hours

Fans are eagerly awaiting news on brand new releases as the hit documentary series is set to return

Channel 4 has dropped a huge update on all new 24 Hours in Police Custody – and fans cannot wait.

The hit landmark documentary has been a firm favourite amongst fans since it was first released in 2014, following a local police force as they investigate serious crimes.

Plunged into the heart of an investigation, the award-winning series follows officers from the moment a 999 call is made, right through to conviction as detectives fight against the clock for justice.

Earlier this week, Channel 4 teased that brand new episodes could be released very soon, sending viewers into a frenzy. Now, the broadcaster has dropped another tantalising update, leaving fans of the show on the edge of their seats.

Taking to Facebook, the Channel 4 documentaries page shared a picture of a to-do list captioned: “Busy week ahead.”

The tasks listed on the image included: “1. Apologise to the legal team (again. 2. Collect rain coat from lost property. 3. Leak details of new 24 Hours in Police Custody. 4. Find out why our office pass doesn’t work anymore.”

The post hints that a major update could be released this week, and that brand new episodes may be on the way very soon. However, fans are still awaiting any official news, with the upcoming TV guide not giving anything away.

One person commented: “Ooooh, new 24 hours? Can’t wait.” Another said: “If they fire you we will hire you on the spot over at 24 Hours in Police Custody Group , we’ve got your 6.”

A third penned: “Oooh, teasing”, as a fourth echoed: “Number 3 only. Thank you…patiently waits for said leak.”

A fourth stated: “24 Hours in Police Custody is the best thing on C4, but can anyone help me understand why they’re not weekly, & just randomly appear? No ‘season’, just every now & again a new one’s there.”

A fifth replied: “#3 – we love watching that!” Another echoed: “Yes more 24 hours coming up. One of the best programmes on TV bar none!”

Earlier this year, new episodes were aired on Channel 4 before being replaced with repeats, a move which did not go down well with viewers at the time.

With calls for more episodes, it could be that prayers may be answers very soon. In the meantime, 24 Hours in Police Custody can be streamed on Channel 4 online.

Travel expert Simon Calder has named the lush ‘Emerald Island’ a must-visit destination, featuring stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and meals starting from just €10 per person.

Travel expert Simon Calder has shared his top recommendation for a stunning European getaway that won’t break the bank. Simon highlighted a lesser-known Greek island as his personal “choice” for a budget-friendly holiday.

The beautiful Greek island of Thassos, frequently dubbed the ‘Emerald Island’, is distinguished by its lush landscape, setting it apart from many of Greece’s more arid islands. The moniker describes Thassos’ dense pine woodland, olive groves and other greenery, with forests stretching almost all the way to the coast.

What’s more, the island’s beaches are surrounded by remarkably clear, shallow waters that shimmer in shades of turquoise and emerald, particularly under the Mediterranean sun.

On the island, there is a striking contrast of green and blue. Thassos is noticeably greener and more lush, creating a beautiful contrast between its forested hills and bright blue coastline.

Thassos history

Thassos has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Ancient Greeks from Paros settled on the island, which later grew prosperous thanks to its marble, gold mines, olive oil, wine and thriving trade.

Traces of its ancient past can still be found around Thassos Town, including the remains of an ancient theatre, agora and sanctuary.

Food

Thassos offers a classic Mediterranean style of cooking, combining fresh local produce with seafood and hearty dishes from the island’s mountain villages.

The island is also known for its honey, locally produced olive oil, olives and wine.

Some of the traditional foods visitors can try include:

• Goat and lamb – Mountain villages are known for cooking goat and lamb slow-cooked or roasted over a spit.
• Fresh seafood – This includes sardines, anchovies, prawns, sea bream, mullet, squid and octopus. These are often simply grilled or fried and served with olive oil and lemon.
• Gouna – One of Thassos’ more distinctive specialities, gouna is traditionally made with mackerel that is salted and dried before being grilled.
• Tatarka – A seasonal vegetable dish made with fresh vegetables, herbs and leafy greens, traditionally enjoyed during spring and early summer.
• Stuffed courgette flowers – Courgette flowers may be filled with ingredients such as cheese and egg before being fried.
• Local cheeses – including feta, kasseri, myzithra and anthotyro.

Prices in Thassos

Food and drink in Thassos remain relatively affordable compared with some of Greece’s more expensive islands, such as Mykonos and Santorini.

Although prices can be higher at beachfront restaurants and popular tourist spots.

Visitors can expect to pay around €12 to €25 (£10.26 to £21.38) per person for a typical taverna meal, while a gyros, souvlaki or casual lunch can cost around €5 to €10 (£4.28 to £8.55).

Meanwhile, fresh seafood tends to be more expensive, particularly at waterfront restaurants, while beers typically cost around €3 to €6 (£2.57 to £5.13). Those looking for a cocktail at a beach bar can expect to pay roughly €8 to €12 (£6.84 to £10.26), while local wine can offer good value compared with more premium bottles.

Speaking on ITV’s This Morning about Thassos in 2024, Simon said: “Absolutely lovely. It’s in the North. It’s really different from all the other ones.

“It’s got great features. It’s got this wonderful mountain in the middle. You have to get a little ferry across to there from Kavala, but once you do, it’s just absolute heaven.

“Loads going on. It’s got proper Greek stuff, ancient remains and things like that. And of course all those lovely tavernas you just want to sit in.”

Getting to Thassos

Simon warned holidaymakers that a ferry crossing to the island is unavoidable, as there are no direct flights operating from the UK.

That said, getting there from the UK is fairly straightforward. Travellers can fly to Kavala International Airport (KVA) on the northern Greek mainland, then head to Keramoti, where ferries run regularly to Thassos.

The crossing itself takes around 35 to 40 minutes.

Another option is to fly from the UK to Thessaloniki Airport, which offers a wider range of flights, then continue by road to the coast and take a ferry to Thassos.

While the journey is longer than travelling via Kavala, it can be a convenient alternative depending on flight availability and fares. During the summer months, some UK travel companies also offer package holidays and seasonal flights, making the island easier to reach.

Flight times

• London to Kavala: around 3 hours 25 minutes on a direct flight from Stansted.
• London to Thessaloniki: around 3 hours 10–25 minutes on a direct flight, depending on the London airport.

UNSEEN pictures from inside the hotel where Liam Payne died have revealed more details on the singer’s tragic final hours.

Haunting images show the One Direction star, 31, speaking to two call girls in the hotel lobby before leading them to his room as well as staff bringing him up chilled buckets of booze.

The troubled singer died after falling 46ft from his third-floor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16, 2024.

Cops launched a probe into the tragedy – and collected CCTV footage and witness statements from call girls Aldana Serrano and Lucila Goitea.

The police dossier of more than 3,000 documents and photographs, obtained by the Mail on Sunday, gave a chilling glimpse into the One Direction star’s final hours.

Pictures show Liam swinging around a pole during an alleged booze-and-drugs fuelled bender the night before he fell from the balcony.

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Other photos from the day of his death show hotel workers delivering booze – believed to be champagne and whisky – to his room in buckets.

Further pics show two sex workers in reception before they are greeted by Liam and ushered towards his room.

Call girls Aldana Serrano and Lucila Goitea – who had consensual sex with Payne on the day of his death – told police the boy band star serenaded them with his own songs – before asking them for cocaine.

They also claimed the singer, who was worth £21m, argued with them over paying the agreed $5,000 (£3,700) fee for them to turn up at the hotel because he had no cash.

The star had been left alone in Buenos Aires after his girlfriend Kate Cassidy and friend Rogelio ‘Roger’ Nores both left the country.

The pair claimed he had been completely sober for the two weeks he spent with them – but in their absence the star quickly spiralled.

Receipts reveal the One Direction star ordered $600,000 worth of whisky to his room on the day of his death.

Family members seemed to know the singer’s fragile state of mind – and gave devastating accounts to police following his death.

Heartbroken father Geoff Payne told prosecutors his son was “not in control with what he did”, adding: “He was not Liam”.

Group chat messages in the police dossier show hotel staff were concerned about Liam’s “aggressive” behaviour.

In a “Reception” WhatsApp chat, hotel manager Gilda Martin wrote: “This person is going to be very intense throughout his stay.

“It’s important that we tell him ‘no’, always kindly and with excuses.”

A person replied: “Will do whatever we can.”

And when a waitress called Adri was summoned to deliver five bottles of whisky to Room 301, she was warned: “Take security with you.”

A receipt dated the day of his death reveal the One Direction star spent more than $600,000 on bottles of Johnnie Walker whisky.

Payne, who had a history of addiction, allegedly begged reception staff for drugs.

A toxicology report taken after his death revealed that the star had cocaine, alcohol and the powerful sedative Klonopin in his system at the time of the fatal fall.

Hotel worker Ezequiel Pereyra, 22, and waiter Braian Paiz, 26, have since been charged with supplying drugs to the singer.

They spent months in jail but were later released on bail. They deny the charges.

ROD Stewart suddenly cancelled his gig just hours before he was supposed to be onstage.

The iconic singer, 81, was meant to be performing at Fallsview Casino Resort at Niagara Falls in Canada on Tuesday night.

However, his team took to his Instagram stories and told his fans that he wouldn’t be performing and instead, the gig would be postponed for next year.

The post read: “Important information about tonight’s show.

“Due to a mechanical fault with the aircraft’s landing gear, Rod Stewart is regretfully unable to travel to Niagara Falls and must postpone tonight’s performance at Fallsview Casino Resort.

“Rod is deeply disappointed and apologises to fans for the inconvenience.

