Olive Press Andalucia Issue 472

Be a winner

We have two pairs of tickets to give away to readers

Blistering

SPAIN has broken its all-time June heat record, with temperatures hitting a blistering 46°C in El Granado, Huelva, near the Portuguese border. The milestone, recorded on Sunday, is still awaiting official confirmation from national weather agency AEMET.

It comes as a fierce heatwave grips southern Europe, placing Portugal on red alert and pushing France and Italy into the low 40s.

Portugal’s meteorological institute has urged locals and tourists – including thousands of Brits on the Algarve – to stay indoors as the mercury rises. Lisbon hit 42°C, while Badajoz, just over the border in Spain, reached 44°C.

Brunt

Inland southern Spain is bearing the brunt, with unofficial readings smashing the previous June record of 39.7°C. On the Costa del Sol, temperatures peaked at 38°C, raising wildfire fears and pressure on cooling systems.

Experts say official figures due this week could confirm it as Spain’s hottest June ever.

Paris reached 41°C yesterday, while Rome roasted at 40°C today.

Mediterranean waters, now up to 5°C above average, are worsening the heat and even threatening to disrupt France’s nuclear power plants.

See Page 3

SPANISH BLING

The style that took Baroque to the extreme and then on to the Americas in our Property Magazine inside

BLOOD ON THE WALLS

A SOBBING female detective warned the grieving parents of a British expat to look at their son’s body ‘carefully’ with fresh eyes before cremating him.

Sandra and Rob Adams were just about to sign the paperwork after police told them that Brett Dryden, 35, had died from a blood clot on his lungs, a year ago this month.

They told the Olive Press it was this emotional tip-off that shifted the entire investigation – and ‘shook their lives’ to the core.

“When Rob went to the police station, one of the female detectives started crying and said to him ‘you need to look further into this – you need to go see the body because he’s got more injuries than what they’re telling you,’”

By Walter Finch

Sandra, 57, told the Olive Press this week.

Police had initially closed the case just two days after Brett’s body was found in his seaside apartment in Almeria, on July 21, 2024.

“It was only after I got to the funeral home, and they were hurrying me to sign the papers for his cremation, that I noticed the brand-new iPhone 15 I had just got him was gone.

“Then I saw his belongings were missing. That’s when the penny dropped –something simply wasn’t right.” Sandra revealed how she had to race to the courthouse in Mojacar to stop the cremation – and the destruction of what she now believes was vital evidence of foul play.

Despite an autopsy showing Brett had been badly beaten, police closed the case.

He had bruising to his jaw, cuts to his face and a 4cm gash above his right eye. Video footage from his flat shows blood on the sofa, curtains and walls, with a bloody handprint near a light switch.

“The lady in the funeral home said she’d never seen anything like it,” said Sandra. “They just wanted to get it over with – get him down to ashes – fast.”

Hint from helpful detective led British parents to refuse to cremate their dead son until a proper investigation is launched

After Sandra persuaded a judge to re open the case, the Guardia Civil report edly sent a senior officer from Almeria to criticise the local team’s handling.

Sandra explained that on the day he died, Brett had planned to meet friends for lunch.

In his final phone call, he told a friend:

“I have to go now, they’re here” – mak ing her believe he knew his killers.

Stepdad Rob, 54, later obtained CCTV from a neighbour showing three peo ple fleeing with a bag like the one Brett used to carry takings from the legal cannabis club he ran.

“Brett’s death has created a lot of fear in the community,” a close friend told the Olive Press.

“People have theories about who did it – and that they’re still out there.

The friend added: “I think the Guardia didn’t want a murder on their hands in summer – especially with drugs involved – so they swept it under the carpet.”

Nearly a year on, the case remains unsolved.

The Guardia Civil would only confirm the case is still ‘open’.

Brett’s family – including his six-yearold daughter – will return to Mojacar this month for the anniversary.

They plan to lay flowers, release lanterns and distribute leaflets in Spanish appealing for witnesses.

She is now in contact with other British families who have lost loved ones in Spain in similar circumstances – and felt let down by the authorities.

One is the family of Nathan Osman, 30, from Pontypridd, who fell from a 200-metre cliff in Benidorm last September, just hours after arriving for a lads’ holiday.

Separated from his friends on the first night out, Nathan was later found

“I find it disturbing how quickly they shut the case down,” Sandra added. “And we’re not the only ones.”

dead. Police quickly called it an accident or suicide.

The case was only reopened in March – six months later – after his siblings launched their own investigation, going door-todoor and gathering key CCTV footage.

They built a dossier to show Nathan was a devoted father-offour and not just another ‘drunk Brit’ abroad.

Sandra and Nathan’s families now support each other, sharing tips on navigating the Spanish legal system and how to find trustworthy lawyers.

The Olive Press is aware of other British families affected by mysterious deaths in Spain. Several asked to remain anonymous for fear of jeopardising ongoing cases.

“There’s a definite pattern here,” Sandra concluded. “When British people die in Spain, the police too often ignore it – they just don’t do their job.

MYSTERY: Why was there a bloody handprint on Brett’s wall?

Cost of living

NINE of Andalucia’s 10 priciest towns are in Malaga province, with average 80m² apartments costing €320,000. Benahavis tops the list at €5,391 per m², while demand far outstrips supply.

Migration row

SPAIN and other southern EU countries have criticised a UK-France pact that could force them to take back migrants returned from the UK, warning it risks overburdening first-entry states.

Train chaos

MORE than 300 passengers were stranded for over 14 hours in Toledo after a power failure halted the Murcia-Malaga train, causing major delays and cancellations.

NATO debate

SPANISH MEP Irene Montero has demanded Spain quit NATO and cut ties with the US, condemning both as threats to world peace amid US strikes using Spanish military bases.

A BRITISH man shot dead after a kickabout on the Costa del Sol has been named as 32-year-old Steven Gray from Liverpool. Gray was killed on Easter Monday in Calahonda after leaving a five-a-side match at the Finca Naundrup resort. Locals described a dramatic shootout near the Club de Sol tennis courts, with up to 10 shots ringing out. Gray is be-

VICTIM NAMED

lieved to have fired back before collapsing in the street. Cops later found a burnt-out Seat Cupra dumped nearby with two pistols inside – thought to be the murder weapons. A manhunt is underway for two hooded hitmen seen fleeing the scene.

The execution is believed to be gang-related, with police probing links to the May 31 assassination of two Scottish gangsters – Eddie Lyons Jnr and Ross Monaghan – who were gunned down outside a bar in Fuengirola.

Spanish authorities are working with UK police after arresting 44-year-old Michael Riley in Liverpool in connection with the double hit.

The Panama papers

A LUXURY villa belonging to Marbella mayor Angeles Muñoz’s son could be seized in connection with a major Swed

A YOUNG girl was amongst three family members wounded after gunmen opened fire on their home in Mijas.

The shooting occurred in the Las Lagunas area when neighbours were woken by multiple gunshots and

Marbella mayor’s son could lose luxury villa in mafia trial

registered under Panamanian firm Lesley Company INC, set up decades ago by the brothers’ late father Lars Broberg

immediately alerted emergency services.

Sources close to the investigation confirmed that the shots were fired from the street, apparently targeting the family residence where the victims lived.

The three injured family members were rushed to hospital but are now out of danger.

have asked for the 2019 ownership transfer to Alexander to be annulled.

Alexander, who has lived in the villa since 2017, insists he legally inherited it through a donation and de-

A FEMALE bodybuilder was bludgeoned to death by her husband in a brutal murder-suicide at a luxury flat in Fuengirola. The Colombian victim, Zunilda Hoyos Mendez, 43, had been missing for five days before police discovered her body in the Higueron West complex. Her American husband Jarrod Gelling, 47, also a bodybuilder, was found dead in the bathroom from apparent self-inflicted stab wounds.

Missing

Police forced entry after a friend reported Amy missing. Her body was found in the bedroom, with multiple hammer blows.

The couple, who had no children, lived in Dubai and competed internationally. Amy had planned to leave her husband

By Walter Finch of leading the Costa del Sol

ON TRIAL: Stepson Joakim Muñoz

TRAGEDY: Victim and her huband are both dead

INTO THE FRYING PAN

AS the record-breaking heatwave took hold spreading its tendrils from the Sahara into Europe, the Olive Press went heat chasing.

Just as storm-chasers like to get up close and personal with tornadoes and hurricanes, we go to death-defying meteorological phenomena, and we have come up with a new one: the heat chaser.

Weather forecasters had already bandied about the possi-

The Olive Press takes a journey from the fire of the costas into the dark boiling interior of Sevilla province

bility of Spain seeing 46C while still in the month of June, and we wanted to be there to feel it hit us in the face. So we set out for Ecija, a charming Sevillian town of baroque spires affectionately known as the frying pan of Spain. Located in the Guadalquivir

Valley in a geographical depression that traps the oppressive inland heat, Ecija has registered temperatures of over 46C in the peak summer months before (ie. not June).

In fact, it is just down the road from where Spain’s alltime record heat of 47.6C was recorded in Cordoba in August 2021.

“It’s criminal the

By Walter Finch

heat that we have to endure here, but we manage,” Marga, Ecija resident born-and-bred, told the Olive Press.

During the peak summer months, as the sun inches its way higher into the sky, the Ecija residents scurry to the shadows.

The day starts full of life and activity. Tables and chairs go out on the broad central square, Plaza España, around 8am –when the temperature is only 30C.

Despite its stunning Moorish remains, baroque towers, palaces, and Roman mosaics, Ecija was all but deserted by 10.30am as the mercury hit 36C.

By midday, the town was a ghost town — like a western scene before a showdown.

But not the Olive Press, in

search of understanding how to handle extreme heat in a Spanish summer.

At 2pm, the heat hit 40C — lunch time in Spain, when squares normally buzz with cold drinks and tapas.

The chairs remained empty. Most sought refuge in air-conditioned restaurants.

“I grew up in this but I still suffer,” said Tamara, 24, a waitress.

Is this heatwave anything new?

Locals say no - “It’s the same heat as always,” but “it’s coming earlier now.”

And lo and behold, as I sit nursing an ice cold Verdejo following a splendid lunch at Bar Chico, the news comes through that Spain has broken its heat

MULLINS IT OVER

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

LOSE-LOSE!

UK, Spain, and even Gibraltar natives left scratching their heads – but the monkeys couldn’t care less

READING the headline in the Olive Press - Surrender or Triumph I can’t help but come to the conclusion that like all the rest of Brexit the Gibraltar settlement is a calamitous deal that makes everyone a loser.

But also like Brexit there is a big loser, that would be the UK with a bronze medal, and Spain winning silver, which was more than had been hoped for, especially considering the true inhabitants of ‘Gib’ who in the 2016 EU referendum voted 94.9% in favour of remaining part of the UK.

Everyone with skin in the game here has come up short. Spain wanted the rock back but has had to settle for being allowed to put a customs shack on the border to stamp British passports in and out of the territory. A sort of face-saving deal that means Gibraltar stays British, but at a cost to the Spanish taxpayer.

WORTH A CHEER: At least if you are one of Gib’s Barbary Macaques, but not so much if you are British or Spanish

encounter with some resident apes (actually Barbary macaques) that have been citizens for longer than anyone, after being introduced by the Moors as long ago as the 8th century.

More generally, this outcome is completely bonkers!

On the other side of the fence is the UK and the 35,000 Gibraltar natives - out of a total of 38,000 - who voted to stay part of the UK. No longer can Brits who are resident in the UK drop into the rock nation for a steep climb and an

Did I say everyone’s a loser? I guess that’s not 100% correct; the 300 monkeys probably don’t give a ‘flying macaques pooh’ who’s in charge of policing the border, and Gibraltar’s Business minister, Nigel Feetham is probably a winner too.

And why is young Nigel so keen on the deal? I reckon that might be something about the devil being in the detail. All card-carrying residents of Gibraltar will not only be able to travel passport check free between their homes and the

UK, but they also get a free pass into the Schengen zone (most of the rest of Europe). You have to wonder what price Nigel will soon be putting on a Gibraltar ID card?

I think the Maltese might be getting a bit worried about their lucrative passport side-hustle, which means the island nation’s passports cur rently go for €690k for one, or €840k for an entire family!

More generally this outcome is com pletely bonkers. The UK has held sovereignty over the rock since the Treaty of Utrecht 1713 and its peo ple want it to stay that way. I get that Spain feels the rock should be Spanish, but now all it has is the cost of looking after the border, but they still can’t fly the Rojigualda flag over the rock’s 38,000 souls and 300 ape immigrants.

Just another example of why Brexit is a complete basket case of an idea!

record for June – 200km to the west.

It’s recorded in Huelva prov ince in a town called El Grana do… and the mercury nudged 46C.

Over in the frying pan of Spain it’s a mere 43C, and time to try the egg test.

The Olive Press did it before with some success in July five years ago when we fried an egg on the pavement.

But can we do it at 4pm on a hot June day on a bench that is definitely too hot to sit on?

Cracking it onto the burning surface I expect it to sizzle but it doesn’t whiten at the edges or harden its yolk in the centre.

All that’s left is a raw eggy mess on a

bench.

