Many destinations, one operator

Portimão

Algarve, Portugal

From

€8

Median

€45

Offers

106

Suits

Benagil with as little transfer time as possible; dolphin trips with a marine biologist on board

Less suited to

anyone after the rock arches of Ponta da Piedade — those are off Lagos

Best season

April to October for the full programme, September best. From November to March only a few boats still run.

Lagos

Western Algarve (Barlavento), Portugal

From

€6

Median

€49.70

Offers

122

Suits

Ponta da Piedade, kayaking and the clifftop paths on foot

Less suited to

Benagil — that is 35 to 45 minutes away, half of that from Portimão

Best season

April to October for the full programme, September best. From November to March only a few boats still run.

Albufeira

Central Algarve, Portugal

From

€14

Median

€40

Offers

123

Suits

families and anyone whose plans may still change; somewhere to go on land when the weather turns

Less suited to

anyone coming purely for Benagil — the cave is 25 to 30 boat minutes away

Best season

April to October for the full programme, September best. From November to March only a few boats still run.

Funchal

Madeira, Portugal

From

€10

Median

€58.50

Offers

375

Suits

walking and mountains, whales and dolphins, travelling outside the summer

Less suited to

anyone planning beach days — and anyone packing only for coastal temperatures will be cold up top

Best season

All year round. Dolphins are there in every season; the mountains run about five degrees cooler than the coast.

Teneriffa

Canary Islands, Spain

From

€5

Median

€63.96

Offers

347

Suits

whale watching without chasing, Teide by cable car, Loro Parque and Siam Park in one place

Less suited to

anyone after level ground — it is 2,300 metres from coast to crater

Best season

All year round. In winter the coast sits around 20 degrees; there can be snow on Teide.

Gran Canaria

Canary Islands, Spain

From

€8

Median

€65

Offers

246

Suits

Maspalomas dunes with a camel ride, buggy tours into the highlands, the Poema del Mar aquarium in Las Palmas

Less suited to

anyone wanting everything within walking distance of the hotel — the contrasts lie far apart

Best season

All year round. In winter the coast sits around 20 degrees; there can be snow on Teide.

Lanzarote

Canary Islands, Spain

From

€9

Median

€68

Offers

225

Suits

Timanfaya, Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes in one day; buggy tours across lava fields

Less suited to

anyone after white sand beaches — those are on Fuerteventura, not here

Best season

All year round. In winter the coast sits around 20 degrees; there can be snow on Teide.

Fuerteventura

Canary Islands, Spain

From

€12.50

Median

€69

Offers

195

Suits

Isla de Lobos by ferry or catamaran, windsurf and kite courses, jeep safari to Cofete beach

Less suited to

anyone who dislikes wind — here it is not exceptional weather but the rule

Best season

All year round. In winter the coast sits around 20 degrees; there can be snow on Teide.

Tavira

Eastern Algarve, Portugal

From

€7

Median

€67

Offers

31

Suits

Ria Formosa by boat, island beaches without high-rises, salt pans and flamingos

Less suited to

anyone after Benagil Cave — that is more than a hundred kilometres further west

Best season

April to October for the full programme, September best. From November to March only a few boats still run.

Vilamoura

Algarve, Portugal

From

€6

Median

€49

Offers

53

Suits

boat trips with brunch and open bar, Zoomarine, the Loulé salt mine 230 metres underground

Less suited to

anyone wanting a short transfer — Benagil is 27 kilometres away by water

Best season

April to October for the full programme, September best. From November to March only a few boats still run.

Sagres

Western Algarve, Portugal

From

€10

Median

€70

Offers

19

Suits

coasteering and cliff jumping, jeep tours in the natural park, sunset at the westernmost point

Less suited to

anyone after calm, warm bathing water — here the open Atlantic sits right off the coast

Best season

April to October for the full programme, September best. From November to March only a few boats still run.

Hurghada

Red Sea, Egypt

From

€8.50

Median

€39

Offers

225

Suits

snorkelling at Orange Bay and Hula Hula, semi-submarines for non-swimmers, desert safaris by quad and camel

Less suited to

anyone needing pyramids in the plan — Cairo is six hours away or a domestic flight

Best season

Warm all year. From June to August the interior gets very hot — desert tours then start late in the day.

Luxor

Upper Egypt, Egypt

From

€5.81

Median

€78.66

Offers

83

Suits

Valley of the Kings and Karnak, felucca sailing at sunset, balloon flights over the tombs

Less suited to

anyone after a beach holiday — the nearest sea is four hours away by car

Best season

Warm all year. From June to August the interior gets very hot — desert tours then start late in the day.

Marrakesch

Morocco

From

€4.18

Median

€33.22

Offers

509

Suits

Agafay with quad, camel and dinner, the Ouzoud falls with a boat ride, gardens and palaces in town

Less suited to

anyone wanting the sea — the coast at Essaouira is about three hours away

Best season

March to May and September to November are the most comfortable. In high summer you avoid the midday hours.

Kapstadt

Western Cape, South Africa

From

€4.29

Median

€91.25

Offers

505

Suits

Cape of Good Hope with penguins, safari in the Aquila reserve, the Franschhoek Wine Tram

Less suited to

anyone wanting it all in one place — whales, winelands and safari are one to two hours apart

Best season

Summer here runs November to March. Whales, by contrast, are off Hermanus from June to November.

Las Vegas

Nevada, USA

From

€8.93

Median

€97.16

Offers

338

Suits

Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam as a day trip, helicopter flights over the Strip, shows like “O” at the Bellagio

Less suited to

anyone after nature without a long drive — the canyon’s west rim is a good two hours away

Best season

All year round. In July and August 40 degrees is normal — canyon tours then start at dawn.

Phuket

Andaman Sea, Thailand

From

€5.27

Median

€65.08

Offers

666

Suits

island hopping by speedboat or catamaran, snorkelling trips, the old town of Phuket Town

Less suited to

anyone after a swimming beach on the doorstep — from May to October the south-west monsoon brings rip currents to the west coast

Best season

November to April is the dry season. From May to October the south-west monsoon brings rip currents to the west coast, and Maya Bay closes every year from 1 August to 30 September.

Porto

Northern Portugal, Portugal

From

€2.40

Median

€50

Offers

444

Suits

port lodges and tastings, Douro valley day trips by boat and train

Less suited to

anyone after the sea — the tours here are about the river and the cellars, not the beach

Best season

The Douro harvest falls in September. In winter the lodges close earlier — last admission is often 5pm rather than 5.30pm.

Rom

Lazio, Italy

From

€2

Median

€53

Offers

669

Suits

the Colosseum including the arena floor, the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s, ancient Rome with a guide

Less suited to

anyone who wants to set off on a whim — nearly everything here needs a timed slot booked days ahead

Best season

All year round. The calendar matters more than the weather here: the Vatican Museums close on Sundays — except the last of the month — and on religious holidays, 15 August among them.

Singapur

Singapore, Southeast Asia

From

€3.49

Median

€62.21

Offers

376

Suits

Gardens by the Bay, viewpoints such as the SkyPark and the Flyer, evening tours on the water

Less suited to

anyone expecting wild nature — the gardens here are built, air-conditioned and split into five separately priced enclosures

Best season

Warm all year. Thunderstorms come mostly in the afternoon and evening; November to January is the wettest stretch, with around 332 mm in December.

Sydney

New South Wales, Australia

From

€1.25

Median

€97.48

Offers

366

Suits

harbour cruises from Circular Quay, guided tours of the Opera House, the Blue Mountains as a day trip

Less suited to

anyone expecting whales in the Australian summer — what the booking pages show in January is for next season

Best season

The seasons are reversed — January is high summer. That does not bring whales, though: what the booking pages show in January is for next season. On 26 December the blue-water race to Hobart starts in the harbour.

Lissabon

Lisbon Region, Portugal

From

€1.50

Median

€55

Offers

660

Suits

Tagus trips from sailing boat to catamaran, sunset cruises, day trips to Sintra and Cascais

Less suited to

anyone wanting the best-selling boat with children — that party cruise lists under-18s as unsuitable

Best season

The big motor boats run year-round and stop only when conditions turn unsafe. The small sailing boats cancel more often — and refund in full. Changing your own mind costs €15.

Kyoto

Kansai, Japan

From

€1.13

Median

€61.12

Offers

725

Suits

tea ceremonies and craft workshops, temples and gardens, day trips to Nara, Osaka and Himeji

Less suited to

anyone hoping to wander Gion’s lanes — the private ones have been closed to visitors since April 2024, photography and guided tours included

Best season

The calendar matters more than the weather. Some temples open daily only in spring and autumn — in 2026 from 1 March to 31 May and from 19 September to 6 December — and otherwise at weekends and on holidays. Temple hours: 7.30am to 5.30pm April to October, 8am to 5pm November to March.

Mauritius

Mascarenes, Mauritius

From

€15

Median

€94.50

Offers

400

Suits

early-morning dolphin swims off Tamarin; snorkelling in Blue Bay Marine Park; catamaran trips to Ile aux Cerfs

Less suited to

anyone after an afternoon dolphin trip, or a whole group going into the water together — neither is something an operator here may sell

Best season

The cyclone season has official dates: 1 November to 15 May. October is the driest month and belongs to neither season — the summer mean is 24.7 °C, the winter mean 20.4 °C.

Agadir

Souss-Massa, Morocco

From

€6.40

Median

€32.40

Offers

271

Suits

quad and 4x4 days into the dunes; Paradise Valley; birdwatching in Souss-Massa National Park, home to three of Morocco’s four wild bald ibis colonies

Less suited to

anyone after the real Sahara or an old town that grew over centuries — the one is a three-day journey away, and what stands here was rebuilt after 1960

Best season

The sea peaks at around 20 to 22 °C in early September and drops to roughly 16 to 19 °C in late February — hence the wetsuits. Whether the pools of Paradise Valley hold water depends on the last rainy season, not on the forecast for your week.

Bentota

South-west coast, Sri Lanka

From

€1.26

Median

€69.94

Offers

165

Suits

river safaris and turtle hatcheries; families with children; day trips to the Sinharaja rainforest or Udawalawe

Less suited to

anyone planning beach days between May and September — that is the south-west monsoon, and the sea notices it

Best season

On the beach the south-west monsoon runs roughly May to September, and the sea notices it more than the river does. The dry season is the northern spring; inland, Sinharaja takes rain from both monsoons, May to July and November to January.

Cairns

Far North Queensland, Australia

From

€9.38

Median

€149.50

Offers

213

Suits

Great Barrier Reef day trips and snorkelling; the Kuranda railway and Skyrail; rafting on the Barron and the Tully

Less suited to

anyone who wants to swim off the town — the Esplanade faces tidal mudflat, and from November to May the sea is stinger season anyway

Best season

February averages 437.5 mm of rain and August 26.5 mm, at the same weather station. From November to May the sea is in marine stinger season, and operators hand out full-body lycra suits.

Cozumel

Quintana Roo, Mexico

From

€9.63

Median

€72.69

Offers

210

Suits

reef snorkelling off the west side; cruise port days with a firm return time; Punta Sur and the Maya sites

Less suited to

anyone who wants to swim on the east side — the sea there is not for it

Best season

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June to November, with the highest risk in September and October. The west side is the calm side; the east side is not for swimming.

Curaçao

ABC Islands, Caribbean

From

€12.99

Median

€100.12

Offers

173

Suits

snorkelling from the shore and the turtle beaches; boat days to Klein Curaçao; Willemstad on foot

Less suited to

anyone counting on metered taxis or Uber — neither exists here; and late risers bound for Christoffelpark, where the mountain climb closes at ten in the morning

Best season

Curaçao lies roughly 12 degrees north, south of the usual hurricane tracks, which is why it stays bookable through the Atlantic storm season. The steadiest, driest stretch runs from around January to April, with the trade wind taking the edge off the heat.

Krabi

Andaman Sea, Thailand

From

€0.85

Median

€47.71

Offers

422

Suits

island days by longtail and speedboat; kayaking the mangroves at Ao Thalane; Railay and the Tiger Cave Temple

Less suited to

anyone planning the inland day with the Blue Pool in the wrong months — it is shut for half the year

Best season

November to April is the dry season. From May to October the south-west monsoon brings rip currents to the west coast, and Maya Bay closes every year from 1 August to 30 September.

Punta Cana

La Altagracia, Dominican Republic

From

€4.47

Median

€84.92

Offers

598

Suits

catamaran days and Saona; buggy tours to Macao Beach; families, as long as the beach sits behind the reef

Less suited to

anyone who wants a city to walk around — Santo Domingo is 200 kilometres each way

Best season

December to April is the dry season and the reliable one. Sargassum tends to arrive from around April and peaks over the summer; October to December is generally the clearest water. Humpback whales are watched in Samaná Bay from 15 January to late March.

Sal

Cape Verde

From

€14.25

Median

€58.10

Offers

155

Suits

kitesurfing and windsurfing in the trade-wind months; lemon sharks at Shark Bay; floating in the Pedra de Lume salt lake

Less suited to

anyone who wants lifeguarded beaches — Santa Maria has none — or a green island

Best season

The rainy season runs from July to mid-October, and even then rainfall is low. The north-east trade winds blow from November into spring — the reason for the kitesurfers, and why a week in September is not a week in February.

Sansibar

Zanzibar, Tanzania

From

€7.15

Median

€67.04

Offers

472

Suits

snorkelling at Mnemba; Stone Town on foot; the red colobus walk in Jozani; spice farms

Less suited to

anyone after the cheapest dolphin trip — at the cheap end the boats are crowded and the time in the water is short

Best season

The long rains fall from March to May and the short rains around November; they turn mainland park tracks to mud and cancel flights. The dry months are why the island’s high season and the mainland game-viewing season line up.

Siem Reap

Siem Reap, Cambodia

From

€4.47

Median

€43.38

Offers

510

Suits

Angkor at sunrise and over two days; Banteay Srei and Phnom Kulen; a Khmer cooking class

Less suited to

families expecting children to climb everything — under-twelves get in free but may not climb the top tier of Angkor Wat

Best season

In April Siem Reap regularly sits at 35 to 38 °C. The rainy season from May to October brings heavy afternoon downpours, wettest in September and October — the Tonlé Sap swells, and the stilt village of Kampong Phluk looks nothing like it does in April.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

From

€4.65

Median

€56.30

Offers

330

Suits

small-group snorkelling in the south; the Hon Thom cable car; the Duong Dong night market

Less suited to

anyone planning the squid-fishing evening as the highlight — no boat in the offer rates above four stars

Best season

Four months are genuinely dry, December to March; January and February stay under 30 mm of rain. April and November are shoulder months, and August brings 485.6 mm.

Bohol

Bohol, Philippines

From

€8.55

Median

€73.96

Offers

165

Suits

dolphin and turtle island hopping from Panglao; the Chocolate Hills and the tarsiers; firefly kayaking on the Abatan

Less suited to

anyone after whale sharks — the tours cross to Oslob on Cebu, where the sharks are hand-fed

Best season

In the dry season, roughly November to May, the water is clear and the waterfall pools are calm; in the wet season, roughly June to October, they run at full flow. The Chocolate Hills are only chocolate-brown at the end of the dry season, roughly March to May.

Muscat

Muscat, Oman

From

€8

Median

€109.70

Offers

318

Suits

snorkelling at the Daymaniyat Islands; Wadi Shab and the Bimmah sinkhole; dolphins in the morning and a dhow at sunset

Less suited to

families with small children on the classic day trips — the headline excursions exclude under-sixes or under-sevens

Best season

From May to October landing on the Daymaniyat Islands is prohibited, and May already averages highs of 39.5 °C. Rain barely matters: the wettest month, January, brings 14.3 mm.

Montego Bay

North coast, Jamaica

From

€8.94

Median

€116.21

Offers

362

Suits

bamboo rafting on the Great River; Negril and Rick’s Café; the waterfalls of the north coast

Less suited to

anyone looking for a dedicated family tour — of 345 activities exactly one calls itself that, and among the catamarans with ten or more reviews it rates lowest

Best season

Here the day of the week and the crowds matter more than the month: YS Falls closes on Mondays, and departure from MBJ airport becomes a queue in high season.

Puerto Vallarta

Banderas Bay, Mexico

From

€12.87

Median

€97.21

Offers

273

Suits

the coastal hike to the hidden beaches; snorkelling at Los Arcos; whale watching in winter; Yelapa by boat

Less suited to

anyone set on a day in the town of Tequila — it is about 275 kilometres away, and the usual tours leave from Guadalajara

Best season

The environment agency SEMARNAT sets the humpback season by fixed dates: 8 December to 23 March in 2025–26. Sea turtles nest from 1 July to 31 December, and the hatchlings are released at sunset.

Los Cabos

Baja California Sur, Mexico

From

€9.63

Median

€97.43

Offers

254

Suits

the arch at Land’s End; whale watching from mid-December; snorkelling in the free bays of Santa María and Chileno

Less suited to

anyone who wants to swim wherever the beach looks good — on this coast the flag of the day decides

Best season

The whale season runs by federal decree from 15 December to 30 April. And even two of the few “Blue Flag A+” beaches in Mexico can be closed to swimmers by red flag on the same day — the flag of the day counts, not the certificate.

Fiji

Viti Levu, Fiji

From

€12.29

Median

€109.47

Offers

166

Suits

Mamanuca island days and snorkelling; the zipline and caves inland; a Fijian culture night

Less suited to

families counting on child prices — on the zipline a five-year-old pays the full adult fare

Best season

Here the day of the week decides more than the month: on Sundays the South Sea Island trip loses its meke dance. And the Navua day starts with roughly three hours’ drive each way from Nadi — booking it means planning a whole day.

Maui

Maui, Hawaii

From

€17.88

Median

€144.62

Offers

246

Suits

snorkelling at Molokini and Black Rock; whale watching in winter; the Haleakalā sunrise

Less suited to

families counting on lifeguards — the state lists exactly ten lifeguarded beaches on Maui, and Kaʻanapali and Wailea are not among them

Best season

The boats sell a whale season from December to April; the sanctuary counts whales from November to May, peaking January to March. Anyone paying attention books into that peak.

Tahiti

Tahiti and Moorea, French Polynesia

From

€21

Median

€147

Offers

135

Suits

a day on Moorea with the lagoon, rays and blacktip sharks; swimming with humpbacks in season; Tetiaroa by catamaran

Less suited to

families with babies — being under one year old rules out more tours here than any other condition

Best season

Swimming with humpback whales is legal only from 20 July to 20 November, and since December 2024 only with licensed operators and no more than six people in the water at once. Papeete market opens at 4 am on Sundays and is over by 10.

Cartagena

Caribbean coast, Colombia

From

€4.54

Median

€66.21

Offers

402

Suits

the old town and Getsemaní on foot; an island day in the Rosarios; sunset on the water

Less suited to

a quiet beach day — the five-stop format leaves under an hour per stop, and Cholón is a party bay rather than a beach

Best season

The temperature barely moves, the rain does: 0.3 mm in February, 236.5 mm in October. At sea it is the other way round — the dry season brings the trade winds and a rough crossing, October the calmest water of the year.

