WORLD famous Spanish chef Jose Andres is at the centre of a devastating wildfire on the Costa de la Luz that has forced the evacuation of 2,000 people. The fire began between Bolonia and Playa de los Alemanes with up to a dozen houses already damaged or destroyed.
It is currently threatening the popular tuna town Zahara de los Atunes, where Andres owns property and is developing a controversial tourism project.
Evacuations
The blaze, fought by 14 air units and ground crews, has prompted evacuations from hotels and residential areas.
US-based Andres - who was President Obama’s favourite chef - praised the emergency response, highlighting the quick coordination of firefighters and security forces. Andres, now best known for his humanitarian work with World Central Kitchen, is partnering with Michelin-starred chef Angel Leon to build a ‘sustainable tourism complex’ in Bolonia.
The 180-hectare project, announced in late 2024, is highly controversial. Built alongside developer Altanea, it faces fierce opposition from environmental groups fearing damage to the local ecosystem from increased overtourism.
Now, both Andres’s property and his ambitious Bolonia plans are under direct threat from the wildfire, stirring further controversy in the region.
MEGA-RESORT OUTRAGE
ONE of the last truly unspoilt stretches of Spain’s southern coastline could be buried under concrete after a town council brazenly ignored 157 detailed objections.
Despite years of campaigning, green groups were left stunned when councillors in Tarifa approved plans to develop one of its virgin beaches.
The mega-resort beside Los Lances beach will see a quiet, low-key area built on with 730 homes and a string of hotels totalling 1,360 beds.
The protected area, roughly the size of 80 football pitches, is just metres from the dunes and wetlands of the Parque Natural del Estrecho.
It is also just a few hundred metres from the inland Parque Natural del Alconocales, and part of the EU’s Natura 2000 network.
By Dilip Kuner
to the scheme, in particular citing wildlife and issues over water.
Allied with local group Agaden, they claim the scheme will be devastating for ‘endangered birds, fragile dunes, and wetlands that act as flood protection’.
On top of that, Tarifa is already struggling with water shortages and creaking public services, especially during the peak summer months.
HAND S OFF OUR COSTAS
But this hasn’t stopped Tarifa town hall from dusting off a plan from the 1990s to bring in much needed revenue from building licences.
“This isn’t housing for families for Tarifa - it’s more second homes for the wealthy, more hotels for mass tourism, and more stress on a town that’s already at breaking point,” spokesman for Ecologistas en Accion Javier Gil told the Olive Press.
“People come to Tarifa to see untouched beaches - not to spend their holidays staring at concrete blocks,” he added.
His group was just one of many green groups that put in detailed objections
“There just isn’t enough to go around,” Gil continued. “There’s not enough housing for the people who live here. There’s not enough water. There’s barely enough space to breathe in August. And now they want to build a mini city on a nature reserve?
“This is being driven by pure speculation, as the local people already can’t even afford the homes here.
Meanwhile the council is pushing through projects for rich outsiders.”
He added the public consultation process was ‘a joke’, after all 157 objections - including expert reports warning about flooding, infrastructure and legal violations - were ignored.
“They’re not listening,” Gil said.
“They’re turning Tarifa into another Costa del Sol, and no one voted for that.
“The people who love this place, who live here year-round - we’re being shut out.”
Legal action is being prepared, and protests are expected over
Alarming 730 ‘luxury’ homes and 1,360 hotel beds planned for unspoilt beach despite 157 objections and warnings of environmental disaster
Los Lances beach, with (inset) a detail of just part of the proposed development
the summer.
“We’re not going to take this lying down,” added Gil. “If they think we’ll just let them destroy this coast without a fight, they’ve got another thing coming.”
Russians
The Los Lances scheme has been kicking around since the early 2000s and is based on a town plan from 1990before any proper environmental laws were in place.
But with big foreign investors reportedly circling, the council has brought it back to life.
Olive Press Property Insider Adam Neale, who knows the area well, understands much of the money is coming from a Russian group, linked to
Estepona.
“Either way, I think this is a huge mistake for Tarifa and particularly from a public image perspective,” he said. Campaigners also insist the move is part of a much bigger land grab.
The Olive Press previously revealed that six major coastal sites had been earmarked for development by the town hall - even including emblematic Valdevaqueros beach.
Collectively this would mean a 450% expansion of Tarifa’s urban footprint.
One of the longest-established hotel owners in the area, Peter Whaley, at the Hurricane told the Olive Press: “It’s crazy. We should be doing everything we can to protect this stretch of coast. It’s one of the last places that hasn’t been wrecked by development.”
The plan is now in the hands of the Junta, which will decide whether to give it the green light after an environmental review.
But campaigners fear the decision is already a done deal, especially with the PP party running both the council and the regional government. Opinion Page 6
Image by Jose Maria Caballero
PRISTINE:
Absent assistants
THE Spanish Labour Inspectorate has fined the Junta €5million for failing to register foreign language assistants in the Social Security system, leaving hundreds of hopeful participants in limbo.
Tommy arrest
FAR-RIGHT fugitive
Tommy Robinson was arrested at Luton Airport then bailed after flying in from Portugal, having fled to Tenerife following an alleged assault at St Pancras station.
River rescue
A FATHER and his two children had to be rescued after their canoe capsized, along the Genil River near Cuevas de San Marcos. The family was rescued shortly afterward by fire crews.
Cocaine cop
A FORMER top anti-drug police officer has been arrested in connection with money laundering cash earned through drug trafficking via the ‘Ibiza- Valencia cocaine pipeline’.
EIGHTEEN men from Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia have been rescued from an illegal tobacco factory in Andalucia.
They had been forced to roll up to eight million counterfeit cigarettes a day under inhumane conditions. The Guardia Civil announced the rescue after uncovering the opera -
Tobacco slaves BADLY BEATEN
tion while investigating suspected drug smuggling at a warehouse in Malaga.
What they found instead was a group of exploited migrants living and working in three secret factories in Malaga, Cordoba, and Sevilla.
The victims had all arrived through Malaga Airport, lured by fake promises of well-paid construction jobs.
Instead, they were taken directly to secret warehouses where they were forced to work 12-hour shifts without pay, supposedly to repay a fabricated ‘debt’.
Crash giveaway
UK murder suspect arrested with guns and ammo after cocaine offer at petrol station
A BRITISH fugitive wanted for several murders has been arrested in Mijas after crashing his car.
The man is said to be linked to a ‘dangerous’ London-based criminal gang.
By Alex Trelinski
The unnamed Brit brought his arrest all on himself after getting into an argument at a petrol
station.
Suspects nabbed
TWO men have been arrested for allegedly stealing €640,000 in cash and jewellery during a string of burglaries targeting holiday rentals.
Police say the suspects, believed to be part of a specialist gang, committed at least nine breakins, often at night, using the ‘slip technique’ to open doors without damage.
More advanced methods such as lock bumping may also have been used.
Officers say the pair watched properties in daylight, used cars registered to others, carried forged documents, and wore improvised gloves. Arrested after a detailed investigation, both are in custody as police continue probing possible links to further crimes.
Two Dutch women called the police after a man with a British accent had insistently tried to sell them some cocaine.
Mijas Policia Local officers went through
the service station’s security
camera footage which showed him in a Nissan Qashqai. Minutes later, the car crashed into a wall on Calle Orfebres in the Riviera del Sol area. The driver stumbled out of the vehicle- visibly injured and tried to run off but officers quickly caught him.
In what remained of his car, police found two guns – one with a silencer – along with ammunition and a notebook
WRECKED: Murder suspect made it easy for police to catch him when he crashed his car
containing names and addresses.
He was taken to the Guardia Civil who started checking on his background. International criminal databases flashed up his shady background and that he was wanted for several murders. The Brit was also the subject of a prison order issued by a Fuengirola judge, and was placed behind bars after a court appearance.
TWO young Irish tourists have been left in hospital with serious facial injuries after falling victim to a violent robbery.
The pair were walking through Nerja in the early hours of the morning after a boozy night out when they were ambushed by four young knife-wielding locals. The gang threatened the pair with blades before repeatedly punching and kicking them, leaving blood splattered over a nearby wall.
Both victims were taken to hospital in Nerja where they were treated for serious facial injuries including fractures.
No escape
ONE of Europe’s most wanted drug traffickers has been arrested in a dramatic raid on a luxury villa in Almuñecar, Granada.
Juxhin Drazhi, 36, an alleged Albanian mafia boss wanted by Interpol, was seized by the Guardia Civil’s elite Rapid Action Group. Drazhi is accused of running a trafficking network within the Elvis Doci clan, moving drugs between Spain and Italy. A search uncovered firearms, forged passports and luxury watches. He remains in custody pending extradition to Albania.
FIVE YEARS IN EXILE
LAST Sunday marked five years since Spain’s former king Juan Carlos I fled to Abu Dhabi amid a financial scandal.
The 87-year-old emeritus monarch left in August 2020 after telling his son, King Felipe VI, he had made a ‘thoughtful decision’ to live abroad.
Months earlier, Felipe had renounced any inheritance from his father and cut Juan Carlos’s public allowance following reports of a €65m Saudi-linked offshore payment.
Though criminal investigations have since been closed, Juan Carlos shows no sign of returning permanently. He keeps a low profile, making headlines only for legal battles with ex-partner Corinna Larsen and ex-Cantabrian president Miguel Angel Revilla. He regularly visits Galicia for sailing regattas and plans to publish his memoirs, Reconciliacion, later this year.
NAME SHAME
While Villafranco, near Malaga, has finally shed former dictator Franco’s name, half a dozen stubborn towns are clinging on to his legacy
WHILE one tiny Andalucian village finally has just ditched dictator Franco’s name, six stubborn towns across Spain are still proudly clinging to their fascist-era titles - openly flouting the country’s 2022 Democratic Memory Law with zero consequences. Villafranco del Guadalhorce, near Coin, has just changed its name to Villa del Guadalhorce. But places like Llanos del Caudillo, Alberche del Caudillo, and
By Adam Husicka
San Leonardo de Yague are stuck in the past, refusing to budge.
These aren’t subtle nods. Llanos and Alberche both slap on ‘Caudillo’- Franco’s nickname meaning ‘leader’ - while San Leonardo de Yague honours a brutal general known for his ruthless Civil War tactics.
Other towns salute fascist figures like Emilio Mola and Onesimo Redondo, key players in Franco’s bloody regime.
Even though democracy returned to Spain after Franco’s death in 1975, these names have lingered on - especially in conservative rural areas where the past refuses to stay buried.
