wine

FOR a simple stay in the city, The Resident Victoria is the place to be, being right in the middle of London.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Where is The Resident Victoria?

The hotel is just steps from Buckingham Palace, so royal family fans can head straight to it.

Being right by Victoria Station as well, it means you can easily hop into central London or even easily get to London airports including Gatwick and Heathrow?

What is the hotel like?

Just one of four in London – with another in Liverpool and Edinburgh – the hotel itself is simply but classy.

What are the rooms like?

The 73-room hotel ranges from single person rooms to deluxe rooms with super king beds.

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Each room is classy but simple, with everything you’d expect as well as extras that make them ideal for longer stays.

This means mini kitchenettes that have fridges and microwaves, as well as crockery, glassware and coffee machines.

Working desks make them ideal for anyone travelling for business too.

Lots of the interior is from British designers, such as fabrics from the Isle of Bute and and furniture made in West London.

I loved the bathrooms which had loads of mirrors – often forgotten about in hotels – and complimentary toiletries and towels.

Rooms start from £184 per night.

What is there to eat and drink there?

There’s no restaurant here so you’ll have to go out for dinner.

Thankfully you’re spoilt for choice, although I recommend the Market Hall with a range of food stands inside to keep even fussy eaters happy.

For breakfast, you can order delivery to your room with things like pastries on the menu from the Drinks & Snacks menu.

Or you can ask to have your fridge filled with groceries, again at an additional cost.

Make sure to stay in the evenings at the hotel – they have complimentary wine hours.

What else?

There’s not gyms or spas at the hotel, but the reception is open 24 hours.

Use the hotel as a base to explore the area as you couldn’t be bettered located.

Is it family friendly?

The hotel welcomes families with the Deluxe rooms sleeping up to four and the Superior sleeping up to three.

Is it accessible?

Yes, the hotel has a number of accessible rooms.

Discover L’Andana, a luxury Tuscan hotel set in a historic Medici villa in the heart of Maremma, Italy, offering Michelin-starred dining, ESPA spa treatments, pasta-making classes, and wine tastings amid stunning countryside views

When you picture Italy – undulating manicured hillsides, country lanes bordered by towering cypress trees, terracotta hamlets and sunlight glinting off church domes, it’s most likely Tuscany that springs to mind. From Florence’s misty cupolas to the wine-drenched estates of the Chianti hills, countless scenes from Tuscany align perfectly with our quintessential vision of holidays.

It would be tempting to think, given the abundance of Instagram-perfect shots of this Italian paradise, that the actual experience might fall short of expectations. Far from it – in truth, nothing matches the enchanting atmosphere when you’re witnessing its splendour first-hand. If you’re seeking a peaceful, authentic, cuisine-filled escape, this is your ideal destination, reports OK!

Why this stunning hotel is the ultimate Tuscany choice

We checked into the stunning L’Andana Hotel nestled in the heart of Maremma, a delightful, less-travelled corner of the region where Italians themselves love to holiday. We discovered that Maremma is dubbed the “wild west” of Tuscany, which became entirely understandable when we encountered cacti and herds of cattle with remarkably long horns. You’re unmistakably deep in the Italian countryside here.

L’Andana is a blissful retreat in the low hills, and arriving at the estate felt like those Tuscan roads you see in films, along a 2km-long driveway flanked by tall green trees on both sides. This former Medici villa, once the summer residence of Grand Duke Leopold II and his court, exudes a regal sense of grandeur. Decorated in warm shades of butter, mustard and ochre, with traditional Tuscan-style furnishings and sweeping windows that frame breathtaking views of the Maremma landscape, every detail delights. From the warm hospitality to the genuinely authentic atmosphere, it truly felt like a real “casa”.

Wine tasting at the hotel and local vineyards

Tuscany’s wine scene is as rich and layered as its scenery. Vineyards stretch out in virtually every direction, and it’s a real privilege to stay somewhere that cultivates its own grapes. The hotel produces its own wine on site and offers tasting sessions for guests, paired with a three-course light lunch. We also ventured beyond the resort to Petra, another winery under the same ownership as L’Andana’s, where yet more spectacular vistas — and vintages — awaited.

We dubbed the building there “the Tuscan Chichén Itzá”, owing to its remarkable architecture that bears a striking resemblance to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

What to do around the grounds and in the spa

Despite its peaceful and unhurried atmosphere, there’s no shortage of things to keep you busy, with two swimming pools, tennis courts and a vast golf course all on offer. We chose ultimate relaxation with an ESPA massage, alongside a leisurely bike ride with an expert guide beyond the resort grounds. The scenery was utterly stunning and proved to be amongst the trip’s standout moments. These represent just a fraction of the numerous activities the hotel can organise for guests – they can also arrange horse riding, yoga sessions and beach excursions.

A pasta-making masterclass with an Italian chef

Food enthusiasts will thrive here, particularly with the gourmet offerings at L’Andana’s Michelin-starred La Trattoria Enrico Bartolini. To truly embrace the culinary culture, however, book a pasta making class with an Italian chef. We mastered the proper techniques and savoured our own freshly-made pasta with bolognese. There’s surely no finer location to learn the art of pasta making.

Discovering Castiglione della Pescaia: a coastal hidden gem

Each evening at the resort we’d spot twinkling lights in the distance; this, we learnt, was a charming little seaside town called Castiglione della Pescaia, merely a 15-minute drive from the hotel. We called in here while returning from the Petra winery, and it felt as though we’d stumbled upon a hidden treasure. It resembles one of those charming European towns featured in romantic comedies, brimming with winding, cobblestone lanes, pastel-painted houses with vibrant shutters, and lively eateries. We discovered one meandering pathway that guided us all the way down to a breathtaking view of the sea at sunset, with the entire landscape before us bathed in gold. It was the most spectacular conclusion to the day – and to this remarkable stay.

Planning a trip to Tuscany? Here’s how to book this hotel

Double rooms at L’Andana start from around £382 per night based on two sharing, including breakfast. Book at andana.it

From mountain hikes and whale watching to wine tasting and gourmet dining – there’s no shortage of things to do in Madeira

It didn’t take us long to discover that Madeira is an island of striking contrasts. Towering mountains and plunging valleys, a vibrant city and unspoilt natural parks. Even the weather keeps you on your toes, shifting from overcast skies to dazzling sunshine in moments, thanks to the island’s many microclimates.

The capital, Funchal, is defined by its charming mosaic cobblestones in the cathedral quarter, winding restaurant-lined lanes in the old town, and a sweeping seafront promenade with steps leading down to the sea for those fancying a spontaneous swim.

During our walking tour of the city, we took in the elaborate gothic cathedral, indulged in sweet treats at the celebrated chocolatier Uaucacau, and stumbled upon exotic fruits we’d never encountered before at the central market – from banana passion fruit to monstera deliciosa, which apparently tastes remarkably similar to pineapple when fully ripened, reports OK!.

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There’s no shortage of things to discover beyond the city either, as we found out when we ventured further afield around the island.

Madeira: an island built for adventure

Feeling energetic, we tackled the Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenço, a 7km round-trip hike leading to the most easterly tip of Madeira. The rocky trail demands a fair amount of stair-climbing, but the payoff is absolutely worth it – jaw-dropping panoramic views of the stunning coastline await. We’d strongly advise heading out early, as the path becomes considerably crowded from mid-morning onwards.

A jeep tour offers the finest way to explore the island’s north coast. Our itinerary took in beaches, waterfalls and a rum distillery where we sampled the local beverage Poncha Regional – a blend of rum, honey, lemon and orange juice. But the true standout moment came when venturing off-road into the verdant laurel forest, jolting along the muddy paths surrounded by tropical vegetation.

For our subsequent excursion, we headed to the harbour to embark on a whale-watching trip. We ended up considerably more drenched than anticipated as we raced across the ocean in our rib. While the rear seat might be the safest option for those prone to seasickness, it’s also where the majority of the spray appears to hit. We were, however, treated to the sight of a pod of bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the waves – and the tour guide graciously offered us a towel!

For a more tranquil afternoon we travelled to the spa at The Vine Hotel to experience its Red Wine Divine Bath. The 90-minute treatment features a gentle exfoliation using crushed grape seeds, a soak in a bubbling tub of red wine-infused water – with a glass of wine to savour for that additional touch of indulgence – and a full body massage to round off the blissful experience.

Discover the Madeira Wine Festival

The Madeira Wine Festival takes place from late August through to mid-September and offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the island at its liveliest. It’s a tribute to local wine-making heritage, featuring concerts and theatrical shows across multiple locations. We made our way to the Wine Lounge along Funchal’s waterfront, where live entertainment accompanied pop-up stands from 11 Madeiran wine makers, giving us the chance to try numerous varieties. We also dropped by Quinta do Furão for its yearly celebrations, which included a buffet lunch, wine sampling and the chance to tread grapes barefoot.

Naturally, you don’t have to wait for the festival to enjoy Madeira’s wines. During a guided experience and tasting at Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal, we discovered the wine-making techniques and were amazed by the enormous 9,000-litre oak casks. We also took part in a vineyard visit at Quinta Das Malvas, where we discovered how they combine vines through grafting to shield them from illness and why roses play a crucial role in assessing vine wellbeing.

