Dep. Legal A 43-2025 - ISSN 2952-3958
Costa Blanca South I No. 2145 I 13 - 19 August 2026 I FREE Newspaper
Summer surge TORREVIEJA is bursting into life this August, with new estimates suggesting as many as 438,000 people could be staying in the city at the height of the summer season. With around 113,000 residents registered on the municipal population roll, the figures mean Torrevieja is effectively becoming almost four times its normal size as residents, second-home owners and holidaymakers come together for the busiest weeks of the year. The estimates come from a technical report prepared for Torrevieja Town Hall, providing a striking picture of just how dramatically the community changes each summer. July’s equivalent population is estimated at around 414,000, rising to 438,000 during August. Even in September, around 348,000 people could still be using the city’s homes, streets and services. Torrevieja’s huge number of second homes plays a major role. The municipality has more than 62,000 of them, while only around 1,600 hotel places are available across 14 hotels. To understand the city’s true summer population, technicians examined indicators including water consumption and rubbish collection. The figures are staggering. During August, Torrevieja could produce around 9.9 million kilos of house-
Credit: Alex Tihonovs / Shutterstock.com.
Torrevieja welcomes 438,000 people as the city swells almost four times its size
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Torrevieja grows almost four times its size.
hold waste, equivalent to approximately 320 tonnes every day. Water demand also climbs sharply, while roads, parking, health centres and other essential services must accommodate hundreds of thousands more people. For local businesses, the summer influx brings busy restaurants, shops and leisure venues, while the bea-
ches of La Mata, Los Locos, Playa del Cura, Los Naufragos and Acequion fill with families and visitors. The city’s attractions are also drawing crowds, from summer events to the new Paseo del Mar development at the port. But behind the impressive numbers is a community facing an extraordinary seasonal transformation. For several weeks each
summer, Torrevieja is no longer simply a city of 113,000 residents. It becomes home to a population comparable with some of Spain’s largest cities, with locals, international residents and visitors all sharing the same streets, beaches and services. And when August arrives, Torrevieja doesn’t just get busier. It becomes an entirely different city.
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LOCAL NEWS
Pilar celebrates the traditions and history that shaped the community
PILAR DE LA HORADADA brought the community together on Saturday, August 8, for a special event celebrating more than 700 years of local history and the traditions. More than 500 people gathered in El Mojon for the first historical recreation of the Sentencia Arbitral de Torrellas, an agreement dating back to August 8, 1304, which helped establish the borders between the kingdoms of Aragon and Castilla. Rather than keeping history in books, the event brought the story to life through a large-scale recreation. It also included the unveiling of a three-metre reproduction of the historic Mojon Real, a royal boundary marker representing the agreement reached more than seven centuries ago. Mayor José María Pérez Sánchez took part in the unveiling, while a commemo-
Living history rative plaque close to the coastline uses different coloured marble and bronze to represent the old frontier. The location was particularly fitting. El Mojon lies close to today’s border between the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia, maintaining a link with the area’s past. For centuries, the Campo de la Horadada was an important meeting point where farmers, merchants, pilgrims and travellers crossed between territories, helping create the identity and traditions that remain part of the municipality today. More than 700 years after the agreement was reached, Pilar de la Horadada is ensuring its history is remembered, shared and passed on to future generations.
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Cirque curiosities CIRQUE DU SOLEIL fans have two chances to step into the world of Kurios in Alicante this August, with a special exhibition at Alicante railway station and the main show continuing under the Big Top at Playa de San Juan. The free exhibition, Kurios - Cabinet of Curiosities: Beyond the Stage, can be visited at the railway station until Sunday, August 16. Visitors can take a closer look at characters and figures from the production, as well as costumes, designs and some of the creative work that goes into bringing Kurios to life. One of the highlights is an installation inspired by the first hotair balloons of the 19th century, reflecting the inventions and unusual machines that feature throughout the show. Meanwhile, there is
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Alicante.
13 - 19 August 2026
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Pilar de la Horadada
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Councillor, Nayma Beldjilali, at the opening of the exhibition ‘Kurios’.
still time to see the full Cirque du Soleil production, which remains at Playa de San Juan until Sunday, August 23. Kurios follows a scientist who believes there is a hidden world filled with strange ideas and extraordinary characters. When he manages to open the door to it, his laboratory is taken over
by a colourful collection of visitors and creations. The show first premiered in Montreal in 2014 and has since been seen by more than six million people in over 40 cities worldwide. Tickets for the Alicante performances are available through the website: cirquedusoleil. com/kurios.
NEWS
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13 - 19 August 2026
Inheritance tax change
Calendar clash Bank holiday day claims
The impact will depend on individual circumstances.
ries receive. Moving permanently to Spain does not automatically remove someone from UK inheritance tax rules. The UK considers factors including long-term tax residency, meaning some British expatriates may still have financial links to Britain despite living abroad for years. Chris Ball, CEO and an expatriate financial planning specialist, warned that British residents in Spain should review their situation before the new rules take effect. The impact will depend on indivi-
dual circumstances, including how long someone lived in the UK, when they moved abroad, the size of their pension and other assets they hold. Some pension holders may consider withdrawing funds or gifting money before 2027, but experts warn against making decisions without professional advice due to the complex tax rules between Spain and the UK. For many expatriate families, the issue is not retirement income, but what happens to decades of savings left behind.
Credit: daily_creativity/shutterstock
Photo credit: Iryna Dzvonkovska/Shutterstock
SHIFTING RULES ACROSS BORDERS
THOUSANDS of British nationals living in Spain could face unexpected inheritance tax consequences after a major UK pension rule change comes into force in 2027. From April 6 next year, certain UKheld pensions will be brought into the inheritance tax system, meaning savings that many retirees believed could pass to loved ones outside the tax rules may be assessed differently after their death. The change does not affect the value of pensions during a person’s lifetime, but it could alter how much beneficia-
Check specific workplace agreements.
WORKERS in Spain could have a stronger claim to an extra day off when Assumption Day falls on a Saturday this year. Observed on Saturday, August 15, Assumption Day is a national public holiday across Spain. Because many employees already have Saturdays off, questions have been raised about whether they should lose the benefit of the holiday when it coincides with their normal weekly rest day. Fresh attention has followed a recent National Court ruling linked to a dispute in the customer service sector. Judges found that a public holiday should not automatically be absorbed into a worker’s regular rest period. Under that interpretation, some employees may be entitled to a compensatory day off instead. Workers whose schedules already include Saturdays as a non-working day are among those most likely to be affected. Although the case relates to a specific sector, employment specialists believe its reasoning could influence disputes in other industries where collective agreements contain similar provisions. Any entitlement will depend on the terms of individual agreements and workplace arrangements, meaning an additional day off is not guaranteed for everyone. Guidance reported by El País suggests that replacement leave should generally be taken within 14 calendar days of the holiday, although exceptions may apply in cases such as illness or authorised absence. Credit: Dragon Images - Shutterstock
Community access BORDERS, BRICKS, AND BOUNDARIES PROPERTY owners in Spain face severe financial and legal penalties if they refuse access to maintenance workers conducting repairs on shared infrastructure. Under Article 9.1 of Spain’s Horizontal Property Law, known as Ley de Propiedad Horizontal, property owners must permit entry to their homes or gardens for essential work on communal services. This obligation applies to flats, detached houses, and urbanisations where shared utilities, such as water pipes or drainage networks, cross private land. Recent court decisions demonstrate that judges have little patience for uncooperative residents. In Orihuela we recently heard from a Euro Weekly reader about an owner who refused entry to a plumber after bougainvillaea roots damaged
shared pipes beneath his garden, causing a neighbour’s water bills to balloon. Courts eventually forced access, leaving the stubborn owner liable for legal costs, compensation, and his own garden repairs. In another case, an elderly resident attempted to block workers from lifting a shower tray to fix a communal leak. The court ruled that lacking minor details does not grant the right to delay critical repairs. While owners can request details regarding work schedules and disruption, they cannot legally block access once necessity is proven. Refusing entry does not protect the home. Instead, it converts routine maintenance into a costly legal dispute. Early cooperation remains the best way to avoid heavy court fees and property damage.
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What if the leak is from your house in Spain?
euroweeklynews.com The information on this page is intended for general guidance only, and should not be considered legal advice.
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13 - 19 August 2026
DO you fancy taking to the stage and showing Rojales what you can do? The town is looking for performers for its XI Night of Stars Festival, giving locals the chance to dress up, perform and become their favourite music stars for the night. Anyone can enter, either alone or as part of a group of up to 15 people. The idea is to imitate a well-known singer or group as realistically as possible, performing in playback and bringing plenty of personality to the stage. Each performance can last up to four and a half minutes, and entrants can put forward a maximum of two possible acts featuring different artists. There are only 24 per-
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Star search Bunting bonanza Credit: Gorodenkoff / Shutterstock.com
Credit: Norb_KM / Shutterstock.com.
Rojales is looking for performers.
formance places available, which will be allocated in order of registration, so anyone keen to join the fun should get their entry in early. Dep. Legal A 43-2025 - ISSN 2952-3958
+34 951 38 61 61
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LOCAL NEWS
Registration remains open until September 2 at the Information Office inside Rojales Town Hall. Entrants need to provide their contact details, chosen artist and song, performance length and number of people taking part, together with the completed registration form, inside a sealed envelope. Under-18s can also take part but will need permission from their parents or legal guardians. Rojales Town Hall is at Calle Malecón de la Encantá, 1, 03170 Rojales.
San Miguel is asking residents to help give the town a makeover.
SAN MIGUEL DE SALINAS is getting ready for its patron saint fiestas, and locals are being asked to help give the town a colourful makeover for the celebrations. The town hall is now handing out traditional fiesta bunting, giving residents the chance to decorate their streets and get into the spirit ahead of the big event. Anyone who wants some can simply pop into the town hall and collect the bunting ready to start decorating. There is also a chance to get creative by entering the town’s Street Decoration Competition. Residents and local groups are invited to
work together, decorate their streets and see what they can come up with to impress the judges. The competition is a great excuse to get neighbours together and make different parts of San Miguel de Salinas look their best for the fiestas. The bunting is already available, so there is no need to wait before getting started. Residents can collect it from San Miguel de Salinas Town Hall at Calle 19 de Abril, 34, 03193 San Miguel de Salinas. The council is encouraging as many people as possible to join in and help get the streets ready for the upcoming patron saint celebrations.
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LOCAL NEWS
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Quiz fundraiser Fortress facelift QUIZ fans can put their general knowledge to good use this August when Bar 13 in La Marina hosts a charity quiz night raising money for the Meningitis Research Foundation.
The event takes place on Thursday, August 20, from 5.00pm, with Crazy Col taking charge as quiz master. Entry costs just €2 per person and there is no limit on team size,
so friends and family can join forces for the evening. There are no prizes for the quiz itself, but a raffle will be held, with tickets available to buy on the night. The fundraiser is supporting Jess as she prepares to take on the London Marathon in 2027 in aid of the Meningitis Research Foundation. Money raised will help support the charity’s work to defeat meningitis and its impact. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether you are a regular quiz player or simply fancy an evening out while supporting a good cause. Booking is highly recommended, particularly for anyone planning to bring a larger team. Bar 13 is located at Calle Alfredo Krauss 2, La Marina, 03177.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola.
Santa Pola’s clock tower is set for a facelift.
SANTA POLA’S historic clock tower at the Castillo Fortaleza is set for restoration after the Town Hall secured almost €100,000 towards the work. The money will be used to restore the clock tower after structural problems were detected in January. The work is expected to take place over the coming months, with improving safety and protecting the historic building among the main priorities.
The clock tower forms part of Santa Pola’s 16th-century Castillo Fortaleza and is a familiar local landmark in the centre of the town. Mayor Loreto Serrano welcomed the funding and described the tower as an important symbol for the people of Santa Pola. She said the grant would help the council carry out the necessary restoration work while improving the fortress and ensuring the area is safe for residents.
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LOCAL NEWS
ALBATERA could become the latest Costa Blanca town to tap into the growing motorhome market, with plans submitted for a new 48-pitch camper site in the countryside. The proposed site would cover around 9,300 square metres in La Dehesa de Albatera, between Camino del Espartal and the Rambla Salada, close to the Orihuela boundary. Designed specifically for motorhomes, campervans and caravans, it would have space for up to 144 guests. There would be no bungalows or permanent holiday accommodation. Plans include a reception, bar and social area, covered terrace, toilets, showers, laundry and washing facilities, a motorhome service point and a 114-square-metre swimming pool. If approved, the site would operate throughout the year. The developer hopes to
Credit: simona pilolla 2 / Shutterstock.com.
Camper plans
Plans submitted for a motorhome site in Albatera.
attract visitors looking for a quieter alternative to the busy Costa Blanca coast, particularly those interested in walking, cycling, nature and exploring the inland Vega Baja. However, campers should not start packing just yet. The land is currently classed as rural and cannot be developed through a standard building licen-
ce. The project first needs special regional planning approval, with authorities considering issues including road access, water, drainage, the surrounding landscape and its proximity to the Rambla Salada. Even if that approval is granted, a separate building licence from Albatera Town Hall would still be required before work could begin.
THE Costa Blanca has no shortage of places to cool off this summer, with Elche, Orihuela, Rojales and Torrevieja all appearing among the 10 municipalities with the most registered outdoor swimming pools in the province. New 2026 figures show Elche has 8,454 pools, putting it second in the provincial rankings behind Javea. Orihuela comes third with 7,375 registered pools, reflecting the municipality’s huge geographical area and the many villas and urbanisations found around Orihuela Costa and inland areas. Rojales also stands out, with 4,991 outdoor pools. That means the town is now just nine short of reaching the 5,000 mark. Its total has risen considerably from 4,671 in 2022. Close behind is Torrevieja, where 4,931 pools are registered. The city added 79 in the past year, up from 4,852 in 2025, and has
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Pool boom Credit: Sergey Novikov / Shutterstock.com.
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The Costa Blanca has 132,495 registered outdoor pools.
gained more than 250 since 2022. The figures underline just how much the swimming pool has become part of everyday life. Across the Costa Blanca province as a whole, there are now 132,495 registered outdoor pools. That is 1,682 more than
last year, equivalent to around 4.6 new pools being added to the register every day. In just two years, the provincial total has increased by 3,295, suggesting the Costa Blanca’s love affair with the backyard pool is showing little sign of drying up.
LOCAL NEWS
Mosquito watch RESIDENTS across the Costa Blanca are being encouraged to help track mosquitoes using the Mosquito Alert app, as health authorities strengthen monitoring of species capable of transmitting disease. The Ministry of Health is asking people to send photographs of mosquitoes, report possible breeding sites and record bites through the citizen science app. Observations are reviewed by specialists and used alongside official monitoring systems. The scheme is particularly relevant to the Mediterranean coast, where the tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is already established. Spain had recorded 108 imported cases of chikungunya by July 19, compared with 37 during Credit: Asier Romero / Shutterstock.com.
Costa Blanca residents being asked to help track mosquitoes.
the same period last year. There have been no locally transmitted cases in Spain this year. There were also 124 imported dengue cases, although again no locally transmitted cases have been reported during 2026. West Nile virus is also being monitored. By July 22, one human case had been confirmed in Alicante province, alongside two in Sevilla. Mosquito Alert has been running since 2014 and has helped identify invasive mosquitoes in almost 500 Spanish municipalities. It has contributed to 32 per cent of the first recorded detections of invasive mosquitoes in Spain. Anyone can participate simply by using the app to submit sightings and possible breeding locations. For more information about the app, visit the website: mosqui toalert. com.
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Street tradition PETRER is bringing back an old fiesta tradition this October, with neighbourhoods invited to decorate their streets for the town’s Festes Patronals in honour of the Virgen del Remedio. The town hall is working with local residents’ associations to revive the custom, which disappeared several years ago. Each participating association will choose a street in its neighbourhood and decorate it using its own ideas and materials. In the past, residents painted streets, decorated house fronts and worked together to give their neighbourhood a special look for the October celebrations. Fiestas councillor Alejandro Ruiz said the idea had been under consideration for some time and has received a very positive response from neighbourhood associations. To add a little
Credit: Nicola Pulham
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Petrer brings back an old fiesta tradition.
friendly competition, the decorated streets will be judged as part of a new contest. A jury made up of representatives from the town council and associations involved in Petrer’s Patron Saint Festivities will choose the winners. There will be first, se-
cond and third prizes, with cash awards for the winning entries. Full competition rules will be announced after the summer, including details of the judging criteria and what will be taken into account when choosing the best decorated streets.
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LOCAL NEWS
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River revival ORIHUELA’S River Segura is getting a greener future, with more than €3.3 million confirmed for a major project that has restored riverside areas, tackled invasive plants and helped improve protection against flooding. Work has focused on restoring areas around Las Norias, Molino de la Ciudad, La Campaneta and Soto del Regueron in Molins, as well as stretches of riverbank around Orihuela. A major part of the project involved removing invasive species, particularly cane. Dense growth can block the river’s flow and potentially worsen problems when water levels rise. Native riverside plants have been introduced in their place, helping restore natural habitats, strengthen riverbanks and create healthier green spaces.
Credit: Renfe.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela.
Rail passengers between Alicante and Murcia could face disruption.
Orihuela receives funding to floodproof the town.
But the project has not just been about plants. Another aim has been to make the riverside areas more attractive and accessible, encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the Segura and reconnect with a part of Orihuela’s landscape. Environment councillor Noelia Grao said the river should be seen as an important green space for the
municipality, both environmentally and socially. The project has also used nature-based measures to make the area better prepared for future flooding. Residents are now being asked to help look after the restored areas by respecting wildlife and plants and keeping the riverbanks free from rubbish, garden waste and rubble.
RAIL passengers travelling between Alicante and Murcia face nine days of disruption this August, with replacement buses operating while infrastructure work takes place between Torrellano and Crevillent. Train services will be completely suspended through the affected section from 6.00am on Monday, August 17, until 11.30pm on Tuesday, August 25. Renfe has scheduled 1,130 bus journeys to keep passengers moving, providing around 56,000 seats during the closure. Passengers using the C1 Alicante Terminal-Murcia del Carmen commuter line will need to transfer to replacement buses. Road transport will operate between Alicante Terminal and Crevillent, as well as between Alicante Terminal and Callosa de Segura. The disruption will also affect passengers using other rail services. On the Valencia-Murcia-Cartagena Media
Rail disruption Distancia service, replacement buses will operate on the Alicante Terminal-Crevillent and Elche-Alicante Terminal sections. More than 4,000 bus seats are being provided for these passengers. Long-distance Intercity services between Valencia and Cartagena will also be affected, with the Valencia-Murcia section operated by bus during the works. Almost 2,000 seats will be available. The closure is required while rail infrastructure operator Adif carries out maintenance and improvements designed to increase the capacity, reliability and operation of the conventional rail network. Renfe says it is strengthening passenger information and customer service during the disruption and advises travellers to check their journey arrangements before setting off.
LOCAL NEWS
Prawn party SEAFOOD lovers can enjoy a free taste of one of Santa Pola’s best-known local products when a special white prawn tasting takes place in the Glorieta on Wednesday, August 19. Starting at 8.00pm, the event will feature locally landed white prawns supplied and prepared by the Santa Pola Fishermen’s Guild. There will also be a bar serving drinks. The tasting forms part of the ‘Fish from the Bay Sustainable Quality’ campaign, which is running throughout August to encourage residents and visitors to discover and eat fresh fish and seafood landed at Santa Pola’s fish market. The campaign highlights the freshness, quality and healthy qualities of locally caught seafood while supporting Santa Pola’s
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Fiesta finale Credit: Ayuntamiento de Benferri.
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Credit: Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola.
Benferri is heading into the final days of its 2026 fiestas.
Councillors showcasing popular prawn tasting event.
fishing fleet, Fishermen’s Guild and long maritime tradition. Visitors to the tasting will also be able to learn more about the different species caught locally and the importance of responsible seafood consumption.
Free information sheets will include a special measuring guide showing common fish and shellfish species and their permitted minimum sizes. On the reverse, visitors will find a recipe for traditional caldero, one of the area’s best-known dishes.
BENFERRI is heading into the final days of its 2026 fiestas, with a weekend of parades, live music, religious celebrations and fireworks still to come. Saturday, August 15, brings one of the biggest events of the programme, the Colourful Parade, which starts at 8.00pm from Calle José María Puchaes and will make its way through the town before finishing in Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The celebrations continue at midnight with a live concert by Salitre, followed by DJ Alonso at the peñas enclosure. Sunday, August 16, will focus on celebrations in honour of San Jerónimo and the
Virgen del Rosario. The Santo Rosario begins at 7.15pm, followed by the collection of the Fiesta Queens and standard bearers at 7.30pm. At 8.00pm, a special Mass and procession in honour of the town’s patron saints will take place, forming one of the main traditional events of the fiestas. A large fireworks display will also be held during the evening. Later, Top Music will perform live in Plaza del Ayuntamiento from 11.00pm. The fiestas officially conclude on Monday, August 17, with Mass and the Rosary in memory of those who have died, beginning at 7.45pm.
LOCAL NEWS
12 13 - 19 August 2026 ALICANTE’S municipal markets and street markets will be closed on Saturday, August 15, for the national Assumption of the Virgin public holiday. The closure affects the city’s four municipal markets at Central, Babel, Benalua and Carolinas, with shoppers being encouraged to plan ahead and make their purchases during the week. The four markets will remain open during their usual morning hours before the holiday. Anyone who normally shops at Alicante’s outdoor markets will also have an opportunity to stock up beforehand. The José Manuel Gosálbez, Carolinas, Benalua and Babel street markets will operate as normal on Thursday, August 13, from 8.00am until 2.00pm. The Urbanova market will also open on Thursday afternoon and evening from 4.00pm until
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Market pause Tourism boom Credit: Ayuntamiento de Alicante.
Credit: Orihuela Turismo.
The town of Orihuela.
Alicante’s markets to close on August 15.
11.00pm. Councillor for Commerce and Markets Lidia López said the decision to close on August 15 had been agreed with and requested by the associations representing municipal markets and street traders. She encouraged residents and visitors to organise their shopping in advance and support
local businesses during the week. The council said the annual calendar covering public holidays and exceptional opening days is agreed with the sector. On some other public holidays, including dates around Christmas and Hispanic Day, special openings have previously been arranged.
THE Costa Blanca is heading for another busy August, with hotels expecting occupancy levels of almost 89 per cent as visitors continue to arrive for the peak summer season. Figures from the Valencian regional tourism department forecast average hotel occupancy of 88.9 per cent across the province during August, while Benidorm is expected to reach 92 per cent. Inland destinations are also performing strongly, with hotels forecasting occupancy of around 86 per cent, showing that demand is not limited to the Costa Blanca’s popular beach resorts. Tourist apartments are expecting an equally busy month. Occupancy across Alicante province is forecast to reach around 89 per cent, among the highest le-
vels in the Valencian Community. The figures follow a strong July for the province. Alicante recorded average hotel occupancy of 90 per during the month, the highest of the three Valencian provinces. Regional tourism minister Marián Cano said the results demonstrated the continued strength of the Valencian Community as a tourist destination, with strong demand across coastal, inland and urban areas. She also highlighted the variety of tourism available and the work being carried out by businesses across the sector during the busiest period of the year. With August traditionally one of the Costa Blanca’s busiest months, the latest forecasts point to another strong summer for Alicante’s tourism industry.
LOCAL NEWS
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REPORTING certain crimes to the Guardia Civil has become easier for European residents and tourists, including the large international community living on the Costa Blanca. Citizens from 23 EU countries using electronic identification systems recognised under the eIDAS regulation can now submit reports online using their national digital credentials, without visiting a Guardia Civil station. British residents are not covered by the EU identification system. However, those living in Spain can still use the online service if they have an NIE or TIE together with a recognised Spanish digital certificate. Reports can currently be submitted online for damage, theft, stolen vehicles, theft from vehicles and fraudulent charges made using bank cards or other electronic payment methods. Lost documentation can also
Bigastro opens a new free car park on Calle Mayor.
hicles should only be left within marked bays and drivers must follow the one-way traffic system. A maximum speed limit of 10 km/h applies throughout the car park. Vehicles must not be left outside designated spaces or in positions that could block the access routes.
