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Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
Escape The Crowds: The Best Portuguese Beaches Only The Locals Know
Find your own private beach in Portugal... getty The spectacular coastline is one of the top draws for people looking to retire to Portugal… The problem? Tourists! Most visitors flock to the southern Algarve region and these beaches can be overly crowded during the summer. Luckily, when you live here, you get to know the lesser-known spots and the places where only the locals know to go. Here are some of the top beaches to enjoy if you're looking to avoid crowds and beach like a local in Portugal… Nude Beach Culture Naturism in Portugal is legally permitted in designated areas, and while not mainstream, it has a growing and respectful community. There are several official nude beaches in Portugal, and nudity is tolerated at many more. These beaches are well signed, so you'll know when you enter the clothed or unclothed areas. getty The country has nine officially recognized naturist beaches and many more where naturism is tolerated, usually at one end of beaches that have long stretches of sand. Designated nude beaches offer a safe and legal space to enjoy the sun and sea without clothing. Official naturist beaches include: · Praia do Meco near Sesimbra · Praia da Barreta in the Algarve · Praia da Adegas in Odeceixe These are typically more secluded and promote values of body acceptance, freedom, and harmony with nature. Though public nudity outside these areas is not allowed, tolerance is generally high in remote or less crowded coastal spots, especially when practiced discreetly. Algarve's Unknown Shores The Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region, is famous for its stunning coastline. The dramatic limestone cliffs, sea caves, and turquoise waters make this one of Europe's main beach destinations—but there are still a few beaches here that are less known by foreigners… Praia do Amado Situated on the western coast of the Algarve, Praia do Amado is a favorite among surfers. Exposed to Atlantic swells, it offers consistent waves and hosts international surf competitions. Unlike some southern beaches, it retains a wild, undeveloped charm. The reddish cliffs, expansive sandy area, and rolling dunes make it ideal for long walks and wave-watching. Praia do Amado is one of the lesser-visited beaches in Algarve getty Praia da Ilha de Tavira On the eastern side of the Algarve, near the town of Tavira, lies Ilha de Tavira, a barrier island accessible by ferry or water taxi. Unlike the cliff-backed beaches to the west, this stretch of coastline is flat and backed by dunes. The waters here are warmer and calmer, ideal for swimming. The beach is long and wide, so even in the summer, it won't be too difficult to find a spot. Alentejo's Undercover Coasts The Alentejo coast, running from the Algarve to the Setúbal region, is a bit less crowded and more rugged than its southern neighbor. It's a place where cliffs meet untamed beaches and the pace of life slows down. Praia da Zambujeira do Mar This small beach town becomes livelier in August during the MEO Sudoeste music festival, but the beach itself is worth visiting year-round. Sheltered by cliffs and close to the village center, Praia da Zambujeira offers dramatic scenery and good surf. Despite its popularity, it still has much of its low-key charm. Praia da Zambujeira do Mar is a treat for beach lovers as well as cliff hikers getty Praia da Samoqueira Just north of Porto Covo, Praia da Samoqueira is a lesser-known gem. Small, rocky, and with natural pools at low tide, it's perfect for those seeking a more intimate connection with nature—and children who love to splash around in the pools. The surrounding cliffs and rock formations add to the sense of seclusion. Praia do Malhão This wide beach, located within the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park, is relatively undeveloped. With no permanent structures on the beach itself, it retains a raw, untouched feel. The waves are strong, making it popular among surfers, while the long stretch of sand is ideal for solitude-seeking beachgoers. Lisbon's Lesser-Known Locations Even the area surrounding the capital offers a surprising number of excellent beaches. Whether you seek windsurfing, sunbathing, or dramatic scenery, you don't have to travel far from Lisbon. Praia do Guincho Located just north of Cascais, Praia do Guincho is famous for its strong winds and large waves, making it a hotspot for wind and kitesurfers. Its expansive sandy area, framed by dunes and overlooked by the Sintra mountains, gives it a wild and remote feel despite being less than an hour from Lisbon. Sunset here is nothing short of cinematic. Praia da Adraga Tucked between cliffs in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Praia da Adraga feels hidden yet theatrical. The winding road to reach it builds anticipation and adds to the sense of discovery. If you love photography, you'll be glad to know this beach is a favorite spot for those looking for picture-perfect sunsets and rock formations (watch out for the 'elephant' on the left). Adraga also has a well-known small but good restaurant serving fresh fish and seafood. From it's rock formations to its spectacular sunsets, Praia da Adraga is a dramatically beautiful beach getty Central Portugal Charms Stretching between Lisbon and Porto, the Silver Coast (Costa de Prata in Portuguese) is known for its surf spots, lagoons, and picturesque seaside towns. It sees fewer tourists than the Algarve but offers equally captivating experiences. Foz do Arelho Located near Caldas da Rainha, Foz do Arelho is where the Óbidos Lagoon meets the Atlantic. This dual nature creates two very different beach experiences: the lagoon side, with its calm, shallow waters, is perfect for children and stand-up paddleboarding, while the oceanfront waves are great for surfing and bodyboarding. Foz do Arelho offers both ocean waves and a quiet lagoon—something for every kind of beach lover getty Northern Cool Waters The beaches of northern Portugal may have cooler waters, but they make up for it with unique settings, rich cultural backdrops, and fewer crowds. Praia de Miramar South of Porto, this beach is best known for the 18th-century Senhor da Pedra chapel perched on a rock outcrop right by the sea. The contrast between the small white church and the surrounding elements of sand and sea creates an almost surreal image. The beach itself is spacious, and the sunsets here are especially memorable. Praia de Moledo Close to the Spanish border, Praia de Moledo is popular among windsurfers and kiteboarders due to its brisk Atlantic winds. The beach has a distinctive charm, with views of the nearby fortress and the forested hills of the Minho region in the background. Praia da Apúlia What makes Apúlia truly unique are the historic windmills that still stand along the dunes. The beach combines natural beauty with a sense of cultural heritage. It's popular with families and also attracts photographers and history buffs. Apúlia is one of the most beloved spots along the Portuguese Coastal Route of the Camino de Santiago. Freshwater Escapes River beaches, or praias fluviais , offer a different kind of beach experience. Set against forests, hills, or historic villages, these inland spots provide clean, calm waters and a less touristy vibe. Praia Fluvial de Loriga Tucked within Portugal's highest mountain range, this river beach is set in a glacial valley. Surrounded by granite peaks, it's perfect for nature lovers and hikers looking to cool off in crystal clear waters. Icy cold and uninviting or fresh and invigorating? You decide. Praia Fluvial de Fraga da Pegada Located in the Azibo Reservoir Protected Landscape, this beach offers clean, safe swimming in an artificial lake created by a dam. Sandy banks, clear water, and facilities like showers and picnic areas make it family-friendly. Canoeing and paddleboarding are popular here. Praia Fluvial do Reconquinho Near Coimbra, this river beach on the Mondego River is shaded, peaceful, and often overlooked. Surrounded by eucalyptus and pine trees, it's a great place for picnics and swimming. Praia Fluvial do Alamal On the banks of the Tagus River, Alamal beach stands out thanks to a picturesque wooden walkway that hugs the riverbank and leads to Belver Castle. It combines historical charm with natural beauty. The sandy stretch is well-equipped and ideal for families. Praia Fluvial de Monsaraz Created by the Alqueva Dam, this beach near the medieval village of Monsaraz offers expansive views and calm waters suitable for several water sports. As one of the newer river beaches, it has good infrastructures and easy access. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes 5 Places In Portugal That Are Great For Retirees By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes 5 Places To Enjoy A Sunny, Stress-Free Overseas Retirement In 2025 By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes Moving To Belize: A Guide For Americans By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes Live Rich From $1,200 A Month In These 4 Thai Expat Havens By Kathleen Peddicord
BBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Sand sculpture tribute to man who died on Portugal holiday
A sand tribute to a Lanarkshire man who died while on a stag trip to Portugal has appeared in the Monks, from Cambuslang, went missing after leaving friends in the town of Albufeira in the early hours of 28 May and his body was found days artist Vitor Raposo created a large sand design honouring Mr Monks on Praia Maria Luisa beach and posted the results on social Monks' sister Jillian said it had brought them some comfort in the week of his funeral, which took place at on Wednesday at Daldowie Crematorium. More than £34,000 was donated to a fundraising campaign to help support the 38-year-old's loved told BBC Scotland News: "Seeing the beautiful tribute to Greg did bring us some comfort that he has touched so many people."Speaking to so many people who have moved to the area that Greg went missing, seeing them offering so much help and support, has shown us there are so many good people out there."She added the family were still coming to terms with what had happened, and that his death had "left such a huge hole in all of our lives."She said: "Although the funeral yesterday was the hardest day of our lives, to see so many people show up for Greg was comforting. "People all over the world were watching [the funeral] on the link. It reached maximum capacity which just shows how loved he was. It was comforting to hear lovely stories about Greg and how much he meant to all." The 38-year-old was reported missing by friends after leaving the main strip in Albufeira in the Algarve in the early hours of 28 May while on a stag party.A search was launched by the Portugese national Policia Judiciaria and his body was located in the Cerro de Aguia area five days area where his body was discovered was described by officers as a "ravine" and is 3.1 miles ((5km) from where he was last Raposo specialises in using the beach for his designs, which include tributes, marriage proposals and anniversaries.
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
The stunning but affordable beach towns just two hours from UK – with beers from £2 and hotels from £30-a-night
SUNNING yourself on a beautiful beach doesn't always have to involve long-haul flights and weeks away from home. In fact, there are some beautiful beach towns, some only two hours from the UK, that have golden sand, clear blue water and affordable accommodation, with some deals less than £450 for a family of four, for a week. For as little as £39 a night, these lush locations across Spain, Portugal and France offer a fuss-free family trip, going from school to the seaside in less than three hours. Armaçao da Pera, Algarve, Portugal 7 A lesser-known spot on Portugal's Algarve coast, former fishing village Armaçao da Peras is a treasure trove of golden beaches and crystal clear water, dotted with secret coves. This up-and-coming holiday resort is surrounded by cobbled streets and historical landmarks. A wander through the old market, stacked with hand-weaved baskets and local crafts, and you'll feel like you've discovered a completely new place. But, in reality it is only 20 minutes to the water parks, theme parks and wild nightlife of Albufeira - so it's ideal for families. Book a four-star, seven-night stay with loveholidays from £269pp, which is only £39-per-day. El Arenal, Majorca, Balearic Islands 7 This Balearic bolthole is on Majorca's sun-soaked southern coast and is perfect for those who want an active break. Sitting on six kilometres of soft sandy beach and with water sports such as windsurfing and water-skiing on offer, El Arenal rivals neighbouring lively resort Magaluf - and, dare we say it, is even a bit nicer. Boasting authentic Spanish restaurants and bars, as well as a brilliant beach, this top stop is only a 2 hour 25 minute flight and there are some brilliant bargains to be had. A beer at Scottish-owned bar, Bogarts, is only £2 - so that's a great place to start. Book with loveholidays, seven nights all-inclusive for only £399 per person. Porto-Vecchio, Corsica, France 7 Ooh la la! Sitting off the coast of France and Italy, the beautiful island of Corsica combines the best of both worlds. Think fantastic food, cheap-yet-excellent wine, and beaches that rival the Italian Riviera. There's no shortage of charming coastal towns but Porto-Vecchio also boasts white sandy beaches, in particular Plage de Palombaggia & Plage de Saleccia, which are perfect swimming spots. If you don't want to feast on bargain bottles of wine and scoff giant gelato cones for £2 in the citadel, you can hop on a boat to the Lavezzi islands or hike in the shade through the Ospedale forest. Book with loveholidays for flights plus a range of self-catering options from £50 a night. Salou, Spain 7 An easy 2hr 20 minute flight will take you into