favourite

Pining for the Latvian coast

Saulkrasti’s long beaches and scented pine forests are an hour from Riga on the frequent local train. The forests come right down to the long, long sandy beach and the relaxing and well-marked trail takes you the 4km from Saulkrasti station through the trees to the big dune and blue river at Balta Kapa. We enjoyed a July picnic in the forest and occasional dips in the Mediterranean-warm Baltic, before returning happy to Riga.
Bruce

Brittany’s cool sandy beaches

We went on a lovely family holiday on the Côte Emeraude in Brittany last August. It was perfect weather, in the low twenties. We stayed in an Airbnb in Dinard with our three-year-old. It was the perfect starting place for day trips to this lovely part of Brittany. Just opposite St Malo, but less touristy, it has amazing family-friendly beaches, crepes and cidre, fun street parties and cool sandy beaches. There are also great art galleries and markets. You can get to St Malo easily from Paris on the train.
Gaia

A Finnish beach – with volleyball and a sauna

I was lucky enough to chance upon Yyteri beach while cycling around south-west Finland last summer. I intended to spend a day there resting from the saddle but found it so relaxing and uplifting I stayed a week. Being around 3km long meant the sands were never crowded. I was asked to join a local beach volleyball team who then invited me for a sardine, song and sauna evening later on! The beach is also right next to the Yyteri nature trail, which had spectacular sand dunes. Impromptu swim and song parties start at midnight as the sun sets – don’t be afraid of joining in!
Pete

Exploring the far north-east of Norway

In June, I spent a week way up in Varangerfjord in north-east Norway with four friends, where we took a 10-minute boat trip to the island of Hornøya (booking required, from £95 per person with Explore 70 Degrees or Skua Nature). Another day trip involved taking the road leading north to the abandoned fishing village of Hamningberg with its pristine timber homes, left untouched by German troops in the second world war as they retreated in 1945. The village became deserted in the 1960s as fishing from its small harbour became unviable and there are free-roaming reindeer along the roadsides. And in Vardø itself is the magnificent Steilneset Memorial commemorating the 91 people, mostly women, burned at the stake for witchcraft in 1621.
Natalie Keene

A family beach break in Poland

My kids and I spent a glorious week in Poland last August, enjoying the fine white sand beaches of Sopot, a 20-minute train or taxi ride from the beautiful Hanseatic city of Gdansk. We enjoyed strolling the Sopot pier (the longest wooden pier in Europe at 511.5 metres) and sampling pierogi on Monte Cassino Street, with its crooked house. OK, the Baltic Sea was a bit “refreshing”, but it was a small price to pay for such a fun (and good value) beach break.
Kate

Spectacular vistas on Donegal shores, Ireland

If you want quiet unspoilt beaches alongside spectacular scenery, you can’t beat the Fanad peninsula in Donegal, where my father grew up. The Rathmullan and Ballymastocker beaches on Lough Swilly are long strands of pale sand. The road between them offers spectacular vistas as the lough heads into the Atlantic. Visit Fanad Head lighthouse before settling on the peaceful Atlantic beaches of Ballyhiernan. For somewhere just a little busier head farther west to the Gaeltacht village of Downings. As you travel you’ll be able to admire the lovely mountainous landscape affording views across the Mulroy and Lough Swilley estuaries and the Atlantic.
Brendan

Geothermal joy in Iceland

Although Iceland is expensive, we found many attractions in the northern town of Akureyri to be good value. Staying at Saeluhus hotel in one of its bungalows we had a great view across the spectacular Eyjafjörður fjord, which teems with whales in the summer. City buses are free, so travelling around town is easy. We found the Forest Lagoon to be a haven of peace, unlike Reykjavik’s more crowded Blue Lagoon. It’s a set among trees, with blissful pools, saunas and swim-up bars. Even cheaper is the municipal geothermal pool, brimming with activities. The city is walkable and friendly, dotted with cool restaurants and cafes.
Hannah Angle

Blissful rain in northern Spain

A workmate in Madrid came back from his June holiday in Gijón, on Spain’s north coast, and announced with glee that it had rained all seven days of his break. Desperate to escape the oven that is Madrid in July, we followed suit. Unfortunately it only rained on three of our days but it coincided with the Semana Negra literary festival, which was a great way to spend those wet days (including an interview with John Banville in which he detailed his hatred of summer!) It never gets cold up there in July, but one day it reached 27C and some of the daytime events were cancelled due to “extreme heat”. We stayed at the Silken Ciudad hotel (doubles from £300 for 2 nights).
Eve

Baltic beauty and Hanseatic history in north Germany

The beautiful Hanseatic town of Greifswald on the River Ryck is only a few miles from the Baltic coast along a well-kept path. As well as a quiet and extensive beach, the village of Wieck also features both ancient and modern attractions: a state-of-the-art flood barrier system; and the ruins of the 12th-century Eldena Abbey, which local Romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich introduced into many of his landscapes, no matter where they were situated geographically. From Greifswald, the local train takes you parallel to the coast to the bustling port of Stralsund, with yet more majestic gothic brick churches, and a ferry across to the island of Rügen – a popular destination in its own right.
Barbara Forbes

Winning tip: soft white sands of southern Sweden

Sitting on the soft white sand of Sandhammaren beach in the far south of Sweden last summer, gazing out at clear aqua marine waters made me feel as if I was on a Greek island – without the stifling heat. The beach is on the south-eastern tip of Skåne province and offers so much more than swimming and sunbathing. We explored the nature reserve behind the beach, home to elk and a wide range of birdlife. The 19th-century lighthouse is open for guided tours and there’s a pop-up kiosk for drinks and snacks, such as sardine rye bread and sandwiches for under £5. The beach stretches forever up the coast and nearby Löderups Strandbad made for a great base – a peaceful seaside location full of white wooden cottages. We shared some mornings with stray elks and deer before heading on to the sands.
Nicholas

A brand new famous face from Strictly makes their debut on Celebrity Gogglebox this week

Celebrity Gogglebox has signed up a Strictly Come Dancing favourite and her long-term partner for the new series.

The Channel 4 spin-off programme returned to screens last month for its eigth series, welcoming back firm favourites, such as Vernon Kay and Paddy McGuinness, Nick Grimshaw and niece Liv, and Denise Van Outen and Johnny Vaughan.

There are several new additions to the new series too, including Olivia Attwood and her mum Jennifer, Harry and Matt aka Nitro and Legend from Gladiators.

And now, it’s been confirmed that radio DJ and The Saturdays singer Mollie King will make an appearance on Friday’s episode (July 9) with her partner, former cricketer Stuart Broad.

Mollie is best known for being a member of chart-topping girl group The Saturdays. She also appeared on Strictly in 2017 and partnered with AJ Pritchard. Mollie was eliminated in the semi-final in December, finishing in fifth place.

As well as telly work, Mollie also has her own BBC Radio 1 alongside Matt Edmondson, in which they co-host from Mondays to Thursdays. Talking about her Gogglebox appearance, Mollie said: “Getting to do Celebrity Gogglebox with Stuart was such a lovely experience.

“Between juggling busy schedules, there’s nothing I enjoy more than switching off together in front of the TV, so it felt really special to share a little bit of that with viewers.”

Mollie added: “We had so many laughs filming it and, although I can’t promise we agreed on every programme, we had the best time.”

Meanwhile Stuart said about his appearance: “Celebrity Gogglebox was a genuinely enjoyable experience and a chance to show what Mollie and I are really like when the remote control is up for grabs. We had plenty of opinions, a few disagreements and a lot of laughs along the way.”

Other new faces on the latest series of Gogglebox include Strictly star George Clark and content creator Max Balegde comedian and actor, Julian Clary and actor and television presenter, Nigel Havers.

Talking about being on Celebrity Gogglebox Strictly 2025 finalist George Clarke also said: “I loved it, mainly because it gave me a full excuse to take the mick out of Max on national TV.

“He reacts to everything, so you’re never bored. It’s so easy to get into as well, you just sit there, say exactly what you’re thinking, and before you know it, we’ve gone completely off track!”

Coronation Street legend Nigel Havers also shared: “It’s a dream come true working with Julian on Gogglebox. I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening… (Julian wrote this).”

Celebrity Gogglebox airs every Friday at 9pm on Channel 4.

Enjoying the local produce is one of the great pleasures of travel – and a trip that coincides with a food festival is a win-win. We’d love to hear about foodie festivals you’ve discovered on holiday in Europe or the UK – from tiny village affairs to well-established events that draw the crowds, tell us where you went, what you ate and why it was so good.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

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As someone with Cypriot roots and distant Greek heritage, I’m often asked the question: which is the best island? People lean in, expecting a secret – some tiny, untouched haven, known only to locals. My answer is always the same: Crete. With its fiercely proud identity, warm communities and exceptional food, it feels both deeply Greek and entirely itself.

For our anniversary weekend, my husband and I head to Lassithi, in the island’s far eastern corner. As a chef and food writer, I’m drawn to the area’s reputation for exceptional produce: Sitia extra virgin olive oil, creamy xigalo cheese, mountain honey and an abundance of excellent tavernas.

After an early start, we check into our hotel and freshen up. The Sand Suites is a new, adults-only retreat with just seven suites and a pathway leading directly to the wide, sandy Almyros beach and its clear shallow waters. Our suite is a serene hideaway with a private pool overlooking dramatic mountains.

For our first evening, we head to Karnagio in the pretty harbour town of Agios Nikolaos, a 10-minute drive up the coast (or a 45-minute walk). We’re told it offers the perfect introduction to the flavours of Lassithi. Despite a warning from Dimitri, the knowledgable manager at the Sand Suites, we order far too much food. We begin with Cretan classics: dakos (barley rusks softened with grated tomato, olive oil and mizithra cheese), alongside mizithropitakia (delicate mizithra-filled pies). More plates arrive. Spring onion-topped fava, tender horta (wild greens dressed generously with lemon), followed by melt-in-the-mouth sauteed lamb with locally made pasta and torched anthotyro cheese. Weeks later, and I am still thinking about that lamb.

Eventually, we admit defeat. Unfazed by the unfinished dishes, the waiters arrive with a tray of complimentary sweets. Then comes a small carafe of raki. “Only if you join us,” I tell our waiter in my Cypriot-Greek. He needs little encouragement. “Yamas!” we declare, raising our glasses before downing the fiery spirit. The glasses are refilled. I know I’ll regret it in the morning, but we drink again, buoyed up by good food and excitement.

The next morning, fuelled by a delicious breakfast of fresh juice, coffee, pastries and freshly cooked eggs, delivered to our room, we jump in the car and drive half an hour south-east down the coast to Evotry, a roadside bakery that we are told to visit early to stand any chance of getting the best of the day’s bakes. Inside, it is a treasure trove: cakes and biscuits, alongside trahana (cracked wheat fermented with yoghurt), are all made by Stefanos and his wife Maria. Like many families in Greece, they press their homegrown grapes each September to make petimezi – a dark, naturally sweet grape molasses. As well as being sold in bottles, it also forms the base of many of their bakes, most notably kalitsounia (traditional Cretan sweet cheese pies). Found all around Lassithi, here they are distinct: Stefanos does not use refined sugar, relying solely on his petimezi for sweetness. We leave with a box and some cookies, and regret travelling with hand luggage only.

En route to our next stop of Mochlos, we are told about a 3,000-year-old olive tree so make a detour. The road climbs into the mountains, winding and steep. The tree is exactly as expected – vast and commanding, yet somehow gentle, like a great grandmother rooted in the landscape. We sit beneath its branches and eat the kalitsounia, surrounded by birdsong and the hum of bees.

We carry on east to Mochlos, a peaceful fishing village steeped in Minoan history on the far side of Mirabello Bay, and settle into Ta Kochilia, a waterfront taverna, for lunch. Octopus hangs drying in the sun; the sea sits just beyond the edge of the path. We keep things simple: grilled squid, horiatiki (Greek salad) and bread with local olive oil. The squid is tender, slightly charred, perfect. As always, there is fruit at the end, followed by something sweet – here, halva dusted with cinnamon – and strong Greek coffee, which briefly resets us before we continue inland.

After a 10-minute drive into the hills above Mochlos, we arrive at Nektaria’s Kitchen, an open-air cookery school where every detail, from the rustic tables and benches built by Nektaria’s father Tassos, to the wood-fired oven and herb-filled demonstration kitchen, feels considered.

