Olive Press Andalucia Issue 432

Property

Sp pr ai op n’ in er s be En ty st gl mag ish

GOING JAPANESE

November 2023

www.theolivepress.es

Courted by courtyards

The incredible home in Galicia that is inspired by the best of the far east

CREDIT: Photo by Jon Clarke

has been The incredible allure of crafty courtyards with roses, turned into an artform in Spain, some simply others with geraniums and some with palms. We take a look at their history.

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THE moment of truth is approaching for Pedro Sanchez.

The investiture debate for the acting Prime Minister will take place today and tomorrow in Madrid’s Congress to see if he can form a government.

Sanchez last week secured a deal with Catalan party Junts and then topped that up with agreements with the Basque BNG party and the single Canary Coalition delegate.

In exchange for the votes of the Catalan separatist groups like Junts, Sanchez agreed to a controversial amnesty for those involved in a failed 2017 secession attempt.

The amnesty plan has split public opinion, with hundreds of thousands of people demonstrating against it across the country on Sunday.

Socialist leader in Catalunya and ex-national health minister, Salvador Illa, defended the proposed amnesty law stating that it ‘demonstrates the solidity and capacity for generosity of Spanish democracy’.

The deals mean that Pedro Sanchez and the PSOE are now set to secure an absolute majority of 179 votes among the chamber’s 350 representatives - if all the promised votes go his way.

Sanchez’s Socialists came second in the July 23 general election, but Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the Partido Popular, which came first, was unable to put together a majority in Congress, leading King Felipe to ask Sanchez to have a go See Back to basics page 4

Lack of affordable housing is keeping at home into their 30s

Spaniards

The

OUNGSTERS in Spain are among the oldest in Europe to sing stock is 'social housing' compared flee the nest. to 7% in other OECD nations.

The average age to leave home

By Alex Trelinski The report did however sound a note is an incredible 31 years, the third hiof optimism over the new Housing Law, ghest on the continent. which is seeking to ‘address the lack of Only Greeks and Slovakians leave continually rising prices. affordable housing’ through regulations home later.

It blames the ‘difficult transition from The percentage of young adults living education to the labour market’ and and tax measures. of new resiwith their parents is over 60% in the adds it creates ‘a difficult transition to The plan to allocate 40% housing dential construction to social case of 18 to 34 year olds, and 50% for independent life for young Spaniards’. half of it for social rental units - ‘could 25 to 34 year olds.

High rental prices mean youngsters are The lack of affordable housing in cities priced out of the market, while there is a generate benefits for lower-income households’, ruled the report. and popular tourist spots, including the critically low supply of council housing. to ensure costas and the Balearic Islands, is the According to the report average rents “But only if carefully monitored does not that such inclusionary zoning key issue. have risen by 40% over the last decade reduce incentives to start new projects According to a new OECD Econo- compared to just 10% in salaries. hou- or drive up market prices,” it added. mic Survey on housing across Europe, to Yet, alarmingly, only 1% of Spain's Spain has a long-standing issue due

See on page 6

KEY VOTE

OLIVE PRESS

STAY IN THE NEST! Y

James Bond, countess and flamenco singers were all dragged into famous Malaya case

See page 13

VARIETY: Palacio de las Dueñas in Sevilla to a typical Cordoba patio and a modern design

NOT LEAVING: Spanish are the third

oldest to fly the nest

ANDALUCÍA

Your expat

voice in Spain

FREE Vol. 17 Issue 432 www.theolivepress.es November 15th - November 28th 2023

Courted by courtyards

FIRESTARTER

Blaze that scorched 250 hectares started on purpose believe firefighters

A FOREST fire which destroyed 250 hectares of land and at least one property while forcing hundreds to evacuate was ‘most likely deliberate’, the Olive Press can reveal.

According to a source from the Spanish Military Emergency Unit (UME), the weekend blaze in Mijas was ‘almost certainly lit for private interests’.

He told the Olive Press: “Perhaps it was to pave the way for a new urbanisation or some luxury villas, or even to extend the contracts of various fire crews.

“I don’t believe it was the work of a pyromaniac but I do think it was deliberate, it was not an accident.”

He added: “There were similar rea-

sons to the big Sierra Bermeja fire two years ago, only the weather was cooler so it didn't spread as fast, thank god."

However, despite the UME not being called this time - 'it wasn't deemed big enough' - he added: "What is terrifying is a forest fire destroying so much land so late in the season in November.

"It just shows the danger of global warming is looming ever closer."

Residents described the horror of being awoken by flames in the early hours of Sunday, when the fire broke out in the Venta los Condes area.

Within a few hours over 300 people were moved from the Valtocado urban-

Whittaker sent us photos from Sunday morning showing the fire clearly appeared to have three seats, while isation to a sports centre away from video footage shows helicopters and the inferno. aircraft flying directly over her roof.

Firefighters were roped in from Mar- She told this paper: “I woke up to the bella, Benalmadena and Fuengirola, smell of smoke, I initially thought the alongside multiple helicopters and house was on fire and our balcony aircraft, while it took more than 24 was covered in ash. hours for the flames to be brought “We were told by police we couldn’t under control. leave, we felt trapped and especially Local councillor Antonio Sanz Ca- with our animals we had a very scary bello said: “It has not been easy, but few hours!” thanks to hard work the fire has been In September 2021, authorities bestabilised and residents can return to lieve a fire in the Sierra Bermeja was their homes.” started deliberately by arsonists. It He added that it could have been a lot burnt through 9,670 hectares in the worse and that an investigation into hills above Estepona and saw more the cause of the fire was still underway. than 3,000 people evacuated from Olive Press reader Melanie Jane their homes.

It tragically caused the death of one firefighter, 44-yearold Carlos Martinez Haro, a father of two young daughters who was brought in from Almeria to join the SOME 2,500 volunteers are working through 1,000 strong team battling November to reforest parts of the Sierra Berthe flames. meja which were devastated by a massive fire In 2018, a forest fire in Main 2021. nilva was feared to have They are planting 20,000 trees native to the been started deliberately by area in a bid to regenerate the area that was drug traffickers in a bid to left devastated, with 9,670 hectares affected divert resources away from the coastline - allowing them and 3,000 people evacuated. greater freedom to import large shipments of narcotics.

And in 2020, locals rumours following a devastating fire in Granada pointed the finger at wind farm companies, claiming they wanted to calcify the land to make way for a reSee page 11 & 12 newable energy hotspot. The claims were never proven.

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Opinion Page 6

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CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF 1000 happy returns A do-gooder has handed a wallet with €1,000 cash to cops in Malaga.The Zaragoza based owner was ‘overjoyed’ to be reunited with her belongings.

Murder-suicide horror A FATHER jumped into a ravine in Navarra's Urbasa mountains on Tuesday while hugging his 7-year-old son in a murder-suicide, according to an initial autopsy report.

Car chase A VICIOUS car park robbery of a Ukrainian man’s backpack, loaded with €10,000, led to a high speed police car chase through the streets of Torremolinos leaving chaos in its wake.

Watch out!

TWO men have been arrested by National Police for stealing high end watches worth up to €20,000 in Marbella, Barcelona and Ibiza. The pair posed as beggars and used force in the scheme.

SPAIN’S Supreme Court is to debate whether ‘stealthing’ - the illicit practice of removing a condom without telling one’s sexual partner - is a specific crime.

The case was triggered by a woman in Sevilla who caught chlamydia from a partner who had ‘stealthed’ her and tried to continue after she told him

Stealth sex

to stop.

He was initially sentenced to four years in prison for sexual abuse plus a further six months for ‘causing injury’ by passing on the STI in a decision upheld by the Higher Court of

November 15th - November 28th 2023 Andalucia (TSJA).

However, the man’s defence contended that 'stealthing' is not explicitly criminalised in the Spanish Penal Code.

His legal team filed a further appeal, leading to the Supreme Court's involvement in what has become a landmark case.

BANDITS NETTED

A MEMBER of the notorious 'Bandidos' biker gang has been arrested on suspicion of trafficking drugs from the Costa del Sol to Denmark.

The ringleader’s son and four other members of the Danish mafia gang were also ensnared in the raids, including at a property in Marbella.

From their base on the Malaga coast, the gang is reported to have smuggled nearly a tonne of hashish into Scandinavia.

During coordinated raids in both Spain and Denmark, law

Bandidos’ biker gang that oversaw wholesale importation of drugs from the Costa del Sol to Denmark smashed

By Walter Finch

enforcement came across a significant stash, including €70,000 in cash, a gun, small quantities of narcotics, as well as various computer equipment and documents related to their criminal activities.

Pirates busted EIGHT people have been arrested for providing pirate subscription television services to over 18,300 customers from two operational centres in Alicante and Sevilla provinces.

The Policia Nacional started investigating the group in February 2022 and put a €366 million value on the copyright breaches

The investigation dates back to late 2022, when the Spanish National Police and their Danish counterparts teamed up to bring the gang down.

The probe determined that the operation was headquartered in Marbella and linked to the ‘Bandidos’, a notorious outlaw motorcycle gang with

and lost revenue suffered by legitimate producers and providers.

Addresses were raided in the Alicante, Malaga, Sevilla, and Valladolid areas with two properties housing the entire online infrastructure which allowed the gang to provide illegal access to paid multimedia content including movies, sports, and drama series.

A large amount of equipment was seized including computers, tablets, smartphones and storage devices.

a worldwide membership.

The leader financed the importation of hashish into Spain, and he then arranged shipments to arrive in Copenhagen - thought to be at least 800 kilograms in total.

From there, his son took over the importation into the Danish capital where it was delivered into the hands of other trafficking networks.

They would then move the drugs around to the end dealers around the country.

Numerous Bandidos members have been convicted of criminal enterprises, including theft, extortion, prostitution, drug trafficking, and murder in various host nations.

By all accounts, the life of the Bandidos member is full of motorcycle riding, crime, women, drugs, prisons, fights, and shootouts with competitors from other gangs And, of course, all sorts of cruelty and lawlessness.

Kids in care TWO children who were living in a van have been removed from their mother in Mijas.

The pair were not attending school and were living with their mum, parked on a patch of wasteland far from health services.

They are now under the care of the Junta and are being housed in a child protection centre.

The children were removed last week and officials believe they had been without proper care and schooling since 2022, when social services performed an assessment of the family.

Temper, temper AN angry customer rammed his car into a bank machine after it ‘wouldn’t give him money’.

The man repeatedly drove into the machine for 10 minutes until police arrived.

He was arrested for damaging public property and attempted robbery on Sunday.

The incident occurred at Caixa Bank on Calle Alcalde Joaquín Quiles, Malaga.

In the bizarre attack, the driver, a man in his thirties shouts at a fellow customer, ‘It’s not against you, it’s the bank!’

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November 15th - November 28th 2023

Going swimmingly

HAIR RAISING CLAIM HE may have agreed to pay €18.5 million and accepted a 23 month suspended prison term for tax evasion back in 2019, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s tax woes are not over.

Hacienda has the football superstar in its sights once more in a row over IVA (VAT) not charged by a string of hair

transplant clinics he owns.

The 38-year-old owns several Insparya Medical Clinics which did not add 21% IVA to its bills, arguing that hair transplants are a medical procedure, so exempt.

But the tax man is now claiming that the treatment is purely cosmetic and so the IVA is due after all.

Just awards Glittering occasion QUEEN Letizia turned heads when she wore the jaw-dropping Flor de Lis tiara as she accompanied King Felipe on a state visit to Denmark.

It is regarded as the most important of Spain’s Crown Jewels.

Originally made for Balmoral-born Queen Victoria Eugenie - wife of Spain’s King Alfonso and granddaughter of Britain’s Queen Victoria - it is made with 450 diamonds and 10 pearls, mounted on a platinum structure, forming three fleurs-de-lis surrounded by vines.

Experts say it could fetch up to €12 million at auction.

The Spanish monarch used the occasion - the first state visit to Denmark from Spain in 40 years - to advocate for a ‘strong’ and ‘united’ Europe amidst conflict in Gaza and Ukraine.

King Felipe also recognised the long relationship between the two states during a dinner organised by Queen Margrethe of Denmark.

What are the Princess of Asturias prizes that have been given to a host of international stars?

By Dilip Kuner

MERYL Streep, Steffi Graf, Seve Ballesteros and Sebastian Coe are just a few of the stellar names to have been rewarded with Spain’s Princess of Asturias Award since its inception.

HAPPY: in Oviedo

Orca-strated attack A POD of orcas have sunk a yacht in the Strait of Gibraltar after a harrowing 45 minute attack.

According to the Polish tour operator running the voyage, the killer whales ‘hit the rudder repeatedly for 45 minutes, causing major damage and leakage’.

The Grazie Mamma made a dash for safety to Tanger Med, a collection of ports about 30 miles northeast of Tangier but

foundered despite assistance from the Moroccan Navy.

None of the crew or passengers were harmed.

Orca attacks on vessels have more than doubled in the past two years, according to marine research group, GT Orca Atlantica.

So far this year, the group has recorded 53 orca incidents in the Strait of Gibraltar, with 12 causing damage to vessels.

PROUD MOMENT: Leonor awards Meryl Streep

While it gives Spain international attention, many people are not aware of just what it is for and why already famous people are given a Joan Miro designed trophy and €50,000 cash.

This year Meryl Streep was the headline act, recently making the trip to Oviedo to accept the award, beaming with pleasure as Princess Leonor herself presented the prize for The Arts - but there is much more to the awards then famous faces.

The Prince of Asturias Awards were established in 1981 when the prince was just 13-years-old. In 2014 Felipe ascended to the throne and his daughter Leonor took over leadership of the principality, leading to the awards name change.

They were originally intended to ‘consolidate links

3

between the autonomous community Principality of Asturias and the King’.

This has taken the form of bringing world-wide publicity to the region, with the Princess of Asturias foundation promoting culture and the arts in the region.

Prizes are given in eight different categories: The Arts, Literature, Social Sciences, Communication and Humanities, Technical and Scientific Research, International Cooperation, Concord and Sports.

King

The awards are handed out by the Princess of Asturias (Leonor) at an annual ceremony presided over by her parents, the King and Queen of Spain with the awards considered among the most important in the Spanish-speaking world.

AS winter starts to draw in on mainland Spain thoughts of fashionistas are turning to warm coats and woolies rather than beachwear.

But over in the Canaries, where November temperatures see average highs of 25C, the focus is still firmly on bikinis and swimsuits.

Canarian designers and brands came together for Tenerife Fashion Beach Costa Adeje 2023 , with eye-catching designs.

Lola Casademunt by Maite presented its swimwear collection called Iconic Luxor (main picture) ‘paying tribute to Egyptian culture’.

The men were not forgotten, with Ananas Wear coming up with this creation (inset) inspired by ‘vegetation, beaches and sunsets’.

All you need is 25 minutes and a phone Anytime Anywhere

Go to the web

4

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B-Estepona THE jewel in the Costa del Sol’s crown is not Marbella, or Malaga, Nerja or Mijas it’s Estepona.

The garden town of 70,000 has been crowned the second best city in all of Europe in the European City of the Year category.

The garland was handed out at The Academy of Urbanism's Urbanism Awards 2023 in London, which 'recognise the best, most enduring or most improved urban environments.'

Estepona was up against Exeter in the UK and Amersfoort in the Netherlands to decide the order on the podium.

Estepona's achievements were celebrated for its sustainable city model, which was hailed as an ‘example and inspiration’ for a ‘brilliant future’ by the judging panel.

Academy members lauded Estepona for its recent ambitious pedestrianisation project in the town centre and the initiative to connect the entire coastline through the coastal corridor.

The beautifully landscaped green spaces and colourful flowers, plus the city's commitment to culture through initiatives like the El Carmen Viewpoint and projects such as the Art Murals Route and the Poetry Route were also highlighted.

BEST: Estepona

November 15th - November 28th 2023

Brits yearn for EU

Jumbo celebration MAKENA, the first elephant born in the Valencian Community, has celebrated her first birthday.

A huge cake with a difference was baked along with special decorations for the elephant enclosure at wildlife centre Bioparc Valencia.

A large mound of sand with several layers formed the cake containing favourite elephant treats like watermelon, melon, pineapple, tomatoes, celery, lettuce, and pumpkins.

That was in addition to gift boxes filled with food, branches, forage and various elements specially chosen to pique the young pachyderm’s interest.

Back to basics German Chancellor makes up for angry nationalist ‘lock in’ protest by taking classic chiringuito lunch AFTER a night of high drama and protests you could have forgiven the German leader a quiet day at a ritzy five star resort in nearby Marbella or to hop straight on a jet back home.

But not Olaf Scholz, who instead opted for a lazy Saturday lunch with the masses at a beach chiringuito.

Heading for the sands with Romanian leader Marcel Ciolacu, the pair chewed the fat over a classic Malaga lunch of fried fish and ‘espeto’ sardines.

Both leaders spent well over an hour tucking into clams, prawns and anchovies - or ‘boquerones’ - after which the local football team is nicknamed.

Sitting alongside a number of German journalists, they tried to forget the previous night when they had been blockaded - alongside Span-

A SURFER has been found dead still lying on his board.

The Czech man, 54, was located by the coast guard off the Costa de la Luz after he had been seen struggling to return to shore.

The alarm was raised at 11am when the surfer - who had a motorised surfboard was spotted being dragged out by a rip tide at El Palmar beach.

The emergency services sent police, coastguards and the Red Cross to locate him, but by the time he was tracked down he

By Walter Finch

ish leader Pedro Sanchez - inside a building in the city.

There appeared to be plenty of ‘banter’, revealed journalists, at the classic beach chiringuito Maria, which sits right on the sand on the Paseo Maritimo.

The pair were in Malaga - alongside fellow European leaders, including Mette Frederiksen of Denmark - for the European PES conference for socialist parties.

Things had taken a turn for the worse however when late on Friday protesters waving Spanish flags besieged the meeting making it impossible for the leaders to leave.

Orchestrated by a group named ‘Revuelta’, German security officials were so concerned that they began to consider various emergency

LAST WAVE

was already dead.

While an initial autopsy suggested he had drowned, it is unknown how he had then been able to get back onto his board.

Further investigations will probe whether he may have died after being hit on the head or from a heart attack.

According to reports he is believed to have weighed over 100 kilos.

BLOCKADED: Two world leaders were trapped extraction measures. hurled insults at Sanchez Eventually security deemed it calling him a ‘traitor’ and a safe enough for the leaders to ‘liar’ over a pact signed last depart, over an hour late. week with Catalan separatist As they left, demonstrators parties.

DONKEY GIFT TWO Costa del Sol charities have been gifted a former expat’s property following her unexpected death.

Maureen Thomson had lived in Benalmadena for 22 years when she suddenly died in 2020, leaving no will.

Her sister, Liz Thomson, decided to honour her memory by gifting two local charities, Cudeca and Donkey Dreamland, her sister’s properties.

The charities celebrated Maureen’s life with a special lunch at the Mijas based donkey sanctuary last week.

Maureen was a ‘donkey lover’ and her ashes were scattered at the sanctuary last year.

A NEW survey has revealed that a majority of Brits would vote to rejoin the EU if a new referendum were held today - though fewer than three months ago.

Nearly six in 10 (59%) of respondents in a recent survey

by Redfield & Wilton Strategies support Britain’s re-entry to the European project, with 41% against.

This represents a swing of three points in Brexit’s favour since the last survey in August, when 62% of Brits yearned for EU membership Of people who voted for Remain and Leave respectively in 2016, there has been a shift of 11% towards the former.

As many as 22% of those who originally voted 'Leave' now express a desire to rejoin the EU, and 11% of 'Remain' voters would now prefer to stay out.

Seven years on from the Brexit vote, 71% of respondents aged 18-24 - who were ineligible to vote in the 2016 EU referendum - would vote to join the EU. The majority of other age groups would also choose to join, except for those aged 65 and above, with 54% preferring to stay out.

Voting rights victory BRITISH citizens living in Spain for over 15 years will be able to vote in the next UK general election.

