Latest news with #Ronda
The Sun
29-06-2025
- The Sun
I travel to Spain every month – 12 stunning and cheap destinations Spaniards love that Brits have never heard of
AFTER years of travelling to Spain almost monthly, I've learnt where to go if you want to dodge the crowds, eat well, and actually feel like you're a local. There are loads of places that Spaniards head to on holiday that most Brits don't even know exist. 7 7 7 These aren't just quiet villages in the middle of nowhere; they're lively, packed with culture, good food, and beautiful views. So, if you're up for something different, forget Benidorm and Barcelona. Check out these places that are not only less touristy but cheaper and brimming with proper Spanish charm. Inland Málaga: Ronda, Ardales and Antequera Most people landing in Málaga do the same thing - head straight to the coast and barely leave the beach for a week. And I don't blame them. But if it's a change of pace you're after, drive just an hour inland and you'll hit one of Spain's most underrated regions. This area around Ronda, Ardales, and Antequera is what I'd call proper Spain - it's beautiful, full of history, and still mostly untouched by British tourists. Start in Ronda, a stunning town split in two by a huge gorge, with a stone bridge linking both sides. It's dramatic and buzzing with local life. And while you'll find some tourists here, they're mostly Spanish, so it still feels super authentic. There are endless tapas bars, cosy restaurants, and shady squares where people actually live. Nearby Ardales is tiny but charming, and right next to the Caminito del Rey, a jaw-dropping walkway is pinned to the cliffs above a turquoise river. The Spanish resort with Maldives-style overwater hotel rooms and floating Bali breakfasts It used to be known as the most dangerous hike in Spain, but now it's safe, stunning, and one of the best things I've done in the country. Finally, it's worth checking out Antequera - a small city packed with churches, castles and even prehistoric tombs older than the pyramids. This is the sort of place that doesn't shout about itself, but everywhere you go, there's something to see. You can easily visit all three towns over a long weekend, and you'll come home wondering why more people don't. The real Costa Brava: Tossa, Canyelles and Sant Feliu Barcelona is my usual go-to for a Spanish city break. It's got great food, culture and nightlife, but going in the summer months can be a bit chaotic. After a couple of days, I like to bolt on a more chilled trip up the coast. A quick coach ride north gets you to the Costa Brava. Most package holidays land in Lloret de Mar - but swerve this if you want to dodge the Brits abroad. Just beyond it are spots more locals go to, like Tossa de Mar. 7 While not undiscovered, Tossa has managed to hang on to its charm and still far more popular with Spanish families than Brits. It's got a proper Catalan feel, with a castle overlooking the beach, a cobbled old town and plenty of family-run restaurants serving authentic local food. Tucked between Lloret and Tossa is Platja de Canyelles, a small cove that feels like a completely different world. It's mostly used by Spanish second-homers, so you'll find plenty of peaceful spots and not one sign in English. The beach is quiet, the water's super clear, and there's just enough going on to keep you fed, watered and content. Sant Feliu de Guíxols is further up, and ideal if you want a bit more of a local town vibe. It's got a proper promenade, a big marina, and a town centre for a spot of local shopping - and not just souvenir shops. 7 Locals come here for weekend breaks, so the restaurants are authentic and the prices aren't inflated. It's also a great base for walking, relaxing, or activities like kayaking and snorkelling. This part of the Costa Brava is a great choice for those who prefer to mix up their holiday itineraries from the usual sunbathing on the beach. The Cádiz Coast: El Palmar, Zahara de los Atunes and Tarifa When most people think of southern Spain, they picture the Costa del Sol - with packed beaches, bustling nightlife and loud resorts like those in Marbella, Benalmádena or Torremolinos. But head west to the Cádiz coast and it's a completely different story. This stretch of coast is all about surf towns, local food and relaxed beach life without the crowds. It's where Spaniards go to unwind - and the best bit? Most Brits don't know about it. El Palmar has to be my all-time favourite beach here. It might not be easy to get to (you'll need to get a bus or hire a car to get to it) but it's worth the effort. It's known for its wide open beach and Bohemian surfer vibe that's almost impossible to find anywhere else in Spain. There's a reason why they nicknamed it 'Cadizfornia'. There are no big hotels or chains here, either, just beach bars, surf schools and Spanish families enjoying the sun. 7 While El Palmar can get a little windy, the sunsets are unreal, and the seafood is super fresh. It feels like a Spanish secret you never want to leave. If you do leave, you can head down the coast to Zahara de los Atunes, a fishing village that turns into a lively summer spot. It's got some of the best beaches in the region with proper seafood restaurants, hitting that sweet spot of happening but not hectic. In the evenings, the beach bars light up and it feels like one big local party - without the cheesy tourist traps. Top things off with a stop at Tarifa - Europe's southernmost town, where the Atlantic crashes into the Med. Expect narrow streets, music-filled bars, and plenty of activities for adventure lovers, such as kite