Costa de Almería I No. 2150 I 17 - 23 September 2026 I FREE Newspaper Dep. Legal MA 76-2025 - ISSN 2488-1732
Going the extra mile BEST FRIENDS SHAUN AND EMILY RAISE MORE THAN €4,000 FOR CHARITY THROUGH CAMINO CHALLENGE THERE are many different ways to help your local animal charity, from volunteering and donating to adopting, giving an animal a second chance at life. However, two animal lovers in Almeria have gone the extra mile - literally. Shaun Garner from Channel 4’s Sun, Sea and Selling Houses and his best friend Emily Cornwell recently completed the 131-kilometre Camino Ingles up through the North of Spain, raising money for PAWS-PATAS Animal Shelter along the way. Beginning in Ferrol, the best-friends trekked through towns, villages and rural countryside, soaking up the beautiful views along the way. Every night they collapsed into bed, only to wake up before the sun the next day to do it all over again. Each
Credit: Shaun Garner
Through rain or shine, Shaun and Emily walk in support of PAWS-PATAS.
leg brought its own challenges, from steep climbs to relentless rain. But despite the difficulties, their spirits remained high. Their feet might have been aching but still they had a pep in their step.
In fact, Shaun and Emily tracked exactly how many steps they walked. Over the five-day journey, Shaun walked 172,000 steps, and Emily walked 196,000, putting into perspective the enormity of
this challenge. Even more incredible than how much they walked is how much they raised. By the time the pair reached their final destination in Santiago, their fundraiser had
reached €4,354. Before they’d even set foot on the trail, they had raised upwards of €1,000. Over 150 donations were collected. Every single one, whether a €10 pledge or €100, will make a huge difference
for the cats and dogs at PAWS-PATAS. The money raised will put to good use, covering the cost of food, veterinary care, and shelter maintenance. It also means the animals will enjoy a few more treats over the coming months. Shaun and Emily, who have seen first-hand the challenges the shelter faces, did their part. Now PAWS-PATAS are searching for volunteers to join the team. You don’t have to walk hundreds of kilometres to help. Just a few hours a day can make a real difference.
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17 - 23 September 2026
LOCAL NEWS
Fan-tastic donation Fabulous fashion show Credit: Ayuntamiento de Almeria
Feria fans raise money for charities in Almeria.
VISITORS to Almeria’s Feria have more reason than ever to feel good about buying one of the celebration’s colourful traditional fans. What begins as a simple souvenir to remember the festivities has also become a meaningful way to support local causes. For many visitors, the fan is a practical reminder of the lively days and nights of Feria, offering a little relief from the summer heat while capturing the spirit of the celebrations. But its value goes well beyond that. The latest edition of the city’s solidarity fans has raised more than €63,300, with the money now being handed over to four beneficiary associations. Asociacion de Niños con Discapacidad de Almeria (ANDA), Proyecto Hombre Almeria, Comedor Social
La Milagrosa and Casa Nazaret have each received €15,845. The money goes a long way to help them continue their missions. ANDA will use its donation to help adults with disabilities develop greater independence. Proyecto Hombre will put its share towards prevention programmes for substance abuse and screen addiction. And Comedor Social La Milagrosa, which provides meals and support to around 170 people each day, will use the funds to continue helping those experiencing hardship. So, in the future, when Feria attendees buy a fan, they are not simply taking home a keep-sake. They are also making a difference.
MODELS strutted their stuff and owned the runway when the Arboleas Food Bank hosted its fabulous fashion show, stunning audiences and raising vital funds for the organisation. The fashion show has become one of Arboleas’ most anticipated events of the summer. Originally meant to take place in July, it was postponed out of respect following the devastating Los Gallardos fires. Thankfully, quite a lot of the original ticket-holders were able to attend. Guests were welcomed to the fashion show with a glass of bubbly, a perfect start to the evening. Cortijo la Cueva served as the venue, and what a beautiful venue it was. Surrounded by mountains and shaded by trees, the scenery added to the experience. And chairs set up around the centre-court swimming pool cleverly created a catwalk.
Credit: Arboleas Food Bank
Arboleas Food Bank fashion show.
There was a real sense of excitement in the air before the fashion show began, which only reached a crescendo when the first model walked. Every model walked with confidence and style, doing such a good job that many of the looks sold before they reached the end of the runway.
While the final fundraising total has not yet been confirmed, over €1,000 was collected throughout the day. A great amount of non-perishable food was also donated. Arboleas Food Bank sincerely extend their gratitude to all who helped make the fashion show a success.
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NEWS
17 - 23 September 2026
Classroom safety
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Pay trends shift
Spain adjusts base salary
Credit: Drazen Zigic / Shutterstock
Photo credit: Kittyfly/Shutterstock
SPAIN TOUGHENS BULLYING RULES
The rise places Spain towards the lower end of the rankings.
Spain’s schools are under new pressure to respond to bullying faster than ever before.
CHILDREN across Spain have returned to school under tougher bullying rules that give teachers just 24 hours to tell parents about any reported case. The new national rules, finalised by the Education Ministry in August, also require every alleged bullying case to be investigated within 10 school days and monitored for six months afterwards, replacing a patchwork of different regional timetables. For the first time, the rules single
out deepfakes and doctored photos as a specific concern, meaning schools must now treat a manipulated video shared in a group chat with the same seriousness as bullying that happens face to face. Moving the bully to another school, rather than the victim, is becoming the standard punishment in several regions, alongside immediate psychological support for the child affected. Different areas across Spain are
also introducing their own set of individual rules. In Baleares, schools have introduced an anonymous way for pupils to report concerns, while Castilla y Leon has gone further still, cutting its family-notification window down to a single day. The changes affect more than eight million children in Spanish schools, with parents now able to expect a faster response if their child reports being bullied, whether online or in the playground.
SPAIN’S minimum wage increased by 3.1 per cent in 2026, reaching €1,221 gross per month in 14 payments, an increase of €37 a month. The rise places Spain towards the lower end of the EU rankings for minimum wage increases this year, despite the country having substantially increased its minimum wage since 2018. Eurofound data shows particularly large increases elsewhere, with Slovenia, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Lithuania and Hungary all recording rises above 10 per cent. Luxembourg increased its minimum wage by 2.5 per cent and Poland by 3 per cent, while France also recorded a modest increase. Spain’s relatively small percentage increase reflects its higher starting point. The minimum wage has risen from €735 a month in 2018 to €1,221 in 2026, an increase of more than 66 per cent. The 2026 rise adds €518 to the annual gross salary, taking it to €17,094, with around 2.5 million workers expected to benefit. The increase applies from January 1 and remains below the personal income tax threshold. Eurofound found that minimum-wage purchasing power increased in nearly every EU country in 2026 because wage increases generally exceeded inflation.
Credit: iamzerofighter / shutterstock
Get your home autumn-ready PROTECTING YOUR SPANISH INVESTMENT SEPTEMBER is the month to give a Spanish home a proper going-over before the weather turns. The heat may not be finished, but summer dust, salt air and months of hard use are starting to show, and a sudden storm can expose a blocked drain or a broken air conditioning unit. What needs to be done first depends on where the property is. Coastal homes should watch for damp, mould and rust in metal fittings, since humidity does as much damage near the sea as heat. Inland, the priority is bigger temperature swings: check heaters, hot water systems and any wood burner or gas appliance before the
cooler evenings arrive. Everywhere, gutters and drains need clearing before the first heavy rain, air-conditioning units deserve a proper service rather than simply being switched off, and pools should keep running on a reduced schedule rather than being abandoned. Anyone returning after time away should also walk the property properly, checking taps, pipes and cupboards for leaks or mould. September is one of the easier months to book a contractor, and fixing small problems now is far cheaper than facing a large bill once the rain and cooler nights set in.
September is one of the best months to get on top of home maintenance in Spain.
euroweeklynews.com The information on this page is intended for general guidance only, and should not be considered legal advice.
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17 - 23 September 2026
ANTICIPATION is building in Vera, with the town days away from the start of its annual festivities. On Wednesday, September 23, Vera will celebrate local heritage and honour its patron saint, Saint Cleophas, with a jam-packed week of activities. Celebrations will begin on a special note, when locals are honoured. Jose Antonio Moreno Flores, Agustin Martinez Esteban, Francisca Garcia Carretero and the Save the Salar de los Canos organisation will all be rewarded for their contribution to the community. That same evening, the fun fair at El Palmeral fairgrounds will open. All week, residents and visitors can
Vera feria returns Murals brighten Mojacar
Credit: Liga Nacional de Graffiti
Feria spirit takes over Vera.
soak up the atmosphere, riding attractions, playing carnival games and indulging in feria treats. From 6pm to 8pm, the fair will run rides with reduced noise and light, ensuring all can enjoy the attractions. On Thursday, September
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LOCAL NEWS
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Vera
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24, the town’s oldest residents will gather for the traditional senior breakfast, before joining the rest of the town on Calle Isabel la Catolica. There, ribbons will dangle above the ground, ready for young gentlemen to ride past and snag during the ribbon races, one of the oldest match-making traditions that continues to this day. Holy Mass will be celebrated at noon on Friday, September 25, followed by a procession through the streets. Finally, the festivities will come to an end on Sunday, September 27 with a bull-fight and dazzling fireworks display.
Second-place mural by Danklabara.
MOJACAR is looking a little more colourful after the National Graffiti League stopped by for the most recent phase of the competition, decorating the town in beautiful works of spray-painted art. A total of 10 artists descended on the Mojacar football field on Friday, September 11. Paint cans in hand and creativity running wild, they certainly left their mark on the coastal town. Over the weekend, the graffiti artists let their imaginations fly and let their artistic talent do all the talking. They worked for hours under the sun, maximising every moment of daylight to trace the outlines of their design before bringing them together in full colour. By Sun-
day afternoon, every inch of white space was covered in breath-taking designs. Fish and water were common themes of many of the Mojacar murals, a nod to Almeria coasts maritime traditions and fishing industry. More morals included special nods to the town. The second-place prize was awarded to a mural depicting the San Agustin tradition of women wearing yellow scarves and carrying home jugs of blessed water atop their heads. In the background spans the iconic white mountain village and the Indalo symbol. The artist himself, Danklabara is originally from Almeria, making Mojacar a special stop in the competition.
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LOCAL NEWS
organisation working to improve everyday life for people with autism across the province. ALTEA provides a wide range of support, including educational assistance, therapies in natural Chairty padel tournament to settings, family support children with autism. guidance, inclusive sport, equine and a better quality of life. music therapy, camps and The money raised by the inclusive leisure activities. tournament can therefore Its work is centred on a have a reach well beyond simple but important goal: the club itself, helping ALhelping people with autism TEA continue providing enjoy greater inclusion and practical support to children, young people and their families. It can also contribute to the development of a specialist, offering therapy, employment support and residential care for people with autism as they move into adulthood. On the padel court, the aim may be to win. Off it, everyone can be part of something bigger.
