The secret Spanish foodie haven that will leave clients hungry for more
As I savoured my meal of paella cooked two ways – traditional with rice and fideua with short, thin noodles – I remarked to my host that my daughter would be going on her first school trip abroad in two weeks' time, quite coincidentally to a resort just 10 minutes along the coast. I hoped her voyage of discovery would be as memorable as my rediscovery of a region with so much to offer.
How to book it
Kirker Holidays offers the three-night Gastronomy Route package at Hostal de la Gavina from £1,886 per person, based on two sharing a classic double room with terrace. Price includes breakfast and the three included special meals (Esperit Roca, La Taverna del Mar and Candlelight – alcoholic drinks not included) plus a wine tasting at Clos d'Agon, flights to Barcelona and car hire.
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Telegraph
40 minutes ago
- Telegraph
The 10 best beaches in Northern Ireland
Though the coastline of Northern Ireland is relatively short, it's peppered with some beautiful beaches, from tiny, pebbled coves to wide stretches of golden sands. And there's plenty to do beyond simply spreading a towel on the beach – you can try your hand at surfing, take a sauna on the sand or even stumble upon a herd of neighbourhood cows. And at some, you'll find top-notch seafood restaurants just off the shore, so you can tuck into the catch of the day with the scent of the ocean in the air. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Northern Ireland. Find out more below, or for further inspiration, explore our guides to Northern Ireland's best hotels, things to do, restaurants and nightlife. Benone Strand A sweeping stretch of golden sand, this beach has some of the best views in Northern Ireland – on a clear day you can see Donegal's Inishowen just over the water, and if you look up at the cliffs behind you'll see the historic dome of Mussenden Temple. It's a good spot for beginner surfing, too. Insider tip: The HotBox Sauna is right on the sand, so you can build up a sweat before you leap into the sea. Area: County Londonderry How to get there: Free parking at the beach entrance. Whitepark Bay This gentle curve of white sand isn't for everyone – it's a steep walk from the car park, and the rips mean you can't swim in the sea there. But that just adds to its secluded, remote feel. You might also spot cows wandering on the sand, which belong to a nearby farmer. Insider tip: This is prime birdwatching territory, so bring your binoculars. Area: County Antrim How to get there: There's free, but limited, parking. Portstewart Strand With picturesque sand dunes, gentle waves for bodyboarding and an exceptional restaurant right on the sand, Portstewart ticks loads of boxes on a beach wish list. It's a great spot for a walk, whether you stick to the sands or explore the trails in the dunes and the nearby Bann Estuary. Insider tip: Book a table at Harry's Shack, an excellent seafood restaurant overlooking the beach. Area: County Londonderry How to get there: Park at the National Trust car park on the beach. Helen's Bay It's hard to believe this tree-lined beach is barely 20 minutes from Belfast, but Helen's Bay is a little slice of coastal bliss just up the road from the capital. It's fairly small, so sunbathing spots fill up quickly, but the clear waters and lush grasses behind more than make up for that. Insider tip: If it's busy, walk 20 minutes along the coast to Crawfordsburn Beach, which is usually quieter. Area: County Down How to get there: Helen's Bay train station is a 10-minute walk away. Tyrella Beach This Blue Flag beach is a great spot if you like to keep active – there's a lifeguard in summer months, it's good for kayaking and you can ride horses, but only in the evening during summer. There are great views of the Mourne Mountains, too. Insider tip: The sand dunes are protected and are the habitat of rare lizards, so be careful when you're walking. Area: County Down How to get there: The main car park is free outside of the summer months. Murlough National Nature Reserve Just outside the Victorian seaside town of Newcastle, Murlough is home to undulating sand dunes, with lush green grass on one side and the sea on the other. When the tide is out, the beach is glorious, with a view of Slieve Donard at the end. Insider tip: The onward walk to Newcastle is beautiful, but look out for high tide, which can cut you off. Area: County Down How to get there: Parking is limited, so walk from Newcastle if it's full. Whiterocks Beach This cliff-lined beach (hence the name) is particularly striking, with rocky outcrops reaching out onto the sands featuring caves, arches and