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“He looks forward to returning for the rescheduled performance on Thursday, March 4, 2027 where he promises to make it up to his fans.

“Purchased tickets will be honoured for the rescheduled date. Existing complimentary reservations will be cancelled,” they signed off.

The venue shared the same post on their own Instagram feed as fans flocked to the comments section to share their frustrations.

One fan wrote: “We’ve been looking forward to this for so long.”

Another bemoaned: “Why couldn’t the concert be pushed back a few hours or even moved to tomorrow? Moving it to next year is crazy, he’s obviously landing eventually..”

While a third added: “It seems he’s cancelled the last couple of shows.”

Back in June, Rod cancelled his California show for his One Last Time tour at the last minute, citing that he was too unwell to perform.

However, just hours later he told his fans he was heading to Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts to see Scotland take on Haiti in the World Cup.

The rock and roll star said on Instagram: “Here we are flying off to Boston to see Scotland in the World Cup.

“It’s been 28 years so these kids I’ve told them about it they’ve never been.

“I’ve been to seven world cups, I’ve been to Argentina, Germany, France, Italy, Mexico, loads of them, this is the seventh.

“We want them to get through to the next round and ill die a happy man, so that’d be great. Come on Scotland!!!”

He was spotted enjoying all of the perks of the VIP box with his two sons.

The performer even had two drinks sitting in front of him, which he sipped on while he enjoyed the match.

However, fans were unhappy that the star was “too unwell to perform” yet he still went to the World Cup match.

Commenting on Rod’s video, one follower wrote: “So you blew off all the people in San Diego that wanted to see you in concert but were able to go to the World Cup, I see! I’m a huge fan of yours but I don’t think that’s cool.”

Another fan added: “What is difficult to accept is the lack of sensitivity toward those of us who made a significant effort to attend his concert and then it was cancelled.”

While a third fumed: “I understand that shows sometimes have to be cancelled, and if there was a legitimate reason, most fans would have accepted it.

“What’s hard to accept is seeing you apparently celebrating on a plane with friends less than 24 hours after thousands of people were sent home disappointed in San Diego.”

A stunning, European island escape just four hours from the UK will feel like you’re in Hawaii, and certainly warrants a visit with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters

There’s no need to fork out on an expensive trip to Hawaii when there’s a European equivalent just four hours from the UK.

Thanks to its untouched beaches and glistening crater lakes set against the dramatic backdrop of green cliffs and cascading waterfalls, the Azores in Portugal have often been compared to Hawaii. They are both volcanic archipelagos, offering a breathtaking island escape, with turquoise waters and a sun-drenched climate, but one is a fraction of the price.

A week-long trip to Hawaii can cost anything from £1,500 per person, up to a staggering £4,500, once you factor in a long-haul flight, accommodation, transport, food, drink, activities, and excursions. Meanwhile, a trip to the Azores is a lot more affordable, with a budget-friendly getaway typically costing from £700 per person – that’s more than half of what you’d pay for the same time in Hawaii.

The main airport for the Azores, Ponta Delgada Airport, is reachable in just over four hours from the UK, meaning that you can avoid the jet lag altogether. One-way direct flights from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to PDL start from £118 per person, with flights also available from Liverpool and Edinburgh.

Against the beautiful landscapes of the Azores and sweeping beaches, you can also expect budget-friendly offerings, with a pint typically costing around €1.50 (£1.28), and a meal at a local restaurant costing between €10 to €15 (£8.57 and £12.85) per person, or €30 (£25.70) at a popular hotspot.

As the Azores are a group of nine volcanic islands nestled in the middle of the Atlantic between the United States and Portugal, there’s plenty to explore, with each island boasting its own stunning coastline and diverse landscapes, which are guaranteed to leave you in awe. One of the most popular places to explore is São Miguel Island, also known as the ‘Green Island’.

São Miguel Island is the largest island in the archipelago and is famed for its unique twin-crater lake, Sete Cidades, which boasts contrasting blue and green-hued waters. Classed as one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders, it’s certainly impressive with its fairy-tale setting.

From the popular lookout, Vista do Rei Viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of the lakes and island, one traveller shared on TripAdvisor: “One of those places where you feel in communion with nature. The colours, the nature, the air you breathe, all make this place a refuge to regain calm. Just for these moments, it is worth visiting the Azores now that tourism is still at very acceptable levels.”

Elsewhere on São Miguel Island, there’s a plethora of striking volcanic beaches with black sand and crystal-clear waters for soaking up the sun. With Praia de Santa Bárbara, a well-known surfing hub, and Praia dos Mosteiro, with warm rock pools for a dip away from the ocean waves.

But the offshore islet at Vila Franca do Campo is perhaps the most striking shore of them all, with its curved sunken volcanic crater that has created an incredible natural pool. Yet, dotted around the Azores are hidden coves, shores and volcanic hot springs to explore, so you’ll be spoilt for choice on where to spend the day in this little slice of paradise.

One holidaymaker even declared on TripAdvisor: “The Azores are far superior to Hawaii.” While a local shared some recommendations for those eager to visit the Portuguese archipelago.

“Every island is different and very unique. If you are planning to visit, the best time is from July to mid-August. This is when there is an insane amount of things happening in all the islands, and when there is a flow of crowds travelling from island to island,” they shared.

They further suggested: “Start with São Miguel and enjoy their homemade food that is cooked in the caldeiras – steam that comes from the active volcanic action just below the surface. Visit their beautiful beaches and hiking trails, and enjoy the evening in the natural hot springs. Ponta Delgada has a beautiful marina and night scene. This is the biggest city in the Azores.”

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

PORTLAND, Ore. — Dearica Hamby scored 23 points, Nneka Ogwumike had 20 of her 22 in the second half and the Sparks — after learning star teammate Kelsey Plum was traded — ended a six-game losing streak with a 106-101 win over the Portland Fire on Sunday.

Plum, sidelined since June 21 with a leg injury, was sent to the Phoenix Mercury late Saturday night. The Sparks are now 3-9 without Plum.

Ogwumike hit the go-ahead three-pointer with 1:25 to play, making it 98-96. Hamby followed with a layup off an Ogwumike assist. In the last 24 seconds, Ogwumike and Erica Wheeler went six for six from the foul line.

Wheeler, Ariel Atkins, Rae Burrell and reserve Jihyun Park all added 12 points for the Sparks (11-17). Hamby and Ogwumike both had 10 rebounds and Wheeler had eight assists.

Bridget Carleton hit seven three-pointers, scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Fire (11-19), who lost their fifth straight, four times allowing 100-plus points. Carla Leite added 21 points and eight assists and Megan DiLeo scored 19.

Portland took advantage of four offensive rebounds and six Los Angeles turnovers to lead 29-22 after one quarter. The lead reached 10 in the second quarter and the Fire were up 49-43 at the break.

Wheeler and Ogwumike had back-to-back three-pointers to give the Sparks their first lead since 10-8 at 65-64. Carleton’s three in the last minute pulled the Fire into a 72-72 tie entering the fourth quarter.

Up next for the Sparks: Play at Chicago on Wednesday.

ROCK veteran Phil Collins has admitted he was days from death after secretly relapsing into alcoholism.

The 75-year-old Genesis legend was placed on a life support machine as vital organs, including his kidneys, started to shut down.

Collins said his five children — including Emily In Paris actress Lily, 37 — were even summoned to a hospital in Switzerland to say goodbye during the drama two years ago.

Now sober again, the eight-time Grammy award winner said: “There were some decisions to be made about, ‘Do we keep Phil on life support?’

“My kidneys were packing up, my organs were seizing up. People were coming to say goodbye.

“They were all worried that they wouldn’t see me again.”

Collins — whose 13 solo hits include You Can’t Hurry Love, Easy Lover and Groovy Kind Of Love — first opened up about his struggle with alcohol in his 2016 book Not Dead Yet.

He said he started drinking while having too much time on his hands and stopped only after being hospitalised with acute pancreatitis in 2012.

Now he has told how he went on the drug Antabuse, which triggers severe sickness if used while drinking alcohol.

Yet, despite this, in November 2023 he was back in hospital because he had hit the bottle again.

He was discharged almost a month later, then readmitted in early 2024, spending seven months in hospital. In January he blamed the stay on contracting Covid.

But, speaking to The Sunday Times’ Decca Aitkenhead, he admitted that it was down to years of alcohol abuse.

He explained: “Something happened and I stopped taking the Antabuse. I resented the fact that I couldn’t drink.

“I’d have wine when I woke up. That was what I’d want for breakfast — a glass of wine. But I didn’t drink into the night.

“I wasn’t really aware of having a problem, to be honest.”

Then an 18-hour bender saw him admitted to intensive care in Switzerland, where he lives. A doctor asked his loved ones: “Is Monsieur Collins’ will in order?”

Looking back, Collins continued: “There were times I would just collapse. One time, I remember getting up to give the kids a cuddle and I lost my balance.

“I left two teeth marks in the tiles in the living room.

“Another time, I was walking upstairs too quickly and I fell down. There was a pool of blood around my head.

“There were various low moments that I’m not proud of.”

He said he had not touched a drop since leaving hospital, but confessed that the effects of boozing have permanently damaged his body.

Over the past decade he has had multiple operations on his knees and his spine, and he has Type 2 diabetes.

Single Collins now needs a 24-hour nurse who ensures he takes the medication he needs and helps him walk six laps daily around his home.

A physiotherapist visits three times a week.

He passes the time watching TV, including Sky News and re-runs of comedy panel show Shooting Stars. He also watches documentaries about serial killers on YouTube, along with Piers Morgan’s show.

In the wide-ranging interview, which he carried out with nothing to promote, he said: “I’ve had my run-ins with Piers, but I watch his show every Saturday morning. I really look forward to it, because I find I agree with him.”

Recalling the past year, which saw him reuniting with his children at Christmas to celebrate his ­recovery, Collins said: “I was very lucky.”

He said his illness had brought him closer to Lily, saying she “was sitting beside me in tears telling me, ‘I never thought I’d get these moments’.

“We had an incredible time. I can’t overemphasise how fantastic it was.” Collins also used his Sunday Times Magazine interview to address the end of his marriage to his third wife, Orianne Cevey.

He was previously married to Andrea Bertorelli and Jill Tavelman and met Orianne in 1994 when she was working as a translator.

They wed five years later.

Orianne, 52 — mum of two of Collins’ three sons, Nicholas and pro footballer Mathew — divorced him in 2008 and Collins had to pay a £25million settlement, the largest in celebrity history at the time.

The pair reunited in 2016 but in the autumn of 2020 it was revealed she had secretly married 36-year-old jobbing guitarist Thomas Bates in Las Vegas.

She moved him into Collins’ £30million mansion in Miami, and he even flew to the UK to work with Genesis.

Collins later took Orianne to court to evict her from the house, a move that saw Bates branding him “petty and vindictive” in an interview with The Sun.

Speaking publicly about the marriage bust-up for the first time, Collins said he found out about the couple’s wedding only when Orianne introduced Bates to him.

The singer and drummer said: “She’s not in my best books.

“I’d love to go into detail, but I can just see this coming back to bite me.

“And she’s admitted that she f***ed up big time. She’s aware of what she did wrong, and how wrong it was, and how it must have affected me. But I can’t quite forgive yet.”

Collins said he was still in touch with Orianne but admitted he tried to limit contact, explaining: “I don’t think it’s a good idea right now.

“Just because I know what I’m like. I would probably fall again, maybe. I mean, we were very much in love.”

Collins will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for a second time this November.

In 2010 he was recognised for his work with Genesis and this time will be honoured for his solo work.

The Sun understands he will try to attend the ceremony if his health permits it.

He is also working with Lily’s mother Jill, 70, on a Los Angeles charity auction due the same month. It will feature items from his archive between 1980 and 1995.

All proceeds from the sale will go directly to The King’s Trust, with whom Collins has worked for 44 years after becoming its first celebrity ambassador

Opening up about why he had decided to speak up now, Collins said he wanted to set the record straight on his life and career. And he said he was keen to find someone to settle down with again.

He added: “I’d love to be in love again. I would love a relationship. I think it’s probably too late for that. I’m not a very social person. I don’t go out.”

• Interview by Decca Aitkenhead for The Sunday Times

DAUGHTER RIFT IS NOW HEALED

By Ellie Henman

PHIL Collins has addressed falling out with his actress daughter Lily.

The Emily in Paris star, 37, wrote an open letter to him in 2017, where she credited previous eating disorders to the pair’s troubled relationship.

She wrote at the time, in her autobiography Unfiltered: “I forgive you for not always being there when I needed, and for not being the dad I expected.

“I forgive the mistakes you made. And although it may seem like it’s too late, it’s not. There’s still so much time to move forward.”

She continued: “I’m learning how to accept your actions and vocalise how they made me feel. I accept and honour the sadness and anger I felt toward the things you did or didn’t do, did or didn’t give me.”

Addressing the words in his Sunday Times Magazine interview, Phil said: “I was quite shocked and a little bit sad.

“But she’s told me why now, and she takes it all back.

“She wished she’d never done it. I have a wonderful relationship with Lily now. So everything has a happy ending, most of the time.”

The Genesis rocker also said he has a close relationship with adopted daughter Joely, 53, and his 49-year-old son Simon from his marriage to first wife Andrea.

His youngest children, footballer Mathew, 21, and drummer Nicholas, 25, are also in close contact with him.

Phil added: “There’s been a lot thrown at them over the years, and I dread to think what that’s been like.

“But all of us are good now and have been for a while.”

LIAM Payne allegedly flew into a drink and drug-fuelled fit of rage in his tragic final hours, according to sex workers who spent the day with the One Direction star.

The troubled singer died after falling 46ft from his third-floor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16, 2024.

Sworn statements from call girls Aldana Serrano and Lucila Goitea were taken hours after the tragic fall.

Now the documents, obtained by the Mail on Sunday, detail harrowing accounts suggesting the singer was on a path to destruction that day.

The pair say they were called to the CasaSur Palermo Hotel by Liam, 31, on the morning before he died and had consensual sex with him.

But they claim that the singer, who was worth £21m, became frustrated when it became difficult to pay for an agreed $5,000 (£3,700) fee as he had no cash.

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He allegedly smashed his £30,000 gold Rolex telling them he could “get ten of those,” before punching the hotel room TV three times.

After calming down, he is said to have fallen to his knees and asked the women to stay, claiming that “money didn’t make him happy”.

They say that Liam drunkenly serenaded them with his own songs before asking them for cocaine.

A toxicology report taken after his death revealed that the star had cocaine, alcohol and the powerful sedative Klonopin in his system at the time of the fatal fall.

Hotel worker Ezequiel Pereyra, 22, and waiter Braian Paiz, 26, have been charged with supplying the drugs and are awaiting trial.

They spent months in jail but were later released on bail. They deny the charges.

The singer, who had a history of addiction, arrived in the Argentine capital 16 days earlier to wait for his US visa renewal.

He spent the first two weeks of the trip with girlfriend Kate Cassidy and Argentinian businessman Rogelio ‘Roger’ Nores, 38, and was said to be sober for the entire fortnight.

After Kate returned to Miami on October 14 and Roger also left, Liam is believed to have fallen off the wagon.

He was told to leave the plush five-star Park Hyatt after trashing his room and launching into an alleged drink-fuelled tirade at the staff.

Liam then checked into the more modest, four-star CasaSur Palermo, where he reportedly called the two sex workers.

The women, who investigators treated as key witnesses, alleged Liam contacted one of them via WhatsApp after finding her profile online.

According to their statements, he sent photos of himself in bed at the hotel and a video to prove his identity after one of the women struggled to believe she was speaking to the One Direction star.

They say they arrived at the hotel around 11.30am where they showed their IDs to the front desk before being sent up to Liam’s room.

They said there was a communication barrier as the star only spoke English and they only spoke Spanish, so they relied on a translation app.

They claimed he initially tried to pay by international bank transfer, but they were unable to receive the money.

One woman said: “During our time there, we had sex with him, which was consensual sex, only once, and he wore protection.”

After spending around two hours in the room, the pair said they again asked to be paid the agreed $5,000 (£3,700).

Liam instead offered them his £30,000 gold Rolex, according to the statements.

One woman said: “We told him we only wanted money so he took it and smashed it. He told us he didn’t care about the money.

“And then he broke the TV, he punched it. He made us understand that he could smash everything because he knew he could pay for it.”

The women claimed they decided to leave, but Liam followed them downstairs into the hotel lobby, where they told staff he had smashed the television and refused to pay them.

While waiting in the lobby, they claimed Liam repeatedly paced around the hotel before returning to his room and then coming back downstairs.

The pair later returned briefly to collect belongings they had accidentally left behind.

One recalled: “He apologised for giving us a bad time.”

The women claimed they left shortly before 4pm and where Liam continued to act erratically.

Liam fell to his death at 5.07pm.

Aldana and Lucila only learned of Liam’s death after returning home and scrolling on social media, before police arrived later that evening to take their sworn statements.

It is unclear if they ever received the money.

After a relatively quiet day, the first medal was claimed by the men’s 3×3 basketball team just before 17:00 BST.

A couple of hours later, three more followed in the space of five minutes.

The women’s wheelchair 3×3 basketball team took silver; Evans added her second gold – and third medal – of the Games in the 200m breaststroke; then Woods claimed gold in the women’s T54 1500m.

Shaw then joined in with bronze in the women’s S9 100m freestyle before MacInnes was edged into second place in the women’s 200m butterfly to take her second individual silver of the meet.

Around the same time, MacKenzie was leaping to long jump bronze, before the haul was completed in the pool when Evans and MacInnes teamed up with Katie Shanahan and Evie Davis to take silver in the women’s 4x100m medley.

Three more further medals are guaranteed in boxing – with fighters in semi-final action on Friday – while further prospects remain in athletics, bowls, cycling, judo and weightlifting.

IF YOU love theme parks and often feel like you don’t get enough time in the day to see and do everything, then you might want to listen up.

Alton Towers is extending its opening hours from Friday, August 14 to Monday, August 31.

The park will stay open until 7pm each night, which gives guests an extra hour in the park.

Mina Fattahi at Alton Towers Resort said: “More time to experience thrills is always a good thing, but the classic mistake that people make is to head straight for the big rollercoaster they see from the entrance.

“Instead, head to the rides at the back of the park first.

“You’ll beat the crowds, spend less time queueing and fit in more rides throughout the day.”

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This summer Alton Towers also has “one of its biggest summer line-ups yet” with a Minecraft experience from July 18 until August 28.

And currently day tickets to the park cost less due to the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme.

Tickets cost £34.13 per person, instead of £39 per person when bought online in advance.

Guests under 90cm still visit for free.

Sometimes visiting for a day is just not enough though, even with the additional hour.

If this applies to you, you can also book to stay at Alton Towers Resort for short breaks from £87 per person.