Nassau

New Providence, Bahamas

From

€24.14

Median

€134.08

Offers

171

Suits

half a day in clear water off Rose Island; snorkelling for beginners in sheltered water; a day in the northern Exumas

Less suited to

anyone here purely for the Pig Beach in the pictures with half a day to spare — that is a different island, 143 kilometres further out

Best season

The drier season runs from 25 October to 20 May. The wettest month is not August but June, at 104 mm; the driest is December, at 23 mm. Hurricane season runs 1 June to 30 November, and its peak is 10 September.

San Juan

Puerto Rico

From

€16.09

Median

€87.60

Offers

262

Suits

Old San Juan and its two forts on foot; El Yunque as a rainforest day; the glowing bay by kayak, booked for the new moon

Less suited to

anyone set on the brightest bay in the world — that is Mosquito Bay on Vieques, and it is not a day trip from San Juan

Best season

The air barely changes: 28 °C in January, 31 °C in August. The rain does — 55 mm in March, 187 mm in November. Hurricane season runs 1 June to 30 November, but the risk is concentrated in September; June and July are statistically its quiet end.

Seychellen

Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, Seychelles

From

€23

Median

€192.50

Offers

128

Suits

Curieuse and St Pierre by boat; La Digue by bicycle, where petrol scooters are not permitted; the Vallée de Mai on Praslin

Less suited to

Mahé, Praslin and La Digue in one day — the double-island tours sit at 3.4 to 4.5 stars, the single-island version at 4.6

Best season

Two winds rather than two seasons: the south-east trades from roughly May to October, windiest in June and July, and the north-west monsoon from roughly December to March, with January the wettest month. April and November are the turning points — calm water, visibility up to about 30 metres. Whale sharks pass Mahé from August to October; hawksbill turtles nest from October to February.

Sharm El Sheikh

Sinai, Red Sea, Egypt

From

€4.47

Median

€34.30

Offers

114

Suits

Ras Mohammed and the White Island sandbank by boat; snorkelling over shallow reef; desert safaris and the day trip to Cairo

Less suited to

a snorkelling holiday in February — at 22 °C the water is swimmable and cold at once, and in spring the Khamsin shuts individual boat days down

Best season

Rain is not the issue here — the wettest month is December, at four millimetres. The best month is October: 27 °C water under 29 °C air. What interrupts trips is dust: the Khamsin blows mainly between March and May and shuts individual boat days down.

Chiang Mai

Northern Thailand

From

€6.18

Median

€50.36

Offers

602

Suits

elephant sanctuaries and how to tell a serious one; cooking classes with a market visit; the temples of the old city and Doi Suthep; a day on Doi Inthanon

Less suited to

a March trip if bad air bothers you — and the Kew Mae Pan ridge trail from June to October, when it is closed

Best season

The cool season, roughly November to February, brings 15 to 28 °C and little rain. From June to October comes about 85 % of the roughly 1,200 mm annual rainfall. In between sits the burning season from late February to April, with March the worst month. The Kew Mae Pan ridge trail on Doi Inthanon is open only from 1 November to 31 May.

Key West

Florida Keys, USA

From

€10.72

Median

€86.39

Offers

126

Suits

reef snorkelling and dolphins by boat; sunset sails; the old town by trolley or on foot

Less suited to

day trips from Miami — they start three and a half hours’ drive away; this site shows only what leaves from Key West

Best season

The sea never drops below swimming temperature — around 22 °C in January. The best window is spring: water at 23 to 27 °C, the winter cold fronts over. Hurricane season runs 1 June to 30 November, peaking August to October — and during Fantasy Fest, 16 to 25 October 2026, a room costs $700 to $1,500 a night and up.

Langkawi

Langkawi, Malaysia

From

€1.37

Median

€77

Offers

178

Suits

the Kilim mangroves by boat or kayak; the cable car and Sky Bridge on Gunung Machinchang; island hopping and a sunset on the water

Less suited to

carefree swimming with small children — box jellyfish occur in these waters, and in November 2025 a two-year-old died after a sting

Best season

It is dry from December to February: 24 mm on three rainy days in January, 33 mm in February. From April the rain climbs, and October is the wettest month at 373 mm over 23 rainy days. The year totals about 2,363 mm across 174 days.

Malta

Malta, Gozo and Comino

From

€4

Median

€55

Offers

494

Suits

Valletta, Mdina and the Three Cities on foot; a day on Gozo; the Blue Lagoon on Comino

Less suited to

a cheap swimming day at Popeye Village — the water attractions run only from 1 June to 30 September, and only then at the top price of €25

Best season

Malta splits the year into blocks rather than one best time: the water attractions run only from June to September, and you pay the top price for them; the bus costs €2.50 in summer and €2.00 in winter. On 2 August and 20 September 2026 the Marsaxlokk market does not run because of the village feasts.

Mui Ne

South coast, Vietnam

From

€6.49

Median

€51.84

Offers

133

Suits

the white and red dunes at sunrise; Fairy Stream and the fishing village; kitesurfing from November to March

Less suited to

snorkelling or diving — for that you need Nha Trang or Phu Quoc

Best season

The best window is late December to March: dry, sunny, the sea around 26 °C. The rainy season from May to October brings short, heavy showers — even September, the wettest month, has 17 rainy days, not thirty. Typhoons reach the south mainly between mid-October and 20 December.

Alanya

Turkish Riviera

From

€2.20

Median

€26

Offers

198

Suits

jeep and quad safaris in the Taurus; Sapadere canyon, Dim Cave and Dim Stream in one day; boat trips along the coast; a tandem flight landing on Cleopatra Beach; the hammam

Less suited to

the tandem flight on a day that has to be fixed to the minute — the weather decides; and the evening transfer to Land of Legends as a theme-park day ticket, which it is not

Best season

The articles for this coast give no monthly figures, only the rules behind them. In summer heat the guided tour to Perge and Aspendos has the edge, because the drives put breaks between the exposed walks; with a hire car it only works if you start early and carry water. Opening hours at the ancient sites change with the season — an old summer timetable is not a promise for today, and the evening show at Land of Legends depends on the calendar.

Antalya

Turkish Riviera

From

€0.50

Median

€29.60

Offers

251

Suits

families in short blocks, toddlers included; Perge, Aspendos and Side in one day; the boat trip to Suluada with lunch; rafting in the Köprülü Canyon; Pamukkale

Less suited to

Termessos as an add-on to another destination — beyond the car park a mountain path runs through the ruins, and the site is better made the single purpose of the day

Best season

The articles for this coast give no monthly figures, only the rules behind them. In summer heat the guided tour to Perge and Aspendos has the edge, because the drives put breaks between the exposed walks; with a hire car it only works if you start early and carry water. Opening hours at the ancient sites change with the season — an old summer timetable is not a promise for today, and the evening show at Land of Legends depends on the calendar.

Chania

West Crete

From

€19

Median

€89.50

Offers

244

Suits

Samaria and the shorter Imbros Gorge; Balos and Gramvousa, Elafonisi, Falasarna; the old town with a food tour; a cooking class in the White Mountains

Less suited to

Samaria on the last day of the holiday — if it closes there is no second attempt; the gorge belongs on the first suitable day

Best season

May, June and September are the best months for most people: daytime highs of 23 to 27 °C and little rain. July and August are driest (0.2 and 1.6 mm), but the Heraklion Port station has recorded 36.6 °C in July and 38.0 °C in August. October brings 43.8 mm of rain, nearly three times September’s. In West Crete the Samaria Gorge opened only on 19 May in 2026 — do not book flights around an assumed opening date.

Dubai

Dubai, UAE

From

€6.08

Median

€61.68

Offers

278

Suits

the Burj Khalifa with a timed ticket and the aquarium in the same complex; desert safaris with dinner or BBQ, also in four hours; Old Dubai with Al Fahidi, the souks and an abra crossing; a day in Abu Dhabi

Less suited to

Abu Dhabi as a day trip if you dislike long vehicle time or want museums without watching the clock

Best season

The articles give no monthly figures; they treat the heat as a planning question. In the evening the sun eases but retained heat and humidity remain — evening cruises and city walks are easier, not cool. Old Dubai, the beaches and the Marina promenade belong in the cooler hours. Boat trips, open-top buses, outdoor terraces and desert camps are not indoor activities, even when a vehicle or lounge is cooled.

Dubrovnik

Dalmatia, Croatia

From

€8

Median

€75

Offers

208

Suits

the city walls and Fort Lovrijenac; the Elaphiti Islands and Lokrum by boat; sea kayaking; the Game of Thrones walk; Ston and the Pelješac peninsula; Mostar and Kravica

Less suited to

the Montenegro day with a flight or a fixed evening plan afterwards — border waits are unpredictable, especially in summer

Best season

The city walls are open year-round, hours change with the season, and they may close on major public holidays; in summer midday is the least forgiving time. Boats to Lokrum run seasonally and can stop in bad weather. Border waits to Montenegro are unpredictable, especially in summer. In summer the road to Pelješac is slower; in the quieter months spontaneous food and tasting stops are less dependable.

Split

Dalmatia, Croatia

From

€5.56

Median

€71

Offers

218

Suits

Diocletian’s Palace on foot; the Blue Lagoon and Hvar by boat; the Krka waterfalls; Cetina Canyon near Omiš by raft or zipline; kayaking in the evening

Less suited to

anyone prone to seasickness — speedboats are the bumpier format; the palace and Trogir walk on land is the dry alternative

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is the sea state and the length of the day. Speedboats are the bumpier format, so anyone prone to seasickness should ask the operator about the vessel before booking. Ten and a half hours on a fast boat is a long exposure to sun and spray. On a windy day, or if the sea makes you uneasy, the palace and Trogir walk on land has no boat ride. Krka takes 9 hours and Plitvice is usually 12 — a long day for small children.

Fethiye

Southwest Turkish coast

From

€21

Median

€65

Offers

121

Suits

the 12 Islands boat trip; Butterfly Valley; Saklıkent and Tlos; Kayaköy; Dalyan with mud bath and turtle beach; paragliding from Babadağ

Less suited to

a paragliding flight on a day that has to be fixed — no month guarantees a launch; and Rhodes when the return ferry is not confirmed: settle the way back first, then the rest

Best season

For Saklıkent summer is the most practical season but also the busiest; in spring snowmelt can raise the flow, and in winter access farther into the canyon may be impossible. The butterflies in Butterfly Valley are usually seen from roughly June to September, though nothing is guaranteed. Ferry timetables to Rhodes change with the season: a July timetable does not hold in October. On the road to Datça summer brings tighter parking and harsher midday heat; outside the busiest months seasonal stops run reduced services and daylight is shorter.

Heraklion

East Crete

From

€9

Median

€70

Offers

281

Suits

Knossos and the Archaeological Museum; the sailing trip to Dia Island; the Lasithi Plateau with the Zeus Cave; Matala; Spinalonga; a day on Santorini

Less suited to

a winter holiday built around swimming or a particular boat departure — from November to March Heraklion is a city and museum break

Best season

May, June and September are the best months for most people: daytime highs of 23 to 27 °C and little rain. July and August are driest (0.2 and 1.6 mm), but the Heraklion Port station has recorded 36.6 °C in July and 38.0 °C in August. October brings 43.8 mm of rain, nearly three times September’s. In West Crete the Samaria Gorge opened only on 19 May in 2026 — do not book flights around an assumed opening date.

Kuşadası

Turkish Aegean

From

€2.99

Median

€45

Offers

143

Suits

Ephesus as a shore excursion between arrival and sailing; the Terrace Houses; Priene, Miletus and Didyma; the House of the Virgin Mary and Şirince; the Dilek Peninsula by jeep or boat; Pamukkale

Less suited to

the Terrace Houses in passing — admission is separate, and a general Ephesus tour does not add them on its own

Best season

The articles give no monthly figures. What is documented: in midsummer heat and dust make the open jeep ride on the Dilek Peninsula tiring, while the boat depends on sea conditions. Parking and access in the national park change with season, fire precautions and visitor pressure — read the park’s notices on site. For cruise passengers the ship’s all-aboard time matters more than the season.

Málaga

Costa del Sol, Andalusia

From

€4

Median

€48

Offers

157

Suits

Caminito del Rey; Ronda and Setenil; Gibraltar; Nerja and Frigiliana; Seville; the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro and the Picasso Museum; flamenco and tapas tours

Less suited to

Ronda alone by hire car — for one person the car is rarely cheaper than the tour, and the road into the hills is twisty

Best season

The articles give no monthly figures; two rules for the Ronda trip are documented. In summer the early start decides whether you reach the viewpoints before the midday heat; in winter daylight is the tight factor, and in fog or steady rain there is little to see of the landscape — postpone instead. The operator may suspend access to the Caminito del Rey when weather or safety demand it, so a fixed plan needs some flexibility.

Mallorca

Mallorca, Balearic Islands

From

€10

Median

€73.80

Offers

347

Suits

Formentor by boat or bus and boat; the Drach and Hams caves; Sa Calobra and Cala Tuent by speedboat; a Tramuntana hike on the Dry Stone Route; Valldemossa and Sóller; dolphins from Paguera and Alcúdia

Less suited to

Deià as a destination of its own on a Valldemossa–Sóller tour — none of the offers compared promises it as a separate stop

Best season

The articles on this site do not fix a best season. What is documented is the question of the hire car: for a Palma city break you usually need none; with five quiet beach days and two excursion days, two carefully chosen rental days often serve better than the whole week.

Marmaris

Southwest Turkish coast

From

€9

Median

€35

Offers

91

Suits

boat trips and the pirate ship; jeep and buggy safaris; diving; Dalyan; Datça by hire car; the hammam; horse riding

Less suited to

Rhodes as a beach day — the time ashore does not stretch to the beaches on the far side; the Old Town fills the day

Best season

For Saklıkent summer is the most practical season but also the busiest; in spring snowmelt can raise the flow, and in winter access farther into the canyon may be impossible. The butterflies in Butterfly Valley are usually seen from roughly June to September, though nothing is guaranteed. Ferry timetables to Rhodes change with the season: a July timetable does not hold in October. On the road to Datça summer brings tighter parking and harsher midday heat; outside the busiest months seasonal stops run reduced services and daylight is shorter.

Paphos

Southwest Cyprus

From

€20

Median

€65

Offers

107

Suits

the Archaeological Park and the Tombs of the Kings; turtle snorkelling and sunset cruises; the Akamas and the Blue Lagoon; Troodos and Omodos; the Avakas Gorge by jeep; Limassol and Kourion

Less suited to

a turtle sighting as a promise — it is possible, never guaranteed; and Troodos in winter without a fallback plan, since roads near the peaks may close after snowfall

Best season

The Archaeological Park is open from 16 April to 15 September from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm and otherwise until 5 pm; it is closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Orthodox Easter Sunday. In summer you go early to Omodos, before the midday heat and with a buffer for slower mountain traffic; in winter rain, low cloud and snow at height can change the plan, and roads near the peaks may close after snowfall. Sunset cruise departures depend on the season: compare the departure time with sunset on your travel day.

Reykjavík

Southwest Iceland

From

€9.84

Median

€143.50

Offers

276

Suits

the Golden Circle with or without your own car; the South Coast and Jökulsárlón; Silfra snorkelling; whale watching; northern lights by coach or boat; a glacier hike; the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon

Less suited to

an ice cave as the fixed point of the trip — it is a seasonal formation and brings more uncertainty than a glacier hike

Best season

Dark nights normally allow northern lights from early September to late April; bright summer nights do not. Whale watching runs year-round, with the main season from April to October; puffins are around from roughly mid-May to mid-August. Summer is usually more comfortable with more departures; winter brings fewer sailings and rougher, colder conditions. If you drive yourself in winter, check the official road and weather information the same morning.

Rhodes

Rhodes, Dodecanese

From

€9.50

Median

€65

Offers

237

Suits

the Old Town and the Grand Masters’ Palace; Lindos; Symi by speedboat or ferry; east-coast boat trips to Anthony Quinn Bay; dolphins and snorkelling with a marine biologist; Butterfly Valley and Seven Springs; sea kayaking

Less suited to

the all-day cruise with BBQ and drinks for anyone who dislikes long group cruises or wants substantial time ashore

Best season

September is the best month for boat trips and warm swimming water without peak-summer heat. May and early June suit Lindos, Kamiros and the Old Town, though the water can feel fresh; July and August are the hottest, busiest and most exposed. The Meltemi, a seasonal northerly wind in the Aegean, can cool the island or make a route uncomfortable — it is not a timetable. In October the chance rises that wind or weather changes the boat plan.

Santorini

Santorini, Cyclades

From

€3

Median

€115

Offers

235

Suits

the volcanic-islands cruise with a landing on Nea Kameni; sunset in Oia; wine tastings; Akrotiri and Red Beach; a catamaran day; beginner diving in the caldera

Less suited to

winter for a complete resort holiday — boat schedules, hotels and restaurants are then much more limited

Best season

May or the second half of September are the best times: in May you walk, visit villages and wineries before the strongest heat; in September the sea is warm and the fiercest heat recedes. Summer brings the broadest programme and the Meltemi, which can make exposed viewpoints uncomfortable and days on the water uncertain. In October it gets quieter, the weather less dependable, and some seasonal operations close; from November to March fewer excursions run — you come for the island, not for a beach holiday.

Side

Turkish Riviera

From

€0.51

Median

€25

Offers

234

Suits

Aspendos and Perge as one westward day; the Manavgat Waterfall with the river bazaar; the Green Canyon by jeep and boat; an evening walk through ancient Side; quad and buggy; Pamukkale; the hammam

Less suited to

a beach ride if you take photographs of horses in the surf as a promise — how the beach looks depends on weather, season and access

Best season

The articles for this coast give no monthly figures, only the rules behind them. In summer heat the guided tour to Perge and Aspendos has the edge, because the drives put breaks between the exposed walks; with a hire car it only works if you start early and carry water. Opening hours at the ancient sites change with the season — an old summer timetable is not a promise for today, and the evening show at Land of Legends depends on the calendar.

Sorrento

Sorrento Peninsula, Amalfi Coast

From

€15

Median

€99.05

Offers

104

Suits

Pompeii by train and Herculaneum; Capri by boat; Positano and Amalfi by ferry; the Path of the Gods; Ravello; limoncello and a cooking class

Less suited to

the Path of the Gods without a plan for the steps — the marked trail ends in Nocelle, not on Positano beach, and the way down from there is around 1,500 steps

Best season

Late spring and early autumn are the best compromise: boats, Pompeii and town without the peak heat. In midsummer the choice is widest, and the price is long exposed days, queues and crowded return trips. In late autumn and winter the excavations, restaurants and Sorrento itself carry the trip; not every coastal connection then runs as in high season. Wind and swell can overturn a boat plan — keep one spare day for the boat.

Taormina

East Sicily

From

€22

Median

€120

Offers

137

Suits

the ancient theatre; Etna in the morning or at sunset; the boat trip from Giardini Naxos with Isola Bella; the Alcantara Gorge; wine tasting on Etna; Syracuse and Ortigia; Savoca and Forza d’Agrò

Less suited to

Etna as a weather promise — it can be cold and windy up there even when Taormina is warm, and no honest operator promises a cloud-free summit

Best season

Late spring or early autumn is the best compromise. In spring the flowers are out and sightseeing is comfortable, though Easter brings extra demand; July and August bring the beach but also crowds and heat on the steep streets. In winter some businesses reduce hours, and the cable car can close for annual maintenance, with a replacement bus. Etna is a decision for the day itself: conditions at altitude can differ sharply from the coast.

Valencia

Valencia, Spanish Mediterranean coast

From

€2.99

Median

€50

Offers

209

Suits

the Albufera by boat; the City of Arts and Sciences with the Oceanogràfic; a paella cooking class; the catamaran at sunset; the old town with wine and tapas; the San José caves; Montanejos

Less suited to

Fallas week for a quiet city break — from 15 to 19 March noise, fireworks and street closures are the point; anyone needing sleep and quick routes through the old town should choose another time

Best season

April to June and September to October give most visitors the best compromise: later spring for lengthening evenings, early autumn for a sea that has had the summer to warm. Mid-March only for Fallas, 15 to 19 March, with mascletà events earlier in the month. In summer the coast and marina take centre stage, but open plazas and the City of Arts and Sciences feel demanding at midday. Winter is for the market, museums and food, not a sure beach day; the Oceanogràfic’s opening hours change with the season.

Athen

Attica, Greece

From

€7.10

Median

€59

Offers

271

Suits

the Acropolis; Athens street food; Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon; Delphi; Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio; a Saronic island cruise

Less suited to

Meteora as a relaxed spare-day trip — the leading options take about 14 hours; stay overnight near Kalampaka when time allows

Best season

Spring or autumn is the best compromise for long walks between the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, Plaka and the viewpoints. In summer, take the earliest practical Acropolis slot and leave museums for later; exposed archaeological sites are most demanding around midday. Winter exchanges long, bright evenings for more space, so keep the plan compact and use the Acropolis Museum or National Archaeological Museum as indoor alternatives. Check official opening and last-entry times shortly before the visit because they change seasonally.

Bali

Bali, Indonesia

From

€0.51

Median

€27.49

Offers

486

Suits

Ubud’s rice terraces, temples and waterfalls; Mount Batur at sunrise; Uluwatu Temple with Kecak; Nusa Penida; Lovina dolphins; rafting and quad rides; a Balinese cooking class

Less suited to

racing between distant regions — a Lovina sunrise from the south puts much of the experience in a car in darkness, while an 8–10-hour Nusa Penida circuit is sightseeing rather than a slow beach day

Best season

The articles give no monthly values. Rain changes waterfall levels, spray and path conditions, while river conditions also vary; ask about footwear, access and the operator’s plan for heavy rain. Weather can hide the Mount Batur sunrise. A cooking class works on a wet day, though an open pavilion may still be exposed to rain.

Barcelona

Catalonia, Spain

From

€6.30

Median

€44

Offers

395

Suits

Sagrada Família and Park Güell; Casa Batlló or La Pedrera; tapas and a paella cooking class; a skyline cruise; Montserrat

Less suited to

the three-country trip through Andorra as an easy day out — it takes 12 hours on one shared group schedule; Montserrat is the shorter 5–7-hour alternative

Best season

May, June and October suit most sightseeing: walking is more comfortable and the city still works well after dark. July and August favour the beach and late evenings, but daytime heat makes a dense Gaudí itinerary tiring. Autumn is among the rainier periods, so keep an indoor building in reserve. Winter is mild rather than warm and has less daylight, but works well for Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.

Budapest

Budapest, Hungary

From

€1.50

Median

€45

Offers

399

Suits

a Danube cruise; the Buda Castle District; the Parliament; Széchenyi’s indoor and outdoor pools; the Jewish Quarter and Dohány Street Synagogue; Hungarian food and wine; the Danube Bend

Less suited to

Széchenyi Baths with children under 14 — they are not admitted; families need a different bath

Best season

May, June, September and early October give the easiest balance for the river and Castle Hill. Choose winter when steaming outdoor thermal pools are the point, July or August for long evenings, and Advent for lights and atmosphere rather than quiet streets. In summer, walk early and use the hottest part of the day for lunch or an indoor attraction; winter has limited daylight.

Cancún

Quintana Roo, Mexico

From

€12.99

Median

€73.30

Offers

160

Suits

Isla Mujeres by ferry or catamaran; Chichén Itzá and Valladolid; Tulum and Akumal; inland cenotes; Puerto Morelos reef and MUSA; Xcaret, Xel-Há and Xplor

Less suited to

Bacalar as a casual day trip — the road dominates the day from Cancún; stay overnight if the lagoon itself is the priority

Best season

Whale-shark permits cover roughly mid-May to mid-September; an encounter is never guaranteed. For catamaran and snorkelling trips, wind and sea state can change or cancel the water activity, so check the operator’s plan shortly before departure.

Kappadokien

Central Anatolia, Turkey

From

€1.10

Median

€46.50

Offers

345

Suits

a sunrise balloon flight; Göreme Open-Air Museum; the Red Tour around Göreme; an underground city and Ihlara Valley on the Green Tour; a sunset quad or horse ride; a dervish ceremony

Less suited to

a tight family plan with very young children — the balloon listings exclude under-6s, sunset quads under-10s, and the 7–8-hour combined tour is too long for toddlers

Best season

No season guarantees a balloon launch. One operator states 12–16 flying days in January to March and 22–24 in June to October; a weather cancellation is rebooked only if space remains. Put the flight on the first of three mornings. Winter starts are colder and need more flexibility, while longer daylight makes it easier to add an afternoon in Göreme.

Korfu

Ionian Islands, Greece

From

€7.56

Median

€60

Offers

159

Suits

Corfu Old Town on foot; Paleokastritsa by local cave boat; Paxos, Antipaxos and the Blue Caves; Kassiopi and Canal d’Amour; Achilleion and Mon Repos; Saranda and Butrint

Less suited to

a long Paxos passage during a short cruise-port call or when the Old Town is the priority — a 75-minute coastal cruise or 45-minute underwater cruise leaves more of the day free

Best season

May, June, September and early October give the best balance of warm conditions and manageable crowds. Choose July or August for heat, swimming and the widest excursion choice, accepting busier roads, parking and headline stops. June to September is the main window for swimming and boats. From late autumn through winter, Corfu Town, food and walks remain, but many beach businesses and excursions are seasonal.

Dublin

Ireland’s east coast

From

€10

Median

€60

Offers

245

Suits

the compact centre on foot; the Book of Kells and Dublin Castle; Guinness and whiskey; pubs and Irish music; Howth by DART; Glendalough and Wicklow; the Cliffs of Moher; Giant’s Causeway and Belfast

Less suited to

a 12–14-hour coach day for anyone who tires on a bus, small children or travellers with limited mobility — Howth or a 5-hour Glendalough trip keeps the outing shorter

Best season

Dublin works year-round, but the trips change with the season. From 1 November to 4 April, one Wicklow tour uses a shorter winter itinerary without Killiney Hill and Avoca. Weather at the Cliffs of Moher can change quickly. In summer, reserve the Book of Kells several days ahead; timed slots can sell out.

Edinburgh

Scotland, United Kingdom

From

€1.20

Median

€54

Offers

323

Suits

Edinburgh Castle; Old Town walks; vaults and ghost tours; whisky tastings; the Forth Bridges from Queensferry; coach trips to Glencoe and Loch Ness

Less suited to

Skye as a day trip — it is about 236 miles away and takes 5.5–6 hours to drive each way; the offers from Edinburgh run for several days

Best season

Summer brings long daylight for Highland stops, but also busy parking areas and the A82; popular Edinburgh Castle slots can sell out. Puffins on Forth trips are a spring and summer sight. The Jacobite is a summer service, with one multi-day offer giving April to October, but dates change each year. In winter, shorter daylight and road conditions limit Highland plans, and the castle closes about an hour earlier.

Florenz

Tuscany, Italy

From

€2

Median

€58.96

Offers

361

Suits

the Accademia and Michelangelo’s David; the Uffizi; a walk past the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio; the Brunelleschi dome climb; Chianti wine tours; pasta cooking classes; Siena and San Gimignano

Less suited to

the dome climb for travellers with limited mobility, claustrophobia or respiratory problems — it has 463 steps and no lift; a three-town Tuscany circuit is also a roughly 12-hour overview, not a relaxed escape

Best season

April, May and September suit most visits, with average daytime highs of 20–27 °C. July and August average about 32 °C, so use the afternoon for a museum rather than an outdoor climb. November is the wettest month listed at 115 mm; January averages 11.2 °C, making galleries the practical winter plan.

Granada

Andalusia, Spain

From

€6

Median

€52.25

Offers

130

Suits

the Alhambra and Generalife; Albaicín and Sacromonte on foot; cave flamenco; modern hammams; tapas walks; day trips to Sierra Nevada and the Alpujarra

Less suited to

a beach break — Granada is inland and has no beach; the Costa Tropical is roughly 70 km south

Best season

In hot weather, walk the steep Albaicín lanes early or in late afternoon rather than at midday. Sierra Nevada changes with the season: winter is for skiing and snow activities, summer for mountain paths and high-altitude views. Snow, lift openings and trail conditions vary, and the city and mountains can have very different weather on the same day.

Hoi An

Central Vietnam

From

€2.68

Median

€30.66

Offers

407

Suits

the Ancient Town and a short lantern boat ride; basket boats in the coconut forest; Vietnamese cooking; cycling through rice fields and villages; My Son; snorkelling at the Cham Islands

Less suited to

a quiet beach day on the Cham Islands if you dislike bumpy speedboats or need reliably step-free boarding — choose a shore-based day instead

Best season

March to May offers the easiest balance for walking, cycling and a possible beach day. June to August can work if you arrange the day around stronger heat. September to January is rainier, cooler and cloudier; heavy rain and occasional flooding are particular possibilities from September to November, so keep at least one activity movable.

Kotor

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

From

€15

Median

€98.22

Offers

140

Suits

the walled Old Town; the San Giovanni climb; the Blue Cave by boat; Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks; Lovćen and Cetinje; Durmitor, Tara Canyon and Ostrog

Less suited to

the San Giovanni climb in midday heat or wet weather, with a pushchair or if high, uneven steps are difficult — stay in the Old Town instead

Best season

Late spring and early autumn offer the easiest balance of pleasant weather and lighter crowds. July and August bring the busiest coast, heat and congestion, but also swimming and the broadest choice of boat departures. Winter is quieter and wetter, with fewer seasonal services. Whatever the month, check Kotor’s cruise-arrival calendar because ship timings can shape an Old Town day more than the weekday.

Krakau

Lesser Poland, Poland

From

€1.08

Median

€40.76

Offers

534

Suits

the Old Town and Wawel; Kazimierz and the former ghetto; Polish food; Wieliczka Salt Mine; Auschwitz-Birkenau; Zakopane and the Tatras

Less suited to

packing Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka into a relaxed day — the combined tour takes 11 hours; with two days available, separate visits are the gentler choice

Best season

Late spring and early autumn offer the easiest balance for a first visit, especially when walking the Old Town and Kazimierz matters as much as an excursion. Summer brings long days but also larger crowds, and a full outdoor programme can be tiring. In winter, Christmas-market atmosphere, museums, concerts and cafés compensate for cold and limited daylight; snow is not guaranteed, and market dates should be checked before booking travel.

München

Bavaria, Germany

From

€2

Median

€74

Offers

312

Suits

the Old Town and Viktualienmarkt; beer halls and beer gardens; Nymphenburg Palace; the Allianz Arena; Dachau Memorial Site; Neuschwanstein and Linderhof; the Zugspitze; Salzburg

Less suited to

Neuschwanstein as an easy day for limited mobility — the approach includes a steep walk of about 1.5 km and 30–40 minutes, and the compared tours list wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments as unsuitable

Best season

City walks, museums and Dachau work throughout the year, although much of a memorial visit is outdoors. The alpine programme changes more sharply: the Eagle’s Nest normally opens only from early or mid-May to late October or early November, subject to weather, and storms, snow or rockfall can stop its bus. In winter, Linderhof has shorter hours and most park buildings close; Neuschwanstein’s Marienbrücke may also close in bad weather.

Mykonos

Cyclades, Greece

From

€20

Median

€107

Offers

118

Suits

Mykonos Town on foot; Delos for archaeology; Rhenia for swimming; Ano Mera and an island circuit; the bus-served southern beaches

Less suited to

collecting distant Cycladic islands on day trips — Naxos and Paros work better as overnight stops, and Santorini deserves its own stay

Best season

Boat plans need flexibility, especially in summer: the Meltemi can alter a route or cancel a sailing even under blue skies. Delos services follow a seasonal, weather-dependent timetable. Put an important boat trip in the first half of the stay and keep at least one usable backup day.

Neapel

Campania, Italy

From

€5

Median

€53.40

Offers

199

Suits

Naples Underground and the Catacombs of San Gennaro; street food and pizza classes; Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius; Capri or Ischia; the Amalfi Coast

Less suited to

a slow day in all three of Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi — covering them in 8.5 hours means sampling each place rather than settling into one

Best season

Late spring and early autumn are the best compromise: boats, Pompeii and town without the peak heat. In midsummer the choice is widest, and the price is long exposed days, queues and crowded return trips. In late autumn and winter the excavations, restaurants and Sorrento itself carry the trip; not every coastal connection then runs as in high season. Wind and swell can overturn a boat plan — keep one spare day for the boat.

Nizza

French Riviera, France

From

€8

Median

€88.50

Offers

166

Suits

the Old Town and Castle Hill on foot; Villefranche from the water; Èze and Monaco; Cannes, Antibes and Saint-Paul-de-Vence; the Verdon Gorge by tour or hire car

Less suited to

exploring several Riviera towns slowly in a single half day — three stops necessarily mean short visits rather than museums, a beach break or an unhurried meal

Best season

In summer, start inland trips early and keep the route modest: heat, traffic and busy viewpoints can stretch the day. In cooler months, shorter daylight and changing mountain conditions limit a Verdon drive. Boat plans need flexibility in any season because bad weather and swell can alter the programme.

Palermo

Sicily, Italy

From

€5

Median

€85

Offers

218

Suits

the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel; Palermo street food; an anti-mafia walk; Monreale and Cefalù; Mondello and Capo Gallo by boat; Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples

Less suited to

a leisurely swim and lunch in Cefalù on the 6-hour trip — that format shows both towns but leaves no real beach time; choose the 9-hour day instead

Best season

In midsummer, a 9-hour Monreale and Cefalù day is a long one in the heat. Keep boat plans flexible because rough seas can stop a sailing. For an outing to Erice, carry a layer: cloud or wind can change the hill town even when Palermo is bright.

Prag

Bohemia, Czech Republic

From

€1.01

Median

€50

Offers

519

Suits

Prague Castle and the Old Town; a Vltava cruise; Czech food and beer; Kutná Hora and its ossuary; the Terezín memorial; Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland

Less suited to

Český Krumlov as an easy outing with small children — tours last 9–11 hours and put roughly 2–3 hours of driving on each leg

Best season

Prague itself works year-round, but the programme changes. Prague Castle’s historic buildings open from 9 am to 5 pm from April to October and close at 4 pm from November to March. On one coach trip to Český Krumlov, the operator says the castle interiors close from 1 November to 22 December and from 2 January to 31 March; only the museum and tower remain open. Some Vltava boats provide heated indoor seating in winter.

Queenstown

Otago, New Zealand

From

€10.04

Median

€145.09

Offers

174

Suits

Shotover and Kawarau jet boats; bungy, skydiving and paragliding; Shotover rafting; skiing at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables or Cardrona; the TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak; organised trips to Milford Sound

Less suited to

a casual self-drive day to Milford Sound — the non-stop journey takes at least 4–5 hours each way, and the driver misses much of the scenery; take a coach and cruise instead

Best season

The programme changes with alpine conditions rather than one simple best season. Autumn colour draws more visitors to Arrowtown. In winter, Crown Range conditions can change quickly and chains may be required; check the road report that morning and leave enough daylight for the return. Snow is not guaranteed, so choose a ski field from the current wind, visibility, road and lift reports. A Milford flight needs a usable backup day because weather can delay or cancel it.

Rovaniemi

Finnish Lapland

From

€19

Median

€116.10

Offers

339

Suits

Santa Claus Village; northern-lights hunts; husky and reindeer rides; snowmobile safaris; the frozen waterfalls of Korouoma; an icebreaker day from Kemi

Less suited to

a trip built around a guaranteed aurora — darkness only creates the opportunity, while clear skies and solar activity still have to cooperate; snow-dependent activities may not run outside deep winter

Best season

Deep winter suits Christmas scenery and snow activities; the dark season creates the chance of an aurora, never a guaranteed sighting. One husky operator lists sled rides from mid-November to mid-April and may use a wheeled cart in April. Icebreaker pages warn that ice thickness is not guaranteed until early January. Outside deep winter there is more daylight, but snow-dependent products may not run.

Seville

Andalusia, Spain

From

€6

Median

€40.25

Offers

186

Suits

the Alcázar, Cathedral and Giralda; walking through Santa Cruz or Triana; flamenco; tapas tours; a Guadalquivir cruise; full-day trips to Ronda, Setenil or Doñana

Less suited to

packing timed sights back to back or planning an early evening in the city after Doñana — the monument circuit is already dense, and the park trips last 10–11 hours

Best season

The articles give no monthly figures. In hot weather, visit the outdoor Plaza de España earlier or later and keep the more sheltered Casa de Pilatos for the brighter part of the day.

Tromsø

Troms, Northern Norway

From

€14.42

Median

€163.13

Offers

262

Suits

Northern Lights chases; dog and reindeer sledding; whale watching; Kvaløya and Sommarøy; fjord cruises; snowmobiling in Lyngen or Camp Tamok

Less suited to

a trip built around guaranteed wildlife or aurora — neither sighting can be promised; summer’s bright sky makes the Northern Lights invisible, while autumn may lack snow for sledding and snowmobiling

Best season

Late February and March offer daylight for the fjords, dark evenings for aurora attempts and commonly operating snow tours. The practical aurora window runs from late August to early April; Polar Night lasts from late November to mid-January. For the Midnight Sun and hiking, choose late May to late July, when aurora is invisible. Whale operators chiefly name mid-October to late January, with some animals still present in February; sightings are never guaranteed.

Venedig

Veneto, Italy

From

€5

Median

€59

Offers

265

Suits

the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica; a gondola ride; Murano, Burano and Torcello; cicchetti and cooking classes; Vivaldi concerts

Less suited to

rushing the islands into a one-day city visit — organised stops are necessarily short; travellers who need step-free routes must also clarify every bridge and boat leg before booking

Best season

There is no empty season. Late October to early March carries the greatest acqua alta risk, especially November and December. Carnival from late January into February and Redentore on the third weekend of July bring the heaviest crowds. The day-visitor fee calendar can change from year to year; check the official dates for your trip.

