Author: simon611

The Minister of Tourism encouraged us to help the world dream about Greece during the opening night party for the TBEX travel bloggers conference in Athens. This lively Greek capital warmly welcomed over 500 travel bloggers to help shift perceptions about Greece’s offerings. The city was eager to highlight its delicious food and share its stories.

Greece had faced challenging times, with news filled with reports of strikes and public protests. The government had to take drastic measures to balance the budget, affecting pensioners, students, and families. However, during our visit to Athens, we sensed a renewed energy as Greece moved past its difficulties and looked forward. Local tourism businesses came together to showcase their best, and at the opening party, restaurants and food businesses impressed us with a feast of Greek cuisine and enterprise.

At the Technopolis cultural center, I explored stands of food and drink, sampling products from various Greek regions. I tasted naturally matured prosciutto and salamis from Central Greece, paired with Verve natural juices in blends of apple, celery, melon, and ginger. I enjoyed Greek wines from Papaioannou Wines and miniature hot dogs from ManhManh, a local restaurant offering modern twists on Greek regional dishes.

Aleria, another local Athens restaurant, served a delectable Halva mousse, and I received a bag of traditional Loukoum sweets, perfumed with rosewater, coated with coconut, and dripping with syrup. I couldn’t resist eating the entire bag as a late-night snack in my hotel room.

During the day, I joined the Athens Food Tour with Big Olive, a new business run by young Athenian entrepreneurs. Although Big Olive no longer offers food tours, I recommend this tour for its 8-10 tastings that provide a great overview of Athens’ food scene.

Our gastronomic walking tour began with desserts, even though Greeks typically enjoy yogurt and honey for breakfast and cakes in the afternoon. At Stani, a family-run dairy cafe near Omonia Square, we sampled creamy Greek yogurt, honey, and sweet treats like Loukoumades, Galaktobureko, and Moustalevria. The yogurt, made from sheep’s milk, was bathed in honey and sprinkled with walnuts.

Next, we tasted olives and olive oils, along with traditional Koulourakia biscuits. We sipped LIA extra virgin oil from Messinia and sampled Kalamata and Amphisa olives. The olive, a symbol of peace and prosperity in Greece, is also a symbol of regeneration, as it can grow back after a forest fire.

Our tour continued through the Central market on Athinas Street, known as Varvakios Agora. We saw stands of fish and meat, with vendors calling out to customers. The market, originally located within an archaeological area, was moved in the 1880s to allow excavations. A fire forced traders to relocate to the new market.

We then visited Feyrouz Lahmajoun, a family venture featuring flatbreads of Antiochia. The shop, named after the owner’s mother and a famous Lebanese singer, offered various flatbreads with toppings like minced meat and vegetables. We enjoyed warm Peinirli pies and sipped perfumed Turkish tea.

Our next stop was Karamanlidika, a cafe/deli specializing in cheese and charcuterie. The place resembled a classy village taverna, with strings of sausages, garlic, and chillis hanging above the counter. We sampled hams with a thick red coating of spices, Meze like stuffed vine leaves, and matured cheese.

Our final stop was the Museum of Greek Gastronomy, where we enjoyed strong Greek coffee and a “Sweet Spoon” of preserved aubergine. Sadly, the museum has since closed.

After our food tour, we visited the Acropolis, taking photos of the Parthenon during the golden hour. We recommend pre-booking a skip-the-line ticket to avoid long queues.

In the evening, we attended a street party on Pandrossou Street, discovering charming family businesses and Greek crafts. We enjoyed Greek coffee and listened to a bouzouki band playing traditional music.

The mayor invited us to become Athenians, and on our final night, we embraced the message. Greece offers ancient culture, modern spirit, sunshine, music, and warm hospitality. We left with a sense of connection and a desire to return soon.

