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South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa will begin a state visit to the United States on Monday in what his government describes as an attempt to “reset” the relationship between the two countries, which many experts say has become the frostiest in decades.

The visit comes just days after the US welcomed a group of 59 white South African “refugees” who President Donald Trump claims are being persecuted in South Africa because of their race, and are facing a “genocide”. They flew to the US on a special relocation plan and will be allowed to settle there.

Ramaphosa’s government denies those allegations and says whites, who own more than 70 percent of the land despite making up just 7 percent of the population, are not discriminated against.

In a statement, Ramaphosa’s office said the two leaders would discuss “bilateral” and “global issues of interest”. The White House has not yet made a statement regarding the meeting.

This is the first time Trump will host an African leader at the White House since he took office in January. South Africa, which currently presides over the G20, will hand over leadership to the US in November.

Here’s the timeline of the anticipated meeting, as well as a breakdown of the main issues which have caused tension and are most likely to be tabled:

When is the meeting?

Ramaphosa will travel on Monday, May 19, and will meet with Trump at the White House on Wednesday, May 21.

His office did not share an agenda for the talks, but said that “the president’s visit to the US provides a platform to reset the strategic relationship between the two countries”.

The agenda is expected to include the treatment of white South Africans, aid cuts and the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

What will Trump and Ramaphosa discuss?

The agenda is expected to include the following subjects:

Treatment of white South Africans

The issue of relations between South Africa’s historically advantaged white minority population and Ramaphosa’s Black-led government has been the most touchy one between the two governments.

White Afrikaners are descendants of mainly Dutch colonisers who, until 1990, controlled the country under an apartheid system that segregated and excluded the Black majority. Many of the most successful business leaders and farm owners in the country are still white. More than half of the Black population is categorised as poor.

Trump and his billionaire ally, South African-born Elon Musk, have severely criticised the Ramaphosa administration’s alleged poor treatment of these white people in the country, following Ramaphosa’s signing into law of an Expropriation Bill which allows the government to confiscate land, in some instances, without compensation. The law, signed in January, allows expropriation from any land owner for redistribution to marginalised groups such as women and people with disabilities.

Some Afrikaner groups say the law could allow their land to be redistributed to some of the country’s Black majority.

Trump has highlighted allegations by a group of white South Africans who fear that their land will be seized. This group also says white farmers face a disproportionate number of violent assaults, which have led to several deaths and amount to a “genocide”.

The South African government has denied that there is a genocide and says the attacks are part of a wider crime problem. Speaking at the Africa CEO forum in Abidjan in Ivory Coast on May 13, Ramaphosa said the US government “has got the wrong end of the stick”, as South Africa suffers overall from high rates of violent crime, regardless of the race of victims. Both white and Black farmers have been targeted in farm attacks, in which armed criminals have assaulted, robbed and sometimes murdered farm workers in usually remote locations.

Meanwhile, Musk, who is the founder of internet company Starlink, also blames the government for the company’s failure to launch in South Africa because of its Black empowerment laws which require that large corporations and businesses seeking government contracts be owned in part by marginalised groups such as Black people.

In a March post on his X social media platform, Musk said Starlink was not allowed to launch “because I am not black”. Officials have denied these allegations and say the country’s business laws are meant to right historical wrongs.

Tariffs and aid cuts to South Africa

Since re-entering the White House in January, Trump has implemented a triple whammy of economic policies that have hit South Africa hard.

First were the sweeping aid cuts the US announced after Trump signed an executive order pausing foreign aid to all countries for at least 90 days.

That disrupted funding for treatment and research in South Africa for deadly communicable diseases like HIV. South Africa has the largest number of people living with HIV in the world, and until then, the US provided about 18 percent of the government’s HIV budget. In 2023, the US provided $462m in HIV aid. Since January, some HIV treatment programmes have remained cut, while others have had their funding reinstated, although it’s unclear how many.

In February, Trump ordered that additional financial aid be cut specifically to South Africa over what he said was “unjust racial discrimination”, citing the alleged confiscation of white-owned land. He also cited South Africa’s filing of its genocide case against Israel over its war on Gaza at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023. Details of the further aid cuts were not made public.

