Beautiful new water attraction to open in Europe with lagoons, 40C pools and waterfalls
Laugarás Lagoon is a new two-storey geothermal lagoon in Iceland opening this summer, similar to the famous Blue Lagoon.
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Inside is 1,000m² of waters with temperatures up to 40C.
One of its main features is the cascading waterfall between the two stories which they claim is a "first" for Icelandic lagoons.
Guests can make the most of the infinity pool which overlooks the Icelandic landscape.
It also has a secluded grotto for some extra privacy, including seating areas.
Otherwise inside it has two saunas with views of the surrounding forest and Hvita River.
If you need a challenge there is also a cold plunge pool just outside as well as a calmer Forest Pool.
There are even two swim up lagoon bars as well, with a free drink included in some tickets.
The Ylja restaurant has a day and evening menu with dishes including fresh soups and salads as well as grilled lamb and slow cooked cod.
Guests can choose from three ticket options, with the most basic costing £40 each, including access to the pools as well as lockers and toiletries.
The premium 'Lerki' ticket costs £55 each and includes all of the above as well as a "plush towel service" and free drink at the swim up bars.
The European city with cheap UK flights, famous lagoon spas and summers where the sun never sets
Otherwise the deluxe 'Osp' ticket has the full experience as well as a two-course meal at the restaurant and a private changing area, for £93 each.
Kids under seven and under are not allowed into the lagoon but an dine at the restaurant.
The lagoon will open from August 15, and be open all year round, with reduced hours in the winter season from October to May.
Laugarás Lagoon is around 80 miles from the airport, or 60 miles from Reykjavik (taking around 1hr20 by car).
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There are also daily tour buses that run from the city which include stops at the lagoon as well as irregular public bus services.
It is also between the famous Geysir attraction and Gullfoss waterfall.
If you can't wait until August, the current Blue Lagoon is open, which first opened in 1987 and now welcomes millions a year.
Or there is the newer Sky Lagoon, also similar and opened in 2021.
What is a holiday to Iceland like?
Sophie Swietochowski, The Sun's Assistant Travel Editor, recently visited Iceland.
Even if you're not a geography nerd — I'm not — it's hard not to get swept up in it all when treading Iceland's volcanic landscapes.
The country's huge white glaciers and vast number of active volcanoes give it its nickname The Land of Fire and Ice.
Iceland's fascinating geography isn't all lava spills, though — its geo-thermal atmosphere has helped create some of the world's most famous spas, including the Blue Lagoon a little south of Reykjavik.
While man-made, it's heated by a geothermal power station that relies on energy from the volcanic ground.
The silica and minerals in the water, said to boost the immune system, turn the water a chalky shade of baby blue.
It was so relaxing to float in the bath-warm water, slapping algae masks and lava scrubs on my face from the lagoon-side beauty bar — all of which are included in your entry price.
Here is what it is like to visit Iceland on holiday.
If you don't want to travel as far as Iceland, here is where to find a geothermal heated pool in the UK which is right by the beach.
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There are options to suit all ages and tastes – the menu usefully marks dishes for various allergies – including plenty of tasty things to share, burgers (gluten-free available), salads, plant-based choices and great cakes. Area: Chamberí Nearest metro: Iglesia, Quevedo or Bilbao Website: Price: £ Reservations: Not usually needed Villa Verbena On a fine day – of which there are many in Madrid – it is worth venturing across the Manzanares river for a leisurely lunch by the lake in the Casa de Campo park. There's something for everyone on the menu, including tuna and avocado on toast and oxtail cannelloni. The aromas floating from the grill mean you won't be able to resist ordering a plate of sardines, octopus or a steak. The kids will happily tuck into plates of ham croquetas, chicken strips and chips. With plenty of terrace tables and floor-to-ceiling windows inside, you get a good view wherever you sit. Back to index Best for walk ins Taberna La Elisa Taberna La Elisa, decorated with pretty blue and yellow tiles, dates back more than century but is now run by the talented young team behind the highly successful Triciclo restaurant nearby. Here they serve up modern versions of Spanish classics, such as rich oxtail with silky butter beans. Grab a stool or a marble table in the bar or eat in the dining room at the back. The kitchen is open all day and this is a good bet for a late lunch after visiting the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza or Reina Sofia museums. Area: Barrio de las Letras Nearest metro: Antón Martín Website: Prices: £ Reservations: Not required for bar tables but recommended for dining room at weekends Casa Dani The Mercado de La Paz is one of Madrid's smartest food markets with proper stalls where the well-heeled locals shop. Casa Dani is easy to spot as there is usually a bit of a queue – worth joining as it moves fast. This busy bar (with tables too) is famed for making one of the best tortillas in town. Ordering a slice of the golden, gooey potato omelette is a must, but there is a lot more on offer, such as croquetas, cuttlefish, meatballs and tomato and tuna salad. La Dichosa Hidden away on a quiet street in the quietly cool Conde Duque area, local favourite La Dichosa is a laidback bar and restaurant with striking blue, black and white décor where you share plates of croquettes, grilled octopus, baby broad beans with sobrasada sausage, artisan cheeses and charcuterie. There is a changing range of interesting wines by the glass as well as the bottle and a selection of craft beers too – check out the blackboards to see what's on offer or just ask Eva or David behind the bar, who will be happy to advise you. Area: Conde Duque Nearest metro: Plaza de España or Noviciado Website: Prices: ££ Reservations: Not usually necessary, except for dinner at weekends Back to index Best for cheap eats La Sanabresa Madrid's traditional casas de comida (basic restaurants) are dying out, but this jolly, unpretentious place does a roaring trade every day; waiters charge around and old friends are engaged in animated conversations in the gloriously unreconstructed dining room. Come here for a bargain fixed-price lunch after the Prado or Reina Sofía museums. There is plenty to choose from, with no standing on ceremony, and you may well have to wait, but the queue moves quickly. Have a big bowl of soup, aubergine fritters, a salad, roast lamb, spare ribs, meatballs – whatever you fancy basically. Area: Barrio de las Letras Nearest metro: Antón Martín Address: Calle Amor de Dios 12 Website: Prices: £ Reservations: Walk-ins only El Bierzo El Bierzo is a much-loved, family-run place for people who live and work in and around Chueca. Nothing much has changed in the half-century it's been open – unlike the neighbourhood, which has shifted from scruffy to chichi over the years. Come for the set-price, three-course lunch, which features a choice of Spanish classics, usually including a tasty lentil or bean stew to start with and maybe hake and salad or eggs, morcilla sausage and chips for main. There are enough options for vegetarians to put a meal together. Back to index Best for fine dining La Tasquita de Enfrente It is easy to stroll straight past tiny La Tasquita de Enfrente, which is one of Madrid's best restaurants and an unlikely haven of discreet elegance on a boisterous nightlife street. Chef Juanjo López Bedmar has been at the helm for 25 years and creates different dishes every day, depending on the best produce available, drawing on the more than 300 recipes in his repertoire. It is all about clean flavours and inspired combinations here. You can choose from two tasting menus or à la carte. Book well ahead. Ramon Freixa Tradición Ramon Freixa, who had two Michelin stars at his previous Madrid restaurant, has gone back to his roots in 2025 with Tradición, where the emphasis is on the produce. While the menu features traditional Spanish dishes, everything has the exquisite, sensual touch you would expect from one of Spain's most renowned chefs. Share the turbot with pilpil sauce or the lobster with fried eggs and potatoes and you will have a big smile on your faces. The spectacular space screams special occasion – definitely one to dress up for. It's open all day from 1pm, so early dinners are no problem. Corral de la Morería With the renowned chef David García at the helm, the restaurant at this legendary flamenco venue has been awarded a Michelin star. An evening here, in the oldest and most characterful part of Madrid, is really special as it combines enjoying creative cuisine with seeing performances by the top flamenco artists in Spain. For the full Michelin experience, book one of the four tables in the gastronomic dining space. After dinner, you move to a reserved table close to the action when the show starts. Most people eat in the less formal setting of Tablao, the area around the stage. Several fixed-price menus are available, including vegan and gluten free. Back to index Best for vegetarians and vegans El Invernadero Leading chef Rodrigo de la Calle has won a Michelin star at this restaurant where the focus is on creative, plant-based cuisine but meat, fish and dairy also feature on the menu (there are four multi-course, fixed-price options). If you are vegan or have a gluten or other allergy, there is no problem here, but bear in mind that the set menu you choose must be served to everyone on the table. Not cheap, but the food is superb and you will have a truly memorable experience. Zíngara Zíngara is bohemian, fashionable and romantic – and also happens to be vegetarian (with vegan and gluten-free dishes flagged on the menu). Start with one of the legendary cocktails then try the seaweed fritters with almond alioli, the mushroom papillote with Indian spices or the sweet potato noodles with kimchi. Open for dinner only, except at weekends when the decadence begins at 1pm. Low lighting, sumptuous decor and great music create a clubby vibe. Area: Salesas Nearest metro: Chueca or Colón Website: Price: ££ Reservations: Recommended How we choose Every restaurant in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets, from neighbourhood favourites to Michelin-starred restaurants – to best suit every type of traveller's taste – and consider the food, service, best tables, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest opening and provide up to date recommendations. Annie Bennett has been living in Madrid on and off for more than 30 years. She never gets tired of exploring the oldest parts of the Spanish capital and discovering new tapas bars.
