Latest news with #Andalucian
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Isco makes Spain squad return for Nations League final four
Real Betis' Spanish midfielder Isco has been playing superbly in recent months for the Andalucian side (CRISTINA QUICLER) Spain coach Luis de la Fuente called up Isco on Monday for the Nations League final four, six years after the midfielder's last appearance for La Roja. The 33-year-old has enjoyed a superb season with Real Betis, helping them reach the Conference League final where they face Chelsea on Wednesday. Advertisement Euro 2024 winners Spain face France in the semi-final in Stuttgart on June 5 before a potential final against Germany or Portugal. "It was the opportune moment for Isco to come and give something to us," De la Fuente told reporters. "He will be adding a lot -- if not, he would not have been in the list." Out of favour for several seasons at Real Madrid, former Malaga playmaker Isco moved to Sevilla and then Betis in 2022 and 2023 respectively. At the Benito Villamarin stadium he has rebuilt his career and become a vital cog in Manuel Pellegrini's attractive attacking set-up. Advertisement "I'm happy to return after so many years, it's a nice objective to be able to play again with my national team," Isco told Real Betis's in-house media. "I'm proud to get back there, that means that things have been going well." Real Madrid's new defensive signing from Bournemouth, Dean Huijsen, who impressed in the quarter-final win over the Netherlands, returns to the squad, while Barcelona midfielders Gavi and Fermin Lopez also make the cut. Teenage winger Lamine Yamal and playmaker Pedri are the key figures, along with Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams. Advertisement Manchester City holding midfielder Rodri was not included despite his recent return to fitness, with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi set to start at the base of midfield. "Rodri is hugely important (but) he's been out for eight months and has only played 10 minutes," added De la Fuente. "It's not the moment to take any risks, we always prioritise the health of the players, he's in the process of improving and gaining back confidence, finding himself again." Full Spain squad for Nations League final four: Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad) Advertisement Defenders: Oscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea) Midfielders: Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Pedri Gonzalez, Dani Olmo (all Barcelona), Isco (Real Betis), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Fabian Ruiz (PSG), Alex Baena (Villarreal) Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Samu Omorodion (Porto), Alvaro Morata (Galatasaray) rbs/gj/pb
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Toddler, 3, dies after being found trapped in parked car in 27C tourist town
A three-year-old boy has died in a popular Spanish tourist town after being found trapped inside a parked car in 27C heat. Emergency responders including police and paramedics were sent to the scene after a 999 call from a member of the public just before 3pm this afternoon. They tried to revive him for several minutes after freeing him from the vehicle and discovering he didn't have a heartbeat. The child was then rushed to a local hospital where he was certified dead. The drama happened in Linares in the Andalucian province of Jaen, home to the Andres Segovia House Museum dedicated to celebrated classical guitarist Andres Segovia.
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Europe's most walkable city is 'best for tourists' and one of the sunniest too
Seville in southern Spain is one of Europe's warmest destinations and has been named the best city to explore on foot. Here's what to see and do in the Andalucian city Is there anything quite as thrilling as discovering a new city on foot? However, some cities are much more pedestrian-friendly than others. A study by the team at Preply analysed Europe's most walkable cities based on how easy it is to explore the city's main attractions without using public transport or a car. Seville, the capital of sunny Andalucia in southern Spain, came out on top. The pretty city is also one of Europe's warmest destinations. According to Preply, it'll take tourists just 20 minutes to walk between Seville's top five attractions. Plaza de Espana is Seville's top-rated attraction on Tripadvisor. Tourists can even take a boat out to explore the pretty city square. However, Britons might want to move fast if they want to explore the square. Seville's city officials have plans to charge an entry fee for it. Just a 10-minute walk from the Plaza de Espana, the Royal Alcazar of Seville is a stunning medieval Islamic palace that blends Moorish and Christian architecture, reports the Express. The palace's gardens are incredibly spectacular so it's worth pre-booking a ticket as they can sell out on the day. The city's Cathedral is just a short step from the Plaza and the Alcazar and it dates back to the 15th century. While you're at the Cathedral, don't miss the Torre Giralda, which was once a mosque minaret but has been converted into a church bell tower. As you amble along, you'll encounter the Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville's historic district and one of its top five must-see spots. Its labyrinthine lanes can be a bit tricky to navigate, but there are plenty of tucked-away cafes where you can take a breather and grab a snack. After soaking up the sights, don't miss out on sampling some tapas in this Andalusian city, which proudly proclaims itself as the birthplace of this beloved cuisine. Top picks include slow-cooked beef cheeks, pork sirloin doused in whisky sauce, crispy fried fish or a refreshing seafood salad.
