has unleashed hurricane-force winds across Spain with the northern peninsula bearing the brunt of the impact Wind gusts of up to 205 km/h were recorded in the Picos de Europa mountains while populated areas such as Medina de Pomar in Burgos saw gusts of 129 km/h citing the country's meteorological agency Aemet's statement The Aemet also issued a red alert in Cantabria and La Rioja are still on orange alert due to heavy rains Aemet spokesperson Ruben Del Campo has warned that "a major gale" is expected in Cantabria and the Basque Country with Santiago de Compostela and Vigo receiving more than 70 liters per square meter in 12 hours Del Campo emphasized that winds would continue to pose the greatest threat before subsiding later in the day as the storm moved northeast Rainfall is expected to decrease by Thursday Results powered by FirstCycling Lukas Knöfler started working in cycling communications in 2013 and has seen the inside of the scene from many angles Having worked as press officer for teams and races and written for several online and print publications he has been Cyclingnews’ Women’s WorldTour correspondent since 2018 Vuelta a Burgos Feminas 2023 Profile Stage 1 Vuelta a Burgos Feminas 2023 Profile Stage 2 Vuelta a Burgos Feminas 2023 Profile Stage 3 Vuelta a Burgos Feminas 2023 Profile Stage 4 Women's WorldTour stage race closes out Spanish top-tier racing in May Vuelta a Burgos Feminas was upgraded to the Women's WorldTour in 2021 and now concludes the triple top-tier stage races offered in May in Spain with four hilly stages that culminate top the Lagunas de Neila The Vuelta a Burgos opens with a hilly 115.6km route from Quintanaortuño to Medina de Pomar on Thursday The route includes a categorised mountain at Alto La Varga before finishing in what could be a breakaway or bunch sprint in Medina de Pomar The climbing continues on stage 2 with ascents over the Alto de la Herradura and then Alto Coto Gallo It's another day that could play into the hands of the breakaway specialists In what could be the only day for the pure sprinters stage 3 from Caleruega to Aranda de Duero is the flattest of the four stages and there are no categorised climbs on tap.  The finale is especially for the pure climbers with a mountaintop finish at Lagunas de Neila there are two other categorised climbs before the grand finale; Alto del Majadal and Alto del Collado de Vilviestre This stage will surely crown the overall winner on the summit of Lagunas de Neila Kirsten has a background in Kinesiology and Health Science She has been involved in cycling from the community and grassroots level to professional cycling's biggest races She began her sports journalism career with Cyclingnews as a North American Correspondent in 2006 Kirsten became Women's Editor – overseeing the content strategy race coverage and growth of women's professional cycling – before becoming Deputy Editor in 2023 Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors The start of a new year offers an opportunity to draw up lists of resolutions, and in our case, that means deciding which destinations around the world we want to explore. As the editors of Condé Nast Traveller Spain, we have collectively created another list: 23 places that we want to visit, and revisit, that are close to home – in Spain and Portugal too the editors of all of the Condé Nast Traveller editions around the world have been discussing and defending their choices in order to create a collective list of the top 23 places to visit around the world in 2023 We are happy that two of our picks – a Spanish province and a town in the Alentejo region of Portugal – made the global list We also hope the double honour for these two destinations will serve as a recognition of their new cultural and hospitality offerings as well as encourage readers to go visit and see them in person It is also one of the best destinations in Europe for cycling enthusiasts, has long been a pioneer in sustainability (it has been recognised as a Biosphere Sustainable Destination), and is decidedly LGBTQ+ friendly, with an annual Culture & Business Pride festival in June the island’s Artificial Intelligence Tourism Master Plan is the first of its kind to be approved in Spain and Tenerife aspires to become an Intelligent Tourism Destination – a distinction promoted by Spain’s tourism ministry to recognise destinations with innovative technological infrastructure that have demonstrated their commitments to sustainability and improving the quality of life of residents Castilla y LeónEven many Spaniards are unaware of one of Zamora’s claims to fame: it is the European city with the greatest number of Romanesque buildings Its sights in that style include 24 churches and the defensive walls that encircle the city It is not surprising that the city is seen as a likely contender to be recognised by UNESCO in 2023 The city’s proximity to Madrid – less than an hour on the new high-speed AVE train – makes it an even more appealing and convenient destination Zamora offers more, however, than just its Romanesque buildings. It also has an enormous legacy of modernista structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Duero River winds its way through the heart of the city and shapes the surrounding landscape, and the Lagunas de Villafáfila are a birdwatcher’s delight home to a