Por Tensi Sáncez de Actitudes Magazine

As soon as you get off the plane, you realise that life in Berlin is peaceful, unhurried and stress-free and that this city is somewhere where pollution does not form part of the landscape.
For a Berliner, there is no more precious treasure than being able to enjoy a sunny day and take to the streets in search of simple, everyday pleasures like walking, enjoying a bier somewhere in the open, reading a good book in one of the city’s 2,500 wonderful parks or visiting one of the hundreds of art galleries.

The German capital exudes modernity with a clearly unique personality that is reflected in the art that flows throughout the city and is embodied in endless forms. If you add to the mix that life in Berlin is not expensive, you come to the conclusion that this is one of the most dynamic capitals as far as European art and design are concerned.
The entire city is linked perfectly by the metro, a tram or train service. You will find it virtually impossible to discover somewhere that cannot be reached by one or more of these three modes of transport (although you may need a bit of patience at first to decipher things). That said, I want to highlight the Mitte district, which can be visited without the need to use public transport. Mitte means “the middle” or “half”, which is why this district is described as the heart of the city and is the best-known district in Berlin as here you will find the historic city centre.

One of my favourite hotels in the city is the Eurostar Berlin. Here you will want for nothing. There’s a pool, a sauna, a pianist in the lobby who accompanies you during breakfast beside the art exhibits, added to which the staff are really friendly.

From the hotel, a pleasant stroll along the banks of the river Spree will take you to Mitte, where you’ll find many shops, galleries, bars and restaurants. Let’s start with the fabulous Flagshipstore and its collections by more than twenty young German and Scandinavian designers. At Who killed Bambi, you’ll find women’s fashion and accessories with daring designs at good prices. Storia and Fairly offer some very feminine and elegant fashion that you will find impossible to resist.

Greta&Luis is a multi-faceted shop with a great deal of style, especially in clothes for young men. Another of my favourites is Potipoti, a Spanish brand created in 2005 by Silvia Salvador and Nando Cornejo. Its philosophy is to combine graphic design, art and fashion. All its collections are designed in Berlin and manufactured in Spain. You won’t be able to leave without buying something!

In Berlin, it’s impossible not to be seduced by the world of vintage clothing & accessories. One great example is Waahnsinn, where you’ll find an infinity of second-hand gadgets, clothes and accessories.Class of Berlin /run by Franzisca, designer of the Marlenes Tochter brand) is the perfect place to get yourself some vintage clothes from the 1930s through to the 1960s. They also offer a barber’s service. Finally, discover all things vintage with a touch of class at Garments, where you’ll succumb to authentic treasures at very reasonable prices by de Comme des Garcons, Valentino, Channel or Martin Marguiela, along with other outstanding brands.

If you like your objects and furniture to have a more industrial and retro look, Objets trouvés is the home décor place for you. Its peculiar frontage makes it easy to find. Not far away is the marvellous gallery ofOliver Rath, Rath-Gallery. His photography has an impact on everybody and inspires inner reflection. A few streets down is the aquabitArt gallery and its more avant-garde exhibitions.

Stopping for a coffee anywhere in the Mitte district is essential, and even more enjoyable when sitting out on one of the outdoor terraces. However, this is one special place hidden away down a side street at 39 Rosenthaler Straße. Once you find this place, you’ll think you have travelled back to a Berlin of times gone by. The graffiti is hypnotising. Go with the flow and follow it to the end where you’ll discover various art galleries, including Neurotitan Shop & Gallery, where you’ll no doubt lose yourself among the books, records, t-shirts, etc., and Central Kino, a unique cinema-shop with popcorn included.

To recover from the shock and to admire the unique nature of this side street, take a seat on the terrace atCafé Cinema and savour one of the excellent German beers on offer.

In the Mitte district, stretching from Hackesche Höfe to Oranienburger Strasse, there are many bars that flung open their doors to the hoards of West Berliners after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Some of these places are relatively easy to find but it’s more fun to lose yourself among the bars that sprout like mushrooms and disappear from one day to the next.

