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Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Full list of 93 cleanest beaches in England and Wales where you can swim without worrying about sewage
Scroll for an interactive map showing all the beaches least affected by sewage and just how clean they are FANCY A DIP? Full list of 93 cleanest beaches in England and Wales where you can swim without worrying about sewage Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A REFRESHING sea swim isn't what it used to be thanks to the UK's water companies pumping sewage off our coastline on a daily basis. In fact, of the 561 designated bathing waters across England and Wales, there are just 93 that are considered the safest to swim in. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Durdle Door East and West makes the list for clean bathing water Credit: Alamy The Sun's Travel team have been working with Surfers Against Sewage, a charity fighting to keep our favourite swim spots clean, to collect data on the 93 English and Welsh coastal waters that are least impacted by pollution. Swimming in polluted water or water of poor classification can leave people ill due to the likelihood of harmful bacteria, viruses, or pathogens like E. coli being present. The most common illness associated with bathing in dirty water is gastroenteritis, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting. In most cases these symptoms are mild and resolve on their own - but some cases can be severe, and even require hospitalisation. The list of 93 bathing spots is based on water company assessments, which reveal which coastal waters are not impacted by sewage pollution. One of the most popular beaches on the list is Broadsands Beach in South Devon. Another stunning Devon beach, Ladram Bay, has been included in the list too. Low Newton in Northumberland, Whitesands Bay, and Poole Harbour Lake also make the cut. Alum Chine Beach in Bournemouth, meanwhile - the coastal spot that has just been named as one of the World's Best Beaches - has a water cleanliness classification of "excellent". Of the 93 bathing waters, 15 are in Devon, 28 are in Cornwall, 21 are in Wales and 12 are in Dorset - with others scattered around England. UK beach named one of the top 100 in the world 5 15 of the cleanest bathing waters are found in Devon Credit: Alamy 5 Tunnels Beach rock pool in Ilfracombe is classed as a good spot for swimming Credit: Alamy The beaches are either managed by Northumbrian Water, South West Water, Southern Water, United Utilities, Welsh Water or Wessex Water. Inland bathing waters have been removed from the data as these are often affected by sewage, whether that be due to overflow or agricultural and sludge runoff from fields. The 89 bathing waters in Scotland haven't been included here as Scottish Water doesn't provide data or have processes in place to indicate the impact of sewage on these bathing waters. You can see the full list of beaches along with the water company and water classification in our interactive map below. 5 Whitesands Bay in Pembrokeshire has a water classification of 'excellent' Credit: Getty The classification of bathing water is sorted into four categories - excellent, good, sufficient, and poor. Those rated as excellent or good generally have the best water quality for swimming. On the list of 93, only two have the sufficient water classification - Goring Beach and Llandudno North Shore. You can still swim in sufficient classified water, as it indicates it meets the minimum standard for bathing, but there may be some risk of illness from bacteria. To see more about the water classification and for more information on bathing waters across the country, Surfers Against Sewage has created the Safer Seas and Rivers Service app. The app has its own map showing live sewage discharges across the UK while monitoring over 17,000 overflows. We'd recommend checking it before visiting a beach in the UK - especially after heavy rainfall. Here is the list of 93 coastal bathing waters least impacted by sewage Based on water company assessments, these coastal bathing waters in England and Wales are not impacted by sewage pollution... Low Newton - Northumbrian Water - Excellent Roker, Sunderland - Northumbrian Water - Excellent Seaton Carew North Gare - Northumbrian Water - Excellent South Shields - Northumbrian Water - Good Ansteys Cove, Torquay - South West Water - Excellent Berrow North of Unity Farm - South West Water - Good Boobys Bay - South West Water - Excellent Bovisand - South West Water - Excellent Brean - South West Water - Good Broadsands Beach - South West Water - Excellent Chapel Porth - South West Water - Excellent Church Cove - South West Water - Excellent Combesgate Beach - South West Water - Excellent Constantine Bay Beach - South West Water - Excellent Crinnis Beach (Carlyon Bay) - South