Where to eat: restaurant recommendations and regional specialities

There’s certainly no lack of upmarket dining establishments in Madeira. We began our culinary adventure at Akua, a seafood spot nestled down a quiet side street in Funchal, where the tuna tartare cones and jumbo tiger prawn proved to be the highlights. At Three House, we savoured the chef’s table experience, where every dish is crafted right before your eyes. We’d highly recommend the red snapper ceviche and tacos packed with the local delicacy, black scabbardfish. Make sure you head up to the rooftop bar afterwards for a cocktail (open Wednesday to Saturday).

For an upmarket dining experience with breathtaking views, Avista is an absolute must. The outdoor terrace gazing out over the ocean is truly stunning, and our scallops with lime risotto and crème brûlée dessert were simply divine.

At Audax, we treated ourselves to the tasting menu – five courses crafted by the chef to capture the traditional flavours of Madeira, reimagined with a contemporary flair. Every dish was strikingly presented and packed with flavour. Over at Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva, we were won over by the sophisticated monochrome interior, gourmet dishes made from locally sourced produce and spectacular sunset views.

Where to stay in Madeira

Pestana Quinta Perestrello is a charming 37-room hotel on the outskirts of Funchal, lovingly converted from a traditional manor house. Its modest size lends it a wonderfully homely atmosphere, complete with a snug reading room and a quaint garden pool. Guests can also take advantage of the two neighbouring Pestana properties, which boast larger pools, restaurants and a health club. Central Funchal is just a 15-minute stroll away.

For a more indulgent experience, Casa Velha is a five-star boutique hotel situated alongside the breathtaking Palheiro Gardens. Here, the décor is opulent, the grounds are magnificent and the ambience is one of pure serenity. The restaurant Oxalis specialises in regional dishes with a contemporary twist and merits a visit even if you’re not staying there, as do the Palheiro Gardens themselves, where hundreds of plant species from across the globe flourish and trees soar to heights of 46 metres.

Arrange your own island getaway

For further details on accommodation, dining options and activities, head to VisitMadeira. EasyJet and British Airways provide direct flights to Funchal from the UK.

RYANAIR is relaunching twice weekly flights to a little-known Italian city – the first time in decades.

The budget airline is reintroducing flights to Forli, the first from the UK in 18 years.

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

Based in the Emilia-Romagna region, Forli is dubbed by Emilia-Romagna Turismo as a “city of art”.

Flights will take off from London Stansted Airport between June and October, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

It takes around two hours to reach Forli from the UK.

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And you won’t have to spend much either – you could hop on the first Ryanair flight on June 3 and return on June 6 for just £41.37 return.

Ryanair used to fly to the destination between 2001 and 2008, however the route was scrapped when the airline started to serve Bologna instead.

The comeback of the route has also been possible due to the municipal tax being removed, which was added to flights.

If visiting the city of Forli you will see traces of the Romanesque and Renaissance times, with ancient churches and piazzas that date back over 2,000 years.

One of the piazzas is Aurelio Saffi, which sits in the heart of the city and stretches 128 metres long, making it one of the largest squares in Italy.

Off the square, the historic centre is made up of four main streets – Mazzini, Garibaldi, Diaz and Della Repubblica.

Nearby, make sure to visit the Abbey of San Mercuriale, which has a 72-metre bell tower dating back to the 12th century that inspired the reconstruction of St Mark’s Campanile in Venice.

For those who love being outdoors, check out Parco Urbano Franco Agosto – a 64-acre park by the old city walls with free-roaming rabbits, ponds and sports facilities.

Forli is also well-known for its Romagnan cuisine with restaurants serving Piadina – a traditional bread often filled with local soft cheese and cured meats.

And the city is home to lots of bars as well, with some such as Volume Bar, offering a glass of wine for £3.05 and pints of beer for £3.48.

There are many other places to explore in the surrounding area as well.

Just 23 minutes from Forli is Bertinoro, which is a medieval citadel known as the ‘City of Hospitality’.

It is a great place to visit for panoramic views, stretching as far as the Adriatic Sea on clear days.

The city of Bologna is 29 minutes on the train, or an hour’s drive from Forli.

Bologna is known as Italy‘s capital of food and features a historic centre with 600 archways.

Or you could head to Rimini – which sits on the Adriatic coast with nine miles of beaches – is about 50 minutes away.

In other flight news, an airline is launching its first flights in two years from a UK airport to one of the world’s best food destinations.

Plus, a small UK airport is set to close for GOOD with its last flights departing next month.

OUR Spotlight On column gives you the low-down on what to see and do in some of the most popular holiday destinations – as well as some unsung areas.

This week we are doing a deep dive on Piraeus, a small but certainly not insignificant port city within Athens, Greece.

The Greek city is one to avoid in the summer – last year it hit 42C, a record high.

But Travel Writer Jonathon Samuels explains: “Athens is the perfect Greek city for an all-year-round mini-break, with lots to see and do.

“We began with an evening stroll around Athens’ oldest neighbourhood, Plaka.