Drivers are also asked to keep the area clean, respect signs and follow any instructions issued by the Local Police. The town hall reminds users that motorists remain responsible for their vehicles and that the council cannot accept liability for theft or damage.
Online reports Credit: Comandancia de la Guardia Civil de Valencia.
FINDING a parking space in Bigastro should now be easier following the opening of a new free car park on Calle Mayor. The new facility provides 24 additional parking spaces within walking distance of the town centre, giving residents and visitors another option when visiting local shops, businesses and services. The site operates as a ‘park and walk’ car park, encouraging motorists to leave their vehicles close to the centre and complete the rest of their journey on foot. Bigastro Town Council hopes the scheme will help reduce congestion and the number of vehicles circulating while drivers search for spaces. Parking is completely free, although motorists must follow the rules displayed at the site. Ve-
Credit: Victor Prilepa / Shutterstock.com.
Parking perks
Crime reports can now be made online.
be reported. Forms are available in six languages. The online reporting service operates 24 hours a day through the Guardia Civil’s National Electronic Complaints Reception Office. The expansion was presented at Alicante-Elche Airport as part of the Guardia Civil’s Safe Tou-
rism Plan. The aim is to make reporting quicker and easier, particularly during busy tourist periods, while reducing the need for residents and visitors to travel to Guardia Civil stations. Reports can be made through the Guardia Civil’s website: guardiaci vil.sede.gob.es.
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SPANISH NEWS
A NEIGHBOURHOOD bar can keep the same sign, the same regulars and the same tortilla for years. But the person holding the keys is increasingly likely to have come from somewhere else. Foreign nationals now account for 25.5 per cent of Spain’s self-employed hospitality workers, effectively one in four, and their role is even larger among salaried staff, where they make up almost one in three. Barcelona offers the clearest glimpse of the change. A council survey of 999 bars and restaurants found that almost 44 per cent had an owner of foreign nationality. Chinese nationals alone represented 18.6 per cent, close to one in five, followed at some distance by Italians and Pakistanis. That does not mean every familiar Spanish
Credit: Nigel Jarvis / Shutterstock
Change behind Spain’s bars
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Animal trafficking Photo credit: Vaxo/Shutterstock
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Police have detected increased animal trafficking. New figures reveal a quiet change behind the counter at Spain’s bars and restaurants.
bar is turning into a Chinese or foreign restaurant. Many new owners still retain the coffees, beers, local tapas and classic menu del dia that customers already know and love. Self-employment groups say foreign entrepreneurs are also helping to fill a growing succession gap as older owners retire and find it increasingly hard to pass
down their business to a generation uninterested in long hours, rising costs and tight margins. The figures require care though: Spain counts individual autonomos rather than establishments, and hospitality includes accommodation. Even so, a quiet changing of the guard is clearly taking place behind Spain’s bar counters.
SPAIN’S stretched animal shelters are facing a threat as police warn that puppies are being trafficked into the country for profit, with some allegedly arriving without health controls. The trade can leave buyers with sick animals and adds pressure to a welfare system already receiving hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats each year. Police have detected increased animal trafficking along the AP-7, with puppies reportedly brought from Eastern Europe and sold in Spain for higher prices. Breeds identified include chihuahuas, dachshunds, labradors and golden retrievers. The financial incentive is clear. A dog bought for around €100 can reportedly be sold for as much as €2,000. But authorities warn that bypassing veterinary safeguards can
create health risks. A puppy may appear healthy when sold but develop illness after reaching its home, leaving families facing distress and bills. Legal animal transport is possible when safeguards are followed; the concern is when controls are avoided. The warning comes as Fundación Affinity recorded 285,720 dogs and cats entering Spanish shelters during 2025, including 169,268 dogs. The figure includes lost and abandoned animals, highlighting pressure on Spain’s protection network. Authorities say buyers should check documentation, identification and veterinary history. A cheap puppy may seem like a bargain, but its cost can fall on the animal, the family and an already overloaded nationwide shelter system.
SPANISH NEWS
Photo credit: neme_jimenez/shutterstock
Some customers say they paid more than €9,000.
impact. Some holidays had been planned as Christmas or Three Kings presents, leaving children expecting their long-awaited Disneyland trip while their parents scrambled to discover whether the reservations existed. Customers have connected through social media to compare experiences, establish how many bookings may be affected and work out how much
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Caught red handed
Ruined holidays MORE than 400 customers are seeking answers after claiming a travel agency in L’Escala, Girona, failed to provide holidays they had paid for, leaving some families thousands of euros out of pocket. Some customers say they paid more than €9,000 for trips that included flights, hotels and Disneyland Paris visits. The problem often became apparent only when departure dates approached. Families had already paid the agency in full but were still waiting for tickets and other travel documents. One customer who contacted her airline directly was reportedly told she was not the airline’s customer because the booking had been made through the travel agency. For parents, the financial uncertainty has been accompanied by a particularly painful emotional
13 - 19 August 2026
money was paid. Individual losses reportedly range from thousands of euros to more than €9,000, while the total financial value of the disputed bookings has not yet been established. Customers continue seeking answers. The affected families now face the difficult task of recovering their savings while awaiting the outcome of the investigation.
A 27-YEAR-OLD French national has been arrested in Salamanca after a witness allegedly spotted him attempting to start a fire while firefighters were already tackling several outbreaks nearby. Guardia Civil officers detained the man near La Samasa, in Ledesma, where more than a dozen firefighting resources had been deployed. According to the reThe man had five lighters and gasoline. ported account, the witness saw the man crouching beside the SA-305 and apparently portedly gave evidence with the astrying to ignite another fire. Officers sistance of a translator. His detention attended the location and arrested him does not amount to a conviction, and while the firefighting operation was investigators must establish whether still under way. Authorities reportedly there is sufficient evidence connecting found him carrying petrol and five ligh- him to any deliberate ignition. ters. Authorities are examining the witThe blaze near the road was brou- ness statement, materials recovered by ght under control at around 8pm, but officers and evidence from the affecinvestigators are now examining whe- ted areas. Evidence will determine ther the suspect was responsible for whether prosecutors can connect the that fire or any of the other outbreaks suspect to nearby fires. Investigators reported in the surrounding area. The must establish whether the evidence man appeared before a judge and was connects the detained man to one fire placed in provisional custody. He re- or several separate outbreaks. Photo credit: Branko Stojisavljevic/Shutterstock
euroweeklynews.com
16 13 - 19 August 2026
FEATURE
euroweeklynews.com
r VOICE u o Y x
Credit: Capturing Images / Shutterstock
Many showed concern about the welfare of the horses.
Should horse carriage rides be banned? A RECENT horse carriage crash in Fuengirola, Malaga, has reignited debate over whether horse-drawn carriage rides should be banned, particularly during periods of extreme heat. Euro Weekly News readers were asked whether horse carriage rides should be banned, with the majority of respondents firmly in favour. Many focused-on animal welfare, while others acknowledged the impact a ban could have on those who rely on carriage rides for their income. For Linda McFadden, there should be an end to both horse and donkey rides. She said: “Time to stop those carriage rides plus the donkey rides.” Animal welfare was also central to Shon Drek’s response, who argued that animals deserve to be treated with the same consideration afforded to other living beings: “Respect for animals is respect for life. They are not toys for us to play games with. They think and they have emotions. They get anxious and bored. It’s incredibly sad to abuse them especially because we are humans with a conscience and should know better.” Melissa Baker was similarly critical of using horses to transport tourists in high temperatures, saying: “No one wants to see these poor horses in the heat carrying entitled tourists.” The potential danger to both ani-
mals and people was highlighted by Gordon O’Keeffe, who believed accidents could be avoided. “If accidents like this are happening and can easily be prevented, then yes. Horses are skittish at the best of times, unpredictable. Especially in boiling hot weather. Stressed and anxious, they can be very dangerous (point in question) The only other thing to consider is that these are people’s livelihoods, their only source of income perhaps?” That concern about livelihoods provides another side to the debate, with carriage operators potentially depending on the trade to support themselves and their families. However, for Ali Scott, responsibility ultimately rests with those in charge. “Those in authority need to act and not just talk about it!” Other readers were unequivocal in their views. Penny Evans simply responded: “Definitely yes.” Robb Spontaneous was equally direct, stating: “Yes. Total animal abuse.” The responses show strong concern about the welfare of horses used for carriage rides, particularly during periods of extreme heat. While the livelihoods of carriage operators remain an important consideration, most people said horse carriage rides should be banned, reflecting growing concern over whether the tradition can be justified when animal welfare and public safety may be at risk.
SPANISH NEWS
Feria ride horror Credit: accem / Shutterstock
Jellyfish invasion
The spinning attraction was sealed after nine people were injured in Tona.
A FINAL night at Tona’s summer feria turned frightening when a door opened on a fairground ride while its tilted platform was still spinning. The accident happened shortly before midnight on Tuesday, August 4. Several young riders were reportedly flung from the Disco Show attraction, leaving nine people injured, eight of them children. Two girls, aged 12 and 14, suffered fractures
and were taken to Hospital de Vic. Later updates said their injuries were not life-threatening. Three other youngsters were also taken to hospital, while four people were treated at the scene for minor injuries. Ambulances, firefighters and police rushed to the fairground, where the ride was sealed for technical checks and the remaining attractions were closed. Investigators are now trying to
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establish why the door opened. Fairground rides are a familiar part of Spain’s summer fiestas, especially for children and teenagers. Nothing reported so far points to a wider safety problem, and accidents of this kind are not commonplace. Even so, some families may find themselves checking the safety bar or closed door a little more carefully the next time the music starts and a ride begins to spin.
Credit: Instagram/Ivancl_
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MORE than 120 people were stung in a single day on Tuesday, August 4, after an invasion of Portuguese man o’ war forced the temporary closure of several beaches along Spain’s Basque coast. Red flags were raised at San Sebastian’s famous beaches, including La Concha, Ondarreta and Zurriola, after lifeguards spotted large numbers of the venomous marine creatures drifting close to shore. The Portuguese man o’ war, often mistaken for jellyfish but considerably more dangerous, can deliver extreMore than 120 people stung in one day. mely painful stings through its long tentacles, which remain dangerous even after the animal has washed up on the beach. which have carried the floating organisms Most of the injuries reported were treated towards the coastline. by lifeguards and were not considered seAuthorities say sea temperatures of around rious. However, earlier the same week one 24.8C have helped the creatures survive close regular swimmer was taken to hospital after to shore. suffering multiple stings near Getaria, while Beachgoers are being urged not to touch another woman required ambulance treat- Portuguese man o’ war, even if they appear ment after being stung at Zarautz. dead on the sand, as their tentacles can still inExperts believe the sudden influx has been ject venom. Anyone who is stung should leave caused by persistent north-easterly winds the water immediately and seek help from liand unusually warm sea temperatures, feguards or emergency services.
HOLIDAYMAKERS arriving at two of Cadiz’s most popular beaches are getting an unexpected encounter this summer, with cattle wandering through the coastal landscape. Visitors to Bolonia and Zahara de los Atunes have been stopping to watch and photograph Cadiz’s distinctive reddish-brown Retinto cattle as the animals move between the countryside and coastline. For tourists expecting nothing more than sun, sea and sand, the
SPANISH NEWS
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Cows of the Costa sight of cattle near the beach can come as a genuine surprise. For locals, however, the animals are part of everyday life. Retinto cattle have been raised in Cadiz for generations and continue to graze extensively across the province, particularly around La Janda and the Costa de la Luz. The breed is highly adap-
ted to Andalucia’s hot, dry conditions and is also prized for its beef. The unusual beach encounters highlight what makes this stretch of Cadiz different from heavily developed resorts. Here, dunes, farmland, livestock and beaches remain closely connected, allowing visitors to see a traditional way of life along-
side modern tourism. Beachgoers are advised to keep their distance, avoid touching or feeding the cattle and never approach calves. Although generally calm, the animals remain powerful livestock and can react unpredictably, particularly when protecting their young. For many visitors, the unexpected encounter becomes a holiday highlight, offering a glimpse of a Cadiz that cannot be found in a typical tourist brochure.