CHANGE: Villafranco has changed its name, but there are still holdouts
The 2022 legislation was supposed to wipe out public tributes to Franco - for example street names, towns and monuments - with fines up to €10,000 for rule-breakers. But no fines have been handed out, no official blacklist released, and precious little action taken.
Some local councils say renaming isn’t a priority, fearing political backlash or stirring up old conflicts.
Take, Alberche del Caudillo. It started the renaming process but hit pause waiting on a national list of banned names that still hasn’t appeared.
Residents are divided too. Some see these names as history that can’t be erased. Others are fed up that fascist tributes still have a place in modern Spain, according to regional reports.
MULLINS IT OVER
Spain’s political scandals make Westminster’s sleaze look like small change
WHAT is it with Spanish politicians?
It’s as if corruption and dodgy deals are a kind of parliamentary sport - and getting into power has less to do with running the country than with lining the pockets of your increasingly pricey suits. Or so it seems when you hear the latest allegations flying around.
Last week, opposition MPs were calling socialist PM Pedro Sanchez and his wife, Begoña, a pair of pimps, living off the immoral earnings of a chain of brothels and gay saunas once owned by the First Lady’s late father. A great yarn that had everyone sniggering - except, presumably, poor old Pedro and the missus. I thought that was a belter unlikely to be topped anytime soon… until I delved into Spain’s back catalogue of scandals. There was the ERE swindle from the early 2000s, when senior officials trousered €680 million meant for redundant workers. And the Gürtel bribery scandal, with so much cash changing hands in brown envelopes that even Terry Venables would have blu shed.
But nothing quite prepares you for the latest alleged heist - billions si-
BIRTHDAY PIC:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
ZORRO star and Spanish national treasure Antonio Banderas marked his milestone 65th birthday this week.
The Malaga-born actor has earned praise for not just his legendary film career but for his role as a devoted family man.
Banderas, one of Hollywood’s most popular faces, has been celebrated for his diverse roles in both Spanish and English language films.
Stepdaughter, Fifty Shades of Grey star, Dakota Johnson, paid tribute saying Banderas ‘loved her mother (his ex, Melanie Griffith) and siblings so loudly it changed their lives forever’.
Match of the day
phoned from the public purse.
‘Influence peddling’ charges proven against former finance minister Cristóbal Montoro and 27 high-ranking officials are so vast they make ex-UK
Tory MP Neil Hamilton’s paid parliamentary questions look like a parking ticket. In Britain, ex-ministers usually wait until retirement to cash in with cushy ‘consulting’ gigs. But Montoro and co allegedly rewrote tax laws while in office to save gas companies billions. In 2012 alone, the scam is said to have robbed Spain of €2.2 billion. You’ve got to hand it to them - if
you’re going to risk a stretch in el calabozo, you might as well make the payoff worth it.
The big question is: with so many people and industries involved - construction, renewables, you name ithow did they get away with it for so long? Surely this was an open secret in certain circles.
So… who else was in on it? Who’s still lurking in the shadows, praying they don’t get dragged in? And just how far will the powerful go to stop the truth coming out?
Think the ‘suicide’ of Jeffrey Epstein. I’m just saying…
SPANISH footballer Alberto Lejarraga has married his long-term partner, actor and musician Ruben Fernandez – becoming the first openly gay active footballer in Spain to wed a same-sex partner. The 30-year-old Marbella FC goalkeeper tied the knot last month at Hacienda Las Fuentes in Fuengirola, calling it ‘one of the best moments of our lives’.
The ushers wore bow ties decorated with footballer photos in a nod to his career. Lejarraga came out in 2023, sharing a kiss with Fernandez to celebrate his team’s promotion. The couple are now honeymooning in Japan. Openly gay male players remain rare in football –just six worldwide – with homophobia still rife in the sport.
WRITES CHARLIE MULLINS
HAPPY DAY: Lejarraga (right) has married musician Fernandez
Banderas with long-term partner Nicole Kimpel
POPULATION GROWTH CASH BOOST
SPAIN’S population reached a record high of 49,315,949 on July 1, 2025, according to provisional data from the National Statistics Institute (INE).
This marks an increase of 119,811 residents in the second quarter of the year, and a yearly rise of over 500,000 people.
The growth is mainly due to the arrival of immigrants, as the number of people born in Spain continued to decline.
In the second quarter alone, 137,931 foreign-born individuals became residents, while the Spanish-born population dropped by 18,120. Not all foreign-born arrivals are foreign nationals - many already hold Spanish citizenship.
The number of foreign nationals increased by 95,277, surpassing 7 million across the country. The top nationalities among new immigrants were Colombian (36,100 arrivals), Moroccan (25,000), and Venezuelan (21,600).
Bling
A BOATLOAD of migrants that landed on a tourist beach got more than bargained with when beachgoers rugby tackled them and kept them pinned to the sand at Sotillo Beach in Castell de Ferro, Granada. The dozen migrants, believed to be from
Taken down
Morocco, were arrested by Guardia Civil, whose headquarters is nearby.
A local restaurant owner said he initially thought
it was a recreational boat, and was surprised by the calmness of the crew as they dropped off the migrants then sped off.
This year, over 1,800 migrants have died trying to reach Spain by boat, according to NGO Caminando Fronteras.
UNDER PRESSURE
HUNDREDS of furious fans have been left out of pocket after the sudden cancellation of a Queen tribute concert in Marbella with no clear path to a refund.
By Olivia Idle
ing outrage among concertgoers.
Punters
furious after Queen tribute concert cancelled in Marbella with only a 20% refund
THE European Commission has approved a new payment of €23.1 billion to Spain as part of the EU recovery plan. The money comes from the fifth round of funding and includes €8 billion in direct grants and €16 billion in loans.
Upgrades
offer
is back
Ticket holders say they are being denied full refunds, spark-
The highly anticipated God Save The Queen performance, scheduled to rock Marbella Arena last weekend, was one of four shows abruptly cancelled by the Costa del Sol Festival. Others affected include further tribute acts This is Michael, Earth, Wind and Fire Experience, and the Beatles Symphonic.
BLING on the water is back in Malaga with the yacht Yas, owned by Dubai’s crown prince Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, aka Fazza. Moored at Muelle Uno, this 141-metre ‘dolphin yacht’ features a helipad, pools, spa, bars, and blue-tinted glass walls. Originally a 1978 Dutch Navy frigate, it was transformed into a €160 million mega-yacht. With room for over 100 guests and crew, its sleek interiors were designed by Pierrejean Vision Design Studio. Fazza, worth an estimated €400 million, has visited Malaga several times, always drawing crowds with his luxurious lifestyle and adventurous spirit.
Among them is Magdalena Horinkova, who purchased two tickets worth €150 for herself and her son.
“I’ve paid so much money for my little boy to have this experience and it’s just been taken away from us. It’s absolute nonsense, the very least they can do is give us our money back,” she said.
The Marbella Arena distanced itself from the decision, issuing a statement blaming the Costa del Sol Festival, calling the cancellations ‘unilateral’.
It added it was the promoter refusing to offer full refunds.
According to the promoter, an unexpected withdrawal by their main investor, who was reportedly responsible for all event financing, forced them to pull the plug.
They claim 80% of ticket revenue had already been paid
to the venue and performers, leaving only 20% of funds with the ticketing platform, Eventim, known in Spain as Entradas.
In an email to customers,
Costa del Sol Festival admitted the company has no remaining funds and is on the verge of insolvency, making full refunds impossible.
Customers are being offered two choices from Eventim: accept a partial refund of 20% as a ‘full and final settlement’, or hold out hope for a full refund depending on the outcome of a legal battle with the investor.
The promoters have warned that no outcome is guaranteed, and, in the worst-case scenario, there may be no refund at all.
However, €627 million has been withheld after Spain failed to meet two key targets: introducing a diesel tax and completing digital upgrades for regional and local administrations. Spain now has extra time to meet these conditions.
TIED UP: The Yas in Cadiz before it moved on to Malaga
Fire battle
EXCLUSIVE: Expat hotel boss tells of ‘amazing’ staff who saved luxury Tarifa hotel and 100 guests as scary wildfire came ‘just 4 metres’ from the
IT was a classic rearguard action by the hard-working staff at a leading hotel that saved it from almost certain destruction.
As flames swept across a large swathe of virgin Tarifa countryside, dozens of employees at Punta Sur worked round the clock to keep the blaze at bayas it lapped ‘just four metres’ from its perimeter.
“Without their very hard work,
A MAJOR fire broke out at Cordoba’s UNESCO-listed mosque-cathedral, sparking fears of a Notre Dame-style disaster.
Firefighters quickly contained Friday’s blaze, which began after a cleaning machine caught fire.
The roof of one chapel collapsed and two others were damaged, but the monument was saved.
Thirty-five firefighters and six engines battled the flames. The Mezquita reopened to tourists on Saturday, with only the damaged area closed. The site, visited by over two million in 2024, is a jewel of Christian-Moorish architecture.
bedrooms
By Dilip Kuner
the hotel would not be in the same condition today,” manager Greetje Custers told the Olive Press.
With roads closed and no way for guests and staff to get in or out, Custers had to activate all emergency protocols.
As helicopters buzzed overhead, and the wildfire took
hold around 5pm yesterday, she had to gather the 100-plus guests from 40 rooms at the three-star hotel.
“We asked our guests to leave their rooms just in case, but we didn’t need to evacuate, which would have been impossible anyway as the roads were closed,” continued the Dutch boss, who also manages the nearby Hurricane Hotel.
As fire engines battled the inferno on the ground, the hotel staff worked with relentless determination, dampening down the hotel grounds to help keep the blaze away.
“The staff watered the perimeter and somehow managed to stop the fire from reaching the hotel - although at one point the flames were just four metres from some of our bedrooms.
“Everything above the Punta Sur is gone - burned. The fire thankfully didn’t cross the main road, but it was so close.
“I can’t stress enough how hard the staff worked to protect our guests and our property.
“Most of them, like many of the guests, were up for much of the night. Nobody could leave. It’s fair to say nobody slept well.”
Custers explained how it was lucky that the famously strong Tarifa winds dropped by nightfall.
“If a ‘nuclear Levante’ had been blowing things might have been different,” she insisted.
The fire, which began at the neighbouring Torre de la Peña 1 campsite, was still burning a day later, with 1,550 people and over 5,000 cars evacuated from the area.
This included guests at hotels, including 100% Fun, La
FLAMES
APPROACH: They reached just four metres from the Punta Sur hotel
Cabana and WAWA, plus two campsites.
Although the official cause remains under investigation, it's believed to have started in a caravan on the campsite.
The fire was only finally extinguished after five days on Sunday, having destroyed 283 hectares, much of it in the two natural parks of El Estrecho and los Alcornocales.