Ecija doesn’t start to come back to life till after 9pm.

“Here, we live by night,” explains Romanian Mihail, gearing up for evening.

“Yes, it was hard to get used to at first, but it’s only two months a year.”

SUFFER: She may be used to it but Tamara still swelters

Perhaps not. Given the premature nature of this heatwave and the record-breaking June, they might have to extend their endurance in the coming years.

MARQUIS RAFA

Retired tennis legend Rafa Nadal has been made a marquis by King Felipe in recognition of his huge contribution to Spain. Nadal, 39, who won 22 Grand Slams, will become Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca. He was among six people honoured to mark the King’s 10th anniversary on the throne. Others given titles - which ranks above an earl but below a duke - included pop-rock singer Luz Casal and Paralympic

The title, which can be inherited, is a symbol of gratitude for his role in promoting Spanish values of respect, excel-

FRING PAN: Ecija, but the egg trick did not work!

ENDURE: Ecija born Marga has lived with the heat every summer of her life

Stealthily does it

SEVEN rare US B-2 Spirit

stealth bombers made a surprise radio call to Sevilla Air Traffic Control as they returned from bombing Iranian nuclear sites, highlighting Spain’s key role in global military operations.

Refuelling over the Mediterranean, the bombers passed through the strategic Strait of Gibraltar – a vital chokepoint between Europe and Africa –before heading back to their US bases. Two flights were involved: BATT 11, with four bombers bound for Louisiana, and BATT 21, with three bombers whose destination was undisclosed.

Checks

The communication included routine checks on call signs, formation size and landing plans. Spain’s location puts it at the centre of global military logistics. The B-2s took part in strikes on Iran’s heavily fortified nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan using massive bunker-busting bombs.

SPAIN EYES GIB AIR TERMINAL

La Linea aims to boost cross-border travel and economy with new joint transport hub after Brexit deal

SPAIN is exploring plans to build its own passenger terminal at Gibraltar airport as part of ambitious proposals to create a cross-border transport hub serving more than 120,000 residents.

The scheme would see La Linea, the Spanish border town, build terminal facilities on Spanish soil to work alongside Gibraltar’s existing airport - following the post-Brexit deal that will scrap the physical border.

A new memo from La Línea town hall says the end of border controls means the airport could become a single, integrated facility serving both sides.

The proposed Spanish termi-

By Walter Finch

nal would allow flights to land directly on Spanish ground, boosting regional links and giving La Linea’s economy a major lift through airport services.

Officials are now reviewing plans to reserve land for the terminal, which would feature shared border controls and better passenger facilities. The airport expansion is part of a wider vision to turn La Linea into a ‘city of connection’, linking Spain and Gibraltar into one urban area. Planners are redoubling their calls for La Linea to be given

Tragic death

A FOUR-YEAR-OLD child has died after drowning in a swimming pool on the Costa del Sol. The incident took place at a house in

a stop in the proposed new Nerja to Algeciras Costa del Sol train line, while express bus services will need to be

La Alqueria, Mijas. Emergency services were called to the scene where they performed CPR on the young victim. Sadly, resuscitation efforts proved unsuccessful and the child was pronounced dead at the scene.

coordinated with flight schedules to manage the anticipated increase in passenger and freight traffic.

The proposals also

include a new funding mechanism that would allow La Línea to receive direct income from shared airport operations with Gibraltar, helping finance municipal services in the Spanish town.

The airport development represents the most significant infrastructure project to emerge from the post-Brexit arrangements, which have fundamentally altered the relationship between Gibraltar and its Spanish neighbour.

BRIT CAUGHT IN BAR BLAST

A BRITISH holidaymaker has described the terrifying moment she was caught in what police now believe was a deliberate explosion at a Spanish tourist bar that injured 20 people.

Debbie Cook was shopping at the Lo Pagan street market opposite the Casa Javi bar in San Pedro del Pinatar when the blast happened. “It was like a bomb had gone off,” she told the Olive Press. “Glass and metal flew in slow motion and I was thrown forward. There were screams everywhere.”

Burns

Three people suffered serious burns, including the bar’s leaseholder, who remains hospitalised in serious condition. Investigations revealed deliberate tampering with a gas butane cylinder caused the blast. The bar, known for past incidents including a fire and frequent police callouts, has a troubled history and was reportedly operating as a ‘clandestine brothel’. Police are still trying to interview the bar owner, who was unconscious after the blast and reportedly ‘known’ to police. The investigation continues into what is now seen as an intentional act.

PLAN: La Linea may build its own terminal for Gibraltar’s airport as part of infrastructure works

Beach patrol

MARBELLA is launching a major beach security operation this summer to crack down on unruly behaviour along its 27km coastline.

Throughout July and August, eight police officers will patrol the beaches on six quad bikes, targeting loose dogs, unauthorised street vendors and illegal fishing outside permitted hours.

Councillor Jose Eduardo Diaz said the operation will provide ‘comprehensive coverage from early morning until night’ during peak season, aiming to ensure residents and tourists enjoy the coastline in peace.

Buggies

This pilot unit will work alongside more than 50 lifeguards, two ambulances, and around 20 Civil Protection officers equipped with buggies and quad bikes for rescue work.

A specialist Fire Service water rescue team with jet skis will also operate daily for 13 hours, backed by 28 firefighters inspecting safety measures and clearing hazards.

PSOE corruption probe

SANTOS Cerdan, former PSOE secretary, has been remanded in custody accused of bribery, criminal organisation and influence peddling.

The Supreme Court judge ordered his detention after uncovering evidence of a corruption ring rigging public works contracts worth over €500 million.

Prosecutors say the illegal ‘loot’ could exceed €5 million, shared between Cerdan, ex-Transport Minister Jose

Luis Abalos and adviser Koldo Garcia. Cerdan is accused of managing the flow of kickbacks from construction firms to party officials.

Cerdan (pictured being taken to jail) denies wrongdoing and claims political persecution linked to coalition talks with Basque parties. He only answered his lawyer’s questions during his court hearing.

Audio recordings found at Garcia’s

home reportedly show Cerdan’s involvement. The scandal has rocked Pedro Sanchez’s government, raising fresh concerns about corruption.

Judges fear Cerdan could destroy evidence if freed, making his remand to prison the first preventative detention in the case.

Investigations continue into others connected to what could become one of Spain’s biggest graft scandals.

Solar panel snub

A PENSIONER couple in Alhaurin de la Torre have found themselves caught in a maddening red tape nightmare – all for trying to do their bit for the planet.

Paul Bradbury, 72, and his wife, 66, orginally from Devon, wanted to install solar panels on their rustic finca, encouraged by local council and regional Junta campaigns pushing green energy. But after coughing up a €64.52 fee at the town hall, they were hit with a shock refusal. The council said they

TARIFA and Malaga have been named and shamed in an Ecologistas en Acción report, which slams 10 Andalucian beaches for pollution and environmental mismanagement.

In Tarifa, unchecked urban development threatens a vital natural barrier between Zahara and Atlanterra – a major eco-

By Zoe Dahse

lacked a a pricey SAFO licence – a special Andalucian permit costing 6% of their property’s value, meaning a staggering €13,000+ bill. The couple say they had no idea this was needed. “We were never made aware of this before,” Paul said. “We’d got two licences for small works on our roof back in 2001 with no mention of this SAFO nonsense.”

Black flagged

Expat couple face hefty fees and refusal to install solar panels despite local green push

When Paul returned to town hall armed with proof, officials admitted an ‘oversight’ but stood firm, refusing permission for the solar panels. Adding insult to injury, many neighbours have installed solar panels

logical risk in Cadiz. Malaga drew two Black Flags: one for luxury marina sprawl endangering beaches and marine life, another for microplastics from wastewater harming biodiversity. Other flagged sites include Huelva’s Ria estuary for industrial contamination, La Antilla beach for overdevelopment, Granada’s Guadalfeo river delta for sewage issues, and Almeria’s Roquetas de Mar and Vera for pollution and risky urban plans. Ecologistas warn authorities still prioritise profit over protecting Spain’s coastlines.

FLABBERGASTED:

Paul was quoted €13,000 for a licence or made major renovations without licences and face no penalties. With costs now topping €20,000, Paul and his wife say it’s a ‘kick in the teeth’ for pensioners

wanting to go green. “This problem could potentially affect a lot of people who were cash buyers of properties before 2001,” said Paul.

The couple hope that by telling their story they can ‘warn others and prevent law-abiding citizens from facing this awful stressful situation’.

MORE than 168,000 shortterm rental properties must remove listings from Airbnb, Booking.com and others or face fines from €2,000 up to €500,000. The registry system, mandatory from July 1, assigns an ID number to every tourist or seasonal rental to improve transparency and control amid Spain’s housing crisis.

Rush

Since January, nearly 200,000 properties have applied for IDs, with a last-minute rush of 125,000 in June alone.

Spain’s National Statistics Institute estimates 368,295 flats are tourist rentals – meaning 45.7% risk removal for missing the deadline. Registrars have 15 business days to approve or reject applications, often refused due to homeowner rules, subsidies, or lack of council licences. Malaga, Gran Canaria, Alicante, the Balearics and Barcelona make up 40% of the country’s holiday rentals.

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

Justice for me but not for thee

AS journalists, we can’t accuse the police or the courts in Spain of being corrupt.

Such serious allegations cannot be thrown around, or bandied about in the printed word, unless you know it 100% and you have the evidence to prove it.

It’s one thing to murmur the words among confidants in private, it’s another thing to hear it from people who have had terrible experiences at the hands of these institutions.

But the police and the courts are the two pillars of law and order in this country that we call home and undermining trust in them is never something to do lightly.

The case of Brett Dryden, 35, found dead in his blood-spattered home with an axe-wound to his head, could be framed as a one-off.

When all signs point so clearly to foul play that even your pet cat can figure it out, the fact that the police try to pass it off as an accident could be just a bizarre and distressing anomaly.

But the case of Nathan Osman, 30, found dead at the foot of a cliff and declared ‘suicide or accident’ (take your pick it seems), again has similar hallmarks.

In both cases, the families residing over in the UK, without Spanish language skills nor knowledge of Spanish bureaucracy, had to carry out their own murder investigations in the wake of police inaction.

We can reveal that Sandra Adams, the mother of Brett Dryden, has formed a makeshift support group with the family of Nathan Osman, sharing tips such as on how to find a good lawyer who will not just take your money and do nothing.

And not just his family. The families of other high profile deaths of Brits in Spain are also in this group, but they asked us to not be mentioned.

There are enough very similar cases to assuredly say it is not a one-off.

British families are sometimes denied justice in Spain, the deaths of their loved ones buried under the carpet for whatever motivation of convenience.

Which is why it’s so important that we speak out when it happens, and that the public listens when we – and other outlets – speak.

It’s the only thing that might get the families the justice they so sorely deserve.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es Walter Finch walter@theolivepress.es

Yzabelle Bostyn yzabelle@theolivepress.es

Samantha Mythen samantha@theolivepress.es

Tom Ewart Smith tom@theolivepress.es

ADMIN Victoria Humenyuk Makarova (+34) 951 154 841 admin@theolivepress.es

Homeless in Ibiza

‘I’ve got a good job at Ibiza airport but I have to live in a shanty town!’ O P LIVE RESS

By Jon Clarke in Eivissa

WORKERS on the party island of Ibiza have told the Olive Press the rental situation is ‘set to explode’. It comes as we discovered hundreds of them living in makeshift homes in scrubland just outside Ibiza town, or parked up living in vehicles.

To make matters worse, the authorities have recently started clearing one camp near the supermarket Mercadona and are threatening to clamp down on others.

At one rapidly expanding shanty town near the ITV (MOT) testing centre - as shown on Sky News last month - there are hundreds camped together.

It is the same situation close to the famous party resort San Antonio.

This week the Olive Press found a number of other smaller camps near Playa D’en

from

In the lee of blocks of luxury apartments costing upwards of half a million euros they showed us how they cooked on outdoor stoves and washed with water bottles.

Some who asked not

to be photographed had small children.

But these people are not Gypsies, travellers or illegal immigrants. They are legal European workers who have been hired on six month work contracts this summer.

I spoke to three employees - with well paid full time contacts - having to live in these dehumanising conditions.

They all blame the local and national government for years of under-investment in public or cheap housing. One, a Roma-

nian called Julio, 33, is in his second year working for a parking company at Ibiza Airport. Half asleep on a makeshift bed made out of a trampoline base under a tree on scrubland, his life was spread out in bags around him. A fellow worker slept in a bizarre car seat bed next to him.

Julio showed me his uniform and liveried cap (we are not naming the firm to protect him) before explaining: “It’s a decent, well

COMPLICATED HERO

Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es

Joshua Parfitt josh@theolivepress.es

Dylan Wagemans dylan@theolivepress.es

OFFICE MANAGER

Estefania Marquez (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@ theolivepress.es DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES (+34) 951 154 841 distribution@ theolivepress.es

SOME names just linger in the background of our minds, like dusty old books on a shelf we’ve never opened. El Cid is one of those names.

Some of us know there was a Holly wood film about him (Charl ton Heston, brooding with a sword), others vague ly remem something about a Spanish knight, and the rest proba bly couldn’t pick him out of a line-up.

