OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in popular holiday spots and off-the-beaten-track destinations.
This week we’re shining a light on Limassol in Cyprus, home to gorgeous beaches and luxury marinas littered with quality restaurants.
Cyprus is one of the best Med destinations for some late winter sun, with it remaining one of the warmest European destinations in winter.
By that, I mean expect temperatures of 23C – not hot, but definitely t-shirt weather.
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British Airways, Wizz Air and Ryanair all have direct flights to both airports which are around an jour from Limassol (with Ryanair offering them for as little as £14.99)
Here are some of our other top tips for a visit to the island city.
Limassol is so much more than a fly-and-flop destination – the second-largest city in Cyprus is rich in culture and fascinating history.
And you can unearth some of its magic at the Limassol Castle & Medieval Museum, which dates back to around 1590 (although it was demolished and has been rebuilt with several additions throughout the years).
Here you can take a detailed look at medieval pottery, old weapons and plates from the Byzantine era.
HIDDEN GEM
While most holidaymakers will spend their trip flopped on the beach, those with a more adventurous streak can take advantage of some gorgeous hiking trails, leading them to a couple of hidden waterfalls.
A little off the beaten track, at the foot of the Troodos Mountain, the tumbling Kaledonia and Millomeris falls are a magnificent sight – and great spot for a photo.
The stroll takes around an hour and is just shy of 3km from Pano Platres – you can reward your efforts with a refreshing dip in the waters.
Limassol is the perfect spot for winter warmthCredit: AlamyThe medieval Kolossi castle is worth a visitCredit: Alamy
BEST VIEW
Perched on a mighty hill, the ancient theatre of Kourion offers the most breathtaking view, with the Mediterranean ocean laid out below.
The horse-show-shaped archaeological site is pretty spectacular anyway, regardless of the sea views.
It was constructed at the end of the 2nd century BC, from local limestone and has seen many renovations over the years.
It’s no longer used for wild animal fights, understandably.
Instead, visitors today can expect regular theatre performances during the summer months.
RATED RESTAURANT
There’s no end to excellent restaurants in Limassol, but if you’re a meat-eater you can’t go wrong with a slap-up dinner at Prime Steakhouse.
Located within the City of Dreams resort, close to Limassol Bay and Salt Lake, the sophisticated restaurant has been nominated in the Hotel/Resort Luxury Dining category for this year’s Cyprus Eating Awards.
Properly juicy steaks are cooked inside a Mibrasa charcoal oven and can be paired with stilton, chimichurri or morel mushroom sauces.
Make sure to wash it down with one of the whisky-based cocktails.
For dinner with a view, right on the marina is Pyxida (another nominee in the Cyprus Eating Awards) which cooks up top notch, fresh seafood.
You can easily wander around in your t shirt in winterCredit: AlamyThe island is just a few hours from the UKCredit: Alamy
BEST BAR
Few bars serve better cocktails than stylish Catrinas Cyprus, a Mexican-restaurant-cum-bar close to the marina.
The classic menu features all the favourites from the zesty pornstar martini to aperol spritz
Travellers come for the fruity drinks in a laidback atmosphere, but stay for the lively music – sometimes as late as 2am.
HOTEL PICK
The sprawling City of Dreams Mediterranean sits right on the coast and is bursting with fun for families and adults alike, from its grand casino and late-night shows, to tennis coaching sessions and an adventure park with a zipline coaster and climbing wall.
The five-star setting is a great place to relax with several outdoor and indoor pools, a spa and even a hair salon for those wanting a holiday zhuzh.
Chichester has made it onto the list of top places to visit in the world in 2027Credit: GettyThe city has its own harbour and is close to beaches tooCredit: Getty
Expedia has revealed the trending hotspots for next year, which have seen a boom in searches.
Chichester has seen an increased interest of up to 30 per cent, the city itself dates back almost 2,000 years – and its main attraction dates back to 1075.
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Chichester Cathedral sits right in the heart of the city and has done for over 900 years.
At 277 feet high, it’s the only medieval cathedral in England that can be seen from the sea.
Other popular spots for visitors include Fishbourne Roman Palace, the biggest Roman house in the UK, and the open-air Weald and Downland Living Museum.
Hopefully visitors will bump into friendly locals too as the city was voted the happiest place to live by The Guardian last year.
The location of the city means that it’s less than half an hour away from some of Britain’s beaches.
West Wittering Beach is a mere seven miles away from Chichester city centre and still in the district of Chichester.
The pretty beach has Blue Flag status and is backed by colourful beach huts, and the village itself is home to huge celebrities including Keith Richards and Kate Winslet.
Other nearby coastal spots include Selsey Beach and Bognor Regis – both of which are home to popular holiday parks like Seal Bay Resort and Butlin’s.
Chichester Harbour has thousands of moorings and waterfront restaurantsCredit: Alamy
There is waterfront nearer to the city however as Chichester has its own harbour with sailing clubs, marinas and thousands of moorings.
One popular spot for visitors to enjoy lunch is The Boathouse in the marina which has indoor and outdoor seating.
Chichester also has lots of green spaces too as the area surrounding the city is part of the South Downs National Park.
For those who want to visit, Chichester has its own railway station with direct trains to London Victoria – these take around an hour and a half.
It is even in the famous Bayeux Tapestry, as it was where King Harold lived.
TheCredit: AlamyChichester canal basin, West Sussex, EnglandCredit: Getty
Other locals say it looks like an ‘old fishing village‘ found in Devon or Cornwall.
Talking about Unpack ’27, Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin explained: “In 2027, travellers are being more intentional in choosing their next adventure, seeking experiences that are more personal and purposeful to them.
“We’re making it easier to discover, plan, and book the right trip, so travellers can spend less time managing the details and more time enjoying the moments that matter.”
The next closest spot for Brits, and the perfect destination for a holiday is Perugia in the Umbria region of Italy.
Flights with Ryanair are direct from London Stansted and start from as little as £20.
Found on the hilltop, the Umbria capital is one for the foodies, being famous for its chocolate (and annual chocolate festival).
There are also jazz festivals, historic fortresses and beautiful architecture to explore as well.
Here is Expedia’s full list of Destinations of the Year for 2027…
AUTUMN is the perfect time for a city break holiday abroad.
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and quieter restaurants – there’s something to be said for a long weekend post-summer.
And with hundreds of countries under our belts, as the Travel Team at The Sun, we know which are the best spots to visit after summer but before winter is in full swing.
Here are our favourite cities to visit this autumn, along with our top tips, cheap pints and very affordable flights thrown in.
Warsaw, Poland
Try the cosy Hala Koszyki food hall for some fantastic foodCredit: Alamy
Known as the Grinch by friends due to my ambivalence to Christmas, Warsaw is the perfect place to visit in autumn before the festive season takes over.
Not only is it also frequently named one of the cheapest city break destinations, but it was named top city to visit by European Best Destinations 2026.
The architecture of the city is stunning, with historic 17th century buildings compared to the more modern Brutalist blocks.
Start with a wander around the beautiful Old Town which was reconstructed after WWII, when 85 per cent of it was destroyed.
Then head over to the Neon Museum, with hundreds of huge neon signs from the Cold War (one to get your camera out for, definitely).
The food scene is fantastic too – I highly rate Momu which specialises in Polish dishes using a smoke-roasting oven, or huge food hall Hala Koszyki which was the first of its kind in the city.
You can find really cheap hotels – ibis budgets start from as little as £35 (so £17.50 each), while Ryanair flights are £30 return. So a mega cheap holiday!
Or you can find two-night city breaks for just over £100pp with loveholidays. Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is still warm but just as beautiful outside of summer with lots to doCredit: AlamyHow about trying to design your own street art on a graffiti workshop?
The Portuguese capital comes into its own in autumn, with oodles of sunshine and warm temperatures perfect for exploring its maze of hilly streets, grand squares and spectacular architecture.
I’ve just returned from a perfect weekend break that went beyond the tourist trail with the help of the new Andaz Lisbon hotel (rooms from £242 a night).
Just steps from the grand, riverfront square Praca do Comercio, the hotel in a former grand bank has a spectacular rooftop restaurant and bar.
Their exclusive experiences pair you with locals to delve deeper – like renowned street artist Migeul Brum who not only gave us a whistle-stop tour of some incredible murals and installations but allowed us to get hands on and create our own with a graffiti workshop.
Their Seven Hills by Night revealed some of the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods for fun after dark.
We sipped classic cocktails in hidden speakeasy Foxtrot and enjoyed a live performance of traditional Fado music at Bohemia Lx Se.
And for a glimpse of the glorious seafaring history, a tuk tuk tour took us to the arty district of Belem where we explored the Belem Tower and Monument to the Discoveries.
And of course, no visit to the district would be complete without sampling the irresistible custard tarts at the original bakery, Pastels de Belem.
Flights to Lisbon from £14.99 from the UK. Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Tallin, Estonia
You can get pints of hot chocolate – the perfect drink for an autumnal stayCredit: Alamy
The capital of Estonia might not be your first thought for a city break but it should be.
With a three-hour flight time, the city is far enough away to feel a bit more of an autumn chill but not so far that the flight feels like a strain.
