Latest news with #sunseekers
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Daily Mail
Europe's vacation hell: Streets fill with tourists in Italy and Greece
Europe's most famous vacation hotspots are busier than ever this week - despite anti-tourism protests taking place across the continent. Images show swarms of holidaymakers packed shoulder-to-shoulder and forming huge queues waiting for trains and buses in some of the most beautiful destinations in Italy and Greece. In the Italian village of Varenna - famed for its tiny streets and colorful facades of houses - people have complained of crowds so dense they were barely able to reach down to take their phones out of their pockets. Meanwhile, footage from the Greek island of Santorini shows thousands of people inching along narrow streets with barely enough room to pass each other. It comes as Europe struggles to cope with a recent surge in tourism - with some areas being forced to introduce special measures in an attempt to combat the problem. Disappointed sunseekers have taken to social media to share how their dream holiday didn't quite match reality. A holidaymaker in Lake Como, Italy, posted a video warning others what to expect, showing packed coastal pathways and an hour long line for the ferry. The clip is captioned: 'Lake Como in June is so amazing, the views are stunning, but so many people and waiting times.' Another visitor likened the experience to 'the tourist Hunger Games' alongside a seemingly endless line of people. Meanwhile, a tourist in Portofino, a small coastal town on the Italian Riviera in Liguria, revealed how even areas which are meant to be quiet have been swarmed by holidaymakers. She wrote across a TikTok video of a crowded beach: 'You traveled to a "secret beach" in Portofino, except it definitely isn't secret anymore.' The caption read: 'Expectation vs Reality in Portofino! Literally took one look at the crowds and left'. Another TikToker posted a clip of a busy street in Portofino and simply wrote: 'Watching Portofino get flooded with tourists.' A third posted an image showing the scenic views she expected in the town, before revealing the overcrowded reality. @thesorcis We recommend staying in Portofino and then exploring the town when all the boats of tourists leave 🙏🏽 #portofino #instavsreality #tourits #crowded #italy #holiday #cheers ♬ original sound - Blade of Eleonora☪️ A woman visiting Positano, on Italy's Amalfi Coast, was also left disappointed by her experience. She said: 'Social media lied. I've been dreaming of going to Positano on Italy's Amalfi Coast for years. 'And while it is definitely a very beautiful town, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. 'I was expecting all of the stairs, but I wasn't expecting the magnitude of the crowds and the lineups. 'Positano has become a travel destination where you need to have every moment of your itinerary planned out in advance, and book reservations for pretty much everything. 'Otherwise, it will all be booked up before you even touch down in Italy.' @herenowwherenext Expectation vs REALITY in Portofino!! Literally took one look at the crowds and left 😅😅 #expectationvreality #portofino #expectationvsreality #portofinoitaly #italytravel #italia #travel #travelreality ♬ original sound - william springfield Not so secret: A tourist in Portofino, a small coastal town on the Italian Riviera in Liguria, revealed how even areas which are meant to be quiet have been swarmed by holidaymakers @vickirutwind Social media lied 😳 🇮🇹 I've been dreaming of going to Positano on Italy's Amalfi Coast for years. And while it is definitely a very very very beautiful town, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. ✈️ I was expecting all of the stairs, but I wasn't expecting the magnitude of the crowds and the lineups. 📝 Positano has become a travel destination where you need to have every moment of your itinerary planned out in advance, and book reservations for pretty much everything. Otherwise, it will all be booked up before you even touch down in Italy. And while that might be your travel style, I really like having an opportunity to explore and be spontaneous. 💴 I also think if you want some of the magical experiences you are seeing on social media, you have to pay a major premium to stay at the super luxury hotels, and dine at the most expensive restaurants with reservations booked way in advance. 🌎 In the end, I did still have a nice time in Positano because it's a beautiful town, the main beach has a nice beach club, and we had some nice meals. But for now, it's not one of my favorite travel destinations. I'm on the fence about whether I'll return. Have you been to Positano? And if you have, what did you think about it? #positano #positanoitaly #amalficoast #travelitaly #instagramvsreality #italytravel ♬ original sound - william springfield Meanwhile, in Greece, overcrowding is also frustrating sunseekers. One woman revealed how much the island of Santorini has changed since her last visit two years ago, before the tourism surge became so severe. She posted a picture of a packed street, writing, 'Santorini! When we stayed here in 2022, we scoffed at the people who came off the cruise ships. 