Evacuated Benahavis Residents Told To Return To Their Homes As Firefighters Bring Blaze That Closed AP-7 And Threatened Costa Del Sol Villas Under Control

Published

12 hours ago

July 10, 2026

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RESIDENTS evacuated from a upmarket Benahavis urbanisation have been told they can return home after firefighters bring under control a wildfire that shut the AP-7 motorway on the Costa del

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Free concerts over three nights at Benalmadena Marina in Veladilla del Carmen 2026

Published

9 hours ago

July 10, 2026

admin

Urban rap, flamenco and pop music are all coming to Benalmadena this summer, with three nights of free open-air concerts hotting up the marina. From Thursday, July 16 to Saturday, July 18, the local port will transform into a lively festival zone to celebrate the annual Veladilla del Carmen, a traditional event that unites live music with a stunning emotional candlelit maritime procession.

Free live music acts announced to keep crowds dancing

Famous Spanish artists will headline the main evening slots at the marina, with all performances completely free to the public. Celebrations kick off on Thursday, July 16 with a performance by flamenco star Marisol Bizcocho at 11pm. Rock fans can also enjoy a warm-up set by local band BenalRock earlier that evening at 9pm.

Urban and rap artist Nyno Vargas takes over the stage on Friday, July 17 at 11pm with pop vocalist Andy, widely known from the famous Spanish duo Andy & Lucas, will close the festival on Saturday, July 18 at 11pm. Nightly entertainment will take you well into the early hours with cover bands like Pop FM and Q-Gain keeping you dancing to your hearts content.

Yolanda Peña, Councillor for Festivals and Popular Traditions, unveiled the official schedule, confirming that activities will centre around the open-air events square by the marina’s Ferris wheel. Visitors can look forward to enjoying a full three evenings of communal celebration.

Traditional maritime procession and fireworks

Religious and cultural events are the man heart of the festival, specifically on the Thursday. The date which marks the official Feast of the Virgen del Carmen. Holy Mass starts at 6pm at the Carmen Church, followed immediately by the famous land-and-sea procession where the statue of the patron saint of sailors is carried into the water.

Spectators will gather at the main harbour master’s headquarters at 10:30pm to hear Mayka Romero perform the traditional Salve hymn. Shortly after, the emotional Encuentro de la Chiquita takes place at 11:00pm, a unique tradition where local scuba divers emerge from the sea carrying a smaller statue of the Virgin to meet the main icon at the Yacht Club dock. A massive firework display over the water will conclude the sacred portion of the evening, illuminating the beautiful marina.

For more information on the location, event and timings visit the Benalmadena Town Hall Website

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El Corte Ingles Mijas Centre Expands

Published

1 day ago

July 9, 2026

Adam Woodward

Las Lagunas de Mijas El Corte Inglés. Credit: Tyk, Willi CC

Mijas and Fuengirola shoppers and Costa del Sol visitors can now prepare for wider retail options after El Corte Ingles announced expansion at its Las Lagunas centre. Currently only three of six floors operate with 14,500 square metres of space. Plans hope to increase this to more than 22,000 square metres and return every standard department before Christmas trading begins this year. The move reverses several years of reduced operations at the site.

Site background: Since 2021 cut-price odds and ends outlet store

Operators introduced an outlet format during 2021. Fashion and accessory brands with reduced prices filled much of the upper space. The Hipercor supermarket and limited services were left downstairs. Electronics received extra focus, but overall selection stayed narrower than at full El Corte Ingles locations elsewhere on the coast at that time. It became a bargain-bucket of a department store.

The original store was built in the early 2000s and was part of an ambitious expansion across Spain. The rapid expansion, which included a second store in La Coruña, the company’s first stores in El Ejido, Salamanca, and the Mijas store, were frowned upon by many in high positions in the company, especially as there were already signs of a serious global financial crisis on the horizon at the time. Previously, El Corte Inglés was largely considered a higher-end establishment for customers with generally more acquisitive power than most, and these new locations were thought of as places where the clientele would not meet that economic criteria.

After the financial crash, many of the new builds, like Mijas, ended up being converted into ‘outlets’, or discount stores used to get rid of old stock at discounted prices. However, with the Mijas economy rising in the ranks of financial well-being, it seems the company has reconsidered and decided to restore the full El Corte Inglés standard to the site.

Upgrades and new facilities underway

A Club del Gourmet is due to open during July. Hipercor will get a prepared dishes zone in August. Clothing areas are added to the Unit Home range. Electronics receive new investment and updates. These steps form part of returning the complete range of departments and services that customers expect from the chain. Broader fashion and homeware selections return to match other major centres.

Jobs boost and regional growth context

Recruitment adds 223 positions and lifts total staff above 500. The centre serves around 250,000 local people, with numbers doubling during high season. This project starts an accelerated growth programme for El Corte Inglés across Costa del Sol stores, including those in Malaga and Marbella. Other roles cover sales, logistics and customer service positions.

Interesting to note:

By the way, Did you know El Corte Inglés hires English-speaking staff? They look for various positions, especially in multi-lingual areas like Mijas. And also, especially in the ‘personal shopper’ category, who are often sought by the company to cater, often, to the wealthier foreign customers. If you consider yourself an ‘expert shopper’, this could be your calling!

Access and final rollout timeline

Full operations target the Christmas campaign period 2026. Customers reach the site at Calle Santa Laura via existing road links with 1733 parking spaces available (even with very confusing one-way systems). Bus routes from Fuengirola and nearby towns plus Cercanías train connections remain unchanged throughout the works. Opening hours stay consistent with current schedules during the phased improvements ahead.

Costa del Sol

Estepona wildfire near Selwo Aventura brings health and possible evacuation warnings

Published

1 day ago

July 9, 2026

admin

The biggest wildfire on the Costa del Sol so far this season has broken out near Selwo Aventura. Residents in Estepona face serious dangers after reports of a wildfire near Selwo on Thursday. Fire services responded quickly with two fire copters already over the blaze which may have started in a ditch and is currently threatening some properties. Very high fire risk remains in place with temperatures reaching 36 degrees.

Current fire details in Estepona

Authorities confirmed a notable incident close to the Selwo area. Local observers shared images of flames while no large scale alert came from regional plans yet. Dry conditions in peak summer fuel rapid spread of such fires. Provincial firefighters are handling multiple calls in the municipality.

Health risks from smoke exposure

Smoke from the fire creates breathing difficulties for many people and threatening the animals housed at the zoo facilities. Fine particles irritate lungs and eyes while worsening asthma and similar conditions. Children older adults and heart patients require extra protection. Air quality currently sits at moderate levels though local smoke can raise risks quickly. Experts advise staying inside with windows closed and wearing masks if going out.

Challenges around Selwo Safari Park

Selwo Aventura holds thousands of animals with large species difficult to relocate during emergencies. Past fires forced evacuation of hundreds of visitors and staff from the park plus nearby cabins. Human safety takes priority in these scenarios. Proximity to forests and homes adds pressure on teams when flames near tourist attractions.

Lessons from previous blazes

Earlier incidents near Estepona led to road closures and moves for communities. Strong winds accelerate fire movement across hillsides often. A major 2021 event affected residential zones and caused anxiety for evacuees. Preparation proves essential for locals and visitors during fire prone seasons.

Steps to stay safe during the alert

People should monitor official channels such as emergency number 112 for updates. Follow evacuation orders immediately and prepare essential items ahead. Limit outdoor activity for vulnerable groups. Check protection services regularly for guidance on air quality and roads. Quick responses help limit harm from these situations.

We will bring you more news of the blaze at Selwo as we get it.