Madeira holidays

Welcome to Madeira’s 500-year-old capital, perched on a hill along the Garden Island’s southern coastline. Cobbled streets, stunning gardens, and a cosmopolitan marina are all part and parcel of Funchal holidays.

This place flawlessly blends old with new, from the historic Old Town to the smart boutiques and bars. And it’s home to some super-stylish clubs, too, along with rustic restaurants serving up classic local fare. Don’t miss the famously colourful gardens; you can enjoy spectacular views across the bay from some of them. Looking for a beach? There are four of them nearby, just a half-hour walk from town.

Things to do

You could spend hours and hours exploring the cobbled streets of Funchal’s Old Town, dipping in and out of the shops and museums. How about a trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art? It’s housed in the 17th century São Tiago Fort. But there’s so much more to this place, too. Holidays to the Garden Island are a change to explore the great outdoors, so pack your swimsuit and your hiking boots and see where your trip takes you.

Excellent beaches

There are only a few sandy shores in Funchal, as most are pebble beaches, so you’ll find a unique take on a traditional afternoon by the beach. It’s common to find paved promenades with lidos on the edge of the coast with sunbathing facilities and you can still swim in the calming waves as a safe section of the sea is usually marked off. In the Old Town you’ll find Praia da Barreirinha where you can relax on the promenade on sun loungers before taking a dip in the pool.

Follow the steps down to the sea and have fun swimming in the stunning setting. If you want to find sand, one of the more popular beaches is the small man-made one in nearby Calheta. The golden sand was imported from Morocco and is ideal for reclining on sun loungers under the glorious warm sunshine.

History and culture

Funchal is Madeira’s largest city and the island’s 500 year old capital. The area became popular with tourists in the 1850s and the main export of the island is the famous Madeira wine, which began trading in the 17th century. You’ll find most of the island’s history and culture in the cobbled streets of the Old Town and 16th century buildings in the centre of Funchal.

The general atmosphere when walking around Funchal is upbeat and modern, but tradition oozes through in the shape of traditional food and age-old customs, such as picking grapes in September’s Wine Harvest Festival. Another celebrated tradition is toboggan rides down the steep hill that connects Monte to Funchal. Drivers, also known as Carreiros de Monte, push the wicker cart, which was described by writer Ernest Hemingway as the ‘most exhilarating experience’ of his life.

Nightlife

Madeira follows a typically English way of life, with many of the clubs and bars dormant throughout the week. However, you’ll be able to find evening entertainment throughout the week in Funchal. Enjoy a cocktail or two in outdoor seating and dance to live music if the moment takes you. Madeira has a great selection of traditional food to try too. Dine on hearty meals and sip on the famous Madeira wine transported directly from the vineyards found in the mountains.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Algarve | Lisbon | Madeira

Caniço hoildays are all about laid-back beach days, village strolls and epic water sports. A peaceful coastal hideaway on the south coast of Madeira, Caniço is a traditional town with green hills, rugged clifftops, a pretty square, and year-round sun. Enjoy lazy days on the pebble beaches, surfing the waves or diving for marine life. In the town, relax with a wine and fresh seafood in the genteel bars, climb the rocky landscapes for panoramic views, or practice your swing on the verdant golf courses.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Algarve | Lisbon | Madeira

Thriving fishing villages surrounded by some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches, Algarve holidays have put Portugal on the map. This coastal region is one of the sunniest in Europe, which means you can soak up those Mediterranean rays long into autumn, that’s when you’re not surfing its Atlantic waves or teeing off on its top-of-the-range golf courses. From the nightlife haven Albufeira to wildlife sightings in Tavira and a touch of luxury in Vilamoura, the Algarve offers everything you could possibly want from Portugal getaways.

Things to do

Whether you’re looking for waterparks perfect for family day trips, century-old sites you can tick off with your other half, or big nights out spent dancing with your friends, there’s plenty of things to do in the Algarve. Spend a leisurely morning shopping for souvenirs in its beach towns, before hitting the coast for a relaxing afternoon in the sun. And when you want to pick up the pace, you’ve got watersports, golf courses and nature reserves at your fingertips. 

Beaches, beaches and more beaches 

It won’t be long before you run into a beautiful stretch of golden sand on your trip to the Algarve. This coastal hotspot is often described as one of Europe’s best beach destinations with a variety of shorelines boasting everything from incredible rock formations to limestone cliffs and hidden sea caves. Reached via a wooden staircase, nothing will prepare you for the dramatic beauty of Praia De Marinha. You could spend all day soaking up the sun under its steep cliffs - ideal for breeze-free sunbathing sessions, and don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for its unique ‘M’ shaped rock. 

