3 cities in Spain you need to visit this summer
With its white-sand beaches, mouthwatering food, and rich cultural history, it's hard to imagine a more idyllic destination to visit this summer than Spain. Whether you're an art lover who's interested in exploring the masterworks of Picasso and Dalí, a parent looking to introduce their kids to the magic of Southern Europe, or you just want to relax on a sailboat as it drifts lazily along the sun-drenched coastline, you'll find exactly what you've been dreaming of in this Mediterranean paradise. To help you plan the perfect summer getaway, here are three cities in Spain that offer something special for everyone.
Barcelona
A city of exquisite contrasts, where avant-garde skyscrapers stand harmoniously alongside medieval monasteries, Barcelona offers visitors a European getaway unlike any other. From the cosmopolitan shopping district of Diagonal Mar to the ancient alleyways of the Gothic Quarter, this Mediterranean metropolis is in a category all by itself.
To instantly immerse yourself in the magic of Barcelona, a trip to the stunning Sagrada Família cathedral is essential. This wildly ornate Roman Catholic basilica, designed by legendary Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, is by far the most emblematic building in the city.
For a meal that captures Barcelona's true essence, take a culinary tour of La Boqueria, a massive public marketplace that dates back to 1217. Here you'll find gourmet butchers, farm fresh produce, an endless assortment of sweets and spices, and perfectly prepared dishes with a distinct Barcelonian flavor.
Though born in the southern province of Málaga, legendary artist Pablo Picasso is intimately associated with Barcelona, having painted many of his greatest works while living in the city. So naturally, the Museu Picasso is an important attraction that anyone who wants to understand Spanish art needs to visit at least once in their lifetime.
When you're ready to soak up the summer rays, head on over to beautiful Nova Icària Beach and settle back on a comfortable sun lounger. Surrounded by a variety of restaurants and bars, and equipped with several beach volleyball courts, it's an ideal spot for family and friends traveling in a group.
Madrid
Spain's vibrant capital has gone through countless changes over the past century, but its historic core remains thankfully intact. First-time visitors will marvel at Madrid's unique blend of old world charm and modern sophistication, which is best exemplified by the warm and welcoming residents who call the city their home.
Since food is central to Madrid's identity, indulge your appetite at La Carmencita, one of the city's oldest tapas restaurants. The expertly curated menu includes delicious calamari fritters, fresh razor clams in sherry and Madrilenean-style grilled anchovies. After that, make your way over to Ático 11, the cozy rooftop bar atop the Iberostar Las Letras Hotel, for an elegant cocktail with a view.
For anyone traveling with children, the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales is a delightful science museum filled with priceless meteorites, local fossils, rare minerals and several enormous dinosaur skeletons. And because soccer is an intrinsic part of Spanish culture, a tour of Madrid's incredible Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a must-visit attraction.
If exploring historic landmarks is what you're in the mood for, the fascinating Temple of Debod is perhaps the most unique ancient ruin in all of Spain. And finally, no trip to Madrid is complete without seeing Hieronymus Bosch's astonishing painting, "The Garden of Earthly Delights" on permanent display at the Museo Nacional del Prado.
Mallorca
Understandably famous for its gorgeous beaches and temperate climate, this colorful Spanish island has far more to offer than just blue water and clear skies. A haven for artists and writers throughout the decades, Mallorca is home to a remarkable collection of cultural and historic attractions that make it a splendid choice for both first-time and returning visitors.
The quickest way to acquaint yourself with the island's visual splendor is by taking a hike along the spectacular Torrent de Pareis, a natural box canyon that's one of Spain's most beautiful sights. This 3.1 mile trek involves several small climbs over moderate-sized rocks and boulders, so it's best attempted by physically fit hikers wearing appropriate climbing shoes.
For travelers with an interest in the country's prehistoric past, a tour of the Necropolis at Son Real – a collection of individual tombs and burial chambers dating back to the 7th century B.C. should definitely be on the itinerary. If peace and calm is what you're searching for, a relaxing stroll through the picturesque town of Pollença is a perfect way to experience Mallorca's restorative tranquility.
Since the island is renowned for its superb seafood, the Michelin-starred restaurant Es Fum comes highly recommended. When you make a reservation, be sure to ask for a table on the outdoor terrace. That way you'll enjoy a plate of smoked octopus and Gillardeau oysters while gazing at a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. As the locals say, “Buen provecho!"
When you go
Once you've decided on the perfect Spanish getaway, book your tickets by visiting united.com or by using the convenient United app.
Barcelona
A city of exquisite contrasts, where avant-garde skyscrapers stand harmoniously alongside medieval monasteries, Barcelona offers visitors a European getaway unlike any other. From the cosmopolitan shopping district of Diagonal Mar to the ancient alleyways of the Gothic Quarter, this Mediterranean metropolis is in a category all by itself.
To instantly immerse yourself in the magic of Barcelona, a trip to the stunning Sagrada Família cathedral is essential. This wildly ornate Roman Catholic basilica, designed by legendary Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, is by far the most emblematic building in the city.
For a meal that captures Barcelona's true essence, take a culinary tour of La Boqueria, a massive public marketplace that dates back to 1217. Here you'll find gourmet butchers, farm fresh produce, an endless assortment of sweets and spices, and perfectly prepared dishes with a distinct Barcelonian flavor.
Though born in the southern province of Málaga, legendary artist Pablo Picasso is intimately associated with Barcelona, having painted many of his greatest works while living in the city. So naturally, the Museu Picasso is an important attraction that anyone who wants to understand Spanish art needs to visit at least once in their lifetime.
When you're ready to soak up the summer rays, head on over to beautiful Nova Icària Beach and settle back on a comfortable sun lounger. Surrounded by a variety of restaurants and bars, and equipped with several beach volleyball courts, it's an ideal spot for family and friends traveling in a group.
Madrid
Spain's vibrant capital has gone through countless changes over the past century, but its historic core remains thankfully intact. First-time visitors will marvel at Madrid's unique blend of old world charm and modern sophistication, which is best exemplified by the warm and welcoming residents who call the city their home.
Since food is central to Madrid's identity, indulge your appetite at La Carmencita, one of the city's oldest tapas restaurants. The expertly curated menu includes delicious calamari fritters, fresh razor clams in sherry and Madrilenean-style grilled anchovies. After that, make your way over to Ático 11, the cozy rooftop bar atop the Iberostar Las Letras Hotel, for an elegant cocktail with a view.
For anyone traveling with children, the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales is a delightful science museum filled with priceless meteorites, local fossils, rare minerals and several enormous dinosaur skeletons. And because soccer is an intrinsic part of Spanish culture, a tour of Madrid's incredible Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a must-visit attraction.
If exploring historic landmarks is what you're in the mood for, the fascinating Temple of Debod is perhaps the most unique ancient ruin in all of Spain. And finally, no trip to Madrid is complete without seeing Hieronymus Bosch's astonishing painting, "The Garden of Earthly Delights" on permanent display at the Museo Nacional del Prado.
Mallorca
Understandably famous for its gorgeous beaches and temperate climate, this colorful Spanish island has far more to offer than just blue water and clear skies. A haven for artists and writers throughout the decades, Mallorca is home to a remarkable collection of cultural and historic attractions that make it a splendid choice for both first-time and returning visitors.
The quickest way to acquaint yourself with the island's visual splendor is by taking a hike along the spectacular Torrent de Pareis, a natural box canyon that's one of Spain's most beautiful sights. This 3.1 mile trek involves several small climbs over moderate-sized rocks and boulders, so it's best attempted by physically fit hikers wearing appropriate climbing shoes.
For travelers with an interest in the country's prehistoric past, a tour of the Necropolis at Son Real – a collection of individual tombs and burial chambers dating back to the 7th century B.C. should definitely be on the itinerary. If peace and calm is what you're searching for, a relaxing stroll through the picturesque town of Pollença is a perfect way to experience Mallorca's restorative tranquility.
Since the island is renowned for its superb seafood, the Michelin-starred restaurant Es Fum comes highly recommended. When you make a reservation, be sure to ask for a table on the outdoor terrace. That way you'll enjoy a plate of smoked octopus and Gillardeau oysters while gazing at a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. As the locals say, “Buen provecho!"
