Get Pollstar News and more delivered right to your inbox with Pollstar Daily Pulse By signing up, you agree to Pollstar’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use counted more than 2.1 million visitors in 2023 where Primavera Sound takes place each year right on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea There’s hardly a better person to talk to when trying to understand the trials and tribulations of Spain’s live sector in 2024 Pollstar: How’s life and how’s business?Carme Lanuza: Great This applies to both my personal and professional life I think being able to strike a balance between the two is the key to success What are some of the recent successes you’d like to highlight And what upcoming shows would you like to talk about?We just had a record year the Sant Jordi Club and the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys had more than 2.1 million visitors This is a huge success that we are extremely proud of These figures demonstrate the positioning of the Anella Olímpica in international circuits high quality range of events and the accumulated expertise in organizing events But we’re not just sticking with these figures as 2024 is also presenting big challenges for the whole team The new show season will soon be starting at the Estadi Olímpic where we will be hosting more than 50,000 people at each concert and this has us all buzzing This year we’ll have performances from the group Rammstein two concerts from Bruce Springsteen and the Catalan group Estopa Are you seeing an increase in the number of events taking place areas of the city to host events?The Anella Olímpica has three spaces that can hold shows for between 1,000 and 55,000 people 2024 is proving to be a very important year for the Sant Jordi Club which is a unique venue in Barcelona that serves as a space both for emerging artists and other music groups that prefer small venues The fact that the program at the Sant Jordi Club has been so well received by audiences confirms the need for Barcelona to have a venue like this: in the past 6 months 50% of the concerts have been sell-out events and 71% have sold more than 80% of available tickets Are there any revamps or improvements scheduled or underway in any of the venues managed by BSM?The spaces in the Anella Olímpica undergo constant changes One example of this is the renovation work carried out there in recent years a series of changes have been carried out at the Palau Sant Jordi along with technological and infrastructural upgrades to improve visitor experience One of the most notable upgrades is the expansion of the emergency exits to increase capacity of the Palau Sant Jordi floor space This enabled us to increase the venue’s audience capacity to the current maximum of 18,411 for us sustainability is hugely important and we are constantly working on improving this aspect New developments this year include the installation of a photovoltaic panel on the roof of the Sant Jordi Club which will provide renewable energy to the Anella Olímpica and improving the treatment of waste generated at events with the creation of a green point This year we’re working on some very ambitious projects and investments to maintain our leading position in the city as a space for hosting all types of events and big international tours What trends have you observed in the world of live entertainment Anything that stands out for you?We are seeing clear trends in the world of shows which we are constantly seeking to align ourselves with and we continue making great efforts in that area the musical genres that work well in our venues tend to reflect current trends in the music market classical music concerts and even the odd opera urban and Latin music are the most highly demanded styles among fans and these genres make up a large part of the sell-out concerts sustainability is a clear trend which is not only essential for fulfilling the global agenda for sustainable development but also a decisive factor for society A concert in itself is already a unique experience where the audience feels part of everything that happens on stage but there are lots of ways of improving this experience with advances in audio and imaging systems not only at the event itself but also before the show begins Technology offers us lots of possibilities Can you talk about the progress you have made in the area of sustainability in a bit more detail?As I explained before this year a photovoltaic panel is being installed to supply the venue with renewable energy The installation on the roof of the Sant Jordi Club will consist of 896 photovoltaic modules with 430 kW of power It will cover a total surface area of 2,300 square meters and will enable the generation of 655,000 kWh per year equivalent to the annual consumption of 200 households in the city But that’s not all we’re doing: our environmental commitment also extends to the actions we’re taking in relation to catering such as consolidating the use of returnable glasses cutting down on packaging as much as possible improving selective waste collection… These measures are part of the efforts the Palau Sant Jordi is making to improve environmental sustainability reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to the responsible use of natural resources Sustainability is also about protecting the mental and physical health of the professionals that work in this industry How do you ensure that your workers are healthy and happy?BSM carries out a number of different actions to motivate and boost the well-being of employees On the one hand we have the continuous training program that help to develop and motivate employees in each of the areas they work in or are interested in we seek to improve the professional profile of workers and improve retention and talent spotting among our workforce The team at the Anella helped us to achieve a record year It is really important to recognize the merits of each person and to promote initiatives to give a voice to each and every employee an initiative organised by the company which gives a voice to all the ideas that employees come up with and rewards them for their ideas and commitment to the company Does Barcelona have enough performance venues Could the city do with another performance venue in your opinion?Barcelona is a key stop for European tours Our venues provide spaces for all kinds of concerts and events of different sizes We take great pride in seeing how some artists evolve and extend their tours choosing increasingly big venues It is important that the city has the spaces it needs to be a cultural reference point multifunctional and of good quality ensures that we are able to provide a solution to all the initiatives put forward Barcelona is ready to deal with any challenges that come its way events and concerts will always be a pleasure for us What makes the Palau Sant Jordi special?The Palau Sant Jordi is a venue with a lot of history It was built for the 1992 Olympic Games and was opened on 21 September 1990 The city