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BRITISH holidaymakers going to France may be forced to cover their bare chests or risk being slapped with a £130 (€150) fine.

Men have been banned from walking around shirtless in several seaside resort towns – with one mayor citing concerns over hygiene and decency.

Topless sunbathing is still legal in France – but around 20 towns are clamping down on locals and tourists from baring their chests in city centres.

The glamorous resort of Deauville has hiked up its token fine of £15 (€17) to a heftier £130 (€150).

And in the southern French city of Narbonne – which last year saw blistering highs of 43 degrees – men are barred from going shirtless all summer.

The ban came into force on Monday and will end only at the end of September.

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The mayor of the resort town claimed it was common sense for a tourist hotspot to crack down on bare-chests.

“It’s about hygiene and avoiding exhibitionism,” he said.

One Narbonne restaurant owner hailed the crackdown as “a very good thing”, saying that “this isn’t something the staff of our café can easily police on their own without getting into arguments with customers”.

“Having bare-chested guys on the terrace can put off other customers”, added Anthony Hill, 53, who runs Le 89 cafe in the city centre.

But as a heatwave swept across the holiday hotspot – hitting highs of 34 degrees – not everyone welcomed the ban.

“This excessive puritanism is disturbing. Let people live a little. A bare chest never killed anyone”, complained one user named Gabriel on X.

Another seaside port – La Grande‑Motte – has imposed the same restriction and local resident Marie welcomed the change with open arms.

“If I’m out with my kids in the town centre I really don’t want to see guys without shirts. It’s a matter of decency — and there’s also the smell when they walk past you”, the 37-year-old told French TV.

But one holidaymaker, 55, questioned whether the £130 (€150) was “a bit steep” – though he added that he found rule logical.

French law forbids women from going topless – but there is no nationwide ban on men’s shirtlessness.

If a woman walks around bare-chested anywhere other than on a beach she risks being arrested for “sexual exhibitionism” and thrown in jail.

She may also be charged a fine of around £13,000 (€15,000).

In 2020 a row erupted across the nation after cops asked three topless women sunbathing on a southern French beach to cover up.

A family had complained that the women’s bare breasts had upset their children – but when police took action they were blasted for betraying the “French way of life”.

A new beach rule for a European hotspot has been introduced for anyone aged between 10 and 65, but one traveller has dubbed it the ‘most unusual beach rule of 2026’

A popular European destination that welcomes thousands of Brits each year is introducing a new beach rule for everyone aged 10 to 65.

A day out at the beach, be it in the UK during the summer months or in Europe, is often accompanied by an umbrella to help provide shade from the balmy sun. However, holidaymakers of a certain age have been banned from using a parasol on a beach in Sardinia, Italy.

Under the new rule introduced earlier this month, Punta Molentis Beach, near the popular resort town of Villasimius in Sardinia, only allows families with children under 10 years old or people over 65 to put up an umbrella. It comes as the Italian beach limits the number of visitors to 150 at a time and puts in strict restrictions following wildfires in July last year.

In addition, visitors arriving at Punta Molentis Beach on foot will need to pay a fee of €10 (£8.60), while those arriving by boat will pay €5 (£4.31). Meanwhile, only 70 cars will be able to access the beach per day until 31 October, and reservations will be compulsory to visit, the Villasimius council website reported.

The town council also said in a message: “It’s therefore necessary to limit human impact and ensure protection of this heritage for future generations.”

The rules are in place throughout the summer season and aim to protect the beloved beach following last summer’s wildfires. Holidaymakers were forced to flee the wildfires by boat after they erupted in late July 2025, with around 100 hectares of Punta Molentis said to have been destroyed by the blaze, including cars in the beach car park.

However, not everyone is happy with the new rules. One person commented on X, formerly Twitter: “Banning shade in the Mediterranean summer heat sounds incredibly dangerous.”

A second said: “Guess I’m just gonna roast under the sun then, sounds like a fun time for my skin.” While a third added: “This might be the most unusual beach rule of 2026.”

One more wrote: “Banning basic sun protection for specific age groups under the guise of ‘saving space’ is a massive skin cancer risk waiting to happen.”

However, the council noted on its website that: “The ecosystem of Punta Molentis is one of the most valuable in our territory but also one of the most fragile.”

Meanwhile, in the Italian hotspot of Sorrento, people are banned from wearing swimwear away from beaches and pools. Anyone caught out could face fines of up to €500 (around 431), while Portofino, Positano and Capri have also enforced similar rules.

The rule is to avoid tourists walking around town or going to lunch in swimsuits or bikinis. But it doesn’t just apply to swimwear, as those caught walking around topless could also face a fine.

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Foreign Office backed experts issue update as tourists from England, Scotland and Wales struck down

UK health experts have disclosed that 164 individuals have arrived back in England, Scotland and Wales from a holiday destination carrying a serious infection. In a fresh update, the Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro stated that people must exercise additional caution.

The surge in stomach bugs Shigella – also referred to as shigellosis or dysentery – and Salmonella has been occurring on the Cape Verde Islands, a favoured destination among British holidaymakers. Authorities confirmed that over the past eight months, cases of Shigella and Salmonella infection have been documented in travellers returning to England, Scotland and Wales from the Cape Verde Islands.

Of 164 confirmed Shigella cases, the majority – 112 – individuals reported travel to Cape Verde, predominantly to the Santa Maria and Boa Vista regions. As of June 2026, of 99 confirmed Salmonella cases, from three distinct clusters reported in England, Scotland and Wales since 1 October 2025, a total of 70 individuals reported travel to Cape Verde.

Cases in the largest of the Salmonella clusters reached their peak in January 2026. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) also flagged a surge in Shigella cases amongst travellers returning from Cape Verde since September 2022.

More than 1,000 confirmed and suspected cases of shigella and other gastrointestinal infections, including salmonella, have been identified in travellers returning from Cape Verde to 13 countries across the European Union/European Economic Area: Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden and the Netherlands. Cases have also been recorded amongst US travellers who visited Cape Verde.

Shigella is a bacterium that can trigger shigellosis, a gut infection capable of causing severe diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps. The majority of people recover within a week.

However, certain individuals, such as older adults, those with weakened immune systems, anyone with complex medical conditions, pregnant women and children under five, may face a heightened risk of complications, including sepsis.

Shigella spreads through contact with contaminated faeces, either directly via person-to-person transmission or indirectly through food, water or surfaces tainted with Shigella. Travellers visiting destinations where food and water safety cannot be guaranteed are particularly at risk.

Globally, the majority of Shigella cases occur in children younger than five years of age, though all age groups can be affected. There is additionally a risk of sexual transmission amongst men who have sex with men.

Salmonella, also known as salmonellosis, is a bacterial illness that primarily targets the intestines. Symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever typically appear between 12 and 72 hours after infection [8].

Young children, pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions and elderly people are at greater risk of developing severe symptoms. The majority of human cases stem from contaminated food and water.

For further details, click here.

While you are away.

Be sure to follow these steps when travelling overseas.

Tourists have been urged to stop making a common packing mistake as it could lead to “ruining holidays”. The advice comes as vacation season begins to kick off

The prospect of jetting off somewhere keeps most of us motivated, so the last thing anyone wants is for something to spoil their well-earned break. Yet, as many may not realise, a straightforward packing blunder could land you in trouble, and may even affect whether you’re able to fully enjoy your time away.

If you’re hoping for a smooth and stress-free trip, there’s some vital travel information you really ought to be aware of. It’s essential to steer clear of a simple packing error, as it could prove costly and seriously disrupt your holiday — something nobody wants to experience.

It’s not the first expert guidance of this nature to emerge recently, either. Previously, holidaymakers were cautioned about another common luggage blunder to avoid.

According to pharmacist Seema Khatri at Roseway Labs, the vast majority of medication-related holiday mishaps stem from a handful of easily preventable errors, with most occurring before the trip has even begun.

Seema said: “People spend weeks planning itineraries and what to take, but medication is often an afterthought. And that causes problems.”

Travelling with medication can be a minefield, as regulations differ from country to country. As a general rule, ensuring your medication is clearly labelled is always a sensible precaution.

For certain medicines, particularly injectables or controlled substances, a doctor’s letter may also be required. She added: “Always keep your medication in your carry-on luggage.

“It reduces the risk of loss, delays or temperature damage.” What you might not realise is that medication can cause problems at airports if it’s not packed and documented properly.

In fact, it can result in hold-ups, questioning, confiscation or you could even be refused permission to fly in certain situations. Issues typically occur with controlled substances, liquid medications that exceed particular limits or absent prescriptions.

To make sure you pack yours appropriately, check the regulations at your airport and in the country you’re visiting. Seema said: “Most holiday medication problems are preventable.

“With a bit of planning, you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of dealing with avoidable health issues.” That said, there are several general guidelines people ought to follow to be on the safe side.

