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Questions again for costa charity boss after her family claim she syphoned off her mother’s inheritance
page 2
A four-year stretch in prison inches nearer for expat Jody, as she loses appeal Our campaign heats up as we speak to victims and explain the dangers and how to avoid them
A LEADING expat charity boss has been accused of syphoning off an inheritance and cutting off all contact with her family after the death of their mother.
Marie Gleeson, who runs Age Concern Estepona and Manilva (ACE), was branded a ‘scoundrel’ by her own sister after their 91-year-old mother Catherine died in February, 2021. Gleeson, 60, originally from Liverpool, has long been recognised for her charity work.
The UK’s ambassador Alex Ellis even shook her hand as she was described as leading a ‘key organisation supporting British nationals’ in Estepona last month.
By Walter Finch
But her sister, Annette Fisher, claims Gleeson leads a double life that belies her image as an upstanding pillar of society.
According to Annette, a school librarian based in Norwich, someone transferred almost all the money out of their mother’s bank account just days after she died, three years ago. She said it left the family without any inheritance, despite a 2018 will stipulating that it should be divided equally between the two sisters, plus the children of another sister Denise, who died in 2016.
ing left in the account.
“My sister leached money out of the account for a year before mum died,”
Annette told the Olive Press this week.
“There’s hardly a day when she didn’t buy something – makeup, perfume, household appliances, some art shop she liked.
She claims on the day Catherine passed away there was €30,372 in the account, but within three days €26,000 was transferred, including €1,000 withdrawn in cash.
She also insisted at least €80,000 was put into Catherine’s BBVA account between 2019 - when she moved to Spain - and 2021, including the proceeds of a property sale in the UK.
The Olive Press has seen records of the account, to which Marie was the only
other known person with access, the family claim. Mysteriously, by the end of 2022, some 16 months after Catherine’s death, there was practically noth-
“I really don’t believe it was my mother’s purchases. She was wheelchair bound and very frail.
“Marie was the co-signatory of that account. Only she could have taken that money.
“By my mother’s death, there was just a fraction left, which my sister finally moved.
“I don’t know where and it’s a massive betrayal of trust to move money from a dead person’s account.”
After bringing in lawyers, Annette soon discovered that it was a ‘criminal, not civil case’.
The family have not yet filed an official criminal complaint against Gleeson, in part because they don’t ‘want her to go to prison’.
“If we were in the same country, it might be different,” continued Annette. “It would be easier and Marie knows how to play the system in Spain inside out.”
Gleeson has long been dogged by allegations of impropriety relating
DODGY: Charity boss Marie Gleeson and the suspicious bank transfers
to her running of ACE, where she holds the conflicting roles of not just president but also treasurer.
Several whistleblowers approached the Olive Press in 2023 to reveal that three members of the executive committee had resigned over allegations of bullying and a lack of financial transparency from Gleeson.
She denied everything while friends claimed it was ‘a smear campaign’. When the Olive Press put the new allegations to Gleeson in a series of emails, she failed to respond to them. However, bizarrely, she later defended herself on Facebook, insisting the clothes and make up were not for her and dismissing Annette as an ‘extremely angry sister’ who she hadn’t seen ‘since 1996’.
She claimed that Annette ‘tried to sell [mum’s] flat in the UK without her knowledge’ and that the family ‘never visited me or mum once, not even for her funeral or for her 85th, 86th, 87th, 89th, 90th, 91st, 92nd birthdays’. “But they did have time to go on luxury
holidays in the same period to America, Mexico, Moscow, Paris, Australia and Madrid.
“When I called them to say she had passed at 92 years
A MAN has been arrested in A Coruña after police found 250 dead animals and 171 starving survivors in an illegal breeding centre, prompting rescue and investigations for animal abuse.
POLICE have smashed a Lithuanian drugs ring in Malaga’s Axarquia, which paid inflated rents for rural fincas to grow and process cannabis before shipping it north via legitimate transport companies.
old (ED: Actually she passed at 91), the very first question was about jewellery,” Gleeson wrote. “I asked mum once how she put up with the fake family dynamic, she said ‘well I pretend to like them and they pretend to like me and that’s how it works’.”
Annette responded insisting these comments were ‘entirely untrue’, that Catherine was ONLY living in Spain for two years. “And during that time let’s not forget we were unable to visit due to Covid restrictions,” she said, adding she had not had a holiday ‘for 20 years’. She added the funeral took place ‘24 hours’ after the death and that jewellery that was meant to go to her never materialised.
POLICE are still probing how the parents of a six-year-old were found dead in their rural wooden home.
So far they have only ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning after the girl was left to walk half a kilometre to inform neighbours her parents had died.
The girl made the harrowing trip from her home in isolated Arroyo de las Piedras, between Coin and Alozaina, with
EXPAT fraudster Jody Smart is inching closer to prison after losing an appeal against a fraud conviction.
The trickster must serve three years and six months for her role in the collapse of pension company Continental Wealth Management (CWM).
She has so far managed to avoid jail despite being implicated in the massive €35 million scandal that saw hundreds of mostly British expats in Spain lose large sums from their pensions. But the fashion designer/wedding planner was finally convicted of fraud at an Alicante court in April.
The trial found her guilty of swindling three victims who she must repay €370,000.
Her appeal has now been rejected by Valencia’s High Court.
“It’s great to have the judgment backed up and she is now just a short hop from prison,” lawyer Carlos Coll Miralles, who represented the victims, told the Olive Press.
“It is the least she deserves and I’m sad that the case is still rumbling on after all these years. I’ll only be happy when she finally pays my clients in full.”
The judge heard how Smart had deliberately defrauded one
her keys in her hand.
The Guardia Civil arrived quickly and followed the girl to the scene of the tragedy, where they found her dad, 48, and mum, 40, dead in the living room.
The man had a minor head injury, but it would not explain the death, according
to detectives.
While there was no evidence of narcotic use, their bodies were sent for toxicology tests, which need further analysis.
The woman had another child, 17, from a previous relationship.
Police have stressed that at this stage no-one else is likely involved and it appears to be a case of poisoning. The couple had half a dozen dogs and cats, a number of them dangerous. Currently, the police and judicial investigation has not reached a conclusion regarding the cause of death. There is, however, no indication that an attack by someone other than the couple was perpetrated.
By Walter Finch
victim, Tim Benjamin, out of €300,000 for a property that never existed.
A second, Sally Anne Hodgson, was duped into lending €70,000 to Smart’s firm under false promises of repayment before the company collapsed weeks later.
But the most tragic case was that of Mark Davidson, who was scammed out of €800,000, but passed away before the verdict was reached.
“She took millions and destroyed many lives, so her sentence is a very small price to pay,” Coll continued.
Smart now has until October 27 to file an appeal to Madrid’s Supreme Court.
“She only has a few days to appeal, but I can’t see a single
reason why she should be successful there,” the lawyer said.
“Nothing has changed and it’s also going to cost more money which she claims she doesn’t have.
He added: “But I’m sure she has hidden a lot of it away in offshore tax havens.”
The campaigning lawyer, based in Alicante, continues: “The problem is finding the money. It is hard to embargo
loses her appeal against fraud conviction at Valencia High Court
things in her name… I can’t
“She’s made things very difficult to chase her for the money and I don’t think she will pay voluntarily.”
Smart was not available for comment when contacted by the Olive Press. She earlier told us she was appealing on the grounds that her signature ‘did not appear’ on any of ‘loans between individuals’.
A number of civil cases are also going through the legal system in the Isle of Man.
A YOUNG man out for dinner with friends was left fighting for his life after simply ‘making fleeting eye contact’ with another man.
The 28-year-old had been sitting on the terrace of a bar in Malaga on September 6 when he briefly locked eyes with a shirtless stranger. Minutes later, that man returned with a companion, according to the Policia Nacional, who are appealing for witnesses of the ‘unprovoked’ attack. Without warning, the new stranger swung a bag containing two litre-sized glass bottles into the victim’s head with such force that he was knocked off his chair.
He then pulled out a concealed knife and drove it twice into the young man’s body. The blows tore through several vital organs, puncturing the colon, liver and both kidneys. Rushed to hospital in a critical state, the victim is still in hospital having lost a kidney. His assailant, a 32-year-old man, was arrested this week and accused of attempted murder. He remains in custody.
A SPANISH city has banned the adoption of black cats from rescue shelters amid fears the felines could fall victim to ‘sinister’ Halloween rituals.
Officials in Terrassa, Catalunya, have opted to prohibit the fostering of all black cats from October 6 to November 10, believing they could be hurt or used as props for scary events. It comes despite deputy mayor
Noel Duque admitting there had been no record of cruelty towards them at Halloween time, despite a rise in adoptions in October. However, there have been incidents in other areas, with warnings issued by animal welfare groups.
Black cats have long been associated with witchcraft and viewed as bringing bad luck.
“We are aware of increased adoptions and putting physical appearance first, which
BILLED as a cross between Benidorm, Cheers and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, it explores the cultural clashes, expat misadventures and illusions of life abroad.
And now a British expat is finally getting his sitcom on Spanish life made in Marbella.
Called Ketchup, the name will chime with every expat who arrives in Spain with dreams of sunshine and sangria and immersing themselves in the Spanish way of life – only to find things rather different.
Starring and directed by Pirates of the Caribbean actor Kevin
McNally, also known for roles in
By Walter Finch
Life on Mars and The Crown, filming got off to a good start this autumn.
McNally is joined by Sandra Dickinson, who played Trillian in cult 1981 BBC series The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. The sitcom is based on the life of author Joe Cawley, who came up with the name, while running a bar in Tenerife in the 1990s. Originally calling it More Ketchup than Salsa, he soon realised the shortened name was more appropriate.
“I was watching this drunken bunch of Brits trying to dance to Latin music, and I just remember thinking – that’s more ketchup than salsa,” he told the Olive Press.
The books detail the trials and tribulations he and his wife had to contend with after switching life running
adapted into Spain-based TV sitcom (but don’t mention Eldorado)
PARADISE: But it certainly wasn’t for author Cawley and wife Joy
a stall at the Bolton fish market for the Canary Islands.
“We didn’t know the language, the culture, or the business,” he continues. “We just thought, why not? Anything would’ve been better than stinking of fish all day.”
He eventually rewrote it as a TV screenplay based on the idea of ‘the expat dream gone wrong’, transplanting the location from Tenerife to Marbella.
“It’s a story that could be set anywhere, but Marbella makes sense – it’s got more money, more visibility,” he explains.
with you,” said Cawley. “Ultimately, paradise is in the mind.”
Test filming began on a yacht in Puerto Banus and in Cancelada, in Estepona, earlier this month, with backing already pledged locally and from further afield.
It is hoped the sitcom - if eventually commissioned - will not sink like Eldorado, which was cancelled after just one series back in 1993.
seems suspicious,” Duque said.
“At the very least, we want to prevent people from adopting on a whim or because it is fashionable. And we want to ensure there are no macabre practices behind them.”
He added: “If you want to adopt a black cat, it will have to be after Halloween.”
Terrassa currently has over 100 cats housed in shelters, 12 of which are black.
Terrassa Animal Welfare welcomed the move saying it would ‘avoid po
GET ready for a dose of post-punk brilliance as The Psychedelic Furs prepare to rock Malaga and Valencia. The British indie rock legends will be hitting Spain for an eight-date run in November.
The Furs - who once headlined Glastonbury- are heading to Malaga on November 18, bringing their unique brand of postpunk energy to La Trinchera for a one-night-only performance. Valencia fans are in for a treat as well, with a second show at the stunning new Auditorio Roig Arena on November 22. The tour includes stops in Barcelona, Santander, Vigo, Sevilla, Pamplona, and Madrid.
the SPIKING
Ketchup will explore cultural clashes, expat misadventures, and the illusions of life abroad.
“Taking your problems somewhere else doesn’t make them vanish – they get off the plane
Also filmed on the Costa del Sol, it is often dubbed the ‘biggest soap opera disaster’ in history, with the BBC scrapping it after just one year. It cost over €12 million to make with the main set near Coinalone costing €2 million.
LEARNING TO TANGO WITH SPANISH BUREAUCRATS... AND WHEN THAT FAILS, GET BACK TO WORK
I’VE said it before: life in Spain takes a bit of getting used to. The rhythm, the mañana mindset, the endless forms and stamps - especially if you’re coming from an Anglo-Saxon world of efficiency and rigid timetables.
But after years of stressing myself out trying to bend the system to my will, I’ve finally learned to stop shouting into the bureaucratic void. In Spain, if la computadora dice no, it’s not the end of the road. It’s just a detour. You breathe, stay polite, and find another way. Think like a Spaniard. At least, that’s the theory.
Then I heard about Michael. You might have read his story in the last issue of the Olive Press Michael Coy, a British expat, did his 15 years of hard graft here in Spain, expecting - rightly - to qualify for a pension. Only problem? One of his old bosses had decided to get creative with the books and listed him as a part-timer. Fewer hours, less contribution, no pension.
When he finally reached retirement age, Michael (pictured above right)
found he was short by 147 working days. Lawyers told him he could sue. Sure, it might take five years, cost around €3,000, and he still might lose.
So what did he do? Like a man with no other choice, he put his shoulder back to the wheel and took on a low-paid job to make up the shortfall. At nearly 70. Now, I’m not sure if that counts as embracing the Spanish way or reverting to a very British instinct: if in doubt, knuckle down and keep going. Either way, he got there in the end - and hats off to him. The pension is now sorted, and he can (finally) put his feet up.
But it got me thinking... Say what you like about Spanish bureaucracy (and trust me, I often do), but one thing they don’t do is hand out cash to anyone who strolls in waving a foreign passport. Nor are hotel rooms and meal tickets handed out like sweeties at a village fiesta. Michael had to earn his right to that pension - and he did.
STOP PRESS : Watch our website for a competition to win free tickets to see the Furs in Malaga. You will need to be registered with us at www.theolivepress.es
But I can’t help thinking that if the UK authorities had a bit more of a ‘¡Eso no está pasando, hombre!’ attitude perhaps the gangsters selling illegal and dangerous small-boat crossings of the English Channel would see a drop in demand!?
But no! The pantomime production that passes for a government in the UK nowadays has opted for a policy from the pages of festive-favourite, Dick Whittington and his Cat, promising ‘streets paved with gold’. The only difference I can see here is on arrival young Dick was sadly disappointed, unlike the 30,000 asylum seekers currently living in hotels paid for by British taxpayers. And people still ask me why I abandoned the UK for Spain!
SINGER Ed Sheeran will see his latest album Play feature on FC Barcelona’s shirt during the El Clasico clash against Real Madrid this weekend. The collaboration is part of the club’s ongoing sponsorship with Spotify. Sheeran, a lifelong football fan, called the moment ‘unbelievable,’ while Barca striker Robert Lewandowski praised the move, saying Sheeran’s songs are a dressing-room favourite. Only 1,899 ‘match-quality’ shirts will be produced, with 22 signed by players and 11 by Sheeran himself.
The Ipswich season ticket holder becomes the first British male solo artist to appear on the iconic shirt, following artists like Drake and Coldplay.
With over 92 million monthly Spotify listeners, he remains one of the world’s most-streamed musicians.
IMMIGRANTS looking to ob-
tain Spanish nationality will have to speak the lingo to a B2 level - equivalent to a strong grade at A-level.
Under new plans from the PP party, its leader Alberto Feijoo wants to stop ‘entire neighbourhoods turned into unrecognizable places’.
As part of a ten-point plan to win the next general election, likely in 2027, people seeking Spanish nationality will have to pass a ‘strengthened test’.
In a bid to prevent ‘isolated expat enclaves’, a so-called ‘letter of commitment’ for immigrants will involve the need for historical, legal and cultural aspects of the country.
Additionally, he will raise ‘the level of linguistic, cultural and constitutional requirements’ for foreigners coming to Spain, claiming that language proficiency ‘is the best path to integration’.
Immigrants would require a B2 Spanish certificate, equivalent to a strong grade at A-level in the UK.
The B2 certificate certifies the ability to understand complex texts, interact fluently and produce clear, detailed writing on a variety of topics. His plan also includes a vow to implement tougher criteria for long-term residence, arguing that citizenship ‘must be earned, not granted automatically’.
Opinion Page 6
A YOUNG exchange student has revealed how her drink was apparently spiked during a night out in the Spanish capital.
The Polish girl told the Olive Press how she ended up in a terrified, semi-conscious state outside a Madrid nightclub this month.
The 20-year-old and a friend were part of a group of Erasmus students enjoying a night out at Fitz night club.
But what began as a carefree evening quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal after they were lured into the VIP section by a stranger at 3.30am. They started to dance and were soon handed a cocktail – and within a short time they were
As the Olive Press relaunches its Smash the Spiking campaign, two foreign students tell of their terrifying ordeal at a Madrid nightclub
By Rachel Gore
‘throwing up in the bathroom’.
While their memory of the night is hazy they remember someone ‘gently’ telling them to leave the club via the back entrance.
‘Someone gently told us to go behind the club and it wasn’t like they were kicking us out’, she said.
‘Someone grabbed us and told us to go this way and it was the back of the club – I don’t know if it was someone who wanted to hurt us or someone who wanted
CRIME SCENE?: Two women believe their drinks were spiked at the Fritz nightclub
to save us’, she added.
Speaking out as the Olive Press intensifies its campaign against drink spiking across Spain, the two victims hope to raise awareness of the dangerous, often silent, crime.
Asking to remain anonymous for legal reasons, the pair continued that they had found themselves outside the club, collapsed on the floor and unable to walk.
“We couldn’t walk and could barely even sit up but I somehow managed to grab my mobile and call friends still inside,” added the 20-year-old who is spending a year studying in Madrid.
“I urged them to come round the back, which likely saved us.
“In fact, if my friends had not come I don’t know what would have happened, maybe we would have been raped or something worse”.
Their pals, also students, confirmed they had never seen them in such a bad state – and the pair had drunk the same amount as the rest of the group before they entered the VIP area.
Too unwell to make the short eight minute walk home, the pair took an Uber organised by their friends.
They do not remember anything, not even getting into the car.
Back at the house, the girls continued vomiting and when one of them began to shake, their friends called an ambulance at around 5.30am
However, the group says that they had to ‘beg’ emergency services to send help and when the paramedics arrived they simply dismissed the incident as drunkenness.
“They refused to believe we had been spiked, even though our friends were pretty sober and all the evidence pointed to it,” added the student.
She insisted she has ‘never done drugs or smoked anything’ and that this ‘was a completely different feeling’ to being drunk or hungover.
Worse, she somehow felt guilty in the following days as though it was ‘her fault’.
“I thought I should have watched my drink, but then I realised it was ‘just a horrible thing that happens and we need to raise more awareness of it.”
She believes that most female victims are ‘scared’ to talk about their spiking experiences but that awareness urgently needs to be raised.
“I already know of someone who was spiked in Madrid and another who had a similar experience in Barcelona last year.
“People really need to be aware.”
See Making a Point on page 6
SPANISH youngsters are falling dramatically behind their peers, despite spending longer in school than earlier generations. A new OECD study shows the gap in basic skills between Spain and the international average has tripled since the days of the EGB model, which was in place until the 1990s.
While middle aged Spaniards educated under EGB outperform the OECD average, younger generations are slipping further back. According to the study Spain is among the five worst countries for improvements with those aged 25 to 34 three times further behind their OECD peers. In reading, Spaniards average a score of 247 compared with the OECD’s 260. In maths, it is 250 compared with 263, while in problem-solving Spaniards score 241 against 251.
Voted top expat paper in
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.
SPAIN’S new proposal to insist immigrants reach a B2 level in Spanish before obtaining nationality has raised eyebrows – and perhaps a few uncomfortable questions for Britons (and other expats) abroad.
Under Alberto Feijoo’s plan, newcomers would need to demonstrate a strong grasp of Spanish language and culture to qualify for citizenship - perhaps stronger than many Spaniards themselves!
On paper, that sounds fair enough. Integration does require communication.
Yet the irony is hard to miss: many of the very Brits who complain about migrants not speaking English in the UK, have lived in Spain for years without mastering more than ‘dos cervezas, por favor’. They expect immigrants to Britain – whether Moroccan, Romanian or Syrian, etc – to learn English immediately or risk social exclusion.
Politicians back home call it ‘essential for integration’.
Yet on the costas, it’s often immigrants from these countries who speak Spanish well, while many a Brit does not, and has no intention of learning.
Is this UK exceptionalism at work – the unspoken belief that speaking English is natural, but learning another country’s language is optional?
Perhaps it’s time for a little self-reflection.
Spain’s move to link language to citizenship may sound harsh (it actually already has a language requirement, but not quite so stringent), but it’s not unique.
The UK -requires foreigners to pass an English test and a ‘Life in the UK’ exam before being granted residency or nationality.
The difference is that Spain’s rule might finally expose a cultural double standard.
Integration, after all, is a two-way street – and respect for your host country begins with speaking its language, whether you are a ‘foreigner’ of the ‘wrong’ type or British!
PUBLISHER / EDITOR
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THE warning came out from the government and police in Madrid in early August, but it didn’t make giant waves in the media.
It came after four confirmed cases of spiking had taken place at Pamplona’s famous San Fermin festival the previous month and a serious one at a nightclub in Malaga in June.
Later in August Spain’s Equality Ministry began a series of initiatives to gather evidence and protect revellers at festivals and ferias around the country.
The so-called ‘violet points’ were set up to help victims and witnesses of sexual harassment.
Named after the colour connected to the feminist movement, they were first rolled out at Valencia’s Medusa Sunbeach Festival.
The country’s biggest electronic music festival, in Cullera, set up tents
By Jon Clarke, Josie Sharp & Rachel Gore
where partygoers could test their drinks for psychoactive drugs.
The simple drug tests can quickly discover if something has been slipped into anyone’s drink.
Samples are inserted into a test tube with a chemical re-agent and if the drink, for example, has the date rape drug GHB, it turns bright red.
Sometimes called ‘purple points’ or ‘ lilas’, as soon as there is a positive test the police are immediately called.
torn.
Some two years later in 2016 security boss James Hickey, 36,
told the Olive Press he was shocked at the increasingly brazen approach of criminals: “It’s very worrying as it seems that anyone is a target,” said the former Royal Green Jacket soldier.
“A police contact has warned me that crime related to spiking is very prevalent along the coast,” continued Hickey, who moved to Estepona after working in the Middle East for eight years.
As the Olive Press reported when we launched our Smash the Spiking cam paign a decade ago, the term ‘chemical submission’ was only just becoming a threat for women going out.
“People need to make sure they are looking out for each other.”
QWe soon realised that the so-called ‘spiking’ of drinks was happening more and more frequently. And it was also happening to some men too, often to rob them as they left a club or bar, as it happened to a BBC sports reporter Alan Tait in Puerto Banus in 2014.
Alarmingly he fell into a coma after being given ketamine and the 45-year-
The issue emerged again in 2022, when police confirmed there was an even more alarming threat to revellers who were being directly injected with a drug. They reported the incidence of this type of crime, which is normally sexually motivated, increased from 14% to 35% in 2021 alone, with over 1,000 incidents reported. And the problem appeared to increase, with many women reporting a small prick as they were out with friends. However, out of the 300 so-called pinchazo cases investigated across Spain, the tests extraordinarily revealed that no
UICKER airport queues, the chance of UK students rejoining Erasmus, and new guarantees on citizens’ rights – those are some of the headline promises from a landmark agreement signed by Spain and the UK.
The framework, signed in London last month, is not legally binding, but it lays out dozens of pledges covering travel, business, defence, climate, and culture.
Both governments called it a reset between ‘old friends and close allies’ after years of post-Brexit strain.
What does it mean for travellers?
The biggest practical win is reciprocal access to e-gates. This means British holidaymakers flying into Spain could soon use the same automatic passport scanners as EU citizens, cutting down long queues at airports.
In return, Spaniards arriving in the UK would enjoy the same fast-track treatment. Officials said the smoother entry process would be a ‘visible symbol’ of closer ties.
What about young people and students?
The deal highlights plans for a youth mobility scheme – a system of temporary visas allowing young people to live, work or study more easily in each other’s country.
