tourists

A British mum named Ellis has boasted about a ‘hidden gem’ she found during her recently family holiday to Benidorm, explaining it’s just eight minutes away from the city centre

Benidorm is known to be a top holiday destination for Brits looking to soak up the sunshine with budget prices. While it boasts two gorgeous and popular beaches, one holidaymaker is now urging tourists to visit a lesser-known hidden gem just an eight minute tram ride away from the city.

British mum Ellis often shares her travel recommendations to others, claiming her goal is to find hidden gems and lesser known attractions in popular tourists attractions. And during a recent holiday in Benidorm, she went on to show off a gorgeous award-winning beach that many tourists have no idea even exists.

“Would you believe me if I told you this beach has won nearly 40 years of consecutive awards?” Ellis said at the start of the video, as she panned the camera to show off the gorgeous sandy beach, with palm trees and turquoise waters.

The beach in question is El Albir Beach (Playa del Albir), which is a clean, Blue Flag-awarded pebble and shingle beach located in L’Alfàs del Pi on Spain’s Costa Blanca, nestled between the resort town of Benidorm and the coastal village of Altea.

It has earned the prestigious Blue Flag award consecutively for decades maintaining the distinction every single year since the international environmental program began in 1985. This award is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) for exceptional water cleanliness, safety protocols, sustainable environmental management, and accessible facilities.

On top of that, the beach was also named the second best “refreshing” beach in the Valencian Community by National Geographic. The magazine praised the pebble beach for its crystal-clear water, peaceful atmosphere, and scenic views.

And Ellis also had lots of praise about the beach, as she said: “So turquoise you can literally see clearly to the bottom, which makes it look like it’s really shallow and it’s actually really deep and intermittently over the tunnel.

“They’re keeping announcing that it’s a smoke free and vape free zone, which in my opinion makes it even more rare and unique.”

In 2025, the mayor of L’Alfas, Vincente Arques announced a ban on vaping and smoking on all beaches in the area in order to prevent littering, but also to promote a healthier lifestyle for residents of the area. If you’re caught smoking, it could lead to a fine of up to £1,700 (€2,000).

She went on to explain the beach was a pebble beach, but said they were were tiny and white, making them soft to walk and lay down on.

“And it absolutely baffled me how quiet it was considering it was such a stunning beach,” Ellis added. “But would you believe this is the closest beach of Benidorm and probably 99% of visitors that go there don’t even know it exists.”

People got up at 6.30am on their holidays to stand in line for a picture opportunity

The grim reality of a tourist hotspot has been exposed as ‘thousands’ of holidaymakers were filmed queueing for an Instagram picture at 6.30am. Tayyba Adeel woke up early to secure a cinematic sunrise snap on her trip abroad.

Unfortunately, it seems like every other visitor on the holiday island had the same idea. The Brit was left stunned after joining a queue of ‘thousands’ of tourists waiting to get a picture in front of the iconic blue dome.

According to Tayyba, tourists flooded the streets of Santorini, known for its whitewashed cave houses, blue-domed churches, and vibrant sunsets. Santorini sees around 3.4m visitors every year – with the huge number of travellers creating long queues for the perfect holiday photo.

Posting the clip online, the video racked up over 110,000 views. Tayyba said: “The famous Santorini blue dome photo spot at 6.30am. The whole internet got the same travel tip. Social media ruined it (Santorini). You only see people without noticing the beauty of the place.”

The footage shows Tayyba walking up the huge line, where she claimed ‘thousands’ of tourists waited. One woman in her wedding dress with her photographer was also sitting waiting for her turn to get her dream snap.

Members of the public have slammed the long queues. One viewer said: “I’d be p*ssed if this was outside my home or rental.”

Another commenter said: “What a waste of a holiday.”

One other person added: “People are so embarrassing.”

Another viewer said: “This makes me never want to go to Santorini. Why do people just ruin everything for likes on social media.”

One person commented: “Surely there’s a better way to spend your time on holiday than that?”

FORGET the crowds of Spain and Italy – there’s a country in Europe which has actually seen a DROP in tourists this year.

It was even dubbed the ‘new Croatia‘ thanks to its one seaside town along the Adriatic Coastline.

Official stats have revealed that the number of foreign tourists who visited Bosnia and Herzegovina in the first half of 2026 decreased by 3.2 per cent on the year to 582,541.

The country had previously been revealed as a top holiday spot for 2025 and even called the ‘new Croatia‘.

Thanks to it being lesser-visited then its neighbour, Bosnia and Herzegovina was described as a “less crowded alternative to Dubrovnik” by a team of travel experts at Wild Frontiers.

In comparison, Croatia welcomed more than 7.6 million visitors during the first six months of 2026.

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But in a world where destinations are suffering from overtourism, the fact Bosnia and Herzegovina has fewer tourists means it’s an ideal time to visit if you want to avoid crowds.

It’s cheap too – in fact the country’s capital, Sarajevo was named as the best-value destination in Europe by the Post Office Travel Money earlier this year.

It calculated that a two night’s stay across a weekend for two people would cost an average of £248.29.

This includes three-star accommodation, food, drink, a three-course evening meal, travel cards and attractions including a visit to a museum, art gallery and sight-seeing tour.

As for what to do there, the city is named one of the best for its food scene.

One traditional dish is called Bosanski Lonac which is essentially a stew packed with chunks of meat and vegetables.

Another is cevapi – these are flatbreads filled with grilled meat, and burek, flaky pastries filled with cheese, spinach or even sour cherry for dessert.

The best part is that eating out is very cheap for a capital city.

According to Wise, a meal at a restaurant can cost as little as £4.41 and visitors can enjoy a local beer from £1.76.

Flights are cheap too if you book in advance – with Wizz Air next April, Brits can fly to Sarajevo from £25 which takes just 2hr40.

Something to do in Sarajevo is head to its enormous thermal spa.

Ilidža Thermal Riviera is one of the largest thermal complexes in the Balkans and has been built on the hot spring of Ilidža.

Guests can take a dip in its indoor and outdoor swimming pools as well as children’s pool which has a slide.

There’s even a small go-karting area, trampolines and a Tropical Garden Restaurant – tickets into the complex cost as little as 8 KM (£3.51).

There’s also a nearby amusement park in the city centre called Sunnyland which has an Alpine Coaster zip lines and giant swings.

It’s found on Olympic Mountain Trebević which is a 10-minute drive from the city centre.

Entry to the park is free with visitors just having to pay for the rides and activities.

While most of Bosnia and Herzegovina is landlocked, it does have a short 12-mile coastline with beautiful beaches along the Adriatic Sea.

All of the coastline surrounds the pretty town of Neum which has bars and cafes along the promenade.

The town is considered an ‘anomaly’ as on a map, it sits along the Croatian coastline, but it’s actually in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Historically, the Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik) ceded the land to the Ottoman Empire in 1699 via the Treaty of Karlowitz.

Other must-visit spots include the Ottoman bridge in Mostar which is around an hour’s drive away from Neum.

The bridge sits over River Neretva and is considered masterpiece architecture from the 16th century.

For anyone feeling brave, you can actually jump off the 7-story high bride which is a 450-year-old tradition.

Historically, it was a way for young men to prove their courage – but nowadays anyone can do it as it’s managed by officials at the Mostari Diving Club.

There are also more natural wonders including Kravica Waterfall.

Visitors have called it ‘magical’ and ‘surreal’ with one even comparing it to looking like ‘a scene from Jumanji‘.

People told by officials that cars are also permitted go through crossings under specific rule – even when green crossing light is on

The Foreign Office has issued a warning for anyone visiting one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations this summer. Italy is one of the most popular holiday hotspots – with 4.8 million visits in 2025 according to the Office of National Statistics.

