ROBBIE WILLIAMS is in Barcelona with the message, “Let Me Entertain You” – but he’s not singing.

Earlier this summer, he opened his art exhibition in the city more used to displaying masterpieces by Gaudi, Picasso and Dali.

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Here’s how to catch Robbie’s vibrant, weird and wonderful works while enjoying a short break in this cosmopolitan, colourful and creative Catalonian capital.

WHY SHOULD I GO?

TO see the craziest church ever, the stunning 18-tower Sagrada Familia, designed by Antoni Gaudi.

He put his stamp on Barcelona and his architectural wonders are littered around this friendly city by the Med in northern Spain.

Attractions include museums for all the family, galleries, parks, beaches, all-budget shopping, markets, a zoo, port and aquarium.

There are regular concerts at Estadi Olimpic, where I saw Bruce Springsteen boss the stage for three hours, while football fans can tour FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou where there’s a “Messi Space”, dedicated to the footie great Lionel.

Flamenco shows, operas, theatres and let’s not forget, tapas and sangria are all part of Barcelona’s captivating ch­arm.

STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?

YES, but to save time getting between major attractions, the hop-on, hop-off Bus Turistic is brilliant.

Two routes cost £30 a day for an adult and £40 for two days, while kids are half price.

Or, buy a multi-day metro pass which includes the trams and buses — I had three days for £22.

Stroll down the famous La Rambla with cafes, restaurants and performers and through the narrow, cobbled streets and squares in the Gothic Quarter.

Get panoramic views of the city from Park Guell, where the fabulous gardens are littered with colourful mosaics and sculptures — all down to that man Gaudi again.

For more views, take the cable car up to Parc Montjuic, and wander through the castle dating to 1640.

You can also rent an e-bike — there’s a 125-mile network of cycle lanes.

ANYTHING FOR BUCKET LIST?

AVOID queues and book a fun tour of Sagrada Familia, which after 142 years is still not finished.

But our City Experiences’ guide has news, it will be completed by 2026 to celebrate the centenary of Gaudi’s death.

The huge tower, dedicated to Jesus, will be completed with a 56ft cross that will make it the tallest cathedral in the world.

Marvel at the colourful carvings from religious figures to animals and fruit, columns shaped like trees and spectacular stained-glass windows.

Robbie Williams is in good company at the Moco museum, there’s a few works by Banksy and Andy Warhol.

The singer’s Confessions of A Crowded Mind, featuring 17 originals about mental health, runs until November 20 (from €12.95 per adult and €7.95 per child, see mocomuseum.com).

Add to the list the best dark chocolate ever from one of Torrons Vicens’ many confectionary shops dotted around the city.

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WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

PLACA Reial in the Gothic quarter, close to La Rambla is fringed by restaurants and bars.

And nearby is Aguelo Taberna serving fantastic paella, fish and steak.

Sit overlooking the city at Les Cascades if visiting the National Art Museum or Olympic stadium and eat pizza, fried chicken, chips and free popcorn.

Of course, you’ll find decent tapas joints everywhere.

I FANCY A DRINK…

YOU are in the right place for cheap coffee, beer and wine.

“You’ve got to try my dad’s sangria. It’s the best,” said the welcoming waitress at Gaudi Gelats on Avda Gaudi.

She was right, and at £5 for a jug, you can’t go wrong.

Head for the lively George Payne Irish pub for a pint from £5 or sip a cocktail on a rooftop bar such as La Dolce Vitae at the Majestic Hotel.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

CENTRAL hotels are expensive, so opt for the modern and clean Travelodge Barcelona Fira, just a few stops away on the metro.

The 83 rooms have all you need for a city break — comfy beds, good showers, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV and free wi-fi.

The breakfast buffet costs just £9, there’s a 24-hour bar, lunch, dinner and snack service too and the staff are superbly friendly and helpful.

BRITISH Airways has cancelled all its flights from a major city airport in a shock move.

The airline reportedly contacted passengers last night to tell them their flights from Southampton Airport would no longer be going ahead next summer.

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A BA spokesperson confirmed: “We are suspending our summer 2025 operations from Southampton Airport and contacting any affected customers with options including rebooking on an alternative flight with us or another airline or a full refund.”

The reason behind the decision is not yet known.

The airline previously ran flights from the city airport to Bergerac, Faro, Malaga, Majorca and Chambery.

These were operated at weekends through BA CityFlyer – a subsidiary running domestic and European flights from Southampton as well as London City.

The Southampton flights were launched on 29 May, 2021 to 11 destinations in the UK, Spain, Portugal, Greece, France and Germany.

The news comes just four months after BA launched its two latest routes from the airport – Bergerac and Majorca.

And it comes just a year after Southampton Airport’s 164m extension to its existing runway.

It was thought that this extension would allow larger aircrafts – and therefore more flights – to take off from the airport, with local MP Paul Holmes saying it would “unlock potential”.

Southampton is not the only airport affected by BA suspensions recently.

Last month, the airline shockingly announced it would be suspending flights between London Heathrow and Beijing from October – one of its “most important routes”.

This followed a three-year pause in London-to-Beijing operations due to Covid.

When approached by the Sun for comment, a spokesperson for Southampton Airport said: “Clearly it’s disappointing when any route is removed, however, we are in constant dialogue with airlines regarding the introduction of new services and that includes backfilling the routes withdrawn by British Airways.”

IF you’re looking to whizz off aboard a Wizz Air flight this summer then you’ll be wanting to select the best seats without any extra cost.

Book wisely using our guide to secure you and your family the best seats aboard the Wizz Air Airbus 320 and 321 aircraft.

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Wizz Air have been dubbed the ‘most sustainable low-cost airline’ four years in a row, but what can passengers expect from their experience aboard the Airbus Airbus 320 and 321.

The budget airline celebrated the arrival of the GTF-powered Airbus Airbus 320 aircraft to its fleet of 153 aircraft in 2022. 

Both the Airbus 320 and 321 operate in short-haul flights with Wizz Air offering snacks and beverages for purchase on most of their flights.

Although the two aircrafts look almost identical, their size and seating plan vary.

The Airbus 320 offers 180 seats, whereas the Airbus 321 is larger, offering 230 seats in comparison.

Your holiday begins the minute you board the plane, so why not make your journey as comfortable as possible by using the SunTravel seating guide map.

Extra leg room

If you’re tall or like to spread out on a flight, then it will be the extra leg room you’re after.

There are specific economy seats that provide the space you need – you just have to know where they are.

According to the flight map for both the Wizz Air Airbus 320 & 321 the seats with extra leg are as follows:

Passengers needing the extra space on either aircraft should opt for any seat between A – F on row 1.

Row 1 seats tend to get booked up fast but there’s plenty more to choose from.

If your aircraft is the Wizz Airbus 320, any seat between A – F on row 13 will provide the extra leg room you need.

Seats A – F on row 12 also offer extra leg room, but these particular seats do not recline.

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If you find yourself allocated a flight onboard the Wizz Airbus 321 then seats B,C,D and E on row 12, and seats A,B,C and F on row 26 will provide extra leg room.

Row 10 also offer extra leg room in seats A – E, but do bare in mind these particular seats have a limited recline which could make napping quite uncomfortable.

Seats to avoid

If your first choice of seats are booked, then your next best bet is to know which seats to avoid.

Onboard the Wizz Airbus 320 passengers should avoid seat A – F on Row 30 – due to their close proximity to the toilets and the cabin -you’re likely to be disturbed throughout your flight.

The seats may also have limited recline for the same reason, and there is no window on the last row of the plane.

It’s also worth noting there is no window available in seats A and F of Row 20.

Onboard the Wizz Airbus 321 passengers should avoid seat A – F on row 39 as your seats will have no recline, and you’re likely to be disturbed by passengers getting up to use the toilet closeby.

Seat A and F on row 26 have legroom but no window.

Best views

Being situated by the wing of the aircraft guarantees the best skyline snaps.

For the best views onboard the Airbus 321 passengers are urged to book seat A or F on row 10.

And if you’re onboard the Airbus 320, seat A and F on row 9 are the seats to look out for.

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Head start on snacks

If you want to be among one of the first passengers to be served refreshments then it’s best to book a seat in either the first two rows or the last two near the back of the plane.

Seat A – F on row 1 or row 30 on the Airbus 320 will get you first dibs on snacks.

With trolley carts circulating from both the front and the back of the aircraft, these seats are your best bet but the downside you’re likely to be disturbed by other passengers using the toilets.

Similarly, for the Airbus 321 any seat on row 1 and 39 will mean you’re close to the gallery where snacks are prepared.

Take a nap

If passengers find themselves on an overnight flight you might like to get some sleep.

Window seats give passengers the best chance at having an uninterrupted snooze.

This is because other passengers won’t need to ask you to move when they take a trip to the toilet.

Check The Sun’s flight map to see where all the window seats are located on both aircrafts.

Getting off the plane first

If you hate waiting around and you’re keen to start your holiday then beat the queues by booking a seat in the front five rows of both the Airbus Wizz 320 and 321.

Failing that, you’re guaranteed to get off the plane quicker by simply booking an aisle seat, because you’ll have a head start at finding your hand luggage.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

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You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

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The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

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If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

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I HAVE always loved a city that can be navigated by foot.

