Heidi Fuller-Love

The French Riviera is everything it claims to be and more. The international capital of luxury travel is packed with mind-blowing spots that are the gold standard of idyllic holidays, although you might be surprised at how downright friendly the area is. You don’t have to be super wealthy to have fun in paradise. Basking in the sun on a beautiful beach is a pretty inexpensive way to spend your time. Roam the narrow, and occasionally steep, streets of Eze and enjoy the panoramic views the mountainside village offers. Or match your outfits to the colourful buildings of the medieval old town of Menton while walking along the gorgeous coastline. Embrace the life of luxury, even just for a day, leaving you with enough to fantasise about back home. The best places to visit on the French Riviera all offer something different, from celeb-laden streets to quaint nostalgia. Heck, why not try to cover all of them in one magnificent road trip? Where did we put that bucket list…

As the largest of the Balearic Islands, Majorca is an appropriately diverse and fascinating destination. Ignore the ‘Brits abroad’ rep that it’s unfortunately been burdened with over the years: here you’ll find everything from dramatic hikes and dazzling beaches (more than three hundred beaches and coves, in fact) to markets brimming with bargains. Here are 12 things to get you acquainted with this magnificent isle. RECOMMENDED:🛏 The best hotels in Majorca😎 The best things to do in Ibiza🇪🇸 The best things to do in Spain

There’s nothing quite like standing at the top of the multicoloured cliffs that Santorini is famous for. This island is one of the most unique destinations in the world, and not just because it is in the huge crater of a volcano. The scenery here seems crafted by the Greek gods: whitewashed villages crown the island with views over its sea-flanked edges, rural vineyards span huge stretches inland, and the beaches are black, red and out of this world. There’s plenty for explorers, foodies and culture vultures to discover, from archaeological sites to swimming spots and friendly hotels, brilliant wine and Mediterranean food. RECOMMENDED🛏 The ultimate guide to where to stay in Santorini🇬🇷 The best places to visit in Greece

The Greek Ibiza? Mykonos carries a particular reputation, but much like its Balearic brethren, there is more to this place than meets the eye. Sure, you can party all night long as world-famous DJs do their thing on lofted stages, and you can gaze out at the mega-yachts and private jets that ferry celebrities to the island. You will, but do you know what else you can do? You can explore one of the best-preserved old towns in Greece, a gorgeous district named after Europe’s most romantic city and much more. The best things to do in Mykonos stretch far beyond the club. Let this charming Cycladic island wash over you, and you’re in for something truly special. 

It’s been a rough few years for the world at large – but in many ways, a fantastic one for neighbourhoods. Although we haven’t been able to travel the world as freely as we once did, billions of us have been spending more time than ever closer to home. And in many of the world’s greatest cities, the result has been a full-blown neighbourhood renaissance. It’s true that much-loved local shops, restaurants, bars and creative spaces have, sadly, shuttered for good. But there’s also been a whole wave of new businesses opening, driven not just by increased footfall outside city centres, but also by the ‘great resignation’. City-dwellers have quit their corporate jobs to finally follow their joy, whether it’s opening that corner café or much-needed local LGBTQ+ bar, or just spending more time living slowly and spending more time (and money) in their local area. At the same time, local officials the world over have been re-establishing their neighbourhoods as places for people. In some cases that’s meant overhauling street space: less driving, more walking, cycling and hanging out. In others, it’s meant tackling problems like overtourism, inequality and air pollution. All of this has led to districts looking very different than they did just a few years ago – and becoming better places for locals and travellers alike. RECOMMENDED: The 33 coolest streets in the world Every year, we canvas thousands of city-dwellers around the world in our Time Out Index survey. As always, this year

Considered by many to be the culinary capital of the world, France does not disappoint when it comes to delicious and decadent dining. From top-notch seafood along dramatic coasts to one-of-a-kind wine bars and brasseries, these are the best places to go for a meal out in the country right now whether you're looking for one of the best restaurants in Paris or just one of the best things to do in France. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in France

In a travel sense, France is the dictionary definition of that ‘get you someone who can do both’ trend. If you’re after iconic cities, how does Paris sound? The French Riviera provides the glitz, and the rural villages are gorgeous, and then there is the small matter of some of the most beautiful secret places on the planet. France does more than both, we assure you. The best beaches in France are the cherry on top of this most delicious cake. This is a proper something-for-everyone collection, from curious Corsican charmers to boutique bays and more. Bring a book, whack on the sun cream, and get ready for absolute serenity.  

Ibiza’s reputation as one of the most notorious party islands on the planet may turn a lot of people off (and turn plenty on), but there is much more to this place than hitting the clubs and throwing shapes until the sun comes up. Ibiza’s beaches are delightful, the seafood is tremendous, and the rugged landscape is a joy to behold. Of course, the clubs are fantastic, but don’t make the mistake of thinking Ibiza is a one-trick pony.The best things to do in Ibiza cover plenty of ground, from lazing on the beach to all-night parties. What a wonderful, wonderful place.

Glorious Greece has it all, from civilisation-defining cities to spectacular islands that are as close to paradise as you’re going to find. The best Greek islands are the object of our attention here as we run through the cream of the crop. Greece has thousands of islands, so rest assured that these are something special.From the volcanic majesty of Santorini to the culinary charms of Sifnos, Greece’s best islands are elite. No country in Europe is better suited for island-hopping, from celebrity parties to hikes into the wilderness and beyond. Greece may have myriad brilliant things to do, but what can beat pure, unadulterated beachside bliss?  

Mykonos is the “Greek Ibiza”, and the club scene is spectacular. But, in common with the Spanish party paradise, it’s also an island with far more on offer than the chance to stay up dancing until 4am. The “other” Mykonos is chilled-out, classy and jaw-droppingly beautiful. But before you start exploring the bougainvillaea-adorned streets and take a dip in the clear ocean, you’ll need to book somewhere to stay. We’ve compiled a list of the island’s most chic and delectable hotels. Put the champers on ice; we’ve got our suitcase packed already.

Corfu is a little different to the other beloved Greek islands (geography plays its part), but this slice of paradise is inundated with annual visitors for good reason. The landscape is luxurious and leafy, brimming with olive trees and fruit groves, giving Corfu a verdant feel that is easy to get lost in. The good kind of lost, obviously, although the ever-present shimmering cerulean of the Ionian Sea means you are never truly lost.What are the best things to do on Corfu? Well, be on Corfu for a start, but there is plenty to get your teeth into on this beautiful island. Gorgeous architecture, stunning walks, idyllic beaches and ornate palaces headline, but the beauty of Corfu arguably lies in the spaces. You’re going to love this place. Greece at its absolute finest.

Even from a distance, Santorini is a sight to behold. Surrounded by the azure Aegean sea and home to its famous flooded caldera, it’s a true gem of the Cyclades. This is the Greece that attracts tourists from all across the globe: the sugar cube-like houses glinting in the sunlight and the domes of Orthodox churches sending flashes of blue through the landscape.The only trouble, of course, is that the island is almost too attractive. On the days when a cruise ship has docked, Santorini’s largest towns, like Fira and Oia, become packed with visitors. But don’t let that put you off. If you know where to look, there are plenty of lesser-known, picture-perfect spots to stay away from the hustle and bustle. Start your holiday here.