During our holiday in Austria, we enjoyed walking tours with Headwater that took us through the beautiful Gaistal Valley, up to the peak of Seefelder Spitz, and even allowed us to witness the traditional Rifleman’s parade in Seefeld.

On our last day of hiking, my friend Julia and I discovered that the best was yet to come. We explored the rugged landscapes of the Leutasch Valley and admired the charming painted houses in Mittenwald. Our day ended with a serene lakeside walk surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

Starting from Hotel Xander, we took a short taxi ride to the entrance of the Leutasch Gorge, which straddles the border between Austria and Germany. The information signs hinted at a mystical world of fairies and goblins, with water rushing through the gorge’s high rocky cliffs.

We followed a wooded path into the gorge, walking along metal walkways that offered views of the foaming, milky-green water below. These walkways, completed in 2005, are an impressive engineering feat. We crossed a bridge to the other side, where the rushing water formed a green ribbon far below, and tall pine trees towered above us.

As we walked in the dappled sunlight, we paused to read information boards that shared stories of mountain fairies and the dramatic names of the gorge’s features, like Hell’s Bridge and the Devil’s Cauldron.

At the end of the main gorge, the path led us to a café and kiosk, where we found the entrance to a smaller gorge. Unlike the main gorge, this one had a €3 entry fee, but it was worth it to see the waterfall at the end. The narrow gorge was refreshingly cool, and we zig-zagged along the walkway just above the green-blue water. After about 10 minutes, we reached the waterfall, a deafening torrent that created a misty spray. I was glad to have my waterproof jacket to stay dry as I took a quick photo from a small alcove.

Retracing our steps, Julia and I stopped for a picnic lunch by a flower-filled meadow. Following our printed notes from Headwater Holidays, we walked along the river past pretty Alpine houses, aiming to reach Mittenwald in Germany.

In Mittenwald, we admired the town’s famous painted houses, which often depict religious stories. We strolled along the pedestrianized main street, passing charming pavement cafes, and reached the painted church tower of St. Peter and Paul. After enjoying a beer at a shady café, we inquired at the tourist office about the bus to the lakes of Lautersee and Ferchensee.

Other hotel guests had recommended these lakes, and since I had injured my ankle earlier in the trip, we opted for a gentle walk. We took the number 1 bus from the train station up to the lakes, starting at Ferchensee, where we couldn’t resist stopping for apple strudel and iced coffee at a lakeside café.

As the afternoon sun cast a golden glow across the lake, we reluctantly continued along the lakeside path, knowing we needed to catch the last bus back to our hotel. We reached a grassy swimming spot where Julia took a swim while I waited on a bench. The path then led us through a forest past a small shrine and on to the second lake, Lautersee. We continued down a steep track back to Mittenwald, passing several cascades and waterfalls.

By 6:30 PM, we were back in Mittenwald, with the evening sun lighting up the grey crag above us. We caught the bus back to our hotel in Leutasch, ending a wonderful day exploring the landscapes of Austria and Southern Germany.

This was a fantastic finale to our four days of walking with Headwater Holidays. I hope you’ll enjoy reading about the other walks from this trip:

– Day 1: A high mountain walk in the Gaistal Valley, where we planned to sample local food in mountain huts but had to change plans after I took a tumble.
– Day 2: Hiking in Austria with views from the cross at Seefelder Spitze, accessed via a cable car.
– Day 3: A Rifleman’s Parade and Mental Power Walk in Seefeld, featuring a traditional parade and a forest trail with relaxation stations.

Heather’s walking holiday in Austria’s Leutasch Valley was provided by Headwater Holidays. This 7-night walking holiday is based at the 4-star Hotel Xander in Kirchplaztl. The holiday includes a full program of self-guided day walks, detailed walking guides and maps, breakfast and dinner at the hotel, a packed lunch on walking days, and flights/transfers via Innsbruck. Prices start from £669 per person.

Headwater Holidays specializes in self-guided walking, cycling, and relaxed activity holidays, allowing you to travel at your own pace and get closer to the places you visit. For more information, check their website and social media channels.