formations, and the remains of Dunluce Castle on the clifftop. It's a popular spot for water sports, from surfing and kayaking to snorkelling and diving around the caves. Insider tip: Walk the almost three-mile Whiterocks Coastal Path above, for great views over the beach. Area: County Antrim How to get there: Free parking. Cushendun Beach There's an old school sense of charm to this village, with white buildings lining the harbour and a peaceful little beach. Keep your eyes peeled for the neighbourhood seals, who can sometimes be seen on the shore. Insider tip: If you're a Game of Thrones fan, visit the Cushendun Caves at the other side of the harbour – it's where Melisandre birthed a shadow demon. Area: County Antrim How to get there: There's a car park behind the beach. Ballygally Beach This wide sandy beach is popular with families, due to the excellent sand castle potential and the playground near the main car park. It's good for swimming or paddling, and there are pretty rock pools at low tide. Insider tip: Ballygally Castle Hotel is right on the beach, if you're looking for a place to stay or a bite to eat. Area: County Antrim How to get there: The main car park is just over the road. Coney Island It might not be the most visually stunning in Northern Ireland, but there's a definite charm to Coney Island – after all, Van Morrison named a song after it. Not technically an island, this headland between Ardglass and Killough is lined with houses (many of which are holiday rentals) and is wonderfully peaceful. Insider tip: Be sure to select the Co Down Coney Island in your GPS, as there's another in the west of Ireland and one in Lough Neagh, too. Area: County Down How to get there: There's street parking. How we choose Every beach in this curated list has been expertly chosen by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of areas and styles, from popular city beaches to lesser known corners – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. Return to top About our expert Nicola Brady I'm originally from Sussex, and I went on holiday to Ireland 16 years ago and never came back. While I'm now based in Dublin, I spent a decade living on the Northern Irish border and still visit regularly.
Time Out Dubai
an hour ago
- Time Out Dubai
Where to watch the UEFA Women's Euro final in Dubai: England vs Spain
After 29 matches, 104 goals and more than a few nervous moments, we now know our two finalists. The UEFA Women's Euro final of 2025 will see the reigning world champions Spain take on the defending European champions England. If England's matches so far in the Euros are anything to go by then we're in for yet another dramatic evening on Sunday July 27. The two giants of the game will kick-off at 8pm Gulf Standard Time at the St. Jakob Park in the Swiss city of Basel. England have needed super-subs Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly to come to the rescue with late goals against Sweden and Italy in the knock-out rounds, giving manager Sarina Wiegman a headache as she aims to win her third successive Women's Euros. Spain's route to the final has been, typically, more controlled with the only tricky obstacle so far being the extra-time victory in the semi-final against Germany. Otherwise, Spain have comfortably beaten Portugal, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland on their way to the final with Alexia Putellas, Patri Gujarro and Aitana Bonmatí particularly standing out. Where to watch the UEFA Women's European Championship final in Dubai Barasti Head to Barasti to watch the UEFA Women's Euro final in Dubai (Credit: Barasti) Barasti is a fail-safe option if you're looking for a lively spot to watch the match. High tables and lounging areas face the humongous screen that sits up front and centre outside, while smaller screens are dotted around inside if you can't find space. Open daily 9am-3am. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina, (04 318 1313). Bedrock Bedrock is a modern sports bar with a fun twist. You'll be able to watch the Women's Euro final on their 20 TV screens across the bar. Happy days. What's more, you'll also find darts boards and a golf simulator to blow off some steam should your team lose. Win-win. Open daily noon-2am. Pier 7 in Marina Promenade, Dubai Marina, reception@ (04 578 1668). Belgian Café (Credit: Belgian Cafe) Celebrate all things from Belgian here with special drinks and bites offers available throughout the season. Giant screens will show all the action and you can expect a lively atmosphere. No minimum spend. Grand Millennium Dubai, Barsha Heights, (04 423 4100). Brighton Rock This lively spot in JBR offers classic British fare. Usually broadcasts a wide variety of sports with the Women's Euros taking prime spot this Sunday. Special deals include a daily happy hour until 8pm and daily two-for-one deals. Hilton Dubai The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residences (058 552 7017). CLAW BBQ (Credit: Supplied) With a seven-hour happy hour, both CLAW locations in Dubai (JBR and the Palm) have become havens for football fans. For those who want a break from the action, there's pinball, air hockey, pool, a Bucking Bronco and more. Open Mon-Thu, noon-2am, Fri noon-3am, Sat 8am-3am, Sun 8am-2am. Pavilion at the Beach, Dubai Marina (04 577 4357). Open Sun-Thu noon-2am, Fri-Sat noon-3am. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah (04 230 0054). Fibber Magee's Screens are dotted everywhere around this much-loved Irish pub, making it a perfect venue to watch the Women's Euros final. If you're expecting to be able to enjoy the football in a quiet setting look elsewhere – because Fibbers seems to be a perennial home to a lively, Irish atmosphere. You'll find a six-hour happy hour between 2pm and 8pm with drinks starting from Dhs25, a Sunday to Friday happy hour between 1pm and 7pm as well as a Sunday roast from Dhs99. Open daily 8am-3am. Saeed Tower One, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 332 2400). Open Mun-Thu 9am-2am, Fri-Sat 9am-3am. Social Hotel, Barsha Heights. (04 332 2400) garden on 8 With loads of screens (and two huge ones) dotted around the terrace area, you needn't look further for a top place to watch the Women's Euro final in Dubai. The food menu offers classic pub fare – think burgers, pizzas, and some of the best chips about. Count us in. Open noon-2am. Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City (04 427 1000). Goose Island Tap House Goose Island is not just a sports bar for those who like to watch sport, it's also a popular choice for fans who want some friendly competition of their own as they eagerly await kick off. There are now two Goose Island venues in Dubai and they're both well worth checking out. Happy hour is between noon and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, extending until 8pm on weekdays at both venues. Open Sun-Wed noon-2am, Thu-Sat noon-3am. FIVE Jumeirah Village, Jumeirah Village Circle, (04 455 9989). Open Mon – Thu noon – 2am, Fri – Sat 10am – 3am, Sun 10am – 2am. FIVE LUXE, JBR, (04 275 9999). McCafferty's No matter which location of McCafferty's Irish bar you visit (they have one in JVC and another in Al Furjan) you can watch the Women's Euros final on the giant LED screens on the terraces. Note that if the final clashes with the All-Ireland Final then there will be a delay in showing the football. Whether moving about the venue or staying inside, HD TVs streaming the games are dotted throughout so you won't miss a thing. Craving Irish comfort food? Pick one of the belly-busting items on the menu. Open daily 10 am-2am. Circle Mall, JVC. (058 599 3623). Open Sun-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-2am. Jebel Ali Village, Al Furjan. (04 422 1491). Open Mon-Thu 11am-1am, Fri 11am-2am, Sat-Sun 9am-2am. Pyramids Wafi, Oud Metha. (058 507 3623). McGettigan's There aren't many better places to watch sport in Dubai than at one of the city's McGettigan's branches. With screens dotted around every bar, these staple Irish pubs will be showing the Women's Euros final. You'll find a happy hour offering between Sunday and Friday at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah and the Factory on The Palm until 8pm. Open Mon – Thu noon – 2am, Fri noon – 3am, Sat – Sun 10am-3am. Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Cluster J, JLT (04 356 0470). Open Sun-Thu noon-2am, Fri-Sat noon-3am. Dubai World Trade Centre (04 262 0407). Open Mon-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri-Sun noon-2am. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah (04 230 0062). Open Mon-Thu noon-2am, Fri 12pm-3am, Sat 10am-3am, Sun 10am-2am. Souk Madinat Jumeirah (04 447 0219). Open Mon-Fri 12.30pm-3am, Fri-Sat 10am-3am. The Walk, JBR (04 318 2580). Open Mon – Wed 4pm – 1am, Thu and Sun noon-1am, Fri-Sat noon – 2am. Dubai Science Park, Al Barsha South. (04 567 1400) Mr Toad's This Premier Inn pub chain is quickly establishing itself as a Dubai institution – and Mr Toad's should be on your list of venues if you're looking for somewhere to watch the Champions League this year. There's a daily all-day happy hour and you can watch the matches on a big screen. Football with affordable food and drink? Now that's a winning combination. Open daily noon-1am. Premier Inn Hotel, Al Jaddaf (056 411 4602). Open daily noon-1am. Premier Inn Barsha Heights Hotel, Al Khareef 2 Street (050 143 8751). Open daily