Olive Press Andalucia issue 471 v2

GET ROMANTIC

Marbella is the perfect spot to wine and dine your loved ones - and even tie the knot See page 9

SURRENDER OR TRIUMPH?

‘TRIUMPH for Gibraltar’ or a ‘surrender deal’? Opinions of politicians in the UK and Spain differ widely on a groundbreaking deal over the Rock. But after nearly 20 rounds of talks and five years in the making, a crucial border agreement with Spain has finally been struck.

Allowing Gibraltarians access to the Schengen zone and creating a fluid border has naturally come at a price. The new agreement being concluded this week means that Spanish police will be allowed to operate on sovereign British territory for the first time in history.

Billed as ‘dual Gibraltar-Schengen controls’ it also means that British citizens will lose out on automatic access to the territory. They will be required to show their

By Walter Finch

passports to Spanish border police on arrival at the airport or port.

As well as going through Schengen checks, they will also be subject to the 90/180 rule brought in since Brexit.

They could even face the prospect of Spanish cops refusing them entry onto crown territory.

Arrival on the Rock will effectively become the same as travelling to Spain.

On a plus-side for expat Brits with residence and other Europeans they will be able to hop over to the Rock without showing any ID.

Gibraltar also insists it keeps ‘FULL control over its own border checks at its external borders as happens today’. However the deal was immediate -

ly slammed by nationalist voices back in the UK.

Nigel Farage called it the ‘Gibraltar surrender deal’, observing that ‘if a foreign policeman can stop a British person going into British territory, it makes Gibraltar less British.’

Former Spanish foreign minister Jose García-Margallo disagreed however, describing it as a ‘triumph for Gibraltar’ and a ‘total surrender’ of Spain’s centuries-old sovereignty claim.

The new arrangements being thrashed out this week will see a new so-called ‘Schengen shack’ built on the border between the two territories, right beside the airport.

Visitors will be processed by Spanish cops after they have passed through officials from Gibraltar.

In return, Gibraltar residents – in-

British tourists the biggest losers as post-Brexit

cluding Brits who live on the Rock – will be able to enter Spain hassle-free, without need to show a pass or face physical checks.

A Gibraltar ID card will now grant that person official access to anywhere within the Schengen zone.

Gibraltar’s business minister celebrated the deal, explaining that a hard border with Spain would be an ‘existential threat’ to the Rock’s economy.

agreement for Gibraltar is finally signed

In particular, Nigel Feetham said the gaming sector – which accounts for 3,400 jobs – is heavily dependent on the 15,000 workers, the majority Spanish, who cross the border.

“Those jobs create tax revenues and with corporate tax – over 50% comes from the gaming industry,” Feetham explained.

Opinion Page 6

Bad habits

SPANISH children are sadder and more worried than three years ago due to less exercise and more screen use, the latest Gasol Foundation survey found.

Bullfighting

PRESSURE group

Animals in Marbella Sanctuary called for an immediate end to bullfighting in a protest held on June 14 outside the Marbella Bullring.

Black flags

Forty-eight black flags were awarded to Spain’s coastal areas for their environmental problems, including six in Valencia due to the Dana aftermath.

High-speed

TWO men, both aged 35, were arrested after a high-speed police chase which ended with the discovery of 7240 ecstasy pills in their car.

A MAN has been jailed for seven years for the abuse, rape and sexual assault of his female domestic worker.

The abuse started just three days after her first day of work, when she was hired to assist the man at his Madrid apartment in April 2019. The man groped her buttocks while she was serving food. She immediately criticised his behaviour,

BAD BOSS

but the abuse continued. He said no one would believe her if she reported him, because she was ‘black’ and an ‘illegal immigrant’ whereas he was a Spanish citizen.

On day ten of her employment, he demanded she strip and dance for him at a

Monaghans shootings arrest

A MAN aged 44, has been arrested in Liverpool over the brutal double murder of two Scottish gangsters outside a pub in Fuengirola last month. Michael Riley was detained by Merseyside Police acting on behalf of Spanish authorities.

Suspect collared in Liverpool

over killings of two Scottish gangsters

By Walter Finch

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday and was remanded in custody as extradition proceedings begin.

Punched to death

A BULGARIAN man, 47, went to the Policia Nacional station in Marbella and confessed to beating his wife to death. The body of a 53-year-old Spanish woman - named as Pilar - was found in a field the same day, next to a petrol station on Calle Velez.

People who knew the couple said they regularly argued and that the husband ‘beat her’.

Fuengirola hotel, threatening to leave her without pay if she did not obey. He then raped her.

Back in Madrid, she was able to grab her cellphone, which the defendant hid under his pillow, lock herself in the bathroom and call the police for help.

The man was also ordered to pay the victim €8,250 compensation.

The double murder occurred on May 31, when Eddie Lyons Jnr and Ross Monaghan were shot dead outside Monaghans bar while watching the Champions League final.

A masked gunman opened fire before fleeing in a waiting car, leaving both men dead at the scene.

The attack sent shockwaves through the expat community, with fears it was linked to gang wars in Scotland.

However, Police Scotland later confirmed there was no connection to ongoing violence in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Spanish authorities have been working closely with their British counterparts since the investigation began, utilis-

ing international cooperation agreements to track down those responsible for the killings.

Fuengirola's Monaghans bar, where the shooting took place, is well-known among the British and Irish community on the Costa del Sol.

The venue has since resumed normal operations following the incident.

The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Spanish police in dealing with international criminal activity along the Costa del Sol, where the large expatriate population and proximity to North Africa have long made the region attractive to organised crime groups from across Europe.

Weapons seized

THE Guardia Civil has busted a gang that supplied firearms to drug traffickers. Eighteen people have been arrested in 16 raids across Murcia, Alicante and Cadiz.

The organisation had been diverting weapons sold legally to the illegal market via fraudsters who had falsely reported the ‘theft’ or ‘loss’ of their weapons, which included rifles, civilian versions of military assault rifles, and police shotguns, with dozens of weapons seized by police.

The weapons were destined to be used by drug traffickers to protect their marijuana warehouses and plantations from takeovers by other drug organisations.

Alongside the weapons seizure, the Guardia Civil discovered and dismantled five illegal indoor marijuana plantations.

TWO British tourists, aged 31 and 33, have been arrested for allegedly violently pushing a woman to the ground and stealing her bag containing €670 in Puerto Banus.

The 28-year-old victim received multiple bruises and a cut on her finger that required stitches.

The two suspects were later identified via nearby CCTV and were caught after a search of the area.

VICTIMS: Ross Monaghan (left) and Eddie Lyons

MIND YOUR LANGUAGE

ENGLAND footballer Trent Alexander-Arnold impressed fans with his fluent Spanish at his Real Madrid unveiling. The 26-year-old spoke for over a minute without notes, thanking the club and expressing his excitement about joining the Spanish giants. His speech, which included a shout of ‘Hala Madrid’, highlighted his desire

CARLOS Alcaraz has been taking a few days off in Ibiza to completely disconnect from tennis, after his gruelling French Open win. He was joined by his usual crew of friends, including Tottenham Hotspur footballer, Sergio Re-

England football star AlexanderArnold wows fans with fluent Spanish skills at Real Madrid unveiling

By Ben Pawlowski

to win titles and showcase his skills.

British footballers have long

Time to relax

guilon, who somehow managed to ‘win’ a Europa League winner’s medal despite not being registered in the squad.

The 22-year-old tennis ace pulled off an unbelievable comeback against rival Jannik Sinner, recovering from two sets down and saving three championship points in a marathon final that lasted over five and a half hours.

held a reputation for lacklustre language skills, with the likes of Gareth Bale, David Beckham and Michael Owen famously failing to get to grips with the local lingo.

When asked by the press how long he had been learning Spanish, Alexander-Arnold replied: “A few months, a few months.”

The right-back joins Real from his boyhood club Liverpool where he made 354 appear-

ances in all competitions, scoring 27 goals and providing 96 assists.

Alexander-Arnold’s contract had been due to run out at the end of June, but Los Blancos agreed a €10 million deal that allows the defender to join Xabi Alonso’s squad ahead of this month’s lucrative inaugural Club World Cup in the US.

The Englishman was hailed as a star by Real Madrid’s flamboyant president, Florentino Perez, who in his opening address said: “26-years-old, a legend in the game, and now he is joining our family.

“A player who has won everything. One of the best defenders and full-backs in world football who has played for one of the most important clubs in the world, Liverpool.

MULLINS IT OVER

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE IN THE UK AND LIFE IN SPAIN, WRITES CHARLIE MULLINS

Spurs, sun, and crime

A year in Marbella, football farce, and the gangster plague hitting Spain

AS I’m sure you’ve all heard by now, I’ve officially embraced my role as a full-time expat resident in Marbella - and, I’ve got to say, it’s been a year of bliss.

So, after a year of soaking up the sun and living the Spanish dream, I reckon I’m well within my rights to voice my opinion on what’s going down in Spain - especially with the flood of Brit tourists descending for the next few months.

Is it too soon to start playing the classic NIMBY? Maybe, but when you can’t even get a table at Cyrano in La Cala because tourists have snapped up every last booking, I think it’s fair game to have a little moan. That’s my whinge of the week. Now, let’s get onto the serious (and slightly bizarre) matter of two English football clubs battling it out in the final of a major European competition - the UEFA League - in Bilbao.

On a positive note, I hear the Spanish authorities did a better job looking after the Manchester United and Tottenham fans than the French have in recent years.

A mate of mine - let’s call him Jon, a diehard Spurs fanwent up for the match. Now, even though it was probably the most mind-numbing football match since the Greeks somehow dragged themselves across the finish line at the 2004 Euros, Jon came away as happy as Larry. His beloved Spurs (currently languishing in 17th in the

Premier League) managed to scrape past an equally uninspiring Manchester United (sitting at 16th) by the slimmest of margins - a 1-0 win.

Not exactly a classic, but hey, it was a European trophy, and that’s something. Rumour has it the catering was top-notch, and unlike the usual dodgy trip back from White Hart Lane, the good folks of Bilbao weren’t out there setting up ambushes for the 80,000-strong crowd of British fans.

Now, as an Arsenal fan, I can’t help but wonder: What lessons, if any, will our traditional rivals over at Spurs take from their Bilbao adventure on May 21? It seems to me Tottenham play a whole lot better when they’re off British soil. Sure, they lost 22 matches in the Premier League, but somehow managed to trouser a major European title on the other side of the Channel. Maybe, just maybe, Tottenham Hotspur might want to consider a US-style relocation?

After all, Malaga, who are affectionately known as Los Boquerones (the anchovies), don’t have much of a winning legacy down here on the Costa del Sol. Sure, they bagged the 2002 Intertoto Cup, but that’s about it. So why not ditch the smelly fish team and bring a real bit of English football to the Costa del Sol? Spurs, it’s a no-brainer!

Away from Jon’s football obsession, though, there’s another UK import we could all do without - and that’s the gangster lifestyle that’s currently giving Spain a bad reputation. Clearly British wrong ‘uns feel like sunny Spain is a good place to do business, which seems to have created unwanted criminal competition. Most recently, a couple of Scottish gangsters got gunned down outside a bar. Not a good look, and I wonder if the UK and Spanish police might be able to work together better to sort this problem out? That also makes sense!

Gered up

met the real thing when he bumped into Queen Letizia at a charity event in Madrid. Gere and Spanish wife

Gere moved to Madrid last year. They attended the closing ceremony for ‘Euros de tu nómina’ (Euros from your payroll) event.

The event, run by Banco Santander, has been on Queen Letizia’s agenda for several years.

Both the Spanish Queen and Gere gave speeches at the event. Gere and Alejandra support the Spanish charity Hogar Sí, which works with the homeless. They met at a hotel in Positano, Italy in 2014, and married four years later.

They’ve spent most of their married life in the United States, but headed to Spain for ‘its beauty, extraordinary food and generous people’.

The couple’s Madrid home is in the ultra-exclusive La Moraleja neighbourhood, home to football stars and business magnates. In February, Gere was presented an International Goya award.

KING Felipe did a spot of flying over the Mar Menor in Murcia as the area hosted Spain’s biggest aerobatic display.

‘Aire 25’ featured the San Javier-based Patrulla Aguila (Eagle Patrol) team - the Spanish equivalent of the Red Arrows - which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

King Felipe did his air training on the old C-101 display plane during his time at San Javier between 1987

The flying monarch

and 1988 and so could not resist trying out its replacement - the new Pilatus PC-21.

The head of state, dressed in a flight suit, boarded the Pilatus, accompanied by an instructor from the academy, Commander Guzman, in a trip lasting around 40 minutes.

DAMP SQUIB: The Europa League final

HOLLYWOOD royalty Richard Gere

Alejandra

ATTRACTIONS: Queen Letizia and Richard Gere, pictured with Alejandra Silva

Dad tragedy

A BRITISH father-of-two has died on Menorca while go-karting with his family.

The unnamed 62-year-old reportedly suffered a heart attack at Castillo Menorca, a track near the town of Ciutadella, in front of his two children. Emergency services were sent to the scene but were unable to save the man’s life.

The man’s wife is believed to have been staying at the family’s villa, loathed in Cala En Porter in the south of the popular island.

It is unclear whether the man was a Menorca resident or a tourist on holiday.

LOSING FAITH

JUST 55% of Spanish people say they are Catholic compared to 90% five decades ago. Young people are leading the charge away from religion. In 2002, 60% of those aged 18-29 were Catholic, but today that number has nearly halved to 32%.

Even older generations aren’t immune, with Catholic identification among those over 70 dropping from 89% to 77% in the same period.

The findings, from Funcas’s latest Social Situation Notes, reveal Spain’s religious landscape is rapidly changing, with a growing number of Spaniards rejecting religion altogether.

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Have you seen him?

IT has been nearly 35 years since 41-year-old taxi driver Jan Sørensen Fogde vanished without a trace from his Viborg apartment. Now, a renewed search is underway. His mother - 101 year old Edith Fogde - and her sons Steen and Carsten have enlisted the help of TV journalist Kristian Bech and his investigative team, to try to find out what happened to Jan.

The last confirmed sighting of Jan was in late November

TV Team reopens case of the 1990 disappearance of Danish taxi driver Jan Sørensen Fogde

By Dilip Kuner

1990. Then, on December 2, worried that she had not heard from him for weeks, Edith used her spare key to enter her son’s home, only to find the door blocked from the inside by a pile of unopened mail.

The apartment was empty. Jan had disappeared. A large part of

Jan’s valuable stamp collection, a significant amount of cash, his passport, and driver’s licence were all gone. There were no signs of struggle, no farewell note, and no indication of where

RAIL PLANS ON TRACK

ANOTHER step has been taken towards building a coastal train connecting Algeciras with Spain’s border. The Spanish Government recently awarded the contract for a feasibility study of the railway. Consulting firms WSP Spain and Apia will be responsible for defining the route of the future railway, analysing its economic and social viability. They have 18 months to complete the study. However, the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party) remained cautious: “When we start, we don’t know what we'll find,” party sources said.

Experts said, in the best-case scenario, the project could be completed in 11 years. However, they said it’s mostly likely to take 16 if there are no delays.

The latest railway project submitted by Malaga City Council was budgeted at €2.1 billion, but only up to Marbella. The National Association of Construction Companies, Seopan, raised this figure - for the entire project - to €6.699 billion. Several experts stated that each kilometre will cost between €40 and 60 million.

he might have gone. Months later, in April 1991, the mystery deepened when police found an abandoned Volvo Amazon at a bus station over 100 kilometres from Jan’s home. The car be -

longed to Jan’s best friend, who had lent it to him on the understanding that it would be returned.

Now, In a promising turn, the TV programme led by Bech has taken up the case. The team is exploring the theory that Jan may have left Denmark voluntarily and started a new life in Estepona, a town he had visited frequently in the years before he disappeared.

Bech and his team are currently on the Costa del Sol searching for clues that might solve the mystery. They are hoping that someone who knows him will come forward with information that could help solve the mystery.

If you have any information about Jan Sørensen Fogde, contact Bech at bech@missingmedia.dk, or call +45 21 27 22 79.

Russian rules

RUSSIAN nationals transiting through Spanish airports now need a transit visa - even if they stay in the international zone. Spain becomes the third European country, after the UK and Czech Republic, to impose such a rule.

The move responds to growing concerns over illegal migration via transit routes, particularly from high-risk countries like Syria and Iran.

The new regulation may disrupt travel to Latin America, a popular destination for Russians. It’s part of wider EU efforts to tighten border controls following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the resulting restrictions on Russian mobility.

No resolution

SPAIN received the second-highest number of asylum applications in the EU last year, with a staggering 1 million requests across the bloc. However, it’s also the country with the highest rejection rate. Only 18.5% of Spain's 167,000 applicants were granted asylum, marking a modest 6.27% rise from 2023. Meanwhile, just 6.6% gained refugee status.

As of 2024, over 240,000 cases remain unresolved, with many applicants stuck in limbo.

While efforts to speed up decisions are underway, the Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (CEAR) warns the impact remains limited, as delays persist.

Jay Slater’s final hours

NEW information has emerged about the tragic death of British teen Jay Slater, who was found dead in Tenerife last June.

Celebrity detective Mark Williams-Thomas has revealed bricklayer Jay, 19, armed himself with kitchen knives after allegedly stealing ketamine from convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim 31.

Speaking on the Jay Slater The Investigation podcast, Williams-Thomas uncovered that Jay had left an Airbnb in the remote village of Masca with knives hidden in his waistband. Qassim, the last to see Jay, claimed he ‘walked away because he’s f***ed off with the ket,’ after taking his drugs.

Chilling

Jay’s friend Lucy Law recalled a chilling phone call where Jay said he was ‘on a mission’ and feared for his safety.

Jay’s body was found a month later in a ravine with severe head injuries.

Williams-Thomas’s investigation points to a drug-fueled, erratic final day, with Jay reportedly attempting to sell a stolen watch.

Despite mounting pressure from conspiracy theories, the inquest is now set to resume, with new evidence shedding light on Jay's final moments.

BRUSSELS is calling on Spain to address its housing crisis by increasing the supply of social and affordable homes.

According to the Bank of Spain, 40% of Spanish tenants are spending 40% of their income on rent. In comparison, the EU average is 27%.

Housing call

The EU Commission noted that the massive growth in tourism in the country and demand for temporary accommodation had reduced the availability of homes for locals

BURROS BUDGET BOOST

Mijas to build giant donkey sanctuary in €15m splurge

MIJAS Town Hall has approved plans for a ma jor donkey sanc tuary spanning over 10,000 square metres as part of a €15.1 million infrastructure spending package. The council has allocated

By Walter Finch

€80,000 for the design of the recreational park, which will house the town's famous donkeys in more spacious stables with dedicated recreational areas, shaded relaxation zones and semifree roaming - all open to the public.

The move comes after years of backlash from

However, it also called out Spain’s social housing shortage and slow construction as another reason for the crisis.

It is recommending the reform of land law, as well as the reduction of permit processing times for new builds and the elimination of administrative bottlenecks.

animal rights campaigners, who’ve slammed the town for forcing donkeys to lug tourists around steep streets in scorching heat. Several animals reportedly collapsed last summer, sparking outrage and tighter rules on working hours during heatwaves.

Now, Mijas wants to turn the tide by becoming a leading donkey breeding and welfare centre - without ditching the animals’ tourist appeal.

But that’s not all. The mega-budget plan includes €5.87 million for wider infrastructure works.

And €150,000 will be set aside to design 40 public flats on a 5,700-square-metre plot - the biggest such develop-

ment in 20 years.

Parking woes are also in the firing line, with underground car parks planned for La Vega, Las Cañadas and La Cala boulevard, plus extra surface parking near the hippodrome.

Nearly 30 streets are in for facelifts, including Cipres, Pablo Ruiz Picasso and Cartama.

Meanwhile, €150,000 will go towards fixing the La Cala sports pavilion roof, with more cash heading to Las Lagunas and Osunillas football facilities.

Even pensioners are getting a boost - their Las Lagunas centre is due an €80,000 upgrade.

ESTEPONA’S Town Council is on course to reach zero debt, which will allow an average 20% reduction in the IBI property tax.

The Mayor Jose Maria García Urbano of the People’s Party announced the slash of property taxes during a plenary hall meeting.

Urbano inherited a debt of €304 million when he became mayor in 2011. It was one of the most indebted councils in Spain, with an average of €4,600 per inhabitant.

The Popular Party mayor set out to address this debt, launching a repayment plan where an average of €60,000 a day was paid back. Just €26 million is now left to be paid.

THOSE calling the Costa del Sol home are some of the biggest producers of waste in all of Andalucia.

Alongside residents of Gibraltar, Costa del Sol residents are throwing away more than 575 kgs of waste per capita each year.

Mijas, Fuengirola and Marbella are the worst culprits, producing more than 730 kgs of waste. Following close behind are Torremolinos , Manilva , Casares , Benahavis , Estepona , Istan and Benalmadena, which all produce more than 700 kgs of waste per capita annually. This information is sourced from Andalucia’s Institute of Statistics and Cartography.

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

Gibraltar’s new deal draws mixed verdicts

IS it surrender or a strategic triumph? The freshly inked Gibraltar border deal has triggered celebration in many quarters - and outcry in others.

For Gibraltarians and many businesses on the Rock, the agreement is a lifeline. It guarantees border fluidity and protects thousands of jobs dependent on the daily cross-border flow, particularly in the gaming industry. Gibraltar ID holders can now move freely through the Schengen zone, a practical win after years of Brexit-induced uncertainty.

But there’s a sting in the tail for British tourists. For the first time ever, Spanish police will operate within Gibraltar’s territory, conducting Schengen checks at ports and the airport. British citizens - ironically, the very people who once enjoyed unfettered EU travel - will now face passport control and visa restrictions, and can even be refused entry to a British Overseas Territory by Spanish officials.

That’s a jarring optic, no matter how diplomatically it’s framed. Nigel Farage’s warning of ‘Gibraltar surrender’ may be political theatre, but it taps into a broader unease: post-Brexit Britain seems increasingly isolated, while Gibraltar edges toward a de facto integration with mainland Europe.

Yet pragmatism has prevailed. This deal secures Gibraltar’s economic future, keeps its borders open, and offers certainty after years of limbo. For residents and EU citizens, it’s a triumph. For British tourists, it’s a sharp reminder of Brexit’s price.

In the end, sovereignty hasn’t changed - but influence has shifted. And for Brits now waiting in Spanish-controlled queues to visit British soil, that may feel like more surrender than success.

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The fake paper trail

How

crooks are stealing Spanish villas with forged powers of attorney and sinister late night

threats

The Olive Press has revealed the astonishing cases of two foreigners, a Swede and an American, who have had their Costa del Sol properties stolen from them using forged power of attorney documents created in South America. These twin cases highlight a disturbing and growing international fraud network targeting foreign homeowners in Spain, using fake legal documents created thousands of kilometres away and inexplicably accepted by notaries and land registrars in Spain.

ELIZABETH, an American citizen and long-term resident in Spain, purchased her €2.5 million five-bedroom villa in 2012.

Her dream was to set up a peaceful yoga retreat on the Costa del Sol. But in August 2023, while she was attending a retreat in Indonesia, that dream turned into a nightmare.

By Samantha Mythen

“I woke up at five in the morning to my phone ringing off the hook,” she recalls. Her house-sitting friend had just experienced a violent break-in.

A group of men entered the villa, smashing through doors and disabling alarms. They claimed they had a valid rental contract and were acting under the authority of the new ‘owner’.

FORGED: An example of the faked papers used

“I hadn’t sold the house. I hadn’t even thought of it,” Elizabeth explained to the Olive Press this month. “I was thousands of miles away.”

When police arrived, the intruders presented documents and an ID card – not of Elizabeth, but of a Mexican woman named ‘Rosa Elvia’.

Thankfully the police were sceptical and sent them away with two of the men later arrested for breaking into the same home.

But it has done anything but calm Elizabeth’s nerves as she still works to solve the horrific issue which means she can neither move, nor

ROYALTY, ROMANCE AND SCOTS

Fact, folklore, and Spain’s enduring nickname for foreigners

HAVE you ever heard the term, ‘guiris’? It’s a slang term commonly used in Spain, and it often refers to foreigners. It's frequently applied to tourists and residents from northern European countries, including those of Anglo-Saxon descent.

While some perceive the term as mildly pejorative, it's often used descriptively without malicious intent.

Spanish people know very well that they need us. (Look around – apart from tourism, is there any other economic activity going on?) But they have a (mildly) pejorative word for us. They call us guiris

But what about the origin of the word? One popular, intriguing, and somewhat romanticised story links the term to a fascinating period in Spanish history and one of its most controversial queens.

By Michael Coy

legitimacy was challenged by the Carlists, a conservative faction who supported her uncle, Don Carlos, and preferred a male successor. This led to prolonged civil wars, particularly in the Basque region, and her time in power was indeed sullied by endless uprisings and political plots.

In September 1868, a naval mutiny erupted in Cadiz – a city with a long history of revolutionary fervour. The disturbance quickly spread, leading to the Glorious Revolution (La Gloriosa).

Between 1833 and 1868, Spain was ruled by Queen Isabella II. She ascended the throne at the tender age of three, following a pivotal decision by her father, King Ferdinand VII. Just before her birth, Ferdinand issued the Pragmatic Sanction in 1830, a decree that abolished the Salic Law, which had historically forbidden women from inheriting the Spanish crown. Isabella's reign, spanning 35 years, was undeniably tumultuous.

From the outset, her

Isabella, finding Sevilla too close to the burgeoning unrest, fled to France. She initially hoped to return once stability was restored, but her deep unpopularity ultimately prevented her restoration.

To pave the way for her son, Alfonso, to eventually claim the throne, Isabella formally abdicated. This occurred on June 25, 1870, when she renounced her personal claims to the Spanish crown while living in exile in Paris. Alfonso indeed became king, returning to Spain in 1874 to begin his reign as Alfonso XII. Though she returned briefly to Spain years later, Isabella never truly settled back in her homeland. Paris remained her primary residence until her death in 1904, at the age of 73.

Now, where does the ‘guiri’ explanation fit into this royal tale? According to a captivating, albeit widely considered to be a folk etymology, the story goes that as a young woman, Isabella liked men. A lot. Rumours of her numerous romantic liaisons were prevalent throughout her reign, adding to her controversial public image.

Her preferred ‘type’, the legend whispers, was

sell the property.

Elizabeth has since tried to trace Rosa’s identity and believes she doesn’t exist. The passport and documents presented, she claims, were entirely fabricated.

The roots of the fraud go back to 2018, according to Elizabeth’s lawyer, Carmen Herrera, based in Fuengirola.

That year, a forged power of attorney (POA) was created in Mexico. It included a fake passport for Elizabeth, identifying her as a Colombian national living in Mexico City.

With that fraudulent POA, a fake private purchase contract was drawn up and signed by a notary in Mexico, then apostilled – giving it an air of international legality.

The forged documents sat dormant until July 2023, when they were used to register the supposed sale at a land registry office in Marbella. “On the day I supposedly sold my home, I was flying to London,” Elizabeth said. “I never saw a cent.”

Even more shocking, she says, is that no one in the Spanish legal system bothered to verify

a tall, athletic Scot. As queen, she had considerable leeway in staffing her palace and reportedly hand-picked a corps of young Scottish bodyguards. Some even suggest these men may have provided more than just security, CHILD QUEEN: Isabella is said to have grown up to favour Scots soldiers

perhaps engaging in romantic or even sexual favours given Isabella’s known inclinations and her unhappy marriage. The queen also chose to reside in Sevilla, rather than the political hub of Madrid, and desired a distinctive uniform for her personal guards. Counsellors, wary of her unpopularity and fearing that ostentatious foreign bodyguards might provoke further unrest, advised against it.

Isabella, however, was insistent on a unique identifier: a metal belt-buckle for each of her Scottish guards. She initially wanted it to read: “Guardia Imperial de la Reina Isabella” (Queen Isabella’s Imperial Guard). When it was pointed out that this was far too much text for a belt buckle, she supposedly agreed to reduce it to the initialism ‘Gu.I.R.I.’ The buckles were then made and issued. One can easily imagine a handsome, wellpaid, and well-dressed Scot, his unique buckle on full display, strolling along a bustling street like Calle Sierpes in Sevilla during the

her identity.

“You can Google me. I’m American. I live in Spain. I’ve never even been to Colombia,” she said. “How could the registrar accept this without checking?”

According to Spanish property law, a notary must verify the authenticity of any POA used in a property transaction. If the POA comes from outside Spain, it must have a ‘Hague Apostille’ or equivalent legalisation which proves authenticity. But according to the Olive Press’ regular property columnist Mark Stucklin, something clearly went wrong.

“In this case, it must have been a crooked or negligent notary who didn’t do proper due diligence,” Stucklin said. “There’s no reason these documents should have been accepted without scrutiny.”

Elizabeth’s lawyer Herrera agrees. Talking exclusively to the Olive Press this week, she explained: “They didn’t do their job properly. The notary, the registrar – someone let this through, and that failure enabled a crime.”

When Elizabeth emailed the Mexican notary listed on the sale, they claimed to know noth-

1850s.

And just as easily, one can picture a group of local Sevillanos, perhaps sipping manzanilla on a cafe terrace, observing this foreign presence. No doubt, one might have turned to his friends and quipped: “Look, lads – it’s one of her ‘guiris’.” Thus, this captivating narrative suggests, a slang term was born.

IN THE KNOW

Incisive and trust-worthy reporting sees Olive Press on UK national news and in a string of global tabloids

AFTER two decades of investigating the case of missing Madeleine McCann few people know more about it than Olive Press editor Jon Clarke. His recent trip to Portugal is a case in point: Arriving a full day before any rivals he was already up to speed by the time the local PJ force started a string of detailed searches around Praia da Luz, where the toddler went missing in 2007.

ing about it. She even looked up the buyer’s listed address in Mexico City.

“It was a barrio of tin-roofed homes,” she said.

“These aren’t even real houses. How could someone from there afford a luxury villa in Marbella?”

Once the fraudulent sale was registered, the criminals moved quickly. Just a month later, they attempted to physically take possession of Elizabeth’s home.

“They’ve sent young men with no legal residency to break in, intimidate, and harass anyone inside,” Herrera said.

Electrical systems were burned out, alarms disabled, and neighbours frightened. Two of the intruders have already been sentenced to prison for breaking and entering.

The police have intervened, and the courts have granted Elizabeth a precautionary measure preventing further sale or transfer of the property until the case is resolved. But her home remains at risk.

“I’m scared. I can’t pay the bills, I can’t fix the damage. The house is falling apart,” Elizabeth told the Olive Press.

“It’s constantly devaluing. I feel trapped. After this, I will never buy property in Spain again.”

Lawyers, in Marbella, said the use of forged legal documents is becoming more common, particularly with AI making forgeries more realistic and easier to produce.

He said he has heard of at least three, while estate agent Adam Neale, of Terra Meridiana, in Estepona, said he had heard of another multi-million fraud of a plot in Sotogrande.

“It’s very easy now to create something that looks official,” explained Echavarria. “Notaries can be fooled – but they should still verify carefully.

Antonio Flores, another lawyer on the Costa del Sol at Lawbrid, offered a clear warning: “If someone walks in off the street with a foreign POA and wants to sell a home, a notary should treat that with extreme suspicion. This can happen to any homeowner.”

The European Union is currently rolling out a new system requiring public documents to include a QR code for instant authenticity checks.

‘I’m scared. I can’t pay the bills, I can’t fix the damage’

Her case eerily follows that of Sara, a Swedish environmental consultant featured on the Olive Press front page last month.

Her Mijas apartment was stolen using a forged Colombian POA and men - posing as victims of fraud - showed up at her door, tried to evict her, and even contacted her building’s community administrator to falsely claim ownership.

“They acted innocent, like they didn’t understand what was going on,” Sara said. “They even tried to convince my neighbours they were the real victims.”

Property lawyer Diego Echavarria, of Fairway

But it’s not fully operational across all member states, and these latest cases prove that current safeguards aren’t enough.

“We need to know who is responsible for letting this fraud happen,” Elizabeth asked this week. “Was it the notary in Mexico? The registrar in Marbella? Who failed to check even the most basic information?”

As authorities investigate and court proceedings continue, Elizabeth and Sara are left in legal limbo – two victims among what may be many more, in a system vulnerable to exploitation.

And as this international crime wave spreads, one thing is clear – unless the legal infrastructure for property transactions is reformed, and quickly, Spain’s reputation as a safe place to buy a home could be at serious risk.

Filing his first exclusive dispatch for the Olive Press within an hour of the police arriving, alongside their counterparts from Germany, it was the start of a series of incisive reports earlier this month.

And for anyone interested in the case in the UK or Germany, Jon appeared various times on numerous national TV bulletins explaining the moves.

Apart from appearing on ITV’s regular daily news bulletins, he appeared on both Channel 5 news and even RTL national news in Germany.

Best of all was the grilling he received from former shadow chancellor Ed Balls and Susanna Reid live on Good Morning Britain (GMB) And, as he reported - with a world exclusive in the Olive Press - police found bone fragments and two guns at the scene, one which might have been used by prime suspect Christian Brueckner. The story was followed up by dozens of newspapers around the world, including the Sun, New York Post and Bild

It is a classic example of our journalists working doggedly pursuing stories wherever they may be.

We lead others follow

But that is our DNA… to get out digging to understand the news and deliver it to our readers online as soon as possible, fact-checked and analysed.

In particular looking at breaking stories in Spain that have gone global and viral over the last few decades.

Whether than be the recent energy crisis to the Covid pandemic, or from the Valencia floods to the Catalan referendum riots. We try to get there first and give you the best possible analysis in English.

As our subscriber base continues to grow, the Olive Press is able to invest further into quality journalism and provide our readers with the latest first-hand details.

If you’d like to read the Olive Press daily - even hourly - and get the news as it breaks, pls subscribe to our website at www.theolivepress.es or scan the QR code below.

Take a year’s subscription and it will cost you incredibly UNDER ONE EURO a week! Yes, to be guaranteed 20-plus stories a day and 10 newsletters mailouts each week on everything you need to know about Spain. It’s a no brainer. No OP, No comment.

CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Footage of the men attempting to break into Elizabeth’s house

GRANADA

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Cats and dogs

SPAIN'S Iberian wolf population is dwindling according to a government census. Figures compiled by the Ministry for Ecological Transition suggest that the number of wolves has been surpassed by the Iberian lynx, which was in danger of extinction two decades ago.

Environment secretary, Hugo Moran, confirmed the top line details but did not specify exact numbers.

The previous census between 2012 and 2014 showed around 2,500 wolves grouped into 297 packs.

The latest lynx numbers from 2024 came in at 2,401 including the birth of 844 cubs last year..

“All administrations have introduced measures to reintroduce the lynx and we must reflect on why that does not happen to the wolf, especially if they provide the same kind of service to the ecosystem,” said Moran.

“Let's be aware that we are facing the same problem. We cannot choose to protect only a percentage of nature. It must be protected as a whole,” he added.

HOTTING UP

By Walter Finch

SPAIN has experienced a blistering and unprecedented start to the summer, with record-breaking temperatures in the south sending thermometers soaring above 40C across multiple provinces.

Incredibly, by June 8, Sevilla Airport had already registered four days above 40C – more than in the entire month of June during any previous year since records began in 1951.

Number of days in Spain over 40C by start of June in 2025 beats all previous years

To put that into context: no other year on record has seen more than two days above 40C in Sevilla before the second week of June.

In fact, the searing early heat has beaten the number of extreme days compared to all

other years combined for the same period by 125%, according to provisional data released by AEMET, Spain’s national weather agency. It goes some way to dispelling the claims that ‘Spain is always hot in the summer’, and follows what meteorologists are calling an ‘absolutely ex-

Sea meadows in trouble

POSIDONIA oceanica, the vital seagrass often called the ‘green lung’ of the Mediterranean, is in serious trouble, warn scientists.

A new study reveals the underwater meadows of Posidonia – essential for absorbing carbon and supporting marine life – are being decimated by invasive Asian algae and human activity.

Research by the Mediterranean Classroom Foundation (FAMM) shows the meadows along Malaga, Granada, and Almeria are in critical condition, with Posidonia being overtaken by the aggressive R. okamurae algae.

ceptional’ heat episode.

On Sunday June 8, the mercury hit 42.9C in Moron de la Frontera, just south-east of Sevilla, with Montoro in Cordoba not far behind at 42.7C.

Other towns in Sevilla province scorched past the 42C mark too, including Carmona (42.7C), Fuentes de Andalucía (42.6C),

The situation is especially dire in Mala ga, where the meadows are rapidly disappear ing.

Experts say rising sea temperatures, fishing practices, and pollution are all contributing to the destruction.

Scientists urge immediate action to preserve these ‘submerged forests,’ which play a crucial role in both cli mate change mitigation and marine biodiversity. The countdown to save Posidonia is now underway.

and the airport itself, which also recorded 42.6C. Around 40 AEMET weather stations across the country hit or surpassed 40C on Sunday The agency confirmed that these are the earliest temperatures over 42C ever recorded in Sevilla, beating the previous early-June high set on June 12, 2012.

All about Marbella

THE ROMANCE OF MARBELLA

MARBELLA’S name has long conjured visions of a picture-perfect city of gleaming yachts, designer boutiques and luxury hotels… all with an endless stream of celebrity sightings.

This undeniably glamorous image still pulls in a certain crowd - but a deeper, more compelling story starts to unfold for anyone willing to look beyond the obvious.

As we approach the summer, this ‘sundrenched jewel’ (as it likes to call itself) offers an experience that’s richer and more nuanced than its reputation

By Dilip Kuner

might first suggest.

Just step away from those buzzing marinas and the thrum of high-octane luxury, and you’ll stumble upon a Marbella that time itself seems to have preserved.

The Casco Historico, the old town, is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, their 16th-century origins, some even older, etched into every ancient wall. Hidden along narrow alleys you will find

modern art galleries, brimming with fresh, contemporary creations, sitting comfortably alongside traditional tapas bars, always busy with locals, despite the summer tourist hordes.

Hip boutiques, like long-established Deja Vu, and artisan ice cream parlours invite you for a leisurely exploration - it’s like a treasure hunt for unique finds.