ALMERIA will have two strong contenders at this year’s Andalucia Tourism Awards, with Mojacar and Macael both nominated. Macael is competing for Excellence in Inland Tourism, a fitting recognition for a town whose identity is inseparable from marble. Its mix of industrial heritage, culture and art has helped transform the town into an increasingly appealing destination for visitors. The recent opening of its Mining Park and installation of the CamiMacel recently celebrated the opening of its Mining Park. no Vertigo viewing platform, along with efforts to restore historic industrial sites, gives For both towns, the nomination itself tourists a chance to experience the sto- brings valuable exposure. A win could ry of marble at its source. strengthen their reputations, attract Meanwhile, Mojacar is nominated for new visitors, support local businesses Excellence in Coastal Tourism, high- and encourage further investment in lighting its established appeal as a tourism. More importantly, the recogMediterranean destination. Its combi- nition puts two very different sides of nation of beaches, whitewashed archi- Almeria on the regional stage: its spectecture, and leisure facilities has made tacular coast and its fascinating inland it a popular holiday destination on the heritage. coast. Such thriving year-round tourism The winners will be announced in Huelmakes it a natural candidate in a highly va on Thursday, September 24, with all of competitive category. Almeria backing the two local nominees.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Macael
THE Almeria Tennis Club is putting padel to work for a cause that reaches far beyond the court. From Friday, September 18, to Sunday, September 20 the club will host its first ALTEA Solidarity Tennis and Padel Tournament, with every euro raised through the €15 entry fee going directly to ALTEA Autismo Almeria. For the club, this is about more than a weekend of competition. It is an opportunity to use sport to raise awareness of autism, bring families and players together, and support an
Credit: Iren_Geo, shutterstock
Padel for a purpose Excellence recognised
LOCAL NEWS
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Mojacar has the highest property prices in Almeria.
villages offer beautiful panoramic views, tightknit communities and a slower pace of life that makes the rurality feel worth it. Comparatively, coastal prices have surged, the housing crisis in many towns exasperated by the international appeal. Almeria is one of the Spanish provinces with the highest international demand. Ap-
proximately 17 per cent of rental demand comes from abroad, both from tourists and foreign residents. Consequently, prices in coastal towns have reached eyewatering amounts. Mojacar remains the most expensive municipality, prices reaching €2,633 per square metre, with other beach-front towns quickly catching up.
Street clean up
“If the town hall won’t clean it up, the neighbours will.” That was the angry motto of Vera Playa residents who recently had to take street maintenance into their own hands. According to locals, Vera Town Hall has failed to keep streets clean, allowing piles of waste to collect on the side of the road. Not able to bear it any longer, Veraplayazul residents’ association organised clean-up efforts of their own. On Wednesday, September 9, locals gathered and began waste collection on Avenida de Barcelona and other adjacent streets. By the end of the day, they had collected 20 bags of rubbish, a mattress, tires and other waste. After sharing their day’s work on social media, other residents were quick
Credit: Veraplayazul en Vera Almeria
HOUSE prices across Spain are skyrocketing, and Almeria is not immune from the price hike. According to Idealista, the average price per square metre reached €1,667 in August, far off the all-time high of 2007, when property prices climbed to €2,277 per square metre. House hunters on a strict budget are best looking in inland areas where prices have risen, but not as drastically as along the coast. The cheapest place to buy in Almeria is currently the mountain village of Velez-Rubio where property prices hover at €650 per square metre, four times cheaper than the most expensive Almerian municipality. Gador, Berja and Albox are also among the cheapest towns, with the average prices not yet eclipsing €1,000. These more far-out mountain
Credit: Photomicar, Shutterstock
Property price hike
Veraplayazul residents association takes clean-up into their own hands.
to applaud their initiative and share complaints of their own. As people fumed over the state of Vera streets, many questioned what their “basura” tax was being used for, if not street maintenance. Whether motivated by residents’ complaints, or simply a coincidence, Vera Town Hall has resumed waste collection in recent days. The town hall recently shared before and after pictures of a dump site that was overflowing with discarded items, including old wooden crates, broken furniture and even a toilet. They remind locals maintaining clean streets is a shared responsibility, and urge everyone to dispose of waste correctly.
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LOCAL NEWS
A complete puzzle
Credit: Diputacion de Almeria
ASTEA Autism Gala award recipients 2026.
HUERCAL-OVERA became a meeting point for families, professionals and advocates for autistic people at the recent “Gala por el Autismo 2026,” organised by ASTEA Autismo Almeria. Held on Sunday, September 13, the event brought together local and provincial representatives to highlight the experiences of people with autism and recognise the work carried out by ASTEA across Almeria. The evening also offered a chance to celebrate the families, professionals and organisations helping to create a more inclusive community. Music performances and an inclusive flamenco fashion show added a
lively touch to the evening, while several people and organisations received awards for their support of ASTEA over the past year. One of the night’s special moments was the presentation of the Puzzle de Oro award to Olga Torres Ripoll, recognising her professional career and her work defending the rights of people with disabilities. The event was attended by Angel Escobar, vice-president of the Provincial Council of Almeria, Huercal-Overa Mayor Domingo Fernandez and ASTEA president Monica Lopez, who all highlighted the importance of continued support for autistic people and their families.
La Vuelta victory LA VUELTA recently made its triumphant return to Vera. Hundreds of cyclists sped through the streets of Almeria for the most gruelling stage of the cross-country sprint. Adding to the excitement of Vera’s Stage 12, was the participation of one of Almeria’s own, Cristian Rodriguez, who rode all the way to a top 10 finish. During the Vera leg, Rodriguez found himself nine minutes and 42 seconds behind the race leader, giving his supporters reason to believe in a top-place finish. While he fell slightly in the standings, Rodriguez managed to maintain momentum until the very end. Competing for the XDS Astana Team, Cristian Rodriguez has experienced a great sea-
Credit: Cristian Rodriguez Martin / Instagram
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Cristian Rodriguez achieves ninth place La Vuelta finish.
son so far. After missing the Tour de France, he went on to place second in the Tour of Oman and eight in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alps. Prior to departing for La Vuelta, Rodriguez said his goal was to finish in the top 10, and that’s exactly what he did. Crossing the finish line 11 minutes and 59 minutes behind race
winner, Enric Mas, Rodriguez earned ninth place. Not only is this the second-best finish from a Spaniard, behind Mas, but it’s Rodriguez’s best result in a Grand Tour. Next year, Rodriguez will return wearing new colours, having signed a two-year deal with Bahrain Victorious, but bringing the same ambitious spirit.
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Music on the move
Rallycross crash
Credit: Federacion Andaluza de Automovilismo
Credit: antoniosantosc, Shutterstock
SOUND travels far but the Acordes Festival is travelling even further, stopping at four different towns during its four-day Levante Almeriense Tour. Rather than staying in one place, the tour will travel along the Almeria coast. Stopping at Mojacar, Pulpi, Turre and Carboneras, each town will host new acts from a variety of genres, ensuring audiences enjoy a varied programme throughout the weekend. Historical landmarks, like fountains and castles, will be turned into concert venues, creating a unique setting in which to enjoy the live music. The festival opens in Mojacar on Thursday, September 17 with ‘Music without borders’, at the town’s fountain. The following evening, Pulpi takes over with a tan-
LOCAL NEWS
Enix City Rallycross marred by crash.
Acordes Festival concerts move from town to town.
go jazz performance by Sheila Blanco and Federico Lechner’s Tango Jazz Trío, Los Mareados. Turre follows on Saturday, September 19 with Entre Culturas, combining music, conversation, Moroccan food and dance. The festival reaches its finale in Carboneras on Sunday, September 20 with an evening of flamenco at the Castle of San Andrés, featuring
Jasiel Nahin, Sergio ‘el Colorao’ and guitarist David Caro. For music lovers, the four-day event offers a chance to follow the tour from stop to stop, discovering new sites and new sounds. With music ranging from ethnic sounds and tango jazz to flamenco, Acordes offers a lively way to experience the Levante Almeriense, one town at a time.
THE Indamovil Enix City Rallycross returned on Saturday, September 12, the first race weekend of the Andalucian Rallycross Championship since the summer break. However, supporters and spectators weren’t only witness to the full-throttle action, but also a scary crash that saw veteran co-driver Antonio Jesus Rull Archilla rushed to hospital. Representing the Almeria Automobile Club, the Almeria-born driver was driving a Citroën, identified during the competition as vehicle number 27. It was during the first fast sector of the Enixoro circuit, an uphill and downhill section, that the accident occurred. Archilla took the downhill curve and lost control, sending the car flying off track at rapid speed. Archilla suffered nine broken ribs and
a pulmonary hematoma, his family has shared. The safety harness likely saved his life, preventing further movement from worsening his injuries. Following the crash, the 39-year-old was immediately transferred to Torrecardenas University Hospital. He is reportedly stable and his condition is improving, but doctors are still closely monitoring him with plans to transfer him to a specialist Granda hospital should there be complications. Archilla’s co-pilot, Andres Jesus Rodriguez Carrasco, was also injured, an unfortunate end to what was his first official motorsport event. The Enix Rallycross thanked commissioners, organisers, volunteers, Protecion Civil, security personnel and medical staff for their “exemplary” work and rapid response.
LOCAL NEWS
Cats under control ALMERIA City Council is keeping a tighter leash on its cat colonies, so to speak, as a new digital tool is set to be introduced, allowing the council to monitor the stray cats in real time. Through a new digital app, the council and animal experts will be able to check the exact number of cats in the colonies and monitor their health and vaccination status. This is said to support the TNR Tr a p - N e u t e r - R e t u r n programme, the current protocol for managing
Credit: Natalia de la Rubia, Shutterstock
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Almeria introduces cat colony management app.
local cat populations. Theoretically, this data-driven management sounds like an ideal way to efficiently manage the cat population and streamline adoption. Whether it works in practice is yet to be seen. At the very least, this represents a step in
the right direction for stray-cat care. Only last week Almeria became a gathering point for protesters demanding local governments adhere to Law 7/2023, which compels governments to protect wild animals. Ideally, such measures will take the pres-
sure off private citizens and charity organisations, who often pay for stray-cat veterinary care, including neutering, out-of-pocket. For now, the pilot scheme is limited to the capital, but if it is a success, as expected, the app could be rolled out nationwide.
Survival of the fittest WHAT would you do in a zombie apocalypse? Fight, hide, or offer yourself up on a silver platter to join the undead army? Velez-Rubio is giving residents the chance to find out exactly how they’d handle a zombie apocalypse when Viral Zombie, an immersive survival experience, arrives on Saturday, October 3. Under the cover of pitch-black darkness, young people will sneak through zombie infested streets. They won’t just be spectators, they’ll be the protagonists of a dystopian story. To survive, Velez-Rubio prepares for a zombie apocalypse. they’ll have to search for clues, solve riddles and complete challenges that, should they Perez, bore witness to a similar game fail, could mean death. of survival in Aguilas. She escaped with The zombies, meanwhile, won’t wait to her life and lives to tell the tale of how be slaughtered. They’ll be hunting down the activity engaged and excited the surviving humans, hungry for brains. local youth. Adventure, role-play, gameAll of Velez-Rubio will be transformed play and physical activity all play the into an apocalyptic setting. Places like part, creating a unique night-time acPlaza de la Encarnacion and the Miguel tivity for all. Guirao Museum will be pivotal bases, Tickets cost between €18 to €25, and while the town centre serves as Ground are available at the Velez-Rubio Tourist Zero. Office or through the official Viral ZomCouncillor for Culture, Conception bie website. Credit: DC Studio, Shutterstock
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Credit: UD Almeria / Facebook
WOMEN giving birth at Hospital La Inmaculada in Huercal-Overa will soon have access to larger, more modern facilities as work gets under way to expand and improve the hospital’s maternity unit. The €1.03 million project, expected to take three months to complete, will create new obstetric consultation rooms and dilation rooms, while upgrading waiting areas and support spaces. The improvements are designed to increase capacity and allow several obstetric cases to be managed more efficiently at the same time. The project also puts greater emphasis on privacy, comfort and support during labour. Separate routes for normal births and surgical procedures will help the service adapt to modern maternity
Credit: Halfpoint, Shutterstock
Inmaculada invests Away game hell
Travelling UD Almeria fans treated terribly at away game.
Hospital La Inmaculada gets maternity upgrade.
care, with a more personalised and human approach. As part of the works, the maternity unit’s air-conditioning system is also being replaced and expanded to provide suitable conditions in the new areas. Hospital La Inmaculada is the main specialist hospital serving
northern Almeria, an area affected by geographical distances, population growth and seasonal increases in demand. The upgrade is therefore intended to strengthen maternity care for local families, while improving working conditions for healthcare professionals.