However, a new alert has been put out by officials at the Foreign Office for anyone crossing the street. It said that people in the UK are used to being able to get across safely when lights are on red.

But it explained that in Italy this could be dangerous – as drivers are allowed to turn right when the green pedestrial crossing sign is on. And the Foreign Office said people can also be fined for crossing the road.

In today’s update it said: “Traffic can be busy, fast and chaotic, especially in the larger cities. Take care when crossing roads. Pedestrians should cross roads at a crossing. You can be fined for crossing the road if you are within 100 metres of a pedestrian crossing but do not use it. Drivers do not always stop, even though they are required to. The green pedestrian crossing signal also allows cars to turn right on to the crossing, so cross with caution.

“Exercise caution in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas, including in road underpasses. Emergency exits in vehicle tunnels are for emergency use only if you need to leave your vehicle and should not be used as pedestrian routes.”

In terms of crime, the Foreign Office advice is that compared to the UK petty street crime is higher. It said :”Crime levels are generally low but there are higher levels of petty crime, particularly bag-snatching and pickpocketing, in city centres and at major tourist attractions. “

Advice includes:

• keep sight of your belongings at all times
• beware of thieves using distraction techniques
• avoid carrying all your valuables together in handbags or pockets
• leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place such as a hotel safe

Cars can also be targeted: “Thefts from parked cars is common across the country. Avoid leaving luggage in your vehicle, even out of sight in the boot, for any length of time.

“Thieves may use a variety of methods to distract you or encourage you to stop your car, including asking for help or directions or pointing out a fictional fault with your car. “

For more information on safety from the Foreign Office about Italy click here.

UK tourists have been told common errors can lead to boosting their phone bills when they’re abroad. To avoid the travel mishap, it’s wise to do a few things before you jet off

We all look forward to going on holiday but, as well as being enjoyable, it can be expensive, which is why it’s always handy to know how you can try and save on your phone bill. After all, most of us use our phones while we’re on holiday, but there are ways to ensure we don’t come home with growing bills.

Little you may know, there are some mistakes you likely make with your phone while travelling, but if you take action hefty bills can be avoided. Some travel tips have been shared to help people out, as nobody wants to come home to mounting bills to have to deal with after an already expensive trip.

With major networks having brought back EU roaming charges, and other travel destinations sitting outside standard roaming agreements, using your handset while overseas can prove seriously expensive. Fortunately some expert advice has been shared to help people out, as people often get stung by roaming charges abroad.

Take action before you leave

“Roaming policies vary,” explained Oleksii Pimenov, mobile data and SIM expert at global data eSIM provider SIMBUSTER. “The best way to protect yourself is to check what your plan actually includes before you travel. Don’t rely on the ‘new customer’ ads.”

Oleksii pointed out that some UK plans still include EU roaming, while others charge a daily fee of up to £2.50. Beyond Europe, that charge can climb to as much as £8 per day, which adds up rapidly.

Accidents happen

The most infuriating thing about daily roaming is that on most networks, an accidental search when the hotel’s Wi-Fi drops out can trigger a full day’s roaming fee. According to the expert, ten accidental days during a fortnight adds up to £25 squandered on absolutely nothing – or £80 if you happen to be in Egypt or anywhere else beyond the EU.

With EE, out-of-plan data abroad can set you back £13.90 per gigabyte, according to Oleksii, though the cost varies depending on where you are. For context, downloading a film can eat up 2GB and streaming a live football match would gobble up even more!

“If you’re not using a travel SIM, switch off data roaming and background app refresh until you actually need them,” advised Oleksii. “It can save you more than you think.”

eSIMS may help

If your phone supports eSIMs, it’s another smart way to slash costs. Rather than shelling out for an overpriced SIM at the airport, you can download and activate an eSIM before leaving home, giving you affordable data the instant you land.

“With an eSIM, you know exactly what you’re paying upfront, and you can have everything ready before you even board the plane,” explained Oleksii.

What’s more, if you’re visiting multiple countries, you can get an eSIM that covers a whole region – Europe, for instance – rather than a single country SIM.

Preparation is key

A bit of forward planning can also make a real difference in reducing expenses. Download everything you need – maps, children’s entertainment, music – before you leave.

Hotel Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable enough for hefty downloads and, if you’ve already got everything saved on your phone or tablet, you won’t need to worry about it.

Tips for cruise lovers

Cruise and ferry passengers also need to be vigilant. Maritime mobile networks operate separately from standard roaming, and the charges can be eye-watering.

“Unless you can use the ship’s Wi-Fi, I’d always recommend switching your phone to Airplane Mode while at sea,” added Oleksii.

Extra advice

If you do replace your UK SIM for travel purposes, you risk missing vital messages, including bank verification codes or unexpected calls. By keeping your UK SIM active alongside a data eSIM, you won’t miss anything important.

And, if you travel to a specific destination frequently, whether for work or pleasure, it’s often far more sensible to get a virtual local number.

WHEN it comes to planning your next holiday, why not look for somewhere different to everywhere else?

Europe is full of breathtaking islands, you just have to discover them…

And fortunately for you, we have done just that.

Here are some of the best ‘secret’ islands across Europe, including several with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters:

Bornholm, Denmark

Known as ‘Sunshine Island’ and the ‘Pearl of the Baltic’, Bornholm sits in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Denmark.

The island has dramatic cliffs as well as vibrant green forests and white sand beaches.

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For things to do on the island, you can head to Opalsoen, where there is a zipline over a lake.

And if you want to see more of the island’s dramatic landscape, try Pissebaekken which is one of Denmark‘s highest natural waterfalls.

One beach spot to visit is Balka Strand, which boasts fine white sand and if you happen to be there during the summer months there is even yoga on the beach each day at 8:30am.

It is about three hours by bus and boat from Copenhagen, which you can fly to from as little as £15 one-way.

Gotland, Sweden

Sweden‘s largest island, Gotland, boasts a UNESCO World Heritage town called Visby with cobblestone streets and pastel coloured buildings.

Venture across the island and you’ll also find the largest sand dunes in Sweden at Tofta Strand.

If you happen to be on the island during August, make sure to visit Medieval Week, which is Sweden’s largest historical festival with jousting and markets.

The island even has its very own Blue Lagoon you can go swimming in.

It takes about four hours to get to the island via the ferry from one of two mainland ports – Nynashamn which is south of Stockholm or Oskarshamn in Småland.

Nynashamn is around a 50minute drive from Stockholm, which costs from £16 to fly to, per way.

Eilean Shona, Scotland

This small tidal island in the Inner Hebrides in Scotland is completely car-free and only has around nine permanent residents.

While there isn’t much in the way of attractions on the island, you can immerse yourself in the nature as well as the calm and clear waters surrounding the island, all of which inspired J.M.Barrie’s Neverland in Peter Pan.

Travel reporter Cyann Fielding who recently visited said: “One of the activities to do on the island that is well worth experiencing, though, is taking a cold water plunge or swim – the scenery is stunning and the water is serenely calm.“

You can hop on the Caledonian Sleeper from London costing around £60 per way for a seat to Fort William, and then drive for an hour to the island.

To get to Eilean Shona itself, you’ll need to hop on a small boat operated by the island.

It is worth noting though, that you can only visit the island if you are staying in one of the shepherds huts or houses there.

Heligoland, Germany

Often considered the most fought over island in Germany, Heliogland has changed hands many times throughout its history including belonging to the Danes, the Brits and then the Germans.

