Évora is the capital of Portugal’s Alentejo region, about halfway to the Spanish border from Lisbon (around 130km). Évora has an impressive historic walled city centre and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Évora has beautiful buildings, remains from Roman occupation and many museums and churches. The walled centre is eminently walkable, although as is … More 3 DAYS IN // Évora, Portugal
Krakow is a Central European gem of around one million people. Krakow is picturesque with some magnificent buildings and a central square with similarities to Prague and Vienna. We found Krakow easy to navigate; it has fabulous transport links, with plenty of trams and trains. We had good weather which highlighted Krakow’s colourful and vibrant side. … More 5 DAYS IN // Krakow, Poland
Setúbal is an historic fishing port that lies at the mouth of the River Sado and opposite the Troia Peninsula about 48km/30 miles south of Lisbon. It is an easy day trip from Lisbon or ideal to spend a few days exploring. Setúbal was very important in the production of sea salt and for the … More 3 DAYS IN // Setúbal, Portugal
We visited Crete for a family wedding, spending the first week in Crete’s second-largest city, Chania, in north-west Crete. Chania has a picture-perfect Venetian harbour surrounded by a beautiful old town. We went in May and it was very busy. We suspect that in the height of summer it could be uncomfortably popular. Magnificent 7 … More 7 DAYS IN // Chania, Crete
It was brutally hot in Lisbon in July, so we looked at a map and found somewhere on the coast north of Porto whose temperatures were a lot lower. Having never been so far north, off we went, and what a great decision! Viana Do Castelo is a small, attractive city on the coast with … More 3 DAYS IN // Viana Do Castelo, Portugal
Coimbra is a former capital of Portugal and is an important university city with a vibrant student vibe. As with many Portuguese cities (Lisbon and Porto come to mind), Coimbra is built on a hill and it is a good workout to walk up to the top of the hill where the university and museums … More 2 DAYS IN // Coimbra, Portugal
The capital of Wales is perfect for a city break. We spent 3 days/2 nights in the city and it was terrific. We visited in late September and most of the pedestrianised streets had outdoor and indoor dining. The city is compact and eminently walkable. We visited during Freshers’ week and the city had a … More 3 DAYS IN // Cardiff, Wales
Portugal’s “Venice of the North” is a charming city in the north of Portugal, famous for its canals, bridges, Art Nouveau buildings, Santa Joana and Ovos Moles. We visited in August, staying for two nights, and thoroughly enjoyed the time spent there. Aveiro is on the same train line as Coimbra and Porto. A visit … More 2 DAYS IN // Aveiro, Portugal
A “Staycation” in the time of Covid. As the UK cautiously moves out of Lockdown, the Staycation has become popular especially given the fantastic weather we have had through most of the lockdown. We decided to visit Shanklin on the Isle of Wight. Shanklin is a pretty village with thatched-roofed cottages, gift shops, tea shops, … More 3 DAYS IN // Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Global Gary 