5 Holiday Destinations To Add To Your Bucket List

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With holiday season in full swing I wanted to talk about some stunning holiday destinations that we should all consider adding to our bucket lists. They all have their own unique charm and reasons to visit, and they’re all just a short-haul flight away. I’ve hand-picked five destinations that are my own travel bucket list and here’s some of the reasons why they should be on yours too.

Tenerife

Boasting glorious weather all year round makes Tenerife one of the most popular holiday destinations for so many of us. Being the largest Canary island which is home to Mount Teide an ancient volcano which at its centre is one of the highest points in all of spain. A must see if you plan to visit. If you head Northeast you will reach Santa Cruz, Tenerife’s cosmopolitan capital where you will find a whole host of restaurants offering delicious cuisine, boutique shops, stunning architecture and the most famous building in the Canary Islands – the Auditorio de Tenerife. Famed for its long and exquisite beaches, they’re the perfect place to set up for the day to top up the tan or enjoy some of the water sports on offer.

If that all sounds a little too tame or you have a younger audience to entertain perhaps Siam Park might be a better option. Siam Park is a Thai themed water park which offers something for everyone. For the adrenaline junkie, high, almost vertical slides, and for those who perfect a more relaxed approach why not lie on the purpose-built white sandy beach, or perhaps get pulled along the lazy river. If the water park isn’t your cup of tea you might be interested in visiting Loro Parque zoo which is home to everything from gorillas, tigers to alligators, a great family day out.

Portugal

Portugal is an ideal destination for all holiday makers whether it be a couples or a singles getaway or a family holiday you seek, Portugal has something for everyone. With stunning offerings of cliff-flanked beaches of the Algarve, the buzzing atmosphere of Lisbon and the natural beauty of Madeira you will not be short of opportunities to explore. Portugal is well known for its world-class golf courses, this being why many people visit the country. If you’re more of a novice you might fancy trying your hand on the driving range rather than the course.

Vilamoura Marina is a wonderful spot to head out to where you will be spoiled for choice with a vast selection of restaurants and bars all boasting beautiful marina views. If you visit during the day be sure to check out some of the water sports and boat trips on offer.

Portugal has a rich culture and heritage with some of the most popular attractions including the monasteries in Alcobaça and Batalha; the historic centres of Évora, Guimarães and Oporto; the cultural landscape of Sintra; and the prehistoric drawings and rock-art in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde.

Greece – Halkidiki

Possibly one of the lesser visited Greek regions, although its popularity is increasing and it’s not hard to see why. Branded Greece’s best kept secret, Halkidiki is in the Northern reach of Greece, and known for its three jutting peninsulas featuring Mediterranean forests that give way to sandy beaches. The Westernmost peninsula – Kassandra is the most developed boasting modern resorts and nightlife.

Halkidiki with its rich dramatic landscapes, rugged red mountains plunging down to sandy coves and is famed for having some of the best beaches in Europe. The two lesser visited peninsulas; Sithonia, is wilder and more rugged than Kassandra. As a result, tiny fishing villages and sprawling pine forests are more common than holiday resorts. People tend to head here to enjoy the great outdoors. Secluded coves and virgin bays set the scene along the coast, and myriad walking trails weave their way inland. Lastly, Mount Athos is the easternmost of Halkidiki’s peninsulas. This monastic republic is strictly off-limits to visitors, but you can get a good look at the place with a boat trip around its shores.

Marrakech

Marrakech is known as the ‘Red City’ thanks to the blush-coloured walls that surround it. Constructed in the 12th century, the bricks are made from tabia, which is a mixture of red mud and water from the Hazou plains. A former imperial city in western Morocco, is a major economic center and home to mosques, palaces and gardens. Alive with the busy hustle and bustle of the authentic souks bursting with offerings of spices, textiles, bags, crafts and more, create a heady mix of sights and smells as you wind your way around the twists and turns.

Marrakech is steeped in both history and tradition which is evident as you work your way through the quaint little walkways and alleys stumbling upon traditional lifestyles rooted well in the past such as snake charmers, street entertainers of all kinds and of course many majestic buildings such as palaces and mosques.

Away from the bustling medina area, Marrakech is blanketed in vibrant greenery. The region around the city is carpeted with gardens. The Menara gardens were built by royalty in the 12th century and the Jardin Majorelle was owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, until his death in 2008.

Croatia

This really is Europes rising star becoming an ever more popular destination among travellers. The region boasts some of Europes most stunning beaches, spectacular cultural landmarks and a fine selection of resorts. From the Istrian Coast to Dubrovnik you will find a whole host of family friendly activities, historic attractions, and scenic landscapes

Lively nightlight, historic landmarks, delightful beaches with an array of water sports, music festivals, and national parks are just a small selection of what you can expect from Croatia. If you’re a Game Of Thrones fan you could also pay a visit to some of the filming hot spots while in Croatia, many of the outdoor scenes in Kings Landing were filmed here, as were some of the scenes from Qarth just outside of Dubrovnik.

All of the destinations detailed in this post could cost a lot less than you think, find cheap all inclusive holiday deals here.

What destinations are on your bucket list?

*This is sponsored content, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.