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Telegraph
09-08-2025
- Telegraph
There's far more to Santiago than the Camino – and it's now easier than ever to visit
Boots, walking poles, and more than a couple of blisters. This may be the uniform of many a visitor arriving in Santiago de Compostela – the endpoint of storied ancient pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago – but the city isn't just the final stop in a long journey: it's reason enough to make a trip. With a flight time of just over two hours from London, the Galician capital stands as a viable offbeat alternative to a weekend city break in popular Spanish spots like Madrid and Barcelona. What's more, it's now easier to trade your hiking rucksack for a boarding pass, since Spanish carrier Vueling launched daily flights from Heathrow to Santiago de Compostela in the spring. A mere 15 minutes after leaving the airport, you'll find yourself in the city's labyrinthine old town: a UNESCO World Heritage site, packed with Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings, and crowned by the majestic Santiago Cathedral. With the adjoining vast Praza do Obradoiro inevitably full of exhausted yet joyful groups of pilgrims – a profoundly charming thing to witness in itself – the cathedral, too, mirrors the city's architectural variety. It began as a Romanesque structure in the 11th century before gaining Gothic touches in the 13th and 14th centuries, and was later adorned with dramatic Baroque flourishes in the 17th and 18th. Inside the cathedral, don't miss the extraordinary Pórtico de la Gloria, the Romanesque western entry carved in the 12th century by Master Mateo, whose breathtaking ensemble of biblical figures depict scenes from the Old Testament to the Last Judgement. Equally unforgettable is the Botafumeiro, the cathedral's enormous silver incense burner. Suspended from the ceiling of the transept, it swings in dramatic arcs during special services – a centuries-old ritual that was originally designed to mask the smell of the crowds arriving after long pilgrimages. Wander north east, and you'll reach the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario, one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe. Now functioning as a cemetery, the former grand Benedictine monastery has a church and museum that are open to visitors. Slightly less serene, but no less inviting, the narrow lanes of the old town – including the ever-bustling Rúa do Franco – buzz with life. Their stone arcades are lined with tapas bars offering chilled Albariño wine (or perhaps you'd rather a queimada, a punch traditionally set alight and subject to a ritual to ward off evil spirits) and polbo á feira, Galicia's most iconic dish: tender octopus, boiled and sliced, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with coarse salt and smoky paprika. Though there are dozens to discover (and stumbling across a well-kept secret is often the best way to find a dinner spot), some of the best tapas joints, serving up pimientos de Padrón (Padrón peppers), queso de tetilla (a local cheese famed for its conical shape) and empanada gallega (a savoury pie stuffed with seasonal fillings), include El Papatorio, Restaurante O Piorno, and Antollos pinchos e viños. If you're looking for a taste of everyday life, or perhaps to try your hand at a little Galician cooking yourself, just a short stroll from the cathedral lies one of Santiago de Compostela's most vibrant foodie experiences: the Mercado de Abastos. This bustling market has been the city's culinary heart since 1873, and remains the second most visited spot after the cathedral itself. Here, Galicia's rich bounty is proudly on display. Stalls overflow with glistening seafood hauled straight from the sea – razor clams, spider crabs, and the ever-present polbo (octopus) – and bunches of grelos (Galician turnip greens), and dense loaves of pan de broa (cornbread) tempt passing shoppers. To end on a sweet note, savour a slice of tarta de Santiago almond cake from Confeitaría Caylo or churros at Churraría San Pedro, perhaps taken away to be enjoyed in the grand, leafy Parque da Alameda: both an urban escape and home to some of the best views over the cathedral spires. After savouring the vibrant flavours of the city, a visit to some of its museums offers a perfect cultural complement. The Museo do Pobo Galego (Museum of the Galician People) provides a fascinating insight into Galicia's rich traditions, from folk art to rural life, housed in a beautiful former convent. Right next door, the nearby Galician Centre of Contemporary Art showcases cutting-edge works by both local and international artists, reflecting Galicia's dynamic creative spirit. Perhaps the most visually arresting emblem of Santiago de Compostela's refusal to be merely a relic of religious history, though, is the Cidade da Cultura de Galicia (City of Culture of Galicia). This cultural complex crests a nearby hill and draws inspiration from the historical city and its scallop shell symbol, yet is striking for its sculptural, amorphous architecture, designed by the renowned architect Peter Eisenman. Although the full site was never realised, in part due to budget issues, it is nonetheless worthy of a detour: a wander around the site and a visit to the Gaiás Centre Museum – famed not least for its spectacular facade – underscores the depth and diversity of Santiago's cultural offering beyond its famous cathedral. Exploring – even on a short city break, rather than a lengthy pilgrimage – can be tiring work. And while the Camino may conjure images of bunk beds and hostels, the city's monasteries and convents turned boutique hotels offer a perfect blend of elegance and authenticity. Who says you have to walk 500 miles to deserve a beautiful place to rest your head? Essentials Vueling flies from London Heathrow to Santiago de Compostela from £70 return) and Hotel Monumento San Francisco has doubles from £90 per night, room only.
Sydney Morning Herald
07-08-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Europe's most notorious budget airlines put to the test
Nothing puts the size of Europe into perspective like travelling around the continent by plane (even if we'd rather get around by train). What do you mean you can fly over nine countries in a couple of hours? Take one of Europe's many budget airlines, and it might even cost you less than a taxi to the airport. European budget airlines abound: Vueling, Iberojet, AeroItalia, Jet2. Their fares are shockingly low, a feat made possible by starting with super-low base fares and charging for every possible add-on, from bringing a carry-on bag to sitting next to your travel companion. Are they worth the dirt-cheap prices? Is a flight that costs less than a parking fine bound to be miserable? On a recent trip to Europe, I tried three of the most popular ultrabudget options: Wizz Air, EasyJet and Ryanair, to find out. EasyJet British carrier EasyJet operates in more than 160 airports in 38 countries. After navigating the complex website that made booking a ticket feel like solving a riddle, I booked a one-way from London Gatwick to Berlin for $175. I was costlier than many comparable EasyJet flights, but it was the best option for the day I needed to fly. The fare did not include any luggage. I'd read on the website that all passengers can bring one small under-seat cabin bag free, so I rolled the dice on how strict that policy could be. Loading I could check in online, and I got through the airport without issue. But at the gate with my duffel bag and a purse, my prospects didn't look good. Each passenger's bag was examined before entering the waiting area, and I watched other travellers argue with gate agents over charges for their carry-ons being too large. I was hit with a $100 fee for exceeding my allotment. The legroom in economy was decent, an entire hand's length between my knees (I'm just 162 cm) and the seatback, but I got lucky with a random upgrade to an emergency row with even more space to spare.
The Age
07-08-2025
- The Age
Europe's most notorious budget airlines put to the test
Nothing puts the size of Europe into perspective like travelling around the continent by plane (even if we'd rather get around by train). What do you mean you can fly over nine countries in a couple of hours? Take one of Europe's many budget airlines, and it might even cost you less than a taxi to the airport. European budget airlines abound: Vueling, Iberojet, AeroItalia, Jet2. Their fares are shockingly low, a feat made possible by starting with super-low base fares and charging for every possible add-on, from bringing a carry-on bag to sitting next to your travel companion. Are they worth the dirt-cheap prices? Is a flight that costs less than a parking fine bound to be miserable? On a recent trip to Europe, I tried three of the most popular ultrabudget options: Wizz Air, EasyJet and Ryanair, to find out. EasyJet
Euractiv
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Euractiv
Spanish airline probes ‘Free Palestine' message on kosher meals
In a statement, Iberia confirmed that some passengers on a flight that landed early Tuesday reported 'handwritten pro-Palestinian messages' on their meal packaging AFP Euractiv Aug 5, 2025 16:47 2 min. read News Service Produced externally by an organization we trust to adhere to journalistic standards. Spanish airline Iberia said Tuesday that it had opened an investigation after a passenger who requested a kosher meal received his food tray with the words "Free Palestine" written on the packaging. Several other Jewish passengers on the flight from Buenos Aires to Madrid received meal trays marked with the initials "FP" for "Free Palestine", according to DAIA, the umbrella organisation of Argentina's Jewish community, calling it a "serious act of antisemitism". "We strongly condemn this discriminatory act and have contacted the airline authorities to demand explanations and immediate action," the group said in a message posted on X. The post included a photo showing a meal tray with a handwritten white label marked "Free Palestine" in black letters. Kosher refers to food prepared according to Jewish dietary laws. In a statement, Iberia confirmed that some passengers on the flight that landed early Tuesday reported "handwritten pro-Palestinian messages" on their meal packaging. "The Iberia crew documented the incident and took action to assist those affected. The captain personally approached them to apologise on behalf of the airline,' the statement said. The airline said it was conducting an internal investigation and working with its catering providers to determine how the labels were added. Iberia also said it "categorically rejects any form of discrimination, incitement to hatred, or behaviour that undermines the dignity of individuals". Last month, dozens of Jewish teenagers from France were removed from a Vueling flight departing Valencia in Spain. The airline said they had engaged in disruptive behaviour, including tampering with life jackets and oxygen masks. Some parents, however, alleged the removal was antisemitic, saying the group was expelled after one teen sang a song in Hebrew. Vueling is part of International Airlines Group (IAG), which also owns Iberia, British Airways and the Irish airline Aer Lingus. (vib)
The Sun
05-08-2025
- The Sun
Iberia investigates ‘Free Palestine' message on kosher meals
MADRID: Spanish airline Iberia has launched an investigation after a passenger who ordered a kosher meal received food packaging marked with the words 'Free Palestine.' The incident occurred on a flight from Buenos Aires to Madrid, where several other Jewish passengers reportedly found their meal trays labeled with the initials 'FP,' standing for 'Free Palestine.' Argentina's Jewish umbrella organization, DAIA, condemned the incident as a 'serious act of antisemitism' and demanded immediate action from the airline. In a statement posted on X, DAIA said, 'We strongly condemn this discriminatory act and have contacted the airline authorities to demand explanations and immediate action.' The post included a photo of a meal tray with a handwritten label reading 'Free Palestine.' Kosher meals adhere to Jewish dietary laws, and the incident has raised concerns over discrimination. Iberia confirmed that passengers on the flight, which landed early Tuesday, reported 'handwritten pro-Palestinian messages' on their meal packaging. The airline stated, 'The Iberia crew documented the incident and took action to assist those affected. The captain personally approached them to apologise on behalf of the airline.' Iberia is conducting an internal investigation and coordinating with catering providers to determine how the labels were added. The airline emphasized its stance against discrimination, stating it 'categorically rejects any form of discrimination, incitement to hatred, or behaviour that undermines the dignity of individuals.' This incident follows another controversy last month involving Jewish passengers on a Vueling flight from Valencia, Spain. The airline removed dozens of French Jewish teenagers, citing disruptive behavior, including tampering with safety equipment. Some parents, however, claimed the removal was antisemitic, alleging their children were expelled after one teen sang a Hebrew song. Vueling, like Iberia, is part of the International Airlines Group (IAG). - AFP