On Nektaria’s website a range of four-hour cookery classes are on offer, from vegetarian and meat menus to olive oil tours and local wine tastings. However, I get the impression that whatever it is you want to learn, Nektaria will be able to teach you.

Over coffee, we chat with Nektaria, her partner, her father, her best friend. We are offered homemade treats: more kalitsounia, this time perfumed with orange blossom, and mounds of biscuits – spiced melomakarona and almond honey patouda, both traditionally made for celebrations. A slow-cooked joint of pork is pulled out of the wood oven to entice us to stay and join them for a meal later on. And while the food is delicious, it is Nektaria herself who is the star of the show. Having left a career in finance just four years ago, it is clear what she has created is less a cookery school than a gathering point – a life reorganised around food, hospitality and community.

We begin our last full day in quaint Kritsa, one of Crete’s oldest villages, just a 15-minute drive inland from our hotel. A winding main street is dotted with a range of shops, traditional cafes and a fascinating natural history museum and tapestry centre.

We begin at the women’s cooperative, where biscuits and cakes are being prepared for nearby restaurants. A demonstration is also being set up in the outdoor kitchen and dining area. We stock up on boxes of syrupy sweet pastries and a bag of skioufichta, a type of rolled Cretan pasta, ready to recreate the lamb dish from Karnagio on our return home.

Our penultimate stop is an olive oil tasting at the family-owned Mourello, where visitors can book a range of olive oil experiences. Escaping the midday heat, we’re seated in a cool, quiet room overlooking valleys of olive groves. Over two hours, Eleni guides us through her family’s growing, harvesting and pressing process in such detail that I leave feeling I could semi-confidently turn my hand to making my own olive oil. We taste and compare different grades and types. Mourello’s Vedema oil is outstanding – peppery, punchy and silky. We leave with several bottles under our arms.

For our last evening we drive up into the hills again to the village of Kroustas. Sitting at 520m above sea level, the view over Mirabello Bay is dramatic. We’ve booked a table at Xatheri, a destination restaurant that feels deeply rooted in family life and is much loved in the area. Chef Konstantinos has built the menu around recipes from his parents and grandmother, who we are told has just stopped by to check in on service. We start with one of her recipes, dolmadakia, small, delicate stuffed vine leaves. Goat stew arrives rich and slow-cooked, tossed through spaghettoni and topped with aged graviera cheese. And finally gamopilafo, also known as “wedding rice”, which feels appropriate given it’s our anniversary. It is deeply comforting and impossibly rich.

Despite protesting, dessert appears – a generous slice of galaktoboureko, a just-set vanilla cream encased in crisp syrupy filo, which is somehow light enough to avoid being cloying. There is dessert wine, then raki, of course. We leave not just full, but slightly reoriented – already thinking about returning to this calm corner of Crete.

The trip was provided by Simpson Travel , which offers a week at the Sand Suites from £1,124pp B&B, including flights and car hire

Celebrity Gogglebox fans were left baffled after a famous face failed to make an appearance on the programme

A familiar face on Celebrity Gogglebox was missing from the latest instalment.

The Channel 4 spin-off show returned to screens on Friday (July 3) for a brand new episode, welcoming back firm favourites, such as Denise Van Outen and Johnny Vaughan, Nick Grimshaw and niece Liv and pals Richie Anderson and Ellie Simmonds.

There are several new additions to the new series too, including Olivia Attwood and her mum Jennifer, and Harry and Matt aka Nitro and Legend from Gladiators.

Finishing off the line-up are Strictly star George Clark and content creator Max Balegde, as well as comedian and actor, Julian Clary and actor and television presenter, Nigel Havers.

But for the latest instalment of the beloved show, instead of comedians Babatunde Aleshe and Mo Gilligan – who film in South London – making an appearance, Mo was with fellow comedian and I’m A Celebrity star Eddie Kadi, with Babatunde absent.

Reacting to Babatunde being missing, one confused person wrote on X: “Where’s @BabatundeComedy tonight @MoTheComedian?” Meanwhile on Gogglebox’s Instagram, Mo shared a video of him and Eddie which also left fans puzzled by Babatunde’s absence. “BABATUNDE?! WHERE THE HELL IS HE?!” declared a second fan. A third wrote: “Where’s Babatunde?”

Meanwhile, talking about being on Celebrity Gogglebox, new star Olivia Attwood said it “was chaotic but in the best possible way”. She explained: “It’s not often that we agree on things which I think the viewers may find entertaining.

“My family are huge fans of the show so it’s a real honour to be a part of such an iconic British programme.”

Strictly 2025 finalist George Clarke also said: “I loved it, mainly because it gave me a full excuse to take the mick out of Max on national TV.

“He reacts to everything, so you’re never bored. It’s so easy to get into as well, you just sit there, say exactly what you’re thinking, and before you know it, we’ve gone completely off track!”

Coronation Street legend Nigel Havers also shared: “It’s a dream come true working with Julian on Gogglebox. I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening… (Julian wrote this).”

Celebrity Gogglebox airs at 9pm on Friday at Channel 4

Why Milos is unforgettable

We first noticed Milos as we travelled home from Crete, flying directly above it and deciding that was where we must go next. It didn’t disappoint. The island was calm, peaceful and strikingly beautiful. Milos isn’t well known, but it should be; the true home of the Aphrodite of Melos, displayed in the Louvre, Paris as the Venus de Milo. The northern coast was spectacular, shaped by volcanic activity and particularly picturesque. Sarakiniko is the perfect stop for photographs with its white rock. Truly an unforgettable trip.
Chris Rimell

Chasing waterfalls on the Pelion peninsula

We visited the incredibly beautiful Pelion peninsula in east, central Greece, and based ourselves in the tiny town of Damouchari, staying at the Kastro Studios above the village shop with a prime position overlooking the harbour and a one-minute walk to the white pebble beach. We swam in the harbour and off the beach, snorkelling with interesting fish and crustaceans, and took a very hot walk (take plenty of water) along the coast to the Fakistra beach where we cooled off under a waterfall and my daughter spent the afternoon doing handstands in the sea. Our walks included eating home-cooked meals at tiny roadside restaurants and drinking very strong coffee under a 1,000-year-old plane tree in a village square. A perfect, slow and really memorable trip full of exploration and fun.
Layla Astley

Beach boat trips on Symi

Getting the ferry from hectic Rhodes, we had heard that something special was waiting for us on Symi. Tucked away just off the Turkish coastline, this hidden little island in the Dodecanese was the perfect place to switch off for a week. Every day was a different boat trip to a new beach, such as Marathounda Bay, with its free-ranging goats searching for scraps between the sunbeds and stones. However, the true highlights were the shaded tavernas found on the edge of each shore where we refreshed ourselves to our hearts’ content with seafood, salad and a cold Mythos.
Steve

Strolling around Venetian palazzos on Syros

Syros – the administrative capital of the Cyclades – is a wonderful place. Between relaxed strolls around Venetian palazzos (large houses) and swimming off the rocks in Ermoupoli, we got a bus to the other side of the island to Galissas beach. Here, after asking locals, we made an anecdotal map and hiked to Agios Stefanos, a chapel in a cave almost in the sea. Watching the sunset there was a magical experience. The story goes that a fisher was saved here from being dragged under the sea by a giant octopus, after praying to Saint Stephen, and so he built this chapel to thank him.
Rosie

The healing power of Hydra

After my mum, June, died, our family decided to go somewhere warm of heart and chose Hydra in the Saronic Gulf, off the east coast of the Peloponnese. Still rumpled from our flight, we took a ferry from Piraeus and sailed off towards a kindly family hotel, the Hydroussa. A tiny, car-free island with a long history was explored in an afternoon. We mostly just took dips (in the clearest seas I’ve ever swum in), read, ate, remembered and gently healed.
Dawn

An archaeological gem near Preveza

The little-known archaeological site of ancient Kassopi was one highlight of our visit to the charming little port of Preveza, on the central west coast. The mountainside was drowning in wildflowers, and the bees, butterflies and lizards were our only companions – apart from the warden who seemed agreeably surprised to see us. We had the entire site to ourselves and wandering through the remains of the city and its third-century BC theatre, with an azure sea in the background, was an unforgettably romantic and quintessentially Greek experience. Later that day, we went dolphin-watching in the Ambracian Gulf, followed by wonderful Preveza prawns for dinner.
Gerald Willmore

Back in time on Antiparos

Most guidebooks recommend doing a day trip to Antiparos from Paros, its much bigger neighbour, but we stayed for five days – the best decision of our trip to the Cyclades. Like stepping back decades into a much less-touristed Greece, the island has a modest beauty and peaceful aura that charmed and calmed us. We stayed in Statheros Garden and enjoyed morning dips in the turquoise waters at Panagia beach, just a few metres away. Paros is only a few minutes away by ferry so there’s plenty of scope for exploring beyond beautiful Antiparos Town and Sifneiko bay.
Alice

Amorgos is as epic as in the Big Blue

The Big Blue is a film I have watched countless times and seeing the 11th-century monastery of Amorgos rise out of the rock face as Eric Serra’s soundtrack kicks in has stayed with me. Seeing it in real life when I travelled to this most charming of Greek islands was truly unforgettable.
Ed Simpson

A true adventure on Kefalonia and Ithaca

As a boy, I went to Kefalonia with my parents and stayed in the fishing village of Fiskardo in the north. Beautiful beaches, fantastic food and sun aplenty, yet a highlight for me was hiring a small motorboat with my father and darting across the bay to the island of Ithaca. We may have got a little carried away exploring, leading to us running out of fuel and having to be rescued! Nevertheless, it was a true adventure. My father passed in 2022, and our speedboat adventure is a memory I hold dear to this day.
Dan Law-Jones

Winning tip: wildlife deep in the Vikos gorge

We’ve just returned from a road trip in beautiful northern Greece, a highlight of which was the awe-inspiring Vikos gorge – the deepest gorge in Europe by ratio of depth to width. We frequently saw tortoises trundling along on our hiking route through the gorge, and also had a brief encounter with a horned viper (one of Europe’s most venomous snakes), underlining the array of wild creatures that are resident here, which include brown bears, wolves, Egyptian vultures and wild boar. We enjoyed the tranquility of the Voidomatis Springs, a crystal clear pool at the bottom of the gorge. It’s a perfect place for a dip if you’re feeling brave – the water is a bracing 4-7C year round!
Beatrice

THE WORLD CUP is well underway with some of England’s top stars already breaking football records – but where do these guys get to when they aren’t kicking around a ball?

Prior to the 2026 World Cup, the England head coach told the England team to head off on their post-season holidays to either the US or Caribbean so they could get used to the time zone and heat for the World Cup.

The team jetted off to West Palm Beach in Florida and stayed at the luxury Belgrove Resort and Spa.

But each player has also been to a whole host of other spots across the globe – and you might even be surprised by some.

Harry Kane

Lapland, Finland

Over Christmas last year the England captain headed to Lapland in Finland with his family.

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His wife, Katie Goodland, shared some snaps on her Instagram showing the family enjoyed dog sledding, spotting reindeer in the snow, heading on fairy light-lit walks among the trees etc.

On one night they even saw the Northern Lights and Kane’s kids enjoyed snowmobiling as well.

In addition, while in Lapland you can head off to Santa Claus Village and send postcards home.

Alternatively, families can have a go at making gingerbread.

Flights to Rovaniemi in October from £22 per way.

Jordan Pickford 

Dubai, UAE

Back in January, Jordan Pickford and his wife were spotted flying back from Dubai.

The United Arab Emirates city is well known for its warm climate as well as its architecture such as the Burj Khalifa.

From the city you can also head out to the desert to try sand surfing or dune buggying.

You could fly from the UK to Dubai for £156 per way in July.

Jude Bellingham 

Cannes, France

Four weeks ago, Jude posted some snaps of a lavish holiday in Cannes, France, with his 20-year-old brother, Jobe Bellingham.

The duo, along with other friends, enjoyed time on yachts as well as heading to La Mome – a fine dining restaurant that is famous for its foccacia dipped in olive oil and serving up fresh, local seafood.

One of the images appears to show Hôtel Martinez, which is a five-star Art Deco hotel on the Boulevard de la Croisette.

