What's the best time of year for a city break in Malta?
Q I want to go to Valletta in Malta as a city break early next year. What I haven't decided is whether to visit in January or March. Which would you recommend?
'Boveney Girl'
A As I have written many times before, Valletta is a glorious capital city – created in the 16th century by the Christian military order known as the Knights of St John. In any month you will be able to walk on the honey-coloured walls and explore the palaces and churches that they wrap around.
All other things being equal – which they are not – March is the better of the two months in which to visit. The island in the deep south of the Mediterranean will be blossoming, and you will be able to share in the spring energy. Having said that, though, I recommend you go in January. That is because the advantage of being in Valletta compared with anywhere in the UK will be at its maximum.
On 16 January – plumb in the middle of the month – Valletta will enjoy 10 hours of daylight, with a good chance that many of them will be sunny and warm. For comparison, London will have barely eight hours of daylight, and the likelihood of cloud and rain – possibly even snow.
January also delivers the best deals for flying to Malta and staying there, though some properties will close during what is normally a very low-season month. You might also find that some of Valletta's eating and drinking venues are closed.
Conversely, though, you will be able to visit all the top cultural attractions – in Valletta and elsewhere on the island – without the crowds that can build up at other times of the year. I particularly recommend the Three Towns on the other side of Valletta Harbour, which has some of the most atmospheric streets in Europe.
The chance for some deep midwinter warmth in an enthralling location should do you the world of good and put you in a good travelling frame of mind for the rest of the year.
Q Can you help clarify the situation in Cyprus? A large group of us are due to travel in a month for a family wedding. We are worried about issues involving Israel and Iran. I have heard rumours that flights have been brought forward and people have been flown home early.
Gillian Richardson
A I can understand the concerns of prospective travellers like you with trips booked to Cyprus. The Foreign Office warns that 'ongoing hostilities in the region' could 'escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region'. At its nearest, Israel is only 145 miles from the popular Cypriot resort of Ayia Napa. In addition, the UK has two military bases in Cyprus, which the foreign secretary, David Lammy, describes as 'hugely important at this time'.
Yet despite the increasing regional conflict, there is no evidence of flights being brought forward, or of people being flown home early (except, presumably, in special cases due to other issues). Airlines and holiday companies are continuing with their normal operations and their standard terms and conditions.
At present, I recommend that you go ahead with the plan. As the Foreign Office does not warn against travel to Cyprus, there is no prospect of being able to cancel a trip for a refund. Neither will travel insurance be of any help. If you have a proper package holiday booked, it can be transferred to someone else on payment of a nominal fee – typically £50. Alternatively, your holiday company may possibly offer the chance to switch to a different destination if there is capacity elsewhere. But with a family wedding scheduled, neither of these possibilities seems appropriate.
In the unlikely event that the Foreign Office warned against travel to Cyprus, people with package holidays booked for imminent departure would be entitled to a full refund. Airlines would also be likely to offer refunds. Holidaymakers already on the island would be flown home as soon as possible.
If it is of any comfort, I would happily travel to Cyprus this summer: it is a beautiful, cultured and friendly country. I have checked the official travel advice issued by the governments of Ireland, Australia, Canada and the US, and none of them raise concerns about the safety of their citizens. My main concern in July would simply be excessive heat. I hope everyone has good hats.
Q We are doing a road trip in Portugal in August. Any particular places you could recommend to visit off the beaten track?
Brendon Hahn
A Portugal has two outstanding big cities – Lisbon and Porto – for which a car would be an encumbrance rather than a benefit. But pretty much everywhere else in the nation, driving is an excellent way to discover the many treasures off the tourism mainstream.
In August I suggest you start in the north, as the temperature in the sometimes overheated south should dwindle as the month goes on. I assume you will rent a one-way car in Porto and drop it off at Faro on the Algarve. The northern portion begins in Aveiro, a lovely town embroidered by canals. Then spend the afternoon exploring Coimbra, a beautiful university city 75 miles south of Porto and 125 miles north of Lisbon. It is rich in culture, history and gastronomy, all wrapped into a compact core.
Continue south to the celebrated Portuguese surfing hub of Nazare, where the Atlantic collides spectacularly with Europe. Then head inland to the nearby towns of Alcobaca and Batallha – each of which has an astonishing monastery steeped in history. Round off this religious pilgrimage with a visit to Fatima, home to the nation's most important shrine.