Barcelona Reus airport, but instead of heading to the stylish, Spanish city, go south to Salou. This sweet spot has all the Catalan charm of Barcelona, but with a stunning beach and promenade that has beach cafes serving £2 Cava and fresh tapas starting from £3 a plate. Book with holiday hypermarket for a Tui package including a hotel right on the beach, breakfast, and flights with all baggage and transfers for only £507pp for seven days. Menorca, Spain 7 Just 2 hours and 25 minutes from the UK, you'll be spoilt for choice on the Balearic island of Menorca, with beautiful villages, coves, hidden beaches and fantastic food. Nightlife here is island-style, with little beach huts nestled into the cliffs and open-air restaurants serving freshly caught seafood for a fraction of the price you'd get in London, or even Spain's bigger beach destinations. Book an apartment with holidayhypermarket for £471 per person for seven nights and have the option to make your own picnic to take to the beach. Puerto Pollensa, northern Spain 7 Puerto Pollensa is a picturesque, leafy seaside town in northern Spain that has a sandy coastline and crystal clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. If you prefer to be on dry land, the medieval town is beautiful, with lots of Spanish history and shady, cobbled streets. There are more than enough tapas counters, restaurants and bars to keep the party going until the early hours. Flying to Palma, you can be there in two hours, 30 minutes, and you are ideally located if you want to explore further afield too. Book seven nights, four-star self-catering with travelsupermarket for £316 per person. The World's 50 Best Beaches The World's Best Beaches consulted more than 750 judges including travel journalists, influencers, and beach ambassadors to rank the beaches. Lucky Bay, Australia Source D'Argent, Seychelles Hidden, Philippines Whitehaven, Australia One Foot, Cook Islands Trunk, US Virgin Islands Honopu, Hawaii Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland Navagio Beach, Greece Balandra, Mexico Cala Goloritze, Italy Pipe Creek, Bahamas Pink, Indonesia Grace, Turks & Caicos Gardner, Ecuador Mcway, California Turquoise, Australia Le Morne, Mauritius Sancho, Brazil Seven Mile, Cayman Islands Lanikai, Hawaii Maya, Thailand Moro, Spain Kelingking, Indonesia Meads, Anguilla Flamenco, Puerto Rico Arena, Dominican Republic Little Hellfire, Australia Lazio, Seychelles Vaeroy, Norway Horseshoe, Bermuda Myrtos, Greece Hidden, Mexico Grand Anse, Grenada Xpu Ha, Mexico San Josef, Canada Matira, French Polynesia Capriccioli, Italy Pasjaca, Croatia Boulders, South Africa Salines, Martinique Champagne, Vanuatu Marinha, Portugal Balos, Greece Achmelvich, Scotland Kaputas, Turkey Radhangar, India Varadero, Cuba Piha, New Zealand Pink Sand, Bahamas
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
The 10 best holidays for families with babies and toddlers
Beach holidays are my favourite choice for young families: the pleasures are simple, the equipment minimal, and the hassle level is low. But not all destinations are created equal. When travelling with babies and toddlers, it is wise to stick to short-haul flights, and choose villas or hotels that are geared up for families: with high chairs, cots, push-chairs, and even childcare provided, parents may actually have a chance to relax. Choosing the right beach is another key to avoiding holiday disaster. I can remember a frustrating trip to Miami with my toddler daughter, whose enthusiasm for the giant Atlantic waves was alarming; far better was my toddler son's sojourn to the sleepy lapping Mediterranean waters of a Puglian bay. While Croatia is a marvellous family destination, I've left its spectacular shingle beaches off this list for young families; save Croatia's coast for when the kids are a bit older and don't put rocks in their mouths. Head instead to the sandy expanses of the best beaches in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece or Turkey, where we've selected shallow, relatively calm waters that will allow the youngest visitors to explore. Parents, if you're lucky, you may even have a moment or two to relax, too. The dazzlingly bright southern coast of Portugal is among the more dramatic stretches of beach on this list: along with child-friendly golden sand, you'll encounter soaring limestone cliffs, caves, grottoes and arches. Stick to the Algarve's eastern end, if you're looking for gentler and warmer waters, along with more sheltered areas that are perfect for young children. On the quiet eastern side of the Algarve, Praia do Barril has plenty of attractions for toddlers. First, there is the miniature train which takes you