Latest news with #SpotlightOn
Scottish Sun
02-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
‘Caribbean-like islands with no crowds' – the European city that's a gateway to the world's best beaches
Another island has just one restaurant on it SANDS NICE 'Caribbean-like islands with no crowds' – the European city that's a gateway to the world's best beaches FARO in Portugal is our latest destination for our weekly Spotlight On series. The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited. Advertisement 5 I visited the Algarve and found amazing beaches with no tourists Credit: Supplied 5 Faro is used as a gateway to the Algarve, home to some of the best beaches in the world Credit: Alamy She said: "Most people skip Faro to head straight down to the Algarve. "But there are some fantastic islands just off the coast where you will see barely any tourists. "Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta, takes just 20 minutes by boat, with tickets a few euros. "Some call it the Caribbean of Portugal - something I agree with thanks to its golden sandy beaches. Advertisement "There is nothing on the island apart from the fabulous restaurant Estamine - a must visit serving up locally caught food". Here are some of our other top tips. MUST SEE / DO One of the most captivating elements of Faro, the capital of the Algarve region, is its fascinating history. And no place tells this city's stories better than the chapels. Advertisement The 18th-century Capela Dos Ossos on Largo do Carmo within the walled city is an absolute must, but it's only for the brave. Translated as the Chapel of Bones, the ancient walls of this holy places are decorated with pieces from over 1,250 human skeletons. Explore Algarve with The Sun's Best of Beaches If that doesn't appeal then the Museu Arqueologico de Faro, the archaeological museum founded in 1894, houses an impressive collection of Roman artefacts. HIDDEN GEM Praia de Faro, on the island Ilha de Faro, is considered the best beach in the Faro region by locals, but few tourists have heard of it. Advertisement The gold sands stretch for five kilometres with views of the sea on one side and a natural park on the other. The island can be accessed via a narrow bridge, crossing the Ria Formosa and makes for a great day trip - although be warned, the sea here can be very chilly even in the summer months. BEST VIEW For outstanding views across the entire capital, head to the Cosmopolitan Rooftop Bar at Hotel Faro. From here you can soak up the marina and its glittering lights all while sipping on an exotic cocktail - there's even live music on some nights. Advertisement The best time to visit is certainly sunset, but make sure to book if you want to bag one of the best seats. There are bar snacks, too, if you're feeling peckish. ( en/cosmopolitan-bar). 5 I found hardly any tourists on the beaches Credit: Supplied 5 Ilha Desert is a must if you want to avoid the crowds Credit: Alamy Advertisement RATED RESTAURANT Tertúlia Algarvia ( is more than just a restaurant, it's a culinary experience where visitors will not only gorge on traditional meals, but also participate in workshops and visit regular exhibitions. It's in the heart of the Old Town and has a strong focus on seasonal produce and fresh seafood. Keen to sample one of the local specialities? Order the Cataplana. It's a traditional Portuguese fish stew, which pairs very well with a fruity white wine. Advertisement BEST BAR 3HB was the first 5H hotel to open in Faro, but it's not the comfy beds that attract most visitors. The modern rooftop bar offers an impressive menu of classic and well-executed cocktails as well as gastropub style meals including a juicy burger. HOTEL PICK The AP Eva Senses Hotel is tough to beat and that is partly down to its location, with the Ria Formosa Natural Park as its neighbour. Head to the rooftop for impeccable views of both the marina and the Old Town. Advertisement As well as comfortable bedrooms, many of which have a balcony or terrace, there's a spa, gym and three onsite restaurants. Prices start from £91 per night based on two adults sharing and including breakfast (see
The Sun
02-05-2025
- The Sun
‘Caribbean-like islands with no crowds' – the European city that's a gateway to the world's best beaches
