Experience the beauty of Crete on this 7-night family escape to the brand-new five-star Ikos Kissamos. Set along a long stretch of sand overlooking Kissamos Bay, this serene all-inclusive resort blends bohemian elegance with exceptional service and family-friendly comfort. With direct Ryanair flights from Dublin, private transfers, and a spacious suite surrounded by gardens, every detail has been considered for an effortless start to summer.
The newest addition to the award-winning Ikos Resorts collection, Ikos Kissamos combines modern design with the laid-back warmth of Greek island life. The Junior Suite with Private Garden offers stylish open-plan living, perfect for families who value space and privacy. Children are well looked after at the Mini and Teen Clubs, while parents can enjoy the tranquil spa, quiet zones or the golden beach just steps away. With attentive service and thoughtful touches throughout, it’s a place designed for everyone to relax and reconnect.
Ikos is known for its exceptional dining, and Kissamos takes it to a new level. Enjoy seven à la carte restaurants curated by Michelin-starred chefs, along with relaxed pool and beach venues serving snacks and drinks throughout the day. With the resort’s Infinite Lifestyle concept, everything is included, from fine wines and cocktails to children’s meals and room-service treats. Flexible dining times and a Dine-Out programme in nearby local restaurants make family meals easy and enjoyable.
Days at Ikos Kissamos can be as peaceful or as active as you wish. Spend mornings by the pool or on the resort’s private sandy beach, take a family bike ride through the olive groves, or try kayaking and paddleboarding in the calm waters of the bay. The daily activity schedule includes tennis, yoga, fitness classes and evening entertainment, while younger guests can join creative workshops, sports and movie night
When you’re ready to venture out, western Crete offers endless discovery. Visit the Venetian harbour of Chania with its colourful streets and lively markets, or drive to Balos Lagoon and Elafonissi Beach to see two of Greece’s most striking coastal spots. Local tavernas, olive-oil farms and scenic mountain villages are all within easy reach, offering a real taste of Cretan life beyond the resort.
An Antarctic expedition cruise is designed to take you beyond simply seeing the continent from a ship. Small inflatable Zodiac boats are used to explore bays, reach remote landing sites and get closer to the ice, wildlife and landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Most journeys are designed to get you somewhere as quickly as possible. The Blue Train does the opposite. Over three days and two nights, it travels roughly 1,600 kilometres between Pretoria and Cape Town, turning the distance between the two cities into an experience in its own right.
Europe is packed with iconic destinations, but some of its most rewarding holidays begin just beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. If you've already ticked off the big-name cities or simply fancy somewhere that feels a little different, there are plenty of places offering beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and memorable food without the queues. From medieval towns on the Adriatic coast to volcanic islands in the Atlantic, these lesser-known corners of Europe prove that sometimes the best trips are the ones you weren't expecting.
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