Spain

Follow our live build-up, with full team news coverage, before our comprehensive text commentary stream.

Travellers heading to Spain have been warned of severe disruption

Holidaymakers travelling to Spain have been cautioned that they could face ‘severe disruption’. The alert mirrors guidance released by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Monday.

It follows a high-speed train crash on Sunday evening near Adamuz in the Córdoba province. At least 43 people died in the incident, with a further 159 people injured after two trains collided and derailed.

At the time, the FCDO warned of ‘severe disruption’. In an updated statement on its travel guidance page, it states: “On 18 January, two high‐speed trains collided near Adamuz, in the province of Córdoba in Andalusia, southern Spain.

“High‐speed rail services between Madrid and Andalusia remain severely disrupted. Renfe, the national railway operator, has introduced a replacement transport plan combining train and bus services. Additional bus and rail services operate on some routes.”

READ MORE: Foreign Office issues urgent Spain travel alert – ‘significant disruption’READ MORE: Couple jet off to Spain for eight-hour New Year’s Eve day trip – and make it home by midnight

You should:

• check the latest information with your train operator before you travel
• allow extra time for your journey
• follow local authority advice

If you need assistance or information about affected passengers, you can contact:

• ADIF: (+34) 900 10 10 20 @Adif_es
• IRYO: (+34) 900 00 14 02 @iryo_eu
• Emergency services (112 EMA): From inside Andalusia: 061; from outside Andalusia: (+34) 953 00 11 49

“If you are a British national and you or a family member have been affected by this accident and require consular support, call the nearest British Embassy or Consulate on 0034 91 714 6300.”

It is understood a high-speed train operated by Iryo travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed before colliding with another train. The second train, which was run by state rail operator Renfe, also derailed and plunged down an embankment, authorities confirmed.

Bianca Birleanu, 23, who was journeying to Huelva, revealed to newspaper El Pais: “We felt the first jolt and, in a fraction of a second, another very strong one.

“The table in front of our seat fell on top of us, the lights went out, and the carriage roof collapsed.”

Frank “The Stag Man”, who runs a travel agency that specialises in the parties, has often been an advocate for Benidorm in Spain, but now he believes a new destination is making waves

A travel agent claims resorts in Ibiza are set to overtake Benidorm’s title as the “hen and stag do” capital for Brits.

Frank “The Stag Man” has praised the Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea for its nightlife and value for money as a holiday destination. Frank, who runs a travel agency that specialises in the parties, said for years Benidorm on mainland Spain has been the favourite for his clients but that the tide is tipping.

The travel professional, from Tottenham, north London, stressed “the King is coming” — as Ibiza, he believes, is back on the map. The 55-year-old man said: “Times change, as does the world, and for Ibiza it’s become lost over the years… Now, I can make it the number one holiday destination for stag and hen parties once again. And even give Benidorm a run for its money.

“It’s my job to stop Benidorm, as well as Ibiza, from becoming ghost towns. I’ll give the islands another year and then I’ll make my move. Watch this space — the King is coming.”

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British holidaymakers represent the biggest market for the seaside town of Benidorm, with more than 832,000 of them flocking to the renowned Costa Blanca area in 2023 alone. Tourism exploded there following the decline of the fishing trade in the 1950s.

But tourists have cited crime, such as robberies and muggings, in reasons to deter them from repeat visits, looking for new options instead. One of these is Ibiza, which welcomed more than three million tourists from all countries in 2022, in part for its booming nightlife.

And Frank believes its popularity will continue — after a relative slump prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. The travel expert continued: “You can still get cheap prices there too (like Benidorm). The resorts have stopped looking at what people want, focusing only on making money. [I get that] money makes the world go round — and people will pay for quality.

“There’s an increase in robberies and muggings (in Benidorm). If it wasn’t suffering from this massive crime issue, then it’d be doing so much better.”

Frank intends to exploit the boom in Ibiza, but will continue operating his multiple bars, travel agents and restaurants in Benidorm at the same time. These are across the municipality, which is within the province of Alicante, and largely cater to the Brits who holiday there.

Ibiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands in area, but the second-largest by population. It has historically been associated with the electronic dance music club scene, but tourism bosses there have in recent years made efforts to promote family-orientated holidays.

While tickets are much less cheaper than UK alternatives, this festival has a line-up packed with incredible big name acts, and you’re much less likely to be wading through mud in this sunny city

Festivalgoers will have a Glastonbury-shaped hole in their hearts in 2026 as the world-famous festival takes a year off. The festival’s tradition of having a “fallow year” every few years is designed to let Worthy Farm’s land recover and regenerate from the huge event.

But music lovers need not despair, there are lots of Glastonbury alternatives out there both in the UK and beyond. One in particular that’s popular with Brits thanks to its affordable ticket prices and lack of mud has a great line-up for 2026, and flights take just under 2.5 hours from London.

FIB Benicàssim – often simply known as Benicàssim – takes place in Castelló de la Plana, just north of the city of Valencia. Its location close to the sunny Spanish coast and July dates mean that you’re practically guaranteed sunny days, so no need to pack your wellies for this one.

Taking place between July 16 and 18, the festival has an incredible line-up for fans of all sorts of genres, and includes performances from The Prodigy, Biffy Clyro, The Kooks, Kaiser Chiefs, and Tinie Tempah among the big names. There are also lots of punk and indie acts to look out for such as DEADLETTER, Circa Waves, and RATA.

Ticket prices are much lower than UK festivals. In 2025, Glastonbury tickets cost £373.50 plus a £5 booking fee. FIB Benicàssim tickets start at just €55, about £48 for general admission, which gives you access to the site and all stages for four days.

For €135 (approximately £117), there are also VIP tickets which include access to VIP bars and food options, exclusive toilets, preferential access lanes into the festival, plus three pints of beer. Golden VIP tickets cost from €245, around £213, and come with all the advantages of VIP as well as front stage access to the Main Stage and nine drinks.

However, it’s worth noting that unlike Glastonbury, camping isn’t included. This is because many people choose to stay in nearby hotels or glampsites. A basic camping pitch on the festival grounds costs €27, about £23, and for another £9 you can buy a voucher that gives you unlimited access to showers. Summer camping can be a sweltering experience, so large tarps are installed to shade the tents underneath and cool things down.

If you don’t fancy taking all your camping gear on the plane, there are glamping options that also give you a more comfortable experience. While these aren’t yet available to buy, there will reportedly be a range of bell tents and other pre-pitched options so you can leave your bulky camping kit at home.

Many festivalgoers skip the tent entirely and stay in nearby Castellón or Oropesa. The festival offers the option of an official shuttle bus from towns close to the festival site, so you pay for the wristband once and don’t need to worry about transport. Staying in a hotel means you can enjoy air conditioned nights in a proper bed, charge your phone, and get ready for the day ahead.

You could even combine your festival trip with a beach holiday, and a couple of days in sunny Valencia will soon help you recover from any party excesses. Nearby Grau de Castelló is a charming port town with Mediterranean beaches, Valencian restaurants, and the beauty of the mountains in Desert de les Palmes.

