Family Fun On The Costa Del Sol As New Splash Park Opens In Mijas With Water Jets, Tipping Buckets, Mini Slides, And A ‘Riversense’ Area

Published

14 hours ago

June 19, 2026

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A NEW splash park has opened its doors in Mijas to offer families a way to cool down during the Costa del Sol summer. The 430-square-metre aquatic play area, which

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Stockholm’s culinary genius launches Beach Club Astoria on Marbella’s shore

Published

15 hours ago

June 19, 2026

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Marbella’s competitive waterfront is gaining another high end venue, and the anticipation is already building across the coast. The Frantzen Group, the name behind some of Scandinavia’s most decorated kitchens, is now bringing its famous Astoria concept straight to the sand. Beach Club Astoria will debut in summer 2026, launching the groups first-ever beachfront venue right here in Marbella.

Bjorn Frantzen currently holds an unmatched record as the only chef worldwide running three separate three-Michelin-star restaurants simultaneously. His elite flagship locations in Stockholm, Singapore, and Dubai all very much focus on formal fine dining, this venue however is promising to deliver a more relaxed menu and experience fitting for a seaside project.

Expanding the proven success already on the Costa del Sol

Food lovers will already know the brand from its existing Nueva Andalucia location. Brasserie Astoria quickly became a very popular and much talked about venue since its launch last year. Earlier this month they celebrated their anniversary with a party at the Brasserie, with the hospitality group posting on social media “Thank you to everyone who has dined with us, celebrated with us, and supported us along the way. Last Saturday’s anniversary party was a lovely reminder of the community we’ve built together”.

Stockholm originally birthed the Astoria name back in 2021, when the group converted a historic cinema into a massive dining destination. International expansion soon followed with further successful launches in Singapore and the Maldives.

Recruitment drive underway

Recruitment teams are currently working at full speed across the region. Executives are actively looking for premium front-of-house and kitchen staff to service both the incoming beach club and the original brasserie.

Competition is fierce among established beachfront destinations in Andalucia. The combination of the strict Nordic precision with an easy-going coastal vibe, Beach Club Astoria looks like a venue not to be messed with.

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Alhaurin El Grande Skating Club Honours Victoria Hart In End-Of-Course Festival

Published

18 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Adam Woodward

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Alhpatin community on wheels. Credit: Ayuntamiento de Alhaurin el Grande

Local families are preparing for an emotional gathering this weekend. Club Alhpatin has organised its annual end-of-course festival on Sunday 21 June in Alhaurin el Grande. Organisers are dedicating the entire event to Victoria Hart, the 33-year-old British woman killed in the town earlier this year.

Club Alhpatin serves young skaters in Alhaurin el Grande

This artistic roller skating club focuses on children and teenagers in the area. Participants train regularly and join regional competitions plus special events. Earlier in March 2026 the club hosted its first 8M Trophy with more than 100 skaters from nearby towns, including Torremolinos and Alhaurin de la Torre. Such activities build skills and create strong community bonds among young athletes and their families.

Victoria fell victim to domestic violence in January 2026

Victoria Hart was taken from us on January 24 inside her home in the La Paca area of Alhaurin el Grande. Her former partner carried out the attack with a knife and later confessed after surrendering at a nearby prison. Authorities recorded the case within the VioGen system for gender violence victims. A restraining order already existed against the perpetrator. Three young children witnessed the horror and now face life without their mother.

Town leaders declare mourning for Victoria Hart

Officials reacted rapidly after the killing. Mayor Anthony Bermudez announced an official day of mourning on January 26. Residents gathered to show support and condemn violence against women. Many described Victoria Hart as well-liked locally. Her British nationality added another layer to the shock felt across both the expat and Spanish communities. National counts listed this incident as one of the earliest femicides in Spain during 2026.

Festival becomes tribute to local victim

Club Alhpatin members decided to honour Victoria through their seasonal celebration. Young skaters will perform routines while families reflect on loss and resilience. This choice turns a standard end-of-season party into a deeply meaningful occasion for the community. Attendees expect performances, recognitions, and moments of remembrance at the local sports facilities.

The event starts at 11am at the municipal sports centre in Alhaurin el Grande on Sunday, June 21. Entrance costs €2 and all takings will go towards supporting Victoria’s children.

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Malaga Ambulance Driver Fined For Red Light Run

Published

1 day ago

June 18, 2026

Adam Woodward

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Ambulance in Malaga. Credit: Ambulancias de Andalucia Instagram

Can Spanish bureaucracy get any more ridiculous? Most expats on the Costa del Sol shake their heads at yet another example of Spanish officialdom gone mad. An ambulance driver rushing to a medical emergency in Malaga City has received a fine and lost four points from his licence after passing through a red light. The vehicle had full emergency lights and sirens active, yet rigid rules still provoked the punishment. This incident goes to show the absurd clash between lifesaving duties and inflexible traffic enforcement that frustrates everyone across the region.

Union demands immediate sanction review

The CCOO union, one of the biggest in Spain, has condemned the fine as incomprehensible for a professional heading to an urgent case. Francisco Aranda from the union’s health transport section described the situation as creating legal uncertainty for emergency crews. Drivers may now hesitate or take extra precautions out of fear of penalties, potentially delaying critical patient care.

Council offers justification route

Malaga council sources have confirmed that emergency vehicle fines can be cancelled if operators properly document the urgent nature of the call immediately afterwards. Activation of blue lights and sirens alone does not grant automatic exemption from traffic laws. Authorities stressed the need for prudence even during priority responses.

Wider implications for emergency services

This event has reignited discussions about how traffic regulations apply to priority vehicles across Andalucia. CCOO argues such penalties are not isolated cases and calls for coordinated action from administrations to prevent repeats. The union points to the General Traffic Regulations, which permit emergency vehicles to bypass stop signals when safety measures are followed and circumstances demand it.

Calls grow for clearer protections

Professionals in the sector worry that repeated sanctions could force slower responses to save lives. CCOO insists the driver followed correct procedures and is looking for full withdrawal of the fine plus stronger safeguards for those handling critical situations. Patient safety remains the core concern, as delays in medical assistance carry real risks.

Local expats often share stories of similar bureaucratic hurdles that seem at odds with practical needs in Spain. Many hope this high-profile case will lead to sensible adjustments so emergency workers can focus on their role without constant worry over penalties. Residents in Malaga and surrounding areas continue to watch developments closely, pushing for balance between road safety and rapid response capabilities.