Mission Statement: to assist the integration of foreign residents living in Spain and this is never more accurate than when you establish yourself as a foreign resident in a new country Being able to quickly familiarise yourself with the culture and customs can help ease the transition during a challenging time This is why Euro Weekly News makes it our mission to provide you with a free news resource in English that covers both regional and national Spanish news – anything that we feel you will benefit from knowing as you integrate into your new community and live your best life in Spain you can forget about translating articles from Spanish into awkward English that probably don’t make much sense Let us be your convenient and essential guide to all things that will likely affect you as a foreign resident living in Spain this is your chance to step into the spotlight and do something amazing and this time it’s helping raise funds for a vital local cause Organised by Age Concern Sabinillas Dementia Support Group Your talent is welcome whether you’re a seasoned performer or just love to entertain All you need to do is send a short video showing what you can do Entries must be sent by May 10 to ageconcernsabinillas@gmail.com (Attn: Nina Valdes) The live final will be held on Sunday, May 18, from 5pm to 7pm at the stunning Civima Theatre in Manilva Expect a fun-filled evening full of local talent Tickets cost just €20 per person; every cent goes towards supporting people affected by dementia in our area It’s a great night out that really makes a difference if you’ve got a hidden talent or a passion for performing now is your time to shine and help a fantastic cause while doing what you love Join your Costa del Sol community for a night to remember Enter now and be part of something meaningful Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox Website#c6df644a8080d6a88a67641a{display:none} Euro Weekly News is the leading English language newspaper in Spain by delivering news with a social conscience we are proud to be the voice for the expat communities who now call Spain home With around half a million print readers a week and over 1.5 million web views per month EWN has the biggest readership of any English language newspaper in Spain The paper prints over 150 news stories a week with many hundreds more on the web – no one else even comes close Our publication has won numerous awards over the last 25 years including Best Free Newspaper of the Year (Premios AEEPP) Company of the Year (Costa del Sol Business Awards) and Collaboration with Foreigners honours (Mijas Town Hall) All of this comes at ZERO cost to our readers All our print and online content always has been and always will be FREE OF CHARGE Download our media pack in either English or Spanish entered his new post after an eventful vote of no-confidence The vote coincided with the widespread power outage that took over the whole of Spain from midday yesterday The councillor from the Compromiso Manilva political group was handed the mayor's baton through the motion presented by his party and Con Andalucía IU which removed the Popular Party's José Manuel Fernández from office the electricity and the internet went out in the middle of the presentation and the secretary asked the audience to be quiet so that the session could continue without microphones Voting was done by voice and in alphabetical order The motion received nine votes in favour (Compromiso Manilva and Con Andalucía IU) five against (Partido Popular and VOX) and three abstentions (PSOE) Jiménez took over the new post and outlined the priorities of his administration: public safety housing access and support for the elderly "I previously had the honour of serving as mayor for seven years but with more experience and peace of mind," said Jiménez He stated that "this new chapter has been an important decision motivated by the need for our municipality to find a politically stable direction forward former mayor Fernández described the motion as "unfair" "We have proven to be a serious team that handles things through dialogue and what is the alternative they are proposing Manilva town hall has 17 councillors who form the municipal corporation Con Andalucía IU supported the investiture of the right-wing mayor from the Partido Popular (PP) and became part of the local governing team which cost it expulsion from the left-wing coalition although the councillors continue to use the group's name Hard-right Vox also supported Fernández as mayor but they did not become part of the government team the then mayor integrated four councillors from Compromiso Manilva into the local government This move has been strongly criticised by the PP bench The new local government defended this motion of no confidence on the grounds that "there is inaction on the part of Fernández's office with no investment coming into the town and no projects being carried out" Comentar es una ventaja exclusiva para registrados Manilva is already fully immersed in the tourist season What are the town’s expectations as a tourist destination for 2025 Manilva has untapped potential as a tourist destination Since day one as Manilva’s Councillor for Tourism I’ve been committed to giving tourism in our town the importance it truly deserves According to official data from sources such as the big data provided by the public tourism company Costa del Sol Manilva was the municipality on the Costa del Sol with the highest growth in tourist accommodation in Malaga province in 2024 This hasn’t happened by chance—it’s the result of hard work Manilva used to rely on its natural charm and the quality of its beaches we’ve significantly increased investment in both national and international promotion We’ve launched initiatives to bring the local administration closer to private stakeholders because what makes Manilva unique is everyone involved—from the waiter grilling sardines on the beach to the person checking you into your hotel or the local team offering leisure activities I found that people were working in isolation and I believe we need a united approach to become a competitive destination Our goal is to keep developing quality tourism that goes beyond the summer season The town’s tourism slogan is ‘Manilva única’ What do you think Manilva offers visitors that they can’t find anywhere else I say that with conviction because today Manilva offers leisure without overcrowding It’s a melting pot of cultures—around 40 per cent of our residents are not Spanish nationals a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visitor feel like a local thanks to the hospitality of our residents Much of the tourism in Manilva is residential As the head of the Foreign Residents and Urbanisations departments what does this type of tourism bring to the municipality What support do these departments offer to foreigners who choose Manilva as their place of residence does an excellent job of helping anyone who chooses Manilva as their second home to settle in as smoothly as possible We aim to make it easier for them to deal with documents feel welcomed rather than lost or isolated The goal is for them to feel that Manilva embraces them One of our main challenges is to stay up to date as Manilva is home to people from many different nationalities which makes it a constant but rewarding task to remain informed and responsive I try to show our residents a bit more of Spain through short trips I believe Manilva is truly unique because of this blend of nationalities—it’s what makes the town so special What kind of visitor is drawn to this type of tourism What plans are in place to continue developing this specialisation Since taking charge of the Tourism department the growth and investment in wine tourism have been significant Wine now features prominently in almost all official events and promotional campaigns Manilva has won awards for its white wines and is part of the Málaga and Ronda Wine Route This form of tourism attracts visitors from many countries who want to explore Manilva outside the busy summer months These are people interested in the town’s winemaking traditions and in the families who have carried on this legacy for generations We already have wineries offering tastings and unique experiences continues to play and will keep playing a key role in Manilva’s tourism offering Manilva was recently awarded the 'Sendero Azul' distinction How does this recognition reinforce Manilva's commitment to green tourism It’s a huge boost to keep promoting active tourism made the Senda Azul trail the best in Malaga which I encourage everyone to visit—especially now We also have officially marked trails where you can enjoy fir trees before relaxing in nature at the Charca de la Mina—a place where the colour of the water will definitely surprise you How do you assess your time in charge of the Tourism Department I feel proud and very excited because Manilva has tourist attractions that will make it a benchmark in Andalucía A new social kitchen is set to open in Manilva offering daily meals to over 150 people in need aims to support the town’s most vulnerable residents especially those struggling to make ends meet The new kitchen will be set up in the old nursery building which is currently being transformed to serve this new initiative and the kitchen is expected to be up and running soon Local officials say the goal is to ensure no one in the community goes hungry Mayor Jose Manuel Fernandez says the kitchen is a step towards building a more caring and inclusive Manilva The kitchen will provide hot meals and be a hub for other social services Volunteers and professionals will be on hand to offer guidance Manilva is placing greater emphasis on social care and community development many families and individuals find it increasingly difficult to manage The new social kitchen provides practical assistance and a sense of solidarity and support to those facing hardship Locals have praised the initiative, and many have already offered help. Donations, volunteering and local business support are expected to play a significant role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly Website#be9a14be1587084065ab6af7{display:none} Manilva has managed to establish and maintain a unique tourism identity within the Costa del Sol What are the key factors behind the strengths of its current tourism offering The main strength of our town is its people and the greatness of an area that boasts incomparable spots that make it unique culture and history make Manilva the perfect place to visit and enjoy a stay in a town that prioritises sustainability We want visitors to appreciate our town not only as a holiday destination but also as a potential second home or a place to settle down How significant is residential tourism in Manilva We are currently conducting studies to obtain accurate data on its impact and to establish regulations The latest estimates suggest there are over 2,500 properties available for this type of tourism we are working on our own study as well as regulating it How has Manilva managed to maintain its village identity while evolving from a small town into a tourist destination Compared to other areas of the Costa del Sol sustainability and well-planned growth are our main goals and also what sets us apart from other models Our approach doesn’t seek mass tourism but rather attracts individuals or families who see us as a distinctive destination with a strong identity—exclusive Manilva has been a pioneer in wine tourism with the Manilva Vineyards Interpretation Centre What does this sector add to Manilva’s tourism offering just like our vineyards and the small industries emerging around them The CIVIMA interpretation centre serves as an important showcase for our vineyards and wines We must continue improving and expanding it while also promoting our wines which have already become a reference point How would you assess Manilva’s presence at the latest edition of the Fitur tourism fair in Madrid It is a must-attend event under the Costa del Sol brand and our municipality certainly attracts significant attention we are focusing our tourism promotion on other forums that allow for a more personalised approach and presence We will continue attending Fitur but with our sights set on key destinations that align with our local tourism model What are Manilva's expectations for the next tourist season and the work we are doing to create high-quality hotel accommodation reflects this The newly renovated Casa Club de Duquesa will soon open its doors all within a revamped course that is set to once again be a benchmark on the Costa del Sol I can also tell you that we are working to attract tourism based on culture and history preparing a diverse range of offerings to support this what projects does the town hall have in the pipeline to further enhance Manilva's appeal I believe there is little more to add – our offering is unique The town hall's role is to create synergies and provide more parking spaces for our municipality The rest is simple… Manilva is one of a kind Manilva invites you to celebrate the 2024 edition of its food festival Beginning with the official switching on of Manilva’s Christmas lights at 8pm on Thursday December 5 the event will run daily until the evening of Sunday December 8 in Plaza de la Vendimia on Calle Pedreta Entrance is free to all and it offers chances to taste and purchase the best of the region’s produce in time for Christmas Wine lovers present at the event’s opening of will enjoy a free tasting of wines produced in the area  Aficionados should also not miss the opportunity to sample the best local wines during the competition which takes place on Friday Festival organisers Dean Shelton (councillor for Tourism) and Noelia Muñoz (councillor for Agriculture) have also planned a guided walk for festival-goers to see the vineyards responsible for producing these wines This circular 5km route leaves from the plaza at 9.30 on Sunday morning In addition to wine tastings and stalls offering quality local produce such as meats and cheese aspiring cooks will be treated to Masterchef-style cooking demonstrations Taking place on Friday and Saturday of the festival, these demonstrations feature chefs from Malaga’s own Gottan Grill. Their upmarket burger restaurant recently featured in ‘El Espanol’ when Michelin-starred chef José Carlos Garcia recommended it The chefs also appear on the popular YouTube channel Vifu where they travel the world sampling local cuisine Other culinary delights on offer over the weekend include desert and ham competitions plus a chance to sample traditional Spanish tortas fritas with chocolate If good food and wine aren’t enough to tempt you the event also features a variety of musical entertainment in the form of live acts followed by DJs on Thursday A homeless German man has been arrested in connection with the death of a man who allegedly tried to steal from him in the Costa del Sol town of Manilva on Saturday 29 March The Guardia Civil located the suspect close to the crime scene he had gone looking for help after realising that the stab injuries to the Moroccan victim the Local Police force received a report alerting them to a seriously injured man lying in a ditch on the A-377 road from Sabinillas to Manilva a road ambulance and air ambulance attended the scene The victim was identified by the police as an individual who had previously been involved in several thefts he was stabbed by the homeless man at least once was arrested by police officers without putting up any resistance He was found with blood on his left hand and some cuts on his fingers He had gone to seek help and kept repeating: "He's dying The man has been living in Manilva for some time where he used to spend his days begging for food or money in front of supermarkets He lived in an abandoned house in the Las Higueras area the Local Police had cordoned off the house due to the risk of collapse The suspect is currently being held in custody El Poblado Navideño: Sabinillas’ Christmas cracker of an event Manilva is gearing up to sprinkle some seriously fun Christmas cheer this December with the return of the much-loved Poblado Navideño in the Duque de Sabinillas and enough holiday magic to make the Grinch crack a smile It’s a proper knees-up for all ages – and the best bit Organised by the Culture Delegation under Fina Gómez the event promises a jam-packed schedule that’s sure to delight young and old alike Whether it’s rubbing shoulders with festive characters allowing families to enjoy the magic of Christmas without any cost,” said organiser Fina Gómez “We want the Poblado Navideño to be an opportunity for the people of Sabinillas to come together and create happy memories.” El Duque Park’s large grounds provide the perfect backdrop for this yuletide extravaganza With plenty of space for activities and a cosy festive atmosphere it’s sure to be the highlight of the holiday season grab your Santa hats and head to El Duque Park for a Christmas event that’s stuffed with joy Get more news in English from around Costa del Sol Find more news in English from around Spain Read more news in English from around Europe National Police officers interrupted the transfer of 150 kilos of cocaine on a beach between Manilva and Casares in the early hours of Monday 10 March the seven individuals involved were arrested The arrest operation was part of an ongoing investigation and the officers were monitoring the activity of an alleged criminal gang linked to drug trafficking When they learned that the perpetrators were planning a major transfer they mobilised their teams