created this pavilion as a symbol of modernity versatility and adaptability to host any type of event This essence has been maintained over the years It is the largest indoor arena by capacity in Spain and this is not the only thing that makes it special It is also special for its capacity to adapt and transform into any type of space The Palau Sant Jordi has hosted big international tours but also international swimming and basketball competitions The venue has hosted all these events thanks to the versatility and size of the spaces it has The large open space and production capacity enable it to adapt to any event it is presented with together with the team that works at the Anella with years of experience in the event production sector ensures a high degree of excellence in the events hosted there Are there any other cities in Spain that could do it with another large-scale live entertainment venue?National and international artists tour all over Spain to ensure their shows reach their audiences It is of vital importance that other venues host these types of artists so their music can reach their fans We want to continue being the leading venue in Barcelona for hosting these concerts Is there anything you would like to add?We have gone through some very challenging years with big changes The sector is evolving and even though the live experience needs to continue playing a leading role there are lots of elements such as artificial intelligence that are coming along and we need to adapt to them At the Anella Olímpica we are firmly committed to adapting and doing so in accordance with what the public call for we’ll experience some unique moments in the world of shows and it is essential that the Anella Olímpica is ready to respond to anything that comes along Subscribe to Pollstar HERE promoted by Adif in the València-Font de Sant Lluís logistics node will have the capacity to operate 150,000 Intermodal Transport Units (ITU) and handle up to 2,600 freight trains per year and its two gantry cranes will have a storage capacity of 2,500 TEU/year (unit of measurement equivalent to a 20-foot container) These data and its strategic character to reinforce the transport of goods in our country have been highlighted today in a meeting held in Valencia in which Adif and the Port Authority of Valencia (PAV) -as promoters- and Grupo Alonso -as operator of the intermodal terminal- have presented the project of the new intermodal logistics hub of the Valencian capital to representatives of the sector Facilities and services with an international dimension València-Font de Sant Lluís forms part of the Trans-European Transport Network and constitutes a key strategic node in the interconnection interoperability and intermodality of transport services which will enable standard gauge trains to run between València and the French border The centre will also complement the Port of Valencia and is linked to the development of the Logistics Activities Zone (ZAL) of the Port of Valencia and Mercavalencia.José Luis Soria manager of Adif’s Eastern Area of Logistics Services explained that the new node will have 5 different areas: the intermodal terminal which represents an investment by Adif of more than 35 million euros the environmental area with warehouses for the treatment of cargo and a wide range of complementary transport activities (heavy goods parking “All of this will make up a node with a formidable operational capacity that means a before and after in the transport infrastructures of the Valencian Community” the intermodal terminal will have 5G coverage within the framework of the plan that Adif is developing in ten of the main logistics terminals in Spain considered strategic with the aim of boosting their digitalisation and the automation of processes and the reduction of costs in the transport of goods by rail The 5G infrastructure enables the provision of advanced logistics services and facilitates the ‘intelligent’ management of freight traffic thus speeding up transits and facilitating intermodality it will promote the interconnection of the main transport nodes of the railway system in an efficient way resulting in a more sustainable and intelligent mobility The construction works for the València-Font de Sant Lluís intermodal and logistics terminal (1st phase) will receive European funding through the Recovery Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU Boosting activity and generating rail and maritime business as well as the nodal capacity in coordination with the capacity of the different lines accessing the terminal it will guarantee full access to the Mediterranean Corridor and ensure the operation of vehicles and locomotives in standard gauge Adif and the Port Authority of Valencia (PAV) as the operating company for a 14-year concession period – extendable for a further 6 years – will focus its work on the commercialisation of the terminal stressed that the objective is to make Fuente de San Luis an intermodal terminal that is “flexible adding that “our aim is to offer our customers all possible services for all types of goods within the terminal itself” “we envisage that it will have a dry and cold warehouse a workshop for repairing containers and semi-trailers an administration building and automated access and exit” València Plataforma Intermodal-ZAL will be responsible for the marketing and operation of the greenfield site stated that “the Font de Sant Lluís intermodal station project is a clear example of institutional collaboration between local (València City Council) regional (Generalitat Valenciana) and central (Mitma Port Authority and Adif) administrations and of a public-private management model” He also stressed that “this initiative for which Valenciaport has committed 15 million euros is part of the Valencia Port Authority’s decarbonisation plan which contributes to the goal of sustainability The project is also part of the PAV’s railway strategy with 240 million euros which has launched actions such as the Madrid-Valencia-Portugal Railway Motorway the first initiative of its kind in Spain and whose main objective is to ‘put the lorries on the train’ Calabuig has highlighted that “Valenciaport’s investment plan in this area is completed with initiatives such as the railway access to Sagunto several investments in the Cantabrian-Mediterranean Corridor; the reorganisation and extension of the internal network of the port of Valencia the future Madrid-Vicálvaro terminal or the agreements with intermodal logistics projects in Albacete manager of Valencia Intermodal and Logistics Platform (VPI Logistics) at the Port Authority of Valencia presented the sketches of the Special Plan to organize the intermodal area the distribution of surfaces and their uses as well as the facilities and services that are contemplated in the area Rail freight transport is one of the main challenges in our country in order to increase the amount of freight with the aim of advancing towards a more sustainable work is being carried out on