1818 the olive press - March 5th - March 18th 2015 LETTERS www.theolivepress.eswww.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es the olive press - March19 5th - March 18th 2015 19 ll about Total con Manilva, Sabinillas and Loving La Mine of info POTTED DEAR OP, Linea NICE article Jack! (‘Did gold- POINTERS Puerto de la Duquesa Having unfortunately dealt greedy Romans kick-off cli- A with Jeremy and his One Way MY husband and I are Ki- mate change in ?’ Issue Van Hire company, I can hon- wis visiting Spain, having 207). I am an anthropologist estly say this man couldn’t tell sailed here on our yacht. and teach an undergraduate ANDALUCIA Vol. 9 Issue 208 www.theolivepress.es March 5th - March 18th 2015 the truth to save himself. We are big fans of the Olive course in Human Ecology at RESERVOIR I had a van booked for seven Press and look forward to the University of Louisiana, days – which then became fi ve each edition. What great, and I have been using the LEVELS – as he said he had a problem interesting reading – even case study of Las Medulas for with the van. I later found out better that it is free – thank years. It provides an excellent that the previous hire had run you. example of how human activ- This week: 80.00% over by two days. I asked for a Returning from a quick ity has been impacting the Same week last year: refund for the lost days which trip back to NZ we feel environment over the past 81.56% he refused. compelled to congratulate millennia. This is precisely Same week in 2005: As I had a ferry booked to the the people of La Linea for up ‘doggy doos’ and binning just a stones-throw away is why we need to preserve Las 59.62% UK I had no choice but to go making the waterfront so their rubbish. another positive. It will be Medulas as a UNESCO World with it. He said my deposit attractive and interactive. The Alcaidesa Marina is with some regret that we Heritage Site – in order to AIRPORTS would be paid back after a When we left work was world-class and a wonder- leave this beautiful place. preserve the evidence of hu- month but after four months still underway. Now, with ful place to be based, its man hubris and atrocities. Gibraltar - sending emails and numer- the surrounding buildings staff friendly and helpful as Kathy and Peter 00350 22073026 ous phone calls, I decided I’d being painted and spruced we have found most Span- Jamieson, Daniel Cring, Granada-Jaen - had enough. up, it is an area for locals ish people to be. To wake up Christchurch, New USA 958 245 200 On a trip back to Spain I paid to feel proud of. People are with the Rock in all its many Zealand Jerez - 956 150 000 him a visit. Even then, I got also pitching in by picking moods and its taste of the UK Fingers Malaga - 952 048 844* more lies before he eventu- *For English press 9 ally paid the money into my crossed Sevilla - 954 449 000 account. any of these accused clerics sumed the role of a Barbary Gibberish, issue 207), but not will fi nd the courage to come Ape (‘King of the swingers’, IT is terrible to see how jeal- EMERGENCIES Ian Smith, forward and contact law en- shocking. ous and spiteful Spain is Glasgow issue 207). There are plenty of people End forcement, no matter how towards Gibraltar (For fags Police 091 It was an entertaining and who don’t speak Spanish in long ago it happened. interesting viewpoint that sake! issue 207) but it only Guardia Civil 062 Silence only hurts, and by Gibraltar, not just the mon- mirrors what is a very jeal- Medical service 061 Silence hurts contains possibilities for fur- keys as Spain’s foreign minis- speaking up there is a chance ther development... seriously. ous and spiteful government Fire 080 for healing, exposing the ter Margallo claimed. who, with such enormous THIS is extremely disturb- ‘Tales from their forefathers’ But he wouldn’t know that as ing news for the victims and truth, and therefore protect- could yield an interesting his- problems to overcome, are EURO EXCHANGE ing others. he’s never bothered to visit. still worried about a little for innocent children today torical perspective. Go for it One thing is clear, even our RATES (‘Sex abuse priests let off’, is- Tom! land mass. of monkeys have no wish to be sue 207). These accused men Judy Jones, Let us hope the current gov- 1 euro is worth Spanish. ernment is ousted and we go free because of a technical- Cedric Watkins, What Margallo doesn’t know 1.12American dollars ity in the archaic predator- Australia get someone who will engage 0.73 British pounds is that there are many mon- in a proper dialogue for the friendly laws. keys in Spain who actually do 1.40 Canadian dollars Child predators need to be Monkey benefi t of both Spain and Gi- No surprise speak Spanish. braltar. The EU will be taking 7.45 Danish kroner kept far away from children 8.67 H Kong dollars forever. Let’s hope that any- business note and it will only further IT is awful to read that Spain Bill Phillips, 8.60 Norwegian kroner the undermine Spain. one who may have knowledge Gibraltar or may have been harmed by I ENJOYED the clever ar- will close Gibraltar’s Cer- 1.53 Singapore dollars ticle in which Tom Powell as- vantes Institute, (Talking Fred Crane, OP online line My holiday is too short ... Life sentence The Romans did a lot for Manilva, famous for its THIS British expat had to spend time on reading all other choices than sim- sweet Moscatel wine ply punching the German and Gentlemen’s Relish. man to death (British man arrested for murder of al- Now tourists are seriously the small print ! leged German paedophile rediscovering the Costa del in Sotogrande). This is not the 11th century we are liv- Sol’s swinging ‘West End’, ing in! Now his children Red mist as Tom Powell reports will have lovely childhood At Helle Hollis there are no SANDRO Rottman was apparently given numerous memories of visiting dad- HE beach was groin to groin with rev- dy in prison for the rest of warnings to stop fi lming his daughter. But he kept per- sisting, persisting, persisting, and persisting. As you ellers, lit up by a multitude of bright- his life as in Spain, there ly-coloured lights and throbbing to hidden extras! are no grey areas when it can see the father of the daughter reached the end of his T the sound of hot dance music. comes to murder. tether when he found the images on this man’s tablet, and his patience snapped. It’s is easy to say he should But this wasn’t the epic party island of have controlled himself, but you do not know how you Ibiza, or even the jet set resort of Mar- Clear pricing Matthew Gordon, bella, just down the road. It was little Sa- Benalmadena would react until it is your daughter being fi lmed.

