First published: September 2, 2024 09:40 AM Controversy has arisen after it was learned that the seaside town of Tossa de Mar, north of Catalonia and in the Costa Brava, will receive 200 migrants from the Canary Islands on Monday. The municipality has around 6,200 inhabitants, and the arrival of the asylum seekers has caused some outrage on social media. They are all 18 years old or over. As radio station SER Catalunya first reported and later confirmed by the Catalan News Agency (ACN), they will stay at a hotel in the municipality. The mayor of Tossa de Mar says the number of asylum seekers is "excessive" and has also criticized the decision as it coincides with "the peak of the tourism season." "This same decision in October would not have caused the problems that will cause now," Martí Pujals, mayor of Tossa de Mar, told ACN. Pujals remembered that Blanes, a nearby municipality, received around 200 asylum seekers last year, with "eight times more inhabitants than Tossa." "If they brought 200 asylum seekers to Blanes, they should bring around 40 to Tossa to have some proportionality," he added. One of the main complaints has also been the timing of the arrival. The Spanish government delegate in Catalonia, Carlos Prieto, called and told local authorities about the situation. Officials expect asylum seekers to stay in Tossa de Mar for around one month while they complete the paperwork. Authorities will need to study the situation each individual faces and will decide if they are sent to families in other European countries, if they will be based in Spain, and what kind of asylum they receive. The arrival of asylum seekers at Tossa de Mar from rescues in the Spanish Canary Islands has prompted a division of opinions on social media and the streets of the municipality. Some residents say asylum seekers "have their right to live as everyone else," Lola said. However, Conxita believes it is an "anomaly," as the extra cost should not be paid by the Spanish government, and she believes the money should be used for other needs. The mayor has already said that the arrival of these migrants will not result in extra expenses for the city council. Online some users say the situation has already happened in other Costa Brava municipalities in the past, such as Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Lloret de Mar, or Palamós. Towns that have already "suffered from depersonalization and assimilation," Marçal, an X user, wrote. Less opinionated is Guillem Pursals, who shares the same point of view as the town's mayor, as "it does not make any sense to see so many people, being migrants or not, staying in that small place," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Meanwhile, Andres García, another X user, said that they "are using Tossa de Mar resources so an entity can handle the humanitarian aid for migrants and, once again, a pro-independence Junts mayor brings in a far-right speech," he wrote. Catalan pro-independence party Junts accused the Spanish government of hiding the distribution criteria for migrants in Spain. The party has sent a list of questions to the executive demanding an explanation of the protocols used and to detail which towns across the country have been designated to welcome migrants, month by month, since the beginning of the legislature. According to Junts, Catalonia "is and has been in solidarity," but the Spanish government "abuses this solidarity" without providing "the tools and resources necessary to welcome and care for migrants." The party also pointed out that "Catalonia was the only territory that did not vote in favor of this territorial distribution. They add that "coexistence in Catalonia cannot continue to be oversaturated," because "without the necessary resources the system does not work." Meanwhile, the far-right Vox party has called for the "immediate" deportation of the 200 migrants. In a statement, Vox explained that they will demand that the Spanish government's representative in Catalonia and the mayor of the town appear in the Catalan parliament to address the situation. The party says that the arrival of the asylum seekers will have a "serious impact" on the population of 6,000 inhabitants. Get the day's biggest stories right to your phone The Mediterranean is highly sought-after for its climate drawing millions of tourists to Spain to discover its unique lifestyle Meliá Hotels International and Rafael Nadal created ZEL: a collaborative lifestyle brand that pays homage to the Mediterranean ethos Following the success of its inaugural hotel the brand will expand its presence this summer with a second property on the stunning Costa Brava promising "fiesta and siesta"–the ultimate destination for excitement and relaxation ZEL Costa Brava aims to follow the success of ZEL Mallorca which saw a notable 20% increase in occupancy between 2022 and 2024 Situated on the breathtaking coast of Cala Giverola ZEL Costa Brava perfectly blends the rich cultural heritage with the unparalleled beauty of its beaches and cliff sides—once serving as filming locations for Hollywood classics like "Pandora and the Flying Dutchman." The area features iconic landmarks such as the Tossa del Mar castle and some of the most Instagram-worthy spots along the Spanish coast Positioned just 20 miles from the Girona-Costa Brava International Airport and less than 70 miles from Barcelona this enticing retreat allows guests to immerse in relaxation and entertainment The hotel aims to create an active lifestyle community providing an array of rejuvenating activities designed to invigorate both body and mind "I loved ZEL Costa Brava as soon as I saw it," said Rafael Nadal co-creator and inspiration for the ZEL brand with Meliá Hotels International together with interior design developed to the ZEL philosophy have resulted in an emblematic and unique hotel where I hope to have a great time in the future." ZEL Costa Brava offers everything that all travelers including a spa featuring a sizable heated pool overlooking the mountains Guests can also enjoy access to a fully equipped gym and participate in personalized or group training sessions tailored to promote holistic wellbeing The hotel's Beach Club at Cala Giverola will offer guests a culinary journey of the Mediterranean amidst a picturesque setting Other dining options include the lobby bar The property also features a spacious meeting room that can be divided into three separate spaces catering to events and team-building activities An idyllic destination between the sea and the mountains The hotel has 214 rooms and suites that are inspired by nature and Duplex accommodations - all offering views of the sea that were specially selected for the personal care brand's innovation and environmental consciousness With a commitment to sustainability and environmental harmony ZEL Costa Brava adheres to the principles of organic architecture integrating natural materials and dynamic outdoor spaces throughout the property to complement the hotel's surroundings The hotel's central patio serves as a communal gathering spot ideal for enjoying specialty coffee from Café de Finca or perusing local and international goods Click here to join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest hotel news and trends Copyright © Hotel News Resource & Nevistas | All rights reserved Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries In Tossa de Mar and other beach towns near Barcelona Not just a city of modernista masterpieces and nightlife that doesn’t quit, Barcelona has also earned a reputation as one of Europe’s beachiest urban playgrounds And you’d be wrong – very wrong – in thinking this is the best waterfront the Catalonian coast has to offer If you’re looking for a natural beach for a full or even half-day getaway from bustling Barcelona consider leaving the city limits to discover beaches that any local would recommend And you don’t even need a car to get to any of them take the train one stop further down the line to Villanova i Geltru Follow the trail up north toward Sitges and you’ll discover some less crowded beaches and calas along the way you can plop on the sand right just steps from the center of town or walk a little bit north to find a wilder coast where submerged boulders form tide pools Planning tip: If you’re struggling to find elbow room on Barcelona beaches, there are beach towns all along the R1 line which travels along the shore with sea views the entire way to Blanes For something a little more low-key and quieter than Sitges 5km (3-mile) stretch of water watched over by some seaside mansions worth gawking at (including the home of former Barça midfielder Lionel Messi) With the Mediterranean waves and the green hills of Parc del Garraf on either side Planning tip: Next door to this beach – near the Baix-Llobregat marshlands and close to the airport – is Platja de Gavà Between Castelldefels and Sitges, this beach features a row of adorable green-and-white houses (where fishermen once stored their gear) immediately catches the eye they are rentable homes and popular backdrops for anyone looking to add some vintage flair to their beach-day pics The beach itself is less than 500m (1640ft) long and fills up quickly during the summer season – but its picture-perfect quality makes it too pretty to pass up Detour: Behind the beach, you can explore the trails in the hills of the Parc del Garraf to get up higher for a wider view of the Mediterranea, or venture out on a thru-hike that ends in Sitges. If you want a different kind of refreshment, Soho House’s posh Little Beach House property has a beach bar open to non-members Local tip: The train does not run along the Costa Brava, so you’ll have to take the bus to reach Tossa de Mar. There are multiple direct departures from Barcelona’s Estació Nord; you can also save a few euros by taking the train to Blanes and boarding a cheaper bus from there. After a Korean TV series and pop videos were shot at the Costa Brava town Asian daytrippers have been flocking there to take photos – but it’s not the first time celebrities have boosted its tourist figures The 9 o’clock bus from Barcelona to the Costa Brava resort of Tossa de Mar is packed Seventy-five minutes later they make straight for the Forat del Dimoni (Devil’s Hole) where they queue to take each other’s pictures in a variety of poses “It all started two or three months ago,” says Gregori Martínez of the Tossa de Mar tourism department They come in the morning and spend the day here and then go back to Barcelona.” who has about 1 million followers on Instagram We hand out questionnaires at the bus stop so we can decide if we need to invest in this type of tourismThe TV series The Legend of the Blue Sea is the convoluted story of a mermaid and a conman that enjoyed huge ratings It was shot in Korea and various locations in Barcelona and the Costa Brava YooA was a member of the girl group Oh My Girl before going solo in 2020. Videos for her hits Melody and Lay Low were both filmed in Tossa: the first includes the shot of her sitting framed by the Forat del Dimoni with the sea at her back; it has had 6m views “I’m not just here to take a photo – I’ve come because it’s a lovely place But I’ll be going back to Barcelona today,” said Hope as she queued for her turn Hope is from near Shanghai and is studying urban design in London The hero is a conman but he falls in love and so the bad guy becomes a good guy.” said: “I think people are here to take photos more because of the song than the TV series but nevertheless she and her friend queued for half an hour for their turn and then spent another 15 minutes taking pictures Martínez says the visitors eat in the town’s better restaurants but do their shopping in Barcelona before they fly home “We don’t know if it’s just a fad that will soon pass,” he said “We hand out questionnaires at the bus stop so we can decide if we need to devise a policy or to invest in this type of tourism We have to take advantage of it because the great thing about social media is it reaches everyone But it’s very unpredictable and fleeting.” featured trips and local tips for your next break as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays It’s not as though Tossa de Mar needed to be put on the map It has been settled and continuously populated since the Neolithic era and remained practically unchanged for centuries until the advent of mass tourism in the late 1950s Long before YooA, it became famous as a location after Hollywood director Albert Lewin chose the town to shoot most of Pandora and the Flying Dutchman, starring Ava Gardner and James Mason. In 1998 the town erected a statue in Gardner’s memory. Marc Chagall named the town ‘the blue paradise’Before that, in the 1920s and 1930s, Tossa was an artists’ colony with as many as 350 artists either residing in or visiting what was then a tiny fishing village. Among them was Marc Chagall, who named the town “the blue paradise”, as well as Henri Matisse, Dora Maar, Olga Sacharoff and Francis Picabia. Read moreTossa isn’t the only place to benefit from this type of TikTok tourism After a Korean influencer posted a picture of himself eating churros in a churrería in the Old Town of Barcelona Koreans have been queueing at the tiny hole-in-the wall shop Bruce Springsteen caused a stir in Barcelona when he turned up to perform last month accompanied by Barack Obama and Steven Spielberg. Now the restaurant where the three ate, Amar as is the hotel in which Springsteen stayed going to Tossa because of a video or a TV series isn’t that different from visiting Graceland or Jim Morrison’s grave in Père Lachaise Travellers like to think they know some special or secret place off the beaten track The problem with social media is about a million other people are in on the secret Want more science? Get a subscription of our sister publication \"How It Works\" magazine for the latest amazing science news.  What looks like a slurry of frosting is actually sea-foam churned up by a large storm The sea served up an unusual jiggly blob to the Spanish city of Tossa de Mar on Jan but it wasn't a gigantic mess of gray custard or a frothy mix of dirty frosting high waves and strong winds to the coastal town which is about 55 miles (90 kilometers) northeast of Barcelona Related: Weirdo Weather: 7 Rare Weather Events If you have a jarful of seawater, odds are you'll see tiny particles floating in it. These particles could be pieces of dissolved salts, proteins "Sea-foam forms in this way — but on a much grander scale — when the ocean is agitated by wind and waves," according to the National Ocean Service.  but it can also result from natural causes Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox But it's best to stay away from foams caused by harmful algal blooms when the bubbles burst from foams made of the algae Karenia brevis — which produces neurotoxins — the toxins can become airborne meaning that people might breathe them in or get them in their eyes the National Ocean Service reported.  Moreover, foams can be dangerous for seabirds. After massive seabird die-offs in California in 2007 and in the Pacific Northwest in 2009, researchers found that the soap-like foam from a decaying Akashiwo sanguinea algae bloom was to blame The sea-foam from these algal blooms destroyed the birds' ability to waterproof their feathers making it nearly impossible for them to fly It also meant that the birds couldn't fluff out their feathers for insulation according to the National Ocean Service.  It's unclear what exactly caused the crazy amount of sea-foam in Tossa de Mar Vídeo en exclusiva de Tossa de Mar. La veritat l'escuma aquesta no fa gaire gràcia. pic.twitter.com/1hkGDEWIhhJanuary 21, 2020 However, the city's authorities announced that the foam didn't pose a risk to people, according to Fox News which caused flooding associated with the deaths of seven people as of Jan Originally published on Live Science Corryvreckan whirlpool: Scotland's 'raging cauldron' that is named after a Norse king and said to house a witch Atlantic ocean currents are weakening — and it could make the climate in some regions unrecognizable US Air Force wants to develop smarter mini-drones powered by brain-inspired AI chips 2023The town of Cadaqués.Photo: Getty ImagesSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links The charms of Spain’s Costa Brava (which translates as “wild coast”) are well known Stretching north from Barcelona to the French border the rocky stretch of coastline is beloved for its picturesque seaside towns and for being the playground of some of the most influential artists of the 20th century—from long-time resident Salvador Dalí to Pablo Picasso whose grandfather Joan Ponç—a friend of Dalí and a member of the Dau Al Set artistic movement—lived and worked in what is now the reborn hotel Elsewhere are new breezy seaside restaurants, art galleries, and tailormade adventures like foraging excursions with plant-obsessed perfumer Ernesto Collado the Costa Brava is making room for a wider set of travelers beyond sun-seekers and fans of Surrealist art—giving the neighboring Balearic Islands a run for their money Tossa de Mar.Photo: Getty Images“The region has way more to offer than just sun and sand,” says Pablo Rovira, the founder of VIU Empordà a collection of restored farmhouses and modernist homes in Costa Brava and l’Empordà “Passionate people have launched exciting new projects that are drawing modern travelers from around the world.”   