Yzabelle Bostyn

Here you can find all my published writing. Check out the 'About Me' section to learn more about me and the 'Contact Me' to contact me directly. 

The Olive Press •

‘I visited two incredible and barely-known cities in northern Spain - here’s why you must add them to your travel wishlist’  - Olive Press News Spain

THESE two cities in northern Spain are a must-add to your travel wishlist, despite being missed by many tourists. Although Galicia is known for the famous Camino pilgrimage and Santiago de Compostela, there’s so much more to the region.  If you’re spending a few days in northern Spain, we recommend venturing out of the tourist hotspots to discover some of Galicia’s lesser known cities. Both found on the Camino de Santiago, Vigo and Pontevedra are charming cities with curious backgrounds....
The Olive Press •

Exclusive: 'I visited northern Spain's hidden paradise beaches - but they won’t remain a secret for long' - Olive Press News Spain

THESE beaches in northern Spain have golden sand and turquoise waters but are unknown to most tourists, here’s how to visit them. While thousands flock to Mallorca, Valencia and the Costa del Sol, some of Spain’s best coast goes undiscovered by tourists.  The country’s rugged northern coast is well trodden by Camino de Santiago pilgrims and Spanish holidaymakers – so why are we missing out? In fact, Galicia is home to some truly unspoilt, undiscovered beaches and touring them makes for the pe...
The Olive Press •

Must-visit: The stunning island in northern Spain you’ve probably never heard of - Olive Press News Spain

THIS is the stunning island in northern Spain which you’ve probably never heard of but has beautiful, unspoilt beaches. AS southern and central Spain become unbearably hot in the summer months, many Spaniards venture north in search of cooler climates.  While Andalucia and the Costa Blanca are known for their stunning coastlines, you don’t have to risk melting in the summer heat to enjoy a beach day. Galicia, in north-west Spain, is home to a rugged, unspoilt coast dotted with quiet, beautifu...
The Olive Press •

EXCLUSIVE: ‘I took the luxury Al-Andalus train across southern Spain and was treated like royalty - it felt like being on the Orient Express’  - Olive Press News Spain

SIPPING on a glass of ice cold Albarino as the last few rays of sunshine drench endless sunflower fields somewhere near Jerez, I wonder how life could get any better. If there is a secret recipe to happiness, the organisers of the Al-Andalus luxury train must know it.  This is the most exclusive way to tick Andalucia’s renowned cities off your bucket list. The luxurious trip naturally comes at a price, but from the taster Renfe gave the Olive Press, it’s certainly worth it.  READ MORE: Lux...
The Olive Press •

EXCLUSIVE: ‘I visited this stunning monastery near Spain’s Madrid that was once called the eighth wonder of the world – and it’s well worth exploring’

THIS stunning monastery near Madrid was once called the eighth wonder of the world and it’s still well worth a visit. If you have a free day while visiting Madrid, the city is a great jumping off point for many fascinating spots. While Toledo and Segovia are popular options, more visitors are flocking to the small town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
The Olive Press •

EXCLUSIVE: ‘I visited Cordoba in southern Spain and was blown away by its beauty – its patios alone could give the floral haven of Estepona a run for its money’

Coming from Estepona, I wasn’t sure Cordoba could beat my flower laden home, but the city overwhelmed me with its beautiful patios, rich history and delicious food. For just one week every year, Cordoban families open up their homes to share their patios with the world. Thousands of tourists flock to the city, eager to explore patios battling it out to be crowned the most beautiful. Some 52 took part in this year’s competition, alongside 12 non competitive entries.
The Olive Press •

Must-visit: This little-known city an hour from Madrid makes the perfect day trip for history buffs and literature lovers

JUST an hour from Madrid, this city makes the perfect day trip for both history buffs and literature lovers. While Bologna, Oxford and Salamanca boast the oldest universities in the world, few people know that just outside Madrid lies the world’s first university city. Established in 1499, Alcala de Henares quickly became a beacon of knowledge and learning, so it’s no surprise that it is also the birthplace of ‘Spanish Shakespeare’ Miguel de Cervantes. Some 30 km from Madrid, this small city is easily accessible by train or bus, both taking just over an hour.
The Olive Press •