Photo by Jon Clarke binillas, Manilva’s younger sibling, letting Jay Green, her hair down at the Full Moon party last and fair OP online summer. San Luis de Sabinillas, to give this up- and-coming coastal resort its full name, fuel policy Letters should be emailed to [email protected]. The writer’s name and was just a small fi shing village a decade address should be provided. Opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor. OUT OF THIS WORLD: Alien encounter with squids drying on a line at Punta Chullera, while (top right) a more conventional view from Duquesa beach Turn to page 20 CROSSMOT 52 Across thebistro 7 Inventors (3, 10) * 8 Fijado (8) Become a * 9 Envidia (4) * 10 Apren- steakhouse dido (7) * 12 Metro (5) * 14 Ofer- Home Owner´s member ta (5) * 16 Cubos (7) * 19 To love food, dine out for less... Pray (4) * 20 Annoyed (8) and get 15% discount * 22 Coating (13). on your car hire Down 1 Jewel (4) * 2 Amargo (6) - Sign up for FREE at * 3 Advances (7) * 4 Joined (5) * 5 Rocket (6) * 6 Más Pesa- do (8) * 11 Cumplir (8) * 13 Sup- www.hellehollis.com presses (7) * 15 Ha ganado (6) the bistro steakhouse . * 17 Gatito (6) * 18 Nacimien- To make a reservation Helle Hollis Car Rental Malaga Airport to (5) * 21 Fecha (4). tel: 952 936 344 . www.thebistrosteakhouse.com www.hellehollis.com Tel.: +34 95 224 55 44 Next to The English Butcher in Duquesa Port bookshop - olive press Mothers Day:Layout 1 02/03/2015 12:35 Page 1

20 the olive press - March 5th - March 18th 2015 20 www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es the olive press - March 5th - March 18th 2015 21 ll about Manilva, Sabinillas and 21 The Sabinillas Puerto de la Duquesa March 5th - March 18th 2015 Bookshop A Advertorial Beach life Firm favourite TIME TEAM: Roman oven The Bookshop WITH 12 years’ experi- ence of working with British expats in Sabi- PS... Sabinillas nillas, Mateo Lawyers is equipped to handle ev- DID YOU erything from property conveyancing to Spanish Tel: 952 891 545 wills. KNOW? The full spectrum of legal We have a great selection of Gifts, services is covered from IN the heart of Manilva vil- business matters to di- lage, an archaeological Cards, Balloons, Wrapping Paper etc. vorce, traffi c accidents or team recently found the inheritance issues. The substantial remains of a fi rm also has offi ces in So- Roman kiln dating back to togrande and Algeciras. 2AD. From Page 19 Lawyer Juan Mateo Soler In excellent condition, it explains: “We specialise was found alongside a se- in helping British expats ries of fragments of pottery. ago; or what the Spanish call a enough away to have carved with all the proper pa- out a positive alternate reputa- It is thought that the unique ‘pedania’ - a tiny nucleus popu- perwork for purchasing a design may be the only ex- Mother’s lation dependent on a bigger tion for itself. property. ‘municipality’ - in this case, Ma- The Manilva municipality as a isting example in Spain and “Our aim is to establish could serve as further evi- nilva, which keeps watch over whole, like everywhere else on a personal relationship her little sister from the hills the coast, has fl ourished under dence of the town’s key role with our client so that we in exporting ‘garum’, one of above the coast road. tourism in the last decade. RICH TAPESTRY: Mosaics showing agricultural life in Manilva and sea-life in Sabinillas can provide tailored legal Sabinillas has been around just But it’s a working town as well and tax advice to suit their the most popular products Day as long as Manilva (Bronze Age as a tourist town (it still has a pub. Today the Sunday morn- munity of Manilva is hugged by Spanish. Square) is adorned with a spec- particular needs.” during Roman times. artefacts have been found) but small fi shing fl eet) where Span- ing Sabinillas market is known vineyards. Not being on most It is one step removed from tacular mural depicting work- For further information Then known as ‘saltum’, Ma- the tourism boom ish people go about their daily far and wide and is one of the tourists’ radar, it’s refreshingly the wave of tourism lapping ers in vineyards, and becomes or a no-obligation quote nilva became famous for the Sunday 15th March has turned the tiny enclave into lives, alongside ‘los extranje- biggest on the coast. It has had devoid of skyscraper construc- its coast, but the quality - and the centre of the action during contact info@mateo- delicacy, a pungent paste a new best-kept secret. ros’. to change location three times tion. Visitors who venture off price - of its tapas still draws the September harvest festival. abogados.com or call 665 made from fi sh guts. Monday to Friday 09:00 - 14:30 / 16:00 - 19:00 ‘Sabi’ as the locals affection- Expats John Love and Heather simply to accommodate its ex- the main road to investigate the Sabinillas crowd. The nearby Interpretation Cen- 548 865 Exported to the Eternal City ately call the resort, remains Williams have lived in the vil- panding array of market stalls. may well strug- And then tre, opened in 2010, highlights of Rome via boat, it needed Saturday 09:30 - 14:00 Sunday - Closed vibrant year-round thanks to its lage for a decade. “Manilva For further proof that this place gle to get out there are and strengthens the village’s CELEBRATED: The Blue Flag beach in Sabinillas (top) and a to be stored in well-made supportive and outgoing expat is the perfect place to live. It means business, take a stroll of the centre’s the post- long wine-making tradition. It of- pots, called amphoras. Email: [email protected] community. That’s despite be- has all the benefi ts of view from chiringuito Floria alongside the main coastal labyrinth of nar- It offers card views fers vocational courses in wine- without all of the pretentious- tourist expansion and Spanish And it now seems likely that ing at the quieter, less-devel- name for the strip where all the busy little village centre with road on the side away from the row one-way vocational from every making, aimed at inspiring the tradition, it is easy to see why the recently discovered kiln www.sabinillasbookshop.com oped ‘West End’ of the Costa ness,” says John. banks and insurance compa- everything you would need. We beach, where the new Olive streets where direction. younger generations and train- “It’s the Costa