West Water - Excellent Daymer Bay - South West Water - Excellent Great Western - South West Water - Excellent Gwynver - South West Water - Excellent Hartland Quay - South West Water - Excellent Hayle Towans - South West Water - Excellent Ilfracombe Tunnels - South West Water - Excellent Kennack Sands - South West Water - Excellent Ladram Bay - South West Water - Excellent Lusty Glaze - South West Water - Excellent Maenporth - South West Water - Good Maidencombe - South West Water - Excellent Mother Ivey's Bay - South West Water - Excellent Ness Cove - South West Water - Excellent Northcott Mouth - South West Water - Excellent Oddicombe - South West Water - Excellent Pendower - South West Water - Excellent Penzance - South West Water - Good Perranporth Penhale Sands - South West Water - Excellent Polkerris - South West Water - Good Porthcothan - South West Water - Excellent Porthmeor Beach - South West Water - Excellent Praa Sands - South West Water - Excellent Praa Sands East - South West Water - Excellent Putsborough - South West Water - Excellent Sandymouth Bay Beach - South West Water - Excellent Saunton Sands - South West Water - Excellent Sharrow Beach - South West Water - Excellent Sidmouth Jacobs Ladder - South West Water - Excellent Slapton Sands Monument - South West Water - Excellent Tolcarne - South West Water - Excellent Tregonhawke - South West Water - Excellent Treyarnon Bay - South West Water - Excellent Upton Towans - South West Water - Excellent Vault Beach - South West Water - Excellent Watcombe - South West Water - Excellent Wherrytown - South West Water - Good Goring Beach - Southern Water - Sufficient Rottingdean Beach - Southern Water - Good Formby - United Utilities - Excellent Silecroft - United Utilities - Excellent Abereiddy - Welsh Water - Excellent Borth Beach - Welsh Water - Excellent Borth Wen Beach (Borthwen) - Welsh Water - Good Broad Haven (South) - Welsh Water - Excellent Church Bay - Welsh Water - Excellent Freshwater West - Welsh Water - Excellent Llanddona - Welsh Water - Good Llanddwyn - Welsh Water - Excellent Llandudno North Shore - Welsh Water - Sufficient Llandudno West Shore - Welsh Water - Good Marloes Sands - Welsh Water - Excellent Morfa Dinlle - Welsh Water - Excellent Oxwich Bay - Welsh Water - Good Penbryn Beach - Welsh Water - Excellent Porth Nefyn - Welsh Water - Good Porth Neigwl - Welsh Water - Excellent Sandy Haven - Welsh Water - Excellent Silver Bay (Traeth Llydan) - Welsh Water - Excellent Southerndown Beach (Dunraven Bay) - Welsh Water - Excellent Tal-y-Bont - Welsh Water - Excellent Whitesands Bay - Welsh Water - Excellent Bournemouth Alum Chine - Wessex Water - Excellent Bournemouth Durley Chine - Wessex Water - Excellent Bournemouth Southbourne - Wessex Water - Excellent Christchurch Mudeford Sandbank East - Wessex Water - Excellent Church Ope Cove - Wessex Water - Excellent Durdle Door East - Wessex Water - Excellent Durdle Door West - Wessex Water - Excellent Henleaze Lake - Wessex Water - Good Hive Beach - Wessex Water - Excellent Kimmeridge Bay - Wessex Water - Excellent Lulworth Cove - Wessex Water - Excellent Poole Canford Cliffs Chine - Wessex Water - Excellent Poole Harbour Lake - Wessex Water - Excellent Porlock Weir - Wessex Water - Excellent Shell Bay North - Wessex Water - Excellent Studland Knoll House - Wessex Water - Excellent Weymouth Central - Wessex Water - Good Swimfo advises against bathing in these particular waters around England and Wales According to the Environment Agency's online tool Swimfo, these are the bathing waters where taking a dip is not advised, or there's permanent advice against swimming... For more information and updates on bathing waters go to: Swimfo Tynemouth Cullercoats Littlehaven Beach Scarborough South Bay Blackpool North St Annes North Bridlington South Beach Heacham Clacton (Groyne 41) Deal Castle Dymchurch Littlestone Worthing Beach House Bognor Regis (Aldwick) Southsea East Lyme Regis Church Cliff Beach Coastguards Beach, Erme Estuary Porthluney Instow Ilfracombe Wildersmouth Dunster Beach Blue Anchor West Burnham Jetty North Weston-super-Mare Uphill Slipway Weston Main Weston-super-Mare Sand Bay
The Irish Sun
11-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Is the Med too hot for you now? Our favourite sunny European holiday destinations with temperatures under 30C in summer
