From remote Arctic islands to hidden Mediterranean gems, a definitive month-by-month guide reveals 2025’s most compelling travel destinations.
The carefully curated year-long calendar spans from winter sun in Valletta, to autumn exploration in Greece’s hidden Zagori region, showcasing alternative destinations for savvy travellers looking to beat the crowds and secure better value escapes. The release of this travel calendar comes at a crucial time, with over half of UK travellers now booking holidays 3-6 months in advance and some even planning the entire year’s travel by January.
“January offers the year’s best window for holiday planning,” says Gavin Lapidus, founder of tailor-made holiday specialists eShores. “We’re seeing a significant shift towards early bookings, with travellers securing better rates and prime accommodation before peak season demand drives prices up.”
To help early planners make the most of 2025, eShores reveals its ultimate month-by-month guide to emerging destinations.
January: Valletta, Malta
Kick off the year with a history-packed escape to Europe’s sunniest capital. Valletta in January offers a perfect winter escape with temperatures around 15-17°C, minimal tourists, and direct UK flights. This UNESCO World Heritage city provides an ideal alternative to the UK’s coldest month.
February: Essaouira, Morocco
Considering a visit to Morocco? Move over Marrakech – the chic, chilled coastal gem Essaouira offers mild 18-20°C weather, fewer crowds, and a bohemian atmosphere at more affordable prices than Morocco’s traditional hotspots in February.
March: Seville, Spain
Hit up Seville in March. Spain’s cultural capital stuns during orange blossom season, with comfortable 20-24°C temperatures, fewer tourists than peak months, and quick, easy travel from the UK.
April: Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
Discover Europe’s hidden lake paradise at Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia in April. This UNESCO gem offers crystal waters and heritage charm. Expect mild 18-22°C weather at a fraction of Lake Como costs.
May: Puglia, Italy
In May, the authentic Italian experience awaits in Puglia, with 22-26°C temperatures and beautiful coastal villages. This southern Italian region delivers sun, sea, and stunning cuisine while dodging Amalfi Coast prices.
June: Åland Islands, Finland
Scandinavia’s best-kept summer secret combines Nordic cuisine with island-hopping adventures. The Åland Islands are the perfect spot in June for crowd-weary travellers, with balmy 24°C days and 60 inhabited islands offering pure Nordic solitude.
July: Šibenik, Croatia
Skip overcrowded Dubrovnik this summer and head to the historical Šibenik in Croatia. This coastal city is a gateway to the stunning Krka National Park, and enjoys pleasant July temperatures of around 28°C.
August: Faroe Islands
Swap UK heatwaves for dramatic North Atlantic landscapes in the Faroe Islands. Hailed as Iceland’s affordable, less-crowded cousin, the Faroe Islands offers wildlife encounters and epic scenery at a cool 15°C, with direct flights from London and Edinburgh in August.
September: Lofoten Islands, Norway
September brings nature’s double feature to the Lofoten Islands – days painted in Arctic autumn colours and nights illuminated by the dazzling Northern Lights. With comfortable temperatures of 18°C, this archipelago offers perfect conditions for an Arctic adventure.
October: Zagori, Greece
As the temperatures drop in the UK in October, grab a week or two of sun in Zagori, Greece’s beloved autumn hotspot. Find warm days reaching mid-20°C temperatures, off-the-beaten-path mountain villages, tempting local cuisine, and epic hiking trails away from the island crowds.
November: Azores, Portugal
If you’re looking to enjoy a final bout of sun before Christmas in November, head to The Azores in Portugal. This eco-tourism haven offers mid-20°C temperatures across nine volcanic islands, where thermal springs meet Atlantic waves.
December: Sal, Cape Verde
For those seeking out affordable tropical warmth in December, Sal in Cape Verde offers a Caribbean alternative just six hours from the UK. Think pristine, white-sand beaches and 27°C days without the long-haul price tag or jet lag.
Get ahead of the 2025 travel rush – let eShores’ travel specialists help you discover these gems before they hit the mainstream. Start planning your 2025 adventure, or find inspiration for your travels at eshores.co.uk.
