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Local Spain
27-05-2025
- Local Spain
Six epic road trips in Spain to add to your bucket list
San Sebastián to Finesterre Explore the coast of Green Spain by driving from the Basque city of San Sebastián all the way to the Costa de Morte and the so-called end of the earth at Finisterre – which is also the final end of the Camino de Santiago for those who go beyond the Santiago Cathedral. All in all it covers around 800km and takes just over seven hours if done all in one go. The best option of course would be to break it up over several days, taking in the highlights along the way. The first stop is Bilbao passing along the coast and beautiful fishing villages of Getaria, Mutriku and Lekeitio known for their excellent seafood and surfing. Next it's on to Santander and into Cantabria, stopping at picturesque villages such as Castro Urdiales, Laredo and Santoña en route. From here continue along the coast to Asturias or take a detour for some hiking in the Picos de Europa. Asturais is home to such coastal beauties as Llanes, Gijón, Ribadesella and Cudillero. The final region on your journey is Galicia. You could stop at the spectacular Playa de las Catedrales with its gigantic rock formations on the way to A Coruña before heading down to the Costa da Morte or Coast of Death and Cape Finisterre, for so long considered to be the westernmost point of the Earth. This epic route is known as the Vía de Plata or Silver route covers almost the entire length of Spain, all the way from the capital of Andalusia to the coastal Asturian city of Gijón. It follows the old Roman road that once connected the north and the south. This too covers around 800km and takes a similar amount of time as the first route, with lots of fascinating stops on the way. It takes you through Extremadura, one of the least-visited regions of the country and past some of its most historic cities like Mérida with its amazing Roman ruins and Cáceres surrounded by mighty 12th century city walls. Continue your drive north between various natural parks to the historic city of Salamanca, home to the oldest university in Spain and then on to Zamora with its mix of architectural styles. You'll then past the Lagunas de Villafáfila on the way up to León with its grand 13th century cathedral and Barrio Húmedo tapas district. The route then ascends through mountains and natural parks before descending once again to the coast and the port city of Gijón in Asturias. You could also take a short detour to the Asturian capital of Oviedo to explore its historic streets and frequent its cider bars. Barcelona to Alicante This drive covers almost the entire length of the Spanish Mediterranean coast from Barcelona down to Alicante or the other way around. This is one of the most well-trodden roads in Spain and takes in some of its best beaches and most popular resorts. It's a total of 530km and would take around five and half hours if done in one go. Again it's best to split up and enjoy the sights and cities along the way. From the Catalan capital of Barcelona, you'll drive southwest along the coast towards Tarragona and its mesmerising Roman Amphitheatre overlooking the sea. Then it's on to the Costa Daurada or Golden Coast, known for its stretches of golden sand beaches. Pass the Delta del Ebro, home to a vast variety of bird life, including flamingos, before entering the region of Valencia and the Costa del Azahar or Orange Blossom Coast. Peñíscola is a dramatic beach town en route with its own castle-topped citadel. Continue further to Valencia, home of the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, historic market and wide beaches. South of the city lies the Albufera Lagoon, where paella was invented and home to miles of rice fields. From here continue following the coast around to some of the area's most popular and beautiful beach towns – Gandia, Dénia, Calpe and Altea before arriving in Benidorm. From here it's just over an hour to Alicante, City of 1,001 Rice Dishes and Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2025. A tour of the Basque Country This drive takes you on a circular route, beginning and ending in Bilbao (or one of the other cities en route). From Bilbao it takes you down to Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the region, famed for its gastronomy like Bilbao and San Sebastián as well as its spectacular art museum – Artim Museoa, the museum of contemporary art of the Basque Country. Back in the car, head to Pamplona, capital of Navarre mostly known as the home of the Running of the Bulls festival. There's plenty to see outside festival time too such as Gothic churches and medieval city walls. From here, continue north along the N-135 to pass through the dramatic setting of the Pyrenees and into France. Make a short stop in Biarritz, loved for its grand architecture and surfing before heading back into Spain and San Sebastián. Many consider San Sebastián is Spain's foodie capital with the greatest number of Michelin Stars and filled with pintxos bars. It also has a stunning old town and lovely La Concha Beach. Then from San Sebastián back to Bilbao you past along the Basque coastline with numerous colourful fishing villages and Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Grand Tour of Catalonia The Grand Tour of Catalonia covers over 1,490 km of roads and does a loop of the region beginning and ending in Barcelona. Stage one takes you from Barcelona inland into the wine region of the Penedès, where Spain's cava is made and then back out to the Roman city of Tarragona. Stage two then continues down to the banks of the mouth of the River Ebro and then into another wine region of Priorat followed by the Cistercian Route of abbeys all the way to Lleida. Next you'll travel north along the edge of Aragón up to the Pyrenees, between glaciers, waterfalls and mountain towns. Highlights include the Congost de Mont Rebei gorge, the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park and the Romanesque architecture in the Valle de Boi. From La Seu d'Urgell travel along the Pyrenees and border with France back towards the coast. Stop to see La Garrotxa, the ancient volcanic natural park and the medievel town of Besalú before reaching home of Salvador Dalí' in Figueres. Here you'll find his birth home and famous Theatre Museum. The last stage takes you along the Costa Brava coastline to see more Dalí sights and then inland to the historic city of Girona before heading back to Barcelona. Granada to Almería circuit Begin in Granada and drive south for around one hour past the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the villages of the Alpujarras – quaint whitewashed mountain villages, known for their crafts, bohemian vibe, hiking and unique cuisine. The first you'll reach is Lanjarón and three of the most charming are Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira. From here continue through the Alpujarras and down towards Almería or take the coastal route via Calahonda. There are lovely beaches to the east of Almería at the Parque Natural del Cabo de Gata-Níjar if you want to take a detour further. The main circuit though will take you north of the city and through Europe's only desert - the Tabernas on the way back to Granada. Take a stop in Guadix to see it's unique ancient cave homes where many locals still live. This route takes you through Europe's only true desert. Photo: Fabesh / Pexels
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Oviedo - the lush, cooler region of Spain Brits should stop ignoring
Many Brits head to southern Spain for sun, sea and sangria, but take a trip to the cooler, greener north of the country and there's a fabulous foodie getaway to discover a world away from Mediterranean hotspots. Handsome, historic Oviedo – capital of the Principality of Asturias and the commercial, administrative heart of the wider region – was last year's Spanish Capital of Gastronomy, which showcased the best of Asturian cuisine – rich meat, fresh seafood, creamy cheeses and refreshing cider. NB: scorpionfish are unlikely to win a marine beauty contest any time soon. Cabrales is an artisanal blue cheese made from pure, unpasteurised cow's milk or a blend of goat/sheep milk for a stronger, spicier flavour. The modern Nuvó Hotel Oviedo is a four-star, accessible hotel with contemporary rooms in the historic heart of the city. Facilities include free wi-fi and a gym and spa and top-of-the range rooms have rooftop terraces with views. The historic splendours of highly walkable Oviedo await… architecture, a leafy park and those traditional sidrerías to tempt visitors and, perhaps, to try the traditional pouring of a glass from head height. Must sees include Oviedo Cathedral, Holy Chamber and Gothic tower. The cathedral was founded by King Fruela I of Asturias in 781 AD and is the most important landmark in the city. Fontán Market is one of the best-preserved squares in the city and home to a busy local produce market. Its name comes from the natural spring fountain which formed a pool in the sunken ground. History buffs will also enjoy the city's pre-Romanesque architectural sites, which flourished in the Kingdom of Asturias when the Moors' Caliphate of Cordoba had conquered the south of the Iberian peninsula. The UNESCO-listed Naranco monuments are a short bus ride, and the centrepiece Santa María del Naranco church is thought to originally have been part of the palatial residential complex of the monarch who commissioned its construction, Ramiro I (842-850). For the sweet-toothed, dive in to a sugary tour of the Old Town pastry shops in the historic centre. Elegant and famous Confiteria Rialto is a reliable choice. More quirky, see the cute Mafalda Monument – a tribute to the savvy protagonist of a 1960s-70s Argentine comic strip. Vibrant port city Gijón is a 30-minute train ride from Oviedo, larger and well worth a visit. The old town, Cimavilla, lies on an impressive peninsula with narrow, winding streets, historic buildings and the inevitable sidrerías, plus Cerro de Santa Catalina Park for city and coastal views. Baroque Palacio de Revillagigedo overlooks the marina in Plaza del Marqués and hosts modern art exhibitions, while main square Plaza Mayor is a focal point surrounded by neoclassical architecture. If you fancy a dip, take your cossie and stroll to Playa de San Lorenzo, Gijón's best-known and biggest beach. Much-photographed Cudillero is a fishing village 45 minutes by road from Oviedo and its colourful houses tumble down a hill to the harbour. The locals' curadillo is a healthy dogs' treat made from dried fish spines, backbones and skin. For humans, it's just a photo opp! You can get a selection of the most interesting, important and fun travel stories sent to your inbox every week by subscribing to the Mirror Travel newsletter. It's completely free and takes minutes to do.
Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
If PSG beat Inter, coach Luis Enrique will recreate this ritual in memory of deceased daughter Xana who passed away from cancer
The complex, brilliant and demanding coach of Paris Saint-Germain, Luis Enrique, who turned 55 on Thursday, wants to relive a poignant moment from the past in the memory if his daughter, Xana. It is a quiet, added motivation for PSG when they taken Inter Milan in the final of the UEFA Champions League on May 32. At age 9, Xana passed away after as a result of osteosarcoma, a type of cancer that attacks the bones and particularly affects children. Argentine publication Clarin while rooting for their man Lautaro Martínez who will wear blue and black of Inter, said that 'it will be very difficult not to root a little for Luis Enrique, the coach who moved the world.' Enrique, known as 'Lucho' in Spanish international media, is admired worldwide for his poised courage when dealing with the tragedy that struck his young family with Xana's illness. Clarin says the Asturian coach managed to overcome his grief in 2019 by showing extraordinary and moving strength. Back when Xana was detected, Lucho stepped away from the national team for a while 'for family reasons'. In his autobiographical miniseries 'You Have No F… Idea', produced in Spain and currently playing on Prime Video, Lucho has looked back on the tough times around the death of his 9-year-old daughter. He was already a champion with Messi's Barcelona in 2015, and while seeking glory in Paris against Inter, he declared with a smile, that should PSG win in Munich, he will repeat the ritual from Barca win for his daughter. 'I have incredible memories, because my daughter loved parties, and I'm sure she's still having them wherever she is,' he was quoted by Clarin. He continued: 'I remember an incredible photo I have with her at the Champions League final in Berlin, after winning the Champions League in 2015, planting a Barcelona flag on the pitch. I wish I could do the same with PSG,' he added. Barca of 2015 was the legendary MSN-era, of Messi , Suárez , and Neymar, who won everything they played in the 2015 season. Winning with PSG, no longer a side of Galacticos after Messi, Neymar and Mbappe left, but coherent with Donnarumma, Dembele and Fabi Ruiz, will also be an opportunity to pay tribute to his daughter. Luis Enrique Martínez García, known and adopted by the football world as Luis Enrique, is described by Clarin as 'a warrior on the pitch, as well as a fierce goalscorer, despite the fact that he stood out playing in the midfield with the shirts of Barcelona, Real Madrid and the Spanish national team , the only three he wore as a player, in addition to that of Gijón, his city. That imprint carried over into his career as a coach, and it is clear that it also guides his life.' After eliminating Arsenal 3-1 aggregate by winning both matches in the semi-finals, Lucho hasa chance to become European champion again. Lucho also coached Qatar at the World Cup and surprised fans by running marathons and triathlons when he was considered the best coach in the world, as per Clarin. Having played in three World Cups in the 1990s he went to Qatar 2022 as a coach, where he was known for his bike rides. His live streams gained a huge following for elucidating on his adventure in the Middle East, in a relaxed and cheerful manner despite the fact that he had to analyze his team's inconsistent campaign, losingbin pre quarters. In the miniseries 'You Have No F… Idea', Lucho looks back at Xana's death: 'I consider myself lucky, I am very lucky. My daughter came to live with us for nine wonderful years,' he expressed. 'We have a thousand memories of her, videos, incredible things. My mother couldn't have photos of Xana. Until I came home and said to her, 'Why aren't there any photos of Xana, Mom?' 'I can't, I can't…' she would say. 'Mom, you have to put up photos of Xana, Xana is alive,' I replied,' he recounts in his miniseries. 'She's not here physically, but she is here spiritually. Because every day we talk about her, we laugh and remember her. Because I think Xana still sees us. How do I want Xana to think that we lived through this…?' Lucho's time with PSG has been memorable beyond the persistetsuccess in Europe. His press conferences have endeared him to Parisians. In the first, he tried to learn French and mocked his difficulties, Clarin writes. Recently, he congratulated a journalist who was doing an internship for the question she had asked him. And in another moment, he spoke about a topic that is natural and everyday for him but that leaves a lump in his throat: his memory of Xana. 'My daughter won't be there, she won't be there physically, but she'll be there spiritually, and that's very important to me. I'm motivated to continue moving forward with what life gives me, sharing it with my family,' the Spaniard said recently. Lucho, with his wife, Elena Cullel, and his two oldest children, Pacho and Sira, has committed himself to the fight against cancer and decided to create the 'Xana Foundation' in March 2024. Its main objective is to offer comprehensive care and support to children and young people affected by serious illnesses and to provide support to their families. In addition, it has its own programs and collaborates with and funds external projects related to the cause. On his Twitch channel, Clarin quoted him as saying, 'The Xana Foundation was created with the purpose of helping all those people who, unfortunately, go through these experiences and do not have the resources to support their children. In our case, we were lucky enough to be able to leave our jobs and dedicate ourselves 100% to Xana in her process. We want to help these families and accompany them.'
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Time of India
They hadn't stepped outside since 2021! Here's what we know about the children rescued from a COVID-19 house of horrors
Source: X/@CarmeliBarak In Oviedo, Spain, a disturbing case has emerged involving three young boys—twins aged eight and their ten-year-old brother—who were reportedly confined inside their home for nearly four years. Spanish police rescued the children this week, marking their first time outdoors since December 2021. Authorities say the children's parents, identified as Christian Steffen, 53, from Germany, and Melissa Ann Steffen, 48, originally from the United States, allegedly isolated their sons out of fear of COVID-19. Now under arrest, the couple could face up to seven years in prison if convicted. DW reported that when the children were brought into the garden after years inside, they hyperventilated, lay on the grass, and touched it with fascination. Further, one officer told El Mundo, 'They were scared... When we took them out of the house, into the garden, they saw a snail and went crazy.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Al Najaf: AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Aroun... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Source: X/@CarmeliBarak According to El Español, the parents had allegedly asked authorities in Germany for permission to homeschool their children after the pandemic began. When warned that social services would be notified, the family reportedly moved to Spain. The house in the quiet Asturian neighborhood of Toleo was rented for four years. Inside, officers found appalling conditions: trash piled high, used tampons under the parents' bed, excrement from pets, and children sleeping in cribs while still wearing nappies. Photos revealed disturbing images of monsters drawn on the children's beds. One officer described the children as 'dirty and completely disconnected from reality,' though they were not malnourished. A pediatric report noted severe constipation caused by restrictions on toilet use—children were only allowed to relieve themselves at scheduled times and otherwise wore diapers. Source: X/@CarmeliBarak During the police visit on April 14—coinciding with widespread power outages in Spain—officers noticed the father, barefoot and disheveled, refused immediate entry and insisted they wear masks. When they entered, the children were wearing three masks each. Investigators found large quantities of ADHD medication, including drugs containing THC, allegedly sourced from the black market. Officials say it's unclear whether the children were ever diagnosed with ADHD. What is COVID Anxiety Syndrome? COVID Anxiety Syndrome (CAS) is a psychological condition where individuals continue to experience heightened fear and anxiety related to COVID-19, even as the immediate threat diminishes. This syndrome is characterized by persistent behaviors such as compulsive symptom checking, avoidance of public places, and excessive cleaning. These actions are often driven by an overwhelming fear of infection, leading to significant disruptions in daily life.
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Inside 'house of horrors' where kids held prisoner in nappies and cages
A couple is alleged to have kept their two twins and their 10-year-old brother captive in a house of horrors in the where they were forced to sleep in cages for four years Children freed from an alleged "house of horrors" where they were forced to sleep in cages for four years gave a heartbreaking reaction after their liberation. A German couple was arrested for alleged child abuse after officers raided their home. Three young boys, two twins aged eight and their 10-year-old brother, reportedly were held captive in the house for four years after Covid crisis began. The youngsters were all found wearing face masks, and when they were finally freed, they knelt on the grass and "touched it with amazement," according to police. The mother allegedly told police she thought it was the best way to keep them safe. Spanish police said the house in the Asturian capital Oviedo, in northern Spain, was in a disgusting state, with hoards of rubbish and mountains of accumulated medicines together with filthy pet excrement and a cat with a massive tumour. The children were forced to wear nappies and had to sleep in caged beds, police said. The children were kept out of school and were forbidden to leave the house. Doors were locked and windows permanently closed and they couldn't even go into the garden. Police said the children were kept so well hidden that neighbours did not know they were inside the home. A 53-year-old German husband and his wife, a 48-year-old American, with dual nationality are being held in custody without bail pending further investigations. The operation began on April 14 after a resident of the area raised the alarm. The woman had heard voices that sounded like children coming from the house although he had never seen anyone leave the house to play or go to school. But, after several days of surveillance, the investigators were clear that more than one person had to live there. This was indicated by the boxes of food of the orders that the man brought into the home. The agents could not believe what they found when they entered the house. The minors were barefoot, wearing nappies and still sleeping in cribs. When they wanted to take them out of the building, they did not even have shoes of their size, since they had not bought shoes for years. The chief commissioner of the Local Police of Oviedo, Francisco Javier Lozano, gave a press conference on Wednesday in which he explained the details of the operation, which resulted in the arrest of the couple at 2.45pm on Monday. The initial search of the house was made more difficult because Spain had been plunged into darkness by the electricity outrage. When officers knocked on the door, the dad answered but asked police to wait a few minutes so their children could put on masks, which was reported to be three each. One officer told the local press: "They were very scared and around the mother, who told us all the time that the little ones had serious pathologies and that we should not approach them. They had three masks each on top of each other. They were oblivious to any contact with reality." The children spoke mostly in English. After being evaluated at the Central University Hospital of Asturias, they have been placed under the guardianship of the Government of the Principality. It is not ruled out that their parents could be charged with crimes of habitual abuse, abandonment of minors, and against fundamental rights. As a summary of the operation, the words of the chief commissioner of the Local Police of Oviedo, Francisco Javier López Lozano said: "We have dismantled the house of horrors".
