Travel advice

THE sun tickles my face as I gaze across the North Sea on a bright April day. 

And I can safely say that this amazing spot on Sweden’s west coast radiates a stillness that could relax even the busiest soul. 

Varberg, a 40-minute train ride from Gothenburg, is emerging as a proper wellness spot. 

One where holidaymakers come to escape life’s rigours and experience authentic Sweden, without the modern-day malls and restaurant chains that have taken over many major cities across Europe. 

Here, old-fashioned practices and a fuss-free way of life are still very much the norm — and I couldn’t wait to try them out. 

Throwing myself straight into the action, I head to the town’s Kallbadhuset — which translates as “cold bathhouse” — perched on the sea and reminiscent of a Disney castle.  

BEACH BREAK

The tiny Spanish islands that are a ‘Caribbean-like break on a budget’

GREEK GEM

I went to the pretty Greek island with kumquat limoncello & unique British icon

Plunging into the water, I brace myself for the rush of cold — and the brief dip certainly wakes me up.  

Luckily, I can follow it up with a visit to the spectacular sauna, warming my limbs while I soak up the stunning view of the town’s pier. 

Of course, cold plunges are not the only perk of being by the sea.  

Varberg and its surrounding towns in Halland County are a haven for seafood lovers. One of the best places to sample it is Spiseriet.

Translated, it means “the place to eat” — and it certainly does its name justice.

Having worked at a string of Michelin-star restaurants throughout Gothenburg, charismatic host Peter Hallden and chef Martin Anneflod decided to open their own place in the picturesque Johnssons Gard. 

Diners sit in a renovated former stable and choose from a ridiculously fresh menu of classic Swedish grub.  

My Norwegian langoustines, Peter informs me, were in the sea four hours earlier, having been collected from nearby fishing village Traslovslage.

Make sure to try the falafel, too, made from local fava beans and pesto rustled up from local nettles. It is Michelin-star quality, but with a home-cooking feel to it and without the extortionate price tag. 

If you do want to push the boat out, however, then Restaurant Ang by the Astad Vineyard is a great spot to sample Michelin-star dining.  

At just over £100pp, its eight-course tasting breakfast is less eye-watering in price than its dinner and will keep you full for hours.  

Star dishes include waffle with a side of caviar, thick hash brown with fava beans and a breakfast cheesecake. 

Attention to detail is the name of the game here and doses of morning caffeine are served with a difference. Kenyan coffee beans are soaked in local lingonberries for 18 hours before being served as what looks like juice, but tastes like a refreshingly fruity iced coffee. 

After gorging on several hearty courses, I’m properly fuelled for my hiking trip in Steninge, 45 minutes south of Varberg. This area is filled with glorious trails, although Steninge, home to the Steningedalens nature reserve, has some of the best. 

An excellent path winds along the Hallandsleden coast, enabling ramblers to take in sensational views of the sea. Or if you prefer to cycle, stretching parallel to the coastal path is bike trail Kattegattleden.  

The 240-mile route begins in Helsingborg and weaves past idyllic farm shops, guesthouses and fishing villages as well as sandy beaches. 

Along the way is Steninge Kuststation, where I stop for vegetarian Swedish meatballs, mash and local lingonberries. If you think Ikea’s meatballs are good then these will knock your socks off. 

Co-owned by Frida Fernbrant and Martina Gustafsson, the guesthouse is a perfect overnight stop for cyclists — with tastefully decorated old-fashioned rooms, sea views, homely food and an outdoor stage for live music. 

Back at my base, the Varbergs Kusthotell resort helps me properly unwind and rest my weary legs.  

The modern facility sits just 52 steps from the sea, with spa facilities open late so that guests can enjoy an after-dinner swim. 

Three outdoor pools arc around the main spa building, which houses an indoor swimming facility in addition to two luxurious hot tubs. 

As I watch steam from the heated pool rise into the still night air, I can’t help but feel totally at ease. 

Wellness breaks don’t get much better than this.

CHOOSING which island to visit in Greece can be hard – so why not head to Greece’s last ‘secret’ island no crowds?

Koufonisia is a pair of islands – Ano Koufonisi, which is inhabited, and Kato Koufonisi, which isn’t inhabited and is more rugged.

If you head to Ano Koufonisi, you’ll still only find a few hundred locals and most people get around via water taxis or walk along the scenic paths that crisscross over the island.

According to Greeka.com, the two-square-mile Koufonisi boasts “unreal turquoise waters, glittering sand, a laid-back atmosphere” and has even been compared to the “Greek Maldives”.

The most popular beach is Ammos, which sits at the edge of the main town – or Chora, as it is known in Greece.

If you want something more romantic though, make sure to visit Natural Pool, which sits between Platia Poundra and Pori.

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

One recent visitor said: “It’s like nature’s own infinity pool, perfect for a refreshing dip.”

You can also head to The Devil’s Eye, which is a small, low-roofed cave with a hole in the rock floor where currents in the water will suck the sea in and out, often creating a loud noise.

A third spot near Pori is Gala Beach, which translates to ‘milk’ in Greek and where you will see the water turned to white as it hits against the limestone cave walls.

The beach is hidden away in a collapsed sea cave, and to get to it, you have to walk through a rocky passage.

In the main town, which has the same name as the island, you will find lots of places to stay, but mainly guesthouses.

For example, you could stay at Apollon Studios, which looks like it has been ripped out of the Mamma Mia films.

You can catch a ferry from the main town to other islands as well, such as Amorgos or Donousa.

You can make a day trip to the wilder twin, Kato Koufonisi, and in fact, the entire island has one taverna called Venetsanos where you can try fish and goat stews.

Nero Beach can also be found on Kato Koufonisi, which compared to the beaches on Ano Koufonisi’s beaches is more rugged and natural.

To get to Ano Koufonisi, you’ll need to fly to Santorini and then hop on a ferry to the island, which takes less than two hours.

For more places to explore in Greece, here are our top five Greek islands with white-washed houses and pretty beaches as Emily in Paris heads to Greece.

OUR Spotlight On Column shines a light on both the little known and the much loved holiday destinations.

This week we’re talking Singapore, including some hidden gems and new hotels.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited.

She explained: “I didn’t expect to love the city as much as I did, but I loved how safe and clean it felt compared to other major cities.

“It’s the kind of place where you’ll never struggle to find amazing food, no matter what your budget it.

TAKING OFF

Two holiday spots including the ‘world’s best city’ are getting new BA flights

GRAND TOUR

How to book dream F1 holiday to the world’s best cities without the stress

“Make sure to look up too – most buildings have living walls or rooftop gardens as strict rules mean any new structures must replace greenery it builds on.”

Here are some of our other top tips if you fancy a trip to the stopover city.

MUST SEE/DO:

The most fun way to get around the city is with a Singapore Sidecar (sideways.sg) where you are driven around by experienced riders.

With options of different tours, one of the best takes you everywhere from the finance district to the huge murals of Yip Yew Chong, who depicts scenes of traditional Singapore.

The tours include numerous photo stops, and the guides know all the answers to any questions you might have too.

Wait for night to fall and then hop over to Garden by The Bay to watch the light show of the famous trees.

HIDDEN GEM

The neighbourhood of Joo Chiat is no longer a hidden gem, after being named one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods.

But tourists often skip over Tin Yeang Restaurant, despite it being a great place to mingle with the locals.

It’s loud, its busy, but you can learn a lot about the culture while enjoying prata (crispy pancakes) with fish curry for just a few pounds.

It’s right by the multicoloured Peranakan houses too, so you can explore the mix of Chinese and Malay heritages afterwards.

BEST VIEW

When it comes to gardens, Singapore goes up by putting them on top of skyscrapers. 

And the best free view is found at Henderson Wave Bridge, the highest footbridge in the city,

Join the other joggers and dog walkers to get views of both the city and nature, without paying a penny.

RATED RESTAURANT

Keng Eng Kee is an institution of a restaurant.

Family-run for more than 50 years, sibling Paul, Wayne and Jia Min are joined by the rest of their relatives when it gets busy.

Plastic bibs are supplied (and needed) for the most popular dishes, the chilli crab, a well as the marmite chicken. Unusual, but salty and delicious.

Make sure to book, as they can easily serve up to 800 tables a weekend.

On a budget? Don’t forget Hawker Chan, an indoor market food hall where you can get Michelin meals for less than a fiver.