dazzling variety of migratory species It’s just one of many sights near the city Lake Sanabria is the largest glacial lake in Europe and a few miles away Puebla de Sanabria is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain the Sierra de la Culebra has the highest wolf population in Western Europe although last summer’s wildfires devastated much of the area a beautiful wine capital where the LVMH group boasts its own winery Nearby, in the heart of the vast plain known as the Tierra de Campos, the restaurant Lera has become famous as a temple to the pleasures of game and country cuisine It draws celebrated chefs like Dabiz Muñoz who fill the tables at the restaurant in Castroverde de Campos a small town in one of the quietest corners of Spain Finally, to the south of Zamora, the Arribes del Duero provide some drama. The imposing cliffs and the fjords below them act as a natural border with Portugal in an area that has attracted acclaimed international winemakers like Charlotte Allen from England, Thyge Jensen of Denmark and José Manuel Beneitez, originally from Madrid Olive and citrus trees help to turn this corner of the region into a Mediterranean paradise New gastronomic and hotel projects point toward the area becoming a little Tuscany in Zamora few people in Spain or beyond have heard of it While the residents of Valencia know about this treasure – it is located just 12 miles from the province’s capital – it largely remains a secret in the rest of Spain That means that visitors can still find tranquility and even a little bit of mystery alongside the park’s beauty and splendour A number of different civilisations and people have settled in the Sierra Calderona over the millennia A trek through the range offers a chance not only to see all its natural wonders but it is also a walk through history with stops at the 11th-century Castillo de Serra built during the Arab conquest of the region and the Iberian hilltop fort Puntal dels Llops Travellers interested in hiking and birdwatching will find a little paradise with several different routes to choose from: Garbi which leads to the sea; the four-mile Olocau route which starts in the village of the same name; the longer but largely flat 5.2-mile Portaceli trail the more challenging 7.8-mile Tristán trail for those who are more experienced and ambitious the rewarding 23-mile Senda dels Cartoixos route that connects two historic Carthusian monasteries There are also many other trails maintained by local governments and other organizations a popular cycling route that connects the town of Teruel and the Mediterranean The most visited peak in the range is Garbí with a vista that offers spectacular views and is easily accessible Other highlights in the area are the Serra Castle the Portacoeli Charterhouse (a Carthusian monastery) and the Font del Compte (a reservoir originally built by the Romans) The Sierra Calderona is a natural wonder that has been passed down through the generations and from one culture to the next please leave it as beautiful as you found it La RiojaThe walled town with 700 residents is possibly the prettiest town in the Rioja Located in the la Sierra de la Demanda and near many of Rioja’s best wineries you’ll find vines growing in many of the postcard views here You can start your wine itinerary right in town at the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture considered to be one of the best in the world Displays focus on wine’s role in Western civilisation and the museum extends over 43,000 square feet including six gallery spaces (five hosting the permanent collection and the sixth dedicated to temporary ones) The museum’s Garden of Bacchus includes 220 different varieties of wine grapes from around the world A stroll through it offers a unique masterclass A highlight of the year in Briones is its unusual Medieval Days in mid-June Declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest in 2012 the event celebrates a 1379 treaty between the kings of Castille and Navarra Almost the entire town turns out in costume for a parade and other events when Briones turns the clock back more than six centuries Santa María de Briones a 16-room boutique hotel located in a restored mansion Don’t leave without seeing the town’s old pharmacy now located at the Ermita del Cristo church After its former owner left the pharmacy to the church in his will the church chose to move the beautiful 19th-century cabinets and other items and reconstruct the pharmacy on church property where visitors can admire it There’s no shortage of reasons to fall in love with Melides beginning with the nearby Galé beach where a red stone cliff of five-million-year-old fossils creates a dramatic backdrop to a long something that it is (if we are honest about it) increasingly hard to find in Comporta though that town still has its undeniable charms the beach has the plus of never feeling crowded It is part of a 30-mile or so stretch of sand the runs from the village of Troia to nearby Sines but this stretch has another plus of fewer mosquitoes (which tend to plague the beaches that sit alongside rice fields in Comporta and elsewhere) Another reason to visit will be added to the list in 2023. The designer Christian Louboutin, who helped to put this part of Portugal on the map with a 2013 campaign shot in the photogenic port