Islands

OFF the coast of Spain are a group of islands that many say feels like the Caribbean, but for a fraction of the coast.

The archipelago called the Cíes Islands are made up of three islands; Monte Agudo, O Faro and San Martiño.

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The islands are completely car free, and are described as being ‘Caribbean-like’ but on a camping budget.

Monteagudo is the largest and northernmost of the three Cíes Islands which can be reached by ferry from Vigo.

This is where visitors will find one of the world’s best beaches called Playa de Rodas, or Rodas Beach.

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Coming in at 18th in the world, the beach has ‘soft white sand and clear, calm waters’ – much like those in the Caribbean.

Visitors agree with one calling it a “natural paradise” and another agreed that it is “absolutely beautiful, pale sand crystal clear water.”

Others have said it’s the perfect place to swim with small fish that appear in the shallow water.

But there are warnings of the sea being cold as it is in the Atlantic as opposed to the warmer Caribbean Sea.

The coast is popular for snorkelling with lots of lobsters, crabs and sometimes bottlenose dolphins even being spotted too.

The sandbar across Playa de Rodas is what connects Monteagudo to its neighbour, Faro island.

Meanwhile, San Martiño can only be reached by private boat or on kayak tours – it’s a wild island so the top activities here are swimming and birdwatching.

For more on Spain, here are some of our favourite holiday spots…

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Hotel Best Punta Dorada, Salou

The Spanish resort is a popular destination near PortAventura World, a theme park with over 40 attractions and huge rollercoasters. It’s also close to sandy beaches like Platja de Llevant, and the scenic Camí de Ronda coastal walk.The hotel itself has an outdoor swimming pool to enjoy, as well as two bars along with evening entertainment and shows.

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Sun Club El Dorado, Majorca

With its palm tree-lined pool and Mediterranean backdrop, it’s a miracle this Majorca resort is so affordable. Expect a classic family holiday feel – where days revolve around soaking up the Spanish sunshine, chilling by the spacious pool and sipping on frozen cocktails. Set away from the busier resorts, it’s a good option if you’re after a more out-of-the-way escape.

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Magic Aqua Rock Gardens, Benidorm

The Magic Aqua Rock Gardens Hotel is African-themed and less than a mile from the beach. It has two outdoor pools, including a children’s freshwater pool with a waterfall and a tipping water bucket for the little ones. There’s also an aquapark with slides, and a kids club for both younger children and teens.

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Globales Montemar, Ibiza

For a calmer side of Ibiza, this hillside resort has two pools, a kids’ splash zone, and an all-inclusive buffet with a poolside bar. It’s a 10-minute walk from Cala Llonga’s shallow turquoise bay, offering a scenic, family-friendly base away from the island’s main party zone.

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The islands are fairly quiet too as visitor numbers are limited because the islands form part of a national park.

During the high season it can welcome 1,800 visitors a day, but in low season, this drops to 450.

There are no overnight stays allowed until the Easter period and dates between May 15 to September 14.

But for those who want to stay, you can do so on Faro Island at the campsite.

You can pitch your own tent at Camping Islas Cíes from €10.90 (£9.49) per adult.

If you want to book and have a tent provided, prices start from €69 (£60.07).

On site are plenty of facilities like a phone charging station, snack bar, supermarket, even a souvenir shop.

There’s also a restaurant that looks across Rodas Beach which specialises in seafood like scallops and razor clams.

The site offers activities too from kayak tours to snorkelling, star-gazing and children’s workshops from games to arts and crafts.

When it comes to getting to the islands, it is slightly complicated.

The first thing you have to do is request a free authorisation code up to 90 days in advance.

After that then use it to buy a boat ticket for one of the crossings from Vigo which takes around 45minutes.

These leave the Estación Marítima port and operate frequently during high season which is between May and September.

From the UK, visitors can head to Barcelona, then take a transfer to Vigo Airport.

Return flights in May start from £100, with camping costs, a five-night stay equates to around £150.

Meanwhile, trips to the Caribbean can start from £850pp.

For more inspiration, here are 20 of Europe’s most beautiful islands that have direct flights from the UK – and some of the world’s best beaches.

And this beautiful Spanish island feels like Costa Rica without the long flight – with 31C summers and volcanic beaches.

THE Canary Islands are a hit with Brits offering everything from high octane activity breaks to spots with pretty beaches for relaxing – but which is best for your holiday?

Well, one TUI expert, Jack French, knows exactly which is best and gives his top tips for each location.

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Jack has already booked hundreds of holidays to the Spanish hotspots and says: “People often talk about the Canary Islands as if they’re all identical, but in reality each island has a completely different feel.

“Choosing the right island, and the right hotel on that island, can be the difference between a good holiday and an incredible one.”

Tenerife – The best all-rounder

Tenerife is the largest island in the Canaries and Jack believes is the best all-rounder thanks to it having “so much variety.”

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He says: “You can combine beaches, scenery, local towns and family attractions all in one place.”

The island has golden-sand beaches like Playa de las Teresitas and Playa del Duque for those who want to relax on the shore or take a paddle in the waters.

For those who want more of a thrill, head to Siam Park which is ‘often described as one of the best waterparks in the world’.

Jack adds: “It’s got a bit of everything with those big adrenaline drop slides as well as kid-friendly water playgrounds.

“Even couples without children enjoy it. There are calmer areas like the lazy rivers, so it’s not just about thrills.”

Other must-visit spots are Teide National Park which has volcanic scenery and shows off a different side to the island.

When it comes to eating, Jack recommends heading away from busy promenades and towards villages like La Orotava to try out local restaurants.

He says to try fresh fish and papas arrugadas, which is a traditional boiled potato style Canarian dish.

When it comes to hotels the TUI BLUE Los Gigantes is a good spot for coupes because it’s peaceful, spacious with clifftop views which you can book from £607pp (per person based on two adults sharing a Double Room with Balcony or Terrace on a half-board basis).

Or, TUI offers seven-night breaks to TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical in Tenerife from £464pp (per person based on two adults and two children sharing a studio on an all-inclusive basis).

Gran Canaria – Best for families

Jack says that the island of Gran Canaria “surprises a lot of people”, particularly those who come for the beach “but end up loving how diverse the island feels.”

When it comes to exploring the island, some must-visit spots include the sand dunes of Maspalomas which are one of Gran Canaria’s highlights.

Try to visit either early morning or sunset when you’ll get the best views across the dunes.

Make sure to head inland too where you’ll find mountain villages and winding roads which have beautiful views.

Jack’s recommendation is heading to Gran Canaria’s ‘Little Venice‘ also known as Puerto de Mogan.

The town has its nickname thanks to its canal, and pretty blue-and-yellow-trimmed white cottages.

TUI Musement offers a Gran Canaria’s ‘Little Venice’ – visit Puerto de Mogan by boat experience from £43 per adult.

When it comes to hotels, check into the TUI BLUE Playa Feliz which suits families with younger children thanks to its splash park and big entertainment stage.

TUI also offers seven-night breaks to 4T TUI BLUE Playa Feliz in Gran Canaria from £482 per person (including a free kids’ place).

Lanzarote – Best for scenery

For those who want a quiet and laid-back holiday, head to Lanzarote.

Jack advises it’s much “more about scenery and atmosphere than ticking off attractions.”

Along with its black-sand beaches, other must-sees include the Timanfaya National Park which has red hues thanks to its volcanic landscape.

When it comes to food, you can find hidden gems everywhere – especially at small seafront restaurants.

They serve up simple dishes and fresh local food so make sure to take a long lunches by the sea.

Jack’s top hotel pick is RIU Paraiso which is 30-meters from a Blue Flag beach.

It’s a great spot for those who want to take coastal walks and long lunches, for families, here’s an on-site kids’ club and children’s pool.

TUI offers seven-night breaks to 4T Riu Paraiso Lanzarote from £778pp (based on two adults and one child sharing a twin room).

Fuerteventura – Best for activities

When it comes to Fuerteventura, Jack says it “feels much more open and unspoilt than the other islands”.

Here, the beaches are the gem of the island, they’re miles long and usually aren’t too crowded.

So it’s no surprise that those heading on holiday here love long coastal walks at sunrise or sunset before the island wakes up.

If you’re heading to the island with all the family, Jack often recommends TUI MAGIC LIFE Fuerteventura.

There’s lots to do for teens and is ideal for active families and couples who love sports and being outdoors, with the likes of mountain biking, volleyball and trampolining all forming part of the activity list. 

TUI offers seven-night breaks to 4T TUI MAGIC LIFE Fuerteventura from £665pp (based on two adults and one child sharing a one bedroom family room with balcony or terrace on an all-inclusive basis).

Hear more about the Canary Islands from one man who has visited 100 countries but always goes back to them.

And Sun Travel’s favourite spots in Spain, it’s set to hit a record 100 million tourists this year.

