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Torrevieja Culture Unveils More Than 90 Shows for Summer 2026
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-03 09:44:55Cultura Torrevieja has unveiled its new programme for the May to August 2026 season, featuring more than 90 performances across theatre, music, comedy, magic, dance and festivals, further cementing the cityâs reputation as one of the summerâs leading cultural destinations.
The Councillor for Culture, Antonio Quesada, together with the Cultura Torrevieja team, presented a wide-ranging and varied line-up that will be staged at the Municipal Theatre and the International Auditorium, with more than 60 performances scheduled through to September.
A strong start to the year
Torreviejaâs 2026 cultural calendar has already delivered impressive results, with 67 events staged in the first four months of the year, close to 29,000 attendees, and as many as eight sold-out performances in March alone.
May: concerts, theatre and magic
The May programme opens with the return of Sidecars, who will launch their national tour in Torrevieja alongside their new album, Everest. Another highlight is Abraham Cupeiroâs Pangea, a musical journey inspired by sounds from around the world.
Other major events include the play Better Left Unsaid, starring Imanol Arias and MarÃa Barranco; comedian David DomÃnguez with The Weird Guy from the 90s; and magician The Invisible Magician with Nothing Is What It Seems. The month will also feature the May Fair, the European Gala, family activities and street theatre performances such as Sal PaâFuera.
June: major productions and comedy
June will bring some of the seasonâs most significant stage productions, including A View from the Bridge, starring MarÃa Adánez, and The Threepenny Opera, featuring Coque Malla.
The month will also include Travel With Us by Comandante Lara, three sold-out performances by Juan Dávila, the zarzuela Marina, an ABBA tribute show, and the Immensa Folk Festival.
July: festivals and major international events
July will be defined by a mix of local talent and large-scale events. One of the standout dates will be the International Habaneras and Polyphony Competition, running from July 19 to 25, with soprano Ainhoa Arteta taking part in the opening.
The month will also host the BigSound Festival, focused on urban music, and the Low Festival, dedicated to indie and pop. Concerts, childrenâs theatre and band festivals will round out the programme.
August: music, tradition and headline shows
The season will conclude in August with a packed line-up including the Brilla Torrevieja Festival, featuring artists such as Leiva and Los Delinqüentes, as well as the Chirigota Festival, the Music in the Park series, and a range of dance and symphonic music performances.
Tickets on sale now
Tickets for most events are already available from the Municipal Theatre box office and through the official website. www.culturatorrevieja.com
A DISASTER THAT IS WAITING IN THE ORIHUELA COSTA PINES
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-03 09:51:34BY PETER HOUGHTON
In September last year, Costa Campoamorâ Residentsâ Association were given a clear assurance.
The Councillor for the Environment stated that a contract was being processed for the cleaning of the pine forest and the management of fire risks. It was presented as a responsible step â a necessary action to protect both the environment and the people who live nearby.
Months have now passed and nothing has been done.
The evidence is not hidden. It is visible to anyone who walks through the area or looks at the images now circulating among residents. Fallen trees lie where they collapsed. Branches have been left to dry where they fell. Undergrowth has been cut in places and abandoned in piles, creating thick layers of combustible material across the forest floor.
This is not maintenance. This is neglect.
And in a Mediterranean environment, neglect of this kind carries consequences.
Dry vegetation is not just unsightly â it is fuel.
Dead wood is not harmless â it is ignition waiting to happen.
Every day that passes without action increases the level of risk.
This is not speculation. It is basic fire prevention.
Across Spain, and particularly in regions like Alicante, strict protocols exist precisely to prevent these situations. Forest management, clearing of debris, and reduction of fuel loads are not optional extras â they are fundamental safety measures designed to prevent small incidents from becoming uncontrollable wildfires.
Those protocols exist for a reason.
Because when fire takes hold in unmanaged terrain, it does not negotiate.
It spreads.
It accelerates.
And it destroys.
What makes this situation even more concerning is that the risk has already been identified. It was acknowledged. It was addressed publicly. A solution was promised.
And yet, despite that awareness, despite that commitment, the conditions on the ground remain unchanged.
That is not a failure of knowledge.
It is a failure of action.
Residents are not asking for complex policy explanations or long-term strategies. They are asking for something far more basic:
If a risk is identified, why is it not being dealt with?
If a contract was âin processâ in September, where is it now?
If safety is a priority, why does the situation look exactly the same â or worse â months later?
Because time matters in situations like this.
Vegetation dries.
Temperatures rise.
Conditions worsen.
And the window for safe intervention closes.
This is where administrative delay becomes more than inefficiency.
It becomes dangerous.
Public safety cannot be placed on hold while procedures move slowly through the system. Fire risk does not wait for paperwork to be completed. It builds quietly, day by day, until the conditions are right â and then it moves faster than any response can contain.
That is why prevention is critical.
And that is why inaction is unacceptable.
Orihuela cannot claim to take environmental management and public safety seriously while leaving clearly identified risks unaddressed. It cannot issue assurances in September and still be facing the same conditions months later without explanation.
Because at that point, the issue is no longer the forest.
It is governance.
A responsibility has been acknowledged.
A commitment has been made.
And action has not followed.
That is the definition of failure.
And in this case, it is a failure that carries consequences far beyond paperwork â consequences measured in risk, in damage, and potentially far worse.
Because when it comes to fire, there is one truth that cannot be ignored:
It only takes one moment.
And by then, it is already too late.
Inside the lives of three of Spanish TV’s favourite faces – all celebrating their birthdays in early April
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-04 08:00:00ANYONE who has ever switched on a Spanish TV set will recognize these three women.
Curiously, they all celebrate their birthdays in early April.
Ruth Nuñez Lopez was born in Madrid on 7 April, 1979.
She is a Spanish actress, known for playing Beatriz Pérez Pinzón in Yo soy Bea and Tanja in Compañeros.
In Compañeros, broadcast on Antena 3, Tanja is a young Bosnian woman who arrives in Spain, fleeing the armed conflicts in her country, and begins a process of adaptation, eventually becoming fully integrated.
It was through this role that she achieved national popularity.
After some time away from television, she was chosen from over 80 hopefuls in the summer of 2006 to star in Yo soy Bea, which aired successfully on Telecinco.
In this adaptation of a Colombian telenovela she plays Beatriz Pérez Pinzón, a 27-year-old economist who is âvery uglyâ but doesnât seem overly concerned about her appearance.
This role truly brought her widespread fame in Spain, even leading to her hosting the New Yearâs Eve countdown on Telecinco.
In 2006, she began a relationship with fellow actor Alejandro Tous, whom she met on the set of the series Yo soy Bea.
