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A woman who has visited 100 countries has revealed the one that stands out above all others as she reflects on her globe-trotting adventures
08:22, 10 Oct 2025Updated 08:23, 10 Oct 2025
A woman who’s visited 100 countries has named her favourite location (stock image)(Image: GETTY)
A globe-trotting woman who has explored 100 countries has revealed which destination reigns supreme above all others. Marta Luisa García, 52, has dedicated much of her life to roaming the planet, journeying everywhere from Namibia to Europe‘s grand capitals and far beyond.
Her wanderlust began when her elder brother received an Atlas for his First Communion, leaving her captivated by the nations within its pages. This grew into an obsession with travel programmes on the telly as she became enthralled by their tales.
Yet among all the spectacular marvels she’s witnessed, Marta, hailing from A Coruña, Spain, has confessed to having a clear favourite, reports the Express.
Marta’s favourite country
Chatting to La Voz De Galicia, Marta revealed her adoration for tropical shores including the Maldives but particularly Bora Bora in French Polynesia. Regarding the latter, she declared: “For me, French Polynesia is a dream trip.”
French Polynesia stands as an overseas territory of France, comprising islands such as Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Mo’orea. A standard flight deal to the island haven of Bora Bora – roughly 9,500 miles distant in the South Pacific – can begin from £2,200 per person.
However, those fortunate enough to have visited insist it’s worth every single penny, boasting crystal-clear turquoise waters to discover, stunning scenery and Maldives-style overwater retreats.
Most visited spots
Marta confessed that her love for travel wasn’t limited to French Polynesia. She revealed that France and Italy were the countries she had visited most frequently, attributing this to their proximity and affordability, stating: “I’ve been to France for £10 return.”
Despite having travelled extensively, Marta still has a few destinations left on her bucket list. She shared: “Today, of the seven wonders of the world, only Machu Picchu remains for me to see. I haven’t been to Peru, but I’m terrified of altitude sickness.”
Other favourites of world travellers
Marta isn’t the only globetrotter with favouite destinations. Earlier this year, Cameron Mofid, who has visited every UN-recognised country and territory, also shared his top picks.
After completing his global tour in April with a trip to North Korea, he spoke about his favourite countries and territories, two of which are currently subject to travel warnings from the UK’s FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office).
In a conversation with CNN, he singled out Algeria and Yemen as standout destinations. Speaking about Algeria, he said: “It’s one of my favourite countries in the whole world. The countries that receive the least amount of tourism are often the ones where you have the best experience, because you feel totally immersed in their culture.”
Meanwhile, Yemen caught his eye due to the sensation of stepping back in time. He remarked: “To see people dress the same way that they were hundreds if not thousands of years ago. To see people living in mud houses, to see people still using flip phones.”
VICKY Pattison’s next Strictly performance is hanging in the balance, as she revealed she has been battling a “mystery bug”, hours before the next live show.
Former Geordie Shore star Vicky, 37, has revealed she has been battling an illness this week whilst trying to rehearse for tomorrow night’s show.
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Vicky Pattison revealed she is battling a ‘mystery bug’Credit: Instagram
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The star shared the news on Instagram todayCredit: Instagram
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Vicky has been wowing on the Strictly dance floorCredit: Instagram
Vicky, who is partnered on this series with pro Kai Widdrington, took to Instagram to reveal her plight.
The star shared two pics of herself – one looking glam, the other looking a bit exhausted.
Vicky wrote next to the snaps: “Can we just take a moment for my glam team, stylist and the strictly angels who helped turn me from this feral little rat who looks like they live under a bridge and demands riddles to cross into THIS???!!
“Lads it’s been a WEEK… strictly rehearsals, mystery bug, VT’s, Erc away, my clothing collection launch… and I just don’t want anyone thinking I look too glam to give a damn all the time..
“I just thought it was important to show you all both sides of the coin… she LOVES to be a glam girly don’t get me wrong but there’s a hell of a lot of the time I look more like an exhausted little troll.”
The reality star wowed on the dancefloor last weekend, but was shown looking very anxious before she performed.
Vicky told us: “Everybody knows I’m super nervous about this entire process, I’m just a gobby girl from the north east doing her best.
“The dancing, the being out my comfort zone, learning something new, being judged by the public is also terrifying.
“But the one element that made me feel really excited and I had no reservations about at all was definitely being Strictlyfied.
Vicky Pattison breaks down in tears as she reveals secret battle ahead of Strictly Come Dancing debut
“I’m sorry but the tan, the hair, the glam! I’ve been preparing for this for like 25 years.
“Like, I didn’t even have to change my fake tan routine at all — this girl was ready.”
Vicky also admitted that people constantly underestimate her and in the 14 years since she shot to fame on MTV series Geordie Shore, has always been a bit of an underdog.
It was something the popular star also faced when she was a contestant on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity a decade ago.
She said: “Winning the jungle was the best moment of my life, maybe tied with the day that I got married to Ercan.
“Everybody just wanted us out initially. Obviously I was in there and in me bubble and I’m actually really grateful for that, you know.
“But I learned afterwards everyone was like: ‘Get her out. We don’t want her in here. Reality TV scum blah, blah, blah.’
Winning tip: an away day in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides
I’d recommend visiting the Outer Hebrides island of Berneray for an experience of true remoteness. Here you can walk across the rare grassland called the machair to the white, three-mile long West Beach, which looks out into the North Atlantic, and marvel at the immense space and colour of the sea. We stayed at a Gatliff Hebridean hostel, which consists of two converted crofts where for about £20 a night for a bunk you will be staying in probably one of the most peaceful locations in the world. Berneray is between North Uist and Harris. Nik Fernee
Ancient and modern digs in the Highlands
Brochs of Coigach are stone dwellings north of Ullapool in Scotland’s far north-west. Photograph: John Paul
Perched above the sea in remote Achiltibuie, the Brochs of Coigach are two stunning stone dwellings that blend ancient design with modern luxury. With panoramic views of the Summer Isles, red deer grazing nearby and sea eagles overhead, it’s a true escape into the wild. Visit in autumn for fiery sunsets, crisp air and a chance to see the northern lights. The midges are gone, the beach below is perfect for evening walks and the silence is unforgettable. Dean
Greek island without the crowds
Astypalaia is one of the more remote Greek islands. Photograph: Hemis/Alamy
Astypalaia has the same pretty, white-washed houses you see on famous Greek islands, but it’s far less busy. The main town, Chora, is beautiful, with buildings leading up a hill to an old castle. We rented a small apartment and spent our days on quiet pebble beaches that we had almost to ourselves. It’s a genuinely peaceful place where you can properly switch off from the noise of modern life. This Dodecanese island is the focus of a scheme for emission-free transport, with generous grants to replace petrol and diesel vehicles with electric ones. Roy
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Under the stars of Carmarthenshire
Y Caban was crafted from the local forests of Carmarthenshire
We woke to birdsong and the sounds of a rushing brook and ate breakfast while the morning light streamed through the windows of Y Caban, near the village of Login in Carmarthenshire. Hearing its story of being created from local forests was as fascinating as the walk through the tall woods that surround it. We watched red kites soar over the valley before stargazing under a sky free from light pollution. Such tranquility and connection with nature is hard to find in the UK these days, but the benefits are palpable – we left rested and refreshed, more so than any recent holiday. Hannah
Magical Irish castle
Annes Grove Miniature Castle
We stayed at the Annes Grove Miniature Castle in Castletownroche, County Cork, near to the ruined Augustinian Bridgetown Priory and Blackwater Castle, in what felt like the middle of nowhere. It was magical. The Irish Landmark Trust has renovated it for people to stay in, complete with a wood-burning stove and comfy gothic bed. I found there to be nothing like having a whiskey by the fire surrounded by beautiful nature – and being able to say you spent a weekend in a castle, how cool is that! Lotte
Delta ‘on the edge of the world’, Romania