Bothy on Loch Torridon, Wester Ross

With its cheery, cherry-red tin roof, you can’t miss the sturdy stone bothy on the Ben Damph estate. The family-owned 5,868-hectare (14,500-acre) estate nudges up to Loch Torridon, and the bothy, constructed from the ruins of an old black house (a traditional thatched home), has views over the loch to the mountains beyond. Restored by a team of stonemasons, it has two rooms (each sleeping two) warmed by log burners. The furniture has been made from the estate’s timber by a local cabinet maker. Between the two rooms is a “sitooterie” with picture windows framing views over to Ben Alligin. There’s no electricity, but there is running water and a gas-powered hot shower next to the bothy; a compost loo is in the garden.
Sleeps 4, from £342.50 for two nights, bendamph.com

Gastropub and bunkhouse, Cairngorms national park

Squirrelled away among the trees on the banks of the River Spey and on the edge of Aviemore, the Cairngorms’ outdoor activity capital, the Old Bridge Inn is a gastropub with a handful of hip hostel rooms. The dogs-under-the-table inn has a roaring fire and is famous for its folk music sessions. By the riverside beer garden, paddle boarders, canoeists, wild swimmers and anglers make their way on to and into the river; while for climbers, hikers and mountain bikers, the forests and hills of the Rothiemurchus estate are on the doorstep. The bunkhouse has a vintage chic vibe, with seven en suite rooms and dorms and a kitchen – although if you don’t fancy cooking, head next door to the pub and tuck into Strathspey venison samosas with carrot and cumin sauce and roast hispi cabbage.
Dorm beds from £30, double rooms from £85, family rooms from £95, oldbridgeinn.co.uk

Hotel and bunkhouse perfect for exploring Glen Coe

Not much can match Glen Coe for jaw-dropping grandeur. This majestic glen is hemmed in on one side by the jagged peaks of the challenging Aonach Eagach ridge, and to the south, the buttresses of Bidean nam Bian. In 1692, one of the most infamous massacres in history took place here, government forces slaying the MacDonald clan as they slept. Today, it’s a giant outdoor playground, its bleak beauty drawing Munro-baggers, hikers and mountain-bikers. The West Highland Way also passes through the glen, with walkers bedding down in Kingshouse hotel and bunkhouse, a smart wooden hostel with charcoal-grey tin roof. The hotel’s glass-fronted restaurant gives panoramic views of the valley.
From £44 for a bunk, £54 for a bunk and breakfast, kingshousehotel.co.uk

Remote cottage on the car-free island of Ulva

Anyone who binge-watched Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel will know how picturesque the little community-owned, car-free Hebridean island-off-an-island of Ulva is. A short boat ride from Mull, it’s just 7½ miles long by 2½ miles wide. A 5-mile tramp from the pier (next to the excellent Boathouse restaurant) through dappled woodland and along a coastal track, brings you to Bearnus bothy. Perched above a beach where you can go swimming, this little off-grid cottage has been thoughtfully kitted out by Andy and Yvette Primrose, who also run the island’s hostel. Battery-operated fairy lights are strung around the bathroom – fill the old tin bath with water heated on the wood-burning stove. There are games, stacks of novels, guidebooks and maps, and Crocs and wellies to borrow for island yomps.
Sleeps 2, from £121 for a two-night stay, airbnb.co.uk

An inn with rooms and fresh seafood on the Isle of Skye

Charlie Haddock fell in love with the Stein Inn on her way to the Outer Hebrides years ago. In 2019, she packed up her life in London and moved her family to the remote Waternish peninsula to run this whitewashed waterfront hostelry dating from 1790, the oldest inn on Skye. Charlie works front of house and in the kitchen, preparing the langoustine, lobster and crab landed just a few feet from the door (her son and daughter help out in the holidays). The five rooms, all with sea views, were spruced up in 2024 with dove grey tongue and groove, burnt orange headboards and modern artworks.
From about £80 B&B, thesteininn.co.uk

Eco-hostel on Rannoch Moor

Originally a timber-clad boathouse and stables, the old-school Loch Ossian hostel was built around 1895 on the eponymous loch’s shores by Sir John Stirling Maxwell, the owner of the Corrour estate. A passionate environmentalist, in 1931 he handed the building over to the Scottish Youth Hostels Association. Today, the ivy-green and white-trimmed award-winning eco-hostel, hunkered into the windswept wilderness of Rannoch Moor, is powered by a wind turbine and solar panels. It has compost toilets, a reed bed grey-water drainage system and non-toxic, bat-friendly paint. There is no access by car; catch the train to Corrour station then hike (20 minutes) or bike in.
Beds from £25 a night, hostellingscotland.org.uk

Hotel with panoramic loch views

Sipping your morning coffee in the sleek wooden extension of the Kylesku hotel, a 19th-century coaching inn in the north-west Highlands, you can watch the fishers unload their catch on the slipway through picture windows. Right on the water’s edge, overlooking Loch Glendhu, this gourmet bolthole on the North Coast 500 route has 11 rooms – four in the modern annexe, Willie’s Hoose, next door; two with a sea loch-facing balcony. The rugged Assynt landscape is a Unesco-designated geopark, and the hotel offers a range of activities, from guided storytelling walks to sea kayaking and photography workshops.
From about £109 B&B, highlandcoasthotels.com

New architect-designed bothies in Argyll

A derelict croft was the first property to be turned into an off-grid, hillside hideaway on the Lochnell estate. It is lit by hurricane lamps, and outside there’s a wood-fired, sycamore-shaded, hose-filled vintage bath with views over the bay. Now, the Croft Collective’s next batch of bothies is about to be completed. Three architect-designed boltholes, named after birds you can spot along the shoreline – oystercatcher, curlew, kittiwake – will open in June. Just a pebble’s throw from the beach, wide-angled views over the Lynn of Lorne to the Isle of Mull in the west, and the Ardnamurchan hills and the mountains of Morvern, are framed by vast windows. Each bothy has a Japanese-style sunken bath, also with dreamy sea views, hammocks, and binoculars to scour the bay for seals, otters and eagles wheeling above.
From about £220 a night, thecroftcollective.com

Lochside conservation village, Wester Ross

On the shore of Loch Carron, Plockton is a 19th-century conservation village that’s picture-postcard pretty, with yachts bobbing in the bay and palm trees fringing the waterfront. The Plockton Inn has recently had a jaunty revamp – blowsily colourful rooms with floral feature walls, crimson chairs and navy paintwork are split between the old inn, Sorley’s House over the road and The Haven next door. After a day spent visiting nearby attractions such as Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed in Scotland, tuck into creel-caught langoustine or “Plockton prawns” landed on the pier.
From about £170 B&B, highlandcoasthotels.com

Cabin with brilliant sunset views on the Isle of Lewis

Watch the sunset from your bed in this cute cabin by working coastal croft Croft 10. The smallholding is grazed by a flock of Hebridean sheep, the ground scratched by hens (farm-fresh eggs for breakfast). The wooden cabin faces west for spectacular sunsets and an ever-shifting seascape. Scour the water for whales and dolphins, and the sky for birds of prey soaring above Broad Bay. Just under 8 miles from Stornoway on the remote Hebridean isle of Lewis, it’s walking distance to the restored Shulishader Steps. Clamber down to the cove, a wild swimming spot, for a dip. Or head out along the recently completed coastal path, the Point and Sandwick Trail.
Sleeps 2, from £120 a night , hostunusual.com

EMILY has been to Paris (obviously), the Alps, St Tropez, Venice, Rome – and now, it looks as if she’s off to Greece.

According to show creator Darren Star, filming is expected to take place across Greece and Monaco with production starting as soon as next month.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

With the cast members like Lily Collins set to jet off to Greece, we’ve put together our favourite islands with top resorts and world’s prettiest villages…

Crete

As an anti-fly-and-flopper, you know a hotel is good when even I’m tempted to just stay there the whole time.

Over on the west side of Crete, I spent a blissful few days at the family-friendly Royal Senses Resort & Spa.

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The sprawling resort had me sold instantly with the massively long heated swimming pool, as well as the adult-only spa section with day beds and hot tubs.

I had way too much fun travelling on the private hotel funicular every day up to my two-storey suite (that made me feel like I’d stepped into a Selling Sunset property).

Maldives floating breakfasts, live music at dinner, it was serious luxury without having to spend too much – rooms start from around £146 a night.

If you really do want to explore, this side of the island has some beautiful little spots, such as Margarites – a small village known for its ceramics – or Rethimno, a coastal city perfect for market shopping and cocktails.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

A feeling of zen still wafts over me when I look back on my visit to Crete, around eight years ago.

Mum and I were staying in the sleepy town of Agios Nikolaos, on the east coast of the island, in a rugged and airy resort whose white-washed walls were contrasted by large pots of fuschia-coloured roses and climbing vines.

The hotel was a short wander to the main port, where terracotta-roofed houses overlook sparkling waters lined by authentic restaurants serving properly delicious tzatziki and Greek salads.

Gioma Meze is nestled into the cliff-face and whips up all the classic mezze dishes in a fuss-free setting.

From this port you can hitch a boat over to the teeny island of Spinalonga, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It once operated as a leper colony in the early 1900s and has a fascinating story to tell – much of its stony fortress remains intact.

– Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Feeling inspired? Here are some other Greece holidays…

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Blue Bay Beach Resort, Rhodes

The four-star Blue Bay Beach Resort sits a stone’s throw away from this beach, and has its own pools, splash park and water slides. Here you’re only a 15-minute drive away from Rhodes Old Town, where UNESCO-listed medieval streets wind through castle-like architecture. Make sure to check out the Street of the Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe.

BOOK HERE

Gouves Bay Hotel, Crete

Gouves Bay Hotel keeps things simple on a sunny Greek island location right by the sea. This hotel has a relaxed, family-friendly feel with two pools, a kids’ club and easy all-inclusive dining. And if you fancy a change of atmosphere, Gouves’ bars and tavernas are just a short walk away for your choice of evening drinks with a view.

BOOK HERE

Aegean View Aqua Resort, Kos

The picturesque hotel is perched up high and surrounded by lush greenery in the historic harbour town of Kos. Here you’ll find a huge swimming pool and a waterpark, as well as activities like darts, tennis, football and more. There’s evening entertainment six days a week, and an on-site spa with a hot tub and sauna to unwind.

BOOK HERE

TUI Blue Lagoon Queen, Halkidiki

This mega resort with six pools and its own waterpark is rated five stars by TUI. In the main restaurant, you’ll see show cooking displays as you take your pick from an extensive international buffet. Plus, Kalives beach is on the doorstep of this hotel, with its strikingly blue water and soft golden sands.

BOOK HERE

Mykonos

Being one of the most expensive islands in the Cyclades, Mykonos oozes glamour and luxury from its exclusive resorts to sleek beach clubs.

But it still has the charm of Greece with its classic white architecture, lime-coated trees and stone pathways all perfectly framed by bright pink bougainvillea.

Chora Town is beautiful and has lots of boutique shops selling elegant dresses, designer handbags and it is fun to window shop – or splash out if you wish.

There are 16 windmills on Mykonos and seven are on the hill in Chora which at sunset makes for an incredible photo.

If you’re lucky, you might spot several of the island’s pelicans walking about too.

They’re a mascot of the island, starting with the original, Petros who roamed the island for 30 years.

– Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Kefalonia

My very first Greek island holiday is still my favourite – when I took my son, then three years old, to the stunning Kefalonia.

The island in the Ionian Sea — a Hollywood star in its own right thanks to the 2001 film version of Louis de Bernières’ wartime novel — ticked all the boxes and boasts what is often claimed as Greece’s best beach.

We spent a week on the island in mid-May and enjoyed everything it had
to offer — without spending too much money.

Our timing (outside of school holidays) meant we were one of the few
tourist groups on the island.

The weather was still perfect though. The average is highs of 21C in
May and the same in October. There were no crowds, either.

So we were eating al fresco at top seafront restaurants without
needing to make a booking.

On my favourite day, we picnicked at Myrtos Beach with huge Greek
tomatoes, spanakopita, feta and hunks of bread with olive oil.

In a post lunch dip at what is regularly named one of Greece’s top
five beaches, we were the only people in the sea.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Sun Travel (Digital)

Corfu

I’m convinced I’ve found the most underrated spot in Corfu.

Sidari sits on the northern tip of the island, and is often overlooked by those heading to popular resorts like Kavos or Corfu Town.

Sidari has some of the most stunning beaches I’ve seen. The Canal d’Amour is a dramatic sandstone cliff split in two to reveal a tiny beach, with pretty turquoise waters and caves to explore.

A short walk away you’ll find a main strip lined with affordable restaurants that feel super high-end.

Savannah Seaside offers amazing fruity cocktails and delicious flame-grilled skewers in a tropical beach club setting, plus there’s plenty of spots serving gyros and fries for €3.

Plus hotels in this region are mind-bogglingly affordable. I stayed in the Eleni Apartments with TUI, who offer week-long breaks there including return flights from £297.

So if you want a Greek island holiday with plenty of sea views, fruity cocktails and delicious gyros – but without the Mykonos prices – give Sidari a try.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Santorini

Santorini is just as beautiful in real-life as it is in all those posts on Instagram.

The clifftop village of Oia on the northern tip of the island is the most famous where you’ll see the three blue dome churches across the skyline.

It’s even been called one of the most beautiful villages in the world.

Yes, it’s busy. So if you want to avoid the crowds then I’d suggest going in shoulder season like I did in May.

In saying that, you do still have to dodge tourists for a good photo and walking down lively Nikos Monikos Street was particularly cramped.

But it’s all worth it for when you get a small gap in the streets between villas and get a glimpse of the sparkling Aegean Sea.

If you want peace and quiet, and stunning views, head up to the Venetsanos Winery.

Not only does it offer wine tastings, there are unbeatable views across the Santorini caldera.

– Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

For more on Greece, here’s where you can find the world’s best island with chalky houses and beach clubs.

And this ‘last paradise’ island is unknown to tourists and where locals actually go on holiday.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an update for a sun-soaked holiday hotspot and warned that there have ‘been fatal accidents’ in the area

The Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for a hugely popular holiday destination that welcomes thousands of Brits every year.

On Wednesday, 15 April, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for the Maldives. They warned about swimming safety in the Indian Ocean, with the Maldives renowned as a hotspot for snorkelling, swimming and watersports due to its crystal-clear turquoise waters.

While the waters around the Maldives are appealing, the FCDO warned that they “can have strong tidal currents that can drag you away from the shoreline.” They noted that more than eight Brits have drowned in the area since 2021, and urged everyone to be aware of the risks and understand how to minimise them.

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In an updated warning, they said: “You should read the security information provided by your tour operator and make yourself aware of local swimming conditions on arrival at the resort. Keep in regular contact with resort staff to see if these conditions change.

“Only swim in well supervised areas, areas designated as safe for tourists, or where lifeguards are available. Pay attention to warning signs or flags and avoid swimming in areas with strong currents, high waves or dangerous underwater conditions. If something does not feel right, get out of the water at the earliest opportunity.”

They further highlighted: “Being aware of the potential dangers will help you to stay safe. Always take local advice before going into the sea.

“There have been fatal accidents involving boat propellers in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) and nearby whale shark tourism sites. Regulations requiring propeller guards are not yet fully enforced. Take extra care when swimming or snorkelling near boats and follow local safety instructions.

“See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.”

The FCDO doesn’t advise against travel to the Maldives, but it has warned that “escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption”. This has resulted in airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, which could impact “connections to and from the Maldives.”

For anyone planning a trip to the Maldives, the Foreign Office advises the following before travelling:

• “Check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• Check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator before travelling
• Review your travel insurance policy to confirm what is covered
• Monitor local and international media and sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts”

In further travel advice for safety in the Maldives, the FCDO highlight that terrorist attacks “cannot be ruled out”. They state: “Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.”

For more information on travel advice to the Maldives, visit the Foreign Office website.

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

Slow-moving Sinlaku is weakening as it heads towards Guam, but it will still dangerous conditions to the region.

Super Typhoon Sinlaku is closing in on the remote Mariana Islands in the northern Pacific Ocean, where the massive storm system is due to bring destructive winds and heavy rains.

Sinlaku, which formed on April 9, is the strongest storm of 2026, so far, and saw sustained winds of 278 km/hour (173 mph) on Monday, according to The Associated Press (AP) news agency.

The super storm was approximately 68 nautical miles (126km) southeast of the island of Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands at about midday on Tuesday local time (02:00 GMT), and is moving at a slow pace of about 14 km/hour (9 mph), according to the US Joint Typhoon Warning System.

While Sinlaku appears to be weakening and could pass by the Northern Mariana Islands with the strength of a Category 4 or Category 5 storm, it still remains extremely dangerous, according to Guam’s Office of Civil Defence, with warnings of widespread rain and flooding along with destructive winds that could cause power outages.

It appears Guam will avoid a direct hit from Sinlaku, the Civil Defence Office said, although the island will still encounter high winds of up to 64 to 80 km/hour (40 to 50 mph) and gusts of up to 105 km/hour (65 mph)

“Guam remains under both a tropical storm warning and a typhoon watch. While the threat of typhoon-force winds has significantly diminished for Guam, this remains a serious weather event,” the office said, warning that storm conditions will continue into Wednesday.

The office also warned the island’s 170,000 residents to stay out of the water, as dangerous sea conditions are expected to last until Thursday.

Before turning towards Guam and the Northern Marianas, the storm left significant damage to the outer islands and atolls of Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia, said Landon Aydlett, a meteorologist with the weather service in Guam, told the AP.

As the Mariana Islands prepare for the impact of Sinlaku, Australia this week pledged $1.75 million in assistance to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands in the wake of the recent Tropical Cyclone Maila.

