For your cultural fix… Sicily, Italy

Despite being the first European country to be stung by the pandemic, Italy has emerged on the other side with Rome’s Fiumicino Airport being the first in the world to be awarded Skytrax’s Covid-19 5-Star Airport Rating. This half-term, we’re heading to the islands, namely Sicily, for a truly relaxing break.

What to do: a melting pot of historical sights, from buildings with baroque details to Norman architecture and ancient Greek temples, there’s plenty to see. Waters are still warm in October and the beaches are primed for days by the sea. When you need to let off steam, tackle one of the many hikes around the island.

Where to stay: with room for eight, Villa Elimi is plonked near cultural sites like the Greek temple of Segesta and the salt pans of Morzia

From £4,090 for seven nights, merrioncharles.com

As featured in The Evening Standard