Olive Press Mallorca issue 202

MYSTERY continues to surround the ‘disgraceful’ collapse of the firm Iberian Funeral Plans in Spain.

Hundreds of expats are fuming after discovering their end-oflife plans, for which they paid up to €10,000 for, have effectively vanished overnight.

The firm was founded by British expat Steve Nelson, who is reported to have died around six weeks ago in Portugal. Shortly afterwards, clients began noticing no one was answering the phones at Iberian headquarters, nor responding to emails.

It soon became clear the company had ceased operating, leaving all of its customers’ plans effectively null and void.

As reported on our front page last issue this meant that a number of funerals have gone unpaid, causing considerable grief for families.

Despite taking millions in payments over the last decade, nobody has been able to establish the status of the firm or accounts.

Sardines

and moss men

The weird and wonderful spring festivals across Spain, see inside

A source close to Iberian told the Olive Press this week that an expat Karen Krejzl could be ‘the key’ to discovering what happened. Krejzl is the former partner of Nelson and was closely involved in the business ‘until the pair broke up two years ago’, as his health deteriorated from diabetes.

According to official Spanish records she was the main adminis-

trator from 2016 until 2023, when she resigned on paper to hand over the running to Nelson.

The source said: “I don’t believe Steve was dishonest and even though he was no longer involved in the dayto-day running for the last few years, I assume he ensured that funerals were dealt with and paid for.

“Unfortunately, he had been in poor health for many years with diabetes and I believe had lost part of one leg.”

The Olive Press failed to make contact with Krejzl via various numbers and social media.

Her father, who lives on the Costa del Sol, told us he has not spoken to her for some time, and claimed she left Iberian ‘years ago’ after ‘falling out with Nelson’.

See Sickening betrayal on page 6

ELECTRIC SHOCKER

EXPATS David and Margorie Smith’s retirement dreams turned into a living hell when Spain’s largest electric company left them in the dark.

The Brits, aged 87 and 88, claim they were treated ‘worse than animals’ by Endesa after the energy giant cut off their power and slapped them with a shocking €3,000 bill.

The couple moved to the Costa del Sol after two decades in Galicia, purchasing a small home in Alameda, near Antequera, two years ago.

“It seemed like the best move we’ve ever made,” David told the Olive Press.

But their retirement dream soon turned into a nightmare, when they started noticing erratic electricity

STARRY EYES

NASA named a photo taken from Ibiza as one of the photos of the year.

Captured by the Cala d’Hort telescope, the image shows the Pacman nebula (NGC281) where new stars are forming. It is 10,000 lightyears from earth, in the Cassiopeia constellation and around 80 years of light are captured in the photo.

Taken by Joan Montilla Gomez, a member of the d’Eivissa Astronomic Association and is the third time the telescope has received the honour. It took 44 hours in total to secure the image, which is not only ‘marvellous looking but allows us to reflect on the universe we call home.’

Expat pensioners - 87 and 88 years oldhave power cut off despite having legal contract and paying their bills

bills via the previous owner’s provider Holaluz.

The monthly demands ranged from €10 to €140, despite minimal electricity use.

Frustrated, they switched to fellow giant Iberdrola in June 2024, using the same CUPS identity code, but a month later Iberdrola inexplicably cancelled their contract.

It eventually emerged that their CUPS code had been shared with a neighbour’s home, but by then they

By Tom Ewart Smith

had opened a new account with Endesa.

Things however were to get worse when Endesa bizarrely reassigned their CUPS to their neighbours. And two months later, on January 19, the couple received a letter demanding €2,314 for a year’s worth of energy. The letter was addressed only to

‘the occupier’ and lacked a sender’s name.

Crucially, the CUPS number listed did not match the one from the couple’s new contract.

An Endesa representative later confirmed it was non-existent.

Adding to their woes, when they originally joined Endesa, they were told they needed a new smart meter, costing €647.

This was despite a local electrician confirming their current meter was ‘fully functional’, and an Endesa representative in Antequera also deemed the upgrade ‘unnecessary’.

The company insisted though they still had to pay the €3,000 sum owing or they would be cut off.

On January 22, this year, Endesa did exactly that, forcing the couple to move into a nearby rented home, where they are still staying.

“They are treating us

worse than animals,” said Margorie, who suffers from panic attacks. She claims Endesa’s customer service regularly hangs up, and she describes them as ‘very rude’.

Despite their possessing a physical contract, Endesa claims they have no record of the couple.

Eventually a representative for the firm at its office in Antequera told them: ‘pay and you can claim it back,’ but they refuse to trust the company. Even lawyers have told them they are ‘wasting time and money’ trying to resolve the matter.

Their last hope lies with the Junta, which is reportedly investigating.

“We have been told they are helping, but with a company that behaves like the gestapo, I doubt they will get anywhere either,” added Margorie.

The Olive Press was unable to get hold of a spokesman at Endesa before going to press.

IN THE DARK: Margorie and David Smith

Space show

ARTA residents were shocked on Monday to see one of Elon Musk’s rockets in the sky. The large blue spiral caused by ejected gas was also spotted in the UK.

It’s mine!

A MAN has appeared in court accused of stealing his own car from Palma’s municipal car pound, smashing a barrier as he did so, after it was towed away from a no stopping zone.

Fiery fight

AN ARREST has been made in Manacor after a man attempted to set fire to a local policeman’s house, with whom he had a long standing feud.

Quick kip

A DRUNK driver in Palma has been fined after overturning his car and hitting five other vehicles after he ‘closed his eyes for a second’.

A GROUP of teens have caused outrage after filming themselves ‘using a chicken as a football’.

The Guardia Civil has now identified 39 of the young people involved in last August’s incident and are investigating two for the crime of animal abuse.

All risk being hit with a fine of €10,000-€50,000 for ‘serious’ animal

FOWL PLAY

abuse.

The teens grabbed the chicken by the feet and kicked it like a football. The caption of the video read ‘corner’, with a football stadium emoji. Police have also asked for a fine

against the security company in charge of CCTV cameras in the Los Quintos area of Villamediana de Iregua, Logroño. It allegedly failed to provide officers with ‘the necessary information’ to catch the culprits. They are now facing a fine of between €360,000€1,000,000.

Rapper accused

BRITISH rapper Yung Filly is being investigated over the alleged rape of a woman in Magaluf last summer. Filly, 29, had travelled to the resort to per form at a beach con cert.

He met the Brit ish woman at the gig and then hooked up with her later at a nightclub.

Rape claims over YouTube star’s Magaluf summer incident

By Alex Trelinski

Weeks later the victim reported him to the police back in the UK, who notified the Guardia Civil.

A MAN has been arrested in Manacor for attempting to burn down a house while a family slept inside.

The suspect, who had a previous arrest eight years ago, also made repeated death threats to the victim's mobile and home phones.

Police searched the suspect’s home and found a number of suspicious signs of arson intent, such as inflammatory liquids at the scene and charcoal prints on the

Gassed out

GUARDIA Civil officers have arrested two men for robbing an elderly man after pretending to be gas engineers. They threatened to kill the man if he did not tell them where he kept his money and after finding the cash, they left the victim tied up and fled the scene.

The suspects are facing charges of violent robbery, belonging to a criminal organisation and holding fake documentation.

Police are still investigating the crime and arrests could still take place.

ried out by the Guardia and a file sent to a Palma court.

Yung Filly - real name, Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos - has been in Australia since the autumn.

The woman said that Yung Filly went into the room when his friend left and raped her.

Investigations have been car-

She accused him of touching her bottom at the club and she later left with a friend of his to a hotel where they had consensual sex.

Burning grudge

blinds and front door.

Detectives tracked down the suspect this week, a local resident with a known grudge against the victim, and arrested him to prevent further attacks. He was immediately transferred to judicial authorities, facing charges of attempted murder and making death threats.

He faces multiple sexual assault charges following an alleged assault on a woman at a Perth hotel on September 28.

The rapper had been performing at a coastal suburb of the Western Australian capital city.

He was arrested in Brisbane and taken back to Perth.

He pled not guilty to the charges at a preliminary court hearing a few days ago and is free on bail ahead of a trial scheduled for June.

A Palma judge has contacted the Australian authorities to get permission to question Yung Filly under oath.

The artist has over three million followers on YouTube plus social media platforms.

POLICE have fined four landlords over €20,000 for illegally registering people on the municipal padron

At least 34 cases were detected at the Palma and Llucmajor properties by the False Documentation and Immigration Network Unit (UCRIF 2).

In one case, a landlord registered 18 people as living in just three flats in Son Gotleu and Llucmajor, and was fined €11,000.

Another landlord who registered four people received a fine of €4,000, while another was fined €6,501 for eight false registrations. Being registered on the padron is essential for many bureaucratic procedures, including getting residency documents.

Discover Leonardo Boutique Hotel Mallorca Port Portals - Adults Only, a 4-star superior hotel located right next to one of the most luxurious marinas of the Mediterranean: Port Portals.

Choose from one of our 77 unique rooms, all of them with great amenities and spectacular views, and enjoy a cocktail in the hotel’s Sky Bar or cool down on a Balinese bed by the pool. Come join us!

VALENCIA’S iconic Fallas festival culminated with the traditional Crema ceremony, where hundreds of satirical sculptures were set ablaze.

This year’s event held special significance as it addressed the devastating floods that ravaged the region last Oc tober, claiming hundreds of lives.

The sculptures, crafted by local artisans, critiqued the handling of the disaster, with depictions of regional leader Carlos Mazon and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to the fore. Some figures high-

Sad fallas

lighted the resilience of volunteers, while others celebrated heartwarming moments from the

The festival, recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, drew large crowds and provided a moment of catharsis for the community.

Meanwhile, King Felipe VI made a

TRAGIC: An effigy of falleraswomen in traditional garb

surprise visit to the festivities in Torrent (left), one of the hardest hit towns in Valencia, to show support for flood victims.

Good job!