It also revives hopes that Britain might rejoin Erasmus+, the EU’s student exchange programme that opened doors for thousands of young Brits until Brexit pulled them out.
If agreed, it would once again let UK students study across Europe with financial support, and bring more Europeans to British universities.
What’s in it for expats?
There are fresh guarantees for the millions of British nationals in Spain and Spaniards in the UK.
The framework reaffirms rights already protected under the Withdrawal Agreement
Pensions, e-gates and youth mobility: What are the key takeaways from Spain and the UK’s historic agreement?
By Walter Finch
– like residency and healthcare – but also promises to work on problems that fall outside it, including social security coordination. That means pensions, benefits, and healthcare entitlements for those not covered by Brexit rules will remain on the table.
How will businesses benefit?
The two countries are launching a new Trade and Investment Dialogue with annual meetings between ministers and business leaders. It’s designed to cut red tape and create opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
For example, there could be smoother rules for short-term business travel, or new cooperation in science and technology through EU programmes like Horizon Europe.
Both sides also want to team up on digital tech, space projects, and even decarbonising fishing fleets.
Climate and energy: what’s planned?
London and Madrid will sign a new energy memorandum to pool expertise on renewable power.
This includes rooftop solar, offshore wind, hydrogen, and the unique challenges of ‘island grids’ like the Canaries or the UK’s smaller systems.
An annual clean energy business panel will bring companies together to speed up investment in the green transition.
For readers, the practical impact could mean more renewable energy projects, lower carbon emissions, and possibly lower long-term energy costs.
Security and defence: what’s changing?
A new Defence Memorandum of Understanding will bring the two countries closer on strategy, weapons development, and military cooperation. That means British and Spanish armed forces are expected
to train and operate together more often, while their industries may jointly develop defence technology. On the policing side, both countries will expand cooperation against organised crime, drug smuggling, terrorism and cyber threats, using shared intelligence through Europol and Interpol.
Culture, sport and daily life
The framework also highlights cultural cooperation – with continued support for the British Council, Instituto Cervantes, and Spanish-British educational programmes. Sport is on the agenda too: Spain and the UK will share expertise on developing women’s sport and staging major tournaments, with the UK set to host EURO 2028 and Spain co-hosting the 2030 World Cup.
Another everyday detail is recognition of disabled parking permits – meaning the UK’s Blue Badge and Spanish permits could be honoured in both countries, a boost for disabled travellers.
Why does it matter?
None of this is guaranteed – the framework
victims had been injected with any chemical substances.
Despite no chemicals being detected, concerns have been raised about the cleanliness of the needles used, as they could potentially carry serious infections like HIV/ AIDS.
Closer to home in Malaga, this summer, a tourist went to have a toxicology test after she was spiked and sexually assaulted in a city centre nightclub on June 28.
The woman reported being inappropriately touched to police, which triggered emergency protocols.
On her way to hospital, she told paramedics she believed she had been injected with a substance to make her drowsy by the man. Medical staff examined her and found a puncture mark on her right shoulder that could have been from a needle.
The Policia Nacional’s Family and Women’s Unit is still waiting for results from blood and urine tests taken at the hospital to discover if drugs were involved.
Data from Andalucia’s health ministry recorded 10 cases of spiking were reported in Malaga, with a total of 96 cases recorded across the region in 2021.
The majority of victims were women, with only nine cases reported by men.
is political, not legally binding.
But it creates annual dialogues and memorandums that lock both governments into a rhythm of meetings and progress checks.
That means there is now a structured way to push forward on the things that directly affect citizens: faster borders, student exchanges, pensions and healthcare, cleaner energy, and safer streets.
For readers, the big milestones to watch are:
● Whether e-gates are actually switched on for Brits at Spanish airports.
● Whether a youth mobility scheme and Erasmus+ deal are struck.
● Whether the energy memorandum is signed and real projects follow.
● Whether the defence pact moves from paper to practice.
If those promises are delivered, the talk of ‘old friends and close allies’ could soon translate into faster holidays, new opportunities for young people, and deeper cooperation on everything from crime-fighting to climate change.
Scientists have developed cups, straws, and even nail polish that react when they come into contact with a drink laced with drugs.
One preventative tool that has been developed to protect victims is the Sentinel Bracelet created by the Spanish creative agency, Aglaya Creativos, costing only €8.
The bracelet contains a protective film that reacts to the presence of drugs five seconds after a few drops of the suspected liquid are applied to its surface.
Users can then scan the QR code on the bracelet to check whether the results are positive or negative, access emergency information, and find educational resources on how to prevent drink spiking.
Costa is a hotspot but I can’t get anyone to come forward
Spiking, the act of adding drugs or alcohol to someone’s food or drink without consent, can also be done by injecting substances into victims with needles.
The phenomenon of ‘needle spiking’ grew in popularity in the UK before spreading to Spain.
A wave of needle spiking claims have been reported to police in Europe since, including 175 in France this year.
Estate agent Lisa Burgess, 38, who runs Costa del Sol Chatter Facebook says her hometown Fuengirola is a hotspot for drugging and sexual assaults, but that they ‘almost all go unreported’.
She recalled seeing a tourist unconscious on a beach this summer and a man attempting to rob her and take off her clothes. She believes she was spiked with drugs.
Lisa said: “It’s all unreported, I can’t get anybody to come forward.
“None of the bar owners will come forward, because then they fear their bar is going to be targeted, and now it’s happening to more men.
“In my opinion, it seems to be 30% men, and 70% women are now victims to drugging and attempted assaults on the Costa del Sol.”
Although most alleged victims said they felt drowsy, and suffered memory loss, and loss of coordination, police investigations have found no evidence to support these claims, as test results consistently proved negative.
No reports of needle spiking in the UK or Spain have been confirmed by medical reports or police investigations.
Even without confirmed drugging cases, the phenomenon prompted many nightclubs across Europe to introduce more safety measures to protect potential victims.
Lisa said: “I think bars should consider safety as a promotion, advertising themselves as a spike-free bar.”
She continued: “Groups could come together to make spike-free zones. Make safety part of their image, it could save lives.”
Detective Maria Luisa Calcerrada, a senior investigator for the Guardia Civil in Madrid, told the Olive Press in 2022 that ‘none of the 96 confirmed cases in Andalucia last year involved drugs.’ She added: “We haven’t had any cases of drug-facilitated sexual assault. All test results have been negative. But this is still a very serious offence. It is not a game. People are being harmed. Perpetrators are not organised. They come from different backgrounds and have different motivations. But it always happens in crowded venues like clubs or festivals,” she said.
Another is Drinks Guard created by Spanish company, Guardians of Beauty.
Their test papers use CYD technology to detect traces of drugs when one drops liquid onto them. They change to orange or blue from yellow or pink if they find GHB, ketamine, scopolamine or amine drugs.
A pack of five reactive papers retails at €15.
At Madrid’s San Miguel festival this summer, they handed out 5,000 free wristbands that detect the presence of drugs in drinks.
This pilot project was rolled out to prevent individuals consuming spiked drinks.
In 2022, the Spanish government launched Puntas Violetas in several provinces to combat gender-based violence including sexual assaults, with Malaga opening its 32nd location in the network on June 17.
Regardless of the evidence of substances, the Junta has warned perpetrators that pricking someone with a needle is still a crime, as it can cause harm and requires medical assistance.
Excessive drowsiness, headaches and nausea are likely signs of spiking. So are clumsy movements, vomiting, blurred vision or seeing or hearing things. Another sure sign is a loss of memory, disorientation and dishevelled clothing.
In addition, watch out for the presence of unknown people, as well as witnesses saying the victim was ‘behaving strangely’ or ‘hadn’t drunk enough’ to behave in that way.
If anybody thinks they have been spiked, either directly or with something put in their drink, you need to immediately tell friends you are out with. They or you must immediately ask for help from staff and alert the police. Then you need to go to a hospital to be tested for toxic substances in the bloodstream.
Meanwhile, forensic toxicology professor Angelines Cruz, from Santiago de Compostela University, warned of deadly risks even when no drugs are used.“If the same needles are reused across victims, we’re looking at a real danger of spreading serious diseases like hepatitis or HIV,” she told our investigation.
Daniel Espasses, 33, President of the Association of Nightclubs, told the Olive Press a nationwide protocol is now in place. “If someone is pricked or shows symptoms, we call the police immediately. An ambulance is dispatched, tests are carried out at the scene and again at the hospital,” he said. “We also have cameras everywhere and trained staff.”
THE haunting season is upon us, and the Olive Press has cooked up a bone-chillingly brilliant offer that’s more treat than trick!
Until the witching hour on October 31, you can grab a fang-tastic annual subscription to the Olive Press for the terrifyingly low price of just €22.95.
That’s right – we’ve slashed our regular €50 fee in half with a deal so good, it’s positively supernatural.
But beware… this spooktacular offer is only for new subscribers who sign up in the next two weeks. After that? POOF – you’re a pumpkin.
For the price of a haunted house ride for a family of four, you’ll unlock full access to our cauldron of award-winning breaking news, exclusive investigations, and razor-sharp journalism from our team of UK-trained reporters scattered across Spain – from Cadiz to the Costa del Sol, via Madrid and Alicante.
Plus, enjoy our ghoul-icious daily email digests packed with news, travel tips, property insight, green living and more.
We’ve gone mad – mad, we tell you!
Don’t miss this killer deal... before it vanishes into the night.
Our team, who were just named ‘Spain’s best English newspaper’ in the Joan Hunt Diputacion de Malaga awards - will be getting the
ANIMAL rights activists stormed the stage at the ABTA Travel Convention in Mallorca to confront TUI UK, the last major British tour operator still selling tickets to marine parks.
As TUI UK boss Neil Swanson spoke, a protester interrupted: “TUI supports orca abuse. These animals are trapped in tiny tanks and forced to perform for tourists.”
Outside, PETA supporters protested the company's promotion of SeaWorld and similar parks. Vice-President Mimi Bekhechi said: “TUI must stop profiting from these miserable prisons.”
Activists noted that orcas in the wild swim 240km a day and live in complex societies — unlike those in captivity, swimming in circles.
petrol that could help save
SPANISH energy giant Repsol has just announced the industrial-scale production of the world’s first 100% renewable petrol.
The fuel, dubbed Nexa 95, is now available at a handful of service stations in Spain, with plans to expand to 30 locations by the end of the year. It works in any regular petrol-powered car without needing a single tweak to your vehicle or refueling infrastructure.
The new Nexa 95 Gasolina is making waves for its ability to slash CO2 emissions by over
By Dilip Kuner
70% compared to traditional fuels.
The renewable fuel is being pumped out of Repsol’s massive industrial complex in Tarragona.
It is part of Repsol’s larger strategy to promote sustainable fuels alongside electrification and renewable hydrogen – all with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint of 97% of the vehicles currently zipping around Europe.
Repsol’s success with renew-
SPAIN is confronting 141 climate-related risks that threaten public health, economy, and biodiversity, according to a government report.
The Assessment of Risks and Impacts of Climate Change in Spain (ERICC-2025), was commissioned by the Ministry for Ecological Transition.
It pointed out 51 key risks due to their severity and 17 with low reversibility, meaning they could cause permanent damage without swift action.
The Ecological Transition Minister,
ON TRACK: But there will only be 30 renewable petrol pumps in Madrid and Barcelona by January
able gasoline could also raise some serious questions about the EU’s 2035 ban on combustion engine vehicles. The company is calling for a
Sara Aagesen (left), said that 'the most extreme climate scenarios are already materializing' as she referenced longer and more intense heatwaves, severe droughts, torrential rains and an expanding arid climate. Among the 17 irreversible threats are the loss of biodiversity, degradation of ecosystems and soils, salinization of coastal aquifers, erosion-driven land loss, and rising sea levels. The report also projects a 2 to 3C temperature rise by 2050 and up to 6C by 2100, which could dramatically narrow any adaptation options.
rethink of this policy, suggesting that renewable liquid fuels could offer a more flexible, cost-effective solution to decarbonise transport without forcing drivers to trade in their beloved combustion engines for electric ones.
Repsol’s CEO, Josu Jon Imaz, insists that the future of green transport doesn’t have to mean sacrificing convenience or affordability.
