Brian Hayhurst, an expat from Huddersfield, told how the tourist season is heating up in the Costa del Sol

Former Huddersfield gymnast and pub owner Brian Hayhurst and his wife Elaine are expats who have lived just outside Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol for 20 years. He writes a regular blog for the Huddersfield Hub.

Rising temperatures, the 90-day rule, anti-tourism demonstrations and tourist taxes have not deterred tourists from coming to the Costa del Sol. In fact, the number of visitors is breaking records again.

This popular holiday destination has a lot to offer all year round as it copes with 10 national holidays plus other more localized festive dates.

The range of events and activities is enormous, if you can get used to the heat, especially at this time of year.

One such event, which has grown massively over the years, is the annual Torremolinos Pride Festival. This busy city is well known as a magnet for diversity with a growing LGBT community.

The extravagant and outrageous four-night festival was so successful with its international aspect that the resort is bidding to host EuroPride on a larger scale in 2027.

One thing the mild evening weather brings out is the hoards of e-scooters all over the roads, especially the youngsters speeding in and out of traffic – helmet-free and carefree.

Finally, the Spanish government finally decided to create more laws and stricter regulations for this sustainable “fun” transport, while highlighting the potential dangers.

Generalul Rutier – DGT – is to introduce mandatory certificates, insurance for all users (16+). They are not allowed on public transport due to the risk of battery fire, and headphones must be worn at all times.

I think manufacturers should fit speed limiters to all scooters before they leave the factories. Currently, the limit is 25 km/h. I think 15 km is enough.

It is estimated that insurance can vary between €20 and €100, depending on the age and experience of the user. How the police will set their task to catch and check will be fun!

Anti-tourist demonstrations continue in the Canaries and Mallorca over the overcrowding and holiday situation.

This, I believe, makes these regions “victims of their own success”. Spain has developed profitably over the past 50 years, largely based on tourism.

If the local authorities and the government do not solve this difficult situation, they are likely to face some problems of unemployment and widespread discontent. So far there are very few protests here on Costas.

The spectacular Marbella Starlite program of A-list artists appearing this summer began at this open-air theater from a quarry on the outskirts of this vibrant city.

Acts include dozens of popular Spanish bands and personalities, along with a wide range of British and European talent including Jamie Cullum, Sir Tom Jones, Take That, Placido Domingo and more.

And to finish, here’s some more Costa news.

The fights were staged again this week at the bullring in Marbella, with thousands of people protesting against the reintroduction of the ‘sport’ after 10 years! Including the mayor, 25,000 people signed a petition to stop it.

We frequently get red sand storms from the Sahara, called Calima, which, as the image above shows, will cover cars outdoors in thick, red dust, giving the wash crews a lot of joy. The storm I experienced calmed down very quickly.

The Spanish government is considering offering free sunscreen in beach areas for young people to help tackle growing skin cancer concerns.

And finally, UK residents here can now vote in UK elections. We are undecided whether to go ahead and actually who to vote for! Answers on a postcard please…

Catch up on Brian’s previous blogs HERE