WHILE some sunseekers love basking in 30C and over heat, for some it is just too much. So, where should you head instead of the usual Costas? Advertisement 6 If you love the Algarve in Portugal then the Costa Verde will be right up your street Credit: Alamy The Sun's Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of top coolcations for this summer where you can find some beautiful alternatives to your favourite holiday destinations, but the temperature is under 30C. Swap Algarve for Costa Verde, Portugal If you love the Algarve in It's at the northern end of the country where the climate is cooler and with a higher rainfall that makes the landscapes feel somewhat lush and tropical. You can take the whole family to the eight-person Casa do Alto which is carved into the mountainside and offers epic views of the tumbling landscape and sea in the distance. Advertisement Read more on travel inspo If you're not content enough lounging by the large swimming pool , a sandy beach sits a fifteen minute drive away while the boozy city of Seven nights' self-catering costs from £237.25pp, based on eight sharing and for arrival on August 29 with Flights from London to Porto cost from £52 return with Ryanair. Swap Cannes for The Alps, France Travelling with energetic little 'uns that need a little more than just a book on the Advertisement Most read in News Travel steam . Once the snow melts, the mountains are littered with cyclists and adrenaline-junkies hurling themselves off the cliff-edge on a paraglider or navigating down a canyon. The Irish cable car that's only one that crosses open sea in Europe with incredible views, stone walls & €10 tickets Better still, temperatures peak in the mid 20Cs in this region meaning you'll have more energy to get stuck in. Although if it does heat up, there's plenty of watersports at the nearby lake. Advertisement The easiest way to book is through Responsible Travel which rolls your accommodation and activities into one - although flights cost extra. You can pick from camping accommodation, self-catered apartments, traditional B&Bs and hotels. A seven-night trip costs from £447pp. 6 Once the snow melts in The Alps, the mountains are littered with cyclists and adrenaline-junkies Credit: Alamy Advertisement Swap Spain's Madrid for the Netherlands The Netherlands offers a different kind of getaway to a beachside fly and flop in Spain – but it's no less fun, especially when you're staying at one of Eurocamp's top holiday parks: Marvilla Parks Kaatsheuvel. The weather tends to be mild in the region of North-Brabant during summer, but temperatures can hit 23C in August, so there'll still be opportunity to flop by the pool which has a play area for kids, along with some twisty slides. If you're up for adventure, the But kids and teens will likely prefer a visit to Advertisement Seven nights' self-catering is from £146.18pp, based on six sharing a Premium three bedroom holiday home and arriving on July 4. 6 The Netherlands offers a different kind of getaway to a beachside fly and flop in Spain - especially when you're staying at one of Eurocamp's top holiday parks Credit: Roan Swap Budapest for Zemplen Mountains, Hungary It's not just France and Italy that boast glorious mountain regions, Hungary is home to the striking Zemplén Mountains, a rugged stretch of landscape that's part of the inner volcanic belt of the Carpathian Mountains. The area may have once been home to a Advertisement With very little signal, travellers can take the opportunity to switch off from the outside world with a digital detox. There's ancient oaks to stroll among, boating on silent lakes, and cycle routes along quiet To ensure you're truly immersed in nature, check into the Kőkapu Vadászkastély és Hotel & Apartments, which is several kilometres from the nearest village. One night's room-only is from £65. See Advertisement Wizz Air flies from Luton to 6 Hungary is home to the striking Zemplén Mountains, a rugged stretch of landscape that's part of the inner volcanic belt of the Carpathian Mountains Credit: Alamy Swap the Costa del Sol for Costa Verde, Spain Things are heating up in southern Spain already, but the tranquil Advertisement Don't worry if you're a novice, that's what the Ris Surf School is for. On site there's a family pool, children's pool and a jacuzzi as well as a free kids club for those aged five to 12 (during high season). Plus, there's tennis , football , badminton and boules, all available to guests. Refuel afterwards with some cracking local grub at the on site restaurant – you won't regret it. Advertisement Seven nights' self-catering is from around £268pp, based on a family of four sharing a Comfort XL two bedroom holiday home, for arrival on August 20. See 6 Costa Verde, on the northern coast, stays at around 25C in summer, which means you can still take advantage of those gorgeous sandy beaches Credit: Alamy Swap the Rhine for the Baltic Sea, Germany Not just sandy beaches await on Germany's northern coast. Advertisement The region is flooded with charming This includes Travemünde, a former fishing town turned port that attracts a number of wellness enthusiasts who come for yoga on the beach and natural swimming pools. Kids, on the other hand, will love Beach Bay Adventure Promenade, home to a water playground, adventure golf , climbing wall and sailing school. Check into the Landal