beaches

Even if you don’t want to commit to island-life fulltime, it’s perfect for a weekend away

Picture your dream place to live. You may have conjured up images of an island with sandy beaches, clear waters and palm trees swaying in the breeze. If so, there is a slice of this island life closer to home than you might think (minus the palm trees).

Anglesey is the seventh largest island in the British Isles, covering an area of around 275 square miles. It’s known for its amazing beaches, which range from picturesque coves to vast sandy stretches. The island and many of its locations are frequently at the top of best-of travel lists and guides. Earlier this year, Time Out named Anglesey one of the best places to visit in the UK in 2026 and last year it was named the UK’s ‘best island’ by The Telegraph. Most recently, it was named one of the best places to live in the UK in 2026 by The Sunday Times, which described it as “a landscape of rolling greenery set against the cinematic, jagged backdrop of Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula”.

It goes on to mention that the town of Menai Bridge is home to the island’s best shops and restaurants with views that are a “delight”, while Beaumaris is the island’s “artistic anchor”. And it adds: “Aberffraw, Benllech and Trearddur Bay are lively seaside villages, and there’s wildness and warm community spirit to be found in more remote corners of the island.”

The Sunday Times guide is designed to showcase places to live and highlights the average house price on the island is £270,500 but for those who just fancy a taste of island life, then a holiday in Anglesey — or even a day or weekend trip — does the job. And the aforementioned Menai Bridge is a great place to stay if you fancy the hustle and bustle of town life.

In fact, this year the Menai Suspension Bridge celebrates its 200th anniversary so there’s no better time to visit. Designed by Thomas Telford, the bridge reaches 1,265ft long with a central span of 579ft and is an impressive sight to behold.

In Beaumaris you’ll find pastel-coloured buildings and the impressive Beaumaris Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Edward I with his architect James of St George, it followed on from the castles of Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech. The fortress was huge with near-perfect symmetry but a lack of money and trouble in Scotland meant the castle was abandoned. But its magnificent walls still stand.

Anglesey’s beaches are a must for any visitor. In fact, given the coastline stretches for 125 miles, it’s pretty hard to avoid them. Close to the village of Aberffraw in the south west, you’ll find Traeth Mawr, a vast sandy beach backed by powdery dunes with gorgeous views over the mainland.

The beach connects to the Anglesey Coastal Path, a long distance coastal path which, as you’ve guessed, follows much of the island’s coastline. It takes around 12 days to complete, but obviously you can select shorter sections to do.

Of course, The Sunday Times does shine a light on one of Anglesey’s most scenic locations: Newborough Beach and the tidal Llanddwyn Island with its rolling sand dunes and rock outcrops. This “stunning spot” is a place steeped in legend and home to the remains of St Dwynwen’s Church, named after the Welsh patron saint of lovers, who fled to the island after she was forbidden to marry the man she loved.

Newborough Forest is a spectacular site in itself with towering corian pines growing beside the sand dunes of Newborough Warren. It’s also the perfect spot to see red squirrels, after they were introduced in 2004.

I’VE never tried synchronised swearing before – but then again, I’ve never been in a crowd being buzzed by a low-altitude jet fighter.

F***!! we yelled as a Blue Angels “sneak” pilot screamed over us and we watched the other five planes from the flight soaring in perfect formation high in the sky.

What made it even more exciting was that we were on a boat in the Gulf of Mexico, basking in 30C heat.

It was a highlight of our visit to Pensacola in the Florida panhandle (the top bit).

While still new to many Brits, this was familiar territory to our ancestors.

It has a claim to be America’s oldest city, established by Spanish conquerors in 1559, and is now known as The City Of Five Flags as it has also been ruled by France, the good guys from Great Britain, the Confederate States of America and, of course, the US.

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The latter were fighting for strategic military importance, which is why it is now home to a US Navy base — and that formation- flying team, the oldest in the English- speaking world.

But forget the strategic importance, just go here for the beaches.

They are incredible. White sand, warm water, more dolphins than you can shake a flipper at, and plenty of pelicans.

There are also hundreds of restaurants, bars, coffee and souvenir shops, and a host of top hotels including the Hilton Pensacola Beach where we stayed.

The latter is a great stay, with charming staff, superb pools, a welcoming outdoor bar and a fine restaurant.

Best of all was its location, though it’s not in “downtown” Pensacola.

It’s on, as its name suggests, Pensacola Beach — an offshore resort on the island of Santa Rosa, linked by bridge to its big brother.

If you’re not driving, there’s the Pensacola Bay City Ferry, shuttling between downtown, Pensacola Beach and the historic Fort Pickens, well worth a visit in its own right. You can buy daily hop-on, hop-off tickets.

Also, when the Blue Angels practise, most Tuesdays, you can do what we did and, for about £25, book a cruise out to sea to catch all the action.

Pensacola and Pensacola Beach provides you with the ideal two-centre holiday without much travelling.

Head downtown and you can revel in rich history — with lots of helpful signage, marked walking paths and the Veterans Memorial Park — as well as enjoying art shops and museums and event spaces.

Our visit coincided with the Pensacola Seafood Festival. Stalls sell everything from cheese-flavoured popcorn and artisan beers to, er, mermaid outfits.

We didn’t buy much, as wifey had blown our budget on a painting of a seahorse from a lovely art shop on the main drag, Palafox Street.

Once you are tired of the culture and shopping, and have eaten and drunk your fill — check my guide, above, to Pensacola dining — what are you going to do? That’s right, head back over the bridge to the beaches.