Draft legislation is expected to become law in January after being passed in Parliament.

Around three million British citizens live abroad with around 293,000 UK nationals registered as living in Spain.

Expats allowed will be entitled to vote in the last UK constituency in which they were registered or can provide proof of past residency.

It brings to an end a long battle by the late Harry Shindler, an Italian-based British expat, who challenged the former 15year limit on voting rights.

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Ruff ordeal Police probe breeder in Spain after dogs bought for €25,000 never arrived AN Australian couple have called in police after splashing €25,000 on a trio of Spanish pedigree dogs that were never delivered.

Melissa and Jamie Tucker, both 45, paid a popular Spanish breeder a whopping 40,000 Aus dollars (€23,783) for three American Bully puppies.

They had hoped to begin a breeding business after Melissa, a former lawyer, was diagnosed with cancer, while Jamie gave up his transport business to care for her.

But after stumping up the

Melissa and Jamie

EXCLUSIVE

By Laurence Dollimore

cash for the dogs, things quickly went awry.

One of the trio was discovered to be suffering from a serious eye infection, so was unable to be sent abroad.

The couple said the breeder said he would take it to the vet to be fixed, but that they would have to pay for it.

Unwelcome arrival MALAGA is being invaded by ‘deadly’ Asian hornets that pets and children.

One malagueño has claimed he is killing 20 to 30 hornets a day since the plague arrived around three weeks ago.

Yet despite reporting the issue to the City Council, no action has been taken against the giant insect, according to residents.

DANGER: Hornet Rafael Rodríguez, who lives in the Bailén-Miraflores neighbourhood, said that massive insects are constantly hovering around his terrace in an ‘invasion’.

Asian wasps, which grow to round two inches long (5cm) can be deadly if sting victims have an allergic reaction.

They killed a 54-year-old beekeeper in Santiago in May 2020 when one stung him on the eyebrow.

A PAIR of Just Stop Oil protestors have been arrested after smashing the glass protecting a Velazquez painting.

The incident occurred at London’s National Portrait Gallery.

The climate activists hit the glass protecting Rokeby Venus by Diego Velazquez with safety hammers.

Velazquez is widely recognised as the most important Spanish painter of the 17th century, producing famous works like ‘Las Meninas’ and many royal portraits.

The Sevilla painter’s artwork was previously vandalised by suffragettes in 1914 when Mary Richardson slashed the canvas.

2022 Imputed Tax Deadline: 31st December 2023

Switched

Meanwhile two females were sent to the UK to be checked over and sent to Australia, but one was found to have a deadly disease, while another had a different chip code to the one that was actually purchased, meaning customs wouldn’t let it travel.

The couple told the Olive Press they believe the code was switched by the breeder at the last minute.

“We want our money back,” Mel insisted from her home in Queensland this week.

“We also need to make sure

Oil protest

BREEDER: On Instagram

he doesn’t do this to anyone else, as we’ve already found other victims in the UK, US, France and Japan.

“So far we’ve confronted him on social media but he has just blocked us on every platform.”

The couple have now been forced to file a police report in Australia and are liaising with cops in Spain to launch an investigation.

The breeder, Mohamed Amine Kerouani, has more than 16,000 followers on both Instagram and Facebook.

Semen

Kerouani, believed to be based in Barcelona, shares videos and pictures of himself flying across the world to pick up dogs, including in China and the Middle East.

When contacted by the Olive Press, he insisted he took care of the three dogs for almost a year before sending two to the UK ahead of them being sent to Australia.

He said he offered to take the male dog to the vet to fix his eye but that the couple said no, and that he sent over semen instead.

“I have already called in two lawyers on them,” he added.

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THE OLIVE PRESS (all editions) - PROMO 2 - 2 x 6 columns - 90x256 - NOVEMBER 15-16-17 - 2023

NEWS FEATURE

Voted top expat paper in Spain A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.

OPINION Fire action needed THE forest fire in Mijas last week should give everyone pause for thought (Firestarter, p1).

Global warming is already bringing dramatic changes, with this summer and autumn recording record high temperatures.

While we Brits love the sun and have no complaints about the warmer days lasting longer, such benefits come at a price.

It means the terrain we call home is at a much higher risk of devastating forest fires, which in turn destroy precious wildlife and even our homes.

The Junta de Andalucia must reinforce laws to prevent such fires from taking hold.

This includes bans on barbecues and smoking near shrubbery, as well as throwing out cigarettes from car windows.

But if our sources are correct, the latest inferno was caused deliberately by a nefarious arsonist.

If true, the person responsible must be punished by the strongest arm of the law.

Marriage made in Brexit IT’S no secret that Brexit upended thousands of Britons’ dreams of living a life in the sun.

When the Leave camp won by an extremely small majority in the 2016 referendum, hundreds of thousands of Brits in Spain were suddenly plunged into a legal quagmire.

We are glad that Mark was lucky enough to have found a loophole to be able to gain residency in Spain (Keep Calm And Marry On, page 8). But it’s clear that much more needs to be done to make moving to Spain easier for Britons, especially those who owned homes before the Brexit vote.

They continue to pay the same taxes and community fees, despite now only being allowed to enjoy their properties for six months each year.

We encourage all campaign groups to keep applying pressure on politicians in the UK to reach a new agreement with Spain on the rights of homeowners in this country.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

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By Laurence Dollimore IT was one of the biggest ever scandals to rock the costas.

The infamous Malaya case uncovered a €2.4 billion embezzlement ring that involved dozens of councillors, a series of mayors, a famous flamenco singer, a German countess and at one point even former James Bond star Sean Connery as a side act.

The scale of the corruption proved so pervasive that control of Marbella town hall had to be temporarily handed over to a caretaker administration appointed by the Junta until local elections could take place in 2007.

The historic crimes, which took place between 1991 and 2006, are now being re-told in a smash hit true crime series on Spanish national TV. The documentary, available to stream, speaks to those involved in the case, including judges, witnesses and journalists.

Below, the Olive Press takes you through the biggest players in the Malaya case.

Juan Antonio Roca

Very much the puppetmaster of the Malaya plot, Roca was born into humble beginnings in Cartagena, Murcia, in 1953, before moving to Marbella in 1991 after his development company Comarsa was declared bankrupt.

Once through the golden arches he enjoyed a meteoric rise starting as the then mayor Jesus Gil’s chauffeur to becoming the councillor for Urban Planning for 11 years until 2003.

While there, he launched an unprecedented campaign of accepting bribes in exchange for building licences from a string of developers.

In just four years alone (from 2002 to 2006) a total of 19 agents are said to have paid more than €33 million to Roca and his cohorts.

It is alleged that during his time in office, Roca amassed a fortune worth at least €125 million, including a string of properties, a huge collection of exotic animals and a private art portfolio that included a Miro, worth millions, that he kept in the loo.

A dedicated website was set up to auction off €75 million worth of his properties, cars, works of art and furniture in an effort to

2016 - 2020

B

RITISH expat Patrick Clancy went into hospital for a routine shoulder operation and left six weeks later after a near-death brush with a controversial drug that left him unable to walk or eat.

Six years later, the 80-year-old still feels the mental and physical damage he suffered at the hands of the lethal drug, that he should never have been given.

The notorious painkiller Nolotil, is known to decrease the white blood cell count of Northern Europeans to dangerous levels, leaving them vulnerable to infections and sepsis.

While the medicine is a common painkiller in Spain, regulations were put in place banning the sale of the drug to Brits without a prescription in 2018.

For Clancy that date sadly came too late.

It was a year earlier on September 25, 2017, that the retired oil worker, from Surrey, was admitted to Hospital de Dénia-Marina for a routine shoulder replacement and then given Nolotil to ease the pain.

It seemed fine at first but after four days he started to feel ‘extremely unwell’ and was suffering from infections, cold sweats, fevers and fits.

Then 74, he was immediately admitted to intensive care and plunged into an induced coma, which he wouldn’t wake up from for six weeks.

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James Bond, countess and flamenco singers were all dragged into famous Malaya case

claw back enough cash to settle civil liability claims from Marbella Town Hall and the tax authorities.

It was through Roca that Bond star Connery’s name was dragged in, with allegations of tax dodging and fraud over the sale of his famous villa, Malibu, on the Golden Mile.

It was eventually demolished to make way for 74 luxury apartments and the Scottish actor was eventually cleared of any involvement in the case.

Roca was eventually jailed for 20 years and paroled after he had served 12 years.

Isabel Garcia Marcos

The former deputy mayor, Garcia Marcos was ironically a one-time socialist councillor and ferocious critic of corruption in Marbella.

But, perhaps inevitably, she eventually became one of Roca’s favourite councillors and was caught saying ‘I don’t sign a piece of paper, or even read one, if I don’t get money’.

Police found an incredible €360,000 in cash at her home when she was arrested in 2003, leading to a threeand-a-half sentence, along with €700,000 in fines.

Nolotil nightmare still haunts me six years on

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A controversial drug still being handed to expats and northern Europeans - as the Olive Press revealed could kill again, believes ex-victim Patrick Clancy

By Yzabelle Bostyn

tionless’.

SPAIN’S BEST 35 WINES He said: “Instead O LIVE of being excited to PRESS come home on the NOLOTIL WARNIN day she came to pick me up to take me home for Christmas I just thought, ‘Oh, NEED FOR nothings changed’.

CHANGE “It was a shock to the system. If a bomb had dropped down beside me, I would’ve thought;952 147 834 ‘Look at that, it didn’t go off’.

In fact, Patrick couldn’t even talk about the experience until three years later.

Now, six years on, he tells the Olive Press he still experiences mental and physical side effects as a result of Nolotil.

“A doctor told me Nolotil is like a nuclear bomb going off in the body. Everytime I go to the hospital they say I’m alright, but I’m just not the same person anymore. It’s a very, very heavy burden.”

Patrick suffers a constant ‘pins and needles’ sensation in his extremities, random stabbing pains and frequent flu-like symptoms.

He also experiences consistent brain fog and extreme tiredness. He said: “I always want to put my head in a bucket of cold water. I’m not half as sharp as I used to be.”

But the worst of it, he says, is remembering the terrifyingly vivid nightmares he had while under treatment.

He recalls: “I’m a very nuts and bolts person.

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He was put on dialysis due to kidney failure and diagnosed with septic shock after doctors discovered his body was fighting three infections at once.

Medical staff urged Patrick’s wife, Julie, to inform family in the UK to come immediately, knowing that if the infections reached his shoulder, the father of four’s days would be numbered.

“They didn’t think I’d last the weekend. It was absolutely awful for my family”, the granddad told the Olive Press.

“It was terrible because every single day it was like rolling the dice. It went on for six weeks and so obviously my family had to go back to England, not knowing if it was the last time they’d see me.”

The experience was particularly traumatic for Julie, who visited her husband of 34 years every day, as doctors mistakenly informed her that Patrick’s leg had been amputated and on another occasion, medical staff moved her husband without telling her, leading her to believe he had died.

Patrick, who had lived in Alicante for over 20 years, was in a coma for an alarming 39 days before doctors managed to revive him.

After recovering in hospital for two weeks, the Javea resident was sent to Fontilles, a former leper colony in the mountains of Alicante, to recover.

There, the expat spent six weeks relearning how to walk, sit up and eat again before being discharged just in time for Christmas.

However, the experience left Patrick ‘emo-

voice in Spain

November 3rd - November 16th 2023

A LETHAL painkiller is STILL being given to Brits five years after it was banned, the Olive Press can reveal.

It comes as a reader contacted us to sound the alarm after he was given the potentially deadly drug while receiving treatment at HCB EXCLUSIVE launching a lawsuit against the

By Yzabelle Bostyn Hospital in Denia, Alicante.

Spanish Ministry of Health after Nolotil, also known as Metamizol, she claims doctors are not followis the most common painkiller In October 2018, the drug was ing the guidelines and patients are in Spain and is often marketed banned for sale without still being given the drug ‘against as an alternative to Ibuprofen or scription to British people a pre- their will’. visiting Paracetmol.

Spain following a months’ long A spokesperson for the hospital campaign by this newspaper and said: “HCB Hospitals follows the tireless medical campaigner Cris- recommendations of the AEMPS, Deaths and particularly those for the forBut the drug has been linked to tina Garcia del Campo. several deaths and serious illness- Recommendations were also is- eign population, we are very aware es among British expats and tour- sued advising medical staff to of the recommendation not to preavoid giving the drug to patients scribe Nolotil to foreign patients.” ists visiting Spain.

Though usually harmless, Nolo- in urgent care and to carry out It insisted that the recommendation til can affect Northern Europe- follow up blood tests if the drug is is followed and patients are informed about the best available treatments. ans with fair complexions and is given for seven days or more. banned in the UK, Ireland, Swe- The directive note, issued by the WARNING: Cristina has campaigned Spanish Opinion Page 6 Medicine against Nolo den. the Olive Press Agency (AEMPS), recommended medical staff monitor patients given the drug to check for potentially deadly side effects like low white blood ‘You’re killing us!’ cell count and sepsis.

However Cristina, Tragic end founder of the AffectOVER 1,000 people took to the ed by Pharmaceutiof Palma to demand ‘less tourism,streets cals Association, says more life’, ahead of an EU tourism summit bethe guidelines are ing held in the city. ‘not strong enough’.

Protestors marched from Porta “It's worrying beCatalina to Passeig Born, wherede Santa a manicause this is somefesto backed by 77 groups was signed. thing that can kill The manifesto, read by author Tel: 902 123 282 902 123 282 KILL you, it has killed so gold, spoke out against the ‘lackClara InTHE DRUG: The Olive of’ susPress campaigned to ban many people,” she tainable tourism.

Nolotil She added there were far too many told the Olive Press. holiday rentals and labelled tourism Now, Cristina is a ‘devas-

Outrage as dangerous Spanish painkiller continues to be given to Brits despite being banned

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“IT’S a dirty world that I don’t want to live in anymore.”

These were the intended last words of a British teen who had embarked on a suicide pact with her 16-yearold boyfriend in Marbella.

The privately-educated expat, 14, added: “I’m Sorry: To anyone who has ever loved/known or supported me, thank you, I love you and I will miss you.”

Bizarre

However, her heartfelt messages had a cruel, bizarre twist, when her British-Brazilian boyfriend Richard Fitzsimons managed to take his life off the top of the Corte Ingles department store, while she miraculously survived.

It came as a hero security guard somehow managed to grab the girl before she was able to plunge to her death after her lover.

In a tragically sad incident - that has shocked the coast and made headlines around the world - the teenager, who we are not naming for legal reasons, is now requiring serious Continues page 2

Issue 304

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Andalucia’s city in the mountains leaders and is a hot ticket for world their wives despite Hemingway’s Elisa lukewarm words, writes

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wine, exNICE promenades, good to do…’ cellent food and nothing wrote off Thus Ernest Hemingway numerthe town where he spent the local ous holidays drinking no wine and carousing at corridas, of Rondoubt disappointing many his puzzlingly da’s proud residents with lacklustre review.

- including Most of today’s travellers ministers and Britain’s last two prime would certainan American First Lady has been ly disagree with him. Ronda most-visited crowned Andalucia’s thirdsee why. town and it’s not hard to is a true The so-called ‘City of Dreams’ of a cewanderlust gem and somewhat lebrity hang-out.

May, Anne HaThis year alone, Theresa Whittaker, thaway, Ricky Gervais, Jodie Scott Thomas Gordon Ramsay, Kristin Rajoy and Spain’s ex-premier Mariano the stunning have all allegedly visited locals in the mountain town... so say know.

Menendez

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headlines Michelle Obama also madetouring the when she visited in 2010,the Moorish old town and discovering Sasha. dynasty with her daughter Novelli Celebrity chef Jean Christophe town after went house hunting in the falling in love with it in 2009. sierra setting, With its spectacular high and atmoleafy parks, cobbled lanes Ronda spheric ventas it’s no wonder of so many has stolen the hearts travellers. of writers Over the centuries a slewits timeless have waxed lyrical about and charmcharacter, stunning views ing locals. it the The German poet Rilke baptised took a ‘City of Dreams’, Orson Welles and shine to its bullfighting scene

GRAND TOUR-ISTS: Painters tackle the gorge, while (inset) recent visitors Anne Hathaway, Gordon Ramsey, Jodie Whittaker and Ricky Gervais

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NOLOTIL VICTORY

A LETHAL painkiller believed to be responsible for the deaths of dozens of expats is finally being regulated in Spain.

Nolotil, which the Olive Press has investigated for nearly two years, has been

banned for tourists in Spain.

In a breakthrough move, The Spanish Medicine Agency (AEMPS) has finally issued a directive to all healthcare bodies to stop giving the drug to British and

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Irish tourists.

Expats in Spain will now be administered Nolotil on a short term prescription only. Furthermore it can only be prescribed after a detailed analysis of the patient’s medical history and heritage.

It will also have to be much more closely monitored.

It comes after an Olive Press investigation into the mysterious deaths of expats from the drug was launched 2016, in along with a 1,000-strong petition to have it regulated a year later.

Nolotil, also known as Metamizole, is banned in the UK, the US and most of Europe.

Despite this, the drug is still one of the most popular painkillers in Spain,

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for ENVIRONMENTAL groups are taking legal action against the Junta ‘failing to tackle toxic air’ in the Campo de Gibraltar. claimEcologistas en Accion has filed a complaint with the Health Ministry, ing nothing has been done to protect citizens from a rise in air pollutants caused by the expansion of ‘toxic’ industries in the Bay of Algeciras. polAccording to the green group, more than 10,000 tonnes of dangerous lutants were released into the atmosphere last year. well as This includes potentially lethal cancer-causing chemical benzene, as other fine particles. worst The writ comes as Cadiz province was officially declared to have the air quality in Spain. most And alarmingly, La Linea, which borders Gibraltar, ranks as the 30th polluted place in the world in terms of air quality.

The shocking stats were revealed in a damning World Health Organisation report which lists the world’s ‘most contaminated’ Continues page 11 towns and cities.

Adding salt to the wound, Cadiz also came bottom in

TOXIC: Oil refinery plumes black smoke into the Campo

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EXCLUSIVE

By Laurence Dollimore

A BRITISH expat couple are fighting to save their Malaga home from demolition over a technicality.

Gill and Bob Ward, both 74, have been locked in a battle with their town hall, which claims their house in Almayate is illegal.

Just yesterday the retired couple from Cornwall were given

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THE Olive Press is giving away three pairs of tickets for two of the best concerts on the Costa del Sol this summer...

And all you have to do is answer two simple questions!

Michael Bolton takes to the stage for an emotive end of season night at Marbella’s Puente Romano on August 10, while Estepona is set for its biggest rock concert in years with mammoth

Doctors and dentists join Olive Press appeal for ban on dangerous painkiller Nolotil EXCLUSIVE

By Laurence Dollimore

one month to knock down their only property (pictured above).

In a court order seen by the Olive Press, the Wards are warned they will be held criminally responsible if they refuse.

“I don’t know what to do anymore, I’m at the end of my tether” Gill told the Olive Press, “I’m totally exhausted from the whole ordeal.”

The retired pair, who have now spent thousands of euros on legal costs, bought the old farmhouse ‘in ruins’ in 2004, and were given permission from Velez-Malaga town hall to rebuild it.

But when the original wall collapsed of its own accord during construction, the Wards’ architect told them it would be fine and that he would let the town hall know. Unfortunately for

tribute bands Think Floyd, Deeper Purple and Whole Lotta Led rocking out the greatest hits of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin at the Plaza del Toros on August 26.

For a chance to win a pair of tickets to see Bolton, just answer the question; what year was Michael Bolton born in?

For the Pink Purple Zep Fest in Estepona, just tell us; Where was Jimmy Page born? Email answers to the newsdesk@theolivepress.es.

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KILL THE DRUG

THE Olive Press is calling on Spain to ban a lethal painkiller that is killing countless of unsuspecting expats.

