Latest Spanish News In English
Costa Blanca Zeitung â' 16. Juli 2025
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-16 06:00:24This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Mallorca restaurants say no more paying separately
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-16 05:49:00The president of the CAEB Restaurants Association in Mallorca, Juanmi Ferrer, says there are some restaurants that no longer accept customers paying separately. \"There is one bill per table and it is up to the customers how they deal with the payment.\"
\"Some don't want to pay for the wine, others specifically ask to pay for their own dish. This gets complicated for the staff, and there can be items that no one is charged for. It is time-consuming and even more so if the bill doesn't add up.\"
At most, the total bill could be divided equally, although this also means more work for waiters. \"We understand that customers want to divide the bill, but there are much easier and more convenient methods, such as Bizum, which is free and is automatic.\"
It used to be simpler when most customers still paid in cash. Now they are more inclined to use credit cards. \"Only 30-40% pay the bill with cash.\"
The time involved with paying bills, Ferrer points out, merely adds to already heavy workloads, which are partly the consequence of a lack of staff. This is again an issue that restaurants are having to contend with this year, as they have since the pandemic.
Restaurants in tourist resorts, especially those open for fewer months of the year, are the ones that have the most difficulty hiring workers. He insists that this is not a matter of pay. \"We have the best hospitality agreement in Spain; the minimum net wage is â¬1,700 per month. Money is not an issue.\" Ferrer adds that staffing problems affect virtually all sectors in Mallorca.
Broadcom scraps $1bn chip plant in Spain
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-16 21:51:06US chipmaker Broadcom has abandoned its planned $1 billion (â¬910 million) investment in a microchip facility in Spain, according to Reuters, citing a report by Europa Press.
The investment, originally announced in 2023, aimed to support Spainâs goal of building large-scale back-end semiconductor facilities âunique in Europe.â But sources told Europa Press that talks with the Spanish government had broken down, with no official explanation provided for the failure of negotiations.
Stalled discussions reportedly dragged through 2024, and Donald Trumpâs return to the US presidency appears to have played a role in derailing the plan, according to a TrendForce report.
If confirmed, Broadcomâs withdrawal will be a major blow to Spainâs semiconductor strategy. The Spanish government had described the project as a cornerstone in its broader â¬12 billion chip industry investment plan.
With global chip competition heating up, can Spain still attract the tech giants it needs to realise its ambitions?
View all finance news.
View all USA news.
Survey reveals 57% of travelers feel misled by low-cost airlines flying to Mallorca like Ryanair over hidden fees
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-16 12:01:00A comprehensive AirAdvisor survey of over 1,000 European travellers has unveiled widespread frustration with low-cost carriers' pricing practices, particularly regarding hidden fees and surcharges. The study reveals that 57% of passengers feel misled when comparing initial fare advertisements to final costs, with many abandoning bookings altogether upon discovering significant price differences.
The research highlights how budget airlines' base fares, typically ranging from 20⬠to 30â¬, can increase dramatically once mandatory extras are included. A striking 82% of respondents expressed a strong preference for upfront, all-inclusive pricing, whilst 36% identified hand luggage fees as their primary source of irritation when flying with budget carriers.
The European Parliament's Transport Committee has recently implemented new passenger protection measures, though these regulations still permit airlines to charge for standard cabin bags. Under the new rules, only small personal items weighing up to 7kg and measuring 100 linear centimetres can be carried free of charge - dimensions that fall short of typical carry-on luggage sizes.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
Una publicación compartida de Ryanair_European_Airline (@ryanair)
Ireland's leading budget airline Ryanair has announced a 20% increase in its complimentary \"personal bag\" allowance. Passengers will soon be permitted to bring items measuring 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, provided they weigh under 10kg and fit beneath the seat. This represents a notable expansion from their previous 40cm x 25cm x 20cm limit.
Since 2019, Spain has emerged as a prominent advocate for passenger rights, with its aviation authorities and courts consistently opposing extra charges for standard hand luggage. The country's Ministry of Consumer Affairs has been particularly vocal in challenging these practices, contributing to ongoing European discussions about fare transparency and consumer protection.
Weather outlook: Spain starting to cool down but not Mallorca: intense heat to continue
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-16 11:11:29The stifling heat with maximum temperatures of up to 42 degrees will continue to dominate most of Spain until Friday, when the arrival of cooler, more humid westerly winds from the Atlantic will bring some âmildâ relief, according to Rubén del Campo, spokesperson for the met. office Aemet. The drop in temperatures will begin on Friday in the west of the mainland and will spread to almost the entire country on Saturday. Although the heat will be more âbearable and tolerable during the weekend,â the Mediterranean area and the Balearics will not notice the drop as much, and temperatures will remain very high.
However, the respite will be short-lived: âFrom Tuesday onwards, temperatures are likely to rise again across the board.â On Thursday, the heat is expected to ease somewhat in Galicia, Asturias, western Castilla y León and also in Extremadura, but in the east and the Balearics it will rise a little more.For example, Mallorca will be around 35 degrees and the northern plateau between 36 and 38 degrees; in the Ebro Valley it will be around 38-40 degrees and will exceed 40 degrees in areas of Castilla-La Mancha, the interior of the Valencian Community, the Region of Murcia and the Guadalquivir Valley, where it could even exceed 42 degrees.
In view of the high temperatures forecast for today, the Ministry of Health, through its Meteosalud Plan, warns of a âhigh health riskâ in areas such as Malaga, Granada, La Mancha in Albacete, the southern coast of Valencia, as well as in areas of Huesca, Soria, Palencia and the Ribera del Ebro in Navarre and La Rioja. In addition, the risk is considered medium in other regions such as the Community of Madrid, Extremadura, Galicia, Aragon, Castile-La Mancha and Castile and Leon, among other autonomous communities.
On Friday, the arrival of Atlantic air will be âaccentuatedâ by cooler westerly winds, causing temperatures to drop across most of Spain, except in the Mediterranean area, where these winds will be dry and warm. Del Campo has specified that on this day, the drop could be between 6 and 8 degrees compared to the previous day, leaving maximum temperatures between 32 and 34 degrees, although in the centre, east and south of the peninsula, temperatures will still exceed 36 to 38 degrees and more than 40 degrees in the interior of the Valencian Community, the Region of Murcia and eastern Andalusia.
In addition, Friday will dawn hot in the east and south of the peninsula, with temperatures in many areas not falling below 23-25 degrees. There could also be locally strong storms in the eastern Cantabrian region and the western Pyrenees. On Saturday, temperatures will continue to fall across most of the country, except for the Cantabrian coast and, above all, the Mediterranean coast, where temperatures will even rise.
In most of the country, maximum temperatures will not exceed 32-33 degrees, except in Castilla-La Mancha and the Guadalquivir region, where they will reach between 33 and 35 degrees, while in the Levante region, the interior of the Valencian Community, Murcia and eastern Andalusia, the heat will be more intense due to westerly winds, which will bring temperatures of between 38 and 40 degrees.On Saturday, there will continue to be a possibility of storms in the northern third of the country, which may be locally severe.
Sunday and Monday will be similar to Saturday, with moderate heat in most of Spain, except in the Mediterranean and the Balearics, where intense heat will persist, and there is a possibility of showers in the northern third of the country. From Tuesday onwards, temperatures are likely to rise again across the board, giving way to a new heatwave, the spokesperson concluded.
Avoiding the 90-Day trap: Key insights for travelers to Mallorca
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-16 08:53:00If you've spent any time around expats, second-home owners, or digital nomads in Mallorca since Brexit, you've probably heard someone say, \"Be carefulâyou donât want to break the 90-day rule!\" But what exactly is this rule, and why does it matter so much for non-EU visitors? Letâs break it down in simple terms.
What is the 90-Day Rule?
The 90-Day Rule refers to a regulation that allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to stay in the Schengen Areaâwhich includes Mallorcaâfor a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period without needing a visa.
This rule applies to nationals of visa-exempt countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Ukraine, Georgia, and many others. These travelers can move freely within the Schengen Zone for short stays, but they must track their time carefully to avoid overstaying.
The rule applies to tourists, short-term visitors, second-home owners, and digital nomads who do not have a long-term visa or Spanish residency.
How does the 90/180-day calculation work?
It works like a rolling window. On any given day youâre in the Schengen Area, you must look back over the previous 180 days and count how many days youâve spent inside. If the total is 90 days or fewer, youâre within the rules. If itâs more, youâve overstayed, even if unintentionally.
Example: You arrive in Mallorca on May 1 and stay for 90 days, leaving on July 30. You must then remain outside the Schengen Zone for at least 90 daysâuntil October 28âbefore returning.This isnât just about Mallorca. The 90 days apply to all of the Schengen countries combined, including France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, and more. So hopping from Spain to France doesnât âreset the clockââit still counts as time in the Schengen Zone.
What happens if you overstay?
Overstaying your 90 days can lead to serious consequences, including fines, deportation, entry bans and difficulty re-entering the EU in the future. Even a short overstay can result in a mark on your record, which may affect future travel plans or visa applications. Spanish authorities and border officers do track this, especially since Brexit, and they are enforcing it more strictly.
How do I keep track of my days?
