Greece

Brits heading to Greece have been urged to check the latest travel advice as tensions linked to the Iran conflict raise wider security concerns across the region

Brits planning a Mediterranean getaway are being urged to check official travel guidance before heading abroad. Experts say no trip can ever be guaranteed completely safe amid growing tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

The latest reminder comes from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, which publishes travel advice for British holidaymakers. Its guidance for Greece stresses that travellers should read all advice carefully before departure.

On the UK Government travel advice website, officials warn: “No travel can be guaranteed safe.” It urges visitors to research destinations carefully and make sure they have comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.

The guidance also highlights passport rules that travellers must meet before entering the country. Greece follows Schengen Area rules, meaning passports must have been issued within the last 10 years and remain valid for at least three months after leaving the region.

British tourists can visit Greece without a visa for short trips. According to the government, travellers can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, family visits or business meetings.

However, new border procedures are also on the horizon for travellers heading to Europe. The European Union is introducing its Entry/Exit System, which will require visitors to register biometric details such as fingerprints or a photo when entering the bloc.

The system is expected to become fully operational from April 10. Officials warn the process could add several minutes to border checks for each passenger.

It comes as tensions continue to grow in the Middle East following the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The crisis has raised wider regional security concerns across parts of the eastern Mediterranean.

Neighbouring Cyprus, which lies roughly 800km from mainland Greece and around 300km from parts of the Middle East, has already been monitoring the situation closely. The island has previously served as an evacuation hub for foreign nationals during regional crises.

According to reports cited by international media and the United Nations, the latest escalation has fuelled fears of broader instability across the region. Military exchanges between Iran and its rivals have already heightened security alerts across several neighbouring countries.

The UK has also stepped up its military presence in the region. The HMS Dragon has been deployed to Cyprus as a precautionary measure. The Royal Navy says vessels may be deployed to support British nationals and regional security as required.

Despite the geopolitical tensions, Greece remains one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. Data from the Greek National Tourism Organisation shows the country welcomed more than 36 million international visitors in 2024.

Officials say the key message for travellers is to stay informed. Checking the latest government advice and ensuring documents meet entry requirements can help avoid problems when travelling abroad.

GREECE is the latest holiday destination seeing a drop in holiday bookings amid the Iran crisis.

In a statement released this week, On The Beach confirmed a number of popular holiday destinations including Greece had seen a drop in demand as a result of growing tensions in the Middle East.

The announcement came as the online package holiday provider made a statement that it was suspending its profit forecast.

The group said: “Whilst the group has limited exposure to destinations in the Middle East, it has experienced a significant slowdown in demand following the onset of conflict in the region, particularly to destinations such as Turkey, Greece, Cyprus and Egypt.

“The timing of when the conflict will end and the shape of recovery in demand to these destinations are unknown.”

Despite this, the Government currently has no warning against travel to Greece.

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And there are other companies, such as TUI, that have seen increased interest in Greece (along with Portugal and Spain)as “customers opt for familiar destinations”, reports The Times.

Taking to Reddit, travellers currently in Greece have shared what it is like.

One person commented: “I’m in Athens currently and it’s very crowded, also it feels perfectly safe.”

Another person said: “I live in Peloponnese, southern tip on the coast of Greece.

“We’ve been hearing a ton of military planes flying around us the last few days.

“They are definitely preparing for the worst but we are not scared at all.”

Earlier this month, the RAF Akrotiri base on Cyprus was hit by an Iranian drone.

As a result, there was a temporary closure of Paphos Airport, with flights being cancelled.

Despite this, Cyprus remains on the safe to travel list with the Foreign Office warning: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.”

Current guidance includes monitoring local and international media and signing up for local information alerts and resources.

However, similar to Greece, Cyprus has also seen a drop in tourism.

Local businesses have expressed how people are “thinking twice” about visiting, with a number of hoteliers saying that bookings are down across March and April.

Cyprus’ foreign minister Constantinos Kombos told the BBC: “I don’t think that anyone should be in two minds, given the fact that the situation, as I have been describing right now as we speak, has been perfectly normal.

“All activity is normal. Air traffic is going back to 100 per cent what it was before the incident.

“So I don’t think this is something that should be affecting people’s decisions.

“And the security factor in terms of people feeling that everything is being done that is humanly possible to protect both citizens, residents, and visitors to Cyprus.”

A number of European cruises have also been cancelled as a result of the crisis, including two Greek sailings.

Plus, now might be the best time to book your holiday to Spain – here’s why.

Protesters in Athens have marched to the US Embassy to condemn the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, joining protests held worldwide over the escalating conflict.

BRITISH holidaymakers have been caught up in the Iran crisis, with thousands stranded abroad and even more fearing for their upcoming trips.

But if you haven’t booked your holiday yet, should you be doing it now to avoid any price hikes?

Due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, the cost of jet fuel has spiked, with airline fares already spiking in response.

Before the attack, prices were around $90 (£67) per barrel.

However, this has now jumped to as much as $200 (£149) per barrel – the highest prices since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Jet fuel makes up about a quarter of the cost of airline operations, according to the IATA.

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In response, airlines such as Qantas, Scandinavia’s SAS and Air New Zealand have all raised flight prices already.