Press and Journal
13-05-2025
- General
- Press and Journal
Do you know your Bourbon Reds from your Nankins and Minorcas?
There's a niche area of farming – away from the mainstream business of producing beef, lamb, pork, chicken and eggs – quietly doing its bid to preserve Britain's rare native livestock and equine breeds. There are sheep and cows among these, but also pigs, horses, ponies, goats, chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese. In fact, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) has more than 100 varieties on the 'priority' section of its 2025-26 watch list alone. They include Eriskay ponies, Tamworth pigs and Old English goats. There are dozens of poultry breeds getting the priority treatment. Chicken varieties include Andalucian, Australorp, British Faverolles, Buff Orpington, Cream Egbar, Croad Langshan, Minorca, Nankin, Scots Dumpy and Sicilian Buttercup. Bourbon Red, Crollwitzer (Pied), Harvey Speckled and Narragansett are among the turkey types. How many of these have you heard of? These fabulously-named animals are new to me. Then there's the 'at risk' category, which includes Llanwenog and Lonk sheep, Shetland and Traditional Hereford cattle, Clydesdale horses, Highland ponies, British Saddleback pigs, Bagot goats and many more. Many of these breeds would die out if it wasn't for the efforts of the RBST and a dedicated band of people throughout the UK who are committed to keeping them alive. Alice Lennox straddles both camps, having recently found her 'dream job' with RBST. She grew up surrounded by rare breeds of pigs, cattle, sheep, horses, chickens, ducks and other animals. Her mum and dad, Graham and Debbie Lennox ran Doonie's Rare Breeds Farm, in Aberdeen. For decades, Doonie's was a well-loved destination for visitors from across the north-east and beyond. It was also a working conservation farm, with RBST accreditation. But it was forced to close in August 2023 after landowner Aberdeen City Council decided to make the site part of the city's multi-million-pound energy transition zone. The Lennoxes had run Doonie's for 30 years, and it had been open since the 1970s. Now a few months into her new job as Scottish co-ordinator for RBST, Alice told me she was loving the role. She added: 'I'm spinning a lot of plates but thoroughly enjoying it. Alice won the rare breeds champion of the year title in the 2023 RBST Scotland Food and Farming Sustainability Awards. The accolade recognised her work at Doonie's from 1993 until its closure, and her decade volunteering with RBST support groups around Scotland. She is as passionate as ever about rare breeds and still gets to look after animals belonging to her friends. She's effectively the face of RBST north of the border, focused on achieving its objectives here. Her days are devoted to conserving and promoting native livestock and equine breeds as sustainable alternatives to the intensively farmed animals that have come to dominate our countryside in recent decades. Her duties also include managing events, supporting applications for funding and advising on conservation projects. Events she's at the heart of in 2025 include the RBST Scotland Conference on July 31. Asked why her work is so important, Alice said: 'Our rare native livestock and equine breeds have long served Scottish farms and communities. 'They continue to deliver important roles today and for the future too. 'Bred for local landscapes and conditions, our rare livestock breeds are ideal for high quality, nutritious and sustainable food production that also supports the natural environment. 'The equine breeds are fantastic across a range of disciplines, and the ponies are also excellent for improving natural biodiversity through conservation grazing.' Conserving the genetics of these irreplaceable breeds could also be crucial in the face of future disease outbreaks, the impacts of climate change or other as-yet-unknown challenges.' Alice Lennox, Scottish co-ordinator, RBST She added: 'There are fantastic examples of rare livestock and equine breeds at the heart of farm diversifications. 'Conserving the genetics of these irreplaceable breeds could also be crucial in the face of future disease outbreaks, the impacts of climate change or other as-yet-unknown challenges. 'These breeds are part of Scotland's identity and I look forward to exploring their future at the heart of farming and land management at the RBST Scotland Conference at Guardswell Farm, Perthshire, on July 31.' Through its 4,200 members, staff and support groups, RBST provides a network of knowledge to support and encourage those doing their bit to support native rare breeds. Native breeds play a major role in rural life in the UK. According to RBST, there are around 30,000 herds and flocks in the category contributing more than £700 million a year to local economies around Britain.