British dentists and doctors are supporting the ban after Briton Graham Ward, 75, complained to the Olive Press of how he was prescribed the deadly Nolotil drug by a dentist last week. It’s the very same drug that was blamed for killing his wife in 2006.

The Marbella-based expat was furious when he was told to take the painkiller by his Spanish dentist, after suffering from a difficult abscess.

His wife Mary, 59, had died after being prescribed the same drug following a double vasectomy at Costa del Sol Hospital.

“Within 24 hours she was in intensive care, her white blood cell count plummeted to zero within days,” explains Graham, a former computer HAPPIER TIMES: Graham with wife, and Billy Smyth technician, from London.

She never regained conscious- again.

Metamizole, Nolotil is banned ness and was on a life support “He said she would be alive if in the US, the UK, Ireland and machine for FOUR months, she hadn’t taken it, but I have most of Europe, but it is prebefore spending three years heard from dozens of Brits scribed widely in Spain. fighting the impact of the and Irish who have been given Irishman William ‘Billy’ drug, which led to organ fail- it,” added Graeme.

Smyth was given a five-day It is the third victim of the course of the drug in Februure.

“The chief surgeon at the hos- drug the Olive Press has re- ary. pital promised me he would ported on in under a year.

But when the 66-year-old renever prescribe that drug Sometimes known also as turned to a different Spanish

Need for more research

Dr Nina King, of Oasis Dental Care in Marbella, fully supports the campaign, telling the Olive Press the drug is not something she prescribes.

“It’s not a drug I use, I stick to safe and standard medication,” she said, “And after seeing what damage it can do, it’s a drug I won’t be using in the future.”

Marbella-based private doctor Dra. Victoria María Chacón Almeda also agrees the drug is dangerous. “I don’t prescribe the drug,” she told the Olive Press, “I have lots of British patients and I am aware of what it is capable of doing.

“There needs to be a lot more research on its impact.”

doctor to get a renewal in April, tests showed the drug had caused a toxic poisoning in his bone marrow and his white blood cell was dangerously low.

Billy, a keen sportsman, developed sepsis and necrotising fasciitis as a result and required ‘radical surgery’ to remove the affected tissue in an attempt to save his life.

The dad-of-two later died from septic shock – believed to be linked to taking the Nolotil.

Another British expat Hugh Wilcox was prescribed the same medication for mild shoulder pain on the Costa del Sol. He developed severe head Continues on Page 2

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which despite various side effects,Mosquito Screens can cause a rapid drop in white blood cells, leaving patients unable to fight infections. Medical translator, Cristina Garcia del Campo, who has pulled together hundreds of case studies from victims for the AEMPS’ probe, said she was ‘very happy’ the authorities have finally reacted. Following the results of her KILL THE rigorous investigation she DRUG has now demanded that the drug must not be sold without a prescription and a detailed patient analysis.

“I am very happy that the problem has been dealt with,” she told the Olive Press. “I will be making sure that the AEMPS recommendations are carried out and if necessary make sure it’s banned completely.” The Olive Press began investigating after a trio of expat families told us how their relatives had died unnecessarily in excruciating pain, after taking the drug in Andalucia.

In April, the paper revealed the first steps towards regulation had been taken, with Marina Salud, a big health network in Alicante, issuing a warning to stop administering the drug to British, Irish and Scandinavian patients. estepona@ibexinsure.com

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tating industry’.

The protest on Monday also called end to pollution, overcrowding for an and the growth of more tourist lets.

It comes after growing frustration residents who claim their quality from is being sacrificed for the comfort of life of visTOO MUCH: locals rail against itors. 'overtourism' The protest was in response to the meeting of EU tour- who ism ministers in Palma. rent legally.”

She also highlighted climate change The European Tourism Forum brought industry leaders lenge as a signific together to discuss the social sustainability for the islands. of tourism.

“We are a limited, small and fragile The summit aimed to find ways to promote ‘alternative’ just over territory. destinations. one million inhabitants and receive 1 tourists a year.

Balearic President Marga Prohens urged EU leaders to “We want bring in new laws to regulate holiday to minimise the negative effects rentals. of and be sustainable from an economic, She said: “Holiday lets present a great opportunity to ronmental social share the wealth generated by tourism. point of view. If just one of these a However, illegal everything thi ones create unfair competition for hotels and owners Ministers fails.” took part in a series of discussions at mit this week to try and combat the negative i the trade.

In particular, they signed a joint declaration in f social and sustainable tourism.

In the declaration, ministers agreed to advo ‘greener, more digital, inclusive, resilient and See pages 9 & 11 sive’ tourism.

They also vowed to create job opportunities and the ‘long-term well-being of everyone in the valu especially the local populations’.

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November 15th - November 28th 2023

7

WORTH PAYING FOR

W OUT: Roca leaving jail after 12 years, while (above) Pantoja and Muñoz were seldom off the celebrity pages

E at the Olive Press are always keen to talk to our readers to get constructive comments and feedback. After all, without readers – whether for printed papers or our website and online platforms – there is little point to our job.

But one question we continually get online when faced with our paywall introduced in 2020 is 'What do I get for my money?’ ‘Why should I pay? And ‘What am I paying for?'

The answer is simple: What you get is journalism… paying for people who excel at storytelling and uncovering information. Paying for journalists to do the work they love and the job they were trained to do.

Being behind a paywall frees us from the tyranny of hated 'clickbait journalism'.

A former waiter, Muñoz – nicknamed ‘Cachuli’ or ‘chancer’ – also successfully rose from nothing to become the mayor of Marbella in little more than a decade.

As the boyfriend of the famous singer Isabel Pantoja, his face frequently appeared in gossip magazines throughout Spain.

During his short term of office he publicly fell out with Roca who had him ousted as mayor.

He was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for perverting the course of justice, embezzlement and bribery, but released in 2021 due to a ‘severe and incurable illness’.

Despite this claim, he has been regularly spotted at the Real Padel club in Marbella and various golf clubs, enjoying cheeseburgers and glasses of wine.

Isabel Pantoja

Famous singer and ex-girlfriend of Muñoz, Pantoja was charged in a separate case and faced a huge fine and three years in prison, for helping Muñoz launder the money he received in bribes.

The star was also accused of obtaining large sums of money during her relationship with the former mayor.

In 2014, seven years after her arrest, she was handed two years in prison for money laundering and ordered to pay €1.15 million in fines.

She spent less than 18 months behind bars before being released on licence.

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the nightmares I burst into tears, I cry my eyes out. Every single one scared me to death.”

“After only taking a few tablets over four days, I was in serious trouble. I was very fortunate because I am a strong person.

I often think, thank goodness I stopped taking them because I might not have survived otherwise.”

In the years following his experience, Patrick says doctors have suggested his case could have in-part inspired the 2018 regulations.

He said: “It’s good but I feel cheated by the fact that all they’ve done is create an advisory and not a statute.”

“From my point of view, the question is what is a life worth? The problem is that it is a very good painkiller and it must be cheap because they dish them out like smarties.”

“Something needs to be done because people are still being affected. Others will suffer because they are turning a blind eye.”

Now, Cristina Garcia del Campo, an activist who has been fighting for greater restrictions on the drug, has launched a lawsuit against the Spanish Ministry of Health due to their inaction over Nolotil.

She urges those concerned to support the Asociación De Afectados Por Fármacos (Association for Those Affected by Pharmaceuticals) or donate to their Go Fund Me.

Jose Avila Rojas

Born in Granada, Avila Rojas is another of the many contractors involved in the case.

He was sentenced to a total of three-and-a-half years in prison and ordered to pay €16 million in fines.

Tomas Olivo Lopez

Among his many projects, business mogul Lopez owns a number of shopping centres including La Cañada in Marbella and the controversial Centro Nevada, in Granada.

He had been facing five years imprisonment and fines of up to €4.8 million after being investigated in the case, however he was eventually absolved in 2018 and went on to win a staggering €165 million from the Junta, whom he sued for paralysing works on a business complex.

Pedro Tomas Reñones Grego

A retired footballer who once captained Atletico Madrid, he became a councillor in Marbella in 1999 for the Grupo Independiente Liberal (GIL), founded by long-time Atletico president, Jesus Gil y Gil. After the local mayor was arrested he briefly took office in 2006 as an interim mayor, but was soon arrested himself.

He was sentenced to five years and six months in prison in 2016 on fraud and briber y charges.

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VICTIM: Patrick was put into a coma for six weeks

Nicknamed the Lady of Marbella, the Catalan lawyer was accused of being one of the main stooges for Roca.

Branded the mala mas sexy (sexiest baddy) of the case by gossip magazines, it is thought she was in charge of Roca’s investments and under his supervision became responsible for his money laundering in Madrid and Marbella.

She was sentenced to three-and-a-half years for money laundering in 2016 and was handed a mammoth fine of €30 million.

Marisol Yague

A former singer, Yague (above) was appointed as mayor by Roca following a vote of no confidence against Muñoz in 2003.

According to investigators she was Roca’s puppet, visiting him at his offices on Mondays to receive instructions and she allegedly took €1.8m in bribes from him.

In October 2013, she was sentenced to six years in prison and handed fines of more than €2 million.

She went to prison in January 2016 and a year later received another two-year sentence for embezzlement for using granite and marble from the municipal warehouse to renovate her house, called La Madrugada.

November 2023

The incredible allure of crafty courtyards has been turned into an artform in Spain, some with roses, others with geraniums and palms. We take a look at some with simply their history.

CREDIT: Photo by Jon Clarke

Julian Muñoz

With the knowledge that money is coming in, we do not have to chain our reporters to their desks to continually chase page views.

Thanks to those people who have signed up for just €1.50 per week (often less), we can afford to free our journalists to do what they do best – get out and about, meet people and report back to you, our readers.

It is how we spent a few days in Ibiza tracking down the dodgy fashion boss accused of molesting young models and how we spent months probing the movements of dangerous sex offender Christian Brueckner around Spain and Portugal.

Then there was the week spent tracking down the former ETA terrorist who had inspired hit BBC drama Killing Eve in Extremadura. And more recently to Granada, to bring unrivalled coverage of the dramatic three-day hunger strike launched by the mother of ousted football boss Luis Rubiales.

A testament to the quality of our reporting, it was picked up by The Telegraph, the Sun and even a string of Spanish national newspapers.

Closer to home, we always strive to be first on the scene to bring you the latest updates.

This week we spoke to expats diroperty rectly affected by the devastating fire in Mijas, who told us of their Courted by courtyards horror of waking up to blackened skies and ash-covered balconies.

We also had reporters on the scene in Madrid, where violent anti-government protests have been taking place for more than a week ahead of caretaker PM STAY IN THE NEST! Y Pedro Sanchez’s investiture vote.

Meanwhile our widely-read Property Magazine is packed with original content - including the story of how a Brit transformed a run-down farmhouse in Granada into a stunning two-bedroom home.

We have had hundreds of new subscribers in recent weeks.

VARIETY: Palacio de las Dueñas in Sevilla to a typical Cordoba patio and a modern design

OUNGSTERS in Spain among the oldest in Europeare to flee the nest.

The average age is an incredible 31 years,to leave home the third hising stock is 'social housing'

By Alex Trelinski ghest on the continent. to 7% in other OECD nations.compared Only Greeks and Slovakians leave The report did however home later. of optimism over the new sound a note continually rising prices.

The percentage of young Housing Law, with their parents is over adults living It blames the ‘difficult transition from which is seeking to ‘address the lack of affordable housing’ through case of 18 to 34 year olds, 60% in the education to the labour market’ regulations and and 50% for adds it creates 25 to 34 year olds. ‘a difficult transition to and tax measures.

The plan to allocate 40% independent life for The lack of affordable housing of new resiin cities High rental prices young Spaniards’. dential construction to social and popular tourist spots, mean youngsters housing costas and the Balearic including the priced out of the market, while there are half of it for social rental units - ‘could Islands, is the critically low is key issue. supply of council housing.a generate benefits for lower-income households’, ruled the report.

According to the report According to a new OECD average rents mic Survey on housing across Econo- have risen by 40% over the last decade “But only if carefully monitored to ensure Europe, compared to just that such inclusionary zoning Spain has a long-standing 10% in salaries. does not issue due to Yet, alarmingly, reduce incentives to start only 1% of Spain's houor drive up market prices,” new projects it added.

Lack of affordable housing is keeping Spaniards at home into their 30s

NOT LEAVING: Spanish

are the third oldest to

fly the nest

So thank you to everyone who has recognised that quality journalism is worth paying for!

Expats caught in the web It’s not just the Spaniards that got caught up in this huge operation.

A total of 11 foreigners were also embroiled in the scandal.

These included the German countess Alexandra Sybilla Sofie Grafin Von Bismark, Roca’s employee, Swedish born Karin Marika Mattson, Sergio Gilbert Garcia, born in Gibraltar, and Salvador Gardoqui Arias from France who was known to be one of Roca’s front-men.

SELF SCAN HERE TO LAND YOUR .99 AN UNLIMITED, AD-FREE €5 TION A MONTH ONLINE SUBSCRIP Get in touch today at sales@theolivepress.es or call us at 00 34 951273575 for more info

8

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WATER WARS

RESIDENTS hit with exorbitant water bills have decried ‘bully boy’ tactics after their town hall started threatening to cut off their water.

As the Olive Press reported last edition, around a dozen homes in La Viñuela received water bills running into the thousands of euros and around 20 more with bills in the hundreds.

The hardest hit are Scottish couple Gillian and Tom Hodge, who are facing horrifying bills of €74,000 after allegedly consuming an unbelievable 2.6 million litres of water in six months.

One Dutch resident claimed on Facebook she had received a ‘bizarre’ letter stating she had gone from 40,000 litres of consumption to 229,000 litres during a period she was on holiday.

“They say I have to fix this or they will turn off the water,” she added. “They think there is a leak or someone is tapping our water.”

Now the mostly expat victims have been accused of ‘abnormal water consumption’ in letters signed by the mayor, Jose Juan Jiminez, who is threatening to turn their taps off.

Despite two weeks of intense media interest since the Olive Press revealed the scandalous water bills, the town hall has refused to budge.

Jiminez flatly refused to take calls from local Spanish journalists and TV channel Antenna 3 - after similarly stonewalling the Olive Press.

“They don’t grasp the seriousness of the situation or even care about the effect their attitude has on their community,” Gillian said.

BEST N’S SPAI However, retired meBOTTOMS UP: 35 WINES . ses.. choo s Pres Olive The chanical engineer Paul Rouse, 70, is convinced OLIVE that the local mayor S S E R will eventually see reason.

“We are really lumping it on top of him and I know he’s getting stressed,” Rouse said.

“So I think we have enough bullets in the gun to eventually persuade the mayor to OR be more reasonable.”

TER NEXT DO THE MONS The

ANDALUC

Your

P

FREE Vol. 17

ÍA

expat

voice in Spain

er 1st ress.es Novemb

eolivep Issue 431 www.th

- November 14th

2023

DROP IT!

hit ’ after being ands ts left ‘panicking hall as expa ling hundreds of thous town hall Plea to town that the d r bills total lawyer suggeste with giant wate been

By Walter Finch someone had revealed her

has stealing his water.

A BRITISH expat hammered with d 180-day pe- “I laughed and shock after beingbills.

-size over the combine Press litres enough to fill an Olympic per said, ‘really? Is this €74,000 of water contold the Olive - or 601 litres a joke?’ But heI had Gillian Hodgely ‘panicked’ and is riod swimming pool firmed that used she complete from extreme stress. manager we apparently now sufferingpharmacist, who lives hour. told my property with “They leak in July, but it was fixed more water than The retired a and Scoland village would have between Spainreceived two eye-wa- had tely. This leak we were not the entire immedia Tom, and combined.” owns husband La Viñuela town had to be massive at the time. wildly who tering bills from meters to spin paying Lee, using the home causing the ’s LT Conwhen I even top of that we are overlook Marbella hall. first the usage - literally at 30 people, it With 66, “On is bone dry. , which employs to inspect and inflate “I couldn’t believe €73,640,” Gillian, rural land which leaking out, you struction l expert ing for air.

Crookshank told saw I owed Press. has much water our land would hired a technica Councillor Amber . an investigation told the Olive panic. I’ve been over- that ‘used have thought green, but it his property the Olive Press and the meters have Six-bed property and “I just felt raw stress since I saw the would be flourishing been launched for testing to make EXORBITANT:than whole village’ whelmed with No leak water . of the been sent isn’t.” definite- now they are calibrated properly the more bill last month.” d to just pay part it s two big dewere ‘no guaranand told him of Not permitte y unable to pay He came back leak’ nor any water sure the British expat admitted the but added there s will be happy.

The total comprise the third quarterfor bill and obviousl ‘no and for And was one ‘underst there extreme tees’ the resident mands, and the other hall didn’t Gillian is baffled.to pay for the ly middle of an nds there town theft.

“We are in the been con2022 for €28,420 of 2023 coming all, “I’m not refusing something drought and some have water,” he with problem.’ refusing to pay The Olive Press understa because just people d the second quarter of .

We’re more frustrate three g €45,220 the money “I’m figure out what’s suming huge amounts rates are deto a whoppin the two interim quar- water. . We don’t havestill entirely are at least to be done to new five-figure bills. getting it’s life-changing, people - the majority needs on and why people are explained. “The this wastage.”

Unbelievably,just €15.48 and €14.18 €70,000 even if we did, and 20 going to penalise to landed came further le bills.” signed ters been problem is not r, A these impossib s, Cerrado, later ers wrong.” ile her British neighbouto British expats - have s. he stressed the respectively. which administ the thousand residents Her colleague, Moisestheft was ‘a big And affecting British resident forced only water The town hall, her three-bedroom Meanwh 60, has been lawyers with bills in 100 and ‘also Belin- admitted that call in in addition, over water cubic Lee Talbot, area. with some Spanish the water, claims being And,also reeling from bills greatly big bills. “Thenationused 2.6 million problem’ in the do not live in after are property has quarter. the residents don’t know gians’ getting understand also “Many of sent a bill for flated on the previous es and they they are meters do notare trying to help all residents are their properti €43,000.

A trio of Spanish ality and we happening while The proper-r caught up in the fiasco. claimed what’s he told the Olive Press. in- our residents.”

6 Rouse, Paul of the Opinion Page ty develope of a away,” resident, Kent One bank manager told him years He expected the resultsfour weeks, from within his away vestigation back has appealed woman who had passed a bill for €1,500. ‘crazy’ the ago receiving has bill levied on Suspicion his six-bed- naturally fallen room home, on the water meoverloo king ters.

Viñuela reser- Some residents voir. air is entold the believethe pipes, tering Hodge owe He Olive Press Gillian and John Talbot (left) and STUMP UP: Lee d €117,000 combine

als Compare funer the Plans cover whole of Spain

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from Plans range ed simple unattend n to a direct crematio al send off more tradition

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frills’ a low-key ‘no bebefore cartel boss lived AN evil Mexican on the Costa del Sol years . life among expats the suspected it has emerged ing arrested, chief (pictured left) was(above) operaThe paranoid s Los Zetas gang head of the infamou for seven years. luxurious life anything but retions in Europe ly, he lived an Fuengirola, police have Yet, incredib street of back normal a in arrested Having finally vealed. home him at another it emerged in Madrid, leafy Calle he lived in for some Nuñez Balboa renting a years, while in Mijas, small chalet many 11 took where he See page

al rnation & Inte s All UK system TV - Sound CCTV ion & Vis t Interne & 4G Optic er Fib

NEWS

November 15th - November 28th 2023

Keep calm and marry on!

Brits looking to stay in Spain can sign ‘civil partnerships’ with their lovers

A BRITISH expat has revealed how he was able to stay in Spain by signing a so-called ‘pareja de hecho’ with his Polish girlfriend.

Mark Rofe, 34, slammed post-Brexit legislation which he said made it ‘impossible’ for him to live in the same country

By Laurence Dollimore

as his partner Alex Limanowka, also 34.

The couple signed a ‘pareja de hecho’ last year, which allowed Mark to gain residency in Spain and live in Barcelona.

W-ACKED!