Some airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, are less affected as they have secured some of their fuel at fixed prices for a set amount of time – called hedging.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said the rise in jet fuel “won’t affect our costs and it won’t affect ​our low fares,” something easyJet also echoed.

But flights elsewhere are likely to go up in the next year or so, as the conflict continues.

Most airlines in America do not protect themselves against jet fuel price increases, meaning Brits are likely to see more expensive transatlantic fares.

According to research from Skift this could cost US airlines as much as $24billion in extra fuel costs – working out to 11 per cent increases on flights.

Not only that, but the closure of the Strait of Hormuz – one of the world’s most important shipping routes – is also having a knock-on affect and could lead to shortages.

James Noel-Beswick, head of commodities at market intelligence firm Sparta Commodities, told the BBC that it was very likely” that prices will increase this summer.

He added: “I think we’re weeks away from maybe flight cancellations or delays due to lack of jet fuel, rather than months.”

So, what can Brit holidaymakers do?

If you were planning on booking a package holiday, many tour operators allow you to lock in a cheap price, and simply pay a deposit, with the full balance coming later.

Jet2 allows you to book a holiday with a £60pp deposit while TUI has a number of £0 deposit schemes.

Loveholidays has deposits from £19pp, as well as a “Best Price Promise” that refunds the difference if your holiday is cheaper within seven days of booking, plus an extra £5 per person.

Destinations like Spain – already one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits – are likely to see even more demand this year along with Greece due to being seen as ‘safer’ holiday destinations.

This means you might see a jump in price more than usual as well.

Other popular destinations like Cyprus is already seeing some booking cancellations after a drone attack on an RAF base on the island.

Hoteliers have said cancellations are affecting holidays in March and April – this is despite Cyprus remaining on the safe travel list.

Dubai is still on the “only essential travel” list so holidays to the UAE city are currently suspended, along with Jordan also on the travel ban list.

Even destinations like Egypt and Turkey are being affected, with a number of Sun readers concerned about holidays to both.

The Sun’s Head of Travel on which holiday destinations to go to instead this year

The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot, explains: “There’s no doubt the current crisis in the Middle East is going to have a seismic impact on our holiday habits.

“Reports of travellers stranded in the UAE and across the globe will certainly prompt those looking to travel long haul to look at alternative ways to fly – with direct flights to places like Thailand, the Maldives and Japan sure to be very popular.

“Closer to home, the situation will sadly likely impact destinations like Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus and possibly even Greece.

“And with soaring fuel costs, tour operators will be looking to price alternative destinations competitively. 

“But there are other options – our traditional resorts in places like Spain and Portugal are good, safe bets.

“Comparison giant TravelSupermarket has crunched the numbers for this summer and declared Spain’s Costa Calida one of the best-value destinations for this summer. 

“Dubbed the ‘warm coast’, this region stretching along the south eastern region of Murcia is one of Spain’s most underrated coastlines with 150miles of beaches, crystal clear waters and the unique Mar Menor lagoon, Europe’s largest saltwater lake.

“Also worth exploring arethe likes of Montenegro, Albania and even North Macedonia for cheaper hotel and restaurant costs as well as traditional favourite Bulgaria.

Both countries have not been affected by the Iran crisis and the tourist resorts remain safe to travel to.

Long haul holiday destinations are likely to see a spike in prices too, as Brits try to avoid booking connecting flights that go via Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

Some popular countries include Thailand, Vietnam, the Maldives and Bali, all of which usually fly via the Middle East.

There are alternative stopover destinations, usually via Turkey, Singapore or Hong Kong – but the soaring demand is likely to see these cost more this year too.

And with longer flight times? More jet fuel, so even more costs being passed on.

Here are five lesser visited coastal resorts to visit this year.

And here is another lesser known European city that is a bargain weekend trip.

Holidaymakers could face major delays this summer

A new border control system is being rolled out at all European airports, including those in Spain, Portugal and Greece, from April 10. The new Entry Exit System (EES) requires British travellers to provide fingerprints and photographs when entering the Schengen Area.

British holidaymakers have been cautioned about potential queues due to the new biometric system, which was first introduced in October at some EU airports. All 29 Schengen countries are now expected to have it fully operational by April.

Some airport organisations have called for an “immediate review” of the Entry Exit System (EES) rollout as it “continues to cause significant delays,” and cautioned that queues for non-EU passengers could stretch to four hours during the summer months.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) stated: “EES checks are being introduced in a phased way across external borders, with full operation expected from April 10, 2026.”

The Foreign Office suggested that EES might take each passenger a “few minutes extra” to complete and advised they “be prepared to wait longer than usual” at border control, reports the Express.

The new checks at European airports follow the recent announcement that dual British nationals could be refused entry at the UK border unless they possess a British passport. The new regulation could impact holidaymakers returning to the UK from their European trips.

