{"id":686604,"date":"2026-01-10T11:13:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T11:13:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/686604\/"},"modified":"2026-01-10T11:13:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T11:13:11","slug":"50-inspiring-travel-ideas-for-2026-chosen-by-readers-beaches-city-breaks-family-holidays-and-more-family-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/686604\/","title":{"rendered":"50 inspiring travel ideas for 2026, chosen by readers: beaches, city breaks, family holidays and more | Family holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"

BEACH HOLIDAYS<\/strong>Switch off on a Greek island<\/p>\n

Astypalaia<\/a> has the same pretty, white-washed houses you see on the famous Greek islands, but it\u2019s far less busy. The main town is beautiful, with buildings leading up a hill to an old castle. We rented a small apartment and spent our days on quiet pebble beaches that we had almost to ourselves. It\u2019s a genuinely peaceful place where you can properly switch off from the noise of modern life.
Roy<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Corsican beach that never gets\u00a0busyPlage de P\u00e9ru. Photograph: Jon Ingall\/Alamy<\/p>\n

Our favourite beach in Europe is Plage de P\u00e9ru on Corsica. It can be reached by a pleasant downhill walk from the village of Carg\u00e8se, established by descendants of Greek immigrants from the Mani peninsula in the 18th\u00a0century. However, we were lucky enough to have direct access from the Hotel Thalassa<\/a>, a sleepy hotel with balconies and a leafy garden facing the turquoise waters. There may be better beaches on Corsica but this one is perfect for swimming and never seems to get busy. You can spend a day walking from the beach to the local Genoese tower, then return and grab a\u00a0seat at one of the beach pailottes where you can eat and drink while watching the sunset.
Eleanor<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hot sand and siestas in CataloniaPlaya el Morer, Sant Pol de Mar, near Barcelona. Photograph: Maria Jose Furio\/Alamy<\/p>\n

The train from Barcelona deposits its passengers right on Sant Pol de Mar\u2019s harbour. The sound of gently bobbing rigging and the whiff of seafood drifts from the village, where the promise of a splendid lunch awaits. The Playa el Morer is reached on foot along a curving bay where frazzled city dwellers dig their heels in that hot, amber sand, and take a siesta and the occasional dip. Sant Pol, it seems, exists to mend broken hearts and heal the soul.
Liz<\/strong><\/p>\n

Timeless charm in Akyaka, Turkey<\/strong>A hotel on a crystal clear river in Akyaka. Photograph: Alamy<\/p>\n

On a road trip through Turkey\u2019s south-west, I stumbled upon Akyaka, a peaceful, pine-fringed village untouched by mass tourism. The Azmak River, so clear it seemed unreal, flowed past riverside cafes where I watched turtles drift by. Locals welcomed me like family and evenings meant fresh seafood and golden sunsets. The architecture \u2013 wooden houses with carved balconies \u2013 gave the town a timeless charm. Paddleboarding on the calm sea at sunrise was something I\u2019ll never forget.
Debbie<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stay cool on the Danish Riviera<\/strong>Gilleleje, North Zealand. Photograph: Niels Quist\/Alamy<\/p>\n

Who needs the scorching Med when you have the Danish Riviera. The water is clean and refreshing (no wetsuits allowed \u2013 you\u2019ll be laughed off the beach). Danish summer hols are in July, so you\u2019ll have the beach to yourself in August. Book a summer cottage near Gilleleje, a charming fishing village about an hour from Copenhagen. Denmark is expensive, so self-catering is best. Ice-cream at Hansens; lunch in Gilleleje harbour; culture at Louisiana modern art museum<\/a> and Hamlet\u2019s Castle<\/a> in Helsing\u00f8r.
Christina<\/strong><\/p>\n

A quieter alternative to Capri, Italy<\/strong>La Corricella harbour in Procida. Photograph: Francesco Riccardo Iacomino\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

Procida, in the Bay of Naples, is not as famous as nearby Capri and Ischia, but is all the more appealing for it. Not a tourist trap but an island where people actually live, it\u2019s a delightful slice of unhurried Italian life. It\u2019s small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle, and there is a bus service too. There are many pretty little beaches for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking \u2013 our favourite was Il Postino, where scenes from the movie of the same name were filmed. As people still fish for a living, there\u2019s no shortage of wonderfully fresh seafood in the restaurants. Villa Caterina<\/a> B&B\u2019s orchard of lemon and orange trees provides fresh juice and marmalade for breakfast, and the rooms have views of the island and the bay, with Vesuvius looming in the distance and Naples only 45 minutes away by ferry.
Bernie G<\/strong><\/p>\n

Seafood and sunsets in the\u00a0Vend\u00e9e, France<\/strong>The beach at Les Sables d\u2019Olonne in the Vend\u00e9e. Photograph: Julien Leiv\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

We had a wonderful week in Les Sables d\u2019Olonne in the Vend\u00e9e. The town has plenty of sights \u2013 the shell museum<\/a> was well worth a trip \u2013 and there are many seafood restaurants. The main beach (La Grande Plage) is extremely popular and has beignet and glace-sellers and beach volleyball. However, we found ourselves gravitating to the less busy Plage de la Paracou, smaller and more rugged, no tourist trappings and wonderful sunsets. There was also a\u00a0fantastic small open-air bar just over the dune, which had great live acoustic music a few nights a week.
Dolly<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pebble coves and olive groves on Silba, Croatia<\/strong>A quiet bay on Silba. Photograph: Jure Gasparic\/Alamy<\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t know much about Silba before I arrived (on a catamaran from Zadar) \u2013 it\u2019s a small, car-free island with no hotels, just family-run guesthouses. You can walk on shaded paths through olive groves, find quiet pebble coves with clear water for swimming and climb the Toreta tower at sunset for great views of the Adriatic. My tip: bring a snorkel, stay at least two nights and be sure to book your return ferry in advance, as schedules are limited.
Elaine<\/strong><\/p>\n

RAIL JOURNEYS TO REMEMBER <\/strong>The night train from Belgrade to\u00a0Lake Skadar<\/strong>Railway passing Lake Skadar. Photograph: Simon Dux\/Alamy<\/p>\n

We took a sleeper from Belgrade (after a few days exploring this cool, arty city) and loved the old-school velvety cabins with corridors and big open windows. We woke up to stunning Lake Skadar on the Montenegro-Albania border. After a few days exploring the lake, the ruined hill town of Stari Bar and Montenegro\u2019s beautiful coastline, we headed back up to Belgrade by day \u2013 the mountainous scenery on this 11-hour journey is spectacular, and all for \u20ac50 round trip. We used the Man at Seat 61<\/a> to learn about the route.
Jenny<\/strong><\/p>\n

Interrail to Morocco<\/strong><\/p>\n

We travelled from the UK to Morocco via train and ferry, stopping in Girona and C\u00f3rdoba, both of which have picturesque old towns. In C\u00f3rdoba we visited eight stunning courtyard gardens as well as the Palace of Viana<\/a> and the Mezquita<\/a>, surely one of the most astonishing buildings in the world. On the return leg we stopped in M\u00e1laga and Montpellier, both characterful places. We would have missed out on these wonderful destinations if we had flown directly to Marrakech.
Louise<\/strong><\/p>\n

Anywhere in Belgium for \u20ac8.50<\/strong>Antwerp station. Photograph: StockByM\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

Last year, my wife and I explored Belgium by train, staying in an apartment near Antwerp station, a fantastic cathedral to the railways containing several pink granite columns and panels, polished in our home town of Aberdeen. In Belgium over-65s can buy a day return ticket<\/a> to anywhere in the country for just \u20ac8.50. We visited several towns and cities, and discovered the Unesco-listed Flemish B\u00e9guinages<\/a> \u2013 medieval communities composed of houses, churches and green spaces for widows or unmarried women, many now beautifully restored.
Jim Fiddes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Glorious north Wales rail circuit<\/strong>An aerial view towards the railway bridge at Barmouth. Photograph: Nicola Pulham\/Alamy<\/p>\n

Starting in Shrewsbury, a spectacular multi-day circuit of north Wales is possible: take the Cambrian Coast line<\/a> through Aberystwyth, Barmouth and Porthmadog, then the gorgeous Ffestiniog Railway<\/a> to Blaenau, where you can link back to Llandudno on the coast, and return to Shrewsbury (change at Llandudno Junction). There is no shortage of accommodation, allowing you to stop and explore without rigid planning. Out of summer the Cambrian coast and the seaside towns are unexplored jewels.
Dave Thomas<\/strong><\/p>\n

Laid-back vibes on the line to Ljubljana<\/strong>Ljubljana. Photograph: Jan Wlodarczyk\/Alamy<\/p>\n

