Cars were seen burned and one overturned in a town in Tel Aviv district caused by shrapnel after a wave of Iranian missiles struck central Israel. According to local police, three people were wounded.
Published On 15 Mar 202615 Mar 2026
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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
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
Guardian Travel readers’ tips
Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers’ tips homepage
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
IMAGINE a pristine destination with no cars and clear waters – and you’ll want to head to one Croatian gem.
Zlarin sits on the Croatian coastline about an hour from Split and is accessible via a short 20 minute ferry ride from Sibenik.
This “small undiscovered jewel” even feels “as if somebody put me in a fairytale”, according to one visitor.
The small island features a lush green landscape, 2,700 hours of sunshine a year and historically, has played an important role in being a gatekeeper of the St Ante Channel.
And you won’t need to worry about cars whizzing by you, as the island has banned them.
Despite its small size, the island has several beaches that feature crystal clear waters.
Read more on travel inspo
For example, you could head to Malpaga Beach which is conveniently near the town and the ideal place to head snorkelling.
Just steps away from the town, you will also find Trutin Beach, which is a quiet, rocky spot with clear water.
One recent visitor said: “Perfect for those who value peace, picturesque scenery, and a lack of crowds.
“Accessible by boat or water taxi, it’s ideal for those seeking connection with nature in a picturesque setting.”
One thing to note about the island’s beaches though, is that most feature rocks, so water shoes are recommended.
If you enjoy hiking, you can climb to Zlarin’s largest peak – Klepac – which reaches 169metres.
At the top, you will get to see amazing views of the sea and Sibenik channel.
The island has also had a strong link to coral as since the 14th century, people have dived off the island and harvested corals.
The islanders believe that the corals have magical powers and can protect against ailments.
The island still features two coral shops and in one, you can see a grindery which is used to prepare coral to be used in jewellery and other items.
Whilst most of the island is covered in greenery, in the main town there are a couple of bars and restaurants you can choose from.
For example you could head to Pasarela, which has a laid-back atmosphere and plays folk-rock music.
Alternatively, you could visit Bar Fingnac, known for its giant pizzas.
One recent visitor said: “Probably the best place to eat on Zlarin.
“One of the best pizzas I’ve had outside of Italy.”
If you do visit either of these spots, make sure to look out at the harbour with the longest port in Croatia, measuring 131metres long and 16metres wide.
When you return on the ferry, make sure to check out Sibenik as well.
The Dalmatian coastal town sits at the mouth of the Krka River and is the older native Croatian city on the Adriatic.
The city features a Venetian-era old town, alongside two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
One of the UNESCO sites is the Cathedral of St James, which was built entirely of stone.
Just 20 minutes away, you’ll find the Krka National Park, which is well-known for its waterfalls.
The city was even a key filming spot for the Free City of Braavos in Game of Thrones.
The best way to get to Zlarin from the UK is by flying to either Split or Zadar and then driving an hour to Sibenik.
Once in Sibenik, hop on the 20 minute ferry to Zlarin, with tickets costing between €2 and €4 (£1.74 and £3.49) per person.
In other destination news, here are some beautiful destinations you can get to from the UK without flying including the ‘British Fjords’ & Caribbean-like islands.
Plus, the ‘last paradise’ Greek island unknown to tourists where locals actually go on holiday.
A sinkhole suddenly opened at an intersection in Omaha, Nebraska, swallowing two cars stopped at a red light. Police said both drivers escaped before crews arrived and no injuries were reported. Authorities warn the street could remain closed for days amid fears the hole may expand.
Published On 25 Feb 202625 Feb 2026
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The president and director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars (R), looks on prior to being questioned by senators October 22 following a burglary at the Louvre, at the French Senate in Paris. She resigned her position Tuesday. File Photo by Yoan Valat/EPA
Feb. 24 (UPI) — The director of the Louvre in Paris, Laurence des Cars, resigned her post Tuesday, months after thieves stole more than $100 million in jewels from the museum, French President Emanuel Macron announced.
The president accepted Cars’ letter of resignation, Macron’s office said, and welcomed the “act of responsibility.” The statement said the museum needs “calm” and strength to carry out major security and modernization projects.
Cars faced grilling by the French Senate in October after the brazen daylight heist of the jewels. A group of four thieves used a basket lift mounted to a truck to enter the museum through a second-floor balcony window and make off with historic jewelry. The loot included crowns, necklaces, tiaras and brooches worth much more than the individual value of the gems and precious metal were the thieves to melt down the pieces to sell the parts.
Among the items stolen were items once owned by French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife, Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais.
French lawmakers questioned the efficacy of the Louvre’s safety measures in the weeks after the crime.