One more stop before Lisbon: Obidos. This gorgeous walled city has preserved its medieval soul despite all the visitors attracted by its exquisite buildings. Then aim south on roads where driving is a pleasure, well constructed and delivering excellent views. Bypass the capital over the 25 April Bridge (Portugal's answer to the Golden Gate Bridge) and enjoy to the full the Setubal peninsula. Stop for the beach and seafood at Caparica; drive alongside a gorgeous corrugated coastline; witness the drama of Cabo Espichel, location for a vast, windswept monastery; and explore the city of Setubal itself, a relaxed fishing and ferry port with an atmospheric old quarter.
Take the ferry across to the Troia peninsula and meander south along the coast, pausing in the picturesque town of Sines and, in the deep south, Sagres. Keep inland as you parallel the Algarve coast, ending your great drive in the handsome city of Silves before the short run to Faro airport.
Q I am flying to Nice for the first time next week. What do you recommend in and around the city?
Natalie W
A Your timing is excellent. From the start of July, Nice will be besieged by French holidaymakers from the north of the nation. While you won't exactly have the place to yourself in late June, the narrow lanes of the old town, the top-class tourist attractions and some excellent bars and restaurants will not be too overcrowded.
To get the measure of the city, I recommend you walk (or cycle) from the airport into the centre. Nice-Cote d'Azur airport is at the western end of the Promenade des Anglais, the wide seaside boulevard that arcs around to the Colline du Chateau – the hill that punctuates the end of the old town. If you prefer to cycle in 20 minutes rather than walk in 90, rent-it-here/leave-it-there bikes are widely available, including out at the airport. The two parallel systems are Lime and Pony; you will need the appropriate app for either. On your way in, pop your head around the door of the Hotel Negresco – the elaborate grande dame whose pink dome has presided over the promenade since 1913.
Cours Saleya is an excellent place to catch your breath. It is a flower market flanked by cafes where you can sample socca, the local chickpea pancake. Besides exploring the old town, visit two excellent museums, each dedicated to a single artist: the Musee Chagall and the Musee Matisse. The latter has a lovely hillside location above the city at Cimiez, alongside the atmospheric 16th-century monastery where Matisse is buried. Surprisingly few tourists make it to the Orthodox cathedral of St Nicholas, a creation from the era when Nice was a playground for the Russian aristocracy.
For a different dimension of the French Riviera, head for Villefranche-sur-Mer – a pretty fishing port that is one headland beyond Nice. Just six minutes by train from Nice Ville, the pace slows. Wander through the lanes and choose a waterside location for coffee or ice cream. Ideally, you should walk back. Take the steep paths and lanes over Mont Boron, which divides Villefranche from Nice. Your reward: yet more stirring views, and the chance of glimpsing Elton John, who has a house there.
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The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Beautiful beach-side all-inclusive hotel, with stunning swim-up rooms, fabulous food and incredible cocktails
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Well, the design and layout of the gorgeous hotel is the first thing that struck my wife Fiona and I. It's not some high-rise city hotel with balconies in the clouds. The Sherwood Exclusive has an airy reception and lobby bar to greet you on arrival. Rooms are located in three-storey buildings dotted around luscious, green grounds. Our accommodation was on the ground-floor, a swim-up room with plush sun loungers just outside the patio doors and a short step into the very inviting pool. I took my family to the new Nickelodeon Land in Turkey with rides and character meets - here's how to get free entry The pools are located all around the grounds, and are all equipped with pool bars for residents. The main pool is close to the hotel's seafront boardwalk and served by a huge pool bar. Espresso Martinis were the afternoon cocktail of choice here. Only once the sun was over the yardarm, you understand. 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Plus a little something from the hot buffet. Well, the friendly staff in the kitchen worked so hard that I didn't want to disappoint them. And here's another aspect of the place which backed up their EXCLUSIVE name. This was the BEST buffet we've experienced on our travels to Turkey. A huge selection, fresh fruit and salads, different and varied main course options and delicious sweet treats. But perhaps most importantly for Fiona — a Gluten-free diner — there were loads of options and everything was well marked with that crucial 'GF' seal of approval. Buffet aside, there are four a la carte restaurants to satisfy every taste. The Waribashi Far East restaurant offers an Asian flavour, while the Mama Cocha caters for seafood lovers. 