Santorini

A REAL life Coronation Street couple have shared a slew of snaps from their dreamy getaway to the posh Greek island of Santorini.

Actress Sally Carman and her co-star husband Joe Duttine appear to have had the trip of a lifetime after jetting off to the sought-after location in the Mediterranean.

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The Abi Webster actress looked glam as she uploaded a series of snaps from hers and Joe’s loved-up getaway.

Joe, who plays Tim Metcalfe, could be seen beaming alongside his proud wife in one of the couple’s shots from the getaway.

Sally simply captioned the snaps with: “Santorini sun.”

It appeared to be no expense spared as Sally shared a photo of the pool at their resort which overlooked the sea and featured a floating bed in the middle of the water.

In another candid snap, Sally looked the picture of happiness as she sipped on a cocktail through a straw as she enjoying a sunset tipple.

She wore a leopard-print headband in the picture and kept her make-up simple.

In one of the other photos, Sally could be seen laid by the front of a boat wrapped in blankets as it appeared she had taken a tumble.

Their Corrie co-star Samia Longchambon commented on the snaps: “Gorgeous every bit”

Another fan added: “Lovely photo of you Sally. Enjoy yourself.”

As fellow soap actress Sue Devaney added: “Oooooooh I want to hug you in all that there cuteness of yours!!

“Stunning stylish sexy Sal in Santorini! So beautiful xx.”

Sally and Joe began romancing one another after meeting on the set of the ITV soap opera.

They tied the knot in Salford in 2022.

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Europe’s most beautiful cities have a strong contender in the form of one underrated spot that has epic coastal views and yet doesn’t have tourist crowds like other hotspots

You’d be forgiven for thinking that a beautiful European city rivalling Santorini with whitewashed buildings and postcard-worthy sea views would also be crammed with tourists.

However there’s one breathtaking spot in Italy which offers just that, but it’s often overlooked by tourists who flock to hotspots such as Amalfi, Positano and Rome when it comes to Italian getaways.

Ostuni isn’t necessarily a hidden gem, but it’s not a classic spot for city breaks despite offering some incredible restaurants and hotels, charming beaches and a hilltop location that means you can get unrivalled views of those crystal-clear waters in the Mediterranean Sea.

Of course there’s more to Ostuni than just gorgeous views. The city is packed with antique shops, hidden eateries serving up that world-famous Italian cuisine, quirky shops and hotels to suit a wide array of budgets. It’s also a great base for exploring the rest of Puglia as it’s within driving distance of plenty of spots such as the likes of Valle d’Itria. (If you are going to drive, take note that the city’s historic centre has strict rules around which cars are allowed in, and often it’s not those available to tourists).

Ostuni boasts balmy weather all through summer, but you can enjoy temperatures of approximately 26C well into September if you do want to avoid peak holiday season crowds in the rest of the region.

As for the beaches, expect pebbled and rocky shores rather than pristine sandy beaches (although you can find a few such as Lido Onda Blu), but they all boast picture-perfect clear waters. Top-rated beaches on Tripadvisor including Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle and Spiaggia Costa Merlata are popular with locals thanks to those unrivalled views.

The lack of overtourism has seen Ostuni named Europe’s ‘most peaceful’ destination, in a recent study conducted by the travel insiders at Omio. They analysed over 500 destinations to identify the top 100 least crowded spots, and then examined the likes of top-rated Tripadvisor attractions in each location. According to the data, Ostuni ranked as the best overseas destination in Europe. Nancy in France took the second spot, closely followed by the Greek island of Santorini.

The latter may come as a surprise considering this year has seen tourists needing to queue up to get to some of the best viewpoints, restaurants being crowded and prices being hiked up as peak holiday season hit. However, it’s worth noting that these are in concentrated areas on the island, such as the village of Oia. There is actually a quieter side to Santorini including hidden hot springs, and black sand beaches such as Mesa Pigadia and White Beach.