By Tensi Sáncez from Actitudes Magazine

Picture by Ruben Seco

You now have the essential tips for any first visit to Berlin. What are you waiting for to book your Vueling flight? 

What makes Gran Canaria unique is its very diverse ecosystem. The coastline features 60 kilometres of greatly varied beaches. The infinite options offered everywhere on this island are ideal to explore alone or with all the family. Its different types of landscape will seriously make you believe you are on the continent. This Atlantic enclave has a 236-kilometre coastline, kissed by a gentle sun that makes it pleasant even in summer. In today's issue of My Vueling City, we will focus on Gran Canaria's beaches and all you can do there. What are you waiting for to grab your swimsuit?

Our Top Beaches

Here is a list of our beaches of choice. The island boasts more than 120 of them, all quite different from one another – from long, golden, sandy beaches to hidden coves. If you don't find your favourite beach here, you surely haven't searched properly. We also confess that, to a great extent, our preferences coincide with those of the canariones – the locals of Gran Canaria:

1.- Maspalomas

Some beaches are very popular, such as the long sandy tongue of Maspalomas. A massive line of white sand that runs from Playa del Inglés to the foot of the great Maspalomas lighthouse, after skirting a desert of sand dunes that covers the southern coast of the island.

2.- San Agustín

In the south, a calm and relaxing beach with a family environment.

3.-Amadores

Ideal to come with all the family. Also located in the south, the great weather can be enjoyed almost all year around.

4.- Puerto de Mogán

Small and ideal to switch off from your daily routine. This beach is very suitable for children.

5.- Las Canteras

It is well known as one of the best urban beaches of Spain.

6.- Puerto Rico

If you prefer, you can just go with the flow and join the bustle of this traditional touristy spot, which boasts one of the best climates in the whole country.

I'll Be Waiting for You in the Water

Gran Canaria boasts the ideal sea and wind conditions for doing water sports such assailing,windsurfing,surfing, and deep-sea fishing. This has also attracted enthusiasts to the increasingly popular practice of bodyboarding – with a sail or without  – in addition to kitesurfing – an enjoyable water sport that uses a kite to pull the surfer over the waves. Gran Canaria's unique location makes it ideal to pursue these activities: thanks to the trade winds, most waves are either medium-sized – and suitable for beginners – or considerably large – ideal for more experienced surfers.

If you're more into exploring the seabed, we suggest you dive down into these crystalline waters. Several diving spots can be found along the island's coastline, such as Pecios de Mogán, the artificial Reef of Arguineguín, Taliarte and Las Merinas. Prefer to do your own thing? You can always go snorkelling. We suggest you rent a car and explore the coast. We can still tell you a secret though – Risco Verde, Caleta Baja and Sardina are ideal places to start off with. Here you'll find all the information you need on diving schools and clubs.

With Children

Gran Canaria indeed offers a myriad of options for those planning to spend their holiday with all the family, in addition to a great choice of kid-friendly activities. This of course includes spending time on the beach. We definitely recommend the vast extension of dunes in Maspalomas and the coves in the coastal area of Mogán. The latter is fail-proof: is there anything better than the sea to bathe and frolic in the waves, or the endless beach to make sand castles and play with toy cars? Well, surprisingly, there is. You can enjoy a ride on camelback, or spend the day at Sioux City, a theme park devoted to the Wild West. Who hasn't played Red Indians against cowboys as a kid? Alternatively, for the more adventurous, you can go on a submarine or watch the dolphins in the south of the island, or even travel to the amazing world of Palmitos Park, where the sight of astonishing animal species can be enjoyed in a tropical environment. Marabou storks, silver-cheeked hornbills, emus, wallabies and Komodo dragons are waiting eagerly to welcome you.

Another sure win is a tour of the whole island to experience its scenic variety first-hand. The tourist bus in the capital travels to some of the island's most emblematic locations, like Vegueta, the historic centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. You can visit this more than 500-year-old district to recharge your batteries in one of its many tapas bars. Oh, and don't forget to visit Cristopher Columbus' house, where he stayed for a last stop before embarking on his legendary voyage to The Americas.

