The world’s 50 best beaches have been ranked and while the Maldives do feature, they’ve been beaten by a lesser-known European hotspot often compared to the islands

The Maldives may be famed for their pristine sands and crystal-clear waters, but it turns out a European dupe could be cheaper for Brits to visit – and offer a beach that’s just as beautiful, if not more.

The world’s 50 best beaches have been named for 2026, and unsurprisingly, the Maldives made the cut. However what is surprising is that they’ve been outranked by a beach in an underrated hotspot that’s been dubbed ‘Europe’s answer to the Maldives’.

Ksamil, Albania, has taken the 19th spot in the rankings from Big 7 Travel study. The team behind the research explained: “This tropical-looking beach on the Albanian Riviera is accessible in around four hours from the nation’s capital, Tirana, or, more popular for international visitors, via a short ferry ride from nearby Corfu, Greece. Turquoise waters lap up against soft white sands, while beach huts and bars give Ksamil a truly Caribbean feel.”

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In recent years, Albania has become an emerging hotspot for Brits who are drawn to the images of sun-soaked beaches, lush green backdrops, and promises of over 300 days of sunshine. Ksamil specifically has seen an increase of tourists after images of its white sand beach circulated on social media.

Thomas Cook recently recorded a 293% year-on-year increase in holiday bookings to Albania. However, travel agents have cautioned holidaymakers to be realistic with their expectations.

“Albania was supposed to be the 2026 or 2027 destination of the year, but I think it’s going to take another couple of years for it to really take off,” travel agent Amanda Mollentze, from Triangle Travel, told us. “It is beautiful. One of our staff members went there on a family trip and absolutely loved it. I think it’s an up-and-coming destination”.

She believes that Albania is still “the unknown” when it comes to what package holidays could look like, and that “it is going to take a little bit of time for people to be confident about going there”, as “it’s never really opened its doors to tourists until now”.

That’s not to say you should avoid Albania; travel agents instead caution you should be realistic about the holidays currently on offer.

Ashley Quint from TravelTime World said that Albania is a destination “where everybody talks about it” but “it’s just not practical” for those who want a traditional ‘fly and flop’ holiday. Ashley explained: “As it is at the moment, when you can only fly into Tirana and all of the places you want to visit – most people want to stay in the South – is a long transfer, it’s just not practical at the moment.

“Once we’ve got [Vlorë airport] up and running, once they have done a little bit more development on the towns and resorts there, it will be there. I’m going to guess it’s going to be on the same sort of level as somewhere like Bulgaria.”

Still, there’s no denying that those stretches of pristine sands are inviting, and do rival the likes of the Maldives. Ksamil may have come in at 19th, but it beat out the only beach to feature from the actual Maldives in the top 50 rankings; Dhigura Beach came in at 22nd place, just a few spots behind.

“Stretching along one of the Maldives’ longest islands, this picture-perfect beach is made up of snow-white sands and crystal-clear waters, forming warm lagoons just offshore,” the team explained. “Swim slightly further offshore, and you’re presented with one of the best opportunities anywhere on Earth to swim with two of the ocean’s gentle giants: whale sharks and manta rays.”

But a bid close to their valuation would surely put that stance to the test and force Chelsea to consider whether to maintain their hard line instead of cashing in. A buying club would have to agree fresh terms with Chelsea, after the pre-deadline terms were taken off the table, and it could cost them even more than £120m, given that Chelsea would then be scrabbling around for a replacement before the window closes.

EastEnders spoilers for next week confirm that Denise Fox’s cancer treatment is not working, but there could be hope, while Kat Slater sparks concern in a mystery new plot

There’s some sad scenes ahead on EastEnders for more than one Walford character.

One storyline is a bit of a mystery though, and it seems weirdly significant. Now rumours has it, there’s tragedy in store for one Walford family.

But it’s a bit too early for Kat Slater to be mourning just yet, so why is she so upset next week? Spoilers tease she’s hiding some emotions, only for them to be spotted by Alfie Moon.