FARO in Portugal is our latest destination for our weekly Spotlight On series. The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited. 5 5 She said: "Most people skip Faro to head straight down to the Algarve. "But there are some fantastic islands just off the coast where you will see barely any tourists. "Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta, takes just 20 minutes by boat, with tickets a few euros. "Some call it the Caribbean of Portugal - something I agree with thanks to its golden sandy beaches. "There is nothing on the island apart from the fabulous restaurant Estamine - a must visit serving up locally caught food". Here are some of our other top tips. MUST SEE / DO One of the most captivating elements of Faro, the capital of the Algarve region, is its fascinating history. And no place tells this city's stories better than the chapels. The 18th-century Capela Dos Ossos on Largo do Carmo within the walled city is an absolute must, but it's only for the brave. Translated as the Chapel of Bones, the ancient walls of this holy places are decorated with pieces from over 1,250 human skeletons. If that doesn't appeal then the Museu Arqueologico de Faro, the archaeological museum founded in 1894, houses an impressive collection of Roman artefacts. HIDDEN GEM Praia de Faro, on the island Ilha de Faro, is considered the best beach in the Faro region by locals, but few tourists have heard of it. The gold sands stretch for five kilometres with views of the sea on one side and a natural park on the other. The island can be accessed via a narrow bridge, crossing the Ria Formosa and makes for a great day trip - although be warned, the sea here can be very chilly even in the summer months. BEST VIEW For outstanding views across the entire capital, head to the Cosmopolitan Rooftop Bar at Hotel Faro. From here you can soak up the marina and its glittering lights all while sipping on an exotic cocktail - there's even live music on some nights. The best time to visit is certainly sunset, but make sure to book if you want to bag one of the best seats. There are bar snacks, too, if you're feeling peckish. ( en/cosmopolitan-bar). 5 5 RATED RESTAURANT Tertúlia Algarvia ( is more than just a restaurant, it's a culinary experience where visitors will not only gorge on traditional meals, but also participate in workshops and visit regular exhibitions. It's in the heart of the Old Town and has a strong focus on seasonal produce and fresh seafood. Keen to sample one of the local specialities? Order the Cataplana. It's a traditional Portuguese fish stew, which pairs very well with a fruity white wine. BEST BAR 3HB was the first 5H hotel to open in Faro, but it's not the comfy beds that attract most visitors. The modern rooftop bar offers an impressive menu of classic and well-executed cocktails as well as gastropub style meals including a juicy burger. HOTEL PICK The AP Eva Senses Hotel is tough to beat and that is partly down to its location, with the Ria Formosa Natural Park as its neighbour. Head to the rooftop for impeccable views of both the marina and the Old Town. As well as comfortable bedrooms, many of which have a balcony or terrace, there's a spa, gym and three onsite restaurants. Prices start from £91 per night based on two adults sharing and including breakfast (see
The Irish Sun
02-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘Caribbean-like islands with no crowds' – the European city that's a gateway to the world's best beaches
FARO in Portugal is our latest destination for our weekly Spotlight On series. The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor 5 I visited the Algarve and found amazing beaches with no tourists Credit: Supplied 5 Faro is used as a gateway to the Algarve, home to some of the best beaches in the world Credit: Alamy She said: "Most people skip Faro to head straight down to the Algarve. "But there are some fantastic islands just off the coast where you will see barely any tourists. "Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta, takes just 20 minutes by boat, with tickets a few euros. "Some call it the Caribbean of Portugal - something I agree with thanks to its golden sandy beaches. Read more on Portugal "There is nothing on the island apart from the fabulous restaurant Estamine - a must visit serving up locally caught food". Here are some of our other top tips. MUST SEE / DO One of the most captivating elements of And no place tells this city's stories better than the chapels. Most read in Beach holidays The 18th-century Capela Dos Ossos on Largo do Carmo within the walled city is an absolute must, but it's only for the brave. Translated as the Chapel of Bones, the ancient walls of this holy places are decorated with pieces from over 1,250 human skeletons. Explore Algarve with The Sun's Best of Beaches If that doesn't appeal then the Museu Arqueologico de Faro, the archaeological museum founded in 1894, houses an impressive collection of Roman artefacts. HIDDEN GEM Praia de Faro, on the island Ilha de Faro, is considered the best beach in the Faro region by locals, but few tourists have heard of it. The gold sands stretch for five kilometres with views of the sea on one side and a natural park on the other. The island can be accessed via a narrow bridge, crossing the Ria Formosa and makes for a great day trip - although be warned, the sea here can be very chilly even in the summer months. BEST VIEW For outstanding views across the entire capital, head to the Cosmopolitan Rooftop Bar at Hotel Faro. From here you can soak up the marina and its glittering lights all while sipping on an exotic cocktail - there's even live music on some nights. The best time to visit is certainly sunset, but make sure to book if you want to bag one of the best seats. There are bar snacks, too, if you're feeling peckish. ( en/cosmopolitan-bar). 