Itâs important to take responsibility for tracking your own time spent in the Schengen Area to avoid accidentally overstaying. You can use tools like the official Schengen Visa Calculator or download helpful apps such as SchengenCalc, the ETIAS App, or My Schengen. Keeping a simple calendar where you mark your entry and exit dates is also a great way to stay organised. Additionally, always hold on to your travel documents and boarding passes, as you might need to show proof of your travel dates when entering or leaving the Schengen Zone.
Future changes to travel in the Schengen Area
Starting in October 2025, the European Union plans to introduce a new Entry/Exit System for travellers entering and leaving the Schengen Area. This system will require visitors to have their fingerprints and photo taken at border control during their first entry and exit. While the exact launch date is still to be confirmed, travellers do not need to take any action or change their travel plans right now. This new system aims to improve border security and make travel safer and more efficient across Europe.
Co-op CEO admits cyberattack stole data of all 6.5m members
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-17 00:29:00The CEO of the Co-op, Shirine Khoury-Haq, has confirmed that all 6.5 million members of the mutual had their personal data stolen in a major cyberattack discovered in April 2025.
âIt hurt my members⦠and that I do take personally,â Khoury-Haq told the BBC, adding she was âincredibly sorryâ for the breach.
The stolen information included names, addresses, and contact details, but no financial data like card numbers or transactions were accessed. The Co-op initially reported only a âsignificant numberâ of members had been affected.
The attack forced the group â' which owns over 2,000 grocery stores and 800 funeral parlours â' to shut down IT systems. Some services reverted to paper-based operations, and shelves were left empty due to supply chain disruptions.
Four people, including three teenagers, were arrested last week in connection with the Co-op, M&S, and Harrods cyberattacks. The National Crime Agency is investigating potential links to Scattered Spider, an English-speaking hacker collective.
The Information Commissionerâs Office has urged concerned members to visit its website for support.
Should more UK firms be legally required to hold cyber insurance?
View all UK news.
View all finance news.
Indraâs â¬385m EU loan for space and defence tech hub
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-16 23:52:55Spainâs Indra Group has signed a â¬385 million loan agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to boost its investments in space and defence technologies, marking the largest EIB defence-related financing deal in Spain to date.
The agreement, announced July 15, will fund projects in radar, electronic warfare, electro-optics, command and control systems, and digital innovation. It also supports the development of a new technology hub near Madrid, with labs and advanced manufacturing tailored to the defence and space sectors.
âThis agreement is about turning new ideas into real capabilities across Europeâs defence and space ecosystem,â said EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot (Satellite Today).
He added that space plays a âcritical roleâ in European security, and that Indraâs new hub will help Europe act âwith greater autonomy in a fast-changing world.â
The deal aligns with broader EU efforts to ramp up defence investment. France and the UK are backing Eutelsat, while others expand Earth observation (EO) satellites and space infrastructure.
The loan is valued at â¬385 million, or approximately $447 million.
Can this growing focus on EU defence tech help Europe gain strategic independence from the US and China?
View all technology news.
View all news from Spain.
Summer nights, Irish vibes
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-16 11:46:22Looking for the perfect combination of live music, sea breeze, and nice vibes?
OâLearyâs Irish Bar in Torrox has you covered with an exciting weekend on July 19 and July 20. This well-known Irish spot is pulling out all the stops with two nights of performances that promise to light up the Axarquia.
First, Saturday night at 9 PM, get ready to hit the dance floor with Jason Lawless, whoâll be serving up a high-energy set of disco classics, along with iconic hits from the 80s and 90s. Fun and rhythm all in one place, but also a bit of nostalgia. So donât forget your dancing shoes and your best moves!
Then on Sunday night at 9 PM, the stage belongs to Ciarán Ã' Cuinneagáin, the man with the mighty voice and signature ginger beard. It will be a soulful journey through folk, rock, reggae, and timeless Irish songs. Be ready, Ciaránâs set is guaranteed to strike a chord.
One last detail: with summer nights in full swing, tables are booking up fast. To make sure you donât miss out on the fun, OâLearyâs Irish Bar recommends booking your table in advance.
Location: Paseo MarÃtimo de Ferrara 2, Torrox, Spain.
For reservations, you can message the bar directly on Facebook or WhatsApp Niamh at +657 07 58 54.
Read here more news from Axarquia.
How Dartmoor became Britainâs first desert
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-16 11:07:14Dartmoor isnât dead. But itâs not alive either. You walk through it, and it feels open and exposed. Yes, thereâs grass, a few birds, but the sound is missing. This isnât some forgotten field. Itâs one of Britainâs oldest national parks. And yet today, much of it supports less life than a motorway verge. Heather has vanished from whole stretches. Once-common birds like the golden plover and ring ouzel are rarely seen. Insects? Hardly. Even the soil feels tired. Dartmoor has become what scientists are now calling a biodiversity desertâa place that appears natural but barely functions as an ecosystem.
Dartmoor is a warning about how the UKâs national parks are managed, and what gets lost in conservation when itâs treated as an option. This piece will break down whatâs been lost, who is responsible, and whether anything can be done to bring life back to one of the countryâs most iconic wild spaces.
Where the wild things dwindled
This is Dartmoor. Not a quarry, not a farmâone of Britainâs so-called wildest places, yet for nearly everything that made it wild is missing.
The heather has been overgrazed, the scrubland is depleted, and the bare hillside has increased to 25% in some areas.
Now, places are reduced to 1%, and the golden clover is gone; even the once-thriving frogs and butterflies have disappeared.
Ecologists have a new term for this: functional extinction, where the habitat is present but nothing utilises it. It wasnât due to a drought, fire, or flash disaster. Under government schemes, landowners receive payments based on the number of animals they keep, rather than on whether the land supports wildlife.
This led to heavier grazing, especially by sheep, and fewer incentives to allow the land to recover. Fires were also used to keep vegetation down, which further pushed out plants and species that needed cover, dampness, and shade.
The result is a part that no longer functions as a natural system, and nearly all of Dartmoorâs legally protected conservation areas, its Sites of Special Scientific Interest, are classified in poor condition; just 0.1% is officially marked as healthy.
Protected in name, deserted in reality.
You would think that a national park would be the last place in Britain to become a desert. Dartmouth still carries the titles of national park, site of special scientific interest, and priority habitat, but once you step onto the moor, itâs clear those protections are wearing thin.
Instead, the land is managed as if it were farmland with a better view, and over 90% of the area is privately owned or controlled by grazing commoners to run livestock on the open land.
The desert here doesnât look like dunes; it looks like a grass crop to the root. It sounds like silence, and it spreads every year.
A 2023 restoration effort led by the South West Peatland Partnership resulted in over 1,200 hectares of Dartmoor bogs being re-wetted. They blocked old drains, allowing the water to stay in the soil and preventing the land from drying out. Peat stopped breaking down. Frogs returned. Even rare mosses came back.
The restoration effort aims to reduce pressure to remove barriers and biodiversity, allowing it to repair itself. The problem lies in scalability, as there are patches and parts that cover nearly 100,000 hectares. Although the desert is not permanent, experts say it requires prioritising restoration over routine.
A 2022 review commissioned by the government stated that without significant change, national parks like Dartmoor will continue to lose species and fail to meet basic environmental targets. It called for new rules, increased enforcement, and land use that prioritises nature. So far, those recommendations remain unfulfilled.
Mallorca holiday costs: Prices spike again in the Balearics: Highest growth rate in Spain
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-15 09:57:00The year-on-year Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 2.8% in the Balearics in June by 0.4 percentage points above the previous monthâs year-on-year rate, according to final data published on Tuesday by the National Statistics Institute (INE).
The figure of 2.8% recorded in the Balearics and the Basque Country is the highest in the country, which stands at an average of 2.3%. With Juneâs rise, the year-on-year rate has increased again in the islands after falling the previous month. In monthly terms, inflation in the Balearics rose by 1%, while so far this year the increase stands at 2.6%.
The highest price increases in the Balearics compared to the same month last year were in restaurants and hotels, up 5% on June 2024 (+0.3 points on the year-on-year rate recorded the previous month); housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, up 4.2% (+0.8 points); other goods and services, up 3.6% (-0.5 points); and alcoholic beverages and tobacco, up 3.5% (+0.4 points).
The most moderate increases were in clothing and footwear, 0.5% (-0.5 points compared to the previous month); transport, 0.6% (+1.7 points); leisure and culture, 1% (+0.1 points) and furniture, household goods and items for routine household maintenance, 2.2% (+0.4 points)
At a national level, the CPI rose by 0.7% in June compared to the previous month and increased its year-on-year rate by 0.3 points to 2.3%. At the end of June, the highest CPI rates were in the Balearics (2.8%), the Basque Country (2.8%) and Extremadura (2.7%). At the other end of the scale were Murcia (1.7%), the Canary Islands (1.7%) and La Rioja (1.9%).
Prices rose in all regions year-on-year compared to last month, with Cantabria (+0.7%), Castile-La Mancha (+0.5%) and Extremadura (+0.4%) seeing the highest increases, while Catalonia (+0.2%), the Canary Islands (+0.2%) and Madrid (+0.3%) saw the lowest increases.
Three busted for wave of Mallorca house break-ins in Calvia and Andratx
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-15 13:25:00The Guardia Civil has arrested three Chilean men suspected of committing a wave of burglaries and forging documents as members of a criminal gang. Following their arrest, the judicial authorities ordered their detention. These three arrests are the result of Operation Ceviche, which was launched after several robberies in Calvia and Andratx, where, according to the armed forces, a common pattern was identified.