Amanda and Alan’s featured TV property has brought a giant surge to depopulated inland Spanish village

EXCLUSIVE

A RENOVATED townhouse that featured on BBC's Amanda & Alan's Spanish Job has brought an avalanche of interest to a sleepy inland region.

The three-bedroom propertywhich has gone up for sale for €245,000 - has led to nearly 100,000 property searches on Moclin this year.

The sleepy village, 35 kms northwest of Granada city, hosted TV celebrities Amanda Holden and Alan Carr as they spent a year renovating the historic home.

Since the series went out on national British TV in January there have been nearly 1000% more people searching for

EDDIE Jordan, the charismatic former F1 team owner who died last week, had a deep connection to Spain through his longtime residence in the exclusive enclave of Sotogrande.

In the late 1980s, Johnny Herbert, one of Jordan’s former drivers, fre quently visited the villa.

He fondly recalled Jordan’s warmth and hospitality, describing him as ‘one of the greatest hosts you could ever come across’. Jordan built his Costa del Sol home after purchasing a plot of land from golfer Tony Jacklin in 1983.

property in the area.

“There have been over 85,000 searches for Moclin so far this year, compared with just 104 at this time last year,” explained a spokesman at property portal

Rightmove

“That’s a surge of 800 times and the biggest year-on-year increase we have recorded of any overseas location in 2025,” he added.

Local agent Ian Rutter, mean-

FINAL LAP

Over the years, he, his wife Marie, and their four children enjoyed Sotogrande’s sunny climate and worldclass leisure activities.

In the past decade, he also made use of Sotogrande’s marina to dock his 155ft luxury superyacht, a £32 million vessel that reflected his love for the finer things in life.

while, told the Olive Press he had been ‘inundated’ with visitors looking for homes in the pretty inland area.

“We have been getting dozens of inquiries a week and lots of people have headed over to visit,” said Rutter, who appeared in the show a couple of times.

The mayor of the town, Marco Perez, added: “It has been the most amazing boost for Moclin.

“It has really put the town and its surrounding area on the map.”

Perez, who travelled with the TV show to various festivals including Granada, continued: “Amanda and Alan were such fun to work with and we are already missing them.”

The property that sits opposite Moclin’s town hall was completely restored over the last year, with new staircases, roof and windows.

Features include 'a large central island, a chimney breast that houses the cooker and storage in ‘traditional’ cupboards'.

Katy comeback

AMERICAN superstar Katy Perry will return to Spain after a seven year absence for her latest tour. She will appear at Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi on November 9, followed by Madrid’s Movistar Arena on November 11.

Perry announced her return with a poster bearing red and yellow butterfly wings.

The Lifetimes Tour is a collection of Perry’s greatest hits, from Roar to Firework Tickets will range from €48-€110 in the seated section and from €80-€140 standing.

PIQUE TEARS

FORMER Barcelona defender Gerard Pique broke down in tears when quizzed by a Madrid judge over an alleged corrupt business deal.

The case involves a lucrative agreement that saw Spanish Super Cup matches being hosted in Saudi Arabia.

The ex-partner of pop star Shakira told the judge that he has ‘suffered a lot’ and that the case had tarnished his reputation, before he let his emotions get the better of him. A court is probing corruption and money laundering allegations following a big deal made by former Spanish football federation president, Luis Rubiales, in 2019.

Some €4 million was paid annually as a commission to Pique’s sports entertainment company Kosmos for helping broker the agreement.

ON SALE: Moclin townhouse costs just €245,000

By Jon Clarke & Alex Trelinski

Sneaky speculators

ACTIVISTS claim foreign property speculators are posing as locals to buy homes at cheaper prices

They say posters that have been put up around the island can vassing for residents only, is part of a worry ing trend.

One such poster reads: “Do you know about homes for sale?

NEED FOR SPEED

FANCY driving around in a drug kingpin’s flashy motor? Now’s your chance!

Three swanky vehicles seized from Balearic Islands drug

“Hi, I'm Paula, interested in buying a house in this area. I’ll buy it as is, no need to clear or clean. Contact me. Locals only, no real estate agencies."

Fighting

Pretending to be a mallorquino is just one strategy investors have reportedly employed to build trust and exploit the allegedly lower prices between locals. They then renovate them and flip them back onto the market at a much higher price, which effectively forces real mallorquinos out of the market.

Anti-tourism groups have called the practice out and are encouraging locals to tear down these posters when they see them.

“We're fighting to preserve our communities,” a spokesperson said. “Ending the housing speculation business is our priority."

auction block next month. The government’s ‘Drug Plan’ is selling the ill-gotten gains to help fund the war on narcos. So, you could be cruising in style while sticking it to the dealers!

So, if you have deep pockets and a need for speed, how about a Ferrari or an Aston Martin? That’s right, two Ferraris (a 575M and F512TR) are up for sale in the online auction on the Escrapalia website - and the reserve price is just €150. The catch

is that one of the Ferraris has been heavily modified and it will cost up to €20,000 to return it to its original condition, while the other has no documentation. The Aston Martin DBS (last ITVd in 2018) does have documentation and has a current bid of €5,000.

STAY AWAY!

Residents tell tourists ‘you are the problem’ in warning to Brits and Germans

ANTI-tourism activists in the Balearics have one message for sunseekers this summer: do not come to Mallorca.

Seven environmental organisations have put their signature to an open letter to tourists blaming them for the island’s problems and urging them to pick somewhere else for their summer getaway.

The letter, published in Catalan, Spanish, English, and German, identifies foreign visitors – namely British and German

By Walter Finch

– as the source of the island's overcrowding problem.

“It’s time to take a stand. Our leaders do not listen to us, so we, the residents, ask you: DO NOT COME,” it thunders.

“We do not need more tourists. In fact you are the source of the problem. Mallorca is not the paradise they're selling you."

The letter begins by stating that in the 1970s, ‘Mallorca was known as the island of calm,’ – a situation that has since changed dramatically.

“The island has been exploited to unimaginable limits, leading to the collapse we are now suffering,” it says.

“The money generated by the tourism industry has attract-

Palma rocks

JASON Donovan will take to the stage in Mallorca for The Rocky Horror Show.

The Australian actor and singer will play Dr Frank-n-Furter in the iconic production. It will run from October 16-19, with six performances at Palma Auditorium featuring the West End orchestra. Tickets start at €29.50 per person and are available on the theatre’s website.

YACHT JOLLY

ONE of Britain’s richest men, and the minority owner of Manchester United, has parked his superyacht in Mallorca this week.

ed people from all over the world who trade with our island.

“The greed and avarice of hoteliers, politicians, real estate agents and all kinds of ‘parasites’ have brought us to an emergency situation.”

These people ‘prioritise their economic interests over the well-being of residents’, and the groups demand that the political class regulates the problem ‘to prevent a major disaster.’

India

It claims that, over the last 40 years, the population of Mallorca has grown by 84% –second only to India globally.

Meanwhile, tourist numbers have grown by 30% over the last 25 years, but the Balearic Islands have fallen in the European per capita income rankings from 48 to 148 –‘more tourism no longer generates wealth but poverty’.

In 2024, Palma airport handled over 33 million passengers, with the islands as a whole receiving 15.3 million visitors – a 6.1% increase on the previous year.

Jim Ratcliffe, who took a stake in the declining football powerhouse in 2023, has turned heads with the arrival of his €180 million superyacht Hampshire II in the exclusive coastal area of Palmanova at the weekend.

The massive vessel, ranking as the 203rd largest yacht in the world, gives a glimpse into Ratcliffe's extraordinary wealth and lifestyle. Capable of hosting 14 guests and a crew of 23,

A MAN fined for calling the Mayor of Sencelles ‘corrupt’ has been revealed as the inventor of penis enlargements.

Richard Samitier Cardet, 68, is facing a €1,800 fine after ‘slandering’ Joan Carles Verd.

He is best known for inventing the surgical penis enlargement in 1990’s Miami.

The procedure worked by injecting belly fat into the penis and some 130 men reportedly went under the knife.

In 1994, he was shut down by authorities after being accused of not keeping medical records and ‘exploiting patients.’

“It’s a witch hunt,” the surgeon claimed. “My competitors are jealous because it’s going really well for me, I’m a pioneer. I invented the first ever cosmetic surgery for the penis and many doctors don’t like it.”

A PROPOSAL to give property purchase priority to those who have lived on the Balearic Islands for 15 years or more has been rejected by the Balearic parliament.

Suggested by Josep Castells of the Mes Per Menorca political party, he said the rule would ensure a ‘social link’ to the islands.

Alternatively, he suggested people with permanent job contracts should also be given priority in areas experiencing housing shortages.

“We hope it will stop prices from rising as a result of the abundance of foreign buyers,” the politician said. He went on to say that the Balearic Islands become ‘ghost towns’ outside of the peak tourist season while locals ‘struggle to live in their own neighbourhoods’. The measure was rejected when debated in parliament on Tuesday.

the Hampshire II is not short of maritime luxury must-haves. Designed by prestigious shipbuilder Feadship, the superyacht boasts an array of highend amenities, including an infinity pool, helicopter landing pad, and a state-of-the-art cinema room. A nationwide anti-tourist/property protest has been called for April 5.

THE authorities in Mallorca are investigating yet another body that was found floating in sea, marking the sixth just this month alone.

The body, found in Cala Mesquida around 5.30pm Monday in the coastal area of Capdepera, was in an advanced state of decomposition.

Authorities report the deceased, believed to be male, was wearing an orange life jacket and carried no identification documents, suggesting he may have been a migrant traveling by small boat. Investigators are now awaiting DNA test results and an autopsy to be performed.

THREAT: Protests could get heated in Mallorca on April 5

Whale of a battle looms

A MOROCCAN sailor is threatening to kill orcas this summer if solutions are not found to stop dangerous ‘interactions’ in the Strait of Gibraltar.

Anger is rising among sailors whose livelihoods are at threat from a pod of orcas who have been damaging ships.