Finally, South Africa has also been hit by Trump’s tariff war. The country was slapped with a 30 percent tariff on all goods in April. An additional 25 percent tariff was placed on South African-made vehicles entering the US, putting vehicle surcharges at 55 percent.

Ramaphosa described Trump’s actions as “punitive” and said the tariffs would “serve as a barrier to trade and shared prosperity”.

Although Trump paused reciprocal tariffs for most countries (including South Africa) for 90 days on April 9, South Africa’s government wants tariffs to be permanently dropped. South Africa also still faces the baseline 10 percent tariff on goods that Trump has imposed on all countries.

The US is South Africa’s second-largest bilateral trading partner after China. Under the duty-free Africa Growth Opportunity Act introduced in 2000, South Africa sells precious stones, steel products and cars to the US, and buys crude oil, electrical goods and aircraft in return.

The AGOA framework, which includes 32 African countries, is up for renewal this year, but it’s unclear if Trump’s White House will follow through with it.

Israel-Gaza ICJ case and Gaza War

The South African government filed its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on December 29, 2023, accusing it of “genocidal acts” during its assaults on Gaza, to the anger of Israel’s ally and major weapons supplier, the US.

The landmark case highlighted the African country’s vocal and visible support for the Palestinian cause and was the first court case against Israel in the ongoing war in Gaza. Hearings began in January 2024. In March 2024, the ICJ issued an emergency order that Israel ensure food aid deliveries into Gaza and cease its offensive in Rafah.

Both Joe Biden’s and Trump’s administrations in the US have opposed South Africa’s move, with Trump denouncing Pretoria’s “aggressiveness”. On February 7, Donald Trump signed an executive order pausing aid to the country. The order cited the ICJ case, the Afrikaner issue and South Africa’s alleged collaboration with Iran to develop nuclear weapons.

South Africa, meanwhile, has promised not to withdraw its case despite this backlash. Foreign minister Ronald Lamola told The Financial Times in February that there was “no chance” the country would back down.

“Standing by our principles sometimes has consequences, but we remain firm that this is important for the world and the rule of law,” he said.

Ukraine-Russia War

Trump and Ramaphosa are also expected to discuss peace and mediation efforts in the Ukraine-Russia war as representatives of the two countries hold talks for the first time since the war began in February 2022.

The Trump administration has taken a lead role in mediating between Russia and Ukraine. During his election campaign, Trump promised to negotiate an end to the war “within 24 hours” if elected. Much of that effort, seen by some as aggressive, has fallen flat, however. A state visit to the US by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ended with Trump and his deputy, JD Vance, shouting at their guest in February this year.

South Africa, meanwhile, has opted to stay neutral in the conflict and has called for dialogue between the sides. The country is a historical ally of Russia because of the former Soviet Union’s support during apartheid. Both are also founding members of the growing BRICS alliance of economies, alongside India, Brazil and China, which some see as a rival to the G5 group of richest countries.

South Africa has not condemned Russia or Putin for the invasion of Ukraine, and has abstained from a United Nations resolution that did so.

At the same time, Pretoria has remained friendly with Ukraine. In April, Ramaphosa hosted Zelenskyy during a state visit during which they discussed increasing trade and the ongoing war, with the Ukrainian leader calling for more pressure on Moscow.

Hours before Zelenskyy met with Ramaphosa, the South African leader said he spoke over the phone with Trump, and they both agreed that the war needed to stop.

If you’re looking to take a trip in the UK this summer then look no further than this not-so-hidden gem – this underappreciated British city has just been named one of the nation’s finest

There are plenty of reasons to take a staycation this summer – so if you’re looking for your next trip at home, this eclectic city has been named the UK’s best. Plus, it’s cheaper than London.

According to a Which? magazine survey of almost 4000 readers members, Liverpool is Britain’s top place to visit. While it’s certainly not known for its weather, this northern town has long been on the map for its bustling arts and music scene. (The Beatles, anyone?) Now, it’s been crowned a cultural capital, too.

Which? looked at factors like the average hotel rate from Kayak.co.uk, cultural sights and the ease of getting around. They revealed it received a whopping five stars for cultural sights.

