Marrakech city breaks

Malaga holidays are having a bit of a renaissance right now. Once the jumping-off point for its neighbouring resort towns, this bustling seaside city is garnering some star appeal of its own. Its swanky port and spruced up old town boast Michelin stars, boutique shops and towering fortresses. Visit the Soho district, an icon of underground culture with murals from internationally renowned graffiti artists like Obey and Manuel León. Malaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe and the birthplace of Picasso, so it's no wonder it’s on par with Barcelona for its charming architecture and vibrant art scene. 

Things to do

If you want to soak up the culture of an ancient metropolis, shop till you drop in trendy boutiques and sample authentic Andalusian cuisine, holidays to Malaga are for you. The best way to explore this beautiful city is on foot. Wander through cobbled alleyways and leafy parks to see some of its most fascinating landmarks and awe-inspiring street art. Along the way, you can refuel in the best tapas joints in Spain.

The Beaches

Malaga has seven sandy beaches ideal for soaking up its 300 days of sunshine. The closest to the city is La Malagueta, a lively Blue Flag beach with a bustling promenade. It has excellent fish shacks, restaurants and bars, a children’s play area and plenty of palm trees and parasols for shade. If you’re looking for a quieter spot, head to Playa Peñón del Cuervo. It's perfect for those searching for a break from the beach bars.

History & Culture 

With 3,000 years of history, the skyline is a mix of ancient fortresses, elegant archways and modern art galleries. From the Moorish Alcazaba to the Catholic Santuario de la Victoria, the Roman amphitheatre, and the colourful glass cube of the Pompidou Centre, Malaga city breaks are loaded with history and culture. 

Food

Malaga’s culinary scene is one of the most inventive in southern Spain. The city is a food lover's paradise, from hole-in-the-wall tapas bars and open-fire beach BBQs to fine dining on the waterfront. Breakfast like the Malagueños (Malagans) with still-hot churros (Spanish donuts) dipped in chocolate, lunch on freshly caught sardines, or even join a food walking tour to uncover the city’s hidden gems. The weather in Malaga also lends itself to rooftop bars with exceptional mountain views. For the most breathtaking vistas over the port, head to AC Hotel by Marriott Malaga Palacio. 

Shopping

If you love shopping, then holidays to Malaga need to be on your radar. From the elegant promenade along the port to the boutiques that line Plaza de la Constitución, you’ll find shoes, handbags and accessories from some of Spain’s top designers. The Made in Soho market is also a must-see if you want to soak up the atmosphere of the art district. Here, you can pick up locally made artisan ceramics, jewellery and artworks. Make the most of the city’s bustling shopping quarters by ordering your travel money before you set off.

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Barcelona holidays are a fusion of laid-back beach days and vibrant city life. Set on Spain’s northeast coast with a balmy Mediterranean climate, you're guaranteed sunshine too, making it the perfect setting for sightseeing or relaxing on its golden sands. It’s also home to centuries of history, so when you’re not exploring Gaudi’s modernist spectacles you could be getting lost in the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter. Now throw in tasty Catalan dishes, one of the world’s most famous football stadiums and amazing green spaces, and you’ve got a city that ticks all the boxes.

6 reasons to visit Barcelona

• Food glorious food: Start your day with freshly baked bread drizzled in olive oil and smeared with tomatoes (pantumaca), before digging into vegetable stew (escudella) for lunch. As for dinner, it has to be coca! Resembling a mini pizza, this flatbread is usually topped with roasted vegetables and sausage. 
• The perfect beach & city combo: If you want the best of both worlds, Barcelona holidays won’t disappoint. Think cutting-edge architecture, trendy fashion stores and narrow cobbled streets fronted by three miles of sun-soaked coastline. 
• Awe-inspiring Gaudi architecture: No trip to Barcelona is complete without admiring the world-renowned Sagrada Familia (let’s face it, you can’t miss it!), quirky Casa Battlo and Park Guell, just some of Antoni Gaudi’s stand-out creations. 
• Historic city centre: It’s easy to lose yourself in Barcelona’s Gothic quarter, and trust us, you want to! These maze-like streets hide some of the city’s oldest restaurants such as Can Culleretes, as well as cocktail lounges, a jaw-dropping 13^th-century cathedral and one of Gaudi’s first projects (the street lamps decorating Plaça Reial, one of Spain’s grandest squares). 
• An epic art scene: Whether you’re searching for Picasso masterpieces, murals by Miro or contemporary pieces by independent artists, you’re not short of exhibits to visit. From the Centre of Contemporary Culture to the National Art Museum of Catalonia.
• Football famous: The largest stadium in Europe with a capacity of 100,000, the atmosphere at Camp Nou is electrifying. Catch FC Barcelona in action or bag yourself an exclusive tour. But for trophies, memorabilia and football shirts worn by sports legends, be sure to make a pitstop at its museum. 
   