Inside, the hotel has yacht-inspired rooms and boasts a two-star Michelin restaurant.

Rooms cost from around £1,400 a night.

Flights to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport cost from £23 in July.

Dubai, UAE

The pro footballer also recently visited Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

In the city, make sure to visit the Dubai Frame, which is a 150-metre structure with one side framing Old Dubai and the other side framing New Dubai.

You can even walk across a glass bridge on the structure.

You could fly from the UK to Dubai for £156 per way in July.

Jordan Henderson

Lapland UK

Jordan Henderson has previously visited LaplandUK, showing fans you don’t have to travel far to have a magical time.

The midfielder at Brentford enjoyed the experience alongside his family, seeing reindeer and of course visiting Santa.

LaplandUK now has two experiences in the country, with the original in Ascot and a more recently opened site in Manchester.

Tickets to the experience tend to range between £65 and £195 per person, but included in that you get to hang out with the elves and even make your own toy.

Declan Rice

Dubai, UAE

While the pro footballer often visits Dubai for warm-weather training camps, Declan Rice also heads on holiday to the popular spot.

And over the years he has visited the city on many occasions, sometimes even with other pros such as Mason Mount.

While in Dubai, make sure to head to some of the city’s beaches such as Kite Beach which is a great spot for watersports as well as beach volleyball.

Alternatively, head to Sunset Beach, which is known for having a more relaxed vibe and being the ideal stop to watch the sunset.

You could fly from the UK to Dubai for £156 per way in July.

Marcus Rashford 

Barcelona, Spain

Last year, Marcus Rashford shared a few snaps of a holiday in Barcelona.

The holiday pics make sense considering the star plays as a forward for La Liga club Barcelona.

But Barcelona is a great city to visit – you can head down the famous La Ramblas and spot human statues.

And of course, enjoy some of the local restaurants serving tapas.

The Spanish city is also home to many designs by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, including the Sagrada Familia – the tallest church in the world, that has been built over the past century.

Flights from the UK to Barcelona cost as little as £15 one-way in July.

Bukayo Saka

Lagos, Nigeria

Saka was born in London to Nigerian parents yet often heads to Nigeria in the summer.

He has previously been seen visiting Lagos and Kwara State.

Lagos is Africa’s largest city and is home to around 24million people.

The coastal city is home to the Nike Art Gallery, which spans across five floors and is home to thousands of contemporary and traditional Nigerian artworks.

Make sure to head to the Lekki Conservation Centre too, where you will find Africa’s longest canopy walkway with wetlands home to monkeys and tropical birds.

And for a beach day, stop by Elegushi Beach where you’ll also find a number of beach clubs and oceanfront restaurants.

One-way flights to Lagos from the UK cost from £263 in July.

Ollie Watkins

Lake Como, Italy

Back in 2024, Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins proposed to Ellie Alderson at the Mandarin Oriental on Lago di Como.

The five-star resort hotel can be found in the village of Blevio, which is on the eastern side of Lake Como.

Across the hotel, you will find nine villas with a total of 75 rooms and suites.

There are also two villas with balconies overlooking the lake and with views of the Alps.

The hotel also has a huge spa with an indoor pool and another infinity pool outside on the edge of the lake.

A room costs from £1,162 per night.

But there are many other nice spots to visit and stay nearby.

For example, just down the road you could stay at Casa Giulietta Caronti, which also boasts views of the lake.

The B&B even has seven new suites with hot tubs inside, costing from just £112 per night.

You’d also be just a few minutes from downtown Como and Cernobbio.

Flights to Milan cost from £15 per way in July.

Estelle Manor, The Cotswolds

Estelle Manor is a Grade II listed country estate and hotel in Oxfordshire – which Watkins recently posted a pic of himself at on Instagram.

The hotel only opened in 2023 but has become well-known for its stylish rooms and Walled Garden.

There are also four restaurants onsite, as well as a kid’s club.

Rooms at the hotel cost from £575 per night.

But if that is outside of your budget, don’t worry as the Cotswolds is home to an abundance of pretty places to stay.

For example, you could head down the road to the Artist’s Residence near South Leigh.

The pretty pub with rooms boasts a thatched roof and dates back to the 16th century.

Inside the rooms feature a whimsical vibe, with minibars and Nespresso coffee machines.

Some rooms even have vaulted ceilings and free-standing bath tubs.

And staying costs a fraction of the price compared to Estelle Manor, with rooms from £153 per night.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France

The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is the very spot Watkins got married at.

Built between 1907 and 1912, the villa is home to a massive collection of art as well nine themed gardens.

The villa was even designed to mimic the deck of a cruise ship, with visitors able to see the sea whichever side of the villa they are on.

The villa is open to the public to visit adult tickets costing €18 (£15.51) and children’s tickets costing €12 (£10.34).

Flights to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport cost from £23 per way in July.

Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy

In another Instagram post, Ollie Watkins was recently spotted in Positano on the Amalfi Coast.

The town is famous for its pastel-coloured buildings stagger across the cliffs.

When visiting you can head to a number of beach clubs as well.

Make sure to walk along the waterfront and head to the 300-metre beach to soak up the sunshine.

For a quieter spot, drop by Fornillo Beach which is a secluded pebble cove.

Flights to Naples Airport cost from £31 per way in July.

Capri, Italy

The famous footballer was also spotted staying in another luxury Italian hotel – Jumeirah Capri Palace.

Found in Anacapri on the island of Capri, the hotel boasts a unique medical spa as well as a Michelin-starred restaurant.

There are also two pools at the hotel, an outdoor terrace with panoramic views and a fancy wine cellar.

Though, it will set you back around £3,444 per night.

Instead, a short drive away you could stay at Hotel Belvedere e Tre Re, which directly looks over the beach and glistening turquoise water.

And it costs from £216 a night instead of a few grand.

It is also closer to another spot the star was spotted at as well – Da Paolino Lemontrees.

The famous restaurant is known for its tables that sit directly under hundreds of real lemon trees.

Open since the 1970s, the much-loved restaurant often attracts celebs with other notable figures that have dined there including Beyonce and Mariah Carey.

Make sure to visit the dessert room, which has an entire buffet dedicated to all things sweet including traditional Italian desserts and lemon-infused treats.

Flights to Naples Airport cost from £31 per way in July.

Beaches in the UK are set to be busier than ever during the summer months, but there’s one hidden gem without any crowds that has unspoilt golden sand and pristine blue waters

Beaches can become overwhelmed with holidaymakers, particularly during the summer months, but there’s one hidden gem boasting golden sands that I return to time and again.

The sight of densely packed umbrellas, desperately searching for somewhere to settle down for the day, weaving through swimmers while drifting on a lilo and fighting over the last Cornetto at the ice cream stand, is hardly what you’d call a relaxing day in the sunshine. And with the UK basking in balmy temperatures, British beaches are anticipated to be more crowded than ever.

To be fair, you can hardly blame anyone for descending on their nearest stretch of coastline when the UK is blessed with glorious sunshine. After all, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a dip in the rolling waves with a gentle sea breeze on your face.

Yet there are plenty of alternatives, well away from the heaving masses. So, for that perfect coastal day out, there’s one breathtaking shoreline in Wales that I cannot recommend highly enough.

Tucked away on the south-western tip of the Pembrokeshire coast in West Wales lies the spectacular Marloes Sands Beach. Just a 30-minute drive from the town of Haverfordwest and sitting on the boundary of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, you’ll be welcomed by miles of unspoilt golden sand and inviting blue waters set against dramatic, rugged landscapes.

Framed by towering coastal cliffs with unique rock formations, it not only offers a stunning backdrop for a seaside outing but also keeps it somewhat under the radar. So for my family and me, who visit regularly, we’re treated to plenty of room and expanses of golden sand.

We’ve never had to battle for that coveted patch on the beach or fretted about accidentally splashing into someone in the crystal-clear waters — it truly is a haven away from the crowds. What’s more, dogs are permitted on the beach throughout the year, so they’re free to race about, plunge into the surf and dig for gold until their hearts’ content.

And that’s not all. Marloes Beach has even been graced by Hollywood, as scenes from the film ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’, starring Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron, were filmed there in September 2011.

Yet with any hidden gem destinations, there can be drawbacks.

There are no amenities on the beach, so you’ll need to come prepared and bring your own provisions. The walk down can also be somewhat demanding.

I mean, I’ve always relished the 0.5-mile winding path down from the National Trust car park, passing through meadow fields, but understandably, when you’ve got children and picnic hampers in tow, it’s more of an ordeal. But after the trek down, armed with a sun umbrella and bodyboard, it’s absolutely worth it for a day on this pristine stretch of coastline.

What’s more, on your way back up, you can treat yourself to an ice cream from the van that’s occasionally parked close by, or just a short distance from the car park, there’s the café, Runwayskiln, serving up sweet treats and chilled drinks.

Just make sure to plan your visit and check the tide times beforehand. At high tide, sections of the beach can become cut off, so provided you plan ahead and keep track of the time, you’ll be basking in the sunshine in your own little slice of paradise.

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

BEAUTIFUL Britain is packed with postcard towns and villages that look like they’ve been plucked straight from the pages of a storybook.

From chocolate-box cottages tucked away in the Cotswolds to hidden Highland havens and medieval bridges – you don’t need to board a flight to find a little bit of magic.

Even better, a fairytale escape doesn’t have to come with a royal price tag.

Whether you fancy sipping craft ales by a roaring log fire in Scotland, playing a game of Poohsticks in the Peak District, or exploring a village dedicated to cheese, you can also do it on a budget.

Our travel team has rounded up the most enchanting UK villages to visit this summer – with stays starting from £20 per night.

The Scottish Highlands

Head of Travel, Lisa Minot

It’s a little slice of Highland heaven. A picture-perfect scene of a babbling brook and ancient bridge surrounded by pine forests – but it is one with a slightly darker past.

The village of Carrbridge in the Cairngorms National Park is known for its famous Packhorse Bridge.

First built in 1717, it was used to transport coffins across the raging River Dulnain when waters rose.

Over time, what is now the oldest stone bridge in the Highlands has fallen into disrepair but looks all the prettier for its decrepit state.

The village itself, set in the grand, wild majesty of the Cairngorms, has other claims to fame including the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship.

Every October, chefs from around the world descend on the village hall to battle over oatmeal concoctions.

For travellers looking to refresh after a hike through the surrounding mountains, The Cairn is a lively pub in the heart of the village with a roaring open fire, huge selection of single malt whiskies and craft ale and lots of local game on the menu.

There’s also plenty of artisan treasures to pick up at the Carrbridge Artists Studio.

And keep your eyes peeled when you wander the village and surrounding Ellan Wood.

Massive wooden sculptures of red squirrels, owls and folklore figures abound, created in the annual chainsaw carving championships that are hosted in the village every year.

Ashford in the Water, Peak District

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Set in the picturesque Peak District National Park, Ashford in the Water is a pretty village that looks like something from a children’s picture book.

At the heart of the village is Sheepwash Bridge, a medieval stone bridge that stretches over the River Wye. As the name suggests, the river was once used by farmers to wash their sheep before shearing.

Take a stroll over the hump of historic cobbles to watch the ducks drift past. Visit England even named this spot the best place in the country to play a classic game of Poohsticks.

Head further into the village to find charming limestone cottages with manicured gardens, as well as the Holy Trinity Church, which dates back to the 12th century.

The village hosts several unique events throughout the summer, too. The Well Dressing & Flower Festival in June sees the villages’ wells adorned with flower displays, while the Ashford Sheepwash lets you watch the farmers guide their ewes through the river.

Head to the Riverside House Hotel and sit down to a tasty breakfast starting from £8. The hotel dates back to 1620, and its stone exterior is covered with a blanket of climbing ivy.

Five minutes down the road you’ll find the market town of Bakewell, where it would be rude not to try a famous cherry-topped tart.

Rye, East Sussex

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

When the town’s own main road is called Mermaid Street, it’s no wonder Rye is often compared to the storybooks.

It is steep and cobbled so leave the princess heels at home. 

But let down your hair at the aptly named Mermaid Inn, at over 800 years of age, it’s one of the oldest in the UK – even visited by some British queens too.

(Live out your princess dreams up Ypres Tower too, for some of the best port views).

There’s souvenir shopping galore so pick-up some artwork, books, or homeware.

Don’t forget a decadent hot chocolate at Knoops – this was the original shop before its rollout across the UK and worth the price.

Cheddar, Somerset

Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

A village named after one of Britain’s favourite foods – what could be better?

Cheddar takes its name seriously and the main road that cuts through the village centre, leading up to the famous Cheddar Gorge, is littered with themed pubs, cafes and shops dedicated to the dairy product.

It’s all a little cheesy, but you’ve just got to embrace it.

In need of a new frock? Gorge-ous Boutique is the place to head. Feeling peckish? I’m still dreaming of the cheese rarebit that I devoured at Cafe Gorge a few months back.

Although very little cheddar is actually produced in the village nowadays, you can still get your hands on some local stuff at The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company – the only place to still sell it.

I’d recommend opting for the cave-aged variety which is left to mature in Gough’s Caves for a year or so, giving it a deep and rich flavour.

Pop into the caves while you’re here, too. It’s pretty cool to be able to take in such an ancient structure – the stalactites in here are a staggering 500,000 years old.

Westmill, Hertfordshire

Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

If you didn’t know it was there, you’d miss it. But just next to the larger town of Buntingford is the charming village of Westmill.

To get to it, you’ve got to head down a bumpy track, or walk across rolling fields.

There’s no noisy traffic, in fact, it’s so incredibly quiet you’re likely just to hear the bleating of sheep.

Westmill has thatched-roof cottages, a village green, a charming tea room and a pub loved by locals called The Sword Inn Hand.

In fact, it’s been rated among the Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in the UK for 2026 by OpenTable.

And it was also named the ‘Best Pub’ in Hertfordshire by The Telegraph thanks to its “cheerful crackling log fires in winter, a pretty garden with country views in summer, generous portions of good locally sourced food, local ales and superb service”.

Knaresborough, North Yorkshire

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Knaresborough might technically be a town, but to me it gives big village vibes.

Not only does it feel small, but its postcard-perfect viaduct feels like something from a storybook, especially when a train runs along the top at the same time as errant row boats underneath.

Even its main attraction Mother Shipton’s Cave sounds like it’s make-believe.

One of England’s oldest tourist attractions, it is the “birthplace of a famous prophetess” with magic seemingly woven throughout…

Otherwise the historic market town is perfect for a souvenir or two followed by afternoon tea.

Cockington, Devon

Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

YOU wouldn’t believe that this stunning, quaint village is just a short walk from the beach and bustling towns on the English Riviera…

Cockington is a small village set back from Torquay seafront, where you will find thatched cottages, open meadows, a manor house and a thatched pub with a sprawling garden.

It is the ideal day out or retreat from the busy seaside.

Head to The Drum Inn for a tipple or if you prefer to keep it Devonshire, make sure to visit The Weavers Cottage Tea Garden for a traditional cream tea including freshly made scones.

At the top end of the village you’ll find Cockington Court, with stables home to a number of independent makers including glassblowers and blacksmiths.

Ballygally, Northern Ireland

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Picture a 17th century castle facing the sea, backed by rolling green hills of farmland – that’s the storybook village of Ballygally in County Antrim.

Right on the castle’s doorstep lies a golden crescent of beach, watching the morning mist roll over the Irish Sea.

Head in the opposite direction of the sea and you’ll find bright green hills dotted with grazing sheep that look, from a distance, like cotton wool balls with legs – the kind you’d draw as as child.

To make your visit all the more magical, venture out by car to Glenariff Forest Park. Here there are waterfall walks and gorges connected by old wooden bridges, where deer and red squirrels wander.

The beachfront castle of Ballygally is now a Hastings Hotel, and is the only 17th century castle in Northern Ireland in which you can stay overnight.

It’s famously haunted by resident ghost Lady Isabella Shaw. Brave guests can even peek inside her untouched ‘Ghost Room’ in one of the castle’s turrets.

If that’s not enough whimsy for you, then you can sit down to a Game of Thrones-themed afternoon tea for £36pp, or explore the property’s enchanting gardens hidden behind its weathered stone walls.

Corfe Castle, Dorset

Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

The charming Corfe Castle, named after the old fortress ruins that are tucked away at the edge of the village, has a cutesy, old-world feel to it.

Sat a little way back from the coast in Dorset, this place is filled with artsy tea shops selling homebaked cakes piled high with buttercream and boutiques flogging antiques and second-hand goods.

I visited in peak autumn which made the village come alive with colour – fiery red ivy was dripping from the stone cottages and crunchy leaves were littering the winding paths.

Pop into the wonky Castle Inn for a pint in the cosiest setting. It’s all stone interiors and timber beams smothered in multi-coloured fairy lights.

The castle is a National Trust site and well worth a visit.

Its crumbling ruins are perched high on a hill and great fun for little kids with a wooden pillory for posing in and giant catapult.

For a properly good cuppa and wedge of cake, head to By the Castle.

Burford, Cotswolds

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

You can’t get much more of a quintessential Cotswolds town than Burford.

The cobbled high street is littered with old school sweet shops and quaint cafes (Huffkins and Hunters are popular with the locals).

At the end of the road is a tiny bridge running over the River Windrush – perfect for taking the kids to feed the ducks.

Its reluctance for any big chains has kept it feeling like stepping back in time, instead the town is mainly taken up with whimsical honeysuckle-lined cottages and churches.

The Prince of Burford is one of the classier hotels, with four poster beds in the pub rooms if you need somewhere to stay.

Make sure to pop into Burford Garden Centre too – it’s one of the fanciest in the country and you might even spot a celeb or two.

Totnes, Devon

Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

OVER the years Totnes in Devon has earned many nicknames as the hippy capital of the UK.

But this unique town is like no other I’ve ever visited, with a high street clear of major brands – instead you’ll find independent coffee shops and lots of local artists selling their work.

At the bottom end of the high street, you’ll also find the River Dart, which makes for a nice walk to watch the boats bob up and down.

Half-way up the high street, you can visit Totnes Castle too, which is a motte-and-bailey castle.

Make sure to peruse the bookstores too – there are many of them, each with their own specialism.

Grantchester, Cambridgeshire

Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Having watched episodes of Grantchester growing up, I was looking forward to visiting and seeing whether it had that charming old England feel to it. And it did.

The village just south of Cambridge is filled with old-fashioned pubs like The Green Man where lots of the residents enjoy a tipple.

I’ve never seen anything like the Orchard Tea Garden which is set literally in an apple orchard surrounded by trees and filled with fold out deckchairs and picnic tables.

If you’re a fan of the countryside like I am, take a stroll through the meadows by the River Cam.

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

Walk with the gods above Amalfi, Italy

If you have a head for heights, then you can “walk with the gods” on the Sentiero degli Dei. It’s cut into the vertiginous hillside high above the Amalfi coast, offering heavenly views all the way to Capri and beyond. Ten breathtaking kilometres later, you’ll rejoin the earthly hordes of Instagrammers in the undeniably beautiful but crowded Positano. A super-convenient combined bus and ferry ticket from Travelmar takes you from any of the coastal towns to the start of the walk, in the lovely hamlet of Bomerano, in Agerola, and from Positano back to your base.
Brian

A stunning hike to Poland’s Eye of the Sea

The Five Lakes hike in the Tatras is the most beautiful in Poland. Starting from the parking lot at Palenica Białczańska, you gain elevation as you head south along a tumbling stream. After two hours, you arrive at the first of five glittering lakes surrounded by an amphitheatre that forms the border with Slovakia. Stop at Dolinie Pięciu Stawów hut to enjoy a hearty żurek (sour rye soup) as you contemplate the lake-pocked landscape. Fortified, climb southeast until, cresting the ridge, Morskie Oko (“Eye of the Sea”), the most storied lake in Poland, comes into view, glittering far below and engulfed by sheer mountain walls, including Poland’s highest peak. At the lakeside hut, you’ll have earned a Żywiec lager. Now, whether to follow the gentle trail back to the car park or push on to Rysy, 1,100m above …
Ryan

Cold dips and butterflies in Georgia

The Svaneti region of Georgia is a hiker’s dream. The Ushguli to Mestia route on the Transcaucasian Trail passes through some of the most dramatic and beautiful mountain landscapes I’ve ever encountered. Ancient stone towers, glacial pools perfect for a cold dip, meadows thick with wildflowers and butterflies, and the occasional wild horse made it feel like a film set. The villages are genuinely welcoming, the food is hearty and the biodiversity stopped me in my tracks. No photograph comes close to capturing it. If you haven’t considered Georgia for hiking, move it to the top of your list immediately.
Aoife

Saunas and reindeer in Swedish Lapland

Over seven days last summer we walked a section of the Kungsleden Trail from Abisko to Nikkaluokta in Swedish Lapland, in the Arctic Circle – and it was a magical experience. It was surprising even to us that we managed to find a holiday that suited a group of four teenagers and two adults. By the end, we all agreed that the lack of internet was a bonus not a bug. The walking was testing enough to be a challenge but also left enough time for card games and enjoying the saunas along the way. The huts we stayed in were great and allowed our packs to be kept light. A highlight was spotting reindeer on the last day.
Paul

Wildflowers and strudel in Austria

The beautiful Wildschönau valley in Austria offers amazing hiking options accessible for the whole family. We hiked between 10 and 15 miles every day exploring this amazing landscape. The meadows of wildflowers were breathtaking. The cable cars in Niederau and Auffac allow you to explore higher routes offering 360-degree panoramas with a little less effort. The signposting of routes was incredible and the free buses allowed us to travel throughout the area easily. The climb to the top of Joelspitze was our highlight, spotting beautiful gentian flowers on the way there, and finishing with an apple strudel as reward at the end.
Barbara

A canyon walk in northern Spain

The Ruta del Cares in Spain’s Picos de Europa is the most incredible hike my daughter and I have ever undertaken. The first 45 minutes from Poncebos take you steeply uphill into the canyon, past abandoned shacks and along spectacular, well-trodden tracks, which plateau out. As a vertigo sufferer myself, I found the track is always just wide enough. The canyon narrows and the path takes you through a series of tunnels before reaching the idyllic hamlet, Caín, and waterfalls where you can dip your feet. You can grab a drink and snacks before returning back to Poncebos.
Joe

Bathing and beauty in Germany’s Black Forest

Hike through the beautiful Black Forest from Kniebis to Baiersbronn (about 7 miles). Take the bus from Freudenstadt to Kniebis, then follow trails via the stunning Ellbachseeblick viewpoint and Sankenbach waterfall before descending into Baiersbronn. After the hike, enjoy an outdoor swim at Baiersbronn’s lido or relax with a meal in town, before taking the train back to Freudenstadt. Public transport is included with the Konus card if staying in Freudenstadt (or other participating Black Forest locations).
George

Family-friendly highs in Switzerland

Last year, my family and I took the cable car up Männlichen, in Switzerland and walked the Panoramaweg at its top. At 3 miles to Kleine Scheidegg, where you can take a train down, this is manageable for little legs and gives glorious views of the Eiger and the Bernese Oberland. Wild and unspoiled it is not, but it boasts the most incredible alpine playground, and if you stop in Wengen on your way up, there is a trail of marble runs that enchanted my children for hours.
Frances

Watching dolphins in the Algarve, Portugal

My most memorable European hike was the coastal path from Ponta da Piedade to Praia da Luz in Portugal’s Algarve. While most visitors crowd the famous beaches, the 7-mile trail threads between honey-coloured cliffs, hidden coves and wildflowers, with Atlantic views almost every step of the way. My tip is to start at sunrise and pack a lightweight breakfast. The early light turns the limestone cliffs gold, the temperature is perfect for walking, and you’ll often have long stretches of path entirely to yourself. We stopped on a clifftop ledge to watch dolphins offshore – a simple moment that made the whole day unforgettable.
Steven

Winning tip: cliffside views of Lake Garda, Italy

The highlight of our recent holiday was the stunning 6-mile walk along the Ponale Path, stretching from Riva at the top of Lake Garda to the Ledro valley. This beautiful cliffside trail takes you through old tunnels carved into the rock and treats you to the most spectacular views of the lake below. Along the route, we encountered lush green fields, picturesque little farmhouses nestled among vineyards and even a cascading waterfall. To top it all off, we enjoyed a refreshing pint and lasagne in the sunny beer garden at Bar sul Ponale before beginning the walk back.
Bev