The stark warning comes after a fiveyear spree saw the whales cripple hundreds of vessels.

Now, a series of captains claim it has become too risky for yachts and catamarans to navigate the Strait.

Yassine Darkaoui, a sailor who runs a repair shop in Tangier, has warned he is prepared to kill a whale if nothing is done.

It comes after he told the Olive Press he had fixed the rudders of three separate vessels attacked by orcas in the last year.

“I meet a lot of sailors who tell me they are prepared to shoot these motherf***ers if they try to harm their boats or endanger their families,” said Darkaoui.

“These guys have often invested their life savings in their boat. So when you see them being attacked by those beautiful monsters, it could lead to shootings.”

The sailor, who had to shelve plans to open a sailing centre in Tangier because of the attacks, added: “It is only a matter of time – and summer is coming.

“Once the tuna migration begins the orcas will be back and it might be that we need to kill one of them to teach them a lesson.”

And he added: “But let me tell you, if I kill an orca, I will kill it with a tear in my eye.”

The chilling threat comes despite the Iberian orca being a heavily protected species.

Under Spanish law anyone harming an orca could face two years in prison.

The interactions that have taken place since 2020 are being blamed on around a dozen of the 40 whales that inhabit the Strait. Various attempts have been made to ward them off, including throwing firecrackers overboard as orcas are acoustically sensitive to loud noises.

TERRORISED: The orcas target the rudders of yachts and catamarans

RADIO SILENCE

THOUSANDS of British expats will be heartbroken after the BBC announced it was shutting its Sounds app. The change comes next month, although the BBC World Service and BBC Radio 4 will continue to be available via the BBC website. Listeners outside the UK - unless they use a VPN - will officially be deprived of access to the rest of the BBC network - including Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 3, 5 Live, and 6 Music. Also blocked will be its local services and stations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

By Walter Finch

Darkaoui told the Olive Press he also wants more research into a type of sonic tool which could be reliably used to keep them at bay.

“Something that, when you turn it on, they stay around 500 metres or a kilometre away,” he said.

Opinion Page 6

EXCLUSIVE: Yachtie threat to kill an orca this summer if dangerous ‘interactions’ are not tackled

DEADLY: Endangered orcas face another threat after a sailor said he will kill one

OLIVE PRESS IS HIRING

Commercial rep

7-10 hours per week - based in Mallorca

This is a part-time job of around 1-2 hours per day representing the Olive Press on the Costa Blanca. Estimated earnings between €500-750 per month. Must be outgoing, presentable with sales experience. Own car and clean driving licence essential.

Email admin@theolivepress.es if you think you’ve got what it takes

EXPERTS WHO CARE ABOUT

Voted top expat paper in Spain

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

OPINION

Shocker!

THE terrible ordeal suffered by David and Margorie Smith should serve as a warning to anyone purchasing or renting a property in Spain.

The British couple have fallen prey to the Spanish system’s often severe lack of accountability, responsibility and ultimately, justice.

After buying their dream home in inland Malaga, they have clearly been lumped with the former owner’s unpaid electricity bills.

Incredibly, they then seem to have been made responsible for a neighbouring property’s bills also. It is just one of countless horror stories you hear and read about utility giants in Spain.

Typically, no one at Endesa can give the Smiths a clear answer as to who or what is responsible for this massive series of errors.

And what’s their fix? ‘Pay the €3,000 you DON’T owe us and then you can claim it back’ - fat chance! Hell would sooner freeze over before they got that cash back - and the process would bury them with red tape.

We sincerely hope Endesa gets its act together and cancels the Smiths’ debt for electricity they never even used.

We will keep applying pressure on them and suggest they take this case seriously - or risk losing thousands of British clients.

Thou shalt not kill

WHEN nature runs up against commercial business, there is usually just one winner.

The orca interactions (see page 5) have been going on for five years now and the economic pain it has caused has been adding up.

Patience at these marvellous and powerful creature’s seemingly aggressive behaviour has started to wear thin among those who are shouldering the burden – namely the boat owners.

And their frustration is spilling over onto the experts, who have failed to offer a lasting solution to their woes and have even seemed glib towards their suffering.

But sailors mustn’t kill a critically endangered animal because they can’t sail.

If they can’t do business while respecting those then they should not be in business at all.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Walter Finch walter@theolivepress.es

Yzabelle Bostyn yzabelle@theolivepress.es

Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es

Tom Ewart Smith tom@theolivepress.es

SICKENING BETRAYAL

Expats demand urgent regulation of the funeral plan sector in Spain after collapse of Iberian

By Yzabelle Bostyn

BRITS are calling for tougher regulations after losing a small fortune to a dodgy funeral plan company in Spain.

An Olive Press investigation suggests the number of clients left with worthless contracts after the collapse of Iberian Funeral Plans could run into the thousands. And with each policy costing over €3,000 (and sometimes as much as €7,250) the money missing is well into the millions of euros.

The disappearance of Iberian - as reported on our front page last issue (see right) - has left the expat community in tatters with joint legal action being threatened and many fingers being pointed.

We have been inundated with emails and calls from anxious clients, who bought one of three different packages from the Iberian firm. With the website still apparently working it seems possible that unwitting clients may still be filling in details for the ‘Cedar plan’ for €3950 or the ‘Oak plan’ for €7,250. A church service is being offered for €420 and ‘additional

IHATE it when an unlucky waiter is posted at the door of a restaurant in an attempt to draw punters in. But sometimes it’s an indicator of status.

The other day I was walking down a street in Ronda, where I live, when an enthusiastic 18-year-old waitress accosted me. Before I could answer, a regular shouted out: “Don’t waste your breath on him, love – he’s been here longer than you.”

That’s when I knew I was an expat.

The German comedian Henning Wehn (a fine example of an expat) has a

CONCERN: Clients of Iberian Linn Mcnally and Billy Steele (below) fear they have lost thousands

mortuary days’ at €185 per day.

While incredible that the website still has no confirmation of the company’s departure it seems certain that its British owner Stephen Nelson has recently died.

However, we have yet to get official confirmation from any of the dozen numbers we found from the various offices which stretch across the Iberian Peninsula.

There were once nine offices - or at least local reps - in Alicante, Alhaurin el Grande, Lorca, Manilva, Mallorca, Nerja, Tenerife, Portimao And Tavira.

One angry expat client, who has lost out, John Dyer told the Olive Press he was ‘angry’ that no official statement had been put

Kieran Kiernan, 80, Irish

Immigrants are those who come on boats. Whereas expats want a second chance and a better life. They have a better life than immigrants, immigrants have nothing.”

“I wouldn't want anyone to think I was an immigrant because it has heavy connotations.

out.

“There is a lot of money in an account somewhere so surely they have solicitors and accountants with the knowledge to put out a statement of the running of the business,” he insisted.

The closest we have had to confirmation was from former Iberian salesman Roger Brierley, who said Nelson died of ‘natural causes’ in Portugal ‘about a month ago’.

The employee, based in Alicante, said everything seemed ‘fine’ when he left the firm three years ago.

“Everything was above board, but of course anything can happen in three years,” he

What’s in a name?

Are foreigners in Spain expats or immigrants, and what IS the difference, asks Michael Coy, an expat for decades rule. He says if you move to a country richer than your own, you’re an immigrant. If you move to a poorer country, you’re an expat.

And I’m sure you’ve noticed how all the locals here think we’re millionaires. So most of us must be expats.

If you express the mildest interest in a car or a flat, the Spaniard immediately multiplies the price by a factor of 10. And one thing for sure the locals definitely don’t tip.

Ask your Spanish friends if they ask for change if you give a taxi driver a

We took the expat vs immigrant (or resident?) debate to the streets of Spain with a vox pop around San Pedro de Alcantara

Olof Pettsson, 78, Swedish (Stockholm), former managing director, Guadalmina

I am not an immigrant because Sweden is a part of the EU and there is free movement. Immigrants are from outside the area, so you could call expats from the UK, immigrants. However, they use the word expat to soften it if they feel negative towards immigration.

Ali Alzayani, 44, Bahraini/English, businessman, San Pedro

Expat sounds like you made a choice, immigrant sounds like you had to move. It’s unfair but it’s how the world sees it. You can start as an expat thinking it’s temporary but then you build a life, settle in, and suddenly you’re more of an immigrant.

Sandra Russell, 73, former restaurant owner in Estepona

I hate the word expat. To me it just doesn’t ring right. It’s like an old fashioned name for the British in Hong Kong or Singapore. I don’t think it fits foreigners in Spain, I refer to myself as a ‘foreign resident’ because I am pretty much integrated and speak Spanish although I am fair and look like a guiri. I don’t mind using that word because I have always looked at it with humour.

Jane Willy, 79, Welsh, retired hairdresser, San Pedro

I am neither an expat nor an immigrant, I would call myself a resident as this is my forever home. I’ve booked my cremation. But if people call me an immigrant that’s fine, I have no problem.

Mary Page, retired headmistress, Estepona

I’ve only heard the word ‘expat’ in Spain. I think it’s used mainly by non-Spanish speaking inhabitants of ‘Brit bubbles’ who see themselves as separate from the natives. It’s something out of the long-gone age of Empire. I was an immigrant until I changed nationality and am now a proud Spaniard.

LOOKING for the ideal space for your classic car collection?

With its 15-car garage, built like a showroom, this is the ideal home for every motoring enthusiast.

Dream on petrolheads Nick Mason, Jamiroquai and Rowan Atkinson, Villa Enso, in La Zagaleta, Benahavis, is roaring for a new owner.

For a cool €34 million you get indoor and outdoor pools, 21 bedrooms and a 12-seat indoor cinema.

Even better, for an extra €3 million, the owner will include two Ferraris and a Lamborghini in the sale as well as his rare F1 memorabilia collection.

This extraordinary cornucopia includes Michael Schumacher’s race suit, a Niki Lauda Ferrari wing and a Nigel Mansell front wing.

Looking like a spaceship about to return to the mothership, the contemporary villa sits on a large hillside

out what €200k will get you across Spain

Petrohead palace

plot inside Spain’s most exclusive enclave.

Featuring views to Gibraltar and North Africa, at 3,500 metres squared it is believed to be one of the biggest and best properties ever built on the Costa del Sol.

Distributed over three floors, all connected by a lift, Villa Enso has a palatial master bedroom and nine additional suites for guests.

Naturally there is a spa, with two jacuzzis, sauna, steam and massage centre… but few will be expecting its own ice room and hair salon.

A wine cellar, games room, bar and lounge area are located downstairs.

A number of the suites have their own private sitting rooms, while all have their own private terrace.

The master suite has its own lounge area with fireplace, plus a huge walk-in wardrobe and its very own Japanese garden.

And let’s not forget the gardens that have their own poolside gazebo featuring a bar, bathroom and entertainment area under a pergola.

There is an office area, as well as solar-power installation and a complete security system with CCTV, in addition to 24-hour security provided by the urbanisation.

The property is being sold exclusively by www.terrameridiana.com

ONE of Spain’s leading mortgage experts has just had his best month in 22 years.

Tancrede de Pola at the Finance Bureau had a ‘record January’ with dozens of clients purchasing homes via his firm.

And February was also in the ‘top 10’ best months his firm has ever had.

“February was our best ever and the year has started incredibly well, probably the best in our history,” de Pola told the Olive Press.

“And last year was already our best ever in terms of turnover, thanks to a steady growth in sales prices.”

The British financier, from London, has been running his mortgage advisory service in Marbella for over two decades. His company has grown ‘organically’ and will employ seven brokers by Easter.

The tennis-playing mortgage specialist puts his company’s growth down to ‘di-

RECORD GROWTH

Diversificationof nationalitieshasbeenkeyto 2025clientboomatleadingmortgagebroker

By Jon Clarke

versification’.

While the British market has dropped from 80% of its business to 40% over the last few years, it has been made up made up from dozens of other nationalities.

In total, de Pola speaks to around ‘20 different nationalities’ a week, and now has the staff to help cater to them.

“There have been lots of Americans

buying and I think Trump coming in has only added to the flight, with more people trying to leave to get away from him.

“It started three or four years ago when the dollar and euro hit parity and that market has just not stopped growing.

“It is also easy for Americans to simply relocate these days with the likes of the Digital Nomad visa. It is definitely making it favourable for them to come.”

There has also been a big rise in clients coming from near the Ukraine, such as

Poland, Lithuania and Estonia.

“We are certainly seeing a lot more Finns coming too, while the Swedish are by far the strongest Scandinavian market.”

And he adds: “The uncertainty created by the Ukraine conflict has certainly driven a lot of people to Spain, not to mention the colder northern European client.”

He also says small changes in local tax rules have seen some dramatic shifts.

This includes a claim that ‘10,800 millionaires’ left the UK last year. “Quite a few came down to live in Spain,” he insists.

And in the Netherlands, a new tax levied on rental income last year led to dozens of new clients calling him each month.

“I was getting about five calls from Dutch people a day the week after the new rule was introduced.”

The financier - who is on ‘speed dial’ to dozens of bank managers - adds the socalled ‘Beckham law’ is a very popular option for buyers at the moment. The law allows expats to move to Spain and pay just 24% on global income up to €600,000.

Visit www.thefinancebureau.com for more information

Mark Stucklin

www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

Spain’s property market had a stellar year in 2024, with home sales reaching levels close to all-time highs. According to newly released figures from the Spanish housing ministry, 715,429 homes changed hands last year, marking a 12% increase compared to 2023. This figure was just short of the decade-high 717,734 sales recorded in 2022—a year supercharged by pent-up demand from the pandemic. If not for that exceptional surge, 2024 would have been the biggest year for home sales since 2007, the peak of Spain’s previous property boom.

Last year’s sales were also 24% above the ten-year average,

ON THE UP

Spanish property market hits near record-high sales in 2024

highlighting the strength of the market. Despite economic uncertainties and inflationary pressures, demand remained resilient, especially from Spanish buyers. Local buyers drive the market

Strong

All segments contributed to last year’s strong performance, but it was local demand that led the way. A relatively strong economy, rising wages, and job growth helped drive a 14% increase in purchases by Spanish buyers. This was one of the highest growth rates in recent years, reflecting con -

tinued confidence in property as

mand was slower, both segments remained over 20% above their

ten-year average, underscoring the continued appeal of Spanish property. The slowdown in non-resident purchases suggests that the post-pandemic boom in second-home buying may be stabilising. What’s next for the market? Looking ahead, there are no clear signs that the market is set to decline. With interest rates falling, borrowing conditions should become more favourable, potentially encouraging further demand. The European Central Bank is widely expected to continue cutting rates in 2025, which could ease financing costs and attract more

However, property markets are cyclical, and some fluctuations are inevitable. With such a strong performance in 2024, a slight cooling-off period would not be surprising. That said, unless there is a major economic downturn or policy shift, the broader trend remains positive.

For now, Spain’s property market appears to be in good health, with near-record sales in 2024 reinforcing its resilience and appeal. If economic conditions remain stable, 2025 could be another strong year, particularly as lower interest rates make financing more attractive. Let’s see if the market can maintain its momentum for another year.

ARE YOU OWED €40,000-PLUS?

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

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

It stems back to the early 2000s when a string of lenders secretly wrote in their clients’ contracts that interest rates could not drop below 3.5% – in what is now known as a ‘floor clause’.

However, for a decade, between 2011 and 2021, the interest rates in Spain sat at a record low, between zero and 1%.

Thousands of homeowners in Spain could be owed giant sums, plus compensation over scandalous ‘floor clause’ mortgages – this is how you claim ‘no win, no fee’

What this meant was tens of thou-

Rental auditions

A DRAMATIC shrinking in Spain’s rental housing stock has seen landlords become more discriminatory when choosing tenants, according property portal Idealista

The latest data indicates that demand has surged by 319% since before the pandemic, and it has led to property owners conducting ‘rental castings’.

Idealista spokesperson Francisco Iñareta warned that these processes have become the number one concern among families who need housing, often surpassing high prices.

Fierce

He said: “With fewer properties on the market and fierce competition, the profiles being chosen are increasingly elitist.”

He added that landlords are primarily evaluating income levels, longterm financial stability, and the ability to recover the property in case of non-payment.

It follows on from a surge in the number of interested parties per listing, which has rocketed from just seven in late 2019 to 30 by the end of 2024.

Malaga has seen demand increase by 437%, while Alicante experienced a 339% surge. Palma de Mallorca recorded one of the highest increases nationwide at 495%, now with 48 families vying for each rental listing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Right now I am handling cases all

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

Warning signs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simple process

WHAT BANKS WERE IN- VOLVED IN FLOOR CLAUSES?

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

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR MAKING A CLAIM?

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

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

Sofa so bad

A LANDLORD has listed a sofa on a popular rental platform for €450 per month in Estepona.

Now deleted, the ‘property’ was in the Parque Central area of the beach town.

Room

It consisted of a white sofa bed in the flat’s living room, right next to the dining table.

From the few pictures uploaded, the living room seems to be lacking a door, making it the perfect property for extroverts who do not need any personal space.

It comes after a landlord in Marbella sparked fury last summer after renting a sofa in a shared flat for €400 a month.

A COSTA del Sol spa resort is in the running to win at the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Spain 2025 awards.

The five-star SO/Sotogrande SPA & Golf Resort has been nominated in the category of Best Health, Sports and Wellness Hotel. Located in one of the most exclusive

areas of the Andalucia resort is already a big name in the field, having won the prize in the 2023 edition of the awards.

LUXURY: Set to be rewarded at SO/Sotogrande

SO GOOD WHAT A PAIR!

Luxuryexpatagentsfacingjailand€2

millionbailfor'stealing'dataandcustomers

A PAIR of ‘cunning’ estate agents are facing seven years in prison after they syphoned off sensitive company data, while setting up their own new business.

The expat agents have been ordered to post bail of a staggering €1.9 million.

German Oliver Koch and Frenchwoman Maeva Varlet have been accused of stealing confidential information to drum up their own client base and sales.

Prosecutors claim the pair formed Koch & Varlet Luxury Realtors while still working for Costa Blanca agency Mir-

By Alex Trelinski

albo Urbana which builds and sells luxury homes. They are accused of selling villas on behalf of their own company while still on the Miralbo payroll by diverting customers to their enterprise. The Javea-based pair were 'found out' when a client mistakenly sent a payment to Miralbo, rather than to the couple.

A Denia judge imposed an extremely high joint-bail figure for them - totalling €1.9 million - due to the fear of flight risk.

Prosecutors want them jailed for a total of three-and-a-half years each for fraud and dis-

€50 million marvels set new record

PROPERTY prices continued to surge in the Balearic Islands with two Ibiza homes selling for a record price last year.

As well as the two villas selling for €50 million each last year, over 100 properties cost over €6 million in the Balearics. The most expensive villas were in Sant Joan de Labritja and prices in Ibiza rose higher than any other region of Spain.

The average transaction across the Balearic islands last year was €360,000 but there was an

Mourning in Mocha

GIVEN the world’s current state of affairs - and Spain’s dreadful Spring weather - one must concede that Mocha Mousse has taken its responsibilities seriously.

The colour of the year for 2025 is a yucky, dirty shade and has perfectly captured public opinion.

Selected by American colour giant Pantone, it embodies the gloom, but fear not - it also offers hope.

The company, ba sed in New Jersey, claims it is about ‘empowering’ and is ‘capable of creating moments of luxury.’

What would we do without this delight ful brown hue? How would we ever find refuge in this period of hardship?

“We are more excited than ever,” insisted president Elley Cheng.

upturn in sales at premium prices. Overall, there was more than €5 billion of sales last year, spread out over 13,847 properties.

In Palma, 21 luxury home deals averaged out at €18.4 million per property.

The most up-market sales on the island were in Calvia, with 30 homes averaging out at €9.8 million each.Andratx had 12 luxury sales above the €6 million mark, coming in with an average of €10.4 million per deal.

ACCUSED: Oliver and Maeva ‘syphoned contacts’ and ‘stole’ clients

closing business secrets.

An investigation was launched after Miralbo Urbana denounced them after they allegedly broke signed confidentiality agreements with the company manager. They are accused of 'fraudulent practices’ to steal customers, as they had access to all databases, contacts and customers.

They also tried to ‘obtain illicit financial benefits, empty stored emails, and took information on clients and projects'.

The pair vehemently deny the charges.

CAN’T afford to buy a property on the Costas? Then head to rural Catalunya where apartments are selling for less than €60,000 each.

Property giant Idealista, which covers the whole of Spain, has just published figures on the most and least expensive areas to buy.

In January 2025, as expected, Barcelona was among the priciest locations. However, prices have stalled further inland.

An 80-square-metre flat in Barcelona costs around €220,000. However, move 55 km inland to Calaf, and the same 80-square-metre apartment costs around €58,000.

Calaf, a small town with 3,500 inhabitants, sits halfway between Lleida and Manresa. It has good road and rail links to Barcelona and remains largely unspoiled, with its own ruined castle and a compact perimeter of less than a square kilometre.

A VILLA costing a whopping €22.5 million has hit the market in Sotogrande, the most exclusive neighbourhood in the Campo de Gibraltar.

Located in ‘The Seven’, a privileged private community in La Reserva de Sotogrande, the modern mansion was designed by ARK Architects.

Known as ‘Villa Niwa’, the property seamlessly combines natural landscapes, golf courses and panoramic views of the Mediterranean sea.

“NIWA blends in with nature, becoming an integral part of it and creating a sense of peace, balance and security for its inhabitants,” the property’s webpage reads.

…But ‘embrace the brown’ insists Tom Ewart Smith with Pantone’s new colour fitting the mood in Spain and globally

In 2023, we lived in ‘a joyous and optimistic celebration’ with Viva Magenta, a colour hailed as ‘brave and fearless.’

It is a bold statement, considering last year’s winner, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, was ‘a velvety gentle peach tone’ intended to usher in a peaceful and compassionate era.

Now, just two years later, we are left clutching our Mocha Mousse, a colour that - while noble in its own way - feels more like a resignation than a rallying cry.

Chosen to herald in the new year the ‘Colour of the Year 2025’ has truly captured the essence of our times…a colour described as ‘a warming brown hue imbued with richness’ which supposedly ‘captures the global zeitgeist.’

PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse also, apparently, ‘extends further into our desire for comfort.’ Deep stuff.

But, as far as I am concerned, the message is clear: embrace the brown.

MALAGA’S soaring property market has reached new heights with an 11m2 studio apartment listed for sale at €125,000.

Situated on Calle San Telmo, in the historic centre, the flat’s ‘spectacular location’ is compromised by its price.

The property is listed at 14m2, but the advertiser notes only 11m2 is usable.

That puts the price per square metre at €11,364, which is nearly triple the average price per square metre in the city centre, standing at €3,932.

To make it even less desirable the studio is located on the ground floor of a residential building.

While the apartment’s size is minimal, the listing on Idealista highlights its clever space optimisation.

The key features include a living area with an integrated kitchenette, equipped with essential appliances, a compact and modern bathroom, and a lofted sleeping space which makes use of vertical height to create separation from the main living area.

The flat also has an exterior-facing window, providing some natural light despite the limited space.

Villa Niwa is 4,231m2 and is surrounded by 10 hectares of land, while boasting nine bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, plus a jacuzzi, sauna, gym, two swimming pools, wine cellar, games room, spa and lift.

EUROPEAN Union funds are being used to pedestrianise Malaga’s historic centre. The plans will cut congestion in the old town and generate new interest in the areas of El Molinillo, Cruz de Humilladero, Capuchinos and Las Flores. The €30 million project will benefit over 48,000 residents by ‘regenerating run down areas’. As well as pedestrianisation, new squares are being created with sustainability at heart.

One of the main projects will increase access to the Gibralfaro mountain, including new hiking paths from Calle Victoria and picnic areas.

Calle Ollerias and Calle Marques de Cadiz will both be semi-pedestrianised, with trees added and footpaths widened. The area around the Mercado de Salamanca and Calle San Bartolome will also be pedestrianised with additional green areas.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

CHOP AND CHANGE

What €200,000 buys you around Spain in 2025: The Olive Press takes a regional view alongside Kyero

FANCY playing a game of Spanish property bingo?

Property portal Kyero has scoured the regional markets to see exactly what €200,000 buys you this year.

Whether you dream of waking up to Mediterranean views, tending an olive grove, or running a historic hideaway on Galicia’s Camino de Santiago, Spain has something for everyone.

It’s clear from a basic trawl of the country on the in ternational site that €200,000 can stretch from a small studio in the Balearics to a big mountain villa in Almeria.

ALICANTE

The Costa Blanca offers some of Spain’s best value coastal properties.

In Playa Flamenca, €199,000 gets you a thoroughly modernised two-bedroom bungalow that wouldn’t look out of place in a design magazine, complete with 60m² terrace and private solarium.

“Spain’s property market rewards the flexible buyer - those willing to look beyond the familiar destinations and perhaps trade a sea view for a mountain vista,” Louise Dell, Co-founder of Kyero, told the Olive Press.

“There is a good chance they might just find their perfect slice of Spanish life for a bargain price.”

Here, we take a peek behind some front doors and see how far your euros could stretch around eight regions.

MALAGA

The Costa del Sol continues to command premium prices, but venture slightly off the tourist trail and €200,000 still goes remarkably far.

Take Nerja’s Capistrano neigh bourhood, where €195,000 secures a one-bedroom apartment (in set above) with enviable sea views, complete with community pool and maintained gardens.

Meanwhile, nearby Algorfa demonstrates why the area remains popular with budget-conscious buyers. A €195,000 two-bedroom villa in Lo Crispin offers a private garden, communal pool, and glazed-in terrace, all within an established urbanisation.

Reference: THK44-62436-2851

Reference: P7334

MURCIA

While the Costa Calida might lack the name recognition of its flashier neighbours, it compensates with seriously competitive pricing. In La Manga, €199,000

€200,000 buyers, but persistence reveals some hidden gems.

In Santa Ponsa, for example this budget stretches to a 33m² penthouse with mountain views and access to two community pools - though you’ll need to embrace compact living.

More surprisingly, inland Sant Joan offers a different vision of island life: a rustic 40m² farmhouse set in over 10,000m² of land. Complete with solar power and mains water, it proves that even in the Balearics, compromising on location and size can still secure a slice of Mediterranean charm - albeit a rather petite one.

ALMERIA

For those willing to trade sand for serenity, inland in Alcaucín (below), €199,000 buys you a three-bedroom villa in need of an upgrade but with enough land to add a pool.

Reference: DG1976

Reference: VS1158

Reference: 4 1 2F (LMBC)*2 Reference: EH246

MALLORCA

The Mediterranean’s playground presents a tough challenge for

For those seeking an escape from coastal crowds, Almería’s mountain regions offer remarkable val -

In Los Blancos, near Chirivel, €195,000 secures a recently renovated detached villa with spectacular mountain views and enough garden space to rival a

Sitting at 1,000m altitude, it offers that increasingly rare Spanish property combination: genuine tranquility with easy motorway

Meanwhile, in Vera, the same budget buys a brand new apartment just 400m from the expansive El Playazo beach. It features aerothermal heating, private parking, and community pools.

Reference: SKNBG-32209k CATALUNYA

The northeastern corner of Spain reveals some surprising gems.

In Tossa de Mar, €195,000 buys a townhouse in Santa Maria de Llorell with sea views and access to private coves - a rarity on the premium Costa Brava. For those preferring terra firma to waves, the same budget in Tortosa secures a beautifully restored 94m² stone farmhouse set in an impressive 19,000m² of land. Complete with fruit orchards, mountain views, and just minutes from the historic city centre.

Reference: 2374

Reference: 948

GALICIA AND ASTURIAS

Spain’s verdant north offers a dramatic departure from the Mediterranean, both in style and value.

In Mondoñedo (above), in Galicia, €199,000 buys a sprawling country house with nearly 7,000m² of land, bordered by a stream and sitting directly on the Camino de Santiago. Future pilgrim hostel, perhaps?

Meanwhile, in Asturias (top), a traditional stone house with an authentic hórreo (granary) commands a similar price.

Reference: 1194

Reference: 2057

CANARY ISLANDS

Island living comes at a premium, but €200,000 still opens doors in Tenerife.

In tourist-friendly San Eugenio, this budget secures a studio apartment with Siam Park views and heated pool access - ideal for winter sun seekers. For those preferring a more local vibe, Puerto de la Cruz offers modern apartments with mountain views and holiday rental potential at €195,000. While space is more limited than mainland Spain, year-round warmth and strong rental yields continue to attract investors

Reference: 8515.

Reference: RF/34

told the Olive Press, adding he himself also had a policy.

“I’ve been told it is unlikely that anyone will get any money back,” he insisted.

Another ex-employee, insisted that Nelson had not been involved in the day to day running of the business for ‘at least’ two years, and had lived anything but a ‘lavish’ lifestyle as some victims have claimed.

“He moved to Portugal some years back suffering from diabetes and poor health,” said the source who we are not naming. “He was very overweight and struggled to move around.”

The former salesman, who was based out of Manilva, continued: “As far as I was away he had handed over the running of the business to his ex-wife and sister in the UK.”

Either way, victims and experts alike are understandably urging Spanish authorities to

€20 note for a €19 fare. I’ll tell you the answer: 99% of them ask for change.

A British ‘immigrant’ to Spain is someone who always leaves a big tip, and probably tries to pay their bar bill as they order a round.

So, do you find yourself feeling nostalgic for Yates’s Wine Lodge, sausage rolls and wall-to-wall carpeting?

If so, you’re more than an immigrant. And for expats, no matter how long you live in Spain, you likely insist on PG Tips for breakfast and, possibly Earl Grey in the afternoon.

And it’s highly likely you still wear socks with your sandals? Oh, and are you wearing a vest?

When you shop at the supermarket, you’re drawn to sliced white bread, and not to baguettes. And you never, ever eat squid or snails.

Do you also get a perverse pleasure from confusing Spanish people?

Here are some questions to ask them: not only will they not give you a coherent answer, I guarantee they won’t even understand the question.

One: Where can I buy a kettle?

Two: We’re out of HP – is Daddy’s OK?

Three: Is Keir Starmer batting on a sticky wicket?

An expat will never fully integrate. Here’s the test. (And I’m not talking about the Spanish knack of wearing a suit at a summer wedding, without sweating).

Go to a cafe and wait until they pull out that unique Spanish disinfectant, the one that’s 10 times fiercer than prussic acid.

Order a Russian (Kiev - ed.) salad. If you can eat it while you’re surrounded by those uber-toxic fumes, congratulations – you can now call yourself Spanish.

take action to prevent disasters like this from happening again.

Linn Mcnally, 77, told the Olive Press she was ‘sickened’ after ‘scrimping and saving’ for years to afford her plan with Iberian.

“After my husband died, I was trying to get by on a basic pension. It was very difficult and I struggled to keep up with the monthly payments but somehow I managed it. I’m having sleepless nights now that it’s all gone,” she added.

The former teacher contracted a plan with Iberian in order to ‘make life easier’ for her two disabled daughters and busy son back in the UK.

Like many expats, she trusted the confident sales patter of the salesman she met when she moved to Pedralba, Valencia.

“You’re more likely to trust someone of your own nationality because you think you’re all in the same boat and helping each other,” she said.

“Spain is certainly still behind England in a lot of ways, and it’s like stepping back in time with a lack of regulation.

meaning you also risk buying from English cowboys.”

He advises doing thorough research before investing in a funeral plan, including ensuring it is Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulated in the UK.

“Iberian offered services below market value and that is immediately a red flag,” the 52-year-old, based on the Costa del Sol, warned.

“If it’s cheap, it’s because they aren’t using your money for funerals but to buy Ferraris, helicopters and mansions in Puerto Banus.”

He sympathised with victims looking for justice, warning any funeral plan without FCA regulation runs the risk of being abused for personal gain.

Spain is behind England and regulation is like stepping back in time

“You have no choice than to be more trusting and that leads to situations like this.”

Fellow Costa Blanca resident, Billy Steele agrees: “These companies hit you as soon as you land in Spain and you have a million things going on so you put your trust in them.”

The 65-year-old former veteran continued:

“The law should do more but everything in life is a risk nowadays, especially for older, retired people.

“They are targeted more because scammers know they have money.”

Funeral director, Neal Toplis, agrees: “Of course there should be more regulation but the problem is the system is different in Spain.

If you use the Spanish system, which is getting funeral insurance with a company like Ocaso, you’ll be ok.

“But many expats want an English product,

“People want someone to pay for this, but the only person responsible is in a coffin,” he told the Olive Press.

While we are trying to establish if this is definitely the case, Rob Barker, Head of Compliance at Avalon Funeral Plans, echoed the call for further regulation.

“It highlights the importance of consumer protection in the prepaid funeral plan sector- especially in Spain where the industry remains unregulated,” he insisted.

He called for better ethical standards, compensation protection, ombudsman support and secure trust funds like those seen in the UK.

If these changes were put in place, consumers would be protected from funds being misused and companies collapsing, with providers held accountable for delivering services.

“In the UK, it took years of lobbying to bring plans under FCA regulation and similar advocacy has not yet taken place in Spain and may not gain traction as the number of expats here is relatively small compared to the overall population,” he said.

“Pre-paid funeral plans in Spain generally target expatriates, while Spanish nationals often use alternative methods for funeral expenses.”

HOW TO KEEP YOUR MONEY SAFE

Check the FCA register – Only firms authorised by the FCA are regulated. You can verify a firm’s status at www.fca.org.uk/register

Looking for the FSCS logo – UK-regulated financial services firms are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which protects your money.

Check memberships – Ensure the provider is a member of the National Association of Funeral Plan Providers (NAFPP).

If a provider is not regulated, ask the following questions: Where is my money held? What percentage of my funeral cost is secured in a trust? What happens if the company fails?

Be cautious of unregulated providers making bold security claims. Many use terms like ‘secure trust’ or ‘separate accounts’, but if they are not FCA-regulated, there are no guarantees your money is safe.

EASTER RELIEF

The Olive Press website launches sweet subscription deal following a miserable March

IT has, without a doubt, been one of the most depressing months in recent Spanish history.

Nearly four weeks of uninterrupted rain have wrought havoc on businesses across the country by warding off tourists and keeping locals locked up at home.

Bars and restaurants that would usually cater to thousands of punters over weekends in March were seen empty, with many not even bothering to open.

As anyone who lives here knows, good weather equals good business, and long spells of disruption can have deep knock-on effects on the economy.

With everyone feeling the pinch in the run-up to high season, the Olive Press website is offering a limited time deal on its annual subscription package.

AD-FREE BROWSING

For our Easter special, we are slashing the price of our yearly subscriptions to just €29.99, down from the usual €49.99. Only paying subscribers get unlimited access to all of our online articles and, most importantly, they can enjoy them ADVERT FREE.

To join this privileged club - to which thousands of you already belong - scan the QR code on this page.

The QR code will take you to the checkout area with the discount already applied.

More than 73,000 people have now registered an account at press.es, more than double that of a year ago.

After significant investment and changes to our paywall provider and web server, we are now seeing around 50 people registering with us each DAY.

So what are you waiting for?

Join the conversation today and become one of thousands of Olive Press subscribers.

NO OP, NO COMMENT

ACTION NEEDED: Funeral director Toplis (right) advises avoiding ‘cheap’ deals

explains Christin Hagemeier

FOLLOW THE TREND…

CURRENTLY, we are in a season where we do not feel the effects of climate change as strongly: Compared to increasingly hot summers, less cold winters, or stronger autumn storms, the climate in spring is still moderate. We all eagerly await the arrival of summer. However, even if we do not currently feel climate changes in Europe, the climate continues to change steadily. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently released a new State of Global Climate Report, which can be summarised in six points:

1. Warmest Temperatures on Record: 2024 was the first year to average more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, specifically 1.6 degrees. It’s not just 2024; the last 10 years have been the hottest decade on record.

2. 1.5 Degree Goal Not Necessarily Exceeded: The Paris Climate Agreement aimed to limit warming to 2 degrees, if possible 1.5 degrees. These figures are averages, so even if a year is hotter than 1.5 degrees, the average can still stabilize at 1.5 degrees.

3. Highest CO2 Levels Ever: In 2023, approximately 3.276 billion metric tons of CO2 were in the atmosphere, the highest level in 800,000 years. Other greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide are also present in very high concentrations.

4. Oceans Are Significantly Warmer: Over the past 20 years, ocean warming has doubled compared to the period from 1960 to 2005. Previously, the average was about 20.2 degrees Celsius; recently, it was around 20.8 degrees. This seemingly small difference poses significant problems for marine life, as these are average figures and variations are higher in many areas. Coral reefs are particularly threatened by this temperature change, leading to bleaching and death. Since they are the foundation for many other organisms, these also die. Additionally, CO2 dissolves in the oceans, causing acidification, which is a major problem for fisheries, especially in the Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, equatorial and tropical Pacific, and parts of the Atlantic. This acidification is likely irreversible.

CLIMATE CHANGE:

Ever more flooding is a sympom

5. Glaciers and Sea Ice Are Melting: Both sea ice and glaciers are retreating in all regions. Even sea ice in Antarctica is now declining, which is surprising since it had remained relatively stable for a long time.

6. Displacement of 800,000 People Due to Extreme Weather: As climate change progresses, more areas of the Earth are becoming nearly uninhabitable. Due to prolonged droughts, more frequent floods, heavy rainfall, or other extreme weather events, 800,000 people had to flee last year, 1.1 million were injured, and 1,700 died due to climate change impacts.

This WMO report highlights once again how important it is for us to take action! If we act quickly, we have a chance to prevent much greater harm. However, action must be taken swiftly.

In preparation for the World Climate Conference this November in Brazil, the head of the UN Climate Secretariat, Simon Stiell, has called on all countries to submit their climate protection plans.

These plans should describe the measures they intend to implement by 2035 and must be submitted by September this year. UN scientists will then calculate the gap between these planned measures and the internationally agreed targets for limiting global warming.

A mid-term assessment of current efforts by all countries was provided by Stiell, stating that we are currently on track for a three degree increase in global warming if all countries continue as they are.

This is a good achievement, as it looked like we would reach six degrees of global warming at the start of climate conferences in the 1990s.

However, three degrees should not be the final goal. Even now, having just exceeded the one-and-ahalf degree mark, we are already experiencing significant climate changes.

There are also countries that are making good progress with their climate plans. According to Stiell, these countries are already seeing benefits: stronger economic growth, lower energy costs, less environmental pollution, and resulting lower health costs.

So, let’s all follow this trend.

christin@theolivepress.es

Still in the danger zone

By Yzabelle Bostyn

EXPERTS at Doñana National Park have warned recent rainfall may not be enough to stave off drought come summertime.

Juanjo Carmona, WWF coordinator at Doñana, says it is ‘too early’ to celebrate the dramatic rainfall seen this month as the park ‘could still dry out’ in summer.

He says the March downpours are indicative of a new trend, where instead of rain falling progressively in the winter months, huge deluges inundate the park in spring.

“We used to see 80 litres of water in November and 90 in December, last year we got 20 and 30, compared to 150 litres in March,” he said.

