furniture Catalina area, all similarly They make for great and edgy prints scattered branded, including a chocolate homes.” about the walls and floor. factory, an interior design shop, “I come out of the old hippie a real estate agency and an archimovement and was a nomad

Hotspot

Well built

ECCENTRIC: Furniture from across the globe

INspiration: This amazing 140 m2 duplex in Santa Catalina comes with a 15m terrace and has been reduced to €780,000

TRAILBLAZER: Leja (top) and her innovative office space in Santa Catalina

for decades,” explains the mother-of-one, from Stuttgart. “I travelled from the age of 19 and lived in New York, Italy, France and Switzerland.

“My first taste of Spain was in Ibiza in the early 1980s. It was the polar opposite of the strict rigid lifestyle in Switzerland and was very beautiful.

“I still love it there but there is something about Mallorca that really appeals. The landscape is stunning, particularly in the north west, which is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and there’s an excellent mix of properties.”

Her love of architecture comes from her family.

Her great grandfather built cathedrals in Germany and her father was an architect involved in the reconstruction of parts of Germany after the war.

“I am addicted to real estate and spend so much time looking at buildings, even when on holiday,” explains the mother-of-one. “I am also not scared of hard work and am usually here from 9am to 8pm at night. It is one of the reasons we have done so well.

“To sum things up our motto is: ‘we love what we do and we do what we love.’”

For more information visit www.bconnectedmallorca.com or call 971570963

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MASSIVE MIX: From fish to flowers

“WE LOVE TO MAKE FOOD FOR THE CITY THAT LOVES TO EAT IT”

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HE lifeblood of Santa Catalina without a doubt, its market.

Now, nearly 100 years old the M cat de Santa Catalina is the old in Palma.

Founded in 1920, it counts on dozen stalls selling everything from flowers wine and cheese to nuts.

But, without a doubt, its strongest s ing point is the freshness of its produ with hundreds of chefs from around city using its excellent stalls to shop.

“Without the market there is no Sa Catalina. The best people are ins here, every day,” Bernat Contesti, of C testí Fruits explains.

His family has run their fruit and v etable business for 70 years and it been passed down for three generatio “We are well known for our well selec produce, much of which we grow o selves locally, such as the strawber and oranges.”

The market is full of stalls like Barn and in recent years the market has dergone a few makeovers, and ther a clear move towards quality of produ “It's all different now. In fact anot world from before,” says Llorens Pi nell, owner of Es Banyalbuferi. “It tainly feels very much alive.”

Some of the market is part of the orig structure, while new stalls were adde 1978, and a new roof in 2000.

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ntury old

a is,

Merdest

ns of s to

years ago.

“I'm lucky to be here in Santa Catalina, it's our little SoHo with such a mixture of people,” Carina says.

“A lot of our customers come from the

anta side Con-

We still get all the local ladies, who come in every day for their daily shopping as they have done for decades

veghas ons. cted ourrries

ginal ed in

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Santa Catalina’s market has been one of Palma’s main shopping hives for 100 years, writes Gillian Keller (left)

selluce, the

nat's une is uce. ther icorcer-

March 1st - March 14th 2018

LONG-TERMER: Bernat Contesti

Owner of Ramon Fruits, Carina Ramon call herself the 'happiest girl in the world' because she gets to run the family business that her grandparents started 54

yachts, we carry things they can't find anywhere else - but we still get all the local ladies, who come in every day for their daily shopping as they have done for decades.”

Open Monday through Saturday, rain or shine the market is bustling with people, from neighbours to tourists picking up the islands best offerings.

SMILES: The traders are a good-tempered bunch

ONLY THE BEST: From wines to Mallorca’s best English paper

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C/. Cotoner, 54 · Santa Catalina, Palma T. +34 971 289 375 · reservas@tallerdemar.com

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Breakfast and Lunch – ALL DAY Great selection of wines Bring this advert for a FREE coffee or soft drink

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Melting pot!

Olive Press editor Jon Clarke (above) is blown away by the incredible mix of restaurants in Santa Catalina

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(one coffee or soft drink per advert)

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WIZARD: Benabe at Vandal

HILE San Sebastian might have the pastiche these days. most Michelin stars - and probably “But the truth is I’ve cooked all around the world the best tapas - Santa Catalina has so it really is a fusion of everything,” he tells me. the biggest variety of restaurants in a His adventure has taken in Thailand (near Chismall area anywhere in Spain. ang Mai), Japan for two stints and even the celThere are at least 100 restaurants in this trendy ebrated Noma, in Denmark. barrio of just over a dozen streets.

He still owns a Japanese restaurant in Valencia, But what is most remarkable about the dining which he pops back to regularly, when not cookscene in Santa Catalina is the number of foreign ing at Vandal, a vanguard, industrial-style spot, chefs. fitting for the history of Santa Restaurants from Vietnam and Catalina.

Japan, sit cheek by jowl with Unsurprisingly the food at Vaneateries from Peru and Mexico, A touch of Korean dal is adventurous and original, while Greek chefs vie for attenand there is nothing standard and Japanese, tion next to Israelis. about it from the school-report although not And, best of all, none of the resstyle menus to the graffitied taurants I have tried over the last walls. sushi, as well as couple of months have disapI tried loads of things, but was pointed.

Chinese and Laos particularly impressed with the Having written about food and glazed bone marrow with beef dining for the last two decades, tongue, not to mention the eels, much of it as a travel writer for which had a real kick coming the Daily Mail, I have come across some amaz- out gelatinous and peppery. ing restaurants and just as many chefs.

Across the road, an equally adventurous spot is In Spain, I have interviewed and tested the food Kurobota, owned by Englishman Luke Perry. of Madrid’s three-Michelin star wunderkind Da- Hard to pigeonhole, its manager Sergio, from vid Munoz, while at Celler de can Roca I got a Milan, sums it up as ‘a touch of Korean and Jappersonal tour by Joan Roca himself. In Bilbao I anese, although not sushi, as well as Chinese interviewed creative genius Eneko Atxa at Azur- and bits from Laos’. mendi, while I three times grilled ‘chef of the The food however is delicious, particularly the sea’ Angel León in Cadiz. soft shell crab bao and miso-glazed Iberian But few places have entertained me as much pork, not to mention its amazing mix of cockas the chefs in Santa Catalina, easily Mallorca’s best area to eat.

One of the true characters is Benabe at Vandal (www.vandalpalma.com).

The Argentinian of Italian descent (above left) has only been open since July last year, but he is already making big ripples in the Mallorcan food stakes.

I spent an hour with him as he tested an ambitious new recipe for seaweed crisps to go with a seafood number.

He calls his cuisine ‘traveller or adventurer style’, keen to avoid the word ‘fusion’ which has become so ALL SMILES: The team at Naan

Monday to Saturday 13.00-16.00 & 19.30-23.30 tel: 971 91 55 22 Carrer de Caro, 16, 07013 Palma de Mallorca www.naanstreetfood.es TUCK IN: Diners get ready to have a taste sensation at Claro

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fulla d’ost ra

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International cuisine with Mediterranean flavours. Menu created and designed for food lovers by the chef Hector Marceló.

Tuesday to Saturday 1pm-3.30pm and 7pm-11pm hola@fulladostra.com tel: (+34) 971 251 556 WhatsApp: (+34) 629 759 904 c/ Cotoner 47 – Santa Catalina Palma de Mallorca

w w w. f u l l a d o s t r a . c o m GLOBAL TEAM: At Fulla d’ostra and (inset) their creations

tails, served up by genius Sergio, who has lived in Santa Catalina for over a decade and previously ran his own cocktails bar.

Looking for somewhere classical, but with a creative twist on top? Head to recently-opened Taller de Mar (www.tallerdemar.com) where Ricardo, from Ancona, in Italy, is producing some of the most sumptuous dishes I have ever

eaten.

A friendly, softly-spoken fellow, he has a true artistic talent, learnt working for years around Germany (with Alfons Schuhbeck) and Austria with (three Michelin-starred Eckhard Witzigmann).

You can tell the food is going to be special from the uncluttered interior design and simple settings, and it does not disappoint with some crafty dishes including black beluga lentils and the beautifully presented prawn ‘brickstick’ which comes with zucchini, radishes, peppers, baby tomatoes and strawberries.

The real winner though was the scallop ceviche with cantaloupe melon, with edible flowers and coriander, poured over with an amazing tiger milk soup.

Another fabulous new addition to the local dining scene is Fulla d’ostra (www.fulladostra.com) across the road.

A genuine five-star for style, few places in Mallorca can beat the seductive lighting and beautiful interior design… this is true grand cru Malloquina.

And the food luckily matches, with Chilean chef Hector Marcelo and his team from Venezuela and Senegal, creating a wonderful melting pot of tastes.

It’s a tried and tested formula, Hector having previously won plaudits with co-owners Claudio and Martha Arais in Barcelona.

You must definitely try their excellent Chilean-style ceviche (‘while the Peruvians claim it as their own, it is actually an ancient Inca dish, created before Peru existContinues on Page 20

In beautf i ul Santa Catalina, Palma de Mallorca simplyronen@gmail.com Tel: +34 871 233 705 / +34 600 67 37 22 www.facebook.com/simplyronen WWW.SIMPLYDELICIOUS.ES HEALTHY LIVING: Ronan and eaterie

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ed,’ insists Hector) as well as the duck breast with fennel.

Best of all though were the scallops, coming out in a very generous group of four, and easily as good as any I have tried in Galicia.

On the subject of creativity, a MUST-VISIT is Naan Street Food (www.naanstreetfood.com), where Argentinian Nicolas ‘Nico’ Malenchini has created one of most popular places to eat in Palma.

Regularly topping the TripAdvisor rankings for the area, it has an excellent mix of international flavours, from Vietnamese to American, and Peruvian to Japanese.

Presentation is unfussy and the vibe is loud and buzzy, so expect the place to be full most days of the week.

Flavours

Top picks include the amazing fish tacos (I ordered them again, they were so good), while the pastel de camerones had a great mix of flavours.

For originality, it’s difficult to beat Simply Delicious (www.simplydelicious.es), which you would be hard pressed to challenge with the Trade Descriptions Act. It is exactly what it says on the tin, simply delicious, although with a bent very much leaning towards healthy food.

The creation of livewire Israeli Ronen Levy, who lived in Sweden for two decades, it is mostly vegetarian, but certainly not all, and I have rarely eaten such good Middle Eastern fare.

“Most of our clients are vegan and women, so I’m catering for them, but I also like to serve up a little meat,” he explains.

This included an amazing dish of organic lamb with hummus, as well as a homemade beef invention, that takes some beating.

It was however, beaten by a babaganoush, no less, which has genuinely changed my view of the dish, rich and creamy and even dreamed of since.

When it comes to Italian restaurants, you are

STYLES: At A Casa Mia and ProSseco

food revolution

spoilt for choice in Santa Catalina - and I probably met at least half a dozen Italian chefs plying their trade here.

For the most classical style you can’t go wrong with ProSecCo (www.proseccosantacatalina.

com) which has a fantastic terrace, busy for most of the year and a friendly owner Luca Veronesi, who has a good eye for quality ingredients.

Expect to eat plenty of fresh pasta, fantastic pizzas and the best tiramisu in Palma.

