Best affordable family resorts in Europe: from Crete to South Tyrol

For kids aged five to 11 – and their parents – this resort on the sun-warmed north-eastern corner of Corfu is a dreamland. A free 'Beach Life' programme on select weeks in July and August provide little ones with a rigorous activity schedule of craft sessions, water games and treasure hunts, while parents kick back and soak up the Ionian blues from curvaceous Avlaki beach. Come evening you can wander to a nearby taverna to feast on Greek classics like saganaki and spanakopita, then later when little ones are tucked in bed you and your other half can sip nightcaps on your bedroom terrace, barely more than a souvlaki's toss from the cerulean surf.

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Daily Mirror

7 hours ago

• Daily Mirror

Beautiful island less than 5 hours from UK boasts 13 hours of sunshine every day

We're walking in the sunshine in the footsteps of kings and queens, pashas and sultans in the ancient city of Amathus. One of the kings had a bloodline to Cleopatra and would have bathed in the stone baths heated by furnaces so he could choose a medium or very hot tub, or even a steam room before plunging into cold mountain water. After bathing, Royal Highnesses were massaged with expensive aromatic oils and sprayed with perfumes imported from the East. All of this pampering happened 3,000 years ago on coastal cliffs on the southern coast of Cyprus where unwashed sailors, farmers and merchants were not accepted into the perfumed inner city before bathing to become socially acceptable. Archaeologists have spent decades chiselling and digging to expose the ruins of royal palaces and temples for worshipping the gods of love and fertility, war and hunting. Amazingly, we touch these once-impressive structures built on hills with views of the Mediterranean Sea to spot Arab invaders. In the main square under a cloudless, blue sky, our guide Rose Marie vividly transports us into the past to imagine maritime traders arriving from the now sunken but still visible port. They were there to buy and sell, chat and argue under a covered shopping arcade that doubled up as a newsroom where stories were exchanged from Lebanon, Syria and mainland Greece. We take a 10-minute drive to Limassol to check in at Louis Hotels' Royal Apollonia where we indulge in a modern-day tribute to Apollo, God of sunlight, music and poetry. The property blends old-world charm with up-to-date amenities, including a swim-up bar in one of the three pools, three restaurants, and beach loungers attended by waiters. The hotel has replicated the rejuvenation treatments of the kings and queens with its own temple of wellbeing where soothing scents calm and a couples' massage relieves our tired muscles in the tranquillity of the spa. Feeling suitably relaxed, we enter the peaceful setting of Apollonia's Japanese fusion restaurant Akakiko for hot and sour tam tam soup with Thai-style prawns, pan-fried golden brown chicken and vegetable gyoza dumplings, followed by tempura duck. Looking for life outside of the hotel, we drive into the foothills to Restaurant Agios Epiktitos – named by the owner after his village in the north was captured by Turkish troops in 1974. We soon find Wednesdays are party nights and families are carrying presents and birthday balloons to long tables seating up to 30. Meze is the only choice and it comes in a mouth-watering rush of blood sausage, pork belly off the grill and in red wine, tahini, tzatziki, chicken souvlaki, couscous, halloumi, lamb, stifado, kleftiko, salad and chips. Our waiter says there's no choosing the amount of plates, estimating there are about 23 – even he doesn't seem to be sure. Then the real party begins. A keyboard player and singer with bouzouki (an oval-shaped instrument similar to a guitar) start belting out tunes for Greek line dancing. The place erupts in a lot of singing, whooping and tapping of feet. With appetites