White pelicans (pictured) and Dalmatian pelicans are found in the delta. Photograph: Porojnicu/Getty Images
The Danube Delta in Romania feels like the edge of the world at the eastern frontier of the EU. Accessible by boat from the port of Tulcea, it is one of Europe’s largest and most vital wetland ecosystems and is full of wildlife. We stayed at the Delta Boutique & Carmen Silva Resort in Crișan, an old working fishing village where tranquil evenings are broken only by the lively chorus of frogs. Guided boat safaris, including to see pelicans, can be arranged through the hotel. Josh
‘Shrouded in fog and empty space’ in the Faroe Islands
Gjógv is a village of turf-roofed cottages. Photograph: Caroline Brundle Bugge/Getty Images
Some years ago, having read Girl, Interrupted author Susanna Kaysen’s bleakly beautiful account of an anthropologist’s stay in the Faroe Islands (Far Afield), I took myself to what is now the Hotel Djurhuus on the edge of the capital, Tórshavn, to experience the archipelago for myself. Expertly guided by Tora tours, I endured a dreadful but thankfully short sea crossing to Mykines to see puffins, visited the beautiful villages of Saksun (population: eight) and Gjógv (a metropolis of 31 inhabitants) and explored Tinganes, location of the islands’ parliament. It was the most wonderful, wild and remote August week, shrouded in fog and empty space. Abigail
Off-grid in Northumberland
The River Coquet in Northumberland national park. Photograph: David Taylor Photography/Alamy
Last October we had a wonderful week in the most remote part of Northumberland – the Upper Coquet valley. Our stay was an off-grid, simple bunk barn called Nightfold at the top of the valley. We spent a week living like woodland creatures in autumn – eating heartily, keeping ourselves warm (thanks to the wood-burning stove) and sleeping. In the daytime, we did long walks where we didn’t see a single other person – only sheep, deer, birds and squirrels. At night there were endless stars, the Milky Way and reading by candlelight. Bliss. Ben
Free camping in Portugal’s mountains
The Serra da Estrela mountains. Photograph: ARoxo/Getty Images
The sleepy villages of continental Portugal’s highest mountain range, the Serra da Estrela, are a world away from the coastal honeypots of Lisbon and Porto. In Vila Cova à Coelheira there is a free campsite on the banks of the Alva river, reached via an old Roman bridge that you can swim under (or jump in from if you’re feeling brave). Even better, there is a bar at the river beach that serves excellent pica-pau – pork braised in wine, with onions and pickles. During my stay there I never encountered more than one or two others camping. David
Croatia’s Mljet island is not for the jet set
A monastery on a lake on the island of Mljet in Croatia. Photograph: Vedrana2701/Alamy
Away from Dubrovnik’s cruise-ship crowds, Mljet island feels like another world: pine forests dipping into turquoise bays, an ancient monastery on a tiny islet in the middle of a saltwater lake, and hardly a sound beyond cicadas and the wind. I stayed in a simple family-run cottage just outside the national park gates, where evenings meant grilled fish on the terrace and nights under skies thick with stars. Days were spent kayaking across mirror-still water and walking through pine-scented trails where I rarely met another soul. It felt like stepping into a slower rhythm of life, a corner of Europe the 21st century has politely passed by. Mark Adamson
LOVE foreplay but have a lazy partner? Then Christmas has come early — ahem.
Meet The Poet by Smile Makers. Made with clever air-suction technology, this toy is no ordinary vibrator.
The Poet is “designed for earth-shattering clitoral orgasms”Credit: Olivia West
The Poet, £79.95 £55.95 from Smile Makers
It’s designed for earth-shattering clitoral orgasms. Add a bit of lube, and it practically mimics real oral sex — a godsend for those of us whose partners skip foreplay… or are single.
As a devoted fan of oral, I like to make it the main course — who needs guys anyway?
Its silky-smooth silicone material feels amazing against the skin, and with three interchangeable heads, you can find your perfect fit.
It’s already racking up glowing reviews and boasts a 4.7-star rating online — so guys, consider yourselves warned!
Who’s it best for? It’s been designed specifically for women, though you can use the clever tip on your partner’s nipples if you fancy spicing things up — trust me, men love it! That said, this toy really shines for women, solo play and anyone who loves oral sex.
What I loved: All Smile Makers products are made from silky-smooth silicone that moulds to your body. The clitoral suction vibrator comes with three interchangeable heads, so you can find your perfect fit for maximum pleasure. Plus, the clever air-suction technology keeps it whisper-quiet — ideal if you’re heading home for Christmas or staying with the in-laws.
What I didn’t: Honestly? It’s hard to find a flaw with this product. If anything, the packaging could be a little sexier — though perhaps that’s a clever marketing move to make it look more discreet.
How I tested The Poet
As The Sun’s Sexpert, I’ve tried my fair share of vibratorsCredit: Olivia West
The Poet, £79.95 £55.95 from Smile Makers
As The Sun’s Sexpert, I’ve tried my fair share of vibrators over the years — you can read my round-up of the best sex toys for women.
Where possible, I test the toys by myself, and then my partner is usually roped in for a test drive (not that he ever minds!).
The Nitty Gritty
First impressions
Okay, so the packaging could be a little more enticing, but once opened, the toy itself is very pretty and female-friendly.
Its purple-rose design is elegant enough to sit on your bedside table — no need to hide it away in a drawer.
The instructions are simple to follow, and the toy is easy to use.
Does it… Deliver?
This is one of the best suction toys I’ve triedCredit: Olivia West
The Poet, £79.95 £55.95 from Smile Makers
As someone who loves oral sex, I can honestly say this is one of the best air-suction toys I’ve tried.
I actually prefer it to toys from Womanizer, one of the first brands to use this kind of clitoral stimulation technology.
It’s more comfortable to use, gentler yet somehow more powerful, and much prettier too.
Add plenty of lube and it really can feel as good — if not better — than the real thing.
It really can feel as good — if not better — than the real thing.
And yes, lads, you might want to be a little worried about that!
It’s also waterproof, so you can elevate your bathroom game with a cheeky solo session in the shower or bath.
Plus, it’s rechargeable (no more faffing about with batteries) and comes with a cute satin bag to tuck it away in.
How much is The Poet?
At £79.95, it’s cheaper than its racy rival, the Womanizer, as well as Lelo’s Sona 2, which, until trying this, was the best I’d tried.
Plus, it’s currently on sale for £55.95.
Lelo’s Sona 2 is pricier at £100.62 (currently on sale).
So, while this toy is a little up there in price, it’s still more affordable than many other premium brands — and it comes with a two-year guarantee.
Orgasms that are insured — what’s not to love?
Where to buy The Poet
Thanks to the sale, the best place to buy The Poet is probably the Smile Makers website.
It also uses clever air-tech suction technology and is waterproof, but it’s not as comfortable to hold as The Poet, which seems to mould perfectly to the body.
The place is so cheap that a travel journalist was once laughed out of a nightclub because he paid the equivalent of 55p for a local tasty pie, which should have been close to free
Asuncion in Paraguay is the world’s cheapest city(Image: IG)
If you’re seeking maximum value for your holiday budget and fancy somewhere completely off the beaten track, then this destination fits the bill perfectly. Asunción, Paraguay‘s capital, officially holds the title of the world’s cheapest city, yet tourists still aren’t flocking there in droves.
The place is so incredibly affordable that travel journalist Rob Crossan was once ridiculed in a nightclub after paying the equivalent of 55p for a local delicious pie, which should have cost virtually nothing.
Mr Crossan believed he’d secured a bargain with the ham and cheese empanada, roughly the size of a travel pillow, but locals in the nightclub were left in stitches, offering him their condolences for purchasing “the most expensive” one in Paraguay.
That incident occurred back in 2007, yet the city has maintained its budget-friendly reputation whilst remaining largely untouched by mass tourism, reports the Express.
The city took its name from the Feast of the Assumption celebrated there on August 15, 1537. Its population expanded four years later when Buenos Aires was abandoned in 1541 following an assault by the Pampa Indians, with residents fleeing to Asunción.
It subsequently served as the centre of Spanish colonial operations in eastern South America for nearly half a century before Buenos Aires was re-established. Today it boasts numerous flowering trees and several expansive parks.
Alongside the river, suburban structures remain colonial in character, whilst the city centre is contemporary with towering buildings. The cathedral, presidential palace, and the Pantheon (tomb) of Heroes, a smaller replica of the Invalides in Paris, are all must-see attractions built in the 19th century.
In most cities across Paraguay, parades are held to celebrate the founding of Asuncion. These events offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s culture, music, and traditional dress.
Historical sites such as the Palacio de los López or the Church of La Encarnación are worth visiting to learn more about the founding of Asuncion and its significance in Paraguayan history.
Don’t miss out on trying traditional Paraguayan dishes like sopa paraguaya (a cheesy cornbread) or chipa (a type of bread). Food festivals or cooking demonstrations are also great ways to discover more about the local cuisine.
Firework displays are a common sight in many Paraguayan cities as they celebrate the founding of Asuncion with spectacular shows. For the adventurous tourists, joining a traditional dance group during the festivities is an option.
A TikTok has named the top five countries that Brits are moving to – and you’d be surprised to find out that it’s not Australia in the top choice
Italy just made it into the top five with 6231 choosing to move there in 2023(Image: Getty Images)
Spain has been revealed as the top choice for Brits looking to relocate abroad, according to a TikTok video. The reason is quite typical, but it makes a lot of sense.
The laid-back lifestyle, warmer temperatures and stunning beaches are among the main reasons why Brits are choosing Spain over other countries.
While Australia might seem like an obvious choice for many, the long distance from the UK often deters people from making the move. Spain, on the other hand, offers similar benefits to Australia but without the lengthy journey, making it easier for Brits to return home when needed.
In 2023, approximately 93,000 Brits decided to move abroad, the TikTok video revealed. The top five destinations for Brits included Italy, France, Australia, America and of course, Spain.
Italy just made it into the top five, welcoming 6,231 Brits in 2023. The country’s beautiful coastlines, stunning scenery and delicious cuisine are among the top reasons why it’s a favourite relocation destination.
France, which is one of the closest European countries to the UK, ranked fourth, with 9,393 Brits moving there. Despite its proximity, France offers a variety of landscapes that are notably different from those in the UK, including countryside and beaches.
In third place, Australia has attracted 10,416 Brits to its shores. It’s no surprise that this far-flung destination is a favourite among Brits, with its unique culture and stunning landscapes making it a dream relocation spot.
The United States takes the second spot, with 12,648 Brits choosing to call it home. The vast landscapes and endless opportunities of this English-speaking nation are a major draw for many. The rumours of British hating Americans, and vice versa, might be a myth after all.
And bagging the top spot is Spain, with 13,113 Brits swapping their UK homes for the sunny European country. According to the latest available data, there are around 293,000 to 300,000 registered British expats in Spain. Popular cities include Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Tenerife and Benidorm.
With its enviable lifestyle and proximity to the UK, it’s no wonder Spain is the number one choice for Brits looking to relocate – and it’s totally understandable!
PRINCE Harry and Meghan have been named Humanitarians of the Year at a glitzy gala in New York.
The Duke and Duchess jetted to the city to accept the gong which recognised their efforts in mental health advocacy.
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Prince Harry and Meghan have been named Humanitarians of the YearCredit: Reuters
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They attended a glam gala in New York to accept the gongCredit: Getty
The couple were announced as Project Healthy Minds’ Humanitarians of the Year award on Thursday at a glam awards bash.
The nonprofit’s World Mental Health Day Gala saw the couple feted in a flashy ceremony held at Spring Studios.
Prince Harry and Meghan have close ties to the charity and have collaborated extensively with them in the past.
They were awarded the accolade for their work in building a safer digital world for families and young people as well as their global mental health work.
Alongside Meghan, Prince Harry co-founded The Archewell Foundation in 2020 with a mission to “show up, do good”.
Through the foundation, they established The Parent’s Network in 2023 – a support network for parents and families who have been impacted by “social media harms”.
That year, Harry and Meghan said their two children, Prince Archie, 6 and Princess Lillibet, 4, were the inspiration behind their charity work.
