Holiday Destinations around the world

With a creative blend of Spanish, African and Moorish influences, along a hundred mile stretch of golden coast, the Algarve is enchanting and cultured. Moorish towns and traditional white washed villages contrast cosmopolitan resorts and luxury harbours, while a wealth of sporting facilities, including world famous manicured golf courses, dot the region. Yet the Algarve's greatest asset is undoubtedly its climate - over 300 days of sunshine year after year, as warm as the local welcome.

Algarve

If you've never been to Bulgaria you won't know about this country's breathtaking beauty. You won't know about its endless, golden beaches, its pine-cloaked mountains and its vibrant, modern resorts. And you won't know just what incredibly great value holidays you can enjoy in this sunny country on the coast of the Black Sea. To make it easier for first-timers, there's a clue cunningly hidden in the names of the country's best-loved resorts: Golden Sands and Sunny Day just two of the Black Sea resorts where you can enjoy sunny days stretched out on golden sands (get the picture?).

Bulgaria

Ever popular with British tourists, Corfu is a stunning island with plenty to offer. From idyllic beaches to sleepy villages and romantic landscapes studded with cypresses and olive groves; much of Corfu remains unspoilt. Yet dotted around the coasts are many livelier resorts catering for those looking for fun-filled holidays. Watersports are a speciality and there are plenty of good schools with English speaking instructors for you to brush up your skills.

Corfu

The Costa del Sol, or Sun Coast; aptly named after its glorious climate and fantastic golden beaches, so its not hard to see why those who holiday here often return year upon year. If busy nightlife is your thing, the strip of resorts including Torremolinos and Fuengirola, is packed with bars, restaurants, nightclubs and casinos. In contrast, golf enthusiasts will find their paradise with over 40 golf courses suitable for players of all calibre. If you are looking to get out and about to explore, you'll find the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the famous rock of Gibraltar are well worth a visit, alternatively, just enjoy a quiet drive out to the orange groves of Seville

Costa Del Sol

This Spanish Costa is just that - typically Spanish. Mojacar combines the popular beach resort, with the picturesque mountain village. Whereas Roquetas de Mar offers beach and golf in the one area. There are local restaurants and tapas bars everywhere and although activity is low key, there are still things to do if you want to. Head inland and you will witness the sedate village life that encapulates this region of Spain along with the arid sierra landscape that has proved the desert scenery for many 'Spaghetti Westerns'. However, with uncrowded beaches you may just want to take it easy.

Costa Almeria

The friendly Costa Brava has something to offer everyone; from the rural villages of Catalonia to the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona, as well as lively nightlife, entertainment and fun filled theme parks. Pine scented forests hug the beautiful coastline which stretches for over 100 miles, consisting of attractive shingle beaches, as well as picturesque secluded coves, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle. Lively Lloret de Mar has been a firm favourite holiday destination for many years, while Calella offers more traditional small town charms, as well as an award winning beach.

Costa Brava

For our money, the Costa Dorada enjoys the very best climate of all the Spanish costas - warm and dry without the searing heat of the south, with the soft breeze off the Mediterranean keeping the temperature tolerable. Its beaches, too, are hard to beat. No wonder they call it the 'gold coast'. If you're looking for cheap holidays to Costa Dorada, make sure you book with the experts - we've been arranging good value breaks to the region for 15 years. We know all those places that make a holiday special - our representatives can point you in the direction of the best restaurants and bars, and can even arrange daytrips to some of the area's best attractions, such as the thrilling Port Aventura theme park.

Costa Dorada

The Costa Blanca is a charming coastal region of Spain offering 170 miles of sandy beaches and clean blue seas. The tranquil countryside dotted with vineyards, citrus groves and serene Spanish villages give this Costa character like no other. Exploring the region is a joy, with Alicante (the Provincial capital), the pretty coastal towns of Altea and Javea, and the Village of Guadalest well worth the visit. However, the Costa Blanca's most famous asset is undoubtedly Benidorm. There's something for everyone here and an endless supply of bars and restaurants.

