Costa Blanca North 18 – 24 Jun 2026 Issue 2137

88k pints predicted

BENIDORM’S bars and pubs are preparing for a beer sales boom during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with hospitality leaders predicting that as much as 50,000 litres could be poured in a single day during the tournament’s biggest matches.

The figure, revealed by local hospitality association ABRECA, is the equivalent of almost 88,000 pints and highlights the huge impact football is expected to have on the resort’s food and drink trade this summer.

More than 500 bars, restaurants and entertainment venues across Benidorm are expected to screen matches throughout the tournament.

According to ABRECA, the average establishment typically serves around 80 litres of beer per day, but demand rises sharply when major international fixtures are taking place.

Across the resort, beer consumption is expected to reach around 40,000 litres on a normal World Cup match day, climbing to as much as 50,000 litres during the semi-finals and final.

The organisation says

beer remains the drink of choice for football fans, generating a significant increase in spending for hospitality businesses. Depending on the fixture and the

teams involved, bars and restaurants could see turnover rise by between 10 and 30 per cent compared with a typical trading day.

With matches taking

place throughout June and July, venue owners are hoping the tournament will provide one of the strongest boosts of the summer season.

Palm tree politics

A DISPUTE over palm trees has sparked political tensions in Teulada-Moraira, with opposition party EME Teulada-Moraira accusing the local Partido Popular (PP) government of poor management and damaging maintenance practices.

The criticism centres on the pruning of palm trees during June, a period that EME says is unsuitable due to high temperatures.

According to the party, pruning at this time of year can weaken palms and leave them more vulnerable to pests, particularly the red palm weevil, one of the

most destructive threats to palm trees in Spain. EME president and councillor Héctor Morales Puigcerver claims the municipality has also failed to adequately address pest problems, which he says have contributed to the loss of numerous palm trees across the town.

The party argues that a lack of preventative treatments and long-term planning has allowed the situation to worsen. Palm trees are a defining feature of Teulada-Moraira’s streets and public spaces, making their condition a highly visible issue for residents and visitors alike. The opposition has also criticised what it describes as a lack of transparency from the council.

EME says it has requested technical reports on the health of the municipality’s palm trees and details of any management plans, but claims the information has not been provided.

Music and memories

IT was a full house and standing room only at The International Choir’s recent concert in the beautiful white church in Moraira as part of the Moors & Christians Festival.

The varied programme of songs opened with the stirring ‘Conquest of Paradise’ theme by Vangelis and included John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’, conducted by Alessandro Contardi, the youngest member of the choir Alessandro Contardi, the theme from the TV series Friends - ‘I’ll be there for you’, Elton John’s ‘Can you feel the love tonight’ and many more.

The audience was also treated to the beautiful Carpenters’ solo ‘For all we know’ by choir member Donna Lawson and the choir’s Musical Director, John Oliver Edwards, singing ‘Ave Maria’.

The choir was conducted as always by John Oliver Edwards and accompanied by the wonderful pia-

no-playing of Kirsty Glen.

The audience was on its feet at the end after the encore of Abba’s ‘Waterloo’ and the retiring collection raised €700 for the choir’s chosen charities - Javea Cancer Care and Make a Smile.

The International Choir is always interested in re-

cruiting new male and female members and if you would like to join them for their casual ‘sing-along’ sessions during the summer, please email info@ theinternationalchoir.com for more details. You can watch videos of past concerts on their website www. theinternationalchoir.com.

Community fees deadline COURT ISSUES WARNING

SPAIN’s Supreme Court has ruled that homeowners’ associations cannot wait indefinitely to recover unpaid community fees after a case in which more than €4,800 became legally unrecoverable because of time limits.

The dispute involved two property owners who accumulated €6,497.30 in unpaid community charges between 2007 and 2014. The homeowners’ association sought to recover the full amount, but the Supreme Court applied current legislation establishing a five-year limitation period for

such claims. As a result, only around €1,696 plus legal interest remained recoverable, while debts dating from 2007 to 2013 were ruled time-barred.

The decision is attracting attention across Spain as it affects thousands of apartment blocks, residential complexes and urbanisations that rely on community fees to fund maintenance, cleaning, repairs and shared services.

Legal experts warn that communities often delay action against non-paying owners in the hope debts will be settled voluntarily, but waiting too long

can mean losing the legal right to recover older amounts.

The court based its decision on Law 42/2015, which reduced the limitation period for community fee claims from 15 years to five years. Specialists recommend starting formal recovery procedures promptly, beginning with written payment demands and, if necessary, using Spain’s simplified ‘monitorio’ court process. The ruling does not erase unpaid debts automatically but highlights that legal claims have a strict time limit.

Knocking on trouble

SPAIN is warning companies that aggressive doorstep sales tactics can lead to fines reaching up to €1 million as complaints rise over unwanted visits linked to energy contracts, internet services and home alarm systems.

While door-to-door sales remain legal, authorities say the situation changes once pressure, persistence or harassment become part of the conversation. Under Spanish consumer protection and unfair competition laws, companies can face serious penalties if representatives continue insisting after someone has refused, repeatedly return to a property or pressure vulnerable residents. Officials say the law protects consumers from aggressive behaviour that limits their ability to make calm decisions inside their homes. The warning follows growing frustration among re-

sidents over intrusive, unexpected visits. Complaints often involve representatives comparing electricity bills, pushing urgent discounts or refusing to leave. Spanish legislation also covers repeated unwanted contact through phone calls or emails once consumers request that companies stop.

Penalties vary depending on the severity of the infringement. Smaller violations result in fines worth thousands of euros, while the most serious cases can reach between €100,000 and €1 million. Authorities can increase penalties further depending on the profits generated. Consumer organisations say older residents are particularly vulnerable to these face-to-face tactics. Spanish authorities insist companies must respect a consumer’s decision, warning that persistence alone can become illegal.

Bottle return rules

Recycling made easier

SPAIN’S new drinks container deposit scheme could change the way millions of people recycle bottles, cans and cartons from August 2026. Under the Deposit, Return and Refund System (SDDR), consumers will pay an extra 10 cents when buying certain beverages and receive the money back when returning the empty container.

One of the least known aspects of the system is that shoppers will not necessarily have to return containers to the place where they bought them. Participating supermarkets, shops, bars and restaurants will be expected to accept eligible containers even if they were purchased elsewhere.

This means someone could buy a bottle of water in one supermarket and return it to a different participating business to recover the deposit. Authorities believe this flexibility will make the system easier to use and encourage higher recycling rates.

The scheme aims to improve the collection and recycling of single-use drinks containers across Spain, with officials targeting a 90 per cent recovery rate for eligible packaging before 2029.

The new rules will also bring added responsibilities for businesses. Supermarkets, convenience stores, bars and restaurants must manage returned containers regardless of where they were sold. Larger retailers are expected to use reverse vending machines, while smaller establishments may face storage and handling challenges.

The system is expected to cover plastic bottles, cans and beverage cartons of up to three litres, including bottled water, soft drinks, juices and canned beverages. Authorities insist the extra 10 cents is not a tax but a refundable deposit reclaimed through the approved collection network.

euroweeklynews.com

New rules for bull festivals

TRADITIONAL bull festivals across Spain’s Valencia region will face tighter safety rules from January 2027 after regional authorities approved a major update to regulations.

The new measures are designed to improve safety for both participants and spectators at the popular street festivals, which attract thousands of people each year.

Among the changes, temporary viewing structures and grandstands will be subject to stricter inspections and record-keeping requirements. Organisers will also have to provide detailed information on capacity limits, assembly procedures and emergency evacuation plans.

Protective barriers used during events must be increased in height from 1.9 metres to two metres, although towns will have a six-year transition period to meet the new standard.

Animal welfare provi-

Tighter safety rules from January 2027.

sions have also been strengthened. Holding pens and enclosures must provide adequate space, access to water and protection from extreme weather conditions.

One of the most notable changes affects participants themselves. Mobile phones and recording devices may not be used if they create a safety risk during an event. Organisers will also be able to ban unsuitable footwear

that could increase the likelihood of accidents.

The updated regulations also allow festivals to be suspended when severe weather, including extreme heat or heavy rain, poses a danger. Despite ongoing debate surrounding the tradition, bous al carrer events remain hugely popular. Regional figures show more than 9,500 such festivals were held across over 260 municipalities in 2025.

Free bus promotion

DENIA is entering a new chapter in local transport with the launch of its firstever municipal bus service on Monday, June 15.

The new urban transport network is designed to improve connections across the town, making it easier for residents and visitors to travel between neighbourhoods, public services and key destinations.

To encourage people to try the service, all journeys will be completely free from June 15 to June 30 as part of a pro-

motional campaign.

Residents can already apply for special travel passes aimed at younger and older passengers. Youth passes are available for those under 18, while senior passes are open to residents aged over 65. Applications can be made at the Social Centre on Calle Calderón, 4, between 9am and 1pm until the end of June.

The launch marks a significant milestone for the Costa Blanca town, which has never before operated its own municipal bus service.

Local authorities hope the scheme will improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion and offer a more sustainable transport option.

Passengers can find full details on routes, timetables, stops, travel cards and top-up information through the official service website. Printed guides are also being distributed at key municipal information points across the town. For the first two weeks at least, residents have the perfect excuse to leave the car at home and take a free ride.

Missing puppies

AN urgent search is underway in Denia after a recently pregnant dog was found abandoned and tied to a rubbish container, prompting fears for the safety of her missing puppies.

The dog was discovered on June 9 in the Partida Tossalet area, near the Trans Avellà facilities. Local animal welfare group APAD rescued the animal after she was found tethered beside a bank of bins with no food, water or shelter.

Following a veterinary assessment, volunteers realised the dog had given birth only recently. Signs suggested she had been nursing puppies just days before she was abandoned. However, no puppies were found at the scene, sparking concern about what may have happened to the litter.

APAD has launched an

appeal for information and is asking residents across Denia and the wider Marina Alta area to come forward if they recognise the dog or know where she may have come from.

Volunteers hope that someone may have seen the puppies, knows who owned the dog, or can provide information that could help reunite the fa-

mily.

The case has generated strong reactions on social media, with many expressing outrage at the apparent abandonment of a nursing mother.

Animal welfare groups warn that newborn puppies are highly vulnerable and rely entirely on their mother during their first weeks of life.

Home buyers save thousands

PROPERTY buyers across Costa Blanca North could save thousands of euros thanks to a reduction in the Valencian Community’s property transfer tax.

Since June 1, the standard rate of Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP), the tax paid when purchasing a resale property, has fallen from 10 per cent to 9 per cent. The change applies across Alicante Province, including popular locations such as Denia, Javea, Calp,e Benissa, Altea and Benidorm.

The reduction means buyers will face lower upfront costs when completing a property purchase. On a home valued at €250,000, the saving amounts to €2,500, while a €500,000 purchase would attract €5,000 less in tax than before.

The new rate applies to second-hand homes rather than new-build properties, which remain subject to VAT and stamp duty charges. However, the Valencian government has also reduced the regional stamp duty rate

from 1.5 per cent to 1.4 per cent, offering an additional saving for some buyers. Not all purchases qualify for the lower rate. Properties with a taxable value exceeding €1 million continue to be subject to an 11 per cent transfer tax. Existing reduced rates for certain groups, including younger buyers and some vulnerable households, also remain in place. The measure is intended to make home ownership more affordable and encourage activity in one of Spain’s busiest property markets.

U3A Calpe summer break

U3A Calpe visited Calantura Bistro in June for their last meeting before breaking for the summer. This was their first visit and a very large group of 37 members enjoyed the meeting and this will be the venue for their monthly meetings in the autumn.

As this was a General Meeting, the President spoke about changes to personnel on the Committee, the current financial position - which is good - and details of upcoming events in the autumn for which bookings are being taken. The Publicity officer, David Stockton, advised on where they were

receiving articles in and was pleased at the response from the media. The Secretary spoke about the new venue and asked for peoples’ opinion. It appeared everyone liked Calantura and would

be happy to have the monthly meetings there.

New members are always welcome and full details about everything U3A Calpe is on the website www.u3acal pe.org.

E-scooter speed shock

A ROUTINE traffic operation in Benidorm turned into an unusual police pursuit after officers detected an electric scooter travelling at an astonishing 104km/h.

The incident took place during checks on personal mobility vehicles, which include electric scooters.

According to Benidorm Local Police, officers attempted to stop the rider after detecting the excessive speed. Instead of pulling over, the rider allegedly tried to flee through the city streets.

Police eventually intercepted both the rider and the scooter, bringing the pursuit to an end. The vehicle was seized and an investigation was launched into the modifications that allowed it to reach such a high speed.

Under Spanish regulations, electric scooters are generally limited to a maximum speed of 25km/h. The scooter involved in the incident was reportedly capable of tra-

velling at more than four times that limit. Authorities warned that vehicles modified in this way pose a serious risk to pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. Officers said the speed reached by the scooter was completely incompatible with its intended use as a personal mobility vehicle.

The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about illegally modified scooters and road safety.

Benidorm Police regularly carry out checks on mobility vehicles to ensure they comply with regulations.

Party in the park

Credit: Teulada-Moraira U3A

RECORD crowds attended Teulada-Moraira U3A’s Big Party In The Park at Font Santa, Moraira on Wednesday June 3.

The Big Party In The Park, an event at Moraira’s Font Santa Park which has always attracted a good crowd, this year exceeded all expectations with a record number of over 300 revellers turning up for the usual Hog Roast, with Music from Duo Intermezzo, Dave Peachy and Black Glitter.

The crowd even exceeded those that attended similar parties to cele-

brate the Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation of King Charles, recording the biggest number to attend any of these Font Santa parties - which has become the most popular social event of this U3A’s calendar - bookings being sold out a month before the occasion!

With such a number, the atmosphere was electric from the start with the atmosphere building - then Duo Intermezzo opened the afternoon to a huge welcome from the crowd, who delighted everyone with some of their most

popular classics while everyone tucked into the usual fabulous Hog Roast, before moving the tempo up a gear and ending their performance to an enthusiastic ovation and encore.

Black Glitter – a favourite of our Hog Roasts, continued the afternoon, as usual soon getting the crowd up on their feet as the open spaces quickly filled with a mass of delighted dancers revelling in one of Moraira’s most fabulous afternoons of the year! A fantastic day for all!

Firefighters spark support

MORE than 1,000 runners, walkers and supporters took part in Benidorm’s Firefighters’ ALS Solidarity Race, turning the resort’s streets into a sea of colour while raising awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), known in Spain as ELA.

The event, organised by the Marina Baixa Provincial Fire Consortium, brought together athletes, families and emergency service workers for a day focused on sport and community spirit. Firefighter Paco Pedrera, who has long championed awareness of the disease, was also honoured during the event following his recent retirement. The programme featured a competitive 5K race alongside Nordic walking, children’s races and non-competitive activities.

In the men’s race, local athlete Juanán

Fernández of Club Atletismo Benidorm claimed victory with a time of 14 minutes and 37 seconds, finishing just one second ahead of Martín Nicolas. Madrid firefighter and triathlete Sara Bonilla won the women’s event in 17 minutes and 22 seconds.

One of the day’s standout moments came near the finish line, where firefighters wearing full operational gear joined the celebrations. As runners tackled the final stretch, crews used a fire engine to spray water over participants and spectators, providing welcome relief from the heat and creating a festive atmosphere.

Benidorm mayor Toni Pérez attended the event, which organisers described as a major success in supporting awareness of ALS and the families affected by the condition.

New town hall opens

BENISSA has officially opened its new town hall following a well-attended inauguration that marked a significant moment in the municipality’s recent history. The new civic headquarters is housed in the town’s former Escoles Graduades building, a landmark that has played a central role in local life for almost a century.

Hundreds of residents gathered for the opening ceremony, which celebrated both the restoration of the historic structure and its transformation into a modern administrative centre. The project was designed to preserve the building’s original character while adapting it to meet present-day requirements for accessibility, public services and municipal operations.

The inauguration featured speeches from local representatives, including Ma-

yor Arturo Poquet, project architect Reme Giner and members of the community. Organisers highlighted the building’s long history, having previously served as a school, cultural centre and meeting place for generations of Benissa residents.

The event also saw the official unveiling of Plaza Maria Crespo Font, a new public square created on the site of the former school playground. The plaza honours Maria Crespo Font, a former teacher at the school who later became one of the first female mayors in the Valencian Community.

Town officials described the new town hall as a building designed for the future while remaining firmly connected to Benissa’s past, creating what they hope will become a new focal point for civic life in the municipality.

South to Cartagena

ON Friday June 12, 52 members left Albir early in the morning for the two-hour journey south to Cartagena. The sky looked very threatening en route but on arrival the sun was out in all its glory and whilst some members boarded the open top tourist bus, others set off in all directions to explore what the city has to offer.

Cartagena is a major port and naval base dating back to around 220 BC and although famous for its first century Roman Amphitheatre it has several museums, along with its Moorish castle and 13th century cathedral ruins. Although over five hours were spent in Cartagena, it was impossible to do full justice to its history.

U3A Marina Baixa’s trip to Guardamar del Seguro on Friday July 10 will be the last travel event before the summer break, but further trips are planned for the autumn. If you would like to become a member their next general meeting

will be on Monday June 22 at 11.00am in the Casa de Cultura, Alfaz del Pi. New members should arrive before 10.30am to allow time

Fifty-two members went on a trip to Cartagena and had a wonderful day there.

for registration and to meet the Committee. If you visit their Facebook page you can get an overview of the type of events undertaken by the Association, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in October. Membership is just €10 for the year and is open to anyone who is retired or no longer in full-time employment.

Hot trays at hospital

PATIENTS at Denia Hospital have reportedly been receiving meal trays at temperatures as high as 68ºC, according to findings from a recent workplace inspection that has sparked fresh concerns over conditions in the hospital kitchen.

The inspection was carried out following complaints from staff representatives, who raised concerns about working conditions for employees responsible for handling and distributing food.

According to the report, workers may be exposed to excessively hot trays during meal service, creating a potential health and safety risk.

The issue centres on the temperatures reached by the containers used to transport meals from the kitchen to patients throughout the hospital. Inspectors found that some trays became hot enough to pose a risk of burns if handled repeatedly wi-

thout adequate protection.

Trade union representatives have called for measures to reduce the risk to staff, including reviewing the equipment used and improving safety procedures. They argue that employees should not have to work in conditions that could lead to avoidable injuries.

Hospital management has reportedly been instructed to assess the si-

tuation and consider possible improvements. The inspection forms part of wider efforts to ensure compliance with workplace health and safety regulations across the healthcare sector.

The findings have reopened debate about working conditions at Denia Hospital, where unions have previously raised concerns about staffing levels and employee welfare.

€74m expansion plan

ONE of Benidorm’s largest urban development projects has taken another step forward, with plans unveiled by The Urban Interest Group (AIU) for a major expansion of the city that could reshape part of the Levante area over the next five years. The proposal carries a price tag of more than €74 million and would take almost 58 months to complete once construction begins.

The project covers more than 575,000 square metres of land in the Ensanche Levante sector and includes significant investment in infrastructure, green spaces and public facilities. Nearly 98,000 square metres have been earmarked for parks and landscaped areas, while more than 171,000 square metres will be dedicated to roads and access routes.

Among the largest planned works are a new 3.6-kilometre wastewater connection to Benidorm’s treatment plant and an 8.3-kilometre electricity link to the Montebello substation in nearby La Nucia. Together, the two infrastructure projects account for more than €12 million of the overall budget.

The development also reserves land for protected housing, while other plots are expected to be used for residential buildings, hotels and tourism-related projects. Following Benidorm’s well-known vertical building model, future developments in the area would generally be at least 20 storeys high.

Plans include extensive pedestrian areas and cycle-friendly streets, with a strong focus on reducing vehicle traffic and encouraging more sustainable forms of transport.

Coastal clean-up success

AROUND 100 kilograms of waste was removed from Cala Manzanera in Calpe on Saturday June 13 during a special clean-up organised to mark World Oceans Day.

The initiative brought together volunteers, environmental groups and local organisations with a shared goal of helping protect the Mediterranean coastline from pollution. Participants spent the day collecting litter from both the beach and surrounding coastal areas, highlighting the ongoing problem of waste reaching the sea.

Credit: Instagram/AjuntametdeCalpe

activities taking place around the world to mark World Oceans Day, an annual occasion dedicated to promoting the conservation of oceans and marine ecosystems. Volunteers were also encouraged to reflect on how everyday habits can have a direct impact on the health of the sea.

Local authorities thanked everyone who took part, stressing that community involvement plays a vital role in preserving Calpe’s beaches and coves for future generations.

The event formed part of wider

Among the rubbish gathered were plastic bottles, food packaging, cigarette butts, cans and other debris commonly found along the shoreline. Organisers said the amount collected demonstrates how important regular clean-up efforts remain, even in areas known for their natural beauty.

Organisers hope the success of the clean-up will encourage more people to take part in future environmental initiatives and help reduce the amount of rubbish that ends up in the Mediterranean.

Cable thieves caught

TWO men have been arrested in Jaeva after allegedly stealing around 200 metres of public lighting cable in a raid that left part of the town’s street lighting network damaged.

The suspects were cau-

ght shortly after the theft following a joint operation involving Local Police officers and the Guardia Civil. Authorities were alerted to suspicious activity linked to the removal of electrical cabling used to power pu-

blic streetlights. Investigators believe the pair had targeted underground infrastructure connected to the municipal lighting system, removing a significant length of cable before attempting to leave the area. Officers located the suspects and recovered the stolen material before it could be sold or disposed of.

The theft is believed to have affected public lighting in the area and could have resulted in costly repairs had the cable not been recovered.

Cable theft has become an increasing concern for municipalities across Spain, with rising metal prices making copper wiring an attractive target for criminals.

Both men were taken into custody and face charges related to theft and damage to public infrastructure. The recovered cable has been handed over as evidence as the investigation continues.

Local authorities praised the swift response of the officers involved, saying their actions prevented further disruption to essential services.

Pick up or pay

A NEW anti-dog fouling campaign in El Poble Nou de Benitachell is grabbing attention with a blunt message aimed at irresponsible pet owners.

The Costa Blanca town has unveiled posters carrying the slogan, ‘Nobody cares about your crap’, as part of an effort to tackle dog waste being left on streets, pavements and public spaces.

The campaign reminds owners that there are no excuses for failing to clean up after their pets. The municipality provides dog waste bins and free bag dispensers across the town to make disposal quick and easy.

The town hall says keeping Benitachell clean is a shared responsibility and is reminding residents of the rules set out in its Civic Coexistence Ordinance.

Those who ignore the rules could face hefty

Transplant training boost

penalties. Failing to pick up dog waste can result in fines ranging from €200 to €3,000. Not cleaning up urine may also carry fines of up to €3,000, while allowing a dog to roam off-leash can lead to the same penalty. The ordinance also states that leads must not exceed two metres in length.

SUMMER has arrived, and so has one of the most spectacular wildlife events visible from the Costa Blanca coast: whale migration season.

Credit: AjuntamentdeBenitatxell

DOCTORS and healthcare professionals from Denia are taking part in a specialist training programme designed to strengthen organ donation and transplant services across the Valencian Community.

Council officials stressed that most owners behave responsibly, but say a minority continue to create problems for residents.

By using direct language and eye-catching posters, the council hopes to encourage better behaviour and cleaner streets ahead of the busy summer season.

The initiative brings together experts from the health departments of Denia, Alicante’s Dr Balmis University Hospital and Valencia’s La Fe Hospital, one of Spain’s leading transplant centres. The programme focuses on improving knowledge and practical skills related to organ donation, donor management and the complex process of transplantation.

Participants will receive advanced instruction in identifying potential donors, coordinating transplant procedures and managing patients throughout the donation process. The training also aims to improve collaboration between hospitals, helping medical teams respond more efficiently when organs become available.

A whale of a summer

Marine experts say June and July are among the best months to spot fin whales in waters off Denia, Javea and the wider Marina Alta coastline as the giants travel through the Mediterranean Cetacean Migration Corridor.