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We were sent with a shopping list by our daughter, Katie. And, of course, everything we brought her back was authentic. But back to the real authentic and EXCLUSIVE element of this holiday. It's always the little touches which make your break special. Like wandering into the shade to the hotel's all-inclusive coffee shop, ice cream parlour or waffle house. Like the little calls from guest relations to make sure everything is to your liking. Like the beachfront towel huts where you can grab the fluffiest, thickest towels for your spot on the pier. The Sherwood Exclusive was established just 11 years ago but already it's a jewel in the heart of Goynuk. With 492 rooms spread across its vast grounds, it offers a perfect holiday experience amid nature and stunning sea views. Just eating outside in the month of April was a special treat. It was marvellous, it was magnificent. You could even say it was EXCLUSIVE.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I've solo travelled to over 60 countries - there's an underrated European city that feels like you're in South America
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So if you're looking to escape the crowds for a culture-filled, solo-friendly trip that won't break the bank, these are my top picks. Łódź, Poland As soon as I arrived in the Polish town of Łódź (pronounced 'woodge'), I knew I was going to love it. Filled with over 30 large-scale street art murals by talented global and local artists, Łódź draws creative souls, including the late film director David Lynch, who described the city as having 'beautiful winter light'. Once a textile manufacturing hub, the now-burgeoning city has a seriously special air and a handful of top-notch modern art galleries, including my favourite, MS2, which houses works by Natalia LL, a controversial Polish artist who was way before her time with her work that comments on feminism and misogyny. Spanning out from the city's main street, sit reclaimed factory buildings, outdoor markets, fun cafes, and mirrored passageways. 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One of Hem's fave watering holes, it still serves decent drinks and affordable tapas, plus there's a life-sized statue of Hemingway propping up the bar at the back. Timișoara, Romania The third-largest city in Romania may not be an obvious solo destination, but its under-the-radar status means it's authentic and not touristy at all, making it a true hidden gem. When I visited, during one cold January, I practically had the city to myself, and was met with grandiose buildings and cobblestone plazas that reminded me of my travels through South America. What's more, my return flight cost just £19. I mostly strolled during the day and dined on hearty Romanian food each evening, with Casa Bunicii's pork knuckle with rosemary potatoes, and homemade lemonade being a sure-fire favourite. Frankfurt am Main, Germany Lydia says: 'Less crowded than hip Berlin, prettier than Hamburg, and closer to the UK than Munich, Frankfurt is just the ticket if you're looking for an alternative weekend away' Less crowded than hip Berlin, prettier than Hamburg, and closer to the UK than Munich, Frankfurt is just the ticket if you're looking for an alternative weekend away. For solo travellers, this walkable, photogenic metropolis, and its riverside location, is ideal. It's brimming with plenty of things to see and do, including Goethe House - the birthplace, and now museum, of German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The only area solo travellers should be weary of is around the main train station as it can get a bit rowdy come nightfall. Art lovers will be particularly impressed by the many large-scale murals around town, with a handful by acclaimed artists, such as Case Maclaim, Thomas Stolz, and Artmos4. Naples, Italy Home to a Banksy, a fun Diego Maradona shrine and the awe-inspiring Museo Cappella Sansevero, Naples delights on each and every corner. And, unlike the shiny, polished streets of Milan and Florence, which overflow with steady streams of tourists all year round, it's possible to witness Naples without the crowds should you time your trip well. I visited in the middle of August when the oppressive Italian heat kept most other tourists at bay and fell in love with the characterful place immediately. Without a doubt, my favourite place is the astounding Museo Cappella Sansevero. Here, a handful of Europe's (if not, the world's) most beautiful sculptures can be found - all of which feature incredible artistic skill with translucent veils and fishing nets crafted from marble. And, for anyone not comfortable dining alone, Naples' large range of pizzerias all offer take-out options. Famed for its inclusion in Elizabeth Gilbert's solo bible, Eat, Pray, Love, the pizza at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele really is some of the best in the city, regardless of the cliche. But, be prepared to queue - this is a spot loved by locals and tourists alike. Vilnius, Lithuania While tourists are getting wise about the charms of Vilnius, it's still fairly under the radar, with around 120,000 visitors per month, compared to Paris' four million. Known for its medieval old town that features cobblestone streets and Gothic architecture, it also feels safe for solo females and is pretty affordable. Return flights can be snagged for as little as £34 if you're lucky. My favourite part of the city is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Užupis, a tiny commune that's a haven for artists and art lovers, but there's also riverside walks, plenty of impressive churches to admire, and a range of cosy bars and restaurants to relax in. 