At the top of Santorini’s steep cliffs lies a world-renowned tourist destination in the Aegean Sea. But beneath it lurks the risk of a devastating volcanic eruption, reports the BBC.

A few thousand years ago, the island experienced one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in history. It shaped today’s caldera – a vast crater surrounded by a chain of horseshoe-shaped islands. Today, experts are issuing serious warnings: the next eruption could be equally destructive, according to Politika.

BBC News journalists spent a day aboard the British royal research vessel Discovery, which is searching for answers.

“Submarine volcanic eruptions can be massive and extremely destructive,” warns Professor Isobel Yeo from the UK’s National Oceanography Centre, who leads the international scientific team on the Discovery. That very ship is now mapping the dangers lurking beneath the surface of Santorini.

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The concern is not theoretical. Just a few weeks earlier, nearly half of Santorini’s 11,000 residents fled the island in fear, after a series of earthquakes paralyzed daily life. It was an alarming signal that beneath the fairytale villages, gyros restaurants, pools, and vineyards on the fertile volcanic soil, two tectonic plates are colliding, writes the BBC.

Scientists are now using underwater robots, sophisticated maps, and even listening to the “sounds” of the Earth – microfractures in rocks that indicate the movement of fluids through the subsurface.

“We know more about the surface of some planets than about this seafloor,” says Yeo, adding that their goal is to gather data that would allow for timely warnings and protection of people.

Megaeruption on the Horizon

Santorini’s volcano is not the only threat. Not far away lies another submarine volcano, Kolumbo, which is also active. Scientists do not believe an eruption is imminent, but they warn that it is only “a matter of time.”

Professor Paraskevi Nomiku, a member of Greece’s Civil Protection Agency, explains that the project is crucial for the safety of local residents. “The research will designate zones that will be off-limits during an eruption and identify which parts of the seabed are the most dangerous,” she says.

The impact of volcanic activity on the economy is already being felt. Many tourists have canceled their summer reservations, and local businesses are suffering.

The study included over 50 countries, and Albania appeared twice in the top five.

While popular destinations like Ibiza and Barcelona continue to attract large crowds, new research by Wizz Air highlights the contrast between overcrowded European tourist hotspots and lesser-known gems that offer pure beach enjoyment without the masses. By analyzing over 50 European countries and calculating the average number of daily visitors and how much towel space each person typically gets, the study ranked beaches across the continent based on how crowded or peaceful they are.

"From a secluded, untouched bay in Croatia to a hidden sandy stretch in Albania, there are plenty of lesser-known seaside spots where you can relax far from the busy crowds," says András Rado, Head of Communications, as reported by the Daily Mail.

At the top of the list is Durrës, whose beach is the least crowded among all those surveyed, despite being one of the most popular in Albania. Wizz Air’s calculations reveal that each visitor has plenty of space—just under 65 beach towels per person—making it an ideal spot for families and those who enjoy peaceful relaxation.

In second place is Camber Sands in East Sussex, England, known for its wide sandy beach stretching along the English Channel, where each person has enough room for up to 61 beach towels. Third is Zlatni Rat beach in Bol on the island of Brač, famous for its horn-shaped stretch of golden pebbles extending into the turquoise Adriatic Sea, offering room for 54.1 towels per person. Interestingly, Albania appears again in fourth place, this time with the stunning pebbled beach of Borsh in the south, surrounded by green hills and olive groves, with enough space for 43 towels per person.

The top five is rounded out by France’s Plage de Pampelonne, which—despite its fame and the nearby buzz of Saint-Tropez—offers enough space for just under 34 beach towels per person and is perfect for those seeking a mix of luxury and fun without the crowd.

On the other end of the list, the most crowded beach in Europe turned out to be Playa Sa Caleta in Ibiza, where you get room for only half a beach towel. Spain, in fact, took 8 out of the top 10 spots—see the full lists below.

