Category: Destinations

With freezing temperatures continuing across the UK, we look at some of Europe’s best events over the next few months.

1. Dance away the winter cobwebs at one of Vienna’s grand balls
Vienna’s hugely popular ballroom dancing season runs until 25th February and offers 2,000 hours of dancing! The most famous event is the Opera Ball which offers a unique backstage view of the Opera House.

After whirling your partner around, make sure to take in sights including St. Stephen’s Cathedral and warm yourself up with a traditional strudel.

Temperatures up to 4C (39F).

2. Gorge on chocolate alongside the canals of Amsterdam
Chocolate lovers flock to Amsterdam’s Chocoa Festival (25th – 26th February) where some of Europe’s finest chocolatiers display their wares and visitors indulge in what is on offer.

Possibly a perfect late Valentine’s Day present but be warned, you might need to spend a few days wandering the canals of this famous city to work off those calories.

Temperatures up to 8C (46F).

3. Join in with a Greek carnival
The carnival season peaks on 26th February and the seaside town of Patras is the undisputed home of Greek carnivals. The Night and Grand Parades see thousands of revellers hit the streets with huge models and lanterns paraded through town.

Visitors may combine this with a few days in Athens or on one of the 6,000 Greek islands.

Temperatures up to 14C (57F).

4. Discover more than tulips at Dutch flower festivals 
Two of Europe’s largest flower festivals are held simultaneously in the Netherlands, with the Keukenhof Flower Show (23rd March – 21st May) and the Bloemencorso display (19th – 23rd April) drawing crowds.

Entrance to Keukenhof costs around £14 and is 45-minute journey from Amsterdam.

Temperatures up to 12C (54F) during April.

5. Celebrate the season at the Budapest Spring Festival
This long-running festival (31st March – 23rd April) combines a huge array of classical music, jazz, opera and theatre, all set within Budapest’s historic centre.

Between performances, don’t miss St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Chain Bridge. Many choose to have dinner on a luxurious river cruise along the Danube which divides the city.

If it gets chilly, warm yourself up with goulash, Hungary’s national dish (a beef stew with paprika).

Temperatures up to 15C (59F).

6. Watch fantastic films in Brussels old town
A regular on the European film festival circuit since 1983, the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (4th – 16th April) specialises in science fiction, thriller and horror films. Just ensure you try some of the luxurious chocolate before you leave.

Temperatures up to 13C (55F).

7. Stroll around the world’s best gardens in France
The International Garden Festival (from 20th April) in France’s Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire region will appeal to those with green fingers. This long-running festival attracts gardeners and visitors from around the globe and could be an alternative for regulars of the Chelsea Flower Show.

With Paris under three hours away, it is possible to combine this event with a city break.

Temperatures up to 11C (52F).

8. Taste the best ice cream Florence has to offer
Those with a sweet tooth shouldn’t miss Florence’s annual Gelato Festival this April (21st – 25th), when gelato lovers flock to this famous city, eager to combine great architecture with the world’s tastiest ice cream.

Accessible from many UK airports and with a wide range of accommodation options, Florence is a popular choice year-round. The world famous Uffizi Gallery (free on the first Sunday of the month) and Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo di Firenze which adorns every city guide), ensure there is plenty to appeal to those looking to soak up some culture.

Temperatures up to 19C (66F).

9. Sample the finest wines from Barcelona
The Priorat Wine Fair (30th April – 1st May) offers the finest in Catalonian wine, whilst tantalisingly close to the city of Barcelona. There really is something for everyone in this seaside city, boasting great food, culture and architecture.

Football fans won’t want to miss a tour of the legendary Camp Nou for £22, and may even catch a glimpse of Messi at a game.

Temperatures up to 18C (64F).

10. Enjoy Maltese fireworks in the Med 
Held annually since the country’s entry into the EU in 2004, the Malta International Fireworks Festival in late April has increasingly attracted visitors to the island’s capital, Valletta.

Excellent museums and churches, such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral, have boosted Valletta’s reputation as a cultural hotspot, and the warm weather makes it a perfect destination for a short break.

Temperatures up to 19C (66F).

These are just ten of hundreds of unique events occurring across Europe. If these don’t appeal there’s bound to be something to suit to your interests!

When your winter routine starts to feel stuffy and stale, consider a relaxing trip to the North. It is here that you can cross off one experience from your bucket list: witnessing the wonder and awe of the elusive, electric Northern Lights.