Not only because you can tick off all the sights with ease but burning off the calories means you can gorge on the local grub guilt-free.

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That is something I’d been doing a lot of in Porto, where gooey custard tarts can be picked up on almost every street for around €1.

Portugal’s second largest city is close to the country’s northern coast, with the River Douro cutting through its centre.

It’s not just custard tarts, known here as pastel de nata, that I’d been gobbling.

The region is known for its traditional food which includes bacalhau (salted cod fish) and the Francesinha toasted sandwich layered with assorted hot meats and cheeses then smothered in a rich beer sauce and served with French fries.

The sandwich is a ritual for after a good few inexpensive port cocktails.

After all, if there’s one thing this city is known for other than food, it’s port.

Here, this fortified wine is not just associated with Christmas and to be paired only with your favourite stilton or Stinking Bishop, it’s served year round in all the restaurants and bars.

Never tried it before? Well, think of a vibrant red wine that’s sweet and with depth — just like the Tripeiros (the slang name given to Porto’s charming inhabitants).

The Douro Valley has been making port since Roman times, but it was in the 17th century that port wine as we know it today was born when Brits fortified the booze in order to maintain its quality while transporting it by sea.

And you can learn all about the process at the World of Wine in the historic heart of nearby Gaia.

A short distance from the city centre within an old port warehouse, the attraction is made up of seven museums, 12 restaurants and bars, several shops and even a wine school.

For proper wine enthusiasts, the Wine Experience is a must-do, allowing visitors to get hands-on with tastings and immersive artwork, all while learning the grape-to-bottle process.

Of course, this doesn’t beat a proper tasting. And Sandeman’s Quinta do Seixo winery is the place to do it.

You can sample the good stuff, along with nibbles, on a terrace overlooking the lush valley and river below.

The vineyards are a sight to behold, dazzling in colour, and the wines they produce are seriously good.

If you’re after a more substantial meal to soak up the vino, the Mercado do Bolhao is where to head.

Seriously good

The food hall is packed with various counters selling local produce, from meats, fish, fruit and veg to breads and pastries and is, of course, somewhere to grab a tipple.

Or for something fancier, there’s the DOP restaurant, which does a sensational 14-course tasting menu.

Highlights include a meat-free take on carbonara where the pasta is cleverly crafted from squid.

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Taste buds satisfied, I ventured back to Porto to walk off the indulgence along the hilly and cobbled streets of the Miragaia neighbourhood.

It was there that I discovered Livraria Lello — what can only be described as the world’s most beautiful bookshop, housed in a curious neo-Gothic building.

Set over four floors, it features stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork and a grand, imposing central staircase that takes you up to balconies overlooking the lower levels.

Allegedly, the site was an inspiration for Harry Potter author JK Rowling when she lived and taught in the city.

The store certainly has an otherworldly feel to it, although it’s in the basement that the true magic unfolds, with many rare tomes and first editions adorning the shelves.

Otherworldly feel

Entry to the shop is €8 and this can be redeemed against a book purchase, although make sure to get there early to avoid the long queues that form around the block.

Luckily, I’d been staying at the 5H Editory Boulevard Hotel, which is a seven-minute walk from the store, so the early rise wasn’t a problem.

The hotel serves a sensational breakfast that can’t be missed.

That is if you have any room left in your stomach.

It’s safe to say, you won’t go at all hungry or thirsty while in Porto.

I BREATHE calmly into my snorkel and gently float as a manatee and its calf leisurely swim beneath me.

Just two hours’ drive from a world of Mickey Mouse and rollercoasters, these magical creatures — also known as sea cows — can be found in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge on Florida’s western coast.

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I’m staying at The PaddleTail Waterfront Lodge on Kings Bay, the ideal hub for making the most of this natural paradise on the Gulf of Mexico.

As I slip into my wetsuit, dive expert Jake, from Waterfront Adventures, guides us through the etiquette of meeting these gentle giants.

We set sail before sunrise in search of manatee activity, which can be identified through “footprints” — oval-shaped ripples on the surface of the water.

Our boat stops in the Three Sisters Springs where these marine mammals bask in the 22C turquoise waters.

It takes some bravery to pause and float as a 500kg animal swims towards you.

But it is as if these creatures give off a calming energy throughout the water as they hoover up the grass on the seabed.

Jake also encourages us to get a closer look at the three springs — Pretty Sister, Deep Sister and Little Sister — which actually contain a total of 19 freshwater springs between them.

I plunge beneath the surface and watch as the sand bubbles like nature’s very own hot tub brimming with yellow-bellied sliders and schools of fish.

The three-hour tour ends with a fluffy white towel to dry off and a velvety mocha to sip as we make our way back to the shore, leaving the manatees to graze on their breakfast.