But just hours later a new fire broke out in nearby Bolonia. The fire continues to threaten the popular tuna fishing town of Zahara de los Atunes.
Residents from the northern section of Atlanterra urbanisation, including guests at the Melia Zahara Hotel and Cortijo Hotel, have been evacuated. Preventive evacuations have also been ordered for Montaña de Los Alemanes developments and those at the foot of Sierra de la Plata. In total, 2,000 people have been evacuated.
Several caravans at campsites near Torre de la Peña have already been destroyed by the flames.
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
Hands off!
THE Costa de la Luz, one of Spain’s last untouched coastal treasures, is facing a crisis on two fronts.
As Tarifa reels from devastating wildfires that have ravaged parts of the region’s protected parks, the town council has approved a massive development - 730 homes and 1,360 hotel beds - on pristine land next to the iconic Los Lances beach.
This isn’t progress; it’s pure greed. Despite 157 detailed objections from environmentalists, residents, and experts warning of devastating impacts on endangered birds, fragile dunes, wetlands, and the area’s vital flood protection, the council pushed ahead. The development threatens not only wildlife but the very soul of Tarifa - its raw natural beauty that draws visitors from around the world.
The present fires have exposed the region’s vulnerability, destroying vegetation that acts as a natural barrier against erosion and flooding. Building a sprawling resort in such a fragile ecosystem is reckless - compounding environmental damage and putting the local community at even greater risk.
Water shortages, overburdened infrastructure, and a housing crisis for locals are already pushing this small town to breaking point. Yet, the plan caters to wealthy outsiders seeking second homes and mass tourism hotels. The local community is ignored while the coastline is sacrificed for short-term profits.
Resurrecting an outdated 1990s plan, the council disregards modern environmental laws and public opinion. With big foreign investors reportedly involved, this move reeks of speculation, not sustainable growth.
Tarifa risks becoming another overdeveloped Costa del Sol, losing its unique character and green spaces forever. If we care about preserving Spain’s natural heritage and supporting local communities, we must stand with campaigners fighting this injustice.
Legal challenges and protests are vital. Our coasts aren’t playgrounds for developers - they are home, sanctuary, and heritage.
The message to Tarifa’s authorities is clear: Hands off our costas.
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
REVEALED: Where the Germans roll out the beach towel, the Brits get their fried breakfasts and the French have a lazy break. Adam Husicka presents the top Spanish holiday destinations by nationality
By Adam Husicka
Efor summer?
Peninsula
wars
Thanks to a new interactive map by RTVE, we can now see exactly which Spanish towns and cities are the most popular with different nationalities, and what those choices say about each one.
From Brits tanning in the Costa Blanca to Germans taking over Mallorca, the overnight trends are as revealing as they are entertaining.
Here are the top destinations for each group, and what they might tell us about how we all holiday.
The Brits: Beach, booze, and a bit of Benidorm
No surprises here: British tourists continue their long-standing love affair with Spain's coastlines, and the numbers prove it. A whopping 73% of overnight stays in Benidorm are by Brits, and Calvia (home to Magaluf) tops the list with over 441,000 British holidaymakers seeking sun, sand, and sambuca shots. Four of the top ten destinations are in the Balear ics, four in the Canaries, with Barcelona and Alicante rounding it out. Flying out from the miserable grey skies, it’s clear that Brits want warmth, cheap beer, and the occasional tapas, preferably without straying too far from a fry-up.
The French: Catalan neigh bours and coastal charm
For the French it’s all about proximity and practicality, and that means Catalunya. Six of their top ten destina tions are in the region, with Barcelona reigning supreme at over 335,000 visitors. La Jonquera and Roses (both near the border) also pull big numbers, perfect for a quick
SOUTHERN Spain’s scorching sun is taking a toll on its population’s health, leading to 6000 skin cancer diagnoses annually in Malaga alone.
Malaga - after Murcia - has the second highest mortality rate from melanoma, the most aggressive type and comprising around 10% of cases.
But most people don’t realise it is the most highly preventable form of cancer.
Skin cancer is a malignant disease caused by uncontrolled division and growth of the cells that invade healthy tissues
escape. They also show love to the Basque Country with Irun and San Sebastian, and Baztan in Navarra counts on 75% French tourists. If it’s close, has a beach, and maybe a decent boulangerie-adjacent cafe, the French are there.
The Germans: Mallorca is a second home
Mallorca isn't just a holiday, it’s practically a German state come summer. They descend on the island in droves, with Palma alone welcoming over 740,000 of them. Six of their top ten destinations are in the Balearics, and in many Mallorcan towns, Germans make up at least 40% of all tourists. They’ve also claimed a few sunny Canarian spots like Pajara and San Bartolome and of course, Barcelona and Madrid are on the list for culture seekers. But let’s be honest, if there’s a beachside beer, and a sun lounger to claim with a towel at 6am, the Germans are probably already there.
The Dutch: Cities, cycling, and secret valleys
and Valencia), but they’re just as likely to be found camping in a remote Catalan valley or hiking through Girona’s backroads. Sant Pere Pescador is their unofficial summer base, with nearly a third of tourists there coming from the Netherlands. Torroella de Montgrí is another Dutch-heavy hub, and their fondness for Palma, Malaga, and Gran Canaria shows a taste for sun, but never without structure. Basically, if it’s outdoorsy and bike-friendly, the Dutch are into it.
The Italians: Cities and a Balearic obsession
For Italians, Spain is either a city break or a Balearic escape with little in between. Barcelona tops their list with 250,000 visitors, followed by Madrid and Valencia. But over 40% of Italian summer travellers are heading straight for the islands, especially Formentera, where they make up a staggering 47% of all tourists. (It’s unclear exactly why, but scooters, clear seas, and a high number of Italian-owned businesses might have something to do with it.) Ibiza and Palma are also major Italian magnets, and even Arona and Adeje in the Canaries get plenty of Italian visitors. They're here for beaches, vibes, and style, naturally.
The Americans: City slickers abroad Americans don’t mess around with obscure destinations, they go where the guidebooks send them. Barcelona leads by a mile with 440,000 US visitors, followed by Madrid with 330,000. After that, it’s a steep drop to Valencia, Palma, and Sevilla, which all clock in around the 40,000 mark. It’s clear they’re here for the big cultural hits - flamenco in Sevilla, art in Madrid, and Gaudi in Barcelona. Rota, however, breaks the pattern. Thanks to the US naval base, over 46% of its tourists are American, likely family and friends visiting sailors, with a bonus of sun and sangria.
Make sure you follow the ABCDE rules of skin cancer avoidance, as rates soar in southern Spain with Murcia and Malaga coming top, writes Josie
By Josie Sharp
As climate change brings sunnier and hotter days, simple methods to lower the risk of developing the disease must be taken.
These include avoiding excessive exposure to the sun, and protecting vulnerable areas such as the nose and ears with suncream.
Avoiding the rays between 12pm and 5pm, wearing hats or sunglasses and applying suncream are key ways to protect yourself.
The good news is 50% of patients survive advanced melanoma.
● C for varied colours
● D for diameter if the moles are over 6mm, and
● E for elevation or evolution, to check the growth over time.
Unchecked melanoma can be life-threatening without proper treatment, and can dramatically reduce the quality of life of patients and can have a negative impact on their psychological health.
The outlook for the disease is not promising, with cases expected to increase by 40% by 2040. However, melanoma diagnoses in Spain have already surged by more than 50% in the past decade.
Over 90% of skin cancer cases
tion exposure, which regularly reaches levels of 10 during
Much of this is due to immunotherapy, a new breakthrough treatment, where drugs are injected into the body to stimulate cells to attack the growing tumours.
Despite this new therapy, many doctors stress that prevention and early detection is vital to surviving skin cancer.
Checking your skin regularly and spotting any potential signs of skin cancer that lead to an early diagnosis can increase the chances of survival to nearly 100%.
Dermatologists recommend people follow the ABCDE rule when self-checking their skin for lesions.
Here is your checklist:
● A for asymmetry
● B for abnormal borders
Make sure you are among the first to spot it… or better take the simple steps to avoid it in the first place.
YOU KNOW?
Between 2019-2023, the number of skin cancer cases in Spain increased by 40%, affecting an average of 47 people in every 100,000 nationwide. Alarmingly, the Hospital Regional in Malaga recorded more than 180 cases last year.
VER wondered where your fellow countrymen flock to when they land in Spain
NO MIDDLE GROUND?: Brits go to Benidorm and Germans head for Mallorca
MAPPED: Red shows spots favoured by the British, while clockwise, from top left, where the Americans, French, Germans and Dutch head for
FAKE IT TO MAKE IT
AN alarming trio of politicians have stepped down in recent weeks after it was found they had lied or exaggerated details in their biographies, while several others have quickly moved to edit their public profiles.
What began with one high-profile resignation has now turned into a political headache affecting multiple parties, and raising tough questions about transparency and accountability.
A GROWING SCANDAL
The most recent controversy has tarnished the career of Noelia Nuñez (right), a ris ing figure in the PP party, who resigned after inconsistencies were found in three different versions of her CV. Extraordinarily, it emerged she had claimed to hold a joint degree in Law and Public Administration, as well as a degree in English Philology. In reality, she had not completed any of these studies.
This was quickly followed by two more res ignations: Jose Maria Angel (below right), a veteran Socialist (PSOE) in Valencia, and Ignacio Higuero, a former Vox member who was high up in Extremaduran politics. Both were found to have made up qualifications in their official profiles. Yet as scrutiny intensified, it became clear these were not isolated cases. In fact, a growing list of politicians have now edited their CVs to remove unverified or non-official qualifications, sometimes years later.
EXPLAINED: Spain’s fake CV scandal - why politicians keep getting away with lying about their credentials
By Adam Husicka
damental flaw: there is no official way of verifying the truthfulness of CVs submitted by politicians. While they are typically asked to sign a sworn statement, there's no real system in place that can confirm their credentials.
At the national level, MPs in Congress are not even required to use a standard format to present their education or career history.
Some list their full academic journey, others simply write ‘Law degree’ with no more detail.
For senior government positions, such as ministers and top civil servants, there are stricter rules: The Office of Conflicts of Interest can demand official documents to back up CVs, but this only applies to appointments made by the Council of Ministers. It does not extend to most elected officials.
WHAT THE LAW (DOESN’T) SAY
Under Spanish law, anyone can run for elected office regardless of their academic background. While this protects democracy, it also has a fun-
WHY IT MATTERS
On the surface, lying about a degree may seem like a minor offense, especially when politicians are not legally required to hold one. But falsifying credentials can have serious implications, especially when they help access public roles, influence voters, or gain legitimacy as
SILENT CENSORS
AT the Olive Press, we pride ourselves on reporting the truth – warts and all.
But lately, Google has been quietly wiping our stories off its search results.
We’re talking about SEVERAL ARTICLES A DAY being de-listed for what the global search giant dubs ‘inappropriate content’.
What’s inappropriate? According to them, it can be hard-hitting reports on domestic abuse or child abuse, violent crime – or, unbelievably, a light-hearted feature like ‘The Law’s an Ass: 12 Bonkers Laws in Spain’
Yes, you read that correctly: Google apparently does not know the age-old phrase!
The PSOE has accepted Angel’s resignation but accused the Valencian regional government of politically weaponising the Anti-Fraud Agency.
Meanwhile, Vox has mostly remained silent as former members like Higuero distance themselves from the party.
Meanwhile, there are still no real consequences for officials caught lying on their CVs, no official investigations unless criminal fraud is suspected, no fines, and often, no resignations.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
None of this is new.
Spain’s first high-profile fake CV case dates back to the 1980s, when Luis Roldan (left), then head of the Guardia Civil and a PSOE member, claimed to hold several degrees and a master’s.
an elected representative.
In Jose Maria Angel’s case, the Valencian Anti-Fraud Agency concluded that a forged university certificate may have helped him advance as a career civil servant. The case is now under investigation by Spain’s Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office. The scandals have also exposed a deep lack of transparency.
A CROSS-PARTY PROBLEM
While most of the exposed cases have involved the PP, the issue is by no means limited to a single side of the political spectrum.
He hadn’t even finished high school. Later convicted for embezzlement, Roldan symbolised an era of corruption, but also set an early precedent for the misuse of academic titles in politics.
Some 40 years later, the system remains vulnerable, as in 2018 when scandal broke about the former president of the Community of Madrid, Cristina Cifuentes (PP).
She was accused of fraudulently obtaining her master’s degree, not having attended a single class at the King Juan Carlos University of Madrid, and the certificate she showed was found to have forged signatures.
She resigned the following month.
Until resume checks become mandatory, and transparency laws are properly enforced, politicians will continue to exaggerate their achievements with little fear of consequence.
As the summer heat drags on, so does the scandal. There’s no way to tell if real change will be made, or if Spanish politics will simply fade back into the familiar haze of smoke, mirrors, and political ambiguity.
Often we appeal and win, albeit the stories are not reappearing until the following day at the earliest. But many of the most harmless stories vanish for good, without explanation.
This alarming wave of censorship coincides with Google’s shiny new AI model – but it’s not telling us why. The result? A chilling effect on free speech. Important stories, the kind you have a right - and need - to read, are being quietly buried.
But here’s the good news – delisted doesn’t mean deleted. The stories are still there on our website and we’re making sure you never miss them.
That’s why we’re expanding all our daily newsletter offerings to all our registered subscribers. Direct to your in box, no Google middleman, no silent censorship.
If you want the news Google won’t show you, subscribe today.
Just take a pic of the QR code below or visit www. theolivepress.es
MIDSUMMER MADNESS
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FORGED: Cristina Cifuentes resigned when it became clear her masters degree did not exist
NO TRUST: How many more MPs have lied on their CVs?
PARENTAL BOOST
SPAIN has approved plans to extend paid parental leave to 17 weeks for each parent, up from 16, with single parents entitled to 32 weeks.
The change, backed by PM Pedro Sanchez
to appease junior coalition partner Sumar, aims to meet EU work-life balance rules. Spain was fined €9,000 daily for non-compliance, rising to €43,000 daily this month, costing over €10m so far. The €1.5bn bill will be covered by the state. Spain is one of just two EU countries, alongside Finland, to offer equal paid leave for both parents.
Game over
THE Spanish videogame industry is facing a brutal reality as studios slash jobs in what many say is the first big wave of the Artificial Intelligence takeover.
Madrid-based videogame studios Secret 6 and Aheartfulofgames, laid off 42 and 28 employees, respectively at the start of the month.
In Barcelona, workers at King, the multimillion dollar company behind Candy
Spain's
multi-billion euro videogame industry is in
crisis amid mass layoffs
By Maia Pak
Crush, protested last week following a 50-person layoff.
The employees claim that they helped the company create an AI tool to creyear, letting go of 9000 employees.
Jobless down
SPAIN’S unemployment fell slightly in July, with 1,357 fewer people out of work, bringing the total to 2.4 million - the lowest figure for this month since 2007. It marks the sixth consecutive monthly drop in jobless numbers, though it’s also the smallest July decrease since 2002, according to data from Spain’s public employment service (SEPE). Meanwhile, job creation continued at a modest pace. Social Security registrations rose by 4,408, pushing the total number of workers paying into the system to a record high of 21.9 million.
ate new levels of the games, which is now replacing them. Globally, several thousand employees within the videogame industry have been laid off in 2025 alone, despite the fact that the industry is valued at about €240 billion. Microsoft announced its fourth round of layoffs this
The company’s CEO, Satya Nadella, stated that the company is ‘thriving,’ and that Microsoft’s ‘overall headcount is relatively unchanged, and some of the talent and expertise in our industry and at Microsoft is being recognised and rewarded at levels never seen before.’
Additionally, Nadella stated that ‘AI transformation’ will be one of Microsoft’s top priorities, looking toward the future.
“Consider how organisations, empowered with AI, could unlock entirely new levels of agility and innovation by transforming decision-making, streamlining operations, and enabling every team to achieve more together than ever before,” Nadella added.
STOCKS, BONDS AND YOUR MORTGAGE
WE’VE all heard of stocks and bonds, and most of us have a basic understanding of what they are. Stocks represent ownership in a company, while bonds are essentially loans to a company or a government.
It’s widely recognised that it’s wise to hold both in your investment portfolio. Why? Because putting all your financial eggs in one basket is rarely a good idea – diversification helps manage risk. Even better, stocks and bonds are often negatively correlated. When stock markets dip, investors tend to seek the relative safety of bonds – which pushes up bond prices. By holding both, you can reduce volatility, aim for the same returns with less risk, and avoid emotional investing pitfalls like panic selling. But how much of each should you hold? That’s where opinions differ.
The big question in investing –known as the asset allocation decision – has many answers. Strategies include:
● Ti me horizon-based: The longer you have until retirement or needing the money, the more stocks you can hold. Shorter time frames favour bonds or cash.
smart expats in Spain need a tailored investment strategy
● Go al-based investing: Allocate different stock/bond mixes to different goals. For example, a child’s university fund might be 50/50, while a short-term house deposit could lean 20/80.
● Target-date funds: These adjust your portfolio based on when you plan to retire, gradually shifting from stocks to bonds over time.
● A ge-based: A classic rule says subtract your age from 100 (or 120) to determine the percentage to hold in stocks, with the rest in bonds.
At BISSAN Wealth Management, where I work, we take a goalbased approach. First, we learn about your financial objectives – retirement, children’s education, a property purchase – and then quantify these using our optimisation model. We calculate expected future cash needs and place those funds in bonds to shield them from market swings. The remaining capital is then invested in stocks.
Peter Dougherty
in U.S.
• Author of two financial planning books
You might say: “Goal-based investing has arrived in Spain.”
But there’s another wrinkle – your mortgage.
If you still owe on your home, your asset mix might not be as balanced as you think. A mortgage is essentially a
bond in reverse – instead of receiving interest, you’re paying it. Let’s say you own €200,000 in bonds and €200,000 in stocks. On paper, that looks balanced. But if you owe €150,000 on your mortgage, then the interest from a large chunk of your bonds is simply going to cover that debt. Your net bond position is only €50,000 – meaning you’re more
heavily invested in stocks than you might realise. Some may take this as a sign to buy a cheaper home in Spain and avoid a mortgage altogether. My view? Find a trusted financial advisor in Spain who can help guide you through these decisions, so
you don’t have to navigate it all alone. Same facts. Smarter conclusions.
THERE is nowhere in Spain like Sotogrande in summertime.
The country’s most exclusive private enclave, this is the go-to destination for the discreetly wealthy and famous.
Even the privileged tourists who come to visit from Marbella or Ibiza, say, are surprised at the difference.
“The golf courses are excellent, the marina is safe and uncongested, there are no piles of traffic and people are generally nice,” explains local businessman Ben Bateman, who has spent his life in the resort.
“It has changed so much in Sotogrande over the last two decades and all for the good,” he continues. “Above all, there is so much more to do here now in terms of eating and going out and you don’t have to worry about your teenagers at night.”
He’s referring to a string of cool spots, including Agora, Trocadero and the After Polo where hundreds of youngsters gather through the warm summer evenings.
Yes, you read that correctly, ‘After Polo’... it’s where your youngsters will be rubbing shoulders with Middle Eastern princes, Made in Chelsea princesses and, of course, Argentinian polo professionals. What is there not to like?
Where wealth meets paradise
With names like Domecq, Cartier and Oppenheimer in the mix, no wonder Sotogrande is the Mediterranean playground of the rich and famous, writes Dilip Kuner and Jon Clarke
With its unbeatable location and near-perfect weather, it’s no wonder this paradise is one of Spain’s most sought-after spots to live.
Lying just 100km west of Malaga, it offers a front-row seat to the ancient world’s ‘Pillars of Hercules’ – that’s the Rock of Gibraltar and Morocco’s Jebel Musa.
It’s where business moguls and A-listers head to relax and enjoy the fruits of their wealth. From yachts and private jets to golf and polo, everyone here seems to be living a lifestyle few could dream of.
But how did this once sleepy agricultural estate turn into a playground for the elite?
The mastermind behind the transformation was one Joseph McMicking, an American-Filipino business tycoon.
McMicking had already made his mark as president of the Ayala Corporation, where he brought the prestigious Forbes Park to life in the Philip-
pines.
Inspired by the success of his previous venture, he set his sights on replicating that exclusivity on the sunny Spanish coast and in 1962, sent his cousin, Alfredo ‘Fredy’ Melian, on a mission to find the perfect plot. Armed with little more than a motorbike and a sense of adventure, Melian scoured the region’s then rugged dirt roads.
His efforts paid off when he discovered a sprawling 1,800-hectare estate near Gibraltar.
PRIVILEGE: From polo to sailing, Sotogrande is in a different class to the Costa del Sol
The farmland had been owned by a succession of the rich and famous – the Duke of Arcos, the Larios gin family and Spain’s then-richest man, Juan March, an arms and tobacco dealer and founder of the eponymous science and arts institution.
It seemed fated for grander use – and it ticked the boxes.
