Europe - The Best Time to Visit

Lagos, the Essence of the Algarve

August 1, 2025July 31, 2025 by Ben

Lagos has found its perfect balance. Unlike British-dominated Albufeira or upmarket Vilamoura, this western Algarve town attracts a diverse crowd whilst keeping its Portuguese soul intact. Surfers mix with retirees, backpackers cross paths with families, and this eclectic bunch gets on rather well between the historic centre and the spectacular beaches. A Surf and Maritime Heritage Atmosphere Lagos breathes surf culture. Converted vans occupy car parks near the beaches, surf shops dot the town centre streets, and the atmosphere stays relaxed even at the height of summer. The town draws a young, international crowd that gives it a dynamic edge … Read more

World’s Longest Immersed Tunnel to Soon Connect Two European Countries

July 28, 2025July 28, 2025 by Ben

Much like the Channel Tunnel transformed travel between Britain and France, the Fehmarn Belt tunnel is set to revolutionise transport between two nations—and reshape land connections across Northern Europe. Germany to Denmark in 7 Minutes At 18 kilometres long, the Fehmarn Belt will become the world’s longest immersed tunnel upon completion. It will connect Denmark’s island of Lolland to Germany’s island of Fehmarn beneath the Baltic Sea, dramatically cutting journey times between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. Construction began five years ago, with completion expected in 2029 at a total cost of approximately €7 billion. The toll tunnel will … Read more

Albufeira and its Surroundings

July 22, 2025July 21, 2025 by Ben

Albufeira encapsulates both the best and worst of what the Algarve has to offer. As the region’s most developed resort town, it draws thousands of Brits each year seeking cheap sunshine and €2 pints. Yet the town retains some solid appeal: spectacular beaches framed by ochre cliffs, an old town that’s somehow resisting the concrete invasion, and a central location perfect for exploring this stretch of coast. Within a 15-kilometre radius, you can go from Vilamoura’s ostentatious luxury to traditional inland villages, with every possible experience in between. Albufeira: Where British Nightlife Meets Portuguese Charm Albufeira’s old town splits into … Read more

Iceland’s Cities

July 20, 2025 by Ben

It’s true that when we think of Iceland, we tend to picture its raw, untamed landscapes first – if not exclusively – with its volcanoes, waterfalls, fjords, parks and nature reserves, but rarely its cities. And yes, it’s true they’re few in number and rather small. Yet the main one, Reykjavik, is worth stopping for and exploring properly. And then there are the others too… About Cities in Iceland Iceland is a small country of 383,000 inhabitants where the capital, Reykjavik (140,000 residents), and its suburbs alone account for two-thirds of the Icelandic population. This means that outside this area, … Read more

What to see and do in Marseille in a few days?

July 19, 2025 by Ben

Marseille is far more than its picture-postcard images suggest. France’s second city blends different eras and atmospheres against a Mediterranean backdrop. The calanques rub shoulders with tower blocks, luxury yachts pass traditional fishing boats, and pastis flows as freely in trendy bars as it does in the old cafés of Le Panier. You can explore the city on foot, by boat, metro or car, depending on your mood and destination. The neighbourhoods shift dramatically from one hill to the next: well-heeled around Endoume, working-class in Noailles, hip along the Cours Julien. This diversity is what makes Marseille tick, far from … Read more

Orkney : Scotland’s somewhat forgotten archipelago

July 17, 2025 by Ben

When you think of Scotland, places like Edinburgh, Loch Ness, and the wild, rugged Highlands probably spring to mind. A few other classic images are synonymous with the destination. But it’s true that the small archipelago in the north of Scotland, known as the Orkney Islands, rarely gets a mention. And yet, it’s a world apart… Where are the Orkney Islands? Just fifteen kilometres off the north coast of mainland Scotland and south of the Shetland Islands, the Orkney Islands form a unique world that was under Viking and Norwegian rule for centuries. The archipelago covers a total area of … Read more

If you’re looking for the “greenest” capital in Europe, Oslo is the place to go

July 16, 2025 by Ben

With all the talk of global warming and increasingly frequent heatwaves, it’s cities—especially the largest ones—that often suffer the most. This has led some urban planners and developers to promote the idea of extensive green and wooded areas in urban zones, a strategy currently under discussion for Paris, to create what are known as ‘cooling islands’. The main goal of this is to lower the temperature by several degrees during heatwaves. And it works so well that many cities, particularly in Europe, have adopted the formula. That said, the pace of change varies from one country to another, with some … Read more

What to see and do in a week in Lisbon and its surroundings

July 12, 2025 by Ben

Lisbon is a firm favourite for European travellers, and it’s set to remain so this summer! Its easy accessibility and still-affordable prices for both travel and expenses on the ground are two of its main draws. But you can also add the variety of its neighbourhoods, its monuments, its pretty cobbled streets, its unique atmosphere, and a consistently warm welcome. So, what is there to see and do in a week in Lisbon and the nearby region? Three days to discover the Portuguese capital… Explore the Alfama district by wandering through its winding alleyways, peaceful squares, and terraces. Here you … Read more

Discovering Paris with expert guides

April 24, 2025 by Ben

Paris rewards those who take time to understand its stories. While independent exploration has its merits, guided tours offer deeper insights into the city’s heritage. The format of guided tours in Paris varies significantly based on group size and focus area. Small group walking tours, typically limited to 8-12 participants, allow for more interaction with guides and easier navigation through crowded areas. Private tours offer flexibility in timing and itinerary customization, while larger group tours often include transportation between major sites. Essential monuments and historic sites Paris guided tours can range from broad city introductions to specialized thematic experiences. Art … Read more

France’s Most Beautiful Villages: Beuvron-en-Auge

April 23, 2025 by Ben

In the heart of the Pays d’Auge, in Normandy, with its half-timbered houses typical of the Norman bocage landscape, apple trees lined up in the surrounding orchards bear witness to an ancestral tradition: that of cider and calvados. This picturesque atmosphere finds its most accomplished expression in one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages: Beuvron-en-Auge. Located 30 kilometers from Caen and 25 kilometers from Deauville, in the Calvados department, this village of 200 inhabitants constitutes a remarkably preserved testament to the timber-framed architecture of the 16th and 17th centuries. Its label, obtained in 1991, rewards the exceptional conservation of its historic buildings … Read more