This article was originally published by Maldita.es
Anti-immigration sentiment grew in Spain during the summer and several disinformation narratives have been tracked in the country in recent months
According to the latest CIS barometer in September, a public survey conducted by a Spanish public organization whose purpose is the scientific study of society, immigration has become one of the three main problems in Spain for 30% of those polled, while in June this was the case for only 11% of respondents
we have detected several disinformation narratives about immigrants:
1.Hoaxes and disinformation associating migrants with crimes they did not commit
Disinformation narratives claimed that the perpetrator was North African
but both the Civil Guard and the Government Delegation in Castilla-La Mancha — the autonomous community to which Toledo belongs — indicated that the detainee was Spanish
The content was also circulating in French
The video of a group of “illegal immigrants” from the Las Raíces camp allegedly vandalizing the El Junquito restaurant in Tenerife (Canary Islands
Spain) also circulated quickly on social networks
the images were recorded in a cafeteria of the Kenyan Parliament during protests in June 2024
Hoaxes and disinformation that dehumanize migrants by linking them to animal attacks
the images showed two people having sex and there is no evidence that the young man was North African
3.Hoaxes and disinformation about the reception of migrants in towns and cities
The content disseminated claims that they are staying at the Marcote-Mondariz school
However, Accem, the Spanish NGO in charge of caring for these people, has told Maldita.es that they were only housed in the school during the month of August
when the facilities were used for the organization of camps and other activities
mayor of the Galician town of Mondariz-Balneario
has told Maldita.es that the refugees were rehoused in the Hotel Cemar
but Accem clarifies that “at no time is there contact between the temporary accommodation and the areas intended for students”
The town of Sotrondio (Asturias, Spain) has also been in the spotlight of disinformation after the broadcasting of a video by RTPA, the regional public television broadcaster, in which it was said that the Government would send 5,700 unaccompanied minors to the town
The channel issued a statement admitting the error
with the total number of places the Government wants to create in all of Spain
president of the Principality of Asturias (Spain)
The murder of the child in Mocejón was also linked to the sheltering of 50 African people in a hotel near the scene
although the person arrested by the Guardia Civil was a Spanish man
Unaccompanied foreign minors were also singled out by disinformation associating them with violent acts between June and September. The video of an alleged “immigrant child” beating a woman in Spain quickly circulated on social networks
although the images had actually been recorded in Malaysia in 2022 during a young man’s assault of his sister over a family dispute
Earlier in the summer, a video of a group of people running around a shopping mall in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands
The messages linked it to the arrival of immigrants along the coast of the islands and said it was “unaccompanied foreign minors” stealing as a group
the shopping center itself told Maldita.es that the video had been recorded in December 2022 during the World Cup celebrations
In August, foreign minors were also accused of being responsible for the stabbing of a 15-year-old boy in Zaragoza (Spain)
but the National Police claimed to have no record of any similar incident on the dates indicated by the disinformers
Hoaxes and disinformation associating migrants with privileges in the access to benefits
The privileged access to economic aid for migrants is another recurring disinformation narrative that has not stopped during the summer. In early June, a man on TikTok claimed that “illegal immigrants” arriving in Spain received a 1,000 euro monthly allowance
The social benefits of the central government
and in no case are they exclusive benefits for foreigners
The approval of an alleged new law allowing “North Africans” to come “illegally” to Spain and be paid 1,175 euros for a year
has also been circulating since April despite the fact that there is no official document to support such a claim
Coinciding with the beginning of summer and the renewal by the Government of the Verano Joven program
there was also content claiming that “unaccompanied foreign minors” and “immigrants” of legal age could travel for free
to both Spanish and foreign youths between 18 and 30 years of age
Although the agreement foresees the development of employment programs with job offers directed to Mauritania
there is no mention of this figure and people without Spanish nationality would not be able to vote in a general election
Disinformation about supposed political agreements was also spread on June 13, when messages were circulated claiming that Congress had approved the regularization of “half a million illegal immigrants”
that day a vote was taken on an amendment to the totality that VOX
had interposed on the popular legislative initiative (ILP) for the regularization of 500,000 people
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Many companies sought to further profit from the water sources by bottling the naturally sparkling water and selling it on the national and international markets. The popularity of these healthy and crisp beverages grew rapidly. The sparkling water (also known as soda water or seltzer) that was bottled at notable sources, such as San Pellegrino's Val Brembana
soon gained international acclaim and became a status symbol of health
The success of bottled sparkling water on the international drinks market has endured throughout the decades, with the beverage becoming increasingly common and readily available around the world. In 2019, The New York Times reported that both supply and demand for the beverage had never been higher
Consumers now have many options when it comes to choosing sparkling water
Voss is perhaps the most prominent example of how water, sparkling or still, can be sold not as a product but as a lifestyle. As reported by Beverage Daily
the associations of luxury that people make with the brand are not by chance
they are the product of marketing and collaboration campaigns that led to the cylindrical glass and silver bottle becoming synonymous with style and elegance
Unlike other premium sparkling waters, Voss does not have high levels of minerals and markets itself as having an unadulterated taste (per Voss). As reported by Voss in a water quality report
these low mineral levels also ensure the water doesn't alter the flavor of accompanying food or wines
thus making Voss suitable for any dining occasion
the company has also released a range of flavored sparkling waters
These flavor-filled alternatives can be enjoyed on their own or used as a mixer in cocktails
While Voss Sparkling is marketed with the brand's trademark elegance and the water itself is crisp and pure
the significantly higher price point in comparison to other brands is what landed it at No
Waterloo launched in 2017 and grew nearly 3,000% by 2019, as reported by Austin Monthly. The brand prioritizes flavor above all else and has an in-house team dedicated to creating new combinations. When building flavor profiles, the team experiments with more than 30 flavorings over a nine-month time period (per Waterloo)
This process is very important to the company
We want to create an experience where the flavor builds to a lasting finish," he said
"And that takes way more time than you'd imagine
It took over a year just to create something like our coconut" (via Austin Monthly)
Waterloo's dedication to building unique flavors is paying off as the company has built a strong presence in a highly competitive market
a fact reflected by the brand's ranking on this list
The company treats carbonation as one of the ingredients as well. This ensures that even its unflavored sparkling water — sold as original — is designed with taste and mouthfeel in mind. By controlling how and to what degree the water is carbonated, the company has built a drink with a silky taste and feel (via Brit + Co)
LaCroix caused a huge rise in the visibility and popularity of sparkling water during the mid-2010s, as noted by Mary H.K. Choi in an essay published in The New York Times in 2015. Many, including The Guardian
attribute some degree of this success to the sparkling water's branding
and minimalist branding associated with premier sparkling waters
The label isn't the only thing that speaks to the new wave of sparkling water consumers — the flavors do, too. LaCroix offers an exciting take on flavored sparkling water
It is due to these thrilling flavor combinations and the brand's enduring popularity that we ranked LaCroix a respectable No
The company's unique approach to marketing and flavoring has had even wider implications for the sparkling water industry. The brand is seen as a key driver of the sector's future growth, which is predicted to reach a value of $67.6 billion by 2030, as reported by InsightAce Analytic (via PR Newswire)
Spindrift, a Massachusetts-based company, has carved a niche for itself by only using real fruit to flavor its range of sparkling waters (per Mass Live). In an interview with Markets Insider
noted how using real fruit in their water has benefited the company
we believe that authenticity and real ingredients are what make us better," he said
"We are committed to bringing transparency to consumers in a way that tastes as refreshing as it feels
Our real ingredient message is certainly resonating with consumers
and we are gaining distribution in channels where they are actively seeking these types of products."
