In September, Vila Baleira honours Christopher Columbus, who once lived in the archipelago. The festival commemorates the discoverer’s presence on the Madeira Islands and his voyages to the Americas with performances that recreate the atmosphere in the time of the Portuguese explorers.

Experience tropical beaches and relaxed days in the sun on the 74 islands along the coast. While some of them have holiday resorts you can just check in (e.g. Hamilton Island, Hayman Island), others are rather untouched and provide the ideal opportunity for a getaway. Just choose your match!

Damnoen Saduak is Thailand’s most famous floating market, about 80 km southwest of Bangkok. Vendors in wooden boats sell fruit, snacks, and noodles along the canal, while stalls on the banks push souvenirs and crafts. It’s lively, colourful, and very touristy, but it’s still a classic day trip. Most people go with an organised tour, though you can also catch a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal and hire a boat on arrival. Go early in the morning to avoid the thickest crowds and heat.

Around 250 trees, such as a tulip tree, pines and giant sequoia trees, are found in the lovely Gardens of Europe, where you can enjoy a walk by the lake in a sunny afternoon. This romantic English garden, designed by Henri Porreaux in 1863, is a heavenly spot in town where children are free to play from a walking distance to the old town, while you sit on one of the benches in front of the lake.