PLANS for a new 5-star luxury hotel from the W chain have been shelved…despite the €300m project being underway for seven years.

The Junta has revoked its approval for the luxury hotel, known as ‘Las Dunas Club’ in Marbella.

The project, which has been under development since 2016, was set to go up on virgin Real de Zaragoza beach, in the Las Chapas area.

The change came after the PP town hall, which has been in power since 2018, began modifying the 1986 General Urban Development Plan (PGOU).

The new hotel complex was given the green light in 2022, but despite provisional approval, the Junta has now put a stop to the project.

The Junta ruled it was suspended due to ‘a substantial lack of information’ and other issues.

These included failing to provide 30% affordable housing in an adjacent residential development.

A ‘pareja de hecho’ is a legal status that a couple can apply for, if they can prove they have maintained a stable relationship and lived together for at least 12 months.

According to Immigration Lawyers Madrid the relationship “must be considered public and continuous, meaning that there must be documentation available to prove it and that there has been no interruption in the time you have been together during the last year.”

Mark, from Surrey, said: “I don’t think a lot of people realise just how difficult it is since Brexit to move and live in another EU country. The 90 in 180 day rule meant that I could only see Alex for half the year, and who wants to only see their partner for half the year?”

He said he looked at golden visas and other options, but added: “None of these were suitable, it was impossible, so we ended up doing the pareja

de hecho, a type of civil partnership, which is similar to a marriage, just without the formal ceremony. It wasn’t exactly something quick or cheap to do either, it cost thousands in legal fees and took about 6+ months for me to get my residency.”

Mark’s partner Alex, a relationship therapist said: “For a while things were uncertain, which put a strain on our relationship.

Thankfully for us though, we managed to find a way to make it work.

“Putting our situation aside, it does make me think how many other hundreds or thousands of other couples may have found themselves in a similar situation because of Brexit. It seems a bit sad that for Brits, even love has more boundaries than it did before.”

Tel: 952 147 834

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T H E O L I V E P R E S S A N D P I C U BA N U S I N V I T E YO U TO A B OT T L E O F W I N E * W i t h eve r y t a b l e re s e r va t i o n - s c a n t h e Q R c o d e.

JUNIOR ED

EAST HOUSE MAGAZINE

Pencils at the ready, tape recorders with battery: Four teams did battle at a new Laude school magazine competition, judged by the Olive Press’ Editor Jon Clarke

WEST E SID

OCTOBER 2023

WHAT’S UP NORTH?

LAUDE SAN PEDRO

giving you intell on whats really happening.

0 info@laudesanpedro.com � 952799900

(j) Urbanizaci6n Nueva Alcantara, Av. de le Corufia, 2, 29670

San Pedro

Alcantara,

W

most no subject off limits with budding reporters going on to tackle a range of subjects.

This included the painting Mona Lisa, school bells and even an in-depth report on the history of the Israel-Palestine crisis.

One investigative team tracked down - and snapped - the source of an ant ‘invasion’ in the new dining rooms and gave important tips on how to remedy it.

There were reports on local issues like a community clean-up, while a number reviewed that week’s popular San Pedro feria.

There were reviews of films and TV series, including Beckham and Gossip Girl, while one A message from South’s house captain excellent report highlighted the to fellow pupils issue of child slavery among various Disney products.

THE first inter house event was com- amazing job!

One magazine included horomemorated two weeks ago. Two IT Now, let me ask you a question: Does anyscopes, another jokes, while labs, a House base, a team of 32 stu- body know what this event was for? The all had an art section, featuring dents, four leaders and just one day inter-house magazine competition was some of the school’s best reto deliver, were necessary in order made to launch the House System. It was cent works. to create the school’s magazine. a way to wake up all the house members “We were incredibly pleased I believe I speak on behalf of and build pride for your house, as well as a with how well the teams did,” every House when I say: Thank guide for the house captains to get to know explained marketing boss Royou so much to the participants. our comrades. cio Ramos. “We gave them a Without you, none of this would And last but not least: the magazine was brief and a few pointers, but have been possible. a space where people from all ages were they came up with almost evI would also like to congratu- reunited, the two systems were combined erything else themselves.” late our amazing house cap- and we all learned to work in a team.

The groups of journalists were tains, Holly, Emma and Sophie. It was an experience in which we discovdivided into sub-editors, feaI know how hard it was to plan, ered the importance of communication, tures editors, writers, reportorganise and execute, as well as hard work, leadership and how to be a ers, proofreaders, graphic dehow much fun it was. Congratu- community! signers, IT support and runners lations on your leadership and I hope everyone enjoyed it and took a lesto do all the basic grunt work. determination! You girls did an son from it.

“They even had their own social media managers,” added

GREAT JOB!

11

13 The early years

Feat u

ts en

15

The space bar

with some dad jokes!

Where do young trees go to learn?

Elmentree school

Because they make everything up

Why are elevator jokes so classic & good?

Because they work on many levels

What do you call a fake noodle?

so

Where do young trees go to learn?

Elmentree school

An impasta

Why are elevator jokes so classic & good?

Because they work on many levels

18

so

Is this pool safe for diving?

It deepends

Why do bee’s have sticky hair?

Because they use sticky combs

21 Horoscopes

LAUDE ARTS

the

from ESO4 spoke and Haround Harrak Tougani Andreas Denia Pasquet them some questions. to some parents and asked no struggles with for over 8 years. He had of students started My child has been in school because a good amount socialising with anybody were impressed, another he is trilingual and they talking to him because them to socialise. Laude are young, it’s easier for reason is, when children and more confident. An being more self confident based on Robin has helped my son by play year performed an end of is good example is when they with the school and there events that Laude Hood. I have a good relationship few The parents. teachers and communication between should organise more therefore I believe they and students. I makes are super quality on the retention of teachers events. Laude could improve again is a great idea because years ago, houses but think the idea of making each other was tense against competing get to the atmosphere of students from different years to it also helps students also exciting and fun, make new friends and other each know

Why shouldn’t you trust atoms?

17 Ballroom dance

1

ART AND DESIGN AT LAUDE light and spacious “The Art Department occupies students learn the techniques accommodation in which including as well as other skills forms of drawing and painting of ceramics and other relief printing, the principles part of the curriculum for is a GCSE of artistic expression. Art 9. Thereafter, it is a popular all children up to Year option and A-level. and taught skills, methods At GCSE the students are they begin to explore their processes, and at A-level developing advanced skills. whilst own creative instincts both contemporary and They are introduced to inspire whose work is used to artists great renowned students’ ideas and ambitions”

The Unfortunate Truth of Disney Factories Still to this day many multinational corporatio rights to education, ns violate the children's safe childhood and labour is deprieving healthy developme nt. Child and keeping millions Nearly 1 out of 10 children are subjected of children out of school. to hazardous environme child labour in extremely nts.

In this article, I will children's nightmare discuss how many childrens dreams s. Disney is considered are other for many and is a the happiest place significant part of on earth many children's the world. It was childhood an escape from reality to many, creating all over magical experiences.

When we think of Walt animations and magicaldisney our first thought comes to their captivating theme parks however extend beyond this.

Disney's revenue Disney brings its streams animations, stories into life by creating and characters physical products from toys and shirts to books and food.

Now to end on a high

-

-

14

Local San Pedro feria

What Jon liked: I loved the 1970s bubble art theme.

THE DARK WORL Very on-trend, and OF DISNEY D the cover is an amazing piece of art, whoever designed it.

That said, the cover needed the house’s logo and something explaining the publication. ith pa w r re Content-wise, it was among the best, with a great think-piece on Disney and child labour and some of the best artworks.

Grammar and JOKES spelling was a little loose at times and it could have done with more photos.

Jokes at the end was a nice touch, even if one was repeated.

What’s an astronaut’s favourite part of a computer?

original artwork

-

-

10

5

with Mr. Kielstra

09 Art article

RUNNER UP - West magazine ‘West Side’

the day of 7 drew these flowers throughout Gisèle Knauf from Year House Magazine Competition.

-

08 Interview

-

ORIGINAL ARTWORKS

-

WEST SIDE

WINNER - North magazine ‘WHAT’S UP NORTH?’

INSIDE

04-05

9

What Jon liked: I found North’s magazine engaging right from the cover. The design was really slick throughout, with excellent layouts and a particularly good use of photos.

It had a common theme in terms of colours and styles and the artistic flourishes 1

LUCIANA HALLEY BACH

What Jon liked: The amazing photo on the cover was so alluring.

The best photo in all four magazines, but it lacked an explanation about what was in the publi- cation.

Also why osed!

Laude Over the summer holidays, the best San Pedro got rid of Last year thing ever: THE BELL. bell would after classes ended, a teachers tell both students and up and that they needed to pack With the go to their next class. are removal of the bell, students forgetting lost and teachers are This is when to finish classes. some of causing students to waste get into their education and as trouble with other teachers classes. Is they are late to their bell really taking away the iconic students sacrificing worth learning?

Interview with Ms. Montes

all?

FROM NORTH HOUSE

AMAZING - THEY REALLY ROSE TO THE CHALLENGE!

'The 120 students - without help from the teachers - really rose to the challenge and produced these amazing four magazines!'

Andrew Atkinson, headmaster

-Editor and house captain, Emma Laugus

and graphics were well used.

The content was generally good, although there were a few too many spelling and grammatical errors.

What happened to the headmaster interview?

There was a photo of two of the team grilling him, but no actual words.

is South’s logo on the back and not the front?

There was an interesting mix of ideas, particularly the thoughtful school bell news story.

This could lead to a good, ongoing campaign in future magazines.

Artwork by Dmitrii R. and Lucy Again Our amazing teachers! grammar and spelling needed tightening up

run by Student council, a group things For those who did not get the joke, the second person came students in order to improve back from a have decided trip to Germany, the first person asks if he managed all around the school, to meet girls. The second person says ‘NEIN’ which means ‘No’ in German. return. This that the bell should Since the first person dosen’t know German, he thinks the second person identical to said ‘Nine’, return wouldn’t be which caused the first person to think that the second the ring the with person got along nine girls during the trip. before but instead of be would it ond bell used to make, Interview with Mr. DeCommarm calmer and replaced with a new, feature of better sound. If this useful everyone our school were to return, together in the school must come Can the for the better of LAUDE. together LAUDE community come once and for This is the logo that represents to make the bell return the South

Rocio, w h o joined the school earlier this year, from Argentina.

THIS WEEK’S LAUDE NOTICES Olive Press editor Jon Clarke was also suitably impressed with the ART SPORTS EVENTS results.

“All four magazines had some decent and varied content, a couple were really well designed and my main gripe would be to hire better proofreaders,” he said.

“I’m sure, given time, I could whip them into shape.”

‘A big thank you and well done to our magazine team, you all make me so proud to be North cpatain!’

ALSO RUNNING - South magazine ‘South Side’

Laude Exp The Missing Bells

FRONT PAGES: Impressive work of the four houses

MAGAZINE

This is the new "IT" magazine

HEN four new houses at Laude school nominated editors to create four school magazines, the outcome was as unpredictable as next week’s news.

After recruiting teams of 30 youngsters each, across six years of the school, they were sent off to ‘conference’ to come up with ideas.

Each new house - named after the four points of the compass was set the task of producing a topical, newsy magazine that best reflected the popular Marbella school.

The brainchild of new headmaster Andrew Atkinson, there was al-

Sports in Laude

SOUTH SIDE

LAUDE SAN PEDRO FAMILY NOTICES

SOUTH SIDE MAGAZINE

ALSO RUNNING East magazine ‘East House Magazine’ What Jon liked: While not the most alluring cover it was certainly the most informative and icle most technically correct.

International art Generally, while the layouts could be improved, the general content was among the best.

The art section was very impressive, while the interview with Ludmilla was the best interview in all four magazines.

The Israel/Gaza article raised some interesting points, but needed to be less of an essay.

While the Mona Lisa idea was inspired, I didn’t know it was painted

by Leonardo de Caprio. w Lojovic Y13

Written by Matthe

rooted nding and deeply l, n conflict is a long-sta The Israeli-Palestinia ted issue with historica East. It is a multiface for struggle in the Middle have caused conflict dimensions that g political, and cultural around the competin primarily revolves land, which is decades. This conflict ans to the same Palestini and claims of Israelis by both. considered sacred

19th and Historical Roots: back to the late conflict can be traced ts began to The roots of this Jewish immigran s when waves of Tensions early 20th centurie Ottoman Empire. , then part of the War I and settle in Palestine period after World the British Mandate a plan to escalated during approved Nations when the United In 1948, exploded in 1947 and Arab states. into separate Jewish Israel partition Palestine to a war between independence, leading in its expansion, Israel declared its resulted victory states. Israel's and several Arab s of thousands of ment of hundred n, as many leading to the displace point of contentio the remains a central Palestinians. This still refugees, seeking are ants their descend Palestinians and their ancestral homes. right to return to

Interview with Mr. Clark

Interview with Mr. Atkinson

and I would have liked more photos and a sharper, more contemporary layout.

house, it represents

confidence and hard work. our We have a lot of confidence in what we do and we work as hard as steel.

This was drawn and designed

by Dmitrii R. and Lucy from Year 11 and Year 7 respectively.

Avenida. La Coruña, 2, 29670 San Pedro Alcántara - (Marbella) Telephone: (34) 952 799 900 - www.laudesanpedro.com

10

17 YEARS OF ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS www.theolivepress.es Scan to find out more

GREEN

Hotting up

November 15th - November 28th 2023

BATTERY SWITCH

Temperatures to climb up to 30C across Spain this week in hottest November on record

SUMMER-like temperatures have been sweeping through Spain with highs of up to 30C. This November is set to be hottest on record, with a phenomenon known as the ‘San Martin summer’ seeing the mercury rise to between 25 and 30C. Temperatures will drop on Thursday and Friday, only to rise again at the weekend, to above 30C in some areas.

According to Ruben del Campo, spokesperson for AEMET, temperatures will be ‘5 to 10 degrees higher than normal’, especially in the north and east of the country.

He added that the extraordinary heat will mark the highest November temperatures on record.

It comes after October also saw record temperatures, with highs of 39.4 degrees in some areas.

Renewable impact THE renewable energy industry accounted for 1.65% of Spain’s GDP in 2022, contributing €19.48 billion to the economy according to a Deloitte study.

The sector’s overall results were driven in large part by two technologies, wind and solar photovoltaic, which accounted for 73% of the total direct contributions.

Last year, the country saw the installation of 1,658 MW of new wind power, 4,611 MW of gridscale solar and 2,649 MW of solar self-consumption systems.

Renewables also helped to avoid the import of €15.23 billion worth of fossil fuels and saved €4.51 billion in CO2 credits.

By Yzabelle Bostyn

Although it rained four times more than usual in Spain throughout October, water levels in the South of the country remain dangerously low.

Water shortages have hit Malaga province particularly hard, with 60% of residents subject to water restrictions.

Axarquia has been in a state of ‘exceptional drought’ since 2021 and 2023 is set to be the area’s driest year

HEAT: This week’s temperatures are record breakers

on record.

La Vinuela, the area’s main reservoir, is at its lowest ever levels, at just 7.5% capacity and according to local council lead Jorge Martin, the reservoir will soon be ‘just mud’ with authorities un-

able to extract any water.

Similar shortages are creeping into other areas of the region, with the western Costa del Sol (Malaga to Sotogrande), also declaring ‘serious and exceptional shortages’ at the end of October.

ENERGY company Naturgy is to spend two years investigating whether electric car batteries can be recycled to create outdoor ‘second-life’ energy storage systems.

Used batteries will be put into units to store around 450 kWh of energy.

The repurposed batteries can then be used in various ways, such as supporting the power grid or self-consumption installations, operating either as part of a hybrid or as a stand-alone solution.

Naturgy says that an estimated 13 million tonnes of car batteries will reach the end of their primary use by the end of the decade - meaning that recycling is an important ‘green’ option.

As world leaders gather for climate change talks will anything change?

IT’S ‘COP OUT’ SEASON

W

ORLD leaders meet again at the end of this month in Dubai at an event known as COP28.

This is the 28th meeting of the Conference of Parties. The stated aim, as in the 27 previous meetings, is to discuss how to limit and prepare for future climate change.

It is hoped that this summit will keep alive the target agreed to by nearly 200 countries in Paris in 2015 to limit global warming temperatures to 1.5C. Fat chance! The world is on track to hit an increase of 2.5C by the end of the century according to the United Nations.

I predict that once again the elaborate and elegantly made commitments will not be adequate to stall temperatures rising, the disastrous consequences of which are regularly witnessed across the globe.

CONTROVERSIAL DUBAI The location for this year’s event is surrounded with controversy.

The UAE is one of the largest producers of oil in the world.

The CEO of the state owned oil company, Sultan Al Jaber, has been appointed as president of the COP28 talks.

The UAE is planning to increase oil production!

Oil, like gas and coal, are the fossil fuels responsible for climate change. Conflict of interest? I think so.

Campaign groups have likened it to the CEO of a cigarette manufacturer hosting a conference on cancer cures.

The agenda for the conference is what you would expect: ● Moving to clean energy sources ● Focusing on nature and people ● Delivering funds to help poorer countries tackle climate change I agree these topics require serious attention. I remain sceptical about the result.

In 2009 the so-called developed countries agreed to provide $100 million a year to help emerging nations.

It’s not happened yet.

WHY CHINA AND AMERICA MATTER

DUBAI: Will host COP28

There is a glimmer of hope. Last week John Kerry, the

Green

Matters

By Martin Tye

HOPE: John Kerry and Xie Zhenhua will meet again to hammer out details US climate change envoy, met with his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua to discuss the climate change challenges.

Hopes are high that some positive outcome will follow.

China and America are the two largest polluters on the planet. Per person China’s emissions are about half those of the US, but its huge 1.4 billion population and explosive economic growth have pushed it way ahead of any other country in its overall emissions.

These two countries can’t agree on Taiwan, trade sanctions, civil liberties and human rights.

Maybe, just maybe, there may be some common ground in them cooperating to save the planet they both want to rule.

Martin Tye is the owner of Mariposa Energía, a green energy company specialising in solar panel installations.

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LA CULTURA

Adaptable genius

THE grandson of Pablo Picasso says that if the legendary Spanish painter was alive today he might be experimenting with digital art.

As the 50th anniversary of Picasso’s death continues to be marked in Spain and France with a series of exhibitions called 'Celebracion Picasso', Bernard Ruiz Picasso believes the Malaga-born artist would have moved with the times.

“He could be using NFTs or digital art. He changed techniques,” he said.

“He was the most important artist of the 20th century and had a great hope that he could do something to make things better.”

LOOKING FOR MORE CULTURE STORIES? Scan to visit our website

November 15th - November 28th 2023

STONE AGE WAR

Mass grave from 5,000 years ago is discovered in Spain THE unexpected discovery of 300 fossilised human skeletons in what’s thought to be a mass grave has stunned experts and hints at a violent conflict dating back 5,000 years.

Researchers found that injuries to the skulls indicate a highly unusual and savage conflict for the Neolithic era.

The find was made in the Rioja Alavesa of Laguardia in the Basque country with a report on the astonishing site recently published.

Further excavations re-

By Walter Finch

vealed a 20sqm shelter which housed the human remains of around 338 individuals buried in ‘atypical positions,’ including face-down.

An armoury of 52 arrowheads, 64 cutting blades, two polished stone axes, and five tools made of bone were found alongside the remains.

The fossilised skulls showed signs of unhealed traumas, which indicate

GRIM: The mass grave dates back 5,000 years

the injuries caused the deaths of up to 78 individuals.

Disney attraction A PUBLIC vote has named The Alhambra the top spot in Spain for a Disney film.

The entertainment giant launched a survey to see which Spanish landmarks viewers would like to see on the big screen.

Granada’s famous monument took top spot, with 29% of the votes.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the palace is one of Spain’s most visited tourist destinations.

In second place was the country’s most visited attraction, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

And in third spot was Sevilla Cathedral, with 9% of the votes.