They married in March 2016 in an intimate ceremony in Colombia.
In 2018, rumours surfaced that the marriage might have ended after 11 years together, as the actress unfollowed her partner on social media.
In 2020 it was officially confirmed that the couple had broken up and were estranged.
MERCEDES MILA
MarÃa de las Mercedes Mila Mencos was born on 5 April, 1951. She is a Catalan journalist and television presenter.
Throughout her career, she has presented various interview and debate programmes, such as Buenas Noches in 1983.
She is best-known in Spain as the âfaceâ of Big Brother â' from 2000 onwards, she presented fifteen seasons of Gran Hermano.
Unusually for a TV presenter, she comes from an aristocratic family â' although she has completely renounced her noble title.
She is best known for presenting the Spanish adaptation of the popular reality show Big Brother for 15 years.
READ MORE: British expats arrested for operating pirate IPTV network out of their Costa Blanca home
In September 2016, at the opening gala of Big Brother 17, the presenter officially bid farewell to her audience, handing over her position to Jorge Javier Vazquez.
Step forward to 2026 and she is launching a new interview format, travelling across the Iberian Peninsula in a caravan, titled: Iâm Getting Myself Into a Garden.
In April 2018, the presenter appeared on Jordi Evoleâs program Salvados, where she explained to the Catalan journalist that depression was the real reason for her departure from Gran Hermano and that â' by making it public at that time â' her intention was to raise awareness of the condition.
EVA ARGUIÃANO
Eva Maria Arguiñano Urkiola is a Spanish chef and television presenter. She was born on 4 April, 1960.
Her specialty is desserts, and she is the head pastry chef at her brother Karlos Arguiñanoâs restaurant in Zarautz.
However, far more than that, she and Karlos are Spainâs TV chefs.
You can catch her on TVE, presenting La Cocina de Cada Dia. She and her brother also appear on Telecincoâs La Cocina con Fundamento.
In 2006, she landed her own show on the television network La Sexta, presenting Hoy Cocinas Tu.
Eva remained at the helm of the show until 2009. She also presented Las Tentaciones de Eva on the same network in 2007.
The Arguiñanos are proudly and obviously Basques.
Their friendly, light-hearted style has made them hugely popular and has done a lot to break down national stereotypes (Basques have traditionally seen as humourless and surly).
On 18 April, 2013, the pastry chef was rushed to the intensive care unit of the Donostia Hospital in San Sebastian after suffering a myocardial infarction.
A week later, she underwent heart surgery but has recovered well.
In November 2023, RTVE confirmed her appointment as a judge for the second season of Bake Off: Famosos al horno.
Click here to read more Spain News from The Olive Press.
CCTV Installations Grants
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-04 06:26:21More and more towns are installing CCTV cameras on their streets, as a security measure against crime, but many see it as an intrusion into their privacy.
Well, thanks to a grant from the Provincial Council of Granada, around half of the municipalities in the province will have the funds to instal CCTV surveillance.
Each one of the 90 chosen municipalities will receive 7,042 euros, although the bigger the muncipality; the bigger the sum, logically. However, the maximum grant for this is set at 12,040 euros.
The grant can also be used for modernising outdated IT equipment and software, which would improve the efficiency of the system that CCTV cameras are connected to.
The 90 municipalities are: Los Guájares; Otura; Gualchos, Escúzar; Calicasas; Pinos Genil; Alicún de Ortega; LecrÃn; Chimeneas; Válor; Purullena; DÃlar, AlhendÃn; Capileira; Albuñol; Huétor Santillán; Dúdar; La Peza; Darro; Alpujarra de la Sierra; Bérchules; Guadahortuna; Colomera; Cogollos Vega; Moraleda de Zafayona; Quéntar; Láchar; Soportújar; Fonelas; Guadix; Torvizcón; Lobras; Agrón; Güéjar Sierra; Marchal; Guevéjar; Campotéjar; Fuente Vaqueros; Cuevas del Campo; Villamena; Villanueva MesÃa; AlmegÃjar; Bubión; MoclÃn; Orce; Vélez de Benaudalla; Dúrcal; Gójar; Cogollos de Guadix; Churriana de la Vega; PÃñar; Chauchina; Algarinejo; Pedro MartÃnez; Dehesas de Guadix; PolÃcar; Carataunas; Banamaurel; Polopos; Ã'rgiva; Murtas; Pórtugos; Lugros; Pulianas; Salar; Lanteira; Beas de Guadix; UgÃjar; Gobernador; Bácor-Olivar; Cúllar; Torrenueva Costa; MontejÃcar; Zagra; CacÃn; Huétor Vega; Santa Cruz del Comercio; Jerez del Marquesado; Cuevas del Campo; Dehesas de Guadix; Morélabor; Aldeire; Benalúa de Guadix; Puebla de don Fadrique; Huéneja; Monachil; Alhama de Granada and Valle del Zalabà (Charches, Alcudia & Exfiliana).
(News: Province of Granada, Andalucia)
Keywords: Grant for CCTV Installations, Surveillance, Provincial Council, IT Systems
news, andalucia, granada, grant for cctv installations, surveillance, provincial council, it systems
Flood Damage Case
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-04 06:23:19La Plataforma de Afectados por el RÃo Aguas Blancas intends to sue the Confederación Hidrográfica del Guadalquivir (CHG) over the damages caused after the dam opened its floodgates.
Quentar Reservoir virtually full to the brim (98%) and still rising on the 4th of February took the precautionary measure of releasing water downstream; originally programmed to be at a rate of 3-cu/m per second.
However, by the morning of the 30th, it rose to 10-cu/m per sec and then by midday to 15-cu/m per sec. Then with the arrival of another wet front, they decided to release a third of the damâs content (3,9-cu/hec, which was nearing third of the reservoirâs capacity) at 102-cu/m per sec.
However, this collective of affected landowners is not taking this water authority to court because of this action, but rather for an alleged lack of maintenance both of the reservoir, as well as the riverbed downstream; i.e., keeping it clear of accumulating vegetation, etc.
In the case of the maintenance of the dam structure, the contract for changing the valve systems & electromechanical devices within the dam has still not been awarded despite the job being announced in 2020. As for the downstream riverbed, farmers claim that it hasnât been cleared out in the last 40 years.
Those two reasons, the farmers claim (140 of them belong to the platform) was why the river burst its banks when the dam released excess water.
Furthermore, they consider that the water authority, which comes under the Ministerio de Transición Ecológica took too long on the decision to release water and should have taken action on this when it was less full, giving the dam technicians more wiggle room for when the two wet fronts, Kristin and Leonardo arrived.