In all of the robberies, which took place in the afternoon, the alleged suspects gained access to the houses by breaking windows or climbing the facades and stole valuable personal belongings while the residents were away. In some cases, the suspects even acted while the owners were in the home. Specifically, one of the robberies took place in Palma, where a mother and her ten-year-old daughter had to flee their home after surprising the thieves.
The investigation revealed that the robberies had spread to other locations on the island, leading to the identification of a highly specialised gang. In one of the robberies, the suspects were caught in the act, which hastened their escape from Mallorca.
In coordination with the authorities at the port of Valencia, the Guardia Civil was able to intercept the alleged perpetrators on a ferry to Valencia. Jewellery, watches and cash worth around 300,000 euros were found in their vehicle.
A frequency jammer was also found among the items they were carrying. According to the investigation, those arrested belong to the South American criminal organisation âLanzas Chilenosâ, a travelling organisation that specialises in committing several robberies within a matter of minutes.
Viva: The stunning 94-metre Eco Superyacht making waves in Mallorca
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-15 13:45:00The multi-award-winning 94-metre superyacht Viva is making waves off the coast of Palma. Delivered in June 2021 by the renowned Dutch shipyard Feadship, this eco-conscious masterpiece was built at their Kaag facility. With exterior design by Azure Yacht Design and interiors by Peter Marino Architects, Viva is being celebrated as one of the most environmentally friendly vessels of its size and class.
Owned by a mystery North American billionaire, Viva was designed with a bold goal: to match the environmental footprint of the ownerâs previous yachtâdespite being 32 metres longer. This was achieved in part through an advanced hybrid propulsion system, allowing the vessel to cruise at 12 knots on diesel-electric power while exploring pristine marine areas with reduced emissions.
Luxury meets innovation throughout the yachtâs design. Viva can accommodate up to 16 guests across eight spacious suites, with a crew of up to 38 ensuring a seamless experience. Onboard features include a private cinema, beach club, gym, beauty salon, elevator, and underwater lightingâsetting a new benchmark for sustainable luxury at sea.
Her clean, minimalist aesthetic reflects the ownerâs âless is moreâ philosophy. From the striking glass superstructure to the bright, open-plan beach-house-style interior, Viva maximises natural light and energy efficiency. The hull, finished in a distinctive pearl-white, has been engineered for hydrodynamic performance, requiring less engine power to glide through the water.
Powered by twin MTU diesel-electric engines, Viva reaches a top speed of 20 knots and offers at-anchor stabilisation for smooth sailing. Built with a steel hull, aluminium superstructure, and teak decks, she also carries 71,000 litres of fresh water. Classified under Lloydâs Register, Viva is not just a symbol of luxuryâbut a statement in sustainable innovation.
Young British tourist who fell on holiday in the Balearics dies
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-15 11:25:16The 25-year-old Briton who fell from the parking lot of a supermarket chain in Sant Antoni, Ibiza, on Monday, has died from his injuries, according to the hospital where he was being treated. The tourist was admitted to the ICU in critical condition after suffering severe head trauma with a skull fracture, facial fractures, and multiple injuries from the fall, among other serious injuries.
According to the SAMU 061 emergency services on Monday, the accident took place at 8:16 p.m.A full investigation has been opened. Earlier this month, a German male tourist who was rushed to Son Espases Hospital in a very serious condition after falling from the balcony of a third-floor room at a hotel in Playa de Palma passed away.
The German victim and a friend had just returned to the hotel after a night out. According to the friend, he had gone onto the balcony to get some air. He then fell to the ground by the hotel pool. He suffered head trauma among other injuries.
Spain driving: Where you are most likely to be caught by a speed trap in Mallorca
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-15 13:42:17The five fixed speed traps in Mallorca that issued the most fines for speeding in 2024 accumulated a total of more than 19,000 fines, according to data analysed by Automovilistas Europeos Asociados (AEA). At the top of the list is the speed camera on the motorway from Palma to Alcudia (MA-13), at kilometre 16, with 7,094 offences, making it the most penalised spot on the island.
These figures are part of a national report that compiles the number of fines issued by each speed camera of the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) in 2024. In total, speed control devices recorded 3,440,655 fines throughout Spain, 4% more than the previous year (3,305,978).
In Mallorca, after the MA-13 speed camera, the second place is occupied by the speed camera at km 6 of the Campos-Felanitx road (MA-5120), with 3,599 fines, followed closely by the one at km 15 of the Andratx motorway (MA-1), which issued 3,354 fines. The list is completed by the speed camera located at km 50 on the road between Sa Pobla and Pollensa (MA-2200), with 2,810 fines, and another speed camera on the MA-1, located at km 23, with 2,122 offences recorded.
