A TINY island in Europe has revealed plans for a new airfield in a bid to encourage more long-term holidaymakers.

Gozo, part of the Maltese archipelago, is often visited as a day trip for people staying in Malta.

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However, the Maltese government wants these day-trippers – who visit by ferry – to stay overnight.

Government officials hope to encourage more tourists to Gozo by opening a new rural airfield on the island.

Daily flights will operate between Malta and Gozo, with an aim to entice overnight holidaymakers onto the island.

Plans for the expanded airfield in Gozo were approved by the Planning Authority’s Board in October.

The airfield is located on the outskirts of Xewkija, a village on the island, and is currently only used for emergency purposes.

While the space currently includes a disused heliport, the plans will see the runway extended so small fixed wing aircraft and helicopters can land on the airfield.

When the airfield opens in 2026, it is thought that there will be 15 flights per day, including scheduled and chartered flights.

Island officials hope the expansion of the airfield, and the direct flights between Malta and Gozo will attract more tourists to the tiny European island.

Ronald Sultana, director of tourism and economic development at Malta’s ministry for Gozo and planning, said: “We are not against day tripping, but we want to translate a ratio of that day tripping into longer stays.

“It will become more sustainable and we will be avoiding mass tourism.”

The new airfield will also serve as a base for activities like skydiving.

According to a local newspaper, the entire airfield project is expected to cost €2.5million (£2million).

Upgrades to the heliport are set to cost €1.6million (£1.3million) with a further €861,000 (£716,000) being spent on three nine-seater aircraft.

Ticket could cost between £20 and £30 when they launch, according to local media.

Infrastructure on the island is also set to be upgraded as part of the plans.

A new sports centre and a range of boutique hotels are also slated to open on Gozo.

Sultana added: “These are some of the different projects we’re trying to implement in order to turn Gozo into a destination that one can enjoy on a longer stay.”

It’s not the only new airport opening on a popular holiday island.

The Caribbean island of Barbuda has revealed plans for a £10.8million airport.

Greenland has revealed plans for three new airports, and Crete is opening its new Kastelli International Airport by 2026.

Meanwhile, these are six secret holiday spots in Europe.

And this French holiday spot has been described as “unfairly overlooked”.

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SIMON COWELL aside, few of us have the time, means or money to jet off to the Caribbean every winter.

Thankfully, there’s a two-hour-30-minute alternative — Ibiza.

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The White Isle — once the preserve of 18-30s hedonists — is rapidly becoming the place to holiday for those seeking some winter sun.

And, of course, fun.

Because Ibiza, away from its beautiful hills, nature and incredible hikes, will always be a place to get away from it all.

Whispering Angel, the millennial rose of choice, is served al fresco all year round, and with temperatures hitting 25 degrees last December, who needs an overpriced Barbados beach club?

Gradually, Ibiza has been extending its winter season and now, most of the clubs and bars close in November.

However, many hotels are now open all year round while several beach clubs also remain open.

Christmas and New Year’s Day have become huge party days on the balmy Balearic island while Ibiza’s famous hippy markets operate all year round.

Looking at my pasty skin, and realising I hadn’t needed to water my plants for WEEKS because of the seemingly endless driving rain and grey skies, I booked a very last-minute trip.

A regular in summer, I had never before been in the winter months.

It averaged an exceedingly bearable 24 degrees and, even better, was around half the price of peak season.

Which added another degree of sweetness to the four-day package.

We stayed on San Antonio Bay — not to be confused with San Antonio itself, THE party bit which has fairground rides, McDonald’s at every turn and bars offering two-for-one goldfish bowls.

The Bay, a seven-minute drive away, is far quieter and offers prettier views.

We booked into the INNSiDE Ibiza Beach hotel, part of the upscale-but-slightly-more-affordable Melia chain of resorts, where rooms cost around £200 a night including breakfast in October, dropping to £149 in November.

The hotel comes with a brilliant gym overlooking the sea — no back wall so you can feel the sea breeze as you pound away — and two pools.

The stunning rooftop infinity pool overlooks the azure Mediterranean, with a DJ spinning tunes at sunset.