IT’S one thing to cheer for your chosen football team at home, another to make the journey across the country to support the team at an away game. And yet, every time fans do exactly that. They don their red-and-whites and hit the road. Even if their team loses, fans rarely regret going. Except on Saturday, September 12, UD Almeria fans experienced one of their worst away games. And not because of what was happening on the pitch. Upon arriving at Cordoba FC’s Nuevo Arcangel facilities, fans claim they received a humiliating welcome. According to those in attendance, Almeria fans were refused access to food, with Stadium staff telling them “there are no sandwiches for visiting fans.”
The bathrooms were also reportedly in bad condition. Rundown and completely unhygienic, many expressed concerns for underage fans using the toilets. Apparently, the facilities were just as bad last year, with little done to improve facilities. What’s more, up to 30 fans who had a named and numbered ticket were relocated, causing concern for their safety. And when wanting to complain, fans claim they were denied the relevant complaint form. Their treatment was so severe it soured their enjoyment of Almeria’s 2-0 win. UD Almeria’s Federation of Supporters’ Club has since denounced the treatment they recieved during the match, and demanded Cordoba FC act to rectify the issues.
Fully equipped p open p p plan kitchen working well withhe rest of the house.
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Credit: ali.can0707, Shutterstock
A tale of tomatoes
Almeria tomato trade takes a turn.
ALMERIA remains by far Spain’s biggest tomato-exporting province, accounting for more than two-thirds of all Spanish shipments in the first half of 2026. Between January and June, growers and exporters sent 242.83 million kilos abroad, worth €465.54 million. But behind Almeria’s dominant position is a significant change in the province’s tomato trade. Export volumes have fallen by 26.84 per cent over the past decade, from 331.93 million kilos in the first half of 2017 to this year’s figure. The decline does not mean the tomato industry is generating less money. Quite the opposite. Across Spain, tomato export revenues reached €756.74 million in IN March 2024, a tragic accident saw a motorcyclist die when a palm tree snapped in half and struck him while he was stopped at a traffic light. After a lengthy court battle, his family has finally been granted financial compensation for their loss after the Court of First Instance of Madrid ordered the city to pay his family €515,810.90. The victim, a 56-yearold man, died instantly on Avenida Cabo de Gata when the municipal palm tree fell onto both his motorcycle and a nearby car. The car driver, aged 60, also died two days later in hospital. The compensation will be shared between the motorcyclist’s widow, his two daughters and two sisters. The court also ordered the insurer to cover legal costs and pay interest dating back to the accident. Crucially, the judge re-
the first half of 2026, up 16.13 per cent on 2017, despite volumes falling by more than 30 per cent. The average export price has risen from €1.24 to €2.06 per kilo. For Almeria, this points to an increasingly important focus on value rather than volume. Higher prices are helping to cushion the impact of declining shipments, but the long-term fall in export volumes presents a challenge for one of the province’s most important agricultural industries. The figures highlight the pressure on Almeria’s growers to remain competitive while producing tomatoes that command stronger prices in increasingly demanding European markets.
Fatal tree fall Credit: Veja, Shutterstock
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Family compensated after fatal palm tree accident.
jected the argument that responsibility lay with the company contracted to maintain the city’s parks and gardens. The ruling found that the council had a duty to monitor and maintain its palm trees, thus establishing a direct link to the fatal accident. The judge also disre-
garded claims the incident was “force majeure,” an unforeseen and uncontrollable accident. While the money will not bring back their loved one, it will offer the victim’s family some relief and financial security as they navigate life without him.
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SPANISH NEWS
Guardia Civil take away campervan sales fraudster.
vehicles had been sold to multiple buyers simultaneously. Further complaints emerged from Granada, Sevilla, Navarra, and the Balearic Islands, all describing identical tactics: unsigned contracts without delivery deadlines, followed by untraceable transfers into third-party bank accounts. Courts in Ayamonte and
Granollers had already issued warrants for the suspect on similar charges. Officers detained him on July 16, transferring case files to Ibi Investigative Court No. 2, which granted conditional release. Authorities advise buyers to inspect vehicles, verify documentation, and avoid wiring deposits to third-party accounts.
HOUSEHOLDS in Spain using traditional orange butane gas bottles face higher energy costs following the government’s latest bimonthly price review. The maximum price for a standard 12.5kg bombona de butano rose to €18.84 on Tuesday, September 15. The €1.01 increase, representing a 4.96 per cent jump from the previous €17.83 limit, lifts the cost of regulated bottled gas to its highest point in four years. However, the price stays below the record €19.55 recorded in 2022. International market dynamics drove the official revision. Rising global costs for raw materials, increased freight charges, and fluctuations in the euro-dollar exchange rate contributed to the higher rate. Legal caps prevent the Ministry for Ecological Transition from adjustPOLICE OFFICERS in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria were called to Calle Faro in the La Isleta district on Wednesday, September 10, after residents spotted a caiman under a parked rental car. The unexpected presence of the reptile, reported to be a white caiman, gathered a curious
Credit: Wiropidah Dahlan - Shutterstock
GUARDIA CIVIL officers have arrested a 46-yearold businessman in Tibi, near Alicante, over an alleged nationwide campervan conversion scam. Investigators state at least 10 victims paid deposits averaging €20,000 for large vans intended for conversion into mobile homes, only to receive nothing. The investigation began after a buyer filed a complaint at Ibi police station on June 16. She had seen the suspect’s company featured in a national television report on fraud. The woman paid an €11,000 deposit in September 2024 for an €18,000 van, promised for delivery that November. Nine months later, she had received neither keys nor vehicle. Officers searched a rented workshop and discovered eight unconverted vans, including German imports still registered to former owners. Several
Credit: Ministerio de Interior
Campervan scam Butane gas rise
The ‘Butanero’ delivering gas.
ing regulated prices by more than five per cent during any single review, with additional calculation differences rolled into future adjustments. A temporary reduction in Spain’s Hydrocarbons Tax also helped limit the total adjustment. The change caps off months of price volatility. A bottle cost €15.58 in January, rising to €16.35
in March, falling to €15.39 in May, and climbing to €17.83 in July. Consequently, prices have risen over 22 per cent since May. The cap applies to standard 8kg to 20kg regulated containers, affecting millions of households without mains gas. The next official government price review takes place in November.
Crocodile visitor
crowd as officers investigated the vehicle. Authorities have not yet confirmed the animal’s exact species or size. While initial reports suggested the reptile belonged to a local resident and escaped, officials have
not confirmed ownership. Nobody has claimed the creature, and its destination remains unknown. Caimans are not native to the Canary Islands, making the incident unusual. Spain maintains strict rules on keeping wild animals as pets. Under the national Animal Welfare Law, wild species must satisfy specific criteria to be kept legally. Several crocodilian species are also protected under CITES international trade agreements, requiring formal permits for ownership. This is not the first exotic reptile discovered in Spain. A caiman was reported near a river in Alicante, and another was captured by fishermen at the Almansa reservoir in Albacete. On Gran Canaria, officers seized 53 dangerous animals from a private collection, including caimans and an African dwarf crocodile. Authorities continue to search for answers regarding how the animal arrived in La Isleta.
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New online shop SPANISH shoppers are getting another major online marketplace to compare prices with Amazon, AliExpress, Temu and specialist retailers. German supermarket giant Kaufland, owned by the Schwarz Group which also owns Lidl, is launching its online marketplace in Spain. The platform offers products across more than 6,400 categories, including electronics, fashion, household goods, gardening, DIY and sports equipment. Third-party sellers list and fulfil orders, while Kaufland handles the marketplace, payments and customer service, making the operation closer to Amazon than a traditional supermarket website. Kaufland already has more than 15,000 international sellers offering over 45 million products in Germany and attracts up to 32 million monthly
SPANISH NEWS
Oasis returns
Photo credit: Katarzyna Ledwon/Shutterstock
Kaufland is owned by the same group that owns Lidl.
visitors. Spain and the Netherlands bring its marketplace network to nine European markets, potentially reaching around 220 million online consumers. The launch does not mean Kaufland is opening supermarkets across Spain. Its online operation already operates in countries without physical stores, including France, Italy and Austria. Whether it will actually be cheaper depends on the individual seller, product and delivery
cost, so shoppers will still need to compare the final price. For Spanish businesses, the platform also creates another route into European markets. More than 500 Spanish sellers are already active on Kaufland marketplaces elsewhere in Europe. The real test will be whether Spanish shoppers find enough competitive prices, products and delivery options to make Kaufland another regular stop when buying online.
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18 17 - 23 September 2026
Barcelona is among 38 concerts planned.
OASIS has officially announced its Oasis Live ’27 tour, confirming two concerts in Barcelona on Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11, 2027, at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The shows will mark the Gallagher brothers’ return to Spain after 18 years. Their last Spanish performances were in 2009. Barcelona is among 38 concerts planned across the UK, Ireland, mainland Europe and the United States. The tour begins in Glasgow on May 21 and includes cities such as Manchester, Munich, Amsterdam, Paris and Rome. Richard Ashcroft will appear as a special guest throughout the tour. Fans hoping to attend the Barcelona concerts must register through the official Oasis website by 05.00pm CEST on Thursday, September 17. Registration does not
guarantee a ticket. Those selected will receive a unique code giving them access to an allocated ticket-sale window. There will be no general sale or additional public presale, and fans will need a Ticketmaster account. Barcelona ticket sales will take place across September 25, 26 and 27. Reported prices range from approximately €85 to €255, depending on the ticket category, with an additional €2 Ticketmaster transaction fee. The registration system follows the controversy surrounding the band’s 2025 ticket sales, when fans faced huge queues and pricing complaints. For international fans, Barcelona now offers two opportunities to see Oasis in Spain after an 18-year wait, but registering before September 17 is essential for anyone hoping to buy tickets.
22 17 - 23 September 2026
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FEATURE - SPANISH NEWS
OTHERS THINK IT
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Going free range
LEAPY LEE - SAYS IT
When comedy was funny AS someone who earns most of his living after dark, daytime television is often a major contributor to my psyche of amusement and entertainment. In a stroke of probably financially instigated genius, some channels have recently decided to present reruns of some classic comedies of yesteryear and what a treat they are. Open All Hours, with the wonderful Ronnie Barker; Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, starring the amazing talents of Michael Crawford; Only Fools and Horses, with David Jason; plus the antics of the zany cast of Hi- de-Hi!, are just a few of a whole host of sitcoms gracing the box this year. Of course, ITV did it for some time with programmes like Rising Damp. Another great series of days gone by. Containing marvellous dialogue, completely innocuous non-PC statements, wonderful pathos and hysterical situations, these classics of comedy are a pure joy to watch. And do you know the most gratifying aspect of them all? Not a swear word or statement of filth in sight. To me, acceptable comedy on TV died at the end of the ’80s. Since then, it has sunk into a desperate morass of sleaze and slimy stagnation, its success being measured by just how low its writers and performers can take it. And do you know why? These days there are no proper comedy writers around. The morons who churn out
the modern-day rubbish, whose success is generally judged by how often you can swear in any given minute, should hang their heads in humiliated shame. Talk about taking money under false pretences. They should all be weeded out and sent back to the gutter where they unquestionably belong. Alternative comedy? I’m sorry, in my book, today’s alternative comedies are the unforgettable, utterly unmissable ghosts of comedy past. Long may they shine as examples of the presentations that should really be making us forget our worries and delivering us a real good laugh. Come back the likes of Galton and Simpson, Roy Clarke and Ray Allen all is forgiven! Hope your all enjoying the end days of what has been a truly hot season. To me September and October have always been the best months of the year. The hordes have disappeared and are being replaced by the far more tranquil visitors who instigate a far calmer atmosphere during their late summer sojourn. I see the Christmas ads have already begun, let’s hope the mild temperatures hold out till then and the locals enjoy their chance to at last spend some time together. Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.cvom
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
The company aims to reach 10 million laying hens.
HUEVOS GUILLÉN, one of Spain’s largest egg producers and a major supplier to Mercadona, is investing €200 million over the next four years as it moves towards producing eggs entirely through cage-free systems. The company aims to reach 10 million laying hens by 2030. By the end of 2026, it expects 80 per cent of its 6.13 million hens to be housed in cagefree systems, up from 73 per cent in 2025 and 60 per cent in 2024. It is also targeting almost 100 million dozen cage-free eggs this year, a 28.6 per cent increase. Huevos Guillén hopes all its fresh consumer eggs will come from cage-free systems by 2028, subject to administrative approvals. The investment includes new farms designed specifically for alternative production. A €14.5 million free-range facility in Ribera del Fresno, Badajoz, will eventually house 320,000 hens across eight sheds, with outdoor areas providing at least four square metres per bird. It is expected to produce almost 97 million eggs annually. The Spanish egg sector is also moving towards cage-free production, with alternative systems accounting for around 40 per cent of production.
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For more information or to arrange a viewing or a meeting in our office please call us on 0034 950 616 827 or email us on enquiries@vosshomesspain.com
26 17 - 23 September 2026
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SPANISH NEWS - FEATURE
Red sprites over Valencia.
sient Luminous Events, they last just a few milliseconds and often resemble giant flying jellyfish. AEMET reported that a powerful positive lightning strike of +129.2 kiloamps hit the sea roughly 220 kilometres south of Ayora at 2.52am, triggering the sprites photographed shortly after. Mr Mancebo recorded around 14 sprites during
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the same episode as the storm system moved away from the coast. Although sprites are almost impossible to see with the naked eye, observers can capture them by looking towards distant storms 60 to 250 miles away from areas with dark, clear skies. High-quality cameras remain essential to record these brief, spectacular displays.
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Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly NETFLIX really will make a documentary on just about anything. Their newest revisits the most memorable moment of the 2024 Paris Olympics, when Australia’s “Raygun” debuted in the Breaking competition. Her break-dancing quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons, turning the Olympian into a meme. More of a puffpiece than a deep-dive, the documentary t: Netflix edi Cr
investigates what it must be like to fail so spectacularly in a time where every moment is immortalised on social media.
Scarpetta NICOLE KIDMAN steps into Kay Scarpetta’s scrubs in Prime Video’s adaptation of the iconic Patricia Cornwell novels. The series starts on a gruesome but promising note, when Scarpetta revisits the first major case of her career, but the mystery is soon spoiled by science-fiction theatrics. Both Scarpetta and the audience are so distracted by the chaos that the actual culprit must essentially identify them-
self, literally turning up on Scarpetta’s doorstep in a frustratingly underwhelming conclusion.
tudios MS MG
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RARE red flashes appeared above Spain during the early hours of Thursday, September 10, as mysterious electrical events lit up the sky over Mediterranean thunderstorms. Known as red sprites, the fleeting phenomena were photographed from the Almeria coast and Ayora in Valencia. AEMET, Spain’s state meteorological agency, shared images captured from the Ayora observatory, while storm chaser David Mancebo recorded the event from the Almeria coastline. Images taken from Ayora between 2.19am and 2.52am showed the flashes to the south over the sea. Red sprites are large-scale electrical discharges produced roughly 50 to 90 kilometres above the ground, far above ordinary lightning. Classified by NASA as Tran-
Credit: Ama zo n
DOCTORS across Spain are preparing for an indefinite nationwide strike expected to begin around mid-October after failing to reach an agreement with the government over proposed reforms to their employment framework. The action brings together the newly formed Unión Médica y Facultativa (UMYF), the Confederación Estatal de Sindicatos Médicos (CESM) and other mediStarting date not yet confirmed. cal unions. UMYF’s seven founding unions represent around 97,000 doctors, approximately 54 per cent of physicians in The dispute centres on proposed reSpain’s National Health System. forms to Spain’s Estatuto Marco. Doctors The precise starting date has not yet are demanding a specific professional been formally confirmed, although Octoframework, separate negotiations, a 35ber 14 or 15 are being considered. Patients hour working week, recognition and paywith non-urgent appointments could ment of additional hours, changes to proface postponed consultations, diagnosfessional classification and more flexible tic tests, specialist appointments and retirement arrangements. Previous naplanned operations. However, emergency tional strikes have already taken place this treatment and essential services will conyear. Patients with October appointments tinue under minimum-service arrangeare advised not to cancel them themselves ments. Previous measures have protectbut to monitor communications from their ed critical care and treatments such as hospital or health centre. The longer the chemotherapy, radiotherapy and dialysis strike continues, the greater the potenwhere interruption could endanger patial impact on Spain’s already stretched tients. healthcare system.
Credit: Oberservatorio Ayora X
Indefinite doctor strike Sky sprites wow
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Spanish Number Plates – Trusted Registration IN today’s increasingly mobile Europe, registering a vehicle in Spain can often seem complicated. For more than 14 years, Spanish Number Plates has been helping motorists successfully re-register all types of vehicles, earning a strong reputation for experience, reliability, and customer service. The company has assisted with passenger cars, motorcycles, campervans, motorhomes, commercial vehicles, trailers, and classic vehicles. Its extensive knowledge allows customers to navigate the registration process with confidence and peace of mind. Spanish Number Plates specialises in helping owners register European vehicles in Spain, provided they meet the relevant legal and technical requirements. From documentation
Rise of the ‘Mercaurantes’ Credit: Veja/shutterstock
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and inspections to administrative procedures, the company offers practical guidance throughout the process, helping to reduce delays and
unnecessary stress. With over 14 years of successful experience, Spanish Number Plates understands that accuracy and compliance are essential. Its commitment to professional service and clear communication has earned the trust of customers across Europe. The company’s mission is perfectly captured in its slogan: “Let us put you on the right side of the road.” Spanish Number Plates continues to provide motorists with a reliable, efficient, and professional service, making the transition to Spanish roads as straightforward as possible.
Contact them now on +34 671 608 503 info@spanish-number-plates.com / www.spanish-number-plates.com
‘Mercaurantes’ Mercadona’s seating areas.
MERCADONA’S ready-to-eat range is now available in 1,490 of its 1,600 Spanish stores. Recent figures reported show prepared meals generated approximately €700 million in revenue during 2025. When chilled items like hummus and gazpacho are included, the total ready-to-eat category reaches €3 billion. The range features classic Spanish dishes such as paella, tortilla, lentils, meatballs, and roast chicken, alongside international options including sushi, poke, pizza, and burgers. In response to 20 per cent annual growth in the segment, Mercadona is expanding shelf space dedicated to convenience foods in its newer store layouts. Industry experts attribute the surge to shifting consumer habits. Ignacio Garcia
Magarzo, director general of supermarket association Asedas, noted that shoppers increasingly value free time. Research from McKinsey and EuroCommerce reveals 40 per cent of Gen Z and millennial consumers, plus 13 per cent of over-65s, buy prepared meals weekly. Market data shows prepared convenience food now reaches 99.25 per cent of Spanish households. Select locations now feature in-store seating areas and microwave stations. Dubbed ‘mercaurantes’, these spaces offer a lower-cost alternative to a traditional menu del dia. However, the model faces pushback from hospitality groups, with the Gremio de Restauracion de Barcelona accusing retail giants of unfair intrusion into the restaurant sector.
It was the gazpacho A DRIVER in Castilleja de la Cuesta, Sevilla, recorded an alcohol reading four times Spain’s general legal limit after police stopped him following strange driving manoeuvres. Local officers also saw him driving without a seatbelt and manually using his mobile phone. During the stop, they noticed symptoms they considered compatible with alcohol consumption and carried out a breathalyser test. The result was 1.00 milligrams of alcohol per litre of exhaled air, compared with the general legal limit of 0.25 mg/l. It was also well above the 0.60 mg/l threshold, at which driving can constitute a criminal offence. The driver’s explanation was unusual. He denied drinking alcohol and claimed the reading was caused by vinegar in the
Photo credit: AI generated
28 17 - 23 September 2026
Police did not accept the explanation.
gazpacho he had eaten for lunch. Police did not accept the explanation and began investigating him for a suspected road-safety offence. The possible consequences are serious. A conviction could result in three to six months in prison, a fine lasting six to 12 months or 31 to 90 days of community service. A driving ban lasting between one and
four years can also be imposed. The case is expected to go through a fast-track court procedure. The incident also involved separate road-safety issues, including mobile phone use and failing to wear a seatbelt, meaning the driver was already facing several concerns before his unusual explanation for the breathalyser result.
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SPAIN’S self-employed workforce has changed significantly over the past four years, with foreign workers accounting for all of the net growth recorded since July 2022. Figures from UPTA, based on Social Security data, show that the number of foreign autonomos rose from 399,890 to 532,356 between July 2022 and July 2026. That is an increase of 132,466 people, or 33.1 per cent. During the same period, the number of Spanish self-employed workers fell by 7,630. Overall, the RETA gained 124,836 members, meaning the increase among foreign workers more than offset the decline among Spanish nationals. Chinese nationals form the largest foreign group, with 71,242 self-employed workers, followed by Romanians, Italians, Moroccans and British nation-
Photo Credit: Ksjundra07/Shutterstock
Foreigners leading the self-employed
Foreign autonomos now account for 15.4 per cent.
als. Colombia, Ukraine and Russia recorded some of the strongest increases since 2022. Foreign autonomos now account for 15.4 per cent of Spain’s self-employed workforce, compared with 12 per cent four years ago. Much of this activity is concentrated in Cataluña, the Valencian Community, Madrid and Andalucia. Foreign entrepreneurs are also working across sectors including com-
merce, hospitality, construction, transport, professional services and property. At the same time, authorities are increasing efforts to tackle false self-employment, where workers are registered as autonomos despite effectively working as employees. Inspections are focusing on sectors such as delivery services, with thousands of workers being regularised.
SPANISH NEWS
New TV rating rules Credit:Adam Yee / Shutterstock.com
32 17 - 23 September 2026
SPAIN’S new television and streaming classification system came into force on Thursday, September 10, giving viewers clearer information about potentially unsuitable content. The rules apply to television, on-demand services and certain high-profile online video creators. New classification Existing age categorules. ries remain: TP (Todos los Publicos, or suitable for all audiences), +7, +12, +16, +18 and X for adult content. A separate la- imitable behaviour or language. The inforbel means “especially recommended for mation should help parents make quicker children.” choices and use parental controls more Broadcasters must display ratings on effectively. screen and in electronic programme News and current-affairs programmes guides. Streaming platforms must show are exempt from formal ratings, but chanthem on programme information pages nels must issue verbal warnings before and when playback begins. potentially unsuitable footage. Sports, Series will generally receive one rating music, cultural and political broadcasts for an entire season, based on the epi- are also generally excluded, although sode with the highest age classification. combat sports may require classification. This is intended to prevent viewers asAdult-rated programmes cannot be suming every episode is suitable because broadcast on television between 6am earlier installments carried a lower rating. and 10pm. Serious breaches, including New content warnings will explain rating content two or more levels below whether a rating relates to sex, violence, the correct category, could bring fines of fear or distress, drugs, discrimination, between €750 and €75,000.
FINANCE IN Spain, 57 per cent of shoppers now buy supermarket own-brand alternatives over name brands. Most major supermarkets offer near-identical inhouse products for less. Aldi’s own-brand products, for example, are priced 14 per cent lower than market value.