Last minute Barcelona breaks

Desperate for a dose of Spanish sunshine? These last minute Barcelona city breaks combine architectural marvels with sunbathing stints. 

The airport is just a short drive to the centre which means you can start exploring as soon as you land. Spontaneous couples will love jetting off at short notice, while families waiting to whisk the whole clan away can take full advantage of these amazing late deals we've sourced on your behalf. 

Weekend breaks to Barcelona

Barcelona has everything you need for a short break. Just over two hours’ flight time from London, you can be in this Spanish hotspot on Friday evening and back home by Monday morning.

Barcelona weekend breaks should give you enough time to see the best of what the city has to offer, whether you’ve come here to shop in its high street boutiques, tick off its must-see architecture, or top up your tan onits sprawling sands. And if you’re holidaying as a family, you’re just a short train journey from PortAventura, one of Europe’s biggest theme parks. 

Things to do

Barcelona is the ultimate city break destination, surrounded by mountains on one side and the sea on the other. And there are more than enough attractions to fill a long weekend. Walk streets perfect for shoppers and sightseers, where trendy boutiques sit close to Gaudi’s modernist masterpieces and centuries-old churches. It’s right by the Med too, so you can tick off the capital’s biggest sights in the morning and hit the beach in the afternoon. Then, when you’ve had enough sun for one day, there are plenty of waterside restaurants serving tasty Catalan seafood. Whatever it is you want from your next city break, Barcelona has it by the bucketload.

A vibrant beach scene

Cool off in the sea atone of Barcelona’s stunning beaches, which you can enjoy from March to November. La Barceloneta is the city’s answer to Miami’s South Beach. There’s always something going on along this four-kilometre-long stretch and its buzzing boardwalk is the perfect place to take it all in with restaurants, cafes and chiringuitos (beach bars) overlooking its sands. 

If you want to try some watersports on your Barcelona city break, look no further than Nova Icària. Windsurfing is a must on breezy Med days, while a SUP adventure is a great way to take in the city’s skyline from the water. Prefer your beach days a little bit more peaceful?  Then, hop on the metro to Bogatell. This Blue Flag beauty is great for relaxing dips and games of volleyball. Once your batteries are recharged, wind down with a drink in La Rambla or the Gothic Quarter.

Cultural treasures

Barcelona’s culture starts with its architecture. From medieval to modernist, the city is the perfect blend of old and new. Fans of Gaudi shouldn't miss a chance to see the skeleton balconies of Casa Batlló and his unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia. But the hillside Park Güell is like stepping inside the artist’s weird but wonderful imagination. From a dragon fountain to an elephant cave and his former home, this iconic green space is one of a kind. For more art-filled attractions, make sure you squeeze in a trip to the Contemporary Art and Picasso Museum.

Over in Ciutat Vella (Old City) you’ll find some of Europe’s best-preserved landmarks. Standing high above the ancient streets, you can’t miss Barcelona Cathedral - the centrepiece of the Gothic Quarter. Besides its well-known buildings, there’s no better way to see the city like a local than a shopping trip at at the Mercat de la Boqueria food market, or watching a home game at the 100,000-seater Camp Nou Stadium.

Catalan roots

Barcelona’s Catalonian origins are an important part of the city. From its own history, language and cuisine, there are so many ways to absorb this unique culture. Festivals are big here, with celebrations across just about every neighbourhood. Plan your Barcelona holidays in autumn and attend two of its biggest events: National Day of Catalonia (11th September) and La Mercè (24th September). Alternatively, food is another great way to get a taste of the city’s Catalan traditions. Look out for popular dishes like escalivada (roasted red peppers, aubergineand onions) or butifarra (a spiced sausage) for the most authentic dining experience.

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Turkey's largest city lies at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. In its 2500-year history, Istanbul has been the home of civilizations that flourished for centuries. Their influence is evident in ancient Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques and palaces. While its cultural origins have been preserved, the city also embraces contemporary art, modern cuisine, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Things to do

Sultanahmet District is one of the best places in Istanbul, showcasing majestic monuments to ancient empires and civilizations. At the Grand Bazaar, shoppers can haggle for souvenirs or absorb the exotic atmosphere. Break from the city with a trip to the beaches of Princes' Islands.

Great draws

A great place to start is with a cruise on the Bosphorus. You can spend anything from a couple of hours to all day enjoying the views of Istanbul from the water and exploring parts of the coastline. Set your feet back on dry land and head to the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul’s iconic market. You could easily spend a whole day browsing the endless array of shops and stalls as you search for that special reminder of your trip.

Fabulous food

After you’ve scoured the Grand Bazaar you’ll probably need to refuel. Try some of the food stalls at the market or dip into Istanbul’s fabulous dining scene that has a myriad of influences. From fine dining at the top of upmarket hotels to the catch of the day at eateries with views of the Bosphorus and delicious street food, Istanbul has it all. If you’re thirsty you can even sip on a cool beer at a brewery with a view of the strait.