Vesuvius views on the Sorrentine coast

The Hotel Villa Garden, Sant’Agnello is a ravishing but small, friendly, family-run hotel about 25 minutes walk from the centre of Sorrento. The view from the cliff-edge dining terrace over to Vesuvius is breathtaking and the stylish pool is a delight. The decor is crisp and sunny. It’s the kind of place where they bring you a free glass of rosé while you wait for your taxi to the airport. Very Billy Wilder. Very Avanti.
Jan Colley

An idyllic island stay on the French Atlantic

We loved our stay at L’Hôtel La Jetée on Île de Ré (doubles from €85 B&B), which is perched on the corner of the Vauban fortified port of Saint Martin de Ré. An attractive courtyard garden filled with designer furniture is surrounded by floral balconies leading to light, airy and tasteful coastal-themed rooms. Breakfast was a real pleasure, taken in the courtyard or in the salon. The hotel’s front aspect overlooks the charming harbour with seafood restaurants and renowned ice-cream vendor La Martinière. Bike hire is available a couple of doors down for exploring the island (try a tandem) and the catamaran trip that leaves from the harbour is an elegant way to dabble in yacht life without the price tag.
Anna Kennett

Beachfront bolthole in Galicia, Spain

Forty miles south of Santiago de Compostela, Hotel Nanin (doubles from about €100 B&B) has a great location right on the beach. We had a stunning view from our room, overlooking the pool and the bay. We came across this spa hotel on a road trip around the Portuguese and Spanish coast, and we’ve returned to it since. It is about a 30-minute walk into the town of Sanxenxo, where there are more beaches, loads of restaurants and a lively promenade.
Louise

Five-star Italian luxury on the Adriatic

The abundance of hotels in the Italian resort of Rimini keeps prices competitive – I even found a good deal at the five-star Grand Hotel. If you ask for a room in the annex (doubles from €120 B&B), you can still enjoy the hotel’s facilities and services, including the open-air pool and palm-filled gardens. The wood-panelled library has fascinating photos of old movie stars and huge chandeliers. Fresh fruit in the generous breakfasts is brought in from Rimini’s daily market, and sunloungers on the nearby beach are reserved for guests. The whole hotel has an atmosphere of faded 1960s charm – I could have imagined Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni strolling in, champagne glasses in hand.
Penelope

A Biarritz time machine, France

The hotel Eduardo VII (doubles from about €104 B&B) in Biarritz is in a three-storey wooden building that feels more like a private guesthouse than a hotel. It’s like a time machine that takes guests back to when Biarritz was the height of fashion and elegance. The charming building has kept many of its original features, including wood panelling, creaky wooden floors and ornate mirrors. Bedrooms are small but cosy. Having breakfast on the sea-facing terrace was a great start to our days there – making my husband and I feel like movie stars, ready to go out and shoot a scene in a Jean Luc Goddard film by strolling along the long sandy beach.
April

Art deco vibes in Corsica

Just outside the little town of Piana, an hour’s drive up the Corsican coast from Ajaccio, is the wonderful Hotel les Roches Rouges (doubles from about €170 B&B). Built in 1912, it has a glamorous art deco vibe (and plenty of old photos on the walls). But it’s all about the view over the sea from the terrace, where the sun sets over the pink granite coastline, and you could sit all day and evening watching the colours flame and change. And the restaurant is wonderful, so you needn’t leave at all.
Laura

An oasis in southern Tenerife

Southern Tenerife is associated with boilerplate package holiday hotels. But the 1920s time capsule Hotel Reverón Plaza (doubles from £181 B&B in September) is an art deco oasis, only steps away from the beach. Step inside from the street to sip champagne amid vintage wrought-iron furniture and antique switchboards. Skip the lift and take the stairs to see them glowing under century-old stained-glass windows. On the rooftop, an unpretentious pool serves up stunning 360-degree views of the sea and surrounding hills. At around £130 a night – complete with a fantastic Spanish breakfast – it’s an absolute steal.
Erin

Faded grandeur on a car-free Greek island

On Kastellorizo, a tiny car-free island in the Dodecanese, the Megisti hotel (doubles in September from about £250 B&B a night) feels like a step back in time to the 1960s. You are immersed in aged, elegant glamour and half expect James Bond to appear in a white tuxedo and order a martini. Megisti’s spectacular setting and crystal-clear waters offers great views of loggerhead sea turtles that are often seen here as you walk around the gorgeous natural harbour.
Karen Stewart

Beachside glamour in Norway

On the island of Stokkøya in central Norway, Stokkøya Strandhotell sits beside a sweeping white-sand beach that looks more Caribbean than Nordic. The stylish timber cabins (from around £160 a night), some built partly into the dunes, offer a design-hotel feel without luxury-resort prices. Days are spent swimming, hiking coastal trails or warming up in the beach sauna after a dip in the sea. Evenings mean local seafood and a drink at the laid-back Strandbar (beach bar). It feels wonderfully remote and glamorous in a distinctly Scandinavian way, yet remains surprisingly affordable for Norway.
Sabine

Winning tip: spa bargain on a volcanic Italian island

As a lifelong backpacker, it takes a real bargain for me to entertain a spa hotel. Lo and behold I found myself on the island of Ischia, off Naples, where thermal waters are abundant and spa hotels are wildly affordable. The art deco Hotel Hermitage was a short walk from the ferry port, with views of the Aragonese castle, and comes complete with four thermal pools. For £50 a night [at the time, website rate now from around £90] I had my own large single room, balcony, delicious buffet breakfast and full access to the spa. The closest my backpack and I will ever come to true Italian glamour.
Clare

FANCY a last-minute getaway in June? You can still get one with plenty of one-way flights under £30 and to destinations that are over 25C.

Sun Travel reveals our favourite holiday spots with cheap flights in the next two weeks, from Greece to sunny European islands and pretty cities.

Corfu, Greece

“It’s shocking that you can get to a Greek island for less than £30 and with Wizz Air, flights are as little as £18.

“Just over three hours away and you’ll reach the olive grove paradise of Corfu with beautiful blue bay beaches that in June averages at 30C.

“I love Greece mostly for the food and Corfu has lots of spots where you can indulge in a fresh feta salad with juicy tomatoes alongside a refreshing local Greek beer.

“Have a dip in the ocean at Faliraki, and make sure to pick up some locally made olive oil as a souvenir too.

SUMMER STEALS

UK beachfront holiday parks with breaks from £16pp in school summer holidays

CHEAP DATE

Our fave cheap European destinations with flights under £20 & hotels from £24pp

“For anyone who loves history, head to the Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary at Paleokastritsa. It’s quite the hike but the views from the top are unbeatable.

“If you can, take a day trip across to Paxi or Paxos, a tiny island seven miles south of Corfu with sea caves and white cobbles beaches.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Nice, France

“Nice is an astonishingly short plane ride from the UK, given how exotic it feels. Just 2 hours and 5 minutes in the air, and you’re suddenly on the French Riviera – and flights in June are £18.

“I’ve spent many summers on that stunning stretch of coast, first on family holidays as a kid, then as a showbiz reporter at the Cannes Film Festival and most recently on family trips as a mum myself.

“It is easily one of my favourite places in Europe, thanks to the glorious scenery and the fantastic food.

“My best tip would be to avoid the pricey cab fares and stick to the many beautiful towns that run along the riviera train line.”

“For instance, Villefranche Sur Mer is a sleek, picturesque seaside village that has all of the beauty of its fancier neighbours, but less of the tourists.

“With a lovely sandy beach, a pretty harbour, and a quaint old town featuring 13-century cobbled streets, there is something for everyone.

“Grab a baguette, a bottle of wine and some stinky cheese from the supermarket for under 10 euros in total and enjoy a picnic on the sand or in the pine trails behind the village.

“This is a perfect spot to base yourself with Airbnbs from £86 a night, then you can take the train along the coast anywhere from Monaco and Nice, to Antibes and Cannes in under an hour.” – Head of Sun Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire

Cagliari, Italy

“Sardinia is a beautiful Italian island that actually sits closer to Africa than the mainland.

“But when it comes to visiting the island, most will head to Olbia in the north – instead, I suggest venturing south to the capital Cagliari.

“This quiet and quaint city can easily be explored in a day, with colourful architecture and over 140 churches and religious buildings.

“The best thing to do in the city? Head on the Underground Cagliari tour with Viator, which will take you to three historic sites all underground, including passages used as bomb shelters under a school, a crypt and prison and uncovered Roman ruins (£26 per person).

“Wander around the city and you will also see several defensive towers marking the perimeter of the ancient city, with the most extravagant of them being Bastione de Saint Remy – a huge former military fortress.”

“One-way flights start from £28 in June.”- Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

Rome, Italy

“Rome is a city of passion. Whether that’s due to the fiery locals, who emphasise every word with a hand gesticulation, or because of its sordid history, the scars of which are still present today, who knows.

“But that passion is what gives the place its buzz and you can see it all on the cheap as flights start from £15.

“If you’re new to the city, I couldn’t recommend a Fiat 500 sightseeing tour enough (rome500exp.com).

“You’ll cruise around in vintage motors, ticking off all the key sights including the mighty colosseum and Gianicolo Hill where you can soak up one of the best views of the city.

“The Vatican is, of course, a must. But make sure to book one of the queue jump tours for first thing in the morning – it gets very busy, very quickly and unless you’re willing to stand and wait for hours, this is the only way.

“As for food… pizza, pasta, gelato, they’re all staples in the Roman diet.
If you’re near the Colosseum, try Zia Rosetta which serves mega sandwiches stuffed with traditional ham fillings.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

“If you want some (almost) guaranteed sun, Lanzarote is a safe bet for a June getaway.

“Daytime temperatures usually sit around 27C, rain is virtually non-existent, and a one-way flight is £18 with Ryanair – you can’t beat it really.

“On my visit, I stayed near Playa Blanca, which is Lanzarote’s southernmost resor,s scattered with beach bars, restaurants and small sandy bays.

“It can be busy, but if you carry on walking along the front, you’re bound to find a much quieter spot.

“You can’t beat sitting out at one of the sea-facing bars with a cheap beer, soaking up the sunshine with a glass of Dorada you can pick up for €3 (£2.59).” –Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Valetta, Malta

“When I first visited Malta, several years ago, my only holiday demands were: guaranteed sunshine, decent food and flights that wouldn’t break the bank – and that’s exactly what I got.

“My girlfriends and I had booked a sweet little apartment overlooking St Julian’s Bay, an area littered with waterfront restaurants and a charming old-world feel to it.

“I remember the water being as clear and turquoise as the Caribbean Sea, with the dinky boats bobbing atop.

“At the weekend we caught the bus to Marsaxlokk where a traditional fishing market still operates every Sunday – get there in the early to mid morning to avoid the crowds.

“We came home with stacks of fresh prawns for only a few euros that we sizzled on the barbecue back at our apartment.

“Make sure to visit the capital Valletta while you’re here, too. The city is significant in British history and it became a hub for the Royal Navy in the 19th century.

“Pop into St. John’s Co-Cathedral, one of the most beautiful baroque structures I’ve ever laid eyes on.

“Flights to Valletta start from £18 in June“. – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Paris, France

“There’s a reason why Paris is a dream destination for so many.

“Incredible food, glitzy nightlife, plus some of Europe’s top art galleries and museums.

“What’s great about Paris is that there’s so many types of trip you can take, making it the kind of city you can visit again and again.

“Spend a romantic weekend in the cobbled streets of Montmartre, where you can watch the sun set over the city from the highest point in Paris. Soak up the views from the steps of The Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

“Or spend a week with the family at Disneyland Paris, where you can explore their new World of Frozen – a new attraction we’re lucky to have right on our doorstep as Brits.

“My favourite way to visit Paris is as a girly holiday. Hit the Galeries Lafayette for world-famous shopping, then grab some boujee Instagram pictures together in the Palais Garnier.

“Make sure to go for brunch in Mon Crème, where dried flowers drape from the ceiling and candlesticks give the cosy restaurant a warm glow – plus I would fly over just to eat their Duck Confit again.

“With £28 return flights on Skyscanner, ticking off one of the world’s dreamiest capital cities can cost you less than going out for lunch.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Pisa, Italy

“Let’s face it, Italy‘s Pisa is famous for its leaning tower in the city centre and you can see it for yourself for £15 with Ryanair.

