With a new year just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start looking ahead and planning your luxury holidays for 2023 – and the good news is, you don’t have to travel far to find sun, sea, sand, ski slopes or anything else you might want out of your break. Europe is a diverse continent with plenty to offer, from idyllic beach destinations to spectacular mountain ranges, so whatever it is that you’re craving, you’ll be sure to find it here.
If you’re keen to mix things up a bit and try something a little different this time around, then here are four great ways to do just that, and they’re guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired to go and book those first class flights.
Luxury camping in France
If you didn’t think it was possible for camping to be luxurious, then think again – because France is home to some spectacular campsites in idyllic locations, each offering a host of lavish facilities to ensure an opulent experience from start to finish.
From incredible aqua complexes to indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides and wellbeing areas, choose to enjoy your holiday overlooking a breath-taking beach, near the banks of a gently flowing river or nestled within a tranquil forest. It’s entirely possible to enjoy luxury camping holidays in Europe, and a getaway in the great outdoors offers the perfect opportunity to switch off, unplug and enjoy a much-needed digital detox.
Island hopping in Greece
With more than 200 inhabited islands, each with its own unique appeal, picking just one to spend your holiday on can leave you feeling spoilt for choice. The solution? Go island hopping instead. That way, you can see as many as you like, sailing the glittering Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean on a private luxury boat and dropping anchor at some of the most beautiful spots the country has to offer.
If you’re a first timer, then start from island hopping epicentres Syros or Naxos in the Aegean. From Syros, you can easily reach the likes of Mykonos, Tinos, Kos, Rhodes, Patmos, Leros, Santorinin and Anafi – while from Naxos, you’re just a stone’s throw from neighbouring Paros, Santorini, Ios and the Small Cyclades islands, as well as several others.
Hiking in the Dolomites
If you’re the type who likes to keep active whilst on holiday, then a hiking break in the magnificent mountain range of the Dolomites in the northern Italian Alps could be just what the doctor ordered. With 18 peaks rising to above 3,000 metres and sprawling over 141,903 hectares, they’re certainly not for the faint hearted – but those who scale the highest mountains can enjoy some truly spectacular vistas – not to mention a huge sense of achievement.
There are walking trails designed to suit all abilities, so if you had a gentler walking holiday in mind, then the good news is that you can also find one here. The Dolomites – which were recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2009 – are easily accessed by flying into Venice Marco Polo airport and driving the scenic two hour route by car.
Soak up the Portuguese culture in Porto
Portugal’s second city, Porto, is an up-and-coming destination for city breakers and offers all of the culture and history of capital Lisbon but is much more manageable in size. A hodge-podge of colourful tiled buildings and winding cobbled streets, it’s a hilly city but one that rewards you with beautiful views down over the Douro River from its highest points.
Home to many an opulent luxury hotel, you’ll have little trouble finding a suitably lavish base from which to explore, with the Pestana Vintage Porto offering privileged access to the bustling riverside and the Torel Avante Garde serving up unique architecture and design, along with in-room hot tubs and a sumptuous spa.
There are several monuments to spot and many art galleries and museums to peruse during your time in the city, and on the other side of the river in Nova de Gaia, you can tour the port wine cellars and sample port from big name brands including Taylors and Sandeman.