This secluded spot in the middle of the Atlantic, which owes its name to a colony of monk seals (“sea wolves”) that once dwelt here, is synonymous with the triumph of nature. Lobos Island is a small volcanic islet located 2 kilometres off northern Fuerteventura, opposite the coast of Africa. It is part of the protected Corralejo Dunes Nature Reserve, covering just 5 square kilometres and with a 14-kilometre-long coastline, uninhabited by man and teeming with plant life which is unique to this spot – some 130 species of indigenous flora have been recorded. It is also a refuge for free-roaming migratory birds and a destination for explorers who trek along its arid footpaths, dive in the crystal-clear waters or simply plonk themselves down on the white sands of the island’s beaches.

Lobos Island can be reached by ferries which sail from the port of Corralejo. You have several options – mini-cruises, express ferries, etc. – so the best thing is to roll up and check out all the available facilities. El Majorero plies the official route, sailing at 10 a.m. and returning at 6 p.m. Be warned that their timetable changes in the winter months. To spend a pleasant day on Lobos Island, you are advised to take along sun cream, a cap, comfortable footwear, binoculars, food and water and, above all, to observe the signposts. As it is a Protected Nature Reserve, it is important to follow the indications.

I’m of the opinion that the best way to discover a place is by hiking around it, so I recommend taking the circular route, which stretches for eight kilometres. Your goal is the Martiño Lighthouse, dating from 1865. There is only one restaurant on Lobos Island so that, if you want to eat there, you have to book as soon as you reach the island. I assure you that, after a four-hour hike under the sun, the taste of fried fish or paella – the only two dishes they serve – is out of this world.

The route starts at the jetty and you take the footpath in the direction of El Puertito, an erstwhile fisherman’s cottage with a few masonry shelters. Here you will find the beach hut known as the Chiringuito Antoñito el Farero, named after the last inhabitant of the island. You then proceed along the coastal fork towards Las Lagunitas, a protected area of considerable natural value with its agaves and migratory birds, until you come to the Faro Martiño lighthouse, which affords stunning, 360° panoramic views. You will come across a memorial plaque of the writer, Josefina Pla, who was born on the island. After reaching the end of the trail, you make the return journey along the inland route. If you still have the energy to walk a bit further, there is a path forking off on the right that goes up to the old, 127-metre-high La Caldera volcano. Bear in mind that the approach route is short and steep, but the climb is highly rewarding as the summit provides spectacular views of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.

On your return, stop at the wonderful La Concha beach, with its fine white sand and crystal-clear, calm waters, on account of the reefs that check the fury of the sea. Ideal for having a dip and sunbathing. But, beware – the sun can be torrid and there is no shade on the beach. If you decide to spend the day at the seaside, best take a sunshade along. The same footpath leads to the jetty – where you got off the boat a few hours ago and which is also the site of the Centro de Interpretación. From there, it takes you to the beach bar with its dining room literally on the beach – a picture postcard setting to mark the end of your day in paradise!

Book your Vueling to Fuerteventura and be sure to head for Lobos Island.

Text and images by Teresa Vallbona

By Silvia Artaza from gastronomistas

We thought we’d fly to the Austrian capital to discover those routes that take us beyond the city’s glittering imperial and classical legacy, beyond St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the giant ferris wheel in the Prater park. And to be sure, we found streets, neighbourhoods, and very modern projects un which all sorts of interestingly hip restaurants have sprung up, many of them quite wunderbar.

Naschmarkt and Freihausviertel

We began our tour in the Naschmarkt, the city’s best-known food market, which has become a meeting spot for all sorts of people. It’s the place to buy fruit and vegetables, but also to sample exotic cooking from all over the world, as more and more eating places are to be found amongst the market’s 120 stalls. Particularly noteworthy are Neni, with dishes from Israel and the Orient, and the “ecological” cuisine of Tewa. But the best approach is to walk around the market with your nose on the alert for the aromas that most strike your fancy. There are even more places to eat on the streets near the market, such as the spectacular On Market, specialising in Asian food, or the Café Amacord, for Viennese treats in a setting heavy with local atmosphere.

Leaving Naschmarkt, we headed for Schleifmühlgasse to find a street that is also famous for small, exquisite Indie restaurants with very tempting fare behind the show windows. One such is Babette's, a shop selling cookbooks, spices, and other items where hot food is also served, and then there’s Coté Sud with its tasty French dishes. More temptations await you on other streets of the Freihausviertel son interesantes en la ruta.

Karmelitermarkt

Like Naschmarkt, another market taking on a whole new life is Karmelitermarkt, on the other side of the Danube in District 2 (Leopoldstadt). Check out Schöne Perle, with its home-cooking interpretation of traditional Viennese cuisine, and the organic, seasonal fare offered at Zimmer 37, There are many more surprises for you on the lively, nearby streets of Praterstraβe and Leopoldsgasse.