After days getting blissfully lost in the quiet alleys and forgotten courtyards of Venice, we boarded the train from Santa Lucia station and sped across the shimmering lagoon to Trieste. In a\u00a0sunlit square, we savoured chocolate gelato, the Mediterranean sparkling nearby. Next was laid-back Ljubljana, where we sipped cocktails by the river, surrounded by art and colour. Finally, a graffiti-covered train carried us to Lake Bled<\/a>, where we hiked and swam beneath the majestic Julian Alps, ending our journey in a cosy glamping pod under the stars and amid fireflies.
Alex<\/strong><\/p>\n

A perfect triangle in<\/strong> France<\/strong>The Gare du Nord, Paris. Photograph: Sylvain Sonnet\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

My wife and I have travelled around a lot of Europe but our best trip for simplicity is a triangle of France: the Eurostar to Paris, then the TGV to Toulouse<\/a> for saucisse and architectural and historical delights; next, the slow train to Bayonne<\/a>, gazing at the Pyrenees as the train trundles past Lourdes, and on to the French Basque coast; then the TGV back up to Paris<\/a>. City, gastronomy, mountains and beach all in one.
George<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rome to Sicily <\/strong>by train and ferry<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hop on the sleeper in Rome, or perhaps Naples, and wake the next morning in Sicily. There\u2019s no bridge (yet) so the train is loaded on to a ferry for the crossing while you are sound asleep in one of the functional little compartments. You can go direct all the way to Palermo or beautiful Syracuse in the south-east of the island.
Polly<\/strong><\/p>\n

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK ADVENTURES<\/strong>Cabin life on a Finnish lake<\/strong>Lake Saimaa in eastern Finland. Photograph: Mikko Turunen\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

One of the most magical places I\u2019ve been is Lake Saimaa in eastern Finland \u2013 a labyrinth of islands and forests where you don\u2019t come across many people. We rented a lakeside cabin and watched the midnight sun shimmer across peaceful waters. Days were spent kayaking between islets or hiking pine-scented trails, with only the call of black-throated divers (or loons) for company. We visited the Linnansaari national park<\/a> in the middle of the vast lake, where encounters with rare Saimaa ringed seals await. It\u2019s nature\u2019s embrace at its purest \u2013 remote, quiet and utterly rejuvenating.
Anthony<\/strong><\/p>\n

Riverside camping in Portugal\u2019s mountains<\/strong>Fun on the River Alva. Photograph: Constantino Sousa\/Alamy<\/p>\n

The sleepy villages of the Serra da Estrela, continental Portugal\u2019s highest mountain range, are a world away from its coastal honeypots. In Vila Cova \u00e0 Coelheira there is a free campsite on the banks of the River Alva, reached via an old Roman bridge that you can swim under (or jump in from, if you\u2019re feeling brave). Even better, there is a bar at the river beach that serves excellent pica-pau \u2013 pork braised in wine with onions and pickles.
David<\/strong><\/p>\n

True remoteness in Scotland\u2019s Outer Hebrides<\/strong>Gatliff Hebridean hostel. Photograph: Annett Doering\/Alamy<\/p>\n

For an experience of true remoteness, I\u2019d recommend the Hebridean island of Berneray, between North Uist and Harris. Here you can walk across the rare grassland called the machair to the white, three-mile long West beach<\/a> and marvel at the immense space and colour of the Atlantic. We stayed at Gatliff Hebridean hostel<\/a>, which consists of two converted crofts where, for about \u00a320 a night for a bunk, you will be staying in one of the most peaceful locations in the world.
Nik Fernee<\/strong><\/p>\n

Quiet beauty in Montenegro<\/strong>Black Lake in the Durmitor national park. Photograph: Christian Sturzenegger\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

In autumn I visited Durmitor national park<\/a> in northern Montenegro, a quiet and beautiful place in the Dinaric Alps. The road there passed through thick pine forests and opened on to wide valleys surrounded by tall, rocky mountains. I walked to the Black Lake (Crno Jezero), where the water was so still it perfectly reflected the autumn colours of the trees. In the hills, shepherds looked after their sheep, and small villages sold fresh cheese and honey. I also gazed down into Tara River canyon, one of Europe\u2019s deepest gorges, and right at the bottom, several thousand feet below me, I could see the bright turquoise ribbon of the river.
Lorna Walkden<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Unesco biosphere reserve near Barcelona<\/strong>View from the top of Matagalls peak in the Montseny massif. Photograph: Cristian Zaharia\/Alamy<\/p>\n

Just 40 miles from Barcelona lies a Unesco biosphere reserve<\/a>, its peaks more than a thousand feet higher than Ben Nevis. The Montseny massif\u2019s thick Mediterranean oak forests rise on all\u00a0sides as you follow the single road threading its way up the horseshoe-shaped valley. About halfway up is the village of Montseny itself. Stop for a hike on any of the trails, followed by an ice-cream at Can Manel, a small bar with a big terrace and enormous views.
Leo<\/strong><\/p>\n

Croatia\u2019s Mljet island is not for\u00a0the jet set<\/strong>Snorkelling in the clear waters off Mljet island. Photograph: Joao Inacio\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

It\u2019s only a few miles off the coast of Dubrovnik and its cruise-ship crowds, but Mljet feels like another world. Pine forests dip into turquoise bays, an ancient monastery sits on a tiny islet in the middle of a lake, and there\u2019s hardly a sound beyond cicadas and the wind. I stayed in a simple family-run cottage just outside the national park, where evenings meant grilled fish on the terrace and nights under skies thick with stars. Days were spent kayaking across mirror-still water and walking through pine-scented trails where I rarely met another soul. It felt like stepping into a corner of Europe the 21st century has politely passed by.
Mark Adamson<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Romanian delta \u2018on the edge of the world\u2019<\/strong>A pelican colony in the Danube delta. Photograph: DPVUE\/Getty Images\/iStockphoto<\/p>\n

The Danube delta<\/a> marks the eastern frontier of the EU and feels like the edge of the world. Accessible by boat from the port of Tulcea, it is one of Europe\u2019s largest and most vital wetland ecosystems and is full of wildlife. We stayed at the Delta Boutique & Carmen Silva Resort<\/a> in Cri\u0219an, an old working fishing village where tranquil evenings are broken only by the lively chorus of frogs. Guided boat safaris can be arranged via the hotel.
Josh<\/strong><\/p>\n

FAMILY HOLIDAYS <\/strong>All aboard in the Netherlands<\/strong>Amsterdam. Photograph: Alexander Spatari\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

Our favourite family holiday was to the Netherlands: taking turns playing captain and guiding electric hire boats on canals; tilting our ice-cream cones at windmills at Zaanse Schans; cycling to the broad, clean beaches and cabanas; Amsterdam for the colourful Pride parade and counterpointed by a calming visit to De Poezenboot (which teen could resist a cat sanctuary on a canal boat?). And staying in Haarlem in an apartment with speedy wifi kept the teens happy while we indulged in morning strolls through medieval cobbled streets to Grote Markt for coffee and people-watching.
Annette<\/strong><\/p>\n

An Italian castle at hostel prices<\/strong>Ostello il Castello di Santa Severa, north of Rome. Photograph: Maurizio Distefano\/Alamy<\/p>\n

When I saw the picture of Ostello il Castello di Santa Severa<\/a> in the Guardian in 2019, I thought it was too good to be true, but it\u2019s genuine. We have been twice with our teens, and sent friends too!A mile-long beach where teenagers can roam and paddleboard, an easy train journey to explore Rome, lunchtime pizza slices with locals cheering on the footie at L\u2019Angolo delle Crepes. Plus the opportunity to sleep in a castle at hostel prices. Fluffy white towels aplenty, and a gleaming kitchen if you want to cook.Don\u2019t miss the nearby necropolis for an Indiana Jones-style adventure. Fireworks over the castle and a hilarious Italian Beatles cover band were the ciliegina sulla torta!
Margaret<\/strong><\/p>\n

Making a splash in Austria\u2019s lake district<\/strong>Wolfgangsee in the Austrian lake district. Photograph: Volkerpreusser\/Alamy<\/p>\n

Salzkammergut is the Austrian lake district. Lush meadows, forests and blue-green lakes make for endless days of swimming, biking and lying in the sun. Wolfgangsee has well-marked bike trails and opportunities to swim, alongside cafes serving delicious Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy pancakes) and schnitzel. Nearby Fuschlsee has an incredible water park right by the lake: swimming pools, slides and plenty of quiet water in which to swim. We stayed in the newly renovated Feichtingerbauer, which offers complimentary access to the Fuschlseebad<\/a>.
Neha<\/strong><\/p>\n

Slovenia\u2019s raft of adventure activities<\/strong>Vintgar gorge. Photograph: Unaihuizi\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

We started in Lake Bled. Our teens loved the Dolinka ziplines, the summer toboggan run, hiking in Vintgar gorge and swimming in the lake. You can hire paddleboards and boats. If you have the money, there is rafting and canyoning too. After seeing the incredible Postojna cave, we went up\u00a0the Vogel cable by Lake Bohinj. Half-board at the Bohinj Eco hotel<\/a> kept us all amply fed and it also has an aquapark, bowling and plenty of games to boot. We finished the trip off with shopping in Ljubljana and the best ice-cream ever at Romantika.
Sue<\/strong><\/p>\n

Family-friendly camping in Pays de Loire, France<\/strong><\/p>\n

I am a solo parent, and Le Domaine du Clarys<\/a> on the west coast of France has been our annual retreat since my daughter was three. The static caravans with decking offer a comfortable blend of camping and convenience. The parks, water slides and vibrant kids\u2019 club activities provide endless fun for my daughter while I savour a few precious hours of calm or hire a bike to explore nearby towns such as Saint Jean de Monts. With friendly fellow travellers, it\u2019s the perfect safe escape for a female adventurer.
Paula<\/strong><\/p>\n

Laurie Lee inspired us to walk the Cotswold Way<\/strong>Broadway Tower on the Cotswold Way. Photograph: Lynne Nieman\/Alamy<\/p>\n

After a family reading of Laurie Lee\u2019s As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning<\/a>, my husband and I decided our two teens were ready for a walking holiday in the Cotswolds. We set out on the Cotswold Way<\/a> with backpacks and a tent, starting just outside lively Chipping Campden and ending in Bath. Mobiles were limited to an hour in the evening and we did 10 miles a day \u2013 covering the walk in 10 days. We felt part of a community of walkers as fellow hikers greeted us and shared drinks and tips along the way. We returned fitter, more together and happier than when we set out.
Ann<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oompah bands and cable cars in Bavaria<\/strong>Hofbr\u00e4uhaus am Platzl, Munich\u2019s most famous beer hall. Photograph: Ross Helen\/Alamy<\/p>\n

A two-centre holiday to Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria is a must with teenagers as there is so much to see and do. In Munich they loved the atmosphere in the beer halls \u2013 eating pretzels and listening to the oompah band and watching the Rathaus-Glockenspiel in the square. A\u00a0visit to the Olympiapark is also recommended. In Garmisch-Partenkirchen there is a toboggan run, which is great fun, and nearby is the beautiful Zugspitze mountain and cable car, with boating on Eibsee lake.
Richard Watkins<\/strong><\/p>\n

UNDER THE RADAR CITY BREAKS<\/strong>Olomouc, Czech Republic<\/strong>Olomouc skyline. Photograph: Angelafoto\/Getty Images\/iStockphoto<\/p>\n

Olomouc is an utter delight. Gleaming spires and domes, two old town squares, enchanting cobbled lanes, trams and its own astronomical clock. It also has a Unesco-recognised holy trinity column, which was built to mark the end of a plague in the early 18th century. It\u2019s a two-hour train ride from Prague but markedly less touristy. Two great places to enjoy a\u00a0beer were Saint Venceslav\u2019s brewery<\/a>, where there is a beer spa with a sauna scented with hops, and Twinburg<\/a>, next to the Moravian cycle path, which serves delicious craft ales. I felt that this city had been put on Earth specially for me.
Jack Anderton<\/strong><\/p>\n

City under the volcano, Sicily<\/strong>Alfresco Catania. Photograph: Robert Harding\/Alamy<\/p>\n

A city brimming with life, Catania is a foodie haven and a great base to explore the island from. Home to arancini (deep fried rice balls) and cannoli (fried dough tubes filled with ricotta cheese), the city has incredible food experiences like the gelato from Don Peppinu<\/a> and sweet treats from Pasticceria Savia<\/a>. It is also within striking distance of Mount Etna, as well as beautiful coastal destinations such as Taormina and Syracuse.
George<\/strong><\/p>\n

Polar nights in Troms\u00f8, Norway\u2019s \u2018Arctic capital\u2019<\/strong>Troms\u00f8 harbour and the Sandnessundet bridge. Photograph: Julia Lavrinenko\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

As a Scot who once sought drawn-out summer nights, I now lean into the opposite with fervour. Winter in Troms\u00f8 \u2013 the \u201cArctic capital\u201d \u2013 is for travellers who embrace long, dark nights and are keen to meddle with their circadian rhythms. The polar night, when the sun doesn\u2019t rise above the horizon, starts at the end of November and finishes in mid-January. Experience this unworldly extended twilight \u2013 the blue hour \u2013 from about 9am to 2pm. The Fjellheisen<\/a> cable car and silent whale-watching with Brim Explorer<\/a> are two recommended activities.
Aimee Lawrence<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wroc\u0142aw, Poland\u2019s buzzy\u00a0student city<\/strong>Beach bars in Wroc\u0142aw. Photograph: Ingolf Pompe 19\/Alamy<\/p>\n

Wroc\u0142aw has the perfect mix of quirkiness and beauty to make for a\u00a0cracking, affordable city break. The hefty student population gives the city a real buzz, from the boat and beach bars along the River Oder (try Forma P\u0142ynna<\/a> beach bar), to the delicious Georgian bakeries (stop at\u00a0Piekarnia Gruzi\u0144ska PURI<\/a> for pastries on the way to checking out the painted backyards of the Nadodrze neighbourhood). While tourists concentrate around the huge central square, exploring the edge of the old\u00a0town reaps rewards, like Pub Drukarnia<\/a> (delicious Litovel Czech beer) or Stacja Breslau bistro under the\u00a0rail arches on Wojciecha Bogus\u0142awskiego street.
Matt Lunt<\/strong><\/p>\n

Explore Ja\u00e9n\u2019s castles and\u00a0cathedral<\/strong>Ja\u00e9n Cathedral. Photograph: Margouillat Photos\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

The city and the province of Ja\u00e9n in Andaluc\u00eda, Spain, can be overlooked by those heading to nearby Granada or C\u00f3rdoba. That\u2019s a shame, given that they are filled with Renaissance architecture, including a magnificent cathedral, and are renowned as a home of olive oil. Historically it held immense strategic importance due to its position between Christian Castilla and Muslim Granada, and it is surrounded by castles. I\u00a0recommend staying at the Parador de Ja\u00e9n, which sits at the top of the hill of Santa Catalina next to the castle. The views from its rooms towards the Sierra Morena mountains are unparalleled.
Felix<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leiden, a mini-Amsterdam with a buzz<\/strong>Canal in Leiden. Photograph: Xantana\/Getty Images\/iStockphoto<\/p>\n

Leiden \u2013 between the Hook of Holland and Amsterdam \u2013 is a fantastic destination easily reached by ferry from the UK. It offers everything Amsterdam does but on a smaller scale and has great places to stay, eat and enjoy. The mainly pedestrianised and historic town centre is beautiful, with a fantastic Saturday market along the canals. The large student population helps keep the city lively all year round.
Ruud Jansen Venneboer<\/strong><\/p>\n

WONDERS WORTH TRAVELLING FOR<\/strong>Ghosts of Knidos in south-west Turkey<\/strong> Photograph: Kenansavas\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve only ever reached the ancient Greek city of Knidos by sea, dropping anchor by the silted harbour that once sheltered a fleet of triremes (ancient war galleys). At night, when the few tourists who come here have gone, the toga-wrapped ghosts return. From our boat, we could feel them, roaming the mile upon mile of steep, ruined streets and collapsed temples; rising up out of the sea 30 miles west of modern Dat\u00e7a, to haunt the vast, crumbling metropolis which grew rich on sea trade before earthquakes and war returned it to dust and the crickets. Magnificent.
Kay Jones<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gaelic island gem in County Kerry, Ireland<\/strong>The monastic settlement at Skellig Michael. Photograph: Francesco Riccardo Iacomino\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

The sixth-century monastery and its tiny garden on top of Skellig Michael is an extraordinary place. The wind can howl up the sides of this mountain island, but climb the rocky stairs to the collection of ancient stone domed huts in the small depression on\u00a0top and it is out of this world.
Chris<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well worth its salt, Krak\u00f3w<\/strong>Wieliczka salt mine. Photograph: Gatsi\/Getty Images\/iStockphoto<\/p>\n

The Wieliczka salt mine<\/a> just outside Krak\u00f3w<\/a> is an architectural masterpiece and a Unesco world heritage site steeped in the history of the feudal salt trade. The shafts reach to more than 320 metres underground (the tourist route takes you to about 135 metres). Here you will find a cathedral etched into the salt and stone. With underground lakes, narrow corridors and guides who aren\u2019t afraid to let you know how deep beneath the Earth\u2019s surface you are, this amazing place isn\u2019t for the fainthearted.
Joe<\/strong><\/p>\n

Images from prehistory in Morocco<\/strong><\/p>\n

Along a bumpy road, behind the little village of A\u00eft Ouazik, near Tazzarine, more than 300 prehistoric petroglyphs of elephants, rhino, giraffe, ostrich and more are carved into rocks atop a\u00a0cliff-ringed hilltop. The exquisite depictions are impressive enough, and although the intent of the artists must be left to your imagination, you will leave with a sense of connection to the past and a people who gathered here 5,000 years ago, exchanging stories and recording the wonders they had encountered.
George Joy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, \u2018the river that runs in the sky\u2019<\/strong>Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the River Dee. Photograph: Alasdair James\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

Thomas Telford\u2019s Pontcysyllte Aqueduct<\/a> is the centrepiece of a world heritage site that crosses three counties and two countries. There is a magic to standing halfway across \u201cthe river that runs in the sky\u201d, looking down on the tumbling River Dee and Horseshoe Falls reservoir, the water Telford drew for his impossible canal project. Rather than a chain of locks cut across the valley, his iron trough spans it, joints sealed with red Welsh flannel dipped in boiling sugar. Opened in 1805, it is the highest, longest aqueduct in Britain.
Fiona Collins<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pitch amid the pines of Parnassus, Greece<\/strong>Sunset over Delphi. Photograph: Tomas Marek\/Alamy<\/p>\n

Arrive at Delphi Camping<\/a> at night and pitch your tent under a sky the colour of dark wine among the pines of Mount Parnassus, haunt of the gods. The Kanatas family serve pine-scented retsina wine and slabs of creamy goat\u2019s cheese, generously doused in oil harvested from their ancient olive groves. Awake at dawn and wander a dusty mountainside path to the archaeological sites, catching a glimpse of the temples through the trees. Return for an early dip in the campsite pool, perched above the Gulf of Corinth, 300 metres below.
Emma<\/strong><\/p>\n

Uzbekistan\u2019s magical minaret<\/strong>The Kalyan Minaret and mosque courtyard. Photograph: VW Pics\/Universal Images Group\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

Standing proud in the heart of the silk roads<\/a> city of Bukhara, the Kalyan Minaret exudes power and mystery in equal measure. Its beauty lies in the ornate brickwork arches and intricate geometric patterns that adorn its gently tapering body. So striking was this minaret that it was the only structure left unmolested by the Mongol warlord Genghis Khan, who reportedly could not bear to see it destroyed with the rest of the city. At night it is lit up and acts as a beacon, drawing locals and travellers alike to bask in its presence.
Carl Sucharyna Thomas<\/strong><\/p>\n

ACTIVE BREAKS<\/strong>
Local flavour on a trek in the Italian Alps<\/strong>The Guglielmo Migliorero Refugem, a key stopover on the Grande Traversata delle Alpi. Photograph: Fabrizio Robba\/Alamy<\/p>\n

We completed three weeks of the Grande Traversata delle Alpi<\/a>, a\u00a0500-mile trek in the Italian Alps. It was\u00a0conceived as an economic regeneration project in the 1970s to join up and provide tourism to tiny villages with ageing populations and declining industry. In each location, one or more providers elects to supply accommodation and food to hikers; as a result the variety in our stays was immense. It cost \u20ac60-70pp pn half-board, sometimes less in dormitories. It\u2019s a very quiet trail compared with many in the Alps, and we often had it to ourselves. Villagers are friendly and we enjoyed delicious local food, always at least three courses, with vegetarians fully catered for.
Samantha McGrady<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sailing on the Norfolk Broads<\/strong>Sailing boat from Hunter\u2019s Yard. Photograph: Anglia Images\/Alamy<\/p>\n

Hunter\u2019s Yard<\/a> in Ludham looks after a fleet of 1930s cabin yachts and day boats, some now with electric motors. Beautifully maintained and easy to sail, they provide a restful, beautiful holiday. Away from the popular spots, the Norfolk Broads remain wild and full of birds and animals. Go to your bunk early, with the sound of water, ducks and rigging. Get up early and sail past the sleeping gin palaces. Moor up early near a pub for your evening drinks. Hunter\u2019s Yard staff are friendly and happy to advise; I\u2019ll never forget the smell of wood and varnish in their workshops.
Rupert<\/strong><\/p>\n

Scaling the heights in a hidden Asturias valley<\/strong>Pe\u00f1a Ubi\u00f1a in the Cantabrian Mountains. Photograph: Westend61\/Alamy<\/p>\n

The Meic\u00edn hostel<\/a> in Asturias, on the border with the ancient kingdom of Le\u00f3n, is surrounded by jagged mountains, wild ponies and, if you\u2019re lucky, bears. Climb Picos del Font\u00e1n (2,414 metres) and you\u2019ll be unlikely to\u00a0encounter any other hikers as you walk through a hidden valley and year-round snowfields. Pe\u00f1a Ubi\u00f1a, after which the national park is named, has views south to the Castilian plains, and north to the far busier Picos de Europa. The hostel offers full board in dorms, and you can hike or taxi to it from the high-speed station, Pola de Lena, which connects with Gij\u00f3n on the Asturian coast.
Robert Graham<\/strong><\/p>\n

Horse riding in the Welsh borders<\/strong>Horse riding in Clyro, Powys. Photograph: PR<\/p>\n

We return to Freerein Riding Holidays<\/a> in Clyro (Cleirwy), Powys, every year. It\u2019s a fantastic way to view the Welsh countryside; you can self-guide with the maps and instructions provided or\u00a0go with an experienced guide. Everything is included, including your meals and stays in beautiful country inns or guesthouses.
Vanessa Jones<\/strong><\/p>\n

An idyllic campsite in Provence<\/strong>The Gorges du Verdon, a limestone river canyon famous for its striking turquoise-green colour. Photograph: Bernd Rehorst\/Alamy<\/p>\n

Camping du Montdenier<\/a> is an idyllic, isolated spot in the mountains just above the Gorges du Verdon. You can\u00a0spend days relaxing in the surrounding hills and lavender fields, or take advantage of the mountain biking, horse riding and paragliding on offer near the site. When you fancy\u00a0a bit more life, take a trip down\u00a0to one of the restaurants in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a beautiful village that sits beneath limestone cliffs and is famous for its pottery. For\u00a0the more adventurous, Verdon is the birthplace of sport climbing, or you can stay closer to the ground on a\u00a0day trip canoeing down the gorge.
Lucy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hiking and hospitality in Albania<\/strong>A ferry on Lake Koman. Photograph: Hugh Mitton\/Alamy<\/p>\n

My partner and I had a magical time in the northern Albanian mountains. From Shkod\u00ebr, we made our way to the\u00a0Valbona valley national park<\/a> via a\u00a0two-night stay on (and boat across) Lake Koman. Once in Valbona, we embarked on a series of spectacular hikes, including a three-day circular to \u00c7erem<\/a>. The first two days we saw no one apart from shepherds \u2013 and a few vipers. The views were breathtaking, the hospitality welcoming, and the experience incomparable.
Alex<\/strong><\/p>\n

Running wild in Argyll and\u00a0Bute<\/strong>Beach running in Argyll.<\/p>\n

We had an unforgettable experience at regenerative Auchgoyle Farm<\/a> on Scotland\u2019s west coast. The running trails were adventurous and exciting, leading us through ancient woodland, across beaches and over hills.The wildlife and landscape were further brought to life by hosts Katharine and David\u2019s infectious passion for \u2013 and knowledge of \u2013 their local environment. Between runs, we were rejuvenated with delicious home-cooked meals in the stunning farmhouse, and activities including yoga, wild swimming, a\u00a0wood-fired sauna, art class and coffee tasting. We left feeling inspired, recharged and nourished by nature.
Kate<\/strong><\/p>\n

Twinkling lights in Poland\u2019s Tatra mountains<\/strong>The Snowlandia ice labyrinth in Zakopane, Poland<\/p>\n

Zakopane<\/a> is a great base for skiers and anyone who enjoys winter mountain activities. It\u2019s affordable (my chalet was just \u20ac400 for the week) and has lovely traditional wooden and stone houses, cafes and cheap restaurants serving tasty Polish stews and pierogis (filled dumplings), which kept us warm throughout. We hired snow shoes to explore the foothills by day, and at dusk the twinkling lights of the mountain villages came on, adding to the wonderful scene of lakes, mountains and forests. We also enjoyed sleigh rides and husky-driven carriages through the silent forests to magical Snowlandia ice maze<\/a> (open mid-January to mid-March).
Yasmin<\/strong><\/p>\n

Guardian Travel runs a weekly readers\u2019 tips competition<\/a>. The winner receives a \u00a3200 voucher for a Coolstays break<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"BEACH HOLIDAYSSwitch off on a Greek island Astypalaia has the same pretty, white-washed houses you see on the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":686605,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[12,26],"class_list":{"0":"post-686604","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-world","8":"tag-news","9":"tag-world"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115870512128067061","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/686604","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=686604"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/686604\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/686605"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=686604"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=686604"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=686604"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}