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Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Tenerife's 'sunniest beach' happens to also be the island's 'most beautiful'
Brits planning Tenerife holidays may want to bookmark one gorgeous beach that's not only tipped as one of its most beautiful, but is also where you'll find the most sunshine Tenerife is famed for its incredible beaches, but its volcanic landscape means that most of these offer black sands. While still very beautiful in their own right, they can catch holidaymakers offguard, especially if tourists are expecting white sandy shores. However, the largest of the Canary Islands does actually boast some golden sandy beaches, and one of them has just been revealed as the holiday hotspots' 'sunniest beach'. Playa de las Teresitas has been crowned the island's best spot for sun-seekers in new rankings from Saga Holidays. The travel experts looked at factors including sunshine hours and average temperatures to determine the winners, with Teresitas impressing thanks with a daily average of 10h37m of sunshine, and balmy temperatures of 26C. There's an added bonus for visitors too, as it's often tipped to be one of Tenerife's most beautiful beaches thanks to its azure waters and soft golden shores that are lined with palm trees. The one-kilometre-long beach itself was actually man-made in the 1970s, with the sands imported from the Sahara Desert. As part of the project, breakwaters were put in along the shore to help keep the waters calm and swim-friendly, making it a popular destination for families. While it can get very busy during the peak seasons thanks to its proximity to Santa Cruz de Tenerife - and therefore heaps of hotels, restaurants and bars - it's still a firm favourite with those wanting to make the most of those postcard-worthy views. One happy holidaymaker took to Tripadvisor to praise the gorgeous beach, writing: "Playa de las Teresitas is, in my humble opinion, the most beautiful on the island. Golden sand, crystal clear waters and equipped with all amenities." Another added: "Clean beach and tranquility assured, perfect for spending time even with small children, the water is shallow for several meters". If you want to visit, there are a number of direct flights to Tenerife from the UK. It's worth noting that although Tenerife North Airport is closer as it's half an hour's drive from the beach, most budget carriers fly to Tenerife South Airport, such as easyJet and Ryanair. Still, this airport is an hour's drive from the beach so it's still very doable if you're thinking of staying in the area. The nearest holiday resort is Santa Cruz de Tenerife where you'll find plenty of hotels, and it sits about a half hour drive from the beach, so can be an ideal base if you want a mix of all-inclusive resorts, trips to the beach and access to plenty of Tenerife's most popular attractions. Overall, Teresitas actually took the fourth spot in Saga's rankings. The crown of Europe's sunniest beach actually went to Ölüdeniz Beach in Fethiye, Turkey. The iconic beach not only boasts fine sands and crystal-clear waters, but it's home to the 'Blue Lagoon' that's a hit with the social media crowd. You can check out the full list of Europe's top 10 sunniest beaches below: Ölüdeniz Beach (Blue Lagoon), Fethiye Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa Playa de las Teresitas, Tenerife Agia Fotia Beach, Crete Playa de Maspalomas, Gran Canaria Lay's Mile Beach, Limassol Elafonissi Beach, Crete Tsamadou Beach, Samos Praia do Barril, Tavira
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Europe's 'sunniest beach' has golden sand, crystal waters and £17.99 flights
Brits looking for hot and sunny holiday destinations won't need to go far with Europe's sunniest beach less than 5 hours away - and with plenty of cheap flights available Brits looking for sun, sea and sand on their holidays may want to consider a trip to Europe's 'sunniest beach' where they'll find balmy temperatures of 32C and a daily average of 10h 26m of sunshine. Ölüdeniz Beach in Fethiye, Turkey, has been crowned as the must-visit for sun-seekers, impressing not only with its weather but also its golden sands and swim-friendly waters. In fact, those azure shores are also home to the iconic 'Blue Lagoon' that you'll no doubt have seen in your social media feeds. The breathtaking coastal spot topped new rankings from the experts at Saga Holidays, who looked at factors such as sunshine hours and average temperatures across both high seasons and low seasons. (So whether or not you're tied to the school holidays, you can enjoy a sun-soaked getaway!). The nearest airport to the beach is Dalaman, which is about a 45-minute drive from Ölüdeniz Beach. The good news for Brits is that there are heaps of budget-friendly flights to Dalaman direct from the UK. For example, easyJet has flights from £17.99 each way, while Ryanair has one-way flights from £29.99 in August. In fact, you can find returns from £54 according to Skyscanner, although it's worth noting that the cheapest rates often don't include extra hand luggage allowance. Holiday warning for Brits as selfie mistake could land you with £100,000 fine It's not just the sunshine that makes Ölüdeniz Beach a must-visit for the summer holidays. The Blue Flag beach boasts postcard-worthy turquoise waters, fine sandy shores, and a lush green backdrop that wouldn't be out of place in a storybook. Of course a beautiful beach like this is always popular, so it's worth noting that it can get quite busy during the peak summer months. There are three sandy parts to the beach - one of which is free - but for the other two there's a small entry fee if you want to visit, with some amenities available such as sunbeds you can hire, and a series of watersports to enjoy (again you'll need to pay an extra fee if you want to hire equipment for the likes of paddleboarding or kayaking). On Tripadvisor the beach gets a mixed bag of reviews. Although visitors all generally agree that it's beautiful and the surrounding mountains make for a beautiful backdrop, because the beach has become so famous, some holidaymakers have slammed the beach for getting too crowded. If you want to check it out for yourself, then it's well worth getting up early so you can enjoy the quieter moments of the day before the larger crowds arrive. Alternatively you could visit in low season between November and April when temperatures range around 19C - so while it may be a little chilly for getting into the water, you can still enjoy those breathtaking views while out on a scenic stroll. It wasn't the only beach to impress in Saga's rankings. Anthony Quinn Bay on the Greek island of Rhodes came a close second with a three-minute difference in terms of hours of sunshine, and 32C temperatures during the peak summer months. You can check out the full list of Europe's top 10 sunniest beaches below: Ölüdeniz Beach (Blue Lagoon), Fethiye Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa Playa de las Teresitas, Tenerife Agia Fotia Beach, Crete Playa de Maspalomas, Gran Canaria Lay's Mile Beach, Limassol Elafonissi Beach, Crete Tsamadou Beach, Samos Praia do Barril, Tavira
Daily Record
19-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Third of Brits are skipping SPF on this crucial body part as expert warns 'do not ignore'
We might think we're covering every area with SPF but it turns out we're overlooking one key body part Sunshine is finally breaking through the UK skies after a period of heavy downpours, wind, and thunderstorms. Even when the sun is behind the clouds, though, it is important to protect our skin by wearing a good SPF. The UK weather offers little certainty, and with the summer holidays approaching, travellers may be actively seeking destinations with guaranteed sunshine, where, after lathering on the sun cream, they can kick back and relax. New research from Saga Holidays, found that 68 per cent of Brits surveyed consider beach temperatures a key factor when choosing a holiday. There's a reason for this - a little sun is quite literally what the doctor ordered. Pharmacist Carolina Goncalves says moderate sun exposures "helps your body produce serotonin, the 'feel-good' neurotransmitter that lifts your mood and brings a sense of calmness". However, the research from Saga Holidays and Carolina also revealed that almost a third of Brits are making a crucial mistake by not protecting the delicate skin on one part of their body from the sun. It turns out the most common mistake Brits make when using SPF is overlooking the lips. In fact, almost a third of Brits fail to protect their lips with SPF lip balm, whilst just one in four do so. To ensure we are enjoying the sun safely and maintaining a healthy sun exposure balance, Carolina has teamed up with GP Dr Hana Patel to reveal their top tips for how to protect our skin. Health experts' top tips for safely making the most of the sun Protect your lips "The skin on the lips is thinner and more delicate, so use an SPF 30 lip balm or higher," Carolina urged. "If you do get burnt, a thin layer of aloe Vera gel or petroleum jelly will soothe." As mentioned, only one in four Brits consistently protect their lips with SPF lip balm – and 30 per cent never do this. Regularly apply sunscreen- even if it's 'water-resistant' "Even if your SPF is 'water resistant', reapply lotion straight after you have been in water, after towel drying and sweating," Patel advised. Alarmingly, less than half (45 per cent) of Brits say they always reapply sunscreen - but one in ten never do this. Take regular breaks during peak UV hours Carolina warns to take regular breaks between peak UV hours (10am-3pm), yet only 39 per cent of Brits always do this and one in seven (14 per cent) never take breaks during peak times. In a separate report, Yinka Ebo, Senior Health Information Officer at Cancer Research UK explained: "We all need some sun to keep us healthy, but it's important to stay safe when the sun is strong and take care not to burn. "In many cases sunburn actually happens in the UK, often when people are out and about. The sun's rays can be strong enough to burn in the UK from around April to September. "You can protect yourself and your family from sunburn by using a combination of shade, clothing and at least SPF 15 sunscreen when enjoying the sunshine." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Spanish ‘beach' in lesser-visited city is one of Europe's warmest with average highs of 31C
