Alex Ryan

A Rural Retreat in Turkey’s Ovacik

Close enough to the better-known seaside towns of Fethiye and Ölüdeniz that excitement is always within reach but far enough away to maintain its rustic charm, Ovacik is a true hidden gem. It sits in Turkey’s beautiful, vibrant southwest, an area known for being a geographic and cultural crossroads that has produced centuries of unique architecture and relics. Read on for some of the best things to see and do in and around this little-known rural destination. Wonderful Walks The

Four Killer Cultural Daytrips from Kiotari, Greece

Greece has long captured the imaginations of travellers keen to immerse themselves in unique culture and history, and Rhodes stands out as one of the country’s prime attractions. The landmass is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands, and the archipelago’s historical capital. In centuries past, it housed the internationally famous Colossus – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Today, visitors can explore a wide range of archaeological sites, experiencing history going back more than two millennia. What’s more,

Ölüdeniz: The Gate to a Hiking Adventure

Ölüdeniz is a small village in southwestern Turkey, at the meeting-point of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. This location made the region important in the past, positioning it well for coastal trade, and even sometimes piracy. Before the Greek conquest under Alexander the Great, the area was home to the Lycian League: a mysterious and warlike people, who nonetheless formed what has sometimes been called the world’s first democracy. This fascinating history, along with the challenging but manageable terrain, has

Side: The Perfect Family Beach Resort in Turkey

Side, pronounced ‘sea-day’, is one of Turkey’s best summer resorts for the whole family. It’s built around ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and there’s more than enough still standing and in museums for families to get their fill of culture. Perhaps more importantly, though, it’s also a beautiful, sunny location, with a wide variety of activities on offer. Relaxing and Fun on the West Beach Opening out onto the warm waters of the Mediterranean, the West Beach is the most

A Gastronomical Tour in Sorrento

Ah, Italy – perhaps Europe’s best regarded location for fine food and wine. (In fairness, the French might have something to say about that. But it’s definitely top five.) Sorrento, a small town on the Amalfi Coast overlooking the Bay of Naples, is particularly well known for the wide variety of culinary delights it produces. It’s the home of limoncello, for instance, and is part of the excellent Campania wine region. While there’s a lot to see and do here,

En Route from Faro Airport to Huelva

The journey from Faro Airport to Huelva is a scenic one, taking you across the border from Portugal to Spain and past some stunning sights along the way. At a little over an hour, there are some great attractions that you might be inclined to add to your list of to dos while you’re holidaying in Huelva! Milreu Roman Ruins Located just outside Faro, these ancient ruins offer a perfect opportunity to get a first taste of the unique cultural

Off the Beaten Track between Málaga and Calahonda

Located in the far south of Spain, on the eastern side of the country, Calahonda is a quiet, culturally unique place, just a short car ride away from Málaga airport. The town of Málaga has more to recommend than some might expect, and this list of attractions between the airport and Calahonda has some truly unique stuff. The journey only takes around half an hour, but it can be well worth keeping an eye out for some of these highlights

Cheap and Cheerful Skiing in Bansko

Though it may be less well-known than the bigger Alpine resorts, Bansko is well on the rise as a ski destination. It offers something really unique, while also giving the bigger names a run for their money when it comes to quality of runs and après options. Having recently overtaken Borovets as Bulgaria’s biggest resort, Bansko is one of the country’s best locations all year round. Read on to discover some of the best reasons you should choose Bulgaria for

Berlin in a Day: A Guide to the City

Berlin has always been one of Europe’s most remarkable cities. A renowned centre of culture in the early modern period, it gained a reputation for militarism and fascism in the early twentieth century, and stood as a symbol of Cold War division from the end of the war until the 1990s. Today the city again enjoys a reputation for the arts, but its complex history has not been forgotten. In fact, Berlin is a perfect example of the tensions and

Feel Majestic in Monaco: A Cultural Guide for Luxury Lovers

At just over 2km², Monaco is the world’s second-smallest city-state. But from history and architecture to culture and glamour, the little principality on the French Riviera packs a major punch. The subtropical Mediterranean climate has allowed lush vegetation to flourish: palm trees and exotic flowers are never far away, decorating the pristine city and the rocky bluff that overlooks it. Inside this beautiful, sparkling state you’ll find more than enough to sate your cultural appetite – read on for some

París

Say “Parfait” to Paris’s Parties!

The French capital is well-known as a cultured city, but it’s got more than a little bit of a wild side too. Once the sun goes down and the museums close, the City of Light’s nightlife is not to be missed! Read on for some of the best bars and clubs Paris has to offer. Bars Bar Hemingway Liberated from the Germans as the Allies swept across Europe, this bar makes a lot of its association with American author and

Glamorous Golfing in Belek

Located near the city of Antalya on Turkey’s south coast, Belek is one of the most highly regarded golf destinations in the world. The town and surrounding area have hosted major tournaments such as the PGA European Seniors and the Ladies European Tour, and boast an impressive array of world-class golf courses. What’s more, the courses are attached to big-name luxury hotels – perfect spots to mingle with fellow cosmopolitan golf enthusiasts. Read on for some of the best courses