Mediterranean

The Mediterranean island is a perfect holiday destination for many reasons – and we don’t just mean the beaches

The Mediterranean island of Sardinia, boasting a perfect mix of scorching weather, delectable cuisine, rich history, city life and stunning beaches, is surprisingly not even in the top ten islands most frequented by British holidaymakers. This list is dominated by Spanish destinations like Tenerife, Majorca and Lanzarote, as well as Greek islands such as Santorini, Corfu and Rhodes, reports the Express.

However, those in the know would argue that this Mediterranean gem outshines them all. One of its major attractions is the staggering number of gorgeous beaches dotted along the coast every few miles.

Sardinia, nestled halfway between the coasts of Italy and Spain in the Med, is far less popular and less well-known than the tourist hotspots of Spain and Greece. These locations are now so overrun with tourists each year that locals are pushing back against over-tourism.

Sardinia is an ideal holiday destination for numerous reasons: it’s a vast island, offering plenty of space, meaning you’re not forced to cram into one or two overcrowded tourist spots.

It boasts a large city, Cagliari, on its southern tip, allowing you to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of city life, complete with a vibrant restaurant and bar scene. At the opposite end of the island lies Alghero, a reasonably large town also teeming with a lively dining scene.

The island is a haven of luxury, with its north-eastern shore attracting well-heeled European tourists to Porto Cervo. Here, you can spend your time admiring the heavily-guarded yachts and guessing their owners.

As expected from any Italian destination, the food scene is sensational with a plethora of dining options. Despite being less touristy than Majorca, many of Sardinia’s restaurants cater mainly for locals, ensuring high-quality cuisine.

But perhaps the jewel in Sardinia’s crown is the extraordinary number of stunning beaches. Each one could be considered a national treasure if located in another European country.

In fact, two Sardinian beaches made it onto a recent list of the world’s 50 most beautiful beaches, with one securing second place.

The best beaches in Sardinia

Choosing the “best” beaches in Sardinia is almost impossible due to the sheer number of worthy contenders scattered around the island. Here are just a few suggestions, but you may discover your own favourites through personal exploration.

Besides the main island, the Maddalena archipelago, a group of islands off Sardinia’s north coast, also boasts a collection of beautiful beaches.

1. Cala Mariolu
2. Siaggia della Pelosa
3. Spiaggia del Pirata
4. Spiaggia Rena Bianca
5. Cala Corsara, La Maddalena

Sardinia can, naturally, become crowded during the peak months of July and August, when numerous Italians take their own holidays there. Costa Smeralda ranks amongst the most sought-after destinations. It’s also rather a celebrity magnet and the part of the island where affluence is most apparent.

If you fancy some celebrity-spotting, this is certainly the spot to visit, with Spiagga del Principe being the top beach to potentially glimpse a Hollywood star, music mogul or business leader. Lonely Planet said: ” A number of beautiful coves necklace the fabulous swoop of coastline where Gallura’s wind-whipped granite mountains tumble down to fjordlike inlets in the emerald sea.

“One of the finest is the Spiaggia del Principe, a stunning crescent of pale sand snuggled among low cliffs named after Prince Karim Aga Khan, who has given it his seal of approval.”

Where to stay in Sardinia

Where you decide to base yourself in Sardinia hinges on the type of break you’re after. Cagliari stands as the island’s biggest population centre, a thriving city offering an ideal blend of historical and contemporary elements.

It isn’t particularly a tourist hub, so the eateries here serve primarily Italians, ensuring you can trust their standard.

Even Cagliari boasts a gorgeous beach of its own, the enormous Poetto, just a brief journey from the city centre, where locals escape whenever possible. At the other end of the island, you’ll find Alghero, a cosy town boasting several beaches and nearby attractions, including stunning country villages.

From here, you can hop on a boat to Neptune’s Cave, a breath-taking seafront cavern where stalactites dangle above the water.

On the east coast, you’ll discover the luxury hotspots of Porto Cervo and Costa Smeralda, a playground for the rich and famous. If rubbing shoulders with high society isn’t your cup of tea just yet, then Cannigione, a modest small town nearby, offers plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars.

Similarly, if you’re after a location that’s close to the city but also boasts a good selection of beaches, give Villasimius in the south a go. It’s just a short drive from Cagliari.

