Travel
All the latest travel rules for Spain, Canary Islands and Balearics ahead of the summer holidays
The rules are changing yet again…
As the summer holidays loom, Brits up and down the country will be preparing for a much-needed getaway in the sun.
And this year, Spain is looking to be the most likely candidate thanks to the recent easing of many of its Covid restrictions, which a number of other holiday spots continue to implement.
Yet while a number of airlines are offering holiday and flight packages to Spain, the Balearics and Canary Islands, there are still a number of entry requirements tourists need to be aware of.
Here’s everything you need to know…
Drew Graham / Unsplash
Spain
Those arriving into Spain will need to show proof of either being fully vaccinated or having recently recovered from Covid.
To be considered as fully vaccinated, travellers will need to have completed a full vaccination course at least fourteen days before travel – if they completed this nine months before travelling to Spain, they will need a booster jab to qualify as fully vaccinated.
Spain recently eased its restrictions on unvaccinated teenagers aged between twelve and seventeen, who now only require a negative Covid test rather than a vaccination certificate. They have also dropped a number of other restrictions such as mask wearing outdoors.
As it stands, unvaccinated Brits will not be able to enter Spain for holidays unless they can show proof of recovery.
@bastianp / Unsplash
Canary Islands
The neighbouring Canary Islands – including Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote – have similar rules to Spain that requires visitors to provide proof of being fully vaccinated or proof of recent recovery.
However, some tourists may be required to show proof of a negative Covid test upon arrival at their accommodation – this will need to be checked with the tour operator or travel agent.
All travellers will need to fill out a pre-travel online form before visiting the Canaries.
And luckily for holiday-makers, the Canaries recently dropped all of their local Covid restrictions, allowing bars, restaurants and nightclubs to remove their capacity restrictions.
Ranjith Alingal / Unsplash
Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands – made up of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera – are only welcoming fully-vaccinated travellers.
Those who can provide proof of a recent recovery from Covid will not be accepted, though children under the age of twelve are exempt from all vaccination and testing requirements.
Anyone entering the Balearic Islands will also need to fill out a pre-travel health check form online.
For people travelling to the islands from Spain, the Foreign Office travel advice notes: “To travel to the Canary or Balearic islands from mainland Spain, you may need to show a negative COVID test depending on the region you are travelling from.
“Check with your travel operator and the local authorities in your final destination for guidance on domestic entry requirements.”
Travel
This gorgeous Greek island is paying people €500 a month to live there
Fancy packing up your family and moving to a secluded paradise?
The stunning Greek island of Antikythera is welcoming new inhabitants and will pay them €500 a month to live there.
This idyllic 20 sq km paradise has plenty of beautiful empty beaches where you’re sure to find a peaceful spot all to yourself.
There is something a little disconcerting about taking a lone ferry ride to a remote island and stepping foot onto eerily quiet shores as the boat heads back to civilisation, leaving you among just a few dozen residents already living there.
In stark contrast to the bustling and noisy holiday resorts in Greece and its popular islands that fill up especially during the summer holidays, this island is so quiet there’s no continuous droning of traffic and you may even be able hear your own pulse.
If you’re not much of a people person and you’re very happy spending time in your own company, this offer could be the one to entice you.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get away from the hustle and bustle and live life a little slower, in a serene and simple paradise?
Well, you’re in luck because the small remote island of Antikythera is ready to move new families to its gorgeous land and make it their home.
Not only that, you will be paid to make the move. Antikythera will pay families an allowance of €500 a month to live there for three years, as well as receiving housing and land.
While moving your family to a remote Greek island isn’t to everybody’s taste, the cash incentive might help those with a bit of an adventurous streak to take the leap of faith and give it a try.
While it doesn’t have any supermarkets, petrol stations, banks, ATMs or even taxis, the island is currently under development. It does have its own source of water, an autonomous power station and internet connection for those wondering.
Antikythera, a two-hour ferry ride from Crete, only has one coffee shop – a kafeneion – which also serves as a grocery store and meeting place for its current islanders.
The boat which supplies the island with food and gas cannot dock in especially stormy seas – which is, apparently, a fairly common occurrence in winter.
One interesting fact about this island is the discovery site of one of the oldest analogic computers ever found, the Antikythera Mechanism.
Built sometime around 150 and 100 BC, its gear wheels and clockwork mechanism were used to predict astronomical positions, eclipses, orbits, and even mark the four-year period between each Olympic Games.
The selection process for families could take a good while to complete, so you can sit back and relax – once you’ve packed your life up – in the meantime.
Be sure to do your homework and make sure this is the right move for you and your family if you’re thinking about it.
Travel
Shrek’s ‘moss-covered’ swamp home is now available to rent on Airbnb
Fans now have the opportunity to stay in his humble abode free of charge
Shrek fans can now live out their dream and stay in the huge, green ogre’s swamp home – now listed on Airbnb.
The ‘mud-laden, moss-covered’ real-life recreation of Shrek’s Swamp is located within the grounds of Ardverikie Estate, in the Scottish Highlands.
The idea for the cosy forest hideout is inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek film series, released between 2001 and 2010.
Airbnb released the listing on Tuesday, with Shrek enthusiasts able to book overnight stays from Friday, October 27th to Sunday, October 29th.
The live-in tree stump features a studio layout with two beds and one bathroom, where up to three guests at a time can make a reservation for free.
The short and long-term home stays firm said the offer is ‘a nod to the priceless refuge Shrek’s Swamp has provided fairytale creatures of all kinds’.
The murky den features ‘Danger’, ‘Beware Ogre’ and ‘Stay Out’ signs on the path leading up to the quirky property. But once inside, it is delightfully snug and inviting.
The unusual listing is hosted by Shrek’s animated sidekick, Donkey, who has agreed to ‘swamp-sit’ in his absence.
About the charming mossy refuge, Donkey posted on Airbnb: “Shrek’s Swamp is lovely. Just beautiful. The perfect place to entertain guests.
“You know what I like about it? Everything. The overgrown landscaping, the modest interiors, the nice boulders, all of it.
“I can’t wait for guests to experience this muddy slice of paradise for themselves.”
To coincide with the launch, Airbnb will make a donation to HopScotch Children’s Charity, which provides some of Scotland’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children with respite breaks through nurturing and dynamic holiday trips.
Anyone interested in staying in Shrek’s Swamp can request a reservation from 6pm on Friday, October 13th.
To book a stay, visit the Airbnb website, HERE.
Travel
First look at new Legoland holiday park opening in the UK next year
Young ones can play on climbing frames and rope bridges based on spider’s webs and treehouses
Legoland in Windsor has revealed a first look into its brand-new holiday park, opening in 2024.
The newly built Woodland Village with over 130 lodges and 20 camping barrels will open to the public next May, with overnight stays on sale now. Prices to stay on the 10-acre site start at £295 or a family of four.
While most lodges sleep up to five guests, with 10 premium lodges able to sleep up to seven people.
Features at the Woodland Village include The Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar, which will serve up campfire-inspired grub in a woodland-themed setting.
Youngsters can explore the several woodland-themed play areas equipped with climbing frames and rope bridges based on spider’s webs and treehouses.
The family attraction will also have brick-building activities, nature trails, an entertainment hub, and colourful new Lego characters.
Helen Bull, Division Director at Legoland Windsor Resort, said: “The LEGOLAND Woodland Village has been a long time coming and we’re incredibly excited to now be taking bookings ahead of the official opening in May 2024.
“This moment marks years of planning and unwavering dedication to providing a magical experience for all our guests.
“The LEGOLAND Woodland Village is part of a significant transformation for the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort and we look forward to welcoming families to this new way to stay next year!”
But this isn’t the only exciting new addition to a Legoland-themed attraction, as an adventure golf attraction will be opening this October.
Also next month, the Legoland Discovery Centres in Birmingham and Manchester will be hosting their own Monster Parties, with a series of spooky attractions for Halloween.
Meanwhile, the Legoland theme park is set to close the Viking River Splash – one of its most popular rides – by the end of the month. The park haven’t given a reason as to why, but the ride will become part of Viking history.
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