Europes

THE bus swings round the hairpin bend with ease, climbing higher and higher into the clouds.

I’m grateful for the driver’s skill as the winding trip eventually takes us clear of the tree line to reveal Switzerland’s breathtaking scenery below.

The Laax Alp Nagens bus stop is a dizzying 2,263 metres above sea level — and the scenery gets more and more beautiful as we then hike along the mountains, which sit in the Sardona Tectonic Arena.

The Arena is an impressive natural geological phenomenon in the Swiss Alps, where tectonic movement has resulted in rocks up to 300million years old being pushed up above younger rock formed a mere 35 to 50million years ago.

It has been absurdly easy to get up here thanks to Switzerland’s world-class public transport.

Buses are a great way to get around but make sure you have some cash as you often have to buy a ticket on board.

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I’ve only got four days here in Laax, but that’s more than enough to get swept up in the magic of the Swiss Alps in spring.

While the snow still clings to the mountain peaks, along the valley floor below it the scenery turns from white to neon bright green, as the grass returns and trees and flowers burst into life.

Luckily, if your legs get tired on a hike, there are plenty of cable cars to get you back down to your accommodation. For me, that’s Laax’s Rocks Resort.

It’s an adventurer’s playground — ideal for families, thrill-seekers or anyone who just wants to fill their lungs with mountain air.

More a mini village than a resort, it boasts everything from the world’s longest treetop walk (1.56km) to skate parks, trampolines, basketball courts, swimming pools and more hiking and biking trails than you could ever tick off in one trip.

The hotel rooms are comfortable yet chic — and have a perfect view of the sprawling forest next door.

If you are travelling with family there’s comfortable one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

My room has the perfect view of the 30metre-drop bungee jump — and I perch myself on the window seat to read my book and watch kids and parents alike plunge off the ledge.

The room also gives me a great view of the 220-metre zipline over the skatepark and snake run.

But after a busy day of adventures through the forest, I’m starving.

Luckily, there’s nine restaurants and two coffee shops to choose from, as well as six bars and lounges.

Take your pick from Italian at the Ristorante Camino or spectacular vegetarian options at the Riders Restaurant.

From beetroot wine to local Swiss delicacies, this is a must-visit spot to chow down at.

Also on offer are Asian specialities at Ikigai, Swiss treats such as rosti potatoes at Tegia Larnags — and of course cheese fondue, at Casa Veglia.

You don’t need to look far for ways to work off all those calories though.

On a particularly gorgeous morning, we hire electric mountain bikes to explore the surrounding trails.

They snake through forests, over meadows and along ridges, each turn revealing another gasp-worthy vista.

The e-bike makes the uphill sections a breeze, while the downhills are fast and glorious.

Two hours in, we roll up to Lake Cauma — a jewel-toned lake so startlingly blue it feels almost artificial.

We refuel lakeside with a rich Toblerone mousse from Ustria La Cauma restaurant, with its terrace perched above the water.

Food, it turns out, is as much a part of the journey round these parts as the scenery. Menus are hyper-seasonal and full of heart.

And old traditions are not forgotten. As spring turns to summer, local farmers take their cows up to the high pastures, the cattle decorated with flower crowns and large bells.

And come the winter, for those who are keen on skiing and snowboarding, this resort will become the place to be — a perfect spot for spending a day on the slopes before scoffing down hot cheese fondue in the evening.

I will certainly be back.

You know you’re in a city that takes its fashion seriously when even the Virgin Mary is dressed head to toe in couture. A short walk from Antwerp’s old town, with its ornate medieval guild houses and cobblestone streets, is the baroque church of St Andrews. Like many of the city’s Catholic churches, it has beautiful stained glass windows, an exuberantly carved wooden pulpit and more artworks by Flemish masters than you can shake an incense stick at. But we’re here to pay homage to an art form of a different kind.

In a quiet chapel, an elegant 16th-century wooden statue of the Madonna is clothed not in her usual blue cloak, but a dress of pale gauzy fabric, trimmed with a collar of white pigeon feathers, custom made by renowned Belgian fashion designer Ann Demeulemeester. It’s a bold statement but one that’s entirely in-keeping with a city where a love of fashion seems woven into the fabric of everyday life.

It wasn’t always so. In the 19th century this impoverished neighbourhood was known as the “parish of misery”– a reputation that endured well into the 1980s when a young designer named Dries van Noten took the plucky decision to open a shop on Nationalestraat, across the road from his grandfather’s tailor shop. Almost four decades on, the beautifully restored art nouveau building, with its curved windows, marble floor and chandeliers, is at the centre of Antwerp’s vibrant Fashion District (rebranded, presumably, because “Misery District” was a harder sell for the tourist board).

“You have to understand that there was nothing here at all before this shop opened. It changed everything,” says Yentl, a guide who is leading my daughter and I on a walk around some of the area’s key fashion sites and shopping streets.

Van Noten and Demeulemeester are both members of the “Antwerp Six” – a group of bright young graduates of the city’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts who exploded on to the international fashion scene in the late 1980s. Along with their peers, Walter van Beirendonck, Dirk Bikkembergs, Dirk van Saene and Marina Yee, they are credited with injecting new life into a fashion scene which had been dominated for decades by Paris, Milan and London.

Their story is being told in a major new exhibition at MoMu, Antwerp’s world-class fashion museum, just a few doors along from Van Noten’s flagship store. The retrospective, which runs to January 2027, marks the 40th anniversary of the group’s first foray to London in 1986, when they piled into a rented van and caught a ferry from Ostend to show their debut collections at the British Designer Show in Olympia. The young Belgian designers won over the international fashion press and buyers alike with their talent, originality and chutzpah – creating their collections on a shoestring, often from upcycled materials, championing self-expression over marketability, hosting fashion shoots in abandoned car parks, and making their own flyers and posters.

Though it suited the foreign press to label them as the Antwerp Six (far easier than typing out all of those long Flemish names), they were never a collective and it’s gratifying to see that the exhibition has given each designer their own individually curated space. From the avant garde exuberance of Van Beirendonck’s colourful creations to the dark drama of Demeulemeester’s monochrome palette, the displays are as thought-provoking and imaginative as the clothes they showcase, combining film projections, recorded interviews, a moving conveyor belt of mannequins and an evocative soundtrack.

Emerging from the exhibition into the spring sunshine, it’s clear that the legacy of this pioneering group extended far beyond the catwalk and lives on in the city. On Nationalestraat contemporary designers rub shoulders with kilo stores where second-hand clothes are sold by weight. At Labels Inc you can browse pre-loved pieces from established Belgian designers such as Raf Simons and Martin Margiela or check out the featured collections from the city’s latest crop of fashion graduates. Nearby Kammenstraat and Steenhouwersvest are lined with vintage stores, streetwear brands and independent labels such as Arte Antwerp, which specialises in sleek, urban menswear inspired by graphic design, art and architecture. Even if you wouldn’t know a Bikkembergs bag from a Belgian waffle it’s impossible not to be inspired.

“The Antwerp Six taught people how to be entrepreneurs and to follow their inner voice,” says designer Tim van Steenbergen, who did his apprenticeship with Dries van Noten, and then went on to found the social enterprise and sustainable fashion label ReAntwerp. “They showed that if you want to do things differently, you can.”

Launched as a response to the vast amount of textile waste produced by the fashion industry, ReAntwerp sells a range of beautifully tailored, limited-edition classics, from shirts to trench coats, using leftover fabric from designers such as Van Noten and Christian Wijnants. The enterprise also provides training, employment and support to refugees, who make the clothes in the on-site atelier. “I wanted the clothes to have as much meaning and value for the people who make them as the people who buy them,” says Van Steenbergen. “We have worked with refugees from Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, Palestine, Brazil and Costa Rica. Our common language is textiles.”

