By Belén Parra and Carme Gasull

Milan is the model of that Italian north in constant contrast to the south of the country. A cosmopolitan city representing industrial drive and modernity as ways to open up and promote itself worldwide. From fashion to food and art to football, few people are unable to place this capital on the map. A source and destination for business, it's a good idea to discover what it has to offer.

Where to stay

Hotel The Gray
Via San Raffaele, 6
www.sinahotels.com

This hotel could not have a better location. The city centre is right around the corner from your room and the views are superb. So much so that you'll want to spend more time there. Modern, cool and elegant whilst remaining discreet... A five star hotel with 21 spacious fully equipped rooms where no detail is overlooked. A varied buffet breakfast alongside à la carte dishes and impeccable service. It is served in Le Noir restaurant, where reservations can also be made for dinner. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel (including the 'communal' terrace) with a personal password for every device. The Gray is one of the 520 independent hotels listed in Small Luxury Hotels of the World ™ (SLH), a selection of charming establishments in 70 countries around the world - from avant-garde designer hotels to palatial 17th-century mansions, sanctuaries in city centres to remote private islands, historical homes to idyllic resorts.

Where to eat

Al Pont de Ferr
Ripa di Porta Ticinese 55
pontdeferr.it/

Earth, fire, water and air. The four elements on a plate. Uruguay native Matías Perdomo and Argentina born Simón Press have revolutionised this historic osteria owned by Maida Mercuri, the first female sommelier in Italy. An explosive trio in Naviglio Grande, a bustling must-see area to get a feel for the city.

Rebelot del Pont
Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 55
This premises, an off-shoot of Al Pont de Ferr, opened just one year ago. A more informal setting, the head chef is the young Brazilian Maurizio Zillo, who trained in different Spanish kitchens. Miniature cuisine or Italian-style 'tapas' (and drinks) at a great price.

Cracco
Via Victor Hugo, 4
www.ristorantecracco.it
This is the great benchmark of avant-garde cuisine in Milan. Two Michelin stars. The owner and chef Carlo Cracco, alongside head chef Lucca Sacchi, serve up a menu offering the whole of Italy on a plate, extolling it with immense creativity. Located next to the Duomo and some of the gourmet spots in the city such as Peck and Ladurée. A luxury.

Pisacco
Via Solferino, 48
www.pisacco.it
Carefree, informal and packed. Owned by several partners, including chef Andrea Berton, who has a signature restaurant in the same city. The menu includes light tasty dishes: marinated salmon, vitello tonnato and a delicious veal hamburger with chips created by the chef. Free Wi-Fi.

Where to shop

Eataly
Milano Smeraldo Piazza XXV Aprile, 10
www.eataly.it
Opened recently in the premises of the former Teatro Smeraldo, it offers the entire wealth of the Italian pantry over several floors. Cheeses, wines, sausages, sweets, fresh pasta, cookery books... It is a beautiful place with a piano to host near-acoustic concerts. It also offers cookery classes for amateurs and even children.

La Rinascente
Piazza Duomo, 10
www.rinascente.it
Teas, coffees, preserves, sweets... On the top floor of the building you can try and/or buy any gourmet product you fancy. Specialised food stands for sushi, tapas or pasta and enjoying the Duomo from above. Indeed, it'll feel right on top of you if you decide to eat on the terrace. A hugely popular tourist destination, it's a good idea to avoid heading there at the weekend. Next door to the marvellous hotel The Gray.

La Feltrinelli Red
Piazza Gae Aulenti, 20
www.lafeltrinelli.it
Read, eat, dream. There are many branches of Italy's most emblematic bookshop but you won't find a more gastronomic one than here. The décor breathes food all around and you can eat or have a drink whilst losing yourself in its selection of books. For all ages. Located in the newest part of town.

10 Corso Como
Corso Como, 10
www.10corsocomo.com
A small garden welcomes you to the café-restaurant, clothes and designer gift shop, and art gallery. Located on a pedestrian street that links old Milan to the city's new skyscrapers.