Full list of countries with the new Entry Exit System

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Bulgaria
4. Croatia
5. Czech Republic
6. Denmark
7. Estonia
8. Finland
9. France
10. Germany
11. Greece
12. Hungary
13. Iceland
14. Italy
15. Latvia
16. Liechtenstein
17. Lithuania
18. Luxembourg
19. Malta
20. Netherlands
21. Norway
22. Poland
23. Portugal
24. Romania
25. Slovakia
26. Slovenia
27. Spain
28. Sweden
29. Switzerland

The war in Iran has put a spanner in the works for travel plans with many countries now off-limits – here are six replacement destinations for people looking to change their March getaway

There have been many knock-on effects of the Iran war which ignited a week ago. While no means the most important, a disruption to travel plans has been one factor to consider.

Parts of the Middle East have been popular with British tourists, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The cities offer almost year-round sunshine, incredible hotels and luxury breaks that entice UK tourists to snap up trips in their droves.

Those destinations, along with a host of other hotspots in the Middle East and Mediterranean, are now effectively no-go zones, at least temporarily.

Fortunately travel writer Annabelle Thorpe has compiled a list of six possible destinations to book your holiday to instead.

Athens

The expert recommends swapping Cyprus for the iconic Greek capital. Athens is pretty quiet in March which means the famous Acropolis and the Parthenon are likely to be virtually crowd-free.

March is considered ‘shoulder season’ in Athens with fewer crowds and more pleasant temperatures as the mercury normally hovers around 16-17C.

There are direct flights from five airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City – with a range of carriers including easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Seville

If you had a trip to Istanbul in the pipeline, Annabelle says consider going to Seville instead. The city in the south of Spain is famed for its Moorish palace, Gothic cathedrals and flamenco dancing.

Seville enjoys daytime highs of around 22C in March, making for a cool contrast before the stifling summer heat. Visitors can also enjoy the blooming orange trees and the preparations for the Easter festivities.

Most London airports as well as Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh offer direct flights to the city.

Tunis

If Amman, the capital of Jordan, was on your travel list, the expert suggests making a beeline for Tunis instead. The ancient city, the capital of modern day Tunisia, offers an incredible blend of Mediterranean charm, French colonial history and Arab heritage.

It also boasts a UNESCO-listed medina along with the ancient ruins of Carthage. Daytime highs in the city are a pleasant 20C.

Direct flights depart from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted, with Tunisair the main carrier.

Marrakech

Annabelle recommends trading in the UAE’s glitzy malls for a spot of shopping in Marrakech’s world famous medina instead. It’s a great spot to shop for cashmere shawls, handmade jewellery, antiques, spices and much more.

Away from the hectic souks, there is Jardin Majorelle, a one-hectare botanical landscape garden, and the bustling Jemaa El Fna Square. Temperatures can reach a pretty steamy 25C in March but many riads have pools to allow their visitors to cool off.

Several airports fly direct to the Moroccan city, including major London hubs and Manchester, Birmingham and John Lennon Airport in Liverpool among others.

Gran Canaria

Bodrum has long been popular with Brits seeking winter or early spring sun. But with its proximity to the war zone, Annabelle called on tourists to try out Gran Canaria instead.

The island is the third-largest and second-most-populous island of the Canary Islands. March highs reach around 22C, but the sun-drenched beaches along with the duty-free shopping and nightlife make it a rival for Turkey’s holiday resorts.

Over 15 airports offer direct flights to the island’s capital Las Palmas, including London’s hubs and Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Bristol.

Nice

One of the big draws of Dubai is its city-beach combination. Many British tourists enjoy soaking up the sun before enjoying some shopping. The travel expert puts forward Nice, on the French Riviera, as an alternative to the popular UAE city.

The Promenade des Anglais sweeps along a four-mile stretch of seafront, and that couples with the open-air bars and restaurants make for a heady mix.

You can catch direct flights from most London hubs along with Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been handed a 15-month suspended sentence by a Greek court following an incident on the island of Mykonos in August 2020.

England international Maguire was given a suspended sentence of 21 months and 10 days in prison in 2020, after initially being found guilty of repeated bodily harm, attempted bribery, violence against public employees and insult.

The following day Maguire’s legal team lodged an appeal against the verdict. In accordance with Greek law, the appeal nullified his conviction and meant there would be a full retrial.

The retrial was postponed on four occasions between 2023 and 2025, before it restarted in Syros on Wednesday.

It concluded that Maguire was guilty of non-serious assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery.

In accordance with the reduced severity of the defender’s crimes, Maguire’s sentence was reduced to 15 months.

Sources have told BBC Sport that Maguire denies wrongdoing and plans to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Maguire has rejected a number of opportunities to settle the case out of court, as he is determined to clear his name legally.

The 32-year-old is in the Manchester United squad for Wednesday’s Premier League game at Newcastle United (20:15 GMT), despite having to come off during the win against Crystal Palace on Sunday with illness.

THINKING of booking a holiday? Well, it’s perfect timing as TUI has just announced its most-loved hotels across the world.

Over 13,000 hotels have been assessed with only those achieving top Customer Satisfaction Scores being considered for the awards.

And coming out on top for UK holidaymakers, is TUI Blue Barut Andiz in Türkiye.

Located in the town of Side, the adults-only hotel scored the highest guest ratings across the entire TUI portfolio.

UK travellers noted how the hotel has friendly staff, brilliant food and a chilled, child-free setting.

