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Homeless on the Streets - Benidorm, Albir, Altea
Homeless on the Streets - Benidorm, Albir, Altea - There are so many reasons why people end up living on the streets in our towns and cities and thankfully, there are many people willing to support them in whatever way they can. Be that giving them some change, buying or making food, donating to charities or as the amazing volunteers from Project 4 All do each day, giving up their time and money to make sure they are fed and taken care of.
However, it's so sad to read some people's views and assumptions as to why they have ended up in this situation. Many are quick to judge that they have problems with alcohol or substance abuse whereas, this is just a small percentage of the reason why they are without a home. Occasionally, they may turn to alcohol as a means to escape the reality they face each day, but, wouldn't we all if that was our life?
For those without savings or friends and family to hold them afloat in times of trouble, we are all just a couple of pay checks away from losing our home and being in the same situation.
How you can help the legitimately homeless on the streets of Benidorm, Albir and Altea - Project 4 All are always looking for volunteers for either cooking or driving? Or food donations are always welcome? Please contact the Project 4 All Hotline and be the change you want to see!
+34 604 833 114
PROJECT 4 ALL is an all-inclusive, self-funded, non-profit organization that relies solely on donations.
Coffee 4 All - Homeless Support - Make some ones day a little brighter by visiting the cafes, bars and restaurants listed on Coffee 4 All Facebook Page. This ensures they know they can eat that day and that there are people out there that care.
1. Ask a member of staff in a participating venue for a Post-it note.
2. Write the item you are donating. Drink/Sandwich etc.
3. Give your note and donation to a member of staff.
4. Smile, knowing you've made someone's day that little bit easier.
Even sadder is that here in Benidorm, just like every other large town or city, there are some that appear homeless, but are part of organised groups, these prey on the sympathy of tourists. These people are actually driven into the local towns and placed in strategic spots, purely to obtain money during their shift, they are then collected at the end of the day and driven home to split their profits. If you are in any doubt if some one is genuinely homeless or not, please DO NOT give money, but food and water.
Therefore, with help from Project 4 All we will be sharing stories from some of the people on our local streets, and we hope by doing so, we will not only highlight how these men and women ended up here, and what their ideal life would be like in the future, but most importantly, to give them a name.
They once lived "normal" lives with a home, family, children, employment, dreams....
We want them to know they are not invisible.
Sometimes just a friendly "hello" from a stranger can mean the most...
MEET NICO
Nico is 57 years old and is living by the port in Altea. He has a tent and sleeping bag provided by Project 4 All, who check in with him and provide him with meals, clean clothes and support.
Originally from Romania, he speaks excellent Spanish after moving to Spain 23 years ago.
He has been homeless for five years and was originally staying in the campo before coming to the port area three years ago.
He has done many jobs, both in Romania and here in Spain, including working on tanks and for various construction companies.
Unfortunately, due to an accident which shattered his ankle, leaving him dependent on crutches and unable to work, he was eventually forced to use a wheelchair, which was also provided by the charity. He is currently waiting for hospital treatment to see if anything more can be done for him.
As is usually the case, there were other personal circumstances which led to Nico becoming homeless.
In an ideal world, he would like to receive his pension from Romania and stay here in Spain with a small studio or apartment one day. However, as he can't get back home to complete the paperwork in person, this is proving very difficult.
Nico told us about his love for live music and past visits with friends to Restaurant Mantenía in Benidorm, which served his favourite soup, Ciorbă de burtă and Mici, a spicy, garlic sausage. Unfortunately, it's been a few years since he has been able to visit...
It's important we realise the people we walk past daily, have lived normal lives with family and friends around them, but sometimes they find themselves alone in a situation they never expected.
However, every time Project 4 All stop for a chat, they see many people saying hello, or dropping a few cents in his flat cap.
As we've not been able to find a venue in Altea to join Coffee 4 All yet, these donations are very much needed so he can get what he needs from the local supermarket.
