Nipping out for a tuck?

Having cosmetic procedures carried out in Spain may cost less than in the UK and means you can recuperate in the sun.

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The Green Party

Ibiza can surprise you: although it’s best known as a clubbing capital, it also has many quiet coves and beaches where the locals go, particularly in the northeast, as well as lots of unspoilt areas in the interior where you can see a variety of wildlife.
During the summer solstice Green Ibiza Tours runs a guided walking tour to some of the island’s hidden gems, organized by volunteers from Casita Verde. You’ll go on natural history walks inland, visit Las Salinas nature reserve where you can see storks, herons and flamingos, and explore some of the island’s most remote coves. The base for the week is the Campsiteat Camping La Playa near Es Canar on the east coast, where you’ll start the day with yoga, Pilates or tai chi in the shade of the forest by the sea.

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Dancing in the streets

For six days each year, the streets of Seville sway to the sounds of flamenco and the rhythm of hooves

The streets are awash with an array of vibrant colours, the air alive with anticipation. At every corner horses’ prancing hooves and girls’ flamenco frills flash by in a sangria-induced haze and it is impossible not to become embroiled in this energetic and dazzling spectacle. This is Spain at its best.

Seville’s Feria de Abril began in 1847 as an agricultural fair, but has since developed into one long party that takes place every year. This year the festival lasts from 28 April to 3 May.

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Is there nothing sacred?

Jason Webster, author of Sacred Sierra, loves the quirky individuality of Spain, a quality he went in search of – and found - by buying a farm on Valencia’s ‘lucky’ mountain.

Spain has a magic to it that you either get or you don’t. For years I’ve explored my fascination for the country through a series of books looking at emblematic Spanish themes such as flamenco, the Moorish heritage and the Spanish Civil War, all the while trying to express something of the appeal of the place – something that gets under your skin and stays there.

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