MuseumsQuartier

Another spot worth a visit it MuseumsQuartier (MQ), a cultural enclave with numerous museums and exhibitions of a wide variety of artistic disciplines, and also brimming with the most inviting cafes and restaurants. In the courtyard, mulled wine is served these days at the Christmas market, to the music of a DJ, and in the summers you can even rent hammock space there for serious chilling. Glacis Beisl, though almost hidden in the rear part of MQ, is usually fully booked by people anxious to partake of its local and international dishes at very affordable prices in a pleasant atmosphere. If you can get a table, this is a great place to eat after a morning visiting museums.

Spittelberg

Jus behind MuseumsQuartieris the charmingly Bohemian Spittelberg, consisting of a few cobbled streets enclosed by Burgasse, Breite Gasse, Sigmundsgasse and Mariahilter. Here you’ll find a wide choice of dining options, amongst then Amerlingbeisl with its lovely courtyard, Das Möbel with its original furniture, and all for sale, Die Burgermacher for delicious hamburgers and also vegetarian dishes and a fresh “special of the day”, and Trattoria da Paolo & Anna a small Italian restaurant with chequered tablecloths and delicious food.

And if you come at Christmas time…

At Spittelberg you’ll find one of the city’s best Christmas markets, specialising in handcrafted items. Another busy and festive Christmas market is that of Rathausplatz, with 150 stalls selling decorations, gifts, and sweets treats of every variety. You should try the hot wine (Glünwein) and the Viennese pasty –you can’t leave Vienna without sampling the Apfelstrudel, and here you’ll find it at its very best.

Makes you want to go, right? Do it! Check out our prices here!

The María Pita festivities are a summer’s essential. It is when A Coruña dresses in their best clothes and offers a full program of free outdoor music, food, craft and book fairs,

Throughout the month of August, the city comes alive with activities all day and night spread throughout the city in a celebration that honours the figure of María Pita, the heroine who captained the defense of the city against the British Navy, led by the pirate Francis Drake in 1589.

The day 1 proclamation will mark the starting point of the holidays and this year Luz Casal will be responsible for putting the first chord in an open-air free concert.

The first Saturday of August takes place the traditional Pyrotechnics Naval Battle, a firework show illuminating the sky color of A Coruña that each year attracts thousands of people.
 
And for the young, the third of August there is an entire program of Maria Pitiña at the Explanada del Parrote with activities designed for them. A day that will turn around the circus, with shows, music, games and workshops.

And coinciding with the celebrations of María Pita, the Northwest Pop Rock festival is organized on the beach of Riazor. It is on Friday the 8^th and Saturday 9^th August, with a varied program.

Friday 8^th of August
21:00 h La Senda de Afra | 22:00 h Misterioso Viaje Holanda, Facto Delafé y las Flores Azules and Love of Lesbian.

Saturday 9^thof August
21:00 h Anima | 22:00 h Bourbon Queen Eskizo and Madness.

Picture by Carlos Fernández San Millán

Perfect plan to go with friends! Check our flights and sign up!

For Winter Fest in Ibi, better known as Santa Llúcia or ‘Nadal’ (Christmas), taking place between December and January, there is an odd tradition. On December 28th "els Enfarinats" (The floured) take the town in a funny flour battle to take the government of the city.

Everything starts with a gathering early in the morning where ‘Enfarinats’, the great protagonists of this celebration, meet in front of the church. To be part of this team you must be a married man. From the church, they start a race whose winner gets the title of ‘Alcalde dels Enfarinats’ (Enfarinats’ major), and all the powers of the city are given to this burlesque major. He is the judge, secretary and banker of this absurd government only for one day.

Now the battle starts. A group of neighbours, named ‘Opositors’ (opposition), arrive dressed with black top hats, and the flour battle starts. There’s not only flour on this battle, also thousands of rockets, eggs, vegetables and more flour, anything they need to take down the new absurd government.

After the war, the center of the town ends up covered in flour, but this is not a cruel ward and it will have a happy ending: around 2am, ‘Enfarinats’ and ‘Oposició’ sign the peace and get a great meal together in the streets of Ibi. There is food you will always find in this meal, like a large pot of beans, a typical dish from the region based on pork and white beans.

The meal is a little break until they are surrounded by the ‘Tapats’ (the hidden), who arrive fancy dressed in the most bizarre ways and their faced hidden so no one can recognize them, now is when Opositors and Enfarinats fiancés take their revenge.

Once the stomach is full, they all go to Asil de Sant Joaquim, where they will deposit the money collected over the day, from fines and sanctions, used to assist the elders residence of the town.

Go to Ibi to enjoy this funny celebration from Alicante. However, be aware that lawas in the city change that day and everyone can get a fine for whatever reason and end up showered with flour head over feet.

Pictures by diania.tv

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