Madrid showdown awaits SPAIN’S newly crowned world champions will welcome England to Madrid on Sunday, November 15, for a Nations League match that could decide which side reaches the quarter-finals. The game kicks off at 8.45pm at the Metropolitano and brings one of European football’s biggest rivalries back to Spain. England will have no shortage of motivation. Spain beat them 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin, then returned from this summer’s World Cup as champions after defeating Argentina. No one needs reminding of how England exited this year’s World Cup. The Madrid fixture will be the countries’ second meeting in the group. England first host Spain at Wembley on September 26, before both teams face Croatia and Czechia home and way. The top two advan-
Credit: Orange Pictures / Shutterstock
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Spain beat England 2-1 when the sides last met in the Euro 2024 final.
ce to the quarter-finals, while third place brings a relegation play-off. Tickets for Madrid are expected to go on sale from September through the Spanish federation’s official platform. Spain have yet to lose at the Metropolitano, where
they have scored 11 goals and conceded only once in three senior men’s internationals. After a World Cup staged across North America, Wembley and Madrid offer supporters a much closer chance to see both sides in person.
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EUROPRESS
13 - 19 August 2026
21
Human chain
Chilean spiders in Portugal Photo credit: Vinicius R. Souza/Shutterstock
A SPIDER with a dangerous reputation has been discovered in Portugal, causing alarm among people worried about a new threat spreading across the Iberian Peninsula. However, experts are urging calm after scientists confirmed the discovery of two Chilean recluse spiders, explaining Bites are uncommon. that the finding does not mean Portugal or te a stable population. Experts also Spain is facing an invasion. The species, Loxosceles laeta, is point out that Spain and Portugal known because its venom can cause already have a native recluse spider, serious skin reactions in rare cases. the Mediterranean recluse, which is The discovery marks the first official often confused with other species. Although the Chilean recluse has record of the spider in Portugal and on the Iberian Peninsula. Spanish a frightening reputation, specialists arachnologist Cristian Pertegal told stress that bites are uncommon beEuro Weekly News that the discovery cause the spider avoids humans and is scientifically significant but war- prefers hidden areas. The discovery ned that some reports risk creating provides valuable scientific information about how species travel unnecessary fear. Finding two specimens does not through global trade. But the mesprove the species has become establi- sage from experts is clear: Portugal shed. For a foreign species to spread, has found two spiders, not a spider it must survive, reproduce and crea- invasion.
HUNDREDS of beachgoers on a Baltic beach in Stegna, Poland, joined forces on Saturday, June 29 after a mother feared her husband and twoand-a-half-year-old son had vanished in the water, with footage of the dramatic human chain rescue effort recently going viral on social media. Lifeguards had already raised red flags due to rough conditions, prohibiting swimming. Panic set in when the mother, Bogusia, could not locate her family after they had left their blanket for a swim, leaving their mobile phones behind. Rather than waiting for official instruction, bystanders acted immediately. Dozens of strangers linked arms to create a ‘łancuch zycia’, a chain of life, weeping through the shallow water and shoreline to loca-
Credit: @CaseyKrol - X
Instant human chain on Polish shores.
te anyone submerged in trouble. Lifeguards joined the effort, using megaphones to coordinate search patterns, while all-terrain vehicles traversed the sand. The frantic search ended with immense relief when the pair returned unharmed. The father had seen the red warning flag and decided against entering the sea, opting instead to take his young son into the nearby du-
nes to search for shells. He was completely unaware that a full-scale rescue operation was underway. While this alarm was unfounded, the immediate reaction illustrated strong local solidarity. Joint rescue chains are a familiar sight on Polish beaches, where holidaymakers recognise the dangers of sudden sea currents and understand that quick, collective action saves lives.
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FEATURE/EUROPRESS IMAGINE throwing away €1 million. A woman in Italy recently did exactly that when she binned her winning lottery ticket, not realising it was worth a fortune. It was any other day for the winner - a woman who has chosen to remain anonymous. Hoping but never expecting to win, she went down to check her lottery ticket at the local shop. When the words “non-payable” popped up on the screen, she didn’t think much of it. Oh well, try again next week. It wasn’t until she returned home that a loved one told her that her numbers - the ones she played every week - had won. The machine had displayed “non-payable” not because she hadn’t won, but because small vendors can’t redeem such large pay-outs. The family immediately ran back to the shop, but it was too late. The ticket was gone. Not giving up hope, the
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Lucky bin Credit: PeopleImages / Shutterstock
Bin men help search for a winning lottery ticket.
woman rang Italy’s waste management company and asked if there was anything they could do to help track down the ticket. With the promise she would reimburse any additional costs, refuse workers reconstructed
the route the bin-lorry would have taken. Luck had struck this woman once, would it strike again? Finally, after a two-day search at a specialised plan, the million-euro lottery ticket was found, somehow still intact.
EUROPRESS
26 13 - 19 August 2026
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A MURKY bottle of Guinness that spent more than 160 years beneath the sea could help scientists recreate the pint enjoyed in Victorian Ireland. Divers discovered up to 20 bottles of stout among the cargo of a shipwreck around five kilometres off Dover during the summer of 2025. The vessel is believed to be the Mindora, which sank after a collision in November 1864 while travelling from London to Vancouver. Rather than risk tasting the contents and attempting to split the oldest G in history, expedition diver Stefan Panis and historical researcher Paweł Truszynski have launched ‘Project Jurassic Beer’. Professor Kevin Verstrepen, a brewing yeast specialist at KU Leuven in Belgium, will help exa-
mine the bottles. Finding living yeast after so long is quite unlikely, but surviving DNA could lead scientists to a closely related modern strain and allow them to brew something resembling the original stout. The Guinness Archive at St James’s Gate in Dublin is also helping the
team assess the discovery and compare it with company records. There is still a little mystery attached. Historic documents differ over whether the ship was called Mindora or Mindoro, and its identity has not been formally confirmed. Nor has a tasting date been announced, so the Victorian pint remains tantalisingly out of reach.
Credit: Frederik Boving
Scientists hope the recovered yeast could help recreate the Guinness enjoyed in Victorian times.
CHILDREN at a summer camp in Dietwil, Switzerland, were startled when a wallaby bounded out of the woods on Thursday, August 7. They were on a trip to spot the typical wildlife of the Swiss mountains. Staff attempted to lure the marsupial with vegetable slices before it bounced away, prompting a call to local police. Initial checks with local keepers and a regional zoo revealed no missing animals.
Credit: Russell Harris X
Shipwrecked Guiness Volcano airport shutdown
Etna erupts, causing airport chaos in Sicily.
HOLIDAYMAKERS heading to Sicily faced severe travel chaos after a dramatic nighttime eruption from Mount Etna forced aviation authorities to shut Catania airport on Friday, August 7. Lava fountains shot hundreds of metres into the night sky from the Voragine crater. A new fissure opened along the Valle del Leone at an altitude of roughly 2,750 metres, sending molten rock cascading down uninhabited slopes towards
the Valle del Bove. Thick plumes of dark volcanic ash pushed up to 7,300 metres high, drifting across eastern Sicily. Air traffic controllers issued a red aviation warning and suspended incoming flights at Catania’s Vincenzo Bellini Airport. Outbound journeys were quickly grounded due to a lack of aircraft on the tarmac. Brief lulls in activity permitted a few aircraft to touch down, but renewed ash clouds forced further runway closures. Airlines di-
Hopping Switzerland The wallaby had escaped from a licensed farm in Inwil, Lucerne, roughly six kilometres away. A gap in a fence caused by water pipe repairs enabled the creature to squeeze through and head towards the youth camp. Footage of the animal hopping near the forest edge circulated ra-
pidly online, generating substantial media interest. By Friday, August 8, a search team comprising police officers, a veterinarian, and the owner located the escapee in woodland just 300 metres from its enclosure. Christian Rapp, deputy head of the Swiss
verted incoming jets to alternative airports, including Palermo, Trapani, and Comiso. Railway operator Trenitalia added emergency services through Messina and Palermo for stranded passengers. Civil protection volunteers deployed across regional terminals to assist passengers. Meanwhile, nearby towns experienced heavy falls of fine black ash. Local residents reported subterranean booms, together with striking views of the fiery orange glow.
Large Animal Rescue Service, stated that the team successfully tranquilised the wallaby from a moving vehicle at a distance of 17 metres. The animal was safely returned home shortly afterwards. Lucerne’s deputy cantonal veterinarian, Tobias Frink, confirmed that an investigation is under way to determine the full circumstances of the escape, with potential action to follow once inquiries conclude.
FINANCE Ryanair sued
A TOTAL of 262 pilots have sued Ryanair for owed holiday pay. Ryanair often contract pilots through recruitment agencies, and argue independent pilots’ sick or holiday pay isn’t their responsibility. The lawsuit comes after Ryanair’s share price drops 16.52 per cent, as climbing fuel prices and slumping demand affect profits.
Streaming profits
SPOTIFY has recorded a net profit of €545 million in the second quarter of 2026, recovering losses of €86 million recorded in the previous fiscal year. Revenue increased 14 per cent to €4.7 billion, €4.3 billion of which came from paid “premium” subscriptions.
Preloved wedding
SECOND-HAND shopping is becoming increasingly popular, even for weddings. New data from Vinted shows searches for second-hand bridesmaid dresses are up 17 per cent. Many are trying to cut costs by buying pre-loved dresses, otherwise bridesmaids end up spending between £250 to £499 on the special day.
Heat losses
MORE than personal discomfort, frequent heatwaves can have a real effect on a country’s economy. According to Allianz Research, heat waves could reduce Spain’s GDP by 1.4 per cent. The loss is largely due to decreased productivity and increased pressure on infrastructure.
Reservations
INTERNATIONAL residents are expected to have empty stomachs and full wallets this August. Analysis by TheFork predicts tourists will account for 28 per cent of all restaurant reservations throughout the month. Comparatively, national tourism is expected to make up just 4 per cent.
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STAT OF WEEK
Total spending by international tourists visiting Spain in June increased by 4.0 per cent, reaching €13.579 billion. Average daily spending rose by 0.7 per cent to €211, according to INE.
Exports hit all-time high ANDALUCIA has posted a new export record for the first five months of 2026, reaching €19 billion, up 3.8 per cent on the previous year. Malaga province set its own record with a 9.1 per cent increase, giving the Costa del Sol a strong boost to the regional figures. Spain as a whole recorded growth of just 1.3 per cent over the same period, leaving Andalucia well ahead. The region ended the period with a trade surplus of €900 million, while the national balance remained in deficit. Vegetables led exports at €2 billion, rising 15.7 per cent. Mineral fuels and the mining sector also performed strongly, with mining exports surging 80.2 per cent. Aeronautics increased 36.9 per cent to more than €1 billion, highlighting continued strength in high-value industry.
Airbus in Sevilla.
Germany remained the biggest export market at €2.5 billion, up 14.7 per cent. France, Italy and Portugal also recorded healthy growth, while exports to China jumped 64 per cent, opening new opportunities for Andalucian goods. Almeria and Cordoba joined Malaga in setting provincial export records, spreading growth across the region. Although Sevilla still handled the largest export volume, broader growth is creating
Social media sales SOCIAL MEDIA has changed almost every aspect of daily life, including purchasing habits. With the rise of social media came the demise of traditional marketing strategies - billboards, print ads, television adverts. Instead brands reach consumers where they’re at: online. It is estimated that European brands spend €35.5 billion a year on social media advertising, according to IAB Europe’s
Energy battle Credit: Junta
BUSINESS EXTRA
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AdEx Benchmark Report. And one of their biggest demographics is teenagers and children, who almost use social media as a step-by-step guide on what to buy. Approximately 54 per cent of youths aged 12 to 15 find what they want to buy through social media. Another 24 per cent frequently watch unboxing or product review videos. But how will this marketing strategy, and consequently annual sales, change
opportunities for more businesses to expand. Stronger exports are expected to support jobs in logistics, aviation, food production and engineering. Firm demand across Europe, together with rising exports to China, underlines the appeal of Andalucian products. Officials monitor the figures through Andalucia Trade and the national trade ministry, with the latest results providing further confidence in the regional economy. Credit: Basilico Studio Stock/ Shutterstock
Teenagers use social media to figure out what to buy.
as governments across Europe take steps to limit under-16s social media use? Experts predict toys, fashion and beauty sectors to be the most impacted.
