Costa de Almeria 14 – 20 May 2026 Issue 2132

Wings for Life

AROUND the world, hundreds of thousands of people laced up their trainers and set off in unison for the 13th Wings for Life World Run, each participant racing towards a future where spinal cord recovery is possible.

The Wings for Life World Run is a global force: seven flagship races, over 600 smaller runs, 173 countries. The Red Bull sponsored event has been growing in popularity but this year it reached its peak with 346,527 registered participants. Separated by borders, they may not have been racing beside each other but all were united by one common goal.

Leading the charge in Spain was the Lunar Cable Park in Cuevas del Almanzora. In its three years of hosting, the water sports centre has become the second most popular Spanish venue. Hundreds of athletes, both amateur and professional, showed up on the day, all eager and excited to be supporting such an influential cause, including Ben Leclair, Red Bull’s global ambassador and Telma Cester, four-time wake-skate world champion.

In Almeria’s race, some walked, some roller-skated

and some raced the route in a wheelchair. This race is unique in that there’s no finish line. Instead, racers must outpace a chaser car. Once they’re overtaken, they’re out.

The Wings for Life World Run is most notable, however, for all registration fees being donated to fund spinal

cord injury research. Since its inception, the race has raised €69.7 million and funded 344 projects.

Under the slogan ‘race for those who can’t’ the Wings for Life World Run is a triumph of an event. Registration for the 2027 edition will open on November 4, with sign-up throu-

gh wingsforlifeworldrun.com.

PAWS-PATAS pup-date

PAWS-PATAS volunteers and staff at The Snug are recovering after the success of the May Bingo Lunch Club, which attracted a packed house of 55 people. With players hoping to win a line, full house or raffle prize, the room fell silent at times as guests waited for the final number. Following last-minute donations, including €100 from the owners of Indalo Muebles, the event raised €700.98.

The final Bingo Lunch Club before the summer break takes place on Thursday June 4 and is already half

full. Organisers are urging people to book early after several guests were unable to secure tables at the last event because capacity had been reached. Upcoming events include a Walk and Talk event with MACS on Saturday May 16. Participants will enjoy a gentle 5km walk along Mojacar paseo, followed by a free tapa and drink at Tito’s. Sponsors include amazing local businesses - Currencies Direct, My Lawyer In Spain, Coastal Properties, Ibex Insurance, Indalo Transport, Macenas Mediterranean Resort, Tim

Taplin Financial Services and Spanish Property Choice, with representatives available to answer questions.

Wellness By The Sea takes place on Thursday May 21, featuring yoga, meditation, Tai Chi and tarot readings, followed by breakfast and a raffle. The month ends with a Kitten and Coffee Morning at Las Buganvillas outlet on May 23, from 10am to 12pm, where visitors can meet kittens, browse the store and enjoy coffee and cake.

For information or bookings, email events@paws-pa tas.org.

Monster truck mayhem

THE monstrous roar of su persized engines will soon be echoing across Albox when the California Mo tor show arrives in town. Car lovers and adrenaline junkies of all ages will be entertained when monster trucks leave destruction in their wake and real-life Transformers come to life before the au dience’s eyes. Pre pare for the ultima te adrenaline rush.

For the next three weekends - May 15 to 31 - the Albox Fair Grounds will be transformed into a race track where all the exhilarating motoring action will take place. Each night offers a thrilling line-up of full throttle action.

Race car drivers will speed around the course, slamming on the breaks to drift around corners.

Larger than life monster trucks leave audiences in awe with the ease in which they manoeuvre around the course, flattening old cars and causing chaos along the way.

More than motoring excellence, audiences can also enjoy the presence of

iconic movie characters. Both adults and children will be blown away by real-life Transformers, and they’ll be eager to get a picture with the stars of Cars such as Lightning McQueen and Mater.

The California Motor show will be the defining event of the month, so don’t miss out.

Ticket prices range from €12 to €20 with a reduced price offered for both children and adults on Thursdays.

Phone tax returns SERVICE RELAUNCHES

HACIENDA has restarted its ‘Le Llamamos’ phone assistance service for Spain’s 2025 Renta campaign, allowing eligible taxpayers to complete their tax return over the phone with a Tax Agency adviser.

The service reopened on Wednesday, May 6, and appointments can be booked until June 29 via the Agencia Tributaria website, app or by telephone. Once confirmed, a Hacienda adviser calls the taxpayer personally to prepare and submit the declaration step by step. Officials say all calls come from the official number 913 335 333 and

are warning residents to be alert to fake text messages and fraudulent contacts posing as the Tax Agency during this period.

The system has become increasingly popular among older residents, workers with limited time and those who find Spain’s online filing process complex. During the last campaign, more than 1.18 million declarations were completed using the service. Hacienda says it mainly targets people with relatively straightforward tax situations, including employees, pensioners and some taxpayers under the módulos

PEOPLE across the European Union could soon stop carrying physical ID cards and driving licences everywhere they go. Under new EU plans, citizens are expected to store official documents on their phones from 2027 through a system called the European Digital Identity Wallet, or EUDI Wallet.

The project would allow users to keep documents such as national ID cards, driving licences and other verified credentials inside an official app recognised across EU countries. The aim is to make identification easier both online and in person.

system.

Before the call, taxpayers are advised to prepare identification documents, their tax reference number, bank details and property information to avoid delays. Additional paperwork may be required for rental income, grants, deductions or property sales. Tax professionals continue to warn that taxpayers should not automatically accept draft returns without checking them, as they remain legally responsible for the accuracy of the information.

Face-to-face appointments will begin later in the campaign.

Summer beach rules

Spanish beach rules tighten

LOCAL councils across Spain will activate seasonal beach by-laws soon on Monday, June 1. These regulations are meant to manage holiday crowds and protect the coastline. Holidaymakers face strict penalties for violations during the busy summer period, so it will be good to check local signage.

Smoking and vaping are now prohibited on many popular beaches, including those in Barcelona and the Balearic Islands. Enforcement teams will patrol the sand, with fines reaching €2,000 for repeat offenders. Dog walking rules also change on Monday, June 1. Many towns ban dogs from bathing zones to maintain hygiene for families. Some areas, such as San Sebastian, only permit dogs between 9pm and midnight.

Barbecues and bonfires are forbidden on most beaches due to wildfire risks. While some regions permit exceptions for the San Juan festival on June 23, unauthorised fires lead to heavy fines.

Anglers must use marked zones, while ‘sunbed wars’ are being tackled in resorts like Benidorm and Malaga. Authorities will confiscate parasols and towels left unattended to reserve spots.

Motorised vessels, including jet skis, must stay outside bathing areas and use designated channels only from June. Launching from unauthorised points can result in vessel impoundment.

Visitors should check local signage to avoid fines. Following these guidelines will make sure of cleaner and safer shores for everyone this summer.

EU Digital Wallet euroweeklynews.com

The EU says every member state will have to provide at least one official digital wallet application for citizens. Physical documents are not being removed, but the digital version is expected to become a widely accepted alternative.

The changes could particularly affect people travelling or dealing with bureaucracy across borders as the EUDI Wallet is designed to allow citizens to use their nationally issued digital identity across the EU.

The rollout is expected to begin gradually from 2026, with wider implementation targeted for 2027. Countries including Spain already use similar systems, such as the MiDGT app for digital driving licences.

The wallet would work similarly to existing digital payment apps, but instead of bank cards or boarding passes it would store government-verified documents. Citizens could then use their phones to prove their identity or complete administrative procedures without carrying physical paperwork.

BAR ESPERANZA hosts a unique collaboration with The Written Word Group on Thursday, May 14. This event, scheduled for a 5pm start, focuses on the ancient traditions of storytelling, poetry, and live music. Organisers aim to foster a genuine connection between performers and the audience through shared imagination and memory.

The evening draws inspiration from the historical importance of storytellers. In ancient Ireland, these gures were valued as kings, acting as teachers and catalysts for social change. Performers at this event intend to share personal journeys to create a

Evening of arts

eeting, one-o experience for those in attendance.

Local singer Dave Dees provides the musical backdrop for the night. Known as a local talent, Dees will

perform a medley of hits from various iconic artists. The intention is for guests to leave with a poem, song, or story that resonates long after the nal performance concludes.

The venue is situated on Avenida Andalucia in La Alfoquia, located next to the Arboleas Oil petrol station.

Admission is open to all residents and visitors. To ensure a seat for this anticipated gathering, interested parties should contact 642 522 101 to reserve a table.

Red carpet ready

ONE of Mojacar’s biggest, most beloved local musicians is about to reach a major milestone in his illustrious career. On Wednesday May 20, Jack Law will be releasing his brand-new album, Nashville Can Wait, a fresh and authentic addition to his repertoire.

Jack Law is an incredibly well-rounded artist. A master of multiple genres, Law started his career performing jazz music and now delivers heart wrenching folk and country sets.

All who have seen him live rave about easy rapport and incredible vocals as Law delivers extraordinary performances no matter how big or small the au-

dience or venue.

What makes Law so successful is his dedication to his craft, both on and o the stage. Law sees each project through from start to nish. He has his hand, or ear rather, in every aspect of the song making process.

In honour of his album release, Jack Law will be hosting a black-tie red carpet at the Emerald Isle in Mojacar, where attendees may be treated to a rst-listen of all 12 album tracks.

Nashville Can Wait will be o cially released on May 20, but pre-orders are available through music streaming services such as Apple Music.

Crisis drills in action

THE Guardia Civil has carried out a high-complexity security exercise in Mojacar, designed to test the force’s ability to respond rapidly to critical incidents involving terrorism and hostage situations. The operation took place on Thursday May 7 at a shopping centre and formed part of the ongoing specialist training programme led by the Command Headquarters in Almeria.

The simulation began with a mock sudden attack scenario, known as NIASSDA, before escalating into a staged hostage crisis requiring negotiation and tactical intervention. Several

operational situations were recreated to assess coordination between units, victim assistance procedures and threat neutralisation protocols.

A wide range of specialist teams took part in the exercise, including officers

from Citizen Security, the USECIC tactical unit, negotiators, the canine service, the Criminalistics Laboratory and the PEGASO team. Local Police officers and the Andalucian Health Service also collaborated in the operation.

According to the Guardia Civil, exercises of this nature are essential in strengthening operational readiness and improving decision-making during high-risk emergencies. The force stated that continuous specialist training remains a priority in ensuring public safety and an effective response to potential threats.

A thousand donations

THURSDAY, May 7, was a truly remarkable day in Almeria, as more than 1,000 people took part in the 17th Almeria Donation Marathon, donating their time, blood and plasma to the crucially important cause.

Not just any blood drive, this was a ‘mega-marathon’. Organisers anticipated a big turnout and even hoped to eclipse last year’s campaign which attracted 868 donors, including 654 blood donors and 150 plasma donors.

