Go hiking in La Gomera
Verdant and rugged, La Gomera offers days of winter sunshine (but without the blistering heat that makes hiking a chore). The second smallest of Spain’s Canary Island chain, this gorgeous volcanic island has a network of hiking paths through its crenellated landscapes. They’re not for the faint-hearted, but you get rewards in pretty colour-daubed towns, like Vallehermoso in the north, or the larger Valle Gran Rey in the southwest. Make time to toast your escape while enjoying one of the dreamiest views in the Canaries from the Mirador de Abrante.
A seven-night B&B Christmas break at the Hotel Jardin Tecina from £1,289pp; sovereign.com
Christmas in Camogli
Two years ago we enjoyed a festive break in Camogli – a pretty Ligurian town with all the visual appeal of Portofino, but minus the bling. Christmas is no big deal for Italians (they save that for Capodanno/New Year’s Day), but still there’s a holiday vibe among Camogli’s narrow painted houses and cliff-perched castle, generation-run focaccia shops and cosy bars. Even better, and perfect for insomniacs, is the constant tympanic crash of waves on rocks. During our stay, temperatures hit 20C. We ate fried anchovies and seafood pasta in the sunshine at Ostaia da ò Sigù, and toasted to our having escaped the overload of tinsel and turkey back home.
Stella Marina, from £70 per night; bed-and-breakfast.it
A unique stay in Yorkshire
Photograph: Jill Tate
It’s hard to believe this dinky Grecian-temple lookalike once housed prized white porkers, but the Pigsty was an eccentric creation of Victorian landowner and travel aficionado Squire Barry of Fyling Hall. Now owned by the Landmark Trust, it’s the perfect quirky retreat for those wanting peace, quiet and stunning sea views over Robin Hood’s Bay, a small village in North Yorkshire. Beautifully furnished with antiques and wood-burning stoves, The Pigsty is also well placed for day trips to Whitby and its Abbey, and healthy yomps over the North Yorkshire Moors.
A week’s stay at the Pigsty from £1,197; landmarktrust.org.uk
Enjoy seclusion in Exmoor
Stock up on food and drink, gather like-minded friends, and get away from it all at an idyllically remote West Country lighthouse. Foreland Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, which sleeps 10 and is booked through the National Trust, has a dramatic cliff-edge setting on the Exmoor Heritage Coast. And with…
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