One afternoon, a pop-up tattoo parlour appeared. (Incredibly, the hotel has a full-time studio in reception for adventurous guests to make their mark.)

Two happy hours — morning and evening — mean that the “vibe” is pretty buzzy, and some guests chose not to leave the confines of INNSiDE all week long.

The breakfast buffet, boasting a Bloody Mary station and a pancake pop-up, was also a sight to behold.

Quite literally a sight for sore eyes on a mild to middling hangover, too.

A chef makes up your eggs any which way, and each day there’s a local delicacy section offering regional delights.

A spinach, walnut, cranberry and nutmeg dish was the highlight (and tasted nicer than it sounds, granted).

A plethora of local restaurants are all within a ten-minute walk, but far and away our best meal out was at Aragma restaurant.

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It’s a Michelin-style Greek place owned and run by a British couple, with a talented Greek chef bossing the kitchen. The food was stunning.

At most restaurants, you can expect to pay around £75 for two courses and some wine.

It may be off season, but Ibiza is never cheap.

Secret coves

The flights, however — starting at about 90 quid return — are.

Ibiza isn’t all daytime drinking and indulgence, however.

On day three, we set off on a glorious 90-minute coastal hike, ending up at the CBbC beachclub on Cala Bassa — an equal split of locals and tourists.

Two glasses of champagne set us back £32, though.

Next time, Prosecco.

While the north of the island is unquestionably the most beautiful, the bay area is incredibly handy for travelling to and from places.

Quad bikes and E-bikes are available for hire, meaning you can explore the island at leisure in your own time.

Much like Antigua, where they say there’s a beach to explore for every day of the year, Ibiza is not short of secret coves and beaches.

We got a taxi to the Cotton Club restaurant, in Sant Josep, and decided to go off-piste.

Within eight minutes, we were perched atop a completely deserted — bar one woman and her swimming dog — private cove overlooking glorious, rugged red cliffs.

Sunsets are another USP of this beautiful island — all the more beautiful in winter without vape-puffing, sunglasses-wearing clubbers stumbling out of Pacha at 6am.

Perhaps the most famous place to watch the sun go down is at Cafe Mambo, in San Antonio, and although the bar is closed from November, the sprawling, pebble beach attracts picnickers and those supping bubbles on the beachfront all year long.

And, even better, you can bring your own.

So for anyone fed up with England’s winter misery, Ibiza might just be the short-haul trip of dreams with something for absolutely everybody.

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AS I sipped my glass of Moet and sailed into the sunset, I mulled whether life on land was really for me.

Taking my cruise virginity was Virgin Voyage’s Resilient Lady — with the excitement palpable as Richard Branson and Boy George were to be the guests of honour.

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The Culture Club star’s DJ set was the star turn on the five-night cruise — but there was plenty more to enjoy.

Setting sail from Portsmouth to Amsterdam and Bruges for a Celebration Voyage, there was a party atmosphere as entertainers put on a show around the pool.

With kids forbidden on board, adults released their inner child as they drank and danced into the early hours.

After indulging in a glass or two of champagne at the ship’s elegant Sip Lounge with new friends, we found ourselves heading into the on-board club — The Manor.

Slinking through a glittering corridor, we were greeted by a sea of adults dancing the night away at a pyjama party.

Before we knew it, the clock had struck 2am and we made our way to The Pizza Place, which stays open throughout the night to offer bleary-eyed passengers a filling treat.

Waking next morning, I slowly came to, while swinging in the hammock on my cabin’s balcony before thoughts turned to breakfast.

Unlike most cruise liners, Virgin has more than 20 different restaurants — all included in the price.

We opted for The Galley, which has several different foodtruck-style stations serving everything from a fry-up to pancakes.

The first full day was spent at sea cruising to Amsterdam — but with so much to do on board there is little chance of boredom.

And with the Resilient Lady able to fit 2,770 passengers, there was an eclectic mix of people on board. From the young, to the young at heart, Virgin Galactic astronauts, a pop star and, of course, a billionaire.

The diverse mix the ship attracts is a credit to Virgin’s well-crafted plan — to offer something for everyone.

While I stalked the corridors in my high heels with a chilled champagne in hand, others jogged about in gym gear as they headed to fitness classes.

