Edge of the world: discovering the wild side of the Algarve

The very tip of Portugal is a haven for dolphins, whales, walkers – and savvy tourists keen to discover an under-the-radar stretch of the coast

Castles to barn conversions: 12 of the best UK holiday pads for large groups

We pick gorgeous country pads, from Pembrokeshire to the Peak District, that make perfect bases for groups of friends and family get-togethers

Very cheap and incredibly cheerful: we hired an entire hostel in Wales

In winter, the YHA hires out whole hostels for exclusive use by large groups of family and friends – and they are in some of the loveliest parts of the UK

Tim Dowling’s tips for a successful multigenerational holiday

If you want your family to behave, make sure you invite friends, too – and other ways to ensure your group holiday doesn’t feel like you’re herding cats

Rail to the Reef: an easy train journey to one of the greatest natural wonders

A sleeper train with ‘thoughtful touches’ along the Queensland coast offers diverse and diver-friendly access points to the Great Barrier Reef

‘We loved pub trips, wild swimming and sing-songs’: readers’ favourite UK hostels

From the Surrey Hills to the Hebrides, hostels offer affordable lodgings in some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes. Here are our readers’ top picks

Roman holiday: just beyond the city lies a land of popes and emperors

Less than an hour from Rome, Nepi and the Tuscia region is an under-the-radar cultural and historic hub – and councillors are working with the local community to welcome more visitors

An e-biking tour of England’s newest forest

Over nine million trees have been planted in the east Midlands’ National Forest, where mines once churned up the land, offering great cycling routes that explore villages and industrial heritage

A foodie tour of Somerset and Wiltshire by train and on foot

By travelling car-free we became fully immersed in the area’s quieter attractions, with cosy stays and great food throughout

Share a tip on a brilliant winter activity trip

Tell us about a favourite place for a snowy holiday – the best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays break

A glimpse of ancient Wales: the wilder alternative to Snowdon

Only a few miles but a world away from overcrowded Snowdon, the quieter paths and rugged slopes of the Rhinogydd offer a walk on the region’s wildest mountain

Clean air, crystal waters and carefree adventure in the Austrian Alps

The lakeside resort of Zell am See is big on outdoor fun, hearty food and stunning views

Roaming in the gloaming on Sweden’s new island-hopping trail

Stockholm’s archipelago is a joy in summer but harder to get around at other times as ferries reduce their services. But that could change with the launch of a new trail linking 21 islands

Spanish steppes: an epic hike across the wild plains of Extremadura

The Via de la Plata is one of Spain’s toughest pilgrim routes, weaving through a landscape of isolated steppes and fortress cities in the country’s least-known region

Fears for future of ski tourism as resorts adapt to thawing snow season

While some embrace technological innovations, others are forced to close as global heating causes lack of snowfall