Labour costs up
SPAIN’S labour cost per hour rose 4.8 per cent in Q2, its 20th consecutive quarterly increase. Wages climbed 4.7 per cent, while other employment costs rose 4.8 per cent. The sustained rise means businesses are paying more to employ staff, potentially increasing prices.
Shipping costs climb
A GLOBAL ship-fuel shortage is looming as wars disrupt refineries and oil transport. Refiners are prioritising more profitable diesel and petrol, reducing fuel-oil production. The shortfall could reach 218,000 barrels a day in Q3, while stocks are already 30 per cent below seasonal norms.
Grocery bill grows
UK FOOD inflation is expected to reach 4 per cent by the end of 2026 and peak at 6.4 per cent in July 2027. The Food and Drink Federation blames war, drought, and rising energy and transport costs.
McLaren invest
MCLAREN is giving the UK automotive industry a major lift with a £450 million investment in its technology centre, creating 1,000 new jobs. The expansion strengthens Britain’s position in high-value car manufacturing, supporting skills, innovation and investment at a challenging time for the sector.
STAT OF WEEK
0.9%
In the second quarter of 2026, labour productivity in the EU increased by 0.9 per cent based on persons and by 0.8 per cent based on hours worked, compared with the same quarter of the previous year.
Brazilian meat ban AS of September 3, the EU has seized trading animal products from Brazil until the country can prove they meet EU food standards. Member states agreed to the ban in May, citing safety concerns around antimicrobial use in farmed animals - a substance banned in the EU for promoting irregular animal growth. Restrictions apply to chicken, eggs, horse, beef, fish and honey, potentially causing food prices to rise across Europe. Brazil is a large supplier of meat and poultry to the EU. Approximately 25 per cent of the EU’s imported chicken and beef products are imported from Brazil each year - around 211,000 tonnes of chicken and 92,000 tonnes of beef. The newly implemented export restrictions will have major consequences for all parties. Brazil could lose around €1.58 billion annually if the export embargo is in place long-term. Meanwhile in
Ceuta GDP crisis
Credit: Vitalii Biliak, Shutterstock
Big brands ditched
euroweeklynews.com • 17 - 23 September 2026
Meat to get more expensive.
Europe, consumers will feel the impact on their weekly shopping. While stocks won’t dip immediately, the market pressure will lead to gradual price increases on key items. Brazil mostly exports premium cuts of beef, so the price hike won’t be as noticeable for average consumers. Chicken, however, is a more economical protein
bought in bulk. RaboResearch expects European chicken prices to rise as a direct result of the Brazilian meat ban. In an attempt to amend the situation, Brazil has allowed EU inspectors to review its production system. The hope is that a solution will be found in poultry exports, which has only a 42-day production cycle compared to beef’s two-year cycle.
Self-employed pressures
Credit: Mongta Studio, Shutterstock
BUSINESS EXTRA
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TIMES are tough for self-employed workers and small businesses across Spain who, as determined by UPTA, lose €125 just by opening the doors to the public each day. The cost of running a business has risen to €2,980 a month, €35,760 annually. Comparatively, the average contracted worker in Spain earns less than €25,000 a year, according to the INE. In addition to salaries and tax, rent is the biggest business ex-
pense, often accounting for 50 per cent of costs. Many self-employed people with businesses requiring a physical store-front also face a ‘double-rent’ situation, meaning they are responsible not only for their rented premises, but also their home mortgage or rent. Close to €3,000 is needed each month. In order to cover those expenses, a self-employed person must work 10 hours a day, or 217 hours per month, to earn between €2,500 and €3,500 euros.
Small-businesses spend before they open.
Billionaire exit
Inditex profits
Oil up again
INDITEX posted a record firsthalf profit of €2.98 billion, as sales rose 7.6 per cent to €19.76 billion. Growth was driven by strong performance across its brands including both physical shops and online channels. Zara remains the group’s main revenue generator, while Europe accounts for more than two-thirds of sales. Despite the strong results, shares fell as profits came in slightly below analysts’ expectations. Inditex expects sales momentum to continue into autumn.
OIL has again hit $100 (€85,94) a barrel due to escalation in the Middle East and household budgets will quickly feel the effects. Higher crude prices push up petrol and diesel costs, making commuting and travel more expensive. They can also raise the cost of growing, transporting and producing food and everyday goods, adding to inflation. Meanwhile, persistent inflation could keep interest rates higher for longer, increasing borrowing costs for mortgages and loans.
ANOTHER billionaire has left Britain for greener, cheaper pastures with hedge fund tycoon Chris Rokos becoming the latest highnet-worth exit. Many cite higher tax thresholds and the abolition of the non-dom regime - a scheme that allowed the rich to live in Britain but hold residency in a second location to avoid higher tax bills - as reasons for the high-profile exits. Rokos was one of the highest tax contributors in 2025, paying an estimated £330 million. With a net worth of £2.96 billion, according to Bloomberg’s billionaire index, Rokos is now set to establish residency in Greece.
SINCE the mass migrant crossing on July 30, businesses in Ceuta have suffered direct losses of over €33 million. That’s in addition to €170.01 million in indirect damages associated with the city’s deteriorating reputation and public image, which Ceuta’s Chamber of Commerce believes will negatively impact tourism and future investment. As such, Ceuta is bracing for a more than 10 per cent cut to its GDP, a major blow to the already small economy.
Poundland sale LAST June, Poundland was bought by Gordon Brothers for just £1, but now the private equity firm has put the high-street’s cheapest chain back on the market. Following the acquisition, Gordon Brothers restructured to cover accrued debt. Over 100 stores were closed, and the brand reverted to prices rounded to the nearest pound, the chain’s signature. Having received multiple unsolicited offers, the firm hopes to finalise a deal before the crucial Christmas trading period.
Pension problem THE ratio of workers to pensioners in Spain stood at 2.35 by the end of August, the highest level since 2009. An increase in employment during summer ensured that, for every contributory pension, there was more than double the number of contributing members. However, this increase still is not sufficient to support the public pension system, which has been impacted by a sustained decline in the labour market over the last two decades. According to a report by Foment del Trebal, 685,786 more contributors would need to be added to offset the existing deficit of €5.6 billion.
34 17 - 23 September 2026
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FINANCE
LONDON - FTSE 100
DOW JONES
Closing Prices 14 September
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Closing Prices 14 September
Net
3I Group.....................................2.664,00............2.677,00......... 2.640,00.......... 51,53K Admiral Group.............................3.839,4..............3.839,4........... 3.782,4........... 10,26K Airtel Africa................................. 343,20...............345,60............342,80............ 51,1K Anglo American...........................3.936,0..............3.953,0........... 3.905,0.......... 127,66K Antofagasta................................3.700,00............3.754,00......... 3.699,00.......... 60,41K Associated British Foods.............1.858,5..............1.864,0........... 1.843,5........... 42,99K AstraZeneca...............................11.896,0............11.926,0......... 11.692,0......... 239,25K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 493,70...............498,30............492,60.......... 255,22K Aviva........................................... 711,80...............712,80............706,40.......... 155,61K B M European Value Retail.......... 226,00...............227,00............222,80.......... 105,92K BAE Systems..............................1.928,00............1.935,50......... 1.900,00......... 194,79K Barclays...................................... 491,40...............493,00............490,05.......... 651,44K Barratt Redrow............................ 283,10...............284,30............281,90.......... 220,91K Beazley.......................................1.305,00............1.305,50......... 1.304,50.......... 29,02K Berkeley......................................3.278,0..............3.293,0........... 3.266,0............ 3,96K BP............................................... 569,76...............574,30............569,70............1,43M British American Tobacco...........4.160,0..............4.162,0........... 4.111,0........... 88,53K BT Group.................................... 203,40...............204,60............201,50.......... 379,11K Bunzl...........................................2.594,0..............2.594,0........... 2.568,0............ 39,5K Centrica....................................... 151,30...............152,10............151,08.......... 477,76K Coca Cola HBC AG......................4.560,0..............4.560,0........... 4.510,0........... 14,12K Compass...................................... 31,14.................31,36..............30,92............ 76,16K ConvaTec Group......................... 217,60...............218,80............216,80.......... 195,45K Croda Intl....................................3.166,0..............3.177,0........... 3.144,0........... 12,61K DCC.............................................6.335,0..............6.350,0........... 6.325,0........... 36,94K Diageo.........................................1.622,5..............1.626,0........... 1.600,2.......... 125,12K Diploma.....................................7.065,00............7.065,00......... 7.010,00........... 10,8K EasyJet........................................ 666,80...............668,80............666,60........... 46,34K Entain.......................................... 503,20...............505,90............500,00........... 84,53K Experian......................................2.882,0..............2.885,0........... 2.807,0.......... 148,69K F&C Invest.................................. 339,20...............340,40............338,20........... 93,77K Frasers........................................ 793,00...............796,50............784,00............ 6,13K Fresnillo.....................................2.957,00............2.967,00......... 2.927,00.......... 34,99K Glencore...................................... 593,20...............598,60............592,32............2,23M GSK plc......................................1.817,00............1.820,50......... 1.789,50............328K HALEON...................................... 339,14...............339,90............336,80............1,56M Halma..........................................3.516,7..............3.592,0........... 3.510,0............ 41,5K Hikma Pharma...........................1.538,00............1.544,00......... 1.518,00........... 7,84K Hiscox........................................1.887,00............1.892,00......... 1.880,00.......... 34,45K Howden Joinery.......................... 741,50...............744,50............739,50........... 40,59K HSBC.........................................1.557,00............1.560,08......... 1.545,00...........1,74M IAG.............................................. 410,50...............413,40............410,10.......... 695,39K ICG PLC.....................................1.903,00............1.908,00......... 1.884,00.......... 15,97K IMI PLC......................................3.006,00............3.020,00......... 2.992,00.......... 10,15K Imperial Brands..........................2.514,00............2.523,65......... 2.501,00.......... 88,72K Informa....................................... 893,40...............895,00............884,60........... 39,76K InterContinental........................... 153,4.................153,4..............152,5............. 3,76K Intertek........................................5.850,0..............5.855,0........... 5.850,0........... 15,67K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
J Sainsbury................................. 337,70...............338,30............333,90.......... 366,52K JD Sports Fashion........................ 78,34.................78,74..............78,00........... 402,59K Kingfisher.................................... 290,53...............292,00............289,00........... 99,67K Land Securities........................... 629,50...............632,00............626,57........... 36,73K Legal & General.......................... 291,00...............292,00............287,70.......... 905,94K Lloyds Banking........................... 111,15...............111,50............110,35.............3,2M London Stock Exchange..............8.464,0..............8.466,0........... 8.332,0.......... 122,61K Londonmetric Property............... 176,90...............177,76............176,10........... 475,1K M&G........................................... 332,57...............333,20............331,00.......... 147,25K Marks & Spencer........................ 384,00...............384,50............375,80.......... 239,35K Melrose Industries...................... 475,00...............476,80............468,20........... 72,18K Mondi.......................................... 823,40...............827,20............814,40........... 15,18K National Grid..............................1.127,00............1.131,50......... 1.126,50.......... 135,2K NatWest Group........................... 696,46...............697,40............693,80.......... 402,46K Next...........................................14.700,0............14.725,0......... 14.615,0........... 4,56K Pearson......................................1.178,50............1.178,50......... 1.163,00.......... 29,36K Pershing Square........................3.790,00............3.850,00......... 3.752,00............ 4,9K Persimmon.................................1.113,0..............1.114,5........... 1.102,5........... 58,24K Prudential.................................... 982,00...............983,60............976,80.......... 191,66K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.080,0..............5.080,0........... 5.018,0........... 21,56K Relx............................................2.583,00............2.588,00......... 2.543,40......... 200,03K Rentokil....................................... 332,90...............332,90............329,30.......... 131,09K Rightmove.................................. 486,20...............486,50............479,10........... 96,16K Rio Tinto PLC..............................7.255,0..............7.301,0........... 7.254,0........... 88,46K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.441,00............1.447,80......... 1.433,60......... 396,76K Sage...........................................1.001,50............1.003,00...........985,40.......... 123,68K Schroders.................................... 585,5.................586,0..............585,0........... 198,49K Scottish Mortgage......................1.468,50............1.473,00......... 1.455,75.......... 85,98K Segro.......................................... 933,00...............934,20............929,80.......... 