Or, there’s Ponta da Piedade, which is another must-visit for its natural landscape. With a cluster of rock formations rising for 20 metres, you can’t miss it. And families won’t be able to resist the soft, lengthy sands of Praia da Rocha in Portimao. Thanks to its size it never feels overcrowded, while your little ones can enter the water under the supervision of a lifeguard. But you can’t leave without trying the watersports, with jet-skis, parasails, and kayaks all lined up for you. For more active days on the sand, Praia da Oura has more wet activities than you could squeeze into a week’s holiday.

Family-friendly attractions 

Visiting the Algarve as a family? You’re in luck! Just 30 minutes from Albufeira, days at Zoomarine should be at the top of your list. The smallest members of the gang will love its mini rides, which include a rollercoaster, drop tower and pirate ship. And that’s before they discover the zoological attractions. See alligators in their compound, visit a garden of butterflies or escape the heat at the 4D cinema. And there’s just as many wildlife sightings outside the park, whether you’re bird-watching in its nature reserves or dolphin-spotting in the Atlantic.

Looking for another alternative to the beach? Luso Aventura Albufeira promises a memorable day for all ages and abilities with three high-rope courses to choose from. You’ll also find a

Jurassic Park-themed mini golf course in Alvor, perfect for some friendly, family competition. But no holiday to the Algarve would be complete without getting soaked at Aquashow Park. Daring teens can head straight for the Watercoaster and Free Fall slide, while less confident swimmers may prefer to catch one of the bird or reptile shows. 

A happening nightlife scene

This buzzing region may seem lively during the day, but just wait until the sun sets. Parties are in full swing along Albufeira's iconic street of bars (also known as the Montechoro Strip). Cocktail spots, sports venues are among the after-dark hangouts. Not forgetting the famous Matt’s Bar with its mechanical bull and boat parties. But nightlife in the Algarve doesn’t end with Albufeira. 

Don’t let the relaxed pace in Lagos fool you. This laid-back town really gets going in the evening, find cobbled alleyways filled with dive bars, or head down Rua 25 Abril street, where you’ll find Grand Cafe whose doors stay open until 5am. Portimao's beach clubs have a great atmosphere whatever the time, starting with chilled cocktails in the sun and finishing with late-night dancing. Or, there’s always Vilamoura - the Algarve’s answer to Ibiza. Gaze on super yachts from its waterside bars or hit its loung style nightclubs to catch big-name DJs manning the decks.

Places to stay

The Algarve is full of great destinations, but Albufeira is at the heart of its action. Adored by holidaymakers of all ages for its family-friendly Old Town, bar-lined Strip and sweeping sands, everyone’s tastes are catered for. In the southwest of the region is the ancient fishing town of Lagos. History lovers will enjoy getting lost inside its medieval walls, while keen shoppers will love its handcrafted ceramics and marinaside markets. 

If you’ve come here to check out the area’s best golf courses, Vilamoura won’t disappoint. Home to six world-class greens, when you’re not teeing off, you could be sampling the high life at its swanky marina. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet away from the main crowds, Carvoeiro in the west has a small village charm with a stunning shoreline at its centre.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Albufeira | Alvor | Carvoeiro | Lagos | Praia da Rocha | Vilamoura

Sorrento holidays put you in the heart of the beautiful Neapolitan Riviera, with its low valleys, high mountains and hillsides, dotted with groves of colourful fruit. Perched on a cliff along a beautiful stretch of blue coastline, say ciao to one of Italy’s most exclusive holiday resorts. Here, you can delve deep into Italian culture as you explore medieval relics in timeless museums, before getting lost among the market-filled streets in its Old Town. But for heritage in the form of age-old recipes, you must sample Campanian cuisine! And if the key to your heart is through your belly, then the region’s most popular comfort food, gnocchi alla Sorrentina (a baked dish of little Italian dumplings in a tomato sauce) should be your go-to.

Still, need convincing? Holidays to Sorrento will see you sipping limoncello at Piazza Tasso’s snazziest cocktail spots. That’s when you’re not making your way through 30 different flavours of gelato at Gelateria Davide, of course! Or exploring the Baroque Church and Cloisters of San Francesco. Plus, when you fancy a day trip you’ve got the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Capri all at your fingertips. 

Things to do

Away from the lemon-lined cobbles and pizzerias is a serious art scene. The Museum Correale is full of Neopolitan crafts, European ceramics and an incredible collection of paintings themed around the Posillipo district, all housed in an 18th-century villa. Meanwhile, the Skyart gallery represents new and upcoming artists with a contemporary flair. When you want your history fix, a guided walking tour of Sorrento’s Old Town will place you amidst the spectacularly ancient Valley of the Mills and the San Francesco Cloister.

Head a little further along the Amalfi Coast and you’ll discover the exclusive resort of Positano. Wander through steep streets of elegant boutiques and romantic restaurants. See the town's Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, a 13th-century church with an impressive 1920s dome. Or take a ferry to the striking Greek ruins of Paestum. 