The offer is available for stays between July 20 and September 1 and includes a day’s access to the theme park and free kids entry to the waterpark.

You can choose between either the Alton Towers Hotel, Splash Landings Hotel, CBeebies Land Hotel, the Woodland Lodges at the Enchanted Village, Luxury Treehouses or the Stargazing Pods.

If staying at the Alton Towers Hotel, you can book into a themed room including ones with beds that look like a bathtub, a hot air balloon or even a princess carriage.

Alternatively, if you have toddlers the CBeebies Land Hotel is a great option, with live shows, games and meet and greets with CBeebies characters.

Cyprus continues to draw British holidaymakers and expats, helped by flights from £34 and a flight time of around 4hrs 43mins – and one couple are glad they “took the leap”

A British couple who uprooted from the UK and moved to a cheaper country less than five hours away have spotted two problems. With flights for as little as £34 and a 4-hour, 43-minute flight time, Cyprus is a firm favourite among British holidaymakers and expats alike; Donna Curley and husband Nick were similarly drawn to the eastern Mediterranean nation.

After building a life in Derbyshire, Donna Curley and her second husband, Nick, realised their future might be in Cyprus.

The turning point came in 2013, when they bought a one-bedroom holiday home in Kapparis. They returned two or three times a year and, each trip, the island’s slower pace — and the “tranquillity” they felt there — made quite the impression.

Donna, 49, worked as a fitness instructor, including roles at a Derby gym and as a Weight Watchers coach, before switching to online teaching during the Covid pandemic. Nick, who was born at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, served as an Army reservist.

When Nick’s children from his first marriage reached their twenties, the couple decided the time was right to start again. They sold their home in Holbrook, bought a base in Avgorou and began laying plans for a wellness retreat — although they admit the move hasn’t been without its challenges.

Donna told The Times: “A lot of the expats here have well-established friendship groups so it’s harder to make new friends than I thought, though there are a lot of British people moving out here now for the tax benefits as well as the lifestyle.”

She went on to say: “Our move to Cyprus was designed so we could spend more time together, which has happened but not quite as much as we hoped – yet.

“I think with any big move you have to adapt and accept that there might be a few hurdles – along with the Greek ‘siga siga’ [slowly slowly]. I am glad that we took the leap.”

The couple’s new base is a two-bedroom bungalow with a swimming pool and 3,000sqm of land. But while they lay the foundations for their wellness business, Nick and Donna have also been juggling other jobs to keep money coming in.

Donna says the cost of everyday life is usually lower in Cyprus, even if food can be surprisingly expensive. They’ve also cut out some major overheads by relying on solar power and using water from their own well, rather than paying standard utility bills.

The colder months are the main exception. When winter sets in, they turn to a wood-burner for heat and sometimes have to fire up a back-up generator.

Their experience follows another British family who recently spoke about relocating to Cyprus. Former educator Sarah and IT specialist James said they moved after becoming fed up with long working weeks, soaring bills and concerns about crime.

Sarah said: “In the UK schools, there is so much pressure on the kids and they were both unhappy. And James and I were working such long hours but life is so expensive in the UK. James applied for a job in Cyprus almost on a whim.

“We thought if it didn’t work out, we’d call it an adventure and then move back home. But everything is amazing and the place is absolutely beautiful. It’s a dream I never thought would be possible.”

It feels like there’s a world class beach at the end of almost every coastal road on this Mediterranean island.

When you picture the world’s best beaches, it may well be places like the Maldives or Barbados that spring to mind. But there’s one large Mediterranean island, easily accessible from the UK, that can stake as strong a claim to the world’s best beaches as anywhere on the planet — and it’s not in Spain or Greece.

And what’s more, you can enjoy it without the crowds of tourists that descend on Spanish and Greek islands. Majorca was recently described as “overrun with tourists” after figures showed tourists outnumbered residents on the island. The same study described Zakynthos as the “capital of over-tourism”. The Canary Islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote were also high on the list of most visited places in Europe.

Official UK government figures show that the number of British tourists visiting Spain dwarfs the number visiting Italy, which is where you’ll find this magical island packed with world-class beaches. In the most recent list of Europe’s 50 best beaches, the island of Sardinia has two beaches in the top 10. In 2024, one of its beaches was named the best on Earth.

But Sardinia offers tourists way more than beaches. It is the second largest island in the Mediterranean so there is lots to explore, including its inland countryside, coastal villages, luxury resorts and exceptional food and drink. Given Sardinia is less overwhelmed by tourists than the likes of Tenerife, you’ll find that many of its restaurants still cater mainly for locals and the quality of food is high. It also has a large city, Cagliari, which offers all the culture and nightlife you’d expect from a large European city with a vibrant student population.

But despite its size, Sardinia, which lies around halfway between the coasts of Italy and Spain, is easily navigable and you can drive its coastal roads stopping off at the stunning beaches that seem to be dotted every few miles. And all of this is just a short flight from the UK. The weather is perfect too, with temperatures reaching 30C in summer and still hitting up to 23C even in October.

The best beaches in Sardinia

It’s not an easy task to compile a list of the best beaches in Sardinia because there are so many of them. I’ve been lucky enough to visit several times, reaching nearly all four corners and sampling its wonderful beaches, which are almost never crowded despite their natural beauty and easy access.

This year, Cala Dei Gabbiani on the island’s east coast, and La Pelosa, on its northwestern tip, were both named among Europe’s top 10 beaches. In 2024, Cala Goloritzé was named the best on Earth, with those who compiled the list for The World’s 50 Best Beaches saying: “Cala Goloritzé feels like more than just a beach — its raw beauty has a way of touching you emotionally the moment you lay eyes on it. Whether you’re looking down from the viewpoint above or standing at the shore with your feet in the water, the scene is truly breath-taking.”

Meanwhile, Poetto is the city of Cagliari’s “in-house” beach. Just a 20-minute bus ride from the city centre it has 8km of sand and is packed with bars and places to eat.

Here are a selection of Sardinia beaches you shouldn’t miss:

1. Cala Mariolu: clear water, with shades ranging from turquoise to deep blue, white limestone pebbles, dramatic cliffs and rich marine life.

2. La Pelosa: powdery white sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters, it is widely considered one of Europe’s most spectacular beaches, with an iconic 16th-century watchtower on a nearby rocky islet.

3. Cala Dei Gabbiani: clear waters and few crowds

4. Spiaggia del Pirata: just 100 metres long and good for snorkelling in shallow waters

5. Spiaggia Rena Bianca: pale, fine sand, shallow, clear water and views towards Corsica

6. Cala Corsara: in the La Maddalena archipelago just off Sardinia’s north-eastern coast, it has crystal-clear water, soft golden sands and dramatic rock formations

7. Spiaggia del Poetto: a huge 8km-long beach on the outskirts of Cagliari

8. Liscia Ruja: a mix of unspoilt nature and exclusive beach clubs

A celebrity hotspot

Bradley Cooper, Gigi Hadid, Beyoncé, Sir Elton John, Leonardo DiCpario and Cristiano Ronaldo have all enjoyed holidays in Sardinia over the years. The destination of choice for the stars is the Costa Smeralda region and its main hub, Porto Cervo, where you will see vast superyachts worth hundreds of millions of pounds moored with security keeping wide-eyed tourists at bay.

Just down the road from Porto Cervo is the celebrity’s beach of choice, Spiagga del Principe, which Lonely Planet describes as a “magnificent crescent of white sand… bound by unspoiled macchia and startlingly clear blue waters”.

Food and drink in Sardinia

You have so many options. All the major towns and cities have lots of authentic options which are still mostly aimed at Italians more than tourists and many beaches will have pop-up style places to grab a salad, wine or piadini (a type of sandwich). Sardinia has a famously long-living population thanks to its healthy diet based on fish, fruit, vegetables and olive oil.

One eating experience not to be missed is the agriturismo. This is an Italian concept which has seen traditional farms adapt to cater for visitors who want to eat or stay (or both). The menus can be extensive and fantastic, and you will find yourself very full of the most excellent locally-produced food. There’s nothing like it.

Where to stay in Sardinia

Deciding where to stay largely comes down to the sort of holiday you want. Cagliari, on the south coast, is a bustling city with lots of places to stay, eat and drink. It’s not really a tourist city so you’ll have an authentically Italian experience. It’s easy enough to get out of the city by car to nearby beaches, especially Poetto, which is essentially on its doorstep.

At the opposite end of the island is Alghero, a medieval town also within a short drive of world-beating beaches like La Pelosa. and while Costa Smeralda, in the north-east of the island, is popular among wealthier visitors, you can find affordable places in the region, like Cannigione.

Flying to Sardinia

The main airports in Sardinia are at Cagliari on the south coast, Olbia on the north-eastern coast and Alghero on the north-western coast. They are served by several UK airports with deals starting from around £40.

ANOTHER family missed their flights home and were forced to spend nearly £2,000 due to massive airport queues abroad.

Matthew Wilson, his wife and their son were travelling home to Manchester from Milan back in April.

They were returning to the UK after a nine-night holiday when they got stuck huge passport queues due to the new European entry rules.

Talking to the iPaper, Matthew said that despite easily getting through security, they were then stuck in another queues for 90 minutes, in which they only moved about 10m in that time.

Frustratingly, he family were then told by ground staff that their luggage had been removed from the plane as the flight was going to depart while they still stuck in the queue.

They were then forced to wait three hours before easyJet, who the family were flying with, offered the family a flight back home – but this was six days later than the original flight.

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Rather than waiting, Matthew spent £1,969 on new flights from Barcelona, taxis, food and accommodation.

