Red wine contains antioxidants, particularly resveratrol, which has been associated with potential health benefits. However, it's important to note that any potential benefits are likely only seen with moderate consumption, meaning one glass per day for women and up to two glasses per day for men.

Moderate consumption of red wine has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, certain types of cancer, and improved cognitive function. However, excessive consumption can lead to negative health consequences, such as liver disease, high blood pressure, and addiction.

It's also important to note that while red wine does contain antioxidants, these can also be found in other foods such as berries, nuts, and dark chocolate. So, while moderate red wine consumption can be a part of a healthy diet, it's not necessary to consume red wine to obtain the benefits of antioxidants.

Resveratrol is found in the skin of grapes and in red wine and is conjectured to be a partial explanation for the French paradox, the puzzling fact that people in France enjoy a high-fat diet yet suffer less heart disease than Americans.

David Sinclair is a renowned Harvard geneticist who has done extensive research on ageing and longevity. He has suggested that antioxidants are essential for maintaining good health and longevity. According to Sinclair, antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, which is a major cause of ageing and age-related diseases.

However, Sinclair has also cautioned against relying solely on antioxidant supplements to obtain these benefits. He believes that the best way to get antioxidants is through a healthy and varied diet, which includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods. In addition, Sinclair suggests that intermittent fasting and other forms of calorie restriction can help activate the body's natural antioxidant defences and promote longevity.

As Spain continues to solidify its reputation as a global gastronomic powerhouse, the results of the 2025 World Cheese Awards have given expats and locals alike a new reason to celebrate. Held for the first time in Switzerland, the "Oscars of the Cheese World" saw Spanish cheesemakers defy the home-turf advantage of the Swiss to bring home a staggering haul of medals.

For the readership of Eye on Spain, who know that a good meal starts with the best local ingredients, here is the breakdown of Spain’s big wins and what to look for at your local charcutería.

The "Super Gold" Elite

Out of over 5,000 entries from 46 countries, only 110 cheeses were awarded the prestigious Super Gold—the highest possible distinction. Spain claimed an impressive 20 of these spots.

Notable winners included:

• Catalonia’s Rising Stars: L'ovella del Pirineu and Sarró de búfala proved that Catalan sheep and buffalo milk cheeses are world-class.

• Castilla y León Dominance: From Palencia, Quesos Cerrato won for their "Umami" cheese, while Valladolid’s Quesos Quevedo struck gold with their aptly named Queso Adictivo.

• Andalusian Excellence: Cádiz continues to be a hotspot for boutique dairy, with Quesos Pajarete’s semi-cured goat cheese taking a Super Gold.

• Extremadura's Tradition: The region's raw goat milk cheese (Curado de cabra leche cruda) and the Oveja al romero Gran Reserva (rosemary-crusted sheep cheese) were standout winners.

The Most Decorated: Quesos El Bosqueño

If you are looking for a brand that consistently delivers, look no further than Quesos El Bosqueño from the Sierra de Grazalema (Cádiz). They became the most-awarded Spanish dairy of the 2025 competition, bagging 20 medals in total. Their experimental infusions—such as sheep cheese cured in aged rum and goat cheese with Oloroso sherry wine—continue to push the boundaries of traditional Spanish cheesemaking.

A New Honor: The “Es La Leche” Award

The 2025 awards introduced a new category celebrating the foundation of all great cheese: the milk. The inaugural Es La Leche Award was presented to Galician producer Airas Moniz. This award recognises their commitment to sustainable herding and the exceptional quality of the milk from their Jersey cows, highlighting the move toward eco-conscious farming in Spain.

Shopping Guide: What to Look For

Beyond the Super Golds, several other Spanish staples performed brilliantly:

• Mahón-Menorca DOP: This Menorcan classic picked up 10 medals across its various producers, proving its consistency.

• Blue Cheeses: For fans of the "stinky stuff," keep an eye out for Azul de Bunker (Aragón) and the famous Valdeón blue from Queserías Picos de Europa, both of which took home Gold.

Looking Ahead: The Awards are Coming to Spain!

While the Swiss dominated the top podium this year, the tide may turn in 2026. The World Cheese Awards Super Jury announced that the next edition of the competition will be held in Córdoba, Andalusia.