At the heart of this historical haven, you’ll find the Plaza de los Naranjos, aptly named for its fragrant orange trees, which provide a colourful backdrop for countless selfies.

This charming square pulses with life

as locals and tourists mingle to enjoy its attractions.

The 16th-century town hall dominates, an immovable witness to centuries of change. While the immediate vicinity might lean towards the premium side (price-wise), the sheer immersion in this historical ambiance is priceless.

For a moment of quiet reflection, the cool stone walls of the Ermita De Santiago, originally a mosque, offer a peaceful sanctuary that feels like it’s

CREDIT: Pics by Jon Clarke

IDYLLIC

back to 1618, with a stunning Baroque entrance, houses an organ of remarkable complexity – we’re talking 5,000 pipes of pewter, copper, and wood, all played with four manual keyboards.

It’s quite the marvel!

Marbella’s historical roots actually stretch back much, much further. Indeed to Roman times.

Marbella

18th-century defensive tower. The intriguing 6th-century Visigothic church just along the beach in nearby San Pedro offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s diverse religious past. The Romans first settled here way back in 1 AD, and their legacy remains woven into the fabric of the town.

Look closely, and you’ll even find a 1st-century Roman bridge embedded within the Hotel Puente Romano, and the villa site at Rio Verde nearby boasts a magnificent mosaic, recently restored after thieves stole its central Medusa head motif.

just up the road is the very epitome of old world glamour, its mature gardens first planted back in the 1950s and its walls having put up everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Bridget Bardot.

Marbella’s charm lies along its 27 kilometres of coastline

Set up by the German aristocrat Alfonso Hohenlohe (more on whom later), this was THE place for the rich and famous to come and luxuriate in the 1960s. There is nowhere better to get a feel for it than in its historic bar garden in the heart of summer.

purple blossom lighting up the sky in late Spring.

These are the places where locals often gather, especially during feria –though I’m afraid you’ve just missed it; it wrapped up on Sunday! – while cafes and bars offer the perfect spot for a refreshing drink.

Yet, perhaps Mar bella’s most en during charm lies along its 27 kilometres of stunning coastline.

and private jet brokers cater to the absolute pinnacle of high-flying aspirations. Banus is an unashamed melting pot for the rich, the famous, and those ‘Marbella Love Islanders’ wannabes, who, clad head-to-toe in designer attire, flow through the port, especially around exclusive nightclubs like Le Suite and Roberto Cavalli. Just be warned, a round of drinks here could easily

Even older, the Marbella Club

Should the allure of history wane, Marbella’s public gardens step in to provide a verdant embrace.

La Constitucion Park and the Alameda Gardens right in the city centre offer a refreshing escape from the sun’s warm embrace, shaded as they are by verdant trees, including the emblematic Jacarandas, their

FAMED: Marbella is almost as famous for its golf courses as its jet-set elite

WE start our art tour at Marbella’s best known museum. Home to one of Europe’s most important Latin American collections, the Museo Ralli focuses on modern movements, particularly surrealism, with works from a wide range of contemporary artists. Its current temporary show is on show until April 2024.

Ralli Museum ?

WHERE? Urb. Coral Beach, Rio Verde, N-340, km. 176, 29602 Marbella, Málaga

WHEN?

Tuesday to Friday 10:00 to 17:00 h Saturday 10:00 to 16:00 h

From the pristine sandy beaches and gentle dunes of Artola (watch out for the nudists at its western end, while the Cabopino end is popular with families) and Elviria to the distinctly palm-lined paradise of central Marbella, the shore caters to every whim. Whether you’re seeking a languid day soaking up the sun, a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, an invigorating beach yoga session or the lively DJ sets in the many beach clubs, the local shores offer a perfect escape. For those who crave a touch of unapologetic extravagance, Puerto Banus, Marbella’s famously glamorous district, remains quite the spectacle. Bookmarking one end of the ‘millionaire’s row’ of the Golden Mile, Banus is where the ‘anything goes’ philosophy of Marbella really takes hold. From jubilant hen parties celebrating the final throes of ‘freedom’ for the bride, to members of the ‘1% club’ disembarking from superyachts and Ferraris, the people-watching here is a sport in itself, easily rivalling the vibrancy of Mayfair or Malibu. Luxury brands line every thoroughfare,

Dali

It’s not just hen parties creating an exhibition in Marbella; these three picks will satisfy culture vultures

“To fall in love with an artwork is to recognise your soul through the artist’s mirror” – or so said Marife Nuñez who founded the gallery, and probably knows about these things. Es.Arte is a contemporary gallery with a busy calendar of exhibitions and fairs. As well as exhibiting works by contemporary artists, the gallery also offers consultancy services, helping you find something to hang on your wall.

WHERE?

Av de Manolete, 1, Centro Plaza, Local 11, 29660 Marbella ?

WHEN? Tuesday to Friday 10:30 to 16:00 h Saturday 10:00 to 14:30 h

Gallery

Lord Alan Sugar, Simon Cowell, and members of the Saudi Arabian royal fam ily have long kept villas here.

More recently, Ek (and his deputy) have joined their es teemed ranks, while Eva Longoria, No vak Djokovic, and footballer Eden Haz ard also now call Marbella home. Even world leaders find themselves drawn to its magnetic charm; David Cameron, Tony Blair, and Michelle Obama have all visited in the past de cade, and former Spanish Prime Minis ter Jose Maria Aznar still maintains a villa in Guadalmina.

DISCOVERED

Marbella’s status as a grand re sort traces its origins back to 1946, when German Prince Maximilian de Hohenlo he-Langenburg and his aforementioned son Al fonso ‘discovered’ it quite serendipitous-

Avenida del Mar F

OR an outdoor gallery, head to Avenida del Mar to see some of Salvador Dali’s famous bronze statues. Located on this beautiful marble promenade near the waterfront, these statues include a depiction of Perseus beheading Medusa; the Roman emperor Trajan on horseback; and, changing the mood slightly, a statue of Dali’s wife looking through a window. Also look for nearby sculpture by Eduardo Soriano, a tribute to freedom of speech and expression.

WHERE? Avenida del Mar ?

WHEN? 24 hours a day!

ly during a Rolls Royce breakdown.

Alfonso was so captivated that he bought land and built a house, later selling plots to friends including the Rothschilds and Thyssens and other members of the jet set like Ava Gardner

The Marbella Club, which remains a stalwart on the Golden Mile, hosts many luminaries, including Lady Gaga and Lenny Kravitz, while its equally ritzy neighbour, the Puente Romano, has welcomed a string of A-listers including Robert de Niro, Tyson Fury, and James Hunt, who ended

And if the rich tapestry of culture, the pristine beaches, and the thriving social scene aren’t quite

enough to tempt you to make Marbella your own, then the blossoming culinary scene surely will. Marbella is home to a notable collection of Michelin-starred restaurants, making it an essential pilgrimage for any self-proclaimed ‘foodie’.

While local chef Dani Garcia controversially handed back his three Michelin stars just a few days after winning them a couple of years ago, a couple of joints have two.

They include Marcos Granda’s Skina, which has two Michelin Stars and is tipped for a third this year.

Then there’s Messina, holding one Michelin Star, where Chef Mauricio Giovanini crafts incredibly creative dishes with a global influence. Another must-visit is Nintai, also with one Michelin Star, offering an exquisite Japanese omakase experience, masterfully prepared right before your eyes.

And adding to Marbella’s stellar lineup is BACK, which also proudly holds one Michelin Star, presenting a mod-

ern, bistro-style approach to Andalusian cuisine under the expert guidance of Chef David Olivas. With a vibrant nightlife, a blossoming arts scene, and some of the finest food in the entire region, Marbella lives up to its many names. So, the next time its name pops up, just remember –it’s far, far more

than simply a playground for the rich and famous. It’s a dynamic weave of history, culture, natural beauty, and an irresistible culinary landscape.

Urb El Rosario, Edf Yellow Car , Local 3, Marbella, Malaga, 29600

NEW AND OLD: From modern Puerto Banus to the Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation in the old town, there is something for everybody

WEIRD: Imaginatives statues are scattered through the town

COLOURFUL: Jacarandas are blossoming in abundance

A princely legacy

LAST year marked what would have been the 100th birthday of Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg.

It is fair to say he wasn't your typical royal.

In the 1940s, he fell under the spell of an unknown sleepy fishing village called Marbella.

Intrigued by its potential, he began buying land, initially for himself. But with a keen eye for opportunity, he saw a chance to share his discovery with his wealthy international circle - and make a handsome profit from the deal.

Marbella owes its reputation as a destination for the wealthy jet-set to one well-connected man

By Dilip Kuner

Madrid-born Alfonso - full name Alfonso Maximiliano Victorio Eugenio Alejandro María Pablo de la Santísima Trinidad y Todos los Santos, Prinz zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg - started by selling plots to his well-heeled friends, the likes of the Rothschilds and Thyssens.

His own residence, Finca Santa Margar-

ita, became a popular gathering spot. Recognising a golden opportunity, he transformed it into the Marbella Club in 1954, the first luxury hotel on the Costa del Sol, and now marking its 70th year.

This wasn't just any hotel. The Marbella Club offered a unique blend of exclusivity and informality.

Its whitewashed villas, nestled amidst lush gardens, exuded a relaxed charm that resonated with Europe's elite. Soon, a steady stream of celebrities, royalty, and socialites found themselves drawn to this glamorous haven.

Sean Connery vacationed there, Ava Gardner partied there, and even King Saud of Saudi Arabia graced the club with his presence.

Marbella Club (now owned by the Shamoon family) became synonymous with luxury, transforming the once-quiet village into a jet-set playground.

Alfonso meanwhile decided to hop it, up into the mountains to nearby Ronda, where he bought an estate and

planted a vineyard, which still produces wine to this day. His family still own

it, while his legacy very much lives on not just in the Mar bella Club, but on the entire Costa del Sol.

Alfonso's vision and entrepre neurial spirit, after all, put Mar bella on the map, ensuring its place as a destination for the rich and famous for de cades to come.

HOME TO HOTEL: The prince’s famous visitors loved his seafront estate so much he turned it into a hotel so they could pay for the privilege of visiting!

FAMOUS VISITORS: Brigitte Bardot (pictured left with Prince Alfonso), King Saud, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Sean Connery were just a few of the ‘names’ to enjoy the prince’s hospitalty

Guiri ARMY

ALEGION of guiris have been awarded for their ‘indispensable’ hard work in Marbella.

The group of business owners, from half a dozen countries, were celebrated during a Europe Day event. They were just some of the thousands of foreign entrepreneurs who live in the resort and were championed for their long successful careers.

Half dozen fabulous foreigners are recognised during Europe Day celebrations in Marbella

He told the Olive Press: “Marbella is a great place to live and has been a big supporter of our business as we’ve grown over the last decade.”

In particular, the event organised by the Delegation of Foreign Residents, celebrated the amount of ‘riqueza’ and, most importantly, jobs they had brought to Marbella.

Two of the biggest employers singled out, AnyTech 365 and the La Sala Group, employ well over 600 workers between them - the major ity Spanish.

Both companies bosses, Janus Nielsen and Ian Radford were there to pick up awards.

Dane Nielsen, has lived in the resort for 20 years, and came initially ‘to play golf’ he admitted to the audience.

His digital security company, AnyTech365, is one of the biggest in Europe now with four offices, two on the Costa del Sol.

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He continued: “Marbella simply wanted to offer something different than just golf, restaurants and vacations, so it became possible for us to become an international company from here.”

One of the main rivals in terms of employment size is the La Sala group, which currently has five businesses in Marbella. Foreign residents department boss Remedios Bocanegra explained how owner Radford had arrived in Marbella in 1989 at just 20 years old to win the Andalucia squash title.

The Brit had previously represented the UK at various padel tournaments in the country.

“And then he dedicated years to organising and bringing

lots of football teams from Scandinavia for winter training in Marbella,” she said, before he opened his first restau -

rant La Sala Beach.

“It’s been a busy, hectic couple of decades,” he told the Olive Press. “I’m sure we have brought something exciting to Marbella and we’ve certainly created a lot of jobs.”

Also celebrated at the Europe Day bash was the boss of dynamic coworking centre, The Pool, Fredrik Bage.

The Swede, who went to school in Marbella and later took holidays in the resort, explained how they had seen a big demand for such a centre, opened on the Golden Mile, two years ago.

“I’m really happy that the town hall has identified us for our project,” he explained.

“We’ve already got 39 nation-

alities working with us, with an even balance of men and women and including Spanish.” He continued: “We are working to change Marbella for people who are working here all year around. It’s not just for tourism, the technology industry is also benefitting.”

Another winner of an award was Alina Asipian, from the Savia Organic Salon, in San Pedro, and behind numerous beauty salons around the resort for two decades.

The businesswoman told the Olive Press: “I’m really honoured to win this award.” Also winning awards was the Norwegian company Antima, as well as the recently set up Forum Marbella on the Golden Mile.

