Costa del Sol I No. 2147 I 27 Aug - 2 Sept 2026 I FREE Newspaper Dep. Legal MA-74-2004 - ISSN 2488-1562
Record numbers COSTA DEL SOL’s hotel trade keeps posting new records this summer, with July data showing the region has not even peaked yet. Officials from Turismo Costa del Sol have reported that this summer there have been 2.2 million hotel guests throughout Andalucia, up 3.2 per cent on last year, and seven million overnight stays as a whole. Malaga Province has been the most popular central hub with a rise of 2.3 per cent. There, Spanish visitor amounts climbed 3.8 per cent while foreign arrivals grew 2.3 per cent. Hotel jobs in the region jumped 9.3 per cent in July alone. From January to July the picture continues strong: 11.9 million travellers and 33.4 million overnight stays, up 2.8 per cent
Credit: Laurence Berger - Shutterstock
COSTA DEL SOL TOURISM FIGURES HIGHER THAN EVER
Benalmadena’s beaches, crowded by not full
and 3.3 per cent respectively, with employment 11.2 per cent higher. Andalucia ranked third in Spain for hotel activity in July, taking 15.6 per cent of all overnight stays nationwide, and is still the top choice for Spanish holidaymakers.
Just in Marbella, guest numbers reached 97,000 in July, a 13.6 per cent leap and the first time the figure has beaten the 2019 pre-pandemic total of 95,000. Foreign visitors hit a July record of 76,463, up 19 per cent. The numbers for Mar-
bella have reached a record amount. Revenue per available room increased 14.6 per cent, while hotel staff numbers climbed to 6,559, a 54.3 per cent rise and the highest July figure on record. Local tourism heads say
the numbers show places like Marbella still pull strongly in high season. Holidaymakers are asking for longer stays through interest in golf, food, culture, sport, wellness and live events. Regional forecasts point to more growth in October, with hotel nights expected to near 52.9 million for the first 10 months of 2026. Full July figures appear in the latest Junta de Andalucia press release and the national statistics institute survey.
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LOCAL NEWS
Charity moonlight walk First shelter visited Credit: SCW FB
Credit: Ayto
BENALMADENA’s sixth Caminata Solidaria charity walk returns on Friday, August 28, offering residents a chance to exercise under the stars while supporting local families in need. Organised by Asociación Luna Llena, the annual evening trek departs at 8pm along the Ruta 1 trail leading toward the Cañada del Lobo mountain path. Participants are en- Promoting the 2026 charity walk of Cañada del Lobo. couraged to bring non-perishable food items and mentary fruit and drinks to keep walkunwanted clothing. All donations go ers refreshed along the way. directly to El Vuelo de las Libélulas, a Previous years have drawn strong local organisation providing food par- support from both Spanish locals and cels, clothing, and practical assistance expatriate residents. No prior registo vulnerable households across Be- tration is required to participate. Hiknalmadena. Official event T-shirts are ers simply need comfortable footwear also available to purchase for €20, and a donation for the charity collecwith all proceeds funding Asociación tion. Interested walkers can join the ABAD’s new day centre for individuals group near the crossroads past the with disabilities. cemetery toward Santangelo Norte The route features several enter- before the 8pm departure. tainment stops, including stargazing Further details regarding the benestations equipped with telescopes, fiting charities are available online at live music from a local DJ, and prize elvuelodelaslibelulas.org and asocia raffles. Organisers supply compli- cionabad.org.
Samuel cycling from Malaga.
TRAINING continues for Samuel, the 11-year-old boy in Malaga preparing to cycle the world to visit forgotten shelter dogs. He turns 12 on Saturday, October 17, and currently trains on a bicycle that remains slightly too large. To
help him reach the ground, his family fitted an old saddle, yet he continues pedalling regardless. This week, he visited his first shelter, the Protectora de Animales in Malaga. He filmed Pandora, a three-leg-
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Affiliated to
ged dog waiting two years for adoption. The short video establishes the template for the entire journey: one dog, one story, with donations directed straight to the shelter. Essential supplies have started to arrive. Katadyn provided a water filter, stove, and pans, while Kryptonite supplied locks for three bicycles. However, major items remain outstanding, including three touring bikes, a tent, sleeping bags, panniers, helmets, and camera equipment. The family hopes to receive the remaining gear by Thursday, October 1, to test everything before departure. The 19-month trip will require funds for food, visas, ferries, and accommodation for three people. Journey donations are managed by Samuel’s mother, Wendy Dirksen Hermans, via PayPal at paypal. me/samuelcyclesthe world. Potential kit sponsors can reach the team at samuelcycles theworld.com/spon sors, while updates appear on Instagram @ samuelcyclestheworld. Samuel admits he will likely cry at points along the way, but remains determined to go.
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NEWS
27 August - 2 September 2026
Electricity bills soar
Having your say Registering local resident votes
Air conditioning units working overtime.
ified households should also apply for the social discount scheme, which reduces bills by 25 to 40 per cent. Running high-consumption appliances during off-peak hours, such as
weekends or between midnight and 8 am, offers further savings. The consumer group continues to press the government to reform the pricing system for nuclear and hydro power.
Credit: Ayto de Alcobendas
Credit: José Hernández Camera 51 - Shutterstock
CONSUMER WARNING ISSUED HOUSEHOLDS in Spain on the regulated PVPC electricity tariff face a sharp cost increase in August. Consumer group FACUA calculates that the average bill will reach €101.23 if rates from the first half of August remain steady. This marks the first time an August bill has exceeded €100 since 2022, when the typical monthly charge reached €158.30. By comparison, last August saw an average bill of €80.71. The projected total represents an 8.1 per cent increase from July, which was previously the most expensive month of the year at €93.65. Prices in the first fortnight of August are 17.3 per cent higher than during the same period in 2025. FACUA bases its calculations on a household consuming 366 kWh monthly with 4.4 kW of contracted power. Off-peak rates alone have risen by more than a third year-on-year. To lower costs, FACUA advises residents to review their contracted power levels. Seven out of 10 Spanish homes pay for unnecessary capacity. Reducing excess kilowatts is free and can yield immediate savings. Qual-
Don’t be late for casting a vote.
EXPATRIATE residents must prepare if they wish to vote in the upcoming local elections on May 23, 2027. Under the post-Brexit bilateral agreement between the United Kingdom and Spain, UK nationals with three years of continuous legal residence can participate in municipal votes. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old on polling day, hold a valid TIE or residence permit, and appear on the local municipal register (padrón). Non-Spanish citizens remain excluded from regional and national elections. Registration for the foreign residents’ electoral census opens on December 1 and closes on January 15. Electoral authorities do not send automatic reminder letters. Voters should apply in person at their local town hall. Applicants need to present a valid passport, TIE, current padrón certificate, and documentation proving three years of residence. Applying early avoids processing delays. Missing the January deadline removes the opportunity to vote until the subsequent election cycle in 2031. Further details and verification tools are available on the Instituto Nacional de Estadística electronic portal and the Ministerio del Interior electoral pages. Credit: ahmad magdi / Shutterstock.com
Back to school bites PARENTS RETHINK SPENDING FAMILIES in Spain face an average back-toschool bill of a huge €505 per child in 2026, placing Spain among Europe’s most expensive countries for school equipment. Research by Idealo puts this year’s cost about 1 per cent higher than in 2025 and 19 per cent above 2022. Textbooks make up the largest share, while some everyday items have also become more expensive. Backpack prices have risen 11.25 per cent in a year and stationery by 5.26 per cent. Not everything costs more. Tracksuits are about 19 per cent cheaper, falling from roughly €26 to €21, while sports footwear has dropped by around 9 per cent. The rising bill is also causing debate over whether children really need new equipment
every year. A new uniform or pair of shoes may be necessary as children grow, but parents are increasingly questioning the pressure to replace perfectly usable bags, lunch boxes and stationery. Idealo advises families to check what they already have, distinguish essentials from wants, compare prices and consider second-hand textbooks, uniforms and equipment. Parents remain divided. Some see new school items as an important childhood tradition, while others say replacing good-quality belongings is wasteful. Some suggest children should pay for non-essential purchases themselves, turning the annual school shop into a lesson in budgeting.
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Fresh back to school bits.
euroweeklynews.com The information on this page is intended for general guidance only, and should not be considered legal advice.
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LOCAL NEWS
dolphins were transferred from Nice to Malaga to take up residence at Selwo Marina. Legal challenges from around 10 environmental groups, who argued the French project merely extended captivity, placed further pressure on the zoo to reconsider. Beauval had already invested over €1.5 million into planning work before pulling the plug. The
project aimed to house 25 dolphins from across France. Delord warned that without a French facility, remaining animals outside Spain could end up transferred to venues in Asia, an outcome animal welfare campaigners strongly oppose. For now, the eight dolphins settled on the Costa del Sol will keep Benalmadena as their permanent home.
also warns of offshore wind, which can leave the shoreline looking deceptively calm while pulling paddlers further out to sea, precisely the danger behind a recent rescue in Manilva. It suggests the nearest suitable beach, offers hourly forecasts, live webcams, and lets users share their location before heading out. Rodriguez insists the app is no substitute for judgement. “An app doesn’t save lives; common sense does,” he says. “If one rescue is avoided because someone saw red and stayed home, it’s been worth it.”
Credit: Alfonso Soler/shutterstock
Making Selwo their home.
PADDLEBOARDERS across Spain now have a way to check whether the sea is safe before loading the car. Abel Rodriguez, a 35-year-old engineer from Malaga, grew tired of guessing whether conditions were right for a paddle. Weather apps gave him wind speeds and swell periods, but rarely a clear answer. So he built PaddleGo, an app that turns wind, swell and direction data into one simple colour. Green means go, amber means caution, and red means stay on dry land. “Weather apps are built for meteorologists, not someone who just wants a relaxed paddle,” Rodriguez says. The system draws on international forecasting models, refined by his own years of experience on the water. Coverage now runs to 183 beaches across mainland Spain, the Balearics and the Canaries. Remarkably, Rodriguez coded the whole app in three months during paternity leave, calling it “the app I needed as a father.” PaddleGo
Paddleboard safety.
Walking football wants you ESTEPONA Walking Football Club is on the hunt for new players aged 50 to 70, following a strong start to life since it was formed in April. The club fields two squads, an Over-50s team and an Over-60s team, and both recorded convincing wins in their opening matches following the first training session in July. Walking football removes the sprinting, tackling and contact that put many players off
competitive football as they get older. Instead, it offers a slower, tactical version of the game that still provides a proper workout. Matches remain competitive, but the focus stays on enjoyment, fitness and friendship. All abilities are welcome, so rusty skills or a lack of match fitness are no barrier to joining. From September, both squads move to a new home ground in Cancelada, where they begin their first season in the Avalon League against
teams from across the region. Social connection is central to the club, with fresh friendships, weekly exercise and a postmatch drink mattering just as much as the football itself. Men aged 50 to 70 wanting to get involved can contact organiser James on +44 7787 808 479 or 691 901 976, through the club’s website, or via WhatsApp. No experience is required, just a love of the game. Credit:EstWFC/FB
EIGHT dolphins relocated to Selwo Marina in Benalmadena will remain in Spain after a French zoo abandoned plans to build a dedicated cetacean sanctuary. ZooParc de Beauval confirmed it was scrapping the project following months of technical, veterinary, and financial studies. Costs for the proposed facility escalated from an initial estimate of €30 million to €45 million (£38 million). Zoo director Rodolphe Delord stated the park could no longer shoulder the financial burden without significant support from the French government. The animals were originally stranded after Marineland Antibes, formerly Europe’s largest marine park, closed following new French animal welfare legislation banning cetacean performances. In July, eight
Credit: SelwoFB
Dolphins settle at Selwo Malaga dad creates app
On the hunt for new players.
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27 August - 2 September 2026
VIRAL runner and performance artist Scottee has taken his latest route to Malaga, combining a run around the city with churros, sunshine and sarcasm. With an Instagram following close to one million, he poked fun at Malaga Cathedral’s unfinished southern tower and joked about Antonio Banderas, the Malaga-born Hollywood star. Running through a local park, he quipped that “el parque” sounded like a type of flooring. His beach jokes carried a topical edge. Scottee suggested the empty sands were down to people using them as toilets, shortly after Malaga closed six beaches when tests found elevated faecal E. coli levels following storm-related sewage overflows. Away from the gags, Scottee enjoyed orange
Credit: Scottee/FB
Viral runner in Malaga March for Ceuta
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Credit: Reques - Shutterstock
LOCAL NEWS
Demonstrations in solidarity with Ceuta.
Viral runner in Malaga.
juice and churros and shared a mini guide to the city. His food picks included Bun & Coffee, Cortijo de Pepe, Casa Aranda, Urtelia Malaga and Paréntesis Bar. The Lab by Next Level Specialty Coffee and Ganbaru made his coffee list, while Bianca Wine Room earned his standout recommendation. He suggested a forest route to the castle,
La Recova Malaga’s €3.90 workers’ breakfast, local generosos and contactless Metro payment. Scottee runs the Wonkee yoga community and Mince Club running club. He was also named on The Independent Pride List and shortlisted for the ITV b-Creator awards. His verdict: “My fondness grows” with every visit.
SPAIN will host nationwide demonstrations on Wednesday, September 2, to express solidarity with Ceuta as the autonomous city manages the aftermath of heavy migration from Morocco. Tens of thousands of people crossed into the Spanish enclave in late July, overwhelming public services, accommodation and local security forces. The rallies coincide with the official Day of Ceuta. Participants will gather under slogans declaring that Ceuta is part of Spain and Europe, emphasising the city’s position on the southern frontier of the Schengen area. The national government has announced a new central command structure to coordinate the ongoing response to the border situation.
Costa del Sol communities will join the national movement, with events planned in several towns. Local councils in Fuengirola, Benalmadena, and Torremolinos confirmed they will hold public gatherings at 8pm. Fuengirola residents will meet in Plaza de España, while the gathering in Torremolinos will assemble outside the town hall. Local authorities expect large turnouts, which may lead to traffic disruption in both towns. Organisers stress that the gatherings transcend political parties. The events hope to unite citizens across Spain in a broad message of support for the autonomous city, reinforcing its legal status as a Spanish territory following weeks of intense strain on its infrastructure.
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LOCAL NEWS
Close call at airport Credit: MissSlowdown - Shutterstock
27 August - 2 September 2026
SPANISH air accident investigators have launched a formal enquiry following a near-miss near Malaga Airport that forced a commercial flight to abandon its landing on Sunday, July 6. The SAS Connect Airbus A320neo, arriving from Stockholm with 181 people on board, was descending towards runway 12 when its onboard collision avoidance system triggered an emergency alert. The pilots followed standard safety procedures, aborted the approach, climbed away, and landed safely on a second attempt. The incident occurred when two Infoca Air Tractor firefighting planes were returning to reload while fighting a wildfire in Grazalema. Air traffic control reported that the firefighting aircraft entered the Malaga control zone without making radio contact. Radar data revealed the pas-
SAS flight forced to go around as other plane in the way.
senger jet and one of the tankers came within 0.8 nautical miles of each other at the same altitude. Standard radar safety limits require a minimum separation of three to five nautical miles horizontally or 1,000 feet vertically. Spain’s Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission is examining radar tracks and radio recordings to determine how coordination failed. The safety body focuses strictly on preventing future incidents rather than assigning blame. No injuries or damage were reported, and all aircraft landed safely. However, the event has raised fresh concerns regarding air traffic management and growing congestion at the busy Spanish airport.
Quiet campaign PUERTO DEPORTIVO Sotogrande has launched its Disfrutar Respetando (Enjoying with Respect) awareness campaign to balance nightlife, business, and residential living across the Cadiz marina. Management aims to ensure visitors, local residents, and boat owners share the venue harmoniously. From 11pm onwards, people using outdoor areas are asked to lower their voices. Prompts such as “Enjoying yourself also means showing respect” and “Our residents’ rest forms part of the experience too” feature on materials distributed to local bars, restaurants, and shops. Plaza del Agua receives special attention because commercial premises sit directly alongside residential properties, although the initiative ap-
Credit: GovernmentBogota
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Tranquility in Sotogrande.
plies throughout the entire port area. Local businesses are central to the effort. Marina directors have asked owners and staff to pass the message to customers and set a positive example outdoors. Support packs containing posters and digital content have been prepared for distribution across physical premises and social media. Puerto Sotogrande management emphasises that maintaining a peaceful atmosphere requires collective ef-
fort. Small behavioural changes can make a meaningful difference, allowing everyone to enjoy the destination while respecting neighbours. The drive aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals concerning health, sustainable communities, and partnerships. Through this initiative, the marina prioritises a community model built on mutual consideration, ensuring both shortterm visitors and yearround residents enjoy the venue on equal terms.
