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A voyage of discovery in Greece
Samantha Priestley uncovers the lesser visited Greek Islands on a seven-day cruise, taking in Ikaria, Patmos, Lipsi, Kalymnos, Amorgos, Iraklia and Serifos.
From sun-seeking off the African coast to hiking the Adonis Trail in Cyprus, we asked our experts to pick out three escapes with year-round appeal.
BOA VISTA, CAPE VERDE
If you’ve ever fancied getting a flavour of the shipwrecked life without having to put your survival skills to the test, then Cape Verde could be your next Robinson Crusoe adventure.
Flight times of around six hours from the UK make it an easy yet exotic hop to this small island nation in the Atlantic, off the coast of West Africa. When you arrive, you’ll feel completely removed from your day-to-day world, with temperatures from 25C in January, peaking around 30C in September.
Of the 10 tiny islands that make up the country, most holidaymakers head for Sal. But Boa Vista, meaning “good view”, is less developed and home to an abundance of beaches which regularly rank amongst the most beautiful in the world. Praia da Santa Mónica usually tops the list for very good reason. Think 22km of unspoilt golden sands lapped by cerulean seas which are warm all year round. Don’t miss the fresh lobster catch at the lone ramshackle Boca Beach bar – an absolute bargain. And Deserto de Viana in the far northwest is an ocean of brilliant white dunes for hair-raising off-road rides.
Nearby, visit the Boa Esperança nature reserve. This includes the Lagoa do Rabil wetlands and another of the planet’s finest corners of coast, Praia da Atalanta. Once you’ve soaked up enough African rays, head to the compact capital, Sal Rei, followed by a walk to the picturesque Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima. There, you’ll find the kind of sunset that makes you understand why Cape Verde’s motto is “no worries”.
Getting there: Fly to Boa Vista or Sal with a range of holiday operators as well as budget airlines.
PAPHOS, CYPRUS
The third largest Mediterranean island has long been a popular choice for those escaping the UK weather and with average temperatures of around 16C in winter up to 33C in summer, you’ll find sunshine all year round.
Famed as the birthplace of Greek goddess Aphrodite, Paphos isn’t short on reasons to visit, with a litany of ancient attractions and legendary locations. Aphrodite’s Rock, Adonis Falls and the UNESCO-listed Paphos Archaeological Park are all within easy reach.
For exploring further afield, take a day trip to the east of the island where you’ll find the Roman city of Salamis and, equally atmospheric but far more modern, the abandoned village of Varosha in Famagusta. Once a glamorous resort, it turned into a ghost town after Turkish invasion and became a symbol of the country’s conflicts. Tourists can now take guided tours and learn about its poignant history.
The Akamas Peninsula is a must for nature lovers with deer and turtles among the possible sightings. The five-mile Adonis Trail takes in some of the region’s most photogenic landmarks and species. Cycle, stroll, sail or swim and you’ll find some of the island’s best beaches along the way.
For dining out, try one of the restaurants at the luxurious beachfront Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort. With its own farm, you can be assured of the freshest produce, in a stunning setting that’s an Instagrammer’s dream. No wonder it’s a celebrity favourite – with some stars owning private villas in the grounds.
Getting there: Fly to Paphos with a choice of airlines and holiday operators.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Home to gold standard theme parks, like the mammoth Walt Disney World and Universal, Orlando is a perennial family favourite. And with an overall drop in visitors to the US last year it’s a good time to visit and enjoy slightly reduced queues.
Less talked about is the spectacular natural kingdom that lies beyond the concentration of man-made attractions. For a nature trail through wetlands, scrubs and marsh, visit the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, or spot birds and wildlife in the Split Oak Forest. Look out for cranes, bluebirds, woodpeckers and foxes as you stroll.
For water adventures, kayak one of the natural springs, like Rock Springs Run State Reserve. You can also go tubing on a natural lazy river, floating through free-flowing waters that are temperate year-round. Thrill-seekers can jump on an airboat for a unique ride through swamplands to see the famous Florida alligators.
Getting there: Fly to Orlando direct from a range of UK airports, or travel via Dublin to pre-clear US immigration.
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