Time to regenerate

FORGET facelifts and juice cleanses - there's a high-tech health trend making waves on the Costa del Sol, and it involves lying still while a €170,000 machine zaps your body with plasma.

It’s called the Human Regenerator Jet, and is the first and only device in the world that regenerates the human body.

It’s the centrepiece of Human Regenerator Marbella, a sleek wellness clinic tucked away just off Marbella’s city centre. The treatment claims to boost energy, slow ageing, and even fight burnout – all without needles, pills, or breaking a sweat.

The secret? Something called Cold Atmospheric Plasma. According to the clinic, the technology works at a cellular level, reducing oxidative stress (the stuff that ages us and tires us out) and giving your body’s cells a serious recharge. It even boosts ATP, the energy your cells need to function.

Sceptical? So were we. But clients – including local celebs and elite athletes –swear by it. “After three sessions, I was

The €170,000 machine that ‘reverses ageing’

sleeping better and waking up feeling sharper,” one regular told us. “It’s like someone flicked the ‘reset’ switch.”

The treatment itself couldn’t be simpler. You lie back in a comfy, capsule-like bed while the machine works its magic. It’s completely painless and takes around 30 minutes. There’s no recovery time, no dramatic side effects - just a strange sense of calm and clarity that lingers long after.

Human Regenerator Marbella is open Monday to Saturday, with appointments available online. One session will set you back €120, which is far less than many cosmetic treatments, and with zero downtime. So, does it really turn back the clock?

The science is still catching up, but one thing’s for sure – this isn’t just another wellness fad. It’s futuristic, it’s fascinating, and it might just be the secret to staying sharp in the Spanish sun.

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CHAMPIONS: Janus Nielsen, Alina Asipian, Fredrik Bage and Ian Radford

A family-run business, since 1970, offering the full range of traditional agency services

30 highly skilled professionals speaking 14 languages

Two prestigious offices on Marbella’s Golden Mile

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IT kicks off with an amazing scene at Trocadero restaurant just up the road in Torrequebrada, then spends the rest of the next few episodes in Marbella. Under its distinctive La Concha mountain, the leafy gardens and golden streets of the resort have never looked more glossy.

This is the BBC’s hit drama, This City is Ours, filmed around Marbella, nearby La Linea and Antequera over a few months last year.

Soon set to start filming a second series, also expected to be on the Costa del Sol, this edgy crime drama has tak-

This resort is OURS!

Jon Clarke on how the critically-received BBC series This City is Ours shows off the Olive Press’ home town in a perfect light (well, sort of)

en the TV watching world by storm with amazing reviews on IMDB (8/10) and an impressive 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.

And it’s one of the very best television series of the last few years (nearly up there with Breaking Bad or Sopranos), with a clever, taut script with plenty of twists and turns and many a shocking moment.

One of the best is when the main star Sean Bean (playing crime boss Ronnie Phelan) gets executed in cold blood,

while lying drunk on a sun lounger by a pool in Nueva Andalucia. It’s a prophetic scene and leads to a battle of wills between his son and Ronnie’s hard-as-

nails deputy, our hero (sort of) Michael Kavanagh (played by James Nelson-Joyce).

The programme - based on a Liverpool drug gang - begins during a tense meeting with the local ‘Amigos gang’, who are based on the Costa del Sol.

Discussing the next shipment of cocaine to Liverpool, should it have a smaller cut for the experienced Spanish mafia, who live in stunning mountain villas around Marbella. Or, as is agreed, the risk of importation taken by the Scousers?

Wrapped in bananas the shipment finally sails through but is then hijacked by the rogue son of Ronnie.

And then the drama really begins.

The scenes in Spain - among the best I’ve watched in my two decades hereshow the coast in a fabulous light and frequently include a good sense of humour.

There is a great line about ‘great cava being better than champagne’ and then a funny incident at a service station on the AP-7 motorway when they can’t get more than a ‘jamon y queso bocadillo’

“It’s always bloody ham and cheese,” moans Kavanagh as he’s driving the dead body of his former boss north to Bilbao.

Understandably the gang are always on the lookout for rivals as well as the law…

“What are Spanish nick’s like these days?” Asks one.

“Can’t be any worse than the Scrubs!” Comes the reply.

The best takeaway - oft repeated - is the line about executed gang member, Davy, who officially is ‘sent to Estepona!’ To take care of some business.

This must surely be a reference to the British father and son, Daniel and Liam Poole, who vanished in Estepona a few years ago.

There are frequent references to Davy ‘going to meet a

friend in Estepona’ and always for some reason in the rival resort to Marbella. Even when they get back to Liverpool by episode four the links to the Costa del Sol continue when they visit a tanning salon and bathhouse called, appropriately, ‘Marbella Sun’.

Are there also coincidences that the hero Michael Kavanagh has the same name as the famous Estepona Kinahan sidekick Thomas Kavanagh. I can’t wait for the second series when I’m sure they’ll be some trips across the pond to Morocco.

STAR TURN: Marbella’s famous La Concha mountain was featured in many scenes

Magnificent seven

SPOTTING stars in Marbella is relatively easy: For 50 years, the biggest names in cinema have chosen the stunning destination to holiday and party together, and the tales of their exploits are legendary. Strangely though, it’s not as easy to find them in a film or TV series based in Marbella or about the glitzy resort.

Luckily though there are a few shows worth watching set in and around the resort, with the most recent appropriately called ‘Marbella’ coming out last year.

Here, we pick out seven, with the earliest pushing its glamorous image with the big developers behind the tourism boom wanting to promote it apart from other popular spots like Benidorm or Benalmadena.

The Only Way is Marbs (2012)

THE cast members of The Only Way is Essex are no strangers to Marbella or the Costa del Sol: this, after all, is their Spanish Essex (although to be fair they are associated with rather more downmar-

ket Mijas these days).

A cringy summer special, The Only Way is Marbs, sees the puffed up crowd jet off to their various holiday homes for fun, fights and frolics in the sun. The line ‘no carbs before Marbs’ became iconic (to them) and you can now find it printed on t-shirts.

Life on Marbs (2015)

AS reality TV shows in the UK got bigger, flashier and more ambitious, it’s inevitable that Marbella appeared on the producers’ radar. The spectacle of ‘influencers’ with lots of cash and problems jetting off to Spain to pursue business interests and party, remains a perennial source of fascination and guilty pleasure for British TV audiences. Life on Marbs features former Only Way is Essex cast members Ferne McCann and Elliot Wright, along with a host of Marbella business owners, models, and fitness trainers.

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015):

THIS movie follows Sonny Kapoor as he juggles his upcoming wedding with the ambitious dream of opening a new hotel.

With his loyal staff by his side, the film offers a heartwarming journey of love, self-discovery, and a touch of hilarious chaos.

With a star-studded cast including Dame Judy Dench, Maggie Smith, Richard Gere and Bill Nighy, the filmmakers took viewers on a visual adventure, capturing the spirit of the story in Marbella and Malaga, although the principal Indian location of Jaipur is definitely more exotic.

Rise of the Footsoldier (2019)

DUBBED Britain’s answer to Narcos, it’s fair to say this film, starring Craig Fairbrass and Terry Stone, has not been quite as successful as the multi-award winning multi-season series across the Atlantic. However, the Marbella underworld gets some screen space. Fresh out of prison, an Essex gangster and nightclub owner heads to Marbella to seek revenge on the man who got him put behind bars and winds up with a drug deal. Trouble ensues.

Here, Dilip Kuner presents a list of other locally shot films so you can shout ‘Been there!’

Marbella (1985)

ONE of the earlier cinematic portrayals of Marbella, this 80s romcom was shot 15 years after the opening of Puerto Banus, when the resort was flooded with stars. Starring Rod Taylor and Britt Ekland, the film follows the old trope of a washed-up Brit in search of a better life. Expelled from the Navy for his excessive drinking habits, Commander W.P. Anderson decides to take a second chance at life on the Costa del Sol.

Oh Marbella! (2003)

RELEASED in 2003, and starring Rik Mayall, Tom Bell and Mike Reid, this is a light-hearted caper involving a couple

Oh What a Night!

The Clubhouse in Banus has hosted all the big sporting events over the last year… and as it reaches its first birthday, things are only just beginning

IT all kicked off exactly a year ago at the glorious Euros 2024.

A dream final bringing together Spain and England, the Clubhouse couldn’t have asked for a better month to launch.

Guaranteeing hundreds of supporters from every European country during the four week tournament, keeping these two most important nations in to the end was a dream come true.

A night when the great and the good of the Costa del Sol was present - as well famous names in the world of football, including former England striker Wayne Rooney - the sports bar has just gone from strength to strength since then.

Promising to show almost any game of football, the Clubhouse, which sits below popular La Sala restaurant in Puerto Banus, also televises all the major cricket, golf and rugby games.

Whether you are looking to watch the British Lions down under, a Championship play off final or the

of activists, a hitman with a prostate problem and a slimeball estate agent. It’s an easy watch and funny, and Marbella lovers will be able to relate to the joy each of the characters feels for the place.

The Business (2005)

IT’S not solely set in Marbella, although the film evokes it with a fantastic soundtrack that encapsulates the party vibe of the resort in the 1980s. The Business is narrated by Londoner Frankie, played by Danny Dyer, who grows up in Thatcher’s Britain and dreams of leaving his dull life and becoming someone – specifically someone living the gangster life on the Costa del Crime.

US Masters, this is your spot. Dozens of different places to sit and even more screens, this is a sports bar with an amazing difference.

The luxurious 900 m² space has a multi-million investment and boasts cutting-edge top-of-therange Trackman golf simulators, advanced Dartsee dartboards, and over 50 TVs equipped with Zapping technology.

It has introduced a pioneering self-serve Mahou beer system, allowing guests to refill their glasses at their tables. There is complimentary valet parking.

In particular, it also shares a kitchen with the award-winning 15 year established La Sala restaurant upstairs.

So whether you are just looking for a pizza in their Napolitan oven, or something more elaborate, the quality is guaranteed.

The sports bar launched in June last year with fire dancers, champagne and a string of former premiership footballers, who are investors in the business.

the party really got started. Winks, 28, who is a regular visitor to Marbella, told the Olive Press: "I love Marbella and this place is going to be amazing,” he said. “I'm only a really small investor but I'm sure it will pay back.” David Bentley added: “This is the first really decent sports venue of its type in Marbella. It's great to be here and still involved.”

The luxurious 900 m² space has a multi-million investment

They included four Spurs legends David Bentley, Dean Austin, Stephen Carr and Harry Winks, who is now playing at Leicester.

The aces were on hand to ensure

Other former stars in the house were Paul Robinson, Chris Hugues and popular TV pundit Alex Scott. La Sala boss Ian Radford, told the Olive Press: “It was touch and go that it would be ready in time for the Euros, but we somehow got it over the line.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better kick off and the year has flown past.”

To coincide with the landmark first anniversary,

BEST VENUE: for sports, food and drink

HOST TO THE STARS: Wayne Rooney and former England footballer, and Sala Group shareholder, David Bentley have been spotted at The Clubhouse

IN MY EYES

Forget the healthy smattering of Michelin stars, Marbella has dozens of amazing unsung chefs and, easily the highest quality restaurant scene in Andalucia, writes Jon Clarke

’VE seen Robert de Niro, Michelle Obama and footballer Ronaldo dipping into restaurants in Marbella over the last two decades.

I even spotted Hugh Grant (see pic) as he swirled, then dipped his beak, into a flinty white wine sitting on a scenic restaurant terrace in the Casco Historico.

Marbella is certainly the place to go star-spotting, particularly in the

showbiz stars descend on the resort.

But forget these stars, for as a food critic and author of a restaurant book on Andalucia, I’m much more interested in the actual chefs themselves.

Since launching the Olive Press nearly 20 years ago, I’ve been luckily invited to numerous events, launches and competitions involving the world’s best chefs.

Thanks to one event, A Cuatro at Puente Romano hotel, I was able to interview French legend

Joel Robuchon, before his untimely death a few years later.

I also got to grill Daniel Humm, of New York’s Eleven Madison Park while El Bulli legend Ferran Adria generously gave me ten minutes to discuss Spanish cuisine. He waxed lyrical about how the Iberian food revolution had rapidly spread down south since his Catalan restaurant was voted the ‘world’s best’ for a record five years by Restaurant Magazine between 2002 and 2009. And the list goes on with three-Michelin star geniuses Joan Roca, of

Celler de Can Roca, Valencia’s Quique Dacosta and,

FOOD FIT FOR STARS: De Niro, Ronaldo, Obama and Grant are just some of the big names to have enjoyed more than a meal or two in Marbella, while Jon has made friends with numerous top chefs

CHIC: Marbella restaurants tend to be stylish , with innovative food

this year, Jesus Sanchez, of Cenador de Amos, telling the Olive Press about his love of Marbella and the Costa del Sol.

And I even got to rub shoulders again with the Godfather of Spanish cuisine, Pedro Subijana from Arzak, at the successful Chefs for Children event in nearby Benahavis in April.

