Welcome to Viva La Europa! A weekly dose of European culture, news, travel and properties.

In this issue:

• 🏝️ Mallorca's Secret Code: How Locals Are Pranking Tourists to Save Paradise

• 💏 Love on the Rocks No More: Italy's Path of Love Reopens!

• 🌍 What’s happening in Europe

• 🏡 A magnificent manor with immaculately preserved period details

• 🏝️ A former fishing house designed in Morrocan riad style

🏝️ Mallorca's Secret Code: How Locals Are Pranking Tourists to Save Paradise

So, you've heard of Mallorca, right? That Spanish island that's a slice of heaven with its azure waters and jaw-dropping coastlines? Well, guess what? The locals are pulling a fast one on tourists, and it's as cheeky as a British sitcom!

The Plot Thickens 🕵️‍♀️

While Venice is busy charging entrance fees and Athens is making you book a time slot to see the Acropolis, Mallorca's got its own game. A group of local activists called "Caterva" are putting up fake warning signs on popular beaches. "Dangerous jellyfish," "falling rocks," "no swimming"—you name it! But here's the kicker: these signs have a hidden message in Catalan that basically says, "The real problem isn't jellyfish; it's you, dear tourist!"

The Double Entendre 🤔

The signs are a two-for-one deal. Tourists get scared away, thinking they're about to be stung or squashed, while locals who can read the hidden message get a good chuckle. It's like a secret club, but the entry fee is understanding Catalan!

Why All the Fuss? 🤷‍♀️

Mallorca is drowning in tourists. In 2022, the Balearic Islands had over 16 million visitors. That's more people than the island's entire population! The beaches are so crowded that it's like a Black Friday sale but with sunburns.

The Debate Rages On 🗣️

Not everyone's laughing, though. Critics say these tactics could tarnish Mallorca's image. But supporters are all for it, praising the activists for their unorthodox yet impactful approach. The island is now even considering tourist quotas and responsible travel initiatives.

Thought-Provoking Questions 🤯

1. Ethical Dilemma: Is it right for locals to deceive tourists to protect their island?

2. Tourism vs. Preservation: How can popular destinations balance economic gains from tourism with environmental conservation?

3. The Future of Travel: Could these guerrilla tactics become a trend in other tourist-heavy locations?

So, next time you're planning a beach getaway, you might want to brush up on your Catalan. Just saying!

💏 Love on the Rocks No More: Italy's Path of Love Reopens!

Hold onto your amore, because Italy's "Path of Love" is back in business, baby! Closed since 2012 due to a landslide (talk about love on the rocks), this 1km stretch between Riomaggiore and Manarola is the romantic walk of your Instagram dreams. So, what's the big deal? Imagine a coastal path hugging the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with views that'll make you say "Mamma Mia!"

Originally built for railroad workers in the early 20th century, the path quickly became a hotspot for lovebirds from neighboring towns. Fast forward to today, and it's got a facelift with steel mesh and 8,800 new plants. Safety first, amore second!

But wait, there's a plot twist! To combat overtourism, you'll need to book a 30-minute group tour online for €5. So, if you're planning to reenact a scene from a romantic Italian movie, make sure it fits within half an hour. Ciao, bella!

🌍 What’s happening in Europe

• France's National Frequency Agency (ANFR) has ordered Apple to halt iPhone 12 sales in the country, citing excessive electromagnetic radiation levels. The agency's tests revealed that the phone's Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) exceeded the permissible limit. Apple must take immediate corrective action or face recalls. The issue may be linked to a software update, according to French digital minister Jean-Noël Barrot.

• Sweden's government plans to abolish the plastic bag tax by November 2024, arguing that Swedes use plastic bags responsibly. The tax, introduced in 2020, had reduced plastic bag consumption from 74 bags per person in 2019 to 17 in 2022. This move follows the government's recent decision to cut taxes on petrol and diesel, sparking criticism from opposition parties and environmental agencies who warn of increased plastic waste.

• In a bold move, the European Central Bank (ECB) has implemented its 10th consecutive interest rate hike, raising the benchmark deposit rate to 4%. This decision comes amid concerns of a looming recession and is aimed at combating persistently high inflation rates. While central banks globally are grappling with the balance between inflation control and economic growth, the ECB's latest hike has raised eyebrows. The rate increase could potentially stifle consumer spending and business investment, adding further strain to an already fragile European economy.

🏡 Property finds of the week

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🏝️ Stays of the week