Get yourself a boat trip to go dolphin-spotting — you can see them while you are driving over the bridge but it is an offence to stop there.

We went with Captain Steve after booking with friskyboattours.com — and that man knows how to find a dolphin.

He’s also really good at explaining the area, and identifying passing birds.

One of those passing birds was an osprey, and we ventured a little farther afield one day to see if we could find some more.

It meant sacrificing the beaches for a while as we headed inland to Tarkiln Bayou State Park, where a marked trail — the Americans are good at that — tells you what you may see.

It leads you on a beautiful, tranquil route, past rare carnivorous pitcher plants (I read the sign) to a hidden lake. It was lovely but there were no ospreys, which was surprising given the number of tasty fish we saw swimming around.

No problem, they were there at next stop, Big Lagoon State Park.

Observation towers give you a great view of the wildlife — the resting osprey being trumped for me by a great blue hero flapping past at eye level.

I did mention not many Brits know about Pensacola — whose social-media marketing message is #thewaytobeach — and some of the locals would like to keep it that way.

We had flown from Heathrow on a Virgin Atlantic booking with partner airline Delta, changing planes at Atlanta.

It wasn’t as fast as the Blue Angels, but it was much less noisy and much more comfortable.

While we were waiting for our connecting flight to Pensacola, we chatted to a couple who, it turned out, had a condo on Pensacola Beach.

They were puzzled why we were going there and I explained I was writing a piece for a British newspaper.

“Don’t”, they said, “It’s our secret.”

Sorry.

CRAB CAKE OR TACOS?

YOU won’t go hungry or thirsty in Pensacola. Here’s our guide to dining of all kinds, from flip-flop to fine, at the beach and downtown.

BEACH

Flounder’s Chowder House: Big portions and bargain Bushwhackers (the local signature cocktail, a chocolatey rum-based concoction). Family-friendly with great play areas.

Bamboo Willie’s: Home of frozen cocktails, a perfect spot to chill.

Casino Beach Bar and Grille: Overlooks the pier. Totally relaxing, with great views and food.

The Grand Marlin: A wonderful atmosphere, tremendous seafood, views to die for.

Native Cafe: All-day breakfast joint the locals love. Try Crab Cakes Benny – muffin, crab cakes and poached eggs with hollandaise sauce.

Red Fish Blue Fish: The perfect beachfront restaurant and bar. Go for the shrimp tacos.

Salt: Signature restaurant at the Hilton Pensacola Beach. Beautifully prepared seafood and the best steak I’ve had in ages.

DOWNTOWN

Bodacious Shops: Classy coffee and breakfast staples plus artisanal olive oils and vinegars to buy.

The Fish House: Go for baked oysters. Also home to Grits à Ya Ya – tasty shrimp on a savoury porridge.

Jaco’s Bayfront Bar and Grill: Perfect spot next to the ferry port. Try the crab cakes or mahi tacos.

Maker’s Cafe: Welcoming spot, perfect for coffee and cake.

Union Public House and The Well: Neighbouring venues – a great gastro pub and a cocktail bar where they mix a drink to match your mood.

Visit this beautiful seaside which is a wonderful place to spend time by the coast, with the countryside nearby. There are beaches, forests and so many cultural activities to do

Fancy a little adventure where you can enjoy the sights and smell of the coast? Whether you’re up for a walk in the forest or to visit the village named the “prettiest in England”, it’s nice to venture outside of the borough at times.

Now with spring in full swing, there’s no better way to spend your long bank holiday weekend than by heading to the seaside. This location has been named the “most beautiful in the UK” with beaches, forests and so much more to enjoy. Not only can you spend time by the coast, it’s also close to the countryside. And the place people are raving on about is Folkestone, Kent.

This is a wonderful place to spend time by the beach where you can visit gorgeous little cafes along the cobbled streets, tuck into some fish and chips by the sea, and take in the views.

Folkestone is a coastal town on the English Channel, it lies on the southern edge of the North Downs at a valley between two cliffs.

A travel account on TikTok recently named the location as the “most beautiful seaside in the UK”.

In the caption, the user added: “Is this the cutest seaside town in the UK?” Meanwhile a lot of people in the comments section claimed to “love Folkestone”, while another added: “How beautiful.”

How to get to Folkestone:

If you’re travelling by car from London, it’s around 75 miles (about a 1 hour and 40 minute drive). It’s along the M20 which includes tolls.

Meanwhile, the fastest journey would be a train from London St Pancras to Folkestone Central, which takes about 56 minutes. A return ticket could cost around £30-£40 depending on times.

London Charing Cross is also another option to take the train from, although this adds nearly an hour onto the travel time.

What to do in Folkestone:

The seaside town offers a mix of sandy beaches, creative art and pure coastal charm.

There are many attractions for all members of the family, from the bustling Harbour Arm for food and drinks to the scenic Lower Leas Coastal Park.

Also the Creative Quarter’s has the Old Street for cafes, independent boutiques and coffee stops.

And don’t forget the Zig Zag Path where you can walk the restored Victorian path which offers dramatic views through the shady, landscaped greenery.

You can also check out the Folkestone Artworks where there’s over 70 contemporary artworks dispersed across towns, beaches and cliffs.

THERE are plenty of beautiful islands around Greece, but you might not have heard of Andros.

It’s the second-largest island in the Cyclades and is considered to be one of the most beautiful, and underrated.