The savvy traveller knows that booking an off-season holiday can be just as rewarding as a summertime trip. Appearing in a variety of vibrant colours, from pale yellow to deep violet, the Northern Lights —also known as the Aurora Borealis in the Northern Hemisphere — provide a spectacular display in the night sky.

Most commonly, the lights appear in hues of green and pink. To the human eye, the colours aren’t as vivid as you will see in the classic long-exposure photographs, but they are still a beautiful natural spectacle to behold.

Winter provides the ideal opportunity to encounter the Northern Lights. The recipe for a sensational show is simple: dark, clear skies. With the longer winter nights that the northern countries of Iceland, Sweden, and Norway are known for, there are many opportunities to view the dazzling auroral display.

Spend your next holiday relaxing indoors, cosying up with a hot cup of tea or cocoa, and pulling up a front-row seat to view the outstanding light display put on by Mother Nature right outside your window.

See the lights in Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s tourism industry has exploded in recent years, and for good reason. The country is remote and its landscape is dramatic, providing stunning vistas of mountains, waterfalls, lava fields, and coastline.

Even Iceland’s largest city, Reykjavik, has a small-town feel. The city’s quaint size means it doesn’t even put off enough light pollution to hide the Northern Lights from view; they are easily seen from the downtown area. Often, on nights with high aurora activity, Reykjavik will even shut off its lights to give its citizens and tourists a better view!

After enjoying your stay in Reykjavik, consider a drive through the Golden Circle to see such landmarks as Gulfoss and Geysir.

There is plenty in Iceland to do and see by day, and the awe-inspiring Northern Lights to enjoy by night.

Boldly go north to Svalbard, Norway
Northern Norway is another hot spot for watching the Northern Lights flicker over the Arctic. The northernmost cities of Norway are a popular location for viewing the lights, but even further north is the Norwegian island of Svalbard.

Svalbard is home to Longyearbyen, the world’s most northernmost town, and is also home to the world’s most northernmost airport. If the lights shimmering in the sky weren’t enough, reindeer have also been known to roam the streets of Svalbard, and the North Pole is a mere 1300 kilometres away.

Dog-sledding and snowmobiling are common pastimes in this secluded land, but relaxing and taking in the sights of the landscape and the sky provide a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.

The experience of visiting Svalbard is truly otherworldly. Consider a late-winter holiday to this final frontier.

Wrap up and head to Abisko National Park, Sweden
Sweden, Norway’s neighbour, has similar opportunities for enjoying the Northern Lights. Like Iceland and Norway, the north is known for its “Midnight Sun” in the summertime, but the opportunity to view the Northern Lights is of equal intrigue.

Northern Light sightings begin in September and last through until March in the Swedish Lapland. The Aurora Borealis is most famously seen from the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park.

Abisko National Park offers a chairlift to the observation tower. Spend time enjoying the Northern Lights exhibition, grabbing a hot beverage from the cafe, and purchasing a souvenir for your friends back home who will be green with envy.

Winter weather can sometimes inhibit the viewing of the lights, but Abisko has a reputation for clear skies. Seeing the Northern Lights from this vantage point is highly likely.

Where else might I see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are also frequently spotted in Finland, Ireland, and the Denmark territories of Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

Temperatures
Winter temperatures in the northern countries of Iceland, Norway, and Sweden typically range from -15C (5F) to 0C (32F). Dress warmly, and don’t let the cold weather dissuade you from the experience of a lifetime!

When to go
While the Northern Lights can sometimes be seen as early as August, the highest-activity months are September through until March.

Aurora activity is higher during winter months, however, a trip does not guarantee a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Check the weather and an Aurora Forecast for your chances of aurora activity based on your location, or strike up a conversation with a friendly local to ask for tips on hunting the aurora. For locals, aurora hunting is a way of life!

Some Northern Light excursions, such as Reykjavik’s Northern Lights cruise, will offer a refund if viewing conditions are poor on your chosen date.

So avoid the influx of summer tourists and the pricier summertime season and plan a visit to see the Northern Lights this February.

Tell me more
To find out more, and see photos that have been adjusted for how the human eye sees the Northern Lights, take a look here and here.

If you’re seeking a true white winter holiday, Denmark is your place and its capital, Copenhagen, offers the perfect mix of unique culture and snow-covered wilderness. As with most places in Europe during this time of year, things can get a bit chilly, but Scandinavia’s weather has its own special delights.