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Sailors — as passengers are dubbed — can plan their day using the Virgin Voyages app, which lists the jam-packed schedule of activities each day, most of them included in the price of the cruise.

For those looking to relax, the ship offers yoga classes, spa treatments, and even a salon where you can pamper yourself with a fresh blowout and manicure.

Or for the fitness freaks, there are classes throughout the day, a gym and even a running track on the top deck.

One of the cruise’s crown jewels is the entertainment it offers — including the hilarious Miss Behave show and Greek-legend inspired Persephone, naturally with a very modern spin.

Of course, no cruise ship would be complete without a casino, and for those new to taking a flutter, knowledgeable crew were on hand to give lessons.

Rock star touches

For those really looking to amp up their experience, they can check into one of the Rockstar suites, complete with an in-room bar and turntable, plus access to the premium Richard’s Rooftop bar at the front of the ship.

The gorgeous outdoor deck also features sunloungers and a bubbling hot tub.

But even the standard balcony cabin like mine was given some rock star touches with mood lighting.

Even the curtains were controlled from a tech screen.

After a day on the water, we made it to Amsterdam for the evening and many sailors opted to head into the city.

But the real crowd draw of the night was a chat with Virgin boss Richard Branson and Boy George in the ship’s other performance venue, the Red Room.

It was standing room only as passengers crammed into the two-tiered space to listen to the pair delight with tales of the past.

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Later that night, Boy George took to the decks for a DJ set that had even the oldest sailors dancing until the small hours.

The following morning, most people on board headed into Amsterdam.

With no shuttle buses put on, I imagine the brisk walk from the port did those nursing a hangover some good.

I spent a few hours in Amsterdam before heading back on board to soak up the glorious 28C heat in style at Richard’s Rooftop.

After one — or was it too many — mojitos on my sunlounger, I awoke to a sea of champagne glasses and realised it was once again happy hour.

Changing for dinner, the next challenge was deciding where to eat for the night.

Virgin does offer planned days out at stops that can be booked for a price via the app or on board

Katie Davis

Down a grand staircase, The Wake — aptly at the back of the ship — promises succulent steak and seafood, and for those with a taste for Mexican and margaritas there’s Pink Agave.

Chefs at Extra Virgin cook up an Italian storm, while Gunbae dishes up Korean BBQ — with every meal starting with a drinking game.

Or if dinner in bed or on your balcony is more your style, Virgin offers an elevated food delivery aptly named Ship Eat.

That evening, I made my way to The Dock at the back of the ship for star-gazing with Virgin Galactic astronauts Mike and Colin before taking a slightly earlier night as I wanted to enjoy Bruges the following day.

Virgin does offer planned days out at stops – Shore Things – that can be booked for a price via the app or on board.

But with the stops in both cities fairly short, I wanted to freely lap up the culture.

Back on the ship that evening, we were dazzled by the most impressive spectacle of the cruise – the Scarlet Party.

Tipsy sailors

With almost every passenger donning a shade of red and with a drink in hand, hundreds made their way out to the pool where performers put on a stunning show.

Dancers then descended into the water – and before I knew it tipsy sailors themselves decided to hop into the pool while others, myself included, opted to stay on the edge and dance.

My friends then whisked me off to The Groupie for an intimate karaoke session before we rejoined the party at the Red Room.

I finally made my way to bed in the small hours before a final day at sea — hitting the onboard high street for a bit of upmarket spending and relaxing with a pina colada in hand.

We saw the cruise out with a bang at an ’80s party in The Manor, with hit after hit pumping out until the early hours as dozens relived their youths.

As we docked back in Portsmouth on a grey Sunday morning, there were some misty eyes looking for their taxis.

But I have little doubt that once back on the road, many were planning their next Virgin Voyage.

SINKING into the snug sofa in our cottage, Welsh tea in hand, I let out a satisfied sigh after a weekend of coastal walks, delicious food, and the best company.

My partner Emily, our sausage dog Forrest and I had spent the past couple of days exploring the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline, sampling local delicacies, and uncovering the charms of the village of Solva.

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We stayed in the dog-friendly Alma Cottage, one of the many luxury retreats offered by Coastal Cottages, which has more than 500 properties across Wales.

Set in a quiet no-through lane, the beautifully converted old fishing house combined traditional stone charm with modern comforts.

The spacious living room was perfect for unwinding after our adventures, with a sprawling sofa and two armchairs that were hard to get up from due to their outrageous comfort.

Upstairs, two big bedrooms offered stunning views of the coast, while the functional shower room completed the perfect cottage experience.

Plus, we were welcomed with a thoughtful touch: a dog bowl for Forrest that made us feel right at home.

On arrival, we were delighted by a Welsh hamper worth £40, filled with local treats including Welsh cakes from Tan Y Castell Bakery, Pembrokeshire black forest jam, and lemon sherbet white chocolate.

Solva itself is a picture-postcard coastal village with a fascinating history.

Formed in a “drowned valley” by a meltwater channel, the village was once a bustling port in the 1800s, with capacity for 30 vessels.

Though the industry has faded, reminders of Solva’s past remain, such as the stone lime kilns still visible at the head of the beach.

Today, the village has a relaxed, almost sleepy feel, with as many dogs as people, making it a perfect spot for Forrest to explore.

From the Cambrian Inn, where we had a hearty lunch of fish and chips washed down with Welsh beer Butty Bach, to the Print House Café, where we enjoyed a coffee, nearly every shop, pub, and restaurant welcomed Forrest with open arms.

A bracing two-and-a-half hour walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path took us to St Davids, the smallest city in the UK.

You wouldn’t know it was a city until you go round a corner and find the magnificent St Davids Cathedral, home to the shrine of St David, Wales’ patron saint.

We also visited Chapel Chocolates for some indulgent award-winning treats.

The convenient £1.60 T11 bus delivered us back to Solva in just ten minutes.

Back in the village, we stopped for a couple of London Prides at The Ship, a pub where we learned about the old dividing line that once separated sailors from their captains — still seen in the notch at the bar.

Cold-water swim

Later, a burger dinner at The Hats & Barrels, paired with Welsh Double Dragon beer, was the perfect way to round off the evening, followed by a rich raspberry cheesecake.

Solva also has a touch of class, evident in its quaint shops such as Window On Wales, a three-floor treasure trove of Welsh goods.

Art lovers should not miss the Raul Speek Gallery, located in a converted chapel, showcasing vibrant paintings by the Cuban-born artist who has called Solva home since the Nineties.

If you’re after history, a visit to the Solva Woollen Mill, just a ten-minute drive away, is a must.

It’s the oldest working woollen mill in Pembrokeshire and the only one in Wales specialising in flat woven carpets, rugs, and runners.

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The restored waterwheel is a charming attraction, with King Charles and Queen Camilla choosing the mill to create carpets for their Welsh home.

In the early mornings, when the tide is in, a cold-water swim in the bay is a great way to kick off the day.

Solva’s charm is at its peak during the crisp, quiet mornings when the village feels almost untouched.

We ended our weekend with a memorable lunch at Crug Glas Country House, a 12th-century farmhouse just a short drive from Solva.

The beautifully decorated hotel made us feel as though we had stepped back in time.

I indulged in a squid starter, followed by an extraordinary roast duck main course, all rounded off with a sticky toffee pudding that was the perfect sweet ending to our trip.

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BRITISH Airways is cancelling services from the UK’s biggest airports to two locations next year.

From late March in 2025, the airline giant is scrapping two of its major flight routes.

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Flights have flown from the UK to Bahrain for 92 years and to Kuwait for 63.

Now, just in time for the Bahrain Grand Prix, services to both these countries will be cut from one a day to none.

BA has claimed this is due to delays on receiving engine parts from Rolls-Royce.

A spokesperson for BA said: “The impact of this supply chain issue has meant we’ve been using standby aircraft from our 777 fleet to avoid cancellations.

“What’s more, equipment manufacturers and suppliers globally are struggling to meet demand, increasing the risk of further disruptions to our flying schedule.”

The airline, owned by Anglo-Spanish conglomerate IAG, said the they have been working to ensure our aircraft are available to meet the needs of the flying schedule but it’s no longer sustainable.