On Saturday, they will also attend the Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival where they previously launched The Parent’s Network.
The Sussexes released a statement ahead of the gala which said: “Working with families and young people to prioritise safety online has been some of the most meaningful work of our lives.
“As parents ourselves, we have been moved to action by the power of their stories and are honoured to support them.
Meghan Markle makes surprise appearance at Balenciaga show during Paris Fashion Week in solo trip to Europe
“We’re proud to be long-time partners of Project Healthy Minds as we work together to shine a light on what remains one of the most pressing issues of our time.”
But the award comes at an awkward time for Prince Harry after an African country cut ties with a “disrespectful” charity associated with the Duke.
Harry is a board member for African Parks and was the former president of the organisation.
The Sun reported on Tuesday that Chad announced it has axed a mandate held by a non-profit conservation group associated with the Duke of Sussex to manage its wildlife reserves.
They alleged the charity was not active enough in trying to stop poaching, as reported by The Times.
It marks the termination of a 15-year partnership between the charity and government.
His move came after a damning report accused him of “harming” its reputation.
The Duke of Sussex was slammed by a watchdog for letting a bullying row damage his African youth charity.
But he continues to work tirelessly for his Invictus Games Foundation, and the UK charity WellChild and is working with Halo Trust, 28 years after his mother did the same.
Torquay, which sits at the northern end of Torbay in Devon, is a town that attracts as much hate as it does love so one reporter went to find out why
Milo Boyd is a Digital Travel reporter who covers aviation news, the environment, the cruise industry and much else including travel tips, bargain holiday suggestions and inspirational global trips.
Stand on the boardwalk of Torquay when the sun is shining, and it’s easy to forget you’re in the UK and not on the Med.
Rows of palm trees sway in the breeze, the sea laps onto a long sandy beach and white art-deco buildings sit on the hill above. Look a bit harder, however, and there are signs you’re in the English rather than the French Riviera.
I’ve not visited Saint-Tropez before, but I’m fairly confident fish and chip shops, bucket and spade emporiums and 2p arcades aren’t major fixtures on the Côte d’Azur. The average July day in the Devon town of 50,000 is 20C and a bit cloudy, while the French Riviera enjoys 29C days of sunshine and blue skies.
Comparisons between the Devonshire coastline and the glitzy French region originated in the Victorian era, when visitors compared the warm microclimate and beautiful scenery of Torbay, a 22-mile stretch of the South Devon coast with Torquay at its northern end, to the 186 miles of the original Riviera.
While the French Riviera is sometimes criticised for being too hot, a bit snobby, and expensive, Torquay occasionally comes in for harsh words of a different variety. In fact, it seems to get a disproportionate amount of heat. Last year, a Which? survey named Torquay as Brits’ least favourite seaside town, while The Telegraph named it as its 13th worst coastal spot. Even one of my cabbies stuck a boot in, condemning the high street as a “dump”.
How the judges of those competitions came to their conclusion is something of a mystery to me, and their poor taste in coastal spots is obvious. After a weekend break in Torbay, I came away enchanted and intrigued by Torquay — a seaside town that is unlike any other I’ve come across in the UK.
One of the town’s strongest and most delicious qualities is its food. Of course, you can get a classic cod and chips every 10m along the seafront as you can in most UK seaside towns, but Torquay also offers a lot more.
I was lucky enough to get a whistle-stop tour of the town’s culinary scene through an invitation to the 7 Chefs event on October 4. Over the course of seven hours, guests experience seven different seafood dishes, each created by a different chef and served in a different independent restaurant.
The annual event is a hot ticket, stopping off as it does at the Michelin-starred Elephant for a spot of braised octopus, brother-and-sister-run Ollie’s for a very generous lobster thermidor, delicately prepared oysters at No.7 Fish Bistro and Offshore to try its katsu take on mussels.
If you love gorging yourself on the highest-grade seafood and British-produced wines going, then this is the event for you. It may take place just once a year and cost £120, but you’ll need a good 364 days’ break to digest once you’ve taken on diver-caught scallops at The Yacht, a not-so-mini portion of fish and chips at Pier Point, and cheese and too much port at Twenty1 Lounge.
