One of the world's most beautiful airports is in ‘undiscovered' European country – and it is opening a new terminal
Queen Tamar Airport serves the small ski town of Mestia and a new terminal building has been designed to draw on Georgia's history with a completely unique look.
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New terminal designs reveal a beautiful new airport in Mestia
Credit: LSG Solutions
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The current terminal was previously dubbed as being one of the world's most beautiful
Credit: Alamy
Currently, Mestia has one small terminal which looks unlike any other in the world.
It's a German designed black and white structure made up of steel and glass bent into an unusual shape which looks like an L from the front.
In 2014, the quirky terminal was named one of the 10 most beautiful terminals in the world by the
Now, LSG Solutions has revealed its designs for a second timber
terminal
for Mestia Airport
which is in the
Svaneti region.
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The 2,000-square-metre building will be made from timber and spread across a single story.
The layout inside will be open-plan and it will merge the departure and arrival areas.
In the centre will be skylights which the company said will have "in-built heated glass" and will allow "natural light to pour into the space."
Patterns throughout the terminal will honour Queen Tamar, who reigned during the country's Golden Age in the late 12th and early 13th centuries.
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At the moment, there are only six flights per week out of Mestia, Georgia.
These flights operate between Mestia and Natakhtari (near Tbilisi), and there are two flights per week to Kutaisi.
World's biggest island to build three brand new airports – with one opening as soon as this year
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There will be huge skylights in the terminal ceilings
Credit: LSG Solutions
But the new terminal will open this year and is set to be a game-changer, encouraging more travellers to visit Mestia, the highland townlet in northwest Georgia.
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In the Svaneti region are ski resorts, hiking trails, and cultural landmarks.
One Sun Travel reporter went to Georgia and found
a "cheaper and undiscovered part of
Europe".
On a visit to Tbilisi, the capital, they discovered the ancient Narikala castle, and from there saw the colourful old town and dramatic Soviet-era apartment blocks.
It's a very affordable city with rooms costing just £40 per night and you can get a glass of wine for as little as £2.50.
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There's also a traditional dish called khachapuri that they said "you can't miss".
Described as a 'cousin' of pizza, it's a canoe-shaped dough full of melted cheese, topped with an egg.
Here's what the
The lesser-known European destination with hot springs, cheap wine and underrated food now has new flights to four UK cities.
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The new terminal in Mestia will open in 2025
Credit: LSG Solutions
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The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I'm from a Mediterranean city where people speak English and pay in pounds – but there's one Brit item shops won't sell
WHAT'S not to love about Gibraltar? It has average highs of 28C, it's just three hours from the UK, everyone speaks English and you can pay in pounds. But one half Gibraltarian, half English woman has revealed that Brits make plenty of mistakes when visiting. 10 Gibraltar is a popular destination that sits on the peninsular of Spain's southern coast Credit: Alamy 10 Adele's grandparents live in Gibraltar and she visits at least twice a year Credit: Adele Cooke Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here Sun writer Adele Cooke visits Gibraltar to see her family at least twice a year, and here she shares with us all her secret viewpoints, favourite local haunts and mistakes to avoid when visiting 'Gib'. Adele told us: "My mum is Gibraltarian, and all her family all live there - the short story is that the family moved from Genoa in Italy. "A lot of families do that and actually Michelle Keegan's family did the same - her grandma used to live opposite mine." Read More on Holidays OFF TRACK Five stunning European holidays that are cheaper than a UK train fare Summer highs Adele's first piece of advice is when's best to visit, she told us: "Going in winter is a big no-no because a lot of the things to do in Gibraltar is outside. "If you go in the winter, you'll get highs of 12C. But it's not like being in Madeira where you'll get some like winter sun - it's properly cold. She's noticed that first-time visitors often aren't aware that the destination has a micro-climate because of the Levanter cloud. The Levanter cloud forms over the Rock of Gibraltar in certain conditions and will make the temperature colder than neighbouring areas in Spain. She said : "Personally, I go every May and September. The end of May is warm enough to go to the beach. "And then the start of September, the schools have gone back so there aren't lots of kids on the beach, and the flights are cheaper. "The flights this summer are expensive so if you do go then, you have to book quite far in advance." Join cheeky monkeys for cliff walks, caves and tapas in historic Gibraltar 10 Adele and her family know all the best spots from restaurants to cafes Credit: Adele Cooke 10 Adele suggested going in May or September - but avoid Gibraltar National Day Credit: Adele Cooke 10 Ocean Village is a great place for getting a bite to eat - and cheap cocktails Credit: Alamy Adele said she can generally get flights back from £80, but there are certain times of the year where the prices will be at an all-time high. She said: "Flights get really expensive around Gibraltar National Day which is in September. "It's a full weekend of events, there's lots of food, and they have firework displays, and everyone wears red and white. It's a day to celebrate being part of Britain. "Another time to be aware of is around Easter because it's a Catholic nation, so a lot of Gibraltarians will go back for that." Eating out Adele said one of the best places for an evening tipple is in the marina: "For drinks, I would go to Ocean Village which is a big complex at the marina. "In there is a casino, they've got an Irish pub for watching sports, Pizza Express, Wagamama, everything you need. "There's plenty of offers too, lots of places have happy hour with £6 cocktails and you can get coffees from £2. "If you don't like crowds and you want more of a quiet and relaxed evening, I'd go to Queensway Quay. It's another marina and it's the upmarket one. "It's really lovely if you want to go and look at the boats and have some drinks as it's usually less busy. "One place that's a hidden gem, is a restaurant at the university called Bistro Point. It's got a great view, you can sit outside and they do a great brunch." Another spot she recommends for anyone looking for quality seafood is the Jumpers Wheel Restaurant. It might not look like much on the outside, but Adele told us it's a great place to enjoy catch of the day, calamari, swordfish and octopus. 10 For a tasty brunch and incredible views head to Bistro Point Credit: 10 The Lavanter cloud can affect the temperature in Gibraltar Credit: Alamy Saving pennies Remember going on holiday with your mates and dread buying a round? Well there's none of that here. Adele told us: "I've bought a bottle of wine and a beer and it's come to just £17 in a bar before - a breakfast for a family of 10 can come to just £35, it's a very cheap place. "The food in Gibraltar as a whole is cheap and cheerful, you get big portions - I'd say it's Wetherspoons style." The good news for Brits is that Gibraltar does have its own currency, does take British pound too. Holiday hotels As for where to stay, Adele said: "Plenty of people book into the Holiday Inn as it's in a great location and very affordable, what most don't realise is it's beach on one side and next to one of Gibraltar's main cemeteries on the other. "If you do stay there, ask for a room on the rock side rather than a room on the cemetery side." To stay in central Gibraltar, Adele recommended the Sunborn Gibraltar resort which is right in Ocean Village - rooms start at £175 per night. Another great pick for visitors is The Eliott Hotel which has a rooftop pool, and the Rock Hotel which has recently been renovated. 10 Head to the sweeping Eastern Beach in Gibraltar for blue seas and lots of sand Credit: Google maps All the attractions If you head to Tripadvisor currently, one of the most highly recommended beaches in Gibraltar is Catalan Bay, but it's currently undergoing lots of construction work. Adele said: "There's lots of diggers out on that beach because they're reclaiming some land from the sea - so don't go there for the moment. "Instead, go to Eastern Beach, it's a great spot because you get more sun for longer." The reason the Eastern Beach stays sunnier for longer is because the Rock's shadow can block sunlight on other beaches. Sandy Bay is another popular beach but it can get windy. Other attractions around Gibraltar include the Spirit of the Rock, which is the only distillery in the old town - you can take the tour and have a tasting for £25. If you're looking to catch up with the news, don't try hunting for a newspaper as you won't find one. Adele explained: "Post-Brexit, you can't get them in Gibraltar, but you can buy them in Spain." 10 Book a tour in advance to go and see the dolphins Credit: Adele Cooke Tourist traps Like most places that you go, be mindful of the tourist traps. In the town centre, there will be lots of tour operators trying to sell tourists dolphin tours around Gibraltar. Adele said that for anyone wanting to head on a tour, have a look online first and book there instead. Everyone going with the few tour operators selling tickets in the square will then get into a crowded boat so when there's a dolphin, you're less likely to see it. And if you fancy heading up the Rock, do not drive yourself. She said: "Unless you're going to Spain, I wouldn't hire a car because it's quite sketchy to drive in Gibraltar. "Going up the Rock is very narrow, and on one side is just a cliff. Plus there are monkeys roaming around too. "Instead, use the great bus system, as it's very cheap." For more breaks, check out these European holidays that are cheaper than a UK train fare – with £2 prosecco and stunning beaches. Or take a look at the cheeky 48-hour holidays to Europe's best cities, beach towns and islands this summer from £167.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Soak up the sunshine at top seaside holiday parks – with stays still available this week from £5 a night
One has a beach cafe and bar that visitors have said feels like it could be in 'Ibiza' BEACH FUN Soak up the sunshine at top seaside holiday parks – with stays still available this week from £5 a night STILL looking for family break in August that's got incredible beach views? Take a look at these holiday parks... With direct access to the coast, huge indoor pools and plenty of entertainment, all of these holiday parks sites still have spaces this summer. 19 There are plenty of holiday parks right next to the beach like this one in Auchenlarie Credit: 19 Butlin's in Bognor Regis has a traditional seaside feel Credit: Alamy Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here Auchenlarie Holiday Park, Dumfries and Galloway The award-winning Auchenlarie holiday park is on the beautiful coastline of Dumfries and Galloway. 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Camber Sands Holiday Park Camber Sands in East Sussex is always a popular coastal spot because of its long sandy beach and dunes. It's often described as being one of the best beaches in England by visitors - and was by Sun readers last year too. It's also got a great Parkdean holiday park that looks right over the beach. Other facilities include its four indoor pools and waterslides, splash park, as well as its climbing wall, Laser Quest and high ropes course. Book it: There's availability for seven nights between 25 August - 1 September 2025 in an Hartfield Caravan which sleeps eight. It costs £875 - which is £15.63 per person. Or shorten it to a three night stay in the Staplecross Caravan which sleeps six from £649 - which is £27.04 per person. 19 The Crimdon Dene holiday park has some of best views Credit: supplied 19 Crimdon Beach is great for a cold dip and lazing about on the sand Credit: supplied Crimdon Dene in North Hartlepool, Durham This seaside holiday park sits along the Durham coastline and has some of the best sea views in the country, across the Crimdon Beach. The sea might be chilly, but it's a great place to dip your toes and build sandcastles. The Crimdon Dene Holiday Park has plenty of entertainment too from the adventure playground to the indoor heated pool. At the pool, kids can have a go on kayaks, inflatable jet skis and jump about on an inflatable course. For more adventures, you can hop in the car and drive to Hartlepool or Durham. Book it: There's still availability between 18 - 25 August 2025 for a seven-night stay in an Lambton Caravan. It sleeps six people, for £491 - which is £11.69 per person. 19 Devon Cliffs Holiday Resort is the biggest site Haven and has a beach bar and cafe 19 The incredible views are even better in the sunshine Credit: supplied Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, Exmouth Devon Cliffs Holiday Park is Haven's biggest site, and it's right next to Exmouth Beach. It has a two-mile long beach with sands and lots of rock pools ready to be explored. The South Beach Cafe on Sandy Bay Beach at Haven's Devon Cliffs site as has been described by visitors has having the "feel of an Ibiza chill out bar." The cafe serves lots of seafood dishes and serves breakfast for anyone taking an early morning stroll. The other major attractions at the holiday park include the indoor water complex. Along with a swimming pool, there are also slides and flumes and new this year is their tube slides, where guests sit on inflatable rings. There is also an indoor soft play, outdoor NERF activity camps and 4x4 off roaders, outdoor pools, aerial adventures and nature trails. Book it: A seven night stay in a Saver Caravan between 22- 29 August for a family of four starts from £999 - which is £35.68 per person. 19 You can walk directly to this beach from Greenacres holiday park in North Wales Credit: Supplied 19 There's plenty of entertainment at the on-site bar Credit: Supplied Greenacres, North Wales Haven has 38 parks around the UK, and one is known for having the most beautiful beaches. The Greenacres Holiday Park on Black Rock Sands with two-and-a-half miles of unspoilt beach - and there's a castle there too. From the park you can see Criccieth Castle to the left and Harlech Castle to the right. Other activities include inflatable bounce play, indoor swimming, cycling, archery and dodgeball sessions. Greenacres has plenty of entertainment which is hosted at the Marina Bar and stage. Book it: Four nights between 18 - 22 August 2025 in a Saver Caravan that sleeps up to four people starts from £549 - which is £34.31 per person. 19 Ladram Bay holiday park is right behind the Devon bay Credit: Alamy 19 Lots of the accommodation has sea views too Credit: supplied Ladram Bay, Devon Perched on top of the cliffs overlooking Ladram Bay is an award-winning holiday park. The beautiful spot in Devon is very popular with a big indoor pool, adventure playground, and climbing wall as well as on-site restaurants. One Sun writer visited with her family in July said: "We could hear the waves lapping the shore from our cottage — a literal stone's throw to the beach. "And when we visited Portugal just a few weeks later, I looked out at the coastline, from our accommodation, and realised it didn't look too different at all from that special view back at Ladram." Her other highlights included the "magnificent" indoor pool as well as free family playtimes and exercise classes. She enjoyed a fresh breakfast at the on-site Beach Shack cafe overlooking the sea. And there's even an on-site chippy called Coast Takeaway where you can collect your order and head to the beach. The holiday park is also loved by TV personality Josie Gibson. The This Morning star has been spotted in Ladram Bay multiple times, and even did a segment on paddleboarding there on This Morning. Book it: There's still availability for a four night stay for a family of four between 18 - 22 August in the glamping Otter Pods which starts from £549 - which is £34.31. 