Top 10 Least Crowded Beaches in Europe

1. Durrës Beach, Albania

2. Camber Sands, England

3. Zlatni Rat Beach, Croatia

4. Borsh Beach, Albania

5. Plage de Pampelonne, France

6. Brighton Beach, England

7. Praia da Falesia, Portugal

8. Mogren Beach, Montenegro

9. Nissi Beach, Cyprus

10. Playa d’en Bossa, Spain

Top 10 Most Crowded Beaches in Europe

1. Playa Sa Caleta, Spain

2. Cala Macarella, Spain

3. Barceloneta Beach, Spain

4. Mellieha Bay, Malta

5. Cala Goloritzé, Italy

6. Isla Canela, Spain

7. Playa del Duque, Spain

8. Playa de Maro, Spain

9. Puerto de la Cruz, Spain

10. Sant Sebastia Beach, Spain

Luggage storage company Radical Storage conducted a study on which popular global destinations most disappointed tourists – and Cancun, Mexico topped the list.

Instagram, picturesque travel guides, and cinematic portrayals often awaken a desire in travelers to visit certain places. However, sometimes these popular destinations can lead to major disappointment.

One such example is the so-called "Paris syndrome" – a real psychological condition that affects some tourists upon their first encounter with Paris. Their expectations of the French capital are so romanticized that they feel deep disappointment when faced with reality.

However, this phenomenon is not limited to Paris. Experts from Radical Storage found that numerous tourists around the world were dissatisfied with their travel experiences.

An analysis of 97,409 Google reviews of the 100 most visited cities in the world revealed which destinations tourists rated as the most disappointing:

1. Cancun, Mexico

In first place is Cancun, with as many as 14.2 percent negative reviews. Although it is considered home to some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches and a destination specially designed for tourists, Cancun disappointed for several reasons.
Tourists most often complain about high prices, aggressive vendors, and a lack of authenticity. Many leave with the impression that they didn’t get value for the money they spent.

2. Antalya, Turkey

In second place is Antalya. Visitors cited excessive commercialization, overcrowded beaches, and poor customer service as the main reasons for dissatisfaction. Many left the city feeling exhausted rather than refreshed.

3. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Third place goes to Punta Cana. Although known for its "all-inclusive" resorts, many travelers described the experience as generic, expensive, and monotonous. Complaints included poor infrastructure outside the resorts, a lack of cultural attractions, and pushy street vendors.

4. Beijing, China

In China’s capital, tourists were most frequently troubled by pollution, crowds at landmarks like the Great Wall, language barriers, and bureaucratic obstacles when entering the country. The sense of control and surveillance further contributed to negative impressions.

5. Orlando, USA

Although Orlando is often referred to as the theme park capital, tourists were often disappointed. Long lines, high prices, extreme heat, limited attractions outside the parks, and heavy traffic disrupted the overall experience.

The rest of the list includes the following cities:

Mumbai, India

Honolulu, Hawaii

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Kyoto, Japan

Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

The island offers a wealth of cultural tourism, where every corner hides layers of history, from the oldest megalithic temples to heroic battles during the Middle Ages and World War II.

Malta, a small island located in the heart of the Mediterranean, has always been a crossroads of civilizations, blending past and present in a unique way.

With its strategic position near the coasts of Italy and North Africa, Malta has always been a desirable place for living, trade, and powerful empires.

Today, the island offers a wealth of cultural tourism, where every corner hides layers of history, from the oldest megalithic temples to heroic battles during the Middle Ages and World War II. Malta is a paradise for history and culture enthusiasts.

Megalithic Temples: Traces of the Oldest Civilizations

The first thing to mention when exploring Malta are its megalithic temples, which are not only a key part of Maltese cultural heritage but also among the oldest structures in the world. These impressive temples date back more than 5,000 years, making them older than the pyramids in Egypt and Stonehenge in England.

The most famous megalithic temples are located on Malta and the nearby island of Gozo. The Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples on Malta are considered the pinnacle of megalithic construction. Ħaġar Qim is situated on a cliff overlooking the sea, and its exceptional position adds a mystical touch to the site.

These temples were dedicated to unknown deities, and archaeologists believe they were used for rituals related to fertility and astronomy.