This was on top of the money they had already paid on the flight they missed which had cost £377.

Not only that, but their travel insurance provider also said they were unable to recuperate his costs.

Matthew said: “It was very stressful – we will think twice before travelling in Europe again.”

The airport operator apologised, adding that EES “requires more complex operations than before and longer processing times”.

Not only that, but it said that on the day the Wilsons were due to fly home (April 12), there were malfunctions at the automatic gates due to issues connecting to the border systems.

This resulted in “particularly long waiting times” as passengers had to be manually checked at passport control.

The Wilsons weren’t the only ones to miss their flight on this day – in fact 100 easyJet passengers were left behind in Milan Linate Airport.

The flight to Manchester had been held for nearly an hour “but it had to then depart due to crew reaching their safety regulated operating hours”, explained easyJet.

There have been warnings over wait times because of EES – and it’s only set to get worse.

Rafael Schvartzman – the vice-president for Europe at the International Air Transport Association (Iata) – warned queue times could stretch to as much as six hours this summer.

Mr Schvartzman said: “What we are seeing is a very hard risk of really challenging times or waiting times, talking about expectations of three, four, five, six hours which is unacceptable.

“We know for a fact there are many cases where people have lost flights or their connectivity.”

BEACH? Check. Cheap booze? Check. Quick flights and nice hotels? Check, check.

We know what makes a good holiday, and it’s all of the above. But where can you find all of these things, and still get deals for as little as £159 per person?

The Sun’s team of travel experts have named some of their top places to go for a beach holiday, whether you love a bit of culture or just time sunning it up by the pool.

Along with cheap flights, hotels and cocktails, none of these will break the bank – and they come expert approved.

Urla, Turkey

Brits love a bit of Turkish coastline, with millions of us visiting the country’s beach resorts each year. But when I told friends I was visiting the coastal town of Urla in Turkey’s Izmir region (pictured above) a couple of summers ago, I was met with blank faces.

Unsurprising then, that there were hardly any Brits wandering the quaint streets of the town, which looks out over the Aegean sea.

Featured as one of Conde Nast Traveller’s Places To Visit in 2024, we swam in the sea at a local beach club during the day and hit up a couple of the local vineyards, then gorged on delicious food and cocktails at night.

And it really is delicious food, as the town is home to several restaurants that feature in the fancy Michelin food guide. However, that doesn’t mean you have to pay Michelin prices everywhere – this is after all, an article about cheap destinations.

At the Bulls**t Pub near the seafront, you can get a burger and fries with a small beer for 450 Turkish lira (£7) and at the highly rated Evba Urla neighbourhood restaurant, you can get a huge Turkish breakfast for the same price.

Accommodation varies in prices, with several chic boutique hotels as well as family guesthouses from £500 a week for a family of four in August, while airlines offering flights include Pegasus, easyJet and SunExpress from £132 return in late-August. – Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Djerba, Tunisia

With eight miles of powdery soft white sands lapped by azure blue waters, Sidi Mahres on the Tunisian island of Djerba could give the Caribbean a run for its money.

And yet the island just off the coast of the North African country offers incredible value for money with 4* hotels a fraction of what you’d pay in Europe.

You’ll also get so much more than just a great beach here. From the bustling souks to Djerbahood – a maze of winding lanes covered in vibrant street art – there’s plenty to keep the culture vultures happy too.

The island’s hotel zone has plenty of all-inclusive hotel options – I stayed at the beachfront 5* Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso.

With huge pools, four restaurants and three bars it also has the biggest Thalasso spa on the island for the ultimate pampering.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from just £488pp with easyJet Holidays, including flights from the UK, luggage and transfers. – Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

Gran Canaria, Spain

If I’m heading to the beach, it needs to be hot enough for me to catch a killer tan.

That’s why Gran Canaria ranks highly for me as a beach destination.

The Spanish island’s proximity to the Western Sahara means temperatures are usually soaring and sunshine is pretty much guaranteed year round. Plus, it’s fly-and-flop heaven.

The last time I visited, I spent the majority of my time on a sun lounger with a book, having cocktails handed to me every hour by a doting poolside waiter. It was pure bliss.

With the southern side of the island completely geared up for holidaymakers, you may not be getting the most authentic foods and experiences, but the positive of that is being able to stick to what you love.

Fancy sushi for dinner? There’ll be a restaurant nearby. Want to spend all-night partying with fellow holidaymakers? Take your pick of beach bars and clubs.

TUI has package holidays from £487pp in August for a family of four. – Sophie Swietochoswki, Assistant Travel Editor

Agadir, Morocco

Warm in winter, surfing every morning and mega cheap shopping – what’s not to love about Agadir?

I rave about Morocco when it comes to affordable holiday destinations, and in particular love Agadir and Taghazout which are known for their epic surf scene, with beaches far quieter than its Spanish counterparts.

I stayed at the adult-only Pickalbatros White Beach Resort resort (from £484 for three days & flights with TUI) where my days were spent lounging by the pool.

There was no fighting for sunbeds because there’s so many to choose from, and once I was in position with a good book, skillful rollerblading waiters whizzed cocktails to me and pool staff tried to tempt me into aquarobics.

Outside the resort, you can explore the souks for homeware that is a fraction of the price in the UK, or go on tours of Agadir Oufella fortress and the marina.

Or just sit by the beach and watch people taken out by waves – whatever takes your fancy. Package holidays are crazy cheap too. I’m talking seven night breaks for £159 each, including flights in winter. – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Île de Ré, France

This dinky French island – connected to the mainland via bridge – feels like it’s trapped in a long-gone era with its traditional restaurants serving fresh seafood, the charming harbour littered with bobbing sail boats and its towering fort that was built back in 1625.

Cars are permitted on the island, but the best way to get around is by bike – you could easily cycle around the periphery in four hours, stopping off at authentic bars and gorgeous beaches as you go.

If escapism is what you’re after, that’s exactly what you’ll get. The streets rarely feel overcrowded and the laissez-faire attitude of those that live there is contagious.

Make sure to potter into the chic main town of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. The UNESCO-listed World Heritage site is simply gorgeous with rows of old-fashioned houses with pastel-coloured shutters overlooking the cobblestone streets.

If you’re into seafood, you’re in luck. This island is THE place to sample oysters.

La Cabane du Feneau (reachable by bike) is a renowned oyster hut, buried in the salt marshes, that serves them freshly-shucked with quality views to match the quality food.

Eurocamp has 7-night breaks in one of their 2-bed lodges at their La Grainetiere park on Ile De Re in the last week of July for £917. – Sophie Swietochoswki, Assistant Travel Editor

Sardinia, Italy

Between the end of last year and the beginning of this year, Sardinia was named several times as the place to go in 2026.

The small limestone island looks as if it has been carved out of rocks from the ocean floor, sitting closer to Africa than mainland Italy – and as a result, you can expect a dry, warm climate and the smell of fresh herbs across the island.

While lots of Brits head to Olbia in the north, the south of the island around the capital – Cagliari – is the real gem and boasts less crowds, especially when staying at the adults only Baia di Chia Resort.

Lounging by the pool with a spritz in hand while overlooking the bay, I made the excellent decision of ordering a freshly-made pistachio tiramisu straight to my sunbed.

While indulgent and comforting it was the perfect holiday treat to enjoy while soaking up the 38C sun.

If you were to do one thing, make sure you walk along the beach to Torre di Chia – a historic defensive tower that sits on top of a hill with the ocean directly below.

Baia di Chia Resort has 7 nights on a half board basis plus flights from £1267pp in September, based on two people sharing. – Cyann Fielding, Travel Writer

Valetta, Malta

Funnily enough, I also found myself strangely at home in Malta – if I wanted to, I could find English breakfast at any hotel, red telephone boxes, and a pub called The Queen Victoria. 

The good thing about a country that is relatively tiny is that a normal taxi ride to another city takes about 10 minutes and is roughly €5. 

Don’t expect sandy beaches in Valetta – but it still has beautiful, if not slightly rocky, swimming spots such as St Elmo Bay (or take a day trio to Gozo if you really crave soft sands).

Bar-hopping in the centre of Valletta during happy hour was my happiest time though, where I found mojitos for under €10 (£8.50) or €2.50 (£2.13) cold pints.

Don’t be fooled by the miniature size of this island – you’ll find plenty to do no matter your interest, from culture to coast and history to great grub. 

Holiday Pirates has 7-night package holidays in August from £399pp for a family of four, a short drive down the coast from Valetta in St Pauls Bay. Dharshinee Krishna Naidu, Travel Writer

Marsa Alam, Egypt

There can’t be many beaches in the world where you can step off a wooden pier into waters where you can swim with dugongs – gentle giant sea cows – and wild sea turtles.

Marsa Alam is the new kid on the block on Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

Further down the coast from Hurghada, its own airport with direct TUI flights each winter mean you’ll spend less time in transfer buses.

And the joy of the newly built all-inclusive resorts on this stretch of coastline – including the Jaz Elite Amara where I stayed this year – is their great value for winter sun with temperatures averaging 22C to 26C even in February.

With wide, sandy beaches and calm seas where you can snorkel for free to explore the colourful corals and marine life, it offers Maldives-style water fun for far less.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Jaz Elite Amara is from £1,105pp with TUI in November, when there are average highs of 27C. – Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

Crete, Greece

Crete has long been a favourite European island destination for Brits, but instead of heading to the busy resorts in the west, travel south to Ella Rocrita Resort.

This family-friendly resort sits on a portion of the coast that feels untouched, with miles of hills and olive groves surrounding you.