With Nexa Diesel already in circulation and sustainable aviation fuel making waves in the skies, it’s clear that the company is determined to lead the charge in the energy transition.
And with heavy-duty transport firms like Scania and XPO Logistics already on board, it looks like this eco-fuel is here to stay.
By Rachel Gore
ANCIENT olive groves near Granada’s iconic Alhambra World Heritage Site face destruction to make way for a solar panel plant. The city council has granted a permit for the San Gregorio I plant, sparking backlash from locals and international bodies. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) has called for an immediate halt, citing threats to the protected landscape around the Alhambra, including the Generalife estate and traditional agricultural land.
While Granada’s Councilor for Urban Planning says they are legally required to process permit applications, the administration is not actively supporting the project. The case is now in its public consultation and appeals stage, awaiting a final decision.
Activists warn that developers are dividing the project into smaller plants - each under 10 hectares - to avoid a mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment. Two more developments are planned, potentially covering close to 10 hectares.
Granada already produces 1,452 MW from renewable sources and is seeing a boom in green energy. However, many residents fear irreversible harm to the area’s historic and environmental heritage.
SPAIN has seen its fair share of disasters – from wildfires and floods to power cuts and the Covid crisis. But there’s another epidemic quietly destroying lives across the country, and it’s been festering for more than 15 years.
An epidemic of pension and investment fraud has swept through Spain’s expat community, stealing millions from unsuspecting Brits. And while the Olive Press has long sounded the alarm, few others have dared lift the lid on this murky industry.
According to the UK’s Office for National Statistics, more than four million British citizens live abroad
– with almost 10% in Spain. That makes the country a goldmine for the international pension-fraud cartels. Their goal? To lure expats into shifting their pensions and savings out of the UK and into dodgy offshore jurisdictions such as Malta, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar. And things are about to get worse.
With the current Labour government hiking taxes, the fraudsters are out in force – blitzing social media with slick ads claiming:
“...over £19 billion in UK pensions remain poorly managed...”
“...living in Spain? You could be missing out on valuable pension options...”
“...discover how to transfer and
protect your pension abroad...” The pitch is always the same: higher growth, lower tax, easy money. And it’s always a lie.
THE CHIRINGUITOS FINANCIEROS
There are more than 70 brokers operating in Spain right now – all promising ex-
How
pats financial freedom. The reality? Most of them are unregulated, operating illegally and without any licence to offer pension or investment advice.
Spain’s investment watchdog, the CNMV, even has a special name for them – chiringuitos financieros –literally ‘finance bar flies’. The CNMV has published clear warnings about these fraudsters, outlining how they reel in victims through cold calls, social media, slick websites and fake ‘free pension reviews’:
WHO FALLS VICTIM?
Anyone living abroad can become a target, but British expats are especially at risk. Their pensions are easy to move, easy to manipulate – and easy to steal. There are two main types of victims:
1. Those already defrauded – people who’ve lost all or part of their pensions. The Continental Wealth Management (CWM) scandal is one of the worst. Around 1,000 victims were persuaded to transfer their
pensions to Malta (mainly via Momentum and STM). The money was funnelled into insurance bonds in the Isle of Man and Ireland, then into toxic, high-risk investments. The result? Devastating losses and ruined retirements.
By Angela Brooks of Pension Life
2. Those who haven’t yet been conned – but soon will be if they don’t wise up fast.
WHY DO THEY DO IT?
It’s all about secret commissions. Fraudsters make nothing if your pension stays safely in the UK. But once they convince you to transfer it abroad, they gain control – and the cash starts flowing their way. They earn two layers of hidden commission, both concealed from the investor and quietly deducted from their savings. First comes the kickback for the insurance bond itself – often up to 7%. Then comes a second, fatter
slice from the “investments” they stuff inside it – chosen not for performance, but for how much they pay the broker. The more you lose, the more they make.
● Use only qualified, regulated advisers – ideally members of the EFPA (European Financial Planning Association
● Never let anyone move your pension into an insurance bond (such as Utmost or RL360)
● Never transfer your pension to Malta, the Isle of Man or Gibraltar
● Ignore “free pension review” offers
● Treat all promises of “lower tax” and “higher returns” as red flags
Visit Pension Life to find CNMV-backed advice on how to protect your life savings – plus a stepby-step guide to finding the right adviser and learning the hard lessons from the Continental Wealth scandal.
THE International Flower Festival, Flora 2025, has returned to Cordoba for its eighth year.
POLICE have launched an investigation after a €600,000 Picasso painting went missing en route to an exhibition in Granada.
The work, Naturaleza muerta con guitarra (Still Life with Guitar), is a small gouache and pencil piece measuring 12.7cm x 9.8cm. It was supposed to be part of a loaned collection for a CajaGranada Foundation exhibition but was discovered missing after the collection was unloaded from a van.
The van, which had made an overnight stop near Granada, was reportedly guarded by two people. The missing piece was noticed by the exhibition curator mid-morning.
Under the theme of The Future, this year’s show has explored how nature can cause change.
This year’s competitors have come from Brazil, Spain, the United States and Mexico to transform five of the city’s patios: Mezquita’s Patio de los Naranjos, El Patio del Reloj del Palacio de la Merced, Patio II of the archaeological
museum, Patio de las Columnas in Viana Palace and the central courtyard of Orive Palace.
The latter site is displaying the work
of Ikefrana (AKA Francisco Jose Garcia Almodovar) who won Cordoba’s famous May patio competition, which sees people adorn courtyards with flow-
audio-visual material (81%) and listening to music (79%) are the most popular cultural activities in Spain, according to a Ministry of Culture study.
The survey carried out between March 2024 and February 2025 interviewed 16,000 people aged 15 years and over.
The study also revealed that
A LONG-LOST Spanish painting has been found hanging in a Finnish art gallery.
The piece, Saint Peter Martyr, painted by Baroque artist Antonio del Castillo y Saavedra between 1650 and 1655, was thought to have vanished forever when it was separated from its original series in the 19th century.
The artwork, part of a set of saints once owned by the Dominican monastery of San Pablo in Cordoba, was lost after the monastery’s properties were sold off by the Spanish state around 1830.
By Alex Trelinski
64.9% of the population read at least one book in the last year, while 47% went to a live show
and 52% visited a monument or historical site. Specifically in the live show category, 24.7%
For years, it was presumed the entire series, including this particular painting, was destroyed or lost.
But the mystery began to unravel last year when Lotta Nylund, Chief Curator at the Villa Gyllenberg Art Museum in Helsinki, spotted an intriguing plaque during a holiday in Cordoba. It read: Saint Peter Martyr. Location unknown. “I thought, ‘I know where that painting is’,” Nylund said. Her suspicions were confirmed after collaboration with Spanish experts who travelled to Helsinki to verify the find. The painting had been purchased in 1934 by Finnish art collector Ane Gyllenberg from a gallery in London.
ers and potted plants. This month, the five florists are competing for cash prizes of €25,000 and €10,000.
went to the theatre, 3.9% to opera, 32.1% to pop music concerts and 9.7% to classical music events. Cultural consumption in Spain has reached a peak since the first study in 2002-03 and at the highest level since the previous best of 201819.
Despite the rise of technology, the majority, 60.8%, read a book in its original ‘hard’ copy, while 29.8% opted for a digital or audiobook format. When it comes to buying
a book, 83% of those who purchased a book in the last quarter did so in a shop.
As for listening to music, 56.7% of the population enjoys it daily and 77.8% once a month.
The most listened-to genres are Spanish pop and rock (60.3%), followed by foreign pop (43.4%) and Latin (31.7%).
Some 48.5% of respondents went to the movies at least once a year, with the greatest attendance among people aged 15 to 19 (79.1%).
And 74% of the population surveyed has a subscription to a content platform at home, which is almost 15% up on its 2021-2022 study.
TWO climate activists from the group Futuro Vegetal have been arrested in Madrid after causing ‘irreparable damage’ to a 133-year-old painting at the Naval Museum. Victoria Domingo, 39, and Luna Lago, 29, threw biodegradable red paint over Jose Garnelo’s First Tribute to Christopher Columbus, leading to significant damage.
The women, who were wearing T-shirts with the Futuro Vegetal logo, were apprehended by security.
The attack coincided with the Dia de Hispanidad. A Futuro Vegetal spokesman said: “The celebration of October 12 is the celebration of centuries of oppression, exploitation and the genocide of the indigenous population of Abya Yala [a phrase used to describe the indigenous peoples of the Americas].”
The far-right Vox party has since filed a lawsuit, accusing them of damaging historical heritage, aggravated damage, public disorder, and other crimes.
ATCHING flamenco is ex -
We’re first drawn into the performance by the , or guitarist. Sitting on a red bulrush chair, one leg casually crossed, he exudes calm confidence. The spruce wood guitar, unadorned except for his hands, becomes the centerpiece. Then he plays. What starts as picadodeliberate, metallic chords - builds into a furious barrage of machine-gun strumming. His tapping foot and rhythmic finger taps anchor the melody. Soon, the cantaor, or singer, joins in. The guitar takes a backseat, providing the foundation while the voice becomes the focus. With floppy hair
framing his face, a dangling pearl earring, and a stubbled neck, the vocalist enters with poised confidence. He waits for a gap in the rhythm, then begins to sing - long, wailing notes that echo Islamic prayer calls. His voice sings of love and heartbreak - amor y desamor - raw, emotional, and intimate, like reading a diary you weren’t supposed to find. As the music rises, the balance shifts again, and the spotlight moves to the bailaora. The dancer sweeps up her skirts, heels striking the ground in rapid succession as she punctuates the music. Sweat streaks down her face, blending with blue eyeshadow, but she dances on, breathless. She ends explosively, chest heaving, her panting the only sound left. From the crowd comes a loud ‘ Olé !’ It’s almost intrusive, watching
To ‘have duende’ is to have soul. It is the emotions of the artist converted into pure art. Their talent borders on perfection, it is something magical and authentic.
first strum. The opening act features intense, fast-paced picking, furious glissando , and heavy-handed rasgueado.
In act two, Leon is joined by David de los Santos, 40, for a bulerias performance. Afterward, dancer Yasaray Rodriguez, 49, enters, winking before taking a seat, her glossy lipstick catching the stage lights.
The taranta is dark and reflects the pain and fatigue of the miners
Rodriguez dances two acts - a tarantas and an alegrias - each with its own rhythm and flair. The performers play off one an other, improvising, reacting with raised eyebrows and head nods.
The Olive Press gets immersed in flamenco at Sevilla’s Casa de la Guitarra , seeking a deeper connection with this pure Andalucian art form
had to alter lyrics to avoid persecution, though songs were often passed down and slightly changed with each generation, making them harder to censor.
Some pieces at La Casa de la Guitarra still reflect these themes of pain and hardship.
Leon explains: “The taranta is dark because it reflects the pain and fatigue of the miners’ work with coal.”
The dance itself is as much a part of the storytelling as the music. “These dresses are made for dancing,” says Leon, pointing out that they are designed so that when the dancer raises her arms, the dress doesn’t rise with her.
her raw, pained expressions on stage. Yet we can’t look away. The trio at La Casa de la Guitarra performs six acts, each one distinct in mood, tempo, and style. The evening begins with Manuel Leon, 46, a guitarist with 35 years of professional experience. His mastery is evident from the
“She creates a drawing with her dance; I re spond, and the singer responds as well,” León explains. At La Casa de la Guitarra, it’s pure flamenco - not folk lore. Flamenco is a fu sion of Arabic, Spanish, and Gypsy culture, originating from the convivencia when Muslims, Christians, and Jews coexisted in Islamic Spain. This period, often called the ‘Golden Age of Spain’, produced significant achieve ments in architecture, writing, and the arts.
Theresa Goldbach, a dance expert, links flamenco to Francoist fascism in the early 20th century. As the Russian Revolution loomed, Spain’s working class, many of them gitanos (Gypsies), turned to flamenco to voice their pro tests.