to the beach in question The suspects were handed over to Estepona's court on 12 March The judge ordered the remand in custody without bail of the only two detainees to make statements in court The other five detainees exercised their right not to testify and were provisionally released with the obligation to appear as soon as they are summoned The charges against the seven individuals include crimes against public health Players Sports Bar and Grill in Manilva is the place to be for a sizzling singles social mingle party that promises all the right moves Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with dancing and plenty of chances to meet new people or perhaps even find someone special The event kicks off with a professional salsa masterclass where you’ll learn some Latin moves to spice up your dancing skills the night continues with a DJ playing the best hits while you mingle and dance with fellow party-goers Don’t miss out on the best party in town – grab your ticket today and prepare for a night of salsa Get more news from around Spain Get more in English from around the Costa del Sol Local Police officers have detained an arsonist who allegedly set fire to two recycling containers on the street and defecated in front of the officers on Saturday 5 April The police attended the scene after the alarm was raised by residents of the La Noria area Callers reported that a man had set fire to the containers and was heading to the road as they were already monitoring a nearby motorcycle event in the Sabinillas area whose characteristics matched the description provided by witnesses and who was already known by the police as he had been identified on several other occasions because of his behaviour upon realising that he was about to be arrested was to pull down his trousers and defecate in front of the officers The fire brigade could not save one of the recycling containers while the other one was partially affected A reenactment of the assault on the Castle of the Duchess representing the battle between the people of Manilva and the forces of Napoleon the Historical Reenactment of Manilva ‘Assault on the Castle of the Duchess launched by the Culture Department in collaboration with the Manzanares 1831 Reenactments Association The inauguration ceremony opens the event on Friday September 13 at 7:30pm in the Plaza Vicente Espinel in Sabinillas This will be followed by a performance by David Cordobés accompanied by a dance show The programme continues on Saturday, September 14 at the El Castillo Monument from 12pm with the parade of troops through the streets of the town At 12.30 the historical reenactment of the battle opens with plenty of noise and costumed splendour the first scene takes place – a skirmish with gunfire The second scene then follows with the assault on the Castle continued by the barricades fighting between troops and the people of Manilva leading to the end of the assault On Sunday, September 15 at 12pm, the parade begins in Plaza Martín Carpena in Manilva At 1.30pm there will be theatrical performances and dance shows from the Municipal School of Music The entire event looks like it will be a fun but noisy day out for everyone especially those interested in the fascinating history of this part of Spain Two political parties at Manilva town hall Compromiso Manilva and the Con Andalucía IU group have tabled a motion of no confidence in the current mayor of the town Fernández is expected to be replaced by Mario Jiménez who was previously mayor of Manilva between November 2016 and June 2023 The motion was signed by the five councillors of Compromiso Manilva - the most-voted party in the 2023 elections - and the four councillors from Con Andalucía IU who were forced to leave the left-wing group after they pacted with the conservative PP to make Fernández mayor "Our two political groups have laid our differences aside to form a progressive government that defends public management policies and improving our town," they said in a statement The groups criticised the mayor's lack of action: "His inactivity means that projects and investments are not coming to fruition," they said another no confidence motion has been tabled by the PSOE Socialist party in the village of Totalán Similar complaints of a lack of action on the part of the PP mayor have been made Carmela is the name given to a grey seal which appeared this weekend on Sabinillas beach in Manilva on the western Costa del Sol Carmela's appearance in the south of Spain is puzzling experts because no one knows where the seal is heading or what will happen to her if she enters the Mediterranean Sea In 2023 She was sighted off the Galician coast last February in Conil and on 7 March in Gibraltar Environmental and marine survey organisations have advised not to disturb her and not to interact with her when she comes ashore so as not to cause her more stress in an environment that is not a seal's usual habitat Ecolocaliza pointed out: "It is very likely that this animal will continue to move along our beaches She can be observed from a distance and with respect What she needs is rest periods when she comes onto the shore." Grey seals are native to the North Atlantic from the Scandinavian peninsula to the north of France as well as the east coast of Canada and the north of the United States There are also colonies of them in the Baltic Sea It is not common to see this type of animal in southern Europe A man had to be airlifted to hospital by air ambulance on Sunday afternoon after falling from a roof in Manilva on the Costa del Sol when he fell from some six metres from a corrugated roof into an interior courtyard The incident was reported by a witness who lives in the area the 112 Andalucía coordination centre mobilised members of the provincial fire brigade and the 061 emergency health services who attended to the injured man at the scene They requested that he be taken to the hospital by a helicopter After rough seas meant that their traditional Boxing Day swim had to be cancelled last week around 50 brave supporters of the Saint George Charity gathered on the beach in Sabinillas on New Year's Day for their annual festive dip Bathers and many more non-swimming friends then warmed up with drinks and bacon butties in a packed O'Callaghan's bar The event raised 400 euros for the charity that runs different projects for those in need in the local community A police officer suffered serious injuries late on Tuesday night during a Guardia Civil police operation in Manilva on the Costa de Sol The policeman was allegedly run over by a vehicle which had been stopped the driver reversed and ran over the officer a second time The police officer suffered serious injuries - although there are no fears for his life Guardia Civil sources said that a second officer was also injured the incident happened when the officers were going to arrest an individual who had a warrant out for his arrest He was allegedly sitting in the front passenger seat of the vehicle When the police patrol intercepted the car the driver reacted by ramming the two Guardia Civil officers He allegedly ran over one of them a second time after reversing the vehicle Both the driver and the co-driver were arrested early this Wednesday morning as alleged perpetrators of attempted murder The person in the passenger seat also face charges due to the warrant for his arrest The two injured officers had to be transferred to hospital he remains admitted with a serious prognosis he has suffered a broken hip and the doctors are continuing with tests to find out if he has any other injuries The Jucil and AUGC trade unions for police officers have deplored the incident and suggest that the suspects are linked to drug trafficking on the Costa del Sol They are calling for the reinforcement of the number of officers and appealing for the Ministry of the Interior to recognise the risks posed to on-duty officers The Guardia Civil are investigating the circumstances of the death of a man whose body was recovered in the early hours of Sunday 23 February in La Duquesa port The body apparently belonged to a British man in his 60s The deceased was dressed and no signs of violence were observed Local Police and the Provincial Fire Brigade (CPB) Members of the CPB recovered the body from the water and took it to land where the medical services were only able to confirm the death of the man Spring is already in the air after the long days of cold and rain brought by the past winter This season is the perfect time to visit Manilva which shines especially bright at this time of year offering a variety of outdoor activities to fully enjoy the beauty of its natural surroundings Among the most notable routes are some truly appealing options which takes in Manilva's most well-known public fountains with spots like the