READ MORE: Millions of Brits are forgoing travel insurance but my holiday nightmare shows you need it

In fact, Liverpool is home to the largest number of museums and galleries in the UK outside London. This includes the Museum of Liverpool, the Liverpool World Museum, which features Japanese samurai armour, and the Beatles Story Museum.

One reviewer wrote: “The museum was fantastic. So much memorabilia and information, it is perfect for any fan of The Beatles. The exhibition rooms are very well done, especially the recreation of the Cavern Club and the White Room.”

For those who still want more music history, then you can also take a look at The British Music Experience. It features exciting exhibits and memorabilia tracing the history of British rock and pop music. Some of it is even interactive.

If art tickles your fancy, then you can take a trip to the Walker Art Gallery, which offers a phenomenal sculpture room. Or you can step inside the Lady Lever Gallery, which features some of the best Victorian era art.

It’s not the only thing that it has on the big smoke, either. Liverpool received a higher star rating for food and drink of four stars than London, which got just three stars.

The city contains cuisine from all around the world, with top restaurants offering panoramic views of the coast. Cowshed Liverpool is one of the city’s top-rated eateries and serves up mouth watering steak and cocktails.

If you’re looking for an exciting night out, the Barry and Rye is a highly-rated speakeasy, serving up delectable cocktails in a dim-lit setting. There are also plenty of exciting Irish pubs like Shenanigans if you’d prefer a cool stout.

Plus, music lovers will not be disappointed. There are plenty of live music venues, from The Cavern Pub to The One O’Clock Gun, hosting a variety of acts.

Liverpool also received four stars for accommodation, shopping and lack of crowds. This puts it at a massive advantage over London’s crowded streets and expensive hotels.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, the city offers a range of high-end and budget hotels. You can find budget rooms from just £32.

This secret beach is only accessible by boat – making it the perfect retreat for those seeking a true hidden gem on a paradisiacal island in one of Europe’s most beautiful oceans

It can be hard to find a true hidden gem these days, but this secluded island beach is rarely visited and boasts jaw-dropping views of the Ionian sea. It is also considered one of the world’s best beaches.

If you’re planning to take a trip to the Greek islands this summer, it might be best to miss the tourist hotspots of Santorini and Mykonos. Both locations have had to implement restrictions due to overtourism. But this doesn’t mean you need to skip out on enjoying a glorious beach trip. Instead, the little-known island of Antipaxos has much to offer those seeking a quiet retreat.

Sitting 4 miles from its larger neighbour, Paxos, Antipaxos has a permanent population of around 50 people. Relatively untouched, it draws its appeal from miles of unspoilt nature and sapphire beaches.

READ MORE: Underrated European island 4 hours from UK where colourful houses line the beach

In fact, in 2025, the island was voted one of Greece’s best destinations by over 1.2 million travellers, according to European Best Destinations . They described it as “Greece’s hidden paradise for serenity and seaside luxury”.

While not suited for those looking for a hedonistic party scene, the island offers a treasure trove of coastal paradises. Not least, the hidden Voutumi Beach.

Primarily accessible by boat, the beach remains unspoilt and spectacular. It lies at the foot of a steep green hill with Cypress trees that reach close to the shore, giving it an almost mythical appeal.

Unsurprisingly, it has been declared one of the world’s top 50 beaches by worlds50beaches.com , even beating out white-sand beaches in Brazil and Mexico. Voutimi’s beach is composed of a mix of silky sand and pebbles – but the real beauty comes from the ocean, which is both shallow and warm.

Despite its seclusion, you can still find sun loungers on the beach. There is also a tavern on the hill behind the beach, serving up coffee, snacks and cocktails as you prefer.

The shallow waters also make it an ideal place to do some snorkelling. The turquoise water is crystal clear and perfect for spotting exciting marine species like wrasse and parrotfish.

One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “The best beach alongside Vrika and Mesovrika I’ve ever been to. Fine white sand, amazing view and Caribbean like sea water. A must see!”

Another said: “Amazing beach, not too busy either which meant we really enjoyed our time here. Recommend going to the bar high up on the left of the bay, the views of the bay were incredible. The sea was so clear as well, and it was a sandy beach!”

You can reach Voutoumi Beach by getting a boat from the port of Gaios, Paxos. You can either take a taxi boat or a ferry, which can take between 15 to 20 minutes.