Inside the hotel, guests can dine at two à la carte restaurants on a first-floor terrace whilst looking out at the sea.

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When booking via TUI, you’ll get one free visit to the hotel’s signature à la carte restaurant – the Culinarium – which specialises in seafood and hosts themed evenings.

As for bars, you can enjoy the orange glow of the evening at the Sunset Bar or enjoy a tipple by the water at the Meltem Pool Bar.

Need some caffeine? Well, you can head to Thea’s Coffee Shop for ice cream, desserts and of course, hot drinks.

The hotel also boasts a spa with a Turkish bath and a mix of solo and couples treatment rooms.

This year the hotel is celebrating 10 years since opening and as a result, throughout this summer will be hosting a number of celebratory fitness sessions, food experiences, live music events, silent discos and parties.

Fitness sessions include BLUEfit, which are outdoor instructor-led sessions including Aqua Board classes, Pilates and yoga.

Around the hotel, you can head to the beach, which is just a few minutes’ walk away.

And Side’s old town is also not too far, where you can explore Roman ruins with glass walkways that sit over dug-out ruins.

If you want to discover artefacts that have been found during the excavations in the old town, then head to Side Museum, which costs £4.36 per person to visit.

A seven-night all-inclusive stay for two people in a double room with a balcony this April costs from £1,389.32.

Perhaps you are wanting to go on holiday with the family though? Then look at TUI Magic Life Sarigerme, which has been named the best family-friendly hotel.

Also located in Türkiye, the hotel features five swimming pools, seven bars and four restaurants – all sat on the beachfront.

The hotel is just a 20-minute drive from Dalaman but also right by Sarigerme Beach, which is a large, sprawling beach loved by locals for kitesurfing.

There is even a watersports centre on the beach if you want to try out kitesurfing for yourself.

An all-inclusive seven-night stay for two adults this April in a double room costs from £1,383.68.

Fancy heading to Greece? Well, Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel and Suites has been named the best hotel in the Cyprus and Greece category.

With its own private beach, there are two restaurants to pick from as well, serving traditional Mediterranean dishes.

There are two outdoor freshwater pools, an indoor pool and even a whirlpool.

Over the summer months, the hotel usually also puts on entertainment such as live music.

Two adults can stay for seven-nights on a bed and breakfast basis this May from £2,114.82 in a double room with a sea view.

And if you are thinking about heading to Spain, you might want to book in to Hotel Fariones in Lanzarote.

The hotel came out on top for the best in Spain and Portugal category and boasts two pools, three restaurants and direct access to the Playa Grande Beach.

Just a short walk away, you can discover Puerto Del Carmen’s Old Town where you will find a selection of restaurants and bars.

A seven-night break for two adults this May costs from £2,509.14, on a bed and breakfast basis in a double room with a sea view.

For more inspiration on hotels in Europe to book, here’s Europe’s number one beach hotel with a huge pool and sea-view suites.

Plus, Europe’s biggest hotel is in a VERY surprising part of the UK – with 1,630 rooms.

A leading travel journalist who visited 27 Greek islands has concluded which three are their favourite and which two they would not return to again with popular islands like Crete and Mykonos ignored

A travel writer who visited 27 Greek islands has concluded which of the islands she has visited are her favourites.

Hannah Logan, a full time travel writer, travelled the length and breadth of the islands to ascertain which they would return to and which they would avoid.

After much consideration, they identified three they’d try again and two they would skip. The three islands in question were Symi, Milos, and Skiathos.

Writing in Business Insider Hannah praised Symi because it felt “more lowkey” than other places such as Mykonos and Santorini. She described it as “the perfect place to relax”.

Meanwhile, Milos was highlighted for having “some of the most stunning beaches in Greece” with Sarakiniko Beach standing out. Hannah added: “Several tiny fishing villages also add a unique factor to this island. In some of them, traditional boathouses have been renovated into cozy, waterfront villas and hotels.”

The third island Hannah took a shine to was Skiathos which she described as “charming” with a “lively” nightlife element and some of the greatest food Hannah had experienced on her travels. Also noted was the open air screenings of Mamma Mia, as some parts of the iconic film were shot on the island.

Whilst Symi, Milos, and Skiathos were favoured by Hannah, she noted that Kos and Mykonos was not to her liking as much. She described Mykonos as “overhyped” and said she wouldn’t return to Kos because “it didn’t feel special” to her.

Hannah isn’t the only individual to comment on the beauty and majesty of some of Greece’s islands with Crete also attracting positive attention.

Recently, Elafonisi beach came second in Tripadvisor’s survey of the world’s best beaches with visitors entranced by its ‘pink sand’.

Although it was beaten by Mexico’s Isla Pasion beach, it was the highest placed in Europe in the table with users praising the area for its “natural beauty, crystal clear waters and unforgettable views”.

However, the beach’s prowess has come at a cost. Despite averaging 4.4/5 across 16,000 reviews holidaymakers have been advised to time their visit right to avoid the crowds with 8am to 11am the best window of time.

Even the official page on Tripadvisor warns visitors, it said: “The amount of pink on display varies with conditions and the season. Regardless, the crystal clear waters make this a popular summer vacation spot, attracting sunbathers and water sport enthusiasts alike.