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LOCAL NEWS
Return of the runners.
HUNDREDS of runners will lace up on Sunday, August 30, when Mijas Pueblo hosts the 46th Carrera de la Feria. Organisers have capped capacity to 500 entrants this year, reflecting rising demand for the annual race. Around a hundred places are already taken, according to sports councillor Maria Francisca Alarcon, who announced details alongside Club de Atletismo de Mijas coaches Francisco Marin and Jose Manuel
Cerezo. Amigos del Atletismo association and Mijas Town Hall are jointly organising the event. Categories cover every age group, from prebenjamin to master, meaning young children tand seasoned veterans will line up together. A total of 50 places are held back for anyone wishing to sign up in person on the day itself. The route winds through the old town’s historic streets, with Plaza Virgen
de la Peña serving as both start and finish. Runners set off at 10am, following a course used since the race began decades ago. Category winners receive trophies, while every young participant gets a medal for finishing. A prize draw open to all entrants follows the results. Alarcon said the race keeps bringing generations of the same families together, a tradition the town aims to protect as entries continue to grow.
MANILVA is updating its network of life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) following several cardiac emergencies. Regular checks are being conducted on local DESA units to ensure equipment is fully inventoried and ready for immediate use. The review comes after local officers used a mobile AED carried in a patrol car to provide vital first aid during a cardiac arrest. Health officials stress that speed is essential during an emergency. Regional guidance warns that survival chances fall by approximately 10 per cent for every minute without intervention. Inspections have targeted devices in schools, including CEIP Pablo Picasso and IES Las Viñas, as well as sports venues such as Pabellon Las Viñas and Sabinillas Sports Complex. Further units are stationed in Puerto de la Duquesa, whilst beach medical modules at Sabinillas and La Duquesa held devices under previous seasonal contracts. MALAGA-BASED specialist La Cheesequería opens a new shop in Marbella on Thursday, August 27. Located at Avenida de Nabeul 3, the venue will celebrate its launch by giving away 1,000 free individual cheesecakes from 7pm until stocks run out. Cheesecake has become the latest trend in street food across the Costa del Sol. Following the success of events like Champions Burger in Mijas, which featured a dedicated cheesecake
Credit: Ayto
Credit:MijasTH/FB
Mijas feria race Life-saving defibrillators
Revising the defibrillators in Manilva.
Residents are reminded that access to facility-based units depends on opening hours, and an exhaustive public map of all local devices remains unpublished. If a cardiac arrest is suspected, dial aemergency responses 24 hours a day and can guide callers through vital early assistance before medical staff arrive.
Free cheesecake
Credit: Cheesequería Insta
Cheesequería from Malaga opening in Marbella
section, local appetite for the dessert remains high. La Cheesequería bakes all its items in its
own bakery, combining traditional recipes with creative flavours made from selected ingredients. The Marbella branch expands the company’s presence in southern Spain, adding to existing sites in Malaga city, Fuengirola and Granada. Visitors to the opening can tour the new space while sampling items from the menu. Large queues are expected, so organisers advise people to arrive early. Once the free distribution finishes, the shop will resume normal operations, serving its complete selection of recipes for takeaway or consumption on site. The giveaway offers residents and tourists an opportunity to taste a local favourite free of charge.
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27 August - 2 September 2026
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ARTISTS across Spain have until Sunday, September 14, to enter a contest that transforms ordinary street lids in Benahavis into works of art. Aguas de Benahavis, the water firm owned jointly by Hidralia and the local council, has launched its second Urban Art Contest for Painting Manhole Covers. Registration opened on Sunday, August 17. On Saturday, September 26, selected artists will gather along Avenida de Andalucia, the main street through the mountain village, to paint the metal covers into outdoor displays. The inaugural event last May drew more than 50 painters across three categories, accompanied by live music. Coco Felicitas won the Young Talent category, Tatiana Legini took the Adult
Credit AdB
Village street art Town gets its say
Credit: GovernmentBogota
LOCAL NEWS
Anthony Bermudez, mayor of Alhaurin el Grande.
Manhole art in Benahavis.
award, and José Enrique Ragel won the Professional group. Painting begins at 5pm on Saturday, September 26, and lasts for 90 minutes. Judges will deliberate for 15 minutes before handing out prizes from 7.45pm. The jury includes representatives from Hidralia, Benahavis Town Hall, and Ragel. Three categories are open: Adult, Young Tal-
BENALMADENA Town Hall has launched a new safety network along its coastline, installing 30 megaphone points and 23 SOS stations to assist beachgoers and emergency services. Councillor for Beaches Presi Aguilera called the move a major step forward, placing technology directly into the hands of visitors and shoreline personnel. The loudspeakers allow real-time announcements across specific stretches of sand, while the
ent, and Professional. Cash prizes reach €750. Entry is free to residents and non-residents. Interested painters must register at elsaberdelagua.es. Once finished, the artwork remains on the streets as a permanent feature. Full entry details are available on the water company site, whilst benahavis.es provides further local council updates.
ALHAURIN EL GRANDE Council has taken the unusual step of opening a public participation on the preliminary version of its new Urban Development Plan, known as the Plan de Ordenación Urbana. This public survey and initiative gives residents, property owners, businesses, and local associations a direct opportunity to shape how the municipality develops over the coming years. The local authority says the new planning framework aims to resolve long-standing issues that have previously left certain urban areas and properties difficult to develop. Rather than simply complaining about local roads, housing, traffic, or development decisions, residents can submit formal proposals to influence the final document
before it progresses further through the administrative process. The document has already received initial approval at the council level and has been forwarded to the Junta de Andalucia. Public participation forms a formal part of the process, giving stakeholders a voice while decisions are still being finalised, rather than after policies take effect. Anyone wishing to get involved can consult the documentation and download the relevant suggestion form via the council’s dedicated planning website. Completed forms must be submitted through the General Registry or electronically via the online portal. The deadline for all suggestions and objections is Tuesday, September 15.
Each cabin contains a control console where staff can broadcast live messages or play pre-recorded safety warnings. The 23 SOS stations extend across the municipality, covering quieter spots such as Tajo de la Soga, La Morera, La Perla, Torremuelle, Arroyo
Hondo, Malibu, La Viborilla, Benalnatura, La Yuca and Torrequebrada. During the summer season, calls link directly to lifeguards between 11.00 and 20.00. Outside these hours, and throughout the rest of the year, the system routes calls directly to the Local Police 24 hours a day. Aguilera stated that modernising beach services remains a priority for the council, with resident and visitor safety remaining the top focus.
23 SOS stations
SOS points provide an instant link to assistance. Megaphone units now cover key areas from Carvajal to Fuente de la Salud, including Playa Bonita, Torrevigia, Los Melilleros, Arroyo de la Miel, Bil-Bil, Santa Ana, Las Gaviotas, Malapesquera and Torrebermeja.
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Credit:FuengirolaTH
FUENGIROLA will soon reveal a rare glimpse of its past, thanks to a young priest who spent the 1960s photographing everyday life in the town. Father Luis Ramirez Beneytez served as a priest in Fuengirola during that decade, using his camera as a hobby to capture streets, neighbours, bullfights, religious processions and sporting events in black and white. The images show a town unrecognisable from today’s busy coastal resort. Ramírez died in 2016. His family kept the negatives until August 20, when they handed over 1,132 original images to Fuengirola Town Hall. Mayor Ana Mula received the archive alongside culture councillor Rodrigo Romero, calling photography an invaluable
Credit: Google
1960’s photos of Fuengirola
Avenida Lopez de Vega in Puerto de la Torre, Malaga.
Bringing negatives to life
record of how a place changes over time. Of the priest’s photographs, 25 will go on display at the Casa de la Cultura ‘Manuel Delgado Perea’ from Friday, September 4, to Friday, October 9, with free entry. Born in Mora, Toledo, in 1927, Ramirez trained as a Jesuit before his ordination in 1960. He served in parishes across Monte-
corto, Fuengirola, Santa Amalia-El Romeral and Alhaurin El Grande, later settling in Alhaurin de la Torre. Alongside his religious work, he trained as an economist, wrote for Diario Sur and won Andalucia’s top literary prize in 1987. Residents and newer arrivals are invited to visit the exhibition once it opens in September.
DRIVERS in Malaga could have speeding fines cancelled after a drivers’ association discovered duplicated penalties issued by a city speed camera. Automovilistas Europeos Asociados (AEA) asked Malaga Council to investigate the fixed radar on Avenida Lope de Vega in the Puerto de la Torre district. The request follows a case where a single vehicle was recorded twice at the exact same time and location, but at two entirely different speeds. AEA president Mario Arnaldo stated that a vehicle cannot travel at two speeds simultaneously, raising serious questions about the equipment’s technical reliability. Gestrisam, the agency managing Malaga’s traffic fines, responded by cancelling one of the two penalties. However, AEA insists this measure is insufficient. Oper-
Fine too far ating for around three years, the device catches approximately 3,000 motorists annually. Consequently, AEA is demanding a formal technical audit under Spanish metrology regulations, as well as the immediate suspension of the camera until its accuracy is proven. While AEA has identified only one affected motorist from fines issued in June, the organisation believes further discrepancies may come to light. AEA urges local authorities to clarify whether the error stems from a simple paperwork mistake or a deeper fault within the system itself. Motorists who suspect errors in their penalties can file official appeals through Gestrisam.
Road safety advice
27 August - 2 September 2026
11 Credit: Cenizas Mediterráneo FB (enhanced)
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LOCAL NEWS
Maritime farewell.
Pedestrian crossing in Malaga.
A LONG-TIME British expatriate living on the Costa del Sol has issued urgent safety advice for older pedestrians navigating Spanish roads. Steve, who retired to southern Spain, warns that pedestrians must remain vigilant, even when using marked zebra crossings. He notes that traffic lights in Spain often give pedestrians very little time to cross, creating extra hazards for people with limited mobility. He also reminds visitors from the UK that traffic approaches from
the right. To reduce risks, Steve recommends making direct eye contact with waiting drivers before stepping off the pavement. He cautions against assuming that stopping vehicles guarantee safety, recalling a tragic local incident where two pensioners were killed after a reckless motorist overtook a stationary car at a crossing. Official figures support his concerns. In 2024, 207 pedestrians died on Spanish urban roads,
with people aged over 65 accounting for 65 per cent of those fatalities. Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, similarly urges pedestrians never to cross until all vehicles have stopped completely. Steve also advises pedestrians to put away mobile phones while crossing, urging drivers to show patience. If a driver spots an older person moving slowly, offering assistance signals other motorists to wait, potentially preventing serious accidents.
Final farewell at sea
FOR some families on the Costa del Sol, saying goodbye to a loved one now means heading out to sea rather than gathering in a traditional cemetery. Demand is growing rapidly for maritime farewells, with local company Cenizas Mediterráneo reporting 440 sea ceremonies in 2024 and 585 in 2025. Operating from bases in Fuengirola and Marbella, the business takes mourners out to authorised maritime locations to deposit biodegradable urns into the Mediterranean. Peak season runs from May to September when calmer weather prevails. During July and August, families can face waiting times of up to three weeks, compared to roughly a week throughout the rest of the year. The service aligns with broader
trends towards personalised funerals. Research by Spanish funeral firm Pazy reveals that 67.5 per cent of people believe farewells will become increasingly individual, with families choosing tailored music, photos, and personal tributes. On some trips, dolphins have even appeared, creating an unexpected memory for grieving relatives. However, strict regulations govern the practice. Families cannot scatter ashes independently, as specific environmental permissions, maritime paperwork, and licensed vessels are mandatory under Andalucian coastal law. Furthermore, only biodegradable urns and loose natural flower petals are permitted in the water; stems, plastic wreaths, and personal belongings are strictly prohibited.
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LOCAL NEWS
MARBELLA surfer Sarah Almagro achieved victory in the adaptive category at the ABANCA Pantin Classic Galicia Pro 2026. Competing at Pantin Beach in Valdovino, A Coruna, on Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23, Almagro scored 14.50 points to take the title. The current national, European, and world champion in the PS-P2 category finished well ahead of her opponents. Lithuania’s representative took second place with 8.56 points, whilst Germany’s competitor took third with 8.54 points. Coach Nico Huercano and young Canarian bodyboarder Stephen Shaw supported Almagro throughout the competition. Nearly 50 athletes from Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium,
Credit: SA FB
World surf champ Fake lawyer arrested
Sara Almagro surfs to victory in Galicia.
and Lithuania took part, setting an entry record for the adaptive event, which opened the 39th edition of the main contest. Local parasurfer Dani Souto and veteran Antonio Muller assisted organisers in promoting the discipline. The main ABANCA Pantin Classic Galicia Pro has regained WSL QS 6,000 ranking status this year, attracting
surfers from over 20 countries. Festival activities also include music, skate contests, food stalls, children’s workshops, and environmental sessions. Almagro’s latest result builds on her previous successes, keeping Marbella at the forefront of adaptive surfing while proving what determination can achieve on the Galician waves.
NATIONAL POLICE officers have arrested a 52-year-old fake solicitor at Malaga airport following an alleged €100,000 property fraud in Marbella. The suspect reportedly targeted a 43-year-old investor by pretending to represent top local estate agents. She offered a rental agreement with an option to purchase a home in an exclusive urbanisation. Estate agents trusted her pitch to bring new clients and granted her property access and keys. After using fraudulent documentation, she persuaded the investor to hand over two cash deposits totalling €100,000. Once she received the money, she vanished. Investigators discovered that the woman used a fictional identity together with her sister’s legal documents. She
Credit: PN
12 27 August - 2 September 2026
Accused ‘fake’ lawyer taken away by police at Malaga Airport.
relied on a strong physical resemblance to her sister, presenting her passport to evade authorities and a Marbella court detention order. Police caught the suspect attempting to enter Spain using her sister’s paperwork. Fingerprint checks confirmed her true identity. She faces charges of fraud, identity theft, forgery, practising law without a qualification, and tax fraud. Courts confiscated her passport and prohibited her from leaving Spain. Officers continue to investigate potential further victims. Buyers on the Costa del Sol are advised to verify credentials with registered professionals and avoid handing over large cash sums without independent verification.
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SPANISH NEWS
A SOCIAL media video from El Faro de Cadiz has sparked debate over whether dogs should be welcomed at restaurant tables. Footage shows a dog being welcomed at a table, with staff offering it water. El Faro says: “Here, the whole family sits at the table.” Customers must provide their dog’s weight when booking. The policy has been in place for four years. Supporters welcomed a chance to include pets in family meals. One customer, who has spent 25 summers in Cadiz, said they would return with their dog at a later date. Others praised El Faro. Critics raised concerns over hygiene, allergies and fear of dogs. One regular said eating beside animals was not hygienic and would no longer visit. A further commenter objected to
Credit: Benevolent82/shutterstock
Doggy dining debate TikTok changes travel
Dogs dining.
staff serving food after touching an animal. El Faro said guests with allergies or phobias should mention them when booking. Management said the video was filmed while the restaurant was closed and hygiene procedures were followed. Spain’s Animal Welfare Law does not require restaurants to admit
dogs. Article 29 allows them in customer areas if they pose no risk and stay out of kitchens and food-handling spaces. Businesses banning animals must display a visible notice. The debate leaves diners to decide: is a dog-friendly table a warm welcome or a step too far?
SHORT-FORM videos are changing how younger travellers choose holidays, with Spain’s food, festivals, landscapes and historic towns providing plenty of inspiration. A TUI Musement study found that 48 per cent of Gen Z participants cited TikTok as a travel inspiration source, compared with 43 per cent who relied on family and friends. Appinio carried out the research among participants in Spain, Italy and the UK. Search engines remained a leading source overall, cited by 42 per cent of those surveyed. Viral posts are also influencing bookings. Some 43 per cent of participants said they had booked a trip or activity after seeing viral content. The figure rose to 50 per cent among Gen Z and 52 per cent among millennials. Influencers affected the choices of 43 per cent, while 27 per cent said a creator had persuaded them to change destination. Spain’s tourism website is using social media to encourage visitors to explore regional traditions, villages, heritage sites and slower travel experiences. A TOURIST sightseeing train in Toledo began moving without a driver or passengers, hitting a 44-year-old Italian visitor before crashing into a wall beside the Alcazar. The incident happened at around 2.45pm on Saturday, August 22, when the train unexpectedly rolled away from its usual stop on the Cuesta de Capuchinos. The tourist was struck as the vehicle travelled downhill and suffered an
Credit: THICHA SATAPITANON / Shutterstock.com
TikTok is changing how Gen Z travel.