United States President Donald Trump has signed several economic deals on his visit to the Gulf region.

One of the biggest deals was signed in Qatar, where Boeing secured its largest-ever order of wide-body jets from Qatar Airways.

Doha also promised to invest more than $10bn in the Al Udeid Air Base, one of the US’s biggest military facilities in the world.

Trump says he’s forging a future with the Middle East defined by commerce, not chaos. But could that mean regional stability and security are now taking a back seat?

And how likely is it that the US president would throw US weight behind ending the devastating war in Gaza?

Presenter: Dareen Abughaida

Guests:

Faisal al-Mudahka – Editor-in-chief, Gulf Times

Andreas Krieg – Senior lecturer, King’s College London’s School of Security Studies

Paul Musgrave – Associate professor of government, Georgetown University in Qatar

La Super-Rica is a California original, a culinary mecca in a taco shack setting devoted to chile, cheese, charred meat and masa. It’s true that there are other Santa Barbara taquerias with more inventive salsas (pistachio at Mony’s) or adventurous cuts of meat (beef head, cheek or lip tacos at Lilly’s, with eye and tripas on weekends). And, yes, you will be standing in the fast-moving line with other out-of-towners who may have read about the long-ago accolades from Julia Child or spotted a replica of the white-and-aqua stand in Katy Perry’s “This Is How We Do” video. Yet as an Angeleno with hometown access to some of the world’s best tacos from nearly every Mexican region, I rarely pass the Milpas Street exit off the 101 without joining the crowd. My late husband and this paper’s former restaurant critic, Jonathan Gold, was a Super-Rica partisan, and both of my now-grown children remain loyal to the restaurant founded in 1980 by Isidoro Gonzalez. But it’s not nostalgia that brings me back. I’m here for the tacos de rajas, strips of pasilla chiles, onions and cheese melded onto tortillas constantly being patted and pressed from the snow drift of masa behind Gonzalez as he takes your order; for the crisp-edged marinated pork adobado, either in a taco or in the Super-Rica Especial with pasillas and cheese; for the chorizo, sliced and crumbled into a bowl of queso; or for the tri-tip alambre with sauteed bell peppers, onion and bacon. It’s never easy to decide, especially with Gonzalez’s board of specials. But I never leave without Super-Rica’s soupy, smoky pinto beans with charred bits of chorizo, bacon and chile.

State-owned airline Qatar Airways has signed an agreement to buy 210 aircraft from United States manufacturer Boeing, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s visit to Qatar as part of his tour of the Gulf region.

Trump and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, witnessed the signing ceremony in Doha on Wednesday. The White House said that the deal for the Boeing 777X and 787 planes with GE Aerospace engines was worth $96bn.

Trump said Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who signed the deal with Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer next to Trump and the emir, told him: “It’s the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing. That’s good.”

Trump had initially said that the deal was worth more than $200bn and was for 160 planes, before the White House issued updated numbers after his comments.

 

The White House also said that agreements signed by the US and Qatar would “generate an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion”.

“This is a critical next step for Qatar Airways on our path as we invest in the cleanest, youngest and most efficient fleet in global aviation,” Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said in a statement.

“After two consecutive years of record-breaking commercial performance and with this historic Boeing aircraft order – we’re not simply chasing scale; we’re building strength that will allow us to continue to deliver our unmatched products and customer experiences.”

The sale is also a boost for Boeing and its biggest engine supplier at a time when large versions of rival Airbus’ A350, powered by Rolls-Royce engines, have struggled with maintenance problems from operating in the world’s hottest climates, including the Gulf region.

Boeing shares rose 0.9 percent in New York, while GE Aerospace stock edged up 0.1 percent.

For the 787s, Qatar opted for GE Aerospace’s GEnx engines rather than Rolls-Royce’s Trent 1000, according to the administration. GE Aerospace’s GE9X is the only engine option for the 777X.

It is the largest widebody engine deal for GE Aerospace, the company’s CEO Larry Culp said in a statement.

Faisal al-Mudahka, editor-in-chief of the Gulf Times, said the Qatar Airways purchase of Boeing aircraft is a “win-win”.