“Before you get to the tower, take a leisurely stroll along the Arno River where there are lots of cafes and restaurants.

“I stopped into Bottega for a tasty strawberry and kiwi smoothie for €5 (£4.32) – the same price as a glass of wine, I might add.

“Further into the city, there are shopping streets, some designer outlets and plenty of places to grab a souvenir too.

“I found it does get very busy once you get to the Leaning Tower of Pisa – and a trip is not complete without the mandatory photo outside pretending to push the building upright.

“It can take a while to get into the right position, but I discovered the biggest challenge is trying not to get too many other tourists doing exactly the same thing in the background.” Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Crete, Greece

“You can hop over to Crete for £18 each way – not a bad deal for a trip to the largest Greek island.

“Just an hour’s drive from Chania airport will land you in Rethymno, a coastal city with a sprawling Old Town full of surprises.

“Stroll along the Venetian Harbour to watch colourful fishing boats bob, overlooked by a charming stone lighthouse which was built in 1830.

“Then dip into your pick of tavernas to try some Dakos, a delicious Cretan bruschetta with some local wine.

“After an afternoon exploring the maze-like streets, come back for dinner to try one of the best burgers you’ll ever have.

“Mojo Burgers is a strikingly modern burger joint in the heart of the Old Town, serving up sloppy American-style burgers oozing with flavour.

“Make sure to sign your name on the wall once you’ve eaten to follow tradition.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

*Prices correct at the time of publication

IF you’re looking to travel on the cheap this summer, we’ve got some of the best lesser-known destinations that offer the same (or better) holidays, with fewer crowds and much less money.

I’m a travel expert, mum of two and influencer with 335,000 followers on Instagram, where I share tips on my page @thetravelmum on how to travel the world without spending a fortune.

It’s totally possible to discover a more authentic experience, friendlier prices, and a slower pace that actually suits families far better in destination dupes.

And you don’t have to forgo the convenience and reassurance of things like budget-friendly flights, easy airport transfers, family-friendly dining options, and good quality healthcare. 

I am on a mission to help families travel more and not spend too much doing it.

So I’ve rounded up some great options from across Europe, some of which are not many miles away from the very well-known resorts…

Instead of Santorini… try Naxos

Santorini is known for its picture postcard views, but it comes with high prices and crowds.

Hop on one of the regular ferries from Santorini (one hour 15 minutes) or Mykonos (35 minutes), and find yourself in Naxos.

Naxos still has all the charm and style of the better-known Cycladic islands – think white-washed hilltop villages, clear blue waters and traditional tavernas, but with lower cost accommodation, food and activities.

The other huge plus for families is that Naxos has stretches of sandy beaches gently sloping into the sea, which you won’t find in Santorini. 

Staying here, I’d recommend checking into the Golden Sun Hotel.

I’ve stayed at this hotel myself, and it’s in a great setting right on the beach.

The rooms have large balconies, which are perfect for sitting out in the evening once the kids are in bed.

Instead of the Algarve…try the Silver Coast

The Algarve region in Southern Portugal, with its popular resorts such as Albufeira and Vilamoura, attracts 5 million tourists annually.

Of course, most of which is concentrated in the peak summer months – sending prices skyrocketing during school holidays.

Instead, take a flight into the capital city of Lisbon or Porto, and within as little as an hour’s drive, base yourself on the Silver Coast – or Costa de Prata in Portuguese.

The region stretches along the country’s Western coastline, offering a varied mix of beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, picturesque fishing villages and medieval towns.

Places like Nazare, Obidos and Peniche offer a more local feel than some of the Algarve’s heavily developed resort areas, and it is a great choice for families wanting a more traditional Portuguese experience, without giving up beach days or reliable sunshine. 

Perhaps check into the Ohai Nazare Outdoor Resort, which has a free waterpark and activities like basketball and volleyball for the kids.

There’s even a food shop service, as well as an on-site supermarket for essentials.

Instead of Split… try Trogir

Croatia has firmly cemented itself as a great destination for families – it’s one of our favourite European countries to visit.

With its rise in popularity, flights are now widely available from many UK airports, but the downside is that tourist hotspots quickly become crowded.

Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, draws crowds wanting to experience its mix of beautiful beaches, historic streets and easy connections to other parts of the country.

But, just a 30-minute drive from Split, you can find Trogir – a UNESCO World Heritage town.

Trogir offers many of the same benefits as Split – beautiful Adriatic scenery, historic streets, waterfront restaurants and easy access to island boat trips, but in a much more manageable setting for families.

While Split can feel crowded, busy and expensive during the summer months, Trogir has a calmer atmosphere that makes travelling with children far less stressful.

Its compact old town is easy to explore on foot, the promenade feels more relaxed, and there’s less traffic and noise.

I’d recommend a stay at Amadria Park Camping Trogir, which has sea views, a huge swimming pool and three on-site restaurants.

This is another one I’ve stayed in, and I’d say don’t discount a lodge holiday, this site has fab facilities and is in a really pretty setting.

It has great transport links too.

Instead of Tenerife… try La Palma

The Canary Islands are a family go-to for year-round sun without the long-haul flight. When other European options can’t guarantee the weather, the Canaries are usually a safe bet.

This means there isn’t really a low season, and while demand is high, so are the prices.

So, admittedly, this one might take a little more effort to get to, but we think it could be worth it.

La Palma – nicknamed ‘La Isla Bonita’, is reachable directly from a few UK airports, and actually, as of 2026, you can now book a package holiday there through Jet2Holidays, or the alternative is a short 30-minute flight or a 2-and-a-half-hour ferry from Tenerife.

While Tenerife has huge resorts known for lively nightlife and giant waterparks, La Palma is quieter, greener and better suited to families looking for a more peaceful escape.

Check into La Palma Princess, which has all-inclusive packages with TUI.

The hotel itself has spacious rooms as well as six swimming pools for kids to splash about in, and there’s a kids’ club for little ones too.

Instead of the Amalfi Coast… try Puglia 

The Amalfi Coast is a bucket list destination for many, synonymous with luxury and romance, not necessarily things that go hand in hand with family travel.

That said, there are plenty of places along the Amalfi Coast that are great for families – but they’ll come at a premium price.

If you’re dreaming of la dolce vita but have children in tow and a more conservative budget, take a look at Puglia – along the southeastern coast. Puglia tends to be better value across the board, from accommodation to restaurants.

The region is easy to reach too, with flights from the UK into Bari or Brindisi, both offering straightforward transfers to coastal towns such as Otranto, Vieste, and Monopoli.

Instead of tight cliffside roads, families get open countryside, historic sites, and some of Italy’s best sandy beaches.

It’s not the same as the Amalfi Coast, but it still delivers on Italian beauty and culture, and you’ll have more space to enjoy it. 

If you’re looking at where to stay, can you really go wrong with Eurocamp?

Centro Turistico San Nicola Eurocamp sits right on the seafront and even has a private beach for guests.

Steps away from the sand is a restaurant, bar and pizzeria – there’s also lots of activities, a big kids’ playground too and evening entertainment.

Instead of the Swiss Alps… try the Julian Alps

For families looking for an Alpine experience – be it for winter sports or an alternative summer break, instead of the high-cost, premier resorts across the Swiss Alps, we’d recommend considering Slovenia’s answer – the Julian Alps.

Still delivering on dramatic mountain scenery, crystal clear lakes and fresh Alpine air, you can take your pick of adventures – hikes, cycle trails, watersports and snow sports – depending on when you visit.

Take a flight from the UK to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital; from there, the towns of Bohinj or Bled both make great bases to explore.

Bled is known for Lake Bled, with its striking church and castle sitting on a tiny island. It’s also doable on public transport if you don’t fancy hiring a car. 

Along with mountain views, Apartments Vitranc has family rooms with a separate sleeping and dining area as well as a kitchenette.

One major plus here is that children stay free – and don’t forget to check out the hotel pool.

We’ve got a Slovenia trip on our agenda for this year, and this place looks like it’s well placed to be a great base to explore this beautiful area, and it has a pool for the kids to enjoy too.

Instead of Rome… try Verona

Italy’s capital, Rome, home to some of the world’s most famous sites and ancient ruins, is a tourist hotspot all year round.

The crowded attractions, their sprawling size and long queues, can make it tricky to navigate with younger travellers in tow.

Whereas in Verona you can still experience Roman history, meander across beautiful piazzas, take in the riverside views and enjoy the incredible Italian cuisine, without the intensity of the capital city. 

Another great selling point of Verona is its accessibility, served by its own airport, or easily reachable from Milan or Venice, it opens up more options to snap up cheap flights, and even incorporate a couple of cities into one trip.

If staying in Verona, check Dimora Giardino di Giulietta, a family-run hotel with a pretty patio area and spacious family rooms.

Instead of Paris … try Lille

Fancy some French city culture without the crowds of Paris – then why not give Lille a go?

Not only is it reachable in just one hour and 20 minutes on the Eurostar from London, but its compact layout and fab public transport system make navigating, especially with a pushchair, much more manageable.

Known for its art and food scenes, there are plenty of fun, family-friendly attractions to fill a few days of slower-paced exploring, too.

Such as Cita-Parc, an amusement park with rides, or Lille Zoo, within walking distance from the city centre, which is home to over 400 animals, and entry is a very budget-friendly €6 (£5.19) for adults, €3 (£2.60) for children aged 5-17.

Wear kids out running around the huge Grand-Place square, before enjoying a stroll through the Vieux-Lille (old town) and stopping for a chocolat chaud and pastries.

Another added bonus is that dining and accommodation are much more affordable than in the capital, too. 

This place is basic, yet a practical choice for visiting the city as it’s next to the station – and within walking distance of all the main sights.

Make sure to book a Prestige Room for a family of four.

Jen Carr, the family travel expert and founder of The Travel Mum, shares the best affordable holiday deals for families throughout the week – here.

Jen’s new book ‘Yes You Can Travel With Kids’ is available now on AMAZON.

*Price correct at time of publication.

Bear right in Romania

Jeremy Clarkson described Romania’s Transfăgărășan Highway as “one unbroken grey ribbon of motoring perfection”. The route (the second highest in Romania after the Transalpina) with its hairpin bends and climbs over the mountain was thrilling. Although we’d been told bear sightings were possible, we didn’t anticipate spotting them literally on the roadside, with one hanging over a stone wall posing for photographs, taken through the car window. Because of the harsh winters in the southern Carpathian Mountains, the section of the road to Bâlea Lake is open only for a few summer months – it proved particularly beautiful.
Helen Jackson

Highlights of Ireland

In 2022 my wife and I set off on a 1,000-mile road trip around the island of Ireland after taking the overnight ferry from Liverpool to Belfast. After exploring Belfast, we stopped in Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork, Dingle, Ennis, Galway, Castlebar, Sligo, Donegal, Derry and back to Belfast. We stayed in youth hostels, B&Bs, spare rooms, hotels (the Ellison Hotel in Castlebar was our favourite) and holiday lets. The scenery was incredibly varied, with the peninsula drive on the Ring of Kerry and the karst landscape of the Burren in Co Clare being particularly memorable. There were beautiful beaches (the wild sands of Glassilaun in Co Galway was our favourite), rich history and culture, superb food, characterful towns and cities, and, of course, the best pubs, and such friendly, warm people.
Joe

Around the fjords of Norway

My wife and I drove from Bergen to Vossevangen along the Hardangerfjord (the second-longest fjord in Norway), with a diversion to Flåm for a sauna and dip. Then we took the Myrkdalen road, which includes hairpin bends, waterfalls and an exciting descent into Vikøyri. We visited Nese, a secluded village on the western shore of the Arnafjorden. Then we took the car ferry over to Dragsvik, on to the village of Rysjedalsvika, then along the northern shore of the Sognefjord (Norway’s longest and deepest fjord) for another car ferry over to stay in Dingja on the coast, to do some fishing. Then all the way back to Bergen.
Nick Martin

Geothermal bliss on Iceland’s ring road

We started from Reykjavík and drove around the whole country on the ring road. We have done a few road trip holidays – this one was the most interesting. Every day we saw multiple dramatic landscapes and weather conditions, as well as very few other cars (we went in May). Iceland is an expensive country but being able to whale-watch and swim in geothermal pools made it worth it.
Jess

The road to Orkney

We drove up to Orkney, taking our time, stopping in Glasgow, Falkirk, Perth and Tain. As lovers of history and design, we stopped at the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies, as well as Scone Palace just outside Perth and Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland, the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses. But, really, you’re spoilt for choice with castles, brochs and standing stones. For us, the spectacular Caithness coastline was the main attraction – not least Dunnet Head, mainland Britain’s most northerly point. There are oodles of excellent eateries along the way – we loved the River Bothy in Berriedale and Paesano Pizza in Glasgow.
Tania

Romance in Bavaria

The Romantische Strasse (Romantic Road) was an early postwar successful example of a themed tourist route. It covers 286 miles through Bavaria from Würzburg to Schwangau. We drove the entire route, diligently following the tourist signs. On the way, we visited picturesque medieval towns, climbed the clock tower at the medieval walled town of Nördlingen – built entirely inside a meteor crater – and ended at the fairytale castle of Schloss Neuschwanstein. We sampled the hearty Bavarian cuisine, firmly centred on pork and sausages, enjoyed the local beer, and stayed in simple local hotels.
Marilyn

Winning tip: traversing Italy’s Abruzzo Apennines

Abruzzo’s Valle del Sagittario snakes between narrow limestone cliffs, giving a peek into Italy’s wild heart. From vertiginous Anversa degli Abruzzi, head south to Scanno, pausing to solve its riddle of stone stairways and cobbled alleys, made famous by photographers and artists (including Maurits Cornelis Escher). Continue through mountain pastures, still traversed by shepherds and flocks and the region’s endangered brown bear population. Take a deep breath at the Godi mountain pass (1,630 metres) and relish the sparkling turquoise of Lago di Barrea below. As you begin the beech-clad descent into the national park, look out for the aptly named roadside hotel: Paradiso.
Emma de Heveningham

ROLLING hills with rude names and hidden dinosaur footprints on beautiful beaches are just a couple of attractions of one UK island.