skip the over-buzzed Balearics and set out to discover the Costa Brava’s newest hotspots Photo: James RiellyA 16th-century farmhouse in the Baix Emporadà countryside is the unlikely satellite location of the Barcelona-based Alzueta Gallery which represents artists including Portuguese painter Francisco Mendes Moreira and Madrileña artist Violeta Maya the gallery reopened its doors with a new M.O. shifting away from its previous life as a traditional exhibition space to offer a more monographic focus with single artists taking over the soaring space for three months at a time cheeky paintings serve as an irreverent contrast to the palau’s vaulted ceilings Owner Carla Lloveras called on the team at Barcelona-based firm Quintana Partners—whose work she had discovered at Casa Telmo in Menorca—to reimagine the 17th-century townhouse in the town of Begur filling the petite space with a mix of vintage treasures and bespoke furniture: cane chairs Lloveras can set up a boat trip to discover the coast’s unspoiled beaches and coves but most guests will be tempted to hang back at the hotel relaxing on the sunny courtyard or enjoying a massage on the roof terrace (Gala Dalí is said to have been so enamored with the building’s features that she reproduced some of the moldings and other elements in the castle.) It’s a singular environment for admiring Roma’s delicate pieces including fossilized-looking bowls and vases and elaborate dishware that can be found in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world including Restaurante Lasarte in Barcelona and Bianc in Hamburg This handpicked collection of homes—many of which are owned by the region’s best architects and winemakers—gives travelers next-level access to the best of the Costa Brava and the surrounding area Courtesy of VIU EmpordàGuests unlock some of the region’s most exclusive experiences like boat rides in a traditional wooden llaüt a wild foraging excursion with perfumer Ernesto Collado a chef-led coastal hike culminating in a seaside aperitif like vermut or xampanyet de saúco (elderberry champagne) Courtesy of MargaritaAntonella Tignanelli and David Caro are the duo behind Barcelona’s stylish Baldomero restaurant. Their latest venture, Margarita brings the same convivial atmosphere and home cooking to the seaside town of Calella de Palafrugell Inspired by “la dolça vida mediterrània”—a Catalan spin on la dolce vita—the breezy waterfront restaurant serves regional takes on classics like vitello tonnato and torta pasqualina in a homey space decked out in antiques Photo: Ash JamesThe former home of painter Joan Ponç—a friend of Salvador Dalí and a member of the pioneering Dau Al Set artistic movement—is now a 12-room hotel run by Ponç’s grandson James Pons The 1950s home in Cadaqués still feels like an artist’s residence with soulful interiors done up in threadbare rugs while soft Mediterranean light pours in from the arched windows the hotel reopens with a rebooted bistro fusing Mediterranean Japanese and Peruvian influences and a coffee shop carrying Barcelona’s NOMAD beans and sustainable Spanish beauty products from Rowse Pons is also dreaming up on-site music sessions with singer-songwriter Le Nais and DJ sets for the summer months “Cadaqués is the coolest spot where everybody wants to be,” says Pons “A little like Ibiza with the party scene but also the quiet.”  Courtesy of Grava PalsThis laidback bike café doubles as a community gathering space with unisuit-wearing cyclists mixing with locals over specialty coffee The action goes down on the sun-splashed patio where picnic tables and a vintage airstream set the tone for chilled-out fun The multi-purpose space also offers yoga classes and group bike rides through the surrounding countryside—the perfect way to experience the region’s natural wonders The Danish Home Lighting Trend That Can Improve Your Mental Health In America’s Cities, Saunas Are Becoming the Hottest Social Spot Millie Bobby Brown Shares Her Favorite Paella Recipe—and Details About Her Wedding to Jake Bongiovi A Day-by-Day Guide to Hiking the Legendary Nakasendo Trail in Japan Never miss a Vogue moment and get unlimited digital access for just $2 $1 per month First published: February 3, 2025 10:33 AM Catalonia welcomed a record 19,939,895 international tourists in 2024 according to figures from the National Statistics Institute (INE) published this Monday. The figure represents an increase of 9.66% compared to 2023 (18,182,612) and almost 35% more than in 2022 (14,852,042). Each visitor spent an average of €211 per day last year, €2 less than the previous year, and €23 less than in 2022. The average length of stay for international visitors was 5.63 days, slightly up from 5.58 in 2023. However, this also represents a slight decrease compared to 2022 (5.91 days). During December, 1,073,406 foreigner visitors arrived in Catalona, the most in any December for which there are records. During the last month of 2024 each foreign tourist spent an average of €156 per day, 8.44% less than the same period in 2023. On the other hand, the duration of trips was longer, 7.7 days, 10.23% more than the previous year. Tossa de Mar has banned such festivities during the August high season and imposed strict regulations for the rest of the year Tossa de Mar on Catalonia’s Costa Brava boasts beautiful beaches seafront restaurants and a walled old town but another increasingly common sight is exercising authorities - hordes of drunk and scantily-clad tourists celebrating stag and hen parties The town is cracking down on such festivities banning them completely during August and slapping strict regulations on them during the rest of the year “They come here and do what ever they want Authorities can do little about individual groups who visit Tossa de Mar to celebrate upcoming nuptials but the new regulations take aim at the town’s growing cohort of party planners who offer organised stag and hen dos that include activities ranging from booze-filled boat cruises to paintball fights and treasure hunts party planners will have to apply for an annual permit and provide police with a detailed schedule for each night they promote along with the number of participants The organisers of any parties that go ahead without the correct authorisation risk fines and being shut down by police The town was prompted to act after locals complained about stag and hen party participants urinating in the street and singing loudly in the town’s squares at 5am The idea is not necessarily to curtail the partying but rather to keep it out of the town’s public spaces “They can be on a boat having the party of their life but when they get off the boat they should walk calmly to the restaurant or hotel.” Those who disturb others by singing shouting or whistling face fines of up to €600 (£480) Tossa de Mar is the latest town to make the headlines as Spanish authorities engage in a conversation about the kind of tourism they want to attract. In August there were protests over three naked Italians in Barcelona as residents railed against what they called “drunken tourism” Tossa de Mar is a homely resort situated on the Costa Brava in the northeast of Spain, opposite too the Mediterranean Sea. It is 80 KM far from Barcelona. The resort is not very much well known, but it is a famous sun destination. The place is rich with fascinating beaches, long warm summers. It is the best place for families to spend their holidays. In the past, Tossa De Mar was a fishing place it renovated into a beautiful holiday place It is located on the jagged coastline that has steep rocks This place is associated with dense cultivation as it has suitable surroundings The city is also known as “The pearl of the Costa Brava,” which is precisely correct then this exotic location can be a fabulous holiday point for you Tossa De Mar is bestowed with three fascinating beaches Platja Gran is in the center Platja del Mar Menuda is in the north there is a small beach El Codolar famous among underwater sportsmen and women So if you are fond of beaches than you are in the right place There are many possibilities like snorkeling and people like to enjoy the beach at a distance mostly the sport and fishing boats anchored in the sheltered bay that is pulled up on the beach at night Tossa has a rich culture and many fabulous cultural things to offer lovers you can roam around the city’s small streets and you would love city walls and watch the tower standing still since the 12th century The ancient castle towers give a fabulous view of the beach and the sea Many artists were interested in this place during the twentieth and thirtieth centuries Famous music players keep the violin in the museum You can enjoy a snack with tea while enjoying a lovely view you can’t resist buying a souvenir as a memory of spectacular Costa Brava vocations you will see a market that is worth of visit you can have something to eat or drink from many restaurants and bars You can convert a beach into an exciting picnic day There are plenty of activities to do in the surroundings From shopping to Platja to Lloret der mar and Blanes visit you can enjoy boating for an hour along the coast Or you can chill around on the warm beaches of the perfect location This place is ideal for holidays with family and loved ones Voyage Nomad-Tale of an Indian Travel Blogger The Best Weekend Trip for Die-Hard Music Fans and you understand the world and balance blesses your life Charting the course to “Create an Epic Sea Change for All,” Virgin Voyages is an irresistible travel brand focused on delivering award-winning sailing experiences while making a positive impact In honor of Earth Day and the incredible seas it navigates everyday Virgin Voyages has released its 2024 Impact Report along with great details about its highly anticipated Celebration Voyages The upcoming Celebration Voyages from Miami Athens and Lisbon will feature three of Virgin Voyages’ most beloved brand partners – Red Flower Yellow Leaf Hammocks and Intelligentsia Coffee – the masterminds behind some of the brand’s signature onboard products Together they’ll offer Sailors rare behind-the-scenes workshops hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to connect with the founders and creators themselves “Our Celebration Voyages are love letters to the places people and passions that shaped who we are,” said Jamie Douglas Director of Innovation and Immersive Experiences “We’re thrilled to showcase these partnerships that unite luxury with purpose proving that memorable travel experiences can also be mindful.” Renowned for creating Virgin Voyages’ in-cabin bath and shower amenities will lead Sailors through immersive workshops celebrating Earth’s flora and fauna biodegradable and cruelty-free ingredients in refillable dispensers exemplifies Virgin Voyages’ commitment to reducing single-use plastics During the one-hour workshops at The Test Kitchen Sailors will craft their own version of Virgin Voyages’ signature “Ocean” scent whip up an invigorating sea salt scrub or mix their own pre- and post-sun botanical care treatment These sessions offer more than just take-home treasures – they are designed to blend creativity with consciousness and connect Sailors to the therapeutic benefits of plant-based wellness while at sea Yellow Leaf Hammocks founders Joe Demin and Rachel Connors bring their Thai master weavers onboard to shine a spotlight on Virgin Voyages’ iconic balcony hammocks Each handcrafted piece provides sustainable employment for artisans from rural Thai communities preserving traditional craft while creating economic opportunity This collaboration celebrates thoughtful design global connection and environmental stewardship Interactive workshops aboard the Celebration Voyages will teach Sailors the ancient art of hammock weaving The one-hour class in The Manor provides Sailors with a rare opportunity to see firsthand how the beautiful purpose and passion woven into every thread Completing the conscious trio is Intelligentsia Coffee Virgin Voyages’ craft coffee partner Sailors can elevate their coffee game with “Pour Overs with a View,” featuring special-selection coffees served with expert precision They’ll learn what makes a truly exceptional cup exploring topics like water’s surprising role in the process to tropical fruit origins hiding in every bean The Grounds Club will also feature a Coffee Concierge Pop-Up where Sailors can sip curated coffee flights and get personalized brewing tips These sessions transform ordinary coffee breaks into extraordinary sensory journeys and sustainability practices behind every perfect cup Earth Day coincides with the release of Virgin Voyages’ 2024 Impact Report which details the brand’s environmental and social initiatives progress toward sustainability goals and ongoing commitment to responsible tourism The report underscores Virgin Voyages’ dedication to transparency and continuous improvement in its journey toward a more sustainable future “Our Impact Report isn’t just a collection of achievements – it’s our promise to keep charting a course toward a brighter future for our Sailors oceans and the communities that welcome us,” Stoneberg says For more information on Virgin Voyages’ Celebration Voyages or to book, visit www.virginvoyages.com The glittering city of Dubai played host to the prestigious GLOBAL JUSTICE LOVE & PEACE SUMMIT on April 12th and 13th an event dedicated to fostering understanding Among the distinguished attendees and speakers Prince Mario-Max zu Schaumburg-Lippe was recognized for his multifaceted contributions to society receiving a special honor for his presence and insightful participation and a dedicated philanthropist representing the Federal Republic of Germany expressed “Great Pride For Your Presence and Insights at the Summit where every SMILE counts.” This heartfelt message underscores the summit’s core philosophy of individual actions contributing to a larger movement of peace known for his engaging personality and commitment to various charitable endeavors brought his unique perspective to the discussions His presence undoubtedly added a touch of international prominence to the summit drawing attention to the crucial dialogues surrounding justice While details of Prince Mario-Max’s specific contributions and insights during the summit are remarkable the honor itself speaks volumes about his growing influence beyond the realms of royalty and entertainment His engagement with such a significant global platform highlights a commitment to leveraging his public profile for the betterment of society * His Highness and Excellency Global Peace Ambassador Dr PRINCE MARIO-MAX SCHAUMBURG-LIPPE is a working Royal Public Speaker and Philanthropist ♔ Prince Mario-Max is the son of Royal Dignitaries H.H Therefore they are the Royal Danish Nachod Line of The Princes of Schaumburg-Lippe ♔ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/princemariomax/ Website http://www.schaumburglippe.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zuschaumburglippe X-Twitter https://twitter.com/schaumburglippe Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/prince-mario-max-schaumburg-lippe-1879978a sports betting and online casino gaming are not mutually exclusive but rather correlated activities 4RaBet can be seen as a user-friendly platform The website seems to add betting options as new markets open while providing a large selection of casino games for users to chose from Since Bangladesh has cricket as the most popular sport many domestic leagues like the BPL and international tournaments are heavily featured on the platform alongside options for other sports The platform also includes popular casino games like Teen Patti and Andar Bahar and a wide variety of slots developed by top gaming software providers The 4RaBet interface is quite impressive in appearance and usability Whether it’s on a desktop computer or a mobile app Users of Android and iOS can effortlessly place a bet or play on the mobile app while being mobile themselves 4RaBet does exceptionally well with promotions and bonuses New users find the sign-up process quite welcoming and regulars find loyalty rewards and promotions to be really beneficial This makes the platform appealing for both new players and veteran ones Personal and financial information is secured using state-of-the-art encryption technologies allowing users to make bets and play without fearing privacy intrusion Fairness in the company’s casino games is ensured by its partnerships with licensed game developers providing users greater trust in the system The platform is registered under one of the higher global authorities more details about the licensing process and its regulations would give users more faith in the company 4RaBet has become an important part of Bangladesh’s betting society 4RaBet offers users competitive odds and live betting for major cricket events allowing them to monetize their love for the sport the company has promoted and held events targeting other sports the company has earned users’ trust through timely payments and reliable services Even though 4RaBet has made decent gains in the Bangladeshi Market incorporating more effective responsible gaming measures such as self-exclusion would demonstrate genuine concern for user welfare elaborating on its licensing and regulatory processes could eliminate scepticism from potential users 4RaBet has managed to carve a niche for itself as a leading online betting and gaming platform in Bangladesh The company has grown its customer base owing to its local approach As much as the platform can perform better in certain areas With more users wanting to engage in online betting and gaming in a safer and more fun environment 4RaBet remains one of the best options in Bangladesh Located in the dynamic region of Western Sydney Blacktown holds a significant place as a vibrant suburb of New South Wales there’s a growing interest in Blacktown for its superb balance of urban amenities and community charm This article delves into why Blacktown captures attention as a desirable living choice Exploring factors such as its strategic location this discussion aims to provide a comprehensive view of what makes Blacktown an appealing place to call home Blacktown’s strategic location is undoubtedly one of its key advantages Positioned just 34 kilometres from Sydney’s central business district it offers the convenience of city life without the hustle and bustle The area is well-connected through an extensive network