In anticipation of the large-scale blood drive, over 55 healthcare professionals were mobilised to manage the donations and ensure participant’s comfort, and 26 specialist plasma donation machines

were installed to improve efficiency.

The event began at 9.30am and by mid-morning more than 350 donors had already visited the blood drive. By the end of the day, the Donation Marathon surpassed 1,000 participants.

Some 1,001 donations were collected in total, 778 blood donations and 222 plasma donations, making the 2026 Almeria Donation Marathon the most successful edition yet.

Almeria currently maintains high levels of blood stock, about seven to eight days’ worth, above the national average of six. This is due to the hard work of medical professionals and selflessness of donors whose donation can extend a life.

Bowlers under pressure

Club

WEDNESDAY May 6 saw the visiting bowls team, La Marina Bowls Club, in a closely fought contest with local club, Almeria Lawn Bowls Club. As part of their tour they were playing the Almeria Club team in a friendly inter club competition, held at Camping Los Gallardos.

Club La Marina, a successful club visiting from San Fulgenico, Alicante, were on a short tour to play local clubs in the Mojacar area. After playing Cabrera Bowls club on Monday May 3 they moved on to the Almeria Bowls Club.

The teams met up at the Camping Los Gallardos site and after introductions and refreshments commenced what proved to be a highly competitive though good-natured

contest. Two of the games were decided by a single shot after 16 ends of bowls. In the end home advantage told and the Almeria bowlers ran out winners by four matches to two. At the conclusion of the matches, as tradition dictates, players and spectators retired to the bar for refreshments. There the visiting team proved their prowess in the bar matched that of theirs on the green! The Almeria Club looks forward to welcoming them again in the future.

Almeria Lawn Bowls Club is based at the Camping Los Gallardos site and holds informal matches on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 10am. New players are always welcome and instruction and equipment can be provided.

Dance for World Peace

SAND beneath your feet, breeze ruffling your hair and a deep inner peace settling over your body.

That’s what you can look forward to on Sunday, May 14 when the Free Spirit Movement hosts their annual ‘Dance for World Peace’ event.

Taking place on the Playa de la Mena beach in Mojacar, a white-clad group will gather at 10.30am. They’ll start their morning with a prayer for peace on Earth and follow it up by dancing barefoot. This is not a choreographed routine, but rather an opportunity to connect with and appreciate the Earth.

While this won’t solve the long list of issues plaguing humanity, organisers hope it will help ease the hearts and souls of those in attendance and offer a glimmer of hope.

All are welcome to at -

tend. Whether deep into their spiritual journey, exploring new beliefs or simply in need of a moment’s peace. Organisers encourage all in attendance to wear white and to bring a flower to be placed upon the communal altar. Should the sun make an appearance, sun cream

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and a bottle of water are also recommended.

After the prayer and dance, a lunch of vegetarian paella will be served at Chiringuito Tito at 1.30pm.

While the ‘Dance for World Peace’ is free, lunch will cost €5 and include a complimentary drink.

Criminals refuel

AN off-duty officer has been praised for his quick thinking and enduring dedication to public safety when he tipped off authorities to a suspicious van, resulting in the prevention of a ‘catastrophic’ crime.

The National Police in Almeria recently arrested a man who was in possession of a rental vehicle loaded with 121 jerry cans of gasoline. Each can held 25 litres with the total haul exceeding 3,000 litres, which were transported without the necessary safety measures. The van and its contents were immediately seized, and taken into police custody for further forensic analysis.

Upon investigation, police revealed the van was rented the previous day. Along with the 121 25-litre jerry cans of gasoline, police also found a Zodiac-type boat, a Yamaha engine, inflators, bags of food and bottles of water inside the vehicle.

The National Police suspect the confis-

Not-so

cated fuel was destined to supply criminal vessels, including ‘narco boats’ or boats used for illegal trafficking. Transporting fuel in jerry cans and refuelling while out in the water means criminal vessels can stay in the water longer, reducing the risk of detection from police.

An in-depth forensic analysis of the vehicle allowed police to locate the van’s lessee who was arrested for the mass transport of fuel in an unsafe manor.

hidden gem

ALMERIA is quietly strengthening its position within Andalucia’s tourism sector, according to the latest Andalucian Tourism Trends Survey (ECTA). In 2026, Almeria has so far attracted 295,208 visitors, 4.4 per cent of Andalucia’s total tourism. While some of the region’s larger destinations continue to compete for mass tourism, Almeria is standing out for a different reason: visitors are staying longer and spending more.

Almeria’s growing appeal is now attracting attention beyond Andalucia.

A separate national report by FREETOUR.com has listed Almeria among Spain’s most underrated destinations.

The province was recog-

The province has become one of Andalucia’s strongest performers in visitor retention, a sign that travellers are increasingly choosing experiences that go beyond short coastal breaks. The survey points to growing interest in Almeria’s combination of beaches, natural parks, gastronomy and less crowded surroundings, helping the province build a reputation for quality rather than quantity tourism.

nised for its unspoilt coastline, authentic atmosphere and unique landscapes, from the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park to its desert scenery and traditional whitewashed towns.

At a time when many travellers are looking to avoid overcrowded tourist hotspots, Almeria is increasingly being seen as an alternative that offers both authenticity and tranquillity. Together, the two reports suggest the province is no longer Spain’s hidden gem, but a destination steadily earning wider recognition.

THE authentic flavours of the Almanzora Valley will soon be on full display at the second annual Zurgena Gastronomic Food Fair on Saturday May 23.

From 12.00pm, locals and visitors can peruse a carefully selected maze of stalls set up at the RENFE fairgrounds. Each stall will offer a unique taste of the region, and together they’ll fill the fairgrounds with a tantalising aroma, sure to draw in passers-by.

More than delicious samples of traditio-

Zurgena Food Fair

nal treats and local produce, attendees can also look forward to learning recipes passed down through the generations. These stories bring an added depth to the dishes, especially for locals who can connect with their own roots through food.

The day will be made all the more memorable with live music and leisure activities to entertain the whole family, creating a li-

vely atmosphere within the community. Last year’s inaugural edition was a resounding success. It put Zurgena on the gastronomic map, bringing attention to the region’s rich cultural culinary history. Organisers are determined to continue the momentum with the second edition and cement the Zurgena Gastronomic Food Fair as a beloved annual tradition.

Follow the sawdust roads

SPIRITS were high and the streets were awash with colour in Tijola on Sunday, May 10, when the village celebrated its traditional Feast of Our Lady of Fatima.

Dating back to the 1950s, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima is defined by the bright and bold sawdust carpets that decorate the town. Each year, volunteers of all ages put their collective artistic talents into dying the asphalt, turning the streets into a canvas and the town as a whole into an open-air museum. This year’s masterpiece stretched 1.5 kilometres and brightened every neighbourhood it passed through.

Over the years, the bright sawdust carpets have become a marvel many travel to witness in person.

According to the town hall, Tijola welcomed 170 visitors this year, all of whom were fortunate enough to experience the festival for themselves.

For those who were unable to attend, Tijola Town Hall shared a video to social media that follows the

route and lets curious individuals experience the spectacular creation from home.

Following the procession along the dyed roads, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima festival concluded with traditional folk dances, an energetic end to a vibrant day.

Almeria dog show

ALMERIA is well-known for its competitive sports and rich arts scene, but now it is also strengthening its reputation within the canine world too. On May 23 and 24, Alhama de Almeria will host the 55th National Dog Show, an event that brings together dogs from across Spain in one of the province’s most anticipated animal gatherings. The exhibition, organised by the Society Canina de Andalucia Oriental alongside the local council, will take place in the Plaza de España. It will feature a wide range of purebred dogs competing in officially judged categories, with experienced international judges overseeing the event.

Alongside the main competitions, the programme includes family friendly activities such as obedience demonstrations and agility showcase. There will also be a special contest for non-pedigree dogs, designed to encourage wider participation and celebrate companion

Almeria celebrates the 55th National Dog Show.

animals of all backgrounds.

The Sunday session is expected to be the highlight, with top quality entrants competing for the title of Best in Show. Organisers anticipate strong attendance from breeders, enthusiasts and visitors from across the country, reinforcing Alhama’s growing role on the national canine circuit.

An exciting event for the dogs and owners competing, and an unmissable weekend for dog lovers in Almeria.

Back to the past

TUCKED away in the heart of the Almanzora Valley, the small town of Macael has a long and storied history. In celebration of their cultural and historical roots, the town recently travelled 100 years into the past, to relive their glory days and re-enact the fight for marble that took place between 1919 and 1947. The event was split over three days to best capture the full timeline of events.

On Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, the date read not 2026, but 1919, while the

town found itself in 1947 on Sunday, May 10. Locals fully immersed themselves in the project, dusting off their early 20th-century clothing and dressing the part.

Despite weather delays, the weekend’s re-enactments otherwise went off without a hitch. In scripted and choreographed scenes, actors depicted the harsh working conditions of those who spent long days in the quarries. A new edition to the 2026 schedule was the ‘Bride’s Elopement’ scene,

which depicted a traditional marriage of the time. Such a large-scale re-enactment serves multiple purposes: preserving history, teaching the next generation, and honouring those who made Macael what it is today.

Throughout the weekend, locals and visitors also enjoyed traditional dishes like wheat stew and migas served at bars set up in the fairgrounds - all designed to blend into the 20th century setting.

Casino revival

HUERCAL-OVERA is breathing new life into the historic Casino, one of the most iconic buildings in the heart of the town.

Six construction firms have expressed interest in the rehabilitation and expansion project, following a mandatory technical inspection organised by the town hall as part of the public tender process. The ambitious project, valued at more than €2.2 million, aims to transform the former Casino into modern municipal offices while preserving one of the town’s most emblematic heritage buildings.

The planned works form part of the municipality’s broader strategy to revitalise the historic centre of Huercal-Overa. Located within the protected surroundings of the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion,

Huercal-Overa’s Casino is scheduled for an upgrade.

a recognised Bien de Interes Cultural (BIC), the building requires specialist restoration expertise. Companies bidding for the contract must demonstrate previous experience in the conservation of historic structures, particularly in relation to the heraldic shield on the façade and the original areas connected to Plaza Cura

Valera. Mayor Domingo Fernandez described the project as both an infrastructural and cultural commitment, stating that the rehabilitation seeks to restore the building’s former prominence while generating administrative and social activity in the town centre. The project has an estimated execution period of 18 months.

Another tobacco price hike

SMOKERS in Spain are facing further tobacco price increases following a new update published in the BOE (Boletín Oficial del Estado), which came into force on May 9. The changes affect cigars, cigarillos, rolling tobacco and pipe tobacco across mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands. The update continues a pattern of gradual price rises following earlier increases in April. Rather than one-off adjustments, tobacco prices are now being revised more frequently in smaller increments across multiple categories.

