Best holiday destinations in 2024/2025

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

There’s a variety of reasons why Malta’s landscapes were picked as the settings to ‘Game of Thrones’. This gorgeous Mediterranean archipelago is a collection of stunning sceneries, from bright blue beaches and limestone sea caves, to mystical Neolithic temples and Roman ruins.

Exploring the island’s natural wonders and ancient sites should be one of the first things on any visitor’s ‘to-do’ list: from the ancient Ġgantija temples, to the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon beach, and the dramatic underworld of the Xagħra caves.

• Average temperature: 24.5°
• Average hours of sunshine: 8.5

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

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

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.

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

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

One of Greece’s true gems, Rhodes island offers a rich mix of summer holiday activities, from relaxing on picture-perfect beaches, to interesting cultural sites, and seafront dining. The Acropolis of Rhodes and Lindos Acropolis are two breathtaking structures and a must-see when on the island. Rhodes boasts a whole variety of beaches, from bustling to peaceful.

Agia Agathi beach, although mildly crowded, is the perfect option for young families looking to set up camp for the day: its still and shallow sea is perfect for easy paddling, and there are seafront tavernas dotted along the golden sands offering snacks throughout the day.

• Average temperature: 19.5°
• Average hours of sunshine: 8.5

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 temperature: 20°
• Average hours of sunshine: 14

If you’re hoping for the beach holiday from paradise, Barbados will deliver. Barbados is packed with heavenly beaches offering everything from peaceful swimming and snorkel to scuba diving and big-wave surfs.

The glistening white-sand Carlisle Bay is one of our favourite beaches: its still crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkelling, and if you’re lucky, you may even encounter a wandering turtle during your swim! And although we love a good splash,  it’s not all beaches in Barbados. The island also offers a variety of splendid scenic nature walks.

• Average temperature: 27°
• Average hours of sunshine: 8-9

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, and 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 Malivan 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: 27.5°
• Average hours of sunshine: 8