It’s not long now before the clocks go forward and we officially head into springtime. Those dark days and chilly nights will soon be over and it’s time to look forward to all the upcoming bank holidays and to sit down and plan an exciting break or holiday away from it all.
Thankfully we are right on the doorstep of some of the most beautiful and luxurious locations in the world. Europe has plenty of magnificence to soak up and here are just a handful of some of the luxury destinations this eclectic continent has to offer.
FRANCE
There aren’t many European destinations associated with luxury and more so than France. Its home to golden beaches and regal resorts such as Cannes, Nice and Saint-Tropez and there are a plethora of operators that offer prestige getaways that will allow you to indulge in the splendour of France’s most scenic areas.
For the more active holiday goer, there’s nothing better than exploring the elegant delights of the picturesque French countryside by bike; whether that’s absorbing the essence of Provence or discovering the fascinating old towns of Amboise and Blois. For a truly unique and memorable getaway we recommend checking out some of the prestige cycling holidays at Belle France or for a more relaxed escape kick back at one of the luxury spas in Nice found on this great list on Trip advisor.
MONTE CARLO
One of the most famous locations in Europe is Monte Carlo, the luxurious capital of Monaco. It caters for the most affluent but is still a great location for those on any budget. Of course if your wallet permits then you will be able to enjoy the very best that Monte Carlo has to offer including the iconic Grand Casino, fine dining at some of most extravagant restaurants anywhere in the world, deluxe yacht charters and other sumptuous activities and grand places to visit.
THE BALEARIC ISLANDS
Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and its beautiful collection of Balearic Islands, located in the western Mediterranean Sea off the east coast of Spain, are amongst the most visited. The four main islands are Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera, each offering their own highlights and enjoying increased tourism during the summer months, ideal for those looking for a relaxing and classy-beach holiday in the sun.
VENICE
Built on a cluster of 117 islands, Venice is perhaps one of the most beautiful European cities to visit. With clear blue waters and a warm Mediterranean climate, this must-see location makes everything from the perfect weekend getaway to an ideal place to pop the question to that special someone in your life. Gondolas-a-plenty, the fantastic theatre of the Carnevale di Venezia and the jaw dropping landmarks of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Piazza San Marco, it is simply one of those travel destinations you just have to see.
LISBON
Bursting full of history, this capital city – the largest in Portugal – is the definition of a perfect weekend break. With stunning architecture dating as far back to the Pre-Roman era and a very pleasant climate hovering around the mid 20’s from spring onwards, Lisbon is a beautiful cosmopolitan city that ticks all the boxes. Take a relaxing ride on one of the many iconic trams or explore the fascinating Castelo de Sao Jorge, you will be never short of things to do in Lisbon.
SCOTLAND
If you’d prefer to stay even closer to home and would rather avoid an unnecessary flight abroad may want to consider travelling up to Scotland to take in just some of the breath-taking scenery the country has to offer. There are outstanding landscapes and astonishing countryside views to enjoy, perfect for those looking to take in a little hiking or perhaps some upmarket glamping on their trip.
BILBAO
A port city in Northern Spain in the Basque Country, Bilbao impresses with its skyscraper-filled downtown area, its landmark Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and its surrounding green mountains along with a variety of delightful cuisine to sample. The aforementioned museum houses noted modern and contemporary works inside its titanium clad, curved walls and provided the city with a spark of rejuvenation when it opened in 1997. You can find some great, unique Bilbao holiday apartments on boutique Spanish websites such as Líbere to really get the true experience of the city on your visit.