Where to have a drink

Armani Bamboo Bar
Via Alessandro Manzoni, 31
milan.armanihotels.com
Located on the seventh floor of the stylish Armani Hotel and just around the corner from the city's fashion quarter. It is the ideal spot to see and be seen, hold a relaxed meeting and enjoy the famous Aperitif.

Champagnerie
Corso Matteotti, 4/6
milano.boscolohotels.com
As its name suggests, this is the favourite haunt for those who enjoy a good glass of champagne and who have something to celebrate. It is one of the lures of the Boscolo Hotel, where you can also enjoy delicious cocktails over stunning views.

So you feel like visiting Milan, do you? Book your flights here!

The modern design is what better identifies Denmark, its trademark, with high quality classic and modern objects and colourful furniture. These are not relevant only for the original aesthetic; these are elegant objects that offer intelligent solutions for the daily needs.

Among the best Danish designers, who experiment and conduct functional ideas, names like Børge Mogensen, Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, Poul Kjærholm, Poul Henningsen or Verner Panton stand out. This is because, before functionality was trendy, Danish were already using natural and high-quality materials.

For instance, the best house in the world is a work by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, awarded at World Architecture Festival in the housing category. His work, House 8, is located at the Ørestad district in Copenhagen. Kaare Klint, considered the father of furniture design, has mythic creations such as the Safari Chair, the Propeller Stool or the Church Chair. Poul Henningsen, better known as PH, started creating lamps in the 50s but his designs are never old-fashioned. You can purchase them at Louis Poulsen or in Illums Bolighus

Considered the best city to live, according to the prestigious magazine Monocle, Copenhagen is the perfect destination to gift yourself with a modern whim - a home accessory, an object on Scandinavian style or a sample of Danish fashion – while you do tourism.

To start discovering this universe, get to Bredgade street. Here you will find a great variety of shows from famous brands, like Georg Jenseny and Arne Jacobsen, or Design Museum of Denmark with the greatest design exhibition in Denmark.

Made in Denmark offers high-quality Danish design. Founded by Asger Daugbjerg and Brian Engblad, the shop is located in Brolæggerstræde since 2011 and it quickly became a success.

Normann Copenhagen is located at the old cinema of Østerbro area. Its products are sold to many countries. Started in 1999 by Jan Andersen and Poul Madsen, they offer their own designs and collaborate both with well-known and new designers from around the world.

In the area of Kongens Nytorv there is a great variety of interior design stores from the most vanguard designers. For instance, here is the main store forBang & Olufsen. 

In Bredgade street you’ll find great antiques and many distributors for Danish furniture. This is the place to get, for instance, a classic from Arne Jacobsen or Finn Juhl. Or in Læderstræde, where besides the cosy cafés, you can get exclusives jewels or vanguard clothing.

TV-series likeForbrydelsen, Danish version of ‘The Killing’, made famous the Peruvian alpaca fiber sweaters that the main character dresses often. They’re from the brand Gudrun & Gudrun and come from the Faroe Island, which belongs to Denmark. They’re hand-made and warm, perfect to get through the cold Nordic winters.

A place well worth discovering! Check out our flights here.

The city of Málaga is a great choice for spending a delightful Christmas break, far from the crowds and crowding of the big capitals but with an equally broad gamut of cultural, culinary and leisure offerings to get the most out of these holidays. Here, then, are the keys to spending a wonderful Christmas vacation in a welcoming city which winter seems to have bypassed.

A Storied History

Málaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, you will come across monuments attesting to the various civilisations that were drawn by its strategic location and settled there. Witness the Roman Theatre, from the times of Augustus, Gibralfaro Castle, built in a former Phoenician precinct, the hillside Alcazaba, located at the foot of the castle and dating from the Moorish period, and the Jewish Quarter, situated in the Old Town between Calle San Agustín and Calle Alcazabilla. Your itinerary through the city’s past should also take in a visit to Málaga Cathedral, a jewel of the Andalusian Renaissance known locally as “La Manquita” (the Little One-Armed), as one of the towers on the facade was left unfinished.

