spain

Spain and Portugal are bracing for a new storm, just days after Storm Leonardo’s deadly floods killed at least two people — one in Portugal and one in Spain — and forced more than 11,000 residents to evacuate their homes.

On Saturday, authorities in Portugal mobilised more than 26,500 rescuers as Storm Marta approached, forcing three municipalities to postpone Sunday’s presidential vote until next week due to severe weather.

Both countries issued warnings of further flooding after previous heavy rains had submerged roads, disrupted train services, and displaced thousands. Portuguese forecasts warned of heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas, with alerts active across the country.

In Spain, much of the south, particularly Andalusia, and the northwest were placed on orange alert for heavy rain and violent storms, the national meteorological agency Aemet said.

Other regions, including Castilla‑La Leon, Galicia, Murcia, and the Valencian Community, also received warnings. While rainfall was expected to be less “exceptional” than during Storm Leonardo, authorities cautioned that saturated ground increased the risk of flooding and landslides.

New downpours in Andalusia added to earlier rain that had already caused widespread flooding, landslides, and forced more than 10,000 people from their homes.

Many roads remained closed, and rail services were largely suspended, with officials urging residents to limit travel wherever possible.

Mario Silvestre, commander at Portugal’s civil protection agency, described the forecast as “extremely worrying”.

Juan Manuel Moreno, president of the Andalusia region, wrote on X that the “rivers have hit their limit,” warning of gusts of wind reaching 110 kilometres per hour (68 miles per hour), landslides, and flash floods.

“All the furniture is completely destroyed, the water broke the window, forced the doors open and then burst through the window from the other side,” Francisco Marques, a municipal employee in the central village of Constancia, told the AFP news agency.

After flying over flood-hit areas in southern Spain near Cadiz on Friday, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned that “difficult days” lay ahead for the region as a result of the “very dangerous” weather forecast. Sanchez added he was “bowled over at seeing the endless rain”.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said the damage exceeded four billion euros ($4.7bn).

Portugal was already reeling from the effects of Storm Kristin, which led to five deaths, hundreds of injuries, and tens of thousands without power, when Leonardo struck earlier this week.

Portugal’s National Meteorological Institute (IPMA) has placed the entire coastline on orange alert due to heavy seas, with waves reaching up to 13 metres (43 feet) high. Eight of the 18 districts on the mainland, mainly in the centre and south, are also on orange alert.

“All river basins remain under severe pressure,” particularly the Tagus River in the Lisbon region and the Sado River further south, a spokesperson for the National Civil Protection Authority told AFP.

One person died during Storm Leonardo in Portugal, and 1,100 people were evacuated across the country. A succession of atmospheric depressions forced Portugal’s dams to release “a volume of water equivalent to the country’s annual consumption” in just three days, Jose Pimenta Machado, president of the Portuguese Environment Agency, said on Friday.

A new restaurant has opened its doors in Benidorm with stunning beachfront views and, whilst some tourists are excited, others have been left less than impressed

Benidorm has long been synonymous with its vibrant nightlife, all-inclusive resorts with so much food and drink, stunning coastline and reliable sunshine, but a new eatery has just landed in the Spanish hotspot, dividing opinion amongst holidaymakers. Harry, who regularly posts insider tips about life in Spain, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm about the latest arrival in town.

“Oh my god, this is unbelievable that they’ve done this to Benidorm,” he exclaimed. “Wait until you see this,” Harry teased, building anticipation for what he described as the “nicest beachfront takeaway in Benidorm,” admitting his surprise that the chain had chosen to set up shop there.

He then challenged his TikTok followers on his @harrytokky account to “guess” his location as he swung the camera around to reveal his new go-to spot. The big reveal? The freshly opened Benidorm branch of Taco Bell.

For the uninitiated, Taco Bell is an American fast-food giant known for its Mexican-style fare including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos and much more. The menu boasts an array of customisable dishes featuring seasoned meats, beans, cheese and fresh toppings.

“Here I am, guys, the brand new Taco Bell, and look at that view,” he raved, showcasing its prime beachfront location. Even though blustery conditions prevailed on the day, the setting still looked spectacular.

“Incredible, right? Apart from the extremely crazy wind,” Harry continued, though if you’re heading to Benidorm during the summer, the weather will probably be far nicer, and queues for the restaurant may well be longer too.

Harry collected his order and showed viewers what he’d purchased. He said: “A massive cheeky Coca Cola, some sauce, we’ve got the fries and the burrito in there. Not bad looking really”.

He then conducted the all-important taste test. Trying the fries first, he declared they were “amazing,” and as he dunked them into what appeared to be a cheesy sauce, he made satisfied sounds of approval.

Next up was the burrito, prompting more “mmm” noises as he said: “It’s definitely worth it, just because of the view,” having secured himself a prime window seat.

He initially rated it “10/10,” before backtracking on his assessment, clarifying: “It’s not actually 10/10, the view’s 10/10. It’s alright, it’s okay, it’s not the best one I’ve had in the world, but I do like a Taco Bell. It’s alright. I’ll take it”.

In the comments section, one person revealed there was a Taco Bell there a few years ago, saying it was “nothing special”. Other users bemoaned the difficulty in finding genuine Spanish eateries in Spain nowadays due to chains like this.

One viewer commented: “Marbella has just had a new McDonald’s and Burger King on the paseo and a Five Guys 100 metres away within the last month. Tough finding a decent Tapas bar now”.

Another person vented their frustration: “It’s Spain, I want Sangria, fish, Gazpacho, boquerones, vino verano, San Miguel, a Spanish waiter in a white shirt, not this c***”.

One woman revealed she and her travelling companion had discovered a favourite spot, writing: “We prefer the Terra Cactus place, been every day since we got here and will go until we leave,” alongside a snap of two mouth-watering pizzas.

The advantage of having familiar chain restaurants in destinations like Benidorm is that fussy eaters always have a reliable option if they’re not keen on sampling the local food.

That said, if you’re willing to be more adventurous with your palate, mealtimes become far more thrilling when you embrace authentic local cuisine in whichever destination you’ve chosen to explore.