of transportation options Whether you prefer the convenience of the train or the independence of driving Its train station is a central hub on the Western Line providing frequent services to the heart of Sydney the area is intersected by major highways like the M4 and A2 facilitating easy travel to neighbouring suburbs and beyond The commute from Blacktown is straightforward and efficient for those employed in Sydney’s primary business districts or major employment hubs such as Parramatta the suburb’s location is advantageous for students attending esteemed institutions like the University of Western Sydney and TAFE NSW campuses ensuring education is just a short ride away several infrastructure projects are on the horizon aimed at enhancing accessibility in Blacktown These developments promise to make commuting and travel even more efficient bolstering Blacktown’s appeal as a conveniently located place to live Blacktown proudly stands as a shining example of multiculturalism in Australia enriched by a mosaic of ethnic groups and cultures that call it home and languages has fostered a community that celebrates inclusivity Blacktown’s calendar is dotted with cultural festivals and events that showcase this diversity encouraging community participation and engagement The strength of Blacktown’s community is further highlighted by its robust support systems and local associations Numerous community centres offer resources and networks that nurture neighbourly ties and provide support whenever needed This multicultural tapestry significantly influences local businesses engendering an economy that thrives on varied services and products contributing to the suburb’s vibrancy Blacktown offers a more affordable housing market than many other parts of Sydney making homeownership and leasing more accessible to a broad range of potential residents with options ranging from modern apartments perfect for young professionals to spacious family homes that cater to growing households Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to settle in a community-oriented suburb Housing prices in Blacktown are generally more competitive than those found closer to Sydney’s heart This affordability factor makes it attractive for those wanting the convenience of urban living without the hefty price tag associated with city-centre properties Future residential developments suggest a positive market outlook potentially offering even more housing options and driving community growth These developments could bring new amenities and services further enhancing the living standard in Blacktown A rich array of educational institutions makes Blacktown an ideal location for families and students alike The area offers a comprehensive educational pathway from top-rated primary and secondary schools to tertiary education facilities Renowned schools such as Blacktown Boys and Girls High Schools are known for their strong academic programs the proximity to Western Sydney University adds to the locale’s appeal for higher education prospects Blacktown boasts a range of specialised programs and extracurricular activities These opportunities allow students to explore interests and develop talents setting the groundwork for a well-rounded education the area is home to community libraries and numerous learning resources that foster curiosity and knowledge These institutions empower residents to pursue educational growth at every stage of life Blacktown doesn’t just score high on educational and residential scales; it offers many lifestyle and recreational facilities that enhance residents’ quality of life and natural reserves like Nurragingy Reserve providing ideal spots for outdoor activities and family picnics Blacktown hosts diverserestaurants and eateries that reflect its multicultural community Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty to explore from local boutiques to the bustling Westpoint Blacktown shopping centre Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of facilities and clubs that encourage an active lifestyle there’s no shortage of options to get involved and stay fit The suburb offers many attractions for family-friendly fun such as Featherdale Wildlife Park and various leisure centres ensuring there’s never a dull moment Blacktown is a great choice for many reasons Its strategic location and excellent accessibility make it an attractive base for work and study Its community’s vibrancy and diversity create an inclusive Affordability in the housing market and a wide range of educational opportunities further enhance its appeal Coupled with lifestyle amenities that promote a balanced approach to living Blacktown offers residents a quality of life that’s hard to beat Next time you are in Blacktown take a moment to explore the suburb’s myriad Finding work-life balance can be difficult when juggling social obligations There may not be much time for self-care or recharging because of the hectic schedule cities can also offer a wealth of chances to establish equilibrium we’ll highlight ideas and city resources for turning crowded areas into spaces for work Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance Here are some tips that can help you settle in well into another place Cities present special issues because of their fast-paced lifestyle and the need to maintain competitiveness in high-pressure work settings can be detrimental and crowds can leave people psychologically and physically exhausted resolving these difficulties begins with acknowledging them Consider the city a lively place that offers chances to attain a work-life balance rather than a stressful one you can begin using the city’s resources to enhance your balance between work and life Time Management in a City That Never Sleeps Time often feels like a rare commodity in urban life Establish a precise start and end time for your workday and maintain it This keeps your personal life from being swamped with work Set daily priorities and concentrate on the most important things Apps like Trello and Google Calendar can help you stay organized and prevent wasting valuable time remember that it’s alright to say “no” from time to time so concentrate on making commitments that support your objectives and core beliefs Every city has a different strategy for balancing work and life Some are known for their ambitious culture where lengthy workdays frequently override leisure time and a culture that values appreciating the little things in life For instance, getting an NIF is important to settle in Portugal and enjoy its balanced lifestyle. The nif portugal document is crucial for everyday needs After you’ve sorted out the logistics you can relax and explore Lisbon’s quaint cafes Leisure can be a part of your daily life and doesn’t always involve elaborate planning walk to work or take one of the city’s appealing roads Take advantage of your journey to work to listen to your favorite podcasts or audiobooks Look for a pastime that works with your schedule like yoga You can turn even lunch breaks into leisure time by going outside These brief periods of rest ensure that you stay energized and don’t always feel exhausted Urban living does not have to imply compromising balance By managing your time properly and embracing periods of leisure you may develop a lifestyle that smoothly combines work and pleasure can have a huge impact on work-life balance My View: And The Winners Are…The Mabel Mercer Foundation’s American Songbook H.S Just in Time and Jonathan Groff Bring the Spirit of Bobby Darin to Life at Circle in the Square VI: Women and the American Musical and National Asian Artists Project Youth America Grand Prix World’s Largest Ballet Scholarship Competition 2025 Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala Prince Mario Max Schaumburg Lippe: Canvas Meets Code – Artem Mirolevich and Dmitry Trekhsvyatsky Launch Bold New Exhibition in NYC Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: Honored to Support The Kindness Is Cool Movement and MAG Gala of Luisa Diaz with New Adboard Ocean Casino Resort Turns Seven in Style with ‘Lucky Summer of Sevens’ in an effort to manoeuvre the damn thing up a steep hill in a Catalan vineyard tumbling over the handlebars of a supposedly idiot-proof machine having survived choking on a pretzel."},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"My anxiety is not groundless during a practice run before our 6km Segway tour of the family-owned Giró Ribot winery a fellow traveller slipped off his own upright scooter — though he may have been distracted by the cigarette he was smoking at the time."},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Halfway through the tour we stop at a picnic table laid out with Giró Ribot cava"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":200})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"As I lean forward on my Segway tumbling over the"},"children":[]}]}]},"dropcapsDisabled":false,"expirableFlags":[],"keywords":{"type":"json","json":["putting","on","a","brava","face","in","catalonia"]},"leadAsset":{"type":"id","generated":false,"id":"Image:0f925ef8-20ea-4253-8bbf-9258f71ee52d","typename":"Image"},"relatedArticleSlice":null,"sharingEnabled":true,"savingEnabled":true,"standfirst":"Battling with Segways An ignominious e","slug":"putting-on-a-brava-face-in-catalonia","categoryPath":"/world/ireland-world/article/putting-on-a-brava-face-in-catalonia-bh77xbg25","__typename":"Article"},"Image:0f925ef8-20ea-4253-8bbf-9258f71ee52d":{"caption":"Tossa de Mar has Catalonia’s only surviving example of a fortified coastal town","credits":"ALAMY","title":"Fishing boat on the beach with medieval town walls in the background Gabrielle Monaghan finds some scenic gems on Spain’s northeastern coastGabrielle MonaghanSunday August 13 2017 The Sunday TimesTossa de Mar has Catalonia’s only surviving example of a fortified coastal townALAMYGabrielle MonaghanSunday August 13 2017 The Sunday TimesAs I lean forward on my Segway a fellow traveller slipped off his own upright scooter — though he may have been distracted by the cigarette he was smoking at the time we stop at a picnic table laid out with Giró Ribot cava Award-winning Catalan producer to turn Nancy Johnstone’s account of running a hotel amid war into English-language film When Nancy Johnstone and her husband Archie set off for the Costa Brava in 1934 they dreamed tranquil life on the shores of the Mediterranean but within two years the Spanish civil war put an end to what they called their “blue paradise” Now their books, which can be placed alongside George Orwell’s Homage to Catalonia in their depiction of the war that ripped the country apart in the 1930s, are to be made into an English-language film by the award-winning Catalan producer Isona Passola, whose Pa Negra (Black Bread) won best picture at the 2010 San Sebastián festival. Nancy, then in her late 20s, had convinced Archie to quit his job as a subeditor on the News Chronicle and go with her to Tossa de Mar, where they planned to build a hotel. They chose Tossa, now a popular resort, because Archie said no one he knew had ever been there before. Read moreWhen they arrived they found a thriving artistic community who designed the hotel that became Casa Johnstone Other new residents included the artists Marc Chagall the hotel soon became popular among London journalists Nancy learned Catalan and the couple settled into the local community Then war broke out and one day in 1936 a Royal Navy destroyer appeared in the bay to rescue British residents saying they would not abandon the people of Tossa “We had nothing against people defending themselves from a fascist coup,” Nancy wrote in Hotel in Spain (1937) her perceptive and often witty account of their early years in Tossa “I knew of Nancy Johnstone through an [unflattering] review by Orwell in the late 1930s, but I became fully aware of the potential of fusing the two books in a single narrative when I read the second one and I realised how what began as a sort of ‘A Year in Provence’ became, in the end, a tragic, political, and highly moral tale,” Berga said. “The fascinating story of the Johnstones is unique in the sense that they didn’t come to the war for political reasons (as was the case of almost all of the reporting by British authors), the war came to them when they had already decided to make Catalonia their adopted country,” he said. Read more“Nancy Johnstone’s account constitutes the most comprehensive chronicle ever written about the republic and the civil war by a full-time British resident.” Production is due to start soon on the film adaptation of the books, says Passola, whose company Massa d’Or will make the film – in English – with Scottish and German partners. “We will shoot it in Tossa,” Passola said. “The old town hasn’t changed. The view that Nancy would have had from her hotel is exactly as it was then. “Nancy is a powerful character and she gives us an outsider’s view of the war in Spain,” she added. “Above all, it’s an emotional story of this woman who is struggling to make her hotel a success and, when that is interrupted by war, is capable of adapting and showing solidarity with the cause against fascism, as did many English people.” Read moreAs the fascists advanced northwards in the 1930s Casa Johnstone soon become home to 50 children orphaned by the war while Nancy and Archie eked out a living covering the conflict for the Manchester Guardian and the News Chronicle the couple piled 60 children into a truck and drove them to safety in France By then Nancy’s mood and the tone of her writing had changed from can-do cheerful to undisguised cynicism After describing the harsh conditions in a refugee camp close to Perpignan in southern France The relief work depended on what help the British government cared to give But one organisation was still going strong A contingent of plus-four clad gentlemen arrived from England to shoot painlessly the wandering It seemed a pity that they did not first shoot painlessly the cooped-up Archie spent the war back at the Chronicle and was then seconded to the British embassy in Moscow but after two years defected to the Soviet Union where he lived until his death in 1978 She returned to Tossa in 1951 but was so dismayed by Franco’s Spain that she sold the hotel and after that there is no trace of her Nancy Johnstone (far left) in 1947 on a return trip to Tossa after the war Photograph: Tusquest editorsCasa Johnstone still exists but has been engulfed by the much larger Hotel Don Juan bitter about what she saw as Britain’s betrayal of the republic writes in Hotel in Flight about the Catalans’ blind faith in the British: “They had complete faith in England England could not allow such things as the bombing of Gernika England would protect the Basques who had always been her friends all showing clearly that England was favouring the other side the local people still clung to their belief.” Posted in News on 3 March The brand created by Meliá Hotels International and Rafa Nadal will bring its innovative “Mediterranean House” concept to the crystal-clear waters of Tossa de Mar Zel the hotel brand created by Meliá Hotels International and Rafael Nadal has commenced the year with new expansion projects as announced at Fitur by Meliá’s Chairman and CEO He disclosed the brand’s upcoming destinations with the second Zel project set to open on the Costa Brava this summer and Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) in 2025 Zel launched its first hotel in Mallorca in 2023 establishing the unmistakable Mediterranean lifestyle as its hallmark The success of this hotel has propelled the brand’s growth and it is currently underway with preparations for its next opening: Zel Costa Brava owned by Azora and formerly the Pola Giverola Resort excellently located between Cala Pola and Cala Giverola just minutes away from Tossa de Mar—an emblematic town in the Costa Brava where visitors can connect with the essence of the Mare Nostrum the hotel is undergoing refurbishment to align with the brand’s attributes and architecture It will showcase dynamic outdoor spaces and biophilic design expressing the concept of “al fresco” Consistent with the brand’s characteristics the entrance to the resort will transform into an energetic patio serving as the heart of the hotel—a meeting place for guests a concept store with products from local and international brands The hotel will also focus on providing a distinctive gastronomic experience and will feature renovated leisure “Our alliance with Rafael Nadal continues to progress and is embodied in this energetic hotel located in front of one of the most spectacular coastlines of the Mediterranean—Tossa de Mar along with the values of this asset and our collaboration with Rafa and partners like Azora affirming our belief that Zel Costa Brava will become an essential hotel-destination for quality tourism in this area.” Rafael Nadal expresses his happiness in announcing “A new Zel hotel in the Costa Brava a Mediterranean area with many similarities to Mallorca We are aware of the demands that this brand represents and that is why we value moving forward with the expansion hand in hand with Meliá Zel Costa Brava in a destination like Tossa de Mar offers everything the Zel customer expects in terms of nature and surroundings authentic experiences and impeccable service” describes the hotel “As a unique asset in the Mediterranean When presented with Meliá’s value proposition for the Zel brand partnering with Meliá and Rafael Nadal in the hotel’s repositioning was an obvious and winning decision for Azora We believe that the collaboration has everything needed to make Zel Costa Brava a benchmark on the Costa Brava—an evolving tourist destination with numerous attractions.” www.hellozel.com the acclaimed design studio behind iconic interiors such as the Burj Al Arab will further grow Ennismore’s network in North America... the hotel brand created by Meliá Hotels International and Rafael Nadal as previously