BEST BAR

If you only go to one bar, it has to be Jigger + Pony, often named one of the best in the world.

Think speakeasy interiors and pretend magazines that disguise the menu, peppered with articles of the bar’s history.

The Clover Club is a must but staff are also on hand if nothing takes your fancy, to mix something up for you.

You’ll find yourself spending hours there, with fantastic music and service encouraging you to stay late into the night.

HOTEL PICK

Mama Shelter‘s first hotel in Asia, the new opening last year is bringing French flair to Singapore.

The 115 rooms include an unusual two-person bunk option, the perfect option if staying with friends.

Mama’s restaurant is just as fun with eclectic interiors and live music. Try the Szechuan Crispy Chicken and a Ms Violet cocktail (followed by a hungover coffee at Mama Kiss cafe).

Rooms cost from £120 per night. See mamashelter.com.

YOU can still go abroad May half term with these fantastic last-minute holiday deals

We’ve scoured the web to find some of the cheapest package holidays you can still book, so you can whisk your family off somewhere hot and sunny this May.

We’ve found great deals in Italy, Greece, Spain, Morocco and Portugal.

Whether you’re after a family-friendly hotel with a big pool and lots of entertainment, or a European holiday park in the pinewoods by the beach, we’ve got you covered.

Tuscany, Italy

Head to the pretty, pine forest-backed beaches of Tuscany’s Maremma Coast with this bargain holiday deal.

This package includes a stay at Gitavillage Le Marze, an Italian holiday park with kids adventure activities, exciting entertainment, and its own beach bar.

Read more on Europe holidays

RELAAX & ENJOY

I visited Europe’s ‘adventure playground’ with world’s longest treetop walk

COSTA LITTLE

I take my son on day trips to Europe – it’s so much cheaper than the UK

Nearby you can walk or cycle through Maremma Nature Park, or go island-hopping and visit sunny Elba and Giglio.

On the Beach offer a 7-night stay from 23 May, including return flights from Edinburgh, for £280pp.

Calpe, Spain

Calpe is a stylish Spanish resort on Spain‘s Costa Blanca with gorgeous beaches, a colourful Old Town and unique nature.

Whether you’re sunbathing on the massive Playa del Arenal-Bol beach, or spotting wild flamingos at saltwater lagoon Las Salinas, Calpe makes for a Spanish holiday unlike any other.

This deal comes with a stay at Sunsea Village, a complex with a swimming pool, tennis courts and spacious apartments to stay in.

On the Beach offer a 7-night stay from 23 May, including return flights from Edinburgh, for £275pp.

Salou, Spain

Salou sits on Spain’s sunny Costa Dorada, where you can expect to find temps hovering at a toasty 25C in May.

This popular family destination has plenty to see and do, including water slides and rollercoasters at PortAventura World, and theme park Ferrari Land – home to the fastest and tallest hypercoaster in Europe, Red Force.

Bag a stay at the Rentalmar Apolo Suites, where you’ll have a modern apartment as your base with the beach just a few steps away, and PortAventura World just a few minutes down the road.

On the Beach offer a 5-night stay from 23 May, including return flights from London Luton, for £235pp.

Rhodes, Greece

Head to Rhodes in Greece this May for a slice of sun with plenty of history and charming streets lined with tavernas and souvenir shops to explore.

Faliraki is an energetic seaside resort with lots of watersports activities, nightlife and is home to Faliraki Water Park, one of Europe’s largest.

A stay at the Anseli Apartments comes with access to a shimmering swimming pool surrounded by loungers, plus a games area and TV lounge for somewhere to relax.

On the Beach offer a 4-night stay from 25 May, including return flights from Birmingham, for £365pp.

Agadir, Morocco

Agadir has a six mile stretch of sandy beach, colourful souks to explore – plus it reaches highs of up to 26C in May.

Whether you want to try new water sports, drive a beach buggy, or simply laze back on the sands and relax, this coastal resort has something for everyone.

The Bahia City Hotel is in an ideal location, just five minutes’ walk from Agadir beach with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.

Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay, including return flights from Leeds Bradford, for £369pp.

Manilva, Spain

Manilva sits on the Costa del Sol, and offers plenty to see and do for families.

The coastal town has a lively marina lined with bars and restaurants, your pick of unspoilt beaches, plus lots of wildlife such as dolphins and whales which you can spot from boat tours.

The Village Terrazas Costa del Sol is a picturesque holiday village with modern apartments, two outdoor pools, a kids club and regular live entertainment.

Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay from 25 May, including return flights from East Midlands Airport, for £329pp.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Puerto de la Cruz on the stunning Northern coast of Tenerife is a sunny coastal town with plenty of attractions and unique landscapes to explore.

Stroll through centuries of exotic plant collections at Jardín Botánico, or take a tour up to the volcanic peak of Mount Teide, or head to the beach at Playa Jardín with its unique black sand backed by palms, while Lago Martiánez has mineral-rich saltwater pools.

Be Smart Florida Plaza is an affordable base just a short walk from Playa Jardin and the Old Town, and it offers 132 spacious rooms plus a sizeable outdoor swimming pool.

Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay from 25 May, including return flights from Belfast, for £309pp.

Alvor, The Algarve, Portugal

Alvor is a pretty Portuguese fishing village, which is a fantastic option for those who want the coastal views without the crowds.

Here you can set off in boats or kayaks to discover the Bengali caves, cycle the Alvor boardwalk, or simply stretch out under the sun on Alvor’s two-and-a-half-mile Blue Flag beach.

The Clube Alvorferias is a modern, whitewashed hotel with a large circular swimming pool surrounded by palms. It has comfortable apartments with air con, balconies and kitchenettes, plus you’re only a 10-minute walk into the vibrant town centre.

Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay from 25 May, including return flights from Norwich, for £299pp.

EUROPE’S biggest airline is calling for new European travel rules to be suspended.

Ryanair has written to the 29 countries where Europe‘s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being enforced, to suspend the system until September following lengthy airport delays.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

The budget airline’s COO Neal McMahon said: “Governments across Europe are attempting to roll out a half-baked IT system in the middle of the busiest travel season of the year, and passengers are paying the price, being forced to endure hours-long passport control queues and in some cases, missing flights.

“The solution is simple and already provided for under EU law (EU Reg. 2025/1534) – Governments should suspend EES until September when the peak summer travel season has subsided, just as Greece has done.

“This would allow passengers – many of whom are travelling with young families – a smoother airport experience for their summer holidays.”

Read more on travel inspo

TAKING OFF

I’ve visited 50 countries & this much-loathed budget airline is the world’s best

TRIP UP

The Sun’s travel experts reveal their best EVER holidays & how you can do them too

It comes as the airline has called on the French government to suspend the rollout of EES to ensure passengers do not suffer long queues at airports during the summer period.

According to the airline, despite French authorities knowing that EES was going to be introduced on April 10 this year for the past three years, they have “failed to ensure adequate staffing, system readiness or kiosks are in place”.

This has meant that there are long queues at passport control and in some cases, passengers are even missing their flights.

For example at Beauvais, Marseille and Nantes airports, queues are taking around one to two hours for passengers to get through.

Other European countries are also suffering, with Sun Travel Reporter Alice Penwill recently getting stuck at Lanzarote Airport in Spain for three hours.

Other reports have seen two-hour queues at Lisbon Airport in Portugal and in Malta, one flight was forced to wait on the tarmac for 40 minutes before passengers could get off, as passport control queues in the airport were so long.

Greece, on the other hand, has suspended EES until September, to manage peak summer travel.

Back on April 18, a statement from the Greek Embassy announced that Brits are “exempt” from biometrics at all “Greek border crossing points”.

Eleni Skarveli, the director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK, added: “The exemption of British passport holders from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points, effective from 10 April 2026, is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and ease congestion at airports.

“UK travellers will no longer need to undergo additional EES biometric procedures, ensuring a smoother and more efficient arrival experience in Greece.

“The Greek National Tourism Organisation remains committed to ensuring a seamless and welcoming journey for all visitors from the UK.”

A TOP travel company has launched a new guarantee for customers that allows them to get a refund the same day their flight is cancelled.

On The Beach has launched a new initiative for travellers this summer, where, if their flight is cancelled, they will get a refund on the same day.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

The holiday package provider is the first to offer ‘Cancelled Flight Cover’, and it is included on all On The Beach packages.