noon-1am. Premier Inn Dubai Investments Park, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (04 885 1899). Open daily 3pm-midnight. Premier Inn Dubai Ibn Battuta Hotel (04 278 2222). Open daily noon-1am. Premier Inn Dubai Silicon Oasis Hotel, E311 (04 336 3184). Nell Gwynne If you're after affordable pints and a chilled-out spot to watch football, Nell Gwynne could be the place for you. In Dubai Marina, it's a prime location with a price list that's not overbearing. There are deals on hops buckets costing Dhs139 daily until 3am and a happy hour from noon until 8pm every day. Open Mon-Fri 11am-3am, Sat-Sun 9am-3am. Marina Byblos Hotel, Al Hubob Sreet, Dubai Marina (04 448 8222). Offside Want to see kick-off on a 200-inch screen? Check out Offside in Dubai Marina. There is an additional eight screens and it's good for groups with lots of long tables and plenty of things to do before the games begin. Open noon-3am. JA Ocean View Hotel, JBR. (056 522 0219). Phileas Fogg Happy hour anyone? Credit: Phileas Fogg's At Phileas Fogg you can watch the Women's Euro final with a gorgeous golf course as your backdrop. If you want company, head over to the 33,000 sq ft space complete with a restaurant, pub, garden and a covered amphitheatre that can host up to 1000 people. You will not be short of an atmosphere. Open Mon-Thu 11am-2am Fri-Sun 8am-3am. Montgomerie Golf Academy, Emirates Hills, (04 572 4477). The Irish Village (Credit: The Irish Village) A favourite among sports-lovers in Dubai, this popular Irish pub is a cracking place to watch football. Having operated at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium for more than 20 years, it's a Dubai institution – and its Studio City venue is just as good. Open Sun-Thu 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Garhoud (04 282 4750). Open Sun-Thu 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. Studio One, Dubai Studio City (04 241 8444). Other things to do in Dubai Dubai's 10 best sports bars, with great beverages and banging food Catch all the big games at these brilliant sports bars in Dubai Dubai happy hours: Best bar deals, offers and discounts Cheap drinks every night of the week? You've come to the right place Dubai ladies' night list: absolutely brilliant deals, offers and discounts Grab your girls for a fabulous Friday night
BBC News
4 hours ago
- BBC News
Where can I watch the Euro 2025 final on Sunday?
Euro 2025 has brought us a summer of fierce competition and fantastic football. After a nail-biting quarter-final and semi-final, defending champions England will battle it out against Spain on Sunday to see who will lift the if you can't get to Switzerland, there are lots of ways you can soak up the match-day atmosphere in your local area or even from the comfort of your own our guide to watching the game. Where to watch in England? Kick-off is at 17:00 BST on Sunday 27 out big-screen venues across the country, like Corner Corner in Canada Water, London, BoxPark in Croydon, Wembley, Shoreditch, Camden and Liverpool, TOCA Social in Birmingham's Bullring, London's O2 and White City as well as Manchester's Freight Island and AO may want to check your local BBC Weather forecast to see if you should bring a raincoat or pack your clubs, pubs, bars, beer halls, yards and other local venues will be showing the match, so check social media to find out what might be going on in your something family-friendly, check out things like the National Football Museum's free watch party in Manchester, which has crafts and activities for children on the course, there's always the option to grab some flags and snacks and throw your own party at home. How can I watch the match at home? The final will be shown on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and ITV on Sunday 27 July, with the BBC coverage starting at 15: radio, you can listen to BBC Radio 5 Live with Katie Smith from 16: every minute on the BBC Sport website and app, with live match reports, key moment clips, highlights, interviews and don't forget podcasts on BBC Sounds to help get your football fix, including Football Daily and Feast of Football. Can I still get match tickets? The St Jakob Park stadium in Basel has a capacity of about 38,000 people - 52,000 fewer seats than Wembley Stadium, where the Euro 2022 final was last time we checked the UEFA website, there were no tickets or resales left, though they may be available on other resale if you happen to be in Switzerland without tickets, you can still catch all the action from the fan zones in Basel, Bern, Geneva and Zurich city say they offer a "packed schedule of activities for all ages", with live screenings of matches, concerts, workshops and child-friendly football pitches.