Wien

Vienna, Austria

From

€4.97

Median

€62

Offers

393

Suits

Schönbrunn, the Hofburg and the Belvedere; classical concerts; walking tours and coffee houses; the Prater and Schönbrunn Zoo with children; a day in the Wachau

Less suited to

a quick Hallstatt add-on — day trips take 11–14 hours, including about five to six hours by coach; a Danube cruise is a relaxed break rather than a city highlight

Best season

Late April to May and September to early October give a first visit the easiest balance of daylight and walking weather. Summer days can exceed 35°C and bring storms. Christmas markets generally begin in mid-November; the ball season peaks in January and February. Winter is cold, but heavy snowstorms are rare, so do not plan the trip around snow.

Zakynthos

Ionian Islands, Greece

From

€11.44

Median

€60

Offers

123

Suits

the Navagio viewpoint and coast; the Blue Caves; turtle waters, Marathonisi and Keri Caves; a northern road trip through Volimes; sunset at Mizithres and Agalas Cave

Less suited to

a guaranteed landing or wildlife sighting — landing at Navagio is currently prohibited and turtles remain wild; speedboats are unsuitable for pregnant travellers, people with back problems or those prone to seasickness

Best season

Late spring or early autumn balances operating boat trips with a less intense island day. High summer brings the fullest holiday atmosphere, but also busier beaches and hotter plans. Turtles nest from mid-May to mid-August and hatchlings emerge from mid-July to late September, yet no month guarantees a sighting or calm water. Outside the main season, check each boat, bus and attraction individually.

Azores

Azores, Portugal

From

€10

Median

€80

Offers

278

Suits

whale watching from Ponta Delgada, Lajes do Pico or Horta; Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo; Furnas with cozido and a tea plantation; canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões; a boat circuit around the Vila Franca islet; the climb of Pico

Less suited to

anyone expecting a guaranteed sighting — whales and dolphins are wild and no harbour can promise one; anyone who wants São Miguel and Pico in a single day, since the inter-island transfer costs more time than the outing; anyone prone to seasickness, as several tours are boat trips; crater lakes are often in cloud and the view cannot be booked

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is sea state and cloud. Weather and swell decide whether boats can leave, so put the outing early in your stay to leave room for rescheduling. The crater lakes are often in cloud while the coast stays bright, and mountain weather on Pico can overturn the climb. Access to the Vila Franca islet is limited from June to September. Check thermal baths and lunch bookings individually in advance.

Pula

Istria, Croatia

From

€7.73

Median

€55.50

Offers

114

Suits

a walk through Roman and Habsburg Pula and its harbour; the Arena with its underground exhibition on olive oil and wine; kayaking to the caves with snorkelling; Brijuni by boat; Cape Kamenjak by boat or quad; Motovun and Grožnjan with a tasting; the olive-oil museum without a car

Less suited to

anyone who expects Arena admission in a city walk — it is often not included; anyone who wants to go ashore on a cruise around Brijuni — landing is only offered with an explicit island visit; anyone who needs a sure dolphin sighting, since the animals are wild and no time of day guarantees one; anyone after a quiet sightseeing day, as quad and buggy mean dust, noise and steering yourself

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is wind, swell and the time of day. In wind and rough sea, operators change the route or cancel when a cave becomes unsafe — normal for kayaking, boat trips and the dolphin cruise. Dolphins are wild, with no guarantee in the evening or by day. The motor-vehicle fee at Cape Kamenjak depends on the period, while pedestrians and cyclists pay nothing. In hot weather the 1.5-hour walk is more comfortable than a long midday route. Concerts and events in the Arena can affect the interior and opening times.

Olbia

Gallura, Sardinia

From

€35

Median

€77.50

Offers

97

Suits

boat trips to the La Maddalena archipelago (from Palau), to Tavolara and Molara for snorkelling and to the dolphins in the Gulf of Olbia; a picnic in the Gallura vineyards with Vermentino di Gallura DOCG; a walk through the old town with San Simplicio, Corso Umberto and the archaeological museum; Pittulongu as a family beach

Less suited to

anyone hoping to walk on the sand of Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli — it is protected and the boats pass it by; anyone expecting a guaranteed dolphin sighting, which no operator can promise; anyone who wants to explore Porto Cervo on foot — a boat shows the coast and the coves, not the town, and a rental car does that better; anyone planning a full-day archipelago cruise with toddlers, which is often too much; anyone trying to fit La Maddalena and Costa Smeralda into one short port call — Olbia itself replaces neither

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is wind and sea state. They decide whether a planned bay or the Piscine di Molara works, and in La Maddalena National Park permits apply in summer for navigation and anchoring within 300 metres of the coast — the order of stops can change, and a list of four islands is an itinerary, not a promise. For dolphins, sea conditions matter more than morning versus afternoon. The buses to Pittulongu run on a seasonal timetable and the museum’s opening hours can change: check before you go. At harvest, access and atmosphere on the estates change, though you are not guaranteed to see production.

Hvar

Dalmatia, Croatia

From

€17

Median

€140

Offers

54

Suits

a boat day to the Pakleni Islands; sunset under sail or from Fortica fortress; the Stari Grad Plain (UNESCO) and the stone villages by e-bike or quad; wine tasting

Less suited to

anyone prone to seasickness — the Blue Cave trip is a 7.5-hour speedboat day, and whether the cave can be entered is up to the sea; anyone after soft sandy beaches — most shores are rock or pebble; anyone who needs step-free access — the way up to Fortica is steep

Best season

Lavender blooms from May, with the peak usually between mid-June and early July. Late spring suits walking and cycling better than the hottest part of summer. July and August bring the most departures and the liveliest nightlife, but also busy ports. September is calmer and good for swimming, though services thin out and warm, calm water cannot be promised for any date. In the quieter months, check ferries, restaurants and activities beforehand. Whether the Blue Cave can be entered depends on the sea, even when the boat runs.

Comer See

Lombardy, Italy

From

€7

Median

€175

Offers

145

Suits

a boat trip past the villas, shared or on a classic wooden boat; the gardens of Villa Carlotta, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi; Villa del Balbianello; two lake towns by ferry rather than three in a rush; a tasting at a winery; Como with its cathedral and the funicular to Brunate

Less suited to

anyone who avoids long days of transfers and fixed times — on the Bernina Express the train ride is only about two hours, and transfers and stops fill the rest; anyone who needs step-free access — Varenna’s lanes have steps, the approach to Villa del Balbianello is steep and Bellano Gorge runs over stairs and footbridges; anyone expecting a photographer on the “photo tour” — there is none on board

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is the timetable, the sea state and visibility. Ferry timetables change by season, weekday and holiday, ticket-office queues can be long in summer and on holidays, and sailings may be suspended in bad weather or strong swell — arrive early and keep a later ferry in reserve. On a hazy or wet day Brunate is worth less, and the walk through Como is the better choice. High water can affect Bellano Gorge, wind affects kayaking. On the Bernina tour, never anchor a dinner reservation to the return time.

Polignano a Mare

Apulia, Italy

From

€20

Median

€59

Offers

89

Suits

a boat trip along the cliffs and caves, also from Monopoli; the old-town walk from the bridge over Lama Monachile to the sea terraces; the trulli of Alberobello (UNESCO) and the Itria Valley; an olive oil tasting; an evening pasta cooking class

Less suited to

anyone after a comfortable swimming beach — Lama Monachile is a small pebble cove below street level, very busy in summer, and the rocky seabed deepens quickly; anyone who needs step-free access — stone surfaces, slopes and steps shape the old town, and even the tuk-tuk is no proof of accessibility; anyone expecting a guaranteed cave or swim stop — both depend on weather and sea state; anyone planning a long boat trip with small children — 1.5 hours is easier than a four-hour sunset cruise; anyone looking for the Itria Valley without a detour from Polignano — the group tour named in our guide leaves from Bari

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is the sea state, the wind and the time of day. In summer the small cove of Lama Monachile is crowded — an early start means more room and softer light. With children, choose an early departure where you can, before heat and wind build in the afternoon; speedboats can be uncomfortable in swell. Caves and the swim stop depend on weather and sea. A sunset is not guaranteed, cloud and haze can hide the sun, and it feels cooler on the water after sunset. The group tour through the Itria Valley takes 7.5 to 10 hours.

Alicante

Costa Blanca, Spain

From

€10

Median

€55

Offers

116

Suits

a day in the old town with the Central Market and Postiguet Beach; Tabarca Island by boat; Guadalest and the Algar Waterfalls; a paella cooking class; the Canelobre Caves near Busot; parasailing or deep-sea fishing

Less suited to

anyone prone to seasickness — Tabarca is a 6-hour boat day, and on open water such as a fishing trip the swell matters more than in a harbour; anyone expecting guaranteed pink — the Pink Lagoon is at Torrevieja, not Santa Pola, it is a protected landscape for looking rather than swimming, and its colour changes with light and weather; anyone without a car who wants to link several inland stops in one day — the cave and lagoon visits are booked separately

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is the heat, the sea state and the time of day. Visit Santa Bárbara Castle before the hottest part of the day, and check that the lift is currently running. In heat or rain the city’s museums are the fallback. Tabarca and deep-sea fishing depend on the sea: on an unsettled forecast choose the beach day instead, and for fishing the swell matters more than on a harbour cruise. Whether you can swim at the Algar Waterfalls depends on the day, ticket or not. The colour of the Pink Lagoon changes with light and weather, and a sunset booking does not guarantee an intense pink. Check the Canelobre Caves’ opening hours with the operator beforehand.

Tirana

Albania

From

€8.01

Median

€48.75

Offers

153

Suits

a walk through recent Albanian history with the bunkers and Blloku; Berat as a UNESCO town with Belsh Lake; Bovilla Lake, hiking or without the hike; Kruja’s castle and bazaar; the Dajti cable car, quad biking and the Petrela zipline; an Albanian evening of song and dance

Less suited to

the southern coast with Blue Eye, Sarandë and Ksamil as a relaxed beach day — 15 to 17 hours on the road, so better to spend a night in the south; Theth in one day if you want a quiet village or a longer trail; Ohrid and Kosovo without a travel document, they are border crossings

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is the heat, the mountain weather and the time of day. In summer Skanderbeg Square has little shade at midday, so walk early or in the late afternoon. Berat Castle sits on a hillside, and cobbles and heat make the visit more tiring than “city tour” suggests. In wet or hot weather the Gamti climb is unpleasant; trail surface, water levels and mountain weather can change the route in Theth, and on a bad forecast it is better to skip the day. On the Dajti cable car, cloud can hide the city. Boat and swimming on the southern coast depend on conditions, and border queues for Ohrid or Kosovo cost time at the destination. Do not set a fixed evening commitment after a long tour.

Kairo

Egypt

From

€13.39

Median

€66.88

Offers

155

Suits

a guided half day at Giza for a first visit; the Grand Egyptian Museum with three to four hours inside; Saqqara and Dahshur if you want to see how pyramid building developed; a walk through Old Cairo with al-Muizz Street and Khan el-Khalili; an evening on the Nile, quiet on a felucca or with buffet and show on the dinner cruise

Less suited to

Alexandria as a city to linger in — the day trip is ten hours including the drive, so anyone after cafés, the waterfront and the library is better off staying overnight; the museum and the pyramids on one day if you want depth at both — with three or more days, keep them apart; the microlight flight over Giza (15 minutes) before a same-day departure, since weather can move it; a balloon from Cairo, only the microlight flight is documented

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is the heat, the wind and the time of day. The Giza plateau has little shade — the cooler morning hours give you an advantage, especially with children or in hot weather. Water, sun protection and sturdy footwear belong in your bag for Saqqara too. The microlight flight depends on visibility and wind, and a felucca is more exposed to wind and temperature. The Grand Egyptian Museum, by contrast, is indoors, so the order of museum and pyramids can follow the heat.

Naxos

Cyclades, Greece

From

€28

Median

€120

Offers

106

Suits

Chora with its harbour, old town and Portara on foot; the highlights bus tour through Chalki, Apeiranthos and Apollonas; Koufonisia and Rina Cave by boat or kayak; the guided hike up Mount Zas, at 1,003 metres the highest point in the Cyclades; a cooking class in a village or on a farm; a sailing or catamaran cruise with lunch

Less suited to

anyone who dislikes long days on a boat — Koufonisia and Rina Cave take nearly the whole day, and wind can change the route; anyone who wants to get to know Santorini properly — the 12-hour trip is only a first look, so stay overnight there; anyone unsteady on their feet — Rina Cove can only be reached by sea and is not wheelchair-accessible, and the rock near the summit of Zas is jagged

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is wind, heat and the length of the day. Wind and swell can change the order of stops, the anchorage or whether entering Rina Cave makes sense — anyone who has to catch an evening ferry should not book a full-day cruise. On Zas, start early in hot weather, with water and sturdy shoes; do not count on shade. Sunset at Portara depends on the weather: under cloud the visual climax is missing, the history and the wine remain. The KTEL public buses follow seasonal timetables, so check the one for your travel date.

Bari

Apulia, Italy

From

€7

Median

€69

Offers

218

Suits

a day trip to Alberobello and Matera or to the Itria Valley with Polignano, Ostuni and Locorotondo; a walk through Bari Vecchia with the Basilica di San Nicola and the pasta street; a street food tour, a cooking class with orecchiette and focaccia or a wine tasting in the city; a coastal cruise or fishing on a fishermen’s boat

Less suited to

anyone looking for the cave cruises — they leave from Polignano a Mare, not from Bari; anyone planning a ten-hour excursion with small children — it is a long day for a toddler, and the Sassi of Matera lie on a steep hillside; anyone who wants to linger in Matera, Ostuni or Locorotondo — each place gets roughly two to three hours, enough for a first look and not more; anyone without a car who wants to see Castel del Monte at leisure — the four-stop bus tour is a sampler where you do not linger anywhere; anyone counting on dolphins — no operator can guarantee a sighting

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is the time of day and the sea. In summer the midday heat is hard going with small children, so old-town walks belong in the morning. Lifeguard cover and facilities at the city beach depend on the season: check on the day. How much you see on the pasta street depends on the hour and the day, and the Basilica’s opening hours are the church’s to set. Boat trips depend on the sea and the Adriatic can be choppy: read the cancellation terms. In Alberobello a coach arriving at midday meets every other coach, and the day trip to the Itria Valley runs between 7.5 and 10 hours depending on the date. Opening times and the ticket price of Castel del Monte change by season, so check the current timetable for the few buses there. Raw seafood by the harbour is a morning habit, and the stalls are said to pack up by early afternoon.

Cagliari

Sardinia, Italy

From

€1.50

Median

€71.50

Offers

143

Suits

a Zodiac trip with swim stops at the Devil’s Saddle; flamingos in Molentargius park; the crypts under the city and Castello with a guide; Su Nuraxi (UNESCO) as a day trip; a cooking class with culurgiones; the Conti Vecchi saltworks

Less suited to

anyone who needs step-free access — Castello is a steep, cobbled hill, the crypts have steps and uneven rock, and the descriptions do not promise step-free access; anyone expecting flamingos up close — from a path you will usually see them at a distance; anyone who cannot ride a quad safely — a driving licence and a credit card are mandatory on the beach tour, and the guest pays for damage to the quad; children under 14 and anyone with claustrophobia — the booking page lists the Su Nuraxi tour as not suitable for them

Best season

The articles recommend no month and give no temperatures; they name individual dates. For the flamingos they say outright not to plan the trip around a month: sources disagree, several guides say the birds are present all year, autumn and winter are generally good for birdwatching, courtship starts around March, and the best light is early morning and the hour before sunset. The kayak tour starts at 8:30 am from 16 May to 14 September and at 9:00 am otherwise. In Tuerredda a reservation is mandatory in July and August, parking is an issue in summer, and the authorities limit visitor numbers at some beaches. The swim stop on the shorter quad tour applies only from May to October. The Conti Vecchi saltworks are open Tuesday to Sunday outside the summer, with a morning and an evening session in summer. Su Nuraxi is open all year, access can be restricted in bad weather, and in summer you should go early. All boat trips depend on the sea (“weather and safety permitting”), and Cagliari is hot in high summer.

Catania

Sicily, Italy

From

€10

Median

€80

Offers

241

Suits

a sail along the Cyclops coast with a swim stop and a Sicilian aperitif; the Benedictine Monastery (75 minutes) with a walk through the old town; a street food tour (3 hours); an opera concert in the Badia di Sant’Agata; a wine tour on Etna; the Godfather locations at Savoca and Forza d’Agrò; Syracuse and Ortigia as a day trip

Less suited to

anyone travelling alone who wants the Etna quad — the price is for the quad, so a solo rider pays double what each of a pair pays; anyone hoping to look into a crater or reach the summit zone — it is open only to authorised guides, and a ticket does not buy the summit; anyone expecting a staged opera — the concerts in the Badia di Sant’Agata are not one; anyone who wants the underground tour and has claustrophobia, mobility impairments or motion sickness, or uses a wheelchair — the page lists these groups itself; anyone who wants to taste their way through a cellar — the sunset tours on Etna end with a glass, no more

Best season

The articles give no monthly values for when to go; they name dates and conditions. The park at the Alcantara Gorge is regulated for 2026 from 4 April to 31 October, with an entrance fee of about €2 at the municipal entrance — outside that period, first ask whether the gorge walk is still in the programme. The river is cold all year, about 8 to 11 °C. Rail traffic between Catania and Syracuse is suspended from 1 October 2026 to 31 January 2027, and replacement buses take about two hours to Catania Centrale. Etna is much colder and windier than Catania even in summer, and the authorities close or open parts of the mountain at short notice according to volcanic activity — treat the higher altitude figure as a ceiling. At harvest or in winter the wineries are not what they are in June. On the street food tour the tastings vary with the season and the time of day, and in the evening the fish market and the street market are closed. Boat trips depend on the sea: check the weather policy and the refund beforehand.

Djerba

Djerba island, Tunisia

From

€12

Median

€50

Offers

309

Suits

a half-day island tour (four hours, souks, pottery village, synagogue); the pirate ship to Flamingo Island with a swim and lunch; the Djerba Explore crocodile park with its museum (2.5 hours); quad, horse or camel to the Blue Lagoon; parasailing (10 minutes), jet ski or an introductory dive; a day to Tataouine and Chenini, or two days in the Sahara with a night in a camp

Less suited to

anyone prone to seasickness — a seven-hour day on a boat is long; anyone who wants peace and quiet — a full ship with music is the wrong day; anyone expecting flamingos as a nature experience — the trip is a boat party on a sandbank, not a wildlife tour; anyone with small children or who gets carsick — the Sahara days are long, and no listing states a minimum age; anyone who objects to wild animals in captivity — the crocodile park is not for them; anyone who finds walking hard — the Tataouine and Chenini day means climbing on uneven ground in the villages; anyone who does not want a night in a tent — a day trip suits them better than the two-day tour

Best season

The articles give sea temperatures, not air temperatures: about 24 °C in June, 27 to 28 °C from July to September, 22 to 25 °C in October and November, and only about 15 °C in February. June to November is therefore the swimming season; outside the warm months, ask the operator whether and how the trips run. The annual pilgrimage to the Ghriba synagogue in spring (announced for 30 April to 6 May in 2026) brings heavy security, and access can be restricted during that period. Whether flamingos are on Flamingo Island depends on the season and the day; no listing gives a month.

Faro

Algarve, Portugal

From

€5

Median

€46.40

Offers

107

Suits

a boat day to the Ria Formosa islands of Deserta, Farol and Culatra; a quiet hour on the lagoon by solar boat or at sunset; birdwatching; the walled Old Town on foot or on a food tour; inland, the Loulé rock-salt mine, a winery and the cork factory; with children, the catamaran to Deserta (a 45-minute crossing)

Less suited to

anyone who wants to step out inside Benagil Cave — landing on the sand is prohibited for everyone, and you see it from the water; anyone expecting Benagil to be a short outing — five hours on the tour is not five hours of your day, the road comes on top; anyone who wants a dolphin sighting booked — no trip can promise one; anyone who wants to go ashore on a one-hour lagoon trip — it does not land you on a beach; anyone prone to seasickness — the dolphin trip goes out on the open sea, the lagoon is calmer; children under 12 and wheelchair users on the Benagil kayak tour; anyone uncomfortable in dark or closed spaces — the Loulé rock-salt mine is not recommended for them

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is sun, sea state and tide. The lagoon has little shade: in the heat of summer the evening trip is the more comfortable one, since a one-hour trip at midday means an hour in the sun — sunset falls close to nine in the evening at midsummer and around half past five in midwinter. Skip the Seven Hanging Valleys hike in midsummer heat. The lagoon is tidal, operators set the route on the day, and cloud can take the colour out of the evening. Islands are not a rainy-day option, boats and beaches depend on the weather, and any tour can be cancelled for it: read the cancellation terms beforehand. Dolphins are present in Algarve waters through the year, though that is no promise; the sea is generally calmer in the morning, and the trip belongs early in your stay, so that a cancellation still leaves a day to try again. In the Loulé rock-salt mine the temperature stays at 23 to 24 degrees all year, a plan for wet weather. Loulé’s market is busiest on Saturday, but the cork factory shop on the tour from Olhão is closed that day.

Hammamet

East coast, Tunisia

From

€12

Median

€49

Offers

129

Suits

a boat trip on the gulf with a swim stop; the pirate boat with its show for children; quad biking in the hills, also at sunset; a thalassotherapy and hammam day in Yasmine Hammamet; a ride on the beach; Carthage, Sidi Bou Saïd and Tunis or El Jem and Kairouan as a day trip; the Sahara in two days

Less suited to

anyone prone to seasickness — three of the four boat listings flag the trip as not suitable; anyone who wants quiet on the water — the pirate boat is a show; anyone who cannot stand long coach rides or has back problems — the Sahara means two days with roughly seven to eight hours of driving; anyone who is pregnant — the spa day and the beach ride list pregnant women as not suitable; anyone who needs step-free access — a wheelchair-accessible label is no substitute for asking the operator, and the Carthage hillside and the cobbled lanes of Sidi Bou Saïd are another matter

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is the weather, the time of day and the midday heat. The El Jem amphitheatre is an open stone bowl, so a hat and water matter from late spring to early autumn, and the hottest part of the day is best avoided. On the quad tour, a midday departure is the one to avoid in July and August: go early in the morning or late in the day. The 5 p.m. sunset slot catches the sun in midwinter, but in high summer the sun does not set until after half past seven — look up the sunset time for your date beforehand. Boat trips can be cancelled by the operator for weather (full refund or another slot); the operators’ advice: book early in the holiday so that a bad-weather day can be replaced. Dolphins cannot be guaranteed. The Bardo Museum is closed on Mondays and hours change with the season; for Friguia the listings give no opening days, so check beforehand.

Ibiza

Balearic Islands, Spain

From

€12

Median

€108

Offers

190

Suits

a boat day to Es Vedrà; the ferry to Formentera with a bike — the island is small and mostly flat; kayaking and snorkelling in sea caves; Dalt Vila, the walled old town (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999), on foot; a Jeep tour inland with a swim stop at Benirràs; club passes and pool parties for adults

Less suited to

anyone who wants to go ashore on Es Vedrà — it is a nature reserve; anyone who wants to steer a rented boat without a qualification — that has not been possible since 1 October 2026, a skipper or a guided trip are the options; anyone under 18 — O Beach and Pacha admit only guests aged 18 or over; anyone with a pushchair or a wheelchair — Dalt Vila is steep and cobbled, and no listing states that it is accessible; anyone uneasy in open water — a kayak with snorkelling is not a gentle start

Best season

The articles give no temperatures and no months for weather or water; the only span concerns the clubs: the main clubs run from late April to about mid-October, and a club pass is of no use in winter. Otherwise what counts is the time of day and the sea state: the west coast gets more wind and swell than the east, swell and wind can change or cancel a kayak tour, and whether the swim stop on the Jeep tour happens depends on the sea. Plan boat trips with children for the morning, and walk Dalt Vila early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the heat on the stone is lower. The Es Vedrà viewpoint is busy at sunset in summer — arrive early. Formentera limits how many vehicles may enter in summer, so ask your rental company before you plan on a hire car. How many flamingos stand on the salt pans at Ses Salines is chance.

Gardasee

Veneto, Lombardy and Trentino, Italy

From

€9

Median

€79

Offers

171

Suits

Sirmione seen from the water (the one-hour speedboat tour around the peninsula); a wine day in Bardolino, Lazise or near Sirmione (tastings of 1.5 to 2 hours); an olive mill visit (1.5 to 2 hours, in Bardolino even in rain); Gardaland with children; the Monte Baldo cable car on a clear day; Verona by train from Peschiera in about half an hour

Less suited to

anyone in a wheelchair or with limited mobility — the Venice tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments, the Verona and Dolomites tours as not suitable for wheelchair users; anyone who handles long coach rides badly — Venice means 2.5 hours each way; anyone afraid of heights — the second section of the Monte Baldo cable car rotates slowly, so you see the drop in every direction; anyone who dislikes queues and crowds — the Gardaland ticket is valid only on the booked date and is non-refundable

Best season

The articles give no temperatures and no monthly values for weather or water, but operating times and dates. The Monte Baldo cable car runs in 2026 from 4 April to 1 November, first ascent at 8:15 am, last ascent at 6:00 pm (4:00 pm from 5 October); it is closed for maintenance in March and, in 2026, from 2 November to 25 December, and departures depend on the weather. Gardaland is seasonal and its opening hours change from day to day; only the operator’s own calendar is reliable. Olives are harvested in October and November; only then is the mill working, otherwise you still get the tour and tasting, but the press may not be running. In 2026 Venice charged a day-visitor access fee on 60 listed days between 3 April and 26 July, from 8:30 am to 4 pm, for visitors aged 14 and over: €5 if booked at least four days ahead, €10 if later. In the Dolomites the weather at 2,239 m can differ a great deal from the lake, and the itinerary may change with the forecast and traffic.

Ljubljana

Slovenia

From

€5

Median

€105

Offers

123

Suits

an Old Town walk with the castle and funicular; the boat ride on the Ljubljanica; Lake Bled as a day trip (also doable on your own by direct bus); Postojna Cave with Predjama Castle; a wine tasting in the castle cellar; a folk evening with dinner and a polka lesson

Less suited to

anyone after an easy cave — according to the article Škocjan is a proper hike (2.5 to 3 hours, 5 kilometres, about 1,000 steps), and Postojna is the easier option; wheelchair users and anyone with limited mobility — the day tours to the Soča Valley, Triglav and the Logar Valley list wheelchair users as not suitable; anyone under 18 — three of the wine tastings are closed to minors; anyone who wants Bled and Postojna in one day and a calm pace — it is a long day and each stop gets shorter; anyone going to Predjama Castle on their own without a car — the article found no regular connection from Postojna; anyone who will not dance at dinner — the folk evening is a show with audience participation, not a quiet meal

Best season

The articles give no best time to visit; they name what changes with the season. The pletna boats to the island on Lake Bled run 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from November to March, to 6 p.m. in April and October, and to 7 p.m. from May to September; confirm beforehand that the Vintgar Gorge is open. The caves are cool all year, around 10 °C in Postojna and 12 °C in Škocjan — take a jacket even in August. In Škocjan the schedule is thin in winter and much fuller in July and August, booking ahead is recommended in summer, and the entrance fee rises from €16 (November to March) to €24 (July and August). The opening hours of Predjama Castle shrink in autumn and winter. The Ljubljanica boats run year-round, heated in winter, but do not sail when the river conditions are unfavourable.

Thessaloniki

Northern Greece, Macedonia

From

€11

Median

€85

Offers

148

Suits

Meteora on a day bus with two monasteries; Vergina and Pella with the royal tombs; the Pozar thermal pools with Edessa; Dion and Olympus National Park on foot; market and wine tastings in the old centre; sunset on the Thermaic Gulf; the OTE Tower with children

Less suited to

anyone who dislikes long coach rides — Meteora is 2.5 to 3 hours each way; anyone hoping to set foot on Athos, since the boat from Ouranoupoli shows it only from at least 500 m and women may not enter the peninsula at all; anyone after a hard Olympus ascent — the day trip is a trek in the national park

Best season

The articles give no monthly values and no best time to visit; they name what changes with the day of the week and the weather. Each monastery at Meteora closes one day a week — Roussanou on Wednesdays, Holy Trinity on Thursdays, St Stephen’s on Mondays, St Nicholas Anapausas on Fridays — and a tour on the wrong day may skip one. For the monasteries, pack a light layer even in August. The Pozar pools are open-air, not for everyone in cold, wet weather. Sailing and sunset cruises can be changed or cancelled when the sea is rough, and the Athos cruise when the weather turns: read the cancellation terms first. The sun sets much earlier in winter than in summer, so a fixed departure can miss it. Summer afternoons in the city can be hot; for rainy days there are the museums.

Verona

Veneto, Italy

From

€10

Median

€59

Offers

110

Suits

the Arena and Old Town on foot; Juliet’s House and balcony; Valpolicella and Amarone without driving yourself; pasta and tiramisù classes; rafting on the Adige for an active view of the city

Less suited to

anyone expecting peace or an authentic Shakespeare home at Juliet’s House — the small courtyard remains busy and the site is literary; anyone who must avoid slopes and steps — the walk to Castel San Pietro has 231 steps, so confirm the funicular’s exact access arrangements first; anyone with only a few hours — a 3-hour cooking class displaces the city visit

Best season

The articles give no best time to visit and no monthly values. Summer heat can make long walks tiring; on the open upper deck there is also exposure to sun, wind and rain, while seasonal diversions may move stops. The Arena is open-air: weather can delay or interrupt an opera, so read the terms for your date. For rafting, river level, weather and the operator’s decision can change or cancel the trip.

Fès

Northern Morocco

From

€7.47

Median

€26.48

Offers

119

Suits

the medina’s tanneries, madrasas and souks; a cooking class with souk shopping and a meal in a family home; Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes; Chefchaouen; Ifrane and the Middle Atlas; a desert trip to Merzouga

Less suited to

anyone wanting short days without long road journeys — Chefchaouen takes 12 hours, while a 2-day Sahara trip compresses a long route; anyone wanting several hours solely for Roman archaeology at Volubilis — the 9-hour day is split across three places; anyone expecting a demanding Middle Atlas hike — the published trip is vehicle-based with stops; children who dislike dense crowds or cannot manage a 3-to-4.5-hour walk — skip the long medina tour

Best season

Spring and autumn are the easiest compromise for Fès and the Sahara. Summer can make long days outdoors demanding, so walk the medina early and keep midday for lunch or an indoor stop. Winter brings cool evenings and less predictable weather, so pack layers. Check the forecasts for Fès and Merzouga separately — the city and desert have different conditions.

Bologna

Emilia-Romagna, Italy

From

€5.52

Median

€88

Offers

176

Suits

Piazza Maggiore, San Petronio and the porticoes on foot; the Quadrilatero and Mercato delle Erbe; pasta classes and food walks; Food Valley producers; Ferrari, Lamborghini and Pagani in Motor Valley; Florence by high-speed train

Less suited to

anyone needing a guaranteed step-free Old Town day — paving, crowded porticoes and individual entrances need checking; anyone looking for a sea beach or harbour in the city; anyone expecting ample unstructured time at one stop on a Motor Valley or Food Valley tour — the producers and museums are spread across several towns

Best season

The articles give no best time to visit and no monthly values. Peak summer heat makes long walks harder; the porticoes help with sun and rain but do not provide continuous shelter. Keep an indoor stop for a wet day. For horse riding in the hills, weather and ground conditions can change the practical route.

Sarandë

Albanian Riviera, Albania

From

€10

Median

€40

Offers

96

Suits

Krorez, Kakome, caves and swim stops by boat; Butrint and Ksamil; Blue Eye and Lëkurësi Castle; Gjirokastër; quad and off-road trips

Less suited to

a relaxed, in-depth visit to Butrint on the 6-hour four-stop circuit — every added stop reduces time at the archaeological park; a 5-hour boat day for preschoolers who need naps, predictable toilets or a quick exit

Best season

In summer, visit Butrint earlier to make the walk more comfortable and expect traffic, busy beaches and competition for shade around Ksamil. Ferry queues can grow, while timetables vary sharply by date. Rain makes Butrint’s old stones and paths slippery; wind can cancel a boat trip.

Rethymno

Northern Crete, Greece

From

€25

Median

€66.75

Offers

130

Suits

the old town and city beach; a sunset catamaran; Cretan wine and food; Arkadi, Melidoni and Margarites; Preveli and Kourtaliotiko Gorge; Knossos and Heraklion; quad safaris

Less suited to

a short, relaxed beach outing to Elafonisi — the coach day takes 9–10 hours; anyone unsure about a long descent on loose, uneven stone should not treat the 8 km Imbros route as an easy walk

Best season

May, June and September are the best months for most people: daytime highs of 23 to 27 °C and little rain. July and August are driest (0.2 and 1.6 mm), but the Heraklion Port station has recorded 36.6 °C in July and 38.0 °C in August. October brings 43.8 mm of rain, nearly three times September’s. In West Crete the Samaria Gorge opened only on 19 May in 2026 — do not book flights around an assumed opening date.

Benidorm

Costa Blanca, Spain

From

€5

Median

€49

Offers

61

Suits

Levante and Poniente beaches with the Old Town in between; Terra Mítica, Aqualandia, Mundomar and Terra Natura; Guadalest and the Algar Waterfalls; the shorter Serra Gelada viewpoints; Altea and Calpe; jet skis and boat activities

Less suited to

treating the full Serra Gelada ridge as a casual beach walk — it is a serious, exposed hike with little useful shade; booking a trip towards Benidorm Island on the assumption that it must land there or that the sea will be calm

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; the day’s heat, sea state and opening calendars matter. Keep the hottest hours for rest or shade. When the sea is rough, choose a pool or a land activity, as sea state can alter a boat route. Water parks are strongly seasonal and work better on a hot, clear day than in cool shoulder-season weather. After rain, in high wind or during extreme heat, take a short Serra Gelada route instead of the ridge crossing.

Bodrum

Turkish Aegean, Türkiye

From

€15

Median

€60

Offers

83

Suits

Bodrum Castle and its underwater archaeology museum; swimming trips to Orak Island and local bays; a hamam; Kos by ferry; Ephesus or Pamukkale; a lively jeep safari

Less suited to

a quiet sightseeing ride on the jeep safari — rough roads, dust and a water fight are central to its 7-hour format; young children or anyone tired of repeated swim stops may find an 8-hour Orak boat day too long

Best season

The articles give no monthly figures. In summer, heat and limited shade shape the day: keep exposed ruins and horse rides out of the hottest hours. Skip the boat day when wind or swell is a concern; the Kos ferry can also change or be cancelled because of weather. The castle is usually listed from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm in winter and for longer in summer — check the current hours before visiting.

Girona

Catalonia, Spain

From

€7

Median

€92.50

Offers

106

Suits

the cathedral, city walls, Arab Baths and Jewish quarter on foot; Dalí’s museum in Figueres; Besalú and the volcanic area; Cadaqués and Cap de Creus; Costa Brava kayaking and the Medes Islands

Less suited to

a city beach or a boat leaving from Girona — the city has neither a beach nor a seaport, and coastal activities require a transfer or an independent journey; step-free touring of the whole old town, whose steep lanes, cobbles and stairs slow the route

Best season

The articles give no monthly values. In hot weather, walk the walls early rather than in the middle of the afternoon. Rain makes old lanes and village streets slippery. On the Costa Brava, wind and swell can change a kayak or boat route, prevent cave access or remove a swim stop. During busy periods, seasonal vehicle restrictions can affect the final road to Cap de Creus, so check the current local notice.

Marsa Alam

Red Sea coast, Egypt

From

€23.37

Median

€72

Offers

45

Suits

viewing the reef through the Royal Seascope’s underwater windows; snorkelling or diving at Samadai; Marsa Mubarak and Abu Dabbab; horse and camel rides between desert and sea; guided trips to Luxor

Less suited to

anyone treating wildlife as an appointment or Cairo as a restful day — no trip can promise a dugong, and the flight itinerary takes 19 hours

Best season

Warm all year. From June to August the interior gets very hot — desert tours then start late in the day.

Paros

Cyclades, Greece

From

€39

Median

€165

Offers

81

Suits

Parikia’s old town and Panagia Ekatontapyliani; Naoussa for a harbour evening; Lefkes and its marble lanes; Antiparos by ferry or boat; a cooking class or winery tasting; a crewed sailing or catamaran day

Less suited to

anyone expecting a long boat day to leave plenty of time ashore — the cruise lasts 7 hours and the catamaran or sailing trips 9; a toddler who needs a predictable nap on land; self-driving a boat when children need constant attention; combining a winery tasting with driving

Best season

The articles give no monthly values. Boat plans depend on wind, not blue sky: the Meltemi can make a route uncomfortable or unsuitable, and a rental company may restrict the area or cancel. Wind direction also decides which coast feels comfortable. Bus timetables change with the season and services are more frequent in the main season; outside it, do not assume that the summer bus to Naoussa still runs.

Zagreb

Capital of Croatia

From

€3

Median

€60

Offers

105

Suits

the Upper and Lower Town on foot, with the funicular and the Grič Tunnel; the Museum of Broken Relationships and the Tesla museum; Dolac Market and a food walk; Plitvice with Rastoke as a day trip; a day in Ljubljana and at Lake Bled

Less suited to

anyone expecting a relaxed day — Plitvice and Slovenia are mostly time on the road; families with children, because the listings give no minimum age, the pub crawl is 18 and over, and the Tesla museum opens only in the morning at weekends and is closed on Mondays

Best season

The articles give no weather values, but prices and hours change with the season. The Plitvice park ticket in 2026 costs €10 from January to March and in November and December, €23 in April, May and October, and €40 from June to September. In summer the car parks there fill early, and arriving early matters more than any other tip. The Museum of Broken Relationships is open 9:00 to 22:00 from 1 June to 30 September and 9:00 to 21:00 from October to May. The Tesla museum has narrow hours whatever the season: Tuesday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00, weekends until 13:00 only, closed on Mondays. Advent is planned for 28 November 2026 to 7 January 2027; dates and locations can change.

Luzern

Central Switzerland, on Lake Lucerne

From

€19.65

Median

€180.70

Offers

90

Suits

the old town on foot, with the Chapel Bridge and the free Lion Monument; a trip on the lake aboard the paddle steamers; Pilatus by cogwheel railway and gondola; Rigi as a relaxed day of boat and railway; the glacier cave on Titlis; the Museum of Transport in the rain

Less suited to

anyone with one day and uncertain weather — the summits are often in cloud and the view is white; Titlis with small children; tandem paragliding, where weather, weight and age limits decide; anyone who needs step-free access, because the city walks do not describe it

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is the operating dates and the weather that morning. The Pilatus cogwheel railway runs from 11 May to 29 November in 2026, and the boat leg of the full loop from mid-May to mid-October according to third-party sources. From 19 October to 27 November 2026 the gondolas and cable car are closed for maintenance, and the mountain can only be reached, and left, by the cogwheel railway. On Titlis the Rotair is closed from 10 August to 11 December 2026; the new Titlis Connect runs instead, the Cliff Walk and Glacier Cave are open all year, and the price changes with the season. The summits are often in cloud, and then the view is white: check the forecast and prefer a booking with free cancellation. Rain, low cloud, strong wind or fohn stop paragliding flights. The Museum of Transport is the day indoors when the weather is poor, open 10:00 to 18:00 in summer and 10:00 to 17:00 in winter according to a secondary source.

Lecce

Salento, Puglia, Italy

From

€7

Median

€79.50

Offers

138

Suits

the baroque centre on foot, including a walk through the underground rooms; cave boats and kayaking from Leuca; Otranto with the cathedral’s mosaic floor; Gallipoli with its old town on an island; a pasta class, a wine tasting and a street food walk in the old town

Less suited to

anyone prone to seasickness — several boat listings name it as unsuitable; anyone who wants three towns in a day without feeling the drive — about 185 km and some three and a half hours behind the wheel, and one tour gives Leuca only 15 minutes; anyone planning a whole day in a vehicle with small children; anyone who wants to book a particular cave — the skipper picks the coast on the day; anyone with back or heart problems, or non-swimmers, who want to paddle — the kayak tour lists them as unsuitable; anyone with a food allergy or gluten intolerance — one street food tour explicitly rules them out; anyone going to Leuca without a car — the bus takes around two hours or more

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is the sea state. In rough water the skipper switches coast or the trip is cancelled, and the kayak tour needs good weather — if it is cancelled you get another date or your money back. Gallipoli’s old town has a traffic zone, reported as 1 June to 30 September, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., though dates change; parking costs around €2 an hour in summer. The castle in Otranto keeps different hours by season, with longer evenings in summer.

Casablanca

Atlantic coast, Morocco

From

€10.69

Median

€98

Offers

82

Suits

the Hassan II Mosque on a guided visit; the city tour with mosque, medina and Corniche; Rabat as a day trip; Tangier by high-speed train; horse riding or a quad on the beach; a hammam with massage in a spa package

Less suited to

anyone expecting a big historic medina — Casablanca’s is small, an hour or two, not Fès or Marrakesh; anyone who will not cover shoulders, chest and knees — then the mosque booking is not worth it; anyone after a quad in dunes and desert — here it is two hours on the beach; anyone who wants Marrakesh in a day — after 2.5 to 3 hours each way, four to five hours are left in the city, not enough for the souks; anyone planning Chefchaouen as a day trip — 14 to 15 hours, and the town is better with a night; anyone with small children planning Rabat, Marrakesh or Tangier in a day; anyone with only one day who spends it in Rabat — the mosque and old streets are in the city itself; anyone who wants calm swimming — the beach is the open Atlantic, not a sheltered bay

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is the mosque’s hours and the sea. According to the foundation, guided visits to the Hassan II Mosque run Saturday to Thursday at 8, 9, 10, 11 and 2 pm, and on Friday without the 11 am slot; it is a working mosque, so times can shift around prayers and events. The foundation’s health baths are, by its website, closed for works in October 2026 as an exception. At Aïn Diab this is the open Atlantic, not a sheltered bay: pick a beach club with a lifeguard and ask locally about conditions on the day. The medina is best visited in the late morning, before the heat. The train trip to Tangier means an early start and a late return, 2 hours 10 minutes each way; check the timetable and fare with ONCF beforehand.

Alghero

Northwest Sardinia, Italy

From

€11

Median

€95

Offers

72

Suits

sunset on a boat (the city faces west, 2 hours); snorkelling in Porto Conte and at Capo Caccia (3 to 4 hours); Neptune’s Grotto by boat or down 654 steps; wine tasting; a walk through the old town

Less suited to

anyone who wants to see the surroundings without a car — there is no public transport to Capo Caccia worth planning around, and Stintino is an hour’s drive; and anyone counting on the grotto: when the sea is up the boats do not run and the cave can close

Best season

The articles give no temperatures and recommend no month; what counts is the sea. For the boats to Neptune’s Grotto, published sources give April to October; when the swell is up they do not run and the cave entrance can be closed — a calm morning is no guarantee for the afternoon, so keep a spare day. Booking ahead is sensible from June to September, and the sunset slots are the busiest in summer. The stairs down to the grotto have no shade; the grotto is shut on 24 and 25 December. The Asinara sailing day also depends on the wind.

Marbella

Costa del Sol, Andalusia, Spain

From

€14

Median

€119.50

Offers

108

Suits

sunset on a sailing yacht (2 hours) or catamaran (1.5 hours) from Puerto Banús; canyoning in the Guadalmina gorge (3 hours, from age 6 with one operator); a tapas tour through the old town (3 hours); a flamenco show (1 hour); a quad ride with sea views (2 hours)

Less suited to

anyone who wants to steer a hired boat without a licence — since 1 October 2026 Spain no longer allows that without a qualification; and families with small children for the Caminito del Rey (under 8 not admitted) and the main tapas tour (under 16 not suitable)

Best season

The articles give no monthly figures and recommend no month; what is documented are the operators’ rules. The Caminito del Rey is normally closed on Mondays, and rain or strong wind can close it for a day, so a tour booked far ahead may need to move. For canyoning, one operator recommends participants over 12 from December to March; its early start avoids the summer crowds, according to the operator. It can get cool on the water after sunset, cloud can mute the colours, and the catamaran sails rain or shine.

Ayia Napa

East coast, Cyprus

From

€8

Median

€66.50

Offers

106

Suits

the Blue Lagoon cruise with swim stops; the quad safari along the coast (3 hours); the jeep safari to Cape Greco (4 hours); the kayak to the sea caves; the day trip to Famagusta with Salamis and Varosha; family boats with a slide

Less suited to

anyone who wants a guaranteed turtle sighting — no trip promises one; a quiet day with children where the party boats are concerned, as they are adults only (16 or 18); non-swimmers in a kayak; Paphos as a beach day — a good 4 hours of driving and no swim stop in the programme

Best season

Apart from the kayak dates, the articles give no monthly values. From November to April the Ayia Napa sea caves are off limits, according to the operator, to protect breeding monk seals; the 5-hour kayak tour runs from 15 May to 31 October. In bad weather or a rough sea any operator can change the route, and a swim stop moves to another bay. Turtles are wild animals, so a sighting is never guaranteed. For Famagusta, bring your passport or national ID card, in every season. The quad safari picks up in the morning and in the afternoon.

Sesimbra

Arrábida, Portugal

From

€19

Median

€60

Offers

84

Suits

the kayak to Ribeira do Cavalo beach; dolphin and whale watching with a marine biologist and a swim stop; the jeep tour to the Arrábida viewpoints (3 hours); a try dive in the marine park from the harbour; the family boat with underwater windows (2 hours); a fishing trip with instruction for beginners

Less suited to

anyone who wants a guaranteed dolphin sighting — no trip can promise what the sea will do; anyone expecting a café, sunbeds and lifeguards at Ribeira do Cavalo — there is no road and no infrastructure; anyone who wants to drive their own car to the Arrábida beaches in summer — in 2026 the access roads to Portinho da Arrábida, Creiro and Galapos were closed to most private cars; kayaking with back problems or limited mobility, which several operators rule out

Best season

The articles recommend no month and give no weather figures. What is fixed are the municipality’s dates: in 2026 the access roads to Portinho da Arrábida, Creiro and Galapos were closed to most private cars daily from 7 am to 8 pm, from 4 June to 15 September; the dates are set each season. The Blue Flag season of the town beaches ran from 4 June to 13 September. According to one operator, larger whales are seen mainly in spring and summer, in roughly 15 to 20 per cent of sightings. Kayaks and boats depend on sea and weather, so plan a spare day. Sunset at Cabo Espichel is around 5:25 pm in mid-November and around 9 pm in June and July.

Zadar

Dalmatia, Croatia

From

€7

Median

€48

Offers

145

Suits

the Sea Organ and Old Town on foot; a speedboat to three islands off the city (half a day); Dugi Otok with Sakarun beach; the Kornati and Telašćica; the Krka waterfalls (50 to 60 minutes by road); kayaking on the Zrmanja; the Nemo semi-submarine with children (45 minutes)

Less suited to

anyone who wants to swim at the main Krka falls — it has been banned at Skradinski buk since 2021; anyone prone to seasickness, as a speedboat is bumpier than the ferry; Plitvice as an easy day — about four of the ten hours are spent on the road; anyone who wants a guaranteed dolphin sighting — no trip promises one

Best season

The articles give no weather figures; what is documented is prices, light and wind. The Plitvice day ticket costs €40 from June to August in 2026, €23 in April, May and October and €10 from November to March; Krka also rises with the season, and €7 is the low-season price. The Zrmanja carries more water in spring and autumn and drops in high summer: rafting may not run, kayaking usually does. A bura can change or cancel a trip at any time, and on the Kornati there is little shade in July and August. The sun sets at about 20:45 in mid-June and about 16:20 in mid-December — in winter, check beforehand which departures actually run. The Sea Organ sounds like little on flat water.

Tanger

Northern Morocco

From

€16

Median

€75.50

Offers

90

Suits

Cap Spartel and the Hercules Caves, about 14 km west, in three hours — the camel ride is optional on the most-reviewed tour; the medina with the Grand Socco, Petit Socco and Kasbah on foot or with a guide; a 3-hour food tour; Chefchaouen as a day trip; Asilah (about 36 minutes by train); a 2-hour quad outing

Less suited to

anyone after quiet — Cap Spartel is one of the best-known outings and groups share the same stops; small children on the Chefchaouen day trips, which last 8 to 11.5 hours, mostly in a vehicle; anyone who wants to hike in Chefchaouen or see it in the quiet early hours — a day trip is not enough, stay overnight; anyone who dislikes noise and dust, or has back or neck problems, should skip the quad

Best season

The articles give no temperature or rainfall values; what is documented are the sunset times. In mid-June the sun sets around 20:40, in mid-December around 18:10 — in winter the three-hour evening tour ends after dark, and evenings by the sea can feel cool, so bring a layer. On a cloudy or hazy evening the sky is muted but the ride still happens; what applies in bad weather is in the cancellation terms. Morocco has been reported to move its clocks back one hour during Ramadan, so the start time is the one in your booking confirmation.

Kos

Dodecanese, Greece

From

€19

Median

€60

Offers

94

Suits

the three-island cruise to Pserimos, Kalymnos and Plati; the Nisyros volcano; a day in Turkey by ferry to Bodrum; the sunset at Zia; shallow sandy beaches such as Tigaki and Lido Water Park for families; jeep and quad tours, including as a passenger without a licence

Less suited to

anyone who wants to explore the islands — the cruises are swimming days with roughly an hour at the first island; anyone who wants proper snorkelling — the glass-bottom boat shows rock, sand and seagrass, not a reef; babies and toddlers on the seven-hour boats, for whom the 1.5- or 2.5-hour glass-bottom trips are the shorter choice

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is heat, wind and daylight. In July and August the heat is the real limit — on open decks, in the water park and on dusty off-road tracks, sun protection, water and shade belong in the plan. The Aegean can be breezy in summer: operators change the route or cancel in rough seas, and that includes the crossing to Bodrum. The sunset at Zia moves through the year, so look up the time for your date; on a cloudy evening there is none, and mountain evenings are cooler than the coast. According to a family-travel guide, Lido Water Park is open only in the main summer period — check the dates first.

Lago Maggiore

Piedmont and Lombardy, Italy

From

€5

Median

€72

Offers

91

Suits

the three Borromean Islands by boat from Stresa; Isola Bella with its palace and terraced garden; Isola dei Pescatori as a fishing village with lake-fish restaurants and no entry fee; Isola Madre for the botanical garden; Villa Taranto in Verbania; the hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso (€5); the Sunday market in Cannobio; families with Parco Pallavicino

Less suited to

anyone who wants all three islands and a long lunch in one day — the palaces close in the afternoon, so it is a full day; anyone with a stroller or who needs step-free access — strollers, umbrellas and large backpacks are not allowed in the palace, the operator calls access difficult, and Santa Caterina means 268 steps from the car park, about 80 from the landing; a couple booking the sunset cruise — €250 covers a group of up to 10, which is €125 each for two

Best season

In 2026 the palaces and gardens on Isola Bella and Isola Madre were open from 12 March to 8 November; until 24 October the last entry was at 5 pm, after that at 4 pm. Villa Taranto’s hours also shorten in autumn: from 2 November the last entry is at 3 pm. In the low season Santa Caterina del Sasso opens on weekdays only from 1.30 pm. The Alibus from Malpensa runs only from 1 April to 31 October, and the summer ferry timetable for Cannero–Luino–Cannobio ran from 29 March to 4 October. The sun sets around 9.15 pm in mid-June and mid-July and around 5.15 pm at the end of October. The articles give no temperatures.

Cinque Terre

Liguria, Italy

From

€3.11

Median

€112

Offers

161

Suits

the five villages by regional train; a beach day at Monterosso, the only village with a proper sandy beach; the coast from the water, including a sunset cruise from one of the villages; Portovenere with Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto on a short boat trip; a 1.5-hour pesto class or the 3-hour vineyard hike above Vernazza; a cruise-ship shore excursion in about 7 hours

Less suited to

anyone who finds stairs hard — it is roughly 380 steps up to Corniglia; anyone counting on the coastal path — sections close after landslides and in bad weather, and Manarola–Corniglia has been reported closed; wheelchairs or pushchairs on the paths; toddlers on the full-day boat; a sunset trip from La Spezia, which shows the Gulf, not the five villages — and Corniglia has no boat landing

Best season

The articles give no temperatures; what is documented is operation, heat and crowds. The boats run from about the end of March until early November, with more departures at weekends and in summer, and landings are cancelled in rough sea. In summer the afternoon heat on the exposed terraces is considerable and shaded sections are few — start early and carry water. On days with a weather or landslide warning, the park sometimes advises against hiking altogether. Crowds depend on the season, the weather and the cruise-ship calendar; in 2026 the park cards cost €10 to €15 (Trekking) or €22 to €35 (Treno), depending on how busy the day is expected to be. Sunset shifts by several hours across the year, so the departure time on the booking page is the one that counts.

Almería

Andalusia, Spain

From

€3.50

Median

€44.50

Offers

64

Suits

the Alcazaba, the cathedral and the Civil War shelters in one day; kayaking, snorkelling and boats in Cabo de Gata natural park; the Tabernas Desert by 4x4, on horseback or in a Western town; the Sorbas gypsum caves with a guide; a stargazing night in the desert

Less suited to

anyone after beaches with sunbeds and facilities — most coves in the park have no sunbeds, some have nothing at all, and Los Muertos is reached only by a steep path; also small children on long tours — many offers last 2 to 5 hours, the Mojácar trip about 9

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what is documented is closures, heat and sea state. Roughly from mid or late June to late September, the road to the beaches west of San José is restricted for cars — the dates are set again each year, and you can still arrive on foot or by bike. In the Tabernas Desert the operator mentions temperatures from –5 to 48 °C; in summer, choose the earliest slot. The Alcazaba is closed on Mondays, and hours change with the season. Wind and swell decide whether boat and kayak tours run. Desert nights are colder than the day suggests, in every season.

Menorca

Balearic Islands, Spain

From

€4

Median

€50

Offers

74

Suits

the coves of Macarella and Turqueta from a boat; cave kayaking from Cala en Porter; the Mahón harbour cruise; kayaking in Fornells Bay; a first scuba dive in a marine reserve; the cheese farm; Cala Galdana and Son Bou with children

Less suited to

anyone who wants to drive their own car to Macarella on a whim in summer — the car park is restricted for private cars and a shuttle runs from Ciutadella instead; cave kayaking depends on the wind and can be called off; the harbour cruise shows neither open sea, nor caves, nor beaches

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; they speak only of summer and the shoulder season. In summer the car park at Cala Macarella is restricted for private cars and a shuttle runs from Ciutadella; Cala Turqueta has a summer bus and Cala Galdana a regular service in season. The sources give different start and end dates and prices for these services, so check this year’s timetable first. In the shoulder season the weekday shuttle may not run at all. The cave tour from Cala en Porter depends on the wind: entering the caves is difficult when it blows from the south, strong easterlies or westerlies make progress along the coast hard, and the tour can change its route or be called off — book early in your stay, not on the last day. The same goes for the intro dive. With children on the beach, avoid the midday sun without shade and go early or late.

Skiathos

Northern Sporades, Greece

From

€38

Median

€140

Offers

41

Suits

the south coast by public bus from the port (about 30 minutes to Koukounaries, every 15 minutes); shallow sandy beaches for small children; Lalaria, the Blue Caves and Kastro in one cruise; a 7-hour sailing day with lunch; sea kayaking and snorkelling in 2 hours; an evening on the water in 3 hours or a wine tasting with a view; Skopelos as a day trip, where “Mamma Mia” was filmed

Less suited to

anyone who wants to walk to Lalaria — there is no path down; anyone counting on the north coast — in a strong meltemi operators change the route; Banana Beach without a car or a boat — the bus stops short and the rest is track; toddlers on the 7 to 9-hour day trips; anyone looking for the film set on Skopelos — the pier and beach bar were removed after the shoot; anyone expecting a beach day on Skopelos and Alonissos — the time ashore is not stated; a direct ferry from Athens — there is none, the ferries leave from Volos, Agios Konstantinos and Mantoudi

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what counts is the wind. The summer meltemi, a strong northerly, can make Lalaria inaccessible, and operators then change the route; the north coast is the exposed side. If you are crossing to Skopelos, keep a spare day. Bus frequency changes with the season and the sunset departure time shifts through the year — check both with the operator for your dates.

Makarska

Dalmatia, Croatia

From

€7

Median

€73.50

Offers

82

Suits

the Biokovo Skywalk by minibus, tuk-tuk, quad or Land Rover; pebble beaches such as Punta Rata in Brela under pine trees, or Tučepi with its gentle entry into the sea; a speedboat to Brač and Hvar with the Blue Lagoon at Zečevo; the Tučepi zipline with six cables over 1,000 metres; the semi-submarine in 30 minutes; parasailing; Split as the easiest of the big day trips

Less suited to

anyone expecting sand — the beaches are pebble, and wheelchairs and pushchairs cope badly with loose stones; anyone afraid of heights — the Skywalk, zipline and parasailing have no gentle version; anyone hoping to swim at Krka — swimming at Skradinski buk has been banned since 2021; toddlers on 5 to 6 hours of boat or a ten-hour day to Mostar with a border crossing; anyone prone to seasickness on the small speedboat

Best season

The articles give no monthly values, only the high-summer rule: in July and August the coast is hot, the pebbles are hot at midday and shade is rare outside the pine woods — put outings in the morning. Mostar is hot in high summer and the border can cost time; spring and autumn are easier on the legs. Krka in July and August is not for anyone who minds heat. The mountain is noticeably cooler than the coast, so pack a layer even in summer; if low cloud or wind sits on the ridge, the view from the Skywalk can be lost. Speedboat trips, parasailing and the zipline depend on sea state and weather, and a small speedboat feels the swell more than a ferry. Ferry timetables to Brač change by season.

San Sebastián

Basque Country, Spain

From

€2.99

Median

€132.50

Offers

100

Suits

the bay from the water on a short boat trip with a stop at Santa Clara; an evening of pintxos, guided or on your own; a cooking class of 2.5 to 3.5 hours; the cider house with the barrels open from mid-January to late April; Igueldo with its funicular and funfair, or the free Urgull; Getaria, Zarautz and Hondarribia along the coast; a rainy day at the aquarium

Less suited to

anyone planning a beach trip from November to March — it rains on 12 or 13 days a month; anyone who wants to swim or sunbathe on Santa Clara — the beach is small and tide-dependent; wheelchairs on the island, where getting around is not accessible; anyone who drinks little wine but books La Rioja anyway; stairs and uneven ground on Urgull; a pintxo crawl with small children, the bars are crowded; mid-August during Semana Grande without a booking

Best season

It rains in every month, about 1,650 mm a year on 138 days; July is the driest and still has about nine rainy days. July and August bring around 200 hours of sunshine, but Semana Grande falls in mid-August — book ahead or find it full. May, June and September are the compromise; the Film Festival is in September. The island shuttle to Santa Clara runs from 1 June to 30 September. From November to January it rains on 12 or 13 days a month with only 81 to 96 hours of sun — no beach weather, though pintxos and cooking classes work any time. The cider house barrels are open from mid-January to late April. The aquarium is closed on Mondays from October to March.

Rovinj

Istria, Croatia

From

€12

Median

€114

Offers

71

Suits

the old town on foot, no guide needed; a sunset dolphin trip; the Lim Fjord on a wooden boat with a cave, swim stops and a grilled dinner, or by kayak; Red Island as one stop on a boat tour or by shuttle boat; truffle hunting with a dog in Paladini; Poreč, Grožnjan and Motovun in a day with a guide; shallow pebble beaches and short boat trips with children

Less suited to

anyone prone to seasickness — speedboats and the five-hour boat day are not meant for them; anyone who wants dolphins guaranteed — nobody can promise them; a long beach day on Red Island via the boat tour, where you spend only about an hour; a sandy beach, the beaches are pebbles; wheelchair users and limited mobility on the cobbled old town and on the tours that rule them out; quads with children under ten; anyone without a car who wants the truffle hunt in Paladini or a late arrival from Pula airport — there is no direct bus and the last Arriva bus leaves at 6:15 pm

Best season

The articles give no weather figures. The tourist board names late May to early September as the best season and recommends June and September if you want to avoid the crowds; the old town is very busy in summer, so put walks in the morning or evening and the middle of the day on the beach. Dolphin trips start between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm depending on the season, and on a speedboat you want a jacket even in summer. Parking costs more in peak summer. The white truffle peaks in October and the festivals run from September into November; the Batana Museum is closed on Sundays in October and November.

Interlaken

Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

From

€16.38

Median

€196.53

Offers

113

Suits

a tandem flight that lands in the middle of town; rafting on the Lütschine; canyoning in the nearby gorge; kayaking on Lake Brienz, no experience needed; scheduled boats on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with the €44.77 day pass; the view from Harder Kulm; Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen with the Trümmelbach Falls and the First Cliff Walk; with children, family rafting, the glacier gorge in Grindelwald and the Beatus Caves

Less suited to

anyone arriving in cloud or poor visibility — Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn (€390.50), First and Harder Kulm are all about the view; anyone nervous of heights or enclosed gorges — paragliding and canyoning are exactly that; anyone who cannot swim confidently, on whitewater rafting; anyone on a tight budget, since Jungfraujoch and the mountain trips are among the dearest excursions in the region; small children — paragliding, canyoning and skydiving are not meant for them, and paragliding has a 100 kg limit and a minimum age of 6; anyone with a heart or lung condition should ask a doctor before Jungfraujoch; anyone hoping for a hiking day at First — the Cliff Walk takes about 20 minutes and is a viewing platform, not a hike

Best season

The articles give no temperatures; what is documented is timetables, water levels and visibility. The scheduled boats on Lake Brienz run from 3 April to 6 December in 2026, on Lake Thun all year; in winter there is a shorter 35-minute jetboat ride on Lake Brienz and a kayak tour in a drysuit. The Lütschine runs fullest in summer, when the glaciers feed it; operators cancel canyoning when rain or meltwater makes a canyon unsafe, so keep a spare day. Paragliding is offered all year, and wind and visibility decide whether you fly. Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, First and Harder Kulm are viewpoints: in cloud they are not worth it, so check the webcam the evening before and again in the morning. From May to October 2026 Jungfraujoch adds a compulsory CHF 10 seat reservation, and the Good Morning ticket runs from 1 May to 31 October. In rain the Beatus Caves are the obvious fallback.

Amalfi

Amalfi Coast, Campania, Italy

From

€15

Median

€130

Offers

111

Suits

boat trips from Amalfi or Positano past the Furore Fjord and caves; the sunset cruise; kayaking from Maiori or Amalfi; the Path of the Gods from Agerola to Nocelle; the Path of the Lemons from Maiori to Minori; a farm cooking class from €29; Capri by boat; Pompeii as a guided day trip

Less suited to

non-swimmers and anyone prone to seasickness — both kayak trips exclude them; anyone who dreads steps: the Path of the Lemons and the Path of the Gods are mostly stairs, and the way down from Nocelle to Positano is around 1,500 to 1,800 steps; vertigo and children under 7 on the Path of the Gods; wheelchair users and limited mobility on almost every tour; Pompeii on your own — by bus and train well over two hours each way; guests with gluten intolerance in the €129 cooking class

Best season

The articles give no monthly values; what is documented is the sea, daylight and getting around. Almost everything here depends on the sea: the full-day trip is subject to weather, with a refund or rescheduling if conditions are adverse, and a visit inside the Emerald Grotto is never certain — book the boat early in your stay so there is room to move the date. Sunset cruises depend on the date: the sun sets late in midsummer and before 5 pm in midwinter; outside the main season, check that the trip runs on your dates and keep a spare evening. In summer start the Path of the Gods early and bring more water than you think you need; the lemon slush on the guided hike is only served from May to mid October. The coast road is narrow and parking is limited, and in peak season buses can arrive full — do not squeeze a boat departure into a tight connection. Pompeii closes in the early evening, earlier in winter.

Sousse

Sousse and Monastir, Tunisia

From

€15

Median

€48

Offers

139

Suits

a catamaran from Port El Kantaoui; the Kuriat Islands by yacht from Monastir; the medina and Ribat of Sousse, on foot or guided from €24.50; a souk walk with tasting; Monastir with its Ribat and the Bourguiba Mausoleum; El Jem and Kairouan as a day trip from €22.41; quad biking from €20; a ride on the beach; the Sahara in two days

Less suited to

anyone who is counting on dolphins — no tour can promise a sighting; turtles on the Kuriat Islands, which the listing does not promise; babies, small children and anyone prone to seasickness or carsickness on the long trips (Kuriat 7 hours, El Jem and Kairouan 8 to 9 hours, the Sahara two days); anyone who wants to be back on the beach in the evening — the Sahara tours do not allow it; the prayer hall in Kairouan, which non-Muslims cannot enter; anyone after quiet: quad tours are noisy and dusty; families who want to know a minimum age beforehand — no short description gives one

Best season

The articles give no monthly values. The El Jem amphitheatre has very little shade, so a summer visit around midday is hard going. The south is very hot in summer, and desert nights can be cold in winter, so the standard of the camp matters more in some months than in others. On the Kuriat Islands the turtle hatchlings emerge between August and October, in the middle of the bathing season, and the islands are a protected area. Sousse’s beaches face east: the sun rises over the sea and sets behind the town. Dolphins cannot be promised, and sea conditions can change a boat programme — read the cancellation terms first.

Syrakus

South-east Sicily, Italy

From

€3

Median

€77.50

Offers

152

Suits

Ortigia on foot with the cathedral square, the Arethusa spring and the morning market; the boat trip to the sea caves; swimming and snorkelling at Pillirina in the Plemmirio; the Neapolis Archaeological Park with the Greek Theatre; a street food tour in Ortigia; a cooking class with a market visit; Noto, Modica and Ragusa; Vendicari and Marzamemi

Less suited to

anyone prone to seasickness — even the short trip in a small boat may be uncomfortable; anyone heading to Vendicari without a car — the articles found no connection to the entrances they could rely on; anyone wanting Etna as a short detour — it is about 120 km from Syracuse, roughly an hour and three quarters each way

Best season

The articles give no monthly weather values; they name times and conditions. The Neapolis park is open and has little shade: in summer go as early as possible and take water; around performances parts of the Greek Theatre can be closed. The market in Ortigia is a morning affair and closed on Sundays. In Syracuse the sun sets at roughly 8:20 pm in late June and July, about 7:30 pm in mid-April, a little after 7 pm in mid-September, around 6:20 pm in mid-October and before 5 pm in mid-November — our own calculation, so check it for your date; it sets behind the land, not into the open sea. If the sea is rough, a boat trip may be changed or cancelled. Etna is much cooler than Syracuse even in summer, and cloud on the summit can hide the view. The Vendicari reserve opens from 7 am to 7:30 pm from April to October and from 9:30 am to 4 pm in winter; the articles found no official 2026 notice, so confirm fees and hours at the entrance.

Cádiz

Bay of Cádiz, Andalusia, Spain

From

€9.60

Median

€57

Offers

102

Suits

the old town on foot in one day with the cathedral, Torre Tavira and its camera obscura, the Roman theatre and La Caleta; the sunset catamaran in the bay; Jerez as a day trip by regional train (around 45 minutes) with the horse show, a stud farm and sherry bodegas; Vejer and Conil as a half day (4 to 6 hours); the white villages; Gibraltar; families with short programmes such as the 75-minute catamaran

Less suited to

anyone looking for dolphins straight from the old town — the trip leaves from Barbate, about an hour away by car, and a sighting is not guaranteed; anyone prone to seasickness — the open Atlantic off Barbate can be rough going; anyone taking small children who cope badly with long journeys to Gibraltar (8 to 9.5 hours with a border); anyone planning to fit Ronda into a day with the white villages without a car — about 144 km, almost two hours’ drive; anyone expecting a lot from the hop-on hop-off bus — in the small old town most people do not need it

Best season

The articles give no monthly figures and recommend no month; what is documented are rules. According to the article, sunset moves from around 6 pm in winter to just before 10 pm in summer, so the departure time on the booking page is what counts. In summer some old-town streets offer little shade — avoid the midday sun. The horse show in Jerez does not run every day, and the pattern changes through the year. Wind and sea can stop a boat; which animals you may see off Cape Trafalgar depends on the season and the day, and the almadraba is a seasonal fishery.

Kemer

Turkish Riviera

From

€3

Median

€27.53

Offers

113

Suits

Göynük Canyon as a half day; boat trips to the bays of Phaselis with lunch on board; a jeep safari in the Taurus with lunch by the river; the Olympos cable car on a clear day; a Turkish bath as a rainy or recovery day

Less suited to

anyone who dislikes long coach rides — Kekova and Köprülü are days mostly on the road; anyone after a quiet place — on the party boats music and animation run all day; anyone expecting a sea cave to explore — the Pirate Cave is only passed; anyone who needs step-free routes — for Göynük Canyon four of the five listings exclude people with mobility impairments, and none for Phaselis says access is easy

Best season

The articles give no monthly figures, but they do give rules. According to the municipality the Olympos cable car runs from 1 May to 31 October from 9 am to 7 pm with cabins every 30 minutes, and from November to April from 10 am to 5 pm every hour; the operator gives shorter hours, so check for your date. It is cooler at the top than on the beach, and with the summit in cloud little is left of the trip. The ruins at Phaselis have little shade and midday in July and August is hot. Early in the season the Taurus needs warmer clothes than the coast suggests; the water in Göynük Canyon is cold even in summer. Out of high season the party boats are emptier: one October passenger found the boat only about a sixth full, and the foam dance lasted around 20 minutes.

Milos

Cyclades, Greece

From

€55

Median

€170

Offers

74

Suits

Kleftiko and the sea caves by sailing boat or catamaran; Polyaigos seen from the water; kayaking to Tsigrado and Gerakas beaches; Sarakiniko; a land morning with the catacombs, the ancient theatre and Plaka

Less suited to

small children on the boats — the age limits run from 3 to 7, 10 and 14; non-swimmers (kayak); anyone expecting shade and sunbeds at Sarakiniko; anyone who wants to see the Venus de Milo — the original is in the Louvre, and Plaka has a reproduction

Best season

The articles give no weather or sea temperatures by month. The meltemi, the strong north wind, is most common in July and August; operators then change the route, for example to the south coast, and above force 5 the trip may end at Agia Kyriaki. Sarakiniko faces north and has no shade; in July and August the car park fills up. Sunset comes much earlier in autumn — calculated at about 8:20 p.m. in mid-May, 8:45 p.m. in late June, 7:30 p.m. in mid-September and 6:45 p.m. in mid-October; a trip leaving at 3:00 p.m. ends in the dark by autumn. The catacombs follow the summer schedule from 1 April to 31 October, open every day except Tuesday, about 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Belfast

Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

From

€8.39

Median

€53.33

Offers

162

Suits

Titanic Belfast with SS Nomadic; black taxi and walking tours of the murals and the peace wall; pubs in the Cathedral Quarter and St George’s Market; the Giant’s Causeway and the Dark Hedges on a day tour; the Game of Thrones studio in Banbridge, half an hour away and indoors; Derry’s city walls, which you can walk in under an hour

Less suited to

anyone with only half a day who wants the Causeway — half-day tours run 5 hours and leave little time on site; anyone uneasy with heights or swaying walkways (Carrick-a-Rede, closed in high wind and not part of most day tours); anyone expecting a light attraction from the murals — they commemorate people who were killed

Best season

The articles give no weather or temperature values by month; the season shows in the opening hours. Titanic Belfast opens 10:00 am to 5:00 pm from October to March and 9:00 am to 7:00 pm from June to August. The Ulster Folk Museum has shorter days from October to February (five hours at most at weekends) and is closed on Mondays. The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is seasonal according to the tourist board and is taken down in winter; in high wind it is closed in summer too. The coast at the Causeway is open from dawn to dusk. Some peace wall gates close in the evening, so go in daytime.

Bilbao

Basque Country, Spain

From

€1.60

Median

€78

Offers

113

Suits

the pintxos tour through the Old Town (about €89 to €103); the Guggenheim with a guide; the boat trip on the Ría; Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka and Gernika as a day trip; Rioja Alavesa with a tasting; the San Mamés stadium tour from €16.50; the Artxanda funicular and the Bizkaia Bridge without a tour, the bridge is on the Metro

Less suited to

anyone who is not steady on their feet at Gaztelugatxe — 241 steps, and the authority advises against it for people with mobility problems; anyone expecting postcard scenery on the water — a good part of the Ría trip passes port and industrial banks; planning the Guggenheim for a Monday — it is closed; vegetarians, allergy sufferers and non-drinkers on the pintxos tour — the listings say nothing on this, and wine is usually included; Rioja in a rental car with a tasting; Cantabria in a day without a car — nine hours, about three of them on the road, €120

Best season

The articles give no weather or temperature values by month; the season shows in the path, the ticket and the opening hours. The path to Gaztelugatxe can be closed when the sea is rough, mostly in autumn and winter; in summer a free timed ticket is needed there every day, and in spring and early autumn at weekends and on bank holidays — the calendar is published anew each year. The Artxanda funicular runs the winter timetable (1 October to 31 May) until 10 pm, and in summer until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The Guggenheim stays open until 8 pm in summer and during Easter week, and is closed on Mondays. The stadium museum is a rainy-day option.

Salzburg

Salzburg, Austria

From

€5

Median

€114.50

Offers

122

Suits

the old town and Mozart’s Birthplace (€18, about an hour) on your own; Hohensalzburg Fortress from €19.20 with the funicular; Hellbrunn Palace and its trick fountains for €16.50 without a tour, by city bus 25; the Sound of Music tour; Hallstatt as a half-day tour; the Salzach boat ride (40 minutes, €19); the Marionette Theatre (The Magic Flute from €33); an apple strudel class (1.5 hours, €60)

Less suited to

wheelchair users and limited mobility: the Birthplace is not barrier-free, the Kehlsteinhaus tour is listed as not suitable, and the fortress has many steps; the Eisriesenwelt — the only booked option is a private tour from €650 for up to 7 people, the cave has roughly 1,400 steps at usually below 0 °C, and claustrophobia, heart problems and fear of heights rule it out; Hallstatt in 2.5 hours — there is no time for the salt mine or the Skywalk; anyone who dislikes coaches: on the Sound of Music tour most of the four hours is on the road, with only Mondsee as free time; opera purists wanting full orchestral voices — the Marionette Theatre is something else

Best season

The articles give no weather values by month; the season shows in the opening dates. Hellbrunn Palace is open from 28 March to 1 November in 2026, and outside those dates the palace gives no hours. The Salzach boats run from early April to the end of October, and on so short a trip a dry day matters more than a warm one. The Kehlsteinhaus can be reached from early to mid-May until late October or early November, depending on the weather; the buses are suspended for storms, snow or rockfall. The Eisriesenwelt opens from early May to about 1 November, and even in summer it is usually below 0 °C inside. If you arrive in late October, check the dates for the Kehlsteinhaus, the Eisriesenwelt and Hellbrunn first. In rain the Birthplace and the Cathedral stay indoors; in the weeks the funicular is under maintenance, the fortress can only be reached on foot.