For those living in or visiting Spain, this is the perfect excuse to explore the "Cheese Routes" of the peninsula. Whether it’s the smoky Idiazabal of the north or the creamy Torta del Casar of the west, Spain’s cheese scene has never been more vibrant—or more globally recognised.

** Pro Tip for Expats: Many of these award-winning cheeses can be found in the gourmet sections of El Corte Inglés or specialised local queserías. Look for the World Cheese Awards seal on the packaging to ensure you're tasting a world champion!

Online travel agent, loveholidays, looked for the sunniest European destinations. Where’s the best destination for Brits to escape the UK winter?

The best winter sun destinations are:

1. Almeria, Spain
2. Las Palmas, Spain
3. Larnaca, Cyprus
4. Cadiz, Spain
5. Seville, Spain
6. Valletta, Malta
7. Valencia, Spain
8. Faro, Portugal
9. Barcelona, Spain
10. Marseille, France

Almeria, in sunny Spanish Andalucia, was ranked the brightest city for a break in the winter sun.

The beautiful destination has an average of six hours and 18 minutes of sunshine between December and February.

Almeria’s top attraction is the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata, Andalucia’s largest protected coastal area.

A visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “We really enjoyed Cabo de Gata and went to Playa de Los Genoveses. The whole area was very unspoilt.”

Another said: “The views in this park are amazing. The seas, the mountains and especially the pine smell, make it worth a trip.”

Tourists can also visit the Alcazaba of Almeria, a fortified complex built in the time of the Moors.

A tourist wrote on Tripadvisor: “This is a magical place with incredible views. Well worth a visit- and we’ll come back!”

Almeria can enjoy highs of 16 degrees in January with the temperature rarely dropping below nine degrees.

Spain has once again cemented its reputation as the global leader in high-quality olive oil production. In the newly released 2025 Evooleum Awards—the prestigious international contest dedicated to finding the world’s best Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOO)—Spanish producers have secured an impressive five out of the top ten spots.

The results serve as a powerful testament to the country's dedication to agricultural excellence, with 64 of the list's "Top 100" hailing from Spain.

The Spanish Champions

The 2025 edition of the Evooleum Guide, now in its tenth year, showcased a variety of flavours and regions, but Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha proved particularly strong. The five Spanish oils that cracked the elite top ten include:

• Valdenvero Hojiblanco (Ciudad Real): Ranking third globally, this oil is celebrated for its fascinating tasting notes of artichoke and cut grass. The brand also took home accolades for Best Female Producer and Best Olive Mill Master.

• Knolive Epicure (Córdoba): A fruity and aromatic blend of Hojiblanca and Picuda varieties.

• Señorío De Camarasa (Jaén): A Picual oil distinguished by unique nuances of fresh tomato and banana.

• Parqueoliva Serie Oro (Córdoba): A green, fruit-forward Picuda and Hojiblanca blend known for its slightly spicy finish.

• Rincón De La Subbética (Córdoba): An Hojiblanca oil praised for its citrus and herbal profile.

A Tradition of Excellence

Spain's dominance in the sector is no accident. The country is the world's largest producer of olive oil, represented in the guide by 67 different brands. This success is underpinned by rigorous quality control and advanced extraction methods that ensure low acidity and high polyphenol content.

Furthermore, Spain’s multiple Protected Designations of Origin (DOP) systems guarantee authenticity and traceability, while a growing focus on organic and sustainable farming has strengthened the country's competitiveness in demanding international markets.

The "Michelin Guide" of Olive Oil

Often regarded as the most influential judging event in the sector, the Evooleum Guide is distributed annually to 2,000 Michelin-starred restaurants and entries on "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" list.

This year’s edition features a prologue by Chef Jordi Cruz of the three-Michelin-starred ABaC Restaurant in Barcelona, as well as healthy recipes from Chef Rodrigo de la Calle of El Invernadero. Beyond the rankings, the guide serves as a comprehensive resource for culinary professionals, covering topics from health and food pairings to olive oil tourism.

With half of the top ten titles and a majority of the top 100, the 2025 awards confirm that when it comes to "liquid gold," Spain remains the gold standard

The Monumental Nativity scene in Xátiva has been declared the largest in Spain. When Christmas arrives, this Valencian city really takes the tradition to another level.

Each year the ‘Monumental Nativity’ grows a little more to show and interpret all the scenes from the Birth of the Messiah. It covers an area of 1600m2, it is approximately 70m long and 20m wide. It is already open and will be closing on 7th January.

It is such a wonderful creation and even if you are not particularly religious it is still a worthy way to spend the afternoon or the evening. If you have children in the family they are sure to love it. This unique spectacle in Spain has become a tourist attraction of the first order bringing tens of thousands of visitors every year.

However, if you do decide to visit there is some important information about this particular Nativity scene that makes it rather special, and you should know:

• Ecological: Throughout the year, City Council workers collect materials that will later be used to assemble the nativity scene. In addition, some of the tools used are of an ethnological character and are yielded by the locals to build the necessary scenes.

• Live animals: One of the great attractions is that in the scene there are live animals: ducks, geese, bulls, sheep, donkeys and turkeys among others. These animals are under veterinary control that care, at all times, for their welfare.

• Solidarity: The fruits and vegetables used and which are usually donated by local businesses are later donated on to charities that work with the needy in the local area. Visitors also throw coins in the fountains and once the event is over, all is collected and allocated to local NGOs.

• Falleros Artists: The majority of the figures are life-size and have been elaborated by traditional Fallas artists, making this nativity scene a genuinely Valencian one. At nightfall, the nativity acquires a special magic with bespoke lighting throughout.

If you happen to be in or near Xativa this Christmas, visiting the nativity scene is really a must.

Spain's Christmas lottery, affectionately known as "El Gordo" (The Fat One), is one of the world's oldest and most massive lottery draws. Established in 1812, this lottery is not only a significant part of Spanish Christmas traditions but also a major source of excitement due to its enormous prize pool. The draw takes place annually on December 22 (next Monday!), and it captivates the entire nation.

How It Works

1. Ticket Structure

• Billetes and Décimos: The El Gordo tickets are divided into "billetes" and "décimos." A full ticket, called a "billete," is quite expensive and costs €200. However, most participants opt to purchase a portion of a ticket, known as a "décimo," which costs €20. Each billete is divided into 10 décimos to make it more affordable.

• Numbers and Series: Each billete is printed with a unique five-digit number ranging from 00000 to 99999. To increase the odds and diversity, each number is printed multiple times in different "series." For instance, a specific number like 12345 might exist in numerous series, each treated as a separate ticket.

2. Purchasing Tickets

Tickets are sold throughout Spain at designated lottery retailers, called "administraciones de lotería," and online. Offices and organisations, including clubs and charities, often buy large quantities of tickets for resale.

3. The Draw

The much-anticipated draw occurs on December 22nd, watched by millions on television and online. The event is orchestrated by schoolchildren from the San Ildefonso school in Madrid. They sing the numbers and corresponding prizes from two large tumblers, maintaining tradition and adding to the event's ceremonial feel.

Potential Prizes

The total prize pool for El Gordo is mind-boggling, often exceeding €2 billion, with many tiers of prizes to distribute.

1. El Gordo (First Prize)

• The grand prize, or El Gordo, awards €4 million to a billete (or €400,000 per décimo). If a ticket holder has one décimo, they would receive €400,000 before taxes.

2. Second Prize

• The second prize grants €1.25 million for a billete (€125,000 per décimo).

3. Third Prize

• The third prize awards €500,000 to a billete, translating to €50,000 per décimo.

4. Fourth Prizes

• There are two fourth prizes, each awarding €200,000 for a billete (€20,000 per décimo).

5. Fifth Prizes

• The draw includes eight fifth prizes, each worth €60,000 for a billete (€6,000 per décimo).

6. Smaller Prizes and "La Pedrea"

• Numerous smaller prizes, such as the "La Pedrea" (the shower), award €1,000 per billete (€100 per décimo) for thousands of tickets.

• Additional smaller prizes also include refunds for certain numbers, ensuring that many participants win something.

Taxes on Winnings

It's important to note that lottery winnings in Spain over €40,000 are subject to a tax rate of 20%. Therefore, winners of larger prizes will need to account for this deduction when calculating their net winnings.