At some of these points, such as on the MA-13 and MA-1, there has been a significant increase compared to 2023. For example, on the motorway from Palma to Alcudia, fines rose by 27%, from 5,589 to 7,094. The speed camera on the EI-600 road, which connects Ibiza with Sant Antoni, is the sixth in Spain that has issued the most fines, with a total of 39,202 throughout 2024, which is nearly 6,000 fewer than in the previous year. This is the only speed camera in the Balearics to appear among the 50 in Spain that issued the most fines last year.
The AEA organisation, which compiled the study based on official data from the DGT, stresses the importance of transparency in the location and operation of these devices, as in many cases the most active speed cameras are located in areas with high traffic density, but not always on the most dangerous stretches of road.
Netflixâs âVikingsâ star Katheryn Winnick enjoys sunny break in Mallorca
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-15 10:58:52Canadian actress Katheryn Winnick, best known for her leading role as Lagertha in the acclaimed Netflix series Vikings, has been spotted \"exploring\" Mallorca.
The star, who gained international fame for portraying the fierce shieldmaiden in the historical drama, appeared relaxed and low-key as she visited several of the islandâs scenic locations, sparking speculation among fans about a possible new project or simply a well-deserved getaway.
Born in Etobicoke, Canada, Winnick is of Ukrainian descent and speaks multiple languages fluently, including Ukrainian, English, Russian, French, and Italian. Before rising to fame on screen, she trained in martial arts from the age of seven and holds black belts in both taekwondo and karate. Her expertise even earned her a licence as a professional bodyguard and initially led to her working behind the scenes, training actors in combat skills before stepping in front of the camera herself.
Her acting résumé includes roles in major films such as Love & Other Drugs, Failure to Launch, and Cold Souls, as well as appearances in hit television series like House M.D., Bones, and Criminal Minds.
Beyond acting, she has also directed episodes of Vikings and Wu Assassins, and lent her voice and likeness to the video game Call of Duty: WWII. Whether in Mallorca for work or leisure, Winnick continues to captivate audiences both on and off screen.
Wizz Air to exit Abu Dhabi operations due to sand in engines and geopolitical tensions
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-15 08:14:42Wizz Air will officially stop operating out of Abu Dhabi from September 1, 2025, blaming extreme desert conditions, engine issues, and growing geopolitical instability in the Middle East.
The Hungarian low-cost airline confirmed the shutdown of its Wizz Air Abu Dhabi joint venture after âa comprehensive reassessment of market dynamics, operational challenges, and geopolitical developments in the Middle East,â according to a company statement.
Harsh desert conditions damaging Wizz Air aircraft
Wizz Air cited severe engine degradation caused by sand and high temperatures in the region. Its Airbus A320 jets, powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, have suffered from accelerated wear and tear due to sand particles and extreme heat, which the company said can cause engines to deteriorate up to three times faster than in Europe.
âThe hot and harsh climateâ increased running costs and forced the airline to ground multiple aircraft, severely affecting its ability to deliver low-cost flights, according to The Telegraph.
Conflict and closures disrupt airspace
Wizz Air also pointed to the âgrowing geopolitical instabilityâ in the region, especially amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, which has led to repeated airspace closures and plummeting consumer demand.
Wizz Air had already suspended some operations due to safety and reliability issues following Iranian strikes on a US base in Qatar, which triggered temporary airspace shutdowns by Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Wizz Air CEO comments
In a statement, Wizz Air CEO József Váradi acknowledged the difficulty of the move, but insisted it was necessary:
âWhile this was a difficult decision, it is the right one given the circumstances. We continue to focus on our core markets and on initiatives that enhance Wizz Airâs customer proposition and build shareholder value.
The operating environment has changed significantly. Supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability and limited market access have made it increasingly difficult to sustain our original ambitions.â
Launched in November 2020, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi was a joint venture between Wizz Air Holdings and Abu Dhabiâs sovereign wealth fund ADQ, with the aim of serving the Middle East, Africa, and Indian subcontinent. ADQ owned 51 per cent of the venture.
Despite plans to expand to 100 aircraft over 15 years, the operation peaked at 12 planes and 23 routes, with services mostly to Eastern Europe.
Wizz Air will now refocus on Europe, with plans to expand operations in Central and Eastern Europe, and selective Western markets like the UK, Italy, and Austria.
Flights from European hubs to the Middle East, including routes from London to Saudi Arabia and Jordan, will continue unaffected.
With around 700 employees affected by the Wizz Air Abu Dhabi exit, questions remain about future staffing and potential redeployments.
View all travel news.