When you go
Once you've decided on the perfect Spanish getaway, book your tickets by visiting united.com or by using the convenient United app.

On March 19, 2020, United operated its first flight carrying cargo without passengers on board. While the passenger cabin was empty, its cargo hold was completely full, carrying more than 29,000 pounds of commodities from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA).
A year later, United Cargo has operated more than 11,000 cargo-only flights carrying more than 570 million pounds of freight. To support the COVID-19 pandemic recovery efforts, United Cargo has also transported more than 113 million pounds of medical and pharmaceutical products on both cargo-only and passenger flights as well as approximately 10 million COVID-19 vaccines, providing global communities access to the items they have needed most.
"At the beginning of the pandemic, we knew we were uniquely positioned to utilize our widebody aircraft and our network to keep commodities moving, so we quickly mobilized various departments throughout the airline to launch a cargo-only network of flights that would keep commodities moving," said United Cargo President Jan Krems. "Thanks to those efforts, United Cargo has delivered millions of items to countries all around the world. We would not have been successful without the steadfast support of our employees, industry partners and our customers."
Since last March, United Cargo has transported almost 850 million pounds of freight on cargo-only and passenger flights. The airline will continue to monitor market trends adjust its cargo-only flight schedules to help ensure we are meeting our customer's evolving shipping needs.
Whether you haven't flown with us for a while or just need a quick refresher before your spring trip, read this list of tips to know before your flight and arrive at the airport travel-ready:
1. Download the United app for contactless bag check, travel assistance and more
Before your flight, download the United app to view your flight status, check in, sign up for flight notifications, locate departure gates, access our free personal device entertainment when available and more. We've also updated our app with new features that can make your trip a little safer, including contactless bag check.
Don't forget to use Agent on Demand for help with any and all questions you may have before your flight. This new capability is available at all our U.S. hub airports and allows you to use your own mobile device to contact a customer service agent via phone, video or chat to help with day-of-travel questions while you're at the airport. Learn more about Agent on Demand here.
2. Check out the Travel-Ready Center
Our Travel-Ready Center makes it easy to get a personalized overview of everything you need to do in preparation for your flight. Just enter your confirmation number or MileagePlus® number and you'll find detailed information on all the documents, tests and more that you'll need for your trip.
3. Read and sign the Ready-to-Fly checklist
Before completing check-in, all United travelers will need to read our Ready-to-Fly checklist and confirm that they understand and agree to our policies. These include:
Acknowledging that you haven't had any symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days
Agreeing that you will not fly if you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 21 days
Confirming that you will follow all policies regarding face masks, social distancing and other health and safety measures we've adopted
4. Arrive early; avoid the stress
Airports can be busy, especially during peak travel periods like spring break season. The TSA advises arriving at the airport two hours before your flight for domestic travel and three hours for international travel in anticipation of long security lines. This can help ease the stress when navigating busy check-in areas, security lines and crowded boarding gates.
5. Get familiar with CleanPlus
United CleanPlus℠ is our commitment to delivering industry-leading cleanliness as we put health and safety at the forefront of your experience. We've teamed up with Clorox to redefine our cleaning and disinfection procedures and Cleveland Clinic to advise us on enhancing our cleaning and disinfection protocols, like:
Disinfecting high-touch areas on board and in the terminal
Using electrostatic spraying, Ultraviolet C lighting wands and more advanced measures to clean aircraft cabins before boarding
Redesigning our mobile app to allow for touchless check-in and contactless payment, along with enhanced travel assistance features
Implementing high-efficiency (HEPA) filters on our aircraft that completely recirculate cabin air every 2-3 minutes and remove 99.97% of airborne particles, including viruses and bacteria
Studies show COVID-19 exposure risk is minimal when air filtration systems and masks are in use, so you can rest assured that the steps we've taken to keep you safe truly make a difference.