del Sol’s best courses in wine- Manilva is becoming the toast may be where these were del Sol. nies are centred while, down quickly got to know both Span- Press headquarters resides it’s easy to get The Pedreta ing future professionals. of the coast for more than just It may be the last resort on this kept secret but it is still near to making, aimed at made on an almost indus- on the waterfront, there is a ish and English people and - look out for the bright olive lost, even with mirador de- But with the right blend of its wine. trial scale. glitzy coast, but Sabi wears its everything,” adds Heather. great range of bars and restau- found everyone welcoming and green sign above the much- GPS navigation. inspiring teens livers a view community spirit on its sleeve It is certainly a rants. friendly. loved Sabinillas bookshop. Buried in the stretching more proudly than most others. distinct com- British ex- “We love that there is a strong Steve Davies, who has run the historic heart from the And every June, the full moon munity with a pat Deb- expat community for times bookshop for four years so is St Anne’s church and the ad- white cubed village of Casares provides an excuse for the healthy mix of We love that there bie Porter when you feel a little home far, says: “Sabinillas is a great joining cemetery, dating from to the coastal hubs of Estepo- mother of all-night beach festi- Spanish, Brit- is a strong expat moved to sick (and struggle with the lan- place to work and live, there’s around 1776. Turn a corner na and Marbella below. A net- vals - one to rival all the others ish and Ger- community for the area guage). a real community atmosphere and there it is, striking yet sim- work of tracks can be glimpsed along the coast. man, as well as due to her “This is also one of the nicest and it’s great to have the same plistic, bold yet unassuming. in between, inviting you to hike, With the night sky afl ame with Moroccans and times when you are husband places to bring up a child. Kids familiar faces popping in - and Sauntering through the maze cycle or horse-ride. Contact Lenses, Glasses & Hearing Aids Chinese lanterns, thousands South Ameri- a little home sick Craig’s job are part of everyday life and we of course some new ones!” of white houses with their ter- It is also quickly clear how im- of people of all nationalities cans. in Gibraltar love spending a warm summer Back on its incredible Blue racotta roofs, every hola from portant grapes and wine are gather on this Blue Flag beach It is also a six years evening in the Plaza watching Flag beach which stretches passers-by strengthens the to Manilva. The central Plaza to dance, drink, dip their feet in veritable hive ago. “We the world go by,” she adds. all the way from Rio Manilva feeling that Manilva is still very de la Vendimia (Wine Harvest the sea and dance some more. of commerce. While it wins no decided to try it out for a year For proof of this village’s rapid to Puerto Duquesa, fi shermen WE SPEAK ENGLISH But what makes Sabinillas beauty awards, there is a great or two... but we are still here growth, look no further than still launch their boats and are special is its year-round appeal range of supermarkets and four years later!” she explains. its weekly market. It began often met by waiting restaura- - close enough to Marbella to shops in Sabinillas. “There is a beautiful beach in 1990 as a car boot sale in teurs upon their return, eagerly benefi t from its boom, but far Wall Street is the local nick- front, lots of tapas bars and a the car park of the Moorhouse awaiting the day’s catch. ASK FOR A charming walk along the prom leads to the buzzing Puerto de la Duquesa, where SPECIAL OFFERS a multi-cultural melting pot of Manilva - the best bars and restaurants frame a sleek yachting marina. C/ Bolivia, 19 – Local 2 (next to Mercadona) Castillo de la Duquesa was Tel: 952 89 09 10 – SABINILLAS place to live on once the site of a thriving fi sh processing industry, export- ing highly-prized garum paste Carrefour Avda. Litoral s/n. local 7 the Costa del Sol (a kind of Gentleman’s Rel- Tel: 952 80 56 74 – ish). Remains of the factory, a IS it any wonder that foreigners from 78 countries make up villa and bathhouse can still be C/ Terraza, 51 43% of Manilva’s diverse population... when life is so darn seen today. good there. The port remains the brightest Tel: 952 79 39 63 – ESTEPONA The lowest taxes on the coast, the lowest density of popula- jewel in Manilva’s crown, ben- tion and some of the best facilities; these are just some of the efi ting from tourism and buzz- reasons mayor Diego Urieta believes expats choose to live in ing with life. www.mioptica.net the town. Unlike any other port on the “It is easily the best place to live on the Costa del Sol,” he Costa del Sol, La Duquesa [email protected] insists. “Aside from the fact that it is 30% cheaper to buy here faces out to sea; you can see than Estepona or Marbella, the environment is better. across the glittering Mediterra- “We have great infrastructure and equipment and plenty of nean to the horizon from every MANILVA - HOME OF free events and services for the older generation,” he adds. one of of its three sides. “We are just about to open another big sports centre in Sabinil- The port has undergone a las and the IBI housing tax rates are the lowest on the coast THE GOOD LIFE: Mayor Diego Urieta with Olive Press growth spurt in the last decade THE OLIVE PRESS at 0.7%.” publisher Jon Clarke and the expansion doesn’t In addition, those who enlist on the offi cial town padron get a ‘work and honour’ are the pillars of his working life and he has look like slowing down anytime THE Olive Press is proud to call Manilva its home. further 23% discount. been involved in politics since he joined the IU party in 1999 soon. Relocating to the well located Costa del Sol town three months “We really want to try and encourage the British to do this,” ex- at the age of 22. A veritable hub of nationalities ago, we have been treated well by the locals and seen business plains Urieta, who has been working at the town hall for nearly Since the last mayor of Manilva Antonia Munoz, of the IU descend on the marina to meet grow as a result. a decade. party, resigned in disgrace last year, he has insisted that he friends, eat out or