Dubbed ‘Scotland in miniature’ thanks to its different mountainous and rolling landscapes caused by sitting on the Highland Fault line, the Isle of Arran has something for everyone.

“It’s the best Scottish island,” claimed Andy McNamara, owner of outdoor tourism business Otter’s Tail that leads groups on adventures around Arran.

“Scottish islands all offer something special to do but we’re the best one,” he added.

One of the main draws of the island for Andy is the beaches, which he claims are some of the best in the world.

There’s Silver Sands Beach in Kildonan, for example, which is often named one of Arran’s most beautiful spots.

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“It’s ideal for kids as there are dinosaur footprints – specifically a five-fingered dinosaur – on the beach that you can look at,” Andy revealed.

While in Kildonan, Andy also recommends staying at The Boathouse.

“It’s an amazing little cottage which used to be the old Holy Isle ferry.

“They put it upside down, with walls underneath and made it into accommodation – right on the beach,” he explained.

Inside, guests will find room for two people, as well as a small kitchen area.

Those staying at The Boathouse have often spotted seals and dolphins, basking sharks – as well as resident otters – from the accommodation.

For the warmer months, there is also a table and chairs and barbeque outside.

He added: “Wild camping is very popular and we’ve got raised beaches right around the island.

“You’ll get spots where the sea has receded from a few thousand years ago and created a nice flat area just above the beach to camp on – which you can do for free as we have a right to roam in Scotland.”

Alternatively, adults wanting a bit of a different adventure could head to the nudist colony on the island which according to Andy has been there “for about 30 years”.

Funnily enough, this isn’t the only ‘nudity’ on the island.

Andy said: “Most hills are dubbed locally as being like breasts or penises.”

You could head to the peninsula of Kintyre for example, which is next to the island and is known for its penis-like shape.

And this isn’t the only unusually named place on the island – there’s also the Witch’s Step (or Coombe na Ceolach in Gaelic).

One of the adventures Andy runs is a day trip to the Holy Isle.

He said: “The Holy Isle is in Lamlash Bay – it’s two kilometres across the water and it’s a Buddhist island.

“The island has a herd of wild horses – about 40 of them wild – as well as a herd of goats and little brown sheep.

“On our Grand Tour experience, we’ll kayak across and round Holy Isle and then we’ll also walk to the summit of Holy Isle.

“Along the way we’ll walk by the Buddhist artwork and walk by St Molaise’s Cave – who was a saint from Ireland and lived on the island.”

Andy also runs other sea kayaking, gorge walking and scrambling adventures on the Isle of Arran.

More confident kayakers can even head with him to Ailsa Craig – the volcanic island where Olympic curling stones are made.

Speaking of the different kayaking adventures, Andy joked: “Husband and wife duos go on double kayaks sometimes, but that can be dangerous because they’re known as ‘divorce boats’.”

“With gorge walking on the other hand, we’re in full wetsuits and we’ll go into the river, see waterfalls and even climb up them or jump from the waterfall into the water below.

“There are a lot of natural slides – it’s a good fun, some of the pools are really beautiful,” he added.

When it comes to finding a place to tuck into some food or enjoy a tipple, Andy said: “The social scene in Arran is really good.

“There’s a lot of music, where a lot of the bars have open sessions for folk music.”

And getting to the island is pretty straightforward as well.

From Glasgow, head to Ardrossan port – which is about a 50-minute drive or half-hour train journey.

Once at Ardrossan port, you can hop on the ferry across to Arran, which takes about an hour.

Exploring on foot is one of the best way to discover new landscapes and enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. We want to hear about your memorable European summer hikes, whether it was a multi-day mountain trek or a more gentle walk along a river or around a lake.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 15 June at 10am BST

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

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The beauty of Italy’s Lake Garda

Lake Garda gave us one of the most memorable and unexpected family holidays yet. We hired a car and headed from Milan to Unesco-listed Peschiera del Garda and the family-focused apartment we found on Airbnb. A gentle 15-minute walk to the lakeside restaurants and gelaterias, this was the perfect base for exploring the beautiful town. Special mentions go to: Gelateria la Romana, with its wonderful ice-cream; the boat trip to Sirmione, an old town with thermal springs on a narrow peninsula; and, further up the lake, picturesque Malcesine and the cable car to the top of Monte Baldo to watch paragliders and to take in the amazing views.
Alex

Scandi simplicity in the Åland Islands

The Åland Islands are an unsung – and, we found, surprisingly sunny – gem nestled in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland. We stayed with a baby and a toddler in one of the many simple, comfortable cabins in the woodlands, complete with private beach, boat, sauna and barbecue. The pint-size capital, Mariehamn, is no bigger than a market town and easy to explore with kids. People mostly speak Swedish, although the islands are an autonomous region of Finland. There are not a lot of “attractions”, but if you want to get back to nature without the crowds and enjoy Scandi simplicity and unrushed time with the family, this is the perfect place. Cabins and ferries can be booked at visitaland.com.
Martha Fogg

Something for all generations in Brittany

Last summer I piled eight people from four generations of my family into a campervan and crossed from Portsmouth to Saint-Malo, an affordable and fun way to get a large group to the beaches of Brittany. We headed to Bénodet, which is warmer than Cornwall but not as stiflingly hot as the Med, so the kids didn’t get irritable and the grandparents didn’t grumble. At Port de Plaisance campsite, we found water slides, natural swimming pools and sports, plus nightly karaoke for parents to embarrass themselves, while Grandma took on the locals at petanque. The sandy beaches have lifeguards so are great for sunbathing, swimming, picnics and walking for all ages.
Peter

There was nothing to do in Menorca – great!

A friend told us about Es Grau in Menorca, and he wasn’t joking when he warned that there was nothing to do. But the village has its own beat, and by day two we had settled into the local routine. When we weren’t eating or sleeping, we were kayaking, sea swimming and playing soccer with the kids on the municipal pitch. We had hired a car but hardly used it.
Kieran

A Devon dinghy holiday

Sailing is a fantastic and diverse sport, with the skills learned laying foundations for a lifetime. Our children gained tremendous experience as young teenagers and returned for years to dinghy courses in Salcombe, Devon. They loved their summers of fun learning so much they graduated to Royal Yachting Association instructor level. Both became Atlantic sailors later! Tenacity and perseverance in all weather are qualities that other family adventures can’t touch. We loved sailing with them, too.
David Innes-Wilkin

Zipping around in Pembrokeshire

Bluestone national park resort in Pembrokeshire is a firm favourite with my family. We went in May this year and booked four bedrooms for four nights for £540. There’s a brilliant pool and a mixture of indoor and outdoor fun, including zip lines and guided ebiking in the woods, perfect for our two young boys. There were lovely forest walks and soft play areas. We also enjoyed the golf buggies in which we whizzed between the well-maintained lodge and activities.
Abby Samuel

Winning tip: family heaven in the Netherlands

Holidays in the Netherlands have impeccable family-friendly credentials. Our young family loved Madurodam, a miniature version of the Netherlands in The Hague, which has buttons galore for tiny fingers to work bridges, trucks and boats. The railway museum in Utrecht is the best of its kind, with a VR train ride and an actual rollercoaster (there are vintage trains too). We ended with a visit to Linnaeushof, one of Europe’s largest playgrounds, near Haarlem, for a day of self-powered rides and slides. Not to forget the joys of city trams and pancake restaurants. Family heaven.
Morag

Finding affordable hotel accommodation in Europe’s coastal hotspots in summer can be a challenge, especially if you’d rather not settle for a soulless budget chain or youth hostel. Whether it’s a grand old hotel on the French Riviera that oozes faded glamour or a charming guesthouse on the Amalfi coast, we’d love to hear about European seaside hotels that feel special without blowing the budget.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 8 June at 10am BST

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A tidal island off Ynys Môn (Anglesey)

With an impressive mix of mountain and sea views, the 130-mile Anglesey Coastal Path is a must-do for those who love a good walk. But like most locals, my perennial favourite is the offshoot trail out to the tidal island Ynys Llanddwyn. Having grown up on Ynys Môn but now living in London, for me it has become something of an annual pilgrimage in the summer months. The mile-long walk along the main beach to the island is manageable and fun for grandparents and grandkids alike – with the white-washed lighthouses offering a rewarding end viewpoint. Pack a picnic, swim in the clear waters and relax – just make sure you’ve checked the tide times!
Lavinia Brydon

Castles, beaches and forest bathing in Dumfries and Galloway

We’ve totally fallen for the pretty coastal village of Portpatrick on the west coast of the Rhins of Galloway, where the 212-mile Southern Upland Way starts and ends. Turn right or left at the port and you’ll hit awe-inspiring stretches of coastal path with dramatic rocky cliffs, which in spring are carpeted with stunningly bright wildflowers and nesting birds. See the sun set behind the ruins of Dunskey Castle and dip your toes into the water at one of the little sandy beaches. On a clear, sunny day, the water is the bluest of blue, leading the eye to the coastline and mountains of Ireland. And if a bit of forest bathing is in order, it’s oh-so-easy to return on the enchanted bluebell-scented forest path through Dunskey Glen.
David

Birds and seals in East Yorkshire

The circular Hornsea walk is a superb, accessible route. It’s been really well thought out with ramps and wheelchair-easy pathways on all levels, from the clifftops to the promenade and beach. There are fantastic viewpoints to see the seals or the many species of birds that inhabit the coastline, and the view across to Flamborough Head is magnificent. The blue-flag beach has a gentle slope, allowing full participation in seaside activities for all ages and abilities. There are accessible toilets, changing facilities, plenty of seats along the route, and a free car park.
Elizabeth

Industrial horizons on Teesside

From Redcar (seven miles east of Middlesbrough) wander through Coatham Marsh nature reserve then head to the grassy dunes that lead to the South Gare breakwater. Enjoy the undulating paths and stand atop higher mounds to see wind turbines out at sea and the former industrial landscape before you. Pass the fishers’ huts and walk the last stretch to witness this enigmatic coast at work and play. After refreshment at the South Gare Marine Club, return to Redcar via Coatham Sands. Watch the nimble wading birds work the shoreline and reward your arrival with a tangy lemon top ice-cream.
Leigh

Cliff and cave drama on the Isle of Man

The southern coastal walk is a beauty. Start in Port St Mary and climb to the top of dramatic cliffs atop beautiful secluded beaches. Gigantic sea caves surrounded by huge fissures in the rocks – known as the Chasms – are a highlight. At the far end of the peninsula, look across to the bird sanctuary, on the small island the Calf of Man. Then wend your way up very different cliffs on the west coast and finish at Port Erin, all the while seeing glimpses of Northern Ireland on the horizon. The Sound Cafe at the midway point really is the icing on this particular cake.
Ben