EXCLUSIVE: ‘I visited Ronda’s answer to the Caminito del Rey to test if it’s just as hair-raising as the original – this is my verdict’

RONDA has just opened its answer to the famous Caminito del Rey, but is it really as hair raising as the original? In April this year, Junta president Juanma Moreno inaugurated Ronda’s latest tourist attraction, the first phase of a new walkway snaking along the Tajo gorge. Once completed, the project will take daring visitors from the famous bridge all the way to Arabic baths, stretching 750 metres. It will allow visitors to see the Guadalevin river up close and feel the magnitude of the impressive gorge from below, until now only accessible through the Casa del Rey Moro.
The Olive Press •

Going vegan in Sevilla? These six restaurants are a must visit

FOR vegans, eating like a local can be difficult but not in Sevilla with this expert guide. The capital of Andalucia, Sevilla’s cuisine uses lots of meat, fish and cheese. Despite this, the city is also home to a growing vegan scene, concentrated around the youthful Alameda area. Plant based tourists don’t have to miss out on traditional dishes, as gazpacho, salmorejo, paella and garzbanos con espinacas often come vegan or can be easily adapted. READ MORE: Vegan in Madrid? Here’s our ultimat
The Olive Press •

EXCLUSIVE: ‘I visited the Ritz Hotel in Madrid - this is my verdict’

Does Madrid’s Ritz Hotel live up to its luxurious expectations? The Olive Press investigates. ACROSS the world, the Ritz name is associated with one thing- luxury. Each of the brand’s 108 locations are well respected bastions of high quality experiences, with the accompanying price tag. READ MORE: These are Spain’s ONLY hotels with three sought after Michelin ‘Keys’ So naturally, I had never stepped foot in one until my mum suggested we celebrate her birthday there. ‘I only have Birkenstock
The Olive Press •

MUST VISIT: This charming town once dubbed the ‘rural capital’ of Spain remains one of Andalucia’s hidden gems

I VISITED Spain’s former ‘rural capital’ near Ronda and was surprised to see it was still as charming as ever. In 2021, Olvera was awarded the prestigious title of Spain’s ‘rural capital’. Just a twenty minute drive over the valley from the famous Setenil de las Bodegas, it is a wonder that this destination is still missed by many tourists. As you drive up the winding road to the town, you will instantly recognise why it is popping up more and more often on social media. READ MORE: This gree
The Olive Press •

EXCLUSIVE: ‘I visited Segovia in Spain, the home of the real-life Disney castle - this is my verdict’

Legend has it that Segovia is home to Spain’s very own Disney castle, but is it really worth the hype? Around an hour from Madrid by train, car or bus, Segovia is an ideal day trip for Madrileños. Like many Spanish destinations, it has a charming old town, imposing cathedral, impressive views and tranquil walks in the surrounding countryside. But what makes Segovia a stand out destination is its alcazar, believed to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella castle. READ MORE: This gree
The Olive Press •

‘I went to Spain’s famous Smurf Village to see if it was really worth the hype - here’s what I thought’

JUZCAR, Ronda, has become famous all over social media for its bright blue ‘Smurf’ buildings, but is it really worth a visit? After a long weekend exploring Ronda, I had a few hours drive ahead of me. Why not stop along the way in one of Ronda’s scenic villages?, I thought. The so-called ‘Pueblo Pitufo’ or ‘Smurf Village’, immediately came to mind and I set off to Juzcar. READ MORE: It’s fiesta season! The best festivals happening across Spain this spring Despite being home to just 200 peop
The Olive Press •

Literary escape: From bins bearing Harry Potter covers to plant pots inscribed with poetry, is THIS Andalucian town the most cultured corner of inland Spain?

NESTLED in the heart of the Alpujarra mountains of Andalucia lies the most charming village you’ve never heard of: Mecina Bombaron is a fairytale come to life, not least because it is an official ‘book town’ that has works of literature inscribed on practically every section of its whitewashed streets. Quite simply, books are infused with everyday life in this quiet spot, from plant pots painted with poetry to bins bearing Harry Potter covers. You live and breathe everything from the stanzas o
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