19 Beach huts line the beach at Mersea Island Credit: Alamy 19 Inside the holiday park is a conservatory style indoor pool with deck chairs Credit: Supplied Mersea Island Holiday Park, Essex Over on the Blackwater Estuary on Mersea Island in Essex you'll find Away Resorts holiday park. It's next to the Cudmore Grove National Park and has a private beach. 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The positive feedback by holidaymakers has resulted in Nairn Lochloy being awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award for 2025. From the caravans at Nairn Lochloy holiday park, you can be at the beach in just a few steps. If the summer heat gets too much, spend some time at the heated indoor pool that had a toddler's pool and sauna. There's an adventure playground, crazy golf course, amusement arcade as well as a restaurants and lounge bar. Book it: A four night stay between 25-29 August 2025 in the Skye Caravan that sleeps up to six people costs £292 - which is £12.17 per person. 19 Sandy Bay Holiday Park in Northumberland is right next to the beach Credit: supplied 19 Northumberland has miles of beach to explore Credit: Alamy Sandy Bay, Northumberland For incredible clifftop views with access to a beautiful sandy beach, head to Sandy Bay Holiday Park in Northumberland. From the holiday site, it's a very short walk down to the coast where there's lots of sand, sun, and rock pools - which makes for a very traditional seaside getaway. Around the park you can splash about in the heated indoor pool, run around on the adventure playground or have a game of basketball or netball on the multi-sports court. The beach destinations in Northumberland are some of the most popular in the country from Bamburgh to Alnmouth, and Embleton. You can get to all of these in a short car ride from Sandy Bay Holiday Park. Book it: Up to six people can stay in the Superior Caravan 2 Bedroom for seven nights from 22-29 August 2025 for £719 - which is £17.12 per person per night. Our travel reporter Helen Wright reveals her favourite cheap UK holiday parks with lazy rivers, cabanas & fairgrounds. Plus, the best holiday parks, hotels and pubs in England 2025 revealed – with soft play, safari lodges and floating pods.
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Major tunnel used by thousands of Irish drivers in busy city to close TODAY for 'emergency' works after incident
The exact times have been revealed ROAD ALERT Major tunnel used by thousands of Irish drivers in busy city to close TODAY for 'emergency' works after incident A MAJOR tunnel used by thousands of Irish drivers is set to close for HOURS tonight for "emergency repairs" due to an incident. The Jack Lynch Tunnel in Cork will be closed from 10pm on Wednesday, August 13, to 5am on Thursday, August 14. Advertisement 3 The planned southbound closure is set to take place tonight Credit: Alamy 3 Irish road users are being warned of a number of delays this morning Credit: Alamy The planned southbound closure is set to take place tonight. The busy tunnel will also be closed from 10pm to 5am on August 14 and August 15. And traffic bosses posted an update on social media warning of the southbound closures following an incident. Posting on X, they said: "The Jack Lynch Tunnel will be closed tonight, Wednesday. Advertisement "Southbound closure - 22:00 to 05:00. "Note: Southbound closures for emergency repairs due to an incident." And Irish motorists have been advised to plan their journeys ahead due to the closure. Separately, Irish road users are being warned of a number of delays facing them on public transport across the country this morning. Advertisement "Signalling issues" are causing major delays to public transport passengers in some areas, according to Rail bosses. Services between Clonsilla and Coolmine are currently suspended as staff work to rectify the signalling issue. I'm an Irish driving instructor and here is why your friends are failing the test Irish Rail warned: "Staff are still on-site regarding the signalling issue and are working to resolve it. "Some services are operating with delays of approximately 28 minutes. Advertisement "Services on the M3 Parkway/Docklands service are operating between M3 Parkway/Clonsilla." The 07:54am Maynooth to Bray service departing Maynooth was delayed by 24 minutes. The 08:23am Pearse to Maynooth train will start from Connolly station this morning. The 05:38am Longford to Pearse service will now terminate in Connolly. Advertisement And the 08:04am Pearse to Maynooth train service will start from Connolly as a result. Enterprise Train took to social media to warn commuters of delays this morning due to "disruptive passengers". They said: "Due to disruptive passengers the 06:50 Dublin Connolly to Belfast Grand Central is being delayed at Newry and is now expected to be 15 minutes late." 3 The Jack Lynch Tunnel in Cork will be closed from 10pm on Wednesday, August 13, to 5am on Thursday, August 14 Credit: X @TIITraffic