Travemünde which has modern and airy apartments and bungalows overlooking the harbour. Advertisement They come with kitchens, but if you don't fancy cooking , head to Ahoi by Steffen Henssler, up the road, which does a cracking fish and chips as well as a classic schnitzel and a currywurst. A seven-night break costs from £321.25pp with Nine cheap and free hacks to stay cool WITH temperatures soaring to 30C across parts of the UK this weekend, here are nine simple, budget-friendly tips to help you stay cool, reports The Sun's Summer Maerason. Keep blinds and curtains closed: Drawing your curtains, especially lighter-colored ones, from 9am to 9pm can significantly prevent sunlight from heating your home. Employ the tin foil hack: Placing tin foil on windows (inside or out) or car windscreens can reflect sunlight and stop heat absorption. Optimise ceiling fan direction: Ensure your ceiling fan blades rotate counter-clockwise to push cool air down and create a refreshing breeze. Use night-time ventilation: Open windows on opposite sides of your home in the evening to create a 'night-flush ventilation' cross-breeze, allowing cooler air in and trapped heat out. Create a DIY 'Ice Fan': Position a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan to generate a cool, misty breeze, especially effective in smaller rooms. Minimise heat-generating appliances: Avoid using ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines during peak heat. Opt for outdoor cooking, cold meals, or line-drying laundry. Hang damp sheets: Drape damp sheets or towels in front of open windows or a fan. As the water evaporates, it draws heat from the air, creating a cooling effect. Seal gaps and cracks: Block draughts around windows and doors with weather stripping, caulk, or even a rolled-up towel to keep hot air out and cool air in. Stay low: Hot air rises, so spend time on lower floors of your home. For a cooler night's sleep, consider placing your mattress directly on the floor. There are also Plus, pick your dream destination from our Advertisement 6 The Baltic region in Germany, is flooded with charming historic towns, backed by lush trees and dotted with colourful houses Credit: Alamy
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Is the Med too hot for you now? Our favourite sunny European holiday destinations with temperatures under 30C in summer
Plus, nine cheap and free hacks to stay cool in hot weather including bedtime habit to avoid having fan on overnight COOL OFF Is the Med too hot for you now? Our favourite sunny European holiday destinations with temperatures under 30C in summer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHILE some sunseekers love basking in 30C and over heat, for some it is just too much. So, where should you head instead of the usual Costas? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 If you love the Algarve in Portugal then the Costa Verde will be right up your street Credit: Alamy The Sun's Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of top coolcations for this summer where you can find some beautiful alternatives to your favourite holiday destinations, but the temperature is under 30C. Swap Algarve for Costa Verde, Portugal If you love the Algarve in Portugal then the Costa Verde will be right up your street. It's at the northern end of the country where the climate is cooler and with a higher rainfall that makes the landscapes feel somewhat lush and tropical. You can take the whole family to the eight-person Casa do Alto which is carved into the mountainside and offers epic views of the tumbling landscape and sea in the distance. If you're not content enough lounging by the large swimming pool, a sandy beach sits a fifteen minute drive away while the boozy city of Porto is a short train ride from the villa. Seven nights' self-catering costs from £237.25pp, based on eight sharing and for arrival on August 29 with Flights from London to Porto cost from £52 return with Ryanair. Swap Cannes for The Alps, France Travelling with energetic little 'uns that need a little more than just a book on the beach? The French Alps during summer time make for an excellent escape where you can burn off endless steam. Once the snow melts, the mountains are littered with cyclists and adrenaline-junkies hurling themselves off the cliff-edge on a paraglider or navigating down a canyon. The Irish cable car that's only one that crosses open sea in Europe with incredible views, stone walls & €10 tickets Better still, temperatures peak in the mid 20Cs in this region meaning you'll have more energy to get stuck in. Although if it does heat up, there's plenty of watersports at the nearby lake. The easiest way to book is through Responsible Travel which rolls your accommodation and activities into one - although flights cost extra. You can pick from camping accommodation, self-catered