Arroyo de la Peñuela and the Fuente de la Ocasión ending at the La Peñuela rustic park after passing through a landscape of poplars The Castillejos de Alcorrín trail is another route of great beauty it passes through the archaeological site that gives it its name offering a stunning view of the Alcorrín Dam which dates back to the 19th century and was commissioned by the Larios family as part of the region's sugarcane cultivation The Pinar de Tábanos and Martagina trails are also highly appreciated by hiking enthusiasts who enjoy this healthy activity The unique charm of Manilva’s hiking routes also extends to its coastline the municipality joined the exclusive group of Spanish towns awarded the Sendero Azul distinction which recognises and rewards trails that meet strict criteria for conserving managing and promoting natural and cultural heritage This honour results from the exceptional work carried out on the ‘Sendero Playas de Manilva’ and positions Manilva as a national benchmark in the conservation and promotion of natural heritage unspoilt beaches and areas of exceptional natural value home to species unique to Spain such as Jasione corymbosa and Armeria hirta If there’s one thing that defines the people of Manilva it’s their ability to preserve the essence of their identity and traditions despite the growth of tourism Spring offers one of the finest displays of the unique beauty of these traditions: Holy Week The arrival of good weather creates the perfect setting for the celebration filling the streets with colour and liturgical passion are the Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Manilva (Our Lady of Sorrows of Manilva) and Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno (Our Father Jesus Nazarene) Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Sabinillas (Our Lady of Sorrows of Sabinillas) brotherhoods who work tirelessly each year to showcase the most solemn side of this festivity penitence and celebration of religious fervour fill the streets of Manilva Manilva also stands out during Holy Week for its night dedicated to the exaltation of the ‘saeta’ where the finest flamenco singers accompany the processions keeping alive a tradition that grows stronger each year in the town Manilva offers visitors a packed calendar of leisure events for all kinds of audiences there’s a perfect event for mod culture enthusiasts with Sabinillas Scooter Day which will bring Lambrettas and all kinds of vintage scooters to Manilva’s promenade on 5 April for a day of great music This year’s lineup includes performances by The Neuras (Seville) Briatore (Marbella) and TT Syndicate (Portugal) celebrates a culture that emerged in late 1950s London inspired by musical styles such as Northern Soul British beat music and American rhythm and blues The provincial court of Malaga has sentenced a man to five and a half years in prison after being found guilty of sexual assault with penetration The victim had gone to Benahavís on a business trip with several work colleagues Several co-workers from a company based in another Spanish province were staying at a rented apartment complex in Benahavís Among the group were the victim and the convicted man entered the room where his co-worker was sleeping he knew that she had taken medication to sleep a circumstance that he took advantage of to "satisfy his lubricious mood" The man allegedly grabbed the victim from behind removed her pyjama trousers and pulled down her underwear he "grabbed her with force to prevent her from freeing herself" and began to sexually assault her Although the sentence acknowledges that the defendant consumed alcoholic beverages that evening it states that this had only a "slight impact" on his intellectual and volitional faculties so that he was aware of the unlawfulness of his actions the woman suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and has been undergoing psychological treatment the man will have to serve five and a half years in prison for committing a sexual assault with the mitigating circumstance of intoxication he has been banned from approaching the victim for six and a half years during which time he is also prohibited from contacting her by any means He will also have to serve five years of probation and compensate the victim with the amount of 8,520 euros for her psychological treatment fees or grape harvest of Manilva has been celebrated since the 16th Century and forms an integral part of the traditions This harvest festival, one of the most important on the calendar in Manilva, changes of date each year to coincide with the actual harvest, and traditionally a thank-you party for the workers who collect the grapes there is always a procession – in this case Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (I’d better not translate that to English) plus women from the town dressed in traditional folk dress one of the most important moments takes place – the popular offering of the best bunches of grapes to the Virgin and the subsequent treading of the grapes to extract the first juice of the season the methods for doing so have been passed down through scores of generations visitors should be prepared to get their shoes and socks off for the communal grape treading in Calle del Mar An interesting point to note, although many would prefer not to hear it, but the natural yeast in the skin of the feet goes towards boosting the fermentation process. But, fear not, the alcohol kills off any remaining bacteria in the final wine. This harvest festival takes place in Manilva from Saturday It is by no means the only historical re-enactment in Malaga province that goes back to the past to show off an epic moment in history, but it is one of the few that uses the real setting where it all happened. This weekend, the 'Asalto al Castillo de la Duquesa', in the Costa del Sol municipality of Manilva As the title of this themed event suggests which today continues to be a monumental landmark in this municipality on the Costa del Sol It didn't take the French long to realise the strategic value of this walled enclosure which was ordered to be built during the reign of Charles III at the end of the 19th century to guard against possible pirate attacks from the sea From there it is only a handful of nautical miles to the Strait of Gibraltar which is clearly visible on cloudless days Some 50 soldiers of the invading army sent by Napoleon set up their defences in this protected square which today still resists the weather in the middle of the whole area that is now known as La Duquesa (the Duchess) an impromptu alliance between the English fleet and the local residents managed to seize this privileged location from the French What can be summed up in a simple paragraph will unfold intensely this weekend both in the walled enclosure itself and in the streets of Manilva Although the big day will take place on Saturday in the castle and its surroundings it will also be moved to other locations in Manilva on Friday and Sunday thanks to the involvement of the local residents and various historical re-enactment associations in the province of Malaga shouts of encouragement to take the stronghold of La Duquesa and period costumes will serve to give a certain dose of realism to this dramatisation of that attack on the westernmost coastal castle in the province of Malaga That was surely the most important chapter in its history as from 1830 when Algeria passed into French hands pirate raids in this area were considerably reduced pretty much lost its original purpose that had led to its construction in 1767 There was a time in the mid-19th century when the Carabineros de la Costa Corps took control of the site (an early version of the coast guard and Guardia Civil combined) A barracks was even built next to the fortress Over the years its importance faded until it just became part of Manilva town hall's properties Today it houses a large archaeological exhibition but many residents remember the occupation that some neighbours undertook in 1975 in order to have a roof over their heads All these vicissitudes and its very proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar make La Duquesa one of the most unique coastal castles in the province of Malaga is slightly elevated above sea level and the coastline unlike other fortresses of the period in Malaga province such as the Castillo del Marqués in Valle Niza (Vélez-Málaga) and the Casa Fuerte de Bezmiliana in Rincón de la Victoria But, in addition to this eighteenth-century castle Manilva has an even more extensive heritage within its municipal borders From the archaeological site of Castillejos del Alcorrín (9th century BC) the house that belonged to Blas Infante's family there is a chronological journey through some major landmarks around the area the church of Santa Ana and