“With narrow pedestrianised lanes, tourist shops and tavernas, it’s no surprise that the area is heaving in summer, but we had plenty of space to breathe and enjoy glimpses of The Acropolis in peace.

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“For an even less crowded view, head to 360 Cocktail Bar where you can soak up not just the city’s sacred rock but views of the pastel-coloured buildings below, too.

“Look for the little funicular railway at the end of Plutarch Street which takes you through the hill to the summit.”

Here are some of our other top tips.

MUST SEE/DO

As a port city in one of the most history-rich cities in the world, Piraeus has some stories to tell.

And no place tells them better than the Hellenic Maritime Museum which delves into the maritime traditions of the region.

It only costs around £1.50 to enter and visitors can be wowed by ancient maps, flags and old school weaponry that was once used on the seas.

HIDDEN GEM

Margaro is a pokey restaurant loved by locals, but less-known by tourists.

The interior may be bland and simple (think plastic tables and basic wooden chairs), but the food is anything but.

You won’t need a menu as this third-generation family fish joint only serves a few basic dishes: fried shrimp, fresh fish such as mullet or bream and langoustines, all accompanied by a classic and hearty Greek salad.

There are no reservations, so just follow the queues of local down the back streets from the port.

You’ll be paying a fraction of the cost you would in main tourist spots, but for some of the best Greek food you’ve ever sampled.

BEST VIEW

Nest Rooftop Bar & Bistro at The Alex Hotel is the place to go, especially at sunset.

Set just a few metres back from the ocean, visitors can sip on cocktails while soaking up panoramic views of Saronic Gulf, with ferry boats and yachts on the water, and the sun-drenched terracotta roof tops of surrounding buildings.

RATED RESTAURANT

Pushing the boat out? Well this is the right place to do that – for a number of reasons.

The Michelin-starred Varoulko Seaside, in Mikrolimano marina, is a dream for seafood lovers.

Diners can tuck into traditional Greek flavours using modern culinary techniques – dishes like catch of the day come with fennel, orange and bearnaise sauce.

BEST BAR

Greek wine has soared in popularity in recent years and is now in the same league as some the finest wines in the world.

So if you’re keen to sample the best, a visit Paleo Wine Store is a must.

The cosy and sophisticated bar is housed in a former warehouse and serves excellent grape tipples.

If you’re unsure of what to order, staff are always happy to help. The setting is extremely cool, with industrial-style decor, long wooden tables and shelves stacked high with bottles.

HOTEL PICK

It’s not just its excellent rooftop (mentioned above) that makes the 4* Alex Hotel standout.

The bright and airy space has a modern Greek feel to it with stone-coloured furnishings and simplistic interiors. It’s well-located for exploring the region too, offering easy access to both the city and the sea.

The rooftop restaurant serves British favourites such as pizza, pasta and burgers, as well as more sophisticated dishes including sea drum ceviche and tuna tartare.

Rooms cost from £110 per night. See santikoscollection.com.

THERE are plenty of beautiful islands around Greece, but you might not have heard of Andros.

It’s the second-largest island in the Cyclades and is considered to be one of the most beautiful, and underrated.

Andros has it all, with mountain landscapes, beaches with bright blue waters, lush greenery with waterfall trails, and a town classically painted in Greece‘s blue and white.

Visitors arriving by ferry will first come to Gavrio, on the northwest coast which historically was a fishing village.

Now it’s a lot busier and vibrant with plenty of tavernas, bars and hotels – however this isn’t the capital of the island.

An hour’s drive away from Gavrio is Chora, which literally means ‘main village’.

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One visitor who blogged about their recent trip named Verde as a top place to grab a bite there.

Their top tip was to taste the Miss Pink cocktail, which is a mix of champagne, lime and grapefruit.

When it comes to drinks, on Andros, you can pick up a glass of wine from €3 (£2.60).

Along with its pretty village to explore, the real gems of this island are the beaches that are dotted along the coastline.

There are beautiful beaches too with white sands and bright blue seas.

One of the most popular north of Chora is called Zorkos Beach, which is also one of the island’s biggest.

One visitor said: “One of the best beaches I have visited in general in my life! Incredible waters, clear and a very quiet place even though it has a beach bar there!”

Another added: “Zorkos beach is just fantastic! Clean water and a very relaxed atmosphere. Perfect place to escape and enjoy the sea without a lot of people. We will definitely visit again.”

Other popular spots include Vitali Beach on the north eastern side of the island.

The beach is always fairly empty as it’s secluded and can only be accessed by a narrow dirt track – so it’s recommended to get there by motorbike or jeep.

Another spot which has crystal clear waters is Tis Grias to Pidima Beach, which has a huge rock stack off its shore.

The beach can be reached via a dirt road and steep trail, but lots of visitors say it’s worth a visit thanks to its beautiful views.

Heading inland, one popular activity for tourists on Andros is hiking to its waterfalls.

One of the easiest trails that takes around 10-minutes is to the Pithara Waterfalls, which is dubbed a ‘hidden paradise’ in Apikia.

Visitors say there’s enough water for a small swim, along with plenty of pretty viewing points from above the falls.

For those staying on the island, some hotels cost as little as £36 per night, which you can find on Booking.com.

The Ostria Hotel & Apartments has an outdoor pool, and is a few minutes walk away from Gavrio.

On Airbnb, pretty apartments start from £67 per night.

This one in Chora is within walking distance to the sea, as well as restaurants, bars, cafes, museums and art galleries.

When it comes to getting to the island, Brits will have to fly to Athens, which in May can be done for £25 with Ryanair.

From there, take a ferry across to the island which can be as quick as one hour with Seajets (with tickets from £30).

For more on Greek islands, one expert reveals the four better value islands where locals go on holiday with Santorini-like houses and secluded beaches.

Three deals across three key regions : Mercosur, India and Australia.

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While the Commission hailed the Australia agreement as a new geostrategic win, EU farmers continue to express deep discontent stemming from the Mercosur deal.

In practice, the backlash around the agreement with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay has done little to shift the Commission’s dual approach in its negotiating line. On the one hand, the commission kept making concessions on entry-level or mid-range farm goods such as beef, while on the other hand, it pushed for market access for high value-added exports —like wine, Geographical Indications (GI) and cars— with mixed results.

“The EU has all the assets to be an agri-food power,” Luc Vernet, from the export-focused brussels think tank Farm Europe, told Euronews, adding: “We should develop a broader strategy beyond high value-added products, covering all sectors and all levels of quality, because the European model delivers exceptional quality not just in luxury products.”

Yet the opposition to the Latin America deal — which triggered a legal challenge suspending its ratification — crystallised among EU farmers over fears of unfair competition from meat imports.

The Mercosur agreement granted quotas of 99,000 tonnes of beef per year, 25,000 tonnes of pork and 188,000 tonnes of poultry. Despite conditions added to new quotas in the Australia deal, EU farmers complain of imports piling up across successive agreements.

Concessions made on beef

Over eight years of talks with Canberra—the world’s second-largest beef exporter—Australia pushed hard for greater access for beef and sheep meat. Tensions intensified in 2023, when negotiations broke down after the EU rejected Australia’s demand for 40,000 tonnes of beef per year, offering no more than 30,000 tonnes instead.

The final deal agreed Tuesday allows 30,600 tonnes of beef annually into the EU. For sheep and goat meat, Brussels accepted a 25,000-tonne duty-free quota, while sugar was limited to 35,000 tonnes of raw cane for refining and rice to 8,500 tonnes a year.

However, perhaps drawing lessons from Mercosur, Brussels imposed multiple conditions on the quotas. Beef imports, which will have to be from grass-fed cattle, will be phased in over 10 years, sheep meat over 7 years, and rice over 5 years. Sugar will also be subject to certification under a private sustainability scheme.

Safeguard clauses, allowing both sides to react to market disruption, will apply for seven years – but are extended for sensitive farm goods : 15 years for beef, 12 for sheep and 10 for rice.

But a farmers’ representative told Euronews there were serious doubts about the effectiveness of the safeguard mechanisms: “Our experience in general with safeguards is that they are extremely difficult to activate because the burden of the proof is on us, farmers.”

The offensive agenda of the Commission

By contrast, agriculture was far less contentious in the India negotiations, where New Delhi itself resisted opening its market due to domestic farm sensitivities, particularly in dairy. EU sensitive products were largely excluded.

But wine featured prominently on Brussels’ offensive agenda, with Indian tariffs cut from 150% to 20% for premium wines and 30% for mid-range products over seven years. Tariffs for cars will also fall from 110% to 10% but under a quota of 250,000 vehicles a year after a decade – by which point Chinese manufacturers have great chances to have strengthened their position.

In negotiations with Australia, the EU again sought greater access for its wine but encountered strong opposition from domestic producers. In the end, the deal protects more than 1,600 EU wine GIs, plus over 50 new ones from 12 member states.

On Prosecco, Australian producers will still be allowed to use the term domestically to designate a grey grape variety, provided it is linked to Australian GI, with Canberra agreeing to stop exporting such wines after 10 years.

The EU also secured protection for 165 agri-food GIs and 231 spirit drink GIs. But it failed to remove Australia’s luxury car tax, securing instead preferential treatment for EU electric vehicles. But Brussels won improved access to critical raw materials – a key EU demand, that may have lead to more concessions on meat.

These locations are perfect for anyone looking for an affordable getaway

After arriving at your holiday destination, many travellers fancy unwinding with a simple glass of vino. While the price of wine might not be top of your list when arranging a getaway, you could find yourself gobsmacked by the costs once you land.