But here’s the thing: was real. He wasn’t just a film character or a class room footnote. His real name was Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, and he died on July 10 1099 after living a life that would put most blockbuster plots to shame. He was born in Castile - north of Madrid, in a part of Spain where they still claim the ‘purest’ Spanish is spoken. If the UK has the Home Counties as its cul

As Cambridge University professor Nora Berend releases her Spanish language biography of El Cid, Michael Coy takes a delve into the life of the legendary figure

By Michael Coy

tural heart, this bit of Spain is its equivalent. Rodrigo was born right in the middle of it, and over the years he went from local lad to warlord to the ruler of Valencia.

But don’t let the ‘hero’ label fool you. His story is far from straightforward. Yes, he was a brilliant warrior. Yes, he inspired a famous medieval poem El Poema del Mio Cid). And yes, he eventually became a symbol of Christian Spanish virtue. But peel back the myth and what you find is a far messier, more interesting person.

Rodrigo - El Cid - was a man of his time, and his time was chaotic.

The Reconquista was in full swing, a centuries-long tug-ofwar as Christian kingdoms fought to re-

claim land from Muslim rulers across the Iberian Peninsula. And El Cid? Well, he didn’t always stick to one side. He fought for two Christian kings, Sancho and Alfonso. When that fell apart, and Alfonso banished him, El Cid shrugged and joined the other side - literally. He took up arms for Muslim rulers in Zaragoza, defending the very cities he’d once attacked. The name ‘El Cid’ itself comes from the Arabic As-Sayyid, meaning ‘The Master’. And he wore it proudly. At one point, he even launched his own campaign and seized Valencia, ruling it more or less independently. Not quite the holy Christian crusader of legend, then. More a ruthless, adaptable military leader who knew how to play both sides and win. He was, in modern terms, a mercenary. Loyal to no cause but his own survival and success. And yet, over the centuries, he was rebranded into a patriotic icon. Castile’s shining knight. The ideal Spaniard. It’s fascinating how stories shift like thathow someone can live one kind of life, and be remembered for another. Maybe it’s human nature. We like clean lines. Good versus evil. Heroes and

But real people, especially the interesting ones, rarely fit into neat boxes. So what do we do with someone like El Cid?

villains.

El CID: The stuff of legends - and movies, as Charlton Heston proved

CAMP SITE: Unofficial site with dozens of caravans and even workers sleeping in their cars

VICIOUS CIRCLE: Julio has a ‘good job’ but can’t afford €1,000 a month rent, plus bills

kilometre

Ibiza’s tourist Mecca of Dalt Vila.

Bossa, less than a

paid job and I like the work but it’s impossible to find somewhere to live.

“All the apartments I have seen are costing minimum €2,000 a month and the cheapest I found was a room for €1,000 in a shared flat with four others.

“By the time you’ve paid utilities there will be nothing left.

“Last year the boss of our company rented a big apartment for a few of the staff but this year he hasn’t, saying he can’t afford it.”

The father-of-two, whose family are back in Bucharest, continued: “The booming Spanish economy means there is lots of work. But at what cost?

Security

“I’ve been thinking of moving over to Mallorca where I’ve heard it’s much easier to find a home.”

Another man living nearby in his car, alongside at least half a dozen others, told me he is a security guard at one of the clubs and has ‘no way’ to afford a flat.

The Morrocan, who insisted he was fully legal in Spain said: “There are some apartments with 12, even 15 people sharing, each paying

Maybe we can admire the skill, the tenacity, the sheer nerve it must’ve taken to stay afloat in a world constantly tearing itself apart. And at the same time, we can be honest about the compromises, the contradictions, the uncomfortable truths. He wasn’t perfect, but he was remarkable. If you ever find yourself in Burgos, you can visit his grave in the cathedral there. It’s a grand setting for a man who’s become larger than life. And as you stand there, maybe spare a thought for the real Rodrigo Diaz - hero, turncoat, warlord, legend. A man who lived by his own rules, and somehow still ended up a national treasure. Not bad for someone whose life can’t quite be pinned down.

€400/500. I’d rather be alone here.”

It has become such a problem that many hotels and restaurants are desperate to find employees as the season is beginning.

With up to four million tourists set to descend on the island this year and only 2,300 official holiday rental properties, the statistics don’t add up.

Too many foreign owners have stopped renting for the season and are renting short term via rental sites and word of mouth between ‘friends’.

“The number of illegal villas, apartments and rooms is impossible to calculate.

While fines of up to €500,000 can be imposed on illegal tourist rentals, some tenants are subletting via accommodation websites, with the real owners unaware.

The regional authorities insist they are working with Airbnb and Booking.com to clampdown.

Enrique Gomez Bastida from Ibiza Consell’s housing department told the Independent the rise of tourist villas and even extra rooms rented out in houses has stretched the island’s limited resources.

asked to remain anonymous, told me he has recently resigned to drive a taxi.

“I was well paid managing a hotel restaurant last year where we should have had nine staff but we only had four or five,” explained the Ibicencan who has worked in tourism for ‘over 30 years’.

“It was so stressful - everyone was doing double the work and I had to pick up all the slack most of the time.

“It was impossible and this year will be worse for sure.”

The Consell signed a deal with Airbnb to remove 300 illegal rental homes from the online platform

He admitted the soaring property prices have caused a housing crisis so severe that many municipal workers – including judges, police officers and medial workers – are now unable to afford to live there.

In March the Consell signed an unprecedented deal with Airbnb to remove 300 illegal rental homes from the platform.

Under the agreement moving forward, properties will now be removed ‘without discussion or appeal’, to stop costly legal delays.

But it has likely come too late for this summer.

One long time restaurant manager, who

Some hotel and restaurant owners have solved the problem by renting apartments - even entire blocks - to house their staff.

The owner of the island’s recently opened Nobu Hotel, Daniel Shamoon, confirmed to the Olive Press that his company, for example, had acquired enough property to guarantee fair rentals for its staff.

The dynamo behind dozens of hotels, including the Marbella Club and Puente Romano, described the situation on the island as ‘not easy’.

“

One policy the island is attempting to tackle is the number of rental cars and people bringing their own cars to the island.

According to a source the Consell is about to charge people a euro a day to come over in their cars and vans to try to stop them living in them.

Last month the Balearic authorities also sanctioned a law which means fines for illegal rentals will be reduced by 80% if owners agree to rent long-term as social housing.

In order to qualify, owners in Ibiza will have to rent them out for a period of five years via the Consell.

Prices will be set by the authorities with the most needy among the local 160,000 yearround residents being favoured first.

The Olive Press: trusted by the BBC, New York Times, El Pais and Vice

Get full ad-free access to our incisive website first-hand for just 50 cents a week with our special summer deal

WANT to stay ahead of the latest local news this summer?

Local news can directly affect your plans –from road and beach closures to weather warnings and fires, plus major local events, festivals and concerts.

The Olive Press helps you be the first to know what’s happening in your area and around the country.

Here’s why we are your best choice for local news in Spain. The Olive Press is trusted by the world’s leading media groups including the BBC, CNN, ITV, The New York Times, The Telegraph, Money Saving Expert and El Pais— - all have recently referenced us as an official source for Spain-based and expat-related news.

This month, our journalists, like editor Jon Clarke (left) appeared on national TV in Germany, America and the UK, while our stories ran in the Express, Independent and Mirror Leading global publications like the Guardian.co.uk have linked to and followed up OUR stories an incredible 34 times, while the Sun has done the same over 100 times. The Daily Mail links to 84 reports and America’s giant Vice. com some 40 times.

Meanwhile Rough Guides calls us the best English-language newspaper for your holiday in Spain, and we were voted Spain’s best expat newspaper by The Expat Survey Consumer Awards. And no surprise when one of young trainees Yzzy Bostyn just won the UK’s best young journalist of the year (2024) while working with the Olive Press in Spain. So we know you will get great value by taking advantage of our very special one off summer deal.

With your subscription:

● You get unlimited stories (non-subscribers get 2/ month)

● An almost completely ad-free experience

● Daily newsletters with the latest news in your area

● Specialist newsletters on travel, health and propert Willl you kick yourself for missing the news before heading out?

ZEP IN THE ARENA

WIN TICKETS TO SEE ONE OF THE GREATEST SONGWRITERS OF ALL TIME

HE was the man behind Stairway to Heaven and Whole Lotta Love

The songwriter behind Led Zeppelin, Rob ert Plant is one of the true legends of rock, up there with Jimi Hendrix, Mick Jagger and the Beatles.

Now the Olive Press is offering our readers two pairs of tickets to see him play in southern Spain later this month.

Headlining the 1001 Festival Granada, it is guaranteed to be an amazing night. His wide-ranging powerful voice is guaranteed to set alight the event on July 26.

To win, you need to be a regis tered pay user of our website.

Once you’ve signed up you will get an email inviting you to enter the draw

BLOODY TIMES: War raged between Christian and Muslim kingdoms

FAMILY HOME: A makeshift camp just outside Eivissa town, which two families with kids are calling home

SPAIN could face more electricity blackouts this summer unless urgent steps are taken to stabilise the power grid, experts have warned.

The warning follows the April 28 outage, which plunged large parts

Hot water

SPAIN is baking through an early summer heatwave, with Mediterranean sea temperatures soaring to levels more typical of late July or August.

Coastal waters are currently 3–3.5°C above average, while parts of the Med near Corsica and Sardinia are up to 5°C warmer, according to Eltiempo.es.

Figures from the Centre for Mediterranean Environmental Studies (CEAM) show sea surface temperatures reaching 23.5°C – unusually high for mid-June.

Buoys recorded 25–26°C in the Gulf of Valencia, Balearic Sea and southern Tarragona, while Mallorca hit 27°C – temperatures once reserved for August.

Steamy

Experts blame the ‘tropicalisation’ of the Med on recent heatwaves and the lack of offshore winds, creating steamy, August-like conditions across coastal Spain.

The hot, humid sea air is fuelling powerful storms inland, bringing heavy rain, hail and strong winds.

Along the coast, residents are enduring tropical nights, where night-time temperatures stay around 25°C, with little cooling relief.

Cities like Alicante are suffering from the combined effects of warm air masses, cloud cover, urban heat islands and a warming sea –all contributing to muggy, sleepless nights.

Sea breezes, once a natural cooler, are now weakening as water temperatures climb.

Experts also warn the heat is damaging marine ecosystems, with native species struggling to survive and pollution compounding the threat.

Scan to find out more

Blackout warning

of Spain and southern France into darkness. Investigators blamed a sudden imbalance in frequency and inertia. Though temporary fixes were introduced, such as boosting gas

SPAIN’S OCEAN PUSH

Government expands marine protected zones –

but expert warns much more needs to be done

SPAIN has taken a major step in ocean conservation – but much more must be done to protect its seas, a leading marine scientist has warned.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the expansion of Spain’s marine protected areas (MPAs) at the recent UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

and hydro generation, they are not sustainable long term and could hike bills.

Experts fear a repeat during sunny summer days when solar power dominates – and traditional generators, which stabilise voltage,

By Samantha Mythen

Currently, 21.3% of Spain’s waters are protected. But with five new MPAs added to the Natura 2000 network, that figure is expected to reach 25% by the end of 2025. The country is now edging closer to its goal of safeguarding 30% of its seas by 2030.

However, Oscar Esparza Alaminos, Marine Protected Areas Coordinator at WWF, cau-

are sidelined.

Officials confirmed a major overvoltage during the April incident. Plans to integrate renewables into voltage control are stalled in regulation, leaving the system exposed as demand soars.

tioned that most MPAs still lack basic management plans – and few are properly monitored.

“The next challenge is to move from promises on paper to real protection at sea,” he told the Olive Press. “The ocean gives us so much: over half the oxygen we breathe, climate regulation, and it’s home to more than half of all life on Earth.”

WWF supports the creation of MPAs to conserve biodiversity, block destructive activities, and build climate resilience. But without proper enforce-

ment, Alaminos warned, ‘they’re just paperwork’. He said many sites – such as Cala Ratjada in the Balearics and the Medes Islands in Catalunya – are already acting as marine nurseries helping fish stocks recover.

“But they need to be science-based, well-designed, and enforced with input from all stakeholders,” he said.

The new MPA’s are the Mallorca

WARNING: Oscar Esparza Alaminos (left) says much more needs to be done to safeguard marine life

Channel Seamounts; the Seco de Palos Seamounts and Pitchmark Field; the Capbreton Tributary Canyon Systems; the Alboran Sea Banks and Gorges; and the Catalan Central Coast Marine Area.

Spain is also preparing to create the country’s first fully protected marine national park in the Mar de Las Calmas, off El Hierro in the Canary Islands. The law would protect vital ecosystems like black coral forests, as well as habitats for dolphins, whales, endangered loggerhead turtles, and the critically endangered angelshark.

Whales

Another protected area will be set up north of Menorca after conservation group Tursiops confirmed it was the only known breeding ground for sperm whales in the Mediterranean. Since 2019, 35 sightings of females and calves have been recorded there.