The protected marine route runs between the Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands and is used by thousands of marine animals each year. It has become one of the most important whale migration pathways in European waters.

According to researchers, fin whales regularly pass through waters off Denia as they move towards feeding grounds in the western Mediterranean. The species can grow to more than 20 metres in length, making it

Spain remains a world leader in organ donation and transplantation, with healthcare professionals playing a crucial role in maintaining the country’s high success rates. Continuous training is considered essential to ensure hospitals can meet growing demand and make the most effective use of donated organs.

For Denia’s healthcare network, the programme represents an opportunity to further develop specialist expertise while strengthening links with larger regional centres. Officials believe the exchange of knowledge and experience will ultimately benefit patients awaiting life-saving transplants across the region.

The collaboration highlights the growing emphasis on professional development within the public health system and reflects ongoing efforts to enhance transplant services throughout the Valencian Community.

the second-largest animal on Earth after the blue whale.

Sightings are most common during calm summer conditions, with specialist whale-watching excursions operating from ports along the Costa Blanca. While encounters are never guaranteed, observers say the waters between Denia and Ibiza are among the best places in Spain to see migrating whales.

IN this week’s article we would like to offer our readers a series of useful tips for selling a property in Spain. To that end, we will analyse the most relevant issues that must be taken into account in these cases. We offer a brief guide so that you can avoid the most common mistakes made when selling a property in Spain.

1. Negotiation and terms of the agreements to be signed.

Whether selling or buying a property it is key to seek the advice of an independent lawyer. A solicitor expert in conveyancing will prepare a deposit contract, contract of arras or private contract of sale that protects you, as the seller, so that the status of the property is acknowledged and accepted. This is also very important when signing the contract with the real estate agent. So that it is drafted in such a way that it’s crystal clear at what point

the agency fees are due, what happens if the sale is not completed at the Notary’s office, etc.

2. Checking the legal status of the property.

An equally essential point is to check the Land Registry and Cadastre to verify whether the description of both coincides, or not, with the physical reality. It is also necessary to verify if there are any encumbrances, burdens or tax liabilities. One aspect that often causes confusion is mortgages. Many people believe that the payment of the last instalment of the mortgage loan automatically releases the existing burden on the property. However, this is not the case. A mortgage can be economically cancelled, but still be registered in the Land Registry. If this is the case, it will be necessary to contact the bank and start the procedure to cancel the inscription in the Land Registry.

3. Knowing the taxes that the vendor is due when selling a property in Spain.

One of the main tips for selling a property in Spain is to study in advance the taxes that the vendor must pay. Specifically, two: Plusvalia Tax and the Capital Gains Tax. The Plusvalía can be calculated using two methods: the objective method and the real method (the taxpayer can opt for the most favourable one). The Capital Gains Tax is obtained through the difference between the acquisition price and the transfer price, although there are various cases in which this gain may be exempt.

4. Verifying the occupancy/ urban planning status.

One of the first tips for selling a property in Spain that we offer our clients is to check the urban planning status of the property, a common source of conflict

between buyers and sellers. If the property has an occupation licence, if there are any open infringement proceedings, etc. At White-Baos Lawyers we have a pre-sale service that will allow you to obtain beforehand the reports from the town hall confirming that everything is correct, etc so that all the relevant documentation is ready before the appearance of a potential buyer.

5. Preparation of the Title Deed to be signed before the Notary.

The importance of the signing of the title deeds is often overlooked, under the false belief that the Notary will check everything. As we have explained on numerous occasions, this is not the case. There are many issues that are either beyond the notary’s scope (the IBI pro-rata, retention for utilities, etc) or that must be prepared in advance (CEE,

certificate of debt in the case of communities of owners, etc). In addition, if you are not a Spanish national but have your habitual residence in Spain, it will be necessary to apply for a tax residence certificate. This will avoid the 3 per cent tax retention established in the Spanish tax legislation.

Conclusions

At White Baos Abogados we are experts in real estate law. If you want to sell your property in Spain, efficiently and clearly, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will review the documentation of your property and offer you expert legal advice. The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys information relating to legal issues.

Bowls Club donates to HELP

EL CID Bowls Club held its annual summer picnic at its home venue on Thursday June 4, welcoming members and guests for an afternoon of food, music and entertainment.

With the sun shining, members enjoyed a picnic lunch featuring a variety of dishes and refreshments. The Entertainers provided the soundtrack to the day, opening with light music before encouraging everyone to sing along to a selection of well-known songs.

The group, popular with local audiences, performed hits from artists including The Beatles, Dolly Parton and Neil Diamond. Their varied programme included classics such as Purple Rain, Flowers, Sex Bomb and Sweet Caroline, which kept the audience entertained throughout the afternoon.

During the event, club members also sold raffle tickets in support of the local HELP charity organisations in Denia and Oliva. The raffle raised €600, and club representatives agreed to increase the total to €1,000, allowing both charities to receive €500 each.

As the afternoon continued, many guests took to the dance floor, enjoying the music and the warm weather. The combination of good food, lively entertainment and charitable fundraising made the event a memorable success.

Members praised the relaxed atmosphere and are already looking forward to the club’s next summer gathering. The day ended with smiles all round and calls for the picnic to return again next year.

Seafront craft showcase

THE Alfas del Pi Craft Fair has returned to Albir beach, bringing 22 artisan stalls to the Paseo de las Estrellas until September 27.

Organised by Alfas del Pi Town Hall, the annual event is located beside Jorge Castro’s anchor monument on the seafront and will open every day from 6pm until 1am throughout the summer.

The fair aims to promote local craftsmanship and showcase the quality, creativity and originality of handmade products. Every exhibitor holds official artisan accreditation, ensuring all items on display have been produced by qualified professionals.

Visitors can browse a wide selection of handmade goods representing trades including jewellery making, ceramics, textiles, painting and woodwork. The

stalls feature jewellery, handbags and accessories, leather goods, wooden boxes, decorated jars, cloth dolls, pu-

ppets, candles, thread braids, paintings and decorative pieces created with beach stones.

Most of the products have been made by artisans from the surrounding area and are distinguished by their exclusive designs, which are rarely found in conventional shops.

Alongside the stalls, the fair includes demonstration workshops where visitors can watch traditional techniques and learn more about the creative process behind each piece.

Mayor Vicente Arques attended the opening with councillor for Commerce Patrick de Meirsman and Tourism Councillor Luis Miguel Morant, who stressed the importance of the event in supporting local artisans and expanding the municipality’s summer tourism and cultural programme.

AC/DC fined for noise

MADRID City Council fined the AC/DC concert at the Metropolitano stadium €80,800.80 after Municipal Police recorded night-time noise levels between five and 10 decibels above permitted limits. Municipal regulations classify exceedances of more than seven decibels at night as very serious infringements, which applied in this case and led to the highest penalty issued for stadium events in 2025.

Other events at the venue also faced sanctions. An Imagine Dragons concert received a €500 fine for a four-decibel breach classified as minor, while a youth football tournament was fined €180 for a similar daytime exceedance.

Across 29 inspections during 2025, 14 events complied with noise limits, four recorded breaches, and

Photo credit: Ben Houdijk/Shutterstock

the remainder were invalid due to procedural errors. Residents living near the stadium have repeatedly raised concerns about noise, traffic, litter, and the building design, which they say allows sound to escape into surrounding residential areas.

The city has introduced mitigation measures including sound-absorbing panels, speaker direction controls, and façade monitoring. Events are generally required to end by midnight, with limited

extensions at weekends.

The Ombudsman has withdrawn from the case as prosecutors continue environmental investigations.

Authorities said enforcement will continue as large-scale concerts remain under scrutiny in densely populated areas of Madrid. Officials maintain that the aim is to balance cultural events with legal noise limits and protect residents living near the stadium environment long term.

Pope’s royal jet rescue

POPE LEO XIV’s visit to Spain ended with an unexpected travel drama after a technical fault grounded his aircraft in Tenerife, forcing Spain’s King Felipe VI to step in and help get him home.

The Pope had been preparing to fly back to Rome from Tenerife North Airport following a six-day tour of Spain when problems emerged with the plane before departure. Reports said engineers were unable to resolve the issue immediately, leaving the pontiff and his entourage

stranded on the ground.

With the flight unable to continue as planned, King Felipe, who had travelled to Tenerife to bid farewell to the Pope, offered the use of his official Falcon jet. The Pope was then able to continue his journey to Rome aboard the Spanish government aircraft.

The remainder of the papal delegation and the journalists travelling with him stayed behind to await a replacement aircraft.

The disruption came

at the end of a busy visit that took Pope Leo to Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands. During the trip, he met political and religious leaders, celebrated Masses attended by thousands of worshippers and focused on issues including migration and social inclusion.

One of the most symbolic moments of the visit came in Barcelona, where the Pope took part in celebrations linked to the completion of the final tower of the famous Sagrada Família.

BARCELONA is testing a new form of road surface that incorporates biochar produced from agricultural waste, including olive pits and forestry residues, as part of efforts to reduce the environmental impact of urban infrastructure projects. The initiative forms part of the city’s ‘21st Century Street Section’ programme and involves collaboration between Barcelona City Council, research institutions and private sector partners.

The material is not intended to replace traditional asphalt. Instead, biochar is used as a partial substitute for the mineral filler normally added to asphalt mixtures. Biochar is created by heating organic material in low-oxy-

Olive pit asphalt

gen conditions, a process that stabilises carbon and allows it to be incorporated into construction materials.

According to project assessments, replacing conventional fillers with biochar could reduce the carbon foo-

tprint of asphalt production by approximately 75 to 76 per cent. Researchers attribute these reductions to lower processing emissions and the ability of biochar to retain carbon within the pavement structure.

Pilot tests are currently being monitored in selected areas of Barcelona, including parts of the Eixample district. Engineers are evaluating durability, strength, weather resistance and performance under everyday traffic conditions before deciding whether wider adoption is feasible.

Bear on the run

Bearly believable!

A DRIVER in northern Spain experienced a wildlife encounter they are unlikely to forget after a large bear suddenly ran onto the road directly in front of their car.

The dramatic moment, captured on video and shared on social media, shows the animal emerging onto a mountain road near Leon before breaking into a run ahead of the vehicle. Rather than disappearing into the surrounding countryside, the bear continues sprinting along the tarmac for several seconds as the stunned motorist slows down and films the scene.

The footage has attracted thousands of views online, with many commen -

ters describing it as both incredible and surreal. Some joked that the bear appeared to be leading the way for the driver, while others admitted they would have been nervous to find themselves so close to one of Spain’s largest wild animals.

Wildlife enthusiasts believe the animal is likely to have been a Cantabrian brown bear, a protected species found mainly in the mountainous regions of Asturias, Cantabria, Leon and Galicia. Although bear sightings have become more common in recent years thanks to successful conservation efforts, experts say brown bears are naturally shy and generally avoid people.

International healthy ageing yoga Looking at eye level

ECONOMIST Gabriel

García has suggested that Mercadona shoppers may be spending more than necessary because of how products are arranged on supermarket shelves. He argues that items placed at eye level are often higher-priced or higher-margin products, while cheaper alternatives may be positioned higher or lower on the same aisle.

According to García, consumers tend to focus on the middle shelves, which are the most visible and accessible. This can lead to overlooking lower-cost options placed outside the direct line of sight.

Retail specialists note that supermarkets use shelf placement to influence purchasing behaviour. Eye-level positions are considered premium space, often used for products retailers want to promote or sell in greater volume. This strategy is widely used across grocery chains, not only Mercadona.

García advises shoppers to compare all products within a section, including checking unit prices such as cost per kilogram or litre. He suggests that small savings per item can accumulate over time in regular household shopping. The comments have circulated widely online, with some consumers

Photo credit:Veja/Shutterstock

saying they will change how they shop.

Mercadona has not commented on the claim, and the remarks reflect general retail practices rather than company policy. Experts also emphasise that shoppers should not assume price based on shelf height alone, as product range and promotions vary between stores and categories each week.