An Appointment Not to be Missed

With all this beach talk, you shouldn't forget your swimming costumes. Do not miss out on Gran Canaria Swimwear Fashion Week 2015, an event where more than 40 brands show off their designs in three intense fashion days. This catwalk has become a showcase of swimwear fashion for firms from all over the archipelago, also sharing their stage with national and international first-class brands. This event takes place in Meloneras (Plaza de las Convenciones), in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana from 18 to 20 June.

Come and enjoy the beach in Gran Canaria! Check out our flights here.

Text and images by Turismo de Gran Canaria

It’s clear that to add the most before an adjective always brings a certain controversy. Even more if it’s about choosing the most beautiful village of a country. In this decision, several factors are kept in mind such as its artistic and historic heritage and the landscape that surrounds it. To this effect, its citizens, associations and institutions make an effort and put all their determination in embellish it, because it will affect favourably in attracting tourism and its develop.

In Spain, the association Los pueblos más bonitos de España makes its selection choosing between the most isolated, in the mountains, or the historical, or the beautiful villages bathed by the Mediterranean Sea or the Cantabric Sea. Towns like Ronda in Málaga, Vejer de la Frontera in Cádiz, Cangas de Onís or Cudillero in Asturias, Altea in Alicante, Albarracín in Teruel, Úbeda in Jaén, Priego de Córdoba in Córdoba, Comillas in Cantabria, Laguardia in La Rioja or Alquézar in Huesca never miss these rankings.

In France, the association Les plus beaux villages de France has its own list, where villages like Pesmes, Eguisheim, Yvoire, la Grave, Saint-Suliac, Parfondeva, Josselin, Monte Saint-Michel o la Roque-Gageac are the highlights.

In Italy we have a multitude to choose amongst the little villages distributed all over the Tuscany, the colorful towns in the South, Vernazza or Manarola in Cinque Terre, San Gimignano or Tropea in the Calabrian coast, not to mention its fairytale charming villages that spread Germany or Switzerland.

In England also exists this interest to get declared the most beautiful town. Per se, the picturesque English countryside is an excelent frame, with beautiful landscapes and splendids medieval towns with an enormous historical value.

In the area of Cotswolds there are huge pile of them, so it is difficult to decide for one. Perhaps a good candidate to gain such valued title seems to be Knaresborough. It’s a town with medieval origins that was, for a long time, a spa town for the burgeoisie, in the county of North Yorkshire, at the north-east of England.

It keeps excellent historical monuments, like Knaresborough Castle, the viaduct over the Nidd river, passages that surround you in mistery and its houses, squares and stone stairs, which weave a path through the river until the peak of the hill.

We can also approach to Shanklin, a little village in the east coast of the Wight Island, that was an usual beach destiny during the Victorian epoch. What makes it so special are its vegetable roofs which give particular charming and a kind of rustic air.

Its sand beaches that continues beyond Desando and Shanklin, the Victorian pier, the picturesque defile that leads until the old beach and its old quarter, where the old methods of building roofs are preservated, make this town a solid candidate of the most beautiful town in England.

But, apparently, the prize is shared between Bibury and Castle Combe. The secret of the charming of Bibury, in Gloucestershire county, lies in its stone houses and its loftly roofs. Also the natural landscape of the town, surrounded of streams and ponds.

That’s how the poet and artisan William Morris thougt it, who baptised it years ago as the most beautiful town in England. And so The Huffington Post, that named it in the ranking of "The Most Charming Towns In Europe You'll Want To Visit ASAP".

On the other handm Castle Combe has been the setting of lots of movies, such as Steven Spielberg’s War Horse or Matthew Vaughn’s Stardust, among others. And it’s not of coincidence. Castle Combe is placed very close from the Cotsworlds Capital, Cirencester, a series of hills that crosses the south-east and west zone of England.