Premium cigars such as Davidoff Escurio Robusto now cost around €16.20 per unit. Other cigar brands typically range between €5 and €10 depending on size and format. Cigarillos are priced between

The update continues a pattern of gradual price rises.

approximately €0.22 and €0.35 each, depending on brand and specification.

Rolling tobacco has also increased, with some 250g packs reaching around €45.90. Pipe tobacco prices vary, with larger 999g packs around €75 and smaller 50g packs just under €5.

In Spain, tobacco prices are set through manufacturer and importer proposals, which are approved and published in the BOE before taking effect.

This system allows multiple price updates per year depending on production costs, taxes, inflation and import expenses. Imported and premium products tend to change more frequently than mass-market cigarettes.

€14 million compensation

INSURANCE giant Mapfre has decided to begin compensating businesses over a year after a total blackout plunged Spain into darkness. When the nation lost electricity on April 28, 2025, the 24-hour outage caused chaos for small shops and the self-employed, who suffered from spoilt stock and halted trade.

Mapfre has distributed €14 million to policyholders. To protect its right to recover these funds, the insurer formally notified the grid operator, Red Eléctrica, and the central government of the payments. Despite several government probes, no clear culprit has been identified. This legal vacuum complicates thousands of pending claims, though other insurers are also reportedly advancing payments.

The case is now with Spain’s National Court. If Red Eléctrica is found

liable, the resulting compensation costs could bankrupt the company. Meanwhile, the markets regulator is managing over 60 active files related to the incident. While energy firms like Iberdrola and Naturgy are under scrutiny, no fault has been assigned.

Power generators blame Red Eléctrica for the failure. Analysis suggests the crisis cost consumers €1.1 billion

through inflated bills as the industry turned to expensive gas-fired plants to stabilise the grid. European experts described the blackout as an unprecedented event. With total damages reaching levels that could destroy any firm found responsible, Mapfre’s payout provides rare relief for those still seeking justice. Whoever is to blame, though, may never be known.

Narco-boat crime

TWO Guardia Civil officers died and two others were injured after a collision between patrol vessels during an anti-narcotics operation off the coast of Huelva. The incident occurred during the pursuit of a narcolancha, a high-speed vessel used by drug trafficking networks operating along Spain’s southern coastline.

The deceased officers, identified as Germán P G and Jerónimo J M, were aged 55 and 56. Both were experienced members of the Guardia Civil Maritime Service, which conducts operations against maritime drug trafficking routes.

Two further officers were injured in the collision, one of them seriously. Emergency services were deployed immediately to recover personnel from the water and provide medical assistance.

The operation targeted organised criminal groups transporting drugs from North Africa into Spain using

Photo credit: SergiCL/Shutterstock

fast and highly manoeuvrable boats. These vessels are difficult to intercept and are often used in coordinated smuggling routes through southern waters.

The incident follows a similar fatal case in Barbate, Cadiz, where officers also died during a narco-related maritime operation, raising concerns about safety and equipment for coastal units.

Spain’s Interior Ministry has expressed condolences

and launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Guardia Civil specialists are reviewing operational conditions and vessel movements.

Early assessments suggest both boats were travelling at high speed during the pursuit when the collision occurred.

Further technical analysis is underway to determine exact causes and contributing factors.

37,000 new jobs

SPAIN’S government has approved around 37,000 new public sector jobs for 2026 under its annual Oferta de Empleo Público, marking continued expansion of the state workforce and the first inclusion of artificial intelligence roles. The plan covers central government departments, security forces, and public institutions, making it one of the largest recruitment rounds in recent years.

The largest share of positions is allocated to administrative and technical roles across ministries, aimed at replacing retiring staff and addressing long-standing gaps in tax administration, social services, and public management. Significant recruitment is also planned for the National Police, Guardia Civil and armed forces.

A key development is the introduction of specialist roles in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science. These positions are part of a broader digital transformation strategy designed to modernise public administration and reduce reliance on external contractors. Candidates will typically come from technical

backgrounds such as computer science and engineering.

Public sector recruitment in Spain is carried out through competitive examinations known as oposiciones, which remain a major route to stable employment. Traditional administrative posts continue to attract high numbers of applicants due to job security and benefits, while digital roles are expected to appeal to younger, highly qualified candidates.

The government states the expansion is necessary due to workforce ageing and rising service demands. Implementation will take place throughout 2026, with separate recruitment processes for different ministries and agencies.

Greggs invade Spain

BRITISH holidaymakers will soon enjoy a familiar taste of home as Greggs opens its first Iberian branch at Tenerife South Airport. This debut international outlet follows a brief failed Belgian trial in 2008 and marks a new chapter for the bakery chain.

Located in the international departures lounge, the site features seating for 92 customers. Travellers can purchase classic sausage rolls, steak bakes and sandwiches before their four-hour flight back to the United Kingdom. In a nod to local flavours, the menu includes a Spanish omelette roll and orange juice squeezed daily on-site.

Chief executive Roisin Currie described the move as an exciting milestone. The airport serves 13 million passengers annually,

with approximately half travelling to or from British cities. The project is a partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail, which operates thousands of airport outlets globally.

While Greggs continues to expand with 120 net store openings planned this year, the company faces pressure. Shares have fallen nearly 20 per cent over the past year, making it one of the most shorted stocks on the market. Analysts remain curious whether this international expansion can offset tough trading conditions at home.

The branch is expected to open in late May. If the formula succeeds, the great British sausage roll may become a permanent fixture for tourists departing the Canary Islands.

Spain hits the ice

SPAIN is looking to assemble its rst ever men’s para ice hockey team, expanding its presence in competitive adapted sports, and o ering more disciplines to impaired athletes.

Some 17 newcomers recently took part in a para ice hockey open day in Madrid, 11 of whom had eligible impairments to play competitively.

The day o ered athletes from a variety of di erent sporting backgrounds - archery, golf, handball, swimming - a chance to sit in the

sled and hit the ice for the rst time.

Para ice hockey is an adapted version of ice hockey where instead of standing on skates to play, players used specialised sleds with skate blades and two sticks to propel themselves over the ice.

While the mechanics of para ice hockey are di erent, the spirit of the sport remains, with matches often being fast-paced and full-contact.

The National Ice Sport Federation has announced

additional open days will take place in the coming months. The goal is to attract a varied group of talented players and debut the team in time for the start of the regular competition season starting in September.

At the most recent Winter Paralympic games, the United States, Canada and China established themselves as the leading countries in the sport. However, if Spain succeeds, there could be one more team ghting for gold at the 2030 games.

K9 foster families

THE Guardia Civil in Spain has launched a fostering programme allowing residents to care for puppies that are being prepared for future police work. The initiative, known as ‘Programa Fénix’, places young dogs into private homes for around one year before they begin formal specialist training.

The puppies are future working animals for roles such as detection, search and rescue, and other operational tasks. During their first year, they live in domestic environments so they can adapt to everyday surroundings, household routines and interaction with people outside a training facility.

Selected families receive puppies at around two months of age and care for them until they are approximately 12 months old. During this time, carers provide feeding, exercise and general supervision. They also expose the dogs to normal environments such as streets, public transport and social settings to help them become comfortable in varied situations.

The Guardia Civil retains ownership of the animals and covers veterinary care, food and medical treatment. Handlers remain in contact with families throughout the fostering period to provide guidance.

Applicants must offer a stable home, time for daily care and appropriate space. Puppies cannot be left alone for long periods. Preference is given to households near Madrid, where coordination takes place.

After the fostering period, dogs are returned for assessment and may enter specialist training for police work.

Look at me darling

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

THERE was a time, dear reader, when fashion was all about elegance, aspiration and, if we’re honest, a little harmless showing off. Today, however, it often appears to be more about shocking the neighbours, terrifying the children and confusing reality. Take this year’s Met Gala Ball. A bizarre spectacle where the rich and famous parade up a staircase looking as though they’ve escaped from either a science-fiction convention or a particularly troubled fancy-dress shop.

One celebrated outfit featured a full-length beaded skeleton hanging down the front. Yes, an actual skeleton motif dangling from neck to hemline like something borrowed from a haunted house in Blackpool. Now don’t misunderstand me. I enjoy originality as much as the next chap. The world would be terribly dull if we all dressed like accountants from Croydon. But one does occasionally wonder whether modern fashion designers wake up in the morning asking themselves, ‘How ridiculous can I make this person

look before they stop applauding?’ Mind you, every generation horrifies the previous one.

I remember when one of my daughters went through her punk phase. Every time I opened the front door to her friends it was like Halloween had arrived early. Spikes, chains, ripped fishnets, hair standing six feet in the air in colours not normally found in nature. You half expected Dracula to ask if he could borrow the bathroom. At the time I thought civilisation itself might be breathing its last. And yet, looking back, perhaps we weren’t much different ourselves.

I recently rediscovered an old pre-war photograph of my grandparents during a trip to Egypt. There they stood beside the pyramids, looking impossibly glamorous in that effortlessly dignified way people somehow managed back then. Grandfather in a light-coloured suit and Panama hat, cigarette poised like David Niven preparing for cocktails at the Ritz. And my grandmother? Around her neck was draped a full fox fur, complete with little paws and head still attached, staring mournfully into eternity. At the time this was considered the absolute height of sophistication.

Ladies wore them proudly to dances, theatres and winter outings. Looking at it now, one has to admit the poor fox probably wasn’t entirely thrilled with the arrangement. But here’s the difference. In those days fashion, however odd it may seem to modern eyes, was usually about elegance first and spectacle second. Clothes were designed to flatter. Men wore hats because they thought it made them look handsome. Women wore gloves because it added grace. Even the excesses carried a certain polish. Today, fashion often feels more like performance art. One celebrity arrives dressed as a chandelier, another as an upholstered armchair, while someone else appears wrapped in enough silver foil to keep a chip shop going through Christmas.

Still, when I compare that glittering skeleton outfit to my grandmother’s fox fur in front of the pyramids, I can’t help smiling. One now seems fashionably unconventional, the other slightly ignominious. Yet both, in their own peculiar way, were trying to say exactly the same thing: ‘Look at me, darling. Haven’t I done rather well?’

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.

Mercadona delivery

Some Mercadona stores in Spain no longer offer home delivery services.

MANY shoppers in Spain are only discovering at the checkout that their local Mercadona no longer offers home delivery for in-store purchases. Since May 7, the supermarket chain has changed how its delivery service works, meaning availability now depends entirely on the individual branch and the customer’s address. Until recently, the process was simple. Customers could visit almost any Mercadona store, complete a large shop in person and pay €6.50 to have groceries delivered later that day or the next. That system no longer applies everywhere. Some stores have stopped offering the service altogether, leaving many customers frustrated.

