Natural jewel Algarve
Along the coastline of the Algarve
The south of Portugal attracts visitors with its rugged nature, picturesque villages, good food, great hospitality and unique charm. Thanks to ideal conditions, the region is considered a paradise for golf and surfing enthusiasts, but a trip is also worthwhile for everyone else. Swiss/Edelweiss flies directly to Faro four times a week. From there, we recommend travelling by car along the diverse coastline and exploring the beaches and towns, including Faro itself, Albufeira, Lagos and Sagres.
The capital Faro
Faro, the capital of the Algarve, welcomes arrivals with a historic city centre with a Gothic cathedral and the beautiful bishop’s palace, while at the same time being a stronghold of modern Portuguese architecture. The charming harbour town is the ideal starting point for exploring the former fishing village of Olhao and the partly deserted islands of the Ria Formosa Nature Park. Our tip for dinner: enjoy modern interpretations of traditional dishes in the nostalgic «Se7e Pedras».
Lively Albufeira
The picturesque coastal town of Albufeira is around 45 minutes by car from Faro. Whether relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches, dancing late into the night or simply strolling through the old town – everything is possible here. In the afternoon, locals enjoy lukewarm pasteis de nata at the Riviera Cake Shop bakery, while dinner is served at the Michelin-starred restaurant Vila Joya SEA. Not far away is the impressive Benagil Cave, which can be reached by swimming or paddling from Praia de Benagil.
Lagos harbour city
Lagos combines turquoise waters and fine sandy beaches with a wide range of restaurants and authentic Portuguese flair. Pretty holiday souvenirs can be found in the Olaria Nova ceramics shop, where every piece is unique. In addition to the picturesque beaches of da Marinha and Nova, the cliffs of the famous Ponta da Piedade are just outside the town. They offer a panoramic view of the headland and the lighthouse there, which is particularly beautiful to admire from a boat at sunset.
Surf Mecca Sagres
At the westernmost tip of the country lies Sagres, the surfing Mecca of the Algarve. Although the village consists of just a few houses, the village square and a small fishing harbour, the town is bursting with energy, especially in summer, and creates a very special atmosphere. A relaxing day on the beach is best rounded off in the popular «Carlos» restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh fish and good wine under the glistening light.
The south-west & the interior
Sagres is also a good starting point for exploring the south-west coast and the interior, in particular the 760 square kilometre Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, which is criss-crossed by dunes, gorges and valleys, as well as Cordoama Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast. Inland, the idyllic mountain village of Monchique beckons with views over the entire Algarve region.
Hotels along the coast
Active guests can stay in Faro at the exclusive Quinta do Lago golf resort with two 18-hole courses on different terrains. On the way to Albufeira, we recommend the 5-star family hotel Tivoli Marina, the Anantara Vilamoura Resort right on the beach and marina, or the luxury wellness resort Domes Lake Algarve. In Sagres, the design hotel Memmo Baleeira awaits in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. It’s worth booking early, especially in the summer months.
Mediterranean trend destination Corsica
Mediterranean island of Corsica
Corsica is an enchanting Mediterranean island with French and Italian influences. Known as the birthplace of Napoleon, the mild climate, beautiful sandy beaches, picturesque villages and culinary experiences make the island the ideal destination for beach holidays. SWISS/Edelweiss flies to Corsica ones a week.
Bastia harbour
The charming harbour town of Bastia on the north-east coast of Corsica is considered a baroque and cultural city. Its cityscape is characterised by the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, the centuries-old citadel with fortress walls in the Terra Nova district and the Sainte-Marie cathedral. In the island’s most important commercial centre, the old harbour, bars and restaurants invite you to linger.
Calanche rock landscape
On the west coast of Corsica lie the rock formations «Les Calanques de Piana», known for their dramatic cliffs, bright red colours and breathtaking sea views. The UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a variety of hiking trails and boat tours and is a must for nature lovers.
Capital Ajaccio
The French conqueror Napoleon Bonaparte was born in the capital of the French Mediterranean island in 1769. Once the ancestral home of the family, the Maison Bonaparte is now a museum displaying family heirlooms. The Musée Fesch is the largest museum in Ajaccio and houses around 1,200 Italian paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries.
Boat trip around Corsica
The best way to discover Corsica’s different villages is on a boat trip. From Bonifacio, adventure-seekers can gain valuable insights into the geology: over the course of time, waves have dug caves of all shapes and sizes into the multi-layered rock. If you visit the «Grotte Marine de Sdragonato», you will find yourself in a quiet place with turquoise-coloured, crystal-clear water. It is worth taking a look upwards, as an opening in the shape of the map of Corsica awaits you there.
Porto-Vecchio
The town of Porto-Vecchio on the south-east coast of Corsica is known for its historic charm and beautiful beaches. Around the Place de la République, shops, bars and restaurants invite you to enjoy. Palombaggia, the city’s most famous beach, offers crystal-clear water, fine white sand and is lined with pine trees. The beach of Santa Giulia, a picturesque lagoon, is also a marvellous place to swim.
French-Italian flavours
Corsica offers a wide selection of culinary delicacies and local wines. These include charcuterie such as the pork loin ham “Lonzo” as well as cheese and seafood. In Ajaccio, we recommend Le Petit Restaurant and L’écrin. A little further afield, the Auberge du Prunelli restaurant serves authentic regional cuisine. In Bonifacio, fish dishes are served at L’A Cheda and L’An Faim. Fine dining can be experienced at La Signoria and Le Pirate. Corsican specialities can be sampled at A Mandria di Pigna and La Corniche.
Corsica’s accommodation
The luxury hotel Hôtel Casadelmar in the harbour town of Porto-Vecchio is a particularly beautiful place to stay. The Bergeries de Palombaggia hotel in the heart of Corsican nature invites you to relax and offers an uninterrupted view of the sea and the local beach. The Cala di Greco also promises a relaxing stay surrounded by nature and is just a few minutes’ drive from Banifacio. For relaxed beach hopping, we recommend the Hotel U Capu Biancu in Bonifacio with three private beaches.
Natural treasure of the Balearic Islands
Menorca – Refuge of the Balearic Islands
Countless beaches, rocky coves and turquoise waters: Menorca may be one of the infamous Balearic Islands, but it is considered the «quiet neighbour» of the party islands of Mallorca and Ibiza. Known for its charming towns and prehistoric sites, the Mediterranean island offers a relaxing mix of nature and history. SWISS/Edelweiss flies directly to Mahon, Menorca four times a week from the end of May to the end of September.
Archaeological sites
Those interested in culture will find two archaeological sites worth visiting on Menorca that tell of the Talayotic period between 850 and 550 BC. Torralba d’en Salort is one of the best-preserved prehistoric settlements in Menorca, while Trepucó is known for its taula – a T-shaped monument.
Monte Toro
Monte Toro, Menorca’s highest mountain, offers breathtaking panoramic views over the island. At its summit is the sanctuary of the Virgin of Monte Toro, a sacred place that is revered by locals and visitors alike for its spiritual significance and views.
Children’s paradise Splash Sur Menorca
The Splash Sur Menorca water park offers water fun for young and old. For an action-packed day, the whole family can enjoy a variety of water slides and take a breather in the restaurant or on the sun loungers.
Hauser & Wirth Menorca
The Hauser & Wirth Menorca Art Centre on Illa del Rei combines art exhibitions, events and learning activities with the local community and landscape. Until 27 October, there are two exhibitions: «Chillida in Menorca» celebrates Chillida’s deep connection to the island through sculptures and works on paper, some of which were created during his time on Menorca. The celebrated New York artist Roni Horn presents her first solo exhibition on Menorca with a selection of sculptures and installations.
Culinary delight
Cova d’en Xoroi is the best place to round off a long day at the beach. From the bar, which is located in a cave in the cliffs, you can enjoy the view of the Balearic Sea and the sunset over a cocktail. Also worth a visit are the seafood restaurants El Hogar del Pollo and the Molí des Comte Asador, where grilled meat and paellas are served in a 19th century barn. If you want to dine like the locals, order the infamous Menorcan lobster stew «Caldera de Llagosta» which is available in many restaurants.
Hotels in Menorca
The Hotel Son Vell is located amidst beautiful landscapes, just 20 minutes from the historic town of Ciutadella. The original 18th-century manor house symbolises Menorcan elegance and beauty and was listed among the best new hotels in Europe in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2024. For nights on the beach, we recommend the 5-star Hotel Villa Le Blanc, which combines nature and relaxation with top-class gastronomy.