THOUSANDS of wellness enthusiasts are preparing to gather as the Indian Embassy launches its 12th annual International Day of Yoga across Spain and Andorra. Organised with local town halls and cultural groups, this year’s tour spans 33 locations under the global theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, focusing on long-term mental and physical well-being.

All events are free, open to all ages, and require no prior experience. The national schedule features major gatherings on the official UN global day, Sunday, June 21. In Madrid, a

massive open-air session will take place at Plaza de Oriente from 9am to 11am.

Simultaneously, Barcelona will host its primary gathering at Parc Joan Miró from 8.30am to 10am.

Southern Spain will host several coastal and inland sessions. Malaga holds a sunset event on Saturday, June 20 at 9.30pm, followed

on Sunday, June 21 by an afternoon session in Torremolinos at 4pm and a morning gathering in Cordoba. The tour reaches across the country, from Bilbao to the Canary Islands. Specialised sessions include a youth event in Valladolid on Friday, June 12, a women’s evening class in Madrid on Thursday, June 25, and an inclusive session with sign language translation in Tenerife on Saturday, June 27. Attendees should bring a mat, water, and sun protection. For all information, visit the official page on the Embassy of India in Madrid website.

Spain is different

BRITS abroad often assume holiday destinations share the UK’s legal approach to childcare and other laws, but assuming British rules apply in Spain can lead to severe consequences. This reality was demonstrated at a resort in Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol, where a British couple left their three young children unsupervised to visit an adult bar.

The 41-year-old man and

28-year-old woman received a suspended prison sentence of one year and four months.

They were also disqualified from exercising parental authority, and Andalucian social services took the children into care.

In Spain, leaving children unsupervised in dangerous circumstances is a specific criminal offence under the Criminal Code. While the

Snakes take a swim

Credit: BigDaneShutterstock

UK approach under the Children and Young Persons Act is often welfare-led initially, Spanish authorities intervene sharply in high-risk situations. Claiming ignorance of the law is not an acceptable defence.

Tourists frequently misjudge Spanish regulations, assuming they mirror home rules. However, local expectations regarding family responsibility and public behaviour are strictly enforced.

For instance, walking shirtless or in swimwear away from beach areas can attract fines between €120 and €750 in regions like the Costa del Sol, Barcelona, and the Balearics. Visitors must understand local laws rather than assuming UK standards apply, as parental responsibilities do not end at the border.

THE snakes are off the plane and are enjoying a lovely all-inclusive Mediterranean holiday; dining on native lizard species, swimming in the crystal blue oceans and, worryingly, exploring local islands.

Horseshoe whip snakes first appeared in Ibiza 20 years ago. In that time, their numbers grew so quickly they soon inhabited at least 90 per cent of the island and were considered an invasive species. Their presence poses the greatest threat to local lizard populations, especially the Ibiza wall lizard which has since been classified as ‘endangered’. The island’s wealthy are largely to blame. They imported olive trees from the mainland to decorate their homes, not realising the trees’ nooks make the perfect hiding spot for hibernating snakes and incubating eggs.

Several videos have been shared to social media, showing the snakes cutting through the water. Thankfully, it is not a venomous species, but its sudden presence in the water can be an alarming sight.

EUROPRESS

Fence comes down

CONSTRUCTION crews have begun dismantling frontier structures in Gibraltar ahead of historic border changes. The visible works signal major transformations before a provisional EU-UK agreement takes effect on Tuesday, July 15, 2026.

The current phase reshapes daily crossings. Workers have fenced off shelters near the Verja and prepared materials for removal. To keep the crossing open during the day, planners scheduled temporary night-time traffic diversions between 9pm and 6am.

Managing city crowds

Vehicles must divert through the goods access towards Eastgate, redirecting flows to the Kingsway Tunnel, the airport, or Four Corners. Outbound traffic follows the same route via the Eastgate roundabout. Pedestrian access at Four Corners remains uninterrupted.

Spanish authorities plan parallel dismantling on the La Linea side, where a council plot will widen the road linking customs to airport facilities. Once the fence is removed, routine physical

checks at the land border will end, moving controls to Gibraltar Airport and Port. This change should provide quicker daily commutes for roughly 15,000 frontier workers.

Adjustments will accompany the fluid movement. Spanish residents employed in Gibraltar will pay taxes in Spain.

Additionally, whilst businesses anticipate smoother goods flows, Gibraltar will introduce a 15 per cent transaction tax. These developments look set to conclude years of post-Brexit uncertainty, opening a new chapter for cross-border life.

AMSTERDAM could become a more expensive destination for visitors under new proposals unveiled by the city’s coalition government. Plans currently under discussion include gradually increasing the tourist tax from 12 per cent to 20 per cent by 2030, closing the city’s cruise terminal, reducing tourism promotion, and introducing measures aimed at easing pressure caused by mass tourism. City leaders argue that millions of annual visitors place growing demands on public services, transport, cleaning, and local infrastructure. To help cover those costs, Amsterdam is considering raising its tourist tax to 16 per cent in 2027, followed by an annual one percentage point increase until it reaches 20 per cent.

The proposals go beyond taxation. The coalition wants to end cruise ship arrivals by closing the city’s cruise terminal, subject to further discussions and external approvals. Officials are also exploring higher charges for canal crui-

ses, boat tours, and rental vessels to ensure day visitors contribute more financially.

Another major objective is reducing tourism in the historic city centre. The plan includes purchasing buildings and buying out businesses in

heavily touristed areas to balance residential life and tourism. The coalition proposes cutting support for Amsterdam&Partners, the organisation behind the ‘I amsterdam’ brand, to scale back certain promotional campaigns.

SARDINIA’S Punta Molentis beach has introduced restrictions on umbrella use as part of measures to protect the coastal environment and manage visitor numbers. Under the rules, only families with children under 10 and people aged 65 and over are allowed to use a single umbrella. Visitors between the ages of 10 and 65 are not permitted to set up umbrellas.

The beach is located in Villasimius and is a protected coastal area that has faced overcrowding and environmental pressure in recent years. Local authorities said damage from extreme

Umbrella ban

weather and a 2025 wildfire contributed to the decision to tighten controls. In addition to the umbrella policy, access to the beach requires a €10 entry fee per person. Visitor numbers are regulated through a controlled entry system, and booking may be required during busy periods.

Tents and gazebos are also banned.

Officials say the measures aim to reduce congestion and protect dunes and natural habitats. Similar restrictions, including visitor caps

and reservation systems, have been introduced at other beaches in Sardinia. The rules have generated debate among visitors, particularly regarding enforcement and sun exposure during hot weather.

Authorities maintain that the regulations are necessary to preserve the beach for future use. Sardinia continues to expand environmental controls as tourism demand increases across its most popular coastal destinations each summer season annually.

No more empty pools: How Deep6 Underwater Pool Repairs is changing the game on the Costa Blanca ADVERTISING FEATURE

OWNING a pool in Spain is one of life’s great pleasures, until something goes wrong. Missing tiles, a broken light, or surface rust. Suddenly that sparkling centrepiece becomes a headache, and the traditional solution means draining thousands of litres of water, waiting days for repairs, and watching your pool sit empty under the Spanish sun drying out rapidly.

Deep6 Underwater Pool Repairs does things differently

Established on the Costa del Sol in 2002, Deep6 has spent over two decades perfecting the art of underwater pool repair; no draining required. Since expanding to the Costa Blanca and surrounding regions in 2023 under the expertise of Luke, the company has quickly become the trusted name for villa owners, property managers, holiday rentals, residential communities, beach clubs, spas, and hotels across the area.

What Deep6 can do for you

Working entirely underwater, Deep6 carries out a full range of repairs without disrupting your pool or your schedule. Services include underwa-

ter tile repair and replacement, structural crack repair, rust repair, replacing lights and drain covers and general pool inspections - all completed while

your pool stays full.

The Deep6 difference: Exclusive underwater cement

At the heart of every repair is Deep6’s exclusive underwater cement. Developed specifically for submerged application, it bonds effectively in underwater conditions and sets fully within just 12 hours. Depending on the nature of the repair, swimmers can often be back in the pool the same day.

No waiting. No wasted water. No disruption

Whether you manage a single holiday villa or oversee multiple community pools, Deep6 offers a fast, professional, and remarkably straightforward solution to pool maintenance. Because when the sun is shining and your guests are waiting, an empty pool simply isn’t an option.

Get in touch with Deep6 today - and keep your pool how it was meant to be. Full.

RUNNING experiments with dinosaur DNA is the plot of an iconic franchise, but has now become a 21st century reality. Learning from the films, real-life scientists did not try to bring dinosaurs back from extinction (not yet, anyways), instead they paired science with fashion to create a leather bag made from T-Rex skin.

Designer dinosaur

In what is a first for science and fashion, the bag recently went up for sale.

With no previous precedent, auctioneers at the Parisian auction house Giquello had to come up with a price.

The T-Rex skin was then used to create a leather handbag, possibly the most luxurious accessory to ever exist.

Twenty-five years ago, a T-Rex femur was discovered in the state of Montana in the United States. Using advanced technology, scientists harnessed the traces of collagen remaining on the bone to create a replica of T-Rex skin, which scientists claim to be an accurate replica of what would have existed over 67 million years ago.

Best star-gazing

DARK SKY ALQUEVA in Portugal has won top honours as Europe’s best stargazing destination at the Tourism Leaders Awards 2026. The protected zone in the Alentejo region earned the award for best astrotourism experience.

Located near the Spanish border, the reserve covers about 10,000 square kilometres. Exceptionally low arti cial lighting levels produce outstanding sky quality for viewing stars, attracting thousands of international visitors.

Nearby villages, inclu-

ding Alandroal, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Portel and Mourão, o er a ordable rural accommodation and meals. These communities actively reduce street lighting at night to optimise conditions for skywatching.

Several celestial displays will occur later this year.

A total solar eclipse takes place on Wednesday, August 12. Although the path of totality crosses northern Spain, partial phases will be highly visible under the dark skies of the Portuguese reserve. The Perseid

meteor shower peaks on Wednesday, August 12 and Thursday, August 13. Excellent conditions, caused by a new moon, will allow visitors to see numerous streaks every hour.

Later in the year, a partial lunar eclipse happens on Friday, August 28. Saturn reaches opposition on Saturday, October 4, remaining visible all night. The Geminid meteor shower peaks on Monday, December 13 and Tuesday, December 14, followed by a spectacular supermoon on Thursday, December 24.

Ahead of its June 13 sale, auctioneers anticipated bids as high as €500,000 for the ‘one of a kind’ piece. Even the richest among us were not convinced, however, as the T-Rex bag peaked at €150,000 during the auction, and ultimately failed to sell.

Answer the phone

OTHERS THINK IT

I SOMETIMES wonder if I accidentally slept through a meeting where everybody agreed to abolish customer service. It clearly happened. There was a time when, if you had a problem, you picked up the telephone, dialled a number and, after a reasonable interval, another human being answered. You explained the issue, they attempted to solve it, and everyone went away relatively satisfied. Simple.

Today, before you’re even allowed to describe your problem, you’re interrogated by a machine with all the warmth and charm of a parking ticket. ‘Please listen carefully, as our options have changed.’ Then begins the obstacle course. Press 1 for this. Press 2 for that. Press 3 if you’ve forgotten why you called in the first place. By the time you’ve navigated 12 separate menus, you’ve reached a department that has absolutely nothing to do with your enquiry. Which is when the recording cheerfully informs you: ‘Your call is important to us.’ No, it’s not.

If my call were important to you, Doris from Accounts would have answered ten minutes ago instead of me ageing visibly while listening to an utterly boring flute rendition of Greensleeves.

Then there is the modern miracle of customer support websites. Remember when companies used to publish a telephone number? Now they send you to a website containing pages of Frequently Asked Questions. The trouble is, the question you want answered is never one of the frequently asked ones.

You spend half an hour clicking through pages entitled ‘Helpful Resources’, ‘Customer Journey’ and ‘Support Hub’. Eventually you find a tiny link marked ‘Contact Us’. You click it, which takes you to another page explaining that most enquiries can be answered by visiting the Help Centre. Which is exactly where you have spent the last half hour. It’s like asking a passer-by to go back and ask the passer-by.