It’s a fitting motto for a city whose wealth was built, in part, on the textile trade. In the 16th-century Antwerp was Europe’s largest river port, with cargos of English wool and Italian silks, as well as diamonds from India, spices from Portugal and sugar from the West Indies, being shipped up and down the River Scheldt. Riches from this trade were poured into the elaborate guild houses and civic buildings which surround the Grote Markt, the city’s showpiece square. The story of Antwerp’s port is told at the MAS museum, housed in a strikingly modern 10-storey building in the dockside Eilandje district. Don’t miss the panoramic views across the river and sprawling dockyards from the roof terrace, or the chance to snack on street foods from around the world at the Wolf Sharing Food Market, in an old warehouse with a waterside terrace.

Not only was golden age Antwerp a great commercial hub, it was also an artistic and intellectual powerhouse, home to painters such as Anthony van Dyck, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Clara Peeters and Peter Paul Rubens. You can see a collection of their works at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts but nothing compares to the impact of seeing four of Rubens’ huge altarpieces, in situ, at the imposing Cathedral of Our Lady.

The artist’s house and studio are now closed for major renovation work but, after a long day’s sightseeing and shopping, it was a relief to sit quietly among the displays of tulips and spring flowers in the Italian-style formal gardens which are still open to the public. We also stumbled upon some extraordinary family portraits by Rubens at the Plantin-Moretus Museum, the former home and workplace for nine generations of a family who completely revolutionised printing. The first atlas, countless scientific books and beautifully illustrated Bibles passed through the wooden printing presses here, some of which date back to the 1600s. With its dark panelled walls, leaded windows and creaking floorboards, it’s an atmospheric and fascinating place, where time seems to have stood still.

There’s just time for one last bolleke beer and a shrimp croquette in the sun-trap square next to our hotel, the charming Hotel t’Sandt, before we have to check out and hop on the tram to Antwerp’s central station for the 45 minute train ride to Brussels, where we’ll catch our Eurostar train home. The hotel, which is in a beautifully restored 17th-century mansion with polished wooden floors, a spiral staircase and beamed ceilings, has lived through many previous incarnations: banana warehouse, custom house, soap factory and sculptor’s studio. Today it makes a perfect base for exploring the city; friendly, stylish and wears its history well … much like Antwerp itself.

The Antwerp Six exhibition runs at MoMu until 17 January 2027. Admission is €13 per adult and free for under-18s. The trip was provided by Visit Antwerp. Double rooms at the Hotel ’t Sandt start from €217 a night

A SMALL European country without the crowds has revealed huge plans to overhaul its airport.

Luxembourg Airport is getting a huge £871million makeover that will eventually accommodate 10million passengers a year.

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Works at Terminal A will focus on extending the current terminal to the airport’s tram stop and creating a new, modern security area with the latest technology by 2028.

There will also be an improved check-in area and bag drop-off area by 2028, to help passengers to move through the airport quicker.

By 2032, the disused underground station at the airport will be transformed into a baggage sorting area too.

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On the other hand, Terminal B will be completely redeveloped.

It will be transformed into a two-storey building with six new boarding gates, which passengers will have to hop on shuttle buses to get to.

The airport as a whole will get a number of other upgrades as well, such as the air traffic control tower as well as a new business aviation centre and VIP lounge set to open in 2029.

Aircraft parking across the airport will also increase from 27 spaces to 53, with additional boarding bridges too.

The airport hopes that the development will help the airport to handle up to double the amount of passengers it currently does (5.2million) to 10million passengers a year, by 2050.

A huge project is also going on around the airport that will see over 44 acres transformed into new offices, shops, restaurants and even a VIP terminal.

Dubbed the ‘Airport City’, travellers will be able to shop and dine at places including Starbucks and Oberweis restaurant in an area with a “unique metropolitan feel”.

The Airport City will even have a new hotel with the Skypark Business Centre North Hotel having over 200 rooms.

Then at Skypark Business Centre South, there will be a shopping centre and direct access to the terminal.

Luxembourg is surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany and tends to be a lesser-visited country in Europe.

In total, around one million people visit the country each year, whereas around 19million visit Belgium, over 100million visit France and over 37million visit Germany.

If heading to the capital, Luxembourg City, you will find a UNESCO listed medieval old town sat at the edge of steep cliffs.

The country as a whole is a great destination for keen hikers too with over 3,000 miles of trails through Ardennes forests and vineyards.

A major plus of visiting the country is that public transport is free across Luxembourg for everyone.

Luxembourg was also named one of the best places in the world for quality of life, last year.

Despite being home to just under 700,000 people, the Numbeo Quality of Life index placed the country top across a number of categories including the cost of living and house price to income ratio.

The country was also named among the happiest countries in the world last year, according to the World Happiness Report 2025.

The report recognised the country’s strong economy, as well as its social support network, with residents claiming that they have a good personal freedom.

You can fly direct to Luxembourg from the UK from London City, London Heathrow and London Stansted airports.

A one-way flight from these airports in May costs from £15 per person and only takes an hour.

In other airport news, Ryanair threatens to axe all flights to European country due to ‘massive passport queues’.

Plus, flights are now costing families hundreds extra due to ongoing Iran war – with even more airlines hiking prices.

This little-known European country gets a fraction of the visitors of some of its neighbours, but if you’re in the mood to visit somewhere a little different, it’s easily accessed from the UK

Nowadays, travel isn’t exactly cheap. From jet fuel prices to everyday spends, it soon adds up, and many popular beach and city break destinations are getting more costly to visit.

But there are still less expensive destinations to discover, even in Europe, and one of the continent’s cheapest destinations also happens to be one of the least visited. While it’s not on many travellers’ bucket lists, it’s a charming break and something a little different if you’re feeling adventurous.

Many people can’t point Moldova out on a map, and this small Eastern European country is often overlooked. It sits between Romania and Ukraine, with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advising against travel near the border with the latter, and travellers should pay attention to travel advice for Moldova in case the situation changes.

Just over 67,000 tourists visit Moldova each year, and most of them arrive in the capital of Chișinău, which has routes from the UK serviced by Wizz Air and FlyOne. The city is a mixture of historic and Soviet-era architecture, and the compact, walkable centre is broken up with large green spaces.

As a cultural hub, Chișinău has plenty for tourists to do. Visit the ornate Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ’s Nativity and see the grand frescos, or tour the National History Museum of Moldova for a fascinating look at this little-known nation’s past.

Moldova’s rolling green countryside is covered in vineyards, and just outside the city you’ll find the world’s largest wine cellar at Milestii Mici. Over 30 miles of its limestone tunnels are in use, storing an estimated 1.5 million bottles of wine, enough to throw quite a party.

You can take a tour of the tunnels, which have ‘streets’ named after different wine varieties, and of course, you get your own bottle to take home.

Many local restaurants also serve Moldovan wines, and you can often enjoy a bottle in a restaurant for £4-5, while a pint in a bar can easily be found for less than £2, making it a cheap place for a night out compared to many European destinations.

Just south of the capital you can visit the 13th-century cave monastery at Orheiul Vechi. Dug into the cliffs, it has a series of solid stone stairs and tunnels and amazing views across this traditional Moldovan town. You may even spot a few of the monks who still live within its walls. There’s also the archaeological remains of Old Orhei, dating back as far as the 6th-century BC.

