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Metro
21 hours ago
- Metro
Our Travel Editors' picks of underrated destinations in the easyJet summer 2026
EasyJet has launched its big summer 2026 sale, and the team at Metro Travel is here to help you get the most bang for your buck. From sun-soaked beaches to ancient Old Towns, there are destinations to suit every kind of traveller. And, for a limited time, you can lock in your next holiday by paying a £60 deposit. Check out our editors' picks of the best and most underrated places on the list. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. For a city break with a difference, Metro's Travel Editor Alice Murphy recommends heading to Belfast. An industrial port with a troubled past, Northern Ireland's capital has pulled off a remarkable transformation into a creative party town. 'There's nowhere better for a night out on the island of Ireland, if you ask me,' says Alice. 'It's been wonderful to watch the creative scene here rise like a Phoenix from the ashes of the Troubles.' Alice says a day is best spent learning the history of Ireland's north on a black cab tour ('the guides are always great craic'), followed by dinner at the Muddler's Club or the Lantern, and a pint at Madden's, the best spot for a proper seisiún (traditional Irish music session). You might even run into the lads from Kneecap, they're regulars. Convinced? Metro found a flight from London Stansted to Belfast on Wednesday, July 1, for £29.99. If you're still looking for a sunny escape, for Alice, it's all about Sardinia. Though it often plays second fiddle to glitzier Sicily, she says this Italian island is home to the most beautiful beaches in Italy. To get the best of Sardinia, Alice advises flying into Olbia, renting a car and taking to the road to explore the extraordinary beauty of the Costa Smerelda (Emerald Coast). 'Every beach is more beautiful than the last: think lunar white sands and dazzling turquoise water,' she says. Alice's advice is to skirt the main cities, as the most breathtaking bits of Sardinia are found in the villages that hug the coast: 'The showstopper for me was Cala Goloritzè and Cala Luna (a quick Insta or Google search will tell you why).' Metro found a week's holiday at the four-star Mangia's Sardinia Resort for £785, down from £1,055 per person, if you travel on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Alice's third and final choice is Corsica, where you can fly to from as little as £72 one-way. She says she was pleasantly surprised to see the French-governed island on the EasyJet roundup. 'Getting to Corsica, which is often referred to as 'France's best kept secret', is usually wildly expensive. So if I were you, I'd seize the moment. I can't recall seeing one-way trips for such a low price before,' says Alice. Moving west, Amanda Cable, Metro's Deputy Features Editor, loves Spanish city Valencia for a city break. She says: 'Refresh with a dive into the sea, before a delicious tapas lunch and a stroll around the Old Town to find some lovely bargains.' If you're looking for a city filled with character, bars and food, nestled on the coastline, Amanda says Valencia is as good as Barcelona, without the crowds. 'We checked into the Novotel Valencia, which has a rooftop pool for luxury at a wallet-friendly price.' On Tuesday, September 1, Metro found a flight from London Gatwick for £67.99. If you're looking for somewhere to while away the days with a good book, Amanda suggests Lake Maggiore in Italy. While Lake Como takes all the glory, she says its lesser-known sibling feels like you're stepping back in time. 'The pretty town of Stresa is a fantastic foodie base, while water taxis whisk you to the stunning islands.' Amanda's favourite was Isola dei Pescatori (Island of the Fishermen). If you feel like exploring further, you can even take a train across the mountains into Switzerland and catch a local ferry back. We've got a handy guide to Ascona, an under-the-radar Swiss border town. Back at base, if your hotel has a swimming pool, make sure to take a dip against the backdrop of towering peaks. Unlike the other package holidays, Lake Maggiore is a little on the pricey end. But, if you have the funds, it's a must-visit. Metro found a five-night stay at the five-star Castello Dal Pozzo for £1,110 per person. The flight leaves from Manchester Airport on Monday, June 1, 2026. Kristina Beanland, Metro's Lifestyle Editor, has a soft spot for Portugal's Algarve, having spent summers there as a child. While it's far from a 'hidden gem', there are a few spots that haven't been spoiled yet. 