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Brits travelling to Benicàssim have two options for airports. The closest one is Castellón–Costa Azahar Airport, about half an hour from the festival site. However, flights from the UK are limited to a Ryanair services from London-Stansted and Manchester. Valencia Airport is just over an hour from Benicàssim and offers a wide range of flights including an easyJet route from London-Gatwick, and Ryanair services from regional airports including Birmingham, East Midlands, Bristol, and more.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Barcelona come from behind to beat Slavia Prague 4-2 to maintain their hopes of a top eight finish in the league phase.

Barcelona came from behind to defeat Slavia Prague 4-2 on a freezing night in the Champions League, with Fermin Lopez scoring twice and Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski adding second-half goals to secure the victory.

The win on Wednesday lifts Barcelona to ninth place in the standings with one game ⁠remaining on 13 points, level with seven other teams vying for a top-eight finish and direct qualification for the round ​of 16. Slavia languish third from bottom with just three points.

On a bitterly cold evening in ‍Prague, with temperatures dropping to -8 degrees Celsius (17.6 degrees Fahrenheit), Slavia stunned the visitors with an early lead.

A cleverly worked corner in the 10th minute saw Tomas Holes flick a delivery from the near to the far post, where Vasil Kusej bundled the ball across the line ‍under pressure from ⁠Frenkie de Jong.

Barcelona levelled in the 34th minute through Lopez, who unleashed a sharp, angled strike from inside the box, squeezing the ball past keeper Jindrich Stanek at the near post after a faint deflection off the Slovak’s shoulder.

Lopez doubled his tally and gave Barcelona the lead in the 42nd minute with a fine effort from the edge of the box. The attacking midfielder found the bottom right corner with precision, leaving Stanek no chance.

Barca’s advantage lasted just two minutes as an unfortunate defensive mishap saw Slavia equalise. ​Under pressure defending a corner, Lewandowski inadvertently deflected the ball off his shoulder and into ‌his own net to send the teams into half-time level at 2-2.

After regrouping at the break, Barcelona took control of the game in the second half, relentlessly attacking Slavia’s defence.

Raphinha, Pedri and Lopez all squandered good opportunities before substitute Olmo produced a moment of magic. In ‌the 64th minute, he hammered an unstoppable strike from the edge of the box into the top corner, restoring Barcelona’s lead in emphatic style.

Lewandowski atoned for his earlier own ‌goal by sealing the victory in the 70th minute.

Marcus Rashford – another second-half ⁠substitute – went on a blistering run down the left flank and delivered a cross into the box. Although Lewandowski initially struggled to control the pass, he reacted quickly to poke the ball past Stanek and give Barcelona a two-goal cushion.

“We knew it would be a difficult match with ‌the cold weather, they’ve put a lot of pressure on us, it was tough … My feet and hands hurt, can barely feel them … It was tough, but we managed to come back and win,” Lopez told Movistar Plus.

“We were aware ‍that goal difference was something important. Looking to secure a top-eight finish, we wanted to keep a clean sheet, but it was difficult. Good thing we managed to play well and got the win.”

Real Madrid beat Monaco 6-1 in the league phase of the Champions League, as forward Vinicius defies boos from home fans.

With three assists and a goal, Vinicius Junior quieted the fans who had booed him again at the start of Real Madrid’s 6-1 rout over Monaco in the Champions League.

Part of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium crowd jeered the Brazil forward nearly every time he touched the ball early on in the league-phase game in Madrid on Tuesday. But the boos dissipated as the match went on and were virtually gone by the time Vinicius scored his first Champions League goal of the season in the 63rd minute.

The early boos were not nearly as loud as they were on Saturday in Madrid’s 2-0 win over Levante in the Spanish league. Both times fans jeered when Vinicius’s name was announced in the starting lineup, but this time, the game ended with fans on Vinicius’s side as he was chosen the man of the match.

Vinicius has been having a lacklustre season, and some fans viewed him as one of the reasons why coach Xabi Alonso was replaced last week.

Vinicius had spats with Alonso, a former Madrid and Spain great as a player, who was replaced as a coach following a tumultuous eight-month stint. Vinicius was reportedly the main player not backing Alonso in the locker room.

He scored his goal on Tuesday with a well-placed strike after getting past a couple of defenders and hitting the upper corner. He did not go towards the fans to celebrate, and instead hugged his teammates near the midfield. Then he ran towards the sideline to salute and hug the new Madrid coach, Alvaro Arbeloa.

Vinicius had assists in goals by Kylian Mbappe in the 26th and Franco Mastantuono in the 51st. The Brazilian also assisted with a cross that led to an own-goal by Monaco defender Thilo Kehrer in the 55th.

“Vini, we are behind you,” read a banner held by a fan at the Bernabeu.

Mbappe scored in the fifth minute to put the hosts ahead. He hugged Vinicius after his second goal later in the first half and again following the final whistle.

Mbappe and Arbeloa had come out defending Vinicius recently, with Mbappe saying the crowd should not single out Vinicius as the one to blame for the team’s struggles.

Many fans applauded a seventh-minute attempt by Vinicius, who just missed wide from inside the area. When he misplayed a ball in the 40th, some of the fans started to boo again, but many more applauded in response.

There were no immediate jeers towards club President Florentino Pérez as had happened against Levante.

Mbappe appeared to apologise to Monaco fans after scoring. He was a former Monaco player. Mbappe has 18 Champions League goals for Madrid, the most of any player in the first 20 appearances with the club, ahead of the 14 of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Jude Bellingham, who was also jeered by some fans on Saturday, scored Madrid’s sixth goal in the 80th minute.

Vinicius came close to scoring again on a breakaway in second-half stoppage time.

Madrid had entered the match against Levante coming off a two-game losing streak, which included a loss to Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia – prompting Alonso’s departure – and an embarrassing elimination against Albacete in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey.

There was a moment of silence before the match in honour of the victims of the train crash, in which more than 40 people were killed, in southern Spain on Sunday.

Emergency teams are searching in a mountain range of the Spanish countryside for the victims of a train crash that killed at least 41 people Sunday evening. Officials are promising transparency as they investigate the cause of the collision.

Jayne Harrison-Bond and husband Ian landed, enjoyed some sun, sand, and beers, then flew home

A couple jetted off to a Spanish island for some New Year’s Eve sunshine – and still made it back in time to ring in 2024 with family. Jayne Harrison-Bond, 52, and her husband Ian, 53, managed to squeeze in three hours of beach time in Lanzarote while still being home to celebrate with their adult children.

Community nurse Jayne, from Loughborough in Leicestershire, organised the spontaneous getaway after realising December 31 was her only free day during the festive season due to her hectic work schedule.

The adventurous pair secured £75 return flights from East Midlands Airport just three days beforehand, rising early to catch their 5.45am departure to the Canary Islands.

Their entire escapade cost under £100 each – covering flights, beach transport, meals, drinks, and a taxi back to Lanzarote Airport for their 6.05pm return journey. Jayne reflected: “It was lovely, a spur-of-the-moment thing, really. I was the only person at work on New Year’s Day with a sun tan, so I’ll take that.

“Somebody on a Facebook group put about going (to Lanzarote for the day) and we’re reasonably close to East Midlands (airport) ourselves.

