Swimming pools

Tourists have been flocking to the hidden gem as a way to escape the cold weather, and Brits have the chance to discover the island paradise for themselves for quite a decent price

British tourists are flocking to a hidden gem of the Atlantic with flights from just £45 each way, beating the crowds to explore their own island paradise.

Many tourists are set to jet off to popular destinations over the summer, including the Canaries and the Balearics, with Tenerife, Lanzarote and Majorca big hits for many holidaymakers. However, whilst these holiday hotspots are great for a sun-soaked break, other islands are now becoming more popular.

Now, Portugal is fast becoming one the go-to destinations for travellers, with its blend of history, culture and food. But leave the bright lights of Lisbon and Porto behind, and the nation’s islands are where the real gems of the country can be found.

The first is Madeira an incredibly popular spot, with its own landscape, people and dialect — it has become its own little spot of Portugal that is distinctly different from the mainland, and is often tipped to be Europe’s answer to Hawaii.

The same can also be said of the Azores, which have had a completely different life to those living on the continent. The islands boast a much more relaxed way of life, whilst still basking in gorgeous temperatures, even in the depths of winter.

The island of Terceira, one of the largest islands in the archipelago has recently rocketed in popularity, thanks to its luscious green hills, immense nature and distinct culinary treats compared to the rest of the country. And with the mercury reaching an average of 21C in February, the island serves as the perfect getaway for tourists wanting a slower way of live.

Heading down to the sea coast, nature shows off its raw nature at the Biscoitos natural swimming pools, located in a small cove in the north of the island. With the islands being born from volcanic eruptions, the feeling the archipelago are still young runs right through the island.

The island is bursting with wildlife both on land and in the waters around it. Whale watching is an incredibly popular activity, as the animals use the warm water in the island’s bays to catch fish in a truly breathtaking experience. But if you are looking for something more adventurous on land, as there are hundreds of hills to hike to take in the beautiful nature surrounding you.

The Serra do Cume viewpoint is a popular hiking point on the island which shows off the beautiful landscape of the island, with hundreds of reviews from tourists speaking of the stunning views of the surrounding area. But if going up is not your thing, there are also incredible caves to explore, such as the Algar do Carvão, which is set to reopen this summer.

History is also key to Terceira, as the oldest city of the Azores, Angra do Heroísmo, is located on the island. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city used to serve as the capital of the archipelago and is still used today for local government tasks, as well as a military base for both the Portuguese and American air forces.

The local people on Terceira are also renowned for their hospitality and it is often that locals will invite a tourist back to their homes to cook for them. But for those who are not as comfortable to do so, there are plenty of luxurious restaurants offering a host of classic wines, including the world famous “vinho verde” — from Portugal itself.

It’s worth noting that there are no direct flights to Terceira from the UK, but there are still fairly easy routes to reach it. For example, Ryanair and easyJet offer flights to the likes of Porto, from which you can get connections onwards to Terceira. When we took a look on Skyscanner we could find fares from £45 each way, with March being one of the cheapest months for return tickets from £106.

There are plenty of accommodation options too, with Expedia offering options from £46 a night, while Booking.com has a handy guide to some of the island’s popular hotels.

If you’re planning on a swim at one of France’s over 6,000 public pools this year, travel expert Simon Hood has a warning for you and advice about what to pack

A travel expert has warned holidaymakers to think twice before dipping in France.

If you’re planning on a swim at one of France’s over 6,000 public pools this year, travel expert Simon Hood has a warning for you. Our French cousins to the south are traditionally known for their superior wines, fashion, and romantic charm. So much in fact that over 9-13 million Brits are estimated to visit the country’s beloved cities like Paris, and the glamorous Riviera each year.

However, while the European Union’s second-largest economy remains the envy of many, one little-known health regulation could upend many British holidays in the country this year. Simon, who is the executive director of John Mason International, says the rule is something to adhere to, or risk seeing you denied the ability to swim on your break.

Thought to date back to 1903, most public pools in France’s network of over 6,000 pools and open-air basins enforce a strict hygiene-based regulation on men’s swimwear.

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Upheld by many levels of French local authorities règlement intérieur, or internal regulations, men must wear ‘tight-fitting swimwear’ like Speedos at public pools. Enforced by local municipalities or the ARS (French regional health authorities), disregarding the rule could see you packing from the local swimming pool.

So, while Speedos may certainly be out of fashion abroad, they’re integral for men’s attire in public pools in almost all major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille.

Simon explained: “It may seem odd but failure to comply with these hygiene regulations could see you marched out of the pool and leave you waving at your family or friends from the outside. While most pools will offer appropriate swimwear onsite, it could set you back somewhere between €10-€20, a bit of an unnecessary spend, so before I’d recommend checking whether you need more appropriate swimwear or not.”

Some may think this law to be outdated and not enforced by French public pool staff and authorities, but Simon explains it comes from a very well-intended place.

“When you bottle it down, the rule stems from a concern about hygiene in the pools. It was originally enforced as culturally French people tend to walk around in swimwear well before they attend the pool in the summer months. Thinking about this, it means people could track all manner of dirt in once they jump into the pool hours later. We don’t wander around outside in our trunks in the UK, which is why it may seem odd, but local authorities are just trying to keep the pool clean.”

Eurocamp, a large holiday park chain with a number of sites in France, warns on its website: “If you’re headed for the beach, don’t worry: you can wear what you like. But it’s true that many swimming pools prohibit the majority of baggy or loose-fitting shorts. Why? Simply because of hygiene concerns.

“Of course, rules can – and do – vary from parc to parc. If in any doubt just ask. We’re only too happy to help and save you from any poolside blushes!”

The website adds information for those concerned by the policy. “Wearing tighter swimwear wastes less water. Their material usually dries quicker, staving off any potential buildup of bacteria,” Eurocamp’s blurb continues.

“But don’t panic: if you’re not keen on slipping on a pair of conventional Speedos, you can still opt for swimming shorts. Just make sure they’re more fitted, and above the knee, and opt for fabrics that are designed for the water. Have a look for a style called ‘jammers’ online, to get an idea of what’s usually allowed.”

There’s no sign these rules are due to be eased anytime soon. In May 2022, the French municipal authority in Grenoble attempted to wind down these restrictions, only to have the central government in Paris block any changes.

Simon added: “Like with any holiday, all I’d recommend is researching in advance since these rules exist for a reason. If Speedos aren’t your thing, either don’t swim or use a pool where these regulations don’t apply. At the end of the day, Speedos might be out of style, but missing out on a day at the pool due to your fashion choices could be worse.”