Salt pans, green wine and riverside trains – Portugal’s blend of rural and urban
A growing emphasis on responsible travel means it’s time to look beyond the big destinations. Portugal’s smaller cities offer a beautiful balance between artistic urban centres and dramatic landscapes, allowing you to experience the full breadth of a region’s culture.… Continue reading >
Returning to France: Alastair Sawday rolls back the years
On his first trip to France for over two years, Alastair Sawday was apprehensive about the state of his first travel love. He shares reflections, revelations and realities on a cycling tour of Brittany’s Voie Verte – a network of converted… Continue reading >
Coastal trails, new rails and overnight trains – fresh ways to see the UK
In 2021, we probably all got to know the UK much better than we’d thought possible. You might have imagined this leading to a bout of cabin fever, but instead we feel a renewed sense of love for our island… Continue reading >
Balance in the Balearics – sustainable innovation in Spain’s islands
In 2016, the Balearic Islands instituted a Sustainable Tourism Tax. Many were sceptical, but since its inception over 170 innovative projects have been initiated. They cover everything from cultural restoration to mapping the ocean floor, but they all have one… Continue reading >
Slow, natural Italy – cycling and hiking in the tranquil countryside
After everything that’s happened in the past couple of years, Italy feels like a place rediscovering itself and rethinking its approach to many things, travel included. Partially due to a government credit scheme encouraging bicycle ownership, there’s been a huge… Continue reading >
Sleepers, hikers and octopi: flightless France in 2022
With sustainability becoming increasingly woven into the fabric of travel, the love affair between Brits and nearby France is set to blossom in 2022. Our Loire-based expert Nicky has dusted off her little black book of foodies, artists and wine… Continue reading >
Five beautiful and bracing winter walks
Nothing beats those crisp winter days: the sun’s shining, you’re wrapped up warm and there’s a peaceful stillness to the frosty landscape. Whether you’re looking for a short Sunday loop or a post-lunch hike – we’ve got five best winter… Continue reading >
A local’s guide to the autumn harvest in Europe
Autumn’s arrival brings an abundance of two of life’s biggest joys: food and drink. All over Europe, farmers are busy at work harvesting fields, trees and crops whilst foragers take to the woods to find hidden delights. We spoke to… Continue reading >
Lesser known European destinations to visit in 2022
We’ve always enjoyed seeking out under-the-radar destinations: tasting local delicacies, wandering through quiet streets and living like a local. We asked our resident experts based in France and Italy for their favourite lesser-known destinations to help you make some exciting… Continue reading >
Coastal holiday cottages to book for 2022
There’s never a bad time to head for a place by the sea. In winter you can sit and watch storms roll in over dramatic swells, in summer, walk the beaches and listen to the lazy sizzle of the surf.… Continue reading >