He couldn’t have been more complimentary about the nearby coast, marvelling at ‘how rapidly’ things had changed and improved in Malaga in general.

And yes, fried fish might well be the celebrated dish on this coastline, but in Marbella, it is anything but, its legion of chefs preferring to gently nurture and coax the best out of the celebrated local produce. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the many restaurants of the Metro Group, including Nomad and CHOW (see review) where executive chef Stan Rozbitsyy is given a free reign at the group’s dozen restaurants in the resort, to only source the best ingredients and hire the best chefs. “It has to be this way if you want to be able to compete at the highest level in Marbella,” he explains. “The level of quality has risen hugely over the last decade and you

need to work hard to keep up.”

This is Europe’s ritziest resort for the super rich, after all, and while most Olive Press readers will need to really save up to eat at Nobu or say, two Michelin star Skina, there are plenty of cheaper spots if you’re in the know.

Look out for places like Gaspar, Inch and Contracata, run by Jose Godoy, who landed the first Michelin star for a Spanish restaurant in England, or Casa

WELCOME: Nomad has a top selection of wines and a classy atmosphere

Albero just up the road.

Indeed, if you head just south of the Casco Historico of Marbella there is a distinct area of around 10 blocks full of amazing places to eat.

Comprising, perhaps, a dozen streets, this is a true nerve centre for gourmands, with a giant mix of different cuisines.

From the best Japanese in Andalucia to two Michelin-starred joints, it is a real dining Mecca for those-in-the-know.

This is where the local politicians and lawyers head for lunch, with its centre around Calle Notario Luis Oliver.

Two of the best are the Italian

Continues on next page

CHEERS TO CHOW!

WHEN the Metro group signed British chef Neil Witney to help curate the menu for their brand new pan-Asian restaurant CHOW, in Puerto Banus, they were aiming high. He had become something of a sushi master when he built up a cottage industry around the Home Counties of the UK, delivering fresh, homemade delicacies door to door.

Called Little Fish, it had launched in the COVID pandemic out of necessity, when his wife Justine had started to send out his lovely sushi creations on Ins tagram.

Using only the best fish they could find (the same suppliers coin cidentally of famous restaurants includ ing Nobu and El Celler de can Roca, in Catalunya) demand hit the roof.

By 2023 they had nearly a dozen vans and over 20 distribution points serving their delightful creations.

A Michelin-trained chef, with tentacles in Saudi Arabia, New York and Dubai, as coincidences would have it, he cooked for me a few times in West London, at the seminal E&O restaurant, a vanguard modern Asian joint that was THE buzzing place in the 1990s.

Meaning ‘Eastern & Oriental’, it led the fashion for pan-Asian food, epitomised by the likes of Nahm and Hakkasan, where Spain’s top chef Dabiz

Munoz, of Diverxo, trained in

“It’s the place that made me the chef I am today,” he told me the day after he won his third Michelin star a decade ago

But back to CHOW and things then bode well and there is nothing about this new place that doesn’t scream ‘luxu-

For starters the location couldn’t be better: frontline Banus looking at the mega-yachts that line up under the imposing circular control tower. Look left and you can drool over the latest range of menswear shoes from the Dior boutique, while on the paseo in front, the best place to people-watch in southern Spain, a cavalcade of the beautiful, bizarre and brazen.

Inside it’s shiny and seductive, with mottled mirror ceilings and interesting light box pillars!

And, almost as soon as you sit down, a big pile of crispy prawn crackers with sweet and sour sauce comes sliding in. Yum.

The menu is billed as a ‘vibrant mosaic’ of Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese food and includes ‘robata-grilled’ meats to ‘punchy street-style’ dishes.

A ‘small plates’ section has a great mix of Asian specialties, like dumplings, Vietnamese shrimp spring rolls and a ‘San Choi Bow’, which is chicken in lettuce cups with lime.

One of my favourites, prawn toast has lobster added in, making it one hell of a luxury starter, with its orange ponzu and coming out as a ball, raising eyeballs around the table.

Of course we go for a family size mixed sushi platter which is a beauty to behold - pure joy, in fact, for my daughter, who has become smitten with Asian food since falling in love with crispy duck pancakes while studying in Manchester. The slices of tuna and salmon are the best you’ll eat in Spain and the butterfish worked even better than the spicy tuna California roll, which was heaven.

The pork ribs, which are slow cooked for two hours, were absolutely amazing - so tender, they literally dropped off the bone as you picked them up.

As dusk moves into night there is a distinct change in atmosphere and the music becomes more upbeat, perfectly heralding the spicy Chicken karaage, with kimchi honey butter - basically sweet, breaded chicken ribs - but far from the norm. And for vegetarians (above), in fact anyone with good taste, you must try the corn spring rolls - with shiitake mushrooms and spinach. This is a signature dish for Neil and possibly my favourite of the night.

Truth be told, the best came last: The lamb ‘bosan’ (above left) is the leg cooked very slowly, some four to six hours - and it’s amazing how the waiter prepares it and how easily it drops off the bone.

“This is possibly the most amazing leg of lamb you’ll find in Spain,” explains executive chef for the group, Stan Rozbitsyy (whose surname would do very well in the UK).

Rozbitsyy, who is from Ukraine, but grew up in Lisbon, has been working closely alongside Neil to perfect the dishes on a day to day basis, given the star chef is often away attending other business.

Stan is the sort of chef I love, the type who has four to five hours sleep a night, is up at the markets at 6am and usually heads to bed well past midnight.

Then again, he has nearly 20 restaurants along the coast to look after as the Metro group continues to expand. Other restaurants in the stable include Max Beach, Mao, Nomad, Bono Beach and the exciting, recently-reopened Koi.

“I live and breathe restaurants and food, it’s my passion and I have to try all the new dishes and need to see what’s going out from all of them,” continues Stan. “I even insist the chefs send me photos of various plates each night.”

On this showing he can sleep that bit easier this summer.

AUTHENTIC: Luis and Marta at El Albero (left), while Chambao is the perfect place to dine with stunning views

From previous page

THE VERY BEST

Casa Tui, and its recently opened wine bar, as well as Sideria Paca, an Asturian joint, with the best quality ingredients imaginable. Boss Julio, from Gijon, has a long connec tion to the food industry, having bred and sold free range chickens to the best restaurants around Asturias, in particular Casa Marcial, where Nacho Manzano became a legend. But this place is a nice mix of dishes from around the country and even globally, with his chefs coming from various parts of South America.

I particularly loved his Paraguayan soup, while a super refreshing nem came out with oxtail, red onions and ci lantro on a bed of lettuce. It was as good as any I’ve tried since I first tasted the dish at Dabiz Munoz’ three star Diverxo a decade ago.

fish, while the fabada was, as you would expect awesome.

Nearby, is the highly rated Italian Casa Tua, which is a quiet, unshowy place with an evocative leafy garden near the boulevard.

Magical

I can also recommend the pastel Cabracho, an Asturian classic, made from local rock

at night, let friendly maitre D Koen guide you through the menu and specials, created by Italian chef Adriano, who heralds from near

I particularly loved the meatballs, while the buffalo mozzarella on a bed of cherry tomatoes was the sweetest starter imagin -

There are lots of excellent meaty mains and plenty of fish, but on a recent outing, my family all went for pasta dishes as mains, and, wow, nobody was disappointed. My Garganelli pasta with pork cheeks, from southern Italy, legendary.

Looking for the best wine, why not try Casa Tua’s new wine bar just up the road, where a simple sign outside, reads: ‘Bubbles & Beer’, but there is also a nice simple menu, including Italian classics like arancini, burrata’s and, a splendid looking cheese plate.

Wine wise you are in for a treat, with over a dozen by the glass, and plenty of classics, including

plenty of Barolos and Brunellos if you want to push the boat out.

Nearby you’ll also find a string of Michelin rated joints, including Nintai, Kava and Back, which won its first Michelin star two years ago, under the guidance of popular local chef David Olivas. He and Marcos Gran -

DELICIOUS: A small selection of the dishes available at Paca

da at Nintai and Skina have become the new godfathers of Marbella, now that the previous king of the kitchens Dani Garcia has gone into cyberspace, opening restaurants around the world and designing burgers for McDonalds. Olivas ran Garcia’s

famous three Michelin star Calima for years and was the rock behind the king who oversaw its meteoric rise.

Japanese? Ta-Kumi is consistently excellent and recently expanded to Madrid, with a minimalistic you’ll find co-owner Toshio Tsutsui, from Fukuoka, coming in daily to keep things in check. There are also a big string of great places further up the Golden Mile, Nueva Andalucia and

WINE, WINE, WINE: and great food too at quiet, unshowy Italian Casa Tua

CLASSY: The chefs at Ta-Kumi create dishes as classy as the decor

Continues on next page

GREEK DELIGHTS

San Pedro, while Elviria also has a decent pick too.

Most famous is the large range of top quality joints at the Puente Romano hotel, where you will find the famous brands, including Nobu, Cipriani and Coya.

They congregate close together around the Plaza area with a top pick being Thai Gallery, while Sea Grill on the beach is very reliable and the recent addition of Gaia, a Greek restaurant that first launched in Mayfair, an elegant spot. Here you might try the excellent starter of Melitzanosalata, a smoky aubergine number with yoghurt parsley served on toast. The beef Keftedakia (meatballs) with mint

and tomato sauce were also a great starter. On the Golden Mile you can also find the excellent Italian, Cibo, a stylish place that serves the best pizzas on the coast.

There are always a great number of specials by the day, but I’d recommend the langoustines cooked on the open grill as well as the Aracini, fried risotto balls with crab. A main course of spicy tuna belly spaghetti was very special. Almost next door, a new

Japanese, Koi, is really making waves, while another restaurant that is rapidly taking the coast by storm is Nomad, in

Launched by Alex Craciun of the UK’s leading Jason Atherton group, this is glamour personified, and with a menu to match.

For beach clubs Bono Beach is a surefire winner, in particular, for its amazing attention to detail and client care.

Another beach favourite, Macaao is always a reliable and popular place in San Pedro, while Chambao between Marbella and Puerto Banus comes highly rated.

In terms of good places to eat in Banus one might expect it to be rammed with great places to eat, but the truth is it can be very hit and miss. Stick with the classic

A RESORT WITH MORE

All along the watchtower

Declared of Cultural Interest in 1985, the 15-metre Torre Ladrones (Thieves Tower) is the highest watchtower on the Malaga coast. The defensive structure dates from the Muslim period but some speculate the Romans first built it. You can find it close by the Artola dunes nature reserve and Cabopino port.

Visigoth vestiges

The Basílica de Vega del Mar in San Pedro was excavated in the 20th century on a former Roman road running from Cadiz to Cartagena. It is one of the few remaining examples of north African Visigothic churches built in Andalucia during the sixth century although all that remains today are its awesome one-metre walls.

Arabian delights

The Alcazaba fortress is the most important vestige of Muslim civilisation in Marbella. The Castillo was built in the 10th century during the reign of Abd al-Rahman III, Caliph of Córdoba.

spots like Jacks, Leone and Mumtaz, probably the best Indian in Marbella, and you can’t go wrong.

And then there is CHOW, a pan-Asian joint, which just opened with the help of one of the world’s most highly-rated sushi chefs (see review).

Just outside the port, a five minute walk inland is La Sala, the most successful expat-run restaurant on the Costa del Sol.

cluding Wayne Rooney, Jamie Oliver, Harry Kane and Tyson Fury. About to reach its 15th anniversary, it employs around 150 staff and includes a football team of investors, who have just launched their new Clubhouse sports bar and restaurant below.

The food is excellent for its location, but

This is the place to do your star spotting and just about everyone who’s anyone has been to eat here, even inthe menu changes regularly and there will always be some entertainment. Finally, looking for a place to get a cocktail, either before or after dinner, look no further than Banus’ genuine secret spot, the Sky Lounge. Here you will perch above the marina with one of the best views on the coast.

The Olive Press picks out 6 reasons to love Marbella

A Renaissance square

The Plaza de los Naranjos lies at the heart of Marbella’s old town. Built after the Christian Reconquest, it is an outstanding example of Castilian Renaissance architecture. From one of the many sun-soaked terraces, you can admire the Renaissance-style town hall, the Mayor’s house combining elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Mude jar design and the Chapel of Santiago, the oldest he city.

A salty start

In Roman ti mes, the city was called Salduba (Salt City) after the lo cal fish sal ting indus try. The Arabs changed it to Marbil-la, the origin of its cur rent name and it’s spoton. In Spanish, Marbe lla means ‘beautiful sea.’

Nueva Andalucia.

ELEGANT: Greek addition to the Puente Romano Gaia has the freshest fish (right)

POPULAR: Macaao Beach in San Pedro is always on song when it comes to food

The elephant sculptures that spray water from their trunks on many of Marbella’s best beaches are an Instagram favourite. Dunk by Dumbo

BUSINESS

Carrefour expansion

SUPERMARKET chain Carrefour will open 100 new stores in Spain this year, creating 700 jobs.