On the nearby island of Gozo, the Ġgantija Temple also holds a significant place in world history. This complex, built around 3600 BC, is among the oldest architectural structures in the world, and many consider it a true wonder of the ancient world due to the massive stone blocks weighing several tons.

The Middle Ages and the Knights of Malta: Guardians of the Mediterranean

In the Middle Ages, Malta became home to one of the most famous and influential military orders – the Knights of Malta. Officially known as the Knights of St. John, they arrived on the island in 1530 and soon began transforming Malta into a fortress in the heart of the Mediterranean.

During the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, the knights played a key role in defending the island from an Ottoman invasion, becoming symbols of resistance and bravery for the small Mediterranean island.

The greatest legacy left by the Knights of Malta is the city of Valletta, Malta’s capital, which became their political and military center. Valletta is a true gem of Baroque architecture, with St. John's Co-Cathedral and the Grandmaster's Palace testifying to the wealth and power of this military order.

Walk the city streets, explore the fortresses, palaces, and museums, and immerse yourself in Maltese history through stories of knighthood, bravery, and the struggle for dominance in the Mediterranean.

World War II: Malta’s Resilience and Heroic Spirit

Malta was not only a center of power in the Middle Ages but also played a crucial role during World War II. Due to its strategic location, Malta became a key target for Axis forces.

The island was subject to constant attacks, but the local population offered strong resistance.

The so-called “Great Siege of Malta” during World War II left a deep mark on Maltese history. Valletta, along with other parts of the island, suffered heavy bombings.

Bunkers and underground tunnels used to protect the population during air raids are now open to tourists. These historical sites allow visitors to experience the atmosphere of those difficult times.

One of the most important historical monuments from that period is the Headquarters of the Maltese Defense Committee, from which operations such as Operation Husky were led—key to the Allied invasion of Sicily, which reclaimed this strategic part of Europe from Axis forces.

Visiting this headquarters and its underground chambers offers an incredible insight into military strategy and the courage that enabled Malta to endure during its darkest times.

A Place of Accessible Luxury

Although Malta is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, the island offers much more. After exploring ancient temples, medieval fortresses, and war memorials, it's time to relax and enjoy everything Malta has to offer in a modern context—gastronomy, luxury tourism, and unforgettable vacations.

Malta is home to excellent cuisine that blends traditional Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist. On the island, you can enjoy top-quality meals featuring fresh seafood, olive oil, rabbit, local cheeses, and herbs.

Michelin-starred restaurants and local bistros offer dishes that are a real treat for all the senses. Don’t miss trying specialties like roasted rabbit and traditional Maltese pastizzi (puff pastries filled with cheese, peas, and Mediterranean spices).

For lovers of luxury tourism, Malta is a true paradise. The island offers luxury hotels, beautiful seaside villas, and exclusive spa centers.

What’s even more interesting is that many of these luxury facilities are more affordable compared to other Mediterranean destinations. Whether relaxing on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea or enjoying a private yacht, Malta’s luxury offerings are remarkable.

For those seeking fine dining, Malta offers a wide range of options with top-tier service and perfect ambiance. You can unwind in a Michelin-starred restaurant or enjoy the intimate setting of local family-owned restaurants serving specialties with locally produced wines, renowned for their premium quality and character.

The Perfect Blend of Past and Present

Malta is a unique destination that offers the perfect blend of past eras and modern luxury. From historical temples and medieval fortresses to culinary delights and luxury tourism, this island can satisfy all types of travelers.

Layers of history at every turn intertwine with modern amenities, creating an unforgettable experience. Malta is not just a place to explore the past but also a destination that invites you to relax, enjoy, and experience luxury at its finest, as reported by kulturizam.com.

When you think of remote tropical islands surrounded by turquoise seas and luxury hotels, the Maldives are probably the first place that comes to mind.

The Maldives are well known for being less accessible than the usual Caribbean destinations and are for many a synonym for the perfect sunny getaway.

People save for years just to spend one week on its paradise beaches.

But there is an exotic alternative to the Maldives that is more affordable, and although relatively unknown, has been quickly gaining popularity in recent years.

Last year, the lesser-known island nation of Cape Verde, located off the coast of West Africa, broke tourism records by welcoming over 1.2 million visitors.

