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Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Tourist warning to 10 million as Europe's hottest capital on alert
The Mediterranean as a whole is warming up faster than the global average, while many cities and islands in Greece record numerous days each summer where the mercury tips over the 40C mark The hottest capital in Europe is on high alert as 10 million holidaymakers look to descend on a city that has become stifling in recent years. Visitors to Athens may want to gird their loins and pack a portable fan ahead of their holidays this summer. Athens has always been scorching in the summer, but never as much as it is now. Europe's hottest mainland capital roasted in record highs last summer, with a Greece -wide heatwave from July 8 to 23 the longest in the country's history. While last year saw records topple, it wasn't a total outlier. The Mediterranean as a whole is warming up faster than the global average, while many cities and islands in Greece record numerous days each summer where the mercury tips over the 40C mark. The heat is a particular problem in Athens, where a lack of green space and shelter from the unrelenting midday sun can leave visitors from less sunny climes feeling roasted and fatigued. Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@ In fact, the Acropolis of Athens was shut several times last summer because of the relentless heat, which was deemed to be a danger to visitors. Each day close to 17,000 people visit the site, which is home to the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea entrance and white marble columns that radiate heat at tourists. In the high season as many as 23,000 people a day trample over these hallowed rocks, eroding the foundations of what many consider to be the birthplace of democracy. It's become so crowded that a new visitor cap was put in place last year. This has helped to control the crowds a little, bringing a touch of calm to a bustling spot. To add to the heat issues, overtourism is rearing its head in Athens. Foders, an American outlet, has argued that the Greek city is one of the many great historical settlements which is being eroded and damaged thanks to out of control tourism. Having bounced back in terms of visitor numbers post-financial melt-down and coronavirus lockdowns, "there's fear that if the surge of visitors continues unchecked, the most Athenian boroughs will culturally erode and physically disappear," Fodors writes. The publication placed Athens on its 'No travel' list. In a bid to dampen the impact of Greece's raging hot summers, an early-warning systems for heatwaves and real-time monitoring of temperature data, along with fountains, air-conditioned cooling centers and shady pocket parks have been put in place, CNN reports. Emergency services have been put at the ready ahead of this summer, including around the foothills of the Acropolis. In 2021, the city became Europe's first to appoint a dedicated 'chief heat officer', who has been working on nature based solutions such as tree planting to lessen the perceived heat in Athens. Iris Plaitakis, a tour guide who regularly visits the Acropolis, told CNN: 'Tourists often underestimate the heat, especially those from colder climates. They don't think to wear hats or bring enough water. You're much more exposed to the sun and heat up there because of the higher elevation and lack of trees and other shade.'
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
A World of Wonders: Epic Bucket List Experiences for 2026
Whether you're planning to explore Europe or go long-haul, there's so much out there waiting to be discovered. With 2026 fast approaching, now is the perfect time to start planning. Whether you're drawn to ancient architecture, remote wilderness, or vibrant coastlines, here's some inspiration for your travels and why they're worth adding to your bucket list. Encounter Wildlife in the Galápagos - Nature Like Nowhere Else Located 1,000 km off Ecuador's coast, these remote islands are famous for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas, all thriving in a protected and largely untouched ecosystem. Why add to your travel list: It's one of the few places where you can observe wildlife up close in a truly pristine natural setting. The Galapagos Islands, which inspired Darwin's theory of evolution, are a dream destination for nature lovers and science enthusiasts alike. Explore Cinque Terre – Italy's Colourful Coastal Villages Cinque Terre is five colourful fishing villages on Italy's Ligurian coast. Dating back to the Middle Ages, these once-isolated communities relied on fishing and hillside vineyards, preserving their traditional charm over the centuries. Why add to your travel list: It's one of the top sights in Italy, and it's impossible to fully capture through photos alone. The views from a train or boat trip around the area are truly amazing, offering unique perspectives of this stunning coastline. Feel the Power of Iguazu Falls – Nature's Roaring Wonder Stretching across the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls consists of nearly 300 waterfalls surrounded by lush rainforest. The sheer volume of water and the diverse wildlife make it one of the most impressive natural sights in the world. Why add to your travel list: Experiencing Iguazu Falls from both sides of Brazil and Argentina reveals two very different yet equally breathtaking perspectives. Being there means immersing yourself in the thunderous roar, misty spray, and vast scale of the falls. It's an experience that leaves a lasting impression, bringing you face-to-face with nature's raw power. Wander Through The Acropolis – Greece's Ancient Marvel The Acropolis sits above Athens as a lasting symbol of ancient Greece, the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and classical architecture. This remarkable site is home to several iconic structures, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Why add to your travel list: Visiting the Acropolis, along with other ancient sites in Greece, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the foundations of Western civilisation firsthand. Experience Uluru – The Spiritual Heart of the Outback Uluru rises dramatically from the red centre of Australia, a sandstone monolith sacred to the Anangu people. It holds deep cultural significance through the stories connected to the land. Why add to your travel list: Its vivid colours at sunrise are a sight you'll never forget and visiting offers insight into Indigenous heritage and the landscape's cultural importance in Australia. Visit Mount Teide - Spain's Volcanic Marvel Mount Teide is the highest peak in Spain, set within a vast volcanic national park. Its otherworldly terrain and dramatic landscapes create a truly unique experience. Why add to your travel list: It's a chance to explore a landscape in Spain that feels almost otherworldly, with