Claire McQue

 
 
 

The permanent Biennale structures at the Giardini, with its pavilions ordered by nation rather than theme, show a glimpse of how artists across the world are interpreting the global issue of this year’s theme: May you Live in Interesting Times. There are tsunami mythology and creation stories referenced in “cosmo-eggs” at the Japanese Pavilion; a recreated beach opera that laments the lethargic approach to climate action in the Lithuanian Pavilion; while Serbian artist Marina Abramovic’s “Rising” is a scary virtual-reality experience in which the viewer is drowned by melting glaciers.

 

Lonely Planet: the most charming and luxurious boutique hotels in Andalucía

July 2022

 

You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a place to stay in this vast, sun-drenched region of southern Spain. Thoughtfully converted fincas (farmhouses) stud the lunar-like landscape around Granada while renovated palaces and converted monasteries provide respite from the cultural hotspots of Málaga and Seville. Further south, Mediterranean light and design suffuse dreamy boltholes on the coast around Cádiz

 
 
 

Lonely Planet:
the 15 best things
to do in Valencia

November 2021

 
 
 

More than 2000 years of history have shaped Valencia's eclectic barrios, where atmospheric music bars and inventive restaurants are now springing up. Valencians are proud of their paella and passionate about politics. But Valencia is far more than just a pitstop for partygoers – it packs a cultural punch too

 

Lonely Planet: the 20
best things to do in Seville

March 2022

 

Photograph by Maeve Brayne

 
 
 

Seville’s spirit thrives in countless tapas restaurants, in bar-strewn plazas and along the banks of the Guadalquivir river. From soul-stirring flamenco to glorious gastronomy and gregarious neighborhoods, these are our favorite things to do in the capital of Andalucía

 
 

In Spain all the good things – from coffee to beer – are often affordable, at least by the standards of other large western European cities. The same is true for Seville; the colorful, sun-drenched city that was a bastion of Islamic rule in Spain for more than 500 years, before it fell to Spanish Christians
in the 13th century

 

Lonely Planet: how to
visit Seville on a budget

March 2022

 
 

Condé Nast Johansens: Italy
on two wheels

 

Claire McQue

 
 
 

Try the Dolomites for some of Italy’s toughest road cycling ascents where dramatic scenery adds fire to memorable passes. With 48 hairpin bends at 2,758m above sea level, the Passo dello Stelvio wins the award for highest road in Italy. At the centre of the gruelling Giro, it’s a must-ride on any cyclist’s bucket list