What you need to know

Always keep medication in your hand luggage in its original, properly labelled packaging. Store a spare supply in your checked baggage in case your bags go missing.

Additionally, make sure you carry a copy of your repeat prescription and, in certain cases, a signed letter from your doctor outlining the medication, dosage and duration of travel. It’s always advisable to verify what you require before you pack your bags.

A doctor’s note is recommended for large quantities of over-the-counter medicines to prevent complications at border control. You also need to make certain that liquid medication exceeding 100ml is readily accessible, as it will probably be screened separately.

If your medication is classified as a controlled drug, such as powerful painkillers or particular sedatives, specific rules apply. Therefore, check what applies to you before you travel.

Rules can differ from country to country, so always ensure you verify this before travelling, and declare that you’re carrying medication at the airport. After all, nobody wants to face delays at security, or be refused the right to travel, because of a straightforward packing error.

Spain is the most popular destination for UK holidaymakers

Anyone planning a trip to Spain should act eight weeks before travelling, according to the latest Foreign Office advice.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides advice for travel to more than 220 countries and territories across the globe, covering everything from entry requirements and safety risks to health precautions and regulations. The FCDO recommends that those heading to Spain check the most up-to-date vaccination advice at least eight weeks before they set off, and find out where to get their vaccines and whether any fees apply.

Holidaymakers are directed to the Spain page on the TravelHealthPro website, which states: “Travellers [to Spain] should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK. These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.”

It’s worth noting, however, that there are no certificate requirements for entry into Spain. Those visiting Spain are also urged to ensure their tetanus jabs are up-to-date.

TravelHealthPro guidance adds: “Travellers should thoroughly clean all wounds and seek medical attention for injuries such as animal bites/scratches, burns or wounds contaminated with soil.” TravelHealthPro also recommends that all holidaymakers make sure they have sufficient travel insurance.

It adds: “If visiting European Union (EU) countries, carry an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) as this will allow access to state-provided healthcare in some countries at a reduced cost, or sometimes for free.

“The EHIC or GHIC, however, is not an alternative to travel insurance.”

ONE of the world’s most iconic mountain resorts is set to close its airport for months.

Attracting millions of ski enthusiasts and keen hikers every year, it’s a place loved by A-listers, with the likes of Goldie Hawn and Mariah Carey boasting luxury homes in the stunning area.

But those wanting to jet off to Aspen, Colorado, next year are set to have their plans hindered.

Located in the Rocky Mountains, the outdoor haven, frequented by the Kardashians, can ordinarily be reached via flights to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE).

However, the travel hub has now confirmed that flights will stop and the airport will close its doors for seven months from next spring.

As of April 4, 2027, the airport will grind to a halt for a staggering 229 days.

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The closure will allow for a major airport regeneration to take place, with runway reconstructions planned.

Neither commercial nor private aircrafts will be permitted to use the airport while the project is going on.

Flights will not resume until November 19, 2027, but the works are not expected to be completed fully until 2029.

The airport usually connects major US cities like LA, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta and Denver to the ski hotspot.

The renovation project, which is predicted to cost a hefty $575million, will allow the airport’s decades-old terminal building to be modernised.

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport director Diane Jackson said: “Our team is committed to coordinating with federal partners, airlines, general aviation partners, and the broader community as we prepare for this important project and the future of the airport.

“This project is a long-term investment in the safety, reliability, and future of Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, and we will continue to engage with our community every step of the way,” her statement continued.

A study has named Europe’s most overrated tourist attractions, with a number of bucket-list destinations that visitors say aren’t worth the bother due to overcrowding and expensive tickets

As the summer season kicks in, queues at Europe’s most popular attractions are set to grow even longer – but landmark named as an ‘overrated’ hotspot may simply not be worth the wait.

A data analysis examining a range of Europe’s top attractions, assessing average review scores alongside factors such as overcrowding, cleanliness and entertainment value, has revealed the ten most overrated sights on the continent. Surprisingly, many of them are iconic landmarks that feature on countless tourists’ bucket lists.

Topping the list is the vast Palace of Versailles, the lavish château commissioned by King Louis XIV on the outskirts of Paris. Despite the estate’s undeniable grandeur, the study – carried out by price comparison site idealo found a significant number of reviews from disenchanted visitors, with nearly a third of reviewers flagging overcrowding as a major gripe.