Where to eat in Sardinia

The choices are virtually limitless, with all the major towns and cities offering an array of authentic options that cater more to Italians than tourists.

But one dining experience you simply can’t miss is the agriturismo. This Italian concept sees traditional farms adapt to accommodate visitors looking to eat or stay (or both). The menus are extensive and fantastic, leaving you stuffed with the finest locally-produced food. There’s nothing quite like it.

How to get to Sardinia

Sardinia’s main airports are located at Cagliari on the south coast and Olbia on the north-eastern coast. Regular flights to either are available from UK airports.

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One popular European city has been named the safest place to visit, according to new research

When it comes to planning a holiday, there’s a lot to consider from the local cuisine and attractions to accommodation. However, one crucial factor is the safety of the destination.

According to an analysis by tour company Riviera Travel, which launched two cruise ships last year, one city has been crowned the safest in Europe.

The study took into account current crime levels and the increase in crime over the past five years – and it comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.

An overall safety score was then calculated, revealing how safe each location is, reports the Express.

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Topping the list with an overall safety score of 44.14 is the Croatian city of Dubrovnik.

Not only is Dubrovnik a safe place to visit, but it also attracts crowds of tourists with its medieval architecture and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, the city boasts a charming Old Town for visitors to explore.

Dubrovnik scored 8.76 from Numbeo for crime level, indicating it’s ‘very low’ and 35.38 for crime increasing over the last five years, also deemed ‘low’.

Coming in second with an overall safety score of 55.81 is Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

Like Dubrovnik, Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a medieval city.

Visitors can safely enjoy a plethora of cafes and restaurants serving local cuisine.

Poland’s capital, Warsaw, ranks third with a safety score of 60.19.

Despite seeing a ‘moderate’ increase in crime over the past five years, the popular destination maintains a ‘very low’ crime level.

Many tourists flock to this city to delve into its rich history and sample the vast array of Polish cuisine on offer.

Prague, the Czech Republic’s capital, came in fourth with a score of 60.88, its ‘moderate’ crime rating over the past five years contributing to an overall ‘very low’ crime score.

As the largest city in the Czech Republic, Prague draws in thousands of tourists annually, who are captivated by its gothic cathedrals and skyline filled with spires.

Kraków took fifth place with a score of 64.31. According to Riviera Travel, it has a ‘low’ crime level of 20.7 and a ‘moderate’ increase in crime over the past five years of 43.61.

Kraków is home to Europe’s largest medieval market square, a renowned Old Town, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meanwhile, Amsterdam ranked sixth with a score of 71.09, followed by Munich in Germany with 73.74 and Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.

Zurich was ninth, with Budapest, the capital of Hungary, rounding out the top ten.

Enveloped in a rich history and surrounded by sub-tropical gardens, Brits can actually walk from the beach over to this stunning island in just 15 minutes during low-tide

An ‘enchanting’ island set back from golden beaches and cobalt waters feels worlds away from the UK, but is just half a mile from the mainland. Often touted as a dupe of the iconic Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France, this tiny isle wouldn’t look out of place in the balmy waters of the Mediterranean. Instead, it lies in Mount’s Bay near Penzance, Cornwall, in England’s unspoilt south coast.

Crowned by its iconic medieval church and castle, Saint Michael’s Mount – home to the St Aubyn family as well as a small community – is steeped in history, with the oldest buildings dating back to the 12th century. Inside the castle, you’ll be able to spot a piece of Napoleon’s coat worn at the Battle of Waterloo, a Samurai Warrior suit of armour, the sofa where Queen Victoria sat, and many more fascinating artefacts.

READ MORE: Beautiful UK seaside village with 15-miles of beach and ‘best’ holiday park

“Immerse yourself in history, wonder at the architecture and discover the legend of Jack the Giant Killer,” says Visit Cornwall, the area’s official tourist board. “You can also explore the sub-tropical terraced garden and enjoy breathtaking views of Mount’s Bay.”

Tickets are required to visit the island from April 13 all the way until September 12. Getting into the castle, which proudly perches atop the rocky hill, costs £16 for an adult and £8 for a child – while entrance to the gardens costs £12 and £6, respectively. There are also deals available for families, while children under five can enter both attractions for free.

You can book a boat crossing over to the island, which costs just £3.20 for adults and £1.60 for those under 16. The journey only takes around five minutes, but passengers should arrive at the boat landing 30 minutes before their departure time.