Telegraph
04-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
‘We bought Casa Alamanda – we want to breathe new life into rural Spain'
Nicola and Mickey Walters had never heard of the tiny village of Moclín until they watched Amanda Holden and Alan Carr's recent house renovation series, Amanda and Alan's Spanish Job. They were so taken by the TV duo's transformation of a derelict Andalucian townhouse into a colourful Alhambra-inspired property that they have just bought Casa Alamanda, the three-bedroom, house that Amanda and Alan built. 'We had no plans of buying another property,' says Nicola, who with Mickey owns a villa in the Costa del Sol. But then she couldn't resist. 'I put in an offer without even viewing it. A few weeks later, we were asked if we'd like to visit it, so we flew out the next day, and the moment Moclín came into view, we both just said 'Wow'. We knew this was the place we'd like to spend time and for others to enjoy, too.' More British people are being drawn to Europe's dying rural villages in the hunt for ultra-cheap properties and unspoilt countryside. In Italy, some villages are offloading unloved homes for €1 a pop to draw in buyers, boost the population and revive the area; elsewhere you can find properties for a few thousand. Moclín is a prime example. It is off-the-beaten track, with just 200 residents; when someone dies, it makes a dent in the population. It has just one shop and two bars (one of which is only open on weekends). Most young people have left for jobs in Granada or Malaga, and it is not known for its competitive housing market. Before the BBC bought the house it had been empty for 35 years. But Nicola and Mickey were up against unprecedented demand for a property in a town where you can still pick up ruins for under €50,000. The newly-renovated house – which was originally bought in its rundown state for €65,000 – went on sale for €245,000 last month (with all profits going to charity). It attracted 35 offers from overseas buyers in the UK, South Africa, Sweden and the US, one at asking price, with the highest reaching €455,000. One bidder offered €100,000 plus a Ferrari. Yet it wasn't simply a case of selling the house to the highest bidder. 'The point of the series is to breathe new life into dying villages, so we don't want someone who will simply buy the house as a holiday home that will sit empty for most of the year,' says Ian Rutter, of Granada Village & Country, who handled the sale. He recalls the delight of his neighbour when he and his husband, moved to Moclín in 2016, as almost every house in the street had been abandoned. One bidder didn't want to rent out the property when he wasn't there. Another needed to go through a complex visa process to move to Spain. The Walters, meanwhile, as cash buyers, could act quickly and have pledged to support local charities such as Moclín's Women's Association. Nicola and Mickey, who are from Flint in north Wales, aren't planning to run Casa Alamanda as a B&B, which was Holden and Carr's vision for it, but they intend to employ local people to operate it as an Airbnb property to ensure, they hope, a constant churn of visitors when they aren't using it. 'Villages like this have lost essential services over the decades, such as healthcare, education, banks and shops,' says Nicola, who, with 54-year-old Mickey, runs a medical manufacturing company. 'We hope to encourage tourists back and encourage the idea of renovating and rejuvenating these areas, and we want to start by working with the locals, young and old, on tours and experiences that we can offer while staying at Casa Alamanda. Moclin is considered to be the last border of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada and holds so much history, which should be remembered and shared.' Although the subject of tourist lets stokes great antagonism in many Spanish cities and popular coastal destinations, where they are blamed for pushing up house prices beyond the reach of locals, in rural areas it's a different matter, says Rutter. 