of Carrasqueira, will open the boutique Hotel Vermelho a nod to the trademark colour of the soles of Louboutin’s shoes It’s a much-anticipated addition of big-city style to a town with fewer than 2,000 residents The village’s charm comes from its typical Alentejo architecture set amid a green and wooded landscape in the foothills of the Serra da Grândola and cork trees frame the views from the Vermelho mansion of the surrounding countryside Louboutin’s vision echoes a phrase uttered by Tancredi in The Leopard by Lampedusa: “Everything must change for everything to remain the same.” The designer hopes only to breathe new life into place while preserving its peaceful atmosphere Louboutin is not alone and the Hotel Vermelho will join Pa.te.os, an impressive new hotel and architectural beauty designed by Manuel Aires Mateus. Made up of a number of separate villas, the hotel is reimagining luxury in the middle of the countryside near Melides. At the same time, Melides Art an artists’ residence and contemporary art space has also been drawn to this corner of Portugal with its bohemian air discreet charms (many of the admittedly bourgeois) We hope the quiet survives Melides’s new popularity though the rise of digital nomads and remote work have definitely contributed to it why not choose a place where the climate is pleasant and the culinary offerings are excellent from the first bite If you aren’t quite ready to move to Málaga, you can at least visit, or revisit, in 2023. In fact judging from the results of the most recent Readers Choice Awards from Condé Nast Traveller we expect the city is already included in many travellers’ plans neither too small nor too intimidating; nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine each year; the ease of getting there from other parts of Spain and Europe; its rich cultural offerings and the pleasant setting it’s easy to understand the smiles on the faces of both the tourists and locals strolling along Calle Larios (the pedestrianised shopping street) and the waterfront Palmeral de las Sorpresas who already has two restaurants in Marbella a new culinary concept designed for the reimagined Gourmet Experience in the department store El Corte Inglés Málaga has also been preparing for a milestone year related to one of its most famous native sons with 2023 the 50th anniversary of his death During what has been named the Year of Picasso there will 42 exhibits covering the painter’s work around the world and El Eco de Picasso (“The Echo of Picasso”) focused on the master’s artistic legacy Other institutions in Málaga are organising events Expect more announcements in the months ahead In other news, the Teatro Soho CaixaBank, Antonio Banderas’s personal project in his city, is staging a production of Godspell produced by Banderas himself and Emilio Aragón travellers will come upon one of the most beautiful scenes in Spain The windmills of Campo de Criptana inspired Cervantes and charm everyone who visits this part of Castilla-La Mancha and Consuegra have a remarkable concentration of some of the most picturesque and best-preserved windmills in the region The three towns also have other charms that justify at least a weekend exploring them is said to have been the specific inspiration for the plain of windmills in Cervantes’s book which its famous protagonist believes are giants as he heads into combat against them In addition to the windmills (some of which are open to the public) the most important monuments in the town date from around the 16th century and include the Royal Granary and ten hermitages – the most impressive of them is the one dedicated to the Virgen de la Paz dates from 1958 and stands on the site of an earlier 16th-century during destroyed in the Spanish Civil War was originally settled by Moorish refugees from Granada after that city was conquered by Christians Many houses still have original Mudejar details like tiles and wrought-iron grilles CantabriaComillas is one of those places that is so beautiful exactly how it is today that you hesitate to share its name Comillas remains a traditional vacation town of northern Spain and more people who are here for the season than for a week Unlike some other similar coastal summer towns Comillas also has a number of historic sites of interest: the buildings of the Comillas Pontifical University (the university moved to Madrid the Sobrellano Palace (once owned by the Marquis of Comillas) And then that is also the work of architect Anton Gaudí who gave the city one of its most famous landmarks This playful and elaborate house is one of Gaudí’s few works outside of Catalonia but it isn’t the only work of modernista architecture here the entrance to the town’s cemetery and some of its exterior walls were redesigned by Luis Domènech i Montaner another prominent figure in Catalonia’s modernista architectural circles He was also responsible for the town’s Parque Güell and the Fountain of the Tres Caños or “three spouts.” A work of modernista sculpture from 1895 can also be found at the cemetery There are also English-style houses from the last turn-of-the-century like the home of the Duque de Almodóvar del Río and the so-called Casas Indianas the houses of locals who had made their fortunes in the Americas (These houses will typically have at least one palm tree planted nearby making them easier to spot.)  