The spoiler suggests that Kat’s husband Alfie grows concerned when he sees footage from their sons Bert and Ernie’s school project, and he can see Kat upset. Whether she’s upset in the footage or while watching the footage isn’t clear.

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But something is troubling her, and clearly she’s told no one about it. So will Alfie check in on Kat, and what is troubling her? Alfie tries to lift his wife’s spirits, with a secret plan.

It seems Alfie confides in some of the family about Kat and his concern. They wonder why he hasn’t addressed the footage with Kat, and what he’s seen.

Maybe they’re keen for him to reach out and get to the bottom of it. But for some reason, Alfie ignores it and instead pushes forward with his plan to cheer Kat up.

It seems it works, as Kat is left moved. But will she tell Alfie what is going on, and what is Kat hiding? It comes amid rumours that Kat’s daughter Zoe Slater will be killed off.

Elsewhere next week, Denise’s family continue their efforts to find her a stem cell donor amid her cancer battle. As Denise’s condition worsens, she’s put into a medically induced coma.

A missed lead from an ancestry website offers hope, when Kim learns Denise has a half-brother, Darnell. Darnell agrees to meet Kim, but news of Denise’s illness leaves him reeling and he makes a hasty exit.

As Denise’s condition improves, she’s brought out of her coma but her treatment isn’t working. Jack is determined to find Darnell. Penny accepts support as she and Vinny prepare for the baby’s arrival. When Harry gets involved, Penny feels guilty.

Priya and Jean attempt to obtain DNA samples from both Ravi and Max for a paternity test. When Denzel rejects Amy, she’s devastated. Amy bumps into Craig and they agree to meet.

Eve and Suki are devastated to learn that Ria’s mother could potentially be looking to seek custody. When Ria is injured at Alfie’s party, Suki fears it will impact the potential custody case and threatens legal action against Kat.

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

North Yorkshire Police says its officers were called after a ‘disturbance’ on the street in Colliergate in York at 2pm today (August 17).

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Eyewitnesses reported seeing four police vans and an ambulance at the scene, with one additional van parked down Fossgate – with police confirming that the two incidents were linked.

“The victim, a woman in her 40s, was taken to hospital for treatment,” said a spokesperson for the force.

The suspects, a man, 42, and two women, aged 49 and 57 remain in police custody at the time of writing.

The force added that anyone who witnessed the incident and has not already spoken to the police should get in touch through the police website, live chat, or by calling 101.

Please quote reference 12260160266 when passing on information.

He will face magistrates over the allegations that he tried to ensure prohibited drugs and phones entered Risley prison.

Amir Kamchah, aged 50 and of Park Lane West in Swinton, has been charged with four counts of attempt to convey a prohibited article into a prison, namely HM Prison Risley.

All of the charges are alleged to have been committed in Warrington on May 31, 2024.

The defendant is alleged to have conveyed three ‘list A’ items into the category C prison on Warrington Road.

According to the particulars of the charges, these items are the class B drugs ketamine and cannabis and the opioid methadone.

The fourth item is said to be ‘list B’ in the form of two mobile phones.

Kamchah is due to make a first appearance in connection with the allegations before Warrington Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Tuesday.

A spray of perfume on the neck is a familiar final step before leaving the house. But a viral Instagram post by a cancer specialist has singled out the neck as an area “worth thinking about” because it lies close to the thyroid gland.

The caption says there is no evidence that spraying perfume on the neck damages the thyroid. Yet its references to hormone disruption and lifelong chemical exposure through thin skin may suggest a possible link with thyroid disease or cancer. Could a quick spritz really pose a special risk?

Current evidence does not show that applying perfume over the thyroid selectively delivers fragrance chemicals to the gland or exposes it to a higher dose than spraying elsewhere. Research on skin absorption and the anatomy of the neck do not support the idea of a direct, selective route to the thyroid.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the lower front of the neck. It releases hormones that help control how the body uses energy and sits beneath the skin and several layers of connective tissue and muscle.

What happens when perfume reaches the skin?