One of the biggest complaints is the lack of clear information. Mercadona has not published a list of affected stores. Instead, customers must ask directly in the branch and provide their postcode to check whether they still fall within the delivery zone. Many shoppers are only finding out after already filling their trolley with heavy bags.

The change particularly affects older residents, and people without a car who relied on delivery for large shops. While online shopping through Mercadona’s website and app continues normally, many customers preferred choosing fresh products in store themselves.

Mercadona insists the service is not disappearing nationwide, but the new branch by branch system has left many shoppers confused. For some households, the weekly supermarket run has suddenly become more complicated.

Non-resident property owners

THE European Commission has launched formal infringement proceedings against Spain over its tax treatment of non-resident property owners. The dispute centres on Spain’s imputed income tax system, under which non-resident homeowners must pay tax

on a notional rental value of their property, even when it is not rented out and used as a primary residence.

Brussels argues this system may breach EU rules on free movement of capital and non-discrimination, as it places

non-resident EU citizens at a disadvantage compared with Spanish tax residents. Residents are not subject to the same imputed charge on their main home.

Spain has been given two months to respond to the Commission’s reasoned opinion. If the issue is not

Spain shines second

form. The outcome may also influence similar tax systems in other EU countries with significant foreign property ownership.

SPAIN has secured one of the top honours in Europe’s beach rankings for 2026, with a stunning Balearic cove taking an impressive second place - and reaffirming the country’s reputation as a go-to summer destination.

Ryanair smoke alert

The breathtaking Cala Macarella has been named runner-up in the annual list of Europe’s 50 Best Beaches, placing it firmly among the continent’s most desirable coastal escapes. Rather than falling short, the ranking highlights Spain’s consistent ability to deliver world-class beaches that rival the very best.

Set along the southern coast of Menorca, Cala Macarella is famed for its perfectly curved bay, soft white sand and striking turquoise waters. Surrounded by pine-covered limestone cliffs, the beach offers a calm, sheltered setting that feels both exclusive and accessible - a rare balance that continues to attract travellers year after year.

While the top spot went to Fteri Beach in Kefalonia, Greece, Spain’s second-place finish is a strong statement. Cala Macarella stands out not just for its beauty, but for the overall experience it offers, from easy access to crystal-clear swimming conditions.

As summer 2026 approaches, this recognition is expected to draw even more visitors - and for many, Spain’s runner-up may well be the ultimate choice.

A RYANAIR aircraft was grounded at Murcia International Airport on Saturday, May 9, after smoke was detected during turnaround preparations. The Boeing 737 had arrived from London Luton at 10.30am without incident, but ground staff noticed smoke shortly after the passengers disembarked.

Emergency firefighters arrived at the scene to cool the affected aircraft. Consequently, the return flight to Luton, which was due to depart at 11.10am, was cancelled. Ryanair was then responsible for arranging alternative travel or compensation for those affected. No injuries were reported during the event.

This alert follows several similar technical issues for the airline. On Saturday, May 2, a flight from Madrid to Palma de Mallorca reported a fire indication during its descent, though no flames were found. Previous incidents at Palma and Krakow in 2025 resulted in full emergency slide evacuations and minor injuries to passengers.

Technical experts suggest smoke alerts can stem from electrical faults or sensor malfunctions. While such events are rare across the industry, the high volume of daily flights operated by lowcost carriers increases the statistical likelihood of technical anomalies. Aviation authorities continue to monitor these occurrences to ensure fleet safety. Passengers at Murcia were advised to seek refunds or rebook under standard air passenger rights as investigations into the cause of the smoke continued.

World Internet Day savings

AS Spain prepares to celebrate World Internet Day on Sunday, May 17, the focus is on a national telecommunications market that currently offers some of Europe’s most competitive prices. Originally a Spanish concept launched in 2005, the event was later adopted by the United Nations to celebrate global digital connectivity. No official nationwide discount scheme exists, however, the date triggers ‘Internet Week’ promotions across the country.

High-street giants like El Corte Ingles and MediaMarkt typically slash prices on hardware, including routers and smart-home devices.

Simultaneously, telecom operators launch aggressive spring campaigns, enticing new subscribers with

free installation and lucrative switching deals.

Spain’s digital infrastructure is now among the continent’s most advanced. In regions like Malaga, 1Gbps connections are standard, driven by fierce competition from budget providers like Digi and O2. Many residents now secure fibre and mobile bundles for just €20 to €35 per month, a fraction of the cost found elsewhere.

To lower bills in 2026, experts recommend comparing bundles regularly, as the best rates are often reserved for new customers. Residents should call their current provider on Sunday, May 17, as mentioning a competitor’s offer frequently results in an immediate loyalty discount. The optimum time to renegotiate and save.

Hotel on wheels Morning trap

Credit: megaflopp/shutterstock

A BRITISH AIRWAYS cabin crew member has been dismissed after 37 years of service following an alcohol limit breach on a flight from Malaga to London Heathrow.

Deborah Merritt, 59, appeared before Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court after colleagues reportedly noticed she was ‘unsteady’ during the three-hour flight.

Upon landing, a breath test showed Merritt had 70 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, nearly eight times the UK aviation limit of nine micrograms. She later pleaded guilty based on a lower evidential reading of 52 micrograms.

In her defence, Merritt stated she had consumed ‘a few bottles of wine’ the previous day while under family stress, wrongly believing the alcohol

would have cleared her system. She was fined £768, and BA confirmed her employment has been terminated.

The case warns cabin crew of the ‘morning-after trap’, where individuals feel sober despite remaining legally impaired.

The UK drink-driving limit is 35 micrograms, aviation rules are much stricter to ensure safety-critical performance.

Health experts warn that the liver processes roughly one unit of alcohol per hour, and common remedies like coffee or sleep do not accelerate this.

In holiday destinations like Spain, where late-night socialising is common, crew and passengers often underestimate how long alcohol remains in the bloodstream before early morning departures.

THE Al-Andalus, Spain’s newest sleeper train, set off on its first cross-country voyage recently, offering a new travel option to those who want a more luxurious journey through the south of Spain.

The seven-day journey connects Sevilla to Madrid, with stops along the way allowing passengers to experience the hidden wonders of Andalucia’s countryside. On board, passengers will enjoy maximum comfort as they travel in glamourous style. Luxury amenities like a salon, games-bar and two worldclass restaurants make this more of a hotel-on-wheels than a typical train.

Scenic sleeper trains are attractive to a certain type of tourist, case in point the lasting popularity of the Orient Express. While the Al-Andalus is a great addition to Spain’s tourist offering, it is not a convenient alternative for everyone wishing to travel to the country’s capital. For one thing the train operates on a significantly reduced schedule, only nine trains depart throughout the 2026 season. For another, prices are much more expensive than the typical AVE. Fares for a double cabin start at €6,600 per person, while a single cabin will set travellers back €11,200.

BUSINESS EXTRA

Scottish farming

SCOTLAND farming profits hit £1.5 billion in 2025, a record high for the sector. Agriculture output reached £5.1 billion, largely due to cattle, milk and potato contributions. However, farming costs also increased. Support payments remained vital to maintaining farm profitability, accounting for 40 per cent of 2025 profit.

Child poverty

IN recent years, Spain’s economy has advanced at a rate up to 3 per cent. Despite the economic growth, Spain once again registered the highest child poverty rate in the EU in 2025. Spain’s child poverty rate stands at 28.4 per cent, 8.8 points above the average.

Ebay bid

EBAY has been approached with a €47.2 billion bid from US video games retailer GameStop, which currently holds a 5 per cent stake in the second-hand site. GameStop, valued at around €10 billion, believes eBay, worth around €39 billion, could become a competitor to Amazon under its leadership.

Kerosene crisis

SINCE the Strait of Hormuz closure, kerosene has become the most strained petroleum product, putting intense pressure on the aviation fuel market. In April, aviation fuel traded for €169.85, but forecasts predict kerosene will reach €179.78 per barrel in May, a 114 per cent increase since February.

Unpaid overtime

ACCORDING to the UGT, employees worked more than 330 million hours of overtime in 2025, with around 40 per cent of it going unpaid. The UGT predicted approximately €775 million in social contributions was lost in 2025 due to this unpaid overtime, and, more importantly, €2.5 billion in wages.

STAT OF WEEK 44.3%

In 2025, 44.3 per cent of young people aged 26 to 34 lived with their parents. 47.3 per cent said this was because they couldn’t afford to live alone, another 13 per cent said they were saving for a house deposit.

World Cup woes

UMG

3I Group 2.571,00 2.583,00 2.565,00 27,47K

Admiral Group 3.174,0 3.188,0 3.170,0 2,53K

Airtel Africa 362,00 365,80 362,00 20,94K

Anglo American 3.881,1 3.900,0 3.878,8 34,99K

Antofagasta 3.877,00 3.906,00 3.877,00 9,05K

Associated British Foods 1.818,5 1.826,0 1.813,5 5,58K

AstraZeneca 13.354,0 13.412,0 13.352,0 48,35K

Auto Trader Group Plc 515,80 521,00 515,80 9,22K

Aviva 619,00 622,40 618,80 78,68K

B M European Value Retail 172,39 174,40 172,39 14,75K

BAE Systems 1.937,66 1.949,50 1.933,50 94,96K

Barclays 432,70 435,20 432,10 504,24K

Barratt Redrow 260,13 262,70 260,13 41,55K

Beazley 1.279,00 1.280,00 1.278,50 52,51K

Berkeley 3.308,0 3.324,0 3.308,0 3,28K

BP 543,60 544,70 539,90 950,65K

British American Tobacco 4.321,0 4.324,0 4.307,0 67,46K

BT Group 234,50 235,50 233,58 249,63K

Bunzl 2.398,0 2.400,0 2.388,0 2,3K

Centrica 202,40 202,40 201,00 82,32K

Coca Cola HBC AG 4.235,6 4.248,0 4.228,0 3,48K

Compass 30,44 30,82 30,08 32,92K

ConvaTec Group 204,70 205,00 204,70 26,97K Croda Intl 2.837,3 2.837,3 2.833,0 3,77K

1.541,5 1.548,4 1.541,5 46,78K

BUSINESS EXTRA

Samsung heir

SAMSUNG heir, Lee Jaeyoung, recently paid almost €7bn in inheritance tax, the largest tax contribution in South Korea’s history. South Korean inheritance is amongst the highest in the world, with a rate of 50 per cent. Despite the eye-watering bill, the Samsung heir paid willingly, explaining “paying taxes is a natural duty of citizens.”