I truly do suspect the entire system was designed by someone whose main ambition in life was never to speak to a customer. Then there are the self-checkouts which are springing up everywhere. We’re told these exist for

our convenience. Funny sort of convenience. You do all the scanning, all the packing, all the work. Then a machine accuses you of placing an unexpected item in the bagging area. The unexpected item is a loaf of bread. Mmm! How can it be unexpected if I put it there? At this point, a weary(superior) assistant wanders over and taps a secret code into the machine as though defusing a bomb. Progress, apparently.

The strange thing is that all this technology was supposed to simplify life. Yet somehow every transaction now involves passwords, verification codes, security questions and enough online forms to apply for planning permission. Perhaps I’m old-fashioned. Perhaps this really is the golden age of customer service. But I can’t help feeling that if a company genuinely wants to stand out from the crowd these days, it should try something radical. Answer the phone. Employ human beings. Solve the problem. And stop telling me how important my call is while leaving me on hold long enough to qualify for a state pension.

Keep the faith, Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

Spain’s transplant

SPAIN’S organ transplant system is widely regarded as one of the most successful and tightly regulated in the world. Managed by the National Transplant Organisation (ONT), it allocates donor organs according to medical need and generally limits access to Spanish citizens and foreign nationals who are legally resident in the country. These restrictions are designed to prevent transplant tourism and ensure scarce organs are distributed fairly.

The system came under scrutiny following a Guardia Civil investigation into a network that allegedly helped Bulgarian kidney patients gain access to Spain’s healthcare system through fraudulent registrations. Investigators found that fictitious employment contracts and false Social Security enrolments were used to obtain Spanish health cards for people who did not meet residency requirements.

loophole

These restrictions are designed to prevent transplant tourism.

Authorities concluded that 14 Bulgarian citizens received healthcare access through the scheme and that six ultimately underwent kidney transplants. The operation is estimated to have cost Spain’s public healthcare system more than €1.5 million. The case raised concerns because donor organs remain in short supply, meaning every transplant performed for an ineligible recipient potentially affects patients legitimately waiting for treatment. Officials stressed that the financial cost was less significant than the potential impact on fairness and public trust.

Paid to live in paradise

VISITING the Italian Alps is a bucket list item with people willing to spend huge amounts of money to visit. However, a recent appeal could see a handful of lucky individuals not only getting to go for free, but being paid to live there. The only catch? Being part of a research project.

Eurac Research is currently interested in studying how average altitude influences human health. As such, the company is seeking willing participants between the ages of 18 and 40 to take part in the study by moving to the Italian Alps.

They’d live there, 2,500 metres above sea level, for a month. During that time, the Eurac team would monitor their physical well-being and study the effects living at such an altitude has on their body.

The effects of high-altitudes on the human body

has been studied before, but never at such an intermediate level. Approximately 200 million people permanently live at altitudes above 2,000 metres, yet research into how their bodies respond is lacking.

In return for their taking part, participants

would receive an all-expenses paid trip to a place many consider to be paradise, as well as a €400 stipend. Taking part in a research project might seem a bit extreme, but it could be worth it for budget travellers wanting to tick such a beautiful destination off their list.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Sterling gains

THE British pound strengthened against both the euro and the US dollar as improving global risk sentiment boosted investor confidence. Markets reacted positively to easing trade tensions and stronger economic signals, supporting sterling gains. Analysts also pointed to expectations around interest rates and resilient UK economic data as factors helping the currency outperform the euro.

Mascot marketing

SOME of the biggest companies are switching tactics, now relying on adorable mascots to gain global recognition and entice customers. Mascots give brands a personality and can create instant brand recognition. According to 2019 research, marketing campaigns featuring cute mascots are 37 per cent more likely to be successful.

Parental leave

SPAIN’S Supreme Court has confirmed that single-parent families are entitled to an additional 10 weeks of birth and childcare leave, increasing total leave from 16 to 26 weeks. The ruling follows a Constitutional Court decision aimed at preventing inequality between children in single-parent and two-parent households, while strengthening treatment rights.

Housing gap

BUYING a home in Spain now requires 8.4 years of gross salary on average. House prices rose 20.5 per cent in 2025, while wages increased just 1 per cent. Around €230,000 is needed for an 80m² property, based on an average annual salary of €27,336.

Fresh produce

DESPITE rising prices, Spaniards are still prioritising healthy eating, with 35 per cent of their shopping basket made up of fresh produce. According to a recent study, Spanish families allocate 44 per cent of their food budget to fresh produce.

STAT OF WEEK 38.5%

In the first quarter of 2026, foreclosures on homes in Spain belonging to individuals increased by 35.8 per cent, according to the INE.

Robotaxis hit the road

AS if driving in Spain wasn’t chaotic enough, self-driving robotaxis could soon be hitting the streets. Robotaxis are expected to begin operating across the country by the end of 2026 as Uber, which will invest an additional €430 million in the self-driving service, recently approved its first robotaxis in the Community of Madrid.

In the United States, autonomous vehicles are already up and running. Alphabet-owned Waymo has quickly become the leading robotaxi company in the US, but its rollout has not been without issues. Passengers have shared accounts of taxis driving erratically, running red lights, and stopping on train tracks and in the middle of busy intersections. As a result, thousands of vehicles have been recalled, and several lawsuits are pending.

One seemingly overlooked flaw is that robotaxis can’t close their

own door. To fix this inconvenience, companies are paying food delivery drivers to close the doors for them. One driver was reportedly paid €9.74, while another was offered up to €20 to do so.

But while delivery drivers are getting paid to close doors, what about taxi drivers? Driving is one of the largest employment categories in many counties, with a relatively low

barrier of entry. As of March 2026, 62,406 taxi licences and 24,764 VTC licences were registered in Spain. While robotaxis may be marginally cheaper for passengers, they could potentially wipe thousands of jobs. And with the majority of taxi drivers being self-employed, this could in turn impact consumer spending, tax revenues, and local economies across Spain.

Pay transparency

MANY job-seekers are currently applying for jobs, not knowing how much they’ll actually be earning if they succeed. In Spain, only 17 per cent of job listings are advertised with salary expectations included. Even once a salary is agreed upon, not everybody earns the same wage for the same work.

According to Eurostat, women’s gross hourly earnings are 11 per cent lower than men’s. ETUC estimates this costs women €4.8 billion a year - around €465 and €700 per woman. However, new EU rules aim to change that.

The Pay Transparency Directive that came into effect on Sunday June 7 promotes full pay transparency and shrinking the gender pay gap. It will ensure equal pay for equal work across the sexes, and make sure current and potential employees know the going rate for their role.

Lucrative trades

DURING the World Cup, collecting trading cards is just as important as the game itself. And just as lucrative. During the World Cup, upwards of 500 million sticker packets and around 35 million albums will be sold around the world. The urge to collect the full 2026 set will likely generate €1.4 billion. Morgan Stanley estimates the global collectibles industry to earn €86 billion annually as fans crave keep-sakes, even fans whose countries are absent from the tournament.

Several EU countries have already established legislation, but others have failed to meet the deadline.

Infrastructure improvement

DUE to immigration Spain is nearing a population of 50 million, with another 100 million tourists visiting annually, and now its infrastructure is crumbling, not prepared for the sudden expansion. The only way to improve is through investment. Estimates suggest €127 billion is needed for maintenance, and another €280 billion for new developments and improving existing infrastructure. However, public investment has been at an all time low, close to net-zero, since the 2010 debt crisis.

WIZZ Air is set to become the first low-budget European airline to provide inflight Wi-Fi. Having recently signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink, Wizz Air will beat industry leaders like Ryanair and easyJet to implement the technology, giving Wizz Air a market advantage. What has typically been treated as a luxury perk will be offered across Wizz Air’s entire fleet by 2027, although it’s yet unclear if this will be a free service or a paid add-on.

Staying sober

DRINKING is going out of style, at least among the younger generation. A recent study by the Spanish Ministry of Health found that there has been a reduction in regular alcohol consumption in the 15-24 age group. In the last 10 years, their alcohol consumption dropped from 43.8 per cent in 2006, to 17.9 per cent. Whether because they’re adopting healthier habits or simply saving money, Gen-Z staying sober is affecting corporations. AB InBev, Heineken, and Diageo reported declining sales volumes, with AB InBev falling for three consecutive years, including a 2.3 per cent drop in 2025, highlighting industry-wide challenges.

Travel data

Housing waitlists

THE waiting list for social housing in the UK is long, and there’s no sign of it going down anytime soon. In fact, the housing charity Shelter predicted it would take 119 years to shrink the list at the rate homes are being built. In 2025, 1.3 million households were on the waitlist, but only 12,198 homes were completed. The construction of new social rental homes has decreased by 64 per cent in the last 15 years. And not because people don’t need them. On the contrary, the number of homeless households living in temporary accommodation increased by 155 per cent.

BBVA Research’s first-quarter tourism data shows that Spain’s tourism activity is becoming more geographically diversified, with travellers increasingly choosing secondary destinations over traditional hotspots. Provinces such as Ciudad Real and Guadalajara recorded stronger domestic and international tourism activity, while Castilla-La Mancha, Murcia, La Rioja and Asturias saw notable increases in tourist spending. Although part of the spending growth reflects higher prices, transport, accommodation and hospitality sectors also expanded, indicating a real increase in tourist numbers.

3I Group 2.369,00 2.378,00 2.330,00 86K

Admiral Group 3.450,0 3.476,0 3.449,7 8,15K

Airtel Africa 368,00 374,20 368,00 60,45K

Anglo American 4.131,6 4.150,0 4.114,0 132,18K

Antofagasta 4.332,00 4.355,90 4.253,00 77,65K

Associated British Foods 1.967,5 1.974,0 1.959,6 30,09K

AstraZeneca 13.516,0 13.524,0 13.418,0 67,97K

Auto Trader Group Plc 470,60 473,80 470,60 146,34K

Aviva 629,40 634,97 629,20 394K

B M European Value Retail 197,02 201,20 196,70 162,31K

BAE Systems

1.884,50 1.920,75 1.863,50 927,59K

Barclays 484,15 488,55 482,80 2,71M

Barratt Redrow 255,10 257,00 251,90 275,2K

Beazley 1.283,00 1.283,50 1.282,50 40,09K

Berkeley 3.504,0 3.536,0 3.452,0 6,01K

BP 514,10 518,70 511,70 2,59M

British American Tobacco 4.618,0 4.640,0 4.600,0 74,27K

BT Group 206,70 210,00 206,30 418,22K

Bunzl 2.596,0 2.634,0 2.570,0 96,59K

Centrica 184,40 187,10 184,30 1,18M

Coca Cola HBC AG 4.620,0 4.636,0 4.596,0 9,64K Compass 34,56 34,60 34,04 41,21K ConvaTec Group 205,22 207,60 205,00 102,99K Croda Intl 3.130,0 3.138,0 3.084,0 13,19K DCC 6.160,0 6.195,0 6.150,0 11,07K Diageo 1.535,5 1.544,0 1.530,5 109,74K Diploma 7.025,00 7.051,02 6.970,00 7,73K

BUSINESS EXTRA

Pope in Spain

POPE LEO XIV’s visit to Spain was a resounding success. Not only did millions turn out to see him in person, filling the streets and football stadiums, but his visit generated approximately €120 million. Around €25 million was invested in the Pontiff’s seven-day tour around Spain, but his visit generated five times the cost.

Mobility costs

SPAIN’S public transport network is facing some serious challenges, and will reportedly need to generate €12 billion annually until 2030 to tackle them head on. One looming issue is the increase in passengers due to immigration and the continued tourism boom which creates the need for more mobility. Another is electrifying the fleet as sustainability becomes more of a priority.

Oil stockpile

IT’S human nature to hoard essentials, especially after a shortage, but experts warn that a rush to stockpile oil will only keep prices higher for longer. Almost 500 million barrels of crude oil needs to be replenished once the Strait of Hormuz reopens. This total grows by 5.8 million for every day it remains closed.