The unique approach to flavoring that the company has adopted marks the brand as a cut above other flavor-centric competitors
Perhaps the most notable difference between sparkling water brands is their focus on flavor versus water quality
LaCroix and Spindrift spend little time expounding on where their water is sourced from or why it is of such high quality
the water is seen more as a vehicle for carrying their popular flavorings
starkly contrasts this sentiment by proudly highlighting the origins of its sparkling water
and the fact that it remains untouched by human hands until bottling (per Castle Rock Water Company)
Castle Rock's water is sourced from the springs of Mount Shasta's glacier in Dunsmuir
the water is slowly filtered by numerous layers of rock
The high quality of water this process produces is attested to by the company's success
including the 2014 best bottled award at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting
The purity in both the origin and flavor of Castle Rock marks it as a premium sparkling water and deserving of a place on this list
the company's limited retail presence and lack of global distribution mean it falls short when competing for higher positions
a fact that could easily change in the future
With the company boasting more than 200 years in operation, it may come as somewhat of a surprise that Evian only launched its sparkling water in 2022 (via The Drum)
the company seems confident about the sparkling water's success
"This is the start of a new chapter for our iconic brand
standing out for its true purity and freshness with just the right amount of bubbles
will be just as popular with consumers across the UK."
refreshing water already marks it as a leading competitor in the sparkling water industry
it's the company's penchant for attractive design
and unerring consistency that led to its ranking on this list
"We aim to deliver Santa Vittoria from the source in northern Italy to consumers with as little environmental impact as possible
We do this by offsetting the carbon emissions generated from the importation of Santa Vittoria mineral water into Australia and New Zealand."
Santa Vittoria water is sourced from the Dolomite Mountains in northern Italy near the city of Bergamo (per Hotel Management). The water is low in minerals and sodium, and no sugars are used (per Santa Vittoria)
The company's focus on producing pure products earned it a place on the list
a position that would undoubtedly be higher if the water was more widely available
Several sparkling water brands market their product as low in minerals and thus free from any flavors that may taint the water
Gerolsteiner celebrates the high mineral content in its water and the associated health benefits
The mineral water is sourced from the Volcanic Eifel region in western Germany
One liter of the German brand's sparkling water contains more than 2,500 milligrams of minerals and elements
Because the minerals are dissolved in the water
your body is able to absorb them more quickly than when taking a vitamin pill
Despite providing a significant amount of a person's daily mineral requirements
Gerolsteiner sparkling water presents a balanced and light flavor profile
While other vitamin-rich waters often have a bitter or salty flavor
the company notes that the unique balance of minerals in a bottle of Gerolsteiner creates a "pleasant
harmonious taste without any dormant individual mineral notes." It is this combination of health-boosting mineral levels and a pleasing taste that makes Gerolsteiner sparkling water rank on this list
differentiates itself by highlighting the quality of its spring water
This water is sourced from numerous natural springs dotted around Maine
each meeting strict Food and Drug Administration standards
To become one of the brand's sparkling products
the water undergoes a process of carbonation before being finished with natural flavorings
Poland Spring has sought to capitalize on the growing popularity of sparkling waters by releasing an extensive range of flavors. While many of these sound appealing, the water is best appreciated in its unflavored form. This was highlighted by one customer on Walmart: "I really love this Poland Spring Simply Bubbles Water
bc I am a Diabetic; instead of plain water
which it tastes like it has minerals in it
A great product for Poland Spring's line-up and an excellent alternative to regular spring water."
helped to cement the brand as a leader in the sparkling water industry
Despite not making it to the top half of our list
Perrier can nevertheless take pride in its prestigious history
It is one of the quintessential sparkling water brands and
Growing awareness of the negative health impacts associated with sugary soda consumption has driven consumers towards alternatives
Large beverage companies like PepsiCo have adapted to this changing consumer landscape by launching new sparkling water brands that can utilize the company's immense design
I have been trying to cut out soda for the obvious terrible implications from it and sampling the market for different zero sugar/sweetener and calorie drinks [...] The flavor on these is great
which makes your senses feel like you aren't just drinking a lightly flavored sparkling water."