Although that number may not sound spectacular, this country, like the Maldives, has only about 522,000 inhabitants.

For those unfamiliar with the country – Cape Verde consists of 10 main islands, a scattered archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean.

The official language is Portuguese due to its colonial past, and the culture is a blend of Southern European, West African, and even Brazilian influences.

An Island Paradise to Explore

According to Traveloffpath, comparisons to the Maldives mainly come because of the island of Sal (which means "salt" in Portuguese) – a true gem surrounded by unbelievably turquoise waters, with miles of soft white sand like powdered sugar.

Sal is primarily a resort destination, with hotels along the coast and numerous beaches.

If you stay in the main town of Santa Maria, which is actually a laid-back village full of seafood restaurants, prices range from about $40 for an apartment to $200 for an all-inclusive resort.

The average hotel price is around $133, whereas in the Maldives it is significantly higher – about $234.

Food is also affordable: the traditional dish cachupa (a thick stew of corn, beans, vegetables, and meat) in a local tavern costs around 550 Cape Verdean escudos, or approximately $5.51. Beer is even cheaper – between $3 and $3.76.

True, you won’t find those famous overwater villas connected by wooden walkways, but if you’re looking for sun and relaxation – not perfect Instagram shots – you won’t miss a thing here.

Cape Verde More Diverse than the Maldives

In addition, Cape Verde offers much more diversity than the Maldives.

The Maldives may have more islands, but they are all quite similar: beaches, coral reefs, crystal-clear water.

On Cape Verde, beaches are not the only attraction.

For desert landscapes and even more secluded sandy beaches, there is Boa Vista – the island that most appeals to lovers of peace and wellness tourism, with just a few guesthouses.

On Santo Antão, the landscape changes dramatically. The desert scenes give way to green mountains full of hiking trails leading to small, centuries-old villages frozen in time.

Volcanic Landscapes and Colonial Architecture

Brava, on the other hand, combines both worlds. Untouched coves, rugged coastline, hills covered in flowers. It’s not called the "Island of Flowers" for nothing.

Fogo (which means "fire") boasts surreal volcanic landscapes – including the still active Pico do Fogo peak, hills with coffee plantations from the colonial era, and black sand beaches (São Filipe beach is particularly picturesque).

For those interested in culture, the capital city Praia, on the island of Santiago, offers a beautifully preserved colonial old town – Cidade Velha. It’s like a small Lisbon, but without the crowds. The local cuisine is fantastic – reports Forbes.

If you're planning a trip to Venice and want to experience a gondola ride without spending a fortune, there's a great option that lets you enjoy it for less than two euros.

Venice is a city that instantly transports you to another time. With its cobbled streets, bridges connecting small squares, and canals replacing roads throughout the city, this magical lagoon breathes differently.

And when Venice is mentioned, the first thing many people think of is gondolas. Those elegant black boats with a striped-shirt rower have always been a symbol of romantic travel—but also a serious blow to the budget for anyone wanting the experience. In fact, a private gondola ride often costs more than 80 euros for just half an hour, according to Punkufer.hr.

How to Ride a Gondola for a Symbolic Price

But if you've ever scrolled through reels and stories from travelers and influencers on social media, you may have noticed more and more of them discovering a little Venetian trick. Instead of a typical tourist ride, they opt for an alternative that offers a similar experience – but for under two euros!

We're talking about the so-called “public” gondolas that Venetians use daily to cross from one side of the Grand Canal to the other. This affordable water taxi is called a Traghetto, and it's just what you need if you want a short but authentic gondola ride – without luxury, and without crazy prices.

No Serenades, but…

The Traghetto is a larger and simpler version of the classic gondola, without decorations, cushions, or serenades, but still elegant, stable, and guided by the skilled hand of a gondolier. Instead of a panoramic city tour, this ride lasts just a few minutes – just enough to feel what it’s like to see Venice from the water’s surface. The best part is its spontaneity – you stand by the canal edge, wait for the gondola, hop on, pay a symbolic two euros, and before you can say *che bella Venezia*, you're already on the other side.

