spain

As I turned the corner on a narrow, cobbled street in Granada, I felt as if I had stumbled upon a slightly sinister re-enactment society. Mysterious men dressed in white robes and tall, conical, face-covering hats with slits for their eyes were followed by women in black dresses and mantillas, holding pillar candles and crosses, then children wearing caped cloaks, carrying baskets of prayer cards.

It was indeed a re-enactment of sorts, but deeply rooted in Catholicism, representing the Passion of Christ, staged during Holy Week (Semana Santa), which runs from 29 March to 5 April this year. Easter processions are held across the country, but this Andalucían city hosts one of the most authentic in Spain.

Unlike more celebratory parades, these are sombre affairs, as each of the 32 brotherhoods weaves its way through the streets with enormous floats (pasos) hoisted on the shoulders of scores of men (costaleros) who spend months preparing for this herculean task – a coveted role, often passed down from father to son. To rehearse, they carry heavy wooden tables through the streets after dark, which is a startling sight when you come across a team in training.

On the floats are larger-than-life figures of a weeping Virgin Mary and Christ on the cross, as well as precious icons normally sequestered in chapels. The bearers are hidden underneath, surrounded by velvet drapes, so all that is visible is their white-soled feet as they inch their way along. Every so often, a cheer rises from the spectators, when a difficult manoeuvre has been managed.

Palm Sunday marks the first of eight days of processions, Good Friday being the busiest with six events throughout the city, but – having visited many times in an attempt to improve my Spanish – my personal favourites are on Maundy Thursday in the Albaicín, the Moorish quarter of the city. At San Miguel Bajo church at 5pm, the brotherhood of Aurora emerges to commence its seven-hour slow march with soulful renditions of saetas – flamenco-style religious songs – and then a brass band accompanies the statues as they pass by. Then, at midnight, the Cristo del Silencio procession moves in silence, guided by candlelight, the only sound a repeating muffled drum with Christ on the cross borne aloft by penitents in black cloaks. I have yet to stay awake until 4am for the finale at Granada cathedral.

Whether or not you come to Granada at Easter to witness the processions, it’s a great time to visit, with the weather warming up and the streets coming alive. At the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains – popular with skiers, cyclists and walkers – it’s my favourite city in Spain, with elegant architecture, lush gardens and varied cuisine. I can get pleasantly lost for hours in the meandering streets of the Albaicín, then walk down the steep slope to Plaza Nueva, great for people-watching, and on to the tree-lined boulevard by the Genil River, lingering at the art nouveau restaurant Las Titas (The Aunties). It’s a strenuous walk (or easy bus ride) up to Sacromonte, past the Roma caves museum, with magnificent views over the Alhambra (the Islamic palace and citadel, which is a Unesco world heritage site) and the entire city your reward.

The sociable Spanish eat outside in all weathers. At Easter, special foods include almond-based pastries such as piononos de Santa Fe – thin, rolled sponge cakes soaked in syrup, topped with toasted cream representing the Pope’s crown – and torta real de Motril, from a 150-year-old recipe of almonds, egg white and a shiny sugar crust, both sold in cafes and bakeries (panaderías) across town. You can also buy homemade pastries at some convents – look for the sign Venta de dulces. A savoury dish you will spot on Easter menus around the city is potaje de vigilia, a stew of cod, chickpeas and spinach.

But food here is special at any time of year – with plenty of meat-free choices too. Something to celebrate is the free tapa (often quite generous) with every drink from the bar, and drinks are cheap, at about €3 for a glass of wine or beer. A tapas crawl may take in La Goma in Calle Gracia, Bar Poë in Calle Verónica de la Magdelena and Tocateja in Calle Trinidad.

The menú del día at restaurants is great value – three courses for about €15, served on weekdays – followed by siesta time when shops close from 2pm to 5pm (except in the city centre), then open again, often until 10pm. For indoor eating, my latest discovery is the popular Mezze in Calle Laurel de las Tablas, opened last year by two British entrepreneurs and an Argentine chef. It serves eastern Mediterranean dishes, my choice being aubergine “meatballs”, stuffed artichokes and tempura mushrooms.