renewed from energetic dancing, there comes a delicious finale - deep-fried and crispy Bourekia pastry with sweet goat's cheese inside and the outside covered in icing sugar. A couple of nights later, we decide to go for a more sober and manageable affair in Apollonia's Alati Greek restaurant, which serves a six-course meze which we enjoy on the outside terrace in November's very pleasant 23C. For a Sunday drive, the lower Troodos mountains are calling just as a storm is brewing. We take in some spectacular countryside views for 16 miles until we arrive in Lofou village. The gods are with us, the clouds part, the rain stops and the sun shines. We enjoy a stroll around narrow cobbled streets before rolling thunder threatens another downpour. Our refuge is the community cafe with blue gingham tablecloths over old wooden tables on a covered veranda. I'm corrected when asking for a Greek coffee. Schoolboy error! A very proud and fortunately smiling lady insists her brew is 'Cyprus coffee' and is best served with village ladies' sweetly preserved walnuts, quince and citrus apple. An excellent recommendation and all for a few euros. Having a car is essential for the full Cyprus experience. At Limassol Salt Lake we tentatively follow others driving on to the salt flat called Lady's Mile, named after a horse called 'Lady' who belonged to a British colonial governor. It is a little adventure on the smoothly packed salt surface, and in the distance, there are hundreds of flamingos from Africa searching for shrimp. Our next journey is to Coral Bay. En route we take in another archaeological park, which echoes the once-thriving city kingdom of Kourion, with spectacular sea views from the magnificent Greco-Roman theatre still used for summertime musical and theatrical performances. In the Gladiator's House a beautifully restored mosaic depicts the valor and bravery of two fighting men wearing armoured helmets and facing each other with shields, clubs and swords – probably commemorating a famous battle to the death but there are no signs of who prevailed. Coral Bay's sweeping crescent-shaped 600 yards of soft sand, enclosed each end by limestone headlands, makes it easy to walk into the sea to swim safely in crystal water. Blood-red sunsets are spectacular. Locals run the publicly owned value-for-money beach cafes serving sandwiches and salads, Cypriot coffees (I get the order right this time) brewed with pride, cold beers and ice-creams. Two sunloungers and a parasol cost €7 a day. There are showers for €1 but I am caught out when the water supply turns off. With shampoo in my hair I have to go to the bar to get change for the slot. Not a pretty sight. Cali Resort & Spa, our accommodation near Paphos, is a short walk from the beach and the lively Coral Bay strip of bars, pubs and restaurants. Cali is an adults-only place, beautifully renovated, exuding serenity to rejuvenate mind and body around the large pool and spa. There's lavish buffets in Aria all-day dining for alfresco breakfast, lunch and dinner with show cooking stations where chefs use fresh Cypriot ingredients. Different cooking themes are provided each evening. In nearby Paphos old town, Koutourou restaurant is in a splendid building. It is full of old relics with a basket bike hanging from the beamed ceiling and very battered travelling cases. There are pedal-powered Singer sewing machines, old serving trays and hefty black typewriters. Demetris Nicolau, the owner and chef, along with two ladies, creates wonderful Mediterranean dishes for diners in three rooms where every marble-topped table is crammed. While walking through the narrow streets we can hear live Greek music which draws us to the Tavern Pagkratios where Lakis is playing the bouzouki and Michalis the guitar as they sing about love and world travel. The meze looks delicious. We return another night and have a great time. The orange-soaked cake for dessert is heavenly, so the gods are still with us.

