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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, with its charming architecture and vibrant art scene, is one of the oldest cities in Europe and the birthplace of Picasso. 

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, around 2km from the Alcazar. 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 offer the best of both worlds: lazy days on the beach and the buzz of a city alive with energy. Nestled on Spain's northeastern coast, the city boasts a warm Mediterranean climate, making it ideal for sightseeing amidst sunny days or unwinding on its golden beaches. Barcelona is steeped in history, so in between marvelling at Gaudi's architectural wonders, you can wander the charming, medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter. Add to that the delicious flavours, one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world, and beautiful parks, Barcelona city breaks have something to offer everyone.

Catalan roots

Barcelona's soul is undeniably Catalan. Its unique culture can be seen in everything from its distinct language and culture to its mouthwatering cuisine. You can immerse yourself in the vibrant local scene by attending one of the city's many festivals. Alternatively, embark on a culinary adventure and savour the essence of Catalonia on your plate. Sample traditional dishes like escalivada (roasted vegetables) or butifarra (spiced sausage) for an authentic taste of the region.

Best things to do in Barcelona

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. Stroll along pedestrian friendly streets where trendy shops mingle with Gaudi's architectural wonders and ancient churches. The best part? Beach time! The Mediterranean is on the doorstep, so you can conquer Barcelona's must-sees in the morning and be lounging on the sand by afternoon.  

From medieval to modernist, the city is the perfect blend of old and new. Barcelona, the city of Gaudi is home to his unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, scheduled for completion in the next few years. Fans shouldn't miss a chance to see the skeleton balconies of Casa Batlló and Casa Mila. But the hillside Park Güell is like stepping inside the artist’s weird but wonderful imagination. For more creative masterpieces make sure you squeeze in a trip to the Contemporary Art and Picasso Museum.

Over in Ciutat Vella (the 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 the Mercat de la Boqueria food market, or watching a FC Barcelona home game at the Camp Nou Stadium.

La Barceloneta is the city’s answer to Miami’s South Beach. There’s always something going on along this 4km long stretch. Craving fresh seafood after a day of sun?  Waterfront restaurants line the coast, ready to tantalise your taste buds with Catalan specialties. Once your batteries are recharged, wind down with a drink on La Rambla or in the Gothic Quarter.

Hotels in Barcelona

Whether you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Barcelona, or looking to book Hilton Barcelona, we have a wide selection of hotels in Barcelona for you to choose from.

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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