The announcement comes weeks after its fellow French rival Alcampo said it was cutting 580 posts and closing 25 outlets in the country.

Carrefour's expansion will focus primarily on its smaller format Carrefour Express stores rather than hypermarkets, with 46 openings so far this year.

The chain has opened 691 stores in Spain since 2019, bringing its total to over 1,600 outlets and representing an investment of €150 million.

The added push is Carrefour’s response to the growing pressure from regional supermarket chains and the dominance of Mercadona, which has 1,614 outlets.

Despite all the expansion, Carrefour’s market share has remained stagnant at 9.8%, well behind Mercadona’s 26.6%.

THE number of people in Spain at risk of poverty or social exclusion has fallen in the last decade.

However major concerns remain over children and affordable housing.

The annual poverty report by EAPN-ES, The Network in the fight against Poverty and Social Exclusion in Spain says there are 12.5 million people at riskthe lowest figure since 2014.

It added that 4.1 million people live in severe poverty based on households of monthly incomes of less than €644.

The EAPN-ES has also slammed an ‘alarming’ child poverty rate of 2.3 million which is the highest in the European Union.

It said the Spanish welfare state prevented 11.1 million people from falling into poverty in 2024.

The figures reflect that at least a quarter of the popu-

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LESS RISK

Poverty falls in Spain - but at a price, reveals new report

By Alex Trelinski

lation has remained at risk of poverty or social exclusion in the last decade.

The report highlights that the risk of poverty and social exclusion has been reduced in the last year from 26.5% to 25.8% of the population.

The number of people in severe poverty is actually a percentage point more than in 2008.

MARINAS along the Costa del Sol are gearing up for their busiest summer ever, with some ports completely sold out.

Bookings are soaring, with occupancy rates between 85% and 100%, driven largely by British and French yacht owners.

Manuel Raigon, president of Marinas de Andalucía, said the surge reflects the region’s growing popularity as a nautical hotspot. Spanish, British, French, and German boat

Three out of 10 people in households with children are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. In single-parent households

Riding the wave

owners are flocking to the coast, with increasing numbers from Italy, Portugal, and beyond. The rise in boat rentals, especially among younger tourists, is a major factor.

Marinas are bracing for up to 40 boats a day and are boosting staff to meet the demand.

Social security will provide

IMAGINE if the social security administration of Spain hired a travel agency to offer its ‘retirement experience’ as a travel destination. What might their travel brochure look like?

Name: “All-inclusive Retirement Resort” or “Set-it-and-forget-it Retirement Plan”

Slogan: “Relax, we’ve got you covered!”

It appears to have worked:

The percentage of Spanish retirees who rely on social security payments for 50% or more of their income is much higher than in the US or the UK:

What other features might Spain’s retirement vacation package highlight? First and foremost, that public healthcare is included. However, it should also mention what the trip does not include: neither long-term sustainability (due to its growing costs) nor a strong private pension sector.

The social security administrator of United States would likely advertise a different ‘retirement experience’:

Name: “Second Act Ski Package”

Slogan: “Our Ski Lift takes you only as high as your contributions”

For high earners who contributed consistently throughout their lifetime, the maximum monthly pension is greater than the maximum in Spain or the UK. Those skiers get

taken to the top of the ski slope. Yet each year only 6% of workers contributing to U.S. social security reach the top income level and not all maintain that level of earnings long enough to qualify for the maximum benefit. Thus, the actual percentage of retirees collecting the top-tier benefit is significantly less than 6%.

In retirement, most Americans need to supplement their social security payments from other sources. That is why several additional retirement financing vehicles are widely used (e.g., multiple types of 401(k)s and IRAs).

What happens if an American retires in Spain? Does their ski package go downhill, and not in a good way?

The news is good: the US social security system considers Spain an approved country, so their payments should continue without interruption. In addition, an American who worked in both countries but doesn’t qualify for benefits in one, can combine their work history to qualify. Also, U.S. citizens working in Spain may be exempt from paying into Spain’s social security system for up to five years, if covered by U.S. social security.

And the news keeps getting better. From 1983 until early this year, U.S. social security payments were reduced for Americans who also received social security from Spain -- or any another country. It was called the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). Fortunately, for Americans in Spain who might fit that category, the WEP was completely repealed in 2025.

The “retirement experience” offered by the travel agency for the social security administrator of the UK would look very different from that of either Spain or the US:

Name: “Golden Years Bus Tour” Slogan: “The Carbon-Copy Coach”

The UK brochure might also mention that you can count on flat-rate, reliable payments that are adjusted upward annually. However, the bus only travels so far, pensioners typically supplement this income to arrive at their monthly budget destination.

Taxing victory

more than half are at risk of poverty - 50.3% - while big families stand at 49.1%.

Access to housing is a serious issue with spending on property accounting for a third of the income of people deemed at risk of poverty.

They have just €333 left on average after paying rent, which rises to €370 for mortgage holders.

Carlos Susias, the head of EAPN-ES said: “We have to look at what is happening with housing, because it is an element that is causing impoverishment of families that theoretically should not be in a situation of poverty.”

The EAPN-ES has also called for urgent measures to counter child poverty, similar to those in Bulgaria, Greece or Romania which have reduced rates in the last decade.

The 22-year-old from El Palmar, Murcia not just successfully defended his title but received prize money of €2.5 million. It means the tennis sensation has to cough up state and regional personal income tax known as IRPF. Since the player is still officially domiciled in his family’s El Palmar property, he is liable to pay 46% to the Murcia government and the Tax Authority. Experts said that if he lived elsewhere like in Madrid, that figure would inch down to around 45%.

What happens if a UK citizen retires in Spain? Does the tour continue but with flamenco playing on the bus radio?

Yes, the tour can continue on its way. UK state pensions can be received in Spain. And you should also be entitled to public healthcare in Spain paid for by the UK if you receive a UK state pension. The road may or may not be smooth, though, as it relates to receiving private pensions. Some UK providers have their own post-Brexit restrictions and may not accept EU-based addresses for new accounts or services.

Lastly, the tour bus does not simply breeze past the border like it once would have. Those

who were legally living in Spain before December 31, 2020, may have secured residency rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, but they must prove it. The most common immigration option for other retirees is the non-lucrative visa, which is designed for people with sufficient income who don’t plan to work in Spain.

Americans and Brits may argue about coffee vs. tea, football vs. soccer, and who drives worse. But they can agree on one thing: Spain is a great place in which to retire.

CARLOS Alcaraz's recent French Open final win over Jannik Sinner brought joy to Spain’s tax coffers with a €1.1 million boost.

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Your computer freezes, a random window pops up, or your mouse starts moving on its own. Naturally, the only logical explanation is that you’ve been hacked by an elite team of cybercriminals… or possibly a ghost.

HACKED - OR MAYBE JUST A GHOST

Their services include cybersecurity, device maintenance and performance optimization, and malware removal, enhanced by AI for faster and accurate solutions.

AnyTech365

World

World class, cross-platform security platform with advanced scanning techniques to identify potential threats from files, programs and neutralization of viruses, malware, and phishing attempts.

Help! My Computer Has a Mind of Its Own – Or Maybe Just a virus?

AnyTech365 TotalCare

Personalized User Experience

programs and neutralization of viruses,

AnyTech365 adapt its product and technical support solutions to individual needs, offering a safe online experience to any user.

from

and phishing attempts.

AnyTech365 TotalCare

Before you start waving around a sage stick or unplugging everything in terror, let’s take a deep breath and explore the real reasons your device might be acting possessed—and how AnyTech365 can help you avoid full-blown panic.

Ever noticed your laptop slowing down to a crawl right before an

or night, with AnyTech365’s around-the-clock support services, offered in more than 15 native languages.

important deadline? Obviously, hackers must have infiltrated your system. Or… maybe you just have 57 Chrome tabs open, your RAM is crying for help, and your computer is overheating like a microwave burrito. Before assuming the worst, try closing some apps, restarting your device, and maybe, just maybe, not streaming 4K cat videos while running 10 background programs.

A comprehensive security suite, combining all AnyTech365 premium products together with quick issue resolution by certified technicians without onsite visits anytime, day or night, with AnyTech365’s around-the-clock support services, all offered in more than 15 native languages.

Some of AnyTech365 Products and Features

The irony? Clicking that link is the fastest way to actually get infected. Cybercriminals love using fake warn ings to trick people into downloading malware. If you ever see a pop-up offering a magical one-click fix, resist the urge! Instead, call AnyTech365, where real humans (not robots pre tending to be tech support) can ac tually check if your device is compro mised.

AnyTech365 IntelliGuard

Incorrect

AnyTech365 AI powered unique software can pinpoint the root cause of a problem providing real-time protection and immediate response to suspicious activity. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of cyberattacks.

Nothing strikes fear into the heart like the sudden, unexpected movement of a computer mouse. “It’s the hackers! They’re taking control!” But before you start packing your bags and fleeing to an offgrid cabin, check your wireless mouse battery. Low battery power can cause the cursor to jump around like it’s haunted. And if you have a cat? Well, there’s a good chance it’s just walking across your keyboard while plotting world domination. We’ve all seen it—the terrifying pop-up screaming, “YOU’VE BEEN INFECTED! CLICK HERE TO FIX IT!”

AnyTech365 Security

World class, cross-platform security platform with advanced scanning techniques to identify potential threats from files, programs and neutralization of viruses, malware, and phishing attempts.

AnyTech365 TotalCare

There’s nothing quite like that heart-stopping moment when you try logging in, only to be told your pass word is ‘incorrect’. Clearly, you’ve been hacked, your bank account is now empty, and someone is buying jet skis in your name. Or… maybe you just forgot you changed your password last week? Try a couple of variations before spiralling into paranoia, and if all else fails, AnyTech365 can help you regain access without having to sell your soul to customer support.

A comprehensive security suite, combining all AnyTech365 premium products together with quick issue resolution by certified technicians without onsite visits anytime, day or night, with AnyTech365’s around-the-clock support services, all offered in more than 15 native languages.

Most of the time, tech issues have simple fixes. But when your computer really is under attack - whether from malware, phishing scams, or your

own questionable brows ing habits - AnyTech365 is here to save the day. So, before you assume your laptop is plotting against you, give the experts a call. They’ll either fix your issue or at least confirm that your Wi-Fi isn’t haunted.

Because let’s be honest - the only thing scarier than a virus is realizing your last backup was in 2019. And the best part? Take advantage of the exclusive offer just for Olive Press readers, so you can enjoy a worry-free online experience today!

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Andalucía Open

FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL

SPAIN is among four EU countries opposing new European Commission proposals aimed at air passenger rights.

The changes, approved by EU transport ministers, would allow airlines to charge for cabin bags beyond a free, under-seat item (40x30x15 cm), and impose fees for seat reservations for companions of pas-

Rights weakened

sengers with reduced mobility.

Spain, Germany, Estonia, and Portugal voted against the plans, which also tighten compensation rules for flight delays.

Passengers on short flights (under 3,500

Kitchen wars

Madrid eatery challenges for title of

By Dilip Kuner World’s Oldest Restaurant

FOR years Madrid's legendary Sobrino de Botin has proudly held the Guinness World Record for being the planet’s oldest restaurant - but now it is

being challenged. Founded in 1725, this culinary icon – a favourite of literary giants like Ernest Hemingway –celebrated 300 years of serving

Airport green light

BARCELONA’S El Prat Airport will undergo a controversial €3 billion expansion, to be completed by 2033, following Catalan president Salvador Illa’s approval.

The plan includes terminal upgrades, a new subway link, and a 500-metre extension of runway 24L/06R.

AENA says the upgrade will allow wide-body aircraft and boost international connectivity. But environmentalists and residents warn it threatens the protected La Ricarda wetlands, home to key migratory bird species.

Activists have branded the project climate denialism’, with mass protests planned. Over 1,000 residents recently rallied under the slogan Ni un Pam de Terra

Business leaders support the move, calling it vital for growth.

km) would only be eligible for €300 compensation after a four-hour delay, while long-haul delays (over 3,500 km) would trigger €500 after six hours.

Spain’s Consumer Affairs Ministry called the changes ‘abusive’ and a setback for consumer rights. The proposals still require approval from the European Parliament.

up classic Spanish fare earlier this year.

Its famous wood-fire oven and prime spot near Plaza Mayor have long cemented its place in history.

But now, another Madrid eatery, Casa Pedro, is making a daring claim: “We’re even older!”

The restaurant’s owners are convinced their establishment survived the brutal War of Spanish Succession in the early 1700s, which would put its opening date firmly before Botin’s.

“It's really frustrating when you say, ‘Yes, we've been around since 1702’, but... you can’t prove it,” admits Irene Guiñales, the eighth-generation owner and manager, whose

CHOOSE WISELY

THERE are several reasons why having a funeral plan can be a wise decision.