the unique aqueduct of one of the sugar mills built in the area are other landmarks worth seeing in this town in the western part of Malaga province Nor should we forget that Manilva is a place of excellent moscatel wines especially the dry white wines that go perfectly with the fish and seafood served in restaurants along the coast Castillo de la Duquesa: this walled enclosure which today houses an interesting archaeological exhibition is the protagonist of the historical re-enactment being held this weekend in the coastal area of Manilva Where: on the road to the Castillo de la Duquesa Watchtower of Punta Chullera: this building is considered to be the westernmost watchtower on the coast of Malaga is located next to the last cove of Malaga before crossing the border into Cadiz province Church of Santa Ana: the town's main church was completed at the end of the 18th century It was built on the site of an earlier church erected two centuries earlier Castillejos del Alcorrín: in a place away from the town centre today you can see some archaeological remains of what was once a great walled fortress from the 9th century BC elements typical of the indigenous world coexist there with construction techniques that are clearly reminiscent of the Phoenicians Where: Access by dirt track (hiking route) Delfines: in the surroundings of La Duquesa castle and close to the beach there are several options that revolve around seafood cuisine We recommend this one for its food and the panoramic view of the sea from its elevated terrace They serve tasty rice dishes (book in advance) there is no shortage of quality fried fish which is notable for having a mini-golf course is located inland but next to the river beach of Charca de la Mina The restaurant offers a varied menu with some exotic dishes a stone's throw from the castle and the marina of the same name this campsite is one of the best options on the Costa del Sol it has many services that make your stay more pleasant children's playground and even a dog shower They offer options for different types of clients: from areas for tents to motorhomes no bullfights have been held on this sandy cove on the western Costa del Sol The beach of Los Toros gets its name from the royal cattle track which allegedly used to run between Los Barrios and Estepona this is one of Malaga province's westernmost beaches lying just before the border with the province of Cadiz light sand which so many beaches in Cadiz and Huelva boast beachgoers are faced with dark sand which tends to stick more easily to the skin This isn't handy when it comes to leaving the beach - it's as if the beach itself was asking visitors to stay longer Next to Los Toros is the beach of Punta Chullera the last of Malaga's beaches before Cadiz province But Punta Chullera is small and does not have so much as a chiringuito to enjoy an 'espeto malagueño' (grilled sardine skewer) Purists say that the sardines cooked in this way can only be found The sea breeze and the protection offered by the mountains behind the coastline are fundamental elements for cooking the 'espeto' to perfection so that it turns out neither dry nor burnt Too much or too little wind would make it impossible to keep alive the constant flame that any good 'espeto' requires which is the westernmost beach restaurant in Malaga province the last to be able to cook 'espetos' the 'proper' way - according to this theory The reality is that the first chiringuitos when we continue along the coast into Cadiz also sell sardine 'espetos' Does the easterly breeze really understand provincial borders Chiringuito Dieguichi also has on offer everything from 'pescaíto frito' (small fried fish) to 'espetos de carabineros' (shrimp skewers) Dieguichi is aware that there are no other chiringuitos nearby This is perhaps why they have such a varied cocktail menu - ideal for a summer afternoon especially if you have rented one of the sun loungers just a few metres away There are even several nonalcoholic options for designated drivers But not all beachgoers come here for the chiringuito Many head down to Los Toros for its clear waters and rocky surroundings which offer some protection from the breeze the strong land and easterly winds can never be fully avoided What makes Los Toros special is that its coastal landscape is unique in comparison with other parts of the Costa del Sol the Rock of Gibraltar can be made out in the distance as well as the mountain formations of the Hacho de Ceuta all the way on the other side of the Strait Beachgoers here usually spend the whole day at Los Toros Those travelling from Malaga or other towns on the Costa del Sol have to drive along the A-7 until they momentarily pass through the province of Cadiz They must then head towards Punta Chullera before taking an easy-to-miss exit which leads to the Los Toros car park The Love to Sing Costa del Sol choir performed 12 charity concerts during 2024 during which the Manilva-based amateur group raised a total of 3,310 euro for local charities and worthy causes Among the concerts offered included a performance at the international festival and family day at Castillo de la Duquesa an event organised by the foreign residents’ department of Manilva town hall The choir also entertained at the Collective Calling charity fund raiser held at the Doña Julia Golf Club organised to support the ‘Showered with Love’ campaign to provide a mobile shower and personal hygiene unit to the homeless along the coast The LTS members also offered their services at an event organised by Estepona town hall for the Spanish cancer association along with their annual Christmas concerts which spokesperson Allyson Middleton said “are becoming more and more popular with the public with ever increasing attendance and plentiful donations into the collection tins.” “The LTS is very grateful for the continued support of the public for its generosity and to the town halls and associations for their collaboration on all the events,” Middleton said The LTS is now preparing for their busy 2025 schedule and anyone interested in joining the choir and those who would like to book the choir for a fundraising event should contact Maggie on 628 163 977 or email love2singmanilva@gmail.com A large crowd turned out at the weekend in Manilva to witness a recreation of the assault on Duquesa castle · José María Guerrero is the historical advisor to the Manzanares 1831 association of Estepona the driving force behind the re-enactment of the assault on Duquesa castle at the weekend in the Costa del Sol municipality of Manilva when Spain fought against the Napoleonic invasion The re-enactment was held on Saturday 14 September for only the second time this group of enthusiasts gathered at midday at the fort in Sabinillas built in 1767 during the reign of Charles III Curious onlookers had already settled in the stands ready to witness the battle on the fortress as Guerrero explained to the audience details of the historical event the sun broke through an overcast sky and La Marseillaise French soldiers fired a volley of shots with their muskets as the flag was raised The details on the uniforms were meticulous It was followed by the British who broke into song singing God Save the King and "We have come to celebrate peace," Guerrero announced to the audience "An Anglo-Spanish force landed in front of the castle of Sabinillas as the French had an armed force with artillery to control the road between Gibraltar Marbella and Malaga and also to block the maritime lines," Guerrero said the fortress responded with a shot from a French gun the roar of cannon fire greeted the British infantry who responded with musket fire and advanced along the south wall and around the fortress to the north wall "the assault on Duquesa castle was part of a series of skirmishes and a small battle took place the following year near the Arroyo Vaquero stream in Estepona who won the battle and made off with a huge quantity of arms and ammunition" the people of Manilva were constantly provoking the French who were running out of supplies in the castle "A phenomenon that will finally end with the expulsion of the French That is what I want to emphasise: the involvement of the public home to Europe's southernmost vineyards on rolling hills swaying in the winds of the Strait Tourists and onlookers were scattered along the promenade as they watched the rough surf French and Spanish militia sitting down for refreshment now houses the Manilva municipal archaeology museum Built on the remains of an earlier fortification just 50 metres away there is an atrium with a ceramic mosaic manufacturing areas and courtyards of Roman origin A new missing person appeal has been activated to try to locate a 37-year-old man who has disappeared in Estepona on the Costa del Sol whose whereabouts have been