there: eight minutes or so across the bird-filled marshland and out to the island (Ilha de Tavira) where the beach is located. Then, at the entrance of the beach, there is a beautiful anchor graveyard, an installation of hundreds of rusty anchors arranged in neat rows as a memorial to the tuna-fishing industry, which once thrived in this part of the Algarve. The beach is well-maintained and the former fishing facilities along it have been converted into restaurants, shops and cafés. The Atlantic seems warmer here than anywhere else, making it good for toddlers' toes. Do note that the westernmost side of the large Praia do Barril is home to a naturist beach. Jet2holidays offers a variety of hotels with swimming pools within four or five kilometres of this stunning beach; from £1,362 for a week, including flights and rooms for two adults and a child under two. The main draw for people with young children to this stretch of sand is the supremely child-focused Martinhal Sagres Family Beach Resort, comprising hotel room accommodation, villas, apartments and houses. The sprawling campus, set in a park overlooking the sea, offers activities and facilities including trampolines, excellent restaurants, a crèche for children from six months old, plenty of childcare and pre-booking of all necessary equipment. Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort offers villas, hotel rooms, and plenty of childcare from £583 per night. The Balearic islands are surrounded by stunning beaches, but Spain also boasts the lively resorts of Andalusía in the south, and the Costa Brava's tranquil coves. Spain is a top family destination if you want to keep things easy and relaxed; but if you're out and about don't expect dinner at 6pm. Keep the longer flights to the Canaries for the colder months; and reserve the Atlantic Costa de la Luz, through the provinces of Cádiz and Huelva, for water sports in a few years. On the north-east coast of Menorca, just six miles from the capital, the shallow water of Es Grau beach is ideal for small children: the Mediterranean stays at shin level for about 130ft out to sea, like a giant paddling pool. A fence consisting of nothing more than a single rope tied around wooden posts divides the beach at Es Grau from the low dunes of the S'Albufera des Grau nature reserve. This wetland area, set around a 1.25 mile-long lake, sprawls up the north-eastern coast of the island. It won Menorca its distinction as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve more than 30 years ago; a happy decision that has saved most of the island from excessive development. Oliver's Travels offers 144 villas across the island, with plenty sleeping four to six adults, making this a great option if you want to visit with grandparents or friends who also have young children. Use the 'baby and toddler' filter to hone in on the most appropriate properties. If you're after a bit of luxury, Port de Sóller is an excellent choice. It's a traditional Majorcan town near the sea, circled by the imposing Tramuntana mountains and surrounded by dense woodland. It has a wonderful, safe beach for small kids – in fact, it's the only sandy beach on Majorca's west coast. It's also a terrific area for walking, cycling or exploring villages and the coastline by car. Jumeirah Port Sóller Hotel & Spa, set on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean with views of pretty Port de Sóller, consists of 11 white, low-rise buildings stretching up the hillside on various levels for half a mile, with three outdoor pools and plenty of places to sit and take in the view. Rooms from £560 per night in September. As we move up the coast of the Mediterranean into France, there's the glorious suntrap of Collioure, followed by the glitzier St Tropez and Cannes, all with some lovely beaches. Jump to northern France, and you'll find beautiful stretches of sand in Brittany and Normandy, albeit with more variable weather and wilder water. Pick the end that suits you; either way, France is a great choice for a week or two by the sea. If budget is a concern, the Languedoc offers a good range of campsites, from minimalist to (more often) all-singing and dancing sites that deliver just the sort of splash pool with fountains and slides that your child will adore, even if you do not. If the chic sprays of sand along the Côte d'Azur are slightly out of your price range with small children, head a bit further south-west along the Languedoc coast, where you will find that the Med is just as calm and ideally suited to young explorers. From Agde down to Collioure, there are plenty of lively and lovely fishing villages. Head to Marseillan to feast on oysters from the nearby beds, fill your picnic basket with plenty at Les Halles, Narbonne's extraordinarily pretty large covered food market, and visit Narbonne plage, or neighbouring St Pierre. Camping La Yole, steps from the sands of Valras plage, has ample choice of mobile homes, safari tents and treehouses to stay in as well as places to pitch your tent; from €81 (£68) for seven nights. St-Jean-de-Luz curves from headland to headland, with gentle waves unlikely to worry young families. While up and down the Basque coast there's excellent surfing to be found, in this particular spot life is more serene, with beach clubs catering to young families. Take your two favourite families with you, and rent a three-bedroom villa from £1,100 per family for a week, with Simpson Travel. Sicily's northern coast and the east of Sardinia are loved by locals for their relatively gentle waters, but you could also easily find your family's ideal break along the Amalfi coast or in sleepy Puglia. Have a go at being a relaxed, chic Italian parent at the all-inclusive resort of Vivosa on the southernmost tip of Puglia. The series of low-rise rooms scattered in olive groves is just a short stroll through pine forest to the sea, around three-and-a-half miles from Ugento's national park. It offers separate pools for toddlers and primary school children, plus an adults-only soaking pool at the sleek, award-winning spa. The kids' club, which has a distinctly Italian accent, takes children from age two. The good-quality buffet food means that you can happily stay put for a week, shuffling between naps on loungers in an olive grove, and relaxing on the private beach – which is lively in the crowded summer months. There's also a golf course (lessons are available), a fitness centre with nutritionist and tennis courts, as well as evening entertainment. A six-night stay at Vivosa Apulia Resort in June for two parents and a baby costs from £1,382. Alternatively, stay for just a few nights and take a road trip around other parts of Puglia; summer months have a minimum stay of two nights. Greece is the ideal destination for young children: there's the simplicity of island life, unpretentious tavernas and pared back seaside villas, or luxurious hotels that cater specifically and spectacularly well to the UK market. The impressive heat from June to September, and the relatively long three-to-four hour flight time may be a deterrent for some families, but there's sun, sea and sand just about everywhere you go. It's worth considering a trip in late May, June or September, to save money and escape the intensity of peak summer crowds. Gerakas beach is the ideal spot for a family on Zakynthos. People come from all over the island to wander its glorious, gently sloping shores. Handily, it is just a couple of hundred yards' walk from the Periyali Villas, making it easy to wander down to after the fierce heat of the day has passed and the hordes are packing up. This is the best time to take children; you can even load up a buggy and trundle it down a ramp to the firm sands. If you have a parasol, you will be directed to one part of the beach in order not to disturb turtle eggs – in late May and June, loggerheads haul themselves out of the sea in the middle of the night to nest. Come two months later in the season, and you might see the babies hatch and flip-flop their way back to the sea. Periyali Villas has 13 two or three-bedroom villas in a complex that includes a children's pool; from £316 per night. Baby equipment and babysitting available on request. Make your first holiday with a baby as stress-free as possible, opting for an award-winning family-friendly resort in Greece. Sani Resort, in Halkidiki, comprises five hotels, each with a different draw. There are multiple crèches as well as clubs open to children aged four months to 17 years. It also offers a Babewatch service on the beach – so you can then drop your child with nannies while you go for a proper dip in the sea. With five hotels, seven beaches, a spa, marina and 26 restaurants on-site, there is no need for a car. Sani Beach has rooms that welcome babies and young children with all of the requisite equipment; from £484 per night in September. From the Mediterranean resort of Antalya to chic Bodrum on the Aegean, Turkey's 4,500 miles of coastline is lined with golden beaches, often backed by dramatic limestone cliffs. Whether you're drawn to snorkelling, diving, windsurfing or exploring ancient sites inland, the beautiful Turquoise Coast offers stunning beach holidays. Best of all, Turkey remains relatively affordable for British travellers, which can make this a budget-friendly choice, though plenty of luxury options are