shop during Based in a spacious self-contained offi ce overlooking the busy “We believe that around 8,000 British people are living here, wants to clear up the pall of corruption that had tainted the the day. And on a Friday night N-340 motorway, we are just 25 minutes from Marbella and 25 while only 2,800 are offi cially registered. If everyone was to town hall for years. in the summer, this hip little minutes from Gibraltar. register we would be able to get more money for roads and “I have zero tolerance for the bad stuff that went on before,” harbour is as hot a place to be “It is a fantastic location, strategically for our growth and due to healthcare facilities. he says. seen in as Puerto Banus - with- its friendly, down to earth locals,” explained publisher Jon Clarke “We would even be able to get a national police station.” Having now broken away from the IU party he is standing for out the cost and hype! (pictured above with some of the team). A friendly chap, who is popular in the town, Urieta insists that an independent party in the local elections this year. Set back from the port in the The offi cial launch last month was attended by mayor Diego Urieta mountain foothills, the com- and Driving Over Lemons writer Chris Stewart. 22 the olive press - March 5th - March 18th 2015 22 www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es 23 the olive press - March 5th - March 18th 2015 23 ll about Manilva, Sabinillas and A Puerto de la Duquesa March 5th - March 18th 2015 Port of adventure F the idea of travelling around the world in 80 res- La Duquesa is a taurants fl oats your boat, bustling La Duquesa Port is culinary voyage of Ithe perfect spot to drop anchor. discovery, writes A walk around this white- washed marina takes scarcely Tom Powell longer than fi ve minutes but just count the blackboards pro- moting cuisine from all over the steps leading to different lev- SEA OF GRAPES: Hillside near Manilva globe: China, India, Japan, and els juts out from the mainland, Singapore, and a plethora of encircling its attractions like an European ports of call too! oyster encloses a pearl. In the maze of alleys behind Quirky and eclectic, it’s like a the port you will also fi nd the younger sister to Puerto Banus excellent Hemingways, its bus- – less glam perhaps, but less tling Irish next-door-neighbour snooty too; more affable and, Kinsales, as well as Tim’s fi sh importantly, very much more and chips, Italian pizzerias and Raisin’ the roof affordable. authentic Spanish eateries, Sweet home VERY September Manilva menco dancers, brass bands, The sweet Moscatel grapes This sociable spirit is enhanced have been grown in the vast packed together more tightly by the people who work here, celebrates its winemak- music and dancing into the than wheels in the car-park. Manilva is famed ing tradition with a three- early hours in the Plaza de la vineyards surrounding Manilva who hail from all over the E since the 16th century and are It could be argued that La day harvest festival. Think fl a- Vendimia. world and are woven into the for its wines used to make the aptly named Duquesa lacks Spanish iden- ethnically diverse fabric of La tity, with more English voices Manilva wine, famous through- Duquesa. out Spain. than yachts and more burgers It makes sense that one of than tapas. Manilva took up winemaking the men heavily involved in as its main economic activ- But step out either side of the the port’s growth is Moroccan port, where Spanish chirin- ity after the Spanish Civil War Zac Hauswirth. Last year he because of its ideally-suited cli- guitos (and boatfuls of grilling opened his fourth restaurant sardines in summer) fringe ex- mate and soil. here - Casablanca, specialising The festival was founded in the pansive soft sand beaches and in food from his homeland. you’ll be left in no doubt which He also runs the Ocean Café, country you’re in. where bartender Christian LLo- This social meeting point sings sa, who has lived in Spain since through its restaurants, cafes 2006, raves about her ‘work- and bars, the people who work place’. “It’s friendly, trendy and in them and the visitors who sit always busy, rain or shine. in the sunshine enjoying them. Because of the people the port This elegant enclave of turrets is alive and rapidly growing.” and towers, pretty plazas and While Christian admits the av- SPIRIT: La Duquesa port

And of course, it’s hip to 21st Serving you Top Quality erage age of customers is over early 1960s and has become 30, that changes during busy century requirements, with wifi freely available in all the cafes a red letter day on the local meat since 1999 weekend ‘happy hours’ which calendar, drawing visitors from are popular with young and old and every possible amenity a short distance away. across the region to see the alike. winemaking process. As well as making the sweet dessert wine, the muscatel grapes are also dried on the hillsides to make the famous Market leader ‘Malaga raisins’. “We have seen a lot more Forgotten fortress people interested in buying the sweet wines over the last STANDING resolute on the coast to the west of Duquesa is few years,” explains local shop- the impressive 18th century castle of La Duquesa, in the keeper Maria Esteban, who middle of what was once a Roman fi shing village. sells the wine, plus numerous It is well worth strolling down the beach from Duquesa to visit this Roman fortress, which is one of other local products, from her Andalucia’s biggest excavation projects. unmissable shop Frutas Pascal • The surrounding town of Castillo feels somewhat forgotten; the old industrial area to the north of the y Hijos, on the way into town. SAUSAGES CHICKEN castle is now a waste ground car park. But the castle and the array of seafood restaurants suggest it As well as nuts and pulses, is not completely off the map yet. • • there’s a huge range of fruit, in- BEEF LAMB PORK The castle was built in the 1760s to protect against continual incursions by pirates. It is incredibly cluding locally-grown avocados solid and earned its builder, Francisco Paulino, a title and the honour of commanding a cavalry and cherimoyas, which origi- GRAVY • STUFFING company. Today it is used by travelling museums and exhibitions, for workshops and as the town hall nate from the Andes and thrive offi ces. in the protected coastal valleys VEGETABLES • SOUPS here, fed by the rich sulphurous waters. FROZEN FOODS • SAUCES The creamy texture of the fl esh gives the fruit its secondary and much more... Follow the fairways name, custard apple. Mark Twain called the cherimoya MANILVA is blessed with some of the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol. ‘the most delicious fruit known DUQUESA PORT With fantastic opportunities to test your skills on championship courses, there are a to men’. number of fairways that will even prove a challenge to the lowest handicapped players. N340 143.5km, Manilva ODDITIES: At the But fear not, Manilva is not just for the pros, as there are also a number of ‘friendlier’ Sabinillas market courses to whet the appetite of the less experienced golfer. The best place to start is at Gaston Golf Tours, where they offer a number of discounted Monday/Friday 8:30 ~ 19:30 IT is said to be the prices. best fl ea market on the The company – which has had offi ces on the Costa del Sol for more than 15 years – of- Saturday/Sunday 9:00 ~ 14:00 coast. fers golfi ng holidays in Spain, Portugal or the Canaries and Balearics. And hours can cer- For more information, search ‘Gaston Golf Tours’ on Facebook, email info@gastongolf. tainly disappear while com or call 952 936 803. Don’t forget, for placing orders perusing all the weird and wonderful oddi- please email us on ties at the bustling Sa- binillas Sunday mar- [email protected] ket. or call us on tel: 952 891 313 The New Fairground on the Rio Manilva road is the lat- est home for the famous rastro, a colourful combination of fl ea market stalls and fresh produce. The English Butcher The market is always extremely busy with visitors com- ing from afar to bag a bargain. The recent appearance of bullfi ghter Javier Conde and his wife, fl amenco star Estrella Morente, has only strengthened its reputation. GRAPE EXPECTATIONS: www.englishbutcher.com Grape pickers at festival 24 the olive press - March 5th - March 18th 2015 www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es the olive press - March 5th - March 18th 2015 25 24 ll about Manilva, Sabinillas and A Puerto de la Duquesa March 5th - March 18th 2015 FAMOUS FACE: UK Prime Minister Ted Heath visited Venta Madro- na (Pictured below) in the 1970s Venta that drew the crowds FOR decades it was the stop off for artists, politi- cians and celebrities. So, it was something of a tragedy when Venta Madrona was knocked down due to the con- struction of an underpass through Sabinillas a decades ago. One of the main stop-offs for travellers between Gibraltar and Malaga for centuries, the historic restaurant was always full and served up an ex- cellent range of dishes. “We had an amazing range of visitors, includ- ing Frank Sinatra, Ted Heath and former Prime Minister Adolfo Suarez,” recalls the son of the former owner. Now running his own wine and lottery shop nearby, Jose Antonio Madrona recalls the fre- quent visits from famous fl amenco stars Valerin MUSICAL TOWN: Girls singing while (right) famous fl amenco PROUD: Jose Antonio Madrona holds a picture and Cameron, Spain’s most famous fl amenco star Cameron de la Isla rides on a bike in Manilva of frequent visitor dancer Antonio el Bailarin star. “He was often here as he was a friend of my uncle. He stayed the night and frequently sang. Advertorial I remember even dancing for him as a child.” The venta, which was built in 1929, also counted on the founder of Andalucian nationalism Blas Infante as a regular. “He had plenty of meetings here in the run up to the civil war,” added Jose, Brit future for homes market who studied history at Malaga University, before studying viticulture. The family now run the wine and lottery shop EAL estate is back in business on the Cos- land, Credit Agricole and Barclays between It will be a golden year for Spanish next to the roundabout, which at least prides it- ta del Sol, say the property pros at Hamil- them, Andrew and his partner Shanalle know a ton Homes. thing or two about property fi nancing. property, British buyers and, yes, self on being a busy hub of the community - like R Venta Madrona before it. The Sabinillas estate agents forecast that 2015 Not only will they help you fi nd the perfect place, will be the year of the mortgage and the British they’ll secure the perfect mortgage too. mortgages too - but now with even ON THE STREETS: Local families enjoy the laid-back nature of Manilva in the 1960s property buyer - both scarcer than hens’ teeth They set up their company in 2003, having iden- since the property bubble burst. tifi ed a serious gap in the market for for agents more red tape, says Sabinillas estate Plus, with the Manilva area offering what the with strong fi nancial backgrounds. agent Hamilton Homes company believes is the best price/quality ratio Together with you, they can analyse, plan and on the coast, it is expecting a busy year. budget to make your purchasing experience Banks are keen to lend money again and the free of fuss and unwanted costs down the line. strong pound is likely to see the British mar- ket back in its number one slot, ahead of the What you need to know French, German and Scandinavians who have Your age (it affects the length of mortgage you been keeping sales ticking over, says director are entitled to) Andrew Bacarese Hamilton. Your income (that’s net income, minus any And with property prices 50 to 70% lower than debts and existing loans) Your funds (how much they were at the height of the boom in 2007, you are willing to invest in the property). now is a great time to buy. SERVING MANILVA FOR 10 YEARS However, banks are cracking down on paper- Figuring it out work and purchasers will need expert help to If you don’t know the precise state of your fi - cut through the extra red tape. nances, don’t panic. It’s far more common than Working closely with fi nancial institutions, the people think. team at Hamilton Homes is in the perfect po- Clients are frequently unsure of what they can sition to help buyers negotiate a hassle-free really afford.