'Head to the fishing town of Ferragudo, with its quaint harbour and cobbled streets, or hop on a river cruise to Silves, which once served as the capital of the Algarve,' she says. Kristina says you should visit the Monchique mountains and the famous spa village of Caldas, known for its thermal waters. If this sounds like a bit of you, the four-star Hotel PortoBay Falesia has a week-long holiday available from Bristol Airport on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, for £885 per person. More of a city breaker? Kristina says you can't go wrong with a trip to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. However, it can be expensive to get there – and with Eurostar yet to release tickets for summer 2026, it makes sense to snap up an Easyjet bargain now. 'If it's culture you're after, there are museums a-plenty from the Rijksmuseum to the, erm, Sex Museum,' says Kristina. Peckish for lunch? Grab a sandwich at Zero Zero or indulge in three courses at the impossibly cool CornerStore. 'And of course, there's always plenty of places to grab a 'coffee.' Fly to the Dutch capital on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from London Southend for £41.99. The 2026 summer sale launched at 9am this morning. You can now book cheap flights between June 15, 2026, and September 13, 2026. Other destinations on the list include hotspots like Amsterdam and Ibiza. For package holidays, the dates extend a little further until October 31, 2026. Destinations include European favourites like Greece, Turkey, and Spain, where holidaymakers can guarantee a good old dose of vitamin D (and sea). If you can't afford to pay for your holiday in full straight away, there's an option to pay in fee-free instalments up to 28 days before departure. The initial £60 per person deposit locks in the price. When browsing for holidays, also look out for other discounts in the package prices. Some include child-free places, where one child can fly and stay for free when travelling with two paying adults. Still not booked your 2025 summer holiday? There's still time to get a good deal this year, too. EasyJet offers promo codes on beach and city holidays. For the former, you can get £100 off when you spend £800–£1,999 using the code SUMMER. If you spend over £2,000, you'll receive a £200 discount with the same code. For city breaks, the code CITY20 gives you £20 off per person. EasyJet uses dynamic pricing, which means prices fluctuate based on demand. More Trending For example, booking a holiday during peak times (or to a popular destination) might incur higher charges than somewhere off the beaten path. Other things to look out for are booking fees. If you're travelling with your family and want to sit together, the most obvious extra cost is seat selection. Additionally, if you don't factor in checked baggage fees from the start, you may end up paying more if you add them later. Finally, if you need to change your flight or booking, charges will be incurred. Before confirming your booking, double-check your dates. Should you need to cancel completely, cancellation policies vary depending on the holiday you book. MORE: Anti-organised crime chief mysteriously found dead in Benidorm swimming pool MORE: I stayed in one of Europe's grandest hotels — a time warp of Old World glamour MORE: Girlfriend's tribute to 'inspirational' hockey player who died at Ibiza Rocks hotel
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Daily Mail
The secret Greek Island tourists haven't ruined yet - where food, accommodation and activities are a fraction of the cost
While holidaymakers crowd into Mykonos and Santorini during peak season, one little-known Greek island remains a well-kept secret - and it's quietly becoming a paradise for those looking to escape the chaos. Situated 51km southwest of Mykonos, the island of Antiparos is emerging as a hidden gem in the Aegean Sea. Boasting turquoise blue waters, ancient caves, lively bars and local cuisine that won't break the bank, Antiparos offers all the charm of popular Greek hotspots - at a fraction of the cost. With summer temperatures averaging 30 degrees Celsius and traditional gyros for just €4 (£3.40), some say the island puts its famous neighbours to shame. In a recent review, Metro travel writer Lillie-Rose Lenga-Kroma described her experience visiting the island on a tight €150 (£129) budget. Remarkably, the amount covered eight days' worth of supermarket groceries, handmade souvenirs, and frequent taverna trips. She wrote: 'On the ferry from Athens, my stomach was in knots imagining the throngs of tourists I'd find at my final destination. 