In fact, the Brits tried to blow up the island during World War II resulting in loads of huge craters across the island that you can visit on scenic walks.

The island boasts huge sandstone cliffs and as a result, is brimming with wildlife including gannets.

To get to the island, you’ll need to hop on a four-hour ferry from Hamburg – which you can fly to from £16 per way.

From the Heligoland, you can also get on a ferry for five minutes to another German island called Dune, where you will find loads of seals.

You can even camp on this island, in case you want to extend your time exploring the two islands before returning to Hamburg.

Ile de Sein, France

Surrounded by azure blue waters, Ile de Sein in France sits off the tip of Brittany.

In the sea around the island, you’ll also often spot dolphins and seals.

The island has no trees, just wild moorland and white-washed houses and make sure to visit the Grand Phare, which is up 250 steps and is a 52-metre tower with views of the coastline.

Down by the port, venture around the village too, where you will find an intricate network of winding alleys, with some measuring just 85cm wide.

To get to the island, hop on a Brittany Ferry between Plymouth and Roscoff, with prices ranging depending on your vehicle.

Once in Roscoff take the two-hour drive to Audierne, where you can catch an hour-long ferry to the island, costing between €33 and €40 (£28.29 and £34.29) for a round trip.

Île d’Yeu, France

Dubbed the ‘Atlantic Pearl’, Ile d’Yeu off the coast of France is a small island where you’ll find sprawling golden sand beaches and clear waters.

The most popular way to get around the island is by hiring a bike and make sure to visit the 14th century Vieux-Chateau which sit on the edge of a cliff above the sea.

There’s also Saint Sauveur, which is a village on the island with traditional architecture including a Romanesque church surrounded by white houses.

The best way to get to the island is by flying to Nantes costing from £13 per way and taking an hour drive to Fromentine on the Vendée coast, where you can catch a 45-minute ferry across to the island.

Elba, Italy

Elba Island in Tuscany, Italy is known for boasting stunning beaches including the popular spot of Pomonte Beach, where you can swim out to a shipwreck and snorkel around it, discovering lots of brightly coloured fish.

Visit Portoferraio – the island’s main town – where you will find pastel houses as well as Villa dei Mulini, which is where Napoleon lived during his exile.

For keen hikers, take the 40minute hike to the fortress of Volterraio to capture the breathtaking sunset.

The best way to get to the island is by flying to Pisa, which costs from £17 per way and then driving for an hour to the port of Piombino in Tuscany, where you can then catch an hour-long ferry to the island.

Tabarca, Spain

Tabarca sits off the coast of Alicante in Spain and is home to around 50 people.

On the island, there are a number of cobbled streets to stroll down as well as pretty beaches, including Playa de Levante – known for being the main beach, with shallow waters ideal for families.

There are no cars on the island and it can easily be explored within a day, but don’t leave without trying some of the local restaurants where you can pick up traditional seafood such as lobster stew.

The easiest way to get to the island is by flying to Alicante from £13 per way, before hopping on a ferry from Alicante to the island, taking around an hour and costing €24 (£20.58) for a return trip.

Ilha da Armona, Portugal

Ofted nicknamed the ‘Portuguese Maldives’, Ilha da Armona sits on the Algarve.

Ilha da Armona forms part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park where you’ll find no cars, white sand beaches and calm, shallow waters.

Praia de Armona is the main Blue Flag beach on the island and is known for being a family-friendly spot.

After exploring the beach, make sure to head to one of the waterfront tavernas to try some of the local cuisine.

In the village itself, you can expect to see colorful houses and flower-filled courtyards too.

To get to the island, fly to Faro from £15 per way, before hopping on a 10-minute train to Olhao, where you can catch a ferry to the island for as little as €4.20 (£3.60) for a return trip.

Paxos, Greece

The Greek island of Paxos is often dubbed one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Head to Gaios village where you can explore a Venetian-style waterfront was quaint shops and tavernas looking out across the water.

For a beach spot, visit Kanoni Beach which is a pebble beach but sheltered by the bay of Lakka and surrounded by fragrant olive groves,

You can get to the island by flying to Corfu from £15 per way, before hopping on a ferry from Corfu to the island, which takes between an hour and an hour and a half.

Holidaymakers jetting off abroad to the Spanish island of Majorca this summer are being warned about ‘biting fish’ in some popular beach hotspots following several reports

Tourists heading on holiday to Majorca are being warned about ‘biting fish’ following a string of reported ‘attacks’.

More than 2 million Brits jet off abroad to Majorca, also known as Mallorca, every summer for a sun-soaked Mediterranean getaway on Spain’s largest Balearic island. But an unusual phenomenon is threatening to dampen days spent along some of its pristine sandy shores and clear turquoise waters.

Following the weekend, there have been several reports of people being bitten by small fish while swimming in the crystal-clear waters off Majorca. The incidents were recorded around the beaches of Illetes and Cala Comtessa, which are in the municipality and resort town of Calvià.

The Spanish news publication Majorca Daily Bulletin said that “several people” reported seeing “small fish, which seemed to have about two teeth, biting our legs, but in the end, they actually drew blood and everything” over the weekend. At first, they believed the fish were “removing dead skin” rather than taking a nibble of flesh.

One witness to the fish-biting events recalled to the publication following the weekend: “The attacking fish are back in Mallorca waters, and I saw it for myself on Saturday in Illetas, groups of people leaping up and down as they were nibbled and even bitten by small fish.

“Last year I was bitten three times, so far I’ve been lucky this year, but it appears others have not. One man even joked that perhaps they are part of the anti-tourism movement!”

But this isn’t the first time there have been reports of small biting fish in the shallow shores of Majorca. Just last summer, a woman suffered a serious fish bite while at Playa de Palma, and a German tourist also claimed to have been bitten by several fish on two different occasions within the same week.

“Today, however, the bite was rather serious, and I got out of the water straight away, as it was even bleeding,” he told the Majorca Daily Bulletin last summer. However, they weren’t the only ones to report fish bites, and there’s thought to have been a string of minor incidents along the shores of Majorca dating back to the summer of 2023.

It’s thought to have become more common over the years, and local news outlets report a spike in fish nibbling on swimmers during the summer months. Further incidents have been recorded in Majorca, including Palma, Sa Ràpita, S’Estanyol, Cala Pi, and Cala d’Or.

Experts say rising sea temperatures could contribute to the bizarre happenings. “There are no studies into this, but the reason behind what’s happening could be that the temperature of the water is higher,” Ron Farage, Assistant Curator at Palma Aquarium, previously told the local publication, Ultima Hora.

“And these fish are less scared, in this case of human beings, when they are more hungry, which is a consequence in summer of this increase in the temperature of their natural habitat.”

Meanwhile, the expert added that beachgoers shouldn’t be scared of the fish, because “they’re not poisonous and they don’t do any real damage”. Instead, they tend to be curious about dry skin or existing wounds on people, which they can mistake for food.

Marine Biologist Silvia García from Oceana also told the Majorca Daily Bulletin that the culprits are likely young fish. “They are usually juvenile fish, only a few days or weeks old, so small and transparent that they are barely visible in the water.”

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

EMERGENCY crews are battling wildfires across the popular Greek island of Kefalonia, forcing tourists and locals to evacuate homes and holiday accommodation.

Heatwave conditions and gale-force winds have fuelled blazes across the Ionian island, sending thick smoke over holiday regions and putting British travellers on alert.

Here is your guide to where the blazes are located, how they started, and what the latest official advice says for holidaymakers heading to Greece.

Where are the fires in Kefalonia?

Wildfires initially erupted in the dense pine forests and scrubland near Pastra, in the south-east of the island of Kefalonia.