Auditors determined that the museum had fallen “considerably behind” in upgrading its technical infrastructure and security. The authors of the report took issue with the Louvre’s acquirement of 2,754 items over eight years, one-fourth of which were on display. These items — and renovations of displays — represent an investment of $167 million, double what the Louvre allocated for maintenance, upgrades and building restoration.
The report recommended that the Louvre eliminate a rule that requires the museum spend 20% of its ticket revenues — $143 million in 2024 — on acquiring new works. This would allow the facility to redirect funds to update the building without additional state funding. Auditors said the museum could also lean more heavily on its endowment fund to make the upgrades.
THE birch trees either side of us become a blur as we speed through the snowy woodland, our sled being masterfully pulled by a pack of energetic dogs.
Looking up, I spot a sheet of vibrant green and fiery pink spread across the night sky.
It had always been a dream of mine to experience the elusive Northern Lights.
Now I was getting the chance to do it in the best way possible: a Norwegian Fjords voyage.
February is one of the best times of year to see the natural phenomenon in Norway, although you stand a pretty good chance at any point from late September to April.
My partner Gemma and I were travelling with Ambassador Cruise Line, which has affordable sailings from the UK, removing the need for a flight.
Our home for the next couple of weeks, Ambition, was a modern 1,200-passenger vessel that oozes glamour with plenty of polished wood and brass, and a cosy, relaxed ambience.
Cabins are luxurious, spotless and well-appointed — refreshed each day by doting “butlers”.
Everyone on board has a complimentary dining place in either the light and airy Buckingham restaurant or smaller, more intimate Holyrood, both of which serve high-quality food with plenty of options for vegetarians like Gemma.
There is also the buffet-style Borough Market which serves delicious meals from early to late.
Plus there is speciality dining such as the fabulous Saffron, an Indian restaurant which left Gemma in raptures about the veggie selection platter.
The highlight for me, however, was the Chef’s Table experience where we were treated to a fascinating tour of the ship’s galleys before executive chef Cleo Murzello showcased his culinary skills in nine sensational courses paired with wines.
Just be prepared that you won’t feel able to move from your seat afterwards!
When we weren’t exploring the fjords, on board entertainment kept us busy every day with games — we couldn’t keep away from the high-prize £3-a-play bingo — West-End worthy theatre performances and fascinating talks including how to photograph the Aurora Borealis.
With seven bars, six restaurants, a shopping galleria, library, games room and incredible spa there’s always something going on.
Then there’s the shore experiences with everything from snowshoeing and rib-boat riding to ice bars visits and cable car trips available.
On our first morning in Norway, we woke to see low rocky islands sliding past as we got our first glimpse of the fjords — the long sea inlets between majestic mountains.
Alesund is one of Norway’s most beautiful towns. The best way to see it is to climb the 418 steps to its hillside view point and reward yourself with a svele pancake from the cafe at the top.
Then wander around the shops filled with the Norwegian obsession of trolls and slippers, then the gorgeous harbour.
Next morning, after crossing into the Arctic Circle, Ambition glided between snow-covered peaks up Straumsfjorden to the city of Tromso.
Here we took the mountain cable car to the top of snow-clad Storsteinen, 1,382ft above sea level.
The views were spectacular — as was the high-altitude beer at the summit cafe.
But it wasn’t until our evening dog-sledding adventure that we finally got what we came for.
As darkness fell the night sky began to bubble and split.
From behind the dark mass of mountains, a collection of dancing green fingers reached upward and outwards, curling and filling the sky.
It couldn’t have been a more perfect setting as the panting huskies ploughed through the snow.
More excitement was to come, though.
Cruise stops include the frozen port of Alta, in the Finnmark area of northern Norway, home of the Sami people.
Those keen to learn about the culture can book tours which include a visit to a village and reindeer sledding.
Instead, we headed to Alta Museum to take in some of the 6,000 amazing rock paintings dating from 4,200BC, discovered in 1973.
If ice snow experiences are more your thing, try the port of Narvik, home to a breathtaking Arctic train ride and polar wildlife park.
Or there’s the city of Bergen, where you can pick up souvenirs from local shops that line the cobbled streets.
I may have returned home with a pair of troll slippers but it’s the memory of Northern Lights that I’ll be cherishing for years to come.
Even the pictures on my phone don’t do it justice.
SAILING THERE: A 17-night Norway’s Land Of The Northern Lights cruise on board Ambition is from £1,709pp, departing Bristol Royal Portbury on October 16, based on two sharing an inside cabin.
Ports of call include Andalsnes, Alesund, Tromso, Alta, Hammerfest, Harstad, Leknes in Lofoten Islands, Narvik and Bodo.
