Rome isn’t all ruins – check out its breathtaking contemporary art and design, too

The Forum and Colosseum have to be seen once, but after that the Eternal City has a never-ending wealth of modern art worth exploring

It’s a controversial opinion, but Rome’s major sites are overrated. Crowded, costly and utterly devoid of charm, the city’s most visited landmarks have been cheapened in the age of mass tourism into little more than a box-ticking – or selfie-taking – exercise.

Which isn’t to say you shouldn’t go. Everyone should be accosted by a middle-aged Italian man in a plastic centurion’s costume or shouted at by a Vatican security guard at least once in their life. But there’s a lot more to the Eternal City than its ancient ruins and Renaissance sculptures. Continue reading...

Share details of a slow travel break – you could win a holiday voucher

Tell us about your favourite slow travel trip – the best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays break

It’s hard to imagine a time when life was generally lived at 3mph – walking pace and the average speed of a horse-drawn boat. When the railways were being built, some critics warned that that the human body was incapable of withstanding speeds of 30mph. Fast forward – literally – 200 years and everything is done at pace; we’re always up against the clock. Which is why slow travel has become something of a movement, bolstered by the trend for mindfulness. We’d like to hear about your favourite ways of slowing things down a bit – whether it be puttering along a stretch of a canal, walking from village to village, camping in the woods, or going out berry picking in the local hedgerows.

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words that will be judged for the competition. Continue reading...

‘One taste explodes like a moon rocket booster’: readers’ favourite foodie finds in Europe

Lava soup in Iceland, assassins’ pasta in Bari, Georgian breads and Norfolk seafood … our tipsters pick their favourite culinary treats across the continent

Hidden in the main hall of Varvakios Agora market in Athens is seafood so fresh that the air smells of saltwater. At Hasapika, you can choose your fish and specify how you’d like it cooked: seared octopus, salmon ceviche, gigantic fried prawns – the choice is endlessly delicious. But the highlight is the Hasapika pan – handmade pasta in a decadent tomato broth overloaded with crayfish, mussels and shrimp. It can serve three, but two of us fought for every last scrap, wiping the pan with warm, olive oil-soaked bread. My Italian friend declared it some of the best pasta he had ever tasted. Well worth €28 for two.
Suriya Bala Continue reading...

Share details of a trip to a UK retreat – you could win a holiday voucher

Tell us about a favourite yoga, meditation or other wellness break – the best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays break

One of the fastest growing travel trends in recent years has been the rise of the “digital detox retreat” as we look for more ways to switch off from our screens. But you don’t necessarily need to shell out for a fancy spa break. From stays in remote off-grid cabins to forest bathing, foraging, yoga and mindfulness retreats, we’d love to hear about the UK getaways that have helped you to unplug and reconnect with nature.

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words that will be judged for the competition. Continue reading...

Air Traffic Rose at Tel Aviv Airport in 2023 Despite Recent Plunge

The numbers show how well travel has recovered post-pandemic in some parts of the world. -Justin Dawes

From historic town houses to rural retreats: 10 great places to stay in Madeira

Where to go on the Portuguese island for lush vegetation, clifftop settings, fine wine and the promise of winter sun

Set in the heart of Funchal’s atmospheric Old Town, the five historic houses that make up Castanheiro offer guests an immersion in more than 300 years of Madeiran history. Communal areas in each house are filled with antique furniture and period pieces from its earlier incarnations – one as a handcraft atelier, another the home of wealthy traders – while bedrooms are sleek and modern. The cherry on the cake is the rooftop pool, with fantastic views over Funchal and plenty of quiet outdoor spaces on the walled terraces for relaxing with a book or a cocktail. There’s no restaurant, but plenty of good options within a minute or two’s stroll.
Doubles from £153 B&B; castanheiroboutiquehotel.com Continue reading...

Lightship Raises $34 Million for Electric RV: Startup Funding Roundup

Lightship is developing a fully electric RV available starting in 2026, and Tumodo wants to expand its business travel platform throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa. -Justin Dawes