The town has even appeared in the Guinness World Records as the world’s smallest whaling port (it was active into the 18th century) Beachgoers can choose from the city beach and ones in the nearby Parque Natural de Oyambre; shoppers will want to scour the antiques markets; and gourmets can count on eating well AndalucíaThink of the cliches of southern Spain and the words “wine,” “flamenco,” “horses,” and “cellars” may come to mind Jerez de la Frontera makes the wise choice of embracing them as it welcomes visitors – with the table set and wine poured you’ll want to start your adventure on the right foot Whether you are on your first or 10th visit to Jerez strolling aimlessly through the historic centre is the best way to ease into this city you’ll feel yourself become part of the place as it reveals its character around every corner and a history written by Phoenicians Palaces and lavish city houses alternate with religious buildings like the famous cathedral and a late 12th-century mosque inside the city’s fortified Alcazar inhale and then follow the smell of wine in the air Oenophiles will also want to stop at tabancos classic tavernas that are the perfect places to sample local products; a museum celebrating wine; and wine stores Another reason to visit Jerez de la Frontera will be inaugurated in 2023: the Museo de Lola Flores The museum to the outspoken and beloved actor and singer will open on the 100th anniversary of her birth in Jerez was long described as “the end of the world.” Recently it is starting to feel closer to being at the centre of the stage One of the changes is noticeable even after a short stroll: the streets are increasingly filled with people of different nationalities and the likely answer is “to work.” Ask where they work and what you will get in reply is likely a gesture towards the west (Even if you don’t recognise Inditex as the name of an enormous multinational clothing company The Galician city’s increasingly cosmopolitan atmosphere is apparent not only when wandering its streets but also exploring the cultural offerings of its museums and art galleries One of the most important cultural initiatives has an Inditex connection via Marta Ortega Pérez who is both the new president of Inditex and the president of a foundation that bears her initials The MOP Foundation is structured around three pillars: La Coruña Last year it hosted the successful exhibition Peter Lindbergh: Untold Stories seen by 110,000 visitors “After that success, it was clear that we had to organise another exhibition,” Leticia Castromil, exhibition coordinator for the MOP Foundation says. “We couldn’t stop there.” At the end of November 2022, Steven Meisel 1993 A Year in Photographs opened its doors and the free exhibition will be up until 1 May 2023 The show is at a building on the city’s harbour and Christy Turlington were among the fashion stars who attended the opening “The exhibition space is a former industrial building next to the port It’s located in an area near the city centre but which had been closed to the public part of another dock is now accessible again and people can walk around it,” Castromil adds 2023 includes a milestone for a one-time resident of La Coruña who lived in the city between ages 9 and 13 “Continue doing what you are doing and never doubt that you will achieve glory and a brilliant future,” a review published in La Voz de Galicia said after seeing an exhibition by a precocious Picasso when he was only 13 years old there is an impressive gastronomic one as well and design stores as you make your way about the city with the Atlantic in the background serving as a reminder that while this was once the end of the world today it is a place where new adventures begin has interiors that highlight brilliant local craftsmanship giving the project a unique and very Portuguese personality Chef Alexandre Silva (one Michelin star) leads the gastronomic offering and especially the beach known as Supertubos is capped at one end by a 17th-century fort The town is also a gateway to the Islas Berlengas The islands form a protected nature reserve and only 550 visitors are allowed each day Aveiro has been nicknamed the Venice of Portugal and its colourful streets offer up a bounty of Instagram moments We know the Costa da Prata will become a favourite of travellers as word gets out a corner of Aragón along the French border and high in the Pyrenees Canfranc’s main claim to fame historically has been the elaborate station which was constructed to facilitate and celebrate French and Spanish cooperation with King Alfonso XIII representing Spain alongside France’s president traffic never lived up to the original forecasts and the station closed in 1970 Today the only train to use the station is a short-distance tourist one that travels the 117 miles from Zaragoza to Canfranc A century after construction started on the original station the building will begin its new life as a five-star 104-room hotel in 2023 with the design studio Ilmiodesign responsible for the interiors The developers’ goal is to make the hotel a leader in tourism to the Aragonese portion of the Pyrenees helping to attract both national and international interest The project preserves the historic building and will support the local economy with the creation of around 150 jobs Guests arriving at the hotel will find reception in the historic station lobby while the first floor also houses a wellness area which includes two carriages that have been refurbished to become elegant dining cars Architect Michele Corbani and industrial designer Andrea Spada were inspired by the aesthetics of classic stations and the luxurious world of long-distance train travel in the early 20th century but they also wanted to add a contemporary touch creating warm and elegant spaces that blend with subtle Art Deco elements and a palette inspired by the 1920s coexist with various elements drawn from Aragonese popular culture and colour combinations inspired by the regional costumes of the region Don’t fear that it will no longer be possible to reach Canfranc by train a new railway station and platforms were also constructed The Canfranc Estación hotel will put the Aragonese town on the radar of many travellers but Canfranc will keep their interest thanks to the mesmerising beauty of the place set amid the stunning peaks of the Pyrenees While the station’s meticulous restoration allows it to begin its new life Canfranc” you’ll be adding some more lines to an ongoing story collectively written by thousands of passengers under a dizzying variety of circumstances with each leading to its own final destination Medina de Pomar are some of the 26 towns and cities that make up Las Merindades a corner of Castilla and León that sits just to the south of the Basque region The capital of Las Merindades is Villarcayo de Merindad de La Vieja a town of some 4,000 residents that provides a good starting point for visiting the historic region Arguably the most magical settlement in the region is Puentedey a small village with less than fifty residents the two sides of Puentedey are connected by a natural stone bridge the village’s beauty and its cultural importance was officially recognised when it was added to the list of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain in 2022 – a club that includes 105 localities to date Puentedey is not alone when it comes to gems in the area located atop a mesa overlooking the Ebro river would also have a good claim to the title of the prettiest village in Spain if not for being disqualified on a technicality the title of “city” making it the smallest city in Spain Those are only two of the many reasons to go to Las Merindades There’s also the natural beauty of the region thanks to its location in the foothills of the Cantabrian Range cooled by Atlantic breezes a sense of history that is palpable in every town a karst cave complex with almost 70 miles of galleries and passageways that have been used for shelter by humans for millennia After exploring the factory, fill your stomach at Casa Garras an institution going on its fifth decade thanks to its evergreen appeal Carnivores will fall hard for the “beef days,” which take place during the winter months when the restaurant serves an 11-course beef-themed tasting menu with delicious creations like a rump steak tartar with roasted marrow is known for the distinguished neoclassical architecture surrounding the city’s imposing cathedral in a flamboyant Gothic style and its remarkable pre-Romanesque buildings from the ninth century with five works recognised by UNESCO: the Foncalada Fountains and three churches: Santa María del Naranco The city is also a top cultural and gastronomic destination making it possible to travel from the capital of Spain to the capital of Asturias in about three hours This remarkable engineering project has taken years to complete and includes a 15-mile-long tunnel which crosses the Cantabrian Range under the Puerto de Pajares mountain pass Oviedo continues to embrace its gastronomic heritage that makes it one of the great epicentres of cuisine in the country The city can boast of nine stars from Michelin 43 restaurants in the city are recommended by the guide Some local favourites include Cocina Cabal Director Woody Allen captured the essence of the city when he listed its positive qualities: “Oviedo is delicious It’s as if it doesn't belong to this world Oviedo is like a fairytale.” David Moralejo you can discover some of the highlights of Aragonese cuisine soaked and then sauteed with other ingredients) The ambitious ongoing project of restoring the Convent of the Desert, an 18th-century convent that has been called the Escorial of Aragon given its enormous size, is also attracting interest while in Calanda, the birthplace of surrealist director Luis Buñuel, you can visit a museum, the Centro Buñuel Calanda Pack comfortable shoes as you’ll likely be getting in a lot of steps as you visit cave paintings (Val del Charco del Agua Amarga) Iberian sites (on the Route of the Iberians of Bajo Aragón) climb mountains (following the Route of the Stony Giants) or gaze at the stars (on the Route of Astronomical Viewpoints) like Matarraña (another idyllic rural corner of Spain) and Campo de Belchite Quite likely on your trip to the archipelago often described as the Atlantic’s Hawaii (though with far fewer tourists) include Corvo on your list of ports of call the crater of the volcano that gave birth to the island From its viewpoint you will be able to take in its enormous size almost 1.5 miles in circumference and almost 1,000 feet deep At the bottom of the crater are two lakes