Exploring alternative Copenhagen and the side you haven’t seen
Denmark’s capital is well known for its old town, harbour and palaces, which should not be missed by first timers, but sometimes the city’s best attractions are hidden. One of the more popular alternative destinations is Freetown Christiania, well known for its sovereign governmental stance and 1960s lifestyle in the heart of Copenhagen. The odd little community is host to art-filled cafes, workshops, restaurants full of organic goods, and your fair share of amazing people-watching.

If you’re looking for a quick break from the city centre, the charming haven of Nokken is ideal for a relaxing day trip. Reminiscent of The Shire, you’ll find hobbit-style, tiny homes, bountiful gardens and spectacular sunset views of the harbour. Stop in one of the cozy cafes around town if you get chilly for a warming glass of “gløgg”, a local’s favourite Danish style hot spiced wine.

A dining experience beyond the tourist food trucks
When locals grab a bite to eat downtown, most turn to the new street food market on Paper Island (Papirøen). You’ll find quality dishes from around the world, most at an affordable price and some filling meals for as low as £5.

For a higher end Scandinavian meal, Noma is a favourite. The location couldn’t be better, sitting dead centre in the city, with gorgeous views of the river. It’s far enough away from the bustle that you’ll have a relaxing or romantic dining experience yet be near the action after dinner.

If you’re new to Denmark, don’t miss the traditional open-face sandwiches (smørrebrød) served in a variety of styles. A trip to Copenhagen isn’t complete until you’ve tasted Danish meatballs (frikadeller), which are being served up nearly everywhere you look.

Escape the city and see the country
This time of year, the snow is sure to be falling throughout Northern Europe, and there’s no better way to celebrate than breaking out the skis or snowboard. Since Denmark is a generally flat country, it doesn’t boast the extreme skiing that France and Italy may offer. Yet for those looking to get outside and take it easy on the hill, Hedelands Skicentre is perfect. The hill is only a 35-minute drive from downtown Copenhagen, making it a great option for a winter day trip. Most of the mountain is extremely user-friendly and has runs for any level of skier. Adult day tickets are only £11, and tickets for children are £6.

“Dyrehaven,” Danish for Deer Park, is another great option to see the countryside. It’s usually pretty quiet during the winter, which makes for peaceful strolls and exquisite wildlife viewing. The park is just north of the city – don’t forget to wrap up warm!

City essentials not to be missed
Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen’s most visited destinations, and while it may be busy, your first view of the port will show you why. The area is full of little restaurants surrounding the canal, and with a quick look around you’ll find that many have great live music. If it’s not too cold, do as the locals do and grab a beer from one of the shops and have a seat on the dock to enjoy the sunset.

For any beer fan, a tour of the Carlsberg brewery is a fascinating excursion. You’ll watch their unique brewing process that seems to provide beer to half of Europe. From the outside, you’d think Carlsberg is a castle for the old Danish king!

The ice rink at Frederiksberg Runddel is ideal for families or couples looking to join this age-old Danish tradition. Every year the area is transformed into a winter paradise offering a classic holiday experience. You can rent a pair of skates for £6.

Copenhagen is an amazing place to be during the winter months. You’ll dodge the tourist rush of summer and receive a true Danish experience, so don’t let the cold discourage you!

There is perhaps one season that Europe does better than anywhere else, and that is winter. Across the continent, it is a time to swap presents, share food, and engage in end-of-year revelry with friends and family, as we all seek to ward off the cold and the dark of those long, wintry nights.

Seasonal events are a booming industry: Christmas markets are the perennial favourite, and nowadays you can find stalls and chalets lining the streets of almost every town – from Sheffield to the south bank of the Thames, as well as more traditionally the streets of Germany and Austria.

Yet no matter how much you enjoy shopping for gifts and sipping mulled wine in a rustic marketplace, winter in Europe has much more to offer than this alone. Here are some of the locations that will help to bring an extra touch of magic to your end of year holiday.

Enchanting Lapland
A magical family adventure for young and old alike can be found in the remotest part of Finland’s north. According to folklore, Lapland is the traditional home of Father Christmas himself, and the locals have missed no opportunity in bringing this fairytale to life for seasonal visitors!

Direct flights operate throughout December from multiple locations across the UK, and many of our smaller regional airports are the starting point for package deals.

