Destination Hub

Sicily is a giant playground for couples and families that love activity holidays.  

On one side of the island you’ve got a whopping, great big volcano that still throws lava up in the sky every once in a while.

Sicily in May. What a place. What a month. The sun is shining on the black-sand beaches in Sciacca, snow is still resting on top of Mt Etna's summit and the wildflowers are blooming.  

It's the best time to visit, and the best time explore one of the Mediterranean's prettiest and most interesting islands.

You can learn a lot about Mauritius from one table. A bowl of fragrant briyani. A paper-wrapped dholl puri still warm from the griddle. Chinese-style noodles, Creole curry and a plate of pink-iced biscuits for later. It sounds like several different meals. In Mauritius, it’s just lunch.

Most people go on holiday to Sicily expecting pizza, pasta and all the Italian classics. And whilst there's plenty of that, what they also find is something different but no less delicious. Saffron rice balls. Sweet-and-sour aubergines. Couscous and ricotta stuffed in nearly everything. All whole host of flavours and influences that aren't just Italian, but are pulled from all over the place.

Palermo is the 'jewel of Sicily'. Around every corner you'll find a historical site entrenched in ancient history, stunning architecture, markets bursting with colours and tastebud-tingling smells.

Few destinations can keep teenagers, little ones and parents equally happy, but Sicily comes close. In a week, you can stand in the shadow of a volcano, wander through 2,500-year-old Greek temples, try exhilarating water sports in turquoise bays and, perhaps even squeeze in a few pages of a book on a sun lounger.

Greece is one of those places that just works for families. The food is fresh and unfussy. The sea is warm and calm. And from the moment you land, the pace of life slows down in the best possible way.

Keeping your kids entertained on holiday should be easy, right? That is until you're standing in 34-degree heat with a bored five-year-old, throwing a tantrum because they’ve already eaten all their crisps.

Greece in May is perfect. The temperatures are just right, the crowds haven’t arrived yet and you feel like Greece is this little hidden gem that only you and a select few people know about.

Most people book Greece in July or August. And look, we get it. But here’s an unpopular opinion...September is the best time to visit Greece. The sun is still blazing, the beaches actually have space on them, the taverna terraces clear out.

Picture this. Pomegranate trees heavy with fruit lining the roadside. The warm, slightly smoky smell of olive harvest drifting across the hillside. Golden afternoon light turning the Aegean a deep, almost impossible shade of blue.

Picture this… The sea is gently lapping against your back as you effortlessly float; snorkel in mouth with just the echo of your breath and a turtle for company. Sounds like bliss, right?

A team from the Neilson head office headed out to Baia dei Mori Beach Club in Sardinia to better understand the resort, its location, activities, facilities, atmosphere and to meet the overseas team. Our goal was simple: throw ourselves into as many activities as possible, meet as many guests as we could and fully immerse ourselves in life at the Beach Club.

Our very own Content Marketing Executive, Suzanne, set sail on a Bareboat Charter last summer with a group of friends, departing from Vounaki Beach Club in Paleros, Greece. Here, she shares what life on board was really like, in her own words.

We caught up with Angus Whittaker, Operations Manager at Neilson HQ to get the low down on Vounaki Beachclubin Greece. Angus knows the beachclub and local area like the back of his hand, having worked there for a few years as the beach manager. Here's what he had to say...

From golden beaches and long summers to delicious food and vibrant cities, there is a lotto love about Spain. But just what is it that makes this beautiful country such a world-class destination for watersports? And which sports could you try during your holiday there?

Whether you're already a keen sailor or totally new to the sport, a summersailing holiday is an amazing experience. Island-hop through turquoise seas, meander along sun-drenched coastlines and moor up to spend warm evenings on deck, enjoying a beer or two under the stars. Every day brings a new destination and a new adventure.

Each region celebrates its own local specialities, strongly rooted in the traditions of the area. Join us for a culinary tour of Spain's most famous food and drink.

With our brand new ‘Select’ Mar Menor Beachclub set to launch this July, we spoke to former Neilson water sports instructor Tez Plavenieks about his time on the waves of Europe’s biggest saltwater lagoon.

Whether you’re dreaming of soaring mountains and olive groves, sandy beaches and sea caves, or bustling harbours and ancient culture, this roundup of our favourite Greek islands will inspire some serious wanderlust.

Our Beach Clubs have a great choice of inclusive activities for you dip in and out of. But what if there’s a particular sport you love or have always wanted to try? Whilst our Beach Clubs offer a wide range of options, some are better suited to indulging your passion than others.

Sivota with its incredible blue-green waters, bustling harbour, beautiful scenery and friendly atmosphere is a typical Greek town that's definitely work exploring.

Located in the beautiful region of Murcia in sun-drenchedSpain, our first Select Beachclubis set to become a real favourite among the Neilson family. With a gorgeous setting on the shores of Europe's biggest saltwater lagoon, Mar Menor offers everything from perfect conditions for water sports to amazing views.

With its dramatic Adriatic coastline backed by rugged mountains, it’s no wonder Croatia is now one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe, especially among lovers of the great outdoors.

There are fantastic routes to tackle whatever your level, from complete novice to regular climber. Here’s just a little taste of the rock climbing available in Greece.

Here's a taste of some of the most mouth-watering dishes Italy has to offer, straight from the (could eat a) horse's mouth...

Italy truly deserves its reputation as one of the most genuinely family-friendly destinations in the world. From pizza and gelato to sunshine and beaches, you’d be hard-pressed to dream up a more popular holiday menu if you tried.

Throw in the famous Italian hospitality and a whole host of fun activities and you’ve got yourselves a family adventure to remember!

Come and join us on ajourney through Italy’s mouth-watering menu.Spoiler: it’s not all pizza and pasta.

Head to Croatia and you’ll see flourishing vineyards, citrus and olive orchards; and on the sea, you’re never too far from a fishing boat bringing in a fresh catch for dinner.

When it comes to food and drink, few can top Italy's stellar reputation.

Imagine a sun drenched, pristine coastline with colourful landscapes and ancient architecture - and you’ve got Calabria. Lying to the extreme south of Italy, located on the ‘toe’ of the country’s boot-shaped peninsula, Calabria is a region of hidden gems.

Paklenica National Park should be on the itinerary of any adventure traveller heading to Croatia this summer, and if you’ve never tried climbing, it’s the perfect beginner’s playground.

Neilson have been operating holidays to Greece for decades now and it’s safe to say we think it’s a wonderful destination for families!

Alana Beachclub in Croatia is situated on the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia between the Adriatic Sea and the Paklenica National Park

Baia dei Mori Beachclub, is situated on the north east coast of Sardinia,with fine, golden sand andcrystal clear water it’s theperfect spot for family holidays.

If you love the water, you're going to love Italy. With a long coastline lapped by the Mediterranean, Ionian and Adriatic seas, Italy is a brilliant destination for epic watersports.

The area of the south Peloponnese offers a vast and varied amount of cycling terrain from traffic free flat beach tracks to steep alpine-like passes, catering superbly for the entire cycling ability spectrum, from beginners up to avid mountain bikers and road cyclists.

If you love mountain biking, you will love riding on the beautiful Greek island of Lesvos. Lesvos is a big island (the 3rd largest in Greece) yet it is one of the least discovered and retains an authentic feel.

One of our favourite places to ride in Greece is the beautiful, mountainous island of Lefkada. The terrain lends itself perfectly to mountain biking and there’s some decent road cycling too.



Europe is home to some world-class windsurfing locations, with destinations to suit absolute beginners to those that will excite and challenge the most experienced windsurfers. Greece, in particular offers some amazing locations and conditions for your next fix of windsurfing.

We asked our activity manager Gary Sinclair to share where in the world (other than our beach resorts of course!) he rates as being particularly brilliant places to ride the waves.

The sun sets over a glossy Greek bay whilst you gaze from a rustic Taverna. The sea is still, your glass is full and your mouth is watering as the table next to you is served sizzling octopus, succulent pork gyros and an olive oil-drenched feta salad.