Wine, history, culture—Bordeaux has it all. A haven for ex-Parisians and an inspiration for artists, there’s a reason why someone like Mary Higgins Clark once declared Bordeaux as a “very beautiful place to start a beautiful story.” While Bordeaux has its own unique charm, it’s refreshing to escape the city every so often for a […]
beaches
Chiaia, Naples: Insider’s Guide to a Charming Seaside District
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The district of Chiaia, Naples stretches along the Neapolitan seaside and is like the well-to-do cousin of the historical center. It’s home to high-end bars, luxury shops, and boutique eateries, but still preserves the charming feel of Naples’ narrow, cobblestone streets. It can be reached on foot from the historical center, or with the Metro […]
Sun and Sand in Tuscany: Exploring Beaches Near Florence
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The Arno River cuts through the middle of Florence, snaking its way through the countryside en route to the sea. The river makes a lovely backdrop for, say, watching a sunset. But, when the mercury climbs in the summer, you’d do well to follow its lead and head for one of the beaches near Florence. […]
Surfing in San Sebastian: Where to Catch the Best Waves
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Spain’s northern coastline—San Sebastian included—is famous for its magnificent surfing spots. But what makes San Sebastian even more unique is that it’s one of the few places in the world where you can find amazing waves right in the heart of a lively city. This allows you to combine surfing with other amazing things the […]
How to Plan the Perfect Estoril Day Trip from Lisbon
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One of Portugal’s most luxurious locales is right down the coast from Lisbon. Discover its charm on an Estoril day trip! Just a few miles west of Lisbon, you’ll find a stretch of coastline unlike any other. It’s known as the Portuguese Riviera, thanks to its storied past and famous residents—not to mention high property […]
Exploring San Sebastian On Your Own: Our Top Tips for Solo Travelers
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Traveling on your own doesn’t have to mean cutting down on fun things to do. There’s a never-ending list of things to do and explore in San Sebastian, but here, we’re taking a look at the best options for solo travelers. From great hostels to how to enjoy the local food scene, this guide to […]
Barcelona in July: Festivals, Live Music, Cool Eats, & More
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This blog post was originally posted on June 11, 2015, and was updated on January 13, 2023. Summer days in Barcelona are glorious, and the nights are even better. Sure, you’ve got the beach, but that’s not the end-all-be-all of summer in Barcelona. Whether you want to explore the streets of the city or beat […]
San Sebastian in July: Top Activities for Summer Fun
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This blog post was originally posted on June 29, 2018 and was updated on June 3, 2019. July may just be the best time of the year to visit San Sebastian! Summers here are much more mild than in most of the rest of Spain—throw in the fact that we’ve got some of the best […]
Barcelona in May: Music Festivals, Soccer Games, & Beach Trips
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This blog post was originally posted on April 15, 2015 and was updated on January 4, 2023. If you’re still not sure when is the best time of year to visit Barcelona, let us tell you a little bit about why we love May. First of all, the weather is stunning. Then, consider the fact […]
How to Spend 36 Hours in San Sebastian
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With pristine beaches, a fascinating local culture and the best gastronomic scene in the world, San Sebastian is one of the chicest cities in Spain–make that Europe. And despite its smaller size, it packs a big punch. You could spend a week or more here and still not scratch the surface of this one-of-a-kind gem […]