Wonderful history

Istanbul was founded thousands of years ago at an important strategic point, which means the city’s packed with rich history. The Topkapi Palace is one of the most famous landmarks, while Hagia Sophia started life as a church back in the 6th century. The Basilica Cistern was built around the same time, and is another intriguing place to visit as you venture deep underground. Whatever you do, don’t forget to take your camera.

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Experience this bustling city on the south coast of Morocco. Agadir is perhaps best known for its silky-soft sandy beach (there’s a whopping 10km of it to enjoy so you’re bound to find a spot!) and year-round sunshine. Most of the original city was destroyed in a huge earthquake in 1960, and what you see today is a modern resort that was built in its place, complete with trendy marina restaurants.

Beyond the beach you’ll still get a sense of the rich history on Agadir holidays; you’ll find the Kasbah Mosque and traditional Berber villages within easy reach. And don’t forget to pick up a souvenir at the bustling souk.

Things to do

For many visitors, holidays to Agadir are first and foremost about long, lazy days on the beach. And where better to soak up the North African sunshine than on a 10-km stretch of almond-coloured sands? It’s one of the best beaches in Morocco. When you’re ready to refuel, you can grab a bite to eat at a local stall; the freshly-barbecued fish is a must try.

If you’re looking for a livelier spot, do as the locals do and head to the Souk El-Had for a spot of shopping. Fragrant spices fill the air as you wander past mountains of plump dates. In the evenings, you can dine in one of the stylish restaurants overlooking the modern marina. Just sit back and enjoy the sunset as you sip a chilled glass of Moroccan white wine.

Excellent beaches

The beaches are Agadir’s main attractions and are said to be some of the best in Morocco. The 10km stretch of soft, golden sand runs into crystal clear waters, which have received Blue Flag status. Enjoy spending your days relaxing in the exotic weather on sun loungers and under parasols, with views of the shimmering coast. Take a refreshing break from the heat in one of the cafes and restaurants that line the palm tree fringed promenade.

History and culture

Agadir was traditionally a small fishing village, which is still rooted in its customs with a wild marine life, picturesque harbour and delicious seafood restaurants. Agadir was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake wiped out the whole city in the 1960s. The city was rebuilt a few miles south from its original place and features modern buildings, floral parks and wide grid-like streets, which are easy to navigate around than most Moroccan cities. However, the city hasn’t lost its traditional charm, with colourful souks, spas and mosques which can be explored.

Laid back nightlife

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in one of the many bars in Agadir. The nightlife is low key compared to the cosmopolitan Casablanca and Marrakech, but there’s enough to keep you entertained if you are after a relaxing break away. Enjoy an authentic Moroccan meal and a cocktail or two in one of the beachfront restaurants or try you luck in one of the vibrant casinos. Pay a visit to one of the bars or venues that often host live music and traditional belly dance performances.

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Just north of the historic city of Sousse is Port El Kantaoui, one of Tunisia’s most popular seaside resorts. Found on the coast of the sapphire blue Gulf of Hammamet, Port El Kantaoui has lots of activities and excursion opportunities including picturesque scuba diving spots. The resort has its own golf club with two 18-hole courses, and is less than 20 minutes’ drive from Sousse’s old medina, souks and museums.

Things to do

If you want to unwind and relax on your holidays to Port El Kantaoui you won’t have far to go. With two beautiful beaches just a stone’s throw away and a stunning marina lined with quiet bars and bobbing boats, your days and nights are practically taken care of. 

If you want to get some serious bargain-hunting done, the resort’s medina feels as authentic as any in Tunisia. Among the labyrinthine network of cobbled streets and secret squares, you’ll find rows of quirky shops selling handmade goods and local produce. Be prepared to put your haggling head on; it’s part and parcel of the traditional Tunisian shopping experience.

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Situated south of the Bay of Hammamet, Sousse is a vibrant city steeped in history. Enjoy traditional narrow cobbled streets and La Corniche, Sousse’s famous promenade, a perfect combination of culture and relaxation. Boasting a long stretch of white sandy beach, the seas offer a fantastic choice of watersports. The resort is a 20 minutes’ drive from Port el Kantaoui with its own golf club and charming scuba diving spots.

Things to do

Mix the old with the new in enchanting Sousse, Tunisia’s third-largest city, where you can stroll along the promenade, walk through the winding ancient walled Medina and sip coffee in the modern cafés. Combine excitement with relaxation in Sousse, spread out on the beautiful long stretch of white sandy beach that spans from the centre of Sousse to neighbouring resort Port el-Kantaoui.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Djerba | Hammamet | Port el Kantaoui | Tunisia