'Inland Spain relies on sustainable tourism to revitalise underpopulated areas, so tourism is positively encouraged. By renting out their properties, buyers are making a constant contribution to the local economy,' he says. It's a similar story in rural Portugal, where properties are often handed down through the generations, and are of little appeal to younger family members who have long since left for the city. Pedrógão Pequeno in the Castelo Branco region is one such town. It's less than two hours' drive from Porto and Lisbon, and set in stunning landscapes of mountains, lakes and river beaches. But with just 700 residents, its population is less than a third what it was 50 years ago. For a supermarket, bank or pharmacy, you need to drive to neighbouring Pedrógão Grande. One of the few foreign residents is Paul Rees, founder of Rural Properties, who has spotted an opportunity in renovating ruined properties and selling them in fully-finished and modernised form to overseas buyers – three quarters of whom relocate to the area. 'You can find ruins for €20,000, but most buyers don't want to take on a big renovation job, and there is little fully complete stock for people to buy,' Rees says. 'Most properties aren't advertised for sale either, as people don't like paying an estate agent's commission. So if you go to a village, you'll see one For Sale sign that has been there for three years, but go to a local café and you'll hear about dozens of houses for sale when you get chatting to people.' Rees does the chatting, the sourcing and the renovating – and buyers can have a say in the finishings and finer details. One current option, near the market town of Figueiro dos Vinhos, is a large, ruined stone 18th-century farmhouse set in a secluded hamlet with a river running through it, priced at €140,000 for the fully-finished, modernised version. The rural lifestyle and relative affordability are the main attractions for buyers from the UK, Northern Europe and the US. But the villages also benefit, says Rees. 'Selling renovated properties to incomers helps breathe new life into towns and villages that have suffered decades of depopulation,' he says. 'People moving in means more money spent in the local bars and shops. If a family moves in, that's more kids for the village school. The locals are delighted. All they've seen for years is people moving away and never coming back, so they welcome newcomers.' Christine Cole, who recently moved to central Portugal from Liverpool with her husband Simon, is renting a cottage while Rees renovates the 16th-century house in Pedrógão Pequeno that they have bought for €175,000. 'These houses are often left to ruin and some streets are almost entirely derelict. Locals are glad that people are moving in,' says Cole, 64, who co-runs an online retail business with Simon. 'It's hard if you don't speak Portuguese, so we are taking the free classes offered by the local council,' she adds. 'We love the feel here of the little communities. We have our bread delivered by a van – we just Whatsapp our order the day before. And the countryside is stunning.' They moved to Portugal after having spent six months sorting their D7 residency visas first. Mandy and James Walker moved to Castanheira de Pera – a picturesque village with beautiful river beaches – in 2020, after they were both made redundant during the pandemic. They paid €80,000 for an unrenovated stone house in the centre of the village. 'Our lounge used to house the Post Office and our barn was a tavern,' says Mandy, 59, whose cousin, a builder, has renovated their property for them. 'We're the only non-Portuguese residents in the village, and most people are fairly elderly. I know one child who lives here and a couple of teenagers. But we've been welcomed with open arms,' adds Walker, who now works as an estate agent for IAD Portugal. Her clients are mainly foreign – Dutch, British, Americans and Israelis are amongst the current crop – and the sort of property they want, such as a fully-renovated two and three-bedroom houses with a garden, costs around €200,000. 'They want to get out of the rat race and this is a beautiful place to live. People here embrace families moving in. Once a house is renovated in a dilapidated village, others follow.' It's a trend that many residents of Spain and Portugal's depopulating rural villages will hope holds true. Back in Moclín, Ian Rutter is doing everything he can to raise awareness of such locations. 'We love living here and our neighbours are like family,' he says. 'That sense of belonging, of family and of community is priceless and as long as we continue to help to assure the future of the village, then we will be happy.'
