Hidden high in Madeira's misty mountain valleys, ancient apple orchards are enjoying an extraordinary revival. Martin Hesp discovers how entrepreneur Márcio Nóbrega has transformed the island's traditional "poor man's drink" into internationally acclaimed sparkling cider while rescuing thousands of heritage apple trees from abandonment.

Looking for a coolcation destination away from the heat of southern Europe? Martin Hesp explores Lithuania's Amber Coast, discovering elegant seaside resorts, outstanding food, shifting sand dunes, fascinating history and one of the most remarkable landscapes in the Baltic region.

Finding these quiet, untamed corners of the island brought back a flood of memories from a trip I took to Cyprus nearly 35 years ago. It was February half-term, and back in the UK, it was cold, grey, and raining. Desperate for a bit of sun and warmth, we booked a last-minute deal to Paphos. But Cyprus has a way of surprising you. On one of our day trips, we found ourselves waist-deep in snow.

What makes halloumi different from every other cheese? A chance encounter in rural Cyprus reveals the secret behind its famous squeak and resistance to melting, leading into an unforgettable journey through mountain villages, wineries, artisan food producers and authentic Cypriot culture.

Parkland, Porcelain History, and a Vanished World For those arriving by air, La Chapelle Saint Martin serves as a sublime pastoral gateway to southwest France. Located just minutes from Limoges airport, this elegant 19th-century manor house was originally built as the country retreat for a wealthy porcelain manufacturer. Today, it offers a completely different flavour of rural charm, trade-marking the expansive, rolling parklands of the Haute-Vienne. The house sits within a f

Here is a short, high-impact extract that captures the peak of the story's atmosphere and that classic, grounded reaction: There is a moment on the approach to Château de la Treyne that stays with you forever. As you drive across a narrow suspension bridge spanning the Dordogne River, you look up to see a dramatic 14th-century fortress perched high on a limestone cliff. Its beautifully proportioned towers cast perfect reflections on the water below.

The real delight of this place is found in the quiet details. It is the soothing sound of the ancient mill leat trickling through the grounds, the architectural precision of the boxwood gardens that resemble a green velvet tapestry in the sunshine, and the cosy interiors that smell faintly of woodsmoke and beeswax. Unlike retreats that sit dreamily tucked away from society, Le Vieux Logis is deeply integrated into the life of Trémolat, a small, living, working community.

A journey through the Dordogne and Limousin reveals a quieter, more beautiful France – where luxury hotels, timeless villages and river landscapes echo the West Country of old.

Paphos remains a reliable corner of the Mediterranean where history sits quietly beside the sea. Our recent visit with the British Guild of Travel Writers centered on the Asimina Suites, a Constantinou Bros property that has just emerged from a major revamp. Now featuring a new top floor of deluxe suites and the St Andrews Rooftop Bar, the hotel has refined its adults-only appeal without losing its sense of calm. It is a place designed for those who value space and a sea view

"I was thinking this one evening last week just after I had popped a humble cockle into my mouth. A small shellfish I’ve enjoyed all my life, but this cockle was different. It was a super-cockle. It was as if the most cockly cockle in the world had been produced especially for this moment of personal enjoyment. It tasted of the essence of ocean. Its velvety texture was salty, sweet and creamy all at the same time. It was so sublime, it brought a little tear to my eye."

40 years of Michelin stars and still the same passion. As La Chapelle Saint Martin marks a landmark anniversary in 2026, Chef Gilles Dudognon reflects on four decades of culinary excellence, the art of "truth in cooking," and passing the torch to a new generation in the heart of Limoges.

A long weekend in Tuscany reveals two of Italy’s most remarkable spa hotels — the historic Grotta Giusti and the aristocratic Bagni di Pisa. Built around natural thermal springs used since Roman times, these elegant retreats combine wellness, history and classic Italian style. From floating therapy in Europe’s largest thermal cave to soaking in grand spa halls once visited by royalty and literary greats like Mary Shelley, this is Tuscany at its most indulgent. Easily reached

Exploring Denmark: How to Travel the Country in Comfort Denmark and comfort go “hand in glove”. Defined by its concept of hygge (coziness), this Scandinavian gem often ranks among the world’s happiest countries, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re traveling to Denmark soon, expect slow-living, sustainability, and first-class amenities. Crowds dining outdoors in Copenhagen Whether you’re exploring the vibrant capital, Copenhagen, or veering slightly off the beaten path to the

A quick guide to some of the places we think will be influential and important for leisure travellers in 2026

A guide to the joys of visiting Gran Canaria in Europe's winter time

High in Crete's Dikti Mountains lies the spectacular Lasithi Plateau, famous for its white-sailed windmills, fertile farmland and timeless villages. From the legendary Cave of Zeus to quiet mountain roads and welcoming tavernas, this scenic corner of Crete offers one of the island's most rewarding day trips away from the busy coast.

Discover the Algarve’s Hidden Heart Some places have a kind of instant reputation - you hear the name and straight away you think of the things for which they’ve become renowned. In the case of this article, I’m talking about the golf-courses and beach-resorts of Portugal’s Algarve. And if this theory needed any proof, I can tell you that my flight from Bristol last week was filled with golfers and seekers of winter sunshine. Nothing wrong with that. If you’ve got it, flaunt

Discovering the Danish Happiness Factor Year after year, Denmark ranks near the top of the World Happiness Report , a global survey examining wellbeing across 140+ countries. In the most recent rankings, Denmark came second only to Finland, while the UK landed a less cheerful 23rd . But why? What makes this cool, windy, northern European nation so content? As mentioned in last week's feature on Skagen’s artist colony , I decided to explore the question of Danish happiness fur

Aboard the Sea Cloud Spirit We’ve recently been on a voyage aboard there amazing Sea Cloud Spirit and I am writing about it in tomorrow’s newspapers - namely the Western Morning News and Western Daily Press. After that I’ll be putting up a number of articles on here. The journey on the Sea Cloud Spirit commenced in Naples. The ship proceeded to Capri, where guests disembarked in what turned out to be the most heavy rainstorm imaginable. All good fun though and we had plenty

Authentic Italian Cuisine at Masseria Il Frontoio, Puglia Slow Food, Farm-to-Table Dining, and True Puglian Hospitality I’m in the mood to talk about proper Italian food. Partly thanks to an old Rick Stein programme I’ve ust watched. Not just any Italian food, but the kind that makes you want to pack your bags and head straight for the heel of Italy's boot. I'm referring to Masseria Il Frontoio , a place that's not just a restaurant—it is something of a shrine to the Slow Foo