Europe’s Best Islands
When we think of islands it is usually the tropical kind but travellers looking for island destinations should not overlook Europe. Some of Europe’s islands offer enormously diverse scenery, fascinating history and incredible beaches with crystal clear water. Here are my favourites. Santorini, Greece If you have ever been seduced by an image of the Greek Islands, it was most likely by a photograph of Santorini. Nestled amongst the Cyclades islands, Santorini was created by volcanic activity that left the island in the semi circle shape it is today. Settlements are on the clifftops making for spectacular sunset photos but also making beach access a bit of a mission. Santorini…
A Day in Cassis
A last minute change of plans during a trip to Provence left a friend and I looking for accommodation between St Tropez and Marseille the night before catching a flight from Marseille. Where should we overnight that would be enjoyable but also within easy reach of the airport? It looked like an opportunity to explore Cassis had landed in our laps. About 20 kilometres east of Marseille, Cassis sits nestled at the foot of high cliffs and gazes out at the Mediterranean. It is a good place from which to explore the spectacular calanques (inlets) along this stretch of coast. This one-time fishing village, now a picturesque little town, is…
Exploring Britain with British Authors
One of the things I love most about Britain is the history and what better way to explore Britain’s history than through Britain’s authors who can transport you to a specific time and place in only a few pages? If you are even half the bookworm that I am, and are interested in understanding how some of Britain’s best writing came to be created, I suggest visiting some of the places that inspired Britain’s authors. There are too many magnificent British authors to list them all here. The following are five of my favourites and five that were clearly associated with certain places that are great to visit in their…
5 Towns to Visit on Your Next Daytrip to France
Day trips from the UK to France have been popular for a long time. Throughout my childhood my parents would regularly bundle my brother and I into the car to head over to France to fill the car with booze…er, introduce us to France’s wonderful culture and food, ahem. Read on for some great spots to visit on your next daytrip. Getting there There are several ways to get to France for the day. You can zoom under the Channel using the Channel Tunnel or take a cross-Channel ferry such as DFDS Seaways Ferries. It is possible to take your car on either and I would really strongly suggest this…
Nerja – The Bustling Balcony of Europe
There are not many towns around the Mediterranean that claim to be the Balcony of Europe but, on account of its fantastic seaside promenade, Nerja on the Costa Del Sol does. This town on Spain’s southern Mediterranean coast has a town centre that must be the envy of many. Perched high above the sea on a clifftop the Balcon de Europa offers visitors sweeping panoramic views along the coastline and out to sea. It was so named after a visit from King Alfonso XII who visited in 1885, who it is believed took in the view and was so impressed he declared, “This is the balcony of Europe.” King Alfonso’s…
Counting kisses in Europe
Do you suffer a flash of fear at the thought of how to greet people in Europe? Is a kiss inappropriate? Should you double or triple kiss? Is a handshake a bit formal? Allay you concerns, read on. With the vast number of countries at such close proximity, each with their own ideas about what is standard by way of greeting, Europe offers a plethora of options to put your foot in it. Practicing graceful social etiquette in such circumstances can be a tricky business. Never fear, wherever you go people are people, and most understand that if you are not local you may have different customs. Dive into new…
Ripley Castle, Yorkshire
Ripley is a village in North Yorkshire that is famous for its ice cream, but less well known is the fact that the town also has a castle in spectacular condition that is well worth a visit. The UK is one of those places that oozes history. It seems like every town and village in the UK is proud home to a building or ruin that has a story to tell and contributes to the rich history of the country. Ripley is no different. Ripley Castle is owned by the Ingilby family and has been handed down between 26 generations of the same family for over 700 years. The Ingilbys’…
Hiking Cinque Terre
One of the many reasons people visit Cinque Terre is to enjoy exploring the tiny villages that cling to the seaside cliffs in the area. Walking the coastal trail that links the five villages rewards with spectacular views of the Mediterranean. To walk the entire coastal trail you have to start either at Monterosso al Mare or Riomaggiore, the farthest south of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre region. From Riomaggiore train station we wandered through town, enjoying the views into Riomaggiore and over the sea. It doesn’t take long to get into the centre and suddenly there are shops, cafes and restaurants on each side of…
Market day in Bonnieux
Lavender of Provence
Nothing quite prepares you for the beauty of Provence in summer. If the sunshine and blue skies over dramatic hills, glittering beaches and endearing little village houses do not convince you, a visit to a Provence lavender field will. Lavender blooms between June and August and harvesting begins in mid July. Early July is the most reliable time to see the lavender at its best but the exact time depends on which region you visit. The Plateau de Valensole, north of Antibes and the Plateau de Sault, north-east of Avignon, are the two main areas for lavender. High above the warmer coastline the Plateau de Valensole is the largest lavender…