Apple settle

APPLE has agreed to pay a settlement of €212 million after being sued for falsely advertising the AI capabilities of its Siri voice assistant. Plaintiffs claimed the advertised technology to give iPhone users a ‘personalised’ experience does not exist, and will not exist for several more years. Each complainant could receive between €20 to €80.

Dying pub industry

THERE’S few things Brits love more than their pubs, but the beloved pub industry is dying. On average, two establishments close their doors for good each day. In the first quarter of 2026, 161 pubs ceased trading, a 26 per cent increase to the same period in 2025.

Hospitality work has typically been a reliable source of employment but these closures have resulted in the loss of around 2,400 jobs. This especially affects younger workers

Tariff threats

EU lawmakers are struggling to finalise a trade deal with the United States amid renewed tariff threats from President Donald Trump. He has warned of raising tariffs on EU cars and lorries from 15 per cent to 25 per cent, citing concerns over the EU’s failure to fully implement agreed terms. The proposed deal includes EU concessions such as

lowering tariffs and expanding access for US agricultural and seafood exports. However, disagreements within the EU, particularly over demands for stronger safeguards if the US breaches the agreement, have delayed progress. The situation highlights tensions on both sides and uncertainty over whether the deal can be completed.

under 24 and is a contributing factor to the high UK youth unemployment figures.

The downfall of the pub industry didn’t happen overnight. Since the Covid pandemic in 2020, over 2,000 pubs have disappeared. According to the British Beer and Pub Association, this is due to a combination of factors: rising labour costs, increased taxation and even the consumers lack of expendable income.

Only recently did the price of a pint surpass £10 in London. Meanwhile in other parts of the country, the average price of a pint reached £4.83 in 2025. The soaring costs, not only of alcohol, but soft-drinks and snacks too, is turning the casual pub outing into a pricey luxury.

Landlords and patrons find themselves at a frustrating stalemate.

Petit partnership

PETIT PALACE has partnered with Soho Boutique Hotels, doubling its portfolio and creating Spain’s largest urban hotel network. The alliance will be split into two phases with Petit Palace acquiring 50 per cent of the joint venture in December 2027. Petit Palace closed 2025 with a turnover of €145 million.

VODAFONE agreed to buy CK Hutchison’s 49 per cent stake in VodafoneThree for £4.3 billion, valuing the business at about £13.85 billion. The deal gives Vodafone 100 per cent ownership and full control of the UK’s biggest mobile operator. Vodafone are now targeting £700 million annual synergies by 2030.

Ilario Imperial Pizzeria - Mojacar RESTAURANT

THE Ilario Imperial Pizzeria in Mojacar has been around longer than some of its customers. For over two decades, the family behind one of Mojacar’s best restaurants has delivered impeccable service and even better food, using traditional cooking techniques to create authentic Italian dishes.

It’s a little on the pricey side - starters, for example, range from €12 to €19 - but don’t be scared off. The quality is more than worth the price point, and the big portion sizes ensure each customer gets their money’s worth. In fact, when it comes to the starters, it’s probably best to share if you want to save room for your main meal.

First time diners are naturally drawn to the pizzas and pasta dishes,

REVIEW

Impeccable service and even better food.

and rightfully so. Everything here is freshly home-made, and that’s best exemplified in these meals.

Pasta dough is hand rolled, portioned up on sight and paired with a delicious sauce packed with flavour. Pizza dough is mixed and kneaded with care, before being topped with all the fixings

and cooked until perfectly crispy. However, if you’re fortunate enough to return for a second time, you’ll be rewarded for branching out. Give their steaks or fish dishes a try - the muscles are incredible.

Ilario Imperial Pizzeria can be found at Paseo del Mediterraneo. To book a table contact 950 478 098.

Charity walk in Mojacar

EIGHT businesses in the Mojacar area have joined forces to organise a 5K charity walk on Saturday May 16. The event hopes to raise more than €2,000 for two local causes: animal shelter PAWS-PATAS and cancer support charity MACS.

Participants will meet at 10.30 at Cruz Roja Mojacar on Paseo del Mediterráneo. From there, walkers will travel the length of the seafront promenade before finishing at Tito’s Beach Bar. The walk is expected to conclude around midday, where attendees will receive a drink and tapas.

Tickets cost €10 for adults and €5 for those under 16, while children under two can join for free. The price includes water, a goodie bag, and refreshments at the finish line. Proceeds

will be divided equally between the two charities.

Alex Radford of My Lawyer in Spain created the event to connect with the community. He is supported by Tim Taplin Financial Services, Currencies Direct, Macenas Resort, Spanish Property Choice, Ibex Insurance, Coastal Properties, Indalo Transport and Storage, and Tito’s Beach Bar.

MACS provides resources for cancer patients and carers across Almeria, while PAWS-PATAS rescues and rehomes animals from its shelter near Los Gallardos. Tickets are available at any of the participating businesses or via the charities. Residents can also register by emailing info@mylawyerinspain. com to pay on the day.

Mediterranean delight

TREAT your taste buds to a decadent experience at Mojacar’s LaCala’s Beach Bar with a one-of-a-kind gourmet tasting, hosted by one of Spain’s leading olive oil producers.

Each year, Campos de Seralba blends traditional farming methods with sustainable production methods to deliver an exquisite harvest of extra virgin olive oil. Each drop is made all the better for the generation worth of knowledge and care infused in every bottle.

On May 22, award-winning sommelier Alba Sanchez will lead a small, intimate group on a gastronomic journey. Four different varieties will be on offer: early harvest, extra virgin, arbequina and olive oil. More than simply sampling Campos de Seralba’s products, she will help them experience the oil with every one of their senses, guiding them through the layers of flavour, rich aromas and different textures of each sample.

of flavour profiles, from sweet, salty and spicy.

The tasting, scheduled to begin at 7pm, costs just €20 per person with reservations booked through the LaCala Beach Bar social media.

Each sample of oil will be accompanied by a sweet bite of artisanal chocolate. See how well the oil pairs with a variety

River Fest

ROCK lovers have a new anticipated event to mark on their calendar when the Cantoria River Festival returns for its highly anticipated second edition.

On July 10, the Cantoria Fairgrounds will be transformed into the epicentre of heavy rock music.

Attendees will also have the option to stay for dinner, ending their delicious experience with a more varied taste of

Enjoy an electric line up of acts from sunset to sunrise the next day. Watch in awe as legends of the genre take to the stage with their wicked vocals and head-banging guitar solos.

Top acts like El Drogas, Mala Hierba, El Lilo, and Quebranto are all confirmed for the event.

Further details about the line-up and programme will be announced in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on the Cantoria River Fest social media.

Fans of rock will find themselves surrounded by fellow music enthusiasts, all enjoying a lively, highoctane atmosphere. Last year’s edition set the bar

high, but the 2026 edition is looking to exceed expectations, creating a lasting reputation as the best rock music festival in Almeria.

Tickets are currently on sale through Logiticket for just €20. Don’t miss out on a thrilling night of music in the Almanzora Valley this summer.

Spanish capital claims centre stage!

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

MADRID, one of Europe’s largest capitals, has long been oddly overlooked - rather like the quiet guest at a dinner party who ends up being the most interesting person there. Rome has basked in admiration for millennia, London and Paris for centuries, Berlin for decades. Madrid, though, is a comparatively recent arrival to the limelight, now nudging confidently towards Europe’s top tier.

Unlike its grander rivals, Madrid is not the ancient soul of its nation. It only became the capital in 1561, when King Felipe II rather abruptly set up court there. His reasoning remains a mystery: maybe because of its central position and lack of troublesome local

power - every little helps!

Early Madrid was dismissed as little more than a provincial outpost, yet it teemed with life - from medieval peasants rinsing offal in streams in the 13th century to King Felipe IV travelling by gondola through underground waterways for secret trysts in the 17th.

The old accusation that Madrid merely lives off the rest of Spain is equally misleading. As Spain’s empire expanded, so did Madrid’s cultural brilliance. Its golden age produced extraordinary talent (Velázquez, Cervantes, Lope de Vega) and even as Spain’s global influence waned, the city continued attracting remarkable figures like Goya.

Today, Madrid’s thriving once more, drawing tourists, talent and ambition - and quietly asserting itself as the capital of the Spanish-speaking world. Thanks for emails to my website below! Thrilled you enjoy my novels too!

Nora Johnson’s 14 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The House of Secrets’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

When a GPS gets lost and quits

FROM COAST TO COAST

PART 2

In Part 1, I shared one of my finest GPS betrayals.

A perfectly planned trip from Segovia to Sevilla - coffee ready, playlist on, optimism high… and a GPS confidently guiding me.

Until it didn’t.

What I thought was Sevilla turned out to be Sevilla la Nueva - a lovely town in the north of Madrid that, while charming, is not exactly Andalucia.

So yes, technically the GPS was ‘correct’… just in the least helpful way possible.

A reminder that even when technology sounds confident, it doesn’t always know where it’s going. Is that right AI?

Now, my last tale with this navigation tool was in Portugal, travelling from Tavira to a small inland village in the Algarve.

A good hour on the A22, also known as the Via do Infante de Sagres, running across the southern coast from Spain to Lagos.

the Portuguese transport authorities. So hereby I disclaim myself from the above.

So the next quest was from Tavira to our hotel in the rural Algarve. Spirits were high. Car loaded - only 16 bags this time - GPS ready… and off we went.

For about an hour, it was smooth freeway bliss. One of those rare moments where you start to trust life again. Until the exit approached.

We thought it would be a simple turnoff, but rural roads had other plans.

So there we were: left, right, another left, two rights… “Everybody in the car - shhhh, please! I can’t hear. What did it say? Left? Right?”

Except this time… no queue of cars behind us. Just us. Alone. In the middle of the countryside. The wind through endless fields and trees, like the land itself quietly laughing at us.

Teddy stared at me with his big brown eyes, barking in perfect translation: Are we there yet? Meanwhile Sue was getting dizzier than on a cruise ship in rough seas - and that’s really saying something.

At that point, I would have honestly preferred being in a spacecraft about to be launched out of Earth’s orbit. At least then someone would be in charge.

And to my surprise - the A22 is now free. No longer a toll road. Driving in Portugal can be tricky because many roads used to require advance or online payment.

So if you’re heading to the Algarve by car - don’t worry. It’s now a free ride. And not just the A22: the A23, A24, and A25 are also toll-free.

But I must disclaim any possible inaccuracies - please check your route and confirm official information from

So there we were, circling the Algarve wine country - unable to drink a single drop, as I was driving - like extras in a rural drama no one signed up for. At least we had phone coverage.

Until the GPS finally said:

“Sorry. I quit. I have no idea where I’m taking you.”

And that was it. Silence. Chaos. No refunds.

To be continued… next week’s rural road adventures.