The perk will come into play if your flight is either cancelled or rescheduled by 12 hours or more, with On The Beach first trying to find you the “next best flight”.

If this is not possible or you don’t want the alternative flight, a refund will be processed on the very same day for your flight, hotel and any extras you booked.

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

HOLLA

Never pay full price for hols again… 25 apps, sites & clubs for huge discounts

It comes as airlines and travellers face uncertainty this summer, with possible cancellations across Europe due to fuel supply concerns.

Some airlines are already cutting flights but other providers usually take up to 14 days to refund customers.

Caspar Nelson, holiday expert at On the Beach, said: “Holidaymakers deserve certainty, especially when disruption strikes.

“We’re proud to be the first package holiday provider to commit to same-day refund processing for cancelled flights, giving customers the confidence to book knowing we’ve got their back when it matters most.

“If the worst happens and a flight is cancelled, we’ll move quickly to either find a new route or return every penny of their holiday money that same day.

“This means they can get a new break booked, make alternative plans fast, and get back to looking forward to their summer instead of worrying about it.”

A MAJOR airline has scrapped one of its routes from the UK due to rising fuel costs.

Lufthansa has announced that it is axing its route between Glasgow and Frankfurt, Germany, this winter as the Iran War continues to affect fuel prices.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

The German flag carrier has already stopped selling flights on the route, with the last direct flight between Glasgow and Frankfurt scheduled for May 31.

A Lufthansa Group spokesman told The Herald: “Following the decision to discontinue Lufthansa CityLine flights effective immediately and to reduce unprofitable flights in the future due to high kerosene prices, the Lufthansa Group’s summer schedule will be reduced by just under one percent of available seat-kilometers.

“To compensate for this, Lufthansa has taken immediate action and will consolidate the flight schedules of all Lufthansa Group airlines, cancelling 20,000 flights by the end of October.

Read more on travel inspo

HOLLA

Never pay full price for hols again… 25 apps, sites & clubs for huge discounts

TRIP UP

The Sun’s travel experts reveal their best EVER holidays & how you can do them too

“As a result of these decisions, flights to Glasgow will no longer be operated by Lufthansa via Frankfurt, but for the time being, by Edelweiss via Zurich offering access to the Swiss International Air Lines network.”

Flights between Glasgow and Frankfurt were first launched back in 2018 and currently there are 13 flights a week.

Lufthansa usually uses an Airbus A320 for this route, with between 168 and 180 seats.

As a result, this would mean the route carries as many as 2,340 passengers a week or 9,360 passengers over a month.

The airline previously announced that it plans to cancel more than 20,000 flights this summer as a result of rising fuel costs.

Most of the routes impacted will be short haul, with the airline also shutting down its subsidiary airline, CityLine.

AS THE fuel crisis continues to put pressure on airlines, it can be hard to know what it means for your upcoming flight.

For some airlines, rising fuel costs are being offset by raising the price of flight fares such as Virgin Atlantic, with British Airways also recently warning of flight fare increases.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Yet there are also a number of airlines that have vowed not to increase costs for their passengers. Here’s a full rundown of the UK airlines that have not changed their prices:

Jet2

Currently, Jet2 has not increased the prices of its flights and holidays due to rising jet fuel costs, and both holidays and flights with the company remain unaffected.

A Jet2 spokesperson told Sun Travel: “We remain in continual dialogue with our fuel suppliers, as is standard practice.

Read more on travel inspo

HOLLA

Never pay full price for hols again… 25 apps, sites & clubs for huge discounts

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

“Based on the conversations we have been having, we see no reason not to look forward to operating our scheduled programme of flights and holidays as normal.”

Jet2 boss Steve Heapy added: “Holidaymakers should have every right to book their hard-earned break in the sun, without worrying about being hit with additional costs, and they can have that complete assurance when they book a flight or holiday with Jet2.

“As a result of today’s announcement, customers booking with Jet2 know that they are locking in their price without additional cost surprises later and we strongly believe that is the right thing to do by them.”

EasyJet

EasyJet is not increasing flight prices, nor is the airline currently impacted by the fuel crisis.

A spokesperson told Sun Travel that passengers would not “suddenly face unexpected fees added to their bookings to cover fluctuating commodity costs”.

They added that there were “no plans to make any changes to our flying schedule”.

TUI

TUI holidays are not be increasing prices to cover fuel costs and are currently not impacted by the fuel crisis.

A TUI spokesperson told Sun Travel: “We’re closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on global aviation fuel supplies.

“At present, we’re not anticipating disruption to our flight schedules or holiday programmes from fuel shortages.”

Ryanair

Europe‘s biggest airline has not increased costs for passengers and has not cancelled any flights due to the fuel crisis yet.

This week, the airline’s CEO Michael O’Leary said that he was committed to not implementing price increases or adding fuel surcharges to flight fares.

However, O’Leary has previously warned that it could cancel flights in the future, saying: “We don’t expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and we hope the war will finish sooner than that and the risk to supply will be eliminated.”

Kuoni

When it comes to holiday package firm Kuoni – which specialises in tailor-made packages – they confirmed to MoneySavingExpert that no ‘holiday surcharge’ will be added to bookings.

Loveholidays

Similarly, Loveholidays – which offers packages to sunshine destinations and city breaks – also confirmed to MoneySavingExpert that there would be no additional charges on bookings.

IF YOU are looking for your next holiday destination, easyJet holidays has just launched a new package to a little-known European city.

When it comes to holidays in Germany, you probably think of Berlin first – but just 28 minutes down the road you could head to Potsdam instead.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Often dubbed the ‘Versailles of Germany’, easyJet holidays packages to Potsdam start from £244 per person.

You would fly into Berlin before hopping on a 28 minute train journey to Potsdam – “one of the most beautiful cities in Europe” according to Introducing Berlin.

Once there you won’t be short of things to see and do, with the city dating back more than 1,000 years.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

SUN SPOT

Travel experts’ guide to lesser-known holiday spots that are quieter AND cheaper

It is especially known for its 17 grand palaces, including the 18th century Sanssouci Palace – the palace that gives the city its Versailles nickname.

The Rococo-style palace isn’t the biggest in the city, but does have a terraced vineyard across four levels which makes for great photos and walks.

At the other end of the spectrum is New Palace, which is the largest in the city with more than 200 rooms, including a Grotto Hall where the walls are covered in shells and semi-precious stones.

Other palaces to explore include Cecilienhof Palace, Orangery Palace, Babelsberg Palace and Marble Palace.

Arguably the most popular quarter of the city to visit is Babelsberg, which is home to Germany’s main film studio (that’s also the oldest large-scale film studio in the world) and Filmpark Babelsberg, which is a movie-themed attraction park.

You might even recognise parts of the quarter from The Hunger Games, as some of the Hollywood movie was filmed there.

Another must-see spot is the Dutch Quarter, which is the only one left of its size and type that is preserved outside of the Netherlands, and learn about it at The Jan Bouman Haus museum.

Across cobbled streets, you can drop into a number of antiques stores and cosy pubs and cafes.

At the edge of the Dutch Quarter, you’ll find the 18th century neo-Gothic style Nauen Gate, once used by the military and merchants but today is home to a selection of restaurants.

Nearby, one of the other gates is Brandenburg Gate (not to be confused with the larger one in Berlin), which is about 20 years older than Nauen Gate.

If you are more of an events and activities tourist, then head to Schiffbauergasse where steamships were once built but today is an entertainment hub with several concert venues, clubs, theatres, bars and movie theatres.

There’s then also the Russian Quarter (Alexandrowka), which is home to 13 wooden, Russian-style houses that were built between 1826 and 1827 and were the homes of Russian singers of the Prussian Guards.

Another great way to explore the city is by heading on a boat tour on the River Havel, that also connects to a number of lakes in and around the city.

The city isn’t expensive either with a beer costing £3.47 on average.

EasyJet holidays offers a selection of hotels in the city, with one of the cheapest being a three-night stay at Dorint Hotel on a room only basis for £244 per person, including flights from Bristol on 11 May 2026.

IT’S not too late to book yourself a family holiday in the UK this May half term

Whether you’re a family of adrenaline junkies looking for a stay near a theme park, or after something more relaxing in a beachfront lodge, there’s something for you.

Here’s our pick of UK family holiday deals you can STILL book for this May half term.

Haven Marton Mere, Blackpool – £269

Haven offer a 3-night stay for a family of 4 in a saver caravan for £269 from 22 May

Haven Marton Mere is a holiday village just 10 minutes’ drive from Blackpool‘s famous seafront.

New for this year, the resort has refurbished its snazzy Showbar, plus introduced the Tiger Club Show – a live entertainment game show led by Rory the Tiger.

HOME STAY

Sun Travel’s staycation wish list as UK holidays set for a record high

STAY CLOSE

Brits say why staycations are better than holidays abroad – pubs make the list

Plus, just ten minutes’ drive from the resort will land you at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, who are revealing a brand new ride this year.

Aviktas is set to open on 21 May 2026, so there’s plenty of updates that make May the perfect time to book a family holiday to Blackpool.

Combe Haven, Sussex – £239

Haven offer a 3-night stay for a family of 4 in a saver caravan for £239 from 22 May

Combe Haven is an action-packed holiday park in St Leonard’s-on-Sea in East Sussex.

With a great seaside location on the English Channel coast just outside Hastings.

The true gem is the park’s swimming pool, with a lazy river, splash zone and Space Bowl flume.

Take a 10-minute drive to Hastings for some of the UK’s top historical sites, including Hastings Castle and the family-friendly attraction, Smuggler’s Adventure.

You can book a stay for this May half term in a caravan which sleeps up to four, meaning your last-minute holiday will only cost £60pp.

Stay in a quirky cow shed in Suffolk – £300

Sykes cottages offer a 3-night stay for 4 for £300 from 29 May

This unique stay in Campsea Ashe, Suffolk offers a selection of quirky, colourful cow sheds to stay in.

Pick between Bluebelle, Buttercup, Betsy, Dozy Dotty or Daisy for a unique staycation that the kids will love.

Each cow shed sleeps up to four and has bunk beds, a kitchenette, heating and all of your linen and towels included.

You also get access to a shared garden where you can have a family barbecue.

The site is a short drive from Aldeburgh, one of Suffolk’s most picturesque seaside towns.

Parkdean Wemyss Bay, Scotland – £256

Parkdean Resorts offer a 4-night stay from 25 May in a bronze caravan which sleeps up to 6 for £256

Perched on Scotland‘s stunning west coast, Parkdean Wemyss Bay offers an affordable coastal stay with loads to do on your doorstep.

This holiday park has plenty of activities for kids like its own amusement arcade, adventure playground and climbing wall.

There’s also an indoor pool with a paddling area, as well as steam and sauna rooms for the adults.

And if you fancy a day trip out, you can hop on a ferry to Rothesay to see its castle and gardens.

The resort also has sweeping views over the Firth, so there’s no need to leave site if you’d rather stay put and enjoy the views.

Parkdean St Margaret’s Bay – £409

Parkdean Resorts offer a 4-night stay from 25 May in a bronze caravan which sleeps up to 4 for £409

This peaceful holiday park in St Margaret’s Bay is only around a mile away from the White Cliffs of Dover, so you can tick off a famous sight with a stay here.

Plus this beautiful stretch of Kent coastline also has gems like Dover Castle and Canterbury to visit.

The resort itself is relaxed and all about the coastal views as opposed to bright and colourful entertainments and arcades.

It also has a heated indoor pool, gym and sauna to make that your trip all the more relaxing.

Park Holidays Burghead, Scotland – £409

Park Holidays offer a 7-night stay from 22 May in a gold caravan from which sleeps up to 6 for £409

This resort on the Moray Firth sits practically on the beach, plus you can even go dolphin spotting.

Burghead is a picturesque fishing town that feels much more remote and rugged than your typical busy seaside resort.

On site there’s plenty of amazing entertainment like live music and dancing, karaoke and bingo.

If you visit as a group of six, this bargain break over the May half term will cost you just £43pp!

Park Holidays Ribble Valley, Lancashire – £309

Park Holidays offer a 4-night stay from 25 May in a caravan which sleeps up to 6 for £309

For a relaxed family holiday in Lancashire this May, book a stay at Ribble Valley holiday park.

This peaceful countryside resort sits between the Forest of Bowland and Pendle Hill, both of which offer walks with wonderful views.

This Lancashire holiday park is much more about getting away from the park and out into nature, rather than offering loads of action-packed activities on site.

But it does have landscaped gardens, a children’s play area, a gym and free access to The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa.

There’s also loads of family attractions nearby like Clitheroe Castle Museum and Bowland Boar Wildlife Park.

IF you haven’t booked your summer holiday abroad yet, now’s the perfect time — you can bag yourself a HUGE bargain in this holiday sale.

Club Med has launched its massive Flash Summer Sale, where you can save up to a whopping £600 per person on all-inclusive summer holidays.

Save up to £600 per person in the Club Med Summer Sale

Not only can you bag massive savings, but if you’re going away as a family, you’ll be glad to know that kids under 6 stay free!

These holiday deals include your accommodation, meals, drinks activities and kids clubs all packaged neatly into one price, with no hidden costs.

These are some seriously premium holidays for bargain prices, with modern resorts in trendy destinations, gourmet dining and childcare all taken care of.

Read more on summer holidays

BARGAIN HOL

Travel companies reveal their CHEAPEST spots this summer, with hols from £189pp

JET OFF

The cheapest family summer holiday destination from every region of the UK

There’s a range of sun-soaked destinations to choose from, including long haul and short haul options, with travel dates stretching until November 2026.

But make sure to act fast – the flash sale ends on May 13.

Here’s a selection of top all-inclusive holiday deals you can snap up in the Club Med Summer Flash Sale.

Marbella, Spain

One option is the Club Med Magna Marbella, a Spanish sunshine resort set in twelve acres of lush green gardens.

This hidden slice of luxury sits at the base of a beautiful mountain, overlooking the sea and just a stone’s throw from the historic Old Town and glitzy Marbella.

This resort has its own lagoon pool with a beach club feel, plus grown-ups can enjoy the adults-only Zen Zone pool and juice bar whilst children up to age 17 are in the kids club.

Da Balaia, The Algarve, Portugal

This family-friendly resort is surrounded by gorgeous beaches and outstanding golf courses.

Adults can unwind at the eco-pool, whilst kids can take part in adventurous activities ranging from mini golf to a flying trapeze.

Unwind in the evenings with some fresh seafood at one of the resort’s sea view restaurants.

Cefalù, Sicily, Italy

What better than a luxury all-inclusive resort overlooking Cefalù Bay in Italy?

Lay back on a lounger to soak up the sea and mountain views and summer heat, or head out on excursions including paddle-boarding or beachfront yoga.

In the evenings, dine on a Sicilian menu of gourmet meals and sip local wine under the sun.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

This colourful resort in the Dominican Republic sits on the beach where crystal-clear waters meet fine white sands backed by coconut groves.

Whether it’s a couple’s retreat or a family getaway, you can fill your days with relaxing spa treatments or thrilling activities like water sports, sailing and tennis.

For something truly memorable, go horse riding along the beach at sunset.

Marrakech, Morocco

Club Med Marrakech is a luxurious Moroccan stay with colourful courtyards and relaxing gardens to wander, with the vibrant souks of the city close by.

Practice your swing at the driving range or get stuck into a good book by the palm tree-dotted poolside, plus there’s childcare for children ranging from infants to teens.

Tuck into tajine, grilled meats and mezze at the traditional restaurant, and enjoy a Moroccan mint tea or something stronger at the rooftop bar.

There’s plenty more holiday destinations to browse in the sale, such as luxurious all-inclusive resorts on the Turkish Riviera, quiet Greek islands and coastal retreats in France.

There’s even savings for dreamy long-haul destinations like Cancun, Mauritius, the Maldives and Seychelles.

Just make sure to act fast and bag your bargain break before the sale ends on May 13.

THERE’S bad news for Brits heading to Spain this summer as they might not be able to enjoy a drink in the sun on an outdoor terrace.

Under new rules, terraces in Spain will be forced to close when the weather gets too hot.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

The rules – that were campaigned for by hospitality unions – will apply when the State of Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issue an orange or red alert.

AEMET’s orange alert means there is a major risk such as severe storms, heavy snow or intense heat and then for a red alert, it is an extreme risk and includes extreme rainfall, life-threatening storms and dangerously high temperatures.