Lefkada

Lefkada, Ionian Islands, Greece

From

€25

Median

€75

Offers

54

Suits

a boat day from Nydri — the Forgotten Islands cruise from €95 (9 hours, 4.9 from 376 reviews) or the Piggy Cruise to Atokos from €40 (8 hours); the Blue Cave kayak tour from Mikros Gialos (€45, 4 hours); the Skorpios kayak tour (€60) or the island-hopping boat (€68, with lunch); Porto Katsiki and Egremni by hire car or by boat; the Dimosari waterfall on your own (free, about twenty minutes’ walk); an olive oil experience (€46, 1.5 hours) or a cooking class (€105) at the farm in Nydri; a quiet beach day at Nydri or Vasiliki with children

Less suited to

non-swimmers and anyone prone to seasickness — most of the kayak tours exclude non-swimmers, and the small rented boat is not suitable for either; Egremni with small children, a pushchair or weak knees: about 1 km on foot from the parking and roughly 400 steps down, with one café as the only toilet and no lifeguards; Porto Katsiki has 50 to 100 steps; the nine-hour Kefalonia and Ithaka cruise if you want time on one beach — it is a day of seeing a lot from the water with a few swims; wheelchair users: the island-hopping boat, the beach boat and the waterfall tour are listed as not suitable; walking on Skorpios — the island is guarded; guests who speak no English at the cooking class or the olive oil tasting — both are offered only in English; a boat without a licence — the only one booked has a 40 hp engine and the page does not say who steers; arriving late without a car — the bus runs about six times a day and is not timed to flights

Best season

The articles give no weather values or operating dates by month; the season shows in wind, sea and light. The west-coast beaches take constant, sometimes very powerful waves — up to 3 m at Egremni according to the local guide, with no lifeguards — so look at the sea on the day before you commit to the stairs. Vasiliki is a windsurfing centre, so the wind matters there too. Kayak tours can be moved or cancelled in bad weather, the Atokos boat may change its plan on a rough day, and the small-boat operator in Nydri discourages going out in rain or extreme wind. The Blue Cave looks less blue under cloud. In summer the swing bridge at Lefkada Town causes queues, and parking at Kathisma is hard in August. For the Dimosari waterfall the guide suggests early morning or late afternoon, when the water flows more.

Koh Samui

Gulf of Thailand, Thailand

From

€7.49

Median

€58.84

Offers

264

Suits

Pig Island and Koh Tan for a shorter boat trip; Koh Tao and Nang Yuan for a snorkelling-led full day; Ang Thong by the calmer big boat or the faster speedboat; Big Buddha, temples, Hin Ta and Hin Yai and Namuang on an island circuit; a jungle jeep safari; a four-hour Thai cooking class

Less suited to

anyone expecting a gentle ride from a speedboat — it can be noisy, wet and bumpy, and back trouble, pregnancy, very young children or difficult boat access should be discussed with the operator; the jeep safari if you need a smooth, air-conditioned transfer; the cooking class if you cannot stand for a sustained period

Best season

The Gulf monsoon matters more than a generic Thailand season. Ang Thong is usually closed from 1 November to 15 December, depending on monsoon weather; the dates vary, so check them before booking. Even when the park is open, calm water is not guaranteed, and operators may change or cancel a departure when conditions require it.

Oʻahu

Oʻahu, Hawaii

From

€6.26

Median

€111.74

Offers

308

Suits

Pearl Harbor and the Battleship Missouri; Diamond Head; Kualoa Ranch; Turtle Canyon snorkelling; a Waikiki sunset sail; a luau evening

Less suited to

anyone expecting the Waikiki Trolley to reach Pearl Harbor, the airport or the North Shore; open-water snorkelling if being away from shore worries you; travellers expecting to swim with or touch wild dolphins

Best season

Season changes what works on the water. The North Shore’s large winter surf is for experienced surfers, while summer is generally gentler. Whale watching is seasonal, so an August cruise is not a whale guarantee. Clouds, swell and wind can change a sunset trip, and operators may alter or cancel it when conditions are unsafe.

Lombok

West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

From

€8.53

Median

€43.56

Offers

226

Suits

a beginner surf lesson at Selong Belanak; Gili snorkelling; a five-hour Discover Scuba experience or a three-day Open Water course; the northern waterfalls; Pink Beach and the southeast Gilis; a Rinjani trek

Less suited to

the northern waterfalls if a long road day and wet, slippery paths are a poor fit; Pink Beach if long road transfers spoil the day; Rinjani for anyone looking for an easy walk on firm ground

Best season

Season and daily conditions change what is possible. Rinjani’s routine wet-season closure runs from 1 January to 31 March, and fire, ecosystem recovery or other hazards can bring additional closures. After heavy rain, water levels and access at the waterfalls may change. Reef visibility depends on weather, current and recent rain, while no surf spot is safe in every tide and swell.

La Fortuna

Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

From

€13.68

Median

€75.98

Offers

247

Suits

the Místico hanging bridges; the La Fortuna waterfall; Arenal forest and old lava landscapes; thermal pools; guided sloth and night walks; Río Balsa rafting; ziplining; an eight-hour Río Celeste day trip

Less suited to

anyone expecting guaranteed wildlife or a guaranteed clear view of Arenal; the waterfall for visitors unable to manage a long outdoor staircase; rafting for anyone uncomfortable in moving water; night walks with poor night vision or difficulty on uneven ground; ziplining if heights already cause unease

Best season

The articles give no monthly values. Rain is part of the rainforest, but heavy rain can make paths slippery; closed shoes with grip and rain protection belong in the plan. Cloud may hide Arenal even when the trail is comfortable. Light rain does not necessarily stop a zipline course, while wind, lightning or other unsafe conditions can change it. At Río Celeste, light, rainfall and suspended material affect how the water looks.

Pattaya

Eastern Gulf of Thailand, Thailand

From

€2.65

Median

€61.91

Offers

162

Suits

the Sanctuary of Truth; Nong Nooch’s gardens; Koh Larn and Koh Sak; a three-island catamaran day; a 32-kilometre ATV or buggy route; a two-hour Muay Thai evening

Less suited to

anyone expecting a quiet, smooth speedboat ride; the off-road route with unresolved back or joint concerns; elephant venues offering riding, bathing, touching or tricks; Muay Thai if loud music, crowd noise or visible impacts cause discomfort

Best season

The articles give no monthly values. For boat and snorkelling days, daily conditions matter: routes, stops and visibility depend on wind, swell and rain, and sunshine does not guarantee calm water. Operators may change a route when a planned stop is not safe. Check the sea state and the day’s programme rather than relying on a generic Thailand season.

Cusco

Cusco Region, Peru

From

€1.07

Median

€44.69

Offers

249

Suits

a lighter first day in the lower Sacred Valley; Pisac and Ollantaytambo; Machu Picchu by train or organised trip; the Inca Trail; Rainbow Mountain; Humantay Lake

Less suited to

Rainbow Mountain or Humantay immediately after arrival — both demand acclimatisation; Humantay if you dislike pre-dawn starts or need predictable weather; the Inca Trail if steep stone steps, altitude and several trekking days are not the journey you want

Best season

Conditions are generally drier from roughly April to October, although cold nights and rain remain possible. Wetter months are greener and can make stone steps and mountain paths muddier; at Humantay, cold may also bring ice. The official Inca Trail closes for maintenance throughout February. Light, cloud and rain affect the view, so no season guarantees the photograph.

Gold Coast

Queensland, Australia

From

€9.07

Median

€84.13

Offers

108

Suits

beginner surfing at Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach; river cruises and jet boats; whale watching in season; Springbrook and Natural Bridge; Mount Tamborine; Dreamworld, Movie World or Sea World

Less suited to

anyone expecting guaranteed whales or a guaranteed first stand on a surfboard; a jet boat if staying dry and quiet sightseeing matter more than speed and spins

Best season

Whale boats generally run from late May to early November; July to September leaves the clearest margin within that season. June to August is cool enough for the kayak operator to add wetsuits and hot drinks. Whatever the month, check wind and swell for water trips, and take a rain layer inland: Springbrook and Mount Tamborine can be cooler and wetter than the coast.

Salou

Costa Daurada, Catalonia

From

€12

Median

€43.65

Offers

55

Suits

PortAventura and Ferrari Land; the beaches and coves of Salou; a catamaran from Cambrils; parasailing and jet skiing; Roman Tarragona; a Priorat tasting; Montserrat or Barcelona as a full-day trip

Less suited to

a monumental old town in Salou; a full catamaran cruise without a transfer to Cambrils; Barcelona as a short outing; the quad safari with children under 8

Best season

The articles give no monthly weather values. In July and August, allow extra time for the transfer to Cambrils because taxis from Salou can be hard to find. For boat trips, parasailing and jet skiing, wind and sea state can move or cancel the plan even on a bright day; no hour guarantees operation. PortAventura opening times vary by season and day, and rides may pause in wind or heavy rain.

Lofoten

Nordland, Norway

From

€3.20

Median

€143.67

Offers

72

Suits

Trollfjord by sheltered hybrid boat or RIB; fishing from Svolvær; kayaking; Reine, Hamnøy and Sakrisøy; mountain hikes; northern lights and midnight-sun attempts

Less suited to

guaranteed aurora or wildlife; whale watching as a quick departure from Svolvær; Reinebringen with young children or in winter; Festvågtind in rain or fog

Best season

For the Midnight Sun, the official Lofoten window is 28 May to 14 July, although mountains and cloud can still hide the disc. Kayaking is possible year-round, but winter departures depend on cold and wind conditions. In December and January, daylight is short and exposed roads may close in storms. Northern lights, clear skies and wildlife are never guaranteed; keep a second evening or departure window free.

Inverness

Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom

From

€14.38

Median

€94.68

Offers

73

Suits

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle; Culloden and Clava Cairns; day tours to Skye; Moray Firth dolphins; nearby whisky distilleries; Highland road trips

Less suited to

the North Coast 500 as a day trip; a slow Skye day with a long hike, sunset light or time to wait for the weather — stay on the island for that

Best season

Moray Firth dolphins are present year-round, with peak activity in summer, but no sighting is guaranteed. Book North Coast 500 accommodation early for spring and summer; autumn and winter bring shorter daylight and a greater chance of difficult conditions. Wind and operating decisions can alter Loch Ness sailings. Cawdor Castle and the Jacobite train are seasonal, so confirm their current dates before booking.

La Palma

Canary Islands, Spain

From

€9.60

Median

€39.10

Offers

44

Suits

Tajogaite and the southern volcanoes; walks in the laurel forest; stargazing at Roque de los Muchachos; whale and dolphin trips

Less suited to

anyone expecting long pale resort beaches, quick straight drives or guaranteed whale sightings

Best season

The articles give no monthly figures. Altitude is the deciding factor: weather on the coast says little about the high trails, where sun, wind and cloud can change quickly. Current trail notices matter before a walk; cloud, wind or a closure can alter the plan. Boat trips depend on sea state and weather and may change route or be cancelled.

Protaras

East coast, Cyprus

From

€20

Median

€70

Offers

57

Suits

Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Bay; boat trips to Blue Lagoon and the sea caves; introductory diving; Cape Greco by jeep or on foot

Less suited to

a major old town or archaeological complex in the resort — or long island days with small children who dislike coach journeys

Best season

The articles give no weather figures and recommend no month. Lifeguards cover Konnos Bay from April to October, and an early arrival helps in the busy period. Light and sea state matter on boat trips, while turtles are never guaranteed. Sunset cruise departures and returns shift with the season, so check the time for your travel date.

Fuengirola

Costa del Sol, Spain

From

€9

Median

€50

Offers

48

Suits

dolphin trips from the local marina; the coastal ferry to Benalmádena; Mijas Pueblo; Bioparc; day trips to Gibraltar and Caminito del Rey

Less suited to

anyone treating the ferry as the fastest transfer, expecting guaranteed dolphins or wanting quiet sightseeing from a jet ski

Best season

The coastal ferry publishes daily service from 1 April to 31 October. In November, February and March it lists only Tuesday and Saturday sailings; January is absent from the timetable. The horse-and-flamenco evening also runs from April to October. Weather, wind and sea state can change or cancel boat trips and water sports, so check the operator for the day itself.

Bergen

Fjord Norway, Norway

From

€16.34

Median

€189

Offers

83

Suits

Bryggen and the old town on foot; Mostraumen by boat; Fløibanen and Ulriken; sea kayaking among the islets; full-day trips to Nærøyfjord, Flåm, Hardanger and Folgefonna

Less suited to

anyone counting on a clear mountain panorama or wanting Nærøyfjord, Flåm or Folgefonna without a long travel day

Best season

The articles give no monthly weather figures. The outdoor Fish Market normally opens from 1 May for summer, while Mathallen remains open year-round. Stegastein is open all year, but its toilets usually only from early May to late October. In Bergen, keep mountain and water plans flexible: cloud can remove the view, wind can affect the Ulriken cable car, and wind, visibility and sea state determine kayaking and boat routes.

Matera

Basilicata, Italy

From

€3.99

Median

€64.80

Offers

82

Suits

the Sassi on foot; a cave house and rock church; the Murgia plateau and Gravina views; short panoramic rides when a full walking circuit is too much

Less suited to

a beach or harbour holiday, or anyone expecting the Sassi to be step-free — steep slopes, uneven stone and many stairs make them only partly accessible

Best season

The articles give no monthly weather figures. On the exposed Murgia, hot weather favours an early or late start, and limestone can become slippery after rain. Darkness follows sunset quickly, so unfamiliar trails need a planned return. In poor weather, an underground visit is the practical alternative to forcing a long outdoor circuit.

Krk

Kvarner Bay, Croatia

From

€9

Median

€68

Offers

54

Suits

Golden Beach, Blue Cave and Plavnik by boat; Krk Town, Vrbnik and Baška on land; Košljun for a compact cultural visit; Biserujka Cave away from the beach

Less suited to

a sandy-beach holiday or a fixed sea itinerary — Krk is mainly pebble and rock, while wind and swell can alter routes and swim stops

Best season

Biserujka Cave publishes opening hours from April to October, with shorter days in April and October; inside it is roughly 10–15°C even in summer. Boat routes, cave entries and swim stops can change with wind and swell, and sunset departures move with the season. In summer, start land trips early to avoid the busiest traffic and parking in Baška.

Ischia

Gulf of Naples, Campania, Italy

From

€12

Median

€125

Offers

75

Suits

thermal parks; Castello Aragonese and Ischia Ponte; a coastal circuit by boat; the 789-metre Monte Epomeo; island drives and vineyard visits

Less suited to

a quick base for Pompeii, Vesuvius or Naples sightseeing, or reaching the island without a boat — every visit starts and ends with a sea crossing

Best season

The articles give no monthly weather figures. Ferry and hydrofoil timetables change with the season, and summer traffic can lengthen journeys across the island. In warmer months, start Monte Epomeo early; cloud, rain or strong wind can remove the view and make the rock slippery. Sea conditions can also change a boat route, so keep water-based plans flexible.

Brügge

Flanders, Belgium

From

€5

Median

€47.50

Offers

68

Suits

the historic centre on foot; a canal cruise; Flemish painting and the city museums; cycling the flat route to Damme; Ghent by direct train or the Flanders Fields with a guide

Less suited to

a fully step-free tour of the classic highlights — the Belfry has no lift and the canal landings have steps; adding Ghent when Bruges itself has only one full day

Best season

The articles give no monthly weather figures. Canal boats are uncovered, prolonged heavy rain can suspend trips, and winter service depends more on weather and demand. The Belfry has seasonal opening hours and may close temporarily in strong wind or severe weather.

Boa Vista

Cabo Verde

From

€40

Median

€70

Offers

85

Suits

the Viana dunes and Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck in the north; Santa Monica and Varandinha in the south; relaxed boat trips from Sal Rei; seasonal whales and nesting turtles

Less suited to

anyone expecting a large city, high mountains or reliably calm beaches — Santa Monica is exposed and affected by waves

Best season

Humpback-whale trips are seasonal: the main opportunity runs from February to May, with March to May highlighted for Boa Vista boat trips. Sightings are never guaranteed, and wind and swell can alter the route. Loggerhead nesting generally runs from June into October, but authorised visits cover only part of that period; check the current dates and guide licence for the beach.

Tropea

Costa degli Dei, Calabria, Italy

From

€29.92

Median

€65

Offers

43

Suits

the old town and Santa Maria dell’Isola; beach time below the cliffs; swimming and snorkelling along the Costa degli Dei; Capo Vaticano by boat; the Aeolian Islands as a long day trip

Less suited to

a step-free day between town and beach, or an unhurried visit to each Aeolian island — stairs shape the town, and the 11.5-hour circuit divides its time among three islands and the sea crossings

Best season

The articles give no monthly weather figures. Beach services vary by season, while wind and swell change swimming conditions and may alter a boat route or its stops. Parasailing runs only when wind and sea conditions allow, and cloud can hide the sunset, so keep weather-dependent plans flexible.

Durrës

Albanian Adriatic coast

From

€12

Median

€50

Offers

137

Suits

the early-second-century amphitheatre, old town and seafront on foot; a short Kallmi quad ride; Kruja or Berat as a day trip; the Gamti hike above Bovilla Lake; Sazan and Karaburun by speedboat

Less suited to

a relaxed beach day in Ksamil or Sarandë — the southern-coast trip takes 15 to 17 hours; step-free sightseeing across every ruin — surfaces are uneven and not every archaeological area is accessible; anyone uncomfortable with swell on the 9-hour speedboat day

Best season

The articles give no monthly or temperature figures. Weather can hide the Bovilla and Theth views or change a mountain route, while mountain weather and water conditions can alter the Koman boat service. Sea state determines the Sazan speedboat stops, and seasonal traffic can slow the long journey south. Keep weather-dependent trips flexible and ask what happens if conditions are unsuitable.

Turin

Piedmont, Italy

From

€4

Median

€43

Offers

111

Suits

the historic centre on foot; the Egyptian and Cinema museums; Savoy residences such as Venaria, around 10 kilometres north; chocolate and Piedmont wine; the Sacra di San Michele

Less suited to

travellers with limited mobility or claustrophobia who expect every underground route to work for them; a Langhe wine day when Turin itself gets only one full day, or without advance winery arrangements

Best season

The seasons change what is practical rather than closing the city. All three sightseeing-bus routes normally run from April to October; from November to March only the red route usually remains. The seasonal train-and-bus link to Sacra di San Michele runs on weekends and holidays from 4 April to 31 October 2026, while winter brings an earlier 16:30 closing time and possible closure dates. Turin’s arcades shelter walks from sun and rain; on a hazy day the view over the city and the Alps from the cinema museum’s lift is not worth planning around.

York

Yorkshire, England

From

€9.59

Median

€44.34

Offers

74

Suits

the medieval centre, walls and Shambles on foot; York Minster; ghost stories; a full day in the North York Moors and Whitby or the Yorkshire Dales

Less suited to

a step-free circuit of every historic highlight — the walls have steps and narrow sections, the Minster tower has 275 steps and no lift, and Whitby’s abbey route includes 199 steps; anyone expecting an unhurried Whitby visit within a multi-stop day tour

Best season

The articles give no monthly weather or temperature figures. York’s walls close at dusk and may remain shut in high winds, ice or slippery conditions, so start early in winter and check same-day notices. Heritage railway services through the North York Moors are seasonal, and not every timetable runs all the way to Whitby. High water, operating restrictions or poor weather may also affect an Ouse cruise.