“We bought the land at Sotogrande without having seen it, like a pig in a poke,” said McMicking. “Paid $750,000 down and had to pay another third in six months and the rest in a year.”
He arrived with his nephews, Jaime and
PRIME CHANCE
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This plot eliminates that wait entirely - construction can be-
BMSotogrande presents rare frontline golf plot – ready to build
gin immediately. That ‘readyto-build’ status not only saves precious time but also removes uncertainty, making it a rare and highly valuable find in the current market.
South-facing and elevated, the land enjoys sweeping views over the Almenara Golf Course, the protected Alcaidesa National Park, and the Mediterranean Sea. With approximately 1,100 m² of build potential, it’s an ideal canvas for a custom luxury residence designed to make the most of its stunning surroundings.
Tucked away at the end of a private road, it offers both privacy and quick access to Sotogrande’s finest amenities - championship golf, a vibrant marina, polo, international schools, and fine dining. In a competitive market where licensed, ready-to-build plots are exceptionally scarce, this property stands out as a golden opportunity for the discerning buyer. Contact BMSotogrande today to make this remarkable plot the foundation of your dream home.
www.bmsotogrande.com
Summer 2025 10
From previous page
Community
Enrique Zobel (the latter had been overseeing his pal, the Sultan of Brunei’s 1,788room palace) and Melian stayed on as ‘director of works’.
The Antigua Venta Toledo served as the first headquarters and, from there, the team somehow muddled along through.
Inspired by Palm Beach and Pebble Beach in the US, McMicking was determined to build the community around a golf club and, in
1963, he hired top course designer, Robert Trent Jones.
The Real Club Sotogrande was his first European venture and the first course in Europe with a new-fangled automated irrigation system.
Spain’s top modernist architect, Luis Gutierrez Soto (of Madrid’s famous Callao Theatre and the fnac building), designed the lowslung clubhouse, which is still very avant-garde today.
Next up the team hired the director of The Ritz hotel in Madrid to run the club.
And Trent Jones would return a decade later to design Valderrama, the setting for Volvo Masters events, the Spanish Open and even the Ryder Cup.
Ultimately it put the Costa del Sol (ED: technically just outside - it’s Cadiz) on the map as one of Europe’s top golfing destinations. Meanwhile, keen polo player, Enrique Zobel
built a polo ground by the beach. La Playa, inaugurated in 1965, wasn’t Spain’s first (the Jerez Polo Club dates back to 1872), but it very much set the social tone. Today, the newer Santa Maria Polo Club is considered one of the best in the world.
The first beach club the Cucurucho (named after its conical-shaped cornet roof) still exists today, though it’s bigger and grander, and called Trocadero.
The first hotel, the modernist, luxury motel style Tennis Hotel, now the Hotel Encinar, emerged in 1965.
Word spread and the rich, powerful and discreet began moving in. Jaime Ortiz-Patiño of the Bolivian tin mining dynasty, diamond magnate Philip Oppenheimer and Javier Benjumea, the Marquis of Puebla de Cazalla, all became residents.
A series of French dukes, Belgian barons, scions of European business followed, and
PAST OWNERS: McMickling (top), and the Larios family
San Roque golf course, but unless you are a houseguest you are unlikely to see the best of the rest.
American diplomat Nicholas Biddle’s house, built by Javier Carvajal fresh from designing the Spanish Pavilion at the New York 1963 World’s Fair, cost $160,000.
Sadly, prices have gone up: When Joseph Kanoui, head of the syndicate that bought Cartier, put his Casa La Manzana on the market for €26m in 2006, it was the most expensive house for sale in Spain.
McMicking’s plans for Sotogrande extended to the kind of person who came and what they built. “A Sotogrande based on money would be the most horrible society imaginable,” he said. However, it was only when Sotogrande was running out of cash and needed to open up to a new market of buyers that more affordable housing was developed.
Franco had helped the Sotogrande shareholders by waiving the rule that prevented foreigners purchasing land in Spain. But he stuffed them by closing Spain’s border with Gibraltar in 1969. With the N-340 under con-
struction, the trek to Malaga airport was arduous. The jet set couldn’t jet in, and Sotogrande fell into debt.
In the late 70s, the decision was taken to build apartments on the left bank of the Guardiaro. In 1978, to appeal to all-year residents, the International School at Sotogrande (ISS) was set up –initially in the old cattle sheds of one of the farms, Cortijo de Paniagua.
By the time the border reopened in 1985, Sotogrande was a different kind of place, still off the beaten track – it would be another 17 years until the AP-7 motorway hooked it up, but more connected to the real world. Some of the residents even had day jobs!
McMicking’s vision had always included a marina with canals and islands of apartments with yacht views, and the 1980s developments included just that, in shape of the Puerto Deportivo Sotogrande, completed in 1987, three years before his death.
The construction of this mini-Venice was
SOTO GOLD
IT is time to dust off your jodhpurs and head over to the playing fields of Sotogrande as it hosts the prestigious Gold Cup from August 18 to 30.
This annual highlight of the World Polo Tour attracts thousands of spectators to the Ayala Polo Club. As part of the month-long International Polo Tournament – the 54th edition of the event – the Gold Cup showcases the crème de la crème of the sport. With three levels of competition – low, medium, and high handicap – there’s
as good as saying times might change, but the dream of Sotogrande as a beautiful playground, a gorgeous sanctuary, remains intact. As he predicted: “Sooner or later the Costa del Sol is going to be mobbed but Sotogrande will be an island of order in the chaos.” No truer could he have been.
something for every polo aficionado. The action is already in full swing, with the Bronze and Silver Cup events being contested, and is open to all comers to view.
Beyond the thrilling matches, there is a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of activities. You can explore the stylish boutiques, enjoy live music performances, or unwind at the lively ‘After Polo’ tent. Families are well catered for with a dedicated children’s area featuring many exciting attractions. And when hunger strikes, there is no shortage of delicious morsels to tempt you.
So many places to eat!
WHEN I made my first visit to Sotogrande many, many moons ago in March, Sotogrande was completely empty and the only place open for dinner was Hostal Bernardo where you will now find CaixaBank in Pueblo Nuevo.
Driving back to my hotel in Estepona I saw literally no other restaurants open and Puerto Duquesa, for example, didn’t even exist. However, how things have changed now Sotogrande has become a year-round destination.
Despite the fake news merchants who claim there are few places to eat, it couldn’t be further from the truth.
I have just jotted down the names of 50 restaurants within a ten minute drive of my office and I’ve eaten in all of them – except one, the brand new Plaza Blanca, which is meant to be great. I asked my team to pick their two favourite restaurants, with me going first, choosing La Verandah and Fresco. There is nostalgia for me at La Verandah as its owners, Jose and Carlos, worked with me when I was General Manager of Valderrama in the late 1990s. But their restaurant has real consisten-
The Olive Press asked long-established local businessman James Stewart of Savills on his Sotogrande foodie pics
cy providing magnificent Spanish food with a touch of French influence.
Fresco has a great variety of choice and Guillermo, the Head Chef, is an award winner. I often have lunch there on Sundays on the terrace before dipping inside to watch a sporting event.
Rita, meanwhile, loves El Trocadero (for the ‘location particularly on a sunny day in winter’) and Brosco in Pueblo Nuevo where the sushi is the ‘best in town’.
Siobhean likes the newly opened Hincha which has ‘real quality food’ as well as the Argentinian grill, La Reunion, which has a great informal atmosphere.
Gloria’s picks are Rio Seco serving excellent fresh fish and classic Andalusian fare and Cancha I which overlooks the San Enrique polo fields. “I love the quiet country location and the steaks are always perfect,” she says.
LESS KITE FLYERS, LOWER OFFERS
IT has certainly been anything but an easy market for property sales in Sotogrande this year.
The heavy rains in March and a ‘very late Easter’ delayed many potential buyers’ planned trips to view properties, explains one of the resort’s leading estate agents.
“But thankfully May picked up and June and July too,” Ben Bateman, boss of Holmes Sotogrande told the Olive Press.
“It also helped that the majority of unrealistically high listings from last year have now reduced in price this year.
“Many developers also launched new projects with more realistic price expectations, despite the sharp increase in costs of construction.,” explains the boss of the resort’s longest-running agency.
“Now as we get to the delivery phase there is some price flexibility partic ularly for buyers who have the funds in place and are pre pared to act decisively.”
Problems began when the market ‘turned bullish’ to wards the end of 2023.
“It meant many vendors got over-exuberant and start ed to fly kites, after being persuaded by less experienced agents,” he continues.
“The issue was, when they eventually got realistic and started reducing prices having not sold after nine months, it was like spilling blood.”
With the scent of blood in the air, the vultures,
After a slow start to 2025, the property market in Sotogrande is picking up again, explains Ben Bateman of Holmes
wolves and sharks started to circle.
“It meant the market in the second half of 2024 simply got over confident.
“The sudden increase in pricing was too high and supply was short. There weren’t enough properties for sale,” he continued.
In addition, new developments were being priced too high and too many agents were going out ‘knocking on doors’ to canvas for listings.
“They were agreeing to whatever price the owners wanted and, if it doesn’t sell, who cares,” he quips. “It was great for their window dressing, but they simply weren’t selling.”
Fortunately, prices have now come down a little and there are more listings than a year ago.
Holmes has 300 listings now, which was down to
“Sellers are now being a little more realistic and this year has been strong for apartments and there has been a spike in demand for two-bed-
“This is for people who want a holiday home again and they are still relatively good value at around €450,000 to €580,000,” he continues.
Americans, Eastern Europeans and Latin Americans
There is also a larger cross-section of
buyers moving into Sotogrande, which has an-all year population of about 6,000 people.
While the Spanish market is still strong, the British market has been coming back with the Labour party getting into power and taxes set to rise.
“There are also more Americans, post-Trump, and GREEN SPACE: Sotogrande is surrounded by protected coastal and mountain areas
a high percentage of Eastern Europeans, particularly Czechs and Poles, and more Latin Americans, particularly those who have been resident around Europe for a while,” explains Bateman, a father-of-five, who started school in Sotogrande, before university in the UK.
He has also seen a steady drift of buyers from Marbella, as have other agents, who the Olive Press spoke to.
“The agents in Marbella used to say it was boring in Sotogrande, all dust devils and nothing going on, but things have really changed.
“Now there is so much more going on and Sotogrande is a big pull. We have got so
many agents now coming to us from Marbella with their clients.
“In particular it is the crowd who bought in their thirties in Marbella 30 years ago who are now coming to Sotogrande to buy in their sixties.