“That’s what we’re here for,” says mortgage. Andrew. “You don’t have to come up with a mag- “The banks over-lent in the heyday of the mar- ic fi gure yourself. ket and we all suffered from their over-exuber- “Over a coffee or over the phone, we can go ance,” says Andrew. through your fi nances on a case-by-case basis, “Understandably they don’t want to get back and work out the perfect place for you.” into that situation so, as a result, there’s a lot The fi nancial analysis balances what you have of paperwork, a lot of regulation, and it can with what you need, so you will only be shown be overwhelming for people who haven’t been properties you can afford. through the system before.” This avoids disappointment and unrealistic ex- Seeking the help of an expert has got to be pectations. Although in some cases, people dis- worth it with the amazing local bargains around. cover they can afford more than they imagined! Luxurious penthouse apartments at Finca Cor- tesin that originally sold for €500,000 are now Market forces changing hands for just €250,000. Despite the supply being there, the backlog Dream properties are fl ying off the shelves means banks are inundated with sales and the as they come on the market - think a three- process of buying in Spain is taking longer than bedroom townhouse in idyllic Casares for just normal. €99,000, but don’t think about it for too long! If the entire process of securing a property with Analysing properties along the entire coast from a mortgage used to take two months, Andrew Gibraltar to Malaga, Manilva is the zone which estimates that now it can take as long as four. is currently offering the best price/quality ratio, Prospective purchasers should be delighted, says Andrew. however, as the longer wait is a result of much- Here is his advice for new buyers: improved checks against money laundering and ensuring the market’s foundations are solid. Where to start Andrew believes the market has bottomed out. To buy a property the fi rst thing you need is an But, as Hamilton Homes has unprecedented ac- NIE. cess to properties that the banks are trying to This little number costs under €10 and once sell, the deals now are better than ever. you have it, it’s for life. High-quality homes are going for staggeringly- Hamilton Homes can help set up your NIE ap- low prices, and 2015 looks to be a great year for pointment and guide you through the entire pur- Spain’s property market, he predicts. chase process in a friendly, personal way. Ideally, give them at least two to three weeks Hamilton Homes specialises in sales across notice to set the appointment up before meet- the region, including Alcaidesa, Sotogrande, La ing them. You’ll fi nd your experience with Span- Duquesa, Sabinillas and Estepona. The team is ish bureaucracy can be dramatically easier. looking forward to hearing from you. To get in touch, contact Hamilton Homes on Number crunching +34 952 890 444 or email olive@hamilton- Having worked for Citibank, Royal Bank of Scot- homes.com 2626 the olive press - March 5th - March 18th 2015 www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es 27 the olive press - March 5th - March 18th 2015 27 ll about Manilva, Sabinillas and A Puerto de la Duquesa March 5th - March 18th 2015 March 5th - March 18th 2015 Advertorial UIET at the bar!” cried Tax and legal manager Rob, as sage paperwork can be Qquiz-master Hilary sur- veyed the room and drew a a minefi eld when deep breath. (You could cut the tense atmosphere with a bar residing overseas, tender’s lemon-slicer.) so for quality help “What is the former name of Less frills, Belize?” and advice it is And just like that, our dreams of claiming Sabinillas pub quiz paramount to talk glory disappeared quicker than to people you can the free pizza. Three heads sunk into three trust palms as we fell at the very fi rst hurdle, facing up to the more fun harsh reality of O’Callaghan’s THE Recio & Madrona team is quiz, where the great and good What happened made up of economist Gabriel of Sabi’s expat community do when three Olive Recio Madrona and lawyer battle every Tuesday. Juana Maria Madrona, cousins It is here where you see just Press reporters both born and bred in Sabinil- why so many people choose to las. live in Sabinillas, where there is challenged the Juana and Gabriel are keep- a real community atmosphere. Sabinillas set at ing it in the family - the latest Like it or not, you can’t head excitement was Juana’s move down the paseo or pop into O’Callaghan’s STRENGTH TO STRENGTH: Steve and Chris Stewart this year to their Avenida Ma- one of the main watering holes nilva headquarters. without bumping into someone popular pub quiz? Between them they combine you know. Tom Powell has charisma, legal know-how and It is a no frills, down to earth tax expertise which makes for place, which only makes it the answer! Books and banter an unbeatable team. more fun for those in the know, They have had many British VERY BEST ADVICE: Cousins in law Gabriel and Juana and the pub quiz even more and our youth really came back IT has become a real hub for Manilva society. clients and continue to enjoy a competitive. to bite us during the 1980s mu- You can’t set foot in the Sabinillas bookshop without thriving trade. Luckily for our team, which we sic round. Despite successfully running into a couple of friendly faces, even if one of The homegrown team pro- cheekily named ‘The Under- persuading the quizmaster those is affable owner Steve Davies. vides legal, tax, accounting 60s’ – and which the quizmas- that Abyssinia could not possi- But four years in, Steve and the team don’t plan to advice as well as specialist ter tactfully elected not to an- bly be the world’s fi rst country assistance with partnerships, nounce – rounds on literature, in alphabetical order (as it is slow down any time soon, as the recent appearance of vehicle transfers, non-resident We are family! wordplay and murders pulled now called Ethiopia) and that best-selling expat author Chris Stewart proved. procedures, rentals, sale and before expanding into adminis- rienced practically every pos- yearly non-resident taxes, IBI - us back into contention. Afghanistan was the right an- Dozens descended on the shop for a meet and greet purchases, property registry, So when our enormous and swer, we still struggled to keep with the immensely popular author, who has just tration management in 2013. sible scenario. which saves a lot of extra work. litigation, wills and inheritance. He is currently the only person She