All the zone stands out for its natural beauty and this town has shown worthy of be one of the most beautiful places. Without any discordant in its architecture and by its charming and the peace that one can breath, Castle Crombe conquers everyone that visits it.

But, as there’s no accounting for taste, the best way to choose is go to England, take a look and decide for oneself.

Picture Castel Combe by Saffron Blaze

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

Gran Canaria has become the favourite destination among cyclists in the last few years owing to the good climate on the island and the challenging routes it offers. The island has hosted professionals of the calibre of Alberto Contador, entire pro cycling teams such as Tinkoff, world champion triathletes like Daniela Ryf and Stöckli’s Swiss mountain bike racer, Jolanda Neff. But, the fact that it’s teeming with pros does not mean they have exclusive rights to the land – amateurs can also delight in touring it on two wheels. Here is what is special about this island, and my recommendations.

Advantages of Gran Canaria as a Cycling Destination

- The mean annual temperature is 21°.

- Direct flights from most European airports.

- Good, tarred roads with little traffic, as well as cautious drivers accustomed to cyclists.

- The land elevation is almost 2,000 metres (1,949 m) in the Pico de las Nieves, considered to be one of Europe’s toughest mountain passes, together with Mortirolo, Angliru and Stelvio. However, here the advantage is that the temperature is much warmer than in Asturias or the Alps.

- Marked scenic contrasts, ranging from white sand dunes in Maspalomas to tropical parkland in the north of the island, to the oasis in the Fataga Gorge.

Practical Tips

Accommodation. If you’re seeking tranquility and vegetation, the best option is to stay in the north. A good spot is the Bandama Golf Resort, which forms part of the oldest golf course in Spain, located in the Bandama Caldera with its noticeable volcanic presence. Nearby you will come across the vineyards of the Bodegón Vandama, offering delicious dishes well worth trying. And, if you require other services, as well as sun and long afternoons, the Barceló Margaritas in Maspalomas is a good choice, with the broadest culinary variety to be had in the hotel itself. Remember that, if you want to pedal, you’re going to have to rest and eat properly.

Essential routes and sights. The number of places you visit will depend partly on the length of your stay. Detailed descriptions and route times can be sourced at the Strava cycling community. Following are the key points, and a rundown of what to expect in terms of your level, to help you plan your itinerary.

Pico de las Nieves. This is the highest point on the island, situated in its centre. On a clear day you can pick out Mt Teide on Tenerife and Roque Nublo from there. Different access routes are available. The toughest route – which I would not recommend, unless you’re a seasoned climber – is the Ingenio por Cazadores, which reaches gradients of 23%. Next comes the ascent from Ayacata, which you get to from Maspalomas, while the easiest route is on the north side, via Cueva Grande. You need to take the climb leisurely. Once at the top, apart from some fine views, there is a food station where you can refuel.

Tejeda. A mountain village with excellent gastronomic offerings. If you’re planning a route on a non-competitive day, this is an ideal spot for stopping to enjoy some traditional island cuisine.

Three Big Dams (Soria, Las Niñas, Chira). It is surprising to come across so much water on the south of the island. All the dams are connected by district roads with virtually no traffic. If you’re after peace and quiet, this is a great route.

Maspalomas Dunes. For those who have never seen sand dunes, this is a must-visit destination, featuring dunes worthy of the Sahara. My advice is to go there at dusk, when the light is at its best.

Fataga Gorge. It starts just past the Degollada de las Yeguas, and the scenery ranges from a desert landscape to a “valley of a thousand palm trees”. Those who have been to Morocco will feel like they’re still in the Draa Valley.

Artenara. Located in the Tamadaba Nature Reserve, the vegetation here is different from the rest of the island, the prevailing species being the indigenous Canary Island pine.

Puerto de Mogán and Güi-Güi Beach. Puerto de Mogán is near the great dams route, while Güi-Güi beach can be reached on foot and is well worth visiting.

If the weather is still bleak and cold where you live, don’t think twice – get away to Gran Canaria and discover the island on two wheels. Book your ticket at Vueling.

Text by Raúl Casañas