“It’s a unique opportunity to lead the way in marine conservation,” said Alaminos. “Hopefully it’s the first of many marine national parks.”

Spain has already made waves internationally. It was the first country to ratify the High Seas Treaty, backs a moratorium on

deep-sea mining, and is pushing for a global treaty on plastic pollution. An estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the Mediterranean every year. Alaminos stressed that individual action is also key. “Tourists and citizens can help by making small choices that add up,” he said.

This includes using reef-safe sunscreens, eating local sustainable seafood, choosing eco-moorings over anchoring on seagrass, reducing single-use plastics, and taking part in citizen science projects like Observadores del Mar But he emphasised that real change must come from the top.

“It’s essential that governments match their words with action, and that MPAs are properly managed with local community involvement,” he said. “Strong institutions are key to holding them accountable.”

He also highlighted the need to control mass tourism in the Balearics and Canary Islands.

“We must balance tourism with ecosystems’ carrying capacity to ensure long-term sustainability,” he added.

“Protecting the ocean means protecting the foundation of life on our planet.”

TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE. PROTECT NATURE.

Join the WWF Spain Philanthropy Club and visit conservation projects.

Next trip: Alto Tajo (Guadalajara), 3–5 October It’s a unique and committed way to care for the planet from the inside out. Find out more with no obligation: wwf.es/club or club@wwf.es

CRUCIAL: The seabed off Spain’s coast is a vital ecosystem

BUSINESS

SPAIN’S Supreme Court has upheld a law requiring employers who delay paying staff to pay 10% annual interest on overdue wages, reinforcing protections under Article 29.3 of the Workers’ Statute. The ruling followed a case brought by 33 doctors against Sant Joan de Deu Hospital in Martorell, near Barcelona, for unpaid night shifts and weekend work between 2015 and 2019.

The hospital was ordered to pay €183,166.96 in back wages and €89,758.84 in interest.

Hospital management claimed public budget restrictions barred them from making these payments, citing a narrow legal exception.

However, the court rejected this defence, stating that budget limits do not equate to a legal prohibition on paying owed wages.

The decision makes clear that employers cannot avoid responsibility for late salary payments, and employees are entitled to compensation with statutory interest.

GREEN LIGHT

BBVA takeover approved – but with strings attached

SPAIN’S government will allow the €11 billion BBVA hostile takeover of Sabadell Bank to go ahead, but under strict conditions that could see the bid being scrapped. The biggest caveat is that the two banks cannot be merged for at least three years, with an option for an extra two years.

Closures

No redundancies would be permitted at either entity during the period or changes to branches, i.e. closures. The Economy Minister, Car

NATO win

By Alex Trelinski

los Cuerpo, said the Council of Ministers approved the BBVA bid on the condition of ‘maintaining the legal personality, the separate assets and the autonomy in the management of both entities’.

“It is a decision that is proportionate, balanced and within the framework of Spanish regulations,” Cuerpo added.

The government announcement came after a public

PRIME Minister Pedro Sanchez claimed victory on Sunday after securing a last-minute deal with NATO, allowing Spain to remain in the alliance without meeting the controversial 5% of GDP defence spending target.

In an urgent address, Sanchez described the agreement as 'historic,' confirming Spain will

Salary sanctions INVESTOR JITTERS

HIGH taxes and bureaucracy are reasons touted as to why Spain has dropped out of the top 10 in a foreign investment survey highlighting short-term deals of up to three years. Spain is now ranked 11th out of 25 large world economies according to the latest Confidence Index for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) compiled by global management consulting firm Kearney.

The country has fallen three places in the last two years, having been in the top 10 since 2021 and has recorded an annual 13% fall in the index rating.

consultation period launched in May. Its terms mean that BBVA has a major decision to make over accepting the government demands; or to make a Supreme Court challenge; or to simply walk away from its Sabadell bid.

The BBVA chairman, Carlos Torres, previously said it would be ‘illegal’ for the government to impose extra

not have to increase defence spending to 5% nor meet that target by 2032.

NATO leaders including Secretary-General Mark Rutte and US President Donald Trump had pushed the 5% goal amid rising tensions with Russia. Sanchez had threatened to veto the plan at this week’s NATO summit in The Hague, de-

Forgotten financial force

MANY people are familiar with the New York Stock Exchange (founded in 1792) or the London Stock Exchange (1801). But fewer know that Madrid launched its own in 1831. Since then, three more stock exchanges have opened across Spain – in Bilbao (1890), Barcelona (1915) and Valencia (1980).

All four still operate today, though modern technology has dramatically changed how they work and look.If you own a hammer and replace its handle – then its head – is it still the same tool?

Spain’s stock exchanges raise a similar question. So much has changed, what do they still have in common with their origins?

Think of them as giant, buzzing street markets. Companies set up stalls and shoppers (investors) wander through, buying and selling parts of the stall –not fruit or flowers, but shares. Like any market, they’re prone to rumour. A whiff of bad news (economic decline)? Cue panic selling. Gossip about a tech breakthrough? Prices surge. Alongside shares, there’s the bond market – where shoppers lend money to stallholders (companies) to help them grow. Modern exchanges bundle these street-style markets together –

stocks, bonds, and other assets like ETFs – under one roof.

For much of their history, Spain’s four regional exchanges operated independently, often listing the same companies. But in 2002, they were electronically merged into a single system with shared trading rules, order books and infrastructure. Each exchange still maintains its own governing board – a nod to regional pride.

Madrid and Barcelona make obvious sense – they’re Spain’s two biggest cities. But why did Bilbao and Valencia get stock exchanges, while Malaga, Sevilla and Zaragoza did not?

BILBAO

By the late 1800s, Bilbao had become Spain’s industrial capital. Steel, shipbuilding and mining fuelled a booming economy, supported by Basque bankers and investors with strong international links. Banks like Banco de Bilbao and Banco de Vizcaya (which later merged into BBVA)

capital market.

conditions. He also said that if profitability was affected, the offer would be withdrawn.

BBVA had been preparing to launch its formal tender offer to Sabadell shareholders in the coming weeks.

Sabadell, meanwhile, has been looking to pay shareholders more to fend off the takeover by the potential sale of the TSB Bank in the UK.

manding an exemption from the steep rise from Spain’s current 1.3% defence budget.

Under the deal, Spain will set its own spending trajectory, with plans reviewed in 2029. Sanchez pledged to spend 2.1% of GDP on defence to maintain necessary capabilities, balancing security with protecting Spain’s welfare state.

Gregorio Izquierdo, general-director of the CEOE, which represents private and state businesses in Spain, believes the 13% drop is down to ‘legal uncertainty’.

Delay

“There is a delay and lack of effectiveness of legal processes including excessive tax litigation in our country and an insufficient defence of the right to private property,” he claimed. Though squatting is on the rise, it is still relatively minor, but Izquierdo said it ‘greatly damages the image of Spain over protecting property rights and it is something that we should avoid’.

Other factors put forward are regulatory complexity and excess bureaucracy with a 'tangle of regulations, obligations and licenses that do nothing but hinder business activity'.

Valencia has long been a commercial hub thanks to its Mediterranean port, agricultural wealth and industrial strength in sectors like furniture, textiles and ceramics. Its strong business base made it a natural candidate for a stock exchange to support local investment.

MALAGA AND SEVILLA

Despite being large and culturally rich, these southern cities lacked the industrial and financial muscle of Bilbao or Valencia. They focused more on agriculture, shipping and tourism than on raising capital for heavy industry.

ZARAGOZA

Spain’s fourth most populous city, Zaragoza has an economy built on logistics, agriculture and manufacturing. But it never developed the banking and finance infrastructure needed for a capital market. By the time it might have done so, Spain’s financial needs were already covered by the other exchanges. Although Spain’s stock exchanges quietly power the economy like a beating heart, they are often overlooked. Nevertheless, they’re where companies raise money and in-

vestors chase dreams. This gap between the scant attention they’re paid and their importance may be due to the lack of direct interaction most of us have with them. Or it might be because we secretly prefer that stocks and bonds still be bought and sold in a vibrant street market where we might encounter more food and fewer business suits than stock exchanges offer.

VALENCIA MADRID: Spain’s first Stock Exchange was joined by three more in the country

TAKEOVER: The BBVA headquarters in Bilbao

ROCK SOLID VIEWS!

ASPECTACULAR new geological viewpoint has been unveiled high in the Cantabrian Mountains, offering jaw-dropping panoramas of one of Spain’s most dramatic valleys.

Perched near La Farrapona in the rugged Saliencia Valley, the sleek steel-and-wood platform was designed by Puerto & Sanchez Arquitectos after winning a public design competition run by Somiedo Town Hall under its Sustainable Tourism Plan.

Set at the highest point of the

New ‘floating’ lookout opens in wildest corner of Asturias

valley, the lookout appears to float

with the region’s ancient rock formations – some of the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula.

The minimalist structure blends into its wild surrounds, with no flashy features – just pure mountain majesty and 360 degrees of raw geology.

BLINGED UP!

The Spanish style that took Spain and the Americas by storm - and then died out

LUXURY MARKET ON FIRE

SPAIN’S high-end property market is showing no signs of cooling, with luxury home prices jumping an average of 15% over the past year.

According to the study looking at homes costing over €860,000 – the most dramatic price hikes have been in some unexpected places.

Oviedo, in Asturias, leads the charge, with prices rocketing by an astonishing 43% in just 12 months.

It comes as the historic city’s football team just got promoted back to La Liga for the first time in a quarter of a cen-

Spain’sluxurypropertymarketgoesloco aspricessoaracrossthecountry tury.

By Walter Finch

Guadalajara, near Madrid, follows with a 35% jump, while Madrid itself has seen prices climb 28% - pushing the capital’s luxury threshold (the top 10% of properties by price) to €1.85 million. San Sebastian meanwhile is up 26%, Lugo and Las Palmas are both up by 22% confirming healthy demand in both the north of Spain and the Canaries.

Palma de Mallorca remains Spain’s most exclusive market, where luxury homes now start at €2.1 million – the only city to cross the €2 million threshold. Barcelona showed more modest growth at 8%, with luxury defined from €1.29 million, while Malaga has officially entered the million-euro club, with prices starting at €1.045 million.

For buyers with tighter budgets, Zamora offers the cheapest entry point to luxury – just €240,000 – followed by Palencia (€290,000) and Huelva (€293,250).

At provincial level, the Baleares top the list with luxury homes starting at €2.95 million, followed by Malaga province (€2.2m) and Madrid (€1.56m). Ciudad Real ranks lowest, where €225,000 gets you a top-tier home in

the top 10%.

The surge is being fuelled by strong international interest – particularly from northern Europe – combined with domestic demand, low interest rates and ongoing economic recovery.

Only Soria saw prices fall, dropping 9%, while Ceuta remained flat. Toledo, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Pamplona each posted modest 4% gains.

The study by portal Idealista looked at data from all of Spain’s provincial capitals and regions between May 2024 and May 2025.

The European Commission has taken a firm stance against Spain’s long-standing practice of taxing non-resident EU property owners more harshly than Spanish residents—a move that could spell good news for the thousands of EU citizens who own second homes in Spain and have long felt unfairly targeted by the Spanish tax system.

Brussels demands fair play for EU property owners in Spain

At the heart of the dispute is Spain’s imputed income tax on homes owned by non-residents that are not rented out. While Spanish residents enjoy an exemption for their main home, non-residents—including EU citizens—must pay tax on a notional rental value of

FAIR PLAY FOR ALL

their Spanish property, even if it stands empty. The imputed income is set at up to 2% of the cadastral (rateable) value, and the tax applied ranges from 19% to 24%, depending on the owner’s country of residence.

Brussels argues this treatment amounts to discrimination, breaching core EU principles such as the free movement of capital and workers. After years of warnings, the Commission has now referred Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union

Jenn Foster | Sales Agent

+44 754 796 2069

Jennifer@ERA-Costadelsol.com

Avenida Andalucia 21, 29679, Benahavis, Spain

(CJEU), citing both the imputed

EU takes Spain to court over discriminatory property tax rules that penalise foreign second-home owners

pital gains tax deferral as examples of unequal treatment.

Capital gains deferral: another unfair burden on non-residents

A second issue relates to the deferral of capital gains tax when a property is sold on instalment terms. Spanish residents are allowed to defer their tax liabilities in line with when they actually receive payments, easing the cash flow burden. Non-residents, however, must pay the full tax amount immediately, even if they won’t see the money for years. This effectively penalises cross-border sellers and, according to the Commission, violates the EU’s

A SWEEPING new housing package will hit foreign buyers, investment trusts (REITS) and empty homeowners in a bid to ease the housing crisis and prioritise long-term rentals for locals.

A new state tax, potentially as high as 100%, is set to apply to property purchases by non-EU, non-resident buyers.

So far there will be exceptions for those buying in the Basque Country and Navarra, while EU residents and VAT-registered professionals will be exempt.

Tourist flats offering stays under 30 nights in towns with over 10,000 residents will see VAT jump from 10% to 21%, aligning them with hotels.

legal framework. Spain has argued that its tax laws are consistent with EU law, but the Commission considers its response inadequate and has now escalated the matter to the CJEU.

