Summer holiday ideas

Whether you stay at home, venture to Europe, or are planning on an adventure further afield, there are so many amazing places to choose from. If you’ve not decided on your destination yet, here are some ideas for a great summer holiday this year.

With its stunning scenery, Wales has so much to offer. There are some incredibly beautiful beaches, and ruggedly stunning coastlines. Head south and visit the gorgeous Pembrokeshire coastline and you may well be pinching yourself to make sure you’re not actually holidaying in the Med – if the weather behaves, of course. There are white sands and clear blue waters which are perfect for a paddle. Explore beaches like Freshwater West and Barafundle Bay and be wowed by striking cliff formations like Elegug Stacks and Huntsman’s Leap. Wales also has more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe, so if the weather does turn, take shelter in grand style – the stunning medieval Pembroke Castle offers fun for all the family. 

A Portuguese autonomous region, Madeira is an archipelago of 4 islands situated just off the coast of Africa. If you’re keen on good weather, it doesn’t disappoint, with a lovely warm climate hitting average highs of 27 degrees in August.

It’s also incredibly beautiful and has been dubbed ‘the floating garden in the Atlantic’. Enjoy stunning wild scenery on some wonderful walks and hikes, from easy, breezy cliff top trails to more challenging climbs up the tallest peak on the island, Pico Ruivo. If you prefer something more sedate, then visit one of the many gardens on the island. The Botanical Garden, just outside Funchal offers around 35,000 m2 of lush foliage and contrasting colours in the forms of more than 2000 exotic plants and is well worth a visit.

After all that greenery, it may be time for a coastal jaunt. There are plenty of both sand and pebbly beaches to visit, but for the perfect relaxing day trip, catch the ferry across to Porto Santo for a beach with the same name and 7 kilometres of soft golden sands. Take a picnic of creamy cheeses, tangy salads and fruit pastries, washed down with some of the delicious wine named after the island. Simply prefect.

Lying on the Adriatic looking over to Italy, Croatia is a fantastic holiday destination. Split or Dubrovnik offer culture galore, along with some outstanding shops and restaurants. Plus having joined the Euro earlier this year, it’s a great opportunity to spend the coins and notes you’ve had lying around since your last European adventure.

For a more off the beaten track experience, head to Bol, a smaller town with fantastic beaches like Zlatni Rat, known as the Golden Horn in English. Alternatively take a day on the ocean waves and swap the busy mainland for the open sea. A day cruise gives a different perspective, with sweeping views of the Adriatic coastline and the chance to spot some native marine life. Snorkel, swim, sip a glass of something chilled on board and enjoy time to unwind and relax. Cruising in-between the gorgeous islands and stopping off at secluded spots makes for a great day creating memories with family, friends, and loved ones.        

Malta is, quite simply, a Mediterranean gem. It’s an island that has it all, with something to make everyone happy. For history-lovers, there are the haunting WW2 air raid tunnels in Mellieħa to explore, evocative and thought-provoking, to the 4000-year-old megalithic temples at Ġgantija. Despite their antiquity (they are even older than both Stonehenge and the pyramids in Egypt) they are fantastically well preserved and are well deserving in their inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

If celebrations are more your thing, then you’ll love the culture of festas. These religious celebrations are organised by local parishes and are an iconic part of summer whereby Maltese towns and villages celebrate famous festas or feasts—days of their patron saint or other revered saints in their churches. Usually held over a weekend, main streets and squares, balconies, and rooftops of houses are decorated with bright festoons, illuminations, flags and flowers. Whichever you attend, expect a high-energy party with a big firework finale!

For activity lovers, then it’s all about the water, as Malta has some of the dive spots in Europe. Got deep at Cirkewwa and the wreck of Um El Faroud, or head to Popeye Village to try the aquatic assault course floating in the bay. Add in the beautiful beaches, the amazing Grand Harbour, and fantastic bars and eateries, it’s a perfect day out for the whole family.