In the case of exceptionally hot weather, restaurants, bars and cafes have to close their terraces if there is not enough shade or cooling systems for staff.

Read more on travel inspo

HOLLA

Never pay full price for hols again… 25 apps, sites & clubs for huge discounts

HOL YES

I’m a travel editor & mum-of-3… my favourite family holidays from just £3pp a night

The rules are likely to apply during the hottest hours of the day.

Areas across Spain reach high temperatures, especially during July and August, with some destinations reaching over 40C.

Even though closure of outdoor spaces is a last resort measure, if a bar, restaurant or cafe does not follow the new rules then it could face a fine of more than €50,000 (£43,326) in extreme cases.

For tourists, this could mean when temperatures reach high levels they won’t be able to grab a cold drink and sit on a restaurant’s terrace.

If you do want a drink though, you can still head inside as this is a shaded area.

As a result of the new rules, businesses across Spain are being encouraged to create different schedules for staff, with more breaks so they can stay hydrated.

A NUMBER of smaller European airports could face closure due to both the Iran war crisis and new entry rules being rolled out.

Experts have warned that regional airports are under threat due to mass cancellations and delays as a result of the fuel crisis and new European travel rules.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

The Airports Council of Europe (ACI Europe) said that regional airports face “nothing short of an existential threat” if flights continue to be cancelled.

In a release, ACI Europe stated: “The dramatic increase in jet fuel prices in Europe – peaking at more than $1800/ton (£1332/ton) earlier this month – is resulting in air fare increases and tight capacity management by airlines.

“Regional airports are the most exposed to the fallout of these adjustments, as demand on their routes is typically much more price-sensitive and price-elastic – and thus less profitable for airlines.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

“This means that when considering where to cut capacity, airlines are more likely to do so on routes serving regional airports, as shown by the recent decision by Lufthansa to shut down its regional subsidiary, CityLine.”

Olivier Jankovec, the director general of ACI Europe, added: “The current levels of jet fuel prices and the prospect of a new cost of living crisis mean that many regional airports across our continent are likely to face both a supply and demand shock.”

ACI Europe also revealed that issues could be made worse by the new Entry/Exit System (EES) that is now in place across Europe and “is set to wreak havoc at regional airports serving popular tourist destinations this summer“.

The body added that airports should be allowed to suspend the new system at any point, if airport queues become too long.

It also shared that “regional airports are part of Europe’s critical infrastructure” as they are responsible for 35 per cent of flights.

In order to ease the threat on regional airports, ACI Europe is calling to scrap national aviation taxes as well as keeping a safety net of air for smaller airports.

HAVING ditched London for the Kent coastline, my evenings are now spent walking along the beach. But it comes with a downside – the dreaded pricey commute.

A standard peak-time ticket on the high speed line costs me a whopping £105.60, despite it taking less than an hour.

Yet on that 52-minute commute, going from green countryside to dreary grey city buildings, I’m often dreaming of my next holiday.

And you’ll be surprised to know that there are a hell of a lot of holidays that are actually cheaper than that day ticket – both in the UK and abroad.

I’ve crunched the numbers to find return flights or cruises, as well as hotels, when going abroad, although you might need to factor in your own costs such as parking and bus transfers.

Some are day trips, so you can even save on the hotel and spend elsewhere, be it on culture or boozing.

So here are some of the 20 best holidays that are less than £105 each (and where I’d much rather be than in the office).

Three nights in Venice

A huge bargain deal lets you spend three nights in Venice for just £79, and it includes return London flights.

It comes with breakfast, so have a big one to get you through the day.

Skip the very expensive gondola rides and hop on a local one that costs just €2 (£1.74) and goes across the river.

Some restaurants have set menus that start from around €15 (£13) for two courses, and expect to pay as little as 86p for a glass of wine.

If you want a bit of extra cash to spend, reduce the trip to just two nights, which takes it down to £49pp.

= £95.48pp

Weekend trip to Margate

You can get a Travelodge right by Margate station for just £33 a night – working out to £16.50 each – and return tickets from London are around £12 each way, if you book in advance.

That’s just over £40, which can get you some fish and chips from Beach Bouys (£14.50), AND you can squeeze a drink at The Mechanical Elephant (£5 pint), the Wetherspoons in town.

Dreamland is free to visit, as well as the very bizarre crab museum and the Turner Contemporary gallery.

= £60pp

One night Amsterdam cruise

Did you know you can spend the day in Amsterdam without having to sort flights or a hotel?

DFDS has some two-night mini cruises from Newcastle to Amsterdam for as little as £54.50 each (or £39.75 is sharing as a four, not two people). This includes a private overnight cabin as well as bus transfers to the city centre.

This leaves you with £50, best spent on a ticket to Anne Frank’s House (£14.35).

A cone of frites is around €4 (£3.50) and for a cheap drink, Backstage Bar has pints for under €5 (£4.35).

Free things to do include the boat to Amsterdam Noord, as well as Vondelpark and Rijksmuseum (or Van Gogh Museum on Friday evenings).

= £76.70pp

Two nights all-inclusive in Turkey

A two-night all-inclusive holiday in Turkey comes in just under budget too.

The £99 deal each with Wowcher includes two nights at a five-star hotel, as well as access to the pools, all your food and drink AND return flights.

Be quick, as there are only a few days left in May.

= £99pp

Day trip to Oxford

Trains from London to Oxford take less than an hour, and can be found for as little as £5.40 each way.

Visit the Ashmolean Museum without spending a penny or spend your money on a university tour (£27). Harry Potter tours are also similarly priced.

The rest of your budget can go on a three-course menu at No.1 Ship Street (£26pp) named one of the best restaurants in the city, before heading home for the evening.

= £63.80pp

One night in Milan 

Loveholidays has one-night stays for £79 each, which includes return flights as well as an overnight stay.

The stay is at the B&B Hotel Milano, in nearby Monza.

But there is lots to do for free in Milan, such as visiting the outside of the Duomo or the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Head to Pizza Am where you can get an entire pizza for just €6 (£5.22) which comes with a free glass of fizz.

Famous for its Negroni Sbagliato, Bar Basso is where to end the evening where a cocktail will set you back a tenner.

= £94.22pp

Four nights camping in Spain

From £99pp, you could spend four nights at Estival Torre De La Mora with return flights.

This is based on a family of four, and the airport is super close to the campsite as well.

You have just £6 leftover, so probably best to pack some cereal and pasta from home.

= £99pp

Day trip to Majorca

Extreme day trips are a thing now, thanks to cheap (and quick) flights to Europe.

Holiday Pirates has done the hard work and found some cheap return flights to Majorca from £34, which leave in the morning and come back in the evening.

This leaves you with around £71 to spend on cocktails and dinner.

Marley’s has cheap pints and cocktails, so get one of each and it will cost you less than a tenner overall.

Sa Fonda has a Majorcan buffet in the week that is just €13.50 (£11.74) leaving more than enough cash for a fridge magnet or two…

= £55.74pp

One night in Fez

It isn’t just Europe on the cards; you could do an overnight stay in Morocco with Loveholidays for £99pp.

Along with flights, the deal includes hotels such as Riad Dar Guennoun (which comes with breakfast) or Hotel Ibis Fez.

Make the most of the free attractions like the Fes el Bali medina, while street food ranges from 40p for fried sfenj (doughnuts). A dinner out will usually cost about £8.

= £97.40pp

Four nights at Haven holiday park

One of the cheapest holidays you can go on in the UK is to a Haven holiday park.

Four nights start from £49 based on a family of four if you travel next month.

This doesn’t include access to the arcades and pools, so I recommend going for a break that does instead which is £69, or £17.25.

That leaves you around £87, so take your own food to save on breakfast.

Instead, treat yourself to a cocktail pitcher on your last night for £11 each, as well as a dinner for £10 each. You can even get a roast for a tenner each with cash to spare.

= £48.25pp

A day in London

So if you are already living in London, there is an easy way to spend under £105 each.

A one-day travelcard for Zone 1-2 is £8.90 per adult, and it will certainly get its use.

First of all, there are a lot of free museums – the V&A, Science Museum, Natural History Museum, National Portrait Gallery, to name a few.

A famous Brick Lane bagel for lunch will set you back just £4.50 for a standard cream cheese option.