To help avoid this, Holiday Pirates have shared on Instagram the most budget-friendly wine destinations across Europe, where you can grab a glass for well below £5. Leading their rankings were Hungary and Portugal, where a typical glass will set you back between £1.70 and £3.40.

Plus, Portugal is only a two-to-three-hour flight away from the UK. And timing it right, Skyscanner shows return flights to Portugal starting at £26, and to Hungary from £35. This means you’ll savour some quality wine without having to empty your wallet just getting there.

It’s not only individual glasses that work out cheaper overseas, with Drink Merchants having previously disclosed that in Portugal, a bottle averages merely £3.91.

Both Portugal and Hungary boast their own wine-producing regions, and with numerous vineyards scattered throughout, you can sample the nation’s wines at bargain prices during your stay.

Alternative choices for those seeking somewhere to purchase a glass of wine for less than £4 included Bulgaria and Spain, where you’ll be spending between £2 and £3.80.

These destinations can prove economical in other respects too, with Skyscanner showing return flights to Bulgaria from £32 and to Spain from only £24.

Europe’s cheapest wine destinations

Hungary and Portugal (£1.70 – £3.40 a glass)

Bulgaria (£2.10 – £3.40)

Mainland Spain (£2.10 – £3.80)

Poland (£2.10 – £4.25)

Czechia (£2.50 – £4.25)

Spain – The Balearic Islands (£2.50 – £4.50)

Greece, Italy, and Germany (£2.50 – £5)

THERE’s a Spanish city that is set to be nearly 30C this week – and luckily for Brits it’s less than three hours from the UK.

Seville’s got everything Spain has to offer from affordable wine to beautiful plazas and free flamenco performances.

This week, temperatures in Seville are set to soar with highs of 27C, according to the BBC.

Thanks to its location in southern Spain, Seville often sits 17C and higher – even in the winter months.

It’s very easy to get to as well with direct flights from all over the UK although the cheapest is with Ryanair, who has £14.99 flights from London Stansted next month.

When it comes to what to do there, you’ll be spoiled for choice at the riverside city with lots of beautiful sites and great food for affordable prices.

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On average, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant start from £10.50.

As for wine, it tends to sit between £2.50 and £3 – depending on where you go within the city.

Plaza de España is one of the biggest and most well-known landmarks in Seville.

It’s a huge semi-circular plaza stretching over 50,000 square metres with four bridges sitting over a canal decorated with brightly coloured mosaic.

It’s a favourite spot within the city for pretty pictures, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a free flamenco dance.

If you want to get out onto the water, you can rent pedalos for a few euros.

The square even doubled as the planet of Naboo in the second Star Wars film.

In the middle of the city is the enormous Seville Cathedral – which is the biggest Gothic cathedral in the world.

You can choose to go inside if you wish, but as someone who has been you can see plenty of its grandeur from outside.

But if you want to head inside a standard ticket costs €13 (£11.25).

Other hot spots include the Real Alcázar palace and La Giralda tower.

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill visited the city two years ago. She said: “I loved strolling about Seville, particularly the Alfalfa neighbourhood.

“It’s got plenty of pretty little cafes and restaurants to explore – one of my favourites was Casa Toni which cooks up tasty paella.

“Salvador Square is beautiful in the morning time, take a stroll there and make sure to pick up some brunch from Sagasta.

“It has outdoor seating too so you can bask in the spring sunshine.”

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has also visited the city and has some top tips on how to see its main attractions for free.

She said: “The Royal Alcázar of Seville, a palace dating back 1,000 years, offers limited free tickets on Mondays between 6pm and 7pm.

“Or for Seville Cathedral, there are 100 free tickets a day between 2pm and 3pm.”

Kara’s favourite bar is El Rinconcillo which is the city’s oldest tapas bar which dates back to 1670.

And you can get a huge glass of wine for £3.

For more on Spain, here are last minute deals at four-star hotels in 30C temps from £249pp.

And this European city with 3,000 hours of sunshine a year named best destination to visit in 2026.

A ‘stylish Spanish’ city that is packed with ‘character’, has been recommended by a TUI travel expert for a serene escape with sprawling beaches and seawater pools

It’s not easy finding the right destination for that sun-soaked getaway, but a travel expert highly recommends a vibrant city in Tenerife, where you can grab a bottle of wine for around £5 and bask in the balmy 24C in April.

TUI travel advisor, Natasha Mooney, has booked holidays to Tenerife for more than a decade and lives there part-time with her husband, Javier, who hails from the Spanish island.

“I’ve been a TUI travel advisor for 10 years, now working as a homeworking retail expert. Javi and I split our time between the UK and Güímar in northern Tenerife, so I can genuinely call it my speciality,” Natasha said.