Affected locals from the municipalities of Quéntar, Dúdar and Pinos Genil met with the Town Hall on the 17th of March on what compensation is needed but pending the final calculations by experts, the sum is thought to be around 140,000 euros.
(News: Quentar, Vega, Granada, Andalucia)
Keywords: Flood Damage Claim, Quentar Reservoir, Water Released, Wet Fronts, Downstream Damage
news, andalucia, granada, vega, quentar, flood damage claim, quentar reservoir, water released, wet fronts, downstream damage
Running for the bus could save your brain and lower risk of dementia
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-04 07:00:00YES, that chaotic sprint you make when the driver looks like they might close the doors could actually be doing your brain a favour.
A new European Society of Cardiology study tracked 96,408 people who wore wrist devices for a week to record everything from gentle walks to full-on sprints.
Researchers then checked who went on to develop serious illnesses, like dementia, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and liver problems, or who died in the seven years after the tracking.
The results show that a bit of daily drama can pay off.
People who got out of breath the most had a 63% lower risk of dementia.
They also had a 60% lower risk of type 2 diabetes and a 46% lower risk of dying.
READ MORE:Cooking dinner at home once a week could help stave off dementia risk, new study reveals
And the best part? You donât need to spend hours at the gym, even short bursts of activity, like stair sprints, fast walks between errands, or quick chases after the kids, adding up to just 15â'20 minutes a week, made a real difference.
Professor Minxue Shen, one of the study authors, says that vigorous activity helps the heart, makes blood vessels stronger, lowers inflammation and releases chemicals that keep the brain healthy.
In simple terms, a little huffing and puffing now and then is good for you.
Practical tip: add small sprints to your day, race for the bus, take the stairs two at a time or speed-walk the last bit to the shop.
A warning: if youâre older or have health problems, check with a doctor first â' a gentle walk is better than nothing.
So next time youâre tempted to walk slowly, channel your inner sprinter.
You might be saving more than just a missed bus.
Click here to read more Health News from The Olive Press.
Balearics the region of Spain with more foreign buying of properties costing half a million euros and over
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-04 06:41:00According to the Spanish College of Registrars' 2025 yearbook, the Balearics had the highest percentage of foreign property buyers in Spain - just under 30% of all purchases in the region (4,370). This percentage is in fact down on 2024, when the Balearics were also ranked number one in the country. In 2024, there were 4,515 purchases; 32.2% of the total.
In the Balearics there were more foreign purchases of properties which cost 500,000 euros and over. The forty-two per cent of foreign transactions in 2025 were well above Andalusia, Catalonia and Madrid, none of which registered 25%. The national average was 12%. A record high for the Balearics, the registrars observe that \"the increase in the average price of housing has contributed to this rise\".
As has long been the case, German buyers dominated the foreign market with 39% of the total. UK buyers were a distant second - 9.4%. German buying in Spain was concentrated in the Balearics, and like German tourism in the Balearics, that overwhelmingly meant Mallorca. In no other region of the country are German buyers at the top of the rankings. And the leading nationalities in the other regions don't come close to the almost 40% of the market.
Andalusia and Murcia are two regions where the British are market leaders. The French are number one in Catalonia, the Chinese in Madrid. Moroccans lead the way in three regions - Extremadura, La Rioja and Navarre.
French CMA CGM vessel crosses Strait of Hormuz in 1st W European transrit amid Iran conflict
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-04 00:00:00Paris [France], April 4 (ANI): A vessel owned by French logistics giant, CMA CGM, has become the first Western European ship to cross the Strait of Hormuz since Iran's maritime blockage due to the ongoing West Asia conflict, EuroNews reported.
According to EuroNews, the Maltese-flagged container ship, CMA CGM Kribi, sailed eastbound from waters off Dubai on Thursday (local time) afternoon, marking a significant development in regional shipping activity.
Ship tracking data cited in the news report showed the vessel broadcasting its French ownership while navigating along the Iranian coastline through an approved corridor between Qeshm and Larak islands.
The vessel had reportedly remained idle in the Gulf since early March, alongwith several other non-Iranian ships, after the conflict sharply reduced commercial maritime traffic in the region, as reported by EuroNews.
EuroNews reported that CMA CGM, which is majority-owned by the Saade family (a prominent French-Lebanese family), coordinated the transit with Iranian maritime authorities to ensure safe passage.
The ship is believed to be enroute to Pointe-Noire as part of a shipping route linking India, the Gulf, and Africa.
According to EuroNews, its successful passage follows earlier transits by Chinese-linked vessels and could signal a gradual return of international shipping through the vital corridor if conditions remain stable, the news report added.
Amidst the ongoing maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by hostile vessels, a senior Iranian legislator suggested that Tehran could further escalate pressure on its adversaries by targeting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.
The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, hinted at the potential for significant disruption in a series of questions posted on the social media platform X on Friday. His remarks come as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to exert intense economic and logistical strain on international shipping.
Raising the stakes regarding global supply chain vulnerabilities, Ghalibaf questioned the extent of the world's reliance on the passage. He asked, 'What share of global oil, LNG, wheat, rice, and fertiliser shipments transits the Bab el-Mandeb Strait?'
The Speaker further suggested that specific nations and corporate entities might be particularly exposed to such a strategic move. 'Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait?' the post continued, implying that the Islamic Republic is evaluating the most impactful ways to exert leverage.
Meanwhile, amidst the reported news of the destruction of military aircraft, US President Trump asserted that the destruction would have no bearing on diplomatic discussions with Iran, according to a report by NBC News.
Dismissing the notion that the event would impede negotiations, the President stated, 'No, not at all. No, it's war. We're in war.' These remarks represent the leader's first public response to the loss of an American plane during the hostilities, occurring as combat actions and diplomatic initiatives proceed simultaneously.
Trump refused to elaborate on the particulars of the 'search-and-rescue efforts,' noting the delicate nature of the matter, and expressed dissatisfaction with how the press has reported on the 'complex and active military operation.' (ANI)
Desert Springs Hosts Unprecedented Concentration of County Cricket Pre-Season Activity
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-03 09:37:25The Desert Springs Cricket Ground has recently experienced an exceptional period of activity, hosting an outstanding line-up of English first-class counties and professional squads as preparations intensified ahead of the 2026 domestic season.
The Desert Springs ICC Accredited Cricket Ground
In recent weeks, the venue has welcomed a remarkable concentration of teams from the top tier of English professional cricket across both the menâs and womenâs game. These include menâs full squad pre-season camps for Yorkshire, Somerset, Lancashire and Derbyshire County Cricket Clubs, alongside leading womenâs professional sides Hampshire CCC Women, Durham CCC Women and The Blaze. In addition, specialist menâs bowling groups from Durham and Glamorgan, as well as academy programmes for Derbyshire and Lancashire, have all utilised the facilities.
The scale and overlap of activity represents one of the busiest and most significant periods of cricket ever hosted at Desert Springs.
This surge in demand follows disruption to traditional pre-season destinations in the Middle East, prompting several counties to relocate their training camps to southern Europe. Desert Springs has successfully accommodated a substantial number of these programmes, often at short notice, reinforcing its growing reputation as a reliable and high-quality pre-season base.
The shift also reflects a broader evolution in pre-season planning. Short-haul destinations such as Desert Springs Resort offer increased flexibility, enabling teams to adjust schedules more easily, while also delivering cost efficiencies without compromising preparation standards. This, in turn, allows clubs to travel with larger touring groups, including extended squads and support staff, while maximising valuable time on grass.
The quality of both facilities and playing surfaces has been widely praised by visiting teams.
Mark Chilton, Director of Cricket at Lancashire County Cricket Club, commented:
âThe week has gone very well â' the facilities are absolutely first class. Weâre getting everything that we need out of the trip, getting the players back on the grass in preparation for the first weeks of the season. We were able to get out in the middle and complete a two-day fixture, which was invaluable, and it couldnât have gone much better.â
Somerset Head Coach Jason Kerr added:
âItâs been outstanding. The facilities have been excellent and the players have maximised their time on grass. This trip has been invaluable in building on our winter work, and weâre looking forward to getting some competitive cricket in against strong opposition. The opportunity to play red-ball cricket against Yorkshire gives us that added competitive edge you simply canât replicate in training.â
Similarly, The Blaze Head Coach Craig Cumming highlighted the consistency of conditions across all aspects of the venue:
âThe surfaces have played really well. The new 50-over surface looks excellent â' Iâd like to bat on it myself. From the surfaces to the accommodation and the food, everything has been brilliant. Weâve absolutely loved our time here.â
Durham Womenâs Assistant Coach Kyle Coetzer was equally emphatic in his assessment:
âEverything has been fantastic. The surfaces have played superbly, and the ground is as good as anywhere else in the world. The wickets have been very good throughout.â
Continued investment in infrastructure has further strengthened Desert Springsâ position as a leading pre-season destination. The venue is now capable of supporting multiple professional squads simultaneously within a fully integrated environment, combining high-quality playing and training surfaces with on-site accommodation, dining, and a secure, private setting.
The cricket facilities include an ICC approved match ground featuring eighteen grass wickets, supported by training facility with a twenty-four-bay grass wicket system, full run-ups and a dedicated fielding area; allowing multiple squads to train concurrently.
A number of competitive and scenario-based fixtures have also taken place during this period. Yorkshire County Cricket Club have undertaken both white-ball and red-ball preparation, including a T20 internal match and a two-day fixture against Somerset. Derbyshire and Hampshire Women have utilised the match ground for scenario-based match play, while Lancashire have staged a two-day 11 v 11 internal fixture as part of their programme.
In the womenâs schedule, Hampshire Women completed two days of internal white-ball scenarios as part of their preparation, while Durham and The Blaze have competed in both T20 and 50-over fixtures on consecutive days, providing valuable match practice ahead of the season.
Alongside full squad camps, specialist training groups have also made extensive use of the facilities, with both Glamorgan and Durham running dedicated bowling programmes during their time at the resort.
Highlights of the various camps and fixtures can be found on the Desert Springs Cricket Instagram channel. Available via the following link: https://www.instagram.com/desertspringscricket/
Schedule of Visiting Teams:
18â'22 February 2026 â' Derbyshire CCC Academy (Menâs Academy)
8â'18 March 2026 â' Yorkshire CCC (Menâs full squad)
8â'18 March 2026 â' Somerset CCC (Menâs full squad)
13â'18 March 2026 â' Glamorgan CCC (Menâs bowling group)
13â'18 March 2026 â' Durham CCC (Menâs bowling group)
14â'20 March 2026 â' Derbyshire CCC (Menâs full squad)
18â'24 March 2026 â' Hampshire CCC (Womenâs Full squad)
20â'27 March 2026 â' Lancashire CCC (Menâs full squad)
23â'29 March 2026 â' Durham CCC (Womenâs Full squad)
23â'29 March 2026 â' The Blaze (Full squad)
25â'30 March 2026 â' Kent CCC Academy (Menâs Academy)
1â'7 April 2026 â' Lancashire CCC Academy (Menâs Academy)
Further activity is scheduled throughout spring, with a number of school groups visiting over the Easter period for a programme of fixtures and tournament play, including the Desert Springs Hundred. The venue will also host the ECB Mixed Disability Squad in May for a combined training and competition camp.
Looking ahead, Desert Springs aims to attract a similar level of professional activity in the build-up to the 2027 season, while distributing visits over a longer period. This will create greater opportunity for competitive fixtures to be scheduled and complete â' adding an important final component to the professional pre-season programme.
The Inbetweeners at El Plantio.
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-03 09:34:19This week, members of the Inbetweeners Golf Society gathered at their home course, El Plantio, for another enjoyable day of golf. The morning began on a slightly chilly note, but by the time the first group reached the 7th tee, conditions had turned perfectâwarm sunshine paired with a gentle breeze, creating an ideal setting for the round.
The course was in excellent shape as always. The fairways were immaculate, and the greens showed significant improvement following their recent spring maintenance, which certainly helped contribute to some impressive scoring across the field.
The Dayâs Winners were:
1st Place: Sam Williamson (40 points)
2nd Place: Carl Radcliffe (39 points)
3rd Place: Roy Harris (38 points
Nearest the Pin Winner
Hole 7: Jimmy Scott
Hole 9: Joel Mortiers
Hole 14: Ruud Meggelen
Hole 18: Cees Klinkenberg
A big well done to everyone who took part, and special congratulations to all our winners!
Looking for a golf society where the banter is as good as the birdies?
Visit www.inbetweenersgolfsociety.com to see upcoming events and find out how to become a member. All skill levels and nationalities welcome â because at The Inbetweeners, everyoneâs part of the game
Itâs going be a hot start to the season in Mallorca
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-03 08:01:34The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has raised the probability that an El Niño event will occur between May and July 2026 to 40%, a climate phenomenon characterised by a general increase in daytime and nighttime temperatures, which will affect the Mediterranean and destinations like Mallorca.
