Cutting serenely into the birdsong at Vila Monte is the discreet tinkle of water from the pool. White umbrellas and billowing muslin drapes provide shade in the artfully-kept grounds and beyond the low-rise slouch of the hotel there’s nothing but waves of scrub, undulating lazily towards the sea.
It’s a scene seemingly straight from the South of France, but surprisingly this is the Algarve – beloved 1980s favourite of amateur golfers and mid-life boozers. You might not recognise it because, like many retro destinations, this part of Portugal has had a 21st-century makeover complete with boutique hotels, beach clubs and expensive restaurants.
The old package favourites became holiday hotspots for a reason, whether it was the year-round sun, velvet sand or a window into another, more enjoyable culture. Now, after decades in the doldrums, they’re focusing on their best bits to stage a comeback. Read on to discover why now’s the time to revisit four of Europe’s most retro destinations…
Madeira
Once the favoured holiday spot for a particular type of OAP, Madeira had a reputation for attracting silver snoozers. They came to sit on the balconies of grande dames such as the Savoy and Reid’s Palace during mild winters, sporting huge sunnies and nursing glasses of the local fortified wine (a wise choice, since it happens to be rather good).