However, during low tide it is actually possible to walk across the causeway and reach the island on foot. The causeway – which begins on Marazion Beach – is only open for around four hours each day, depending on the weather, and takes around 15 minutes to walk.

Located just over 300 miles from central London, it takes almost five hours to drive from the Big Smoke to Marazion. Alternatively, you can get a direct train from London Paddington to Penzance, which takes roughly the same amount of time – but is great for those without a car.

If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for around £70.50. After disembarking at Penzance, you’ll have to get a 16-minute taxi ride over to Marazion, or catch the U4 bus towards Helston and Falmouth, and get off at Chymorvah.

After the long journey, you may want to stay in Marazion overnight, which could be quite costly due to its high demand. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, August 29-31) at the Godolphin Hotel will set you back a whopping £771. This is based on two adults sharing a Double Room with a balcony.

For a much more affordable stay, check out the Marazion Hotel. Located right in front of Saint Michael’s Mount. Featuring stylish rooms, a bar, and a restaurant, this stunning accommodation costs £442 on the exact same nights.

*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

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This stunning two-mile golden beach is a haven for water-sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike – and has just topped the league tables for the best UK beach in 2025

With two miles of soft golden sand, cobalt waters, and rugged green cliffs – this slice of coastal paradise seems worlds away from the dreary UK.

Sandwiched between the acclaimed Giant’s Causeway and the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Portstewart Strand could easily compete with the postcard-worthy beaches of the Mediterranean. Located in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the Blue Flag beach, which is owned and managed by the National Trust, is the perfect place to soak up the rays with a good book – or chat the evening away with a lazy picnic.

The beach also draws in a more active crowd, and is an ideal spot to surf, kayak, and paddleboard (if you’re brave enough to submerge into the freezing cold waters). “SUB6 are based at the beautiful Portstewart Strand and are the only Accredited ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors) Surf & Stand-Up Paddle School in Northern Ireland with an Instructor training centre,” National Trust states.

Travellers can also explore the 6,000-year-old dunes, some of which soar 30m high, or trek over to the Bann Estuary, which is a wildlife sanctuary for waterfowl and wading birds. Portstewart Strand is also the starting point for the 33-mile-long Causeway Coast Way to Ballycastle – making it a popular destination for hikers.

With all of this in mind, it’s no real surprise that Portstewart Strand was crowned the winner of the UK’s 50 best beaches for 2025 by The Times. “You can spot the first-timers as they drive down past the golf club and onto Portstewart Strand,” the publication wrote. “They pause. They look at all the locals’ cars parked on the sand, with picnic tables set up in their lee, and slowly their confusion turns to delight. Yes, you can drive onto the beach, and will you look at the size of it?”

There are also disabled toilets, adult-sized changing bench facilities, and a beach equipment loan – making it one of the country’s most accessible beaches. In 2023, Portstewart Strand also welcomed its unique Sauna and Sea experience onto the sands – allowing Brits to sweat out their sins while watching the sun rise on those chilly mornings.

Experiences can be booked for 30, 60, or 90-minute periods, with prices starting at £80. You can book your slot here.

To get to Portstewart Strand, you’ll first need to fly into Belfast. You can get here directly from most UK airports, including Glasgow, Nottingham, Manchester, Newcastle, and London Stansted. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return fares in August for as little as £29.

After touching down in Northern Ireland, you’ll need to travel some 60 miles north to get to Portstewart. This takes around one hour and 14 minutes in the car, while public transport will double the journey time – but is still feasible.

There is a range of accommodation types in Portstewart, from cosy inns to modern apartments. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, August 8-10) at Port 56, a recently renovated guest house just 16 minutes away from the beach, will set you back £225. This is based on two adults sharing a Budget Double Room.

For those wanting a more luxurious stay, check out Me & Mrs Jones. This stylish property boasts chic rooms, a family-friendly restaurant and a sun terrace. Staying in a Luxe Room on the exact same dates costs £538, and includes an ‘exceptional’ breakfast.

*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

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Blazes break out in France, Greece, Turkiye and Syria, with several other nations on high alert amid warnings of scorching weather.

Countries across the Mediterranean are battling fast-spreading wildfires and soaring temperatures as a heatwave sweeps through Southern Europe and parts of the Middle East, prompting evacuations and emergency alerts.

