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With pretty pebbled streets, medieval architecture and terracotta-tiled houses, Dubrovnik holidays are charming and unique, with a piece of history hidden behind every stone. Lit up by the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, holidays to Dubrovnik offer a warm and pleasant break with postcard-worthy views and endless cultural attractions.

The most picturesque of all Croatia's ancient cities, historic Dubrovnik is known for its impressive stone wall fortifications, which tower over the Adriatic Sea. Nearby, unspoiled beaches and soaring mountains complete the winning mix.

From exploring the capital’s fascinating history to toasting the sunset with a cocktail, Dubrovnik holidays are packed with incredible things to do. Take in the views of the ancient city walls, or escape the bustle of the old town and lose yourself in the fine-shingle sands of nearby Lokrum Island.

Take a walk through time 

It all starts with the Old Town in Dubrovnik. Packed with history and interesting landmarks, you can dive from the cobbled streets into centuries-old buildings like the Franciscan Monastery, before stopping at one of the many cafés for a drink and a spot of people watching.

If you’re a fan of the Game of Thrones TV series then you’ll probably have a familiar feeling as you gaze around at the sights and scenery. Some of the show is filmed in Dubrovnik, and you can even go on a Games Of Thrones walking tour that’ll take you to Fort Lovrijenac, which doubles up as the King’s Landing.

Beeline for blissful beaches

One of the best things about holidays to Dubrovnik is the beaches to relax on once all your sightseeing is done; there’s a part-shingle, part-pebble beach just a short walk from Ploče Gate, called Banje Beach. This is by far the busiest and most popular beach, and it’s a brilliant spot for families.

From here, you can soak up the sunshine, cool off in the sea, and admire the views over the lush green island of Lokrum. Locals tend to head down to Sveti Jakov, which is a 20-minute walk away, north of the Old Town. It’s perfect if you fancy a quieter beach away from the crowds.

Explore enchanting ruins

One of Dubrovnik’s most spectacular features is the ancient walls that surround the city. As well as giving you great photo opportunities, you can walk along the walls between historic towers and buildings. If you get tired of sightseeing, head to pretty Banje Beach near the Old Town and relax in the sunshine before sipping on a refreshing sundowner at the beach bar.

Drink up the atmosphere

Wait for the night to set in at Banje Beach when things liven up as the party gets started. Or sit down for an atmospheric seafood dinner in the Old Town before heading to a hidden bar for a tipple. Croatia produces some excellent wine, especially nearby in Korcula and Peljesac, which you can sip in a family-run bar as you toast a lovely day in Dubrovnik.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Brac Island | Croatia | Dalmatian Coast | Hvar | Korcula | Makarska | Rovinj | Split | Zadar | Zagreb

Holidays to Palma embody the perfect balance as a city break destination. Stepped in tradition with its wonderful architecture, it radiates an air of class and style, yet still succeeds as a sunseekers’ paradise fit for all. The centrepiece of the Old Town is the gothic style cathedral, completed in 1601. Plus, there’s impressive culinary and nightlife scenes.

History & Culture 

Palma was founded as a Roman base, on the remains of a Bronze Age settlement. Since then the city has been the subject of numerous conquerings. The oldest buildings you can see today date from the 13th century. These were constructed following the Conquest of Majorca, led by James I of Aragon. 

Things to do

With a Palma City Break you can soak up the local history and culture with a walk around the Old Town. The Royal Palace of La Almudaina (closed Mondays) is the official residence of the King and Queen during their stays in Mallorca. Head up to Castell de Bellver to see a rare example of a circular castle, also boasting fantastic views over the city. Standing tall on the waterfront is the stunning Palma Cathedral. Its nave is 44m high, even taller than the Notre Dame in Paris. 

Food & Drink

Palma's Old Town is a treasure trove of delicatessens, where you’ll find regional cheeses, olives, honey, liquors and much more. Mallorcan cuisine is largely based on pork, fish and regional vegetables. Local favourites include Arros Brut (Rice Stew) and Llom amb Col (made with pork loin and cabbage). Visit one of the city’s bakeries for the chance to sample Quartos Embetumats. These traditional lemon cakes are both gluten free and vegan friendly. For the nightlife scene head to Paseo Maritimo.

Shopping

Small boutique stores sell a range of traditional Mallorcan arts and crafts. Choose from coloured vases, traditionally made espadrilles (sandals), wicker hats and small decorative items. As with most Spain city break destinations, you’ll find an El Corte Ingles department store, stocking almost everything you can think of.

Beaches

When you feel the urge to relax, Cala Major Formentor provides a 200m stretch of white Majorcan sands, suitable for the whole family. If you fancy a romantic seaside walk or open water swimming head to Platja de Can Pere Antoni, also known as Palma City Beach.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Majorca | Menorca

Old meets new in the lively city of Marrakech, full of rich sights, sounds and smells to leave you with a magical experience. Home to more than 10 century-old markets, full of quirky characters, stunning gardens and many hidden treasures,  there’s never a dull moment in the hot sunshine of Marrakech.

Things to do

Jump in to the hustle and bustle of the traditional souks, visit the amazing museums and galleries and chill out in the lush gardens. Circle the stunning Koutoubia Mosque with its four copper globes and traditional designs.  Spend your days teeing off at one of three golf courses, then in the evenings, head to one of the bustling night markets. But if you’re looking for a totally different African experience, escape to a ski resort in the Atlas Mountains – just a one hour drive away in Oukaimeden.

What do I need to pack?

For anyone taking Marrakech holidays, sunscreen is an absolute must. When it comes to clothing, think light and airy by day and something a little warmer for the evenings. As the ‘Red City’ is relatively conservative, there are a few observations you should make. For women, it’s important to keep your shoulders and legs covered, so leave the strappy tops and tiny shorts at home. Instead, think t-shirts or light shirts and dresses, skirts and shorts that go below the knees. While headscarves aren’t required in public, you’ll need to wear one as a sign of respect if you’re visiting any sites of religious interest.

Because of the heat, comfortable shoes can be important, and you might want to protect your feet from the dust, so ‘closed’ footwear is a good idea. Sun hats are essential for the little ones.

If you’re taking gadgets with you on your holiday to Marrakech, be sure to take an adaptor plug and a portable power-bank.

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, it's 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 (pan tumaca), before digging into vegetable stew (escudella) for lunch. As for dinner, it has to be coca! Think of it as a Catalan 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 Batllo 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. Some stadium tours include an immersive VR experience. Tickets aren’t cheap but children under four can join for free.

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. La Barceloneta is the city’s answer to Miami’s South Beach. There’s always something going on along this 4km 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. 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.

More travel guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Balearic Islands | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Menorca

From its unique architectural treasures to its proximity to spectacular beaches, Seville has everything you could want from a city break. Located in sunny Southern Spain, this beautiful city is the capital of the province of Andalusia and a popular spot for holidaymakers.  

Holidays to Seville mean lots of exploring. Spend your time marvelling at impressive monuments, such as Seville Cathedral, while basking in the warm Spanish sunshine. Wander through idyllic cobbled streets, stop for a pitcher of Sangria at one of the vibrant bars, or spend an afternoon exploring the busy street markets. 

The city is also ripe with Spanish traditions, such as flamenco dancing. Whether you visit as a family, a couple, or a group of friends, Seville holidays offer the perfect escape.  

Architecture and Landmarks  

Seville isn’t short of magnificent architecture. This 2,200-year-old capital city was once the subject of Roman and Moorish rule, and its landscape has dramatically shifted over time.  

Seville still has several Roman structures today, such as the remnants of the Caños de Carmona. This was an aqueduct that connected Seville with the neighbouring city of Carmona. There are also the Roman columns at the Alameda de Hercules, one of which features a statue of Hercules, the hero of Greek mythology who is believed to have founded the city.  

This Spanish hotspot is also home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Completed in the early 16th century, the landmark was built on the site of a former mosque when the Moors lost control of Seville. Visitors can admire the building’s impressive stonework and enjoy stunning panoramic views from its rooftop.  

 Flamenco

Seville is a vibrant city that’s full of character and charm. It’s a great spot to soak up some of Spain’s most famous traditions.

Flamenco is a form of song and dance that began in Andalusia and has been passed down from generation to generation. There are various places where you can watch this foot-stomping dance, including T de Triana and Casa del Flamenco. One thing’s for sure – you’ll be completely blown away by this incredible spectacle!

The best time to witness flamenco in Seville is during April when the city comes alive with its week-long annual festival, Feria de Abril. Throughout the week, the streets of Seville are full of people in brightly coloured outfits dancing flamenco.

Dining Out  

Holidays in Seville promise plenty of delicious cuisine. Here, the streets are lined with delightful restaurants where you can enjoy a range of authentic Spanish dishes. Eating out is a well-loved pastime in Seville, and the city is home to over 3,000 tapas bars. In fact, the Spanish tradition of tapa food actually originated in Seville.  

Some of the city’s most famous food creations include solomillo al whiskey (pork cooked in whiskey sauce) and salmorejo (cold tomato soup), which are popular in tapas restaurants. Those with a sweet tooth should sample tocino de cielo. This is one of Southern Spain’s most well-known desserts and has a very rich taste. Booking a food tour is a great way to try out different dishes while learning about gourmet traditions.