Good news for foreign homeowners—and long overdue This legal action is likely to be welcomed by foreign homeowners in Spain—many of whom are retirees or holidaymakers from other EU countries—who feel they’ve been treated like cash cows by the Spanish tax authorities. Unlike residents, they’ve had to pay tax on properties that generate no income and face stiffer rules when se -

TAX CHANGES

REITS (or real estate investment trusts) will face a tax hike from 15% to 25%, unless over 60% of their stock is allocated to affordable rentals. They will also be fully exempt if they reinvest profits into affordable housing within three years. A new progressive vacancy tax meanwhile, will penalise owners of empty homes.

This will stack on top of existing annual IBI taxes, with town halls encouraged to apply additional surcharges to unoccupied properties.

lling up.

If the Court rules in favour of the Commission, Spain may be forced to revise its tax legislation and bring non-resident EU citizens in line with residents. That could mean the end of imputed rental income tax on second homes, and fairer treatment when it comes to capital gains.

What happens next?

Spain now awaits its day in court. A ruling from the CJEU could take months, but if the court sides with Brussels, Spain will have little choice but to change its laws.

In short, this case could mark the end of what many see as institutionalised tax discrimination against non-resident EU property owners in Spain—something that has cast a shadow over cross-border property ownership for too long.

The government also wants to extend tax relief for energy-efficient renovations and to offer income tax breaks for landlords charging below official local rental prices.

Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez explained the measures are necessary to tackle speculation, clamp down on illegal tourist flats, and bring homes back onto the market.

The proposals form part of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s 12-point housing plan and are expected to be debated in Parliament in the coming weeks, The minority PSOE government will certainly need backing from other parties in order to get any of their plans into law.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

Marbella’s €20m villa boom

MARBELLA is cementing its reputation as Spain’s luxury property capital, with a string of €20 million-plus mega-mansions hitting the market.

Three standout properties include Villa Olympus, which previously sold for €27.5 million in 2022, Villa Altos Reales, currently listed at €25 million,

and Villa Sierra Blanca, expected to come in above €20 million.

However, these eye-watering sums are still well below the record €70 million price tag on Villa Bellagio, as reported by Olive Press Property last edition. Prices per square metre have surged by over 60% in five years, driven by rising international demand and a younger, tech-savvy buyer profile, according to GC Studio founders Lucia Casaus and Alexis Gonzalez.

Let the train take the strain

SPAIN should invest heavily in regional public transport to ease its worsening housing crisis, say university researchers. Improved transport links could encourage people to live outside overcrowded cities like Malaga, Valencia and Palma. While places like Cadiz benefit from good tram-train connections, many provincial capitals lack decent options, forcing buyers to stay in pricey urban centres.

Affordable

Experts from the University of Barcelona, Complutense in Madrid and University College Dublin have concluded that better regional transport would let workers access city jobs from affordable surrounding areas, easing demand and tackling housing bubbles.

They say this long-term strategy should complement rental controls and restrictions on speculative buying, helping redistribute population pressure and support economic growth in neglected regions.

PORTAL TO HOUSING

SPAIN’S third largest bank

CaixaBank has launched a new online property portal called Facilitea Casa, offering more than 40,000 homes for sale or rent across the country. The digital platform functions as a marketplace where partner estate agencies can list and manage their properties, whilst CaixaBank provides financing support to buyers and renters regardless of whether they are existing customers.

Partners

The portal operates similarly to established platforms like Idealista, but with the key difference that CaixaBank will handle the mortgage and loan arrangements whilst partner agencies manage the actual property sales and rentals. The bank will not directly sell properties itself.

Villa Olympus, in Cascada de Camojan, spans 2,600 sqm across a 4,700 sqm plot and features seven en-suite bedrooms with natural stone, marble and limestone finishes.

Villa Altos Reales, on Marbella’s

Golden Mile, stretches across 1,400 sqm on a 4,000 sqm plot and includes seven bedrooms, a spa, gym, cinema, wine cellar and infinity pool.

Villa Sierra Blanca breaks convention with a single-storey design, offering

FOREIGN WAVE

GERMANS have overtaken Brits as the top nationality applying for mortgages in Spain during the first quarter of 2025.

Figures from property portal Idealista show that 16.6% of foreign mortgage applications came from Germans, followed by 14.2% from UK nationals. Foreign buyers now account for 3.6% of all mortgage activity in Spain.

Applicants from Switzerland made up 8.7%, followed by the

By Alex Trelinski

United States at 7.7%. Next up are buyers from France (7.5%), the Netherlands (6.9%), Ireland (4.4%), Belgium (4%), Italy (2%) and Sweden (1.9%).

five bedrooms and energy-efficient features in the exclusive Sierra Blanca urbanisation.

Marbella's luxury market continues to attract high-net-worth international buyers. Recent developments have

included fashion-brand collaborations like those at Epic Marbella, with Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana and Karl Lagerfeld. GC Studio said Marbella is evolving into a hub of ‘exclusive, innovative projects tailored to global taste’.

Germans overtake Brits in mortgageraceasforeign demandstaysstrong

Idealista particularly noted the rising interest from Swiss and American buyers, with Dutch demand declining and French figures remaining stable. German applicants stood out for borrowing below the average, requesting around €148,946. By contrast, Swiss and American buyers typically applied for over €200,000, reflecting stronger purchasing power.

Risky investment

A LEADING property investment expert has warned against buying cheap flats in Spain as prices continue to soar.

Sergio Gutierrez, a real estate investment specialist, said the trend of influencers promoting €50,000 homes as easy earners could backfire on inexperienced investors. It comes as property prices hit a record €2,635 per square metre in May – a 14.8% year-on-year increase, according to portal Fotocasa.

Average salaries stand at €28,050 gross per year, while the most common salary is closer to €18,500–

€20,000, according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute.

Gutierrez warned that bargain buys often come with hidden risks. “I keep seeing videos saying buy for €50,000 and rent for €500, and you’ll get a 10% return. It sounds easy, doesn’t it? But it’s not.”

His first warning is about tenant turnover. In low-demand areas, he said, landlords often face long vacancies between tenants.

His second concern is liquidity.

“These homes are hard to resell. That’s why they’re so cheap.”

But his biggest worry is a potential rental bubble. “Has nobody stopped

STRESSED OUT

The average age of foreign applicants sits between 40 and 42, with Germans averaging 40. Foreigners request financing for an average of 74% of a property’s value. German applicants request 73%, while the

to consider that when this bubble bursts, those flats may rent for €300 and nobody will want to buy them?”

He also cautioned mortgage-backed buyers, saying losses could be severe if the market shifts.

Rental data backs his concerns. Madrid saw the steepest increases at 15.1%, followed by Aragon (14.5%) and Catalunya (13.8%). Extremadura remains the cheapest region at €9.90 per square metre.

With housing supply tight and wages stagnating, Gutierrez warned: “It’s not as easy as social media makes it look.”

French average 76% and the Swedes 71%. Coastal regions remain the top target for foreign buyers. The Valencian Community drew 26.8% of interest, followed by Andalucia (21.1%) and Catalunya (14.5%).

The most popular mortgage product among non-Spaniards is the fixed-rate loan, accounting for 84% of applications.

A HOUSING crisis is threatening to cripple public services in the Balearic Islands, with 45,000 affordable homes needed by 2030.

That’s the warning from Joaquín Chinchilla, president of APROVIBA, which represents small and medium sized developers across the islands.

“There are doctors and police refusing postings because rent costs more than their salary,” he said.

The islands already face a shortfall of 18,000 properties, set to grow as thousands retire in coming years.

Developers say red tape, construction costs and poor access to credit are stalling progress. Chinchilla criticised the regional government for failing to unlock housing via the Balearic Islands Housing Institute.

He backed using vacant properties and praised new policies allowing taller buildings and urban land reclassification.

“Declaring the archipelago a stressed zone is urgent,” he said.

Developers currently have 1,000 homes under construction but warn rising costs and labour shortages could derail progress.

See Homeless in Ibiza on page 6

Staying vacant

UP to 150,000 rental properties could disappear from Spain’s longterm market by the end of 2025, sparking fears of a full-blown housing crisis.

The Secure Rental Observatory blames the sharp drop on Spain’s Housing Law, which introduced rent caps and stronger tenant protections.

As a result many owners have left the long-term market with numbers already down 17% nationally, while Barcelona has slumped by 46% and Cordoba 66%.

Families

In some cities, dozens of families now compete for each listing and Ibiza many have simply given up trying and now live in vehicles or tents (see page 6/7).

Many landlords are turning to short-term holiday lets, which earn up to 400% more or are leaving homes vacant due to legal uncertainty.

Rents have jumped 24% in two years, while tenants now spend 47% of income on housing.

GOING solo in Spain isn’t cheap – especially in big cities or resort hotspots.

A new study reveals that to buy a studio, you’ll need to earn at least €18,080 net annually, plus have €40,480 saved for a deposit and fees.

That’s based on a 30% income-to-housing cost ratio, a common financial benchmark. Renting is even tougher. With studios averaging €800 a month, solo tenants should earn €32,000 a year to stay within limits.

In Barcelona, you’d need €47,000 – more than in Madrid (€40,880) or Valencia (€40,000). The most expensive cities to buy include Madrid (€32,160), Palma (€31,560) and San Sebastian (€27,480). Bargains can still be found in Santander (€9,240) or Ciudad Real (€10,040).

Across provinces, the Balearics and Madrid are priciest, while Zamora and Caceres remain affordable. The study underscores how tough it’s become for single people – especially young professionals – to live independently in Spain.

SUPER LUXURY: Villas in Marbella come with more than just ‘all mod cons’, including (left) bowling alleys

TURNED UP TO ELEVEN Baroque

FROM the palaces of Spain to the cathedrals of colonial Mexico and the revivalist flair of early 20th-century California, the Churrigueresque style dazzled with theatrical excess and sculptural extravagance – a brief but unforgettable flourish in architectural history. Whether you find it breath-takingly beautiful, or over-the-top hideous, there’s no denying that the style has

The flamboyant Spanish style Churrigueresque is known for its dramatic details, twisting columns and elaborate stonework that shaped churches and palaces from Spain

By Michael Coy

rely manifests itself on flat walls.

to the Americas

What Jose and his family were stri ving for was not ‘rustication’ (which refers to rough, textured masonry), but rather a radical reworking of classical ornamentation – manipula ting columns and entablatures into

are to be found in Mexico. The Cathedral of Zacatecas and Santa Prisca in Taxco are outstanding specimens. What often happened was that Mexican churches like the Parroquia Antigua in Guanajuato stood unfinished for long periods of time. During the 18th century, these were often completed in grand style as money became available. When the Jesuits were expelled from Mexico and

other Spanish territories in 1767, they left behind institutions, funds and architectural legacies that contributed to a wave of construction in the churrigueresque style. Improbably, this highly ornate ‘look’ made it into the 20th century. In 1915, there was a Panama–California ‘expo’, at which two American architects made playful forays into the Spanish–Mexican format, triggering a new craze.

Comeback

Bertram Goodhue and Carleton Winslow developed ‘California Churrigueresque’, and many of their buildings still stand today in the city of San Diego. Could the style ever make another comeback?

We are reluctant to say ‘never’, but

it seems unlikely. Modern materials do not lend themselves to protracted modelling. Furthermore, modern owners are cost-conscious, and do not see ornamentation as a high priority. Most important of all, churrigueresque was a form of ‘trompe l’oeil’ – an attempt to convince the observer that heavy stone is a light and nimble material.

Today we build lightly. There is no need to beguile anyone, and therefore no modern role for this hugely elaborate style.

SUNGLASSES ANYONE?: The Iglesia de la Compañia in Quito, Ecuador is a fine example of the style, while (top) the impressive portal to the Palacio San Telmo in Sevilla, and (left) a detail from a Churrigueresque column

SHRINE TO BLING: In the San Sebastian monastery in Salamanca (left), while (below) the entrance to the Iglesia San Clemente in Segovia is typical of the style when applied to stonework

The style took Baroque’s qualities to theatrical extremes

WHAT A CEILING: At the Universidad Pontificia,in Salamanca, while (above) the more modern California Tower in the USA’s San Diego and (left) the San Esteban monastery in Salamanca

LA QUINTA, BENAHAVIS

Totally reformed townhouse with panoramic views

4 Beds | 4 Baths | 263m2 Built | 72m2 terrace

REF: 176-02973P | 1.950.000€

An exquisitely totally reformed townhouse located in the popular urbansiation of El Mirador de La Quinta in Benahavis. As you enter the property, you are greeted with an abundance of light, high ceilings and sea views through the extra high sliding terrace doors. The bespoke open-plan kitchen leads down to the extremely spacious living/dining room and straight out onto the covered terrace leading to the communal gardens offering stunning South-East facing views towards the sea and mountain. On the first floor you have 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with the master bedroom having a generous walk in wardrobe, private terrace and a large bathroom suite with stunning views. On the third floor you have the 4th bedroom suite having access to 2 terraces also with stunning views. The townhouse was completely gutted and has been fitted with high quality materials throughout.