Ideas include local recipes, grape harvesting, roasted chestnuts, countryside walks, thermal bathing and mountain trips. Nearly four in 10 participants had visited an attraction mainly to take a photo or record a video, while 73 per cent shared travel content at least occasionally. Pressure to create an exciting online image was reported by 37 per cent rising to 45 per cent among Gen Z. For expatriates, the trend offers fresh ideas for day trips and weekend breaks.
Ghost train
open injury to one arm. Emergency crews took him to Toledo University Hospital, where his condition was reported as stable. No other injuries were reported. The train continued towards Calle Unión before colliding with the wall separating the road from the Alcazar gardens. The impact left the front of the locomotive suspended
over the drop, requiring police, firefighters and heavy lifting equipment to secure and remove it. Authorities have launched an investigation into why the vehicle began moving. A possible technical or brake failure is among the initial lines of investigation. The train normally carries visitors around Toledo’s historic centre, passing landmarks including the Puerta de Bisagra, Puerta del Sol and San Martín Bridge. Investigators are now examining whether a mechanical or electrical fault, or another problem, allowed the train to leave its stopping position without anyone controlling it. The vehicle has been removed for examination while the investigation continues. Credit: Bomberos Ayuntamiento de Toledo
The train had no driver.
www.euroweeklynews.com
MARBELLA MOMENTS BY NICOLE KING
My little miracle I LOVE my dog with passion but even so, this year is the first year I’ve actually celebrated his birthday with a party. This past Tuesday, Boy turned 5; a miracle in itself. He started off as a rescue and we really had no idea if he’d Boy turns five. make it past the first 6 months. Then, last year, he became listless how much we appreciate them. Lulu and lost the use of his legs; it seemed is a lovely young woman, mother to hopeless. An MRI revealed he had had two young children, who for the past meningitis, leaving him with encepha- 12 years has run food trucks, events litis and pressure on his brain. and catering. She has just opened this Thanks to medication and, in large new smash burger and hot dog bar part, the use of homeopathy, he has called Olmars in Cortijo Blanco, where now stabilised and is not in pain; he she grew up. If this new venture suceats, drinks and has mastered the ceeds, she won’t have to travel and will commando crawl. have more time for her little ones beWhen I learnt that my neighbour fore they’re no longer little. She also Lulu had opened a new business and caters to vegans , which not many sold ice cream for dogs, the idea of places do, so it would be nice if we can celebrating this achievement came to all help her in this venture. mind. I really wanted to show all the She is Spanish, her family are all people who have helped get him and born and bred in San Pedro and, like me this far, including his doggy friends, my Boy, deserve to thrive.
FEATURE - SPANISH NEWS
Lion spotted in Spain Credit: FabianIrwin - Shutterstock
16 27 August - 2 September 2026
Lions in the centre of Spain?
THE Guardia Civil has launched a major search operation in central Spain after a delivery driver reported seeing a lion beside a mountain road. The alarm was raised on Wednesday, August 19, when a call to the 112 emergency service placed the big cat near the Convento del Piélago on the TO-1375 road, between El Real de San Vicente and Navamorcuende. Spain’s nature protection unit, SEPRONA, is leading the search across the Sierra de San Vicente mountains in Toledo. Officers are using foot patrols, a helicopter from Madrid, and drones to sweep the rural terrain. Checks at the local Zoo Safari Fauna Aventura in Hinojosa de San Vi-
cente and facilities across Madrid have yielded no reports of missing animals. Authorities continue to inspect private holdings, leaving investigators to determine whether the sighting was a case of mistaken identity or an unregistered captive animal. Town halls in surrounding villages have warned residents to take precautions. Officials advise members of the public to avoid searching for the creature and to contact emergency services immediately if they spot anything unusual. Until the search concludes, local walkers are being urged to remain vigilant. Exotic wildlife is everything a holidaymaker in Spain hopes to see. But, not this!
Fake officer’s €135k scam A MAN posed as a corrupt Guardia Civil officer with the power to fix judicial property auctions, stealing more than €135,000 from three women he met on Facebook, Spanish police said. The 53-year-old, who has previous con-
victions and no genuine ties to the Guardia Civil, built close relationships with the women before offering to secure specific homes, cars and other property from court auctions in their favour, in exchange for cash.
He carried a back-pack bearing the Guardia Civil’s emblem, showed photographs of himself in uniform and held a fake badge to convince his victims, along with four mobile phones and six SIM cards to carry out his scams. The first victim paid €45,000 in August 2024 to secure a property, the second more than €43,000 plus gift cards in August 2025, and the third €47,000 in July 2026 for a van and auction properties. Each time, once the money changed hands, he claimed to receive a phone call and vanished. Officers finally arrested him on Monday, August 10, as he stepped off a train from Murcia at Chamartín-Clara Campoamor station in Madrid, recovering just over €6,000 in cash. He has since been charged with fraud and embezzlement and has appeared before a judge.
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MERCADONA is beginning a major redesign of its supermarkets that will bring more space for fresh food, new layouts and lower energy and water consumption, with €3.7 billion being invested in the transformation until 2033. The latest Tienda 9 opened in Guadalajara after a €2.9 million refurbishment of the Calle Capitán Arenas store. The 1,596-square-metre supermarket is the first of its kind in Castilla-La Mancha. The new format changes how stores are organised, moving away from separate business sections towards a process-based system intended to reduce unnecessary movement for employees and make shopping easier. Fresh food is a major focus. A new Obrador Central brings preparation, cooking and packaging together, freeing
Photo credit: Veja/Shutterstock
Mercadona transformation Life among wolves
Credit: Paislobo Prensa / YouTube
SPANISH NEWS
A Spanish man raised by wild wolves has died aged 80.
Fresh food is a major focus.
more shop-floor space for fresh products. Mercadona says the redesigned stores can cut energy consumption by up to 10 per cent and water use by up to 40 per cent. New refrigeration technology, including Aerofoil systems and CO2 refrigerants, is also being introduced. Customers will also notice smaller changes, including rest areas. The Guadalajara supermarket has 18 chairs.
Mercadona plans to have around 60 Tienda 9 stores operating by the end of 2026, before continuing the rollout across Spain until 2033. The first Madrid-region store opened in Valdemoro following a €6 million investment. For shoppers, the eventual changes will mean redesigned layouts, more fresh-food space and new technology as the format spreads across the country.
MARCOS RODRÍGUEZ PANTOJA, the man known as the Wolf Boy of Sierra Morena, has passed away aged 80 in Ourense. Born in Añora, Cordoba, Rodríguez Pantoja became stranded in the Sierra Morena mountains in Jaen in 1954 while working as a goatherd. His mother died in childbirth when he was three, and his father abandoned him after leaving with another woman. The goatherd who had been teaching him how to make fire, find food and water, and build tools either died or disappeared, leaving the boy alone in the mountains. He later said a female wolf fed him before accepting him into her pack, where he lived for around 12 years. In 1965, aged 19, he was found by the Guardia Civil wearing furs, barefoot
and communicating through grunts. Officers removed him from the mountains as he resisted by howling and biting. He was sent to an orphanage, where nuns taught him to speak again, walk upright and eat at a table. Rodríguez Pantoja later said returning to society after years of isolation was the most frightening experience of his life. He later lived and worked in Mallorca, completed military service, and worked as a shepherd and in hospitality, though he struggled to adapt. In a 2018 interview, he said he was disappointed in human nature and wished he could leave society. Rodríguez Pantoja spent his final years in the village of Rante, Ourense, where he passed away surrounded by friends and neighbours.
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FEATURE - SPANISH NEWS
Virus detection closes zoo
LEAPY LEE - SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT
Credit:Ihor Bondarenko/shutterstock
Car takes charge
MY friend Barry arrived for lunch recently looking extremely pleased with himself. He is now the proud owner of a brand new and positively gleaming, all-electric motor car, or, as I prefer to call it, a computer on wheels. Apparently, it has something called ‘one-pedal driving.’ You press the accelerator to go forward, but when you take your foot off, the car starts braking. This sounds clever, but I have spent my entire life believing that one pedal makes you go and another makes you stop. At my age, I don’t want the car suddenly changing the rules. It also has designer lighting, heated seats and panels that warm your backside. It can recognise road signs, keep itself in the correct lane and tell him when he is too close to the car in front. In other words, it has become his wife! The car has cameras looking in every direction and can apparently park itself. Barry simply presses a button, takes his hands off the wheel and watches while the car glides neatly into a space. Very impressive, but what happens when it decides it prefers another space? You could press ‘Park’ outside Eroski and find yourself being driven into the garden centre next door. These things now respond to voice commands too. You can ask for directions, change the music or adjust the temperature without lifting a finger. Soon it will be answering back. The whole thing reminds me of Wallace
and Gromit’s Wrong Trousers. Everything works beautifully until the machinery develops a mind of its own. Imagine being trapped in your heated seat while the car announces, ‘I have reviewed your driving history and decided you are no longer qualified.’ Then we come to charging it. Barry tells me a public fast charger can give him another 40 or 50 kilometres in about half an hour. That’s fine, providing you can find one that is free and working. But what happens 50 miles later when there isn’t another charging point? Do you carry an enormously long extension lead and knock on somebody’s door? ‘Excuse me, madam. Could I plug my car into your bedroom for a couple of hours?’ Some drivers, I understand, go out late at night to charge it because there are fewer queues. When I was younger, men crept out after dark for romance, gambling or a secret drink. Now they sneak off at midnight hoping to find an available socket. I admit the car is beautiful, quiet, economical and astonishingly clever. But I’ll stick with my ordinary car for the moment. It may not park itself or warm my bottom, but at least it still goes where I tell it. On reflection, Barry hasn’t bought a car, he’s accidentally married one. Just jiving ya Barry, love the colour. Keep the faith. Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@gmail.com
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
Two birds died from West Nile Virus.
JEREZ’S Zoo was closed preventatively on August 19, following the deaths of an elderly golden eagle and a cassowary. Both birds tested positive for West Nile virus. Animal Protection delegate Carmen Pina described the cases as isolated and confirmed that response measures are being closely coordinated alongside the Junta de Andalucia’s agriculture and health authorities. Currently, no other animals at the facility have tested positive. Surveillance remains active, including routine monitoring of sentinel geese, which tested negative in recent sampling. The virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites. Because infected birds do not pose a direct transmission risk to zoo visitors, public health measures are focusing on mosquito control rather than direct animal contact. Following the positive cases, regional authorities declared Jerez an alert area for West Nile fever from August 19, until September 16. The city will remain under a high-risk classification, with joint response plans targeting mosquito larvae and adult populations. The zoo remains closed while health and veterinary responses continue.
Credit: Ayto
Swapping bulls for balls
The Boloencierro draw more runners each year.
RUNNERS in a mountain village near Madrid took to the streets to outrun a massive rolling sphere painted with a bull’s face during a unique summer celebration. Locals and tourists who had travelled from around the world gathered in Mataelpino for the annual Boloencierro, an event held as part of the San Bartolomé festivities. The tradition turns the classic Spanish bull run on its head, replacing live animals with giant rolling balls. The yearly race began 16 years ago during an economic downturn. With funds tight, council officials reduced the budget for live bull runs, prompting local residents to invent a cheaper alternative using a giant polystyrene sphere. What started as a joke between friends evolved into a
famous attraction, drawing crowds from across the region. Participants navigate a steep 700-metre course through the village streets down to the bullring. In previous years, runners faced a heavy 300-kilogram sphere capable of reaching speeds of 50 kilometres per hour, leading to several injuries. Organisers introduced a safer 30-kilogram rubber ball for adult runners. Safety rules require compulsory helmets and proper footwear. Dozens of adult runners took part, whilst children enjoyed smaller versions guided by adults. Sunday, August 23, saw a second run for younger participants. The Boloencierro offers the thrill of a traditional bull run with lower costs and fewer risks.
SPANISH NEWS
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Credit: Ministry of Science
Photo credit: Jose Maria Gallardo/Shutterstock
Blood-red lunar eclipse
Nidia Webb discovered the error while trying to return to Britain.
Moon turns blood red this weekend.
THOUSANDS lined Spanish streets for the total solar eclipse on August 12. Now, skywatchers are turning their focus to the skies once more for a deep partial lunar eclipse set to take place in the early hours of Friday, August 28. The event will obscure around 93 per cent of the lunar surface, casting a coppery red glow across the Moon. This signature colour occurs as sunlight passes through
the Earth’s atmosphere, which filters out blue light and bends red rays onto the lunar face. The partial phase starts at 4.34am. Maximum coverage occurs at 6.12am, before the Moon leaves the Earth’s shadow around 7.52am. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses can be viewed safely with the naked eye across broad regions, including Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Observers
across Spain will get a clear view of the phenomenon, provided skies remain clear. Binoculars or a small telescope will help reveal fine details, but simple eye observation is sufficient. Skywatchers should seek out an elevated spot with an unobstructed view of the western and south-western horizon, as the Moon will sit low in the sky during maximum coverage.
A BRITISH woman who had lived legally in the UK for eight years was left unable to board her flight home from Spain after a problem with the UK’s digital immigration system linked her eVisa to her identical twin. Nidia Webb discovered the error while trying to return to Britain. Her settled status remained valid, but the information connected to her eVisa did not correctly identify her. Home Office staff reportedly told her the problem was a known technical issue affecting some twins. The incident highlights a potential problem for British residents relying on digital immigration records. Unlike physical documents, eVisas require airlines to verify a passenger’s status electronically before allowing
eVisa error
them to travel. Webb eventually managed to resolve the situation, but her experience demonstrates how an administrative error can create serious problems at an airport even when someone has a completely valid right to live in Britain. The UK Government says more than 10 million people have successfully used eVisas and that most errors are resolved within 24 hours. British residents travelling from Spain are advised to check their UKVI account before travelling, ensuring their passport is linked correctly and that their name, date of birth and immigration status are accurate.
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SPANISH NEWS
ORGANISERS in Buñol are finalising preparations for the 79th edition of La Tomatina, introducing major features to ensure disabled attendees enjoy the world-famous event. Town hall officials launched the ‘+ ACCESIBLE’ initiative to give participants equal opportunity to join the celebrations. Visitors registering through official municipal channels can request personalised assistance before arriving. Attendees collect an identification wristband, granting streamlined passage into both the main party zone and designated accessible spaces. Pictograms line key areas alongside easy-read guides and an accessible website, allowing visitors with cognitive or visual challenges to navigate
Credit:BearFotos/shutterstock
Tomatina upgrades accessibility Spain refuses return
Spain itself faces migration pressure.
New accessible additions.
procedures smoothly. Local councillor Sergio Galarza highlighted that the true success of an international fiesta relies on offering a safe event where no participant is left behind. Participation is capped at 22,000 revellers, with tickets selling out for the third consecutive year. Visitors will arrive from across Spain alongside international guests from Canada, the US, Aus-
Photo credit: Massimo Todaro/Shutterstock
tralia, India, and the UK. Lorries loaded with 150,000 kilos of overripe tomatoes will roll through the streets on Wednesday, August 26, turning the town centre into a sea of red puree. These new accessibility features demonstrate how traditional Spanish events continue adapting for modern audiences. Full details on the festival measures are available on the official website.
SPAIN has refused to join several European countries preparing to return asylum seekers to Italy under the EU’s new migration rules, preferring transfers to be handled through wider European solidarity mechanisms. Sweden has confirmed it intends to return migrants to Italy when Rome is responsible for their asylum applications, following similar moves by Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Finland. The issue concerns migrants who entered the EU through Italy before travelling to another member state. Between 2023 and 2025, Italy received 109,427 transfer requests, according to Eurostat figures cited by Euronews. Under the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which came into force on
June 12, responsibility for asylum claims can fall on the country where a migrant first entered the bloc. Austria has already reported four transfers to Italy since the pact took effect. Italy suspended Dublin transfers at the end of 2022, citing pressure on its reception system. The European Commission has reported that Italy rejected 12 transfers between June 12 and July 7. Spain’s Interior Ministry says Madrid wants Dublin transfers managed through the EU’s solidarity mechanisms rather than through individual countries making bilateral arrangements. France has also taken a similar position. The dispute comes as Spain itself faces migration pressure following the mass arrivals in Ceuta.
FINANCE Bond yields
EUROPEAN bond yields surged to multi-year highs as the Iran war drove oil prices higher, intensifying inflation fears. France’s 10year yield reached a 17-year high, while Germany’s hit its highest since 2011. Investors are increasingly concerned that persistent inflation, rising government borrowing and geopolitical uncertainty could keep interest rates elevated.
Meta trial
META, Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, is facing a €1.2 trillion fine after a 29 US state coalition accused the company of manipulating networks to entrap children in its algorithm. Should Meta lose, in addition to the fine, they would have to redesign child safety measures across all sites.
Industrial growth
SPAIN’S industrial turnover rose 9.2 per cent year-onyear in June, extending its annual growth streak to four months. The increase was driven by petroleum refining, computer and telecommunications equipment, and electrical equipment manufacturing. However, monthly turnover fell 0.5 per cent from May.
Unlawful prices
CMA, THE UK’s watchdog, has launched investigations against Virgin Atlantic and Trainline. Both are accused of concealing mandatory charges that customers should be made aware. The move is part of a broader crackdown against misleading “tiered pricing.”
Klarna financing
KLARNA’S revenue rose 27 per cent in the second quarter, supported by more merchants, financing and paying subscribers. Gross merchandise volume increased 18 per cent, while financing gross merchandise volumes surged 82 per cent.
euroweeklynews.com • 27 August - 2 September 2026
STAT OF WEEK
2.9 %
The euro area annual inflation rate was 2.9 per cent in July 2026, up from 2.8 per cent in June, according to Eurostat.
Young people at home YOUNG people across Europe are finding it harder to build independent lives, but nowhere has the situation deteriorated faster than in Spain. The share of Spaniards aged 18 to 34 who live independently without financial support from their families has fallen from 41 per cent in 2016 to just 31 per cent in 2025. Meanwhile, the European rate has remained broadly stable at around 50 per cent. The squeeze is particularly confusing because youth unemployment has fallen from almost 40 per cent in 2013 to 16 per cent, while temporary employment has dropped from 56 per cent in 2018 to 32 per cent. Yet rising housing costs are swallowing up those gains. The property market explains why grown adults are struggling to strike out on their own. The average first-time buyer in Europe is 31.3 years old. This matters because buying
Cost of living means adults still live at home with their parents.
a first home is often a major step towards financial independence. If young Spaniards are struggling even to leave the family home, reaching the property ladder can be pushed further out of reach. With rents and house prices rising, employment improvements alone are proving insufficient to help a generation establish homes and financial security
Wheat wars EACH month the food bill increases. The US-Israel war in the Middle East is largely responsible, with the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz driving oil prices. However, Russia’s escalating war in Ukraine is set to worsen food inflation. Ukraine is one of the world’s most important producers and exporters of wheat and grain. In 2025, Ukraine’s total grain production reached 60 million tonnes, but Russia’s contin-
Rental squeeze Credit: Goksi / Shutterstock
BUSINESS EXTRA
21
ued assault could shrink this year’s harvest, cutting a large portion of Ukraine’s GDP and inflating global food prices. Global food prices are expected to increase by 11.8 per cent in 2026 and 4.8 per cent in 2027, according to Oxford Economics. Wheat-based products will likely bear the brunt of the price hike, pushing up relatively cheap shelf staples like bread and pasta.
of its own. The pressure is particularly clear in the housing market. Property prices rose 9.5 per cent in 2025, reaching €2,284 per square metre, while rents rose 6.8 per cent in July to €15.3 per square metre. For young people without family support, these costs make both renting and buying increasingly difficult. Credit: BearFotos / Shutterstock
Wars and extreme weather force food prices sky-high.
Extreme heatwaves and severe droughts across Europe have compounded the issue, dropping the combined EU-UK harvest forecast to 286.6 million tonnes.
Pre-owned
CEO salary
Ice-cream sales
IKEA is stepping into the second-hand retail space, setting up a new site to rival eBay and Vinted. The resurgence of vintage clothing trends, a focus on sustainability, and money-saving habits has led to a thriving second-hand industry, which is currently valued at approximately €209.28 billion. Ikea’s platform will allow customers to buy and sell preowned Ikea items. Customers can trade for cash or be paid 15 per cent extra with an Ikea gift card.
THE average salary for a median Tesla employee is approximately €49,320. A new AFL-CIO study reveals that, while serving as CEO, Elon Musk earned 2.5 million times that. In 2025, Tesla paid the world’s first trillionaire €136 billion, an unprecedented amount even among the world’s elite. Excluding Musk, the average CEO salary in 2025 was €19.8 million, up from €16.2 million the year before, jumping to a 312 to 1 ratio. These figures show a sharp increase in CEO salaries, but if Musk’s earnings were considered, the average would increase to €262.7 million.
THE EU’s ice-cream market is showing no signs of cooling down. The industry has faced challenges due to inflation, but a shift to plant-based, low-sugar and lactose-free options diversified production and helped keep the market steady. According to Eurostat, the EU produced 3.44 litres of ice-cream in 2025, a 1.9 per cent increase compared with 2024. Germany led production with 603 litres, but Spain wasn’t far behind in fourth place with 458 million litres. The European ice-cream market was valued at €20.1 billion in 2025. Research and Markets predict it will reach €29.4 billion by 2034.
HOUSEHOLD budgets are being squeezed tighter than ever. A recent Idealista study reveals rent consumes 39 per cent of the average Spanish family income. This percentage is highest in Malaga, where 58 per cent of the family income goes towards rent. Comparatively, only 29 per cent of the average income is needed for a mortgage. However, this doesn’t account for the deposit needed to obtain a mortgage, which many families can’t save due, in part, to high rental costs.
Oil rises again OIL prices have climbed 15 per cent since the start of August, with Brent crude rising above €78 a barrel and reaching its highest level since late July. The latest gains reflect mounting tensions in the Middle East, particularly after the expiry of the 60day US-Iran ceasefire. Concerns over potential disruption to oil supplies and shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, have increased market volatility and pushed prices higher.
Consumer confidence ACCORDING to S&P Global UK, consumer sentiment dropped to 42.9 in August, down from the 43.4 fourmonth high in July. Job security amongst UK citizens also dropped to 45.6, the lowest level since April 2023. Consumer sentiment measures the overall health of the UK economy. Readings below 50 are considered negative. Despite visible economic growth, households still feel financially insecure, largely due to high levels of inflation and stagnating wages.
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FINANCE
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euroweeklynews.com
LONDON - FTSE 100
DOW JONES
Closing Prices 24 August
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Closing Prices 24 August
Net
3I Group.....................................2.919,00............2.940,00......... 2.911,00......... 148,53K Admiral Group.............................3.970,0..............3.994,0........... 3.968,0........... 17,15K Airtel Africa................................. 334,60...............335,00............328,60.......... 272,83K Anglo American...........................4.141,0..............4.149,0........... 4.071,0.......... 229,76K Antofagasta................................3.963,00............3.970,00......... 3.891,00........... 85,3K Associated British Foods.............2.063,0..............2.067,0........... 2.051,0........... 34,44K AstraZeneca...............................12.115,1............12.204,0......... 12.101,0......... 130,51K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 540,80...............547,60............539,80........... 113,5K Aviva........................................... 721,44...............722,40............716,60........... 335,9K B M European Value Retail.......... 236,60...............237,80............234,40.......... 114,31K BAE Systems..............................2.121,00............2.130,00......... 2.102,00......... 195,26K Barclays...................................... 492,15...............493,60............488,95............1,99M Barratt Redrow............................ 311,40...............314,50............310,20.......... 288,56K Beazley.......................................1.295,68............1.296,50......... 1.295,50.......... 79,09K Berkeley......................................3.542,0..............3.572,0........... 3.498,0............ 3,97K BP............................................... 545,40...............547,80............544,20............1,75M British American Tobacco...........4.127,0..............4.146,0........... 4.111,0.............112K BT Group.................................... 205,00...............206,00............204,50.......... 775,27K Bunzl...........................................2.778,3..............2.792,0........... 2.748,0........... 24,72K Centrica....................................... 153,40...............154,00............152,80.......... 477,48K Coca Cola HBC AG......................4.560,0..............4.564,0........... 4.536,0........... 19,86K Compass...................................... 31,04.................31,13..............30,95............ 71,66K ConvaTec Group......................... 225,60...............226,60............225,00.......... 267,02K Croda Intl....................................3.401,0..............3.440,0........... 3.392,0........... 76,71K DCC.............................................6.370,0..............6.375,0........... 6.365,0........... 23,36K Diageo.........................................1.737,7..............1.745,0........... 1.726,5.......... 415,63K Diploma.....................................7.295,00............7.300,00......... 7.200,00.......... 36,56K EasyJet........................................ 672,73...............675,00............671,80.......... 384,04K Entain.......................................... 541,50...............546,40............539,40.......... 114,65K Experian......................................2.943,0..............2.969,0........... 2.927,9........... 85,32K F&C Invest.................................. 338,80...............340,60............338,59.......... 181,01K Frasers........................................ 826,00...............830,00............822,00............ 6,84K Fresnillo.....................................3.196,05............3.253,70......... 3.181,00......... 118,52K Glencore...................................... 599,20...............601,00............595,90.............2,3M GSK plc......................................1.907,50............1.921,61......... 1.906,23......... 320,35K HALEON...................................... 363,20...............364,50............362,50.......... 779,18K Halma..........................................3.550,0..............3.564,0........... 3.498,0........... 71,69K Hikma Pharma...........................1.626,00............1.633,00......... 1.620,00.......... 24,32K Hiscox........................................1.812,00............1.815,05......... 1.792,00.......... 43,42K Howden Joinery.......................... 799,50...............801,00............794,50........... 60,03K HSBC.........................................1.515,00............1.518,20......... 1.504,20...........3,46M IAG.............................................. 427,00...............428,20............423,00.......... 781,12K ICG PLC.....................................2.018,00............2.024,00......... 2.012,00.......... 14,09K IMI PLC......................................3.069,65............3.070,00......... 3.038,00.............18K Imperial Brands..........................2.498,00............2.506,00......... 2.488,00........... 65,6K Informa....................................... 901,40...............902,60............892,80.......... 102,22K InterContinental........................... 160,7.................161,2..............159,9............. 8,92K Intertek........................................5.845,0..............5.847,5........... 5.840,0........... 88,36K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
J Sainsbury................................. 333,40...............334,71............332,70.......... 496,92K JD Sports Fashion........................ 84,74.................85,90..............84,52........... 772,28K Kingfisher.................................... 317,20...............321,80............316,40.......... 173,49K Land Securities........................... 691,50...............693,50............688,50.......... 189,92K Legal & General.......................... 284,06...............286,20............282,78............5,22M Lloyds Banking........................... 111,20...............111,55............110,85............5,43M London Stock Exchange..............8.660,0..............8.690,0........... 8.612,0........... 42,87K Londonmetric Property............... 193,40...............194,00............193,00.......... 342,68K M&G........................................... 348,10...............348,70............346,40.......... 283,04K Marks & Spencer........................ 383,70...............385,30............381,80.......... 153,36K Melrose Industries...................... 468,60...............468,90............465,50.......... 233,26K Mondi.......................................... 858,80...............867,60............852,40........... 48,26K National Grid..............................1.170,00............1.172,50......... 1.163,50......... 363,68K NatWest Group........................... 683,60...............686,20............681,00.......... 292,08K Next...........................................15.290,0............15.520,0......... 15.273,5........... 4,63K Pearson......................................1.208,00............1.208,00......... 1.197,50.......... 14,63K Pershing Square........................3.902,00............3.948,00......... 3.878,00.......... 11,83K Persimmon.................................1.146,5..............1.159,9........... 1.141,5........... 96,08K Prudential...................................1.032,77............1.035,50......... 1.029,00......... 204,85K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.152,0..............5.166,0........... 5.138,8........... 53,42K Relx............................................2.615,00............2.623,00......... 2.598,30......... 135,64K Rentokil....................................... 344,90...............345,20............342,00.......... 337,73K Rightmove.................................. 506,00...............513,60............505,20........... 79,43K Rio Tinto PLC..............................7.688,0..............7.708,0........... 7.625,0.......... 145,35K Rolls-Royce Holdings................1.514,80............1.515,80......... 1.497,80......... 507,83K Sage...........................................1.095,00............1.098,00......... 1.089,00.......... 64,57K Schroders.................................... 583,5.................584,0..............583,5........... 228,84K Scottish Mortgage......................1.452,48............1.461,00......... 1.450,94......... 147,01K Segro.......................................... 963,00...............964,40............960,80.......... 119,43K Severn Trent...............................3.126,0..............3.136,0........... 3.100,0........... 19,75K Shell............................................3.403,5..............3.414,0........... 3.401,0.......... 606,65K Smith & Nephew........................1.072,50............1.075,00......... 1.065,00......... 139,86K Smiths Group.............................2.614,00............2.621,00......... 2.595,00.......... 24,37K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........7.081,5..............7.095,0........... 7.035,0............. 3,3K SSE............................................2.379,00............2.387,00......... 2.369,00.......... 68,61K Standard Chartered....................2.168,00............2.172,00......... 2.153,00......... 140,06K Standard Life............................... 920,00...............925,50............916,50.......... 183,84K Taylor Wimpey............................. 82,64.................83,50..............82,28........... 602,31K Tesco.......................................... 456,80...............458,89............455,70........... 416,1K Unilever.......................................4.708,5..............4.719,0........... 4.686,0.......... 150,44K Unite........................................... 524,50...............529,00............521,00........... 96,49K United Utilities............................1.430,00............1.435,00......... 1.419,00.......... 49,56K Vistry Group................................ 265,80...............267,20............263,68.......... 347,67K Vodafone Group PLC................. 116,850.............117,600..........116,608...........2,41M Weir Group................................2.840,00............2.852,00......... 2.816,00.......... 64,54K Whitbread...................................2.443,0..............2.450,0........... 2.400,0........... 24,52K WPP............................................ 392,80...............392,80............386,40.......... 180,47K
Company
Price(p)
Maximum
Minimum
Net
3M.............................................. 178,96...............181,03............178,02............2,59M Amazon.com............................... 258,63...............261,09............257,04...........35,72M American Express....................... 336,00...............337,16............333,42............2,62M Amgen........................................ 439,33...............440,51............429,38............2,11M Apple........................................... 309,35...............312,38............307,01...........46,88M Boeing......................................... 214,20...............216,46............212,75............6,24M Caterpillar.................................... 827,90...............832,00............812,34............2,47M Chevron...................................... 205,27...............207,82............205,01............7,36M Cisco........................................... 111,04...............112,19............110,45...........18,41M Coca-Cola..................................... 91,10.................91,20..............90,32.............15,6M Goldman Sachs..........................1.039,28............1.043,66......... 1.008,85...........2,75M Home Depot................................ 335,61...............338,58............333,00............3,42M Honeywell................................... 215,90...............219,83............215,78............3,47M IBM............................................. 235,68...............238,72............233,12............3,89M J&J............................................. 270,24...............272,65............267,00............6,19M JPMorgan................................... 351,58...............356,86............350,37............8,11M McDonald’s................................. 270,95...............271,25............268,11............3,78M Merck&Co................................... 152,55...............154,49............148,59...........15,98M Microsoft.................................... 483,24...............486,36............478,53...........22,51M Nike.............................................. 40,76.................41,13..............40,24............14,71M NVIDIA........................................ 214,72...............218,74............214,50...........98,87M P&G............................................ 144,68...............145,27............142,14............9,79M Salesforce Inc............................. 209,17...............211,07............204,73............9,69M Sherwin-Williams........................ 346,59...............350,02............345,71............1,69M The Travelers.............................. 363,58...............367,19............363,38............1,61M UnitedHealth............................... 390,11...............393,66............386,00............4,89M Verizon......................................... 49,45.................49,72..............49,17............15,08M Visa A.......................................... 371,04...............371,80............366,66............6,68M Walmart...................................... 103,70...............104,28............102,15...........44,45M Walt Disney................................. 107,78...............108,41............106,97............6,84M M - Million Dollars
NASDAQ
Closing Prices 24 August
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Advanced RF Acquisition II............................................. 355,62 %.........................3,15M Werewolf Therapeutics................................... 102,04 %.......................296,73M Stablecoinx...................................................... 85,25 %.........................98,97M Sadot............................................................... 56,16 %.........................19,61M Aiai Holdings.................................................... 46,14 %.........................13,13M Exyn Tech........................................................ 39,87 %.........................16,07M Lisata Therapeutics.......................................... 38,39 %..........................7,12M AMC Robotics.................................................. 32,65 %........................223,44K The9 ADR......................................................... 32,57 %........................911,14K Datacentrex...................................................... 29,70 %..........................1,33M Sphere 3D........................................................ 29,21 %..........................3,08M The Hain Celestial............................................. 27,34 %............................ 2M Canaan............................................................. 27,25 %.........................96,52M Super X AI........................................................ 25,29 %........................578,14K PS International............................................... 25,11 %........................991,16K Vogenx............................................................. 24,82 %........................428,74K Zjk Industrial.................................................... 23,63 %..........................2,06M AIFU Inc DRC................................................... 23,33 %.........................47,97K Critical Metals Corp.......................................... 22,59 %.........................16,43M M - Million Dollars
Company
Change Net / % Volume Most Declined SU Holdings.....................................................-42,34 %.........................40,25M GD Culture.......................................................-37,35 %.........................11,03M CDT Environmental Tech Investment Holdings.-35,52 %.........................4,99M Jianzhi Century Technology ADR.....................-33,73 %..........................1,04M Lucas GC..........................................................-31,33 %........................123,37M Profusa............................................................-27,87 %........................647,69K Flux Power Holdings........................................-26,95 %..........................1,65M Professional Diversity......................................-26,05 %..........................10,8M iSpecimen........................................................-25,55 %..........................1,55M Singularity Future Tech....................................-25,29 %..........................1,37M Top Wealth Holding.........................................-25,00 %........................512,64K BTC Digital.......................................................-22,45 %.........................17,08M Treasure Global................................................-22,22 %........................249,94K Hennessy Capital Investment Corp VII.............-22,00 %........................110,39K Game Your Game.............................................-20,12 %..........................1,93M Zerostack.........................................................-20,03 %........................463,87K Xiao I ADR.......................................................-18,39 %........................915,12K Synergy CHC....................................................-17,20 %...........................2,7M Americas Car-Mart...........................................-15,90 %........................390,68K M - Million Dollars
SCENE FUENGIROLA’S Verbena de Los Pacos returns to Plaza Suomi from Thursday, August 27, to Saturday, August 29, marking the festival’s 30th anniversary. Organised by the Los Pacos Neighbourhood Association and Fuengirola Town Hall, this year’s celebration carries the slogan ‘¡Tradición que se siente!’ (Tradition you can feel), reflecting three decades of a fiesta held dear by local families. Festivities begin at 7pm with a musical parade led by La Charanga Lanz through the streets of Los Pacos. An official opening ceremony follows at 9pm, introducing the association’s new board,
BENALMADENA Pueblo will transform into a bustling Arabic souk from Thursday, August 27, to Sunday, August 30. Doors open at 7pm on Thursday, with ac-
/FB Credit:Anton Vierietin/shutterstock
30 year fiesta
Credit:FuengirolaTH
COSTA DEL SOL
Retro disco at The Sun Inn.
Verbena de Los
Retro disco for dogs
Pacos 2025.
with performances from the Academia de Baile Juan Guerrero and singers El Niño de Peñaflor and Maribel La Caletera. Friday, August 28, brings a tribute from the residents’ association, the Coro Santiago choir, a dance display and live sets from Araceli González and La Gramola. Saturday, August 29, the busiest day, starts at 1.30pm with the Panda de Verdiales Raíces de
los Moras, followed by a free paella for residents at 2pm. Children take over from 7.30pm with the Chiquilindungui group and show ‘El Capitán Espárrago’, before an evening of gymnastics, dance, comedy from Diego Arjona and a closing set from Sueño Marismeño. Activities run until 1.30am each night. Further details are available on the Fuengirola Culture website.
Medieval arabic magic tivities running from midday until the early hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Councillor for commerce
Raul Campos called it one of summer’s most anticipated dates, offering a boost to local businesses. Falconry displays will take place along the market route, with talks on birds of prey. Children can enjoy archery and pottery workshops behind the church, a free carousel, games and a photo spot. Calle Real hosts henna painting and wood-carving demonstrations by sculptor Kurt Romero. Arabic rhythms will echo through the streets courtesy of musicians and belly dancers from Al Folk. From 10.30pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Plaza de Andalucia will host Sephardic concerts. Food offerings feature traditional teterías, spiced pastries, and grilled meats near the church, as well as a dedicated taverns area in the Montebello car park.
DUST off your dancing shoes and grab your flares for an evening of retro disco in Estepona. The Sun Inn in El Padron is hosting a lively 70s and 80s party night on Saturday, August 29. The popular family-run pub and restaurant will focus heavily on ABBA’s iconic hits, mixed with classic dance tracks from across both decades. Festivities begin with a group game designed to break the ice while raising
important funds for ADANA Dog Shelter. The volunteer-run charity works tirelessly to rescue, care for, and rehome abandoned dogs across the region. The Sun Inn regularly hosts events to support the shelter’s ongoing welfare work. The music steps up at 8.30pm when the resident DJ takes over the decks to play hits late into the night. Partygoers are encouraged to wear vintage
gear, though casual dress is equally welcome. Free shots will also be provided to help get the evening started. Tables fill up quickly for these events, so advance bookings are strongly recommended by calling +34 611 224 300. Located on Camino de Montesol just outside Estepona town, the venue offers plenty of parking for guests looking to enjoy classic tunes for a worthy local cause.
Burger extravaganza MIJAS councillors gathered this week to launch Spain’s official best-burger competition at the Las Lagunas fairground. The Champions Burger runs from Thursday, August 20, to Sunday, September 6, featuring 17 food trucks competing for public votes ahead of the national title. Local favourite Dak Burger returns together with regional rivals from Malaga and Cordoba. Organisers have adopted an American football theme for this year’s event, fitting the site with access tunnels, interactive zones, and stadium-style lighting. Visitors can sample premium grilled meats cooked live, alongside expanded side options including crispy chips and fried chicken. A new dedicated dessert section, Champions Cheesecake, features five pastry teams serving creative variations topped with pistachio, Dubai cream, and cured cheeses. Chefs are using pretzel-style brioche, coloured breads, wood-smoked elements, and savoury jams. Members of
Credit: EWN
Let the games begin! Champions Burger kicks off.
the public can vote for their favourites using a QR code printed on their entry tickets to determine the top three local finalists. Co-founder José Morales stated that the event has elevated burger culture into a nationwide championship since 2018. Last year’s tour attracted over eight million visitors across 57 cities. Entry to the fairground is free. To prevent traffic issues seen during previous years, local authorities have provided additional parking near Maria Zambrano school and on Camino Campanales.
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Streelight for candlelight ISTAN will trade streetlights for candlelight as its annual La VelA festival returns for an eighth year. Squares, fountains and mountain viewpoints across the Sierra de las Nieves village will be lit only by candles on Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29. Residents will decorate their front doors with flowers and fairy lights. Entry remains free, as it has been since the festival began in 2019. Organisers describe it as a sensory experience rather than a standard gig, with a line-up spanning several musical styles. Samuel Tosso opens proceedings with a tribute to Huelva star Manuel Carrasco. Javier Ojeda, former frontman of Malaga band Danza Invisible, performs solo material. Cadiz Carnival favourite Rafa Taleguilla
completes the bill, alongside regional folk acts and homegrown pop. Local singers will take to a stage at the El Peñón viewpoint on both nights. A new stage at El Coto, on the edge of the village, spreads performances further than in previous years. Istáa’s town hall says the festival draws far more visitors than the village’s resident population of around 1,400, giving the local economy a late-summer boost. Roads into Istan narrow sharply from the coast, and parking is limited. Visitors travelling from Marbella or Puerto Banus are advised to arrive before dusk and walk between venues. Full stage times are on the town hall’s website.
euroweeklynews.com II SOCIALSCENE
Tiramisu in Torremolinos PLAZA de Toros de Torremolinos will swap bulls for bruschetta on Thursday, August 27, and Friday, August 28, when Little Italy Gastro Fest turns the historic bullring into a bustling Mediterranean piazza for two nights. Doors open at 7pm each evening, with festivities running until close. The event, organised by GastronÓmico and Locamente, marks the festival’s debut edition. Food sits at the heart of the occasion, overseen by ‘la Nonna’, the festival’s hostess. Fresh pasta comes in several formats with homemade sauces, alongside paninis on artisan focaccia and boards of Italian cheese and cured meats. Pizza al taglio is cut to order, while a dedicated sweet corner, Dolce Italia, offers tiramisu, Sicilian cannoli and artisan ice cream. Cocktails also make an appearance. El Aperitivo de Hugo serves Aperol Spritz, Campari and Italian vermouth. Live Italian jazz opens proceedings, followed by a show from Pink Chadora and her dancers,
Credit:Sham
Clicks/shu
tterstock
Win a trip to Rome.
before a DJ set carries the night on. Tickets start from €6, with free entry for under-12s. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult and carry a signed authorisation form; those aged 16 and over need the form and valid ID. Capacity is limited, and early-bird tickets have been selling quickly. Every ticket also enters buyers into a prize draw for a trip to Rome for two.
Karaoke for a cause Credit:Fidelio/FB
26 EWN 27 August - 2 September 2026
Pups in need.
BAR PUEBLO in Benalmadena Pueblo will host a fun-filled charity night on Friday, August 28, from 8pm, in aid of Asociacion Fidelio, the town’s refuge for abandoned dogs. Guests can expect music, karaoke and entertainment from Pablo Petri. The event was announced by community Facebook page Benalmadena Pueblo Info, which is marking three years online. Its post noted that Fidelio has been allowed to remain
operational until new premises are ready, a process that could take some time, and urged residents to attend and lend support. Fidelio is an amazing charity that has cared for stray and abandoned dogs in the area for more than 35 years. Run entirely by volunteers, the charity relies on donations rather than council grants and currently looks after around 30 dogs, including podencos and mastiffs. Legally constituted in
November 1998, Fidelio is registered with the Andalucian Register of Associations. No one is paid for their work, with every resource put towards the animals’ care. Visitors can call in daily between 10.30am and 2.30pm. Fundraisers like this event help cover veterinary bills, food and upkeep of the shelter. Those unable to attend can still donate via bank transfer or PayPal through Fidelio’s social media pages.
SOCIALSCENE II euroweeklynews.com
27 August - 2 September 2026
RONDA Town Hall has confirmed the full programme for its annual Feria de Pedro Romero, marking the return of bullfighting to its historic Plaza de Toros after two years of repairs. Festivities will transform the mountain town from Tuesday, September 1, to Sunday, September 6. Opening night features a parade of floats and marching bands from Calle Jerez towards the fairgrounds for the light switch-on. Concertgoers can see Spanish artist Miguel Campello perform live on Wednesday, September 2, at 11pm. Equestrian events take centre stage on Thursday, September 3, at 3pm with the 17th Contest of Dress and Horse Tack, followed by a novillada display for up-and-coming matadors on Friday, Septem-
ACE Autumn lunch Credit:ACE/FB
Ronda brings back bulls
EWN 27
Credit:RondaTH/F
B
Support the puppies. Colourful street pa
rades.
ber 4, at 6pm. Saturday, September 5, hosts two premier events inside the arena: the 42nd Corrida Rondeña de Rejones at 11.30am, followed by top matadors Morante de la Puebla, José María Manzanares, and Juan Ortega at 6pm. Celebrations conclude on Sunday, September 6 with the annual Carriage Exhibition. As well as the ring,
daytime street parties fill Plaza del Socorro with local wine, cured ham, and spontaneous flamenco. Local Damas Goyescas stroll in traditional 18th-century attire, whilst the Angel Harillo fairgrounds offer thrilling evening rides. Drivers should expect central traffic controls around Puente Nuevo bridge throughout the festival.
Neighbourhood celebration Credit: Ayto
‘Velada’ neighbourhood celebration returns.
RESIDENTS of Marbella’s Plaza de Toros district are preparing for a threeday community festival from Friday, August 28, to Sunday, August 30. Following the success of previous gatherings, the annual celebration moves beyond its block-party origins to occupy official event spaces inside the historic bullring and a nearby children’s park. Organised by the Asociación de Vecinos Plaza de Toros with support from Marbella Council, the festival retains its local character without disrupting traffic, as no roads or parking spaces will close. Festivities begin on Friday, August 28, at the local senior centre with a large communal paella and a coronation ceremony, followed by an evening
carnival performance featuring artists from Cadiz. Saturday, August 29, sees the main crowning of the event’s festival royalty before live musical sets by Hermanas Cervera, Barrichi Colorao, and local singer Davinia. Sunday, August 30, focuses on younger residents with a dedicated water festival in the park. Association secretary Rafael Jiménez noted the committee’s goal to build an inclusive weekend for all age groups. Council representatives praised the partnership between local authorities and residents that maintains this neighbourhood tradition, encouraging visitors from across Marbella to attend. Full details are available on the council’s website.
RESTAURANTE El Jinete will host the Autumn Charity Lunch in aid of ACESHIN, Animal Care España, on Saturday, October 3, from 2pm. Tickets cost €50, including a €10 donation to the charity. The price covers a welcome drink, a three-course lunch with vegetarian options, bread and water, and two drinks per person during the meal. Starters include warm goat’s cheese salad, foie mousse with Cumberland sauce, prawns pil pil, and Argentinian meat pie with grilled chorizo. Main courses range from pork ribs in bourbon barbecue sauce and Italian-style chicken schnitzel to pan-fried calf’s liver, chargrilled entrecote, and oven-baked fillet of hake. Vegetarian diners can choose spinach and ricotta torteloni or pistachio bau-
letti. Desserts include apple pie, banana and rum trifle, and cheesecake. Vocalist Harvey James will provide live entertainment, and a charity raffle with prizes will run throughout the lunch, adding to funds raised for ACE-SHIN. The charity cares for hundreds of abandoned, abused and neglected dogs and cats across its shelters, rehoming animals in Spain and beyond. Every ticket helps fund veterinary care, food and shelter. Seats are limited, so early booking is advised. Tickets are available from Restaurante El Jinete on 952 119 170, IBEX Insurance in Fuengirola, or by contacting Martyn on 711 039 124 or Carolyn on 647 647 671. For enquiries, email info@ace-charity.org or visit www.ace-charity.org.
28 27 August - 2 September 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com
Less tourist apartments
Credit: J.K2507 / Shutterstock.com
High-ranking Spanish universities Photo credit: Saiko3p/Shutterstock
SPAIN has 341,001 homes being used as tourist accommodation this summer, down 10.7 per cent in a year but still heavily concentrated in some of the country’s most popular holiday destinations. Andalucia has the largest number, with 90,649 tourist homes, followed by Catalonia with 51,305 and the Valencian Community with 51,268. The Canary Islands have 48,356. When compared with overall housing stock, however, the Canary Islands have the highest concentration, with tourist homes accounting for 4.44 per cent of all properties. The Balearic Islands follow at 3.27 per cent, and Andalucia at 1.94 per cent. At provincial level, Malaga has the highest number, with 45,176 tourist homes, followed by Alicante
FEATURE - SPANISH NEWS
Spain universities ranking. Madrid has the most tourist homes.
with 32,148. Las Palmas has 26,998 and Santa Cruz de Tenerife 21,358. Malaga also has one of the highest proportions of tourist accommodation relative to its housing stock, at 4.5 per cent. At municipal level, Madrid has the most tourist homes with 10,836, followed by Malaga, Barcelona, Marbella and Sevilla. Some smaller municipalities have far higher
concentrations. Valle de Bardaji in Huesca has tourist accommodation accounting for 33.33 per cent of its housing stock, while La Oliva in Fuerteventura reaches 23.55 per cent. The 10.7 per cent national fall comes as authorities tighten regulations governing holiday lets, meaning some properties may have left the tourist market because of new requirements.
TWO Spanish universities have returned to one of the world’s toughest academic rankings. Rey Juan Carlos University and the University of Valladolid have both rejoined the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2026, known as the Shanghai Ranking, published on Saturday, August 15. They take their place alongside 28 other Spanish institutions in the world’s top 1,000. Rey Juan Carlos hadn’t featured since 2023, while Valladolid dropped off for just one year before clawing its way back. The ranking scores universities on six criteria, including Nobel Prize winners among alumni, papers published in Nature and Science, and research output per head. The methodology favours large, well-funded institutions, making
any fresh appearance from a mid-sized Spanish university hard-won. Eight universities that featured last year missed this year’s cut, including Cantabria, the Balearic Islands and Carlos III de Madrid. Spain’s overall tally now stands at 30, down from 36. Established front-runners still lead the way. University of Barcelona remains Spain’s top institution, sitting within the world’s top 200, while Granada, Valencia and Madrid’s Autonomous University all feature in the 301-400 bracket. Harvard tops the global table, followed by Stanford, MIT and Cambridge. China now leads by volume, placing 257 universities overall, ahead of the United States (187) and the United Kingdom (57). Spain sits 23rd among nations.
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Credit: Antonello da Messina, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Antonello da Messina’s 1473 San Gregorio Polyptych.