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If you’re looking for time away from the city, the Bicaz Gorge near the border with Romania showcases some of the area’s natural beauty and includes the unique Red Lake. This lake is famous for its reddish hue and the remains of tree stumps that poke defiantly from the water, making it a popular place for hiking.

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

A thrill-seeking theme park with Europe’s longest dive coaster and highest free-fall ride has been named as the ‘best in the world’, and it’s just hours from the UK

The ‘world’s best theme park’, which has been open for more than 100 years, is just two hours from the UK.

There are hundreds of theme parks across the globe offering a fun-packed day out for the whole family, whether that’s from white-knuckle rides for adrenaline junkies or child-friendly attractions based on some of the most iconic TV characters. There’s always something for everyone, and it’s a sure way to keep the kids entertained.

Impressively, there are theme parks that have been in operation for a century, with multiple generations experiencing the immersive world of rides, coasters and themed adventures. While many might have their preferred amusement park, the Liseberg in Gothenburg, Sweden, was named as the ‘world’s top theme park’ by Blooloop, a network for visitor attractions.

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The Swedish theme park first opened in May 1923 and has been in operation ever since, welcoming around three million visitors every year. Liseberg has 40 rides and attractions, ranging from roller coasters such as the wooden Balder, which speeds around at a max of 90km/h, to the boomerang ride Luna, which travels forward and backwards over a 225-metre-long track.

Yet, Valkyria is perhaps one of the park’s most thrilling roller coasters, with a heart-stopping vertical drop of 50 metres – making it Europe’s longest dive coaster. If that wasn’t enough, the ride plunges vertically into an underground tunnel at a speed of 105km/h, before a variety of loops, turns and twists.

Another standout ride at Liseberg is AtmosFear, Europe’s highest free-fall ride, reaching 146 metres and a speed of 110km/h. AtmosFear first opened in 2011 and has remained a favourite at the theme park for daredevils.

In celebration of the park’s 100th anniversary in 2023, they welcomed the Luna coaster and the Grand Curiosa Hotel. Last year, they also confirmed that a new family attraction, Stormvåg (Storm Wave), will open this summer.

Another incredible attraction at Liseberg, set to open this year or next, is the £95 million (€110) Oceana waterpark. It’s set to boast 19 water slides, a 244-metre river, water go-karts, 6,000 square metres of indoor pools, and 4,000 square metres of outdoor water features.

Liseberg is located on a hillside in the heart of Gothenburg, Sweden, and, given its striking location, escalators are dotted throughout the park to help visitors navigate the steep terrain. It’s Scandinavia’s largest amusement park, with admission from £7.60 (SEK 95) or admission and a ride pass from around £29 (SEK 365).

Flights from the UK to Gothenburg are just under two hours, and start from as little as £13 one-way. The theme park is conveniently located around 20 minutes from the Gothenburg airport, so you could be taking on the thrilling rides in just a few hours after departing from the UK.

What’s more, Liseberg has an on-site hotel called Grand Curiosa Hotel, or there’s alternative accommodation nearby, such as cabins or bed & breakfast rooms at Lisebergsbyn. The centre of Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, is just 10 minutes from the park by public transport, making it an ideal getaway for those wanting to explore somewhere new and visit one of the world’s best theme parks.

For more information, you can visit the Liseberg theme park website.

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Want a relaxed holiday in a place where you know kids will enjoy? TUI ranked the best spots for hassle-free family fun.

Finding a place to travel where you can take kids and not worry about safe accommodation and fun activities can be difficult, but as of 2026, 86% of British parents agree that holidays are essential for family bonding, according to holiday giant TUI.

Taking into consideration factors such as where to keep children entertained while giving parents a chance to relax, reliable weather, open spaces and more, TUI ranked the top destinations in Europe that combine fun, sun, and convenience.

Here are the five best spots on the continent, according to the research.

5 – Barcelona, Spain

The well-known historical and architectural allures of Barcelona give way to family-friendly fun – as the city stands out with the highest number of TUI Musement excursions in the ranking (439). For those seeking a relaxed itinerary, the city also boasts 31 parks per 10 km².

The colourful Park Güell and the interactive CosmoCaixa Museum of Science are always hits with kids – and best paired with beach days along the Mediterranean for parents to enjoy.

4 – Catania, Italy

With a mean temperature of 26.7°C, Catania offers sunshine alongside rich history and cultural experiences – especially due to its location right next to Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.

There, families can take excursions around the volcano and explore the deep roots of Catania’s lava caves and farms. When that’s done, it’s a great idea to head to the city’s bustling markets and grand piazzas to bask in the local culture or relax on the nearby beaches.

3 – Porto, Portugal

In third place is Porto, which TUI gives a score of 9.01/10. The city, located in the north of Portugal, is just a two-hour flight away, and is the perfect pick for families looking for simple, hassle-free fun.

Porto is easy to navigate, and offers 32 family-friendly hotels and 13 parks per 10 km². There, get ready to ride the historic Dom Luís I Bridge cable car or hop on a river cruise along the Douro.

To relax, enjoy beaches, riverside strolls, and vast parks.

2 – Naples, Italy

Naples scores 9.12/10, combining summer temperatures of 25.2°C and rich culture to be enjoyed by all ages.

Kids will have fun with authentic pizza-making immersive experiences and open spaces to explore with a good gelato in hand.

Time in the city is good enough, but from there you can set off to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, take a ferry to nearby islands, or stroll along the scenic seafront promenade.

1 – Lisbon, Portugal

The gold medal goes to Lisbon, crowned Europe’s most child-friendly city with a score of 9.16/10. The Portuguese capital has an average of 37 family-friendly hotels per 10 km², 17 parks and an entertainment score of 7.36/10.

Children are likely to love the Lisbon Oceanarium – one of Europe’s largest – and the beautiful trams that cross the city centre. After ticking those essential boxes, take time to explore riverside playgrounds and nearby beaches.

To get to Lisbon, flights depart from the main UK airports and take about 3 hours.

You can find out more and book on tui.co.uk.

In a trip that included visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE to discuss tensions brought about by the US-Israeli war on Iran, Italian PM Meloni emphasized the importance of the Gulf to Italian and European national security.

One city has been crowned Europe’s chocolate capital in a new study analysing chocolate culture across the continent

When you think of chocolate, your mind might wander to the Belgian capital of Brussels, or perhaps the Swiss Alps, yet neither has claimed the top spot on Europe’s list of “chocolate capitals”. Instead, that coveted title belongs to the Italian city of Turin.

Ahead of the bustling summer tourist season, Avis examined European cities for their chocolate culture, taking into account the number of chocolatiers and shops listed on Yelp, chocolate-related attractions such as museums and factory tours, and consumer ratings.

Their research placed Turin firmly at the top, closely followed by Perugia, also in Italy, with Austria’s Salzburg taking third place.

Two British cities also featured on the list, with one securing fourth place and London coming in eighth.

Turin boasts 233 chocolatiers and five chocolate attractions; regarded as Europe’s historic chocolate capital since 1585, the city is the birthplace of gianduja and bicerin – iconic hazelnut-chocolate specialities.

There’s also the Pfatisch Chocolate Museum and factory tours from renowned brands such as Caffarel.

The city’s annual CioccolaTò festival further solidifies its standing as a must-visit destination for immersive chocolate experiences.

Taking to TripAdvisor, one recent visitor to the Pfatisch Chocolate Museum wrote: “Beautiful audio guided tour, interactive for families. The children had a great time with the interactive games.

“Very cosy and realistic environment recreated for the tour. Exhaustive on the subject. It involved all the senses.

“Small taste of the three chocolates (dark, milk, white) and finally the king Gianduiotto.”

Meanwhile, another visitor who enjoyed a trip to the Pfatish Museum remarked: “This place looks it belongs on a movie set. Everything looks so good and so perfect. Even if you don’t buy anything here, it is well worth a visit.”

Top 10 unexpected “chocolate capitals” of Europe

1. Turin, Italy
2. Perugia, Italy
3. Salzburg, Austria
4. York, UK
5. Antwerp, Belgium
6. Strasbourg, France
7. Krakow, Poland
8. London, UK
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
10. Prague, Czechia

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.

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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.

A YouTuber who visited Riga, Latvia, was stunned by the four-star hotel prices in the city voted one of Europe’s cheapest by Post Office Travel

A YouTuber who toured Europe‘s most affordable city was taken aback by the cost of one item he purchased during his journey.

Ed Chapman, who shares his adventures on his eponymous YouTube channel, visited Riga, the capital of Latvia, and filmed a video about his experiences in the city after it was named one of Europe’s cheapest in a survey by Post Office Travel.

His primary reason for visiting Riga was to compare it with one of the priciest cities in Europe, Oslo, Norway. According to Skyscanner, flights to Riga can be purchased for as little as £28 from Leeds Bradford Airport.

One of the most striking differences between the two, Ed pointed out, was the disparity in hotel prices.

In Oslo, he stayed at a three-star hotel for one night, while in Riga, he lodged at a four-star hotel, but the price difference was significant, reports the Express.

After exploring and commenting on his hotel room, he remarked: “We’re in the heart of the city centre, literally one street away from the main stuff. Four-star hotel. £62 a night. Now that’s tasty. For a capital city, for the middle of the city centre that’s a bit mad isn’t it?

“Bearing in mind in Oslo I stayed in a three-star hotel, also bang in the city centre and that was £140 for a night there. Less than half price that’s crazy.”

Ed isn’t alone in highlighting Riga’s charm. The city, home to approximately 600,000 residents, is located at the centre of the Gulf of Riga where the Daugava River flows into the Baltic Sea.

Additionally, the city’s historic centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its Jugendstil and Art Nouveau architecture standing out as two of its main attractions.

Among Riga’s most distinctive landmarks is the Riga Central Market. Built using repurposed German Zeppelin hangars, these structures rank amongst the city’s most recognisable buildings, spanning 778,000 square feet and housing approximately 3,000 trading stalls.

Furthermore, Riga offers convenient access to nearby coastal areas such as Jurmala. The Mirror previously reported that one visitor was impressed not just by the affordability, but by the amenities available.

They commented in a review: “Changing pods are available on the beach and the sand is soft and flat. We paid €5 each for a sun lounger for the day, although in the afternoon people could help themselves to ones that were left or that people had finished with.

“Well worth the journey from Riga which is about 25 mins by train from central Riga and very cheap. We booked the day before online and it cost us about €6 return for both of us – amazing value.”

A new ranking compares international tourist numbers to locals in European cities – and one tops the list with a staggering 16,250 visitors for every 100 residents

Summer is on the horizon, and folks are starting to map out their holiday plans. Being based in the UK, we’re fortunate to have some of the world’s most stunning destinations within easy reach, with iconic cities just a short flight away.

However, many of these sought-after spots are now swamped with tourists – in fact, some now host more visitors than locals. DiscoverCars.com has compiled a new ranking that contrasts the number of international tourists with the local population in European cities. Five of the top holiday hotspots now boast more tourists than residents.

Topping the list is Dubrovnik in Croatia. This breathtaking historical city gained even more fame after serving as the backdrop for King’s Landing in the HBO series Game of Thrones.

Last year, this fortified city welcomed 6.5 million tourists – an astounding figure compared to its 40,000 inhabitants. That equates to 16,250 tourists for every 100 locals.

Taking second place is Reykjavik in Iceland, reports the Express. This Arctic city attracted even more tourists than Dubrovnik, with 7.4 million visitors compared to its 140,000 residents, resulting in 5,286 tourists per every 100 locals.

The city is renowned for its Blue Lagoon thermal baths and, of course, the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights illuminating the sky.

Securing third place is the floating city of Venice in Italy. Arguably one of the most famous cities globally, Venice played host to 10.6 million tourists last year.

Compared to its population of 250,000, that’s a whopping 4,240 international visitors per 100 residents. The city is a hit with tourists for its stunning architecture and the opportunity to glide along its canal streets by gondola.

Switzerland’s Geneva secured fourth place on the list, welcoming 7.8 million tourists in 2025. With a local population of 200,000, this equates to 3,900 visitors per 100 residents.

Renowned for its breathtaking views of the Alps, Geneva serves as an excellent base for day trips into the mountains and exploring the picturesque villages scattered throughout them.

Porto in Portugal claimed fifth place. The city attracted seven million international tourists in 2025, against its population of 250,000.

With 2,800 tourists for every 100 residents, it’s a highly sought-after destination. The narrow streets are adorned with beautiful architecture and striking Portuguese tiles, providing a perfect backdrop for photos.

With the river slicing through the city, you can discover both sides of the city in a day – just remember to bring your walking shoes.

The most tourist-dense cities worldwide

1. Dubrovnik, Croatia
2. Reykjavík, Iceland
3. Venice, Italy
4. Geneva, Switzerland
5. Porto, Portugal
6. Phuket, Thailand
7. Florence, Italy
8. Lisbon, Portugal
9. Edinburgh, United Kingdom
10. Athens, Greece

WHEN it comes to city breaks, some of the cheapest in Europe are found a bit further east.

And Romania‘s Bucharest is not only affordable, but is getting more flights too.

Romanian airline, AnimaWings, has started six new weekly flights from London Gatwick to Bucharest.

This isn’t the only option though as there are also cheap flights with Ryanair from London Stansted with one-way journeys starting from £18.99.

Wizz Air also offers cheap flights to the city from London Luton.

With a flight time of just over three hours, Bucharest is the ideal city break destination.

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Last year, The Telegraph even named Bucharest as being one of Europe’s ‘last great cheap cities’.

It added that Bucharest has everything you need for a good city break with “expansive, tree-lined avenues, lively bars and characterful museums.”

Bucharest is inexpensive, according to Numbeo – a pint of local beer costs on average £2.55 and an average meal is around £10.18.

For a three-course meal, you’re looking at around £50 and a cappuccino is just £2.45.

It’s not just food and drink that’s on the cheaper side as public transport is the same – a typical single journey on the tram and metro network is as little as 85p.

One of the most popular places in the city to go is Therme Bucharest, a spa and waterpark.

Split into three parts, the Galaxy area is a more family-orientated with 17 water slides, a wave pool and water playground.

The Palm zone is where people go to relax – with three mineral pools and swim-up bars, it has been created for relaxation.

And Elysium is a ”restoration area’ with lots of traditional and modern treatments from hammams to infrared light therapy beds.

Sun Writer Steve Corbett visited Therme and called it one of ‘Europe‘s greatest secrets’.

He compared it to Center Parcs’ Subtropical Swimming Paradise as he tried out the water slides, high-tech treatments and poolside bars.

One woman even flew to Bucharest for a spa break at the Therme because it was cheaper than one in the UK.

Kara Wildbur booked her and her mum in at the Therme for £64 after finding out a spa break would be £400 back home.

Even with the flights being £157 return for the two of them, with the hotel costing £94 – it worked out cheaper than a UK spa day.

Another attraction is the Museum of Senses, which is an interactive museum – especially good if you’re visiting the city with kids.

It’s full of optical illusions, infinity rooms and hands-on exhibits.

Tickets for adults start from £9.33, and £6.79 for children.

When it comes to eating, there’s plenty of quirky cafes within the city.

Some top spots include The Grand Café Van Gogh in Bucharest which some visitors have said reminds them of Amsterdam.

It’s an art-themed cafe filled with Van Gogh artwork in the Old Town.

Another is Dulcinella which sells éclairs, New York-style rolls and is known for having an ‘Instagrammable-vibe’.

Caru’ cu Bere is considered the most famous restaurant and beerhouse in Bucharest and was founded in 1879.

Its house beer, called Berea casei, is brewed on-site and is still made from the original recipe – you can pick up 400ml from £4.30.

The best times of year to visit Bucharest are between April and October, with highs of 31C in June and July.

Just skip the winter months – the average temperature in December and January is around -2C.

For more on Romania, here’s another city that is one of the world’s ‘most underrated destinations’ that’s super cheap with new 3-hour flights.

And one Travel Writer visited the ‘barely-known European city that has easyJet flights – with world-famous castle’.

CROATIA has around 1,244 islands – and one has compared to being on the Moon.

Pag, which is one hour from Zadar, has a vast rocky landscape – but is also a huge party island with popular beach clubs.

Pag is the fifth-largest island in Croatia and it has beaches aplenty as it has the longest coastline of all the islands.

Unlike other surrounding islands, Pag not only has a bridge connecting it to the mainland, but is split between two counties.

The northern part is part of Lika-Senj County and the southern part belongs to Zadar County.

While both the north and south have busy towns, the island also has a vast landscape that’s been compared to the Moon.

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Toni Hrelja, founder of Croatian rental company Villsy.com, said: “People expect Croatia to be green and Mediterranean.

“Then they arrive on Pag and feel like they’ve landed on the Moon, or even Mars. It’s raw, dramatic and completely unexpected.”

The Mars comparison can be seen via the ‘Life On Mars Trail‘ which starts at the village of Metajna, with multiple trails around the island passing bays and beaches along the way.

One hiker said: “I loved it, it’s just magnificent” and added “bring something to swim in because it is hard to resist.”

While the island is known for its otherworldly natural beauty, the northern part of the island is also famous for nightlife.

Zrće Beach in particular, which is near the main town of Novalja has even been called “Europe‘s party beach”.

Some of the most famous and biggest clubs include Papaya which is open-air on the beach – it has multiple pools, bars, and dancefloors, and holds summer festivals.

Aquarius is another, which is a bar and restaurant during the day, but from 3pm, hosts huge beach parties.

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Meanwhile, the southern side is more peaceful and family-friendly.

Grad Pag, also known as Pag town, is the largest destination in the south and is known for being much more quiet and calmer than the northern town of Novalja.

Vlašići Beach is on the south of the island – it’s quieter than beaches in the north and is known for having pretty clear waters.

When it comes to getting to Pag, the easiest way to visit is by heading to Zadar where visitors can then take an hour car or bus ride.

The cheapest ticket price for a bus trip is as little as £5.

If you hire out a car, you can reach the island by driving across the Pag Bridge from the mainland to the south side.

For anyone wanting to stay on the island, there are Airbnbs starting from £52 per night.

April is a great time for Brits to visit, as the weather is milder than in the height of summer with temperatures around 18C.

It’s when flights are cheap too – in April, flights to Zadar are as little as £15 with Ryanair from London Stansted.

For more on Croatia, here’s another lesser-known island without the crowds of Hvar where you can spot turtles on the beach.

And here’s where you’ll find Europe’s ‘golden island’ once loved by royal families that’s a sleepy alternative to its busy neighbours.

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.

“Take your time and don’t be afraid to get lost.”

When holidaying abroad, it’s far more enjoyable to explore your destination on foot rather than relying on vehicles or public transport. Whether wandering between landmarks or hunting for restaurants, being in a genuinely walkable location can significantly reduce travel anxiety.

Bearing this in mind, Braw Scottish Tours examined the walking distances and step counts between five principal attractions across 30 of Europe’s most visited cities. Their findings revealed that the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul ranks as Europe’s most walkable city.

There, a mere 2.5km stroll connects major sites including Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. Exploring this area requires roughly 3,250 steps and approximately half an hour’s walk.

On TripAdvisor, one traveller to the metropolis commented: “Istanbul is a magical city. Phenomenal and historical buildings pepper this amazing place. Literally, it takes days to soak in the nuances and atmosphere of Istanbul. Take your time and don’t be afraid to get lost.”

Another visitor added: “Istanbul is a magnificent city… one full of beauty, history, spectacular architecture, amazing restaurants, views to die for, wonderful little family-owned hotels, exceptionally kind and honest people, fun-filled nightclubs, exotic sounds, exotic smells, and many other fabulous things too numerous to mention.”

A third person said: “There are so many cliched phrases used to describe Istanbul – ancient and modern, where east meets west, old world blended with new world, etc., etc., and they are all true. There is history, culture, shopping, sightseeing, museums, galleries, boat trips. There is SO much!”

For those who have already explored Istanbul, or perhaps feel it’s not quite their cup of tea, fear not, there are numerous other pedestrian-friendly destinations across Europe.

Europe’s most walkable cities:

1. Istanbul, Türkiye
2. Milan, Italy
3. Hamburg, Germany
4. Dublin, Ireland
5. Prague, Czechia
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
7. Copenhagen, Denmark
8. Birmingham, UK
9. Frankfurt, Germany
10. Kraków, Poland

As part of its seemingly never-ending search for new fighters, the Indian Ministry of Defense says it wants to team up with one of the two rival European next-generation combat aircraft programs. Faced by the twin challenges of China and Pakistan’s modernizing air arms, Indian defense officials are now looking at sixth-generation fighters, although buying into either of these programs would be fraught with difficulties.

The development was revealed in a report on 2026 defense budget plans tabled in India’s parliament yesterday. Such a move would provide an alternative to India’s domestically developed next-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which looks entirely unlikely to meet its timeline.

The two European efforts identified by the IAF are the British-led Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), the centerpiece of which is the Tempest next-generation stealth fighter, and the pan-European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, at the heart of which will be the crewed New Generation Fighter (NGF). Both are expected to be in service by 2035, although that target is questionable in both cases.

As well as the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan have joined the GCAP program, and other potential partners have been mentioned. Meanwhile, the pan-European FCAS program is led by France and Germany, with Belgium and Spain on board as junior partners. This may well change, however, with the program riddled by infighting.

The budget report states that the Indian Ministry of Defense has told the parliament’s Standing Committee on Defense that the Indian Air Force (IAF) wants to join one of these programs “right away.”

The result of such a partnership, the defense ministry contends, would help the IAF “ensure that they do not lag behind in achieving the target for advanced aircraft.”

First of all, it’s worth noting that the IAF badly needs new fighter equipment and has for some time. Multiple efforts to procure interim combat aircraft have either collapsed entirely or failed to deliver in terms of the required numbers.

As we described at the end of last year, the Indian government has said that the IAF needs at least 42 squadrons of combat aircraft. Currently, it has just 29, meaning the service is operating its smallest combat force since it went to war with China in 1962. This problem has been exacerbated by the retirement of the veteran MiG-21 Fishbed.

Meanwhile, the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft program, which should have provided a successor to the MiG-21, has been mired by delays.

In the background, India faces the dual threats of China and Pakistan.

On the one hand, China is ramping up its military development programs to a breathtaking degree, with combat aircraft at the forefront. Most spectacular has been the emergence of the tailless J-XDS and J-36 tactical jets, and ever sub-variations of them, as well as a navalized stealth fighter for its new carrier. Already well established are the J-20 stealth fighter, while development of the land-based J-35A continues.

The question of how the IAF shapes up against the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has long underpinned its status and planning. After the brief conflict last year, both services claimed success with contradictory reports from official channels and rampant speculation across social media.

More importantly, the PAF continues to develop its homegrown JF-17 Thunder fighter and appears to be lining up more advanced Chinese-made combat aircraft, specifically the stealthy FC-31, alongside acquiring highly capable air-launched weapons from the same source.

All of this piles on the pressure to modernize the IAF’s aging combat fleet.

At one point, the IAF appeared set on a fifth-generation fighter.

The twin-engine AMCA is planned to feature low-observable characteristics and — in later versions — a supercruise capability, among other advanced features. Bearing in mind that construction is yet to begin, the possibility of putting this aircraft production by 2035, as has been suggested, seems entirely far-fetched. The saga of the Tejas program, in particular, must cast doubt on the future of the AMCA, at least in terms of meeting schedules.

In the meantime, both the United States and Russia have pitched alternative fifth-generation fighters to India.

Last year, in something of a surprise announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump offered the F-35 to India, while Russia has long sought India as a customer for its Su-57 Felon. As long ago as 2003, the Prospective Multirole Fighter (PMF) was planned as an India-specific version of the Su-57, before New Delhi exited the program, as you can read about here.

The budget report indicates that the Indian Ministry of Defense would like to at least have the option of leapfrogging fifth-generation fighters like the AMCA, F-35, and Su-57, and move directly to the sixth generation.

In terms of keeping pace with China and Pakistan, that is an understandable aspiration.

On the other hand, joining either GCAP or the FCAS program would bring challenges of its own.

At this point, GCAP — involving the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan — might look more promising. Compared to FCAS, the relationship between the three partners is relatively peaceful. There has been talk of Saudi Arabia possibly joining in some capacity, and, more recently, Poland has been reported as being interested in buying the aircraft, too.

But the possibility of India participating more directly in GCAP/Tempest is somewhat remote, since workshare arrangements have already been agreed between the three partners. The IAF would likely be forced to buy the aircraft off the shelf.

And that is if the British-led program survives the considerable challenges, both technical and political, that lie ahead.

After all, the process of creating an all-new fighter, especially one incorporating stealth technologies, brings very lengthy development times and high costs. The prospect of the Tempest entering service long after 2035 is likely, and the IAF needs new fighters sooner rather than later.

The same goes for the FCAS program, of course.

With FCAS, however, the chances of the program actually making it as far as operational hardware currently seem much slimmer.

For months now, there have been reports of significant rifts between France and Germany on the course that FCAS should take, especially when it comes to workshare, which has yet to be resolved.

French and German officials have repeatedly tried to get the program back on track, in the face of a bitter standoff between the two primes, France’s Dassault Aviation and Germany’s Airbus Defense and Space.

Most recently, it has been reported that France and Germany will have one more go at finding common ground on the program in April.

In the meantime, Germany has raised the possibility of taking its own path to developing a future combat aircraft, something it hasn’t done for decades, and which France has campaigned against.

Whatever happens next month, India’s joining FCAS would be a big risk. Some Indian media reports have suggested that, as a Dassault customer (for the Rafale multirole fighter), India might be able to take Germany’s place in the FCAS program, although it’s equally unclear whether it would be able to negotiate the kind of workshare deal it might want.

In the best-case scenario, it might be able to buy a much-delayed aircraft that is not necessarily tailored to its own requirements. In the worst case, the program may fall apart entirely and force the various partners to start again from scratch or look for alternatives.

If there is a way for India to enter GCAP or FCAS, that could bring a huge financial windfall for either program. This is what each program needs more than anything else, while increased production rates would mean lower unit costs, preventing the program from entering a death spiral should it mature.

Then there is the future of the AMCA to consider. If India genuinely wants to push ahead with a fifth-generation fighter, which can be developed according to its own particular needs, and over which it retains sovereignty, this program will need to be urgently kick-started. It seems unlikely that it would be possible if India had one foot in either the GCAP or FCAS camps.

There is also the wild card of how an advanced uncrewed aircraft could affect these developments. India is already starting to work on such programs, and drones could make up some of the Indian fighter shortfall. This is especially the case for high-end Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) and uncrewed combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), to achieve a higher combat mass.

Finally, it needs to be acknowledged that it is the Indian Ministry of Defense — acting upon the IAF’s wishes — that wants to join GCAP or FCAS, not necessarily a reflection of what the government wants. As one long-standing Indian defense observer told TWZ, “the standing committee has no teeth.” Until the government signs off on it, the Indian Air Force joining an existing sixth-generation fighter program remains just an aspiration.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com

It’s the perfect place for an Easter or summer holiday, as there’s so much to see and do, and it’s very easy to get around.

A stunning European capital has been crowned one of the most walkable, making it ideal for a summer or Easter break with countless attractions to explore. Better still, it’s affordable to reach, with UK flights available from just £19 in April.

Budapest in Hungary has repeatedly featured in conversations about great holiday destinations. There’s good reason for its popularity – getting around on foot is effortless, it’s steeped in fascinating history and brilliant attractions, plus the cuisine is great . In fact, travel experts at Freetour named it the top city to visit in 2026.

The specialists explained: “If there is one city that tops every travel ranking time and time again, it’s Budapest. The Hungarian capital claimed first place across all FREETOUR.com destinations in 2025, and 2026 is shaping up to be no different.”

They continued: “It has everything a curious traveler could want: the medieval Castle Hill and the ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter, fin-de-siècle thermal baths and street food at the Great Market Hall, the misty Chain Bridge at dawn and a symphony of lights over the Danube at night. Budapest is a city where every free walking tour feels like a genuine discovery.”

Budapest often appears in lists about the most pedestrian-friendly cities globally. In Guru Walk’s rankings last year, it secured second place, with Rome claiming the number one position, reports the Express.

The professionals noted: ‘Known as the “Pearl of the Danube”, Budapest blends imperial architecture with a vibrant cultural scene.’

Two of Budapest’s main attractions – St Stephen’s Basilica and the Houses of Parliament – are conveniently located just a 15-minute stroll apart. However, if you’re not keen on exploring entirely by foot, the city boasts an efficient public transport system, complete with trams, buses and metros.

Undoubtedly, one of Budapest’s standout attractions is the Szechenyi Thermal Baths. It’s one of the largest complexes in Europe, supplied by two thermal springs, with the indoor and outdoor pools tracing their history back to 1913.

The waters are rich in health-enhancing minerals and temperatures vary from a comfortable 27°C to a warm 38°C.

After your relaxing soak, you can indulge in Budapest’s lively street food scene.

Karaván, nestled in the heart of the Party district, is a must-visit for those eager to sample local delicacies, such as Lángos, a deep-fried flatbread garnished with garlic, cheese and sour cream.

Flights to Budapest start from just £19 from Gatwick in April.

Eighteen days into the war in Iran, and the scorecard for global equity markets makes for uncomfortable reading.

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European benchmark indices have shed around 7% since hostilities began — the Euro STOXX 50 down 6.5%, Germany’s DAX off 7%, France’s CAC 40 down 7.2%, and Italy’s FTSE MIB lower by 6.4% — dwarfing the more modest 2.5% decline in the US S&P 500, which benefits from America’s status as the world’s largest oil producer and its relative insulation from the energy shock.

Yet the headline numbers tell only half the story.

Beneath the surface, an extraordinary divide has opened up — between European companies that thrive on expensive energy, and those being crushed by it.

The energy shock reshaping the continent

The conflict’s most immediate economic consequence has been a seismic repricing of energy.

Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz — through which 20% of the world’s petroleum flows — caused Brent crude to surge from around $70 to nearly $120 per barrel within days.

As of Tuesday, Brent sits at approximately $105, a 42% rally from pre-war levels.

In an attempt to cap the oil price surge, the International Energy Agency coordinated a historic intervention.

More than 30 nations in Europe, North America, and northeast Asia agreed to release a combined 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves — the largest such action in the IEA’s 50-year history.

Yet the oil market has sent a clear signal that even this enormous release is nowhere near enough to address the unprecedented supply disruption, with crude prices surging more than 17% since the announcement.

Natural gas has been hit even harder. The Dutch TTF benchmark — Europe’s most important gas price reference — has surged 60% to €52 per megawatt-hour.

In a note this week, Goldman Sachs energy analyst Samantha Dart warned this week that approximately 80 million tonnes per annum of LNG supply — 19% of the global total — is currently offline following the Strait’s disruption and the shutdown of Qatar’s LNG production facilities.

Her team maintains a TTF forecast of €63/MWh for the second quarter of 2026, warning that tightening European physical balances could push prices into the gas-to-oil switching range before the conflict resolves.

The winners: Energy, renewables and fertilizer

The clearest beneficiaries have been European oil and gas producers, whose revenues move in lockstep with the commodity the war has repriced so dramatically.

Norwegian energy giant Equinor has surged 23.7% since the start of the month, as investors pile into one of the continent’s largest oil and gas producers with substantial assets well outside the conflict zone.

Fellow Norwegian producer Vår Energi is up 19.9%, while Aker BP has gained 17.1%. Italy’s Eni is up 14.7%, and Portugal’s Galp Energia has added 13.6%.

The most striking gains, however, have come from an unexpected corner: biofuels.

German renewable fuels producer Verbio SE has shot up 30.4%, and Finland’s Neste Oyj — the world’s largest producer of renewable diesel — has gained 28.1%.

As conventional fossil fuels become more expensive and supply chains more precarious, energy alternatives become dramatically more attractive to both buyers and investors.

German gas utility Uniper SE, which has spent recent years diversifying away from Russian supply, has rallied 19.1%.

The fertiliser sector has also attracted significant gains, with K+S rising 15.3% and Yara International rising 15.0%.

The moves reflect a commodity supply crisis hiding in plain sight: around one third of global seaborne fertiliser trade — roughly 16 million tonnes — passes through the Strait of Hormuz, including 43% of seaborne urea exports, 44% of sulphur, and over a quarter of traded ammonia.

The losers: Steel, airlines and construction

On the other side of the ledger, the losses have been equally dramatic. Energy-intensive industries and businesses exposed to higher costs with little pricing power have been savaged.

Airlines have taken some of the heaviest punishment. Wizz Air — the Budapest-based low-cost carrier with heavy exposure to Central and Eastern European routes — has collapsed 31.2%.

Air France-KLM has lost 22.1% and easyJet has dropped 21.8%. All three face the same brutal arithmetic: jet fuel costs have surged, hedging programmes offer only partial and temporary protection, and there is limited ability to pass costs on to passengers quickly enough to protect earnings.

Steel producers have been hit with similar force. Salzgitter has fallen 27.9%, thyssenkrupp is down 27.3%, and ArcelorMittal has shed 19.1%, joined by stainless steel specialist Aperam, which has dropped 24.5%.

Steel production ranks among the most energy-intensive industrial processes on earth, and mills operating on thin margins face an immediate profitability crisis when gas prices surge 60% in such a short period.

Spanish engineering contractor Técnicas Reunidas has dropped 23.7%, a casualty of its deep exposure to Middle Eastern energy infrastructure projects now thrown into uncertainty by the conflict.

Construction group Webuild has fallen 26.6%, reflecting broader fears that an energy-driven slowdown will freeze infrastructure investment across Europe’s most exposed economies.

Mining company Hochschild rounds out the list, down 21%, rising energy costs compress margins and risk appetite for smaller extractive names evaporates.

Europe enters this crisis in a structurally vulnerable position.

Despite having dramatically reduced its dependence on Russian pipeline gas since the invasion of Ukraine, the continent remains acutely sensitive to energy supply disruptions — and gas storage levels heading into 2026 offer less of a buffer than in prior years.

Sylt, Germany

Connected to the German mainland by a single rail causeway, Sylt is just over three hours from Hamburg by direct train. The largest of the North Frisian islands, it slices through the North Sea and the Wadden Sea, with salt marshes and mudflats to the east and 25 miles of white sands sweeping along the western coast, grassy dunes buffering the bracing winds.

Relatively unknown to UK visitors, the island has long been a popular destination for Germans and appeals to an affluent crowd, although not exclusively. Luxury hotels and pioneering health resorts sit side by side with multistorey apartment blocks, modest campsites and laid-back surfing schools.

Trains from Hamburg – soon to be upgraded with the new intercity (ICE L) fleet – arrive in Westerland, the largest town on the island, which expanded significantly during the 60s and 70s. Alternative bases include well-heeled Kampen or Keitum, the latter known for its maritime history and traditional thatched houses. Designated nature reserves cover other parts of the island, from the shifting dunes in List to the vast Braderup Heath, partly managed by a hardy breed of sheep.

Grab a coffee from Kaffeerösterei Sylt, order the herring sandwich from Hafenkiosk 24 and don’t miss the salty Sylter Royal oysters from Germany’s only commercial oyster farm. The restaurant Oma Wilma focuses on hearty fare, while the shop and bistro Käseklub, located on an old goat farm, serves a curated selection of cheeses.
Where to stay: Villa Klasen is a recently renovated boutique hotel in a charming art-nouveau style building with doubles from €120 B&B
Kate Mann

Sherkin, Ireland

It takes an hour and three-quarters by car, plus another 10 minutes by ferry, to get from Cork city, with its lively markets and revelrous pubs, to the relative tranquillity of Sherkin, one of the seven inhabited islands off the coast of West Cork.

None of these islands is especially large – the biggest, Bere Island, takes up about seven square miles – but they are all remarkably different, from sheltered little Garinish with its fine Edwardian gardens, to the ruggedness of Dursey, exposed to the elements at the tip of the Beara peninsula.

Sherkin is the one I know best. A few years back, I joined a group of friends who go there for a fortnight every summer, staying at a simple but appealing retreat called Sherkin North Shore. The kids do sailing courses down on Roaringwater Bay while the adults generally lounge around and enjoy life in a lower gear. There’s a sauna and a cafe where owner Michael O’Connor and his family cook terrific communal dinners. They also stage a (by all reports excellent) music festival, Open Ear, on the June bank holiday weekend.

Sherkin has three marked walking trails, taking you through the lush interior to white-sand beaches and a stunning horseshoe-shaped cove. Down towards the harbour, you’ll find the island’s only pub, the Jolly Roger, which serves chowder and toasties, and hosts music sessions in the busier months. And dotted around the island are artists’ studios (opening times vary, but you can call ahead to arrange a visit).

The buzzy mainland town of Baltimore is the gateway to Sherkin and also to Cape Clear farther south.

The other islands all have separate access points. For Heir or Hare Island, drive to Cunnamore Pier, half an hour west of Baltimore, and hop across on the ferry. You’ll be rewarded in the summer months by a brilliant restaurant and cookery school called Island Cottage – I had the good fortune to go for lunch in 2019 and the food was hearty and delicious.
Where to stay: Sherkin North Shore has rooms from €65 a night per adult, €30 for under-13s) and camping from €80 for a bell tent, €15 for a pitch
Killian Fox

Torcello, Italy

Venice is a city full of attractions, from its beautiful bridges to its Renaissance galleries and hidden spots to enjoy cicchetti or small plates. After a few days, however, the narrow streets and winding canals packed with tourists often spur a desire to escape the island. For many that will mean a trip to Murano, famous for its glass-making heritage, or even Burano, with its wildly coloured houses, both a short boat journey away. But for a real change of pace, switch to a smaller boat at Burano for the short ride to the sparsely populated island of Torcello, at the northern end of the Venetian lagoon.

The first thing that strikes you as you disembark is the sense of space. Following a wide path through the centre of the island, with water on one side and trees on the other, will bring you past green fields and quaint houses to the Ponte del Diavolo, or devil’s bridge, a rare example of an old Venetian bridge without parapets. If you find yourself feeling peckish, stop off at Taverna Tipica Veneziana, where you can get a selection of fried seafood and vegetarian meals. If you sit in the garden, you can see the restaurant’s goats and guinea pigs.

Continuing on the path will lead you to the main attraction: the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 639. It is unassuming from the outside, but the interior walls are decorated with stunning 11th-century mosaics, including a depiction of the last judgment.

Finish your visit by enjoying an ice-cream next to the church by the water’s edge, before retracing your steps back to the buzz of the city or, better still, stay overnight to enjoy the peace of the island once the day trippers have left.

Where to stay: Junior Suites Venezia has a restaurant, coffee shop, garden and doubles from £183 for a two-night stay
Kitty Croft

Frioul islands, France

Just 20 minutes by boat from the Vieux Port of Marseille, the Frioul islands, part of the protected Calanques national park, make a great day trip from the city – but it’s even better to stay longer to enjoy the wild beauty.

The two main islands, Rattoneau and Pomègues (each about 1.5 miles long), are linked by a 19th-century dyke, and hiking trails wind across the white limestone landscape to secluded swimming coves, pretty creeks and viewpoints back across the sparkling Med to town.

The ferry arrives at Rattoneau, where a few restaurants, shops and houses cluster around the harbour. Eat here or stock up on supplies, as there’s little elsewhere. Ou Sinon restaurant is a good choice for fresh seafood (try organic sea bass farmed on Pomègues).

About half an hour on foot from the port, Saint-Estève is the biggest beach on Rattoneau – sheltered, sandy and good for snorkelling (and there’s a small bar). Nearby, the 19th-century Hôpital Caroline, once used to quarantine travellers, is sometimes used for concerts today, while the old fort and second world war bunkers reveal the islands’ strategic importance. Across on Pomègues, it’s worth taking the long hike to the picturesque, remote cove Calanque de la Crine.

There are two other islands in the archipelago: tiny, rocky Tiboulen, used mostly for diving, and If island, home to a 16th-century fortress turned prison, the Château d’If (made famous by Alexandre Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo). Some ferries stop here en route to Rattoneau.
Where to stay: accommodation is limited to mainly rental apartments near the harbour. La Daurade du Frioul is a one-bed apartment right on the beach, from £70 a night
Jane Dunford

Cíes islands, Spain

For a Caribbean-like break on a camping budget, it’s hard to beat the car-free Cíes islands in north-western Spain. This archipelago off the Galician city of Vigo has the white-sand beaches, the turquoise sea and even the exclusivity – visitor numbers are limited as the islands are part of a national park, and overnight stays are allowed only at Easter and in summer (15 May to 14 September). Admittedly, the illusion is shattered when dipping a toe in the chilly Atlantic …

To reach the islands, visitors must request a free authorisation code up to 90 days in advance (at autorizacionillasatlanticas.xunta.gal), then use it to buy a boat ticket (details at turismodevigo.org). There are daily crossings from Vigo to Monteagudo island (45 minutes), which is linked to Faro island by a sandbar across a lagoon; the third island, San Martiño, can only be reached by private boat.

Rodas, the biggest beach, is a short walk from the pier, and has kayaks and snorkels to rent – there are no tropical fish, but plenty of octopuses, lobsters and crabs, and often bottlenose dolphins. Seven quieter beaches can be discovered along four hiking trails, which link lighthouses, viewpoints, forests and a bird observatory. The beachside Restaurante Playa de Rodas specialises in seafood – scallops, razor clams, Galician barnacles – and local albariño wine.
Where to stay: Camping Islas Cíes on Faro island has an excellent restaurant, tents with beds and pitches from €10.90, plus €10.90 per adult, €7.90 per child, booking essential
Rachel Dixon

Forget Paris and Venice for an intimate getaway, as there’s another city that has been ranked as the most romantic in Europe, with rooftop bars to catch the sunset and a serene boating lake

Europe’s most romantic city has been named, but it’s not where you might think.

Paris, France, has long been hailed as the ‘city of love’, with proposals in the masses, while Venice, Italy, offers sunset gondola rides along the canals. Yet, according to one new ranking, they’ve both been overshadowed as the most romantic cities in Europe.

Instead, the sun-soaked capital of Spain, Madrid, has taken the crown with its historic charm and intimate settings. There are cosy restaurants, rooftop bars, luxury hotels, along with majestic landmarks, vibrant street art, and passionate flamenco performances, all making for a truly spectacular getaway.

Some of the most notable places to visit include hiring a rowing boat on the serene, picturesque lake at El Retiro Park, or taking a leisurely stroll around the enchanting El Capricho Park or the beautiful Sabatini Gardens at the Royal Palace. The city offers some of the best spots to catch the sunset, including the restaurant Azotea del Círculo, which offers panoramic views from its rooftop terrace, and the gardens in Cerro del Tío Pío, perfect for a sunset stroll.

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However, one popular area that has been hailed as the ‘best sunset spot in Madrid’ is the ancient Egyptian temple, Templo de Debod. Catching the sunset last year, one traveller shared on TripAdvisor: “The magic hour to visit is sunset!.. The temple’s ancient stones turn a rich orange, and the reflective pools surrounding it create a mirror effect that is a photographer’s dream.”

For a break away from exploring the city, there’s the Arab baths at Hammam Al Ándalus for a relaxing soak and a step back in time among its historic buildings, or lively flamenco shows at Corral de la Morería. Couples can enjoy a glass of wine and tapas at the Mercado de San Miguel, a fresh food market, or ride the cable car, the Teleférico de Madrid, which crosses the river.

But a stroll around the city is enough to leave you enchanted, with vibrant graffiti decorating its quaint streets lined with tapas bars and coffee shops, and magnificent architecture. From the iconic Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa, and Puerta del Sol square, to the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum, it’s easy to spend hours exploring this bustling yet charming city.

Madrid was named the most romantic European city following research by Icelandair. The airline analysed data from various European cities, comparing their location, nightlife, single population, inclusivity and happiness, along with Tripadvisor romance ratings and sunset visibility, with Madrid topping the list.

The list proves even more valuable, as Icelandair found that 1 in 10 Brits, in a study of 3,000 people, said travel is the best way to meet a partner. Meanwhile, 1 in 5 Brits said they’ve fallen in love while flying, and further research found that most holiday romances occur while volunteering abroad, during a work trip, or while solo travelling.

Most romantic European cities

1. Madrid, Spain
2. Prague, Czech Republic
3. Lisbon, Portugal
4. Barcelona, Spain
5. Zurich, Switzerland
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
7. Helsinki, Finland
8. Vienna, Austria
9. Copenhagen, Denmark
10. Rome, Italy
11. Athens, Greece
12. Geneva, Switzerland
13. Oslo, Norway
14. Berlin, Germany
15. Reykjavik, Iceland

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com