Editor’s letter

Even the most well-intentioned changes can leave people behind. Electric vehicles, for instance, are essential to secure the future of our planet but not everybody can afford one. Andrew Tuck muses on the need to step back and think about the cost of ‘progress’.
The Opener

Mexico’s panda conundrum and Jetstar’s mid-air reversal. Plus: Swedish director Ruben Östlund on his Oscar-nominated film, Triangle of Sadness.
In on the act

Our writer reveals his secret life as a stand-in spectator at some of the best shows that theatre has to offer.
Moulding minds

A workshop in Florence reveals the mysteries of classical sculpture. Our correspondent gets hands-on to see it all take shape.
Outside, looking in

After 15 years in exile, the award-winning actress and film-maker speaks out about Iran’s ‘corrupt’ government and how she has channelled her emotions into her prescient film, ‘Holy Spider’.
Plotting a downfall

High in the Swiss Alps, Fabrice Meyer and his security team trigger minor avalanches to prevent major disasters.
Is the future electric?

We all know the promise: a green driving future thanks to electric vehicles. But there are some bumps in the road and, beyond compact, wealthy cities, is the world really ready? We hit the road to find out.
Dividing lines

The political will to reunite Cyprus has vanished. That’s why the isolated Turks are hoping for international recognition and building for tourists. Will they ever come?
Ground rules

Famed for its wine and food production, this idyllic New Zealand outpost has quietly become a fertile agritech hub.
A common-sense manifesto

After the upheavals of the past few years, the world of business is in urgent need of a change in culture. Here are some tips to nudge it in the right direction.
Show and tell

The launch of Art SG has put Singapore firmly on the map for galleries and collectors alike. Is the city-state Southeast Asia’s new art hub?
Do cultural boycotts work?

In the midst of occupation, is it ever effective to ban a nation’s ballet, strike its artistic output from an institution’s syllabi or prevent musicians from playing on its soil? As Russia’s brutal war continues, our panel considers the efficacy of cultural boycotts.
Dress for success

Bringing stories to life in ultra-high-resolution film requires companies that care about the details – and when it comes to the outfits that appear on screen, Peris Costumes is the sartorial star of the show.
Hit squad

From a magical-realist tale of life in a South Korean village to the latest beats to get the dance floor jumping, we survey this month’s cultural highlights.
Choice cuts

What’s on the cultural agenda for the months ahead? Ten in-the-know critics reveal the films, television shows, music, exhibitions, dance events and theatre offerings that should be on your radar.
Wizard of Aus

Iwan Iwanoff’s architecture, once out of place and ahead of its time, has earned a new legion of 21st-century admirers.
Out of the past

For more than 150 years, Danish furniture brand Fritz Hansen has fostered the nation’s gifted designers. Now it is finally building an archive to celebrate its history.
Back to my place

European fabric factories are suddenly luxury brands in themselves – all thanks to a reshoring trend that’s continuing to boom.
True romance

Valentino’s creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli, is targeting hearts, not minds – and bringing the Italian luxury house into the future by drawing on its past.
What to wear

‘Always dress up a little more than you have to.’ That was the message that Monocle heard at Florence’s menswear trade show. To achieve this yourself, start with your feet – and slip into the smart shoes that are just as comfortable as trainers.
Up to speed

Push your wardrobe to the limit this spring with earthy colours and easy fits to stay comfy come rain or shine.
Hidden gems

The small Japanese town of Yame, and its surrounding countryside, is pulling in visitors with its new inn and craft heritage.
Get your fill

Our pick of the most interesting (not to mention delicious) spots at which to eat and drink, from a new pasta place in Tokyo to a haven for wine lovers in Marrakech. Plus: an intriguing eating-for-two cookbook and three tasty meals to make for yourself from our Swiss chef.
For starters

Les Nouvelles Tables du Gourmet is a fresh culinary experience for Paris – an entire floor of the Galeries Lafayette dedicated to chefs rising through their field, with a focus on delicious street food. Mall dining is rarely so tastefully presented... or, well, tasty.
Under cover