The most recent El Niño and La Niña events, which occurred in 2023 and 2024, were some of the most intense on record, with unprecedented global temperature peaks. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) is now sharing its seasonal forecasts for El Niño and La Niña with the international community so that countries can take measures to mitigate their effects on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, health, energy, and water management. Tourism is not immune to the challenges of climate change.
German and UK tour operators have warned the Balearic government of a drop in bookings due to summer heat waves. The German Association of Travel Agencies and Tour Operators (DRV) has reported a âloss of comfortâ among clients who travelled to the islands in July and August of 2025. The UKâs Association of Travel Agencies and Tour Operators (ABTA) also reports a trend toward seeking out what they call âcool locations.â
With the aim of addressing meteorological risks based on scientific evidence, the Center for Observation of Natural Risks and Climate Emergencies (RiscBal) was created in the Balearics. Climatologist Miquel Tomàs Burguera heads the Analysis Unit. He is an expert in droughts and heat waves.
The RiscBal team is working to incorporate relative humidity into the analysis of heat waves in the Balearics, adapting weather alerts to the realities of the territory. They also measure and process temperature data in the most densely populated areas of the islands with the aim of implementing an early warning system for the population, similar to the existing system for flood risks and the one being developed for gravitational events such as rockfalls and landslides.
âLiving in Mallorca, relative humidity is a variable that must be taken into account because it influences the perceived heat.â The State Meteorological Agency issues yellow alerts for maximum summer temperatures of 36°C or higher, orange alerts for maximum temperatures of 39°C, and red alerts for maximum temperatures of 42°C, but we incorporate two additional indices related to relative humidity. We do this because its impact on both daytime and nighttime temperatures has been scientifically proven, and this, in turn, has an impact on peopleâs health. Those with pre-existing health conditions are the most affected, and serious situations can arise,â explained Tomà s.
The expert stressed the need for a network of climate shelters in the Balearics prepared to accommodate the most vulnerable people who lack air conditioning during heat waves. Little by little, local councils are incorporating these spaces into their emergency plans. Inca is one of the municipalities that has made the most progress in this direction, although the Ministry of Business has established various lines of support that municipalities and local entities throughout the islands can access to develop their own networks. The most recent one was inaugurated a week ago at the Son Oliva public school in Palma.
Inca has already completed the list of climate shelters in the city and is finalising their signage. These are buildings and public spaces that will remain open to provide shelter from the sun and to supply water. Inca also has its own network of stations to monitor climate variables, which are already operational. âFrom here, we are creating an internal early warning network that is already functioning.â
âThe last time it was activated was on March 19th during the yellow wind alert,â explains Bernat Barceló, Environmental Technician for the Inca City Council. Inca also has a Tree Management Plan aimed at meeting the cityâs shade needs within the framework of municipal operations and applies criteria.
Romualdo Romero, Professor of Atmospheric Physics at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), told the Bulletin, âWe cannot reverse or stop the impact of climate change and global warming, but what we can do and must do is try and ease it, slow it down. We have to prevent global temperatures rising by 3ºC.
âGreenhouse gases are very stable and will remain there for a long time. The oceans have an enormous capacity to absorb heat, as does the ice; both are slow to respond. The sea releases heat very slowly and will take decades or centuries to cool down. Much of the damage has already been done, and now it is just a matter of not reaching extreme limits with irreversible consequences. And this is where action must be taken, to avoid emitting more than we already do.
âIn fact, there is nowhere on the planet where temperatures are falling and that is one of the key problems,â he said. âUneven warming is occurring worldwide, greater in the northern hemisphere and at higher latitudes. The Mediterranean is an area with a temperature increase above the global average: in the last 30 years it has risen by almost two degrees, and aridification of this region is expected,â Romualdo said. âThe signs of climate change are obvious, the warning signs are clear, weâre seeing longer droughts in southern Europe, concerns over water resources are mounting, even here in the Balearics.
Are shops in Malaga province open during final stretch of Holy Week?
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-03 08:21:03Holy Week is in full swing, which also means that many will get to enjoy a few days off. The question is whether shops will remain open during the peak holidays. Shops and shopping centres in Malaga are authorised to open every day during Holy Week, including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. What is important to check is whether certain shops have decided to change their working hours. This means that Larios Centro, Malaga Plaza, Rosaleda, Vialia Malaga-MarÃa Zambrano Station, Los Patios, Plaza Mayor and McArthurGlen Designer Outlet and the Malaga Nostrum retail park, as well as large shops such as El Corte Inglés, Ikea, Carrefour, Leroy Merlin, Conforama, Verdecora and Muelle Uno will remain open from 29 March to 5 April. The following shopping centres in the province will also remain open to the public: Miramar (Fuengirola), Rincón de la Victoria, Puerto Marina in Benalmádena, the El Corte Inglés centres in Mijas and Marbella, La Trocha (CoÃn), La Verónica (Antequera), La Cañada (Marbella), El Ingenio (Vélez-Málaga) and CostasolCentro (Torremolinos).Small businesses (with an area of 300 metres or less) can decide whether to open their doors on public holidays, both in Malaga city and in the province.The 16 Sundays and public holidays with common authorised opening (and with possibility of changes) in the retail sector this year in AndalucÃa are the following: Sunday, 4 January; Sunday, 11 January; Saturday, 28 February; Thursday, 2 April; Sunday, 3 May; Sunday, 5 July; Sunday, 26 July; Sunday, 2 August; Saturday, 15 August; Monday, 12 October; Monday, 2 November; Sunday, 29 November; Monday, 7 December; Sunday, 13 December; Sunday, 20 December; and Sunday, 27 December.