A theatre trip is a must, and BuyAGift has tickets for The Devil Wears Prada for £75, or £32.50 each.

Pre-theatre menus are a bargain too – try Gallio, where a two-course pre-show meal is just £20 each.

End the night at Cardinal Bar & Kitchen in Aldgate – where every day you can get pints of house beer for a fiver (and treat yourself to two).

= £75.90pp

Two nights in Lake Garda

Two nights in Lake Garda is as little as £59 each, with dates even after summer. The two-night stay is at a 4* hotel, with return flights from London.

It includes breakfast, so make sure to have a big one. Then enjoy a fresh pizza for around £11 and an Aperol Spritz for £7.

Add in a boat tour too, as Get Your Guide has some to Sirmione for £21 each.

= £98pp

Day trip to Calais

Another no drive option is heading to France via Eurotunnel for the day, which starts from £59 per car, so £14.75 per person.

Entering via Calais, you can explore some of France’s best seaside towns such as Boulogne-sur-Mer and Le Touquet-Paris-Plage.

But one of the closest is Wimereux, where you can grab a croissant and coffee for around £3, before heading to the beach for the day.

Have a dip in the sea pool before getting a ‘plat du jour’ (two-course lunch) for around £20 – and then make the most of cheap duty-free with by bringing 12 bottles of £5 wine home…

= £97.75pp

Two nights Algarve

How about two nights in The Algarve?

The cheapest deals are £99 each for two nights with flights with Loveholidays.

This leaves you with £6 to play with, so you’ll need to bring your own food or head to the supermarket.

But spend your time just chilling on the beautiful beaches, catching some rays to keep costs down.

= £99pp

Four nights at Butlins

A last-minute holiday to Butlin’s is a bargain too, with four-night breaks next month for £49. The Bognor Regis stay is based on four people sharing, so that’s £12.25 each.

Add a dining plan, such as the Food Court Dining plan, which is around £50 each and includes buffet breakfast, dinner, and unlimited soft drinks and desserts.

You can even add on an All Action Pass (£15) for access to go karts, bowling, golf and trampolines, AND a two-hour spa experience and come under budget still.

= £105pp

Two nights in Zagreb

Book your own flights and hotels, and you could spend two nights in the capital of Croatia for just £92pp. According to HolidayPirates, this includes return Ryanair flights from London Stansted and two nights at Zajceva 34.

The Historic Upper Town is free to see, as are walking tours, where you can spot some street art along the way, and the Museum of Contemporary Art on the first Wednesday, and the Archaeological Museum on the first Sunday.

You only have about a tenner for food so you’ll need to go to the supermarket, or you could try a “burek” meat pastry from street food stalls for about £5.

= £97pp

Two-night Santander cruise

A no-flight holiday option is a two-night cruise to Spain, which starts from £99 per person when based on a four-person cabin.

This includes the return cruise and two nights onboard in a cabin.

This does only leave you £6, so pack some food… and save it for a wine in Santander (around £2 a glass).

= £101pp

Two nights in Rome

The Italian city of Rome is both easy and cheap to get to. A two-night Wowcher deal in May has return London lights, a hotel and breakfast included for £79 each.

Tickets to the Colosseum will take you close to the budget, so I recommend seeing it from the outside instead (or go on the first Sunday of the month, where it is free as well) and see the free Pantheon as well.

Try Giano Restaurant for lunch, where a two-course meal and coffee is £19 each, followed by gelato for around £4.

= £102pp

One night in Krakow

How about an overnight in Krakow for £99 each? The Loveholidays deal for May has return London Luton flights and a stay at a three-star hotel.

Kraków is cheap, so get a Zapiekanka (pizza) for around £4.50 that will keep you full all day.

Exploring the Old Town is free, as are some of the museums, such as Schindler’s Factory on Monday or MOCAK on Thursday.

= £103.50

Two nights in Costa Brava

You could spend two nights in Spain for under £100, just.

Two nights in Costa Brava or Costa Dorada come in at £99 each with Loveholidays, although the latter has breakfast (so make sure to nab some rolls and snacks for lunch).

Put the last £6 towards supermarket snacks to take back to the pool where you can relax for the rest of the day.

= £105pp

One night Mystery Holiday to Europe

If you don’t know where you want to go, how about letting Wowcher decide for you?

Their famous European Mystery Holiday starts from £89pp, which includes return flights and two nights’ stay.

Some lucky winners could get seven nights, all-inclusive, so you won’t have to spend a penny.

Even those that don’t, you’ll have £16 left each to grab a cheap dinner and pint either from a restaurant or supermarket.

Make sure to check which museums are free to visit too, as most cities have a few.

= £89pp

IF YOU are wondering where to go for your next beach break, well the world’s best 50 beaches have just been announced.

The best beaches were decided on by over 1,000 travel experts, including some who have visited every country in the world.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

As for the beach taking the top spot, that went to Entalula Beach in the Philippines.

Found in Palawan, the awards say it is “one of those places you have to see to believe” – but to get there you will have to hop on a boat.

Year-round the beach hits a low of 26C, so is a great option for winter sun.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

HOLLA

Never pay full price for hols again… 25 apps, sites & clubs for huge discounts

In second place – and the top beach in Europe – is Fteri Beach on Kefalonia in Greece, that is “tucked away in a secluded cove, surrounded by dramatic white cliffs” – again which you can only get to by boat (or very steep hike).

If you fancy heading around the globe to Australia, then the third best beach is Wharton Beach.

Sat on the south-western coast about an hour from the city of Esperance or eight hours from Perth, Wharton Beach’s “isolation ensures it rarely feels crowded, even on perfect summer days, providing a peaceful escape for those seeking solitude”.

In fourth place was Nosy Iranja in Madagascar – which is actually spread across two smaller islands – Nosy Iranja Be and Nosy Iranja Kely – via a sandbar that you can walk across at low tide.

And rounding out the top five is East Beach, Vomo Island in Fiji with towering palm trees and calm water.

Unfortunately the UK didn’t have much luck making it into the top 50 beaches in the world, though it did make a couple appearances on the European list.

Coming in 26th place, Kynance Cove in Cornwall is a tidal beach with white sand, backed by impressive rock formations.

At low tide, visitors can explore a number of caves as well that have “formed into otherworldly shapes” according to Cornwall Beaches.

As for the second UK spot in the top 50 beaches in Europe – that can be found in Scotland.

Coming in 47th place, Achmelvich Beach in Scotland is just over two hours from the city of Inverness.

The beach can only be reached by a small track but it’s worth the trip – you might get to spot porpoises, dolphins or even a minke whale.

When it comes to the best beaches in Europe, Fteri Beach in Greece which came second in the world rankings, came out on top.

Then in second place is Cala Macarella, Spain on the island of Menorca. followed by Cala Dei Gabbiani in Sardinia.

In fourth is Kaputas in southwestern Turkey – a natural cove nestled between two towns, along with Porto Katsiki on the southwest coast of Lefkada in Greece in 5th place.

SPANISH holidays are under threat as Ryanair looks to cancel even more flights to the popular European destination.

Ryanair has slammed the Spanish government over rising airport fees in the country, warning that they could reduce even more flights to Spain.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

It comes as Aena – Spain‘s airports operator – plans to increase airport fees by 3.8 per cent each year between 2027 and 2031, which works out to 21 per cent total over five years.

Yesterday, Ryanair’s CEO Eddie Wilson said the new fees are “neglecting regional Spain” and that there could be further cancellations if the new charges go ahead.

Mr Wilson previously said: “Next winter we will make further cuts to regional airport services and I remind you that our total traffic in Spain for this summer will only grow by 0.5 per cent compared to 9 per cent in Italy, 11 per cent in Morocco or 20 per cent in Poland.

Read more on travel inspo

HOLLA

Never pay full price for hols again… 25 apps, sites & clubs for huge discounts

HOL YES

I’m a travel editor & mum-of-3… my favourite family holidays from just £3pp a night

“Aena’s proposal to increase fares by 21 per cent is regrettable, but not surprising, as this airport monopoly has a history of applying the highest fares at the expense of traffic development, especially at Spain’s regional airports, which are 70 per cent empty.”

He added that if the fees did increase it would “make even the most popular airports in Spain uncompetitive” and that Ryanair would turn to “other places in Europe where rates are more competitive”.

