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Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Spanish town begs 'please come Monday to Thursday' after crowds cause 'collapse'
As Spain continues its battle against overtourism, one town has a specific request: it wants visitors to stay away at weekends. Brihuega, in central Spain, is famous for its lavender fields that cover more than 1,000 hectares. Visitors flock to the Insta-perfect location to pose among the purple flowers and buy essential oils — and even beer and cheese — made from the blooms. But Brihuega has become so popular that Mayor Luis Vuego has asked tourists to plan their trips on weekdays, to help ease pressure on local services. 'I recommend visiting us from Monday to Thursday, please,' he said. 'It's more difficult on weekends due to the large number of people who come. 'Last Saturday, for example, the town collapsed. I had a bad time.' Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Speaking to the ABC Newspaper, Mayor Luis said the town receives 8 million euros in just a few weeks when the lavender is in bloom. But it also means a huge influx of visitors – around 140,000 – in a short period, which is getting increasingly difficult to manage. In particular, the narrow historic streets are not designed for so many people. 'We work hard, we have a security committee, but it's still a large turnout,' said the mayor. That's why I insist: please come from Monday to Thursday.' Mayor Luis doesn't want tourists to stay away entirely, though. The region recently opened its first five-star hotel, and there are plans for a park-and-ride and shuttle buses, scheduled to be up and running by next year. But what is there to see in Brihuega aside from its famous lavender fields? While lavender season runs from late June to the end of July, Brihuega is a year-round destination. Situated in the Tajuna Valley, it has 'amazing heritage and scenic landscapes, according to Spain's tourism board. One of its top attractions are the Arab Caves of Brihuega. This 'hidden world', which dates back to the 10th-Century, was used for escape routes during sieges, and as a storage space for food and other supplies, due to its consistent temperature of 12C. The caves are located in the town centre near the main square, Plaza del Coso. The underground network is estimated to be around five miles long, but only around 500 metres of the caves are accessible to the public. Aside from its impressive caves, Brihuega is steeped in history. Its medieval streets boast porticoed squares including the Calle Mayor, Plaza del Coso and the Calle de Armas, and monuments including a prison built during the reign of King Charles III and Renaissance-era mansions. @luan_quishpe Brihuega es uno de los pueblos más bonitos de Guadalajara para pasar el día, cada vez más conocido entre los turistas por la floración de la lavanda, que llega a su esplendor a mediados de julio. Los oriundos de Brihuega siempre la llamaron espliego, que es el verdadero nombre de la lavanda, y esa preciosa planta es la que ha acabado por dar fama a la villa briocense. Pero el color morado también tiñe la ciudad: paseando por Brihuega descubrirás cómo la villa se ha entregado a la lavanda, con balcones, puertas, ventanas en color malva. ♬ Love Story – Indila – Penguin Piano Brihuega is also home to one of the oldest bull-running events in Spain, held each year on August 16. Declared a 'Festival of Regional Tourist Interest', it involves a herd of bulls being released from the bullring to run through the streets of the town. If that's not your cup of tea, Brihuega is a great horse riding destination. Visitors can trek the surroundings of the town as well as the lavender fields on horseback. The experience is suited for all levels with one-hour tours starting from €40 per person during the summer. Hot air balloon rides are also available to book over the stunning fields with various local tour groups. Just an hour's drive from Madrid, Brihuega is perfect for a day trip from Spain's cosmopolitan capital. The closest airport is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, which is around 52 minutes by car. There are plenty of rental car options, and you can expect prices of anything from €20-€70 per day. If you're visiting on public transport, expect a longer journey. Overall, the trip takes around three and a half hours. You'll have to catch a train from Atocha to Guadalajara, then hop on a bus there to Brihuega. More Trending There is a service called the Lavender Train that connects Madrid to Brihuega during the month of July, when the lavender fields are in full bloom. It includes a train and coach transfer to Brihuega, a guided tour of the historic centre, and transport to the lavender fields. Tickets are sold on Renfe's official website and usually sell out quickly. This year, tickets were priced at €50 for adults €20 for children. If you're dying to visit — make sure to go between Monday and Thursday. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I spent a weekend in Ireland's best-kept secret — the rain didn't matter at all MORE: Meet Sarina Wiegman's husband Marten Glotzbach cheering her on in Women's Euros Final MORE: Ian Wright speaks out on England's surprise change for Women's Euro 2025 final against Spain