SpaceX stocks

AHEAD of its first IPO, SpaceX valued its shares at £100 each, skyrocketing the valuation of the firm to over a trillion dollars. SpaceX is hoping to raise £55 billion, a record IPO high. Whether shares sell for such a high amount waits to be seen. If they do, that will skyrocket SpaceX into becoming one of the most valuable companies in the world, and turn Musk into a trillionaire.

Britain’s dying industry

BRITAIN was once a foodie hotspot, but in recent years the scene has dropped off, and in some places disappeared entirely.

The hospitality sector is losing three establishments a day. Bars and restaurants are drowning under rising taxes, high overheads and production costs. The reinstatement of 20 per cent VAT and the abolishment of the 40 per cent business rate discount severely impacted restaurants that were only just recovering from the pandemic.

The USA-Israeli war is also exacerbating the problem as the cost of raw ingredients is forcing restaurants to choose between adapting the menu, upping the price or taking the loss.

It doesn’t help that wouldbe customers simply can’t afford to dine out. Money is

being spent on essentials or saved for a rainy day, not spent on eating out. Even if they wanted to, many can’t afford the high prices restaurants are chargeing to stay afloat.

Award-winning spots are just as susceptible to closure. Since 2021, London

Disney in debt

MORE than 30 years since the glittering gates of Disneyland Paris first opened its doors, and Disney is still in the black. A total of €5.7 billion has been invested in the park, but Disney has only recouped €3.6 billion.

The park has been victim to bad luck, with real world events impacting travel and decreasing visitor numbers. For example, its second park opened in 2002, in the wake of 9/11 when tourism was down. Visitor numbers also suffered following the 2016 Paris attack, Covid pandemic and now the USA-Israeli war.

That doesn’t mean it’s not a lucrative investment. Outside of the US, Disneyland Paris is the company’s most successful attraction, welcoming 15 million visitors annually. In 2025,

Youth poverty

LIVING costs are at an all-time high, and with wages not rising to match, one in three young people are at risk of poverty.

According to reports, 34 per cent of under-30s in Spain face poverty or social exclusion, while housing costs consume more than 40 per cent of income.

Average rents have risen by almost 13 per cent in a year, far outpacing salary growth. Youth unemployment also remains above 26 per cent, leaving many trapped in insecure or temporary work. Experts warn that without urgent action, financial insecurity among young people will continue to deepen.

has lost 24 of its 112 Michelin-starred restaurants. In total, Michelin-starred restaurants have reduced by more than 20 per cent across the whole of England and Wales since 2020.

With each closure, a whole cohort of staff is left unemployed from award-winning

Banking price hike

BANKING services are becoming more expensive as inflation rises. According to Asufin, Spanish bank fees for account and debit card maintenance increased by 10.84 per cent over the last three years. In 2021, major banks charged an average of €110 annually, but this year the average cost has risen to €167.27.

Irish expansion

chefs to busboys and front of house personnel. Hospitality has typically been a reliable entry-level job, a chance for young people to get their foot on the career ladder. But with establishments closing at an extreme rate, job security is feeling like a thing of the past.

the park generated a record €3.4 billion, beating every other non-US park.

What’s more, Disneyland Paris’ very existence promotes Disney’s products and movies, keeping the magic alive on and off screen.

Temporary employment

GETTING a job in the UK is becoming increasingly difficult, especially for young people. But even once they find employment, job security is not always guaranteed as many UK companies are only offering temporary contracts.

Additionally, the number of people working zero-hour contracts reached 1.23 million by 2026. While zero-hour contracts are not inherently temporary, there is no guaranteed minimum hours that employers can plan for, personally or financially.

The only sector with a high demand for permanent staff was in nursing, medical and care. Meanwhile, permanent job offers fell the most in retail.

Charity closure

THE British Heart Foundation is facing 150 shop closures over the next two years. Through a combination of rising costs, changing consumer habits and a decline in the high street retail scene, fundraising efforts through a physical shop network have become unsustainable. The number of staff impacted remains undisclosed.

SHEIN is strengthening its European logistics network by opening a new centre in Ireland. The move aims to improve delivery efficiency, support growing demand, and expand regional operations. The facility reflects Shein’s wider strategy to build local infrastructure and enhance its supply chain across Europe.

Minimum wage

SPAIN’S labour market is becoming increasingly low-paid, with one in three young workers earning minimum wage. Around 2.5 million employees receive the SMI (€1,180) while temporary contracts remain widespread. Economists warn that stagnant salaries and rising living costs are leaving younger generations with weaker purchasing power and fewer opportunities.

Regularisation effect

THE planned immigrant regularisation in Spain is expected to have only a limited effect on GDP growth in 2027. Studies suggest it may increase formal employment and tax contributions by 17 per cent, but the overall macroeconomic impact will be small, with only a marginal improvement in GDP.

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Savoury sophistication RESTAURANT REVIEW

Seaside samba

RESTAURANTE CAN CAUS

JALON, located in the heart of the Costa Blanca town, is a visually striking, welcoming dining spot where locals have increasingly been heading to get a refined taste of the Mediterranean experience.

Boasting a modern, yet rustic atmosphere, a spacious terrace, and a lively energy, the restaurant makes a strong and lasting first impression, and is a go-to on warm summer evenings for its comfortable outdoor seating.

The menu leans towards high-quality meats and creative, savoury tapas, with dishes that aim to elevate traditional flavours through skilled presentation and technique. The steak and carpaccio are a particular favourite, as they are tender, flavourful, and expertly prepared.

The service at the restaurant adds to the overall experience, and has a friendly and welcoming vibe that makes guests feel at ease. The staff’s attention to detail and willingness to accommodate diners allows them to enjoy

their meal with a personal touch, immersed in the homey atmosphere of the establishment.

Overall, Restaurante Can Caus Jalon delivers a refined yet relaxed dining experience that successfully combines atmosphere, creativity, and quality. Its distinctive concept, appealing setting, and well-executed dishes make it a standout choice in Jalon, offering visitors a memorable taste of modern Mediterranean cuisine in a truly inviting environment.

T. 965 27 58 51 restaurantcancausjalon.es/

ONCE more, the seaside town of Calpe is preparing to embrace the summer season on the Costa Blanca with the return of one of its most popular outdoor and nature-based activities, Zumba on the beach. This activity, brought back due to its popularity among residents and visitors, combines fitness, music, and Calpe’s idyllic coastline in a fun dance event that captures the essence of Mediterranean living in the summertime.

The event will run from Monday, June 22 to Friday, September 25 and will allow tourists and residents of Calpe alike to enjoy the peak summer months in a fun dancing activity, inviting them to socialise, get up and get active, and enjoy

the beautiful beaches of the Costa Blanca town.

Classes will take place at the Playa Mediterrani and the Playa de la Fossa, on Mondays at 8.00pm, as well as Thursdays at 9.00am. On the Playa Colon and the Playa del Arenal, the classes will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays

at 9.00am, allowing visitors and residents to attend the classes on almost any day they please.

Running throughout the summer months, the initiative reinforces Calpe’s reputation as a vibrant and active destination, where leisure, wellbeing, and tourism come together.

Terrific tastings

BENITACHELL is set to celebrate the flavours of its local summer with the return of its increasingly popular gastronomic event, ‘Tasta l’estiu’, a tasting cycle that will once again bring residents and visitors together to enjoy local produce.

This year, the event will boast five tasting sessions, as well as broaden its focus beyond wine to a wider range of traditional products available in the Marina Alta region of the Costa Blanca.

This event will run through the summer, beginning on Friday, June 19, and ending on Wednesday, August 19, with all days beginning at 8.30pm in the picturesque Church Square of Benitachell, a central location expected to attract countless locals and visitors.

The programme will open on June 19 with a wine tasting hosted by the local BioMoscatell association. This will be followed by a craft beer tasting on July 9, a session dedicated to carob-based products on July 16, a honey tasting on August 6, and a final event on August 19, which will combine wines with traditional delicacies.

The event will have a price of €3 per session, and interested visitors can register by completing the form at esdeveni ments.benitatxell.es, making a payment via transfer to the indicated bank account within 48 hours, and then sending the receipt to turisme@elpoblenoudebenita txell.com, along with the full names of the participants.

Jazzy June

DENIA is gearing up to host a unique musical experience at the tail end of the month, with the arrival of its ‘Sacred Jazz’ event, a concert that will blend sacred music with the expressive, characteristic rhythms of jazz.

The event will be headed by the Cor de la Rectoria choir and renowned vocalist Eva Olivencia in what promises to be one of the most distinctive cultural highlights of the summer on the Costa Blanca.

The concert, which will take place on the evening of June 27 at 9.30pm, will be held at the Church of Sant Antoni, and centres around a bold reinterpretation of traditional sacred compositions, incorporating jazz elements including swing, blues, bebop, hard

bop, and improvisation to create a dynamic and contemporary sound.

British composer Will Todd will be at the core of the performance with his acclaimed work, Mass in Blue. The concert will also feature an impressive array of more than 60 voices, accompanied by a live jazz band that will offer audiences a

powerful and immersive musical experience. Advance tickets for the ‘Sacred Jazz’ concert are now available at various points of sale in Denia. Those interested can purchase them at the Puig-Cañamás Management Office during morning hours. In the afternoons, tickets are on sale at the Agrupació Musical de Denia.

Discover authentic Italian flavours during Casa Beau’s exclusive wine evening

WINE lovers are in for a real treat this June as Casa Beau and Beau Wines host a special Italian wine evening on Tuesday, June 23 at 8pm. Set in the welcoming surroundings of Casa Beau, the event promises an unforgettable night of fine wines, carefully prepared food and authentic Italian atmosphere. Guests will be taken on a journey through Italy’s rich winemaking traditions, with the opportunity to taste a selection of beautifully chosen wines and an exclusive liqueur.

Each wine has been paired with a specially created dish by the chef, designed to complement the flavours and characteristics of every glass served throughout the evening.

For anyone who enjoys good wine, delicious food and authentic Italian charm, this promises to be one of the highlights of the summer social calendar.

From elegant reds to refreshing whites, the tasting experience has been carefully planned so guests can fully appreciate the quality and individuality of the wines. Detailed explanations will also be given about each wine and the dishes they accompany, making the evening enjoyable not only for experienced wine enthusiasts

but also for those simply looking to discover something new.

Adding to the atmosphere, the evening will feature live music from an authentic Italian singer, bringing the warmth and romance of Italy to the Costa Blanca.

The combination of exceptional food, quality wines and live entertainment creates the perfect setting for a relaxed and sociable night out with friends or family.

With limited places available, early booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. The event costs €55 per person, offering guests a complete evening of wine tasting, food pairing and entertainment in one of the area’s most inviting venues.

Reservations can be made online at www.casa-beau.com or by telephone on 604 480 305. Casa Beau is located at Narciso Yepes 4, Local 3, in Albir.

Fiery festival

THE coastal town of Javea, once more, is carrying out one of its most important traditional celebrations, the Fogueres de Sant Joan, an annual festival that is returning with a packed programme of events running through to the final days of June. From the middle of the month onwards, the festival will blend tradition, music, community spirit, and spectacle and transform the streets of the Costa Blanca municipality into a vibrant hub of activity. The programme includes activities for all ages, including sporting events like chess tournaments and table tennis competitions, as well as cultural performances, theatrical acts, and popular ‘Circ i Foc’ shows, combining acrobatics with

pyrotechnic spectacles.

Food will be a major part of the event, and an unmissable aspect for this year’s edition of the Fogueres de Sant Joan. Highlights include giant paellas and openair dinners, where locals will gather to eat, socialise, and celebrate together.

One of the most anticipated traditions is the ‘sobaquillo’ dinner, where attendees bring their own food while organisers provide drinks, turning public squares into shared dining spaces.

Finally, the celebrations build towards their dramatic finale on the night of June 24, when the town’s large artistic monuments, known as ‘fogueres’, are set alight in the symbolic ‘cremà’.

Marvellous microtheatre

PEDREGUER will host an intimate and engaging cultural event this June, with the return of the third edition of its microtheatre cycle at the Escoles Velles, ‘Sentiments pendents’. The event, which has grown in popularity since its inception, will offer audiences a unique way to experience theatre in short performances that will leave crowds stunned and wanting for more.