The city has already featured in a Disney film, with the Plaza de España used in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.

The axes and arrowheads matched the injuries to the skulls and were determined to be the deadly weapons.

The team of scientists, led

by Teresa Fernandez-Crespo, a professor at the University of Valladolid noted that damage to bones during violent conflicts are rare.

Usually it is the soft tissues which are catastrophically damaged.

Even in other cases of prehistoric massacres, the percentage of individuals affected by smashed up bones rarely exceeded half - indicating the extreme ferocity with which the people died.

11

Expat winner EXPAT author David S Joseph has clinched the short story award in The Paul Cave Prize for Literature 2023 for his short story Those things will kill you.

David, who lives in San Roque (Cadiz) wins £50 and a copy of Short stories, flash fiction and poetry.

Entries for this prize were received from all over the world: the UK, Australia, America, New Zealand, Canada, France, Spain, Sweden to name but a few, so David had a lot of competition.

Top prize SPAIN'S Luis Mateo Diez has won the 2023 Cervantes Prize, the Spanish-speaking world’s highest literary honour.

The prize is presented each April 23 on the anniversary of the death in 1616 of Miguel de Cervantes, author of 'Don Quixote' in a ceremony attended by King Felipe.

A prolific writer, Diez is known for his unreal and dreamlike stories based in the fictional region of Celama and picks up prize money of €125,000.

Culture Minister, Miquel Iceta, praised Diez, 81, 'for being one of the great narrators of the Spanish language, heir to the Cervantes spirit'.

952 147 834 * Vo l u n t a r y i n s u r a n c e c o v e r. S u b j e c t t o c o m p a n y u n d e r w r i t i n g c o n d i t i o n s . * D a t a e x t r a c t e d f r o m p r o c e s s c l o s u r e s u r v e y s a f t e r u s i n g o u r R o a d s i d e A s s i s t a n c e a n d b r e a k d o w n s e r v i c e s .

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LA CULTURA

November 15th - November 28th 2023

BOOTY CONTEST Battle over sunken galleon treasure worth €19 billion as salvage plans imminent

BATTLE: The incident that saw the San Jose explode and sink as represented on canvas

A

SPANISH galleon dubbed as the 'Holy Grail of shipwrecks' is set to be excavated from its watery doom with an estimated €19 billion in treasure believed to be on board

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By Alex Trelinski in the sea off Cartagena, Colombia.

Spain is amongst a number of countries and groups that claims the right to part or all of the treasure.

The Colombian government has announced an urgent plan to salvage the San Jose before President Gustavo Petro’s term ends in 2026.

It will be raised through a public-private partnership and the vessel’s bounty is also said to include intact Chinese porcelain, pottery, and cannons.

The galleon was sunk by the British Navy in 1708, during a skirmish in the War of Spanish Succession.

The San Jose sank 3,100 feet to the bottom of the Caribbean, taking all but 11 of the 600 people on board with it.

Believed to be still on the ship are 200 tons of silver and emeralds, along with an es-

timated 11million gold coins, which belonged to the viceroy of Peru.

The wreck was claimed to have been discovered by the Colombian government in 2015, but another group begs to differ.

Sea Search Armada says they made the find in 1981 and it has taken the case to

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We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Linea Directa please call 952 147 834. More information about Linea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com X MARKS THE SPOT: Many nations have laid claim to the treasure

arbitration in a London court, where they’re seeking €9.3 billion - roughly half of the ship’s treasure.

Colombia's Culture Minister, Juan David Correa, said that government divers visited the coordinates declared by the private company and found nothing.

The London court case is not the only claim on the sunken treasure.

Spain says it is entitled to a share of the bounty as the San Jose was a Spanish vessel carrying mostly Spanish passengers.

Peru and Panama are also asserting ownership because the goods were originally stolen from their lands, while the Bolivian indigenous Qhara Qhara nation wants a percentage because their ancestors, they say, were forced to mine the treasures in the 16th century.

Juan David Correa said that the Colombian government hopes to establish an archaeological lab which would 'clean, inventory, and study the San Jose', before moving the wreck to a national museum.

He made no comment on who will get the treasure.

Property

S pr pa op in’ in er s b En ty es gl ma t ish g

www.theolivepress.es

November 2023

Courted by courtyards

CREDIT: Photo by Jon Clarke

The incredible allure of crafty courtyards has been turned into an artform in Spain, some with roses, others with geraniums and some with simply palms. We take a look at their history.

VARIETY: Palacio de las Dueñas in Sevilla to a typical Cordoba patio and a modern design

STAY IN THE NEST!

Y

OUNGSTERS in Spain are among the oldest in Europe to flee the nest.

The average age to leave home is an incredible 31 years, the third highest on the continent.

Only Greeks and Slovakians leave home later.

The percentage of young adults living with their parents is over 60% in the case of 18 to 34 year olds, and 50% for 25 to 34 year olds.

The lack of affordable housing in cities and popular tourist spots, including the costas and the Balearic Islands, is the key issue.

According to a new OECD Economic Survey on housing across Europe, Spain has a long-standing issue due to

Lack of affordable housing is keeping Spaniards at home into their 30s

By Alex Trelinski

continually rising prices.

It blames the ‘difficult transition from education to the labour market’ and adds it creates ‘a difficult transition to independent life for young Spaniards’.

High rental prices mean youngsters are priced out of the market, while there is a critically low supply of council housing.

According to the report average rents have risen by 40% over the last decade compared to just 10% in salaries.

Yet, alarmingly, only 1% of Spain's hou-

sing stock is 'social housing' compared to 7% in other OECD nations.

The report did however sound a note of optimism over the new Housing Law, which is seeking to ‘address the lack of affordable housing’ through regulations and tax measures.

The plan to allocate 40% of new residential construction to social housing half of it for social rental units - ‘could generate benefits for lower-income households’, ruled the report.

“But only if carefully monitored to ensure that such inclusionary zoning does not reduce incentives to start new projects or drive up market prices,” it added.

NOT LEAVING: Spanish are the third oldest to fly the nest

14

PROPERTY Mark Stucklin

t.com www.spanishpropertyinsigh

E

CONOMICS professor at Barcelona University and authority on the Spanish property market, Gonzalo Bernardos, forecasts a soft patch for the market over the next 12 months, with business picking up again in the second half of 2024.

Speaking at a real estate trade event in Madrid, Gonzalo Bernardos said home sales and house prices will

November 15th - November 28th 2023

SOFT LANDING

Spanish real estate guru forecasts declining sales and prices until the second half of 2024 fall in 2024, but the trend will start to improve as next year progresses.

He estimates that sales will fall 15pc this year compared to last year’s boom, and that prices, though stable for now, will soon start to trend down. He forecasts a decline in sales

of 10pc in 2024, and a price decline of 3pc, as the market is dragged down by tighter mortgage financing conditions.

“Spain has entered into a real estate recession as household purchasing power has declined, even though the tourism sector’s output has increased and the economy hasn’t contracted, because the evolution of home sales doesn’t depend on employment so much as the evolution of credit,” explained Bernardos.

Interest rates have risen (see chart left), and banks are looking to reduce their exposure to real estate in the expectation of rising mortgage defaults. “Even though financial institutions are enjoying record results they are no longer offering mortgage LTVs of 90 to 100pc,” he

said.

“They will now only finance 80pc, and only to borrowers with an income of three times the mortgage quota.”

As a result of tighter financing conditions, the GURU: Gonzalo Bernardos forecasts an ease in interest rates market share of foreign buyers is increasing in the cy aimed at increasing the supply of most popular destinations. “That’s affordable housing (and attracting why in cities like Barcelona and young voters) that will not deliver the Madrid the presence of foreigners desired results. He argued that the is growing in importance, because shortage of new homes will continue for the foreseeable future, adding local demand is declining,” he said.

Economic problems on both sides of that “the development of land for the Atlantic, with Germany already building new homes has only taken in recession, and the US flirting with place in the metropolitan areas of it, mean that interest rates are likely to Madrid and Málaga.” start declining next year, which will The mismatch between supply and help the housing market recover in demand in most big Spanish cities the second half, argues Bernardos, is “crushing the middle class, aswho forecasts that Eurozone interest king them to pay €350,000 for a rates will end next year down at flat of 50 sqm, prices that used to be reserved for the luxury sector,” 3.5pc, compared to 4.5pc today.

Bernardos also had critical words to he warned. say about current government poli-

PROPERTY

November 15th - November 28th 2023

15

DALI-CIOUS!

THE iconic works of Spanish art genius Salvador Dali have inspired a wave of ‘melting’ homewares.

Among the most trendy items flying off the shelves are the seemingly liquid disco balls pouring off tables by designer Kelly Wearstler, alongside a super trippy rug by Henry Holland for Floor Story.

Dali was a surrealist painter from Catalunya whose psychedelic works famously featured melting clocks and other distorted objects.

The maestro died in 1989, but it seems his in-

Canaries to regulate holiday homes THE Canary Islands are planning to ban holiday homes in certain municipalities and tourist areas.

It comes following an increase in what it dubs 'gentrification' and ‘touristification'.

Opinions of residents are now to be canvassed ahead of drafting a new law with some areas having up to a third of housing that is purely for tourist purposes.

Besides introducing 'zero growth' areas, certain municipalities will get a percentage limit on the number of new holiday homes that can be built.

The government hopes to approve its new law on tourist housing next year.

Currently, there are 47,051 regulated tourist accommodations in the community, which offer 195,532 beds.

This totals 3.6% of the regional housing stock – the second highest in Spain, only beaten by the Balearic Islands (5%).

It comes after Idealista discovered the number of long term rentals has fallen by 22% in the Canaries in the last four years.

MEGA PARK A SUPER-GREEN €22 million mega park is taking shape on the Costa del Sol. The huge 36 acre space will count on 2,000 trees and 20,000 plants when finally finished.

The ‘green lung’ in Mijas - said to be the largest such space in Malaga province is due to be finished by early 2025.

Stretching from Cerros de Aguila to La Venta de la Morena, the project has already been underway for seven years and will have an outdoor amphitheater, skate park, running tracks, bike lanes and a climbing wall.

CLOCKING ON: Designers, including Kelly Wearstler and (inset) Tom Dixon are influenced by Dali’s famous melting clocks picture

fluence is still being felt in the decor business.

Other Dali-inspired items include a Melt Portable LED lamp by Tom Dixon.

Even H&M Home has cottoned on, with the high street store selling a new collection of vases and candle holders which appear to resemble liquid forms.

HAMLET BACK ON THE MARKET Owners look for €280,000 profit by flipping entire village bought for just €300,000 a year ago

Toledo constructor Oscar Torres a year ago.

EVER fancied being lord of the The village consists of 44 houses, a bar, manor?

Well now’s your chance after an a church, a school, abandoned hamlet went back on a swimming pool, a sports centre and sale again.

Salto de Castro, in Castilla y León, a former Guardia was only bought for €300,000 by Civil barracks, but minus any residents.

Just 100 metres from Portugal’s border in the isolated Zamora province, it had been set to become a rural tourist hub.

But now, after various architectural ‘improvements’ it has gone back on the market for €580,000.

It is in the heart of the Meseta Iberica UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with stunning views of the Douro River.

Last year's sale LOCATION, LOCATION: Salto sits overlooking the Douro river by the Portugal border was said to have

By Alex Trelinski

attracted offers from Saudi Arabia, Brazil and the UK as well as 20 other investors.

The entire community was constructed by Iberdrola in the 1940s to house workers building the dam adjacent to AMENITIES: Include a church, school and sports centre it, however, once the project was finished, it was aban- Experts have estimated it will cost doned and has stood empty for around €2 million to make it workable as a key visitor attraction. more than 30 years.

CAPITAL DREAMING: Madrid is one of the hot spots to live MADRID is the fourth most desirable city to live in for people moving abroad.

Only Paris, Miami and Dubai come before the Spanish capital as the dream destination to relocate to.

It was the city most searched to move to in eight countries around the world.

But it was the Middle Eastern metropolis of Dubai that took the top spot, according to Google search data.

‘Move to Dubai’ was the top search in 60 countries, including the UK, US and Australia.

The coastal city of Miami came in second with Paris coming in third spot.

Madrid came fourth, tying with New York and Singapore, while London and Brussels were tied for fifth place.

Madrid is, in particular, a popular destination with Latin Americans, ranking top in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and the Dominican Republic.

Barcelona was also popular in Latin America, taking the top spot in Colombia.

Spain shares a common language with many countries in Latin America, making it an attractive destination.

In 2022, 820,000 Latin Americans lived in Madrid, almost 50% more than in 2015.

In particular, Madrid is attractive due to the wealth of job opportunities, with 16% of Spain’s jobs found in the capital.

The city is also home to one of the

best public transport systems in Europe, vibrant neighbourhoods, great nightlife and connections to cities all over the continent.

It is also a multicultural hub, with people from all over the world calling it home.

The results were unearthed by website Remitly, which offers financial services for immigrants.

Researchers analysed 164 countries, identifying which location was most searched for using the term ‘move to [city]’.

Although Dubai was the most popular city overall, North America was the most sought after continent, with cities in both the US and Canada in the top seven ranking.

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PROPERTY

November 15th - November 28th 2023

BE SQUARE

S

The Spanish have long understood that courtyards offer a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living

By Dilip Kuner

The history and cultural significance of these courtyards, will help you incorporate the essence of

Photos by Jon Clarke

PANISH courtyards have long been admired for their timeless beauty and tranquility.

These exquisite outdoor spaces have played a significant role in Spanish architecture and culture for centuries. Today, they continue to inspire interior designers around the world, as they seamlessly blend the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.

EXQUISITE: The breathtaking splendour of the main entrance courtyard at Sevilla’s Palacio de las Duenas and (right) a contemporary design example

THE

them into your own home.

The tradition of Spanish courtyards dates back to ancient times, with influences from various civilizations such as the Romans and Moors.

These courtyards were originally designed as central gathering spaces within homes, providing natural light, ventilation, and a sense of privacy.

They served as oases from the bustling city streets, offering a serene retreat for relaxation and contemplation.

Throughout history, Spanish courtyards have also played a significant role in social and cultural gatherings.

They have been venues for celebrations, music and dance performan-

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PROPERTY

November 15th - November 28th 2023

17

RIOT OF COLOUR: A courtyard in Cordoba, made famous for its geraniums

ces, and even religious ceremonies. The iconic ‘patio’ in Spain, often adorned with colourful tiles, intricate ironwork, and lush greenery, has become a symbol of Spanish identity and a testament to the rich architectural heritage of the country.

SPANISH COURTYARD DESIGN ELEMENTS Spanish courtyards are characterised by a unique blend of architectural and design features that create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

ANIMAL COVER

L

IBERTY SEGUROS' pet insurance has grown by 25% in the past six months, surpassing one million euros in annual revenue. According to company data, this growth follows the trend of the last two years, as this segment grew by 12.7% in 2021 and 13.6% in 2022.

The new Law on Animal Welfare, which came into force on 29 September,

makes it compulsory for dog owners to have civil liability insurance. And this fact has been reflected in the demand for both Civil Liability insurance, which in August alone has shot up by 623%, and Liberty's specific product for pets, which in the same month has increased by 70%.

However, compulsory civil liability insurance for natural or legal persons owning dogs will not be

VERDANT: The celebrated Palacio de Viana in Cordoba has over a dozen courtyards

Continues on next page

Liberty's pet insurance sales up 25% in last six months effectively applicable until the corresponding regulatory development takes place. In this sense, Liberty stresses that behind the growth of these insurances recently there is also a growing concern of pet owners to cover their main needs and risks.

José Luis García Camiñas, Liberty's Executive Director of Product in Europe, says: “We expect this segment to continue to grow in the future not only because of increased regulatory requirements but also because of society's growing concern to protect the welfare of their pets and to have cover for issues such as veterinary expenses, theft and travel assistance. Specifically, more than 90% of the claims reported to Liberty under pet insurance correspond to veterinary expenses. The rest correspond to the death of the animal, liability issues and theft or kidnapping”.

The number of dogs in Spain is estimated to be more than nine million, but having them insured is not a widespread practice. This contrasts with countries such as the USA where 70% of households have

a pet and between 20% and 25% of them, especially dogs and cats, are insured. In the EU, 25% of EU households have a dog, according to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). "Due to all of these factors, this insurance product, which was initially demanded by residents in Spain from other countries, and which has been increasingly valued by national clients, presents a significant growth potential in the forthcoming years", says José Luis García Camiñas.

Main changes that Spain’s new animal welfare law will bring The Animal Welfare Law, which came into force on 29 September, establishes new obligations for pets, and in particular for dog owners. One of these is the obligation to have Civil Liability insurance to cover possible damages and injuries caused by dogs, whatever their breed, to other people, animals, or things.

However, this obligation will not be effectively applicable until the regulatory development of the rule takes place.

On the other hand, the classifi-

cation of potentially dangerous dogs (PPP) disappears and the concept of special dog handling is created. An individualised sociability study will determine whether a dog is a special dog handling. In addition, a compulsory training course for dog owners will be introduced. The development of these two elements is also still awaiting a regulation.

Customised Insurance also for Pets Liberty Seguros has comprehensive insurance policies for pets, a product that is defined by its many adjustment options to provide protection for the insured animal against risks such as accident and illness and which can be taken out as a basic package with the possibility of adding others with optional guarantees.

As for civil liability, it also offers specific insurance for this legal cover for damage to third parties or as optional cover within home insurance. José Luis García Camiñas explains: “Each pet owner can personalise their pet policy in the way that best meets their particular needs and pay only for what they really need”.

VISIT WWW.LIBERTYEXPATRIATES.ES FOR MORE INFORMATION OR CALL 91 342 25 49 FOR THE NAME OF YOURNEARES AGENT/BROKER.

ADVERTORIAL

POPULAR: There are over 9 million dogs in Spain

One of the key elements is the use of water features, such as fountains or small pools, which not only provide a soothing sound but also cool the

18

PROPERTY

November 15th - November 28th 2023 INCORPORATING A SPANISH COURTYARD INTO YOUR HOME Bringing the essence of a Spanish courtyard into your home can transform any space into a tranquil oasis. Whether you have a large backyard or a small balcony, there are various ways to incorporate the elements of a Spanish courtyard into your interior design.

If you have a spacious outdoor area, consider creating a dedicated courtyard space. Start by defining the space with a pergola or trellis, providing shade and privacy.

Incorporate a water feature, such as a fountain or a small pond, to add a calming ambiance. Use colorful tiles on the walls or floors to infuse the space with vibrancy. Complete the look with comfortable outdoor furniture and potted plants to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

For those with limited outdoor space, consider creating a mini Spanish courtyard indoors. Choose a sunny spot near a window and designate it as your courtyard area. Use large potted plants to create a green oasis, and hang colorful tiles on the wall as a focal point.

Incorporate a small water feature, such as a tabletop fountain, to add a soothing element.

By carefully selecting furniture and decor that reflect the essence of Spanish courtyards, you can create a charming and inviting space within your home.

ATMOSPHERIC: The main patio at Ronda Romantica is the perfect place to relax From previous page

surrounding air.

These water features often serve as the focal point of the courtyard, drawing the eye and creating a sense of tranquility.

Another essential design element is the use of vibrant and colourful tiles.

Spanish tiles, known as ‘azulejos,’

COBBLES: At Palacio de Viana the detail is extraordinary

are renowned for their intricate patterns and bold hues. From geometric shapes to floral motifs, these

tiles add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the courtyard.

Whether used on the walls, floors, or even as decorative accents, they instantly infuse the space with character and charm.

Incorporating natural elements is also crucial in Spanish courtyard design. Lush greenery, such as potted plants, climbing vines, and citrus trees, adds a refreshing touch of nature to the space. Wooden pergolas or trellises covered in flowering vines provide shade and create a cozy atmosphere.

Additionally, the use of natural materials, such as stone, terracotta, and wrought iron, adds an authentic and rustic touch to the overall design.