Museums Galore

Another major draw in Málaga is its plethora of museums, the list including such illustrious venues as the Picasso Museum, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, the Málaga Contemporary Art Centre (CAC Málaga) and the newly opened Centre Pompidou and Russian Museum of Málaga.

Come to think of it, the list continues to grow as only a few days ago the long awaited Museum of Málaga was opened to the public. Among the star exhibits of this, the fifth largest art gallery in Spain, is The Judgement of Paris, by Peter Paul Rubens.

Fine Cuisine

Make a point of tasting Málaga’s local cuisine, from simple but wholesome cooking to splashing out at one of the city’s latest Michelin-starred restaurants. Needless to say, you should treat yourself to the fried fish dish known as pescaíto frito, a delicacy here, in addition to espeto, as in Málaga sardines are traditionally eaten skewered (espetadas) on a reed – a real pleasure on the palate. And, be sure to make room for the city’s traditional Christmas confectionery, such as borrachuelos, patties filled with “angel-hair” pumpkin strands, which is truly delicious.

And… A Shopping Spree

At this time of year you’re bound to go shopping on the most popular and crowded street in Málaga, Calle Larios, the city’s commercial thoroughfare and inevitable destination for anyone doing some serious shopping. Other arteries to consider on your shopping route in the surrounding area are the Guadalmedina riverbank and the Carretería, Álamos and Alcazabilla streets.

Book your Vueling to Málaga here and get into luxury Christmas gear in this splendid city.

Text by Los Viajes de ISABELYLUIS

Images by Bob Sponge

Some excellent culinary ideas were spawned by the passage of Expo Milan 2015. The show prompted new establishments with an enticing culinary range to open in the city. Most of them are starred eateries, whether blessed with Michelin stars or those that shine with inherent charm, making Milan a highly alluring destination. They are venues where you can discover concepts, savour the emerging talent and distinguish this city as one of Europe’s gastronomic capitals.

Armani Ristorante. Apart from its unbeatable location in Milan’s most stylish district, this restaurant, in the hotel of the same name, was awarded its first Michelin star this year. Its gastronomic offerings denote a reworking of Italian culinary classics based on seasonal produce. Helpings are generous and their presentation befits the status of the establishment. Tables with views, excellent service and a wine list which encourages guests to custom pair with the tasting menu.

Contraste. This is the latest creation of the chefs, Matias Perdomo and Simon Press – a highly personal project – in partnership with the maître and sommelier, Thomas Piras. Housed in a stately mansion alongside the canals, guests are warmly welcomed. Here the service is provocative in that you are cajoled into leaving things in their hands when it comes to selecting dishes, and you are urged to choose the tasting menu. You can eat à la carte, but then the surprise effect is cancelled out. A ritzy, worthwhile gastronomic restaurant.

Tiramisù Delishoes. Picture a bar counter regaled with tiramisus, a restaurant with creative dishes and a “made in Italy” shoe store, all together on the same premises. That is Tiramisù Delishoes, a delightful project combining gastronomy and fashion in the bohemian Brera quarter. On a strategically sited corner between pedestrian precincts, women’s footwear shares the shop window with bottles of wine, pastries and desserts.

L’Orto Di Brera. Still in Brera, where it is a pleasure to stroll about and peek into the different shop windows and bars, you will come across a coquettish market selling fresh produce, cuisine and chef included, where you can buy whatever you like and eat it on the spot at once. If you prefer to avoid getting bogged down with your purchase and cut to the quick, you can choose any of the dishes of the day and have them prepared right there by the chef, Claudio Crotti.

Mandarin Bar. This is the place to be, currently all the rage in Italy’s fashion capital. Your required meeting point is the Mandarin Oriental. Their exquisite bar counter is the perfect spot for extending your stay after lunching in the star-studded Seta– in the same hotel – or for wetting your appetite. Apart from drinks, the bar also serves small dishes with a distinctly Italian flourish and impeccable presentation. Noteworthy, too, is their cocktail list and the dessert trolley, which is not to be missed, as is their Jazz Brunch on Sundays.

Text by Belén Parra of Gastronomistas