takes care of legal issues The team is well known in the delicious BBQ burgers arrived, up with quiz regulars. published his fourth book The last days of the bus They are both graduates of the in Manilva who can register a and property sales - ensuring area for being trustworthy and we were already licking our A fi nal round on sayings club. University of Malaga: Gabriel vehicle under a new name af- sellers are legitimate, deal- professional and they are look- lips over geography questions wrapped up the battle, and I “We are going from strength to strength,” explains trained in Economics and Busi- ter sale and is in high demand ing with town hall liaison, and ing forward to hearing from and making hay while the sun won’t bore you with the details Steve. “We are now planning to set up a book club ness and Juana in Law. for changing foreign number guiding you through the whole you. shone during the weather of exactly where we fi nished, and a creative writing club this year.” Gabriel has 20 years experi- plates into Spanish ones. process of buying a house For more info, call 952892097/ round. but a particular phrase about ence in tax and originally start- Juana has been working as a smoothly. 658762304 or email info@ But our distinct numerical dis- us being ‘nice guys’ comes to DOWN TO EARTH: Rob and ed as a tax consultant in 1995 advantage soon took its toll, mind! lawyer since 1997 has expe- Juana can take care of your costamanilva.com the team at O’Callaghan’s

Advertorial Leading light RAFAEL Parra is Manilva-born and bred and an impor- tant local employer, thanks to his successful family electrical business. Founded in 1994, Rafalux has trained the vast major- ity of ‘sparkies’ in the immediate area, with further plans for growth. And having signed a prestigious deal with Endesa - Spain’s largest utility company - two years ago, the company has the ultimate stamp of approval. Rafa heads up the business while sons Daniel, 29, and Antonio, 27, take care of administration and engi- neering respectively. Both boys studied away from home - Daniel in Grana- da and Holland and Antonio in Algeciras and San Pe- dro - and have come back to lend their expertise to the company. The company is recuperating well since the crisis and boasts a talented workforce with a great working at- mosphere. The English-speaking population of Sabinillas is well-served by Sebastian, their bilingual salesman, a bright spark who is always on hand to solve problems. Visit www.rafalux.es, email [email protected], or call 951 972 014. Charity networking

FUNDRAISING for others is all in a day’s work for Manilva’s Duque- sa Charitable Society of St. George. But this time the organisation which raised over €4,000 at Christmas to buy presents for some 400 underprivileged local children will be on the receiving end. A business networking event on March 18 will donate 100% of its proceeds to the charity. The Shaw Marketing Services’ event at the Manilva Wine Museum is open to all business people on the Costa del Sol. “I’m thrilled that they have chosen our small local charity to be the recipient of the proceeds of this event, and to have been invited along,” said the charity’s President, Dean Shelton. “I personally believe the event to be optimal for the future positioning of Ma- nilva as a place to do business.” The event runs from 6.30-8pm and entry costs €5, including refreshments. To register email [email protected] or visit www. shawmarketingservices.com 28 the olive press - March 5th - March 18th 2015 www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es the olive press - March 5th - March 18th 2015 29 ll about Manilva, Sabinillas and A Puerto de la Duquesa March 5th - March 18th 2015 Dining Secrets of Manilva There is a host of good places to eat if you FUSION: A tasty tapa at Hemingways have the knowledge, writes Jon Clarke OU need to get the in- sider knowledge to fi nd the best places to eat in Manilva. TheY obvious spots are defi ni- CLASSIC AND MODERN: Cruz Blanco and (right) Marengo tively not the best places to standards for breakfast, lunch place that he would like to eat. eat. Take that from me... it has and dinner. Another emblematic place is taken me two years to sniff out With excellent coffee and a Café Nenit, where Jose and its true gems. great snacks and tapas menu, his team serve breakfasts and Ultimately, you need to get into it is hardly surprising it is usu- pastries from early morning, the heart of Sabinillas, into ally full. tapas for lunch and bar snacks Duquesa Port or up the coast Another fi ne place to eat is into the evening. And don’t for- a little to get the taste buds Marengo, just one year old, get to ask for ‘Ana’s special’, sated. but with a distinctly different which changes by the day. Toni’s Bar, which has just here that legendary UK chef One true dining secret sits on feel to its nearby rivals. In the heart of the town its own beach between Duque- opened with a nice big terrace Keith Floyd came to spend Run by Isabel, from Madrid, and all of the live sports. some of the last few weeks of sa and Pueblo Nuevo. with much of her family in ca- Described as a cross between While not open till July it would his life. hoots, it has a great range of be impossible to write about A massive fan of the eclectic, a ‘Spaghetti Western and the tapas, pinchos and racions to It would be Flintstones’, I feel more like food in Manilva without men- original spot, he and owner ROBINSON CRUSOE STYLE: share. impossible to write tioning the amazing Roman Paul were close buddies and Robinson Crusoe, camped out And (right) the team at Floria The pulpo on a skewer is ex- at Floria, an isolated location, about Manilva Oasis, just inland on the road this is obvious by the amount cellent, while there is a nice to the Roman Oasis, of course. of photos of Floyd on the with amazing views and the range of wines. without mentioning deep blue sea crashing onto serves the very best meat. Over three decades old, it was walls. Up in Sabinillas, the beach is Another great secret to seek the Roman Oasis the nearby shore. out is Cruz Blanca, a typical Run by amiable Dutch-South lined with restaurants, but if you are looking for something Madrid-style bar/restaurant, African Peter and his missus which serves up ice cold beers Karen, from Antwerp, it has special, two of its best joints are Miel and Marengo. and some excellent fresh sea- meanwhile, look out for three capable chefs Emilio, Ni- food. O’Callaghan’s pub if that is gel and Juan Carlos. Miel, run by friendy Dutch boss Kaat, is an institution, with high There are specials by the day more your bag. The menu is simple and is all and always some good value A great range of beers and about good fresh fi sh and bar- tapas at the bar. snacks, you would be advised becued meats, while the pil pil Owner Juan is a local busi- to looks out for Karaoke and prawns are easily some of the nessman, who takes a real quiz nights each week. best on the coast. pride in the place running like Two other popular English Just up the beach, close to clockwork and being the sort of spots are Charley’s Bar and CRUZ BLANCA Duquesa port you need to look CERVECERÍA

