Tipsters recommend early summer trips for peaceful beaches and uncrowded historic sites across Albania to Andalucía.
Top tip for Andalucía: Hill-top highs.
Vejer de la Frontera, located south of Cádiz, presents a challenge to visitors due to its hilly terrain and narrow, winding streets originally designed for horse-drawn carts. Pedestrians must squeeze against whitewashed houses to make way for occasional cars on the cobbled streets leading up to traditional apartments with expansive views of the plains below. The town’s rich Moorish history is reflected in its local bars, hammams, and Moroccan restaurants serving specialities such as tagines and slow-cooked pig cheeks.
Montenegro’s Kotor: An atmospheric maze.
To behold breathtaking views of Kotor’s medieval old town, mountainous landscape, and harbour, make the trek up the 1,350 steps to the Fortress of St. Ivan. Afterward, cool off with outdoor drinks in the Square of Arms and explore the winding, picturesque cobbled streets that lead to the former palaces of noblemen, which were later appropriated during communist times. There are plenty of cultural sites to see, including historic buildings, museums, and churches, along with a wide variety of bars and restaurants serving local delicacies such as borek, black risotto, and the layered nougat confection known as bajadera.
Take a train ride to Pisa.
Pisa is an ideal destination for early summer with its pleasant climate and uncrowded attractions that allow for leisurely exploration. During our stay in a traditional guest house, we strolled along the city walls and took a train ride to the amazing Florence, where we marveled at the stunning architecture at every turn. A day trip to Chianti, San Gimignano, and Siena was another highlight of our trip. The picturesque landscape of Cinque Terre was also a must-see, and we opted for a hop-on, hop-off train ride that provided a boat trip back to our starting point, leaving us with unforgettable memories.
Andalucía, Spain: High altitude hiking.
Located 40 miles north-west of Málaga, the Caminito del Rey offers an incredible guided hiking experience. The trail consists of boardwalks cantilevered hundreds of feet up the cliff face, tunnels carved into the rocks, and suspension footbridges high above the gorge. Although it was once considered the most dangerous hike in Europe, safety measures have made it less perilous while preserving its dramatic beauty. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors along the trail, sharing insights into the path’s history and the surrounding flora and fauna. The entire 8km trail offers stunning views, culminating in a crossing of the gorge by suspension bridge and a descent to the river below by way of hundreds of steps. This excursion is not for the faint-hearted but is suitable for anyone between eight and 80 years of age. We booked our excursion from Seville with Naturanda (starting at €69).