Under Franco, flamenco became a tool of state propaganda. National flamenquismo commer cialized the art to pro mote Spanish identity, altering the core meaning of flamenco. Performers
Every dance style has its own distinct dress. For example, la solea , which speaks of love and heartache, is typically performed in a passionalegrias , joyful and uplifting, calls for brighter colours - pinks, greens, and whites. In the narrow streets of Sevilla, Bordados Foronda is a workshop dedicated to handcrafting flamenco dresses. The shop is filled with rolls of satin, cotton, and crepe, as well as rich shawls embroidered with intricate flowers. Here, Francisco, known as Paco, runs the operation. He speaks quickly, gesturing with his hands as he describes the work.
“First and foremost, one must respect the woman’s form,” he says. “Then, depending on the client, you can make it simple or more colourful.” But on stage, it’s not the dress that defines the womanit’s the woman who makes the dress come to life.
Yasaray Rodriguez, standing at just 150 cm tall, fills the stage with a presence that transcends her
through his works Brenan helped bring this part of Spain to the world.
His most famous book, the autobiographi
Where rolling hills, ancient villages, and the spirit of tradition meet in a landscape that has inspired poets, artists, and dreamers for centuries
South from Granada was written in 1957, while he lived in Churriana, where he found the rhythm and themes of Spanish life, which he
wove into his texts.
By Dilip Kuner
Even now, a short drive from the frenetic Costa del Sol, brings you to a refreshing contrast: a quiet, rural landscape where life moves slower and the past is never far from view.
This part of Malaga feels like a journey back in time, with its sweeping views of olive groves, almond trees, and citrus orchards, all spread across a valley carved by the Guadalhorce River. The land here is rich and fertile, and the smell of orange blossoms - azahar - hangs in the spring air, taking you straight to another time when this area was known as ‘Allah’s Garden’ by the Moors.
The villages that dot the valley still hold onto their oldworld charm.
Places like Alhaurin el Grande
- where Brenan died aged 92 in 1987 - and Coin carry centuries of history, from Roman
settlements to Moorish rebuilds, and each corner of this valley feels like a reminder of how Andalucia once was, even on what today are the busy costas - quiet, agricultural, and deeply tied to the rhythms of the land.
For example, the deep sense of history in towns like Alhaurin el Grande, Coin, or Alora - the latter, in a further literary reference, is on the Washington Irvine Route between Sevilla and Granada - have rich Moorish and Roman influences.
These reflect the cultural layers found in the Guadalhorce Valley that have been part of its life for thousands of years.
The Guadalhorce Valley is a place where history isn’t confined to textbooks or ruins; it’s alive in the very air you breathe. Medieval ballads, like the famous Ballad of Alora, romanticise the valley’s role in the Christian reconquest, and the legacy of the Moors is still evident in the region’s whitewashed villages, traditional farming practices, and local folklore.
Whether you’re hiking up mountain trails, wandering through narrow village streets, or just sitting on a terrace with a view of the valley, you can’t help but feel connected to the past. The Guadalhorce Valley is a slice of real Spain - the kind of place that’s hard to find amid the tourist
crowds and fast-paced modern life.
The Guadalhorce river, the largest in the province of Malaga, carves its way through this picturesque valley, giving life to the lush countryside that surrounds it.
Rolling hills covered with olive groves, citrus orchards, and almond trees create a patchwork of green and gold, particularly beautiful in the spring when the almond blossoms bloom.
For those looking to explore, the valley’s landscapes are ideal for hiking, cycling, or simply soaking in the natural beauty.
The Romans were the first people to settle here en masse, and remnants of their influence are scattered throughout the region. Coin, the region’s ‘capital’ and just a short hop
From front page
from Alhaurin, is a larger version of its smaller neighbours (Tolox, Yunquera and Alozaina) with its emblematic church, series of squares and a multitude of winding cobbled streets.
Set up by the Romans, it was large-
ly abandoned for almost 500 years, then brought back to life by the Moors, who rebuilt it in 950 AD. Much of this later success came from the quarries of marble and iron ore which were used in the construction of Sevilla’s famous settlement of Italica, the birthplace of the future Emperor, Hadrian.
Reconquered by the Christians during a long siege in which Christopher Co-
GLORIOUS: View of Valle de Abdalajís, while a farmer picks lemons under the AVE high speed railway viaduct in Alora
lumbus allegedly took part, it was also popular with another great explorer Captain Cook, who visited in 1829.
After a visit to Cartama, Alhaurin and Coin, he wrote, ‘These villages are
on rising ground above the river and in beauty of situation and cultivation cannot be excelled.
“They afford a specimen of the whole country when possessed by the Moors, being surrounded by gardens with orange, lemon and palm trees and abounding in all the fine as well as the more common fruits.”
A great place to continue your journey is Tolox, which is the back door to the incredible mountain wilderness of the Sierras de las Nieves national park.
As someone once described it, ‘If Coin sits at the foot of the Sierra de las Nieves, then Tolox is the toenail’. Formerly part of the Moorish Kingdom of Soleiman, this whitewashed village also draws visitors to dip into its Fuente Amarga spa (also known as the Balneario de Chiclana), with its legendary healing properties.
Stress and muscle fatigue are washed away with a variety of therapies ranging from natural gas inhalation to mud spray treatments.
Head uphill for a couple of miles and you will find the eagle-eye views at the Cerro de Hijar hotel, one of Anda-
By Dilip Kuner
THE mild temperatures and stunning autumnal colours make it the perfect time to explore the Guadalhorce Green Corridor.
Spain’s largest river park, its 54 kilometre trajectory will eventually wind through seven towns, with three sections now complete.
Aiming to connect areas of the Guadalhorce valley using natural trails, the corridor stretches from the Gaitanes Gorge to the Guadalhorce river. Along the way, travellers will discover orchards, olive groves and
GREEN PARADISE: The corridor will eventually go through seven towns with 11 specific sections
The Guadalhorce Green Corridor is a great way to literally ‘take a hike’!
forests, not to mention the region’s charming towns.
The featured spots are: Ardales, Alora, Pizarra, Coin, Alhaurin el Grande, Cartama and Alhaurin de la Torre, all known for their rich culture and history including pottery handicrafts and olive oil. The latest part, a four kilometre hiking route through Pizarra. Previously, walkers had travelled between the towns of Pizarra and Vega Hipolito by walking on the road, so
lucia’s more remote places to stay.
Every hairpin bend round the steep cliffs offers up a fresh angle on the Guadalhorce Valley.
Looking down as far as Malaga and to waterfalls trickling below, it’s easy to forget that the Costa del Sol metropolis is just over the mountain.
From here you head up towards the stunning white village of Yunquera and Alozaina which are embedded like jewels in a setting of olive groves.
The entrance to the latter’s charming centre is marked by stone arches while the church – the crowning glory in most of these pueblos - can be seen against the skyline from the narrow streets below.
From the striking Santa Ana church, there are spectacular views towards the Sierra Prieta.
A half an hour north east you cannot miss Alora, which can be seen from miles around.
This stunning place packed with Moroccan and Roman influences is topped by a castle, which sits on a lofty pinnacle looking down on this quaint pueblo.
A stop at the 17th century La Encarnacion church en route is the perfect prelude to the main event atop Cerro de las Torres hill.
The castle has had a long and chequered history. Originally built by Phoenicians, before being expanded under Roman rule, it was destroyed by the Visigoths and rebuilt by the Moors.
Retracing your steps back the route south west out of Alhaurin brings you to the serene Barranco Blanco (White Ravine).
A photographer’s dream tucked away in the countryside where wild boar feel safe to roam, its aquamarine waters end in a magical waterfall, but hide a dark past.
Park the car and head into yet another stunning side valley for walks and great pictures.
Let’s not forget what was once dubbed the ‘world’s deadliest walkway’ until the Caminito del Rey reopened 10 years ago following a €3 million upgrade. While much safer now, you’ll still need a head for heights taking this high-adrenalin
Everyone mentions the Nazis, who allegedly used the area as a training camp during the war, due to the alliance between Franco and Hitler. You can still see a white building that was used as a sentry point as you arrive.
this path provides hikers with a safer journey between the two towns. Visitors can also admire the Guadalhorce River Estuary Natural Park, down near the coast, the historic Azud de Aljaima bridge and the Riparian forests. The other sections include a pedestrian walkway over the Alora river and the development of a 12.5-kilometre riverside path in Coin. Once completed, there will be 11 river routes to explore, perfect for
bird watchers. The valley also has its own microclimate, making it great for cycling, walking and running all year round.
hike that runs through the El Chorro gorge, an immense fissure five kilometres long and 300 metres deep as it slices through towering limestone cliffs.
Set between the two postage stamp-sized villages of Ardales and El Chorro, it is no wonder this area garnered the nickname ‘the Andalucian Lake District’, in part thanks to a series of Olive Press travel articles over a decade ago.
The scenery is more akin to the countryside of Cumbria or the cantons of Switzerland than the average scenery on the Costa del Sol with the two villages linked by hairpin bend roads past the shimmering reservoirs bordered by sandy
beaches and shaded by feathery conifers. With lakeside campsites, it’s the quintessential active weekend break for outdoor sports types, offering rock climbing, watersports, pedalos and dining under the stars at charming pine-shaded ventas.
There is a lot to explore, with one incredibly interesting side trip up to the ancient ruined city of Bobastro, found by taking a side road uphill just a few clicks outside El Chorro.
A fascinating place, it was here in the ninth century that rebel Muslim leader Omar Ibn Hafsun, declared indepen-
dence from the Moorish kingdom of Cordoba, leading to decades of conflict and the setting up of an impregnable mountain redoubt that was hard to capture and even harder to find.
Today, you can explore the site, with its various buildings and ruins that suddenly emerge in clearings amid deep woodland. Most fascinating of all is an ancient church that was literally hewn out of rock, with circular shapes as windows, one presumes. And then it is time to head back to the coast to re-enter the modern world with new memories of an ancient world.
THE UK’s Lake District is justly famous for its stunning landscapes and timeless beauty - but did you know Malaga has its very own version?
Comprising three picturesque reservoirs, Guadalteba, Guadalhorce and Conde del Guadalhorce, this ‘Mini Lake District offers a refreshing change of pace from the usual tourist hotspots along the coast.
With its beautiful lakes, charming towns, and rugged mountains, it's an idyllic destination for anyone looking to explore Andalucia off the beaten path.
The El Chorro reservoir, part of the Guadalhorce system, is arguably the star of the show. Once known for its Blue
By Dilip Kuner
Flag beach, this freshwater spot has bounced back after a period of drought and is once again a fantastic place to visit.
The beach here is nothing like the typical coastal variety. Instead, it’s surrounded by a thick forest, giving it a tranquil, almost magical feel. The water is cool and refreshing, and the setting is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature.
For those craving adventure on the water, the El Chorro reservoir offers a range of exciting activities.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular here, and local outfitters have been renting out equipment for many years. Whether you’re paddling solo
in a kayak or joining a group on a paddleboard, it’s a fun and active way to take in the stunning surroundings. Staying out of the water, places like Tres Embalses, Tajo de la Encantada, and Estacion del Chorro offer fantastic
views of the lakes and the surrounding mountains. Head for these spots during the early morning or late afternoon when the light turns everything into a magical dreamy landscape.
in Álora since 1998 – We pride ourselves in
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spectators
size. Hailing from Havana, Cuba, Rodriguez discovered her passion for dance at 11. Five years later, she auditioned for the Cuban National Ballet, impressing with her charisma despite her limited formal training.
“I didn’t know much about technique at that time, but I knew how to improvise and use my charm,” she recalls, laughing as she stands up to reenact the moment. Rodriguez toured with the Cuban ballet for a decade before feeling drawn to flamenco. “It’s like falling in love,” she says. “You get butterflies in your stomach. It propels you. It has to raise you up.”
Her journey took her to Spain, where she studied flamenco under a full scholarship from the Cristina Heeren Founda -
ONE STOP SHOP:
Huge collection of fabrics and dresses at Paco’s workshop
October 22ndNovember 4th 2025
tion. The cultural permit she received was initially for just three months, but when the Cuban government insisted she return, Rodriguez chose to stay in Sevilla, marking the beginning of her international success.
Now 44, Rodriguez has become a celebrated bailaora , performing across Spain, France, Germany, Morocco, and Russia, winning awards at national competitions. For her, flamenco is much more than a career - it’s a deep, passionate love affair.