And if you want to tick off multiple resorts in one go, boat excursions to Positano, Ravello, Praiano, Atrani, Minori and Maiori are just some of the highlights. Head further afield to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, which will take at least a full day to explore, but is certainly worth the time and effort. 

Plus, did you know there are three waterparks in the region? Green Island is perfect for thrill-seeking families with its kamikaze drops and black cannon chutes. Those travelling with younger tots should make a beeline for Aquafarm. Kids below 105cm tall go free - do we need to say more? Meanwhile, Valle dell’Orso lies in the heart of the Vesuvius National Park with a wave pool, relaxation zones and anaconda shaped slide.

Beaches

Sorrento’s beaches are made up of small coves with wooden bathing platforms built over the sea, perfect for daredevil divers. Marina Piccola Beach, in particular, is a stretch of volcanic sand backed by a variety of beach clubs mixing up classic Negroni cocktails and providing a VIP sunbathing experience. Head off the beaten track to Regina Giovanna, a beauty spot where the ancient Roman ruins of Villa Pollio Felice still stand. But most importantly, there’s a turquoise-tinted lagoon daring you to take a dip. Families will appreciate the shallow water at the coastal hotspot, Puolo. And for camera-worthy vistas, the bay of Loreto sits at the tip of Sorrento’s peninsula overlooking the island of Capri.

History and culture

It was the Greeks who first founded Sorrento in the 6th century BC - it then became a part of the Roman Empire in the 4th century BC. Today Sorrento is a popular holiday resort etched into the cliffside with a maze of cobbled streets, traditional buildings and striking rocky landscapes.

Down its narrow alleyways are quaint cafes, pasta-filled restaurants and shops that sell locally crafted goods such as jewellery, leather shoes and clothes, satisfying those curious about the culture. And don’t be surprised to see decorated murals, bell towers and remains of 16th-century defence walls, built to once protect the region from pirates.

Nightlife

Sorrento’s evening entertainment revolves around eating and socialising, so you won't find many nightclubs in the area. There are, however, lots of great bars and restaurants open late when you fancy an evening tipple. Think cosy cocktail spots serving up Aperol Spritz, live bands, cabaret and dance performances. The Filou Club is one of them. Set between the ancient walls of Via Santa Maria della Pietà, it hosts a busy line-up of pianists, singers and DJs. 

When you do want to turn the partying up a notch (by a notch, we mean dancing until 3 am), head over to Piazza Tasso and follow the sound of chart remixes and techno tunes at Fauno Notte Club. 

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Check out our other Italy destination guides, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia  | Sicily | Venetian Riviera | Venice

Jersey is close, convenient to get to, and brimming with pristine beaches and crisp, coastal strolls, making it a wonderful destination for a quick weekend getaway. At just five miles long and nine miles wide, it’s perfect for walkers and hikers - particularly those with a predilection for rugged, rollercoaster trails dotted with hidden bays and inlets.

Not only renowned for its natural marvels, holidays to Jersey are luxurious. From world-class spas begging you to relax to popping Champagne on lavish yachts while taking in stunning sunset views over the island and sipping the finest full-bodied glass of red from its extensive wine vineyards.

Travelling with kids? Breathe a sigh of relief knowing Jersey holidays are full of family-friendly adventures. Whether you’re building sandcastles on the nearest sand spot, going head-to-head paintballing or zip-lining through a secluded wooded valley packed with aerial treks and climbing frames. And rainy days are covered too! Jump Jersey is the largest indoor activity centre on the island featuring a trampoline park, 18-lane bowling alley, laser light shows and an action-packed play area. 

Things to do

The island’s outdoorsy activities can largely be separated into two camps: in water and on land. Jersey is situated in the English channel just north of France, and is constantly buffeted by the waves and winds of the Atlantic Ocean - which is great news for surfers. Adventurous seafarers can also enjoy the warm(ish) channel waters by kayak, jet ski or wakeboard. St. Ouens is the go-to beach for watersports, while beach bums can lounge on the ombre sands of Grève de Lecq. 

Back on land, there are plenty of hiking paths and trails to explore. As well as heritage buildings and historic monuments, such as the Mont Orgueil Castle, the Jersey Wall Tunnels and the Neolithic Passage Grave at La Hougue Bie, which is said to be one of the ten oldest buildings in the world. 

All that exploring can workup an appetite and Jersey is no exception when it comes to culinary gems. From fresh king prawns cooked in oyster, garlic and black bean sauce to spiced Indian crab cakes and char-grilled filets accompanied by locally-grown veggies. 

Once you’ve overindulged, La Mare Wine Estate is a great way to finish off a meal. Wander through beautiful gardens while sipping crisp white wines straight from the vineyards. But if rum or gin is more your style, Channel Islands Liquor Co. is a must-visit.