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As a Tenerife expert, Natasha certainly knows a thing or two about where to go, particularly for those looking to ditch the crowds and opt for a quieter escape. One destination that Natasha can’t recommend more is the coastal city of Puerto de la Cruz, with its incredible seawater pools, black-sand beaches, a charming harbour and historic old town.

“This is Tenerife at its most authentic,” the expert explains. “Puerto de la Cruz, on the north coast, is the place I recommend for travellers who want a stylish but genuinely Spanish experience. There’s a relaxed elegance to it. A pretty harbour, historic streets, colonial-style restaurants serving modern Canarian cuisine, and cocktail bars with live music.”

The city offers that desirable beach escape, alongside a town bursting with character, eateries, and cafés, against its colourful architecture and vibrant Spanish atmosphere. Adding to its allure is the promise of blistering rays of up to 24C in April.

One of the city’s most striking features is the iconic saltwater pool complex, Lago Martiánez, designed by Canarian architect César Manrique. The outdoor interconnected pools, with four for adults and three for children, are filled with Atlantic water, framed by volcanic rock and palm trees.

It’s been beautifully designed to incorporate natural elements against the backdrop of the rugged terrain of the striking volcano, Mount Teid, alongside views of the sea, for a spectacular day spent in the basking heat. There are plenty of terraces and sun loungers with umbrellas dotted around the leisure complex for extra comfort, along with kiosks and restaurants for a bite to eat.

Of course, there are plenty of beaches to uncover in the area, with Playa Jardín, Playa Martianez and Playa del Castillo, all with their striking black sand and blue waters for an inviting dip. The city itself is packed with character from its Puerto Street Art Project, where vibrant artwork lines the street, to the art installation of the Agatha Christie Steps, with printed titles of her most famous books.

There are botanical gardens, including Sitio Litre Garden, to wander around during a leisurely afternoon, along with colourful streets lined with bars offering drinks al fresco. Natasha noted that visitors could even bag themselves a bottle of wine for a mere £5, and advised holidaymakers to look out for Listán Blanco or Malvasía whites and Listán Negro reds.

“You’ll often find good bottles in local restaurants and shops from around €6–€10 (£5.19 to £8.60). It’s a brilliant way to taste the island for very little money,” she explained.

The food scene is another highlight across Tenerife, as Natasha said: “Tenerife has Michelin-starred restaurants, but most visitors fall in love with the guachinches. They’re family-run eateries serving traditional Canarian food with their own local wine. They’re always authentic and very affordable too.”

If you’re tempted by a trip to Puerto de la Cruz, you can grab a flight from London Stansted to Tenerife from as little as £18 one-way. There are also affordable flights from Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow and various UK airports, making it even easier to jet off to this charming coastal city.

TUI also offers a seven-night package at Hotel Rui Garoe from £634 per person, based on two adults sharing on a half-board basis. It includes travel from Birmingham Airport on Tuesday, 28 April with TUI Airways, along with overseas transfers, 10kg of cabin luggage, and a 20kg checked-in bag.

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CITY breaks are a perfect short-haul holiday option for Brits, and in some cases even top-tier ones won’t break the bank.

TravelSupermarket has found the cheapest five-star European city holidays and the Portuguese capital has topped the list at under £310pp.

TravelSupermarket found that the average price for a five-star break to Lisbon works out at £308pp.

On TravelSupermarket Sun Travel found some five-star accommodation deals for under £200.

A two-night city break at the VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & Spa in March starts from £180pp – including flights.

The hotel has a rooftop pool, bar, restaurant, room service, free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and spa facilities.

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Another is The Vintage Lisboa where you can book a two-night city break in March from £269pp.

The boutique hotel is in the heart of the city and has modern interiors as well as a restaurant and bar.

Each room has a flatscreen TV, air conditioning and private bathroom with rain head shower.

It has a spa with a full menu of massages, as well as a sauna, steam bath, hammam and a gym.

The city itself is known for its steep streets, trams and its position on the coastline.

British expat Lauren Clark, who left her life in London for Lisbon reveals it’s an affordable city once you’re there too.

She even said that you can catch up with a friend over a glass of wine for the price of a coffee in the UK.

Lauren explained: “You can pick up a fruity ‘vinho verde’ from a quiosque or restaurant terrace, enjoyed in the sunshine, might set you back just a few euros.

“One of the reasons why the top-notch wine is so affordable – with a bottle of my favourite white costing around three euros in the supermarket – is because Portugal is covered in swathes of vineyards.”

Vinho verde translates to ‘green wine‘, but it’s not actually anything to do with colour.

What is actually refers to is the young age of the grapes.

When it comes to choosing where to drink – you can get views of the city if you go up high onto a rooftop bar.

One trendy place is Park Bar which is at the very top of a parking garage.

Here you can pick up a selection of beers and wines, sangria and some bar snacks – and on Sundays it serves up all-day brunch.