Andros has it all, with mountain landscapes, beaches with bright blue waters, lush greenery with waterfall trails, and a town classically painted in Greece‘s blue and white.

Visitors arriving by ferry will first come to Gavrio, on the northwest coast which historically was a fishing village.

Now it’s a lot busier and vibrant with plenty of tavernas, bars and hotels – however this isn’t the capital of the island.

An hour’s drive away from Gavrio is Chora, which literally means ‘main village’.

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One visitor who blogged about their recent trip named Verde as a top place to grab a bite there.

Their top tip was to taste the Miss Pink cocktail, which is a mix of champagne, lime and grapefruit.

When it comes to drinks, on Andros, you can pick up a glass of wine from €3 (£2.60).

Along with its pretty village to explore, the real gems of this island are the beaches that are dotted along the coastline.

There are beautiful beaches too with white sands and bright blue seas.

One of the most popular north of Chora is called Zorkos Beach, which is also one of the island’s biggest.

One visitor said: “One of the best beaches I have visited in general in my life! Incredible waters, clear and a very quiet place even though it has a beach bar there!”

Another added: “Zorkos beach is just fantastic! Clean water and a very relaxed atmosphere. Perfect place to escape and enjoy the sea without a lot of people. We will definitely visit again.”

Other popular spots include Vitali Beach on the north eastern side of the island.

The beach is always fairly empty as it’s secluded and can only be accessed by a narrow dirt track – so it’s recommended to get there by motorbike or jeep.

Another spot which has crystal clear waters is Tis Grias to Pidima Beach, which has a huge rock stack off its shore.

The beach can be reached via a dirt road and steep trail, but lots of visitors say it’s worth a visit thanks to its beautiful views.

Heading inland, one popular activity for tourists on Andros is hiking to its waterfalls.

One of the easiest trails that takes around 10-minutes is to the Pithara Waterfalls, which is dubbed a ‘hidden paradise’ in Apikia.

Visitors say there’s enough water for a small swim, along with plenty of pretty viewing points from above the falls.

For those staying on the island, some hotels cost as little as £36 per night, which you can find on Booking.com.

The Ostria Hotel & Apartments has an outdoor pool, and is a few minutes walk away from Gavrio.

On Airbnb, pretty apartments start from £67 per night.

This one in Chora is within walking distance to the sea, as well as restaurants, bars, cafes, museums and art galleries.

When it comes to getting to the island, Brits will have to fly to Athens, which in May can be done for £25 with Ryanair.

From there, take a ferry across to the island which can be as quick as one hour with Seajets (with tickets from £30).

For more on Greek islands, one expert reveals the four better value islands where locals go on holiday with Santorini-like houses and secluded beaches.

A BEAUTIFUL resort on a lesser-visited Spanish island has been named the best in the country.

The luxury hotel, Paradisus Melia, which sits on the southern coast of Fuerteventura, has just named the ‘Best Resort in Spain for 2026′.

The luxury resort was awarded the title last week by Forbes just a few months after rebranding and reopening in October 2025.

While it’s on the luxe side of a holiday you can book it with the likes of Jet2, TUI and On the Beach from £136 per person per night.

In the summer months, Fuerteventura has average highs of 26C and at the Paradisus Melia, you can cool off in one of its four swimming pools.

Three are freshwater, one saltwater and there’s a children’s section with a slide too.

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There’s also a chance to upgrade to the ‘Reserve Pool‘ which is adult-only.

It comes with other perks too like use of the pretty cabanas, access to the exclusive lounge and concierge service along with premium drinks.

All the pools are surrounded by sunloungers, straw woven umbrellas and palm trees.

When it comes to eating and drinking, which you can take advantage of with an all-inclusive package, the hotel has multiple bars and restaurants.

Grab a drink at the cocktail bar, lounge bar or snack bar.

And for food, you can take your pick from one of the eight restaurants.

These include one which is buffet-style, two that are adults-only, and all have dishes that are traditionally Spanish, local, Italian and international.

When it comes to activities, guests can take advantage of the air-conditioned gym.

Or have a go at aqua aerobics, Pilates, table tennis and yoga.

There’s entertainment too and during the evening there’s live music and professional shows.

Throughout the year there are family-based activities too like arts and crafts.

Here’s another hotel in Fuerteventura – and it’s set out like a small village…

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Hotel Club Jandia Princess, Fuerteventura
This resort is set up like a small village, with low-rise buildings set among palm trees and six different swimming pools. Entertainment spans from DJ nights to bingo and live sports screenings, plus sports on offer include water polo, rifle shooting and shuffleboard.

BOOK HERE

When it comes to rooms, each has been newly made over and kept in a minimalist style with relaxing neutral colours and balconies for enjoying the evening sun.

The only board package guests can book is ‘All Inclusive Plus’ which includes buffet-style breakfast and dinner as well as lunch, snacks and drinks.

One holidaymaker said: “We had such a fabulous holiday at this resort. It has definitely raised our bar for all-inclusive holidays.”

With Jet2, two adults can head to Paradisus Melia on May 13, 2026 for a seven-night all inclusive break with transfers and return flights to London Gatwick from £953 per person.

The hotel is fairly isolated, but is minutes from incredible island beaches.

It has beautiful views across Plaża Sotavento and it takes just a minute to get onto the golden sands.

Sotavento Beach was voted one of the best beaches according to Tripadvisor a few years ago.

Also nearby is Playa de Sotavento de Jandía which one visitor said is
“undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.”

For those who want to head further afield, the nearest town is Costa Calma – you’ll need to take a transfer or taxi here which will take around six-minutes.

While it’s not as vibrant as other Spanish towns, it does have shopping centres, restaurants and beach bars.

For more beach holidays, this tiny Spanish island is yet to have mass tourism with incredibly quiet beaches.

And one man who has visited 100 countries confesses why he always go back to these Spanish islands that love Brits & have the best food & beaches.

YOU can explore a Santorini-like island with whitewashed villages for a fraction of the price of the real deal.

Folegandros is an island in the Cyclades known for both pretty beaches and cheaper hotels than its sister island.

Unlike its neighbours Mykonos and Santorini, Folegandros doesn’t have an airport or huge hotels – the island didn’t even have electricity until 1974.

It’s been dubbed an ‘under-the-radar Greek island’ seeing much fewer visitors.

Santorini gets around 3.4million visitors each year, meanwhile Folegandros gets 50,000.

There’s still lots to see and visitors will find most of the island’s life in the main town of Chora of which is perched on a cliff around 200 metres high.

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It’s where most of the shops, restaurants, cafes and tavernas are found.

Make sure to try Matsata, which is a handmade fresh pasta, which looks similar to tagliatelle, that was founded on Folegandros.

Usually it’s served with cooked meats like rooster, rabbit, or goat in a rich tomato sauce and topped with grated cheese.

For those who want the best island view, take the steep, winding path up to the Church of Panagia.

CNN listed Chora in their top seven most beautiful villages in Europe, writing: “Santorini’s streets sag with admirers.

“But on Folegandros, a nearby island, you’ll find similar architecture—streets paved in slate, whitewashed buildings decorated with colourful flowers, the occasional Greek Orthodox church with a bright blue dome—without the crowds.”

Being a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, Folegandros has plenty of beautiful beaches and has been praised for its “emerald-blue” waters.

Some of the island’s top ones include Katergo Beach which has white sands and blue waters.

Visitors have gone as far as to say it’s the “prettiest beach on Folegandros.”

Another is Livadaki Beach which most visitors access by boat rather than foot.

Its remote location means it is less busy than other beaches on the island and it’s said to be an ideal spot for snorkelling.

Agios Nikolaos Beach is family-friendly with a small bar and taverna on the shoreline.

Depending on the season, the average price of a hotel in Santorini varies but typically ranges from £143–£251 per night – but luxury stays can be as high as £1,000.

While Folegandros does have some luxe stays, there are some more affordable stays too.

The Beachfront Cycladic House can be booked from £74 per night on Booking.com.

The holiday home has a bedroom, a bathroom, a living room, a balcony and it’s just minutes’ walk away from multiple beaches.

Rooms at the Kallisti Hotel which is built in the style of a small village can be booked from £82 per night.

It has a swimming pool, bar, breakfast room and rooms with balconies with beautiful island views.

The easiest way for Brits to get to Folegandros is by a ferry from Athens which takes around four hours.

Brits can also fly from the UK to Athens in under four hours from as little as £22.

For more beautiful Greek islands, here are four better value islands where locals go on holiday with Santorini-like houses and secluded beaches.

And here are the alternative Greek islands that could save you £1,000 – including two spots everyone thinks are expensive.

The UK’s ‘holiday park of the year’ has been revealed and it has everything including cosy glamping pods, beautiful beaches on the doorstep and incredible stargazing opportunities

An eco-friendly holiday park close to Morpeth in Northumberland was named the best in the region at last night’s (March 19) Destination North East England Tourism Awards.

At the annual ceremony, now in its 24th year, Tranwell Farm Holidays was named the winner in the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year category. The site is on a farm that has been cared for by the family for over 60 years, and since 2022 it has offered a range of unique glamping experiences.

Accommodation options include grass pitches, where you can camp surrounded by beautiful meadows, or you can bring your own caravan or campervan. There’s a cosy shepherds hut for two, a comfortable camping pod, and two woodland lodges surrounded by trees which come with a private log-fired hot tub.

Guests can also enjoy some unique experiences while they stay on the farm. There are sessions where they can meet the park’s rare breed lambs, and you may even get to bottle feed one or witness a birth. The park is also set in an area with an official ‘dark sky’, meaning it’s an incredibly spot for stargazing.

Guests can hire a stargazing kit including binoculars, hot water bottles, and a rug, and can even hire a telescope to help them explore the cosmos from Earth.

Less than a 10-minute drive away is Morpeth, a historic market town with the River Wansbeck running through its centre. It has a traditional high street with a mix of chains and independent shops, as well as the indoor Sanderson Arcade where you’ll find upscale boutiques.

Stroll along the riverfront Carlisle Park and spot historic buildings such as Morpeth Court. Once the town’s court and gaol, it now houses a colourful antiques centre and café, as well as holiday apartments. The Morpeth Chantry is another unique place to visit. This medieval chantry house, which once held church services, is now home to a bagpipe museum which often has live performances.

Northumberland is known for its long, beautiful and unspoilt beaches, and there are a few that can be explored nearby. About half an hour away is Blyth Beach, a sand and shingle beach that has a long promenade and colourful beach huts. Its waters have been rated as ‘excellent’ by the council, so you can take a dip or surf if the conditions are right.