The Greek Fire Service and local municipal authorities issued urgent precautionary evacuation orders via the national emergency alert system after flames threatened nearby homes and tourist lodgings.

Evacuations were triggered for several inland villages as flames moved close to residential zones.

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While precautionary evacuations were ordered, local authorities and ground crews largely brought the fire near Pastra under control.

Though firefighters – supported by specialised water-dropping aircraft and helicopters – still remain on high alert for flare-ups.

While main coastal resorts remain open, drifting smoke plumes and shifting winds have affected air quality and visibility across nearby districts.

How did the fires start?

The outbreak of wildfires on Kefalonia comes amid an intense summer heatwave gripping Greece and wider southern Europe.

While official investigations into the exact ignition points remain ongoing, authorities point to a combination of extreme environmental factors.

Prolonged periods of temperatures exceeding 40C have left vegetation bone-dry, creating conditions where a single spark can instantly trigger a wall of fire.

Strong, unpredictable gusts have also whipped embers across containment lines and made aerial firefighting exceptionally dangerous.

In coastal areas, high sea winds briefly prevented water-scooping aircraft from operating safely.

Greece has suffered dozens of wildfire outbreaks in recent days, including severe blazes in Attica, Halkidiki, and Crete, putting emergency services under heavy strain.

Is it safe to travel to Kefalonia?

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its safety guidance for Britons visiting Greece, but has not advised against travel.

While it has not placed a blanket travel ban on visiting Greece, officials advise all travellers to exercise caution, stay informed, and follow local emergency instructions.

Holidaymaker checklist:

• Monitor Emergency Alerts: Ensure your mobile phone can receive emergency broadcast messages from @112Greece. If an evacuation alert is issued, follow instructions from local authorities immediately.
• Contact Your Travel Provider: Major operators (such as TUI, Jet2 and EasyJet) are monitoring the situation closely. If your accommodation or flight is impacted, contact your provider before travelling.
• Check Travel Insurance: Verify that your travel insurance policy covers natural disasters, trip interruptions, or emergency relocations.
• Emergency Numbers: If you are in immediate danger in Greece, call 112 for emergency services. British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance can contact the Foreign Office on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

Travellers heading to unaffected resorts on the island can generally proceed with their plans.

But checking live traffic and local authority updates before set-off is strongly recommended.

Millions visit the Lake District every year but those who help look after the national park in Cumbria say overtourism tensions are threatening to boil over

Wild campers visiting the Lake District are ignoring the long-standing Countryside Code – with human excrement, fly-camping and irresponsible behaviour surging this summer, campaigners say.

Those who manage the national park, which attracts millions of tourists every year, claim some guests are making life hell for locals. They say brainless parking, inconsiderate camping and mass littering is making a mockery of the “leave no trace” government guidelines to protect the environment. Paths blocked by campervans, discarded tampons and nappies and dogs let loose are just some of the other issues reported.

Judith Derbyshire, a Westmorland and Furness councillor, has referenced a report made by patrol officers who are responsible for tackling anti-social behaviour. She says, as enforcement officers and volunteers battle to preserve the stunning national parks, problems are only increasing.

Tourists risk huge fines in Lake District

She says the council has very few officers and a round-the-clock response service is a thing of the past. Local laws were tightened earlier this year in response to resident complaints.

Those causing environmental damage such as littering, starting fires, or the inappropriate use of motorhomes can now be fined up to £100 – but according to many locals, the rules are being flouted regularly.

Ms Derbyshire, who is responsible for community safety, says since Covid there has been a huge increase in visitors with many arriving without plans for accommodation. That leads to “fly-camping” – taking spots away from designated camp sites.

‘You shouldn’t be doing that’

Reading the report, she told the BBC: “Fifty-plus members of the public engaged with, 10 overnight campers spoken to, eight bags of rubbish collected and they had the joy of seeing one man using a bush as his toilet. I’m going to lower the standard of the conversation here but the issue is to do with human poo.

“Don’t feel you can just come up, park up on a lay-by and then go and put a tent up down by the lake shore – you shouldn’t be doing that.

“Putting it bluntly, we are going to have strong cutbacks from our funding as a local authority, we’re not going to have the staff to be able to put that sort of thing in place.”

She says people can contact police if they see anyone behaving in a dangerous way – such as lighting a bonfire that could spread to a large area. Working together with residents and visitors is vital to getting the situation under control.

Ms Derbyshire added: “We want people to come to Lake District and it’s good that there’s a wider range of people coming here, it’s just that we need to get them educated so they know what they can do and what they can’t do.”

‘It really saddens me to see’

Earlier this summer, footage showed the moment dozens of cars were covered in slurry after they parked in a private field just yards away from Rydal Water, one of the country’s prettiest beauty spots.

A large number of instances of littering, wildfires, and campers leaving equipment behind (known as fly camping) were logged in the Friends of the Lake District’s annual survey.

One unhappy local wrote in this year’s survey: “Some people have no social conscience and do not care about the impact of their behaviour on the environment or other people. We see litter on the fells, on lakesides and thrown out of cars onto grass verges. We even saw someone having a BBQ sat right next to a sign prohibiting it on Ullswater last year.

Another added: “I’m from the Lakes and have always appreciated the tourism and what it does for the area. However, I feel we have now got to the stage where tourism is over capacity and negatively impacting the area and the quality of life for residents and animals. Frequent traffic jams, poorly parked cars, and most upsetting of all, litter.

“Today we came across a discarded used nappy and a tampon. My children and I frequently go out with our litter pickers. It really saddens me to see the Lake District in environmental decline.”

JULIUS CAESAR may have crossed the Rubicon when he went to Rome – but my tip is to head over the River Tiber to see the Trastevere neighbourhood.

It’s the Italian capital’s more edgy, bohemian district with a warren of cobblestone streets, charming alleyways and intimate squares.

There are lively food and clothes markets, individual shops, craft beer and aperitivo bars plus great-value trattorias.

And while it’s an easy, 15-minute stroll from the city centre, there are excellent places to stay if you choose to base yourself here.

I began my visit in the tranquillity of Trastevere’s headline act — the glorious Botanical Garden of Rome (ortobotanicodiroma.it, €5).

With only a handful of visitors on a pleasant late autumn day, it felt like I was in a private sanctuary.

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Chatty parakeets flew overhead as I walked through a bamboo grove to a Zen-style Japanese garden.

I stumbled across a group watercolour lesson and was invited to join in.

Having not sketched anything for decades, I was pleasantly surprised at my naive-in-a-good-way results.

I ambled on to Trastevere’s serene side streets to browse the numerous artists and artisans’ studios.

In one, I was shown the artist’s latest works in progress, which are to be exhibited in the Vatican.

My base in Trastevere was as full of character as the soulful neighbourhood.

The 4* Trastevere Roma UNA Esperienze is in a former late 19th century palazzo and my spacious room came with a quiet elegance and a coffee machine.

I had lunch at the Vista panoramic roof terrace and bar, savouring a fine, smoky Bucatini all’Amatriciana — appropriately, a classic Roman pasta dish — that will live long in the memory.

After my afternoon of exploring, I returned to the Vista for dinner and first took in the view across Rome’s rooftops to the 266ft-high Victor Emmanuel II national monument.

It’s an entrancing sight, best experienced with an Aperol spritz or Negroni in hand.

And, like that backdrop view, my dinner of veal escalope was sheer perfection.

After dinner, sociable owls can spread their wings into a buzzing Trastevere nightlife.

There’s a choice of heady aperitivo bars, before moving on to the late-opening venues — Bar San Calisto keeps going to 1.30am every night and is a local institution.

