If Easter’s brief fling with summery weather had you hooked, head to southern Europe to bask in some warmer weather.
But if you want to stick closer to home, there’s still the Great British Seaside to enjoy (wetsuits optional).
And if you’re planning an August summer holiday, have a look at some of these ideas.
Go now
Greece
Sheltered by a rocky headland is the very pretty town of Parga on Greece’s Ionian coast. In May the wildflowers will be going berserk among the olive and pine groves overlooking the attractive harbour. Ten minutes’ walk from both the harbour and Krioneri Beach are the Margarita Studios, which have kitchens, balconies and a shared rooftop pool. Sunvil has a week’s self-catering from £389pp departing 12 May, including flights and transfers.
Botswana
It’s the dry season in May – a superb time for a safari in the Okavango Delta and game cruises along the Chobe River. Mahlatini Luxury Travel has an eight-day safari holiday that offers an exhilarating introduction to Botswana’s wildlife. You’ll start at the Chobe Bush Lodge before spending the next four nights in different regions of the Okavango Delta. The starting price of £3,650 includes international and internal flights, a mix of full-board and all-inclusive accommodation, and safari and lodge activities, departing 24 May.
Spain
Before temperatures become unbearable in Barcelona, hop across to the Catalan capital for a few days of superior tapas and architecture. Jet2 Holidays has three nights’ room only at the HCC Regente Hotel, which is right in the centre of the classy Eixample district and includes a rooftop pool with sweeping views of the city. The starting price of £396pp includes flights from Manchester, and is for a 13 May departure.
Devon
Before the season really gets underway in the West Country, take some time to enjoy one of the loveliest parts of the North Devon coast. Appledore overlooks the confluence of the Torridge and Taw rivers, and it’s full of colourful fishermen’s cottages. Poachers Cottage is one of them, a cute little two-bedroom, dog-friendly house a few seconds away from the seafront and a handy pub. Classic Cottages has good availability throughout May, with weekly rentals from £493.
Book now for August
Portugal
While the rest of the population is at the beach, that’s your cue to explore the rugged landscapes and sheer beauty of the Douro Valley. You’ll get to know its wineries on this four-night walking holiday offered by Inntravel. You’ll begin in Porto and have the chance to visit its Unesco-listed Old Town and port wine lodges before taking the exceptionally scenic train through the Douro Valley. There you’ll explore cork forests and vineyards, as well as more port wineries. The starting price of £670pp includes breakfast, two dinners and transfers, for departures throughout August. Flights excluded.
Italy
Head to the Italian Lakes for some old-world sophistication, specifically the gorgeous waterside resorts of Lake Como. The town of Tremezzo, set on the lake’s western side, is a good base for old-style glamour and visits to wonderfully over-the-top villas such as Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello. Inghams has a week at the Hotel Bazzoni overlooking the lake from £876pp, including flights, half-board accommodation and transfers, departing 7 August.
Canada
British Columbia’s Vancouver Island has one marvel after another, which you can explore on a motorhome holiday with Canadian Sky. Pick up your RV at Vancouver airport and take the ferry across to Vancouver Island – land of fabulous beaches, the breathtaking Malahat highlands and fjords, and provincial parks including Elk Falls. Prices start at £1,799pp and include flights and motorhome rental, for departures throughout August.
Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk