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PROPERTY CHARMING: The house in the tiny village of Fornes in Granada

START: how it was (left) stripped back (middle) and the final result (right and far right)

A

BRITISH retiree has transformed a rundown farm house in southern Spain into a stunning two-bedroom home.

Michelle Garrod, 58, bought the centuries’ old building in Fornes, Granada, for just €45,000.

The former Lloyds financial adviser, from Bristol but based on the Isle of Man, spent around the same on construction works over the past three years.

It was finally completed in August and is now worth at least €125,000 - equalling a profit of €35,000 if she decided to sell, although she’s in no rush.

“I’m absolutely in love with it, it’s like my baby,” she told the Olive Press.

“My sister calls me the armchair designer, I just sat at home looked at ideas and relayed them over to the

Armchair designer

British part-time expat rebuilds centuries’ old farmhouse in Granada - with stunning results

The building was used in past centuries as a simple shed to store hay for horses. It formed part of a quadrant English builders we use in Spain and of houses constructed some 200 years ago by local farmers. they did an amazing job.

“We tried to keep as much of the Michelle added: “It was so horrible building’s original character as pos- and damp at first and the smell was incredible. sible.”

“The builders were brilliant and they took out all the internal walls downstairs. It’s double fronted, but at the back it narrowed, so we put in bifold aluminium doors which slide right IZNÁJAR, CÓRDOBA, ANDALUSIA open and flood the interior with DETACHED HOME, COMPLETELY FURNISHED light.

“In the little alBedrooms: 6 | Bathrooms: 4 | Reception Rooms: 3 cove we put a EXCLUSIVE

By Laurence Dollimore

Furnished Country Retreat Your dream home/investment, ready to move into.

Property Size: 337 sqm | Land Size: 1545 sqm | Year Built: 1950

kitchen, but it’s all open plan and we kept all the original beams that we could, made from local poplar trees.

“We took up the floor and re-concreted and in the back of the garden we replaced the septic tank with a plunge pool, which has seats built in.”

Michelle is hoping the property will accrue more value after plans were revealed this year for a new road connecting the town to the coast in just 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, Fornes is becoming somewhat of a tourist attraction thanks to its natural beauty.

Nearby is the Roman spa town of Alhama de Granada, featuring a stunning blue lake and free thermal baths.

Michelle adds: “The skies are also amazing here because there is such little light pollution.

“You can see the bats and swallows from the balcony, which overlooks

the garden.”

Michelle used stones from the local riverbed to wall the garden, and also installed an outdoor shower.

This is not Michelle’s first foray into house design, having already been nominated for awards back in the UK - not bad considering she sees it as her ‘hobby’.

Her ‘House of Glass’ on the Isle of Man was nominated by the BBC Northwest for Best Architectural Design. It was also put up for Best Coastal House on Rightmove.

Michelle adds: “I would tell anyone thinking about flipping a house in Spain to just go for it, it can be done, just make sure you use builders you can trust.

“We got almost everything from Leroy Merlin, it doesn’t have to be as complicated as you might think.”

€598,000 • Completely reformed in 2004 and well maintained to the present day 2023 • Large swimming pool 13mtr x 6mtr with natural stone built waterfall.

• Decking area under the grand oak tree overlooking the fish pond and gardens.

• Fish pond with waterfall by the decking area.

• South facing, all day sun, east to west.

• Panoramic views of the valleys, olive groves and mountains.

• Family room next to kitchen with large free standing log burner.

• Separate utility/pantry to kitchen.

• Living room with marble fireplace inset log burner.

For more information or to arrange a viewing please contact: tel: +34 628 121 373 email: thomasbodell@yahoo.co.uk

TRANSFORMED: Septic tank became a pool

www.magnoliaproperty.co.uk/details/10508

V I L L A , B E N A H AV Í S R4407832 – 1,200,000€ This stunning villa is in one of the best plots in Benahavís village being a short walk to all amenities but benefiting from its quiet position with all-day sun and stunning views of the mountains and gorge from every room.

This home is fully refurbished and benefits from being laid out over one level.

As you enter the property, there is a spacious and bright open-plan living room, dining area and kitchen all with breathtaking views of the mountain. Leading off the main living room, there is an enclosed sun room providing an additional living and dining area facing the mountains and pool.

The modern fully fitted open-plan kitchen has the benefit of a separate laundry room.

There are 3 bedrooms, the master having a full-size walk-in dressing room and an ensuite with a walk-in shower and bath. An additional bathroom includes a full-size shower.

BED: 3 | BATH: 2 | BUILT SIZE: 170 M2 | PRIVATE GARAGE | GARDEN/PLOT: 2162 M2 | PRIVATE POOL

T: +34 952 85 54 89 E: info@propertiespain.com W: www.propertiespain.com Urb. La Aldea Plaza Camilo José Cela, Local 1 29679 Benahavís, Málaga, Spain

PROPERTY DIGITAL DELIVERY

22

Leading surveyor in Spain, Campbell Ferguson, has been working full tilt through the summer… while on the road as a digital nomad

W

ITH the miracle of cloud computing, there isn’t really any difference between being in an office or in a motorhome these days.

So now we are in…wait, just checking the weather app… a village in rural Valencia.

After analysing a couple of key surveying reports undertaken by our teams along the Costas, it was time to head out to check what the village had to offer.

But after finding just two bars, a pharmacy, a church and, oh, an olive oil cooperative, we wonder why anyone would choose to move here.

We are staying over for a few nights because the town hall is offering a free place to stay with water and a wastewater station, all provided by the community.

But the place is really very quiet compared to our buzzing home town of Estepona.

Difficulties of towns alive

keeping

rural

Maybe I’m being a bit hard on the place, as it’s really very charming, but in places like this it is easy to understand

why Spain has such a problem keeping rural regions alive.

With primary school kids often having to be bussed half an hour away and secondary school kids having to travel as far away as Castellon, it’s really tough.

And once they’ve enjoyed the urban delights (perhaps at university afterwards in Barcelona or Valencia) they are li-

kely to find a return to their old village rather boring. But with youngsters in Spain among the oldest to finally leave home (see front page story), at least in villages like this they would be able to afford the rent (just 390€ a month for a three-bed home!).

Even a mortgage would be more than doable, with the price of buying a property a quarter of what they’d SURVEYED FROM AFAR: Campbell has been working in Besalú and (left) a village in Valencia pay in the city.

Perhaps that, and the almost counanswer to these problems. for staff to find homes. try-wide availability of fast(ish) moRestaurants, cafes, bars and hotels are Maybe it will turn to rural tourism as that bile and even cable internet, will finding they can hardly continue to ope- is as rewarding as finding places like encourage young families with inrate or need to raise wages and there- those in the photos. ternet-based income to return to the fore prices of their meals, drinks and With Lonely Planet recently praising simpler life where they can raise their rooms, which will affect tourist ‘return’ Spain for having some of the most sustaichildren. decisions. If that happens, income for nable green tourism policies in the world City centres, and especially those with investors might well in turn drop and so there is hope. a strong tourist appeal, appear to property rents and prices will fall across be on the road to collapsing, as the To get your home surveyed pleathe board. prices paid by investors and Airbnb OK, it’s a rather simplistic economic out- se contact us at the details beclients is making it almost impossible look, but someone will need to find an low...

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL +34 952 923 520 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE WWW.SURVEYSPAIN.COM

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL +34 951 318 480 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE WWW.TERRAMERIDIANA.COM

FRONTLINE GOLF, NUEVA ANDALUCÍA Ref: OP13734 Beds: 7 |

BEACHFRONT FLAT, MARINA PUENTE ROMANO Ref: OP14336

Built: 510 m² | Terraces: 140 m² | Plot: 1,824 m² | Price: € 7,900,000

Beds: 3 | Built: 137 m² | Terraces: 30 m² | Price: € 6,995,000

PANORAMIC VIEWS, MONTE HALCONES Ref: OP14465 Beds: 5 |

PENTHOUSE, MONTE PARAÍSO COUNTRY CLUB Ref: OP14047

| Built: 531 m² | Plot: 1,732 m² | Price: € 3,100,000

Beds: 4 | Built: 269 m² | Terraces: 147 m² | Price: € 2,695,000

FRONTLINE PUERTO BANÚS Ref: OP14194 Beds: 2 |

REFURBISHED FLAT, EMBRUJO DE BANÚS Ref: OP14406

Built: 128 m² including terraces | Price: € 1,600,000 | Also available for rent.

Beds: 3 | Built: 166 m² | Terraces: 26 m² | Price: € 1,295,000

Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 panorama.es

Offices at Puente Romano and opposite the Marbella Club hotel

PROPERTY

24

November 15th - November 28th 2023

Turning

By Laurence Dollimore

Japanese

T

HIS ‘GODAI pavilion’ in Cantabria will have you turning Japanese thanks to its stunning interiors and views all inspired by the Far East country.

The structure is actually a guest house which has been attached to a pool at a pre-existing property.

Designed by Baldo Arquitectu-

ra, the pool house is named after the Japanese term ‘godai’, which represents the five elements in the country’s philosophy: earth, water, fire, wind, and emptiness.

Continuing the Japanese theme, the ceilings have been designed to replicate origami, while the interior walls are made from bamboo, giving a ‘walnut effect’.

The floors and ceilings are also crafted from bamboo, paying homage to traditional rooms in Japan known as ‘washitsu’.

Meanwhile the exterior walls are made of black bamboo, broken up by huge bay windows which look onto the jaw-dropping swimming pool.

IMPOSING: Japanese style pavillion features exterior walls made of black bamboo

An escape to the Costa del Sol to embrace the Mediterranean Sea

Mãla Kai Resort is located in the heart of Estepona (Málaga), has 70 apartments with 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms and penthouses with a rooftop terrace, private Jacuzzi and panoramic sea views.

Quality of life, security, environment, services, local culture, gastronomy, luxury, nature, golf and infrastructure turn Estepona into an authentic Mediterranean paradise that offers a wide range of attractions and entertainment to its fortunate residents at any time of the year. Mãla Kai Resort is the best bet for those who are looking to live peacefully under the Sun of Mediterranean in a safe and quiet environment surrounded by all kinds of services and amenities.

Do you want to live in Spain? Are you looking for a luxury property on the Costa del Sol to invest in and get the most of profitability? If you are clear about your objectives Mãla Kai Resort is the perfect option for you.

THE COMMITMENT OF A GREAT BRAND Urbincasa has established itself in the market as a strong brand through commitment to its customers and has built and designed all types of homes in the Spanish Levante for national and international clients is also linked to the Zamora Company Group, the soul of the world-famous Licor 43 and wines Ramón Bilbao. The company is currently a benchmark in land development, design and execution of urban projects.

Founded in 1967, Urbincasa stands out in the real estate sector for being a pioneer in the development of what we know today as Sustainable Development Goals (SDG),

40 min.

10 min.

30 min.

55 min.

Gibraltar

Estepona

Marbella

Málaga

applying in each urban project the most efficient measures to lower the impact on the environment as well as the latest technologies to achieve greater energy savings in homes.

Urbincasa is committed to measuring its carbon footprint and applying compensatory measures through implementation of environmental projects.

All of these actions have made Urbincasa achieve important recognitions and certifications that currently make the company a benchmark in the development of new construction homes in the Spanish Mediterranean.

Discover Mãla Kai Resort

Mãla Kai Resort is an exclusive new construction, Mediterranean facing residential complex that is located between Marbella and Sotogrande developed

by Urbincasa, a prestigious real estate developer with more than 55 years of experience and 8,000 homes built along the Spanish Mediterranean coast.

PROPERTY

November 15th - November 28th 2023

25

SLEEK: A ‘walnut’ bamboo is used for the interior walls

STUNNING: Guest house is attached to the end of a gorgeous pool

VON PRIVAT SU PRIVAT

UNIQUE AND EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY! I would like to introduce you to this beautiful and very interesting finca, comprising 2 plots which, although linked by the lush pool area, each have their own entrance and are in an enclosed urbanization in the green heart of Alhaurín de la Torre.

On the first plot of just over 2,000 m2, there is a surprising Mediterranean style house on 2 floors.

It has double glazed windows protected by grilles from an old convent, with door frames and stained-glass windows with history and each of the rooms offers an escape in time thanks to its elegant decoration, not forgetting the Roman columns at the entrance to the property.

The ground floor is distributed over 2 living rooms (1 with a fireplace), 1 dining room, 1 very spacious kitchen, 1 bed-

room with bathroom in suite, 1 toilet and a hall, from which you access the upper floor.

This first floor consists of 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, 2 of which are in suite, a hallway, and an open terrace.

The lawns, trees and flowers of this peaceful place have the good fortune to be generously watered thanks to the private well that the property enjoys.

The second plot of 1,192 m2, also flat, is a great opportunity to have a second totally independent house.

The Finca is only a few minutes’ walk to the village, with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, bars, health centers, schools and a 10-minute drive to Malaga, the airport and the first beach.

Do not hesitate to call me for a visit!

– SR1

https://youtu.be/Nn-0BAwUC7A

Interesting TWO in ONE Alhaurín de la Torre Málaga 373 m² constructed plot 3’237 m² 5 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 1 Toilette 1 car garage

1’100’000 €

OFFICE: +34 952 802 912 WWW.MELROSE-PROPERTIES.COM

Established in 1984

SALES@MELROSE-PROPERTIES.COM RENTALS@MELROSE-PROPERTIES.COM AVENIDA LUIS BRAILLE, Nº31, 29680 ESTEPONA, MÁLAGA

PENTHOUSE

TRADITIONAL SPANISH VILLA

MODERN APARTMENT

Fantastic Penthouse apartment with panoramic views. Amazing location and walking distance to Estepona town.

2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms (originally 3 so easy to convert back) Garage and storeroom included in the price.

Must be seen!

Stunning traditional Spanish style villa, set in lush gardens, fruit trees and swimming pool.

5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.

Lovely views to sea and countryside.

Close to Estepona town and the new Laguna Village.

Wonderful modern apartment in Golfers’ paradise. Spacious and light, a modern design with southwest facing patio windows.

2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, one with jacuzzi the other bathtub.

Set in a private complex with community swimming pool and the bonus of 2 private parking spaces.

PRICE: 630,000€

PRICE: 2.150,000€

PRICE: 339,000€

Estepona Port

Close to Estepona town

Los Flamingos, Estepona

Scan to getbueno.com

PROPERTY

28

November 15th - November 28th 2023

Someone to turn to

A

RE you struggling with a Spanish property debt issue and are unsure of the options available to you?

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GORGEOUS: The Costa del Sol is a fantastic location, but sustainability should be key

The Property Insider

by Adam Neale

T

HIS year’s return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism has most expats in Spain breathing a sigh of relief.

Tourism is, after all, the economic lifeblood of the costas and many other touristic regions of Spain, along with agriculture.

However, I believe the two-year pause in visitor numbers shone an important bright light on the other side of tourist-focused economics: that of over-development.

‘Over-tourism’ is the current idiom, with an academic in London recently defining its difference from ‘mass tourism’.

“Over-tourism is more likely to affect destinations that weren’t necessarily designed for tourism: Venice, Dubrovnik, Barcelona,” explained Dr Ross Bennett-Cook.

“Then there are places like Benidorm and Magaluf that receive masses of visitors, but because they were built for tourism, they are prepared for it.”

This certainly makes sense: tourism needs to be planned and must not be seen as a short-term ‘cash cow’.

Tourism-planning requires proper investment in quality infrastructure that will

BACK TO THE FUTURE As tourism returns to the costas sustainability MUST be top of the agenda in the coming years, writes Adam Neale endure – not the too-often seen classic smash-and-grab approach.

The likes of Benidorm and Magaluf were built to absorb mass tourism, but on the Costa del Sol we are usually playing catch up. Here, we continually let economic development trump considerations for the environment and infrastructure.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY Take the issue of water. We had warnings as far back as the early 1990s about supply problems.

It led to Marbella opening a desalination plant in 1997, when the resort had a population of just under 100,000 during low season.

That low season population has since grown by 50% to 150,000 people, while the number of tourists who visit each

MAGNIFICENT: Colomares Monument near Benalmadena

around 30% capacity in Malaga province) at the worst level in history.

Of course, it is good that action is being taken, but why wasn’t this planned well in advance?

It has long been known that tourism and year-round population was growing at year has doubled since 2000.

The demand on freshwater infrastructure a rapid pace, so why weren’t the town – along with other infrastructure, such as halls keeping up before? roads - has therefore grown enormously, GREEN SPACES AND URBAN but little has been done to keep up.

Incredibly, the entire Costa del Sol – PLANNING which has seen its overall population double in the last 10 years – still only has The planning problems also apply to many other aspects of development, the Marbella desalination plant.

There is work being done to double the from traffic to green spaces. capacity of this plant by 2024, but it is Urban planning on the Costa del Sol revolves far too much around golf courses too little, too late.

And yes, while they have announced the as the only solution to green spaces. building of a new desalination plant at Other green spaces amount to small, inan undisclosed location on the coast, the significant parks within the resorts.

Any available land is usually allocated price tag is enormous at €200 million.

Meanwhile, Estepona, which also claims for more housing development. to focus on sustainability, has announ- And when tree planting happens, it is too ced a €20 million desalination plant, but often reserved for non-native trees, such as palm trees. This highlights the region that will take three years to open!

Yes, three years, after a year of critica- as a tropical paradise but poses a whole lly low rainfall and supply (reservoirs at series of ecological problems.

This isn’t just about our cities and towns looking pretty, though that is a good thing.

More trees means less air pollution and fewer ‘excess deaths’.

Unfortunately, Malaga isn’t doing well, according to both the European Union and the WHO’s criteria for green spaces.

With a few exceptions, the larger towns in the province have failed their environmental duty. Only Marbella (with 29.7 square metres of green zone per resident), Antequera, (29.2) and Vélez-Malaga (19.09) come above the UN’s recommended 15 square metres per head ratio.

Taking the WHO recommendation of 10 square metres, Estepona just scrapes in with 11, but it isn’t clear how much of this is urban green space or the surrounding golf courses.

I should also note that in Mijas the huge Gran Parque of the Costa del Sol is set to have 20,000 plants and trees over its 35 hectares and will be one of the largest parks in Andalucia.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL +34 951 318 480 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE WWW.TERRAMERIDIANA.COM

So, I don’t want to suggest that everyone is blind to the problem or just sitting on their hands. It’s not the case. But is it enough?

INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT Anyone who has driven to Puerto Banus using either the San Pedro or Marbella tunnels can attest to how infrastructure is not keeping up with development.

The traffic jams start at before 9am and often go on well into the early evening.

There is a similar problem heading towards Benalmadena from Malaga city and various other bottlenecks.

The same goes for the architectural styles built for the influx of new investors.

Yes, there is a lot of talk about energy efficiency rules for new builds, including solar energy, heat pumps and thermal insulation.

However, most modern designs tend to use vast panels of untreated glass windows unprotected by shade negating all the energy efficiency savings, as these buildings require continuous air conditioning to make them liveable.

The sensible approach would be to demand solar-controlling glass, which significantly reduces energy consumption.

APPROACHING OVERDEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING One suggestion for approaching the problem of over-development is to set up special quangos or councils charged with focusing on the intersection between tourism and care for the destination.

They would, in turn, advise local town halls and businesses on how to act.

“They work best if they’re made up of equal parts government, private sector and civil society,’ explains Jonathan Tourtellot of the Destination Stewardship Centre.

The ‘three-legged’ approach means it can survive changes in government.

“We have seen many good intentions get thrown out when the government changes,’ he says.

Perhaps it is time for a similar approach on the Costa del Sol to ensure that we are doing what is necessary to keep the region beautiful, attractive and sustainable over the long term.

30

PROPERTY

November 15th November 28th 2023

Off the beaten track Caleta De Velez has superb beaches and an impressive marina and holds a colourful Saturday market

I

F you dream of a completely new life in Spain or are looking for a holiday apartment but prefer to be located just outside the bustle of the cities, then Hansen Real Estate are the people to help you.

