makeover

WASHINGTON — A federal district judge said Tuesday that paint tests on a 19th-century historic landmark building next to the White House can go ahead, advancing President Trump’s plans to add a new coat of white paint to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, for now.

Trump has suggested the massive building be painted as part of his push to remake and beautify the nation’s capital. Planners said the paint job would cost at least $7.5 million.

The proposal to paint the building has alarmed preservationists, architects, historians and others who argue that granite is not meant to be painted and that paint would trap moisture and degrade the stone.

U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich said plaintiffs in an ongoing case had not shown that minimal tests planned for the historic building would cause irreparable harm if those tests go ahead.

The plaintiffs, which include cultural preservationist groups, had sought a restraining order and a temporary injunction to stop the Trump administration from conducting tests and other preparatory work.

At issue was whether that work would get ahead of a larger question before the court over whether the General Services Administration could delegate its authority for such a project to the Executive Office.

“The plaintiffs’ motion rises and falls on irreparable harm,” Friedrich said from the bench. The test areas would include about 8 square feet of the building’s massive exterior and several panels that can’t be seen by the public, she said.

Friedrich said that while she was allowing that test to move ahead, she would not hesitate to step in and rule if the administration moved beyond the limited testing. She asked the parties to provide a status report by next Tuesday and ordered regular reports following that.

Gregory Werkheiser, a lawyer with Cultural Heritage Partners and one of the plaintiffs, said that while he and others challenging the painting plan were disappointed, “the reasons we brought this case are untouched by today’s decision.”

The larger issue, he said, is whether “the president has taken power illegally from the GSA and put it in his office in terms of this project and the implications of that. If that holds true for historic properties around the country, that could be devastating.”

Fields writes for the Associated Press.

UCLA players are working to live up to the immense hype building around new head coach Bob Chesney.

From the Curt Cignetti similarities, to the competition-centric practice plans to the family-oriented coaching staff, all signs point to a bounce-back year for UCLA after going 3-9 last season.

But how much better will the Bruins be?

Let’s take a closer look at the changes Chesney and has staff have made to UCLA’s offensive personnel.

For the second straight year, UCLA’s attack will run through senior quarterback Nico Iamaleava. The former five-star prospect experienced a tumultuous exit from Tennessee in the spring of 2025 and the challenges followed him to Westwood, where Iamaleava ranked outside the top 10 in the Big Ten in passing yards and passing touchdowns en route to the program‘s worst record since 2018.

But with a full year at UCLA under his belt, and a full offseason working with Chesney and offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy, Iamaleava should be poised for his best year yet — particularly with the weapons Chesney added.

The running backs are the strongest offensive group, with the Bruins boasting three potential starters in senior Jaivian Thomas and fifth-year pair Anthony Woods and Wayne Knight. While Knight was injured for the majority of the spring, Chesney said he is now healthy.

UCLA — which is historically known for its premier tailbacks such as Jackie Robinson, DeShaun Foster, Maurice Jones-Drew and Zach Charbonnet — finished third worst in the nation in rushing yards in 2024 and No. 13 in the Big Ten in 2025.

And while Iamaleava finished as the team’s leading rusher last season, that will not be the case with the three-headed attack the Bruins boast this season. The trio have all cycled through the first team throughout preseason camp, and given Chesney’s emphasis at depth and the likelihood of injury at that position, it looks as though all three will be dividing top running back duties in 2026 — at least to start.

“That room, I’m really looking forward to just seeing how they continue to jell together and grow, and see who starts to emerge a little more,” Chesney said of the running backs. “But at that position, it’s very rare to make it through a whole season as a running back, so we’re going to need them all.”

On the boundaries, Chesney also brought in reinforcements to fortify a wideout room that finished 2025 ranked No. 16 and No. 14 in the conference in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, respectively.

James Madison transfer Landon Ellis and South Carolina transfer Brian Rowe Jr. have consistently lined up with the Bruins’ starting outside receivers, with the latter praised by Chesney and teammates at Big Ten media days as a player who has “popped off the screen.”

Florida transfer Aidan Mizell also took reps with the starters in the first three days of camp, and could give the Bruins a speedy, downfield, deep-shot receiver who could unlock Iamaleava’s big arm that was largely invisible in 2025.

San José State transfer Leland Smith gives Iamaleava a big-bodied receiver that can make contested catches on the boundaries or hang on to balls over the middle of the field.

