With highs of 20°C, the Canary Islands are a great place to beat the January blues and enjoy some winter sun after the festive period. The islands are scattered with national parks, picturesque beaches and plenty of fabulous resorts, allowing you to be as active or relaxed as you wish.

February in Iceland is a prime time to embrace the frozen winter wonderland, enjoy vistas of the beautiful snowy scenery and search for the spectacular Northern Lights. Many of Iceland’s natural wonders are easily seen via day tours from Reykjavik, with highlights including Northern Lights cruises, Golden Circle tours encompassing magnificent waterfalls and intriguing geothermal areas, and of course, Blue Lagoon entrance tickets.

March heralds the start of Svalbard's 'Sunny Winter' season - thick snow covers the ground and the days are short and bright. The island is slowly waking up from winter and the local wildlife becomes more energetic, whilst the mesmerising Northern Lights still dazzle in the sky. This scenic landscape offers the opportunity for a plethora of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from Snowcat tours to fascinating ice caves, dog sledding and dinners in cosy wilderness camps.

Disneyland® Paris is perfect for families, bursting with activities that will keep children and adults alike entertained all day long. With milder and sunnier weather, the Easter school holidays are the perfect time to go. Paris is just a stone’s throw away, so why not combine Disneyland® with a cultured city break in the capital of France, where you can visit the Eiffel Tower and admire the capital in its spring bloom from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

With an average temperature of 23°C in May, the weather in Portugal is ideal for sightseeing. Explore Lisbon on foot, soaking up the magnificent architecture of Belem Tower and Lisbon Cathedral, before tasting a local pastel de nata. If you have time, take a day trip to Sintra for fabulous views of the colourful palaces and fairytale castles. The southernmost destination in mainland Portugal, the Algarve, with its multitude of golf courses and beach resorts, is a lovely spot for those itching to get summer started.

Summer holidays in Italy are characterised by delicious food, rich history and beautiful countryside. Whether you are heading to the Amalfi Coast for stunning views and gentle walks, or off to Tuscany for truffles and wine tasting, June is the perfect time to go before temperatures rise alongside prices and crowds!

In July we recommend heading out to one of Greece’s many islands to relax in the sun with family and friends, take a dip in the sea and feast on olives, feta and fresh fish. With fantastically convenient ferry routes between the islands, why not visit several? Island hopping captures the best of Greece; from the romantic cliffs of Santorini, to the long stretches of white sand beach on Mykonos, or the striking gorges and caves of Crete, each island is unique.

Croatia is a versatile summer holiday destination. Within the same trip, visitors can relax on the beach, visit one of Europe’s most beautiful waterfalls in Krka National Park, step into the world of Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik, and soak up some Roman history in Split. The days are beautifully sunny, but without a cloud in the sky the afternoons can be hot, so a refreshing dip in the azure Adriatic waters is a must!

In September, summer is still in full swing in Malta but with fewer crowds and cooler nights. Valletta is a walkable city bursting with history, whilst the hustle and bustle of St. Paul’s Bay is ideal for families and adults alike looking for water sports and to enjoy the sociable outdoor dining scene.

With temperatures still as high as 26°C in October, Cyprus is the ideal destination to enjoy the last of the summer sun on a family half term holiday. Paphos and Limassol in particular are hubs for family friendly beach resorts, where children can make friends by the pool and enjoy a splash in the sea whilst parents relax and enjoy the varied dining options and spas.

Turkey effortlessly fuses Europe with the Middle East and has the culture, climate and cuisine to match. From stunning mosques in Istanbul to sunrise hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia and relaxing stays on the beach in Bodrum, Turkey is an all-round escape in November.

Escape to magical Lapland and immerse yourself in the snowy wilderness on an exciting winter break. Try your hand at driving a pack of sled dogs, speed through the wilderness on an exhilarating snowmobile safari and fall asleep to views of the glittering northern lights inside a glass igloo. Children will love exploring Santa’s village, whilst adults can enjoy staying in a hotel made entirely of ice.

For more inspiration, take a look at our Europe Holidays pages.