Deal

Nice’s sweeping bend of brilliant blue seawater – which once tempted the aristocracy of Europe – continues to entice and entrance visitors to these sun-soaked shores. A refined city of airy ocean boulevards, grandiose buildings and open spaces, fountain-sprinkled parks, and colourful floral displays add to the city’s timeless appeal. Nice has lost none of its old-world lustre, and there remains something of the divine in the Bay of Angels’ endless sparkling waterfront. The vast, open Promenade des Anglais remains Nice’s magnificent crowning glory, inviting the city out to jog, wander, and glide along the Mediterranean’s most spectacular curve of seafront promenade. Dotted with sun worshippers and swimmers, it’s an ode to the rejuvenating character of that unbeatable duo – the rich blue sea and endless sunshine. The crisp, clear, golden light also continues to make Nice a destination of creative pilgrimage and Matisse, Picasso, and Renoir are among the many artists to lavish in the city’s eternal beauty. Drag yourself away from the waterfront to discover the old town, punctuated with Baroque churches rising, and the wafting scents of baking pastries, and lavender bundles. Follow the floral odors to Nice’s famous flower market, which spills gorgeous colourful displays along Cours Saleya. There’s a strong hint of Italy, explained by the fact that Nice only aligned with France in 1860 – following 500 years under the House of Savoy. A gorgeous Orthodox Russian church also rises incongruously with colorful onion domes, forming one of the city’s unusual sights, and one of the largest such cathedrals outside of Russia. Walk in Nietzsche’s footsteps and climb up to Colline du Château’s charming green park and cascading waterfalls, to relish the views down over the city and sparkling sea expanse. Not without challenges over recent years, Nice continues to bloom and inspire its visitors with an intoxicating allure of sun, sea, and sophistication.

France’s sunniest and oldest city may not have the glamour of some of its Côte d’Azur neighbours, but what it lacks in glitz, it certainly makes up for in authenticity and cultural depth. France’s second-largest city, Marseille served as the European Capital of Culture in 2013 and is a fantastic hub of museums, creativity and colour. The Le Panier district is a vivid illustration of this, with its faded streets revitalised by overflowing flowerpots and charming naturally distressed doorways. Look down over the yacht-filled port, where fishermen still unload fresh catches, from the viewpoint at the spectacular Notre-Dame de la Garde – a true crowning glory. Standing above walled fortifications and capped by an elegant dome, the soaring golden statue of the Madonna and Child rises high into the air and is visible across the city. The huge Marseille Cathedral is equally impressive, with its striking zebra-striped exterior. Palais Longchamp, built in 1862, sparkles with flowing water, while its lush gardens and splashing fountains were created to celebrate the engineering feat of successfully redirecting water to the city. You can’t leave Marseille without tucking into its famous fish stew, bouillabaisse. Flavoured with thyme, garlic, chunks of Mediterranean fish and plump prawns, it offers a bold and delicious taste of Provence. Afterwards, wash your hands with Marseille’s traditional soap, crafted using a fragrant recipe rich in olive oil. Escape the bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Calanques National Park. Hike, kayak and sail your way through a treasure trove of limestone cliffs that plunge towards hidden beaches and secluded coves.

Surrounded by water, Sète is a Mediterranean fishing capital and a port with maritime heritage flowing through its salty veins. Set on a lagoon beside the Mediterranean Sea, Sète’s streets are interspersed with canals, and the historic Canal du Midi terminates here. Canal boats joust on the waterways during August’s festival, in this working city of breezy nautical charm. Known as the Venice of Languedoc, house façades line the canal banks, while leisurely cruises offer romantic journeys through this colourful maritime city. The ascent of Mont Saint-Clair is perhaps the best place to appreciate this remarkable waterside setting, and you can also admire the vibrant frescoes of the Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette while you’re there. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the town’s rich fishing heritage with a harbour-side stroll among the bobbing boats or within the preserved fishing village of La Pointe Courte. Sit down to sample the region’s outstanding seafood at local restaurants, where platters of fresh oysters and shellfish are brought ashore daily from nearby waters. Tee off on undulating coastal golf courses or unwind on kilometres of golden beaches stretching along the nearby spit. Inland, discover a wealth of medieval history in the beautifully preserved walled city of Aigues-Mortes. The mighty UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Carcassonne is also within easy reach, inviting visitors to step into a majestic fairy-tale citadel of soaring turrets and imposing battlements. Cross the drawbridge and brush shoulders with costumed soldiers and artisans within the immense ramparts of this living time capsule.