There is also an excellentvalue menu del dia at just 12.50 euros, which has a choice of three starters and five main courses. The wine list is good too.

In total contrast look out for A Casa Mia (www. acasamiamallorca.com), a true family affair, set up in 2013 out of ‘love and passion’ for dining, with a nice mix of Italian and Mallorquin food.

Run by three brothers and with mum Fabrizia in the kitchen, you will rarely find such a friendly, homely place.

With a massive attention to detail, the food is HIP: Santina bought every day at the local market and could be anything from mussels to oysters, but is most likely to include some fabulous filled raviolis and splendid fresh salads.

A Vitello Tonnato of sliced veal with creamy tuna mayonnaise and capers was splendid, while the La Parmigiana (aubergines with tomato sauce and buffalo mozzarella) was delicious.

The wine list is second to none, with some of the true Italian classics, as well as plenty of wines by the glass.

And let’s not forget the Mallorquins, with local character Toni Ripoll running his fabulous Tartaro (www.tartaro.es) with true aplomb.

Now open for four years, having run another restaurant Paladar for 20 years nearby, Toni has created one of the warmest and sumptuous joints in Palma.

Bustling on most lunchtimes, this is very much the place for businessmen to schmooze their clients and families to come out for a special occasion.

And Toni knows them all, the great and the good, sharing a glass of wine with them or a cigarette on the terrace outside.

Try something different C/ San Magin 84. Santa Catalina. 07013 Palma de Mallorca. Tel 871 968 320

From Tuesday to Sunday 13:00-15:30 & 19:00-23:00 tel: 971 45 30 04 www.acasamiamallorca.com Carrer de Sant Magí, 61, 07013 Palma, Illes Balears

Lunchtime menu during the week for only 9.90€

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CREATIVES: Ricardo at Taller de Mar and Toni at Tartaro

Foodwise you have a choice of ‘tostas’ which come with such delights as foie, fig and brie and aubergine, but you really have to try the tartares, which are his signature dishes.

There are eight of them and apart from the traditional beef and salmon tartare, there are some original ones, such as chicken and prawn and artichoke.

Up closer to the market look out for Santina ( w w w. s a n t i n a p a l m a . com), which is one of the hippest spots to hang out in Santa Catalina.

This beautiful corner restaurant is the creation of pretty German Madeleine and Dutch restaurateur boyfriend Vincent, who has a trio of restaurants in Barcelona.

Their catchphrase is ‘we love to make food for the city that loves to eat it’ and they have an almost uncanny idea how to create tasty dishes.

There is a splendid mix TOP TEAM: At Duke of healthy dishes (many gluten-free, such as organic quinoa burgers) as well as bagels, wraps and big fruit bowls.

I had a fabulous chicken sandwich with rocket in

ATMOSPHERIC: At Bindis

Oven ready

sourdough bread, which ticked the box perfectly for a light working lunch.

Nearby, for light bites you must also check out Claro, which is another hip spot opposite the market.

It describes itself as a ‘concept food store’ and has a nice range of Italian fast food dishes as well as great breakfasts and light lunches, plus superb fresh juices.

Another excellent lunch and breakfast spot is Moments, which sits in Placa del Pont, a new area getting hipper by the day.

Inside it is attractive with cool photos on the wall, while outside there is a great terrace.

As well as light dishes, it does an excellent coffee and there is a decent selection of wines by the glass too.

Back on an international note, an interesting spot to look out for is Solee, which has an interesting mix of Spanish and Bosnian food, with a touch of Austrian too.

With an excellent terrace it is a great place to while away a sunny lunchtime or evening, particularly as there are some great cocktails.

Bindis is an excellent Indian fusion spot, popular and usually busy most nights.

It was set up by bubbly Bin, who grew up in London and came into catering after a degree in chemistry and a career working as a management consultant much of it in Ibiza.

Seductive in style and lighting, the food is a mix of traditional and creative, and changes regularly by the season. Another true stalwart for the area is Duke, owned by Ronny, from Greece, a pensive chap, who runs a tight ship, providing meals for up to 50 people at a time. Describing his food as ‘world cuisine tapas’, there are dishes from all around the world, and the place is a truly charming spot to eat. I loved his trio of ceviches, not to mention his excellent broccoli falafels, healthy stuff, with a nice spicy kick.

‘NATURAL and unhurried’ is the recipe for success at Thomas' Bake Shop in Santa Catalina.

His boutique bread shop offers specialised sourdough and gluten-free loaves, as well as delicious ciabattas, rolls and pastries every day.

Baker Thomas Grasberger from Austria is typical of the Santa Catalina mix, having worked in some of the best kitchens in America, Africa, Asia and Europe before settling here.

His Viennese style shop is the perfect stop for coffee and croissant, one made properly with layers and layers of butter.

TÁR TA RO

restaurante

by Toni

Monday to Saturday 1pm-4pm and 7:30pm-11:30pm Sunday closed Calle Cotoner, 27, 07013 Santa Catalina, Palma de Mallorca tel: 971 45 74 42

www.tartaro.es

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Keeping up with Charlie T

HERE are few things as pleasurable as making your own chocolate.

But that is what chef Tino Wolter gets to do every day at his magical cocoa shop Cachao Chocolates in the heart of Santa Catalina.

Having worked in Michelin starred restaurants in Germany, he loves mixing up local ingredients with the amazing quality beans he gets from an ecological farm in Bali, Indonesia.

This includes Mallorcan salt, as well as oranges and apricots from around the island.

“I love to invent things and here I have the freedom to create whatever I like,” Tino tells the Olive Press.

He knows exactly where every ingredient has come from, carefully choosing every product, such as coconut blossom nectar and vanilla.

The beans are naturally grown around mango, pepper, vanilla and coconut trees, unlike plantations that provide 90 percent of the world’s cocoa.

