GOLDEN OLDIES

From Malta to Margate, the destinations your gran would have holidayed in – that are now becoming super cool

Rosie Gizauskas

Published: 8:20, 10 Sep 2018
Updated: 11:03, 11 Sep 2018

YOUR grandma might actually have been onto something when she headed off on her summer holiday to Margate or Madeira.

Both destinations are now super cool when it comes to holidays – as are places like Majorca.

Madeira was once known as an OAP holiday favourite, but these days has become coolCredit: Getty - Contributor

It might be worth giving her a call before you book your next holiday, and in the meantime check out our guide for more tips on where else didn’t used to be cool – but now really is.

Malta

While it might have been known as a destination for OAPs in the past, things are seriously changing on the Mediterranean island.

took place this year in June and July, hosting acts like Calvin Harris, Snoop Dogg and Lady Gaga.

Valetta shown in the 1980s, when it might have been nana's favourite destinationCredit: Getty - Contributor

Malta has been used as the backdrop for scenes in Game of ThronesCredit: Getty - Contributor

The island is also the 2018 European Capital of Culture – and it’s where scenes in Kings Landing from Game Of Thrones were filmed.

Its capital, Valletta, is an UNESCO World Heritage site, with a mixture of forts, temples and Baroque palaces to explore and Instagram.

If you head over then try out diving in the island’s Azure Window of Gozo, a huge natural arch that’s got plenty to explore under the water.

The arch is also where Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen’s wedding was filmed on the show.

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The island also has swish beach clubs like Pearl Club and Baia Club for soaking up the sun and having a drink or five – where granny almost certainly wouldn’t venture.

Stay at in Valletta for £97 per night including breakfast next April.

Madeira

This Portuguese island in the Atlantic is actually closer to North Africa than it is to Portugal and has a bit of a reputation for being a holiday choice for those over 60.

But is now becoming a cool destination, with younger people flocking to the volcanic island that’s known for its unusual black-sand beaches.

Madeira was a popular tourist destination back in the 1950s and 60s - when your grand might have headed overCredit: Getty - Contributor

Madeira has black sand bays and a buzzing bar sceneCredit: Getty - Contributor

The Old Town is lively in the evenings, with bars and clubs getting started at about midnight, way past gran’s bedtime.

The locals drink poncha, a traditional drink made from sugar cane juice, honey, oranges and lemons at cool bar Merceria Dona Mecia, which is tucked away down a side street in Funchal.

You should also make sure to try out Madeira’s famous desert wine while you’re in town.

There’s also surfing, climbing and canyoning on offer for those who don’t just want to sunbathe by the pool every day.

Stay at in Camacha for £99 per room per night with breakfast included.

Margate

Once a summer escape for the elderly, Margate has been hip for several years now and is now a new alternative to super-cool Brighton these days – but without the crowds.

The place has had a revamp, but is still rough around the edges – but that’s part of its charm.

Hipsters can be found handing out at the Old Kent Market, an old cinema that now houses food, craft beer, vinyl records and more.

There’s also the iconic Dreamland, which reopened in 2017 after a £25million revamp.

It has the fairground rides that you would imagine, and also hosts club nights such as Hed Kandi, DJs such as Basement Jaxx and a party this Halloween called .

Margate has been revamped and now has a cool art scene to check outCredit: Getty - Contributor

Other hot spots include Turner Contemporary gallery on the sea front and the Shell Grotto, a mysterious passageway underground discovered in 1835 that’s covered in mosaics made entirely from shells.

The Libertines have even been busy renovating a dilapidated old building on the Margate seafront, which they are turning into their own hotel, called The Albion Rooms.

Stay at for £73 per room per night with breakfast included.

Málaga

Malaga back in the 1960s, as tourists sunbathe on the beach with their guitarsCredit: Getty - Contributor

The port city on the Costa Del Sol is the capital of package holiday heartland – but it’s recently started scoring high on the cool list - Picasso was born here, after all.

Ideal for a beach holiday, the city is also close by to Marbella for those who fancy a glitzy night out, Towie-style.

The up-and-coming arty district is graffiti-adorned Soho, and there are several new art galleries to explore, such as the Museo Picasso and the Centre Pompidou.

Sunbathe on Misericordia or Malagueta beaches, before heading out for tapas in the evening.

Málaga has graffiti that feels like something out of Berlin or LondonCredit: Alamy

For those in search of the Spanish classic, paella, head to Drunk-o-Rama, a small café bar in the city’s old town that also hosts poetry readings and live music.

For shopping, head to the Old Town, which has designer shops, smart cafes and enough tapas to feed a small army.

Stay at the from £65 per room per night.

Majorca

Head to Palma for the weekend if you want to eat, drink and be merryCredit: Getty - Contributor

One word: Love Island. Majorca got suddenly cool four years ago when the show decided to film there, and since then it’s been a bun fight to book a villa on the island there in summer.

The island is seriously Instagrammable these days, from Lake Martel to the streets of historic Palma.

Palma itself is a great spot for a weekend away, where you’ll find cobbled streets and a Gothic cathedral.

Have breakfast at the hipster favourite La Molienda, which serves up porridge and avocado on toast, before heading out for the day.

Beach club wise, visitors are spoiled for choice, from Nikki Beach to Puro Beach and Balneario Illetas.