by George | 30/06/23 | Golf News, News & Views
MSC Cruises plans to expand its Alicante cruise offerings to attract more foreign passengers.
They aim to increase departures from Alicante, introducing shorter mini-cruises lasting two to three nights, especially from Thursday to Sunday, which are in high demand.

MSC Cruises from Alicante
This initiative could begin in the upcoming autumn season, providing convenient connections to popular destinations like Malaga.
MSC Cruises seeks to enhance its presence in Alicante by targeting a larger share of foreign passengers and increasing cruise frequency.
by George | 6/06/23 | Golf News, News & Views
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) card is a crucial requirement for carrying out major transactions in Spain. It serves as your tax identification number and is necessary when purchasing a house, car, or even collecting mail on certain occasions.
This article provides detailed information about the NIE card in Spain, emphasizing its importance and explaining how to obtain one.
What is the NIE card in Spain?
If you plan to buy a property in Spain, your first step is to obtain an NIE or Número de Identidad de Extranjero. This is the individual tax identification number for foreigners, which is mandatory when completing significant financial transactions in the country. Having an NIE is not limited to property purchases; it is also required for buying a car or making similar major investments. Additionally, if you inherit or receive a property as a donation, having an NIE in Spain is necessary, and it is advisable for your relative to obtain one before the need arises.
It’s important to note that you don’t need to be a resident to obtain an NIE. Non-residents also require an NIE to purchase property and fulfill their annual non-resident tax obligations. Holding a bank account or engaging in official financial arrangements in Spain is impossible without an NIE. If you wish to become a resident, obtaining your NIE is the initial step toward obtaining your residency card, which involves providing further information about yourself, including income and health insurance details.
The NIE in Spain consists of a letter, followed by seven digits, and another letter (e.g., A-1,2,3,4,5,6,7-B). It displays your name, NIE number, date and place of birth, and nationality. However, it does not include a photo ID, so it cannot be used to confirm your identity. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to memorize your NIE as you will be asked to provide it on numerous occasions, especially if you reside in Spain.
How to obtain an NIE card?
Now that we understand the significance of having an NIE card in Spain, let’s explore how to obtain one. The processes may vary slightly depending on the region where your property is located, as autonomous regions have different expectations regarding requirements and procedures. However, there are general guidelines that apply regardless of your property’s location.
In Spain:

If you are currently in Spain or planning to travel there soon, you can apply for an NIE card in person. To do this, you need to book an appointment online at a National Police Station in your region.
The application form is known as the EX-15. You must complete this form, indicating the reasons for applying for an NIE in Spain, such as property purchase or inheritance. You will also need to present your identification document, such as a passport, and provide copies of the same.
Additionally, you should have two passport-sized photos, your Spanish address, and proof of payment for the administration fee, which is currently around €12. The fee can be paid at any bank using Form 790.
If you are applying for an NIE for a child, you will also need to present the child’s birth certificate (original document and an official translation into Spanish) or family record book, along with the valid passport or ID of the parent or guardian.
The processing time for obtaining an NIE can vary depending on the time of year and demand. Typically, you can expect to wait around two weeks, but during holiday periods, it may take longer. It’s important to note that the NIE in Spain does not have an expiration date; it remains valid for life.
From your home country:
It is possible to obtain an NIE card without being physically present in Spain. You can request one from the Spanish consular office in your own country. The application can be made either in person or through a representative with a power of attorney.
When applying through a representative, the representative must present a copy of their own passport along with a power of attorney document that grants them the authority to submit the NIE application on their behalf.
To create a power of attorney, you need to sign an official document in the presence of a notary, and it should be accompanied by a legitimized copy of your passport.
Do I need assistance to obtain an NIE card in Spain?
If you are in Spain and feel comfortable dealing with Spanish officials, it is possible to complete the process of applying for an NIE on your own. However, many people prefer to seek the assistance of a gestor or an individual who regularly handles such applications on behalf of others. In this case, either you or your representative will need to be present in person. It’s important to note that you cannot apply for an NIE online, despite certain websites implying otherwise.
Regardless of the approach you choose, having an NIE card in Spain is essential if you have interests in the country that go beyond being a tourist. If you require assistance or further information regarding the application process, it is advisable to seek professional advice.
We have helped a number of people obtain their NIE card and it is now part of the services we provide if required at Alendda Golf Property.
by George | 1/06/23 | Golf News, News & Views
Alicante to Santa Pola Half Marathon Scheduled for November
Club Atlético Montemar, organiser of the Gran Carrera del Mediterráneo, has obtained approval from the Real Federación Española de Atletismo (RFEA) for the fifth edition of the race, which will take place on Sunday, November 12, 2023, to be elevated to the international stage.
The race, which goes from Alicante to Santa Pola along the entire coast, hopes to bring together 3,000 runners, of whom 25% will, hopefully, foreigners.
Montemar hopes that the test will serve to bring sports tourism to the province, which can spend the night in hotels in Alicante, but also in Santa Pola, since participants are offered a transportation service.
On the other hand, taking into account the environment of the race, which crosses a coastal area with six blue flags, from the point of view of sustainability and with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint, in the next edition it will do without paper as much as possible. The runners will have QR codes for the delivery of the bib number and the runner’s bag. People with disabilities will also be taken into account and different categories will be established for them.

Another great article by Mark Nolan at the https://www.theleader.info/
by George | 27/05/23 | Golf News, News & Views
A study by IE University and the Spanish Golf Courses Association has shown that golf tourists have invested €4.2 billion in Spanish property, purchasing more than 280,000 homes. Britons top the list of foreigners taking to the fairways in Spain, while Irish golfers are the ones who spend most per day while holidaying here.
It also reveals significant figures regarding the golf sector’s impact on Spain’s economy. It says this sector generates over €12.000 billion in revenue annually and helps create 21,000 plus jobs.
The report goes on to say golfers spend over 3000 euros during a trip with daily expenditure in excess of 300 euros.
It further indicates that over 20% of tourists play golf in Spain and have a second home here. The report claims golfers own 283,000 homes, valued at over €41.000 billion. These owners come to Spain at least once a year and many come at least once every three months.
by George | 3/02/22 | Blog, Golf News, Uncategorised

Alenda Golf has a full driving range that allows full drives from the 25 placement mats, there is also a Bunker and pitch & putt practice area.
The Driving range is illuminated and allows you to practice up until 22:00 h.
There is also an excellent practice area which consists of 6 tees of various distances that all converge on to the same green that has three holes cut.
It is ideal for beginners and experts who want to practice the short game.