Another is Topo Chiado which has view downtown that one visitor described as ‘breathtaking’, and it has a DJ during the evenings.

While Lisbon is easily walkable it also has lots of trams – it has six different routes and 58 trams.

Lisbon tram tickets usually cost between €3.10 (£2.70) and €3.30 (£2.87) if you buy it onboard.

You can save money in Lisbon by getting a Lisboa card too, which you can buy from £27 and it then gives you access to 51 museums and galleries across the city.

Lisbon doesn’t have many main beaches for sunbathing as such – but just a short-ride away are some lovely coastal spots.

Two popular beaches are Praia da Ursa and Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo which are both less than an hour’s drive away from the city centre.

For Brits, Lisbon is easy to get to with direct flights taking just two hours and 50 minutes.

In April, flights from London Luton to Lisbon start from £21.

Eight airports across the UK offer direct flights including London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham.

When it comes to other city break destinations, cheap five-star holidays include destinations like Krakow and Prague.

Berlin rounds out the top three at £357 per person on average.

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket said: “There’s a real appetite among British travellers for luxury city breaks, but many assume five-star automatically means five-star prices.

“What this data shows is that destinations like Lisbon, Krakow and Berlin are delivering genuinely premium experiences at remarkably competitive price points.

“As ever, Eastern Europe in particular offers exceptional value, and with so much history, culture and food on offer in cities like Prague and Budapest.”

These are the top 10 destinations for a cheap five-star break…

Here are the cheapest destinations and the average price for a five-star city break in Europe from TravelSupermarket…

1. Lisbon – £308pp
2. Krakow – £321pp
3. Berlin – £357pp
4. Prague – £375pp
5. Budapest – £430pp
6. Venice – £500pp
7. Barcelona – £539pp
8. Rome – £555pp
9. Amsterdam – £633pp
10. Paris – £967pp

For more on cheap city breaks, here are some in Europe that are CHEAPER than an English train ticket.

And here is Europe’s ‘top trending city break’ destination has been revealed with flights for £15 and beers for £2.17.

WEARING protective suits, masks, hats and gloves, we approach the buzzing hive in front of us.

The Canarian black bee, our guide tells us, is a hardy species adapted perfectly to the high heat and dry lands that make up Lanzarote’s volcanic climate.

My mum Rhona and I seem to have adapted pretty well ourselves, as we soak up the last of the afternoon sun.

The fourth-largest Canary Island, Lanzarote was the ideal destination for a pre-Mother’s Day trip, with its year-round “eternal spring” climate, lunar-like landscapes and white-sand beaches.

While a fly-and-flop holiday is always tempting, particularly when it’s 21C, I was determined to include some bonding experiences during our visit.

And our beekeeping tour was just that. Ahead of reaching the hive, our guide taught us all about the insects that live there.

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Then, after shedding our protective suits, we were treated to samples of the organic honey, taking note of the sightly different flavours depending on which plants the bees had visited.

We felt fully connected to the surrounding nature.

When we weren’t off exploring, we could relax at the 4H Seaside Los Jameos, in Puerto del Carmen, one of the island’s most popular resorts.

With its beachfront location, palm tree-lined pools, gym, spa and cactus gardens, the recently renovated hotel is an oasis within the town, with plenty of activities on site.

I’m lucky enough to have a mother who can run rings around me, so we started each day with a jog on the beach.

I picked up pace as the week progressed, but never quite managed to catch up with my mum.

It was the perfect way to work up an appetite for the plentiful buffet breakfast.

My highlights were the mimosa station, with crisp cava and freshly squeezed orange juice, and the DIY waffle machines.

In the evenings, guests can expect live entertainment from acts such as an ABBA tribute band, as well as magic shows and children’s discos.

Outside of the hotel, nearby restaurants included beachfront tapas joint Restaurante El Molino, which was within walking distance, and Sebastyan’s Atlantico Lounge on the water (be sure to arrive in time for the stunning sunset).

Lanzarote also has a thriving plonk scene, with wineries dotted all around the island.

Our final First Choice excursion took us on a tasting and museum tour at Bodega Finca Mota, a charming family-run winery surrounded by Lanzarote’s distinctive volcanic landscape, where grapes grow in the black sand.

We started our visit with an introduction to vintage winemaking tools in the museum, before sitting down for some sipping.

We tasted three different wines accompanied by locally-produced cheese and traditionally-cured tuna, and enjoyed it so much we bought a bottle each to take home.

On our final day, we decided to explore the picturesque village of Yaiza, famed for its beautifully maintained whitewashed houses and palm-lined streets.

Mum and I both love to shop, so we enjoyed a potter around the boutiques selling jewellery and ceramics and found a delightful cafe to have coffee and baked goods.

Literally the cherry on top of the cake to end a dreamy Mother’s Day getaway.