'This time, we were those people! Santorini in summer is no joke. The heat, the crowds, the lines. No magic this time. Just sweat, nausea and swollen feet. 'Don't be deceived by the smiling faces.' Some areas have introduced special measures in an attempt to crackdown on overcrowding. Portofino has banned picnics and drinking booze on the streets among a swathe of other prohibitions. Tourists risk being fined for carrying out a variety of actions typically enjoyed abroad. From July 15, travelers in Portofino will no longer be able to walk through the town barefoot, in swimwear, or topless - or sit in the piazza in such attire. Consuming alcohol on public streets has also been prohibited, with only restaurants, bars, and designated areas left to booze in. Begging, sitting, or lying on the streets, walls, sidewalks, and parks has also been banned along with having picnics. The new ordinance, signed by Mayor Matteo Viacava, will take effect during the summer season and temporarily expire on September 30. Anyone who is caught violating the regulations before then will be subject to a fine of between $30 and $580. The goal of the latest crackdown is to protect the 'peace and quiet of residents and tourists' in the exclusive coastal resort which brings in up to 100,000 tourists during peak season - despite the town only having a population of 400. The municipality had already attempted to combat troublesome tourists in 2023. During that period, stopping at particularly popular viewpoints across the picturesque town was prohibited. Santorini has also introduced new rules and measures to manage the influx of tourists. These include a tourist tax, restrictions on access and parking, and a proposed 'saturation law' limiting daily visitor numbers. Meanwhile, Spain's Balearic Islands have stopped using influencers to promote holiday hotspots and warned that 'selfie tourism' is ruining the region's most beautiful beaches.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
UK weather: Met Office warns of thunderstorms and heavy rain today – but temperatures to still hit balmy 29C highs
THUNDER and rain is forecast to sweep the UK today, but Brits can still expect warm weather for now. The Met Office said parts of the UK will see "showery rain" and it may even bring thunder towards the North. 6 6 6 It will be generally drier in the south, but "with the occasional showery outbreak". However the balmy temperatures remain, and it could even hit 29C. It comes after a weekend of sunny weather in the early 30Cs. Baking Brits made the most of the heatwave yesterday - as temperatures are set to plummet this week. Sunseekers flocked to beaches and parks to soak up the last of the rays, before cooler conditions and downpours creep in from today. Hundreds of people basked in the sizzling sunshine at Lyme Regis in Dorset. The seaside resort was packed with parasols and picnic blankets as daytrippers enjoyed the cloudless blue skies. In Hathersage in the Peak District, youngsters cooled off from the searing temperatures with a dip in an outdoor pool. 5-Day Forecast Monday: Bands of showery rain will move east today, turning thundery in places, particularly across Scotland and northern England. Generally drier in the south with the occasional showery outbreak. Feeling fresher for many, but very warm in eastern England. Tuesday: A band of rain will move east through the day, followed by heavy scattered showers. Windy for many, particularly across the south. Feeling fresh. Wednesday-Friday: Dry for many, although scattered showers are possible at times, mainly in the north. Increasingly warm through the week, particularly in the south, with muggy nights returning. While hot-and-bothered Brummies were seen splashing themselves with water from a fountain in Birmingham as they tried to beat the heat. The much-anticipated Wimbledon men's final also took place under sweltering conditions at SW19. Reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz and world no.1 Jannik Sinner battled through 29C temperatures in an epic Centre Court showdown, watched by 15,000 people. A further 25,000 tennis fans braved the heat to cheer them on in the grounds. But residents in Cannock, Staffs will be happy to see the back of the sun - after their road started melting. Locals complained that tar has been sticking to their tyres and shoes in Gorsemoor Road. Amber heat health alerts remained in place for much of the country on Sunday, with Brits warned to cover up, seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly. The third heatwave of the year also led to hosepipe bans being declared for millions of people across Yorkshire, Kent and Sussex. Those who ignore it could face a £1,000 penalty. 6 6 6
The Sun
11-07-2025
- The Sun
Is the Med too hot for you now? Our favourite sunny European holiday destinations with temperatures under 30C in summer
