SPAIN has cemented its position as Europe’s hottest hotel investment market as €3.3 billion poured into the sector during 2024, although down from 2023’s €4 billion. Madrid and Barcelona remained key players, securing €589 million and €572 million respectively, but it’s the country’s secondary cities that are increasingly catching investors’ eyes, according to consultancy Christie & Co. The Balearic Islands …

The project for a train along the Costa del Sol coast has moved forward after 15 companies submitted bids. The feasibility study bids will be opened on December 31, 2020 and close on February 10, 2025.  Both national and international companies specializing in railway infrastructure submitted proposals to the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility. READ MORE A study found …

A HOTEL in Cantabria has been fined €1,500 for turning a customer away after they refused to photocopy their ID. The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD), handed them the judgment after a guest refused the hotel’s request to scan and photocopy his identity document.  The client booked the room online through Booking.com. They tried to check-in but were stopped by …

RYANAIR’S battles in Spain appear to be mounting after the region of Andalucia announced it is sanctioning the airline for ‘illegal’ hand luggage fines. It comes amid a row between the carrier’s CEO Michael O’Leary and national consumers’ minister Pablo Bustinduy, over the historic €108m fine issued by the government against Ryanair for ‘abusive practices’. Since being issued last year, …

BUDGET airline CEO Michael O’Leary has stoked a row with a Spanish minister after dressing his likeness up as a clown to protest ‘historic’ fines against five airlines.  Michael O’Leary has taken to social media to pressure the government to rescind a €179 million fine against Ryanair. Five low-cost airlines have been fined for charging passengers to carry hand luggage …

Close-up of Schengen Visa with EU flag. Top 10 Easy Schengen Visa for 2025: Fast track to Europe  Credit: Shutterstock Photo, Savvapanf Photo Are you planning a European trip in 2025? Schengen visas can be bureaucratic nightmares, but smart travellers know that some countries are more visa-friendly. The right country can make a huge difference if you are looking to …

MADRID is the cultural capital of Spain, according a new report.  According to the Cultural Observatory 2024. The annual research by cultural investment company La Fabrica reveals the hiding places of Spain’s culture-vultures.  Barcelona came in second, followed closely by Bilbao. Malaga, and Valencia.  Madrid, Spain’s capital of culture, is home to music, theatres and art in every corner.Photo: Florian …

DZONES of campervans, from all over Europe, have occupied a public parking space near Saladar Beach in Alicante. The vehicles are able to park at this prime spot on the coast without paying any charges..  Despite clear signage prohibiting permanent parking, travelers – mainly from Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Belgium – stay for weeks, treating the area as …

EVEN ONE OF SPAIN’S LESS KNOWN regions has benefitted from the incredible tourism boom in the country. Aragon has broken its record for tourism, with more than four millions visitors expected in 2024. These impressive numbers show a 180,000 increase in visitors from the previous record set in 2023.  The international tourism sector saw a strong increase, with the number …

A SPANISH lady has described her experiences of living as a foreigner in Ireland, and warned young people not to move to large cities like Dublin. According to Eurostat’s latest figures, Ireland is the third-highest real GDP per capita country in Europe. As of 2023, the figure stood at €71,700 per person, surpassed only by Norway (€71,870), and Luxembourg (€83,320). …