different lines of action: national and European corridors connections with logistics and port infrastructures the development of modern and digitalised logistics areas and intelligent intermodal logistics chains The València-Font de Sant Lluís logistics node is part of the Safe Sustainable and Connected Mobility Strategy 2030 of the Mitma (Ministry of Transport aimed at effectively increasing rail freight transport by promoting strategic intermodal nodes located on priority freight axes Port Authority of Valencia © 2025 · All rights reserved Barceló Hotel Group has opened Barceló Nura in Sant Lluís in the south of Menorca Following an investment of over €20 million 45 of which have access to a semi-private pool and has been designed with a respect for the environment in mind The design was conceptualised by Menorcan studio FG Arquitectes with Cristina Farreny and Rafael García taking cues from the island’s natural terrain; declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1993 Menorca has some of the best-preserved habitats in the Mediterranean making it an ideal spot for an environmentally conscious hotel “We wanted to create a discreet hotel with local DNA traditional materials and natural colours where the water is integrated with the low-rise buildings to fit in with the surroundings and blend seamlessly with the natural environment” explains Gabriel Bugeda from Madrid-based investment management firm FUND FST Natural materials such as stone have been sourced from local artisans and used throughout to reflect the island’s traditional architecture while landscaping integrates its biodiversity and adds a pop of colour Crafts take centrestage within the hotel’s the interior design scheme too with guestrooms featuring ceramic works by some of the most celebrated artists in the Balearic Islands to honour local culture and creativity The hotel is also home to à la carte restaurant Sa Tanca a buffet venue and a signature Barcelo B-Heaven terrace offering views of the Mediterranean efficient hot water systems and smart air conditioning that limits electricity consumption Inspired by the Phoenician’s influence on Menorca the name ‘Nura’ comes from the word ‘nur’ Registered in England and Wales with Company Number 06637145 We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings we will not be able to save your preferences This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again More information about our Cookie Policy 18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Gambleaware.org There have been hundreds of thousands of England supporters in Germany throughout Euro 2024 one place in which Brits will certainly be outnumbered for the final is in Spain That doesn't mean that Three Lions supporters in the country will have nowhere to watch the Euro 2024 final and this article will serve as your guide to the best places to watch the game in various Spanish cities including tourist hotspots such as Marbella and Benidorm is arguably the best option available and may serve as a welcoming The venue has a total of 11 television screens two floors and a range of lagers and ales that will remind you of the constantly cloudy island you call home Other excellent establishments that could be worth a visit are Flaherty's Irish Bar and The George Payne Barcelona City Council have also installed a large projector screen at Placa Catalunya Given the rich footballing heritage of the city expect a large number of Spanish fans to be in attendance Irish pubs are going to be your friend and will provide the opportunity to watch the final among other England fans An excellent option in Madrid would be The Irish Rover, located just a five-minute walk away from Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Boasting an excellent range of alcoholic beverages and multiple TVs you will certainly be treated to an excellent atmosphere during the match our top recommendation would be to visit the Palacio de Hielo at which the Euro 2024 final will be shown on a massive 350-square-metre projector screen Both England and Spanish supporters will be in attendance and another fantastic large-screen projection of the game you will want to head to the Fonteta de Sant Lluís Pavilion This venue welcomed 5,500 Spanish and French fans to the facility in the semi-final clash between the two nations with no reports of any crowd trouble throughout the occasion Its doors will open an hour before kick-off and entry is free for both sets of supporters you would prefer the more traditional setting of a pub to watch the game then some standout selections include St.Patricks England fans in Benidorm… ????????? pic.twitter.com/KFX10Cn151 — Football Fights (@footbalIfights) June 28, 2024 There will likely be so many Brits in Benidorm on Sunday that it might almost feel like you're on home turf you won't find a shortage of bars showing the game then L’Aiguera Park will be hosting a large-screen event for the final so it will be wise to book ahead as early as possible to guarantee your spot A large screening of the final may be slightly more difficult to come across in Alicante with no concrete plans for one decided at the time of writing rest assured because there will still be plenty of bars and pubs showing the game One of the best establishments available to you is  O'Briens Bar and Restaurant, located in Guardamar del Segura The venue boasts an excellent range of food Sol Beach Bar is another fantastic option music and multiple large TVs ensuring you will have an excellent view of the game no matter where you are sat There is no shortage of Irish pubs in Malaga and they will be a very good starting point when it comes to Euro 2024 final venues a lively atmosphere and a range of large televisions Another option is O'Grady's Irish Tavern, located in Distrito Centro – the centre of the famous Costa del Sol welcoming atmosphere that makes them feel as though they are on home soil Boasting an excellent range of lagers and ales as expected this is certainly an establishment worth attending With thousands of Brits currently in Marbella for their summer holidays the public screening at Parque de la Represa will likely be a fantastic venue for the Euro 2024 final There will almost certainly be a mixture of both fanbases in attendance the site will have plenty of food and drink available as well as a large screen to watch the game on then the town of Marbella has plenty of good options too As one of the most popular tourist locations in Spain there will be many Three Lions supporters in the city searching for some bars to watch the final in. Irish pub The Merchant would be an excellent choice a wide selection of beers and food such as burgers and nachos to supplement then the sports bars listed below are also excellent locations: Wherever you decide to watch the Euro 2024 final in Spain remember to book your seats ahead of time wherever possible FootballGroundGuide » Latest Football Stadium and Fan News » Where to watch the Euro 2024 final in Spain: Marbella There are no statistics available for this player Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here A new format lands for the end of season MotoGP™ awards in 2023 welcoming fans to celebrate a history-making season with the biggest names in the sport MotoGP™ is bringing the curtain down on the 2023 season in style The end of season prize-giving ceremony is ready to debut a fresh look as the MotoGP™ Beats: Lights Out Gala opening the door to fans to celebrate the incredible successes of their heroes right alongside them As night falls on Sunday the 26th of November following the final race of the season the spotlight will move across Valencia to the Font de Sant Lluís indoor arena for the party to really begin at the MotoGP™ Beats: Lights Out Gala The event will welcome attendees with a reception to remember on the red carpet before the biggest trophies of the season are presented on the main stage.An incredible musical guest will also share the spotlight and take the event to the next level a platinum selling artist from southern Spain The entire show will also be broadcast worldwide as Champions are crowned and names written into the history books Join us there for a celebration to remember One of the most famous hallmarks of the city of Barcelona is its original Art Nouveau architecture It seems like eyes will never tire from seeing buildings adorned with flowers mosaics in unusual shapes and colors.  While many people attribute this particular style to Antoni Gaudí the architect behind monuments like the Sagrada Família or Park Güell in Barcelona the fact is that one has to look to his teacher architect Lluís Domenech i Montaner as the creator of this particular style Check out our latest podcast episode on this famous character in Catalonia: His most prominent works in Barcelona are Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site both on the Unesco World Heritage list.   his most prominent modernist work can be seen in the city of Reus where he built the still-working psychiatric hospital marks the one-hundred-year anniversary since the death of the architect whose legacy stretches from architecture to politics with one thing in common: the recuperation of Catalan identity Lluís Domènech i Montaner was born in 1849 into a bourgeois family who owned a publishing house and book binding company and he went on to study architecture in Madrid after having abandoned his physics studies in Barcelona “He was a person shaped by this time,” explains Carles Sàiz i Xiqués from the Lluís Domènech i Montaner Research Center “The Barcelona he was born in was a Barcelona in constant change.”   The Catalan capital in 1849 was experiencing rapid population growth due to industrialization At the same time Barcelona and the rest of Catalonia were in the midst of the Renaixença a cultural movement that sought to revive and promote Catalan language and culture after over one hundred years of repression by the Spanish crown.  Domènech i Montaner showed interest in politics and co-founded the first Catalanist political group the first of many political groups and parties that he founded throughout his lifetime.    “He would use all his virtues to serve the country but the end goal is the fatherland,” says Sàiz.       Domènech i Montaner co-founded and became president of the conservative Catalanist group Unió Catalanista the group approved its political program called Les Bases de Manresa they proclaimed Catalonia as a sovereign country with Catalan as the official language and the re-establishment of the Catalan Parliament Les Bases de Manresa are regarded as the birth of political Catalanism Image of the interior of one of the Hospital de Sant Pau corridors / Lea Beliaeva Bander Domènech i Montaner became a congressman and moved to Madrid for four years to represent the party Lliga Regionalista it sought to restore Catalan parliamentary rights and autonomy.  A few years after bringing the Catalan agenda to Madrid he became disillusioned with politics and returned home to Barcelona.   “Domènech i Montaner was not a man committed to one party,” says Sàiz and this led to conflicts and sometimes to accepting proposals that he didn’t believe in,” he adds.   he took a more behind-the-scenes approach to politics his politics shifted from center-right wing ideals of autonomy to a more center-left dogma of republicanism seen to have inspired the later Republican Catalanist movement in the early 20th century and the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic in 1930 in Barcelona.  Domènech i Montaner was focused on creating a particular Catalan architectural style based on older medieval styles found around Catalonia.  “Old writings of his say that around the 16th to 17th century proper Catalan architecture comes to an end,” Sàiz says the Renaissance and Barroque styles were imposed by Spanish kings and do therefore not have their cultural roots in Catalonia.”  The architect didn’t just want to reconstruct the old Catalan traditions he wanted to use the elements that were fundamental for the identity of Catalonia and transport them into the modern time by mixing them together.  When looking at a modernist building the characteristic abundance of ornaments like flowers Carles Sàiz assures that everything is there for a reason:    “Everything revolves around medieval symbolism,” he adds.  Catalan modernist staples in architecture can be traced back to three periods: the classical Roman era, Romanesque and Gothic, with places like Tarragona, Vall de Boí and Poblet of particular importance to Domènech i Montaner. These are also on the Unesco list of World Heritage Sites.   Domènech i Montaner incorporated the three periods into his architecture in different ways.  The columns in the architect’s work, characteristic of the Roman style, were decorated with flowers, while the flooring was often made with different colored mosaics and tiles. From the Romanesque era, the architect took inspiration from the religious iconography, but replaced it with floral decorations in ceramic, stucco or sgraffito on the walls, while the large stained-glass windows can be attributed to Gothic architecture.   As a way of taking the old architecture into the late 19th century, Domènech i Montaner worked with exposed brick, which until then had primarily been used in industrial buildings.  “The building materials themselves are part of the decoration,” says Miquel Terreu, archivist at the Modernist Site Sant Pau, and explains that the architect also brought back traditional techniques like ironwork but used it decoratively.   The first modernist building he constructed in Barcelona was in 1885 on Carrer Aragó right off Passeig de Gràcia. Now it houses the Antoni Tapiès Foundation.  While having gained recognition for his architectural ideas in Catalonia and Spain by the 1870s, it was the Universal Exposition in Barcelona held in 1888 that propelled him to international fame.  