While the area has a working-class history, there is no shortage of classic Roman architecture, from opulent palazzos to the striking Porta Settimiana, the 3rd-century AD arched entrance to the north of the neighbourhood.

All of these are flanked by shuttered, ivy-clad orange apartments.

As it was a delightful 25C on my late autumn visit, I strolled across the Tiber and found myself outside the Pantheon in no time at all.

The Trevi Fountain and Temple of Hadrian are close by, too.

UNA Esperienze has a quartet of 4H hotels in Rome, and I found myself walking by the brand’s Maison Roma Piazza di Spagna.

In contrast to the earthy magic of Trastevere, it is situated on the exclusive Via Margutta, made famous in the classic movie Roman Holiday and where La Dolce Vita director Federico Fellini had an apartment.

But here’s the real secret: when in Rome, make your home base at the UNA Trastevere hotel and experience the very best of both worlds.

Art, architecture, families, food, friends and wine in one beautiful melting pot.

You’d cross the Rubicon (and Tiber) for that any time.

This popular tourist town started as a small fishing village and is now an iconic British location

Summer is here and the temperature is rising. If you’re like me and live in a city with no easy access to the beach, fleeing the urban sprawl for a seaside town is a very tempting idea. It was this idea that struck my boyfriend and I a few weeks ago when we decided to get out of London for the day and head to the coastal city of Brighton for some fresh air and sunshine.

I had visited before, but never as an adult. On the weekend we decided to take our trip, temperatures in London were forecast to soar above 30°C, and it felt like the perfect excuse to escape the capital and breathe in some fresh sea air.

Brighton may now be one of the UK’s best-known seaside destinations, where millions flock every summer but it didn’t always feel that way.

From fishing village to tourism hotspot

In the 18th century this once small fishing settlement began to become a tourist destination for Britain’s wealthy. At the time, there was a belief that sea air, bathing in the ocean and even drinking seawater could have health benefits – and so Brighton became one of the UK’s first wellness retreats.

It was also a favourite of King George IV who created the Royal Pavilion – one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

He’s not the only member of the elite who loved Brighton.

The city’s mix of history, creativity and seaside charm continues to draw artists and performers and it is easy to see why.

The city of Brighton has long since been a haven for famous creatives. From DJ Fatboy Slim to Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, Brighton has been home to all sorts of famous people.

When the railway arrived in the 19th century, it became more accessible for people from London (like my boyfriend and myself) which helped Brighton become even more popular now.

Today, Brighton is still an incredibly popular place to visit – and the railway is still letting Londoners flock to the sea in droves, as we found out.

Joining the crowds

The moment my boyfriend and I arrived at London Bridge to catch our train,it became abundantly clear we had no chance of getting a seat. It seemed almost everyone in London had decided to spend the day by the seaside.

The carriages were so rammed that the train bypassed several stops and took us directly to Brighton. As we travelled towards the coast alongside droves of heat-weary Londoners, I quickly realised that spending the day on the beach was not at the top of my agenda.

For one thing, I hadn’t brought a swimming costume. For another, I’m from New Zealand, where beaches are often made up of pristine white sand and, even at the height of summer, can be blissfully quiet.

The prospect of squeezing onto Brighton’s pebbles alongside thousands of strangers held absolutely no appeal.

Instead, we hopped off our train and headed for North Laine.

And escaping them

Tucked away in the heart of Brighton, North Laine is a vibrant maze of colourful streets and winding lanes packed with independent shops, boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

While much of the bank holiday crowd had gravitated towards the seafront, North Laine felt noticeably calmer.

We wandered through the lively streets, dipping in and out of shops as we went. There was everything from jewellery and homeware to driftwood art and vintage clothing, with something to suit almost every taste.

For me, it was the perfect way to while away an afternoon — and a far more appealing alternative to fighting for a patch of pebbles.

After a few hours of browsing, we had worked up an appetite and began the hunt for somewhere to eat.

We settled on Mange Tout, an independent French restaurant tucked away in North Laine.

Having travelled from London during a bank holiday heatwave, we had prepared ourselves for a scramble to find a table or the prospect of being added to a lengthy waiting list.

Instead, we had our pick of tables.

We sat outside in the glorious sunshine, watching the world drift by. It felt worlds away from the mayhem we knew was unfolding on the seafront.

For lunch, my boyfriend ordered a breakfast bun while I tucked into moules marinière. We washed it all down with a couple of drinks — we were on holiday, after all.

Seeing the sea – and the surprise cost

After lunch, we decided we couldn’t visit Brighton without at least catching a glimpse of the sea.

We made our way back through North Laine towards the coast, stopping in several shops we had overlooked during our first walk.

Eventually, the ocean came into view.

I had expected the beach to be busy, but the sheer number of people sprawled across it had to be seen to be believed.

As far as the eye could see in both directions, the pebbled shore was packed with sunbathers, paddlers and groups sheltering beneath umbrellas.

Out at sea, jet skis darted back and forth while one particularly intrepid snorkeller ventured further and further from the shore.

In the distance, the outline of a wind farm stretched across the horizon. Curious to get a closer look, we decided to head down the pier.

Entry to the pier cost £1 each — another surprise — and as we made our way along it, we passed through an enormous arcade roughly halfway down. It was one of two arcades on the pier and, much like the beach, it was absolutely heaving.

The space was dark, deafening and so stifling that I felt as though I had tumbled straight off the pier and into the water below. Horrified, I quietly turned to my boyfriend and asked: “Why does this even exist? Who comes to the beach just to be inside?”

He immediately replied: “How often do you think the weather is actually good here?”

He had a point.

The pier was certainly an experience — although not one I would particularly rush to repeat. That said, if I were seven years old, I imagine it would feel utterly magical.

There were fairground rides, candy floss and doughnuts, all accompanied by the sound of waves lapping beneath your feet. Sadly, I’m 31, and the thrill of a fairground ride is well and truly lost on me.

Will I ever return?

Once we reached the end of the pier, we agreed it was time to make our way back to London.

But not before making one final stop in North Laine for a well-earned end-of-day pint.

Brighton’s beach may be its biggest draw, particularly when temperatures climb above 30°C, but for me, the city’s real charm was found away from the packed pebbles.

And while I may not have been tempted to join the crowds on the beach, I’ll happily return to explore more of Brighton’s vibrant streets.

This ‘spectacular’ beach on a beautiful European island has often been labelled as the most unusual in the world, with its otherworldly scenes compared to those found on the moon

One of the world’s most unusual beaches is often compared to the Moon.

There are some spectacular beaches all around the world, from the sugar-white sands along Florida’s Emerald Coast to the glistening turquoise waters in the Maldives encircling their signature overwater villas. Yet, there’s one shore that is frequently labelled the most unusual in the world, and it’s just hours from the UK.

Resembling the otherworldly scenes of the Moon rather than at a typical sandy or pebbly shore on the Med, Sarakiniko Beach is truly remarkable. Found on the beautiful Greek island of Milos, the beach is strikingly formed of bone-white volcanic rock that has been naturally carved by the Aegean Sea and northern winds.

The unique rock formations are smooth and curved, with many serving as diving boards for visitors to jump or dive into the crystal-clear turquoise waters that engulf the volcanic terrain. Cliff diving and jumping are major activities at Sarakiniko Beach, with many also swimming through its natural caves and snorkelling in its azure waters.

Visitors can also lounge on its smooth, white surface, and have often cited its outer-space characteristics. One holidaymaker shared on TripAdvisor: “You have to visit to take a swim, jump from a higher or lower rock into the sea or just take a sun-bath. Great place that looks like the moon.”

