Every year tens of thousands descend on the tiny town of Bunol for the anual tomato fight.. yes as in red and normally eaten in a salad or on pan catalan. Pan Catalan will be found in any Spanish Tapas bar or restaurant - its simple yet really delicious: lightly toasted bread on which you rub fresh garlic, drizzle on some olive oil then spread the tomato - yum!
The unemployment rate in Spain has soared in the second quarter to a record 24.6% - to date the maximum was 24.5% which was reached in the first quarter of 1994. The official number of unemployed people increased by 53,000 to 5,693,100 - but as everyone knows, in reality tis figure is much higher due to those that work for black money and do not register on the social security system.
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The president of the Business Association of Hotels Benidorm and the Costa Blanca (HOSBEC) Antonio Mayor, has asked the Government to "reconsider the proposed VAT increases for theme parks, nightclubs and golf as tourism products".
More than 1600 residents that live in Albir have been forced to change doctors and health centre due to the "reorganization of of health care resources over the Summer period". The regional government has closed the Centro de Salud in Albir in the evenings and also removed one of the doctors and relocated him to the centre in Alfaz, forcing the residents to travel several kilometres from their homes to see a doctor.
British holiday makers taking their cars to Spain this summer are being warned of the threat from motorway thieves who rob foreign plated vehicles and hire cars. British registered cars using motorways in Spain are proving an easy target for gangs who use a wide variety of scams to distract unsuspecting holiday makers and then steal their bags and belongings from their vehicles.The worse blackspot is the AP7 motorway between the French boarder
Sign in all pharmacy windowsPharmacies in the region will keep their shutters down as they go on an indefinite strike starting today, Monday 23rd July. They called off the previous strike which was planned for 9th July after Central Government promised to step in, but 15 days later the money promised has not materialized. This conflict has dragged on for months and Health Minister Luis Rosado promised a payment schedule to the
There are 2 water parks in Benidorm and often visitors are baffled as to which one to go to during their stay. Aqualandia is certainly bigger, has more slides and is great for the older kids or those that are more adventurous. However, if you have younger children, say under 12 or are not too keen on giant slides I would definitely recommend Aqua Natura - and I was surprised to discover a little secret there too ...
Hotel occupancy during the first half of July has reached an average of 89.2%, which equals the figure for last year as reported in a statement by the Business Association of Hotels Benidorm of the Costa Blanca (Hosbec).By nationality, the breakdown corresponds to a 50.1% share to the domestic market and 49.9% share to the foreign tourist.
It has been some years since my last visit to Terra Mitica, so off I went with 3 children last weekend (they were aged between 12 and 15 - yes brave I know, especially as 2 weren´t even mine). I was curious to see if there had been any changes since management of the park is now under the Aqualandia group and to also hear the opinions of my three charges.
Due to the crippling economic situation, particularly in Spain where unemployment stands at 25% (50% for youth) there has been a visible return of property conmen and time share/holiday club sellers along the Costa coastline. As you head down to the beach, obviously looking like a tourist you are being preyed upon by unscrupulous rep´s waiting to lure you in.
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Just like a hurricane, the ITV crew and presenters came and left like a torpedo! The morning started early at the Sol Pelicanos hotel - the crew having already set up by 8am ready for the live link ups. Benidorm Mayor, Agustin Navarro arrived at 9 o´clock to pre-record a welcome speech as he had a previous engagement so couldn´t broadcast live - not that anyone would have realised anyway.
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Alison Hammond, Matt Johnson and Johnny Robinson were down on the Levante beach this morning pre-recording some footage for tomorrows live broadcast. They were filmed doing what Benidorm is now most well known for ... mobility scooter racing on the promenade! The crowds gathered early on and were asked to participate by waving flags and cheering their favourite celeb on.
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If you are here on holiday, or are lucky enough to live here you may be now be fed up of lying around the pool or going to the beach each day and are wondering what else you can do on a Sunday. Here are some suggestions of places you could try ... and they are all FREE! Benidorm Market - this is on every Sunday (and Wednesday) and probably the biggest of all the markets on the Costa Blanca.
Many people that visit Benidorm often comment on the tradition of leaving padlocks at specific places. Two such locations in Benidorm are the stairs leading from Mal Pas beach up to the Mirador and actually at the top of the viewpoint - both in the Old Town. Mal Pas beach is a tiny sandy cove which is reached from the bottom of the Old Town - head to the "Parc dÉlx" or better known to the Brits as Dove Park.
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