What’s important to know is that the Traghetto operates between seven points along the Grand Canal, so you can hop on near the train station, by the famous Rialto market, or even close to St. Mark’s Square. Some “stations” are particularly popular among tourists, such as the one at Santa Maria del Giglio Square, offering a beautiful view toward the Salute Church. During religious holidays like the Madonna della Salute celebration, a temporary floating bridge is even set up here, allowing thousands to cross the canal – adding an extra layer of charm.

The Traghetto operates every day – from early morning to evening, with a slightly reduced schedule during holidays, and no service on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Payment is made in cash, directly to the rower, on the spot. No reservations, no long waits – everything is relaxed, simple, and just the way Venice should be – unhurried, quiet, with a touch of charm and old-world order.

In the end, if you want to say you've ridden a gondola without risking a lot of money, the Traghetto is the perfect choice. Though brief, this ride carries the special magic that only Venice can offer – a city that doesn’t need much to enchant you.

It sounds perfect: sipping coconut water on the beach while lying on white sand and enjoying the sweet boredom, as the African sun peeks through the palm trees and your view stretches over a vast turquoise sea. Well, if that’s how you imagine your future vacation, my sincere advice is: don’t do it in Zanzibar.

Zanzibar was at one point a hot destination for those looking to escape winter with a trip to an exotic location. Judging by the idyllic photos flooding social media, it was easy to see why. However, some important details are often left out—ones that can significantly affect the quality of your holiday—especially if you envision it as a series of slow days filled with relaxation, sunbathing on a perfect beach, and swimming in a perfect sea, writes Nova portal.

That wasn’t quite the type of holiday I was on—my trip began as an adventure in Kenya. But I did spend a few days in a village in Zanzibar, staying at a beachside resort popular with tourists. It seemed ideal for relaxation, with a large pool surrounded by canopies in the center, coconut palms, wooden lounge chairs, and swings on the beach. Especially since, during the off-season, it was almost empty—only a few bungalows were occupied.

All excited, I rushed straight to the beach and was puzzled by the number of people lounging in the pool. But soon enough, I was hit by the harsh reality of vacationing in Africa—there was no sea. I had arrived during low tide, when the waves are barely visible hundreds of meters away, leaving endless white sand strewn with seaweed and little shells.

Beaches and Swimming in Zanzibar

In the following days, it turned out that the movement of the ocean is quite problematic if you’re planning to swim—the tides shift every 6 hours, and the cycle moves forward by an hour each day (the math can be tricky, but there’s a website that tracks it).

This means you can’t swim for a large portion of the day. And even when you can, it’s a gamble as to what the water will be like—sometimes the tide brings in a lot of dirt, and the water is so warm it’s unpleasant; sometimes the waves are so strong that even experienced swimmers struggle in the shallows, and the wind is so fierce that you run to get dressed the moment you’re out of the water…

We did spend one day at the famous Kendwa Beach, which is said to be the only one in Zanzibar where the tides aren't extreme. But it definitely wasn’t my vibe, and frankly, I don’t see why anyone would choose it over somewhere more affordable like Turkey—it’s manicured to the last millimeter, hotel after hotel, limited swimming areas, tons of boats and jet skis, and sunburnt tourists melting under umbrellas at a “safe distance” from the locals.

Zanzibar: African Sun

Even sunbathing isn’t relaxing—“the African Sun” is so intense that even with SPF 50, it takes just 10 minutes to get seriously burned. That’s why many people wear long sleeves and wrap themselves in scarves, even on the beach.

So, what was supposed to be an idyllic holiday quickly turns into lying in deep shade by the pool, because it’s too hot to do anything else. You’re layering sunscreen over sunburns from the day before, trying not to let a single bit of skin touch the sun, barely breathing from the humidity, and the sea rarely provides any real refreshment. Every attempt to swim required planning and preparation—from checking if there’s “enough water” to slipping into a never-dried shirt. No, Zanzibar is definitely not for a “classic beach vacation.”

But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting—it’s fantastic for adventure, especially for those encountering “real Africa” for the first time. Zanzibar has so much to see, experience, and try.