vast lava fields, jagged rock formations and sweeping vistas that stretch into the horizon. Admire the Taj Mahal – The Eternal Symbol of Love Built in 1632 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of architecture known for its intricate inlay work, perfect symmetry, and impressive scale. Why add to your travel list: Seeing the Taj Mahal in person gives you a real sense of the history, scale, and precision behind one of the most iconic landmarks in India. Discover Mont Saint-Michel – The Tidal Island Spectacle Mont Saint-Michel is a medieval abbey perched on a rocky island off Normandy's coast. The tides surrounding it create a dramatic landscape, and its cobbled streets feel frozen in time. Why add to your travel list: Experiencing Mont Saint-Michel's historic architecture and timeless atmosphere in person is profoundly captivating. Its unique location and rich history make it one of the most alluring heritage sites in France. Uncover The Rockies, Canada – Stunning Mountainscapes Stretching across Alberta and British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies feature a diverse range of landscapes, including rugged peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and dense forests, making it a favourite destination for nature enthusiasts. Why add to your travel list: The breathtaking natural beauty and vast wilderness of the Rockies in Canada are sights you truly must see to believe. Notable highlights include Banff, Lake Louise and the scenic Icefields Parkway. From ancient marvels to natural wonders, there's so much to explore in 2026; the hardest part will be deciding what to tick off your list first! Belfast Telegraph Travel in association Travel Department have been providing guided holidays for all over the world for over 28 years and counting. With 100s of destinations to choose from, holidays include flights, accommodation, transfers, guided tours and much more.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sock Boots! Bloomers! Jelly Sandals! Meet the Stars of COS's Spring 2025 Show in Greece
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. "The space had a grand[ness to it], but at the same time, had that contrast of feeling unfinished and raw," COS design director Karin Gustafsson tells me on the day after the Stockholm-based brand's S/S 25 show. The collection's debut took place inside Dionyssomarble Quarry, a cavernous marble structure in Dionysos, Greece, a short drive from Athens, and was attended by tastemakers such as Tamu McPherson and Lucy Williams, as well as A-list talent including Adrien Brody and Jodie Turner-Smith. According to Gustafsson, the collection was initially inspired by Renaissance paintings and the way they are both grandiose and muted in color. As COS is a brand rooted in minimalism and wearability, Gustafsson challenged herself to maintain its codes while also playing with the extravagance of the Renaissance era. "We really liked the idea of extreme masculinity and extreme femininity, skin, and the draping of materials," she says. "And then, of course, we married that with COS, which is more refined and considered and understated." Finding a venue that mirrored this vision was no easy feat, but Gustafsson's team persevered, landing on Dionyssomarble Quarry, the sole producer of the same marble stone used by ancient Athenians to sculpt the Parthenon and the Erechtheion on the Acropolis. "When it came up, it felt quite natural," Gustafsson says. Awe-inspiring and lavish while also stark and undone, the quarry was a perfect fit for the clothes presented inside it. To see and shop COS's S/S 25 collection, keep scrolling. Below, you'll find its buzziest buys and more on the memorable show. Runway show venues that truly shock, awe, and surprise don't come around as often as you might think. Though a small handful brands—think Jacquemus and Saint Laurent—have a tendency to go above and beyond when it comes to location scouting, many prefer to stick to routine spaces, using props to make them feel special season after season. With that in mind, you can imagine just how impressive COS's Grecian show venue was. Photos don't do it justice—trust me. The space, carved inside a sea of white marble, was truly otherworldly, causing every attendee to look around in wonder and amazement. That is, until the sound of heels on marble emanated from somewhere in the distance and models dressed in pastel pink, slate gray, and white emerged from behind a high-up wall of stone. At that point, everyone's attention turned to the S/S 25 collection, which was just as all-consuming as the space it debuted in. In addition to plenty of influential online personalities, COS hosted some of Hollywood's biggest stars in Athens for its S/S 25 show. The Brutalist's Adrien Brody likely felt at home in the venue after shooting in an Italian quarry for the Golden Globe–winning film. Brody was the star of COS's S/S 25 campaign, making his attendance at the show even more impactful. Also in attendance were Sharon Stone, Gemma Chan, and Jodie Turner-Smith, who arrived wearing one of the collection's most talked-about looks featuring a pair of slate-gray bloomers and a funnel-neck suede anorak. "Our starting point was looking toward Renaissance paintings," says Gustafsson about the S/S 25 collection. "We gave ourselves a working title of The New Renaissance." According to her, COS doesn't usually look this far back for inspiration, but her team was very intrigued by artwork from the era and decided to try to combine the feelings that pieces from the time evoke with COS's more pared-back aesthetic. "The colors were really important," she tells me. "If you look at these old paintings, there's so much color there, but nothing is shouting. There's almost a filter on top of it." She also looked at objects and silhouettes from the Renaissance era, using them to determine the shapes the collection's garments would take on. According to Gustafsson, who's been with the brand since its inception in 2006, the key to innovating season after season is "being on top of inspiration" whilst always holding on to COS's identity. The best part about COS's show—apart from the star-studded front row and location, of course—was the fact that practically every piece from the collection is already available to purchase, including some of its buzziest buys. Sporty jackets, bloomers, and sock boots were among the items attendees couldn't stop talking about post-show, with many using up their international data to draft COS orders before their favorite items sold out. (The bloomers already did. Though, I'm personally crossing my fingers that they'll be restocked.) Plus, as we venture further into spring, more pieces will be added to COS's website, including the sought-after jelly fisherman sandals and ballet flats that debuted in the quarry earlier this week. View Deal View Deal View Deal View Deal View Deal View Deal View Deal View Deal