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Cambois Beach is also just a short drive away and this sandy beach has pretty sand dunes and footpaths among the sandy dunes. It’s a quieter spot with fewer facilities, but perfect for a peaceful walk and popular with dog walkers. You may even share the beach with a few people who are fishing, as it’s a great spot to catch flounder and cod.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

WHEN you think of heading on a beach holiday, Sopot is probably not a destination that springs to mind.

However, the coastal town on the Eastern European Riviera has white sand beaches and an enormous luxury hotel right on the promenade with rooms from £89.

Running along the Baltic Sea in northern Poland, Sopot has over 500m of coastline.

It’s most popular with holidaymakers is Sopot Beach – although visitors have said it’s not the warmest for swimming.

But in peak summer, it can be busy and popular for sunbathing and there is.

One visitor to Sopot Beach said: “A must see in Poland! Who would have known Poland had such a beautiful beach?

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“This should be well known. The whitest, softest sand.”

Another added: “The water was cold but it was amazingly sunny and kid loved the sand play and the park right beside it.”

Next to the beach is Sopot Pier which is the longest wooden pier in Europe and goes on for over 500 metres.

It has views of both the Baltic Sea and the Polish coastline, and cots just £2.10 to enter.

Along the front are cafesm restaurants and even chippies like Centrala Rybna.

The magnificently grand Sofitel Grand Sopot Hotel sits right on the promenade too.

First built in 1923, it was designed for affluent guests, but nowadays, visitors can stay there from £89 according to Kayak.

Along with 126 rooms and huge restaurant, it has a just-as-grand spa and wellness centre, along with a private beach.

When it comes to exploring the heart of Sopot, one of the liveliest streets is Monte Cassino Street, which is home to lots of shops, bars and restaurants.

There’s the Crooked House, which looks like something out of a creepy fairytale, as well as the towering Sopot Lighthouse.

While in Sopot, you can pick up a beer for 16zł (£3.33) and the average price for a meal is 45zł (£9.36).

The easiest way for Brits to get to Sopot is to fly directly to Gdansk which in March can be done for as little as £13 with Wizz Air.

The flight takes just two hours and 15 minutes from London Luton – and then it’s a 20-minute drive to Sopot.

Read more about what one travel writer saw in Gdansk and two other destinations which have cheap Ryanair flights.

Plus, the pretty city known as ‘Polish Manchester’ is near Europe’s largest indoor theme park.

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.

ONE of the most beautiful beaches in Europe is actually in Britain – and the sandy shores are bringing back a beloved attraction this week.

The observation wheel in Weymouth is returning and will welcome beachgoers from tomorrow for the new season.

Visit Weymouth announced that Weymouth’s Observation Wheel will be opening tomorrow.

In a social media post, it said: “After a successful debut year in 2025, Weymouth’s Observation Wheel will be open again this Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd March at 11am.

“It looks like we are in for a sunny weekend, so get ready for some amazing views! The attraction will then be open every day from Friday 27th March.

“From 10.30am on Saturday 28th March, the other beach rides will be open daily – just in time for the Easter holidays.”

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Other rides opening next weekend include the helter skelter, pirate ship, pirate coaster and paratrooper.

It won’t be the last time you see the big wheel either as the family who own it have a five-year contract in place, according to the Dorset Echo.

This means it will be there and open for business until 2029.

The attraction is fairly new to the seaside town having only opened in April last year.

It stands at 85ft tall and can take up to 108 passengers at a time.

Anyone wanting to see the Jurassic Coastline should take a ride as it offers great views across the beach and further on.

Last year, prices for the Weymouth Wheel started from £5 for children under 10 as well as OAPs.

For adults, a single ticket is £6, while families of four (two children and two adults) could get onto the attraction for £20.

Weymouth Beach is a favourite for Brits, especially during the summer months.

It’s also considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Last year, Tripadvisor ranked the best beaches – and Weymouth Beach came in 20th place, when it came to the list of the best beaches in Europe.

It was praised for its ‘shallow, safe waters’ that are perfect for swimmers.

Other factors that went in its favour included its family-friendly activities like donkey rides and pedalo hire.

It was the fourth year in a row that Weymouth appeared on the list.

The Times even named Weymouth the UK’s best beach back in 2023 with its litter-free beach, and plentiful amount of fish and chip shops.

Brits have a similar opinion too, one beach-goer wrote on Tripadvisor: “It’s the best beach in the South if not the UK”.

Another went one further, saying: “Best beach in the world.. Love it here.”

For more on beaches, here are Sun Travel’s 26 must-visit UK beaches for 2026 – including tropical-feel spots and family-friendly finds.

And here are five UK beaches that feel more like abroad with white sand beaches and chic hotels.

THE UK is heating up today, with highs of 20C making it hotter than places in Athens and Ibiza.

So if you fancy a last minute trip to the beach, we’ve rounded up 11 of the best which you can get to by train from a UK city in less than 60 minutes.

Weston-super-Mare – 19 minutes from Bristol

One of the closest beaches to Bristol, Weston-super-Mare can often get a bad rap as a seaside town.

But the huge new £20million Weston Placemaking Strategy will regenerate the town as part of a 10-year plan, which includes a new waterpark and reopened pier.

We spoke to a couple who have been going there for 55 years – here’s what they love about it.

Great Yarmouth – 25 minutes from Norwich

Great Yarmouth is also getting a huge revamp, with a £40million upgrade including North Quay and the Victorian Winter Gardens.

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A traditional beach, it is even home to Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, which was named one of the UK’s best theme parks.

Here are some of Sun Readers top tips on what to do in Great Yarmouth.

Southend-on-Sea – 53 minutes from London

Nicknamed the British Miami, Essex’s Southend-on-Sea is one of the coolest seasides on the list.

You might spot a celeb at the Roslin Beach Hotel which has welcomed everyone from Gary Barlow and Tyson Fury to Denise van Outen and TOWIE stars.

We’ve rounded up some other things to do there, including the free-to-visit theme park.

Exmouth – 20 minutes from Exeter

Devon‘s oldest seaside resort, Exmouth has it all from playgrounds and chippies to cheap Haven holiday parks.

It’s also on the new 2,700 coastal path which is the longest of its kind in the world – if you fancy a bit of a hike.

The Sun’s travel reporter Cyann Fielding explains why she loved visiting the beach as a child.

Cromer – 45 minutes from Norwich

Did you know that Britain has its own Great Barrier Reef – and it is less than an hour by train from Norwich?

Cromer is not only one of the warmest beaches in the UK (outside of summer) but it is also famous for its delicious Cromer crab.

Sun travel reporter Alice Penwill explains why she loves going to Cromer.

Brighton – 58 minutes from London

One of the UK’s most popular beaches, Brighton just squeezes under the one-hour-train mark.

A recent study even found that it has the most pubs per person so you can grab a pint to take to the beach.

Our Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski reveals how to do a weekend in the famous seaside town from the best shops to beautiful hotels.

Hunstanton – 50 minutes from Cambridge

Named one of the best seaside spots in the UK by Time Out, Hunstanton is your traditional seaside resort.

It lays claim to having the best sunset views, being the only spot on the East coast that faces West.

Sun travel reporter Jenna Stevens explains why you should visit other parts of the nearby county too.

North Berwick – 30 minutes from Edinburgh

North Berwick has two main sandy beaches, Milsey Bay and West Beach, so really its two trips in one.

According to the Scottish Tourist Board, it is still a “hidden gem” and “largely unspoilt”.

We’ve rounded up some other things to know about the tiny resort.

Folkestone – 55 minutes from London

The Kent town of Folkestone is getting a lot of hype at the moment – from the new ‘UK’s biggest beach sauna’ to the reopening on the seaside funicular this summer after years of closure.

Less than an hour from London, it was even named one of the best places to live in the UK.

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has revealed everything to look forward to in the town this year.

Crosby Beach – 25 minutes from Liverpool

One of the best places to spot the Northern Lights is, unusually, Crosby Beach near Liverpool.

It’s other claim to fame is being home to an Antony Gormley “Another Place” art installation, of which there are 100 cast-iron figures across the coastline.

Here are some other things to do in the nearby area.

Barry Island – 33 minutes from Cardiff

If you’re a Gavin and Stacy fan, you’ll know Barry Island and its just half an hour by train from the nearest city of Cardiff.

It has everything from Barry Island Pleasure Park, as well as a huge stretch of beach with all you need from chippies to arcades.

We spoke to the locals who gave us their top tips on what to visit in Barry Island.

Visiting this Spanish archipelago is like winning the lottery

A short ferry ride from Vigo (daily and overnight visitor numbers are capped) took us to the tiny archipelago of the Cíes Islands, a protected cluster of islands where seabirds rule and tiny beaches remain unspoilt. There are no cars on the island and only a few small restaurants dotted about. There is one campsite, with little else but the waves of the Atlantic to lull you to sleep. I felt as if I had won the lottery when we visited and knew this would be an experience not easily matched.
Helen E

Ischia in Italy is best by bus

Italy has brilliant public transport. We found it so easy to use the ferries and buses during our visit to Ischia in the Bay of Naples. The simple circular routes on the island mean there is almost zero chance of getting lost. You can buy a day ticket for a few euros, hopping on and off at your leisure until quite late in the evening. Much more fun to experience the lovely island like the locals and cheaper than a taxi.
Jane

A serene corner of Elba

Tiny Cavo on the island of Elba is my idea of heaven. Some of the hydrofoils from Piombino on the mainland stop there; some continue round to the busier Portoferraio with its mega yachts and bustle. Cavo is much quieter, more serene, and the iron-rich landscape means that the sea glitters with tiny flecks of iron as you swim underwater. A few hotels, a beach, prawns the size of your head, a jazz festival in the summer: what’s not to like? Porto Azzurro is more glamorous, but the quiet of Cavo is what I want.
Angharad

An overlooked Greek island

I recently revisited Aegina, off Athens, which was my childhood holiday spot for many years. It’s more than just “a small island near Piraeus”; it was once, very briefly, the capital of Greece and still has impressive ancient temples from a time when it stood strong among larger Greek city states. The town has changed, but it was great to see once again the port with its colourful mansions, market, and the mix of boats bobbing in the water. Returning felt like a trip down memory lane, and I’m grateful that Aegina remains charming and slightly off the usual tourist path.
Michael Castelli-Coats

Soulful and sandy Rügen, Germany

For a nostalgic escape, head to Rügen, Germany’s Baltic jewel and largest island. Famed for its white chalk cliffs, the island’s soul lies in its fine sands and unspoilt towns. In Binz and Sellin, ornate belle époque villas line the promenade, feeling wonderfully frozen in time. We took the Rasender Roland steam train from Putbus to Göhren, stopping at charming seaside resorts along the way. Whether soaking up the architecture or lounging in a wicker strandkorb (beach basket), Rügen is a masterclass in coastal serenity. We stayed at Hotel Am Meer & Spa (€165 B&B) and enjoyed its panoramic views.
Daniela