As one of the world’s top airlines with a growing market, Qatar Airways has more demand than supply at the moment and will need the fleet, he said.

“I think Donald Trump and Qatar know how to package things to make political gains and economic gains.”

Trump’s Qatar visit is the second destination of his Gulf tour, after an initial stop in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he made a surprise announcement about lifting sanctions on Syria and then met the country’s president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Trump is to land on a third and final stop in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday for a one-day visit.

No mention of Gaza

The Qatari emir said the two leaders had a “great” few hours of discussion covering a range of issues. “I think after signing these documents, we are going to another level of relations,” he said.

Trump thanked the emir and said it had been a “very interesting couple of hours” discussing topics including the Russia-Ukraine war, Iran and trade relations.

However, Israel’s war on Gaza was not mentioned by either leader.

Omar Rahman, a fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, said the fact that Gaza wasn’t mentioned led him to believe the discussion is “ongoing”.

“When it comes to Gaza, you have the Israelis there as well. On the issue of a ceasefire, Trump can put pressure on the Israelis, … but you still have the Israelis there making decisions. This is going to be a little bit more difficult to work out,” he told Al Jazeera.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who was also in Doha, said “we’re making progress” in response to a question by Al Jazeera Diplomatic Editor James Bays on whether discussions on Gaza were ongoing.

“His tone was pretty telling. He was very positive,” Bays said. “When I asked him whether that was regarding aid deliveries or a ceasefire, he said, ‘We’re making progress on all fronts.’”

“He said he hopes there would be a positive announcement ‘soon’, but we have no indication of what that might mean,” Bays added.

NewsFeed

Qatar’s role as a global mediator and a massive purchase of Boeing airliners were prime areas of focus in official talks between US President Donald Trump and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

There are some places that some say should never be visited regardless of the time of year or how safe the country they’re in is. Here’s a list of the ’15 most dangerous places on Earth’

Journeying across the globe is one of life’s greatest pleasures, offering the chance to immerse oneself in diverse cultures and marvel at the world’s natural splendours. However, like any endeavour, travel comes with its own set of risks, and not all destinations are safe for tourists. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as political instability, ongoing conflict, or recent natural disasters.

Yet, there are certain locations that some argue should be avoided altogether, regardless of the season or the overall safety of the country they’re situated in. The YouTube channel Top Fives has curated a list of what they believe to be the 15 most perilous places on Earth.

READ MORE: Mum-of-two loses more than 11 stone doing ‘wall pilates’ at home

In 15th place is Snake Island, Brazil. Also known as Ilha da Queimada Grande, Top Fives said the last known inhabitants were last on the island in the early part of the 20th century. Atlas Obscura reported that the island is responsible for 90 percent of fatalities related to snakebites in Brazil.

Sinabung Volcano in Indonesia is a highly dangerous active volcano that sits on the Karo plateau. It’s around 25 miles from super volcano Lake Toba and last erupted in July 2021; it’s 14th on the list.

The Bermuda Triangle is one of the most famous and supernatural places on the planet. Over the years hundreds of boats and aircraft have disappeared without a trace. The three points of the triangle are often considered to be Miami, Puerto Rico and Bermuda.

Lake Natron in Tanzania is famous for having the ability to reportedly turn animals into stone because of the toxicity of the lake. Despite the danger, the lake is a popular mating ground for flamingos.

Death Valley California, USA, is famous for being where some of the highest temperatures in human history have been recorded. Often considered the hottest place on earth, last year the temperature in the area skyrocketed to over 55C; it’s 11th on the list, reports the Express.

Cracking into the top ten is Danakil Depression in Eritrea. According to Brilliant Ethiopia is “one of the hottest, lowest, and driest places on the planet”. Within the scorching environment are a series of salt lakes, acidic springs, and lava lakes.

Although it covers a very small area, the Valley of Death, Russia, is infamous for the number of dead animals littered around. Situated on the Kamchatka Peninsula tourists are banned from visiting because a nearby volcano emits a deadly combination of carbon disulphide, hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide, and sulphur dioxide.

Madidi National Park, Bolivia, is another jungle paradise on the surface, but it is also filled with deadly plants and animals that can cause serious harm to the unwary. Originally established in the 1990s, visitors must exercise extreme caution if they visit.

Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands is most famous for the nuclear tests that took place in the region in the middle of the 20th century during the nuclear arms race. It is impossible for people to live there because the groundwater is contaminated from those tests.

Naica Crystal Cave, Mexico, is also known as the Cave of Crystals. Located in Naica, Chihuahua, no tourists are permitted inside the cave at any time because of the high heat and humidity.

The top five is a closely fought contest starting with the Kawah Ijen volcano in Indonesia on the island of Java. As with other volcanoes, extreme caution is advised before going near or venturing up to the crater.

Mount Washington is a challenging mountain to climb. It is also one filled with dangers. One of the tallest mountains in the USA, the weather, difficulty of the climb, and poor preparation are all factors that can lead to deaths on the mountain.

Lake Nyos, Cameroon, is set in the crater of a volcano. It is best known for what happened on August 21, 1986. On that day, it released a massive cloud of carbon dioxide that swept through the local area, killing over 1,000 people.

K’gari, Australia, is considered dangerous for several reasons including riptides in the sea alongside the presence of large numbers of sharks and jellyfish. Formerly known as Fraser Island it was renamed basic to its traditional name a few years ago.

Despite being named after a land animal, the Elephant Kingdom in Thailand was not full of elephants. Instead, tourists were given the opportunity to feed crocodiles from a raft. In 2016, it was closed because of how dangerous it was.

In my Prius, a notification pops up in the form of a coffee cup topped with steam squiggles and accompanied by a message inquiring, “Would you like to take a break?”

This safety feature is designed to alert drivers to potential drowsiness, but it always makes me smile, because when I’m traveling, coffee shops are often my intended destination. Yes, I would like to take a break.

On a recent drive to Santa Barbara wine country, the roads winding north led me through the charming towns of the Santa Ynez Valley, each with a coffee destination, from historic taverns, bakeries and cozy community hubs to modern temples of espresso.

With four locations across Santa Barbara and Goleta, Dune Coffee has been roasting rare single-origin and signature blends of coffee beans since 2009. In March, barista Kay Cheon became the 2025 U.S. Barista Champion. During the competition, he explored how the theme of building blocks in coffee — from bean variety and roast to brewing techniques and ingredients — can combine to create something exceptional, even adding colorful Lego props for visuals. This fall, Cheon will compete at the World Barista Championship in Milan, Italy.

“A big part of our community has come along for the barista championship journey, and that’s really special to see,” says Cheon.

Heading deeper into the Santa Ynez Valley, specialty coffee bars have opened in converted Airstream trailers and Old West saloons. Stop into the airy and bright Little King in Buellton and you are likely to sip a cortado next to a lauded local chef like Brad Mathews of Bar Le Côte in Los Olivos.

“The love for coffee is real in the Santa Ynez Valley,” says Ryan Pelton, a barista at Queen Cup, a shop with locations in Santa Ynez and Los Alamos. “It’s like Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Espresso’ on repeat.”

On your next road trip to Santa Barbara wine country or elsewhere along the Central Coast, follow this trail to some of the best scenic views, tasty baked goods and delicious cups of coffee.

Dodge the sky-high hotel prices and insufferable crowds of holidaymakers by visiting this idyllic island that has somehow managed to avoid the blinding tourist spotlight

Avoid the coach loads of bustling tourists with this ‘sacred island’ that has been criminally overlooked for decades. Last year, Greece saw a record-breaking number of tourists, with more than 40 million travellers flocking to its mainland and Instagram-worthy cluster of islands.

Enticed by cobalt waters, ubiquitous history, and a penchant for cheap gyros, the influx of visitors sparked heavy backlash from fed-up locals – resulting in a slew of protests erupting across the country last year. Slogans demanding tourists ‘go home’ were spray painted in hotspots, prompting the country to ramp up its tourist tax (up to €15 per night for five-star hotel stays in the peak season).

Even tourists have been deterred by the insufferable crowds, especially in hotspots like Santorini – a tiny island with just 15,000 residents – where millions of tourists fill up narrow streets in search of the perfect sunset snap every year. It’s a similar situation over in Mykonos, where you’ve got more chances of winning the lottery than finding a free sun lounger.