Sunbed battles

A GERMAN court in Hanover has ordered a travel operator to compensate a holidaymaker after ruling that restricted access to sun loungers at a Greek hotel constituted a contractual defect under package travel law.

The tourist argued that sun loungers around the hotel pool were reserved early in the morning using towels, leaving insufficient access for guests during the day. The court found that while loungers were available, their practical use was significantly restricted.

Under German package travel regulations, organisers must ensure that advertised services are available as part of the contract. The court ruled that responsibility lay with the tour operator, not the hotel, as it was the contracting party. The judges awarded

Explosive rave

over €900 in compensation, concluding that the holiday did not fully meet the agreed contractual standards. However, they did not establish a general requirement for a specific number of sun loungers per guest.

The case highlights issues in European holiday law regarding shared hotel facilities and seasonal overcrowding. Some

resorts enforce rules on towel reservation, while others do not, leading to inconsistent access. The ruling reinforces that compensation may apply when advertised amenities are not reasonably usable, even if physically present. However, minor inconvenience alone is not sufficient for a refund under package travel law.

TENS of thousands of people gathered for the ‘Bourges Teknival’ in France early this month, taking over a military firing range for an illegal rave. However, the techno music wasn’t the only thing that had the potential to be explosive. Old, unexploded ordnance dating back to the Second World War were said to be scattered across the field, turning the dance floor into a mine field. According to organisers, the illegal rave was more than a party, it was a protest in response to the government trying to ‘strengthen the criminalisation of rave parties’. Despite advice to avoid the site, upwards of 20,000 people arrived to the unauthorised event, dressed in bright, barely

there outfits ready for a party.

Unbeknownst to them, they were potentially partying atop unexploded artillery shells. The military range where the rave took place has been in use for over 150 years. Bomb experts are often called to the site to dispose of old rockets, cannons and missiles.

In response, 600 officers were deployed to police the event amid safety concerns. Over the night they issued several fines, primarily for possession of narcotics and driving under the influence. Thankfully, the night ended without any major incident or explosion, although two unexploded shells were found nearby the next day.

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WHAT would you do if you were stuck on a deserted island with your obnoxious, sexist boss? That’s the question Sam Raimi’s newest action film asks and answers in a truly thrilling way. This dark comedy is the perfect remedy for anyone who has ever been screwed over by the corporate world. Sure, by the end of the film you’re thinking Rachel McAdam’s character has completely lost the plot, but she’s overworked and underappreciated so who can blame her.

Imperfect Women

IN Apple TV’s newest psychological thriller, a rich woman with secrets winds up dead. It’s a tired, all too predictable trope, yet Imperfect Women still manages to squeeze the last drop of entertainment from the premise by focusing on the reaction of the dead women’s best friends. Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington deliver earnest and visceral performances as their characters unravel the devastating secrets that lead to her death.

Peacock invasion

PUNTA MARINA, a coastal village near Ravenna in Italy, is grappling with a booming peacock population that has transformed from a local novelty into a serious public nuisance. Since 2014, when only 10 birds inhabited the nearby pine woods, the population has grown to approximately 120.

It has been suggested that the quiet conditions during the pandemic allowed the birds to breed rapidly and spread to human surroundings.

Residents report that the peacocks now roam in aggressive groups, causing widespread disruption. The birds’ loud, piercing screams continue day and night, preventing sleep and causing some locals to seek medical help for anxiety. Beyond the noise, the physical damage to property is mounting. The heavy birds frequently

climb onto rooftops, breaking tiles and damaging chimneys, with some homeowners facing repair bills of over €1,000.

Public health and safety are also under threat. School playgrounds are often covered in droppings, forcing children to stay indoors during breaks. On the roads, drivers must navigate the hazard of birds suddenly crossing narrow streets.

Frustrated families are demanding urgent intervention. Proposed measures include trapping and neutering the birds or relocating them to dedicated wildlife parks. While local o cials are set to meet soon to discuss practical solutions, the community remains on edge. This situation serves as a warning for other Italian towns where semi-wild bird populations remain unchecked, balancing animal welfare against the residents’ quality of life.

Deadly frogs in toilet

CUSTOMS officers at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam discovered six poison dart frogs after a passenger spotted one moving near a departure hall toilet. Officers located a plastic container inside a nearby bin, containing moss intended to keep the amphibians alive during transit. One blue-black specimen wandered freely near the facilities while five others remained hidden in the discarded box.

Authorities suspect a traveller purchased the frogs in the Netherlands and planned to smuggle them abroad. The individual likely became scared near security screening and abandoned the creatures. Dutch customs described the incident as highly unusual, noting that while routine checks target animal trafficking, such a discovery is rare.

The protected species were transferred to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. International CITES regulations strictly control trade in these rainforest natives due to their toxicity and conservation status. Skin secretions from certain poison dart frogs contain powerful toxins capable of causing severe harm.

This find reflects wider concerns regarding live animals moving through European gateways. Venomous snakes, such as king cobras and pit vipers, are frequently seized in passenger bags. Smugglers also transport tarantulas and larger reptiles for the exotic pet market. These activities endanger passengers and staff while threatening ecosystems if invasive species escape. European customs services continue to coordinate with INTERPOL to disrupt trafficking networks through advanced screening and intelligence sharing.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Wood 2 Go: 20th anniversary in Spain

AFTER 19 years located in picturesque Velez-Rubio, Almeria, Wood 2 Go last year moved to the more central location of the Industrial Estate at HuercalOvera and this month are celebrating their 20th anniversary year of operating as a family-run company standing out for their dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

Specialising in the supply of laminated timber and the custom creation of wooden structures like pergolas, carports, sheds, and more, Wood 2 Go brings over 65 combined years of timber industry experience to the table. This expertise is evident in every project they undertake, ensuring that each piece is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and perfectly

suited to the needs and tastes of their clients.

What sets Wood 2 Go apart is not just their exceptional product range, which includes everything from

gazebos and decking to trellises and summer houses, but also their commitment to providing a professional service that maintains the warmth and personal touch of a family business. Operating in the scenic regions of Murcia and Andalucia, they’ve carved a niche for themselves by offering individualised solutions that transform outdoor spaces into cosy, inviting areas.

Wood 2 Go enjoy working with client’s designs and ideas and do their utmost to bring each project to fruition and exemplifying their high-quality products at fair prices, tailored to the Mediterranean lifestyle. For those interested in enhancing their homes or commercial spaces with beautiful, functional timber structures, Wood 2 Go’s doors are open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm, and Fridays from 9am to 3pm.

To enquire about their services or to discuss a project, clients can reach out via email at support@wood2go.eu, or contact Paul directly through WhatsApp or mobile on +34 661 147 689. Further details, including their full range of products and previous projects, can be found on their website, www.wood2go.es, or their Facebook page, Wood 2 Go.

Located now at Calle Pedro Martínez Fernández 21, Poligono Industrial, 04693, Huercal-Overa, Almeria, Wood 2 Go is more than just a supplier of timber; it’s a destination for those who value quality, craftsmanship, and the timeless beauty of wood in their living spaces.

Visa rush chaos

TRAVELLERS hoping to visit Spain and other popular European destinations next summer are already struggling to secure Schengen visa appointments, with slots disappearing months earlier than usual across several countries including France, Italy, Germany and Greece.

The problem is not only long visa processing times. In many cases, travellers cannot even book the initial appointment because appointment calendars are alreadylling up for summer. Applicants from countries including India, the United Arab Emirates and even the United Kingdom are reporting increasing diculty nding available slots.

Eerie scarecrows

FARMERS in the Belgian countryside are returning to an ancient, macabre method of pest control: hanging dead crows and magpies from poles to deter living birds. This archaic practice, which dates back centuries, uses the carcasses as a stark visual warning to protect seeds and ripening harvests.

due to growing health and ethical concerns. Many modern producers are instead turning to non-lethal technology. Alternatives include sonic devices that broadcast distress signals, re ective tapes, predator-shaped balloons, and laser systems. Similar grim traditions exist across Europe, such as the Albanian ‘dordolec’ dolls used to ward o the evil eye, or historical Irish rituals involving displayed stu ed wrens.

The pressure is particularly intense for families tied to school holiday periods who cannot easily shift travel dates. Some travellers are now delaying expensive ight and hotel bookings because they are unsure whether they will secure a visa appointment in time.

Part of the backlog is linked to wi-

der changes happening across Europe’s border systems. Countries in the Schengen area are preparing for the new Entry Exit System, which will digitally track non-EU travellers instead of relying mainly on passport stamps. At the same time, several consulates are modernising visa procedures and introducing more digital systems.

Travel experts now warn that people planning European holidays for summer 2026 may need to organise visa appointments far earlier than before.

While proponents argue the technique is a cost-e ective way to safeguard vulnerable plots, the practice has sparked a backlash. Animal rights groups, including AnimalWebBelgium, have criticised the displays. Furthermore, experts question the long-term e ectiveness of the method. Corvids are highly intelligent; once the birds realise the stationary carcasses pose no actual threat, they often ignore them.

Under Belgian law, most wild birds are protected, though exceptions exist for signi cant agricultural threats. Authorities are now monitoring these displays

Playing catch up Smaller prescription packages

SPAIN is set to overhaul antibiotic packaging by eliminating large multi-dose boxes and replacing them with smaller, treatment-specific packs. The reform, led by the Ministry of Health and the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products, is part of a national strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance, which is considered a major public health threat.

The main goal is to reduce leftover antibiotics in households, which are often misused for self-medication or taken for conditions where they are ineffective, such as viral infections. This improper use contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making infections harder to treat and increasing pressure on healthcare systems.

Under the new system, antibiotic packs will match prescribed treatment lengths more closely, ensuring patients receive only the number of doses needed. While prescriptions remain unchanged and doctors retain full control, packaging will be redesigned to align with standard treatment courses. Implementation will be gradual over approximately a year, with full rollout expected by 2027. During the transition, both old and new packaging may

coexist in pharmacies.

The reform is part of Spain’s wider public health strategy, which also includes awareness campaigns encouraging responsible antibiotic use, such as completing full courses and avoiding unnecessary consumption. By reducing excess supply, authorities aim to limit the availability of unused medication and slow the spread of resistant bacteria, helping preserve antibiotic effectiveness for future medical use.

‘CATCH up on sleep’ is a common answer when asked about weekend plans. But is ‘catching up on sleep’ even possible?

Sleep debt accumulates. While a few late nights won’t cause much issue besides bleary eyes the next day, consistently getting less sleep than your body needs will lead to lasting health problems. Over time a lack of sleep will affect every aspect of bodily function from concentration, mood,

metabolism and immune function.

Most people fall into the same routine: sleep less during the week, make up for it at the weekend with a long lie-in, maybe even a mid-afternoon nap.