172,54K Severn Trent...............................2.940,0..............2.950,0........... 2.930,0............ 9,74K Shell............................................3.581,5..............3.596,5........... 3.575,0.......... 332,25K Smith & Nephew........................1.044,50............1.044,50......... 1.026,50......... 176,84K Smiths Group.............................2.545,00............2.549,00......... 2.526,00.............34K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........6.775,0..............6.855,0........... 6.755,0............ 2,37K SSE............................................2.348,00............2.368,00......... 2.348,00.......... 51,48K Standard Chartered....................2.325,00............2.330,00......... 2.303,00......... 268,48K Standard Life............................... 922,50...............924,50............913,50.......... 108,96K Taylor Wimpey............................. 77,50.................77,76..............77,06........... 872,39K Tesco.......................................... 474,70...............475,30............468,01.......... 418,22K Unilever.......................................4.636,0..............4.638,0........... 4.586,0........... 72,21K Unite........................................... 475,20...............475,20............468,80........... 22,61K United Utilities............................1.329,00............1.334,00......... 1.323,00.......... 40,16K Vistry Group................................ 267,20...............268,36............265,20........... 30,67K Vodafone Group PLC................. 129,950.............130,050..........128,350...........3,17M Weir Group................................2.688,00............2.702,00......... 2.680,00.......... 25,72K Whitbread...................................2.341,0..............2.393,0........... 2.340,0............ 9,68K WPP............................................ 379,50...............379,65............373,50.......... 429,03K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3M.............................................. 164,97...............165,37............162,55............3,29M Amazon.com............................... 256,78...............257,59............253,14...........26,72M American Express....................... 324,69...............326,26............322,21............1,93M Amgen........................................ 377,35...............386,99............377,22............2,27M Apple........................................... 332,27...............336,22............326,30...........50,72M Boeing......................................... 210,45...............211,62............207,22............4,14M Caterpillar.................................... 818,57...............826,00............813,51............1,83M Chevron...................................... 214,06...............215,55............212,02............6,57M Cisco........................................... 112,13...............112,22............108,36...........14,16M Coca-Cola..................................... 88,29.................88,65..............87,81.............9,99M Goldman Sachs..........................1.029,18............1.042,99......... 1.018,59...........1,16M Home Depot................................ 308,74...............311,21............307,90............3,49M Honeywell................................... 202,36...............204,20............201,54............2,75M IBM............................................. 243,29...............243,63............235,00............4,92M J&J............................................. 265,58...............270,40............265,25............4,71M JPMorgan................................... 356,23...............360,05............354,79............5,36M McDonald’s................................. 252,53...............254,73............252,15.............4,1M Merck&Co................................... 143,93...............145,90............143,68............8,68M Microsoft.................................... 495,63...............498,97............492,58...........14,52M Nike.............................................. 36,80.................37,05..............36,62............19,97M NVIDIA........................................ 218,29...............222,00............218,15...........89,06M P&G............................................ 145,27...............145,49............143,55...........11,53M Salesforce Inc............................. 247,72...............250,55............242,02............9,74M Sherwin-Williams........................ 323,31...............324,91............317,55............2,17M The Travelers.............................. 375,20...............375,30............369,60............1,62M UnitedHealth............................... 379,09...............391,73............375,90............7,48M Verizon......................................... 50,61.................50,82..............50,22............16,46M Visa A.......................................... 370,45...............371,81............367,98............3,49M Walmart...................................... 107,15...............107,21............105,72...........17,07M Walt Disney................................. 106,55...............107,36............105,64............7,26M M - Million Dollars
NASDAQ
Closing Prices 14 September
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced Biodexa Pharmaceuticals DRC......................... 96,96 %........................142,44M Trugolf Holdings.............................................. 76,03 %.........................434,8M MKDWELL Tech............................................... 51,96 %..........................1,46M Frequency Electronics...................................... 42,40 %..........................1,55M Future Fintech.................................................. 40,49 %.........................53,28M GT Biopharma.................................................. 39,32 %........................544,27K China SXT Pharma........................................... 32,64 %.........................14,16M Korsana............................................................ 29,91 %........................114,12K Columbus Acquisition...................................... 27,83 %.........................91,71K New Fortress Energy........................................ 22,00 %.........................18,93M Aixcrypto Holdings........................................... 21,08 %........................624,14K Cheche Group.................................................. 20,93 %.........................39,79K Nocera............................................................. 19,89 %........................610,78K Alphatecs......................................................... 19,68 %..........................6,46M Global Engine Holding...................................... 19,51 %........................263,77K Americas Car-Mart........................................... 19,50 %..........................2,98M OIO................................................................... 18,45 %........................154,52K Reading Int B................................................... 18,19 %.........................41,18K Veritone........................................................... 18,18 %..........................5,27M M - Million Dollars
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Declined U Power...........................................................-32,84 %........................171,79K CDT Equity.......................................................-27,55 %.........................10,19M Lianhe Sowell...................................................-26,15 %..........................2,88M Advasa Holdings..............................................-25,89 %.........................20,78M CVD Equipment................................................-25,36 %........................844,36K GlucoTrack.......................................................-21,05 %........................744,25K Singularity Future Tech....................................-18,88 %........................659,65K Adial Pharma....................................................-18,27 %........................108,47K Hub Cyber Security..........................................-18,21 %........................634,55K Greenland Mines..............................................-17,54 %........................869,62K CPI Card...........................................................-16,48 %..........................1,55M Stardust Power................................................-15,88 %.........................10,53M Ambitions Enterprise Management Co LLC......-15,82 %.........................833,3K Greenwave Tech Solutions...............................-15,74 %.........................35,69K Telos................................................................-15,60 %..........................1,32M Silexion Therapeutics.......................................-15,38 %..........................2,58M bioAffinity Technologies...................................-15,34 %........................827,86K Sellas Life Sciences.........................................-14,42 %.........................14,71M Nomadar..........................................................-14,20 %..........................14,3K M - Million Dollars
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FINANCE
Watermelon woes
SPAIN’S watermelon sector is in crisis as foreign competition puts pressure on prices. While Brazil remains the EU’s top supplier, Morocco’s exports surged 14 per cent in the first half of 2026. For Spain, a tough summer, overlapping seasons, and a saturated market are raising concerns.
Employment shortfall
UK DATA centres have fallen short of predicted job creation, despite being the main defence for their rapid rollout. The tech centre predicted datacentres would generate 40,000 jobs, but new projections amended that figure to 10,400. So far, only 4,400 direct jobs have been created.
Gold on the move EUROPEAN banks are moving gold out of North America, motivated by the geopolitical unrest that has defined President Trump’s second term. With trade and military wars escalating, many countries are taking precautions by moving reserves closer to home. The Netherlands was the most recent bank to act. In a secret operation, the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) removed some 86 tonnes of gold from the US and Canada. Approximately 27
Credit: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB, Shutterstock
BUSINESS EXTRA
17 - 23 September 2026
European banks move gold out of North America.
Sponsors in jeopardy THE new government under Andy Burnham is looking to restrict unlicensed betting operations after UK consumers spent over £379 million on unregulated sites in the first half of 2025. New regulations wouldn’t only affect gamblers, but several premiere league clubs who hold multi-million-pound deals with such firms. Over the summer, commercial deals
between football clubs and unlicensed operators rose from six to 10. Everton’s deal with the Stake.com crypto casino is under special scrutiny, given it is the club the Prime Minister publicly supports. The Premier League is lobbying against such restrictions, citing that most of the clubs’ casino sponsors aren’t readily available in the UK, except with a VPN.
gold bars were transferred across the Atlantic, the remainder was moved by selling and buying the equivalent amount in London. London’s Bank of England in London is a prestigious institution. As one of the largest custodians of gold, it holds an estimated 400,000 gold bars worth more than £200 billion. DNB officials reportedly feel Dutch gold can be more easily traded if held at the Bank of England, especially in the event of a “crisis situation”. The Bank of Spain remains secretive about its gold. On last count Spain managed 281 tons of gold, an unknown portion of which is confirmed to be held in the United States. With tensions worsening between the two countries, experts suspect Spain could be the next to move its reserves, if it hasn’t already.
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No rooms FOR many in Spain, shared rentals are their only hope for independent living. But even that could be taken away. A new Fotocasa study finds that, for the first time, 53 per cent of those looking for a room to rent are unsuccessful, the demand having grown so considerably.
Service sector THE UK’s service sector strengthened in August, reaching a four-month high as business and consumer spending picked up. The services PMI rose to 52.5 from 52.1, signalling continued expansion. However, rising costs and stronger price pressures remain a concern, adding to inflation worries for the Bank of England.
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Emergency slide PASSENGERS bound for Prague were forced to slide down emergency chutes on Thursday, September 10, after a lithium powerbank overheated in an overhead locker on an easyJet Airbus A320 at Milan Malpensa. Cabin crew spotted smoke billowing from a piece of cabin baggage while flight U23905 was taxiing for departure. The pilots immediately aborted take-off, brought the Airbus A320 to a halt next to the airport fire station, and ordered an immediate evacuation. All 146 passengers evacuated down inflatable chutes, with two people sustaining minor bruises during the exit. Emergency services met the aircraft, while nearby planes were evacuated as a precaution and both runways were temporarily closed. Italy’s aviation safety
EUROPRESS - FEATURE
Bavarian airport party
Credit:MAirport
Credit: Avgeek Jan X
Oktoberfest comes to Munich airport.
EasyJet flight stopped due to powerpack smoking.
agency, the ANSV, confirmed that a lithium charger packed inside a trolley bag had suffered thermal runaway, igniting the bag. Although the cabin did not catch fire, dense smoke triggered the evacuation response. Operations partially resumed after an hour, and passengers eventually reached Prague on a replacement aircraft.
EasyJet prohibits passengers from using power banks to charge devices mid-flight. Safety guidelines state that chargers should be carried in hand luggage, ideally on the person, so crew members can act rapidly if a unit begins to overheat. The incident follows a series of similar fires on commercial flights worldwide over the past two years.
LANDING in Munich will have you feeling festive this autumn, and you don’t even need to leave the terminal to join in. Munich Airport has launched its own Oktoberfest programme for 2026, giving passengers a taste of Bavarian tradition weeks before the famous “O’zapft is!” call rings out at the Theresienwiese. The city’s official festival, now in its 191st edition, runs from Saturday, September 19 to Sunday, October 4. Airport celebrations began on Wednesday, September 2 and continue until the festival’s final day, with millions of visitors expected to pass through the terminals. Travellers stepping into Terminal 2 are greeted with gingerbread hearts,
whilst costumed folk groups perform in the public atrium between Terminals 1 and 2 and beyond security. Concourses are dressed with regional motifs, and staff wear dirndls and lederhosen for the occasion. Beer lovers need not wait until reaching the city centre either. Airbräu, the airport’s own brewery, hosts its Gaudium tapping ceremony on Saturday, September 19, with the first keg poured free of charge. A live music schedule follows, mixing brass with rock, pop and folk. Diners can also tuck into roast chicken, pork knuckle and pretzels, giving short-layover passengers a chance to sample proper Bavarian fare without setting foot in the city.
NORA JOHNSON - BREAKING VIEWS NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.
Menorca’s secrets & treasures!