Restored Villa Adelaida Welcomes 2,100 Guests
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-15 07:25:20In the first two months since its opening, the Hans-Maribel-Shami Centre for Arts, Sciences, and Letters has welcomed a total of 2,102 visitors. The official statistics recorded that visitors consisted of 1,348 women and 754 men, with half (1,054) being Santa Pola residents, 622 coming from the Alicante province, 310 from other autonomous communities, and 116 from outside of Spain.
Free Entry Extended
While free admission was originally scheduled to end on June 29, the Town Hall has now extended this period until August 31. Reservations can be made by phone or via WhatsApp at 678 358 237. Tour times and opening hours remain unchanged, with one-hour guided visits available in the mornings (10:00, 11:00, and 12:00) and afternoons (17:30 and 18:30) from Tuesday to Saturday. The museum is closed Sunday afternoons and all day on Mondays.
Major Restoration Project Completed
Housed in the restored Villa Adelaida, the museum occupies one of Santa Polaâs most iconic buildings. Originally owned by Maribel López Pérez-Ojeda, who donated it to the town in 2012, the building underwent extensive renovation and restoration work to meet museum standards. The project, carried out over the past year, came at a cost of nearly â¬500,000ââ¬400,000 of which was funded by the Alicante Provincial Council. The centre was officially inaugurated on 10 April by Toni Pérez, president of the council.
Honouring a Local Visionary
Today, the Hans-Maribel-Shami Centre stands not only as a restored architectural landmark but also as a space for nurturing emerging talent in art, science, and literatureâbringing to life Maribel López Pérez-Ojedaâs vision of giving back to her hometown and inspiring the next generation.
Age Concernâs new coffee mornings in Elviria
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-15 08:35:10Age Concern Marbella â' San Pedro have just announced the launch of their new coffee morning at El Barracon, located in the Elviria shopping centre.
Well-known for its excellent service and reasonably priced food and drink, El Barracon offers a welcoming setting with plenty of free parking.
The coffee mornings, starting Monday, July 28 at 11.30am, are built on a foundation of fun and friendship, building new connections and nurturing existing ones. Age Concernâs events aim to combat loneliness and social isolation, creating a relaxed âhome from homeâ atmosphere that is drawing more and more friendly people. âItâs the atmosphere that makes our coffee mornings so popular and you are invited to come along and see why more and more people are coming to enjoy our relaxed âhome from home â environment,â says Steve Marshall of Age Concern.âThere is no such thing as loneliness and social isolation when you have Age Concern in your corner.â
Volunteer host Lynda will be on hand to offer a warm welcome and provide information on welfare advice, support, and volunteering opportunities. For more details, contact Age Concernâs Helpline at 689 35 51 98 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) or email info@ageconcernmarbella.com.
Join the Age Concern family at El Barracon and discover the joy of community. Ask for Lynda â' youâll be glad you came!
Spanish cop reveals secret weapon to stop squatters in their tracks.
PUBLISHED: 2025-07-15 08:18:01A Spanish police officer lifts the lid on the real way to kick out squatters â' and the one thing every homeowner must install before itâs too late. With squatting cases rising but still rare, hereâs what you really need to know.
Itâs the property panic spreading across Spain â' but one straight-talking cop has finally told it like it is.
Fed up with the thought of squatters moving into your home while youâre out shopping or on holiday? Youâre not alone. And now, an expert from Spainâs National Police has dropped a bombshell on how to stop okupas dead in their tracks â' legally, safely, and swiftly. Read on to find out.
Esteban, a police officer and member of the non-profit law enforcement association Copâs Cave, appeared on a YouTube interview with real estate investor Germán Jover to set the record straight.
And his advice? Straight from the barracks and as blunt as a battering ram:
âYa pueden decir misa los que estén dentro,â Esteban said â' which roughly translates to: âThey can say whatever they want. They can scream, shout, whinge, and chant on the streets all they want â' it wonât change a thing.â
The golden rule: Never go full Rambo
Step one, says Esteban, is not what most frustrated homeowners think.
âThe worst thing you can do is try to remove them yourself,â he warned.
âThe first step should always be to call the police. Everything you do by yourself could backfire legally.â Most squatters know how to use the system, so proceed with caution.
Storming your own flat could actually land you in cuffs, not the squatter. It might feel unfair, but Spanish law protects due process, even when it feels like common sense has left the building.
The problem with squatters in Spain
Once officers confirm a crime is being committed, Esteban outlined the official plan of attack:
Verify illegal entry: Cops must determine that the property is indeed being illegally occupied. If itâs your primary residence and you catch it fast, youâve got a fighting chance.
Document ownership: Youâll need to prove you own or rent the place â' think utility bills, contracts, ID.
