Spanish

YOUR holiday sangria or paella could be much more expensive on your next trip to the Spanish islands.

Officials have said that destinations like the Canaries and Balearics will experience a price hike when it comes to food and drink because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The Spanish islands are incredibly popular with Brits, especially during the summer holidays.

The Canary Islands welcomes up to six million British tourists each year and it’s where you’ll find the likes of Tenerife and Lanzarote.

Meanwhile, around three million tourists visit the Balearics – with over two million heading to Majorca alone.

Both locations are popular thanks to their high temperatures and direct flights from multiple locations across the UK.

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Now, industry chiefs have said the increase in cost of food and drink at these destinations will be worse than 2022 when prices shot up after the war in the Ukraine began.

Urgent meetings are already being held in the Balearic Islands and in the Canaries which are very dependent on imports due to their more isolated locations.

In July 2022, inflation climbed to 10.8 per cent in Spain.

President of the Association of Food and Beverage Distributors of the Balearic Islands, Mr Bartolomé Servera is warning of severe increases, which will depend on the duration of the crisis in Iran.

Mr Servera said the new impact will be much greater if the conflict is prolonged as the weight of the Middle East is much greater, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of oil and gas pass.

Mr Servera says carriers have already begun to raise prices because the price of fuel has skyrocketed.

Diesel has risen by 32 cents per litre, around 22 per cent; while Gasoline 95 has become between 18 and 20 cents per litre more expensive, which represents 12 per cent.

In addition, it is not ruled out that the barrel of Brent will continue to rise: this Wednesday (March 11) it is around 90 dollars, but this past Monday (March 9) it was close to 120 dollars.

This is likely to then effect everything on the island from hotels and resorts.

The association president said “Milk, eggs, bread, fruit will rise.

“Everything needs fuel for its production or transport, so they will not escape the escalation of costs and producers will have to pass them on to consumers.”

The Canary Islands also fear soaring prices and will meet with transport leaders shortly.

President of the Cabildo de La Gomera, Casimiro Curbelo said official need to be monitoring the impact of the war on the islands and prepare contingency plans.

The Government of the Canary Islands says it is “very attentive” to the consequences of the war in the Middle East and plans to hold a meeting with the transport sector in the coming days in view of the increase in fuel prices.

Faced with this situation, the Government of Spain is working on an aid package, as it did at the beginning of the war in Ukraine, to alleviate the looming rise in prices.

For more on Majorca, here are the hidden gems on the island loved by locals.

And one writer who has visited 100 countries explains why he always goes back to these Spanish islands that Brits love and have the best food and beaches.

WARMER weather is on the horizon, so why wait until summer to visit your favourite holiday hot spots?

Spain is still top of Brits’ holiday lists and the coming months are a great time to visit this beautiful country, with mild temperatures just right for exploring when it’s not too crowded.

Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of springtime destinations in Spain and its islands with tips from experts who know the area.

THIS northern port city may not attract as many fly-and-flop holidaymakers as the southern costas, but its coastlines are no less beautiful.

Temperatures can reach the low 20Cs during spring in Bilbao, so Sara Di Lenardo, Destination Manager at British Airways Holidays, recommends hitting the shores.

She says: “There are several wild beaches in the Basque Country. The rocky shores are dramatic and incredibly photogenic.

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“Walk along stunning coastal paths with the Pyrenees as the backdrop — they might possibly still have snowy peaks in spring.”

The month of May is a great time to visit for music fans, thanks to several big concerts and events.

Sara advises to keep your eyes peeled for the Trikitixa, a traditional basque instrument that’s a bit like an accordion.

STAY: Two nights’ room-only at the 5H Melia Bilbao is from £349pp including flights from Gatwick on selected dates in May. Price includes 10 per cent discount. Book by March 31.

See britishairways.com/content/holidays/spain/bilbao.

THE White Isle only starts awakening for its big party season in spring, after a slow winter hibernation — and for travel expert David Mason, this is one of the best times to visit the party isle.

He reveals: “You have all the optimism of a new season commencing, cheap accommodation and flights, plus lots of local food festivals.”

Throughout this month, up until early April, you’ll be able to experience the Pintxa Run food festival in San Antonio, close to the ocean, David says.

Every Thursday throughout the month, dozens of small bars and restaurants dish up tapas and a drink for just three euros with everything from steakhouses to pizzerias participating.

David adds: “The festival includes a free novelty train that takes you from stop to stop — perfect if you’ve had a few too many cervezas on the route.”

STAY: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H Invisa Figueral Resort Hotel Cala Blanca is from £562pp including flights from Manchester on April 7.

See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

IF you’re a foodie, San Sebastian won’t disappoint.

Sara di Lenardo says this is the top place to sample pintxos in the traditional way (small bites served on a mini slice of bread).

Wash it down with a local beverage for a truly authentic experience.

Sara adds: “Spring is cider season. Try the local drink txakoli — it can be found in most bars in town, but if you have time, make sure to visit Getaria where it’s produced.”

For those seeking seaside relaxation, Sara recommends La Concha, a horseshoe-shaped beach right in the city, offering gorgeous views of the blue Med.

STAY: Seven nights’ B&B at the 4H Bancal Hotel & Spa is from £599pp including flights from Gatwick on selected dates in May. Book by March 31.

See britishairways.com/tenerife.

THIS vibrant student city, which sits a little south of Alicante, is fascinating for history lovers, with its 14th-century cathedral taking pride of place in the city centre.

Tom Wilkinson, product manager at Explore Worldwide, says: “This lesser-known southern gem enjoys 320 days of sunshine each year, with mild winters and a semi-arid climate.”

The sights are best explored on two wheels, says Tom — on a cycle tour you’ll pass through white-washed villages and historic Moorish towns, pausing to watch the sun set.

Fruit and veg are at the forefront of cuisine here and you can expect rich stews as well as freshly baked cakes.

Try Keki, not far from the cathedral, which serves up a Murcian cheesecake to die for.

STAY: A seven-day Cycle Southern Spain tour costs from £970pp including six breakfasts, all accommodation, cycle gear and flights from selected airports on May 10.

See explore.co.uk.

HOLIDAYMAKERS jetting off to Menorca in spring can expect rugged landscapes backed by chalky white cliffs and sandy bays overlooking vibrant blue seas.

“The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, offering Caribbean-style scenes without the time difference,” says Kate Bigger, destination manager at British Airways Holidays.

She suggests strolling the impressive Cami de Cavalls, adding: “This is a walk that goes through the length of the island, with spring being the perfect time to do this.”

Vineyards are scattered across the island and many of them invite visitors to meander among the vines, sampling wines as part of a tasting lunch or dinner.

STAY: Seven nights’ B&B at the 5H Melia Cala Galdana is from £1,099pp (includes €28pp tourism tax, payable locally) including flights from Gatwick on selected dates in May. Book by March 31.

See britishairways.com/menorca.

The House of Pies, a Los Feliz institution, is bustling on a chilly January morning.

It wouldn’t be shocking if some of the patrons here for breakfast were casually chit-chatting about the cultural behemoth that “KPop Demon Hunters” has become. After all, the 2025 animated saga about three music stars fighting otherworldly foes is now the most-watched movie ever on Netflix; “Golden,” its showstopping track, has since become the first Korean pop song to ever win a Grammy.

But for Danya Jimenez, 29, who sits across from me sipping coffee, the reception to the movie she began writing on back in 2020 isn’t entirely surprising, but certainly delayed.

“When we first started working on it, I was like, ‘People are going to be obsessed with this. It’s going to be the best thing ever,’” she recalls. But as several years passed, and she and her writing partner and best friend Hannah McMechan, 30, moved on to other projects. They weren’t sure if “KPop” would ever see the light of day. Production for animation takes time.

