Change of scene: Alternative summer destinations
Looking to escape the summer heat? Here are five destinations that offer something a bit different
Lisbon
Why go: Cheaper than most of mainland Europe’s tourist spots, Lisbon’s also one of Europe’s most underrated holiday locations. The weather’s good through most of summer with average highs of around 25C. A port city, the Portuguese capital offers a good mix of the young and the old for the eager tourist. So expect to see a mix of baroque churches and squares, quaint neighbourhoods and industrial districts in Lisbon. Feel free to lose yourself in the tree-lined narrow streets. Tired of walking? Hitch a ride on one of the city’s characteristic yellow trams.
- Don't miss it: The Bohemian party location, Bairro Alto. This hilltop district has a great nightlife – restaurants and bars line the narrow streets filling the air with the rhythms of jazz and fado. If you area culture vulture, be sure to check out the city’s Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, National Museum of Contemporary Art, National Coach Museum, Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and Carmo Archaeological Museum.
- How to get there: There are no direct flights to Lisbon, although Emirates does fly to Lisbon via Madrid, London (Heathrow) and Casablanca.
Valletta
Why go: The city’s official website cityofvalletta.org describes the Maltese capital as a city “built by gentlemen for gentlemen”. Now a Unesco World Heritage site, Valletta will appeal to anyone looking for a Mediterranean holiday experience that doesn’t involve beach raves and the clichés of the Costa del Sol. The Mediterranean weather means you’ll be out and about exploring the city’s many museums, quaint cafés and baroque architecture. Hop around the forts and waterfront promenades. If you go mid-July, you could even catch the famed Malta Jazz Festival (from July 14-16).
- Don't miss it: The National War Museum at Fort St Elmo. The museum’s main hall has several relics from the Second World War, including a Bofors anti-aircraft gun and an Italian E-boat. There’s also a toy museum opposite the famous Casa Rocca Piccola that has a private collection of model planes and boats from the 1950s and also dinky cars. That’s you sorted, now what about her? Pack her off to Monti, a market centre selling clothes and jewellery close to the City Gate bus terminus.
- How to get there: Emirates flies direct to Malta in about seven hours.
Leh
- Why go: At a breathless 3,050m above sea-level, Leh makes a spectacular holiday destination in the summer. But be prepared to rough it a bit. Leh is the capital of Ladakh, the northernmost tip of India and borders both China and Pakistan. Leh’s rugged landscape, towering mountains and dry, arid weather are characteristic and unlike the rest of the India. Once a trading town, Leh holds many surprises for the intrepid explorer. Just don’t expect to see shopping malls and lounge bars here.
- Don't miss it: A lot of backpackers use Leh as base camp for exploring the monasteries of Ladakh. Visit the Leh Palace, a 17th century palace built by the former Buddhist kings of Ladakh and the stunning ninth century Gomang Stupa, built in the same style as the Bodhi stupa in Kathmandu.
- How to get there: Roads to Leh are closed between November and June, but Indian Airlines operates flights out of Delhi. Flights have been known to be cancelled due to bad weather, so keep Plan B handy.
North Wales
- Why go: Possibly Britain’s best-kept secret, North Wales is a land steepedin history, with an abundance of well-preserved castles and stately homes.One of three Unesco World heritage sites in Wales, Caernarfon Castle is more than 800 years old. In 1969 it gained worldwide attention as the site for the investiture of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales. Despite being only five hours from London and about an hour from Liverpool, Welsh is the main language, so expect bilingual shop and road signs.
- Don't miss it: The tiny village of Portmeirion, an architectural tribute to Italian villages of yesteryear, with domed roofs, arches and fountains galore. You’ll feel like you’re in ancient Verona. The nearby Snowdonia region has the highest mountains in England and Wales, with sapphire blue lakes and colourful cottages nestling in their shadows. The Blaenau Ffestiniog steam train puffs its way around some spectacular scenery.
- How to get there: Emirates flies to Manchester in seven and a half hours. From there, hire a car to get to North Wales.
Northern Cyprus
- Why go: It’s practically in the Middle East, it has a pleasant year-round climate and, due to a decades-long dispute in which the international community refuses to acknowledge its existence, it is devoid of global brands such as McDonalds. Imagine that! A whole country without the ubiquitous Golden Arches. It also has some great beaches and hotels, respectable nightlife and is teeming with ancient history. And it’s surprisingly affordable.
- Don't miss it: The picturesque harbour town of Kyrenia, with its mountain backdrop and castle, the latter of which is also an excellent museum. Lefkosia (Nicosia to the Greek Cypriots) is also worth a visit for its Turkish baths and indoor market. Bellapais Abbey has bags of atmosphere, while a drive up into the Iskele peninsular, otherwise known as ‘the panhandle’, is a must if you want to immerse yourself in the rural tranquillity of a country unscathed by mass tourism.
- How to get there: Emirates flies to Larnaca in the south, where you can hire a car to cross the border. You can also fly via Istanbul to Ercun in the north.
