Spanish

Tenerife has long been an extremely popular destination for holidaymakers from the UK. Not only is it just a few hours away by plane – but there are plenty of deals on package holidays too

Tenerife is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits, with around 2.3 million people from the UK flocking to the sun-drenched island every single year. Just a few hours away by plane, the Spanish island is famous for its beautiful beaches, hot temperatures, and cloudless skies.

But, according to one Brit living in the Canary Islands destination, there’s one thing about the holiday hotspot lots of people don’t know. Andrew Knight, known on social media as The Knightsrider, runs a bar and a car hire business in Tenerife, and frequently shares looks into life on the island with his followers on social media.

In a recent clip on TikTok, Andrew revealed something he claimed “the internet isn’t telling you”. “That is the fact that this weather, the gorgeous ocean, the boat trips, the excursions, and everything, all run all year round,” he said.

What is Tenerife like in the winter?

Andrew said: “So many people message, or they call me up, or they ask me on the live streams, ‘Is this running in the winter?’, ‘Is this running in November?’, ‘What is open in December?’ Remember, Tenerife is 365 days a year.”

He continued: “So whether it’s winter, November, January, Christmas Day – everything is running. You’re gonna have average temperatures in the winter months of like 23 degrees in the daytime.”

Andrew added “the sea temperature doesn’t change much”, and the beaches remain busy in the winter. “We have a big rush and a big influx in the summer, but the winter months are actually our most solid months for me,” he said.

“That’s our busiest with the cars. We’re mad busy with the excursions then as well. So bear that in mind.

“It’s not spoken about enough, it’s not made clear enough online when you’re booking holidays and things. The Canary Islands, and Tenerife in particular, especially the south, is fantastic in the winter months, and we are an all-year-round amazing place to visit.

“So have a look, get it booked. You can find some great winter sunshine. Four hour flight from the UK, five hours from Germany, Sweden, etc, and you’ll be here in the sunshine rather than freezing, miserable, raining at home.”

Concluding, he said: “You can get some great deals, have a look at it. But Tenerife is an all-year-round destination. Ignore what the internet says.”

Why is Tenerife such a popular holiday destination for Brits?

Tenerife has long been an extremely popular destination for holidaymakers from the UK. Not only is it relatively nearby – just a few hours away by plane – but there are plenty of deals on package holidays to the island available too.

The south of the island is known for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife, as well as a wealth of places to eat and drink, but there’s more to see and do too. Tenerife is also home to the Mount Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with volcanic rock formations surrounding an active volcano, while the north of the island offers a more authentic local experience, with beautiful architecture and incredible food and drink.

Siam Park, a huge Thailand-themed water park, and Loro Parque, an animal and conservation park home to wildlife including lions, dolphins, penguins, gorillas, hippos, and much more, are also popular with visitors of all ages.

Direct flights to Tenerife are available from most UK airports.

FRANCE has long been the world’s most visited country, but Spain is rapidly closing in.

Spain is projected to welcome 110million annual visitors by 2040.

A joint study between Deloitte and Google revealed France‘s predicted figure is slightly lower, at 105million annual visitors by 2040.

With Spain becoming more popular, knowing the lesser-visited spots and hidden gems is a must – so here’s our top recommendations when visiting the country:

Barcelona

Hitting headlines for being overwhelmed with tourists, Barcelona gets a bad rep.

The city is popular, there is no doubt about it, but it is for good reason – but the good news is that you can be clever about when you go.

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Travel outside of the peak season and the city will seem as busy as any other city.

Head to Las Ramblas first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds, and you’ll also get to see the magic of the street performers setting up.

While others are heading to the Sagrada Familia (which is stunning and a must visit, but do expect it to be busy) head around 30 minutes on the bus from the city centre, where you will find Parc Guell.

Also designed by Antoni Gaudi, the sprawling park features fairytale-like houses covered in mosaics, a grand hall with hundreds of pillars, and breathtaking views of the city.

For somewhere with a cheap drink, head to Nevermind Bar just off Las Ramblas.

This grunge dive bar is insanely cool with a skateboarding half- pipe inside and has €1 (86p) beers from 5pm to around 10pm. Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter.

Ibiza

While partygoers flock to the southern coastlines of Ibiza where mega- clubs boom until the early hours and lively bars spill onto the sands, the north remains untouched and void of tourists.

That’s what makes it so special.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for cocktails on a cabana at a bohemian beach resort, but I like to blend it with unadulterated relaxation – and that’s what this island does best.

Head north and you’ll find ultra exclusive hotels like the Six Senses and Hacienda Na Xamena.

But don’t stay there; instead, book a more-affordable boutique hotel near the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town and explore the other side of Ibiza by boat.

Trips can be booked from the Old Town harbour, Playa d’En Bossa or San Antonio (with companies like samboat.co.uk and leboat.com).

You’ll get to sail past quiet, rugged coves with the brightest of blue waters – on one visit, my friend and I had an entire patch of sand to ourselves, that is until a couple of locals pottered over to play a mid- afternoon game of chess, perched on the rocks.

The petite village of  Sant Joan de Labritja hosts a hippy market every Sunday, selling gorgeous handmade jewellery, clothing and dream catchers. Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Tenerife

Tenerife might be one of the most popular Spanish islands to visit, but there is a hidden beach that you have to know about to find.

Tucked behind the towering pink Moorish resort Ritz-Carlton is Cueva de la Abama.

Private beaches are banned in Spain, but what makes this so hidden is that it is tucked down a winding road that weaves behind the resort.

The golden sands are overlooked by palm trees and a banana plantation, with a beach bar to keep you well hydrated all day.

If you want to arrive in style, stay at the resort – it offers a quaint green land train down to the beach that is exclusive to guests, as well as a funicular.

(It’s also one of the best hotels on the island, making it perfect for a treat-yourself holiday). Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Seville

Seville has been named everything from the happiest Spanish city to one of the best places to visit in the world – but it is also insanely affordable if you know where to look.

There’s Taberna Perejil, where you can find wine for €1.20 (£1) or Spanish cheap chain 100 Montaditos, which is scattered throughout the city with small beers from €1 (86p).

You can even visit some of the top attractions for free, if you’re quick.

The Royal Alcázar of Seville has free tickets on Mondays between 4pm and 7pm (although they go fast) while Seville Cathedral has free Sunday visits between 2:30pm and 6pm. Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Majorca

You can’t go wrong with a holiday to Majorca.

It’s got everything you want from an island, beautiful beaches, a pretty Old Town and plenty of activities to do.

The capital, Palma, is 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 found on the ‘Golden Mile’.

It’s lined with brands like Louis Vuitton, Bvlgari and Hugo Boss but there are also little trinket shops selling shell-adorned jewellery and souvenirs too.

Majorca is hot in the summer, it’s why so many of us Brits flock there, and when it’s time to cool off with an ice cream, Giovanni L. Gelato Deluxe is the place to go.

It’s Palma’s oldest ice cream parlour with around 80 flavours to choose from.

Although I would recommend pistachio, which has twice been awarded the title for the “World’s Best Pistachio Ice Cream”.

One of my favourite spots that was actually very quiet was Levita Café.

It’s a 30-minute drive from the capital, but a two-minute walk from my hotel.

I stopped by for a refreshing rosé sangria which set me back €6.50 (£5). Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Valencia

The sun-soaked city of Valencia is a tourist magnet with its stunning Old Town, gorgeous parks and attractions and vast swathe of golden sands.

But many visitors can miss out on one of the hidden, natural wonders of the region and the place where Valencia’s most famous culinary treat is grown.

The Albufera Natural Park is home to lagoons and rice paddies where the main ingredient for paella is grown and taking a boat trip along the lagoon in a traditional boat – called an albuferenc – offers a very different view of this buzzing coastal city.

Drifting peacefully along rivers fringed with reeds and bursting with varied bird life is a real treat – and at the end of the journey, you get to sample a traditional paella at a local restaurant like Nou Raco with its elevated terrace offering views across the lagoon. Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

Cadiz

If you’re tired of overcrowded tourist traps and want a slice of authentic Andalusian culture, check out Cadiz.

Sunny Cadiz in the south of Spain is where the locals like to holiday – where Vespas hum through sun-bleached alleys which spill out into busy market squares.

Cadiz’s old town is anchored by these bustling plazas, where you can pick up everything from nourishing acai bowls to tasty cones of jamon Iberico.

Plaza de la Catedral is overlooked by the massive 18th-century Catedral de Santa Cruz and its gold-tiled dome – this spot is the centrepiece of the Old Town.

In the evenings, a traditional merry-go-round and street musicians liven up the square, making it the perfect spot to sit with a local sherry and watch the world go by.

The cathedral itself is well worth a visit, with a £7 ticket granting you access inside, as well as the top of the tower, the crypts and exhibitions.

There are plenty of gorgeous beaches here, too.

Playa la Caleta is a small stretch of sand that sits between two castles (and makes an appearance in Bond film Die Another Day) whilst Playa Victoria has white sand and a lengthy promenade. Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter.

Alcudia

For beaches with powder-soft sands and waters so calm they feel like a giant paddling pool, take a trip to Alcudia in Majorca.

Growing up, we returned here year after year on family holidays – and now I understand why my parents picked this spot.

Alcudia is the ultimate Majorcan destination for families, with plenty of affordable hotels lining its beachfront with attractions like HidroPark Alcudia nearby (the only waterpark in the north of Majorca).

For history buffs, the Old Town is home to Roman ruins including an amphitheatre, plus you can walk along the top of the ring-shaped medieval fortification walls.

There’s some seriously affordable stays here, too.

We loved staying at TUI‘s Hotel BQ Delfin Azul, which offers week-long package holidays for under £500pp. Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Teguise, Lanzarote

While millions flock to Lanzarote’s stunning beaches and coastline every year, there’s delights to discover in the historic inland capital, Teguise.

Every Sunday morning, the cobblestone streets with their Lanzarote signature whitewashed low-rise houses are filled with more than 400 stalls for the island’s largest open-air market.

Running from 9am to 2pm, there’s a host of treasures to admire and buy including artisanal volcanic rock jewellery, handmade ceramics and 100 per cent organic cotton clothing.

Foodies can get their fill with artisan goat cheeses, cactus jams, and local Mojo sauces – get there early for the best pick of the local produce and fewer crowds and don’t just focus on the stalls.

Teguise’s own boutiques, art galleries, and courtyards inside historic 15th- century buildings open up on market day and often hold some hidden gems.

With traditional Canarian folk dancers and musicians often performing in front of the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Guadalupe, savvy travellers grab local wine and tapas as the stalls are being taken down at spots like Palacio Ico or El Patio Creperie. Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

Enjoy a two or three-night break sailing from Plymouth or Portsmouth to Santander with our great 2 for 1 offer

We’ve teamed up with Brittany Ferries to give readers a Spanish mini-cruise this Autumn and save pounds with an exclusive 2-for-1 offer.

We have two great offers with prices starting from as little as £49.50 per person* and both packages include en suite cabin accommodation and all port charges. You can travel from September 15 to November 2 with this great offer.

From Plymouth, sail on Brittany Ferries’ luxurious flagship Pont-Aven for two days and nights, with fine French food and wine served in elegant surroundings, a choice of bars with live entertainment, a large boutique with tempting duty-free prices, and even a spa and swimming pool. From Portsmouth, sail on the stylish and contemporary Salamanca for three nights, with the elegant Restaurant Azul, casual dining at La Taberna, the lively Plaza Mayor bar inspired by Salamanca’s famous city square, and a boutique with a great range of duty-free products.

En route to Spain, you can also spot wildlife. The Bay of Biscay is one of the most remarkable and reliable places to spot whales and dolphins in the world.

On arrival, both ships dock in Santander – the capital of Cantabria – with a little time to explore this vibrant resort city on foot. With tree-lined boulevards, elegant plazas, beautiful parks and a bustling town centre packed with shops, cafes and tapas bars, it offers a wonderful taste of northern Spain. Pont-Aven docks right in the heart of the city, with up to three hours ashore.

From Plymouth, departures operate on Wednesdays and Sundays. From Portsmouth, choose a Friday evening departure returning Monday, or a Monday evening departure returning Thursday.

HOW TO BOOK: Click here to take up this offer. The offer is subject to availability.

Terms and conditions

The 2-for-1 discount applies only during the promotional period.

The promotional offer applies to a round trip as part of one booking i.e. departure and return. Departing and returning to Plymouth or Portsmouth – Santander.

Plymouth departures: The £49.50 per person price is based on 3 or 4 people sharing a 4-berth inside cabin.

Portsmouth departures: The £64.50 per person price is based on 2 people sharing a 4-berth inside cabin.

Single supplement of £94.50 applies

The offer is valid for foot passengers only.

Travel period is September 15 – November 2, 2026.

Full payment is required at the time of booking. It’s non-refundable and no amendments to bookings can be made.

The offer is bookable via the website only.

The offer is subject to availability.

Brittany Ferries terms of business apply to all bookings. For more information, read the terms and conditions here

WHY settle for one pretty European island, when you could head to two?

Located just 25 minutes apart, you could head to both Lanzarote and La Graciosa in Spain in one holiday.

Travel experts at Sundeals have shared that you could head to both Lanzarote and neighbouring La Graciosa without having to get another flight.

And the best part? A seven-night package costs as little as £254 per person.

From Lanzarote, it only takes 25 minutes on the ferry to reach La Graciosa, which is a volcanic island with less than 750 residents.

The ferry costs around €32 (£27.37) return per person.

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Sarah Jooste, Product Executive at Sundeals said: “Taking the ferry across to La Graciosa for the day completely changes your perspective of Lanzarote and feels like discovering a hidden island that many visitors never see.”

“For lunch, I’d recommend Casa Enriqueta on La Graciosa, where tapas start from around €6 (£5.13) per dish, while traditional rice and seafood dishes such as paella are typically around €16 (£13.69) per portion, served overlooking the harbour.”

While on the island, you can also head to Caleta de Sebo, which is the main hub of the island where you will find local shops and places serving fresh fish.

For a beach spot, visit Playa de las Conchas, which boasts golden sand and amazing views.

Thanks to the rugged landscape, another popular activity is to head off on a 4×4 Jeep Safari across volcanic land formations.

Prefer hiking? Head up Montaña Amarilla for panoramic views over the sea and coast.

Of course, Lanzarote has many amazing spots too including diving around Museo Atlántico which is Europe’s only underwater sculpture museum, with more than 300 sculptures.

You could also head to Jameos del Agua where you’ll find an underground lagoon inhabited by tiny blind albino crabs found nowhere else in the world.

There is even a restaurant hidden inside the volcanic cave too.

The restaurant serves traditional Canarian dishes but you could also book onto the Insólita Experience guided tour, which includes access to hidden areas of the caves, a tasting at Bar Galería and entry to the Casa de los Volcanes Museum from €41.20 (£35.24) per person.

Sarah also recommends: “Back on Lanzarote, Bodega Rubicón, in the La Geria region, is a brilliant place to experience the island’s unique volcanic wine culture, with tastings from around €22 (£18.82). It is one of those places where the landscape is just as memorable as the wine itself.”

Kevin Nelson, Managing Director at Sundeals said: “Our research tells us travellers are looking for smart ways to book holidays that give them exactly the experiences they want, with flexibility and a great price.

“A two-in-one holiday, where you have a central base but other destinations or countries nearby to spend a day in, are a great way to pack a lot in for a low-cost.

“Lanzarote is a brilliant example of that. Visitors can enjoy everything they expect from a Canary Island escape but also discover a real hidden gem in La Graciosa.

“For anyone looking to make the most of their holiday time, Lanzarote offers something increasingly valuable – the chance to experience several different sides of a destination without spending your trip travelling between airports.”

SPEEDING through a jungle of steel, I’m flipped 180 degrees to face the ground as crowds gawp up from below.

I’m suspended midair for what feels like minutes as I travel upside down through a zero-G stall.

Held in only by a lap bar, I’m suddenly snapped upright and fired into another series of twists at breakneck speed.

As I hurtle out of Wayne Manor in a Batmobile, I know this isn’t your average rollercoaster.

It’s Batman Gotham City Escape at Parque Warner Madrid — Spain’s answer to the big US theme parks.

And at just half an hour from the Spanish capital, it’s way easier to get to than its American counterparts.

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The Madrid park impresses from the off. You enter through Hollywood Boulevard — a glitzy strip modelled on the LA Walk of Fame.

Palm trees, golden stars and vintage studio lights line the streets.

But all eyes are on the towering “top hat” drop of Batman Gotham City Escape in the distance, which everyone races to ride first.

There’s no clanking of lift hill chains as you’re raised up to the heavens.

You’re launched out of the station at nearly 65mph and right into the action. It’s gut churning, but in the best possible way.

Themed on The Dark Knight Trilogy, the ride features Batmobile-themed trains that take you on a high-speed chase through Gotham as you escape the Joker.

This rollercoaster is the only multi-launch one of its kind in Spain, boasting four inversions, a 147ft beyond-vertical drop and, honestly, it’s the best I’ve done in Europe.

But that’s just the start.

From Gotham, it’s straight into the action-packed Movie World Studios zone.

Here you’ll find Stunt Fall — a terrifying giant inverted boomerang coaster that you won’t find anywhere else in Europe.

It yanks you backwards vertically up an almost 200ft tower before dropping you through a loop and cobra roll — only to do it all again, but in reverse.

There’s also a live stunt show packed with explosions and car chases straight out of a Fast & Furious film.

From here, you can head over to the Old West Territory, where things get pretty wild.

The theming is top-notch — it’s all wooden saloons, sheriffs and live shootouts.

Plus, there’s Coaster Express — a massive wooden coaster that looks as old as a western and rattles so hard it feels like it’s going to fall apart.

You’ll also find a Wild West-style flume ride, perfect for baking summer visits — just don’t sit at the front unless you want a good soaking.

The biggest rides of the park are in DC Super Heroes World.

Aside from Gotham City Escape, you’ve got Superman: Atracción de Acero — a floorless coaster that throws you around seven inversions and over a 180ft drop with your feet dangling.

There’s also Shadows Of Arkham, a disorientating inverted coaster that whips you through Gotham’s darkest corners.

While La Venganza Del Enigma — a giant drop tower themed on Batman villain The Riddler — sends you plummeting more than 300 feet.

For younger ones — or anyone needing a break from G-force — there’s Cartoon Village.

This Looney Tunes-themed land has gentler rides, costumed characters and everything from Correcaminos Bip Bip, a Road Runner coaster, to a mild Tom & Jerry’s kids’ chase ride.

Going into Parque Warner Madrid park is like stepping onto a movie set, where every ride’s an action scene.

And this is what makes it a great alternative to those big US theme parks such as Universal or Disney.

It has all the theming with less of the faff. Instead of princess castles, you’ve got Bugs Bunny, Batman and Superman.

It’s also packed with Warner Bros characters including those from DC, Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera, with plenty of meet-and-greet opportunities and shows to be seen.

So there’s plenty to keep younger generations entertained.

Visit out of season and skip the queues too. I went on a Friday outside of peak summer holidays and didn’t wait more than 20 minutes for a ride.

And the price? It’s miles better than Disney.

Tickets start at just €32.90 (£28.50) for both adults and juniors, cheaper than some UK parks too.

While eating options are limited — think classic, fast-food diner menus — it’s great value.

For just over a tenner, I bought an enormous sandwich, fries and a drink that could have easily fed two people.

When it comes to overnight stays, there’s no Disney-style resort hotel attached to the park, but most people pick accommodation in central Madrid, or base themselves in Pinto, the closest train stop.

If you want US-style experience without the hefty price tag and gruelling ten-hour flight — this is the place to go.

The tournament from February 2 to 7 will feature Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad.

The 2027 Spanish Super Cup will be held in Turkiye at Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium, the Spanish Football Federation has announced.

The Final Four tournament will take place from February 2 to 7 and feature Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad, the federation said in a statement on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia has hosted the competition since 2020 but was ruled out as the dates coincide with the Asian Cup, the continent’s premier men’s international football tournament.

Barcelona, the reigning Super Cup champions after beating Real Madrid in the 2026 final, said in a statement that the Superr Cup will return to Saudi Arabia in 2028.

The Spanish Super Cup features the winners and runners-up of La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

Hundreds of people marched on Saturday in the town of Soller, in the island of Mallorca against mass tourism. Protesters exclaimed that tourism has had an impact on the cost of living for locals, and that access to housing has become more difficult.

Growing up, filmmaker Fernando Eimbcke didn’t get to watch the scene in “The Breakfast Club” where the teenage characters smoke marijuana. That moment was removed from the VHS copy of the 1980s classic he’d rented because of strict censorship in Mexico at the time.

Drug use or not, that John Hughes movie, as well “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” impacted him profoundly. “Those were movies that spoke to young people, and in Mexico there wasn’t much cinema aimed at teens,” Eimbcke tells me in Spanish on a video call from Mexico City.

From his indie trench, Eimbcke, 55, has tried to fill that void in Mexican cinema — starting with his 2004 acclaimed debut “Temporada de patos” (Duck Season), about two teen boys spending a day without adult supervision. Since then, in films like “Lake Tahoe” (2008) or “Club Sandwich” (2013), the woes of adolescence have dominated his purview.

With “Olmo,” in theaters Friday, Eimbcke has adapted his career-long interest on the youth’s preoccupations to a story on this side of the Mexico-U.S. border for the first time.

Set and filmed on location in Las Cruces, N.M., his bilingual coming-of-age dramedy follows the titular Olmo (played by Aivan Uttapa), a charismatic Mexican American 14-year-old boy in the 1970s, whose bedridden immigrant father requires around-the-clock care.

The tightly written and humorously bittersweet narrative (co-penned by Eimbcke and Vanesa Garnica) unfolds over the course of a fateful Saturday. Nina Sandoval (Melanie Frometa), Olmo’s crush, invites him and his boot-wearing best friend Miguel (Diego Olmedo) to a party, with the condition that they bring a stereo. But Olmo has also been tasked with looking after dad Nestor (Gustavo Sánchez Parra), while his mother works.

Olmo must decide between fulfilling his duty or pursuing his age-appropriate impulse for fun.

Fernando Eimbcke’s new coming-of-age dramedy “Olmo” follows a charismatic Chicano teen in 1970s New Mexico.

(Andrew Bohn / Olma 2023 LLC)

It was during the six years that Eimbcke lived in Germany that Plan B, the American production company behind titles like “Moonlight,” reached out with an idea for him to write a screenplay about a Mexican American character. That project didn’t come to fruition, but Eimbcke took advantage of their initial interest to create his own story.

Eimbcke had long been interested in stories of migration, and in the dynamics that occur within “bicultural” families. His experience living abroad heightened this curiosity.

“I’m surprised to see the fear that governments and society have regarding migration today. It’s one of the best things that can happen to a culture,” Eimbcke says. “Everyone is talking about Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey,’ and the story of Odysseus is a story of migration.”

Among the key inspirations that shaped how Eimbcke and Garnica (who have been friends since they were 14 years old) conceived “Olmo” were Dominican American author Junot Díaz’s work, as well as Kevin Bubriski’s photography book “The New Mexicans: 1981-83.”

“He photographed Mexican Americans in the 1980s in New Mexico, and that gave us many ideas,” he says. “He has some incredible, truly beautiful photos of Mexican Americans.”

While scouting locations in New Mexico, the production interacted with local Latino families. In those households, Eimbcke witnessed immigrant parents speaking Spanish to their children who replied to them in English. Similar exchanges happen in “Olmo.”

“If communication is already difficult within a family when everyone speaks the same language, the idea of a family speaking two languages struck me as absolutely fascinating. Rather than an obstacle, I saw it as an opportunity to explore their relationship,” he explains. “Language isn’t always that important. When Olmo and Néstor argue over the stereo, you never really know if they actually understand each other through words or not.”

The complex intricacies of language manifested on Eimbcke’s first bilingual set.

During a scene where Olmo and Miguel finally fix the stereo and begin dancing, Eimbcke wanted a more rambunctious reaction. He started yelling, “More caos. More caos.” The assistant director looked puzzled, thinking the director was asking for “cows.” Eimbcke meant “chaos,” but pronounced it Spanish, which sounds like the farm animal in English.

“It was very difficult for me, because my English is far from perfect, it’s actually quite imperfect,” Eimbcke says sincerely.

For Uttapa, 17, these interactions seemed authentic; he is a second-generation Mexican American whose grandmother came to the U.S. from Mexico, while his mother was born here.

“My grandma speaks fluent Spanish, and she talks to me, my brothers, and my sister in Spanish, and we answer in English,” says Uttapa on Zoom. “That dynamic and that detail in the movie really did make it real to me.”

Fernando Eimbcke’s new coming-of-age dramedy “Olmo” follows a charismatic Chicano teen in 1970s New Mexico.

(Andrew Bohn / Olma 2023 LLC )

Based in Las Vegas, the fresh-faced Uttapa started acting at 12. He shared his interest in performing with his parents, who enrolled him with acting coach Frank Parillo. “I remember telling my mom, ‘I just want to entertain. I just want to be relatable and make an impact on people.’ If you can impact one person, then it pretty much is worth it,” he says.

Eimbcke cast him solely based on his self-tape after a long search for the right actor to become Olmo, primarily in Los Angeles and New York.

Since shooting “Olmo” when he was 14, Uttapa has appeared in the latest season of the hit medical drama “The Pitt,” playing Grady Barnhill, who has an asthma attack, in two episodes. Still, playing Olmo remains the highlight of his short but burgeoning career.

“I’ve gotten some auditions here and there about Mexican American or Latino characters, but if I’m being honest, none of them really clicked to me as much as it did with Olmo. I really felt a connection with the character,” Uttapa notes.

That Eimbcke set “Olmo” in the ’70s — based on his memories of watching “Saturday Night Fever” as a child and being enamored by disco music — helped Uttapa connect with the character. At several points in their adventure, Olmo and Miguel break out their best dance moves.

His mother, Uttapa says, thinks of him as an “old soul,” given his eclectic taste in music, from Elvis Presley and Del Shannon to AC/DC and Led Zeppelin.

“I was already familiar with cumbia, because my mom would always teach me,” Uttapa says. “The disco dancing wasn’t really that hard for me because I grew up loving ’70s music, so I’d always dance in my room to it. And being able to show it on screen was really special.”

Eimbcke says he has no secret technique to obtain wonderful performances from his teen stars; the only strategy that works is to lean into fun. “Teenagers are very willing to play. They are willing to take risks,” the director adds. “And I always love combining two schools of acting: the professional and the nonprofessional.” The actors who play Olmo’s parents, Gustavo Sánchez Parra and Andrea Suárez Paz, are seasoned Mexican thespians.

And while Eimbcke may very well be the Mexican John Hughes, there are certainly uniquely Mexican, and perhaps unexpected, references that were foundational for him as an artist.

“I also grew up watching a lot of telenovelas. They were really formative for me, specifically, the telenovelas on the local Channel 2,” Eimbcke confesses. “I remember there was one I followed religiously called ‘Quinceañera,’ starring Thalia. I loved it.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is facing growing criticism from some European leaders as European Union interior ministers meet to discuss last week’s mass crossing into the Spanish territory of Ceuta, an episode that has reignited debate over migration across the bloc.

Human rights groups and activists, meanwhile, have accused far-right politicians of exploiting the crisis to advance anti-immigration narratives.

More than 60,000 people crossed into the North African enclave on Thursday and Friday, triggering a humanitarian emergency and prompting Spain to deploy additional military and police forces.

More than 80 migrants died, according to Spanish and Moroccan authorities, including some who drowned or were crushed while attempting to cross a breakwater barrier.

Most of those who entered have since returned to Morocco. By Saturday, “almost all” had left and the situation in Ceuta had largely returned to normal, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said.

Ireland, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, convened an emergency video meeting of EU interior ministers after 22 of the bloc’s 27 member states called for “coordinated action and the strengthening of external borders”.

Political fault lines

The events in Ceuta have once again exposed divisions within the EU over migration policy, with several governments calling for a tougher approach while others have urged adherence to humanitarian and international legal obligations.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among Sanchez’s sharpest critics, announcing that Italy would introduce temporary air and sea border controls with Spain while questioning Madrid’s handling of the situation.

Sanchez rejected the criticism, saying Italy’s position was “contrary to European law, humanitarian law, and the principles of solidarity that bind us together”.

In a post on X, he also noted that Italy had received significantly more migrants than Spain since 2021, saying Italy had recorded about 478,000 arrivals compared with Spain’s 234,000.

The political debate has unfolded despite a broader decline in irregular migration to the EU. According to the EU’s border agency Frontex, irregular border crossings peaked at 1.8 million in 2015. During the first half of 2026, crossings fell by 37 percent compared with the same period last year to about 49,000.

The scenes in Ceuta have nevertheless become a focal point in wider political debates over migration, despite the EU already introducing stricter migration and asylum rules that expand member states’ powers to detain migrants and return them to designated “safe countries” or facilities outside the bloc.

Human rights organisations have criticised the measures, warning they could leave asylum seekers stranded for prolonged periods in offshore detention centres, while illegal police pushbacks at borders still regularly occur in both the EU and North Africa.

Spain defends its response

The Spanish government has rejected accusations that it mishandled the crisis, saying the situation was brought under control quickly in close coordination with Morocco despite limited assistance from other European countries.

Officials have also said that a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court, which found that migrants arriving by sea cannot be summarily returned without due process, was deliberately misrepresented by smuggling networks to encourage people to attempt the crossing.

A senior Moroccan official, speaking anonymously to the AFP news agency, said Rabat had raised concerns with Spanish authorities after discussions on social media about the court ruling began in late July.

“We discussed this ruling and its impact. We explained that this ruling was going to create a problem. And it did create a problem,” the official said.

He rejected suggestions that the mass movement into Ceuta reflected a failure by Morocco’s security forces.

“It’s simplistic to say that Morocco should just have used force to stop them. That is to completely misunderstand this phenomenon,” he said.

Holidaymakers jetting off abroad to the Spanish island of Majorca this summer are being warned about ‘biting fish’ in some popular beach hotspots following several reports

Tourists heading on holiday to Majorca are being warned about ‘biting fish’ following a string of reported ‘attacks’.

More than 2 million Brits jet off abroad to Majorca, also known as Mallorca, every summer for a sun-soaked Mediterranean getaway on Spain’s largest Balearic island. But an unusual phenomenon is threatening to dampen days spent along some of its pristine sandy shores and clear turquoise waters.

Following the weekend, there have been several reports of people being bitten by small fish while swimming in the crystal-clear waters off Majorca. The incidents were recorded around the beaches of Illetes and Cala Comtessa, which are in the municipality and resort town of Calvià.

The Spanish news publication Majorca Daily Bulletin said that “several people” reported seeing “small fish, which seemed to have about two teeth, biting our legs, but in the end, they actually drew blood and everything” over the weekend. At first, they believed the fish were “removing dead skin” rather than taking a nibble of flesh.

One witness to the fish-biting events recalled to the publication following the weekend: “The attacking fish are back in Mallorca waters, and I saw it for myself on Saturday in Illetas, groups of people leaping up and down as they were nibbled and even bitten by small fish.

“Last year I was bitten three times, so far I’ve been lucky this year, but it appears others have not. One man even joked that perhaps they are part of the anti-tourism movement!”

But this isn’t the first time there have been reports of small biting fish in the shallow shores of Majorca. Just last summer, a woman suffered a serious fish bite while at Playa de Palma, and a German tourist also claimed to have been bitten by several fish on two different occasions within the same week.

“Today, however, the bite was rather serious, and I got out of the water straight away, as it was even bleeding,” he told the Majorca Daily Bulletin last summer. However, they weren’t the only ones to report fish bites, and there’s thought to have been a string of minor incidents along the shores of Majorca dating back to the summer of 2023.

It’s thought to have become more common over the years, and local news outlets report a spike in fish nibbling on swimmers during the summer months. Further incidents have been recorded in Majorca, including Palma, Sa Ràpita, S’Estanyol, Cala Pi, and Cala d’Or.

Experts say rising sea temperatures could contribute to the bizarre happenings. “There are no studies into this, but the reason behind what’s happening could be that the temperature of the water is higher,” Ron Farage, Assistant Curator at Palma Aquarium, previously told the local publication, Ultima Hora.

“And these fish are less scared, in this case of human beings, when they are more hungry, which is a consequence in summer of this increase in the temperature of their natural habitat.”

Meanwhile, the expert added that beachgoers shouldn’t be scared of the fish, because “they’re not poisonous and they don’t do any real damage”. Instead, they tend to be curious about dry skin or existing wounds on people, which they can mistake for food.

Marine Biologist Silvia García from Oceana also told the Majorca Daily Bulletin that the culprits are likely young fish. “They are usually juvenile fish, only a few days or weeks old, so small and transparent that they are barely visible in the water.”

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

For the past couple of days, I have commuted to work between Europe and Africa. When an estimated 60,000 migrants arrived in Ceuta, Spain’s autonomous outpost on the northern tip of Africa, from Morocco this week, businesses shut their doors and all available beds quickly disappeared.

So, we have been staying in the mainland Spanish port city of Algeciras, taking the one-hour ferry to and from Ceuta.

A fellow commuter is Isabel Hossein, a port police officer in Algeciras whose home is Ceuta. “I have documents, so it’s easy for me,” she says. “Sometimes I cross the border to Morocco just for lunch. Why not? The food is good.”

Isabel says the mass influx of migrants on Wednesday and Thursday was overwhelming for the residents of Ceuta. “People were afraid; there were so many young men everywhere,” she said.

“I am half Christian, half Muslim, as many in Ceuta are. We live peacefully together. But the numbers this time were scary.”

It has got me thinking about the journeys we take. At Algeciras, hundreds of cars line up daily for the ferry to Tangier. Moroccans from all over Spain, and elsewhere in Europe, depart here to go home for the summer holidays.

I am told that on motorways in Spain up to 1,000km away, the word “Algeciras” appears in Arabic to ensure people find their way here. They, of course, have documents.

In Ceuta, on Saturday, I saw hundreds of young men making their way back to Morocco on foot, under the watchful, occasionally threatening, eye of the Spanish military.

The undocumented ones

Exhausted by the heat, 48 hours earlier, the men swam to the shores of Ceuta.

“For the good life, humanity, safety, and all the things you need,” Abdelmajid said.

There was none of that available when they arrived in Ceuta, just extreme heat, thirst and a very hostile reception.

Of the estimated 60,000 Moroccans who arrived in little more than 24 hours, 90 percent had returned to Morocco by Saturday night.

Several indicated by rotating their wrists they would simply try again. “They were told to come. I saw it on Instagram, ‘Go to Spain and get money, jobs,’” she said. “It’s all a game.”

Dozens died in the attempt to reach Ceuta, and on Saturday evening, police divers were still recovering bodies from the surrounding waters.

The Spanish government blames criminal gangs and traffickers. Opposition politicians blame the left-wing Spanish government’s immigration policies for the weekend’s events, some describing it as “an invasion”.

Zia Yusuf, a senior figure in the anti-immigration Reform UK party, turned up in Ceuta to join those from the right and far right trying to set their narrative for the events.

A long way to come for a bit of social media, but this was powerful stuff: in a crisp white shirt and surrounded by muscled minders, I watched Yusuf extract a few words from young men who spoke little English.

On his X account, he told his nearly 150,000 followers: “I am in Ceuta, the scene of the 60,000 strong invasion. Spain has effectively militarised its border. Already spoken to Moroccan men here who say they are trying to get to Britain. More to come.”

No one I spoke to said they were heading for Britain. Though I’ve no doubt if you posed the question to someone with a passing idea of what you were asking – “Would you like to go to Britain?” – the answer would likely be, “yes”.

For some, it no doubt is a game. But here in Ceuta, amid the detritus of flippers and rubber floating devices that litter the beaches this weekend, a game with tragic consequences.

Ceuta, on Morocco’s northern coast, is separated from mainland Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar and has long been a focal point for migrants attempting to reach Europe.

Local officials had appealed to Madrid for help after a recent rise in attempted crossings, but there were chaotic scenes on Thursday as border controls apparently broke down.

The astonishing estimation by Spanish officials suggests the number of migrants who entered into Ceuta in the last day or so could be more than half of the population of the city – which sits at around 83,600, according to the latest local figures.

Spain later deployed its armed forces to bolster security in Ceuta and at its sister city of Melilla, where between 300 to 400 crossings were also reported overnight.

Coveted by Morocco, both cities have long been a flashpoint in diplomatic relations with Spain. Madrid asserts that both territories are integral parts of Spain and have the same status as the semi-autonomous regions on its mainland.

They form the European Union’s only land borders with Africa.

A SPANISH airport will close for nearly a week as part of a major renovation.

Almeria Airport in Spain is set to shut down for six days to upgrade its runway.

The closure is set to take place in February 2028, with all scheduled flights cancelled.

This is part of a longer 19-month €29million (£24.8million) project to upgrade the entire airport.

However, during this period there will be work at night between 10:45pm and 7:10am the following day.

Between these hours, flights will be impacted as well.

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Aena – Spain‘s airports operator – has already notified airlines that operate at the airport, including Ryanair, easyJet and Iberia.

The airlines will now have to reschedule flights or divert the routes to other airports.

Flights from Almeria Airport to the UK, including to Birmingham, London Southend, Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol and Leeds Bradford.

The revamp will mark the first work on the runway in 20 years.

Other parts of the project included improving the taxiways, as well as upgrading over 600 lights and replacing 34 directional signs.

The airport is around a 15-minute drive from Almeria city centre in the Andalusia region of Spain.

Each year, the airport handles up to 800,000 passengers.

Of which, Brits make up between 55 and 70 per cent of travellers.

YOU could soon be able to grab a Greggs sausage roll when your on holiday.

The chain recently opened a store at Tenerife South Airport in Spain‘s Canary Islands and is eyeing up opening more spots abroad.

Greggs CEO Roisin Currie told Reuters: “If (Tenerife) is ​positive then ⁠it will be a sort of look to see where else could this go in the future.

“It ‌is ⁠only one shop, so far though it’s hit every sales hurdle.”

Inside the Tenerife South Airport store – which is in the departures side of the airport – travellers can find Greggs’ core menu.

There are also some items tailored to the local market such as Spanish omelette breakfast rolls and blueberry muffins.

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At the time of opening, Currie said: “Tenerife South Airport is a hub for millions of UK and international passengers each year, making it the ideal location to test spreading our wings in an overseas setting.

“It’s an exciting milestone for Greggs as we bring a slice of home to the Canaries, and we’re confident our great-value offering will resonate just as well under the Spanish sun as it does on the UK high street.”

The popular airport handles 13million passengers a year, with around 50 per cent of them being from the UK.

Taking to Reddit, Greggs fans shared their thoughts on the new store.

One person said: “I won’t be satisfied until we have a Greggs in Paris.”

Another person added: “Come to Canada already. Tim Hortons exists in the UK, return the favour.”

Greggs did use to have stores in Belgium, but they were closed in 2008.

THERE’S nothing worse than looking forward to your summer holiday, arriving at the airport and then being told your flight is cancelled.

And now the worst flight routes for cancellations have been announced, with some of the most popular holiday hotspots coming out on top.

According to new analysis of flight data by AirAdvisor, flights between London’s key hubs and Majorca and Ibiza are most likely to be cancelled this summer.

The study looked at routes between the UK and European airports that had more than 100 flights scheduled per month.

Coming out on top is the route between London Luton and Ibiza with a cancellation rate of 5.56 per cent between June 1 and August 31.

London Heathrow to Majorca came up second worst for cancellations, at a rate of 1.6 per cent.

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Rounding out the top three is London Gatwick to Lisbon in Portugal, with a cancellation rate of 1.43 per cent.

In fact, out of the routes with the most cancellations 10 out of the top 12 are from London airports.

Bristol to Málaga came in seventh worst for cancellations, at 1.2 per cent.

This route was followed by Birmingham to Palma de Majorca, at 1.02 per cent.

Overall, four of the top 10 routes from the UK with the highest cancellation rates are to Majorca.

More than two million Brits travel to Majorca during the peak summer season, with the airport also being one of the busiest airports in Europe.

According to AirAdvisor, so far this summer 36 of 1050 flights departing from Gatwick and Heathrow airports heading to Majorca have been cancelled – which is around 3.44 per cent.

Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor said: “Cancellation risk on UK routes to Europe is not spread evenly, and this summer the Balearics are carrying a bigger share of the risk than anywhere else.

“That’s worth understanding before you travel, because a cancellation is not just a long wait at the gate. You lose your slot. Same-day options dry up quickly.

“And from that point on, the airline decides what happens next, not you.

“Under UK261, if you’re told your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure, you may be entitled to between £220 and £520 in compensation, depending on how far you were flying.”

THERE’S no doubt that Spanish islands are popular and soon you will be able to fly to one with British Airways for the first time, from the UK’s biggest airport.

BA is launching flights between London Heathrow Airport and Fuerteventura Airport in the Canary Islands from winter 2026.

Starting December 13, the flights will take off twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays.

Thursday departures will leave Heathrow at 7:05am, arriving into Fuerteventura at 11:30am.

The return flight will then leave Fuerteventura at 12:30pm and arrive back at Heathrow at 4:50pm.

Then the Sunday departure will take off at 10:05am from Heathrow and return from Fuerteventura at 3:40pm.

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The route will replace British Airways‘ Euroflyer route which was planned between London Gatwick Airport and Fuerteventura.

And it will be the first time the airline flies direct to the destination from Heathrow.

Fuerteventura boasts more than 3,000 hours of sunshine every year and compared to the other popular Canary Islands spots such as Tenerife and Lanzarote, it is more affordable.

In fact, Fuerteventura holiday packages can be between 30 per cent and 40 per cent cheaper during peak periods compared to higher-demand spots, like Tenerife.

Fuerteventura is the Canary Islands’ second largest island and when exploring you can head to a number of beaches including Sotavento Beach and Playa de Cofete.

If with the family, there is also Acua Water Park, which boasts a number of waterslides as well as a wave pool and a lazy river.

The island is home to Corralejo Natural Park too, which is ideal for keen hikers wanting to discover the volcanic landscape.

BRITS heading to Spain are being warned to expect more strikes both this week and next week.

Baggage handlers have already staged a walkout at Palma Airport and will do so again this Saturday and again from next Tuesday.

Workers for the company Swissport, which provides baggage-handling services, are set to walk out on August 1 between 7am-12pm then again between 7pm and 10pm.

After that, an ‘indefinite strike by ground-handling workers’ is set to start on Tuesday unless an agreement is reached, according to local media.

Some airlines that use the company for baggage-handling include Condor, Air Canada and TUI.

The airport has warned that others could be affected too, as a statement said that “its impact will stretch beyond Swissport-handled airlines“.

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Popular airlines taking Brits to the island include Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2.

The airport said: “Large-scale airport strikes can occasionally create a minor knock-on effect. If Swissport-served flights experience delays at the gates, it can sometimes lead to localised congestion on the tarmac or minor delays at security control.”

To minimise disruption, Palma Airport has advised customers to do the following:

• Check in online: Complete your check-in online before heading to the airport to minimise time spent in queues.
• Travel light if possible: Travelling with hand luggage only allows you to bypass potential check-in and baggage carousel delays.
• Monitor your airline’s app: Keep a close eye on text alerts or app notifications from your airline for real-time schedule updates.
• Arrive on time (but not too early): Stick to the standard arrival window recommended by your carrier (usually two to three hours before departure). Arriving half a day early can worsen airport congestion.

The airport did see some disruption during the previous strike on July 28 when Swissport workers action coincided with a 24-hour walkout by the Regional Metal Sector.

The Regional Metal Sector covers technical personnel across the entire airport – their final strike is scheduled for today.

On July 28, one man wrote on X: “Stuck on a staircase in palma airport due to swissport ground staff and baggage handlers on strike until midday.”

On the same day, another called on the strike to end with “people waiting on bags to start their holiday”.

A third wrote: “Been to Palma airport recently. It’s not just UK airports, that place is an absolute shambles.”

On the strike, a TUI spokesperson said: “We are aware of planned industrial action affecting airline operators at Palma airport.

“At this stage, we do not anticipate any disruption to our customers. However, we are working closely with our local teams and airport partners to minimise any potential impact.

“As always, we will proactively update our guests if there are any changes to their itinerary. Customers should continue to check their flight details as usual before travelling.”

Meanwhile, Ryanair told Sun Travel that it will “operate as normal” with “no impact to operations”.

easyJet also said its flights will be operating as normal.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

STRIKES at an airport in Spain have started today – with passengers being told to ditch cabin bags for hand luggage to avoid the chaos.

Walkouts from multiple unions will continue across the next couple of weeks affecting baggage handling and check-in.

Palma Airport on the island of Majorca is one of the busiest in Spain during the summer season – and lots of its workers are going on strike.

The first walkouts are by those working in technical maintenance, ground equipment and airport infrastructure roles.

These are being planned by three unions, which started yesterday and will continue until July 30.

Swissport – who handle check in and boarding – is also striking today, as well as on August 1, 4 and 8.

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On these days ground staff will walk out between 7am to 12pm, then again from 7pm to 10pm.

The airport has warned passengers that today could be particularly bad as the strikes coincide at the same time.

Airlines affected by the Swissport ground handlers’ dispute include TUI.

But others could be affected too, as a statement from the airport said that “its impact will stretch beyond Swissport-handled airlines”.

While flights are yet to be cancelled, according to Qsensor, the wait time at security in Palma Airport this morning has been 26 minutes longer than average.

Passengers going to the airport during this time have been asked not to arrive too early and even ditch check-in bags for hand luggage instead.

On its website, the airport issued advice to travellers who are heading through the terminal on strike days.

• Check in online: Complete your check-in online before heading to the airport to minimise time spent in queues.

• Travel light if possible: Travelling with hand luggage only allows you to bypass potential check-in and baggage carousel delays.
• Monitor your airline’s app: Keep a close eye on text alerts or app notifications from your airline for real-time schedule updates.
• Arrive on time (but not too early): Stick to the standard arrival window recommended by your carrier (usually two to three hours before departure). Arriving half a day early can worsen airport congestion.

On the strike, a TUI spokesperson said: “We are aware of planned industrial action affecting airline operators at Palma airport.

“At this stage, we do not anticipate any disruption to our customers. However, we are working closely with our local teams and airport partners to minimise any potential impact.

“As always, we will proactively update our guests if there are any changes to their itinerary. Customers should continue to check their flight details as usual before travelling.”

Meanwhile, Ryanair told Sun Travel that it will “operate as normal” with “no impact to operations”.

easyJet also said its flights will be operating as normal.

BRITS heading to Spain in the next few weeks have been warned of upcoming strikes which could cause travel chaos.

Staff at Palma Airport are preparing strike action across the next two weeks.

There are multiple walkouts being held by different unions at the airport which start from today.

The first strikes are by those working in technical maintenance, ground equipment and airport infrastructure roles which will stage 24-hour walkouts.

These are being planned by three unions which start today until July 30.

Swissport, which is a leading company for airport ground services and air cargo handling, has also planned strike action starting on July 28 as well as August 1, 4 and 8.

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On these days ground staff will walk out between 7am to 12pm, then again from 7pm to 10pm.

The airport has warned there to be major disruption tomorrow when a key pinch point is on Tuesday when both sets of workers will walk out at the same time.

Airlines affected by the Swissport ground handlers’ dispute include TUI.

But others could be affected too, as a statement from the airport said that “its impact will stretch beyond Swissport-handled airlines”.

Popular airlines taking Brits to the island include Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2.

The airport said: “Large-scale airport strikes can occasionally create a minor knock-on effect. If Swissport-served flights experience delays at the gates, it can sometimes lead to localised congestion on the tarmac or minor delays at security control.”

It continued: “That said, any disruption for non-Swissport passengers is expected to be minimal.”

The airport did then add that the impact for passengers is likely to be “longer waiting times” and delays due to “operational bottlenecks.”

But added that “widespread cancellations are unlikely”.

Delays are likely to be at check-in and bag drop locations before departure, as well as passengers boarding during the morning and evening.

On the strike, a TUI spokesperson said: “We are aware of planned industrial action affecting airline operators at Palma airport.

“At this stage, we do not anticipate any disruption to our customers. However, we are working closely with our local teams and airport partners to minimise any potential impact.

“As always, we will proactively update our guests if there are any changes to their itinerary. Customers should continue to check their flight details as usual before travelling.”

Meanwhile, Ryanair told Sun Travel that it will “operate as normal” with “no impact to operations”.

easyJet also said its flights will be operating as normal.

Palma Airport is one of Spain’s busiest during the summer season.

According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, the Majorca Hoteliers Federation has said that 2.2million Brits travelled to Majorca last year and this summer it will be even more.

With Entry/Exit System (EES) being implemented, it’s possible there could be longer queues due to registration for Brits too.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

WIMBLEDON and the World Cup may be over, but the Tour de France is still going – until tomorrow.

So if watching those Lycra-clad professionals pedal around Spain and France has inspired you to get your bum in that saddle, take a look at these two-wheeled getaways.

These five lesser-used trails showcase some of the most gorgeous scenery, away from the intimidating cycling crowds.

Better still, each trip has been designed with cyclists in mind and includes perks such as accommodation with cycling facilities, bike-friendly transfers and bike carriage.

MENORCA: This Balearic island is far from the well-ridden, high-speed routes on the Tour de France.

Instead you’ll be greeted by rugged coastal trails and ancient paths, including the 185km Camí de Cavalls.

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Translated as The Path of Horses, it was originally used by knights to patrol the coast on horseback in the 14th century.

GO: Seven nights’ self-catering at the three-star Tramontana Park Aparthotel is from £829pp including flights from Manchester on August 31, plus 22kg baggage allowance, bike carriage and return sports transfers.

Approximately £24 in tourist tax is payable at the property.

See jet2holidays.com.

LAKE DISTRICT AND PENNINES: The north of the UK is home to some of the hilliest landscapes, which means this trip isn’t for the faint-hearted.

Those climbs will be rewarded, however, with some of the most breathtaking scenery.

You’ll also tackle Allenheads, which claims to be the highest village in England.

GO: The five-night self-guided coast to coast trip costs from £895pp including breakfasts and lunches, as well as accommodation.

E-bike hire available.

See skedaddle.com.

DALMATIAN COAST, CROATIA: If dramatic coastal scenery is what you’re after, look no further than the Dalmatian Coast, where craggy mountainscapes offer sweeping views of a sparkling ocean.

Staying in the Šibenik-Knin region puts you within reach of some versatile routes for all abilities.

The Krka National Park is known for its cascading waterfalls.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the three-star Amadria Park Apartments is from £629pp, based on a family of four sharing, including flights from London Stansted on August 18, plus 22kg baggage allowance, bike carriage and return sports transfers.

See jet2holidays.com.

LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE: Worried about those aching limbs?

This Loire Valley itinerary includes spa time, so you can rest and recuperate in between cycle stints.

These very easy and flat routes will take you through charming French villages and sweet vineyards whose vines are dripping in plump grapes right about now.

GO: The four-night Loire Spa Escape costs from £895pp including serviced touring bikes with a pannier bag and luggage transfers.

Flights cost extra. See cyclingforsofties.com.

COSTA DORADA, SPAIN: There’s a reason so many pros choose to train on Spain’s Costa Dorada.

Roads are smooth and wide, with very few potholes, plus there’s a variety of terrain that means you can pick your difficulty level.

Weave your way through the wine regions of Priorat and Montsant or challenge yourself with the La Mussara climb that takes you almost 1,000 metres above sea level.

GO: Seven nights’ half-board at three+ star Medplaya Hotel Calypso is from £769pp including flights from East Midlands airport on August 17, plus 22kg baggage allowance, bike carriage and return sports transfers.

Approximately £22 in tourist tax is payable at the property. See jet2holidays.com.

Brits heading out to Spain may want to rethink their travel plans ahead of soaring temperatures, as they experience a different kind of holiday without a safe trip to the beach

Tourists hoping to catch a tan on the beach in Spain may be disappointed to learn that close to 27 beaches so far will in fact be a tourist-free zone as the scorching heat takes a hold.

The Costa Blanca is set to see a huge beach ban this week amidst dangerous weather warnings to protect locals’ and tourists’ safety.

Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, has predicted strong storms and gusts of wind, which have the potential to cause thermal blowouts. As a result, local councils are forcing shutdowns as Alicante is set to see its most dangerous weather days of the summer in the final week of July.

Thermal bursts, or blowouts, are a phenomenon in which precipitation evaporates as it crosses dry air in warm environments. This phenomenon causes a sudden spike in temperature and strong winds.

Inland temperatures are forecast to reach up to 45 degrees, and the province remains under a yellow weather warning, as thunderstorms could bring hazardous conditions to the area.

Three municipalities in total, including Alicante, Guardamar del Segura, and Orihuela, have decided to raise red flags on their beaches to prevent the potential risks caused by the extreme shift in weather, Mercia Today suggests.

Orihulea City Council confirmed that all beaches along the coast will be closed from 5pm, July 23, with the red flags banning all swimming activity.

This restriction affects the likes of Punta Prima Beach, Cala Mosca, Cala Estaca, Cala Bosque, Cala Capitan and Cala Cerrada, as well as any coves in the area.

Meanwhile, Alicante City Council has also activated emergency measures, where all municipal beaches will be closed for visitors, along with parks, gardens and wooded areas.

The ban affects popular tourist beaches such as Postiguet, San Juan Beach, Urbanova-El Saladar, Aguamarga, La Almadraba and Albufereta, according to the Olive Press.

All three councils have supposedly asked that beachgoers remove the likes of umbrellas and any other objects that have the potential to be thrown around by the strong gusts of wind.

Authorities are advising tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and steer clear of beaches and exposed coastal areas for their own safety. Although, as things stand, there is no official statement that advises against travel to any parts of Spain due to the heatwave.

If you are someone travelling out to Spain amidst these extreme temperatures or travelling around the country during the hottest days, you should take general precautions to avoid the sun.

Typically, the hottest hours are from 11am to 3pm, so it’s best to avoid this time if possible, all while staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen and light, breathable clothing.

As for your villa, holiday home or hotel space, be sure to bring inside any parasols, outdoor furniture, plant pots and loose objects that live on any balconies or terraces. If the thunderstorms develop, it is best to stay indoors where possible and most definitely avoid walking near exposed costal spots.

The adjoining municipalities of Santa Pola and Torrevieja have yet to make a statement over their beaches, but this could change.