'But on the last leg of my journey, a short boat ride from Pounta to Antiparos, I realised I'd stumbled across a place few foreigners visit.' Ferries from nearby Paros cost as little as €1.50, and accommodations like the family-run Kastro House - which overlooks a 15th-century Venetian castle - offer stays from just £60 per night. From €3 smoothie breakfasts at Blender to daily visits to To Ntopio Grillhouse for €4 gyros, Lillie-Rose was impressed by both the quality and affordability of Antiparos' food options. Tavernas, like Klimataria, serve up generous portions of traditional dishes including moussaka, dolmades and grilled seafood. For dessert, the travel writer recommended Vicky's Ice Cream, with 40 flavours, keeps things cool without the high prices found on other islands. Unlike overdeveloped resorts across Greece, Antiparos has largely resisted short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. The majority of stays are in small hotels or family-run homes, which helps preserve community and hospitality. Antiparos offers a variety of activities for visitors, from exploring its Cave of Antiparos, relaxing on beaches like Agios Georgios or Soros, and taking boat trips around the island. In Chora, the island's main town, bougainvillea plants and independent shops line the streets, with various merchants offering locally sourced food, handmade jewellery, pottery, and woven goods from local artisans. Travellers from the UK can reach Antiparos in under a day - but visitors are warned to prepare for a staggered journey. The first leg of the trip involves taking a direct flight from London to Athens, which takes around four hours. From Athens, a €10 train connects to Piraeus port in about an hour, and from there, ferries to Paros start at €40, followed by a short €2–€5 boat ride to Antiparos. For a quicker hop, the nearby Pounta port offers €1.50 crossings and a faster 10-minute ferry journey.
Metro
07-07-2025
- Metro
The overlooked European city with £28 flights and free public transport for tour
Getting around on a trip abroad is often a hidden cost we forget to factor in. But in one European destination, public transport is free for everyone – even tourists. In Luxembourg, the wealthiest country in the European Union and the richest in the world if you look at GDP per capita, people ride buses, trains and trams for free. While the move is nothing new – transport has been free since February 2020, in a bid to cut carbon emissions – it's not something everyone knows about. No need to book or reserve seats, no fumbling with cards, or phones, or cash, no fretting about zones or pricing structures. Where do we sign up? Passengers are required to carry identification to show if a conductor asks for one, but provided you have that, you can travel the length of the country – an end-to-end expedition that takes around three hours – for nothing. The only exception to the rule is first class travel – which, as you'd expect, will still cost you. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Getting there is nearly as cheap. Travelling on Wednesday, July 9, Metro found one-way flights from London for £28. But if Luxembourg doesn't do it for you, there are other European destinations that offer the same free transport perk. Bern, Switzerland's federal city, allows visitors who stay overnight in the city to travel for free on public transport in zones 100 and 101. That means unlimited trams and buses to the best outdoor pools, nature parks and gelaterias. Malta has a similar form of limited free transport, which entitles travellers to ride free on all day routes, night routes and special services across Malta and Gozo. It's been historically overlooked, but we here at Metro Travel think odd little Luxembourg deserves some attention. Sandwiched between France, Belgium and Germany, this multilingual hub of commerce and European governance is also the world's only grand duchy and the home of the continent's most bizarre local festivals. Luxembourg City's diminutive size makes it an ideal weekend break destination, and because it lacks the grandeur of Paris or Rome, the streets are never clogged with crowds, even in summer. In fact, you could arguably see the whole country if you had three days;by car, it takes less than 90 minutes to drive from top to bottom, and Luxembourg's only airport is just 5km from the highly walkable capital. Every trip to Luxembourg should start in the city at Chemin de la Corniche, an elevated path known as Europe's most beautiful balcony that captures sweeping views of the Alzette river. From there you can delve into the enclave's chequered history, at the cliffside Musee d'Histoire de la Ville de Luxembourg and the