WHILE some sunseekers love basking in 30C and over heat, for some it is just too much. So, where should you head instead of the usual Costas? 6 The Sun's Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of top coolcations for this summer where you can find some beautiful alternatives to your favourite holiday destinations, but the temperature is under 30C. Swap Algarve for Costa Verde, Portugal If you love the Algarve in Portugal then the Costa Verde will be right up your street. It's at the northern end of the country where the climate is cooler and with a higher rainfall that makes the landscapes feel somewhat lush and tropical. You can take the whole family to the eight-person Casa do Alto which is carved into the mountainside and offers epic views of the tumbling landscape and sea in the distance. If you're not content enough lounging by the large swimming pool, a sandy beach sits a fifteen minute drive away while the boozy city of Porto is a short train ride from the villa. Seven nights' self-catering costs from £237.25pp, based on eight sharing and for arrival on August 29 with Flights from London to Porto cost from £52 return with Ryanair. Swap Cannes for The Alps, France The French Alps during summer time make for an excellent escape where you can burn off endless steam. Once the snow melts, the mountains are littered with cyclists and adrenaline-junkies hurling themselves off the cliff-edge on a paraglider or navigating down a canyon. The Irish cable car that's only one that crosses open sea in Europe with incredible views, stone walls & €10 tickets Better still, temperatures peak in the mid 20Cs in this region meaning you'll have more energy to get stuck in. Although if it does heat up, there's plenty of watersports at the nearby lake. The easiest way to book is through Responsible Travel which rolls your accommodation and activities into one - although flights cost extra. You can pick from camping accommodation, self-catered apartments, traditional B&Bs and hotels. A seven-night trip costs from £447pp. 6 Swap Spain's Madrid for the Netherlands The Netherlands offers a different kind of getaway to a beachside fly and flop in Spain – but it's no less fun, especially when you're staying at one of Eurocamp's top holiday parks: Marvilla Parks Kaatsheuvel. The weather tends to be mild in the region of North-Brabant during summer, but temperatures can hit 23C in August, so there'll still be opportunity to flop by the pool which has a play area for kids, along with some twisty slides. If you're up for adventure, the sand dunes of Loon National Park border the resort. But kids and teens will likely prefer a visit to Efteling, a fairytale-inspired theme park just a ten-minute drive away. Seven nights' self-catering is from £146.18pp, based on six sharing a Premium three bedroom holiday home and arriving on July 4. 6 Swap Budapest for Zemplen Mountains, Hungary It's not just France and Italy that boast glorious mountain regions, Hungary is home to the striking Zemplén Mountains, a rugged stretch of landscape that's part of the inner volcanic belt of the Carpathian Mountains. The area may have once been home to a lava-spilling volcano, but things are much cooler nowadays - around 21C in summer to be exact. With very little signal, travellers can take the opportunity to switch off from the outside world with a digital detox. There's ancient oaks to stroll among, boating on silent lakes, and cycle routes along quiet mountain trails. To ensure you're truly immersed in nature, check into the Kőkapu Vadászkastély és Hotel & Apartments, which is several kilometres from the nearest village. One night's room-only is from £65. See Wizz Air flies from Luton to Budapest from £25.09 each way with Wizz Air. 6 Swap the Costa del Sol for Costa Verde, Spain Things are heating up in southern Spain already, but the tranquil Costa Verde, on the northern coast, stays at around 25C in summer, which means you can still take advantage of those gorgeous sandy beaches. Eurocamp's Playa Joyel has direct access to the shores where holidaymakers can get stuck into paddleboarding, kayaking or even surfing. Don't worry if you're a novice, that's what the Ris Surf School is for. On site there's a family pool, children's pool and a jacuzzi as well as a free kids club for those aged five to 12 (during high season). Plus, there's tennis, football, badminton and boules, all available to guests. Refuel afterwards with some cracking local grub at the on site restaurant – you won't regret it. Seven nights' self-catering is from around £268pp, based on a family of four sharing a Comfort XL two bedroom holiday home, for arrival on August 20. See 6 Swap the Rhine for the Baltic Sea, Germany Not just sandy beaches await on Germany's northern coast. The region is flooded with charming historic towns, backed by lush trees and dotted with colourful houses. This includes Travemünde, a former fishing town turned port that attracts a number of wellness enthusiasts who come for yoga on the beach and natural swimming pools. Kids, on the other hand, will love Beach Bay Adventure Promenade, home to a water playground, adventure golf, climbing wall and sailing school. Check into the Landal Travemünde which has modern and airy apartments