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The GuardianOct 16, 2026

‘A haven of soft light, warm sunshine and sandy beaches’: readers’ favourite autumn escapes

In search of autumn festivals, good food and islands where it still feels like summer? We asked you to recommend your best off-season breaks • Tell us about a spooky spot in the UK – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucher Last October, while I was cycling around south-west France, near the Spanish border, a tip from a local waiter led me to Collioure , near Perpignan. The town was like a Medi…

14 things in this story

Mercado dos LavradoresMarketThe building was designed by Edmundo Tavares and opened on 24 November 1940.
Elsewhere
Tagus RiverPublic artworkLisbon, PortugalBoat trips offer views of pastel-coloured hills at sunset.
Aljafería palaceSightZaragoza, SpainStunning palace to explore.
Le MouréNeighborhoodCollioure, FrancePastel-coloured alleyways for happy hour wine and fish tapas.
Ponto FinalRestaurantLisbon, PortugalWaterside taverna for coffee, pastries, anchovies, and beer.
WhitesandsSightSt Davids, United KingdomCoastal path towards beaches, good for watching seals.
RakotzbrückeSightBad Muskau, GermanyDevil's Bridge reached by a narrow gauge forest railway.
Charco AzulSightEl Hierro, SpainVolcanic swimming hole on the rugged coastline.
South West Coast PathTrailWoolacombe, United KingdomCoastal walking route accessible from Woolacombe.
St Abb's HeadNature reserveSt Abbs, United KingdomDramatic clifftop walk with seabirds and sea air.
harbour cafeRestaurantSt Abbs, United KingdomServes fresh crab rolls.
White MountainsNature reserveChania, GreeceMountains where sun shone while northern coast had rain.
Loutro ferryPlacePalaiochora, GreeceFerry that sets the town's rhythms.
Plaza del PilarSightZaragoza, SpainLocation for a vast floral tribute to the Virgin Mary.

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Lonely PlanetAug 21

The 13 best places to visit in Europe in winter

Put off the January blues by booking an off-season experience in Europe.

20 things in this story

Sé (cathedral)SightOrnate cathedral.
Mercado dos LavradoresMarketArt deco market.
Reid's PalaceCaféElegant afternoon tea service.
Elsewhere
Guggenheim MuseumMuseumBilbao, SpainGroundbreaking architecture.
Plaza NuevaNeighborhoodBilbao, SpainBiggest pick of pintxos bars.
Mercado de la RiberaMarketBilbao, SpainArt-deco market with cafes and produce stalls.
Keşlik MonasterySightCappadocia, TurkeyExplore its rock-hewn structures.
KaymaklıHotelCappadocia, TurkeyLabyrinthine underground city.
Göreme Open-Air MuseumMuseumCappadocia, TurkeyFresco-covered cave churches.
Ihlara ValleyTrailCappadocia, TurkeyWintry walks.
Playa del MatorralSightFuerteventura, SpainLengthy beach.
CofeteSightFuerteventura, SpainOffbeat and isolated beach.
Parque Natural de CorralejoSightFuerteventura, SpainEndless dunes.
Eryri (Snowdonia)TrailSnowdonia, United KingdomMountains, coastline, lakes, waterfalls.
National White Water CentrePlaceSnowdonia, United KingdomOpen to rafters year-round.
Azkuna ZentroaArts centreBilbao, SpainExhibition space with rooftop pool.
Casco ViejoNeighborhoodBilbao, SpainAmble through cafes and produce stalls.
Siete CallesNeighborhoodBilbao, SpainMedieval streets.
Monte Palace Tropical GardensGardenMonte, PortugalBloom year-round.
Museo de Bellas ArtesMuseumBilbao, Spain

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Lonely PlanetJul 27

Things you need to know before visiting Portugal

Our Porto insider has all the top tricks and tips you need before you book that magical trip to Portugal.

5 things in this story

MadeiraSightrugged, semi-tropical island off western Africa
Elsewhere
The AzoresSightPonta Delgada, Portugalnine green islands in the middle of the Atlantic
AlentejoNeighborhoodÉvora, Portugalregion with hilltop villages
AlgarveNeighborhoodFaro, Portugalregion with over 100 beaches
Parque Nacional da Peneda-GerêsSightPeneda-Gerês, Portugalnational park with waterfalls and natural pools

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National GeographicFeb 10, 2025

Why Slovenia is Europe’s best-kept secret for hikers

Europe has long been a popular vacation destination, be it for a steamy summer vacation or a Christmas market train journey. For hiking enthusiasts, Europe offers a seemingly endless bounty of ...

19 things in this story

MadeiraSightIsland known for gentle levada walks
Elsewhere
Camino de SantiagoTrailSantiago de Compostela, SpainLong-distance hiking pilgrimage route
Postojna CaveSightPostojna, SloveniaCave system near Predjama Castle, accessible by train
Lake BledSightBled, SloveniaIconic Slovenian destination with short, easy hikes
Triglav National ParkSightBled, SloveniaSlovenia's only national park, home to challenging routes
TriglavHotelBled, SloveniaSlovenia's highest peak, a technical hike
Triglavski Dom na KredariciHotelBled, SloveniaSlovenia's highest mountain lodge for overnight stays
Alpe-Adria TrailTrailVillach, Austria460-mile trail traversing Slovenia, Austria, and Italy
Soča ValleyNeighborhoodBovec, SloveniaFairytale-like forests in the Slovenian section of Alpe-Adria Trail
Skocjanske JameSightDivača, SloveniaUNESCO World Heritage cave system with underground paths
Reka RiverSightDivača, SloveniaRiver crossed by a bridge within Skocjan Caves
Predjama CastleSightPostojna, SloveniaMedieval castle set into a cliff near Postojna Cave
Trail of TrappistsTrailVipava Valley, SloveniaExplores old wine transport routes
Walk of PeaceTrailNova Gorica, Slovenia67-mile stretch with war remnants between Alps and Adriatic
Kobarid Historic TrailTrailKobarid, SloveniaTrail with forests, waterfalls, and WWI bunker remnants
Kobarid MuseumMuseumKobarid, SloveniaWWI-focused museum on the Kobarid Historic Trail
Velika PlaninaSightKamnik, SloveniaMountain plateau with herdsmen huts, accessible by cable car
Rupnik LineSightLjubljana, Slovenia
Soča FrontlineSightBovec, Slovenia

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