UNESCO-protected Bock Casemates, a network of underground tunnels where canons stick out from walls. Stop to refuel with a beer in the buzzy Rives de Clausen district, where historic breweries have been turned into hipster bars. More Trending Luxembourg is home to 11 Michelin-starred restaurants, plus two with a Bib Gourmand each. There's a solid helping of affordable veggie and vegan eateries, such as Marguerites (for breakfast) and Charles Sandwiches (for lunch). Beyond the city walls, there are beautiful walking trails and the rolling vineyards of the world-famous Moselle Valley. Just 20km from the capital, the region is home to riesling, chardonnay and gewürztraminer. Good thing you've got that free public transport to cart yourself home on. Further afield, a short train north will take you to Mullerthal, an idyllic forested region with hilly landscape often referred to as Luxembourg's Little Switzerland. MORE: Eurostar delays and 'café car raids': what to do if your cross-channel train is disrupted MORE: Ryanair calls for 'urgent' reform as French air strikes stretch to four days MORE: 'Under the radar': The Italian city with £25 flights and ferry links to Greece
Metro
06-07-2025
- Metro
'Under the radar': The Italian city with £25 flights and ferry links to Greece
Italy is the third most popular holiday destination for Brits. In 2023, 4.9 million of us flocked to live la dolce vita , with most heading for Rome, Florence and Venice. They're popular for a reason, but all three cities are grappling with the effects of overtourism. The capital has limited access to the Trevi Fountain, while Venice has doubled its controversial tourist tax. In Florence, Mayor Sara Funaro has unveiled a 10-point plan to ease pressure in the UNESCO-listed historic centre. Last year, key boxes were banned for short-term rentals, and tour guides were forbidden from using loudspeakers. To give our favourite hotspots a chance to recover, the Metro Travel team has been exploring 'detour destinations' that are actively seeking tourists. These are lesser-visited places close to popular locations: you fly to the hotspot, but stay between 60 and 90 minutes away. The latest to catch our eye is Brindisi. Perched on a bay on the eastern coast of Puglia, the southern region that forms Italy's boot, it's an overlooked gem rich in history and quintessential Italian charm. Like all ports, Brindisi has a seedy side, but its sunny piazzas are full of well regarded cafes and the buzzy waterfront is licked by the aquamarine waters of the Adriatic. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. The city is also a gateway to the Balkans and Greece, thanks to its regional airport and well-oiled ferry links. And getting there won't break the bank. On Monday, September 29, when temperatures average around 26°C, Metro found a direct Ryanair flight departing from London Stansted for £25. Travelling in peak summer season isn't much more expensive. On Monday, August 25, flights start from £49. Postcard-pretty and peppered with whitewashed Roman lanes, there's never been a better time to explore this under the radar gem. Referred throughout history as the 'Gateway to the East', Brindisi is steeped in history. In the centuries that followed the Roman era, it was ruled by the Venetians, the Spanish, the Austrians and the Bourbons. You could spend days wandering between its historical landmarks, but the ones worth stopping at are the Roman columns that mark the end of the Appian Way, and Castello Svevo, the fortress built by Emperor Frederick II in 1227 to protect the port. Entry to the castle is €3 (£2.58). You'll find fewer crowds than in popular cities like Lecce or Bari. The Italian Sailor Monument is worth seeing, too. Built in 1933, this 53m tribute immortalises the Italian sailors who died in World War I. To further explore Brindisi's history, head to the Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro. The cathedral was first built in the 12th century, but was rebuilt in 1743 following an earthquake. Also deserving of a visit is the Ribezzo Archaeological Museum, in the heart of Brindisi next to the cathedral. Here, you'll find prehistoric, Messapian, and Roman relics, plus underwater archaeology. It's free to enter. Fancy extending your holiday with a trip around Greece? The Brindisi to Igoumenitsa route is the shortest and fastest way to get there. Ferries take around 8 hours, and prices start from £49. Once you reach Igoumenitsa, which is one of the largest passenger ports in Greece, you can make your way through the country by bus, train, or car. Alternatively, if you're looking for a laid-back island getaway, a ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu only takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs £8. While you're in the centre of town, amble to the Piazza Santa Teresa, a beautiful square on the waterfront surrounded by verdant trees. Stop here for an afternoon coffee or a spot of lunch. TripAdvisor recommends La Locanda del Porto as one of the best eateries, located just off the square. The restaurant serves traditional Puglia cuisine, from pizza to fresh fish, accompanied by live music. This region is renowned for its dishes. Known as the 'breadbasket of Italy,' olive oil, durum wheat, vegetables, and seafood are staple ingredients. Cookery classes are aplenty in Brindisi. We found a 'pasta heaven' class that costs €145 (£125) per person, and a cheaper (and perhaps more wholesome) experience cooking in the home of an Italian family for €80 (£69). After lunch, head to Corso Umberto I for an hour of window shopping. This sophisticated boulevard runs alongside the waterfront. Alternatively, explore Corso Roma, Brindisi's main street. Refuel and relax on the Regina Margherita waterfront with an Aperol Spritz at one of the many bars. More Trending Finally, if you're in the mood to do nothing except fly and flop, beeline to one of Brindisi's beautiful beaches. Hemingway Beach is a stunning lido that features crystal clear water with turquoise hues and white, pillow-soft sands. You can rent sunbeds on the terrace, or sun loungers on the beach. If you're willing to travel around 30 minutes north, you could set up at Torre Canne for the day. The charming coastal village doubles as a quiet beach resort on the Adriatic coast, and is complete with long, sandy beaches and natural hot springs. Brindisi enjoys a Mediterranean climate, so expect hot, sunny summers and relatively mild winters. During the hottest months of July and August, temperatures can reach up to 29°C. The shoulder season (which is late spring – May to June – and early autumn, September to October) is more manageable. Highs range from 22°C to 27°C. If you're keen to avoid crowds, these are also the best months to visit. MORE: Pamplona has so much to offer tourists – beyond the controversial Running of the Bulls MORE: 'Secret' Canary Island lesser-known than Lanzarote gets new direct UK flights MORE: Huge explosion rocks Rome injuring 50 with people running for their lives
Metro
19-06-2025
- Metro
Spain's little-known village with colourful ‘hanging houses'
In Barcelona, there's the Sagrada Familia. In Madrid, the Royal Palace. In Puerto Banús, it's all about the luxury marina. But at a time when popular destinations are pushing back against overtourism, lesser-known gems are finding themselves in the spotlight. And, for those actively seeking tourists, there's nothing we love more at Metro Travel than putting them on the map. One place worth your time is Cudillero, a small and unassuming fishing port in Asturias, northern Spain. Nestled in the Pico Paradiella mountains, with a surrounding landscape of rolling hills and horseshoe cliffs, it's an Instagrammer's paradise. But its defining feature is the brightly-coloured 'hanging houses' that protrude from the hillside. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Of course, the buildings don't actually hang from the rocks, but the way they've been built makes them look as though they're perched on the edge, overlooking the harbour. If this mental picture has already made you want to book flights, then let us help you plan your itinerary. Cudillero isn't just a pretty face; there's so much more to this picturesque village than meets the eye. First up, let's talk about the views. If you're an avid hiker, Cudillero and its surrounding areas should be on your hit list. The region boasts diverse trails suitable for all skill levels, with standout landmarks including the lighthouse, La Garita, La Atalaya and El Pico. There's also the Cabo Vidio, a coastal area with cliffs and viewpoints. Not to mention Mirador de la Garita-Atalaya, another iconic viewpoint with panoramic scenes of Cudillero harbour. For those who like a challenge, Cudillero is part of the spiritual Camino del Norte pilgrimage route. While trekking in the area, you'll find panoramic landscapes, from verdant forests, the Cantabrian Sea and stretches of rugged coastline. If sightseeing without hiking up mountains is more your vibe, Cudillero on the ground is just as stunning. The village's two most important buildings are the 13th-century chapel of El Humilladero, the oldest in town, and the Church of San Pedro, a 16th-century Gothic-style parish church replete with Baroque carvings. Both buildings