Latest news with #Asturias
BBC News
14-05-2025
- BBC News
Plane, coach or motorhome? The Europa League final adventure
We asked you to tell us how you are getting to Bilbao for the Europa League final against are some of your travel plans: Jan: Flying to Asturias via Brussels on Tuesday evening costing £165. Then £40 for hotel, three hour drive to Bilbao (car hire £45) then return on Thursday morning back in Manchester by As a Manchester United fan in my 50s, I thought my Interrail days were long behind me… but here I am, reliving my youth by backpacking across Europe with two of my sons to get to the Europa League final in Bilbao. We're squeezing onto trains from Manchester to London, then Paris, then all the way to the Spanish border, with a taxi dash and a hire car thrown in for good measure. We'll catch the match, sleep in said hire car like true budget adventurers, then do it all in Five regular United fans from Manchester, Oxford and Kings Lynn are getting a motorhome and driving to Bilbao. Meeting the people along the way like some Man Utd mega bus, a stupidly early Dover crossing reminiscent of the Italian Job, French motorways, rest stops, refuelling and campsites with a day in Bilbao and then coming back the next day. Going to be four days of mayhem and memories - never letting the football get in the way of a good day at the Fly to Murcia for three nights. Flights cost £149 return. Means an eight hour car journey to Bilbao but four sharing the Going by coach from Old Trafford via Dover/Calais. Setting off midday Tuesday expected arrival by 15:00 Wednesday, return straight after the match.
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Europe's best beaches revealed - as breathtaking lagoon spot takes the crown
A brand new ranking has revealed Europe's best beaches and a breathtaking lagoon has taken the crown. The list, put together by European Best Destinations, looked at travellers' reviews to find the world's most beautiful beaches. The travel guide says: 'Embark on a journey to these pristine natural havens, where you can disconnect from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with yourself amidst stunning landscapes.' While the UK sadly fails to get a beach into the top 10, many of the best-rated spots are just a short flight away. Which would you most like to travel to? 10. Gulpiyuri Beach, Spain Playa de Gulpiyuri is located in Asturias in northern Spain and is renowned as the smallest beach in the world at just 40m long. It's especially unusual as it's an inland beach and sits around 100m back from the Cantabrian coastline. Seawater reaches the tiny beach via underground tunnels. And while it might be small in stature, it's not short on beauty. Backed by cliffs with golden sand, the beach is a popular spot with locals. The judges describe the beach as 'natural and undeveloped' making it the ideal spot for holidaymakers seeking a 'tranquil environment'. 9. Banje Beach, Croatia This pretty pebble beach is one of Dubrovnik's most popular beaches and it's just a short walk from the city centre. The beach has a range of restaurants, bars and shops while sunbeds are also available for lounging. The judges reveal: 'It's proximity to the Old Town provides a unique backdrop, combining beach relaxation with historic exploration.' Tourists will be able to admire Dubrovnik's iconic fortress as they swim in the beach's waters. 8. Assos Beach, Greece One of the best beaches in Kefalonia, Assos Beach is located on the island's northwest coast. The beach is close to Assos village, making it easy for holidaymakers to access tavernas and cafes. 'Assos Beach is a charming pebble beach nestled in a picturesque bay,' say the judges. They add that the beach's 'calm water' makes it a suitable destination for families. 7. Playa de Los Muertos, Spain Known as the 'Beach of the Dead', Playa de Los Muertos is luckily much prettier than it sounds. Located around 80km outside Almeria, the beach has also previously been named the 'most beautiful beach in Spain'. The judges say: 'The beach features a long stretch of white pebbles and crystal-clear water, making it a favourite among sunbathers and snorkellers.' Holidaymakers will need to tackle a steep cliff walk to reach the beach and they should be aware that there isn't always much shade available. 6. La Pelosa Beach, Italy Located on the island of Sardinia, La Pelosa Beach is so beautiful it's been described as 'Caribbean-like'. And the beach's fine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water and sunny weather definitely makes it look like it's in a far more exotic location. 'The iconic 16th century Torre della Pelosa tower adds historic charm to this picturesque setting,' say the judges. But don't just turn up. The beach's popularity means that holidaymakers now need to book a spot to visit with 1,500 spaces available each day. 5. Gale Fontainhas Beach, Portugal Gale Fontainhas Beach sits on Portugal's sunny Alentejo coast and the judges describe it as one of Europe's 'less crowded beaches'. And they're right. Stretching for 2.2km/1.3 miles, it's generally easy for holidaymakers to find a private spot on the golden sand. The beach is even backed by sandstone cliffs, making it a dramatic place to sunbathe. Tourists should be aware that the current is strong at Gale Fontainhas and the water isn't generally suitable for inexperienced swimmers. 4. Cala Luna, Italy A beautiful beach with 'golden sand' and sea caves, Cala Luna is another of Sardinia's prettiest beaches. Cala Luna, which translates as 'Moon Beach, earns its enchanting name from its crescent shape. The judges describe the Sardinian beach as a 'haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers'. Its clear water and sea caves make the beach a popular destination for snorkelling. 3. Cala Pregonda, Spain A gorgeous beach in Menorca, Cala Pregonda is officially the third prettiest in Europe. Described by the judges as a 'tranquil spot' that's 'ideal for seeking solitude', Cala Pregonda is located on the island's north coast. The beach's red sand and bright blue water make it one of Menorca's most attractive spots. It's a wild and secluded beach so tourists will need to bring their own supplies for the day. 2. Cala Brandinchi, Italy Sometimes known as 'Little Tahiti', Cala Brandinchi is the third Sardinian beach to rank among Europe's most beautiful. Surrounded by a pine forest and Mediterranean scrub, the beach 'offers a serene environment', according to the ranking. Cala Brandinchi is 'ideal for families', say the judges, with 'fine white sands' and 'crystal-clear shallow waters'. The beach has parasols and beach chairs for use as well as boat rental, a kiosk and bar. 1. Port Glarokavos Lagoon Beach, Greece Port Glarokavos Lagoon Beach on northern Greece's Kassandra Peninsula takes the crown for the world's most beautiful beach. The judges say: 'This natural gem combines a tranquil lagoon, clear turquoise waters, soft golden sand and lush pine surroundings, creating a breathtaking setting for a relaxing and photogenic beach day.' Known as Greece's own 'Blue Lagoon', the beach is ideal for families who want to unwind with easy access to safe shallow waters. It's also a popular spot for snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and birdwatching.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vollering wins final stage to defend Vuelta title
Demi Vollering defended her Vuelta Femenina title by winning the final stage of the race in style. The Dutch rider broke clear of her rivals in the final kilometre of stage seven to cross the line solo at the Alto de Cotobello summit finish in Asturias, Spain. Vollering, 28, held a 45-second advantage heading into the final day and her second stage win of the race ensured she claimed her second Vuelta title by one minute one second over Switzerland's Marlen Reusser. Vollering's compatriot and former team-mate Anna van der Breggen finished third overall, a further 15 seconds back. FDJ-Suez rider Vollering took the leader's red jersey with victory in the race's other mountain stage on Thursday. "I am very happy that I could win both mountain stages," said Vollering, who moved to FDJ from SD-Worx this season. "My team was so strong again, so strong, and we were always in control. I'm really happy about the whole performance with the whole team." Van der Breggen, who returned to competing this year after retiring in 2021, started the day second and led for much of the final 10.3km climb in the rain on the 152km route from La Robla to Cotobello. But she had no answer for Vollering's explosive attack with around 800 metres to go, also falling behind Reusser. Vollering has now won three major tour titles in women's cycling, having won the 2023 Tour de France Femmes to go with her two Vuelta triumphs. Her second victory of the race also ensured every individual stage was won by a Dutch rider. After American outfit Lidl-Trek claimed the opening team time trial, Marianne Vos won stages two and six, Van der Breggen won stage four and Femke Gerritse took victory on stage three. Demi Vollering (Ned/FDJ-Suez) 19hrs 41mins 32secs Marlen Reusser (Swi/Movistar) +1min 01secs Anna van der Breggen (Ned/SD-Worx) +1min 16secs Cedrine Kerbaol (Fra/EF Education-Oatly) +2mins 34secs Juliette Labous (Fra/FDJ) +3mins 24secs Niamh Fisher-Black (NZ/Lidl-Trek) +3mins 25secs Monica Trinca Colonel (Ita/Liv AlUla Jayco) +4mins 07secs Yara Kastelijn (Ned/Fenix-Deceuninck) +5mins 20secs Nienke Vinke (Ned/Team Picnic PostNL) +5mins 40secs Evita Muzic (Fra/FDJ-Suez) +5mins 41secs
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The nosy neighbour who turned detective to uncover sickening truth about Spain's House of Horrors where German man and his 22-stone wife kept sons locked away in filth and nappies for years
This is the neighbour-turned-detective whose 'impressive' and meticulous sleuthing uncovered a historic 'house of horrors' in Spain. Silvia Gomez Anson spent months keeping tabs on her 'odd' German neighbour in the sleepy village of Toleo, nestled at the foot of a mountain in the northern region of Asturias. On April 14, the economics professor at the University of Oviedo handed her 'forensic level' findings to the authorities, who were so impressed they launched an urgent investigation. Exactly two weeks later, 15A was raided by police, unearthing a secret family living in a cesspit of filth amid 'serious signs of child abuse and neglect'. Silvia's long-held suspicions were confirmed after cops found Christian Steffen, 58, was living with his 22-stone American wife Melissa Ann Steffen, 48, and their three young sons - twins aged eight, and a 10-year-old. Reportedly due to 'an extreme fear of Covid-19 ', the family had remained confined inside the home since arriving in December 2021 - during the sixth wave of the pandemic. Their lockdown mentality was so ingrained that when police officers arrived at the door they asked them to wear masks before entering - while their sons, who only speak English due to missing years of school in Spain - wore three face coverings each. Police believe the children would have suffered many more years had it not been for Silvia's scrupulous work. It all began in August 2024, when Silvia, who lives at 15B, saw what she thought was a young girl playing in the garden next door, at 15A. She thought nothing of it at the time, believing a friend of the neighbour had been visiting with their daughter. However, some months ago she noticed movement behind one of the blinds while the neighbour - who she assumed lived alone - was collecting a delivery from the front door. It suddenly dawned on her that the 'girl' she saw last summer could be living inside the house. Like something out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie, Silvia began spying on the property at every chance she got. Her large windows guaranteed an unbridled view of the property next door, which was just 50ft away, while her slatted blinds kept her out of sight of the neighbour. In a 'forensic level' diary, she jotted down every minor detail, including when the blinds and curtains moved and when the father took the bins out. She kept tabs on his many deliveries of food, medicine and other goods - and crucially, the times she heard multiple children's voices. After months of observations, she felt compelled to act after becoming convinced that children were being kept inside the home and forbidden from leaving. Police in the northern city of Oviedo found the three young boys – twins aged eight and their ten-year-old brother – in the house on Wednesday In her notes, she jotted down how food deliveries seemed to be for a family, not just one person. Speaking to El Mundo, sources at Oviedo City Council compared Silvia's notes to a professional police report, adding that it was likely she had help from someone familiar with such processes. Silvia did such a good job that when she handed her findings in on April 14, the local police immediately began investigating - a situation that sources said was 'unheard of'. Investigators soon realised that only the father was registered at the address. Adding to their concern, it appeared he had not left the home beyond walking to the gate to collect deliveries. While monitoring the house, detectives noticed one food delivery was far too big for a single person, confirming what Silvia had found during her investigations. But it was the large order of diapers that was said to be the smoking gun, and a raid of the property was launched on April 28. Police would later thank Silvia for her dedicated work. One source said: 'Without that neighbour, the children would almost certainly have gone undetected in that house for many more years.' When approached by MailOnline at her home today, a humble Silvia refused to comment on whether she was a hero. 'I'm not talking about the case,' she said. Plain-clothed police officers later arrived at the scene, which has become somewhat of a macabre tourist attraction. Passersby continue to walk up the driveway to take photos of the infamous 'house of horrors' - despite Silvia having placed a barricade at the bottom of the road. One of the officers told MailOnline: 'She is a bit freaked out by the attention and is not going to talk, especially because the case is still active and making its way through the courts.' He said the Steffen parents remain behind bars but could not comment further. They face up to seven years in jail each if found guilty of domestic and psychological abuse, child abandonment - and potentially unlawful detention. According to reports, only the father was allowed to open the front door. When he let police in on April 28, they discovered the family were living in total squalor. There was animal excrement all over the kitchen floor and counters, while a guest bedroom had become a dumping ground for the children's used nappies. One guest bedroom had become a dumping ground for the children's used nappies. Under the parents' bed were piles of used sanitary pads and tampons, and mounds of other filth. According to Spanish reports, 22 jars of vaseline were also found on the mother's bedside table. She reportedly weighed 22 stone at the time of her arrest. The twins were kept in cribs meant for infants, with police finding disturbing drawings of monsters scrawled on them. On the first floor, a guest room had signs of being used as a classroom for the boys, with officers finding a table, three chairs, human anatomy books and a map of the world. Almost all the blinds of the property were closed, apart from in the children's bedrooms, which investigators discovered were shut every day at 5.10pm. Officers also found four oxygen-purifying ozone generators. The air purifiers, which became popular during the pandemic, were plugged in 24/7. The case has shocked Spain and rocked the local community of Toleo, which until recently, was a relatively unknown village of no more than 200 people. Locals are said to be reeling after discovering the children's alleged years-long suffering. Adding salt to the wound, the litany of alleged crimes happened just a few doors down from a police captain, and opposite a convent, where dozens of locals flock daily to buy the nuns' cookies and cakes. Local Maria Jesus, who lives higher up on the mountain, told MailOnline that she had suspected something was wrong, but never thought to involve herself like Silvia did. She said: 'I once saw the mother walking down the road in a summer dress and flip flops in the middle of winter, they were not okay in the head. 'I think it happened to a lot of people during Covid, the lockdowns and everything really affected some people.' Maria said the village is filled with wealthy homeowners, and that a 'chief or captain' of the Civil Guard lives just a few doors down. 'It's easy to hide here, no one is going to bother you, but it was their strange behaviour that raised alarms,' she added. 'A Mercadona truck would pull into the drive and deliver far too much food for one person, so it's no surprise the neighbour became suspicious. 'But you can't enter a private home without a court order, so she needed to collect evidence and give the police a reason to investigate.' She added: 'I've lived here for 40 years and I've never seen anything like it, it was a media circus when the news first broke. 'It's all anyone has been talking about. It was very shocking, but thank God she (Silvia) did something.' Two nuns who live at the convent across the road told MailOnline that, 'regrettably', they knew nothing of the tenants until reading about them in the press. One said: 'It was horrible to read about, the press were here for days afterwards. 'We never saw anybody in the house and we knew nothing, we assumed it was empty, the front garden is so unkept.' The sister added: 'People here live very independently so it's not unusual to go unnoticed, but it was horrible to find out about it and that it was right next to us.' The only contact the nuns have with the outside world is through the window where they sell their pastries, cakes and pies. Local Marino Guardado has lived in Toleo for 23 years in a home just above that of the Steffens. He told the El Diario newspaper: 'The news is a scandal. In four years I've never seen anyone, not a man, a woman, the children, a dog, or a cat. As far as I could see, there was no one there, and therefore, there was no activity…' He said the grass in front of the house is very tall as if 'no person or animal has walked on it for years.' He said the local community is 'tremendously angry' for not 'doing something for the innocent children' sooner. Postman Julio Luque is one of the few to have met any of the family, having made deliveries to the German father Christian. He said: 'The German was always at home and opened the door for me with his mask on. 'He answered the phone, and I never thought there could be more people inside. No noise was ever heard.' The Steffens had reportedly moved from Germany in December 2021 over fears they would lose custody of their three sons. According to Spanish broadcaster Telecinco, they wanted to homeschool their children, which is prohibited in the country. Allegedly motivated by an 'extreme fear' of Covid-19, the parents moved to the isolated home in northern Spain two months after father Christian signed the lease in October 2021, stating he would be the only person living there. According to property portal Idealista, the pink, 333 square metre property was built in 2002 and is worth up to €480,000. After moving in, the Steffens were allegedly able to inflict years of child abuse and neglect against their three sons, who were forced to wear three masks each and were still using nappies. They were also found to be suffering from extreme constipation after their toilet visits became highly controlled. From their arrival in late 2021 and until their arrests last month, the parents almost never left the house and the boys were never seen outside the home. When they were finally rescued on April 28, at least one of the boys is said to have fallen to their knees to touch the grass 'in amazement'. Christian is a doctor in philosophy, but was working remotely as a human resources consultant. This allowed him to pay for the rent and constant delivery of food and medicines without anyone having to leave the home. A CV posted online by Christian stated that he is only available to work 'remotely', while he described himself as having 'strong empathy'. He also wrote that he is 'open yet disciplined' and has 'perseverance and commitment.' Following their arrests, investigating judge Begoña Fernandez refused to grant the couple bail and stripped them of their custody and parental rights over the three boys. The children are now under the care of the state. Social care minister Marta del Arco previously told El Comercio that the evaluation of the boys shows they are 'doing okay physically', however the psychological assessment is yet to be completed. Flor Gonzalez Muñiz, spokesperson for the Professional Association of Social Education of the Principality of Asturias, added that the parents repeatedly told the youngsters the outside world was 'harmful' to them. The expert has been closely monitoring the case since it first came onto the authorities' radar on April 14. She said the parents began the self-isolation during the pandemic and told the boys they had serious health problems, stocking up on a variety of medications to give them, despite no professional diagnoses from healthcare professionals. Since being freed, according to Muñiz, the two youngest - twins aged eight - are adapting well to living without masks, however the eldest brother, aged 10, is a little more 'reticent'. She said: 'The little ones took them off and were free, but the older one eats and puts it back on… 'It's not so easy to break down the discourse they've received for so long from their parents… children are less aware of the risk the younger they are… so it's normal that the eldest needs to check more than the other two that nothing (untoward) is happening and to gain trust.' The expert said the damage caused to the trio is 'very serious' but 'not irreversible'. She believes the fact there are three of them will help the brothers 'become a close group.' She added: 'They have an opportunity right now; childhood has that flexibility: If you work correctly, even if there may be after-effects, because this is something they will carry with them forever, they will be able to reach adulthood with the guarantee of a full life.'
BBC News
10-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Vollering wins final stage to defend Vuelta title
Demi Vollering defended her Vuelta Femenina title by winning the final stage of the race in Dutch rider broke clear of her rivals in the final kilometre of stage seven to cross the line solo at the Alto de Cotobello summit finish in Asturias, 28, held a 45-second advantage heading into the final day and her second stage win of the race ensured she claimed her second Vuelta title by one minute one second over Switzerland's Marlen compatriot and former team-mate Anna van der Breggen finished third overall, a further 15 seconds back. FDJ-Suez rider Vollering took the leader's red jersey with victory in the race's other mountain stage on Thursday."I am very happy that I could win both mountain stages," said Vollering, who moved to FDJ from SD-Worx this season."My team was so strong again, so strong, and we were always in control. I'm really happy about the whole performance with the whole team."Van der Breggen, who returned to competing this year after retiring in 2021, started the day second and led for much of the final 10.3km climb in the rain on the 152km route from La Robla to she had no answer for Vollering's explosive attack with around 800 metres to go, also falling behind has now won three major tour titles in women's cycling, having won the 2023 Tour de France Femmes to go with her two Vuelta second victory of the race also ensured every individual stage was won by a Dutch American outfit Lidl-Trek claimed the opening team time trial, Marianne Vos won stages two and six, Van der Breggen won stage four and Femke Gerritse took victory on stage three. Final general classification standings Demi Vollering (Ned/FDJ-Suez) 19hrs 41mins 32secs Marlen Reusser (Swi/Movistar) +1min 01secsAnna van der Breggen (Ned/SD-Worx) +1min 16secsCedrine Kerbaol (Fra/EF Education-Oatly) +2mins 34secsJuliette Labous (Fra/FDJ) +3mins 24secsNiamh Fisher-Black (NZ/Lidl-Trek) +3mins 25secsMonica Trinca Colonel (Ita/Liv AlUla Jayco) +4mins 07secsYara Kastelijn (Ned/Fenix-Deceuninck) +5mins 20secsNienke Vinke (Ned/Team Picnic PostNL) +5mins 40secsEvita Muzic (Fra/FDJ-Suez) +5mins 41secs
