Looking for a sun destination untouched by Northern European crowds? Martin Hesp explores Porto Santo, a quiet Atlantic paradise of golden sands, sleepy squares, and authentic island life just a short flight from the UK.

For a bloke who has spent 50 years chasing stories and good suppers, Funchal’s dining scene is a revelation. At Three House and Akua, the ultimate experience means bagging a seat right at the bar. Perched at these informal chef’s tables, the barrier evaporates. It is pure theatre. You can watch the team work and chat with the chefs as they serve up spectacular local flavours, from crunch-perfect scabbard fish to daring sardine and passion fruit pairings.

Hidden high in Madeira's misty mountain valleys, ancient apple orchards are enjoying an extraordinary revival. Martin Hesp discovers how entrepreneur Márcio Nóbrega has transformed the island's traditional "poor man's drink" into internationally acclaimed sparkling cider while rescuing thousands of heritage apple trees from abandonment.

Discover the Madeira Wine Festival, a colourful celebration of wine, food and island traditions, with first-hand experiences of Madeira's vineyards and wine culture.

A guide to the joys of visiting Gran Canaria in Europe's winter time

Dramatic volcanic peaks, lush pine cloud forests, and quiet colonial streets—discover why the untamed island of La Palma remains the Canary Islands' best-kept secret for walkers, explorers, and anyone seeking a peaceful alternative to mass tourism.

Leave the beaches behind and discover the real Lanzarote on foot. From dramatic volcanic landscapes and lava fields to secluded coves, traditional villages and spectacular coastal paths, this walking holiday reveals a side of the Canary Islands that most visitors never see. Perfect inspiration for hikers, nature lovers and adventurous travellers.

Most visitors head to Tenerife for sunshine and beaches, but this remarkable Canary Island offers far more. From dramatic volcanic landscapes and spectacular walking trails to traditional villages, outstanding food and breathtaking mountain scenery, here's why Tenerife deserves to be explored well beyond its famous resorts.

Madeira combines spectacular mountain scenery, a wonderfully temperate climate, superb food and one of Europe’s most charming capitals. Travel writer Martin Hesp explores Funchal, walks the island’s famous levadas and royal paths, samples Madeiran cuisine and discovers why this Atlantic island remains one of his favourite destinations.

Discover how to plan the perfect 3 to 4-day short break in Madeira. Explore Funchal highlights, scenic walks, local seafood spots, and top places to stay.

Madeira is a paradise for food lovers, with superb seafood, tropical fruits and distinctive traditional dishes. Travel writer Martin Hesp explores the island’s food culture, from black scabbardfish, espetada and bolo do caco to grilled limpets, poncha and the extraordinary produce of Funchal’s famous market.

Discover Madeira's spectacular Atlantic Festival, from the famous Funchal fireworks competition to music, culture and unforgettable summer celebrations – with a first-hand look at this extraordinary island event.

Limpets can be a remarkable base for a seafood stew, says Martin Hesp who once came upon a man harvesting limpets on one of the most barren coastlines in Europe

Walking in the western parts of Lanzarote can be interesting - an exhausting - lava flows are not the easiest terrain to stroll across

Martin Hesp takes a turn around Las Palmas, capital of Gran Canaria and one of his favourite cities in all of Spain

Martin Hesp remembers a journey across Madeira to the wild and vertiginous north coast

A first-hand account of a Madeira jeep tour with Lazermar, exploring the island's spectacular scenery before lunch at Ponta da Calheta.

Madeira's levadas offer some of the island's most memorable walks. Here's my experience of walking them, with photographs and practical advice for today's visitors.

Think Gran Canaria is just full-English breakfasts and crowded tourist resorts? Think again. Join travel journalist Martin Hesp as he takes the wheel for an epic road trip through a miniature continent of towering volcanic peaks, deep ravines, and historic fishing villages.

Funchal is a magical city. Join Martin Hesp as he eats and drinks his way through the cobbled side-streets of Madeira’s capital. From sipping old-fashioned Madeira wine to tasting the mysterious black scabbard fish from the deep, discover the flavours that make this island city a world-class culinary destination