Spain is filled with beautiful destinations, but are often packed with tourists — but now Brits can fly to one Spanish city without fighting through the hustle and bustle

A breathtaking Spanish city could be yours to discover — for just the cost of a £13 flight.

Spain has a slew of destinations that are filled with amazing history, phenomenal beaches and great natural trails. However, this often comes at the cost of being inundated by tourists trying to capture their own private moment.

But now, a new destination has opened up for Brits to explore the glorious Spanish sun, without the need for wrangling through swathes of holidaymakers trying to take the perfect picture. The hidden gem also sits right on the Mediterranean coast, making it an unspoilt beauty, but still close to other holiday hotspots.

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Castellón de la Plana is a small city sitting just inland of Spain’s Costa de Valencia. With a population of just over 174,000 people, the city is often dwarfed by its popular neighbours, including Benidorm, Valencia, and even Barcelona further along the coast.

However, the city is brimming with culture and history, being the fourth-largest city in the region. The town has been mentioned in history books as far back as 1233, when it was taken over by a Spanish king, and has since built up an impressive history, filled with castles and stunning panoramic views, all with 30 °C temperatures at the height of summer.

Being located close to the sea, the city boasts access to the stunning Islas Columbretes Natural Park, where tourists can take in the amazing natural landscapes. With huge sea stacks and rock formations coming out of the sea, the panoramic views are like no other in Spain itself.

Back on dry land, travellers looking to get stuck into the hustle and bustle of daily life can get lost strolling through the Mercado Central, filled with locals selling their best produce. Seafood is in plenty of supply, with customers often queuing around the markets to get fresh quality goods, including food and drinks.

But if the market chaos is too much, the city also boasts a number of quiet, peaceful plazas that show how locals live their lives. Places such as the Plaça Major offer spots for people-watching, whilst taking in the breathtaking architecture of the local cathedral and other prominent buildings.

Beaches are also dotted around the city, with the songs such as the Playa del Pinar and Playa El Gurugu being the perfect spots to catch the sunrise over the horizon of the Med.

Food and drink are also staples of the city’s thriving life, as there are a host of bars and restaurants offering traditional meals for a reasonable price. Modern history is also covered, with the Refugio Antiaereo air-raid shelter now serving as a museum, adding an extra quirk to the Spanish diamond.

British tourists are now able to catch a flight to Castellón de la Plana, after Ryanair officially connected London Stanstead Airport to Castellón Airport, based some 30 kilometres away from the city itself. The cost of the flights themselves are also incredibly cheap, with the cheapest one-way flight to the Spanish getaway coming in at £13 this month.

The airport can also serve as a great gateway to the rest of the Valencia region, with holiday hotspots such as Valencia City, Alicante, and Benidorm easily accessible. The price of flights also do not fluctuate that much, meaning a cheap flight to Spain is always guaranteed.

Passport control delays are being reported at airports across Europe

Holidaymakers jetting off to European destinations are being cautioned about potential delays at airports and passport control areas. The hold-ups are due to the implementation of a new biometric border system across the European Union (EU). Nations are struggling to adapt to the European Entry/Exit System (EES), which is gradually being rolled out across EU countries.

The EES, set to replace the traditional passport stamp for non-EU visitors, including those from the UK, has been slowly introduced since October 2025, with approximately one third of all EU countries now utilising it.

However, issues such as staffing shortages, kiosk congestion, and terminal layout problems at major airports are believed to be causing delays of up to six hours for some travellers. As a result, the European Commission has discreetly postponed the full implementation date from April 2026 to September 2026.

Three-hour delays have been reported at Geneva Airport, a hotspot for British skiers during this season. A spokesperson acknowledged that implementing the EES had posed a ‘major challenge for Swiss customs and Geneva Airport’, according to the BBC.

Delays are also cropping up in the Canary Islands, another favourite destination among Brits. Olivier Jankovec, director general of Airports Council International Europe, stated that border control processing times have increased four to fivefold under the EES, with people typically waiting up to two hours.

He attributed the problems to insufficient staffing and faulty equipment, warning that queues could stretch to six hours during the busy summer months unless improvements were made. However, Markus Lammert, European Commission spokesperson for Internal Affairs, maintained the system had functioned ‘largely without issues’.

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The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) highlighted that border officials weren’t fully utilising their powers to scale back checks when required. The organisation urged authorities to develop better contingency strategies for peak periods and ensure frontline personnel properly understand regulations and their flexibility to implement them.

An ABTA spokesperson explained: “The underuse of the measures has meant that there have been occasions where passengers have unnecessarily been caught up in lengthy delays going through passport control, which can have a knock-on impact for their onward travel.

“Under the contingency measures, border authorities are allowed to stand down the system, or limit the number or extent of checks, to avoid significant disruption and large queues.”

This development follows the Home Office releasing guidance for the 1.26million Britons who currently possess dual citizenship. Starting 25 February 2026, dual British nationals must present either a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when entering the UK.

The Home Office cautioned that carriers would be verifying passengers hold appropriate documentation.

Leonardo is the latest in a series of half a dozen storms to batter the Iberian Peninsula this year.

A man has lost his life in Portugal after floodwaters engulfed his car, and in Spain, a girl has been reported missing after being swept away by a river as Storm Leonardo has battered the Iberian Peninsula with torrential rain and gale-force winds.

Leonardo is the latest in a wave of half a dozen storms to sweep across Portugal and Spain this year, causing several fatalities, destroying infrastructure and leaving thousands of homes without power.

Portuguese authorities confirmed on Wednesday that a 70-year-old man died in the southern region of Alentejo after floodwaters swept his vehicle off a road near a dam.

In southern Spain’s Malaga province, a girl remains missing after she was dragged away by the Turvilla River in Sayalonga while trying to rescue her dog. The animal reportedly managed to reach safety, and emergency teams resumed the search for the girl at first light on Thursday, according to local and national news reports.

“We spent the whole afternoon and night yesterday searching in the river from the place where the girl fell in until the very end of the river. We found the dog, but not her,” Malaga fire chief Manuel Marmolejo said on Spanish television on Thursday.

Spain’s State Meteorological Agency has warned that Storm Marta, the next front in the ongoing “storm train”, is expected to reach the region this weekend.

Portuguese Economy Minister Manuel Castro Almeida stated that reconstruction efforts after Storm Kristin alone may exceed 4 billion euros ($4.7bn).

In Alcacer do Sal in southern Portugal, residents were forced to wade through waist-deep water after the Sado River breached its banks following a series of storms. Restaurant terraces were submerged, and shopkeepers and homeowners used stacked sandbags in an attempt to protect their properties from the rising floodwaters.

“I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s surreal,” resident Maria Cadacha told the Reuters news agency. “There are a lot of people here, very good people, many shopkeepers, homes with damage. I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes.”

Andalusia’s emergency services reported attending to more than a million incidents by midnight on Wednesday.

Antonio Sanz, head of the regional government’s interior department, confirmed that 14 rivers and 10 dams were at “extreme” risk of overflowing due to the severe conditions.

In Portugal, the National Civil Protection authority registered at least 70 incidents by early Thursday as the region continued to monitor the impact of the storm.

The Foreign Office has issued a travel warning to British tourists as Spain and Portugal face a red weather alert for extreme conditions this half term

The Foreign Office has issued an urgent warning to British holidaymakers heading to two of the nation’s most beloved destinations. A red alert has been declared by state meteorological agencies for Spain and Portugal, with hazardous weather conditions forecast for the coming weeks as thousands of Brits prepare to travel during half term.

Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a red warning for severe rainstorms across Malaga Province on Wednesday, 4 February, with predictions suggesting rainfall accumulations could exceed 150 litres per square metre within 12 hours and surpass 200 litres per square metre over 24 hours in inland regions.

Schools throughout Andalucia will remain shut on Wednesday as a precautionary measure against the extreme weather. The red alert, indicating “extraordinary danger”, will remain active in the Ronda region from midnight onwards for the entire day.

AEMET has warned that storm conditions are anticipated to persist until mid-February. The Foreign Office stated: “Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong coastal winds are expected across the country until Sunday 8 February, with an increased risk of flash flooding, landslides and travel disruption. Follow advice of local authorities and monitor weather updates on the European Meteorological Services website. “

In its guidance to travellers, the Foreign Office stated: “Once the event has happened, you should be aware of possible risks relating to damaged buildings or other infrastructure. Be aware that events in places away from where you are can still cause disruption, such as through loss of power, communications or transport services.”

“It may take time for airports to re-open and there may be serious shortages of accommodation, food, water and health facilities. It may be harder for you to receive help from humanitarian workers if it is difficult to access the area due to transport infrastructure damage or flooding.

“The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) ability to help British nationals may be limited (perhaps severely) in these circumstances. We cannot ensure your safety and security in another country. The relevant authorities in the country or territory you are in are responsible for your safety and security.”

Storm Leonardo, the sixth significant low-pressure system to strike in 2026, is set to batter Andalusia once more, with Malaga squarely in its sights. In its most recent bulletin, AEMET has escalated the rainfall alert to red for the province.

According to weather experts at Meteored, “By the end of the coming early morning, very intense rain will begin in the west and far south of Andalucia. It will continue throughout the morning, spreading to the rest of the southern community. In the afternoon, the most intense precipitation will occur in the eastern area, from the Strait to Almeria, with a strong westerly maritime storm.”

In Malaga, the Costa del Sol, the Guadalhorce region, and Axarquia, Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET has issued an orange warning for rainfall accumulations of between 90 and 100 litres in 12 hours. The agency warned: “Accumulations exceeding 150 litres in 24 hours may be reached in the western half of the zone. In the rest, accumulations of 40 litres in 12 hours are expected,”.

AEMET has also issued its highest level of alert, a Red Advisory, for heavy rain in Cádiz and parts of Málaga province for Wednesday, February 4. The advisory warns of 150mm of rain in 12 hours and 200mm in 24 hours in some inland areas.

Due to the severe weather threat, all schools in Andalusia will be closed on Wednesday. Additionally, a series of yellow alerts and amber warnings have been activated, as the regions brace for a battering.

The alerts arrive as Portugal and Spain prepare themselves for additional downpours with Storm Leonardo set to hit this week, meteorologists have confirmed. Following several weeks of damp and occasionally blustery conditions, Storm Leonardo is forecast to deliver further precipitation to the Iberian Peninsula, with particularly severe rainfall anticipated throughout Andalusia, weather experts have warned.

Feb. 3 (UPI) — Spain announced it will ban social media for children younger than 16 and introduce measures that hold platforms and people accountable.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez spoke at the World Government Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and denounced social media companies’ misconduct. He said access for young teens will end next week as part of five new government measures against the platforms.

“Social media has become a failed state, a place where laws are ignored, and crime is endured, where disinformation is worth more than truth, and half of users suffer hate speech,” Sanchez said. “A failed state in which algorithms distort the public conversation and our data and image are defied and sold.”

He said, “platforms will be required to implement effective age-verification systems — not just checkboxes, but real barriers that work.”

“Today, our children are exposed to a space they were never meant to navigate alone: a space of addiction, abuse, pornography, manipulation and violence. We will no longer accept that. We will protect them from the digital wild west,” Sanchez said.

The first country to ban young teens from social media was Australia, which implemented its new law in December. There is also a measure in the French National Assembly to do the same. Greece, Denmark, Ireland and Great Britain are considering similar laws.

Spain hasn’t said which platforms will be subject to the new law. But during his speech, Sanchez criticized TikTok, X and Instagram.

Spain’s other measures include developing a “hate and polarization footprint,” which would track and quantify how platforms create division and magnify hate. Sanchez said the government will also hold social media executives criminally liable for failure to remove illegal or hateful content.

“We will turn algorithmic manipulation and amplification of illegal content into a new criminal offense,” he said in Dubai. “Spreading hate must come at a cost.”

The island offers warmth and sunshine, cheap drinks and budget flights, making it the perfect February getaway from the UK’s winter chill and unbearable cold snaps.

As Britain’s temperatures plunge into an icy stranglehold, countless people are seeking warm destinations for a swift escape.

For those eyeing seaside spots to thaw out, look no further – we’ve found the ideal location for your February break.

Offering year-round sunshine, pleasant 20C warmth, pints for £1.30 and direct flights starting at just £18, this sun-drenched European island ticks every box – stunning coastlines, mild climate, excellent dining and drinking establishments, and plenty of leisure pursuits.

Being the fourth largest island in Spain’s hugely popular Canary Islands archipelago, Lanzarote is a stunning destination. Featuring volcanic black sand shores in certain areas and dramatic rocky terrain elsewhere, the island’s geography encompasses the Famara mountain chain to the north and Ajaches in the south.

Rich in geological heritage, the striking black sand coastlines of Playa de Janubio and Playa de El Golfo are spectacular, whilst the resort destinations of Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca rank amongst Lanzarote’s finest locations.

Arrecife, Lanzarote’s capital city, represents another major attraction, reports the Express.

With average February temperatures hitting 20C, Lanzarote offers a perfectly temperate retreat, frequently dubbed the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’.

At present, an easyJet service to Lanzarote departing London’s Luton Airport on February 7 costs merely £17.99, covering one small cabin bag.

Journey time is four hours. Air fares aren’t the only bargains to be found in Lanzarote – for a mere £1.30, tourists can savour a pint on this stunning Canary island, according to Introducing Lanzarote.

Lanzarote’s all-inclusive hotels are hugely favoured by cash-conscious travellers, whilst premium choices await those willing to splash out.

A blend of bustling holiday destinations and tranquil countryside settlements forms the island’s social tapestry, guaranteeing something to suit every preference.

The island’s distinctive terrain presents another draw for visitors – featuring peaks, enormous volcanic craters, crimson landscapes, ebony sand shores, sparkling turquoise waters, pristine white coastlines, and the crowning glory – an active volcano named Mount Timanfaya showcasing lava fields formed hundreds of years ago.

For leisure pursuits, this compact island offers plenty of excitement, with pastimes including surfing, underwater exploration, kiteboarding, and windsurfing proving hit attractions amongst visitors.

Numerous child-friendly shores dot Lanzarote, particularly suited to youngsters who remain protected from powerful tides and swells at these locations, plus magnificent natural swimming holes formed from volcanic crater flows and eruptions.

Vibrant harbours and expansive coastal stretches, ideal for those who relish lengthy seaside strolls whilst waves thunder nearby, feature across Lanzarote.

Celebrated for its oceanic cuisine, Lanzarote is renowned for its succulent prawns, squid, octopus, and tuna, plus the Spanish classic dish of paella. Holidaymakers searching for that ideal winter getaway – Lanzarote could well be the destination for you.

BRITS wanting sun, sea, sand have been swapping the UK for Spain for years – but its neighbour is fast gaining in popularity.

Portugal is increasingly becoming a more popular place for Brits to relocate to, thanks to its lower cost of living, great weather and beautiful beaches.

Portugal is a more popular place to move to than Spain according International moving company, 1st Move International.

It analysed UK Google search data to reveal which countries are seeing the biggest increases and declines in emigration-related interest – and Portugal is number six.

Historically, Spain has been one of the most popular destinations for Brits looking to relocate abroad – but Portugal has nabbed its spot.

Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International said: “Mass tourism and the decision to impose taxes on foreign property buyers have affected affordability, making it more complex for retirees and long-term residents to move to Spain.

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“Spain’s interest among Brits has begun to dip, and neighbour Portugal may take Spain’s crown in the coming years.

“Portugal’s already firmly among Brits’ top 10 expat hotspots, and it’s creeping up the ladder with emigration searches increasing by 18.90 per cent year on year.”  

This has been backed up by data from the National Institute of Statistics (NIE) which revealed that UK expats living in Spain fell by 2.2 per cent in 2024, as reported by Spanish media The Olive Press.

UK resident numbers came to 266,462, down from 272,402 a year earlier.

It continued to reveal that ‘British expats now account for 3.9 per cent of all foreign residents, compared to 4.2 per cent in 2023’.

When it comes to competition between the two, there are lots of similarities – mostly their glorious weather which is much better than the UK throughout the year.

According to some weather sites Portugal is actually sunnier than Spain – but both have around 300 days of sun every year.

Portugal is slightly more mild in places like Lisbon along the western coast thanks to its cool Atlantic breeze.

Just like Spain, Portugal is pleasant during the winter months sitting at around 10C.

Of course most Brits move abroad to spend time nearer the coast and Spain has always been popular thanks to having over 3,000 beaches across 4970 miles of coastline.

As of 2025, 638 of these have Blue Flag status.

Portugal has less beaches as the length of the coastline is much shorter – around 1,115 miles – however it still has around 404 Blue Flag beaches as of last year.

After moving abroad, you’ll probably want a quieter place to relax – but of course both countries remain popular especially the summer holidays.

Portugal gets fewer tourists than Spain – although it did reach record highs in 2024 with around 31.6million visitors.

Meanwhile, Spain saw 94 million international visitors in 2023.

Both are likely to remain busy in the summer months – unless you head to less touristy areas.

Portugal tends to be cheaper when it comes to cost of living (and holidaying) too.

In Portugal you can get a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant €40 (£34.63) and a local beer can cost as little as €2 (£1.73).

The average price of a cappuccino is as little as €1.81 (£1.57).

When it comes to getting around, a one-way ticket on local transport is around €2 (£1.73).

Renting an apartment in one of the country’s city centres is around €943 (£816.34) per month.

Meanwhile in Spain, a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is on average €50 (£43.29) and a local beer costs around €3 (£2.60), according to Wise.

The average price of a cappuccino is a bit more expensive too at €1.90 (£1.65).

Getting about in Spain is generally cheaper with a one-way ticket on local transport priced at €1.50 (£1.30).

Renting an apartment in one of Spain’s city centres is priced at an average of €950 (£822.40) per month.

In terms of logistics, Portugal is generally considered easier for British citizens to move to thanks to its D7 passive income visa for those who want to move there.

In Spain, expats will need a Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), which requires more proof of income, and it has stricter residency rules.

One writer reveals why she ditched the UK for Lisbon…

Writer Lauren Clark moved from London to Lisbon in 2020 – and here’s everything about it she prefers…

“Socialising in Lisbon needn’t cost a fortune – in fact you can catch up with a friend over a glass of wine for the price of a coffee back home.

“A fruity ‘vinho verde’ from a quiosque or restaurant terrace, enjoyed in the sunshine, might set you back just a few euros.

“One of the reasons why the top-notch wine is so affordable – with a bottle of my favourite white costing around three euros in the supermarket – is because Portugal is covered in swathes of vineyards.

“Most of Lisbon is very walkable – at least, if you don’t mind a steep incline – and most places I need to get to are well within a 30-minute stroll.

“Throughout the month of June, the city erupts into a series of big, lively street parties at night to celebrate the Festas dos Santos Populares – with the 13th the most important date.

“Lisbon isn’t a beach-side city in the same way as Barcelona, however just a short train ride or drive away are some incredible coastal spots.

“This means that, if you finish work at 5pm, you could be taking a dip in the ocean by half past – although, be warned, it will be refreshing.”

For more on moving to Portugal, here’s how one woman did it and ditched the UK for sunny evenings and warm winters.

And one woman who was on A Place In The Sun bought my dream Spanish home for £45k.

This huge park that’s 2.5 hours from the UK is already among the largest in Europe, and visitors arriving in 2026 will have two more thrilling experiences to enjoy including a one-of-a-kind ride

One of the largest theme parks in Europe, which is popular with Brits on holiday, has announced two huge new attractions for the summer season.

PortAventura World is already a vast theme park set in a popular part of Spain. The resort includes PortAventura Park, the main theme park, which is split into six worlds including China, Mexico, and even Sesame Street. There’s also the separate Ferrari Land, which is themed around the luxury car; and PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park, a large water park which has a range of waterslides, a lazy river, and more.

The first new attraction will be found in Caribe Aquatic Park and is named Coral Bay: The Lost Legend. It’s set to be a 6,000 m² family area themed around a pirate bay that has risen from the depths of the water.

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At Coral Bay, visitors will be able to make a splash on a water coaster, which PortAventura claims will have a unique twist that’ll be a first in Europe. This is in addition to an adventure pool, featuring a fun obstacle course for kids to take on. The new area will also include more waterslides and new food and drink options for visitors.

The second addition is Makamanu Jungle: The Adventure Trek. The attraction will be added to the Polynesia area of PortAventura Park. Guests will experience exploring the deepest jungle, with secret walkways, hanging bridges, and obstacles and challenges for both “children and their companions”.

The adventure park will join existing rides in the Polynesia world, including Tutuki Splash, a water ride that’s popular on hot sunny days as it includes a cooling splash at the end, and Kontiki, a pirate ship-style ride with a Tiki theme.

PortAventura confirmed that both attractions will open to the public by summer, although it didn’t give exact dates.

PortAventura is close to the popular tourist town of Salou, and just a short drive from Reus Airport, which has seasonal flights to the UK from easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, and TUI throughout the summer months. It’s also just under 90 minutes from Barcelona, and a popular day trip for those staying in the city.

If you want to spend longer exploring PortAventura, one option is to stay in the resort’s hotels, six of which can be found on-site and include unlimited visits to PortAventura Park. Packages also include one-day access to Ferrari Land, and discounted tickets to Caribe Aquatic Park, so you can enjoy all that this vast resort has to offer.

Four-star Hotel PortAventura is a popular option for guests as it offers direct access to the park through its Mediterrània area, home of Europe’s fastest rollercoaster, Furius Baco. Themed around a charming Mediterranean village, the hotel has its own pool, games room, and entertainment. Guests can also opt for half- or full-board stays, with buffets and an on-site restaurant.

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Another fun-themed hotel is the Hotel Gold River, which is close to the park’s cowboy-themed Far West area. Designed to look like a Wild West town, the hotel has its own saloon and an upmarket Victorian-style restaurant. It also has three pools open for the summer season, so you can cool off after a day exploring the park.

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

A Brit in Benidorm has given important advice to anyone who may be crossing the road when they’re in Spain, sharing things to look out for and why you should always be vigilant

A British expat in Benidorm has given some travel advice to people crossing roads in Spain, saying that he sees “so many people getting this wrong”. Wherever you are in the world, it’s important that you’re aware of your surroundings at all times and cross the road safely – even if you’re on holiday. We all had it drilled into us from being young that you’re supposed to stop, look both ways, and listen before stepping off the curb.

However, Frank, who lives in Benidorm, has expressed his concern that people who have come from the UK are not crossing properly, and it’s putting them at serious risk.

He said that he’d noticed people who are from the UK looking in the wrong direction, reminding people that they need to “look left” rather than right in order not to get run over.

TikToker @frankthestagman said: “A lot of people look the wrong way, and that can cause problems. And then of course, when you’re crossing the other way, you’re looking the other way”.

Frank said that “if you’re not sure,” you need to “look both ways” and then “nothing’s going to happen” when you’re crossing the road.

“The other thing as well is it’s really sad because sometimes you’ll see people crossing the road, they don’t quite understand that when they’re crossing over, you know, sometimes there’s people in the middle of the road, and you get Spanish drivers, or drivers here in Spain, and what they’ll end up doing is honking at them and all that. A bit unfair, but it is what it is,” Frank continued.

He urged Brits not to “wave your arms round arguing” and just focus on crossing the road safely to “get where you’re going”.

Frank warned that sometimes “the traffic will speed up” when someone is crossing, labelling it as “a bit unfair,” but people need to just ensure that they’re being as careful as possible.

He also said that if you’re a driver in Spain, don’t necessarily expect a thank you if you let people cross. While people from the UK are overtly polite, Frank said, sometimes Spanish people cross the road without ‘letting on’.

Frank reckons that you can always spot a Brit or someone from Ireland because they’ll give a thumbs up and a “cheers” when you’ve been let across the road.

In the comments, someone said: “I actually love the Spanish pedestrian crossings cos they actually have the countdown to when the lights are changing”.

How do you cross the road as a Brit in Benidorm?

Your first look should be to your left, not your right, because that’s where traffic will be coming from. It’s easy to forget this, especially on quieter streets or when you’re distracted, so make a conscious effort to pause and look left first.

Pedestrian crossings in Spain are usually marked by white zebra stripes, much like in the UK, but the rules and driver behaviour can be quite different. In the UK, drivers are generally required to stop for pedestrians waiting at zebra crossings, and most do so reliably. In Spain, while the law also requires drivers to yield to pedestrians at marked crossings, in practice, drivers may not always stop unless you are clearly about to step onto the crossing, or already on it.

You might notice that Spanish pedestrians often assertively step onto the crossing to signal their intention to cross, rather than waiting for cars to stop first. As a Brit, you might be used to waiting until every car has stopped, but in Spain, you sometimes need to show your intention more clearly. However, always make eye contact with approaching drivers to ensure they’ve seen you, and never assume they will stop automatically.

Emigrating to sun-kissed Lanzarote might sound like a dream come true, but one British couple have confessed that they miss quite a few things from back home – including the weather!

Taking early retirement and leaving the soggy British winters behind forever is an impossible dream for many of us. But designers Richard and Tarnya Norse-Evans managed to do just that when they sold their business and relocated to the Canary Islands.

While they don’t regret making a new home for themselves in balmy Lanzarote, where the temperatures rarely drop into single figures, Richard and Tarnya say there are a few things they miss about chilly, rain-lashed Britain.

“When you live on a small island you need to see and do something different, because here you don’t get to go to the art galleries, visit people, go to the city or eat in different restaurants,” Richard told the i Paper.

He added that, while Lanzarote’s weather makes for a nice easy life there’s something to be said for a good old-fashioned chilly day. He said he sometimes feels nostalgic about the idea of “putting on a coat and Wellingtons and getting out in a forest for a good stomp and an English pint in a pub”.

While that’s a rare treat these days, it’s still a possibility. Because the cost of living in Lanzarote is much lower than in the UK, Richard and Tarnya can afford to splash out on an occasional flight back to Blighty for a taste of what they missing.

The pair also noted the struggles with the language barrier, and highlighted challenges in Spain with paperwork that meant long wait times for permits.

According to the most recent figures, between 6,200 and 6,500 British people are officially registered as residents in Lanzarote, making them one of the largest foreign populations on the island.

That number’s swelled massively in the summer, of course, when thousands more flock to the sun-kissed islands. Because the climate is so mild, there’s no real “low season” on Lanzarote, and holidaymakers are arriving at the island’ airport at any time of year. Tourism is the single biggest of the island’s economy.

Holiday rentals on Lanzarote grew by by 113% between June 2023 and December 2025. While there have been a few reports of extreme, violent anti-tourist hostility, they tend to be exaggerated, and the island remains generally welcoming to holidaymakers.

Richard and Tarnya have become part of that thriving industry, with a luxurious-looking Airbnb to supplement their lifestyle. “We certainly do not live a permanent holiday,” Richard said. “Work life still goes on regardless of the weather.”

They also own a vineyard that produces around 7,000kg of grapes a year, which they sell to a local wine producer.

And there are many kinds of business that simply aren’t available on Lanzarote – with Richard bemoaning the lack of variety when it comes to the arts and entertainment.

But luckily, he says there’s always the option of popping home for a taste of what he’s missing. He added: “With a four-hour flight we can be back in London quickly and enjoy the best of both worlds.”

Real Madrid earn a ⁠hard-fought football victory over their local ​rivals to move to within one point of league leaders Barcelona.

Kylian Mbappe stayed calm to roll home a 100th-minute penalty and grab Real Madrid a 2-1 win over nine-man Rayo Vallecano in a spicy La Liga football derby on Sunday.

Los Blancos cut Barcelona’s lead back to one point at the top of the table a day after the Spanish champions beat Elche.

Vinicius Junior scored early on for Madrid after Jude Bellingham limped off with an apparent hamstring injury.

Jorge de Frutos pulled Rayo level early in the second half as Madrid fans showed their anger at their team. But after Rayo’s Pathe Ciss was issued a red card, Mbappe netted from the spot at the death.

Pep Chavarria was also sent off for 17th-placed Rayo, who took a shaky Madrid to the wire before falling short.

After the hosts’ midweek defeat at Benfica, which forced them into the Champions League playoff round, the Santiago Bernabeu crowd was in an unforgiving mood.

Mbappe and Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa had begged fans to support the team, but, just as they did two weeks ago against Levante, they whistled at their own players.

Former Barcelona winger Ilias Akhomach fired narrowly wide early on, and the atmosphere would have been further soured had his effort crept inside Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ post.

Los Blancos suffered an early setback as England international Bellingham pulled up holding the back of his thigh, going off in agony.

Vinicius fired the hosts ahead in the 15th minute, showing tidy footwork just inside the area before firing high over Augusto Batalla and into the net.

Arda Guler came close to getting a second, with Batalla saving his effort and Vinicius turning the rebound wide.

Los Blancos were in charge, but though they took the lead, their fans were not appeased, and whistled the team in at the break.

Four minutes into the second half, Rayo pulled level. Alvaro Garcia nodded a cross down for de Frutos, a former Madrid youth player, to reach and drill home.

The visitors should have taken the lead after an hour, when Andrei Ratiu ran through on goal with only Courtois to beat. But the Belgian stopper made a superb save to deny him.

Mbappe came centimetres away from putting Madrid in front when Batalla rushed out of his goal, with the French forward knocking the ball around him but then hitting the bar from distance.

Rayo made life harder for themselves when midfielder Ciss was sent off for an ugly foul on Madrid’s Dani Ceballos.

Eduardo Camavinga headed against the post as Arbeloa’s side turned the screw, before nine minutes of stoppage time were added on.

With the clock ticking down, Madrid were awarded a penalty when Nobel Mendy clumsily fouled Brahim Diaz, and La Liga’s top scorer Mbappe dispatched the ball to snatch three points for his side.

Rayo finished the match with nine men after Chavarria was shown a second yellow card for shoving Rodrygo Goes.

Teenage star Lamine Yamal opens the scoring after six minutes to set the foundation for a convincing Barcelona victory.

Lamine ‌Yamal scored one goal and created another as Barcelona extended their lead at the ‍top of La Liga with a 3-1 victory over Elche on Saturday.

Barcelona moved to 55 points from 22 matches, four ahead of Real Madrid, who have a game in hand. Elche remained in 12th place with 24 points from 22 games.

Yamal opened the scoring for the visitors ⁠before Alvaro Rodriguez equalised for Elche in an end-to-end first half.

Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford struck ​to complete the win, sparing the blushes of wasteful Barca, who had 30 efforts ‍on goal in the match.

“We got three more points. We continue to grow as a team. We haven’t reached our peak yet,” Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong said.

“We usually have people who finish well. There are times ‍when they fail. ⁠The important thing is that we have them [chances].”

Yamal sets the tone

Barcelona took the lead within six minutes when Dani Olmo played Yamal through on goal, and the 18-year-old rounded goalkeeper Inaki Pena to score his 13th goal of the season in all competitions.

Olmo struck a shot against the crossbar midway through the first half, and within a minute, Elche were level.

German Valera slipped former Real Madrid forward Rodriguez in behind the Barcelona defence, and he raced clear to score.

The visitors should have retaken the lead when Torres struck ‌the crossbar again from six yards out with a poor miss. The ball rebounded to him, and he then steered it against the post in a comical sequence of play.

Torres got his goal in 40 minutes when de Jong found space in the box and, rather than shoot himself, laid the ball back for the forward to fire into the roof ‌of the net from 15 yards.

It should have been 3-1 ⁠minutes later when Fermin Lopez somehow skied the ball over the crossbar from six yards with the goal gaping.

Barcelona continued to create chances in the second half, with substitute Rashford guilty of a poor miss when he put his shot wide ‌with just the goalkeeper to beat.

Rashford got his goal in 72 minutes, however, when Yamal’s low cross was not cleared by the Elche defence, allowing the England forward to blast the ball ‍into the roof of the net from close range.

“Barca attack very well,” Rodriguez said. “They have very good players, and it wasn’t to be. We will continue working to do better.”

Follow our live build-up, score, photos and text commentary stream from the men’s singles final at Melbourne Park.

The islands are just a 45-minute ferry from mainland Spain and yet are almost completely unknown by UK holidaymakers despite the area’s natural beauty which includes a beach named the best in the world

Most Brits are well-acquainted with the Balearic and Canary Islands. Each year, millions jet off to bask in the sunshine across Spanish island destinations like Tenerife, Lanzarote, Majorca, and Ibiza.

However, what many don’t know is that these aren’t Spain’s only islands. There is an archipelago that welcomes barely any tourists, despite sitting just off the mainland coast, and most UK tourists won’t have heard of them.

The Cíes Islands are a 45-minute ferry journey from Vigo city in northwestern Spain. This archipelago is made up of three main islands: Monteagudo (North Island), Do Faro (Middle Island), and San Martiño (South Island).

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Monteagudo and Do Faro are linked by a 1,200-metre stretch of sand, featuring a lagoon on one side and the Atlantic on the other, reports the Express.

Don’t turn up expecting to find luxury resorts. These islands remain virtually uninhabited, with the sole facilities being a modest shop and a handful of restaurants. Most visitors stay for just a few hours, trekking between the two larger islands via rocky trails and enjoying the tranquil, pristine coastline.

Throughout peak season, which is Easter through May and September, daily visitor quotas are capped at 1,800, requiring visitors to book advance permits before boarding ferries. Outside of peak periods, just 450 people can visit daily.

The stretch of sand linking two of the islands is called Rodas, and this hidden treasure was crowned the world’s best beach by The Guardian. The publication described the islands: “Their nickname – the Maldives or Seychelles of Spain – gives a clear indication of what to expect: gorgeous white beaches, turquoise waters … in other words, your average untouched paradise.”

Walking remains the islands’ most popular pastime, boasting many spectacular coastal trails and reasonably straightforward routes to explore. Scuba diving offers another brilliant opportunity to soak up the Cíes Islands’ natural splendour.

Being part of Islas Atlánticas National Park means the local wildlife is protected, so divers require a permit, and visitor numbers are carefully controlled.

For those wanting to extend their stay beyond a single day, there’s a beautiful campsite perched above the lagoon with sweeping ocean views. You can reserve a ready-pitched tent complete with proper beds and enjoy stargazing after dark without artificial light interference, whilst having the beaches to yourself once day-trippers leave.

Camping Islas Cíes offers essential amenities – everything you need for your visit, from a snack bar to heated showers. There’s also a children’s club packed with entertaining activities, whilst kayaking and snorkelling expeditions can be arranged to help you discover more of the islands.

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Whilst Monteagudo and Do Faro boast regular ferry connections, the most southerly of the Cíes Islands, San Martiño, is only accessible by hiring a private boat. Any boats intending to drop anchor here require a special licence, but it’s well worth the effort if you can get onto a tour, as it’s incredibly tranquil and boasts pristine sandy shores and palm trees, creating the feeling of being in the Caribbean.

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

A man has been arrested by police in Spain after they recovered a stolen statue of the late golfer Seve Ballesteros.

A ‌statue of the late golfer Seve Ballesteros, which ‍had vanished ‍from his hometown of Pedrena in northern Spain’s Cantabria region, was found chopped into pieces as the alleged thief prepared to sell it for its ⁠bronze, police have said.

Valued at about 30,000 euros ($35,820) ​but holding significant sentimental importance for locals and ‍fans, the statue was discovered in a storage room in Santander. It had been cut in half at the waist.

While the ‍torso and ⁠head remained intact, the arms were broken into several pieces.

A 22-year-old man with a criminal record for copper theft was arrested on Thursday, police revealed on Friday, adding that more individuals could be involved.

Police had focused their investigation on metal trading centres, suspecting the ​thieves planned to sell the bronze ‌for profit.

The 100kg (220.46-pound) statue, depicting Ballesteros in a signature pose celebrating his 1984 British Open win at St Andrews in Scotland, ‌was torn from its base in La Barqueria Park earlier this month before being ‌dragged across grass and dismembered for ⁠transport.

Created in 2009 by sculptor Salvador Garcia Ceballos, it was permanently installed in Pedrena in 2017.

Ballesteros, who won five major titles during his ‌career and became a fan favourite for his capacity for digging himself out of trouble on the golf course, ‍died in 2011 aged 54 after a battle with cancer.

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz beat Germany’s Alexander Zverev over five hours but the latter is upset by officiating of injury.

Alexander Zverev condemned officials for allowing Carlos Alcaraz a medical timeout for a leg problem after ‍falling in an epic five-setter ‍to the Spaniard in the Australian Open’s longest semifinal.

World number one Alcaraz was struggling to move at 4-4 in the third set on Friday and was allowed treatment on his right thigh at the change of ends, leaving the German incensed.

While Alcaraz said post-match that he worried he may have ⁠strained an adductor muscle, Zverev was adamant the Spaniard’s problem was cramp, which is out of bounds for medical timeouts.

Alcaraz dropped ​the next two sets but was back running at full pelt in the fifth to close ‍out an epic 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(3) 6-7(4) 7-5 win in five hours and 27 minutes.

“Yeah, I mean, he was cramping, so normally you can’t take a medical timeout for cramping,” third seed Zverev said at his post-match news conference.

“What can I do? It’s not my ‍decision. I didn’t ⁠like it, but it’s not my decision.”

On court, Zverev lashed out at a match supervisor in profanity-laden German as Alcaraz underwent treatment.

“I just said it was b******t, basically,” he said later of the exchange, noting that Alcaraz finished full of running.

“He took like an hour and a half off where he wasn’t moving almost at all.

“So again, maybe I should have used that better in a way. Maybe I should have won the games and won the sets a bit quicker. Then moving into the fifth, maybe he ​wouldn’t have had so much time to recover. But the fifth set, the way ‌he was moving, was incredible again.”

Alcaraz admits his body could be better ahead of Australian Open final

When asked whether he was injured, Alcaraz equivocated.

“Well, obviously I feel tired. You know, obviously my body could be better, to be honest, but I think that’s normal after five hours and a half.”

Runner-up to Jannik Sinner last ‌year, Zverev was serving for the match at 5-4 in the fifth set of Friday’s semifinal but Alcaraz won the next three games to leave the German with ‌another near-miss at the Grand Slams.

Still chasing an elusive first major title, ⁠Zverev said he had more regrets about dropping the second set than his surrender in the fifth.

“I was hanging on for dear life, to be honest. I was exhausted,” he said, rating the match as probably the toughest physically of his career.

“I think we both went to our absolute ‌limits, so somewhat I’m also proud of myself, the way I was hanging on and came back from two sets to love.

“Of course it’s disappointing but this is the start of the year, so if I continue playing that ‍way, if I continue training the way I train, if I continue working on the things that I’ve been working in the offseason, I do believe it’s going to be a good year for me.”

Carlos Alcaraz becomes the youngest man to reach all four slam finals and can now become youngest to win all four.

Carlos Alcaraz overcame cramps and injury to fend off Alexander Zverev in an epic, momentum-swinging five-setter to become the youngest man in the Open era to reach the finals of all four Grand Slam events.

At 22, he’s aiming to be the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.

He reached his first Australian Open final the hard way, winning 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-5 in 5 hours, 27 minutes on Friday.

That’s despite being two points away in the third set from a semifinal victory in a tournament where he hadn’t dropped a set through five rounds.

He was behind in the fifth set after dropping the first game and didn’t break back until Zverev was serving for the match in the 10th.

Alcaraz will next face either two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner or 10-time Australian Open titlist Novak Djokovic, who is bidding for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title. The long afternoon match delayed the start of the night’s semifinal.

The top-ranked Alcaraz was leading by two sets and appeared to be in the kind of form that won him the US Open last year and has helped him evenly split the last eight majors with Sinner.

But in the ninth game of the third, he started limping and appeared to be struggling with an upper right leg problem. After holding for 5-4, he took a medical timeout in the changeover. It may have been cramp, but he rubbed the inside of his right thigh and called for the trainer, who also massaged the same area.

Zverev was demonstrably upset, talking with a tournament official, when his rival was given the three-minute break for treatment.

Even with his limited footwork, Alcaraz was able to hit winners and get to 6-5 before the trainer returned in the changeover to massage the area again.

When he went back out, the crowd gave him rousing support. Zverev served a double-fault to open the next game, and Alcaraz lobbed and then slapped a forehand winner down the line to get to 0-30. But Zverev won four straight points to force the tiebreaker and then win it.

No 3 Zverev, the 2025 runner-up, retained his composure despite Alcaraz’s obvious discomfort on the other side of the net, and the crowd on Rod Laver Arena firmly behind the Spaniard.

He was in front for the entire fourth set, but Alcaraz stayed with him, until Zverev again took charge in the tiebreaker. More than four hours had elapsed when the match went to a fifth set, the first five-setter on the centre court in the 2026 tournament.

Alcaraz dropped serve in the opening game of the fifth set but hung with Zverev, getting five breakpoint chances without being able to convert.

The drama lifted in the sixth game, when Alcaraz sprinted across court to track down a drop shot and slid at full pace for an angled forehand winner. The crowd went crazy.

Alcaraz finally converted the break when Zverev was serving for the match at 5-4 in the fifth set.

He held for 6-5 and converted his first match point when Zverev was serving to stay in the match.

easyJet’s new travel report shows dark sky tourism, padel holidays and Gen Z trends are dominating summer bookings to Spain and beyond

Dark skies tourism is set to be one of the top travel trends this summer, driven by a growing fascination with astronomy and astrophotography, according to The Great British Holiday Audit by easyJet and easyJet Holidays. The report highlights a surge in bookings for Spanish hotspots like Valencia, Palma Mallorca, and Ibiza, particularly around August 12th, as travellers aim to combine sun-soaked breaks with catching the solar eclipse.

These locations are perfectly situated in the eclipse’s path and benefit from long, clear summer days. And the trend is especially popular among Gen Z and has been amplified by TikTok, following a wave of interest sparked by the Northern Lights visibility in the UK in 2025.

Beyond astronomical events, longer short-haul flights of five to six hours are also becoming the “new norm”. For example, Tunisia saw a 12% increase in easyJet flights, particularly to the island of Djerba. Meanwhile, Tbilisi, Georgia is gaining traction as a popular city-break destination.

And travel to longer-leisure hotspots such as Morocco, Turkey, and Cyprus has seen a 21% rise.