If you are in the area, please wave and say hi to Nico and let him know he is not invisible.
*Photo and information published with permission from Nico.
More stories will follow shortly.
Hotel Ambassador Playa I & II Benidorm
The Hotel Ambassador Playa I and II in Benidorm - situated very close to the beach. These hotels are the perfect combination of sea, leisure and relaxation thanks to their spa and wide range of pubs and bars.
The Ambassador Hotels offer all the comforts and a high quality service and are a great option for families who want to spend their holidays in Benidorm, also for couples who want to enjoy all the attractions and activities of the most famous city on the Mediterranean.
What is difference between Ambassador Playa I & II
The Ambassador Hotel, comprises of two buildings, the rooms are decorated exactly the same and offer all the same facilities. ALL rooms were renovated recently.
Both buildings share the same facilities such as the restaurants, bars and pool.
Each building has its own entrance and reception facilities.
Playa I has 6 floors, the Benicaldea Spa is situated underneath this building.
Playa II has 10 floors and is the building situated closer to the Western Saloon.
Check out the other hotels in Benidorm by Hoteles Benidorm
Presidente Hotel - 4* superior
Riviera Beach Hotel - Recommended for Adults
Services provided at the Hotel Ambassador Playa I & II include:-
Outdoor swimming pool with children's area, terrace with sunbeds, children's playground, Benicaldea Spa (payable), Cafeteria lounge, snack bar, parking (payable), buffet with show cooking and international menus, the hotels have adapted rooms making them suitable for people with reduced mobility.
The Ambassador hotels offer - Bed & Breakfast, Half Board and Full Board.
Free WiFi, 24h luggage room, 24h reception, dry cleaners and laundry (payable), safety deposit box (payable), mini fridge, activities and shows, including shows at the pool, currency exchange, tourist information, cots available on request, adapters, available on request.
Check in from 3pm to Midnight
Check out until Midday
Maximum number of people in the room: 2 - 4
Book Direct on the official website and get the BEST prices guaranteed.
FREE spa session - In Benicaldea, for stays of 7 nights in any of the Hoteles Benidorm hotels.
FREE Transfer from Alicante Airport to the hotel. For reservations of 8 nights for all flights arriving at Alicante Airport, from 07:00 to 23:59, only for shared transfers, Economy Shuttle, NOT a Private Transfer.
The transfer reservation must be requested at the hotel at least 48 hours before the flight date.
Up to 25% discount in our bars - Western Saloon, Morgan Tavern, Bar Hotel California, Surprise Attack, Bar Philippines 10 and Riviera Music Lounge.
Direct contact details
Hotel Ambassador I (+34) 965 851 418 -
Hotel Ambassador II (+34) 965 851 510 -
Read and leave reviews for the Ambassador Hotel HERE
The Restaurant
Buffet and Show Cooking
Flavours from all over the world. Spanish and international dishes are offered along with juicy, tender meat, seasonal fruit, fresh fish and seafood… The expert chefs, make sure that there is no lack of variety. You can also watch the chefs cook live, for super fresh tasty dishes.
Children's menus, cold lunch for late arrivals, are all available on request.
Continental Breakfast (cold) for earlier departures: 07:30 – 8:00
Breakfast buffet: 08:00 to 10:00
Rooms
All pool view rooms: Twin, Family or Adapted are very sunny rooms as they are all south facing.
Double room with pool view
The ideal room for 2 people (19 m2) with 2 single beds, private bathroom with shower, terrace overlooking the hotels' swimming pool. It also has a terrace with urban views as well as different services to make your stay enjoyable, such as free Internet connection.
Terrace View - Pool, television and telephone, Kettle, safe (payable), wooden floor, bath with shower, hairdryer, make-up mirror, air conditioning and heating *depending upon season.
Standard Double Room
Twin room with two very comfortable single beds, terrace and urban views. Maximum 2 people, 17 m2
Terrace, television and telephone, kettle, safe (payable), wooden floor, bath with shower, hairdryer, make-up mirror, air conditioning and heating *depending upon season.