“Visit in the morning to beat traffic and secure a chair and umbrella before the crowds arrive. Or come in the evening for a stunning sunset when most people have left.”

Elafonisi Beach on the Greek island of Crete is famed for its stunning ‘pink sand’ and offers “natural beauty, crystal clear waters and unforgettable views” – and return flights start from just £41

A breathtaking island renowned for its ‘pink sand’ boasts the ‘second best beach in the world’ – and Brits can snap up return flights for a mere £41. Elafonisi Beach, nestled on the sun-drenched Greek isle of Crete, recently clinched second place in a Tripadvisor survey of the globe’s top beaches.

It was pipped to the post by Mexican beach Isla Pasion, making it the highest-ranked in Europe, with visitors lauding its “natural beauty, crystal clear waters and unforgettable views”.

Even better, there are flights up for grabs in April for as little as £42 return, departing from and returning to Stansted Airport via Ryanair.

The beach has bewitched visitors with its signature ‘pink sand’. The unusual hue is reportedly due to mollusks, a vast group of soft-bodied creatures lacking a backbone.

With over 85,000 known species found in oceans, freshwater or on land, these creatures shed their shells at the end of their lives. These decompose and blend with the sand, resulting in the sand’s distinctive pink shade, reports the Express.

However, the beach has suffered due to its own popularity, scoring 4.4/4.5 based on more than 16,000 Tripadvisor reviews. Holidaymakers are advised to visit between 8am and 11am to dodge fellow holidaymakers.

The official Tripadvisor page also cautions visitors to “temper your expectations”. It states: “The amount of pink on display varies with conditions and the season. Regardless, the crystal clear waters make this a popular summer vacation spot, attracting sunbathers and water sport enthusiasts alike.

“Also, hike up to the neighbouring cedar tree reserves for a change of scenery. Visit in the morning to beat traffic and secure a chair and umbrella before the crowds arrive. Or come in the evening for a stunning sunset when most people have left.”

Elafonisi is located in the south-west of Crete, Greece ‘s largest island and amongst its most popular with holidaymakers. It is approximately 45 miles by road from Chania, the closest airport.

Recent Tripadvisor reviews are largely enthusiastic. One visitor commented: “Free to visit one of the most beautiful natural paradises in the world. We spent a week in the area and came here to chill out daily.”

Another remarked: “Elafonissi is the icing on the cake called Crete. you need to spend at least a day to taste the beauty of the place; we went there at the end of September and the tourism was nothing short of … mighty. the clear water and the shoreline attract.”

The critical reviews typically highlight one issue – overcrowding and a perceived lack of ‘authenticity’. One tourist commented: “I personally cannot recommend it.

“There are far too many tourists and influencers on the beach. Really enjoying it and experiencing it authentically is hardly possible. Getting to the beach is also not particularly easy, as you have to drive numerous serpentines by car.”

UK holidaymakers travelling to popular destinations like Spain and Greece could be turned away at airports

British holidaymakers jetting off to Spain, Greece and many other countries must follow a post-Brexit rule – or be refused boarding at the airport. While the prospect of an overseas getaway is thrilling, it’s important for travellers to be aware of all requirements before setting off.

This has become especially vital following Brexit, which has introduced new regulations in recent years. Prior to Britain’s departure from the European Union (EU), UK passport holders could visit the Schengen Area without requiring passport stamps and weren’t subject to any time limits on their stays.

However, British visitors are now limited to a maximum of 90 days during any 180-day period. To assist with this, an application called Schengen Simple has been developed.

George Cremer, founder of Schengen Simple, said: “We built a travel app that handles the 90/180 calculation for exactly this reason. The tricky part most people miss is that it’s a rolling 180-day window, not a fixed calendar period.

“So someone who did a long summer trip to Spain might unknowingly be restricted on a winter break months later. The European Commission has its own calculator, but it only looks backwards.

“It tells you how many days you’ve used, not how many you have left for a future trip. That’s the gap we fill. Users enter past and upcoming travel and can see exactly how long they can stay without risking an overstay.”

The Foreign Office’s guidance for all Schengen nations warns: “If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.”

The Schengen area consists of: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

WHILE Greggs is a quintessential part of British culture, there is bizarrely a similar version of it more than 1,500 miles away.

The famous food chain recently revealed that it sells more sausage rolls at Newcastle Airport than at any of its other UK branches throughout the UK – suggesting that people really miss their pastries when going abroad.  

And having recently visited Athens, I stumbled across the coincidentally named Gregory’s, which has more than 300 branches throughout Greece (as well as a few in Cyprus, Romania and Germany).

Serving a suspiciously similar fare, albeit with a bit of a Greek twist, a cursory Google search assured me that no plagiarism took place and that it is merely a happy quirk of fate that Greggs and Gregorys share such similar titles. 

Both chains got their names from their respective founders, with John Gregg opening the first of the UK chain’s branches in Gosforth, near Newcastle, in 1951, while Grigoris Georgatos launched the first Gregory’s in Athens back in 1972. 

Nevertheless, the similarities are so obvious that I decided to put the Greek chain up against its UK namesake, to see if it satisfies in quite the same way. 