Our new title, ‘Spain: The Monocle Handbook’ is packed with our editors’ tips and rundown of where to stay, eat and unwind. Plus: we offer expert advice from those in the know and insights on how to put down roots. We share a teaser of what’s inside but for more, you can order your copy today at monocle.com/shop.
Table talk

The Spanish food scene has just the right mix of old-world charm and innovation. Here we offer a rundown of culinary institutions and those with the makings of future classics, from a smart bar in Madrid to a laid-back bistro in sunny Seville.
Shore thing

To round-off our whistle-stop rundown of our new book, we make for Spain’s sandy outskirts and visit a few of our favourite seaside haunts. Plus: three not-to-be-missed island escapes.
Hat’s off to you

A deftly deployed hat can add a sense of occasion and elegance to everyday life – plus some formality, fun and eccentricity too. Styles change but family-owned Lock & Co Hatters has existed since 1676.

Inventory: Spain book preview / Spain

Shore thing

To round-off our whistle-stop rundown of our new book, we make for Spain’s sandy outskirts and visit a few of our favourite seaside haunts. Plus: three not-to-be-missed island escapes.

Best beaches

Playa de la Concha

San Sebastián

San Sebastián might have made a name for itself as a food lover’s paradise but it has plenty to offer sun-worshippers too. Playa de la Concha, a crescent-shaped stretch with views of Isla Santa Clara, sits in the heart of the city and acts as a playground for sunbathers and surfers alike. It’s widely considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful city beaches.

Islas Cíes

Galicia

Galicia might not compete with the rest of Spain when it comes to hours of sunshine but it is home to some of the country’s most beautiful and pristine beaches. The Islas Cíes – a rocky archipelago off the coast of Vigo – have no cars, no hotels and strictly limited visitor numbers, which lends them a beguiling air of Robinson Crusoe remoteness.

Playa de los Lances

Tarifa, Andalucía

Located at the southernmost tip of Spain, the town of Tarifa is one of the world’s premier destinations for wind sports – it is affectionately known among residents as The City of Wind. Playa de los Lances is its nearest beach and offers both golden sands and crashing waves, blowing in kite surfers from around the world.

Three sandy island escapes

Platja de ses Illetes Formentera

This pristine bit of coastline is only a short hop on a boat from neighbouring Ibiza.

Playa el Bollullo
Tenerife
On the northern coast, Playa el Bollullo is only accessible by foot but is worth the hike.

Cala Macarelleta
Menorca
Take the Camí de Cavalls, an ancient pine tree-shaded path that encircles the island, from one of the nearby coves, to reach this secluded spot.

Platja de la Patacona

Valencia

Spain’s third-largest city is perhaps its beachiest, with kilometres of sand easily accessible from the centre. Furthest from the busy palm tree-lined promenade is Platja de la Patacona. Valencians head to this golden stretch for the lively chiringuitos (beach bars), volleyball courts and people-watching opportunities from the comfort of your rented hammock or sun lounger.

Shall we show you around?

Welcome to Spain. Monocle’s sunny new book is available to order now and directs you to the best beaches, bars and ateliers – don’t leave home without it.

A guide like no other

Monocle’s new handbook series looks beyond the tourist haunts to tout a nation’s best hospitality, design, retail and craft offering – not to mention what it might be like to stay longer than a few days and put down roots. Spain: The Monocle Handbook, published with Thames & Hudson, is a lively rundown of all this enchanting Iberian nation has to offer. Order your copy today at monocle.com/shop

Images: Luis Diaz, Salva Lopez

Editor’s letter

The Opener

In on the act

Moulding minds

Outside, looking in

Plotting a downfall

Is the future electric?

Dividing lines

Ground rules

A common-sense manifesto

Show and tell

Do cultural boycotts work?

Dress for success

Hit squad

Choice cuts

Wizard of Aus

Out of the past

Back to my place

True romance

What to wear

Up to speed

Hidden gems

Get your fill

For starters

Under cover

Table talk

Shore thing

Hat’s off to you

Jumping ship

Affairs

Up in arms

Business

Culture

Urbanism

Stepping up

Cold war modern

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