Evict through legal process: In cases of recent illegal entry, police can act quickly. But once a squatter establishes âdomicileâ â' like changing the locks or moving in furniture â' youâre in for a lengthy court battle.
The secret weapon: Install this or regret it
But Esteban didnât just warn about what not to do. He gave one key piece of advice every homeowner in Spain should tattoo on their brain.
âInstall an alarm system with a certified security company,â he urged.
âThat way, any unauthorised entry can be reported instantly and acted upon before squatters claim residence rights.â
Translation? A â¬500 alarm today could save you a â¬180,000 disaster tomorrow.
Real-life horror story: â¬180,000 home â' no access for 4 years
Need proof? Estebanâs warning comes as reports of property nightmares hit the headlines. One buyer forked out â¬180,000 for a property â' only to discover it was already occupied by squatters.
âIn four years I havenât even been able to get near the fence,â the owner said, as quoted by news outlet El Español.
And it gets worse â' squatters are getting creative. In another case, one okupa set up shop inside a car park, complete with a bed and fridge, while furious neighbours looked on.
âWeâre the ones who have to pay for everything,â one local fumed. The squatter reportedly seemed happy with the situation.
Summer warning: Your house is a holiday for them too
Property expert Pau Antó has also raised the alarm this summer:
âAn empty home is a temptation, (for squatters)â he said.
âAnd criminals can tell when youâre not around.â
The holiday season is prime time for squatters, and if your place looks empty â' you could return from your sunlounger to find someone else sipping sangria in your kitchen.
The takeaway so far
Donât go vigilante â' call the police.
Install a certified alarm system â' now.
Get documents in order and act fast.
Donât leave your home looking vacant.
How bad is the squatting problem in Spain?
Yes, squatting in Spain makes for sensational headlines â' but the reality is much less dire. In 2024, there were 16,426 reported cases of illegal home occupation, a 7.4â¯% increase from the 15,289 incidents recorded in 2023. But, considering Spain has around 27â¯million homes, this amounts to just 0.06â¯% â' about 45 cases per day nationwide â' demonstrating that squatting, while concerning, remains statistically rare.
Geography matters: Hotspot regions rather than nationwide crisis.
Cases are far from evenly distributed. Catalonia continues to top the list with 7,009 cases â' representing 42.6â¯% of the national total â' including 5,077 in Barcelona province alone. Other regions, including Andalusia (2,207), the Valencian Community (1,767), and Madrid (1,451), also saw significant numbers. By comparison, provinces like Malaga recorded far fewer incidents â' around 451 in 2024 â' and small provinces often registered under 20.
Holiday homes vs primary residences: Different legal battles
Squatting in a primary residence (allanamiento de morada) is treated as home invasion. If reported within 48 hours, police can evict immediately in most cases. In contrast, holiday or second homes (usurpación) still require court action, though they are now subject to the new fast-track rules introduced by Organic Lawâ¯1/2025.
How evictions actually work
Within 48 hours: Call the police. If you act fast and provide proof of ownership, they can remove squatters without needing court permission.
After 48 hours: You must enter the formal eviction process â' submit a complaint, provide deeds or utility bills, wait for a court order, and then have police enforce it. Despite fastâtrack attempts, this still often stretches months or even years.
The new law: Intended acceleration, mixed results
Effective from April 3, 2025, Organic Lawâ¯1/2025 amended Criminal Procedure Code Articleâ¯795 to fast-track squatting cases:
Judges must hold a hearing within 72 hours, and resolve the case within 15 days.
The burden of proof shifts: squatters must demonstrate a legal right to occupy. The public are still outraged that it is actually possible to demonstrate your legal right to occupy someone elseâs property.
Owners can finally legally cut utilities without being charged for coercion.
However, tenants who started legally and then stopped paying are excluded and must be evicted through slower civil courts. This is still extremely controversial in Spain.
The law also institutes protections for âvulnerableâ people (families, minors), which may further delay proceedings.
Is the reform working? Not yet foolproof
The law establishes a clear, enforceable timeframe and empowers police and courts to act faster.
Courts are overloaded, and squatters continue to use loopholes â' fake contracts, food receipts â' to delay the process.
Tenants who become squatters remain unaffected, dragging on the rental arrears problem many landlords worry about and creating uncertainty in the market. This might be contributing to higher rent prices, since many owners feel they are taking an extra risk by renting their property out.
Final verdict:
Squatting is not a national epidemic in Spain â' it affects 0.06â¯% of homes. The 2025 law introduces useful tools, but its success hinges on swift reporting (within 48 hours) and judicial efficiency. For many homeowners, prevention â' security systems, regular checks, and prompt action â' remain the most reliable defence.
More Spanish living news.
More news in English from around Spain.
Sponsors