Skin acts as a barrier. An ingredient may evaporate, remain on the surface, enter the skin’s layers or reach the bloodstream. Absorption depends on the chemical, its mixture, skin condition and location, dose and contact time.

Body site can influence absorption. Once a chemical reaches blood vessels in the deeper skin, it can circulate more widely. Applying a substance near an organ does not automatically target that organ.

Safety assessments of sprayable cosmetics also consider inhalation. This route does not give the thyroid special exposure from neck application.

What about phthalates and hormones?

Much of the concern centres on phthalates, a family of chemicals with different uses and health effects. Diethyl phthalate, or DEP, has been used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances. Other phthalates have mainly been used to make plastics flexible. Evidence about one member of the family cannot simply be applied to all the others.

A systematic review published online in 2024 brought together 17 studies involving 5,616 children and adolescents. It reported associations between phthalate exposure and levels of some thyroid hormones, while findings for other hormones were inconsistent. The studies examined exposure from multiple sources. They did not investigate perfume application to the neck or the development of thyroid disease, and cannot establish cause and effect.

Perfume can contribute to DEP exposure. In a study of 337 women, perfume users had higher urinary levels of monoethyl phthalate, a breakdown product of DEP. This supports perfume as a source of DEP exposure. The study did not examine thyroid damage or application site.

An “endocrine disruptor” is an outside substance that changes the hormone system and causes a harmful effect. Risk depends on the chemical, dose, route, timing and duration of exposure. A hormonal effect in a laboratory experiment does not establish the risk from a finished perfume used in everyday conditions.

Repeated use means repeated exposure, although it does not necessarily mean accumulation. Phthalates are converted into breakdown products that pass out of the body quickly in urine, while frequent use can repeatedly renew exposure.

In Great Britain and Northern Ireland, cosmetics must undergo a safety assessment before being placed on the market, although the regulatory systems differ. Assessors consider ingredients, concentrations, intended use and likely exposure. Fragrance mixtures may be listed as “parfum”, while specified allergens must be named above prescribed concentrations under Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s rules.

The better-established skin risks

For perfume applied directly to skin, the clearest established concern is allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy, inflamed rash caused by contact with an ingredient. A review estimated that fragrance contact allergy affects 0.7% to 2.6% of the general population.

An allergic reaction can develop after someone becomes sensitised, meaning their immune system has learned to react to an ingredient. Later contact can produce itching and an eczema-like red rash. Perfume can also irritate skin without causing an allergy. If a rash persists or returns, patch testing can help identify the cause.

Some fragrance ingredients can cause a phototoxic reaction, a sunburn-like response when a chemical on the skin is exposed to light. A human study of model perfumes found that bergamot oil containing a light-reactive chemical could cause such a reaction after exposure to ultraviolet A, or UVA. The risk depended on the concentration and UV dose, so this does not apply to every perfume.

Long-term sun exposure is considered a main contributor to poikiloderma of Civatte, which causes reddish-brown, thinned skin with visible small blood vessels on the sides of the neck. A small study of 32 patients suggested fragrance allergy might contribute in some people, but could not show that fragrance caused the condition.

Perfume odour can also affect people with migraine. In one clinic-based study, people with migraine frequently named perfume as an odour they believed had triggered attacks. The study relied on recollections, so cannot provide a population estimate or prove causation. It provides no evidence of thyroid damage.

So, should you avoid spraying your neck?

For most people, current evidence provides no thyroid-related reason to avoid the neck specifically. Cancer Research UK reports no evidence that using perfume causes cancer.

If perfume causes burning or an itchy rash, stop applying it to the skin and seek medical advice if the reaction persists. “Natural” fragrances are not automatically gentler because essential oils can also cause allergic contact dermatitis. A “phthalate-free” label does not by itself establish that a fragrance is safer because phthalates differ and replacement products are not automatically safer.

Further research could clarify the effects of repeated exposure to fragrance mixtures. Current evidence does not show that spraying the neck gives fragrance chemicals special access to the thyroid.