Hotel Ambassador Playa Benidorm
Adapted Twin Room
These adapted rooms are perfect for people with reduced mobility to enjoy their stay at the hotel with all the comforts they need.
There are two twin beds, a large shower and a toilet with bars to help mobility. The size of the room, 25 m2 is adequate to be able to move about with a wheelchair without difficulty.
Terrace, television and telephone, Kettle, safe (payable), wooden floor, bath with shower, hairdryer, make-up mirror, air conditioning and heating *depending upon season.
Family Rooms - Standard (urban view) and Pool view (facing the pool area)
Sleeps 4 - Spacious rooms measuring approximately 23m2 with a 4m2 terrace, with 4 beds or 1 double bed and 2 beds. Perfect for families. Its modern decoration with warm colours. These rooms are Soundproofed and have bathroom with hydro-massage hot tubs.
Two separate areas, with two beds in each, each area having TV, wardrobe and closets.
Terrace, television and telephone, kettle, safe (payable), wooden floor, bath, hairdryer, make-up mirror, air conditioning and heating *depending upon season.
Benicaldea Thai massage & Spa
Benicaldea is the first urban spa in Spain and the largest in Benidorm, with more than 25 years of experience.
The facilities have everything you need from hot pools that oscillate at 34°c, with jets, waterfalls, hydro massage, a toning pool, an ice patio with a 7°c ice pool, Turkish sauna, Finnish saunas, thermal beds, bi-thermal showers, chill out bar, and a sports area equipped with a full gym, among many others.
Read and leave reviews for the Ambassador Hotel HERE
The unique club in Benidorm, the perfect space for the more adventurous. In this bar the period of great discoveries has been recreated, you can have a drink on the Orient Express or, the palaces of Old Bombay.
The Western Saloon is a reference point in Benidorm, not only for its decoration, but also for its performances and shows.
Check out the other hotels in Benidorm by Hoteles Benidorm
Presidente Hotel - 4* superior
Riviera Beach Hotel - Recommended for Adults
Spain's Animal Welfare Act - March 2023
Mandatory Dog Insurance. The new law requires all dog owners to secure public liability insurance for each pet. This obligation will come into effect on September 29th, 2023. Article 30 of the legislation explicitly states that individuals who own dogs must engage and sustain civil liability insurance coverage for potential third-party damages throughout the animal’s lifespan.
Individuals with existing home contents insurance policies may already have some degree of coverage for their pets. However, come September, another requirement will be necessary – dogs included in an insurance policy must have a microchip, which is also law.
You will find that each town hall and autonomous region has it’s own regulations on dog ownership.
Dog ownership courses in Spain
The new law adds a point that has caused much controversy: all people who own or want to own a dog must take a free course, regardless of their breed or physical characteristics, in advance or, if already owned, within a maximum period of two years from the entry into force of the new regulation.
According to the BOE, the course in question must be carried out by all those people who "choose to be owners of dogs" and by those who are already owners, who will have a period of two years from September 29th, 2023 to complete it. The training course will have an "indefinite validity" and its accreditation must be accompanied by civil liability insurance for damages to third parties "that includes in its coverage the persons responsible for the animal, for an amount of sufficient amount to cover the possible derived expenses, which will be established by regulation."
The course will consist of three parts: one of care and veterinary, another of animal welfare and another of legislation, more information will follow shortly.
Dangerous dogs in Spain with the Animal Welfare Law 2023
Until now, the dogs considered as potentially dangerous in Spain, based on their behaviour and physical characteristics, were as follows:
Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffodshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu, Doberman, Bullmastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Neapolitan Mastiff, Boxer, Dogo Canario (Presa Canario), Bull Terrier, Tibetan Mastiff.