Senior wideout Mikey Matthews emerged as the starting slot option over Michigan transfer Semaj Morgan during the first three days of camp, but expect the battle for this spot to continue. Matthews and Morgan are proven contributors from the inside while also offering services in the return game as well.

Just two tight ends — Molokai Matavao and Greg Dulcic — have had more than 300 receiving yards since 2020. And that trend could continue into 2026. The Bruins’ projected starter, JMU transfer Josh Phifer, is more of a blocking body than a receiving threat, and when they went to 12 personnel at preseason camp, Kennedy turned to Kansas State transfer Brayden Loftin and sophomore Noah Fox-Flores — both of whom lack production in the passing game.

UCLA coaches had to address a weak offensive line immediately after taking over the program. Iamaleava took 27 sacks last season, which ranked fourth in the Big Ten and No. 24 in the nation. With Iamaleava’s love of scrambling and reluctance to slide, a fortified front five is integral to offensive success.

After three days of camp, the center and tackles look to be solidified with 2025 second-team All-Sun Belt selection Riley Robell in the middle, South Alabama transfer Jordan Davis at left tackle and Boise State transfer at Hall Schmidt at right tackle.

The main offensive position battle, alongside slot receiver, are the two guard spots, with the Bruins’ lone returning starter from last year’s offensive line, junior Eugene Brooks, returner Julian Armella and 2025 third-team All-Sun Belt selection Carter Sweazie all competing for two spots. All three cycled through with the other starters during the first three days of camp.

While it seems like the majority of the starting offense is settled, question marks surround a team that features such little continuity and so many new faces.

But on paper, the Bruins’ offense seems poised for a breakout year.

If the offensive line holds up, at least better than the year before, then the ground game should be able to win the time-of-possession battle, wear down opponents and open up the passing game.

Preseason MVP pick (non-QB): Wayne Knight. He’s healthy, returning from an Associated Press second-team All-American season, and has three capable runners in Thomas, Woods and Iamaleava to balance the attack.

Breakout pick (non-Brian Rowe): Everybody is picking Brian Rowe Jr. to be the Bruins’ biggest breakout on either side of the ball. But Jaivian Thomas is another tailback to watch. The California transfer ran for 626 yards and seven touchdowns in just 100 touches at California in 2024, but ran for only 294 in 81 carries last season. He looks better than ever during preseason camp and should flourish with a revamped offensive line and additional capable runners in the room.

Biggest question mark: Tight end/offensive line. For the former, the group features a hodgepodge of transfers and returners, all of them with little proven production. For the latter, there’s a lot of talent and depth, but little continuity. Can the transfers make the jump to the Big Ten and what does the chemistry look like for a line where a maximum of two have lined up together before?

Bold prediction: UCLA finishes the season ranking top three in rushing yards and scores in the Big Ten.

In case you missed it

UCLA senior Rodrick Pleasant is driven to lead, pay forward help others gave him

UCLA coach Bob Chesney works to make Bruins uncomfortable as preseason camp kicks off

UCLA Unlocked: Maurice Jones-Drew hopes his son helps put Bruins on top

Bob Chesney, UCLA top players share their belief Bruins will win at Big Ten media days

Plaschke: Bob Chesney is going to do the impossible at UCLA — win

Have something Bruin?

Do you have a comment or something you’d like to see in a future UCLA newsletter? Email newsletters editor Houston Mitchell at houston.mitchell@latimes.com. To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here.

A POPULAR beach destination in the UK is about to get a huge makeover.

The UK’s first seaside town – Scarborough – will soon have an upgraded train station.

Made Britain’s first seaside resort in the early 17th century after mineral waters were discovered in the town, the train station project is expected to cost millions.

Plans include upgrading the forecourt at the Grade-II listed Victorian station, with new seating, a taxi rank, drop-off areas and a pedestrian area.

There will be a new station roof too, as well as two accessible parking bays, alongside new taxi drop-off spaces.

The redevelopment is being funded by part of the £6.68million Government’s Local Regeneration Fund.

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Plans to upgrade the train station were first submitted three years ago.

Though, the proposals have changed over the years with original plans set to make the entire forecourt pedestrianised.

Parts of the train station have already been upgraded earlier this year as part of a £14million project that included upgrading the ticket office and waiting room.

The roof was also repaired to weatherproof it, including adding new glass.

One of the most recognisable parts of Scarborough Station is the clock tower which was also restored.

Trains from the station head to different destinations including Sheffield and York.

A BELOVED play area in Kent is set to open next week after months of closure.