READ MORE: Huge £1bn EU airport where chaos forced its closure after just 4 years

However, peacefully tucked away in the Aegean Sea lies the picturesque island of Patmos – which has somehow managed to avoid the blinding tourist limelight. Declared as a ‘sacred’ island in 1981, this history-rich hotspot is a perfect alternative to Greece’s insanely crowded destinations.

“Much of this place’s allure is owed to its villages: their winding alleys, stone-paved squares, and traditional houses will make a lasting impression on you, as will the good food you’ll taste,” hailed Visit Greece. “The island’s beaches with the amazing waters are also a great asset that will steal your heart away!”

Patmos, which is acclaimed for its religious legacy, is believed to be the place where John the Evangelist (aka John the Theologian) wrote the Book of Revelation. Head over to the Monastery of St. John to learn more about the island’s history – and make sure to check out the nearby Cave of Apocalypse, which won TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award in 2024.

Most tourists make a visit to the medieval town of Chora, known for its tiny whitewashed villages and quaint coffee shops. “Look especially for the traditional bakeries where you can buy cheese pies, local dairy products and a special confection, called poughi [pouch] made with honey and nuts wrapped in a pouch-like dough,” Visit Greece added.

After a day of exploring, head down to one of Patmos’ pristine beaches to watch the sun melt into the horizon. Unlike Santorini, you’ll be able to get the perfect Instagram picture without having to crop out the heads of selfie-stick-waving tourists.

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There are no direct flights to Patmos from the UK, which may explain its lack of tourism. However, getting there isn’t too difficult, and is well worth the effort. First, you’ll have to fly to Kos, which takes an average of four hours and 10 minutes. You can get direct flights here from a slew of UK airports, including Manchester, Bristol, Glasgow and London Stansted. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £88 in July.

After touching down in Kos, you’ll have to get a ferry over to Patmos, which takes just over two hours. For a return economy ticket in the summer, this will cost around €130.98 (around £111.07).

Accommodation on the island hugely varies depending on your budget. For example, a week’s stay (Monday, July 7-14) at the luxury Patmos Eye Boutique Hotel & Villas – which includes your own private pool – costs a staggering £2,387, based on two adults sharing. However, staying in a more basic twin room at Hotel Athina costs just £574 on the exact same dates.

*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

What’s your favourite Greek island? Let us know in the comments section below.

Japanese Princess Kako will visit Brazil in June for the 130th anniversary of Japan-Brazil diplomatic relations.

She will arrive in Sao Paulo and visit Brazil between June 5 and June 15. Crown Princess Kiko (L-R), Princess Mako and Princess Kako attend the new year greeting at the East Plaza, Imperial Palace in Tokyo in January 2020. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo

May 9 (UPI) — Japanese Princess Kako will visit Brazil in June for the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil.

She will arrive in Sao Paulo and visit Brazil between June 5 and June 15. It’s her fourth oversees visit.

Events during her visit include an appearance in the capital of Brasília for a ceremony and luncheon marking the diplomatic anniversary.

On June 10, Kako will attend the 130th anniversary celebration hosted by Brazil’s Congress.

While in Brazil, Kako will meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. She will visit other Brazilian cities during the trip, including Rio de Janeiro.

The Brazilian government invited the princess to visit the country in February. Lula met with Princess Kako in March when he visited Japan.

Kako returns to Japan June 17.

Kako is the second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko.

US president says he will announce decision on waterway during trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

United States President Donald Trump has said he will make a decision on how the US refers to the “Persian Gulf” during an upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said he expected his hosts to ask about the name the US uses for the waterway during his first trip to the Middle East since retaking the White House.

“I’ll have to make a decision,” Trump said in response to a question about whether he would make an announcement on the body of water’s name.

“I don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings. I don’t know if feelings are going to be hurt.”

“I’m going to be given a briefing on that and I’ll make a decision,” Trump added.

Trump’s comments came after US media reported that he plans to use the May 13-16 trip to announce that the US will begin referring to the body of water as the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia.

The name of the waterway has long been a source of tensions between Arab nations and Iran.

