It was in 1969 that Alan James first became involved in the building of properties on the Costa del Sol and he is still going strong more than 50 years later.
He was responsible for the development of the Benamara and Benavista urbanisations either side of the N340 (A7) and saw an absolute need for a bridge to allow residents to safely cross what was at that time considered the most dangerous road in Europe.
At the time, the Estepona Council refused to build a road bridge, so Alan’s response was to build one himself but looking forward several decades, what was a genuinely altruistic event at the time, currently isn’t ideal for elderly and disabled people or for parents with pushchairs.
Nowadays, footbridges are built in a way that rather than simply have steps tend to have slopes for use by those with pushchairs, wheelchairs or the elderly who need easy access.
The alternative to visit one side of the road from the other is to catch a taxi or hire car which can cost €20 for a return trip.
Alert to this, AREME (Foreign Residents Association of Estepona) lobbied the Estepona Council asking them to add a slope to the steps of the footbridge, to which they agreed, subject to AREME funding legal and planning costs.
AREME contacted a number of interested parties locally and raised €16,000 which was spent on the necessary documentation and the proposal was sent to MOPU (Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible) in Malaga for final approval with the €160,000 cost of amending the bridge to be covered by Estepona Council.
Initially, MOPU responded saying that it wouldn’t pay as it was a private bridge (even though Estepona Council had confirmed it would pay) although it would be prepared to see it knocked down.
Red tape hurts elderly, parents with children and disabled as no ramp is yet approved for footbridge
Once this misunderstanding was resolved, the matter has gone dead, with Estepona Council saying that MOPU is ignoring them whilst MOPU insists that it has written to Estepona with a list of questions which remain unanswered.
AREME is stuck like ’piggy in the middle’ with nothing happening and donors asking why they gave €16,000 which seems to have been wasted.
All in all this seems to be a real example of bureaucratic nightmare which needs to be resolved.
To be part of this association which lobbies Estepona Council and charges an annual, membership fee of just €5, email info.areme2022@gmail.com.
Inma from Archez. Credit: Locos de la Colina Facebook page.
Sometimes, running means more than running.
In just six months, Inma from Archez (a small village in the Axarquia region) has completed over 50 races across Andalusia. But what truly makes Inma stand out is her total commitment to causes that matter.
Inma wears her club’s colours (Locos de la Colina club in the Axarquia region) not just for sport, but for solidarity. Over the past few months, she’s taken part in charity races supporting cancer patients, working with organisations that fund research and assist families through the toughest of times.
She’s run for children with special needs, helping raise money for therapies and treatments to improve their quality of life. And she’s supported awareness for rare diseases, giving voice and visibility to families too often left unheard.
Each race she’s run has symbolised far more than participation, far more than endurance and competitive spirit. We’re talking about hope, compassion, and the belief that sport can be a powerful force for doing good.
All in all, Inma reminds us that running isn’t just about crossing finish lines: it’s about showing up for others. Empathy can go hand in hand with a passion for sport — that’s the real lesson.
And that makes Inma not just a runner, but also an inspiration.
Mayor of Estepona José María Garcia Urbano cuts the red tape again at Bazlama. Credit: EWN
Bazlama officially swung open its doors on Tuesday, July 15, to a huge crowd of fascinated new diners, eager to see what all the buzz was about. Mayor of Estepona, José María Garcia Urbano, was among them to cut the ceremonial ribbon and try out the flatbreads everyone has been talking about.
Co-Founder Sarah Moravvej explained, “We came across Bazlama in Istanbul and loved the food, the experience, and the whole concept. We felt it was something which was missing on the Costa del Sol.”
“Turkish food and hospitality are exceptional and deserve to be better known, and the Bazlama brand is amazing at transporting you to Turkey and delivering not just delicious Turkish cuisine but a true cultural experience.”
Bazlama is a family business, run by a mother-and-daughter team, drawing from recipes passed down through generations. They work hard to retain family values and make every guest feel like they are being welcomed into a traditional Turkish home. The love and generosity you feel at Bazlama restaurants is something special.
The breads that impressed José Maria García Urbano. Credit: EWN
The new restaurant in El Paraiso, located on Calle Isla Verde 12, Benamara, close to the Senator Banús Hotel, is Bazlama’s first European venture, introducing its celebrated all-you-can-eat Turkish breakfast to the continent. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, the restaurant serves a scrumptious breakfast banquet featuring traditional breads, cheeses, jams, hot dishes like menemen scrambled eggs, and the signature bazlama flatbread. Guests can also enjoy gozleme and mezze set menus, paired with Turkish tea, drinks, and cocktails. The authentic flavours, made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including organic produce from a small family farm in Estepona, which create a healthy and delicious dining experience.
The opening has brought 19 new jobs to the area, with plans for more as Bazlama extends its opening hours. Committed to sustainability, the restaurant plans to implement a waste-free model by partnering with local charities. Since its inception in Cesme, Turkey, in 1992, Bazlama has expanded to six locations in Turkey and one in Dubai, with a London branch on the cards for the near future. The Costa del Sol outpost is a big step in the brand’s international expansion, offering a cultural adventure through dishes like acuka spicy red pepper spread and stuffed gozleme.
Sarah and her sister Salmeh have joined the brand’s strong female leadership, and they invite guests to experience Turkish hospitality and become part of the Bazlama family. To reserve a table, call 951 830 136 or follow @bazlamakahvalti on Instagram and Facebook.
José María García Urbano, mayor of Estepona comes to Bazlama. Credit: EWN
Nikki Beach Marbella has a very special daytime event coming up – “Sol & Sound”, headlined by the internationally celebrated house music artist Claptone.
On Friday, July 25, from 1pm to 9pm, the beachfront venue will transform into a hot dance haven under the Mediterranean sun, offering a unique experience with pulsating beats.
Recognisable by his trademark golden mask and a sound that fuses deep house with melodic and atmospheric elements, Claptone will take the decks. The enigmatic DJ, who previously performed at Nikki Beach Saint Barth for a New Year’s Eve celebration, is no stranger to captivating audiences worldwide. This time, he trades the dim lights of nightclubs for Marbella’s sunlit shores for a magical daytime set that’s a rare treat for fans.
Behind the golden mask lies an artist who has masterfully balanced mystery with a shining career. Claptone burst onto the house music scene in the early 2010s, and has become a global force in clubland ever since. His discography includes several studio albums and remixes for artists like Depeche Mode, Elton John, and Dua Lipa. As a festival favourite, he has performed at events like Tomorrowland and Coachella. His “The Masquerade” events, which have become known for their theatrical twist, have gained him a reputation as a leading figure in contemporary house music.
“Sol & Sound” will feature a dynamic lineup besides Claptone, with a back-to-back set by Dann Martin and Frank Osorio, as well as Stan Courtois. To add a touch of sophistication, Mood Sax will deliver a live saxophone performance, giving the day a fresh, elegant feel. It’s said the the beach club will be adorned with golden decoration and shimmering spheres, reflecting the warm tones of the sunset.
Nikki Beach Marbella remains a top destination for those seeking the best in house music, an exclusive atmosphere, and a prime location by the Mediterranean. The venue’s summer lineup is impressive, with upcoming performances by artists like Milk & Sugar on August 1 and David Penn on August 8, and with weekly events such as Catch Us Dancing! and Sun to Sea.
On July 25, “Sol & Sound” invites everyone to dance, relax, and soak up the unique energy of Claptone under the sun. Beds and tables can be booked at nikkibeach.com/marbella for this unmissable daytime party.
Nikki Beach is at Carretera de Cádiz, km 192, Marbella.