MENORCA, the quieter sibling of the Balearics, sits in the western Mediterranean with an air of polite understatement. Much of the island is a dry, rather stoic tableland, though the north centre rises into rugged hills crowned by Toro. The northern coast, strikingly dramatic, is carved into capes and inlets, including La Albufera, Addaya and Fornells. Mahon, the principal town, boasts a magnificent natural harbour once coveted during 18th century conflicts. By contrast, the south is more regular with long, sheer cliffs. The island’s earliest residents were likely cave dwellers, though they left behind far more than footprints. From the second millennium BCE come mysterious talayots, sturdy stone towers and taulas, curious T-shaped structures. These often sit within enclosed settlements, hinting at ceremonial or communal life.
‘Navetas’, shaped like inverted boats, served as collective tombs, proving the island has long taken both life and afterlife seriously. Agriculture here is modest, limestone soils favouring grazing, though terraced hills and fertile valleys provide cereals, potatoes, fruit and almonds. Livestock thrive, and cheese travels well beyond the island. Fishing supplements rural life, with lobsters particularly abundant. Shoe production employs many, while tourism, once modest, is fast taking centre stage - visitors are especially attracted to Menorca’s beaches, blending tradition, industry and steady progress into an increasingly compelling destination. Menorca’s past is as rich as its treasures - an “oven-ready” (Borisspeak, sorry!) must-see! Thanks for emails to my website below. Delighted you also enjoy my novels!
Nora Johnson’s 15 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Girl in Red’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.
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Sip with caution.
FOR many of us, a steaming mug of tea or coffee is part of the daily routine, a way for us to wake up or wind down or simply an excuse for a break from the day. But new research suggests that drinking it too hot could carry a surprising health risk. A major UK study involving almost one million people found that those who regularly drank very hot beverages had nearly three times the risk of developing oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma,
a type of cancer affecting the food pipe. People who preferred their drinks simply “hot” also faced almost double the risk compared with those who drank them warm. The danger appears to come not from the drink itself, but from the heat. Repeated exposure to very hot drinks can damage the lining of the oesophagus, potentially causing inflammation and changes in cells over time. The researchers also found that drinking six or
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more hot drinks a day was linked to a 71 per cent higher risk, regardless of temperature. There is no need to give up your morning brew. Simply letting it cool for a few minutes before taking a sip could reduce the heat-related risk. And remember, smoking and alcohol remain far more significant risk factors for oesophageal cancer. So next time your tea is piping hot, wait a little. Your taste buds, and potentially your health, may thank you.
The stress-cutting power of a haircut: Why a fresh trim can lift your mood I AM pleased that we are Of course, there able to talk more openly are occasions when about mental health medical intervention is than we once did. But appropriate. But most sometimes I do wonder of the everyday stresses whether we have gone a of life aren’t going to be little too far in the other cured by a prescription. direction. We have to find our own Apparently, around 27 ways of coping. per cent of school-age Exercise helps some With thanks to Borja and children in the UK now people. Others swear the team at 3rd Half have an ADHD diagnosis. by meditation, music, Salon. Unless somebody has gardening, walking been tipping something or disappearing unusual into the water supply, that figure somewhere quiet with a cup of coffee. strikes me as extraordinary. But there is another stress-buster that Stress, on the other hand, is nothing doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. new. A haircut. During the Second World War, the Women have understood this for years. British government famously encouraged Sometimes, when everything seems to be people to “Keep Calm and Carry On.” going wrong, a trip We now tend to regard the slogan with a to the hairdresser certain amount of amusement, but there can make the world was actually a serious message behind seem a little more it. Life can be difficult, frightening and manageable. Perhaps stressful, and sometimes we have to find it’s time we men ways of getting on with it. caught up. Credit: Dr. Marcus Stephan.
Hot drink risks
17 - 23 September 2026
DR MARCUS STEPHAN Credit: PeopleImages, Shutterstock
HEALTH & BEAUTY
READ MORE
The information provided in this column is for educational and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Read more at euroweeklynews.com/author/mstephan/
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FEATURE - EUROPRESS
ADVERTISING FEATURE
MSC CRUISES are well known in Spain for offering some of the most innovative ships currently sailing, with the recent launches of their World-class ships, World America and World Asia being welcomed to the family of big brother, World Europa. Whilst World America has been largely based in Miami, we are delighted to say that the inaugural sailing of the new World Asia will take place from Barcelona this December. There are still cabins available for the maiden sailing on the 4th and also over Christmas & New Year. If you fancy a little more warmth in the winter months, MSC have got you covered! Imagine sailing to the Caribbean for 14 nights on board the MSC Opera as she makes her way to her new home port in La Romana. This is a great opportunity to properly relax on board with the bonus of visiting some of the most beautiful Caribbean islands before finally disembarking in La Romana for the flight back to Spain. If 14 nights seems just a little too much, take advantage of MSC´s new offer of Fly
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Discover the world with MSC Cruises in 2026 & 2027
& Sail with a flight departing from Madrid directly to La Romana, where the ship will be waiting to whisk you away on a stunning seven-night Caribbean island hopping adventure. For that little extra luxury touch, upgrade your cabin to Aurea and take full advantage of the daily spa visits included in your cabin category. We know that not everyone enjoys the
long-haul aspect of arriving at their destination, so for those who want less flying, more cruising, we have put together this lovely package in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. With direct flights from Alicante and a short three-hour flying time, you can easily arrive at the hotel on the same day and begin your Canary Islands holiday with a two-night stay in Santa Cruz itself, before
joining the ship for a warm and sunny itinerary taking in Fuerteventura, Madeira, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, La Palma and Tenerife. MSC have based their ship, the Fantasia, in the Canary Islands over the whole of the winter period, so no matter when you are looking to travel, there will be an itinerary to match up. In all of their itineraries, MSC offer their phenomenal Easy Drinks package, including wines, beers, spirits and all non-alcoholic drinks too, so no unexpected surprises at the end of the holiday! Cabin options are also available from the standard Interior to Spa Category and also Yacht Club on some of the ships. For a special occasion, Yacht Club offers exclusivity on board, with private dining options only for Yacht Club guests. If you are interested in finding out more details on Yacht Club, get in touch! Whether you’re planning your first cruise or your next unforgettable voyage, now is the perfect time to secure your preferred cabin and sailing date.
Contact Worldwide Horizons Travel Agency today to find the perfect MSC cruise for your next adventure. 689 140 360 • 623 609 399 966 761 492 • 966 844 484 travel@whtravel.es travel@whtravel.es
TWO paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir are missing after thieves broke into the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer on the French Riviera and removed four artworks in an early-morning raid. The museum occupies Les Collettes, Renoir’s former home, where the artist spent the final years of his life. The break-in happened The museum alarm was triggered at shortly before 6am on 5.48am. September 8. The thieves cut through the garden fence before entering the building. veillance footage, while France’s speThe museum alarm was triggered at cialist art-crime investigators examine 5.48am, and police arrived just five min- the break in. utes later. The rapid response appears The theft has renewed concerns over to have disrupted the escape. Two of security at French museums, following the four paintings were abandoned in several high-profile cultural property the museum grounds and later recov- robberies in recent years. French auered. thorities announced a 33-point security The two remaining works, Portrait of plan in July, including measures aimed Madame Colonna Romano and Young at protecting vulnerable artworks. For Woman at the Well, were on loan from Cagnes-sur-Mer, the loss is particularly Paris’s Musée d’Orsay. The four target- significant because the museum is not ed paintings were collectively valued at simply an art gallery. It preserves Rearound €9 million. Police are searching noir’s former home, personal history and for two suspects identified through sur- connection to the town.
OF all the things airport security might expect to find in a suitcase, a dried crocodile head is certainly not one of them. Yet that was the bizarre discovery made by Italian authorities during checks at Turin’s Caselle Airport, after officers found the preserved reptile remains hidden inside a passenger’s luggage. The 22-year-old Italian man had reportedly travelled from Miami via Istanbul when Guardia di Finanza officers discovered the unusual item, which had been wrapped in brown paper. The passenger is now under investigation over the alleged illegal import of a protected animal specimen. Crocodiles are covered by international wildlife protection
Credit: Guardia di Finanza
Photo credit: Nataly Zadonsky/shutterstock.com
Stolen masterpieces Airport croc shock
Dried crocodile head found in suitcase at Turin airport.
rules under CITES, meaning travellers require the correct permits and documentation to transport certain specimens across borders. Authorities seized the crocodile head and launched an investigation into where it came from and how it came to be in the passenger’s luggage. The case could prove costly if the man is found guilty. Italian law
allows for significant fines for vio-lations involving protected wildlife, as well as possible imprisonment. The bizarre discovery highlights the risks of bringing unusual animal souvenirs home from overseas, particularly when they involve protected species. For airport security officers, however, it was certainly one luggage surprise that will be difficult to forget.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM
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FEATURE
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Costa del Sol
Costa Blanca South
Disney explodes into Malaga
Golfing Glory
DISNEY has moved cameras, cranes and controlled explosives into Malaga’s old provincial prison to film scenes for its new Far Cry television series. The production, based on Ubisoft’s long-running video game franchise, has already begun filming inside the disused Cruz de Humilladero building, with around 350 crew rehearsing action sequences ahead of the main shoot later this month. Residents nearby have been sent letters warning them of controlled detonations and dense smoke, timed to a three-tone acoustic signal before each blast so nobody mistakes the noise for a real emergency. Calle Valderaduey has been closed to traffic for the length of the shoot, while nearby streets face restrictions until September 25. Familiar Hollywood faces Steve Buscemi and Lizzy Caplan are among the cast, alongside creator and star Rob Mac, best known for his role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
COSTA BLANCA golf is set to receive recognition, with the region’s golf course association named among the winners of the 2026 UEPAL Awards. The Association of Golf Courses of the Costa Blanca and Valencian Community will receive the Award for Promotion of the Local Economy at the eighth UEPAL Awards in Elda on September 18. The honour recognises the association’s contribution to economic development through sports tourism, generating employment, attracting visitors and strengthening the region’s international profile. For the southern Costa Blanca, where golf is popular with international residents and visitors, the award has a strong local connection. Association members in the south include La Finca, La Marquesa, Las Ramblas, Lo Romero, Campoamor, Villamartin and Vistabella, placing some of the area’s best-known courses within the organisation.
Axarquia
Costa Blanca North
Lottery lucky charm
National honour
A VENDOR in Torrox Costa has delivered a life-changing payout after just six months in his role. Francisco Lucia sold the winning Sueldazo lottery coupon at his regular pitch in La Carraca, handing a local resident €2,000 every month for the next 10 years. The total prize of €240,000 formed part of the Sunday weekend draw, which carried a theme celebrating the launch of Madrid’s Formula 1 Grand Prix. The win comes shortly after the same town collected €20,000 from a separate ONCE draw the previous month. Lucia, who previously worked in a fruit warehouse, expressed delight at his new career path and the positive reaction from his regular customers. The same draw brought further fortune across Andalucia, with another €240,000 Sueldazo prize landing in Sevilla. Additional payouts of €20,000 were awarded to ticket holders in Motril, Cadiz, Malaga, and Marbella.
CALPE’S famous Moors and Christians celebrations have received a major national boost after being officially declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest by Spain’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism. The prestigious recognition celebrates the cultural importance of one of Calpe’s best-loved annual traditions, famous for its colourful costumes, parades, and dramatic historic reenactments. The award comes at a particularly significant time, as the celebrations mark their 50th anniversary, making the national recognition an especially fitting tribute to the generations of residents who have helped keep the tradition alive. What began five decades ago has grown into one of the most anticipated events on Calpe’s calendar. Months of preparation go into the elaborate costumes, performances, music and parades, with families and festive groups playing a central role in preserving the tradition.
Mallorca
Costa Calida
Mallorca’s cycling hero
Shoreline showdown
THE island has a new reason to celebrate after local cycling star Enric Mas finally achieved the victory that has eluded him for more than a decade. The 31-year-old Movistar rider has won the Vuelta a España, becoming the first Spaniard to take the prestigious Grand Tour since Alberto Contador in 2014. For Mas, the triumph marks the culmination of years of near misses at the race. He had previously finished second three times, in 2018, 2021 and 2022, before adding a third-place finish in 2024. This time, however, the Mallorcan held his nerve to secure the red jersey and write his name into Spanish cycling history. Mas, who was born in Arta, had to survive a demanding final weekend before heading into the final stage in Granada with the overall lead. Norwegian Tobias Halland Johannessen claimed victory on the final stage, but the attention was firmly on Mas as he crossed the finish line with his Movistar teammates.
THE town of Puerto de Mazarron hosted an action-packed weekend of competitive water sports and endurance racing, with the second edition of the Phoenician Shipwreck Challenge taking place at Playa del Puerto. The major sporting event, which took place on September 12 and 13, gathered athletes of all age groups for two days of regional open-water swimming and thrilling aquathlon championships. The action kicked off with the sixth stage of the Regional Open Water League, the Phoenician Shipwreck Challenge Open Water Swim. The event offered a 1-kilometre youth race as well as a 3-kilometre adult race. On the second day, the focus shifted to the Regional Aquathlon Championship, where athletes took on a 1,000-metre open-water swim, followed by a 5-kilometre run along the idyllic beachfront promenade. Athletes showcased an incredible amount of grit, talent, and determination as they tackled this challenging, but rewarding, race.
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44 17 - 23 September 2026 FACT
Hemingway’s cats
AUTHOR Ernest Hemingway was gifted a white sixtoed (polydactyl) cat named Snow White by a ship’s captain in the 1930s. Today, around 60 descendants of that original feline - most possessing six toes instead of the usual five - freely roam and live at the Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, USA.
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PETS
Joint health KEEPING your dog’s joints healthy can help them stay active, comfortable and ready for their next adventure. While joint problems can become more common with age, there are simple steps you can take to support mobility throughout their life. A healthy weight is a great place to start. Carrying excess weight puts additional pressure on the joints, so keeping portions appropriate can make a real difference. Regular, gentle exercise is important too. Daily walks and low-impact activities help maintain muscle strength without putting unnecessary strain on the body. Nutrition can also
Credit: Maaz sharif, Shutterstock
Gentle exercise supports healthy joints.
play a role. A complete, balanced diet provides essential nutrients for overall health, while ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids may support healthy joints. Some joint supplements
contain ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin to help protect cartilage and support mobility, but it is best to speak to your vet before adding supplements to your
Fat cat
A LITTLE extra weight might seem harmless, but carrying excess body fat can affect your cat’s health and quality of life. The tricky part? It is not always easy to spot gradual weight gain, especially when you see your cat every day. One of the simplest checks is to look at your cat from above. Ideally, you should see a gentle waist behind the ribs. From the side, their tummy should slope upwards towards the hind legs rather than hanging noticeably low. You should also be able to feel their ribs beneath a thin layer of fat without pressing firmly. Changes in behaviour can offer clues,
dog’s routine. Keep an eye out for changes in movement. Stiffness, reluctance to climb stairs, difficulty getting up or a reduced interest in walks could indicate discomfort. Credit: CHUANGXIN ZHOU, Shutterstock
Signs your cat may be overweight.
too. Is your cat less interested in playing, jumping or exploring? Do they tire more quickly or spend even more time sleeping? These changes can sometimes be linked to carrying excess weight.
An overweight cat may also struggle to groom properly, particularly around their back and hindquarters. This can lead to a greasy, matted or unkempt coat. If you think your cat
is carrying too much weight, speak to your vet before changing their diet. A gradual, carefully managed weight-loss plan can help your cat become fitter while protecting their health.
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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)
DRAINAGE
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LANGUAGE CLASSES
CHARITY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - The RBL Zurgena & District meets several times a month between Mojácar and Arboleas. Arboleas: Coffee & Games, 1st and 3rd Thursday, Quiz on the 4th Tuesday at 10am, Hostel Rosaleda, opposite New Bar International. Mojácar: Coffee morning, 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 11am, Cokkia Bar.Members and non-members are welcome.For more information, visit the RBL Zurgena & District Facebook page or email Zurgena.secretary@rbl. community. If you or your partner are serving or have served and need help or support, please contact us. We’re here to help, with the small things as well as the big. (253989)
CHURCHES Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services take place every Sunday from July 5 at Mojacar Church (12pm) and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) Church (9am), with services at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) held monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions
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 (350921)
MOTORING
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REMOVALS
46 17 - 23 September 2026
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MOTORING
ROAD TEST BY MARK SLACK
Hyundai i20 – a must-drive entry on your shortlist UNTIL recently, as there’s been a rash of new superminis, smaller cars were becoming an endangered species. One of the most long lived is Hyundai’s i20, which in its latest guise offers a redesigned line-up with generous standard equipment and an enjoyable drive. The range starts from just €23,286/£20,010 for the lead-in Element model that comes with air conditioning, auto lights, high beam assist, power windows, cruise control, rear parking sensors with rear view camera, navigation, 25cm/10” display screen, Android Auto and Apple Car Play and 40cm/16” alloy wheels. Black Line and Tech Line models are priced at €27,010/£23,210 and €28,529/£24,515 respectively. Power comes from a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that develops 90PS, with either 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic gears. It’s a perky engine, despite a leisurely 11.5 seconds to the benchmark 100kph/62 mph. Allied to a smooth gear change, this makes it a surprisingly entertaining drive on cross-country roads. For a small car there’s an admirable amount of space inside and it’s practical too. In addition to passenger space, the storage for in-car bits-n-bobs is good,
FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: Hyundai i20 Element Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, 90PS Gears: 6-speed manual (optional 7 -speed automatic) Price: €23,286/£20,010 Performance: 11.5 secs to 100kph/62 mph - 180kph/112 mph maximum speed Economy: 5.7 l/100km 49.6mpg Emissions: 130 g/km Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets with decent door pockets, a good size glovebox and cubby trays in the centre console. The central tray on the dash-
board is also plenty big enough for a smartphone - and, on higher-spec models, it comes equipped with a wireless
phone charging pad. Build quality is largely excellent for, by today’s standards, a cheaper car, although there are some less tactile plastics inside the car. On the road the i20 deals with the worst excesses of our potholed tarmac admirably and through twisting cross-country roads it’s possessed of sharp handling. Style is very subjective but along with some lively colour options - Mangrove Green Pearl, Lucid Lime Metallic, Vibrant Blue Pearl and Lumen Grey Pearl - there’s a mix of slim, sharp lines. It’s far from the generic styling so often seen on our roads. While newcomers including Renault’s 4 and 5 and Nissan’s Micra may be grabbing the headlines with their retro inspired lines, neither offer the space and practicality of the i20. Hyundai has managed to combine the best of a practical, downto-earth transport choice with a style that wouldn’t look out of place parked adjacent a trendy café bar. If you’re looking for an all-rounder small car that is equally at home in the city or on longer runs, then the i20, especially the well-equipped lead-in model, is a mustdrive entry on your shortlist.
Credit: Diputacion de Almeria
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More than 400 cyclists take on Las 4 Cimas.
Four Summits tour roads around Gergal into a lively meeting point for cycling enthusiasts. Among the notable participants were former professional cyclist Paco Mancebo and football coach Eder Sarabia, both of whom took on the demanding course. Mancebo proved the strongest rider on the day, while Marilo Herrera claimed victory in the women’s category. Now firmly established as one of Almeria’s leading cycling events, Four Summits offers much more than a challenging ride. It brings together sport, nature and local communities, while showcasing the remarkable landscapes of the Sierra de Los Filabres to cyclists from across Spain.
Credit: DJ Creative Studio, Shutterstock
MORE than 400 cyclists took on one of Almeria’s toughest and most rewarding cycling challenges recently as the 22nd edition of Las 4 Cimas (the Four Summits) tour returned to the Sierra de Los Filabres. Starting and finishing in Gergal, the 115-kilometre route packed in an impressive 2,861 metres of climbing. Riders faced four demanding mountain passes: Castro de los Filabres, Alto de Velefique, Collado Ramal and Calar Alto. The result was a true test of endurance, set against some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the province. The event attracted cyclists from more than 25 Spanish provinces, turning the
Lucar’s Piedrea Loberta Trail is Almeria’s most striking hiking route.
Explore inland Almeria GET ready for an unforgettable day in the mountains as Lucar’s Piedra Lobera Trail invites walkers and runners to explore one of the most striking landscapes in inland Almeria. Taking place on Sunday, October 4, the event will lead participants from the village of Lucar into the rugged scenery of the Sierra de las Estancias. Dramatic rock formations, steep slopes, deep
ravines and sweeping views across the Almanzora Valley make this a route with plenty to discover at every turn. Nature lovers will also have the chance to experience the area’s distinctive mountain vegetation, including the remarkable Atlas cedar forest, which adds an unusual character to this high-altitude landscape. With different route options and formats de-
signed for a range of abilities, the event offers an accessible way to enjoy the mountains, whether you prefer a steady walk or a more energetic trail run. Come and discover Lucar from a different perspective, where natural beauty, local heritage and spectacular mountain scenery come together. Places are limited, so prior registration is required via turismoal manzora.com.
SPORT
Record Skoda signups THE Skoda Titan Desert Almeria is set for its biggest edition yet, with more than 570 riders from 25 different nationalities signed up for the 2026 race. The record-breaking entry marks a 15 per cent increase on the 500 cyclists who lined up in both 2024 and 2025, underlining the event’s growing appeal across Europe. This year’s surge in participation comes alongside major changes to the race. Mojacar replaces El Toyo as the event’s official base, giving riders, support teams, organisers and volunteers a new home for the five-day adventure. The course has also been given a serious makeover. Three of the four stages are completely new, promising a tougher mountain bike challenge across some of Almeria’s most striking landscapes. The opening stage will hug the Mediterranean coast before the race heads in-
Credit: Škoda Titan Desert Almeria / Facebook
48 17 - 23 September 2026
Almeria’s Škoda Titan Desert set to be biggest edition yet.
land towards Tabernas. The highlight will be the Skoda We Love Cycling queen stage, featuring the legendary climb to Velefique, a regular feature of La Vuelta. Skoda Titan Desert will
arrive in Almeria on Thursday, October 1. With a record field, a demanding new route and a fresh base in Mojacar, the seventh edition is shaping up to be the biggest Skoda Titan Desert Almeria yet.
Mountain bike experience GET ready to discover Cantoria on two wheels as the Cantoria Bike Experience 2026 returns on Saturday, September 19, bringing a thrilling day of mountain biking to the Almanzora Valley. Starting at 9am from Plaza de la Constitucion, the event offers a demanding 40-kilometre route with around 1,100 metres of ascent, making it an exciting challenge for riders looking to test their fitness, stamina and bike-handling skills. The 2026 edition also introduces a new pairs category, giving riders the chance to tackle the course together. Teams of two must complete the route as a pair, crossing the finish line within 30 seconds of each other. Individual categories cover a wide range of age groups, while men’s, women’s
Credit: Real Sports Photos
A mountain bike challenge in Almanzora Valley.
and mixed pairs categories add even more opportunities to compete. For those who prefer an assisted ride, e-bikes are also welcome in a non-competitive category. With limited places available, the Cantoria Bike Experience
promises a lively mix of challenge, camaraderie and outdoor adventure. Whether you are an experienced MTB rider or simply looking for an energetic day in the great outdoors, Cantoria is ready to welcome you.