They added: “A more substantial course of action is now needed.”

The cancellations have been put down to to issues with the Rolls Royce-manufactured jet engines, particularly in the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines.

This has led to the cancellation of flights between London Gatwick and New York until 2025

Some services to Kuala Lumpur were axed shortly before they supposed to go ahead as well.

Many other routes were cut due to the delay in supply and BA have apologised to customers for the inconvenience.

They relayed that the issue would not be one that has a quick fix and are “disappointed” they had to further change their schedule.

BA added: “We’ve taken this action because we do not believe the issue will be solved quickly, and we want to offer our customers the certainty they deserve.

“We’ve apologised to those affected and are able to offer the vast majority a flight the same day with British Airways or one of our partner airlines. “

The global company has stated it is working closely with Rolls-Royce and reassures it’s customers that they’re in the process of finding a solution.

Rolls-Royce released a statement claiming they are aware that the supply issue is “affecting the whole aerospace industry.”

There are multiple ways to find out if BA is still flying to a certain destination, or you want to check if there have been further cancellations.

You can download the BA app which will give information about flight schedules and bookings.

This will allow you to board, board, and access information about your flights.

On the BA website you can access company updates, news, as well as current flight information.

The Sun has reached out to British Airways for a comment.

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THE best holiday park in the UK has been named – and it has a heated swimming pool, adventure trails for kids and an indoor soft play area.

Located in Holywell, Cornwall, Trevornick Holiday Park has been named the AA Holiday Park of the Year at the AA Caravan & Camping Awards.

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The awards celebrated 12 sites across the country, with a team of experts choosing the winners based on their quality and customer satisfaction.

Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, said, “As local travel continues to grow and sustainable tourism gains momentum, we are excited to announce the best camping and caravanning destinations for the upcoming year.

“This year’s winners have demonstrated outstanding quality along with a strong dedication to eco-friendly practices and customer satisfaction, making them excellent options for UK travellers.”

It’s easy to see why the Cornish holiday park has won favour with industry experts.

Family-run Trevornick Holiday Park has an on-site heated swimming pool with a poolside terrace.

For younger guests, there’s also a smaller, shallower pool and a splash zone with tipping buckets, jets and fountains.

There’s also a jacuzzi and a spa for adults.

It’s also a short walk from Holywell Bay Beach – a National Trust site boasting a mile-long stretch of sand.

The beach is popular with surfers and bodyboarders, with one two-hour surf lesson at a local school available for Trevornick Holiday Park guests.

There are plenty of on-site activities for kids too, including a kids’ club called Wild Tribe.

Kids can take part in craft activities and a talent show.

There’s also the Bear Den – an indoor soft play area – and an on-site arcade with amusement games.

Outside, there’s a sports field, a playground with swings, slides and climbing ropes, and a forest trail with climbing frames, a balance beam and climbing nets.

There’s also an 18-hole golf course

The evening entertainment includes singers, magicians and comedians.

Other facilities include a washroom, a laundrette, WiFi and an on-site hire shop where guests can rent surfboards and bodyboards.

There is one on-site restaurant, Woody’s Bar and Restaurant, with guests also able to order takeaway grub like fish and chips and pizzas from the Courtyard Takeaway.

The Farm Club and the Lounge Bar are the two on-site bars at the Cornish holiday park.

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An on-site farm shop sells a range of local produce

There are a range of overnight accommodation options to choose from, including static caravans, luxury lodges, holiday cottages and touring pitches.

Sun Online Travel have found three-night stays in a static caravan from £153 per night for four people.

Guests who want to stay during the winter months will need to book overnight accommodation in either the luxury lodges or the holiday cottages, with other options re-opening for the summer season in April.

Trevornick Holiday Park has been praised by visitors, with a 4/5 star rating on TripAdvisor.

One person wrote: “Brilliant campsite with the most friendly and helpful staff”.

Another added: “We’ve enjoyed holidaying at Trevornick so much, we don’t look anywhere else”.

Last week, Robbie revealed England’s top three underrated holiday parks – with private beaches, indoor water parks and jet skis for kids.

And here are the other lesser-known holiday parks named among the best in the UK.

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