Crop crisis
Tax the banks
Purchasing
THE weekly grocery bill is set to get even more expensive, as farmers across Europe warn of a slump in food production. Extreme heat, wildfires and drought have all impacted the annual harvest, leading the EU to cut harvest predictions by 7 per cent. In Spain, it is expected the cereal crop will drop from 24 million tonnes to less than 18.5 million tonnes. Olive groves have been amongst the hardest hit, once again driving olive oil price rises.
AS Prime Minister Andy Burnham looks to tackle the cost of living crisis, there has been renewed demand to tax UK banks to help fund his agenda. The outcry also comes off the back of the UK’s biggest banks raking in a collective £29.2 billion in profit in the first half of 2026. Campaigners believe a windfall tax on this lucrative banking business could raise £19 billion, which would go towards the government’s October budget.
A BIGGER pay packet does not always mean a better standard of living. Across Europe, purchasing power offers a clearer picture of what minimum wage earners can actually afford once living costs are taken into account. While Luxembourg still tops the rankings for nominal pay, Spain performs far better when adjusted for purchasing power. It sits alongside France, Slovenia and Poland, with minimum wages worth more than 1,500 purchasing power standards (PPS). Findings from Eurostat highlight how lower living costs can boost workers’ spending power, proving that headline salaries alone do not tell the full story.
SPANISH supermarkets have declared war on the energy drink business. Two of Spain’s biggest chains - Carrefour and Mercadona - are taking advantage of the demand to sell their own branded beverages 40 per cent cheaper than Coca-Cola’s Monster, the most popular brand on the market. Energy drinks are big businesses. Annual sales grew 38 per cent in the last four years, reaching €298 million in 2025 with Spaniards buying approximately 105 million litres. However, new age restrictions could cut into profits.
Lease increase LEASING companies in Spain have invested heavily to expand fleets, spending €5.8 billion since January 2026. According to AER data, 235,388 new vehicles have been registered by leasing companies, 10.2 per cent more than in 2025. Strong investment is a positive sign of high demand. In fact, leasing a car is becoming a popular alternative to personal vehicle ownership, accounting for approximately 26.5 per cent of registered vehicles on the road.
Poetry boom THE hype around Christopher Nolan’s newest blockbuster, The Odyssey, has breached the Box Office, helping UK poetry sales reach record highs. After leaving the cinema, many movie-goers are seemingly heading to the bookshop. So far in 2026, poetry sales have increased by 13.3 per cent to £8 million. If momentum continues, sales could reach £17 million by the end of the year. UK print sales for the Odyssey increased by 1,400 per cent after the film’s release.
FINANCE
28 13 - 19 August 2026
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LONDON - FTSE 100
DOW JONES
Closing Prices 10 August
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Closing Prices 10 August
Net
3I Group.....................................2.847,00............2.877,00......... 2.835,00......... 223,21K Admiral Group............................3.943,80............3.962,00......... 3.884,00......... 111,67K Airtel Africa................................. 328,52................332,2............... 325............. 368,69K Anglo American..........................4.005,00............4.018,00......... 3.950,00......... 366,19K Antofagasta................................3.994,00............4.001,00......... 3.931,00......... 175,28K Associated British Foods............2.103,00............2.127,00......... 2.097,00.......... 76,56K AstraZeneca..............................12.012,40..........12.096,00....... 11.898,00........ 536,86K Auto Trader Group Plc................. 518,8.................520,4..............512,6........... 284,25K Aviva............................................ 715,6.................715,8..............706,4........... 817,15K B M European Value Retail........... 234,4...................236................. 232............. 261,71K BAE Systems..............................2.231,00............2.249,00......... 2.201,00.......... 845,3K Barclays....................................... 521,7...................522................514,5.............5,52M Barratt Redrow............................. 318,4.................319,1..............316,1.............3,93M Beazley.......................................1.292,00............1.295,50......... 1.291,00.......... 620,9K Berkeley.....................................3.574,00............3.574,00......... 3.492,00.......... 17,53K BP................................................ 519,6.................526,8..............518,3.............4,01M British American Tobacco..........4.446,00............4.454,00......... 4.341,00......... 258,07K BT Group..................................... 197,9.................200,8............... 197...............3,34M Bunzl..........................................2.860,00............2.860,00......... 2.826,00.......... 80,66K Centrica..........................................153..................154,3..............152,1.............1,74M Coca Cola HBC AG.....................4.992,00............5.000,00......... 4.898,00.......... 65,91K Compass....................................... 32,4..................32,64..............32,19........... 152,76K ConvaTec Group............................233..................233,6..............226,4.............1,84M Croda Intl...................................3.304,00............3.340,00......... 3.276,00.......... 62,81K DCC............................................6.375,00............6.380,00......... 6.370,00.......... 22,38K Diageo........................................1.792,60............1.800,00......... 1.717,50...........2,02M Diploma.....................................7.740,00............7.740,00......... 7.655,00......... 148,28K EasyJet......................................... 667,2...................674...............665,74............6,64M Entain.............................................537....................540................531,8........... 383,06K Experian.....................................2.854,00............2.859,00......... 2.821,00......... 848,45K F&C Invest.....................................344..................344,4..............342,8........... 240,54K Flutter Entertainment..................7.588,00............7.718,00......... 7.536,00...............0 Frasers...........................................811....................825................. 804............... 3,35K Fresnillo.....................................2.889,00............2.913,00......... 2.803,00......... 336,98K Glencore....................................... 560,2................568,55.............558,8.............4,33M GSK plc......................................1.962,50............1.970,50......... 1.931,00...........1,11M HALEON....................................... 372,1.................372,1............... 369...............1,79M Halma.........................................3.832,00............3.832,00......... 3.762,00.......... 66,56K Hikma Pharma...........................1.712,00............1.717,00......... 1.671,00......... 167,56K Hiscox........................................1.833,20............1.838,00......... 1.804,00.......... 215,9K Howden Joinery.............................834..................835,5..............827,5............ 39,22K HSBC.........................................1.535,80............1.536,80......... 1.519,60...........4,37M IAG............................................... 444,6.................445,1..............439,1.............1,98M ICG PLC.....................................2.030,00............2.032,00......... 2.012,00.......... 67,82K IMI PLC......................................3.126,00............3.138,00......... 3.100,00......... 178,42K Imperial Brands..........................2.788,00............2.788,00......... 2.750,00......... 214,57K Informa........................................ 903,4.................908,4............... 899............. 282,08K InterContinental........................... 158,1.................158,4..............156,4............ 32,81K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
Intertek.......................................5.835,00............5.840,00......... 5.835,00.......... 26,91K J Sainsbury.................................. 351,6.................353,3.............349,79.......... 551,03K JD Sports Fashion........................ 95,06.................95,42..............93,48.............3,38M Kingfisher..................................... 327,1.................327,1..............322,4........... 437,45K Land Securities............................ 711,5.................712,5............... 706............. 388,24K Legal & General.......................... 315,92..................316................308,8.............4,53M Lloyds Banking............................ 115,9...................116...............113,95...........22,75M London Stock Exchange.............8.972,00............8.978,00......... 8.718,00......... 264,98K Londonmetric Property................ 194,4.................195,9..............192,5.............1,51M M&G............................................ 365,6.................365,7..............360,9........... 531,01K Marks & Spencer........................ 405,75................407,7..............402,4.............1,28M Melrose Industries....................... 480,9.................482,9............... 476............. 371,38K Mondi........................................... 906,8...................927................902,6............ 57,19K National Grid..............................1.194,71............1.196,25......... 1.183,00............1,3M NatWest Group..............................717..................717,6..............704,2.............2,94M Next..........................................15.805,00..........15.820,00....... 15.625,00......... 29,81K Pearson......................................1.225,50............1.238,50......... 1.224,50......... 147,45K Pershing Square........................3.920,00............3.938,00......... 3.888,00.......... 49,08K Persimmon................................1.143,00............1.151,70......... 1.133,00......... 464,54K Prudential...................................1.052,00............1.053,00......... 1.023,50...........1,13M Reckitt Benckiser.......................5.284,00............5.288,00......... 5.242,00......... 149,29K Relx............................................2.614,50............2.638,00......... 2.588,00......... 876,29K Rentokil....................................... 359,05................360,2.............355,23............6,63M Rightmove................................... 476,4.................478,9.............468,35.......... 521,13K Rio Tinto PLC.............................7.455,00............7.515,00......... 7.439,00.......... 313,7K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.546,40............1.550,40......... 1.526,20...........1,44M Sage...........................................1.036,50............1.046,94......... 1.021,50......... 512,94K Schroders.................................... 583,5...................584................. 583............. 145,95K Scottish Mortgage......................1.377,00............1.378,00......... 1.365,00......... 294,17K Segro.............................................964..................965,8..............953,6........... 567,93K Severn Trent..............................3.106,00............3.112,00......... 3.080,00.......... 36,16K Shell...........................................3.294,00............3.330,00......... 3.283,00.......... 895,3K Smith & Nephew........................1.110,00............1.110,50......... 1.098,00......... 827,51K Smiths Group.............................2.717,00............2.717,05......... 2.691,00......... 192,92K Spirax-Sarco Engineering..........7.489,70............7.495,00......... 7.369,50.......... 47,75K SSE............................................2.368,00............2.383,00......... 2.357,00......... 202,18K Standard Chartered....................2.216,00............2.216,00......... 2.187,00......... 432,03K Standard Life................................ 941,5.................941,5..............927,5........... 252,46K Taylor Wimpey............................. 83,14.................83,96..............82,94.............2,61M Tesco........................................... 471,9................475,51.............470,1.............2,93M Unilever......................................4.697,00............4.703,50......... 4.659,50............412K Unite..............................................537....................537................. 532............. 194,41K United Utilities............................1.423,00............1.427,00......... 1.410,00......... 127,52K Vistry Group................................. 275,2.................281,6..............272,2........... 237,99K Vodafone Group PLC.................. 119,85................120,2.............118,65...........13,65M Weir Group................................2.702,00............2.704,00......... 2.682,00.......... 71,91K Whitbread..................................2.510,00............2.523,00......... 2.490,30........... 48,4K WPP............................................. 393,3...................396................379,7.............2,56M
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3M.............................................. 180,71................183,5.............179,46............2,55M Amazon.com............................... 272,26...............275,48............271,06...........30,67M American Express........................ 342,6...................350...............342,07............2,77M Amgen........................................ 404,85................418,4..............401,2.............2,61M Apple........................................... 312,41...............316,29............309,23...........46,14M Boeing......................................... 232,19...............240,37............231,33............7,13M Caterpillar.................................... 856,96...............879,33............856,96.............2,9M Chevron...................................... 189,23...............189,78............187,02............7,18M Cisco........................................... 120,88...............122,19.............119,9............14,05M Coca-Cola..................................... 86,85.................87,97..............86,42............13,57M Goldman Sachs..........................1.032,58............1.068,04......... 1.030,78...........1,73M Home Depot................................ 349,52...............353,55............347,51............2,62M Honeywell................................... 240,74..................250...............239,93............5,04M IBM............................................. 233,43...............234,47............228,44............4,25M J&J............................................. 256,98...............262,11............255,28............6,93M JPMorgan.................................... 356,3................362,81............354,95............5,82M McDonald’s................................. 276,26...............276,83............271,76............4,21M Merck&Co................................... 128,37...............131,08.............127,8.............7,05M Microsoft.................................... 499,86...............501,56............488,52...........36,44M Nike.................................................42...................42,64..............41,85............18,15M NVIDIA........................................ 218,99...............223,63.............. 217.............113,94M P&G............................................ 146,97................148,5.............145,45............8,77M Salesforce Inc............................. 186,77...............187,02.............. 183...............13,3M Sherwin-Williams........................ 363,42...............371,53............362,13............1,88M The Travelers.................................386.................386,59............382,25............1,48M UnitedHealth............................... 403,97...............416,97.............402,4.............4,71M Verizon......................................... 46,99.................47,48..............46,58.............24,3M Visa A.......................................... 370,47................371,1.............365,25............5,02M Walmart...................................... 112,07...............114,56............111,04............23,2M Walt Disney................................. 104,68...............104,73............102,52...........14,05M M - Million Dollars
NASDAQ
Closing Prices 10 August
Company Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced TEN Holdings.................................................. 252,20 %........................68,98M Wing Yip Food Holdings ADR......................... 194,28 %........................57,78M ClearOne......................................................... 166,30 %........................69,45M Creative Medical Tech Holdings....................... 71,92 %.........................272,9M Gauzy............................................................... 67,81 %........................234,25M Autozi Internet Technology.............................. 58,42 %.........................69,98M Zenta................................................................ 47,79 %..........................2,32M Wearable Devices............................................. 46,71 %..........................8,29M Surgepays........................................................ 45,66 %.........................273,8M Ensysce Biosciences........................................ 44,83 %........................498,05M Iovance Biotherapeutics................................... 43,09 %.........................73,43M Honest Company.............................................. 40,78 %..........................20,1M Paranovus Entertainment Tech........................ 40,12 %.........................31,36M Insmed............................................................. 33,86 %.........................12,04M Oportun Financial............................................. 32,84 %..........................2,45M Hertz Global Holdings...................................... 29,49 %........................155,82M Paysign............................................................ 29,30 %..........................3,33M Aeva Technologies........................................... 28,81 %..........................8,43M 5E Advanced Materials..................................... 27,94 %........................630,33K M - Million Dollars
Company Change Net / % Volume Most Declined YXT.Com Holding ADR....................................-66,07 %..........................3,25M ThredUp...........................................................-50,48 %.........................22,34M Vsee Health......................................................-39,84 %..........................5,75M BillionToOne.....................................................-38,89 %..........................3,75M Recon Technology...........................................-34,12 %..........................81,6M Biovie...............................................................-33,82 %..........................8,78M Commerce.com................................................-31,96 %..........................6,09M XCHG Ltd ADR.................................................-30,26 %.........................15,46M LegalZoom.com...............................................-30,00 %.........................13,06M Inseego............................................................-28,60 %..........................1,93M Olenox Industries.............................................-27,93 %........................157,54K biote Corp........................................................-27,88 %........................704,97K Context Therapeutics.......................................-27,27 %..........................4,34M Reitar Logtech Holdings...................................-26,72 %.........................27,12M Akebia Ther......................................................-26,05 %.........................17,69M Tripadvisor.......................................................-25,52 %.........................11,26M AiRWA.............................................................-25,51 %.........................58,74M Advantage Solutions........................................-23,26 %........................305,44K Honeywell Aerospace.......................................-23,16 %.........................20,63M M - Million Dollars
Tre Amici will open the evening at Villamartin Plaza.