On the resort itself, you can stay in a villa-style suite with a swim up room, creating you only little slice of the Greek haven.

You won’t be short on pools, as across the resort there are different sized pools with different features depending on if you are with the kids or your partner.

I spent an entire day lounging at the spa, where I dipped in and out of different hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms and saunas.

The best spot? Head up to the roof where you will find a pool that sits at the highest point in the resort, overlooking the surrounding hills, beach and lagoon littered with flamingos.

Travel Supermarket has package holidays from £459pp for a family of four in late August. – Cyann Fielding, Travel Writer

Cape Verde

Cape Verde has been a household name in the UK for around 10 years now, thanks to its year-round sunshine, relatively short flight time and affordable all-inclusive hotels.

It is certainly the place for those seeking winter sun, with the average highs reaching 24C in December and thanks to its proximity to the equator, temperatures don’t diffier too much in mid-summer.

Skin-scorching sun isn’t the only reason to pay a visit to the Portuguese-speaking country, though.

For those who like a bit of adrenaline, there’s kite-surfing along the aptly named Kite Beach (you’ll need strong arms), plus quad-biking on
the desert landscape that makes up the bulk of the inner island.

The beautiful beaches, as well as adventure activities and
watersports, were all within a short drive of our hotel, the Riu
Palace Santa Maria, south of the island of Sal and near the idyllic
beach town of Santa Maria.

My favourite spot was the excellent rustic beach bar called Ole Brazil
selling the best caipirinhas I’ve ever drunk for £3.50.

And right next door is the popular LobStar restaurant, which is
perfectly placed to receive the best of the daily catch brought in by
the local fishermen every afternoon.

TUI has package holidays from £692pp for a family of four this August.. – Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Marbella, Spain

Everyone knows the party town of Marbella – but let me pitch it to you as a place to go when the beach clubs are closed.

This is when you see the real side to the Spanish city, where the cobbled streets are quiet and the flowers are still in full bloom.

Take your time browsing the shops for clothes and trinkets, without the crowds, and walk into wine bars, no reservations required.

We stocked up on foodie bits to take back for a hotel picnic, which included a €2.50 (£2.13) bottle of wine which was remarkably delicious.

The Hard Rock Hotel I stayed at is all kinds of fun – think music-themed massages and doughnuts on guitar walls – and its less than £100 a night off season.

Throw in some £16.99 Ryanair flights to Malaga and you’ve got yourself a bargain break. – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Kalamata, Greece

You’ve dug out your swimsuit, rushed down to the beach and leapt into the water… only to find its freezing cold. Not in Kalamata, however.

The sea is one of the warmest in Greece due to the shallow waters of the Messinian Gulf. 

Escape the hot Greek sun by jumping head first or spend the days lounging under the sun with a cold beer in your hand.

Aside from smoky Kalamata olives, my favourite thing about hitting the beach in the southern Peloponnese region is the food culture, which costs less than a Boots Meal Deal back home.

I spent my afternoons gorging on grilled sardines laid on sourdough with a touch of lemon or finding street vendors that have charcoal grilled sweetcorn. 

What’s better than being in a Mediterranean paradise with a full stomach and a frosty drink in your hand?

Love Holidays have 7-night package holidays from 349pp for a family of four this August.  – Dharshinee Krishna Naidu, Travel Writer

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly city break this summer, a study has shown some of the cheapest options across Europe, and one country dominates the top ten with a huge selection of inexpensive cities

Summer is a great time to enjoy a city break. While some people prefer to head to the beach, the sunny weather can be a nice time to see a new city, as you can explore outside and enjoy a more relaxed vibe.

But city breaks can be expensive. If you’re looking for budget options, there’s one country in particular that should be top of your list. It has six out of the ten cheapest city breaks in Europe, and makes up the entirety of the top five named in the study.

The research, carried out by virtual card provider Getsby, looked at data from travel cost site Budget Your Trip and worked out the average cost for two people for a mid-range city break in 100 different European cities. It crunched the numbers on the daily cost for two people for two days, including mid-priced meals, a hotel stay, and using local transport.

Coming in with a daily average cost of £35 per person was Wroclaw in Poland, making it the cheapest option out of all the cities studied. Wroclaw, set in the southwest of the country, was built on 12 islands across the Odra River and its neighbourhoods are connected by over 100 bridges. It’s sometimes called the Venice of Poland thanks to its sprawling network of canals that offer you the chance to go sightseeing by boat.

Ostrów Tumski, or Cathedral Island, is the oldest part of the city, made up of cobblestone streets that are illuminated by 102 gas lamps, each one lit by hand every evening by a man in a cape. Just across the water is Rynek, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, where you’ll find a towering Gothic old town hall and traditional tenement houses painted in soft pastel tones.

Centennial Hall is another of the city’s architectural masterpieces. Built in the 1910s, this vast concrete building was used as a filming location for Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, its distinctive high dome making it perfect for the Capitol Arena.

Eating out is inexpensive in Wroclaw, and you can find plenty of hearty, cheap eats. Fill up on kluski sląskie, soft potato dumplings, or zurek, a tangy soup often served in a bread bowl. The city is also a popular place to visit during the winter months, where the icy weather gives it serious cosy vibes.

Rynek becomes the site of the city’s Christmas market from late-November until early-January, and opens late in to the night. You can try traditional Polish food and enjoy hot mulled wine served in ceramic, boot-shaped mugs that have become a collector’s item.

But Wroclaw isn’t Poland’s only inexpensive destination. The top five cheapest breaks are all in the country: Poznań, Katowice, Gdańsk, and Kraków, making up the list. Warsaw, the country’s capital, also comes in at number ten.

Outside of Poland, four other cities complete the top ten. These are Sofia in Bulgaria, Zagreb in Croatia, Malmö in Sweden, and Budapest in Hungary, putting the majority of cheap destinations in Eastern Europe.

The 10 cheapest European cities for a weekend getaway

1. Wroclaw, Poland
2. Poznań, Poland
3. Katowice, Poland
4. Gdańsk, Poland
5. Krakow, Poland
6. Sofia, Bulgaria
7. Zagreb, Croatia
8. Malmö, Sweden
9. Budapest, Hungary
10. Warsaw, Poland

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

I WALK past souvenir shops lining the streets selling plastic trinkets, sticks of rock and cheeky postcards – all the signs of an iconic seaside town.

Believe it or not, Blackpool used to be one of the most successful and visited tourism spots in the world.

Blackpool is probably the most stereotyped seaside town in the UK, and say the name to a Brit and you’ll immediately get a reaction.

It usually conjures up one of two images: wild hen and stag dos or nostalgic memories of years gone by.

Though with both, the basis of the image is the same: a fading seaside resort that has seen better days.

In the 1920s, Blackpool was actually known as the capital of working-class entertainment.

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By the 1930s, 10million people were visiting each year.

Following the Second World War, the town reached its golden era with around 17million annual visitors.

During this time, the image a lot of people still associate with Blackpool was created – packed ballrooms, shows and a beach full of deck chairs.

So when did it all go downhill?

In the late 1960s and 1970s, cheap flights to Spain started booming, with some overseas trips the same price – or even cheaper – than a week in Blackpool.

The town’s tourism relied on Northern England‘s industrial workers too, so as factories shut down in the 1980s, the target market moved away.

Soon, its image as a budget ‘Vegas of the North’ emerged, attracting partygoers looking for cheap, boozy nights out.

Having visited this weekend, I can’t talk about being nostalgic as I’m a 25-year-old Gen Zer who has never visited the seaside town before.

But as someone who grew up on the south coast visiting numerous seaside spots every summer, I can talk about how Blackpool compares.

Having recently been named one of the worst seaside towns by Which?, my expectations were already low.

Spoiler alert: they needn’t have been.

Turning the corner from the town centre to the promenade onboard the tram, there it was in all its glory: the beach, the Pleasure Beach, the tower and not one, not two, but three piers.

Admittedly, parts are rough around the edges.

Some hotels and B&Bs definitely need of some TLC and there are a number of boarded up shops waiting for new owners.

But honestly, it is hard to name a British seaside town that doesn’t have a bit of that nowadays.

And I must admit, the beach with the sun making the water glisten, did look a dream.

The fun and upbeat vibe is really evident in the north of the town.

The promenade was busy but not crowded and everyone had a smile on their face as the sun beat down.

In this part of Blackpool, you’ll find one of the piers alongside the iconic Blackpool Tower.

I headed up in a lift that travelled through the centre of the red steel structure to a viewing point 120 metres above the ground.

The panoramic views are spectacular, and the only spot in Blackpool where you can take in the full length of the beach.

At the base of the tower, you’ll also find Blackpool Tower Dungeon, a similar experience to the London Dungeon but slightly shorter.

All along the promenade, I wandered past souvenir shops, donut stalls and cheap chippies – I mean seriously cheap chippies, with portions for just a couple of quid.

On a mission for a cool pint, I stumbled across Tommy Cutler’s along a road set back from the main promenade.

A refreshing pint is exactly what I got, but what made it even better is that it only cost me £1.75 – making it the cheapest pint in the UK.

The only place you’ll get one cheaper is some Wetherspoons pubs.

The pub has a generous outdoor decking for soaking up the sunshine and the latest hits blare from giant speakers.

Head a minute down the road to The Ardwick for a more traditional pub vibe, with a pool table and darts boards and you can also pick up a pint here for £1.90 – or even cheaper on a Thursday, at £1.69 a pint.

At the south end of the town, you’ll find South Pier, along with Sandcastle Waterpark – the biggest indoor waterpark in the UK – and Blackpool’s most famous attraction, Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.

Heated to a tropical 29C, Sandcastle Waterpark boasts 18 slides and water coasters.

Little ones can be lulled by gentle waves or make a splash in a dedicated water play area, but for adults without kids like myself, you can head to the spa.

Jumping between the salt inhalation room, steam rooms and a sauna, I felt adequately relaxed with the blur of screams behind me from people dropping down the numerous slides.

For dry fun, on the other hand, it doesn’t get much better than Pleasure Beach Resort. Gripping onto the handrails every time, I rolled around on the historic wooden rollercoasters and flipped upside down on the more modern thrill rides.

The resort perfectly blends traditional seaside charm and modern fun to create a day out that pleases the entire family.

The star of the show though? The newly upgraded Wallace & Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic dark ride which takes you around different sets seen in the films.

To get the best of Blackpool’s attractions, make sure to purchase The Ultimate Ticket, which Blackpool Tourism launched earlier this year.

The ticket includes entry to The Blackpool Tower Top, Sandcastle Waterpark, Pleasure Beach Resort, Madame Tussauds Blackpool, The Blackpool Tower Dungeon and The Blackpool Tower Circus usually costing £65, but thanks to the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, the price is £56.88 until 1 September.

Also make sure to spend one evening of your stay in Blackpool at the Hot Ice show, which takes place in the park’s arena.

Featuring 30 Olympic and professional ice skaters, it’s a marvel for the eyes that feels like a West End on ice.

If you thought you could only stay in a run down B&B, I would think again – Blackpool even boasts a five-star hotel.

The Boulevard Hotel sits at the south end of Pleasure Beach Resort and inside you can expect sleek silver interiors, with a swish restaurant and bar.

There is a wide variety with an adults only floor and family rooms available, or you can either get a room overlooking the ocean like mine – and even one that looks at the rolling rollercoasters whizzing by.

Rooms cost from just £85 per night, including breakfast – which, might I add, was a great selection of cooked items, cereals, fruit and even pancakes.

The added perk is that if you stay Friday to Sunday you’ll get tickets to Pleasure Beach for free, which you can then access from a private entrance right outside the front of the hotel.

But if you are on even more of a tight budget, I did also check into a cheap £23 a night B&B – which I will be doing a full review on soon.

Leah Norman said many of the beds would then lie empty all day with just a towel on them

A Scottish tourist has confirmed that holidaymakers sprinted to grab a sunbed after queuing for two hours at the pool gates. Leah Norman, 37, was on holiday at the Best Oasis Hotel in Salou, Spain, when she witnessed crowds of tourists flooding through the pool gates on July 4 in what she described as “Hunger Games style”.

The holidaymakers had been waiting since 8am until the doors opened at 10am. Leah, from Ayrshire, Scotland, said she spotted a “big queue” of sunbed-hoggers every morning, all desperate to secure a seat throughout her week-long stay.

She noted that beds with towels draped over them would remain unoccupied for the entire day, leaving families without any poolside shade for their young children.

Leah, from Ayrshire, Scotland, said: “Every morning there was a big queue inside hotel full of people waiting on the doors to open at pool area. The door was locked and would open at 10am.

“People would start queuing up from around 8am and when the doors opened at 10am, everyone would start running to grab sunbeds that were stacked up to place next to the pool, like the Hunger Games had just started.”

“Some families with young children were unable to get sunbeds or parasol shades for their babies as they would be taken. Some days, beds would lie empty all day with towels lying on them.”

Leah’s account echoes that of Glasgow tourist Chris, who witnessed comparable scenes in Salou back in June, filming over 40 tourists taking part in a ‘manic race’ for sunbeds after waiting an hour to secure one.

Watch tourists’ ‘manic race’ for sunbeds after hour-long queue

Having secured a spot with a towel, holidaymakers would then make their way inside for breakfast. Chris said: “It was a manic race and scramble for the sunbeds surrounding the pool at the hotel. I don’t judge but found it funny so had to film it.

“Some people just rolled out their bed, queued up, mad-dashed to secure the bed then they were seen going back to their hotel rooms or off for breakfast.

“It doesn’t leave room for those who don’t queue for an hour.”

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its forces have launched “a series of powerful strikes against Iran to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway.” The U.S. strikes “are in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM stated on X. “Iran’s demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire.”

The official Iranian state media outlet IRIB reported 13 explosions in southern Iran.

The CENTCOM attacks follow the U.S. Treasury Department revoking a general license authorizing the sale of Iranian oil. That abrogates a key part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Washington and Tehran on June 18.

Here’s the new Treasury license on Iran: “Revocation and Wind Down of June 21, 2026 Authorization for the Production, Delivery and Sale of Crude Oil, Petrochemical Products, and Petroleum Products of Iranian Origin” pic.twitter.com/2jgRRTQudu

— Phil Mattingly (@Phil_Mattingly) July 7, 2026

While the future of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its stockpile of enriched uranium are among other key issues addressed in the document, the Strait of Hormuz continues to be a flashpoint.

The latest attacks on shipping all involved tankers.

“A LNG tanker reported being hit by an unknown projectile on the port side engine room causing a fire, whilst travelling southbound through the SOH,” UKMTO reported. That incident took place about eight nautical miles east of Limah, Oman.

Before that, a “VLCC reported being hit by an unknown projectile on the port side upon exiting the SOH” about 16 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan, UAE, UKMTO added. “Vessel was able to proceed to NPOC [nearest point of call] and no crew injuries were reported.”

The first of the three vessels struck today was a tanker that reported being attacked six nautical miles east of Musandam Peninsula, Oman “by an unknown projectile and has sustained minor structural damage,” UKMTO stated. “No casualties or environmental impact reported and vessel is proceeding to NPOC.”

These attacks all took place along the southern-most route in the Strait, which is controlled by the U.S. and Oman. Iran controls the northern route and the mid-section of the body of water is considered too dangerous to transit due to the threat of mines.

Last Thursday, Iran’s military warned that all oil tankers moving through the Strait must use its approved routes. It also said that interference by U.S. forces in the strait “will be met with a rapid and decisive reaction.”

But the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), a multinational body overseen by the U.S. Navy, told shippers Monday that the route around Oman “has been expanded and remains available for all traffic.”

The most recent attacks on shipping came after that JMIC notification and about a week after Iran and the U.S. promised to stop striking each other. 

What happens next is unknown. The peace talks were paused while Iran holds a weeklong funeral for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the war in an airstrike.

In an interview with Iranian media posted on X, Iranian Maj. Gen. Mohsen Rezaei, advisor to Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, seemed to appeal to Iranian hardliners who want to resume fighting.

“Friends who oppose negotiations, be patient; the Americans themselves will derail these talks,” he posited.

This is a developing story.

UPDATE: 6:22 PM EDT –

Video and still images purporting to show the U.S. attacks on Iran are emerging on social media. Bandar Abbas, site of Iran’s key naval base on the Strait of Hormuz, appears to be one of the targets. Bandar Abbas has come under attack several times during this conflict.

Fires seen burning at the Port of Shahid Haqqani in Bandar Abbas, Southern Iran, following tonight’s wave of retaliatory strikes against Iranian military and infrastructure sites by the U.S. Air Force and Navy. pic.twitter.com/ccZPuZvDPG

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) July 7, 2026

Bandar Abbas Airport was a major target tonight, where a senior figure in the Islamic regime was present and from where the regime has launched missiles and drones toward neighboring countries. This regime only understands Hebrew and Arabic; it does not understand American… pic.twitter.com/RdDPTgR87T

— Amjad Taha أمجد طه (@amjadt25) July 7, 2026

Video from Shahid Haqqani Port, validated by the network, following U.S. airstrikes on the facility in Bandar Abbas, Iran. pic.twitter.com/msNbYm6r7O

— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) July 7, 2026

In a post on X, Axios reporter Barak Ravid said the U.S. strikes on Iran today were “four or five times bigger in scope and power than the previous strikes 10 days ago.”

The U.S. strikes in Iran on Tuesday were four or five times bigger in scope and power than the previous strikes 10 days ago, the U.S. official told me https://t.co/TiDTGTxMTV

— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) July 7, 2026

Authorities “have launched a search effort for K2 Airways Cargo 737 AP-BOI after the flight did not land as scheduled in Karachi,” FlightRadar24 reported. “KTA1732 was en route from Sharjah to Karachi when contact was lost with the aircraft. Preliminary ADS-B data indicate a loss of altitude, followed by a climb, and then a second, sudden and dramatic loss of altitude. The final received data point from the aircraft was at 16:21 UTC, placing the aircraft at 1,100 ft AMSL with a reported vertical rate of -22,400 feet per minute.”

According to FlightRadar24’s data, the cargo jet flew east over the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman when it disappeared from radar screens at about 12:20 PM EDT.

The Pakistan Airports Authority reported on X that the aircraft was suffering a “navigational system issue” before contact was lost. There were five people onboard at the time.

However; at time 2121PST aircraft was observed on RADAR rapidly descending and with rapid heading change, subsequently RADAR contact and communication was lost approximately 155 NM west of Karachi.

— Pakistan Airports Authority (@Pk_PAA_Official) July 7, 2026

The exact cause of this incident is unknown at this time. While there are no indications that the aircraft was lost due to hostile activity, the area is extremely tense.

UPDATE: 947 PM EDT –

CENTCOM says it has “completed its strikes against Iran, July 7, hitting over 80 targets with precision munitions as an immediate response to Iran’s latest attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.”