6. Wear your mask
Federal law requires all travelers to wear a face mask in the airport, including customer service counters, airport lounges, gates and baggage claim, and on board during their entire flight. Make sure you review the requirements for face masks, including what an acceptable face mask looks like.
7. Get ready for a safer boarding process
To make boarding even safer, we now have travelers board their aircraft from back to front. At the gate, just listen for your row number to be called – we'll ask a few rows at a time to board, starting with the last row of the plane. This helps everyone maintain a safe distance from each other during boarding without slowing things down. As you step onto the plane, flight attendants will hand each passenger a sanitizing towelette, which you can use to wipe down your seat to ensure it's extra clean.
8. Pack smart
Before packing your bags, check to see what exactly you can carry on and what you should plan to check. You can also copy your confirmation number into our Baggage Calculator tool to learn about the bag allowance included with your reservation, as well as the cost of checking any additional bags.
9. Check your flight status, important notices and weather
Check the United app regularly for the latest updates on weather conditions, flight status, gate numbers and seat assignments. You can also visit our Important Notices page to find essential information and updates about travel waivers, international travel, TSA and security, airports and United Club locations.
10. Relax and enjoy your flight
Once you're on board, it's time to sit back and enjoy your flight. Our flight attendants will be happy to help you with anything else you need.
This week, we were honored to become the first U.S. airline to join the UNICEF Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative to combat the COVID-19 pandemic by transporting the vaccine and other critically needed supplies to underserved areas of the globe.
"We are committed to helping the global community in any way we can, and we all must work together to do our part to bring this health and humanitarian crisis to an end," said Director of Cargo Specialty Products Manu Jacobs.
We will leverage our expertise to transport these critical pharmaceutical and healthcare shipments around the world safely, efficiently and expediently. We are proud to partner with the United Nations to support this global effort and provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Together, we are facing an unprecedented challenge. United Together, we rise to meet that challenge.
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Calling all AvGeeks and travelers! Take your next video call from a United Polaris® seat, the cockpit or cruising altitude with United-themed backgrounds for use on Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Newly added to our collection is a background encouraging our employees and customers to vote. Our mission is to connect people and unite the world — and one of the most important ways to do that is to engage in the democratic process. No matter which party you support, we know our democracy will be stronger if you make your voice heard and vote.
So for your next meeting or catch up with friends and family, download the app to either your computer or mobile device to get started.
To use on Zoom:
- Start here by downloading your favorite United image to your computer or mobile device. Just click "download" in the bottom left corner of the image.
- Next go to your Zoom app (you'll need to download the app to access backgrounds) and click on the arrow to the right of your video camera icon in the bottom of the screen.
- From here select, "choose virtual background" to upload your uniquely United photo.
To use on Microsoft Teams:
- Start by downloading your favorite United image to your computer. Just click "download" in the bottom left corner of the image.
- If you're using a PC, copy the image you want to use into this folder:
- C:\[insert your device user name here]\AppData\Microsoft\Teams\Backgrounds\Uploads
- If you're using a Mac copy the images to this folder on your computer:
- /users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Teams/Backgrounds/Uploads
- If you're using a PC, copy the image you want to use into this folder:
- Once you start a Teams meeting, click the "…" in the menu bar and select "Show background effects" and your image should be there
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20 UCSF Health workers, who voluntarily set aside their own lives to help save lives, are on their way to New York City.
We are humbled by your selfless sacrifice.
Thank you.
#UnitedTogether #UCSFHeroes
In celebration and appreciation of all first responders and essential workers. 👏🏻👏🏼👏🏽👏🏾👏🏿
This is the story of Jason and Shantel. You see, Jason and Shantel love each other very much. They also love traveling and they love the classic Adam Sandler film, The Wedding Singer.
It all began when Jason reached out to United's social media team, hoping for assistance with his upcoming plan to propose. Some phone calls and one borrowed guitar later, the stage was set for Jason. Put all that together, mix in some helpful United employees and, voila, you have a truly memorable marriage proposal. Congratulations to this fun-loving and happy couple, and here's to many more years of making beautiful music together.
A big thank you to Chicago-based flight attendants Donna W., Marie M., Karen J. and Mark K. for making this proposal come to life.
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