When we think of beach holidays, we often think of the quintessential European countries that Brits know and love, but with anger growing this year over overtourism, there are several other countries offering a similar experience.
Maybe we just don't know about it yet. A beautiful hidden gem beloved by European celebrities is the island of Sylt, the largest of Germany's North Frisia islands and the fourth largest in Germany.
Known for its stunning scenery, sandy beaches and unique culture, it's not well known among British holidaymakers. This small German island shot to fame in the 1960s when a series of celebrity visits transformed it into a party destination.
One of the first visitors was German playboy Günter Sachs, followed by other celebrities such as tennis player Boris Becker and American actor Kevin Costner.
According to Euronews, the island's vibrant nightlife and lavish lifestyle continues to attract celebrities of the past and present.
Westerland is the island's main city, but other towns such as Kampen, Wenningstedt-Braderp and Munkmarsh are scattered across the island.
The island has a permanent population of just 15,000, but this number rises in the summer due to the arrival of European holidaymakers.
To visit the small German island, travelers will need to fly into Hamburg Airport.
Ryanair and easyJet operate direct flights from the UK to Hamburg, with fares starting from £19. The drive from Hamburg Airport to the island takes around three hours, and it is connected to the mainland by a rail causeway.
To get to the island, you'll need to load your car onto a train. Despite its celebrity following, accommodation on the island is fairly affordable – a night's stay at the 3-star Hotel Gutenberg, for example, costs £37 per person.
The island has several white sand beaches, including Ellenbogen Beach, Hornumaa Odde Beach and Uwe Dune.
Other outdoor activities include the Mausam Cliffs, a popular hiking trail on the island.
This walking trail has been described as “one of the most important geological monuments in Germany”.
Other activities on the island include seal watching tours and a variety of boat trips to nearby islands.
Visitors can also explore the island's lighthouse, known as the Leuchttoren, which is a popular spot for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and sailing thanks to its strong winds and excellent conditions.
According to The Sun, hotel rates start from just £37 per person per night.