available, too. For parents ready for a slightly longer flight time of just over four hours, this broad strip of gently shelving white sand in south-west Turkey is the country's longest beach. It is ideal for children, who will love its warm shallows and the serried ranks of dunes backing it. Should you tire of beach life, there's the Lycian Way to walk (best avoided in the heat of summer), birds to watch, canoeing and rafting on the nearby Dalaman river – plus bustling local markets, secluded mountain villages and remote ancient sites within easy reach. Development at the beach's beautiful south-eastern end has been confined to one reasonably priced café with umbrellas and sunbeds for hire, reached through the remains of a Roman city preserved in the shifting sands. Stay at the low-key Patara Viewpoint Hotel, set around a pool on a quiet, leafy hillside behind the ruins; friendly owners offer free rides to and from the beach and a weekly barbecue; double rooms from £60 per night. If you're looking for a package holiday with the added peace of mind that comes with it, I recommend searching the following operators for more beach holiday ideas with babies and toddlers around the Mediterranean this summer: Baby-friendly Boltholes specialises in the UK and the rest of Europe, with a few further-flung destinations, highlighting properties which have special services or appeal for young guests. Scott Dunn delivers high-end villas and resort-based holidays with kids' clubs around the world, with a strong offering of on-site childcare. Simpson Travel offers on-site childcare from six months, or private nannies, in hotels and villa complexes from Greece to Spain. To keep a handle on budget, try all-inclusive options from British Airways, Jet2holidays, Tui, easyJet Holidays, Loveholidays or Thomas Cook. Club Med offers elaborate childcare as part of its packages, but only from age four – ideal if you're bringing older siblings. This story was first published in May 2023 and has been revised and updated. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Times
5 days ago
- Times
Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner to be released early
Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in the case of the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, could be released from prison as early as September, thanks to an unexpected intervention by a former German federal police employee. German prosecutors confirmed on Monday that an outstanding fine had been paid on behalf of Brueckner, which would bring his release date forward. It had originally been scheduled for January 6 next year. The convicted sex offender is serving time for the rape in 2005 of a 72-year-old American woman in Portugal. The additional fine had been imposed for previous charges of assault and forgery of documents. Brueckner has also been under investigation for the abduction of three-year-old Madeleine, who vanished from a holiday resort in Praia da Luz, in the Algarve, in 2007. Brueckner denies involvement in the McCann case and has never been charged in relation to her disappearance. His early release has become possible after a former employee of the German federal police, the BKA, paid an outstanding court fine on his behalf, Der Spiegel reported. On June 5, she transferred €1,447 to the Braunschweig public prosecutor's account. The woman, who claims to have worked in the BKA's technical surveillance division, admitted to Spiegel that she made the payment, calling it a 'misunderstanding'. The woman had never met Brueckner but contacted his lawyer last year, alleging that his prison cell had been bugged and that she had been involved in the surveillance setup. Spiegel reported that she was willing to testify in Brueckner's most recent sexual offences trial, in which he was cleared of sex offences against five other girls and women. Her colleagues had said they had a score to settle with Brueckner, she alleged. She initially believed the fine was related to an insult charge that she considered unjustified, leading her to pay the fine. She claimed to have only later realised its connection to more serious offences. The woman said she unsuccessfully tried to reverse the transfer. By then, it had been too late, she said. She also insisted she had never met Brueckner. However, a spokesman for the Braunschweig prosecutor's office said that the person who paid the fine could still reverse the transfer. Earlier this year, investigators had conducted a three-day search of the area where Madeleine disappeared in an attempt to find new evidence. Brueckner's lawyer has previously said that he wants to settle down on the North Sea island of Sylt after his release.