It wasn’t until she learned that her Mexican parents were organically aware of the movie that Jimenez considered it could actually live up to the potential she initially had hoped for.

“Without me saying anything, my parents were like, ‘People are talking about this’ — like my dad’s co-workers or my aunt’s friends — that’s when I started to realize, ‘This might be something big,’” she says.

“But never in my life did I think it would be at this scale.”

“KPop Demon Hunters” is now nominated for two Academy Awards: animated feature and original song. And that’s on top of how ubiquitous the characters — Rumi, Mira and Zoey — already are.

“Everyone sends me photos of knockoff ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ dolls from across the border,” Jimenez says laughing. “My friend got me a shirt from Mexicali with the three girls, but they do not look anything like themselves. She even got my name on it, which was awesome.”

After graduating from Loyola Marymount University in 2018, Jimenez and McMechan quickly found their footing in the industry, as well as representation. But it was their still unproduced screenplay, “Luna Likes,” about a Mexican American teenage girl obsessed with the late chef and author Anthony Bourdain, that tangentially put them on the “KPop” path.

“Luna Likes” earned the pair a spot at the prestigious Sundance Screenwriters Lab, where Nicole Perlman, who co-wrote “Guardians of the Galaxy,” served as one of their advisors. Perlman, credited as a production consultant on “KPop,” thought they would be a good fit.

Jimenez didn’t see the connection between her R-rated comedy about a moody Mexican American teen and a PG animated feature set in the world of K-pop music, but the duo still pitched. Their idea more closely resembled an indie dramedy than an epic action flick.

“If [our version of ‘KPop’] were live-action, it would’ve been a million-dollar budget. It was the smallest movie ever. Our big finale was a pool party,” Jimenez says. “We had all of the girls and the boys with instruments, which obviously is not a thing in K-pop, and everyone was making out.”

Even though their original pitch wouldn’t work for the film, Maggie Kang, the co-director and also a co-writer, believed their voices as two young women who were best friends, roommates and creative collaborators could help the movie’s heroines feel more authentic.

“Maggie had already interviewed all of the more established writers, especially older men,” Jimenez says. “She knows the culture. She knew K-pop, she’s an animator. She just needed the girls’ voices to come through, so I think that’s why we got hired.”

Kang confirms this via email: “It’s always great to collaborate with writers who are the actual age of your characters! Hannah and Danya were exactly that,” she says. “They were very helpful in bringing a fresh, young voice to HUNTR/X.”

Neither Jimenez nor McMechan were K-pop fans at the time. As part of their research, they both started watching K-pop videos, but it was McMechan who got “sucked into the K-hole” first. Still, it didn’t take long until the video for BTS’ “Life Goes On” entranced Jimenez.

“K-pop is a river that you fall into, and it just takes you,” Jimenez says. BTS and Got7 are her favorite groups. For McMechan, the ensemble that captivates her most is Stray Kids.

In writing the trio of demon hunters, the co-writers modeled them after themselves. The characters’ propensity for ugly faces, silliness and a bit of grossness too, stems from the portrayals of girlhood and young womanhood that appeal to them. Jimenez, who says she was an angsty teen, most closely identifies with the rebellious Mira.

“I have a monotone vibe,” says Jimenez. “People always think that I’m a bitch just because I have a resting bitch face,” she says. “But as you can see in the movie, Mira cares so much about having everyone be really close. I feel like that’s how I’m with all my friends.”

Characters with strong personalities that are not simplistically likable feel the truest to Jimenez. In “Luna Likes,” the prickly protagonist is directly inspired by her experiences growing up, as well as the bond she shared with her dad over Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown” show.

“There’s a pressure to show that Mexicans are nice people and we’re hard workers. I was like, ‘Let’s make her kind of bitchy and very flawed,’” Jimenez says about Luna. “She’s a teenager in America and she should be given all the same opportunities — and also the forgiveness for being an ass— and [as] selfish at that age as anybody else.”

Hannah McMechan, left, and Danya Jimenez, co-writers of “KPop Demon Hunters,” met in college.

(Carlin Stiehl / For The Times)

Though their upbringings were markedly different, it was their shared comedic sensibilities that connected Jimenez and McMechan when they met in college. The two were close long before deciding to pen stories together. “Having a writing partner is the best. I feel bad for people who don’t have a writing partner, no offense to them,” says Jimenez.

McMechan explains that their writing partnership works because it’s grounded on true friendship. And she believes they would not have gotten this far without each other. While McMechan’s strong suit is looking at the bigger picture, Jimenez finds humor in the details.

“Danya is definitely funnier than me,” says McMechan. “It’s really hard to write comedy in dialogue versus comedy in a situation because if you’re putting the comedy in the dialogue, it can sound so forced and cringey. But she’s really good at making it sound natural but still really funny.”

Though she had been writing stories for herself as a teen, Jimenez didn’t consider it a career path until as a high schooler she watched the romantic comedy “No Strings Attached,” in which Ashton Kutcher plays a production assistant for a TV series.

“He is having a horrible time. But I was so obsessed with movies and TV, and I was like, ‘That looks incredible. I want to be doing what he’s doing,’” she recalls. “And my dad was like, ‘That’s a job.’”

Danya Jimenez grew up in Orange County.

(Carlin Stiehl / For The Times)

As an infant, Jimenez spent some time living in Tijuana, where her parents are from, until the family settled back in San Diego, where she was born. And when she was around 5 years old, Jimenez, an only child, and her parents relocated to Orange County. Until then, Jimenez mostly spoke Spanish, which made for a tricky transition when starting school.

“I knew English, but it just wasn’t a habit,” she recalls. “I would raise my hand and accidentally speak Spanish in class. My teachers would be like, ‘We’re worried about her vocabulary.’ That was always an issue, so it’s really funny that I turned out to be a writer.”

As she points out in her professional bio, it was movies and TV that helped with her English vocabulary, especially the Disney sitcom “Lizzie McGuire.”

Jimenez describes growing up in Orange County with few Latinos around outside of her family as an alienating experience. She admits to feeling great shame for some of her behaviors as a teenager afraid of being treated differently and desperate to fit in.

“I would speak Spanish to my mom like in a corner because I didn’t want everyone else to hear me speak Spanish,” Jimenez confesses. “If my mom pulled up to school to drop me off playing Spanish hits from the ‘80s or banda, I was like, ‘Can you turn it down please?’”

Like a lot of young Latinos, she’s now taking steps to connect with her heritage, and, in a way, atone for those moments where she let what others might think rob her of her pride.

“During the pandemic I cornered my grandma to make all of her recipes again so I could write them down,” she recalls. “Now I have them all written down on a website. Or if my mom corrects me for something that I’m saying in Spanish, I now listen.”

At the risk of angering her, Jimenez describes her mother as a “cool mom,” and compares her to Amy Poehler’s character in “Mean Girls.” Raised in a household without financial struggles, Jimenez doesn’t often relate to stories about Latinos in the U.S. that make it to film and TV. Her hope is to expand Latino storytelling beyond the tropes.

“That’s very important to me, to just tell Latino stories or Mexican stories in a way that’s just authentic to me and hopefully someone else is like, ‘Yes, that’s me,’” she says. “A lot of people have certain expectations for Latino stories that I’m not willing to compromise on.”

Though they still would like to make “Luna Likes” if given the chance, for now, Jimenez and McMechan will continue their rapid ascent.

They’re “goin’ up, up, up” because it is their “moment.” They recently wrapped the Apple TV show “Brothers” starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson that filmed in Texas. They are also writing the feature “Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman” for Tim Burton to direct, with Margot Robbie in talks to star.

“I feel like I’ve just been operating in a state of shock for the past, I don’t know how many months since June,” says Jimenez in her signature deadpan affect. “But if I think about it too much, I’d be a nervous wreck.”

MAJOR airports in Spain are introducing Brit-only border control to avoid travel chaos this summer.

New EES requirements have resulted in large queues at airports for British holidaymakers.

According to local media, the Spanish operator Aena has revealed that four airports will adapt their security and border control for Brits.

These airports are in Ibiza, Menorca, Malaga and Palma, Majorca.

It’s set to be put in place to ease the queues caused by new EES rules.

These will have a single access point to non-Schengen boarding zones to be used only by UK and non-EU passengers.

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There’s concern that the new EES requirement is causing delays in airports and will only grow during peak travel times, like the summer holidays.

Officials have expressed their worry that queues could be up to four hours or more.

The changes form part of Aena’s huge investment plan to its airports set to take place between 2027-2031.

These airports will use the investment ‘redesign control areas to improve passenger flow’.

They will allocate 29 per cent more space for passengers to ‘ensure smoother processing and better service quality’.

Malaga Airport could receive €1.5billion (£1.3billion) which could see it double the size of the terminal and increase capacity to handle 36million passengers each year.

Palma Airport (called Son Sant Joan) could receive €621.6million (just over £544million) for upgrades.

The investment is set to go towards the airport’s platforms, runway and taxiway pavements, taxiways, and renovation of boarding bridges.

In the case of Ibiza, the investment is set to be €229.7million (£201million), and in Menorca, the investment will reach €170.7million (£149million).

It will also include the adaptation to border control regulations to improve its efficiency.

At all four of the upgrade plans at these airports include allocated areas for Brits and non-EU passengers.

In order to fund the investment, Aena has proposed an average annual increasing its fees for airlines.

This hasn’t been well-received by the likes of Ryanair which has planned to axe over a million seats to certain Spanish routes, with some being cut down or cancelled completely.

Here’s more on the Spanish city which is getting MORE Ryanair flights after budget airline scrapped millions of seats.

And here are the cheapest destinations to fly to from six major UK airports including Spanish resorts to Greek islands.

Two Spanish islands have closed beaches due to the presence of ‘faecal contamination’ and both are in hotspots that are expecting large numbers of Brits for the Easter break

Two popular beaches on Spanish islands have been closed off due to an unpleasant, stomach-churning water issue.

Due to the presence of ‘faecal contamination’ just weeks ahead of the peak Easter season, two sandy stretches that’ll see huge numbers of visiting Brits in the coming weeks have been shut down.

The first beach to close to the public is in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, a popular spot in the spring thanks to its warm weather. An area known locally as the ‘small beach’ closed yesterday (March 24), with reports from local news outlet Canarian Weekly showing barriers in place preventing people from entering the sea.

Officials have said in a statement that the closure will last for 48 hours while laboratory results are analysed. Tests showed an elevated level of intestinal enterococci, a type of bacteria found in human and animal gastrointestinal tracts.

However, public health officials have said that nearby beaches, including Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo, are still open. Local government organisation Ayuntamiento de Yaiza is expected to give updates soon.

On another popular tourist island, Majorca, a beach in Cala Millor, has been closed after a broken pump led to a sewage spill. According to Majorca Daily News, locals reported seeing large amounts of wastewater running from the promenade and into the waters of Platja Petita.

The incident was reported yesterday, with the spillage continuing into the night. While the situation is now described as ‘under control’, the beach will remain closed for two to three days.

Cala Millor is found on the east coast of Majorca, and this tourist resort is particularly popular with Brits thanks to its long sandy Blue Flag beaches and large number of bars and nightclubs.

It’s not the first time the Balearic Islands’ beaches have faced closure due to contamination. Earlier this year it was revealed that incidents of ‘faecal contamination’ had doubled in 2025, with 92 cases recorded in 2025 alone.

Of the 92 incidents, 20 resulted in bans on swimming and bathing, while the other 72 led to advisories that warned visitors not to enter the water.

While a recent report by the Marilles Foundation showed that, overall, 70% of the Balearics’ beaches received an excellent rating for water quality, the figures varied between islands. In the little-visited island of Formentera, 100% of its beaches were rated as excellent, and in Menorca, the figure was 80%. In Ibiza, 63% were excellent, while 32% had a good rating and 5% were sufficient. According to the report, all the areas of insufficient water quality were in Majorca, highlighting Albercuix in Pollensa and Cala Egos in Santanyí as two particular areas of concern.

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The foundation, who raise awareness of marine conservation, has recommended tighter monitoring of the number of beachgoers and boats. At the moment, only Menorca keeps track of numbers, although plans over the next three years are to implement a new project using sensors to monitor numbers at 150 beaches, which is set to cost the islands €4 million (about £3.5 million).

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Before the onset of YouTube, U.S. parents had very limited options when it came to video programs that helped teach their children Spanish.

There was, of course, the ever-popular Nickelodeon show “Dora the Explorer” and before that, the PBS show “Amigos,” that looked to instill the basics of Spanish into kids across America.

These programs — while useful, innovative and entertaining — never allowed for full-on Spanish-language immersion for viewers, relying heavily on English as their primary tongue.

Now, kid-friendly videos for language acquisition can be found on all corners of the internet with YouTube playing host to the lion’s share of the market, ranging from partially in Spanish to only in Spanish.

The Times spoke to three of the most viewed Spanish-language educators for children on YouTube to see what goes behind creating highly engaging children’s content.

Isa Muñoz — “Aprende Peque”

Isa Muñoz, 33, had known from a young age that she wanted to become a teacher.

Growing up in the Baja California city of Mexicali, Muñoz’s parents worked as teachers, as did many of her aunts and uncles. Seeing how fulfilling her family members’ careers were, she dedicated her life to educating young children.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree and master’s in special education, she worked as a preschool teacher and a private tutor before one day receiving a call from veteran program producers Alexandra Cohen and Karen Garzon.

Born and raised in Venezuela, but now raising children in Miami, Cohen and Garzon were disappointed after scouring the internet for video tools to help them make learning Spanish fun and effective for their respective children and finding few helpful resources.

To fill this gap in the market, the duo teamed up with their lifelong friend Jessica Rutenberg to create the Spanish-only educational YouTube channel “Aprende Peque.”

As the idea came into fruition, the team searched for the perfect person to be the face of their channel — specifically someone who had experience working with kids and understood how to efficiently communicate with them.

That’s where Muñoz came in.

As part of the auditioning process, she flew out to Miami from Mexicali to try out for the role. The trip resulted in two days of filming which produced three full episodes of the program that included 21 featured songs.

In the almost three years since “Aprende Peque” launched, the channel has gained 1.05 million subscribers on YouTube and posted more than 500 videos, which have amassed more than 500 million views.

The thumbnail of each video features Muñoz’s ever-emotive face, as well as her signature orange-and-white outfit and large orange head bow. More than just adding an energetic face to the videos, she also integrates elements from the latest studies on child education into each episode.

Interwoven between Muñoz’s warm, patient and interactive lessons are musical numbers that range from nursery range to rock to folksy with visuals that fluctuate between grounded and fantastical.

While Muñoz had always envisioned herself as an educator, she wasn’t as ready to be known for singing.

Muñoz works closely with the program’s musical director, Pablo Estacio, to craft the songs featured in each video. The Venezuelan native has served as the bassist and songwriter for the band Bacalao Men for over 27 years and earned a bachelor’s degree in music production and engineering from the lauded Berklee College of Music.

“Pablo has helped me tune, refine and shape my voice to the point that it’s at right now,” she said.

Those musical detours are crucial to breaking up the episodes into distinct sections and provide renewed points of interaction in videos that often last between 40 minutes and an hour.

The process of crafting such long and engaging videos often takes between three and five weeks, Muñoz noted.

“It takes about a week to write one script,” she said. “After that, we film the episode, which takes about 12 hours. Then comes the part that requires the most amount of time, which is editing and integrating any necessary animations.”

The team aims to complete two to three episodes monthly in order to have a constant stream of content year-round.

While making “Aprende Peque” episodes is creatively exhilarating, Muñoz said it’s the fan reaction and interaction that mean the most to her.

“We’re so lucky that our audience has so much love to give and that they send that love through their messages,” she said. “I personally get motivated by knowing that this whole project is actually helping children.

“For a person to reach a point where they believe that the program has worked so well that they feel compelled to write in to thank us is so wonderful,” she said. “That’s something that we’re so thankful for and something that inspires us.

On a personal level, Muñoz has also experienced moments of deep connection with her family thanks to “Aprende Peque.”

“My mom has joined me on several occasions at meet and greets and I’ve seen her shed tears of joy when she sees the impact that the program has had on kids,” she said.

Liz De León — “Spanish with Liz”

In contrast to Muñoz, Liz De León, 39, never really thought of entering the education space before kick-starting her YouTube channel “Spanish with Liz.”

The native Texan was born in El Paso, but spent the first few years of her life just across the Mexican border in Ciudad Juárez. She moved back to Texas for middle and high school before ultimately settling in California for work.

De León was inspired to start her YouTube channel after having kids of her own.

“Once my kids were born, I wanted them to grow up with my culture and my language and the roots that I value so much,” she said.

At first, De León thought she would be able to find plenty of helpful of educational videos online. But much like Cohen and Garzon, she soon found that many of the visual resources out there came up short when it came to teaching fundamental elements of Spanish.

“A lot of it was catered toward only grabbing the attention of the child with a lot of ice cream and candy and sweets and high energy,” she said. “It didn’t teach the true fundamentals of things moms worry about.”

De León’s husband was the one who first suggested that she record herself singing songs that she created to teach her kids. She began to consider it more seriously after a relative told her that her teaching style was similar to the uber-popular kids’ YouTuber Ms. Rachel.

“That’s when I was first introduced to an educator on-screen that I felt aligned with when it came to teaching — with clear pronunciation, a storyline, making sure everything that was spoken was foundational and root words,” she said. “I really liked her format and thought, ‘She’s just a regular person like me and she did it.’ So I just did it.”

Filmed in front of a green screen in one of the rooms of her San Diego home, De León’s videos aim at helping young children learn vocabulary for specific real-life situations.

Donning her signature pink T-shirt and rocking a slicked-back ponytail, she attempts to minimize the stress of things like going to the airport or a dentist visit by introducing kids to the many elements that factor into those experiences. She creates levity in the videos by having colorful animated backgrounds, through the use of puppets and by singing songs throughout.

Raised in a household that put a premium on education, De León had looked at life through the eyes of a student — which proved particularly helpful as a registered nurse specializing in anesthesia.

“If you ask any medical person, they are teachers. Half of your job is education and teaching people how to stay healthy and to take care of themselves,” De León said. “You have to learn to cater to what’s developmentally appropriate to each person. You learn about child behavior, child psychology and the formation of the brain and how they learn.”

Each episode is crafted with two very important subjects in mind for De León: her two kids, who are 4 and 5. As the kids develop, so does the show.

“They are now understanding the episodes at a deeper level,” she said. “For example, we just watched the Halloween episode a couple of months ago and they now understood that October is a month within the year.”

Her children are also her first round of critics and help her understand what works and what doesn’t. Perhaps most importantly, they are De León’s gauge for how engaging her songs are.

“They help me with the music, actually,” she said. “If they don’t learn it and it doesn’t stick with them I know it’s not good enough. Then I redo it. They’re very much my little co-creators.”

One of the reasons “Spanish with Liz” has reached more than 18 million views on YouTube is the obvious care and research that goes into every video. Being a nurse and having a physician husband, De León has extensive access to medical professionals that let her borrow tools and inform her on what they’ve seen be effective methods for working with children.

“Something unique about our channel, is that we’ve thought about the storyline, how we’re gonna say things, the phrases, what works, what doesn’t work, what kids are afraid of and how we’re gonna tackle all that,” she said. “ So much purpose goes into each episode and then we try to borrow the equipment that’s actually going to be used so they can see it.”

And when she doesn’t have an expert on a topic immediately at her disposal, De León seeks out professionals who can thoroughly inform her. For example, when working on an episode about potty training, she took a class from two potty training experts.

Being that making videos is her third job behind being a nurse and a mom, time is a fleeting asset for the YouTuber. Because of that, each video takes about two months to create from start to finish with De León serving as the writer, director, songwriter and preliminary editor. She is aided by her husband who helps record and occasionally functions as a puppeteer, an additional editor, a composer, a designer and a babysitter, whose help allows her the time to record.

But having a team like that doesn’t pay for itself and that’s where De León’s more than 78,000 YouTube subscribers come into play.

According to the content creator, all the money made from the channel goes into paying for the fees associated with production and the rest goes to donating to three different charities — one that helps immigrant families in the U.S.; another is an orphanage in Mexico; and the final one is World Central Kitchen, which provides food relief in response to humanitarian, climate and community crises.

De León still often finds herself shocked that she’s able to have a platform that helps empower people to achieve new goals and that she’s touched so many lives through her videos.

“Isn’t it crazy that YouTube can change someone’s life?” she asked. “I think of all the artists that came up from putting their music out there on YouTube. I feel like it’s a place the whole world can tap into, mostly for good.”

Miss Nenna — “Spanish for Minis”

From her early days of growing up in the L.A. area, Miss Nenna, 32, felt a deep connection to the universal language of math. So profound was her interest that she obtained a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and now works at a utility firm in the San Diego area.

As an eighth grader, when she served as a math tutor, Miss Nenna thought about what went into becoming an effective teacher.

“I thought about how I could help someone learn to understand it and make it fun,” she said. “So it was always really fun trying to figure out what worked for some students and what what didn’t work for others.”

She has since taken that ethos and turned it into the YouTube channel “Spanish for Minis,” which has 289,000 subscribers and has amassed over 31 million views. As is popular in the genre, her videos are broken into segments that involve a mix of direct instruction, interactive conversation and exceedingly catchy sing-alongs.

Just like with De León, Miss Nenna first got into the video-making game based on a suggestion from her husband made back in 2022.

“He saw a lot of potential in me because I have a bubbly personality around kids,” she said. “He mentioned I should try teaching Spanish and science to kids and added that it would benefit our child.”

It wasn’t until the couple’s 16-month-old son was diagnosed with speech delay that she really got serious about making videos so that her son could interact with her when she was away.

When the project first began, Miss Nenna had no experience with shooting and editing videos.

“I just sat with my husband and we’d watch videos on how to edit, how to use different graphics, how to make sure it’s OK for us to use certain songs,” she said. “So a lot of trial and error and a lot of research, since it’s just the two of us.”

“Spanish for Minis” videos are filmed at the couple’s residence in front of a green screen and each episode takes about 40 hours to complete.

“None of it is ever scripted. I kind of just set the camera myself and all the lighting,” she said. “I get a basket and I put a bunch of toys in it from my kids’ playroom, then I walk into a room and I record myself.”

While filming, Miss Nenna imagines that she is speaking directly to her almost-4-year-old son or 1-year-old daughter in order to make sure she’s in the right headspace.

The topics of the videos aim to evolve with the ever-changing needs of her son. Most of the earlier “Spanish for Minis” videos were focused on babies and now they have transitioned into content for toddlers.

Production on Miss Nenna’s videos has slowed down in recent months as she has focused her time on raising her children, but she has goals to put out two videos each month in 2026.

One of the more rewarding aspects of “Spanish for Minis” is the interactions that Miss Nenna has with parents and children who watch the program.

“I get messages every day, and I try my best to respond to as many as I can because I love connecting with the parents online,” she said. “I also have Cameo where I make personalized videos. Those are a lot of fun because I always message the parents and it’s like, ‘Hey, give me every single detail about what your kid loves. I want to make sure this is a really personalized video and that they enjoy it.’”

WHEN it comes to Spanish islands, trying to avoid the crowds can be near impossible.

But Menorca in the Balearics has far fewer tourists than some of it’s neighbours, and is a great alternative according to a TUI travel agent who has been in the biz for over 25 years.

Each year, Menorca welcomes around 1.5million tourists – a fraction of Ibiza that sees up to 4million visitors, or Majorca‘s 13million.

TUI Travel agent Claire Moye, who has worked in travel for 26 years, has booked over 1,000 trips to Menorca and has even dubbed it a great alternative to the lively Ibiza.

So why visit what Claire called ‘Ibiza’s chilled-out sister’?

In the summertime, Menorca can see highs of 30C, and thanks to the island’s smaller size, airport transfers are short.

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Not to mention it can be less expensive too. Claire revealed: “In peak summer, Menorca can work out cheaper than some of the more established hotspots. 

“A casual meal out for a family of four typically costs less in Menorca, with families often spending around €60 – €90 compared with €90 – €120 in busier hotspots. And a pint of beer can be a few euros less too.”

If that hasn’t sold you on a trip yet, check out Claire’s top beaches, restaurants and her favourite hidden gems…

Best beaches

“If you love those picture-perfect Ibiza beaches like Cala Comte or Cala d’Hort, then Cala Macarella is Menorca’s answer.

“It’s got those similar limestone cliffs and the most incredible turquoise water – honestly, it’s just as stunning but without lots of people fighting for a spot.

“The smaller sister cove, Macarelleta, is even more secluded and feels really special. I always tell couples to head there if they want that romantic, intimate vibe – although it is a nudist-friendly beach, so just be aware of that before you go.

“Cala Turqueta is another absolute stunner – the water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom, and there are pine trees for shade which is a godsend in the midday heat. 

“And if you want something a bit different, Cala Pregonda has this gorgeous reddish-golden sand that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a bit of a walk to get there, but that’s what makes it feel like a proper hidden gem.”

Bars and nightlife

Claire says if you’re after the party life of Ibiza with all its superclubs like the newly reopened UNVRS, then Menorca might not be for you.

But there is one very unique bar that is worth checking out – and it has plenty of room for dancing.

“Cova d’en Xoroi, is just magical. It’s a bar built into caves on the cliffsides, and watching the sunset there with a cocktail in hand is just so beautiful.

“They do have DJ nights too, so be prepared to bring out your Ibiza-style moves once the dance floor opens at 11pm.

“The port of Mahon also has a lovely string of bars along the waterfront where you can have drinks with beautiful harbour views. 

“It’s not about clubbing until dawn, but there’s definitely a buzz in the evenings and it has a lot in common with Ibiza old town – both are working natural harbours packed with history perfect for evening promenades. 

“I tell all of my customers to try a pomada while they’re there – it’s the local cocktail made with Menorcan gin and lemonade.

“The island actually produces its own gin called Xoriguer, and the gin and tonics there are massive.”

Restaurants

“For restaurants, Café Balear in Ciutadella port is legendary – it’s right on the harbour and the seafood is incredible. You’ll see locals queuing up alongside tourists, which is always a good sign.

“It actually started out as a tavern in the harbour back in the 70s, mainly for seafarers who would drop by in the early hours before they went to work. Nowadays I’d recommend booking ahead because it gets packed!

“Also in Ciutadella, for those who want Michelin standard fine dining like Ibiza’s famous La Gaia or Amante, you should book well ahead for Smoix; set inside a former shoe factory it’s called out as one of  the island’s best eateries.

“Or for Ibiza countryside-luxury vibes head for Cala en Porter and the Torralbenc Restaurant, set in a restored finca with vineyard and sea views, for organic farm to table food.”

Shopping

Make sure to take time away from the hotels and the beaches to explore the shops.

Claire said: “The markets in Menorca are brilliant. Mercat des Claustre in Mahón is a traditional covered market where you can get local cheeses, fresh fruits and sobrassada (which is a type of sausage that’s spreadable, a bit like pate). 

“Like Ibiza’s best markets, it’s less about shopping and more about soaking up everyday island life. It’s my personal favourite, and ideal for putting together a picnic or picking up gifts to take home.”

Hidden Gems

“One of my favourite hidden gems is Lithica Pedreres de s’Hostal – it’s an abandoned quarry that’s been transformed into gardens with a bit of a maze carved into the stone walls.

“It has the same slightly surreal, unexpected feel as some of Ibiza’s ‘alternative’ cultural spaces. It honestly looks a bit dystopian, but they often host concerts and events there.

“It’s the kind of place that surprises people because they don’t expect to find something so unique on a small island.”

For more on Spanish islands, here are the ‘best of the Balearics’ with Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot’s pick of unspoilt beaches and whitewashed fishing villages.

And here’s the Spanish destination that’s the ‘hottest’ place to travel with £15 flights and over 200 beaches.

THE washout weather that has plagued the country this year has many of us desperate for some sunshine.

As yet another rain-soaked week awaits, it makes sense to search out some blue skies and warm weather.

With the Easter break a way off, now is the perfect time to head abroad for some vitamin D at decent prices.

Here Head of Travel Lisa Minot picks some great deals on guaranteed sunshine destinations . . . 

THE Canary Island favourite is always a good bet for sun as March arrives, with temperatures averaging in the low 20s.

The family-friendly 4-star Alexandre Gala near Playa de las Americas on the sun-drenched south-west coast has two outdoor pools, one of which is heated year-round.

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As well as a buffet restaurant and two bars, there is a spa and sports facilities.

Its central location means it is close to the beach, bars and restaurants and just 1km from the Siam Park water park.

GO: Seven nights’ half-board at the Alexandre Gala is from £677pp including flights from Birmingham on March 4. See thomascook.com.

WARMING up nicely in March, Cyprus offers average highs of 20C.

Set on the beachfront of Kato Paphos, the 5-star Ivi Mare hotel is designed exclusively for adults.

There are three restaurants — buffet, Mediterranean and Japanese — as well as two bars, two outdoor freshwater pools and an indoor one.

There also a spa with sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi plus treatments for a pamper between sunbathing sessions.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Ivi Mare is from £969pp including flights from Gatwick on March 2 and transfers. See easyjet.com/en/holidays and ivimarepaphos.com.

YOU are guaranteed tropical sunshine on the Caribbean coast of Mexico — and the all-inclusive 5-star AVA Resort Cancun makes the most of it, with all rooms and suites featuring panoramic ocean views.

The 2.8-acre beachfront lagoon is perfect for sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding, while another six pools offer more water fun.

There are nine fine-dining restaurants and eight casual options, including street food and ice cream salons.

There are also bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £2,175pp, including flights from Gatwick on March 11 and transfers. See ba.com and avaresortcancun.com.

AGADIR’S beaches are a hit with surfers thanks to the year-round swells.

And with temperatures sizzling in the high 20s around now, there is no better place to kick back on a sunlounger with a beer.

At this time of year, stays at the 5-star Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay are a steal, with luxurious rooms overlooking the ocean, two outdoor pools and a sandy beach just a 1.4km stroll away.

While golf enthusiasts are getting in the swing at the on-site 18-hole course, those seeking relaxation can book in at the Moroccan-themed spa.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay is from £449pp with Luton flights on March 10. See loveholidays.co.uk.

ALL you will see from your room is blue at the 4-star Fuerteventura Princess, where four sprawling outdoor pools look on to the ocean.

Lush palm trees, volcanic mountains and hot weather make the island seem like a far-flung tropical escape, yet it is just a four-ish hour flight.

Sample local delights as well as familiar favourites at the buffet restaurant.

There is an outdoor tennis court, table tennis, billiards, volleyball and archery.

GO: Seven nights’ half-board at the Fuerteventura Princess is from £660pp including flights from Luton on March 4. See onthebeach.co.uk.

WITH GORGEOUS beaches and incredible swimming in coral reefs, Marsa Alam is ideal for a last-minute winter sun break.

TUI has new direct flights from Gatwick to the Red Sea resort, making it an easy flight with short transfers.

The 4-star Jaz Grand Marsa has its own private beach with a coral reef, as well as five pools, three of which have sea views.

The spacious grounds feature gardens and water fountains, plus tennis courts.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Jaz Grand Marsa is from £666pp including flights from Gatwick on March 15. See tui.co.uk.

MAJORCA is no secret to Brits – it’s a great place for a holiday with its beautiful city, sandy beaches, nightlife and tasty food.

Now, the island has been named one of the ‘hottest destinations to visit in 2026’, and it’s not hard to see why it continues to be firmly on our radar.

The Independent named Majorca one of the ‘hottest’ places to visit this year – and travel company ASmallWorld named Majorca as Spain’s newest ‘It’ island

CEO Zain Richardson said: “What makes Mallorca stand out from other Spanish islands is its sheer diversity.

“You get the bohemian charm of stone-built villages, the buzz of Palma’s restaurants and galleries, and an ever-changing coastline of quiet calas and long sandy beaches, without having to compromise on comfort or style.”

I visited the island’s capital, Palma, myself almost a decade ago now.

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But I’m not surprised that it’s still up there with the most popular holiday destinations for Brits – almost 3.5million of us jet off there each year.

Palma has the perfect blend of city and beach with a busy Old Town full of winding streets with classic high street names and plenty of designer shops.

Passeig del Born, a street that’s also called the ‘Golden Mile’, has lots of luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Bvlgari and Hugo Boss.

I could only window shop, but there are still plenty of other inexpensive shops to be explored.

For sunglasses, check out Óptica Santa Maria Boutique which has some lovely, and reasonably priced frames – along with designer ones of course.

Giovanni L. Gelato Deluxe is another must – it’s Palma’s oldest ice cream parlour with around 80 flavours on offer.

You can easily spot it thanks to its bright red awning and gem embellished ice cream mural outside.

Choosing a flavour was a no-brainer as the brand has award-winning ice cream and was awarded the title for the “World’s Best Pistachio Ice Cream” twice.

I opted for a simple blend of pistachio and vanilla – and it was delicious.

The city is of course framed by its huge 14th-century cathedral on the seafront, and tourists can go inside for around €11 (£9.61).

I find though that you can still appreciate it enough by wandering around the outside.

Next door, the Gardens of S’Hort del Rei (The King’s Orchard) at the foot of Royal Palace of La Almudaina is a lovely spot where you can find some shade – and it wasn’t busy either.

As for where to stay, I set up base at the Hipotels Gran Playa de Palma which is tucked behind the promenade at Playa de Palma – around 20-minutes outside of the city centre.

The hotel has two outdoor pools, three bars, two buffet restaurants and entertainment during the evening.

As much as I enjoy a fly and flop holiday, I do love some activity outside of the hotel, and here was a great spot.

The hotel was a short walk to the beach, and the promenade filled with cafes, restaurants and plenty of places to pick up a bucket and spade.

The beach has soft golden sand and while there are sun loungers which you can hire out for a fee, there’s plenty of space if you want to simply sit on a towel too.

One of my favourite spots was Levita Café where I ended up stopping in most days for a rosé sangria which set me back €6.50 (£5).

If you’re so inclined, it’s also near one of Majorca’s biggest clubs, MegaPark.

I didn’t venture inside, but it’s known for having a huge open-air disco, a large beer garden, and a show stage.

Even though our hotel was just a five-minute walk-away, I never heard any noise from the club.

While there are party opportunities dotted around the island, it’s becoming more welcoming for those who aren’t there to seek out the party lifestyle.

It’s been reported that local authorities are tightening rules on party boats and noisy beach activities.

When it comes to money, Majorca isn’t the cheapest place, it’s not hugely expensive either.

According to Numbeo, you can pick up a local beer for £3.49 and coffee for £2.51.

If you want to see more of the island outside of Palma, then some other top-rated spots include the Tramuntana region with huge mountain ranges.

Some of the best beaches in the country include Cala Mondragó which is within the Mondragó Natural Park – but there are plenty to choose from as the island has over 200 of them.

As for when’s best to head to the island, it can vary as this week there are highs of 21C and plenty of sunshine, but there is a risk of rain.

Personally, I’d head there in springtime – May, April and June are generally dry with lots of sun without being too hot.

In peak months like July and August, temperatures can reach the mid-30s.

Flights won’t set you back too much either, in April, you can fly from Birmingham and London Stansted from £15 with Ryanair.

And you’ll be setting down in two and a half hours from the UK.

Here are top eats in Majorca from experts…

Tour guides Georgiana Paun, Michelle van der Werff, Emily Himmer, 30, and travel agent Tomas Nanak, share their top Majorca tips…

Georgiana said: “Las Olas is a family restaurant located on the beachfront in Santa Ponsa on the west of the island, with incredible views.

“You can enjoy all kinds of Mediterranean food while watching the sun go down over the bay of Santa Ponsa.

“Choose between their fish, seafood, paellas and meat dishes, as well as a variety of delicious tapas made with local market products.”

Michelle and Emily said: “One of our local favourites is Toque de Queda in central Palma, because of its fresh, healthy cuisine served in a cosy ‘living room’ atmosphere.

“The laid-back vibe and delicious local dishes make it a perfect place for an easy evening out, with Balearic charcuterie boards from 14 euros, and fish tapas from 9 euros.”

Tomas said: “Bar Esperanza in Ses Covetes has great Mediterranean food, with tapas from 4 euros, while Organic on Cala Marsal beach offers the best brunch on the island, with hearty Spanish breakfasts from 12.50 euros.

“If you’re looking for delicious tapas, head to Babbo Portocolom with views of the harbour on the southeast side of the island, with dishes from 7.50 euros, or S’Arrosería in Colonia de San Jordi has the best paella – from 18 euros.”

For more of the top places to visit this year this European city with 3,000 hours of sunshine a year has been named the best destination to visit in 2026.

And here are the bucket list 2026 holidays you should go on for every month of the year.

RYANAIR has warned it’s planning on axing even MORE routes to Spain next year.

This comes after the budget airline announced it would be cutting 1.2million seats from popular destinations this summer.

Ryanair has already revealed that this year it plans to axe over a million seats to certain Spanish routes, with some routes being cut down.

Others could be axed completely – and there could be more to come.

This is in response to Aena – the state-controlled airport operator in the country – increasing its fees for airlines.

The operator has proposed an increase in passenger fees, meaning airlines would be paying 21 per cent more from 2027 to 2031.

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CEO of Ryanair, Eddie Wilson has now said: “Next winter we will make further cuts to regional airport services and I remind you that our total traffic in Spain for this summer will only grow by 0.5 per cent compared to 9 per cent in Italy, 11 per cent in Morocco or 20 per cent in Poland.”

He added: “Aena’s proposal to increase fares by 21 per cent is regrettable, but not surprising, as this airport monopoly has a history of applying the highest fares at the expense of traffic development, especially at Spain’s regional airports, which are 70 per cent empty.”

Eddie Wilson continued to say that if the fees were to be increased it would “make even the most popular airports in Spain uncompetitive.”

He said that Ryanair’s aircraft would end up going to “other places in Europe where rates are more competitive” instead.

Ryanair isn’t the only airline hitting back at the proposals from Aena.

According to Business Travel News Europe, “‘airline groups are objecting to proposed increases” and have called for an “annual reduction in the fees.”

Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s regional vice president for Europe, called AENA’s proposed level of increases “unsustainable and unrealistic”.

After the proposals were announced, Ryanair last year revealed cancellations of its routes to Vigo and Santiago.

The airline is also reducing its capacity at Santander, the Canary Islands, and Zaragoza.

It is also significantly scaling back its operations at Santiago de Compostela.

Elsewhere in Spain, Ryanair is halting all flights to Asturias and Vigo, and the base in Jerez will remain closed in 2026.

Other axed routes last year include those to French airports like Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg.

However, Ryanair will restart routes to Bergerac in March with flights being bookable until the end of October 2026.

In response to possible tax increases in Belgium, Ryanair has said that 1.1million seats will be axed across Charleroi Airport this year.

This will be followed by another 1.1million in 2027.

Charleroi City Council is set to introduce a €3 per passenger tax from April 2026.

And the Belgium government is set to increase the passenger tax from €2 to €10 by January 2027.

Check out this cheap and sunny destiantion alternative to Spain…

With Ryanair axing flights across Europe this year – Morocco could become even more affordable in the coming years…

This means that your trip to Tenerife could become more expensive – and if so, you should take a look at Morocco instead.

Cities around the North African country could be set to get cheaper flights as Ryanair has said that the capacity removed from Spanish airports will be reallocated to more competitive European markets, including Morocco.

There are plenty of options like Marrakesh, Agadir, Rabat or Essaouira.

Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel, went on a trip earlier this year and said: “I’ve spent a wonderful long weekend in Marrakech and the city is as exciting as ever.

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

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

For more on holidays, check out Morocco’s capital city that’s an ‘understated seaside gem’ and far less crowded than Marrakesh.

Plus, here’s the best time of day to book flights down to the exact MINUTE – and how it can save you hundreds on your holiday.

BARCELONA is a fun city to visit, but have you heard about its cool neighbour?

El Poblenou sits just outside Barcelona in Spain but has far fewer crowds.

It was named one of the coolest neighbourhood by Time Out back in 2024.

And according to Meet Barcelona, the area is known as ‘Catalan Manchester‘ what with the industrial factories that remain.

The name emerged at the start of the 20th century, when textile factories and engineering plants filled the area and played a vital part in Barcelona‘s industrialisation.

During the 60s and 70s, the local government decided that having an industrial area so close to the city wasn’t the best and moved it further away.

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Many of the factories became empty until a revamp plan called ’22@’ revitalised the area to what it is today.

When it comes to visiting today, the trendy neighbourhood has fewer of the factories it once used to – though chimneys still litter the skyline – and instead lots of cosy cafes and vibrant tapas bars.

The neighbourhood even has its own Rambla, a pedestrian-friendly street modelled on the famous one in the Old City.

Much quieter than the one in central Barcelona, it stretches from Diagonal Mar shopping centre to Avinguda Diagonal to the seaside.

This is where you will then find Platja de la Nova Mar Bella – a popular Mediterranean beach.

The beach stretches for 420 metres and boasts golden sand.

In fact, it was revitalised for the 1992 Olympic Games and is today known for its calm, shallow waters.

If you happen to be in the neighbourhood during the first weekend of the month, then head to Palo Alto Market where you will find an array of street food as well as fashion and homeware stalls.

Spread across three galleries, the market also has outdoor stages with live music throughout the day.

There’s also Can Framis Museum, which is home to an array of Catalan artworks from the 1960s to present day.

Though it might seem morbid, you can also explore Cementiri de Poblenou, which is a sprawling cemetery with artistic tombs including a winged skeleton that is known as the ‘Kiss of Death’.

If you happen to be in the area during the first part of July, you will be able to visit La Fira del Poblenou – also known as Poblenou Craft Beer Festival – which is a three-day festival with 45 to 50 brewers, street food stalls and live music.

Ciutadella Park then sits just outside the neighbourhood, which is a park that opened back in the late 1800s and features a zoo, boating lake, museums and walking trails inside.

Flights to Barcelona cost as little as £13 each way in April.

To get from the airport to the neighbourhood, it’s a 20 minute drive or 50 minutes on public transport.

For more inspiration on trips to Spain, there’s a tiny Spanish island yet to have mass tourism that is still hot in January with 20C highs and quiet beaches.

Plus, there’s an all-inclusive Spanish island holiday resort that is 20C in winter with £30 easyJet flights.

Epic train journey starts in London then passes through Paris, leading travellers to a beach in Spain with golden sand and a lively atmosphere

A stunning nine-hour rail journey that begins with the Eurostar in London and concludes on a breathtaking beach in Spain is sure to leave you mesmerised. The thrilling train adventure sets off from St Pancras station in London, whisking you away to the picturesque La Zurriola beach, nestled in the city of San Sebastián (Donostia) in Spain.

This charming beach is famed for its idyllic surroundings, golden shores, and superb surfing conditions, making it a favourite spot for both locals and holidaymakers. To reach this scenic beach in San Sebastián from London by rail, you’ll need to first board the Eurostar train from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord.

This leg of the journey takes roughly two hours and 15 minutes. From Paris, passengers can then jump onto a TGV train bound for Hendaye, which will take around five to six hours, reports the Express.

Upon reaching San Sebastián’s train station, you can opt for a bus or taxi ride to La Zurriola beach.

The beach is situated in the Gros district, which is within strolling distance from the train station, but it might be more practical to take a brief bus or taxi trip, particularly if you’re laden with luggage.

One visitor reviewed the seaside location on TripAdvisor, writing: “Visiting San Sebastián was truly unforgettable, especially with the breath-taking view of the Atlantic Ocean.

“The coastline is stunning, just a short walk from downtown, where you can surf, swim, or simply relax and soak in the soothing sounds of waves crashing on the shore.”

The beach boasts a vibrant ambience with a bustling promenade peppered with bars, eateries, and shops, creating a lively hub of activity.

The official tourism website for the region, San Sebastián Turismoa, described the area on their website: “The promenade running round the beach from Sagüés to the Kursaal ‘cubes’ continues on its way round Monte Urgull and along the Paseo Nuevo to end at the Peine del Viento sculpture on the Concha Bay.

“This spectacular city walk covers around six kilometres and offers spectacular sea views and delightful resting spots along the way.

“From the Zurriola, you can also make your way up to Monte Ulía, a green area only a moment’s walk from the city centre. A former look-out point for whales, Monte Ulía is the city’s best hillwalking option and follows part of the coastal route on the Way of Saint James.”

La Zurriola is renowned for being a top-notch surfing location in Europe. The beach regularly experiences powerful swells from the Bay of Biscay, drawing in surfers ranging from novices to seasoned pros.

Surf schools and hire shops are on hand to accommodate visitors keen to ride the waves or pick up the sport.

Beyond surfing, La Zurriola offers the chance to partake in other water sports such as bodyboarding and paddleboarding. The beach also occasionally plays host to beach volleyball tournaments and other leisure activities.

The most affordable ticket from St Pancras for 29 April currently stands at roughly £67 on Trainline.

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WITH the rain in the UK seeming relentless, why not head somewhere next week with sunny weather and cheap flights?

Across the first half of next week, Tenerife in Spain will be hitting temperatures of up to 29C.

And you could fly out from Manchester this Sunday at 2:35pm arriving in Tenerife at 7:20pm, for £24 one way.

Or you could head off from Bristol Airport at 8:05am and arrive in Tenerife at 12:15pm on Sunday, for £23 one way.

If you are based near Leeds Airport, there are flights this Saturday and Sunday for £32 one way.

There’s also a flight from Newcastle Airport at 8:40am arriving in Tenerife at 1:30pm on Sunday, for £24 one way.

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If you are London-based, you can travel from London Stansted Airport for £31 one way on Monday.

When it comes to enjoying the sun on the island, Tenerife isn’t short of beaches to soak up some rays.

Rick Cosgrove, a local and a professional compere at many of the island’s bars, told Sun Travel: “I love both Puerto Colon and Fanabe beaches.

“These two coves are next to each other in Costa Adeje in the south of the island, and are ideal for beach lovers.

“Puerto Colon has a lot more going on, as it’s next to the marina and all sea excursions in the south tend to depart from here, so there is a plethora of bars, cafes and restaurants to serve your needs.

“If you find Puerto Colon too busy, then neighbouring mile-long Fanabe beach is a little more relaxed with quieter beach clubs along the edge.”

One of the beach clubs on Fanabe beach is Le Club, which is known for having live DJs and hosting watersports activities.

Nearby is also Aqualand Costa Adeje – a waterpark with kamikazes and twister racer slides.

The waterpark has even recently opened a new kids’ pool, splash tower and Pelican Bay, which is an area with waterslides, water arches and waterfalls.

Aqualand Costa Adeje costs £27.93 per person to visit.

Alternatively, you could head to Playa de las Vistas in Los Cristianos.

It’s a popular Blue Flag beach that stretches 850 metres long and is known for having clear and calm waters.

Then along the promenade are a number of restaurants, bars and shops to explore.

If you do fancy a bite to eat, then Rick recommends Chicagos.

He said: “It’s an American style sports bar serving ribs and burgers. (Burgers from £7.86 and ribs from £10.48)

“In Los Cristianos, The Star of Bengal does fantastic curries (mains from £6.99 and £2.62 pints), and the Mongolian BBQ Restaurant has an all-you-can-eat buffet that’s cooked in front of you, for around £13.10 per person.”

If you fancy heading to a quieter beach, then opt for Playa san Juan or Las Galletas beach.

Both feature black sand and are great for escaping the crowds.

And if you want to experience some of the local culture, make sure to head to La Laguna, which is a UNESCO-listed city with colonial architecture.

It’s located on the north side of the island and was created back in the 15th century.

Today, visitors can explore a number of churches and religious buildings in the Old Town.

If you’re more of an outdoorsy person, then head to Teide National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with volcanic landscapes, lava fields and Mount Teide – the ideal spot for picturesque views of the island and stargazing.

There are many places you can stay on the island with availability for next week.

For example, you could stay at Hotel Regency Country Club for £136 a night for four people.

Or head to 4Dreams Hotel Chimisay for just £72 a night for four people.

For more inspiration on trips to the Canary Islands, Spain’s cheapest island has £169pp holidays – and it’s 23C.

Plus, there’s a tiny Spanish island yet to have mass tourism that is still hot in January with 20C highs and quiet beaches.

FANS of Spain will be happy to hear that TUI has launched new holidays to the Spanish city closest to the UK.

Taking less than two hours to fly to, Bilbao is the largest city in Spain‘s Basque Country.

And now it will be getting new TUI holidays this spring.

The city used to be an industrial port before it was later transformed into a modern city with unique architecture.

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is one example of the interesting architecture in the city.

It was designed by Frank Gehry and inside visitors can expect 20 galleries full of art.

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Make sure when visiting to see Jeff Koons’ Puppy, which is the world’s biggest flower statue with more than 38,000 flowers that are even changed twice a year.

The museum costs £13.10 per person to visit.

Whilst visiting, you should also head to Casco Viejo, which is the city’s medieval old town and is filled with shops, cafes and the Santiago Cathedral.

It is a great spot for food lovers as there are lots of restaurants and bars offering pintxos (small snack dish) along with txikitos (small glasses of wine).

Pintxos usually cost from £1.80.

Of course, whilst you are in the city, take a stroll along the Nervion River to see views of Zubizuri Bridge, Iberdrola Tower and the San Mames Stadium.

Spain‘s famous Rioja region is also nearby, so wine lovers can head off on a day trip to tour one of the historic wineries and have a taste of the local wine.

If you want to see the city from a different angle, then head on the Funicular de Artxanda and you will travel to the top of Mount Artxanda, which has amazing panoramic views of the city.

For dinner, check out Mercado de la Ribera, which is Europe’s largest covered market serving fresh food.

Temperatures in the summer hit around 26C with lots of sunshine.

What’s even better is that Bilbao is only a short flight from the UK, taking just two hours.

With TUI, travellers can fly to Bilbao from Bristol, London Gatwick, London Heathrow and Manchester Airports.

Two night breaks with return UK flights can be found for just £127pp when travelling next month.

TUI’s commercial director Chris Logan said: ”Bilbao offers a truly special city break.

“With incredible art, fantastic food and beautiful scenery all in one trip, it’s ideal for customers who want the authentic taste of Spain.

“Outside peak summer, it’s fantastic value too with great hotels, unforgettable experiences and some of the best food in the country, all in a walkable city.”

For more inspiration on Spanish holidays, here are the best Spanish resorts you’ve never heard of.

Plus, the Spanish holiday resort that has the cheapest all-inclusive holidays this summer for families on a budget.

BRITS will have to carry a little more cash with them on holiday if they want to lounge about on this resort’s beautiful beaches.

The popular Spanish resort of Palma in Majorca has hiked the price of its sunbeds and parasols this summer.

Majorca has always been a popular destination with Brits – it sees between 2.3 to 3.6million tourists each year.

Holidaymakers flock to the island for sunshine in the peak months with daytime highs ranging from 25C up to highs of 40C.

The capital of the Spanish resort, Palma, is known for its huge cathedral, pretty streets filled with ice cream shops and boutiques as well as its beautiful beaches.

Now, local media has revealed that the price of sunloungers on some of Palma’s most popular beach spots has been upped to as much as £60 per day.

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Sunbed and umbrella prices will rise substantially from 2026 – the daily rate for both items will increase to €10 (£8.66), up from €6 (£5.20) in 2019.

Meanwhile, premium loungers will climb from €30 to €45 (almost £40) per day.

However, a picture on the sands of Cala Major reveals prices of premium loungers are as high as €70 (£60.87).

One of the few items to avoid a rise is the foldable canvas parasol, which remains at €30 (£26.12).

Along with the rise in cost of sunloungers, the number of them has actually been reduced.

In mid-2025, the Palma de Mallorca council announced it was planning to remove nearly 1,700 sun loungers from its beaches by 2026.

This is to increase free space for locals and address complaints about overtourism.

The reduction of sunbeds will be on Palma’s four main beaches; Playa de Palma, Cala Major, Ciutat Jardi and Cala Stancia.

The one with the largest reduction will be on Playa de Palma – the number of sunbeds will decrease from 6,000 to 4,436.

Another of its beaches, Can Pere Antoni, which isn’t managed by Palma council, will also have its sunbeds reduced from 200 to 94.

According to Mallorca Zeitung, the council also plans to let beachgoers reserve loungers and umbrellas via an online app by 2027.

Plus, one writer said they found the best kept secret in Majorca which was right by my hotel.

And this Balearic resort town is billing itself as a great winter sun destination – with £15 flights & 25C highs.