Plus, we found cheap wine and beautiful palaces in a city just an hour away WARM WATERS Spanish 'beach' in lesser-visited city is one of Europe's warmest with average highs of 31C Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE hottest and sunniest European beaches have been revealed - and an honourable mention goes to one that isn't even on the coast. Saga Holidays has put together a list of Europe's sunniest beaches, and has revealed that Valdearenas Beach in Córdoba is one of them - despite being nowhere near the sea. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Valdearenas Beach in Córdoba is one of the hottest in Europe Credit: Alamy 5 Córdoba is miles away from the nearest beach Credit: Alamy Valdearenas Beach is in the landlocked city of Córdoba - which was one of the top trending European destinations in 2025. The beach is completely man-made, sits on the banks of the Iznájar Reservoir and has sandy shores. But the best part is that in the high season, average temperatures reach up to 31C. According to Saga Holidays, Valdearenas Beach outperforms two coastal competitors in Badajoz, Playa de Cheles and Playa de Orellana, by 1C. One visitor on Tripadvisor described it as being a "great lakeside beach with lovely lake for swimming or kayaking or pedaloing! Not crowded or touristy." Another said: "The views are incredible. Some mornings it is just so quiet, you feel like the only person on earth." Anyone wanting a dip will be happy to know that you can enjoy swimming, rent kayaks and pedal boats, or try paddleboarding. During the summer months, the water turns a vibrant blue and the golden sands become a sunbathers paradise. Some visitors remarked it can appear even hotter as there is no shade apart from some provided by the sun umbrellas that pop up during the summer. The beach is about an hour inland from the southern coast of Spain. The Spanish beach resort named the best in the country 5 In the lake you can swim and do water sports Credit: Alamy 5 During the Festival of the Patios in Córdoba, courtyards are filled with flower Credit: Alamy As for the city of Córdoba, it is known for having the most UNESCO sites in the world. These include the Mosque-Cathedral, the historic city centre, the Festival of the Patios (Courtyards), and Medina Azahara. The culture capital is popular for anyone wanting to take a close look at history with the Mosque-Cathedral being built in the 8th century. For anyone who wants to see something particularly spectacular, schedule a visit to Córdoba during the Festival of the Patios. The event is held during the first two weeks in May - and has been since 1921. This annual event showcases the city's most beautiful and historic courtyards, which are decorated with flowers and are opened to the public. Córdoba is an hour's drive away from Seville where Sun Travel found cheap wine and beautiful royal palaces. Down towards the coast is also this underrated Spanish beach destination that's popular for winter sun. Here Are The Top 5 Warmest Beaches in Europe Here's the list of the warmest beaches in Europe from Holiday Saga... Ölüdeniz Beach, Fethiye Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes Valdearenas Beach, Cordoba Playa de Cheles, Badajoz Playa de Orellana, Badajoz
The Sun
17-06-2025
- The Sun
Spanish ‘beach' in lesser-visited city is one of Europe's warmest with average highs of 31C
THE hottest and sunniest European beaches have been revealed - and an honourable mention goes to one that isn't even on the coast. Saga Holidays has put together a list of Europe's sunniest beaches, and has revealed that Valdearenas Beach in Córdoba is one of them - despite being nowhere near the sea. 5 5 Valdearenas Beach is in the landlocked city of Córdoba - which was one of the top trending European destinations in 2025. The beach is completely man-made, sits on the banks of the Iznájar Reservoir and has sandy shores. But the best part is that in the high season, average temperatures reach up to 31C. According to Saga Holidays, Valdearenas Beach outperforms two coastal competitors in Badajoz, Playa de Cheles and Playa de Orellana, by 1C. One visitor on Tripadvisor described it as being a "great lakeside beach with lovely lake for swimming or kayaking or pedaloing! Not crowded or touristy." Another said: "The views are incredible. Some mornings it is just so quiet, you feel like the only person on earth." Anyone wanting a dip will be happy to know that you can enjoy swimming, rent kayaks and pedal boats, or try paddleboarding. During the summer months, the water turns a vibrant blue and the golden sands become a sunbathers paradise. Some visitors remarked it can appear even hotter as there is no shade apart from some provided by the sun umbrellas that pop up during the summer. The beach is about an hour inland from the southern coast of Spain. The Spanish beach resort named the best in the country 5 5 As for the city of Córdoba, it is known for having the most UNESCO sites in the world. These include the Mosque-Cathedral, the historic city centre, the Festival of the Patios (Courtyards), and Medina Azahara. The culture capital is popular for anyone wanting to take a close look at history with the Mosque-Cathedral being built in the 8th century. For anyone who wants to see something particularly spectacular, schedule a visit to Córdoba during the Festival of the Patios. The event is held during the first two weeks in May - and has been since 1921. This annual event showcases the city's most beautiful and historic courtyards, which are decorated with flowers and are opened to the public. Córdoba is an hour's drive away from Seville where Sun Travel found cheap wine and beautiful royal palaces. Down towards the coast is also this underrated Spanish beach destination that's popular for winter sun.
