The first half of 2026 has looked like a building site on Benalmadena’s front, but things are starting to look good at last. Workers have finally finished the major project to update Castillo El Bil-Bil in Benalmadena. The local council invested almost €1 million to protect this key heritage site and boost its role in tourism and culture across the Costa del Sol.

Funding sources behind comprehensive upgrades

Council officials allocated €654,000 from European funds linked to national resilience programmes. Benalmadena council covered the remaining costs. This budget supported full modernisation of facilities, better accessibility throughout the building, interior restorations, facade repairs, better climate systems and energy efficiency steps such as new photovoltaic panels.

Local politicians praise heritage achievements

Juan Antonio Lara, mayor of Benalmadena, described the project as one of the largest recent efforts in local historic preservation. Lara said that El Bil-Bil now appears refreshed, easier to reach, more energy efficient and ready to serve as a leading cultural and tourist reference for the city.

Lara visited the site with Presi Aguilera, councillor for heritage and tourism, and stressed how this work recovers fresh areas for residents and guests while strengthening El Bil-Bil as an icon of the Costa del Sol and a showcase for Benalmadena’s identity.

New facilities better visitor experience

The council has created a dedicated tourist information office inside the castle. Additional zones now promote local history, culture and gastronomy, giving visitors a richer experience of the quirky little castle with elements of characteristic Benalmadena traditions.

The initiative has been another step in the right direction in the council plans to strengthen tourist and cultural assets across the town. Improved conservation makes sure El Bil-Bil continues drawing guests year-round and supports ongoing activities in social, cultural and tourism fields that project a positive image of the area both in Spain and internationally.

The project represents a clear commitment to balancing historic protection with modern demands, making Benalmadena stronger for future visitors seeking authentic experiences on the Costa del Sol.

More than 1.2 million people packed the streets of Madrid on Sunday as Pope Leo XIV celebrated a huge open-air Mass in what became the biggest event of his week-long visit to Spain. Organisers said crowds filled Plaza de Cibeles and surrounding avenues from the early hours of the morning, creating one of the largest religious gatherings the country has seen in recent years.

The extraordinary turnout highlighted the continuing influence of the Catholic Church in Spain, despite the country becoming increasingly secular over recent decades. Thousands travelled from across Spain to attend, while many others queued before dawn to secure a place close to the procession route.

Crowds fill Madrid’s iconic streets

As the Pope arrived in his white popemobile, worshippers waved flags, cheered and showered the route with flower petals. The Mass took place around Madrid’s famous Plaza de Cibeles, with crowds stretching far beyond the square itself. Organisers and Vatican officials estimated attendance at around 1.2 million people.

Sunday’s celebration coincided with Corpus Christi observances, a major event in the Catholic calendar. Floral displays decorated parts of the procession route, while worshippers joined prayers and religious ceremonies under clear skies and soaring temperatures.

Pope’s message focuses on compassion

During his homily, Pope Leo urged Catholics to put their faith into action by helping those in need. He spoke about supporting the poor, vulnerable and isolated members of society, encouraging worshippers to look beyond private devotion and engage with their communities.

The pontiff also repeated calls for societies to remain welcoming and inclusive, themes that have featured heavily throughout his first official visit to Spain. His trip began with meetings involving migrants and homeless people and will continue with visits to Barcelona and the Canary Islands.

Spain welcomes first papal visit in 15 years

The visit marks the first papal tour of Spain in 15 years and has attracted huge public interest. The night before the Mass, an estimated 600,000 young people attended a vigil with the Pope in Madrid, suggesting strong enthusiasm among younger generations despite declining religious observance nationally.

For many attendees, the day was about more than religion. The gathering became a powerful display of unity, culture and tradition, with Madrid transformed into the focal point of the Catholic world for a day.

As Pope Leo continues his Spanish tour, Sunday’s million-strong turnout will likely be remembered as one of the defining images of his visit – a sea of worshippers filling the heart of Madrid in a historic show of faith.

With the cost of living continuing to rise across Europe, many households are feeling the pressure of everyday expenses more than ever before. Recent reports have highlighted how food prices, energy bills and taxes remain among the biggest concerns for families trying to balance their monthly budgets. While some costs vary depending on where people live, the overall feeling is clear: many essentials are becoming harder to afford.

For many people, supermarket prices are now one of the biggest worries. Montserrat Llois said: “Food shopping and heating bills, we are in the UK.” reflecting growing concerns across Britain of the rising grocery costs and higher energy prices that continue to stretch family finances. Similar concerns were raised by Marie Craig, who simply stated: “Food & IVA”. The mention of IVA, often linked to debt repayment arrangements, highlights how some people are not only worried about rising prices but also existing financial commitments.

Others pointed to the increasing cost of household bills and taxes. Ena Cummings said: “The taxes, electric, water and insurance things are getting costly”. Utility bills remain a major concern in many countries, with electricity and water prices increasing steadily over recent years. Insurance costs have also risen, adding another pressure for families already trying to manage tight budgets.

Living expenses in Spain were also mentioned by Angela Edgley, who explained: “In Spain – food and electricity, and high vat. Home items such as good curtains and furniture are also expensive in Spain. Eating out is still good with menu del dias.” Her comments show how everyday necessities and household goods can vary greatly in price depending on the country, although affordable dining options still provide some relief for residents and visitors alike.

Not everyone focused on essential bills, however. Paul Johnson summed up his biggest concern in one word: “Beer”. David Cooke added a similar view, saying: “Beer, tobacco & cafè.” While light-hearted, these comments reflect how rising prices are also affecting leisure spending and small daily comforts that many people enjoy.

Overall, the poll showed that food costs and household bills remain the biggest everyday expense worries for most people. Whether in the UK, Spain or elsewhere, rising prices continue to affect both essential living costs and the little luxuries people value in everyday life.