“Lightweight,” one of my new gourmet pals called after me as he got another couple of reds in for good measure, while I heaved my creaking body into a taxi.
The event is also run in Brixham on the other side of the bay. The multi-coloured, boutique village is home to one of England’s biggest fishing markets and eateries, including Olive, The Prince William, and The Mermaid, where many of the 40 fish and shellfish species landed here are eaten.
Torquay is sometimes called ‘the Queen of the English Riviera’, and for good reason. On a sunny day, the grand art deco houses crest the hill overlooking the bay, twinkling in the sunshine like jewels in a crown.
Torbay sits just past the western end of the Jurassic Coast and is made up of Devonian limestones cut through with red ochre deposits. These create a complex landscape with features like the wave-cut Berry Head platform and natural caverns.
On Sunday afternoon, Nigel Smallbones, the ranger at Berry Head Nature Reserve for a 27 year stint, showed me around, pointing out where the 1,600-guillemot-strong colony roosts, the cave system where his son monitors the 56 resident horseshoe bats, and how rock fans come from as far away as China to enjoy the geology.
Half an hour’s drive round the bay found me down within the rock formations at Kents Cavern — a prehistoric cave system excavated by some hard-as-nails Victorians. It’s a dramatic place that keeps delivering major scientific discoveries, including the jawbone of a Neolithic girl probably eaten by cave hyenas, and a massive bear skull.
If a tour of the stalagmite-and-tite-filled cavern isn’t your thing, then just up the road is a piece of British comedy history — the hotel where John Cleese had the inspiration for Fawlty Towers. Perhaps because of the slightly damning association, the hotel is long gone, replaced by a block of flats and a blue plaque.
Another fundamental difference between the Rivieras is their attitude to boozing. I was genuinely shocked and impressed by how much my fellow restaurant crawlers put away, and how some of them had steady enough stomachs for a fry-up on a sunrise boat trip the following morning.
You’d struggle to find people of such passion and stern stuff on the French Riviera.
Locals I chatted to conceded that the nightlife in Torquay isn’t what it once was, a number lamenting how two clubs that offered all-you-can-drink for less than a tenner are now long gone. However, the party spirit lives on in the form of the 1,200-capacity Arena Torquay, which hosts an Ibiza throwback night next week, and a row of bars down on the quayside.
Given the marauding groups of stag and hen dos, some dressed in lederhosen in respect of Oktoberfest, Torquay is still considered a good place to party.
Devon’s mild climate and wind mean its growing vineyard scene produces light, crisp wines that pair well with fish—a happy coincidence. Torquay also has a number of gin distilleries. Laurance Traverso, director of the Coastal Distillery Co, poured me a delicious G&T from his base down by the water.
So why the hate?
There is, undeniably, a section of the British public that doesn’t like Torquay. If you arrive on a family holiday and have the misfortune of getting rained on for a week, I can understand it.
Some residents of the town have grown frustrated with the high street and how areas away from the seaside and the gaze of tourists have become run-down. Local Sophie Ellis-Marsden explained: “I avoid that end of town. I don’t have much nice to say, to be honest. The waterfront is lovely, and that’s the only thing that is.
“It’s nice, don’t get me wrong, I moved here from Milton Keynes for the sea, but it needs more work. More shops just seem to be shutting down. Everything’s gone, and I don’t really know why.”
The council seems committed to sorting out these issues. There has been some serious investment, with plenty more in the pipeline. The Strand at the harbourside has been turned into a piazza-style promenade, with wider pedestrian areas for dining and seating, and better public transport links.
A former Debenhams department store is set to be demolished, replaced with new homes, cafés, restaurants, and an upmarket hotel. There are plans in the town centre too, and further development at The Strand, which the council predicted would provide about 80 full-time jobs, £32 million in wages, and bring 86,000 new visitors over a 30-year period. The entire cost of the scheme is reported to be £70 million.
How to visit
The official English Riviera site has plenty of suggestions on where to stay and what to do.
The train from London takes three hours from Paddington to Torquay.