Costa Blanca

Lying midway between Athens and Africa, Crete is the largest of the Greek islands. Both its size and its position have considerably influenced its history, making it what it is today - fiercely independent, with its own dialect, customs and music.

Crete

A young country with an ancient past, Croatia is an amazingly beautiful place with a wealth of history and culture. Situated in the north, the Istrian Riviera is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic region, and is a delightful mixture of old cities, ancient towns and beautiful bays, drawing visitors year after year. Close to the border with Slovenia, this idyllic Riviera's small fishing villages look out over the glittering Adriatic, while friendly resorts such as Porec, Rovinj and Umag bustle with pavement cafes and restaurants. There are no end of discoveries to be made, sights to see, and places to visit. Whether you want to sit back in the mild Mediterranean climate, ramble through the tranquil countryside or soak up centuries' worth of history, Croatia has a warm welcome for you.

Croatia

Unspoilt and undisturbed, Cuba is a truly unique island with a captivating charm. A glorious mix of stunning scenery, from lush mountains to long stretches of soft white sand, will overwhelm you as you relax under a palm, soaking up the laid back ambience with an infamous Cuban cigar.

Cuba

Extraordinary country, Egypt offers a combination of modern beach resorts, great diving areas and ancient heritage, set in some of the most stunning scenery. Whether you are a sun worshipper, diving enthusiast or a culture vulture you'll find there's certainly more to Egypt than its most famous treasure - the pyramids!

Egypt

There's nowhere else quite like this peaceful island with its mile upon mile of untouched Caribbean like sands, never ending sun, foaming surf and quiet turquoise coves. Fuerteventura is also a haven for watersports enthusiasts particularly scuba diving, surfing and windsurfing for which it regularly hosts competitions. Head inland and you will discover a scattering of traditional villages set amongst impressive volcanic surroundings that are simply wonderful to explore.

Fuerteventura

Florida is packed with activities - it has a celebrated status as a shopper's paradise and a haven for golfers. Add rocket launches at Kennedy Space Center on the East Coast, the wildlife of the Everglades in the South, exquisite sandy beaches off the West Coast and you have a true picture of Floridian life.

Florida

Guests looking for an unusual destination that offer both beaches and mountains, as well as cultural and urban attractions, need look no further that Gran Canaria. Known as a 'continent in miniature'. Lush forests and exotic flora and fauna mix with Sahara like sand dunes and volcanic craters, while dynamic cities contrast with beautiful coastlines and spectacular beaches. Offering both relaxed and lively options, Gran Canaria is great for doing as much or as little as you like.

Gran Canaria

Distinct from the rest of India, Goa is indescribable. It's warm welcome will embrace you, its people will capture your heart, and an exotic yet strangely familiar charm will surround you. Beautiful beaches bask in sunshine, vibrant colour fills roadside markets and, as the sun sets, streets come alive with music and conversation over delectable cuisine.

Goa

Ibiza offers some of the most magnificent sandy beaches, crystal clear seas and stunning landscapes in the region. Smaller than its neighbours Majorca and Menorca and packed with natural beauty including shady groves of pines and olives, figs, junipers and palms, this cosmopolitan island can be a wonderful place for a quieter break with excellent resorts for the family. Enjoy a trip to Es Cana to the hippy market for some bargains or head into Ibiza Town and watch it really come alive at night. Ibiza can be one of the most relaxing or lively holidays you will go on.

Ibiza

Italy has been home to many well-known and influential European cultures, including the Etruscans, Greeks, and the Romans. Its capital Rome has been a historically important world city, especially as the centre of ancient Rome and the Roman Catholic Church. As a result it has an incredibly rich heritage in the arts, particularly painting, sculpture and architecture. As with most old European countries there are regional cultural diversities. The climate is just as diverse. The north of Italy (Turin, Milan, and Bologna) has a true continental climate, while as you head south it becomes more and more Mediterranean.

Italy

A kaleidoscope of colour and beauty where reggae beats fill the air and taking it easy is a way of life, the most precious jewel in the Caribbean has something to offer everyone. Combining lush green mountains, sparkling waterfalls and mile upon mile of palm fringed tropical beaches with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that you will never forget; Jamaica will exceed all of your expectations.