He had been commissioned to do various works for the exposition, like the Castell de les Tres Dragons in the Park Ciutadella, but what really put his name on the map was the construction of the 5,000-square-meter Hotel International, located on the then newly constructed Passeig de Colom. It was erected in a little over 50 days and finished completely in 90.   “The exposition was the consolidation of Domènech i Montaner as a prestigious architect,” says Sàiz.   One of the reasons why Domènech i Montaner was regarded as the father of Catalan Modernism was because of his ability to inspire many architects to follow in his footsteps.   At only 25 years old, he became a teacher at, and later director of, the newly opened Barcelona Province School of Architecture.    Some of his most prominent students were future modernist architects like Antoní Gaudí, Josep Puig i Cadafalch, Ignasi Oms Ponsa and Josep Maria Jujol, who developed their own styles within the realm of Modernism.  While Domènech i Montaner is still not a name that is as easily recognized as other architects of his time like Antoní Gaudi, he is undoubtedly an important cultural and political figure in Catalonia, who left his mark through his buildings and his ideas. Get the day's biggest stories right to your phone From the forested foothills of Mallorca to Ibiza’s sun-kissed pastoral stretches we’re switching dawn-till-dusk dancing for farm-to-fork feasting at the most beautiful fincas in the Balearic Islands Get your weekly dose of armchair travelling Twenty students and two teachers from Begues Spain are getting the Tabor treatment as they visit the campus for a 12-day exchange The trip is part of an ongoing partnership between Tabor Academy and the Col·legi Sant Lluís de Pla i Amell On alternating years the students visit each other’s towns the Spanish students have gotten the lay of the land with visits to Boston They are also spending time learning about life at Tabor The visiting students have the option of attending classes with their American peers hanging out in the student lounge and participating in sports practices Fifteen-year-old Arnau Ienes said the setup is different from his school at home “It’s cool because in Spain we don’t have this type of campus,” he said Athletic fields on the grounds and fewer snacks in between meals are different but he’s enjoying his first trip to the U.S Local Tabor families host the students during their stay has Ienes and another student staying at his home and said it’s an interesting way to engage with them Georgia West of Rochester is hosting Monica Giner at her home and added that the exchange helps them improve their English “This is at least the third time their school has visited Tabor,” said Kerry Saltonstall “One of the cool things is that some of the siblings are here this time It’s fun to have a long-term partnership.” Since not everyone will be able to visit Begues having the Spanish students spend time doing regular Tabor activities gives the American students more opportunities to interact “It expands it rather than just the twenty kids who get to go to Spain,” Saltonstall said The trip is also an opportunity for the faculty The two teachers from Spain especially enjoy interacting with Tabor’s Spanish teachers “It’s becoming a really nice exchange of ideas,” said Saltonstall In June it will be Tabor’s turn to travel with their biannual trip to Spain Next year the academy will also host French students through it’s partnership with a school in that country The Local Europe ABVästmannagatan 43113 25 StockholmSweden The Balearic Islands government this week passed a decree allowing for the reclassification of rural land in order to build more housing in Palma de Mallorca The change could also soon be extended to other municipalities on the islands The governing centre-right Popular Party approved the bill with the support of far-right Vox meaning the region's new housing decree can move forward in a bid to create more accessible and affordable for locals This comes amid an acute housing shortage across the islands in recent years that has seen locals priced out of their neighbourhoods and even forced police officers and teachers to live in their cars or caravans According to data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE) the average price of properties in the Balearics has risen 30 percent in the last five years READ ALSO: Renewed calls for Mallorca to ban non-residents from buying property Local newspaper Diario de Mallorca reports that the decree could be extended to municipalities with populations of over 20,000 inhabitants it would be the local councils that decide whether to reclassify the land Inca and Manacor could also implement the change According to the Regional Minister for Housing 50 percent of the buildings built on these formerly rural areas must be used for affordable housing 15 percent of the land must be transferred to the local council for the construction of social housing Mateo argues that these measures will serve to alleviate the lack of affordable housing in the face of a “major social demand” have been forced to adopt “extraordinary measures” because the housing crisis – compounded in the case of the Balearics due a lack of space combined with an influx of foreigners and tourist accommodation in recent years – “has not stopped growing” and has become a “source of social unrest" among local people with demonstrations against mass tourism and the impact it has on residents particularly in terms of affordable housing across the country in holiday hotspots such as the Balearic Islands READ MORE: 'Our island isn't for sale' - Spain's Mallorca protests against mass tourism again also aims to speed up planning and construction processes to make it “more effective and viable” with the aim of simplifying system as well as unblocking developable land to obtain more affordable housing The decree also states that it will substantially reduce the processing times for residential projects to between 18 and 24 months The new housing will have a requirement of at least five years' residence to access one of these properties The bill also includes the exclusion of rental assistance and access to public housing for those who have been convicted of crimes of trespassing or breaking and entering (squatting in other words) and assistance will be made available for those affected This is far from the first radical proposal from Balearic politicians to try and alleviate the housing crisis on the islands left-wing political party Més per Mallorca proposed a new bill to restrict the sale of second homes on the popular Balearic Island aims to address the "housing emergency" that the island is experiencing due to the dramatic increases in housing prices and rents Més per Mallorca want to be able to guarantee that residents have access to "decent and affordable" housing and believe that a ban on the sale of holiday homes for non-residents will ease the situation Please log in here to leave a comment The TimesYou won’t be surprised to learn that the sleepy Balearic island of Menorca — with its 125 miles of shoreline — is home to a decent tally of scenic beaches What’s perhaps more surprising is the fact that so much of it remains unspoiled Most of the summer crowds flock to the more accessible larger beaches Resort beaches allow little ones to paddle in calm shallows while their parents relax beneath palm-frond parasols dozens of hidden coves await discovery — some of which can only be reached by boat or sweaty hikes Efforts are handsomely rewarded with impossibly blue water lapping silky sands and moments of pinch-yourself nirvana You can loosely divide Menorca’s beaches between the picture-postcard powder of the south side and the wilder Most of the ones dotted along the southern coast are connected to established and increasingly swish resorts to the north you can explore sweeps of sand backed by dunes sloping into protected waters teeming with marine life Become a subscriber and along with unlimited digital access to The Times and The Sunday Times you can enjoy a collection of travel offers and competitions curated by our trusted travel partners ALAMYTucked away near Menorca’s southeast corner Cala Alcaufar has long been a summertime favourite with locals from Sant Lluis and Mahon Flanked by the wharfs and whitewashed homes of the sleepy village that shares its name this gentle cove has calm waters thanks to the protection of rocky outcrops and islets Tourist infrastructure remains relatively limited which helps to maintain Alcaufar’s authenticity One of the nearest places to stay is the Alcaufar Vell hotel This former Moorish fortress still bears evidence of its ancient origins melded with neoclassical updates and sporting a frozen-in-time salon • Discover our full guide to the Balearics ALAMYWhether you prefer a sandy beach or pebbly cove The main attraction here is the long stretch of fine which is genuinely lovely but can sometimes become rather crowded head instead to the tiny cove near the strand’s southern end which can only be accessed by swimming or scrambling but nearby Sa Mesquida village has a few decent restaurants this wild cala is just 15 minutes from the centre of Mahon And there are few better places to stay than the Jardi de Ses Bruixes From its subterranean spa to its rooftop terrace this boutique hotel is a study in impeccable taste The next beach along from Cala Presili (more below) it feels deliciously remote — yet it’s easily reached by bus from the capital in summer Sand dunes and scrub at the back of the beach provide habitat for turtles which are commonly seen on the island and lend this beach its name In keeping with the back-to-nature appearance Set in the S’Albufera d’Es Grau Natural Park Finca Son Temet sits just outside this protected zone and offers elegant lodgings surrounded by lush panoramas where the tranquillity is only broken occasionally by the resident peacocks GETTY IMAGESFrequently featured as the poster child for idyllic Menorcan beaches Cala Macarella comprises a strip of white sand overlooking turquoise water flanked by limestone cliffs It balances natural beauty with low-key facilities and services such as a restaurant and a summer lifeguard It’s a 20-minute walk through a forest trail from the car park so it’s best to arrange drop-offs and pick-ups in advance the sister bay of Macarelleta (pictured above) is just a short amble around the cliffs The Morvedra Nou is about as close as you can stay to Cala Macarella Nestled in 70 hectares of olive-tree-scattered land this sensitively converted 17th-century estate blends genuine Menorcan idyll with understated chic • Best hotels in Menorca• Mallorca v Menorca: which is better? ALAMYAt Son Saura cove you get two beaches in one — Banyul and Bellavista — separated by a slab of rocky headland sheltered bay makes for tot-friendly waters and this is a particularly popular haunt with local families so aim to arrive early over the summer months Less than half an hour’s drive away lies Vestige Son Vell an exquisite manor house nestled within a 180-hectare estate head-turning interiors and oh-so-inviting poolside loungers all conspire to keep you contained with its picture-perfect confines ALAMYFew places in the Mediterranean can match the shimmering magnificence of Cala Galdana: a broad horseshoe bay fringed with white cliffs scattered with pines A long sweep of golden sand segues into calm crystalline waters — ideal for little bathers Clusters of pine trees offer shade for picnics while several restaurants provide front-row seats A river inlet and small marina make it ideal for water sports such as kayaking — perfect for escaping the summer crowds the Melia Cala Galdana’s soaring façade somehow blends into the bay’s dramatic scenery and an excellent kids’ club inject plenty of holiday-resort vibe GETTY IMAGESJust along the coast from Cala Galdana pine-topped cliffs (popular with high divers) combine to dazzling effect The absence of facilities are part of its draw and add to its off-grid beach vibe Scoring high on beauty and accessibility — a large car park is relatively close by — means it can get crowded over peak season Swim or stroll around to neighbouring Cala Mitjaneta for fewer bodies The adults-only Artiem Audax overlooks Cala Galdana’s small marina and river inlet from where you can hire a sea kayak to paddle around to neighbouring Cala Mitjana This activities-focused hotel also houses one of the island’s most impressive spas ALAMYDistinctive for its rose-gold sands and pink cliffs that beautifully offset its aquamarine water this secluded cove is located on the island’s less-explored north coast Islets just offshore protect bathers from the swell as well as providing some excellent snorkelling While there are a few houses dotted around the area It’s also around 30 minutes’ walk from the nearest car park so it’s best to set off before it gets too hot — or arrive by boat The adults-only Agroturismo Son Vives is within 20 minutes’ drive of this beach plus its hilltop setting (on one of the island’s four highest points) affords glorious views stretching all the way to the coast This family-run estate is also still home to farm animals including cows that provide milk for their very own cheese • Best all-inclusive hotels in Menorca• Best things to do in Menorca GETTY IMAGESPart of the nature reserve that covers a large swathe of Menorca’s east this stretch of sand is surrounded by lush untamed landscape that’s fantastic for wildlife and the sand is mostly fine and soft with the occasional pebbly patch but the sleepy fishing village of Es Grau has a couple of waterside eateries this beach is a mere 15-minute hop from the centre of Mahon Hevresac is a townhouse trailblazer in sustainability which also mixes bookish charm with a make-yourself-at-home atmosphere GETTY IMAGESWhen it comes to pristine beaches on Menorca you really have to put in the effort to get here — it’s an hour’s walk along the ancient footpath of Cami de Cavalls you’re treated to a slice of unsullied paradise are limited (and its remoteness encourages some to shed swimsuits) make the luxe-level