Held seven weeks before Easter, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival is a five-day extravaganza of bright colours, energy, and samba music. From Friday to Ash Wednesday, the town comes to life and becomes the scene of breathtaking shows, samba school exhibitions, and parades of floats. The Carnival is an ode to the happiness and joy of living, an unforgettable experience that brings together locals and tourists alike. Come and join the dancing crowds in the streets! If you want to experience these spectacular festivities, be sure to book hotels and flights with good time since they run out extremely fast and often come at high prices.

Mullaghmore, a small fishing village in County Sligo, boasts three kilometres of white sandy beach, which proves very popular with water sports enthusiasts, especially expert big wave surfers. Go on a panoramic walk along the coast and enjoy watching their water stunts.

Fira’s the main hub of the island—busy, a bit chaotic in peak season, but a good base if you want everything within reach. It’s where you’ll find most of the museums (the Museum of Prehistoric Thera is the one to prioritise), plus loads of shops, cafés, and bars. If you’re using the bus to get around, this is where they all connect. It’s also a decent spot for watching the caldera without Oia’s crowds.

Get a peek behind the scenes of Rio's Carnival on a lively cultural tour. Explore the Carnival Factory and learn how the parade's famous floats and costumes are produced. Listen to commentary on the history of samba and carnival, then visit the dressing rooms to try on some costumes and take some photos. Welcome drinks of caipirinhas, the Brazilian national drink, and a samba class complete the whole carnival experience.