The event is set to take place in the late afternoon and early evening of Saturday, June 20, with performances scheduled in 15-minute intervals from 5.30pm until around 8.15pm.

The microtheatre performances will each be self-contained, thought-provoking, impressive theatrical pieces that will evoke emotion, reflection, and connection, true to the title of the cycle, trans-

of this cultural offering is that entry will be completely free, though organisers encourage interested visitors to book in advance due to limited capacity for each time slot.

Spain’s Wine Legacy

Martha Ardila, Sommelier at Martha’s Vineyard Moraira

Dribbling & drinking: A World Cup guide to Spanish wine

WHATEVER flag you’re waving this World Cup, if you’re lucky enough to be spending the summer in Spain, there’s one thing we can all agree on: football deserves to be enjoyed properly. Martha’s Vineyard Moraira, fills with supporters from England, Netherlands, Spain, Colombia, Turkey and beyond. Different shirts, different dreams, but one thing unites everyone: Spanish wine. Because when you’re visiting somewhere special, you do as the locals do. Cheer for England with a chilled Albariño from Galicia. Support the Netherlands with a bright, coastal Txakoli from the Basque Country. Raise a glass of Cava for Spain, because no one celebrates football quite like the Spanish.

Follow Colombia with a bold Ribera del Duero - rich, passionate, and full of drama. Back Turkey with a vibrant Rioja or Garnacha, made for lively nights and emotional matches.

As the tournament heats up, so do the wines: elegant Rioja for the big moments, powerful Ribera del Duero for knockout tension, and crisp Albariño for those late Mediterranean evenings when extra time feels like a gift.

The beauty of the World Cup is simple: everyone arrives with different loyalties, but leaves with the same memories. So wherever you’re from, if you’re watching football under the Spanish sun, embrace the spirit of Spain.

martha@marthasvineyard.es marthasvineyard.es

lating to ‘Pending Feelings’.

One of the best aspects

By combining emerging theatrical talent with an approachable and innovative format, this microtheatre cycle in the heart of the Costa Blanca not only showcases creativity and local talent, but also encourages audiences to connect more deeply with the performing arts.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Some partnerships are built on contracts. This one was built on trust - forged three decades ago in the restaurant kitchens of

NICO, owner of Grizzly’s World in Moraira, and Ming, head chef of Taste of Japan, go back 30 years. Back then Nico supplied Asian restaurants across Holland; where Ming worked in the past. They shared one obsession: quality, always quality. Then life moved on, and the two lost touch for 15 years.

The reunion was pure coincidence. A friend mentioned a talented Chinese chef in Denia. Nico had no idea it was Ming; Ming had no idea Nico was in Spain. One conversation later, something clicked back into place.

But what really brought them together wasn’t

nostalgia - it was a shared frustration.

Ming had worked in kitchens where management simply didn’t understand how creative Asian chefs

operate - managers who would walk in and demand a Chinese chef put hamburgers on the menu. The kind of tone-deaf directive that

doesn’t just insult the craft; it kills it completely. Ming had seen it happen too many times, and he wanted no part of it.

“It’s not only about the money. It’s about what you build.”

- MING, HEAD CHEF, TASTE OF JAPAN

Nico understood immediately. Twenty years supplying over 600 Asian clients across Holland had taught him what most restaurateurs never learn: if you want a Chinese chef to produce something extraordinary, you get out of their way - you trust the process and let them create. That is exactly what he offered Ming. The results have been swift. Taste of Japan has barely opened and the early word is already very good - built on premium products, sourced with the rigour Nico honed as a supplier.

Nico couldn’t agree more.

FOLLOWING a 10-year high in STI diagnoses in the country, Spain’s Ministry of Health has announced the launch of a programme through which young people aged between 16 and 22 will be offered free condoms in local pharmacies. The initiative, announced by the Director General of Public Health, Pedro Gullón, defines condoms as a right for young people.

The scheme was introduced in Madrid as part of the Awareness and Update Day on Sexually Transmitted In-

fections, organised by the Ministry of Health. The plan aims to integrate condoms into daily life and normalise their use among teenagers and young adults. Gullón highlighted that young people will be entitled to a box of condoms every set period, suggesting a monthly basis as an example.

While Spain has previously launched similar initiatives, this rollout is expected to reach some three million people nationwide and will make free condoms accessible in more pharmacies.

FEW beauty concerns are as frustrating as waking up looking exhausted after a full night’s sleep. Puffy eyes and dark circles are incredibly common, yet their causes are far more complicated than simply being tired. The skin beneath the eyes is among the thinnest on the body, which means blood vessels are more visible there. When circulation slows due to fatigue, stress or de-

To execute the initiative, the country will make a centralised purchase of condoms for the whole of Spain.

The move is highly significant as condom prices surge across Europe, whilst gonorrhoea and syphilis cases are at an all-time high in Spain. Condoms remain the only effective form of birth control that also protects against STIs. This initiative also makes barrier contraception accessible for those with limited resources, adding a vital safety net.

DR MARCUS STEPHAN

THERE is an old saying that prevention is better than cure. When it comes to global health, that principle has never been more important - or more under threat.

Watching recent reports of another Ebola outbreak brought back memories of my time working with the World Health Organisation (WHO). Many years ago, I spent a period as a temporary consultant at the organisation’s European headquarters in Copenhagen. It gave me a close-up view of an institution that rarely makes headlines when things are going well but is often among the first to respond when things go badly wrong.

The WHO is not perfect. No international organisation is. It is bureaucratic, occasionally frustrating, and sometimes slow. But dismissing it as unnecessary is rather like complaining about the fire brigade because you dislike the colour of the engine.

When a deadly disease emerges, whether it is Ebola, Covid-19, or something

we have yet to encounter, someone has to coordinate the global response. Someone has to gather data, issue warnings, support overwhelmed healthcare systems, and ensure that countries are sharing information rather than hiding it. That someone is usually the WHO.

hydration, the area can appear darker or slightly bluish. Genetics also play a major role. For some people, dark circles are hereditary and difficult to eliminate completely, regardless of how much sleep they get.

The recent Ebola outbreak is a case in point. Watching television coverage of the suffering caused by this horrific disease is deeply unsettling. What many viewers do not see are the thousands of healthcare workers, scientists, logisticians, and volunteers working behind the scenes. Some of my former colleagues volunteered during previous outbreaks, travelling to affected regions to provide medical care and support.

The information provided in this column is for educational and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice.

Read more at euroweeklynews.com/author/mstephan/

Puffiness is often caused by fluid retention. Salty foods, alcohol, allergies and even sleeping position can cause fluid to collect beneath the eyes overnight. As we age, the muscles and tissues around the

eyes naturally weaken, making swelling and shadows more noticeable.

While expensive creams promise dramatic results, simple habits can make a difference. Staying hydrated, reducing excess salt and a cool compress in the morning may help minimise swelling. Eye creams containing caffeine can also temporarily tighten the area and improve circulation.

SPAIN is currently experiencing a serious pharmaceutical supply crisis. Recent data records nearly 12,000 supply shortages affecting more than 1,500 different medications, including common, everyday painkillers.

The alert was raised by LUDA Partners, a network connecting over 3,700 Spanish pharmacies. According to their data, 1,538 different medications are affected by 11,785 supply shortages.

Unsplash

The latest addition to these figures is acetylsalicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin. Consequently, aspirin is now among the five medications with the most reported shortages, accounting for 4 per cent of shortages nationwide. This deficit specifically affects 75-milligram packs of 30 units, 100-milligram packs of 500 units, and Aspirin Plus in 500-milligram and 50-milligram formats. This shortage impacts patients treating chronic pain or requiring over-thecounter relief. Furthermore, acetylsalicylic acid is a key component in Lenzetto, a menopause hormone therapy. The report highlights particular difficulties in the Canary Islands, listing scarce medicines including Gabapentin, Hibor, Amchafibrin, Depakine, and Furantoin. Multiple factors drive the crisis, including temporary seasonal demand spikes, rising production costs, and international supply chain tensions.

STRETCHING is one of the simplest ways to support your body, yet it is often overlooked in busy daily routines. You do not need a gym membership or hours of free time to enjoy the benefits. Just a few mi-

Regular stretching can improve flexibility, making everyday movements such as bending, walking and reaching feel easier. It can also help release tension, especially in areas that often become tight

STARTING your day with a workout can be a simple way to boost both your body and your mindset. While getting out of bed early is not always easy, morning exercise can create a positive routine that sets the tone for the rest of your day.

One of the biggest benefits of morning workouts is increased energy. Moving your body after waking up helps improve circulation and can leave you feeling more alert and ready to tackle daily tasks. It can also support better focus, making it easier to stay productive at work or during study.

Morning exercise may also help build consistency. With fewer distractions and unexpected plans early in the day, it can be easier to stick to your fitness goals. Whether it is a brisk walk, yoga session, strength training, or a quick home workout, small efforts can make a noticeable difference over time.

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Mercadona breaks tradition

SPANISH supermarket chain Mercadona is breaking with tradition by opening selected branches on Sundays and extending its evening hours during the busy holiday season. The company, which has historically remained closed on Sundays and bank holidays, is introducing the changes to keep pace with competitors such as Lidl and Aldi.

From Saturday, June 22 until Sunday, August 30, affected stores will operate under a summer timetable, trading from 9am until 10pm. This adds an extra half an hour to the usual closing time of 9.30pm. Management introduced the shift to respond to altered summer buying patterns, as holidaymakers and families frequently make later grocery trips during the warmer months.

The Sunday trading rules and extended hours apply only to coastal branches with high visitor numbers or strong local demand. Costa del Sol locations include Estepona, Fuengirola, Malaga, Manilva, Marbella, Mijas and Torremolinos.

Axarquia

Malaga land for €1

PROPERTY developers can snap up valuable buildable land rights in Rincon de la Victoria through a new online auction starting at a symbolic €1. The relaunch on specialist platform Escrapalia follows a previous round last month that failed to attract any bids at a starting price of over €33,000.

Auctioneers value the asset, tied to Finca Registral 3219 in the Los Algarrobos sector of Malaga Province, at €63,700. The rights cover more than 360 square metres of floor area dedicated entirely to free housing, with no social housing quota. This status increases its appeal compared to other zones on the coast. Authorities handled the portion through economic reparcelling because the original 1,796-square-metre plot fell short of the minimum size for an independent site.

The successful bidder will assume proportional urbanisation costs estimated at over €33,700. The bidding window closes at 12.30pm, Tuesday, July 7. Interested buyers must register on Escrapalia and provide an €8,000 guarantee deposit.

Mallorca

Radiothon raises €13,004

MALLORCA’S English-speaking community has once again shown its generosity after Wave Mallorca’s annual Radiothon raised €13,004 during a 36-hour live broadcast - with organisers expecting the total to climb further as donations remain open for another week.

The fundraising marathon took place on June 5 and 6, bringing together listeners, local businesses and volunteers from across the island. Led by Wave Mallorca founder and breakfast show host Richie Prior, the event featured live entertainment, song requests, raffles, auctions and fundraising challenges designed to encourage donations throughout the broadcast.

Broadcast continuously from 7am on Thursday until 7pm on Friday, the Radiothon supported a number of causes, including the children’s ward at Son Espases Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Cancer Support Mallorca, Yachting Gives Back and the 6 Points Cycling Challenge initiative.

Costa Blanca South Purple power

A SEA of purple filled the streets of Elche on Sunday morning, June 14, as 1,380 runners and walkers took part in the city’s first-ever Race of the Cities Against Pancreatic Cancer.

Participants gathered in Plaça de Baix before setting off on the 4.5-kilometre route through some of Elche’s best-known landmarks, including the Palmeral and the banks of the River Vinalopó.

The event raised funds for pancreatic cancer research, with all proceeds going towards leading research projects aimed at tackling one of the deadliest forms of cancer.

According to organisers, more than 10,000 people in Spain are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year and only around 10 per cent survive beyond five years.

Participants travelled from across Spain to take part, with competitors arriving from locations including Valladolid, Villajoyosa, Aspe and San Vicente.

Almeria Medieval Mojacar

MOJACAR underwent an incredible transformation at the weekend when colourful banners were strung from facades, knights rode on horseback and local residents ditched their 21st century clothes for elaborate Medieval costumes. Mojacar celebrated its Moors and Christians festivities in style, in what has become one of the most anticipated weekends of the year,

For over 30 years, Mojacar has gone all out on its annual celebrations. The festival has garnered attention, not just for honouring the town’s history, but for fostering strong community ties, no matter religious relief.

In honour of the celebrations, the townspeople dressed accordingly in detailed costumes inspired by Arab, Christian and Goya styles. It wasn’t just the home-grown locals who took part. Members of Mojacar’s thriving expat community were eager to participate and marched proudly alongside their neighbours in honour of the town that has become their home.

Costa Calida

Rojo & Red revamp

DURING the first days of June, Puerto de Mazarron became the epicentre of fine gastronomy on the Costa Calida with the special Rojo & Red Gastronomic Days 2026 event, a programme that brought together three talented, Michelin-starred chefs from the Basque Country in the idyllic southeastern municipality.

The 2026 edition of the event took place on the Paseo Agustín Herrerín. Already established as one of the great gastronomic events of the Region of Murcia, this year was dedicated to the vibrant and savoury Basque cuisine and brought together industry-leading chefs, producers, wineries, and hospitality establishments.

One of the main draws was the participation of three renowned chefs from the Basque Country, all of whom were awarded the coveted and prestigious Michelin star: Sergio Ortiz, from Restaurante Zarate in Bilbao; Julen Bergantiños, from Restaurante Islares in Bilbao; and Fernando González, from Restaurante La Revelia in Amorebieta.

Fancy a new adventure? Why house-sitting is the ultimate expat travel hack

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Travel with a heartbeat

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15 Million Pets

SPAIN has published its first comprehensive national data on domestic animals, revealing more than 15 million pets living in households across the country. Dogs and cats dominate the figures, with approximately 7.56 million dogs and 5.62 million cats accounting for the vast majority of registered animals. Smaller species such as rabbits, birds, reptiles and other exotic pets make up the remaining population.

The data shows a 14 per cent increase in pet ownership since 2021, with regional concentrations highest in Andalucia, followed by Cataluña, Madrid and the Valencian Community. Despite rising ownership, Spain continues to face high levels of animal abandonment. Around 292,000 dogs and cats were collected by shelters or rescue services in 2024, averaging roughly 800 animals per day. Animal welfare organisations warn that numbers remain persistently high, particularly during the summer months

when abandonment rates typically rise due to travel and housing pressures.

Spain’s 2023 Animal Welfare Law introduced stricter identification requirements, breeding controls and penalties for neglect, aiming to improve standards nationwide. However, enforcement

progress, while charities call for stronger enforcement and funding. Overall, the data highlights both the growing popularity of pet ownership and the ongoing challenge of managing abandonment and ensuring adequate welfare systems across Spain nationally to-

World’s weirdest dog

THE Norwegian Lundehund is largely considered to be the weirdest dog in the world due to its bizarre, extreme anatomy. It naturally possesses six toes on each paw, can bend its head backwards to touch its spine and can close its ears like trap doors.

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CHARITY

EL CAMPELLO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY – Life and Family Sunday Service at 11am. Bilingual (English and Spanish) at San Bartolome, 35 (Bajo No. 6), El Campello. For more information visit https://www. christiancommunity-vidayfamil ia.com/en/, email campellocc@ gmail.com or call Juan Zúñiga –686 203 183 (Spanish) or Jim Eaton – 680 594 134 (English). (233602)

www.helpbenidorm.org and on Facebook VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, particularly if you speak Spanish, and have a car (although this is not essential). Tel President 607 387 040. We are an English-speaking charity that assists residents and tourists of all nationalities in times of crisis. We meet every Thursday at 11am in Jose Llorca Social Centre C. Goya s/n. Benidorm. We loan out mobility and medical equipment including oxygen concentrators on a short-term basis. (288658)

THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION

COSTA BLANCA This association, formed in 1988, exists to foster comradeship

amongst those who, having been awarded an official flying badge, have qualified to operate military aircraft and are serving or have served, as military aircrew in the armed forces of the United Kingdom or those nations which are allies of the United Kingdom or the Commonwealth. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THIS POPULAR ASSOCIATION, CALL the Secretary on 966 495 228. (295990)

COUNSELLING

NEED someone to talk to?

Counselling with Tanya Anxiety, trauma & relationships Call or WhatsApp: +34 634 354 892. www.feelgoodcs.com (314251)

ELECTRICIAN

MB ELECTRICS. Approved electrician. Any electrical repair. Iberdrola paperwork. Affordable prices. Miquel 655 282 175 www.mbelectrics.es (350315)

HEALTH & BEAUTY

WIGS-R-US  Indoor market, Rincon De Loix Benidorm. Monday to Friday 10-4pm Sat 10-3pm scrunchies, ponytails, toppers, fascinators, headwear etc. Private appts after 3pm 681 049 502 (350468)

HOLIDAY LETS

BENIDORM Rent during July or August, refurbished 1 bedroom apartment for 3 people, 50 metres away from the beach with glass terrace, no pets allowed, internet included. 629 555 333. (350939)

HOUSE CLEARANCES

HOUSE CLEARANCES Removing things that you don’t want. Bric-a-brac, clutter, furniture, etc. Things that are taking up space. I can remove them free, call or message to 648 011 291.

INSURANCE

BENEFICIAL COVER - Your English Insurance Broker in Spain! We deal with names you

recognise: Admiral, Generali, Zurich, Allianz, Caser and more. WE FIND THE BEST DEALS SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO All in English, with English assistance for claims. Get a quote for motor, home, funeral, business, or travel insurance, etc. Email: info@beneficialcover.com | Tel & Whatsapp: 711 062 812 | Web: www.beneficialcover.com

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TOO) OR VISIT www.sosinsuran ceinspain.com or email tracey@ sosinsuranceinspain.com

MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726) LAWYERS

METALWORK

OTHERS

VIAGRA. TABLETS & JELLIES. ALSO LADIES LOVEGRA JELLIES. CIALIS/TADAFIL. BEST PRICES. FREE DISCREET DELIVERY ALL AREAS COVERED. TEL: PETER 644 139 274 (350710)

MOTORBIKES

PETER ZWAAN MOTORBIKES, A+ Occasions Showroom, Moto Guzzi Racer, 750 cc,yr2015, 5.000 kms, E 5.900, CostaBlancaMotorbikes. com (350691)

MOTORING

WE are currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

NURSING

EDS? We have the solution Kamagra pills & jells, Cialis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs. Available by mail-order. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

PAINTER/DECORATORS

DECORATORS

W.D. GILMOUR. Painter & Decorator. Established 35 years in Moraira. ESTIMATES FREE. Call William on 609 691 776 or 966 490 602 (350471)

PETS

NEED YOUR PETS TAKEN CARE OF? Not kennels, just a friendly home. Large fenced area. 699 790 080 Altea (311285)

REMOVALS/STORAGE

BENIDORM and surrounding areas. Two-man removal. 622 658 992 (350232)

MAN & VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon Valley & surrounding area. Call/ WhatsApp 636 100 873 (350756)

NATURIST male gives relaxing massage for men & women €50. Private & discreet at my home in Javea. WhatsApp Rob on 613 831 380 (350900)

RELAXING MASSAGE - Cala de Finestrat. Hi, I am Angela, 29yrs, slim, sweet & natural. Full body sessions and more. Private, discreet and clean apartment. Easy parking. Tel/WhatsApp. 644 121 550. (350832)

KIM - Beautiful Dutch lady covering from Gandia to Alicante. Offers relaxing & sensual massage Call or WhatsApp Tel: +34 613 407 740 No SMS (350940)

HOUSE OF RELAX 5 Young Pretty Massages incall / outcall in private apartment in Benidorm. Come and Relax. Tel. 671 431 214 (350790)

ROLLER SHUTTERS

ROLLER SHUTTER REPAIRS, awnings, motors, mosquito blinds. Calpe + 50 kms. 659 464 992 www.toldosalchemy.com (313635)

STRUCTURAL SURVEYS

MARK PADDON BSc Hons. MCIOB, CAAT – for buyer’s survey & defects advice. Tel: 653 733 066 / 962 807 247 www. costablancasurveyors.com

SWIMMING POOL

WANTED

BROKEN or unwanted gold jewellery, watches or coins. IMMEDIATE Cash Payment. Call Peter 617 550 016 (313440)

MG HS Hybrid+ - an irresistible choice?

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

WITH the news that Spain has benefited over the original home of MG for the company’s first return to Europe, it seems a good point to have a look at one of MG’s best selling models. With few exceptions the MG HS Hybrid+ ticks every box you could want for a spacious, comfortable, well equipped and value for money SUV.

The HS range offers petrol, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid power options with the base of a 1.5-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder, 16-valve petrol engine. There’s six-speed manual, DCT seven-speed auto and a sophisticated two-speed automatic gearbox that

works with the electric motor on the hybrid models. Lots of choice and cleverly offering something for everyone, whether you’re an EV fan, a halfway house PHEV or HEV or a dyed-in-the-wool petrol driver.

Two trim levels in the Hybrid+ - SE and Trophy - with lots of standard equipment on both models and prices starting from €38,142/£29,495. Na -

vigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear privacy glass, rear view camera, LED lights, power driver’s seat, powered and heated door mirrors, adaptive cruise control and auto lights and wipers. Move up to the €37,079/£31,995 Trophy and the list grows even longer.

The practicality of the HS is excellent with big ticks in the headroom, legroom front and rear,

much touchscreen and not enough physical buttons. The touchscreen in the HS is also a little slow to respond.

This was an issue with the first MGs and I thought they had resolved it but it seems to have reappeared.

traffic with alacrity. The HS Hybrid+, especially with the right colour choice and that Trophy model tan interior, looks a far more expensive car than it is in reality.

oddment stowage plus luggage space. It’s also a very nice place to be and in Trophy form you can specify a tan interior that has 12/10 in the looks department.

Plenty of adjustment means most drivers should find a comfortable position and the seating is extremely comfortable.

The only downsideas with so many carsis the fact there is too

On the road the Hybrid+ is a delight with firm but sufficiently compliant suspension, refined and smooth power delivery thanks to the amalgam of petrol and electric power, and sufficient performance to pass slower

Even in lead-in SE form it’s a great purchase for anyone looking at family transport or outdoor pursuits.

It may not hold its value to the degree European rivals will, but looking at the initial price and the package as a whole it’s an almost irresistible choice.

Record charity golf day

THE Masonic Charity Golf Tournament 2026 enjoyed its most successful edition yet as 84 players representing 21 teams gathered at Bonalba Golf Resort in Muchamiel, Alicante, on May 28.

Now in its fifth straight year at the venue, the event brought together Masonic Lodges, Valencian golf societies and Bonalba members for a day played in warm sunshine on a course that continues to benefit from major investment.

Recent work has included improvements to lakes, greens and a new clubhouse and restaurant, with upgrades to the final nine greens and the irrigation system due to begin in June.

Players received a picnic lunch during the competition before the event ended with a prize presentation and cocktails on the terrace overlooking the fairways.

More than €6,000 is ex-

pected to be raised for the Valencian Masonic Charity Fund thanks to the support of players, sponsors and Bonalba Golf Resort. Organisers thanked Golden Leaves International, C & M Plumbing, Green Parrot Tourism and Masonic Lodges across Valencia for helping make the day possible.

The Scratch title went to Nick Panter, Mick Ellis, David Isaac and Cheryl Isaac with 39 points. Steve Smi-

th, John Fahy, Robin Bailey and Jack Michaels claimed the Handicap competition with 49 points, while Ian Skipper, Zoilo Gómez Cabrera, José Miguel Miralles Sáez and David Cervera Usedo secured the Leading Masonic Team prize and John Harvey Memorial Trophy with 45 points. To enquire about becoming a Freemason, visit www.glpvalencia.com or email Matthew James on sec@glpvalencia.com.