A second commented: “Spectacular, a totally different place, I had never seen anything similar. Lovely. A shame that time did not accompany us because we would have loved to have had a snack and take a bath in this romantic place. It is like reaching a moonscape but with white stones.”

“This place looked like we were on another planet. So beautiful and unique a beach,” a third noted. While a fourth added: “Very nice beach with very clear waters. It stands out from all the beaches due to the white rocks… worth a visit.”

Despite its striking scenes, visitors have been warned about the sea anemones that lurk on the rocks in the water, which can cause painful skin reactions. However, it hasn’t deterred people from jumping in its pristine waters or marvelling at the moon-like scenes of this incredible shoreline in Greece.

Sarakiniko Beach is conveniently located about a 10-minute drive from the main port town of Adamas on Milos island, in the Cyclades group of the Aegean Sea. It’s also easily accessible from the island’s capital, Plaka, within a 10-minute drive, and just a 15-minute drive from the charming fishing village of Pollonia.

The best way to reach Milos is to catch a direct flight from London to Athens, which takes less than four hours, then a quick 45-minute flight from the Greek capital to Milos. Ferries are also available from Athens to Milos, with the quickest journey around two and a half hours, although this can significantly increase depending on the weather, so a flight might be the best option.

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

A study of 2,000 holidaymakers found a manicure or pedicure is the treatment they would most like to have while away, followed by a Turkish bath and a facial

Two thirds of travellers describe themselves as ‘pamper tourists’ and relish beauty treatments abroad – because they’re more affordable and there’s greater opportunity than back in the UK.

Research involving 2,000 holidaymakers revealed a manicure or pedicure tops the list of treatments they’d most like to indulge in while away, with a Turkish bath and facial following close behind. Massages, hair treatments and even fish pedicures also feature among the top 20.

A third of those surveyed said they would be tempted to book a treatment abroad if it worked out cheaper than back home, while 28% would consider it simply because they have more free time than usual while on holiday.

More than one in 10, however, would book a treatment at their destination purely to avoid the last-minute rush before they even set off.

The research was commissioned by Treatwell as part of its ‘No Shame in Being Type B’ campaign, which celebrates holidaymakers who don’t panic if their beauty prep isn’t sorted before take-off.

Its so-called ‘beautician brigade’ took over London Victoria, lining the concourse of the Gatwick Express terminal with signs serving as a love letter to those with an unapologetically last-minute approach to holiday beauty prep.

The brand’s UK CEO, Alessandro Frau, said: “Holiday beauty prep doesn’t have to happen before you leave home anymore.

“As our customers’ habits evolve, we’re evolving with them, making it easier to discover and book trusted beauty services wherever they are in Europe.”

The findings came off the back of data from Treatwell revealing that 5% of all UK bookings made on the beauty and wellness platform were placed overseas rather than at home.

Nails proved the most popular treatment booked by British travellers abroad, topping the charts in six of the brand’s seven biggest European markets — only knocked off the top spot by hair in Lithuania.

Italy is the overseas destination where UK travellers are most likely to book a beauty treatment, with the Mediterranean nation accounting for 21% of all cross-border bookings across those same countries, ahead of France (18%), Germany (17%), Spain (15%) and Lithuania (15%).

Greece is the fastest-growing of the seven destinations, with UK bookings there up 38% year-on-year, while Portugal (+23%) and Lithuania (+5%) also recorded strong growth.

However, a number of hurdles remain when it comes to booking treatments abroad, with 33% expressing concerns over treatment quality, 25% unsure about which venues to trust, and 23% worried about hidden costs.

This follows research revealing that UK travellers are divided between meticulous planners and last-minute bookers, with 54% describing themselves as Type A travellers who prefer to plan well in advance

Yet 11% proudly consider themselves Type B, leaving everything to the eleventh hour, according to the research by OnePoll.

Despite this, the average traveller spends just under six hours preparing for a trip, juggling everything from passports and visas to pet care and beauty treatments.

Alessandro Frau, from the beauty booking brand, added: “Whether you’re planning ahead or booking from your sun lounger, Treatwell gives you the same seamless experience, verified reviews and quality partners you trust at home.

“So everyone is treated like a local.”

TOP 20 BEAUTY TREATMENTS TO HAVE WHILE ON HOLIDAY:

1. Manicure / pedicure.
2. Turkish bath.
3. Facial.
4. Hot stone massage.
5. Body scrub / exfoliation treatment.
6. Aromatherapy massage.
7. Hair treatment.
8. Hammam massage.
9. Reflexology.
10. Scalp treatment.
11. Acupuncture.
12. Korean glass-skin facial.
13. Japanese camellia oil facial massage.
14. Fish pedicure.
15. Body wrap.
16. Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage.
17. LED light therapy facial.
18. Eyebrow threading.
19. Ayurvedic facial.
20. Lash treatment.

ONE destination in France is cracking down on drinking in public spaces – including its pretty beaches.

Anyone seen opening a beer late in the evening after the bars have closed could be in a lot of trouble.

The municipality of Saint-Jean-de-Luz on the Basque coast in France is stopping locals and visitors from drinking in public spaces.

This includes its beaches like Grande Plage, Plage d’Erromardie and Plage de Lafitenia.

Anyone found breaking these rules could be fined up to €150 (£127).

Talking to local media, Sébastien Larroche from the municipal police and parking department said there have been problems with large gatherings during the evening.

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He said: “On the Grande Plage and the beaches in particular, alcohol consumption is prohibited because we had large gatherings of young people in the evening.

“We introduced this to try to counter this phenomenon of gatherings on the beaches and also the alcohol consumption of young people.”

He added that the problems happened mostly at night or after the local bars closed.

The rules do have a little flexibility though. For example those enjoying a glass of rosé with a picnic during the day shouldn’t be penalised.

This will be at the discretion of officials though, as Sébastien Larroche explained, “distinction is made by the agents in the field.”

Other seaside spots across the country have put similar rules in place like La Baule-Escoublac in western France where drinking alcohol on beaches is prohibited.

Other places like La Grande-Motte and Agde have seasonal restrictions – so check local rules before opening a bottle by the sea this summer.

It’s not the first time there have been alcohol bans in France.

Temporary rules were implemented across the country in late June to stop people drinking at certain places during the heatwave.

The ban was at organised events and public spaces to protect locals from the extreme heat.

The Greek capital of Athens is, perhaps, the liveliest, most energy-filled and funnest city I have ever visited. But it is also one where locals are struggling to see a future

“100% I will leave. I think of leaving every day.”

The words of Stella, a renters’ union member who is slowly but surely being ground down by one of Europe’s great cities.

When I visited Athens in the spring, I fell hard for it. The city is an energy-filled network of roads and alleyways, taken up with pedestrians, moped drivers and cars jostling for space. The sprawl stretches to the Parnitha, Hymettus, Penteli and Egaleo mountains on three sides, and the sea on the other. All four corners can be seen from the top of Mount Lycabettus, which rises 277m above Athens, letting climbers come up for air and a respite from the intensity down at street level.

It is home to some of the world’s best collections, not least at the National Archeological Museum. I snuck in to see treasures including the Mask of Agamemnon before it shuts, potentially for years, while David Chipperfield gets busy expanding and upgrading.

Outside museum opening hours, recommended activities include filling your pockets with Dreamies to befriend the impressive cat population, and watching a film at one of Athens’ 60-or-so open-air cinemas. The Thision not only serves ice-cold sour cherry drinks, it allows guests to light up and gaze at the Acropolis framed perfectly above the cinema screen.