After working up an appetite in the water, we head to the Wild Sassa seafood shack to enjoy a fresh shrimp taco.

It is set on the edge of the Homosassa River, and the queue of hungry adventure seekers in wetsuits and flip-flops reflect how this humble trailer has made its way into the top 100 taco spots in the USA.

And while Florida is typically associated with fast food giants, the Homosassa Springs area boasts some of the freshest seafood on the coast.

Bayside Kraft Kitchen serves up homemade fries with perfectly poached lobster, while Waterfront Social offers fresh alligator bites, if you dare.

For those wishing to unwind, the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park is a calming oasis.

While there, don’t miss the underwater observatory, which allows visitors to step beneath the spring’s surface and watch as the manatees and fish swim in a natural habitat.

A 90-minute drive down the coast we switch up the tempo in the vibrant city of St Petersburg.

While the city itself can be considered its very own gallery — with colourful murals on every block — it is also home to the Salvador Dali Museum.

The museum houses the largest collection of the Spanish surrealist’s work, all enclosed within 18-inch thick walls designed to withstand the powerful hurricanes that can wreak havoc in this corner of the globe.

A hive of activity

You can also experience his work in an incredible sound and light show inside a glass sphere known as The Dali Dome.

After a bit of culture and dinner of nduja and prawn ravioli at Brick & Mortar in Downtown St Pete, we head to the hub of the city.

It is a place where twentysomethings are sipping craft beers from local microbreweries with their university friends, while those 50 years their senior cheer each other from the sidelines at the St Petersburg Shuffleboard Club.

Founded in 1924, it is the oldest and largest shuffleboard club in the world.

The aim of the game is to push weighted discs along narrow courts into designated boxes to score points, in what becomes an addictive and frustrating game.

As the sun sets, the Friday Night St Pete Shuffle is a hive of activity, with a cool bring-your own booze” policy — the ideal aperitif to a delicious dinner.

For those wishing to carry on the night, retro club Goodnight John Boy is the ultimate party, playing Seventies and Eighties disco tracks.

But a trip to this corner of the world would not be complete without some serious relaxation.

Clearwater Beach is a three-mile stretch of powder-white sand that has turquoise Gulf waters lapping on to its shore.

The sand, derived from quartz, is cool under foot.

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And it coated my toes in a refreshing way as I took a stroll in the 33C heat.

After basking in the sunshine, a dip in the pool at my hotel — the four-star beachside Opal Sands Resort — was just the thing.

As the sun sets, I grab a seat at the hotel’s SandBar Waterfront Tiki Bar and order a raspberry mojito while watching playful dolphins dip and dive in the bluest Gulf waters.

I would never have thought of white-knuckle rollercoaster paradise Florida as a destination to relax and recharge — but it seems that this corner of the Sunshine State truly is.

A TRAVEL expert has uncovered the secrets of fancy hotel toiletries and revealed why you should never trust them.

Holidaymakers love to horde tiny bottles of high-end shampoos and lotions but you might not be getting what you think you’re paying for.

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Plenty of hotels sign exclusive agreements with luxury cosmetics brands to carry miniature versions of their signature products.

These can add a touch of class to an en suite, but bosses are keen not to give away too much for free.

And, according to travel whizz Jessica Sulima, they don’t.

Writing for Thrillist, she claimed that when it comes to hotel toiletries most of the value is in the name on the bottle.

Jessica said: “These days, it’s rare to find a generic, unheard-of brand lining your bathroom sink or shower caddy.

“As far as luxury hotels go, expect to find D.S. and Durga at The Carlyle, Bamford at The Palace Hotel, or Diptyque at the Ritz-Carlton.

“The trend is a win-win — the hotels get to amplify their prestige, and the cosmetic companies get to spread brand awareness.

“It was probably naive of me, however, to think that such products are exact replicas of what you can find in stores.

“In practice, hotels typically work with these brands to create custom formulations that reasonably approximate their product at scale.

“These samples are designed to be as close to the real deal as possible, and in a perfect world, guests wouldn’t be able to sniff out the substitute.”

Her suspicions were backed up by Anna Ableson, a professor at the Tisch Insitute of Hospitality at NYU.

The industry insider said: “Some hotel toiletries may look like retail name-brand products, but they’re often formulated and sourced differently to meet hospitality industry needs.

“This can cause variations in quality and composition compared to store-bought versions.”

And Ian Ginsburg, president of beauty brand C.O. Bigelow, added: “The north star is to do it exactly as it is.

“But it’s a balance of cost. Sometimes the cost is too much, so we’ll try to modify the fragrance.”

It comes after a Brit who has gone on more than 50 cruises revealed the one item he never leaves home without.