Villa Le Blanc Gran Melia in neighbouring Santo Tomas your base you can hike the hour or so to Cala Escorxada They’ll be happy to provide (fancy) provisions for your journey ALAMYPartially sheltered from the winds by rugged cliffs Cala Presili defies the norm of north-coast beaches with its fine white sands It’s set within the confines of the protected S’Albufera d’Es Grau reserve too so the area’s natural beauty remains completely intact There’s a small car park towards the Favaritx lighthouse and it’s an easy stroll from here Despite its relatively straightforward access the beach is usually undisturbed by summer crowds Moon Dreams Marina Parc Hotel is a short (20-minute) drive from Cala Presili a kids’ club and one of the longest pools in Menorca — making it an understandably popular spot for families GETTY IMAGESCala de Trebaluger is an unspoiled beach that is tricky to access and is all the more pristine and peaceful for it A rectangle of soft white sand sits in a low with one side opening to a freshwater river It’s around an hour’s (fairly challenging) walk from parking near Cala Mitjana The sea is particularly clear here and usually teeming with sea life Ferreries makes a fine base for exploring this stretch of coast — and Ses Sucreres is the place to stay This restored 19th-century townhouse is brimming with choice vintage pieces eclectic artworks and character that channels the island’s creative soul • Discover our full guide to Spain ALAMYStretching along Menorca’s south coast for almost two miles Son Bou is the longest beach on the island At its easterly end is the eponymous holiday resort largely due to the gently sloping beach’s child-friendly waters A couple of chiringuitos (laid-back beach venues) open over the summer months and there’s a smattering of sunloungers to flop on too the beach also becomes increasingly popular with nudist sunbathers (you have been warned) whitewashed finca chic meets a retro-tinged pastel palette This eye-catching agriturismo doesn’t scrimp on luxury either GETTY IMAGESCala en Turqueta is one of the island’s most popular beaches and its natural beauty is as flawless as you’ll find on Menorca Incredibly clear water laps against a white-sand shore enclosed by scented pine forests and limestone crags Although there’s nothing in the way of beach bars you’ll find toilets and a lifeguard in the busier months Just along the coast on the southwestern tip is the resort of Cala en Bosc A family favourite here is the Zafiro Menorca where roomy one-bedroom suites come as standard and there’s lots onsite for little travellers GETTY IMAGESBinigaus is a 15-minute stroll west of Santo Tomas along the coastal trail it’s wide open to the sea so can be a little wavy when the southern wind blows high orange cliffs dramatically complement the golden sands and turquoise waters A sense of seclusion makes this popular with the naturist set the Binigaus Vell hotel occupies the same slice of Menorcan campo as Binigaus beach This storied finca can trace its origins back to the 9th century while 21st-century additions includes a swish pool with sweeping vistas down to the coast Private stables also provide an equine option crescent-shaped cove — one of the island’s largest — is most impressive when viewed from the elevated resort that has built up around it A vast swathe of golden sand provides plentiful space for the inevitable summer throngs and the waters are some of the calmest on Menorca’s north coast Sedate water sports take the form of kayaking and pedalos and there’s no shortage of bars directly overlooking the beach the Llucatx Menorca offers a more rustic alternative to the purpose-built options dotted around the bay Sandwiched between rolling fields and forested hills a blissful sense of rural seclusion prevails here A modest number of rooms means you’ll always find a spot to lounge by the generously sized pool reddish sands backed by weathered dunes and rocky inclines make this bay feel wild and remote stop it getting busy in the summer months as crowds flock to its dramatic setting this is also one of the few beaches on the island where surfers gather to catch breakers during the breezier seasons staying at S’Estancia Suites gives you a clear run up to Playa de Cavalleria contemporary lodgings with the option of hot tub terraces overlooking lush Menorcan landscapes • Best family hotels in Menorca• Best villas in Menorca Sign up to the Times Travel newsletter for weekly inspiration, advice and deals here Registered in England No. 894646. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. The building is located on a flat and crop-filled site embraced by the River Llobregat and surrounded by buildings such as the Monastery of Sant Benet de Bages, an old textile mill and the house of its past owners. The geometry of the floor plan departs from themorthogonal charactermof the nearby structures:mits form is defined by the old walls, fences, path sand trees that the project keeps untouched. The vertical plane separating interior and exterior is entirely glazed, aiming in this way to make the user feel surrounded and invaded by nature. Depending on the intensity of light the glass surfaces become clear or shiny, making the built volume disappear sometimes and others merge seamlessly into the environment by reflecting the exterior like a mirror. The large skylights oriented towards the north balance the perimeter light in the farthermost points. The open floor plan distribution in the interior is possible thanks to the perimeter structural supports used, reduced to tubes placed by the glass sheet joints at 1.2 meter intervals. A lightened slab spanning up to eleven meters rests upon this sequence of facade elements. Installation cores constructed with concrete walls stabilize each one of the building branches. Jordi Julián (Abeba Arquitectes, S.L.) (dirección de obra site supervision); Santiago Loperena (arquitecto técnico quantity surveyor); Javier Baqueró, Queralt Simó, Cristina Ferrer Jesús Jiménez Cañas (NB-35, S.L.) (estructura structure); Josep V. Martí (OIT, S.A.) (instalaciones mechanical engineering) Contratas y Obras, S.A.; Frapont (mobiliario furniture) Sorry, there arent any match using your search terms, please try again using other terms. ACN First published: February 24, 2014 10:00 PM A successful cooperation between Catalonia, Spain and the EU The Vice-President of the European Commission, Viviane Reding, explained that in this first stage, 6 of the 12 pavilions had been restored thanks to a collective effort shared between Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain and Europe. “What matters is that we have done this together” she highlighted.   The President of the Catalan Government, Artur Mas, has not specifically referred to the Spanish Minister but he stressed that “beyond the party that runs [the Spanish Government], when we believe that something is important, things are done and done very well at that”. 