Top travel destinations

Secretly plotting a summer escape? Or just idly dreaming of clear water, sandy beaches and distant cities? <we know we are> 

Check out our roundup of fantastic holiday destinations, hand-picked by Silver Travel Advisor. Whether it's a beach-side break or city escape you're in need of, here are Silver Travel's top five picks... 
 

Mallorca

The Spanish island that is beloved by Brits. With frequent, short flights, fabulous weather and an excellent range of accommodation, this is a destination suitable for the whole family. The cosmopolitan capital, Palma, has much to offer with a dynamic arts scene and the Old Town with the Le Seu Cathedral and Arab Quarter are well worth exploring. There is a wealth of sight-seeing to enjoy. For a quieter, relaxing time, head for a villa or hotel on the west coast, where olive trees and mountains bring an unexpected twist to the landscape. Pollenca and Soller are attractive resorts, the former being set on a pretty bay, ideal for a multi-generational holiday. Read more here.

Book a villa with James Villa Holidays and get free car hire.

Turkey

This is a vast country with a real appetite for great hospitality, excellent service and tourism. The south western coast is lined with enchanting resorts, large and small with varying levels of commercialisation. If luxury hotels are for you or quirky, boutique properties more your taste, both these, and more, are available. There is, however, no doubt that wherever you are, a small friendly café/bar is just around the corner.

Wonderful harbours to stroll along, pretty beaches for relaxing days and bustling markets to haggle in: all these are just waiting to be enjoyed. Turkish food is a delight too, with super fresh ingredients, often organic, being used and vegetarians are in for a treat! Turks see the younger generation as their future, so grandchildren are a hit nearly everywhere, too. Read more here.

Book a luxury stay in Turkey with Travelzoo.

Crete

Greece’s largest island in the Med is steeped in a true reflection of history, with reminders of all the conquerors, over many centuries, across the landscape. There are towns reminiscent of Venice with narrow, cobbled streets opposite balconies, almost touching, swathed in bougainvillea and enticing doorways. And then, in contrast, the evidence of the lengthy Ottoman Empire is everywhere, with minarets and mosques still standing in many towns and food being a tad more spicy than Greece normally serves. For walkers, wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs as well as beach lovers, Crete offers many choices. Try Chania for a great city, or Kalives for a relaxing beach/poolside break, with a traditional village close by. Find out more here.

Kick back in Crete with Lowcostholidays.

California

This has to be the American state for a road trip, Highway One beckons and rewards all who travel on it! San Francisco is the starting place for many as it’s a fascinating, hilly city, with Alcatraz close by and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge spanning the bay. Heading on to Carmel and the wine country, with the vague possibility of spotting one-time mayor, Clint Eastwood, the pristine beaches and charming village style, bring to mind all that is good about the USA.

Big Sur follows shortly, with dramatic scenery and huge rollers coming in from the Pacific. Here the wildlife starts to get interesting and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary covers over 6000 square miles of ocean and coastline. The Highway then heads down to Santa Barbara, Santa Monica and Los Angeles, all places etched in the 50+ memory due to songs of the ‘60s and ‘70s. And of course, fabulous to visit! Throughout California, hotels, motels and apartments are readily available or there are deluxe RVs in which to stay. Read more here.

Discounted hotels in San Francisco available at Hotels.com.

Tuscany

A perennial favourite, with the glories of Florence, Siena, Lucca and Pisa to enjoy. If art, buildings and music are your bag then you cannot fail to be excited, there is so much to see and do. An absolute must is reserving your timed tickets for The Uffizi to avoid long, tedious queues. The duomos of each and every city are spectacular, as are the views from the bell towers (campanile) if you can manage the climb. A photo beside Pisa’s tower is an absolute must, with it holding you up or vice versa! Much of Tuscany's scenery is stunning and well worth a drive through. For people watching, a coffee or drink in any square is huge fun and soaking up the atmosphere this way gives minute insights into Tuscan life. More information here.

Find a self guided walking adventure in Tuscany with Explore.

This article is brought to you by Silver Travel Advisor. To find out more and access travel information, top holiday tips and impartial reviews, visit the website or contact [email protected]. 

Other things you might like:

The Gransnet guide to cruising

A beginner's guide to Airbnb

Images: Shutterstock