Heather flew from Bristol to Munich with BMI Regional, which offers 12 flights per week on this route. Transfers from Innsbruck airport to Leutasch take less than an hour, while transfers from Munich Airport take around 2 hours and can be arranged through your hotel or holiday provider.

Heather stayed at Sporthotel Xander in Leutasch, a comfortable 4-star hotel ideal for summer walkers or winter cross-country skiers. The hotel offers rooms, suites, and apartments, and features an indoor pool and spa. The hamlet of Kirchplatzl, where the hotel is located, is mainly residential, with shops a 15-minute walk away in Weidach. The bus to Seefeld stops right by the hotel.

Hotel Xander is perfect for keen walkers seeking a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. For a livelier atmosphere, shopping, or evening entertainment, Seefeld is a good alternative base. Check prices and book your stay here.

If you’re looking to experience genuine regional Portuguese cuisine, just like your Portuguese mother might make, in a charming, slightly worn Moorish mansion, then Casa do Alentejo in Lisbon is a must-visit.

We initially felt like we were intruding, but we pushed through the crowd and climbed more stairs to the next floor. There, we found three different restaurant rooms, each adorned with unique tiled decorations. We ended up in a lively canteen-like room with blue and white tiles, filled with couples and larger groups of locals, creating a warm and unpretentious atmosphere.

Our meal began with freshly baked pork scratchings, a far cry from the packet variety you find in pubs. We then enjoyed large chunks of salt cod with sweet roasted peppers and a hearty pork stew with clams. Everything was delicious. For dessert, I ordered a mixed plate of cakes and tarts, which was really meant for two, but Guy had already chosen his creamy rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon.

Feeling quite indulgent, we took the waiter’s suggestion and paired our meal with some white Alentejo wine. Meanwhile, the reception guests had moved to the grand ballroom on the other side of the building for a more formal sit-down meal.

A special mention goes to the ladies’ bathrooms downstairs, which are a delightful throwback to the 1930s with their old-fashioned, paneled, and mirrored pink decor. Casa do Alentejo is a fantastic spot if you want to discover a hidden gem and savor authentic Portuguese food. It’s no secret, though, as it’s listed in my guidebook as one of the top 10 places to eat in Lisbon. Even more convincing, my brother-in-law, who grows tomatoes and frequently visits Lisbon for business, considers it his favorite restaurant in the city. Now that’s a recommendation worth noting.

Casa do Alentejo is located at Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, 58, 1150-069, near Av. Liberdade, Lisbon. You can reach them at Tel 213405140.

In February, despite the cold and the threat of snow in Bristol, we headed to Wales for a weekend on the Gower to celebrate my husband’s birthday with the family. My oldest son had just started university in Swansea, which is the gateway to the Gower Peninsula in South Wales. He was eager to surf, although I had my doubts given the chilly weather. The Gower is known for its wide sandy beaches, and Swansea University is famously the closest university to a beach, rivaled only by some in sunny California.

We drove down on Friday night, making good time across the Severn Bridge, along the motorway, and through Swansea to Mumbles, a charming village where Swansea ends and the Gower begins. We picked up the keys to our holiday house from Home from Home, specialists in Gower cottages. They have friendly staff who know the area well and can recommend the best properties. Following detailed instructions, we navigated the windy roads to Langland and found our way to Maryland, our weekend home.

Maryland was newer than I expected for a holiday cottage, but it made up for its lack of old-world charm with stylish interiors and plenty of space for our family. The open-plan downstairs area included a sitting area, kitchen, and dining area with a large round table and a welcoming vase of tulips. French doors led to an enclosed garden with patio furniture, perfect for summer play.

The house is conveniently located behind the Langland Golf Course, which overlooks both Langland and Caswell Bays, popular surfing spots. A short walk through the golf course leads to the clifftop coastal path, offering stunning views of Caswell Bay and access to its sandy beach and rock pools. Another path from the house skirts the golf course and leads to Langland Bay, with its promenade, tropical palms, and retro beach huts.

Maryland is spacious, with four good-sized bedrooms, three upstairs and one on the ground floor, plus a cozy upstairs sitting area with squashy sofas and a gas fire. Each bedroom has a modern en suite bathroom, much to the delight of our teenagers. The downstairs bedroom, ideal for those who avoid stairs, also has an adjoining bathroom. My parents, who joined us for the weekend, appreciated the modern comforts and constant warmth, a stark contrast to our draughty 100-year-old home. There’s also a TV room under the stairs, perfect for watching rugby on a rainy Saturday.

The visitors’ book revealed that Maryland was built in 2005 and has hosted families from the USA, New Zealand, and various parts of the UK. It has seen landmark birthdays, wedding preparations, and many return visits. Some guests even mentioned a ghost, which we hoped was a joke!

Saturday brought rain instead of the forecasted snow, so we ventured across the golf course to the headland. However, the steep, slippery path proved too much for my parents, so we drove to Langland Bay instead. We settled into the Langland Brasserie by the car park, enjoying the view of the beach from our table by the window. In summer, the terrace would be perfect for people-watching, but it was cozy inside with coffee and a restaurant area.

I had researched local pubs for our evening meal, but the heavy rain deterred us from going out again. Instead, we stocked up on food in Mumbles and explored the town. I visited boutiques, gift shops, and the ruined Oystermouth Castle, and noted Joe’s Italian Ice Cream Parlour on the seafront. I also stopped by the Love Spoon Gallery, recalling a previous visit when we bought a love spoon that still hangs in our bedroom.

Sunday’s weather cleared, allowing us to enjoy a bracing walk down the cliff path to Caswell. We watched the waves and kicked around in the surf, loving the fresh winter air. We continued along the coastal path to Langland Bay, where we watched surfers from the cliff-top benches. My son decided against surfing that day, preferring the warmth of Maryland, but assured me his wetsuit keeps him warm during his regular surf outings with the university club.

As we walked back, I imagined the summer crowds and traffic jams, but also the family picnics, sandcastles, and ice creams. Winter on the Gower has its own charm, with bracing air and wide horizons. I recommend enjoying the beaches in winter and returning for a summer surf lesson when the sun is shining.

Imagine a place with stunning Caribbean beaches where you can fly affordably without needing a passport. Sounds too good to be true? Well, Puerto Rico offers all that and more, which is why millions of tourists visit its sunny shores every year.
Whether you’ve already visited this breathtaking island or are thinking about your first trip, here’s my advice: don’t miss out on Puerto Rico this summer. Sure, you can enjoy San Juan’s historic charm and Culebra’s white sandy beaches anytime, but the next few months are packed with excitement, energy, and convenience. To get the most out of your Puerto Rico experience, you’ll need to act fast.
Here’s what you can look forward to this summer:
**Flying to Puerto Rico Has Never Been Easier or Cheaper**
Almost every airline has introduced new routes to Puerto Rico this past year, with Frontier launching eight new routes from the U.S. This expansion not only offers more schedules and destinations but also brings much-needed price competition. With JetBlue, American, and Spirit also adding new flights, round-trip tickets have dropped to just over $70 this season. Prices can change, so grab a good deal when you see one!
**Cruise Passengers Get a Huge Upgrade**
While most visitors to Puerto Rico arrive by plane, it’s also a major cruise destination. If you have a cruise planned for this summer, you’ll be pleased to know that the iconic San Juan Port is undergoing a multimillion-dollar upgrade. This includes better amenities, highly trained staff, and reliable schedules, making your dream getaway even better.
**New Hotels**
So, you’ve arrived in Puerto Rico. What’s next? If you’re tired of the same old hotels, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of new, beautiful places opening this year. The newly opened Marriott Hotel Rumbao offers a perfect mix of traditional service and modern amenities. Hilton is also planning to double its presence in Puerto Rico by 2025, with several new branches opening along the island’s stunning coastline this summer. Looking for something different? Try booking a night at La Botanica Hotel, Don Rafa Boutique Hotel & Residences, or The Looking Glass Hotel. All are newly opened and eager to impress.
**New Restaurants**
No vacation is complete without great food, and Puerto Rico has plenty of new restaurants opening this summer. What’s worth adding to your itinerary? Travelers are particularly excited about Bayamón QDOBA and Dragon by Treviño. If you find a free table at either, make sure to take it.
**Events**
The new openings are just a small part of what Puerto Rico has to offer this summer. The event calendar is packed with activities. Spend your days walking through the San Juan Farmers Market, enjoy dreamy evenings in Ponce’s Plaza las Delicias, have fun nights out at the iconic Pina Colada festival, attend major golf championships, and take salsa classes in San Sebastian. If that doesn’t sound like the ultimate summer vacation, I don’t know what does.

If you’re in your 50s, you might find yourself feeling a bit envious of your children’s gap year adventures and wondering, “Why should they have all the fun?” I’ve watched my daughter spend her student vacations traveling with friends around Asia and South America, while my son already has three overseas trips planned for this summer.

But I’ve also noticed a growing trend among travelers over 50 to plan more adventurous or longer trips than we might have considered in the past. Why shouldn’t we enjoy exciting activities like climbing a via ferrata, hiking in the Dolomites, or snorkeling with seals and whale watching as I’ve done on my recent trips? Even cruises, once seen as the domain of older travelers, are now incorporating more active offerings into their programs. For example, I went cycling and rafting during a cruise down the Danube.

There’s also the question of how to fund your travels and get the best value for your money so you can see and do more of the things you enjoy. If your children are leaving home and you’re facing an empty nest, you likely have more time and disposable income than you did when your family was growing up.

Not everyone has the cash to splurge, and even if you do, you might still want to make your resources go a little further. With this in mind, I’ve come up with a few ideas on how to fund your travels as a 50+ traveler, including some money-saving tips.

If you’re booking a holiday package, it’s fairly straightforward to work out the price tag. But if you want to travel independently or visit a few different locations, there’s a bit more to consider. When planning a new trip, I first use booking sites to research the general costs, especially of flights and accommodation, as these are usually the big-ticket items.

Next, I consider how much I’d need per day for general living expenses such as food and activities. Of course, this will vary based on your lifestyle, depending on whether you’re used to living on a budget or if you enjoy your little luxuries. Think about how much you would generally spend in the UK – or wherever you live – and then consider whether the cost of living in the places you’re visiting will be more or less expensive.

For example, I’ve found that Scandinavia and Canada are generally a bit more expensive than the UK, whereas Eastern Europe, Portugal, and Greece are generally cheaper. Thinking about an overall budget will help you work out what’s achievable with the money you have to spend on your travels.

If you’re lucky enough to have a high level of disposable income, saving may not be a necessity. But if you need to save up for those big-ticket travel items, here are a few ideas:

Accommodation is one of the big costs when you travel, so it’s worth looking at how you can get the best value. Here are a few tips:

Like accommodation, flights and transport are another big outlay for any trip, but there are a few ways to save costs here as well:

There are plenty of ways to keep costs manageable while you are traveling. Here are a few of my tips:

Even if you want to make your travel budget go as far as possible, there are some things you shouldn’t skimp on, in my opinion.

For those of you itching to take that long trip – trekking in Machu Picchu, exploring India’s Golden Triangle, and island hopping in Greece – this can be your reality, too. Aviva is here to help you seize your retirement, making trip planning simple and putting you in control of your adventure.

My assistant Nancy, an avid golfer, recently enjoyed a stay at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa, which we won in the Passports with Purpose Giveaway.

Living in the central United States means experiencing a variety of weather changes. Spring brings storms, followed by the hot and humid summer. Autumn offers mild temperatures and colorful leaves, but winter arrives suddenly with cold, sleet, and snow. During these harsh winters, many Midwesterners look for a warm escape.

For us, the perfect getaway was sunny Florida. My husband and I were thrilled to receive a two-night stay for two at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, near the Atlantic shore, it’s an ideal winter retreat.

The Marriott Sawgrass resort is nestled in a natural oasis, just off the scenic A1A highway. The peaceful setting immediately put us in a tropical mood. After checking into our room with a lovely pool view, we explored the Audubon-rated grounds.

We walked around the lake, bordered by cozy villas and lush plants, with a gazebo offering a wide view of the main hotel building. Crossing the lake bridge, we reached a large outdoor deck. After grabbing a drink from the outdoor bar, we relaxed and watched ducks paddle around a distant waterfall. Although signs warned of possible alligator sightings, we didn’t see any. The setting was perfect, with gentle breezes, a bright blue sky, and Spanish moss-draped oak trees.

Continuing our tour, we wandered around the two pools surrounded by colorful plants and sun loungers. Although it was still a bit cool for us, some brave souls were swimming.

Near the lobby, we found one of Sawgrass Marriott’s “Selfie Spots,” where guests can take photos against picturesque backgrounds and share them on social media with the tag #onlyatsawgrass. Complimentary wireless in the lobby and public areas made this easy. This spot also offered the chance to hit a golf ball to a green on a small island in the lake. As avid recreational golfers, we decided not to try, imagining the employee who would have to paddle across the lake to check for a hole-in-one might not mind.

As evening approached, we enjoyed complimentary cocktails, the signature Sawgrass RumRunner. We found a spot around the outdoor fire pit and toasted to a wonderful first day in paradise.

The next morning, we took the complimentary shuttle to the resort’s beach access. The Cabana Beach Club, located on Ponte Vedra Beach, features fine white sand, an Olympic-size pool, and beachside dining. We only rolled up our trousers and walked at the edge of the surf but took another selfie with the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean in the background.

Back at the resort, we took a chauffeured cart to the nearby TPC Sawgrass clubhouse, where a Marriott volunteer “Storyteller” gave us an intimate guided tour of the elegant facility, rich with golf history, artwork, and memorabilia.

After browsing the pro shop, we toured the Stadium Course by golf cart. We marveled at hole 17, perhaps the most recognizable hole in golf, with its heart-shaped island green. The many thousands of balls retrieved each year from the surrounding water prove this hole’s challenge, even for the best golfers. The course was closed in preparation for the famous Players Championship held annually in May, so we didn’t hear anyone call “fore.”

Golfers of all levels will find plenty of courses nearby. The resort is a short drive from the Atlantic Coast beaches and St. Augustine, America’s oldest city. It’s also conveniently located just 40 minutes from Jacksonville airport.

Thanks to Marriott for providing our stay at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa through their donation to Passports with Purpose, a travel blogger initiative raising funds for various global causes.

Copenhagen is known for its gourmet scene, with Michelin-starred restaurants being quite common. However, dining out in the city can be expensive. A meal at a nice restaurant can easily cost around £50 per person, with set menus starting at approximately 350 Danish Krone (around £40, €46, $67), which is considered cheap by local standards. Here are some tips for enjoying meals in Copenhagen without breaking the bank.

One great tip is to explore neighborhoods away from the main tourist areas, such as the Nansengarde district near the Ibsens Hotel where we stayed. The side streets in this area are filled with modest eateries, where you’ll find locals, especially young adults, enjoying beers on the pavement and plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the Danish summer (with blankets available for those who find the evening air chilly).

