The Madrid Marathon began back in 1978 and since then there have been more than 120 thousand runners complete the marathon. There are over a million spectators from all over the world come and line Madrid’s city streets to show their support making the atmosphere electric.

A report by Travel Money of the Post Office of a price comparison of 14 popular holiday towns found that Benidorm in Spain was the cheapest for a list of 10 holiday purchase items which meant that a holiday there would be even cheaper than a break in Brighton would be. Florida was found to be the most expensive.

There is a new lower speed limit in Spain and the Canary Islands from March 7th 2011. This reduction will bring the 120km/h speed limit on motorways and dual carriageways down to 110km/h. This new speed limit will give Spain one of the lowest motorway speed limits in the whole of Europe.

Keep fit and see the wonderful sights of Barcelona! There is still time to register for the Barcelona Marathon on the 6th March – 60 euros to enter before the end of January and 70 euros to the 20th February 2011. The route of the marathon takes in many major sights of the city and is also an exciting time for the spectators.

A law amendment is being debated currently in Barcelona City Hall making it an offence to walk round the streets in a swimsuit. It appears that fines up to 500 euros are envisaged for those who are found naked or semi-naked on the street or on public transport.

There are plenty of sunny  places in Europe that are really reasonable this winter . The Spanish Costas, French and Italian Rivieras, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily and the Estoril coast of Portugal are all just a short haul away and bargains are to be had !