5 obvious holiday destinations and 5 secret escapes

It’s the holiday season! With summer around the corner, there are so many amazing places to visit which are just a plane ride away.

Read on to learn about five holiday destinations you’ll definitely have heard of – and five that are decidedly off the beaten track…

 

France

The stone cold classic: Paris
The French capital is as culturally fascinating as it is beautiful! Enjoy a romantic picnic by the Eiffel Tower, head to the Louvre to check out over 30,000 artworks (including the Mona Lisa!) and sample cuisine from some of the best chefs on the planet. Parisians are big fans of presentation…so it’s a great opportunity to dress to impress!

The best kept secret: Saumur
Head to the Loire Valley in the northwest of France to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of tourists. This pretty riverfront city is overlooked by a fairy-tale turreted château and comes complete with a historic Old Town filled with winding alleyways. Book a wine tasting in one of the many surrounding vineyards, and don’t miss out on the fresh produce from daily markets!

 

Spain

The stone cold classic: Barcelona
A city break? Check. That doubles up as a beach holiday? Check. With mountain views? Triple check. The second-largest city in Spain is a winner amongst holidaymakers for a reason! From exploring the spotless Gothic architecture, to checking out the stylish boutiques, to tucking into late night tapas, one thing’s for sure…you won’t get bored here!

The best kept secret: Calella de Palafrugell
There are many hidden gems nestled in the Costa Brava, and this charming coastal town is no exception. Here you’ll find cobbled streets studded with tapas bars, an abundance of rocky coves, and exceptionally fresh seafood. If you’re after activities, there are no less than five golf courses in the area – and plenty of opportunities for water sports in the twinkling sapphire waters.

 

Greek Islands

The stone cold classic: Corfu
Known as Greece’s emerald island, this holiday hotspot is the second biggest Greek Island in the Ionian Sea. Surrounded by sandy white beaches and turquoise waters, it’s hard not to appreciate the appeal! Wander through nature reserves, sample outstanding Greek seafood in the tavernas – and don’t forget to check out the amazing Venetian architecture.

The best kept secret: Folegandros
Tucked between Paros and Santorini, this picturesque Greek island is only accessible by ferry from certain islands – but well worth the trip! A site of outstanding natural beauty, this unspoiled landscape is home to incredible food and tranquil beaches, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway.

 

Italy

The stone cold classic: Venice
One of the most popular destinations in the world, it’s safe to say there’s nowhere quite like this magical place that’s traded roads for canals, and cars for gondolas. Float through this unforgettable city and soak in the stunning architecture at every turn – and be sure to sample plenty of Italian delicacies fused with freshwater fish.

The best kept secret: Bologna
Fancy exploring the birthplace of the Bolognese sauce? Then head to this tucked away city to dine on ragu (and try the lasagne too while you’re at it!). Home to the oldest university in Europe, this cool little place contains one of the most iconic opera houses in the world and is a stone’s throw from the pretty Italian countryside.

 

Portugal

The stone cold classic: Lisbon
The trendy, ancient capital of Portugal is laced with trams, teeming with nightlife, and filled with quaint bookshops for you to browse. Here, you can observe the longest bridge in Europe and try the best custard tarts on Earth at Pasteis de Belém. Wait…did we mention it’s the sunniest city on the continent?!

The best kept secret: São Miguel Island
Nicknamed ‘The Green Island’, this breathtaking volcanic landscape is the largest on the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. Home to sensational scenery, this is the perfect destination for activities like kayaking, surfing, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. The Azores are also Europe’s top destination for whale and dolphin watching!

Haven’t made your mind up yet? Come visit us in the meantime at your local Mecca venue – or take a spin on some of our top holiday slots to get in the mood!

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