They currently have a beautifully appointed apartment in Caleta De Velez. This is a lovely fishing town with a population of just over 3,500, and while offering the amenities required to help you enjoy your new life, it is only an eight minute drive from vibrant Torre Del Mar and 35 kilometres from Malaga.

Caleta De Velez has superb beaches and an impressive marina and holds a colourful Saturday market. There is also a theatre, a water park plus a large shopping centre and a good hospital.

There are also an impressive range of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes.

If this is your dream location, then look at Hansen Real Estate, Property Reference 23074.

This is a superb, fully refurbished three bedroom, two bathroom, spacious apartment with sea views, located next to the prestigious Baviera Golf Club.

There is a fully fitted white kitchen equipped with high quality appliances,

ample storage and a separate laundry room. There is also a cosy breakfast nook.

The large, bright lounge/dining room opens onto a lovely terrace with views to the sea and golf course. For shade this terrace also has an awning, providing a comfortable place to sit or for entertaining.

All three bedrooms have built in wardrobes for optimal storage and the master bedroom has access to the terrace. Both bathrooms are modern and have feature walk-in showers and lovely vanity units.

The property also has centralised air conditioning for year-round comfort. There is also a private parking space inside the communal garage and a beautiful, large communal swimming pool.

This apartment offers beautiful, modern living in an enviable location and Hansen Real Estate are waiting for the call that starts your dream future.

BUILDING THE FUTURE

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.HANSEN-REALESTATE.COM REFERENCE 23074

Dreaming of property in Spain?

THE FUTURE of architecture and urban planning is on display in Sevilla.

The city’s Royal Artillery Factory iscurrently hosting the 16th Spanish Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism (BEAU).

A total of 55 works have been chosen to view until November 20.

The exhibition acknowledges the most significant Spanish works of architecture in 2021 and 2022 and showcases how it addresses modern challenges and the country's future.

“The displays allow us to appreciate the valu-

Let our professional team take care of you and your purchase until you have the keys in your hand and beyond.

Knowledge and experience | Customised procedures | Handling every step of the way DANISH, NORWEGIAN, SWEDISH, GERMAN, ENGLISH AND SPANISH

www.hansen-realestate.com

info@hansen-realestate.com

(+34) 952 54 17 94

@HansenRealEstate

Avda Andalucia, 64, 29740, Torre del Mar

@hansenrealestate

By Alex Trelinski

able effort of architects in Spain of different ages and their active contribution to improving public and private areas, as well as urban and territorial environments,” said a spokesman.

The exhibition's slogan is 'We are the architecture we live in' and explores new concepts including the relationship between people and their environment, and interpreting local traditions and culture.

EXCLUSIVE PROPERTIES FOR SALE

BENALMADENA | 1 BED | 1 BATH | 33 M2 REF: STRANDM7579 | PRICE: 189,000€ CAROLINA FLORES: +34 631 93 25 27 ADELA GIRÁLDEZ: +34 690 37 80 88

MALAGA | 3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 75 M2 REF: STRANDM6032 | PRICE: 385,000€ MIRELA FUENTES: +34 682 69 65 79

MARBELLA | 3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 138 M2 REF: STRAND13504 | PRICE: 399,000€ RAY SWEENEY: +34 617 423 150

BENALMADENA | 3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 170 M2 REF: STRANDM11019 | PRICE: 538,000€ ROBERTO CERES: +34 625 66 34 53 MARIE LAMBERT: +34 615 07 88 54

CALA DE MIJAS | 3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 185 M2 REF: STRANDP5040 | PRICE: 664,900€ JORGE GONZÁLEZ: +34 653 80 06 72 MANUEL RODRIGUEZ: +34 664 027 450

RESERVA DEL HIGUERÓN, BENALMADENA 6 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 254 M2 REF: STRANDM3021 | PRICE: 690,000€ JAVIER ROSADO: +34 623 472 148

MIJAS | 4 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 311 M2 REF: STRANDP3001 | PRICE: 845,000€ ELINA RAJAMÄKI: +34 620 95 19 90 JOONAS LAITINEN: +34 672 094 818

MALAGA | 3 BEDS | 1 BATHS | 106 M2 REF: STRANDM2062 | PRICE: 995,000€ BEATRIZ VACA: +34 687 680 556

MALAGA | 4 BEDS | 4 BATHS | 370 M2 REF: STRANDM6026 | PRICE: 1,485,000€ MIRELA FUENTES: +34 682 69 65 79 ADELA GIRÁLDEZ: +34 690 37 80 88

TORREMOLINOS | 4 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 377 M2 REF: STRANDP5059 | PRICE: 1,790,000€ JORGE GONZÁLEZ: +34 653 80 06 72 MANUEL RODRIGUEZ: +34 664 027 450

MARBELLA | 3 BEDS | 4 BATHS | 247 M2 REF: STRAND8988 | PRICE: 3,390,000€ KATARIINA SALMELIN: +34 629 91 72 94

MARBELLA | 4 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 221 M2 REF: STRAND2293 | PRICE: 5,460,000€ CRISTINA GALÁN: +34 652 662 363 ANNA GVOZDEVA: +34 656 591 843

CALL OR WHATSAPP OUR AGENTS TO BOOK A VIEWING TODAY! YOU CAN FIND MORE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTIES ON OUR WEBSITE. CONTACT US: +34 676 90 15 19 | INFO@STRAND.ES | STRAND.ES

32

PROPERTY

November 15th - November 28th 2023

MORTGAGE WOES

LUXURY: The Kempinski sits right by an Estepona beach

THE average new mortgage is at a 15-year high.

The official average rate granted in Spain in September reached 4.4% - its highest level since February 2009, when it stood at 4.3%.

The average rate has risen for the 19th consecutive month.

The 12-month Euribor rate, the index to which most mortgages are linked, closed September at 4.15% compared to 4.07% in August and 2.23% in September 2022.

Mixed picture FOREIGNERS buying homes in Spain between January and June accounted for 21.4% of the total number of transactions, despite a 7.5% drop compared to the same period in 2022, according to statistics from the General Council of Notaries.

Despite the drop in transactions, the average price paid by foreigners was €2,095/m2, up 1.4% year-on-year, and the highest figure since the end of 2008.

Non-Spaniards wanting to pay the highest prices were led by those from Sweden and Denmark.

SNAPPED UP ONE of the Costa del Sol’s best known five star hotels has been snapped up by a British investment fund.

The five-star Kempinski Hotel, in Estepona, was

FINE DINING: On the terrace and (right) fantastic views

WRAP UP WARM!!

Giant UK investment fund splashes up to €60 million on well-known Costa del Sol five-star hotel

By Walter Finch

acquired for a cool €58 million, according to reports.

The London & Regional fund now owns the hotel which boasts 145 rooms and suites, three pools, a spa, five bars and restaurants, as well as six meeting rooms for events.

Sources initially indicated the owners aimed to get €70 million for the property.

However, the final agreement is under-

stood to be around €58 million.

It brings the investment fund’s portfolio in Spain to nine properties, featuring both national and international hotel chains.

This comprises a total of 2,988 rooms, with the biggest being Sol Principe hotel in Torremolinos with 799 rooms, followed by Sol Palmanova, in Magaluf, in Mallorca, with 653.

The others are Innside Ibiza, Le Meridien Barcelona, ME Ibiza & Nikki Beach, Nobu Ibiza, Sol Lanzarote, and Vincci Marbella Estrella del Mar. The first two hotels were acquired in Barcelona and Ibiza in 2014, followed by another in Malaga in 2016, and the rest in 2017.

Tips for keeping your Spanish property cosy this winter

A

S the chill of winter sets in, ensuring your Spanish property remains a warm and welcoming haven becomes a top priority. While Spain is known for its mild climate, winter can still bring a nip in the air. Here are some practical tips to keep your Spanish home cosy and comfortable throughout the colder season.

1 .

EMBRACE TEXTILES AND LAYERS Infuse warmth into your home by incorporating soft textiles and layers.

Opt for plush throw blankets, cosy area rugs, and thick curtains. Not only do these elements add a touch of luxury, but they also provide insulation, keeping the cold at bay.

Consider draping your sofas with warm blankets and adding extra cushions for both style and comfort.

2. SEAL GAPS AND CRACKS Prevent drafts by identifying and sealing gaps and cracks around windows and doors. Use window sealant and draft excluders to keep warm and cold air out. This simple yet effective measure helps maintain a comfortable temperature and contributes to energy efficiency, ultimately reducing heating costs.

3.

INVEST IN QUALITY HEAT I N G SYSTEMS Ensure your heating systems are top-notch before the winter chill sets in. Regular maintenance is critical to efficient performance, whether you have central heating, radiators, or a fireplace. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient heaters or installing smart thermostats for better control over your property’s temperature.

4. EMBRACE SUNLIGHT AS A NATURAL HEATER Take advantage of Spain’s abundant sunshine during the winter months.

Open curtains and blinds during the day to allow natural sunlight to warm your home. This adds a cheerful ambience and is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

5. WARM LIGHTING CHOICES Opt for warm-toned lighting to create a cosy atmosphere. Choose bulbs with warm colour temperatures to emulate the gentle glow of sunlight. This subtle change in lighting can significantly impact the perceived warmth of your living spaces.

6. THERMAL INSULATION FOR ROOFS AND WALLS If you own the property, consider investing in thermal insulation for roofs and walls to regulate indoor temperatures. Proper insulation helps retain heat, making your

property more energy-efficient and reducing the need for constant heating. This long-term investment not only enhances comfort but also contributes to sustainability.

Michelle Hughes, owner of VillaMia estate agency on the Arenal, said: “Many people moving to Spain don’t think of heating, the property’s orientation or how properties are not insulated here, such as in the UK with carpets and thick walls. After being in the area for a winter, you soon realise the importance of winter sun and doing small things that can really make a difference. I will be using my electricity blanket and door draft excluders soon.”

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JUST SERENE

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he festive season is here, and at Cape Reed International, we’re spreading the holiday cheer with a remarkable Christmas promotion. For a limited time, we’re thrilled to introduce a special selection of five exquisite timber and thatch structures, available at an incredible discounted rate. But that’s not all; in the spirit of giving, we’re delighted to offer you a complimentary application of our special fire retardant coating for your new thatch roof. It’s our way of gifting your home with added safety and comfort this Christmas season.

What’s In Store for You? Our Christmas promotion features a range of stunning structures crafted from the finest eucalyptus or pine timber. You can choose from a natural, stained, or white-washed finish to suit your preferences. This exceptional offer

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The Gift of Comfort A thatched roof made with cape reed offers more than just aesthetics. It provides exceptional insulation properties keeping you warmer during the winter and cooler in the summer. With a life expectancy ranging from 20 to 50 years, our thatched structures not only offer beauty but also durability, ensuring you have a cozy and welcoming home for many Christmases to come. At Cape Reed we honour our product and issue a 15 year guarantee as standard with all our structures.

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THE LA CALA DE MIJAS

1 BEDROOM APARTMEN · 200m from beach · 6 minute walk to La Cal · Refurbished · Pool and gardens

I

F you are looking for your dream luxurious permanent property or holiday home in the beautiful €149,950 Costa del Sol, then Windsor Consultants are the go to team to help LA CALA DE MIJAS make your dreams come true.

3 BEDROOM TOWNHOUS Let us introduce you to Casa Serena · 50m from beach an exclusive, luxury villa in La Cala · Beach front complex de Mijas, which is undoubtedly one · Walk to everything of the more desirable and popular TOP LOCATION: For an enviable lifestyle · Great rental investment areas in Andalucia.

La Cala boasts beautiful beaches, unspoilt rate laundry room. This beautiful villa has €489,000 mountain views, a good choice of great five bedrooms, two with en-suite bathrooms restaurants and lovely shops and has a vi- as well as two further bathrooms.

We’ve been matching people and property in La C brant community.

The master suite boasts a huge en-suite and If you have This breathtaking fully air conditioned prop- dressing room. All living and sleeping ac-a home to sell in a 952 492 116 WhatsApp: +34 erty is in an enviable location with panoram- commodation are found on Tel: the+34 ground floor pop into our ic sea views all the way to Gibraltar and and all have access to a hugeorcovered ter-office in the centre Africa, along with spectacular views of the race with glass curtains. www.w Sierra Nevada to the east.

Upstairs, the tower room is an informal On entering Casa Serena, the large entrance lounge/TV room opening out onto a further hall leads to an oval, formal lounge with a spacious terrace. dining room next door.

Further staff or guest accommodation can The large, well equipped kitchen has room be found in a separate building below the for a dining table and there is also a sepa- garden area. This comprises a two-storey living space with open plan lounge and kitchen area, a bedroom and bathroom with access to a private courtyard and fountain.

The 1700m2 plot also has a terraced pool area with a wet bar and the elevated garden has amazing panoramic views, all providing a very special place to entertain or just chill.

Casa Serena is a large, luxury villa situated in a prime location in one of the most sought after areas of the Costa del Sol. If your dream can stretch to just under £2.5 million then Windsor Consultants would be happy to WELL APPOINTED: Superb interiors await help you to find your happy ever after.

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We’ve been matching people and property in La Cala for 30 years and need more properties for waiting clients.

If you have a home to sell in and around La Cala de Mijas, call us today.

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LA CULTURA

DON QUI-NOT The 9 tomes you must read to shine a light on Spain that you may never have heard of, according to Yzabelle Bostyn

THE HIVE

by Camilo Jose Cela Banned for many years during Franco’s dictatorship, this book captures the stark reality of post Civil War Spain for Madrilenos.

Featuring over 100 unique characters whose lives intertwine, the novel is a social documentary filled with violence, longing and unexpected tenderness.

E

VERYONE has heard of Don Quixote, but book lovers who expand their reading lists beyond the classics will be rewarded with an indepth look at this diverse country.

That’s why the Olive Press has compiled a list of lesser-known novels that best represent each region of Spain.

From mysteries to adventures to historical fiction, there’s something for every bookworm.

BUENO

by Christy Esmahan

THE SHADOW OF THE WIND

by Carlos Ruis Zafron

This magical novel will transport you to the winding streets of Barcelona’s Gothic quarter as 10-year-old Daniel uncovers the secrets of the ‘Cemetery of Lost Books’.

A labyrinthine library, the boy is allowed to pick one volume from its collection of dusty novels, choosing The Shadow of the W i n d

by Julian Carax.

As he grows, so does a mysterious stranger´s interest in the book. Daniel must race to find the truth before it is too late under a continual backdrop of Catalan monuments and geography.

After his brother dies in Northern Spain, an American headmaster decides to discover the place his brother loved for himself.

Pressured to make changes to the school, he meets much resistance.

Set against the mountains of Santander, this is a tale of resistance, sympathy and multiculturalism.

November 15th - November 28th 2023

37

ANDALUS

by Jason Webster This book delves deep into the Moorish legacy of modern Andalucia, as the author embarks on an adventure accompanied

by Zine, a Moroccan immigrant, who has recently escaped from slave labour at a fruit farm.

A ‘rollercoaster’ ride through the region, it unveils Spain’s Arab ancestry evident in its food, language and culture.

IBERIA by James Michener Any traveller to Spain would think to start their trip in the famed cities of Barcelona, Madrid or Sevilla.

Not James Michener.

He cared little for kings and cathedrals, searching instead for the humble shepherd. In this novel he retraces the steps of conquistadors who set out from the Extremaduran towns of Trujillo and Medellin in search of the ‘new world’, returning to these sleepy, agricultural areas to find the true spirit of Spain.

OBABAKOAK by Bernardo Atxaga There is no one who captures this unique region of the Basque Country like Bernardo Atxaga.

Obaba, the novel’s fictional town, represents the area with its typical pelota court, fountain and church.

The story is told through the peculiar tales of the town’s inhabitants, a geography teacher holding onto an old love, a boy lost in the forest, a young woman trying to get through the long winter alone.

The novel has won many awards and been described as the ‘novel of the 20th century’.

TUNING UP AT DAWN

by Tomas Graves

THE CARPENTER’S PENCIL by Manuel Rivas

M

CA ALLOR

Capturing the joy of Mallorcan summer days full of music, it celebrates the island’s traditions to a soundtrack of international stars including Jimi Hendrix, Bob Geldof and Sinead O’Connor.

T o m a s Graves is the son of legendary I, Claudius writer Robert Graves, who ended up in Mallorca by a happy accident. Tomas’ love for the island shines through the pages with his delightful musical escapades.

A haunting reflection of the Spanish Civil War, The Carpenter’s Pencil sketches the destinies of a cast of unique characters caught in a national tragedy.

Narrated from both sides of the conflict, the book offers an unflinching view of this complicated period of Spanish history through the eyes of the Galicians.

Despite horror and hardship, the book captures the enduring tenderness of the human spirit and in 2001, it was adapted for the big screen.

LAKE OF DREAMS: CAÑAS Y BARRO

by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez Set at the turn of the century, this prolific writer tells the story of a Spanish family living on the shores of the now famous Albufera lake.

An honest depiction of life as a working class Spaniard among the radical changes of the industrial revolution, the novel is now considered to be one of the top 100 Spanish novels of the 20th century.

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THE OLIVE PRESS IS RECRUITING The Olive Press newspaper group is looking for an enthusiastic SPANISH SPEAKING salesperson to join our team based in Marbella.

Must be fluent in SPANISH and have a knowledge of ENGLISH ENGLISH..

Sales experience is a must, but full training will be provided.

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Please email your CV to admin@theolivepress.es

38

BUSINESS

SPAIN'S Argal Alimentation, which produces high grade meat products, has linked up with US firm Smithfield Foods in a strategic alliance.

Smithfield’s European operations will assume a 50.1% stake in Ar-

November 15th November 28th 2023

Meat alliance

gal, based on a medium-term plan with the agreed framework of joint management.

Argal offers a wide range of

charcuterie and other packaged meats, including cooked ham, cured ham, bacon, turkey, cold cuts, sausages, fuet, pates, among others as well as ready-to-eat meals, all made with high-quality raw materials.

RICH GET RICHER

Forbes list throws spotlight on growing fortunes of wealthy elite THE wealthiest people in Spain got richer by 37% last year despite the Ukraine war and inflation according to the latest Forbes list.

Inditex fashion group founder Amancio Ortega - who has been on top since 2014 - saw his fortune grow by 53% to €81.8 billion.

The stock market revaluation of Inditex contributed to this, but also the fact that the valu-

By Alex Trelinski

ation of Pontegadea - Amancio Ortega's investment arm in the real estate business shows it is worth almost €15 billion.

With a net worth of €8.8 billion, the founder of Inditex climbs eight steps in the ranking of the largest fortunes in the world and now lies in 13th

TELECOM SWOOP

VODAFONE SPAIN has been sold to UK telecoms investor Zegona Communications in a deal valued at up to €5 billion.

Zegona will pay at least €4.1 billion in cash and a further €900 million in financing taking the form of preference shares.

Vodafone Spain is the third biggest telecoms network in the country after Movistar-Telefonica and Orange.

The group launched a strategic review of the business in Spain earlier this year after suffering hefty sales falls, blaming a highly competitive market.

place internationally.

The top five in Spain – Amancio Ortega and his daughter Sandra (Inditex); Rafael del Pino (Ferrovial); Juan Carlos Escotet (Abanca) and Juan Roig (Mercadona) are worth a TOP MAN: Amancio Ortega is the c o m b i n e d richest person in Spain €102.7 bilthird place, although his forlion.

Amancio Ortega's fortune is tune has grown by 55.3%. more than double the sum of The chairman and largthe rest of the fortune holders est shareholder of Abanca, Juan Carlos Escotet, with a that make up the top 10.

His daughter Sandra is second fortune of €4 billion, 25% in the list and the only woman more, is in fourth place this in the top five with €7.1 billion - year and displaces the chairman of Mercadona, Juan 31.5% more than last year.

The chairman of Ferrovial, Ra- Roig, in fifth place, with fael Del Pino y Calvo-Sotelo, €3.9 billion - up 14.7%. with €5.9 billion, remains in

DISCOVER THE POWER OF A SECOND OPINION JOIN US AT OUR PRODUCT AWARENESS DAY ON: ‘THE NEW TAX RULING ON UK PENSION TRANSFERS TO SPAIN’ FROM 9AM - 3PM ON:

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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

CUTTING REMARKS

ANOTHER bastion of Spanish cuisine has been brutalised in the eyes of Spain’s netizens - this time in China.

A video has gone viral of a female market stall worker chopping up a cherished leg of Spanish jamon with a meat cleaver.

She takes to the leg - which is almost as big as her - with great sweeping chops.

It is a far cry from the delicate slices favoured by true jamon aficionados, which is considered an art form in Spain.

Through brute force - including lifting up the leg itself and smashing it down repeatedly - she manages to get the blade through the hunk of meat.

Online Spaniards had a few choice words, with one user demanding that she be sent to jail for her culinary crime.

Another commented: “Just when there was nothing in this world left for me to see.”

Football crazy

Sevilla FC ‘steal’ plane leaving 80 passengers with 5 hour bus journey instead AIR NOSTRUM has been slammed for turfing passengers off a Vigo to Madrid flight at the last minute to make way for a bunch of footballers.

The scheduled service transformed into a charter flight to take home Sevilla FC players and coaches after a match at Celta Vigo.

The La Liga side's original charter plane could not be used due to a technical problem so they took over the Air Nostrum craft.

Passengers stood agog as they waited in line to board at Peinador Airport and were passed by the

By Alex Trelinski

Sevilla FC squad.

One unhappy traveller fumed on social media, writing: "We are still at the airport with no word about the theft of the plane by Sevilla."

Bus

The controversial decision by the carrier meant that 80 passengers had to make a 600 kms bus journey to Madrid lasting five hours, as opposed to the original hour-long flight

BUDGET airline Easyjet is set to launch three new routes from Malaga next summer, including two French and one Greek destination.

The British airline has announced direct flights to Athens, as well as Nantes and Niza in France.

The routes will jet off from the Costa del Sol starting next summer, with tickets already available.

Flights to Athens will begin on June 1, taking off twice a week on Tuesdays

time.

Passengers are reported to have missed national and international connections as a result of the enforced switch.

“This only happens in a banana republic where football is allowed to take

In Easy reach and Saturdays.

The Niza route will begin operating on June 2, with three flights a week on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Meanwhile flights to Nantes will start on June 3, taking off every Wednesday to begin with and later on in the season, flights will also be added on Sundays.

CHOP: Ham is assaulted

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

OP SUDOKU

November 15th - November 28th 2023

Across 1 Harp on about Jane Eyre, for example (6) 5 Encourage (6) 8 Performed surgery (8) 9 Quartz grains (4) 10 Punch (4) 11 Transcendent (7) 13 Jericho was, until Joshua arrived (6) 16 Bury (6) 19 Profits (7) 22 Copies (4) 23 Duration (4) 24 Magnificent (8) 25 Vigour (6) 26 Clear a channel (6) Down 2 Reproduction (7) 3 Injurious (7) 4 Short letters (5) 5 Loud enough to be heard (7) 6 Uncooked meal suitable for Fridays, maybe (5) 7 Anger about scope (5) 12 Holstein holler? (3) 14 Shelter (3) 15 Think it probable (4,3) 17 Learner (7) 18 Assembly (7) 19 Get ready to eat (5) 20 General meaning (5) 21 Reliable (5) 23 Blows away (4) 24 Cooking measure (4)

All solutions are on page 44

everything and everyone by surprise,” said an irate traveller.

Air Nostrum apologised 'profusely' for the incident, and said it would be contacting all affected passengers to compensate them for the inconvenience caused.

Spain's consumer association, FACUA, has reported Air Nostrum to the Galicia Consumer Affair's department as well as the national Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

FACUA has argued that the carrier infringed consumer protection laws, and it has also filed a complaint with Spain's Aviation Safety Agency which has launched an investigation.

39

Seb’s the best FORBES has revealed the ‘24 best places to travel in 2024’ and San Sebastian in the Basque Country has made the top 10.

The list, compiled by Forbes and luxury travel advisors OvationNetwork, predicts this year’s travel boom will continue into next year, with tourists seeking out ‘off the beaten path’ destinations.

Experts said the seaside city offers ‘an unforgettable gastronomic experience, natural beauty and unique Basque culture’.

HOT UP NORTH NORTHERN Spain has seen a massive increase in tourism this year as scorching temperatures in the south put off visitors.

In August, the regions of Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria received 47% more international tourists compared to the previous year, totaling 435,500 visitors.

The growth overshadowed perennial tourist hotspots like Malaga and Valencia, although they still received many more visitors overall.

This shift north coincided with extreme heat warnings in the south.

40

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

November 15th - November 28th 2023

CHARMING CARMONA

C

ARMONA, Sevilla is set to become a UNESCO World Heritage site, after the Spanish Historical Heritage Association (Consejo de Patrimonio Historico) approved its nomination The association met in Bilbao to discuss which Spanish locations should be put forward for consideration as future UNESCO world heritage sites.

Reflecting the ‘natural and cultural diversity of the country’, selected spots must stay on the list for a year to be

The historic town set to become a UNESCO World Heritage site

By Yzabelle Bostyn

seriously considered.

Here’s why we think Carmona, just 30 minutes from Sevilla, deserves a spot.

A RICH HISTORY One of the oldest cities in mainland Europe, the many archaeological sites around Carmona bear witness to its history, dating back over 6,000 years. The necropolis reveals important details about everyday life in the 1st and 2nd century BC. The Tomb of the Elephant is believed to have been a temple for the little known Roman god, Mithras. Meanwhile, the Servilia Tomb is more like a sprawling villa, with fascinating murals and a huge courtyard. Free to EU visitors, Carmona’s archaeological sites are worth a visit.

COBBLED: Carmon’s streets are full of histry

HISTORICAL :La Iglasia de Santa Maria was built on the site of an old mosque

A walled city during the Roman period, two of Carmona’s gates still stand. Both the Puerta de Cordoba and Puerta de Sevilla are in a great condition and give an insight into Andalucia's history as both a Moorish and Catholic stronghold. Once a defensive wall during Moorish reign, the Puerta de Córdoba was decorated with beautiful baroque and neoclassical designs after the Catholics regained power. The Puerta de Sevilla is an impenetrable stronghold whose towers now provide visitors with sweeping views over the city.

Like many churches in Spain, La Iglesia de Santa Maria is built on the site of an old mosque. In keeping with Andalucian-gothic architecture, the sprawling orange naves stand out against a tiled roof. The church has retained the original Moorish

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FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL

November 15th November 28th 2023

41

New Years Eve Sunday 31st December New Years Eve Gala Dinner

patio and if visitors venture inside, they will be rewarded by an impressive vaulted roof and gilded altar.

The city museum, found in a 16th century palace, also houses many impressive artefacts such as Roman ceramics. Although small, the museum gives a great overview of the city’s history and has a delightful internal courtyard.

UNIQUE SQUARES The Plaza del Mercado is a must see for any visit to Carmona. Surrounded by arches with red and white detailing, the square is reminiscent of Latin America.

A former monastery, today the square is home to local cafes, restaurants and shops.

The nearby Plaza de San Fernando was originally much like any other Spanish square but thanks to a restoration error is now uniquely circular. The plaza is surrounded by tall, PORTAL: One of Carmona’s historic gates that dot the town colourful houses, whose residents used to watch bullfights in ways make the city even more picturesque. the square below.

Wander along the cobbles or seek out the lovely Casa Palacio de Los Aguilar and PalaCOLOURFUL COBBLES cio de los Rueda.

The Jewish quarter is similarly filled with In keeping with Andalucian tradition, Carmo- history and charm, with some of Carmona’s na is filled with white washed buildings, but oldest churches and impressive ‘Casa Palatouches of colour on the windows and door- cios’ which have now been converted into

10 course set menu Free flowing house wine and beer Various live entertainment Quike Navarro, Johnny Baker, Georgie O’Neill and GC Performance

340.00€ per person.

Doors open at 7pm RESERVATIONS: +34 951 74 47 77 / +34 627 12 14 43 clive@cotorestaurante.com www.cotorestaurante.com Monday to Saturday: 1pm-12am Sunday: 1pm-6pm Ctra. de Ronda, A-397, Km. 44, 29679 Benahavís, Málaga

FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL

Dear Jennifer:

42

We can cover your insurance needs

MAJESTIC

TRAVEL SAFELY

I

AM delighted to inform you that we are working with a very successful travel insurance provider.

Jennifer Cunningham Insurance can provide you with a no obligation quotation if you are a resident in Spain with Single trip and Annual cover to meet your needs.

We offer: ● Single Trip policies for up to 180 Days for clients aged up to 65 years, 32 days maximum for over 65´s ● Cover up to age 79, and discounts for Couples & Families. ● Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance allows individual trips of up to 17 days, however, you can choose 32, 45, 90 Days, (subject to age restrictions).

There are three levels of cover to choose from – Silver, Gold and Platinum, with varying levels of sums insured depending upon your travel needs. You have the choice to adapt the insurance to your travel requirements.

Our standard travel insurance also includes cancellation, medical and repatriation, Personal Accident, baggage and personal effects, money, cards and documents.

There are additional cover options, the most popular of which are: ● Covid-19 – this optional extension is useful if you wish to be covered for Covid-19 before and whilst on a trip ● Winter Sports – if you are participating in winter sports whilst on holiday ● Pre-Existing medical Conditions

LOOKOUT: Carmona’s parador offers stunning views

luxury hotels. Check out Casa Palacio de Los Lasso or Casa Palacio Casa de Carmona to indulge in Carmona 's Mudejar architecture.

THE PORTUGUESE WAY As you wander through the city, you may notice touches of nearby Portugal’s design and architecture. Throughout Carmona,

Europesure does not cover all pre-existing medical conditions, however, there are many conditions that are covered. It is not necessary to complete a medical questionnaire. Contact us and we can provide more information.

there are houses covered entirely in tiles and the town hall houses a 2nd century mosaic. Look out for El Salvador Church and the Priory of Santa Maria as both are adorned with blue and white tiles.

GREAT CUISINE The city has a wide variety of restaurants for every budget and taste, from La Yedra, a Michelin star restaurant specialising in traditional Andalucian cuisine, to wine and tapas bar Damajuana Abacería.

HISTORIC HOTELS

My advice to you is to go nowhere without insurance, and that includes visits to the UK, especially after Brexit.

To find out more, and have everything explained to you fully, contact one of the offices.

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November 15th November 28th 2023

TILED ROOFS: hint at Carmona’s links with Portugal

Carmona’s Parador de Turismo, or state-run hotel, is found in the ruins of what was once a Moorish castle and favourite residence of King Pedro I. Renovated to its former glory, the parador is a homage to Andalucia’s history, with high Moorish arches, typical

CHEERS: There are ample opportuities to relax with a beer or tapa courtyards and water features throughout.

The terrace and swimming pool offer a panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside, where visitors can enjoy walking or cycling.

How to visit Carmona: Carmona is only a 30 minute drive from Sevilla but visitors can also catch a bus from the Prado de San Sebastian bus station in just 40 minutes.

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GLIMMER OF HOPE? I WAS heartened to read that there is a possibility that Spain and France are talking about scrapping the 90 day rule.

I have had a house in Empuriabrava, Catalunya, for 40 years and, being a British passport holder but living in South Africa, the impact of Brexit has been devastating. And of course I have no UK voting rights.

I have been coming to my home for years for six months (mindful of the 180 day rule) when it’s winter in South Africa.

LETTERS Whispers of changes to 90 day rule are welcome - but action is needed

These last two years have been terrible. For example this year I came in late May and stayed for 61 days and spent three months in the UK at huge expense. I have now come back for the remainder of the 90 days.

I was seriously considering trying to get a non-lucrative visa, which is most likely very expensive going through lawyers etc.

Hopefully I can hold off doing this.

Peter Howell (by email)

Editor’s note: Although there is no new news on the 90 day rule for non EU citizens staying in Spain, the good news is that you will at least get your voting rights back - see our story on page 4.

November 15th - November 28th 2023

MERCADOMINATOR

LAST week’s story on Mercadona’s record year for sales garnered a surprising amount of interest from Olive Press readers.

We reported that in September, Mercadona’s sales volume grew by 4%, and its market share reached a

whopping 27% - more than Carrefour, Lidl, Eroski, Dia, and Consum combined.

Perhaps it’s no surprise, with each and every one of us having to do our shopping at some time, that our Facebook followers were so fascinated:

Can they employ some more checkout operators now?

It’s a terrible supermarket, so damn boring and so expensive now.

I’m not surprised - two small bags of shopping can cost up to €60-70.

Ray O’Shea

Tina Gilmartin

Stéphanie Maire

Fresh orange juice costs up to €7 a litre.

No wonder its profits are through the roof!

You can buy 12 oranges for €1.39, which in turn makes 1.5 litres of orange juice.

Even the higher quality El Corte Inglés sells it cheaper!

Would be more if they didn't stop selling Bovril Eliot Gregory They are putting up prices by 15 cents every week!!

Ian Foster

OP Puzzle solutions

Elaine Smith

Quick Crossword

EXPAT GRUMBLING

Across: 1 Orphan, 5 Assure, 8 Operated, 9 Sand, 10 Biff, 11 Sublime, 13 Walled, 16 Entomb, 19 Returns, 22 Apes, 23 Span, 24 Splendid, 25 Energy, 26 Dredge.

I also had water bills that came to thousands - they are criminals!

I was told to take a video of the clock - which was broken - and when I sent it then said they would sue me for tampering with the water clock!

You can not make it up!! It wouldn’t happen to a Spanish person, we are just the cash cows of corruption.

Down: 2 Replica, 3 Harmful, 4 Notes, 5 Audible, 6 Sushi, 7 Range, 12 Moo, 14 Lee, 15 Dare say, 17 Trainee, 18 Meeting, 19 Ripen, 20 Tenor, 21 Solid.

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46

AFFORDABLE BUSINESS November 15th - November 28th 2023 CONTACTS

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HEALTH

November 15th November 28th 2023

Open for service

47

Are you suffering from anxiety?

Are you depressed?

Health minister congratulates team on the stunning new hospital in Gibraltar IT was back in 2008 that British surgeon David Deardon first aspired to open a private hospital in Gibraltar.

Now, 15 years later, his hard work and planning has finally seen the opening of the GibMed International Hospital in the heart of the enclave.

“It has been a long journey full of fun, trauma and stress,” he admitted at the launch of the

HAPPY: Young fan

two-floor facility.

“After looking at nine different sites around the Rock, negotiating with numerous people, I finally got planning permission in 2021,” he told the Olive Press.

But it wasn’t until 4am on one late night this summer that the dream finally seemed to be coming to fruition.

“Watching a convoy of lorries backed up along Main Street as a Spanish firm winched in our machines through a hole in the roof was very stressful, but we got there in the end,” added the father-of-two.

As well as thanking his wife, Sophie, Deardon particularly praised his Chief of Staff, Karen Bolt, who started working with him at the Specialist Medical Clinic as a receptionist in 2008.

Based in prestigious Casemates Square the two-storey facility counts on 40 consultants and specialists, plus the latest state-of-the-art MRI and CT scanners.

It will also offer ‘minimally

Are your children having social issues?

RELIEF: David Deardon invasive day surgery and diagnostics centre’ and provide patient-focused care across a wide spectrum of conditions, including dermatology, orthopaedic and women’s health.

The hospital will have close links with other medical institutions in the UK and Spain creating ‘a tailor-made clinical care package to suit your every need’.

PERHAPS YOU NEED SOMEONE PROFESSIONAL TO TALK TO I HOPE WE CAN HELP. CALL US IN CONFIDENCE.

Deal

Counselling and therapy has changed the lives of many.

Getting in touch is the first step.

Gibraltar Health Minister Gemma Arias-Vasquez congratulated the team on the launch and confirmed the government had already agreed a deal to use the MRI and CT scanners.

“The repatriation of services starts here for our Gibraltar patients.

“Thanks for allowing us this facility to do that… to bring all services closer to the Gibraltarians.”

Change through relocation abroad can also add to mental health pressures and these life changes are never easy.

Recognising that there is an issue is the first step on the road to recovery.

Help is available through our confidential counselling service.

+34 664 666 252 info@counselling4anxiety.eu www.counselling4anxiety.eu

Should’ve gone to Specsavers.

Fuengirola Avda. Ramón y Cajal, 6 (near Portillo bus station) Tel. 952 467 837 Marbella Avda. Ricardo Soriano, 12 (next to Massimo Dutti) Tel. 952 863 332

Olive Press Costa del Sol – 170mm x 256mm – Colour

-

November 15th

The

OLIVE PRESS

REuse REduce REcycle We use recycled paper

Hello Komodo

FINAL WORDS

Fuengirola Biopark has hatched Spain’s first Komodo dragon in 10 years and only the fifth in Europe. Juanito was born alongside his identical twin, Boqueron, who did not survive.

Water gift The Arcosur Principe de Benalmádena aparthotel has donated 200,000 litres of water to the town council after having to empty its pool for maintenance. It will be used for cleaning.

Super speed Hypersonic planes that can fly from Madrid to New York in just 90 minutes may be available by 2030 as a US company, Hermeus, is developing the 125 passenger planes.

ANDALUCÍA

Your expat

voice in Spain

FREE Vol. 17 Issue 432 www.theolivepress.es November 15th - November 28th 2023

Sisters of sushi

VINTAGE CROP

‘Work hard but don’t get upset’: Spanish family have a combined age of well over a thousand!

NOT many ‘babies of the family’ can get to the fine old age of 76 and have 11 older siblings all still alive.

But that’s the case for the Hernandez-Perez family, whose 12 brothers and sisters regularly dine together at weekends.

Now Guinness World Records has honoured the family - including 76-year-old ‘baby’ Luis - as being world champions.

By Walter Finch

The combined ages of the Gran Canaria natives reach an astounding 1,074 years - an entire millenia encapsulated in one set of siblings.

It comes a year since they set a new world record for the highest combined age of 12 living siblings, dethroning the previ-

SPAIN has taken on the USA on their home turf and brought back three medals from the World Beach Ultimate Frisbee Championships.

Ultimate Frisbee sees teams weave a disc between players t o score in a goal area known as an ‘endzone’ in a sport that was invented in California.

In recent years, the sport has grown in

HAPPY FAMILY: The long-lived siblings ous holders in Pakistan.

They recently got together for a celebratory meal, where they shared some of their secrets.

Big brother Jose, affectionately

FLYING HIGH popularity in Spain, with over 50 clubs and 1,000 players.

The national teams picked up silver medals in the open and mixed categories at the contest held in California, with the women’s side achieving bronze.

known as ‘Pepe’, is the oldest at 98 years old.

He attributes his longevity to a simple motto: “Live peacefully, don’t get upset and work hard.”

The long-living dozen, from the village of Villa de Moya, have spent their lives in each other’s company, working in the local fields.

This, they say, is part of their secret to maintaining their health.

Scientists might also want to take a look at what’s in their genome, too.

Mama Martina passed away in 1991 at the age of 91, while papa Modesto died in November 2002, at 105 years old.

WHILE most cloistered nuns specialise in making sweets or pastries for religious occasions, Granada’s Carmelita order has gone viral for their delicious sushi and noodles.

The five Filipino nuns behind the scheme have revolutionised the nunnery with their unique culinary offering, which allows them to maintain sales throughout the year.

The Carmelite Descalzas del Realejo Convent has seen sales soar overnight with their Spanish-Asian fusion which went viral after being featured on Spanish news channels Tele5 and Canal Sur. As well as sushi, the sisters offer noodles, gyozas and Filipino stews.

Hard luck

A LOTTERY winner who was set to collect €2,000-a-month for five years has died before claiming a penny.

The man, from Lastres, Austrias won the second place EuroDreams prize.

The soon-to-be married man’s winnings will now go to his heirs in a one off payment of €120,000.