LA NIÑA, ALOHA GOLF, NUEVA ANDALUCIA

Charming 3-bedroom townhouse

3 Beds | 2 Baths | 315m2 Built | 257m2 terrace

REF: 176-02970P | 1.175.000€

The entrance has a nice feeling of privacy, almost like a villa that takes you to the hall of the property. From here you enter to the large family kitchen with a generous dining area and with all applainces you could ask for, from here you have acces to a patio that leads you into what is today the laundry and extra storage area (could be converted into a 4th bedroom) . Half a floor up you have the master suite with its own office, large walking wardrobe and bathroom suite leading out onto a private terrace.

LOS JARALES, ALOHA, NUEVA ANDALUCIA

Large townhouse with sea and golf views.

3 Beds | 3 Baths | 100m2 Built | 165m2 terrace | 653m2 build

REF: 176-02826P | 895.000€

We present this special & classic property in the well known development of Los Jarales. Nestled in the heart of Aloha with views towards the Aloha golf course and across the valley. The spacious entrance takes you to the property through the large patio where you can enjoy the morning sun and its a perfect place for the warm summer evenings.

SIMPLY THE REST

We round up some of the best boutique hotels for anyone opting for a road trip through Spain this summer

SMADRID

TOLEDO

O you’ve decided to take a drive around Spain this summer.

Depending on your route, you will pass some of Spain’s most emblematic cities and towns. It is a real opportunity to appreciate the myriad influences which have left their mark on the country’s culture and architecture.

In this spirit we have rounded up some of the best and architecturaly interesting boutique hotels at the most popular resting spots along the way, including Barcelona through to Madrid and onto Cordoba, Granada and Malaga or from Barcelona to Valencia and Alicante.

CORDOBA

SEVILLA

MADRID

The Only You hotel is a19th-century mansion located in one of the trendiest areas of Madrid, the Salesas neighbourhood, close to Chueca and the Paseo de Recoletos. The hotel’s hallmark

Situated in the old quarter of Barrio Alfalfa, original 17th century Corral del Rey has been restored into a luxury boutique hotel, offering chic accommodation with a roof top bar. Architectural highlights include the atrium patio, Roman marble columns, Tarifa stone floors and the original wooden carved detailing.

2 4 3 1

is its groundbreaking decor, the work of acclaimed designer Lazaro Rosa-Violan, which has earned several international awards, including Best Boutique Hotel in the World.

Boutique Hotel Adolfo sits in the heart of Toledo, one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. It has quickly become one of the most exclusive hotels in the imperial city with gorgoeus Art Deco inspired interiors.

Balcon de Cordoba sits in a historic 17th-century building with panoramic views of the city.The city centre dwelling is just metres from the famous Mezquita. It magically hides three beautiful courtyards complete with greenery and fountains behind its classical entrance, and has an upper terrace where guests can watch the sun go down while drinking in a 360-degree view of Cordoba.

TOLEDO

SEVILLA

CORDOBA

The Cotton House Hotel stands on the site of the former headquarters of the Cotton Textile Foundation (Fundación Textil Algodone -

ra), an emblematic 19th-century building in the neoclassical style which is a landmark in Barcelona. The refurbishment project, completed in

2015, has taken great care to maintain all the original elements of the building thanks to acclaimed interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violan.

The Masia La Mota boutique hotel is located in an old farmhouse which has been lovingly converted to provide chic accommodation and a restaurant. The 10 luxury double rooms and two suites have been restored and decorated with a personal touch and with materials which create perfect harmony between what remained of the original house and the new improvements.

Hotel Casa 1800 is located in a charming luxurious house typical of the 16th century in the neighborhood of the Albaicin. It is a protected historic building with an originally preserved facade from the Renaissance period. It is also just a few hundred metres to the Alhambra, Spain’s most visited tourist site.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

LOOKING FOR MORE PROPERTY STORIES? Scan to visit our website

The Palau de la Mar used to be a large stately home in the 19th century. However, located in one of the most beautiful and centrally located streets in Valencia, it is firmly in the 21st century with an electric car charging station, well-equipped spa and stunning terrace restaurant. VALENCIA

Palacete de Alamos opened in November 2016 and is located in the historical heart of Malaga, just a stone’s throw away from the main tourist attractions like the Picasso Museum, the Alcazaba and Thyssen Museum. The building dates back to the end of the 19th century and has been restored respecting the original architectural style.

Rooted in the land

TAC! 2025 pavilions champion local culture, climate and craft

By Dilip Kuner

ARCHITECTURE is going back to its roots – quite literally – at this year's TAC! Urban Architecture Festival, where winning pavilions in Alicante and the Canary Islands are putting the spotlight on natural materials, heritage craftsmanship and urgent environmental themes.

Now in its third edition, TAC! 2025 turns public squares across Spain into living, breathing design labs.

Two headline pavilions will be built this autumn – ESPARTAL in Alicante, and DE ROCA MADRE in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – each selected from more than 100 entries submitted by young architects under 45. Both teams receive €15,000 and

a construction budget of €90,000. Inspired by the long-forgotten use of esparto grass in Spanish architecture, the ESPARTAL pavilion by ELE

Arkitektura, GA Estudio, Florencia Galecio and Juan Gubbins is set to rise in Casa Mediterraneo from October 16 to November 14.

The design features a suspended esparto canopy filtering light and creating deep shade – an ecological response to Alicante's status as the sunniest city in Europe. The team say they want to “revalue local material culture from an environmental, functional, and symbolic perspective.”

It's an effort to link rural craft back to the urban environment – reintroducing ancient materials with modern environmental relevance.

Over in Gran Canaria, DE ROCA MADRE tackles the island’s dual geological and ecological identity. Designed by Alejandro Carrasco, Eduardo Cilleruelo, Alberto Martinez and Andrea Molina, the pavilion combines volcanic rock with plastic waste collected from island beaches.

ecological damage’. Built from native stone and reclaimed rubbish, it references traditional Canarian construction while confronting today’s plastic crisis – a comment on how local shores are increasingly littered with debris from distant seas.

jects also caught the jury’s attention – and are equally bold in their blend of innovation and cultural revival.

The ephemeral pavilion is designed to shift over time...

It opens October 30 in Plaza Stagno and reflects on ‘the contrast between geological time and accelerated

In Gran Canaria, Gota a Gota by Nuria Blanco, Ivan Iglesias and Marcos Romero modernises the destiladera canaria, a traditional device for collecting drinking water from mist. Their installation captures moisture from the ‘Panza de Burro’ – the island's famous low cloud – transforming it into an urban water-harvesting pavilion. It's part science, part folklore – and entirely rooted in place.

Meanwhile in Alicante, Lava by Juan Manuel Lopez, Alvaro del Rio, An -

Two second-place prodrea Moreno and Carlos Pastor proposes building with… soap. The ephemeral pavilion is designed to shift over time, mel -

ONE DROP AT A TIME: Runner up in the Canaries Gota a gota has a modern take on an ancient ‘mist harvesting’ teachnology on the islands

ALICANTE: The Espartal pavillion pays homage to the use of traditional esparta grass throughout Spain and its ecological value

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

LOOKING FOR MORE PROPERTY STORIES?

Scan to visit our website

CANARIES: De Roca Madre tackles the island’s dual geological and ecological identity

ting and changing scent with the sun. The architects hope it prompts visitors to reflect on the lifespan of buildings and the sensory side of architecture. Both projects won €3,000. With themes of coastal identity, mate -

rial reuse and ecological awareness, this year’s TAC! is less about concrete statements and more about cultural continuity – with architecture that not only sits in the landscape, but grows from it.

DUBAI PROPERTY ROADSHOW COMES TO MARBELLA

If you’re considering investing in Dubai, this is the event you don’t want to miss. Join leading real estate experts for a special two-day Dubai Property Roadshow in Marbella, hosted by local agency Property on the Med, in collaboration with top Dubai real estate companies Provident Estates and Damac Properties — the second largest developer in Dubai.

Venue: Puente Romano Beach Resort, Marbella

Dates: July 25 & 26, 2025

This luxury event offers a unique opportunity to discover why Dubai is one of the fastest-growing property markets in the world. Compare investment prospects between the Costa del Sol and the Gulf region with direct access to developers, agents, and industry insiders.

“Dubai is an incredible, dynamic place to invest,” says Dean Spearpoint, co-founder of Property on the Med.

“These roadshows have taken place globally, and now here on the Costa del Sol”

Dean, (right) orig inally from south ern England, and business partner Robyn Govier, from Wales, be gan their jour

One of the most exciting resorts in the world

INDUSTRIAL 18KG WASHING MACHINES WITH COMMERCIAL WARRANTY OF 2 YEARS - ONLY €1099! ALSO WE REPLACE

Exclusive Two-Day Event for Investors — July 25 & 26 at Puente Romano Beach Resort

ney in property after meeting in Estepona. What started as a holiday home management business has grown into a thriving sales agency known for fivestar service and international connections. Their friendly and transparent

info@propertyonthemed.com

Robyn +34 671 13 98 40

Dean +447490148207

www.propertyonthemed.com

approach has not only attracted investors eager to work with them, but also caught the attention of Dubai’s leading real estate agency, leading to this exciting collaboration.

This is an open event — no tickets or purchase necessary.

Simply come along to learn, connect, and explore investment opportunities in one of the world’s most exciting real estate markets.

SKYLINE:

VENUE: Marbella’s Puente Romano Hotel

SUN, STONE AND SERIOUS STYLE

BLENDS IN: The stone construction complements Formentera’s natural geology

€54,000 compensation

TENS of thousands of mostly British homeowners in Spain could be owed a cool €50,000 in compensation after crafty banks were exposed for putting a hidden clause in their mortgages.

If you had a mortgage from Sabadell, Unicaja or many other banks, you could be in for a big windfall.

It stems back to the early 2000s when a string of lenders secretly wrote in their clients’ contracts that interest rates could not drop below 3.5% – in what is now known as a ‘floor clause’. However, for a decade, between 2011 and 2021, the interest rates in Spain sat at a record low, between zero and 1%. What this meant was tens of thou-

Inside the newly built villa on Spain’s Formentera that mixes sustainable design with island luxury

SAY hola to Le Cap – the sizzling new villa that’s giving Ibiza a run for its money.

Tucked away on Formentera, this six-bed mansion could be yours for a cool €8.9 million . From a distance, you’d think it had risen straight from the sand. Built entirely from natural stone, this pad is a blend of rustic charm and five-star opulence – the kind of place you’d expect to see a discreet A-lister sipping rosé and hiding from the paps. Behind the chic interiors is Barcelona’s design doyenne Sandra Tarruella, who’s sprinkled her magic across every corner of the 15,000 sqm estate. The main villa boasts four en suite bedrooms wrapped around an open-

By Dilip Kuner

plan salon – complete with fireplace. The oak-clad kitchen opens onto a terrace made for long, lazy lunches and golden-hour cocktails.

Casita

Forget your average glass – the windows are handcrafted iroko-wood beauties that ‘disappear’ into the walls, turning every view into a postcard. Think shimmering sea, rolling countryside, and not a neighbour in sight.

A sweet little casita (that’s posh for guest

for Brit against Banco Sabadell/Solbank mortgage

The clients are named Turner and the house is in Orihuela... and the ‘floor clause’ affected mortgage was approved in 2008

sands of homeowners spent years paying hundreds of euros more per month than they should have done.

One legal firm in southern Spain has been at the forefront of winning back money for affected homeowners – and on a promised ‘no win, no fee’ basis.

Fairway Lawyers boss Diego Echavarria, based in Marbella, told the Olive Press that one of his latest clients, the Coopers, were recently awarded a total of €21,075, plus legal costs. The British family had bought a home in Riviera del Sol, in Mijas, in 2006, but didn’t sell up until recently. They were totally unaware of the floor clause issue until they read about it in a copy of the Olive Press last year. Now, after six

months of legal wrangling, Echavarria, originally from Madrid, has won them the fee, plus compensation.

“It’s always a bit of a game and involves plenty

of legal letters being pinged backwards and forwards, but I know what I’m doing having done this for years now,” he explained.

It comes after the golf-loving lawyer, a member of Guadalmina, won another British couple, the Brighouses, €48,359, last summer.

The couple had bought an off-plan apartment in Mirador de Costalita, in Estepona, in 2004. They took over the mortgage from the developer, which contained the hidden clause and they ended up paying an extra €250 per month than required. It was the fourth case Fairway Lawyers have won on homes in Mirador de Costalita alone.

There are thousands of similar cases all around Spain in which expats or former expats had no idea they were victims.

“Right now I am handling cases all

over the country,” explained the father-of-two.

Warning signs

There are two tell tale characteristics to look out for; Your mortgage was signed off between 2001 and 2010 and your payments were the same amount for a large number of years.

“What is key is they will not have lowered for years,” continued the lawyer, who also handles many other legal work, in particular conveyancing from his office in Marbella.

He added: “Even if you have sold the property and paid off the mortgage, you can still claim.

“There is no deadline since the latest ruling from TJUE (Tribunal de Justicia de La Union Europea).

“There are around 100,000 mis-sold mortgages that have yet to be resolved in Spain.”

