Skiers at Sierra Nevada enjoyed an unexpected encounter on Friday, April 17 when a herd of wild horses were galloping down one of the resort’s pistes. Skiers and staff paused their activities to capture the unusual scene on camera as the animals moved nonchalantly through the snowy terrain.

Many people stopped skiing or working to film the moment. Videos and photos spread quickly across social media, showing the horses in full view near lifts and runs. Witnesses described the sight as beautiful and memorable during the active ski season.

Encounter captured near Borreguiles

Sara Feixas, a ski instructor from Maracena near Granada, witnessed the event around midday in the lower part of Borreguiles, close to the chairlifts. She recorded the horses as they appeared from an unknown direction and crossed the area. Feixas visits the station regularly and says that occasional horse sightings occur, yet this particular occasion caught her totally by surprise. “I have no idea where they come out of,” she told local media. Her footage shows several horses of varying coat colours moving across the piste, creating a striking contrast with the snow.

Los caballos salvajes toman #sierranevada

Naturaleza en estado puro@websierranevada pic.twitter.com/t0EdrYt9xU

— MeteoSN (@MeteoSN) April 17, 2026

Wild horses in the Sierra Nevada mountains

These animals form part of a small population of wild horses that live freely in the Sierra Nevada range. Descendants of domestic stock that escaped or were released decades ago, they have adapted to the high mountain environment. Herds roam the area year-round and sometimes venture close to the ski station, especially after weather changes or in quieter periods.

Increíble momento de unos caballos salvajes corriendo en mitad de una estación de esquí pic.twitter.com/yxqvD7Ct2V

— ceciarmy (@ceciarmy) April 17, 2026

Similar appearances have happened before, including during past quiet times on the slopes. There were no incidents or injuries arising from Friday’s event. Observers simply watched in delight as the horses continued on their way.

Nature meets winter sports in Granada province

Sierra Nevada is Europe’s southernmost ski resort, where high-altitude pistes sit within a protected natural park. Such crossings remind visitors of the wild surroundings that exist beyond the groomed runs and lifts.

Many renters from abroad wonder whether changing homes makes financial sense in today’s tight Spanish market. Recent data reveals a clear divide between what already sitting tenants pay and what newcomers face on the open market.

Rental prices continue to climb for new contracts

Rents across Spain have risen on average a massive 7.1 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, according to Idealista, the online property advertiser, pushing the national average to €15 per square metre, something of a record high. Other sources point to even bigger growth in advertised prices, with increases around 10 per cent in the past year alone for fresh leases.

Growth, of course, varies by region dramatically in Spain. Some inland provinces recorded double-digit jumps in recent periods, while certain coastal or urban spots showed more moderate changes or even slight dips in specific cases like parts of Barcelona province. Overall supply is very low, as many owners fear laws brought in favouring those that end up not paying, so properties often rent quickly at higher starting rates.

Spanish law caps annual rent rises for existing tenants

Under Spanish law, landlords may update rents once a year on the contract anniversary, but increases follow strict limits. For most contracts signed after May 2023, the IRAV index, which serves as the official reference index for annual rent updates, sets the maximum allowed to raise rents, currently around 2.14 per cent.

A March 2026 law adds further protection with a 2 per cent ceiling on annual updates until the end of 2027 in many situations, especially for landlords with multiple properties. Tenants in stressed housing zones can enjoy extra safeguards, including possible contract extensions on similar terms. These rules keep costs predictable for those who stay in place.

Should I stay put or should I go now?

In most cases. Moving will expose renters to much higher market rates that newer contracts command. One-off expenses add pressure too: fresh deposits, removal costs, agency fees where applicable, and utility setups. In a market where demand far outstrips supply, as is the situation in many areas of Spain, negotiating power stays very limited and fast for incoming tenants. Can you really hammer out a deal before another candidate for tenant comes along, accepts, and snaps up the property?

Expats who signed leases a few years ago can benefit most from the legal protections. Their monthly outgoings can, legally, only rise slowly, often by just 2 per cent or so each year, while equivalent properties now advertise for noticeably more.

Tenant groups advise against relocation purely for economic gain unless personal circumstances really demand it, such as a job move or personal circumstance change. Renewing or extending where possible preserves a certain amount of stability and avoids jumping to prices that will bring overall spending power lower than desired.

Renters should review their specific contract dates, landlord type, and local stressed-area status. Perhaps even consider one’s reasons for wanting to live precisely where they desire if more financially beneficial areas are available. Consulting tenant associations or legal advice helps clarify options under evolving rules. For many, patience in the current rental climate in Spain will deliver clear savings over the next one to three years, or at least they should be prepared when a “ganga” (bargain) crops up.

Amans World Comedy is bringing back its free English comedy open mic night to Marbella on Saturday, April 25, with doors opening at 7pm and the show starting at 7:30pm. This laugh along event is a cheerful, easy, welcoming night out. Encouraging back those who know the comedy scene in the area or inviting in novices who are brand new to the circuit and never been to an open mic evening before.

The night is hosted by Lucy Amans, a hilarious British stand-up comedian based on the coast. Amans has been described as a rising force in the region’s English-speaking comedy scene. She regularly hosts her ‘Amans World Comedy’ open-mic nights across in different towns to give everyone a taste of the laughter on offer, she has a reputation for observational humour rooted in expat life. Relocating here in 2016 she has since expanded her gigs and helped to grow a following and supportive community for English-language comedy in southern Spain.

A perfect opportunity to discover new and upcoming comedic talent

On the night, audiences can expect a varied line-up of up to 10 comedy acts, mixing emerging performers trying out their set with more experienced comics delivering their well oiled jokes and tales. Entry is free for both performers and audience, with non-obligatory donations collected at the end for anyone who wants to support the night. The evening is the perfect opportunity to discover new local talent, meet fellow artists, and be part of a supportive and vibrant community. 

The show takes place at La Clave Bailes Latinos, a well-known Marbella venue dedicated to Latin dance. La Clave is the the only dance club in Marbella focused solely on Latin dance, with one of the best dance floors on the coast, with seating inside and outside and a lively weekend atmosphere. Perfectly set up for a night of laughter. 

If you do fancy performing at this or a future show,  Whether you are a seasoned performer or looking to share your talent for the first time, our stage is open to you, just message ⁨+34 711 037980.

Even though the event is free, tickets should be reserved via Eventbrite

La Clava is centrally located near Plaza del Mar, underneath the restaurant Casa Nostra, at Calle Camilo Jose Cela 12.