Poetto, Cagliari — Travelrags

The GuardianSep 4

‘It feels like Italy with the volume turned down’: readers’ favourite (smaller) city breaks in Europe

You share your low-key alternatives to overcrowded hotspots, from an island city in the Med to a Norwegian art nouveau gem • Tell us about your trips in Europe’s mountains – the best wins a £200 holiday voucher Ferrara in Emilia-Romagna won me over precisely because it feels like Italy with the volume turned down. I stayed in a small family-run hotel near Via delle Volte , where mornings began…

one of Europe's prettiest city beaches

25 things in this story

PoettoQuarterone of Europe's prettiest city beaches
Bastione St RemySightdelineates ancient Castello district, serves rooftop views
Trattoria LillicuRestauranttempting reason to hurry back for chargrilled bream
Elsewhere
Via delle VolteNeighborhoodFerrara, Italycobbled streets with smell of fresh pastries
Palazzo dei DiamantiAttractionFerrara, Italyalmost empty, space to enjoy Renaissance art
pumpkin cappellacciRestaurantFerrara, Italytraditional pasta dish served in tiny trattorias
SprengelArts centreHanover, Germanymodern art gallery, one of the best in Germany
Great Garden at HerrenhausenSightHanover, Germanyone of Europe's best-preserved baroque gardens
the EilenriedeTrailHanover, Germany640 hectares of city forest, nearly double Central Park
ListNeighborhoodHanover, Germanywell-heeled art nouveau district with independent shops
LindenNeighborhoodHanover, Germanymulticultural district with independent shops
BallhofplatzSightHanover, Germanyrelax in a deck chair with tea and cake
Loulé CriativoArts centreLoulé, Portugalcommunity artisans preserving traditional crafts
belfry of the Hotel de VilleSightArras, FranceUnesco world heritage site in Flemish style
Vauban CitadelSightArras, FranceUnesco world heritage site
the BovesSightArras, France10th-century network of tunnels
Malmö KonsthallArts centreMalmö, Swedenfree arts centre with contemporary exhibitions
Turning TursoSightMalmö, Swedentwisted skyscraper, architectural gem
HollandiaRestaurantMalmö, Swedenoffered classic Swedish cakes and lovely atmosphere
Disgusting Food MuseumMuseumMalmö, Swedeninteresting cultural experience showing unusual foods
León cathedralMuseumLeón, Spainstained glass worthy of heaven, another level
San Isidoro churchPlace of worshipLeón, Spainhumble ninth-century building, important romanesque
House of Weaving (Casa da Empreita)SightLoulé, Portugal
Watchmakers (Oficina do Relojoeiro)SightLoulé, Portugal
Stringed Instrument Workshop (Oficina de Cordofones)SightLoulé, Portugal

Read the full piece at The Guardian →

Condé Nast TravelerOct 26, 2025

In Cagliari, Sardinia's Quirks and Traditions Remain Center Stage

Synonymous with preservation, Cagliari is a place where historical relics layer the city, ancient customs define modern life, and its many centenarians share their wisdom with the next generation.

five-mile long beach

31 things in this story

Gli UfficiRestauranton medieval ramparts, offers views
VillanovaNeighborhoodstudio of ceramist Gianpaolo Olianas
Molentargius-Saline Regional Natural ParkSightbrackish lagoons
NoraSightPhoenician city
Santa GillaQuarterlagoon with salt pans
San BenedettoQuarterone of Europe's largest covered markets
PoettoQuarterfive-mile long beach
CastelloNeighborhoodmedieval ramparts
Gianpaolo OlianasPlaceDe très belles céramiques !
EasyclettaPlaceelectronic-bike rental service
National Archaeological Museum of CagliariMuseumcaptures over 7,000 years of history
Buoncammino AvenueSightjacarandas shedding purple petals
Palazzo Boyl 1840Hoteloverlooks ancient fortifications
Casa ClàtHotelhas a buzzy restaurant
Le Dune PiscinasHotelcoastal hotel
Antica Locanda LunettaGuest houserustic getaway
Palazzo DoglioHotelCagliari's first five-star hotel
Faro Capo-SpartiventoHotelworking lighthouse converted to hotel
Pani e CasuRestaurantlegendary for traditional Sardinian dishes
Stella Marina di MontecristoRestaurantseafood-focused dinner
Sa Domu SardaRestaurantrustic restaurant
Luigi PomataRestauranthigh-end restaurant
BacànRestaurantbreezy restaurant on the waterfront
LibariumRestaurantviews from the Castello ramparts
Antico CaffèCaféideal place for an aperitivo
Caffè SvizzeroCaférestored 1901 interior
Castello districtNeighborhood
Santa Gilla lagoonSight
San Benedetto marketMarket
Poetto beachPublic artwork
Bay of AngelsSight

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Poetto

In the coverage2 stories

‘It feels like Italy with the volume turned down’: readers’ favourite (smaller) city breaks in Europe

In Cagliari, Sardinia's Quirks and Traditions Remain Center Stage