If you want to claim for a mis-sold mortgage or feel you may have been affected, contact diego@fairwaylawyers.com or send a message via Whatsapp to +606 307 885

Simple process

WHAT BANKS WERE INVOLVED IN FLOOR CLAUSES?

Most Spanish banks, but especially Banco Popular (now merged with Santand- er), Caja Duero, Caja España (merged with Unicaja), La Caixa, Solbank, Sabadell and many other savings banks which have since been taken over by major banks.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR MAKING A CLAIM?

You need to submit a claim be- fore the bank to try to reach a settlement out of court. Then comes a three-month period in which you await their response. Unfortunately the Spanish banks do not want to reach any kind of agreement or set- tlement and they always force the clients to go to court to get a positive ruling. They do this because they hope clients will get fed-up with the process and drop the claim – which is why we operate on a no win no fee basis.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

LOOKING FOR MORE PROPERTY STORIES? Scan

house) sits just next door – two beds, a bathroom, and a terrace with a pergola is perfect for siestas or sneaky afternoon G\&Ts.

With more than 550 sqm of living space decked out in oak, stone floors and natural fabrics, it’s less house, more high-end hideaway. There’s even a rooftop terrace where you can drink in panoramic views of the island.

And don’t worry about water - two monster underground tanks hold 20,000 litres each, keeping things green (and your pool full) year-round.

The fully finished version will be ready to dazzle by Easter 2026 through design-savvy agents Fantastic Frank.

Offering you help, support and advice during your search, through the buying process and personal after sales services. We have a wide range of properties to interest our clients, from small village houses to large country fincas or cortijos.

Tel/WhatsApp: (+34) 669 249 539 email: info@andalucianpropertysales.com www.andalucianpropertysales.com

RUSTIC: Inside the property wooden beams and ‘rough’ furniture complete the home’s theme

SETTING: The rugged terrain was an inspiration for the property’s architects

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

Highest qualifications, regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

952 822 111 info@panorama.es panorama.es

LA CULTURA

Jesus statue row

PAMPLONA is bracing for carnage as the legendary Running of the Bulls charges into town on July 7. Each morning for nine days, six hulking bulls and six steers thunder through the narrow streets as thousands of thrill-seekers – decked in white and red – risk life and limb in the name of tradition. Immortalised by Hemingway, the 875-metre dash ends in the city’s bullring, where the animals meet a grim fate later that day.

Though no deaths since 2009, 15 have perished over the past century and many more are injured each year.

CONTROVERSY has erupted in Boadilla del Monte, a town outside Madrid, over plans to build the world’s tallest statue of Jesus.

The proposed monument would stand 37 metres high – seven metres taller than Rio’s famous Christ the Redeemer.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

LOOKING FOR MORE CULTURE STORIES?

Scan to visit our website

The project, backed by the Asociacion Civil de Devotos del Corazon de Jesus de Boadilla, aims to turn the town into a global pilgrimage site.

Supporters say the statue will be a ‘beacon of hope’ welcoming all humanity.

But opponents, including local

OH, MARY!

A BOTCHED restoration of one of Spain’s most sacred religious statues has sparked outrage among Catholics in Sevilla – with some calling it an act of ‘sacrilege’.

The Virgin of La Macarena, a 17th-century effigy housed in the Basilica de Santa Maria de la Esperanza Macarena, was unveiled after a five-day facelift ordered by the Hermandad de la Macarena brotherhood. But instead of joy, many faithful were left in tears, claiming their Virgin had been ‘disfig-

Worshippers in tears after botched restoration of iconic Semana Santa statue

By Zoe Dahse

ured’. The makeover included a glossier finish to her face and dramatically lengthened eyelashes, prompting accusations that the sacred image now looked more like a celebrity waxwork than a revered icon. So fierce was the backlash that the Brotherhood attempted two hasty retouches within 24 hours – and has now apologised for the ‘moral and emo-

PSOE leader Alessandra del Monaco, argue the €17 million in public funds could be better spent and raise concerns over environmental damage and traffic near the motorway-adjacent site.

If approved, construction could start in 2027 and finish by 2030.

tional damage’ caused. Despite the changes being subtle to the untrained eye, furious devotees flooded social media with memes and criticism. Many joked that the Virgin’s makeover drew more attention than PM Pedro Sanchez’s political scandals the same weekend.

Camp Nou return

FC BARCELONA fans can finally get ready to roar as the club confirms it’ll return to the iconic Camp Nou on August 10, 2025 - but don’t expect it to be quite finished. After more than two years away, Barca will host the Joan Gamper Trophy at their famous ground. Major work remains, including a new third tier, VIP areas and roof, but the club promises to keep fans comfy amid the building dust. When done, Camp Nou will hold 105,000 - Spain’s biggest stadium and one of Europe’s finest.

Elsewhere, Valencia CF today announced that the club had secured the full €322 million funding required for a new stadium, set to be one of the largest in Europe with over 70,000 seats, nearly 10% of which will be hospitality.

The Virgin, carried through Sevilla’s streets during the city’s famous Semana Santa processions, has survived wars, fire, and dictatorship –but not, it seems, this ill-fated beauty treatment. The Brotherhood has since pledged to reverse the restoration.

Club bosses hope that the state-of-the-art stadium will drive Valencia CF’s growth and unlock new long-term sustainable revenue streams that will strengthen the Club’s influence and competitiveness for decades to come.

With a UNESCO world heritage site offering 120,000 years of human history and only short drive from the Costa del Sol, enjoy the warmth of the British Gibraltarians and splash out VAT-free in Sterling.

Gibraltar. Sun, sea and history served with a very British twist.

TEARS: Worshippers shared the Virgin’s emotions after the ‘botched’ restoration (above)

LA CULTURA

NO MORE FORGOTTEN

The bittersweet legacy of Cinuras and Cadiz’s lost Roman necropolis

SOMETIME around the reign of Emperor Nero, in the Roman city of Gades (now Cadiz), a man named Cinuras was laid to rest beneath a marble tomb.

The tombstone, likely paid for with his own hard-earned savings, bore an unusually bitter epitaph:

By Michael Coy

ly thought to be an isolated find has since revealed itself as a vast Roman necropolis: a sprawling ‘city of the dead’ that has remained hidden for centuries.

Today, Cinuras is just one of many voices rising from the soil.

the northern part of Cadiz. It was early January 2022, and workers doing renovations accidentally uncovered Roman fragments - just the beginning of a much

FASCINATING: A votive offering found at the site features a diagram of a foot

to afford a proper tomb. But the bitterness etched into his final words suggests that wealth and freedom didn’t buy him the peace he craved.

One tomb belonged to a woman who lived to be a 100 larger story. Thanks to subsequent funding and the involvement of professional archaeologists, what was initial-

he is - buried in a marble tomb, next to magistrates. That means he died a free man.”

That much is clear from his burial. Roman tradition did not allow slaves to be interred in such proximity to the city’s elite. It’s likely Cinuras was manumitted - freed after years of loyal service - and succeeded well enough

“We are giving voice to a man who otherwise would have remained utterly unknown,” Santos reflects. “It’s very beautiful. The way his family and friends treated him is forgotten now. What remains is a real

man, who really lived.” And Cinuras is far from alone. The archaeologists have so far unearthed 269 inscriptions, many of them rich with personal histories. One tomb belonged to a woman who lived to be 100 - an exceptional age in Roman times.

Others seem to cluster around what may have been a funerary college or even a temple, possibly dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis.

LA CULTURA

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

25 July 2ndJuly 15th 2025

“We think this site was sacred to Isis,” explains Vazquez. “She was often worshipped in port cities like Gades. People probably came here regularly to pray and wanted to be buried near a place they loved.”

Small terracotta statuetteshand-held offerings likely left by worshippers - support this theory. So too do faint wall paintings showing birds and reeds, symbols linked to the Nile and Isis’s mythology.

“This wasn’t a luxurious temple,” Santos adds, “but a local, working chapel. It served real people, and they came back here in death.”

In total, the team has documented 55 burials so far, ranging from simple pits cut into dunes to ornate marble tombs dating from the 4th century AD, when the necropolis appears to have been abandoned.

Remarkably, many of the tombstones were found stacked like playing cards, suggesting someone - long after Rome’s fall - had preserved them rather than destroy them.

“That kind of care is rare,” says Santos. “Normally, they’d be

smashed or repurposed. But here, someone saw their value. Thanks to them, we now have this incredible archive of lives.”

The work is far from over.

Vazquez and Santos believe the site could fundamentally reshape how we understand Cadiz’s place in the Roman world.

Far from being a sleepy outpost, Gades may have been a centre of cultural exchange and spiritual significance.

“The investigation is just beginning,” Vazquez says. “And we’re probably going to make some overwhelming discoveries.”

But even now, before the full picture is known, the rediscovery of Cinuras feels like a quiet triumph.

A man who once lamented being forgotten is now, against all odds, remembered - his story a voice from the grave that still has something to say.

GRANADA

24 JULY

CONGRESS CENTER TRAVIS

26 JULY

CONGRESS CENTER

ROBERT PLANT PRESENTS SAVING GRACE FEATURING SUZI DIAN

19 SEPT INDUSTRIAL COPERA THE

AS IT WAS: A plan of Gades, or Cadiz, in Roman times, while (right) the bitter epitaph on Cinuras’s tomb

CEMETERY: A depiction of a Roman funeral (above) and the dig site in Cadiz

MBAPPE’S HEALTH SCARE

KYLIAN Mbappe was hospitalised in Miami with acute gastroenteritis during the FIFA Club World Cup. Real Madrid confirmed he missed their opening match against Al Hilal due to a fever and was discharged the same day to continue recovery.

Mbappe also missed the next game versus Pachuca but returned to light training ahead of the final group match against RB Salzburg, which he also missed.

•

• Over 40 years experience in the care industry

• We use UK care standards as a benchmark for our standard of care delivered

• All staff referenced and police checked

• Continuous re-assessment and weekly management visits to clients

• Ongoing support

• All nationalities catered for

72 Avenida Ricardo Soriano, Portal B, 1st Floor, Marbella, Malaga, 29601 www.britishcareservices.com

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

Worst care revealed

Coach Xabi Alonso said Mbappe would likely be fit for the knockout rounds. Real take on Juventus tonight (Wednesday) , but it is unknown if Mbappe will play.

The French star reportedly lost up to five kilograms during his illness, causing concern among fans.

Gastroenteritis is a common intestinal infection causing diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration, which can require hospital treatment.

Good hygiene and hydration are key to prevention and recovery.

Big regional variations in public health service standards

THE Valencian Community and Andalucia have the worst public health services in Spain, followed by the Balearic Islands, according to an annual study.

The conclusions have been reached by the Federation of Associations for the Defence of Public Health (FADSP). They’ve graded public health

By Alex Trelinski

provision in Spain’s regions based on the latest available figures.

The FADSP admits there are issues due to a ‘lack of transparency and diligence of health authorities which means some statistics are not sufficiently updated’.

Elements analysed include funding and resources – including per head expenditure and the number of beds available

7 Martial art (6)

Kind of energy (6)

Astound (4)

Agent of annoyance (8)

Like a rosary (6)

Strauss thought it beautiful and blue (6) 15 Most political candidates promise this in one area or another (6)

Creation (6) 18 Twig ghee is not quite right for meringue ingredient (3,5)

20 Gammy (4)

21 Sir Anthony ---, “Anne of a Thousand Days” actor (6)

22 Genteel exclamation (2,4)

1 Don’t go anywhere! (4,4) 2 Unwitting tool (4) 3 Repudiated (6) 4 Like sorted socks (6) 5 Argues (8)

Cowardly traveller on the Yellow Brick Road (4)

Portals (8)

Errors (8) 16 Ma lied about wearing armour (6)

17 Soft and smooth (6)

19 Start to attend university (2,2)

20 Obscene (4)

per 1,000 people.

Other factors are numbers of operating theatres and doctors, in addition to waiting lists, pharmaceutical spending, and patient surveys. The study then pools everything together to create a score system where the maximum value is 142 points and the lowest is 33.

The average score obtained by the regions is 85.41.

FADSP spokesperson Dr Marciano Provencio said: “There is a great disparity in health services between regions, which far from decreasing has increased.”

“This continues to jeopardise

Slow down ageing

A NATURAL supplement made of plant-based ingredients, vitamins and antioxidants could slow biological ageing, a new study suggests.

Researchers tested Cel System in a year-long trial with adults aged 54 to 84. Those taking it showed a drop in biological age, plus gains in strength and body composition. Biological age reflects the state of your body’s systems, unlike chronological age, which is just a number.

The study highlights epigenetics – how genes change with lifestyle – as key in ageing, with 90% of health determined by these factors.

Researchers say biological age can be slowed through targeted supplements and healthy habits.

The findings may appeal to Spain’s health-conscious public, but experts warn benefits require consistent, longterm use and a holistic approach.

the necessary cohesion and equity between areas,” he added. The worst figure of 62 was achieved by the Valencian Community, followed by 66 for Andalucia, and then 77 by the Balearic Islands. The best scores were recorded in Navarre (106), the Basque Country (105), Asturias (100) and Castilla y Leon (95). Above average grades were achieved by Aragon (91), Cantabria (91), La Rioja (91), Extremadura (90) and Galicia (82). Below average were Catalunya (80), the Canary Islands (79), Castilla–La Mancha (79), Madrid (79) and Murcia (78).

The survey also looks at the take-up of private insurance, with 38.7% of the Madrid region population having policies, followed by Catalunya (32.4%) and the Balearics (30.9%). In sharp contrast, only 11.2% of people in Navarre have private policies.

Death stats revealed

TUMOURS were the leading cause of death in Spain in 2024 for the second year running –accounting for 26.6% of fatalities.

Circulatory system diseases followed closely at 26.1%, according to the National Institute of Statistics.

Tumour deaths remained stable, while circulatory deaths fell by 2.4%.

Bronchus and lung cancer caused 23,239 deaths – up 1.9% – followed by colon cancer with 10,434 deaths, down 4.6%.

Ischaemic heart disease topped circulatory fatalities at 26,851 (down 3.2%), followed by cerebrovascular diseases at 22,786 (down 2.7%).

In total, 433,357 deaths were registered, with 95.8% due to natural causes.

The steepest rises came from kidney failure (up 10.3%) and pneumonia (up 7.7%).

For the first time since 2020, Covid-19 dropped out of the top 15 causes. External causes accounted for 18,304 deaths, led by accidental falls (4,407) and suicide (3,846), which was down 6.6%.

AnyTech365

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

DISCOVER the ancient art of bluefin tuna carving – or ‘ronqueo’ – at KOI restaurant in Marbella on July 3.

A team of experts from Barbate will expertly cut up the prized fish, caught nearby in Cadiz, using skills perfected over centuries.

HOTEL PRICE SURGE

HOTEL prices in Spain have surged 7% in the past year and are nearly 50% higher than in 2019.

This sharp rise, driven by strong post-pandemic tourism demand, limited hotel construction, and tighter Airbnb regulations, is making travel and housing more expensive.

Tuna art night

Bluefin tuna regularly sells for millions, with a 278kg fish fetching a record $3.1 million in Tokyo in 2019. The ceremony will be followed by KOI’s

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

LOOKING FOR MORE TRAVEL STORIES? Scan

exclusive Omakase Night – a 10-course menu made from the freshly carved tuna. For €95 per person, guests get a glass of Champagne and a unique tasting experience. Spaces are limited, so booking ahead is recommended.

Check the chicks

Head to this wacky town where the birds

Why Choose AnyTech365?

Comprehensive Cybersecurity

Spain welcomed a record 94 million foreign visitors in 2024, a 13% rise from 2023, with over 100 million expected in 2025.

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

Hikes

Personalized User Experience

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

Eurostat reports a 70% jump in tourism since 2021, fueling the price hikes. In regions like the Balearics, where tourism makes up nearly half the economy, locals face rising housing costs

While tourism boosts GDP, experts warn of growing tension between economic gain and resident affordability.

AnyTech365

IF you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a flamingo on a motorbike, your moment has arrived. A quiet town just 35 miles north of Malaga has gone full flamingo, launching a bizarre and brilliant new art trail featuring human-sized pink birds doing everything from cooking soup to checking on chicks. Fuente de Piedra, already famous for hosting Spain’s largest

We’ve all been there. You’re peacefully scrolling, minding your own business, when suddenly - BAM!

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.

AnyTech365

By Michael Coy

statues.

Fun

on the Iberian Peninsula. Now, with the new art trail linking the lagoon to the centre, the birds have taken over – in style. There’s a flamingo chef stirring up maja porra (a

TWITCHER: But this time it is the bird that is watching you

A BAR worker in Spain has claimed their boss threatened to dock tips unless staff secure at least two customer reviews per day.

The anonymous complaint, shared on X by the account @ soycamarero, includes a screenshot of a message allegedly sent by a bar manager to their team.

Demands

Some of AnyTech365 Products and Features

AnyTech365 IntelliGuard

AnyTech365

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 important deadline? Obviously,

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.

There’s also a giant bench for family snaps, a flamenco-dancing bird honouring local hero Pablo Raez, and plenty of flamingo fun for kids. cook,

Part of a fun new initiative called Pa’ flamenco, mi pueblo (‘Flamingo, my town’), the quirky trail features six-foot-tall birds doing everything from cooking soup to riding motorbikes. The town, just 35 miles north of Malaga city, is home to the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra nature reserve, the biggest wetland in Andalucia and the top flamingo breeding ground

AnyTech365 Security

thick local tomato soup), one biker bird promoting the town’s July ribbon race, and a pair of lovebirds forming a heart for the perfect selfie spot. Families can follow the route, collecting letters hidden on each statue to spell out a mystery word and enter a prize draw at the tourist office.

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.

“This celebrates both our natural treasure and the spirit of our town,” said mayor Siro Pachón, who hopes it boosts tourism year-round.

In it, the boss demands staff pressure customers into posting reviews, warning that if they don’t hit 60 reviews a month, €10 per missed review will be deducted from their shared tips.

"If we don’t get sales now, by November we’ll have serious problems keeping everyone," the message reads.

"With 200 customers a day, I don’t think it’s too much to ask."

The post sparked outrage online, with one user replying: "Something similar happened to me in Avila – the waiter asked us for a review because he got a bonus. I found it regrettable."

HACKED - OR MAYBE JUST A GHOST

AnyTech365 TotalCare

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

any user.

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. 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.

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

actually get infected. Cybercriminals love using fake warnings 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 pretending to be tech support) can actually check if your device is compromised.

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.

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

A comprehensive security suite, combining all AnyTech365 premium products together with quick issue resolution by certified technicians without onsite visits anytime, day

We’ve all seen it—the terrifying pop-up screaming, “YOU’VE BEEN INFECTED! CLICK HERE TO FIX IT!”

The irony? Clicking that link is the fastest way to

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. 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 browsing

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!

wild flamingo colony, has now gone a step further –by filling its streets with giant, human-sized flamingo

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Asador Etxebarri Atxondo

Set in a Basque

NEW BOYS ON THE

Chef Dabiz Muñoz’s surrealist, boundary-pushing restaurant blends global influences with Spanish roots in a flamboyant, multi-sensory tasting menu. Dishes often feature sculptural plating and wild contrasts of flavour and texture.

By Dilip Kuner

a retirement home for former top dogs.

It’s a rule that past winners are excluded to give everyone else a chance. Disfrutar is still packing out tables with its 30-course feasts and edible illusions as is

fellow hall of famer Celler de Can Roca. But for others, the fall was real. Quique Dacosta, ranked 14th last year, has slipped out of the top 50, down to number 65.

Still, some Spanish restaurants are holding their ground. Asador Etxebarri in the Basque countryside clings onto its number two slot, still making smoke and fire look sexy (see OP online for review).

A seafood temple in the Basque Country renowned for its mastery of whole fish grilled over charcoal. Family-run, it’s especially famous for turbot and showcases the purity of the local product.

farmhouse, Vic tor Arguinzoniz’s restaurant uses wood-fired grilling to elevate sim ple ingredients into world-class dishes. Famous for its grilled prawns, smoked butter, and rever ence for fire and smoke.

Created by Albert Adria, Enigma returned to fine dining with a

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

BLOCK

Madrid’s flamboyant DiverXO remains at number four, as chef Dabiz Muñoz continues to blend art, chaos and foie gras in equal measure.

Meanwhile, Elkano climbed from 28 to 24 with its legendary grilled fish, and Enigma –under the control of Albert Adria (brother to legendary El Bulli chef Ferran) – cracked the top 50 at number 34 for the first time.

Further down the ladder, in the Top 100’s lower half, it’s a story of new blood and slow fades. Barcelona’s Cocina Hermanos Torres makes its debut at 78, and Txispa – a name to watch – entered at 85.

Longtime favourites Aponiente and Mugaritz are still hanging on at 84 and 87, though both have slid down the ranks. But not everyone made it. Azurmendi, once a darling of Basque fine dining, and Valencia’s Ricard Camarena have completely disappeared from the list. A tough blow for two restaurants that just last year were celebrated among the world’s elite. Fewer top spots, yes – but also a new wave of talent elbowing its way to the front. As Disfrutar takes its throne in the Hall of Fame, the pressure’s on for the next generation to keep Spain in the global spotlight. - and maybe claim the number one position again next year.

An opulent, artistic tasting menu rooted in Mediterranean landscapes. Dacosta’s modernist cooking emphasises beauty and creativity, with strong seasonal and local themes.

Aponiente

#84

Quique Dacosta Denia #65 #78

El Puerto de Santa Maria

Chef Angel Leon’s visionary restaurant focuses on the ocean and sustainability. Known as ‘the chef of the sea’, Leon uses obscure marine ingredients - from plankton to fish byproducts - in stunning, conceptual tasting menus.

Cocina Hermanos Torres

Barcelona

Run by twin brothers Javier and Sergio Torres, this innovative Michelin three-star restaurant merges high gastronomy with open-kitchen intimacy. Known for its seasonal, ingredient-driven menus and theatrical elegance.

CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION

LIVE-IN CARE

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Andoni Luis Aduriz’s experimental institution known for philosophical dining and boundary-breaking dishes. Often challenges notions of texture and taste. Once a top-10 fixture, it remains a thought leader in modern cuisine. A new addition to the list, Txispa blends traditional Basque techniques with modern Japanese-influenced creativity. Its wood-fired approach nods to Etxebarri, but with a distinct identity and growing buzz in the culinary scene, headed up by chef Tetsuro Maeda.

Mugaritz

Ricard Camarena

concept focuses on sustainability and Basque tradition. Guests begin in a greenhouse and move through a multi-sensory journey of

culture, and technique. Celebrated for its clean, seasonal Va lencian cuisine with a vegetable-for ward ethos. Known for delicate tech nique, flavour purity, and a serene dining space in a former factory.

unleashed

Caring Carlos

CARLOS Alcaraz paused his Wimbledon match to aid a fainting fan in 32C heat, offering water before sealing a five-set win over Fabio Fognini in a four-hour epic.

Pricey Marbs

A UK TikTok star has slammed Marbella as a haven reserved for ‘fraudsters, drug dealers and footballers’, warning average people can’t afford €20 Red Bulls, €50 entry fees and €1,500 table minimums.

Kissed off

FOOTBALL boss Luis Rubiales has avoided jail after the National Court upheld his €10,800 fine for the controversial non-consensual kiss of footballer Jenni Hermoso after 2023’s Women’s World Cup final.

CATCH OF THE DAY

FORMER Spurs winger David Bentley made waves in Puerto Banus this week – quite literally – after being spotted partying on a jet ski while getting served… from a yacht. The retired England star, 40, was seen zooming around outside the Marbella marina with a grin as wide as his crossing range, pulling doughnuts and spraying tourists.

In a moment worthy of a beer ad, Ian Radford - boss of local celeb haunt La Sala - lobbed a can of cold beer from a swanky yacht to the jet-skiing footballer – who impressively

caught it one-handed. “He’s still got the touch!” one onlooker shouted, as Bentley cracked it open midride and toasted the crowd like

Ex-England ace goes full throttle in Banus beer bonanza

By Dilip Kuner

a sunburnt James Bond. Now a Marbella regular and co-owner of La Sala, Bentley looked like he was enjoying retirement as much as his Premier League days – minus the defending.

Locals say he’s become a fixture in Banus, but few expected the former England winger to be playing keepy-uppy with a San Miguel while straddling

JUICED UP: But the guava had hidden cocaine

a jet engine. As one beachgoer put it: “Only in Marbella.”

Eyewitnesses claimed the waterfront crowd gave a cheeky round of applause, while one British holidaymaker asked if Bentley was audi-

GRINNING: Bentley gives a wave while Radord steers, before the ex-Spurs star took over

tioning for the next Fast & Furious film. The stunt reportedly sparked a wave of copycat jet ski antics – none of which ended with such style.

IT sounded like the ultimate wellness hack for the high-flying elite - a smoothie that could fuel a finance bro’s 3am club cameo AND his 6am gym session. But Spanish authorities have juiced the dream, uncovering a cocaine lab in Valencia where criminals were extracting cocaine base hidden inside

Smoothie operators

drums of frozen guava pulp - perhaps the ultimate fruit smoothie for a certain type of health conscious junkie. In a sting operation codenamed ‘I. Amable/Sunka/Zafra’ (which frankly sounds like a niche juice bar), police and customs agents dismantled a narco network ca-

SPANISH boffins will have a new best friend as they decommission a nuclear power station - a robotic dog called Spot. The high-tech pooch, built by Boston Dynamics and tweaked by tech firms GDES and Alisys, is on a mission to sniff out any sneaky leftover radiation hiding in walls and floors.

The plant’s been out of action since 2012, and now Spot’s joining the decade-long tidy-up, sending live data back to boffins so humans don’t have to poke around in the radioactive muck themselves. The project involves the development, testing, and commissioning of the robotic system, along with training for Enresa personnel who will eventually operate it.

pable of ‘cooking’ up 30 kilos of cocaine a day. Some 25 arrests have been made.

Police suspicions were raised when shipments of industrial drums of tropical fruit, imported through a legit-looking food company, were paid for by a man who had oodles of cash despite apparently living off unemployment benefits.