The storm ripped through the region over the weekend with the strength of a Category 5 storm, triggering floods and landslides that killed at least 11 people, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape said in a statement that authorities are still assessing the damage.

“Reports are still coming in and are scattered, but we will make sure we reach every place, every island, and every community that has been affected,” he said.

A super typhoon is a name given to the strongest tropical cyclones that develop in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, where Earth’s most intense storms usually form.

April 11 (UPI) — After an about-face by the Trump administration, Britain said it is pausing a plan to transfer ownership of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius because it cannot complete the deal without U.S. support.

Britain on Friday said it is abandoning a deal to return sovereignty to the islands, which would have permitted the both countries to continue using the military base in Deigo Garcia they have operated since the 1970s, because there is not enough time for the U.K.’s parliament to pass a legislation on it, The Guardian reported.

The islands have been controlled by Britain since the 1800s, though in 1968 it granted independence to Maritius — which it also had controlled — but kept possession of the Chagos Islands.

President Donald Trump had in 2024 offered support for Britain to return the islands in return for continued use of the base, which includes billions in annual payments for doing so.

Trump withdrew his support for the deal earlier this year, calling it a “great act of stupidity,” less than a year after Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Trump administration called the deal an “historic” achievement, at least partially because it kept the Diego Garcia base in use.

The change in opinion came, however, weeks before the United States and Israel started the war in Iran at the end of February because, he said at the time, the U.S. military may need to use the Diego Garcia base, The Hill reported.

“The U.K. had two objectives, one was to comply with international law, the second was to reinforce the relationship with the United States,” Simon McDonald, a former permanent secretary in Britain’s Foreign Office.

“When the president of the United States is openly hostile, the government has to rethink, so this agreement, this treaty, will go into the deep freeze for the time being,” McDonald said.

The deal to return the islands to Maritius stems from an overall effort by Britain to reckon with its colonialist history, as well as a 2019 international court decision that said it had acted illegally by separating the Chagos from Maritius in the 1960s.

The military base on Diego Garcia, which dates to a 1966 treaty between Britain and the United States — which the two countries cleared people living in the area from in order to construct it — was to give the two nations a 99-year lease to continue operating the base.

While the Trump initially supported the deal, it has long been controversial in Britain, with Kemi Badenoch, leader of Britain’s Conservative Party, said it took too long for the current U.K. government to give up on it.

Badenoch said the government had dragged its feet on dropping the deal, calling it a “damning indictment of a prime minister, who fought to hand over British sovereign territory and pay $47 million to use a crucial military base which was already ours.”

JUST off the Algarve coast, near Faro, is the Ilha Deserta.

This literally means “deserted island”, but there was no going hungry when I hopped on a boat to this unique spot.

Call me Jill Robinson Crusoe, if you will.

Alongside seven kilometres of gorgeous white sand, the island is home to just one building – the fish restaurant Estamine.

And every dish on the menu is worth the trip alone.

My delicate, buttery, grilled sea bass was cooked to perfection and served with roasted potatoes and vegetables.

SANDS GREAT

Portugal’s ‘Silver Coast’ that is cheaper than the Algarve with £1.08 beers

SANDS GREAT

The sprawling Algarve resort with 10 swimming pools & beach turtle spotting

The choice is dizzying, with everything from giant carabinero prawns and Atlantic lobster to crispy sand shrimps and Grandma’s squid stew.

Reached by boat taxi in around 15 minutes, the restaurant has stunning views of the Atlantic from its floor-to-ceiling windows.

Afterwards, you can sunbathe beside the crystal-clear waters, or take a peaceful stroll while trying to spot the rare birds and chameleons that frequent the island.

If, however, you prefer something a little more fancy, you can enjoy a catamaran trip around the Ilha Deserta, which is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park — a coastal lagoon stretching 60km from Faro to Manta Rota.

I sailed with a local company called iSea and have to admit, sitting on deck with a glass of prosecco and the sun on my face was a highlight of my trip.

But if you don’t have the sea legs for a boat trip, the Algarve has plenty for you to enjoy on dry land.

Faro itself has a marina and historic old town with cobbled streets.

And here, you can delve into fabulous Portuguese cuisine at Tertulia Algarvia, which is set in an historic whitewashed building.

Alongside cooking classes, craft workshops and cooking demonstrations, it serves up some real classics.

There’s still plenty of seafood, from octopus rice to grilled golden bream, but a standout on the menu was the chicken piri-piri.

This original grilled chicken dish comes with a spicier marinade than your local Nando’s as well as a huge portion of crispy chips, all for just £12.60.

Meat dishes are as big a deal as seafood and fish across much of the region, and I was always spoilt for choice when it came to getting my daily fix of protein.

One of my favourite places was in Aldeia da Pedralva — a rural village which has been lovingly rebuilt after many of the buildings were left in ruins.

Now, most of the village buildings are available as accommodation to hire, but the main restaurant, Sitio da Pedralva, is a destination in itself thanks to its incredible farm-to-table offerings.

From succulent wild boar to melt-in-your-mouth pork cheeks, it was a true meat lover’s paradise.

As well as the meat dishes, the chef also serves another classic dish from the region, bacalhau no pao — creamy cod served in a rustic, hollowed-out crusty-bread bowl. Delicious.

After all that food, I needed a walk and, thankfully, a short drive away was a stunning coastal route which makes up part of the Fisherman’s Trail.

Covering 226km from Sao Torpes (near Sines) to Lagos, it is considered one of the best coastal paths in the world.

Along the way, it offers views of dramatic, rugged cliffs that drop off into incredible turquoise waters, and waves that keen surfers seek to ride.

If you want to see the sights but don’t fancy a hike or walk, a Jeep tour is another fun option — and I did a morning trip with Sagres Discovery.

Our charismatic driver took us off-roading to the western Algarve, including Sagres and Cape St Vincent Lighthouse — one of the most powerful in Europe.

All the adventure, food and sea air can certainly make you feel sleepy and, thankfully, I had the perfect place to stay a little further along the coast.

Praia Do Canal Nature Retreat is a five-star hotel set in the heart of the Vicentine Coast, offering tranquillity and relaxation, not to mention incredible decor and attention to detail.

With an infinity pool, yoga classes and exceptional food in its restaurant, it’s perfect if you want to reconnect with nature — and yourself.

The huge rooms also offer a shower that is bigger than my entire bathroom at home, massive beds and views across the rolling hills to the Atlantic Ocean.

But if you want to stay closer to the action and not somewhere as remote as Praia Do Canal Nature Retreat, Faro is a great place to base yourself.

I finished my stay in the region with a couple of nights at 3*B Faro, the only five-star hotel in the downtown area of the city, and just a short walk from the old town and marina.

With a rooftop infinity pool and terrace, as well as indoor spa facilities, the hotel offers some quiet calm once you’ve finished a day of exploring the region.

The Algarve is also a top destination for wine lovers, and a trip to a local vineyard is a must for any itinerary.

I enjoyed a lovely lunch and afternoon at Morgado do Quintão — a family-owned vineyard that also offers a farm-stay experience if you want to linger a little longer.

The estate offers guests a farm-to-table experience with a wine flight from its collection, which has revived the indigenous Negra Mole grape.

It is known for having an unusual variation of grape colour within the same bunch.

I had the chance to try a white, rose and red during my visit, all while enjoying fine views of the vineyard and the imposing 2,000-year-old olive tree which sits in the grounds.

I left the Algarve with a totally different perspective.

From deserted islands to delicious dishes, I’d encourage anyone to go and enjoy every tasty morsel of it for themselves.

A bill laying out plans to return the Indian Ocean archipelago, home to the US-UK Diego Garcia base, has been paused.

The United Kingdom is setting aside a bill to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius amid a lack of support from United States President Donald Trump.

“We have always said we would only proceed with the deal if it has US support,” a UK government spokesperson said in a statement, according to the Reuters and AFP news agencies on Saturday.

This followed reports in the UK media that said a bill laying out plans to cede sovereignty of the 60-plus Indian Ocean islands had been dropped from the next parliamentary agenda.

Last May, the UK and Mauritius jointly announced a deal that would return full sovereignty of Chagos to Mauritius, which is some 2,000 kilometres (1,200 miles) away from the archipelago.

Britain would then pay to lease Diego Garcia – the largest island and a strategic location in the middle of the Indian Ocean between Asia and Africa, which is home to the military base – on a 99-year lease to preserve US operations there.

But Trump opposed the move, calling it an “act of great stupidity” in January.

“Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US. Ensuring its long-term operational security is and will continue to be our priority – it is the entire reason for the deal,” the UK government spokesperson added in his statement.

“We are continuing to engage with the US and Mauritius.”

The statement added that the UK “continue[s] to believe ⁠the agreement is the best way to protect ⁠the long-term future of the base”.

‘Big mistake’

After Trump’s initial opposition, he appeared to momentarily back down in February after speaking with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying Starmer had made the “best deal he could make”.

But he then attacked the prime minister again on Truth Social weeks later.

“He is making a big mistake,” Trump wrote, adding that ceding the Chagos Islands would be “a blight on our Great Ally”.

Over the last six weeks, relations between Trump and Starmer have been further strained by the US-Israel war on Iran.

The UK is now leading a coalition of more than 30 countries to protect vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, without US participation in the initial talks.

Britain has controlled the Chagos since 1814, including after Mauritius gained independence in the 1960s. The Diego Garcia base has played a key role in US military operations in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Chagossians – thousands of whom were forcibly evicted to make way for the base – have brought compensation claims to British courts, culminating in a 2019 International Court of Justice recommendation that the archipelago be returned to Mauritius.

HAVANA — Two U.S lawmakers called for a permanent solution to Cuba’s crises after witnessing the effects of a U.S. energy blockade during an official visit to the island.

Democratic Reps. Pramila Jayapal of Washington and Jonathan Jackson of Illinois met with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez and members of Parliament during a five-day trip that ended Sunday.

Díaz-Canel wrote on X Monday that upon meeting with Jayapal and Jackson, he “denounced the criminal damage caused by the #blockade, particularly the consequences of the energy embargo imposed by the current US administration and its threats of even more aggressive actions.”

Díaz-Canel added: “I reiterated our government’s willingness to engage in serious and responsible bilateral dialogue and find solutions to our existing differences.”

Both the U.S. and Cuba have acknowledged recently that talks are ongoing at the highest level, but no details have been disclosed.

Jayapal told reporters she believes that recent steps taken by Cuba, such as opening the economy to certain investments by Cuban Americans living abroad; the recent announcement that more than 2,000 prisoners would be pardoned; and the arrival of an FBI team to collaborate in the investigation of a fatal shooting involving a U.S.-flagged boat, “indicate that the moment is here for us to have a real negotiation between the two countries and to reverse the failed U.S. policy of decades, a Cold War remnant that no longer serves the American people or the Cuban people.”

Cuba’s government has released the pardoned prisoners who were accused of a variety of crimes, although none so far appear to be political prisoners.

In late January, President Trump threatened to impose tariffs on any country that would sell or provide oil to Cuba, although he made an exception for a Russian ship that reached the island last week with 730,000 barrels of crude oil. It was the first petroleum shipment in three months to dock in Cuba, which produces only 40% of the oil it needs.

“This is cruel collective punishment — effectively an economic bombing of the infrastructure of the country — that has produced permanent damage. It must stop immediately,” Jayapal and Jackson said in a statement released Sunday.

Critical oil shipments from Venezuela were halted after the U.S. attacked the South American country in early January and arrested its leader, Nicolas Maduro.

Cubans already suffering from five years of economic crisis have acutely felt the impact of the fuel shortage: national blackouts, gasoline shortages and rationing, lack of public transport, cuts in working hours, paralyzed hospitals and surgeries, and suspension of flights, among other things.

Russia has promised a second delivery of petroleum, although it’s not clear when it might arrive. Experts have said that the first shipment could produce about 180,000 barrels of diesel, enough to feed Cuba’s daily demand for nine or 10 days.

Jayapal said that while such shipments are critical, they are only temporary solutions: “We need a longer, permanent solution for the Cuban people and the American people.”

Meanwhile, Jackson compared the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz off Iran’s coast to the oil blockade in Cuba, adding that the island “is the most sanctioned part of Earth.”

“Our government is fighting to keep the Strait of Hormuz open so there is a free flow of oil around the world. We want, for humanitarian reasons, a free flow of oil, fuel, and energy in our own hemisphere,” he said.

Jackson and Jayapal said they would prepare a report and continue to work on initiatives proposed by fellow members of the U.S. House of Representatives to lift sanctions against Cuba to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Mesquita and Rodríguez write for the Associated Press.

OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in popular holiday spots and off-the-beaten-track destinations.

This week we’re taking a look at Ocho Rios, a serene resort town on Jamaica’s north coast that’s home to gushing waterfalls and turquoise waters.

According to Jamaica Tourism, its a “true gem in the heart of Jamaica” and the island itself ha seen a boom in demand.

TUI’s UK&I Managing Director Neil Swanson said: “We’re seeing particularly strong demand for our direct long-haul flights to the Caribbean – especially the Dominican Republic and Jamaica – where point‑to‑point routes give customers added confidence and help them keep their holiday plans on track.”

Here are some of our top tips for visiting the resort town on the island of Jamaica.

MUST SEE/DO

Dunn’s River Falls is Jamaica’s most popular waterfall, cascading 600ft down a craggy rock.

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The best way to view it in all its glory is with a Dunn’s River Falls Experience by Island Routes.

Guests are guided to the landmark, passing natural pools leading to the Caribbean Sea.

A two-hour experience costs from $62.73pp including transfer.

Guests staying at the Sandals resorts can add this onto their booking as part of their stay.

HIDDEN GEM

For a relaxed day, soaking up the delights of Jamaica away from the crowds, you can’t go wrong with Mahogany Beach.

It’s less popular than other nearby shores, but no less beautiful.

The laid back atmosphere, calm, clear waters and soft, white sands make this spot ideal for a fly-and-flop day.

Listen to chilled, live music while you paddle and don’t forget to check out the food stalls selling classic Jamaican dishes like jerk chicken and barbecued seafood.

BEST VIEW

It may feel like somewhat of a mission to reach the peak of Mystic Mountain, but once you do you’ll be rewarded with wondrous views of the resort town below.

Those who are up for a walk will be able to take advantage of beautiful flaura and fauna en route, but if you’re not able to or keen on a trek then catch the Sky Explorer chairlift which will carry you 700 feet above sea level.

Adrenaline junkies can take advantage of a zipline course through the treetops which offers equally impressive views.

RATED RESTAURANT

For a proper, home-cooked Jamaican meal Miss T’s Kitchen, in the heart of Ocho Rios, is where to head.

The outdoor restaurant offers a laidback atmosphere with slap-up dinners that celebrate the island culture through classic flavours.

Dishes such as oxtail, curried goat and jerk chicken are paired with veggies, rice and peas (just as they should be).

Wash them back with a rum punch – the only cocktail you’ll want to drink out here.

BEST BAR

Within Sandals Dunn’s River resort, Ocarina Rooftop bar serves its tipples with a cracking view – best enjoyed at sunset when the sky is painted in hazy hues of pink and orange.

Sip on well-muddled cocktails or stick to beer and wine while you relax in the cool sea breeze. With the sound of the lapping ocean in front of you, it’s hear not to unwind here.

HOTEL PICK

The adults-only Sandals Dunn’s River has successfully injected Jamaican touches into the luxury space.

Water is sourced from the natural reserves of the nearby Dunn’s River Falls, hence the name of the resort. Lazy days will never get boring with a whopping 12 restaurants on site, including a swim-up bar.

There’s also complimentary water sports for all-inclusive guests, including up to two scuba dives per day for certified divers, as well as land sports and complimentary green fees at Upton Estate Golf & Country Club and access to the neighboring Sandals Ochi Beach Resort.

JUST off the coast of Portugal is a tiny archipelago that very few tourists visit, or even know about.

The little-known collection of Berlenga Islands consists of three islands – Berlenga Grande, Estelas and Farilhões-Forcado

Berlengas is primarily a nature reserve, home to lots of birds like the yellow-legged gull, guillemot, and sea life which you might spot while snorkelling.

Due to it being protected, and reasonably small, the islands have a daily limit of 550 visitors – and it can only be accessed between March and October.

With the weather this time between 18C and 25C, it’s the perfect time to visit and spend time on its beach – which is one of the prettiest in Europe.

This is Praia da Berlenga Grande, which is also the most famous beach on the island and ideal for relaxing on the golden sands.

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It’s also a good spot for swimming with one visitor saying the clear waters reminded them ‘of the Caribbean‘.

Just be prepared for it to be chill, seeing as the islands are in the Atlantic Ocean.

National Geographic called it one of Portugal’s best beaches with ‘desert vibes’.

One visitor advised to visit in September as it was quieter and they had the beach all to themselves for an hour.

Another popular way to explore the island is by boat with plenty of tours throughout the day.

Bobbing around on the water means you can see the caves that have naturally formed into the cliffside.

One of Berlengas’ most famous rock formations is the Elephant’s Trunk – which literally looks like an elephant’s head and trunk which dips into the ocean.

Another is Dream Cave, or Cova do Donho, which is where fishermen used to spend the night because of its calmer waters.

Visitors can actually stay on the island if they wish and enjoy quieter evenings when the daytrippers leave.

There’s a hotel called Berlenga Bed & Breakfast which has just five rooms and sits on the clifftop so it has incredible views across the ocean.

You can check them out from the hotel’s pretty terrace bar and restaurant.

Anyone feeling brave and wants to sleep within nature can camp out at Forte São João Baptista.