The largest free playground in the south east has undergone an enormous upgrade and now has a new climbing frame, slides, swings and picnic tables.

The playground at the Lower Leas Coastal Park between Folkestone and Sandgate has been undergoing a £750,000 revamp since April.

Part of the area was forced to close much earlier in 2024 due to a landslip.

The local council announced its reopening on social media: “The exciting new Lower Leas Coastal Park play area has taken an extra week longer than planned, but we’re looking good for an opening by Friday 31 July.

“Details about an official launch event with free goodies on Tuesday 4 August will be announced very soon.

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“With £750,000 invested in the first major refurbishment of the district’s flagship play area since the year 2000, we’re excited to unveil this fantastic new space and help make the rest of your summer one to remember.”

In the comments, one local wrote: “Our kids love this park can’t wait to see it!”

Images have shown construction on the playground is almost complete and it will have a huge wooden climbing frame with at least two slides, rope ladders and swings.

Dotted around the outside will be picnic tables with buggy and cycle parking.

Proludic Ltd led the scheme to upgrade what is described as the south east’s largest free adventure playground.

Aside from the play area, the Coastal Park also has a formal garden and a peaceful wildlife zone.

Work to fully reopen the playground began in April of this year after cliff stabilisation work was completed following landslides.

The previous play area which had wooden towers, slide and ziplines had been there since 2000.

Talking about plans for the playground earlier in the year, the local council said it will have “more inclusive elements than ever before in the south east’s largest free adventure playground, an exciting new era is now just around the corner.”

A NEW lift that’s part of a major beach transformation is taking shape on Brighton’s seafront.

It forms part of the Madeira Terrace restoration project costing £750,000.

For those who aren’t Brighton regulars, Madeira Terrace is the historic structure that stretches along the promenade.

Built in the 1890s, it’s 865 metres-long and has 151 large arches – but due to safety concerns, part of it has been closed since 2012.

Over time its condition has deteriorated because of erosion thanks to its proximity to the sea.

Now, it’s undergoing a £750,000 makeover – and it’s taking shape already with its new lift being recently unveiled.

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The towering lift will provide step-free access to and from Madeira Drive along the promenade, all the way up to the road.

It’s still under construction, but the scaffolding has been taken away revealing its 20,000 red bricks.

Work on the lift first began in February 2026.

However, construction on the Madeira Drive site began two years prior in November 2024.

It was described by the council as one of its “most ambitious and technical engineering projects” – and there’s plenty more to do.

The project will see 28 arches between the Royal Crescent steps and Concorde 2 restored and there will be a full replacement of the upper deck.

Councillor Julie Cattell said: “We’re determined to get this restoration right – and see Madeira Terrace once again become a thriving and important part of our iconic seafront.“

Running to a length of nearly three thousand feet, Madeira Terrace is the longest continuous cast iron structure in the UK – and possibly in the world.

Madeira Terrace was originally built to create a sheltered promenade for Victorian tourists.

As wealthy visitors arrived by train, the terrace would allow them to promenade along the beach no matter the weather.

It is anticipated the first restored section will open in 2026.

A CHARMING English pier is finally getting a £550,000 upgrade next month.

The Grade ll-listed Victorian structure was forced to close two years ago after it was damaged during a heavy storm.

Worthing Borough Council has said work will start in August on new foundations for the town’s pier.

It comes after the original £930,000 cost estimate was reportedly revised to £550,000.

A storm damaged the pier in October 2024 but it reopened two months later with a temporary steel support in place.

Council bosses have said the pier, which was built in 1862, will continue to remain open while the work is undertaken.

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It is expected to be fully refurbished by the end of 2026.

In a statement, the council said the works “will give the pier new foundations to allow it to stand against the elements without the need for the steel support structure”.

Routine maintenance will take place on the underside of the pier during the structural works, according to the local authority.

Officials said the cost reduction to the project was due to contractors no longer requiring the removal and refitting of the pier’s timber deck.

Worthing Borough Council leader Caroline Baxter said: “Our pier is one of Worthing’s best-loved landmarks and a huge part of our coastal heritage.

“Looking after it isn’t just about maintaining a structure – it’s about protecting a place that means so much to local people and continues to attract visitors from across the country.”

A LONDON museum filled with vintage tube carriages, trains and buses is getting a multi-million makeover.

The London Transport Museum opened almost 50 years ago and will be getting an extensive facelift and will be getting additional exhibition space too.

Designs have been revealed for the Covent Garden attraction showing off its new and colourful entranceway.

It will also get an extra 500 square metres of space for galleries, and there will be environmental upgrades too.

The attraction that’s found inside a Victorian flower market will remain open throughout the works, so visitors won’t miss out.

Inside is a huge collection of historic vehicles, including buses, trains, and early tube carriages.

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There are also exhibits on the 200 year history of London’s public transport, like original maps and posters.

The London Transport Museum also organises trips for the public down to the abandoned stations of Aldwych and Down Street.

The attraction is next to Covent Garden market and last year welcomed 450,000 visitors.

The entire project is predicted to cost £26million and is set to be complete before 2030.

Elizabeth McKay, LTM’s director and CEO told the Museum Association: “The capital project is £26m, but the good news is we are more than halfway there.”

Funders for the £26m project include Transport for London (TfL) and Arts Council England.

London Transport Museum Friends charity, is donating £300,000 between now and 2030 to support the redevelopment.

TfL commissioner Andy Lord said: “For more than 200 years, London’s public transport has shaped the capital and improved people’s lives in so many ways, from the world’s first underground railway to the iconic red bus, Oyster card and the Elizabeth line.

“I’m thrilled to support the new plans that showcase our transport heritage and the future of transport in the heart of Covent Garden.”

Visitors need an Annual Pass and a timed entry ticket to visit London Transport Museum in Covent Garden – these start from £22.50.

A POPULAR swimming spot is set to undergo a major transformation this summer- just three months after being saved from closure.

The historic Art Deco venue will receive a 6-figure makeover.

Brockwell Lido, in south London, is set to undergo a £250,000 renovation following Lambeth Council’s take-over of the pool’s management from July 1.

Previously overseen by Fusion Lifestyle for more than 13 years, the leisure charity entered into administration on April 1 this year.

Now, through its in-house leisure services – Active Lambeth – the council will overhaul the current sports facilities, bringing in new fitness equipment, strength training areas and flooring to the site.

As a result, the gym will be closed from the start of the month, with works set to be completed within two weeks.

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The 89-year-old lido will also receive improvements, including new pool lane ropes, with swimming facilities expected to remain open throughout the upgrade.

Councillor Natalie Kane, the deputy leader and cabinet member for inclusion, democracy and culture, said: “Brockwell Lido is a vital community asset and we’re proud to be bringing it back in-house, as part of the Active Lambeth family.

“This is an iconic building that is cherished by the people who use it. We’re excited to be investing in the Lido so visitors have modern facilities that support health and wellbeing for everyone.”

Lambeth Council’s take-over aims to introduce a “more connected leisure offer for residents”, with new technology and greater benefits for members.

Following the transition, existing memberships will automatically transfer over to Active Lambeth’s site with no action required from members.

Designed in the Art Deco style, the popular south London spot originally opened in 1937 and was even crowned the ‘Best Lido in Britain’ last year.

Unity Holidays has three holiday parks in the UK that have undergone huge transformations – including outdoor lidos, boardwalks and heaps of activities

When it comes to staycations, there’s no shortage of holiday parks to enjoy – but there are some underrated gems that have just had a huge transformation and well worth having on your radar.

Unity Holidays has three parks – Skirlington Coast in Yorkshire, Unity Beach in Somerset and Seven Lakes in Lincolnshire – and when we took a look we found breaks from £299 for a family of four, including the peak school holiday dates.

The three parks have each undergone a multi-million pound makeover too, with heaps of new restaurants, menus and entertainment, bandstands and boardwalks, as well as trampoline parks, and bookable activities ranging from axe throwing to archery.

The huge makeovers also include outdoor lidos, watersports, and aqua parks which will no doubt be a very welcome offering during those brutal UK heatwaves.

Some of the new highlights include:

• Unity Beach: a lido and splash park, a trampoline park, a dog agility park and a boardwalk
• Skirlington Coast: an outdoor lido, a splash park, a dog agility park, a new playground, and a boardwalk
• Seven Lakes: a refurbed bar and restaurant, as well as outdoor seating with firepits

The holiday parks also boast the likes of soft plays (a lifesaver for any parent), and are dog-friendly, including dog agility parks if you want to let your beloved pet run off some energy before flopping down for a well-deserved meal (and a cheeky drink or two for owners).

In fact, Unity Holidays are currently offering a £100 food and drink voucher with every summer break booked between July 3 and September 28, 2026, to be redeemed at any of the venues on site (excluding the grocery stores). You can book at unityholidays.co.uk and use the code UNITY100 at checkout to claim the voucher.