unknown since the end of January according to the SOS Desaparecidos platform The last time his acquaintances heard from him was on the 28th of last month The missing persons association has issued the alert and shared a poster with his image and physical characteristics: Grant is 37 years old If anyone has any clues as to his whereabouts or sees the man they can contact SOS Desaparecidos on 649 952 957 or 644 712 806 You can also call the National Police directly on 091 or contact the emergency services by calling 112 Meliá Hotels International has announced that it is opening a new hotel in Estepona which will operate under the brand name The Meliá Collection It will be the first of its kind on the Costa del Sol The Bahía Estepona will join the hotel's luxury offer on the Andalusian coast in mid-2026 after undergoing a renovation that will make it an icon of the brand's holiday accommodation offer and will have 134 rooms and suites the outdoor areas of the Bahía Estepona member of Meliá Collection hotel will take centre stage with a swimming pool and garden areas There will be a focus on wellness thanks to a complete fitness centre and a spa The hotel will also offer three restaurants As is typical of The Meliá Collection brand the hotel will feature a carefully curated cultural programme designed to connect guests with the town The hotel is located just 20 minutes' drive from Puerto Banús half an hour from Marbella and just over half an hour from tourist hotspots such as Mijas and Malaga city chairperson and CEO of Meliá Hotels International said "Continuing to grow in the best Spanish destinations continues to be one of our priorities With the signing of The Meliá Collection hotel on the Costa del Sol we are strengthening our presence in Andalucía one of our country's favourite destinations and where Meliá's commitment to quality tourism is a reality." Meliá Hotels International now has 30 hotels open or in the process of opening in Andalucía including two other The Meliá Collection properties in Cadiz and Ronda There are 16 Meliá hotels in Malaga province including the ME Malaga hotel in the city centre and the repositioning of one of its hotels in Marbella which will become the ME Marbella in the next few months National Police officers have arrested a 74-year-old man and his 18-year-old son in Estepona as suspects responsible for the sale of drugs in the Costa del Sol town In order to disguise the narcotic substances they used photographic paper used in printers During the search carried out in their home non-approved defence spray and 13,330 euros in cash were seized the National Police force said in a statement based at the police headquarters in Estepona began an investigation due to the constant stream of suspected buyers of narcotic substances to a house in the town After numerous investigations and surveillance the police managed to identify the inhabitants of the property who were allegedly involved in the sale of drugs The dog unit from the Malaga provincial police station also took part in the joint operation Estepona continues seeing improvements and extensions of the Senda Litoral coastal path The last section to be inaugurated was the Benamara section which links the El Saladillo area with Dos Hermanas The ultimate objective is to unify the province's 180-kilometre coastline and make it possible to walk or cycle from Manilva to Nerja This was stated by mayor of Estepona José María García Urbano at the inauguration of the last completed section The head of the municipality has made the project a personal goal since he took office in 2011 "It was one of the projects that I promised we would take forward (...) and today we are very satisfied This is a significant achievement considering the complexities of such a project that requires "a lot of legal and administrative management" The section inaugurated had a funding of one million euros as part of the total budget for the coastal path - 25 million euros "I would like to express my personal gratitude without the involvement of other administrations it would have been impossible for this project to go ahead," said García Urbano He named the provincial authority and the Mancomunidad association of the western Costa del Sol municipalities as two of the entities most connected to the initiative The mayor also extended his gratitude to the technicians who designed the project and to the municipal technicians who directed it in addition to the environmental delegation of the regional government and the provincial demarcation he thanked Estepona residents for their patience and understanding that "what belongs to everyone should be for everyone" García Urbano stated that two sections remain to be completed The first of these will see the beginning of work after Easter and the last which is awaiting authorisation from the environmental delegation is expected to start and be completed before the end of 2025 The mayor added that there would be one last project which "will connect the coastal corridor with the mountains and the rural area" through paths parallel to streams the Arroyo de las Cañas river path is practically finished and Estepona town hall is now working on the Guadalmina river which will connect with Benahavís and with the long path that runs through the north of the province," said García Urbano The president of the Malaga provincial authority congratulated the mayor of Estepona for his personal involvement in the project and said that its culmination means the collaboration of all the mayors of the municipalities through which the Senda Litoral runs "Estepona has already completed 11 sections some of them with its own municipal funding so it is impossible to have more involvement," said Salado Salado described the coastal path as "essential for the province of Malaga" as it connects municipalities from a sustainability point of view energising the route and the businesses along it which in turn increases tourism and revenue "Tourists are looking for something exclusive and different and the Senda Litoral is exactly that," said Salado Mancomunidad president Manuel Cardeña also expressed his opinion that the Senda Litoral project "is an example of efficiency" that should extend to the rest of the Costa del Sol municipalities Once the remaining phases have been completed the challenge will be to connect the coastal path with the inland path which will create a full experience of the province's sea and mountains Spain's National Police force solved the kidnapping of a man in Sabinillas on the western strip of the Costa del Sol A snatched photograph of a steering wheel showing the marque of the vehicle was the key to locating and freeing the victim and arresting the four suspects The perpetrators had threatened the hostage with a gun trying to get information about a third party who had allegedly swindled them out of 30,000 euros The investigation began two days after the kidnapping of the man from the promenade in Sabinillas It was only on Thursday 23 January that National Police officers received the alert which also provided photographs and videos showing the victim being held at gunpoint and asked about an individual who had swindled the kidnappers the police found out that the incident had been committed by a group of men in two vehicles who had forced the victim into the boot of one of the cars he managed to contact the person he was being interrogated about He even managed to send his partner a photograph from inside the vehicle in which the logo of the car marque could be seen on the steering wheel He also gave geographical coordinates of a street in Torre del Mar police officers initiated numerous procedures to locate and free the victim and arrest the perpetrators they found a parked vehicle that corresponded to the one in the victim's photo A police operation was then set up in the area behind the one they had already been watching whose characteristics also coincided with those of the vehicles used in the kidnapping the officers spotted two vehicles parked near the previous ones one of them coinciding in model and colour with the information provided It was at that moment that the investigators saw the victim being taken out of the vehicle in question and put into another car The investigators then followed the vehicle which was finally intercepted at the A-7 motorway in direction to Malaga The success of the operation was also possible with the support of the GAC and UPR specialist units In just 16 hours after receiving the alert A British man was held hostage for around seven hours in a housing estate outside Estepona before he attempted to escape by climbing over a balcony National Police had already surrounded the scene and were able to offer immediate assistance when police learned that a man had been kidnapped the previous