Tallinn is an easy city to walk around; all the main sights are close to each other, especially in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town.
Here you’ll find Gothic spires, cobbled alleyways and the Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum which even explores the city’s coffee culture.
And everything is super cheap – I managed to visit the KGB Prison Cells and then grab lunch afterward for around £15.
A pint will set you back a few euros, as will a PINT of hot chocolate – yes really.
The benefit of go in autumn is that the freezing weather of winter hasn’t quite kicked in yet and you can enjoy exploring the city crowd-free.
With LastMinute.com, you could head away for three nights to Citybox Tallinn City Center Hotel, which has a modern interior and light airy rooms for £194pp for three nights including flights. Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Seville, Spain
Seville comes into its own in shoulder seasonsCredit: Alamy
Seville is the Spanish city that comes alive in shoulder season – seeing as summer has unbearable highs that approach 40C.
But that drops off in autumn, meaning you can get some post-summer warmth within just a few hours.
And there are some fantastic, must-see attractions, from the Seville Cathedral (the largest gothic cathedral in the world) and the Moorish Royal Alcazar of Seville.
Skip the expensive flamenco shows and watch the many free performances in the parks.
The ultimate cheap breakfast is at Bar Alfafa, a tiny restaurant squeezed between two roads where you will find coffee and toast for just €2.10 (£1.78), as long as you can find a table between the locals.
The beauty of Spain is that wine is cheap (expect to pay around €2-€3 (£1.69-£2.54) per glass), but head to the local chain 100 Montaditos where you can get beers for under €1.50 (£1.27).
TUI has three-night breaks for as little as £180 each, with your hotel and flights thrown in.
Cheap booze, quick flights and 28C highs in autumn – what more could you want? Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Vilnius, Lithuania
Go back in time as the leaves change colour in VilniusCredit: Getty
If you aren’t still longing after lounging about on beaches or sun-searching, but are ready to embrace autumn in all its glory, I’d say a trip to Vilnius is on the cards.
The capital of Lithuania, especially its medieval Old Town is beautiful with cobblestone streets, towering church towers and shops with autumnal window displays.
With its old-school look, I felt almost as if I’d stepped back in time.
It’s quiet too as Lithuania gets far fewer visitors in general than the likes of Spain or Portugal.
When I popped out early on a Sunday morning for a wander around the Old Town, it was practically deserted.
To make it even better, food and drink is cheap too. One cafe called Vynomanai sold coffee for €2 (£1.70) and beer for €3 (£2.55).
The best snack I tried and a must-try is called kepta duona. Essentially it’s fried bread in garlic – which is like the UK’s version of pork scratchings.
Flights start from £19 with Ryanair, or Loveholidays has seven-night breaks from £249pp. Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The famous canals come alive in autumnCredit: Alamy
Amsterdam is big on nature. Canals weave between its Baroque buildings and the cobblestone streets are lined by bushy trees that look even more spectacular in the autumn months, painting the streets in shades of red and orange.
While summer time is all about beer, the coming months focus on hot and cosy tipples like Warme Chocolademelk (Dutch Hot Chocolate) and Gluwhein (similar to mulled wine), both from around €4.
Grab yourself a glass from one of the traditional brown bars which tend to feature large windows from which visitors can watch the world go by, drink in hand.
Make sure to gobble back some Dutch classics. Comfort food is a staple in these parts and autumn is the perfect time of year to sample them.
Keep your eyes peeled for Stamppot, a hearty dish, made of mashed potato, sausages and sauerkraut – Moeders in the Jordaan whips up a truly authentic version.
Make sure to pick up some stroopwafels, too, a classic sweet treat which comprises of sticky caramel sandwiched between two thin, circular waffles.
You can still bag EasyJet flights from around £25 from London airports in November this year. Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Tirana, Albania
Tirana is often overlooked in favour of the Albanian Riviera but its a beautiful weekend destinationCredit: Alamy
It takes around three hours to reach the capital of Albania and once you’re there, there is plenty to do over a weekend at a leisurely pace.
In the centre of the city, visit Skanderbeg Square, the city’s central plaza featuring a towering clock tower.
Another top spot is the free Pyramid of Tirana – it’s a bit of a work-out to reach the top but the view of the city is well worth it.
And if there is one thing you shouldn’t miss, make sure to visit Bunk’Art 1 & 2 which are massive underground Cold War bunkers converted into museums, including one all about surveillance.
Street food will cost you a few quid and coffee or a pint is under £2 each.
What’s even better is that return flights cost as little as £28 per person. Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Paris, France
Get some Christmas shopping done in the world’s fashion capitalCredit: AlamyIt’s one of the best places to come for food and shopping, says Sophie
I can think of no better place than Paris to transition you from summer, seamlessly into the cosy season. For me, it’s the shopping that draws me back year after year.
It is the fashion capital of the world, after all.
So make sure to travel with an empty suitcase so you can pick out your winter wardrobe while you’re here from the many vintage boutiques littered around the Le Marais district in the 3rd and 4th Arrondissements.
Here you’ll find classic kilo shops that sell bargain items priced by weight – you could pick up a whole outfit for €15.
Plus the city is just a hop, skip and a jumper over the Channel, reachable by plane, train or car – take your pick.
The culinary scene is another huge draw in autumn, too. Now is time to trade out the rosé wine for something more wintry and, in my opinion, no where in the world produces better red wine than France.
Le Barav, in the same region as the vintage shops, houses a wine shop on one side and restaurant on the other.
You can go and pick your wine for a supermarket price and then pay a €7 corkage fee to drink it in the restaurant area while tucking into a cracking charcuterie and cheese platter.
Wowcher city breaks with flights included start from £99. Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
OUR Spotlight On column uncovers the top things to see and do in the best holiday destinations, as well as lesser-known spots, in the UK and abroad.
This week, we’re shining the light on the already well-lit destination of San Diego, which sees more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
San Diego has 300 days of sunshine, did you know?Credit: AlamyBelmont is one of the world’s oldest theme parksCredit: Alamy
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited, and said: “I love exploring Belmont theme park, which dates back to 1925, which felt like going back to the 50s with wooden rollercoasters and spinning ice cream rides.
“Then hop over to South Mission Beach for some insane sushi at Cannonball overlooking the ocean, before a drink in Part Time Lover, a very cosy listening bar with a vinyl shop at the back.
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“Save time for Barrio Logan too, named one of the best neighborhoods in the world with fantastic independent stores and street art.”
You’ll want to take advantage of that glorious weather.
So head to La Jolla Cove which was recently named the best beach in the USA in the Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards.
The shoreline is home to crystal-clear waters that are ideal for snorkelling in – keep your eyes peeled for wild sea lions slouched on the rocks and sand, too.
If you’re not much of a snorkeller, grab yourself a kayak from one of the many rental stores or indulge in one of the gorgeous clifftop hiking trails that will take you along the coast.
HIDDEN GEM
Ditch the tourist attractions and crowded shores. Instead you should make a beeline for North Park, where the locals and creatives hang out.
Make sure you come thirsty as this area is crammed with independent coffee shops and some of the best craft beer in the States.
Make sure to admire the colourful murals splattered along the streets and pop into the vintage stores for a souvenir.
Take a look at the historic Observatory North Park ahead of your visit as you may time if perfectly to catch one of the regular gigs,
There is so much to do in the cityCredit: AlamyBarrio Logan is home to some beautiful street artCredit: Alamy
BEST VIEW
Take a stroll from Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, just south of Ocean Beach.
This dramatic 1.5-mile stretch of rugged coastline is one of San Diego’s most spectacular viewpoints, where you can watch the Pacific waves crashing into rock arches while the sun sets beyond the horizon.
If you’re not one for a nature walk, then Mister A’s is a cracking rooftop restaurant perched high above downtown with sweeping panoramic views across San Diego, the bay and the flight path into the city’s airport.
Cocktails are being continually shaken and the atmosphere is warm and buzzy.
RATED RESTAURANT
Exciting new openings are cropping up all over the city, including Ikaria in La Jolla which is due to open towards the end of this year.
The restaurant is inspired by the Greek island which shares its name and will feature a vibrant Mediterranean menu alongside wine tastings session and cooking classes.
For a slap-up brunch, Morning Glory is set a few streets back from the waterfront, near the Harbor View area, and stars in the Michelin guide for good reason.
Decorated in hues of candy floss pink, with mirrored furniture and a champagne vending machine, it’s got an air of Palm Springs about it.
Star dishes include the indulgent souffle pancakes and fried chicken and waffles.
BEST BARS
Swap your cocktail for a pint from one of San Diego’s independent breweries – after all, this city is known as the IPA capital of the world.
Mujeres Brew House in Barrio Logan is run entirely by women and offers a whole host of craft pours including crisp lagers and bold West Coast IPAs.
It hosts regular events, live music sessions and pop-up food stalls in a casual but lively setting.
HOTEL PICK:
The 4* Pearl Hotel in Point Loma is affordable and elegant, with retro-inspired furniture and decor that make it feel like its from another era.
It’s quickly become one of San Diego’s coolest places to stay with stylish rooms, excellent cocktails and easy access to both downtown and the beach.
Rooms cost from £115 per night based on two people sharing a double. See thepearlsd.com.