We chose a small restaurant that didn’t accept credit cards, so we had to make do with the 500 Krone (£59, €67, $96) we had left. While this amount might be substantial elsewhere, in Copenhagen, we were concerned it might not be enough. However, here’s what we managed to get for our 500 Krone.

We ordered two large bowls of Moules, which were delicious. We also had some bread to soak up the tasty wine juices at the bottom of the bowls, and a big bowl of roughly cut chips. To drink, I had a locally brewed beer, which was rich and fruity, and my partner had a large glass of wine. The wine glass was notably large, starting two-thirds full and empty by the time I took a photo.

Despite my worries, our 500 Krone stretched far enough to include a lemon tart with cream for dessert, and my partner even had a second glass of wine as his dessert. We could have stayed for a coffee with the remaining change, but we decided to head back to the Ibsens Hotel after a busy day of sightseeing.

There are many more cool and funky little places to eat on Nansengarde, the street where we dined. The restaurant we chose was called Nice, and it lived up to its name.

Have you dined out in Copenhagen? Do you have any tips for enjoying good food without spending too much?

Summer is here, and if you’re thinking about heading to Europe for some strolls down cobbled streets, gelato in hand, and evening swims in the Mediterranean, Spain is probably high on your list. Known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and lively culture, Spain is a top destination right now. This might be because it boasts four of Europe’s sunniest spots.
According to Holidu, a popular holiday rental search engine, here are the best places in Spain for great weather from June to August:
Seville
Seville, the historic capital of Andalusia in Southern Spain, is a major European city with wide boulevards, impressive buildings, and famous landmarks like its cathedral, the colorful Triana district, and traditional tapas restaurants. It features Plaza de España, a stunning semi-circular square, the Royal Alcazar from the Middle Ages, and La Giralda, a former minaret-turned-bell tower. Seville is one of the sunniest cities in Europe, with 273.9 hours of sunshine per year, and it can get very hot.
Murcia
Murcia, a hidden gem just a 3-hour train ride from Madrid, is known for its well-preserved historic landmarks like the Santa Maria Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace, and the hilltop Lorca Castle. Visitors love Murcia’s Mediterranean beaches with honey-colored sands and casual beach clubs. Whether you’re exploring the historic center or relaxing by the beach, rain is unlikely to spoil your plans, as Murcia enjoys 277.7 hours of sunshine per year.
Alicante
Alicante, an up-and-coming resort destination in Valencia, features tall oceanfront condos and a modern, palm-shaded promenade along the Mediterranean. It has numerous public beaches, a vibrant nightlife, and a diverse food scene with paella spots and Maghreb eateries. Alicante is perfect for soaking up Spanish culture and enjoying the coast, with 280 hours of sunshine per year and affordable food and accommodation.
Malaga
Malaga is the sunniest city in Europe and a coastal gem of Andalusia, the continent’s warmest region. It’s known for Malagueta beach, upscale resorts, and its rich cultural history as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. With a history spanning over two millennia, Malaga features an elegant Old Town, a hilltop fortress, laid-back cafes, ancient ruins, and sea access. It enjoys 280.2 hours of sunshine per year, making it a top summer destination.
Spain is the hottest country in Europe, and in cities like Seville and Cordoba, temperatures can reach 104°F in July, even at night. So, make sure to enjoy the sun safely by using sunscreen and following local safety advice during heatwaves.

Astrid Ruffhead takes us on a scenic drive along Sardinia’s west coast, from the lively capital of Cagliari to the coastal resort of Alghero, with a stop at the candle festival in Sassari.

Cagliari, located on Sardinia’s southern coast, has been a key trading seaport in the Mediterranean for centuries. The oldest part of this bustling city is the Castello, perched atop a hill in the town center. Park your car outside the city walls and enter through Porta Christina. Immediately to your left is the former Arsenal, now home to the city’s most important museums: Archaeology, Oriental Art, and the Municipal Art Gallery.