“Sotogrande is so much calmer and safer. You can let your kids out here and not worry about your teenagers,” he continues.
“There are no traffic jams and much less crime.
“And since the commercial rents in the marina came down there are so many more shops and restaurants and that has created more footfall and a much busier, more buzzing place.”
SURF AND TURF
SITTING in pole position in Sotogrande port, right beside the water, Don Diego takes some beating.
Opened by local businessman Juan Moncayo it has gone from strength to strength and is now one of the go-to joints for anyone in the know.
A true family restaurant Juan and wife Maria run two restaurants in the resort, the other being Casa Moncayo, set up by his father, Diego, in Pueblo nuevo.
They focus on great local fish and, particularly tuna, while the steaks are mostly from Galicia (rubia gallega) and are aged to perfection.
“Minhota gourmet is the best steak you can eat in Europe right
Fabulous
sushi and steaks are order of the day at Don Diego in Sotogrande port
now,” insists Juan, who acquires them himself from northern Portugal and Galicia. It’s hard to disagree when it comes out rare alongside a hot stone over which you cook it to your perfect level.
I particularly liked his rib eye steak that was thinly sliced and served with great home
You must also have a go at the new Japanese section which has amazing cuts of the best bluefin tuna from nearby When coupled with the amazing qual -
WATERFRONT: Watch the boats come in while dining
ity avocados from the nearby Guadiaro valley you’ve got some special tuna California rolls.
And then when you couple these super fresh avocados with cuts of ‘pez mantequilla’ (butterfish) and scallops for a tartare you’re on for a surefire winner!
I really liked the baos (right) as a starter, while gambas pil pil and his mother’s own
croquette recipe are also recommended.
Juan is a true globetrotter spending much of his year in South America (his wife’s from Bolivia) or northern Spain, so he’s always on the lookout for great quality new dishes.
CASA MONCAYO
Also why not check out Juan’s other restaurant Casa Moncayo in nearby Pueblo nuevo which is highly rated particularly for its quality of food and service.
In particular it is known for its fusion of traditional Andalucia fare with international flavours.
VARIETY: From delicious fish and sushi to the best Galician steaks
Sostylish
IT’S not just the marina of Sotogrande that’s busy during summertime.
The resort’s top hotel, five star So/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf resort, is the place to find a range of excellent restaurants, as well as things to do. Apart from flamenco live music there are DJ sessions most nights of the week. Things really start heating up
The opulent, fecund grounds of Sotogrande’s top five star hotel have many hidden gems and plenty to see and do, writes Jon Clarke
come mid-July when the world descends on the resort and hotel, which is surrounded by a series of Spain’s best golf courses. And it doesn’t generally quieten down until mid-October when the holidaymakers have mostly gone
One of the most exciting launches of last summer was its amazing MarXa Chringuito restaurant, when a troupe of high society guests were treated to a splendid night.
The chiringuito has gathered steam this year and has become a wonderful standalone joint, complimenting the hotel’s more formal restaurants.
It specialises in great quality meats and organic local fish cooked on a cool five-metre long grill. And the ambience is a real cut above most
CORTIJO MAGIC
JOURNEYS are so often adventures in themselves.
To take a drive up to Cortijo Santa Maria 1962 in the hills above Sotogrande is magical from the moment you turn off the motorway and drive through the security gates.
As you take in some of Spain’s most expensive villas, and glimpses of its most exclusive golf course, Valderrama, you just sense you are in for something special.
The tree-lined avenues and perfectly clipped lawns give an overriding sense of privilege and, while the arrival at the resorts’s top five star hotel, SO/ Sotogrande, is a little underwhelming, once inside you’re back on track.
With interesting, yet unfussy, architecture and clever use of planting and water, you are in another world, a fecund paradise full of cascading levels and subtle colours and furniture.
You are also certainly a few steps closer to heaven at Cortijo 1962, a top floor restaurant with one of the most extraordinary dining terraces I’ve eaten on.
Overlooking an amazing backdrop of mountains right down to the sea, from here you take in the Serrania de Ronda, Sierra Bermeja and even La Concha above Marbella. Squint and you’ll also see Africa, even on a grubby day, while you look down across the
Cortijo-style roofs of the hotel.
I am firstly thrust a glass of bubbly, just €12 a pop, from Laurent Perrier and by royal appointment to the Prince of Wales, don’t you know. There’s cava by the glass, of course, as well, but champagne seems appropriate for €4 more.
Before you can blink, scallop tartare ‘eclairs’ and mussels in a Peruana tiger sauce are brought to the
places in Sotogrande and from Thursday to Sunday, you’ll love the music from DJ Hondo.
But there are three exciting new places to visit at the hip hotel, which went through a total refit and upgrade three years ago, under the watchful eye of Corsican manager Stephane Menou.
He has really shaken things up and this shows taking a stroll round its opulent grounds.
Brilliantly landscaped, it drops down on various levels to a series of giant swimming pools, and the planting has really come into its own.
At night it is particularly seductively lit
Jon Clarke is mesmerised by the location, views and quality of the Cortijo Santa Maria 1962 restaurant in Sotogrande
table, along with three types of local bread from Malaga with Cordoba olive oil.
The wine list is carefully laid out over one page, unlike many of the long, complicated lists one expects of five star hotels these days. Handily, there are at least ten of them by the glass, and it was good to see some local wines, such as Iceni, a red from nearby Arcos de la Frontera.
The menu itself is a trawl of Andalucian classics, things like suckling pig and grilled octopus, thankfully added to with the Conil tomato tartare, as well as an interesting sounding beef tiradito with blood orange and cucumber essence, at just €15. Obviously there was Jamon Iberico ‘Belloterra’, as well as a good num-
with tables spread out under the stars.
It is hard to believe there are 152 rooms and 36 suites scattered around the grounds it is so low density and spacious.
As well as an exclusive 3,500m2 wellness sanctuary also open for visitors by pre-booking, there is a kid’s club if you need a few hours to relax alone.
Above all, make sure to check the menu at the formal restaurant, Cortijo Santa Maria 1962, (see Olive Press re-
ber of vegetarian dishes including roasted cauliflower and vegetable ravioli.
Just as I was licking my lips over the odd-sounding ‘transparent asparagus veil’ which apparently came with prawn tartare and dashi, I was entirely sold on the special summer tuna menu, with a decent number of classic blue fin tuna cuts from nearby Barbate.
It is curated by France’s Michelin-star chef Nicolas Isnard, who has been overseeing the restaurant for a couple of years, alongside hotel executive chef Leandro Caballero, from Cordoba.
The Tuna Festival Asian Menu, as it’s called, is modelled on Japanese market dishes and comes in three sizes with the longest coming in at a reasonable €115.
The first dish for all three is ‘Tuna and Takuan rose’ - a subtle starter of thin strips of tender tuna belly wrapped in an envelope of an oriental vegetable, called takuan.
Coming in the shape of a rose, it sits on a bed of apple gel with dashi broth and needed a tiny touch of wasabi to really bring it to life.
Next up was a tuna tartare with a citrus and kumquat sorbet and ‘kalamansi’ aroma. It rocked with flavours, but didn’t come near to the next dish, a tuna belly tartaki with a sprinkle of caviar on top and with mint pesto, sweetcorn and Thai pomelo as garnish. We were now onto the pudding courses, including the intriguing ‘Green tea, tamarind and cinnamon’ which was rather like having tea at granny’s - a real creamy treat.
There was also a rich rice pudding, but in no way did it compare to the wonderful cheese course.
Billed as ‘Andalucian cheese - a journey’, it even had its own well presented menu that explained the five cheeses from Sevilla, Cordoba, Cadiz and Malaga.
“We’ve been given a free reign to really push on,” explained chef Leandro, who comes from Pozoblanco, and one suspects can chew the cud for hours about Rabo de Toro and Salmorejo.
“Since joining a decade ago when it was the old Almenara it’s got better and better. These days I can really concentrate a lot more on quality and being experimental.”
The journey over, I got home with a big smile on the face.
view left) as well as the IXO Tapas & Bar.
Cortijo Santa Maria 1962 has now got a great reputation for its traditional Andalucian cuisine, with a range of contemporary touches, as well as its tasty tuna
menu thanks to the help of Michelin star chef Nicolas Isnard, now leading the Tuna Festival, with a trio of set menus.
Meanwhile, IXO has dozens of signature cocktails, beside some delicious avant-garde tapas.
There is also live music going on, in particular flamenco vibes (covers, guitar and dance) from Thursday to Saturday. The SO/ brand is renowned for its fashion collaborations, partnering with famous designers from Christian Lacroix to Viktor & Rolf.
It was set up by leading hospitality and lifestyle group Ennismore with the company Accor and has hotels in many major cities, including Vienna, Paris, Dubai, Berlin and the Maldives. With bespoke spaces, signature tailoring and experiences, each hotel reflects the local culture it is found in.
Visit www.so-hotels.com/en/sotogrande/ for more information
Highlights in Sotogrande in August and September
● 14/08 DINNER AND FLAMENCO SHOW with bailaor Jose Franco at the beach, La Reserva Club ( www.sotogrande.com/ whats-on/dinner-and-flamenco-show-withjose-franco-at-the-beach)
● 20/08 CHARIT Y PADDLE SURF RACE (sotogrande.com/whats-on/charitypaddle-surf-race/
● 21/08 APRES BEACH at The Beach, La Reserva Club
● 13/09 BACK TO COURT TENNIS TOURNAMENT at the Raquet & Leisure La Reserve Club
● + UNTIL 13/09 NICOLAS ISNARD ( MICHELIN STAR) TUNA FESTIVAL – ASIAN MENU
● 27/09 - PAELLA WORKSHOP, La Reserva Club
Everything can been checked here: www.sotogrande.com/ whats-on/ OR DOWNLOADING the SOTOGRANDE APP
STYLISH: Cortijo Santa Maria 1962 and a flamenco dancer
TALENTED: Michelin starred French chef Nicolas Isnard
QUALITY: The amazing ‘Tuna Festival’ menu is a surefire winner
BARCELONA’S Sagrada Familia has officially become the city’s tallest building, reaching 155.58 metres, surpass-
TALL TALE
ing the Torre Mapfre and Hotel Arts (154m).
Construction, which began in 1882, is nearing completion, with the final spire set to reach 172.5m by 2026. Gaudi de-
signed the basilica to stay below Montjuic hill (177.72m), respecting nature’s dominance over human creations.
Spain’s tallest buildings are in Madrid’s Cuatro Torres Business Area, ranging from 230 to 249m. The Sagrada Familia will be the ninth tallest building in Spain once completed.