Il Divo and The Three Tenors has won them a loyal following across the Costa Blanca. Their rich harmonies and powerful vocals promise the perfect start to the night, with favourites including Nessun Dorma and other popular classical crossover hits that are sure to impress music lovers. Arrive early, book a table and enjoy dinner or drinks
at one of the many restaurants and bars surrounding the square before the entertainment begins. The event takes place at Villamartin Plaza on Avenida de las Brisas, Orihuela Costa, from 7.00pm until 11.30pm on August 20. For bookings or more information, email info@villamar tin-plaza.com or call (+34) 966 764 819.
Credit: ABBA The new experience.
Mia
ABBA fans can enjoy the Swedish supergroup’s biggest hits when ABBA The New Experience brings its Revolution Tour to El Muelle Live in Alicante on Friday, August 21. The tribute band has been performing for 12 years and has appeared at major venues and festivals including Barcelona’s Palau de la Música Catalana, Sant Jordi Club and Olympic Stadium, the Tarraco Arena and Madrid’s Gran Teatro Príncipe Pío. Its international appearances have also included two performances at the Swedish Embassy and a 2024 concert at the Altos de Chavón amphitheatre in the Dominican Republic. The Revolution show in Alicante promises a journey through ABBA’s bestknown music, performed live in a concert created for fans who want to sing and dance along. Expect favourites including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Gimme! Gimme!
ABBA The New Experience heads to Alicante.
Gimme! and Waterloo, alongside more of the songs that turned ABBA into one of pop music’s most successful groups. The concert combines live musicians and choreography with a lively stage show, bringing the sound and atmosphere of ABBA to Alicante’s waterfront for a summer night of familiar hits. Doors at El Muelle Live open at 7.30pm, with the show starting at 9.00pm. For more information or to book tickets, head to the website: vivaticket.com. Anyone requiring tickets for reduced mobility or special assistance should contact the venue in advance by emailing info@elmuellelive.com.
Coldplay vs Dragons MUSIC by Coldplay and Imagine Dragons will be given a classical twist in Torrevieja on Friday, August 21, as the popular Candlelight Concert series comes to the Teatro Municipal. Performed by the Cuarteto Salzillo string quartet, the 60-minute concert will feature a selection of well-known songs from both bands, all played in the candlelit surroundings of the theatre. Coldplay fans can expect favourites including Clocks, Adventure of a Lifetime, Fix You, The Scientist, A Sky Full of Stars and Viva la Vida, alongside the more recent feelslikeimfallinginlove. Imagine Dragons will be represented by hits including Radioactive, Thunder, Follow You, Bad Liar and Believer, with Eyes Closed also
Credit: Ruslan Lytvyn / Shutterstock.com.
DAVID BOWIE fans are in for a memorable night on Thursday, August 20, when Starman: The Ultimate David Bowie Tribute takes to the stage at Villamartin Plaza for an evening celebrating one of Britain’s greatest music legends. The show starts at 7.00pm on the Main Plaza Stage and features Starman, accompanied by top lead guitarist Eric De Jong. Audiences can look forward to many of Bowie’s best-loved songs, including Starman, Heroes, Life on Mars?, Let’s Dance, Rebel Rebel and other timeless classics. The show captures the energy, music and unforgettable style that made Bowie one of the most influential artists of all time. Opening the evening is Tre Amici, whose tribute to
Credit: Tre Amici.
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH Starman spectacular Mamma
The Candlelight Concert series heads to Torrevieja.
included in the programme. The concert offers a different way to hear songs normally associated with stadium shows and large-scale productions, replacing guitars and big sound systems with the strings of a live quartet. The event takes place at the Teatro Municipal de Torrevieja, Plaza Miguel Hernández, 3, with the concert scheduled from 7.00pm to 8.00pm. Doors open 45 minutes
before the performance, and late admission is not permitted. The concert is suitable for ages eight and over, although anyone under 16 must attend with an adult. The theatre is wheelchair accessible, while seating is allocated on arrival according to the ticket category purchased. For more information or to book your tickets, head to the website: culturatorrevieja.com.
FEATURE/SPANISH NEWS
Give us all a break LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT WHAT on earth is going on with the British police force? They continually gripe about being undermanned and ill equipped. They moan about being so weighed down with work they have been forced to downgrade ‘risk assessment’ of crimes to a ridiculous level and are constantly moaning that they simply ‘can’t cope’ with the latest crime figures. As legitimate as these claims may be, our precious plod does seem to find the time to, dance around maypoles, thread their boots with rainbow laces and appear in a whole host of police reality programmes! Well, whereas laces and prancing about may not be very time consuming, I can assure you reality programs most certainly are. There are SEVEN cop shows running at the moment, from cops in the sky to the most recent, which concerns seizing criminal’s assets. (Scraping the barrel comes
to mind!). Well, I’ve done a number of reality programmes (including a few I would rather forget!) And I can assure you they take forever. Every five minutes you see on the screen can take hours to shoot. The retakes alone can be unbelievably time consuming. How can these ‘overworked’, rushed-off-their-feet officers of the law possibly find the time to be ‘reality stars’? Another thing these shows are inclined to do is eat into the respect the public should hold for its upholders of law and order. Any aura of mystique or invincibility is stripped away by these programmes, which often show the utter contempt a small number of individuals have for the upholders of law and order. With the wide publicity television creates, public order and criminal acts are then copied by other members of toe rag society, who would normally be wary of the unknown outcome their actions could bring. No, I’m sorry but respect for the law is obtained by solving crime and putting away the bad guys, not strutting around like jumped up, ego tripping
American TV robo cops. Let’s all get back to the true reality. The fact that glamourising the police doesn’t do one iota toward rooting out criminals. Posing on telly and signing autographs simply doesn’t hack it. It’s time the powers that be put a complete ban on all cop reality shows. Let’s restrict their TV appearances to announcements of successful conclusions to crime investigations. Now that’s the way to earn respect. I don’t know about you but I am also heartily sick of this entire ‘touchy-feely’ syndrome that seems to have crept into British sport. Even cricket which used to be such a wonderful stiff upper lip occasion now sees batsmen hurrying up to each other and touching fists after a particularly good shot. Doubles at tennis is another example of this ridiculous habit. In fact, they still fist each other when they actually lose a point. All this coupled with the orgasmic grunts just about sums up the whole caboodle of our modern. self-subsidising players. For heaven’s sake, give us all a break. Keep the faith Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@gmail.com
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
13 - 19 August 2026
31
Madrid Grand Prix Credit: Motorsport Photography F1
euroweeklynews.com
Madrid’s new Madring circuit will stage its inaugural Formula 1 weekend from September 11 to 13.
AT 3pm on Sunday, September 13, the finish line is due to be crossed at Madrid’s newest sporting attraction. Formula 1 will race at Madring for the first time, bringing the Spanish Grand Prix to a 5.4-kilometre circuit built around IFEMA and Valdebebas. The weekend begins on Friday September 11, with Formula 1 practice at 1.30pm and 5pm. A final practice session follows at 12.30pm on Saturday, before qualifying at 4pm. Formula 2 and Formula 3 will fill much of the space between the main sessions, with their own practice, qualifying and races spread across the weekend. The new circuit mixes permanent sections with public roads and contains 22 corners. Its showpiece is La Monumental, an almost 550-metre banked curve expected to be surrounded by tens of thousands of spectators. Anyone attending should plan around public transport as organisers say there will be no general parking at the circuit. Metro Line 8 stops at Feria de Madrid, while the C1 Cercanías train serves Valdebebas. Before the Grand Prix arrives, Formula 3 cars will test the track on August 24 and 25 as part of its final operational and safety preparations.
euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY
SUNNY days, seaside escapes and afternoons by the pool are some of the best parts of summer, but they can take a toll on your hair. Prolonged sun exposure, salt water and chlorine can leave strands feeling dry, brittle and lacking their usual shine if they are not properly protected. Before heading outdoors, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to create a protective barrier and help lock in moisture. Wearing a wide-brim-
Credit: AleksZa Photo / Shutterstock
Summer hair care
Don’t let sun or salt water ruin your hair.
med hat or scarf is another simple way to shield your hair from harmful UV rays while adding a stylish finishing touch to your outfit. If you are swimming, wet your hair with fresh water before getting into the sea or pool. Hair that is already saturated absorbs less salt water or chlorinated water, helping to reduce potential damage. After your swim, rinse your hair thoroughly as soon as possible to re-
move any lingering residue. Hydration is key throughout the season. Treat your hair to a nourishing mask once a week and avoid excessive heat styling whenever you can. Allowing your hair to air dry occasionally gives it a welcome break. With just a few easy habits, you can enjoy everything summer has to offer while keeping your hair soft, healthy and full of natural shine.
