Wish list holidays you’ve yet to consider

Sunvil is dedicated to delivering the best possible escapes, from a gastronomic break in Portugal to an adventurous getaway in Panama

There are destinations and attractions around the world that have appeared on the bucket list of travellers for generations. Cities such as Barcelona and Amsterdam, cultural sites such as Angkor Wat and natural gems like the Isle of Skye are beautiful, fascinating and rewarding for the visitor. Over recent years, however, these beloved destinations have started to buckle under their popularity and, while still appealing, no longer offer the immersive experience they once did. 

This is where Sunvil, a family-run tour operator with 50 years’ experience, comes in. Long before off-the-beaten-track holidays, digital detox breaks and cultural experiences were the trend, Sunvil was carefully crafting holidays to lesser-known places and introducing their guests to the real country. 

With Sunvil, travellers aren’t reliant on Googled recommendations or following the herd with guidebook and blog tips; its experts and local representatives have explored extensively, lived in the resorts and have an understanding that scratches far beneath the surface of a destination. 

This depth of knowledge allows Sunvil to design the perfect holiday for you, with insider tips and personal recommendations shared throughout. The result? A holiday that will live on in your memory for years to come. 

Could one of these lesser-known delights become your next destination or, at least, make it to the top of your list?

Zagori, Greece

Greece is renowned for its sun-drenched beaches, turquoise seas and fresh, local cuisine. Less familiar are the delights of its mountainous north. In Zagori there are dense forests, ancient villages where time has seemingly stood still, the deepest gorge in the world (relative to its width) and, amid the natural splendour, some of the most fascinating archaeological sites known to man. Step foot into a landscape whose splendour rivals that of the Alps – but without the crowds.

Alentejo, Portugal

Sandwiched between Lisbon and the Algarve is the Alentejo region of Portugal, a vast district that boasts a practically deserted coastline – even in the height of summer, unlike its more popular neighbours – with just a handful of pretty seaside villages, such as Vila Nova de Milfontes, Zambujeira do Mar and Porto Covo. Inland are vineyards producing some of the country’s finest wines and a frontier rich with fauna, picturesque settlements and cultural traditions that have evolved over millennia. Ideal for gastronomic breaks, walking holidays along the Rota Vicentina and fly-drive escapes – especially when combined with Extremadura in Spain.

Småland, Sweden

In today’s 24-hour society, it’s important to step off the grid for a period to focus on our own wellbeing and to spend quality time with our nearest and dearest. It’s away from the hubbub of the city, in the shade of the trees and beside tranquil lakes, that calm envelops and the pace of life slows. Småland is the perfect place to unwind, to work off your stress and to spend time in nature with your family; not only does it exude the epitome of the Swedish lifestyle but cycling, canoeing, horse-riding, fishing, wild swimming and hiking are available in abundance.

Panama

One of the more off-the-beaten-track destinations offered by Sunvil, Panama offers the adventurous traveller a chance to visit untouched islands, mesmeric cloud forests, misty highlands, tropical rainforests, volcanic craters and abundant wildlife alongside the continent’s most independent indigenous people. With an infectious charm, Panama is a country that will pull at your heart strings – and you’ll wonder why it took you so long to discover it.

São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe comprises two tropical islands floating in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Gabon. This remote island nation – nicknamed Africa’s Eden – offers a wonderful choice for those seeking a refreshingly unique destination with exquisite white-sand beaches and unspoilt wild spaces. Tourism here is in its infancy and few have yet to discover the delights of this remarkable archipelago, where conservation and social empowerment are integral to all development. The Sunvil team were mesmerised by its beauty and the warmth of welcome – and they’re sure you will be too.