alternative

South Korea has secured an additional 60 million barrels of alternative oil supplies for May that will replace supplies from the Middle East that have been blocked due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government said Tuesday.

The country has secured a total of 110 million barrels of oil — 50 million for April and 60 million for May — so far from 17 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil and Canada, Yang Ghi-wuk, deputy minister for trade, industry and resource security, said in a regular press briefing.

The amount secured for this month and May each represents about 60 percent and 70 percent, respectively, of monthly oil supplies to South Korea when things run as usual, he added.

Regarding the oil swap system introduced last week, Yang said the country’s major four refiners have submitted plans to borrow more than 30 million barrels under the program, with around 8 million barrels to be delivered this week.

Under the oil swap system, South Korean refiners can borrow crude oil from the national reserve and return the same volume once shipments of their crude supplies secured abroad arrive.

“Refiners have expressed interest in the oil swap system and are willing to utilize it,” he said.

Touching on naphtha, a crucial raw material in petrochemical manufacturing, Yang said he expects imports for the raw material to reach 770,000 tons this month, which will be equivalent to some 70 percent of the amount imported during the same month last year.

Also, the aggregate naphtha supply is projected to reach around 80 to 90 percent of the amount needed for the month on a normal basis when adding around 1.1 million tons of the material produced within the country, Yang added.

“We plan to work with companies to make efforts in securing naphtha supplies once the supplementary budget passes and the extra budget is allocated,” he said.

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A SMALL Spanish coastal city has been named one of the up-and-coming destinations to visit in 2026.

Airbnb has recently announced its 2026 Dupe-It List, with alternative holiday destinations to visit instead of the better known, busier hotspots.

And included on the list is swapping Marbella for Denia, Spain.

Airbnb said: “Situated on the Mediterranean coast of Spain’s Costa Blanca – Denia is a charming port city that might just be the country’s best sun-soaked secret.

“Offering vibrant marina life, tapas-fuelled evenings and Instagram-worthy sea views, travellers can meander through the old town’s cobbled streets, pop into local boutiques, or unwind on nearby beaches for a relaxed, authentic escape that’s every bit as picturesque as its flashier cousin, Marbella.”

The holiday accommodation platform also recommends that visitors stay in Casa Sol, which is an entire townhouse and that the best time to visit is between June and September.

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Denia sits on the Costa Blanca and often dubbed the pearl of the region by locals, according to WTG Spain.

Not only that, but in 1982, the World Health Organisation dubbed the climate as one of the best in the world.

This is because the mountains that back the city stop the cold air from cooling temperatures in the city.

As a result, the microclimate means the seasons don’t change harshly in the city and leads to around 320 days of sunshine a year.

High temperatures tends to sit around 32C during the summer and lows sit around 11C during the winter, though the average annual temperature is a comfortable 19C.

When it comes to making the most of the weather in the city, like many other Spanish coastal cities, Denia has a number of beaches to choose from – including six Blue Flag spots.

For example, Punta del Raset Beach has both soft golden sand and calm waters making perfect for families.

If you fancy heading somewhere a bit more spacious, then opt for Deveses, which is the longest beach in Denia.

One recent visitor said: “A quiet beach, ideal for going with children.

“You can spend all day there, and enjoy the Los Baños bar, both for an aperitif, lunch and even a cocktail in the middle of the afternoon – very clean beach.”

Overlooking the beach, up 60 metres high on a hill, is the famous Denia Castle and Archaeological – an ancient fortress and ruins with panoramic views of the sea.

Otherwise the marina, is where tourists can find some of the city’s waterfront restaurants.

For watersports fans, the marina is where you can head off jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking or even sailing.

You can hop even hop on a ferry to another destination such as Ibiza, just two hours away, which costs around €25 (£21.78) per passenger.

And of course, Denia has an Old Town known as El Barrio – here you will find narrow streets, the Assumption Church and lots of traditional Spanish homes.

Travel writer Amalia Maloney even called the charming destination a ‘goldilocks town’ because it is neither too big or too small.

Fancy leaving the city for some green space? You can also head to Montgó Natural Park.

The park is the ideal spot for keen hikers and wildlife lovers, as it’s home to over 600 plant species and 150 animal species including the Bonelli’s eagle and Peregrine falcon.

The peak of the park sits at a staggering 753 metres – so it isn’t a hike for the faint hearted.

One recent visitor said it was the “most impressive on the Costa Blanca”.

When looking for a bite to eat, visitors won’t spend too much with a mid-range three-course meal for two people likely to set you back €40 (£34.93).

And if you fancy a tipple, such as a beer, it will cost you around €2.20 (£1.92).

In fact, the city has been a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy since 2015 due to culinary traditions being kept up across the city’s 300 plus restaurants, with key dishes including rice-based meals and crimson shrimp.

You can get to Denia by flying to either Valencia or Alicante, where flights are around £14.

From Valencia to Denia it takes around 1hr19 by car, or just over an hour from Alicante.

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If you want to experience the Italian charm, cuisine and history without facing major crowds, swap Rome for a hidden gem on the southeastern heel of the country.

Rome is one of the most popular travel destinations on Earth, thanks to its history, architecture, weather and style.

But for those of us who are tired of navigating hordes of tourists to catch a glimpse of the Fontana di Trevi or queuing up for the best restaurants, there is an alternative.

The southeastern tip of Italy is home to the comune of Lecce, rich in baroque architecture and with the same historical charm that draws millions to the Capital.

Nicknamed the ‘Florence of the South’ for its characteristic style, Lecce has a rich history that is still tangible today in the form of places such as the Church of the Holy Cross (Chiesa di Santa Croce), built in 1353 and completed in 1695, and the Church of Saints Niccolo’ and Cataldo, initially built in 1180.

You’ll also find convents, the Column of St. Oronzo – built to mark the end of the plague – a major Roman-era amphitheatre, three archaeological museums, and Lecce’s own Arc de Triomphe (Arco di Trionfo), said to stand over St. Giusto’s tomb.

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You’ll also find an imposing castle – Il Castello di Carlo V – in which tourists can enjoy cultural tours and seasonal events, originally built by Charles V in the 1500s.

If you like to experience a city by strolling around it, you’re spoiled for choice of where to go in Lecce. The city centre is full of sandstone-coloured grand piazzas, – the biggest one is Piazza del Duomo – ruins and ornate baroque buildings that sit in preserved Roman roads.

Visitors also enjoy the southern Italian tradition of the evening passeggiata, when families stroll at dusk to mark the end of the workday.

It is a city rooted in its artisanal culture, with olive oil and wine being Lecce’s main exports. That reflects in the local food and produce, making local eats accessible and fresh. For a truly authentic taste of Lecce, visit Mercato di Piazza Libertini, the lively central market.

You can also enjoy wine tours, cooking classes, and sample peppery olive oil, known for converting doubters into enthusiasts.

Other delicacies include pasticciotto – pastries filled with custard, ricotta, or, in Lecce, vanilla. You’ll easily find them at the multiple bakeries spread across the centre, with reviewers highlighting Pasticceria Natale and Caffè Alvino.

And if you manage to explore the entire place and still have time to spare, guides recommend taking a bus to the nearby beaches of San Cataldo, Porto Cesareo or Punta Prosciutto, reachable in as little as 40 minutes.

To enjoy optimal weather in Lecce, avoid June, July and August – as temperatures can easily go above 40C – but don’t worry about any other month, as temperatures range from 14C to 28C year-round. Avoiding grey skies is easy, as it doesn’t usually rain more than a week per month, but you’ll have the best luck in May, September, and October.

When looking for a place to stay, many like to enjoy Lecce while dwelling in scenic villas that offer a luxurious experience for a slightly higher price – from around £415 a night. If you’re budgeting, you can still have a great experience at local hotels for around £60 per night.

Overall, Lecce is more affordable than Italy’s major destinations but offers the same rich atmosphere, culture, and cuisine.

To reach Lecce, fly from London to Brindisi Airport, a journey of about three hours. From Brindisi, Lecce is approximately 30 minutes away by straightforward bus or car rides that can be booked in advance.

Once you get to the city, you’ll be able to comfortably reach most sites on foot, but public buses are available to help tourists navigate as well as reach neighbouring towns.

Return flights between London Stansted and Brindisi can cost as little as £30 per person during the milder seasons. If flying from London City Airport or Gatwick, fares typically start at £200.

If you’re already planning a trip to Italy, Lecce is a good day-trip option, as frequent trains connect Lecce with major Italian cities, making access easy.

AS Brits frantically try and choose their summer holiday destination this year amid the Middle East crisis, let me sell you a slightly different place to go.

Lima, the capital of Peru, almost feels European, and has much cheaper food, hotels… and booze.

The seaside city is the second largest desert city in the world (after Cairo) meaning barely any rain, and highs of 27C.

It is often overlooked as a travel destination, especially those heading straight over to Machu Picchu instead.

