MAJORCA is no secret to Brits – it’s a great place for a holiday with its beautiful city, sandy beaches, nightlife and tasty food.
Now, the island has been named one of the ‘hottest destinations to visit in 2026’, and it’s not hard to see why it continues to be firmly on our radar.
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Majorca has been a top holiday-spot for Brits for years – and continues to be one in 2026Credit: AlamyI visited the island years ago to explore its city centre, PalmaCredit: Alice Penwill
The Independent named Majorca one of the ‘hottest’ places to visit this year – and travel company ASmallWorld namedMajorca as Spain’s newest ‘It’ island
CEO Zain Richardson said: “What makes Mallorca stand out from other Spanish islands is its sheer diversity.
“You get the bohemian charm of stone-built villages, the buzz of Palma’s restaurants and galleries, and an ever-changing coastline of quiet calas and long sandy beaches, without having to compromise on comfort or style.”
I visited the island’s capital, Palma, myself almost a decade ago now.
But I’m not surprised that it’s still up there with the most popular holiday destinations for Brits – almost 3.5million of us jet off there each year.
Palma has the perfect blend of city and beach with a busy Old Town full of winding streets with classic high street names and plenty of designer shops.
Passeig del Born, a street that’s also called the ‘Golden Mile’, has lots of luxury brands likeLouis Vuitton,Bvlgari and Hugo Boss.
I could only window shop, but there are still plenty of other inexpensive shops to be explored.
For sunglasses, check out Óptica Santa Maria Boutique which has some lovely, and reasonably priced frames – along with designer ones of course.
Giovanni L. Gelato Deluxe is another must – it’s Palma’s oldest ice cream parlour with around 80 flavours on offer.
You can easily spot it thanks to its bright red awning and gem embellished ice cream mural outside.
Choosing a flavour was a no-brainer as the brand has award-winning ice cream and was awarded the title for the “World’s Best Pistachio Ice Cream” twice.
I opted for a simple blend of pistachio and vanilla – and it was delicious.
The city is of course framed by its huge 14th-century cathedral on the seafront, and tourists can go inside for around €11 (£9.61).
I find though that you can still appreciate it enough by wandering around the outside.
Giovanni previously won the title for the “World’s Best Pistachio Ice Cream”Credit: Alice PenwillThe 14th-century cathedral sits right by the seafrontCredit: Getty
Next door, the Gardens of S’Hort del Rei (The King’s Orchard) at the foot of Royal Palace of La Almudaina is a lovely spot where you can find some shade – and it wasn’t busy either.
As for where to stay, I set up base at the Hipotels Gran Playa de Palma which is tucked behind the promenade at Playa de Palma – around 20-minutes outside of the city centre.
The hotel has two outdoor pools, three bars, two buffet restaurants and entertainment during the evening.
As much as I enjoy a fly and flop holiday, I do love some activity outside of the hotel, and here was a great spot.
The hotel was a short walk to the beach, and the promenade filled with cafes, restaurants and plenty of places to pick up a bucket and spade.
The beach has soft golden sand and while there are sun loungers which you can hire out for a fee, there’s plenty of space if you want to simply sit on a towel too.
One of my favourite spots was Levita Café where I ended up stopping in most days for a rosé sangria which set me back €6.50 (£5).
I’d recommend a refreshing rosé sangriaCredit: Alice Penwill
If you’re so inclined, it’s also near one of Majorca’s biggest clubs, MegaPark.
I didn’t venture inside, but it’s known for having a huge open-air disco, a large beer garden, and a show stage.
Even though our hotel was just a five-minute walk-away, I never heard any noise from the club.
It’s been reported that local authorities are tightening rules on party boats and noisy beach activities.
When it comes to money, Majorca isn’t the cheapest place, it’s not hugely expensive either.
According to Numbeo, you can pick up a local beer for £3.49 and coffee for £2.51.
If you want to see more of the island outside of Palma, then some other top-rated spots include the Tramuntana region with huge mountain ranges.
Some of the best beaches in the country include Cala Mondragó which is within the Mondragó Natural Park – but there are plenty to choose from as the island has over 200 of them.
As for when’s best to head to the island, it can vary as this week there are highs of 21C and plenty of sunshine, but there is a risk of rain.
Personally, I’d head there in springtime – May, April and June are generally dry with lots of sun without being too hot.
In peak months like July and August, temperatures can reach the mid-30s.
Flights won’t set you back too much either, in April, you can fly from Birmingham and London Stansted from £15 with Ryanair.
And you’ll be setting down in two and a half hours from the UK.
Here are top eats in Majorca from experts…
Tour guides Georgiana Paun, Michelle van der Werff, Emily Himmer, 30, and travel agent Tomas Nanak, share their top Majorca tips…
Georgiana said: “Las Olas is a family restaurant located on the beachfront in Santa Ponsa on the west of the island, with incredible views.
“You can enjoy all kinds of Mediterranean food while watching the sun go down over the bay of Santa Ponsa.
“Choose between their fish, seafood, paellas and meat dishes, as well as a variety of delicious tapas made with local market products.”
Michelle and Emily said: “One of our local favourites is Toque de Queda in central Palma, because of its fresh, healthy cuisine served in a cosy ‘living room’ atmosphere.
“The laid-back vibe and delicious local dishes make it a perfect place for an easy evening out, with Balearic charcuterie boards from 14 euros, and fish tapas from 9 euros.”