evening who were made aware that the man's life was in danger due to some clever thinking by the victim identified the location of the property where he was being held A discreet surveillance operation was then set up The officers observed several men going in and out onto the balcony to talk on the phone The police officers rushed to his aid and transported him to hospital with a heel injury Three British men were arrested trying to escape in a high-end car on suspicion of various offences During a search of the house and car officers found two firearms in a kitchen cupboard 25 grams of pink cocaine in individual wrappings and a digital precision scale told investigators that he knew the men already That evening he had met them in San Pedro Alcántara and had gone to their property to socialise Here they tied him up and demanded 30,000 euros in cryptocoins for his release The quick-thinking man explained that to do so he needed a second part of a password from a client over the phone Estepona on the western strip of the Costa del Sol has twice as many public green areas per inhabitant as the Spanish average The council reported that the popular holiday resort is double the Spanish average in square metres of public green space per inhabitant compared to an average of 4.5 square metres for the country This is also reflected in the council's new contract for its parks which shows that the town has 781,000 square metres of public green space for which the council is responsible for maintenance and upkeep The figure is a 57% increase compared to a decade ago This increase has forced town hall to up its number of operators responsible for maintaining the green areas and to invest more in machinery and its fleet of vehicles the quality standards established in the councils 'Estepona garden of the Costa del Sol' project for the treatment and conservation of public green areas were maintained despite a lack of rainfall and water restrictions These circumstances have required modifications to the management plans for the conservation of the green areas His mother told him he should go for it and his workplace dared him to so Manuel Alcántara Turner entered the Mr England competition and to his surprise His victory at the national male pageant means he is now in the running to be crowned Mr World Serving as a King’s guardsman and British soldier the 22-year-old’s allegiance lies clearly with England but Spain also holds a special place in his heart whose mother moved to Marbella where she met his father was born in Manilva and spent a large part of his childhood on the Costa del Sol until he was eight years old pool and beach days in summer and playing out in the streets - it was the best time of my life,” Alcántara Turner said Alcántara Turner often returns to Spain to relive those happy childhood memories and spend time with many of his cousins who still live here He beat 12 other competitors to be crowned Mr England last month after being whittled down from more than 150 entries he was required to submit a video introducing himself and saying why he would be a winning candidate as Mr England “Since I was 16 I have spent my life serving England in the army,” he said “As a Coldstream Guard not only do I represent my country but I and the rest of the people I work with are a staple point of being English - we are one of the prides of England.” During his six years as part of the Coldstream Guards - the oldest continuously serving regular regiment in the British Army - Alcántara Turner has attended Queen Elizabeth’s funeral as well as the coronation of King Charles III He stood guard as the hearse carrying Queen Elizabeth drove past him on 19 September “For a second there it was just so hard to put into words what I felt in that moment,” he said “Even though I’d never spoken to her I felt like I had lost someone I knew Alcántara Turner said he breathed a sigh of relief at the coronation of King Charles III last year “It was a relief to know the Queen’s honour had been passed on not only to someone who cares so deeply for his forces but someone who cares so much about the entire country,” he said Alcántara Turner will represent England in the next Mr World final due to be held in Vietnam in November Estepona town hall on the Costa del Sol is to put the contract out to tender to convert the old tourist information centre at the town's harbour into a youth hostel The land has a surface area of 808 square metres and the contracted company will be responsible for the renovation and extension of the existing building to bring it into line with the regulations applicable to youth hostels The contract will be for 25 years and the company awarded the project will assume all costs including those corresponding to infrastructure and urban development The youth hostel will bring new life to the old tourist office building which has been closed since the service was transferred to different premises in the town centre It will also expand this type of accommodation offer in Estepona Estepona town hall on the Costa del Sol has announced that the deadline for submitting applications to have a stall at this year's summer market on the Paseo Marítimo (promenade) is 15 May Authorised activities include the sale of crafts and prepared and cooked food as well as children's attractions including 28 craft stalls and two children's attractions "With this market we want to contribute to the promotion and protection of artisan work as a source of employment a means of social cohesion and a tourist and cultural resource of great potential," said the councillor for commerce The market will open on 1 July 2025 and will end on 7 September 2025 (with the exception of 16 July The market stalls will be open on Thursdays while the children's attractions will be open every evening from 7pm to midnight Further information with details on how to apply can be found on the town hall website by clicking here A new 100-million-euro residential project is being launched on the Costa del Sol and will be aimed at buyers from other countries or Spaniards looking for a second home SUR can confirm that developer Aedas Homes acquired land in the Buenas Noches area in Estepona which will be used for the residential development It will involve the construction of some 150 homes aimed primarily at buyers from other countries It will also be aimed at investors and Spaniards looking to purchase a second home The project involves a total investment of 100 million euros including the acquisition from a foreign investor of the land to build it located 500 metres from La Galera beach and close to Finca Cortesín Aedas Homes is set to start advertising these homes in November and start construction in the first quarter of 2025 They already have the licence for the first phase of construction The developer's plan is to be able to deliver the first homes in the first quarter of 2027 Aedas Homes increases its presence on the Costa del Sol where it has already developed hundreds of homes and has some 700 under construction in addition to a land bank to develop more than 1,600 this developer has entered the La Térmica project where it will collaborate in managing and advertising a development for 870 homes (273 will be subsidised) A 43-year-old British man has been arrested in the United Arab Emirates in connection with an alleged shooting at a luxury villa in Estepona in August A clandestine house party was in full swing at the time when a 36-year-old Serbian man died after being shot in the back According to the National Police's provincial headquarters in Malaga the suspect was arrested a few days ago after authorities issued an international arrest warrant The police investigation started after the incident took place about 8.45am at the villa on Calle Hortensia in Estepona on 12 August Partygoers arrived at the "after party" after attending a nightclub in Marbella The alleged organiser of the party was a Cuban man squatting at the luxury villa who had a police record The shooting then happened following a disagreement between two people and resulted in the death of the Serbian man Those involved included the alleged gunman who had already been brought to justice in the UK a few years ago in connection with an attempted murder was on the run from authorities in his home country due to his links to criminal organisations in the Balkans the victim died after being shot several times in the back Witnesses alleged the consumption of drugs and alcohol was a possible trigger for the confrontation which led to the shooting More than 200 people signed up for the IV Senda Litoral Media Maratón de Estepona (coastal path half marathon) within the first 48 hours of the registration platform opening Organisers said that this rapid pace of registration confirms the growing interest in one of