When we took a look, we found plenty of family breaks under £400 on offer, including the peak travel seasons.

For those who aren’t tied to school holiday dates, there are plenty of cheap breaks to be found. For example, Parkdean Resorts has three-night stays from £129 towards the end of June, while Haven has breaks from £79 in early July (before the school holiday dates). Meanwhile Away Resorts offer four-night stays from £259 outside of the school breaks.

We’ve also got plenty more staycation inspiration whether you’re after a new destination to explore, want to find more last-minute deals, or want to read our reviews of the UK’s best holiday parks and hotels, so you can start planning your next trip!

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

THE magician counts down before throwing a deck of cards into the air and hurling a knife at me. 

Bullseye. The blade is stuck into one card on a target hanging from my neck. Ten of clubs. The card I’d picked. 

I look down from the stage at my three slack-jawed kids who’ve just had a memory that’ll last a lifetime. 

This entertainment at Parkdean’s Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth is a cheerful blast from the past for me, but it’s spellbinding for my daughter Frankie-Beau, 13, and her nine-year-old twin brothers Reggie and Teddie. 

As well as that knife-throwing magician, the feelgood fun on site includes X Factor stars Reggie ’n’ Bollie, a Taylor Swift tribute act, karaoke, bingo and stand-up comedy. 

And thanks to a £5million refurbishment, the choice of awesome activities reads like a list of kids’ birthday party options: a high and low ropes course, Bear Grylls escape rooms, an inflatable bounce park, a swimming-pool obstacle course, pottery painting, off-road rangers and an adventure playground. 

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With an array of places to eat, we don’t even switch on the hob in our comfortable, contemporary caravan. 

And the Hat-Tricks sports bar really hits the target, offering interactive darts, shuffleboard and a fantastic fairground crazy golf course. 

Not to mention a next level arcade that reminds my wife, Kayleigh, and I of the excitement we used to have as kids winning tickets for prizes. 

We’ve taken our children to Dubai, Turkey, the Netherlands and Disneyland, to name a few — but they feel they’ve hit the jackpot on this quintessential Great British caravan-park holiday here in Norfolk. 

No frills but so many thrills. 

Just five minutes down the road is the Golden Mile — a kids’ equivalent of the Las Vegas strip and the beating, buzzing, beachside heart of Great Yarmouth.

The must-visit attractions — a 50m Ferris wheel, the Sea Life centre and a circus — complement the retro coastal charm. Then, of course, there’s the Pleasure Beach amusement park, which has all the fun of the fair and then some.  

There are hordes of cafes, bars and restaurants to pick from for food. We end up finding a little gem called The Box Tree, a small bistro in the Ocean Hotel overlooking the promenade, which serves fresh food of the highest quality and is great value for money.  

They even serve our lunch on paper featuring old newspaper print, in a fun nod to the traditional way of eating fish and chips.  

From there, we hop on the gloriously old-school Choo Choo Loco road train for a short £2 ride down the coast to The Little Venetian Waterways.  

With moreish modern treats such as croffles, Venetian sodas and Biscoff ice-cream shakes, the island cafe is firmly in the 21st century. But the enchanting boating lake is a vintage voyage into the good old days. Frankie-Beau and I hire a rowing boat, while Kayleigh, Reggie and Teddie hop into a pedalo. This is fabulous family time like it used to be — no screens, no scrolling, no squabbling. 

Because we’re reminding them — and us — of the joy you can find in the little pleasures; the things we’ve seen and done but are all new and exciting to them. 

When we stroll down the dated high street of knick-knacks, our children see a lively hub of treats and toys. 

While we wonder how the old ‘upside-down house’ is still pulling in the holidaymakers, our children are gobsmacked to see AN UPSIDE-DOWN HOUSE! 

And the Golden Mile of amusements, bouncy castles and funfairs might just be the only time they’ve walked a mile without whingeing. 

Because every few steps we’re re-energised by another coastal classic: that unforgettable whiff of hot doughnuts; devouring candy floss on the pier; enjoying a horse-and-cart ride along the promenade. 

In the next decade of their lives, my kids — hopefully — will see more of the world. But I know they’ll never forget that little weekend break when their dad had a knife thrown at him in Great Yarmouth. 

Because it was, simply, magic. 

A BRITISH seaside town has unveiled plans for a £1.8million makeover.