announced at Fitur by Meliá's Chairman and CEO He disclosed the brand's upcoming destinations Zel inaugurated its first hotel in Mallorca in 2023 The success of this hotel has propelled the brand's growth just minutes away from Tossa de Mar—an emblematic town in the Costa Brava and a privileged place to connect with the essence of the Mare Nostrum is undergoing refurbishment to align with the brand's attributes and architecture inspired by outdoor living expressing the concept of "al fresco" living Consistent with the brand's characteristics serving as the heart of the hotel—a meeting place for guests "Our alliance with Rafael Nadal continues to progress and is embodied in this energetic hotel located in front of one of the most spectacular coastlines of the Mediterranean—Tossa de Mar affirming our belief that Zel Costa Brava will become an essential hotel-destination for quality tourism in this area." Rafael Nadal expresses his happiness in announcing “A new Zel hotel in the Costa Brava and that is why we value moving forward with the expansion hand in hand with Meliá authentic experiences and impeccable service" describes the hotel “As a unique asset in the Mediterranean When presented with Meliá's value proposition for the Zel brand partnering with Meliá and Rafael Nadal in the hotel's repositioning was an obvious and winning decision for Azora We believe that the collaboration has everything needed to make Zel Costa Brava a benchmark on the Costa Brava—an evolving tourist destination with numerous attractions." Click here to join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest hotel news and trends. Copyright © Hotel News Resource & Nevistas | All rights reserved. Hectares of woodland and dozens of species could be lost following the latest swathe of building projects to supply tourists Daniel Wittenberg | Costa Brava spiky crags that give the Costa Brava its name shield its landscape – but the beach and woodland planes below have not escaped the pressures of modern urbanization A recent surge in development projects right along the northeastern edge of Catalonia is set to convert 1,400 hectares of green space into 35,000 properties Most of those will feed the popular tourist sector – and locals are bracing themselves for even more saturation in a region that already receives 20 times more tourists each year than it has residents But it’s the long-overlooked environmental threat that has recently started to cut through According to conservation group SOS Costa Brava 50 animal and plant species could disappear once their leafy inland habitats are lost To name two of more than a dozen threatened towns properties built to accommodate around 1,500 tourists are being put up on previously untouched cliffs 70 hectares of woods is to be cut down to make way for 260 homes and three hotels at pockets of tiny coves like Cala Morisca near Tossa de Mar there are fears flora and fauna could be affected That’s on top of the controversial extraction of red coral to make jewelry The precious plants are protected by a European Union directive – but continue to be removed after the Madrid government awarded 12 new licenses while Catalonia was under direct rule Conservationists are calling for a shake-up of the local economy so we have to reconfigure the model a little," said Marta Ball-llosera But when we have areas where 70% homes are for tourists while young people can't afford to live here we have to think about what kind of growth." But businesses emphasize the projects have passed all the right tests "We find it hard to understand why projects that the administration has approved only recently would now be stalled or rejected," Josep Maria Coll president of the Girona developers' association And – most divisive of all – why build more for tourists if they can’t actually get there The C-32 Motorway became Spain’s first-ever motorway when it was completed in 1969 connecting Barcelona and the edge of the Costa Brava Now the Catalan government wants to continue trailblazing – extending it right up to the tourist resort of Lloret de Mar But activists believe the motorway will destroy the Costa Brava and warn these projects are only the tip of the iceberg and these projects are just the visible tip of the iceberg." it’s a yellow brick road – a symbol of growth and progress for some of the poorest parts of Catalonia The 21st Century conflict between consumption and the coastline – opportunity versus sustainability – has come to Catalonia '+n.escapeExpression("function"==typeof(o=null!=(o=r(e,"eyebrowText")||(null!=l?r(l,"eyebrowText"):l))?o:n.hooks.helperMissing)?o.call(null!=l?l:n.nullContext||{},{name:"eyebrowText",hash:{},data:t,loc:{start:{line:28,column:63},end:{line:28,column:78}}}):o)+" \n '+(null!=(o=c(e,"if").call(r,null!=l?c(l,"cta2PreText"):l,{name:"if",hash:{},fn:n.program(32,t,0),inverse:n.noop,data:t,loc:{start:{line:63,column:20},end:{line:63,column:61}}}))?o:"")+"\n"+(null!=(o=(c(e,"ifAll")||l&&c(l,"ifAll")||n.hooks.helperMissing).call(r,null!=l?c(l,"cta2Text"):l,null!=l?c(l,"cta2Link"):l,{name:"ifAll",hash:{},fn:n.program(34,t,0),inverse:n.noop,data:t,loc:{start:{line:64,column:20},end:{line:70,column:30}}}))?o:"")+" MICFootball will be played on 56 fields in 40 towns on the Costa Brava. These are record numbers for an edition, that of 2024, which will break all records, exceeding 400 teams for the first time. Figueres will once again host the opening and some of the finals on Saturday while the outcome of the rest of the categories will take place in Palamós during the weekend Banyoles will be the municipality in charge of hosting the Pre-MICFootball matches for another year an event that will once again serve to warm up the engines of faces at the MIC Maçanet de la Selva and Vilamalla) are added to the towns that repeat the experience lived in previous years: Bàscara Some of the municipalities have increased the number of fields that will host MICFootball matches in 2024 Marca de l’Ham and Albert Gurt stadiums; The matches in Girona will be on the fields of Gironès – Sàbat Fontajau (home of the women’s category) and Torres de Palau; The Palafrugell duels will be at the Josep Pla i Arbonès municipal stadium and at the Gregal; The action in Roses will take place in Mas Oliva and La Vinyasa; while Salt distributes its matches between the Penya Bons Aires and Comacros fields Copyright © 2025 MICFOOTBALL | Aviso legal y Política de privacidad The cove by moonlightMiquel Angel Artús IllanaWildscapes magnitude and power of natural forces that shape the environment this corner of the Sa Banyera de Ses Dones cove at Tossa de Mar The older inhabitants of the village talk of how the local women used to gather at this tranquil spot to bathe set out to create a picture that would capture the spirit of the bay and commemorate its place in the heart of the local culture For nearly a year he tried to create his ideal image without night divers and fishermen visible and without light pollution from the nearby promenade casting strong shadows one night offered the perfect combination of a full moon and the tripod did not move during the long exposure.’ Discover the incredible stories of life on our planet through powerful photography and expert insight 2024Aerial view of Fortress Vila Vella and Badia de Tossa bay at summer in Tossa de Mar on Costa Brava SpainKavalenkavaVolhaSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors Spain contains multitudes—seriously Spanning 17 autonomous regions and two small enclaves in North Africa the country is a cradle of diverse cultures And while there’s nothing wrong with a sun-and-sangria holiday there’s so much more to see and do: embark on a luxury train ride across Spain’s mountainous north go on a wine and architecture pilgrimage in Rioja and travel back in time to Andalucía’s Moorish past The landscapes are just as diverse—from Lanzarote’s lunar lava plains to the lush archipelago of Islas Cíes and the stunning rock formations in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Reserve (Europe’s only desert!) One trip isn’t enough—Spain is a place to discover again and again Having a hard time deciding where to go first Stay Here: Set inside a 19th-century palace in the upscale Salamanca district, Rosewood Villa Magna exudes an air of hushed luxury it manages to feel very local and stitched into the fabric of the city—its restaurants and seasonal pop-up concepts are just as much of a hit among madrileños as out-of-towners Don’t leave without enjoying a scalp-tingling treatment in the property’s fabulous new hair spa Stay Here: Mallorca’s new kid on the block is the 14-room Portella Palma launched by brother-and-sister team Enrique and Inés Miró-Sans of Barcelona’s Casa Bonay fame and designed by Parisian design duo Festen Once the home of Spanish painter Joaquín Torrents the 17th-century palazzo still feels like an artist’s residence views of the city’s 11th-century Arab Baths and artful details around every corner—from a Joan Miró lithograph to custom pieces by 300-year-old Mallorcan glass company Gordiola Asturias is also a haven for outdoorsy types: a third of the region is environmentally protected making it prime for adventures such as hut-to-hut trekking in the Picos de Europa mountain range (which also straddle Cantabria and Castilla y León) Don’t miss the tiny village of Covadonga—the gateway to the Picos de Europa—which is famed for its dramatic cliff-hugging Basilica of Nuestra Señora de las Batallas Stay Here: The best new addition to the region’s hospitality scene is CoolRooms Palacio de Luces a restored palace located just outside the charming fishing village of Lastres Don’t be fooled by its aristocratic interiors—rates start at around $180 per night—and be sure to make reservations at the hotel’s excellent Asturian restaurant whose dishes spotlight local ingredients like sea urchin caviar and smoked Los Caserinos cheese where you will find 220 varieties of grapes from around the world) It’s also worth motoring out to the small town of Ezcaray to tour the workshop of century-old which regularly collaborates with high-fashion brands including Loewe and Hermès The Riojan townhouse is straight out of the pages of a design magazine with an impeccable mix of furniture spanning styles and periods Ask the owners for their black book of restaurants and bodegas Stay Here: Founded in 1999 by Barcelona native Margaret Von Korff and her Ibiza-born husband Luis Trigueros, Cas Gasi is one of the island’s original agroturismos A 19th-century finca is at the heart of the sprawling estate which comprises four hectares of fruit orchards and vegetable gardens along with two pools and a revamped spa offering reiki and Ayurvedic massages and big-ticket events such as the forthcoming Louis Vuitton-sponsored America’s Cup yacht race But there’s so much more to discover outside Catalonia’s capital you can tour a second-century Roman amphitheater and one of the largest and best-preserved circus complexes in the Roman Empire the charming town of Sitges has a seafront promenade lined with grand mansions and atmospheric terrazas and is a great jumping-off point for hikes in Garraf Natural Park Wine lovers should consider a day trip to the Penedès which is the heart of Spain’s cava production those wanting to hit the beach should venture north to the famed Costa Brava to discover its picturesque coves and charming coastal towns like Cadaqués and Begur Stay Here: The medieval city of Girona is one of Catalonia’s lesser-known gems set inside an 18th-century palace in the heart of the Barri Velli district The ground-floor courtyard is always hosting public programming like concerts and art exhibitions there’s a leafy outdoor courtyard with a heated pool and one of the 25 suites is set inside an ancient stone watchtower which features some of the most impressive Mudejar-style tile work we’ve ever seen Stay Here: Located an hour outside Seville, Caballo de Hierro is a 54,000-acre estate centered on a sprawling country house that’s kitted with antique treasures and embroidered textiles But the highlight is the turquoise-tile stable housing a team of thoroughbred Spanish and Arab horses which can be ridden through the property's flower-covered hills Reopened in 2022 by the Soldevila-Ferrer family who also own Barcelona’s Hotel Majestic and Mallorca’s Sant Francesc Hotel Singular the heritage property has refined interiors original details like a wood-carved staircase and artwork by famous Basque artists including Eduardo Chillida Photo: Getty ImagesNo man is an island, but we have the visionary artist César Manrique to thank for the Canarian jewel that is Lanzarote. When others disparaged the island as being the ugliest in the entire archipelago—“nothing but camels and stones”—Manrique marveled at its elemental beauty and rustic simplicity and cultural centers while protecting its coastline from the mass development you see on some of the other Canary Isles from the Timanfaya National Park (where he designed the tourist facilities) to the island’s Museum of Modern Art Once you’ve immersed yourself in the world of all things Manrique discover Lanzarote’s other allures such as its otherworldly vineyards planted in volcanic ash soil and encircled by low-lying rock walls—the designs are so artful you might think Manrique had something to do with it Stay Here: Set inside the former home of César Manrique’s father, the 20-room César Lanzarote is a singular place to stay It also has a prized location within La Geria Natural Park surrounded by the estate’s original vineyards the most show-stopping feature might be designer Virginia Nieto’s island-inspired interiors—all white and green tones which serves Galician wines and fresh Atlantic seafood Stay Here: A revamped 18th-century paper factory is the unlikely setting of Galicia’s most sumptuous hotel: the family-run A Quinta da Auga country manor located a 10-minute drive from Santiago de Compostela The property’s tranquil riverside setting is complemented by its refined yet homey interiors Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Girona We select the places around the region that you simply mustn't miss Below you'll find a list of what we think are the most emblematic and unmissable places around the Costa Brava and the transparent waters found in the numerous local coves And not forgetting the magic of the Illes Medes and medieval gems like Montgrí and Sant Pere de Rodes Put on a pair of comfortable shoes and let's go Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! twitterinstagramAbout us Contact us Time Out Worldwide 2020Play/Pause ButtonPauseA road trip scene from the film The Trip to Spain.Photo Credit: Courtesy of Revolution FilmsSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors Photo: Everett CollectionPandora and the Flying Dutchman The beautiful Pandora (Ava Gardner) falls for a mysterious sailor (James Mason) whose yacht is moored off the coast of Catalan The azure blue of the Mediterranean Sea is contrasted against the rich red of Gardner’s lipstick in this Technicolor British tale of ’30s expat love The film takes place in the port of Esperanza but was actually filmed in Tossa de Mar near Girona on Spain’s Costa Brava The ultimate study-abroad film stars French actors Romain Duris and Audrey Tautou who are spending a year in Barcelona as part of an Erasmus Program with students from Europe including England a 2005 sequel Russian Dolls debuted with scenes in London premiered in 2013 and shows the characters 10 years later living in Chinatown in New York City To watch, click here. Photo: Everett CollectionThe Sun Also Rises This film is one of three movies adapted from Hemingway novels to feature Ava Gardner as the leading lady (The two were real-life friends with a shared love for matadors and strong drinks.) Shot on location in France and Spain portray a group of lost generation American and British expatriates who travel from Paris to the Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona to watch the running of the bulls in the roaring ’20s Gardner herself had a brief romantic dalliance with Luis Miguel Dominguín Photo: Sony Pictures Classics / Everett CollectionPain & Glory there are certainly parallels in Almodóvar’s latest about an aging film director Banderas’s home was inspired by Almodóvar’s Madrid residence and includes many of his original art and furniture pieces More of Spain is on view in the film’s childhood flashbacks which were filmed in white cave-like dwellings in the seaside town of Paterna in Valencia Though Catherine Deneuve and Franco Nero’s Spanish was dubbed what is authentic in Tristana are the scenes shot in Toledo Based on the 1892 novel of the same name by Benito Pérez Galdós the film follows Deneuve as she comes of age in the ’20s—and looks quite glamorous along the way Photo: Sony Pictures / Everett CollectionBelle Époque The Belle Époque of this film refers to the period before the Spanish Civil War when a soldier deserts his troops and finds himself at the country house of a wealthy man with four beautiful daughters each of whom he courts until finally settling on the youngest To watch, click here. The second of Whit Stillman's “Doomed-Bourgeois-in-Love” series features two Americans in Barcelona complete with comedic cultural differences especially when it comes to dating Spanish women Photo: Courtesy Everett CollectionSex and Lucía Spanish star Paz Vega stars in this interwoven drama about love and loss set in Madrid and the Balearic Island of Formentera in the Mediterranean Sea A particularly memorable scene sees her swimming in the moonlight Alternating between the harsh realities of Spain under the Franco regime during WWII and a complex fantasy world Pan's Labyrinth is the story of Ofelia who escapes into the Scots pine forests of the mountainous Sierra de Guadarrama region northwest of Madrid Photo: IFC Films /  Everett CollectionThe Trip to Spain The sequel to A Trip to Italy continues Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon’s comical and flexes of literary and historical knowledge Photo: IFC Films / Everett CollectionSavage Grace Set in the ’70s against the scenic backdrop of Barcelona and Sitges comes the story of socialite Barbara Daly Baekeland (Julianne Moore) of the Bakelite plastics fortune and her son Antony (Eddie Redmayne) The highly disturbing film is based on the true story about their dysfunctional and allegedly incestuous relationship which ended with Baekeland’s murder by her own son The film’s stunning locations offer a slight reprieve from all the horror 2009AF archive / Alamy Stock PhotoBroken Embraces Inspired by a photograph Pedro Almodóvar took of a couple caught in an embrace at El Golfo beach in Lanzarote main characters Penélope Cruz and Lluís Homar recreate the scene in Broken Embraces even standing in the same spot on the edge of the volcanic cliffs overlooking the curling sea and starred in this film about an American father who flies to Europe to bring back his son's body who died during a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia Estevez continues the spiritual route with his son’s ashes and discovers more about both himself and his son along the way This is the story of a young Spaniard who travels from Huesca in northern Spain to Fernando Pó (present day Bioko) the volcanic island located off the coast of western Africa He joins his brother in harvesting cocoa in the ’50s and soon finds himself in love with a local woman To watch, click here. When you buy something through our retail links, we earn an affiliate commission. Enjoying a day at the beach in the summer is something most people are looking forward to and some will be sure to take their furry companions with them to one of the many dog beaches across Catalonia There will be 37 different towns with beaches for dogs this summer Catalan News was able to confirm by contacting almost 70 seaside municipalities Many more allow animals to enjoy a swim during the winter or off-peak holiday seasons authorities in over 30 municipalities restrict the fun to humans only such as the northern Costa Brava town of Port de la Selva have more than one dog-friendly beach in summer there are signs explaining where the area for pets starts and ends but the dog-friendly zones are "open all year round with no time restrictions," sources from the city council told Catalan News the town of Torroella de Montgrí-l'Estartit has a 900 square meter area open to dogs from Easter to mid-September where dogs can enjoy some off-leash time at the Platja de Llevant beach authorities have installed an enclosure for pets also has an area where dogs are allowed to roam Only dogs that have a microchip are allowed While in Barcelona and in Badalona dogs can enjoy the beach during sun hours in summer pet access to the only dog-friendly beach in the town is limited to 8 pm to 8 am from May 1 to September 30 Catalonia has beaches across twelve different counties two of them do not have any dog-friendly beaches: La Selva to the north of Barcelona and Baix Penedès to the south and Montsià do have pet-friendly beaches during the summer season Nine municipalities in Maresme county have dog-friendly beaches while in Tarragonès only the town of Roda de Berà has space for them and areas beside ports are some of the different areas dogs are allowed to go to in the summer in 37 municipalities across Catalonia pets do not have a beach they can visit in the summer The main reasons why animals are not allowed to enter beaches in Coma-ruga regarding too much sun exposure in an unusual place for the vast majority of animals vomiting or diseases because of sand and sea water intake or heat stroke," Bárbara María Peris Sellés Urban beaches in the northern town of Tossa de Mar are "very small," sources from the city council said meaning they have "difficulty offering adequate  beach services."  However, small spaces are not the only reason why Tossa de Mar does not have a safe space for dogs at the beach: the Blue Flag beaches quality certification prohibits it. In Tossa, pets are therefore only allowed to go to the beach between November 1 and March 31. A similar situation is seen in the southern town of Calafell, where animals are not allowed on beaches between Easter and early October because of the Blue Flag beaches certification, a recognition that the city council says the town "cannot go without." Meanwhile, in one of the northernmost towns on the Costa Brava, Sant Pere Pescador, there are no beaches at all for dogs.  "It would be difficult to find the space," council sources said, as the town wants to continue to keep its coastal area as a natural park where several local species of birds nest, such as the Kentish plover or the Black-winged stilt. The same sources, however, said they considered a potential dog beach to be an "interesting option." In Blanes, considered the southernmost town of the Costa Brava, the main bathing areas have Blue Flag certification, but a small site in the Passeig de S'Abanell beach does not. It is considered, however, of special importance for the protection of wildlife by the Catalan government, and both local and Catalan authorities are still trying to find a way to allow dogs on the beach. Arxiu Imatges PTCBG | Cadaqués©Jordi RenArt Arxiu Imatges PTCBGCosta Brava: captivating and inspiring artists from around the worldAva Gardner A look at their favourite places on the Costa Brava the Costa Brava became a popular holiday destination for Hollywood stars such as Kirk Douglas Many of them first got to know the area when they went there to make a film who in 1948 turned Tossa de Mar upside-down when she made 'Pandora and the Flying Dutchman' in the coastal town Tossa became the focus of Hollywood gossip which was intrigued by the nature of the friendship between Gardner and one of the film’s male protagonists Rumours of their relationship carried over the Atlantic raced to his wife’s side in a fit of jealousy Tossa has since immortalised those special times with a statue of Gardner Other celebrities got to know about the Costa Brava thanks to the letters of Truman Capote who lived in Palamós for three summer seasons from 1960 to 1962 The writer needed to disconnect from his hectic social life in New York to be able to concentrate on what was to become one of his best-sellers Those Palamós residents who still remember him talk about his love of strolling about the town and buying from local famers they say that he loved 'sardanes' (a traditional Catalan dance) and that one of his favourite pastimes was going to watch the fishermen as they returned from a day at sea And he wasn’t the only one to enjoy that particular view When Salvador Dalí visited Palamós he often headed to the port to see the catches of the day arrive other writers have fallen in love with the Costa Brava Tom Sharpe lived out his life in Llafranc close to Palafrugell after spending four winters in the Hotel Llevant Locals knew him as the Brit with a whisky and a cigar – at the hotel they had a glass just for him because he didn't like tall or balloon glasses.Then there's Catalan writer Terenci Moix who after visiting the Greek and Roman settlement of Empúries with a friend Many friends who visited him also ended up buying a second residence on the Costa Brava – for example Montserrat Carulla and Josep Maria Benet i Jornet.Let's not forget those natives of the area who was born in Palafrugell and whose foundation is at C/Nou Or the endless dining-table discussions of Carlos Barral Jaime Gil de Biedma and José Agustín Goytisolo in the Casino of Cadaqués was the residence of Marcel Duchamp for the last ten years of his life Now you know why they call Empordà the umbilical cord of the world ShareSaveCommentLifestyleArtsThe 20 Best Places In Europe To Visit In 2023: Warsaw Tops List By European Best DestinationsByCecilia Rodriguez Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights Cecilia Rodriguez is a Luxembourg based journalist covering Art&TravelFollow AuthorFeb 10 01:30pm ESTShareSaveCommentThis article is more than 2 years old.Aerial view of Warsaw's old town Now that every country in Europe has reopened without restrictions and foreign travellers are showing a strong interest in visiting the “Old World,” the big question is...where to go among the innumerable offers of city break destinations Selected for their growth in popularity on social networks over the past 12 months sustainable development and year-round cultural appeal the 20 winning destinations will be promoted throughout the year and are authorized to display the title "European Best Destination." These are EBD’s 20 Best European Destinations: Beautiful, friendly, green, open-minded, perfect for a family city break, a cultural city break, a shopping experience or a romantic stay, Warsaw the #1 European Best Destination 2023 has something to offer everyone take advantage of its great gastronomic offer come at any time of the year and enjoy its rich calendar of events,” EBD advises Be dazzled by its emblematic places including the Old Town Market Square and its colorful buildings the Palace of Culture and Science (second tallest building in Poland) don’t miss a stroll to "Krakowskie Przedmieście" the most prestigious street in Warsaw the historic fortifications that once encircled Warsaw be sure to visit Warsaw Zoo and take a dip at Moczydlo Water Park with its slides twice as safe as Rome and even safer than Vienna The capital of Greece is a must-see destination for many reason not only for having served as the cradle of democracy and philosophy but also because it’s legitimately believed that the blue of the sea the incredible landscapes and the beautiful sunlight all help elevate the spirit and provide an escape daily cares Slovenia's heart-shaped road along the wine route Maribor ranks as one of the most beautiful Slovenian destinations among the European Best Destinations 2023 The city of Maribor is a charming cultural and culinary center in the northeastern region of the country The city’s deep historical roots date back to the Middle Ages and the old city center offers a rich architectural heritage and a wealth of authentic experiences The locals are particularly proud of their Guinness World Record standing as the oldest grapevine in the world Maribor was the European Capital of Culture in 2012 and has a reputation as a happy and hospitable city hosting numerous international cultural and sporting events throughout the year The picturesque natural scenery offers endless opportunities for hiking a waltz to the sound of Strauss's Blue Danube will transport you to the time of the Empress Sissi Vienna is also the perfect city for a sparkling The feeling of security is very strong and Vienna is known for its quality of life and low crime rate Do you want to meet people? Head to the Palmenhaus. In addition to being the largest greenhouse in Europe it houses a bar for lighter cocktails and a super-trendy restaurant of Austrian specialties Cittadella is not only the most beautiful walled city in Europe it’s easy reach both the sea of the Venetian Lagoon and the Dolomite mountains for a pleasant day trip It’s also an ideal starting point to visit the Veneto and all of Northern Italy which explains the historical value of its walls which in 2020 celebrated 800 years of history Cittadella is Europe’s only walled city with a medieval walkway elliptical in shape and completely walkable an ongoing European Green Capital and a pulsating metropolis at the heart of the Ruhr region urban trendy districts meet historic old towns; high culture meets street art and lush green meadows and forests meet the incomparable charm of former collieries the UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein meets the magnificent Villa Hügel the former seat of the industrial Krupp family A high-tech city tour unique in the world also takes you to the oldest sculpture of the Virgin Mary in the world: the Golden Madonna in Essen Cathedral Explore the green south along Baldeneysee and the Ruhr Valley or the urban north with its industrial culture and the old coal mine settlements enjoy the tranquillity of the centrally-located 170-acre Grugapark or the Baldeneysee leisure paradise with its numerous water sports activities Wedged between the wooded slopes of the Bakony Hills and the northern shore of Lake Balaton it’s a place of rare and distinct natural and environmental assets and an attractive cityscape atmospheric bistros and first-rate restaurants are to be explored For a special family experience follow the signs for Veszprém Zoo After Brexit, Covid and border closures, it’s high time to rediscover London in 2023 one of Europe's most visited destinations Its tourist offer goes well beyond Big Ben Parks of rare beauty ranked among the most attractive city parks in Europe London theaters are known for hosting world-renowned plays and musicals Spring and summer are perfect times to visit — less crowded and the parks in the city center and surrounding areas including Richmond Park Grenoble boasts an exceptional location nestled at the heart of emblematic mountain ranges including Vercors the Capital of the Alps is constantly reinventing itself Selected as the best green destination for this year's competition by being awarded by the E.U it’s an ideal destination for an urban and nature-based stay it offers a subtle balance between culture open spaces and outdoor activities in winter as in summer (ski touring at ‘Col de Porte’ urban via-ferrata on the foothills of the Bastille night skiing with breathtaking views of Grenoble) The flattest city in France, Grenoble Alps is easily run through by two-wheelers along its 450 kilometers of cycle paths and during leisure time with 21 bike loops sign-posted paths for mountain biking The destination is developing ‘low-carbon’ holiday packages pointing at soft mobility Mannheim at the heart of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region is an exciting university city with a multicultural flair and a rich calendar of events Mannheim offers a host of architectural treasures: the baroque palace a historic water tower and an Art Nouveau square it attracts theater lovers and techno fans from the Reiss-Engelhorn museum complex and Kunsthalle art gallery to the murals by graffiti artists in an open-air gallery for international street art It’s a green city on the banks of two rivers that combines urbanity with recreational activities in almost entirely untouched natural settings A highlight for Mannheim in 2023 is the Federal Garden Show “BUGA” (April 14 to October 8 2023) a large laboratory of the future of urban development that goes far beyond a mere exhibition of plants and flowers This island, little sister of the main island of Madeira is accessible by plane or by ferry and offers the most beautiful sunsets in Euroe and a sunny climate almost all year round Porto Santo is an invitation to discover beautiful beaches historical heritage and geological exuberance 500 kilometers from the African coast and 1,000 kilometers from the European continent Considered by the European Commission as a European Destination of Excellence (EDEN), Faial offers beautiful landscapes unique birds and plants and iconic geological formations they form a triptych of unique islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean A place where sailors crossing the ocean like to stop over for a few days...or a lifetime The biodiversity of Faial is rich: 855 vascular plant species The sea of Faial is an extraordinary mosaic of colors so worth a to the Palace of the Grand Master the Ancient Acropolis of Lindos and the historic Rhodes Old Town Or just relax on Agios Pavlos or Tsambika beaches Rhodes is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece as well as of all Europe A perfect destination for all types of travelers And it’s sunny from May until late September and offers natural wonders like "Kallithea," the Butterfly Valley There are many activities and experiences to enjoy in Copenhagen As one of the culinary capitals of the world the city is home to some of the best restaurants in the world and is the center of craft beer Located just 1 1/2 hours from Barcelona golden-sand beaches and a magnificent medieval castle as the sweet scent of pine trees floats through the beautiful fishing village Ascona-Locarno is described as “a little corner of paradise” in its beautiful and peaceful natural setting Located in the Swiss part of Lake Maggiore along with Brissago and other small villages it prides itself on its numerous natural beauty spots Thanks to the exotic flowers and plants from all the continents the Botanical Garden of the Brissago Island is a major attraction Near the lakeshore and the centre of Locarno lies the Camellia Park with over 900 species of plants Locarno is recognized worldwide for its International Film Festival It also has a strong link with flowers and nature lovers are drawn to the spectacular displays of camellias Milos is also ranked among the Most Beautiful Islands in Greece A relaxing day on the beautiful beach of Sarakiniko beckons or on the most exclusive beach of Firiplaka there’s the Ancient Theatre of Milos and the Milos Archaeological Museum Scenic summer aerial view of the Old Town pier architecture and Charles Bridge over Vltava river in .. Prague is one of the most visited cities in Europe EBD suggests an early start to see Prague from a different perspective (The little train that goes up to the top of the mountain is charming and authentic and will appeal to the whole family.) Considered the most beautiful village on the island Although isolated, Sóller is well connected to Palma de Mallorca A portrait with a dedication signed by a very young Ava Gardner in Spain has passed from hand to hand for more than seven decades twisting and turning for years until its origin and even the identity of the subjects were forgotten It came to its present owner ten years ago as a gift from a friend and remained rolled up in a cardboard tube for years until he had it framed to stop it deteriorating But this portrait of a young woman with eight other faces and signatures was hiding a secret that did not start to be revealed until the pandemic One day during lockdown Rafael Pérez Pallarés took the picture off the wall to look more closely at the portraits and messages and discovered that what he had believed was a signature by 'Ana' was actually 'Ava' It was Ava Gardner who had written "For Blanche And that was the start of a full-scale investigation that led the picture's owner to the film Pandora and the Flying Dutchman which was released in 1951 but filmed a year earlier in Tossa de Mar It was the first time the actress had filmed in Spain and she fell in love with the country.. to catch a flight to Girona to silence the rumours that had reached Hollywood a drawing of the bullfighter with his own dedication appears just below that of the American diva Sinatra would almost certainly have felt that was too close When Pérez Pallarés began to decipher the names of the others who had signed their portraits he found that one was another star of the time as well as the faces (but no accompanying message) of Marius Goring and Pamela Mason "I knew that there must have been a story behind all those names but I didn't realise what this was until I mentioned it to a film buff who had come to see me because he was getting married When he saw the portraits he explained that it was the cast of Pandora and the Flying Dutchman," said Pérez Pallarés The discovery of Ava Gardner's connection has given the piece a special value for him and encouraged him to continue his research into the film which was one of the first Hollywood movies filmed in Spain in the 1950s used this Spanish experience to become the director of Scent of Mystery (1960) another film shot in Malaga which made history for being the first to use the Smell-O-Vision system to release odours at certain times while it was being screened what was still unknown was the identity of Blanche to whom all the film's actors in the sketch had written a dedication in pencil They appeared fond of her and presumably she collaborated or worked directly with them although the present owner of this collector's item has an alternative hypothesis "At the bottom of the page it says 'A memory of S'Agaró' and that is an estate on the Costa Brava whose first building was an iconic house built in the 1920s called Senya Blanca," said Pérez Pallarés who thinks the dedications could be referring to this residence which is now protected and where the actors could have stayed or filmed Also unconfirmed is the person who drew the portraits and what happened to the piece during the years before it came to Malaga The artist is likely to have been sculptor Paco Torres Mansó who was signed by the production company to make drawings while the scenes were being filmed Pérez Pallarés says it was given to him by a priest who in turn had received it from a former Guardia Civil officer from Zaragoza who had retired to Alhaurín de la Torre "It could be the result of a robbery and there's someone looking for it but who knows where these drawings came from," he said putting his Christian vocation and profession first he says he has no particular attachment to this unique piece "If someone has more interest in it than I do and wants to give it a use so more people can enjoy it Comentar es una ventaja exclusiva para registrados The Spanish town Tossa de Mar is cracking down on stag and hen dos – but do they really deserve their bad reputation The Spanish resort of Tossa de Mar has hit the headlines for announcing it will be banning stag and hen parties throughout the month of August and introducing strict regulations for the rest of the year The Costa Brava town will now require revellers to apply for a licence and impose hefty fines on partygoers deemed to be having too much fun Despite the fact that it’s 2014 and David Beckham in a sarong happened 16 years ago lots of men still find it difficult to embrace their emotional Thus stag parties offer the perfect excuse for men to hug each other and for Matt to tell Ben that he loves him Stag dos offer a rare opportunity – along with football finals and war films – for men to get emotional collectively And the best thing about it is the next day nobody will remember thanks to those last four pints Females really got the raw deal in the objectifying stakes with naked women plastered across billboards hen dos often include a hired hunk to dance or wait tables or whatever it is that hired hunks do Similarly, if not at a hen do, when else can women get together, drink copious amounts of prosecco, and pass around a vibrator? OK, so most weekends, but the point here is the hen party is an equaliser of the sexes that Betty Friedan forgot Photograph: Rex FeaturesMeet new people – from all walks of lifePerhaps there is a good reason why the betrothed has until now kept apart: his/her old school friends from the wrong side of the tracks; the pals he/she met at law school; and the people he/she met in rehab But one of the true joys of stag and hen parties is the unlikely mix of people they throw together Stag and hens take this chance to engineer a glorious melting pot of people from all walks of life to celebrate your forthcoming nuptials Aww discover places!It has become a trend to not simply get wasted on stag and hen parties but rather for groups of buddies to better themselves in some way tailor-made hen and stag parties have only added to the already big-money wedding industry hen and stag dos are bona fide excuses to go on holiday and visit somewhere one probably otherwise wouldn’t ancient cities of historical import and culture Prague – a beautiful city Photograph: Petr David Josek/APIt’s a better party than the weddingThere’s no pressure on the hen or stag do Everyone is equal and there to have a great time in which a strict hierarchy is in place and weird people are invited simply by accident of birth They are events that allow one to escape the cruel restrictive shackles society has placed on them this often takes the form of dressing as princesses For men: mankini models or committed fans of onesies The Local Europe ABVästmannagatan 43113 25 StockholmSweden Please log in here to leave a comment Malta’s top female tennis player Francesca Curmi boosted her preparations for the upcoming Games of the Small States of Europe that will be held on our island when she won the ITF Tournament in Tossa De Mar in Spain Curmi produced a strong display to see off home player Georgina Garcia-Perez in straight sets It was another impressive display for the Maltese player who has been showing steady progress on the ITF tour this year Curmi’s victory in Spain caps a very positive week for her which has seen her winning all her matches without dropping a set Read full story on www.sportsdesk.com.mt please register for free or log in to your account with waves softly breaking in the background I found it hard to believe that I was on the Costa Brava a chichi little town an hour north of Barcelona and 50km beyond package holiday favourite Tossa de Mar with a spread of fantastic restaurants and boutique hotels offering a stylish Spanish beach holiday where you might least expect it In recent years it has become very popular with Barcelonians and now many have bought stylish holiday homes there Getting there is easy: budget airlines fly to Girona where you can pick up a hire car and within an hour be flat out on one of the golden beaches that lie beneath hills dotted with architect-designed houses or settled with a glass of wine at a stellar restaurant where I enjoyed my fairy-lit meal of lobster This tiny restaurant-with-rooms is set beside a small cove down a long steep wooded valley from Begur and the food – classic Catalan dishes – is wonderful though some evenings I preferred to borrow a torch to walk around the cliff to the next village for dinner Photograph: Marc Princivalle/Getty ImagesOver dinner one night told me that Begur used to be nicknamed "little Africa" because "it is so far off the main coastal route that you have to take a deviation to get here" with narrow streets of Moorish and Spanish architecture topped with a crumbling medieval castle that has views along miles of coastline The town's most stunning neoclassical mansions were built by local merchants returning from Cuba in the late 19th century the homes of wealthy families who traded with the West Indies and Americas and houses rumoured to have hosted pirates I sat in a quirky bistro that wouldn't be out of place in a trendy backstreet in Manchester's Northern Quarter Its walls are lined with cabinets displaying tin toys and painted vintage signs and the dining room backs on to a small flea market selling vintage gems a diner was swinging his legs casually from a bright green egg-shaped hanging chair and downstairs a lounge with an honesty bar offered olives vineyards and villages along the road to Girona and the best way to get around is by bike – there's hardly any traffic on the roads and you can meander from town to town stopping for tapas and wine in little shaded bars the cinema has been turned into a stylish hotel with a designer restaurant that is regularly packed on summer weekends listening to donkeys braying in the background Another medieval must-see is the town of Púbol whose centrepiece is the castle Salvador Dalí bought for his Russian wife Gala with pomegranate and fig trees growing around the terrace and an array of long-legged elephant statues hidden in the shady garden Inside you can marvel at Gala's 1960s couture dresses in a long dark gallery and learn how the glamorous pair used to live The living room and kitchen are set up exactly as they were when the couple still lived here This is the area for exploring the Dalí Triangle, the trio of sights that includes the sleepy whitewashed village of Port Lligat and Dalí's knockout Theatre-Museum in Figueres (salvador-dali.org/museus) the lesser-known Dalí sights were just as interesting: those you see simply driving around the countryside and while I didn't spot any melted clocks dripping over the skeletons of sheep the backdrops were everywhere: distinctive triangular islands a broad blue sky taking up 60% of the view wherever I looked burnt orange earth and scribbly olive trees it looks too much like a wasteland to be real this part of Spain is successfully shrugging off the association with package tourism and developing into something quite unique It has all the benefits that mass tourism brings – frequent flights for a start – but take just a small step away from the beaten track and you can find different and stylish experiences where you feel like an individual rather than one of the pack This must be what happens when slow tourism and mass tourism collide My favorite Photographer of the Week portfolios normally feature images of unusual subjects captured in less well-known dive destinations and that is most certainly the case with our latest participant Marc Casanovas from Vilassar de Mar in Spain Marc has been diving and taking pictures underwater since 1996 and although he has visited many famous dive destinations around the world in the past 20 years he spends most of his time below the surface in his own country where he scuba dives all year round and is considered a specialist in the Mediterranean Sea and its fauna His selection of images includes some excellent wide-angle shots of local jellyfish species while his macro work also catches the eye with some perfectly executed portraits of a longsnouted seahorse and the ugly but strangely appealing greater weever fish Every one of these images was captured somewhere in Spain and his collection serves as a spectacular showcase for diving in the region To see more of Marc’s awesome images from Spain and beyond, check out his website or Instagram page Spain many Girona residents headed to the beaches of the south of France if they wanted to sunbathe naked naturism has gradually become more common along the Catalan coast there are now some 50 beaches in the region where nudism is permitted and on the Costa Brava alone there are more than 20 twitterinstagramspotifyAbout us Contact Us Spain’s diverse landscape means it’s always a great time for a road trip adventure and explore the northern sights in the summer check out these 10 top ideas for road trips in Spain Want to explore all the exciting things Spain has to offer but on a tight budget There are hundreds of incredible deals and discounts to be found on the website The Ruta Vía de la Plata is the equivalent of the Americans’ Route 66 to the Spanish. If you haven’t done this route already, it’s definitely worth it. The Ruta de la Plata is almost 800km long making it one of the longest highways in Spain Meaning ‘route of silver’ in English, it owes its name to the road constructed by the Romans between Mérida (Extremadura) and Astorga (León) which now joins Seville in the south to Gijón in the north This road trip is a fantastic way to discover the beauty of Spain’s western region from top to bottom From Carballo (La Coruña) to the Cape Finisterre Lighthouse, the Costa da Morte (Galcian for Coast of Death) is one of the most beautiful routes for a road trip in northern Spain It derives its name from the danger of its steep and rocky cliffs to those on land and at sea Before, many fishermen lost their lives out at sea and many boats were destroyed the route is lined with dozens of lighthouses built in the 19th century to guide boats A great number of these lighthouses have been preserved. They’re popular among tourists, particularly those at Cabo Vilán or Finisterre — one of the most visited due to its name, which means ‘where the land ends’. This is one of the most popular routes with lengthy stretches of quiet beaches and excellent gastronomy The sight of powerful waves crashing against silent rocks is just one of the many inspiring scenes to contemplate on the route between Lloret and Tossa del Mar on the Costa Brava This picturesque journey is full of beautiful little coves that entice you to abandon your vehicle and explore them Make sure you’ve got something to take photos with Some of these coves are accessible by crossing through pine forests while you have to pass medieval castles and fortresses to get to others The almost blinding white exterior of the houses is what gave this part of the south of Spain its name: Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos (White Villages Route) Traveling this route means passing through 19 different villages located within the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga The colorful flowers that adorn the balconies of every house, together with the electric blue of the sky and the lush green of the Andalusian plain, create a scenery that has seduced both natives and foreigners alike. The combination of the great weather and the stunning natural surroundings not only makes this area perfect for practicing extreme sports but also gorging on first-class foods like olive oil and jamón serrano this route takes you across the whole of northern Spain From the beautiful Basque Country to Galicia you’ll find exquisite landscapes of green countryside and hills along the way There are also hundreds of villages dotting the landscape like Hondarribia If you’re a fan of urban life, there are also plenty of provincial capitals to visit with monuments, museums, and delightful restaurants. For those that prefer the crème de la crème, the Basque Country is the best place to be for Michelin-starred restaurants; it has more than any other region in Spain The Jerte Valley extends from Plasencia to Tornavacas Traveling it by car is extremely pleasant at any time of year the best time to go is in the middle of April when all the cherry blossoms are in bloom Villages like Navaconcejo or Cabezuela de la Sierra attract thousands of tourists who go to contemplate this spectacular feat of nature first-hand The inimitable novel by Miguel de Cervantes whose protagonist confused the windmills of La Mancha with threatening giants is the reason that this route is one of the most popular with many road travelers The villages along the route with the most number of windmills still standing to this day include Mota del Cuervo Here you will find sceneries that are unique only to this part of the country The rest of the countryside is stunning as you cross endless kilometres of La Mancha plains and small mountain ranges There are plenty of monuments along this route that provide visitors with a wealth of information about the area’s history The Alpujarra Route of Granada is one of the most visited routes of the area you’re not cruising along long motorways but meandering around winding roads that unite all the pretty villages together The route begins at the coast of the Mediterranean where the land is dry and arid; it ends at the fertile meadows of the River Genil and the highest mountain range of the Iberian Peninsula More than 60km of lighthouses, steep cliffs, inlets, caves, and beaches make up the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Níjar It is actually one of the most arid spaces within the country and one of the driest in Europe it is still one of the richest areas of the Mediterranean coast in terms of marine and sea life It’s also ideal for those with a taste for all that comes from the sea and who like to see it on their dinner plate Wine lovers will absolutely adore this route It takes you through the stunning top-quality wine-producing region of Priorat where vineyards are surrounded by hundreds of pine trees Wine is the common denominator that attracts tourism to the region it is one of the most important wine-producing areas of the country Learn how to find love on Spain's dating scene where casual meet-ups can spark genuine romantic connections Want to send your child(ren) to an international school in Spain Find out everything you need to know about fees