A NEW tourist hub would soon transform a Spanish city – and it would be similar to one in London.

Three Chimneys in Barcelona was a thermal power station built in the 1970s, although was met with a lot of opposition at the time.

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It then closed in 2011, with plans to tear it down.

But now loved by locals – and dubbed the “the Sagrada Familia of the workmen” – it could become a whole new hotspot.

However, it is set to be converted into a destination for both tourists and locals, to reduce overtourism in the city centre of Barcelona.

Just four miles away, the brutalist structure could become a “digital media and audio-visual hub,” the Times reports.

New homes, extended promenades, more green areas and new bike lanes and public transport are all part of the major plans.

The redevelopment hopes to be completed by 2029.

More is to be revealed about what else could be included as well as how much it would cost, although it is expected to be millions.

This could encourage tourists to explore parts outside of the city centre, which welcomes million of tourists a year.

The mayor of Barcelona Jaume Collboni said the transformation as a “a vestige of the industrial past that becomes a window of opportunity”.

Barcelona city hall’s innovation directer added Eva Soria added that they want to “make the outskirts more visible”.

Tourists can’t currently visit Three Chimneys apart from during certain days of the year.

For example, it has opened to the public for the Manifesta 15 art event, running until November 24.

The outdoor area is also popular with skateboarders, who use the Three Chimneys gardens.

The conversion of the power plant could be similar to Battersea Power Station in London.

Once a working power station between the 1930s and 1980s, it reopened in 2022 following a massive £9billion renovation.

It was even named one of the must visit spots by Nat Geo earlier this year.

Free to visit, inside are 80 shops and restaurants, Lift 109 attraction and Art’otel, with a rooftop pool.

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The Sun’s Head of Travel Caroline McGuire recently visited, and said: “I generally avoid shopping centres entirely when with my 5 year old.

“But I’m surprised at how Battersea Power Station has become a regular family visit during school holidays.

“During autumn half term, my son and I enjoyed the free ‘brick’ soft play, spending more than an hour building a brick house.

“And we also designed a telephone box out of cardboard for £3 that is still on his chest of drawers at home.”

Sun Travel visit Barcelona

The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski recently visited Barcelona.

“You can’t go to Barcelona without admiring some of architect Antoni Gaudi’s impressive works.

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“There is the Sagrada Familia church, Park Guell and Casa Batllo all within a few kilometres of each other.

“I chose to explore Gaudi’s Casa Mila this time, with a behind-the-scenes Sunrise Guided Tour with GetYourGuide (£33.63pp).

“You also can’t leave Barcelona without drinking sangria, so head to bar Bubita, down a side road behind the Picasso museum.

“It serves the stuff in a huge variety of flavours, including limoncello and basil, and lime, orange and mint.”

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In other Barcelona news, the city has revealed plans to double the entry fee for the famous Park Guell attraction, but only for tourists.

Otherwise here is a different Spanish city which is set to be big in 2025.

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A NEW international airport is opening next month – and will welcome long-haul flights for the first time.

Greenland has reveals plans for three new airports on the island, which is largest in the world.

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Opening on November 28 is Nuuk Airport, with the small capital city home to 18,000 locals.

Despite being small, most of Greenland is found in Nuuk – this is a quarter of the population – and is where you will find the famous multicoloured houses as well as whale-watching.

The new airport’s longer runway and new terminal means airlines in both the US and Europe will be able to operate direct flights for the first time.

Previously, airlines would have to stop in Kangerlussuaq and then change to a smaller aircraft.

But current flights that will launch include direct flights from Copenhagen, followed by direct New York flights in 2025.

Brits travelling from the UK currently have to fly via Iceland, changing at Reykjavik Keflavik with Icelandair.

This takes around around 14 hours there, and eight hours back.

While direct UK routes are yet to be announced, flights could be as quick as five hours if added by Air Greenland.

Jens Lauridsen, chief executive of operator Greenland Airports, said the new airport will have a “big impact” on the island.

They added: “A flight from Europe to Nuuk is a little more than four hours.

“So we’re placed right in the middle. There is a very, very big interest from all major carriers in Europe.”

Jens also said they expect to see “a lot of tourism and change”.

Locals are excited too.

One told the BBC that they they were going to “open to the world,” adding: “It’s so exciting that we’re going to have the opportunity to travel from here to another country.”

And another said: “l look forward to having a shorter route for Copenhagen, Iceland, or maybe London Heathrow, who knows?”

Nuuk Airport is just one of three new ones opening in Greenland.

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Following the opening of Nuuk, a new airport will open in Ilulissat in 2026.

The town is the most popular tourist destination in Greenland, where many go iceberg spotting.

Also in 2026 will be Qaqortoq Airport, a new airport in Greenland’s largest town.

The overall cost of the three airports ix expected to cost around £615million.

In the mean time, here are five mega airports opening across Europe in the next decade.

And the world’s best airport is now in Europe – here’s everything you need to know.

A HOLIDAYMAKER has lashed out at Ryanair staff for charging him £75 because his suitcase was “too big”.

