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It’s holiday planning season! Here are our picks for a holiday to remember this year.
Tenerife
Known as the "Island of Eternal Spring", Tenerife is just the place to experience that pure island vibe. The capital of the sun-splashed Canary Islands is well known for its accessible beauty and top-notch nightlife, but there’s a lot more besides on offer here - the mix of Spanish and island cultures, fabulous variety of activities, and delicious regional cuisine make up an entirely winning combination.
For holidays to Tenerife, the city of Las Américas is a great place to start looking. A zone of top-notch resorts, English is universally spoken here and it's easy to spend several days just enjoying the fine beaches and splashing out poolside with a mojito. There's a water park here which is great for families with children, and fun excursions like whale-watching for those who want to get out on the water. Consider basing yourself here for maximum ease.
On the other hand, with black-sand beaches, the renowned Loro Parque Zoo, and a respectable surf break, Puerto de la Cruz, on the island’s northern coast, offers a somewhat quieter experience. Don’t miss the fantastic botanical gardens when you visit here.
A favourite of both locals and visitors alike, the coastal colonial village of Garachico has a series of fantastic and unique tidal swimming pools built into the rocks at the seaside. This town on the northwestern shore boasts some of the island’s most unspoiled coastline, and an authentic local Spanish culture for those looking for a change from the resort experience. Brush up on your Spanish-language phrases before heading here!
Turkey
Sitting geographically and culturally inside both Europe and the Middle East, Turkey has always been a tantalising prospect for tourists that want something a little different. Foodies love it; culture vultures adore it - because of the nation's cross-pollination of histories and styles, holidays to Turkey offer something genuinely unique.
Istanbul is clearly a must-see if you’ve never visited the country. Once the Eastern seat of the Roman Empire, Istanbul - formerly Byzantium and Constantinople; now there's an impressive roster of names - is replete with wonderful, not to mention rare, buildings. The prime example of the beautiful Byzantine style, Istanbul is the perfect place for people who like zipping from café to café, eating interesting food, and simply soaking up the atmosphere of a vibrant city. If you've got the confidence, remember to barter: most shopkeepers are open to a spot of bargaining.
In fact, this rule goes throughout Turkey. It's maybe one of the few country-wide maxims in a nation that is so diverse. If, for example, a city like Istanbul isn’t your thing, try visiting during winter. You might not associate the country with it, but Turkey - in the centre of the country, which is very mountainous - is one of the best places to go if you’re into winter sports.
Benidorm
Of Spain's most popular holiday destinations (and there are many) Benidorm must be one of the most enduringly popular. The seaside resort, which boasts the two beautiful beaches of Levante and Poniente, is a sunbather’s paradise.
Perfect for families, Benidorm offers Aqualandia, Mundomar and Terra Mitica - a water park, animal park and theme park respectively. For people after something a little more relaxing, the nearby town of Altea is beautiful and quaint.
If lazing about and taking advantage of room service, is more the kind of thing you’re after, though, there are plenty of good hotels in Benidorm. The Deloix Aqua Center Hotel is popular with families, while the Onasol Los Dalmatas and the Melia Benidorm are perfect for spending hours by the pool.
Benidorm isn't all sun and sea, though, and walkers and hikers will find some great walks and sweeping views, many of which you'd struggle to match in the rest of the country.
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