Located at the northernmost fringe of the UK, the mystical isles of the Shetland archipelago are a less explored wilderness that has more to unpack than one would imagine. North Link ferries operate a daily service to Lerwick straight from Aberdeen (from £58 return), calling for a quick and affordable getaway.
Lerwick, a bustling fishing town is home to a number of quaint cobbled streets, full of independent boutiques and restaurants serving up the very best of local produce, such as No.88 Shetland where one can savour their delectable mussels over a glass of fine wine for around £10.
Near market cross, the Lounge Bar is an iconic pub and a great place to interact with the locals, who gather there every evening to play a selection of traditional music. To those familiar with the BBCs thriller ‘Shetland’, much of the town may look familiar with much of the show set here. You might recognise The Lodberrie, a photogenic old cottage by the harbour, as it famously acted as the home of DI Perez! Whilst having a degree of familiarity with other Scottish towns, there is also a touch of something different.
Having once been part of the Norwegian Kingdom, the local culture has a unique and pronounced Nordic influence that can be seen through local sagas (great Viking epics), names and architecture- many of the harbourside sheds are built to the classic Scandi design with a colourful metal design. Fort Charlotte, a 17th century artillery fort, dominates the town skyline and makes for a fantastic place to wander about and look out over the sea.
On a clear night, you might just have the luck of glimpsing the Northern lights from here, which illuminate the skies closer to winter! With many B&Bs and the fantastic Islesburgh Hostel (twin rooms from £46 per night), it is a great base from which to explore the island by bus or rental car.
A short hop on the bus down the ‘Mainland’ will take you to Sumburgh. At the rocky southern tip of the island, this is where those flying will land into. Apart from its pretty lighthouse, the excavations at Jarlshof are fascinating, representing a microcosm of Shetlands history. This one site is home to a number of different settlements, representing the diverse history of the islands. With parts dating back almost 4 thousand years.
In a short walk you can uncover various structures in immaculate condition with distinct Vikings, Celts and Pictish design who all called this place home at various points in time. On the drive down, it may also be worth stopping at the picturesque St. Ninian’s beach. An unspoilt golden beach with clear blue waters, visitors on a good day can cross its iconic tombolo (strip of sand) over to St.Ninian’s Isle, a haven for puffins and thousands of rabbits!
For those wanting to escape to somewhere more adventurous, there is one daily bus from Lerwick that takes you to the hamlet of Hillswick. Surrounded by incredible wilderness, it is very much a rambler’s paradise, with jaw-dropping cliffside views and impressive rock formations called ‘The Drongs’ in easy reach of a hike. Far from the tourist eye and rarely visited, the Ness of Hillswick features Shetlands natural beauty in its truest form. If you have an eye for birdwatching look no further! The many coves along the coast provide shelter from strong Atlantic winds and thus are home to large colonies of nesting birds such as the puffin and arctic tern.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for warmer weather; stradling the Atlantic coast, the Algarve is a timeless sun-soaked region known for its immaculate beaches, olive groves and rural charm. As the summer masses gradually disappear, the weather remains welcoming and the idyllic towns adopt a slower pace of life. With plenty of activities to enjoy at a reasonable price and direct flights from Aberdeen (from £78, EasyJet), the Algarve is the perfect place for a warm escape.
Faro is the quaint capital of the region and home to the main airport. The cobbled streets of Cidade Velha are lined by colourful tiled houses and bars where locals gather to listen to the melancholy tunes of Fado.
It is a perfect base for your trip with many hotels and resorts (starting at €35 per night). The magnificent Cathedral square is home to various buildings, largely influenced by Renaissance and Baroque style, reflecting the wealth of the Portuguese empire and flow of ideas and trade through the city. The Ria Famosa Reserve is a natural wonder, comprising barrier islands and marshes that protect Faro from the strong Atlantic waves. A popular place to try abseiling and windsurfing, the lagoon is a rich aquatic habitat, home to bright pink Flamingos and Avocets.
Amongst the most photographed beaches in Portugal, Praia da Marinha is a perfect place with a stunning backdrop of golden sandstone cliffs. Many speedboat operators offer to show you around the sea stacks and coves in style, with the exciting prospect of witnessing a pod of dolphins up close if you’re lucky! Thanks to its strong waves, the beach attracts many surfers who show off their skills effortlessly to onlooking visitors. If water sports don’t appease you, there are also some well-known golf-courses in the area that are the perfect place to try your hand at the sport for a fraction of UK prices such as Val de Milho and Salgados that offer fantastic deals.
Close to the resort of Albufeira, one can easily get carried away at Zoomarine (2day entry costs €37). This infamous amusement park is visited by thousands and features a variety of creatures unique to the Iberian Peninsula. It is well known for the exciting daily shows with sea lions and dolphins who play tricks and play with enthralled guests. What makes this any better than other zoos you might ask? Well, did you know there is a giant waterpark to enjoy too! Large slides and wave pools are great fun to try with many drops high enough to even make the bravest people gasp.