Austin Price, 28, was preparing to jet off to Krakow from Bristol Airport on October 4 when airline workers asked him to stuff his luggage into a measuring stand.

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The traveller, from Plymouth, claimed the bag fit in the gap – but the “wonky” wheels did not.

Cyber security worker Austin then alleged that a “rather rude” Ryanair employee demanded he cough up an eye watering add-on fee.

The holidaymaker shamed the brand online in a post, ranting: “What kind of f**ery is this? Just been charged £75 for a bag which clearly fits. Sort this s*** out.”

However, the holidaymaker’s snaps appear to show the suitcase stuck out at the front.

The apparent error appeared to miss that Ryanair’s website states 10kg bags must fit within the three dimensions – 55 x 40 x 20cm – and his appeared to be deeper than the permitted 20cm.

Ryanair defended the decision, stating that the “passenger’s bag exceeded the dimensions allowed’ for a 10kg cabin bag and was “correctly required to pay a standard gate baggage fee of £75.”

Austin slammed the employee for “trying too much to do his job”.

He then claimed: “We had priority, with which you get one hand luggage bag and one small suitcase. I used the same suitcase I have probably used for the last three years.

“When boarding, there was one individual [member of staff] that was rather rude.

“There was a guy that was asked to put his backpack in the box and the worker’s response was that he has an attitude problem.

“The guy had his headphones on so he did not even hear him. He seemed confused; he had to put his backpack in when it obviously fit.

“They have changed the [measuring] boxes now. Before, you could wheel the suitcase in, while the new ones are like an open gap, almost like they are trying to catch people out.

“My suitcase was the size that fit in the gap and I have a photo of it sitting in, but because the wheels area a bit stiff it wouldn’t sit flat because of the weight of the wheels.

“The wheels are not the size of the suitcase. I said it clearly fits in but he said that I have to pay.

“I thought it was only going to be around £28 as it is on their website and I thought ‘that’s annoying but I’ll take the hit, gave my bank details and all of a sudden I got charged £75.”

Austin was angry at how much he was charged after already paying for Priority boarding so he could take on the 10kg case.

The customer then wrote a seething email to the budget airline.

However he claims they simply responded informing him how much he had to pay.

Austin said: “I sent an email and the response was sh*t.

“They obviously didn’t read what I wrote in the email because the response I got was them stating how much I have to pay but that’s not what I asked.

“I have already paid and was told that I shouldn’t have paid so I wanted a refund.

“I literally used it a month ago with easyjet. I flew with Ryanair in April with the same bag and had no issues.”

However Ryanair pointed out that the suitcase simply didn’t fit in the ‘fit to fly’ measuring box.

A spokesperson for the airlin said: “This passenger’s bag exceeded the dimensions allowed for a 10kg cabin bag and was correctly required to pay a standard gate baggage fee of £75 to carry a 10kg cabin bag onboard.”

The Sun Online has reached out to Ryanair for comment.

TO help you beat those summer blues, we have partnered with Away Resorts to give one lucky Sun reader a seven-night stay at one of their fabulous holiday resorts, worth up to £2,000. 

So if you are dreaming of a Christmas getaway or planning ahead for a 2025 holiday, look no further. 

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When it comes to memorable holidays, the most exciting trip could be much closer to home than you think. 

One company that knows this all too well is the luxury UK staycation specialist, Away Resorts. 

With a portfolio of 25 stunning and unique holiday resorts to choose from, spread right across the UK, from Cornwall all the way to Lincolnshire, you can take your family on a fun-filled vacation, all without the need for a passport. 

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No two families are the same, and that’s why no two Away Resorts parks are the same either. 

You can splash around in the stunning lakeland paradise of Tattershall Lakes, visit the resident alpacas in leafy Sandy Balls, or bring out the bucket and spade at the beach resort of Whitecliff Bay.

Whether you’re looking for all-action, time to relax, have something to celebrate, an escape to the seaside or fancy the forest, Away Resorts has got something for everyone.

To find out more about Away Resorts, click here. 

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What are you waiting for, enter this fantastic giveaway today. 

Can’t see the form above? Tap/click here to open this article in a new tab/window. Viewing on The Sun app? Go to the Offers section where you can find the competition.

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WITH Christmas right around the corner, plenty of Brits will be stocking up on tubs of chocolate, but if you’re looking for a Quality Street fix before December then head to West Yorkshire.

The town of Halifax is known as “toffee town,” thanks to its ties to the very well-known chocolate brand.

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In 1890, John and Violet Mackintosh opened a sweet shop in the Yorkshire town, with their toffee recipe becoming a huge hit.

Their first Mackintosh factory burnt down in 1909 and a second one was built in Albion, where it still makes sweets today.

Then in 1936, the couple’s son Harold Mackintosh invented Quality Street, changing the face of Christmas snacking forever.

Harold Mackintosh named Quality Street after J. M Barrie’s play of the same name, with the company also inventing well-known chocolate bars Rolo and Toffee Crisp.

Unlike Birmingham’s Cadbury World, visitors can’t take tours of the Quality Street factory.

But fortunately, you don’t need to get a job at the factory to see how the chunks of chocolate are decorated in their shiny wrappers because Calderdale Industrial Museum is home to its very own Quality Street wrapping machine.

Set over four floors, Calderdale Industrial Museum is dedicated to showcasing all of the industrial heritage of the area and the machines that were used to do so.

The Quality Street machine is located on the museum’s first floor, with a volunteer putting the piece of kit through its paces.

Youtuber Epic Waltzer Vlogz UK! recorded the machine in action, with a volunteer placing chunks of chocolate inside before they’re wrapped in gold foil.

One previous visitor t the museum said on TripAdvisor: “We explored the history of confectionary making, and a volunteer demonstrated a Quality Street wrapping machine (and gave us a free chocolate).

“There were volunteers present at all of the exhibits, and all were extremely knowledgeable and extremely interesting to talk to.”

There are plenty of other pieces of machinery inside the Yorkshire-based museum too, including a textile machine that makes the covers for bus seats.

One person wrote on TripAdvisor: “This is the best museum we have been to because, unlike many other places, the people who volunteer here are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and proud of their history.”

Calderdale Industrial Museum is open every Saturday from 10am until 4pm, with entry costing £7.50 for full-paying adults, with accompanied kids going free.

The historic market town rose to fame during the Industrial Revolution as a centre for wool trade, it’s also known as the birthplace of the banking giant Halifax.

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In the mid-19th century, a small group set up an investment and loan society at the Old Cock Inn in Halifax, which is still there to this day.

Its rich heritage is reflected in its grand Victorian architecture and enduring cultural landmarks, including Piece Hall – a Grade I-listed Georgian building that’s the oldest cloth hall in the world.

Standing at the heart of Halifax since 1779, the open-air courtyard is surrounded by independent shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. 

The Piece Hall is also home to its own fairytale tower, which stands at the back of the building.

Meanwhile, Halifax’s Town Hall has been compared to a wedding cake by visitors because of its tier-like structure and white stone facade.

Shibden Hall is another historic landmark in the town, with the half-timbered building originally dating back to the 15th century.

For over 300 years, the building was the home of the Lister family, with 19th century diarist Anne Lister considered its most famous resident.

Entry tickets cost £10 for a full-paying adult and £7.50 for a child.

Other attractions in Halifax include Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, the award-winning museum is home to over 400 interactive exhibits designed for kids.

There’s also Halifax Minster, Bankfield Museum and the Victoria Theatre where a range of plays, concerts and shows are held.

Halifax is home to the Victorian Craft Beer Cafe, an award-winning pub that opened in 2014 that serves a range of beers and ales.

Other restaurants in Halifax include Temujin, which serves Mongolian food, and Sapore, which is considered to be one of the town’s best Italian restaurants.

Halifax is a 30-minute drive from Bradford, and it’s an hour’s drive from Manchester.

The Yorkshire town can also be reached on a direct train from York, where journeys take just under two hours.

Earlier this year, Halifax Bus Station was also named Transport Project of the year, with judges praising its design.

Meanwhile, this seaside town in England – with sandy beaches, donkey rides & the best B&B in the world.

And this other holiday location is getting a huge new tourist attraction.

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A VICTORIAN attraction in the UK is to be home to the country’s tallest Christmas tree.

Cragside, a National Trust property, has been dubbed Britain’s first smart home after being owned by inventor William Armstrong.

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It was even used as a filming location in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, being used as Lockwood Manor.

And this year it will be the home of the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree.

The tallest tree was previously found at Kew Gardens – but this 42ft Giant Redwood is the height of 10 double-decker buses.

Also twice the size of the Angel of the North, it will be decked out with 2,000 Christmas tree lights.

The property is already home to some super tall trees, including the tallest Scots pine in the UK.

Guests can visit from November 20, 2024 until January 5, 2025, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

National Trust visitor operations and experiences manager Steve Howard told local press: “When it comes to trees, Cragside is the land of the giants.

“Many of the trees were selected for their enormous size once at maturity and now the grounds are home to some of the tallest trees of their kind in the country including a Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock and Noble Fir.”

It’s not the only festive event taking place at the attraction.

The Twilight Lantern Walk is a sparkling route through lit-up trees, with woodland animals “hiding” along the way.

The huge tree is then found at the end of the trail.

There is also Cragside’s Spirits of the Forest which will see the house go under a “magical spell”.

The Drawing Room is being transformed into a cave while the rest of the house will be decorated festively.

Tickets for the lantern walk must be booked ahead and are separate.

Outside of Christmas, the stately home has an adventure playground, a Pinetum with waterfalls and a tea room.

If you’re already in the mood for Christmas, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know including:

Otherwise Jet2 has launched holiday packages to two new Christmas destinations – one of which has £2 beers.

And here is Europe’s ‘Christmas City’ with one of the oldest markets in the world.

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