The largest of the four main Balearics is packed with safe sandy beaches and stunning scenery. Fun on or by the water includes sailing, paragliding, waterskiing, bodysurfing, and glass-bottomed boat rides, and there are wonderful regattas to watch. When you’re not building your own sandcastles, head to Puerto Pollenca for the epic displays by professionals – everything from crocodiles to castles.
Mallorca’s historic capital Palma has labyrinthine alleys to explore and vintage trains to Sóller. Other ideas are horse-riding tours from the Rancho Grande working ranch, hot-air balloon rides and days out at water parks.
You’ll find no shortage of pristine natural settings in Tenerife; 48% of the island is protected territory. A must-see during your visit is the otherworldly spectacle of Teide National Park. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, the park is home to Spain’s highest peak which towers over the island at 3,718m elevation. The island's rugged terrain is a major draw for cyclists, who flock there to test their endurance against its testing inclines, and hikers looking to explore the 1,500km of trails that wind through ancient forests, along dramatic coastlines and across lunar-like landscapes.
The vast area the Teide National Park occupies has a clear atmosphere and very little light pollution, resulting in beautifully clear night skies. The entire park has been declared a Starlight destination as one of the best places in the world for stargazing.
Have you always wanted to visit Barcelona but have held off because you are worried about your children not being entertained? In fact, children are very much a part of this fantastic city’s way of life, which seamlessly combines traditional and modern Spanish culture. With everything from parks, shops, monuments and sightseeing attractions, everyone is catered for. You can even spend a day on the beach!
Possibly the most famous landmark in the city and home of the Christopher Columbus monument, this vibrant pedestrianised street in the heart of Barcelona will entertain the whole family. Live performances, human statues, street artists, shops, restaurants and cafés can be found all the way along this 1.2 km tree-lined stretch.
Located in the south of Andalusia, the breath-taking Costa del Sol is also home to gorgeous gastronomy, superb shopping, fascinating museums and some incredible inland landscapes; all of which combine to create a fantastic holiday destination for those looking for guaranteed sunshine, whilst being able to do something that little bit different too.
Head to the Costa del Sol’s capital of Malaga and you’ll find some of the most fascinating museums in all of Spain. The birthplace of the great painter, Pablo Picasso, there are museums dedicated to not only art here, but also archaeology, wine, cars, glass and crystal, and much more.
If you can prise yourself away from sipping Sangria on your sun lounger, you’ll find a stunning hinterland that’s home to breathtaking rural landscapes and picture-perfect Pueblos Blancos – the traditional white-washed villages that spill down from the Costa del Sol’s rugged hillsides.
When most people think of Thailand, they picture the dry, busy months - the packed beaches, the long queues at temples, the peak-season prices. But, outside of these peak months, Thailand’s green season reveals a softer, more atmospheric side of the country. The landscapes deepen in colour, the pace eases, and familiar places begin to feel more spacious, from temple courtyards and hillside trails to palm-fringed beaches.
Choosing where to stay can completely change the feel of an Algarve holiday. Beyond the region’s larger resorts, there are whitewashed villas overlooking the Atlantic, converted village houses in the countryside, intimate design hotels, and peaceful coastal retreats. From the fishing village of Salema to the quieter landscapes around Vila do Bispo and Lagos, these four stays each offer their own take on southern Portugal, whether you want the freedom of a villa, easy access to the beach, or somewhere small and characterful to come back to after a day exploring.
As summer draws to a close, city breaks come back into focus, and few destinations pack as much into a long weekend as Valletta. Malta's compact capital combines centuries of history with a thriving food scene, waterfront views, and a walkable centre that makes it easy to fit plenty into just a few days. With warm autumn temperatures, open-air cafés still spilling onto the streets, and a calendar of events continuing well beyond peak season, it's an easy choice for anyone looking for somewhere that feels both relaxed and full of character.
