When to visit: April, May and September-October to make the most of its warm weather without the bustling crowds.
Great for: City-breakers and beach lovers, families and couples.
Combining the allure of the coast with a rich cultural history and modern atmosphere, Valencia is a perfect city for travellers looking for a warm, welcoming atmosphere who are also conscious of removing – and therefore avoiding – the pressure on hotpots like Barcelona, one of Europe’s most popular seaside cities.
Full of artistic heritage, Valencia offers a wealth of opportunities to sink into some culture, including its historic town, where you can look upon the Basílica de la Vírgen de los Desamparados (Basilica of our Lady of the Forsaken) before enjoying the sumptuous produce in the Central Market. The Valencian Sistine Chapel: Church of San Nicolás is also a must-see, as is experiencing the local food culture by dining on some delicious tapas or a paella on the seafront promenade stretching from the Port of Valencia to Malvarrosa beach.
For immersive art and culture experiences for all generations, head to the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències)! Enjoy films and documentaries on the 900-metre screen at the Hemisfèric, using its innovative 3D glasses to change the screening language. Marvel at the Oceanogràfic, Europe’s biggest aquarium and home to 450,000 species. Experience ballet, concerts, zarzuela and opera at the Palau de les Arts! To get refreshed after all that culture, take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea at one of Valencia’s beaches, like Malvarrosa, Cabanyal or Patacona, (the latter of which is less crowded with tourists) all without having to leave the city, and connected with by a beautiful promenade.
When to visit: Warm all year round, November-February is perfect for pleasant sunbathing, and January gets a blissful 9 hours of sunshine. May-October is monsoon season, bringing humidity and rain, but cheaper prices.
Great for: Couples, families, divers.
Escape the tourist hotspots in Thailand with Khoa Lak and Phang Nga! Khao Lak is most loved by divers thanks to its proximity to the Surin and Similan Islands, where as well as crystal clear waters, here travellers can see an array of marine wildlife including hawksbill turtles, manta rays, and whale sharks. Wander through the ancient rainforests of Khao Sok National Park on a guided walking tour, and marvel at the incredible elephant sanctuaries.
Top tip: For an alternative to the Similan Islands head to Koh Tachai around 50km north, for white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Take a speedboat tour from Ban Nam Khem, just north of Khao Lak!