From the Seychelles Beach in Greece to the Nordic beauty of Bodo – 7 destinations to hit in 2024

THE places to visit in 2024.

Whether you’re after secluded beaches, snow-capped peaks or just excellent local wine, it’s time to start planning…  

The crowd-free Seychelles Beach is one of the best in Greece on the island of Ikaria
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The crowd-free Seychelles Beach is one of the best in Greece on the island of Ikaria

1 IKARIA, GREECE

The lowdown: A hidden gem in the Aegean, where delicious salads made with wild horta, as well as soufico (stew), see locals living well into their 90s.

“The crowd-free Seychelles Beach is one of the country’s best,” says Tom Hall, vice president at Lonely Planet.

The picturesque village of Gialiskari, Ikaria
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The picturesque village of Gialiskari, Ikaria

As the island where Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, was born, it’s also fab for a tipple.

“Try the beautifully situated Afianes Winery in the island’s hilly west,” adds Tom.

Don’t miss: Spilaio hot springs, famed for its natural healing qualities and tucked away in the rocks by the beach in the spa town of Therma.

Best time to go: September for balmy temperatures of around 24°C, and fewer tourists.

FYI: Flights from the UK to Athens cost from £49 return. 

Ferries to Ikaria cost from £17.50 one way. 

2 BODØ, NORWAY

The lowdown: This Nordic beaut is one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2024.

The opening ceremony kicks off in February, but expect celebrations throughout the year, including light festivals and outdoor theatre.

Bodo in Norway is one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2024
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Bodo in Norway is one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2024
The iconic red rorbu fishing cabins on Bodo harbour
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The iconic red rorbu fishing cabins on Bodo harbour

It’s a city with boutiques – like Ingrid Oline selling cute stationery and handbag heaven at Studio EBN – but with majestic fjords and rugged mountains on its doorstep, too.

Don’t miss: Sip on a negroni at the cool Top 13 Bar overlooking the water, and slurp traditional fish soup at modern brasserie LystPå.

Then take a boat to the Saltstraumen to experience the world’s strongest maelstrom, and watch eagles swooping for fish.

“Around 20% of the world’s white-tailed eagles can be found in this region,” says Jon Nigel, co-founder of Weather2travel.com.

The nearby Lofoten islands offer dramatic scenery and plenty of hiking opportunities, too. 

Best time to go: June to mid-July, during the Midnight Sun (when the sun never sets). 

FYI: Flights from the UK to Bodø cost from £123 return.

3 LEIPZIG, GERMANY

The lowdown: One of the 10 host cities for UEFA Euro 2024, this is also among Germany’s grandest.

“Buzzy Leipzig is the new Berlin,” says German destination specialist Andrew Eames.

Leipzig in Germany is one of the 10 host cities for UEFA Euro 2024
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Leipzig in Germany is one of the 10 host cities for UEFA Euro 2024

Check out the former cotton mill, Spinnerei, now a thriving community of galleries and artists’ workshops.

Then kayak or paddleboard on the canals, before hitting an urban beach and sipping a beer at a canalside bar, such as Mørtelwerk.

Don’t miss: The imposing Monument to the Battle of the Nations, where The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes was filmed, and St Thomas’ church, the resting place of composer Bach. 

Best time to go: July and August, when temperatures are warm at around 25°C.

FYI: Flights from the UK to Leipzig cost from £26 return.

4 PHILADELPHIA, USA

The lowdown: “Philadelphia punches above its weight in everything from food and nightlife to the music scene and world-class art collections,” says Tom.

This year also sees the opening of Calder Gardens, a huge sculpture park from the team behind London’s Tate Modern.  

The Ben Franklin Bridge and Philadelphia skyline at dusk
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The Ben Franklin Bridge and Philadelphia skyline at dusk

Don’t miss: The famous steps leading to the entrance of the Museum of Art, which Sylvester Stallone ran up in Rocky, and Independence Hall, where the Declaration was signed in 1776.

Try a Philly cheesesteak at Reading Terminal Market, then go for karaoke at Ray’s “Happy Birthday” Bar.

Best time to go Late October for autumn colours.

FYI: Flights from the UK to Philadelphia cost from £349 return.

5 VALENCIA, SPAIN

The lowdown: Recently voted the UK’s favourite European city break*, this coastal hot spot – 2024’s European Green Capital – is great for kids, too.

Wander the medieval Old Town, popping by the former Silk Exchange, La Lonja de la Seda, then head to the stunning City of Arts and Sciences building, home to a planetarium, interactive science museum, the opera house Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía and the Oceanogràfic Aquarium, which boasts the longest underwater tunnel in Europe. 

The Fountain Rio Turia on the Square of the Virgin Saint Mary, Valencia Cathedral
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The Fountain Rio Turia on the Square of the Virgin Saint Mary, Valencia Cathedral

Don’t miss: “Bike through Valencia’s Turia Gardens, then feast on local lobster at Ruzafa Market,” says host of The Travel Goals Podcast, Portia Jones.

Best time to go: April and May, when temperatures average a balmy 25°C.

FYI: Flights from the UK to Valencia cost from £38 return.

6 THE FLOW COUNTRY, SCOTLAND 

The lowdown: This rugged, open moorland in Caithness and Sutherland is going for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

It brings all the Scandi noir vibes and is home to cute B&Bs. “It is beautiful and really wild,” says Tom.

The view over the peat bogs in the Flow Country of the Sutherland region of Scotland
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The view over the peat bogs in the Flow Country of the Sutherland region of Scotland

“It’s all about the great outdoors and remote spots like Cape Wrath.”

Try The Crask Inn for a warming whisky or the fairy-tale Dunrobin Castle for a posher tea. 

Don’t miss: The RSPB’s Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve for laid-back wildlife walks and fantastically starry skies – you may glimpse the Northern Lights if you’re lucky. 

Best time to go: April to June, when birds including golden plovers, skylarks, hen harriers and curlews come to breed. 

FYI: Single tickets on the Far North Railway Line from Inverness to Thurso or Wick start from £14.70 (Scotrail.co.uk).

7 THE KENYAN COAST

The lowdown: Kick back on the beautiful beaches of Diani, Watamu and Galu, an hour’s drive from Mombasa.

With white sands and coral reefs, it’s perfect snorkelling territory.

A herd of elephants stroll around the Tsavo East National Park in Kenya
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A herd of elephants stroll around the Tsavo East National Park in Kenya
The stunning Diani beach seascape on the Indian Ocean
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The stunning Diani beach seascape on the Indian Ocean

“There are also whale sharks and manta rays to spot between November and February,” says Jon.  

Don’t miss: Hop on a traditional dhow boat at sunset or visit the Malindi Marine National Park to snorkel.

Be sure to add on a two-day safari to Tsavo East National Park to see elephants, hippos, lions, giraffes and zebras. 

Best time to go: From January to March – the sea is a toasty 28°C and wildlife spotting is good.

Read more on The Sun

FYI: TUI offers all-inclusive seven-night holidays to Diani Beach from £1,273 per person.  

Ones to watch

Vlorë, Albania 

A new airport means the turquoise waters, white sands and 30ºC summers of the Albanian Riviera are more accessible than ever before. 

Paris, France 

Host city of the Olympics, there will be volleyball at the Eiffel Tower and cycling trials going through the city. 

South Thailand 

Season three of White Lotus is due to be filmed here. Expect crowds to follow after its release in 2025 – so get in first!

The turquoise waters, white sands and 30ºC summers of the Albanian Riviera are well worth a visit
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The turquoise waters, white sands and 30ºC summers of the Albanian Riviera are well worth a visit
The Eiffel tower from the river Seine in Paris, France
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The Eiffel tower from the river Seine in Paris, France
The lush scenary of South Thailand
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The lush scenary of South Thailand