Coast path bliss in Pembrokeshire

I like to walk short sections of coastal paths so I can appreciate every beautiful and inspiring footstep. This spring I did a 9-mile section of the Pembrokeshire coastal path from Manorbier to Tenby – a moderate four-hour walk. I started at the medieval Manorbier Castle, heading slowly past the dramatic Church Doors Cove and sandy Skrinkle Haven, then enjoyed sweeping views of Caldey Island from Giltar Point. By halting for a sip of water or fruit and a chat to fellow walkers, I could appreciate the walk more as I took in views of stunning sandstone cliffs, dramatic crashing waves and vibrant wildflowers while sharing travel tips with other hikers. I ended with a beautiful entry into Tenby via South beach and rewarded myself with a pint and fish and chips at the Lifeboat Tavern, in the maze of streets in the old town.
Nicoletta

The Bristol Channel, from Portishead to Clevedon

One of my favourite paths begins inconspicuously in Portishead, then winds and bobs for 7 miles to Clevedon’s weathered and elegant Victorian pier. Time and again the luscious undergrowth swallowed me up while the trail narrowed to single file, then deposited me into open meadows. Even on a balmy July day, the tranquillity was amazing – I passed exactly one person walking their dog. The Bristol Channel on my right was a constant if moody companion: steely pewter when cloudy, then suddenly shimmering and alive in the sun. Bring water and snacks as there is nothing until Clevedon’s beach-facing cafes.
Anna

Southend’s shellfish and salty air

When people think of Southend-on-Sea, they usually picture the pier and the amusements. Start instead at the Old Town, Leigh-on-Sea, where wooden cockle sheds line the waterfront and the air smells of salt and shellfish. Walk east through Chalkwell and Westcliff, and note how the walk keeps reinventing itself: mudflats and fishing boats give way to a wide Victorian prom. The Thames estuary is vast and surprisingly beautiful here, with Kent shimmering on the horizon. Two hours (if you make it all the way to Shoebury Common beach), a pot of cockles from Osborne’s at the start, and a complete change of perspective.
Rebecca

Life’s a breeze in south Devon

Friends and I are slowly walking the South West Coast Path. Hope Cove to Torcross in south Devon (about 22 miles) is the current favourite section – a two-day walk that can be happily extended. It offers fabulous views, lunch and a ferry in Salcombe, tucked-away beaches including the sometimes-bright-blue waters of Moor Sands for a welcome swim stop, and the bonus of a glorious campsite at East Prawle to break the journey. A short detour provides a perfect post-walk dinner at the wonderful Pig’s Nose. Day two brings seal-spotting at Start Point, finishing at history-making (and geographically interesting) Slapton Sands, with perfect chips from Start Bay Inn.
Amy

Winning tip: dolphin spotting in the Highlands

Starting from the village of Cromarty (20 miles north of Inverness), home to a tiny volunteer-run cinema and community sauna, follow the coast around the headland known as the Cromarty Sutor for a brilliant 5-mile stroll. The path climbs through woodland and passes second world war pillboxes. Views across to Easter Ross are spectacular, and the area is a prime spot for bottlenose dolphins. Eventually, the route descends from the clifftops to MacFarquhar’s Bed, a sea arch where smugglers supposedly tied their ships. The circuit completes back in Cromarty, where you can head for a pizza at Sutor Creek.
Tomos

Defeating Tabur stretched Sinner’s winning streak to 30 matches, which has already yielded clay-court titles in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome.

His most recent triumph in Rome meant he completed the full set of nine ATP Masters 1000 titles – known as the ‘career Golden Masters’.

Sinner dominated the opening two sets, with winners flowing from his racquet while unforced errors were kept to a minimum.

Tabur did not have a break point in the match as Sinner wrapped up victory in two hours and eight minutes.

Sinner’s path to the Coupe des Mousquetaires is already without one major obstacle because Alcaraz is absent – and seeds tumbled in his half of the draw on Tuesday.

Sixth seed Daniil Medvedev and ninth seed Alexander Bublik were defeated in the first round, while fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime needed a fifth-set tie-break to beat world number 57 Daniel Altmaier.

Auger-Aliassime is the next highest-ranked player in Sinner’s half of the draw, but the Canadian has lost his past five matches against the four-time major winner.

Up next for world number one Sinner is Argentina’s 56th-ranked Juan Manuel Cerundolo, who knocked out Great Britain’s Jacob Fearnley on Tuesday.

BBC presenter Simon Reeve has named a unique city as his favourite in the world – and it might surprise you

BBC explorer Simon Reeve has named a city perched at the crossroads of East and West as his ultimate favourite destination on earth. He revealed his profound love for a place where he described history and culture as almost something you can reach out and touch.

Simon has visited more than 130 countries during a years-long career as a broadcaster. His favourite location centres on a bustling metropolis that straddles both Europe and Asia and is home to a jaw-dropping structure regarded as “one of the most stunning buildings on the planet”.

He told The Express: “In terms of a city, I think Istanbul is not just spectacular, but you can’t go there and not smell the history and the culture there. You know, I love how it’s clearly divided. You’ve got your old bit.

“You’ve got your modern bit. You’ve got your Eastern area, as well – the other side of the Bosphorus, Asia, basically. It is the point where, for a thousand years and more, the East and the West have met.”

When discussing what he describes as his “favourite little quirky thing”, Simon turns his attention to Hagia Sophia – the remarkable former basilica, now a grand mosque, which stands at around 1,600 years old.

He went on to explain how this world-famous landmark remains open to visitors while maintaining its status as an “incredible building”. He said: “I’ll tell you my favourite little quirky thing actually, in many a way; there’s a building in Istanbul called Hagia Sophia, which was a church, then a mosque, is now sort of a museum, just open as an attraction.”

Simon went on: “But it’s an incredible building – one of the most stunning buildings on the planet, and up at the top, inside on the upper balcony, there’s a bit of graffiti carved into the balcony.”

He was referring to ancient Viking runes carved into the Hagia Sophia during its time as a church. The National Museum of Denmark has confirmed the Viking visitors as Halvdan and Are.

Atlas Obscura reports that the inscription likely reads “Halfdan carved these runes” or “Halfdan was here”, a find that Simon described as particularly captivating, dubbing it his “favourite little bit”.

For the presenter, discovering the story of the rune-carving Vikings was a “chill down the spine moment”, emphasising that people have been explorers since the beginning of time.

He noted that throughout history, humans have always felt compelled to leave their mark and engage with these “incredible sights”.

He added: “It’s just a reminder that our ancestors travelled, and they were quite similar to us, actually. They probably wanted a beer, a selfie, and to leave a little bit of a mark behind.”

Mountains and fjords in Norway

I travelled across Norway by rail on the spectacular Bergensbanen, running between Oslo and Bergen, and the unforgettable Flåmsbana branch line. The Bergensbanen crosses the high mountain plateau of Hardangervidda, passing lakes, forests and snow‑covered peaks before descending toward the fjords of western Norway. At Myrdal, I transferred on to the steep Flåmsbana, which drops dramatically to Flåm on the Aurlandsfjord, with waterfalls and sheer-sided valleys at every turn.
Daniel

Charmed by the Vienna to Zagreb train

The journey from Vienna to Zagreb saw mountainous central Europe relax into Balkan charm. Stunning Alpine scenery melted into forest, settling down into rolling hills as we passed through Graz and reached the Slovene border, stopping for an hour’s changeover at the tiny Zidani Most station, where we enjoyed afternoon beers gazing over lush Slovenian countryside. The connection to Zagreb boasted dramatic lake scenery that gave way to farm land, golden in evening light, as we passed into Croatia, soon rattling into its underrated capital. We booked this through Omio, which came in relatively cheaply at £41.
Matt

Vintage locomotives in Tuscany

We took the Treno Natura from Siena last May for a whole day out in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. It’s a real steam engine with classic coaches. Most passengers were friendly locals: we only encountered two other foreign tourists, a Swiss couple. A band came aboard to entertain us, and an optional walk through vineyards was also available. Fabulous value at only €42 each.
Nigel Gould

Historic gem in Brandenburg, Germany

I took the RB26 train from Berlin-Lichtenberg to Müncheberg (45 mins) and changed for the Buckower Kleinbahn historic narrow-gauge train that runs from April to October. Opened in 1930 as an early electric railway, it closed as a regular service in the late 1990s. It is now volunteers who run the line that takes you through the rolling hills of the Märkische Schweiz in Brandenburg to the pretty spa town of Buckow. Here, I visited the residence of Bertolt Brecht and Helene Weigel on the peaceful reedy shores of Lake Schermützel, and then relaxed on the beach after a hike through the woodlands. I returned refreshed to the Berlin bustle.
Rachael

Alpine beauty on the Montreux to Interlaken line

From Montreux station I took the MOB railway to Interlaken. Weaving up through vineyards, Lac Léman shimmers below as the panorama broadens. Suddenly, you’re in pine forests and glimpsing jagged mountain crests. Bridges straddle rushing white water. The clanging and hooting warnings for road crossings. A long tunnel. Then burst into alpine pastures peppered with chalets. Le Pays d’Enhaut. Valleys filled with crisp air, summer cowbells, flowers and crickets – perfect for long walks. Or winter-snow-muffled land, all skis and fondues. Arriving in Château-d’Œx feels like discovering a new world.
Christian Vassie

Slow travel at its best: Belgrade to Bar

The train trip from Belgrade to Bar must be one of the slowest in Europe, taking 11 hours to cover 296 miles. At €23, it was probably the best-value travel money I’ve ever spent. In fact, the train trip was about the only time in my life when I longed for a journey to go slower rather than faster. It took me through some of the most dramatic scenery I’ve ever seen. Passing through deep gorges, canyons and mountain peaks, the train crossed more than 400 bridges and seemed to stop at every village. The Mala Rijeka viaduct was a highlight. The route took in spectacular dams, ancient monasteries and stone houses where old black-clad women waved at us from open kitchen windows. At one point, the passengers got out to feed a herd of goats and once we were overtaken by a mountain cowboy on a galloping horse. For the last part, you can see swimmers and sunbathers on Adriatic beaches.
Peter

Through Italy’s Apennines to Rome from the Adriatic

The cross-country east-west train trip from Pescara on the Adriatic to Rome is magnificent. It traverses the spine of Italy, single track all the way across the Apennines, stopping at towns such as Sulmona and Avezzano. The scenery changes as the route traverses mountain passes and ridiculous gradients before descending to plains over a period of 3 to 4 hours.
Stephen

The watchmakers’ railway in France and Switzerland

When time is not important, a little-known French railway line allows you to enter Switzerland through the valley of the watchmakers. The line from Besançon in France drifts through the beautiful Jura foothills, and on to Le Locle, a town at the centre of the Swiss watchmaking industry since the 1600s, terminating at La-Chaux-de-Fonds. No one got on or off at L’Hôpital-du-Grosbois, a byway station named after a leprosy hospital. At Morteau, the French border station, the douanes (customs officials) seemingly left a long time ago. A line that Dr Beeching would have closed still delivers you into Switzerland “on time”.
Martin

Best way to see the Pyrenees? On a little yellow train

Le Train Jaune runs between Villefranche-de-Conflent and Latour-de-Carol in France. Le Canari, as it’s known locally, climbs to 1,595 metres at Bolquère-Eyne during its spectacular 40-mile (63km) route. Fresh mountain air, breathtaking views and valley-crossing suspension bridges can all be experienced either from the train’s bright yellow open-air wagons or from within the cosy comfort of its carriages. It is the best way to discover the wonders of the Pyrenees. My wife and I went for our honeymoon and fell in love with the little yellow train.
Joe Brownen

Winning tip: urban drama on the Porto metro

A controversial choice, perhaps, but I love the surprise of urban rail. Porto’s metro D line heading south probably tops the list for the fact it emerges dramatically from the darkness of the underground to suddenly skim rooftops and then rattles across the fantastic Eiffel-inspired Dom Luís I bridge (it was completed in 1886 by Théophile Seyrig, a former partner of Gustave Eiffel). Choosing to walk back across the metal deck is a completely different experience.
Amy