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Metro
3 days ago
- Metro
Your favourite places to eat in Europe that aren't the usual tourist traps
Metro readers share their favourite off the beaten track food spots (Picture: Getty Images) For most of us, the holiday trifecta is thus: sun, sea, and seriously good food. Whether it's tapas in Spain, pizza in Italy, or schnitzel in Germany, every country has its own unique flavour. But as popular destinations push back against tourists, there's never been a better time to explore new culinary horizons. As we edge closer to peak summer season, we asked Metro readers to share their favourite lesser-known places to eat in Europe. These are your best-kept secrets, from Montenegro and Georgia to the heartland of Germany. Metro readers have their say First up, Paul Drea recommends two contrasting locations: Kotor in Montenegro, and Telavi in Georgia. Sign up to The Getaway newsletter Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. In Kotor, Paul recalls a grill restaurant that was 'always packed,' while in the Georgian city, he raved about the chicken. Apparently, it was so good he 'had it twice in one meal.' In southern France, Mike McGann loves the food in Collioure, where an anchovy fishing tradition dates back to the Middle Ages. And for those looking for a taste of la dolce vita this year, Damien Butters raves about Cisternino in Puglia, which stretches down the southeast coast of Italy. He specifically recommends Bar Fod, which delivers panoramic views of the rolling Apulian countryside as well as tasty grub. According to TripAdvisor, the restaurant serves savoury aperitifs, pastries, ice cream and sandwiches in a casual setting. A visitor from Madrid also raved about Bar Fod, describing it as a nice terrace in the city centre with friendly service and delicious products. During their visit, they tried the arancini, rustic cakes and pizza, which they called exquisite. They said the value for money was unbeatable. Lunch with a view? (Picture: Getty Images) As for Metro reader Jolande Pot-van Der Geest, Ristorante La Montanella in Arquà Petrarca is the most memorable place to eat in Italy. More glamorous than the Puglia offering, this restaurant sits in a large garden, surrounded by olive trees. Dinner can be enjoyed al fresco under cool pergolas or inside the main restaurant. In terms of ingredients, expect homegrown veggies and extra virgin olive oil from local farms. Elsewhere in Italy, Glenys Vargas de Sorrentino loves the Campania region, specifically Napoli. 'I always find amazing food in Naples,' she shares. The Metro Travel team agrees. If you're looking for the best pizza of your life, head to a little joint called Pizzaioli Veraci. There's a reason Naples was crowned the world's best city for food last year. Located on the historic street of Via Toledo, the simple Margherita is a standout: Fior di latte campano, soft cow's milk cheese from Campania, San Marzano tomatoes grown in and around Naples, fragrant basil, and the doughiest crust known to man. @eatingwithtod 5 THINGS TO EAT IN NAPLES 🇮🇹 🍕 (part 1/3) 1. Fried fish cone from Pecheria Azzurea 2. Folded pizza from Passione Do Soft (hanging basket) 3. Ragu meatball sub from Ragu Del Tandem 4. Salted pistachio ice cream from Gay-Odin 5. Pizza Fritta from Masardona This is your sign to book a city break! Part 2 is even better where get get stuck into Naples amazing pizza scene, pastries and pasta! 😋 🌟 If you can't take a date, take a mate! TAG TAG TAG x #naples #italy #naplesfood #travel #foodie #fyp ♬ Italian Tarantella – Italian Restaurant Music of Italy West now to the Atlantic, and husband and wife duo Bev and Nick Foster are huge fans of Portugal. Nick said dinner at Rui dos Leitões in Torre de Vilela was outstanding. Here, a whole roast suckling pig is €40 (£33.50), while a sandwich version will set you back €7 (£5.50). Meanwhile in Barcelona, the couple loved Quimet & Quimet. Bev says: 'The tapas were amazing, I ate combinations of food I never thought I would.' For Nick, it was all about El Xampanyet, a cosy bar that serves traditional tapas: 'The food is to die for, and they make their own cava.' On TripAdvisor, the restaurant has 4.5 stars, plus a string of glowing reviews. However, many do say that, due to the popularity of the place, you might have to queue for a while to get a seat. Barcelona's food scene is impeccable (Picture: Getty Images) Finally, for the Barcelona lovers, Jyoti Parekh recommends a restaurant in El Prat de Llobregat, about 20 minutes from the city centre. A hidden gem, Centric Gastro serves local cuisine in a contemporary style. Their website says they're 'committed to culture,' hosting live music, stand-up comedy, exhibitions, films, and more. But, as Barcelona and other major Spanish cities struggle with the effects of overtourism, Metro reader Martin Goldsmith suggests heading to Andalusia to enjoy good food in peace. The southernmost region in Spain (where you'll find holiday hotspots like Malaga, Granada and Seville, plus lesser-known spots like Estepona and Ronda), Andalusian cuisine is a vibrant mix of Mediterranean flavours, with strong Moorish influences. But Europe has plenty to offer beyond the Med. For hearty fare that will keep you full for hours, many of our readers are fond of Bavaria in Germany. Silke Walz, a Würzburg local, says Bürgerspital-Weinstuben is the perfect spot for traditional Bavarian and Franconian cuisine. The elegant inn is over 700 years old and is home to one of the oldest wineries in both Germany and Europe. Here, the schnitzels are bigger than your head, but don't cost the earth. An enormous wiener schnitzel vom kalbsrücken (made from veal meat) with roast potatoes and cranberries costs around €27 (£23), and is big enough to share. Over in Munich, Trevor Pearman says Paulaner am Nockherberg is great if you're looking to experience Bavarian food and beer together. Things to do in Puglia Even when you're not indulging in Italian cuisine, Puglia has a lot to offer. The southern region, which forms the heel of Italy's boot, is a playground for holidaymakers seeking sun, sea and sand. Charming coastal towns are aplenty here, from Bari to Otranto to Polignano a Mare. @theoandrodrigo This is the most traditional street food in Puglia and it was honestly so good! 📍La Puccia in Lecce is an istitution when it comes to Puccia. For only 7 euros you can make your own puccia and remember: you can add inside how many ingridients you want, without limits! #puglia #puccia #streetfooditaly #fooditaly #lecce ♬ Daydream – Carly Pearl In Bari, hop off the beach to explore the Basilica di San Nicola, a Romanesque church, or wander the streets of Bari Vecchia, the port city's old town. It's a less touristy destination than some of Italy's more famous cities. While in Otranto, visit the Castle of Otranto, the setting for Horace Walpole's 1764 Gothic novel of the same name. The landmark is open to the public and has an entry fee of €12 (£10). Lecce is another Puglia gem. Known as the 'Florence of the South,' it boasts stunning Baroque architecture. Elsewhere, Marina di Pescoluse, in the Province of Lecce, has been dubbed the 'Maldives of Salento,' thanks to its clear azure waters. Things to do in Kotor Kotor is a picturesque coastal town in Montenegro, in a secluded part of the Bay of Kotor — a stunning natural bay regarded as Europe's southernmost fjord. Kotor is so beautiful that it holds two UNESCO World Heritage Site titles: one for the bay's dramatic landscape, and another for its medieval old town, built between the 12th and 14th centuries. The Old Town is a mazelike warren of narrow streets and squares, which open onto stone houses and ancient churches. The region has plenty for adrenaline junkies, from kayaking to hiking to the fortress of Saint Ivan, where you'll be greeted with panoramic views of the bay. Fancy a beach day? Travellers recommend Bigova, an old fishing port known for its 'healing' sand, and Trsteno, a 200m stretch of coast with fine sand and blue water. In terms of food, Montenegrin cuisine fuses Mediterranean, Balkan, and Turkish influences. Famed dishes include kačamak, a savoury traditional Balkan cornmeal porridge, and ćevapi, small minced meat sausages served in flatbread with chopped onions and sour cream. Coastal Montenegro also has a strong focus on grilled and fried seafood. Pair it with wine made from Krstač, an ancient white grape variety native to the country. Arrow MORE: M&S shoppers drooling over 'naughty' new desserts as 100 products added to range Arrow MORE: Body found in search for British man Greg Monks who went missing on stag do in Portugal Arrow MORE: Gorgeous town in Portugal is a foodie paradise with flights from £27
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Apulian rhyton: A 2,300-year-old Spartan-hound-shaped cup that was likely used at boozy bashes
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. QUICK FACTS Name: Apulian dog head rhyton What it is: A terracotta cup in the shape of a dog's head Where it is from: Puglia, Italy When it was made: 340 to 330 B.C. This terracotta cup was made to resemble the head of a Laconian hound, an extinct Greek hunting breed also known as a Spartan hound. Discovered in the "heel" of Italy's "boot," the rhyton — a kind of drinking vessel — shows the influence of Greece on southern Italy 2,300 years ago. This rhyton, housed at the Getty in Los Angeles, was likely made in the workshop of the Darius Painter, a modern name for the artisan whose vase-painting style was well known throughout Puglia and who was particularly prolific between 340 and 320 B.C. Measuring approximately 8 by 4 inches (20 by 10 centimeters), the rhyton is covered in a black glaze, save for the dog's ears and nostrils, and its eyes are coated in a diluted glaze. On the bowl of the cup, a satyr — a half-man, half-goat woodland mythological creature — holds a plate and a staff, surrounded by leaf- and egg-shaped patterns. Related: Lviv pysanka: World's oldest Easter egg The dog, whose face makes up the lower part of the rhyton, is a hound breed that originated in Laconia, a region of ancient Greece where Sparta was located. Because the Laconian hound was well known for its hunting abilities, it was depicted on numerous mosaics, gravestones and drinking cups. MORE ASTONISHING ARTIFACTS —Lviv pysanka: World's oldest Easter egg —Słupcio: A 6,000-year-old amber 'gummy bear' that may have been a Stone Age amulet —Pfyn culture flint tool: World's oldest known 'Swiss Army' knife Ancient Greeks used rhytons at drinking parties or in ceremonies. It is notable that these vessels did not have flat bottoms, so they could not normally be set down on a table. Rhytons as a style likely evolved from earlier drinking horns common in Eurasia in the Bronze Age (roughly the second millennium B.C.), but with a Greek twist: Many rhytons depicted satyrs, which were symbols of debauchery and drunkenness. Dogs were not the only animals whose heads were made into cups; horses, stags, cats, rams, boars, lions and even mythical creatures, like griffins, adorn ancient rhytons. In addition to being cool cups at boozy bashes, rhytons may have been used ceremonially to pour offerings of wine, oil or blood, particularly during animal sacrifices. This Laconian hound rhyton shows the strong influence of Greek culture on southeastern Italy, which was called Magna Graecia (Greater Greece) in the fourth century B.C. This area was not annexed by the Romans until 205 B.C.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hårby Valkyrie: A 1,200-year-old gold Viking Age woman sporting a sword, shield and ponytail
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Name: Hårby Valkyrie What it is: Silver figurine Where it is from: Village of Hårby, Funen Island, Denmark When it was made: Around A.D. 800 (Early Viking Age) Related: Apulian rhyton: A 2,300-year-old Spartan-hound-shaped cup that was likely used at boozy bashes What it tells us about the past: This cast silver figurine of a Valkyrie — a mythological maiden who assists Odin, the Norse god of war — is a unique example of Viking Age metalworking that provides clues about the role of armed women during the time period (793 to 1066). The naturalistic female figure was discovered by metal detectorists in the Danish village of Hårby in 2012 and is currently on display at the National Museum of Denmark. The tiny female figurine is just 1.3 inches (3.4 centimeters) tall and weighs 0.4 ounces (13.4 grams). Its body is partly hollow, and much of it has been covered with a thin layer of gold. A black metallic alloy called niello has been used to highlight and decorate the object. The female figurine is depicted with her hair gathered up into a ponytail that cascades down her back. She wears a V-neck dress that ends with a pleated skirt, and a pattern of intricate knots runs around the back and sides. Her left arm is protected by a shield, while her right hand clutches a short double-edged sword. Because the figure is of an armed woman and likely represents a Valkyrie, Mogens Bo Henriksen, archaeology curator at Museum Odense in Denmark, and Peter Vang Petersen, curator of prehistory at the National Museum of Denmark, wrote in a study of the figurine in the periodical Skalk in 2013. Valkyries were responsible for choosing which soldiers should die on the battlefield. These assistants to the Norse god of war then accompanied the dead warriors to Valhalla, where they served them plenty of alcohol to tide them over until the end of the world, when Odin needed the dead soldiers' support to defeat the giants at Ragnarok. The decorative style of the figurine suggests it was made around A.D. 800, or the early Viking Age. It was found in a field where archaeologists and detectorists discovered other metal objects, including Arab coins, silver ingots and discarded jewelry. Experts think the area may have been a noble's farm in the Viking Age, complete with a metal craft workshop. Armed female figures have been found elsewhere in Denmark and in England, but they are typically two-dimensional pendants or brooches. The partly hollow Hårby Valkyrie, however, may have adorned the top of a magical staff, Henriksen and Petersen wrote. According to the Norse sagas, divination women, or völvas, used similar staffs in their rituals. One of the female residents of the farm may once have owned the Hårby Valkyrie and used it as a symbol of power. MORE ASTONISHING ARTIFACTS —Słupcio: A 6,000-year-old amber 'gummy bear' that may have been a Stone Age amulet —Pfyn culture flint tool: World's oldest known 'Swiss Army' knife —Hohle Fels water bird: The oldest depiction of a bird in the world But it is also possible that the statue is not a Valkyrie at all but rather a depiction of a real woman. Norse sagas and poems mention that women sometimes took up arms, and the Oseberg Viking ship textiles also depict women carrying swords and holding spears, archaeologist Leszek Gardeła noted in his book "Women and Weapons in the Viking World: Amazons of the North," (Oxbow Books, 2021). In addition, about 30 Viking Age burials across Scandinavia hold the remains of women who were buried with war-grade weapons, such as swords, spearheads and shields — clues that some elite women from this time may have fought as warriors. Archaeologist Julia Wihlborg suggested that the sword and shield of the Hårby Valkyrie may represent a woman who had manly qualities or who became a man, raising the question of whether female warriors were actually regarded as men in Viking Age society. However, because most of the armed female figurines have been discovered as isolated finds rather than in houses or graves, experts have yet to solve the puzzle of weapon-wielding women in the Viking Age.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Man United have 'set the price', Euro giants want to sign star with 'tactical maturity'
Manchester United attacker Alejandro Garnacho has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months, and Napoli are keen to sign him. According to a report via AreaNapoli, the Italian outfit are prepared to return for him in the summer. They tried to sign the player in January as well. The report claims that Manchester United have now set an asking price of €50 million for the 20-year-old attacker. It will be interesting to see if Napoli are willing to pay up. Journalist Cristiano Abbruzzese said: 'After having followed him closely during the winter transfer window, the Neapolitan club is ready to reopen the dossier in view of the summer. An offer close to the high demands of the English club had already been made in January, which has now set the price at around €50m. 'Antonio Conte's arrival on the Napoli bench is linked to an ambitious and well-structured strengthening plan. Among the profiles indicated by the Apulian coach is Garnacho, considered perfectly compatible with the tactical principles of the coach. 'The Argentine's ability to skip a man, combined with a growing tactical maturity, represents the ideal identikit for the direct and vertical football dear to Conte.' Advertisement There is no doubt that the South American is a talent with a big future, and he could justify the investment in time. He has 10 goals and nine assists to his name in all competitions this season. He is likely to improve with coaching and experience. Antonio Conte could turn him into a world-class player. Man United should keep Alejandro Garnacho Alejandro Garnacho celebrates Man United's win over Lyon (Photo by) Manchester United are already lacking in depth in the attacking unit, and selling the 20-year-old could prove to be a poor decision. He has all the attributes to develop into a future star, and the Red Devils could regret their decision to sell him. Meanwhile, Napoli could be an attractive destination for the player if Manchester United are prepared to let him move on. They have a world-class manager at their disposal, and they will be able to provide him with the platform to fight for major trophies.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Apollo Art Auctions Presents: Fine Ancient Art, Antiquities & Jewellery
A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. LONDON, March 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apollo Art Auctions is delighted to announce its upcoming Fine Ancient Art, Antiquities & Jewellery auction, set to take place on March 29th at 1pm GMT. This highly anticipated event will feature an extraordinary collection of ancient marbles, jewellery, seals, and antiquities. The sale is honoured to present pieces coming from the collections of Charles Ratton & Guy Ladrière, Dr. W. Benson Harer, P. Vérité, Kurt Deppert, Suzanne Tardivat, Georges Halphen, Taher Khorassani, Borowski, Donald Wonder, James Wolfensohn, Dr. Ulrich Müllerb and Philip Mitry. The sale will be held live at our Central London showroom (63–64 Margaret Street, W1W 8SW) and online via the Apollo Art Auctions platform. Items in the auction come from a vast range of cultures, including outstanding pieces from Ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, Viking, Medieval European, and Western Asiatic civilizations. Each lot has been carefully curated to highlight the remarkable artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage of the ancient world. Auction Highlights:Lot 10 – Rare Egyptian Gold Bes PendantA stunning Ancient Egyptian gold pendant, depicting Bes, the god of protection, fertility, and household blessings. Bes was a beloved figure in Egyptian, Persian, and Achaemenid cultures and often appeared in amulets, jewelry, and decorative art. Lot 86 – Apulian Bell Krater Depicting a Rider on a Panther (Attributed to the Black Thyrsus Painter)Attributed to the Black Thyrsus Painter, this Apulian red-figure bell krater captures the Dionysian spirit through its depiction of a rider on a panther. In Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of wine, theatre, and revelry, is often portrayed riding a panther to symbolise the untamed and ecstatic nature of his cult. Bell kraters were used in Greek symposia for mixing wine and water, making them essential pieces for social and ceremonial gatherings. Lot 93 – Rare Roman Marble Portrait Head of Marcus CrassusAn imposing Roman marble portrait head believed to represent Marcus Licinius Crassus, one of Rome's wealthiest statesmen and a key figure in the First Triumvirate alongside Julius Caesar and Pompey. Known for his immense fortune and military prowess, Crassus played a crucial role in Roman history, including his infamous campaign against Spartacus' slave revolt. This grand-scale portrait, likely once part of a public monument or private villa, reflects the artistic and political significance of Roman portraiture. Lot 97 – Very Rare Attic Bronze HelmetThis magnificent Attic bronze helmet would have been worn by Greek warriors, possibly during battles fought in the Peloponnesian War or against the Persian Empire. Attic helmets were favored for their sleek design, practicality in battle, and symbolic representation of military valor. Lot 114 – Greek Gold Ring with Sphinx and AmphoraThis exquisite Greek gold ring, dating from 400–300 BC, features an intricately detailed sphinx crouching beside an amphora. The sphinx, with its muscular hind legs, curled tail, and outstretched wings, embodies the mystery and wisdom associated with this mythological guardian. Its finely sculpted profile and beaded necklace showcase the artistry of the ancient Greek goldsmiths. The amphora, a vessel commonly used for storing wine and oil, adds a further symbolic element to the piece, possibly linking it to trade, wealth, or ritual practices. Lot 398 – Akkadian Lapis Lazuli Cylinder SealA stunning Akkadian cylinder seal carved from lapis lazuli, a stone deeply associated with royalty, divinity, and power in Mesopotamian culture. These seals were used for legal, administrative, and religious purposes and often depicted elaborate mythological scenes. The choice of lapis lazuli underscores the extensive trade networks of the Akkadian Empire as it would have been sourced from the distant mines of Western Asia. Preview and Bidding Information:All auction lots will be available for private preview by appointment only at our Central London showroom from March 24th–28th, 2025 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m. GMT). Our expert team ensures that each artifact is prepared for professional in-house shipping. For inquiries or to schedule a preview, contact:enquiries@ 7424 994167 Join the Live Auction on March 29th at 1 p.m. GMTFor full auction details and to explore the complete catalogue, visit: Apollo Art Auctions:
