Dep. Legal MA-74-2004 - ISSN 2488-1562
Costa del Sol I No. 2144 I 6 - 12 August 2026 I FREE Newspaper
Donkeys run free SUPPORTERS from across Mijas and the Costa del Sol journeyed deep into the mountains of Andalucia on Saturday, August 1, to celebrate a deeply extraordinary milestone for Donkey Dreamland. What began as a local campaign to protect Mijas’ iconic donkey taxis has blossomed into a triumphant legacy for the region’s endangered donkeys, proving how love and determination can reshape the world for animals in need. Founder Amaya Isert initially set out to secure better conditions for working donkeys in Mijas Pueblo, successfully pushing local authorities to prioritise animal welfare. She then created Donkey Dreamland in La Cala de Mijas, a safe sanctuary where rescued, injured, and neglected animals could heal. Over the past six years, powered by devoted local volunteers and community adopters, that dream has grown into a beacon of hope. Now, that hope has found its ultimate fore-
Credit: EWN
Dreamland claims its mountain paradise at last
Happy endings & new beginnings for donkeys in Benarraba.
ver home. Amaya has obtained 14 stunning, sprawling hectares of open countryside in Benarraba, near Casares. There, rescued donkeys roam freely across wide pastures, grazing deep in nature. During a heartfelt gathering of 80 dedicated supporters, guests watched in awe as the thriving herd ran purely for joy. “What gives me joy is seeing the donkeys running for fun and hap-
piness in this spectacular space,” Amaya shared. The original Mijas site will remain active as a vital recovery centre for urgent medical care and community visits, while the new mountain expanse will soon offer public visits and sustainable land clearing roles to prevent wildfires. Six years after taking her first courageous step, Amaya’s quiet resolve, backed by a passionate communi-
ty, has given these gentle creatures the dignified, free lives they always deserved. This spectacular mountain sanctuary is a glorious new beginning.