Find out whether you need private health insurance in Spain in 2025 Once synonymous with the package-holiday explosion of the 1960s Tossa de Mar and Blanes on the Costa Brava are now being dropped Operators blame "destination fatigue" Even Club 18-30 has ditched Benidorm on the Costa Blanca and where better to start than the top-class restaurant in the former monastery of Sant Pere del Bosc a few kilometres outside Lloret but a million miles from its club-scene craziness dusty courtyard alongside a classic sports car the building's imposing front door swings open steps into his convertible and sweeps off down the bumpy dirt track in the direction of town It soon becomes apparent that this was the elder of the two Cabanas brothers who run a nationally renowned five-star restaurant on a site that has been sacred since the 10th century somewhat studious-looking younger sibling - the sensible one The interior of their restaurant is almost as impressive as the outside: dramatic pieces of contemporary art contrast with the antique wood panelling of the main eating hall is concealed at the other side of an anonymous door behind the bar which opens into the small but magnificent private chapel of Mare de Deu de Gracia (Our Lady of Grace) Apparently one of the brothers' predecessors through a lattice overlooking the high altar The slothful sod had evidently not heard of the seventh deadly sin The Jardins de Santa Clotilde is another corner of Lloret that despite being just a short walk from the centre of town remains almost completely unexplored by the visiting masses The gardens hug a clifftop overlooking the Platja de sa Boadella one of Lloret's quieter and most pleasant beaches and attract at their busiest only a couple of hundred visitors a day you can wander down an avenue of cypresses without seeing a soul Quite why such a gem fails to attract more than a trickle of daily visitors is a mystery that There is less chance for quiet reflection in the town of Lloret itself The clutter and clatter of the internationally themed bars and clubs bring something of a low-rent atmosphere to the town centre Once a fishing village of a few hundred inhabitants Lloret exploded in the Spanish tourist boom of the 1950s The whole of the old town has been rebuilt and there are now more than 200 hotels and guesthouses of varying standards (We stayed at the comfortable if unremarkable four-star Vila del Mar where a basic double room with balcony starts at €80 a night in low season The municipal authorities are doing their best to counter the worst of the boom-time excesses New buildings are restricted to four storeys; the seafront has been spruced up; and cars have been banned from the sections of the old town nearest the sea A pleasant walkway now connects Lloret's crowded main beach with the quieter coves along the coast The result is that some of the old town's charm is being restored and there is an attempt to promote Lloret to a different type of traveller But there is no escaping the fact that this is a tourist magnet - indeed most of the town's income comes from the mass-market summer influx After about half an hour of lounging on the deck as the athletic crew from Margi Boats worked around us we arrived at Tossa (no giggling at the back the next largish settlement along the coast there is charm in abundance: the approach to from the bay is dominated by the Vila Vella - the old quarter - which was protected from pirate raids by the town's medieval defensive wall that sweeps down from clifftop to seashore which dates from between the 12th and 14th centuries complete the only surviving example of a fortified medieval town on the coast of Catalonia The arrival of mass tourism was preceded by the descent on Tossa of Hollywood legends Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner: location shooting of The Flying Dutchman took place here just as the couple's turbulent affair was reaching its peak A small statue of Gardner as 1930s playgirl Pandora Reynolds designed by an acclaimed Spanish sculptress sits rather incongruously atop the medieval fortifications: its dedication in 1998 reportedly caused almost as much excitement as the arrival of the starry couple in 1950 Catalonia did not enjoy the gastronomic reputation it does today Now the region boasts some of the best chefs in Spain: perhaps surprisingly where Paula Casanovas specialises in revitalising traditional Catalonian dishes in her seafront restaurant for about €45 a head; and heading a short way out of town we went up to El Trull for equally high quality Mediterranean cuisine for about €35 a head and the honour of dining in a restaurant that boasts Salvador Dali as a former client For local colour we pitched up at La Campana popular canteen that specialises in basic but tasty roast chicken dishes for €10-15 a head Lloret has a side to it that will satisfy curious visitors determined to explore beyond the Club 18-30 surface It doesn't have to be chips with everything and Watney's Red Barrel Getting there: JMC Summersun (08701 111111, thomascook.com) offers seven nights' half-board at Hotel Olympic Suites in Lloret de Mar from £510 per adult £229 for the first child and £375 for the second Further information: Spanish National Tourist Office (020-7486 8077, tourspain.co.uk). These are the places you can't miss if you want to enjoy a relaxing day in a cove during your vacation. The heat is approaching and, with it, the desire to cool off, put on our snorkel goggles, plant an umbrella on the beach and fill the cooler with soft drinks and fruit for a long day at the beach. View this post on Instagram For this reason we bring you the best beaches of the Costa Brava not only because they are some of the most beautiful jewels of Catalonia but because its waters are characterized by being clear transparent and surrounded by rocky landscapes and white sand that characterizes this area of Catalonia The Portitxol is located next to the Archaeological Museum of Empúries so it is ideal for a cultural getaway and a dip at the end of the day The Platja d’Es Codolar is located at the foot of the walls of the Vila Villa de Tossa de Mar since its location is a natural shelter from the wind and waves so we recommend wearing river flip-flops or booties although you run the risk of looking like a guiri you will be much more comfortable when entering the water Many say it is one of the most beautiful coves of the Costa Brava thanks to its turquoise waters its fine sand and the idyllic enclave surrounded by pine trees where it is located It offers several services such as restaurants or beach bars and you can also rent pedal skates it tends to be quite crowded in the summer months If you are looking for a different plan and something more adventurous than lying under the sun for hours This sandy beach has a kayak school where you can rent canoes to make routes through the Parc Natural del Castell-Cap Roig It also has a parking area just a few meters from the beach you can reach it following the GR92 from Tossa de Mar as it has services such as showers and beach bars legend has it that sometimes a mermaid named Pola appears on the beach and attracts bathers with her singing as it has a small bar that offers refreshments food and ice cream in case you get the munchies in the middle of the day so we recommend you arrive early to lay your towel you will have to go down some stairs that go through the rocky walls that surround it so we recommend wearing appropriate footwear the Catalan writer Josep Pla dedicated a narration to it where he explains how he tried to make a boat trip starting from Aigua Xelida that finally failed It does not look like the typical cove of the Costa Brava as it is surrounded by dunes and its wild air reminds us more of a Californian beach than a Catalan one the mouth of the Ter river meets the Mediterráneo To get to Platja de la Illa Roja you will have to walk a short stretch of the Camí de Ronda This is a nudist cove very popular internationally and the Illa Roja has no services such as showers or a bar so we recommend you go prepared with a coolerto spend the day which makes it ideal to spend the day with children During the Festa Major of Lloret it becomes the port of reception of the maritime procession that transports the relics of Santa Cristina to the hermitage with the same name very close to it is the Piña de Rosa Botanical Garden perfect for a walk after a day at the beach and enjoy the wonderful scenery offered by the Catalan coast we find this cove a few kilometers from Palamós as its name suggests, is small and narrow. On one side it has an old renovated fisherman’s house that gives it that authentic air so typical of the Costa Brava and It is accessed by a dirt road surrounded by pine trees and during weekends in July and August has lifeguardservice The Costa Brava is so called because of its rocky landscape but perfect for creating dreamy coves where you can enjoy the sun this list of the best coves on the Costa Brava will help you dream of the vacation that this list of beautiful beaches will help you plan your vacation And if you’re the one climbing the story under the sun we congratulate you because these coves will give you ideas on where the next place to be envious from Forget about Barceloneta beach: In this list you will find beautiful coves of the Costa Brava coves with few people and even nudist coves if you want to show yourself as God brought you into the world who always find among its rocks everything they need We will never tire of saying it, Cadaqués is a destination you must visit at least once in your life is a cove crisscrossed by cliffs that is very difficult to access believe me: It is worth becoming Indiana Jones for a moment and arriving to enjoy it It is part of the virgin beach that gives it its name, a vestige of nature hidden in the touristic Palamos Here the waters are crystal clear and Verde there is no trash floating in the water and although there is no castle you feel like the king or queen of the place Between the towns of Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guíxols there is a road which is perhaps one of the most beautiful in Catalonia where there are all kinds of coves and coves to fall in love with Known for being the one with the 300 steps the arrival to this quiet cove with a calm sea protected by pine trees is very worthwhile It is not the only one of the coves of Tossa de Mar And it is better to give importance to the plural And better to continue specifying and say that the beach -the beaches- are in Girona Who needs to go to the Caribbean having this just over an hour from home It is hard to believe that in an international tourist destination (especially German) such as Lloret de Mar there are such magical spaces in which it seems that human beings have not set foot Lloret may not be one of your favorite Costa Brava towns but the beauty of Sa Boadella will change your mind Practically the only virgin cove of Lloret de Mar It is a sin not to go to this cove without a good camera or since Aigua Xelida is made up of several small beaches If you have the possibility of sailing I recommend you to enter the cave of En Gispert worthy of being the scene of the second part of The Goonies and very close to other beautiful beaches such as Cap de Planes and its 115 meters leave good space to feel fully comfortable on the sand making us forget not only that it is a beautiful cove also hides a corner of unspoiled nature that looks like something out of a fairy tale A corner with a somewhat difficult access but worth the walk this small cove plays at hiding and attracting those who dare to go down the road and turn off the Camí de Ronda to get here Nudism is allowed in its 15-meter sheltered area seems farther away than it really is from some populated areas where you can find bars and restaurants Its barely 20 meters in length make it a good intimate corner of coarse sand and calm waters where you can use your snorkel goggles Click here to read the Spanish version.There are many celebrities who have embarked on business ventures in the hotel and catering industry. Some have been so successful that they have opened several locations around the world and their name is a gastronomic reference. These are some of them. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TATEL Beverly Hills (@tatel.beverlyhills) In Madrid, two of Spain’s best-known faces have launched a Spanish food restaurant with a modern twist. They are tennis player Rafael Nadal and singer Enrique Iglesias. They were later joined by Pau Gasol and Cristiano Ronaldo. The restaurant has other locations in Ibiza and Miami. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gekkō (@gekkomiami) The most listened to Latin singer has also launched himself into the gastronomic business. Bad Bunny opened his own restaurant a little over a year ago. It is located in Miami and is a Japanese-inspired steakhouse and lounge. The stars of his menu are suhsi, meats and cocktails. The aesthetics of the restaurant are luxurious and sophisticated and the average ticket would be around 200 dollars per diner. View this post on Instagram A post shared by La Mordida (@lamordida_es) More years ago, around 1995, a Mexican-style restaurant opened in Madrid, which has been making its way in the national scene, beyond the borders of the capital. In total, 16 establishments have been set up. And the architect of the creation of La Mordida is the singer Joaquín Sabina. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arrosseria Casa Andrés (@casaandres_tossa) In Tossa de Mar, in Girona, this restaurant was founded 20 years ago by the father of one of the most famous faces of the fashion world in our country, Andrés Velencoso. Although the restaurant was created by his father, the son gave it a renovation to adapt the Mediterranean food with an avant-garde nuance. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sugoi Ramen (@sugoi.ramen) This Asian food restaurant has a variety of take-out and take-away meals. The star dishes are the makis, sushi rolls, and gyozas. And the celebrity who ventured into this exotic restaurant is none other than Gemma Mengual, the acclaimed Olympic medalist in synchronized swimming. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BOMBASTIC (@bombasticmadrid) In the heart of Madrid’s Chueca district is this restaurant owned by soccer players Marcos Llorente, Marco Asensio and Ibai Llanos. In the menu we can find from rice dishes to grilled octopus or hamburgers; and also varied starters such as guacamole with edamame, tortilla vaga or torreznos bao. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Twelve Thirty Club (@thetwelvethirtyclub) Another singer who owns a restaurant is Justin Timberlake. The artist owns The Twelve Thirty Club in Nasville, together with Sam Fox and the company AvroKO. The place has several floors with different concepts, such as the Honky Tonk, with a typical American Southern bar menu with country music. Also the rooftop, more focused on cocktails; or the Supper Club with live music while dining. As expected, music plays a major role in this restaurant. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tagine Beverly Hills (@tagine_beverly_hills) This upscale Moroccan restaurant is owned by actor Ryan Gosling along with chef ‘Ben’ Benameur. It has been open for almost 20 years in Beverly Hills and is ideal if you are looking for authentic Moroccan food in an intimate and sophisticated setting. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hincha (@hincha_mim) View this post on Instagram A post shared by NEAT (@neat) This mainly plant-based hamburger chain counts among its partners important names such as Lewis Hamilton and Leonardo DiCaprio They already have 11 locations around the world Neat Burger was created “to make plant-based food more accessible to everyone whether you always eat plant-based or just want to add it to your diet from time to time” DiCaprio highlights Neat Burger’s pioneering approach “with respect to alternative proteins is a great example of the kind of solutions we need to move forward.” An "heroic" father from Shropshire drowned as he tried to save his young son after his two children were swept away by a huge wave at a Spanish holiday resort rescued his eldest son Thomas and dived back in to try and rescue five-year-old Jay after the wave struck in Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava at about 11am yesterday Tributes were today paid to the Market Drayton pair with locals speaking of their devastation and describing Jay as a "happy One British holidaymaker who witnessed the aftermath of the incident described Mr Howlett as "heroic" in his efforts to save his two boys Mr Howlett and his wife Deborah had paused to take pictures of Jay and their other son Thomas but could only watch in horror as they were swept into the sea Mr Howlett then leapt into the sea himself managing to save his eldest child before returning to the water for Jay But both were then overcome by the waves as the rest of their family looked on Spanish news agency Efe said the pair were spotted clinging to a buoy by rescuers in a helicopter Their bodies were eventually recovered nearly 900 yards away from where the wave originally struck Police said Mrs Howlett suffered a panic attack after witnessing the entire incident A spokesman said she was taken to Tossa de Mar's medical centre along with Thomas said: "My son jumped in and got Thomas out but when he went back to get Jay the undercurrent was too strong and they were both dragged out to sea Symon was a wonderful son and a wonderful father He would not have hesitated to risk his life to save the kids." headteacher at Market Drayton Infants' School "Everyone here is deeply shocked by this and our thoughts and prayers are with Jay's family," she said She said prayers would be held in assembly tomorrow and the school was considering what tribute it could do in Jay's memory manager of the Market Drayton Tigers' under-10s football team said Mr Howlett used to help coach the team and was also involved with the younger Tiny Tigers side Mr Garrett said: "Everybody is really devastated Symon was always offering his services to help out Jay used to come to all the matches and was like the team mascot." He said the team was due to play a match on Sunday although it may not go ahead as a mark of respect If it does take place a minute's silence will be held said: "They are a fun-loving and lovely family and I am absolutely devastated." Pay your tributes to Symon and Jay Howlett in the comment box below Flowers left at the scene of the tragedy in Tossa de Mar Written By: The Planet D Spain you should still invest in one of the many day trips from Barcelona and the surrounding landscape is beautiful to explore by public transport or rental car Below are some of the top day trip tours from Barcelona Don’t forget to plan ahead when visiting Spain You can venture out to villages with Roman and ancient Greek villages Or you can take boat trips to spots like the Medes archipelago Costa Brava is best day-tripped by rental car on a road trip from Barcelona You can drive to the edge of Costa Brava (the resort town of Blanes) in under an hour Road-tripping the Costa Brava as a day trip from Barcelona is hugely rewarding and you are always close to a delicious dish or a beautiful beach We had to add it as a day trip because of how liberating road trips are and how well-suited the Costa Brava is to day trippers with town after town of coastal destinations to enjoy We’ll cover lots of attractions along the Costa Brava coastline as day trips in their own right Tossa de Mar is one of Barcelona’s most drop-dead gorgeous day tour options The little cliffside village has an Old Town declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument and its ruins are right into the Mediterranean Sea you can walk the village and take in its historical sights before heading to Gran Beach – which has old wall ruins spilling onto the sands You’ll spend the morning with culture and history and the afternoon in the water or on the beach Tossa de Mar has lots of scuba diving and paddle boarding opportunities if you fancy something a little more adventurous than an afternoon of sunbathing or swimming Tossa de Mar is an hour and 15-minute drive from Barcelona it isn’t accessible by public transport easily you can always book a shuttle service or guided tour if you don’t drive It is one of the most famous Barcelona day trips so you should be able to find guided tours easily Wine-tasting tours are brilliant if you want minimal traveling but love tasting new wines It combines a bit of countryside sightseeing as you’ll be venturing to some seriously picturesque wineries The tiny village teeters on the narrow ridge of a basalt clifftop overlooking the confluence of two rivers below – surrounded by forest and wildlife Only around 1,000 residents live in Castellfollit de la Roca it is easily one of the most photographed places in Catalonia and one of the top day trips from Barcelona if you want a wow factor Visitors can walk the Old Town and check out some really niche little attractions including a 150-year-old charcuterie business that is now a museum preserving Catalonia’s charcuterie history for a more unique vantage point over Castellfollit de la Roca’s stunning layout Castellfollit de la Roca is a 1.5-hour drive from Barcelona and is otherwise not accessible by public transport an incredibly scenic drive and bypasses or cuts through numerous natural parks It even passes through Vic (a medieval town that will feature later in our guide) as the halfway point If you are debating driving to Castellfollit de la Roca know that renting a car is definitely well worth it you’ll definitely have the monastery on your itinerary and it looks as if the old stone buildings have erupted up from the rocks of the mountains themselves Montserrat is like something out of a film set You can book a Montserrat tour with hotel pick-up – making it one of the easiest day trips from Barcelona just catch the train from Barcelona-Sants Station and there’s no need to book train tickets in advance Montserrat is one of the most classic day trip experiences; don’t miss this one if you want dramatic scenery and a pilgrim experience The Pyrenees Mountains make a fabulous day trip from Barcelona The mountain range is beautiful and full of ski slopes in winter and hiking trails in summer For either a hiking day trip or a ski day trip the Pyrenees Mountains are your best shout from these day trips from Barcelona A word of warning; the Pyrenees Mountains are the tallest mountain range in Europe – so expect steep slopes and challenging hikes The mountains cover a vast 270-mile stretch with the highest of all the peaks being the 3,404-meter-tall Pico de Aneto The Pyrenees Mountains are an absolute beast of an area to explore the Pyrenees Mountains are fantastic for skiers and hikers You can easily take a day trip to ski resorts like Arinsal Ski Resort and Grandvalira and then head back for an evening in Barcelona While hiking trails like the Ayous Lakes Circuit or Carros de Foc are also incredible in spring and summer Gala Dalí Castle Museum-House is a rags-to-riches story The now-turned-Dali Museum was once a forgotten castle stumbled across by the Dali couple Salvador Dali bought the 11th-century Pubol Castle in 1969 rescuing it from a complete state of despair and there were cracks in the walls – essentially a ruin of what was previously medieval grandeur Salvador built the rooms around the ‘new’ layout that the collapsed structures created Dali Castle was transformed into a romantic Salvador dedicated the entire project to his wife Now you can visit this castle on a day tour from Barcelona The castle is now a museum dedicated to preserving the Dali history and story as well as showcasing the castle’s architectural beauty you can independently walk through the castle at leisure book one guided tour and explore with an experienced guide it is overflowing with medieval architecture and ancient Roman fortifications Girona’s network of manicured gardens and narrow streets date back to the middle ages and its Jewish Quarter is full of characteristic arches Even just from looking at pictures of the city it is easy to see why it was chosen as a filming location for Game of Thrones It is one of the top day trips from Barcelona when it comes to architecture and chasing day trips that leave ‘big impressions.’ You can take a guided walking tour of the city or visit independently Girona has many attractions besides its good looks Girona is just 40 minutes from Barcelona by train It is incredible that you have a different city experience less than one hour away Girona is a fantastic candidate for day trips from Barcelona if you don’t drive consider adding Girona to your Barca itinerary Ready for one of the most ambitious day trips from Barcelona you could ever take? One option is to get the ferry to Mallorca overnight, enjoy a morning on the Balearic Islands, and then catch a ferry back for the evening in Barcelona. This is ideal for those wanting to maximize their time in Spain And it requires minimal effort in terms of transportation – you can enjoy a night on the water and access entertainment like film screenings And you’ll catch the sunset at sea at least once on this trip Ferries from Barcelona leave in the evening and arrive early in the morning in Mallorca – often around 5:30 am giving you time to explore these little port towns before catching the ferry back But those bold enough to try it will be rewarded by an entirely different atmosphere in Mallorca Palma has a huge circular castle that dates back to the 14th century and a real huddle of aesthetic museums in different plazas Alcudia has medieval walls and fascinating Roman ruins sites it is much more laidback than hectic Barcelona It is an expedition-style trip from Barcelona and is perfect for anyone wanting an adventure Calella de Palafrugell is a sweet coastal town in the municipality of Palafrugell traditional buildings and plenty of sandy beaches It is a beach day trip with the oomph to make wandering around the town worthwhile when visiting For beach lovers looking to venture into a bit of sightseeing You can check out the Cami de Ronda Calella-Golfet observation deck and hike the Cami de Ronda de Calella a Llafranc Or just pick a cafe and try some local cuisine before kicking it on the beach Calella de Palafrugell is nice because it has attractions to entertain you if you get bored sunbathing and the potential for a relaxing beach day It is ideal for those planning day trips from Barcelona with a group of different traveling styles Calella de Palafrugell is a top recommendation Sitges is a fun seaside town and one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly day trips from Barcelona The town is renowned for its LGBTQ community and has an outgoing nightlife and party scene just 35 minutes from Barcelona’s city center you can enjoy the beach and then indulge in some nightlife before returning to Barcelona – making Sitges a full-day trip to consider Sitges is far more than just the beach and partying You can enjoy modernist art at the Museu Cau Ferrat admire white and blue fishermen’s houses in the Old Town and visit abandoned villages in the nearby Garraf Natural Park It is less than one hour from Barcelona yet offers a different vibe Small but mighty Sitges is a creative hub of culture and community worth visiting And the frequent trains just make this even more tempting but this is the top day trip for history lovers Tarragona is an ancient Roman city with ruins scattered throughout its streets – making it one of Barcelona’s most interesting archeological day trips this city is considered one of the best places to learn about the Romans in Spain Its most famous (and arguably impressive) ruins are the enormous remains of the ancient Roman amphitheater The port city is just one hour from Barcelona by a scenic train ride hugging the coastline with beautiful ad hoc views of the Mediterranean Sea and its prettiest coastal towns it is one of the best Barcelona day trip options Heading inland should not be overlooked when planning day trips from Barcelona Vic is a significant city set one hour inland from Barcelona by car While it may not look ‘major’ in size it is the capital of the comarca of Osona and a real cultural hotspot We vote that you add it to your list immediately It has an impressive neoclassical cathedral a December medieval fair on cobbled streets and niche attractions like the Episcopal Museum of Vic a Vic day trip is a culture-satisfying guarantee Its architecture alone is fascinating; the Queralt Bridge an 11th-century Romanesque bridge (reconstructed many times) and 2nd century Roman Temple of Vic are city highlights Vic is easily reached by car in less than an hour but you could also take a bus in 1 hour and 20 minutes if driving isn’t an option cutting through agricultural landscapes and countryside that drastically contrasts the scenes in busy Barcelona It is also just a short amount of travel time – perfect for maximizing your time in Vic or squeezing the day trip into half a day if necessary You’ll drive up towards the French border pass Girona (a brilliant halfway rest point) It is ideal for combining a visit to Girona with a visit to a quieter less-visited coastal town – one of the most unique day trips from Barcelona The fishermen’s town sits on a rocky coastline with stunning beaches enveloped by the Cap de Creus Natural Park You can check out the handful of museums; otherwise It is a glimpse into a totally different lifestyle in Catalonia the out-of-the-way element is what gives Cadaques its allure And the fact that it combines so well with Girona is another huge bonus meaning that despite its ‘inaccessibility,’ it actually makes practical sense Cadaques is well worth the extra effort if you feel confident with a slightly longer drive Cardona is one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Catalonia This day trip will be the most memorable if you like atmospheric Cardona is a little village consisting mainly of a medieval walled fortress and medieval castle The buildings in Cardona date back to the 8th century and include Romanesque and Gothic structures While Cardona itself is set traditionally on a hill next to the Cardoner River – a traditional tactical location allow time to visit the Museu de la Sal de Cardona which is particularly beautiful and sunrise and sunset You can also venture out to the nearby salt mines to tour the underground remains of a once-thriving industry Sustainability lovers note that Cardona was formally recognized for its sustainability efforts as part of the European Commission’s EDEN program It is a remarkable village that takes pride in its history and heritage and walking through its narrow streets and along its fortress walls feels like stepping back in time due to these preservation efforts Fancy adding another country to your list while visiting Barcelona Andorra is one of the top day trips from Barcelona Despite being located smack bang between France and Spain Andorra is a tiny independent country surrounded by the Pyrenees mountains Andorra is all ski slopes and natural parks – plus it has a somewhat incongruous duty-free shopping scene we’d recommend it for hitting the slopes Andorra is a top hiking destination and great for shopping You can reach Andorra from Barcelona in 3 hours and 15 minutes by direct bus you can rent a car and drive there in 2.5 hours with the option of driving via Vic and directly through Parc Natural del Cadi-Moixero it isn’t even one of the longest day trips from Barcelona Castelldefels is a beautiful spot on the Mediterranean Sea – heavenly-looking and perfect for a quick day trip from Barcelona The town has a stunning coastline with a long sandy beach But it isn’t just a beach getaway; Castelldefels has history and culture with its Castell de Fels and Gava Mines Pick a couple of its prime attractions and hop around the city center in the morning heading to the beach after for a relaxed afternoon You won’t have any issues squeezing a full-day tour of Castelldefels in Castelldefels caught our eye for its good looks as a beach destination its proximity to Barcelona is another huge plus You can quickly jump on the train from Barcelona Sants Station if you fancy a quick beach trip While if you want something more substantial with plenty of history thanks to its castle and archaeological mines Premia de Mar is so small that calling it a seaside town is likely an overstatement its small size makes it one of the most relaxing beach day trips from Barcelona you can’t go wrong with Premia de Mar’s sandy beaches and then grab food from a local cafe or restaurant Premia de Mar is where to go to keep things simple and have a wholesome day on the sands It isn’t intense like a full-day tour of historical monuments or UNESCO sites It is just somewhere to relax and escape Barcelona’s crowds Another huge bonus of visiting Premia de Mar is that it is accessible by train and car You can hop on a train straight from central Barcelona and be on the beach in less than an hour Or you can drive if you already have a rental car Not everyone feels like venturing up to Costa Brava in search of quiet sandy beaches and Premia de Mar is a much closer compromise Forget heaving Park Guell; Colonia Guell is a Gaudi-built neighborhood with almost identical stories It is one of the lesser-chosen day trips from Barcelona because it is so similar to the much closer Park Guell But for those wanting a quieter experience Add it to your itinerary and travel the simple 45 minutes by public transport or grab a 20-minute Uber Gaudi built Colonia Guell in the town of Santa Coloma de Cervello Gaudi’s original idea was to create exclusive neighborhoods where Barcelona locals could purchase properties and live in a modernist-designed community Gaudi was commissioned by Eusebi Guell to add houses Gaudi’s church crypt has even been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status And it is widely whispered about as Gaudi’s best-kept secret so we had to add it as one of the off-the-beaten-track day trips from Barcelona Barcelona’s ‘day trip radius’ has cultural and natural attractions Any of these day trips from Barcelona are worth enticing yourself away from the city center for a single day Barcelona day trips are a must addition to any itinerary and we’d suggest scheduling at least a couple Note that if you are flying into the (more budget-friendly) Girona International Airport you should combine this with a visit to the Game of Thrones filming location and medieval city Adding Girona as a day trip from the airport is a brilliant way to maximize your Barcelona day trips Looking for more inspiration about visiting Barcelona? We suggest considering where to stay in the city Each neighborhood has a distinctive feel- fashionable El Born or the historic center of the Gothic Quarter Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor. Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO Learn a Language: We recommend and love both Rosetta Stone and Babbel Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide. Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling 17 Best Cities in Spain To Visit Right Now 8 Life Lessons from the Camino de Santiago Your Essential Guide: How to Rent a Car in Spain with Confidence Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id" "ab03dc7a6f01528a49503360e2e3818c" );document.getElementById("bb6e812255").setAttribute( "id" and website in this browser for the next time I comment Montserrat’s beauty and Girona’s history intrigue me About Dave and Deb Contact Us Privacy Policy Work With Us Press and Media Best Travel Tips How to Save Money for Travel The Ultimate Travel Packing List Travel Safety Tips How to Travel on a Budget This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page.