“Flamenco is not just about technique,” she says. “It’s about feeling it in your bones, about letting it move you.”
THE next big Save A Life (SAL) fundraiser is just around the corner.
On November 28, the team will gather at La Sierra Restaurant at Cerrado de Aguila Golf Resort for a charity event aimed at raising money for another life-saving defibrillator. All funds raised will go towards placing more defibrillators in Calahonda and surrounding areas, ensuring that the
Join the team on November 28 to support the installation of more defibrillators in Mijas Costa
community is better prepared in case of cardiac emergencies.
The event promises an evening of good food and entertainment, featuring a welcome drink, followed by a three-
course meal with unlimited draught beer, wine, and soft drinks during the meal service. Tickets are priced at €45, with €5 from each ticket going directly to SAL. Guests will also enjoy live performances by Ben James, formerly of Jersey Boys, and local favourite Ricky Lavazza. To book your place, contact Gerry or Jenny on 664 150 582.
This event follows a hugely successful fundraising campaign where SAL raised €4,767.56 in under two months, enough to install two defibrillators in the region. The first was recently placed outside Pals Bar in El Zoco, Calahonda, and the second was installed by El Oceano Beach Hotel and
Restaurant.
The campaign has now identified three more locations for future installations, and with funding already secured for two,
the team is hopeful that La Sierra will support the third one. The upcoming event is expected to be a big step towards their goal of saving even more lives.
The Save A Life campaign was born from the personal experience of Gerry Hannam, who suffered a cardiac arrest while in London and was saved by a quick-thinking bystander using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This life-changing event inspired Gerry and his wife Jenny to start SAL, with the aim of increasing access to defibrillators throughout the region. Since then, the Hannams have rallied their entire family to join the cause, including their five grandchildren, who craft bracelets to sell at fundraising events. Their children have been instrumental in promoting and developing the activities of SAL, helping to bring the
community together around this vital cause.
SAL has found great support in the Summerell family, the founders of Mediterranean Homes’ ‘Touch of Kindness’ campaign. The Summerells have been donating defibrillators to local schools and facilities in Coin before turning their attention to the coast, and recently donated €500 to SAL to support their mission. Kelly Summerell expressed her admiration for the Hannams, saying: “Gerry and his family are doing an amazing job in making people aware
of how important it is to have defibrillators within the community.”
With the La Sierra Restaurant fundraiser coming up in November, SAL’s team is pushing forward with plans to install more defibrillators across Calahonda and beyond. The next major fundraiser is scheduled for February, aimed at placing another defibrillator higher up in Calahonda, and eventually the campaign plans to work along the coast to extend their reach even further.
To stay updated on upcoming events and get involved, visit Save A Life’s Facebook page for more information.
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BBVA’s hostile takeover of Sabadell Bank has failed, with just 25.47% of shareholders backing the bid - well short of the 50% needed.
Surprisingly, BBVA didn’t even reach 30%, ruling out a sweeter second offer. The failed bid is a major blow to BBVA chairman Carlos Torres, who also failed to merge with Sabadell in 2020. Despite this, Torres said he has no plans to resign. Sabadell chairman Josep Oliu said: “We didn’t expect this.” Spain’s Deputy PM Yolanda Diaz welcomed the result, saying the bid risked jobs.
Consumer group Asufin called it a ‘victory,’ preserving branches and employment. Torres emphasized shareholder benefits, noting that financial restrictions are now lifted.
TOP-PERFORMING insurance advisors from across the globe were honoured for their work at a special threeday gala event in Spain this month. The event, held from October 1 to 3 in Mallorca, drew finalists from 25 countries, selected from a pool of more than 164,000 Generali agents worldwide. The GAEC, now in its eighth year, recognises agents who have demonstrated outstanding performance in client service, innovation, and professional excellence.
THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its forecast for economic growth this year in Spain to 2.9%. That's 0.4% higher than its prediction earlier in 2025 and more optimistic than the Spanish government's projection a few weeks ago of a 2.6% rise in Gross Do -
By Alex Trelinski
SPAIN’S tourist industry growth has slowed down significantly in 2025 according to sector group
Exceltur.
It claims tourism is no longer the ‘main driver of the country’s economy’.
Exceltur says weaker spending from European and American holidaymakers has led to a lower contribution to the country’s economy.
Despite that, foreign tourist numbers have risen to record lev -
els along with all-time high overseas passenger figures at Spain’s airports.
Exceltur Vice President, Oscar Perelli, said that tourism growth will no longer exceed Spain’s projected GDP rise this year of 2.9%.
Despite the push-back, Exceltur still expects all tourism-related activity in the country to grow by 2.8% in 2025, down from a 3.3% prediction made in July. Last year, the tourism sector reported a 5.5% expansion.
COMPANIES in the US can offer a wide range of retirement plan options that provide tax advantages to themselves and their employees. In fact, they’re so numerous it’s hard to keep track of them all without a road map.
put five times more money into a retirement plan that gives immediate tax advantages than a similar employee in Spain
First, there are qualified plans and non-qualified plans. Within the qualified plan category, there are both Pension plans and Profit-sharing plans, that are further divided into defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans. Defined contribution plans can be either Pension
or Profit-sharing. Defined benefit plans? They’re always Pension plans. US companies can also establish non-qualified retirement plans, which are typically cheaper and easier to manage. There’s also a non-qualified plan that has nothing to do with the employer - the IRA (Individual Retirement Account). This lets individuals save for their own retirement while still enjoying tax breaks. It’s especially popular
Italian advisor Anna Pagani was named the overall global winner for 2025. Two Spanish agents also secured top honours: Pedro Orgaz, based in Aranjuez (Madrid), was ranked among the top 10 agents globally, while David Sanz received recognition in the ‘Multi-policy Clients’ category. Senior figures from Generali’s leadership attended the event, including Spain CEO Carlos Escudero and Chief Sales & Distribution Officer Jorge García.
Speaking at the gala, García highlighted the significance of the awards: “These recognitions reflect the daily commitment of our agents to their clients and their ability to meet the evolving demands of the insurance sector.”
The GAEC forms part of Generali Group’s broader strategy to position itself as a ‘Lifetime Partner’ to its customers, placing long-term relationships and client-centric service at the heart of its global operations.
report said that Spain's economy will continue to be the fastest growing in the eurozone. It stated that Spain will almost triple the average growth of other EU countries (1.2%), even though the IMF has up-
graded its forecast for them by 0.2%.
The two traditional economic power houses of Germany and France are predicted to have growth of only 0.2% and 0.7% respectively this year. The news appears to be good for 2026, as the IMF expects Spain to grow two tenths more than expected, to 2%double that of the eurozone at just 1%.
It says exports of goods to the United States from the main European economies, especially Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom, 'have
with freelancers and self-employed workers who don’t have access to employer-sponsored plans. Even employees with workplace retirement plans can utilize IRAs too, depending on their situation.
Confusing? Yes. It’s as if the US constructed a five-lane retirement plan highway.
In Spain, on the other hand, it appears that someone painted a single bike lane and called it a day (if the superior rail travel system of Spain vs the US is an indicator; however, even a Spanish bike lane might be a better means of transportation). The list of options for tax-advantaged retirement savings is much shorter in Spain. The options are limited to:
● Pension plans
● Non-profit mutual insurance institutions
● Insured pension plans
decreased significantly' due to the new tariffs.
However, it feels the fall has been offset by total exports from the euro area, 'supported by higher trade flows within the EU'.
THE European Commission has launched legal action against Spain over a €179 million fine imposed on budget airlines, including Ryanair and Vueling, for charging passengers extra for hand luggage and seat reservations.
Brussels argues Spain’s Air Navigation Law, which limits airlines’ pricing freedom, violates EU competition rules. A formal ‘reasoned letter’ has been sent to Madrid, giving Spain two months to respond. If unresolved, the case could escalate to the European Court of Justice.
As for inflation, it's expected that Spain will close the year at 2.4%, half a point less than last year but still above the target set at 2% by the European Central Bank (ECB). Neighbouring countries will be lower than Spain and on average, inflation in the eurozone will close 2025 at 2.1%falling next year to 1.9%.
Qualified
Qualified Plans
Qualified Plans
The fine, issued nearly a year ago, was seen by Spanish authorities as a move to protect passengers from abusive surcharges. However, airlines claim the right to set prices freely is vital to maintaining low fares. The outcome could reshape EU airline pricing policy.
● Workplace pension plans
In broad terms, the United States has five times more tax-advantaged plans available for retirement savings than Spain does.
Retirement Plans: Spain vs US
Coincidentally, depending on the $/€ exchange rate of the day, a typical 50-year-old employee in the United States can contribute approximately five times more money to a retirement plan that gives immediate tax advantages than a similar employee can in Spain.
Potential Yearly Savings: Spain vs UK
The UK is in the middle ground. It’s as if they’ve built a flexible and easy to navigate two-lane road with a convenient roundabout. Key options include:
● Workplace pensions
● Personal Pension Plans (PPP) and Stakeholder Pensions
● Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs)
● Defined Benefit Pensions
● Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
● Lifetime ISAs (LISA)
Differences between retirement plans in the US and Spain are not simply a technical policy detail. They can affect how people save and how much they accumulate for retirement. The wider range of choices in the US can lead to more tailored savings strategies, a culture where savings feels ‘normal’ and potentially larger retirement savings pools. On the other hand, they require higher financial literacy of retirement plan participants. And as more than one person has suggested, the wide range of retirement plans in the US may simply reflect more politicians wanting their name on something.
MOTRIL boosted its bid to become a national cruise hub by hosting the CITCA Suncruise summit.
With over 60,000 cruise passengers expected by the end of 2025 Motril on Granada’s Costa Tropical, is positioning itself as a serious alternative to Barcelona and Malaga.
The port recently welcomed over 1,800 tourists from P&O’s Aurora, highlighting its growing appeal. The summit brought together cruise lines, port authorities, and tourism experts to discuss sustainability and innovation in the industry.
Officials say the initiative could boost jobs and revenue, strengthening Andalucia’s presence in global cruise tourism.
MALAGA is about to step into the culinary spotlight as the Michelin Gala is poised to take part in the city, The November 25 event will showcase the city as a top destination for food lovers, drawing
November 29thDecember 12th 2023
EXCITEMENT: For the first Michelin Gala in Malaga
RENFE, Spain’s national rail operator, has revealed its top destinations for October train travel, highlighting cultural gems and culinary experiences.
Granada tops the list, offering the Alhambra, the Albaicin, and nearby Sierra Nevada mountains. Santiago de Compostela follows, ideal in autumn for visiting its cathedral and enjoying Galician wine and pulpo a la gallega at the Mercado de Abastos.
By Dilip Kuner
attention to the culinary talent of the region as well as unveiling new Spanish entries into the Michelin Guide for 2026.
HOTSPOT:
The Marques de Riscal bodega designed by Frank Gehry
VISITS to vineyards and wine museums rose by 2.2% last year to just over 3 million. Revenue was up by nearly 10% according to a report by the Wine Routes of Spain organisations. The visitor numbers were only bettered in 2017 and 2019.
The financial impact of wine tourism reached over €112 million - a record figure - and 9.9% increase compared to 2023. Domestic visitors accounted for 74.9% of the total but there was a rise in international visitors- 3.9% up on the previous year.
It will be hosted by TV star Jesus Vazquez, with actress Masi Rodriguez welcoming guests on the red carpet.
At the heart of the evening will be a stunning dinner, prepared by nine Michelin-starred chefs from across Malaga and Ronda.
The lineup is led by Benito Gomez, the two-star chef of Bardal, and Marcos Granda from Skina, also boasting two Michelin stars.
Rooted
The rest of the team includes renowned chefs like Jose Carlos Garcia, Dani Carnero, and Diego Gallegos
The chefs will collaborate to create a menu of 18 courses. While the details of the dish-
es are under wraps, the organisers have teased that the menu will be deeply rooted in the flavours of Andalucia, showcasing the region’s finest ingredients.
To pair with these dishes, wines from Axarquia will take centre stage, offering a taste of Malaga’s wine culture.
The Michelin Guide is also launching a promotional campaign to position Malaga as a global gastronomic destination, with the city’s chefs leading the charge.