On arrival, there is no end of sleigh rides, mulled wine, and seasonal dinners. While younger visitors may be enchanted by the chance to visit Santa’s workshop, it is usually the prospect of glimpsing the Aurora Borealis (also known as the Northern Lights) which appeals to older travellers.

It is even possible to visit Lapland as part of a same-day return trip, offered by Thomas Cook and others. Do a Google search for “Lapland day trips” if you are interested. Just remember to pack for the cold climate!

The Festival of Light, Stockholm
All across Sweden, the 13th December is the annual festival of light: marking the day of Saint Lucy. For many Swedes, the event marks the true start of Christmas, and families come together to share a festive julbord (the traditional Christmas buffet), drink mulled wine (“glögg”), or indulge in saffron buns baked to mark the occasion – the Lussekatt.

The event is not a public holiday in Sweden, which means shops and services remain open throughout the day. Once night falls though, the city streets are brought to life with music and light, as children sing hymns, put on traditional costumes, and stage a candlelit procession through the streets. It is a moment to see Scandinavia at its most festive and picturesque.

New Year’s Eve on the Seine, Paris
If you are searching for a spectacular destination to bring in the new year, you do not have to look any further than Paris.

Although many of the world’s capital cities will host New Year’s Eve extravaganzas, few can muster the sheer wealth of opportunities that Paris offers: from the Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral, there are countless iconic landmarks to select as the backdrop to your evening of music, light shows, and fireworks.

However, the epitome of Parisian luxury can be found on board one of the fine dining river cruises that sail along the Seine on New Year’s Eve. From the comfort of your dining table, you can take in all of the sights of the city at once, while also enjoying a gourmet dinner service.

For those who enjoy the finer things in life, it is perhaps the ideal way to start 2017.

Christmas markets are held in many towns and cities between the end of November and a day or two before Christmas. Medieval squares are decorated with Christmas trees and lights, making an enchanting backdrop to the bustling stalls where you can shop for charming gifts and decorations.

Here’s how to get the most out of your pre-Christmas city break:

Book your flight early
Cheap flights to the largest Christmas markets such as Munich, Cologne and Nuremberg sell out quickly, so book early to get the best deals, or check out flights to less well-known markets such as those held in Stuttgart and Hamburg. Price comparison sites such as Kayak and Skyscanner can show you the most competitive prices.

It is often better to book directly with the airline though. For example, easyJet does not allow anyone to sell their flights more cheaply than they do, so just book directly on easyJet.com. The longer you wait before buying your tickets, the more expensive they will be.

Think carefully about whether you need to take a suitcase with you. You will probably only be going away for a few days, so it’s tempting just to take hand luggage, but if you want to bring back lots of souvenirs and presents from the market, make sure you’ve got enough space to carry them home! Because of the need to take lots of warm clothes, it’s probably best to take a suitcase.

You may prefer to travel in an escorted group with a specialist operator: prices are from £299 for a four-day tour by Eurostar of some of the best markets. Google “Christmas market tour” to start researching your options.

Wrap up with layers
Germany can be very cold in winter: the festive markets are all held outdoors, and you will be standing outside for a few hours, so wearing several layers of clothing will help ward off chills. If you’re prone to getting cold feet, take some good thick socks!

Wear sensible shoes
The streets and squares of German towns are often paved with cobblestones that can sometimes be a little slippery. Flat shoes with non-slip soles are the best way to avoid trips and falls.

Sample local delicacies
Give your taste buds a treat when you try the local Christmas delicacies such as mulled cider and stollen, wild boar sausages and decorated cookies. You will be asked to pay a deposit, usually around 2 euros, for a mug of glühwein; you can sometimes then keep the pottery cup as a souvenir (although it’s best to ask!).

Photography
The colour and bustling crowds of Christmas markets offer wonderful opportunities for photographers: the scene really comes to life as darkness falls. Mobile phone cameras often don’t take great pictures when it’s dark, so if you have a digital camera, take it with you when you go out.

Take care of yourself
If you require medication, be sure to pack enough for your visit and keep it with you in your hand luggage. Even on a short break, health insurance is advisable or you could find yourself facing big bills should you be unfortunate enough fall ill.

If you plan on doing some serious eating and drinking – and why not? – then you might want to carry some indigestion tablets with you when you go out to the market!

Other Christmas markets
While we tend to think of Christmas markets as typically German, Krakow in Poland has held markets at Christmastime for centuries. Bruges Christmas market is equally authentic and the city is easily reached by Eurostar. Vienna, a beautiful and atmospheric city, also has a Christmas market.

The fairy-tale medieval city of Riga, in Latvia, makes an intriguing destination for a winter city break, despite the long hours of darkness and the freezing temperatures. There are plenty of interesting things to see and do, and it is much less crowded than during the summer months. Riga is the perfect destination to rediscover the joys of winter.

Things to See and Do in Riga
The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree is believed to originate in Riga, and the Old Town has a ridiculously Christmassy feel from November onwards.

Although Riga only has one Christmas market – held in the main square – it’s a very good one, and is an excellent place to sip mulled wine and buy local handicrafts, such as traditional woollen mittens.

Riga lends itself to exploring on foot. There are a number of free walking tours taking you on historic routes through the Jewish Quarter, the quaint Old Town with its maze-like qualities, and the Art Noveau district – did you know that Riga has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in the world?

Riga is filled with museums, such as the beautiful Latvian National Museum of Art, the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, and the Latvian War Museum. The splendid Dome Cathedral is also well worth a visit.

Snow is expected in Latvia every winter, so why not explore the untouched pine forests with a breathtakingly magical horse-drawn sleigh ride? Winter rides can be booked at the Tiraines Stalli farm, on the outskirts of Riga.

Discover Latvia’s Cuisine 
Sample Latvian cuisine at one of Riga’s many restaurants, such as Vincents, which offers delicious gourmet food, and Milda, a popular and friendly restaurant with a traditional menu. Look out for the potato dumplings and the Baltic antipasti.

Weather: What to Expect
In the winter months, Riga’s climate tends to hover around freezing, with highs of 4C (39F), although the wind can easily make it feel a lot colder than that! Cool crisp snowy days are common, although cannot be guaranteed. Wrap up warm!

Where to Stay
The Neiburgs Hotel won the 2016 Travellers’ Choice Awards and is a large modern hotel in the city centre with double rooms from £105 per night. There are numerous hotels offering plenty of off-season bargains, such as the Wellton Centrum and Spa Hotel, with rooms from as little as £56 per night.

As summer draws to a close, many travellers will be looking to snap up a low-season bargain, or make the most of the quieter destinations on the continent, with an early autumn getaway. While a secluded spot can be the perfect tonic for some, others are keen to keep the fun of the summer alive for just a little while longer. For those firmly in the second camp, there is one attraction that beats them all. It is one of Europe’s most famous cultural attractions. It is – of course – the Oktoberfest. The Oktoberfest is a month-long celebration of wine, beer, carnival attractions and music held annually in the Bavarian state capital of Munich. The festivities draw visitors from all across the globe and, with more than five million revellers expected to attend in 2016, it is the largest Volksfest in the world.  But there is more to the Bavarian capital than just the beer and the schweinbraten (Bavarian roast pork). And, while the prices might be a little higher while the festival is running, and the streets a little busier, there really is no better time to visit Munich. There are city-wide amusements to bring in the tourists, and the competition for visitors means there are still plenty of special offers on attractions, accommodation, and dining to provide value for money throughout the month.  A modern centre for European arts, culture, and sports, Munich is a fascinating city break for visitors wanting to experience the German way of life, and it has something for every taste – from the Deutsches Museum, to the huge ‘BMW World’, to the breathtakingly futuristic Allianz Arena: home to FC Bayern München. If you are planning on taking in several of the city’s cultural landmarks, then a combination pass is available, providing you with access to multiple attractions at a reduced rate. But Munich is not only a thriving modern metropolis: it is also a city of great history and ancient architecture too. The Munich coat of arms pays tribute to the Benedictine monks who officially established the city in 1158, but Munich has been inhabited for much longer than that.  A trip into the Old Town district in the centre of modern Munich is your gateway into the town’s long and illustrious history. Marienplatz is a perfect place to begin your journey back in time, with many noteworthy sites found close by. The Gothic splendour of the old town hall, and the imposing presence of its successor – the Neues Rathaus – are nearby tourist favourites, as is Peterskirche, the oldest building in the area, with a magnificent interior. The good news is that travel to Munich could not be more straightforward for British tourists, even during the festival month. The city’s airport is Germany’s second largest – and one of the busiest in Europe – meaning direct flights are available from a number of cities across the UK. For example, easyJet flies to Munich from Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, Manchester, and Edinburgh. The Bavarian climate will seem incredibly familiar for British tourists, too – meaning hope for an Indian summer, but pack in preparation for a European autumn! Temperatures can reach unseasonable highs of the low to mid 20C (68F), but will typically be far cooler come October. Yet with so many festivities and cultural attractions to enjoy, Munich is one city break that can bring joy all year round.

If Spain means more to you than just sun-soaked beaches, don’t miss the chance to visit the beautiful inland city of Granada. Nestling at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada makes a superb centre for a city break.

What to see in Granada
Everyone will tell you that you must visit the Alhambra – and everyone is absolutely right. You can spend hours at this astonishing medieval palace complex without seeing everything.

Built by the Moors in the early 14th century, the UNESCO World Heritage Site contains both extraordinarily intricate architecture, and stunning gardens added by later Christian rulers.

The city’s Moorish heritage is also on display in the Albayzin quarter, a short taxi ride from the Alhambra and among the oldest parts of Granada. The magnificent Renaissance cathedral was added after southern Spain’s return to Christian rule in 1492, and it towers over the winding lanes that thread their way through this intriguing district.

Culture and cuisine
Granada’s patron saint is celebrated on the last Sunday in September. Processions and festivals abound, while churches are decorated with large displays of flowers brought by the faithful.

On a different note, the Casa del Arte Flamenco regularly hosts superb performances by this traditional Spanish dance’s finest exponents.

If all that makes you hungry, enjoy Andalusian dishes such as gazpacho soup, enlivened by the use of garlic, pepper and other spices befitting the city’s Arab heritage. Alternatively, visit a Moorish-style tea room such as Teteria y Restaurante Marrakech and relax in splendour while tea is served from silver pots.

Where to stay
Despite Granada’s wealth of attractions, there are bargains to be found. The Palacio de Santa Ines, as palatial as its name suggests and a stone’s throw from the Alhambra, charges around £90 a night in mid-October.

Slightly further out, the Room Mate Leo costs around £80 a night and is renowned for its helpful staff; some rooms have private terraces, from which there are breathtaking views across the city.

With its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and an agreeable year-round climate, it should come as no surprise that Majorca is Spain’s most popular island destination for tourists and sightseers of all ages.

Yet, over the years, this paradise in the Mediterranean gained a reputation for hosting some of the more raucous holidaymakers that head to the Med for a fortnight of sun, sea and sangria within the confines of the island’s many resorts.

But beneath the popular image of party towns and package holidays, there is another side to Majorca that is waiting to be discovered by the more adventurous visitor.

Natural beauty
It is an island of extreme natural beauty, ancient culture and monuments, and a calm, peaceful approach to life. It is, for this reason, that one of Europe’s top destinations is also something of a hidden treasure: Majorca is the perfect tonic for holidaymakers seeking relaxation by the sea.

The island has no shortage of spectacular sites and memorable landmarks to make this a holiday of a lifetime. The 550km of coastline is punctuated at regular intervals by rustic fishing villages and picturesque coves.

Three places worth a visit
To the very north of the island lies Alcudia, one of the island’s most attractive stretches of water. With its broad beach and clean, shallow waters, the bay makes for one of Majorca’s most popular seaside destinations. The area provides typical resort facilities, as well as water sports for those seeking an action-packed holiday experience.

However, the coastline is most popular for its tranquillity. Inland, you will take a trip back in time, walking among the ruins of ancient Pollentia, once the Roman capital city of the Balearics. This uniquely atmospheric location is irresistible for any visitor seeking an insight into the island’s long and distinguished history.

In the south, a short journey along the coastline from the famous resort town of Magaluf brings the promise of another of the island’s great cultural destinations: Palma de Mallorca. The gothic cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma (known locally as La Seu) dominates the skyline, and is a beautiful attraction both during the day and at night.

Great value for money
More than four decades ago, it was the affordable luxury of this island economy which helped to establish Majorca as a tourism hotspot. Today, while the costs are generally above the average of mainland Spain, the island continues to represent fantastic value for money, thanks to the high quality of services.

Look beyond the resort towns and the primary attractions, and the intrepid explorer will discover hospitality, accommodation, and local cuisine that all rank among the best in Europe.