Fuengirola is to present a captivating exhibition of realist paintings by local Malaga artist Simón Pizarro, titled “Sueños y Caminos” (Dreams and Paths). The show opens to the public on Friday, January 23, at 8pm, at the Casa de la Cultura Manuel Delgado Perea and will stay on display free of charge until February 20.

Pizarro’s seascapes particularly stand out, drawing viewers in with a masterful command of blues and emerald tones that vividly evoke the shimmering light of the Mediterranean. The works invite quiet reflection and immersion in the scene. Influenced by the German Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich, Pizarro often includes figures in his landscapes, typically viewed from behind, who serve as symbolic bridges, guiding the observer toward horizons rich with meaning and emotion.

Art that records meticulous records of reality, built on balanced compositions

His still lifes are meticulous records of reality, built on balanced compositions that encourage a slow, deliberate appreciation of mundane everyday objects and settings. Over the years, Pizarro has held numerous exhibitions in galleries across Spain, designed posters for various institutional celebrations, and even contributed paintings used as set decorations in television series.

Born Jesús Simón Pizarro in Monroy, Cáceres, the artist now resides in Alhaurín de la Torre. His passion for painting ignited unexpectedly in 1994, when he left a successful career in the automotive sales sector. What began as a sudden “love at first sight”—sparked by encouragement from his wife and inspiration from Friedrich’s romantic works—led him to study under the renowned painter Robles Muñoz. From that point onwards, he committed himself to perfecting his technique and forging a distinctive personal style.

Artist travelled world for inspiration

Pizarro’s artistic training has been broad and international. He pursued studies in Madrid, Cheste (Valencia), Seville, and Malaga, where he earned a Diploma in Teaching and a Degree in Biology from the University of Malaga. He further expanded his horizons with courses in Limerick, Ireland, and in Southampton and Cambridge, England, learning alongside instructors from dozens of countries. These experiences, he says, have made him more tolerant, open-minded, and creatively enriched.

At the heart of Pizarro’s art is an intimate connection to his immediate environment. His paintings explore landscapes, seascapes, still lifes, flowers, and portraits of the people closest to him—those who have shared his journey. He delights in discovering beauty in the familiar, savouring the unique perspective each observation brings. In many of his landscape pieces, solitary figures appear within the scene, beckoning viewers to walk alongside them or sit and share in the surrounding splendour.

Details

The exhibition at the Casa de la Cultura Manuel Delgado Perea will be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm and from 4pm to 10pm. Everyone is encouraged to attend the opening on Friday evening or stop by during the run to experience firsthand the evocative, technically accomplished realism of Simón Pizarro. Casa de la Cultura is on Avenida Juan Gómez Juanito, Fuengirola.

Costa del Sol has been named one of the 12 finalists for National Destination of the Year in the prestigious Premios Condé Nast Traveler España 2026, putting it in direct competition with top Spanish spots including Mallorca, Sevilla, Madrid, Tenerife, and others.

The announcement, made by the most highly-respected travel and lifestyle magazine Condé Nast Traveler to coincide with FITUR week, highlights the Costa del Sol as one of the favourites to win. Organisers praise the Malaga coastline for being “one of the few places” that successfully combines a lively cultural pulse, thriving gastronomy, and an increasingly serene and sophisticated form of luxury.

Creative capital of southern Spain

Far from outdated stereotypes, the Costa del Sol has refined its identity, the publication says. Malaga has has developed into the creative capital of southern Spain, boasting a dynamic calendar of exhibitions, festivals, and new openings along with a culinary scene in full swing. Meanwhile, Marbella continues to set the pace for Mediterranean glamour, now with a more contemporary and relaxed perspective.

Embracing a modern approach to travel, they say the Costa del Sol includes hotels designed for longer stays, beach clubs where design harmonises with the natural surroundings, restaurants that reinterpret local recipes while preserving authenticity, and nearby white villages inland that encourage visitors to slow down and lower the pace.

The great Costa del Sol transformation

“The Costa del Sol no longer defines itself solely by what it once was but by everything it is becoming: a destination in constant evolution, capable of offering distinct experiences to every type of traveller,” the magazine states.

Other finalists for National Destination of the Year include A Coruña, Caceres, Girona, Huesca, Madrid, Mallorca, Navarra, Santander, Sevilla, Tenerife, and Valladolid. These awards, among the most influential in the global travel industry, recognise excellence based on votes from Condé Nast Traveler‘s readers. Voting for categories, including hotels, resorts, and destinations, is expected to open in March, with winners announced during a grand gala in June.

The recognition shows the Costa del Sol’s ongoing transformation into a multifaceted, high-end yet approachable destination, boosted by new luxury developments and a focus on culture, cuisine, and calming luxury.

TK Maxx, the British off-price fashion and homeware retailer, is preparing to enter the Spanish market for the first time, with plans confirmed for the opening of its debut store in Barcelona this spring. The store will be located in the Diagonal Mar shopping centre, marking the brand’s first presence in Spain.

The opening represents a major step for TK Maxx, part of the TJX Companies group, one of the world’s largest off-price retailers. While the brand is established in countries including the UK, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, Spain has until now remained absent from its European network.

Location and timing

Diagonal Mar chosen for debut

The Barcelona store will occupy a prime location in Diagonal Mar, one of the city’s largest shopping centres, situated close to the seafront and well connected to public transport. The choice of site reflects TK Maxx’s strategy of launching in high-traffic urban retail destinations when entering new markets.

Preparations for the store are already underway, including interior fit-out and merchandising plans. The opening is scheduled for spring, although an exact date has not yet been announced. Retail analysts note that the timing coincides with the peak season for consumer spending and tourism in Barcelona.

Retail concept

Off-price fashion and homeware

TK Maxx operates an off-price retail model, offering branded clothing, footwear, accessories and homeware at discounted prices. Products are sourced from a wide range of international brands, with stock rotating frequently to encourage repeat visits.

The Barcelona store will follow the same format as other European outlets, combining fashion for men, women and children with home décor and lifestyle products. Prices are typically lower than traditional retail due to opportunistic buying and short-term purchasing cycles. The store will also provide seasonal and limited-edition products unique to each location.

Strategy behind the move

Spain added to European growth plans

The entry into Spain is part of TK Maxx’s broader European expansion strategy. Spain represents a significant retail market with strong tourism, high urban footfall and a well-developed shopping centre network. Analysts highlight that the off-price retail model has gained popularity in Europe, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty, as consumers increasingly seek branded goods at lower prices. TK Maxx’s arrival is expected to boost competition in Spain’s value and discount fashion sector.

Local impact

Jobs and commercial activity

The launch of the Barcelona store is expected to generate new retail jobs, though exact employment figures have not been disclosed. The opening will also strengthen Diagonal Mar’s retail offering by introducing an internationally recognised brand to the Spanish market.

If the Barcelona store performs successfully, TK Maxx may consider expanding to other Spanish cities, although no additional locations have yet been confirmed. The company is expected to monitor customer demand closely before announcing further openings.

What is confirmed so far

• TK Maxx, a British retailer, will open its first Spanish store in Barcelona in spring.
• The store will be located in the Diagonal Mar shopping centre.
• It will offer discounted branded fashion and homeware.
• This marks TK Maxx’s official debut in the Spanish market.

Looking ahead

A test case for future expansion

The Barcelona store will serve as a benchmark for TK Maxx’s long-term prospects in Spain. Success could pave the way for further openings in major urban centres, signalling growing confidence in Spain’s retail recovery.

As preparations continue, attention will focus on how Spanish consumers respond to a brand that is well-established across Europe but only now making its debut on Spanish soil.