FOUR Renaissance masterpieces by Antonello da Messina have been stolen from a museum in Messina, Sicily, in a heist worth up to €80 million. Thieves prised all five surviving panels of his 1473 San Gregorio Polyptych from their frame as a religious procession filled the streets outside for the Ferragosto holiday, then abandoned two of them behind a wall as they fled with the rest. A double-sided panel
showing the Madonna and Child on one side and a Pieta on the other was also taken from a secure display case. Museum director Marisa Mercurio said the theft happened just before 10pm and that the alarms had been working, though police are still investigating how the thieves avoided triggering them. Art expert Alberto Fiz valued the missing works at €70 million to €80 million, whilst art crime ana-
lyst Lynda Albertson said their fame could make them almost impossible to sell legitimately, and warned they may instead be used as criminal collateral. The theft is the third major Italian art heist in under a year, following March’s theft of paintings by Cézanne, Renoir and Matisse near Parma. These also add to Europe’s wider museum robbery’s, including October’s €88 million Louvre jewel heist.
A BELGIAN car salesman has become a prince after Prince Laurent, younger brother of King Philippe, formally recognised him as his biological son. Clément Vandenkerckhove, 26, is now entitled to the title Prince of Belgium. He and Laurent completed the legal recognition at a civil registry office in February 2026, though the news only became public on Wednesday, August 19. Clément was born in August 2000 to Flemish singer Wendy Van Wanten, following her relationship with Laurent before he married Princess Claire in 2003. He grew up away from royal life, working as a car salesman and, reportedly, in a restaurant. He learned Laurent was his father aged 16. The pair grew closer over time, and Laurent later suggested a DNA test, which the two took
Credit: Clément Vandenkerckhove/FB
Sicily’s €80m stolen masterpieces Salesman turned prince
From car salesman to prince.
together at a hospital. It returned a 99.5 per cent match. Laurent publicly acknowledged Clément as his son in September 2025. Under a 2015 Royal Decree, the title extends to descendants of King Albert II, Laurent’s father. Clément’s new status brings no throne succession rights or state
allowance, but does give him equal inheritance rights alongside Laurent’s three other children. His case echoes that of Princess Delphine, though far less contentious. Clément still retains his mother’s surname, and in June shared his first public photograph with his father.
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France legalises assisted dying FRANCE has signed assisted dying into law, becoming the latest European country to allow it after Spain, five years after MPs in London tried and failed to do the same. President Emmanuel Macron promulgated the law following a final vote in the National Assembly in July and approval from France’s Constitutional Council in August. Adults with an incurable illness in its terminal or advanced stage, unbearable physical suffering and full mental capacity will be able to request the procedure, provided they are French nationals or settled residents. No one can actually use the new right yet. Health Ministry decrees setting out the practical rules are not expected before early 2027, and France’s national health authority still has to rule on which substances can be used.
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Spain has allowed a similar procedure since 2021, granting more than 2,000 requests, including from British nationals with legal residency. Britain’s own version passed the House of Commons in 2025 but collapsed in the House of Lords in April this year, after opponents tabled more than 1,200 amendments and left it without enough parliamentary time to pass. President Emmanuel Macron, who signed France’s assisted dying law.
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IN April 1934, forestry workers opened two boxes beside the Edersee reservoir near Vohl, releasing two male and two female North American raccoons into the wild. Local officials hoped to enrich the native wildlife, acting before formal approval arrived. Despite popular urban legends blaming Nazi official Hermann Göring for the release, official records show the decision was strictly a local administrative matter. Those four original animals, combined with later escapes from fur farms and additional releases, sparked a population explosion. Today, an estimated two million raccoons inhabit Germany. Kassel has become the informal raccoon capital of Europe, housing approximately 30,000 within its urban boundary. These adaptable creatures fre-
Germany’s invasive species issue.
quently invade attics, power stations, and hospital corridors, causing extensive property damage. Despite the European Union classifying the raccoon as an invasive species, population control efforts have failed. Hunters now cull over 250,000 animals annually, yet total numbers continue to rise rapidly across the country. Public opinion remains
divided. While some residents regularly feed the masked visitors, property owners face costly repairs to chewed wiring and ruined insulation. Conservationists debate whether the animals pose a genuine threat to native bird and amphibian populations. Over nine decades after their initial release, the creatures have permanently established themselves across the nation.
NORA JOHNSON - BREAKING VIEWS
Madrid’s iconic celebrity café’s celebrity guests!
nuance, two things this film lacks. The characters look and act the part, but nostalgia only takes this film so far.
Credi t: S o
Furious
FURIOUS follows two fascinating female characters: a serial killer hunting rich and morally corrupt men, and the FBI agent hunting her. During the course of the investigation, Agent Alice Black soon realises her and the killer’s path may be diverging, drawing them together and blurring the line between right and wrong. Dark and gritty, the series relies on tropes and clichés, but despite its similarity
Raccoon invasion
NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.
Masters of the Universe FROM Saturday morning cartoons to the big-screen, and now the slightly smaller screen, as Masters of the Universe becomes available on Prime Video. Although, it might be better to stick to the original cartoon. The success of Barbie seemed to make Hollywood believe audiences wanted films about toys, when instead they want depth and
EUROPRESS - FEATURE
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30 27 August - 2 September 2026
to other popular series, it manages to still be a harrowing story of its own.
FOR three generations, Tom Burns Marañón’s family treated Madrid’s Café Gijón as a cornerstone of public life. Founded in 1888, the Gijón survived wars, riots and dictatorship, only to succumb to modern property deals. Its recent closure - to be reopened as just another “tourist” restaurant - marked the end of Madrid’s last historic literary café. The loss sent shockwaves through the city. El País mourned the “evaporation of a century of coffee-scented debate” and “another nail in the coffin of old Madrid.” Located on the Paseo de Recoletos, the Gijón was defined by its austerity: linen cloths, no music and brisk service. It was a neutral ground where literary giants like Galdós and Valle-Inclán argued, and where Franco-era dissidents debated under the watchful eyes
of the police. From Orson Welles’s and Ava Gardner’s visits to Antonio Banderas’s chance meeting with director Pedro Almodóvar who famously helped launch his film career, the café was a stage for history. No one went for the food. They went for coffee, brandy - and destiny. As Francisco Umbral noted, there was one door in and several ways out: glory, failure, despair. When Alfonso the anarchist cigarette seller died, he was replaced not by a man, but by a photograph. Madrid still has cafés - but its legendary “literary gossip shops”, where writers were made over coffee or brandy, are slipping quietly into memory. Thanks for emails to my website below. Delighted you enjoy my novels too!
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.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
WHEN it comes to the skin spots we call moles, most of us barely give our moles a second thought - until one seems to change. While it’s sensible to keep an eye on your skin, the good news is that most moles are completely harmless. Knowing what to look for can help you separate normal changes from those that deserve medical attention. Take a close look at your skin and you’ll probably find a collection of moles scattered across your body. In fact, most adults have between 10 and 40 moles, and some people naturally have many more. Despite being so common, moles often spark anxiety, particularly when stories about skin cancer make the headlines. So, what exactly are they, why do they appear, and when should you actually be worried? A mole, or naevus as doctors call it, is simply a collection of pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. Normally these cells are spread evenly throughout the skin, giving it its colour.
Secret agents, skin spots, and breakwaters Credit: New Africa/Shutterstock
DR MARCUS STEPHAN
www.euroweeklynews.com
The number of moles you have is largely down to genetics.
Sometimes however they gather together in one place, creating a visible mark. Some are flat, others are raised. They may be tan, brown, black, pink or even almost the same colour as your skin. Some are smooth, while others have a rough texture or even sprout a few hairs. Most develop during childhood or adolescence, although it’s perfectly normal to notice new ones appearing into your 30s. 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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Beach walks are better for health and mental well-being.
THERE’S something about walking along the beach that makes exercise feel anything but a chore. With the sun on your skin, sand beneath your feet and the sound of the waves in the background, a seaside stroll can give your body and mind a boost. Walking on sand is more demanding than walking on a firm surface. As your feet sink into the sand, your muscles have to work harder to stabilise and propel you forwards, increasing the energy you burn. It’s a simple way to make
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Effortless everyday LOOKING polished doesn’t necessarily mean spending hours getting ready. Often, it’s the small details that make the biggest difference, turning a simple outfit and minimal makeup into a look that feels considered. Hair is a good place to start. A sleek ponytail, neat bun or softly styled waves can instantly make an outfit feel more finished. On busy mornings, a little dry shampoo can revive roots, while a claw clip or simple hairband adds an effortless finishing touch. Makeup doesn’t need to be complicated either. A touch of concealer, brushed brows, mascara and a little blush can bring life to your face without creating a heavy look. Add a tinted lip balm and you have an easy everyday combination.
Credit: KaterynaUKR / Shutterstock
It’s the small details that matter.
Then there’s clothing. Well-fitting, crease-free pieces will always look more polished, even when the outfit itself is simple. A favourite pair of trousers with a clean shirt or a smart jacket can create an instantly pulled-together silhouette. Accessories are often the final piece.
Gold or silver earrings, a structured handbag, sunglasses or a classic watch can elevate even the most basic outfit. The secret isn’t perfection. It’s knowing which details work for you and using them consistently. Sometimes, looking effortlessly polished really is that simple.
Benefits of beach walks an everyday walk more challenging without picking up the pace. The softer surface can also mean less impact on your joints, making sandy walks feel gentler than walking on hard pavements. And then there’s the sea air. Breathing in the fresh air while moving outdoors can be more refreshing, while the combination of exercise, natural surround-
ings and open space can help lift your mood and ease everyday stress. Going barefoot brings another bonus. As you walk, the sand gently buffs away dry, rough skin, giving your feet a natural exfoliation without reaching for a foot scrub. So, next time you’re by the coast, swap the sun lounger for a sandy walk. Your body and mind may thank you for it.
32 27 August - 2 September 2026
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Never ending delay Rhine’s swimming fines HOLIDAYMAKERS heading from Vienna to Crete on a Ryanair jet faced a chaotic start to their break on Friday, August 22. The plane took off around 12.30 pm, but cabin crew turned the aircraft round and returned straight to Vienna Airport after oxygen masks dropped 30 minutes into the flight. Ground crews conducted technical checks, with passenger footage showing adhesive tape applied Ryanair flight at Vienna. to the affected area to stop the masks falling again. The pilot announced a rescheduled departure time of 3.40 pm, immediate attention from emergency leaving passengers waiting inside the medical crews. Paramedics treated him stationary cabin. for nearly an hour before taking the pair Tensions escalated during the delay away from the apron by bus. when a male passenger requested a free The police response forced the airline bottle of water, explaining that he felt un- to miss its departure slot, pushing takewell. A heated row broke out with a flight off back to 4.30 pm. attendant, resulting in police intervenTravellers spent over four hours tion. Seven officers boarded the aircraft trapped on board, with passenger acto remove the man and his partner from counts revealing that toilets were temthe flight. porarily out of service and passengers As officers escorted the passenger were forced to pay for drinks and reonto the tarmac, he collapsed, requiring freshments.
SWELTERING summer heatwaves across Europe leave millions desperate for a refreshing cool dip, yet plunging into the Rhine can carry a heavy penalty depending on location. Picturesque scenes unfold in Basel, Switzerland, where workers drift downstream using colourful waterproof bags called Wickelfisch. Thousands gathered on Tuesday, August 18 for the annual mass river swim, floating two kilometres while commercial boat traffic paused. Cross into neighbouring German territory and the legal picture transforms instantly. Heavy commercial shipping dominates German stretches of the Rhine. Riverbed alterations created stone groynes sticking out from banks, generating invisible whirlpools that pull swimmers toward industrial barges. Following
Credit:Hadrian / Shutterstock.com
Bathing in the Rhine.
tragic drownings along busy navigation lanes, municipal authorities in cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Neuss issue fines reaching up to €1,000 for anyone entering the water. Swiss leaders chose a different path after a 1986 chemical warehouse fire, investing heavily in exit steps, showers, and real-time safety tracking to manage risk safely.
Activists from the Swimmable Cities European Forum argue that urban river management must evolve. Campaigners in Berlin, Paris, and Rotterdam are now pushing to return historical waterways back to the public safely. Anyone fancying dipping their toes in and taking a refreshing dip should check before taking the plunge.
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A RETURNING holidaymaker from Kos received an unexpected shock at Düsseldorf Airport after a yellow Mediterranean scorpion stung her inside her jacket. The incident happened shortly after she landed and went to put the jacket on. Airport staff said she remained calm but was clearly in pain. German media reported that the small scorpion had likely hidden in the garment during her stay on the Greek island. Warm weather and outdoor terraces often attract small creatures seeking shelter in clothing left outside. Nothing suggested she noticed anything unusual during the flight, leaving the sting as a complete surprise once she arrived in Germany. Medical teams at the airport treated her im-
Credit: Viral X videos
Sting shock souvenir
Unwelcome souvenir.
mediately before transferring her to a nearby hospital for observation. She was later moved to Düsseldorf University Hospital for routine monitoring. Doctors confirmed she was never in life‑threatening danger, and officials described the pain as similar to a strong wasp sting. Her condition remained stable throughout. A reptile expert from the Düsseldorf Fire Brigade captured the scor-
pion and identified it as a yellow Mediterranean species found in southern Europe, North Africa and parts of the Middle East. Its venom can cause discomfort but is rarely dangerous. The scorpion has since been relocated to a reptile facility. It certainly made a change from the usual holiday sunburn and proved a far more surprising souvenir than a fridge magnet.
33
Destruction in Aude, near Carcassonne, France.
A LARGE tornado struck southern France on Monday, August 24, tearing roofs off homes and blocking roads as violent storms swept the Aude region near Carcassonne. The tornado formed around 5pm near Pomas. Local emergency services deployed 58 firefighters and 15 gendarmes to clear debris and check damaged properties. No serious injuries were reported. Winds reached 117km/h at Arquettesen-Val, while intense downpours and hail up to five centimetres wide battered the area.
French twister
Météo-France placed Aude and 21 other departments on orange alert for severe weather. The extreme conditions disrupted the Vuelta a España bicycle race. Competitors were 15 kilometres from the finish line of Monday’s stage from Gruissan-Aude to Font Romeu when a sudden hailstorm hit the peloton on the climb towards Col de Mont-Louis. Race leader Tadej Pogačar signalled for
riders to pull over, and cyclists sought shelter in a roadside hotel. Organisers cancelled the stage completely, confirming no times or winner would be recorded. Forecasters warned that severe thunderstorms would continue across central and southern France. Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay clear of trees during lightning, and refrain from driving through floodwaters.
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Costa Blanca North
Benidorm bound in banger
Costa Blanca South Helping home
FOUR British mates are preparing for a 1,300-mile dash from Chesterfield to Benidorm in a £400 Ford Focus nicknamed the ‘Wiener Wagon’. Josh, 38, David, 33, Tom, 40, and Sam, 34, will set off on September 7, heading to Dover before crossing to Dunkirk and driving through France and Spain. The Rat Run challenge is all about fun, but the biggest goal is raising money for Childhood Tumour Trust and Breast Cancer Research, two charities particularly close to their hearts after family members were affected by both illnesses. “We’re doing it for a bit of fun and adventure, but most importantly to raise money for Childhood Tumour Trust and Breast Cancer Research,” the group said. The biggest challenge could be keeping their bargain car moving. The Focus has already travelled 106,000 miles, although the friends have arranged breakdown cover. Fundraising remains ongoing, with donations helping support the two chosen charities.
EXPATRIATE golfers on the Costa Blanca have raised more than €2,000 for a local charity. Help at Home Costa Blanca was chosen as Euro Golf Society captain Duncan Roberts’ charity for the 2025/26 season, with members raising a total of €2,005.33. The latest €1,230.33, raised between January and June, was presented to the charity on August 19. Based in Playa Flamenca, Help at Home raises funds locally to provide support for people living across Costa Blanca South, with volunteers helping residents of all ages when they need practical assistance or simply someone to turn to. Its services include taking people to hospital and medical appointments, befriending those who are lonely, helping residents access social services and providing interpreters. Much of the money needed to provide these services is generated through donated goods sold in the charity’s shops at Flamenca Beach Commercial Centre.
Axarquia
Almeria
A Torre del Mar thank you
Almeria’s festival fever
WHILE some Spanish holiday destinations complain about visitor numbers, Torre del Mar takes a different approach. The town shows its appreciation each summer by rolling out a massive free dessert, handing out more than 4,000 slices of cake. Chef Roberto Soler from Escuela de Cocina Sabores is behind the creation, a rectangular structure measuring nearly six square metres. Marking the eighth year of the event, the design draws inspiration from the town’s seafaring past and its historic lighthouses. To feed the crowds, Soler relies on impressive quantities. The cake uses 100 sheets of white sponge that would stretch 60 metres if laid end to end, 350 litres of plant-based cream, 50 litres of spiced syrup, and 60 kilos of speculoos biscuit cream. The filling includes 15 kilos of crushed speculoos biscuits, topped with 80 kilos of fondant forming oversized figures and an edible marine landscape.
COOLTURAL Fest recently wrapped up its four-day run, drawing its biggest crowds yet for a weekend that organisers and festival-goers are calling the best edition so far. One festival-goer, Paula Jiménez, 31, said this year’s turnout was noticeably bigger than last year’s, yet the festival never felt overwhelmed. Cooltural Fest has also built a reputation as one of Europe’s most inclusive festivals, working with the Fundación Music For All to place more than 50 people with disabilities in festival roles each year, including bar work, cleaning and access control. “We’re proud that each year there continue to be advances in this area,” said Crash Music director Diego Ferrón. The closing night belonged to David Bisbal, who returned to his home city to headline the final show, turning the audience into what was described as an enormous chorus. Lori Meyers & La MODA also brought all-out indie and rock hits, followed by Spanish pop/rock legends Hombres G.
Mallorca
Costa Calida
Meteotsunamis hit Mallorca
Staged spectacle
HOLIDAYMAKERS and residents were caught off guard as meteotsunamis hit parts of Mallorca, with unusual sea surges reported in Alcudia, Soller and Andratx. Meteotsunamis are caused by atmospheric disturbances, particularly sudden changes in air pressure, which can generate waves in the sea. These waves may become amplified as they reach shallower coastal waters, causing sea levels to rise or fall unexpectedly. For beachgoers, the sudden changes can be unsettling. British holidaymaker Stephen Looney, 39, was on the beach in Alcudia with his wife and daughters when the water began repeatedly pushing further up the shore. Speaking to Euro Weekly News, Stephen said: “It never got higher than ankle height, but just kept on coming. We grabbed the kids and ran back to the hotel.” Similar meteotsunami activity was reported in other parts of the island, including Soller and Andratx, with the unusual sea movements surprising witnesses along the coast.
SAN JAVIER recently celebrated its International Theatre, Music, and Dance Festival. For several weeks, this idyllic town in Murcia transformed into a premier cultural sanctuary, drawing thousands of theatergoers, music enthusiasts, and arts aficionados. At the centre of the festival was the Auditorio Parque Almansa, which hosted a succession of remarkable theatrical productions that spanned centuries of dramatic literature. Audiences were treated to performances of timeless masterpieces including Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and Federico García Lorca’s La Barraca. The programme balanced these classics with contemporary interpretations by local talents. Dance and music were just as essential to the festival’s theme. A renowned local dancer, Rocío Molina, brought physical expression and raw flamenco energy to the stage. In music, the schedule reached a powerful high point during the headlining concert by the iconic Spanish singer Luz Casal.
• EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM •
38 27 August - 2 September 2026
PETS FACT
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PETS
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Blue-eyed cats
ALL kittens are born with blue eyes. When they first open their eyes at around two weeks old, the lack of melanin (pigment) in the iris makes them appear bright blue. It takes about six to eight weeks for their true adult eye color - like green, gold, or amber - to slowly develop and lock in.
Barnie needs a dog sitter! PETS like Barnie, a little long in the tooth (or as in Barnie’s case, with no teeth), are little set in their ways to leave home when you go on holiday. Barnie needs a pet sitter in his home to feed him, walk him along his usual route and care for him. Pet sitters from HouseSitMatch pet sit for the opportunity to visit somewhere new. How does it work? • It’s a fair exchange: Our house sitters don’t charge for their services. No money changes hands. They exchange their time and dedicated pet care for free accommodation in your home. • Safety is our priority: A mandatory triple ID and fraud check protocol keeps our entire community safe for house sitters and homeowners. • It’s a collaborative community: Our sitters are simply happy to help pets thrive while you’re away. Need a dog sitter for your own canine friend? Whether planning a long cruise or visiting family for the holidays, your pets prefer the comfort of their own home.
Barnie is a friendly Maltese. He needs a sitter.
Live-in sitters keep daily routines intact and your property secure - saving you money and sparing your furry best friend a stressful trip to the kennels. Next step Joining our network is simple, secure, and collaborative: 1. Register at HouseSitMatch.com. 2. Create your profile with photos highlighting your property features and pets. 3. Match and explore with your perfect house sitter partner and start planning your next trip!
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Happy dog, clean house NO matter how much a person loves their dog, nobody enjoys the lingering ‘doggy’ odour that can quickly take over the whole house. Fortunately, you do not need to choose between having a happy dog and a fresh-smelling home. Start with your dog. Regular brushing removes loose fur, dirt and skin flakes before they end up on your carpets and furniture. Bathing can also help, but avoid overdoing it, as frequent washing may irritate the skin. Remember to wash their bedding regularly too, as it can trap plenty of odours. Next, tackle the places your dog spends the most time. Vacuum carpets, rugs and sofas frequently, paying particular attention to corners and favourite
Credit: Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock
You house doesn’t have to smell like dog all the time.
sleeping spots. Wash blankets and removable covers, and mop hard floors regularly. If there has been an accident, clean it promptly with an enzymatic pet-safe cleaner to break down the odour rather than simply masking it.
Good ventilation can make a surprising difference, so open windows when possible and let fresh air circulate. Finally, do not ignore a sudden or unusually strong smell coming from your dog. Bad
breath, smelly ears or skin odour can sometimes signal an underlying health problem, so speak to your vet if you notice a change. A cleaner home does not have to mean a less dog-friendly one.
PETS
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Jealous pets
Collars for cats
EVER had your dog suddenly wedge itself between you and a new partner, or your cat turn its back when you fuss over another pet? It may look like jealousy, and there is evidence that both dogs and cats can show behaviour that resembles it. Dogs may become jealous when attention shifts to another animal or person. Signs can include pushing in for cuddles, barking, pawing, whining, following you closely or trying to interrupt interactions. Cats can be more subtle. A jealous cat might become unusually clingy, swat at another pet, block access to you, hide, or suddenly ignore you. These behaviours do not necessarily mean your pet experiences jealousy exactly as humans do.
A TINY collar can look adorable on a cat, but is it actually a good idea? For some cats, a collar can be useful. For others, it may cause more problems than it solves. One of the biggest benefits is identification. A collar with an ID tag can help someone identify your cat if they wander off, particularly if your cat is friendly and approachable. Some owne r s also use collars with reflective details to make outdoor cats easier to
They may be reacting to a change in routine, competition for attention or anxiety about losing access to something they value. The best response is calm and consistent. Avoid punishing your pet or giving extra attention immediately after jealous behaviour, as this can accidentally reinforce it. Instead,
Credit: T.Vyc / Shutterstock
reward relaxed behaviour with praise, treats or play. Keep routines predictable and make sure each pet has its own space and regular one-to-one time with you. With patience, reassurance and positive reinforcement, most pets can learn that sharing your attention does not mean losing it.
Thorough but infrequent showers are best.
a brush through the coat may be all that is needed. Always use a shampoo designed specifically for dogs, as human products can be too harsh for their skin. If your dog has a skin condition, allergies or an unusually dirty coat,
speak to your vet about the best approach. The golden rule? Keep your dog clean, but do not assume cleaner is always better. A sensible bathing routine, regular brushing and plenty of muddy walks can happily coexist.
Credit: Sheila
Pets can feel strong jealousy.
Canine shower schedule A MUDDY walk, a roll in something unpleasant and suddenly your dog is crying out for a bath. But how often should you really reach for the shampoo? For most dogs, there is no need for frequent bathing. Washing them every four to six weeks can work well for many pets, although the ideal routine depends on their breed, coat, lifestyle and health. Dogs that spend lots of time outdoors may need cleaning more often, while those with short coats and a quieter lifestyle may need less. It is also important to avoid over-washing. Too many baths can strip natural oils from your dog’s skin, potentially causing dryness, irritation and itching. When a full bath is not necessary, a quick wipe of muddy paws or
Fitzgerald / Sh utterstock
Credit: Iryna Demchuk.An / Shutterstock
spot at night. However, collars are not completely risk-free. Cats are naturally curious and can squeeze into surprisingly small spaces, meaning a collar could potentially become caught on branches, fences or household objects. This is why a quick-release or breakaway collar is the safest option. It should release if the collar gets caught, reducing the risk of injury. Fit matters too. The collar should be snug enough to stay secure but loose enough for you to comfortably fit two fingers underneath it. Check the fit regularly, especially with young cats as they grow. For indoor cats, a collar may not be necessary, although some owners prefer one for identification. Ultimately, whether your cat should wear a collar depends on their lifestyle and personality. If you choose one, prioritise safety, comfort and a proper fit over appearance. Style and fit essential for collar safety.
40 27 August - 2 September 2026 AIR CONDITIONING
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SERVICES
AWNINGS
GATES
ADES
SH ACE OF
CLEANING SERVICES
DANCE CLASSES
CONSTRUCTION
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
REMOVALS & STORAGE
DRAINS
SERVICES
REMOVALS & STORAGE
WINDOWS
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27 August - 2 September 2026
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CLASSIFIEDS AIR CONDITIONING
AIR CONDITIONING by Cool and Cosy. The family company that cares. Installation and repairs. Quality machines. Ecosense movement sensors supplied and fitted from 100 Euros. For other energy-saving products visit www. coolandcosy.es. 952 935 513. We are Junta de Andalucia authorised installers as the new law states (real decreto 115/2017). On the Costa del Sol since 1993 (313872)
BLINDS
ACE OF SHADES - Vertical, Venetian, Roman, Roller, Wooden blinds, various colours available, also black-out blinds. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design BLINDS, awnings, mosquito screens, curtains, vast choice. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931 (313513) BUILDERS
AWNINGS ACE OF SHADES – All colours available. Urbanisations catered for, electric and manual operation; also recovery service available, largest selection of colours and designs on the coast. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades. design T1 (101730) SUNSHINE AWNINGS/ BLINDS Awnings, Persiana, Shutter & Rejas Specialist. New & Repairs. 25yrs on the coast. Call telephones: 680 323 969 / 952 199 640 (350693)
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METALWORK
NEW REJAS, GATES, Carports & Baluster rails, Staircases, repairs & alterations. Work Guaranteed. Reliable. 23yrs on Coast. Steve the Welder. Call/WhatsApp 655 040 648 (351071) BUY & SELL WE buy unwanted vehicles & furniture. Good prices paid. Call 697 511 071 (350325) PRIVATE person looking to buy a good set of high-end sofas and garden/Naya furniture. Must be in perfect condition. 685 524 921 (304365) CARS, VANS UK OR SPANISH BOUGHT FOR CASH. FREE COLLECTION IN SPAIN / UK. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 OR 952 669 701 (304365)
BUILDING SERVICES SWINGLES CASAS SL. For all your building needs. Visit www.swinglescasas.com for more details or call 635 999 765 / 666 960 262 (312938) GENERAL BUILDER Tiling Plastering Electrician Plumber Carpentry. Reasonable Prices. 635 913 885 (References available)
CARS, VANS, ANY REGISTRATION, INSTANT CASH, FINANCE / EMBARGO UK OR SPANISH 685 524 921 CAR HIRE ALH RENT A CAR – SHORT & LONG-TERM RENTALS FROM €15 A DAY. INSURANCE INCLUDED IN OUR PRICES. TLF: 638 846 909 or reser vasalhrentacar@gmail.com
27 August - 2 September 2026 CHARITY COLLECTIVE CALLING are urgently requesting donations of clothing, homeware & furniture, so if you are having a House Clearance, Please call us for FREE COLLECTION. We sell good quality items, which then supports low-income families and the homeless in the community. These items can be dropped directly to our charity shop Tienda Solidaria: Av. Pablo Ruiz Picasso, 4, San Pedro de Alcantara, alternatively, call us to arrange collection on +34 711 006 961 (295137) CHIMNEY SERVICES APEX CHIMNEY SERVICES, professional chimney sweeping and smoke testing. NACS Qualified. Clean and efficient Tel: Bob 696 320 202 (350228) CHURCH SERVICES BENALMADENA Elim Family Fellowship. Elimfamilyfellow ship.com or call 951 912 525 or 952 446 627. (10011) LA CALA – Encounter Church (Elim). Family friendly church with kids activities. 11 am Sundays at the Cazbah Live Lounge, Av de Jerez, La Cala 29649. Rev Dave Hodgson 695 115 496 (10012) THE Ark Christian Church. We meet at The Ark Christian School, Calle Río Darro 2 y Plaza Juncal, 29651, Mijas Costa (the road behind the Mijas Aquapark) on Sundays at 11.00am. Pastor, Andrew Seale Tlf 682 713 491 www. thearkspain.com (293850) CLEANING/MAINTENANCE ADVANCED Cleaning Services. Professional carpet, upholstery cleaning, 27 years experience, wet/dry clean. Honest, reliable service 678 808 837 / 952 669 701 or email acservs@outlook.com (304365) UPHOLSTERY including leather cleaned also carpets. 685 524 921 (304365) STARLIGHT Property Cleaning & Maintenance. All types of cleaning. Any size of property. All Areas. Residential & Holiday Lets. 682 636451 www. starlight-spain.com (350692) CLEANER- good rates & references Tracy 643 913 007 (313887)
DECORATORS #1 Painters on the Costa Del Sol. No job too big or small. Call +34 604 20 59 18 or visit www.marbellapainters. es (350807) DRAINAGE BLOCKED DRAINS? Leak detection, CCTV survey, root removal, Tel 952 568 414 / 661 910 772 / drainspain. com (312915) ELECTRICIAN ALL TYPES OF ELECTRICAL work, re-wiring, fault finding. Professional & experienced. No job too small. Malaga to Marbella & Inland. Frank Tel. or WhatsApp 650 561 629 (350851) ENTERTAINMENT KARAOKE Software & Songs In All Languages. No Internet Needed 664 540 154 (350996) FLOOR POLISHING MARBLE FLOOR (3.00€/m2) WHY PAY MORE. WE CLEAN, CRYSTALLISE, SEAL THEN POLISH YOUR MARBLE TO HIGH GLOSS, NON-SLIP. P R O F E S S I O N A L GUARANTEED, FAST SERVICE. 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE. ALSO REPAIRS DAMAGES TO MARBLE, CLEAN AND SEAL TERRACOTTA TERRACES, COVERS ALL COSTA DEL SOL. TEL: 671 244 683 (350628) FOR SALE / WANTED WANTED Cars & Vans, same day collection, also house clearance & removals 697 511 071 (350325) RETURNING TO UK? , excellent one bedroom flat in Kettering, Northants, comprising lounge, bedroom, fully fitted kitchen, bathroom with bath and shower, own parking space, convenient to shops hospitals, schools and in easy reach of three airports,100 year lease, great as investment, price £100,000 Ono, Call 613 854 726 (351119) GARDENING
IRRIGATION IRIS-IRRIGATION and landscapes. TRENCHLESS NO DIG Irrigation installation, Cables, Fibre Optic, Electric & Lighting Cables. New Installations & problem-solving. Turf (supply and laying). Garden
constructions. Tree surgeon. Clearing. Astro Turf (Free Quotation) 676 747 521 (350877) GATES ELECTRIC GATES & GARAGE DOORS. New Installs and repairs, Intercoms, Access control & replacement remote controls. For all your Gate/ Garage requirements call Stuart or WhatsApp 605356469. Email: TGDC@ hotmail.co.uk. The Garage Door and 2 Way Gates Co. (313596) GLASS CURTAINS GLASS CURTAIN repairs, specialist in replacement of discoloured plastic strips that act as a seal between the glass panels. Call Julian 655 825 931 (313513) HANDYMAN HANDYMAN/BUILDER: GENERAL BUILDING WORK, PAINTING, WALL/ROOF WATERPROOFING, SMALL RENOVATIONS & OTHER JOBS. CALL MICHAEL 622 755 666. (350944) HEALTH & BEAUTY
THERAPY ENJOY your future healing your past through a holistic approach that combines your conscious and unconscious mind. Visit www.hlterapi aholistica.com or call Hilde on 609 500 428 to start your journey (351093) PIETER KREFT, certified Energy Healer, Paranormal Therapist and Coach. Practice in Spain. Website: https:// www.pieterkrefthealer.nl (350978) HOUSE CLEARANCES WE can remove household items/furniture that you no longer need. Same day collection. Removals service also available. Call 697 511 071 (350325) CARS, VANS UK OR SPANISH BOUGHT FOR CASH. FREE COLLECTION IN SPAIN / UK. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 OR 952 669 701 (304365) PRIVATE person looking to buy a good set of high-end sofas and garden/Naya furniture. Must be in perfect condition. 685 524 921 (304365) CARS, VANS, ANY REGISTRATION, INSTANT CASH, FINANCE / EMBARGO UK OR SPANISH 685 524 921
