There’s a special kind of hope that returns every January. That fresh sense that anything’s possible. You sift through your mind for all the things you’ve ever, even briefly, wanted to do. The language that’s never quite wrapped its way around your tongue, the places you’ve always wanted to visit, things you never got round to trying.
So this year, we thought we’d put together a list of the best things to do in 2026. A little inspiration for the months ahead, with ideas for simple pleasures close to home, and bigger adventures worth planning for. Think of it as your nudge to start.
Here’s what’s on our 2026 list.
What to do in January?
1. Learn a new language where it’s spoken
The new year has turned, and you’re feeling all kinds of hopeful. Added learning a new language to your resolutions? Start in Portugal. Their buzzing café culture is the perfect setting to practice your obrigadas and obrigados. Take a long lunch, work on your pronunciation of “pastel de nata”, and reap the delicious reward.
Where to stay: Sol Salema Townhouse, Salema | Casa Deluxe Funchal, Funchal | Marvila Loft, Lisbon
2. Hike volcano trails and reset in the winter sun
Feeling the cold already? You’re in for a long winter. Unless…
Swap the grey for the short-haul sun of the beautiful Canaries. Lunar landscapes, warm days, and that year-round glow make winter feel like a distant memory. Tackle volcanic hikes, then spend afternoons beachside. After all, who said January had to be cold?
Where to stay: Tenerife Playita Lux, Tenerife | Villa Sal Marina Premium, Fuerteventura | Lanzarote Element, Puerto Del Carmen
What to do in February?
3. Ski the Alps at peak snow
Feel soft blankets of snow cushion your step, the thrill of throwing yourself down the slopes, and the pure bliss of chalet living. February is one of the most reliable months for Alpine snow.
Where to stay: Chalet Sanglier, Val d’Isere | Apartment Baigneres, St Martin de Belleville | Chalet Giboshi, Chatel
4. Do a winter fell walk with a pub stop
Head to the Lake District for this classic winter combo. A crisp hike with frosty views, followed by a refreshing pint fireside is the perfect February activity. Try trails like the Catbells in Keswick or Tarn Hows, which remain walkable in colder months and end near cosy pubs.
Where to stay: Langdale House, Lake District | Windermere Gothic Mansion, Lake District | Cartmel Mansion, Lake District
What to do in March?
5. See spring rise early in Andalucia
Spring in Andalucia is pure magic. The orange trees begin to blossom, perfuming the air with delicate notes of citrus, while the weather turns pleasantly balmy. Wander through Malaga’s mountains, find a colourful riot of blossoms and blooms, or embrace one of the many festivals taking place across the region.
Where to stay: Cortijo Don Cristobal, Malaga | Villa Bougainvillea, Andalucia | La Cimada de Ronda, Ronda
6. Walk a wild, windy UK coastal trail
March in the UK is perfect for a blustery seaside walk. Head to Devon for dramatic coastal cliffs, Cornwall for glistening blue waters, or Norfolk for quintessential English coastal charm (and seals!)
Where to stay: Combe Martin House, Devon | St Ives Cottage, Cornwall | Inglethorpe Folly, Norfolk
What to do in April?
7. Take your first swim of the year in Greece
Come April, the cold in Greece begins to wain, with beautiful weather making for the perfect April swim. Explore the volcanic beaches of Santorini, bask in the white sand of Crete, or simply lap up your first soak in the glittery Aegean.
Where to stay: Villa Emara, Paros | Villa Katia, Chania | Villa Omorfia, Naxos | Villa Katia, Chania
8. Spend Easter in Tuscany
As the home of the Vatican City and the Catholic Church, Italy doesn’t hold back when it comes to Easter celebrations. But why Tuscany? From the explosion of the cart in Florence to the reenactment of the Passion of Christ in Grassina, Tuscany is a land of ancient traditions and rituals, well worth exploring at Easter time.
Where to stay: San Colombano, Lucca & Pisa | Casa Chieto, Montepulciano | Villa I Gigli, Arezzo
What to do in May?
9. Head to the Amalfi Coast before the crowds
In May, Southern Italy”s weather is pleasantly warm, averaging around 20°C; flowers are in bloom, and the scent of lemons drifts through the balmy air.
Where to stay: Villa Cantarina, Amalfi Coast | Villa Arpino, Sorrento | Villa Caprese, Capri Island
10. Explore the villages of Provence
May is Provence at its most poetic. Lavender fields start to rise, village markets brim with fresh produce, and long lunches stretch into the afternoon. Wander cobbled streets, sip rosé in the sunshine, and embrace the rhythm of rural France.
Where to stay: Villa Romane, Saint Remy de Provence | Villa Les Fortunes, Luberon | Villa Grand Gordes, Luberon
What to do in June?
11. Do a Pintxos crawl in San Sebastián
June brings long, golden evenings to San Sebastián, the perfect backdrop for a pintxos crawl through the Old Town. Hop from bar to bar, sampling Pintxos, the bite-sized jewels of Basque cuisine, beautifully paired with crisp local wines.
Where to stay: Apartment Miraconcha | Apartment Urumea | Villa Maitztegi
12. Tour vineyards in the Douro Valley
The Douro Valley in early summer is lush, sun-drenched, and quietly spectacular. Cruise the river, walk vineyard terraces, and taste world-class wines where they’re grown, all against a backdrop of beautiful rolling hills.
Where to stay: The Grape Escape | Douro Escape House | Serra & Court Retreat
13. Drive the Serra de Tramuntana in Mallorca
Take to the winding roads of the Serra de Tramuntana, where dramatic cliffs, mountain villages and sweeping sea views shape Mallorca at its most cinematic. Discover the incredible landscape, stopping for long lunches and at hidden coves along the way.
Where to stay: Deluxe Alaro, Mallorca | Ca Na Vincent, Deia | Villa de Madera, Pollensa
What to do in July?
14. Live the Greek island life
July is made for Greece: long, salt-air days, sun-bleached villages, and evenings that start with golden-hour swims and end with plates of grilled seafood.
Where to stay: Villa Spetses, Spetses | Villa Parga, Parga | Theodore Estate, North-East Coast
15. Soak in the old glamour of Côte d’Azur
Riviera elegance is built into the very rhythm of life in the Côte d’Azur. Market mornings, afternoons spent on the beach, and delicious aperitifs on sun-drenched terraces. July sees the south of France at its most seductive, all old-school glamour and gorgeous sunshine.
Where to stay: Villa La Garde, Saint Tropez | Bastide Des Remparts, French Riviera | Villas Jolie and Zen, Grasse
What to do in August?
16. Explore Ibiza beyond the clubs
Despite its reputation for hedonism, Ibiza has a softer side. Beyond the clubs, sleepy villages, hidden coves, and quiet beach bars demand to be explored. This island has long been known for its bohemian spirit, and August is the time to find it, if you know where to look.
Where to stay: Villa Trudis, Santa Gertrudis | Can Rafelito, Cala Tarida | Villa Willow, Cala Vadella
17. Island hop around Croatia
Croatia in August is pure escapism. Hop between sun-soaked islands, swim in glassy coves, and spend evenings wandering ancient harbour towns, ice cream in hand.
Where to stay: Villa Luxana, Korcula | Villa Seabreeze, Brac | Villa Myah, Hvar
What to do in September?
18. Soak up Santorini without the crowds
September is Santorini’s sweet spot. The sea is still warm, the light is honeyed, and the island starts to breathe again after peak season. Expect slower days, quieter corners, and sunsets that feel just as spectacular without the crowds.
Where to stay: Villa Calpina, Oia and the Caldera | Villa Triton, Oia and the Caldera | Villa Sophia, Megalochori
19. Join in harvest season in Umbria
Come September, Umbria turns golden. Vineyards and olive groves buzz with harvest energy, towns fill with food festivals, and the countryside feels alive. Enjoy cellar tastings, rustic lunches, and dishes built around seasonal flavours.
Where to stay: Villa Toppello, Umbria | Casa Bolini, Umbria | Castelli Di Napoleone, Umbria
20. Snorkel quiet coves in Sardinia
September in Sardinia is dreamy. You get the same warm water, glorious arcs of beach, and that famous turquoise glow, just without the midsummer rush. Spend your days snorkelling secluded coves, drifting between beach clubs, and chatting over seafood as the sun goes down.
Where to stay: La Manna, Sardinia | Villa Morisia, Sardinia | Villa Menduledda, Sardinia
What to do in October?
21. Do Morocco city to coast
October is one of Morocco’s best months. Start in Marrakech for souks, spice-scented evenings and rooftop dining, then head to the coast to slow the pace with sea air and long beaches.
Where to stay: Villa Foukani, Marrakech | Villa Ibach, Essaouira | Villa Aouiss, Marrakech
22. Explore the Algarve in slow season
In October, the Algarve dials down. Beaches are quieter, the light is still golden, and days are perfect for cliff walks and ocean swims.
Where to stay: Casa River Tavira, Algarve | Villa Gale Hibiscus, Algarve | Villa Mingo, Quinta do Lago
What to do in November?
23. Hike levadas in Madeira
Madeira is a year-round green escape, and November is ideal for getting out on the trails. Follow levadas through misty laurel forests, past waterfalls and volcanic peaks, before rewarding yourself with sweeping ocean views.
Where to stay: Villa Prometheus, Madeira | Villa Ocinac, Funchal | Madeira Azul, Calheta
24. Take a road trip across Sicily
Sicily in November feels wonderfully local. Drive between baroque towns and coastal villages, stop over slow lunches, and explore ancient ruins without the heat. In November, the island’s flavours are at their most comforting. The citrus is bright and fresh, the wine is rich, and the classics are full of heart.
Where to stay: Casa Mare Blu | Dimora Ronzini | Villa La Luna
What to do in December?
25. Go full winter wonderland in Lapland
December in Lapland is like something out of a fairytale. Wander through snowy forests, curl up beside roaring fires, and gaze at the glow of the Northern Lights. Husky rides, sleigh bells, and a certain St. Nick make December the most magical time to explore this wonderland.
Where to stay: Glass Igloo Suite, Rovaniemi | Villa Kaarina, Levi | Pine Lodge, Finnish Lapland
26. Get in the festive spirit at Europe’s best Christmas markets
Nothing beats a Christmas market for instant holiday cheer. Sample the delights of the light-strung stalls: sweet and fragrant mulled wine, cinnamon-spiced treats, a whole trove of handmade treasures. Base yourself in the city to dip into galleries, museums, and sights by the day, then return to the streets to soak up the festive cheer after dark.
Where to stay: Royal George Townhouse, Bath | Apartment Donatello, Milan | Maison Porthos, Paris Region
These activities to do in 2026 offer an incredible array of opportunities for personal growth, adventure, and memorable experiences. So, step outside of your comfort zone and make the most of the upcoming year. Plan where to go at Villas Holidays 2026 and view our beautiful homes around the globe. Whatever you’re into… you’ll find it at Oliver’s Travels.
