Travelling in big cities has the major drawback of having to cover large distances from one point to another. In such cases the metro is usually our best solution, saving us long journeys by bus, endless walks or uncertain (and expensive) taxi rides. This form of public transport, which funnels us through the bowels of the large urban connurbations – with the odd, welcome foray to the surface above ground – is very useful for spanning long distances. However, that descent into the depths can be rather claustrophobic and even an ordeal for some. And, considering the fact that we are sometimes hard put to find our bearings in the city, and that metro signs are not always as intuitive as we would like, the experience can end up being quite exhausting and stressful. Who hasn’t got off at the wrong stop at least once on the London Underground, for instance!

Stockholm, like many other European capitals, boasts a magnificent underground network for moving about the city. So far, so good. However, unlike other countries, Sweden’s capital has elected to create a more pleasant, inspiring experience by decorating many of the metro stations with artworks. Around 90 of the total of 110 stations making up the network enable commuters to enjoy the work of over 150 artists who were specifically commissioned to take part in this project. Paintings, ceramics, bas-reliefs and sculptures adorn the premises, turning the ordinarily humdrum act of taking the metro into a more agreeable and interesting experience.

Construction of the Stockholm metro network began in 1950. Right from the outset, its public function was taken into consideration, as was the idea of embellishing it with artworks. The first stations to be built were those on the green line, dating from the nineteen fifties, notably the T-Centralen, a junction now crossed by the three main metro lines. The good practice of incorporating art into station design has endured until the present. Among the most impressive examples we encountered on our trip were those to be had at Solna Centrum and Rådhuset, of which the latter resembles the very gateway to Hell.

The Stockholm metro has generated so much buzz that it has become a major meeting point for tourists. And, just like any other city museum, it is the object of guided tours in summer (from June to September) which is when the largest number of visitors come to Stockholm. You are advised to head for the tourist office at the T-Centralen station, which is where you can book tours and where they start from – the guided tours are in English only.

Book your Vueling to Stockholm and discover the artworks which adorn the metro stations of that beautiful city for yourself.

Text by Los Viajes de ISABELYLUIS

Images by Steph McGlenchy, Vargklo, Daniel Mott, Jakub Kadlec

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

Beyond its spectacular monumental and historical heritage, Barcelona is an eminently gastronomic city. From restaurants with several Michelin stars to long-standing bars and taverns, the Catalan capital is geared to the delectation of the most refined palates. Today we wander through the old town in search of the bars and restaurants where you can sample the best tapas on this side of the Mediterranean.

Gothic Quarter

So many eateries cracked up as tourist destinations can be confusing when it comes to choosing a good place for having tapas. In the lower part of the Gothic Quarter, near the sea, is Bar La Plata. This classic has been offering the same four tapas ever since it opened in 1945. Be sure to try the onion, tomato and anchovy salad, the butifarra (pork sausage) or the scrumptious pescaíto frito (fresh fried fish). Washed down with a good aperitif, it is unlikely to leave you indifferent. La Plata also happens to be one of the favourite watering holes of chef Ferran Adrià.

And, from one classic to another. The delicatessen, La Pineda, has been on Calle Pi since 1930. Its cured meats are excellent and you can sit down to sample some Iberian cured ham, chorizo, fuet (both cured pork sausages) and lomo (pork loin) with a glass of red wine or sherry.

Born

El Born is one of Barcelona’s trendiest quarters and it is brimming with restaurants and bars.

One of our favourites is Cal Pep. Here you can sit at a table or at the bar counter and the object of this establishment is that guests share out dishes as if they were tapas. Everything is designation of origin, with priority accorded to local produce. The fame of this eatery is well deserved.

The same holds true for Bar del Pla, where traditional cuisine is imbued with the young spirit of its proprietors. The calamari croquettes are spectacular, as are their patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce). We recommend you try the dish of the day, and take advice when it comes to choosing the right wine.

You can’t leave El Born without stopping off at El Xampanyet, one of the city’s best known tapas bars. Here, the star beverage is xampanyet, a mild cava which goes down easily and is ideal for accompanying their famous anchovies, pickles and one of the best omelettes in town.

As in other European cities, there are several firms in Barcelona that offer gastronomic tours. For those of you wishing to find out more about Catalan and Spanish cuisine, we recommend Food Lovers Company, one of the best rated businesses for their competitive prices and the professionalism of their guides.

Book your Vueling to Barcelona and venture into the world of its magnificent cuisine.

Text by Aleix Palau for Los Viajes de ISABELYLUIS

A train to the clouds

A front row seat to touch the sky. That's Gran Canaria, an island with many points to observe the firmament. High peaks and clear, dark skies are some of the advantages to its contemplation in the island. Also, and thanks to the phenomenon called by locals 'Panza de Burro', which makes the clouds gather low above sea level, and that blocks the light pollution of cities.

Some companies, such as the Astronomical Observatory Temisas, thst carries out ​​many of such activities in different places of the island. And AstroEduca with its teaching about astronomy.

Tejeda and the summits of Gran Canaria

The protected landscape of great beauty of Las Cumbres, spans a very important sector of the north and northeast of the island of Gran Canaria, in the municipalities of Artenara, Gáldar, Guide, Moya, Tejeda, Valleseco, Valsequillo and San Mateo.

Crowning the summit, in the center of the island is the highest point of Gran Canaria, Pico de las Nieves. Let´s dare to climb it by bike!

The best waves for surfers

On Gran Canaria there are many schools to learn surfing, windsurfing and kite if you are a begginer, or toimprove your level if you already have some knowledge. One way to release adrenaline while you enjoy the famous beaches of the island like Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Mogán, Puerto Rico, Agaete, Meloneras and San Augustine, to name some of the most emblematic.

Vegueta: Extremely charming neighborhood

Vegueta is really beautiful and concentrates the main architectural attractions of Las Palmas. Near the beach of Las Canteras is one of the biggest attractions of the city.

It is recommended to visit the area slowly, savoring its rich architecture and some of her jewelry as Literary Cabinet, the squares of Santa Ana, the Holy Spirit and of Santo Domingo and churches that dot.

It is also highly recommended a bath in one of the best urban beaches: Las Canteras. A good place to enjoy beautiful sunsets.

Sailors villages

As Agaete, where you'll find plenty of restaurants to enjoy a tasty meal of local fish and other fresh seafood. Do not leave without trying a good grilled fish-based groupers, traveling, mullet and octopus or fish paella.

Should come to the old salt Agaete, now converted into a fantastic natural pools.

Teror. Pure essence

Teror Teror or Villa Mariana is one of the oldest settlements on the island and an old town in the area around his basilica declared historical-artistic heritage. The Basilica of the Virgen del Pino, is a place of pilgrimage for all the inhabitants of Gran Canaria. And Teror Square, a good place to appreciate the typical Canarian architecture balconies.

The village is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty and ecological value as the Natural Park Doramas Azuaje, with ravines and Moya, Pino Santo or Parque de Sintes.

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