apartments, traditional B&Bs and hotels. A seven-night trip costs from £447pp. 6 Once the snow melts in The Alps, the mountains are littered with cyclists and adrenaline-junkies Credit: Alamy Swap Spain's Madrid for the Netherlands The Netherlands offers a different kind of getaway to a beachside fly and flop in Spain – but it's no less fun, especially when you're staying at one of Eurocamp's top holiday parks: Marvilla Parks Kaatsheuvel. The weather tends to be mild in the region of North-Brabant during summer, but temperatures can hit 23C in August, so there'll still be opportunity to flop by the pool which has a play area for kids, along with some twisty slides. If you're up for adventure, the sand dunes of Loon National Park border the resort. But kids and teens will likely prefer a visit to Efteling, a fairytale-inspired theme park just a ten-minute drive away. Seven nights' self-catering is from £146.18pp, based on six sharing a Premium three bedroom holiday home and arriving on July 4. 6 The Netherlands offers a different kind of getaway to a beachside fly and flop in Spain - especially when you're staying at one of Eurocamp's top holiday parks Credit: Roan Swap Budapest for Zemplen Mountains, Hungary It's not just France and Italy that boast glorious mountain regions, Hungary is home to the striking Zemplén Mountains, a rugged stretch of landscape that's part of the inner volcanic belt of the Carpathian Mountains. The area may have once been home to a lava-spilling volcano, but things are much cooler nowadays - around 21C in summer to be exact. With very little signal, travellers can take the opportunity to switch off from the outside world with a digital detox. There's ancient oaks to stroll among, boating on silent lakes, and cycle routes along quiet mountain trails. To ensure you're truly immersed in nature, check into the Kőkapu Vadászkastély és Hotel & Apartments, which is several kilometres from the nearest village. One night's room-only is from £65. See Wizz Air flies from Luton to Budapest from £25.09 each way with Wizz Air. 6 Hungary is home to the striking Zemplén Mountains, a rugged stretch of landscape that's part of the inner volcanic belt of the Carpathian Mountains Credit: Alamy Swap the Costa del Sol for Costa Verde, Spain Things are heating up in southern Spain already, but the tranquil Costa Verde, on the northern coast, stays at around 25C in summer, which means you can still take advantage of those gorgeous sandy beaches. Eurocamp's Playa Joyel has direct access to the shores where holidaymakers can get stuck into paddleboarding, kayaking or even surfing. Don't worry if you're a novice, that's what the Ris Surf School is for. On site there's a family pool, children's pool and a jacuzzi as well as a free kids club for those aged five to 12 (during high season). Plus, there's tennis, football, badminton and boules, all available to guests. Refuel afterwards with some cracking local grub at the on site restaurant – you won't regret it. Seven nights' self-catering is from around £268pp, based on a family of four sharing a Comfort XL two bedroom holiday home, for arrival on August 20. See 6 Costa Verde, on the northern coast, stays at around 25C in summer, which means you can still take advantage of those gorgeous sandy beaches Credit: Alamy Swap the Rhine for the Baltic Sea, Germany Not just sandy beaches await on Germany's northern coast. The region is flooded with charming historic towns, backed by lush trees and dotted with colourful houses. This includes Travemünde, a former fishing town turned port that attracts a number of wellness enthusiasts who come for yoga on the beach and natural swimming pools. Kids, on the other hand, will love Beach Bay Adventure Promenade, home to a water playground, adventure golf, climbing wall and sailing school. Check into the Landal Travemünde which has modern and airy apartments and bungalows overlooking the harbour. They come with kitchens, but if you don't fancy cooking, head to Ahoi by Steffen Henssler, up the road, which does a cracking fish and chips as well as a classic schnitzel and a currywurst. A seven-night break costs from £321.25pp with Nine cheap and free hacks to stay cool WITH temperatures soaring to 30C across parts of the UK this weekend, here are nine simple, budget-friendly tips to help you stay cool, reports The Sun's Summer Maerason. Keep blinds and curtains closed: Drawing your curtains, especially lighter-colored ones, from 9am to 9pm can significantly prevent sunlight from heating your home. Drawing your curtains, especially lighter-colored ones, from 9am to 9pm can significantly prevent sunlight from heating your home. Employ the tin foil hack: Placing tin foil on windows (inside or out) or car windscreens can reflect sunlight and stop heat absorption. Placing tin foil on windows (inside or out) or car windscreens can