DR MARCUS STEPHAN
WE’VE all done it. You wake up with a headache, a sore throat or a mysterious ache in your shoulder. Rather than making an appointment with your doctor, you pick up your phone and type a few words into Google*. Five minutes later, you’re convinced you’ve got an incurable neurological disease, three forms of cancer and perhaps something so rare that only six people in the world have ever had it - and you’ve got it! Welcome to the wonderful - and occasionally terrifying - world of Dr Google. The internet has changed our lives beyond recognition. Never before has so much medical information been available to so many people at the touch of a button. That’s a fantastic thing. We can learn about healthy eating, understand why our blood pressure matters, read about diabetes, heart disease or arthritis, and become much better informed patients. The trouble starts when information turns into diagnosis. Google is brilliant at finding information. It is hopeless at telling you what’s actually wrong with you.
Dr Google is seeing you now... and that’s not always good news Credit: rawf8 / Shutterstock.com
32 EWN 13 - 19 August 2026
It’s a vicious circle that many people unknowingly create for themselves.
Imagine walking into a doctor’s surgery and saying, “I’ve got a headache.” The doctor doesn’t immediately reply, “Brain tumour.” Instead, they start asking questions. Where exactly does it hurt? How long have you had it? Have you been under stress? Within a few minutes, they’ve built up a picture that Google simply can’t. Medicine is a bit like detective work. Symptoms are clues, not answers.
READ MORE
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/
Credit: ShotPrime Studio / Shutterstock
A WARM, radiant complexion is one of summer’s most sought-after beauty looks, but achieving that healthy glow does not have to involve hours in the sun. In fact, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is the best way to keep it looking youthful and healthy for years to come. The secret to a convincing sun-kissed look starts with ghlighter on the tops of the cheeka lightweight base that allows your bones and the inner corners of the natural skin to shine through. Foeyes will enhance the glow without llow with a cream bronzer, appllooking overly shimmery. ying it lightly to the areas where Complete the look with brusthe sun would naturally hit, such as hed-up brows, a coat of brown the forehead, cheeks and bridge mascara and a tinted lip balm in a of the nose. Blend well for a soft, warm nude or rosy shade. Most imseamless finish. portantly, finish with a broad-specNext, add a touch of peach or trum SPF every morning. It is the coral blush to the apples of your one product that protects your cheeks. skin while allowing you to enjoy a This creates the fresh, outdoorbeautifully bronzed appearance, sy flush often associated with time safely and confidently. spent in the sunshine. A subtle hi-
13 - 19 August 2026
EWN 33
Credit: SVStocker / Shutterstok
HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com
WARM summer evenings may be perfect for outdoor dining and late sunsets, but they can make getting a good night’s sleep surprisingly difficult. When your bedroom feels stuffy, it is harder for your body to cool down, making it more challenging to fall asleep and stay asleep. Start by keeping your bedroom as cool as possible. Close curtains or blinds during the day to block out the sun, then open windows in
the evening once the temperature drops. A fan can also help improve air circulation, while lightweight cotton bedding allows heat to escape more easily than heavier fabrics. Your evening routine matters too. Avoid large meals, alcohol and caffeinated drinks close to bedtime, as they can make you feel warmer or disrupt your sleep. Instead, opt for a light snack if needed and stay hydrated throughout
the day, without drinking excessive amounts just before bed. A lukewarm shower before bedtime can help lower your body temperature, while breathable sleepwear keeps you feeling comfortable through the night. With a few simple changes, you can enjoy deeper, more refreshing sleep and wake up ready to make the most of sunny summer days.
34 13 - 19 August 2026
FEATURE
euroweeklynews.com
ADVERTISING FEATURE
ADVERTISING FEATURE
FOR many international residents and ble support helps minimise disruption, holiday homeowners, television is an ensuring customers can continue enimportant connection to news, enter- joying their favourite programmes witainment, and familiar programthout unnecessary delays. mes from home. English TV The company also advises in Spain has built a strong customers on the latest televiProfessional reputation for providing sion and streaming options. reliable English-languaWhether you’re looking for support and ge television services, English, Dutch, Scandinapractical along with expert suvian, or Belgian TV services, solutions. pport for satellite dish Pete can recommend the and reception problems. most suitable solution. He can Satellite issues can arise also provide guidance on streafor a variety of reasons, incluming platforms such as BBC iPlayer, ding strong winds, heavy rain, poor ITVX, and other catch-up services, as dish alignment, damaged cables, or well as VPN solutions that can help ageing equipment. In Spain’s coastal you access the content you enjoy whiregions, corrosion and harsh weather le living in Spain. can also affect signal quality over time. With friendly advice, technical exFortunately, most problems can be pertise, and practical solutions, Englidiagnosed and repaired quickly by ex- sh TV in Spain makes it easy to stay perienced technicians. connected to the news, sport, and enEnglish TV in Spain offers profes- tertainment that matter most. Whether sional services including satellite dish you need a simple satellite repair or realignment, signal fault diagnosis, guidance on modern viewing options, receiver repairs, channel restoration, professional help is only a phone call and system upgrades. Fast, dependa- away.
IN Spain, where daily life revolves around The best alarm systems are those that early mornings, late dinners, and vibrant work seamlessly, providing instant noticommunities, home security should fications, reliable performance, and resbe simple, not complicated. Too often, ponsive customer support. alarm systems are marketed as expenSimplicity also improves safety. When sive, technical, and difficult to manage. alarm systems are easy to understand, What most households really need are people are more likely to use them cosafe and simple alarms that provide re- rrectly and consistently. Complex sysliable protection without unnecessary tems can lead to forgotten codes, disacomplexity. bled sensors, or ignored alerts, reducing Families, retirees, and small business their effectiveness. User-friendly design owners benefit most from systems helps minimise these risks while that are easy to install, intuitive encouraging better security to use, and dependable every habits. Safe and day. In apartment buildings, Ultimately, home sesimple alarms shared communities, and curity is about peace of systems that coastal holiday homes, mind rather than unneprotect without cessary sophistication. practical features such as overwhelming. Safe and simple alarms clear alerts, mobile app control, and straightforward arenable households to proming and disarming are far more tect their families, homes, valuable than complicated technology. and belongings with confidence. Demand for home security has grown Security should be practical, accessisteadily across Spain, particularly in ur- ble, transparent, and above all, easy to ban areas and regions with seasonal re- use, allowing homeowners to focus on sidences. However, increased demand everyday life knowing their property is should not mean increased confusion. protected.
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English TV in Spain
Safe and Simple
FEATURE
euroweeklynews.com ASK THE OFFICER SARA ROMERA: THE AUTHOR OF INSIDE THE FLOATING CITY AND THE DISCERNING VOYAGER.
13 - 19 August 2026
35
“I nearly missed my ship on embarkation day and spent the last two days of my cruise worrying about my flight home. What am I doing wrong?”
THE calmest passengers I’ve ever watched start their cruise the same unremarkable way: sleep on land the night before, a hot shower, coffee in a real cup, suitcase by the door. No scrambling, no sprinting through a terminal, no white-knuckle taxi ride to the pier. They arrive the day before embarkation, and it makes everything that follows easier. Rather than indulgence, it’s good seamanship. It’s how crew travel. If the cruise line builds that buffer for its own people, build one for yourself. It gives a delayed bag time to catch up. A missed connection becomes a shrug rather than a ruin. Book the hotel, wander out for dinner if you have the energy, and if you don’t, shower and sleep. Either way, you step on board as a guest, not a casualty of the morning. If same-day arrival is truly unavoidable, know what you’re asking of your
Credit: Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock.
The answer is buffers, and the crew never skip them.
Don’t miss embarkation.
luck. Book a nonstop flight. Land by 10.30am at the latest. Pack all medications, chargers, a change of clothes, and swimwear in your carry-on and accept that your checked bag may not find you for days. Remember the ship’s
check-in closes well before sail-away. The return journey catches more people out than the outbound. Here is the truth from the operations side: an itinerary that reads “arrival 06.00” does not mean you can walk off at 06.01.
First the ship must be cleared, border officers come on board, manifests are reviewed, and only when the approval stamp lands does the gangway light flip from red to green. Union rules put border officers and longshoremen on a 7.00am start. Then come the breakfast lines, the elevators, the luggage halls, and the taxis that appear and vanish before you reach the front of the queue. Anything before 4.00pm for your flight home is asking for trouble, even on a direct route. If you can, give yourself one more night at the port. Walk the waterfront. Eat something good. Fly tomorrow. You planned this trip carefully. Don’t let the edges undo it. Vega Mare now writes under her real name, Sara Romera. Sara Romera is the author of Inside the Floating City and The Discerning Voyager.
Have a cruise question? Write to contact@sararomera.com. Selected questions will be featured in upcoming columns.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM
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38 13 - 19 August 2026
FEATURE
euroweeklynews.com
• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •
Costa del Sol
Costa Blanca North
Birthday blended with giving
Miles that matter
LOCAL favourite and Hollywood star Antonio Banderas marked his 66th birthday at the 17th Starlite Occident Gala, held under the stars in Marbella’s historic Nagueles quarry. The evening fused a 1970s hippy theme with a serious charitable mission. Banderas struck a reflective tone. “Peace and love is now a slogan that unfortunately makes very little sense in the world we are living in,” he said, signalling a shift from glamour to purpose. At midnight, Plácido Domingo led the room in singing Happy Birthday. In a spontaneous move, Banderas donated the very shirt he was wearing, painted by his own hand, to the charity auction. Proceeds support the Starlite Foundation’s work with Niños en Alegria, Cudeca and Lagrimas y Favores, Banderas’s own foundation.
BENIDORM became part of a deeply moving nationwide challenge when Madrid firefighter Jaime Domínguez Ibáñez ran 42 kilometres through the resort to raise awareness of suicide prevention and mental health. Known as JimmyGo, the ultrarunner was joined by local athletes and Marina Baixa firefighters as he tackled a route taking in Poniente and Levante beaches before finishing outside Benidorm City Hall. The marathon was one stage of his ‘Break the Silence’ campaign. Domínguez has pledged to run 3,953 kilometres across Spain, one for every person who died by suicide in the country in 2024. Along the way, he carries a ‘torch of silence’, filled with names and messages dedicated to people lost to suicide. Benidorm also hosted a talk about the campaign, giving residents the chance to hear the personal story behind his mission.
Axarquia
Almeria
Shocking pink
Pride in full colour
BEACHGOERS on Cotobro beach in Almuñecar received an unexpected surprise one Saturday in July around 11am when a rare pink visitor landed on the shoreline. A greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) touched down near the water, prompting astonished onlookers to pause and film the creature before it took off a few minutes later. Local resident Álvaro Martín captured the moment on video, noting that everyone stopped to watch the bird. Footage shared on social media rapidly spread among residents who missed the brief spectacle. Greater flamingos are renowned for their long legs, curved bills, and vivid pink plumage, which derives from their diet of crustaceans and algae. The birds typically favour shallow saline lagoons and coastal wetlands over open Mediterranean beaches. In Granada province, flamingos are usually seen only as passing visitors, making a direct landing on Cotobro beach particularly unusual.
VERA demonstrated its pride in true technicolour, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with an outrageously bright and festive parade. The 2026 Vera Playa Pride Parade marks a decade of advocacy. More than a bright party atmosphere, this march through the streets represents the importance of diversity and respect, positioning the freedom to live and love authentically as a basic right that should be afforded to all. Anticipation was high in the days leading up to the landmark event, especially as the parade was postponed out of respect for the Los Gallardos wildfire. Thousands flooded the streets in support. Some followed the route in cars, soft tops down and music blaring. Others partied on elaborately decorated floats. Hundreds more followed on foot, until the parade arrived at Playa Vera Hotel, where Rafa Lopez took to the stage to deliver the traditional Pride Proclamation.
Mallorca
Costa Calida
A royal good time
Lagoon love
KING FELIPE VI has wrapped up a busy weekend in Mallorca after competing in the 44th Copa del Rey de Vela before joining his family for dinner at a Palma restaurant. The King sailed aboard Hispania in the Abanca ORC 0 class, finishing second overall and winning the final race of the prestigious regatta in the Bay of Palma. After racing ended, Felipe attended the trophy ceremony at the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, where he was welcomed by Balearic President Marga Prohens and other regional and local officials before presenting awards to the winning crews. Later, he joined Queen Letizia, Queen Sofía, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía at Mía restaurant in Palma’s Portitxol district. The family were also accompanied by Jean Henri Fruchaud, a close friend of Queen Sofía. The dinner provided a relaxed end to the royal family’s Mallorca weekend.