Scottish Sun

13 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

I went to the Greek island that's the ‘birthplace of marathons' and ran the most beautiful 13 miles in the world

Around me are 4,500 sweaty other runners, all soaking up the beautiful course that is the TUI Rhodes half-marathon ON THE RHODES I went to the Greek island that's the 'birthplace of marathons' and ran the most beautiful 13 miles in the world Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) I'M 16 kilometres in and almost sorry I only have five more to go. On my right are the sparkling seas and ancient fortifications of Rhodes; on my left, craggy hills rise up into the blue sky. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The mountains of Halki island near Rhodes Credit: Getty 6 The TUI Rhodes half-marathon Credit: TUI / Christian Wyrwa 6 The majestic Acropolis Credit: Getty Around me are 4,500 sweaty other runners, all soaking up the beautiful course that is the TUI Rhodes half-marathon. I've run a lot of different places — along New York's Brooklyn Bridge, around France's Mont Saint-Michel, even in the moat at London's Tower of London — but this is easily one of the most beautiful. Starting in the middle of town, the two large 10km loops take the runners (some who will do it twice to complete a marathon) along the water's edge, past the town's old fortified walls, around the Rhodes Windmills, before throwing a hill or two in there to really get the heart pumping. I have always wanted to do a run in Greece — it's the birthplace of the marathon. And thanks to the stunning scenery, perfect climate and cheers of supportive locals, plus 700 volunteers who beam as they hand out gels and water along the way, I'm glad I've finally made it out here. At 20km in, I see the pro marathon runners on the other side of the course. And I realise that, thanks to the trail, these gazelles are likely to lap some of the slower half-marathon runners. I better pick up my pace. Soon, it's 500 metres to go, 400, 300 . . . suddenly, in the crowd, I spot my husband cheering me on and I give it one last push, thundering over the line in 1hr 55mins. I'm happy with the result, and even happier that, for the rest of the day, I have the Greek sun — and even more importantly, Greek food — to revive me. I'm here for the TUI Collection experiences, a package that allows you to get flights, sign up to run 5km, 10km, a half-marathon or even a marathon, and relax at an all-inclusive. The adult-only Greek hotel with laid-back DJs and hidden beach After all, as much as we all love a fly and flop, TUI have realised how hot running is currently. And they are happy to deliver packages to help you head to some of the most picturesque destinations for your next race. TUI are supporting more and more sports events, including a run (marathon, half, 10km and 5km) in Palma on October 19. Swim-up suites Tired out from my exertions, I spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool at the stunning, adults-only Imperial Atlantica resort, beside the shimmering Mediterranean and Kolymbia's Blue Flag beach. While the shoulder season means the sun disappears behind some clouds every so often, it's still warm enough to sunbathe — and is quieter and cheaper than the summer months. The facilities are that little bit quieter, too, meaning I get an easy slot in the hotel's sauna to help my muscles recover, and score a great spot by the pool. 6 Runners pass the Rhodes Windmills Credit: TUI / Christian Wyrwa 6 The adults only Atlantica Imperial Resort Credit: Supplied Even in entry level rooms, you're treated to Nespresso coffee machines, bathrobes and slippers. And for extra luxury, you can plump for one of the swim-up suites that lead straight out onto the many pools winding their way through the resort. But if you get tired of relaxing, I would heartily recommend getting out of the hotel and exploring the local area. The Old Town in Rhodes is filled with fantastic shops and restaurants — and we fill up post-marathon with mouth-watering dolmades, tzatziki, stews and a final delectable bite of baklava. Meanwhile, you can sign up to olive oil or wine tasting courses, explore Lindos Acropolis and hike up the mountains that dot around the island. Our own trip is over too quickly, and we sit by our personal pool until the very last moment when the taxi arrives to drive us half an hour to the airport. But there's no chance I'll be forgetting this holiday. After all, unlike other trips, I have a physical medal as my souvenir. And we do all deserve a little reward now and then. GO: RHODES GETTING / STAYING THERE: Seven nights' all-inclusive at the 5H Atlantica Imperial Resort is from £1,029pp including flights from Gatwick in September, 23kg hold luggage and transfers. See MORE INFO: Sign up to run in the 10k, half-marathon or full marathon in Palma, Majorca, on October 19. See

Wales Online

a day ago

• Wales Online

Ryanair plane crashes into barrier leaving passengers terrified

Ryanair plane crashes into barrier leaving passengers terrified A Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Kalamata in Greece suffered 'severe turbulence' during the journey - and when it landed, the wing of the aircraft crashed into a fence A Boeing 737-8AS for Ryanair (Image: Getty ) Passengers on a Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Kalamata were left rattled after their aircraft collided with a barrier at the Greek airport. The Boeing 737 encountered "severe turbulence" during its journey to the Peloponnese city on Wednesday. Despite a successful landing, passengers were startled by a "loud banging sound" as the plane hit a fence. ‌ Photos circulating online reveal significant damage to the aircraft's wing. A passenger remarked that they had been forewarned of a potential "a bumpy landing" but tension escalated when they were told to stay seated for the arrival of the fire brigade, amid fears of a fire hazard. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here ‌ A source informed The Sun: "The flight took off from London Stansted on Wednesday morning and headed for Kalamata. There was severe turbulence during the flight, but it managed to land on the runway at Kalamata International. "The crew said it was going to be a bumpy landing," according to the Irish Mirror, reports Belfast Live. Article continues below The passenger continued: "But while it was taxiing down the runway towards the red and white barrier at the end, the plane turned and everyone heard this loud banging sound. You could feel the impact." After the wing was damaged, the crew directed passengers to remain seated and await instructions. The situation became more tense for those onboard when it was announced that the fire brigade had been called, the insider added. Passengers voiced their concerns, stating: "There was an announcement that everyone had to wait on the plane for the fire brigade. With the wing damaged the way it was, why wouldn't you evacuate the plane first? Everyone was scared - it was the fact they said wait on the plane even though there was clearly a risk of fire." Article continues below Ryanair responded with a statement to The Mirror, saying: "This flight from London Stansted to Kalamata (18 June) was taxiing to stand when the wing tip came in contact with a fence at Kalamata Airport. The aircraft subsequently continued to stand, and passengers disembarked normally. The aircraft then underwent the required inspections and maintenance prior to its return to service."