reflect sunlight and stop heat absorption. Optimise ceiling fan direction: Ensure your ceiling fan blades rotate counter-clockwise to push cool air down and create a refreshing breeze. Ensure your ceiling fan blades rotate counter-clockwise to push cool air down and create a refreshing breeze. Use night-time ventilation: Open windows on opposite sides of your home in the evening to create a 'night-flush ventilation' cross-breeze, allowing cooler air in and trapped heat out. Open windows on opposite sides of your home in the evening to create a 'night-flush ventilation' cross-breeze, allowing cooler air in and trapped heat out. Create a DIY 'Ice Fan': Position a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan to generate a cool, misty breeze, especially effective in smaller rooms. Position a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan to generate a cool, misty breeze, especially effective in smaller rooms. Minimise heat-generating appliances: Avoid using ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines during peak heat. Opt for outdoor cooking, cold meals, or line-drying laundry. Avoid using ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines during peak heat. Opt for outdoor cooking, cold meals, or line-drying laundry. Hang damp sheets: Drape damp sheets or towels in front of open windows or a fan. As the water evaporates, it draws heat from the air, creating a cooling effect. Drape damp sheets or towels in front of open windows or a fan. As the water evaporates, it draws heat from the air, creating a cooling effect. Seal gaps and cracks: Block draughts around windows and doors with weather stripping, caulk, or even a rolled-up towel to keep hot air out and cool air in. Block draughts around windows and doors with weather stripping, caulk, or even a rolled-up towel to keep hot air out and cool air in. Stay low: Hot air rises, so spend time on lower floors of your home. For a cooler night's sleep, consider placing your mattress directly on the floor. There are also seven top 'holiday destinations to watch' this year including little known Spanish city and quiet islands. Plus, pick your dream destination from our 2025 travel hot list.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Our travel team's favourite affordable Europe holidays including hidden islands, quiet beach towns and cheap cities
Some of them have barely any crowds and cheap UK flights even in the summer STILL planning that European holiday but on a budget? Knowing where to go this summer without splashing the cash can be tricky. But there are still some amazing ways to see bucket-list destinations without spending too much. 10 Here are our seven top holiday destinations to go on an affordable break Credit: Alamy The Sun Travel team have used their expert knowledge from travelling the globe to find their affordable destinations to visit this summer. Greek island hopping by cruise Want to enjoy the delights of the glamourous Greek islands Santorini and Mykonos without breaking the bank? A seven-night cruise visiting SEVEN Greek islands onboard the Celestyal Journey this June will set you back just £84 a night and include all your food. I tried one of this Greek cruise line's shorter four-night cruises and still managed to tick off five islands including the Instagram favourites of Mykonos and Santorini alongside the gentler delights of pretty Paros and Rhodes. Celestyal's ships are smaller - and older - than many other lines but their size means they can get closer to the action and the Greek hospitality onboard is second to none. This cruise on the Celestyal Journey includes the chance to enjoy the delights of both Santorini and Mykonos after dark, with the ship arriving at 8am and not departing until 2am. Other stop offs include Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Crete, Milos and Athens. And with breakfast, lunch and dinner all included as well as your tips, wifi and entertainment, it's a great-value way to enjoy the A-lister islands without paying a fortune. And going in June - when the weather is guaranteed to be gorgeous - will mean fewer crowds than in peak season. - Lisa Minot, Head of Travel 10 Head of Travel Lisa Minot says a cruise is a great way to do the Greek islands on a budget Discover Europe's Secret Isles: Top 8 Underrated Destinations Northern French coastal towns France has heaps of coastline, but its fancy French Riviera usually hogs much of the limelight followed by the south west of the country that looks out over the Atlantic. Which is a shame, because many of the coastal towns in the north of the country are both very easy and cheap to get to, and a great way to spend a few days. Two of my favourites are Wimeraux in the in the Pas-de-Calais region, and Trouville-Sur-Mer in Normandy. They are both particularly great as they can be reached within 30 minutes of a French car ferry port, which can be taken from £97. 