Jamaica

Kefelonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands sits in the gulf between Lefkada and Zakynthos. Forces of nature have created a dramatic landscape and destroyed much of the historic architechural legacy, when the island was devastated by the 1953 earthquake. The island is dominated by stunning mountain ranges that plunge down to narrow coastal plains and golden sandy beaches washed by an aquamarine sea

Kefalonia

Sun, sea, sand and relaxation are the very essence of Kos, an island that exudes typical Greek charm. Mountain villages, whitewashed houses and hillsides covered with lush Cypress groves are endless, as are the magnificent sandy beaches. The island's capital, Kos Town, has a picturesque harbour and a good selection of tavernas, cafés and bars, coming to life at night with a buzzing pub/club scene. A boat trip across the Aegean Sea to Nissyros is a must; this small island has a spectacular volcano where you can see the sulphur crystals forming. Kos can't fail to please, as it really does have something for everyone.

Kos

Strikingly dramatic Lanzarote is like nowhere else on earth. In fact, it looks more like a lunar landscape than a sunny island basking in the warm Atlantic, just off the coast of North Africa. Still, the landscape softens considerably at the coast, where ochre coloured sands create a gentle barrier between land and sea, and a perfect environment from which to enjoy the clear, unpolluted blue waters.

Lanzarote

Lefkada 'white island' took its name from the white cape of cliffs and magnificent beaches of white sand and pebbles on the island's southern coastline. The fourth largest remains relatively untouched by tourism and sits between Corfu and Kefalonia. In ancient times Lefkada was joined to the mainland by a strip of land until the Corinthians excavated a canal in 7th Century BC. A swing bridge connects the two nowadays, which gives easy access to the mainland, but still enables Lefkada to retain its island status.

Lefkada

The third largest of the Greek Islands after Crete and Evia, Lesvos is independent and self-sufficient with prolific ouzo and olive oil industries and a landscape breathtaking in its variety. On the volcanic westerly coast, steep gorges plunge to valleys pink with oleander. Molyvos on the northern coast is a picture postcard village topped by a medieval castle and a picturesque harbour. Petra translated simply means 'stone'. This unique village has a rock formation protruding skywards, topped by the church of Glykofilousa Panagia. Anaxos has slowly developed into a charming beach resort, with a good choice of tavernas.

Lesvos

Restful and exquisitley beautiful with clear blue and turquoise seas, soft white sands and underwater coral gardens filled with a wealth of colour - this is the sparkling of islands know as the Maldives, a paradise for watersports.

Maldives

This pretty island nestles in the heart of the Mediterranean and boasts clear blue waters, secluded bays and sandy beaches. Malta offers an enticing wealth of culture and familiar customs, with the added attractions of baroque palaces and medieval walled citadels. We would recommend getting out and about to explore Malta, so why not hire a car and set off around the sun-drenched coastline? You'll see quaint harbours with fishing boats, lidos and spectacular views along the way. A visit to the capital Valetta is a must along with the walled city of Mdina, the blue Grotto and the neighbouring island of Gozo.

Malta

Majorca is the largest and most popular of the Balearic Islands. This is an island of diversity and offers much more than simply beach based holidays. Its rugged landscape changes from dramatic mountains to gently terraced hillsides and fertile valleys. There are activities and resorts to suit every holiday mood; from fun in the sun in lively resorts, to rest and relaxation on fine sandy beaches. Whichever resort you choose there is no escaping the hospitable nature of the Majorcan people.

Majorca

The holiday island of Menorca is often known as the sleepiest Balearic because of its peaceful tranquility and unhurried way of life. White washed villages nestle amongst the lush greenery and gentle countryside. Don't be fooled though as the island still has plenty to shout about. The rocky coastline is dotted with hidden coves and grottos, making ideal dive sites. There are over one hundred fantastic beaches in Menorca, with gently sloping golden sands and crystal clear water.