However, when the Animal Welfare Act 2023 comes into force, the term "potentially dangerous dog" will be changed to "special handling dog". and their classification will be determined through a sociability assessment according to their behaviour.
If, after testing, the dog is classified as a "special handling dog", owners must follow certain security measures to prevent assaults or escapes.
These are the infractions and sanctions provided for in the new regulations, with up to 18 months in prison.
Fines will range from 500 to 10,000€ for minor infractions and 10,001 to 50,000€ for serious and from 50,001 to 200,000€ for very serious ones.
Actions involving an injury or death of an animal may be punished with prison sentences, ranging from 3 to 12 months if the animal does not die and from 6 to 18 months if it does. Actions involving an injury or death of an animal may be punished with prison sentences, ranging from 3 to 12 months if the animal does not die, and from 6 to 18 months if it dies.
Minor and serious infringements
Here is a list of the infractions provided for in the new law.
They will be minor infractions (from 500 to 10,000 euros fine):
The law considers a minor infraction "any conduct that, by action or omission and without causing physical damage or alterations of its behaviour to the animal, entails the non-observance of prohibitions, care or obligations established by law or those derived from the breach of administrative responsibilities by the owners or responsible for the animal." This includes:
- Lack of communication in the loss or removal of an animal.
- Allow animals to circulate in public spaces without supervision, as well as leave them on a leash.
- No sterilization of animals with uncontrolled access to other animals.
- Leaving animals unsupervised in conditions that may be harmful to their health, such as inside a closed vehicle; or at home for more than 24 hours, in the case of a dog, and 72 hours in the case of cats.
Serious infractions, fines between €10,001 and €50,000 even if they do not involve physical harm to the animal:
Serious infractions will be considered all those that involve damage or suffering to the animal, that do not cause death or serious sequelae, and the violation of all the obligations and prohibitions required by the new legislation:
- Not correctly identifying the animal.
- The misuse of aggressive or violent methods in animal education.
- The administration of substances that harm animals or alter their behaviour that are not prescribed by a veterinarian and have a therapeutic purpose.
- Modifying or mutilating the body of an animal without authorization.
- Use animals as an object of reward, prize, raffle, promotion or advertising claim that has not been authorized.
- Breed and/or trade with non-native wild animals.
- The shipment, not provided for by law, of live animals.
- The removal, relocation or displacement of community cats in situations other than those allowed in this law.
- The abandonment of one or more animals: includes not picking up the animal from residences, veterinarians or other similar establishments in which they had previously deposited them, despite not entailing risk to the animal.
- The theft, theft or misappropriation of an animal.
- Feed with offal from other animals that have not passed the appropriate health controls.
- Permanently keep dogs or cats on terraces, balconies, rooftops, storage rooms, basements, patios and similar or vehicles.
- Committing more than one minor infraction within 3 years.
Very serious infringements (50,001 to 200,000 euros)
All the infractions considered very serious included in the law are:
- Breach of obligations and prohibitions required by law when the death of the animal occurs, provided that it does not constitute a crime, as well as the unauthorized slaughter of animals.
- The assisted death of animals with inadequate means or by an unqualified person.
- The training and use of animals to fight and quarrel with other animals or people.
- The use of pets for human consumption.
- Kill community cats outside the cases authorized in this law.
- The breeding, trade or exhibition of animals for commercial purposes by unauthorized persons or the sale of dogs, cats and ferrets in pet shops.
- The use of animals in prohibited activities, in particular in cultural and festive activities, in mechanical attractions, fairground carousels, as well as the use of wildlife species in circus shows.
- The use of genetic selection of companion animals that entails deterioration for their health.
- The commission of more than one serious infringement within three years, when it has been declared by a final administrative decision.
Other measures: closures, suspensions and disqualifications
The fines in question may come from the hand of other 'accessory sanctions' that may involve:
- Intervention of the animal and its transmission to an animal protection centre or to the one determined by the competent authority.
- Withdrawal of weapons and licenses, and confiscation of the means used to perpetuate the infringement.
- Temporary suspension of licenses, authorizations or permits that may be up to six years for very serious repeat infractions and up to two years for serious infractions.
- Temporary closure of premises and establishments that may even be definitive if there are repeat infringements.
- Disqualification for the exercise of activities related to animals, and possession with animals, for a maximum period of five years for serious infractions and five to ten years for very serious
- Withdrawal of subsidies or aid in the field of this law.
- The obligation to carry out re-education or training courses in welfare, animal protection and animal rights and/or work for the benefit of the
Keep in mind that, in addition, actions involving an injury or death of an animal may be punished with prison sentences, ranging from 3 to 12 months if the animal does not die, and from 6 to 18 months if it dies.
Please note the above has been translated from Spanish to English, so some detail may be slightly lost in translation, read the original article here.
Flying Drones in Spain - The Rules
The Laws regarding the flying of drones are very strict in Spain. These flying devices, however small they may be, are subject to the regulations of the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) and these rules must be followed, unless you want to risk an eye watering fine, Fines for the misuse of drones for recreational purposes can reach 225,000 euros.
Who are the AESA? This is the Spanish Agency for Aviation Safety, they are in charge of everything related to Air Navigation and Transport, as well as Airport Security.
Find out here, what spaces a drone (remotely piloted aircraft) can fly over.
Some rules do not apply if your drone weights less than 250 grams, and does not exceed 20 metres in height, these are regarded as a toy.
*Please note - If your drone weights less than 250 grams but can operate at speeds greater than 90km/h and is equipped with a camera or a microphone, it is NOT classed by the UAS as a toy.*
Do you need a licence to fly a drone in Spain?
For drones from 250 grams, it is mandatory to obtain a certificate that accredits a minimum of knowledge, and that will allow the flight of drones in the different established categories, which may be Level 1 or 2, depending on the risk of the operation, to fly in some specific categories, it is necessary to pass the AESA Level 3 exam.
There is no longer a distinction between professional and recreational flying.
To submit an application, please follow this link*
Remote Pilot Certificate (Non-EU Residents)
If you want to fly your drone in Spain and live in a non-EU country, you must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate from an EU country.
You can get the A1/A3 Certificate by registering with the online Remote Pilot School.
Rules that you need to follow, even if your drone is less than 250 grams.
You must respect the rule of not flying within a radius of 8 km from any airport, aerodrome or other controlled air spaces.
You cannot fly in National Parks, wildlife conservation areas, Biosphere Reserves, and other protected natural areas.
If your drone carries a camera, you must be careful not to violate the Data Protection Act and the Right to Honour and Privacy.
Drones should not be piloted where other low-altitude flights are carried out such as skydiving, ballooning or paragliding.
Drone users must pilot drones in suitable weather conditions, that is, without rain, fog or wind.
Other rules for Drones over 250 grams
Recreational flights: Flight prohibited in urban areas
According to the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA), the flight of drones in urban areas or over crowds of people such as parks, public or private gardens, streets, beaches, concerts or demonstrations is prohibited.
Suitable area: The flight area must meet certain conditions
The regulation approved on December 15th, 2017 establishes that drones can only be used in areas suitable for it, which are generally unpopulated areas or model aircraft flight zones.
Day time flights
The device must always fly during the day, less than 120 meters high and with the drone in view of the controller at all times.
Night flights
According to the State Aviation Safety Agency, there is the possibility of carrying out night flights, as long as the drone weighs less than two kilos and does not exceed fifty meters in height.
Liability insurance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended to have one, as the pilot is responsible for any damage caused by the aircraft.
Drone Identification
The drone must have a fireproof identification plate fixed on the structure that will contain data such as the manufacturer’s name, model, serial number (if applicable) and the pilot’s contact details.
*Disclaimer - The information provided above is based on current AESA rules, and are a guide as these can be change at any time.*
Find other topics covered in the General Information Section