where all the islands of the Azores are reflected on their surfaces Cows and wild horses graze freely in this natural wonder A small airport and ferries that cross daily from the island of Flores connect Corvo with the rest of the world as does free Wi-Fi throughout its (tiny) territory Fewer than 500 inhabitants reside in Vila do Corvo in a handful of whitewashed houses with red roofs You’ll find most locals are happy to chat with curious visitors Operators here offer a myriad of bird-watching tours – the island it is considered one of the best areas in the world to spot a variety of species; its status as the westernmost of the Azores adds to its diversity with some vagrants from the Americas landing here Other guides offer boat trips around the island with chances to swim alongside steep cliffs that plunge into the water but there is a new energy and bustle as it assumes its place as a cosmopolitan we dedicated the cover of our 15th anniversary issue to the city and now it is already time to revisit it and update the list of new and upcoming openings The reasons to visit Madrid will only increase in 2023 though one with incredible views and a full calendar of events If you want to keep the party going into the morning Lula Club and Medias Puri are two popular choices at the moment Don’t be surprised if you decide you need one more weekend day the city and regionAsk Spaniards of a certain age about the phrase how beautiful you are”) and they will likely recall an odd television variety show from the late 1990s that promoted the region and successfully implanted a slogan in viewers of several generations Now many of those same people are discovering the truth of the motto The beauty of the province of Murcia can be experienced at the Regional Park of Calblanque, the Monte de las Ceniza, and Peña del Aguila perhaps one of the most beautiful and wild stretches of Spain’s Mediterranean coastline The waters at Cabo de Palos are a favourite of divers while the lush Sierra de Espuña is the province’s green heart surrounded by vast orchards which is the destination we are recommending for 2023 “No tienes ni idea de lo que estás perdiendo,” or “You have no idea what you are missing,” is Murcia’s more recent tagline The region’s history is not as well-known as that of some of Spain’s other cities even with a cathedral that is an almost perfect example of Spanish Baroque architecture and an episcopal palace in a Rococo style that reflects Murcia’s long-running connections with Noto The city was established by the emir of Cordoba in 825 and Moorish influences and evocative references remain visible including at the lavish 19th-century Real Casino de Murcia a glittering mix of architectural styles with an Arab patio The 18th-century Puente de los Peligros connects the historic centre with the Carmen neighbourhood where you’ll find another one of the city’s Baroque wonders, Carmen’s parish church, which was originally part of a Carmelite convent. The Museo Salzillo focuses on the sculptural works of one of the most celebrated artists of the Spanish Baroque whose works can be seen in many Murcian churches The Arab medieval period in the city’s history lives on in the city walls and the Aljufía irrigation system which was one of the first such systems in Europe and is still used to this day to irrigate much of Murcia’s farmland and orchards Murcia’s status as the source of much of Spain’s produce is evident when you sit down to eat The perfect freshness of the ingredients helps to make the cuisine here even more exquisite and helped to justify the city’s turn as the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy in 2021 Don’t leave without trying a traditional meat pie a dish made with the famous bomba rice grown in Calasparra Balearic IslandsIf you thought that the economic upheaval and travel disruptions of the pandemic meant that the Balearic Islands were going to suddenly become a bargain As the destination perfects its approach to luxury and sustainability that justifies the price Mallorca’s most anticipated upcoming openings are from the Four Seasons and the Virgin Group, at opposite ends of the island. The iconic Formentor in Pollença (in the north of the island), where celebrities including Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier stayed, will reopen as the Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor in 2024 who recently completed the renovation of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz were entrusted with the interiors of the Four Seasons as well is a contemporary retreat set amid landscaped grounds announced that both the city and the broader province of Cáceres intended to compete for the attention of culturally curious travellers the Palacio de Godoy from the 16th century will reopen as a 72-room Hilton after having been closed for ten years The city of Cáceres is also a good gateway to explore the beautiful Jerte Valley and the area of Vera part of Extremadura that is famous for its lush forest and many springs The broader region of Extremadura has a total of six UNESCO sites that travellers will want to visit: the historic monuments of Cáceres the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe and the Villuercas-Ibores-Jara World Geopark the Monastery of San Jerónimo de Yuste has been recognised as part of Spain’s