Blazes broke out in Greece, Turkiye, France and Syria on Sunday, with several other nations on high alert as forecasters warned that the scorching weather would intensify in the coming days.

From Spain to Italy, authorities urged residents to protect vulnerable people and avoid unnecessary travel during the region’s first severe heatwave of the summer.

Emergency teams and ambulances were stationed near popular tourist destinations, while meteorologists warned that extreme heat events – supercharged by climate change – are becoming more frequent and intense.

In western Turkiye, wildfires erupted on Sunday in Izmir province, fanned by strong winds. Firefighters, supported by aircraft, fought to control the blaze. Local authorities said five neighbourhoods in the Seferihisar district were evacuated as a precaution.

Authorities said firefighters have battled more than 600 fires in the drought-hit nation over the past week.

Turkish authorities arrested 10 suspects in relation to wildfires that broke out across the country over the past week, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Friday.

The wildfires killed at least three people in the western coastal province of Izmir.

Firefighters were still trying to control a blaze in the southern coastal area of Dortyol in Hatay province.

Meanwhile, in Greece, more than 160 firefighters, 46 fire trucks and five aircraft were deployed to combat flames in southern Evia.

The blaze, which began late on Friday, burned through forested areas and forced two villages to evacuate, officials said. Fires also broke out near Athens.

France also saw wildfires break out in the Corbieres region of Aude in the southwest, where temperatures soared above 40C (104F). A campsite and a historic abbey were evacuated.

Meteo France placed 84 of the country’s 101 departments under orange-level heat alerts on Monday.

In Spain, the national weather agency AEMET reported temperatures reaching 44C (111F) in parts of Extremadura and Andalusia.

“I feel that the heat we’re experiencing is not normal for this time of year,” said Diego Radames, a 32-year-old photographer in Madrid, speaking to the AFP news agency. “Madrid just keeps getting hotter.”

Italy placed 21 cities on red alert, including important ones, such as Rome, Milan and Naples. Emergency rooms reported a 10 percent rise in heatstroke cases, according to Mario Guarino of the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine.

Portugal also faced extreme conditions, with the capital, Lisbon, under a red warning until Monday night. Two-thirds of the country was on high alert for wildfires and extreme heat.

On the island of Sicily, firefighters tackled 15 blazes on Saturday alone.

Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying the heat.

“Heatwaves in the Mediterranean have become more frequent and more intense in recent years,” Emanuela Piervitali of Italy’s Institute for Environmental Protection and Research told AFP. “We’ll need to adapt to even higher extremes in the future.”

The high-speed La Jefa is described as a ‘towering centrepiece’ for families to ‘slip, slide and splash’ across the water at the aqua par

An aqua park known for its gleaming turquoise lake, is upping the ante with its latest addition described as the “ultimate summer slide experience”.

The new high-speed attraction, La Jefa, stands as a monumental feature at St Andrews Lakes in Halling, beckoning families to “slip, slide and splash” in the sun.

St Andrews boasts a pristine 70-acre lake filled with spring water and is continuously expanding with various floating play areas, slides, jump points and splash zones, in scenes that wouldn’t be out of place on the Med.

La Jefa, translating to ‘the female boss’ in Spanish, is the latest thrilling complement to the park’s highly popular 20ft slide, El Jefe – ‘the male boss’.

St Andrews Lakes’ operations director Stuart Bishop said: “La Jefa is the perfect next step for our Aqua Park. Guests already loved El Jefe, but we wanted to bring something new, something a bit different and something just as fun. We can’t wait to see families and friends tackle it this summer,”

In addition to the aquatic thrills, the attraction close to Rochester also features a private sandy beach area, paddleboarding, kayaking, zip wiring, and axe throwing activities, reports Kent Live.

Not to mention wall climbing, archery, sailing courses, paddleboard classes and children’s activity days throughout the school holidays.

The old quarry has been turned into a stunning blue lake reserve, offering fun for everyone on water and land. And if you want to relax, the wellness space boasts wood-fired lakeside saunas, steaming hot tubs and even a cold plunge lagoon, not to mention a chill-out zone with snug chairs and a fireside to cosy up to.

Aqua park tickets are £25 person for a 50-minute session and family deals and concessions are available. Your ticket covers buoyancy aids, vigilant lifeguards and an essential safety rundown before making waves.

