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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful Spanish city with £35 flights is cheaper than Barcelona and Madrid
It's cheaper than Barcelona and Madrid, but with all of the history and charm of the more better known cities. Immensely walkable, and full of delicious food and drink - I would argue Seville is Spain's best weekend city break. There's nothing quite like checking the weather app to see an unrelenting downpour back home as you bask in the sunshine, sipping a refreshing Tinto de Verano while waiting for your tapas. Just 2 hours and 50 minutes from Gatwick, with return Easyjet flights for as little as £35 per person, Seville is compact and walkable, making this vibrant city the perfect choice for a short break. It's noticeably cheaper than Barcelona and Madrid, a bit less busy, but just as full of historic charm, and on balance I'd go as far as to argue it's Spain's best weekend getaway. We set off early one Friday morning, having roped in the grandparents to babysit, and by 11am were wandering the atmospheric cobbled streets, picking out the perfect spot for our first meal. Dine like a King Keen to avoid tourist traps and discover authentic tapas, we joined the Seville Tapas, Taverns and History Tour by Devour Tours (£58 per person). This small-group tour took us to five historic tapas bars, where we sampled local dishes and drinks. Guided by a knowledgeable university history Professor, we learned how to identify quality Iberian ham (look for the black label) and left with new favourites and a dining action plan for the rest of our trip. Dance the night away For a cultural experience, flamenco in Seville is a must. Forget cheesy holiday-resort performances, the birthplace of flamenco offers something completely different. We first attended a 60-minute show at Teatro Flamenco Sevilla (£21 per person), which more than impressed. But locals then recommended the more intimate experience of a Peña Flamenca - a flamenco club dedicated to preserving the tradition. Following their advice, we queued outside Torres Macarena, on Calle Torrijjiano, before it opened (8pm Wednesday to Sunday) and as advised secured our seats by leaving a jacket over the back. With simple tapas and great local wine at a very affordable price, we enjoyed a raw, passionate flamenco performance, a world away from the tourist shows. The guitarists, dancers, singers and emotional audience - many of whom joined the performers on stage at times - created an unforgettable atmosphere. Worth the early start Seville's architecture reflects its layered history, influenced by the Roman, Muslim, and Christian civilisations who have ruled over the centuries. For us, we knew that the Royal Alcazar of Seville, an 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site which doubled as the kingdom of Dorne in Game Of Thrones, was a must-visit. To beat the infamously long lines, we splurged on the Alone in the Alcazar tour (£58 per person) on which is the only tour group allowed early entry. Walking through the palace's empty rooms and peaceful gardens before the hordes arrived, we learned its rich history from an expert guide. Standing on the walls overlooking the sweeping gardens listening as the city awoke is a memory I'll forever cherish. Don't Miss While the vibrant nightlife of flamenco, tapas and drink will keep you full and happy of an evening, there is plenty to do on a sunny Seville day. One highlight is the ultramodern Setas de Sevilla, the mushroom, an ultramodern wooden sculpture with panoramic city views. A daytime visit for £13 a person includes free access to the sunset light show later. If you have time, below this are Roman ruins uncovered during it's construction, showing the city as it would have looked many centuries ago. Across the river, the ceramics district of Triana is a charming spot to browse colourful pottery shops before enjoying fresh seafood and plates heaving with mouth-watering tomatoes, potato salads, and delicious cheeses at the vibrant Triana Market. Wandering back to the center of Seville, we visited the grand Plaza de España, located in Maria Luisa Park. Floating along it's emerald green canal in a rowboat makes for the perfect photo - a must for the Instagram grid. Splurge on a memorable hotel With beautiful sunshine and a dry climate, we found it infinitely preferable to stick to exploring Seville on foot - not least because a quick Google maps comparison showed walking times to generally be far quicker than driving. To make the most of this we stayed in the heart of Seville, at the newly opened four-star Ocean Drive, from £85 a night. This small but well planned hotel was the perfect bolthole, with our bedroom balcony offering jaw-dropping views of Las Setas and the stunning nighttime light show. Inside restful Mudéjar tiles and contemporary wooden decor created the perfect space to relax, while a co-working space was on offer for those fitting in a spot of work between the tapas. We very much enjoyed the a la carte breakfast, and left with stomachs filled with delicious delicacies, while the in-house restaurant also offers a full lunch and dinner menu. Verdict Seville offers an irresistible mix of culture, history, and gastronomy, making it the perfect destination to escape winter blues. Whether it's the vibrant flamenco, delicious tapas, or breathtaking landmarks, this sunny city will leave you longing for a return visit. Book the holiday EasyJet offers flights to Seville starting from £37 this summer. You can book at Rooms at Ocean Drive Sevilla start from £77 a night. For more information and to try the tours we booked, visit Devour Tours and TakeWalks.