Although any rainfall may seem like a godsend in drought ridden Andalu -

Experts warn Doñana rainfall may not be enough to sustain the park through ever rising temperatures

cia, gradual rainfall helps to sustain water systems much better than sudden downpours.

“Progressive rain helps feed rivers and sustain ground waters. If water falls all at once, it can cause serious problems and quickly overwhelms congested groundwater

Green goal

A MALLORCA stadium has set the ‘ambitious’ goal of becoming Spain’s first ever ‘waste free’ football venue.

Mallorca San Moix says it will work with sustainability business PreZero to become the first in Spain to achieve its zero waste certification.

The project ‘seeks to position the club as a benchmark in sustainability’, aiming to recycle over 90% of waste generated.

Key measures include the installation of a greater number of recycling points throughout the stadium.

systems” he said. “This month we’ve had incredible rainfall, like I haven’t seen for years. It’s great for some species and I’ve seen some animals more than ever. But I’m concerned it won’t last.”

He warns if record temperatures repeat themselves, the area would quickly dry out, leaving the species that have made their home on the once-humid wetlands vulnerable to predators and starvation.

“Because the water has fallen suddenly, it’s largely superficial meaning it’s likely to evaporate. If it disappears, aquatic birds that are so important to Doñana will be in great danger as predators such as wild boars will be able to reach them,” he said.

Once a ‘refuge’ for wildlife, he warns Doñana is being damaged at the hands of climate change, agriculture and hunting issues.

“I hope the temperature doesn’t rise too much and the water stays so that the park can recover a bit. It’s not about getting pretty photos of the rain, we need to keep Doñana going,” he said.

“We can celebrate at the end of summer when we know if the rain has had a significant impact.”

LOTS OF WATER: At Doñana but for how long?

THE British press is warning tourists of po tential hikes in holiday charges of up to 200%.

The Sun and Wales On line have reported that holiday taxes on some Balearic Islands could

TOURIST TAX HIKE

shoot up dramatically this summer. They claim cruise ship passengers could see overnight charges increased from €2 to €6. It comes as part of new measures

Cava setback BEACH HAPPY

SALES of Spain's Cava sparkling wine fell by 13% last year as vineyards in the main producing area of Catalunya suffered from the ongoing drought.

Export sales figures dropped further by 18%.

Cava prices rose by 11% due to inflation and reduced supplies.

The Cava Designation of Origin, which includes main producers like Codorniu and Freixenet, said that domestic sales were only down by 3.56%.

The group represents 349 wineries with 38,000 hectares of vineyards.

Spain is the world’s main consumer of cava, followed by Belgium and America.

Total DO Cava sales were 218 million bottles in 2024, with around 30% sold at home.

proposed by the Balearic government which would affect Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera.

Maximum overnight charges could rise from €4 to €6 per per-

Moment in the sun

Restaurants join elite 3 Sols club in 2025 Repsol guide

TWO restaurants have been given the highest 3 Soles award by the 2025 Repsol Guide at a gala ceremony held in Tenerife.

Joining the select 3 Soles group of 44 establishments are La Finca under chef Susi Diaz in Elche and Baga run by Pedro

Border red tape

BRITISH travellers to Spain and the EU will face delays at border controls from 2026 due to new biometric screening and continued passport stamping.

The EU’s long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES), set for phased roll-out from October 2025, aims to replace manual passport stamping with digital biometric registration.

By Alex Trelinski

Sanchez in Jaen.

Susi Diaz opened her restaurant 40 years ago in an old farmhouse.

“Making a dish that triggers

Travellers must provide fingerprints and facial recognition data, stored in a central database.

However, the staggered implementation means UK visitors will endure both biometric checks and passport stamping until April 2026, leading to bottlenecks at airports, ferry ports, and railway stations.

With millions of British tourists visiting Spain annually, experts warn of severe congestion and travel disruption.

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

son per night. On the higher end of the scale, four and five-star accommodation could be slapped with a €42 per person per week tariff. However, there is good news for winter travellers, with tourist fees for January and February scrapped.

memories of my childhood is more important than thinking about the future,” she said.

“There is a mackerel marinade recipe from my grandmother which I have brought up to date with an aroma that wakes up the diner!”

For Pedro Sanchez, offering variety is important.

“I think more about what the product asks me for, rather than about the actual dish.

“I try to visualise it as if I didn't know it so that without any bias, I can come up with an original treatment,” Sanchez added.

Some 17 restaurants received 2 Soled for the first time, with a further 71 getting a single Sol from the prestigious food guide.

Around 60 inspectors made the choices with expert knowledge of cuisine and restaurants in a particular region.

There are now 789 restaurants with Repsol awards across Spain, with the largest number - 115 - in Catalunya.

Andalucia boasts 77 accolades and the Valencian Community has 65.

Repsol’s chairman, Antonio Brufau, highlighted ‘the chefs’ willingness to economically boost the environment, collaborating with producers, artisans and other local businesses’.

“This is a commitment that creates community and is the key to continue growing,” Brufau stated.

A BIZARRE new study analysing 100 beaches worldwide suggests that Spain is home to the happiest beach on the planet.

London-based travel agency CV Villas used AWS facial recognition technology to scan thousands of Instagram photos, determining which beaches had the most smiles - an unusual but intriguing method of ranking the world’s most joyful coastlines.

Spain dominates the podium, with two of its beaches ranking among the top three.

Taking the top spot with a near-perfect ‘beach happiness score’ of 98.42 is Sitges Beach (below), located 40 km from Barcelona.

The second ‘happiest’ beach in Spain is Port de Soller, located on the picturesque northwest coast of Mallorca.

It ranks third worldwide, behind Praia da Falesia in Albufeira, Portugal. Meanwhile, Cala Pregonda, a secluded gem on the north coast of Menorca, takes 11th place globally.

Switching

Expatriates also

SUNNY DELIGHT: for Susi Diaz and Pedro Sanchez

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Fireworks and fiestas

Four of the more unusual festivals to celebrate spring this year

By Yzabelle Bostyn

SSOMETHING FISHY: Fun to be had if you know a sardine...

November 29thDecember 12th 2023 LOOKING

pain is gearing up for the fiesta season even before the Easter processions.

Throughout spring and summer, towns and cities across the country will gather to remember their strangest traditions, from celebrating New Year’s Eve in August to chucking paint at a thief hoping to steal the Virgin Mary.

But, some of Spain’s most unique fiestas take place in the spring, including Murcia’s curious ‘Burial of the Sardine’.

Then, thousands take to the streets in mourning or fancy dress, comically sobbing over the dead sardine.

Toys are thrown to children, fireworks are set off and, crucially, a huge sardine is burnt, sparking a party which endures until the early hours.

Thousands in fancy dress comically sob over the dead sardine

On April 6, locals gathered to watch 30 ‘sardine troops’ march through the streets in a parade.

The festival began in 1850, when a group of students decided to form a ‘court’ presided over by a sardine, who symbolised Easter fasting and abstinence, to revive the carnival spirit.

Today, the sardine troops spend the

Equally strange is Salamanca’s Procession of Moss Men.

Held in the town of Bejar, the event celebrates the festival of Corpus Christi. The tradition dates back to the 12th century, when, according to legend, Christians reconquered the town from Muslim rule by entering in the dead of night, covered in moss.

It was merged with the Corpus Christi procession in the 14th century and is now a huge cultural festival, with plays, exhibitions and lectures.

ga, in Catalunya, which runs from June 18 to June 20.

This festival sees Berga filled with a host of unique characters including dragons, eagles and ‘big heads’ (people wearing huge paper mache heads).

The highlight of the festival is the salto de plens , a dance said to represent a devil’s orgy. Ironically, this profane act is followed by events for children the next day.

Although for the British, bonfires are associated with the cold days of November, in Spain, they mark the start of summer.

On June 23, locals used to go to the countryside for a feast to celebrate the summer season.

When midnight arrived, they would light campfires and dance around them, throwing firecrackers in the flames before a dip in the sea.

Locals also take part in a-

MOSS MAN: Strange ritual dates back to 12th century

After years of this custom, the Bonfires of San Juan (Alicante) were officially constituted in 1928.

Today, the festival has become a homage to fire in which enormous wooden figures are burnt in an event not dissimilar to Valencia’s fallas festival.

If you love fireworks, this fiesta is for you, as at 2pm everyday between June 20 and 24, Los Luceros square hosts a range of pyrotechnic shows. Locals also choose a ‘Beauty of the Fire’ to represent local women, so if you fancy seeing the beauty of bonfires up close, make your way to Alicante.

FLAMES: The Bonfires of San Juan are reminicent of Valencia’s Fallas and (top) some of the figures before they go up in smoke

Forging new paths

MELILLA has inaugurated its own Camino de Santiago route, the first path to run from the African continent.

The ‘Via Rusadir’ was inaugurated by Galicia’s regional president, Alfonso Rueda and Mellian leader, Juan Jose Imbroda.

According to the Melilla Memorial Foundation, the 972 km route has been designed with scenery in mind.

The route begins at the Capilla de Santiago, Africa’s only gothic style chapel.

It stands in the shadow of the Melilla la Vieja lighthouse; the silhouette of which forms a Mediterranean Scallop, a symbol of the Camino.

Pilgrims then continue along the coast with views of the stunning Ensenada de los Galapagos beach.

A DOCUMENTARY about Doñana National Park will come to Spanish cinemas this summer.

A story of water

DOÑANA: Where Water is Sacred explores the park’s traditions, ecosystems and species. It also shines a light on the effects of severe drought on the region as well as efforts to conserve the Iberian Lynx.

on the country’s nat-

ural resources. The films have frequently been honoured by Spain’s filmmaking industry, with Guadalquivir and Cantabrico both nominated for Goya awards.

“By bringing Doñana to the big screen we’ve found a new way for Spaniards to get closer to nature,” director Carmen Rodriguez said.

San Patrick

A SPANISH enclave in North Africa is one of the few places outside the English-speaking world to officially recognise St Patrick’s Day - thanks to an Irish military hero.

Melilla has been honouring Waterford-born General John Sherlock with 10 days of fes-

OLD TIMER

KEY FIND: Could the jaw be crucial in understanding evolution?

LA CULTURA BUSINESS

Luxury opening

THIS summer two luxury British hotel brands will arrive in Mallorca.

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Punta Negra is expected to open in the second quarter of the year on the Costa d’en Blanes.

It will have 131 rooms, 44 suites and nine bungalows following a €200 million investment.

The former H10 Punta Negra was acquired by Blassom Property in 2021.

It will be followed by the Finca Banyols, Alaro, part of the Vignette Collection by London-based InterContinental Hotels Group PLC. The 250-acre property has its own vineyard as well as two restaurants, a spa as well as an indoor and outdoor pool.

By Walter Finch

tivities to mark the 250th anniversary of his historic defence against Moroccan forces. Sherlock - known locally as Juan - is credited with successfully defending Melilla against

ARCHAEOLOGISTS have uncovered the oldest known human face in the West - a 1.4-million-year-old cheekbone and upper jaw - from Sima del Elefante, a cave system near Burgos. The fossil belonged to a human and predates pre vious finds in Western Europe. Researchers believe the remains resemble erectus but could be a distinct branch, naming it Homo af finis erectus. The fragment, nick named ‘Pink’ after

a 100-day siege by Moroccan Sultan Muley Mohamed Ben Abdal-Lah and his 40,000 troops in 1775. The siege was lifted on March 19, just two days after St Patrick’s Day, making last week’s commemorations particularly significant for residents.

Pink Floyd, provides new insight into early human life in Europe. At the time, Spain was a fertile landscape teeming with wildlife. Fossilised tools and butchered animal bones suggest early humans thrived here. However, extreme climate shifts around 1.1 million years ago may have led to population changes.

This discovery adds a new piece to the puzzle of Europe’s earliest inScientists say more fossils are needed to confirm where this species fits in human evolution.

SPAIN'S leading supermarket chain Mercadona posted record net profits last year of €1.3 billion.

That was an annual rise of 37% and its best result in its almost 50-year history of trading.

Sales continued to grow reaching €38.8

Supergreedy

billion - an annual increase of 9%.

Mercadona’s chairman-owner, Juan Roig, described the figures as ‘spectacular’.

“It was the biggest challenge of my career so far, filming over thousands of miles while the park was in a very delicate situation.”

Filming in the ‘most important wetlands in Europe’ while they were ‘bone dry’ was a challenge, but it forced the crew to consider a diverse range of subjects as well as presenting the dangers of water scarcity. It will be released on May 30 in cinemas across Spain.

Why does Melilla officially celebrate Paddy’s Day and what are its Irish links?

Melilla, a 12 square kilometres Spanish territory on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast with 86,500 people, has maintained strong ties to Ireland since Sherlock’s heroic stand.

This year’s celebrations included exhibitions, tours, and lectures about Sherlock’s life and the famous siege. The enclave’s Irish connections don’t end there.

Three streets are named after generals of Irish heritage, including General Leopoldo O’Donnell, a descendant of Donegal’s O’Donnell clan, who won a decisive battle in 1860 that confirmed Melilla’s status as Spanish territory.

A ‘Sherlock Route’ guided tour is set for March 29, taking participants through Melilla’s Irish street names with bilingual explanations and musical

Spain's lower inflation rate helped to account for the strong increase in Mercadona's revenue. Roig pointed out that income rose despite the average price of a shopping basket at the store falling in 2024 by 2% - an equivalent of €6.

RISING STAR

Across: 1 Drew up, 5 Gadget, 8 Asea, 9 Imposing, 10 Edifice, 11 Susie, 13 Demonstrative, 16 Kiosk, 18 Margins, 21 Years ago, 22 Load, 23 Blasts, 24 Finest.

Down: 2 Residue, 3 Wharf, 4 Princess, 5 Gaps, 6 Disgust, 7 Ennui, 12 Break off, 14 Of sorts, 15 Vandals, 17 Ideal, 19 Golan, 20 Bats.

SPAIN has been highlighted as one of the emerging economic success stories.

In a recent article, the Financial Times referred to the nation as a ‘new economic star’.

Ruchir Sharma (left), chair of Rockefeller International, writes that, for Spain, the Eurozone crisis of the 2010s, and the more recent pandemic, forced significant fiscal reforms. These changes have now

Spain’s economy praised by internationally renowned economist

By Tom Ewart Smith

contributed to its current recovery.

The country implemented measures such as reducing benefits for pensioners while increasing aid for its impoverished population, leading to a decrease in deficits and public debt.

Spain’s economic recovery also stands out due to its response to demographic challenges.

While many European nations are tightening borders, Spain has adopted policies to attract immigrants and has eased labour market regulations to address labour shortages, a key factor for long-term economic stability.

Spain is part of a broader trend in which nations, often after crises, have re-

structured their economies and started to see positive results.

Sharma points to Spain, Greece, Argentina, South Africa, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka as notable examples. These six countries ‘were forced to reform because their finances were stretched thin by the pandemic,’ the author says.

“The recovery is visible in rising stock markets and improving credit conditions,” he claims.

The Financial Times highlights that while no country is without its flaws, nations undergoing deep reforms are showing signs of longterm recovery.

The rise of Spain, alongside others, reflects the ongoing cycle of economic renewal, where nations are reemerging as economic players after periods of crisis.

performances. Melilla and its sister enclave Ceuta have been flashpoints in Spain-Morocco relations for centuries.

Spain insists both territories have been Spanish since the 15th century, but Morocco disputes this - mirroring Gibraltar’s sovereignty debate. Both enclaves sit at the frontline of migration to the EU and are heavily fortified with security fences.

Recent diplomatic tensions include Morocco closing customs posts in 2018 and allowing migrants into Ceuta in 2021. Despite ongoing disputes, Melilla and Ceuta residents remain firmly in favour of staying Spanish.

Airport award

ALICANTE-ELCHE airport has won a ‘Best in Europe’ award for the fifth time. The 2024 honour was given by the Airports Council International (ACI) for facilities serving between 15 to 25 million passengers.

It recognises excellence in service and options available to travellers and is awarded by analysing passenger feedback.

Travellers are quizzed about their experience in various categories including access, staff friendliness, and security control waiting times.

Growth upgrade

THE OECD says Spain's economy will grow even faster in 2025 and 2026 - upgrading last December's forecast. It added that the country was in a stronger position than the rest of the EU to deal with the fallout from new US tariffs imposed by Donald Trump.

The OECD has raised Spain’s growth forecast by 0.3% to 2.6% this year, in line with government predictions, with 2.2% in 2026..

In contrast, growth figures for EU members including France, Germany and Italy have been downgraded.

By Span-

ish production company, WandaVision, the documentary is one in a series of films focussing

Saved by a heroine

A YOUNG Cordoban woman has been praised after jumping into the Guadalquivir river to save a cat during intense flooding last week.

Gill-ty

A MADRID smoker’s club has been shut down for selling drugs and keeping an exotic shark. Police arrested three people and seized over 400 grams of illicit substances.

Moo-vie star

SUPERMAN actor Henry Cavill visited A Coruña last week to buy some Galician Blonde cows. Rumoured to be the next James Bond, Cavill has a farm outside London.

Satisfalla

Welcome to NewCADIZtle

Locals joke that they are ‘living in the UK’ after weeks of non-stop rain and storms

ANDALUCIANS are joking southern Spain has turned into Britain after weeks of non-stop storms and rain soaked the region.

Social media users in Andalucia joked: “Mama made

By

fish ’n’ chips for tea – it’s official, we’re Brits now!”, after 18 days of relentless downpours left streets look-

Couldn’t wait

A BRITISH ‘groom to be’ has been escorted off a plane by Guardia Civil agents after reportedly vaping on a Ryanair flight from Manchester to Alicante.

It was shared by TikTok user and comedian @Katerinarobinsoncomedy.

“This man was vaping for the whole of the flight, he had a warning from the pilot and then when we landed the police arrived,” she said, showing the Guardia Civil agents waiting for the man.

ing more Scarborough than Sevilla.

Another commented: “I went to order an Alhambra 1925 today and the waiter told me they only had Guinness or London Pride.”

“Everything was kicking off. Apparently the man was getting married in Spain, imagine that being the man you’re marrying, how embarrassing, all for a pineapple vape on a two hour flight.”

Meanwhile in Sevilla, an X user quipped: “The Giralda now looks like Big Ben!” Local news outlet Andalucia Directo posted a picture of a typical Andalucian breakfast of tomato on toast slowly morphing into a full English with the caption ‘12 days of non-stop rain.’

On Instagram, users added to the jokes, saying: “Now Malaga is Malachester, Cadiz is Newcadiztle, Almeria Almeripool, Sevilla Seffield and Huelva Huelvham.”

Another chimed in: “Next thing you know, we’ll be queuing for tea and moaning about the rail strikes!”

Weather boffins blame a ‘stubborn low-pressure system’, but drenched Andalucians reckon it’s karma.

A VIBRATOR shaped sculpture championing ‘female empowerment’ was spotted at Valencia’s fallas festivities. The ‘satisfyer’ sex toy is seen coming out of a UFO with a nearby sign reading ‘CAUTION: abduction area’. Dubbed the ‘saisfalla’, it was exhibited in Calle de Turia before being burnt in the crema festivities.

While it seemed a funny aside to many, the sculpture was actually part of the ‘Stellar Revolution’ falla recognising the ‘astronomic’ future of women and girls.

Rocket

It showed a girl holding an astronaut’s helmet, looking up at a lipstick rocket and was designed by Raul Martinez, el Estudio Chuky, and Marina Salazar (No Queda Tinte). It is surrounded by tongue in cheek references to women in science, such as a breast shaped planet, references to a ‘girl invasion’ and a robot wearing high heels. According to Salazar, it symbolises ‘empowerment and breaking the glass ceiling’.

Yzabelle Bostyn