Hidden away down a rough track just a short drive from the medieval hilltop town of Marvão lies Lost Valley of Ramila, a complex of eco-friendly buildings spread across the hillside. Choose from four cosy self-contained apartments, each with neat kitchenettes, spacious bedroom/living area and private terrace with a glorious vista across the hills. Down by the river stands the charmingly renovated, century-old mill, with thick stone walls, neat windows, rustic furnishings and, forming one of the two bedrooms, a sleeping platform. All bathrooms are modern with showers and terracotta floor tiles.
The setting is magical – think rocky outcrops covered in lichen, wild swimming in the river (or in the purpose-built hillside pool), secluded picnic spots beneath gnarled cork oaks, and wooden decking areas connected by pathways that meander through cacti, yuccas and olive trees. You can even try your hand making pizza or homemade bread in the traditional wood oven. Shops and restaurants are just a short drive away and the area is a dream for nature walks, photography, bird-watching and horse-riding.
The choice of accommodation is also an advantage; choose between newly built, eco-friendly apartments or one of the century-old mills, painstakingly restored to their former glory, with all the contemporary trimmings. But it’s the Sever River that makes this place even more special. As you meander along the river through the valley, enjoy your own private river beach, swing bridge or a nature walk through the São Mamede Natural Park.
Whether you’re a hiker, history nerd or beach bum, you’ve discovered the perfect host. Bulgaria’s rich history dates back millenniums and there’s a bit of everything – Mediterranean, Roman, Ottoman, Persian, Celtic – in its cultural pot.
But almost a third of Bulgaria covered in forest, so hiking choices are plentiful. Choose to scale the domed Vitosha mountains on the outskirts of the capital Sofia, or take to adventure on the glacial peaks that top the Pirin Mountains.
Get your fix of history in the cobblestone streets of Plovdiv, one Europe’s oldest cities, where you can see a second-century Roman amphitheatre or visit the rubbled ruins of Eumolpias from 5000 BC. But if ruins and relics aren’t your thing, you may find your calling at one of the many beach towns lining the Black Sea coastline, where resorts run rampant.
Treating yourself to slabs of banitsa, a pastry stuffed with feta-like cheese and vegetables, is a must. And if someone offers you wine on a boozy night remember to shake your head, because here nodding means no and shaking means yes.
This monument to one of Germany’s favourite foodstuffs is as interactive as it is interesting (if sausages are your thing).
It is exactly as you would picture a museum that pays homage to hotdogs to be, with bun-shaped couches, artistically sculpted fries and glass cabinets explaining spices, flavours and all the other specifics of making the perfect currywurst.
Snag tastings are included in the tour and there is even a van set up inside for anyone who has ever dreamed of what being a street vendor must be like.
This is food and fun right in the heart of Berlin, and a must for all those who consider themselves sausage connoisseurs.
Defend queen and country with a sea-bound stay on a repurposed fort. Built 2.2 kilometres off England’s Isle of Wight in 1867 to guard against the threat of invading Frenchmen, No Man’s Fort has since undergone a spit and polish, opening its doors to guests in .
Gone are the days when 70 soldiers would hole up within its granite walls – now the structure boasts 23 luxurious bedrooms, as well as a wine bar, rooftop hot tubs and a spa centre offering signature salt treatments.
What to do while you’re at sea all day? Eat like a trooper, of course. When you’re not supping on mackerel caught from below or toasting the monarchy with a flagon of rum, take to the water for a sea-kayaking session or show off your military prowess in an on-board battle of laser tag.
Psst, want to know a secret? You should head to B&H and do it quickly. For a country whose size is dwarfed by Tassie’s there’s plenty to check out. And people are finding out about it – especially Europeans. It’s one of the most-visited countries in the Balkan region and is expected to see a record growth in visitor numbers before 2020 rolls around.
Despite being heavily damaged during the Bosnian War of the 1990s, Sarajevo remains incredibly beautiful. Parts of its Old Town, with their Ottoman architecture, feel a little like Istanbul, while some Austro-Hungarian buildings have been restored to their former glory. While you’re walking through the streets, look down to find Sarajevo roses. Small craters left by shells have been filled with red paint to honour the lives taken.
Daredevils tend to stick Mostar on their itineraries so they can leap off the elegant Stari Most (Old Bridge), but the Old City, listed by UNESCO, has an intriguing mix of influences. Climb the the stairs to the top of the minaret in the Kossi Mehmed Pasa Mosque for a superb view of the bridge and Old Town. It’s worth heading 40 kilometres out of town, too, to see the stunning cascades of the Kravice waterfalls.
Set your sights out of the city to discover a growing force in ecotourism. The alps here are pristine and the perfect spot for hikers and mountain bikers. Whitewater rafters are in for a treat, too. It’s a popular pastime in Bosnia and the Tara River Canyon is the deepest river canyon in Europe.
Belarus isn’t the easiest place to travel. Visas are fiddly to get, the service industry is fairly underdeveloped and the country’s less-than-impeccable reputation with human rights organisations all mean tourism isn’t exactly thriving. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth seeing, exploring and understanding. As the ‘last Soviet Republic’, you won’t see much advertising or a whole heap of litter or graffiti – instead enjoy pleasant country landscapes away from the cities. And while most of its buildings were destroyed in World War II, if you’re interested in the Soviet period and its effects today, Minsk makes an intriguing visit.
Step into the Belle Époque in one of Paris’s most lavish new hotels, Maison Souquet. Hidden in the saucy Pigalle district, the abode pays homage to the courtesans who once sashayed through its halls. From the exterior, the only hints of opulence are two red lanterns and a canopy flanking a simple facade, but enter the former house of pleasure and you’ll plunge into a world of intricate panelling, plush furniture and gold, gold, gold.
The 20 rooms offer unique designs created by French artist Jacques Garcia, whose credits include the tearooms of Ladurées, the refurbishment of Château de Versailles and the styling of more than 30 rooms of the Louvre with 18th-century decorative art. This is how one should slumber in the city of love.
Most of us go to the movies to relax, but just imagine blending that experience with a dip in a hot tub. A party with a single rub-a-dub tub got its organisers thinking about the possibilities of taking the concept to the people, and in July 2012 the first public Hot Tub Cinema was held in London.
These days you have to book well in advance for the summer screenings, which feature classic flicks (Ghostbusters, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Austin Powers etc.), dressing up and waiters who deliver cold beverages to your hot tub. There’s no permanent home, so the moist movie theatre pops up wherever a spot can be found. The concept has spread to Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester in the UK, as well as abroad to Ibiza and New York City. What could be better than watching Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels here?
Located just outside the city walls of Pula, Vespasian’s Amphitheatre – fondly known as ‘the Arena’ – has been drawing people into its crumbling walls for millennia. Built during the first century AD, the great Roman-style landmark was once the bloody battleground of gladiators and knights. Now the Arena is one of the largest open-air cinemas in the world, home to some of Pula’s best summer entertainment.
Hosting up to 5,000 spectators, the annual Pula Film Festival takes place during July, showcasing a program of Croatian cinema and a smattering of films from around the globe. In its 63rd year, the festival is an event not to be missed, so grab a seat and settle in for a cinema experience under the stars.
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