Tomas said: “Bar Esperanza in Ses Covetes has great Mediterranean food, with tapas from 4 euros, while Organic on Cala Marsal beach offers the best brunch on the island, with hearty Spanish breakfasts from 12.50 euros.
“If you’re looking for delicious tapas, head to Babbo Portocolom with views of the harbour on the southeast side of the island, with dishes from 7.50 euros, or S’Arrosería in Colonia de San Jordi has the best paella – from 18 euros.”
“YOU, with me.” The pilot pointed at the cockpit of the two-seat-wide propeller plane and I obediently clambered in.
The tiny aircraft rattled along the runway, and I took a deep breath, only to let out a gasp after take-off as I looked down.
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Meads Bay has been named in global top 50 beachesCredit: SuppliedFrangipani Beach Resort will give you a chance to visit Little BayCredit: SuppliedMy lavish ocean-view room at Zemi Beach House, set right on the sandCredit: Supplied
The crystalline Caribbean sea glittered below us, and as far as the eye could see the waters were peppered with sandy cays and islands — one of which was to be my home for the next few days.
Anguilla is just a 45-minute flight from the more-visited Antigua — and despite the island being so small that it only needs six traffic lights, it’s home to not one, but two of the best beaches in the world.
One of these is the breathtaking Shoal Bay, which I got to marvel at from my lavish ocean-view room at Zemi Beach House, set right on the sand.
You won’t see any cruise ships, jet skis or thumping beach clubs here.
This unspoiled stretch of pristine sand is lined with swaying palm trees on one side and soft, turquoise waves on the other, both a welcome presence in the 30C heat.
The upscale hotel has an elegant open-plan layout, two infinity pools (including one that’s child-free), a walkaround bar service and a spa, which sits inside a 300-year-old authentic Thai house, transported and reconstructed piece by piece.
Lounging in the spa’s quiet zone post-massage as I listened to the sounds of the island with an iced drink, I understood why Anguilla prides itself on the slogan “Tranquility wrapped in blue”.
An entire holiday could easily be spent without leaving Zemi — after all, it also has its own tennis court, gym, boutique, bars and restaurants.
But Anguilla’s magic is not confined to the famous Shoal Bay.
Orange-flowered flamboyant trees (flamboyant by name and by nature) and colourful bungalows lined the roads as an enthusiastic local named Kelvis guided us round his home island. A short drive brought us to The Arch, a doorway-shaped rock formation over the ocean that wouldn’t look out of place in the Algarve.
Elvis beach bar is a favourite watering hole among the localsCredit: Supplied
Years of footfall by tourists wanting THE Instagram shot have made walking onto it now unsafe, but I was more than happy to forgo that and simply take in the vista, something I also did at the impressive Sandy Ground viewing platform.
Inland, we admired the striking architecture of the island’s Catholic church and visited Wallblake House, Anguilla’s only surviving plantation building, which now serves as a museum.
There was one spot, however, that Kelvis couldn’t take us: Little Bay. The smallest of Anguilla’s 33 beaches, this cove is only accessible by hanging onto a rope and climbing down a cliff face, or via the water.
None of us fancied going home with crutches and a cast, so we kayaked from the nearby Crocus Bay in transparent boats which allowed us to spot a couple of sea turtles underwater as we paddled.
If kayaking isn’t your thing, don’t fret — a stay at the Frangipani Beach Resort will give you a chance to visit Little Bay on their very own catamaran, the FrangiCat.
The pastel pink resort sits on Meads Bay — Anguilla’s other world-class beach that made the global top 50 — and has an intimate atmosphere without compromising on luxury in its enormous suites.
We spent the second half of our trip at Frangipani gazing out to sea from the quiet shore while petting the resort dog, Sunny, and sipping on generous rum punches.
And there is certainly no shortage of rum in Anguilla. A tasting session with Glo’s Flavoured Rums allowed us to try the locally crafted spirit on the beach while Gloria’s (Glo’s) own daughters talked us through the range of tropical options.
I’ve never been much of a rum fan, but sampling banana, sorrel, guava berry, cinnamon and ten more flavours had me asking “Why is the rum gone?” faster than you could say “Jack Sparrow”.
Luckily, lining your stomach on this island is just as exciting for the taste buds.
Modest beach shacks serve up the freshest grilled seafood with rice and peas, plantain and Johnny cakes, a delicious fried bread.
The skewered mahi-mahi at Madeariman, the spicy lobster at Mango’s Seaside Grill and the barbecued shrimp tacos at Da’Vida Beach Club are must-trys for a sit-down meal with a view, though many Anguillians will just fire up their own roadside BBQs to enjoy the catch of the day.
Rendezvous at Tasty’s is also excellent. The restaurant runs on “Caribbean time” so don’t expect your crayfish in a hurry, but it’s an excuse to spend time sipping a Carib beer on the dreamy Rendezvous Bay.
On our final evening, Kelvis suggested we head to Elvis beach bar, a favourite watering hole among the locals.
The owner was, of course, Elvis — who one minute was serving drinks from the boat-shaped bar and the next was on stage with the band singing some Bob Marley.
Swinging in a hammock as the words to Three Little Birds echoed around me, I could tell that, like its rum, this island was going to stay with me for a good while.
The Sun’s Naria on a plane over the islandCredit: Supplied
GO: ANGUILLA
GETTING THERE: British Airways flies from Gatwick to Antigua from £476 return. See britishairways.com. Island transfers between Antigua and Anguilla are available with Trans Anguilla Airways from $400 return. See transanguilla.com.
STAYING THERE: Ocean-view rooms at Zemi Beach House start at £220pp, per night, based on two sharing. See zemibeach.com. Prices at Frangipani Beach Resort start at £141pp, per night. See frangipaniresort.com.
OUT AND ABOUT: Frangipani Beach Resort offers catamaran day trips from £73pp including drinks. SeaBleu provides kayak rentals for the same price. See @seableu.ai on Instagram.
MORE INFO: More experiences, including rum tastings, can be organised through the Anguilla Tourist Board. See ivisitanguilla.com.
This is not where you would expect an article about one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful islands to start. It’s the tail end of winter, 2021. Kensal Green Cemetery in west London: the imperial mausolea canted and crumbling, low clouds dissolving into rain. We are still in that strange phase of the pandemic when we are masked, newly aware of our bodies and the space around them. We are here to bury Nikos, a man who for me, for many, was the incarnation of Corfu.
I had spent my 20s trying to find the perfect Greek island, hopping from the well-trodden (Mykonos, Santorini, Cephalonia) to the more obscure (Kythira, Symi, Meganisi). None quite matched the vision I had dreamed into being as a child, when I segued from Robert Graves to Mary Renault, then to Lawrence Durrell and John Fowles. Greece was an idea before it was a place: freedom and deep thought, a constellation of sand, salt and thyme.
Then, on a whim, I accepted an invitation to play cricket in Corfu.
I knew little about the island at the time – not about its strategic history, nor how that position had shaped a culture that is at once Greek, Venetian and British. I hadn’t yet walked the Liston, the elegant colonnaded arcade that might be Venice or Trieste, Bologna or Perugia were it not for the cricket pitch laid out in front of it. The pitch is surrounded by a car park; its groundsmen battle heat, salt spray, digging children and fouling dogs. Yet it remains the only cricket pitch in the world I know that’s set within a Unesco world heritage site. Taking guard there, you look up to the Old Fortress for solidity, and to the Palace of St Michael and St George for elegance and flair.
The cricket pitch next to the elegant arcade in Corfu Town. Photograph: Ernestos Vitouladitis/Alamy
I went out with the Lord’s Taverners, a UK sports charity team. We were a motley bunch: a couple of former internationals – Andy Caddick and Chris Cowdrey – some actors, entertainers and a handful of writers, including me. The Corfiots, it turned out, were very good at cricket. The Greek national team is drawn almost entirely from the island. We were soundly beaten, then consoled by warmth, generosity and a run of excellent dinners in the Old Town.
It was over one of those dinners – at the Pergola – that I met Nikos Louvros and his wife, Annabelle, our hosts and the founders of Cricket Corfu. Nikos was rambunctiously Greek, full of wild energy; Annabelle was English in that particular way that falls deeply for Greece and builds a life around it. I recognised the impulse. By the end of the meal of lamb, ouzo and excellent local wine, we had planned our future together: we would launch a literary festival.
Festival co-founders Annabelle and Nikos Louvros
Over the subsequent years, that vision has taken glorious shape. Corfu literary festival began modestly: at our first, in 2017, there were as many speakers on stage as there were people in the audience. I remember Nikos’s hope, irritation and finally, characteristically, laughter as invited guests failed to show up. But there was never any sense it would stop. With Nikos beside you, everything seemed possible.
Slowly, buoyed by local support, the festival grew into something far larger than we had imagined. We’ve had Stephen Fry and Sebastian Faulks, Bettany Hughes and Natalie Haynes, Matt Haig and Tom Holland. They came and spoke, they stayed at the heavenly Kontokali Bay hotel, or in the villas and apartments of Ionian Estates, and they fell in love with Corfu as I had. Many have come back to speak several times.
Nikos lived for this – for showing others the beauty and drama of the island on which he was born, then left and returned to. He is gone now, but the festival endures. This September, it will return, larger and more magical than ever, with Homer’s Odyssey at its heart – a fitting subject for an island where the mythic and the everyday still fold into each other with ease.
This is what I learned from Nikos, and from Corfu, over the years: swim early, before the day warms and when the water still has a faint bite. Swim after lunch, when the sea feels silky. Swim at dusk, when the surface holds the day’s heat and the light becomes thick and slow. Corfu is large enough and varied enough that you can build an entire itinerary around water and never feel you are repeating yourself.
On the west coast, Myrtiotissa remains the beach that feels closest to a private miracle. Set in a steep green cradle, it is an initiation to reach it. Not unreasonably, Durrell called it “perhaps the most beautiful beach in the world”.
Paleokastritsa beach. Photograph: Carmen Gabriela Filip/Alamy
Paleokastritsa possesses a different kind of beauty. The monastery above the bay looks down over a scatter of coves where the water is so clear you can see the rocks far below, like a second landscape suspended in blue.
Then there is the north-east, which has calmer waters, protected coves, a more intimate coastline. Agni Bay is a gentle curve of shoreline made for long lunches. Agni Taverna sits close enough to the water that you can leave your table, swim and return still tasting salt. Eat fish, eat simply, let time loosen its grip. If you can, arrive by boat: the north-east coast has a tradition of taking water taxis between bays, and there is something unmistakably Corfiot about stepping straight from deck to lunch.
A surprise – especially if your image of Greek islands is Cycladic sparseness – is how green Corfu is. The interior rises and folds like a small country. Olive groves run for miles; cypresses spike the skyline. Drive up into the villages above Paleokastritsa and you reach Lakones, perched high enough to make the island feel suddenly vast. At Boulis, the food is good, but it’s the terrace view you come for, the sense of stepping straight into the blue horizon.
