As the days become slightly warmer, is it too early to start dreaming of escaping to the continent? I (travel writer Amelia Neath) certainly don't think so. The recent dispatches from our writers in Italy and Spain are making me question which sun-kissed shoreline or city hotspot I should head to this summer. As an amateur foodie, the way Harriet O'Brien describes the taste of lemon-aged provolone from the foothills of Mount Etna makes me want to book a plane ticket straight away. Or maybe I'll take a trip to Spain's Jerez, where Paul Tierney ate translucently crisp shrimp fritters – "the city's great democratic snack". |
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Jerez's old town is filled with lively cafes and bars (Getty Images / iStockPhoto) |
It's hard not to focus on the culinary delights, but both these countries offer far more than just cuisine. Later in the year, I might opt for an autumn getaway to Magaluf. Not for its cheap vodka shots but instead for its burgeoning cultural scene. Hannah Williams told readers about a new free literary festival held in the Mallorcan town each October, with headliner Helen Fielding, creator of the Bridget Jones series, steering the most recent event. If 2026's Festival Literatura Expandida Magaluf is as great as the previous, I'll be sure to bring an empty suitcase for all the paperbacks I'll inevitably fly home with. Meanwhile, Fred Garratt-Stanley visited Naples and found it to be an unbeatable pilgrimage site for football fans, especially those who adore legendary World Cup winner Diego Maradona. In Italy and Spain you are never short of interesting places to discover. Perhaps I'll release my best seventies disco dancing at Detour Discotheque's party weekend, held in a former convent in Matera, southern Italy. Or I could stay at the intriguing Cap Rocat, a former military fort turned luxury hotel in Mallorca, which offers guests their own private plunge pool. Wherever I choose to go this year, one thing is certain: Spain and Italy have cast a spell over The Independent's travel writers. |
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| Benidorm's enticing neighbour |
La Vila Joiosa – "the joyful town" – is an ancient settlement filled with colourful houses that tumble down to a pretty beach, just 20 miles east of Alicante on the city's Metro line 1. It offers a worthwhile alternative to Benidorm, located eight miles east. |
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| My top discovery in Italy last summer was the spectacular town of Monreale, perched on a hilltop a short bus ride south of Sicily's capital, Palermo. The cathedral is one of Italy's most beautiful and impressive. |
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| Save on a central Bath getaway at the five-star, highly rated Ayrlington Hotel, with breakfast included. Ideally located just a 5–10 minute walk from Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, and many of the city's top attractions. Valid for selected stay dates until 30 April 2026. Learn more. |
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| Make this summer unforgettable with a cruise adventure! P&O Cruises have multiple offers on their summer voyages, with a wide range of exciting itineraries to choose from. Various dates available between June and September 2026. Learn more. |
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| Craving an escape? Thomas Cook has great-value three-night city breaks, with four-star accommodation and flights from just £120 per person. Choose from Marrakech, Krakow, Budapest, Rome and more. Based on selected May departures from UK airports. Learn more. |
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| Don't get stung by Ryanair's strict hand luggage rules – this is the £12 bag to buy. |
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| Tired of busy city life, writer Niki Cottrell found contentment on an all-women ski trip. |
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| Cruise editor Marc Shoffman recommends the best river cruises around the world to book this year. |
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Norfolk's Shotesham is all rolling green hills, thatched cottages and wildflower meadows bursting with colour |
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| Norfolk is full of little-visited hamlets, gastronomic hideaways and sunflower-filled fields to visit in spring. |
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| The best afternoon teas in London for Mother's Day, including everything from timeless scones-and-sandwiches to Bridgerton-themed dinners. |
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