MURCIA SOUTH WEST

Could your fingerprint replace your bank PIN? The new payment trend arriving in SpainFaster checkouts, fewer passwords and a new way to pay that could soon become the norm The days of trying to remember your bank card PIN every time you pay for shopping could eventually be numbered. A growing number of banks and technology companies.. 15/05/2026

Drivers in Spain face tougher ITV tests under sweeping EU reformsThe new rules will bring stricter inspections to Spain and could even allow motorists to get an ITV abroad Drivers in Spain could soon face a very different, and possibly more stressful, ITV inspection as the European Union moves ahead with plans.. 15/05/2026

Spain joins hunt for 12 UK's most wanted fugitivesA major operation is focusing on Alicante, Malaga, Marbella, Tenerife and other British hotspots across Spain Spain has joined an international campaign to track down the UK’s 12 most wanted fugitives, with authorities focusing on areas with a strong.. 15/05/2026

Spain sees surge in racist social media posts as more than 1,000 hateful messages appear every dayNew figures show most abuse targets North Africans and Muslims, while campaigners push for stronger action online More than 105,000 racist and xenophobic messages were detected on social media in Spain during the first three months of 2026, according.. 15/05/2026

Murcia police arrest two Irish nationals in international drug smuggling operationInvestigators in Murcia and Valencia found cocaine, heroin and marijuana hidden inside household appliances Two Irish nationals have been arrested in the south of Spain after Guardia Civil officers uncovered what investigators describe as a sophisticated.. 14/05/2026

Spain electricity and gas bills set to rise again as VAT returns to 21% in JuneThe end of temporary tax reductions is expected to push up household bills across Spain again from next month Households across Spain are set to feel another hit to their finances from June after the government confirmed temporary VAT cuts on electricity.. 14/05/2026

Valencian government approves new 10-year contracts for key Costa Blanca bus servicesExisting routes will continue but with plans for improved links to Alicante Airport, train stations and Torrevieja Hospital The Valencian government has approved plans to renew and modernise two of the Costa Blanca’s main intercity bus corridors.. 12/05/2026

Your bank may be calling - but it could be a scam: Police warn over rising 'spoofing' fraud in SpainFraudsters are making calls appear genuine to trick victims into handing over banking details and security codes A worrying phone scam that makes calls look as though they are coming directly from your bank is continuing to spread in Spain, with Polic.. 11/05/2026

Major facelift underway for Avenida del Cabo in Orihuela CostaThe €200,000 project aims to improve accessibility and year-round traffic flow in Cabo Roig Work is continuing along Avenida del Cabo in Cabo Roig as the local government pushes ahead with a €200,000 upgrade aimed at modernising one of its.. 11/05/2026

Hantavirus cruise ship set to dock in Tenerife as quarantine plan moves aheadThe MV Hondius is due in Granadilla on Saturday, with British passengers also affected by the outbreak and health authorities insisting the risk remains low Spain is preparing to receive the MV Hondius in Tenerife on Saturday after the cruise ship at.. 08/05/2026

Spain is set for hotter than usual May to July, according to expertsEarly summer could feel warmer than normal in Spain, but plenty of rain is still on the cards To say it’s been an unsettled and unpredictable start to the year is something of an understatement. Spain welcomed 2026 with a barrage of storms that.. 08/05/2026

Mercadona changes home delivery rules leaving some shoppers stranded in SpainShoppers now face checking store by store across Spain to see whether deliveries are still available Mercadona shoppers across Spain are facing a frustrating new change that could make the weekly supermarket run a lot more complicated, especially.. 08/05/2026

Benidorm and Valencia using phone tracking and AI to tackle beach overcrowdingCouncils across the Valencian Community are using live data to monitor crowded beaches and tourist hotspots If you’ve ever arrived at a packed beach in Benidorm, spent 20 minutes hunting for parking in Alicante or found yourself shoulder-to-shoulder.. 08/05/2026

The best time to take out a health insurance policy: Young versus older When considering taking out a health insurance policy, many people wonder at what age it is best to do so. Is it worthwhile to be insured when you are young? At what age should you start looking for private medical insurance? There is no perfect age.. 07/05/2026

Bioparc Valencia says goodbye to Negombo, one of Europe's longest-living Sri Lankan leopardsThe much-loved big cat arrived at the Spanish park back in 2009 and his offspring continue to thrive in zoos across Europe Bioparc Valencia has announced the death of Negombo, a male Sri Lankan leopard who spent more than 15 years at the park and.. 06/05/2026

The Valencian Community leads Spain once again with 152 Blue Flag beaches for 2026From Orihuela to Alicante, here's every beach in the area that's earned the top environmental award this summer The Valencian Community has held onto its position at the top of Spain's Blue Flag rankings for 2026, with 152 awards distributed.. 05/05/2026

Save up to 50% on fuel with these top tips from the DGT SpainRising oil prices in Spain mean it's time to start driving smarter and these new habits could save you a fortune With Brent crude oil creeping towards $96 a barrel amid ongoing instability in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.. 05/05/2026

Spain supermarket savings: 3 simple changes that can drastically cut your billFrom shopping lists to store brands, a few simple changes can cut costs by up to 40% in supermarkets across Spain Spain’s supermarket prices have been creeping up for a while now and it’s something most households are feeling at the checkout.. 05/05/2026

Spain moves to ease airport queues as new EU border system causes delaysOperational tweaks introduced as British travellers face long waits at passport control Passengers arriving in Spain, particularly from the UK, have been facing lengthy delays at passport control following the rollout of the EU’s new Entry/Exit.. 01/05/2026

Why May 1 is a public holiday in SpainLabour Day is marked nationwide with a long history of workers’ rights, protest and a welcome day off May 1 is one of the most important dates in the Spanish work calendar, and this year it falls on a Friday, creating a long weekend for many people.. 01/05/2026