These destinations would include Albania, Sweden, Italy and Morocco.

Ryanair has already slashed 1.8million seats, with another 1.2million set for this summer. This includes all flights being cancelled to:

• Asturias
• Vigo
• Tenerife North
• Jerez
• Valladolid

Here’s more on which Spanish destinations are losing their Ryanair flights.

A LUXURY UK holiday company offering trips to Europe and Asia has closed down.

Salamander Voyages – which is based in Belfast – has gone into administration.

The company used to sell private boat holidays in Turkey, Greece, Italy and Croatia.

According to The Gazette, administrators were appointed on April 22.

On its website, Salamader Voyages states: “After 23 years of wonderful sailing in the Aegean Sea, we are very sad to announce Salamander Voyages has taken the difficult decision to close its doors.

“Please note that on 22 April 2026 Scott Murray and Ian Davison of Keenan Corporate Finance Ltd were appointed as Joint Administrators of the Company.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

“For any creditor queries, please contact the Joint Administrators’ office by telephone (028 9023 3023) or email (info@keenancf.com).”

The luxury holidays didn’t come cheap though, with sailings costing from £3,000 per person.

Upcoming trips included a sailing of the Turkish Gulf between June 15 and 22, heading to “small villages, pristine secluded bays and less-known historical sites”.

And between October 5 and 17 there was another Turkish sailing in the western half of the Gulf.

Claudia Winkleman has even previously been a guest onboard, commenting: “The holiday was absolutely amazing. The boat is beautiful and the crew were outstanding.

“The most relaxing week of our lives. We love you Salamander.”

SIX in ten Brits say free roaming is their top priority when choosing a phone plan – with a third being stung by additional fees.

A study of 2,000 adults revealed of the 34 per cent who had been charged, 22 per cent had to fork out £50 or more extra from a single trip – with 1.5 million travellers facing bills of over £100.

Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) admitted they had no idea different charges applied to varying countries in Europe.

Almost half (48 per cent) who were hit with surprise additional costs due to roaming said it had negatively affected their holiday as a result.

The research was commissioned by iD Mobile, which has teamed up with the former King of the Jungle and I’m a Celebrity… South Africa returnee, Harry Redknapp, to beat the sting of holiday bill shock.

A spokesperson for the network provider, which offers inclusive roaming as standard in 50 European destinations, said: “Being hit with a huge roaming bill when you return home is genuinely frustrating.

MAKING WAVES

UK’s biggest aquapark is reopening this week – and is getting a new 39ft slide

GROUNDED

UK airline goes into liquidation after 3 years due to fuel crisis & rising costs

“Our research shows just how many people are unsure about roaming charges, how they work, and where they apply.”

The study also found, of those who have been charged with unexpected roaming fees, 90 per cent were shocked by the amount.

Meanwhile 54 per cent said they do not understand how such charges are calculated on their current mobile phone plan, including what they are charged for calls, texts and data when abroad.

Over a quarter (28 per cent) said they did not understand what mobile roaming is and how the charges would work when travelling abroad.

When using their phone abroad, 42 per cent said it left them feeling anxious, regularly checking their usage (29 per cent) or actively limiting what they do to avoid unexpected costs (13 per cent).

Tactics to avoid unexpected fees included switching off mobile data entirely (40 per cent) and not sending photos or videos to family and friends (20 per cent).

The study also found 30 per cent felt disconnected from friends and family while on holiday abroad, according to OnePoll.com figures.

In a bid to stay connected, for 21 per cent, finding Wi-Fi would be the first thing they would do.

ATM withdrawal or foreign transaction card fees were the most unexpected costs (25 per cent), as well as hotel extras for pool towels, Wi-Fi and safe hire (16 per cent).

A spokesperson for iD Mobile, which partnered with Harry Redknapp for a campaign video which features the football star fighting the sting of roaming bills with his ‘Roaming Sting Repellent’, added: “People feel it when it comes to using their phones abroad.

“Many travellers don’t know what’s included in their phone plan, or when charges might apply, until they’re already away.

“That confusion is clearly influencing how people behave on holiday, with some cutting back on phone use entirely to avoid the risk of unexpected costs.

“No one should have to worry about being stung by their phone bill while trying to enjoy a well-earned break.”

AN AIRLINE operating flights in the UK has collapsed into liquidation.

Ascend Airways offers aircraft for other airline carriers, with previous carriers including Oman Air, Air Sierra Leone and Tui Airways.

The shock meltdown unfolded yesterday after Ascend Airways told crew of the sudden shutdown and immediate loss of operations.

An insider told The Sun: “It’s gone bust today, we got the news this afternoon. We’ve all been given the letters that it’s all going into liquidation.”

Bosses waited to make a public announcement until a flight from Muscat landed safely back at Stansted Airport (YD187).

A company email blamed a storm of economic pressure, soaring UK costs and a lack of contracts for the collapse.

PLANE MAD

Nine airlines that have cancelled flights as Iran war fuel crisis continues

HOL-D OFF

Brits warned summer holidays ARE at risk of being cancelled as jet fuel runs low

“It’s to do with the economy, we couldn’t get contracts, the UK is a lot more expensive than Europe,” the insider said. “The fuel situation had a massive effect on it as well.”

Behind the scenes, workers had feared the worst for months amid unpaid bills and mounting financial strain.

Hopes were pinned on securing a crucial IOSA licence in March to unlock global routes, but the bid ended in failure.

Desperate talks to save the company collapsed when potential partners refused to take enough aircraft to keep it afloat.

The insider claimed: “It’s 40 per cent cheaper to use airlines in Europe than the UK because taxes are too high.”

“We’re not going to get paid for May and we have to go through the liquidators.

“You could get up to £750 a week but we’re not going to get the full amount we’re owed.”

The collapse comes despite recent recruitment, leaving staff furious and confused. The insider said: “We were quite surprised they took on more crew, I think they were banking on getting the IOSA.”

But the final blow came when the airline reportedly failed to pay its leasing company, triggering a rapid downfall. “When we heard they hadn’t paid, we knew it was downhill fast,” the insider admitted.

Initially launching at Synergy Aviation in 2004, it became Ascend Airways in 2023 with a fleet made up of one Boeing 737-800 and six Boeing 737 MAX 8.

TEN of the best places to go this summer have been revealed – if you want to avoid the big crowds.

A new study conducted by Skyscanner has looked at summer search data to find places with lower search interest, which will mean finding the lesser known areas to visit.

In the Smarter Summer report, Turku came out on top when it came to being an under-the-radar destination.

The Finnish city is the oldest in the country, and even used to be the capital.

Known as the gateway to the 40,000-island Finnish archipelago (said to be the world’s largest archipelago, the other main attraction is the 13th century Turku Castle.

Flights are as little as £80 return, although Brits will have to change in airports like Gdansk or Helsinki.

Read more on trending spots

TOP TIER

This is Europe’s ‘top trending city break’ with £15 flights and £2.17 beers

PINT-SIZED

My favourite up-and-coming EU country has £2.60 pints and summer highs of 30C

After Turku was Thunder Bay in Canada, home to a huge rock formation on lake Superior called the Sleeping Giant.

Average flights here are £305 return, with a change in Toronto.

Also listed was the pretty seaside city of Crotone in Italy, once a Greek colony that was the home of Pythagoras.

Ryanair fly to Crotone but there are no direct flights – Brits will have to change in Milan or Bologna.

This does keep flights cheap thought – Skyscanner found they had the cheapest average price of around £62 retun.

Three islands in Greece made the top list, including Kalymnos which is known for both its rock climbing and diving.

Ferries run from Kos, Rhodes and Athens.

There is also Ioannina, a small inhabited island in the middle of a lake with a historic Byzantine fortresses

Being so secluded, one of the easiest ways to get there is a three-hour bus from Thessaloniki.

And finally there is Astypalaia, a butterfly-shaped island home to a Venetian castle as well as the eight red-roofed Chora windmills.

The island has direct flights from Athens, with its own small airport.

Pico in Portugal, along with Kiruna (Sweden), Clermont Ferrand (France) and Cordoba (Argentina) also made the list as well.

Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner Travel Expert, said: “This year’s Smarter Summer Report is designed to help people make more confident choices on when and where to travel, using Skyscanner’s proprietary data to highlight smarter timings, better-value options and alternative destinations.