A place of monasteries tucked into the mountains, surrealist art and gorgeous beaches, Palamós is your gateway to the scenic beauty of the Costa Brava and the cultural wonders of Catalonia. Look along Palamós’ rugged coastline and you can almost see the blood-red and golden colours of the Catalan flag reflected in the craggy cliffs and sandy shores. Soak up the unspoilt beauty of Spain’s Wild Coast, fringed by attractive beaches and rocky outcrops that plunge into the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Renowned for its rich, flavoursome prawns, Palamós offers a captivating blend of culture, coastline and historic charm. Just 32 kilometres inland from Palamós’ inviting beaches lies the medieval city of Girona. Four rivers converge here, creating a delightfully walkable city steeped in history. Wander through the atmospheric cobbled streets of the Old Town, protected by centuries-old ramparts. A steep flight of 90 steps leads to the Baroque façade of the Cathedral of Girona, which dominates the skyline and boasts the world’s widest Gothic nave, measuring an impressive 22 metres across. Nearby Figueres is home to the extraordinary vision of surrealist master Salvador Dalí. Born in the town, Dalí’s legacy and global influence are celebrated at the remarkable Dalí Theatre-Museum, an immersive and wonderfully eccentric experience that perfectly reflects his creative imagination. Opened in 1974, the museum’s distinctive egg-topped building was designed with Dalí’s direct involvement, as he worked on the project throughout the final decade of his life.

Step through grand, castellated gates and find Alcúdia’s charming old town — alive with the affable energy of tapas bars, colourful ceramic shops, and ornate churches. Legendary open-air markets draw crowds from across the island to this characterful town on Mallorca’s north coast. An authentic Mallorcan experience — flowers spill from scenic ledges around faded doors and honey-coloured stone. Built a mile inland from Port d’Alcúdia — where golden sands meet turquoise Mediterranean waters — the medieval core was designed for protection from pirates and remains encircled by partially walkable 14th-century walls. The ruins of the important Roman city of Pollentia lie close by, including Spain’s smallest Roman amphitheatre. Nearby S’Albufera’s wetlands shelter hundreds of bird species.

Bathing in the Sunshine Coast’s stunning subtropical climate, and laying out endless spectacular beaches, it’s no surprise that Malaga is one of Spain’s most popular cities. The already impressive cultural appeal of this holiday city has skyrocketed in recent years, and with a storied old town and Moorish fortifications, Malaga has a lot to offer. Nearby, you can recline on the renowned beaches of the Costa del Sol, or venture inland to discover the Moorish treasures of Granada and Cordoba. La Malagueta Beach is Malaga’s spacious urban beach, perfect for a sunbathe and a dip in the warm water, before enjoying seaside cocktails or seafood tapas at the nearby restaurants. Malaga and the Costa del Sol may be best known for their glorious weather and beaches, but Malaga can now stake a genuine claim as an artistic powerhouse too. Visit the renowned Picasso Museum – housed in the artist’s birthplace – before exploring the recently opened outpost of the Pompidou Centre. Art also spills onto the streets in the colourful Soho district, splashed with vibrant street paintings. Known as La Manquita, or “the one-armed woman”, the city’s cathedral rises above the historic old town. Its huge bell tower stands tall, but an accompanying second tower was never completed – hence the nickname. The Alcazaba fortress palace looms over the waterfront and remains a spectacularly preserved remnant from the era when the Moors controlled the Andalusia region. Discover more of this Arabic influence by visiting Granada’s Alhambra Palace or Cordoba’s La Mezquita mosque. Together with Seville’s converted cathedral, these cities form Andalusia’s Golden Triangle of Moorish wonders.