Patrimonio Nacional and deserves a place on travellers’ lists too the landlocked Extremadura boasted an impressive eight Blue Flag beaches on its lakes Baños de Montemayor and Alange have been welcoming spa-goers since the Romans built baths at both hot springs the restaurant that makes the best rice dishes in the town of Pals and the city walls that lead to a mirador that has now been renamed in honour of the author “The contrasts that this site offers – the ocean and the Medes Islands; the eroded peaks of the Montgrí Massif and pine forests with the geological formations of the Gavarres peaks and the flat farmland; and the botanical wonders along the banks of the Ter River – it all adds up to a rich bounty of great beauty,” the journalist wrote Visitors can also learn more about Catalonia’s rich Romanesque and medieval heritage following routes through the villages of Begur is also among the region’s best restaurants along with Vicus and Pahissa del Mas Make sure to have at least one dish made with the famous rice from Bassess d’en Coll before you leave in Basque) is one of the best-known areas of Navarra and famous for the beech forest to its east which is one of the largest and best preserved in Europe This destination is full of natural and historical treasures but not people – there are barely 300 living in the village of Arce and smaller hamlets nearby The buildings feel untouched by time and it is possible to easily access ravines A plus of the Navarra Pyrenees is that they are beautiful any time of the year whether its peaks are dusted with snow or its alpine lakes are shimmering in the summer sun and be surprised by charming villages like Usoz or Gorráiz – with its historic houses and churches Stop and listen to the murmur of the Urrobi and Irati rivers This part of the Navarra Pyrenees is a paradise for mountain and hiking lovers who will find routes for all levels and tastes which has been converted into a stylish and intimate 12-room hotel Can anyone stop SD Worx-Protime taking a clean sweep of the Spanish Women's WorldTour stage racing block The Spanish tours continue, and SD Worx-Protime has so far dominated the top step, but Vuelta a Burgos Féminas offers the other teams a last chance to turn the tables before the Women’s WorldTour leaves the country for a two-race stop over in Great Britain The four-day race from May 16-19 follows on from La Vuelta Femenina where the SD Worx Protime rider did it again The race will send riders back into another battle for stage victories and overall honours with the El Alto de Rozavientos 15km from the final finish line leaving the opportunities for the GC riders open right until the end Vollering clinched the overall lead and victory on the last stage last year with Shirin van Anrooij (Lidl-Trek) and Ashleigh Moolman Pasio (AG Insurance-Soudal) completing the podium A returning Vollering is the clear favourite to defend for SD Worx-Protime and while the Dutchwoman looks hard to beat now that she has hit her winning form Cyclingnews runs the ruler over the potential contenders ahead of Thursday’s four-stage Women’s WorldTour race with the rider delivering a powerful performance on the final stage which also secured her the overall victory The SD Worx-Protime rider now has the results this year on her side being two for two in the Spanish tours this month She also has a history of performing at Vuelta a Burgos claiming the overall last year and two stages on the way what's more it was a clean sweep of the stages for the team with Lorena Wiebes winning the other two.  On top of that in the 2022 and 2021 editions standing on the podium with Anna van der Breggen on her debut at the race in 2021 The team doesn't look any less formidable this year along with Marlen Reusser who was fifth overall last year 22-year-old Shirin van Anrooij stepped up to the second spot on the podium behind Vollering also claiming the youth jersey as a result It was her first time on the overall podium of a Women's WorldTour stage race and this year could offer her an opportunity to find her way back again.  Following a break after the Ardennes Classics may not have had the results she hoped for in the April block of Women's WorldTour racing but standing on the podium with winning teammate Elisa Longo Borghini at the Tour of Flanders in March after a second at Dwars door Vlaanderen and top fives at both Strade Bianche and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad means it hasn't exactly been a shabby start to the season.  Vuelta a Burgos could be just the place it shifts up another gear particularly with Elisa Balsamo on the team to give it a boost in the sprint stages and with the versatile Lucinda Brand also on board The 28-year-old first dipped her toe in with a support role at Durango-Durango Emakumeen Saria on Tuesday before taking to the start in Villagonzalo Pedernales After nearly two months without pinning a number on her form while she may not have had time to work to a peak she is a rider not to be discounted The FDJ-SUEZ rider was 11th overall last year but fifth and sixth the previous two editions Her team has made a mark in Spain with Évita Muzic claiming a stage and finishing fifth overall at La Vuelta Femenina Muzic has also shown top form with fourth at Flèche Wallonne 11th overall at Itzulia Women and second at the Durango-Durango Emakumeen Saria The Frenchwoman was second overall at Vuelta a Burgos in 2022 and will undoubtedly use her experience to help the team earn another overall podium Silvia Persico is also entering the Spanish stage racing fray at Vuelta a Burgos Féminas having spent the early part of this month at a couple of one-day races in France and finding success at the Grand Prix du Morbihan Femmes.  