Spain's Christmas lottery, El Gordo, is a cherished national event, bringing hope, excitement, and tradition together every December. With a generous prize distribution and widespread participation, it remains a staple of Spanish culture and a pivotal moment in the festive calendar. Whether you're a local or a visitor, purchasing a décimo offers a chance to partake in this beloved tradition and potentially change your life with the magic of El Gordo.

So, you still have time to grab a ticket and join the ranks of hopeful participants in Spain's iconic Christmas lottery!

If the phrase "Spanish Costa" conjures images of high-rise hotels, neon-lit strips, and crowded beaches, it is time to reset your expectations. Hidden in plain sight on Andalusia’s Atlantic coast lies the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light).

Stretching 120 miles from the tip of majestic Tarifa (where you can almost touch Africa) to the Portuguese border, this region offers a version of Spain that feels almost lost to time: wild, windswept, and unapologetically authentic.

The Vibe: Wild and Untamed

Unlike its Mediterranean cousins (the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca), the Costa de la Luz faces the open Atlantic. The ocean currents are cooler, the winds are stronger, and the landscape is greener.

This geography has saved it from mass overdevelopment. Instead of concrete sprawls, you’ll find rolling sand dunes, pine forests, and vast stretches of golden sand. It is a favourite holiday spot for Spaniards themselves—a sure sign of quality—where "luxury" means understated heritage hotels rather than all-inclusive resorts.

The Hilltop Gem: Vejer de la Frontera

The region is dotted with pueblos blancos (white villages), but Vejer de la Frontera is the crown jewel. Perched high on a hill, its whitewashed houses glow pink and gold during the legendary sunsets that give the "Coast of Light" its name.

• What to do: Wander the labyrinthine alleyways that reflect the town's Moorish past. Start your morning with coffee in the Plaza de España, watching the town wake up to the sound of sparrows in the orange trees.

• The landscape: From Vejer, you can look down over the coastal plains. A short hike through the wildflower-filled La Breña y Marismas del Barbate Natural Park will take you down to the shore.

The Coast: Surf and Solitude

The beaches here are not for passive sunbed lounging; they are wild, elemental places. Near the fishing town of Conil de la Frontera, you won't find endless rows of umbrellas. Instead, you’ll see surfers scanning the Atlantic rolls and hikers exploring the dunes.

• History in the Sand: Keep an eye out for the Tower of Castilnovo on the beach. This solitary stone structure is the last survivor of a fortress destroyed by the tsunami from the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Today, it stands as a dramatic, "Hitchcockian" landmark occupied only by nesting crows.

The Ancient City: Cádiz

Driving north, you reach Cádiz, an ancient city tethered to the mainland by a slender bridge. Often described as looking like a "gold bar" due to the way the sun hits its stone amidst the surrounding blue water, Cádiz claims to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe.

The city reached its peak in the 18th century through trade with the Americas. This era left a unique architectural legacy: merchant watchtowers.

• Where to Stay: For a taste of this history, look for the Hotel Casa de las Cuatro Torres. Built for a merchant in the 1700s, it retains its original watchtowers (once used to spot incoming ships) and features extravagantly high ceilings with exposed timber from old shipwrecks.

Why Go Now?

The Costa de la Luz offers a rare combination in modern European travel: accessibility and authenticity. It is a place where the "nightlife" is a long dinner in a town square rather than a club, and the "attractions" are the light, the wind, and the history beneath your feet.

The ranking could be defined as close. In fact, only six meters separate the tower of the New Cathedral of Salamanca from the emblematic Giralda of Seville. With its 110 meters, this construction rises above the sky of the Castilian and Leonese city, allowing it not only to lead the classification of religious temples but also that of any building in this city.

Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, this cathedral used part of the structures of the previous basilica to achieve these amazing dimensions. In fact, the bell tower was built on top of the old tower, rising to this height at the end of the works.

However, the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 damaged part of its structure, forcing the deviation caused by the tremor to be tightened and reinforced with a stone embankment, widening what was destined to be a slender tower.

This is a recommended visit if you happen to be travelling through the region, quite a spectacular cathedral.

Would you like to play golf at any time of the year, enjoying springtime temperatures and a pleasant sea breeze? You can, in the Canary Islands: a veritable paradise for golf lovers, close to the beach and offering excellent services.

In the Canary Islands, you are sure to enjoy an ideal holiday playing golf. Many reasons make it possible: a privileged climate that enables you to play golf 365 days a year; spectacular, varied scenery including exceptional volcanic landscapes, beaches, mountains and nature reserves; first-class infrastructure for services and leisure to satisfy every need and offering magnificent value for money; and, of course, an excellent variety of golf courses. Most courses are to be found on Tenerife and Gran Canaria, but there are also excellent fairways on the islands of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Gomera. There is no doubt about it: any time of the year is ideal for playing your favourite sport in the Canary Islands, where you can enjoy some truly extraordinary conditions.

Another attraction of playing golf in the Canary Islands is that you can try out different courses by simplymaking short trips around the islands without having to change accommodation. Wherever you go, you will find top quality, modern facilities with all the necessary conveniences. Fun, original courses dotted with bunkers of black, volcanic sand and surrounded by unique indigenous vegetation await you on the islands. You are sure to have fun overcoming the challenges they pose while admiring the fabulous views over the Atlantic ocean or the magnificent mountains that dominate the archipelago.

You will find courses to suit all tastes, ideal for both professional players and those who wish to improve their skill: from golf clubs that are venues for major PGA tournaments, such as the Tenerife Ladies Open, to courses for beginners or improving your game in a friendly, quiet atmosphere.

One of the clearest indications that the islands are perfect for golf is the abundance of available space: as well as the existing courses, many more are planned or are already being built and expected to be opened shortly. 

http://www.federacioncanariagolf.com

The launch of the luxury wine train, the 'Al Andalus,' represents more than just a new travel option; it signals a significant commitment by Spain to capitalise on the booming high-end experiential travel market, specifically by linking it to the nation's profound wine culture.

A Moving Piece of History: The 1929 'Al Andalus'

The choice of the 'Al Andalus' train, originally dating back to 1929, is central to the experience. This is not modern luxury, but rather an evocation of the golden age of rail travel. The meticulous restoration focuses on preserving the train’s historical integrity while integrating essential modern comfort. The presence of Art Deco detailing and polished mahogany panelling isn't just decor—it’s a carefully curated environment designed to transport guests into a time of romantic, slower-paced travel where the journey itself was the destination. This 'heritage luxury' niche is highly sought after by affluent travellers looking for authentic experiences that disconnect them from the modern rush. The addition of amenities like queen-size beds and full en-suite bathrooms with showers is the non-negotiable modern concession that transforms the vintage cabin into a true, high-comfort hotel suite on rails.

The Strategic Route: Unlocking Spain's Wine Diversity

The seven-day itinerary from Madrid to Seville is strategically designed to be a condensed masterclass in Spanish terroir and history.

1. Castilla-La Mancha: The journey begins by passing through the vast plains of this region, which holds the title of the world's largest area under vine. This provides a crucial context for understanding the scale of Spanish winemaking.

2. Extremadura: A lesser-known but increasingly relevant wine region, offering guests an off-the-beaten-path perspective and opportunities to discover emerging Spanish wine styles.

3. Andalusia: The route culminates in the south, the spiritual home of Sherry. The inclusion of stops like Cádiz and Seville places guests in the heart of this sun-drenched region, allowing them to fully appreciate the culture behind Spain’s most famous fortified wine.

The excursions—including visits to boutique vineyards and artisan workshops—are key to justifying the premium price point. They ensure the trip is not merely scenic but genuinely educational, allowing guests to meet the producers and understand the history of the regions they traverse.

The culinary offering solidifies 'Al Andalus' as a wine train. The rotating regional menus are crafted to sync with the train’s location, creating a seamless connection between the plate, the glass, and the landscape outside. The sommelier’s role goes beyond service; they are the curator of this edible narrative, selecting wines and Sherries that perfectly complement regional delicacies like Jabugo ham and oxtail stew. This high-level gastronomic integration ensures that food and wine are not simply served, but are the central, binding theme of the entire seven-day cultural immersion.

Starting at €6,600 per person, the train is aimed squarely at the top-tier luxury market, offering an all-inclusive, fully guided, and utterly unique way to experience the cultural and vinous heart of Spain, positioning the 'Al Andalus' as one of Europe's premier railway journeys upon its April 2026 launch.