A curious slice of Britain – picked up and plonked into the sun, sea and sand of southern Spain – Gibraltar is a unique and historic peninsula, crowned by the iconic Rock of Gibraltar mountain. Bright red phone boxes gleam, Union Jacks flutter in the breeze, and cones of fish and chips are scoffed in the sun in this most British of outposts. At times a surreal and strange juxtaposition, you can be gazing at the African shoreline from the beach one moment, and carefully treading across the runway of a crammed-in international airport the next. Gibraltar’s cathedral-like Rock towers 400 metres above the waves, and the stark limestone mountain watches over a narrow, strategic strait between the European and African continents. The pointed Rock is a symbol of this unique place, and you can hike it – or take the convenient cable car – to enjoy the views and meet the mischievous colony of Barbary macaques that live on its slopes. Europe’s only wild monkeys roam free on the mountain, so be sure to hang onto your sunglasses and cameras. The Great Siege Tunnels bring to life the struggles for this land, with the plucky British boring tunnels through the rock by hand, effectively converting it into a giant watchtower capable of defending the distant territory. Natural caves inside droop with stalactites, while a squat Moorish castle stands proudly at its summit. Gibraltar packs a lot into its two-and-a-half square miles of territory, which has remained under British jurisdiction since 1713. Grand Casemates Square is a sunbathed plaza, and drizzly old Britain feels a world away as you sit back and sip ice-cold beers and cocktails in Gibraltar’s historic centre.

More than a hundred watchtowers gaze out across the waves surrounding this ancient Andalusian city. Sprinkled with evocative cobbled side streets, you’ll explore 3,000 years of history while stumbling across palm-tree-lined plazas filled with shaded coffee sippers. Cádiz claims the mantle of Western Europe’s oldest city, and every piece of architecture – and every wrong turn – offers a chance to discover fascinating new stories. Founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC, Christopher Columbus used the city as a base for his exploratory, map-defining voyages of 1493 and 1502. The port grew in importance and wealth as Cádiz’s strategic location near the northern tip of Africa helped it flourish into a centre for New World trade. Catedral de Cádiz is a display of the city’s wealth and importance, looming spectacularly over the Atlantic Ocean, with cawing seagulls sweeping between its twin bell towers. Inside, treasures from the city’s trading exploits in the West Indies and beyond – which helped fuel the growth of this historically prosperous city – are on display. Enveloped by ocean on almost every side, Cádiz has something of an island feel, and you can cool off from southern Spain’s relentless sunshine on the sweeping golden sands of Playa Victoria. The two towers of the new El Puente de la Constitución de 1812 form a contemporary landmark in this most ancient of cities, creating a spectacular modern road bridge. Torre Tavira, meanwhile, is the most famous of Cádiz’s many watchtowers and the highest point in the city. Reach the top for views of the ocean surrounding the city, and to learn about the towers, which were constructed so trading merchants could survey the harbour from their lavish homes. The Central Market is a bustling place of bartering, where flashing knives slice through fresh fish. Stop by the surrounding bars to enjoy tapas freshly prepared using the market’s produce.

Sprawl out and relax across thick wedges of glorious golden sand in Portugal’s sun-worshipping paradise. Portimão is a beachside haven and a perfect encapsulation of the Algarve’s Atlantic appeal, offering easy access to the wonderful Praia da Rocha. Head straight for the long, wide expanse of this famous beach, where you can kick back and enjoy soft, honey-coloured sand and gentle waves rolling ashore. A spectacular and spacious stretch of coastline located where the Arade River meets the Atlantic, it’s the perfect place to relax or wander along the wooden boardwalk connecting a string of neighbouring beaches as you explore among dramatic, tank-like rock formations. Savour juicy sardines cooked over open fires, accompanied by wines produced from nearby vineyards, as you bask in the sunshine of the Algarve’s premier holiday region. Surrounded by quirky fishing villages, stunning coastlines and quaintly tiled old towns, there is a rich blend of life, culture and flavours to enjoy. Attractive mosaics pattern the scenic Ribeirinha promenade, breathing new life into Portimão’s rugged old docks and creating a charming riverside stroll that leads to the showpiece beach. Elsewhere, the arches and sea-eroded limestone stacks of the monumental Ponta da Piedade coastline are close by, or you can head to Silves, the former capital of the Kingdom of the Algarve, crowned by a soaring sandstone castle. The Moorish trading outpost of Lagos is also within easy reach, where you can explore a coastline dotted with gaping sea caves beneath crumbling coastal fortresses.