Passage to Paradise

Looking out across the Mediterranean, Malaga overflows with an assortment of architectural treasures and Spain’s prized jewel, the Alhambra Palace, is within easy striking distance. Andalucia’s second largest city, Malaga, is a bustling port on Spain’s sunny Costa del Sol. Standing on a hillside overlooking the city is the 8th-century ‘Alcazaba’, an impressive Moorish fortress. Malaga’s cathedral is affectionately known as ‘La Manquita’, meaning ‘the onearmed one’ owing to its half-built tower, abandoned in the 1700s due to insufficient funds. During the Arab occupation of Spain, Malaga was the principle port of the Moorish kingdom of Granada. A short drive inland takes you to the heart of this wonderful city and its celebrated centrepiece, the breathtaking Alhambra Palace

If you’re a big fan of the beach, prepare to lose your heart to this place. Antiguans like to boast they have a different one for every day of the year. Without doubt, porcelain, palm-fringed sands and still turquoise waters are the star of this island show. But that’s not all Antigua’s got to boast about. Get ready for towns in a rainbow riot of colours. Quiet countryside that slumbers in the sunshine. And cuisine as sublime as those moon-white shores……

Known as the island of waterfalls, Dominica is as green as it is unspoilt. Fairly off the tourist trail, this exotic isle is a paradise for nature lovers. In fact, it’s one of the Caribbean hotspots for scuba-diving and rainforest trekking. And of course, it’s got some superb beaches. Not the snow-white variety you’d expect, but dramatic volcanic sweeps and secluded coves hidden by greenery. Have your camera at the……

A hypnotic calypso isle, Barbados is the ultimate Caribbean dream. And at just 21 miles by 14 miles, the island really is your oyster. Of course, it’s most famous for its palm-fringed beaches, but there’s more than talcum powder sands here. We’re talking a duty-free shopping scene. Gorgeous green countryside. And sights that are second to none. In a coconut shell, it’s the small island with a big fan base…….