Best places to go on holiday

The most eastern of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is bursting with diverse landscapes and activities, both coastal and inland. Go from sunbathing on the white-sand beaches of Playa del Papagayo and scuba diving off the coast of Puerto del Carmen, to taking your perfect picture on the rugged black shores of Los Hervideros.

But when it comes to holidays to Lanzarote, it's not just the beaches we love: the volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park offer some of the Canary Islands’ most breathtaking views and hiking trails, so don’t forget to pack some comfy walking shoes!

• Average temperature: 24°
• Average hours of sunshine: 8.5

The Albanian Riviera is gaining popularity for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and charming coastal towns. Offering a more affordable alternative to other Mediterranean destinations, it provides a wealth of opportunities for relaxation and adventure: from sunbathing on secluded beaches to exploring the vibrant local culture.

Travel from the Albanian capital, Tirana, or arrive by ferry from the Greek island of Corfu into Sarande, the main town on the Riviera. Stay in Ksamil for picturesque beaches, water sports and authentic dining overlooking the water. Be sure to make a visit to Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site containing ancient ruins among lush green national park.

• Average summer temperature: 27°
• Average hours of sunshine: 9

The second largest of the Balearic Islands started off as a sleepy place to visit before the clubbers arrived and it became a party paradise. Ibiza has now found a lovely balance for those looking to dance till dawn and families looking for a chilled out summer break.

The big superclubs in Ibiza Town and San Antonio like Amnesia and Pacha are huge draws for the younger crowd. Or look for packages to Playa d’En Bossa for some great beaches and bars. For families, try the waterpark Aguamar or hire some bikes from San Antonio if you want a break from the beach. If you want to get away from it all, take a day trip by Ferry from Ibiza Town to tiny Formentera.

• Average temperature: 26°
• Average hours of sunshine: 13

Affectionately known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic”, or “Islands of Eternal Spring” thanks to its mild year-round climate, Madeira’s archipelago is famed for its rich gastronomy and wine, beautiful landscapes and variety of watersports.

There are three islands: Madeira, Porto Santo and Ilha Deserta, the latter of which is an uninhabited Nature Reserve. Both Madeira and Porto Santo offer activities from wine tastings, to coral reef diving and surfing, to scenic hiking trails and even folk music shows.

• Average temperature: 15.5°
• Average hours of sunshine: 8

For the perfect beach holiday, sunseekers and sea explorers need look no further than Antalya. Along with sunbathing and relaxation, Antalya offers a variety of exciting water sports for the thrill-seekers among us, from reef diving (where, if you’re lucky, you may encounter a hungry sea turtle!) to adrenaline-packed river rafting in the Koprulu Canyon.

Antalya is also renowned for its vibrant local culture, with bustling market towns that offer travellers a lively atmosphere, rich history, and authentic Turkish experiences.

This coastal paradise is drenched in history too, boasting breathtaking structures from civilisations long gone: the Roman Temple of Apollo and Ancient Greek Termessos amphitheatre are in particular well worth a visit!

• Average temperature: 25°
• Average hours of sunshine: 8.5

For an unforgettable holiday filled with rich history, stunning landscapes, and a laid-back atmosphere, Crete is the perfect destination. The island combines breathtaking beaches with ancient ruins, offering a mix of relaxation and exploration. Visit the Palace of Knossos to step back in time and experience the island's Minoan heritage, or hike the Samaria Gorge for an adventurous trek through dramatic cliffs and lush forests.

Crete’s coastline is dotted with idyllic beaches like Elafonissi, where the soft pink sand meets crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming or sunbathing. After a day of sightseeing, enjoy delicious local cuisine—think fresh seafood, olive oil, and traditional moussaka—at a seaside taverna while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean.

• Average temperature: 26°
• Average hours of sunshine: 10

Turquoise-blue waters, ancient ruins, and romantic waterfalls: Cyprus is a canvas of colours and extraordinary landscapes. The birthplace of Aphrodite, it’s no wonder the island is blessed with natural beauty. There are many gorgeous swimming and snorkelling spots in Cyprus, from the crystal-clear Blue Lagoon to the calm waters and golden sands of Fig Tree beach.

If you’re looking for a truly heavenly setting, Nissi beach is perfect. Its shallow, lagoon-like waters are ideal for paddling and chilled-out floating, making it the ultimate beach for families with young children as well.

• Average temperature: 26°
• Average hours of sunshine: 11

Jersey is the largest Channel Island out of the archipelago between England and France. It’s known for its sandy beaches, dramatic cliffside walking trails, romantic valleys, castles and medieval ruins. Jersey has a rich and vibrant history, most of it ancient, but some of it 20th century, including remnants and memorials of the 5-year German occupation during WWII.

The island has an important food culture and is famed for its seafood dishes, from grilled lobster and crab specialities, to oysters and mussels. Our top places to visit are Saint Helier, Saint Aubin and Gorey.

• Average summer temperature: 18°
• Average hours of sunshine: 14

If you want a luxurious holiday with the perfect blend of modern glamour and traditional charm, Dubai is the place to be. A dream holiday spot just 7 hours from the UK, Dubai offers everything from world-class shopping and stunning skyscrapers to serene desert landscapes and pristine beaches.

Jumeirah Beach is one of Dubai's golden beaches, where you can relax in the sun or try water sports like jet skiing and parasailing with the iconic Burj Al Arab as your backdrop. But it’s not just about the beaches; Dubai’s desert safaris take you on an unforgettable journey through golden dunes, where you can enjoy camel rides and a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under the stars.

• Average temperature: 30°
• Average hours of sunshine: 10

This unique archipelago off the coast of East Africa is a portfolio of turquoise-blue waters, palm-tree lined beaches with sand as white as snow, topped off with luxury villas and all-inclusive resorts.

Due to the fantastic clarity of the water and active marine life, scuba diving and snorkelling are popular activities on the islands - if you’re lucky, you may even get to swim with manta rays and dolphins! But most breathtakingly of all, is the Maldivian sunset: sit in one of the many seafront restaurants and enjoy the spectacular views and hues of the golden sun as it sets over the Indian ocean.

• Average temperature: 28°
• Average hours of sunshine: 8