On this trip, I swam in a cave with sea turtles for the first time. I uncovered the secrets of Stone Town, once home to the largest slave market, but more interesting to me because it’s where Freddie Mercury was born… I took photos of giant starfish—I had no idea they came in so many colors; they look like carved wooden decorations, and if you hold one long enough, you feel it move. I also visited the famous The Rock, a tiny restaurant perched on a rock in the middle of the sea (during high tide, of course—at low tide, it’s not nearly as impressive), and had a blast visiting a spice farm…

As for the beach, the most beautiful moment was a windy day when the whole village seemed to pour onto the shore, and I got to meet the locals in their most relaxed state.

So yes, I recommend Zanzibar if you’re looking for a vacation rich in new experiences. In that case, go ahead and book every excursion your agency offers. But if you’re looking for quality swimming and sunbathing—better choose somewhere closer.

Romantic, historic, and enchantingly beautiful – Prague is a city that combines medieval charm with a modern spirit. With its golden rooftops, fairy-tale streets, vibrant cultural scene, and some of Europe’s finest beer, the Czech capital is a destination you won’t forget. Whether you're strolling across Charles Bridge, exploring Prague Castle, or enjoying traditional dishes in an old “hospoda,” Prague promises an unforgettable experience.

A Brief History of Prague

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is one of the most beautiful and oldest cities in Europe. Its history dates back to the Celtic and Roman eras, but the real development of the city began in the 9th century with the founding of Prague Castle. During the Middle Ages, Prague became an important trade and cultural center of Central Europe.
In the 14th century, under the reign of Charles IV, the city experienced its golden age – Charles University (the oldest in Central Europe) was founded, Charles Bridge and St. Vitus Cathedral were built, and Prague became the capital of the Holy Roman Empire.

The city survived many historical upheavals – from the Hussite Wars and Habsburg rule to Nazi occupation, Communist regime, and the Velvet Revolution of 1989. Today, Prague is a modern, open, and charming city that preserves the spirit of its past.

Why Visit Prague?

Prague is a city that looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale – with numerous churches, castles, cobblestone streets, romantic bridges, and magnificent facades. At the same time, the city offers modern art, a vibrant nightlife, countless museums and galleries, as well as fantastic viewpoints.
It is very affordable and easy to explore on foot or by public transportation. Whether you love history, art, beer, or just romantic walks – Prague has something for you.

Prague's Culinary Scene

Czech cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and full of tradition. In Prague, you can try specialties such as:

• Svíčková – beef in creamy sauce with dumplings and cranberries,

• Vepřo knedlo zelo – roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut,

• Czech-style goulash – often served with onions and bread,

• Trdelník – sweet pastry on a spit, filled with chocolate, ice cream, or fruit,

• And of course, Czech beer – considered one of the best in the world.

In addition to traditional restaurants (called “hospoda”), the city also offers a large number of modern bistros, vegan places, and international cuisines.

Top Attractions in Prague

1. Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) – one of the largest castles in the world, with a view of the entire city.

2. Charles Bridge (Karlův most) – a 14th-century stone bridge decorated with Baroque statues.

3. Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) – featuring the famous astronomical clock (Orloj) with moving figures on the hour.

4. St. Vitus Cathedral – a Gothic masterpiece within the castle complex.

5. Malá Strana – a picturesque district full of Baroque buildings, embassies, and hidden gardens.

6. Petřín Lookout Tower – a mini Eiffel Tower with a stunning view of Prague.

7. Žižkov Television Tower – with unusual sculptures of babies climbing up the tower.

8. Dancing House – a modern architectural wonder in the city center.

Unique Features of Prague

• Prague is known as the “City of a Hundred Spires”, with over 500 churches, towers, and viewpoints.

• The city is one of the few not destroyed during World War II, so its old town remains authentically preserved.

• Czech beer is so important to the culture that it's often cheaper than water!

• Prague is home to the oldest functioning astronomical clock in the world, built in 1410.

• The city has a deep poetic spirit, associated with writers like Franz Kafka and Milan Kundera.