“I like to work with local people, someone might bring in something fresh from their farm, and I'll turn it into something special,” Tino explains of his

TINO: Chocolate connoisseur creative process.

The chocolate comes as raw, vegan, organic, gluten-free, dairy and sugar-free.

The shop, which is part of Santa Catalina’s B Connected group, can be found in Carrer Soler.

DELICIOUS: Melt in your mouth

Cocktail kings FOR nightlife Santa Catalina has some excellent spots to let your hair down.

Few places beat the bars around the Hotel Hostal Cuba, where it usually gets busy from around 8pm, while the Es Jonquet area gets living from the middle of the afternoon most weekends.

Anyone looking for the perfect cocktail though should head to Coupe on Calle Fabrica, which has a very cool feel.

Run by Cuban maestro Michael (right), you won’t however just get the best Cuba Libres and Mojitos, the team do a mean Caipirinha, and gin and tonics.

Another cocktail specialist is Sergio (below) at Kurobota, who has invented half a dozen of his own unique cocktails. Best of all, they can be enjoyed with some of the tastiest food in the area.

Around midnight the place to hang out is the Three Lions pub, where there is live music every night of the week and it’s busy until 5am.

The popular pub, run by Bulgarian Ivan and his wife, shows nearly every football game and he has a mean pint of Guinness.

Another great place for a Guinness and to hang out is Molly Malone up the road.

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Ceviche Queen

N

O-ONE could begrudge calling Irene Gutierrez the ‘Ceviche Queen’ of the Balearics.

The Peruvian masterchef, from Cuzco, has created dozens of different ceviches during her 12 years living in Mallorca.

“There are 16 basic types that I do, and each one has variations,” the chef from Sumaq tells the Olive Press.

“I make sure there are at least six on each of my menus at any one time.”

The chef, who also runs PIRUW in Santa Catalina, uses a team of five cooks to help her create them, two fellow Peruvians, a Filipino, a Ukrainian and a Spaniard.

But she admits: “The ones I create when I am hungry are the best. They always come out

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Sumaq chef creates dozens of the celebrated Peruvian speciality each year at her Santa Catalina headquarters

more inspired.”

Either way, she likes to change the recipes slightly every four months or so.

“We always use a lot of local and seasonal produce, and I like to incorporate that into my ceviches,” she continues. “Each one has lime, onion and various herbs, but then they fall into three broad categories of fish, seafood, including squid and scallops, and crustaceans, including prawns and lobster.”

Ceviches fit into three basic categories 1. Fish 2. Seafood 3. Crustaceons

SUMAQ Carrer de Cotoner, 44, 07013 Palma Carretera PalmaAndratx Nº 37, 07181 Portals Nous Tel: 696 52 67 58

IRENE: Has found her food niche

TRIO OF DELIGHTS: Irene presents a red tuna ceviche including ponzu sauce, cucumber and seaweed, an exotic ceviche including salmon, avocado and passion fruit and a ceviche Chifa, incorporating white fish, sweetcorn and sweet potato SERVING: Her famous ceviches

COFFEE, DRINK, FOOD & MORE

CARRER D’ANNIBAL 16B | 07013 SANTA CATALINA | PALMA | INFO & RESERVAS: +34 871.034.993 | HORARIO: LU- VI: 8.00 - 17.00, SA: 9.00- 19.00, DO: 9.00 - 14.00 #CLAROMALLORCA

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Foreign buyers up

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SPAIN has more homes connected to fibre optic cables than any other country in Europe.

There were 1.61 million new subscribers between September 2016 and September 2017 which saw 33.9% of homes hooked up

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SPAIN’S property market has officially recovered from the 2008 crash, with 2017’s transactions almost reaching levels last seen before the crisis.

BARCELONA midfielder New figures released this week showed close to 465,000 sales Philippe Coutinho’s luxury begin enjoying the best Spanish pad in Spain has been turned last year, the highest annual news on the go. figure since 2008 and a 15% inover by thieves The football star was allegedly crease on 2016’s. out at a restaurant with fam- The country experienced a ily members at the time of the property boom in the 1990s before it crashed from dizzying robbery.

He returned home in the early heights in 2008 following the hours of the morning to find global economic meltdown. that thieves had ransacked his Prices plummeted and only began to rise again in 2014, when property in Barcelona.

The Brazilian called in the the recession in Spain ended.

Across the whole country last cops immediately.

The palatial pad was report- year, the average property price edly made easier to burgle due rose by 7.6% compared to 2016. to ongoing construction work. But while transactions are at The 25-year-old did not travel pre-crisis levels, prices remain TOPteammates for news21% in lower Spain! than in 2007, the with his Barcelona for the Champions League tie height of the real estate bubble, with Chelsea due to his par- although a 3.1% growth in the ticipation in the group stages economy has helped boost the market. with Liverpool.

Coutinho has made seven ap- “Low interest rates along with pearances for his current em- a declining (although still-high) ployers so far since moving unemployment rate, which defrom Merseyside for a report- clined to 17% in 2017 from a record 27% in 2013, are supported £142 million in January.

to superfast broadband.

In total, some 17.5 million homes have access to fibre optics.

This makes Spain top in Europe out of 39 countries analysed for CONNECTED: Spain fibre optic connectivity.

Hot, hot, hot!

ALMOST half of all properties sold in the Balearics last year were bought by foreigners.

Some 44% of the homes bought, went to a mix of British, German and Scandinavians.

The figure is almost double the number of a decade ago, which was 23%.

Meanwhile, the volume of sales has grown by 26 percent over the last 12 months.

Brits back

Home buying in Spain nearly bounces back to pre-crisis levels

The Olive Press

ing housing affordability,” said ratings agency Moody’s.