But despite just spending a few days in Lima myself, it became one of my favourite cities.

First up, safety – most of Peru is still safe to travel to, which includes Lima.

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And as a young woman, I never felt unsafe while walking around early for a coffee or late at night for a drink.

Our guide told us this huge change in recent years – when it wasn’t so safe – is due to the number of community officers around, who are on hand to help tourists who visit.

When it comes to exploring the city, I was transported to the surf towns of Portugal by the huge surfing community in Lima.

It has some of the best waves in the world, and the sheer number of cyclists with boards on their bike and surf shacks offering lessons was huge.

Then there is the colourful Barranco neighbourhood, named one of the best in the world and known for its colourful street art that is everchanging.

Here is where you’ll feel its Latin American routes, with live music on the streets and bars selling the famous Pisco Sour cocktails.

Time Out said: “It’s long had a bohemian vibe, famously fantastical murals, world-class art galleries, boutique hotels and hopping bars.

“And while it’s lost none of its wild roots, the area is now incubating some of the best restaurants in the world”.

In fact, the city is home to a number of the world’s best restaurants.

Maido was named the no.1 restaurant in the world last year, while I headed to Mayta which often makes the top 40.

I opted out of the tasting menu, but still managed to enjoy a delicious deconstrusted paella, a side and a glass of wine for under £50.

The ‘godfather of modern Peruvian cuisine’ Gastón Acurio told local media: “Lima is a gastronomic destination coveted by kitchen lovers.

“Not only because of its restaurants, which compete equally with Europe, but because behind this recognition there is something deeper — a city that has made its cuisine parallel to everyday life.

“From award-winning restaurants to carts, from ceviche shops to chifas, eating in Lima is one way to travel the entire country in a single day.”

Want to eat on a budget? You can easily get snacks and drinks for under £5 from food stalls.

I managed to find an Emoliente (a sugary hangover drink) as well as a famous pork sandwich and sweet doughnuts called ‘Picarones’ for under a fiver altogether.

Or some restaurants offer the “menú del día” or menu of thte day for not much either.

Usually including a drink, soup and main dish, this can be found for under £4.

Beers can also be found for around £1.50 in local bars as well.

Otherwise make sure to try fantastic chocolate and coffee shops, with Lima being one of the top exporters to the rest of the world for both.

Free activities include the Spanish-style Love Park, inspired by Park Güell in Barcelona or the Museum of Art (MALI) on Tuesdays.

And the Historic Centre of Lima has elements of European architecture too, dating between the 16th and 19th centuries.

If you don’t mind sharing a room, you can find hostel beds for as little a £13 a night.

But if not, even hotels can be found for around £33 a night, such as Ibis – so £16.50 each a night when sharing.

The only thing getting in the way of Lima becoming a popular destination with Brits is the getting there.

LATAM previously had direct flights from London Heathrow to Lima but these were suspended back in 2023, with no current plans on when they will return.

Instead, Brits have to fly via Europe so with changes in Madrid, Amsterdam or Paris.

This takes the trip from around 12 hours to 16 hours, and costing around £500 return.

But there is some good news – the new Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima opened last summer, which is likely to encourage airlines to launch flights.

And airline LEVEL is launching direct flights from Barcelona to Lima from June.

So if you want to visit a unique city with surfing vibes, colourful neighbourhoods and insanely cheap food and drink? Add Lima to your 2026 list.

OUR Spotlight On column looks at the best things to see and do in popular holiday destinations, as well as som lesser known spots.

This week, we’re looking towards more tropical climates and shining the light of the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited the island and raved about it.

She said: “I don’t know why more Brits don’t visit Puerto Rico when planning a Caribbean island.

“The food and drink scene is amazing – after all, its the home of the pina colada, and you can get the local Medalla Light beer for just $2.50 (£1.84) at some bars.

“My highlight was a food tour of San Juan with The Spoon Experience, where we had amazing coffee, ice cream and snacks.

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“We even went on a boat trip to Flamenco Beach – one of the best in the world – where we had to jump off the boat and swim to shore.”

Here are some other things to do, as well as where to stay on the island.

MUST SEE/DO

Bad Bunny’s recent Super Bowl performance certainly put Puerto Rico firmly on the map.

This compact Caribbean island, which is the birthplace of the rapper and musician, is full of glorious landscapes from lush rainforests to sparkling beaches.

But the top thing for the bucket list has to be a visit to El Yunque National Forest, where visitors can swim beneath waterfalls and spot exotic birds.

The forest comes even more alive at night, thanks to its bioluminescent waters.

The island is home to three of only five bioluminescent bays in the world, including the brightest at Mosquito Bay in Vieques.

HIDDEN GEM

For a real taste of local life, head to the Piñones neighbourhood – also known as the “soul of the island”.

Afro-Caribbean heritage comes alive here through vibrant street food, such as alcapurrias, a tyoe of fried fritter made with with grated yuca and sometimes green banana.

Explorers should ditch the beach and head to Puerto Rico’s Central Mountain Region instead.

This area is known for its coffee production so sampling the freshly roasted brews is a must.

Make sure to try Creole-inspired dishes at traditional taverns while soaking up sweeping interior views.

BEST VIEW

If you don’t fancy trekking up the mountains, then Alma Hotel rooftop bar in Old San Juan is the next best thing.

You can drink in the views, which are undeniably spectacular at sunset, alongside a cocktail.

From this high vantage point you’ll be able to gaze out across the terracotta rooftops, and sparkling bay.

Knock back a plate of oysters alongside a canella old fashioned made with cinnamon-infused bourbon, rosemary syrup and orange bitters.

RATED RESTAURANT

Cocina Abierta in San Juan served a menu of reinterpreted classics like mofongo, traditionally made from mashed and fried green plantains, except here its made with peking duck.

Plates are bold, elegant and sophisticated.

A five-course tasting menu costs around £64 a head and booking is recommended.

Bacoa Finca y Fogón is another great spot that offers farm-to-table dining with a focus on sustainable cooking.

BEST BAR

La Factoría in Old San Juan is frequently ranked among the world’s best bars by 50 Best.

Made up of a maze of candlelit rooms, this chic bar not only serves up creative cocktails, it also hosts regular live music nights.

It’s chaotic, fun, and quintessentially Puerto Rican.

The James Beard award-winning Identidad Cocktail Bar is another top spot for cocktail lovers.

Try the whisky highball which celebrates typical Caribbean ingredients like Glenlivet Caribbean (a type of whisky) muddled with ginger, vanilla, cardamom, bitters and soda.

HOTEL PICK

Dreamcatcher by DW is a boutique vegetarian hotel with just nineteen rooms, that sits a ten-minute drive from Old San Juan.

Quirky suites feature stained-glass windows, old hacienda archways and concrete soaking tubs.

Guests can unwind on tropical terraces in breezy hammocks.

Rooms cost from £224 per night. See dreamerswelcome.com.

WHEN it comes to travelling to Greece there are loads of islands to choose from – but now the cheapest spots have been revealed, and you might be surprised.

Greece is a much-loved holiday destination for Brits, and now the islands where you could save over £1,000 have been revealed.

According to new data by TravelSupermarket, Kefalonia – the largest Ionian island – is the cheapest Greek destination.

Looking at average prices for a seven-night holiday between September 16, 2025 and March 15 2026, TravelSupermarket found that Kefalonia cost an average of £596 per person.

Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital), who has visited the island, said: “Looking out at Myrtos Beach, which is regularly named one of Greece’s top five, it felt like we were being let in on a great secret.

“The bright white shoreline and astonishingly clear aquamarine waters shone back at us, almost completely empty.

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“It was so peaceful, in fact, that a digital nomad had set up his van office in the parking lot overlooking the sea.”

In second place is Lefkada, costing around £606 per person.

Instead of heading to Corfu, Lefkada (which is just along the coast) offers fewer crowds.

Also, in comparison to a seven-night break in Corfu, you could save £216 per person, or £864 if travelling as a family of four.

The island of Lefkada is often dubbed the ‘Caribbean of Greece’ thanks to its exotic, Caribbean-like natural landscape.

Across the island, you will find sprawling beaches including Porto Katsiki.

And in the island’s main town, there are lots of alleys to explore, and a long promenade with restaurants and bars littered along it.

In the town, look at the buildings too, as many are in a Venetian architectural style.

Surprisingly, Santorini ranked third most affordable, costing around £637 per person.

The stunning island is one of the most popular destinations in Europe attracting honeymooners and A-listers such as Angelina Jolie and Beyonce.

And as a result, many think visiting the island comes with a premium price tag.

But a trip to the white-and-blue island doesn’t need to break the bank.

Hotels can cost from just £35 a night and the island has a good bus network, which costs less than £2 a ticket.

For less busy spots, check out Megalochori, Pygros or Emborio – they all feature cobbled roads, cosy tavernas and authentic Greek food.

Mykonos followed in fourth, costing around £670 per person.

Mykonos is often thought to be one of Greece‘s most glamorous and expensive places to visit.

But it is actually cheaper than heading to Crete.

If you swapped Crete for Mykonos, you could save around £98 per person.

Often associated with parties, Mykonos is a great destination to head to if you enjoy nightlife.

Beaches including Paradise and Super Paradise have bars with live music and a number of clubs attract world-renowned DJs.

But Mykonos doesn’t just have great nightlife; make sure to check out the row of 16th-century windmills on the hill above the town.

Rhodes then rounded out the top five, costing around £689 per person.

Instead of heading to Kos, head to Rhodes.

Both destinations are Dodecanese staples, with lots of sunny weather and stunning beaches.

Yet, if you head to Rhodes over Kos you could save a massive £254 per person – or £1,016 for a family of four.

The island is well-known for its 3,000-year-old history with the UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town as well as amazing beaches including Lindos Beach and Faliraki Beach.

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “Greek islands are not all created equal when it comes to price — but the expensive ones might not be the islands you’d expect.

“Mykonos costs less to book than Crete. Rhodes is hundreds of pounds cheaper than Kos.

“If you’re prepared to swap one island for another, the savings can be huge.”

For more ideas on where to travel in Greece, there is one smaller island that has 70 beaches.

Plus, one Greece expert shares four better value islands where locals go on holiday.

KIP with the kids in a two-bedroom lodge at The Mole Resort or try the boujee airport hotel alternative of a grand Italianate mansion.

In search of the perfect pit stop, Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley found out all that both had to offer.

The Mole Resort

As I slam on the car brakes, my kids Poppy, seven, and Raffy, four, shout: “Woah!” In the middle of the road is a local walking her dog – which happens to be the size of a small pony.

Yep, it’s safe to say rural Devon is proving to be an eye-opener for us all.

We’re kipping at The Mole Resort, a country-house hotel that had a spruce-up a couple of years ago, set in 125 acres of rolling countryside.

Our two-bedroom, two-bathroom lodge in the grounds comes with floor-to-ceiling views of a verdant meadow and a hot tub, which proves particularly restorative after the long drive.

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Another huge win is the raft of activities on site – from pickleball to pétanque, disc golf to axe-throwing, and archery to pottery painting.

Talking of which, the kids adore painting egg cups, £14 each, and are thrilled to pick up their newly glazed souvenirs the next morning.

There’s also a restaurant, games room and health club with a pool – though this has seen better days.

The village it sits in, Chittlehamholt, is also home to excellent 16th-century pub The Exeter Inn.

Owners Hazel and Steve welcome visitors like family, as does their gorgeous cockapoo Frankie.

Flavour-packed dishes like Peking duck bon bons with hoisin, £9.50, and beef and ale pie topped with stilton, £17, are spot-on.

As are the proper puds – pick spiced sticky toffee, £8.50, for the win.

With more than 80 gins and local ales aplenty, you won’t go thirsty, either (Exeterinn.co.uk).

Just 20 minutes’ drive away is another absolute gem – Quince Honey Farm, which brings joy even on the drizzliest day.

Here, we roll our own beeswax candles, forage for wildflower seeds and taste five varieties of the golden stuff – the dandelion honey is crowned our fave.

Entry per adult and child over five costs £10.80 (Quincehoneyfarm. co.uk).

Leaving armed with brilliant bee facts, we all agree this pretty nook of Devon makes for a super stop-off en route to a beach break.

Stays in a two-bedroom lodge at The Mole Resort cost from £120 per night (Themoleresort.co.uk).

Down Hall Hotel

I’m not a huge fan of airport hotels, which is why the boujee alternative of a grand Italianate mansion in the Essex countryside instantly appeals.

Less than 20 minutes’ drive from London Stansted, its rural setting will help you to properly relax before take-off.

A giant chessboard, tennis courts and a mini football pitch in the expansive grounds keep the whole gang entertained.

Meanwhile, the newly opened Barn Spa offers mini-me treatments, including head and scalp massages, from £25 per child, and the recently refurbed family rooms come with a Nintendo Switch, so the kids are more than alright.

Tuck into dinner treats, such as crab with apple gel, cucumber and nasturtiums, £16.50, followed by venison loin with a dark-chocolate jus, £41, at The Garden Room, which holds two AA Rosettes.

And it would be rude not to try the moreish house cocktail – a Down Hall Bramble, made with the hotel’s own garden gin, £15.

When in Rome (or Essex) and all that. . .

Family rooms at Down Hall Hotel cost from £212 per night (Downhall.co.uk).