Information on bookings, activities needing inductions and session timings is available on the website. There are also all-day charges for the beach.

Nestled in Halling, a quaint village perched in the Medway area snug between Cuxton and Snodland and within a stone’s throw from Rochester, St Andrews Lakes is where you’ll find the paradise pit. The lake gets its clear blue hue from the suspended chalk particles that reflect the light.

St Andrew’s says the lake’s waters gush from a spring, making them “incredibly clean”.

A stunning Mediterranean country featuring golden sand, beach clubs, and ubiquitous history is ‘redesigning’ the way it approaches tourism following an explosive conflict

Boasting 139 miles of pristine Mediterranean coastline, luxury holiday resorts, and 32C temperatures – this ‘beautiful’ country could easily be mistaken for Greece.

Last year, a staggering 1.31 million tourists flocked to Lebanon, lured in by the country’s ancient ruins, golden sandy beaches, and stunning architecture. The influx marks a 32.1 per cent decrease in visitor numbers compared to 2023, which can largely be attributed to the conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah.

However, after a ceasefire came into force on November 27, 2024, Lebanon has been grappling to restore its image as a holiday destination. Laura Lahoud, the country’s Minister of Tourism, says Lebanon is entering a ‘new chapter’ – adding: “We are redesigning the tourism journey to meet modern expectations. This includes higher hospitality standards and consistent, transparent pricing. For Gulf visitors in particular, we are encouraging medical, wellness, and cultural offerings that reflect their current expectations, grounded in authenticity, not nostalgia.”

READ MORE: Greece in last-minute scramble as it prepares for huge 28.2m tourist influx

On March 27, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) updated its advice for Lebanon – removing the strict warning to avoid travelling to the entire country. Now, the body advises against all travel to areas in Beirut and Mount Lebanon Governorate – including the following neighbourhoods:

• Tariq el Jdideh
• Bir Hassan (excluding the Rafiq Hariri Hospital and the Ministry of Public Health)
• Ghobeiry
• Chiayah (south of the Rizkallah Semaan Road and west of (but not including) the Old Saida Road)
• Haret Hraik
• Burj Al Barajneh
• Mraije
• Laylake

The FCDO’s map also shows long stretchers of the country that have an ‘advise against all but essential travel’ warning.This includes spots such as Jezzine, Zgharta, Bcharre, Sidon, and Kfaroue. However, much of the coastline has now turned green – which means tourists can visit but should check the FCDO’s advice before travelling.

Under its ‘Safety and Security’ page, the FCDO highlights multiple risks tourists should consider if visiting the country, including potential terrorist attacks, crime, drug smuggling, and sexual assault. “The Lebanese Criminal Code includes a general provision concerning ‘every sexual act against nature’,” the FCDO adds. “Lebanese courts might consider that this includes same-sex sexual activity. A criminal offence under this provision is punishable by a prison sentence of up to a year.”

Despite the barrage of warnings, travel enthusiasts are still flocking to the country – desperate to show its more luxurious side. Last year, TikTok account Wanderlust Family shared a video of their trip to Lebanon, comparing it to the insatiably popular country of Greece.

“Be honest, how many of you thought Lebanon was so beautiful?” the account wrote. “The news gives you a whole wrong picture of this beautiful country! The Lebanese love to party and if you’re travelling to Lebanon, you absolutely have to visit a beach club.”

Hundreds of viewers flocked to the comments section to hail Lebanon’s beauty, with one user writing: “Even as a Greek, I can easily say Lebanon has the most beautiful people and the best food. I can’t wait to go back.” Another said: “I literally want to go so bad,” while a third added: “Wow, so beautiful.”

Your travel insurance may be void if you visit a country hit with an FCDO warning. You can read the government’s full advice here.

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AN EARTHQUAKE of magnitude 6.3 has hit the holiday hotspot island of Crete, Greece.

The quake was at a depth of 83km, the German Research Centre for Geosciences said.

1

Citizens in Israel have reported feeling shockwaves from the earthquake, especially in the centre of the country including Tel Aviv, The Jerusalem Post reports.

It comes after the idyllic Greek island of Santorini was plunged into a state of emergency in February as a total of 7,700 tremors shook the isle in two weeks.

Around 7,700 earthquakes have shaken the Santorini-Amorgos seismic zone since January 26.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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