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While it is indeed the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia doesn't get the crowds associated with other European capitals. This meant I didn't need to make restaurant reservations or plan too far ahead when I last visited. Even better? Airbnb has over 1,000 listings in the city, starting from just £35 a night for a one-bedroom central apartment.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
I was KICKED OUT of Dubai and had my £3,000 glam holiday ruined over my face tattoos – despite being allowed in before
A HEAVILY-inked Brit has vowed to never return to Dubai after claiming he got kicked out for plastering his face in tattoos. Jordan Howman, 34, said he had his passport confiscated and was held by airport workers for six hours before being given the boot - ruining his £3,000 holiday. 4 4 The plasterer, from Crewe, Cheshire, covered his face in tattoos of geometric cubes and words including "blessed" and "crazy life" almost a decade ago. Jordan said his ink addiction hadn't caused him any issues during his previous two trips to his "favourite country in the world", the UAE. The dad told The Sun: "My missus has been crying her eyes out. "It has absolutely devastated me. I feel like I've been massively discriminated against. 'There's no law against face tattoos - there's nothing like that. "I'm a lovely lad, I get on with anyone. It's made me feel absolutely rubbish. I'm not allowed in a country because of the way I look. It's properly, massively affected me. 'It was my favourite country, but this has absolutely ruined it. Now I'll never go again. I've lost all of my money because of a pattern on my face.' Jordan landed at Dubai International Airport on Wednesday for a dream week-long holiday with his fiancée Theresa, 38, and daughter Kaic, 16. But he said as he ventured through passport control he was pulled to one side. After taking Jordan aside, the worker asked if he'd had his passport stamped before taking it from him. Moment hardcore anti tourist mob surround Brit tourists in Majorca chanting 'go home' & telling Brit ex-pats to 'go to hell' 'Then he snatched my passport out of my hand," Jordan said. "There had been nowhere to stamp it - we'd used the electronic gates. It was just an excuse to get the passport out of my hand.' After being held in a waiting room for more than four hours, Jordan was transferred to immigration at around midday, he said. By this time, his family had reached their five-star Anantara hotel. He called his partner and she got a taxi to the airport - but Jordan said airport staff refused to let her go to him and so she got a cab back, costing a total of £250. Jordan said he was "terrified" as he was not given his passport back for some time. 4 4 'A woman came and took me upstairs to immigration, where they said: 'He's not coming in because of his face tattoos - you're not coming in because of the way you look'," he claimed. 'One of the staff behind the desk said a more senior immigration officer made the decision, saying I was not to enter Dubai and that I must leave the country immediately.' At 2.30pm - six hours after arriving - Jordan was put on another Emirates flight heading back to the UK. 'They sent me on a flight back to Manchester," he said. "It was only when I landed that I got my passport back. "Friday morning was the first time I got to see my daughter, over Facetime.' The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai have been approached for comment. Dubai Airports was also contacted for a response. Dubai's tourist laws LAWS for tourists in Dubai are largely centred around respect for local customs and traditions. Swearing, loud music and public displays of affection are banned. Tourists must also observe Ramadan rules by refraining from eating or drinking publicly during fasting hours. Holidaymakers must also be careful when taking photos of individuals or sensitive sites. Visa regulations require a valid passport with six months minimum before it expires. Tourists must also have a return ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds. Overstaying your visa can lead to fines or deportation. Drinking alcohol is restricted in licensed venues and public intoxication is illegal. Dubai has strict drug laws, and certain medications require prior approval from UAE authorities. Unmarried couples sharing a room may face restrictions, although enforcement is relaxed in private hotels. Public indecency, such as inappropriate behaviour or clothing, is punishable.