Iran argues that the “Persian Gulf” is the appropriate name in light of historical evidence, including ancient maps, that shows it is part of its territory.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and other Arab states use the term “Arabian Gulf” or “the Gulf”.

In 2023, Tehran summoned the Iraqi ambassador to protest his country’s use of the name “Arabian Gulf Cup” for the region’s flagship football tournament.

In 2012, Iran threatened to sue internet giant Google for leaving the waterway nameless on its online map services.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the latest suggestions of a name change as “indicative of hostile intent toward Iran and its people”, and warned that such a move would “only bring the wrath of all Iranians from all walks of life”.

“Such biased actions are an affront to all Iranians, regardless of their background or place of residence,” Araghchi said in a post on X early on Thursday.

“Let’s hope that the absurd rumours about the PERSIAN Gulf that are going around are no more than a disinformation campaign by ‘forever warriors’ to anger Iranians all over the world and agitate them.”

In one of his first actions as president, Trump in January signed an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America”.

May 3 (UPI) — South Korea’s defense industry is gaining global interest, as demonstrated by high-profile visits from U.S. figures like Donald Trump Jr., who met with business leaders in Seoul Tuesday. Reportedly, among them was Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan.

Vice Chairman Kim also hosted US Navy Secretary John Phelan Wednesday at Hanwha’s shipyard in Geoje, roughly 200miles southeast of Seoul.

“Working with leading shipyards like Hanwha Ocean Shipbuilding and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is essential to ensuring deployed U.S. ships and systems remain fully operational in the Indo-Pacific,” Secretary Phelan said.

“Leveraging the expertise of these highly capable shipyards enables timely maintenance and repairs for our vessels to operate at peak performance. This level of large-scale repair and maintenance capability strengthens our combat readiness, sustains forward deployed operational presence, and reinforces regional stability,” he stated

Observers point out that such visits reflect growing global recognition of South Korea’s defense capabilities.

Hanwha Group operates such subsidiaries as Hanwha Aerospace, known for the K9 self-propelled howitzers, and Hanwha Ocean, a manufacturer of warships and submarines.

As the eldest son of Chairman Kim Seung-youn, Vice Chairman Kim is regarded as the heir apparent of South Korea’s seventh-largest conglomerate.

“For the United States, South Korea is indispensable to reviving its shipbuilding industry, as President Donald Trump has stressed,” Seoul-based consultancy Leaders Index CEO Park Ju-gun told UPI.

“Washington is likely to seek South Korea’s capital and technology as the country is a global leader in naval vessel construction. Hanwha Ocean is well-positioned, having already invested in the U.S. last year,” he said.

In June 2024, Hanwha Ocean and its sister company channeled $100 million to acquire Philly Shipyard, which has delivered about half of the large U.S. Jones Act commercial ships since 2000.

Hanwha Ocean was soon awarded a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) contract for the U.S. Navy’s dry cargo and ammunition ship Wally Schirra.

The task was completedin Geoje and Hanwha Ocean is now working on another MRO deal for USNS Yukon, a replenishment oiler assigned to the Navy’s 7th Fleet.

Beyond the U.S., the traditional weapons of South Korea gained popularity after the war between Russia and Ukraine started in early 2022.

According to South Korea’s defense ministry, arms exports more than doubled from $7.73 billion in 2021 to $17.3 billion in 2022. The figure dropped to $13 billion in 2023 and $9.5 billion last year, but is projected to rebound to $24 billion this year in consideration of ongoing negotiations with multiple countries.

In addition to Hanwha, several other South Korean defense corporations have proactively entered the global market, including Hyundai Rotem, Korea Aerospace Industries, LIG Nex1, and HD Hyundai.

“South Korean firms are favored by global buyers for their quick delivery and cost-effectiveness, the advantages shaped by the country’s continued weapons production amid North Korean threats,” Jeonbuk National University professor Jang Won-joon said in a phone interview.

“Their international rivals are also trying to expand facilities to better meet demand. Against this backdrop, South Korean players will need to innovate to maintain their edge in the long run,” he commented.

However, some critics take issue with the Seoul administration’s lack of transparency in arms exports.

“The Korean government vows to become one of the world’s top four arms exporters. Yet, it does not disclose related information transparently,” attorney Lim Jae-sung noted in a local newspaper column.