Canyon-SRAM had looked to be entering the Spanish block of stage racing with one of the most formidable combinations of riders leaving some out and others battling through.  fielding a team short on numbers at both the Grand Tour and Itzulia but perhaps with some recovery time and some fresher legs – particularly Elise Chabbey who was firing when she joined that fray at Itzulia to claim fifth overall – Vuelta a Burgos could deliver a much smoother path the team was just off the overall podium in fourth with Chloe Dygert particularly as it also follows a fourth at Liège-Bastogne-Liège.  who didn't make it to the start line of La Vuelta Femenina because of illness were that the Australian rider was heading to a new level this year – with second overall at UAE Tour Women among her strong early results Vuelta a Burgos could be just the chance she needs to resume the upward trajectory She joined Cyclingnews as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor Previously she worked as a freelance writer Australian Editor at Ella CyclingTips and as a correspondent for Reuters and Bloomberg Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport Sign up for the Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin and get an email with all the week’s news straight to your inbox (List price   3  months 12 Bulletins)  and thank you for choosing CamposolToday.com to publicise your organisation’s info or event Camposol Today is a website set up by Murcia Today specifically for residents of the urbanisation in Southwest Murcia providing news and information on what’s happening in the local area which is the largest English-speaking expat area in the Region of Murcia When submitting text to be included on Camposol Today please abide by the following guidelines so we can upload your article as swiftly as possible: Send an email to editor@camposoltoday.com or contact@murciatoday.com Attach the information in a Word Document or Google Doc Also attach a photo to illustrate your article SD Worx sprinter takes event's first leader's jersey The stage saw two solo breakaways that never troubled the peloton and a four-rider move that brought some excitement to the final but was reeled in 2.3 kilometres from the finish Wiebes had to come from behind and utilised her speed to pass everyone else and take the stage and the first leader's jersey It was really fast into the last climb of the day and the team did a good job to control the attacks Our lead-out was not as planned because there was quite a lot of chaos in the final but I found a good spot and was able to do my sprint as I wanted,” said the stage winner Wiebes then pointed out that defending the leader’s jersey will not be a priority for the team that instead wants to get their GC leader Demi Vollering to stage 4 without any time losses Vollering won the queen stage but finished third overall as she had lost 49 seconds the previous day “Tomorrow it’s quite a hard finish But our goal is also to not lose time with Demi,” Wiebes explained The first attacker was Corinna Lechner (Massi-Tactic) who went off after 16km of the 115.6-kilometre stage Her advantage increased to 1:11 minutes before dropping to just under a minute again.  Magdeleine Vallières (EF Education-TIBCO-SVB) bridged to the German at the start of the day’s only climb Soraya Paladin (Canyon-SRAM) was first over the top and will wear the red mountain jersey on stage 2 Lechner’s teammate Valeria Valgonen attacked after the descent to form another solo breakaway She was up to 1:30 minutes ahead of the peloton until the race hit a crosswind section where Trek-Segafredo increased the pace leading to Valgonen being caught 32 km from the finish After passing through the finishing town of Medina de Pomar with 29km to go the peloton went on a loop southeast of the small historic town that included the day’s only intermediate sprint near the top of an uncategorised climb and Shirin van Anrooij (Trek-Segafredo) sprinted to the bonus seconds and kept going GC favourites Vollering and Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio to bridge – but none of the seven riders in this move pressed on fully Alicia González (Movistar Team) attacked on the descent and when she was caught 11.5 km from the line her teammate Aude Biannic and Valerie Demey (Liv Racing TeqFind) countered Elena Pirrone (Israel-Premier Tech Roland) and Jade Wiel (FDJ-SUEZ) bridged to the front and together they kept a ten-second gap on a peloton that could not get organised to close this small gap for some time Wiebes was somewhat boxed in coming onto the finishing straight only finding a gap when Tereza Neumanová (Liv Racing TeqFind) launched her sprint.  Balsamo jumped off the wheel of her teammate Lucinda Brand but Wiebes was now winding up her speed and passed the Italian champion on the final 50 metres to win the stage Results powered by FirstCycling he has been Cyclingnews’ Women’s WorldTour correspondent since 2018.