The island is also taking steps to combat the large numbers of tourists that come to its shores. This has included recently upping tourist fees for cruise passengers. Visitors who arrive on cruises between June to September face costs of €20 per night, which will need to be paid at the port.

Meanwhile on the mainland, tourists can expect to pay a tourist tax of €8.00 per night between April and October, or €2.00 per night outside of this peak season. This is compared to the previous charge of €0.50, making for a huge jump. The new charges have been brought in to reportedly help fund efforts against climate change, as well as improving infrastructure and disaster prevention.

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Santorini has been described as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, but is it worth a visit? I took a trip to the popular Greek island to find out.

Santorini, with its unique beauty and geological marvels, is far from overrated in my opinion. The island’s breathtaking landscape was shaped by one of history’s most significant volcanic eruptions, resulting in towering cliffs encircling a caldera, atop which sit traditional Greek towns painted in white, boasting stunning sea views.

The dreamy images of Santorini that most people conjure up are likely of Oia or Fira, the island’s capital. As my friends and I began planning our trip, we discovered how these two locations were often bustling with tourists. To escape the flurry of tourists, we opted to stay in two lesser-known towns, both brimming with charm and beauty.

Our visit to Santorini took place in July, at the height of summer, when the island was teeming with visitors and the scorching sun left us nursing some rather painful burns.

Despite the crowds, Santorini lived up to its reputation as a picturesque paradise, just as it appears in countless social media posts. However, it’s worth noting that other towns on the island were significantly less crowded than Oia and Fira.

Perched on the rim of an extinct volcano, Oia offers stunning views of the azure ocean from its many cliffside buildings. This is the Santorini you’ve seen on Pinterest.

However, Oia is often so crowded that it can feel claustrophobic when navigating the popular spots. Snapping photos without queuing or being surrounded by people was challenging, but not impossible.

Just a 20-minute journey from Oia will land you in Fira. The cliffside walks offer breathtaking views, and there are plenty of nooks to explore, along with intriguing shops and eateries to try out.

Here, blue church domes rise majestically against a backdrop of white, and as long as you’re appropriately dressed, you can sneak a peek inside some of Fira’s numerous churches.

The broader streets are frequently teeming with visitors – the square outside the cathedral can become jam-packed – but veer off the busier routes and you’ll find serene, shaded pathways where only a few cats wander.

To avoid the hustle and bustle of Santorini, we opted to stay in Vothonas and Perissa instead of Oia and Fira, which turned out to be a brilliant decision. Given the less-than-stellar public transport in these areas, we rented a car, making the entire island easily accessible.

Vothonas, a mere 10 minutes from Fira, is a charming traditional Greek village with hardly any tourists. If you’re seeking a tranquil and relaxing holiday setting, this is the place to be.

The village is nestled in a picturesque ravine and features traditional houses carved into rocks. A leisurely walk around the paved lanes reveals white-domed churches and traditional homes.

If you’re on the hunt for scrumptious, genuine Greek cuisine bursting with flavour, Vothonaki in Vothonas is a must-visit. We stumbled upon this hidden gem thanks to a local’s recommendation.

Should you choose to lodge here, I’d suggest renting a car or quad bike for commuting, as taxis can be pricey and buses are few and far between.

A mere 20-minute drive south-east will land you in the coastal village of Perissa, boasting a unique blend of warm local hospitality, a tranquil beachfront promenade, and mouth-watering Greek fare. With more attractions than Vothonas, Perissa offers all the essentials for a laid-back yet entertaining holiday.

Perissa Beach is an idyllic spot for a leisurely day of sun-soaking and unwinding. The landscape is striking, featuring black sand and deep blue, crystal-clear waters.

Crucially, its location, shielded by Mesa Vouno hill, ensures calm, inviting waters for swimming and shields it from the often strong Santorini winds, even in July.

My overall impression of Santorini is that, while undoubtedly a tourist hotspot, its popularity is well-deserved. However, I can understand how some might overlook this if they don’t adequately plan their island visit.