Seeing the light
ARCHAEOLOGISTS say they may have found the remains of what would be one of Spain’s oldest synagogues, dating back to the late Roman era. The discovery of fragments from oil lamps dated to the late fourth or early fifth century AD have led experts to reevaluate the remains of what until now was thought to be an early Christian church in the Ibero-Roman site of Castulo, near Linares, Andalucia. Most syn agogues that have been discovered in Spain are from the Medieval period. The fragments are decorated with menorahs, and the lid of a cone-shaped jar is believed to contain Hebrew scripture. Experts remain divided on whether the engraving says, ‘light of forgiveness’ or ‘Song to Da-
Discovery points towards an unknown Jewish population in late Roman era
By Josie Sharp
vid.’
Despite these ongoing debates, the existence of the pieces indicate the presence of a previously unknown Jewish community.
Bautista Ceprian, one of the archaeologists working on a Junta de Andalucia project, that aims to uncover Jewish history, believes the building is where the community came to worship.
Ceprian said: “When we looked at the interior of the building a little more closely, there were some strange things for a church; there was
something that could have been the hole for a big menorah.”
He argues that the lack of typical Christian materials such as burial sites or religious relics, suggests the building was not a church but a Jewish temple, with architectural features resembling synagogues found in Palestine.
“Synagogues
of that time could be more square in shape than Christian basilicas because in Jewish worship, there’s usually a central bimah [raised platform], which people sit around,” says Ceprian.
Researchers believe the Castulo synagogue may be among the oldest jewish temples ever discovered on the Iberian Peninsula, with most surviving synagogues in Spain dating to the medieval period.
RENDER: A computer simulation of how the walls once looked
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THINK WhatsApp is just for sharing holiday selfies and planning your next tapas crawl?
Think again.
It’s now the hottest spot for cyber tricksters looking to crash your digital fiesta and trust us, they’re way less fun than a proper party. For expats in Spain, WhatsApp isn’t just a chat app: it’s practically a lifeline.
Personalized User Experience
The fun of the
ET ready to party like never before if you live in southern Spain.
The Big One - the Feria de Agosto de Malaga - returns from August 16 to 23, transforming the city into a long whirlwind of colour, music, dancing and tradition
But before the wine starts flowing, it all kicks off with a midnight bang on August 15, as a massive pyro-musical fireworks display lights up the sky over La Malagueta beach, setting the tone for eight days of unfiltered Andalucian fun. And this year’s pregon – the
By Dilip Kuner
grand opening speech – will be delivered by none other than Malaga’s own Javier Castillo, a bestselling author who knows how to make an entrance. He’ll take the stage at the Real de Cortijo de Torres fairground, followed by the iconic switch-on of the fair’s glowing light show. By day, the city centre explodes with life during the Feria de Dia, running from around 12.30pm to 6pm. Calle Larios, Plaza de la Constitucion and surrounding squares become packed with revel-
RAISE A BOTTLE: And have fun at the Costa del Sol’s biggest party
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you to send them a six-digit code or transfer some emergency cash.
Sound familiar?
lers dressed in frilly flamenco dresses and wide-brimmed hats, sipping sweet Cartojal wine, clapping to verdiales bands and twirling to the beat. The vibe? Electric. As the sun dips, the madness shifts to the Feria de Noche out at the fairgrounds, where the party goes deep into the night – and sometimes into breakfast.
More than 200 casetas (pop-up party tents) serve up food, booze and a banging soundtrack that switches between
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If you fall for it, congratulations: you just handed the keys to your digital castle over to a thief. Bravo!
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Or how about a mysterious link to win an Audi or promising free tickets to a flamenco show?
Spoiler alert: the only thing dancing is the malware that’s just infected your phone!
AnyTech365 adapt its product and technical support solutions to individual needs, offering a safe online experience to any user.
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Whether you’re coordinating your next business meeting or swapping recipes for gazpacho, it’s where so much life happens. Unfortunately, it’s also where scammers are sneaking in like uninvited party crashers. They know how important it is to your life. Let me explain:
THE SCAM THAT KEEPS ON GIVING (AND TAKING)
Imagine this: you get a message from your ‘mate’ begging for an urgent favour. Maybe they want
● Never share your verification codes. No real friend would ask for that (unless they’ve sudden ly turned into a cyber villain).
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.
And the worst part? These scammers don’t even need to be fluent in Spanish. Thanks to the latest advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), their messages look real enough to make you pause… and sometimes they can even sound it by impersonating voices.
● Double-check money requests by calling your friend - preferably not on WhatsApp! Panic is their secret sauce.
● Enable two-step verification. Think of it as a double lock on your digital front door.
● Ignore links promising freebies unless you know exactly where they came from.
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.
That’s the way high tech fraud is going.. and online fraud is by far the most common crime around these days (in the UK up to 40% of all reported crime).
support services, offered in more than 15 native languages.
● Keep WhatsApp updated. Old versions are like sun creams well past their expiry date - useless when you need protection.
WE CAN HELP
WHY ARE EXPATS THE PERFECT TARGET?
Let’s be honest: juggling a new language, the advances in technology, and trusting your ‘amigos’ halfway across the world is tricky.
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A comprehensive security
It’s like trying to dance flamenco with two left feet… easy to stumble.
HOW TO OUTSMART
THE WHATSAPP TRICKSTERS
Before you get swept off your feet by a panicked plea, remember:
It has been golden rule for centuries: When in Doubt, Call the Pros If this all sounds like too much to handle between your sangria and sunbathing, don’t sweat it. There is a company set up to advise you and help with any urgent, tricky or potentially embarrassing queries. Based in Spain, AnyTech365 has your back 24/7 with real
people - not some chatbot who can’t understand your accent, but a real person to help. It’s team of technicians are ready to help with any queries regarding your phone, any correspondence or anything to do with your computers or technology in your house or while out and about They guarantee to keep your online life safer than a sunhat in a breeze. And for a very
small price a month. So, next time WhatsApp buzzes with a frantic request or a too-good-to-be-true offer, remember: hackers want to crash your fiesta, but you’re the bouncer… and to be 100% sure, join one of Europe’s fastest growing tech companies, according to the Financial Times, so no mishaps ever affect you Grab our exclusive FREE introductory offer below and call AnyTech365 to leave it all to the experts!
Feria
Everything you need to know about the Costa del Sol’s biggest party
New this year: for the first time ever, punters will be able to step inside the
with high-tech ‘Ecogreenlux’ curtains to cut energy use and light pollution. Because even when you’re partying, it’s nice to be green.
More than 200 concerts are scheduled, with a lineup including Chambao, Camela, Merche, Mojinos Escozios, Toreros con Chanclas, and plenty more. There’s even a Youth Esplanade for younger party animals, with DJs spinning live video sets and the Los 40 Urban Session Malaga bringing the heat on opening night. Want to know when the next concert starts? Need directions to the loos? There’s even a WhatsApp assistant – TuFerIA – that dishes out real-time info on
everything from transport to emergency contacts and alcohol testing points. Over 500 cleaners and 5,000 recycling bins will also be keeping things from descending into chaos. Getting there?
Easy. The Feria Bus Line F runs 24/7 between the centre and the fairground for just €2
a ride, with metro and extra bus lines on hand to keep you moving – or stumbling –throughout the week.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Not just a party, the Malaga Feria has roots going back to 1487, when the Catholic
Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella took the city from Moorish rule. The original fair was a religious celebration – but let’s just say things have evolved.
Today, it’s a no-holds-barred celebration of Andalucian identity, packed with horse parades, flamenco flair and a street party atmosphere that’s more about fun than faith.
classic flamenco and full-on club bangers.
dazzling LED-lit fairground entrance, now fitted
COOL: Calle Larios hosts many events during the daytime feria
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
WHAT comes to mind when you think of Spain? For many an image of people baking under the Spanish sun on a costa beach comes to mind. And when their attention turns elsewhere it tends to be towards day trip honeypots like Gaudi’s surreal Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the majestic Alhambra in Granada.
But venture just a little off the beaten path and you’ll find a treasure trove of jaw-dropping sights that most tourists miss.
From dramatic gorges and cliff-hugging villages to ancient Roman theatres and mystical medieval walls, the Olive Press brings you 12 dazzling cultural wonders that deserve a spot on your summer travel list.
You’ll skip the crowds, dodge the cliches - and come home with better travel stories than anyone else.
HORREOS DE COMBARRO, Pontevedra
Stone granaries by the sea in one of Galicia’s most charming villages
Combarro is one of those post -
Secret Spain
Skip the crowds and discover 12 incredible hidden gems you’ve (probably) never heard of
card-perfect villages that seems designed for Instagram , but it’s also packed with history. Lining the waterfront are horreos – traditional Galician granaries on stilts – which have been used for centuries to keep grain dry and rodent-free.
Wander cobbled streets lined with flower-draped balconies, tuck into fresh seafood with views of the Ria de Pontevedra, and soak up the slow pace of village life.
CASA DE LOS DRAGONES , Ceuta
A real-life Game of Thrones moment – with dragons!
In the Spanish enclave of Ceuta (just
across the Med from mainland Spain), you’ll find one of
By Dilip Kuner
the most eye-catching buildings you’ve probably never heard of.
The Casa de los Dragones – literally, House of the Dragons – is crowned with four fierce-winged beasts peering out over the city.
Originally built in 1905 and restored in 2006, this fairytale landmark is the crown jewel of the Plaza de los Reyes, and the perfect starting point for exploring Ceuta’s unique Spanish-Moroccan blend.
DALI THEATRE-MUSEUM, Figueres, Girona
Surreal, strange and utterly spectacular – just like the artist himself
If Salvador Dali designed a museum, you’d expect something bizarre – and the one he created in his hometown of Figueres does not disappoint.
There are giant eggs on the roof, golden mannequins on the walls and rooms
November 29thDecember 12th 2023
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HERE BE DRAGONS: But you will have to head to Ceuta to see them
filled with paintings, sculptures, holograms and mind-bending installations. Dali himself is buried here, beneath the stage of the old theatre. It’s not just a museum – it’s a fullblown sensory trip through the brain of a genius.
SIL CANYON, Galicia
Towering cliffs, secret monasteries and a river cruise you’ll never forget
Head deep into Galicia’s little known Ribeira Sacra region and you will discover the Sil Canyon that could be a greener little sister to the USA’s immense Grand Canyon.
The Sil River has carved a stunning gorge through granite cliffs that soar over 500 metres high — perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone in search of a ‘wow’ moment. Glide along the river by boat or tackle the trails on foot — either way, the views are next-level.
Bonus points: you’ll also find ancient Romanesque monasteries, lush vineyards and a freak microclimate that lets Mediterranean plants thrive in this Atlantic corner of Spain.
HANGING
HOUSES OF CUENCA, Castilla-La Mancha
Cliffhangers – literally!
The Casas Colgadas (Hanging Houses) of Cuenca cling to the edge of a gorge in a sight that’s as nerve-jangling as it is beautiful.
These medieval homes appear to defy gravity, teetering over the sheer drop of the Huecar River gorge. One now houses the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art. It is perfect for art lovers with a head for heights.
The old town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of winding alleyways and hidden courtyards.
Las Medulas, Leon
A Martian landscape… shaped by Roman greed
Imagine rust-red peaks and jagged hills – this is Las Medulas, a bizarre and
SURREAL: The Dali museum and (left) the Horreos de Combarro
ROMAN THEATRE OF CARTAGENA, Murcia
An ancient stage buried for centuries – now back in the spotlight
At first glance, Cartagena might look like just another modern Spanish city. But hidden behind the buildings lies a
HANGING: Stunning buildings in Cuenca and (below) the Roman theatre in Cartagena
SPAIN’S PM Pedro Sanchez has slammed world leaders for turning their backs on global health – as he launched a €315 million mega-plan to stop future pandemics in their tracks.
Speaking at a high-level UN summit in Sevilla, Sanchez announced the Global Health Action Initiative, a bold pledge to pour hundreds of millions into international health systems between 2025 and 2027. And, in a fiery speech, he hit out at countries pulling the plug on health funding, warning that their inaction could cost over 25 million lives in the next 15 years.
“We’re forgetting the lesson of COVID,” he said. “No matter how high you build your borders, viruses don’t queue at passport control.”
HEAT ALERT!
Over 90% of people in Spain say extreme heat is a serious health risk - but only 30% see themselves as vulnerable
A NEW government survey reveals that while most people in Spain know extreme heat is deadly, only a fraction feel truly at risk.
The Ministry of Health’s poll of 1,274 adults found more than 90% think extreme heat seriously harms health, but just 30% see themselves as highly vulnerable.
Eight out of ten say summers have been getting hotter - especially women, young people, and those living in Spain’s scorchers like Andalucia. And
Aging potheads
TEENAGERS in Spain are ditching the weed - with cannabis use among 14 to 18-year-olds slashed by 40% over the last two decades, a new government report reveals. Back in 2004, one in four teens admitted sparking up a joint in the previous month. That’s dropped to just 15% now. Experts believe that tougher drug campaigns and changing attitudes are finally hitting home with youngsters. But don’t pop the champagne
By Dilip Kuner
87% blame climate change for the heat spikes. Heat effects feared most? Heatstroke and fainting (84%), dehydration (83%), and sleeplessness or fatigue (70%). Older folks link heat to worsening chronic illnesses, while young people report rashes and feeling generally unwell.
Worryingly, a quarter have suffered heat-related health issues or know someone who has -
over half needed medical help, and 13% ended up in hospital. Muscle cramps, chronic illness
just yet - cannabis use among adults is holding steady at 12%, with daily users ticking slightly upwards at 2.5%, according to a report from the Ministry of Health.
And while teens may be cutting back, the health system is still feeling the heat. Cannabis was linked to nearly half of all hospital emergency visits for drug issues last year and accounts for over a quarter of all drug treatment admissions - second only to cocaine. Worryingly, pot is getting stronger too. THC levels have shot up to 29% in hash and 12.6% in weed, pushing risks of mental health problems, heart trouble, and addiction. Plus, new ways to get high - think edibles and vaping - along with synthetic cannabinoids, are making it harder to keep track or stay safe.
flare-ups, and heat exhaustion topped the list of emergencies. The study also highlights stark inequalities in staying cool: only 23% of homes are properly insulated, and while 55% have air conditioning, that drops to 47% in lower-income households. A shocking 3% of homes have zero cooling options - rising to 11% in cooler parts of the country. Despite clear risks, a
Top of the league...
Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella has been officially appointed as the new medical services provider for Marbella Football Club following an agreement between the two organisations.
José Carlos Mellado, the hospital’s manager, expressed his pride in the new partnership:
“We are honoured to become the medical services provider for Marbella F.C., continuing our efforts to
Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella named official medical provider for Marbella FC
promote local sport and offering our expertise in sports medicine to the club. We wish Marbella F.C. a successful season, full of achievements and, above all, health.”
Bernardo Espinosa, the general director of Marbella F.C., added:
“The high standards of Primera Federación football require us to have a medical partner who can monitor and enhance the physical and mental performance of our players. The ongoing communication between
our medical provider and the team is crucial, and Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella will now be a key part of the first team’s daily routine.”
This agreement highlights the hospital’s continued dedication to health promotion, active living, and overall wellbeing on the Costa del Sol. It also underscores the importance of sports medicine as a vital part of the hospital’s mission.
Commitment to Sports Health
Quirónsalud has established itself as a leader in the field of sports health, supporting numerous events and sporting disciplines. The hospital’s philosophy is deeply aligned with the values inherent in sport - discipline, perseverance, and continuous improvement - all of which mirror the organisation’s approach to healthcare.
The hospital is already a prominent player in the sports world, serving as the official medical provider for MotoGP, the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET), and the official medical partner of the Spanish Basketball League (ACB). It is also the medical service provider for the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, as well as a medical prevention service for the Royal Spanish Sail-
PUBLIC health officials in Catalunya are pushing for a ban on smoking at beaches ahead of an upcoming nationwide tobacco control law.
Currently in its early stages, the proposed legislation would ban smoking on bar and restaurant terraces, university campuses, schoolyards and in work vehicles.
But the region’s public health secretary, Esteve Fernandez, is leading the charge to go further, arguing: “It should not be expected for a child to think it is normal to smoke on the beach as if it were similar to swimming or playing with a ball.”
Supporters of the proposed ban argue that prohibition is crucial to public health, reducing second-hand tobacco smoke exposure and environmental waste from toxic cigarette butts.
big chunk of vulnerable people don’t see themselves as at risk, putting the spotlight on the urgent need for better public awareness campaigns.
Most people (57%) have accessed official heat advice, mainly on TV, official websites, and social media - and 90% find these warnings useful.
With extreme heat set to become the new normal, experts say the challenge now is getting people to recognise their own danger and pushing for better home cooling solutions - especially for those who can least afford it.
As one expert put it, “We know the heat is deadly - now we must help everyone stay safe, no matter their postcode or bank balance.”
Nurses needed
MALAGA’S regional hospital is facing a crisis in its ICU, with a severe nursing shortage pushing the unit to breaking point, unions warn. According to nursing groups PEPA and Satse, over 2,700 nursing hours went uncovered in just four months, and that number is set to rise to 4,000 by September. The unions claim that 30 full-time nursing posts have been cut, endangering patient safety.
Nurses are working double shifts or leaving shifts uncovered, with care quality deteriorating.
ing Federation (RFEV) through its Quirónprevención programme. In recent years, Quirónsalud has also supported major international sporting events, including the last four editions of the Davis Cup held in Spain, the Billie Jean King Cup, the Mutua Madrid Open, and the
Conde de Godó
Other
pionship in Spain.
CARE: Quirónsalud Marbella will look after the health and mental wellbeing of players
Trophy.
key events include the Hexagon Cup, Premier Padel tournaments, the Ocean Race, the San Silvestre Vallecana race, the Behobia-San Sebastián race, and the 2021 Eurobasket Women’s Cham-
Superman to Snow White
Ban slammed
SPAIN’S Inclusion Minister Elma Saiz has condemned Jumilla council (Murcia) for banning religious activities in a public sports centre used by the Muslim community, calling the move ‘xenophobic’.
Poop police
THREE Malaga police officers have been suspended after filming an ill man defecating roadside and sharing the video, causing him severe anxiety.
Nun chance
EIGHT ex-communicated nuns are refusing to leave their 15th-century Santa Clara convent in Belorado, saying the Vatican has blocked their attempt to sell the convent to fund another property purchase.
MACARENA MELTDOWN
VIRGIN: Before (above) and after the ‘restoration’
By Dilip Kuner
DEVOTEES of one of Spain’s most revered religious icons, the Virgen de la Esperanza Macarena, have voted to approve a full restoration after a ‘botched’ cosmetic tweak ignited fury among worshippers.
In a dramatic meeting stretch ing past 4am, more than 1,800 members of the Hermandad de la Macarena – the powerful brotherhood guarding the statue – turned out to decide the Virgin’s fate.
Long queues formed outside the Basilica de la Macarena well before the 9pm start. When the marathon session ended, 998 had voted in favour of expert Pedro Manzano leading the restoration, following a previous controversial attempt by the Arquillo brothers that left the
statue with ‘unwanted aesthetic alterations’ to her face.
A further 458 opposed the move, with 13 abstaining. The vote came after the Andalucian Institute of Historical Heritage (IAPH) presented a damning report confirming its serious concerns about the statue’s condition.
Brotherhood President Jose Antonio Fernandez Cabrero issued an emotional apology, admitting the earlier intervention caused ‘spiritual and
Sevilla’s sacred Virgin set for emergency restoration after botched makeover sparks outrage
devotional damage’.
The scandal erupted after the Virgin’s brief public return on June 21, when worshippers noticed an altered, unsettling expression caused by ‘replaced eyelashes.’ Protests followed, forcing emergency measures and the resignation of Deputy Brother Davila Miura.
Now, with Manzano at the helm, the restoration is expected to take three months.
Cash to burn
LUXURY Spanish fashion house Balenciaga has unveiled an €895 tote that looks exactly like the kind of plastic bag you’d get at a supermarket. Crinkles? Check. Basic blue? Check. Eye-watering price tag?
BARCELONA football sensation Lamine Yamal has gone from superhero to pantomime star after a cheeky street art prank turned his mural into a scene straight out of Snow White – complete with seven dwarfs.
The 18-year-old wonderkid had found himself in hot water after he celebrated his birthday with dwarfs and scantily-clad women brought in for ‘entertainment’.
To mark his milestone birthday, a huge mural of Yamal dressed as Superman was painted in Plaza Joanic by famed urban artist TV Boy.
But just days later, anonymous vandals decided to give the piece a not-so-subtle upgrade – stencilling the Seven Dwarfs around the star, in what looked like a savage dig at his questionable party planning.
Absolutely. While it’s made from super-strong fibres and folds into a pouch, unimpressed shoppers weren’t having it.
“A plastic bag that resembles a plastic bag,” one snarked. Another simply said: “I hate it.” Still, if you’ve a love of irony, and the cash to burn… the Marche tote might just be your next ‘bargain’.