5 I found hardly any tourists on the beaches Credit: Supplied 5 Ilha Desert is a must if you want to avoid the crowds Credit: Alamy RATED RESTAURANT Tertúlia Algarvia ( is more than just a restaurant, it's a culinary experience where visitors will not only gorge on traditional meals, but also participate in workshops and visit regular exhibitions. It's in the heart of the Old Town and has a strong focus on seasonal produce and fresh seafood. Keen to sample one of the local specialities? Order the Cataplana. It's a traditional Portuguese fish stew, which pairs very well with a fruity white wine. BEST BAR 3HB was the first 5H hotel to open in Faro, but it's not the comfy beds that attract most visitors. The modern rooftop bar offers an impressive menu of classic and well-executed cocktails as well as gastropub style meals including a juicy burger. HOTEL PICK The AP Eva Senses Hotel is tough to beat and that is partly down to its location, with the Ria Formosa Natural Park as its neighbour. Head to the rooftop for impeccable views of both the marina and the Old Town. As well as comfortable bedrooms, many of which have a balcony or terrace, there's a spa, gym and three onsite restaurants. Prices start from £91 per night based on two adults sharing and including breakfast (see 5 There are some amazing islands that you can get to from Faro for just a few euros Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
‘The Paris alternative that's easier to get to' – the pretty European city known for its waffles
It is home to the country's largest book shop too MAIS OUI 'The Paris alternative that's easier to get to' – the pretty European city known for its waffles This week's Spotlight On, we are shining a spotlight on the French city of Lille, in the Hauts-de-France region. The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited the city, which is easy to get to by train. Advertisement 4 Lille is a great alternative to Paris Credit: Alamy 4 The city is known for its amazing waffles Credit: Alamy She explained: "Living in Kent, it actually took me longer to get to the Eurostar than it did to get to Lille! "Just an 1hr22 from the UK, it's the first stop for Brits leaving London - and a great alternative to Paris. "Make sure to book a retro car tour of the city, where you are driven around in a tiny vintage Citroen 2CV. "And for the best sunset, head to Nu - the only rooftop bar in the city (and a great place for first-timers trying snails... even I was hooked. Advertisement "Want a fun, affordable stay? The zany Mama Shelter hotel starts from just £78 a night." Here are some of our other top picks. MUST SEE/DO The lively city of Lille is close to the Belgium border. It offers a combination of fantastic architecture, art galleries, museums and great shopping. Advertisement Stroll along the picturesque cobbled streets of the old town and be sure to visit the elegant tea room at Meert (25-27 Rue Esquermoise). It's a local institution known for its gooey, stuffed waffles. European city with flights under two hours known for its sausages and singing tours HIDDEN GEM La Piscine museum in Roubaix is a real treasure. It was cleverly converted from a former art-deco swimming pool to a fascinating art museum in 2001 with sculptures, paintings and textiles by famous artists including Picasso and Rodin. Advertisement Many features of the original pool remain, including the tiled walls and a central water display. Around the pool, the old shower cubicles have been converted into display cases all lit through stained-glass windows. BEST VIEW The Grand Place dates back to the 17th century and is renowned for its stunning architecture, making it a great spot for those all-important social-media snaps. Highlights include the Old Stock Exchange (La Vieille Bourse), a French and Flemish building, and the pretty courtyard which has booksellers running along its edge (it's one of the most photographed spots in the city). Advertisement Get a bird's-eye view from the top floor of Le Furet du Nord, which is one of the largest bookshops in France and free to enter. 