Although the palace holds an impressive 4.7 rating on Google, a clear pattern of complaints emerges among its negative reviews. One frustrated visitor wrote: “It’s another tourist trap. This place is so crowded. Most art works are of replicas, the real ones are stored at the Louvre museum.

“There’s not enough toilet facilities for the number of visitors and every part of the palace requires another ticket: the king’s apartment, the queen’s apartment, the garden, the virtue, all cost extra.”, they added.

Another review from several months back stated: “It was impossible to enjoy the palace with the sheer number of people crammed into the spaces-it even felt unsafe in such a crowd.” However, a more enthusiastic review declared: “Beautiful place to visit. So much history! Fantastic architecture and amazing art.”

Coming in second was Park Güell in Barcelona, and while this collection of outdoor spaces designed by Antoni Gaudí boasts plenty of distinctive architectural elements, not every visitor was won over, reports the Express.

One critical review remarked: “My honest opinion is don’t bother. It’s €18 to walk around a kind of country park. There are 3 houses which you can see better on the website. How people are rating it 4 I do not know.

“Nothing but a money making tourist trap. The walk up to the entrance is about 20 minutes uphill and loads of steps too. Seriously, don’t waste your money.”

Yet a recent review offered: “It’s a very nice park with several great spots for taking photos. I recommend buying tickets in advance, but you can also get them on-site if you go early. I recommend going in the morning when the park opens.”

Claiming third place was the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, celebrated for its world-renowned frescoes adorning the ceiling, painted by Michelangelo. But despite its stunning 16th century artwork and legendary reputation, not everyone enjoyed their experience.

Many reviewers grumbled that the visit felt hurried, excessively crowded, and that photography of the famous ceiling was prohibited. One tourist described being: “Forced through a maze like cattle. Took an hour to get to the Chapel once we entered. Only saving grace wax we bought tickets to miss the regular line. I think people were waiting over an hour just to get in.”

Another complained: “The artwork is of course amazing. However, the shoulder to shoulder crowding throughout the museum made it difficult to appreciate anything but oversold tickets.”

Europe’s most overrated tourist attractions in 2026 – full list

1. Palace of Versailles, Versailles
2. Park Güell, Barcelona
3. Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
4. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria
5. Prague Castle, Prague
6. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa
7. Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
8. Arc de Triomphe, Paris
9. Louvre Museum, Paris
10. Eiffel Tower, Paris

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ONE of the UK’s prettiest islands has been forced to ban people travelling there once a week.

Ulva is home to just 16 people but after it starred on a TV show, has experienced ‘unprecedented interest’ by tourists.

In a bid to control the number of people visiting the small Scottish island, the local and only ferry service has announced it will not run on Sundays.

Ulva is an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland found off the west coast of the Isle of Mull.

The island receives an influx of visitors during the spring and summertime – but this year has had more than ever.

This is a result of the TV show, Banjo & Ro’s Grand Island Hotel being aired on BBC Scotland and iPlayer.

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Banjo and Ro who hail from Australia appeared on the series renovating Ulva House – a Regency home that will open as a hotel.

Since the show aired, the island has become much busier – so much so that the ferry operator has decided to close on certain days.

The ferry is the only way to get to Ulva as it crosses the strait from Mull in around 5-minutes.

The foot passenger ferry operates on weekdays from 9am to 5.30pm and does not operate on Saturdays.

In recent news, the ferry announced it will no longer carry passengers across on Sundays either.

In a recent post, it said: “None of us could have predicted how significant the increase in the numbers of visitors would be, so to give ourselves, the Boathouse [restaurant] and fellow islanders the chance to recharge and prepare for the week ahead, we have made the difficult decision not to open Sundays this summer.”

For those who have already pre-booked a trip to the island in June, July or August, the ferry operator has said that it will still help visitors across.

Banjo and Ro already run The Boathouse on Ulva, a restaurant where visitors can pick up a coffee or local fish dishes.

The island is car-free island with cliffs, moorlands, woodland as well as quiet beaches and bays.

Talking to Sun Travel about the island, Banjo described it as “another world” and there’s plenty of wildlife to spot too.

Banjo said: “We’ve got otters, dolphins and seals swimming by, and one ferry you can take from Ulva is called Turus Mara which goes to the Treshnish Isles, it’s home to puffins.

“Often we go there for a puffin picnic just to sit with them, that’s one of our favourite things to do.

“There are more cows than people too so you’re likely to see a lot of them. And you’ve got a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights when the sun goes down.”

When it comes to activities on the island, of course Banjo suggests stopping at The Boathouse for a “pre-walk coffee” then a walk to Ormaig.

Here is where there are ruins of the island’s villages.

Another attraction is Livingston’s Cave, and nearby you’ll see “gorgeous view of Inch Kenneth where the Mitford sisters used to live”.

Then Banjo said: “Head back to The Boathouse for lunch – we serve fresh langoustines, crab and lobster which you can enjoy with a fresh bottle of wine.”

One-off Test, Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont (day two of four)

New Zealand 490-8 dec (119 overs): Blundell 186, Foxcroft 98; Tector 1-16

Ireland 179 all out (45 overs) Balbirnie 73*, Adair 40; Smith 6-40 & 65-2 (16 overs) Doheny 36*; Tickner 2-14

Ireland trail by 246 runs

Scorecard

New Zealand took control against Ireland on the second day of the one-off Test with Nathan Smith claiming an international career best of 6-40 at Stormont.

After recovering from a poor start on the first day to reach 361-5, the Black Caps continued in a similar vein on the second day in the Belfast sun, reaching 490-8 before captain Tom Latham declared.

New Zealand enforced the follow-on and Ireland’s response was dealt an early blow when Stephen Doheny and Cade Carmichael were dismissed in the first over and they then lost four more in quick succession after lunch as Smith claimed his first five-wicket haul.

Mark Adair and Andy McBrine steadied the ship, but Ireland were 179 all out before performing much better in the second innings as they ended the day on 65-2, trailing New Zealand by 246 runs.

The tourists enjoyed a strong start in the morning session as Tom Blundell and Dean Foxcroft built on their 58-run partnership from day one.

Blundell surpassed 150, while Foxcroft brought up his first Test half-century as they went beyond the 100-runs mark as a pair.

Ireland eventually got moving and took three quick wickets, including Blundell for 186 and Foxcroft, who fell two short of a first Test century.

Heinrich Malan’s side endured a disastrous start to their chase however, with Doheny and Carmichael dismissed by Smith in the second and sixth balls of the first over.

After lunch, Smith continued his fine run as he took the wickets of Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher and Lorcan Tucker while Harry Tector also fell before Adair and McBrine got Ireland back on track, steering them through to tea.

They brought up a 100-run partnership before Adair exited for 40 as Smith got a sixth wicket of the day.

Tom Mayes and Liam McCarthy then fell as Ireland faltered to finish 179 all out.

They fared better in the opening of their second innings, led by Doheny, but they still have a mountain to climb heading into day three.

“You’d take 98, its obviously better than a duck, I was so close to the century, but at the end of the day the team is in a great position to win this game,” Foxcroft told BBC Sport NI.

“In terms of the match, I’m delighted where we are at the moment. We’ve got eight more wickets to go and looking ahead to tomorrow morning, we are hoping we can put Ireland under pressure.

“For us enforcing the follow-on was all about momentum. We will want to try and finish the game off and then we can think about England next week.”

Ireland batting coach Gary Wilson added: “It was a really good spell from Nathan Smith, it asked us a lot of questions and I think you could see it’s a new ball wicket and you could see that in both innings.”

Play will resume at Stormont at 11:00 BST on Friday.

A woman has lost a court battle after she claimed that “water is a natural resource and a universal human right” having been refused a glass of tap water by the Hotel Sassongher in Corvara

A hotel has won a legal fight with a tourist who asked for a glass of water.

In the UK, the right to ask for a glass of water from certain establishments is enshrined in the law. Restaurants that serve alcohol are legally required to provide free tap water to paying customers, although they may charge for the glass or service.

The same cannot be said for other countries.

In Italy, the land’s highest court has just ruled that a five-star Dolomites hotel acted lawfully when it refused to provide tap water to a tourist.

Way back in 2019, the woman, from Rome, asked for a glass of H2O, only to be told that she couldn’t have one and that she’d have to make do with a £6 bottle of mineral water instead.

What followed was a legal fight that has run on until this week. Eventually settled in the Italian Supreme Court, the tourist claimed that “water is a natural resource and a universal human right”.

However, such arguments failed, with the five-star Hotel Sassongher in Corvara eventually victorious and the tourist’s request for £2,300 in compensation for emotional distress and economic damage dismissed.

Silvio Belardi, the lawyer representing the hotel, told the Corriere Alto Adige newspaper that the court held that “there is no obligation to supply tap water”.

According to the lawyer, the case had been rejected first by a court in Rome, then by an appeals court and now the Court of Cassation.

The Roman had argued that her consumer rights had been violated. She compared the denial of tap water to a hotel not putting sheets on a bed or soap in the bathroom.

“The woman claimed she had suffered damage, including financial and moral harm. This was rejected for lack of evidence,” Mr Belardi told the BBC.

Supreme Court judges dismissed her claim, eventually ruling that Italian laws and regulations do not require venues to provide tap water to guests. It is up to individual establishments whether they decide to do so.

“We also argued that if a person wanted running water, they could easily get that in the hotel – just not at the restaurant,” the lawyer added

European countries where free tap water is legally required

France: Requires restaurants to provide a carafe of water with every meal at no extra charge.

Spain: Passed a law in 2022 requiring bars and restaurants to offer unpackaged drinking water for free.

Lithuania: Restaurants must give guests tap water if they ask for it.

What about the EYU as a whole?

The EU as a whole has passed no laws requiring establishments to provide free tap water, although that could change soon. The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, approved by the EU Council, encourages member states to ensure restaurants, bars, cafés, and catering services provide tap water for free or for a minimal service fee, with rules set to take effect in August this year.

Nestled along the picturesque UK shoreline is a stunning beach with azure waters and stretches of soft sand – but it’s left visitors a little taken aback for one reason

A beautiful UK beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters is often dubbed the ‘Bali of the UK’, but there’s more than meets the eye.

Nothing says heatwave like a day out at the beach, and the UK is brimming with stretches of golden coastline, dramatic chalk white cliffs, and azure waters that could easily be mistaken for those found in the Caribbean. That’s if you know where to look. And one stunning beach might just stand out from them all, for more reasons than one.

Nestled on the south coast of the Penwith Peninsula in Cornwall is Pedn Vounder Beach, tucked away in a secluded, tidal cove, which could arguably be one of the most beautiful UK shores. The beach is characterised by crystal-clear turquoise waters and unspoilt, soft, golden sand, framed by towering cliffs in a UK oasis.

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During low tide, shallow, aquamarine pools are formed – perfect for a dip during the warmer months, although people should be aware of the currents and the steep terrain to access the beach. However, it’s well worth the walk down, as those looking for a little slice of paradise will be rewarded with picture-postcard vistas of the beach, often dubbed the ‘Bali of the UK’.

It remains untouched, with stretches of pristine sand to enjoy and the lapping of azure waters in a secluded location away from the busier seaside resorts. But those taking the rugged route down to the breathtakingly beautiful beach might be caught off guard, as it’s often been known as an unofficial naturist beach.

One traveller commented on Facebook: “Beautiful but absolutely had a shock as we weren’t aware of what type of beach it was!”

Another agreed: “My partner and I also didn’t know this was a clothing-optional beach until we got down to it and saw much more than we were expecting!”

A third added: “Same until we got there.”

On TripAdvisor, one visitor also revealed: “This is a nudist beach, and the climb down is not for the faint-hearted. However, there are clear signs warning you of both of these on the way down.”

They later added: “One of the most breathtaking beaches I have ever visited. The waters were crystal blue and the beach beautifully sandy.”

Commenting further, another traveller shared: “There are clothed and unclothed bodies. Most of the nude people are on the left end of the beach, and everyone is very respectful.”

Other explorers issued a warning to those looking to access the secluded beach due to its challenging walk down.

One shared on TripAdvisor: “This beach cove really is gorgeous, the water is crystal clear and a stunning turquoise colour, you wouldn’t believe it’s in the UK! Only about a mile from the nearest parking lot, but it definitely isn’t a trip for the faint-hearted. It is a very steep hike/climb down to get onto the beach, virtually rock climbing. Make sure you take all the essentials too, as there is nothing around once you get there.”

Another commented: “A stunning beach it is quite a climb down over the rocks so you do need to be prepared for this. The beach is definitely worth the climb, especially when the tide goes out. The best beach I have been to.”

One more shared: “Totally amazing – but mainly writing this review for some advice for others, we’ve been going for 30 years, but due to social media, lots of people are now trying. “You need to be pretty fit, mobile and able to descend down a cliff face to access – getting down with buggies or people with mobility difficulties will find it difficult.”

They added: “Also, it is a nudist beach, has been for years and years – if people have an issue with this, it’s probably not the beach for you.”

Yet for those up for the challenge, who have checked the tide and planned a route, might just be met with some of the most stunning vistas that easily rival those found in the Caribbean or Bali.

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