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I ventured to one of the many Gregory’s branches found along the streets of Athens, easily recognisable by their twisty green neon signs.

The first thing I noticed is that, in comparison to Greggs, it has a much more extensive range of items.  

If you’re there for breakfast, you can get all the typical morning pastries, from croissants to pain-au-chocolat and cinnamon rolls.

However, they also have some less expected choices, like toasted sandwiches filled with peanut butter and banana, catering for those with not quite so conventional tastes.  

But I was there mainly to see if its pastry game was up to scratch and asked the woman behind the counter what the most popular items were.

She informed me that the plain cheese and the cheese and spinach pies were among their best sellers, so I followed her advice and ordered one of each, for the princely sums of £2 and £2.90. 

The cheese and spinach stuffed pastry is a typically Greek choice, commonly known as a spanakopita.

And actually, it was more or less on par with some of the other spanakopita I tried from more reputable and higher priced establishments during my visit to the Greek capital. 

However, I’m not sure it’s a filling that would be racing off the shelves in Greggs, were it to be given a chance back in the UK, and would arguably be more at home in the Marks and Spencer food hall.  

Sadly the sausage roll options in Greece leave plenty to be desired.

The Gregory’s version of the iconic British stalwart was a poor imitation, instead being a hot dog sausage ‘pie’ wrapped in a crust for £2.90 (more than double the UK’s £1.35, even after a recent price increase).

It looked so hard and crunchy that I didn’t think it would be worth risking my teeth ordering one.  

That was certainly the biggest disparity between the two, however, with the sweet options, the sandwiches and the hot drinks all very much on a level playing field with the Greggs I know and love.  

Afterwards, I still had room for one of their apricot tarts, which was tasty if unspectacular at £2.40, and pretty much what I was expecting from the outset. 

Nevertheless, I don’t really have too many bad words to say about Gregorys, even with their weak sausage roll options taken into consideration. 

In Greece, pastries are a big part of the local cuisine, and it provided me with an affordable and unpretentious way of introducing myself to this world I previously knew very little about.  

While I’m certain there are better places to try these foods, this certainly opened the door and showed me what the basic level should be, and for that, it serves a great purpose.  

It’s like a Greek person going to a Wetherspoons for a Sunday roast dinner or a Full English – it’s not going to be the best one they’ll ever try, but it does a job of demonstrating (in a round about way) something that is much less accessible back home. 

Although it didn’t stop me grabbing another Greggs for the road trip home from the airport…

In the mean time, we went down to Greggs’ first ever pub in the UK.

And here’s how to find the most beautiful Greggs in the UK.

Israel to join with India, Greece, Cyprus and other Arab, African, Asian countries that ‘see eye to eye’, says PM.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel plans to build a network of allied nations in or around the Middle East to collectively stand against what he called “radical” adversaries.

Netanyahu made the comments on Sunday while announcing the upcoming visit to Israel of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose country the Israeli leader said would be part of the “axis of nations that see eye to eye” with Israel.

Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on war crimes charges, also referred to Greece, Cyprus and other unnamed Arab, African and Asian countries.

“In the vision I see before me, we will create an entire system, essentially a ‘hexagon’ of alliances around or within the Middle East,” Netanyahu said, according to the Times of Israel.

“The intention here is to create an axis of nations that see eye to eye on the reality, challenges, and goals against the radical axes, both the radical Shia axis, which we have struck very hard, and the emerging radical Sunni axis.”

Modi said he fully agrees with Netanyahu on the “bond between India and Israel”, including the “diverse nature of our bilateral relations”.

“India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress,” Modi wrote in a post on X.

Since the start of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, its assaults have been weakening the Iran-led “axis of resistance”, including Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel and Iran also directly clashed last June in a 12-day war, in which the US military also joined to attack Iran’s nuclear sites.

Netanyahu did not elaborate on what he meant by “emerging radical Sunni axis”, but he has previously identified the Muslim Brotherhood as its leading element.

Relations between Israel and several predominantly Sunni Muslim states have soured amid the bloodshed in Gaza, including with Turkiye, whose President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sharply criticised Netanyahu, and Saudi Arabia, which has accused Israel of genocide.

Prospects for normalisation between Israel and Saudi Arabia also appear to be eroding. In recent months, the kingdom has rebuked Israel’s recognition of Somalia’s breakaway region, Somaliland, as well as the Israeli moves towards annexation in the occupied West Bank.

Since 2020, Israel has pushed to establish formal ties with Arab and Muslim states as a way to shore up its regional standing as part of the US-backed so-called “Abraham Accords”.

Under that framework, Israel has been enjoying close relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco.

Bodies of five asylum seekers wash ashore in Libya as three others die in a separate incident off the coast of Greece.

Police in Libya have recovered the bodies of five asylum seekers that washed ashore near the capital, Tripoli, as authorities in Greece announced the deaths of three others in a separate incident off the coast of Crete.

The bodies in Libya were found on Saturday by residents of the coastal town of Qasr al-Akhyar, according to a police officer.