35,500 indoors square meters and 27,700 outdoors square meters restored The work have been conducted with one major purpose in mind: reinforcing the structure and foundations of the hospital’s numerous pavilions - some over 100 years old and at risk of collapse - while also staying true to Modernist architect Domenech i Montaner’s original ideas and adapting them to the building’s new functions. Thus, isolation and wiring have been improved, notably by dismantling and concealing structures that had been added after the initial construction works. One of the most innovative improvements is the air conditioning. It is produced from geothermal energy extracted from more than 400 wells that are over 100 feet deep, and adapted for through-floor installation, thereby avoiding any radiators or air conditioners. The Hospital de Sant Pau is one of the largest facilities in southern Europe to have installed such a system. Visitors can access the hospital for free during its first three weeks of opening With the purpose of establishing a physical connection between the self-built settlement that emerged in the sixties (today a neighborhood known as Las Roquetas) with the more recent expansion of Sant Pere de Ribas the municipality decided to generate a new center of attraction in an empty lot in the urban center the project design is presided by a public square whose development includes an underground parking area and municipal facilities that have already been completed The residential program contemplated in the project proposal will be fulfilled in 2006 The Town Hall – drawn up as a distortion of one of the built sides of the public square by which it stands – is a new reference point in the area an element to link up the self-built neighborhood of the 60s and the city expansion The building that houses the municipal premises has been conceived as a distortion of one of the built sides of the square altered so that it acts as an extension of Federico García Lorca street it makes the pattern of Pere II penetrate the public space and it singularly rounds off the perspective one enjoys from the church on Sagunto street This distortion of the built edge is particularly significant in the dense and reticular pattern of the original settlement The self-built dwellings showed a singular sequence of courtyards pergolas as well as rich vegetation that enhanced the relationship between interior and exterior This original characteristic of the neighborhood that the more recent housing blocks not always preserved is recovered thanks to the white architecture of the municipal project the building is divided into volumes of different size organized around an interior courtyard – presided by a sycamore tree that provides shade in summer and lets the sunrays through during winter – that gives access to all the different premises The ground floor contains the municipal offices court and an exhibition gallery that can also be accessed from García Lorca street The local police station is also on this floor The upper floor accommodates the Mayor’s offices and the assembly hall from which one can step out to the balcony overlooking the square The stairs that link these two levels run parallel to a large window cut out of the facade to generate a sort of public lookout from the building onto the city A third underground level also houses offices and local police premises – open to smaller courtyards that they share with neighboring housing blocks – and a core of connection with the parking located underneath the square OIT (instalaciones mechanical engineering); Bet Figueras (paisajismo landscaping); Toni Cumella (cerámica ceramic) there arent any match using your search terms This tranquil Balearic isle might not be our first pick for dancing till dawn but for field-to-plate feasting and some quality shut-eye – all under one roof – it’s hard to beat Log in and download the free e-publication of the latest A&B The printed version is available for sale online in our store and press salons throughout Poland unique e-mail [will also be used as login in the portal] Only name - check the correctness of the data Only the last name - check the correctness of the data password must be at least 8 characters long * fields required for registration; data can be completed in account settings after logging in ** establishment of a student account follows verification of the validity of the student ID card Please try later or let us know: contact Technology: aitnet.pl Ⓒ AiB Publishing House 2025. All rights reserved. As a city with a rich cycling tradition, Barcelona is gearing up to host the Parc Vuelta, a special event coinciding with the first two stages of La Vuelta 23. Passeig de Lluís Companys provides the scene for a big celebration devoted to cycling enthusiasts on 26 and 27 August, from 3 pm to 8 pm. The goal of the Parc Vuelta is to prolong La Vuelta 23, offering a place where visitors can experience and enjoy activities linked to the world of cycling. From competitions to product displays and shows, there’s a wide array of activities in store for all types of people and all ages. The event offers visitors the chance to directly interact with the world of cycling, whether they’re experienced enthusiasts or simply want to learn more about this exciting sport. Entertainment and activities at the event are geared towards those attending, creating an exciting and festive atmosphere. With the Parc Vuelta, Barcelona reaffirms its commitment to cycling and offers a unique opportunity for residents and tourists to get involved in a top-level international event. Tio Pepe takes its name from the local maestro whose nephew founded the Gonzalez Byass brand (which owns Tio Pepe). ‘Uncle Joe’ was a local legend in the 1830s and 1840s, when he could often be found experimenting with sherries and wines on the cathedral steps Soak up this essential aspect of Jerezano history and culture by booking yourself on a tour of the magnificent 19th century bodegas: run three times a day in English Special tours include trips out to the vineyards Luis Pérez The Luis Pérez bodegas are relative newcomers to the Jerez winemaking scene, having launched in 2002 in a lovingly-restored mid-19th century building. Initially, this family-run business had the aim of trying to convince aficionados that “quality red wines could be made in Cádiz [province]”, but in 2013 they began to make sherry The company is rapidly establishing its prowess and earlier this year its still-young Oloroso Barajuela (a dark sherry) won Best Wine of The Year from El Mundo Vino magazine the Dios Baco sherry bodegas have passed through the hands of several holding companies eventually being purchased by the current owner in 1992 The principal building dates from 1848 and looks like a church from outside; indeed the storage rooms of bodegas are called ‘cathedrals of wine’ in Spanish as their high ceilings are crucial to the maturation process Twice daily tours (in English and Spanish) are intimate Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? 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