“U.S. forces struck Iranian air defense systems, command and control networks, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities, and more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps small boats in and near the strait to degrade Iran’s ability to continue attacking international commerce flowing through the international trade corridor,” the command said in a statement.

“Iran recently attacked three commercial vessels transiting the strait including Marshall Islands-flagged M/T Al Rekayyat, Saudi Arabia-flagged M/T Wedyan, and Liberian-flagged M/T Cyprus Prosperity,” CENTCOM added. “The unwarranted aggression by Iranian forces is a clear and dangerous violation of the ceasefire and undermines freedom of navigation. CENTCOM forces remain postured and prepared to hold Iran accountable when the agreement is not adhered to or obeyed.”

Contact the author: howard@twz.com

IF you’re on the hunt for a family break that won’t break the bank this summer – we’ve got some great ones.

Sun Travel has found 10 all-inclusive breaks from Spain to Turkey, Morocco and the Balearics all under £350pp.

El Pueblo Tamlelt, Morocco

In Morocco, the El Pueblo Tamlelt in Agadir has plenty to offer including its two huge swimming pools.

It’s also just a short-walk away from the beach and has an 11 acre garden to explore.

All rooms have a balcony or terrace with garden or pool view and are in traditional Moroccan style.

A family of four can stay for five-nights between August 5-10 with On the Beach from £313pp – this is an all-inclusive stay including flights from Edinburgh to Agadir.

SEA VIEW

UK’s top £9.50 holiday park has waterpark & private beach with dolphins offshore

THE HEAT IS ON

Gorgeous British beaches and coastal towns with £9.50 holiday parks

Dynastic Rooms Apartments, Costa Blanca, Spain

Spain is always a great choice for a family holiday as flights are short and Alicante is just two hours and 45 minutes away from the UK.

The Dynastic Rooms Apartment in Costa Blanca is in the middle of lively Benidorm, so there’s plenty of restaurants and entertainment within walking distance from the hotel.

All-inclusive guests get access to the spa facilities included in their stay too.

A family of four can stay for five-nights between August 10-15 with On the Beach from £325pp – this is an all-inclusive stay including flights from Leeds Bradford to Alicante.

Santa Susanna, Costa Brava, Spain

If you aren’t feeling Benidorm, how about Barcelona?

The Santa Susanna is very family-friendly with a kids’ splash park and games area as well as a swimming pool and entertainment.

Adults can laze about on sunloungers and check out the poolside bar too.

A family of four can stay for five-nights between August 17-22 with On the Beach from £303pp – this is an all-inclusive stay including flights from Bristol Airport to Barcelona.

Blue Sea Costa Teguise Gardens, Lanzarote

The three-star Blue Sea Costa Teguise Gardens in Lanzarote is close to three local beaches.

It has a swimming pool, buffet-style restaurant serving up Spanish dishes and a snack bar too.

A family of four can stay for five-nights between August 1-6 with loveholidays from £319pp.

This is an all-inclusive stay with the outbound flight from Leeds Bradford to Lanzarote – the inbound flight returns to Liverpool Airport.

Magic Cristal Park Hotel, Costa Blanca, Spain

This hotel is in central Benidorm and is a mere five-minute walk from the city centre, and 15-minutes from the closest beach.

The hotel has a Roman-inspired design with two buffet restaurants, and on the top floor, guests can use the outdoor heated Jacuzzi.

It has a swimming pool as well as Game Experience area with F1 simulators and dance zones.

A family of four can stay for five-nights between August 1-6 with loveholidays from £339pp – this is an all-inclusive stay including return flights from East Midlands Airport to Alicante.

Ilyssion Hotel, Rhodes, Greece

This three-star hotel is a great find for under £350pp as it’s right on the beach front and has four swimming pools.

You can munch on Greek food at its buffet restaurant and check out the poolside snack bar for light bites, soft drinks and cocktails.

There’s plenty of sports to try out from beach volleyball to tennis and there’s an open-air playground for children.

A family of four can stay for five-nights between August 8-13 with On the Beach from £348ppp – this is an all-inclusive stay including return flights from Birmingham Airport to Rhodes.

Magic Villa Benidorm Hotel, Benidorm, Spain

This hotel near the beach in Benidorm may be no frills, but it has everything you need at your fingertips.

It has basic rooms with a large outdoor pool with a slide that’s surrounded by sunloungers and there’s entertainment throughout the day too.

A family of four can stay for five-nights between July 26-31 with loveholidays from £339ppp.

This is an all-inclusive stay including an outbound flight from Liverpool Airport to Alicante, and an inbound flight to Manchester Airport.

Arsi Hotel, Antalya, Turkey

In Antalya the Arsi Hotel has an outdoor swimming pool has a dedicated children’s area and waterslides.

There’s also an on-site spa with a sauna, steam bath and massage treatments on offer.

And there’s a sandy beach just a short walk away.

A family of four can stay for five-nights between July 28 – August 2 with loveholidays from £339pp – this is an all-inclusive stay including return flights from Bristol Airport to Antalya.

BLUESEA Los Fiscos, Lanzarote

Lanzarote is known for being a gloriously sunny, and sometimes windy, island with unique black sand beaches.

If you want a break over the summer holidays, head to BLUESEA Los Fiscos in Puerto del Carmen.

It has apartment-style rooms that have a balcony or terrace, a swimming pool, and the Playa Grande beach is less than a mile away.

A family of four can stay for five-nights between August 20-25 with On the Beach from £318pp – this is an all-inclusive stay including flights from Newcastle Airport to Arrecife.

Galaxy Beach Hotel, Antalya, Turkey

The four-star Galaxy Beach Hotel sits in the popular resort of Mahmutlar with private beach nearby.

It also has an outdoor swimming pool, kids’ club and playground on-site.

Mahmutlar Beach is a short walk away with lots of bars, restaurants and shops to see too.

A family of four can stay for five-nights between 28 July – 2 August with loveholidays from £329pp – this is an all-inclusive stay including return flights from Bristol Airport to Antalya.

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

If you want a quiet and peaceful summer break, this island needs to be on your list.

The summer holidays are approaching, and if you’re planning a holiday, then you know it can be tricky to decide where to go. Living in the UK means we’re lucky enough to have Europe on our doorstep.

With so many dream locations to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to go. If you value peace and quiet, it’s a good idea to look for places that are a little off the beaten path while still providing a relaxing, sunny getaway.

That’s why travel experts at Solmar Villas have researched data from more than 160 places to reveal which are the best for a crowd-free holiday.

Where to visit for a peaceful holiday

Coming in first place was Alonissos, Greece. This stunning island is located in the northern Sporades and is famous for its laid-back charm and unspoiled beauty.

It’s the smallest of the inhabited islands in the Sporades archipelago and offers a totally relaxed holiday.

It’s home to the largest marine protected area in Europe which offers birds, reptiles and mammals a safe breeding ground.

You can visit the park and perhaps catch a glimpse of the rare Mediterranean Monk Seal as you dive beneath the crystal clear water.

There’s no shortage of gorgeous beaches to spend a day at, and the Old Town is well worth a visit too.

The Old Town sits above the island on a hill 200 metres above sea level. There’s narrow winding alley ways, colourfully painted doors and plenty of charming cages and tavernas to stop in for a bite to eat or a drink.

You can enjoy awe-inspiring views out over the island and the sea that surrounds it while sitting in the shade of the island’s greenery.

How to get there

There is no airport on the island, so the best way to get there is to get a ferry from the neighbouring island of Skiathos. The ferry takes around two hours to the largest town on the island – Patitiri.

From Patitiri you can explore the rest of the island, whether you want to lounge on the beach, explore the marine reserve or soak up the rich history of the city – all without the crowds that flock to other Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini.

Sharon Bradbury, travel expert at Solmar Villas said: “Many families don’t have the option of travelling outside the school holidays, so choosing the right destination becomes even more important.

For families looking to make the most of their summer break, it can be worth looking beyond the usual hotspots. A quieter destination often means a more relaxed experience from the moment you arrive. “

The 20 quietest places to visit on school holidays

1. Alonissos, Greece
2. El Hierro, Spain
3. Skopelos, Greece
4. Mustique, St. Vincent & Grenadines
5. La Gomera, Spain
6. Paxos, Greece
7. Åland Islands, Finland
8. Isle of Harris, United Kingdom
9. Costa Verde, Spain
10. Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
11. Mani Peninsula, Greece
12. La Palma, Spain
13. Skeleton Coast, Namibia
14. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
15. Cantabria, Spain
16. Esposende, Portugal
17. Koh Mak, Thailand
18. Con Dao Islands, Vietnam
19. Aitutaki, Cook Islands
20. Little Corn Island, Nicaragua

July 3 (UPI) — The Great American State Fair was temporarily shut down Friday due to extreme heat as temperatures in Washington, D.C., reached 100 degrees.

Freedom 250 announced Friday afternoon that the event on the National Mall was suspended until 5 p.m. Friday due to the heat, which reached 100 degrees at 2 p.m. Friday with a heat index of 111.

“The safety and well-being of our guests, volunteers, performers, vendors, and staff is our highest priority. Conditions are expected to improve later this afternoon, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back at 5:00 p.m. as preparations continue for this evening’s festivities,” Freedom 250 said on social media just before 1:30 p.m.

A follow-up post confirmed the gates would reopen at 5 p.m.

Friday evening’s events at the fair include performances by Hugo Castillo, Mickey Smith Jr. and Grace Moody Miller.

“Complimentary water distribution stations will be available throughout the fair site, with food and beverages available for purchase,” organizers wrote.