10 Don't skip some of the French coastal towns, says The Sun's Caroline McGuire Wimeraux is a quaint seaside town with a beautiful sandy beach and promenade, lined by elegant Belle Epoque villas. The town has a number of hotels from £99 and holiday apartments from around £80 a night, and the little bistro restaurants have retained the old French charm. Despite its proximity to Calais, it feels largely undiscovered by Brits - but it's perfect for a few days on the continent before you fill the car up with cheese and wine on the return journey. Meanwhile, Trouville-Sur-Mer has long been a popular holiday destination with both the French and the Brits. It's a large coastal town with a huge sandy beach and some very nice seafood restaurants, as well as a grand casino. Equally great for wasting a few hours are the many brocantes that populate the surrounding countryside in quaint barns. 10 Trouville sur Mer is a must visit in France Credit: Alamy Cesme, Turkey The Brits have been infatuated with Turkey as a summer holiday destination for decades now, and the prices for hotels and plane fares have risen accordingly. But the town of Cesme on the country's Aegean coast , about half an hour's drive from Izmir is still largely undiscovered by tourists. I paid for some £40 flights last summer and spent a week exploring the area's beaches and attractions. Cesme has seen a boom in fancy restaurants and bars in recent years, with several high end establishments now holding Michelin stars. 10 Cesme is a great alternative in Turkey near Izmir Credit: Alamy But my favourites were the relaxed seafood restaurants along the harbourfront, where a meal for two can still cost under £50. Much like the restaurants, several luxury boutique hotels have moved into the area in recent years, but you can still get a room for under £50 a night. It's worth hiring a car to explore the local vineyards and some of the quieter beaches along the peninsula. Lisbon, Portugal No matter how popular it gets, Portugal still seems to top the affordability charts when it comes to European holidays. And while Lisbon has certainly seen prices rise substantially over the last decade, cheap Ryanair flights, affordable hotels and budget eats mean the Portuguese capital can still be a very wallet-friendly destination. Flights are still available from £100 next month, despite us entering peak holiday season, and decent rooms can be found from around £70. 10 Lisbon has £2.50 wine and cheap flights even in summer, what's not to love says the Sun's Head of Travel Plus, when you get there, so much of Lisbon is cheap. For starters, it's a very walkable city (if you're ok with hills and steps), and the bars sell wine by the glass for as little as £2.50. Then there's the pastel de nata's - one of the country's most popular dishes can literally be bought for £1. Time Out Food Market is also an excellent place to visit if you're looking for fantastic food at affordable prices. - Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel Faro islands, Portugal The Algarve is another part of Portugal Brits love going for a cheap holiday. But most tourists flying in to Faro head straight out of the city and over to the beach resorts. Yet there are some amazing tiny islands that you almost have to yourself and are extremely cheap to get to. My favourite was Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta. 10 I love the islands you can hop over to from Faro for a few euros Credit: Supplied The speedboat from the mainland only cost a few euros, and takes just 20 minutes. It's often called the Caribbean of Portugal, and I had to agree when I was the only one walking the quiet golden sands. The only thing on the island is the restaurant Estamine which is a must-visit, serving freshly caught seafood. Otherwise there is also Isla Armona, slightly more built up but still just a few euros to visit but with a few cheap ice cream shacks as well. A few euros to get your own 'private island' makes it a bucket list trip. 10 Ilha Deserta is definitely giving private island vibes Credit: Alamy Seville, Spain Seville is often seen as one of the cheaper Spanish cities, and there are some great ways to save money when there. For example, you can get free tickets for two of the top attractions, if you know where to look. For the Royal Palace, there are free tickets on Mondays between 6pm and 7pm on the website during the summer season. And for the Cathedral, every day there are free tickets between 2pm and 3pm. Make sure to visit Bar Alfalfa too - it's loved by locals and you can get a coffee and toast for just €2.10. - Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor 10 Seville has some cheap eats, making it one of the more affordable Spanish cities Tirana, Albania After a three hour flight, I was in Tirana - the capital of Albania - having spent only £45 on a return flight from London. Another couple of quid got me from the airport to the city - only a half-an-hour bus ride away. There is a reason why Tirana is an up-and-coming destination - everything is cheap. From attractions to food, I spent no more than £100 in Tirana. And for coffee lovers, it is a great spot as caffeine is a big thing in the city which set me back less than £2. If I wanted to grab a pastry or sandwich too, I could have for less than a fiver total. Much of the city can be seen from just walking around, which means you don't have to spend much money on doing things. The central square sits in the middle of the city and often hosts a market to explore. One thing that I regret not doing and would spend money on if I returned? Staying at Bunk'Art 2 - a former bunker that has been turned into a museum. - Cyann Fielding, Head of Travel 10 £2 coffee and cheap flights makes Tirana a great cheap destination Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘The European city with huge rooftop swing that I return to every year' – and it's reachable without having to fly
STROLL just five-minutes in any direction, away from the compact city centre and down one of the cobblestone alleyways, and that's where you'll find the real Amsterdam. This week's destination we're shining a light on is Amsterdam, capital of The Netherlands. 3 Amsterdam is an easy city to get to from the UK Credit: Alamy The Sun's Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski often visited the Dutch city, being an easy train from the UK. She says: It's the cafe culture that brings me back here year after year – the whole city is littered with tiny artisan bakeries and shops where you'll find locals sat on a rickety old table, sipping on coffee and tucking into homemade goodies. Some of the tired buildings are not much to look at from the outside, but that's part of its charm. Read more on city breaks Take the 'brown bars', for example, so named because of their dark, wooden interiors that have a somewhat cosy feel to them. That's where you'll find me within an hour of touching down in the city, with a local beer in hand and gobbling up some bitterballen. These deep-fried, stewed-meat balls are, in my humble opinion, the best bar snack in the world, often served with a healthy dollop of mustard on the side - you can pick a tray of them up for only a few euros. MUST-SEE / DO Amsterdam is famed for its beautiful canals so a boat tour is undoubtedly the best way to see the city. Most read in City breaks One-hour cruises with I Amsterdam cost from €16 (£13.47) per adult and €8 (£6.74) per child. There are 14 departure points to pick from. If you're brave enough, drive your own boat - you can pick one up for €16.50pp (£13.90pp) for three hours on a six-seater vessel from Zaandam: The Lego-Like Wonderland of The Netherlands They are really easy to steer and, with more time on board, you can hop on and off as you please to take advantage of the many canalside pubs. HIDDEN GEM The artsy, bohemian neighbourhood of De Pijp is much loved by locals and not very well known among tourists, but it is heaving with quirky cafes, artisan shops and tall buildings where colourful flower pots light up the brick balconies. BEST VIEW The 100-metre-tall A'DAM Lookout may offer the best views of the city from above, with a 360-degree sky deck and giant rooftop swing, but do expect queues because it's a popular tourist spot. For something a little quieter that will make for an excellent photo background, head to one of the smaller canal bridges, a little farther out of the city centre. 3 Hope on a boat to explore some of the canalside pubs Credit: Alamy There are a few pretty bridges behind the Tulip Museum - such as Hilletjesbrug, where you can pose for pictures in front of flower-covered railings with a tree-lined RATED RESTAURANT Cafe de Parel was once a traditional Dutch "brown bar" but now it's an in-demand restaurant with affordable tasting menus (three courses for €52 (£43.79)). These change regularly but you can expect to tuck in to sophisticated sharing dishes such as calamari with egg yolk and dashi, or pointed cabbage with brown butter and chamomile jus. BEST BAR Vesper, a teeny bar close to Centraal Station, serves mean cocktails, created by award-winning mixologists. For a proper pint, Bar Brother, close to the Chassebuurt district, has a welcoming atmosphere and serves its ales alongside typically British bar snacks such as Scotch eggs and arancini. HOTEL PICK CitizenM Amstel For something a little fancier, The Pulitzer hotel is set within 25 restored 17th and 18th-century houses along the canal in the Jordaan district, close to the Anne Frank museum. It's also home to a top-notch restaurant and bar. Rooms cost from €295 (£248.44) per night. 3 Make sure to get some tulip selfies too Credit: Alamy