Here are a few:

PEACE OF MIND

Planning your own funeral in advance can provide peace of mind, knowing that your wishes will be carried out and your loved ones will not be left with the burden of making difficult decisions during a time of grief.

FINANCIAL PROTECTION

Funeral costs can be expensive, and a funeral plan can help protect your family

from unexpected expenses. By pre-paying for your funeral, you can lock in current prices and avoid potential price increases in the future.

CUSTOMISATION

With a funeral plan, you have the opportunity to customize your funeral service to reflect your personal preferences and beliefs. You can choose the type of service, casket, music, and other details, ensuring that your funeral truly represents your life and legacy.

REDUCE FAMILY STRESS

By planning your funeral in advance, you can help reduce the stress and burden on your loved ones during an already difficult time. They will not have to worry about making difficult decisions or guessing what your wishes may have been.

SUPPORT FOR LOVED ONES

Funeral plans often include grief support and counselling for loved ones, providing them with additional resources to help them cope with their loss.

Overall, having a funeral plan can provide peace of mind, financial protection, and customization options for your end-of-life services, while also reducing stress and supporting your loved ones during a difficult time.

buyspain

family has run the place for centuries.

“If you look at the restaurant’s logo, it says ‘Casa Pedro, since 1702,’ so we said, ‘Damn it, let's try to prove it!’,” she explained.

The Guiñales family has now hired a historian, who has unearthed documents proving Casa Pedro was cooking as far back as 1750. But the hunt is on for that crucial evidence pushing the date back to 1702.

But just when you thought this Spanish showdown couldn’t get spicier, a sneaky Italian rival has entered the ring.

La Campana, a trattoria in Rome’s historic centre, boasts ‘more than 500 years of operation’, citing ancient documents and its own self-published history.

Our mission is to make the process of planning a funeral, in Spain, as easy and stress-free as possible. We are committed to providing affordable funeral plans with the highest quality of care and support.

Choosing Compare Funerals can provide you with several benefits when it comes to arranging end-of-life services. Here are a few reasons why you may want to consider Compare Funerals:

Compare Funerals has a team of experienced professionals who specialize in endof-life services. They have extensive knowledge of the funeral industry and can guide you through the process of selecting the right funeral plan for you or your loved one.

TRANSPARENCY

Compare Funerals provides transparent pricing and detailed information about each funeral plan, so you can understand exactly what you are paying for and avoid any hidden fees or surprises.

Compare Funerals offers a user-friendly platform where you can browse and com pare our funeral plans from the comfort of your own home.This saves you time and eliminates the need to visit multiple funeral homes or providers.

Our team of experienced professionals will be there to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the entire process.

PERSONALIZATION

Compare Funerals understands that each individual is unique, and they offer a range of funeral plans that can be customized to your specific needs and preferences. This ensures that you or your loved one receives a personalized and meaningful end-of-life service.

contact us now to find out more

After spending years of experience in setting up funeral plans in the UK, we noticed a shift in what people were looking for in a funeral. It became clear that a lot of people were looking for a simple unattended Direct Cremation rather than the traditional service.

OLDEST: But Sobrino de Botin now has a challenger

Cala Cap Roig, Sant Antoni de Calonge (Girona)

Cala

a

golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Its tranquil setting and stunning views make it a perfect spot for relaxation, ideal for those looking to unwind away from crowds.

BEACH READY..

PAIN is famed for its beaches - after all the marketing slogan ‘sun, sea and sand’ was thought up for a reason. From miles of golden sands, to rockier shores and city beaches to those framed by nature, there is something for everyone.

By Dilip Kuner

Conde Nast has asked its readers to pick their favourite playas - and these are the top 10 to make it on to the short list - one from each coastal community.

Ibiza is known for its nightlife and noisy, lively party hotspots. But there are still havens away from the madding crowds, such as Casa Bassa, which provides a quiet escape on the island’s lesser-known side. This hidden beach features turquoise waters and a rugged shore, and is popular with yachties who drop anchor in the bay for a peaceful day out.

Casa Bassa, Ibiza (Balearics)

So why not pick one that is near you and get ready to pay a visit this summer…

Playa de los Locos, Suances (Cantabria)

Heading north, you will find Playa de los Locos in Cantabria, with the rolling Atlantic swell making it a surfer’s paradise. Indeed, its

name means ‘Beach of the Crazy’, named after people who take on the powerful waves.

Beyond the surf, striking cliffs and a wild landscape give it a rugged, untamed charm. This beach is for

adventure seekers - or simply anyone who enjoys watching dramatic waves rather than tackling them!.

Cap Roig offers

secluded, peaceful escape within the wild, rocky beauty of the Costa Brava. Surrounded by pine forests and cliffs, this hidden cove has soft

FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL

Los Genoveses Beach, Nijar (Almería)

Voted Best Beach in Andalucia, Los Genoveses is one of the best playas in the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park - and it has quite some competition!

Surrounded by magnificent volcanic hills (don’t worry - they have been inactive for hundreds of thousands of

Cala del Portitxol, Javea (Alicante)

Las Canteras Beach, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Canary Islands)

With nearby cafes, restaurants, and shops, Las Canteras is a great spot for those who want to enjoy both sun and city life.

Playa

years), this beach offers calm, clear waters and a huge expanse of golden sands. Proposals for an ‘ecotourism’ hotel have met with strident local opposition, with people determined to avoid the uncontrolled development seen on so many Spanish beaches.

Playa de Calblanque, Cartagena (Murcia)

Playa de Calblanque is one of Spain’s most unspoiled beaches. Within the Calblanque Regional Park, it offers stunning natural beauty with (yet again) soft golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and a backdrop of rugged cliffs and dunes. It’s a haven for beachgoers looking to escape crowds and immerse themselves in nature.

Playa

Playa de Laga offers a wide stretch of inviting, sandy, beach surrounded by green hills and dramatic cliffs. Its wild beauty and consistent Atlantic waves make it another favourite for surfers. It’s a top contender for those seeking an unspoiled beach with stunning views and outdoor activities.

Despite its disconcerting name (to British ears), Playa de Poo is a family-friendly beach in Asturias. Sheltered by rocky outcrops, the water is gentle and ideal for children. The surround-

ing area also offers beautiful walking trails and lush, green landscapes, making it perfect for a relaxing day by the sea, especially for families or anyone seeking a quiet spot.

Las Canteras is one of Spain’s most famous urban beaches. Stretching almost three kilometres, this beach offers a blend of natural beauty and city convenience. The waters are calm and perfect for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling, thanks to a natural reef.

CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION

LIVE-IN CARE

TEL:

Across: 7 Suburbia, 8 Hail, 9 Tear down, 10 John, 11 Rinse, 13 Studios, 15 Brosnan, 16 Delhi, 18 Joke, 19 Skinhead, 21 Writ, 22 Succeeds.

Down: 1 Superior court, 2 Purr, 3 Abhor, 4 Magnets, 5 The judge, 6 With both hands, 12 Suspects, 14 Bassist, 17 Vinci, 20 Hoes.

A NEW national study has revealed some surprising insights into Spain's bedroom habits – and some provinces are certainly more active than others!

According to the research by sexual health experts Diversual, Teruel takes the crown as the most sexually active province in Spain, with residents get-

Randy Spain

ting frisky an average of 8.10 days per month. Close behind is Jaen, with 8.06 days per month, making it the second most active in the country. Other high scorers include Caceres

(8.01 days), Ciudad Real (7.88 days), and Avila (7.79 days). Meanwhile, Girona is at the bottom of the list, with just five days of activity per month, making it the least sexually active province.

The study was based on responses from nearly 5,000 people across Spain.

Needless death

TWO doctors have been convicted of reckless homicide after an eight-year-old boy died from peritonitis in 2020.

The youngster named Aitor went to the ER five times in four days at the Petrer Health Centre and Elda General Hospital - both in Alicante province.

Alicante's Criminal Court found the medics to be grossly negligent and guilty of malpractice.

The Petrer health centre doctor was given a one-year jail term and banned from practising medicine for three

Medics convicted after ‘failing’ boy patient who died

By Alex Trelinski

years.

The pediatrician at Elda General Hospital received a twoyear prison sentence and a six-month ban.

The Alicante judge also awarded compensation worth around €145,000 to Aitor's relatives which will be paid by insurers Berkshire Hathaway on behalf of the Valencian

DINING TIPS

A CONTROVERSIAL Spanish nutritionist is causing a stir by telling her fellow countrymen to ditch their late-night dinners and eat before 7pm instead.

Maria del Mar Molina, author of Dieta Solar (Solar Diet), is flying in the face of centuries of Spanish tradition, where dinner often starts at 10pm.

Health Ministry. The verdicts and sentences can be appealed.

Aitor died in October 2020 as a result of complications arising from acute appendicitis

that, according to the court, were not detected and that his death could have been avoided if the medical response had

She insists eating earlier is the key to better health, claiming it helps with intermittent fasting and supports natural body rhythms. Molina, a qualified expert in dietetics and nutrition, argues that latenight feasts disrupt the body’s processes and can lead to health issues.

Her advice includes swapping processed foods for meat, fish, and eggs, and getting plenty of sunlight for a better metabolism.

been different. Errors, the court said, included not taking ultrasound and blood tests in addition to measuring blood pressure and his heart during a series of ER visits.

The court ruling stated: “The doctors

at Elda General Hospital

did not diagnose acute appendicitis in the minor, which led to an infection in the digestive tract originating in the cecum and which evolved into peritonitis with complications that led to his death.”

The trial heard from forensic doctors and also an independent medical expert.

Another witness told the court what she saw in the Elda Hospital ER.

“When I arrived I saw the boy in a wheelchair, who was writhing in pain. The child was sick, sick, he was holding his abdomen and complaining,” she continued.

MALPRACTICE:

O P LIVE RESS ANDALUCÍA

Padel

WHILE awaiting the announcement of whether he’s made the Barça team, English striker Marcus Rashford was spotted playing padel in Marbella.

Slasher

A MAN was caught red-handed by an off-duty cop as he slashed the tires of 20 cars in Bendalmadena. The 54-year-old was promptly arrested.

Tourism

HOTEL prices jumped by 7% in the past year, and have almost doubled since 2019, reflecting strains on Spain’s tourist-driven economy amidst rising demand.

A BIRD IN THE HAND

JUST as we may grab a hamburger, hotdog or kebab, ancient Romans reached for thrushes when they fancied a quick snack.

A recent study reveals that song thrushes, previously thought to be a luxury item, were a common and affordable fast food offering in 1st-century BC Roman street stalls. Archaeologists examining a cesspit next to a taberna, or ancient Roman food shop, in the Roman city of Pollentia, on Mallorca, is challenging longheld assumptions about Roman culinary practices. They have unearthed 165

Archaeologists discover a feathered treat loved by everyday folk 2,000 years ago

By Dilip Kuner

bones of the migratory song thrush (Turdus philomelos). These remains were found amidst other food scraps such as pig bones, domesticated rabbit remains and chicken bones, indicating their inclusion in everyday meals rather than elite banquets. The taberna itself, connect-

ed to a popina (Roman snack bar) with embedded amphorae on its countertop, suggests a bustling environment akin to modern fast-food establishments.

Researcher Alejandro Valenzuela from the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA), who led the detailed bone analysis, commented:

FLOSSED IN TRANSLATION

A FORMER MP accidentally bought the wrong toothpaste on a recent visit to Spain and found himself in a sticky situation.

“Historically, thrushes were often mentioned in ancient texts as a delicacy, sometimes even fattened with figs for elaborate sauces.

THE internet went into meltdown last week with astonishing claims that Barron Trump, son of the US President, had secretly wed Spain’s Princess Leonor.

Wild YouTube videos, some racking up tens of thousands of views, showed the pair in what was described as a ‘Grand Royal Wedding at a Magnificent Palace’.

One clip even claimed the lovebirds were singing duets.

Debunked

But hold the champagne –you will not be surprised to hear that it was all a complete fabrication.

“However, the context here –a modest commercial setting, not a lavish villa – strongly suggests these birds were accessible to ordinary Romans.”

That was until he attempted to use the product the next morning.

‘My mouth was now full of glue to keep your dentures in place’, he said. It clogged his toothbrush, and clung to his tongue, gums and teeth.

Matthew Parris, who was MP for West Derbyshire in the 80s, had popped into a pharmacy and grabbed ‘what looked like’ a Colgate packet, in its classic red and white packaging. Knowing ‘a bit of Spanish’, he saw the word ‘dientes’ (teeth) and a reference of a mint flavour and thought nothing more of it.

Further analysis of the bones revealed preparation methods consistent with quick-serve food. Broken breastbones, indicates the birds were likely flattened and quickly pan-fried rather than roasted.

Fact-checkers swiftly debunked the sensational story, pointing out there were zero credible reports from either the Spanish Royal Family or the Trump camp.

Many of the viral videos were clearly AI-generated, complete with dodgy facial features and unrealistic backgrounds.