ITV News
18-07-2025
- ITV News
The hidden holiday gems without the tourists
Earlier this week, Molly Mae's sister Zoe made headlines after leaving her romantic trip to Bali just two days after arriving, claiming that the island didn't meet the glamorous aesthetic she'd seen depicted by other travellers on social media. And Zoe's not the only one whose Insta-perfect holiday dreams have been dashed by the less than glamorous reality. Right now, some of Europe's most famous holiday hotspots are swarming with summer tourists all hoping to see (and snap!) the same sites. But you don't need to brave the crowds to get the best holiday content for your socials; our travel expert Chelsea Dickenson is here with her pick of the hidden holiday gems that will help you avoid the tourist-crush, without missing out on the culture. Lifestyle
Evening Standard
15-07-2025
- Evening Standard
Are Mallorca, Croatia and Provence too hot for summer holidays now? Here's where to book instead
You might not believe that the Lake District could sub in for Provence but let's break this down: both have rolling landscapes topped with photogenic old villages, and Roman ruins, and a rich creative legacy (Turner vs Van Gogh, Beatrix Potter vs Peter Mayle). And in summer the seas of purple heather on Cumbrian slopes are every bit as photogenic as the lavender fields of the Luberon. Your top Insta-perfect villages to try? Ambleside for boat trips, Grasmere for the former home of William Wordsworth and Hawkshead for general cobbled loveliness.
The Irish Sun
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside Andy Carroll's desperate game plan to save relationship with Lou Teasdale as pals say he wants to propose
JUST 12 months after meeting celebrity make-up artist Lou Teasdale at Glastonbury, footballer Andy Carroll is fighting to save his relationship following a string of "drunk and furious" rows. And we can now exclusively reveal the ex- striker has made a last-ditch attempt to get their romance back on track - and is blaming the stress of his £20m divorce on his bad behaviour. 9 Andy Carroll fell head over heels for Lou Teasdale at Glastonbury in 2024 - three months after announcing his marriage was over Credit: instagram/andytcarroll 9 The couple celebrated their first-year anniversary back at the festival last weekend Credit: The Sun 9 Andy is divorcing ex-Towie star Billi Mucklow, who is mum to three of his five kids Credit: Instagram Andy was fresh out of a secret split from his Towie star wife But last month, his new relationship hit the rocks when the 36-year-old was twice quizzed by police over bust-ups with Lou, 41, during a holiday on After patching things up and returning to the UK, the couple checked into And in a desperate bid to impress his other half, Andy promised to enjoy a sober festival with teetotal Lou. Quitting booze for Lou An insider told The Sun: 'After everything that's gone on lately, Andy wanted to make sure their first anniversary was special. 'Lou's totally teetotal so he thought it would be nice for them to spend the weekend together sober. 'Andy adores Lou and would do anything for her. 'He wanted to prove to her that she means more to him than having a drink and to be able to make up for what happened on their holiday so he didn't have any alcohol at Glastonbury. "He knows she deserves better and wants to put any bad behaviour in the past to bed. Andy is convinced Lou is the one for him and is determined to get his act together and propose." Andy was described as being last month. He was taken to the police station after a second confrontation at their hotel. Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale kiss and make up in £38,000 posh Glasto camp as they snog and hold hands after Greece bust-up He was not arrested and it is understood no further action was taken. 'It reminded Lou of how good things can be with Andy,' our source added. Friends say Andy has been under a lot of stress lately as he goes through divorce proceedings. 