Winter local adventures

When it comes to coastlines and culture, sunny Cyprus is a winner. You can be beach-hopping one day and unearthing ancient tombs the next. As for the cuisine, how does slow-cooked lamb and red wine stew sound to finish off the day? Head to the old town in Paphos for family-run restaurants with bags of atmosphere, authentic eats and ouzo flowing.

Wherever you go in Madeira, you’ll find it’s pretty as a picture thanks to its backdrop of botanical gardens and flower-filled towns. In the island’s capital, Funchal, it’s easy to fill your days with afternoon tea, coastal walks and old town exploration. Bit more adventurous? Trek past bubbling waterfalls as you criss-cross mountains along 2,000km of lush levada walking trails.

It’s easy to enjoy an authentic experience in Tenerife. Head north to hop between hilltop towns, where locals play cards and roadside shacks dish up hearty ropa vieja stew. Wine lover? La Orotava Valley is the place for drinks with a view. As for the sights, make the mighty Mount Teide top of your to-see list. Hike, bike or catch a cable car to the top.

Lanzarote’s lunar landscape means there’s plenty of exploring to do here. At the top of “fire mountain” Timanfaya, you can feast on food barbecued over volcanic heat. Or get arty as you discover the quirky works of local legend Cesar Manrique across the island. Over in La Geria, head to the bodega wineries for a vino tasting with tapas. And don’t miss the flea market in traditional Teguise.

Gran Can’s got a lot more going on than just golden beaches. Puerto Mogan’s “Little Venice” is the one if you’re after a romantic waterside dinner and a sunset stroll. But hit the capital, Las Palmas, for something a bit more buzzy. See classic colonial architecture, mooch around markets and follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus. Walkers, head inland for more trails than you could wish for.

It’s all surfer vibes and seafood when you know where to look on this lovely laid-back island. The north coast is where to go if you fancy catching some waves. And El Cotillo’s rustic restaurants serve up their catch of the day with a side of ocean views for a post-surf snack. Looking for souvenirs? The artisan market in La Oliva is popular with the locals – stock up on the island-made Majorero cheese.

Antalya is an amazing mix of old and new. On the one hand you’ve got luxury Vegas-like hotels ready to wait on you hand and foot. And on the other, you’ve got Antalya city bursting with colourful bazaars, sizzling street food and steaming Turkish baths. Not to mention some of the world’s best ancient wonders within easy reach. Want the best of both worlds? This is it.

Rhodes aces culture. Its rich history is etched into its towns and cities, still visible to see all these years later. Medieval Rhodes Town is a must-visit. Wind through its cobbled streets and along its centuries-old walls. Meanwhile Lindos lays on the heritage thick, with its ancient Acropolis and Byzantine relics.

Temples, shrines, castles – you’ll find all this and more around Larnaca. The Amathus ruins are a must for history buffs – be sure to check out the Roman temple to Aphrodite. Nature lovers have salt lakes and sea caves to tick off, while foodies will love hopping between the artisan bakeries the island’s famous for.

Natural parks, time-worn churches, tiny towns, hillside walking trails – you name it, Crete’s got it. Spend your winter getaway roaming around the island’s resorts or even just boxing off as many beaches as you can. Adventures here are whatever you want them to be.