Hassan Al-Ghawil, head of investigations ⁠at the Qasr Al-Akhyar police station, told the Reuters news agency that the bodies were all of dark-skinned people. Two of them were women.

He said people in the area had reported seeing a child’s body wash ashore before the waves returned it to sea.

“We reported to the Red Crescent to ⁠recover the bodies,” said Ghawil. “The bodies we found are still intact, and we think there are more bodies ⁠to wash ashore.”

The tragedy came weeks after the International Organization for Migration said some fifty-three migrants, including ⁠two babies, were dead or missing after a rubber boat carrying 55 people capsized off the coast of Zuwara town in western Tripoli.

It also came as Greek authorities were responding to a separate incident in the eastern Mediterranean.

The Athens News Agency reported on Saturday that authorities had recovered three bodies and rescued at least 20 people after a wooden boat carrying migrants and asylum seekers capsized off the coast of Crete.

Most of the survivors were Egyptians and Sudanese people, the agency reported. They also included four minors.

According to the Greek public broadcaster ERT, the wooden boat capsized when passengers were trying to climb up the ladders during a rescue effort involving a commercial ship.

The search for survivors was continuing with four patrol boats, an aircraft, and two ships from the European border agency Frontex, a spokesperson for the Greek coastguard told the AFP news agency.

According to ERT, survivors said about 50 people had been on board the wooden boat.

A second boat carrying about 40 migrants and asylum seekers was spotted in the area, leading to another rescue operation.

Thousands of people attempt the perilous crossing from Libya to Europe over the Mediterranean every year. Libya has become a transit route for people fleeing conflict and poverty to Europe since the fall in 2011 of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi.

Last week, a ‌UN report said migrants in Libya, including young girls, are at risk of being killed, tortured, raped or put into domestic slavery, and called for ‌a ‌moratorium on the return of migrant boats to the country until human rights are ensured.

Many of the migrants and asylum seekers departing Libya seek to arrive in Crete, the gateway to the EU.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 16,770 people seeking asylum in Europe arrived in Crete in 2025.

Faced with the surge in arrivals, the conservative Greek government suspended the processing of asylum applications for three months last summer, particularly for those arriving from Libya.

The UNHCR says 107 people died or went missing in Greek waters in 2025.

The budget airline, Jet2, is offering travellers the chance to explore a lesser-known island with diverse landscapes and uncrowded beaches as they launch a new exclusive route

Jet2 has launched a new route to a beautiful island with ancient streets, traditional villages and pristine beaches, offering a laid-back ambience away from busy crowds.

Jet2 has expanded its summer 2027 program from London Gatwick and launched a new route to the beautiful Greek island of Lesvos. The lesser-known island, also known as Lesbos, is situated in the northeastern Aegean Sea, offering turquoise waters, unspoilt sprawling beaches, hot springs, majestic forests, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

As the third-largest island in Greece, and with its capital, Mytilini, Lesvos is brimming with history, from its charming medieval streets and traditional Mediterranean villages to its fascinating architecture. It’s renowned for its ouzo, an anise-flavoured liqueur, and its olive groves, with more than 11 million trees nestled around the island.

The new Jet2 route to Lesvos will operate weekly on Sunday, from May 2 to 10 October 2027, and when we took a look, we found fares from £123. Flights to the Greek island, which offers blistering rays of 30C during the summer months, are available to book now.

In the meantime, Jet2 has announced a major sale for 35 of its sun-soaked destinations, including Lesvos, for holidaymakers travelling from London Gatwick next summer. The destinations currently on sale include:

• Antalya
• Tenerife
• Lanzarote
• La Palma
• Fuerteventura
• Gran Canaria
• Alicante
• Malaga
• Girona
• Palma (Majorca)
• Ibiza
• Menorca
• Faro (Algarve)
• Madeira
• Crete (Heraklion)
• Corfu
• Kalamata
• Kefalonia
• Kos
• Lesvos (Mytilene)
• Preveza
• Skiathos
• Rhodes
• Thessaloniki (Halkidiki)
• Naples
• Verona
• Pula
• Reus
• Zante
• Agadir
• Hurghada
• Bourgas
• Malta
• Paphos
• Sharm El Sheik

The new exclusive route to Lesvos and the summer sale come just weeks before the budget airline launches flights and holidays from London Gatwick for the very first time on March 26. The major travel change is intended to give Jet2 passengers greater flexibility for their holiday getaways.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Since we announced the launch of flights and holidays from London Gatwick, the reaction from customers and independent travel has been incredible, showing just how much demand there is for our industry-leading product and service. This popularity means we are significantly expanding our programme in just our second summer of operations from London Gatwick, offering holidaymakers even more choice and flexibility.

“As well as offering a fantastic selection of flights and holidays to choose from, we are giving customers the chance to get their Summer 2027 holiday booked in nice and early. With the launch of flights and holidays from London Gatwick just around the corner, and Summer 27 going on sale too, this is an incredibly exciting time, both for our company and for customers across the region.”

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ATHENS, Greece — Israeli producer Dana Eden, best known for co-creating the International Emmy-winning espionage thriller “Tehran,” has died suddenly in Greece, Israeli public broadcaster KAN said Monday.

