Croatia

Will Hannington plunged 40ft from the balcony at his hotel in Dubrovnik, Croatia, during a holiday with friends – and he “smashed” his femur, fractured his rib and vertebrae

A desperate mother has had to take out a £15,000 loan to get her son home after he plummeted 40ft from a hotel balcony – despite having travel insurance.

Sarah Hannington’s son Will, 23, slipped on the “damp” surface as he attempted to pass something to his mate’s balcony next door during a break with friends in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Will, a furniture delivery worker, plummeted from the fourth floor of the hotel, “smashing” his femur, fractured his rib and vertebrae and damaged his kidneys and spinal cord.

Family say Will’s life was saved by “the fortune of falling on a small bush” but he needed a five-hour operation at a Croatian hospital to have a metal road inserted into his femur. Will, from Basildon, Essex, then woke up in intensive care.

After recovering, Sarah helped arrange Will to return home in a private ambulance – travelling around 1,400 miles across eight countries for 30 hours – and he is now at a London hospital. However, Sarah, 52, had to take out the loan to hire the transport because Will’s insurance company – which the family doesn’t want to name – denied his injury claim and classed it as “self-risk behaviour”.

READ MORE: Mum’s Asda insurance didn’t cover £1,500 bill after son split his head on holidayREAD MORE: Teen fighting for life as split-second decision after ‘few pints’ proves costly

Fortunately, Sarah was able to use her son’s European Health Insurance Card [EHIC] to cover Croatian surgery costs and his stay in intensive care, which cost another 15,000 euros (£13,000).

But the NHS worker remains furious with the insurance provider, insisting the hotel itself ruled out any inappropriate behaviour and supported Will’s case. Sarah, also from Basildon, continued: “It made me angry [that the claim was denied] because I had lost a week to get him home.

“He had his EHIC and insurance and did everything you were meant to do as a sensible person. An accident is an accident and you’d think it would be covered but it wasn’t. It made me wonder what the point of having holiday insurance was.

“When I got in touch with the insurance company, I just thought we’d be able to get Will home but after a week they declined the claim on the basis that they saw it as self-risk behaviour. It had been ruled out by the hotel that he wasn’t being silly and it was an accident and they had sent off their risk report to the insurance company.”

A GoFundMe has been created to help Sarah repay the loan. The mum of two said she had no choice but to take the loan as, since flying was unsafe, there was no alternative for Will to travel home from Croatia last month.

But Sarah, who works for the NHS, is relieved Will survived the horror – describing the situation as “a miracle.” He is set to undergo further surgery and extensive physiotherapy in the UK. He has now movement in his right leg or left foot.

Recalling the ordeal, Sarah said: “Will video called me in the early hours of the morning to tell me what had happened. I didn’t realise the height he had fallen from [at first]. He was in shock, distress and pain and he was putting a brave face on for me.

“It wasn’t just a broken leg. It was an intense fall. I prayed to God that I still had a son. It’s a miracle he’s alive. I’m glad he had his EHIC as this allowed him to be treated as a national in the country. The intensive care and surgery cost ran into 15,000 euros on its own so if we didn’t have the EHIC we would be facing this too.

“We came back to the UK via ambulance across eight countries and it took 30 hours. I went with him and it felt like a never-ending journey and he was in a considerable amount of pain. When we crossed over from the Channel Tunnel I cried as I was so happy to have him back in the UK.”

A family friend set up the GoFundMe page, unbeknown to Sarah. The mum continued: “We are just looking forward now and hoping he’ll be able to walk again and make a full recovery and go back to work. If you’re going to go to a European destination you need to have an EHIC and check the small print in your insurance.”

To donate to the appeal, visit this link.

Apart from a few packed-away sun loungers and the odd shuttered beach kiosk, summer is firmly keeping its grip on the Croatian island of Lošinj in the northern Adriatic. The sea is still warm as I plunge into the turquoise waters of Čikat bay, one of the largest and most sheltered on this long, thin, knobbly island in the Kvarner Gulf.

Croatia’s 19th-century Habsburg rulers were convinced that Lošinj had special healing qualities. Wandering along the tree-shaded footpath that runs all around Čikat bay and its numerous headlands, lulled by scents of pine, juniper, rosemary, sage, mint, mastic and helichrysum, I’m inclined to agree. There’s a mellowness to the air after the intense heat of high summer, and fewer people are on the beaches – although the island’s main town of Mali Lošinj buzzes with several festivals and regattas in September.

I’m here during the annual Taste the Mediterranean food festival, which has moved around Croatia over the past 13 years and has now found a home in Mali Lošinj. Guest chefs from around Europe work with local chefs to create dinners at some of the town’s restaurants, as well as hosting workshops for young culinary stars of the future.

It’s a fitting location: the Kvarner region – comprising the Opatija Riviera, Rijeka and its littoral, plus islands including Lošinj, Cres, Krk and Rab – has been designated European Region of Gastronomy for 2026 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism. Situated between the Istrian peninsula and the Dalmatian coast, Kvarner embodies the melting pot of Croatian cuisine – part Austrian, part Italian, part Balkan, and borrowing freely from its regional neighbours.

I see this on my plate at Diana Steakhouse in Čikat bay, where Istrian truffles add richness to creamily cheesy Italian ravioli, and grilled squid comes with a moreish Dalmatian side dish of garlicky blitva (chard) mashed into potatoes. At next door’s Konoba Cigale, I chat to executive chef Dinko Lekić, a born-and-bred Lošinjanin who praises the fish and seafood of Kvarner. “Every day it comes in fresh,” he says, adding that he’s now taking culinary revenge on the invasive blue crab by putting it on his menu.

