Polly Hayes

Kalkan: A Luxury Break Off the Beaten Track in Turkey

If you imagine that Turkey’s Dalmatian coast is all purpose-built resorts and noisy nightclubs then you’ve clearly never been to Kalkan. Authentic, traditional charm is something the small resort and fishing village of Kalkan takes very seriously. Nestled into the hillside with the Mediterranean in front and the Taurus Mountains rearing up dramatically behind, development has been restricted to ensure that the character of this beautiful old village is maintained. The locals here work hard to make sure that visitors

A Stylish Greek Getaway to Hersonissos

The bustling Greek resort of Hersonissos has been home to local fishermen and traders since ancient times, but today it offers a world of luxury relaxation and entertainment for sophisticated travellers looking for somewhere special to unwind. Set on the northern coast of Crete, the resort plays host to a number of exclusive hotels with world-class facilities, nestled beside the stunning beaches and secluded coves of this stretch of coastline. While it can get exceedingly busy here during the hot

A Nature Lover’s Guide to Dalyan in the Summer

Unlike many of the Turkish resorts, the riverside town of Dalyan retains much of its authentic charm. Don’t get me wrong: it is set beside a river in stunning, protected countryside and has a dramatic backdrop of beautiful mountains… but it is a tourist resort. However, step away from the main drag with its lively bars and restaurants and it is easy to discover the essence of this traditional farming community in its back streets and charming architecture. It is

Get Your Ancient History Fix in Belek

Keen golfers who enjoy playing a round or two against a stunning Mediterranean backdrop will already be familiar with the resort of Belek. But while it is true that this purpose-built resort in south-east Turkey has access to more than its fair share of championship-level golf courses, don’t let those sporty types keep this idyllic spot all to themselves. There is a wonderful variety of sights for culture vultures to enjoy in the local area too, especially for those who

Follow the Butterflies: Nature in Rugged Rhodes

For many people, a holiday to the idyllic island of Rhodes is a quintessential Greek getaway. Whether you’re looking for culture and natural beauty or nightlife and water sports, the island has plenty of all these to offer. A land of antiquity, Rhodes boasts its own Acropolis above the town of Lindos, a medieval castle built by the Knights of the Crusades in the fourteenth century and the Byzantine capital Rhodes, with its winding cobbled streets ripe for exploration. But

Visit Valencia’s Stunning City of Arts and Sciences

Set on Spain’s eastern coast, with views out across the Balearic Sea towards Ibiza, Valencia is often overlooked by tourists from the UK in favour of Spain’s two larger cities, Barcelona and Madrid. However, the thriving, bustling port of Valencia has a culture and style all its own, with a lively nightlife and culinary scene which cannot fail to delight any city breaker. First established during Roman times, the city has always had a strong sense of architectural style. From

An Accessible Holiday in Salou

The sun-drenched resort of Salou, on Spain’s northeast Costa Daurada, with its excellent hotels and hospitality, wide range of activities and fantastic gourmet offering, has long been a popular holiday destination for British tourists. But with recent development and emphasis on improving the resort’s accessibility credentials, it is also now an inviting spot for sun worshipers with disabilities. From beaches and restaurants to hotels and tourist sites, the authorities in Salou have worked hard to ensure that the delights of

All You Need to Know about Costa del Silencio

Back in the 1960s the Costa del Silencio on the south coast of Tenerife was amongst the first of the resorts to be purpose built for the growing tourist market. Now, more than 50 years later, it may be beginning to show its age but it still offers a great budget option for anyone looking to make the most of the glorious sunshine of the Canary Islands. Of course, there are reasons why the accommodation (mostly self-catering) is so much

A Holidaymaker’s Guide to C’an Picafort

We’re all looking for something slightly different from our ideal summer getaway. Some of us crave tranquillity and beautiful scenery; others want to live it up partying from dusk till dawn. But if what you’re looking for is plenty of sunshine, golden sand beaches fully equipped with sun loungers, parasols and a wide range of water sports, and a resort full of lively bars and restaurants, then Mallorca’s C’an Picafort could be for you. Set on the northern coast of

Caleta de Fuste

Fun Family Activities in Caleta de Fuste

Since the small town of Caleta de Fuste on the island of Fuerteventura was first developed as a tourist destination, families have been drawn here by its wide, flat beaches, calm, clear, shallow waters and entertaining local wildlife. The fact that all this safe, inviting fun is just seven kilometres from the airport on one of Spain’s most popular Canary Islands is a major bonus when travelling with young children. (As a parent coming off a four-hour flight with two

Monte Gordo

A Holidaymaker’s Guide to the Algarve’s Monte Gordo

While thousands of visitors flock to the west and central Algarve every summer to party and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of resorts like Albufeira and Praia da Rocha, many Portuguese make their way to Monte Gordo. That’s because they know that they can avoid the overcrowded beaches to the west and enjoy the resort’s wonderful expanse of golden sand in relative peace. Portugal’s Monte Gordo is peaceful, but don’t let me mislead you: this is no quaint fishing village with

Get a Taste of Maltese History in Mellieħa

To really get a taste of rural life in Malta and to understand this island’s unique culture and history, I recommend a trip to the village of Mellieħa on its northern coast. With its historic buildings, a wildlife sanctuary, World War II shelter tunnels and the island’s longest beach, Mellieħa is a fascinating base for a holiday on this unique Mediterranean island. Set on a hilltop, this traditional Maltese village gives visitors a rare glimpse into the life and culture

Praia da Luz

Praia da Luz: Portugal’s Perfect Summer Holiday Resort

When I tell people that the Algarve in Portugal is the perfect place for a summer beach holiday, I find that they usually nod their head enthusiastically in agreement. After all, its warm, dry climate, beautiful beaches and stunning scenery are truly legendary. But when I go on to recommend the seaside resort of Praia da Luz, I notice that their expressions often change to one of mild confusion. That’s because this resort is not as well-known as some of