An amazing beach spot, on Playa Speciality in tapas Castillo, it is just about to reopen in Homemade dishes a stylish guise

out for Chiringuito Andres y Maria. Menú An amazing beach spot, on Playa Castillo, it is just about to reopen in a stylish new modern del día guise, but with its trademark, straightforward fi sh-based menu. Nearby on the main road you 10 €! will fi nd the fi nest British fi sh GOOD MIX: Team at Miel, Marlows fi sh and chips and (above) Bistro and chip shop on the entire coast. Well established, punters drive for up to an hour to sample the Open Tuesday - Sunday amazing cod and chips at Mar- lows. Visit us in Plaza Ginebra, A true institution, it has excel- lent banquette seats and even local 1, Sabinillas, Manilva better prices. Venture into Duquesa Port Tel. 952 892 672 and, while there are dozens of restaurants vying for your trade, you need to be careful, as quality is not always para- mount. This however is anything but the case at Hemingways where hard-working Ashley has created a great ‘fusion’ tapas menu, which is high on quality. Constantly looking to improve the menu, it is a nice spot to dine and to enjoy the port am- bience. It also has a highly-rat- ed Sunday lunch. Meanwhile, another good place to eat in the port is Bis- tro, a steakhouse which only 30 the olive press - March 5th - March 18th 2015 www.theolivepress.es30 www.theolivepress.es the olive press - March 5th - March 18th 2015 31 ll about Manilva, Sabinillas and 31 Puerto de la Duquesa A Property March 5th - March 18th 2015 EXCLUSIVE The Olive Press launches a By Rob Horgan campaign to promote the coast’s UNETHICAL kickback pay- ments from lawyers to estate ethical lawyers and boot out agents are all too rife on the the compromising ‘backhander’ Costa del Sol. With lawyers offering com- culture missions or ‘kickbacks’ of ics, ‘a lawyer may never pay, “My defi nition of a good law- up to 20% in return for con- demand or accept, commis- yer is one who is ethical, thor- veyancing work from estate sions, or other monies from ough, problem solving, dili- agents, the industry’s integ- another lawyer, or any other gent and who is contactable rity is being broken down at person for having sent a cli- on a Friday afternoon. an alarming rate. ent or recommending future “If estate agents are recom- The Olive Press is now customers’. mending lawyers on the basis launching a campaign to fi nd And it would appear that the that they pay them money the Costa del Sol’s integral rule-abiding estate agents are and not on the basis that they lawyers and compile a com- just as frustrated by the back- do a good job, one wonders prehensive list of those who hander culture which appears whether lawyers will be in- do things by the book. to have crept into every facet clined to bite the hand that The increasing malpractice of Costa del Sol bureaucracy. feeds them by giving advice between lawyers and estate K.O. the Estepona based estate agent that would undermine a deal? agents ultimately diminishes Adam Neale from Terra Me- “Under such a cash-for-ques- the quality of service on of- ridiana agrees that back- tions arrangement can either fer to the customer, as estate handers and off-the-record side be said to acting in the agents opt for lawyers based payments result in a compro- best interests of their client?” on their commision rates mised service for the client. To add your name to the rather than their ability to do “I would imagine there is a Olive Press’ list of ethi- the job. kickbacks good argument to make that cal lawyers email news- Consequently, lawyers who equipped for the task at hand. He said that he has regularly the pile because I will not pay there is a confl ict of interest [email protected] abide by the rules are losing Expat lawyer Alex Radford been asked for his commis- out commissions. for both sides,” he said. or call 951 273 575. out on work opportunities from My Lawyer in Spain has sion rate since setting up his “Clients need to be made to their unethical competi- been practicing in the country business in Marbella. aware of the problem. Cur- tors who may well be less- since 2003. “I un- rently it is diffi - derstand cult, if not impos- British invasion that mal- sible, to fi nd out THE time for Brits to buy a holiday home in Spain is now. practice One wonders who is breaking As markets favour the pound over the euro, the interest in is rife whether lawyers the rules as it is buying abroad has gone through the roof. along the will be inclined to all done under Now, 48% more Britons are searching for property in Spain Costa del bite the hand that the counter.” than this time a year ago. “British borrowers are increas- Sol, with Although ‘kick- ingly interested in Spain, the Balearics and the Canaries, Marbella feeds them back’ payments are not deemed where interest rates are around 3% and lenders expect a 30- being a 40% deposit,” said Spanish property broker Simon Conn. hotspot,” illegal they do he said. break the nation- Currently, the average budget for a British buyer in Spain is “There have been many occa- al lawyer’s code of practice. €517,000, higher in Barcelona (€758,000) but lower in Lan- sions when my business card According to Article 19 of zarote (€148,000). In Andalucia, the average budget stands ETHICAL: Estate agent Adam Neale and lawyer Alex Radford has been put to the bottom of Spain’s offi cial code of eth- slightly above the nationwide average at around €550,000.