“Moreover, although it is likely

that housing sales will exceed 500,000 properties during 2018 for the first time in a de-

The more € you take 60 out, the more € 60 € you get 60 back.

cade, this is still far from the nearly one million of annual housing sales before 2007.

“Construction activity currently is at 40% of pre-crisis levels in 2007, partially correcting the oversupply in place before the crisis.”

The figures from Spain’s property register revealed 13% of home purchases were made by foreigners last year, led by British and French nationals.

In the Balearic Islands, foreigners accounted for 35% of sales and in the Canary Islands, 29%.

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Demand for homes in Spain by foreign investors increased by 20.4% in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to 2016, equating to 15,266 purchases.

As a result, last year saw foreigners’ purchasing 13.6% of all Spanish housing stock, an alltime high.

During 2017’s last quarter alone, British buyers led the pack with with 2,384 registered purchases (16% of all foreign purchases) followed by the French (1,242 properties - 8%) and Germans (1,198 - also 8%).

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Backing flop

Million motors

OVER one million cars are driving around Balearic roads.

The Balearic Institute of Statistics has announced that by the end of 2017, 1,002,842 vehicles were on the islands, mainly Mallorca.

Almost 40% are diesel cars and trucks, which now will not be sold or registered past 2025.

Yankie caution SPAIN’S Catalunya crisis continues to destabilise global markets amid one of the worst weeks for Wall Street where the stock market reached a seven-year low.

According to a report released

by US banking giant Goldman Sachs, Catalunya continues to dictate events not only in the Spanish banking system but also globally.

The report stated: ‘We continue to see the political events related to Catalunya as an important risk for the recovery of Spain’.

The news is at odds with Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy’s predictions of positive growth this year. “This year, 2018, we will have a growth forecast of at least 2.5 percent, with the creation of 400,000 jobs,” said Rajoy.

The report comes as the US recovered from a shock week that saw $4 trillion wiped off global stocks as the Dow Jones tanked 1,175 points.

Bitcoin regulation comes to Spain a week after Gibraltar legalised ICO transactions SPAIN is in the process of drawing up legislation to lure blockchain companies to invest in the country.

Lawmaker Teodoro Garcia said the legislation would be pointed to ‘specific regulations’ across finance, education and health.

“The level of digitisation for companies will be key. We

Crypto copycats

hope to get the legislation ready this year,” Garcia told the press.

The ruling Popular Party is also looking at ways to incorporate blockchain technology into government-backed tax subsidies, similar to that of Switzerland’s Crypto Valley and are summoning block-

chain experts to speak in parliament.

Garcia also hinted at a lack of

Spanish oil firm expands east SPAIN’S second largest oil firm, Cepsa, has been awarded a 20% stake in two offshore oil fields in the UAE. In a deal worth $1.5 billion, the state-run Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC), wants to increase its oil production capacity from 3.2 million barrels per day to 3.5 million by the end of 2018.

The 40-year deal means ADNOC will retain a majority of 60%, with 20% going to Cepsa and 20% to another company.

“This long-term agreement is a milestone in the development of Abu Dhabi’s integrated oil and gas sector and in the delivery of ADNOC’s 2030 smart growth strategy,” said ADNOC CEO Sultan al-Jaber.

regulation to encourage initial growth in Spain but said ‘we want to set up Europe’s safest framework to invest in ICOs’.

This comes a week after Gibraltar announced its own system of regulation to legalise ICO transactions in the territory.

Part of this encouragement will be tax breaks for smaller ventures which will see little to no regulation.

Spain’s bitcoin position is unique within the bloc as French finance minister Bruno le Maire and interim German finance minister Peter Altmaier have both gone on record to say that cryptocurrencies ‘threaten long-term financial stability’.

Keys Isl nd to the

SPAIN’s finance minister’s shot at being the next vicepresident of the European Central Bank has hit troubled waters after he failed to impress MEPs. Despite being tipped to become Mario Draghi’s deputy, finance minister Luis de Guindos has to see off strong competition from Ireland’s central bank governor, Philip Lane.

And it was Lane who came across as the ‘more convincing’ candidate during closed-door meetings with MEPs in Brussels.

The candidates were grilled on their approaches to monetary policy, with some MEPs expressing ‘reservations for minister De Guindos’s appointment’, said Roberto Gualtieri, the committee’s chairman.

UNIMPRESSIVE: Luis

By Amanda Butler

Let’s March into spring

Wealthy buyers are still flocking to Mallorca, writes Amanda Butler

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S we head into March the weather here in Mallorca has been much chillier and wetter than the norm. As I write with the log fire on, there is snow falling on the mountains and the forecast is looking rather gloomy. A long stretch of cold and rain (not to mention snow) is definitely not what we’re used to, and although that’s what it’s been like for the last few days, we can’t really complain - the reservoirs have been topped up nicely, and when the sun does come out (like last weekend) it can reach up to 18-20 degrees, which many in Britain would be very happy with in the midst of summer!

As to property – I am delighted to report this year continues to be super busy for me, which has been pretty unusual for January/ February compared to most years.

So although rumour has it that British and German residents are selling up in droves, there continues to be a big enough flow of eager buyers to take their place.

I am fortunate to have had a few big spenders recently looking for both luxury apartments and villas.

On the apartment front, believe it or not it has been super difficult to find a decent 3–4 bed apartment with a great sea view between Palma and Portals, even with a budget of €3-4 million! So yes, we are seeing the times once again where it has become a

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seller’s market with a shortage of stock at the premium end!

I am often asked if Brexit has affected the property market in Mallorca. Having represented Savills for over 8 years my clients are predominantly British, so I am pleased to report that certainly at the higher end Brexit and the rate of exchange does not appear to have hit the British market. In fact many wealthy buyers are looking to spread their investment, and with property in Mallorca having a long history of stability, property represents a good stable long term haven.

Looking out the window at the grey and the drizzle, unlike many locations I know it won’t last long before I see the sun, and I continue to count my blessings for living in one of the best places in the World! And if you happen to be trying to sell your sea view apartment or villa please do contact me ........ I have a couple of hot buyers!

08/02/2018 15:14

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Download our app now and begin enjoying the best Spanish news on the go.

Sanctions starting AS the start of the tourist season begins, so do inspections and sanctions in bars and restaurants across Mallorca.

In total 14 bars and pubs have been denounced for 44 infractions after recent Guardia Civil inspec-

tions in Inca and nearby towns.

Infractions at the establishments include illegally selling tobacco, lack of fire extinguishers or complaint forms, and a few employees without their food handlers certificate.

The Olive Press TOP for news in Spain!

WELLIES RESTAURANT Reservations 871 902 306 reservas@wellies.rest www.wellies.rest

Dining adventure Spanish are eating out more - and at more foreign restaurants

THE locals are eating out more, spending more and, best of all, widening their palate.

In good news for expat restaurateurs, the average Spaniard ate out 158 times last year, an increase of 1.3% on 2016.

The biggest winners are restaurants serving fast food, and in particular Italian restaurants.

While the largest increase is trips out for breakfast and lunch, at the weekends punters

are spending more on ‘a la carte’ restaurants.

According to market research company NPD, total sales in the catering sector reached a record €3.6 billion in sales last year, an increase of 2.5% on 2016.

It is the third consecutive year of growth in the sector with the number of restaurant visits reaching 98 million.

Each customer spent an average of €4.88 per trip, a rise of 1% on last year.

At the beginning of the financial crisis the first thing that was hit were breakfasts out,” said NPD Spain boss Vicente Montesinos.

“But with the economic recovery we are seeing an increase in the number of people eating out… and more jobs being created.”

Fast food restaurants, tapas bars and coffee bars are the main driving force behind the growth, representing 86% of the increase.

TOP SPOT: Rick Stein

Favourite export THE BBC has revealed its most popular shows in foreign countries.

In Spain, it isn’t Blue Planet or the Great British Bake Off that tops the list but Rick Stein’s Mediterranean Escapes.

It turns out the Spaniards love his take on their traditional food and look to him for inspiration on their cooking.

The series sees the British restaurateur tour the Mediterranean, sampling and cooking local specialities.

His Spanish dishes included Mallorcan-style chicken with sobrasada sausage. His recipes appear to meet with Spaniards’ approval – the same of which cannot be said for Jamie Oliver, who caused outrage in 2016 when he shared a recipe for paella that combined chicken thighs and chorizo.

La Pepita SPANISH burger chain La Pepita, known for its fresh ingredients and creative burgers, has opened its first Mallorcan joint in Palma.

The new restaurant, on Calle Ramón in the city, prides itself on fresh – never frozen – meats including veal, lamb, Iberian pork, and even salmon.

The Palma store comes after over a dozen more since it opened in 2012, including Madrid, Salamanca, Santiago, and A Coruña.

Food

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The OD PORT PORTALS hotel is THE spot for eating, drinking and hanging out in Portals

T’S fast becoming one of the true social epicentres of Portals.

And OD Port Portals hotel is very much THE place to stay for hipsters visiting the South West of Mallorca.

With its roof terrace parties, fashion shows and regular gastro events, it’s no wonder many of the world’s top DJs, models and celebrities regularly stay at the stylish hotel.

Why not start your weekend at an event called Burger meets Gin, it kicks off on Friday night at 8pm with great food and music from a range of DJs. Open to local residents as well as tourists, it is always a fun, social occasion, showcasing a range of premium Gin and tonics.

Gastronomy

Later when the weather improves make your way to the amazing OD Sky Bar which offers one of the most incredible sunsets of the nearby bay.

In addition, every Saturday, Sunday and on bank holidays, from 12.00 noon till 4pm you can enjoy the Tasting Brunch; A menu based on eggs benedict, natural fruit juices, cheeses or foie with cava and delicious cocktails.

In addition, one Sunday a month, lovers of Mexican gastronomy will enjoy the Mexican Brunch; A superb proposal that includes a welcome drink and a wide range of fresh dishes such as guacamole, ceviches, tacos, and marinated ribs.

The Nordic-Mediterranean style hotel is part of a trendy Ibiza chain that counts three hotels on the White Island and a fifth in Barcelona. New hotels will open in Miami and on the Cote d’Azur in 2018 and 2019.

Launched as Ocean Drive, the ‘inclusive’ philosophy of the hotel - with its

An ocean of opportunities

STUNNING: Rooftop living, stylish interiors and the world’s hippest DJs regularly stay at the OD Port Portals Hotel

open and friendly staff - is one of the main reasons for its success.

The rooms are comfortable and well designed and the pool and dining ar-

eas spacious and stylish.

In addition, corporate events and private parties are easy to organise and can be held in either the Mediterra-

nean-inspired gardens, the large lobby bar and restaurant or on the roof.

There are different conference rooms with capacity for up to 200 people and

include all the technology necessary to make your event a great success.

Visit www.od-hotels.com

Music, gastronomy, design, comfort and great art.

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How do you crack your flying fears? Asks Lesley Keith IT seems to have been a long low season and I was feeling ready for a change of scene. As we all know living on an island in the middle of a big sea means that unfortunately to go anywhere else you only have two choices, air or water.

As I have a tendency for homesickness I checked the options and dived in to book some bargain flights home.

One little problem here, I’m not a good flyer.

The ferry to the mainland followed by hours of motorway driving was just not an option for a long weekend so flights it was, coupled with the fact that two of us could get there and back for under €100 made it a complete no-brainer.

To think that flying used to be considered glamorous. That was in the old days when you’d dress up to travel. Now it’s all trainers, elasticated waists and queues. Think Ikea checkouts on a bank holiday Monday and you’ve got modern day air travel. Still as it gets you there quicker than any other method then queue we do.

Yes, well as I say I’m not a good flyer, the up in the air bit’s ok but it’s the taking off and landing I don’t like at all. The strange thing is that I know it’s ridiculous. I’ve read all the statistics and know you’re more likely to die of flu or being kicked by a donkey. It hardly bothers me at all until I am actually aboard and the engines fire up. That’s

March 1st - March 14th 2018 March 1st - March 14th 2018

No fly zone

when I completely tense up into up into a ball (legroom and seat belt permitting) and stick my fist into my mouth to stifle the screams. Yes I’m the one crazy lady whom the stewardess has to give a good slap to calm down. (I wouldn’t try that actually, I can’t be responsible

for my actions in this particular situation). My eyes screw shut and my whole body concentrates on keeping the plane in the air because I know it’s all up to me. Yes, this is so stupid and I must look like a complete idiot but I just can’t seem to help it.

Things are worse now that cer-

tain airlines don’t put couples together, my partner was 20 rows away totally oblivious and enjoying being able to munch chocolates and crisps without any ‘tutting’ from me. So I endured my panic alone, desperately waiting for the ‘bing’ telling me you can undo your seatbelt.

Mallorca diaries

By Lesley Ke ith

Once it sounds I can miracu- down my symptoms and reaclously calm down again in time tions immediately after regainto see the magnificent sight ing my composure so I could of Mallorca beneath us. Sadly appreciate how truly stupid I’m though landing is the same, the being. As you can see from this landing gear comes down and column, we never crashed and covers me with terror again. I’m here to tell the tale. I reread It’s exhausting and I know that my little notes before the return people next to me must be em- journey and it was a bit less terbarrassed. I hear little kids ask- rifying so maybe I’m on the way ing ‘Mummy what’s up with the to cracking it. funny lady?’ and people in the The journey was worth it, three next seat are feigning sleep to fantastic days back in the old avoid having to deal with it. No country and the joys of central doubt they’re heating, (that composing an means warm email in their toilet seats!) head to ask the I thought the flight and TV proairline for a regrams at the fund after be- had gone quickly, actual time. We ing placed next and was cowering were staying in to the nutter. the North West in my crash The reason for a change I can write and it was abposition about this is solutely freezthat I misheard ing with a wind the overhead that could’ve announcement and thought cut us in half. I had to admire we were coming in to land. I the locals though, they were thought the flight had gone walking around with bare legs quickly, and was cowering in my and arms in shorts and t-shirts! crash position when the stew- Now that’s hard. I was looking ardess went past offering more forward to being able to undrinks….. How embarrassing derstand everyone again, sadly was that, getting the scream- though it would appear I’m not ing ab-dabs for no reason at all fluent in Scouse. Oh well we’re and then having to go through happily back here in Mallorca it all again when we finally did now, leaving Lancashire to descend. I decided that enough -8degrees and snow. was enough and I would do Seems I’ve got my timing right some self-help. I actually wrote for once.

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W

E often hear statements relating to the implication of contracts and other legal documents that are in a language different from Spanish. One of those statements has, by its own right, risen to the category of legal myth/urban legend: I am referring to the belief that a contract signed in Spain in a language different from official Castilian (or for that matter regional languages) is null and void and thus, does not guarantee rights or obligations.

There is an evolution of the above far more twisted: that if a person who does not understand Spanish signs a legal document in this language, they can challenge it in court where, incidentally (according to a minority of expats) the Judge should -at the very least- know English, but if not, a translator should always be provided at to ensure his/her rights are protected.

The following notes should help dispel any potential confusion as to what is correct

Understanding the language of the law in Spain ‘language-wise’: ►► A document of a contractual nature can be drafted in any language for which an official translation service is available.

This implies that contracts in any language that is official somewhere in the world is legal, since a valid translation can be provided. ►► Not understanding the content of a contract is not an excuse, as much as ignoring the law excuses no one, as the principle goes (save for some exceptions, notably in financial or investment contracts). ►► Pursuant to art. 142.1 of the Civil Procedure Law, “In all judicial procedures, the Judges, Senior Judges, Public Prosecutors, Court Clerks and other civil servants in courts and tribunals shall use Castilian Spanish, the official language of the State.”, but it also adds in

143.1 that “when a person who does not know Castilian Spanish nor, in the event, the own official language of the Autonomous Authority has to be questioned or make a declaration, or when it is necessary to personally let him know a decision, the Court Clerk may issue an order authorizing any person who knows the language concerned to act as interpreter, in which case the said interpreter shall be required to swear or promise that the translation is true to the original.” ►► And finally, in accordance to art. 144.1, “any document worded in a language other than Spanish or, as appropriate, the official language of the Regional Authority in question shall have a translation of such document attached thereto.”

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.com

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Pep’s Catalunya problem

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PEP Guardiola again wore

Not fazed

He could face a fine for wearing a yellow ribbon

a yellow ribbon during the Carabao Cup Final despite RAFAEL Nadal has said being charged by the English he does not care about the Football Association.

Guardiola, who is a Catalan world rankings.

Speaking ahead of his re- native, is wearing the ribbon turn to the game at the in support of political activThe Olive Olive Press istsPress Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Mexican Open inThe AcapulThe Olive Press co, the Mallorquin said he Cuixart.

The pair remain imprisoned TOP for fornews news inin Spain!

Spain! just tries toTOP playTOP his best. for news in Spain!