After that, you may fancy some flamenco, and there is no shortage of high-standard establishments. Jardines de Zoraya in Calle Panaderos is my favourite. What makes it extra special is the optional dinner you can order beforehand (show €25; dinner €32). I also love El Tabanco del tio Gregorio, a small flamenco club in Cuesta de San Gregorio (Friday and Saturday, €15).

Back on a religious theme, Granada has a host of ecclesiastical sites that are worth visiting. Many are built on the site of former mosques, including the Renaissance cathedral containing the lead coffins of the zealous Christian monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand (who notoriously expelled the Muslims and Jews in 1492), their daughter Joanna the Mad and her husband, Philip the Handsome. A short bus ride takes you to the Cartuja monastery, an over-the-top baroque monument with a picture gallery of sacred scenes and a secluded cloister garden planted with orange trees and aromatic plants.

The Easter Saturday procession starts from the Alhambra, and what could be a better backdrop? This magnificent monument attracts millions of visitors annually, so you need to book well in advance, but don’t be fleeced by the many “official” sites. Book via tickets.alhambra-patronato.es and pay €22.27. It’s free to walk up to the grounds and through the gardens ,though – a pleasant early evening stroll to avoid the crowds.

Convento de San Gregorio Bético (actually a church), next to an Arab souk, was reputedly once a wine warehouse and then a brothel. At noon each day, nuns gather to sing praises. As I sat listening behind the choir screen, it took me back to when I saved up pocket money to buy my first record in 1963: Dominique by The Singing Nun (6s 8d).

After a long day in this very walkable city, it’s sheer bliss to unwind at a hammam, my choice being Al Ándalus in Calle Santa Ana, where you can sip herbal tea between dips in hot, cold and steam baths. It’s another ancient custom the granadinos have kept alive.

This sun-soaked city that welcomes more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and a tropical climate, is a haven for holidaymakers seeking a quieter escape from the tourist crowds

A beautiful coastal city, less than three hours from the UK, offers a scenic escape with 21C April temperatures and £13 flights.

Almería, in southeast Spain, is set against the diverse landscapes of volcanic beaches, azure waters, and dramatic desert, with balmy rays and virtually year-round sunshine. It’s a lesser-known destination compared to the likes of Costa del Sol, with quieter beaches and a laid-back atmosphere for a more authentic Spanish experience.

Due to its location near the Tabernas Desert, Almería is known as the ‘desert coast’ and enjoys a warmer, drier climate than neighbouring areas. It welcomes more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and only around 26 days of rainfall, making it a highly desirable sun-soaked destination.

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In April, visitors can expect to bask in a balmy 21C and enjoy eight hours of blistering sunshine. During the summer months, temperatures can creep up to 32C, with an inviting 12 hours of sunshine every day, and a warm 24C in the turquoise sea.

Aside from the inviting climate, the coastal city offers an affordable holiday, with flights from London to Almería starting at £13 in April, or £17 from Manchester, according to Skyscanner. What’s more, prices don’t rise too much during the peak summer season, with flights from Manchester to Almería costing from £28 one-way in July, or from £33 departing from London.

Once you’ve arrived in the pretty Spanish city, the appealing prices only continue. Travel experts at First Choice found that a beer could set you back just £3 (€3.50) in Almería, while a three-course meal for two typically costs between £25 (€30) and £30 (€35).

Alongside its stretches of golden-sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and diverse landscapes, there’s plenty to explore in the Spanish region. The walkable, compact city centre is brimming with charm, from its Gothic and Renaissance architecture to ancient landmarks, narrow streets and bustling tapas bars.

Almería is renowned for its huge tapas culture and vibrant bars, so you’ll often get free tapas with every drink, as you dine alongside Spaniards. There’s also the 16th-century cathedral towering over the streets, the Plaza Vieja with its beautiful architecture and palm trees, and the main shopping area of Puerta de Purchena, which is brimming with boutique shops.

Away from the city is the protected Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, with volcanic cliffs, hidden coves, and some of the most stunning Spanish beaches. There’s also the striking Tabernas Desert that you can explore during a guided day tour, as well as the charming whitewashed hilltop village of Mojácar.