The city’s grid-like layout makes navigation easy. Walk along Via Martini, and you’ll soon reach the Town Hall, which houses a helpful tourist office. On the first floor, you’ll find the Sala Della Rappresentanza and Sala del Consiglio Comunale, adorned with paintings depicting significant events in Sardinian history. The openness of the place, with no security checks or guards, was striking.

Continuing down the same street, you’ll encounter the impressive Romanesque façade of the Cathedral on Piazza Palazzo, built by the Pisans in the 12th century. Dedicated to Santa Maria, the cathedral is richly decorated in various types of marble in the Baroque style. On Sundays, the cathedral is packed, with many locals and visitors sitting on the steps outside to listen to the ceremony and music in the sunshine.

One of my passions is antiques, and I had planned my visit to coincide with the antique market on Piazza Carlo Alberto, held every second Sunday of the month. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize it doesn’t take place in August. Instead, I found a lovely trattoria in one of the narrow alleyways within the Castello, serving wonderful seafood.

From Cagliari, we took the motorway towards Oristano. The coastal road from there is unforgettable, with breathtakingly beautiful sandy beaches and rocky outlets embraced by the clearest waters, ranging from dark ink and celestial blues to shimmering turquoise. As the cliffs get higher and the roads narrower, we were surprised to see long-legged pink flamingos around the salt plains, now vast nature reserves.

Heading north, we stopped at the charming town of Bosa on the river Temo. The Wednesday morning market here is excellent for sampling local produce like fruit, cheese, and bread. Arrive early, as the market and most other activities close at lunchtime. Evening boat trips on the river offer views of old tannery buildings from the turn of the last century.

Closer to Alghero, the landscape becomes more fertile, with many vineyards producing Sardinia’s favorite grape, Vernaccia. Alghero has been a popular resort since the 1960s, thanks to its long sandy beach. South of Alghero, you can find remnants of the Nuraghi people, who lived on the island in the 10th-12th century BC.

Via Garibaldi runs along the seafront and marina, filled with trendy bars and restaurants. I prefer the oldest parts of town, where the Spanish influence is evident. Street names are in both Italian and Catalan, reflecting the city’s capture by the Aragonese. The 14th-century San Francesco cloister is a reminder of this era and serves as an open-air concert venue in the summer. Via Calberto is known for craftsmen selling local coral jewelry, admired for its deep red color.

While Alghero is picturesque, especially in the evening, the scenery outside the town is even more captivating. Don’t miss the Capo Caccia peninsula, which appears like a huge sculpture as you travel north of the city. You might spot one of the few surviving Sardinian Griffon vultures or more common peregrine falcons nesting on the white cliffs. If you decide to take the 654 steps down the Escala Cabriol (the goat’s steps) to Neptune’s Cave, filled with remarkable stalactites and stalagmites, be prepared for the climb back up. A hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus makes it easy to reach Capo Caccia, with a two-hour trip costing 18 Euros.

Sassari, Sardinia’s second most important city, features Neo-Classical municipal buildings surrounding the large Piazza Italia. In the center stands a huge statue of Victor Emanuel II, the first king of a united Italy, who also lends his name to the main shopping street, Corso Vittorio Emanuel, winding through the old town. My main reason for visiting Sassari was the annual Candelieri festival. From around lunchtime, music and singing fill the streets, growing louder as the Candelieri practice for the evening.

The festival dates back to the 13th century, when the city was under Pisan rule, and a candle was offered to the Madonna on the eve of the Assumption. In the 17th century, after numerous plagues, it became a form of religious thanks from the town guilds. Today, nine guilds, including blacksmiths, farmworkers, carpenters, tailors, and greengrocers, parade through the city, each carrying a huge wooden column with colored ribbons, representing a candlestick. It takes 8-10 men to carry the 100-kilo candle while walking, singing, and dancing in a procession through the city. The celebration ends in the evening when the wooden candles are ceremoniously placed at the church of Santa Maria.