From this tourist’s perspective, it is a dream to visit. Fun, hot, cheap and friendly.

But for many living in Athens, the city is quickly becoming a place they don’t recognise and no longer love.

The disquiet is obvious as soon as you arrive. ‘F**k Airbnb’ graffiti is everywhere, as are anti-Israel tags that more than border on the anti-semitic. On the random weekend I visited in June, the streets were taken over by tens of thousands of protesters – a very common occurrence.

As seen through the eyes of a Londoner, where political action is minimal, everything is increasingly clean and consumerism dominates every inch aside from the parks, Athens feels much more real. On Saturday mornings, markets fill streets virtually free from major chains. On Saturday nights, way past midnight, you can walk into a taverna to have a five-piece band serenade you and a waiter apologise that they ‘only have home-cooked food’.

But this perspective is a tourist’s one. It is not shared by Athenians.

“Athens is becoming more and more unfriendly. The places we used to hang out, they’re being destroyed, one by one. Soon I won’t be able to recognise it,” Stella tells me.

A local friend agrees. “It’s not like it used to be,” he says as we walk by a shiny coffee shop, a queue of tourists waiting for an iced freddo.

In the years following the Greek debt crisis, anarchists ruled much of the city. Their stronghold was Exarcheia. Chains were hounded out. Buildings converted into squats. Police rarely dared to tread there, particularly not on the anniversary of Alexandros Grigoropoulos’s death: the teenager murdered by police at the leafy intersection of Mesolongiou and Tzavella Streets.

Things began to change, and quickly, when Kostas Bakoyannis was elected mayor in 2019. He vowed to transform Exarcheia into a ‘model’ neighbourhood. Police went in, flushing out drug dealers and asylum seekers who had long received shelter in squats run by passionate locals.

This feeling of things changing has deeper roots. After winning independence from the Ottomans in 1833 and becoming Greece’s new capital the year after, what had been a ruined village of 4,000, where locals sheltered in tents beneath the Acropolis, took off. Its population had grown tenfold by 1870, tripling again over the following 25 years.

A century and a bit on, and it’s nearing four million. Many live in five or six-story polykatoikia apartment blocks that shot up in the 1930s, when the government encouraged locals to exchange their land for a stake in new builds. Today, these ‘antiparochi’ families remain major landlords.

This, according to Stella, is where the real battle for the soul of Athens is being fought. “Xarchia, where I work, used to be the most leftist area. It is famous for anarchy, but now it is a tourist area. It is a ghost of itself,” she said.

Looser property laws have allowed many home-owning Athenians to get in on the action, renting out their places on platforms such as Airbnb. Now, in the small central Athens area alone, there are thousands of holiday properties of this nature. Encouraging so many normal Athenians to become holiday let landlords means they’re much less likely to “bite the hand that feeds”, according to Stella. Or in other words, vote for parties and policies that stop the spread of holiday rentals.

And if they don’t, then Athens will become more unaffordable. According to the OECD, house prices in Greece increased by 69% between 2017 and 2024. A much faster growth rate than incomes. As a percentage of their total disposable income, Greeks now face the highest housing costs in Europe, north of 35%. In just 12 months from 2022, rent rocketed 11% across the country.

If those who make Athens the city that it is can no longer afford to live there, as many already can’t, then it loses what makes it so great.

July 17 (UPI) — Laos authorities have charged the owner of a distillery whose methanol-laced alcohol killed six travelers, officials said Friday.

The mass poisoning claimed the lives of two Australian teenagers, two Danish women, a British woman and an American man in November 2024.

The tourists became ill and quickly died after consuming alcohol from a popular local bar in Van Vieng.

It was later discovered the drinks were tainted with methanol.

The Laos distillery owner was charged with selling food products harmful to health and operating an illegal business, according to the Danish authorities.

“The charges carry a penalty ranging from three months to four years’ imprisonment, as well as a fine,” Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement to Australia’s ABC.

“The case will formally remain open for 15 years, meaning that more serious charges carrying higher penalties such as negligent manslaughter may still be brought if sufficient evidence can be established.”

But relatives of the victims, as well as government officials, have expressed frustration at the charges, which could see the distillery owner in jail for as few as three months.

“The Australian Government is deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointed that authorities in Laos are not pursuing the most serious charges in relation to the methanol poisoning deaths of Australian citizens Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones,” said Penny Wong, the Australian foreign minister, in a statement. “This devastating news will only add to the immense pain and grief suffered by the families and friends of Holly and Bianca.”

Mark Jones, father of victim Bianca, said feeling “furious would be an understatement.”

“I don’t have words for the disgust that I have with what the Laos authorities are suggesting is meant to be justice for the deaths of six tourists,” he told ABC.

A growing number of tourists are finding their most exciting holiday moments down a supermarket aisle, and social media is full of holidaymakers showing off their hauls. So, which European destinations have the best supermarkets

What do you most look forward to when you step off a plane? From sightseeing to days at the beach, we all have holiday moments that we dream about all year-round. But recently holidaymakers have taken to social media to show off their videos not of stunning scenery, but supermarket aisles.

TikTok is full of videos of Brits excitedly heading to supermarkets at their holiday destinations. One is captioned “Nothing beats the feeling of the first supermarket trip in Spain”, showing a man excitedly dancing in the aisles, while another shows a tourist visiting the supermarket chain Mercadona with the caption “Me, as soon as I land in Spain”.

This newfound appreciation for a chore that’s usually seen as mundane at home has lead to travel deals site Superbreak.com releasing a Gourmet Grocery Index the top ten destinations in the UK and Europe for grocery tourism in 2026. It looked at aspects of food shopping such as the amount of supermarkets and independent food shops, cost of a food shop, retail value, and the packability of its most popular food type.

Taking the number one spot is a city that’s a cultural capital, known for its colourful buildings, hilly streets, and apparently, its well-stocked supermarkets too. Lisbon in Portugal took the top spot thanks to its sheer choice of food shops, from old-school conservas, boutiques that specialise in tinned fish, to traditional delis and markets, as well as popular chain supermarkets.

Portugal is also frequently named as one of the areas offering the cheapest cost of living in Western Europe. While tourists from the UK sometimes find other European countries expensive for food shopping, Portugal has been named as 20-40% cheaper than shopping at home.

A popular item to take back to the UK is tinned fish, which scored the perfect packability score due to being difficult to damage in transit, pressure sealed, and shelf-stable, making it an excellent gift to take home. However, it’s worth noting that fish in brine or oil will count as a liquid if taking it in your hand luggage.

Visitors to Lisbon should look out for mercados municipais, local neighbourhood markets that are often found in large, historic buildings that have held market stalls for years. Mercado de Campo de Ourique is one of the larger options, reachable by tram, and also has a selection of sit-down places to have lunch or a coffee. Loja das Conservas is a great place to pick up souvenirs. This colourful shop has dozens of varieties of tinned fish in retro-style packaging that makes for fun gift.

If you’d like to experience shopping the same way as locals, the biggest supermarket chain is Continente, and there are small and large branches throughout Lisbon. There’s also Pingo Doce, which tends to be smaller branches that specialise in fresh foods and have popular in-store bakeries.

Coming second on the list was Barcelona, which is famous for Mercat de la Boqueria, named the best market in the world, and Florence in Italy which is full of specialist food stores where you can buy authentic local ingredients.

Just one UK destination made the list. Coming in at number ten were the Exmoor coast destinations of Lynton & Lynmouth which made the list due to the large number of independent farm shops and artisanal food makers on a per-capita basis, providing an excellent staycation spot for foodies looking to shop somewhere new in the UK.

Before packing supermarket items to bring back to the UK, travellers should make sure the items can handle high-altitude cabin pressure changes and rough baggage handling without bursting or cracking. If you’re on a hand-luggage only fare, make sure it meets the airport’s liquid requirements. If you can spill, spread, pump, or pour it then it’s likely to count as a liquid.

Keep journey timings in mind and whether your item will be able to be out of the fridge until you get home. And keep in mind that there’s still a ban on bringing meat and cheese products from the EU into the UK. All dairy products, plus meat including pork, beef, and lamb cannot be brought home with you, although fish and poultry items are fine.

Top 10 grocery hotspots for 2026

1. Lisbon, Portugal
2. Barcelona, Spain
3. Florence, Italy
4. Madrid, Spain
5. Paris, France
6. Rome, Italy
7. Bologna, Italy
8. Porto, Portugal
9. San Sebastian, Spain
10. Lynton & Lynmouth, Devon, UK

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

Latest travel advice for updated information about travelling with medication

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an alert today (July 17), updating its travel advice for British tourists travelling to the European hotspot with medication. With the peak travel season almost here, families up and down the country are set to go away on holiday as schools close, with Portugal a top pick for many.

Plenty of people will pack various medications with them when going on holiday, and for anyone going to Portugal, the FCDO has shared the latest information to keep in mind. It says: “The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.”

The FCDO says there are strict rules around dispensing certain medicines in Portugal, including antibiotics. It explains: “UK prescriptions are not recognised so bring in Portugal.

“Carry enough medication for your visit. Keep the medication in the original container with the prescription label. UK prescriptions are not recognised in Portugal. Carry enough medication for your visit.”

It continues: “If you need a repeat prescription, go to the nearest health centre or hospital A&E. You may have to pay for your medication. You will need to go to a pharmacy to get most medicines, though some non-prescription medication is sold at health stores in supermarkets and shopping centres. Find a pharmacy on the Pharmacy Association website.”

Holiday-goers can read best practices when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. Changes to your routine when travelling, such as later nights, coping with heat and changes to your diet, can have an impact on your medication. See the Summer Proof Your Health campaign for more information.

Key advice when travelling with medication from FCDO

Check your destination before bringing medication with you. The FCDO advises reviewing the specific country page for the place you are visiting (and transiting). Many include a ‘Health’ section with medication notes. Some countries have strict rules on certain medicines (including over-the-counter ones). Generally, it is best to:

• Carry medication in its original pharmacy packaging, with a copy of your prescription and a letter from your prescriber/doctor.
• Keep it primarily in hand luggage (with some extra in hold luggage as backup).
• Take enough for your entire trip plus extra for delays.
• The legal status of your medication (including some OTC items) can differ abroad — some countries ban or restrict substances legal in the UK.

What are the rules for controlled drugs like certain painkillers?

• For quantities of three months’ supply or more, you may need a UK export licence (apply at least 10 days in advance).
• Carry a doctor’s letter detailing your name, the medication (generic name, dose, quantity), travel dates, and reason.
• Always check rules for your destination country via its embassy/high commission in the UK.

Travellers can stay up to date with the latest travel advice on the FCDO country page. There is also the NaTHNaC Medicines factsheet. Gov.uk also offers guidance on taking medicine in or out of the UK. People can also contact the destination country’s embassy for specific import rules.

IF YOU are visiting Greece this summer, then you need to be aware of a major problem happening across several islands.

Seven Greek islands have announced that they are struggling with water supply following hot weather.

The island of Astypalaia is currently relying on bottled water for drinking, with this being the second driest season since 2020.

And this is then worsened in the peak season when the population rises from the 1,400 permanent residents to around 32,000 to 70,000 tourists.

As a result, local authorities have introduced emergency measures which include blocking irrigation for farmers.

Other islands that have declared an emergency include Alonnisos, Leros, Karpathos, Patmos, Symi and Tinos.

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As a result of the shortage of water across the islands, the Greek Government is committing €15million (£12.8million) for water infrastructure across nine islands.

It comes as experts also have warned that rising temperatures across the world could worsen water shortages by 2049.

A number of hotels across the islands are already taking measures to reduce the amount of water used.

For example, one hotel in Chora is offering guests €5 (£4.25) vouchers if they do not use the cleaning services each day.

Earlier this, Corfu also announced water shortages, particularly due to tourism leading to four times as much water consumption.

The Netherlands announced this week that they are experiencing a water crisis as well, though also confirmed that it does not impact drinking water.

People holidaying in France might bring this keepsake home without thinking twice

It may seem like a harmless memento to slip into your suitcase before heading home, but one common holiday habit could end up proving very expensive. Beach holidays are hugely popular, and while many travellers like to collect natural souvenirs as keepsakes or gifts, doing so in France could land them with a fine of up to €1,500 – which is around £1,300.

The little-known rule applies to natural materials including sea shells, pebbles and sand collected from French beaches. While many holidaymakers think nothing of taking home a small reminder of their trip, doing so is prohibited under French environmental laws designed to protect the country’s coastline.

Authorities say taking such items from beaches contributes to coastal erosion and can damage fragile ecosystems. Shells provide shelter for small marine creatures, while pebbles and sand play an important role in maintaining the stability of beaches.

France is home to more than 5,500 kilometres of mainland coastline and thousands of beaches stretching from the English Channel and Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. According to Atout France, the country’s official tourism development agency, its coastline attracts millions of visitors every year, making conservation efforts increasingly important.

The restrictions form part of France’s Environmental Code (Code de l’environnement), which protects the country’s natural coastal heritage. Anyone caught removing these materials without authorisation can face fines of up to €1,500, depending on the circumstances.

Environmental experts say the impact of individual tourists taking just a handful of sand or shells can quickly add up when millions of people visit beaches each year. According to the European Environment Agency, coastal erosion is already affecting many parts of Europe’s shoreline because of a combination of natural processes and human activity.

France remains one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, welcoming millions of international visitors every year. Many head to coastal hotspots along the French Riviera, Normandy and the Atlantic coast, where authorities encourage people to leave beaches exactly as they found them.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises travellers to familiarise themselves with local laws before visiting overseas destinations. Even seemingly harmless actions can carry penalties if they breach environmental regulations.

Holidaymakers planning a trip to France are therefore encouraged to resist the temptation to pocket shells, pebbles or sand as souvenirs. Taking photographs instead is a simple way to preserve memories without risking an expensive fine or harming the environment.

Argentina fans responded with gestures of their own, with one punching the bus windows.

“Henry’s full of character,” Borthwick said. “We want character in our game and we want character in our squad.

“This squad really embraces what he brings. It takes all kinds of different personalities and we’ve got some players who wouldn’t do that and then you’ve got Henry who would go and do that.

“We embrace it. I think it was done in good nature and it came from a very good place.”

England have won nine of their past 10 meetings with the Pumas, including both Tests while on tour without their British and Irish Lions last summer.

After their most recent meeting – a 27-23 win for England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium – Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi was involved in a confrontation with England flanker Tom Curry in the tunnel.

England have named the same starting XV that beat Fiji 73-8 last weekend while Argentina’s team contains a clutch of players based in England, including Bath full-back Santiago Carreras, Bristol centre Matias Moroni and Harlequins second row Guido Petti.

Argentina; S Carreras; Delguy, Moroni, Piccardo, M Carreras; Albornoz, Garcia; Vivas, Montoya (capt), Rapetti, Petti, Alemanno, Grondona, Kremer, Oviedo.

Replacements: Ruiz, Wenger, Delgado, Elias, Matera, Moro, Benitez Cruz, Cinti.