Often touted as one of the best beaches in Menorca, Cala del Pilar is a secluded gem on the island’s northern coast. A true sanctuary for those who like their beaches wild, undisturbed by development, and with a sprinkling of adventure thrown in. Besides being among the most beautiful beaches, Cala Pilar is also one of the most remote beaches on this Balearic island. The journey to reach it becomes part of the experience as you wander along a dusty path, through a canopy of evergreen oaks and pine trees, to the sound of cicadas buzzing and distant waves crashing on the shore. On arrival, prepa ..read more

Wake up to crystalline coves and ancient ruins on the doorstep of whitewashed villages and luxury resorts. Deciding where to stay in Paros is an adventure before you even arrive. Do you love lively tavernas for shots of ouzo near the sea, or idyllic village laneways where serenity lets tradition speak? Wherever you decide to set up base in this Greek island paradise, it’s an easy drive, bus or boat ride to enchanting attractions. Kayak around magnificent rock formations and delve into the ancient art of marble sculptures at museums. From eating Greek salad with your feet in the sand to fine di ..read more

The fairytale medieval city of Carcassonne sits amid the Aude plain between Toulouse and Narbonne in southern France. A city of two halves that seamlessly converge to become one.  Upon the hillside, La Cité de Carcassonne, a walled fortress with a castle, flanked by turrets, ramparts and ancient stone gateways awaits. Behind the city walls, cobbled streets and winding passageways make way for ivy-clad taverns serving cassoulet, a medieval chateau, basilica and lively tree-lined squares. Across Pont Vieux, on the opposite side of the Aude River, is the lower city, known as Bastide Saint-Lo ..read more

Es Mercadal is the nucleus of Menorca, located right in the centre of the island between Ciutadella and capital Mahón. You can locate the town easily, at the base of the island’s highest peak, Monte Toro. Es Mercadal was formerly a medieval market town, and today, it still retains much of its original character. Cobbled streets are lined with a mix of whitewashed and pastel houses, while historic landmarks seamlessly mesh with sleek restaurants and shops selling Abarcas, the traditional-turned-trendy Menorcan sandals that you’ve likely seen on your favourite celeb. This is a place for nature l ..read more

The charming fishing village of Fornells in Menorca epitomizes the concept of slow travel. Lazy days can be spent wandering along bougainvillea-scented streets, visiting landmarks from a bygone era or browsing artisan wares at an open-air market. You can drift along the coastline in a kayak, learn to windsurf, or enjoy a catamaran trip to unspoilt coves for a picnic and a spot of sunbathing. All this before returning to the village for a delicious alfresco dinner beneath the stars. If it’s an authentic Menorcan experience you seek, Fornells delivers. Around the headland, and within walking dis ..read more

Binibeca in Menorca is one of those places that gets under your skin – a place you want to return to each time you visit the Balearic Island (if you’re anything like me!). But what is so special about this tiny fishing village on the southeastern coast? To begin with, the village is picture-postcard pretty. Fairy tale, chalk-white stucco houses with pointy chimneys line stone alleyways framed by archways and wooden pergolas. The scent of bougainvillea drifts upon a gentle sea breeze and the beaches are swathes of soft pale sand leading to Mediterranean waters so clear you can see your pedicure ..read more

Southern Spain is a culturally diverse region where historical sites and modern influences converge in a vibrant tapestry. Influenced by centuries of Moorish, Jewish, and Christian traditions, the architecture, cuisine and festivals of Andalusia reflect this rich past. Two of the most popular cities to visit within this scenic locale are Malaga and Seville – both lively metropolises worthy of a visit. But if you had to choose between Seville or Malaga, which would it be? Malaga City sits at the heart of the Costa del Sol. A historic coastal city known for its hilltop castle, beautiful beaches ..read more

Italy is blessed with over 7000 kilometres of coastline that stretches down the Italian Riviera and winds around the iconic boot shape, before cruising back up and east to Trieste. And that’s before we get started on the elegant Italian Islands! It is little wonder then, that Italy has no shortage of beautiful towns and seaside villages nestled along its sublime coast. With so many idyllic settlements to discover, how on earth do you decide where to visit? Although just looking at a map and picking a town at random will likely get you a good result – after all, this region is littered with stu ..read more

Whitewashed homes and blue-topped churches framed by crystalline waters create that classic Greek Island scene we all love. Petite Milos delivers the bougainvillaea-decorated dream with a personality all of its own. When you’re not lazing by the sea, explore mysterious rock formations and Bronze Age ruins. Delve into the myths of the Venus de Milo statue, discovered here in 1820 and now at home in the Louvre.  Choosing where to stay in Milos is a treat in itself. Step from your hotel into the enchanting alleyways of Plaka or drift from your room to the golden sands of Pollonia Beach. From ..read more

The Costa Brava, an area of lush natural beauty on the top right-hand corner of the Spanish coast, encompasses the areas of Port Bou near the French border, right down to Blanes in the south. The 200 kilometres of wild and rugged Catalan coastline lends itself to dramatic scenery, secluded bays, quaint fishing villages and natural parks. The region also boasts some of the most alluring beaches you’ll find in all of Spain. During a Costa Brava vacation, discover the beautiful beaches of Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc and Begur. See ruins of ancient settlements by the shoreline in Empúries, or ..read more