Local tourism officials have praised the region’s growing food scene, with Yolanda Aguilar, General Secretary for Tourism, noting that it’s the very reason Michelin has chosen to highlight the area.
Pamplona takes third, hosting the Week of Cazuelica and Navarre Wine in mid-October, showcasing traditional dishes along Calle Estafeta. Zaragoza charms with the Basilica del Pilar, Aljaferia Palace, and local dishes like ternasco lamb and migas.
Vitoria-Gasteiz earns praise as one of Spain’s greenest cities, featuring the Anillo Verde and a lively pintxos scene.
Rounding out the list is a surprise: Marseille, France - the only non-Spanish pick, known for its Vieux-Port and bouillabaisse.
Renfe offers direct connections to all six destinations from cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla.
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These 5 Michelin starred restaurants won’t break the bank, if you are careful!
By Dilip Kuner
THINK Michelin stars mean bankers, bil lionaires and blowouts? Think again. Spain is quietly serving up Michelin magic for less than the cost of a pub night out in the UK. With tasting menus starting below €50, you can eat like a king without selling a kidney. From Galicia’s windswept coast to Madrid’s dusty outskirts, a handful of Michelin-starred chefs are proving that fine dining doesn’t have to mean fine spending. Stick to those with ‘just’ one star and you can find some bargains Here is a selection of one-star spots where you can feast without flattening your wallet…
20km south of Madrid, Chirón gives Castilian-Manchegan cuisine a modern edge. The execu -
PRODIGI – Barcelona
In the heart of the Eixample district, chef Jordi Tarre reimagines Catalan classics with flair. The weekday lunch deal is a steal at €38 – four courses that change with the seasons. Expect dishes like smoked sardine with roasted tomato or slow-cooked Iberian pork.
CHIRON – Valdemoro (Madrid region)
Run by brothers Ivan and Raul
tive menu at €39 includes breads, oils, appetiser, fish, meat and des sert – all plated like art.
SILABARIO –(Galicia)
Perched above the Real Club Celta, Silabario has sweeping harbour views and a menu rooted in Galician produce. The
cheapest menu is a modest €40, and you’ll taste the region’s famed seafood, garden-fresh veg and inventive desserts, all crafted by chef Alberto Gonzalez.
TRIGO – Valladolid
Wine country dining at its best. Chef Victor Martin’s €48 tasting menu – aptly ‘Like at Home’
– features appetisers, two starters, a main and dessert. Bread included.
EN LA PARRA
– Salamanca
In the golden-stone old
champion Iberian pork and seasonal flavours. Their €50 Concepto Charro menu includes five courses plus dessert in an intimate, elegant setting.
● Mind the extras: Drinks, bread, and service charges can quickly add to the bill - check what’s included before you sit down.
● Book early: These spots fill fast, especially for weekday lunch menus. ● Time it right: The cheapest menus are usually only available on weekdays, often at lunchtime.
● Call ahead: Menus change seasonally and some restaurants close for local holidays, so double-check availability.
Spain proves you don’t need deep pockets to eat like a king. From Galician harbours to Salamanca’s golden streets, these Michelin-starred meals deliver luxury for under €50. All you need is a reservation… and a healthy appetite.
OWNING a property in Spain as a non-resident offers sunshine and opportunity - but also a clear set of tax obligations. As Spanish authorities step up enforcement and the EU tightens oversight, non-resident owners face a changing compliance landscape. Here’s what you need to know about the key deadlines, legal updates, and practical steps to stay compliant - and possibly benefit - in 2025 and 2026.
Key Deadlines for 2025/26
For the 2025 tax year, the filing period runs from January 1 to January 20, 2026.
If you rent out your property (either long-term or short-term), you
Non-resident Spanish Property tax deadlines & Latest Tax Updates for 2025/26
must file your Modelo 210 rental income tax return within this period. Please note that if you choose Direct Debit payment, the deadline is January 15, 2026. At IberianTax, we make the process even easier — we pre-fill your tax form starting in October, so there’s no need to wait until January to complete your declaration.
The Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) now cross-checks property and rental data more rigorously, especially income from platforms like Airbnb or Booking.
for personal purposes, you must file an imputed income tax return based on its cadastral com. Late or missing filings can trigger penalties, interest, and back taxes — so setting reminders for these dates is essential. Imputed Income
Even if your property is not rented or used only
value. Filings open on January 1st and close on December 31st of the following year. For the 2024 tax year, the deadline is December 31, 2025, or December 23, 2025, if you choose to pay by Direct Debit.
Capital Gains (Modelo 210) – One time filing within 4 months When selling your property, you must file a Modelo 210 capital gains declaration within four months of the sale.
Please note that the buyer is required to submit Modelo 211, which reports and pays the 3% withholding tax on your behalf. This withholding can later be offset or refunded.
What’s Changing in 2025/26?
While tax rates are expected to remain the same (24% and 19%), some municipalities may revise the imputed income percentage
— for example, from 1.1% to 2% or vice versa — used to calculate property tax. These updates are applied locally and can affect all non-resident property owners, regardless of nationality. Beyond this, 2025 may mark a turning point in how non-resident tax rules are applied, particularly for owners from non-EU countries. Several measures currently under discussion could result in changes to deductions, reporting obligations, or administrative procedures.
At IberianTax, we’ll ensure our platform remains fully aligned with the latest legislation in force, continuously monitoring any re -
forms to keep your filings accurate and compliant.
New: Holiday Rental Registration
All properties intended for shortterm rentals must be registered in the Single Rental Registry and have a Rental Registration Number (NRA), even if they already hold a local tourist license.
The main deadline to obtain the NRA was before July 1, 2025, for properties already being rented, but it is still possible to apply for any property you plan to rent, ensuring you can legally list it on platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, or Vrbo.
QUIRÓNSALUD Marbella Hospital has launched its new Microbiota and Longevity Unit, a service that combines prevention, health promotion, and optimisation to maximise vitality and quality of life for individuals.
The new unit aims to approach health in a comprehensive way, addressing potential issues before they arise.
“For me, the creation of this unit represents a strategic and important advancement, both personally and professionally. It is the culmination of years of research, training, and clinical experience integrating disciplines such as epigenetics, mi-
IT’S only 8.40am during the recent international break and Spain’s Head Doctor Claudio Vazquez Colomo is beginning to wrap up our interview. He’s already brought it forward by an hour because of a last-minute emergency and it’s not hard to understand the pressure he’s under.
An orthopedic surgeon by trade, he’s got to take one of his young stars for an MRI scan and, given the current heated debate on Spain’s La Liga teams using players ‘too young’, it’s more contentious than ever.
“He felt a tweak and we fear the worst,” he explains from his office at the Spanish FA’s Madrid headquarters. “We really need to get to the hospital to get it double checked.”
While he’s not allowed to tell me who (it will all come out during a press conference later that day), he offers a tantalising hint. “We’ve actually talked about him quite a bit already,” he smiles.
I immediately know it’s Dean Huijsen, a local expat lad who grew up on the Costa del Sol, and who at 20 has just become a starter for Real Madrid, having spent a season at Bournemouth in the UK.
My kids know him from local schools and I’ve met his dad Donny a few times
crobiota, healthy longevity, and regenerative medicine,” explains Dr. Mayca González, head of the new Microbiota and Longevity Unit at Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital.
A Medicine of the Four “P’s”
The centre adopts a care model based on what Dr. González defines as the four “P’s”: personalised, predictive, preventive, and participatory.
“We are not just aiming to treat diseases; what’s more important is preventing them and optimising health and aging from the root.
To do this, we use advanced tools such as genomic studies, functional analyses, and evidence-based integrative protocols,” highlights the specialist.
Microbiota and Detoxification, Key Pillars One of the key focuses of the unit is the study of the intestinal microbiota, which is increasingly recognised as ‘an invisible organ’ that regulates digestion,
a new exclusive health column for the Olive Press, Spain’s national team doctor Claudio Vazquez Colomo talks to Jon Clarke about the strains and stresses of keeping the world’s No1 team in peak fitness as the world cup looms
at one of his businesses in Marbella, Costa Jump, and have closely followed his trajectory.
“He’s an extraordinary talent,” confirms Claudio, already wearing his Spain tracksuit, even at this unusual hour of the morning for interviews. “Quite different from anyone else, particularly growing up in Marbella.
“The way he moved up the ladder so fast and so young is remarkable. Very tall, very fast, it is incredible to see him on the ball and mentally he is very strong and calm.
“I mean his first game for the national team was against the Netherlands this year, a big team. And the minute he got the ball all the opposition were understandably all over him. But he took it all in his stride and had a great, great
game.”
He continues: “But of course being young, we are under so much pressure to protect him and we don’t want any of the problems we have seen the likes of Pedri and others over recent seasons.”
And, ultimately, the buck stops with him. In charge of an incredible 27 Spanish national teams (including the women’s and youth squads) it is up to Doctor Claudio to make the final decision on whether a player is fit enough to play for his country…or even be on the training pitch.
It is a high pressure job, unsurprisingly with the Spanish team currently the world No1 and set to enter the World Cup in America as likely favourites next year.
It’s his second year in the job at the Real Federacion Española de Futbol (RFEF) and it means he’s away working with the team
immunity, inflammation, detoxification, and even mood. “When the microbiota is balanced, the body functions harmoniously, but if disrupted, it can trigger a domino effect that affects the skin, immune system, metabolism, or even the brain,” Dr. González emphasises. Alongside the microbiota, the unit also addresses detoxification processes. González clarifies the difference from passing trends:
“We’re not talking about miracle shakes, but rather the natural enzymatic processes our bodies perform to eliminate internal and external toxins. We evaluate the patient’s actual detoxification capacity and design protocols based on functional nutrition, micronutri-
ents, and antioxidants.”
Additionally, the unit combines aesthetic medicine with medical precision to achieve safer, longer-lasting, and more natural results. Inflamed skin or a nutritional deficiency will not respond the same way to laser, fillers, or mesotherapy. Thanks to personalised analyses, tissues heal better, treatments are more effective, and complications are reduced.
“What’s good inside is reflected on the outside: in healthy skin, a strong immune system, and a balanced metabolism,” summarises Dr. González.
The new unit will work in coordination with specialties such as Digestive, Dermatology, Gynecology, and
Primary Care. “It’s about working together. The goal is for the patient to stop going from consultation to consultation with partial answers and to find in our unit a comprehensive, coherent, and personalised view of their health,” highlights the doctor. Quirónsalud in Andalucia
The Quirónsalud Group in Andalucia currently operates eight hospitals located in the cities of Málaga, Marbella, Los Barrios (Cadiz), three in Sevilla (Sagrado Corazon, Infanta Luisa, and Materno-Infantil), Cordoba, and Huelva, in addition to two day surgery hospitals in Sevilla and Malaga, and 22 specialty and diagnostic medical centres. This positions it as the leading private hospital group in the region.
for many months of the year - an incredible 46 consecutive days alone at the Euros last year!
“It’s a very full on role and you have to be completely committed,” he continues. “Saying that it is an absolute pleasure to work with some of the world’s top sportsmen. Players like Yamal, who come around once in a lifetime. To see them close up and get to know them is great.”
Claudio is talking to the Olive Press in advance of the launch of an exciting new column he is writing for us about staying fit into middle age and onwards.
A traumatologist who specialises in hip, knee and shoulder surgery, he understands more than anyone the key to longevity and how to avoid injuries.
or three years longer if he had eaten better.”
He continues that the key to being healthy is a balanced diet and everybody is slightly different.
Surprisingly he doesn’t rule out chocolate or bread, albeit in small quantities and meat is ‘very important’ for protein.
Surprisingly he doesn’t rule out eating chocolate or bread
While half Spanish, half Puerto Rican, his English is impeccable and developed during spells living in Canada, while much of his medical training was in English.
“Everything is about prevention and good practice,” he explains. “With the young sportsmen I work with, diet is increasingly important. An incredible 99% of teams have nutritionists today, and players such as Barcelona’s David Villa have said his career could have been two
“You need meat every day, particularly for top sportsmen and a range is very important particularly when you are away on camp,” explains the father-offour, who lives in Almeria.
One of the key aspects of his job is communication and having a good relationship with the clubs is very important.
“Above all, we want to protect the players. We will not take any risks and the clubs must trust us. We understand any small niggles they have and we send updates every day, exact minutes if you like of their progress and issues.”
He continues: “The clubs do realise that the players want to be here especially when the Euros or the World Cup is coming up. And on top of that if you have a player with the nation-
Claudio became inspired to become a doctor when he visited his father, also an orthopedic surgeon, when he was working at his local hospital in Jaen as a kid. He had arrived from the Dominican Republic in 1965 after a revolution and went on to meet his wife at Granada University. “When I was eight or nine I remember one young guy who came in with a dislocated shoulder and in a split second my father put it back in place. In just three seconds the agony totally disappeared.”
“I always wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon in the south of Spain and I got my residency in Almeria, after spending a year in Oviedo. It’s got great weather in Almeria and it is near the beach. Plus I knew some of the doctors there. Then I ended up meeting my wife, who is a paediatrician. We have four kids. 13, 11, 8 and 5 and we love going to the nearby beaches and places like Cabo de Gata. Nice wines, good food, the key to a good life.”
Nutrition is so important we now have a whole unit inside the medical department. We analyse the food every player eats and give them individual strategies. We actually prepare special bags for each player every day. In 2008 only 5% of teams had nutritionists, now in 2025 99% of teams have them.
My job is different from that of a club doctor. We work with healthy players, who come from their clubs to train a couple of days before a match. In a club about 12% of the players are injured at any time during the season. That means that the risk per player is 1.9 injuries a season. Nearly twice a season.
So many good players are now starting at the top level at 18 years old. But the risk of young players getting injured in football is high, but also in basketball, tennis and volleyball. We have to really watch out, especially with prevention of injuries. All the veterans know their bodies. They know their bodies. With young players, we have to teach them about sleep, diet and how to deal with their environment. We work with them every day on this.”
al team his value is going to be higher so it is good for the club as well.
“It is also great that we are ranked number one in the world so who wouldn't want to be playing here.”
On top of that he says the current squad is a ‘really nice group’ who come from all around Spain and are playing all over the world, many in the UK, such as Pedro Porro, Mikel Merino and David Raya. “They love coming back home and
playing with old friends,” he explains.
Above all, they are the ‘most amazing’ group of players, but apart from being good players they need ‘1000 other details’.
“You need commitment, responsibility, team spirit and be mentally very strong. You need to be able to fit into a big family. You have breakfast, lunch and dinner together. Two days, three days or more. You need to be able to take the pressure. If you don’t have those details you won’t make it to the very top level.
“I’ve seen so many players who couldn’t quite make it to the top as they lacked this.
“There are only 3% of professionals like Messi, Ronadlo, Lamin, players who are so talented they don’t need the rest. Most players have to have all the other aspects.”
What about the sort of bad behaviour we have seen over the years with the English national football team with the likes of Paul Gasgoigne?
“Well these days they never drink alcohol,” insists Claudio. “They are so disciplined. OK, they can have a beer after we win a tournament.
But it is so different to the 80s and 90s. The intensity and speed right now is completely different. They are focused on nutrition, sleeping well, strength in their muscles, high and low
And in his first column, doctor Claudio explains the importance of warm-up exercises before and after sport
AS the head doctor for the Spanish national football team
the most common question I get asked is probably about warm up exercises. People are always intrigued to know if they should stretch before or after exercise… or both.
Traditionally, static stretching exercises were done prior to sporting activity. This pattern has changed in recent years.
Several studies show that static stretching prior to activity may increase the risk of injury, since cold stretching would be counterproductive if it exceeds the appropriate level of intensity. It could also lead to a decrease in physical strength and endurance, which would in turn affect sporting performance. If you stretch before sport, you will run less and likely feel more fatigued.
The best thing to do before sport is a series of dynamic exercises to activate the muscles, increasing blood flow and joint mobility. To conclude, running at a low intensity as well as some balance exercises is likely suitable before sport. After physical activity, muscle tone and fatigue increase due to exercise.
The best thing to do is to stretch to normalise muscle tone, re-establish muscle blood flow and prevent future injuries.
Stretching should be gentle, without being painful, because if we do it with great intensity we could cause micro-tears in the muscle. After stretching, I also recommend applying local colds. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and has an analgesic effect.
Contact Doctor Claudio at his clinic at Vithas Almeria on 616169096 or Euroclinicas Vera on 950391300
intensity, speed. They know that alcohol can affect things. They need to be in perfect shape, so they just avoid it.”
And one final thing, the Spanish team are really focussing on these days is sleep.
“Winding down is very important and we have a special sleeping disorder specialist working with us at the moment.
“Sleep is very important, but you don’t need eight hours. Some people need just six hours. It depends on the person, but what is certain is you have to have rest.
“To be at the top of your game you need to be restful. We are trying to change some things like turning off the phone before going to bed. Better lighting, reading, etc. We think it will make a difference.”
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Across: 7 On site, 8 Thorax, 9 Yeah, 10 Try again, 11 Briar, 13 Steps, 15 Dab, 17 Leafy, 18 On tap, 20 Deprived, 22 Mole, 23 Tumour, 24 Rotund.
Down: 1 Ensemble, 2 Dish, 3 Leotard, 4 Stays, 5 You got it, 6 Maui, 12 Inferior, 14 Pipeline, 16 Borders, 19 Avert, 21 Ehud, 22 Mate.
THE decision by La Rioja to allow hunters to claim wolves’ heads or pelts as trophies is nothing short of barbaric (Wolf slaughter, last edition).
For just €1,298, hunters can legally kill one of Spain’s most iconic and ecologically vital animals – a shocking move that flies in the face of conservation progress. Wolves play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and with just one resident pack in La Rioja, this socalled ‘management’ policy is little more than state-sponsored extinction.
Even more troubling is the political motivation behind it. Instead of pandering to hunting and farming lobbies, regional governments should be investing in coexistence measures – compensation schemes, better livestock protection, and education.
Killing wolves will not solve rural challenges; it will only destroy one of Spain’s most magnificent species for sport. Spain once took pride in banning wolf hunting nationwide. Reversing that ban is not progress – it’s a disgrace.
John
Carpenter (Rincon de la Victoria)
PRIME Minister Pedro Sanchez’s idea of counting climate change and disaster management as part of Spain’s defence budget is not as far-fetched as some critics claim. If national security means protecting citizens from threats, then floods, fires and droughts – which have already cost €30 billion and 20,000 lives in a decade –surely qualify. However, NATO’s purpose is military readiness, not environmental resilience. Including climate spending risks diluting the alliance’s core defence commitments and alienating partners already wary of creative accounting. Spain should absolutely invest in climate protection, but it must be transparent about what counts as defence. Security is indeed 360º – yet honesty must be one of its key components.
Keith Patient (Alicante)
I AM writing regarding your online article The Generous Expat Brit Who Changed the Face of Torremolinos Forever. There are a few factual inaccuracies I would like to bring to your attention. You state that George Langworthy married his wife, Annie
Editor’s note: We appreciate your attention to historical detail.
The figure of 12 million mentioned in the article refers specifically to Spanish pesetas, not
SOME good news for Doñana (Lifeline thrown, last edition). Paying farmers to stop draining the aquifer is long overdue. For years, illegal wells bled the park dry while officials looked away. Let’s hope this new agreement is more than another promise on paper – Spain’s wetlands can’t afford another decade of neglect.
Caroline Brooks (Sotogrande)
Margaret Roe, in Egypt in 1909. This is incorrect. According to the marriage banns at St George’s, Hanover Square, Westminster, London, the couple were married on September 27, 1899. You also mention that the pair went to Castillo Santa Clara in the mid-1890s, but as they were not married until 1899, that date cannot be accurate either. Finally, the article refers to Langworthy’s fortune as equivalent to £12 million today, but the correct figure would be closer to £3 million. I would appreciate it if you could correct these important details in your online version of the article.
UK pounds. This figure was the very generous amount he gave away during his time in Malaga, and was equivalent to about £360,000. We have reviewed the other points
IT’S right that farmers are compensated to give up water-hungry crops, but €100,000 per hectare sounds like a hefty reward for years of abuse. What about those who farmed sustainably all along? They deserve recognition too – not just the ones who broke the rules.
John Paine (Altea)
you raised regarding the marriage date and the timeline of residence at Castillo de Santa Clara and will ensure the article, published in 2014, is updated online to reflect the accurate information.
THE plan to rewild parts of Doñana is a vital step towards restoring Europe’s lost biodiversity. But money alone won’t fix the damage – strict enforcement and long-term monitoring must follow. Otherwise, the illegal wells will quietly reopen the moment the spotlight fades.
Tom Ericson (Granada)
For further information call: Gibraltar Tourist Board +350 200 74950 Or to download a brochure go to: www.visitgibraltar.gi
SWEET ENOUGH: the Gallants did not need to pay extra for sugar
THE body of a Valencia man missing for 15 years was found in his pigeon-infested flat in Valencia after DANA Alice flooding exposed his remains.
A NEW CIS survey reveals one in five Spaniards view Franco’s 36-year dictatorship positively, with historians warning of ‘worrying amnesia’ about Spain’s authoritarian past.
FAR-RIGHT activist
Tommy Robinson told a UK court he now formally lives in Spain, confirming long-held suspicions he’s using the country as a refuge from legal and safety troubles.
ASADOR Aupa in Cabrera de Mar, Catalunya, has decided it’s time to change the burger game by slapping an eye-watering €9,450 price tag on their creation.
According to the restaurant, this burger - which they have even named SUA - is the most expensive in the world, and it’s been ‘eight years in the making’.
Maybe that is eight years to work out how to charge the
World’s most expensive burger served at Spanish Restaurant with a 3.7star TripAdvisor rating
By Dilip Kuner
price of a car for a meal?
But don’t expect to just pop in and ask for it with your regular reservation. No, no, this
FORGET raging infernos – firefighters in sleepy Javali Viejo, Murcia, were called out to tackle a musical meltdown.
A school’s loudspeakers went haywire, blasting ‘Happy Birthday’ at full volume from 11pm until 4.30am, leaving locals climbing the walls instead of into bed.
Eventually, the heroic bomberos broke into the school and pulled the plug, ending the five-hour party nobody wanted. Murcia’s fire department later joked online: “We didn’t want to ruin anyone’s birthday, but…it wasn’t the right time!”
But some social media users had a sense of humour failure, slamming the school for wasting the time of emergency services. One fumed: “Do we really need firefighters for this?”
BAFFLING: The €9,450 patty is by ‘inviation only’
burger is exclusiveit’s served by invitation only to a select few. Because apparently, true luxury means waiting for an email invite and eating a burger with a private dining experience.
Forget your usual McDonald’s, folks, this is the burger of the elite.
They justify the price by using a combination of ingredients like three different types of the ‘finest meat in the world’, an ‘exclusive European cheese’ (no word yet if it’s just fancy cheddar), and a signature sauce made from premium spirits.
But don’t bother asking what
goes in it - the recipe is locked tighter than Fort Knox. Apparently, this is a ‘culinary masterpiece’ only a privileged few are worthy of.
But here's the problem. This fine establishment has a rather modest 3.7-star rating on TripAdvisor. Not even 4 stars. So, before you start wondering if you should start saving up for the world’s priciest patty, maybe you should check out a few reviews.
It seems even the ‘exclusive’ crowd might have a few... reservations.
A BRITISH expat was left stirred, not sweetened after being slapped with a bizarre ‘sugar charge’ at a Costa Calida cafe.
Peter and Gwen Gallant, from Alicante, were enjoying a relaxing three-day break in Santiago de la Ribera, Murcia, when a quick coffee stop turned sour.
After ordering two simple coffees at the seafront Kiosko Entre Mar y Mar on Paseo Cristobal Colon, the couple were served their drinks in paper cups – accompanied by two sugars, two sweeteners and a pair of wooden stirrers. But when it came time to pay, Peter spotted an extra 30 cents tacked onto the bill.
“When I asked what the extra was for, they told me it was for the sugars – even though neither of us takes any!” he fumed. “They said it was a standard charge. In 25 years of living and travelling in Spain, I’ve never been asked to pay for sugar before. What a rip-off!”