“I was working all over Christmas but I had that day (the 31st) off. I said to my hubby, ‘that would be a good day trip’ kind of laughing about it, then ended up booking it on the Sunday.”

Welder Ian and Jayne touched down in Lanzarote at 10.15am, reaching Playa Honda beach by 10.35am after hopping on a bus for €1.40 each. “We did very little apart from the beach,” Jayne shared. “We had some nice tapas and a couple of nice drinks. The object of the day was just to utilise some rest time.”

The pair shelled out €4 each for beers at a beachside bar, before heading to Goliath Terraza for more food and drinks, setting them back €11 each. “My hubby had a large pizza and fries”, Jayne revealed. “I opted for a chicken caesar salad and we both enjoyed another drink.”

A €10 taxi fare got them back to the airport in time to catch their flight home, arriving just before midnight. Jayne recalled: “We’ve got two adult children still living at home; we raised a glass of Buck’s fizz with them. I was back to work the next day at 8am. It was well worth it.”

Jayne’s workmates were taken aback by her whirlwind trip, but the travel enthusiast – who has also made day trips to Alicante and Malaga recently – assured them she managed to get up for work without any issues.

She added: “They said, ‘I don’t know how you went that far for a day out’ but we weren’t exhausted after it or anything. It was a very straight-forward, everyday thing so I would recommend it to anyone.”

A warning has been issued to anyone planning to travel to Spain

An urgent alert warning of ‘significant disruption’ has been issued to anyone travelling to Spain. The warning has been circulated by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) today (Monday, January 19).

It follows a high-speed train crash which claimed 39 lives on Sunday evening. A further 75 people were taken to hospital after two trains collided and derailed near Adamuz in the Córdoba province of the country.

The latest update released by the FCDO is entitled ‘New information about significant disruption following a serious rail incident in Andalusia’.

It reads: “On 18 January, two high‑speed trains collided near Adamuz, in the province of Córdoba in Andalusia, southern Spain. Significant disruption to rail services between Madrid and Andalusia is expected, with all high‑speed services between Madrid and Córdoba, Seville, Málaga, Granada and Huelva suspended. Services between Madrid and Cádiz, Algeciras and Granada will also be affected.

“If you need assistance or information about affected passengers, you can contact:

• ADIF: (+34) 900 10 10 20 @Adif_es
• IRYO: (+34) 00 00 14 02 @iryo_eu
• Emergency services (112 EMA): From inside Andalusia: 061; from outside Andalusia: (+34) 953 00 11 49

“If you are a British national and you or a family member have been affected by this accident and require consular support, call the nearest British Embassy or Consulate on 0034 91 714 6300.

“If you are planning to travel to Spain through France, check the travel advice for France before you start your journey. If you are planning to travel to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for Gibraltar before you start your journey. No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”

If you are planning to travel to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for Gibraltar before you start your journey. No travel can be guaranteed safe.

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Although some details remain unclear, it is thought a high-speed train run by Iryo travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed before colliding with another train. The second train, which was operated by state rail company Renfe, also derailed and went down an embankment, authorities said.

“Approximately 300 people were onboard at the time of the accident,” an Iryo spokesperson said. “The derailment affected cars six through eight. The Guardia Civil and firefighters are currently working intensively at the scene to evacuate all passengers and have set up a joint emergency response team.

“Iryo deeply regrets the incident, has activated all its emergency protocols, and is collaborating closely with Adif, Renfe, and the relevant authorities to determine the causes and manage the situation as effectively as possible.”

Duncan Ponter and his wife left Scotland in 2023 to move to Spain’s Costa Blanca and the expat has been brutally honest about the realities of life on the continent

A British expat who relocated to Spain three years ago has shared the “brutal truth” about chasing a sunnier way of life.

Duncan Ponter departed his homeland with his wife in 2023, settling in a small town an hour from Alicante on Spain’s Costa Blanca. The couple took the plunge after both sets of parents had passed away and their children had flown the nest.

On his YouTube channel Move to Spain – Life on the Spanish Costas, Duncan reveals that the most frequent question he receives is whether life is superior in the UK or Spain.

He firmly sided with Spain, citing the climate, sense of community, cost of living, healthcare and public services, and overall quality of life as key factors.

Duncan explained: “It’s nothing like we could have ever imagined. We get somewhere around 320 days of sunshine a year, very little rain,” reports the Daily Record.

“July and August are almost unbearably hot in southern Spain. We enjoy the weather in a way I never thought possible. And it does have more of an impact on our lives and well being than we ever realised.

“We eat outside most of the time we go for strolls and we enjoy a whole host of other outdoor activities we wouldn’t be able to do in Scotland.”

The expat also praised the strong sense of community they’ve discovered in their development, Senorio de Roda. Another significant advantage was the stark difference in living costs between the two nations.

Duncan recalls a recent seaside lunch with mates that came to just €66 (approximately £57) for five people.

He remarked: “You just can’t do that in the UK, it’s just become so expensive and cost prohibitive.”

Duncan also praised Spain’s healthcare system, where appointments are typically available within 48 hours and test results arrive within a fortnight.

He doesn’t object to paying slightly higher income tax either, as the funds appear to be “used to good effect” with “great council services” and “roads in great condition without potholes”.

However, life abroad isn’t entirely perfect. Oddly enough, the expat confessed they miss taking holidays.

He explained: “We used to love travelling and seeing new places. But we’ve just got out of the habit of that when we’ve got the beach on the doorstep and the sunshine every day. It is completely different when you live here to when you go on holiday.”

They visit Scotland twice annually, once during summer and again at Christmas, with flights often remarkably affordable outside peak season. They’ve also established a weekly FaceTime call with their children.

Reflecting on the lifestyle shift, Duncan summarised: “Let’s address the elephant in the room. Take into account the weather, community spirit, feeling of safety, the health service, the overall cost of living and the lifestyle, all of these things obviously contribute to that. In our case, we definitely have a better quality of life here.

“So it’s not perfect, but we just have a really nice life here.”

BARCELONA, Spain — Spanish prosecutors are studying allegations that Grammy-winning singer Julio Iglesias sexually assaulted two former employees at his residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.

The Spanish prosecutor’s office told the Associated Press on Wednesday that the allegations were related to media reports from earlier this week that alleged Iglesias had sexually and physically assaulted two women who worked in his Caribbean residences between January and October 2021.

Iglesias has yet to speak publicly regarding the allegations. Russell L. King, a Miami-based entertainment lawyer who lists Iglesias as a client on his website, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment by the AP.

The Spanish prosecutor’s office that handles cases for Spain’s National Court said that it had received formal allegations against Iglesias by an unnamed party on Jan. 5. Iglesias could potentially be taken in front of the Madrid-based court, which can try alleged crimes by Spanish citizens while they are abroad, according to the court’s press office.

‘Forced labor and servitude’

Women’s Link Worldwide, a nongovernmental organization, said in a statement that it was representing the two women who had presented the complaint to the Spanish court. The group said that the women were accusing Iglesias of “crimes against sexual freedom and indemnity such as sexual harassment” and of “human trafficking for the purpose of forced labor and servitude.”

