Europe Holidays

From tiny bays surrounded by dramatic cliffs to sun-soaked stretches of Mediterranean sand, Europe has some of the best beaches in the world. Greece, in particular, is home to some real show-stoppers. On Crete – the largest Greek island – families will love the lagoon-like Elafonisi Beach, while Falasarna Beach is perfect for sunset-seeking couples. But if you’re searching for a picture-perfect view, look no further than Navagio Beach in Zante. Also known as Shipwreck Beach, this swathe of sugary sand is sandwiched between chalk-white cliffs and the turquoise Ionian Sea and can only be reached by boat.

Spain can also lay claim to some of the best beaches in Europe. From the blonde bays of Costa Brava and the ever-popular Costa del Sol to Tenerife’s black sands and Menorca’s romantic coves, this country has a seemingly endless amount of beaches. But, if you’re looking for something different, consider scenic Italy. Italy may not immediately come to mind when planning a beach break, but it should. In the south, Calabria is home to some stunning white-sand beaches, which wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean. Or you could head to the Amalfi Coast and hop between Capri, Sorrento and Positano.

For many travellers, holidays to Europe involve a fair bit of sightseeing. Cities like Athens and Rome are among the oldest in the world, while places like Rhodes, Venice and Barcelona are home to all sorts of cultural attractions. 

If you’re looking for ancient sites, a trip to Athens should be at the top of your list. You can visit the UNESCO-protected Acropolis, which has stood atop its hill for more than 2,000 years, and marvel at the beautiful Parthenon temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Or, you could travel to Italy’s time-stamped capital to see the Roman Colosseum and the perfectly preserved Pantheon. You should also make time for the Vatican Museums, where you’ll be able to see Da Vinci’s Saint Jerome and the ornate Sistine Chapel.

Alternatively, make tracks for beautiful Barcelona if you’re looking for more modern attractions. Be amazed by the Sagrada Familia, the city’s one-of-a-kind cathedral, which has been under construction since 1882. And don’t miss the colourful Park Güell, designed by one of Spain’s most famous artists, Antoni Gaudi.

The Mediterranean diet is famously one of the healthiest in the world, featuring lots of olive oil, salad and seafood. In Italy, you can look forward to rich pasta dishes and authentic pizza topped with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Spain, meanwhile, is famous for its enormous pans of paella, made with rice, peppers, paprika and saffron, along with either chicken, rabbit or seafood. If you can’t decide what to eat, why not share some traditional Spanish tapas? Order delicious plates of patatas bravas, crispy calamari, cheesy croquettes and garlic prawns, and dig in.

Further east, European cuisine still features a fair amount of meat and seafood, but the dishes themselves are quite different. In Greece and Cyprus, you can look forward to ingredients like grilled halloumi, crumbly feta and juicy olives, along with a variety of dips such as refreshing tzatziki and fishy taramasalata. Dips are also a staple in Turkey, where you’ll be able to enjoy warm pita bread with creamy hummus and smoky baba ganoush. You’ll see plenty of flame-grilled kebabs and herb-filled kofte on the menu here, too, usually made from lamb, beef or chicken. Got room for dessert? Round off your meal with some syrup-soaked baklava.

If you’re looking for something a little different to do on your European getaway, why not time your holiday to coincide with a festival? Several countries have a calendar crammed with events, so there’s bound to be something to tickle your fancy.

For a unique experience in Italy, head to the Carnival of Venice. Every February, the city’s narrow streets are filled with revellers in theatrical masks and costumes, a tradition dating back centuries. From formal masquerade balls to lively parties, there’s something for every taste. Or, if you’d prefer to go on holiday when it’s warmer, travel to Spain for the Seville Fair in April, when the city comes to life with dancing, parades and street parties. 

But there’s one form of entertainment that Europe does better than anywhere else – music festivals. Bag a ticket to Benicàssim Festival in Valencia in July, and immerse yourself in alternative tunes and Spanish indie music, or head to Croatia’s Hideout Festival in June to see world-famous electric acts. Or, for one long party, simply jet off to Ibiza in summer, when the White Isle is flooded with international DJs.