“In a more changeable travel environment, checking live prices and staying flexible on where and when you travel can go a long way when it comes to finding better value.”

“More importantly, travellers should stay informed and check the latest travel advice before booking.”

The study also found the cheapest day week to travel on average was, surprisingly, July 7 – just before the school holidays.

And the cheapest day of the week was just as surprising, with Saturday being the most affordable.

They also named some of the cheapest destination to fly to on average this year, which include:

• Dortmund, Germany (£72)
• Cork, Ireland (£83)
• Luxembourg (£86)
• Castellon de la Plana, Spain (£89)
• Baden-Baden, Germany (£89)
• Eindhoven, Netherlands (£94)

Turin in Italy was £102 on average, followed by Cologne (£114), Jersey (£123), and Trapani (£125).

Here are our top bucket list holidays you should go on this year.

And these are some 2026 travel hacks to save you money this year.

ON August 12, a total solar eclipse will sweep across northern Spain and the Balearics – the first to cross mainland Europe since 1999, and the first visible in Spain since 1905.

For UK holidaymakers, it’s a rare chance to pair a week in the sun with a once-in-a-lifetime moment – totality arriving with the sun just degrees above the horizon, creating what astronomers are calling a “sunset eclipse”.

Astro-tourism is tipped to be big for this year off the back of this — but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

TravelSupermarket has done some digging to discover the perfect holidays to pair fun in the sun with a chance to view the eclipse.

Head of Holidays Chris Webber says: “What makes August 12 special is the timing.

“Because the eclipse arrives just before sunset, anyone on the Balearics will see totality with the sun sitting just above the horizon.

BEL OF THE BALL

Ultimate bucket-list golf trip with 7 nights of 5-star luxury to Belek

BEST BAR NONE

Enjoy the full F1 Grand Prix plus cruise experience for under £2,000

“Our advice is simple — if you want to be there, book now.

“The eclipse falls in the peak of the school holidays, and west-facing hotels on Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca are already getting snapped up.”

Here, LISA MINOT, Head of Travel, shines a light on six great places to see the phenomenon.

NOJA, CANTABRIA

TUCKED on Cantabria’s north coast, Noja is a proper Atlantic surf town and an under-the-radar shout for eclipse watchers.

Playa de Ris faces north-west, picking up clean swell off the Bay of Biscay and giving a clear, unbroken sightline as the sun drops — so you could even be out catching waves when it happens.

It’s not a polished resort town, more of a wild, local and friendly vibe.

Stay at La Casona de Noja, a small, intimate bolthole a short walk from both the town centre and the beach — plain but comfortable, with an on-site restaurant and bar.

GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the 2* La Casona de Noja is from £779pp including flights from Gatwick on August 6.

See travelsupermarket.com.

MADRID & TOTALITY DAY TRIP

MADRID sits just outside the path of totality, but it makes a brilliant base for combining a city break with the main event.

From the capital, it’s a straightforward run north into Castilla y León, with Burgos and Valladolid both in the path of totality.

Zaragoza is another well-connected option. On the day, the priority is an open view of the low western sky.

For your city stay, the 4* NH Madrid Balboa is a great choice in the upscale Salamanca district, minutes from the Retiro Park and the city’s designer shopping streets, with light, wood-floored rooms and a daily breakfast buffet.

GO: Three nights’ room-only at the NH Madrid Balboa is from £354pp including flights from Stansted on August 11, hand luggage only.

See tui.co.uk.

SALOU, COSTA DORADA

FOR families who want the eclipse built into a classic Med beach holiday, Salou is the pick.

The Costa Dorada sits in the path of totality, and Salou’s long, west-facing promenade means you can watch the eclipse without leaving your hotel terrace.

PortAventura is half an hour up the road if you want to build the week around theme parks too.

The Cala Font hotel is perched above its own cove just outside Salou, with pools, a spa and half-board dining — solid, sociable and built for a family week.

GO: Seven nights’ half-board at the 4* Cala Font hotel is from £868pp including flights from Stansted on August 6.

For more info, see travelsupermarket.com.

PEGUERA, MAJORCA

MAJORCA is arguably the most exciting spot of the lot.

The eclipse will reach the island with the sun only a couple of degrees above the horizon — a true sunset eclipse.

The west coast is the place to be for the clearest sightline, and Peguera, on the south-west, ticks the box — a laid-back resort with wide, west-facing beaches at Platja de Palmira and Playas de Paguera.

For your perfect stay, the 4* Hotel Vibra Beverly Playa sits right on the coast in Peguera, with two outdoor pools, a kids’ club and buffet dining for a great family break.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Hotel Vibra Beverly Playa is from £841pp including flights from Luton on August 11.

See firstchoice.co.uk.

SAN ANTONIO, IBIZA

SAN Antonio already has a reputation as the sunset capital of Ibiza — Café del Mar and the Sunset Strip exist for a reason.

That same west-facing orientation makes it one of the best spots on the island to catch totality as the sun drops into the Mediterranean.

The path of totality runs right across Ibiza, and San Antonio Bay delivers the open horizon needed to see it properly.

Stay at the THB Ocean Beach, a 4* adults-only on the seafront in San Antonio Bay, with a rooftop pool, Bali beds and direct access to O Beach Ibiza next door.

GO: Seven nights’ room-only at THB Ocean Beach is from £1,374pp including flights from Gatwick on August 10, 22kg luggage and transfers.

See jet2holidays.com.

CIUTADELLA, MENORCA

IF Ibiza is the party end of the Balearic eclipse trail, Ciutadella is the quiet one.

Sitting on Menorca’s west coast, the old capital is already known for some of the island’s finest sunset spots.

Castell de Sant Nicolau is a ten-minute walk from the centre, and Pont d’en Gil and the Punta Nati lighthouse are both a short drive away, all with wide, unobstructed views west across the Mediterranean towards Mallorca.

For travellers who want the eclipse without the crowds, this is it.

The 2* Alfons Hotel is in the heart of Ciutadella, a short walk from the beaches and the town’s cobbled centre, with a small spa, sun terrace and restaurant.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Alfons is from £998pp including flights from Gatwick on August 11, 22kg luggage and transfers.

See travelsupermarket.com.

A MAJOR airline has revealed plans to create en-suite bathrooms onboard its planes.

Emirates Airline is was named the best airline in the world this year.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

And now their airline has plans to improve passengers’ experience even more.

According to the airline’s CEO, Tim Clark, in the future Emirates aircraft could have private en-suite bathrooms for each first class passenger.

Clark, who made the announcement at the recent Capa Airline Leader Summit in Berlin, Germany, said: “I’m working on en-suite bathrooms in first-class suites.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

HOL YES

I’m a travel editor & mum-of-3… my favourite family holidays from just £3pp a night

“I want everyone to hear that so everyone rushes out the door to find out how they can get bathrooms in first-class suites,” reports The National.

Little details have emerged about what the en-suites would look like, and currently, no commercial airline has private en-suite bathrooms for every first class passenger.

However, when passengers fly with Emirates on an Airbus A380 there are two shower spas they can use.

If you happen to be one of the 14 first-class passengers on an Emirates A380 flight, you would book a shower spa session with a dedicated shower attendant at the start of the flight.

When it then comes to your session, you get 30 minutes to use the shower spa, which includes five minutes of running hot water.

Though that might not sound long enough, you can stop and start the shower as much as you like to maximise your water time.

In addition to the shower, the shower spa has a toilet, sink, bench, mirror, heated floors, and luxury amenities including Bulgari fragrances.

You, of course, will get towels as well as razors, shaving kits, dental kits, and cotton swabs.

After you are finished in the shower and return to your seat, you’ll be greeted by a fruit platter and green tea to make it really feel like a spa experience.

To make your inflight experience even better, Emirates recently started Starlink Wi-Fi on its A380s as well.

Alternatively, if you fly with Emirates on a Boeing 777, there are individual cabins for first-class passengers with more technology and entertainment.

Even the middle cabins have digital windows.

However, there are no shower spas to use onboard.

Currently, the closest product offered by another airline is The Residence by Etihad.

Created in 2014, The Residence is made up of a living room, bedroom and private bathroom and shower.

In other flight news, a budget airline has warned of more flight cancellations this summer – and says short-haul will be hit hardest.

Plus, Ryanair is axing half its flights from busy European airport – affecting millions of passengers.