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.

Madeira’s annual wine festival provides a wonderful time to visit the beautiful Atlantic island

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

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.

Somewhere off the northwest coast of Africa, lies the isle of Madeira - a gem that has been popular with British visitors for decades, or even centuries. The place is enchanting. Madeira is a remote isle where nature, culture, and history converge, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Here's why a brief visit to Madeira might be just what your soul needs. Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions As your plane descends toward the island - sometimes rather bumpily

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.

One of the great things about getting out and about is that you can see how other people do things and perhaps borrow some of their ideas for use at home. It’s an experience I had last weekend when I was invited down to Madeira to witness an event which they call The Atlantic Festival. It takes place each June to celebrate the coming of the summer, and the various events are staged with much style and panache. So much so, that I spent the three-hour flight back to Bristol Ai

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 podcast and photos - all about an amazing 4x4 tour of the mountains of Madeira

Walking Madeira’s magnificent levadas. Martin Hesp has created a podcast about the experience and put a selection of photographs onto his website

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.

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Exploring the mountainous and scenic isle of La Palma in the Canary Isles</p>