the most outstanding races on the Andalusian calendar which continues to consolidate itself as an essential event for serious runners This half marathon is distinguished by the fact that it combines different types of terrain and landscapes from where the runners will travel along the coastal path and on to the fishing port and the old town of Estepona until they reach the finish line at the town’s sports complex Along with cash prizes for the winners of the different categories all participants who finish the race will receive a special souvenir medal The runners will be able to enjoy a post-race event with a free paella and live music Registration costs 22 euros and those wishing to participate must sign up by 13 April https://tusinscripciones.es/index.php/ruta/iv-media-maraton-litoral-de-estepona-trofeo-ikos-andalusia Spain's National Police force is still trying to shed light on the killing of a man during a clandestine party in Estepona although they have finally managed to fully identify and put a name to the victim And it was not who they initially believed: the deceased turned out to be a Serbian citizen the investigators were guided by the documentation carried by the deceased the police soon realised that it was a forgery so they resorted to fingerprinting during the autopsy and international cooperation with other police forces to discover his true identity the authorities in Serbia have confirmed that he is a Serbian national and that he is said to have been linked to a criminal organisation based in the Balkans although the victim's past and the criminal activities of this group are still being traced in search of potential enemies the investigation was oriented from the beginning towards the idea of a chance encounter with his killer at the clandestine party where a brawl broke out after a possible misunderstanding Although it has not been completely ruled out the hypothesis of a settling of scores related to organised crime has been shelved for now Proof of this is that the weight of the investigation has been carried from the beginning by the specialised and violent crime unit (UDEV) in Estepona police station organised crime and the crimes they generate The shooting incident happened on Monday 12 August The first call to the emergency services was logged at 8.55am after a person phoned 112 Andalucía to report that there had been "shots fired" and there was an injured person Local Police and the 061 medical services were mobilised the officers found the victim in one of the outbuildings in a pool of blood The luxury villa where the killing took place was illegally occupied and was apparently owned in the past by a footballer organised clandestine parties that began in the early hours of the morning The Cuban man who currently occupies the house admitted on a Spanish television programme that he organised "private" parties and stated that he was the legitimate owner of the house the property is owned by a company; for the police it is regarded as a squat Developer Aedas Homes has unveiled details of a new luxury residential project to be developed in the area known as Buenas Noches in Estepona This project includes a total of 150 homes to be built in two phases They will have two and three bedrooms and will be distributed in buildings with ground floor first floor and penthouses with sunbathing area Aedas has provided information on the prices of this high-end residential product which is mainly aimed at buyers from other countries British and Scandanavians; as well as investors; and Spaniards buying second homes The properties are offered for sale at prices starting at 550,000 euros "The project is integrated in a natural environment surrounded by large green areas and overlooking the bay of Estepona 500 metres from La Galera beach and close to Finca Cortesin," Aedas has informed This action is called 'Unika Estepona' and will have a separate community building for "coworking with meeting rooms for teleworking explained that this development "has been very well received with a very varied client profile: from foreigners looking for mixed housing to nationals who want a second home and also investors" The town hall of Estepona has put out to tender a contract for the extension of the coastal boardwalk 95% of which has already been completed in the municipality will see the addition of a new section in the Matas Verdes area The new project plans a 575-metre-long wooden footbridge allowing the extension between Avenida de la Playa and Marriott's Playa Andaluza - a possibility that is being studied at the moment It will also connect with the coastal sectors of Punta de Baños-Casasola and Saladillo beach The new project has a base tender price of 782,106 euros Deputy mayor for development and infrastructure Ana Velasco has stated that the objective of the initiative is to extend the coastal promenade in accordance with environmental protection The project has been authorised by the provincial delegation of the department of sustainability and environment of the Junta de Andalucía Wooden decking will be used in the construction of the footpath - a soft material selected for its better adaptation to the natural environment The promenade will be fitted with safety railings and lighting Estepona town hall remains committed to creating a great footpath that will connect the entire coastline Officers from Spain's National Police force are investigating the violent death of a man in Estepona on the Costa del Sol inside a villa where a private party had been held during the early hours of the morning The first call to the emergency services was recorded at 8.55 am A person called 112 Andalucía to report that there had been "shots fired" and that at least one person had been injured the Local Police force and the 061 health emergency medical services were mobilised More than 4,000 people have visited Castillo de San Luis in Estepona on the Costa del Sol in the first month since it opened as an exhibition centre this 16th century fortress has received an average of 150 visitors a day almost 50 per cent of whom are foreign tourists San Luis castle has been the object of an ambitious project for the conservation and recovery of this coastal fortress built in the last quarter of the 16th century which has been unused for almost a century visitors will be able to see first-hand some of the archaeological pieces from different periods that have been obtained in the excavations carried out during the work which are displayed in the eight showcases set up in the exhibition area ceramics and an old shelter from the Spanish Civil War The town councillor for historical heritage said that the exhibition space gives "visibility" to the castle "which can now be enjoyed by all residents and visitors" The exhibition shows several centuries of Estepona's history The castle's original purpose was to reinforce the southern front of the walls of Islamic origin Its most outstanding features were three artillery bastions and a large porticoed parade ground with several barracks In the mid-18th century part of the Castle of San Luis underwent a major transformation into a cannon battery After the damage caused by the Lisbon earthquake in 1755 and an attack by the French in 1812 a large part of the castle was abandoned and fell into ruin which was turned into a courtyard in a house built at the end of the 19th century Castillo de San Luis can be visited from 10am to 2pm and from 5pm to 8pm Estepona town hall on the Costa del Sol has begun restoration work on one of the most outstanding artistic murals in the town which is considered one of the largest in Spain 'Día de Pesca' (fishing day) was painted in 2014 across six blocks of flats in the Isabel Simón area of the town and occupies almost a thousand square metres The repair is being carried out after damp started to appear on the mural Work done by the residents' association to the block where the main façade of the mural is located caused damage to the painting which has now begun to be repaired Made with outdoor acrylic paint and enamel the artist used the trompe l'oeil technique to play with different perspectives and recreate a sequence in which the fisherman casts his rod and catches a fish The work is included in the Estepona artistic murals route which the town hall launched in September 2012 to convert building façades into large-format canvases The initiative has given the town an open-air museum offering visitors and residents a new way to enjoy urban art A total of 74 artistic murals decorate the façades of buildings in different areas of the town bringing them to life and turning them into an additional attraction The town hall has so far organised three international mural competitions to further expand the route In 2024 the competition awarded 27,000 euros in prizes