The UK’s ultimate north

Unst, the UK’s most northerly inhabited island, is reached via two small ferries through Shetland. The journey is part of the pleasure. Rolling, heather-covered hills greet you. Hermaness national nature reserve is a highlight, with boardwalks to dramatic cliffs and the UK’s northernmost point. May to August offers the best chance of good weather and puffins, though neither is guaranteed. Nor were the otters that we glimpsed.
Richard Waters

Kayaking around Vis, Croatia

The cliffs on the north side of the Croatian island of Vis rise straight up from the sea, a crumpled mass of limestone. You can kayak round the island in a week – if the weather gods are kind – but it’s the desolate north coast that makes the greatest impression. Eleonora’s falcons nest there and screech as you paddle past. At one point along the shore, a blowhole erupts in a burst of spray with each wave. Small bays with sandy beaches let you take a break from kayaking, but you won’t see another person until you reach Vis port, tired but deeply satisfied.
Andrew Cassely

A timeless slice of village life in Sicily

Perched high in the Nebrodi mountains, Old Noar Villa in Novara di Sicilia offers a rare kind of island escape: Sicily slowed to a human pace. Fruit trees, grapevines and walnut trees surround the house, scented by mountain air and deep quiet. Ancient churches and a beautifully preserved 200-year-old theatre anchor village life, alongside the butcher, baker and biscotti maker, cafes and softly buzzing bars. The sea is never far – the almost Grecian Aeolian Islands are just a hop away.
Neil Masey

Cycle to huge beaches off the Netherlands

Schiermonnikoog is well off the beaten track in the north of the Netherlands. Only permanent residents are allowed to drive; everyone else cycles or walks. It has one of the largest beaches in Europe, where you can go seal spotting or birding. It’s brilliant for kids because there’s hardly any traffic – they can safely roam around by themselves.
Sabine

Winning tip: We glimpsed our future on a Scottish island

Arran is stunning and diverse. We went just after finding out my partner was pregnant, so it holds a special place in our hearts. In Lochranza, we stepped off the bus and immediately saw a herd of deer and seals on the beach. We walked the rugged coast to Hutton’s Unconformity, where it was realised the Earth is millions not thousands of years old, and imagined our future. In the cosy community pub, a friendly barman shared his whisky knowledge. We returned for our first family holiday. We took a slower pace, pottering along the seafront and castle gardens in Brodick. Auchrannie spa pool was perfect for our baby’s first swim. We’ll go back again when he’s old enough to enjoy more of an adventure on Arran.
Nic

YouTuber Wendall flew to the Isles of Scilly off Cornwall and found stunning golden sandy beaches that he compared to the Caribbean, with experts also praising the remote islands as a UK paradise

A traveller who journeyed to some of England’s most isolated islands has insisted certain beaches rival those found in the Caribbean.

YouTuber Wendall, who shares content on the video platform through his eponymous channel, travelled to the Isles of Scilly. The Isles of Scilly comprise five inhabited islands including St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, Bryher, and St Agnes.

The Isles of Scilly are a compact archipelago situated just off the Cornish coast and have been recognised for generations as a location of significant interest and cultural value to the United Kingdom, reports the Express.

Whilst touring the region by boat, Wendall questioned the vessel’s operator about the standard of the beaches. He observed: “I’ve heard St Martin’s has got the nicest beaches.”

The boat operator responded: “It does have nice, golden, sandy beaches, yes. Nice golden sandy beaches.”

Wendall then remarked: “Caribbean-esque.”

Wendall isn’t alone in highlighting the Isles of Scilly’s beaches, with those at Tresco’s Pentle Bay also garnering considerable acclaim.

Specialists from GO Outdoors recently named Pentle Bay among the finest beaches to explore this spring, thanks to temperatures hovering around 10C and approximately 7.2 hours of daily sunshine.

This reputation is echoed in numerous Google Reviews. One visitor described it as “one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen,” while another called it a “mini paradise” and a “private gem.”

Discussing the subject, Calum Jones, author at GO Outdoors, commented: “As the days get longer and the weather warms up, spring is the perfect time to explore the stunning coastlines across the UK. From Druridge Bay Beach in the North East to Immeridge Bay in the South West, there are breathtaking beaches to discover all around the country.”

Beaches in this region are not the only ones to attract attention; Cornwall’s shores have also earned widespread acclaim, including Kynance Cove.

Located just a short drive from Falmouth, Kynance Cove has drawn comparisons to beaches on the opposite side of the globe in New South Wales, Australia.

Research conducted by Parkdean Resorts found that Kynance Cove boasts the whitest sand in the UK.

They stated: “Topping the list as the UK’s whitest beach is Kynance Cove in Cornwall. This Cornish cove boasts powder-soft sands made primarily of quartz, giving the beach its bright, white appearance. This breathtaking spot gives even Australia’s iconic coastline a run for its money.”

The best spots for your seaside getaway

As temperatures begin to climb, thoughts naturally turn towards seaside escapes. There’s nothing quite like the sound of crashing waves and the sensation of sand between your toes – but with countless stunning locations dotted around the UK, how do you decide where to visit?

For an ideal spring beach getaway, you’ll want maximum sunshine, pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall – and that’s precisely where the specialists at Go Outdoors come in. They’ve put together a ranking of Britain’s finest beaches based on average spring temperatures, precipitation levels, hours of sunshine and Google reviews to identify the absolute cream of the crop.

Every beach featured received a rating out of 10 according to its weather conditions, rainfall and visitor feedback.

Taking the top spot is Cuckmere Haven with an impressive score of 9.60. This breathtaking beach sits in East Sussex and boasts a remarkable 7.8 hours of daily spring sunshine alongside just 52mm of monthly rainfall.

Those visiting the beach can first take in spectacular views of the Seven Sisters — England’s famous white cliffs overlooking the channel — before embarking on a picturesque stroll along the Cuckmere River as it winds its way towards the coast. Hear the cries of seagulls circling above, and feel the fresh sea breeze against your skin, reports the Express.

Claiming second position is Southwold Beach with a rating of 8.68 out of 10. This expanse of sand extends from the River Blyth’s mouth, passing Southwold Pier which offers plenty to discover.

There are arcade games and numerous cafés and restaurants where you can pop in for refreshments or a bite to eat. Securing the third spot, and boasting the highest Google review rating amongst all the beaches, is Druridge Bay Beach.

Google reviews rate this beach at a stellar 4.9 out of five, and the Go Outdoors research awarded it an impressive overall score of 8.53 out of 10.

The beach itself extends for seven miles, and the adjacent woodlands are teeming with wildlife such as roe deer and red squirrels.

The UK’s best beaches to visit this spring:

Rank

Beach

Location

Country

Avg. spring temper-ature (°C)

Avg. monthly spring rainfall (mm)

Avg. daily spring sunshine hours

Google review score /5

Overall score /10

1

Cuckmere Haven

East Sussex

England

9.5

52

7.8

4.8

9.60

2

Southwold Beach

Suffolk

England

8.9

48

8.0

4.7

8.68

3

Druridge Bay Beach

Northumberland

England

7.9

57

7.3

4.9

8.53

3

Pentle Bay

Tresco

England

10.3

59

7.2

4.8

8.53

5

Thornwick Bay

Flamborough Head

England

8.2

52

7.7

4.8

8.48

6

Kimmeridge Bay

Dorset

England

9.7

56

7.7

4.6

8.33

7

Rhossili Bay Beach

Gower

Wales

9.3

84

7.4

4.9

8.23

8

Barafundle Bay Beach

Pembrokeshire

Wales

9.4

69

7.0

4.9

8.22

9

Camber Sands

East Sussex

England

9.8

50

7.1

4.6

8.18

10

Porthcurno Beach

Cornwall

England

10.0

65

7.3

4.8

8.17

ARE you looking for a cheap Spanish holiday to soak up the sun this summer?

The most affordable coastlines in mainland Spain have been uncovered – and some are £200 cheaper than holidaying on the Costa del Sol.

TravelSupermarket has found the eight most affordable coastlines on mainland Spain with the top being Costa Calida.

It’s nicknamed the ‘Warm Coast’ thanks to its micro-climate which means it has temperatures around 5C warmer than the surrounding Mediterranean.

Daytime temperatures between in the summer can range between 30C and 35C.

Costa Calida also has over 315 sunny days every year.

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According to TravelSupermarket, the average price of a holiday per person is £457 per person.

The coastline has a huge 150 miles of beaches and is generally quieter than its neighbours like the Costa del Sol and Costa Brava.

That said, it still has popular spots along the coastline including La Manga which has a sandy strait often compared to Florida.

La Manga is a 13 mile long strip of sand which is known for its shallow, popular swimming waters and its salt water lagoon.

Visitors have compared it to looking like Florida‘s West Palm Beach and even Miami.

Rooms at the AluaSun Doblemar hotel on La Manga cost as little as £46 per night.

It’s the biggest resort and sits on the beachfront – it daily activities to keep guests entertained, outdoor pools, all-inclusive dining, and a kids’ club.

Another spot holidaymakers might want to consider is Cartagena.

It’s the second largest city in the Region of Murcia and is well-known for its 2,000-year-old Roman theater.

It also has a busy port, seafood restaurants, and Calle Mayor is the busy shopping street with independent shops and boutiques.

There are plenty of beaches too like Playa de Calblanque tucked away in a National Park south of La Manga and the Blue Flag Playa de Calnegre.

A Place in the Sun presenter Jean Johansson says that for those looking to buy abroad, Cartagena is a great and affordable option.

She said: “There are also places around it like Cartagena which, when I started on the show, wasn’t a desirable place, but now it comes up more and more.

“In the Murcia region and Almería, you could get a two-bedroom apartment with a pool in a complex for £100-£120k, and that’s good in this day and age.

“We still have people that can make £80k stretch in the south of Spain, so Murcia is a place to buy in before it gets too expensive.”

To get to the Costa Calida is simple too because Brits can fly into Murcia Airport and head south.

One-way flights from Bournemouth to Murcia start from just £15 with Ryanair in April.

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket said: “Spain remains one of the most reliable destinations for British holidaymakers seeking value, and with budgets still under pressure, it pays to be a little flexible about where you go.

“Costa Calida in particular stands out – it consistently delivers on beaches, weather and facilities, but tends to fly under the radar compared to the likes of Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca, and that’s reflected in the price.”

For more on Spain, here are the top five of the best destinations to visit in spring with Caribbean-like beaches and free festival trains.

And here’s more on the ‘desert coast’ of Spain that is £290 cheaper than a holiday on the Costa del Sol – with less rain and £3 beers.