Menorca

Mexico

This is one of the most fascinating regions of Greece. Here the Myceneans, long thought to have lived only in legend, inhabited the hilltop palace at Mycenae for 600 years. The fearless Spartan warriors were trained in the austere city of Sparta and the Sanctuary of Olympia, the source of the inextinguishable Olympic flame enjoyed 2,000 years of veneration as a religious and athletic centre.

Peloponnese

Evocative, mythical Rhodes, with its rich historical legacy, fertile plains, eastern coastline of sandy beaches and rugged mountainous interior, has something to interest and excite everyone. Strategically positioned at a maritime crossroads in the southern Mediterranean the island has been under the control of the Romans, Byzantines, Knights of St. John, Genoese, Venetians, Ottomans and the Italians. They have all left their architectural mark with churches, pillars, mosques and minarets dotted around the island, and the fascinating story of the Colossus, a mythical bronze statue, 100 feet high which guarded Mandraki harbour.

Rhodes

Plunging 800 metres into the Atlantic, the Los Gigantes cliffs are among the highest in Europe. They're a fittingly dramatic edge to Tenerife, one of Europe's most exciting islands. Few family holidays to Tenerife will take in the spectacle of the cliffs - you can only see them by boat, and as cheap flights to Tenerife offer an easier access to this delightful island, chances are you'll only fly over them.

Tenerife

Enjoy the perfect holiday organised by the leading specialist to Tunisia, where you'll find endless blue skies and sun-filled days all year round. Laze on beaches of fine, sun-bleached sand that stretch for miles, visit Mediterranean islands that seem to have drifted from more exotic waters, take advantage of the extensive facilities in the stylish hotels and enjoy an action-packed holiday with excellent golf, tennis and watersports.

Tunisia

When it comes to things to see and do, Turkey's pretty much got it all. Belly dancing, scuba-diving, colourful bazaars, sweeping sandy beaches, and Ancient temples, you'll be spoilt for choice in choosing what to do first. With golden sands, and blue seas along with colourful culture it's easy to see why it's such a hit with holidaymakers. Set across two continents, Turkey is where East meets West. And as you'd imagine this results in a enthralling fusion of styles and influences, with Ottoman mosques rubbing shoulders with Greek temples and alluring spice markets sitting alongside stylish boutiques and souvenir shops. But what's really amazing about Turkey is that unlike some other parts of the Med, most of its tourist resorts have lost little of their local flavour.

Turkey

Amazingly diverse the Dominican Republic is lavished in sunshine, with a year round temperature of 25°C. Experience the potent mixture of merengue dance, rum cocktails and the laid back way of life.

Dominican Republic

Welcome to our destination guides, offering a taster of our very best sun drenched holidays. If you're looking for inspiration then click on the destinations below for more information; including a selection of accommodation on offer, resort fact files and guides.

Fiesty fiery and fun-filled is cosmopolitan Mexico. Take a country the size of Western Europe, add a history that dates back to Aztec civilizations and sprinkle with a real flavour of Spanish culture and colour. Then bring to the boil with temperatures normally in the nineties and voila!

The Greek Islands are perhaps the most magical collection of islands to be found anywhere in the world. Where else will you find such an irresistible combination of ancient history and sheer beauty? Crusader castles, Roman and Hellenistic ruins set in idyllic countryside. Where will you find such a choice of island experiences and so many resorts, ranging from the utterly serene and tranquil to the most fun-loving imaginable? From lively clubs to quiet local tavernas. Add to this the many sun-soaked beaches and coves surrounded by the azure Aegean waters and you have one of the world's most desirable holiday destinations.

Greek Islands

The Venetians christened Zante 'the flower of the Orient', and its easy to see why as this typically Greek island is one of outstanding beauty. Zante's beaches are among some of the best in the whole of Greece, with golden sands and wonderfully clear waters. Many come here to see the protected Loggerhead turtles who nest and lay their eggs on the beaches along the southern shores. More come to sample the food, which when mixed with traditional Zakynthian hospitality is a unique experience you'll want to try again and again. A visit to picture perfect Smugglers cove is a must - the most famous and prettiest beach here.

Zakynthos