While yes, sleeping in on the weekend can help recover from the effects of a busy week, it only bridges the gap a minuscule amount. There’s no way to actually recover the sleep that was lost.

In fact, sleeping late can actually cause more harm than good as it disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep come bed time. This only continues the cycle of getting little sleep into another week.

Long-time sleep deprivation doesn’t reset after a weekend of long nights and frequent naps. Instead of ‘catching up’, aim for consistency in both weekday and weekend routines.

Purple power

There are plenty of ways to enjoy it. Beetroot can be eaten raw in salads for a fresh, earthy crunch, or roasted to bring out its natural sweetness. It works beautifully in smoothies, adding both colour and nutrients, and has even found its way into desserts such as cakes and brownies.

However, it is worth noting that beetroot can stain hands and surfaces, and in some cases may cause a temporary pink tint in urine, which is harmless but can be surprising. Those prone to kidney stones may also wish to moderate intake.

Enjoyed in balance, beetroot is a vibrant and nourishing addition to everyday

BRIGHT, bold, and packed with goodness, beetroot is one of the most underrated additions to a healthy diet. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, beetroot is particularly known for supporting heart health and improving circulation. Its natural nitrates help to relax blood vessels, which can contribute to lower blood pressure and increased energy levels. Many people also find that it supports stamina, making it popular with tho se who enjoy an active lifestyle. In addition, bee troot contains fibre, which aids digestion, and com pounds that may help support healthy skin.

Dress your tresses

SPRING always brings a playful shift in hair styling, and 2026 is celebrating accessories with texture, colour and delicate detail. This season, hair is not just styled, it is adorned, with pieces that feel expressive, feminine and effortlessly uplifting.

Crochet accessories are leading the trend, from soft headbands to floral clips and ties in pastel tones. Their handmade look adds gentle romance and pairs beautifully with loose waves or relaxed braids. Tassel details are also appearing on pins and ties, bringing movement and a touch of bohemian charm that works especially well with ponytails and

half up styles.

French jewelled clips continue to hold timeless appeal, now updated with lighter designs and subtle sparkle. Worn singly for elegance or layered for impact, they instantly elevate even the simplest hairstyle. Pearl touches and vintage inspired finishes are parti-

GETTING bored of your go-to cat-eye or smudged underlid style? Maybe it’s time to look at life through new eyes. Or at least with a new eye make-up routine.

Pop of colour

Coloured mascara and eyeliner are a great way to refresh your style, adding a pop of personality to everyday outfits. From piercing white to cobalt blue and emerald green, these shades aren’t just reserved for fashion runways.

For beginners, coloured eyeliner is often the easiest place to start. A thin swipe of navy or burgundy along the upper lash line adds subtle definition while still feeling wearable for daytime. Those who prefer a bolder statement can experiment with graphic shapes or double liner combina tions using contras ting colours.

Coloured mascara offers a softer but equa lly striking effect, enhancing the co lour of your eyes and making

Add a pop of

Trigger finger

DR MARCUS STEPHAN

HAVE you ever woken up in the morning to find that one of your fingers has curled and is difficult to straighten? If so, you are not alone.

These ac cessories allow easy transformation from day to evening with minimal effort. Whether adding crochet softness, tassel playfulness or jewelled refinement, spring hair in 2026 is about joyful detail, personal expression and effortless beauty that feels fresh and wearable every day.

them pop. Blue mascara compliments brown eyes, while purple tones can make green or hazel eyes appear brighter. Applying coloured mascara only to the lower lashes creates a fun pop of colour without overwhelming the face. For a balanced look, keep the rest of the make-up fresh and minimal with glowing skin and neutral lips.

Whether wearing coloured eyeliner or mascara, choose shades that complement your features and treat colour as an accent rather than the entire look.

Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons of the fingers or thumb, making movement painful or restricted. It occurs when the flexor tendon, which helps bend the finger, becomes irritated and inflamed, causing it to thicken. This swelling makes it more difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly through its protective sheath, resulting in a catching or locking sensation.

People with trigger finger often experience stiffness, particularly in the morning, along with a clicking or popping sensation during movement. In more advanced cases, the finger may become locked in a bent position and require assistance from the other hand to straighten. The condition is more common in individuals who perform repeti-

tive gripping activities, such as manual workers. It is also more frequently seen in people with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may improve with rest, activity modification, or splinting. Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections can help reduce swelling and improve tendon movement. I often recommend trying an anti-inflammatory gel, which can be applied directly to the inflamed area, as this is usually easy to identify. In persistent cases, a minor surgical procedure may be required.

Although it can be painful and restrictive, most cases respond well to treatment when addressed early.

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/

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Wildfire ready

ANDALUCIA has deployed more than 4,700 professionals and 43 aircraft to tackle the wildfire season, which runs from June 1 to October 15.

The region has added three aircraft this year and introduced updated fire engines and specialist teams. The ground fleet includes 108 fire engines, 84 per cent of which have been renewed under a €30 million programme, plus 11 water tankers. Eight new mobile units have replaced older models. The aerial force consists of 25 helicopters and 14 planes, stationed at key locations including Malaga airport.

Support infrastructure features 23 forest defence centres, 11 sub-centres, three rapid response bases and 186 watch points. Ten landing strips, including three private ones, stand ready for air operations, while 88 water points allow quick helicopter refills.

Officials remain on high alert after last year’s severe fires across Spain.

Axarquia Running hero

A PASSING runner prevented a tragedy on the coast near Velez-Malaga after a man collapsed on the promenade in Caleta de Velez on Friday, May 8. Witnesses reported the pedestrian suffered a suspected cardiac arrest, sparking panic among bystanders. An off-duty nurse exercising nearby spotted the emergency and took immediate action.

He performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) manoeuvres until emergency services reached the scene. Local Police and paramedics arrived minutes later to assist. Together, they stabilised the patient, who eventually regained vital signs.

This rescue has led to praise for the anonymous nurse, whose quick thinking proved decisive. The incident serves as a reminder of the public access defibrillators (AEDs) situated near the promenades in Torre del Mar and Caleta de Velez.

These machines are designed for use by anyone, regardless of medical training.

Mallorca

Family living costs ranked

A NEW study has revealed the huge difference in the cost of raising a family across Spain - with Barcelona ranked the country’s most expensive city and Badajoz named the cheapest.

Palma de Mallorca came second in the nationwide ranking, highlighting the island’s growing reputation as one of Spain’s most desirable - and premium - places to live for international families.

The research by Moving to Spain analysed the cost of maintaining a comfortable expat-style family lifestyle in 11 Spanish cities, including a three-bedroom home, international school fees and higher-end living expenses.

According to the report, premium family living costs in Palma now exceed €22,000 per month, although the figures are based on affluent lifestyle assumptions rather than average local household spending. Despite rising prices, Mallorca continues to attract families from across Europe thanks to its international schools, outdoor lifestyle, safety and year-round sunshine.

Costa Blanca South May Fair festivities

THE coastal municipality of Torrevieja is fresh off the heels of the excitement of its traditional May Fair, a celebration held at the beginning of May in the town’s idyllic Antonio Soria Park concert venue. The fair, despite some unfavourable weather conditions, was a major success, with this edition marked by live music, dancing, traditional Andalucian cultural offerings, an equestrian show, and much more.

The May Fair filled Torrevieja’s iconic park with a festive atmosphere, also coinciding with the Sevillanas celebrations. The popular event attracted thousands of visitors from across, uniting locals and visitors with activities and performances combining folklore, food, and fun.

The Fair had a particular focus on local talent, with Torrevieja dance academies dazzling crowds with high-energy and technically complex performances on the grand main stage of the Antonio Soria Park venue.

Costa Blanca North World Paella Day

MORE than 200 international residents gathered in l’Alfas del Pi this week as the town celebrated the seventh edition of World Paella Day with a huge multicultural food and community event. The celebration brought together residents from across Europe and Latin America in what organisers described as one of the municipality’s strongest displays of integration and cultural exchange in recent years. Representatives from international resident associations took part in a special paella masterclass led by renowned chef Pablo Montoro, learning how to prepare an authentic Valencian paella while sharing traditions, languages and experiences. Participants came from countries including the UK, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Norway, Romania, India, Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia and Uruguay among others. The event ended with a large communal meal where residents shared food and conversation.

FIVE Murcian municipalities will get their time in the spotlight with the exciting new filming of a Movistar Plus+ original series, ‘Todo lo necesario’ (‘All That’s Necessary’), in collaboration with Lastor Media. The series, which will have three episodes, is a thriller inspired by the negotiations for the release of three Spanish aid workers kidnapped on the border between Mali and Mauritania by Al Qaeda in 2009.

The filming is being organised by the Region of Murcia Film Commission. The series will film in various locations in five Costa Calida municipalities, including Abanilla, Cartagena, La Union, Mazarron and Ulea. The Region of Murcia Film Commission has been collaborating with the project since October 2025.

This thriller will have a complex political element to it, delving into the negotiations for the release of the aid workers, tension amid families, the hostages’ story as they struggle to survive, the plans to locate and rescue them, and a moral dilemma.

We need more house-sitters - join us!

BECOME a house-sitter who will move in to care for a home and pets like a friend

As humans we have a great ability to collaborate and help each other. That’s how we like our house-sitting and pet-sitting to work among members at HouseSitMatch.com. Petowners have sitters move in to care for pets and property for free. House-sitters get to stay in free accommodation and discover a new location.

It’s affordable travel with care, without expensive accommodation. The homeowners show you their favourite places to visit. Living like a local is a great way to see the world, one house-sit at a time. It’s a treat!

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BIG dogs may look intimidating, but it’s the smaller breeds - Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers - that seem to be the quickest to anger. Small breeds have built quite the reputation for being loud, or as their owners would say ‘yappy’, their high-pitched bark ringing out at any pas-

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April 2, 2026

Small dog, big bark

ser-by. But why is this?

One simple factor is confidence. Small dogs can feel more exposed to potential threats because they are physically less intimidating. Barking becomes a natural way for them to signal discomfort or try to

create distance when something seems unfamiliar or overwhelming.

Smaller dogs are also often highly alert and sensitive to sound and movement. In busy households or urban environments, this can lead to more frequent

triggers, such as passing people, other animals, or sudden noises.

Discriminatory training techniques also play a part. Owners are sometimes more tolerant of barking in small dogs, especially when it is less physically imposing than it would be in a larger breed.

44 CLASSIFIEDS

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. (253989)

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BUILDERS

ALMERIA BUILDERS: Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www.almeriabuilders.com (253556)

CHURCHES

Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services take place at Mojacar and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) churches every Sunday 11am and at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions and contact details, can be found at  www. almeria-anglican.com. Here you can also find information about funerals, baptisms and wedding blessings. We are an inclusive church. (10002)

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end on the left. To know more contact 711 086 162 (10021)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGIONZurgena Branch meetings are now held at Hostal Rosaleda opposite New Bar International in Arboleas. New and Existing Members Welcome Branch Meetings for existing and new members are held on the 1st Thursday of the month, Coffee Morning on the 3rd Thursday and a Quiz on the last Tuesday of the month. For further details please email zurgena. treasurer@rbl.community or zurgena.chairman@rbl. community if you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first

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SOLAR ENERGY

SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience. Established 17 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@ sunergyalmeria.com (350449)

MOTORING FOR SALE

REMOVALS

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)

ESTATE AGENT

VOSS HOMES are a professional, British family-run Estate Agents with an office in Huercal-Overa town. They specialise in selling and renting properties in the Huercal-Overa, La Alfoquia, Zurgena & Taberno area. Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele, Hannah, Amy & Karen look forward to helping you buy, sell or rent your ideal property. Please call 672 634 849 for more information (283824)

INSURANCE

ALBOX INSURANCE contact us today for all your insurance needs. Albox Office: 950 121 943  Mojacar Office: 634 323 399 (313627)

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MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday

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THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs €8.00, medium dogs €9.00, big dogs €10.00, cats from €7.50 a day. 630 234 556 / the5bonehotel turre@gmail.com fivebonehotel.com (312130)

PLUMBERS

KNOWLES PLUMBING No 1 for all plumbing jobs big or small. Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 684 143 560 (350290)

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AMANDA’S REMOVALS SpainUK. We won’t be beaten in price. 634 310 512 / 634 349 347 info@amandastienda. com (350461)

SITUATIONS VACANT

SALES advisor required in Turre, 12 hour contracted position. Applicants must be fluent in English and Spanish and have a valid driving license. We are looking for someone with excellent

Record speeding fines

SPAIN is witnessing a sharp rise in serious speeding violations, with the number of drivers caught exceeding limits by more than 80 km/h doubling in just two years. Recent data from the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) reveals that speeding contributed to 22 per cent of fatal crashes in 2024, leading authorities to intensify enforcement.

During a recent campaign from Monday, April 13 to Sunday, April 19, Guardia Civil officers monitored over 1.25 million vehicles at 3,537 control points. This operation resulted in more than 78,000 fines. Motorways and dual carriageways accounted for the majority of penalties, representing 53.5 per cent of the total. Notably, 15 motorists now face court proceedings for extreme speed violations.

In response, the Interior Ministry is backing a proposal to Congress that would classify driving at 190 km/h on motorways as a criminal offence carrying potential jail time. This move aims to deter reckless behaviour on high-speed routes.

To support those affected by road incidents, the DGT has launched a dedicated 018 helpline. Open daily from

8am to 9pm, the free service provides survivors and families with access to psychologists, social workers, and legal experts. The assistance is available in English and helps users navigate emotional trauma and administrative hurdles following a collision. These measures reflect a rigorous national effort to improve road safety and change driving culture.

Teen drivers from 17

SPAIN is set to overhaul its driving laws, with plans that could allow teenagers to get behind the wheel at 17 under strict supervision. The change, driven by new EU regulations, marks a major shift in how young people learn to drive.

Under the proposed system, 17-year-olds would be able to obtain a standard car licence but would not be allowed to drive alone. Instead, they must always be accompanied by a qualified adult who meets specific age and experience requirements.

The legal driving age in Spain remains 18 for now, but the reform introduces a new pathway focused on supervised experience rather than delayed independence. It could have a significant impact, particularly in areas with limited public transport, giving teenagers more flexibility to travel for school, work or social activities.

For families, the change may

bring added responsibility, with parents or guardians likely to take on the role of supervising driver. Authorities are also approaching the reform cautiously, with road safety remaining a key concern.

Although the law is not yet in force, teenagers can begin preparing by studying for the theory test early. Spain has until 2028 to implement the directive, and until then, current rules remain unchanged. Once introduced, it could reshape how a new generation learns to drive.

Pay-as-you-go driving

SPANISH drivers could face an annual bill of approximately €111 to repair the country’s deteriorating road network. SEOPAN, the association representing major construction and infrastructure firms, is advocating for a payper-use system to fund essential maintenance. This distance-based pricing model aims to guarantee the upkeep of the national network without increasing general taxation or diverting funds from other public services. Projections suggest the scheme could generate €43.26 billion over a decade. This revenue would be used to fix potholes, support ecological transitions, and modernise digital infrastructure. Additionally, around 2,680 local councils could receive a €4.1 billion windfall.

The proposal comes

as several motorway contracts near their end.

By December 2026, 10 major concession agreements awarded in 2007 will expire. Central authorities will then become responsible for 993 kilometres of road, with maintenance costs averaging £67,000 (€80,000) per kilometre. Industry experts warn that the current funding model is failing. Public investment in 2024 reached only half of 2009

levels, while transport spending has dropped from 3.9 per cent of total public expenditure in 2008 to 1.7 per cent. SEOPAN president Julián Núñez argues that moving away from chronic underfunding is vital. The association has submitted legislative reforms to the government to improve stability, reduce litigation, and ensure infrastructure projects meet strict budgets and deadlines.

By Mark Slack

ROAD TEST Lexus LBX – small, economical and practical in a premium package

Having been writing about all things automotive for a very long time I have been lucky enough to attend many press launches. I well re member the launch of the Lexus LS400, which was the first Le xus to arrive in the UK, back in 1990. It was a revelation in so many respects due to the power, smoothness and refinement of its engine, the luxury and the impeccable build quality. It was no understatement to say it shook the established European premium car makers.

For those not aware Lexus is the upmarket arm of Toyota and over 35 years since it launched Lexus remains a top flight player in terms of quality and reliability. Their range has expanded somewhat and now encompasses a broad range of models including the small, premium LBX SUV.

It carries the underpinnings of the Toyota Yaris Cross and designed to be both an entry point to Lexus and also attract younger buyers. It is more than a mere re-badge though, as can be seen from its quality and

more sophisticated look and feel, both inside and out.

Prices start from €34,710/£29,995 with all models in the line-up being self-charging hybrids with a 136 bhp, 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine and a choice of either front or all-wheel-drive. Standard fare across the range includes high beam assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, heated, powered and folding door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and start,

Avoiding pirate taxis

AS holidaymakers head to Spain this season, authorities are reminding travellers to check the colour of a vehicle’s number plate before starting their journey. Since August 2018, all licensed taxis and private hire vehicles (VTCs), such as Uber, must display a blue rear plate with white lettering. This mandatory system helps passengers and police distinguish authorised operators from illegal ‘pirate’ taxis.

While standard private cars use black characters on a white background, the blue plate confirms a driver holds the necessary permits and insurance. Unlicensed drivers often lack passenger cover and operate without regulation. Official taxi drivers

must possess a category B licence, pass medical checks, and provide a clean criminal record. Failure to display the correct blue plate results in a €200 fine for the operator.

Spain uses a variety of plate colours to categorise road users. Green plates indicate temporary imports, while red plates are reserved for dealership test drives or large trailers. Mopeds sometimes carry yellow plates, and diplomatic vehicles use red backgrounds with white lettering. Most recently, officials noted an increase in pink temporary plates from cross-border traffic, which often attracts extra police checks. To ensure a safe trip, always verify the rear of the car; if it is not blue, the service is not legal.

dual-zone climate control and Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The higher-level models can increase the specification to luxury car level standards. On the road the Lexus is a smooth and refined drive, unless you push it hard when the usual CVT automatic gearbox characteristics (any CVT not just Lexus) of briefly high revs, before everything catches up and calmness resumes, rears its head. It is most un-Lexus-like. The secret is smooth and pro-

gressive acceleration, you soon pick up the knack, and when you do it’s a nice drive. There’s a lot of seamless switching between electric and petrol power and a lot of the time it’s difficult to tell whether the engine has actually kicked in such is the refinement, especially at low speed. It’s no sports SUV but you can enjoy a brisk drive along mildly twisty cross-country routes and in normal daily use it’s a nice place to be whether commuting, doing the shopping, the school run or a long-distance holiday drive. If you want small, economical and premium, then the LBX might just be the answer.

Model: Lexus LBX Premium Plus

• Engine: 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, petrol self-charging hybrid developing 134 bhp/100kw

• Gears: e-CVT automatic

• Price: €40,728/£35,195

• Performance: 0-62mph/100kph 9.2 secs 106 mph maximum speed

• Economy: 61.4mpg/3.83 litres per 100km

• Emissions: 103 g/km

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets

Madrid end Barça run

REAL MADRID BALONCESTO ended FC Barcelona’s recent dominance to win the eighth U13 National Basketball Tournament ‘Ciudad de Vera’, taking the final 91-87 after a tense contest at the Blas Infante municipal arena.

Played on Monday May 4 in Vera, the match drew a large crowd and maintained intensity throughout.

Both sides traded the lead repeatedly before Madrid edged ahead in the closing minutes, sealing victory after a closely fought encounter marked by strong performances on both sides.

The event once again demonstrated its standing within youth basketball in Spain. This year also saw its first step beyond national borders with the inclusion of Dubai Basket

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Vera

In the third-place playoff, Valencia Basket defeated Joventut de Badalona 79-75. Dubai Basketball finished fifth, followed by Unicaja Baloncesto, CB UPLA and UCAM Murcia CB.

Juan Manuel Valero of Real Madrid was named tournament MVP after

all-star five alongside Jan Botinas, Pau Masllorens, Coulibaly Badra Aliou and Alonso Acevedo.

Matches were streamed via Basket Cantera, enabling wider viewing across Spain. Organisers praised both the competitive standard

‘Ruta 091’ charity race

THE Spanish National Police are set to celebrate a historic milestone in Almeria with the Ruta 091 Carrera Solidaria. Marking the 200th anniversary of the force (1824-2024), this unique event combines athletic challenge with community spirit, all set against a striking backdrop reminiscent of Almeria’s famous cinematic landscapes. Scheduled for Sunday, May 24, the race is headquartered at Torrecardenas shopping centre. The day features two distinct categories to ensure everyone can participate: a 7km course for adults starting at 10.30, and dedicated children’s races beginning earlier at 9.30. Entry fees are set at €15 for adults and €3

for children, with all proceeds supporting Aspaym Almeria, an organisation dedicated to assisting individuals with spinal cord injuries and physical disabilities. This event is more than just a race; it is a collaborative effort supported by major partners like Santander and Mupol, alongside local authorities. Whether you are a competitive runner aiming for a personal best or a family looking for a meaningful morning out, the Ruta 091 offers a chance to stay active while contributing to a vital local cause.

Interested participants can register www.cruzandolameta.es cure their spot on the starting line.