Eden, 52, was found dead in a hotel in the Greek capital, Athens, a Greek police official said, adding that initial indications suggested she had taken her own life and there was no suspicion of foul play. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as Greek police do not comment publicly in such cases.

KAN said Eden was in Greece for the filming of the hit series’ fourth season.

“Dana was among the leading figures in Israel’s television industry and played a central role in the creation and leadership of some of the most prominent and influential productions within the corporation,” KAN said in a statement. It did not give a cause of death.

“Her professional work, uncompromising dedication, and love for creation left a deep mark on the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. KAN shares in the deep sorrow of her family, friends and colleagues,” the broadcaster said.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, Eden’s production company, Donna and Shula productions, sought to dispel rumors that the producer had been killed.

“The production company wishes to clarify that the rumors of a criminal or nationally motivated death are false and unfounded,” it said.

“This is a moment of great pain for the family, friends and colleagues. We ask that Dana’s dignity and the privacy of her loved ones be respected,” the production company said.

Israel Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar, in a social media post on X, said it was “with great sadness” that he had received the news of Eden’s death, describing her as “one of the most prominent and influential producers in the Israeli television industry.”

“Dana left a deep mark on Israeli creation and brought our story to international stages with pride, talent and courage,” Zohar said.

“Tehran,” which premiered in Israel and on Apple TV in 2020, tells the story of Tamar Rabinyan, a young Mossad operative tasked with hacking into and disabling the Iranian nuclear reactor so the Israeli military can carry out an airstrike. The show was named best drama series at the 49th International Emmy Awards in November 2021.

Eden started working in TV production in Israel in the 1990s, working on shows including comedy “Yom Haem” and crime drama “Magpie,” before finding international success with “Tehran.”

In 2018, her show “Saving the Wildlife” won best TV magazine for children and youth at the Awards of the Israeli Television Academy.

Kantouris and Becatoros write for the Associated Press. Kantouris contributed from Thessaloniki. Matt Kemp in London contributed.

One airline has launched an incredible family deal that will see children aged up to 11 fly free to a European hotspot this summer. Make sure you don’t miss out on the offer

Plenty of us are daydreaming about a family summer holiday after the miserable conditions we’ve been battling lately, and if you’re itching to whisk the kids off for a European coastal adventure, you’ll want to listen up as one airline has launched an absolutely brilliant offer on flights.

Aegean Airlines is currently running a superb travel promotion for families, allowing youngsters to jet off to a European destination without paying a penny. The news was shared on Instagram by baby travel guru Diana, who posts under the handle @babylifewithdiana. She shared a reel with her 79,800 followers, showcasing clips from a gloriously sunny family holiday.

Text across the screen read: “Every parent needs to know this!

“Kids fly for free in Greece in 2026.”

Expanding on this in the caption, she wrote: “Forget everything what you’re doing! Aegean Airlines has launched an amazing offer for families.

“Kids will travel free to Greece this summer.”

However, there are a few strings attached if you’re hoping to snap up this bargain.

Bookings need to be made by February 19th, 2026 and you’ll need to jet off between March 1st, 2026, and November 30th, 2026.

The offer is valid for youngsters up to 11-years-old.

Through this promotion, children and babies fly at no cost, whilst other family members bag up to 30% off their tickets.

The Aegean Airlines offer is valid across all direct and connecting flights to and from any international or Greek destination. The announcement sparked excitement amongst users, racking up more than 3,000 likes.

One person enthused: “What a deal,” whilst another added: “On our bucket list.”

Which Greek destination works best for families with kids?

Greece makes for a brilliant family getaway suitable for youngsters of every age – offering gorgeous beaches, safe bathing spots, engaging pursuits, cultural experiences, and delicious food all wrapped up in glorious sunshine. Here are some top picks for a family-friendly Greek escape:.

Crete

• Greece’s biggest island boasting golden sandy shores and tranquil shallow waters ideal for youngsters.
• Plenty of family-oriented activities: boat excursions, water parks, gentle walks, and historic attractions like Knossos.
• Accommodation and hotels frequently feature kids’ clubs, splash pools, and family suites.
• Perfect if you’re after diversity and an extended break with abundant exploration opportunities.

Corfu

• Renowned for gentle, secure beaches with shallow waters, Corfu is perfect for tiny tots.
• Family highlights include Aqualand Waterpark offering slides suitable for all age groups.
• Picturesque towns, seafood tavernas, and convenient transport links make getting about straightforward.
• Ideal for families seeking both seaside entertainment and cultural landmarks.

Rhodes

• Blends medieval settlements and kid-friendly beaches like Faliraki with ample room for play.
• Pursuits in Rhodes include wildlife farm visits, aquariums, and straightforward day-trips across the island.
• Excellent if your children enjoy combining history with coastal adventures.
• Naxos Long sandy beaches with shallow water near towns like Naxos Town (very walkable).
• Less crowded than some islands but still plenty of tavernas and activities.
• Perfect for a relaxed holiday, especially with younger children.

Zante

• Beautiful sandy shores in places like Tsilivi and Alykanas with shallow water.
• Chance to see loggerhead sea turtles in the National Marine Park – exciting for kids.
• Great if your family enjoys nature and wildlife.