Corfu’s cuisine is not what you usually think of as Greek: shaped by Venetian influence, by centuries of contact with Italy and by produce from the island’s land and sea. Pastitsadais a beef stew with pasta; sofrito is beef or veal slices braised in a sauce of white wine, vinegar, garlic and parsley; bourdeto is fish stew.
In Corfu Town, make time for a night at Salto – contemporary but grounded, with excellent ingredients and a superb wine list. Then go for ice-cream at Papagiorgios. Walk the Old Town with a cone in hand, the stone still warm, and you feel part of a long tradition of summer nights.
In 2020, in a brief, improbable lull between Covid lockdowns, we held the festival as if it were an act of defiance against the gods. The world was half closed; plans changed by the hour. Yet, for a few days, the island opened its arms and let us in. Chairs were spaced out, masks slipped on and off, hand sanitisers were perched on every table – and still there was laughter, ideas, beauty. Things that made us feel human.
Myrtiotissa beach. Photograph: Hemis/Alamy
One morning, Nikos appeared with a boat. He had a gift for that – arriving as if from nowhere, already halfway into the next idea. “Come,” he said. A dozen of us climbed aboard and pulled away from the town, leaving behind the anxious news cycle and the low-level fear of that year. We ran along the north-east coast, cutting the engine in inlets you would never find from land: slivers of shingle, limestone shelves, beaches no bigger than sofas. Each time we stopped, we swam as if trying to slough the year off our skin. I felt like freedom, something snatched from darkness.
That was the last festival Nikos attended. He died of Covid the following January – on my birthday.
When I think of Nikos now, I think of that day on the water: of joy under pressure, of how precious it becomes. When he died, the island felt altered – not less beautiful, but more charged, as if the light carried grief in waves. Yet, Corfu also teaches something: that love for a place can outlive the person who brought you there, and become a way of honouring them.
I have tried to do that in my own way, too. My novel A Stranger in Corfu is dedicated to Nikos. It grew out of this island – its layered past, its atmosphere of secrecy and hospitality, the sense that stories cling to the land. The novel is, at heart, a love letter: an attempt to pay proper attention to a place that has given me more than I can easily name.
Go to Corfu and do not hurry. Swim often. Drive into the hills. Eat as if time were a gift. Let the island reveal itself at its own pace – slowly, then all at once.
And if, one day, someone appears with a boat and an idea, say yes.
A Stranger in Corfu by Alex Preston is published by Canongate (£18.99). To support the Guardian buy a copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.The 2026 Corfu literary festival runs from 21-27 September
The budget airline, Jet2, is offering travellers the chance to explore a lesser-known island with diverse landscapes and uncrowded beaches as they launch a new exclusive route
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Flights to the beautiful island are available to book with Jet2(Image: Getty Images)
Jet2 has launched a new route to a beautiful island with ancient streets, traditional villages and pristine beaches, offering a laid-back ambience away from busy crowds.
Jet2 has expanded its summer 2027 program from London Gatwick and launched a new route to the beautiful Greek island of Lesvos. The lesser-known island, also known as Lesbos, is situated in the northeastern Aegean Sea, offering turquoise waters, unspoilt sprawling beaches, hot springs, majestic forests, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
As the third-largest island in Greece, and with its capital, Mytilini, Lesvos is brimming with history, from its charming medieval streets and traditional Mediterranean villages to its fascinating architecture. It’s renowned for its ouzo, an anise-flavoured liqueur, and its olive groves, with more than 11 million trees nestled around the island.
The new Jet2 route to Lesvos will operate weekly on Sunday, from May 2 to 10 October 2027, and when we took a look, we found fares from £123. Flights to the Greek island, which offers blistering rays of 30C during the summer months, are available to book now.
In the meantime, Jet2 has announced a major sale for 35 of its sun-soaked destinations, including Lesvos, for holidaymakers travelling from London Gatwick next summer. The destinations currently on sale include:
Antalya
Tenerife
Lanzarote
La Palma
Fuerteventura
Gran Canaria
Alicante
Malaga
Girona
Palma (Majorca)
Ibiza
Menorca
Faro (Algarve)
Madeira
Crete (Heraklion)
Corfu
Kalamata
Kefalonia
Kos
Lesvos (Mytilene)
Preveza
Skiathos
Rhodes
Thessaloniki (Halkidiki)
Naples
Verona
Pula
Reus
Zante
Agadir
Hurghada
Bourgas
Malta
Paphos
Sharm El Sheik
The new exclusive route to Lesvos and the summer sale come just weeks before the budget airline launches flights and holidays from London Gatwick for the very first time on March 26. The major travel change is intended to give Jet2 passengers greater flexibility for their holiday getaways.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Since we announced the launch of flights and holidays from London Gatwick, the reaction from customers and independent travel has been incredible, showing just how much demand there is for our industry-leading product and service. This popularity means we are significantly expanding our programme in just our second summer of operations from London Gatwick, offering holidaymakers even more choice and flexibility.
“As well as offering a fantastic selection of flights and holidays to choose from, we are giving customers the chance to get their Summer 2027 holiday booked in nice and early. With the launch of flights and holidays from London Gatwick just around the corner, and Summer 27 going on sale too, this is an incredibly exciting time, both for our company and for customers across the region.”
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TRIPADVISOR has revealed its top beaches from all over the world – and two ‘unique’ ones in the UK have been praised.
Their latest Best Beach ranking looked at millions of Tripadvisor reviews, trips and opinions to find the most-loved coastal spots.
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The top One of a Kind beach according to Tripadvisor is Boulders Beach in South AfricaCredit: SuppliedAnother is this beautiful beach called Isola Bella in SicilyCredit: Lost Shore Surf ResortBamburgh Beach in the UK came in third placeCredit: Alamy
And their ‘One of a Kind’ beach rankings saw Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland come in third space – the only UK beach to make the top 10.
The coastal spot in the north of the country is known for its sweeping sands and of course, Bamburgh Castle which sits high up on the headland.
Bamburgh is no stranger to awards having picked up UK’s number one seaside town on more than one occasion.
He said: “Visitors can take a dip in the fresh North Sea if they’re feeling bold, however I decided to simply dig my toes into the soft sand and take in the sights of Bamburgh Castle, which stands imposingly atop a hill behind the beach, creating a real life work of art.
“The huge fortress, recognisable from TV series The Last Kingdom and the most recent Indiana Jones film, The Dial of Destiny, dates back 1,400 years and even features in ballads written as long ago as 1270.
“It’s impossible to not be impressed by its towering presence which provides a unique backdrop to the beach and encapsulates a lot about what makes the north east a spectacular holiday destination.”
Further down the list of ‘One of a Kind’ beaches is another one in the UK – Sandown on the Isle of Wight, just making the top 20.
It’s known for its five miles of coastline, huge pier with amusement arcades and is a popular spot for fossil hunting.
The no.1 ‘One of a Kind’ beach went to Boulders Beach in South Africa, the home of endangered land-based colony of African Penguins.
Visitors won’t be able to sunbathe here, but instead they can watch the thousands of penguins from the boardwalk above.
In second place is Isola Bella in Sicily which is also known as the ‘Pearl of the Ionian Sea’.
Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan took the 4th spot, followed by Brazil‘s Lençóis Maranhenses.
This is followed by Anakena Beach on Chile‘s Easter Island, followed by Wai’anapanapa State Park in Hawaii (7th) and Hopewell Rocks in Canada (8th) which has the world’s highest tides up to 52 feet tall.
Sleeping Bear Dunes overlooking Lake Michigan has huge sandy banksCredit: AlamyLençóis Maranhenses in Brazil is described as a ‘desert oasis’ with lagoonsCredit: Alamy
Tripadvisor’s World’s Best Beaches…
These are the best beaches in the world according to Tripadvisor…
Isla Pasion – Cozumel, Mexico
Elafonissi Beach – Crete, Greece
Balos Lagoon – Kissamos, Greece
Eagle Beach – Eagle Beach, Aruba
Praia da Falésia – Algarve, Portugal
Banana Beach – Ko He, Thailand
La Jolla Cove – California, USA
La Pelosa Beach – Sardinia, Italy
Manly Beach – Sydney, Australia
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony – Simon’s Town, South Africa
Falassarna Beach – Falassarna, Greece
Platja De Muro – Platja De Muro, Spain
Tobacco Bay Beach – St. George, Bermuda
Paleokastritsa Beach – Paleokastritsa, Greece
Kite Beach – Dubai, UAE
Kelingking Beach – Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Clearwater Beach – Clearwater, USA
Spiaggia dei Conigli – Lampedusa, Italy
Bondi Beach – Sydney, Australia
Playa de Maspalomas – Maspalomas, Spain
Poipu Beach Park – Poipu, USA
Plage de Palombaggia – Porto-Vecchio, France
Ipanema Beach – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Spiaggia La Cinta – San Teodoro, Italy
Sandown on the Isle of Wight also made it onto Tripadvisor’s list of One of a KindCredit: Alamy
Ninth place was in Puerto Rico, Bahía Bioluminiscente, with the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, followed by Hot Water Beach in New Zealand in 10th.
Other One of a Kind beaches include Pig Beach in the Bahamas, and Butterfly Valley in Turkey.
Here’s the full list of Tripadvisor’s One of Kind beaches:
Boulders Beach – Simon’s Town, South Africa
Isola Bella – Taomina, Italy
Bamburgh Beach – Bamburgh, UK
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Empire, USA
Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses – Barreirinhas, Brazil
Anakena Beach – Easter Island, Chile
Wai’anapanapa State Park – Hana, USA
Hopewell Rocks – Hopewell Cape, Canada
Bahía Bioluminiscente – Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico
That was the verdict from my son when I proudly showed off my hot-off-the-easel painting after an inspiring “art experience” on a weekend break in Wales.
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Pembrokeshire’s golden beaches are the big draw and even in winter they are breathtakingCredit: AlamyLucy Shersby enjoyed an inspiring ‘art experience’ on a weekend break in WalesCredit: Supplied
It was the highlight of my time in St David’s, Pembrokeshire, with Coastal Cottages.
The location is the UK’s smallest city — more of a village with a stonking great cathedral attached.
Our base was the cosy Goat Street Cottage — a traditional end-of- terrace kitted out in a very comfortable country style.
It sleeps five and has everything for a short break, a longer holiday or even a family Easter or Christmas.
The centre of St David’s is a few yards away and yet it’s incredibly quiet. Pembrokeshire’s golden beaches are the big draw and even in winter they are breathtaking.
The water was turquoise, the skies blue and the sand seemed to go on for ever.
This is a national park lined by a stunning coastal path. At Whitesands Bay, surfers were catching the waves.
The fact the water was icy made no difference.
There isn’t just one beach here — the St David’s Peninsula has 26.
Solva, a quaint inlet, and Newgale — backed by massive pebble bank — were among our favourites.
We were the odd ones out as we didn’t have a dog. Among the walkers they were almost compulsory.
There are signs everywhere for dog ice cream, dog menus and home-made dog treats.
Many of Coastal’s 400 cottages welcome four-legged visitors too.
Ours had a dog bed in the living room although pets are not allowed on sofas or upstairs.
The crashing waves were our muse when we met artist Jill Jones for a two-hour lesson booked through the cottage’s concierge service.
Jill is a human dynamo who, after a 30-year career in graphic design, built her own studio in Talbenny loaded with art equipment.
Our base was the cosy Goat Street Cottage — a traditional end-of- terraceCredit: SuppliedIt sleeps five and has everything for a short breakCredit: Supplied
MAGICAL MEMORY
She has a unique technique and doesn’t believe in doing more than a few strokes with one brush.
So every few seconds we had fresh brushes in our hands with the used ones tossed into a large bucket.
Her step-by-step teaching was truly motivating.
It was the first time in years anyone had really shown me proper acrylic painting skills so I could achieve a result I wanted to hang on my wall.
The concierge service can also deliver hampers of Welsh produce or flowers to your cottage or book activity days ranging from boat trips to spa treatments, cooking classes or flying lessons.
It turns a cottage stay into a magical memory.
Pleased with our masterpieces, we treated ourselves to a hearty and delicious Sunday lunch at The Castle pub in Little Haven.
Back in St David’s, there was just time for a final browse of the shops.
The cosy cottage stay in St David’s turned into a magical memory, with lots to explore nearby
Arts and crafts abound, from the Goat Street Gallery to Solva Woollen Mill and the Window On Wales which had so many covetable gifts it felt like Etsy on steroids.
For the family back home, we grabbed some handmade treats from Chapel Chocolates and the MamGu Welshcake bakery.
If you want to eat out on a Sunday evening, be warned. Despite having a three-Michelin-rosette restaurant and a tapas bar, the town was mostly closed — but this was in winter.
Luckily Saffron met our needs for a final Indian meal.
At the Oriel Y Parc visitor centre we topped up the EV — the break had already recharged our human batteries.
GO: St David’s
STAYING THERE: A week at Goat Street Cottage for up to five starts from £620 in total.
Parkdean Resorts have revealed some of the UK’s best holiday destinations and the top spot goes to a resort that’s full of beautiful beaches, independent shops and more
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Porthcawl sunsets are a sight to behold(Image: Getty Images)
As Brits search for something fun to look forward to amongst the damp and drizzly that has defined the start of this year, a recent study has revealed over two-fifths (44%) are planning a UK holiday this year.
With staycations proving increasingly popular with people, Parkdean Resorts has named the seaside resort of Porthcawl in Bridgend, Wales as the best holiday destination for 2026.
Known for its excellent water quality, range of activities – including the world’s largest Elvis festival – and variety of cafés, restaurants and independent shops, this nostalgic and friendly town offers the quintessential seaside stay.
Porthcawl has seven distinctive beaches ranging from popular sandy spots to rocky coves. Rest Bay and Trecco Bay are Blue Flag beaches and popular with surfers and water sport enthusiasts. Pink Bay has unique marbled pink rocks and for a more secluded, sandy option Sker beach is the one for you.
The town has something for everyone with adventure offerings at its new Watersports Centre and its renowned Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, typical seaside activities including funfair rides and ice cream on its seafront Esplande or quiet sunsets at its seafront cafes.
Sykes Cottages offers a wide range of handpicked holiday homes across the UK and Ireland, from cosy countryside retreats to stunning coastal escapes. Prices start from £27 per night
On the harbour is the RNLI station and Wales’ oldest listed bonded warehouse, the Jennings Building, which is now a bustling waterside spot with cafes and restaurants.
And for those with a little more spring in their step and shake in their hips, Porthcawl also hosts the annual Porthcawl Elvis Festival which is widely recognised as the world’s largest Elvis festival and brings tens of thousands of fans of The King and hundreds of tribute acts to the town for a weekend of competitions, shows and celebrations.
One reviewer of the festival said: “Elvis Festival Porthcawl was exactly what it said on the tin – a glorious, chaotic, slightly aft, love-in for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The town went full Elvis, the fans bought the fire and the tributes acts delivered from start to finish.”
Andy Edge, Chief Marketing Officer at Parkdean Resorts, which has a holiday park in Porthcawl, said that nostalgia is playing a major part in the holiday decision making of families this year.
He said: “Nostalgia has been a key theme for 2026 already and our data suggests travel is reflecting this too. This year we’re seeing a real resurgence in some of Britain’s most loved coastal and countryside locations with travellers gravitating towards places like Porthcawl, Cayton Bay and Poole. These towns offer the perfect balance of traditional seaside charm, beautiful surroundings and easy accessibility – all key factors for people planning a staycation this year.”
He added: “For families, the best holidays are all about balance, somewhere with plenty of entertainment to keep everyone busy but relaxing enough for all to recharge. Popular seaside destinations such as Newquay, Torquay, and Porthcawl continue to be firm favourites thanks to their beaches, attractions and family-friendly activities. These locations are ideal for making memories together, whether that’s beach days, coastal walks or classic arcade fun.”
Dorset’s Lyme Regis has been hailed as one of England’s best seaside destinations by UK travel influencer Amy Hulley, who shared her discovery of the charming beach town with her 434,000 Instagram followers
Samantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News
15:53, 05 Feb 2026
The spot has been described as England’s ‘most prettiest seaside town’ (file)(Image: Emma Evans via Getty Images)
With January now done and dusted, countless Brits will be crossing their fingers and hoping for warmer weather so they can savour a delightfully sunny staycation. If that’s precisely what you have in mind, then ensure you don’t miss what has been dubbed England’s ‘prettiest seaside town’
UK travel influencer Amy Hulley showcased a reel featuring this stunning location on her Instagram account to her 434,000 followers. The spot she highlighted? The magnificent Dorset treasure that is Lyme Regis. Amy’s short clip captured her exploring all that Lyme Regis offers, from its gorgeous coastline to its delightful town centre and picturesque harbour.
In her post’s caption, Amy simply branded Lyme Regis as “one of the best”.
Her audience clearly agreed with her assessment, with one follower proclaiming: “I love Lyme Regis,” whilst another branded it their “happy place”.
Another supporter simply wrote: “Oh wow,” whilst someone else mentioned they were ‘adding it to their wish list’.
What is there to do in Lyme Regis?
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There are numerous great activities you can do in the beautiful seaside town of Lyme Regis, which lies on the famous Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its geology and fossils) with beaches, walks, museums, activities and more.
Beaches and outdoor activities
Lyme Regis Beach – A lovely sandy and pebble beach perfect for sun, swimming, sandcastles, and bat & ball games.
Lyme Regis Fossil Beach (Ammonite Pavement) – A great spot on Monmouth Beach for fossil hunting and seeing natural ammonite layers in the rock.
Lyme Regis Front Beach – Walk along the seafront and enjoy cafes and views.
Exploring nature
Stroll along the South West Coast Path for scenic cliff and bay views.
Langmoor & Lister Gardens – Peaceful gardens overlooking the bay, great for picnics and relaxing.
Fossils, museums and history
Lyme Regis Museum – Local history, geology and fossils; built on the site of famous paleontologist Mary Anning’s former home.
Dinosaurland Fossil Museum – Large private fossil collection with marine and dinosaur specimens, plus guided fossil walks available (check opening).
Fossilwise – A visitor attraction focused on fossils and geology.
Join guided fossil hunting walks (especially after storms) to search for ammonites, belemnites and more.
THERE’S a forgotten utopia among the 200+ Greek islands crying out for Brits to come and enjoy its untouched beaches, mouth-watering gyros and beers aplenty.
Karpathos may be the 15th largest Greek island but the population is only about 6,500, so it flies relatively under the radar — a paradise for off-grid explorers.
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One of Karpathos’ many idyllic beachesCredit: SuppliedRestaurants are family run on the islandCredit: AlamyThe mountain village of Olympus is a must for culture loversCredit: Getty
You’ll spot mainly Italian and Dutch tourists, although the majority of hotel and restaurant staff speak perfect English.
And they are thrilled to have us here, unlike some destinations where anti-tourist protests are in full force.
“We love the Brits, we want the Brits,” one restaurant owner told us.
Perhaps the reason it remains so off-grid is the long journey there.
Although Karpathos has an airport, there are no direct flights from the UK, which leaves only two options: flying in via Athens, or jetting into Rhodes and taking a ferry.
We opted for the latter, hopping on a smooth easyJet flight from Gatwick for our first leg before whizzing over by boat.
If the journey sounds too hellish to do in one, you can break it up into stages.
It was my first time visiting Greece and I wanted to see some of Rhodes, so we stayed one night in the main hub before moving on to Karpathos.
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Rhodes is undeniably beautiful and has lots to offer but in my short time there I couldn’t help noticing how samey it felt.
Tourist-trap shops, restaurants that want to get you in and out fast and a bit too heavy on the drunken booze scene.
Karpathos is relaxed and uncrowded — and we were grateful for it
Karpathos, by comparison, is relaxed and uncrowded — and we were grateful for it.
The boat trip takes four hours with Blue Star Ferries, stopping at a couple of other islands on the way. But we didn’t mind soaking up the blue skies and seeing the sights as we went.
Karpathos’s main town centre, Pigadia, is where most of the action happens, with a number of family restaurants, bars and shops, all of which are easily walkable.
But to get the most out of the island you’ll want to hire a car. Just beware of the winding roads!
Karpathos may not boast a lively nightlife, but what it does have is a gobsmackingly gorgeous selection of beaches.
There are more than 110 to discover — some of the smaller ones don’t even have names.
We arrived at a tiny hidden one with the sort of crystal clear waters I’ve only ever seen in Hawaii
And you can quite easily stumble across a beach and have it completely to yourselves.
We arrived at a tiny hidden one with the sort of crystal clear waters I’ve only ever seen in Hawaii.
Another five-minute drive down the road and you’ll come across another, then another.
Some of the sandy beaches are flanked by restaurants and places to grab a beer, like Lefkos and Limniatis, while most of the pebble shores tend to be deserted.
Take your pick, the world is very much your oyster here.
It’s hard to choose a favourite among the dozen we visited but Achata Beach wins.
Karpathos’s main town centre, Pigadia, is where most of the action happensCredit: GettySun man Jamie Harris enjoys a local beerCredit: Supplied
I love how it’s swallowed by mountains and has hardly anything surrounding it.
You can rent a lounger for 20 euros and there’s a bar serving food and drinks straight to loungers.
Away from the sunloungers, there is a range of coastal activities for all the family, dotted along the island.
We took a windsurfing lesson one day, guided by patient surfing pros. Another day we embarked on a bumpy motorboat trip, which took us to the uninhibited Saria Island, to the north of Karpathos.
Women in charge
As well as seeing the beautifully remote landscapes, we snorkelled through a cave soaking up the sight of colourful fish in the most breathtaking setting.
For those seeking more culture, the mountain village of Olympus is a must, with narrow paths and old houses built into slopes.
You’ll see women dressed in traditional embroidered clothing — and this is one of the rare places in the world where women are traditionally in charge.
Go to Olympus in the later part of the day to avoid the surge of visitors and you’ll get one of the best unobstructed views of the sunset ever.
And what goes perfectly with sunsets? Sundowners. I’ve never been more satisfied, in terms of choice, quality and price when it comes to drinks and dining.
Restaurants are largely family-run establishments bursting with genuinely friendly people desperate for you to try some traditional grub. And meals cost far less than in a chain eatery in the UK.
You can stick to the familiar burgers and pasta, but if you’re looking for a local speciality I highly recommend the saganaki, a slab of cheese pan-fried, giving it a golden-brown crispy crust.
My favourite came from the Maxim family restaurant.
Zucchini croquettes were another top pick; Orea restaurant does them best.
Oh, and did I mention the tiropitakia — feta cheese wrapped in a flaky pastry drizzled with honey? I could go on.
Best of all, everything is made with sharing in mind so you don’t have to miss out on anything.
As for drink, don’t be surprised if the owner comes to have a shot of Akai with you at your table.
But for something a bit softer there’s beer and Greek lager such as Mythos for only a few euros.
Maybe Karpathos has more of a party atmosphere than it first let on . . .
GO: KARPATHOS
GETTING THERE: EasyJet flies from Gatwick to Rhodes from £28.49 each way.
FANCY a holiday? This island is the perfect place for winter sun with highs of 26C this week.
Found in Cape Verde, the main island of Sal has sandy beaches, bright blue seas – and what’s even better is there’s no jet lag for Brits either.
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Package holidays can cost as little as £399 on the island of SalCredit: Agua HotelsSanta Maria is the most popular area on the islandCredit: Alamy
Despite its fairly long flight time of six hours, Cape Verde off the coast of west Africa doesn’t result in jet lag for Brits as it’s just one hour behind GMT.
Throughout February, there are average daily highs between 23-25C, minimal rainfall and as many as eight hours of daily sunshine.
Cape Verde is made up of 10 islands – its most popular is Sal which is known for its sunny, dry climate and pretty golden sand beaches.
One of the popular activities on the island is due to the strong winds, which make it a great destination for surfing and kitesurfing.
Must-see attractions include the glowing, natural pool of theBlue Eye (called Buracona), the salt flats ofPedra de Lume, and even shark spotting.
Sal’s capital is Espargos, but most holidaymakers head to Santa Maria which is where most of the hotels are located along with lots of shops, restaurants and bars.
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Sal – there’s plenty of choice and some holidays come in at under £400.
A seven-night stay at the Agua Hotels Sal Vila Verde Resort from February 26, 2026 costs just £399pp with loveholidays.
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It’s a four-star self-catering hotel with rooms across four floors and all come with a private bathroom that has both a shower and bath.
Each apartment also comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, TV and aircon.
The hotel has an outdoor pool with a dedicated children’s swimming area surrounded by sun loungers and parasols – there’s a kids’ club too.
There’s an on-site restaurant that serves buffet-style breakfast and a poolside bar.
Nearby are watersports facilities and bike hire, the beach is just a 20-minute walk away, or there’s a free shuttle bus
And the price includes direct flights from Manchester Airport with easyJet.
Staying at Agua Hotels Sal Vila Verde Resort can be as little as £399ppCredit: Agua Hotels
TUI also offers a stay at the Agua Hotels Sal Vila Verde on the same dates flying from Glasgow from £534pp (based on a room-only stay).
It’s not just the hotels that are cheap on Sal, your food and drink won’t cost a lot either.
A mid-range three course meal for two people costs around £39.28.
Coffee will set you back just £1.53 and a pint will set you back between £1.65 and £2.59.
It’s easy to island hop too if you want to head to the likes of Boa Vista – the journey between the two takes just 25-minutes and one-way flights in February start at £44.
Boa Vista is known for having beautiful beaches too, and it’s home to loggerhead turtles.
Find out what one Sun Travel Editor got up to during a visit to Cape Verde…
Here are Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey’s highlights from her visit to Cape Verde…
“Tour giant TUI has just added extra flights from the East Midlands to the island, starting next weekend, in addition to its flights from Gatwick.
“My guide Paolo gave me a brief insight into the history of the island, colonised by the Portuguese until 1975.
“We learn of morna music — created by the indigenous population when they were enslaved by both African nations and Portugal — slow, danceable rhythms with tales of love and longing for the homeland.
“And one can understand their longing to return when you discover Boa Vista’s blissfully quiet beaches. Santa Monica, on the southeast of the island, is the finest in Cape Verde and often named as one of the best in the world by Tripadvisor.
“Despite the abandoned apartment complex overlooking the beach (left half-finished for decades), the rest of the beach is almost as idyllic as any in the Maldives.
“I was the only person there, sinking my toes into the soft golden sand, so powdery it almost felt like flour.
“My other favourite beach was Praia Carlota, where you can lose the days in the hippy Morabeza beach hut, chilling out while enjoying fried fish and local Strela beer and admiring the soaring kite-surfers braving the winds that whip across the waters.”
Brits planning their next Türkiye holidays may want to check out the breathtaking region of Antalya that’s packed with beautiful beaches, epic hiking trails and unrivalled scenery
