How to Make the Most out of the Bank Holidays in 2023

People living in England can expect eight bank holidays this year, because an extra bank holiday has been added to celebrate the the coronation of King Charles III on the 8th May. With an extra day off, it’s time to think about how you can best spend your 2023 bank holidays, and make the most out of them – to the point where you can book a holiday abroad! All it takes is careful planning and booking your trip around certain dates. 

Easter holidays 2023

Easter this year is in early April. Good Friday falls on April 7th and Easter Monday is on April 10th, by booking off the below dates gives you’ll get an amazing 16 days off!

• Monday April 3rd
• Tuesday April 4th
• Wednesday April 5th
• Thursday April 6th
• Tuesday April 11th
• Wednesday April 12th
• Thursday April 13th
• Friday April 14th

Why not book Villa Tadeu Quatro in the stunning Algarve countryside? Not only does it have a large private pool and spacious outdoor terrace, it’s only a 10 minutes’ drive to the stylish Vilamoura Marina with a choice of places to eat, shops and attractions. Grown-ups can enjoy wine tasting, sampling local Peri-Peri chicken and the laid-back pace of this region. For the kids, there’s the nearby Zoomarine Park featuring dolphin and bird shows, as well as the Fiesa San Sculpture Park, which features some incredible sculptures of celebrities and cartoon characters ingeniously made from sand. 

Another recommendation is Villa Clive – a stylish and modern property in Lindos with stunning sea views, private pool, and fantastic outside space. Spend your long holiday relaxing in the sunshine, playing with the kids in the pool, or visit the popular resort of Lardos with its old-fashioned feel, charming square with a picturesque church and Italian fountain. Nearby, there’s a working monastery and the remains of a Byzantine castle, only a 10 minutes’ drive from the villa.

Early May Bank Holiday

You can get a whopping ten days off using just four days leave, thanks to the usual May Bank Holiday weekend and the extra bank holiday thanks to the Coronation of King Charles on Monday May 8th! Simply take the below dates off:

• Tuesday, May 2nd
• Wednesday, May 3rd
• Thursday, May 4th
• Friday, May 5th

Why not spend a relaxing week on the laid-back sunny island of Lefkada? In early May, days usually reach around 25 Celsius. We recommend staying in Villa Akrogiali Desimi – Offering breathtaking, panoramic views of Desimi Bay and across the sea to the island of Meganisi, you can admire the stunning scenery from your own private pool. This lovely 2 bedroom villa is perfect for couples or small groups, with the picturesque Desimi Beach and a couple of tavernas just 5 minutes’ drive away. 

Another option is the beautiful destination of Madeira. We recommend Villa Fig Tree – Set amongst the rolling hills of the tranquil Madeiran countryside and with stunning sea views, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing holiday or explore one of the incredible levada walks that circle the island.

End of May Bank Holiday

The next is Bank Holiday on Monday, May 29th. You can get nine days out of the office with just four days allowance:

• Tuesday, May 30th
• Wednesday, May 31st
• Thursday, June 1st
• Friday, June 2nd

Why not spend a week sipping on wine in the gorgeous region of Languedoc in France. Surrounded by vineyards, Villa Corbieres’ only neighbours are the castle on the hill, Château de Saint-Martin-de-Toques, and the stunning Abbaye de Fontfroide, well worth a visit. This striking 5 bedroom property is beautifully designed with stylish furnishings and a private pool. 

End of August/early September

Next is the summer bank holiday on Monday, August 28th. Book the below four dates off and have a lovely nine day holiday:

• Tuesday, August 29th
• Wednesday, August 30th
• Thursday, August 31th
• Friday, September 1st

Why not jet off to sunny Costa Blanca for a relaxing summer retreat? Villa Balconet is a great choice for families and large grous! Perched above the inviting resort of Javea, this grand villa offers some of the best views you’ll come across in the region. Interiors are spacious, airy and modern, with large picture windows that allow you to indulge in the views.

December

The Bank Holidays this year in December are on Monday, December 25 (Christmas Day) and Tuesday, December 26 (Boxing Day). You can get a whole ten days off by booking the dates in between Christmas and New Year as Monday, January 1st will also be a bank holiday!

Escape the UK cold and get some sunshine in the beautiful Canary Islands! We love Villa Marella – housed in a sleek, contemporary structure, this 3 bedroom villa offers light filled spaces and a generously sized terrace to enjoy. Impeccably finished, interiors are stylish and minimalist, offering a lovely environment to unwind in. What’s more, the Rubicon Marina, with a host of chic dining and shopping options, is approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the villa. 

Now we’ve inspired you, it’s time to get planning and booking your dream holiday villa in the sunshine for the 2023 bank holidays.