The 31-year-old, who has in Spain on charges of sedirecovered from a hip in- tion and rebellion following jury, said: “I am training October’s independence reffor almost three hours a erendum.

The FA’s ‘kit and advertising day plus at the gym.

“I try to be competitive in regulations’ state: “The ap- of any political message, is officially respond to the charge and could face a fine every tournament and it’s pearance on, or incorpora- prohibited.” a pleasure to be able to tion in, any item of clothing… He has until March 5 to or a touchline ban if found play at more than the age of 31.”

He added: “‘Neither Roger (Federer) nor I fight for the no.1 spot. We made SPAIN has won its most medals ever in ing respectively. our schedules without this year’s Winter Olympics which was Hernandez, born in Ceuta and raised in thinking about it, and the hosted in South Korea.

Mijas Costa, and Madrid-born Fernandez situations that happened Regino Hernández and Javier Fernández are the third and fourth people to bring just brought us there. both took home bronze medals in snow- back a medal in Spanish Winter Olympic “If I am No.1, perfect, if board cross and men's single figure skat- history. not, it is what it is.”

Record breakers

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guilty.“They know I will wear it always,” Guardiola said.

“I accept the fine if I broke the rules.

“I am a human being and this is for humanity and there are guys in prison.

“It’s not about politics, it’s about democracy - the people who didn’t do anything apart from having another opinion.

“I will accept whatever they decide about my behaviour, it’s not a lack of respect, it’s being part of humanity.”

Guardiola’s second season in English football has been a successful one so far.

His side Manchester City are 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League and are one of the favourites to win this year’s Champions League.

They beat Swiss side FC Basel 4-0 in the first leg of the last-16 stage of the competition. They also beat Arsenal 3-0 in the cup final.

Walking away?

CRISTIANO Ronaldo has said he could happily retire as he has ‘no more dreams to achieve’.

The Real Madrid forward has been linked to a move away from European and Spanish champions at the end of the season, with reports suggesting he wants to leave Madrid over a contract dispute.

The 33-year-old insists he is happy to remain at the Bernabeu and still loves Madrid but says he could also walk away from the game having achieved everything he wanted to at the start of his career.

“I never dreamt I would win five Ballon d’Or awards. If I had to finish my career now I would do be super happy. I have won everything,” Ronaldo told Brazilian YouTube channel Central Desimpedidos.

“If I win another one, two or three Ballon d’Ors then I will be delighted but if not I already won five.”

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Life’s a beach

Nut Cracker A MAN won €12,565 in compensation after falling down stairs during a swingers party at an adult-only hotel in Malaga

A BALEARIC beach has been named as one of the top 10 in Europe.

Formentera’s Playa de Ses Illetes ranked ninth in the TripAdvisor’s Top Beaches of 2018 Travelers’ Choice awards.

The stunning beach is often compared to the Caribbean for its white sand and turquoise water.

The beach is a mere 450 metres long on the North of the island, inside Ses Salines Natural Park and at times is overcrowded with tourists.

The number one beach in Europe, according to travellers, is La Concha Beach in San Sebastian- an impressive three Spanish beaches made Europe's top ten.

FINAL WORDS

Grave find A 12th century necropolis containing 25 bodies has been found next to Purchena Gate in Almeria city.

Strike it lucky SPAIN has come in fourth place in the European rankings for best film locations. Film production in Spain has grown by 89%. It is one of only two European countries where film productions rose last year.

Art Attack ARTISTS that won a government backed contest in Palma last year claim they are still yet to receive money owed to them.

Art Jove d’Arts Visuals promoted by the government and organised by Palma City Council concluded in October, with some of the contests’ work being reproduced and exhibited around the neighbourhood of Pere Garau.

However, winner Natalia Fariñas and two other artist Lorena Gutiérrez and Rosa Caterina Bosch have not received the €850 euros for exhibition of their pieces.

March 1st - March 14th 2018

Don’t mess with us!

Pick it up or face hefty fines, locals warned

POLICE have begun performing spot checks on dog walkers to make sure they are carrying poo bags for

their dogs.

Police in Calvia have fined three dog owners for not carrying the plastic

Slapped with fines A MALLORCA vigilante has been fined €180 after slapping a teenage boy for peeing in public.

The local man chased the lad after seeing him urinating in the street in Palma.

containers during a month of spot checks.

They have also fined five owners for not having their pets chipped and three for allowing their dogs off the lead.

In total they stopped nearly 500 dog owners over an 18 day period on the streets around the area.

The inspections come after a new law came into effect in February clamping down on unchipped dogs, leading to fines of up to €600.

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A SHARK has been found washed ashore on a beach in Alicante.

The scary creature measured in at a whopping four metres (13ft) long and weighed 200 kilos (31st 6lb).

Police were called after it was spotted on a beach in Santa Pola, just south of Alicante, who then called transport firm Urbaser to remove its remains.

The Marine Environmental Institute is expected to now study the dead body.

The breed does not pose a danger to humans as they feed on smaller fish.

SUPER SKATER: Javier Fernandez in superhero mode

Hero lap OLYMPIC medalist Javier Fernandez delighted fans with a fitting superhero routine at the Winter Olympics closing ceremony in Korea.

The bronze medalist, 26, became a hero himself when he became only the fourth ever Spaniard to win a Winter Olympic medalist.

The hilarious routine at the winners’ closing exhibition saw the skater, from Madrid, perform an aerobicsinspired routine to pop hits from the 80s.

He posed as an exercise instructor in joggers and hoodie to a soundtrack of him speaking in English as he limbered up with stretches to Olivia Newton-John’s Physical.

He then stripped to a superhero outfit in the colours of Spain complete with shiny satin cape to the songs Maniac by Michael Sembello, Holding Out For A Hero by Bonnie Tyler, and I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner.