solar eclipse festivals August 2026

Seven festivals to celebrate the 12 August eclipse in Spain

12 August is fast approaching and anticipation continues to build. On that day, much of northern and eastern Spain will be plunged into darkness for more than a minute during a total solar eclipse – the first of the so-called Iberian trio set to continue in 2027 and 2028.
Mount Rebei

8 breathtaking gorge hiking trails in Spain

Spain offers one of Europe’s most varied landscapes – within a short distance, you can pass from rugged mountains to dense forests, from limestone canyons to river gorges shaped over millennia. This diversity makes the country a paradise for walkers and nature lovers.
City that looks just like Barcelona

The Spanish city being compared to Barcelona, minus the crowds

Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia draw the lion’s share of visitors, and in peak season the queues, cruise-ship groups and packed old towns can test even the most patient traveller.Recently, The Mirror highlighted a lesser-known Spanish city as a smart alternative to Barcelona, noting its similar atmos
Forbes Named Madrid Best City in the World

Spanish city named best in the world by Forbes Travel Awards

A Spanish city has just taken the top spot in the very first edition of the Forbes Travel Awards, finishing ahead of heavyweights like Hong Kong and Miami. Madrid named best city in the world by Forbes Travel Awards The Spanish capital was officially crowned Best City in the inaugural Forb
Casa en venta en Alicante

From second home to main residence – residential tourism shifts in Spain

Spain is moving beyond the holiday-home model and towards a more stable residential tourism sector. In 2025, more foreign buyers chose the country as a place to live for much of the year, investing more, often purchasing without financing, and helping to reduce seasonality. This shift is reinforcing Spain’s position as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for long-term residential living.
How to report a tourist apartment

Barcelona accelerates end of tourist flats – rentals at breaking point

Barcelona has once again placed housing at the centre of political and social debate. The City Council’s plan to phase out 10,000 tourist accommodation licences by 2028 coincides with the Ministry of Housing ordering digital platforms to remove thousands of listings that fail to meet the new state registry rules. While both measures aim to curb tourist rentals, the sector questions how far they will ease the housing access crisis.