Next month — May 2-4Gibraltar: 122.98 pounds round trip
Fly Monarch from London Luton to Gibraltar.
The first thing visitors might notice when arriving is the runway, which was built during World War II. It crosses the main road into the city and traffic comes to a halt to allow aircraft to take off and land.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the vast amount of activities available to fill a short weekend or an extended holiday.
Take an official tour to the upper rock nature reserve and learn about thousands of years of history. Explore St. Michael’s Cave — with its stalagmites and stalactites — which was once home to Neanderthals and Neolithic man.
Visit the Apes Den for an opportunity to see the semi-wild tailless monkeys called Barbary Macaques. It’s a chance to observe them up close as they entertain and show you their everyday activities.
Enjoy an afternoon aboard one of the many dolphin safari boats, watching the sea animals at play in the bay or sit on the beach with your rod and reel. Divers can explore the spectacular waters, with more than 30 shipwrecks, reefs and pinnacles to choose from.
Three months — June 27-29Corfu, Greece: 227.33 pounds round trip
Fly easyJet from London Gatwick to Corfu.
Any holiday to this lush island at the mouth of the Adriatic Sea should begin and end at the beach, but which one is completely up to the traveler.
The crowded sandy coastline of Agios Gordis is very popular with American students, thanks to the trendy Pink Palace Hotel. Another crowded beach is the resort of Kavos, which has many bars and clubs. In the evenings, the pebbled beaches of Roda, a former fishing harbor, becomes a hub of activity with lively restaurants and bars.
Travelers looking for lazy, languid days on the beach should try Agios Georgios, which has a 3-mile- long beach and is surrounded by green hills. Other options include Agios Stefanos, a safe family beach, and the blue-flagged pebble beach of Barbati.
Visit one of the many shorelines, such as Sidari and Arrilas, that offer water sports facilities with equipment for sailing, windsurfing and diving.
The Corfu tourist office advises tourists that topless sunbathing is legal nationwide, but a few beaches have their own policy posted and ignoring the signs could lead to arrest and fines.
Need a break from the seashore? Head to the island’s capital of Corfu town to explore the city’s architectural attractions. Visit the Palace of Saint Michael and Georges, once the residence of the Greek royal family, and the Liston, which houses cafes and restaurants.
Airfare prices include taxes and are courtesy of each airline’s Web site. Prices were verified as of Monday afternoon when Stripes UK went to press. Deals are not guaranteed to be available; restrictions may apply.