and bungalows overlooking the harbour. They come with kitchens, but if you don't fancy cooking, head to Ahoi by Steffen Henssler, up the road, which does a cracking fish and chips as well as a classic schnitzel and a currywurst. A seven-night break costs from £321.25pp with Nine cheap and free hacks to stay cool WITH temperatures soaring to 30C across parts of the UK this weekend, here are nine simple, budget-friendly tips to help you stay cool, reports The Sun's Summer Maerason. Keep blinds and curtains closed: Drawing your curtains, especially lighter-colored ones, from 9am to 9pm can significantly prevent sunlight from heating your home. Employ the tin foil hack: Placing tin foil on windows (inside or out) or car windscreens can reflect sunlight and stop heat absorption. Optimise ceiling fan direction: Ensure your ceiling fan blades rotate counter-clockwise to push cool air down and create a refreshing breeze. Use night-time ventilation: Open windows on opposite sides of your home in the evening to create a 'night-flush ventilation' cross-breeze, allowing cooler air in and trapped heat out. Create a DIY 'Ice Fan': Position a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan to generate a cool, misty breeze, especially effective in smaller rooms. Minimise heat-generating appliances: Avoid using ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines during peak heat. Opt for outdoor cooking, cold meals, or line-drying laundry. Hang damp sheets: Drape damp sheets or towels in front of open windows or a fan. As the water evaporates, it draws heat from the air, creating a cooling effect. Seal gaps and cracks: Block draughts around windows and doors with weather stripping, caulk, or even a rolled-up towel to keep hot air out and cool air in. Stay low: Hot air rises, so spend time on lower floors of your home. For a cooler night's sleep, consider placing your mattress directly on the floor. There are also seven top 'holiday destinations to watch' this year including little known Spanish city and quiet islands. Plus, pick your dream destination from our 2025 travel hot list. 6
BBC News
25-06-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Channel Island search and rescue issues summer warning
Channel Islands Air Search (CIAS) is urging people to take extra care on the coast as people experience the hot voluntary airborne search and rescue service, which operates in Channel Island waters, has taken to social media to warn to of the dangers the sea can hold for unsuspecting sunseekers. CIAS said it wanted to make sure everyone followed a few basic, but important tips - whether they were swimming, paddleboarding, boating or simply enjoying the views."It's essential to stay safe while soaking up the sun because we don't want your summer adventures to end in distress," said a spokesperson. The advice to swimmers included staying visible in the water by wearing bright swim caps or floats to be visible to potential were advised to check that their vessel was seaworthy and fully equipped before setting off across the waves, while telling someone your route beforehand would limit the potential search area should anyone get lost. Staying hydrated and avoiding overexposure to the sun, especially during physical activity, was another good way of ensuring a day out does not end in disaster. CIAS said it received callouts all year round at any time of day and responded to a record number last to incidents across 4,000 sq miles (6,437 sq km) of water, the team also revealed in its recent annual report that it had become twice as busy generally in one callout every 11.4 days, its missions ranged from locating missing people inland to overdue vessels at sea.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Photos show packed Southend seafront as mini-heatwave sweeps the UK
PHOTOS taken on Southend seafront yesterday show the thousands of sun-seekers making the most of the UK's mini-heatwave. Temperatures reached as high as 28C in Southend yesterday, with today's conditions set to be similarly sweltering. Packed - Sun-seekers filled Southend's beach yesterday (Image: Simon Murdoch) The seafront has been packed over the weekend, as south Essex residents and visitors from further afield flock to soak up the sun. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. Yesterday, rail operator c2c issued safety advice to passengers travelling amid the mini-heatwave, urging them to carry water and avoid boarding carriages if they felt unwell. Crowds - Residents and visitors alike are making the most of the sun (Image: Simon Murdoch) The high temperatures are expected to carry through to Monday before cooling as the week goes on. Read more Seafront traders brace for a bumper weekend as mini-heatwave hits Southend The five best south Essex restaurants to take your dad to this Father's Day Classic car enthusiasts praised after problem-free Southend seafront meet Busy - Seafront traders have welcomed the soaring temperatures (Image: Simon Murdoch) Business owners and seafront traders have welcomed the heat, which has seen visitor numbers skyrocket in recent days.