9 Andy and Billi had been together for 11 years when he called it quits last summer Credit: instagram 9 Andy and Lou often share pics of their Insta-perfect sun-kissed life Credit: Instagram A pal said: 'Andy's divorce is taking a huge toll on him. 'He decided to join Lou and do Glastonbury alcohol-free. 'They had an incredible weekend with no cross words between them. 'Lou's friends think sober life might be the key to the couple's success.' Boozy rows Andy's summer after 11 years together. In a statement to The Sun in July 2024, Andy said: "Billi and I have privately separated earlier this year and we are under way with our divorce proceedings. "It has been a hard few months for our family and we continue to move forward amicably for our children." Andy is said to be desperate to cut ties with his old life with ex Billi, who he shares three of his five children with. Back in May 2022, Andy's wedding was almost called off when he was caught He had been drinking since midday as he celebrated the end of his single life in Dubai . The 36-year-old insisted nothing sexual happened between him and the blondes - and begged Billi for forgiveness. She took him back and the pair married two weeks later. Now they're embroiled in a legal battle as they thrash out the terms of their divorce. 9 The pair's relationship hit the rocks when Andy was quizzed by cops over bust-ups with Lou on a recent holiday to Mykonos Credit: instagram/andytcarroll 9 Andy and Billi were only married for two years before they split Credit: Instagram 9 Their nuptials nearly never happened after Andy's boozy stag do saw him pictured with a blonde in bed Credit: instagram Despite once being a £35million footballer, Andy has been playing for just £1,190 a month - less than the minimum wage after tax - since his transfer to fourth-tier club Meanwhile Billi - who starred on Towie for two years in 2011 before making a brief return in 2018 - has been focused on being mum to their kids while Andy lives it up on holidays abroad with his new woman. He now hopes that his romantic gesture to quit drinking for Glastonbury will help him get back in Lou's good books - and has plans to Only time will tell whether he can save their relationship, which some 9 Family man Andy with his kids, two of whom are from a previous relationship Credit: Instagram
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Park Bom Shuts Down Filter Rumors and Stuns Fans With Her Fresh Look - 2NE1's Comeback Vibes Are Real!
The Filter Drama - Park Bom's Clapback Moment Okay, K-pop stans, you know how social media can get wild with rumors. Recently, Park Bom, the iconic 2NE1 vocalist, found herself in the middle of a classic internet debate-are her photos too perfect, or is it just her natural glow? Some netizens accused her of using heavy filters on her selfies. But Park Bom wasn't having any of it. She straight-up addressed the rumors, saying, "I don't use filters!" That's the kind of confidence we love to see, especially in a world obsessed with Insta-perfect looks. On July 4th, Park Bom dropped two new photos on her socials, captioned "Inside the plane at Incheon Airport." Dressed in a sleek black outfit, her visuals were next-level. Her fair skin and sharp features had fans dropping comments like "You look gorgeous!" and "Have a safe trip!" It's honestly refreshing to see a celeb just owning their look, no matter what the haters say. 2NE1's Power Moves - From Coachella to Sold-Out Tours If you thought 2NE1 was just a nostalgia act, think again. After their legendary Coachella reunion in 2022, where Park Bom, CL, Sandara Park, and Minzy lit up the stage, the group has been on a roll. Last year, they celebrated their 15th anniversary with a massive Asia tour-12 cities, 25 shows! That's the kind of energy that only true icons can bring. And the hype didn't stop there. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo In April, 2NE1 held their "Welcome Back" encore concert at Seoul's KSPO DOME (yep, the old Olympic Gymnastics Arena). The crowd? Absolutely wild. The vibe? Pure throwback mixed with fresh energy. If you've ever been to a K-pop concert, you know it's not just about the music-it's about the community, the fashion, and the feeling that you're part of something bigger. Why This Hits Different for Us For anyone who grew up loving K-pop, 2NE1 was more than just a girl group-they were a whole attitude. Park Bom's recent posts remind us of how much pressure celebs face to look "perfect," but also how powerful it is when they just keep it real. It's a vibe that totally resonates with young people everywhere, especially when you compare it to the selfie culture here. Whether it's Bollywood stars or K-pop idols, the struggle with online image is real, but seeing someone like Park Bom push back is honestly inspiring.