Bubly products contain only two listed ingredients: carbonated water and natural flavor
This latter term is somewhat contentious; natural flavors have to be derived from plant or animal sources
but can contain an array of preservatives and solvents
PepsiCo does not reveal what the natural flavors consist of
consumers do not know exactly what they are drinking
Canada Dry is another brand that is quick to celebrate its zero calorie
unsweetened nature while revelling in the ambiguity provided by the term "natural flavors." Despite this
Canada Dry remains one of the most recognized brands in the sparkling water market
While a large degree of this fame is due to the brand's famous ginger ale
Canada Dry's sparkling water garners considerable praise in its own right
but I drink Seltzer Water for the refreshing fizzy effect without all the thick diabetes causing corn syrup_ This stuff is crisp & light."
A downside to Canada Dry sparkling water is that it is significantly more expensive than many other brands
A twelve pack of the original can easily cost $7.99
a twelve pack of Bubly can be bought for less than half that price
food brand Hal's New York filters its water five times using a reverse osmosis filtration system
This is not the only way Hal's New York ensures its sparkling water is impeccably clean; a polishing system and ultraviolet treatment also ensure that almost no bacteria or microbes enter the bottles
Although Hal's New York clearly values the purity of its water, this is not the defining feature of the brand. A distinctly New York-centric approach takes that honor for reasons Lewis Hershkowitz, co-founder of Hal's New York, explained to Long Island.com: "We had done some research and there was room for another seltzer in the New York market
and we realized that none of the other brands out there really had that 'New York' aspect to it
They were mostly focused on national brands like Seagram's
Hal's New York sparkling waters come in a variety of flavors
ranging from black cherry to vanilla creme
While this wide selection ensures there is a sparkling water for every taste
all Hal's products have a reputation for being heavily carbonated
This is somewhat divisive amongst customers
one of the main reasons why this brand did not rank higher on our list
is a brand that takes a wholly unique approach to sparkling water
Instead of adopting the seemingly ubiquitous "zero calories
celebrates the inclusion of its namesake ingredient
While the inclusion of ingredients like birch sap results in a can of sparkling water that contains 25 calories and six grams of sugars
to assume it is less healthy than other brands on this list would be a mistake
That's because it actually brings many benefits to the product
including an abundance of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
The company also produces a seltzer that contains maple sap. This beverage surprises people with its subtleness, for reasons explained by a reviewer on Amazon: "Do not expect a strong maple taste
it takes 30-40 gallons of maple sap to make one gallon of syrup
so the flavor profile of sap is quite subtle
It was tough rationing my case to make it last
and I found myself drinking several cans a day at times." All of Sap!'s beverages demonstrate this subtlety
although options such as Ginger-Lemongrass Sparkling Water and Tangerine-Chamomile Sparkling Water offer busier flavor profiles for those that prefer bold tastes
The lower levels cause the bubbles to fizz on the tongue
as opposed to the harsher bubbles traditionally associated with sparkling water
The distinct mouthfeel of Topo Chico is the feature that has cemented its position so high on this list; there is simply nothing quite like it
Topo Chico provides a level of refreshment unrivaled by its competitors
the hard seltzer has enjoyed great success in its European and U.S
the flavor is fairly strong which is hard to achieve with chamomile and fits the description perfectly: it's floral and has a strong vanilla taste as well."