surfing. Fancy a break from the beach? Head inland for a day in Jerez de la Frontera - where sherry comes from. You can tour the old sherry bodegas with a tasting tour, catch a live flamenco show, or just sit outside a local bar with a cold fino and a plate of jamón. It's cheap, full of character, and barely touched by foreigners. Day trips from Madrid: Toledo, Cuenca and Segovia If you're planning a trip to Madrid for a city break, don't just stick to the city. There are plenty of day trips you can do, which I love - and all less than an hour by train. Packed with history, and strangely overlooked by Brits, the tiny cities of Toledo, Cuenca and Segovia each offer a proper taste of old Spain without the crowds. As Spain's former capital, Toledo is the better known of the three. Locals from Madrid head here for a weekend of food and wandering. Perched on a hill and wrapped in a river, it's full of quaint winding streets, ancient churches and views for days. You can spend hours getting lost in the old town, ducking into bars, or sitting in shady plazas with a glass of vino. Cuenca is smaller and quieter, but it's still got the wow factor. Built on the edge of a deep gorge, with old houses called 'Casas Colgadas', which are literally hanging off the cliffs, it feels like something out of a fairytale. You can walk across the (quite scary) San Pablo bridge for epic views, explore quirky galleries and museums, and stop for lunch in the sun with barely a tourist in sight. It's peaceful, colourful and unique - the kind of place that feels untouched. Finally, there's Segovia, which has to be the most photogenic of the three thanks to its massive Roman aqueduct - one of the best preserved in the world - and a castle that supposedly inspired Disney's sitting high on the edge of town. Segovia also has a top-notch food scene, being famous for 'cochinillo' - a must-try, melt-in-the-mouth roast suckling pig dish. All three are easy to reach from the capital and feel a world away from the usual Brits abroad scene - with the bonus of being back in Madrid by bedtime.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"I'm just trying to reclaim myself" - Ronda Rousey shares what's next in her wrestling journey
Ronda Rousey (Image via WWE) Ronda Rousey has been missing from WWE for months, and fans can not help but wonder, will she ever come back? Known for her fierce presence in both UFC and WWE, Rousey was a star to step into a wrestling ring. But after her last match, she quietly took a backstep, leaving fans guessing about her future . Now, after finally speaking up in a podcast, it seems her life has taken a new direction, one that has nothing to do with the ring. Many people thought that with WWE's leadership changing, Ronda might return. Triple H and Nick Khan have taken over from Vince McMahon , and the company now has a different energy. Still, her recent words suggest she is not thinking about wrestling at all right now. Ronda Rousey speaks her truth about life now On the UNTAPPED podcast, Ronda Rousey gave fans a rare look into her life today. She did not talk about championship dreams or future matches. Instead, she shared something much more personal, her journey through motherhood and what it's like to find herself again after becoming a mom. 'I am, like, deep in mom mode. I am not in the studio, you know. I'm working out in my garage, and I'm just trying to reclaim my body from motherhood.' She went deeper into how that change has affected her: 'I'm just, you know, just trying to reclaim myself from—you know—this amazing thing that women's bodies are designed to do. But it really does just like take you over entirely… you're left with what's left over, you're like, 'Oh my god, will I ever be the same again?' Or… the answer is no. But you could—you could be a new something.' Ronda Rousey On What Made Her UNSTOPPABLE, Dana White & Why I Retired Her words felt honest and emotional. They did not sound like someone planning a comeback. Ronda did not say the word 'retirement,' but it's clear she is enjoying this quieter, more personal phase of her life. For now, wrestling is not part of her daily world. A legacy that still echoes in WWE Even though Ronda Rousey has not been in WWE for a while, her impact is still felt. She first shocked fans at WrestleMania 31 in a surprise moment with The Rock . Her official debut came later in 2018 at the Royal Rumble, and from there, she rose fast. That same year at SummerSlam, she defeated Alexa Bliss to win the RAW Women's Championship. FULL MATCH: Liv Morgan vs. Ronda Rousey — SmackDown Women's Championship Match: SummerSlam 2022 Ronda also won the SmackDown Women's Title and the Women's Tag Team Titles. Her final match was against Shayna Baszler at SummerSlam 2023. Not long after, she posted on Instagram, suggesting she had quietly left wrestling. Whether she returns or not, Ronda Rousey has already made her mark. Right now, she's on a different journey, and that seems just right for her. Also Read: Deadman behind the desk? The Undertaker teases a bold move to WWE creative team Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Forbes
09-06-2025
- Forbes
Beyond Rioja: 5 Underrated Spanish Wine Regions
Ronda, Spain at Puente Nuevo Bridge. Most travelers who come to Spain for wine often go to the same few places. Rioja. Jerez. Even Catalonia for cava. Spain remains one of the world's most influential wine-producing countries, with the largest vineyard area globally and the third-highest production in the European Union after France and Italy. As of 2024, domestic wine consumption reached 9.76 million hectoliters, a 1.3% increase from the previous year, driven in part by stable prices and a rebound in tourism that bolstered on-premise sales in restaurants and hotels. That same year, Spain's wine tourism industry was projected to generate $4.1 billion, representing 11% of the European market. Nearly 3 million people visited Spain for wine tourism in 2023, an 18.2% increase from the previous year. While much of this activity centers on established hubs like La Rioja and Ribera del Duero, the sector's expansion reflects broader interest in Spanish wine culture—including lesser-known regions now drawing attention for their distinct production methods and grape varieties. Beyond the major names, a quieter movement is reshaping the country's wine production and attracting a new kind of visitor as slow travel and quiet travel (and even silent travel) take greater hold over tourism. 'For discerning travelers or collectors, the Málaga wine region offers some incredibly unique finds,' says Nicky Lloyd, founder and CEO of Rootz Wine Tours, via email. 'In Axarquía and Manilva, look for aromatic muscat wines that showcase the purity and freshness of the Mediterranean landscape. Ronda's high-altitude wines have a distinct minerality and elegance that you won't find in many other places, offer a great ability to age and evolve over time. Antequera's wines, with a focus on local varieties and traditional winemaking methods, offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's past.' These five underappreciated regions are gaining attention among travelers seeking something unfamiliar. Lovers Rock in Antequera, Spain. Antequera sits at a crossroads in Andalucía. Its history stretches back millennia, but its wine production has largely remained outside the spotlight. Local producers work with grapes sourced nearby and focus on small-scale bottlings with distinct characteristics. The area's climate and elevation allow for flexibility in winemaking approaches, but production remains limited. What the region offers is accessibility and a quieter setting just outside the main tourist corridors. Between Seville and Málaga, Antequera is easily reached but often overlooked, offering a slower pace and a more personal experience with its wines. Lloyd notes there's also a real push here towards eco-conscious viticulture. 'Unlike some of Spain's larger, more industrial wine regions, Málaga's winemakers often work with small, family-run operations that prioritize sustainability as a way to preserve the land for future generations,' Lloyd says. 'Organic and biodynamic farming practices are becoming increasingly popular, especially in places like Ronda and Antequera, where the terrain and climate lend themselves to low-intervention farming. Producers here are dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint, using organic fertilizers, and embracing natural pest control methods." Frigiliana is a village in the province of Málaga, located within Axarquía, a comarca—or district—of Andalucía in southern Spain. To the east of Málaga, Axarquía clings to steep hillsides that resist mechanization. 'Axarquia remains a very traditional place for wine production in particular,' says Lloyd. 'Here, old-world techniques still shape the character of the wines. The only way to prune and pick the grapes is by hand. They still use mules to plough the hillside in between the vines." Lindsay Gregory, founder and director of the Luxury Villa Collection, suggests a lack of rain is the major factor as well. 'They have to use local autochthonous grape varieties and methods, which need less water because of this,' says Gregory. 'Also, many of the wineries are mostly bio-natural or organic, so they have to be totally in tune with the land." The region is known for sweet moscatel wines, though red romé grapes native to the area are also widely used. With more than 2,200 hectares under vine, Axarquía is part of the Málaga and Sierras de Málaga denominación and is home to numerous small wineries. Nearby Frigiliana is considered among the most scenic villages in Andalucía, and tastings are often paired with visits to whitewashed hill towns. Though not widely visited, Axarquía is the primary subzone for wine within the Málaga area, making it relatively easy to reach for those willing to move beyond the usual stops. El Puerto de Santa María in Andalucía, Spain. Part of the Cádiz-based Sherry Triangle, El Puerto de Santa Maria is frequently passed over in favor of Jerez de la Frontera. But this smaller town features historic bodegas and sherry houses producing high-quality wines with deep roots in the region's past. Producers focus on sherries including manzanilla, palo cortado and amontillado, often using methods passed down through generations. Family-run operations dot the town's narrow streets and offer access to tasting experiences in more intimate settings than those found in larger cities. El Puerto de Santa Maria is one of three key towns in the sherry-producing area, and though it receives less attention, it remains central to the region's identity. Traditional bodegas and aging facilities are still in use, and some are paired with on-site dining that features regional specialties. Ronda, Málaga, Spain. Perched above a deep gorge in southern Spain, Ronda has emerged as a serious wine destination with a focus on small, independent producers. "Malaga is a curious region. It has 49 wineries, 28 of which are in Ronda,' notes Lloyd. 'However, the area under vineyard is equally distributed between Axarquia, Antequera and Manilva. The majority of the wineries in Ronda are small boutique organic wineries with a production of less than 15,000 bottles per year. Whereas the coastal regions of Axarquia and Manilva mainly produce sweet wines and dry wines from muscat and Pedro Ximénez, Ronda has a greater focus on full-bodied, aged red wines.' Boutique operations work with varietals including petit verdot and malbec. Many tasting rooms are located just outside town, with views over the countryside and surrounding mountains. Some of the area's most noted wineries occupy restored historic buildings, including a 16th-century monastery. 'Ronda is definitely taking off as a wine destination in its own right,' says Gregory. 'The 'Sherry Triangle' is now firmly on the map thanks to local initiatives like International Sherry Week, which was founded by Chelsea Anthon 12 years ago, working with a growing list of English-speaking Sherry educators.' Lloyd echoes the growing tourism infrastructure in Ronda. 'The region has built up a solid following over the last 10 years for its consistently and well-made, high-quality, fruit-driven wines with good aging potential. The region offers an ideal climate for wine making with consistently warm springs and summers to encourage perfect ripening of the grapes.' Alquézar, Somontano de Barbastro, Huesca, an autonomous community of Aragón, Spain. Set at the base of the Pyrenees in Aragón, Somontano has become a center for experimentation and modernization. The region's name means 'beneath the mountain,' and its diverse topography supports both native and international grape varieties. Growers work with moristel, parraleta, syrah, gewürztraminer and merlot. Winemaking here gained momentum in the late 20th century, and many producers combine modern facilities with long-established techniques. Wineries such as Sommos and Viñas del Vero have helped shape the area's reputation for innovation. With fewer visitors and proximity to historic villages and national parks, Somontano appeals to travelers seeking a quieter destination. The wines are varied, with crisp whites and structured reds, and the setting offers a contrast to Spain's more heavily trafficked regions.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Montgomery Zoo announces birth of endangered Pygmy Hippo, Anuket
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce announced the birth of a new animal Monday. According to the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, Anuket was born on February 9. Anuket is a female Pygmy Hippopotamus named after the Egyptian goddess of the Nile River. The Montgomery Zoo said Anuket has been spending her first month of life bonding with her mom behind the scenes. The zoo said the new hippo addition can now be viewed in the Pygmy Hippo nursing suite located near the Capybaras. Anuket made her public debut on March 14. 'Anuket is full of energy and eager to meet guests. Described as feisty yet full of love, she has already developed a strong personality and a particular fondness for watermelon. Her birth is especially significant as pygmy hippos are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This marks the eighth pygmy hippo birth at the Montgomery Zoo in the past nine years, highlighting the zoo's dedication to conservation efforts,' the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce said. The Chamber of Commerce said the Montgomery Zoo has a successful history of breeding Pygmy Hippos through the Species Survival Plan. Previous calves bred at the zoo are: Ronda (2024), Meela (2023), Hadari (2022), Betty Rose and Blanche (2019), Levi (2018) and Monty (2016). According to the Chamber of Commerce, all seven calves have been placed at other accredited facilities to support the continued growth of this endangered species. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alumni donates $50 million for new Washburn health facility
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Washburn University will use a $50 million gift to build a new healthcare education facility, the university announced Thursday. The donation comes from the former CEO of Burger King and Quiznos Sub, Greg Brenneman, and his wife, Ronda. Greg Brenneman was also president and chief operating officer of Continental Airlines. The couple are alumni of the university, graduating in 1984. 'We are honored and humbled to be able to make this gift to, among other things, turbocharge Washburn's ability to reimagine healthcare education using state of the art technology in a new building,' Greg Brenneman said, in a news release issued by the university. The announcement was made as part of a celebration of the university's 160th birthday. 'This gift puts the institution in elite and unique company among higher education institutions across the country,' Lori Hutchinson, university spokeswoman said. Who will Topeka Zoo monkeys pick for the Super Bowl? The university announced the school of business has been renamed the Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business. The nursing school has been renamed the Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing in honor of Ronda's late sister, a Washburn nursing graduate. 'Since graduating from Washburn, the Brennemans have achieved remarkable success in their own lives yet have consistently returned to our campus to share their time, resources, wisdom and innovative vision for future leaders,' JuliAnn Mazachek, university president said. The university said the new healthcare education facility will be an 'innovative facility bringing all health-related disciplines together, simulating real-world, integrated healthcare delivery.' For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