AxarquÃa environmental group denounces removal of threatened plant species during beach cleaning
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-03 08:19:14The removal of vegetation from the Ferrara beach in Torrox on the eastern Costa del Sol has sparked a new environmental controversy. The AxarquÃa-based environmental group GENA-Ecologists in Action has denounced the destruction of a population of sea daffodils (Pancratium maritimum), a species considered to be under threat of extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).As the group explained in a statement on Wednesday 1 April, the incident occurred on 30 March during cleaning operations carried out by municipal workers along the Torrox coastline. \"We witnessed how, along with other plant debris, specimens of this plant, which grows spontaneously in the sand, were being uprooted,\" GENA stated, adding that several residents also reported the situation.The environmental association maintains that, when warned, the workers responded that they were acting under orders to remove \"everything on the sand,\" which, in the group's opinion, demonstrates \"a lack of understanding of the environmental value of these species.\" \"A plant that plays a key role in the coastal ecosystem cannot be considered litter,\" they emphasise.In this regard, GENA points out that the sea daffodil is a species native to sandy habitats, classified as a species of community interest and plays a fundamental role in stabilising the sand and helping to curb wind erosion. \"Its disappearance contributes to the degradation of an environment already under significant pressure from human and tourist activity,\" they add.ConcernThey have called for greater awareness regarding the conservation of coastal flora, especially in \"highly artificial\" areas such as some beaches on the Costa del Sol.Sources at Torrox town hall have expressed their \"concern\" to SUR about what happened, which they attribute \"possibly to an unintentional error\" during the cleaning work. The town hall has told SUR that it will investigate the incident and take the necessary measures to prevent similar situations from happening again.This incident occurred as coastal town halls are intensifying beach maintenance work in anticipation of the arrival of visitors during Holy Week, one of the first busy tourist weeks of the year. This work usually includes the removal of plant debris washed ashore by storms, which sometimes generates conflicts with environmental groups regarding the management of beach ecosystems.This is not the first time disagreements have arisen in the AxarquÃa region over these types of interventions. Conservation organisations like GENA have been warning for years about the need to reconcile beach cleaning and tourism with the preservation of native species and sensitive habitats on an increasingly transformed coastline.The controversy has once again brought to the forefront the debate on beach management models, between the image of \"clean sand\" demanded by users and tourism businesses and the conservation of natural elements that are part of the environmental balance of the coast.
Orca encounters drop 80% in the Strait of Gibraltar, but Spain's northern coast is now active
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-03 08:13:27The number of encounters between orcas and maritime vessels off the Spanish coast has started to decline. Last year, a total of 45 such encounters were recorded, meaning that, in the last two years alone, the overall figure has fallen by almost 60 per cent, according to data from Spain's maritime rescue coordination centres.The Strait of Gibraltar is where the drop in these encounters is most pronounced: from 90 incidents in 2023 to just 18 in 2025. However, activity has increased off Spain's northern coasts, near Galicia and Cantabria, where the figures show an increase from 17 encounters in 2023 to 27 in 2025, making it the most affected area at present.Since orcas began chasing and ramming boats in 2020, they have been a major headache for sailors, central government, the maritime authorities and scientists alike. Such behaviour was unprecedented. They have broken rudders, sunk boats and caused panic among crews who, in the worst cases, have had to be rescued by Spain's maritime rescue services. What began with just three individual orcas ended up spreading to all orca groups around the Iberian peninsula. There is a kind of 'social contagion' among these creatures.With few options for intervening with these marine mammals, the Spanish government's strategy has been to try minimising the risk of interaction by avoiding or minimising navigation through areas with a high concentration of orcas and recommending that boats always use navigational routes closest to the coast where possible, while remaining within safe limits. \"The available data indicates that the measures are proving effective,\" stated the Ministry for Ecological Transition in a press release.Therefore, given the increase in incidents along Spain's northern coast, the Spanish authorities have now decided to draw up a specific map for the coast of Galicia that identifies the areas at greatest risk of contact with orcas, thereby strengthening navigational safety and reducing the likelihood of any run-ins with orcas. They are also maintaining the risk map for the area between the Gulf of Cadiz and the Strait of Gibraltar.A study to try deciphering orca behaviour in this part of Atlantic by a group of experts - convened by Spain and Portugal - concluded in 2024 that it was just a 'fad', almost a game among the orcas, motivated by the availability of abundant food and too much free time on their fins. In the Strait of Gibraltar, until just over a decade ago, Atlantic orcas had to go to a lot of trouble to find food, with high-speed chases lasting up to half an hour due to the scarcity of prey. Now, the chase lasts two to three minutes at most. So, the orcas are well-fed, catch their prey quickly and have plenty of spare time to explore their surroundings and 'get creative', especially the younger ones.The Ministry of Ecological Transition in Madrid reminds the public that, in the event of an encounter while at sea, whether on a motorboat or a sailing vessel, it is recommended not to stop, but to head towards the coast or shallower waters. They also warn of the risk of standing close to the port or starboard edges of the vessel, better to remain in a more secure space to avoid any possible impacts or sudden movements causing falls or injuries.
Malaga opens another La Pecera ice cream parlour with savoury Japanese treats
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-03 08:14:42Do you know what a taiyaki is? It's a Japanese fish-shaped waffle traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste. Spain offers a popular variation filled with ice cream.The La Pecera parlour made the ice cream filling viral. With two locations in Madrid and one in Malaga (a kiosk in the Plaza Mayor shopping centre), La Pecera wants to go further and revamp both its image and concept, incorporating savory flavours and other new options.The new establishment opens at Alameda Principal 27 on Thursday, 9 April. \"It will be larger and more diverse, transforming the taiyaki format to offers many options,\" CEO Pablo Piqueras says. He believes that Alameda Principal will be the brand's flagship location and a \"benchmark\" with a \"unique\" concept: savoury taiyaki. For now, they will offer salmon, pesto, falafel and Caesar flavours.The idea, as Piqueras explains, is \"to offer something different, to surprise with a Japanese-Mediterranean fusion and a touch of savoury, but with that cake-like texture inside, slightly sweet like brioche and crispy on the outside\". They've also added other new items: an updated version of their signature 'sweet taiyaki'; the introduction of taiyakitos for dipping; the 'Baby Sweets', new Japanese sponge cakes filled with crunchy cream; and different types of drinks, such as homemade shakes and smoothies, as well as specialty coffee, matcha tea and protein yoghurt.From breakfast to afternoon snacks\"Our intention is to be seen as more than just an ice cream shop. We've evolved. We're actually a taiyaki shop where you can come for breakfast, brunch or an afternoon snack. Our base is a Japanese recipe and we wanted to give it that taiyaki connotation, which is a concept with over 100 years of history in Japan, improving recipes and introducing new flavours and combinations,\" Piqueras says.The 70-square-metre Alameda establishment can fit 20 people. \"Here, we've moved from takeaway to table service. We want it to be a place where you'd want to linger and where both adults and children can enjoy themselves.\"Why the city centre? \"We believe the city centre is an emblematic location for a Malaga-based company like this. It also gives us a lot of visibility and more flexibility than a shopping centre,\" Piqueras says. Today, La Pecera's headquarters are in Teatinos. The goal is to continue growing from there. The team already numbers around 30 people and they have an ambitious expansion plan: the next two openings will be in Barcelona, with the intention of reaching 30 locations nationwide within two years. They also plan to offer delivery, which will begin operating in Malaga this summer. Their commitment is unwavering: \"Is there anything more quintessentially Malaga than fried fish?\"
