Former Huddersfield gymnast and pub landlord Brian Hayhurst and his wife Elaine are ex-pats who have lived just outside Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol for 20 years. Phew, what a scorcher!

There is, without doubt, a feeling of optimism and hope in Spain at the moment.

Here on the Costa del Sol the influx of foreigners from France, Scandinavia and other European countries with free to travel opportunities, are descending onto the beaches and enjoying beautiful weather. And Spain has announced they will accept all UK tourists with proof of two vaccinations.

Malaga broke its all-time temperature record last week at the airport where it peaked at 35.4 centigrade (95F), the highest since records began in 1942 – and the summer is not yet upon us.

You can understand why the Spanish older folks disappear at midday into darkened houses, ladies with their fans, before emerging in the cooler part of the day.

Another positive record was awarded to Andalucía for its immaculate beaches and ports, receiving 137 coveted blue flags.

Also Spain as a participating country gained 713 flags – the highest of any country taking part this year. Maybe the lack of tourist footfall onto beaches during the pandemic may have had some bearing on these numbers?

Gibraltar is ready to welcome tourists

Gibraltar is bracing itself for one of the biggest ever surges in tourism this month, being given the UK green light and authorities saying that a rapid/free Covid-19 test will need to be taken on arrival with a 30-minute wait for results.

With EasyJet laying on lots more flights and people from Spain driving onto The Rock, it will be interesting to see how this tiny municipality (2.6 sq miles) will cope with such unprecedented numbers. Those who have been to Gib will know that the place seems crowded, even off season.  And with limited beaches, we shall see.

I have difficulty assessing property sales here on the Costa, with some agents and experts saying that flats and houses were selling fast but there are indications and reports that the 90/180 day rule which allows people to stay only 90 days on Spanish soil has unsettled many non-resident pensioners who once enjoyed an extended sun soaked break here to avoid the cold UK winters.

Perhaps the two developments are linked? Many think this problem needs addressing. People saved long and hard to buy their holiday homes in the sun but are thinking of selling up and moving to places like France, Greece or Portugal.

READ MORE: Catch up on Brian’s exploits here

Meanwhile for the adrenaline junkies the Tree Top Adventure Park is already busying up with young and old waiting to test their nerves on precarious and ingenious obstacles to be negotiated 50ft above ground.

And Just this month a brand new ‘La Triolina’, double zip line has opened in Alhaurin de la Torre – just 40 minutes inland from the coast.

This 1800 metre zip line – the longest in Europe – can be enjoyed side by side with a friend or for real thrill seekers, go head first at 100km/hr. The cost is 30 euros per person, not cheap, but sounds fun!