The island’s fort has camping spots and is said to give an “immersive, authentic experience”.

Visitors can sleep in an old cell and have to bring their own sleeping bags or bedding.

There’s a campsite too where visitors can literally pitch up with their own tent with rates from €8 (£6.92) per night – pitches must be booked in advance with the tourist board.

As for how to get there, ferries go to the island three times from Peniche.

The journey between the mainland and the island takes around 30-minutes with tickets costing between £15 and £35.

Get Your Guide has tours on offer to explore the island, like a Cave Tour from €41 (£35.48).

There are also catamaran tours with snorkelling stops from €42 (£36.35) and round-trip boat tours of the islands from €29 (£25.10).

Peniche is a just over an hour’s drive from Lisbon which has direct UK flights for as little as £15.

For more islands, here are some of the most beautiful in Europe with direct UK flights and some of the world’s best beaches.

And check out the world’s best island in Greece with restaurants right on the beach.

EVEN more Brits will get to explore the delights of Montego Bay as Virgin Atlantic is upping its flight offerings.

Thousands more seats are being added to the airline’s schedule very soon making it much easier for holidaymakers to enjoy Jamaica’s sun and sea.

Jamaica is one of the Caribbean‘s most popular islands welcoming around 2.5million visitors every year.

Thanks to its natural beauty and incredible weather – it’s a hit with Brits too.

Now, Virgin Atlantic is boosting the number of its daily services from Heathrow Airport to Montego Bay.

Currently there are just four flights a week, but from June 1 there will be daily flights between the airports – meaning there will be over 15,000 more seats.

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One-way tickets in June with Virgin Atlantic start from £444.

These daily flights which take on average 10 hours and 15-minutes will end on October 24, 2026.

Montego Bay on north-west coast of Jamaica is the capital of the parish of Saint James and is one of the most popular tourist spots on the island.

Of course Brits flock there for its great weather and beautiful bays like Doctor’s Cave Beach.

It’s considered one of the most beautiful in the country with white sand and bright turquoise waters.

Aside from sunbathing and paddling, snorkelling is popular too as swimmers are likely to spot parrotfish, turtles, and small sharks.

Other top-rated beaches in the area include Cornwall Beach, Walter Fletcher Beach and Dead End Beach.

For those who want to explore island life, head to the Hip Strip which is filled with local restaurants, bars, shops, and there’s plenty of nightlife too.

Check out some of our favourite Caribbean holidays…

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Hotel Capriccio Mare, Dominican Republic

Facing the calm, crystal waters of the Caribbean Sea, Hotel Capriccio Mare looks like a bright white island villa. The hotel’s position on Bavaro’s coastline is perfect for exploring the popular resort town of Punta Cana. Whether it’s strolling the sands to grab a fresh coconut with a straw, or venturing out on a catamaran trip to Saona Island, this dreamy Caribbean resort is not one to miss.

BOOK HERE

Coconut Court Beach Hotel, Barbados

This friendly, family-run hotel is a slice of Caribbean paradise. This hotel sits smack-bang on a sugar-white beach with warm turquoise waters. Enjoy both the beaches of Barbados and its plethora of rum bars – there are about 1,500 of them on the island.

BOOK HERE

Sugar Bay Club, St Kitts

Set on the quiet side of St Kitts’ Frigate Bay, the boutique Sugar Bay Club offers superb value and wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Staff are on hand to assist with island tours, from catamaran cruises to scenic railway excursions.

BOOK HERE

Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort, Antigua

Amazing Antigua has 365 beaches – one for every day of the year – as well as a fascinating history. This resort in Falmouth Harbour is perfect for exploring the beautiful local area, including Pigeon Point, Nelson’s Dockyard and English Harbour.

BOOK HERE

Other activities around Montego Bay include scenic bamboo rafting tours on the Martha Brae River which head through the rainforest.

Around an hour away from Montego Bay is Dolphin Cove where there are dolphin experiences and dolphin spotting in natural lagoons.

Back on land, the Rose Hall Great House is another attraction tourists flock to.

It’s a restored 18th-century Georgian mansion and former sugar plantation.

The historic house museum offers tours throughout the day to visitors wanting to learn more about the former owner, the White Witch of Rose Hall.

When it comes to Jamaica, the best months to visit are December through to April when it is at its warmest at around 30C.

During this time it’s mostly dry with low humidity.

Here’s another Caribbean island to visit with floating bars…

For more on the Caribbean, the islands of Turks and Caicos is rising in popularity due to the conflict in the Middle East – Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited in 2024 and reveals more on the beautiful destination…

She said: “One of the main draws are the stunning beaches – so beautiful in fact they are often named some of the best in the world.

“I spent my jet-lagged mornings walking the length of Grace Bay, with powder soft sand and quiet sunrises. Even in the evening they were just as beautiful with pink sunsets ending the day. And there is not just one, but two floating bars.

“One of the most popular is Captain Oak’s Tiki Bar, which has even welcomed celebs such as Drake and Jake Harlow Tourists have to pay $20 (£15.10) to get there by boat or jet ski.

“Otherwise there is the more vibey Noah’s Ark, which has a floating dance floor as well as sea swings.”

For more on the Caribbean, here’s the cheapest island that has direct UK flights, 30C winters and award-winning beaches.

And one Sun Writer stayed on the tiny Caribbean island with two of the world’s best beaches and pastel pink resorts.

People in the Canary Islands have been warned to stay indoors, stay hydrated, and keep their windows shut to protect themselves from an incoming weather phenomenon.

Six different types of tourists have been urged to exercise extra caution as the Canary Islands brace for potentially hazardous weather. People in the Canaries have been warned to stay indoors, stay hydrated and keep their windows shut to protect themselves against incoming Saharan dust.

As of Yesterday (March 30), reports warned of a massive dust plume that was expected to be carried towards the Canary Islands by strong winds, merely days after Storm Therese brought unprecedented rainfall. The haze was due to arrive at 12 noon yesterday, with yellow weather warnings in place across the region.

In response, the Canary Islands Health Department, working via the General Directorate of Public Health of the Canary Islands Health Service, has issued advice to those who may be impacted by the dust, which is due to strike several islands over the coming days. Suspended dust is expected to negatively impact the air quality, weather forecasts indicate.

An “adverse weather phenomenon” has been linked to the event, prompting the regional government to issue a “calima” alert status (a term used to refer to these types of Saharan dust events). Health authorities have urged people to refrain from staying outside for extended periods, keep windows shut, and steer clear of heavy physical exertion outside.

Spanish news site Canarias7 explained that this is due to its potential impacts on health, with high concentrations of particles able to lead to mild symptoms such as nasal and throat irritation, itchy eyes, and coughing. However, it can also result in more serious issues, including asthma attacks and problems for those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, with the risk of respiratory infections also raised.

It was further noted that this advice applies particularly to the six most vulnerable groups:

• Minors
• Elderly people
• Those with chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions, like asthma or bronchitis
• Pregnant women
• Outdoor workers
• Smokers

Hospital visits increase during these events, “even up to five days after the episode ends”. Other recommendations include cleaning surfaces with damp cloths, taking your usual prescribed medication, avoiding humid settings, monitoring official information on the event, and calling 112 if respiratory symptoms worsen. People in the Canary Islands have also been advised to check the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the Canary Islands Government’s Air Quality Monitoring Network.

Meanwhile, there are other regional weather warnings specifically for coastal conditions, activated when strong winds, rough seas, and large swells are expected to impact shorelines and ferry operations. It means that people should take precautions when near beaches and harbours.

As for the Saharan dust, the warnings affect the top destinations of Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, with coastal and wind advisories for Tenerife, El Hierro, La Gomera, La Palma, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria. Much-loved by UK tourists, the Canaries welcomed 6.3 million Brits in 2024.

Island president Rosa Dávila emphasised that safeguarding the public remains a priority after emergency alerts were received by phones in northern Tenerife. Rosa said: “We are facing a changing situation, with a storm that maintains an unstable behaviour. Our priority is to anticipate and protect the public.”

It follows the impact of Storm Theresa, which hit the region hard, generating upwards of 700 litres of rain per square metre in some spots. In addition, the so-called “storm of the decade” reportedly transformed streets into rivers and affected tourist areas.

THERE are plenty of beautiful islands around Greece, but you might not have heard of Andros.

It’s the second-largest island in the Cyclades and is considered to be one of the most beautiful, and underrated.

Andros has it all, with mountain landscapes, beaches with bright blue waters, lush greenery with waterfall trails, and a town classically painted in Greece‘s blue and white.

Visitors arriving by ferry will first come to Gavrio, on the northwest coast which historically was a fishing village.

Now it’s a lot busier and vibrant with plenty of tavernas, bars and hotels – however this isn’t the capital of the island.

An hour’s drive away from Gavrio is Chora, which literally means ‘main village’.

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One visitor who blogged about their recent trip named Verde as a top place to grab a bite there.

Their top tip was to taste the Miss Pink cocktail, which is a mix of champagne, lime and grapefruit.

When it comes to drinks, on Andros, you can pick up a glass of wine from €3 (£2.60).

Along with its pretty village to explore, the real gems of this island are the beaches that are dotted along the coastline.

There are beautiful beaches too with white sands and bright blue seas.

One of the most popular north of Chora is called Zorkos Beach, which is also one of the island’s biggest.

One visitor said: “One of the best beaches I have visited in general in my life! Incredible waters, clear and a very quiet place even though it has a beach bar there!”

Another added: “Zorkos beach is just fantastic! Clean water and a very relaxed atmosphere. Perfect place to escape and enjoy the sea without a lot of people. We will definitely visit again.”

Other popular spots include Vitali Beach on the north eastern side of the island.

The beach is always fairly empty as it’s secluded and can only be accessed by a narrow dirt track – so it’s recommended to get there by motorbike or jeep.

Another spot which has crystal clear waters is Tis Grias to Pidima Beach, which has a huge rock stack off its shore.

The beach can be reached via a dirt road and steep trail, but lots of visitors say it’s worth a visit thanks to its beautiful views.

Heading inland, one popular activity for tourists on Andros is hiking to its waterfalls.

One of the easiest trails that takes around 10-minutes is to the Pithara Waterfalls, which is dubbed a ‘hidden paradise’ in Apikia.

Visitors say there’s enough water for a small swim, along with plenty of pretty viewing points from above the falls.

For those staying on the island, some hotels cost as little as £36 per night, which you can find on Booking.com.

The Ostria Hotel & Apartments has an outdoor pool, and is a few minutes walk away from Gavrio.

On Airbnb, pretty apartments start from £67 per night.

This one in Chora is within walking distance to the sea, as well as restaurants, bars, cafes, museums and art galleries.

When it comes to getting to the island, Brits will have to fly to Athens, which in May can be done for £25 with Ryanair.

From there, take a ferry across to the island which can be as quick as one hour with Seajets (with tickets from £30).

For more on Greek islands, one expert reveals the four better value islands where locals go on holiday with Santorini-like houses and secluded beaches.

Storm Therese is battering the Canary Islands with heavy rain, 100km/h winds and significant snowfall, with over 40 flights cancelled and schools closed across the islands

Storm Therese is currently wreaking havoc on the Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and La Palma, with an unusual mix of heavy rain, 100 km/h (62 mph) winds, and significant snowfall at high altitudes. Authorities have declared a full-scale emergency in Tenerife, labelling it as one of the most severe storms to batter the archipelago in over a decade.

Spain‘s meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued several alerts that will remain active throughout the weekend. Orange (high risk) warnings have been dispatched for northern Tenerife and parts of La Palma due to wind gusts reaching 90–100 km/h and heavy rainfall. Concurrently, yellow warnings are in place across all seven islands for rain, thunderstorms, and choppy seas with waves reaching up to 6 metres (20 feet).

Unusually for this time of year, significant snowfall has also blanketed Mount Teide and surrounding peaks above 1,800–2,000 metres.

The storm has led to widespread cancellations and safety closures across the islands. Over 40 flights were cancelled or rerouted by Friday, March 20, primarily at Tenerife North and South airports. Travellers are advised to check their flight status via Flightradar24 or their airline.

Schools and universities in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and several other islands were shut on Thursday and Friday, whilst key roads, including access to Teide National Park and the TF-445 to Punta de Teno, are closed due to ice and snow.

Major international events such as the Tenerife Bluetrail 2026 race have been cancelled or postponed.

Providing an update on the weather situation on Friday (March 20), one Tenerife resident known as @theknightstrider1 on TikTok took to the platform to share details with his 115,000 followers.

The car hire and bar owner, who is based in Playa de las Américas, was heard saying: “A little weather update for you then, it’s raining… it’s pretty grim and it’s gone really overcast as well.

“The rain showers are on and off, we haven’t really had any rain until now. It was okay this morning, but yeah it is raining. The current temperature’s around 18 degrees, not too cold but the umbrella’s are out, people are sheltering and it’s really not that nice.”

He added: “Bear in mind, you might get caught in the rain, have a brolly with you. Maybe some of the rain macs as well if you’ve got any, if not buy some because it’s on and off.”

One person wrote: “Weather’s been awful the last three days, can’t wait to go home.”

Whilst another added: “Arrive tomorrow, packed a brolly.”

A third chimed in: “This makes me so happy as someone who was going to go this week and changed to last week! Phew.”

Whilst a fourth asked: “Why is it every time it’s sunny in the UK it rains in Tenerife?”

Another resident of the Canary Islands also posted a weather update on TikTok from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, captioning the clip, ‘Rain, wind and choppy ocean. Flights cancelled and diverted. Flooding in El Médano and roads closed. The storms Theresa and Samuel are hitting Canary Islands.’

He then said in the video: “Here if your weather update from Tenerife South on Friday March 20th, 2026. The two storms – Theresa and Samuel – are hitting the Canary Islands with force.

“As you can see here, we have quite a lot of waves here in the Troya area of Las Americas. The storms have caused quite a few incidents on the island, we have had 11 flights cancelled yesterday, 10 flights have been cancelled during the day today.

“We have had quite a few flights deviated to other airports as well and we have had ferries that have been cancelled because of the conditions out on the see.”

He explained the temperature was currently hovering around 19 degrees and there had been some rain which was “coming and going” along with overcast skies.

Are flights from the UK to Tenerife being cancelled?

Yes, flights from the UK to Tenerife are currently experiencing cancellations and significant disruptions due to severe weather from Storm Therese.

As of Saturday, 21 March 2026, authorities in Tenerife have declared an island-wide emergency due to extreme conditions including heavy rain, strong winds, and rare snowfall over high ground.

Over 36 flights were cancelled earlier this week, with further disruptions reported today. While many cancellations involve inter-island services, several international flights have been diverted or cancelled due to poor visibility and high winds.

Currently, the most affected airport is Tenerife North (TFN), which has seen the greatest impact, though Tenerife South (TFS) – where most UK flights land –is also experiencing delays and some rerouted services.

Conditions are expected to remain hazardous through Saturday, with a gradual improvement predicted for Sunday, 22 March.

Major airlines serving the UK to Tenerife route, such as Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and TUI, are urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport

If your flight is cancelled, contact your airline immediately to discuss rebooking or refund options.

THE CANARY Islands are facing huge storms and rain this week, which has even meant snow in places like Tenerife and La Palma.

Here’s what you need to know if you have a holiday booked there.

What is happening in the Canary Islands?

Storm Therese has left the Canary Islands in turmoil as weather warnings have remained in place for several days.

More snow is expected in Tenerife after the mountains in the Teide National Park were blanketed in white on Thursday.

As a result, more than 40 flights have been cancelled this week across the Canaries.

Orange and yellow alerts are in place across the islands, warning of heavy rain, storms, flooding and high waves.

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Can I cancel my holiday?

If you want to cancel your upcoming holiday to the Canary Islands, you will be left out of pocket.

This is because the UK government still deems it safe to travel to Spain, so airlines and tour operators are under no obligation to refund you.

It is only when travel is warned against that it is likely your holiday will be cancelled and refunded.

Bad weather does not affect this.

And the weather warnings are expected to be lifted by the end of the week – so won’t affect the Easter holidays.

What if my flights are affected?

Compensation doesn’t apply here either – weather is seen as “out of the airline’s control”.

This means they do not have to offer any compensation if your flight is delayed by the weather.

They do, however, have a duty of care towards you, which includes hotels if the flight is delayed overnight, as well as food and drink vouchers.

The airline must put you on an alternative flight if yours is cancelled as well.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) states: “If your flight is cancelled, many airlines will provide vouchers for you to buy food and drink.

“If you require accommodation, they may book a hotel and arrange transportation for you.

“If you end up paying for things yourself, keep every receipt and do not spend more than is reasonable.”

If you accept a refund, their duty of care ends towards you and you will have to pay for your own hotels and return flight home.

WITH the Iran crisis continuing, it’s no surprise that Brits are changing their holiday plans.

Destinations like Dubai and Doha remain off the travel list, and Brits are avoiding certain long-haul destinations that involve stopovers in the Middle East – but TUI says that other holiday spots are on the rise instead.

TUI has revealed that there’s been a change in demand when it comes to Brits booking holidays.

Instead, certain locations are being favoured as a result – in particular, two Caribbean islands.

TUI’s UK&I Managing Director Neil Swanson said: “We’re seeing particularly strong demand for our direct long-haul flights to the Caribbean – especially the Dominican Republic and Jamaica – where point‑to‑point routes give customers added confidence and help them keep their holiday plans on track.”

The islands are popular year-round with Brits thanks to their sunshine, high temperatures and beautiful coastlines.

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Flights to the islands are direct and take between eight and ten hours.

They also don’t pass through the Middle East as they head over the North Atlantic Ocean instead.

TUI offers holidays to Jamaica from £899 per person.

In Jamaica, a popular spot is Negril, which is the capital of the island that sits along the western tip.

Over the years it has been visited by famous faces likes Bob Marley and even The Rolling Stones.

It has the Seven Mile Beach, which offers visitors to ride across the sand on horses, and go snorkelling.

TUI offers holidays to Montego Bay too, a destination which is known for being popular with tourists with all-inclusive resorts, white-sand beaches, and nightlife.

It also has breaks to Ocho Rios which has lots of green spaces like the Dunn’s River Falls, the Blue Hole – a natural limestone sinkhole that’s considered a hidden gem.

When it comes to Jamaica, the best months to visit are December through to April when it is at its warmest and most dry.

The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is the same, and TUI offers breaks from from £899 per person.

The Dominican Republic is also one of the cheapest islands to visit.

Laura Evans Fisk, Head of Digital & Engagement at eurochange said: “As we’ve seen transactions for the Dominican peso surge this year ahead of any other currency, we can definitely expect to see the Dominican Republic at the top of travel bucket lists for UK tourists in 2026. 

Beaches are beautiful all around the island, but the Dominican Republic also has two of the best in the world – Canto de la Playa and Bahia de las Aguilas.

Santo Domingo is the island’s capital, where there are find plenty of bars – and average price of a local beer is 150DOP (£1.86).

Other destinations that are on the rise for travellers include Thailand’s Phuket and Goa in India.

He said the reason is that the long-haul flights from TUI “offer customers reassuring alternatives that avoid transiting through the region.”

Neil Swanson added: “Closer to home, destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean continue to perform well, with Spain, Portugal, Greece and Cape Verde seeing increased demand in recent days.”

For more on Cape Verde – here’s what you can do on the islands that have white sand beaches, no jet lag and cheap package holidays.

And a TUI expert reveals how to save hundreds on the same holiday and the little-known money saving tool.

WHEN it comes to travelling to Greece there are loads of islands to choose from – but now the cheapest spots have been revealed, and you might be surprised.

Greece is a much-loved holiday destination for Brits, and now the islands where you could save over £1,000 have been revealed.

According to new data by TravelSupermarket, Kefalonia – the largest Ionian island – is the cheapest Greek destination.

Looking at average prices for a seven-night holiday between September 16, 2025 and March 15 2026, TravelSupermarket found that Kefalonia cost an average of £596 per person.

Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital), who has visited the island, said: “Looking out at Myrtos Beach, which is regularly named one of Greece’s top five, it felt like we were being let in on a great secret.

“The bright white shoreline and astonishingly clear aquamarine waters shone back at us, almost completely empty.

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“It was so peaceful, in fact, that a digital nomad had set up his van office in the parking lot overlooking the sea.”

In second place is Lefkada, costing around £606 per person.

Instead of heading to Corfu, Lefkada (which is just along the coast) offers fewer crowds.

Also, in comparison to a seven-night break in Corfu, you could save £216 per person, or £864 if travelling as a family of four.

The island of Lefkada is often dubbed the ‘Caribbean of Greece’ thanks to its exotic, Caribbean-like natural landscape.

Across the island, you will find sprawling beaches including Porto Katsiki.

And in the island’s main town, there are lots of alleys to explore, and a long promenade with restaurants and bars littered along it.

In the town, look at the buildings too, as many are in a Venetian architectural style.

Surprisingly, Santorini ranked third most affordable, costing around £637 per person.

The stunning island is one of the most popular destinations in Europe attracting honeymooners and A-listers such as Angelina Jolie and Beyonce.

And as a result, many think visiting the island comes with a premium price tag.

But a trip to the white-and-blue island doesn’t need to break the bank.

Hotels can cost from just £35 a night and the island has a good bus network, which costs less than £2 a ticket.

For less busy spots, check out Megalochori, Pygros or Emborio – they all feature cobbled roads, cosy tavernas and authentic Greek food.

Mykonos followed in fourth, costing around £670 per person.

Mykonos is often thought to be one of Greece‘s most glamorous and expensive places to visit.

But it is actually cheaper than heading to Crete.

If you swapped Crete for Mykonos, you could save around £98 per person.

Often associated with parties, Mykonos is a great destination to head to if you enjoy nightlife.

Beaches including Paradise and Super Paradise have bars with live music and a number of clubs attract world-renowned DJs.

But Mykonos doesn’t just have great nightlife; make sure to check out the row of 16th-century windmills on the hill above the town.

Rhodes then rounded out the top five, costing around £689 per person.

Instead of heading to Kos, head to Rhodes.

Both destinations are Dodecanese staples, with lots of sunny weather and stunning beaches.

Yet, if you head to Rhodes over Kos you could save a massive £254 per person – or £1,016 for a family of four.

The island is well-known for its 3,000-year-old history with the UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town as well as amazing beaches including Lindos Beach and Faliraki Beach.

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “Greek islands are not all created equal when it comes to price — but the expensive ones might not be the islands you’d expect.

“Mykonos costs less to book than Crete. Rhodes is hundreds of pounds cheaper than Kos.

“If you’re prepared to swap one island for another, the savings can be huge.”

For more ideas on where to travel in Greece, there is one smaller island that has 70 beaches.

Plus, one Greece expert shares four better value islands where locals go on holiday.

Greek divers surface around me shouting about “megalo” groupers. I’m surrounded by enormous grins above the water and big fish below. A happy place to be. A bunch of us, divers and snorkellers, are hanging around Agios Petros reef off the island of Alonissos, and there’s a reason the groupers are big here. The National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades, established in 1992, is Greece’s largest working marine protected area (MPA) – two bigger MPAs have just been created, but are not yet operational. The protective measures appear to be working, judging by the size, abundance and diversity of marine life – glassy waters teeming with colourful fish and precious shells make swimming here an absolute dream.

For those who like to go deeper, Alonissos is the site of Greece’s first underwater archaeological park and museum – the impressive Peristera wreck, with its giant cargo of amphorae preserved from the 5th century BC. This one is for certified divers descending with accredited local dive centres. I’m with one of those schools, Ikion Diving, but today we’re doing something more accessible. We’re in the village of Steni Vala for the launch of a citizen science project, the Highly Protected Mediterranean Initiative (much more fun than it sounds). Ikion is partnering with the universities of Thessaloniki and the Aegean to offer free snorkelling and diving trips logging native and alien species. I’m worried about my fish ID skills, but the effervescent biologist Katerina Konsta runs a great briefing and we’re given dive slates with images to mark (imparting a childish delight at playing scientist).

YouTuber Wendall flew to the Isles of Scilly off Cornwall and found stunning golden sandy beaches that he compared to the Caribbean, with experts also praising the remote islands as a UK paradise

A traveller who journeyed to some of England’s most isolated islands has insisted certain beaches rival those found in the Caribbean.

YouTuber Wendall, who shares content on the video platform through his eponymous channel, travelled to the Isles of Scilly. The Isles of Scilly comprise five inhabited islands including St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, Bryher, and St Agnes.

The Isles of Scilly are a compact archipelago situated just off the Cornish coast and have been recognised for generations as a location of significant interest and cultural value to the United Kingdom, reports the Express.

Whilst touring the region by boat, Wendall questioned the vessel’s operator about the standard of the beaches. He observed: “I’ve heard St Martin’s has got the nicest beaches.”

The boat operator responded: “It does have nice, golden, sandy beaches, yes. Nice golden sandy beaches.”

Wendall then remarked: “Caribbean-esque.”

Wendall isn’t alone in highlighting the Isles of Scilly’s beaches, with those at Tresco’s Pentle Bay also garnering considerable acclaim.

Specialists from GO Outdoors recently named Pentle Bay among the finest beaches to explore this spring, thanks to temperatures hovering around 10C and approximately 7.2 hours of daily sunshine.

This reputation is echoed in numerous Google Reviews. One visitor described it as “one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen,” while another called it a “mini paradise” and a “private gem.”

Discussing the subject, Calum Jones, author at GO Outdoors, commented: “As the days get longer and the weather warms up, spring is the perfect time to explore the stunning coastlines across the UK. From Druridge Bay Beach in the North East to Immeridge Bay in the South West, there are breathtaking beaches to discover all around the country.”

Beaches in this region are not the only ones to attract attention; Cornwall’s shores have also earned widespread acclaim, including Kynance Cove.

Located just a short drive from Falmouth, Kynance Cove has drawn comparisons to beaches on the opposite side of the globe in New South Wales, Australia.

Research conducted by Parkdean Resorts found that Kynance Cove boasts the whitest sand in the UK.

They stated: “Topping the list as the UK’s whitest beach is Kynance Cove in Cornwall. This Cornish cove boasts powder-soft sands made primarily of quartz, giving the beach its bright, white appearance. This breathtaking spot gives even Australia’s iconic coastline a run for its money.”