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CLASSIFIEDS ALHAURIN FURNITURE EMPORIUM: We purchase quality second hand furniture & home décor. Cash payment upfront for house clearance services. Come visit our 400m2 shop in Alhaurin el Grande. Call Aymerick: 608 862 310 (350876) INSURANCE MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726) LOCKSMITHS ENGLISH LOCKSMITHS, SECURITY & SHADE EXPERTS. FREE HOME SECURITY SURVEY. 636 770 865 / 952 660 233 WWW. SECURIT YOFSPAIN.COM CONTACT DAREN (312154) ENGLISH LOCKSMITH emergency & appointment, locks changed, patio doors & windows secured. All locks supplied insurance approved. Fast & reliable service. No hidden extras or nasty surprises. 657 466 803 www. mrlocksmith.es (350582) MASSAGE SAN PEDRO ALCANTARA Camila Masseur 39, Slim, pretty - private apartment Call telephone: 603 804 443. (351015) FUENGIROLA. Maria, 28 years old, Asian, deep relaxing massage, WhatsApp only. 605 178 583 (FU3645)
INSURANCE
ENGLISH ATTRACTIVE Elegant and charming lady, gives a sensual massage and more, in her private apartment where satisfaction is guaranteed. Golfers and first timers very welcome, discretion assured. Call 680 177 569 (350802) FUENGIROLA. Stunning Latina Ladyboy massage and relax. Violeta 660 867 374 (FU3650) FULL BODY WASH nice relaxing massage by Ebony. Call 632 233 205 (351067) FUENGIROLA. Japanese Shiatsu & Zen Ki relaxing and therapeutic massage. Excellent service guaranteed. Home Visits. WhatsApp for appointment 682 179 177 & 625 613 010 (350472) BOLICHES: Celina high satisfaction! Calm Moments, Deep Sensual Relaxing Massages Comfort of My Home! 11am/6pm 622 210 797 (FU3652) ASIAN prostatic, deep, hard, soft massage pleasures body /mind therapy, professional, traditional luxury atmosphere. Elviria. 633 705 558 (BO 600042) PROFESSIONAL MALE muscled masseur. Full-body relaxing, deep tissue and therapeutic massage. In/ outcalls. WhatsApp me 607 595 906 (351091) ORIENTAL ladies and feminine trans luxury naughty orgasmic massage discreet Elviria. 613 836 254 (BO 600042) KOREAN oriental body technique deep massage relaxing. Marbella. 603 208 080 (BO 600042)
EVA, Jamaican full body professional massage, discreet, San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella 613 211 041. (350753) ASIAN trans spectacular feminine look, absolutely relaxing massage. Elviria 604 272 978 (BO 600042) FILIPINO MASSAGE CENTRE MARBELLA where hearts of authentic filipina therapists open daily. 604 421 973 (BO 600042) FUENGIROLA. Excellent company sensitive massage, Ukrainian pretty lady. In/ Outcalls 657 697 397 FILIPINA slim I will massage you totally. Marbella 603 269 805 (BO 600042) RELAXING Tantric full body massages. Elena Estepona. Bookings 635 290 724 FUENGIROLA - Johanna Brazilian 52yrs Slim Mature Masseur. Relaxing Massages. Best relax guaranteed. Tel: 617 818 615 (351046)
MOSQUITO SCREENS ACE OF SHADES - Don’t let the bugs get you! Available in enrollable, slider and pleated. Large choice of colours including wood effect. Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@aceofshades.design (101730) MOSQUITO Screens for windows, doors and a high-quality sliding patio door screen. All finishes available. Quick service. All areas covered. Call Julian 655 825 931 (313513) MOSQUITO screens, sliding, pulldown, pleated, colours call Mosquito Nick 647 072 861 www.mosquitonick.ws MOTORHOMES & CARAVANS CARAVANS for sale from 4500€ holiday home on wheels 672 561 145 MOTORING
NUEVA ANDALUCIA: If you’re looking for an attractive, sexy, independent masseuse; a sensual, relieving full body massage, and more Tel: 656 350 401 (1296167) BENALMADENA Young lady 35, attractive, sexy, educated. For gentlemen. €30. 634 209 427. REFRESHING THAI massages. Body-body. Paloma Park, Benalmádena. Visits. Hotels. WhatsApp 689 387 448 (BO 600041) MORTGAGES MISLAID your payslip/P60 or other paperwork? Recovery documents service available, fast, confidential, reliable, Better call Saul 617 910 147 MASSAGE
27 August - 2 September 2026
CARS, VANS UK OR SPANISH BOUGHT FOR CASH. FREE COLLECTION IN SPAIN / UK. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 OR 952 669 701 (304365)
FOR SALE WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)
WANTED WANTED CARS AND VANS, FREE COLLECTION, SAME DAY 685 524 921 (304365) PAINTER & DECORATORS PAINTER & DECORATOR based San Pedro/Marbella/ Estepona. Belgian tradesman, precise and reliable — interior & exterior. Handyman and other jobs also welcome. Free quote within 24h. English, Spanish, Dutch & French spoken. Steven +34 685 519 343 (351054) PETS
CAMPER VANS, CARAVANS, MOBILE HOMES, BOATS AND ALL PLANT, DIGGERS, DUMPERS, MOTORBIKES, CARS AND COMMERCIALS WANTED. BEST PRICE PAID, CASH TODAY, ANY REGISTRATION WITH OR WITHOUT PAPERS. PLEASE CALL 678 808 837 (304365) CARS, VANS, ANY RESGISTRATION, INSTANT CASH, FINANCE / EMBARGO UK OR SPANISH 685 524 921 (304365)
KENNELS CAT & DOG World Kennels and Cattery. 952 112 978 / 630 197 435. www. catanddogworld.com (350987) PET CHARITY ACE CHARITY ‘El Refugio’ in La Cala de Mijas is a registered charity. We have on average 275 dogs in our care and we receive no help from the town hall or the Andalucian government. We desperately need foster MOTORS FOR SALE
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homes and adoptants for our many dogs, especially the small ones and puppies who do not do well in a big shelter. We are grateful for any help offered, including donations of food and blankets. Visiting times are from 13.00 to 15.00 and you can always turn up or make an appointment by calling Denise on 669 018 736. Our website is www.ace-charity. org where you can view all the dogs in our care. (93320) ADANA THE ANIMAL SHELTER IN ESTEPONA. We always need volunteers to walk and socialise with our dogs and help with cleaning. We also need good homes for our animals that you can see on www.adana. es. Kennels open every day 10-1.30, Camino de Casares, near Parque de los Pedregales, Estepona. (5 minutes from the Poligono) For more information call 952 113 467, available from 10.00am until 2.00pm. (93319) ARCH - The Andalusian Rescue Centre for Horses and Donkeys is open to the public on the first Sunday of each month from 10.00 until 14.00. Closed in July and August. Private visits can be booked in the mornings by arrangement. Contact the Centre on its website w w w. h o r s e re s c u e s p a i n . org or on its Facebook page Centro Andalusi de Rescate de Caballos to organise these. Timings need to be organised in advance to make sure there are sufficient volunteers to show visitors around. There is no admission charge but donations are welcomed. (93322)
44 27 August - 2 September 2026
www.euroweeklynews.com SEPE the horse and donkey charity is open to the public at weekends from 10.00 to 5.00. Volunteers are much needed in all departments and are welcome at any time. For our riding for the disabled classes, we are also in need of extra helpers. We are nationally registered by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior (164640) but only with your support can we give the equine a voice. If you can just commit to 2 or 3 euros a month it will really help make a difference. You can find us at Lauro Golf Equestrian Centre, Alqueria, Alhaurin de la Torre. Tel. 608 258 950 info@sepeonline.net www. sepeonline.net (93321) SOS ANIMAL REFUGE we have dogs, young and old looking for homes. Some of our dogs have been with us for some time and would love to find a cosy spot to curl up in and a knee on which to rest their heads. If you have room in your heart and home we would love to hear from you. We do not put our dogs to sleep - no matter how old, they are safe with us. For day to day needs and to pay for veterinary care, we much appreciate the support we receive. We desperately need items to sell on our market stall to help raise funds and are happy to come and collect. So, if you are having a clear-out, please contact us on 605 227 155. If you would like to know more about rehoming, please call 653 257 875. Visit our website www.sos-animals. org or please phone Sandy on 952 385 923 or 666 814 056 if you would like to make a donation or help in any way. (93317) PLUMBING PLUMBING. Leak detection & blocked drains. Tel 952 568 414 / 661 910 772 / drainspain.com (312925) PLUMBING SERVICES. For all your Plumbing needs, bathrooms/ kitchens. Water boilers supplied and fitted from e320. Tel 669 073 773. Glen. (350989)
CLASSIFIEDS
PROPERTY
ESTATE with farm between Marbella and Estepona. Approx 10% size GIBRALTAR. houses, garages, out-houses Rio Velerin. marbellaland. com. OFFERS INVITED. 622 589 680 & +44 796 093 35 66 PROP MAINTENANCE STARLIGHT Property Cleaning & Maintenance All Areas. Residential & Holiday Lets. Persiana repairs, Decorating, Electrial & Plumbing repairs. 682 636 451 www.starlight-spain. com (350692) PROPERTY TO LET W W W. I NT E R M A R B E L L A . COM Costa del Sol Property Long Term Rentals All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34 951 708 422 UK +44 208 144 5008. Email info@ intermarbella.com (350543) REMOVALS/STORAGE moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (300998)
PROPERTY WANTED URGENT! If you are thinking of selling your property, contact us today – we have clients waiting. www. rainbowrealty.es +34 952 466 521 (350975) W W W. I NT E R M A R B E L L A . COM Costa del Sol Property Sales & Long term rentals wanted. All areas / All budgets / All types. Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008. Email info@ intermarbella.com (350543) PROPERTY FOR SALE W W W. I NT E R M A R B E L L A . COM Costa del Sol Property for sale. All areas / all budgets / all types. Spain +34 951 708 422. UK +44 208 144 5008 Email info@ intermarbella.com (350543) SELLING UP?? Why not give us a call and let us give you an honest and realistic valuation of your property. List with us and let us take the stress out of selling your home. No sale no fee!! English agent on the ball with clients waiting. Please call 685 524 921.
PLUMBERS
NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL JDS EURO TRANSPORT & REMOVALS - Regular trips throughout Europe. Call or WhatsApp Julian 0044 7884 908 929. See Facebook Page for recommendations moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (300998)
STORAGE moveit-storeit.com Tel David 696 810 618 (300998) ROLLER SHUTTERS ACE OF SHADES - PERSIANA (security shutter) electric and manual, various colours available including wood effect, we also offer a repair service. Make your home more secure! Tel: 951 273 254 / 671 732 204 / info@ aceofshades.design (1017300) ROLLER shutter repairs, 7 days a week, conversion from manual to motorised, new installations. All areas covered. Coast and inland. 655 825 931 (313513)
CLASSIFIEDS
SITUATIONS VACANT
SITUATIONS VACANT
JOIN our dynamic sales team in Fuengirola. Are you a confident, driven, and experienced telesales professional looking for a fast-paced and rewarding role? This could be your next big opportunity! Send your CV today! recruitment@ euroweeklynews.com SOFT FURNISHINGS CURTAINS, blinds, cushions and much more. Free estimates and home visits. Tel 657 369 343 or rosannacarmella8@gmail. com (313494) SWIMMING POOLS POOL MAINTENANCE, & Repairs, including heaters & regrouts. Friendly & reliable service. Malaga to Estepona & inland areas. 678 791 495 / 951 536 389 www. sparklenripple.net (313065) UPHOLSTERY ADVANCED Cleaning Services. Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning, 28 years’ experience, wet/dry clean. Honest, reliable. 678 808 837 / 952 669 701 acservs@outlook.com (304365) UPHOLSTERY including leather cleaned also carpets. 685 524 921 (304365)
POOLS
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27 August - 2 September 2026
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46 27 August - 2 September 2026
Credit: Grisha Bruev - Shutterstock
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Will we have to get out of the way of electric cars?
E-car privilege AN unusual motorway rule in Austria allows electric car drivers to travel 30km/h faster than petrol and diesel motorists on certain stretches of road when pollution controls activate. Under Austria’s IG-L air pollution legislation, electronic signs reduce the standard 130km/h motorway limit to 100km/h to curb emissions. However, the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure exempts fully electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. Qualifying zero-emission models can maintain the ordinary 130km/h maximum, provided they display Austria’s green-lettered E licence plate. The policy raises questions about whether other European nations, such as Spain, could follow suit. Spanish traffic authority DGT confirms that the national motorway
maximum remains 120km/h for all engine types. Spain already uses environmental classifications for urban low-emission zones, such as those in Malaga. However, recent Spanish rule changes actually removed previous privileges, including allowing zero-emission vehicles with single occupants into high-occupancy vehicle lanes. If Spain ever adopted a similar scheme, it would not raise limits for electric cars, but rather allow zero-emission vehicles to maintain 120km/h while petrol and diesel cars were temporarily slowed to lower speeds. For now, Spanish drivers must obey standard posted speed limits regardless of their vehicle. Cross-border motorists driving through Austria, however, may still experience a legal speed gap based entirely on power source.
MOTORING
€1 million fine CAR rental company Avis has received a €1 million fine from the Spanish consumer ministry for imposing illegal extra charges on drivers. Spanish officials issued the maximum financial penalty after ruling that the firm committed a very serious breach of consumer rights. Avis routinely added administrative fees ranging from €33.88 to €45 to customers who received traffic fines while using its vehicles. The firm claimed the charge covered the cost of identifying drivers to the relevant authorities. However, under Spanish traffic law, vehicle owners are legally obligated to provide this information. Regulators determined that charging customers for a compulsory legal duty created an unfair contractual imbalance. The investigation followed a complaint by the Basque consumer group EKA/
Credit: BA FB
Car hire firms at airport.
ACUV. It revealed that Avis had continued applying the fee despite a court in Vitoria-Gasteiz declaring the practice illegal in September 2020. That earlier court ruling specifically banned the fee and ordered its removal from all contracts. The firm has also faced wider allegations of charging for unrequested services and deducting funds from credit cards linked to
previous hires. With administrative proceedings now concluded, Avis retains the right to appeal the sanction in court. For now, the decision serves as a stern warning to the broader car rental sector ahead of the busy summer period. Travellers hiring vehicles in Spain should inspect contract terms thoroughly and retain documentation of all payments.
MOTORING
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ROAD TEST BY MARK SLACK
New IONIQ 3 electric hatchback pricing HYUNDAI has revealed the pricing, specification and technical information for the new IONIQ 3, a compact electric Aero Hatch, with prices starting from €25,955/£22,245. The Korean car maker says the IONIQ 3 has been developed as an affordable, efficient and practical compact electric car and offers fast DC charging, AC charging up to 11 kW and two battery options, with an expected driving range of up to 495km/308 miles. Hyundai’s new infotainment system based on Android Automotive OS makes its debut in the IONIQ 3. The system is available with a 32cm/12.9-inch or 37cm/14.6-inch display and supports vehicle functions, navigation
and connectivity. Other key technologies include an integrated EV route planner and Memory Reverse Assist, which can memorise the last 50 metres of driving inputs to assist with subsequent manoeuvres such as reversing out of tight parking spaces. The lead-in Advance trim is available from €25,955/£22,245 and includes 40cm/16inch alloy wheels, LED front headlamps and rear lamps, front and rear parking sensors, a 32cm/12.9-inch infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear view monitor, smart key with push-button start and smart cruise control to name but a few. It is available with a 42kWh
147PS powertrain with an expected 342km/213 miles of range, or a 61kWh 135PS powertrain with an expected 308 miles of range from €30,043/£25,745. In Premium level, priced from €32,027/£27,445 it builds on the Advance model with 43cm/17inch alloy wheels, priva-
cy glass, battery heating and pre-conditioning, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, electrically folding door mirrors and wireless smartphone charger. The top-line Ultimate, priced from €34,942/£29,945 adds 46cm/18-inch alloy wheels, navigation, matrix LED headlamps, heated front seats, heat-
ed steering wheel and smart cruise control. Optional extras include the EV Pack with V2L and Heat Pump, the Design Pack offering Vision and Two-tone roof, and the Comfort Pack with an array of features from premium relaxation seats, heated front & rear seats, ventilated front seats, Bose Premium Audio and Digital Key 2.0. All Ultimate models use the 61kWh 135PS powertrain and offer an expected range of up to 483km/300 miles. The IONIQ 3 N Line
Evo, priced from €37,274/£31,945 is the range-topping trim and adds N Line exterior design, 48cm/19-inch N Line alloy wheels, navigation and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, suede and cloth N Line seats, N Line interior design with red accents, surround view monitor, 360-degree parking sensors, remote smart parking assist and Memory Reverse Assist. All N Line Evo models use the 61kWh 135PS powertrain and offer an expected range of up to 426km/265 miles.