Spain's road network logs 56 fewer fatalities in first quarter of 2026, a record low
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-03 08:18:08The number of road traffic fatalities in the first quarter of this year fell by 56 (down 22 per cent) compared to the same period last year, according to data from Spain's directorate-general of traffic (DGT). During the first three months of the year, there were 186 fatal accidents resulting in 196 deaths.These figures place the period from January to March 2026 as the quarter with the fewest road deaths in recorded history, with the exception of 2021, which was low because of Covid restrictions on traffic movements. These positive figures also occurred in a context of 4.12 per cent more long-distance journeys being made this quarter compared to the previous year.According to the DGT, road safety experts crunch these numbers within a range of plus or minus five per cent. Therefore, this first quarter of 2026 with 22 per cent fewer deaths \"is something unusual and unprecedented, especially when road journeys have been greater in volume\".For this reason, the head of the DGT, Pere Navarro, was keen to \"congratulate the drivers, the true architects of this decrease, for the advances in road safety\". He also called for caution over Easter: \"during these days of so many journeys by road, prudence and caution are the best travel buddies to reach our destinations and return home safely\".Conventional roads continue to account for the highest number of fatal road traffic accidents: 78.6 per cent of the total. The DGT also highlighted the significant drop in passenger car fatalities, down 31 per cent (90 compared to 131 deaths in the same quarter for last year). Vulnerable road users account for 45 per cent of road deaths, with the number of cyclists killed falling, but the number of motorcyclist and pedestrian deaths increasing.As for type of accident, there was a significant decrease in the number of run-off-the-road crashes, with 33 per cent fewer fatalities. The only type of accident that has increased is collisions with pedestrians, with 31 fatalities compared to 26 in the same period last year.Regarding the use of safety systems, 26 of those killed were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident, 23 of them were travelling in passenger cars, one in a van and two in a lorry. One cyclist and one motorcyclist were also not wearing helmets.By region, the accident rate in the first quarter shows an uneven pattern. The number of fatalities increased in four regions of Spain (Castilla y León, Castilla la Mancha, Extremadura and Galicia) and decreased in the rest.Monthly figures for March As for March, both accident and travel figures are \"also unusual\". During this month, 68 fatal road traffic accidents were recorded, resulting in 71 deaths. That is 31 fewer deaths than in the same month in 2025. This represents a 30 per cent drop in fatalities, yet traffic volume increased by 10.85 per cent compared to March last year, with 38.8 million long-distance journeys recorded. The fall in the number of deaths was greater on conventional roads than on high-capacity roads.By mode of transport, the number of pedestrian fatalities has increased, with 13 this March, seven more than in the same month last year. Ditto for motorcyclists, 17 fatalities this March, compared to 14 last year. The most significant decrease in fatalities this month was in passenger cars, with 34 deaths recorded, 25 less than in the same month last year. Fatalities decreased in all types of accidents, except for pedestrian collisions, which increased. As for the use of safety systems, seven of those killed were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident and all were travelling in passenger cars.Back to the breakdown by region, Catalonia registered the largest decrease compared to March 2025, while AndalucÃa and Castilla y León recorded the highest number of fatalities on their roads.
The 82.3-kilometre footpath linking the towns on Granada's Costa Tropical
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-03 08:18:56The great coastal path of Granada, an initiative of the provincial authority, the Diputación Provincial de Granada, started in 2021 after agreement with the Andalusian regional government and the various town halls along the Costa Tropical led to the project being tendered in 2019. The idea was to connect Almuñécar, Motril, Albuñol, Salobreña, Gualchos-Castell de Ferro, Torrenueva Costa, Sorvilán, Rubite, Polopos-La Mamola and Lújar with the aim of preserving and promoting the natural and scenic resources of the Granada coastline, as well as offering a safe, accessible and sustainable space for leisure, sport and transport. The project includes not only paths, but also four viewpoint bridges strategically located at emblematic points along the coastal strip. One of them will be the bridge in Motril's Playa Granada next to the Hotel Impressive.A pedestrian footbridge will also be added to this to join Cabo Sacratif with the left-hand side of the N-340 coastal road in the direction of Carchuna Calahonda, so that users will be able to cross the road and continue their journey along the path without having to step on the road. These structures will be essential to ensure accessibility and enjoyment of the natural environment, as well as offering good views of the coast.The Diputación is working on the three projected stretches, but there are also others proposed to continue advancing with the project. In this case they are about 30 kilometres between Calahonda and La Rábita.In El Pozuelo in Albuñol, work has already been carried out by the town hall to restore the beach and build a footbridge as well as plant vegetation. Work is already under way on the lighting, picnic areas, playgrounds and sports facilities.
Great weather for Easter weekend, but make the most of it while it lasts
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-03 07:04:46Sunny skies and climbing temperatures will dominate the closing days of Easter in Andalucia. Stable conditions will be the order of the day for the period from Good Friday to Easter Monday, featuring minimal rainfall together warmth typical of May.
Rubén del Campo from AEMET highlights how broad regions should see values above 25°C. Valleys along the Guadiana and Guadalquivir rivers could reach 30°C on Easter Sunday and Monday.
Warmth builds for Easter celebrations
An anticyclone will strengthen over Spain on Good Friday, so clear skies are expected to prevail across nearly the entire country with almost no rain expected. Similar patterns continue throughout the weekend and into Easter Monday.
Atlantic system signals upcoming change
However, the meteorologists at Meteored warn of a low-pressure system developing over central North America. Movement towards the Atlantic may allow influence on Spain from Tuesday onwards through a wet active front. Experts are looking at possible explosive cyclogenesis, though major uncertainty surrounds forecasts.
Storm risks emerge midweek
Samuel Biener, a climatology researcher and Meteored contributor, explains how this could become the first serious stormy episode of spring. A cold front accompanied by maritime polar air and an upper trough will sweep the Iberian Peninsula from west to east between Tuesday and Thursday. Surface heating from recent days as well as weather flows clashing and therefore rising to the stratosphere may well generate thunderstorms.
Andalucia faces locally intense rainfall
Showers look likely to prove to be intense and thundery, especially across Andalucia, Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, the Madrid region and mountainous zones in the eastern half. Probabilities rise further on Wednesday along the Mediterranean coast and Balearic Islands due to potential secondary low formation.
AEMET gives it between a 30 and 90 percent chance of showers hitting Andalucia on Tuesday, particularly after midday in inland areas of Huelva, Seville, Cordoba, Granada and Malaga. Temperatures will drop again noticeably, with maximums easing more than five degrees to hover midday around 25-26°C.
Residents need to monitor updates closely. Models still require refinement to confirm the episodeâs exact scale, so umbrellas remain advisable just in case.
Spain Easter travel chaos leaves thousands without luggage â' but these smart hacks could help your trip
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-03 07:45:54Travellers heading to Spain this Easter are being caught up in widespread airport disruption, with strike action leaving thousands of suitcases stranded and causing delays across major hubs. Airports including Madrid-Barajas Airport, Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Palma de Mallorca Airport are among those affected. While flights are mostly still operating, the real issue lies behind the scenes, where baggage handling delays are separating passengers from their luggage at one of the busiest travel times of the year.
Why suitcases are being left behind at Spanish airports
The disruption is being driven by strike action from ground handling staff, workers responsible for loading and unloading luggage, managing aircraft turnaround and keeping airport operations moving.
Because airlines are still running flights under minimum service rules, planes are taking off even when there arenât enough staff to process baggage properly. The result is a growing backlog of suitcases left in terminals, with some passengers arriving at their destination without their belongings.
Strikes are happening in waves throughout the day, meaning disruption can intensify at key travel times, particularly mornings and evenings.
What this means for travellers in Spain right now
The impact on the ground is already being felt across the country, especially in high-traffic holiday destinations.
Passengers are experiencing:
Lengthy queues at check-in and bag drop
Delays waiting for luggage on arrival
Missing suitcases that are rerouted on later flights
Knock-on delays affecting connecting travel plans
Airports like Palma are particularly vulnerable due to the volume of Easter arrivals. With tight turnaround times and limited flexibility, even minor staffing shortages are quickly snowballing into visible disruption.
Steps to take to try and prevent lost luggage
If youâre travelling during the strike period, there are practical ways to reduce your risk of being separated from your suitcase:
Pack essentials in your hand luggage (medication, valuables, a change of clothes)
Check in early to give your bag more time to be processed
Avoid tight connections, where possible
Use clear luggage labels with up-to-date contact details
Take a photo of your suitcase before travel to help identify it if lost
If your bag doesnât arrive, report it immediately at the airport and keep all documentation.
Smart travel hacks people are using right now
With disruption ongoing, many travellers are turning to simple tech and packing tricks to stay one step ahead:
Tracking devices: Placing a Apple AirTag inside your suitcase allows you to see its location in real time via your phone
Split packing: If travelling with a partner, divide belongings between cases so neither of you is left without essentials
Carry-on only strategy: Some travellers are avoiding checked luggage altogether to eliminate the risk
Distinctive luggage: Bright colours or unique tags make bags easier to identify in crowded areas
These small steps wonât prevent delays but they can give you more control and visibility if things go wrong.
Why this disruption is worse than usual
Airport strikes are not uncommon, but the timing makes this particularly disruptive. Easter, known locally as Semana Santa, is one of Spainâs busiest travel periods, with millions passing through airports in a short window.
Unlike cancellations, which are immediate and visible, this kind of disruption builds gradually. Flights continue to run, but operational pressure behind the scenes leads to delays, misplaced baggage and overcrowded terminals.
Your key questions answered
Are flights still running?Yes, most flights are operating, but delays are increasingly common.
Will I get my luggage?In many cases yesâbut it may not arrive at the same time as you.
Which airports are affected?At least 12 major airports across Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Palma, Málaga and Alicante.
How long will this last?Strikes are ongoing throughout Easter, with potential for further disruption if no agreement is reached.
What happens next for Spainâs travel disruption
Negotiations between unions and employers are continuing, but there is no confirmed resolution yet. If talks fail, further strike dates could extend disruption beyond Easter and into the early summer season.
For now, travellers heading to Spain should prepare for delays and consider travelling light, as airports navigate one of the most challenging holiday periods in recent years.
Mallorcaâs â¬16M estate sparks urgent push to block luxury hotel plans
PUBLISHED: 2026-04-03 07:05:25A growing political and community movement in Mallorca is calling for urgent public intervention to safeguard one of the islandâs historic rural estates from private redevelopment. At the centre of the debate is the Gabellà Gran estate in Campanet, a sprawling property currently on the market for â¬16 million.
Local political group Més per Campanet has formally proposed that both the Balearic Government and the Council of Mallorca step in to purchase the estate. Their aim is clear: prevent the site from being transformed into a high-end luxury hotel and instead preserve it for public and cultural use.
Fear of another luxury conversion
The proposal reflects growing unease across Mallorca about the steady conversion of historic properties into exclusive tourism developments. Campaigners argue that Gabellà Gran risks becoming yet another example of heritage being repurposed for high-end visitors rather than local communities.
While luxury tourism remains a cornerstone of the islandâs economy, critics say the balance is tipping too far. The concern is not just about one estate, but about a broader patternâwhere traditional fincas and historic buildings are increasingly priced beyond public reach and redeveloped into private ventures.
In the case of Gabellà Gran, its size, location, and historical value make it particularly significant. Advocates for public ownership believe it could serve as a cultural, environmental, or educational space instead of an exclusive hospitality project.
A â¬16 million question for public authorities
The biggest obstacle, however, is financial. At â¬16 million, acquiring the estate would require a substantial public investment at a time when government budgets are already under pressure.
Supporters of the proposal argue that the long-term social and cultural value outweighs the upfront cost. They point to the potential for the estate to become a public asset: offering community access, preserving heritage, and protecting green space.
Opponents, or those more cautious, may question whether such spending is realistic, particularly when weighed against other pressing needs such as housing, infrastructure, and public services.
Wider tensions over tourism and identity
The debate surrounding Gabellà Gran taps into a much larger conversation happening across Mallorca and other parts of Spain. As tourism continues to grow, so too does concern about its impact on local identity, affordability, and access to land.
In recent years, protests and policy discussions have increasingly focused on issues like overtourism, housing shortages, and the transformation of traditional spaces into tourist-driven assets. The potential conversion of historic estates into luxury hotels has become a particularly sensitive flashpoint.
For many residents, these properties are not just real estate, they are part of Mallorcaâs cultural and architectural heritage. Losing them to private development is seen as a loss of shared history.
What happens next?
The motion from Més per Campanet places pressure on regional institutions to act quickly, especially given that the estate is already on the open market. Whether public authorities will step in remains uncertain.
If the proposal gains traction, it could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, potentially opening the door for more proactive public acquisition of culturally significant sites.
If not, Gabellà Gran may follow a familiar path, joining the growing list of historic Mallorcan properties reshaped for luxury tourism.
Either way, the outcome will likely resonate far beyond Campanet, shaping ongoing debates about who Mallorca is really forâand how its heritage should be protected in the years ahead.
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