Santorini has reportedly experienced a drop in visitor numbers this year, particularly following a series of earthquakes earlier this year between January and February. Nonetheless, I believe it’s certainly a destination worth adding to your bucket list.

If you’re seeking a scenic and tranquil getaway to Santorini, I’d strongly suggest lodging in the smaller towns, arranging your own transport and meticulously planning your journey.

Óbidos in central Portugal may not be on the radar for many Brits, but it’s a hidden gem that boasts stunning landscapes, historic sights, cheap beer and delicious food.

There’s a breathtaking hidden treasure nestled in central Portugal that blends scenic beauty with a genuine, relaxed vibe that’s increasingly rare in major tourist destinations during peak season.

This charming pocket of the country captivates visitors with its winding cobblestone lanes, lime-washed homes adorned with blue and yellow accents, and cascading bougainvillaea tumbling from terraces. Whilst these characteristics are common across southern Europe, they typically come accompanied by summer hordes and sky-high prices.

The beauty lies in how it retains its original character whilst offering a serene alternative to Portugal’s busier metropolises such as Lisbon or Coimbra, reports the Express.

TikTok creator Mari Andreu has likened Óbidos’ splendour to that of Santorini in Greece, positioning it as a more tranquil escape compared to the neighbouring party hub of Mykonos with its beach clubs and buzzing nightlife.

Óbidos boasts a magnificent setting dominated by an impeccably preserved medieval castle, now transformed into a pousada, or heritage hotel, offering sweeping views that are “postcard-perfect,” according to Dimitris Floros, CCO at Welcome Pickups.

Dimitris highlighted the allure of this delightful town as a stopover spot, explaining: “While compact, [the town] is packed with character, making it ideal for a half-day stop or overnight stay.”

For budget-conscious travellers, it’s probably a delightful discovery that a pint of beer costs just £2 here, particularly when compared to Lisbon’s £3 average.

Yet there’s far more to this town than simply delicious cuisine and affordable pints. It boasts an extensive heritage stretching back to the pre-Roman era, when Celtic settlers established themselves before it became a Roman outpost. The Moors later fortified it during the 8th century.

The Moors were driven out of Óbidos in 1148 by Portugal’s first monarch, Afonso I, and the town served a crucial defensive function for the newly established Portuguese realm.

In 1210, King Afonso II presented Óbidos to his spouse, Queen Urraca. This custom of bestowing the town upon Portugal’s queens persisted for generations, leading to its moniker “Town of the Queens.”

The settlement prospered under King Manuel I’s rule during the 16th century, evident in its magnificent architectural legacy, featuring Manueline doorways and the remarkable aqueduct constructed to provide the town with water.

A UK city has been named prettier than spots in Greece, France and Italy according to a new study that determined Europe’s prettiest places for an Instagram photo

Santorini and the Amalfi Coast may be the kind of beautiful places you see all over your social media feeds, but one UK city has just beaten both destinations in new rankings of Europe’s ‘most Instagrammable locations’.

Despite Santorini being famed for its whitewashed buildings with blue dome ceilings, gorgeous ocean views and cobbled streets, it’s actually Edinburgh that’s been proving more of a hit with those in search of that perfect Instagram backdrop.

Considering the Scottish capital has a historic castle, cobbled streets, beautiful surroundings and a plethora of independent shops and eateries, it’s not difficult to see why it’s so popular with the Instagram crowd.

For example, Harry Potter fans regularly flock to Victoria Street, lined with colourful terraced buildings that have often been credited as the inspiration behind Diagon Alley, not to mention nowadays there’s a wizarding shop or two that you can explore.

Meanwhile those who want to be #smug about getting up early for a hike will no doubt want to head to the top of Arthur’s Seat, where you’ll be treated to unrivalled views of the city. Then of course there’s Edinburgh Castle which makes not only for a great selfie backdrop, but it’s well worth a visit if you want to while away a couple of hours and learn all about Edinburgh’s fascinating history.

Back down on the cobbled streets, you can delve further underground and explore the expansive network of tunnels under the city, which boast a turbulent history full of crime and reported hauntings, with many a walking tour on offer to guide you and teach you about some of the city’s spookiest stories.

Then there are the quirky boutiques on offer, the plethora of restaurants (and yes, plenty of options if you want to try haggis), and the countless events on throughout the year including the iconic Edinburgh Fringe Festival, literary festivals and the Instagram-worthy Hogmanay celebrations complete with candlelit walks and Christmas markets.

It’s therefore no surprise that Edinburgh featured so highly in the rankings of Europe’s most Instagrammable destinations, released by FerryHopper. The team behind the study looked at six different hashtag templates for each location to determine the winners, with factors such as how many posts are tagged across destinations, and the quality of photos.

Edinburgh came ninth in the overall rankings, beating out a number of destinations in France, Greece and Italy. (The top spot went to Paris, followed by Nice and Barcelona). You can check out the full rankings below:

Europe’s 15 most Instagrammable locations

1. Paris, France
2. Nice, France
3. Barcelona, Spain
4. Valencia, Spain
5. Ibiza, Spain
6. Majorca, Spain
7. Porto, Portugal
8. Lisbon, Portugal
9. Edinburgh, Scotland
10. Santorini, Greece
11. Provence, France
12. Mykonos, Greece
13. Bergen, Norway
14. Amalfi Coast, Italy
15. Cappadocia, Turkey

Looking for more staycation inspiration? Check out our UK holidays page that’s packed with destination recommendations, travel tips and deals we think you’ll love.

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Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in Europe – and a rotten place to go on holiday

Santorini, often hailed as one of Europe’s most picturesque islands, is paradoxically a dreadful choice for a holiday destination. Indeed, the Greek island boasts impeccably white walls. True, its blue domes are strikingly azure. And yes, the celebrated sunsets are truly breathtaking. However, I can assure you that no amount of scenic sunsets, pristine walls, or vivid domes could justify the expense of visiting Santorini, writes James Walker.

I recently endured the unfortunate experience of joining the two million tourists who flock to the island annually. My partner and I spent 36 hours there, concluding an otherwise splendid nine-day Greek odyssey that had delighted us in Athens and Naxos – both exceptional locations.

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We never expected Santorini to be the pinnacle of our trip. We were well aware of the notorious crowds, exorbitant prices, and utter pandemonium.

We had even been tipped off about a few scams. Still, we pondered, could Europe’s most sought-after destination really be that terrible? The answer, regrettably, was a resounding disaster.

Within mere minutes of our arrival, we encountered telltale signs of the worst tourist traps: an out-of-place Indian restaurant in the Mediterranean, a shop touting “100% legal cannabis”, and a dodgy sex store. We brushed it off, thinking these nuisances could easily be overlooked.

After all, we hadn’t even reached the central town yet, reports the Express. But then our coach deposited us in Fira. What unfolded before us was a quagmire of chaos that could make Leicester Square seem like a tranquil paradise, complete with an M&M World.

American visitors stood agape. Traders of cheap souvenirs hawked their wares. Social media influencers posed incessantly.

After battling through the throngs of counterfeit vendors, American tourists and selfie-stick wielders, we finally arrived at our hotel. Following a brief rest – and a refreshing cold shower – we plunged back into the fray.

For a moment, the trip seemed to be improving. The vistas were as breathtaking as advertised and the weather was bearable. However, an hour and two beverages later, I found myself frantically opening the EasyJet app whilst being cornered by a herd of charging donkeys. When could I escape this hellhole?

Not soon enough, it seemed. I confess, I’m not one for stoicism. That trait seems to have been omitted from my genetic makeup.

However, I’ve conversed with other Santorini survivors – those of a more resilient disposition – and the consensus is clear: your hard-earned cash is better invested elsewhere.

Sure, you can enjoy a pleasant evening with a romantic dinner and a mesmerising sunset. And if you’re flush with cash, you might relish a day lounging by the infinity pool.

But you’ll be missing out on so much more: the excitement, the cuisine, the beaches, the history and the culture that are abundant on nearly every other Greek island.

So, scrap your plans to visit Santorini. Absorb the cancellation fees. Reschedule those flights. Then use whatever funds remain for a jaunt to Naxos and thank me afterwards.

Cycladic islands like Santorini, Mykonos and Naxos have long been synonymous with Greek holidays, but if you’re looking to discover Greece without the crowds, consider this lesser-known neighbour

Destinations like Santorini and Mykonos are renowned for their iconic beauty – but also for the number of tourists that flock to the islands every year.

Overtourism is a growing problem all across Europe – which is all the more reason to explore some alternatives that are just as exceptional.

Travellers keen on immersing themselves in the Cyclades should consider a trip to Folegandros. One of the westerly Cyclades islands, Folegandros may be on your radar already because of the stone-paved capital of Chora, which has become an increasingly popular holiday destination of the years.

Home to the same whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches that define the Cyclades, Folegandros is a great way to enjoy a classic Greek experience around fewer crowds. It also boasts an incredible natural landscape that sets it apart from its neighbours.

Following the zigzagging road up the dry hill to the Panagia church—the most famous church on the Folegandros islands—travellers can capture exquisite views of the Aegean Sea. But Folegandros has more to offer than can be found within the bounds of the capital.

READ MORE: Europe’s hidden country next to Greece with nowhere near as many tourists

There are two other key villages worth exploring. Just three kilometres from Chora is Folegandros’ only island port and one of only two seaside settlements: Karavostasis. The Karavostasis port functions all year round and is the arrival port for all ferry travellers headed to Chora.

Karavostasis is also home to charming tavernas and mini-markets, as well as a beloved beach. The village’s main beach is only a small strip of pebbles but low-grown trees offer much-needed shade and Vardia – a more expansive beach – is close by.

The second biggest but fairly traditional village of Ano Meria is known as the calmest region of Folegandros, sitting on the northwestern tip of the island. It is 5.5 miles from Karavostasis and 2.4 miles from Chora, with the agricultural village being made up of only a few dispersed neighbourhoods perched on a small hill. Most houses in this village are “themonies” meaning they are dwellings as well as self-contained farming units.

The village is ideal for travellers seeking seclusion and unhurried exploration, offering a more authentic experience of rural Greek life. It is also perfectly carved for hikers, as there are four great hiking routes travellers can take from Ano Meria.

Apart from these three villages, Folegandros is also home to the Agali village—the newest island settlement and predominantly a summer one—and two additional rural settlements of Petousis and Livadi.

Keep in mind, this Cycladic island has no airport or cruise ship terminal, and there’s only one daily hour-long ferry from Santorini. The somewhat inconvenient trek to the island is what has helped it stay in the comfortable shadow of Santorini and Mykonos.

Other small Cycladic islands that should be on your radar if you’re looking for less crowded alternatives are Sifnos, Milos and Tinos. All three are as lovely as Santorini but have maintained an air of serenity and untouched beauty.

GREECE has been struck by a horror 6.1-magnitude earthquake with tremors being felt across Turkey and Israel.

Fears are now growing that a major tsunami could hit the popular Brit holiday islands of Crete and Santorini.

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The Greek government has issued a national directive ordering people to stay safe as they continue to asses the quake and any potential aftershocks.

The national fire brigade are also now on high alert for any casualties, major damage or rescue operations which need to be carried out.

As of yet no injuries have been reported.

It comes just over a week after terrified Brits were told to immediately evacuate coastal regions of Greece amid tsunami fears.

A 6.3-magnitude quake struck both Crete and Rhodes overnight and quickly sparked panic among holidaymakers and locals.

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

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