4 La Piscine museum in Roubaix is a real treasure Credit: Alamy RATED RESTAURANT For classic, local dining, think generous portions of traditional carbonnade (Flemish stew) or pot'je vleesch (booze-marinated cuts of meat), washed down with delicious craft beer - head to Estaminet La Ch'tite Brigitte. The traditional estaminet (brasserie-style restaurant) in old Lille offers a rustic feel and delicious hearty food. Advertisement Little dishes such as croque monsieurs cost from €6, while larger plates are priced from €16. BEST BAR La Capsule, also in the old town, is a haven for beer lovers with 28 craft ales on draught, including local, national and international (mainly Belgian) brews. There are beers to suit all tastes - sours, IPAs, stouts and powerful Belgian ales such as Triple or Saison as well as Lambics (just be careful not to drink too many as they sure are punchy). The staff really know their biere from their bitter and will help find the perfect brew for your palate. Advertisement HOTEL PICK The 4H Hotel L'Arbre Voyageur is in a similar part of town to our recommendations. It's housed in the former Polish Consulate and is just a ten-minute walk from the Lille Europe train station. This stylish boutique hotel is the ideal base for exploring and offers contemporary rooms and two excellent restaurants - the gourmet Jane and bistro-style Ma Reine. Rooms start from £114 per night based on two adults sharing ( Advertisement
The Sun
01-05-2025
- The Sun
‘The Paris alternative that's easier to get to' – the pretty European city known for its waffles
This week's Spotlight On, we are shining a spotlight on the French city of Lille, in the Hauts-de-France region. The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited the city, which is easy to get to by train. 4 4 She explained: "Living in Kent, it actually took me longer to get to the Eurostar than it did to get to Lille! "Just an 1hr22 from the UK, it's the first stop for Brits leaving London - and a great alternative to Paris. "Make sure to book a retro car tour of the city, where you are driven around in a tiny vintage Citroen 2CV. "And for the best sunset, head to Nu - the only rooftop bar in the city (and a great place for first-timers trying snails... even I was hooked. "Want a fun, affordable stay? The zany Mama Shelter hotel starts from just £78 a night." Here are some of our other top picks. MUST SEE/DO The lively city of Lille is close to the Belgium border. It offers a combination of fantastic architecture, art galleries, museums and great shopping. Stroll along the picturesque cobbled streets of the old town and be sure to visit the elegant tea room at Meert (25-27 Rue Esquermoise). It's a local institution known for its gooey, stuffed waffles. European city with flights under two hours known for its sausages and singing tours HIDDEN GEM La Piscine museum in Roubaix is a real treasure. It was cleverly converted from a former art-deco swimming pool to a fascinating art museum in 2001 with sculptures, paintings and textiles by famous artists including Picasso and Rodin. Many features of the original pool remain, including the tiled walls and a central water display. Around the pool, the old shower cubicles have been converted into display cases all lit through stained-glass windows. BEST VIEW The Grand Place dates back to the 17th century and is renowned for its stunning architecture, making it a great spot for those all-important social-media snaps. Highlights include the Old Stock Exchange (La Vieille Bourse), a French and Flemish building, and the pretty courtyard which has booksellers running along its edge (it's one of the most photographed spots in the city). Get a bird's-eye view from the top floor of Le Furet du Nord, which is one of the largest bookshops in France and free to enter. 4 RATED RESTAURANT For classic, local dining, think generous portions of traditional carbonnade (Flemish stew) or pot'je vleesch (booze-marinated cuts of meat), washed down with delicious craft beer - head to Estaminet La Ch'tite Brigitte. The traditional estaminet (brasserie-style restaurant) in old Lille offers a rustic feel and delicious hearty food. Little dishes such as croque monsieurs cost from €6, while larger plates are priced from €16. BEST BAR La Capsule, also in the old town, is a haven for beer lovers with 28 craft ales on draught, including local, national and international (mainly Belgian) brews. There are beers to suit all tastes - sours, IPAs, stouts and powerful Belgian ales such as Triple or Saison as well as Lambics (just be careful not to drink too many as they sure are punchy). The staff really know their biere from their bitter and will help find the perfect brew for your palate. HOTEL PICK The 4H Hotel L'Arbre Voyageur is in a similar part of town to our recommendations. It's housed in the former Polish Consulate and is just a ten-minute walk from the Lille Europe train station. This stylish boutique hotel is the ideal base for exploring and offers contemporary rooms and two excellent restaurants - the gourmet Jane and bistro-style Ma Reine. Rooms start from £114 per night based on two adults sharing (
