If the change in weather has you turning up the heating this weekend, start dreaming of your holidays now!

Though it’s always tempting to stick to what you know and head off for sunny Spain, there are some stunning destinations to discover in Europe, if you’re prepared to try the unknown!

Travel group HolidayGems.co.uk have ten years experience taking holidaymakers on their much deserved breaks; and we’ve been brainstorming where we’d like to go in 2019!

So what makes a perfect holiday? For us warm weather! Family friendly places, great beaches and delicious food! That’s not too much to ask for is it?

Although we love going to Italy, these destinations are top of our wish list for 2019…

Croatia

Croatia is without doubt one of the most beautiful places in Europe. It has so much to offer from beaches to sailing, history and delicious food.

Its chequered past means it has different cultures woven within the buildings and food. Numerous empires have called the country home at times. So you will find Italian, Ottoman and Austrian influences.

The Istrian and Dalmatian Coast are wonderful for beach holidays and if you like to be active these are perfect for watersports.

Or do you like to lose yourself a bit while you’re away? If so you will love a wander around the ancient cities and must visit Pula. As Croatia’s second largest city it is home to festivals, a Roman Colosseum and they have a flair for seafood pasta!

Kefallonia

These are some of my holiday snaps of Kefallonia. They are not the greatest quality but this is because they were taken on an old digital camera, so before you could take a picture on your phone!

My point is that I’ve been visiting Kefallonia for a very long time. I can’t remember now how many times we’ve been. More than 5! It’s such an incredible island, and although it is more well known now it has somehow kept it’s special charm.

I love that it’s a very green Island. There are olive trees everywhere. You can spot little blue bee hives all over the hills as there is a really delicate honey made here you must take home with you.

It’s home to Myrtos beach, named one of the most beautiful in the world. It was pictured in several scenes in the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.

However the real reasons you should go there is:

It has wonderful, stable, warm weather.
Very safe. You can hire a car and head off to find your own stretch of beach or picnic spot undisturbed.
Family friendly. We will be going back there for our wedding anniversary next year. We will have children in tow. Santorini where we went on honeymoon wouldn’t suit them with its enormous cliffs and many steps. But Kefallonia is perfect.

Each corner of the island has it’s own character. Wherever you stay you can explore the other parts easily during your break.

You can also always hop on the ferry to mythical Ithaca from Homer’s Odyssey!

Greece can be such a great honeymoon option, take a look at this inspiration for more romantic couples holiday ideas.

Malta

Malta is such a diverse place to visit. It has beautiful honey coloured buildings. An incredible 6000 years of history. Beautiful beaches and intimate cities.

On the island you will find the Megalithic Temples, and various stately, ancient buildings such as Birgu above. This is one of the Knights of Malta’s 3 cities and the former capital of the famous Knightly order.

You can explore the tiny capital of Valetta with it’s quaint streets and intricate balconies. Head to the jaw dropping Blue Lagoon or if you can organise a babysitter head over to St Julian’s for a bit of nightlife!

Malta has not been swamped with tourists like some areas of the Mediterranean, yet has the benefit of most people speaking English…

Skiathos

I couldn’t help but choose another Greek island! All those white washed houses and blue doors! This time though for somewhere I haven’t been…

Skiathos is well known for water sports and its 60 beaches! If you’re looking for azzure water, white pebbles, pine trees growing from the hills down to the sea… This is your island.

There is a very real connection with nature here. If you love a bit of nightlife head for Skiathos town but otherwise this is a perfect place for delicious meals in local restaurants. Warm hospitality and views of olive groves. It has a great buzzing atmosphere but for fun and clean living, sports, relaxation and nourishment.

With this in mind it really suits families and those looking for active, healthy beach destinations. Everything is unspoiled here and wants to stay that way.

Cyprus

If you’d like a bonus suggestion, how about the beautiful island of Cyprus. The third most populated island in the Mediterranean and renowned since ancient times for its minerals, wines, and natural beauty.

Cyprus is a popular tourist destination for visitors from Europe,. The rugged island has a wonderful warm climate and long, sandy beaches.

If you’re tempted and looking to rent a villa in Cyprus, you won’t be disappointed. Many visitors return to the island year after year.