Sound varies not only the flavor of its products
The Tangerine with Lemongrass and Green Tea sparkling water contains 45 milligrams of caffeine
making it a great choice to fight the midafternoon slump
Other products like the Grapefruit with Lavender and Ginger Tea contain no caffeine
making them suitable for every time of day and night
The myriad of health benefits provided by Icelandic Glacial is why this sparkling water comes in at number 5 on our list
No other sparkling water typifies the industry's longstanding association with health and wellness better than Icelandic Glacial
The brand's water is a testament to the enduring relevance of natural sparkling water to our health
While other sparkling water companies use cute designs and claims of purity to win over customers
Liquid Death — a hugely successful sparkling water brand — uses comedy
This is not the slapstick humor of earlier generations
a type of humor that plays extremely well on social media
Everybody's trying to get rid of them [...] aluminum and metal is easy to melt down into big bricks and then resell at a profit
So it's really only aluminum that's consistently getting recycled
and that's the high level of what the brand's all about and what we're trying to do." What's more
the can fits perfectly into Liquid Death's punk aesthetic
by imitating the shape of beer cans as opposed to traditional sparkling water cans
Liquid Death's sparkling water only contains low levels of carbonation
making it less bitter and thus approachable for a wide range of audiences
To receive a diamond award from the International Taste Institute, a product must be awarded a three-star superior taste award for seven years during a 10-year window, as highlighted by Aguas de Mondariz
Mondariz has achieved this exceptional feat not once but twice
with both the still and sparkling waters receiving this coveted award
The water sits in an aquifer for 60 to 150 years and is filtered by layers of granite
which gives it a "unique texture and flavor," per the site
Mondariz has received multiple awards
such as the International Taste & Quality Institute's diamond taste award in 2015 and 2016
and superior taste award from 2009 through 2012
The company's exceptional taste is what landed it the third spot on our list
is shaping the way folks think about this country and think about representation
These flavors had not yet been represented on mainstream shelves or were relegated to a certain aisle of the store
We're having conversations that are changing that dynamic."
Sanzo also impresses thanks to transparency
Instead of using the ambiguous term "natural flavors"
each of Sanzo's products have all ingredients clearly listed
This degree of information is a rarity in the flavored subcategory of the sparkling water industry — one that health-conscious consumers will be happy about
Sanzo's sparkling waters do not contain added sugars
Sanzo uses its products to celebrate Asian American accomplishments
A current example is a special product celebrating the 10th anniversary of ex-NBA player Jeremy Lin's iconic streak of basketball performances
The company takes its pairings seriously and even created a water codex to teach restaurants how to pair their sparkling waters with various dishes
the strong mineral notes of San Pellegrino work extremely well with equally powerful wines
crisp nature of San Pellegrino can even be used to cut through a vintage port
Play Duration: 1 hour 37 seconds1h Presented by
Lock in with UK based don Al Wootton ahead of his Aussie summer shows.
On the scene since the late 2000s, we’re getting down with a stalwart of the underground music community before he heads Down Under later this month.Formerly known as Deadboy, Al Wootton is a producer and DJ who has released music on labels such as Livity Sound, Optimo Tracx and his own labels Trule and Amidah over the last few years. He also performs in bands Holy Tongue and Moin, as well as holding down a Rinse FM Residency.
SPAIN - A spill of caustic soda in the Tea River in the town of Mondariz
has caused the death of thousands of fish along two miles of the channel
More than 5,000 dead fish of different sizes with a total weight of 250 kilos were removed from the river, but many still need removing, reports FaroDeVigo
The pollution is thought to be due to human error which led to two thousand liters of water with caustic soda entering the river instead of through the usual system that prevents it from happening
The accident was instantly realized and the emergency protocol
that mobilizes the Service Nature Protection Civil Guard (Seprona)
GM Ilmars Starostits scored an unbeaten 8.0/9 to win International Open GEMA63
IM Diego Espineira Gonzalez secured second position with a score of 7.0/9
GM Arian Gonzalez Perez scored 6.5/9 to be placed third
Starostits also scored an unbeaten 9.5/11 to win 3rd International Open Blitz GEMA63
Both IM Jose Luis Gonzalez Trigal and FM Luis Marcos Medarde Santiago finished with 9.0/11 each and they were placed second and third respectively
Total 33 players participated in the open event from four federations including Spain comprising of two GMs
The tournament was held from 2nd to 7th January 2020 at Mondariz Balneario
2492) scored an unbeaten 8.0/9 to win International Open GEMA63 and finish a full point ahead of the competition
2327) finished at second place with a score of 7.0/9
2478) scored 6.5/9 to secure third position
finished a half point ahead of the competition to GEMA63 International Blitz open
2315) and FM Luis Marcos Medarde Santiago (ESP
2183) finished with 9.0/11 and they were placed second and third respectively according to their tie-break scores
The 15th International Chess Festival GEMA63 was held in the Galician town of Mondariz Balneario and consisted of two tournaments - Ist International Chess Open GEMA63 from 2nd to 7th January 2020 in which 33 players participated from four different federations including Spain comprising of two GMs
IIIrd Blitz GEMA63 International Chess Tournament took place on 4th January 2020 with a time control of 3 minutes + 2 seconds
The organization of the festival thanks all the players for their presence in the tournaments and invites them to the next edition of the festival
Complete standings
Complete standings
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The TimesPonder a villa holiday in Spain and you might instantly think of Andalusia or Alicante in the sunny south
Yet the country’s lesser-known northern regions
Galicia and Cantabria shouldn’t be overlooked if one of the country’s more off-the-beaten-track corners sounds like an appealing proposition
Each of these holiday homes is special — whether an amazing feat of engineering with glass walls
or because they showcase traditional Spanish design with terracotta rooftops and hand-painted tiles in fabulous locations
Galicia is probably the most famous northern region thanks to the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela
with its cathedral and crinkle-cut coastline and islands
Asturias and Cantabria are green and verdant
with national parks and mountainous panoramas
The Basque region is where you’ll find seaside stunner San Sebastian
to be paired with La Rioja next door for a matching bottle of red
even if you choose a home you might not want to leave for your week’s stay
these properties will still immerse you entirely in the landscape
You’ll recognise some established villa agencies here
but if you’re a fan of distinctive architecture
you should familiarise yourself with smaller
What’s for sure is that finding these homes isn’t as easy as it is to live in them
so I’ve done the sifting and searching for you
Here are 24 villas in northern Spain that would be a thrill to sleep in
Our travel journalism is written and edited by independent experts to inform
inspire and advise our readers about the best choices for your holidays
We also feature properties and itineraries from a specially selected list of trusted operators
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and provide direct links through to external sites
Wild shores and wondrous seafood in the far northwest
A CoruñaGalicia is sometimes called the Wales of Spain
but if the principality looked like this we’d all be heading over the Severn Bridge each summer
surfers and fishermen gather in equal numbers
Where there isn’t glass there are salvaged timber boards
so you have a home that is hip and historic.Details Sleeps up to eight
Seven nights from £2,873 (dezanovehouse.com)
Pontevedra Rustical Travel is a small agency that offers some of the lesser-known regions of Spain
This house in the city of Pontevedra has sea views and lies less than a mile from Bueu beach
yet is located among forested hills with hiking trails setting off from your back garden gate
It’s a traditional stone house with exposed timberwork
but it has been restored with modern travellers in mind and includes a contemporary kitchen and skylights.Details Sleeps up to ten
DononThe “before” photo of Camino de Playa would show a dilapidated bodega
while the “after” photo would show a thoughtful conversion into a holiday house that sleeps eight and a little “cabana” nearby (for two adults and two children)
You can still see the bodega walls and terracotta tiles
but what makes the place liveable are the replacement glass panels that allow light to flood in where there was once darkness
Santiago de Compostela is one hour’s drive away.Details Sleeps up to 12
Seven nights from £2,147 (urlaubsarchitektur.de)
500 hilly wineries surround the lovely old town of Haro
lush river valleys and hopelessly pretty hill towns
and that’s what you have here: a cocoon-like home within a striking steel-and-wood shell
replete with everything you could ever need
and a light-flooded living area and kitchen
all of which look out to the mountains of Els Ports Natural Park owing to one half of your shell being made of glass
vegetable garden and an indoor-outdoor lounge
so life at El Caracol is about immersing yourself in the local landscape — by hiking
even simply viewing — rather than off-site day trips.Details Sleeps up to eight
Seven nights from £1,317 (hostunusual.com)
CretasWhat a backstory: creative young couple — he French
she Spanish — buy a huge plot of wilderness to indulge their passion of “collecting great modern architecture”
oaks and red rocks on the Aragon-Catalonia border will house 15 holiday homes
each designed by an internationally acclaimed architect
a 45m-diameter ring (like a mini version of Apple Campus
with a courtyard and 20m pool in the centre
and the living spaces and bedrooms arranged around the periphery
Sliding walls made of glass can all be opened up
We could tell you that Solo Circle is within day-tripping distance of Els Ports Natural Park
Costa Brava beaches and the city of Tarragona
but if you choose to leave this house during your stay
you’re missing the point.Details Sleeps up to six
Beyond foodie San Sebastian come craggy mountains
SieroThis is the first of two “nature houses” featured in this list (see below)
These are homes vetted and sourced by the Netherlands-agency Natuurhuisje
which specialises in rural vacation homes that enhance local biodiversity
and which donates two per cent of its turnover to local nature projects
This cottage is in a hamlet of just six homes and has astounding mountain views
framed artfully by low stone walls and wiggly country lanes
The owners recommend doing little more than “walking to pick chestnuts or blackberries”
but Gijon and Oviedo are also nearby.Details Sleeps up to six
Seven nights from £518 (naturehouse.co.uk)
Fly to Asturias-Oviedo or fly or take the ferry to Santander
RodilesSurfers and swimmers come from afar to gorgeous Rodiles beach — often voted Spain’s best
or a short drive if your rental car is laden with body boards and a picnic
Imagine an old terracotta-roof cottage with a modern extension and a long hydrangea-trimmed lawn; that’s what you have at the Cider House
where the lounge (in the new bit) has high ceilings and a single window with cinema-screen views
while the kitchen is teeny with traditional tiles and ancient low beams
and happens also to be on the edge of Selorio
a hamlet with a butcher and restaurants.Details Sleeps up to five
SalamancaIf all affordable housing looked like this
Designed by the Salamanca local and winner of a 2021 Architecture MasterPrize for small architecture
the clay-rendered one-storey units (there will be 84 eventually) are like futuristic rural refuges
they were built with Salamanca families in mind
with open-plan living to promote social unity
affordable retreats set among olive groves and vineyards
is 20 minutes up the road.Details Sleeps up to five
near AstorgaWe include this grand five-bedroom villa
because it’s so rare to find a place of such size that remains back-to-basics in style and is
With a cobbled courtyard trimmed by galleried walkways and painted in noble colours
it’s as if you have your own estate for the week
Thick stone walls make for impressive window seats — and even better forest views — and original timber beams conclude the historic picture
The icing on the cake is a long rural driveway that keeps the real world at bay.Details Sleeps up to 16
Seven nights from £1,480 (naturehouse.co.uk)
La CerdanyaFrom one angle this could be a classic mountain holiday home with rough-hewn stone walls and exposed timber beams
it could be Frank Lloyd Wright’s sunny Spanish escape with a sleek pool and pitched-roof rooms that jut away from the main house into the sky like sun rays
cycling or golfing at one of Spain’s oldest courses next door
you have the house’s Mercedes classic convertible and a Mercedes ML320 at your disposal.Details Sleeps up to 16
This historic granite house on a hill works on both fronts — you can reach the area by ferry (either Portsmouth to Bilbao
or Plymouth to Santander) and then get everywhere on foot once you’re here
Not only are the Picos de Europa so close you can smell the snow and pines (one guest said that “the views will take your breath away”)
but you have village shops and restaurants within walking distance
as well as the swimming pool of the local campsite in summer
All this and the home feels private and rural
pear and apple trees and a river winding through the lawn.Details Sleeps up to ten
La PedrosaUsing Cantabrian stone and traditional Basque building methods
the owner and architect Laura Alvarez has created a new home that looks as if it’s centuries old
you appreciate its 21st-century sensibilities
such as two opposing glass walls giving equal importance to sunset and sunrise
or the glass-box shower cubicles that let light through
There’s a timber hot tub with widescreen views of the Valles Pasiegos hills — it’s wall-to-wall greenery in these parts with cows often feeding on the lawn
Take the ferry or fly to Santander or Bilbao
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