Retirement gives you time to do all the things you were never able to fit in amongst the vagaries of full-time work, child care and other life commitments. Holidays offer the perfect opportunity to get out there and explore anywhere in the world. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to visit Sicily or other destinations in Europe? Read on!
Learn about a different culture in Marrakech
A holiday in Marrakech is unlike any other. Morocco is popular because of its sunshine and luxurious hotels, but there’s a lot more on offer. Spend your time walking around local markets and taking in the unique sights and smells of the city. Afterwards, retreat to one of Marrakech’s famous gardens when you need to rest your feet.
In particular, a visit to Jardin Majorelle, a small but glorious garden created by the artist Jacques Majorelle, is a must. You can sit beside a cool pond covered in lily pads and admire the bright blue buildings and features of the garden which make it stand out from the rest. It was restored by Yves Saint Laurent after he bought it in 1966 to save the garden from developers, and its signature Majorelle blue is on display throughout.
Sunshine/beach holiday Crete, Greece
Fancy a beach break? Crete is home to a whole host of beaches, ranging from huge swathes of sands with shopping centres on the beach front, to smaller, quieter beaches with just a handful of people on them. Get all the sun you need and when you’re done for the day, you’ll have a whole range of restaurants to choose from, just a few steps away from the beach. There are historical sites of worldwide importance to visit if you fancy a cultural day, such as Knossos. Chania is a beautiful town or you might take a walk through the White Mountains or along the Samaria Gorge for spectacular scenery.
Enjoy traditional Italian treats in Sicily
Sicily is one of the quieter Italian holiday destinations, and it’s all the better for it. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll to Antica Caffe Spinnato and take a seat outside this elegant café which first opened in 1860. Drink foamy coffees and eat traditional cannoli filled with sweetened ricotta and you’ll get a true taste of what Italy’s about. If you’re looking for a relaxed holiday with plenty of different things to eat and drink, as well as some beautiful beaches, then Sicily is made for you. The island has many different areas and is, of course, currently well known for the Inspector Montalbano TV series.
Experience the best of nature in Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a city surrounded by natural beauty. From hot springs, where you can rejuvenate yourself, to geothermal fields to whale spotting opportunities, Reykjavik is certainly a destination for nature lovers. The city is well known as an ideal location for experiencing the northern lights. Although you’ve got a chance of seeing the northern lights in the UK, there’s nothing quite as spectacular as sitting beneath Reykjavik’s clear skies and witnessing the aurora borealis in all their splendour. Take sturdy footwear and be prepared for the weather to change several times each day!
Retirement gives you the chance to enjoy the things you want to do, and spend as much or as little time on them as you like. So why not get out there and see the world? Write down a list of the five places you’d most like to visit, or return to, and start forming a plan!
Images by Rui Ornelas and Stefano Mortellaro used under CC license.