The village may look recognisable to some as it was famously used as the backdrop for major Hollywood movies, including Indiana Jones, and the hit TV series Game of Thrones. There’s even the opportunity to visit the preserved Wild West film set of MiniHollywood Oasys, which offers various shows and attractions in a setting that will transport you straight onto the set of Indiana Jones.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Time Out has ranked the 51 most beautiful places in the world, and the top spot goes to Spain’s Picos de Europa mountain range that’s just a two-hour flight from the UK with Ryanair

The world is brimming with extraordinary destinations to discover, and pinpointing the most stunning is no easy feat, but Time Out has tackled the task.

The publication recently unveiled a list of the 51 most beautiful places in the world, featuring everything from lakes to beaches, National Parks, libraries, vineyards, and historic towns. Yet, claiming the number one position is a breathtaking mountain range that provides remarkable hiking opportunities, and it’s merely a two-hour flight from the UK.

The Picos de Europa in Spain is a striking, rugged limestone mountain range that soars to a height of 2,650 metres. Located just over 12 miles from the coastline, the mountains ascend steeply, forming deep gorges to discover, reports Express.

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One route, the Cares Trail, ranks among the most sought-after walks in Spain, tracing a canyon and passing through craggy peaks and cascading waterfalls.

Spanning 13 miles in total, it’s not suitable for novices, though its gentle inclines make it achievable for walkers who can manage the distance. A straightforward choice is to board the Fuente Dé cable car, whisking you up the mountainside in moments and letting you relax and admire the verdant landscape below.

Upon reaching the summit, you can also explore additional hiking trails, including some demanding, steep climbs that provide spectacular vistas.

The mountains form part of the broader Picos de Europa National Park, and this region features the Lakes of Covadonga. These glistening blue waters are encircled by peaks and vegetation and resemble landscapes you’d encounter in Scotland or the Lake District, making it difficult to believe you’re in Spain.

This protected national park is abundant with wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, vultures, and eagles, and you’ll probably encounter mountain goats and vibrant butterflies amongst the limestone surroundings.

At the foot of the mountains, you can discover towns like the medieval Potes, brimming with centuries-old stone and half-timbered buildings and cobbled streets that lend it a rustic allure.

The town’s centrepiece is the Torre del Infantado, a 15th-century tower once the residence of medieval royalty, now a museum with a rooftop terrace providing sweeping views of the town.

Arenas de Cabrales on the park’s periphery is another favoured spot to stay. It’s renowned for producing Cabrales cheese, and has evolved into a gastronomic hotspot due to its plethora of acclaimed restaurants serving Northern Spanish cuisine.

Don’t expect to find paella on the menu. In this region, the dishes are hearty and rustic, such as bean stews and grilled meat, with ingredients sourced locally from the mountains.

The Picos de Europa is just under two hours from Santander Airport, and is serviced by airlines including Ryanair. Routes from the UK to Santander operate year-round from Edinburgh and London-Stansted, and seasonal flights operate from Birmingham and Manchester. Flights start from just £15 one-way and take 2 hours from the UK.

Got a story you’d like to share? Drop us an email at webtravel@reachplc.com

Protesters gathered outside the US embassy in Madrid as sanctions pushed Cuba into an electricity blackout. They called for an end to US intervention in Latin America and the Middle East.

The issue of overtourism in certain parts of the Spanish costas and islands has made headlines in recent years but the country offers so much to travellers who are prepared to explore a little off the beaten track. We’d love to hear about your favourite Spanish discoveries, whether it’s a perfect beachfront cafe, an overlooked city, an underrated museum or gallery, a beautiful walk or a back to nature experience.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

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The competition closes on Monday 30 March at 10am BST

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

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Real stay within four points of league leaders Barcelona with hard-fought win in Madrid derby.

Vinicius Jr scored ⁠twice ⁠as Real Madrid fought back to beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 in ⁠a breathless Spanish capital derby on Sunday, keeping Alvaro Arbeloa’s side ⁠within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Atletico’s Ademola Lookman opened the scoring in the 33rd minute on Sunday, finishing a slick ‌counterattack involving Matteo Ruggeri and a delightful backheel from Giuliano Simeone.

Vinicius equalised from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute after David Hancko clumsily tripped Brahim Diaz, and Federico ⁠Valverde capitalised on a ⁠Jose Maria Gimenez error three minutes later to make it 2-1 to Real.

Nahuel Molina silenced Real’s ⁠Bernabeu stadium with a thunderous 30-metre strike in ⁠the 66th minute, but ⁠Vinicius restored Real’s lead with a cracking solo effort six minutes later.

Valverde then saw red ‌for an inexplicable challenge on Alex Baena, and Julian Alvarez struck the ‌post ‌as Atletico pressed, but Real held firm.

Arbeloa praised his side for showing “pure Real Madrid mentality” to emerge with a difficult win.

“We’re in a good moment, it wasn’t an easy match at all. The opponent made it very difficult for us,” he said.

“We had to show a very strong mentality, they equalised again fiercely and we had to press again. That’s what I liked the most – the mentality of this team.”

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone said his side deserved to come away with more from the game.

“We could have defended their goals better and done more in attack,” he said.

“We’re facing teams that play well, and if you give them anything, they’ll hurt you. We deserved more.”

Earlier on Sunday, Barcelona edged Rayo Vallecano 1-0 as Ronald Araujo headed in the winner in the 24th minute at Camp Nou, and Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García’s impressive performance showed why he is most likely heading to the World Cup with Spain.

Araújo jumped over his marker and scored after Joao Cancelo’s corner to the far post.

Raphinha came close on three occasions to also scoring for the hosts in the first half. He shot wide on the break, forced goalkeeper Augusto Batalla to tip a shot over the bar, and hit the woodwork shortly after Araújo’s goal.

Garcia saved a shot by Carlos Martin in the game’s opening minute, blocked Unai Lopez’s header early in the second half and got just enough on a low strike from Jorge de Frutos in the final moments to push it wide.

Garcia was included in Spain’s squad for the first time on Friday ahead of two friendly matches which will serve as warmups for this summer’s World Cup.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Alaves achieved one of the club’s most memorable wins after it erased a three-goal deficit at Celta Vigo to secure a 4-3 victory. The stunning result lifted Alaves out of the relegation zone.

In Bilbao, Dani Vivian and Oihan Sancet scored to give Athletic a 2-1 win over Real Betis in the first match since Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde said he would leave the Basque club at the end of the season.

Follow the build-up, analysis and live text commentary of the Madrid derby as Real host Atletico at the Bernabeu.

Storm Therese is battering the Canary Islands with heavy rain, 100km/h winds and significant snowfall, with over 40 flights cancelled and schools closed across the islands

Storm Therese is currently wreaking havoc on the Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and La Palma, with an unusual mix of heavy rain, 100 km/h (62 mph) winds, and significant snowfall at high altitudes. Authorities have declared a full-scale emergency in Tenerife, labelling it as one of the most severe storms to batter the archipelago in over a decade.

Spain‘s meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued several alerts that will remain active throughout the weekend. Orange (high risk) warnings have been dispatched for northern Tenerife and parts of La Palma due to wind gusts reaching 90–100 km/h and heavy rainfall. Concurrently, yellow warnings are in place across all seven islands for rain, thunderstorms, and choppy seas with waves reaching up to 6 metres (20 feet).

Unusually for this time of year, significant snowfall has also blanketed Mount Teide and surrounding peaks above 1,800–2,000 metres.

The storm has led to widespread cancellations and safety closures across the islands. Over 40 flights were cancelled or rerouted by Friday, March 20, primarily at Tenerife North and South airports. Travellers are advised to check their flight status via Flightradar24 or their airline.

Schools and universities in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and several other islands were shut on Thursday and Friday, whilst key roads, including access to Teide National Park and the TF-445 to Punta de Teno, are closed due to ice and snow.

Major international events such as the Tenerife Bluetrail 2026 race have been cancelled or postponed.

Providing an update on the weather situation on Friday (March 20), one Tenerife resident known as @theknightstrider1 on TikTok took to the platform to share details with his 115,000 followers.

The car hire and bar owner, who is based in Playa de las Américas, was heard saying: “A little weather update for you then, it’s raining… it’s pretty grim and it’s gone really overcast as well.

“The rain showers are on and off, we haven’t really had any rain until now. It was okay this morning, but yeah it is raining. The current temperature’s around 18 degrees, not too cold but the umbrella’s are out, people are sheltering and it’s really not that nice.”

He added: “Bear in mind, you might get caught in the rain, have a brolly with you. Maybe some of the rain macs as well if you’ve got any, if not buy some because it’s on and off.”

One person wrote: “Weather’s been awful the last three days, can’t wait to go home.”

Whilst another added: “Arrive tomorrow, packed a brolly.”

A third chimed in: “This makes me so happy as someone who was going to go this week and changed to last week! Phew.”

Whilst a fourth asked: “Why is it every time it’s sunny in the UK it rains in Tenerife?”

Another resident of the Canary Islands also posted a weather update on TikTok from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, captioning the clip, ‘Rain, wind and choppy ocean. Flights cancelled and diverted. Flooding in El Médano and roads closed. The storms Theresa and Samuel are hitting Canary Islands.’

He then said in the video: “Here if your weather update from Tenerife South on Friday March 20th, 2026. The two storms – Theresa and Samuel – are hitting the Canary Islands with force.

“As you can see here, we have quite a lot of waves here in the Troya area of Las Americas. The storms have caused quite a few incidents on the island, we have had 11 flights cancelled yesterday, 10 flights have been cancelled during the day today.

“We have had quite a few flights deviated to other airports as well and we have had ferries that have been cancelled because of the conditions out on the see.”

He explained the temperature was currently hovering around 19 degrees and there had been some rain which was “coming and going” along with overcast skies.

Are flights from the UK to Tenerife being cancelled?

Yes, flights from the UK to Tenerife are currently experiencing cancellations and significant disruptions due to severe weather from Storm Therese.

As of Saturday, 21 March 2026, authorities in Tenerife have declared an island-wide emergency due to extreme conditions including heavy rain, strong winds, and rare snowfall over high ground.

Over 36 flights were cancelled earlier this week, with further disruptions reported today. While many cancellations involve inter-island services, several international flights have been diverted or cancelled due to poor visibility and high winds.

Currently, the most affected airport is Tenerife North (TFN), which has seen the greatest impact, though Tenerife South (TFS) – where most UK flights land –is also experiencing delays and some rerouted services.

Conditions are expected to remain hazardous through Saturday, with a gradual improvement predicted for Sunday, 22 March.

Major airlines serving the UK to Tenerife route, such as Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and TUI, are urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport

If your flight is cancelled, contact your airline immediately to discuss rebooking or refund options.

Who: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
What: La Liga
Where: Santiago Bernabeau, Madrid, Spain
When: Sunday, March 22 at 9pm (20:00 GMT)
How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 17:00 GMT in advance of our live text commentary stream.

Madrid host rivals Atletico on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu, aiming to stay in touch with champions Barcelona, who currently hold a four-point lead.

Los Blancos will be seven points off the summit if Barcelona beat Rayo Vallecano earlier on Sunday.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s Madrid side dispatched Manchester City in the Champions League last 16 with two victories after entering the tie as underdogs, and it could be a turning point for a season hobbled by inconsistency.

Before the win over City, Madrid had faltered with back-to-back league defeats to Osasuna and Getafe.

Madrid will be seeking some vengeance for the 5-2 drubbing Atletico dealt them in their first league meeting at Metropolitano Stadium in September and will be hoping that Atletico’s main focus is on cup competitions – their main chances of silverware this season.

A top-four spot is virtually guaranteed for Atletico, who sit third in La Liga – 13 points clear of fifth place Real Betis.

Atletico – who will play Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final – are also into the last eight of the Champions League after overcoming Tottenham Hotspur.

Last up for Madrid

Real Madrid’s Vinicius ⁠Jr scored ⁠twice as the Spanish side eased into the Champions League quarterfinals, ⁠beating 10-man Manchester City 2-1 at Etihad Stadium to complete a 5-1 aggregate ⁠victory.

Vinicius put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute, after the VAR judged Bernardo Silva to have handled his ‌shot on the line, a decision that also reduced City to 10 men and made an already daunting task seemingly impossible.

Pep Guardiola’s City were not waving the white flag, however, and Erling Haaland levelled ⁠in the 41st minute when ⁠he tapped in a pass from Jeremy Doku from close range.

City’s Doku and Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Real Madrid’s Federico ⁠Valverde and Vinicius had second-half goals chalked off before Vinicius ⁠completed his brace with ⁠the last kick of the game from the edge of the 6-yard box in the 93rd minute.

Vinicius’s goals were an answer to the Premier League team’s fans mocking him with a banner last season, referring to Rodri beating the Brazilian to the Ballon d’Or.

“Football is good for that, it always gives you another chance,” said Vinicius.

Arbeloa basks in ‘happiness and joy’ of win

Madrid march into the quarterfinals to face Barcelona after defeating City.

“It was a really tough tie against a team like this who have such talent,” Arbeloa after the game. “There’s happiness, there’s joy because of the performance and this continues.”

Asked about beating Guardiola, Arbeloa deflected praise to his players.

“I wouldn’t dare ‌to ‌say I can beat Pep Guardiola in terms of a tactical way, he’s an elite coach, he’s won thousands of trophies in his career, and what we’ve won is a tie,” he said. “I believe [the players] deserve the recognition for the work they put in.”

Last up for Atletico

Atletico Madrid held off Tottenham’s bid for an epic Champions League escape as they reached the quarterfinals despite a 3-2 defeat in the last-16 second leg on Wednesday.

Diego Simeone’s side trailed three times in north London but they did just enough to go through 7-5 on aggregate.

Randal Kolo Muani put Tottenham ahead in the first half before Julian Alvarez levelled immediately after the break.

Xavi Simons netted to give spirited Tottenham a glimmer of hope, but David Hancko’s equaliser extinguished any chance of an incredible comeback.

Simons’ stoppage-time penalty came too late for Tottenham to complete their mission impossible.

Numbers speak for themselves, says Simeone

Atletico ‌Madrid coach Diego Simeone said the “numbers speak for themselves” after guiding ⁠his side ⁠into the Champions League quarterfinals for the eighth time in 13 seasons.

“Sometimes you don’t need to say anything, the numbers speak for themselves,” ⁠Simeone told reporters.

“It’s a moment to be happy as a club, as a team, with the joy of our fans, who will celebrate this step towards the quarterfinals.

“When you get here, the road will be tough, as in previous ‌situations where we reached the final.”

Head-to-head

Real Madrid and Atletico have locked horns on 242 occasions, with Real Madrid winning 124 matches, Atletico winning 60, and 58 games ending as draws.

Atletico thrashed Madrid 5-2 when the clubs last met in La Liga in September 2025.

Indeed, Atletico are unbeaten in their last six league games against Madrid, with four of those games finishing in draws, and they have only lost one of their last eight games in La Liga against their rivals.

Their last encounter in any competition was a Spanish Super Cup semifinal in January, which Madrid won 2-1 courtesy of goals from Federico Valverde and Rodrygo.

Real Madrid’s team news

Kylian Mbappe made his return from a knee injury as a substitute in the second leg against City and is set to start up front alongside Vinicius Jr.

Madrid’s biggest absence may be goalkeeper Thibault Courtois, who will be out for about six weeks after picking up a muscle injury against City in midweek. Andriy Lunin is set to deputise for the big Belgian in goal.

Eder Militao, Dani Ceballos, and Rodrygo have also been ruled out with injuries. However, Alvaro Carreras, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba and Raul Asencio could all be available after recovering from their issues.

Jude Bellingham is back in full training after recovering from a hamstring injury and may make the bench.

Predicted starting XI:

Lunin (goalkeeper); Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Valverde; Guler; Mbappe, Vinicius Junior

Atletico Madrid’s team news

Pablo Barrios and Rodrigo Mendoza are unavailable due to injuries, and goalkeeper Jan Oblak is a major doubt due to a hip problem, with Juan Musso likely to start between the sticks.

Defender Marc Pubill is also a doubt as rib pain caused him to miss out on the midweek game against Spurs, as well as a call-up to the Spanish national team for the upcoming international break.

Predicted starting XI:

Musso (goalkeeper); Molina, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Llorente, Cardoso, Lookman; Sorloth, Alvarez

THE CANARY Islands are facing huge storms and rain this week, which has even meant snow in places like Tenerife and La Palma.

Here’s what you need to know if you have a holiday booked there.

What is happening in the Canary Islands?

Storm Therese has left the Canary Islands in turmoil as weather warnings have remained in place for several days.

More snow is expected in Tenerife after the mountains in the Teide National Park were blanketed in white on Thursday.

As a result, more than 40 flights have been cancelled this week across the Canaries.

Orange and yellow alerts are in place across the islands, warning of heavy rain, storms, flooding and high waves.

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Can I cancel my holiday?

If you want to cancel your upcoming holiday to the Canary Islands, you will be left out of pocket.

This is because the UK government still deems it safe to travel to Spain, so airlines and tour operators are under no obligation to refund you.

It is only when travel is warned against that it is likely your holiday will be cancelled and refunded.

Bad weather does not affect this.

And the weather warnings are expected to be lifted by the end of the week – so won’t affect the Easter holidays.

What if my flights are affected?

Compensation doesn’t apply here either – weather is seen as “out of the airline’s control”.

This means they do not have to offer any compensation if your flight is delayed by the weather.

They do, however, have a duty of care towards you, which includes hotels if the flight is delayed overnight, as well as food and drink vouchers.

The airline must put you on an alternative flight if yours is cancelled as well.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) states: “If your flight is cancelled, many airlines will provide vouchers for you to buy food and drink.

“If you require accommodation, they may book a hotel and arrange transportation for you.

“If you end up paying for things yourself, keep every receipt and do not spend more than is reasonable.”

If you accept a refund, their duty of care ends towards you and you will have to pay for your own hotels and return flight home.

Travelling with kids can be stressful, but a new data analysis has revealed some of Europe’s most child-friendly city breaks which offer accessibility and plenty to keep kids entertained

With the Easter break, May half-term, and bank holidays coming up, many parents will be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained. While you might not have considered taking younger kids on a city break, it can be a fun option if you’re looking for a short break.

That’s why LateRooms has put together the Family Breaks Index – a data analysis that pulls together information that’s of interest to people travelling with young children, such as flight and transfer times, walkability, accessibility for those bringing pushchairs, and the child-friendly attractions on offer.

Coming in at number three is a Spanish city that has long been popular with Brits for city breaks, and its short flight time and easy walkability have seen it score highly for family trips too.

Barcelona flights are just over two hours from the UK, and on arrival, visitors can hop on the airport train to the centre, which takes just 25 minutes. This makes it ideal for people travelling with young children who wouldn’t be able to do a long journey.

The city has a flat, walkable centre, with many major tourist attractions just a short walk apart. This means it’s easy to navigate with a buggy, and little legs won’t get worn out from a day of sightseeing.

According to LateRooms, the city has about 400 family-friendly attractions, so you won’t have to deal with kids complaining they are bored. To start, there are classic tourist attractions such as the Sagrada Família and Gaudí’s unique and colourful Park Güell, both of which are impressive enough to keep kids enthralled.

Kids love science museums, and Cosmocaixa is an unforgettable day out. One of Barcelona’s largest museums, the entire experience is interactive, full of engaging activities that teach kids about the creation of the cosmos. The museum takes visitors on a journey through the natural world, from the past to the present.

Tibidabo Amusement Park is a great place to see views of the city and enjoy charmingly old-fashioned fairground rides. It’s set on a hill that overlooks Barcelona, and as you ride the Ferris wheel or drop rides, you can enjoy seeing the city below.

A dream day out for kids could well be the Museu de la Xocolata, the chocolate museum, where you can see huge sculptures made from chocolate, including kids’ TV and film characters. It also runs chocolate tasting and making workshops, and once you’ve explored, you can indulge your sweet tooth at the café with a rich and creamy hot chocolate.

One advantage of Barcelona over other city breaks is that it also has a beach nearby, so you can explore the city in the morning and let the kids swim or build sandcastles in the afternoon. The seaside neighbourhood of La Barceloneta is popular with families thanks to its access to a long sandy beach, and it has its own metro station, making it easy to get around the city.

In May, flights to Barcelona start from just £27 one way based on flights from London-Luton with Wizz Air. The weather in May often hits highs of 23C with little rain, making it an ideal time of year to explore.

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Top city breaks for families – full list

1. Copenhagen, Denmark
2. Berlin, Germany
3. Barcelona, Spain
4. Florence, Italy
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
6. Valencia, Spain
7. Basel, Switzerland
8. Kraków, Poland
9. Prague, Czechia
10. Vienna, Austria

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