The picturesque coastal area is set to introduce a car-free promenade along with new shops, outdoor seating and beach-side gardens.

Felixstowe boasts sandy shores and sweet coloured beach huts along with an Edwardian pier that’s 2,640 ft long.

The Suffolk port town attracts thousands of tourists every summer, providing a quintessential British seaside experience.

And now the are has unveiled plans to give the beachy location a £1.8million revamp.

The South Seafront Project aims to “create a beautiful, welcoming environment which supports the visitor economy as well as benefitting both residents and businesses”.

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The plans outlined by East Suffolk Council add that the makeover will focus on ensuring the “seafront continues to be a viable tourism destination” as well as making Felixstowe an “attractive place to live, work and visit all year round”.

The council also hope to “address the higher levels of deprivation in the South Seafront area” with the refurbishments.

The budget will be used to improve lighting and signage along the seafront plus boosting the town’s transport options and providing better access to the front.

Cars could be banned from the road along the promenade in order to create opportunities for independent stores, food outlets, outdoor seating and garden spaces.

While the finer details of the proposals are still being developed, it is hoped that councillors will give backing to the plans.

If the work is able to go ahead, it’s predicted that it will be able to begin by next spring.

A EUROPEAN island often compared to the Caribbean is getting a massive multi-million pound makeover.

When it comes to pretty islands, not many beat Sardinia in Italy.

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

And now, 15 villages across the island will be getting upgraded.

The villages include Bosa, Castelsardo, Aggius, Atzara, Carloforte, Galtelli, Gavoi, Laconi, La Maddalena, Lollove, Oliena, Posada, Sadali, Sardara and Tempio Pausania.

Each village will get a €2.5million (£2.2million) makeover to promote tourism and slower living, with experiences including hiking and trying local cuisine.

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The money will be used to restore historic buildings in each village, as well as improve transport links and support local businesses and ease the pressure on coastal areas.

Here are some of the most beautiful villages which will be getting an upgrade.

Bosa

Bosa is often considered one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and sits on Sardinia’s western coast.

One spot worth visiting is Malaspina Castle, which was built in 1112, as well as a number of pretty churches including the Cathedral of Bosa, which was built in the 19th century over the remains of a Romanesque church.

Castelsardo

The pretty coastal town of Castelsardo sits on a rock rising from the water, with a 13th-century castle on top.

It is open to the public and in addition to a few rooms, visitors will find the Museum of Mediterranean Interweaving inside. One of the top beaches to visit in the town is Spiaggia La Marina di Castelsardo, which is ideal for snorkelling.

Aggius

The landlocked town of Aggius boasts not one, but three museums to explore. There’s one about criminals from the area, another about Gallura traditions and a third that has contemporary art.

And the landscape is ideal for hikers and rock climbing enthusiasts.

Gavoi

The mountainous village of Gavoi overlooks Lake Gusana and boasts amazing landscapes.

In the centre of the village you can also wander through narrow cobblestone streets. Make sure to visit the main church as well, which features a Gothic style.

Posada

The small village of Posada can be found on top of a limestone hill and is one of the most ancient villages on the island.

On top of the hill in the village is also a castle, which was where aristocracy used to spend their holidays – today most of the castle is in ruins, but the tower still stands and provides the perfect spot to see panoramic views of the village.

La Maddalena

La Maddalena is located off the north of Sardinia on its own island that can be reached by a 15-minute ferry ride.

Visitors can explore the 18th-century town as well as try out local seafood in the many restaurants.

From the island, visitors can also go on a number of boat trips and cross a bridge onto Caprera Island, where there are a number of hiking trails, pretty beaches and even the tomb of the Italian hero, Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Make sure to also stop by Spiaggia di Budelli while on a boat tour – the beach features pink sand but is a protected National Marine Park, so you can only see it from the water.

Recently, Sardinia was named as a Destination of the Year by Expedia Group’s Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel report, which gathered data from millions of visitors and revealed that searches for Sardinia holidays have risen by 63 per cent.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding visited the island last year and said: “Sardinia is full of dreamy beaches and a historic, crowd-free city.

“Whilst it is part of Italy, the island is actually located closer to Africa than mainland Italy and as a result, it boasts warm temperatures and exotic fauna and flora.

“Most travellers head to Olbia in the north of the island, but Cagliari in the south – the capital of the island – is also a great destination to explore.

“The south of the island and around Cagliari is full of quaint villages, rocky hills and breathtaking beaches.”