6 active breaks TO BEAT BEACH BOREDOM
ISLAND LIFE Cala del Sale
on San Domino in the Tremiti Islands
I t’s tempting to think of holidays as an excuse to do nothing, but in reality, utter indolence can soon lead to boredom and a fretful mind. Far better to factor in a little (or a lot of) activ- ity to keep you moving along without taxing your brain cells. Before you know it, you’ll be sleeping more deeply, making new friends and adopting beneficial habits that may well last a lifetime. From swimming to cooking, walking to cycling, there are so many ways to take a break that will restore you emotionally and mentally. Here are six of the best in our books. PACKED Action Why not try a break that will leave you feeling invigorated as well as rested, suggests Nick Redman
Swimming Italy has stunning marine waters and the four islands that comprise the Tremiti archipelago have access to
some of the best. The jade clarity of the Adriatic Sea around this area of Italy, part of the Puglia region halfway between Bari and Pescara, allows for stunning swimming, and it is possible to make the most of it with a week-long holiday of total immersion: also known as a full-on swimming holiday. Sign up for balmy coastal swims, inter-island crossings, and a full circumnavigation
of the island of San Nicola, returning each day to San Dòmino island for lunch, and a rest at Hotel La Vela, set in a serene pine forest. ➥ Book with Swimtrek: swimtrek.com
Archaeology Byzantium is a historical concept many of us may have difficulty elaborating upon. But there’s a lot to learn on an
activity-packed holiday in Bulgaria. The Byzantine capital was Istanbul, which
had access to the Black Sea, and Bulgaria is on its shores, part of a fascinating and undervisited cultural landscape. Discover, on an archaeological tour of the old Eastern Bloc nation, the fascinating link between Europe, Asia Minor and the Mediterranean; and the
Cycling Take a (figurative) tandem and explore Portugal with a pal and/or loved one. On a week-long group trip, cyclists
ANCIENT WAYS The Thracian city of Perperikon in Bulgaria
of varied abilities get to bike the holiday together, enjoying horizons at a leisurely pace. Believe it or not, pedal power does work with wine, and so the city of Porto can be discovered by night, along with the photogenic canals of Aveiro, further south. Portugal is known for its comfortable, characterful, affordable hotels. And bonus attractions along the way include sightings of birdlife (herons, kingfishers and vibrant-pink flamingos) — plus palm-trimmed stretches of coast as well as relaxed, sociable wine-tastings. ➥ Book with Headwater: headwater.com/list/by-country/portugal/cycling.htm
cultural traffic that has passed by, from ancient Roman cities to tombs of the war-ravaged old Roman region of Thrace. All that, plus tales of old gold, mountains, clear sea, moreish food and great wine. ➥ Book with Hidden History: hiddenhistory.co.uk
WHEELY NICE Discover a different view of Portugal
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