Local Italy
4 days ago
- Local Italy
What to expect when travelling to Italy this summer
Beaches For many who visit Italy during the summer, beaches are the biggest draw - but you'll need to decide whether you prefer a free public beach or are willing to fork out for a spot at one of the many privately-run beach clubs that dot the coastline. The average cost to rent two sunbeds and an umbrella at a beach club this year is €32-€35 per day during weekends, according to consumer watchdog Codacons, though prices can vary significantly depending on location. In Sabaudia, south of Rome, customers can expect to pay up to €45; in Gallipoli on the southern coast of Puglia, €90; and in parts of Sardinia, as much as €120. Crowds Summer holidays start relatively early in Italy, with schools across the country closed from the second half of June and many families taking the opportunity to cool off on the shores of beaches and lakes. It's not until August, though, that you'll really be competing for a spot to put down your towel, as this is when most Italians head to the sea to escape stifling temperatures inland. Expect to find beaches packed and many cafes, shops and restaurants in cities closed or open for limited hours, particularly during the mid-August Ferragosto break. An estimated 20.7 million visitors are expected to stay in Italy's beach towns between June and August this year, an increase of two percent on the same period in 2024. Though most Italian cities empty out during the summer, the Vatican's Jubilee Year celebrations in Rome are expected to draw additional crowds to the Eternal City. Weather Summer in Italy is always hot, with temperatures in the mid to high 30s (Celcius) in many parts of the country, and this year is expected to be no different. A series of "long-lasting and persistent heatwaves," with mostly sunny weather are currently forecast for July and August, says meteorologist Mattia Gussoni, writing for weather site Though projections are still subject to change, as things stand there aren't expected to be any record-breaking high temperatures. That means it's gearing up to be a summer that will likely be "fully enjoyed by tourists," says meteorologist Alessio Gussoni. Travel direct flight routes from airlines including Easyjet, American Airlines and Vueling. For those who prefer to travel by rail, a a new overnight train linking Marseille to Rome is due to run from July 4th until August 30th, and Italy's Trenitalia plans to resume a popular night train service connecting Rome to Munich, Germany, on July 15th. If you've seen recent headlines about overtourism protests in Spain over or the sudden closure of the Louvre due to staff being overwhelmed by visitor numbers, you may wonder if something similar could happen in Italy this summer. limit the number of visitors who arrive during peak seasons. However, as things stand, anti-tourism protests and walkouts in Italy are on a smaller scale than those taking place in Spain.
Reuters
4 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Easyjet's cabin crews in Spain to go on strike on June 25-27
MADRID, June 17 (Reuters) - Easyjet's (EZJ.L), opens new tab cabin crews based in Spain will go on strike on June 25, 26 and 27 to demand higher wages as the holiday season kicks into high gear, the USO union said on Tuesday.
Edinburgh Live
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
ITV The Chase's Paul Sinha 'hands in notice' as player wins huge jackpot
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Bradley Walsh cheekily suggested that Paul Sinha might "hand his notice in" after an "unbelievable" episode of the famous ITV quiz programme The Chase, which saw a new set of four contenders—Ian, Jennie, Gregor, and Karen—step up to challenge one of the nation's brightest quizzers. Ian, a London-based magician, was first to take on The Sinnerman, earning a respectable £6,000 in the Cash Builder before successfully securing his place in the final chase, thus kickstarting the prize pot for the team. Jennie followed suit, contributing another £5,000 to the kitty, but her run was cut short as Bradley announced her exit: "You have been caught and for you, The Chase is over", after The Chaser caught up with her. Similarly, Gregor's journey ended at the hands of The Sinnerman. READ MORE - Ryanair, Easyjet and Jet2 passengers face fine for 'buying sandwich pre-flight' READ MORE - Jeremy Clarkson makes 'candid comment' on relationship with partner Lisa Hogan The studio audience was left in shock when Karen boldly accepted The Chaser's hefty offer of £93,000, as reported by the Liverpool Echo. Paul Sinha deadpanned about her daring decision: "This is either brilliant news for Ian, or terrible news for Ian." Karen's audacity sparked a flurry of reactions online, with one viewer impressed, commenting: "Karen didn't even stutter taking that high offer,". Another showed their encouragement, posting: "Good girl!" And yet another voiced their support online, stating, "We just cheered for her.", reports Devon Live. (Image: ITV) (Image: ITV) (Image: ITV) Karen's strategic risk-taking on 'The Chase' paid off handsomely as she breezed through her round against The Sinnerman, Paul Sinha, securing a spot in the final alongside Ian and boosting their jackpot to a staggering £100,000. Viewers were gripped by the excitement and took to social media urging others: "If you're not watching #TheChase switch over quick" to witness Karen and Ian's pursuit of the hefty prize. The pair managed to correctly answer 16 questions in the final chase. In a surprising turn of events, The Sinnerman was unable to catch up with their score, missing out by just one question as the clock ticked down to its last second. Bradley Walsh commented on the tense conclusion: "That was close." After the thrilling win, The Chaser acknowledged their triumph, stating: "You absolutely deserve every penny of that." Despite feeling the sting of defeat and the impact of the loss on ITV's finances, he added: "I've cost ITV £100,000 but you don't need to care about any of that." Bradley couldn't help but make light of the situation, jokingly saying to The Sinnerman: "That's a funny way to hand in your notice." He went on to call the match "unbelievable", with both Ian and Karen taking home an incredible £50,000 each. As they discussed their plans for the winnings, Ian shared his intention to buy a new car, while Karen looked forward to spoiling her son with a trip to the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix.
Edinburgh Live
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Jeremy Clarkson makes 'candid comment' on relationship with partner Lisa Hogan
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Jeremy Clarkson has candidly discussed life with his partner Lisa Hogan, known to viewers from Clarkson's Farm on Prime Video. The show has won over audiences by showing Jeremy's venture into agriculture at Diddly Squat Farm, and the 65-year-old appreciates its honest depiction. He commented on how the series showcases him genuinely: "It's the real me on the farm show," he said. "There's no Top Gear nonsense. It's much more relaxing not to play a part." READ MORE - Ryanair, Easyjet and Jet2 passengers face fine for 'buying sandwich pre-flight' Alongside farmhand Kaleb Cooper, Jeremy gets assistance from Lisa, seen contributing at the Diddly Squat Farm Shop. Jeremy opened up about their teamwork, saying: "It's all good. It's not like we're doing the same thing all the time.", reports Yorkshire Live. Sharing his view on their lifestyle, he adds, "I think it's a happy way to live, to have breakfast together, go our separate ways, and then you've got plenty to talk about in the evening." He elaborated on their evenings out: "You can go out for dinner and you don't sit like normal old people, not talking to each other," in a conversation with The Telegraph. The couple's journey started in 2017 after they met through friends and now, five years in, marriage or children seem off the cards for them. Lisa expressed to Fabulous magazine her contentment with their status: "Mrs Clarkson? No, thank you, I like being Lisa Hogan." She further revealed, "We're at a stage where we are not going to have kids,". "I'm just happy pootling along. I think because of our age, it's much easier. You go, 'God, is it you I end up with? OK, that's it'." Jeremy has been married twice before, first to Alexandra James from 1989 to 1990, and then to Frances Cain between 1993 and 2014. Together with Frances, he shares three children: Emily, 30, Finlo, 27, and Katya, 24. Lisa also has three children from her 30-year marriage to millionaire businessman Baron Steven Bentinck. Reflecting on the early days of her relationship with Jeremy, Lisa confessed she required time to assess his sincerity before taking the next step: "We'd both come out of quite long-term relationships, and I was really happy being single," she divulged. She articulated her initial hesitancy, saying, "So I was like, 'If I'm not going to be single any more, I don't want to be with a messer'. "There was [a moment]. I had given myself three months, but it was way before that, where I thought, 'OK, I really like this person'." Commenting further on her dynamic with Jeremy, Lisa remarked that he "has a laser brain and will take you down", elaborating: "And that's where the fun and the challenge is with him, trying to take him down."