are open to the public. Once you've checked out the architecture, take a stroll around the village. The narrow cobbled square is home to the fish taverns, which are the main tourist attraction, according to Cudillero's tourism website. TripAdvisor rates Restaurante Isabel as the best restaurant in the village, and diners seem to agree. From the traditional rustic blue and white interior, to the generous portions of local seafood, one visitor said they enjoyed 'premium product and exceptional care.' Another said 'do not pass without stopping,' while a third spotlighted the 'delicious' lobster rice. Prices here range in affordability. Fabas con Almejas (beans with clams) costs €15 (£12.82). The lobster rice (Arroz de Bogavante) is €30 (£25.64), while a Caldereta de Pescados (fish stew) will set you back €60 (£51.28). As Cudillero is a coastal town, the village is perfect for beach lovers. Playa de San Pedro is a popular spot, as it sits between the ocean and the Esqueiro River. There's also Pedreru de la Concha de Artedo, which is a 15-minute drive from town. Here you'll find a long stretch of sand, pebbles and cobalt blue water. If you're looking for more seclusion, Playa del Silencio is a 20-minute drive away. Also known as 'Silence Beach,' this shell-shaped cove is only accessible via dirt track and steps. @ ✨SAVE✨ for your Europe trip 📌SAVE & SHARE This beautiful village has it all 🤩 Did you guess right? This beautiful village is located just 2 hrs drive from Santander and is often called Spain´s best-kept secret! Welcome to Cudillero , a place you must visit in Spain! Cudillero is the most picturesque fishing village on the Asturian coast, full of cute colourful houses and picturesque streets just like Italy, ideal for getting lost in! Cudillero is for sure one of the most colourful villages in Europe and a must stop on any Northern Spain road trip! 📌Top travel tip : If you fall in love with this picturesque fishing village, you can stay an extra day or two to hike the trails along the cliffs or walk a portion of the Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail that also passes through Cudillero. #spain #travel #spaintrip #northernspain #spaintravel #europetravel #beautifulvillage #beautifuldestinations ♬ The Nights – Acoustic – VL4S Back in Cudillero, relax in the Plaza de la Marina, the lively square and heart of the village. This spot has the best views of the 'hanging houses,' as they surround the plaza. Sip on an Aperol Spritz or enjoy a spot of lunch at one of the many bars and restaurants. The plaza is much more than just an attractive lunch spot, though. It dates back centuries and has always been the epicentre of Cudillero's social and commercial activity. Many of the buildings were constructed during medieval times, when the village was purely reliant on its fishing industry. Nowadays, Cudillero's economy focuses on tourism, but residents still respect the village's past. This is most obvious during July's Fiesta del Carmen, an important date in Cudillero's calendar, where locals and fishermen come together to pay homage to their patron saint. This year, the traditional festival will be celebrated on Sunday, July 21, with the maritime procession in the Plaza de la Marina being the main attraction. Throughout the day, expect the Avante Cuideiru Bagpipe Band, a concert by the San Pedro de Cudillero Mixed Choir, the folk group Arduríu Pixuatu, and even a DJ set. The festival is free to visit, but certain venues within the festival are ticketed. The closest airport to Cudillero is Asturias Airport, around 10 miles away. On July 1, Spanish budget airline Vueling is operating a flight from London Gatwick for just £65. The journey takes 1 hour and 55 minutes. More Trending Bristol, Birmingham, and Edinburgh also fly to Asturias, however there are no direct routes. You'll need to stop in Barcelona, Alicante and Frankfurt. The average flight time is around 6 hours. Cudillero has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, meaning mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. August is the hottest month, with temperatures averaging around 23°C. June, July and September range between 20°C and 22°C. The shoulder season, late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October), enjoys a comfortable heat between 18°C and 20°C, while the winter months can peak around 13°C to 14°C. MORE: British dad breaks neck after being pushed into shallow pool at Benidorm party MORE: Major UK airline launches sale with £29 flights to 475 destinations — but it ends in two days MORE: Cause of Spain and Portugal blackouts which left millions in the dark revealed