The organization said the women in their testimony also accused Iglesias of regularly checking their cellphones, of prohibiting them from leaving the house where they worked and demanding that they work up to 16 hours a day, with no contract or days off.

The organization said it did not reach out to authorities in the Bahamas or the Dominican Republic, and that it didn’t know whether authorities in those Caribbean nations had initiated an investigation.

Gema Fernández, senior attorney at Women’s Link Worldwide, said in an online news conference Wednesday that “Spanish legislation regarding sexual violence, gender-based violence and trafficking could be an interesting option” for the two women making the allegations against Iglesias.

“Listening to what [the two women] are seeking and their definitions of justice, it seems to us that filing a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the National Court of Spain was the path that best suited their definition of justice. That is why we are supporting them along this path,” Fernández said.

Jovana Ríos Cisneros, executive director of Women’s Link Worldwide, asserted that Spanish prosecutors had decided to take statements from the two women and granted them the status of protected witnesses.

“Being heard by the Prosecutor’s Office is a very important step in the search for justice,” she said.

Fernández said prosecutors had not set a date to take statements from the women and noted that prosecutors have up to six months to determine whether the information they receive warrants a criminal prosecution. Those six months could be extended to a year, she added.

The prosecutor’s office did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

A singer under scrutiny

Spanish online newspaper elDiario.es and Spanish-language television channel Univision Noticias published the joint investigation into Iglesias’ alleged misconduct.

Ríos said the two women initially contacted elDiario.es, which began investigating the allegations but also advised the women to seek legal help.

Spanish government spokeswoman Elma Saiz said that the media reports regarding Iglesias “demanded respect.”

“Once again I can reaffirm this government’s firm and complete commitment to take on any act of violence, harassment or aggression against women,” Saiz said Tuesday after the media reports were published.

Panky Corcino, spokesman for the attorney general’s office in the Dominican Republic, declined to comment, saying he couldn’t confirm or deny an investigation.

By law, any case in the Caribbean country that involves sexual aggression or violence must be investigated by prosecutors, even if no one has filed a complaint.

The 82-year-old Iglesias is one of the world’s most successful musical artists after having sold more than 300 million records in more than a dozen languages. After making his start in Spain, he won immense popularity in the United States and wider world in the 1970s and ’80s. He’s the father of pop singer Enrique Iglesias.

Julio Iglesias won a 1988 Grammy for best Latin pop performance for his album “Un Hombre Solo.” He also received a lifetime achievement award at the Grammys in 2019.

Spain’s culture minister said Wednesday that its left-wing government, which holds women’s rights and equality among its priorities, will also consider stripping Iglesias of the state’s Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts, which he was awarded in 2010.

“It is something we are studying and evaluating, because evidently we feel obliged to do so when faced by such a serious case,” Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun said.

Wilson and Coto write for the Associated Press. Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Associated Press reporters Suman Naishadham in Madrid and Martín Adames in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, contributed to this report.

A study comparing the cost of living in six European countries found this gorgeous place was the most affordable for British expats, despite higher energy costs

YourOverseasHome examined the price of everyday necessities across six European nations alongside the UK, with one breathtaking country emerging as the clear winner for British expatriates.

Jet-setting can raise numerous queries, from which drinks to steer clear of mid-flight to precisely what airport security scanners detect.

Travel specialists at eShores gathered the most searched-for travel queries and exposed the most widespread misconceptions.

YourOverseasHome revealed: “Despite there being a few cities and towns that have reputations for being expensive destinations, Italy is by far the cheapest place to live long term when you’re not spending like a traveller.

“This is despite the fact that energy costs more in Italy!”.

“Of course, we acknowledge the fact that the true cost of living will vary significantly from region to region, but to live in a run-of-the-mill town or village outside the usual tourist hotspots, Italy is apparently the most reasonable.”

Whilst electricity bills might be steeper in Italy, food shopping is typically far more budget-friendly compared to the UK.

Seafood, confectionery and gin cost more than twice as much in Britain as they do in Italy, though iceberg lettuce was most economical in the UK.

Brits might also slash their housing expenses in Italy, where the cost of decorating materials or hiring a domestic cleaner falls below UK rates.

Electronic goods like televisions or Amazon Alexa Echo Dots came with smaller price tags in Italy compared to Britain.

UK residents could also grab a cappuccino at an Italian café for merely £1 on average, versus roughly £3.20 back home.

Nevertheless, dining out proved most affordable in Spain, where a three-course meal would only cost someone around £13 typically.

Dental visits were most budget-friendly in Spain, running about £21.50 against Germany’s £50.

Britons might also cut costs on entertainment by relocating overseas, with cinema tickets carrying much steeper prices in the UK than in the other nations examined.

Yet certain items remained more affordable in Britain, with paracetamol retailing for nearly 10 times the cost in Italy.

Greece recorded the steepest fuel charges at £86 for 50 litres of unleaded petrol versus the UK’s £81.

In Portugal, British emigrants could make savings on petrol, where the equivalent quantity of fuel costs approximately £78.

Christopher Nye, chief editor at YourOverseasHome.com, commented: “We know that thousands of Britons are considering moving abroad, more so than ever! UK natives are looking to jump ship to avoid high energy costs and neverending price rises.

“But if you’re moving under the assumption that you’ll be getting more for your money, you could very well be jumping from the frying pan into the fire, as prices have shot up across the eurozone too.”

Following the UK, Germany was ranked as the next priciest place to reside, with Spain and France trailing behind.

When you think of summer holidays, gaming might not be the first activity that comes to mind, but a theme hotel in Spain offers a way to combine long gaming sessions with sun, sea, and sand

If you’re a gamer who misses your console when you go on holiday, or finds that staying up late for a gaming session is the best way to relax, then this could be the perfect holiday destination.

A video game-themed hotel in Spain is offering the ultimate getaway for gamers who can combine their love of consoles, both past and present, with a sunshine beach break. This all-inclusive hotel is part of a larger resort with a waterpark and is a short distance from a sandy beach, so there’s plenty to do both outdoors as well as in front of a screen.

Hotel Magic Games is part of the Magic World Resort, which sits close to a beach on the beautiful Costa del Azahar. It’s one of six hotels in the complex, each one with its own theme, which includes a fairy tale fantasy hotel and sports-themed accommodation.

You’ll spot the hotel easily thanks to its retro, Pac-Man-inspired sign, and once you step into the lobby, the games begin. There are retro arcade machines to play with, neon lights everywhere, and a Gamer Museum where you can see life-sized models of your favourite characters.

The theming continues in each guest room, and this family-friendly resort has added lots of little touches that gamers will enjoy. Each room has its own console, and some of them also feature arcade machines and a selection of board games. Rooms have a game-themed décor, and each one has a comfy gaming chair for those long, late-night sessions.

If you need a break from your screen, then across the road is the Magic Splash Water Park, and unlimited daily access is included for all guests at Magic Games. There’s a pool area, lots of waterslides, plus a fun splash park that younger kids will love. The hotel is set on a long stretch of coast just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, with a Beach Club area for guests to enjoy.

The resort offers an ultra all-inclusive package, which is popular with families who want to simply focus on holiday fun. This package includes buffet meals, premium drinks such as cocktails, and a set number of visits to the hotel’s themed restaurants such as a sushi spot and an Italian eatery. Those who opt for ultra all-inclusive also get drinks included at the Beach Club and access to some of the facilities within other hotels in the resort.

Outside of the hotel, you can explore the popular beach resort of Oropesa del Mar, which has a medieval old town, a pretty marina area, and a long coastal path, which is perfect for walks on sunny days. Enjoy views across the area from the 16th-century Torre del Rey, a watch tower that once protected the coast, or explore the ruins of Castillo de Oropesa, a 13th-century castle.

READ MORE: ‘Incredibly grim’ seaside town now bustling hub of independent shopsREAD MORE: Abandoned UK village that was ‘lost underwater’ still reappears once in a while

Most visitors arrive via Valencia Airport, which is just over an hour from the hotel by car, or take the train connection, which takes about 90 minutes.Ryanair offers a range of flights to Valencia year-round from airports including Birmingham, Manchester, and London-Stansted, as well as a seasonal service from East Midlands.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Travel vlogger Just Deano paid just £15 on Ryanair for a flight from Manchester to Spain’s Costa Del Sol, where he soon discovered a pub making a surprise claim

A man who booked what he claimed was Britain’s cheapest flight was gobsmacked by what awaited him at his destination. Content creator Just Deano set his alarm for the crack of dawn to catch his bargain departure from Manchester Airport.

Explaining his early start, he told viewers: “It was the cheapest flight hence why I had to get up at four in the morning!”

Using Skyscanner to hunt down the most wallet-friendly option, Deano snapped up a single Ryanair ticket to Malaga on Spain’s Costa Del Sol for just £15. Following his three-hour flight, he admitted he was simply “winging it” after failing to sort out somewhere to stay or a return journey home.

But after browsing Booking.com, he discovered a pod at a hostel in Malaga’s heart, costing him £111 for three nights. He remarked: “Just looking at this map here, I might have struck gold with where this hostel is, it is right in the centre of everything. I can see the cathedral and everything all round it so hopefully this is a pretty nice spot.”

Once he’d completed his lengthy trek and settled into the swanky Coeo Pod Hostel Beatas Malaga, Deano was ready to relax – and where better than an Irish pub?

Addressing his 36,600 followers, Deano revealed: “There is somewhere I am going first. I have changed my T-shirt; I’ve got my Guinness T-shirt on and I’ve got my Guinness socks on. But, when I was walking through this Old Town, I saw an extravagant claim by a pub.

“This one where I am going to claims to be the smallest Irish pub in the world. So we are going to go there, sample their Guinness, why not? It’s Friday night after all. This place is buzzing, absolutely buzzing with life.”

While there’s no official record holder for the world’s tiniest Irish pub, several establishments stake their claim, including The Dawson Lounge in Dublin and Lynott’s Pub on Achill Island. Since 2017, however, the Neil MacGregor pub in Malaga has proudly displayed signs throughout its compact premises declaring itself “the smallest Irish pub in the world”.

Arriving on a Friday evening, Deano acknowledged he’d chosen the “worst possible time” to drop by, as the outdoor seating area was heaving with drinkers. Nevertheless, he managed to secure a spot, and the barman delivered him a pint of the dark brew.

Savouring his drink, he remarked: “I have had my fair share of Guinnesses in Spain. Well, I’ve had my fair share of Guinness anywhere. That one was actually very very good. I was a bit worried when it first came out obviously it was absolutely mental as well. But that one, decent. Now, I don’t know how much it cost but I need to order another one just in case. I need to make sure if it were just a fluke.”

Wrapping up his visit, he reflected: “Ok, that was Neil MacGregor’s, the smallest Irish pub in the world apparently. I got the oldest pub in Ireland wrong a few months back so you can’t believe what’s written on the pub walls, can you?”

After sharing the video, which can be viewed in its entirety here, one viewer responded: “Deano, don’t get me wrong, but why would you go to the Costa del Sol, eat pizza, and go to an Irish Pub to drink Guinness? You can get that stuff on any high street in Britain. My only assumption is you feel ‘safe’ doing that. Get out there, man. Travelling a life adventure.”

Another commented: “Great price for that location hotels are expensive there. One of my favourite cities . Tapas bar next to the smallest bar does great food.”

A third chimed in with: “Wow deano that best hostel I’ve seen on your video.”

Raphinha scores twice as Barcelona beat Real Madrid for a second year running in the Spanish Super Cup with a 3-2 win.

Barcelona have retained the Spanish Super Cup with a thrilling 3-2 El Clasico win over Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia.

Raphinha struck twice for the Catalans on Sunday, with Robert Lewandowski also on target as they beat Xabi Alonso’s team for a record-extending 16th triumph, despite Frenkie de Jong’s late red card.

After Raphinha sent Barcelona ahead, Vinicius Junior pulled Madrid level with a fine individual goal to kick-start a frenetic end to the first half in Jeddah.

Lewandowski chipped Barca back in front, but Gonzalo Garcia struck deep in stoppage time to send the teams level at the break.

The battle was decided by a deflected Raphinha effort after 73 minutes, as Barca claimed the fourth trophy of coach Hansi Flick’s reign.

His Madrid counterpart, Xabi Alonso, began with French superstar Kylian Mbappe on the bench after he missed the semifinal win over Atletico with a knee sprain.

Hansi Flick, who led Barca to four Clasico wins over Madrid last season in four clashes, opted for Lewandowski up front over Ferran Torres and brought teenage star Lamine Yamal back in on the right wing.

It was a scrappy start in the Saudi Arabian evening heat, with Barcelona keeping the ball and Madrid sitting deep to resist them while looking to find Vinicius Junior on the counter.

The Brazilian had not scored in his previous 16 matches, but offered a potent threat, flying down the left and forcing Joan Garcia into the first save.

Raphinha also sprinted back to slide in on his compatriot as Vinicius tried to break through.

Barca began to turn up the heat on Madrid, and Raphinha found a breakthrough after 36 minutes.

Moments after the winger fired a fine chance badly wide, he made up for it with a low, early strike from just inside the area, across Thibaut Courtois and into the bottom corner.

Madrid pulled level with a superb Vinicius strike, floating in from the left, nutmegging Jules Kounde and tucking past Garcia.

Barcelona went back ahead four minutes into first-half stoppage time, with Lewandowski dinking home after being played in by Pedri.

However, Madrid rapidly hit back just before the interval through Gonzalo Garcia, who finished well while falling after Dean Huijsen’s header bounced back to him off the crossbar.

Slowing down

The second half was a calmer affair, with fewer chances as the teams slowed down.

Garcia saved from Rodrygo Goes’s low effort, while Courtois beat away a Yamal strike.

Mbappe was warming up on the sideline when Barcelona nosed ahead, with Raphinha’s shot from outside the box deflecting in off Raul Asencio to leave Courtois with no chance.

The Brazilian is in superb form, and it was his seventh goal in his last five matches across all competitions.

Alonso sent on Mbappe for the last 15 minutes, trying to find a third goal and force a penalty shootout.

The French forward could not get sight of the goal, but Barca midfielder De Jong was sent off for a high lunge on him.

Despite Madrid’s numerical advantage, Barca had the best chance in stoppage time, with Marcus Rashford firing wide when through on goal.

Asencio might have grabbed an equaliser at the death, but headed straight at Garcia.

The last four winners of the Spanish Super Cup have gone on to claim La Liga, and Barcelona will be hoping it proves a platform for success once again.

Follow our live build-up with team news coverage before our live text commentary stream of Spain’s Super Cup final.

Who: Barcelona vs Real Madrid
What: Spanish Super Cup final
Where: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
When: Sunday, January 11, at 8pm (19:00 GMT)
How to follow: We will have all the buildup on Al Jazeera Sport from 15:00 GMT, in advance of our text commentary stream.

One of sport’s greatest matchups will grace the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Sunday as Barcelona face fierce rivals Real Madrid in the final of the Spanish Super Cup.

Barca, the defending champions who beat Real in last year’s final, are the team to stop once more in Spain’s top flight, La Liga.

Real, on the other hand, are under increasing pressure, especially their new manager, Xabi Alonso.

Al Jazeera Sport takes a look at a final that carries so much more weight when it holds the tag: El Clasico.

Why are Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso under pressure?

Alonso has steadied Real Madrid’s ship in recent weeks after a tumultuous period, but the Spanish Super Cup final seems a make-or-break moment for the beleaguered coach.

On the brink of the sack after a dire run of form, Alonso responded by leading Madrid to five consecutive victories, the fifth coming on Thursday against Atletico Madrid in the semifinals.

Beating Super Cup holders Barcelona would bring Alonso the first trophy at the helm.

A second victory in two matches against Barcelona would buy Alonso time and breathing room.

But succumbing to Hansi Flick’s side would give Real president Florentino Perez a further excuse to remove a coach he hired in June but has never appeared convinced by.

Spanish media reported that Perez was set to sack Alonso if the team lost against Manchester City in the Champions League on December 10, which they did, but the team’s improved performance bought the coach another chance.

What happened in last year’s Super Cup final between Real and Barca?

Barcelona trounced Real Madrid 5-2 in last year’s final, which was also in Jeddah.

It was a damaging blow for then-manager Carlo Ancelotti, while proving a springboard for Hansi Flick – fresh in his role as Barca boss.

How important is Spanish Super Cup to Real Madrid and Barcelona?

Lifting the Super Cup worked for Flick’s fledgling tenure at Barcelona last season, galvanising his team to claim La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

In the three seasons prior to that, the Super Cup winners also went on to win the Spanish top flight.

“Two things are clear – as it’s the tournament we’re playing for 1768083015, it’s the most important,” said Alonso.

“If you ask me about it in terms of order of priority in the season, it’s the fourth.”

What’s the latest on Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe?

Real are boosted by the return of Mbappe to the squad after he missed the 2-1 win over Atletico and Sunday’s 5-1 thrashing of Real Betis in La Liga while recovering from a knee sprain.

The coach said Mbappe has as much chance of starting against Barcelona as anyone else and is confident the forward has recovered, even though he was expected to miss another week.

With 29 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions, Mbappe is Real Madrid’s top goal scorer this season and their clear, stand-out performer.

The striker has netted six goals against Barcelona in five games since joining Real Madrid.

His return could make life trickier for Alonso because the team does not seem to function at its best when Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham line up together.

How are Real Madrid’s Brazil forwards, Vinicius and Rodrygo, faring?

One player who has become essential for Alonso in recent weeks is Brazilian winger Rodrygo.

After a miserable run of 32 games without scoring, the right-winger has burst into life with three goals and three assists in his last five matches.

On the opposite flank, Vinicius is struggling for form.

Since finishing second in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, he has dipped far from his top level.

Vinicius has not scored in his last 16 outings for Real Madrid, and Alonso must decide whether to line up with him against Barca.

What happened the last time Barcelona played Real Madrid?

The Catalans beat Madrid four times in four encounters last season, but Alonso’s side beat their rivals 2-1 in October in La Liga.

“We have to win; we lost two finals against them last year,” urged Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

“They have to win, too. After losing the Clasico in La Liga, they’ll want revenge.”

Barcelona ready for Mbappe return for Real Madrid

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said Mbappe is the man of the moment, but backed his team to succeed despite his arrival in Saudi Arabia.

“At the moment, Mbappe is the best striker… he’s scored many, many goals, and he’s a world-class player, that’s what I can say,” admitted Flick, whose side hammered Real Betis 5-0 in their semifinal on Wednesday.

However, the German coach was eager to point out that last season, his side beat Mbappe’s Madrid on all four occasions they met.

Barca thrashed them 5-2 in last season’s Spanish Super Cup final, as well as winning both La Liga Clasicos and the Copa del Rey final.

In their one meeting with Alonso’s side this season, Madrid secured a 2-1 league win.

“How many Clasicos have we played in the last year and a half? And how many did we win? We lost one,” said Flick.

“I know he’s a fantastic player, and for him, with space behind the [defence], he’s really great…

“We will adapt something, like we always do, but it’s not especially about Mbappe, it’s about Real Madrid, it’s about how we want to play and how we expect they want to.”

What’s the Spanish Super Cup?

The Super Cup pits together the winners and runners-up of both the Spanish domestic league, La Liga, and Spain’s domestic cup competition, Copa del Rey.

Although first played in 1982, between the league and cup winners alone, it was expanded to four teams in 2020.

Barcelona are the current league champions, with Real Madrid finishing second. They were also the finalists of the Copa del Rey, resulting in Athletic Madrid and Athletic Bilbao lining up in the semifinals, following their third and fourth-place finishes in the league last season.

Where will the Spanish Super Cup final be played?

The Super Cup is being staged in Saudi Arabia for the second year running, with all three matches staged at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.

The venue plays host to the Saudi Arabian national team, and will be part of the 2034 World Cup.

Riyadh played host to the final the year before, with Real Madrid emerging victorious with a 4-1 defeat of Barcelona.

Head-to-head

This will be the 262nd meeting between the teams, with Real Madrid winning 106, and Barcelona winning 104, of the encounters.

Barcelona team news

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi and Andreas Christensen are all absent, with the latter two troubled by knee problems and the former out with an unspecified complaint.

Yamal is expected to return to the starting eleven, having not been fit enough to start the semifinal against Atletico. The winger did, however, come off the bench to find the net.

Ronald Araujo has returned to full training, but is only expected to be named among the subs.

Real Madrid team news

Whether Mbappe makes the team sheet, even as a starter or as a sub, is the headline news, following a week of speculation about the forward’s knee injury.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao and Brahim Diaz remain absent, but there is a chance that Rodrygo, Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio could pass fitness tests after knocks sustained in the semifinal against Atletico.

Dean Huijsen returned to the bench for the Atletico match and could return to the starting eleven in place of Rudiger, should his fellow defender fail to make the grade.

Barcelona’s predicted starting lineup

J Garcia, Kounde, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Balde, Pedri, De Jong, Yamal, Raphinha, Fermin, F Torres

Real Madrid’s predicted starting lineup

Courtois, Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius

Barcelona and Real Madrid form guides

• Barcelona: W-W-W-W-W
• Real Madrid: W-W-W-W-W

AFRICAN cities like Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat have been a popular spot for Brits for many years.

But there’s another city very near the sea in northern Morocco that is getting direct flights from the UK for the very first time this year.

In March 2026, Royal Air Maroc will launch twice-weekly direct flights from London Gatwick to Tetouan.

The route will start on March 29, 2026 and will operate on Thursdays and Sundays in both directions.

Previously there were no flights from the UK to Tetouan, with Brits having to connect at other cities like Marrakech, Casablanca and Al Hoceima.

Tetouan, which is a port city, is 20 minutes from the coastline, and tourists might be surprised to learn that it has a big Spanish influence, especially from Andalusia, which you’ll still see today.

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One visitor wrote on Triapdvisor said: “If you’ve been to the Middle East or Spain being in Morocco is a combination of both”.

The city was once the capital of Spanish Morocco, nicknamed the “daughter of Granada” so a lot of its architecture feels more European than African.

The Tetouan Museum of Modern Art is actually found inside a former Spanish-style train station.

Although there are places where it will feel like Morocco, for example at its medina which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here you’ll find souks selling crafts, spices, leather goods and jewellery.

Top hotels in the city include Hôtel Al Mandari which has modern rooms – some of which have mountain views – in March it can be booked for £58 per night including breakfast.

In March, temperatures in Tetouan can be as high as 19C – so if you want to hit the beach, there are plenty of options not that far away.

Some of the nearby beach resorts include Martil which has very long stretches of sand and sits along the Mediterranean coastline.

One visitor on Tripadvisor described it as a “beautiful destination with fine golden sand”.

Another nearby beach town is M’diq which is 20 minutes away by car.

Its beach is popular for swimmers, especially in the morning when the waters are at their clearest – and you can easily get here via a bus from Tetouan.

If you’re more interested in exploring the city, then you’ll be pleased to know that Tetouan is much quieter than the likes of Marrakech as it sees fewer visitors.

When it comes to drink, a local beer will set you back around 25MAD (£2.01) and a meal for two at a mid-range restaurants without drinks is on average 175MAD (£14.10), according to Numbeo.

Another popular spot is Feddan Park which is in the middle of the city and some visitors have said has the ‘best view of Tetouan’.

From the park you get a good view of the whitewashed buildings and mountains behind them.

Dar El Oddi is a restored Riad that has since been converted into a museum.

There’s also the Royal Palace – although as this is still an active royal residence you can only view it from the outside.

Other nearby destinations include the beautiful city of Chefchaouen, also known as the Blue Pearl – which is an hour inland from Tetouan.

It’s full of bright blue buildings, hence its nickname, as well as steep alleyways and it’s surrounded by the Rif Mountains.

If you head to the edge of the medina, you’ll reach the Ras El Ma – a natural spring.

Marrakech is ‘the perfect short haul April holiday’ according to Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot…

Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel, filled us in on her recent trip to the Moroccan city…

She said: “I’ve just returned from a wonderful long weekend in Marrakech and the city is as exciting as ever.

“We were sunbathing on the roof of our riad in the Medina in glorious 22 degree temperatures – and I loved the amazing desert landscapes just 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the souks.

“Tourism is booming in the city and while the streets are as colourful and chaotic as ever, the influx of visitors has brought some gorgeous new bars, restaurants and stunning hotels.”

She added: “It pays to do your research and book restaurants and tours in advance though as even in February and the start of Ramadan, the souks were teeming and lots of places were fully booked.

“We did a three-hour food tour of the Medina with Get Your Guide and while stuffing ourselves on some fantastic street food I probably would never have had the courage to try on my own, our guide revealed the secrets of the city and its fascinating past. 

“With six stops along the way, there was more than enough food and it cost just £35 each.

“My favourite stop was deep in the souks – a dish the locals love where beef is cooked in a dry frying pan with tomato, spices and eggs that is eaten by scraping the delicious dish straight from the pan.

“Also worth the money was our very special day in the Agafay Desert. An hour’s drive from the souks and we arrived at The White Camel, a luxury tented camp. 

“After an afternoon of dune buggy fun we watched the sun set with a drink by their infinity pool before indulging in a fantastic four course meal.”

Plus, here’s another grand African city that’s much quieter than its famous neighbour.

And this other holiday hotspot just three hours from the UK dubbed ‘Marrakesh-by-the-sea’ – with sandy beaches and cheap hotels.

If you want an authentic holiday you need to be aware that Spain has a lot of misleading attractions.

Spain remains an incredibly popular destination for tourists, attracting visitors not just from Britain but from around the globe. Yet, like many countries, there’s a stark contrast between the spots cherished by locals and those swamped by tourists.

Tourist traps exist everywhere, but avoiding them requires insider expertise. From Barcelona to Madrid, countless traps can leave holidaymakers feeling frazzled, out of pocket, and as if they’ve missed the authentic essence of the country.

Fortunately, James Smith, founder of Learn Spanish with James, has revealed his insights on the worst tourist traps – and the alternatives worth visiting, reports the Express.

Top of his list is Barcelona’s most renowned thoroughfare: La Rambla. Drawing millions annually, this formerly lively street has become saturated with extortionate restaurants, tourist tat shops and pickpockets.

James said: “La Rambla has become a victim of its own fame.”

“It’s so focused on tourists that it’s lost any authentic Barcelona character.”

Instead, he suggests visitors explore El Born or Gràcia.

He said: “These neighbourhoods pulse with genuine Barcelona energy. You’ll find independent cafés where locals actually drink their morning cortados, artisan shops selling handmade goods, and restaurants where the menu is in Catalan first.

“The architecture is just as stunning, but you’ll actually have space to appreciate it.”

In Madrid, hordes of tourists descend upon Puerta del Sol to snap selfies with the iconic bear statue, but they must also navigate through throngs of people, pushy street sellers and generic high street shops.

James explained there’s nothing in this corner of Madrid that you couldn’t find in any other major European capital.

For a truly genuine experience, head to La Latina instead, where winding cobblestone lanes lead past local taverns and authentic markets where you can purchase genuine Spanish artwork and jewellery.

Rising early also gives you more opportunities to discover the city. James said: “For a genuine Madrid atmosphere, visit Plaza Mayor early in the morning before the tour groups arrive, when market vendors are setting up and locals are having breakfast.”

His third tourist trap warning is also for Barcelona – the renowned Park Güell. While undeniably beautiful and fantastical, it now operates on restricted entry.

Visitors must purchase timed tickets, and that allocated slot will likely be spent navigating around other sightseers just to catch a glimpse of the celebrated mosaic benches.

He said: “Park Güell has become so controlled and commercialised that it’s lost the spontaneous joy that Gaudí probably intended.”

As an alternative, try making your way up to Bunkers del Carmel for breathtaking panoramas across the city.

This former anti-aircraft installation provides 360-degree vistas of the entire metropolis, from the coastline to the mountain ranges.

Entry is completely free, available around the clock, and it’s a favourite spot among locals who congregate here at sunset with wine and pleasant conversation.

Benidorm and Ibiza remain firm favourites with British holidaymakers. Yet both destinations can feel overwhelmed by overpriced tourist traps.

Travel expert James revealed that when it comes to Ibiza, there’s far more on offer than simply clubbing. He explained: “The party scene has its place, but it’s not representative of what makes Ibiza special.”

His advice?

Take a ferry across to Formentera, or venture to the northern reaches of Ibiza around San Juan and Portinatx. Here you’ll discover secluded coves, charming whitewashed villages and a flourishing bohemian scene.

Regarding Benidorm, if you’re after something genuine, it’s best to give it a miss. James said: “Benidorm serves a purpose for certain travellers, but if you’re looking for Spanish culture or authentic coastal life, you won’t find it here.”

His recommendation is to head for villages such as Altea or Guadalest nestled in the mountains, where Spanish families take their holidays and restaurants dish up authentic paella instead of a full English breakfast.

Barcelona begin the defence of their Spanish Super Cup crown against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said that retaining the Spanish Super Cup this week would be a boost for his team’s other ambitions this season.

The record 15-time champions face Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday in a semifinal clash at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Barca won the competition last season as the first part of a domestic treble, the first triumph of Flick’s reign, followed by triumphs in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

“This tournament is a little bit different [to the equivalent competition] in Germany, but I like it,” said former Bayern Munich coach Flick.

“For us to win the Super Cup [last season] gave us a lot of energy for the rest of the season, and this is also what we want this year.”

Even though significant questions remain about their defending, Barcelona are the favourites to win the Super Cup and lead La Liga after nine consecutive top flight victories.

Despite being outplayed by neighbours Espanyol in a tense derby clash on Saturday, late goals and a sensational performance from stopper Joan Garcia helped the Catalans claim a 2-0 victory.

Flick insisted his team had to perform better at the back if they were to succeed in the sixth edition of the tournament in Saudi Arabia.

“It will not be an easy match [if] we make the same mistakes as on Saturday; it will not be easy, so we have to work on our things,” continued Flick.

“We have to play much better in the defence; we have to play connected as one team, and this is what I missed on Saturday, so we have to make things much better.”

Barcelona target Cancelo could be on the move from Saudi Arabia

Central defender Ronald Araujo could return to action this week after an extended mental health break.

The Uruguayan was granted leave for about a month following a red card in Barcelona’s 3-0 Champions League defeat by Chelsea in November.

“We will see this training [session] today, and I will also want to speak with him, so we have not decided how to do it tomorrow,” said Flick.

“I think it takes time, so if he feels ready for tomorrow, maybe we will change something, but at the moment, it’s not our plan to do this.”

Flick confirmed that Barcelona were close to signing Joao Cancelo from Al-Hilal, who is on loan until the end of the season, but the deal has not been completed.

“With Joao, maybe he can give us more options also as full-back, both sides in the offence, good quality, but [as far as] I know, it’s not done,” said Flick.

Cancelo spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Barcelona from Manchester City.

Athletic, eighth in La Liga, last won the Super Cup in 2021, beating Barcelona in the final, and have lifted the trophy on three occasions.

Only the Catalans and Real Madrid, with 13 triumphs, have a better record. On Thursday, Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid face city rivals Atletico Madrid in the other Super Cup semifinal.

Escape the cold with these hidden European gems perfect for a winter sun getaway, with budget flights for £150 or less from the UK.

As the chilly weather and shorter days persist, you might be yearning for a dose of winter sun. More and more Brits are opting to escape abroad in the early months of the year.

Data from ONS1 shows that UK residents took 18.7 million overseas trips from January to March 2025, a significant increase from the 16.7 million recorded in 2024.

While well-known destinations like Tenerife and Corfu are undoubtedly favoured during this season, Europe also boasts a plethora of lesser-known treasures ideal for a winter retreat.

With this in mind, the travel experts at Eurochange have compiled a list of top winter sun spots that won’t break the bank, with flights from the UK costing £150 or less.

Cadiz, Spain

• Return flights: From £34 from London Stansted to Seville in January
• Accommodation price: Starting from £51 per person, per night
• Average January-March temperature: Highs of 17°C

The seaside town of Cadiz, just a brief train journey from Seville, is brimming with remarkable landmarks to explore, including the Castle of Santa Catalina and the Torre Tavira, which offers breathtaking views of the city. Nestled in one of Spain’s warmest regions, temperatures in Cadiz seldom dip below 10°C, even during the winter.

Formentera, Spain

• Return flights: From £57 from London Stansted to Ibiza in March
• Accommodation price: Starting from £62 per person, per night
• Average January temperature: Highs of 16°C

If you’re an Ibiza enthusiast seeking a quieter, more affordable, yet equally stunning alternative, Formentera could be your perfect match. Once a ‘hippie’ commune, the island retains a laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquillity during their holiday.

Karpas Peninsula, Cyprus

• Return flights: From £62 from London Gatwick to Larnaca in March
• Accommodation price: Starting from £55 per person, per night
• Average Jan-March temperature: Highs of 16°C

Highlighting the Karpas Peninsula, also known simply as Karpass, the travel specialists said: “This much less densely populated area of Northern Cyprus stretches 80km to the northernmost tip of the island, and is a great winter sun destination that also offers seclusion.

“It is considered one of the most unspoiled places anywhere in the Mediterranean, with beautiful deserted beaches and natural beauty in the Dipkarpaz National Park. In terms of where to stay, there are lots of beautiful farmhouses in Iskele. But if you prefer to stay in a town, Rizokarpaso is a good option – a quaint beach town with plenty of ancient landmarks to explore and a beautiful marina.”

São Vicente, Madeira, Portugal

• Return flights: From £37 from London Stansted to Madeira Airport in January
• Accommodation price: Starting from £25 per person, per night
• Average January temperature: Highs of 19°C

Famous for its breathtaking landscapes, spectacular coastlines and superb wines, Madeira makes an ideal choice for those seeking to escape Britain’s chilly winter months. São Vicente, situated in the extensive Laurissilva region, is celebrated for its valleys and vineyards, and also boasts numerous hidden beaches waiting to be discovered.

Valletta, Malta

• Return flights: From £38 from London Gatwick to Valletta in March
• Accommodation price: Starting from £31 per person, per night
• Average January temperature: Highs of 16°C

Valletta, Malta’s capital, is an underappreciated European treasure, which the specialists have described as a “little oasis in the heart of the Mediterranean.” Dubbed the ‘sunny city’, Valletta enjoys an average of 2,957 hours of sunshine annually, making it an excellent winter sun escape.

Palermo, Sicily

• Return flights: From £35 from London Stansted to Palermo
• Accommodation price: Starting from £40 per person, per night
• Average January temperature: Highs of 15°C

“For those who want to sample an Italian city break with fewer crowds in January, Palermo should be top of the list,” say the experts. “Situated on the North-west coast of Sicily, the southernmost island in Italy, it’s a perfect winter sun destination.

“Palermo offers both city break and beach holiday vibes, with plenty of gorgeous beaches and cute seaside towns just a short drive from the city centre. Spend your days meandering the cobbled streets, exploring the stunning Gothic architecture and the many churches and cathedrals. No Italian city break is complete without sampling the local cuisine of course, and in Palermo, the Arancini is a must-try.”