IN a symbolic gesture of solidarity, thousands of residents and visitors gathered at the beaches of Los Alcazares to form a massive human chain in order to call for a “living Mar Menor.” This peaceful protest, which has now been ongoing for six consecutive summers, took place primarily at the Los Espejos beach, with hundreds of residents expressing their commitment to protecting this unique ecosystem, the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe. The beaches were alive with activity. Banners displaying slogans, as well as the seahorse, which has long represented the Mar Menor, could be seen all along the human chain. Over the years, the protests bloomed from small local gatherings on the idyllic beaches of the Region of Murcia to become a global movement, supported by more than 140 international organisations.
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PETS
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Dylan with his new friends Deb and Simon.
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HEALTHY ears are an important part of your dog’s overall wellbeing, but they’re often overlooked until a problem appears. Regular checks can help you spot issues early and keep your four-legged friend comfortable. Start by looking inside your dog’s ears once a week. Healthy ears should be clean, pale pink and free from strong odours. A small amount of wax is perfectly normal, but redness, swelling, excessive wax or an unpleasant smell could point to an infection or ear mites. When it comes to cleaning, always use a dog-friendly ear cleaner recommended by your vet. Gently apply the solution, massage the base of the ear for a few seconds, then let your dog shake their head before wiping away any loosened debris. There are a few things you should avoid. Never insert cotton buds into your dog’s ear canal, as they can push wax deeper inside or even cause injury. Household products, alcohol and hydrogen
Credit: Laracuth / Shutterstock
Clean ears, happy dog
Check ears regularly.
peroxide should also stay well away from your pet’s ears as they may irritate the delicate skin. Dogs with floppy ears or those that enjoy swimming may need more frequent ear checks, as
moisture can encourage infections. If your dog is scratching their ears constantly, shaking their head or seems uncomfortable, arrange a visit to your vet rather than attempting to treat the problem yourself.
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euroweeklynews.com euroweeklynews.com COSTA DEL SOL • AXARQUIA COSTA BLANCA NORTH COSTA BLANCA SOUTH ALMERIA • COSTA CALIDA MALLORCA
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CLASSIFIEDS BUILDING SERVICES J & J PAINTERS. Inside outside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (313701)
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CHARITY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life - damaging everything that is important to you. English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca.org (93323) CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_campello@ hotmail.com (95475) CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away. Tel: 634 311 690 (95462) CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH Tel: 950 617 549 www. givinglight.com.(10006) FREEMASONRY. Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various Lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact sec@ glpvalencia.com Tel 600 841 064 (95477) HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation
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that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). We are online at www.helpvegabaja.com and also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@helpvegabaja. com. We also have a 24-hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456)
step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Billy who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, http:// branches.britishlegion.org. uk/branches/orihuela-costa covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. Visit our Facebook page Costa Blanca South RBL. (95457)
ICA CHURCH, TORREVIEJA Calle Beniajan 16, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday Service at 10.30am, Wednesday coffee morning 10.30am til midday. All nationalities welcome Contact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273. For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www.icatorrevieja.org (95476).
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch. For info, contact the branch Secretary at granalacant. secretary@rbl.community.
LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, English-speaking church. For more information, including details of our services, see our website www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org (10005) PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information, www. pilarchurch.org Reg No: 2009-SG/A (95463) ROYAL Air Force Association Costa Blanca Registered Members Group: The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG replaces the RAFA Costa Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the Royal Air Force Association and the RMG can be made via the RAFA website rafa.org. uk. Tel:0044 800 018 2361. (238593) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Why not make this year the year you volunteer? See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, then contact us on 676 451 780. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first
ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION (Costa Blanca) The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. For further details contact Hon Sec P S Wilkins Tel: 966 194 158 email: inkinspain@yahoo. co.uk (10004) ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION Torrevieja Branch (RNATB) A friendly and engaging group of people who embrace their ethos of Comradeship, Loyalty, Patriotism & Unity while enjoying a verity of social events, meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 17.00 at Silverstone’s 2023 (Bar/Restaurant). Av. Romero, 03176 Montebello, Alicante. Contact: RNATB Membership Secretary, Carl Louden; email: carllouden@msn.com or Phone +34 678 518 202, or just come along and meet us. (95455) STROKE ASSOCIATION Spain (formally known as Torrevieja stroke support) Our aim is to help and support stroke survivors and their carers, with rehabilitation, speech therapy, OC therapy and a very active social group. For info please contact Paul 653 588 475 (English) or Maria 620 907 474 (Spanish) or email stroke supportgroup@hotmail.com. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473) THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188. (95461) THE BAKER Foundation Spiritual Centre Playa Flamenca. Calle Luis Gordillo, 1 Playa Flamenca Alicante 03189. You can join us on Facebook, The Baker Foundation spiritual centre.
13 - 19 August 2026 Or contact Linda Schug Tel. 606 990 665 for more details (95458) THE PATIENCE LODGE No 2177 of the R.A.O.B Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information. (253807) THE SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, Benijofar meets at Hamilton’s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Sevrice at 11.30am. For further information: www. spiritualistcentre-benijofar. com. Telephone 711 060 171. Email martindroute66@ hotmail.com. Fiscal G54713789 (95454) MOVERS AND SHAKERS We are a non-profit organisation that supports people and their families with neurological diseases such as; HUNTINGTON’S, ATAXIA, MOTOR NEURONE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and PARKINSON. The club is held at Silverstones Bistro Restaurant. Avenida Romero, Montabello (except August), the 1st Tuesday of every month from 1pm to 3pm. For more details, contact Marion Smith on 711 008 250, or email: marion.smith@ amscb.org.es, or you can find us on Facebook : FB @ movers and shakers www.amscb.org. es (295976)
ELECTRICIAN MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (303806)
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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 TO) OR VISIT www.sosinsuranceinspain. com or email tracey@sosin suranceinspain.com (350918)
LAWYERS
MASSAGE
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)
MUSIC TUITION
CONTACT Roy on 613 584 915 for your Weekenders & Supplements. Collection or delivery. (314296) FRENCH, ELÉGANTE, slim, Sophie, 3 languages spoken. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (314089) MAGIC TOUCH, French, speaks 3 languages, professional masseuse, tantric. Apartment in Villamartin and home visits. Tel 693 357 526 (301564)
BATHROOM & KITCHEN Conversions Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434. (305475)
LOLA, Spanish Brunette. Sensual Massage - Guardamar del Segura.Te. +34 641 26 60 90. (350702)
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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 (350970)
MOTORHOMES
PIANO, Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (314013)
FRIENDLY, experienced masseuse, unwind with a 1hr massage by Veronica. Shaving or permanent hair removal available. For appointments call 679 292 678 (314299)
INSURANCE
MIRIAM, mature 66 years old, gives relaxing body massage, Speaks English. Call 604 382 799 (351083)
SARA Brazilian, Mature, Fantastic Body. All Fantasies, sensualspain. House nº77 La Zenia. Tel 666 645 551 (350930)
MOTORS FOR SALE
PET CHARITY EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorsecare. net www.easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706) GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, de-wormed, de-flead. volunteers to Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709) P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www. pepaspain.com (95708)
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euroweeklynews.com SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting rehoming. Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama-safor. blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)
TO LET
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Contact us and have your business grow at +34 965 842 777
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MOTORING
13 - 19 August 2026
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KGM Rhino – capable, comfortable and full of features ROAD TEST By Mark Slack THE pick-up market has changed from one of purely working vehicles to one that now encompasses a more mixed, leisure orientated set of buyers. Standard and optional equipment now includes many features found in cars, many of them in luxury models, with ventilated seats, navigation and adaptive cruise control not being unusual on the specification list. KGM, previously SsangYong, have been progressing their range with a more refined and quality bias for some time and we are seeing the results. The latest Musso Rhino pick-up is an example in point and is very much a top-line model with standard
features that put many cars to shame and raises its game against the competition. Prices start from €45,585/£38,995 with the plus model adding a €1,169/£1,000 premium. Essentially the Rhino+ adds a more capacious load carrying capacity, courtesy of a slightly longer load bed, and an increased payload weight. While the Rhino may not worry the likes of Ford’s Ranger, it does
o f f e r an excellent specification for a very competitive price. With suitably rugged looks it comes with selectable all-wheel-drive, including low range, hill descent and hill start. Over a rugged but dry and dusty course, the Rhino coped admirably. It’s not meant to be a Land Rover capable off roader, but it’s much more capable than
Spanish taxi fined GIBRALTAR’s Ministry of Transport has issued its first fixed penalty notice under new UKEU treaty rules, fining a Spanish taxi driver £300 for operating on the Rock without a local licence. Transport inspectors intercepted the marked vehicle on Devil’s Tower Road, citing the driver for using a motor vehicle as a public service vehicle without approval from Gibraltar’s Transport Commission. Royal Gibraltar Police and Transport Inspectors continue to patrol the border to prevent unauthorised Spanish taxis and private-hire cars from entering. Road signs clearly state that Spanish cabs are prohibited from crossing. Passengers traveling into Gibraltar from Spain must disembark at the border and board a locally licensed taxi.
Credit: gibraltar.gov
Taxi pinched for taking ride in Gibraltar territory.
The current EU-UK agreement excludes cross-frontier taxi and private-hire operations. Authorities confirmed they will enforce existing legislation to protect local drivers from being undercut by foreign operators, with plans already underway to increase fine amounts. Personal travel in Spanish-registered private vehicles remains permitted, but commercial activities face strict controls. Spanish priva-
te-hire services, chauffeur-driven vehicles, and commercial deliveries must comply with full border regulations or face financial penalties. Gibraltar officials stressed that strict enforcement will continue to maintain standards and protect local businesses. Anyone driving across the border should remember that some foreign vehicles are restricted strictly to personal use.
many would imagine. Standard fare is very generous with everything from Nappa leather seats, heated seats all-round and ventilated front seats to intelligent cruise control, dual zone climate and much more. The interior feels very car like, and not at all utilitarian, with buttons, rotary dials, a touchscreen that offers a simple swipe to access driver
safety systems, it’s an object lesson in how to make a vehicle pleasant to drive. The 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo diesel engine is not the most refined but, unless pushed hard, is surprisingly smooth. There is no manual gear option but the 6-speed automatic changes smoothly enough and it’s not difficult to keep up with traffic even on faster roads. On the road the ride is a bit choppy (the Rhino EV rides noticeably
smoothly and a report on that will follow next month) although it’s better when cruising and handles particularly well in off-road conditions. For those not worried by the badge on the bonnet, or the perceived trends as to what is a ‘must buy’, the Rhino offers a superbly well-equipped, capable and price competitive option. Some competitors may be more polished, but KGM has really stepped up its game with the latest Rhino.
48 13 - 19 August 2026
SPORTS
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Walking Football Cup Credit: spainwalkingfootball.com
Walking Football Heads To Torrevieja.
SPAIN Walking Football is proud to be supporting the growth of one of the world’s fastest-growing inclusive sports, bringing communities across Spain together through health, friendship, wellbeing, and international competition. The not-for-profit organisation promotes healthier lifestyles, social inclusion and stronger links between communities through the game. Walking football, a slower version of traditional football, enables older adults and people with limi-
ted mobility to remain active and involved in sport. The organisation says the sport is helping participants across Spain improve both physical and mental wellbeing while also reducing social isolation. It is also creating opportunities for friendship and international competition. Two major events are now planned for Torrevieja in 2026, helping to raise the profile of the Costa Blanca as a destination for inclusive sport and tourism linked to community events.
The Iberian International Walking Football Club Cup will take place at the Sport City Stadium in Torrevieja on September 24 and 25. This will be followed by the FIWFA European Nations Cup from November 2 to 6 at the same venue. Teams from across Europe and other countries are expected to attend, bringing increased tourism, hospitality business and international attention to the area. More information at spainwalkingfootball.com.