However, it’s the Adriatic langoustine – škampi in Croatian – that’s the king of Kvarner. Something magical happens when water rushes through the karst mountains of Učka nature park above the Opatija area and pours nutrients into the Kvarner Gulf, feeding these shellfish. Chef Stiven Vunić, who runs Konoba Zijavica in Mošćenička Draga, south of Opatija town, and who comes from a long line of škampi fishers, enthuses about the delicacy. “This is one of the best products we have in Kvarner,” he says. “It’s very sweet; I’ve never tasted škampi like this.”

I could taste that sweetness in my grilled langoustine on Bocca Vera’s terrace overlooking the lively harbour in Mali Lošinj, preceded by tortellini with ricotta and truffles in a škampi sauce. Other seafood stars appear during my visit, including a platter of marinated and salted anchovies, carpaccio of sea bass, tuna and octopus as a warm-up for grilled dentex in Gostionica Marina in the village of Veli Lošinj, whose pretty harbour is lined with colourful Venetian-style houses.

Then there’s grilled turbot at Lanterna Grill’s waterside terrace in Čikat bay, surely one of the most romantic spots on the island, made even more enchanting by the walk there during twilight as the fiery sun filters through Aleppo pines. The bay is a snapshot of Lošinj: grand 19th-century Austrian-style villas (including one converted into the luxury Boutique Hotel Alhambra), the sleek modern Hotel Bellevue where I’m staying, the picturesquely ramshackle Latino Beach bar in front of a sandy stretch, and the northern cape dominated by an enormous campsite set under fragrant pines.

It’s tempting to linger in Čikat, with its beaches, watersports, restaurants and picnic places. However, it’s only a 15-minute walk into Mali Lošinj, where the brightly coloured port is filled with baroque sea captains’ houses, cafe terraces and a fish market. The Museum of Apoxyomenos houses one of the world’s best-preserved ancient Greek statues, and the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with its Venetian baroque bell tower, is reached after trudging up about 200 steps along narrow alleyways.

There’s already so much natural aromatherapy on the island, but it goes into overdrive at Lošinj’s Fragrant Garden (Miomirisni Otočki Vrt) at the southern tip of Mali Lošinj. I say hello to the resident animals (a donkey, some tortoises and a rabbit), while inhaling island scents and gazing at the sea just beyond. From here it’s a short walk down stone steps to the sheltered pebbly beach at Valdarke, which, on this sunny Saturday afternoon, has fewer than 20 people on it.

Farther north is the long narrow bay of Artatore, whose pine-shaded Venerica beach is a satisfying spot for a post-lunch swim after crab soup and fried sardines with blitva at Restaurant Artatore Janja. Another late-season bonus: there are only a few dozen people spread out under the pines and on the pebbles.

About the only place that still has a high number of visitors – and requires a reservation at sunset – is the lookout point at Providenca on the hills above Mali Lošinj. It’s worth the €10 fee to sit at one of the benches surrounded by a profusion of scented plants and herbs, drinking Kvarner and Istrian wine, maybe buying a picnic basket of local cheeses, meats and seafood – and just gazing at the vista. Lošinj, its neighbouring islands and part of the mountainous mainland stretch out before me, all bathed in the glow of the setting sun. If you want to soothe the eyes and the soul, come here.

I have another treat in store before I leave Lošinj: getting two islands for the price of one. Lošinj’s northern tip is attached by a bridge to Cres, which ties with neighbouring Krk as being Croatia’s largest island. Populated by more sheep than people, and smothered with olive groves and forests of holm oak and pine, Cres is as relaxed as it comes. In the north is Beli, whose griffon vulture rescue centre I last visited 21 years ago. I’m pleased to discover that concerted efforts to rescue this endangered bird have been paying off. It’s now home to Croatia’s largest colony.

Cres town is another tiny Venetian delight, set on a deep bay that extends towards headlands lined with beaches of fine gravel and another sprawling campsite. In front of one of these beaches is the Isolano, a chic new adults-only hotel that opened in spring. When I heard about it months ago, I was a little worried this Marriott hotel wouldn’t suit Cres’s laid-back, nature-focused vibe (this is the island whose slogan is “no stress on Cres”), but I’m happy to be proved wrong. As with everything else I’d seen on these two Kvarner islands, it was just the spot to sit back and savour a taste of late summer.

The trip was provided by the Kvarner Region Tourist Board, Taste the Mediterranean and Visit Lošinj. Hotel Bellevue has doubles from €177 B&B a night in October (two-night minimum stay); closed from early November to late March. The Isolano, Cres has doubles from €186 B&B in October; closed from early January to mid-March

FORMER Sun journalist Tony Grassby died yesterday aged 69.

TG, as he was known to friends and colleagues, joined in 2000 and became a hugely talented and respected member of the production team.

He left The Sun in 2018 and retired to Croatia where he died in hospital after a brief illness.

TG was a dedicated supporter of Chelsea and Bristol City, and a huge heavy metal fan.

His career began in 1973 on a local paper in North Somerset

He also worked at Today, the Sunday ­Mirror and Daily Star.

Ex-colleagues paid ­tribute, describing TG as “one of life’s good guys”, “a joyful character who was never in a bad mood” and “a warm, caring fella who was also a brilliant journalist”.

He is survived by his five children, four grandchildren, ex-wife, three sisters and mother Mary.

1

Watching 6-foot-6, 220-pound Connor Ohl of Newport Harbor High play water polo is similar to a Great White Shark sighting. You’re stunned and in awe.

He’s water polo’s version of a speeding dolphin in the pool, able to accelerate so fast with his long arms and powerful legs that few can stay with him. He won the Southern Section Division 1 50-yard freestyle title last spring and broke 20 seconds in a league meet (19.79), so beware to those who think he’s not as fast as advertised.

Then comes his size and strength. He could be a football player because physicality comes naturally. Being the youngest of three water polo playing brothers, it was sink or swim in the Ohl household growing up in Greenwich, Conn. One brother plays for Stanford, where Connor will soon join him. Another plays at Princeton.

Connor moved to Orange County last year for his junior season so he could be part of what he calls “the water polo hub of America.”

This past summer, he was the youngest player on the USA junior national team that earned a silver medal at the under-20 world championships in Croatia.

“It was such a crazy experience,” he said.

First there was playing the host team in front of screaming fans in an indoor pool. “Oh my God, It was so loud,” he said. “They had drummers. You couldn’t hear yourself think.”

Then there was playing Serbia, known for its physicality. He was a boy going against men. “It’s insane,” he said. “Some are built like refrigerators.”

What Ohl learned from his international experience will help him immensely during a high school season in which Newport Harbor is the defending Southern Section champion and heavily favored to win again. The Sailors are off to a 6-0 start.

Ben Liechty, Peter Castillo, Connor Ohl and Gavin Appeldorn, from left, represented Newport Harbor at the Under-20 World Championships in Croatia.

(Courtesy of Newport Harbor water polo)

“Going from high school water polo to the junior level is like night and day,” he said. “These juniors have been playing basically their whole life — Spain, Hungary, Croatia. They worship water polo. It’s made me a lot more physical. Coming back to high school, it’s made me more confident to defend and control people with my strength and size.”

With the arrival of the Anderson brothers, Tyler and Sean, from JSerra, Newport Harbor starts out as perhaps the best team in the country.

“We could be a football team with as big as we are in water polo,” Ohl said.

Corona del Mar, JSerra, Oaks Christian and Harvard-Westlake hope to offer resistance.

Ohl is the latest Southern California product who can’t wait to represent the USA in the Olympic Games, which happen to be coming to Los Angeles in 2028. The Dodd brothers, Ryder and Chase, from JSerra and Huntington Beach, played in the 2024 Olympic Games.

It will be one of the toughest teams to make because of the experience and depth with so many players back from 2024.

“My chances are as good as anyone else,” Ohl said. “That’s my dream. I just want to represent my country at the Olympics.”

Meanwhile, if you want to see someone who can swim as fast as a fish, check out a Newport Harbor water polo match. That’s Connor Ohl, the speeding bullet.

A LITTLE-known resort with white sands, a Unesco-listed old town and beer for less than £2 tops a new listing of most affordable autumn beach breaks in Europe this year.

Nessebar, on a peninsula in Bulgaria, is No1 in budget airline easyJet’s Cheap Beach Index, thanks to its affordable hospitality and dependable deals on flights and hotels.

7

The research analysed areas within easy reach of airports that offer affordable direct routes from the UK, and the costs of a typical holiday “basket” of essentials including beer, ice cream and family meals out.

The Budva Riviera in Montenegro came second, followed by Spain’s Costa de Almeria then Costa Dorada.

Next came Croatian towns Nin and Medulin.

Lisa Minot describes what makes these autumn breaks winners, and offers some great deals . . . 

NESSEBAR, BULGARIA

THIS little gem offers the best of both worlds with golden sands on South Beach and plenty of charm in the Old Town with its Roman and Ottoman architecture, 19th-century wooden houses and cobbled streets.

It’s not all culture, though – the resort has plenty to keep visitors happy with lots of bars and restaurants and a lively nightlife.

7

The report found beers would cost on average £1.60, while a three-course meal will set you back around £22 for a couple.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H Festa Panorama, Nessebar is from £477pp including flights from Manchester departing on September 30, 23kg luggage and transfers.

See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

BUDVA RIVIERA, MONTENEGRO

LOCATED on Montenegro’s gorgeous Adriatic Coast, the Budva Riviera has more than 35km of stunning coastline.

There are several beaches, from the lively, expansive Jaz and Slovenska Plaza to the picturesque coves of Mogren.

7

At its heart is the charming medieval Old Town (Stari Grad) with its Venetian walls and historic churches.

The index found beers will set you back just £1.90, a meal for two is £30 and ice creams a bargain £1.50.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 4H Eurostars Queen of Montenegro is from £452pp, from Gatwick on September 30, 23kg luggage and transfers.

See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

COSTA DE ALMERIA, SPAIN

FOR a more authentic Spanish experience, distinct from the more crowded Costas, the Costa de Almeria is Europe’s only desert landscape, providing a dramatic backdrop.

Highlight is the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, a protected area with volcanic geology, hidden coves like Monsul and vast, unspoiled beaches for you to set aside the pressures of life.

7

Roquetas de Mar is a perfect beachfront town with lots of shops, bars and restaurants close by.

The report found beers will cost just £3 and a meal for two £36.

GO: Seven nights’ half-board at the Best Roquetas Hotel, Costa de Almeria is from £372pp including flights from Southend on September 27, 23kg luggage and transfers.

See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

COSTA DORADA, SPAIN

ALWAYS among the best value of the Costas, this area is known as the Golden Coast – perfect for families with its long, gently shelving golden sand beaches.

Salou has a buzzing nightlife scene and direct access to the ever popular PortAventura World theme park.

7

Head to Cambrils for great seafood restaurants while Tarragona has a magnificent Roman amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

The index found beers would cost £2.55 and a meal for a couple around £36.

GO: Seven nights’ R/O at the 3H Hotel Eurosalou is from £306pp including easyJet flights from Southend on September 30, 23kg luggage and transfers.

See travelsupermarket.com.

MEDULIN, CROATIA

THIS family-friendly resort on Croatia’s Istrian Coast stands out with its kilometre-long sandy Bijeca beach with shallow waters.

The sheltered bay is also ideal for watersports such as paddle boarding.

7

For nature lovers, the rugged Cape Kamenjak reserve has stunning cliffs, secluded coves and walking trails.

The nearby city of Pula with its historic Roman remains, is a short bus ride away.

The report found beers would cost around £3.10 and a meal for two £40.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 4H Park Plaza Belvedere Medulin is from £580pp including easyJet flights from Luton, 23kg luggage and transfers.

See love holidays.com.

NIN, CROATIA

THE ancient Croatian town is on an islet within a lagoon on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea.

Known as the birthplace of Croatian kings, its historic centre is linked to the mainland by two 16th-century stone bridges.

7

Nin is famous for beautiful sandy lagoons, among them Queen’s Beach, a 3km stretch of sand in a shallow, warm bay.

Nearby, you can experience the tradition of applying therapeutic mud, renowned for its healing properties.

The index found beers were £3.20 and a meal for two £40.

GO: Seven nights’ self-catering in an apartment is from £473 in total, based on four sharing, from Sep 23 – novasol.co.uk.

Fly EasyJet from Gatwick to Zadar from £136pp return.

See easyjet.com.

I’m watching overtourism in action. Within the iridescent marvel that is Croatia’s Blue Cave, four boats holding about a dozen people each have an allotted 10 minutes before we motor back out again so that the next batch of visitors can float in. About 1,500 people a day visit this beautiful grotto on the island of Biševo, the biggest attraction within the Vis archipelago, two hours and 20 minutes south of Split by ferry. After paying the €24 entrance fee, I’m left underwhelmed by this maritime conveyor belt. At least the 45-minute foot ferry from Komiža, on the archipelago’s main island of Vis, to Biševo’s Mezoporat Bay, the launch point for boats to the Blue Cave, is only €4.

Many of the other cave visitors are on one of the countless speedboat tours departing from all over Dalmatia and crowding into Mezoporat Bay before whizzing off elsewhere. I’m staying on Vis itself to take a longer, slower, more satisfying look at the island, where I spent a night three years ago and which I’ve been hankering to revisit ever since. Despite the overwhelming popularity of the nearby Blue Cave and its speedboat tours, plus the boost in tourism on Vis after much of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again was filmed here in 2017, I know there’s a quieter, mellower side to the island, and it doesn’t take long to find it.

In sleepy Rukavac on Vis’s south-eastern coast, British couple Xania and Craig Wear welcome me into one of their four guest rooms in the large stone house they renovated after moving here 20 years ago. The former PE teachers run WearActive, offering yoga, kayaking, paddleboarding and cycling in Rukavac. On their seven-day, “relaxingly active” holidays you can do as much or as little as you like. “Actively relaxing”, I find, is just as fitting a description.

Xania serves delicious plant-based food on the large shaded terrace, which has views of the sea. But before breakfast we walk to the flat rocks of Bili Bok beach, where Craig puts me through my yoga paces. Clean, salty air fills my lungs as I lunge and stretch by the Adriatic. I follow this with a swim at nearby Srebrna beach. Late afternoons are spent lazing on the pebbles at Tepluš beach, 10 minutes’ walk from the house. I could get used to this.

The next morning, my hosts suggest kayaking 6 miles (10km) from Rukavac to Stiniva Bay, Vis’s most famous beach and a place of peerless beauty. Two giant limestone cliffs curve round the pebbly beach, nearly meeting in the middle. From the top of the hill behind the cliffs there’s a steep, rocky footpath to the beach, but it’s infinitely more enjoyable to paddle on to the beach, where only kayaks, paddleboards and small rubber dinghies are allowed. Craig is on a paddleboard, while Xania and I share a kayak, and my husband has a single kayak. At 8.30am there are only about four people here, and we have a blissful, peaceful swim.

Craig knows I’ve always wanted to learn how to paddleboard, so on the way back to Rukavac we stop in tranquil Ruda bay. After some expert instruction, I’m on the board and paddling away, initial jitters soothed by the hypnotic motion of gliding on the water. Now I see what all the fuss is about.

Away from the water, my husband and I get to know Vis more intimately, crisscrossing its vineyard-covered interior and heading up and down its winding mountain roads. Its capital, Vis town, dozes during the day, most restaurants closing while the sailing crowd cruises. It comes alive at night, the restaurant terraces along the Venetian harbour buzzing in the summertime warmth.

Smaller Komiža is the place for lunch, with everything from cheap pizzerias to smart restaurants. Near Gusarica beach we find Konoba Jastožera, a restaurant built on stilts over the water, where lobster pots hold the restaurant’s speciality.It’s only when I hear the soundtrack to the Mamma Mia! films that I realise we’ve stumbled on one of the sequel’s filming locations, and instantly expect high prices and low quality. Wrong on both counts. As long as we don’t order lobster, it’s one of the most affordable restaurants we’ve seen so far, with two courses for €25. It’s not all money, money, money here.

For an island that was off limits to foreigners until 1989, when the Yugoslav army base here closed down, Vis seems to be taking its time in developing its tourism (Biševo’s Blue Cave aside). I spot a few military tours about, taking people to the huge network of tunnels and bunkers left behind by the army. I get a fascinating glimpse into 1944 Vis when I hike up to the collection of caves at the foot of Mount Hum, where future Yugoslav president Tito and his fellow partisans hid from the Nazis.

Then there’s the growth of active holiday companies bringing more people to the island, which Xania sees as a positive thing, even if it means more competition. “Vis would then become an island that’s known for its adventure holidays,” she says. “And then you have more people coming to do that kind of tourism.” I nod in agreement. The island’s natural rhythm – slow, unhurried – is one to be savoured, not raced through.

The trip was provided by WearActive, which offers seven-night active holidays from €1,590pp, including breakfast, four lunches, three dinners with wine, five days of activities, transfers to restaurants on four evenings and from Vis town ferry terminal

One popular European city has been named the safest place to visit, according to new research

When it comes to planning a holiday, there’s a lot to consider from the local cuisine and attractions to accommodation. However, one crucial factor is the safety of the destination.

According to an analysis by tour company Riviera Travel, which launched two cruise ships last year, one city has been crowned the safest in Europe.

The study took into account current crime levels and the increase in crime over the past five years – and it comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.

An overall safety score was then calculated, revealing how safe each location is, reports the Express.

READ MORE: Forgotten resort frozen in time with drinks still waiting on tables 30 years laterREAD MORE: ‘I stayed at Butlin’s with vomit up walls and feral kids – staff confession shocked me’

Topping the list with an overall safety score of 44.14 is the Croatian city of Dubrovnik.

Not only is Dubrovnik a safe place to visit, but it also attracts crowds of tourists with its medieval architecture and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, the city boasts a charming Old Town for visitors to explore.

Dubrovnik scored 8.76 from Numbeo for crime level, indicating it’s ‘very low’ and 35.38 for crime increasing over the last five years, also deemed ‘low’.

Coming in second with an overall safety score of 55.81 is Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

Like Dubrovnik, Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a medieval city.

Visitors can safely enjoy a plethora of cafes and restaurants serving local cuisine.

Poland’s capital, Warsaw, ranks third with a safety score of 60.19.

Despite seeing a ‘moderate’ increase in crime over the past five years, the popular destination maintains a ‘very low’ crime level.

Many tourists flock to this city to delve into its rich history and sample the vast array of Polish cuisine on offer.

Prague, the Czech Republic’s capital, came in fourth with a score of 60.88, its ‘moderate’ crime rating over the past five years contributing to an overall ‘very low’ crime score.

As the largest city in the Czech Republic, Prague draws in thousands of tourists annually, who are captivated by its gothic cathedrals and skyline filled with spires.

Kraków took fifth place with a score of 64.31. According to Riviera Travel, it has a ‘low’ crime level of 20.7 and a ‘moderate’ increase in crime over the past five years of 43.61.

Kraków is home to Europe’s largest medieval market square, a renowned Old Town, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meanwhile, Amsterdam ranked sixth with a score of 71.09, followed by Munich in Germany with 73.74 and Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.

Zurich was ninth, with Budapest, the capital of Hungary, rounding out the top ten.

From the port of Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe, we slip into the water and begin swimming out of the harbour, past the church of Saint Jerome and around a pine-clad headland to a nearby bay on Hvar’s northern coast. We emerge like an amphibious invasion force – about 160 swimmers, making our way to the hotel pool bar where drinks await. So far, so civilised. But this is only a warm-up …

The Los Angeles Lakers All-Star guard discussed his summer body transformation with Men’s Health before a new NBA season.

After plenty of attention was brought to Luka Doncic’s fitness level following his shocking February trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, the five-time All-Star has been putting together another surprise this offseason.

After reports of an improved physique surfaced earlier this summer, a profile in Men’s Health magazine confirmed the extent to which Doncic has gone to develop a slimmed-down look as he prepares for his first full season in Los Angeles.

Doncic, 26, has generally been listed at 6-foot-6-inch (1.98 metres) and 230 pounds (104kg), although opinions on the weight have varied. It did not prohibit him from scoring 28.2 points with 8.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists last season.

But reports indicated this past winter that the Dallas Mavericks had become exasperated with Doncic’s lack of fitness, which might have contributed to a calf injury that the star guard had been rehabbing for a month before the trade that shocked the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Ankle, calf, knee, and back injuries have slowed Doncic at certain times in his career, although he still managed to play at least 61 games in a season until he was reduced to 50 last year, combining the Mavericks and Lakers’ games.

Now, Doncic is visibly slimmer after an improved diet combined with a fitness programme. He has been avoiding gluten and keeping sugar to a minimum, while loading up on protein to help him get through multiple workouts a day that include lifting weights, along with on-court drills.

“Obviously, be the best that I can be, take care of myself,” Doncic told Men’s Health. “This year, with my team, I think we did a huge step. But this is just the start, you know. I need to keep going. Can’t stop.”

While fellow NBA superstar LeBron James exercised a contract option to return to the Lakers in 2025-26, the team also added centre Deandre Ayton, guard Marcus Smart and forward Jake LaRavia.

The profile did not mention Doncic’s current weight, but photographs showed off his slim look with greater muscle definition in his arms. His workouts kept him away from basketball at first, then had him return to the court in June. He will play for Slovenia in EuroBasket in August.

“So every summer, I try my best to work on different things,” he said. “Obviously, I’m very competitive. This summer was just a little bit different, you know. It kind of motivated me to be even better.”

World Class Athletes Train Hard to Slow Down—and Stop. Here’s How Luka Doncic Hones Deceleration. https://t.co/sbolxNSoss

— Men’s Health Mag (@MensHealthMag) July 29, 2025

Hvar is known to tourists for its vibrant nightlife and party culture, but with new laws clamping down on the main town’s shenanigans, a hidden gem on the other side of the island is the next best thing

Hvar, one of Croatia’s many islands, is just a two-hour ferry ride from Split. The main spot, Hvar Town, is known as a party destination with tourists pouring in during the summer months to go straight from the beach to the clubs and back.

But, less than an hour away from the hustle and bustle is a lesser-known side of the island. Family-friendly, tranquil and everything you could imagine in a sliver of Mediterranean paradise.

This is Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe with a full-time population of less than two thousand people. Arriving by ferry on this secluded side of Hvar, it’s easy to forget it’s a ‘party island’ at all as you’re enveloped in the serenity of Mediterranean countryside.

Stari Grad’s crystal-clear waters and iconic long bay create the most gorgeous views as the sun sets right down the middle of it during the summer months. The waterside promenade also boasts a plethora of local bars and restaurants where you can watch the dazzling display with a glass of Bogdanusa from the edge of ancient Roman mosaic floors dating back to the second century.

READ MORE: Abandoned UK airport step closer to reopening after TUI and Ryanair talks

Down the city’s narrow alleyways, you can find a range of local treats and handmade goods, from painters to bakers. All are experts in their crafts and friendly as they come. In the summer, the streets come alive with flowers complementing the ancient stonework, making for some stunning photos.

The medenjaci, traditional Croatian cookies, are to die for. The island is also known for its lavender fields, with several vendors offering dried plants, oils, and other handmade lavender products. After a few minutes of walking, you may even come across Petar Hektorović’s castle.

The Renaissance poet built the pinnacle of a writer’s sanctuary into his favourite town, which is still mostly intact today. It has all the plants he collected during his travels and his famous fishpond. It may not sound like much, but the atmosphere is indescribable, like pure tranquility in physical form.

All of this is just a short walk away from Valamar’s [PLACES] hotel. Providing some of the upbeat party culture Hvar is known for without distracting from the natural wilderness it’s surrounded by. When the sun goes down, the pool stage lights up as DJs and performers take over, excited chatter takes over as cocktails pour out of the multiple bars until the late hours of the evening.

The resort features apartments and villas just a few short steps from the ocean, where a secluded beach allows visitors a dip in the crystal clear waters. It also features a quaint spa next to an array of huts, bean bags and lounging chairs in a ‘quiet zone’ that creates a true break away from all the stressors of life. Allowing you to completely unwind as the birds sing in harmony with the rhythm of the ocean.

Just next door is the family-friendly Valamar Amicor resort. Water slides, game rooms, sports courts, even virtual reality football, are just a quick walk or tricycle ride from the lavish villas. Its delicious buffet restaurant also caters to every picky eater imaginable, from pancakes to oysters.

Our local guides note that mid-summer is Hvar’s busiest time of year, which also means prices for resorts and activities go up. However, they also point out that even the depths of winter rarely hit single-digit temperatures here.

For anyone planning a getaway, they recommend skipping July or August and going for May, June, or September, when temperatures are just as high but the beaches are empty and the rates are lower.

The tourist hotspot of Hvar Town is less than an hour’s drive away from Stari Grad. If you plan the right route, you might even come across local family wineries up on the mountains that offer unmatchable views of the bay as you sip.

Our little group even managed to catch a glimpse of Jeff Bezo’s super yacht sailing in as he and Lauren Sanchez enjoyed the last few days together before their lavish wedding.

Out in Hvar Town, there’s something to do and see down each cobbled street. From the 16th-century fortress lording over the city to a museum dedicated to the Hvar detective who pioneered forensic fingerprinting techniques.

From Hvar’s port, sailboats depart for several local swim spots and other islands. The blaring sun can get intense out on the sea, so sunscreen is recommended at the bare minimum, but diving into a still, crystal-clear ocean is an inimitable feeling.

Of course, there’s still Hvar’s vibrant nightlife, but authorities are clamping down on rules this summer to curb the onslaught of rowdy tourists it’s known for collecting. They are limiting noise levels, cutting parties earlier, and adding fines for things like wearing beach attire in certain venues.

Book it

[PLACES] Hvar by Valamar has doubles from £123 (€144), FLEXI Half Board included

Valamar Amicor Resort 4* offers villas from £285 (€334), half Board included

Jadrolinija runs ferries to Stari Grad

Kapetan Luka sails catamarans from Hvar.

Go to Visit Stari Grad and Visit Hvar to find out more.

Scorching heat forces closure of the iconic site amid severe weather warnings and fire risks across the country.

Greece has shut the Acropolis and halted outdoor work across the country as a fierce heatwave scorches the region, pushing temperatures to above 40C (104F) and leading to fire alerts and severe weather warnings across the Balkans.

The Greek Ministry of Culture announced that the 2,500-year-old Acropolis site would remain closed until 5pm on Tuesday “for the safety of workers and visitors, owing to high temperatures”.

The landmark, perched above capital Athens with little natural shade, typically attracts tens of thousands of tourists each day.

This is Greece’s second severe heatwave since late June. Meteorologists expect temperatures to peak at 42C (107.6F) in some parts of the country, with Athens facing highs of 38C (100.4F). Similar conditions are forecast for Wednesday.

To protect labourers exposed to the sun, Greece’s Ministry of Labour has ordered a work pause from noon to 5pm in multiple regions, including popular islands. The restriction applies to outdoor jobs such as construction and food delivery.

“Days with a heatwave make my job more difficult,” 43-year-old courier Michalis Keskinidis told the AFP news agency. “We drink a lot of water, use electrolytes, and take breaks whenever possible.”

Heatwave across the Balkans

Last year, the Acropolis recorded 4.5 million visitors – up by more than 15 percent from the previous year – and authorities have been forced to close the site during previous heatwaves as well.

Fire danger remains a key concern. Civil protection officials have issued high-risk warnings for areas including greater Athens, central Greece and the Peloponnese. Greece’s fire service is already tackling up to 50 blazes daily, said senior fire officer Constantinos Tsigkas.

Elsewhere in the Balkans, extreme weather continues to batter neighbouring countries. In Serbia, meteorologists warned of elevated fire risks after 620 wildfires were reported on Monday. Simultaneously, parts of the country face threats of hail and hurricane-strength winds.

In Croatia, storms injured two people in Vinkovci when a power line collapsed onto a home. Strong winds and rain have flooded roads, knocked down trees and caused widespread power outages in Split, where a ferry broke loose and sank a tourist boat.

Hungary and Slovakia also suffered storm damage. In Budapest, wind speeds reached 137km/h (85mph), downing power lines and trees. The Hungarian Transport Ministry said rail services might take weeks to fully resume. In Slovakia, fierce winds tore roofs from buildings and disrupted transport across the east.

For those wanting a picturesque location without committing to a long-haul flight, Croatia might be the perfect solution

A popular beach praised for its turquoise sea and white sand is just hours away from the UK. For holidaymakers wanting a picturesque location without committing to a long-haul flight, Croatia might be the perfect solution.

Just a three-hour flight from the UK, Croatia is known for its white sand, turquoise seas, car-free islands and dramatic cliffside coves. According to rental experts Villsy.com, Croatia offers all the beauty of the Maldives without the long-haul journey.

Croatian coastal bathing areas, according to the European Environment Agency’s report, are the cleanest in Europe. Tamed by its 1,244 islands, the Croatian sea is also very calm.

Toni Hrelja, founder of Villsy.com, shared a local’s guide to Croatia’s most beautiful beaches, including hidden gems where the “crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery rival the Maldives.” Among them is Sakarun beach on Dugi Otok island.

According to Toni, Sakarun beach “stuns” with its shallow turquoise sea and white sand mixed with smooth pebbles. The beach features a “calm lagoon with a wide sheltered bay”, which offers the shade of the pine trees.

The beach is located on Dugi Otok, an elongated island with small, peaceful villages. The island is home to only 1,500 people, and a huge nature spot Telašćica Nature Park.

On TripAdvisor, the beach is described as a “hidden gem”, “a magical place” and a “pearl of sand.” It has been given a 3.5 rating overall.

One reviewer said: “Sakarun is the most beautiful beach I have ever been. Crystal clear turquoise water, light sand, amazing view.”

A second wrote: “One of the most beautiful beaches you can find in Croatia! It’s worth spending at least a day there. We left Zadar with a tour that included a transfer with a fast catamaran (we arrived on the island in an hour) then they took us to the beach by coach!

“Wonderful. You have to walk a little to reach the bus and then to reach the beach but it’s worth it. I recommend reaching the pine forest at the end of the beach to settle in the shade. There are a couple of bars, a small shop selling beach supplies and some chemical toilets that are generally clean. There are no showers.”

Another added: “Carribean sea in Croatia. Far away the most beautiful beach in Croatia. Difficult to reach, the best way is by boat. A nice sandy beach with clear blue water.”

Toni added: “Due to the island being remote, the beach isn’t crowded, even in the peak season, but it takes an effort to reach it.” There are direct flights from London, Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Liverpool and Bournemouth to Zadar.

From Zadar there are two ways to reach the island – either to take the ferry to Brbinj (1:45) or a passenger catamaran to Božava (1:20). If you don’t have a car to drive around the island, there’s a tourist train from Božava to Sakarun that goes every two hours.

While the secret island doesn’t show up on maps, hundred of adventurous Brits escape there every summer where connections are anything but conventional

“You’re on an island where anything goes, but it feels incredibly safe nothing happens without consent. It’s like Disneyland for swingers” – so says one of the holidaymakers to the so-called ‘Spicy Island’, where Brits indulge in their wildest fantasies.

Amanda Leigh, a 38-year-old dancer, found unexpected freedom in a hidden swingers‘ haven off Croatia’s coast. She anticipated a “hot girl summer” but ended up meeting her now-partner Alex, during a skinny-dipping adventure amid strangers.

Her journey into the swinging lifestyle began over a decade ago at an adult-only resort in Mexico. Now, she’s a seasoned participant, with Spicy Island being her destination of choice.

“Last year I met Alex and this year we’re ready to open our relationship up,” Amanda shares. “I want to fulfil the ‘hot wife’ fantasy and I’m looking forward to exploring this further.”

The exclusive two-week getaway, now in its third edition, is run by Spicy Match, who take over the entire island for as many as 600 guests. The secret location is revealed only once attendees board on the boat from the mainland.

The ticket prices range from £1,000 for a simple bell tent to £2,500 for a luxurious two-bedroom sun lodge, complete with meals, fire-eaters and educational sex seminars.

“You only find out where it is when you get on the boat,” reveals Amanda. It was on this mysterious hour-long boat ride that she encountered Alex, a spa technician.

“I couldn’t get over how hot Alex was,” she confesses. “We started flirting right then and there, and by the third night we were together while skinny-dipping in the pool.”

The pair didn’t end up swinging with anyone else, instead spending the trip getting to know one another. Amanda says the sex was “incredible” and finds the freedom of being intimate on the beach or in front of others “very liberating”.

READ MORE: Lovehoney flash sale slashes prices of ‘must have’ summer items to under £20

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a welcome bag containing condoms and wristbands to tell them apart from staff. Video recording guests is banned, but stripping down is encouraged.

The resort designates “play area” zones for various interests – couples, singles, and those into BDSM.

Amanda wants to set the record straight on swinging, noting: “People think swingers are gross or glorified cheaters. But it’s about consent and communication. You’re free from unwanted advances – it’s nothing like a standard nightclub.”

The island attracts people of all ages, including James and Katherine Gordon, 55-year-old sweethearts from Kent who have been swinging since their teens.

Katherine shares with confidence: “We’ve been to swingers events all over the world; the island ranks at the top. We’ll literally say, we’re into full swapping and single men.”

Before arriving, they’d already connected with others online and planned to meet for dinner in the port town. “Last year, 40 of us had dinner together the night before we left,” Katherine recounts. “It’s easy to build connections before you’ve even arrived.”

She admits her preference for younger men often takes the lead when it comes to flirting. James humorously remarks that he is content to “outsource” these days, admitting he can’t keep up.

“The meals on the island are communal, so we sit next to people we think we’ll vibe with,” she continues. “You flirt like you would in any bar or club.”

Katherine reveals that while she may be reserved in day-to-day life, this lifestyle unveils a more audacious side of her. They reserve a two-bed lodge, dedicating one room for rest and the other for enjoyment.

“It just suits us better,” she confides. “And after 30 years, we’ve made a lot of friends here.”

She describes the atmosphere as inviting: “You might see people having sex on verandas or making out on shared beds or you might find someone quietly reading a book.”

Meanwhile, Katie Jones, 38, and husband Simon, 49, from Hertfordshire, gear up for their second jaunt to the island, having stumbled upon it during a trip to the French naturist resort Cap d’Agde.

Embracing the liberty to be nude, unwind or participate, Katie shares, “You can find a quiet spot or join the pool parties – there’s an amazing energy.”

Despite the anything-goes atmosphere, she notes that the retreat doesn’t rely on booze to get the party started. “People don’t get too drunk because it’s about sex and alcohol doesn’t help with that.”

She describes the event as liberating and relaxed. “If you’re curious, you can come and see what you find. You don’t have to swing but it’s all there if you want it.”

Festival edit

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

various

Ann Summers

Buy here

Ann Summer’s festival collection includes eye-catching bodysuits and faux leather shorts – some of which are on sale.

Tourists have been warned to avoid the city of Dubrovnik in Croatia during the summer months, after holidaymakers have said the area has been ‘killed’ by huge crowds

Brits jetting off to Croatia for their summer holidays have been warned about immense crowds that have dampened the spirits of some travellers. The travel advisory concerns Dubrovnik – renowned as a key filming hotspot for blockbuster hits like ‘Star Wars‘ and ‘Game of Thrones’.

However, it seems that Dubrovnik’s allure extends beyond cinephiles and TV buffs, with early birds who’ve visited the city during peak season warning of overwhelming throngs that are tarnishing the charm of the locale. A Reddit user lamented the swarms of tourists, labelling them “insane” and indicating that Dubrovnik might only appeal to those who can “handle the crowds”.

READ MORE: Award-winning gut health brand cuts 25% off ‘life changing’ bloating-busting sachet

The commenter said: “We did a lot of Croatia some summers ago, it was REALLY crowded! Not even the cities, but places like the Plitvice Lakes were insane; also very hot! But there is a reason they are all there, it is worth it if you can handle the crowds!”

Despite its picturesque scenery and coveted coastline, Croatia is often knocked for being overpopulated, especially during tourist season.

The experts at Responsible Travel offer advice on how to avoid the crowds of tourists in Dubrovnik, stating: “Anyone who’s timed their holiday to Dubrovnik just wrong will know that sinking feeling of standing on the city walls, watching as a sixth cruise ship rocks up to the horizon.

“Like Venice and Barcelona before it, Dubrovnik has become synonymous with over tourism.” It’s worth noting that the city now imposes restrictions on the number of cruise ships that can dock within a certain timeframe.

The travel firm further clarified that the notion “tourism has ruined the city – or that you shouldn’t visit at all – isn’t quite right” as “Dubrovnik is still one of the prettiest cities in the world, spun with impossibly picturesque streets.”

However, they advised against visiting the city during the peak summer months. Responsible Travel continued: “Thanks to its location in the deep south of Croatia, Dubrovnik boasts some of the sunniest, warmest days in the country.

“Summer sees six ships a day docking in Gruz port, families taking advantage of school and work holidays, crowded beaches and city streets rivaling Venice in terms of crowds.

“Putting crowds aside, it’s not always the best time to visit the Dalmatian Coast anyway. July and August see temperatures soaring to 28°C, which turns the city and beach crowds into a different kind of ordeal.

“Activity holidays often take a break during this period; hiking in heatstroke conditions is no fun.”

Silba, a picturesque island in Croatia, offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking tranquillity and authentic experiences

While Sicily is undeniably charming, its hordes of tourists can be a bit much. However, there’s an underrated alternative that’s just as stunning. Silba, a picturesque island in Croatia, boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich cultural heritage, making it the perfect spot for travellers seeking peace and authentic experiences.

The island is known for its no-car policy, ensuring a tranquil and pollution-free environment. Walking or cycling are the main modes of transport on the island, adding to its allure and making it ideal for leisurely exploration. With a population of just over 250 residents, Silba offers a stark contrast to the bustling streets of more popular Mediterranean destinations.

READ MORE: Dermatologist approved skincare brand from Yorkshire that ‘clears skin in a week’

The island’s landscape is a breathtaking mix of lush forests, olive groves, and sandy beaches. Visitors can bask on secluded shores, swim in turquoise waters, and hike through picturesque trails.

The beaches of Silba, such as Pocukmarak and Sotorisce, are famed for their untouched beauty and tranquillity, providing a perfect haven for nature enthusiasts.

Despite its small size, Silba has a rich cultural heritage. The island’s history dates back to ancient times, with remnants of Roman and Venetian architecture still visible.

One of the island’s most iconic landmarks is the Toreta, a unique spiral-shaped tower built in the 19th century, reports the Express. Climbing the Toreta provides panoramic views of the island and the surrounding Adriatic Sea.

The local fare is a delight, with fresh seafood and traditional Croatian dishes served in quaint family-run eateries. Silba’s relative anonymity compared to other Mediterranean hotspots like Sicily works to its advantage.

The absence of large tourist throngs means holidaymakers can savour a more personal and genuine experience. Whether you’re delving into ancient ruins, unwinding on tranquil beaches, or feasting on fresh seafood, Silba provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of more commercialised tourist locations.

The island can be reached by ferry from Zadar, a historic city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast.