OUR new column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in your favourite holiday hotspots.

This week we turn the spotlight on Spanish capital Madrid, with the help of a true expert.

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Madrid is the perfect Spanish city break[/caption]

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited the city.

She said: “I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of Spanish cities, and Madrid has become my favourite.

“It feels more livable than other more tourist destinations, with an amazing food and drink scene.

“I mingled with the locals at Pez, where the only thing on the menu is huge sloppy pieces of tortilla chased with a cana (small beer) or tinto de verano for €2.50.

“Otherwise my favourite rooftop bar is El Cielo de Montera, which felt more like a swanky rooftop members club.

“The pool is reserved for hotel guests, but its the best place for an Aperol Spritz and views of the city (costs €10 but it gets taken off her bill). 

“Otherwise catch some live music at Sala Equi, a former adult-movie theatre turned bar/live music venue.

D”on’t forget to visit the famous Prado Museum after 6pm for free tickets.

“And it is often called one of Europe‘s most walkable city but I fell in love with the Metro, making it super easy to get around.

And Hannah Shaw is British Airways Holidays‘ destination executive for the city and here she shares her favourite tips…

MUST SEE / DO

The peaceful Parque del Retiro is often considered as the locals’ equivalent to a beach.

This tranquil park offers rowboat rentals on a picturesque lake, pretty rose gardens and the historic Crystal Palace.

The Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s grand central square, and the Royal Palace are must-sees.

But also take time to visit the Sunday market of El Rastro – it’s the largest open-air market in Europe and the place to pick up a bargain.

HIDDEN GEMS

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the lake of Casa de Campo, Madrid‘s largest public park.

And head to the vibrant neighbourhood of Lavapies – full of energy and history, it is one of the best spots to get an authentic local experience in the city.

Wander around the colourful narrow streets and explore a variety of captivating architecture and quaint little shops.

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El Rastro market is a must[/caption]

BEST VIEW

The Sky Bar terrace on the 27th floor of the Hotel Riu Plaza Espana, in the grand Edificio Espana on Madrid’s Gran Via, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.

Sunset is best for admiring the city as it comes alive after dark with live music and classy cocktails.

But the glass-floored bridge that connects two parts of the terrace is not for vertigo sufferers.

RATED RESTAURANTS

Take your pick of gourmet specialities at the Mercado San Miguel – this fabulous food market features Spain’s finest produce and regional specialities.

For the best churros, head to Chocolateria San Gines, and tapas lovers should make a beeline for La Casa del Abuelo or Casa Toni.

For the best paella in Madrid, head to Arroceria.

BEST BAR

The Calle 365 Discoteca is a stylish nightspot with dancing, delicious food trucks, cocktails and beers from just £2.50.

For something a little different, try La Santoria, a speakeasystyle joint in the centre of the city behind an unassuming door where your clue is the bell to ring.

HOTEL PICK

The H10 Puerta de Alcala in the Salamanca neighbourhood is well located for exploring, and just 100 yards from the Parque del Retiro.

Enjoy a dip in its rooftop pool after a busy day, or a drink on the terrace with stunning city views.

Two nights’ room-only at the hotel is from £321 per person including flights from Heathrow on May 15. See britishairways.com.

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Holiday packages are around £321pp[/caption]

A FRANTIC search is underway for a missing girl, 13, who vanished in her school uniform two days ago.

The police are said to be extremely concerned and have urged the public to assist.

West Yorkshire Police

Zarah Hayat, 13, has been missing from Dewsbury, Yorkshire, since June 20.

She is an asian female, around 5ft, slim with long straight black hair and was wearing a white school shirt, black school trousers and a black Nike jumper.

West Yorkshire Police said in a statement: “Police are extremely concerned for Zarah and are requesting the public’s assistance.

“If anyone knows of her whereabouts, or see’s anyone matching her description, please call 999 and quote log reference 1654.”

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Romnick Sarmenta shared this post, which garnered political comments Award-winning actor Romnick Sarmenta posted a fiery statement on his X, formerly Twitter, account, and this garnered speculations that it was about Vice President Sara Duterte. Romnick is just among the many celebrities who became very vocal about expressing their thoughts on political and social issues. ... Read more

The post Romnick Sarmenta Fiery Post, Is This About VP Sara Duterte? appeared first on PhilNews.

LOVE Island star Shaughna Phillips stripped to her underwear as she revealed her incredible six-stone weight loss.

The mum of one – who has repeatedly clapped back at suggestions she’s used fat jabs to achieve her new figure – opened up on “dropping a few dress sizes.”

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Shaughna Phillips has revealed her incredible six stone weight loss after stripping to her lingerie[/caption]

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Her body transformation has spanned 14 months so far[/caption]

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The Love Island alum has repeatedly slammed claims she’s used fat loss jabs[/caption]

The TV star, 31, featured in Love Island‘s sixth season and has transformed her look since her ITV2 show fame.

Shaughna took to her Instagram grid to show off her latest results, uploading a before and after comparison.

On the left, she posed in a white bra and briefs prior to starting her fitness re-vamp, posting the words: “Day one” and “97kg.”

On the right-hand-side, she gave a glimpse at her current look with washboard abs and muscular thighs, wearing a similar lingerie set.

She then posted the words: “Month 14,” and “61 kg.”

In a more detailed caption, she joked about her choice of garments and wrote: “Let the record reflect, although I’ve dropped a few dress sizes, I will ALWAYS love a high waisted full brief.”

One fan was quick to remark on her weight loss achievement and wrote: “Well done.”

A second put: “Incredible!!!” as a third wrote: “Beautiful either way… what makes you happy.”

One then posted: “You look happy with your new body that’s all that matters lovely.”

Shaughna then went on to promote her own Shred It weight loss and nutrition plan, and a current discount.

She then told fans: “Your summer shred starts now.”

The Love Island alum previously joked how she looked like a “rolled up ham” as she tried on outfits from her 2020 series.

CLAP BACK

Shaughna has repeatedly been accused of using fat loss jab Ozempic.

She has spoken out numerous times after followers were quick to suggest she’d had a bit of help from the controversial medication.

Hitting back at the haters previously, she wrote: “NO-zempic here guys! Just an incredible eating and exercise plan.

“And it didn’t happen that quickly either. It actually took me over a year to lose 5 and a half Stone. And I did NOT do it alone – I had great help. But not from any kind of weight loss injection or pill.

“Sad that you can’t lose weight naturally now without people saying that btw.

“So I do understand why there are comments saying that and I would never knock anyone for taking them but it’s just not how I’ve chosen to do this.”

Popular with many Hollywood stars, Ozempic is actually a treatment for type 2 diabetes.

It increases the levels of incretins – a hormone – which helps your body to produce more insulin when needed and supresses the amount of glucose produced by the liver.

The jab also suppresses users’ appetite – mimicking a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which is usually released after eating.

As a result patients have less of an appetite, and reduce the number of calories they eat.

She has opened up on using her own plan instead and continued: “The game changer for me was the nutrition plan. I get to eat MORE now – I often used to go all day without eating and then eat crap in the evenings.

“Now I’m eating throughout the day. Also instead of doing an hour’s workout and thinking that will fix my disordered eating – I just do short 12 minute workouts.

“And yes I have loose skin – but who wouldn’t after losing 5 and a half stone and giving birth to an 8lb 8 ounce baby!

“But I’m fitter than I’ve ever been.”

Rex

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She has now launched her own shred and nutrition plan[/caption]

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Shaughna has claimed she’s the ‘fittest I’ve ever been’[/caption]

Kaizer Chiefs may not believe their luck here. They have not one but two star wingers wanting to join. Big news.

LAOISE LENEHAN led from the front as Kildare dumped Armagh out of the TG4 All- Ireland SFC.

The Lilywhites skipper scored 1-2 in a shock win over the Ulster champions at the Athletic Grounds.

Three saves from Anna Carr kept Armagh in touch during the first half, while the hosts only kicked 1-3 from play.

But the Lilies had nine different scorers and their defence shone.

Caroline O’Hanlon swapped scores with Ruth Sargent and Gillian Wheeler.

Aoife Rattigan and Niamh Henderson also cancelled efforts from each other out.

Kildare then went two ahead with strikes from Lara Curran and Alannah Prizeman.

But the visitors were reduced to 14 for the final ten minutes of the opening period with Lisa Shaw yellow-carded.

Niamh Reel and O’Hanlon posted frees during that spell while Ciara Wheeler pointed to level it at the break.

Kildare skipper Lenehan extended the Lilywhites’ lead from the second half throw-in as Róisín Byrne and Reel raised white flags at either end of the field.

Both sides struggled to hit the target and passed up a series of scoring opportunities before Reel tapped over a free.

Mia Ryan, kicking a score with her first touch after being introduced, and Henderson registered points at either end.

Kildare put their stamp on proceedings by delivering the first goal.

Byrne did all the hard work before slipping the ball to Lenehan who tapped home.

Rattigan made it a five-point game but Armagh could have had a goal of their own.

Niamh Coleman set up Kelly Mallon, but the former captain’s palmed effort was saved by Mary Hulgraine.

Emily Druse and Prizeman pointed before Armagh’s Lauren McConville handed her side a lifeline with a goal.

Aimee Mackin tapped over a free to leave one between the teams.

But Kildare sealed it with Ryan’s second point.

KILDARE: M Hulgraine; R Sargent 0-1, L Lenehan 1-1, M Doherty; L Shaw, L Murtagh, M Aspel; L Reilly, C Moran; C Wheeler 0-1, A Rattigan 0-2, L Curran 0-1; G Wheeler 0-1, A Prizeman 0-2f, R Byrne 0-1. Subs: M Ryan 0-2 for Murtagh 43 mins; E Dowling for Rattigan 50; A Mahon for G Wheeler 57.

ARMAGH: A Carr; M Ferguson, C Towe, R Mulligan; E Druse 0-1, M McCann, G Ferguson; N Coleman, C O’Hanlon 0-4f; L McConville 1-0, C McNally, B Mackin; K Mallon, N Henderson 0-2, N Reel 0-2f. Subs: E Lavery for B Mackin h-t; E McConaghy for McNally 40 mins; E McGeown for Mallon 50; A Mackin 0-1 for Reel 55.

REFEREE: E Cuthbert (Down).

Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

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IRAN has launched fresh waves of missiles into Israel just hours after the US blitzed its key nuclear sites, injuring at least 23 people.

Tehran, reeling from the unprecedented airstrikes, has warned of “everlasting consequences” after the US got involved.

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A house in Tel Aviv reduced to rubble[/caption]

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An Iranian missile sailing towards Israel[/caption]

AFP

A row of houses and an apartment block were heavily damaged by the ballistic missiles[/caption]

Between 20 and 30 ballistic missiles were launched in two waves at targets across Israel, according to the IDF

They penetrated air defences and caused damage in numerous civilian locations, including Tel Aviv.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

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