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The Guardian
02-06-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Share a tip on a midsummer celebration
Midsummer has been a time for celebration for thousands of years in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, with solstice ceremonies and festivities that often last for days – particularly in Nordic countries. We'd love to hear about midsummer rituals, parties and festivals you've discovered on your travels. Tell us where you were and why it was so good for the chance to win a Coolstays holiday voucher. The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website. Keep your tip to about 100 words If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it's your words we will be judging for the competition. We're sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition. The competition closes on Monday 9 June at 10am GMT/BST Have a look at our past winners and other tips Read the terms and conditions here Share your travel tip using the form below. Please share your story if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish. For more information please see our terms of service and privacy policy. You can send in your best tip by filling in the form below. Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. First name only if you prefer This competition is only open to UK-based readers If you're having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.
The Guardian
26-05-2025
- The Guardian
Share a tip on a summer holiday in the mountains
With temperatures rising in Europe, more of us are ditching the traditional summer beach break for the cooler climes of the mountains. Whether it's hiking hut-to-hut in the wilds of Slovenia or a family holiday on an alpine lake in France, we'd love to hear about your favourite European summer mountain adventures. Tell us where you went and what you got up to for a chance to win a £200 Coolstays holiday voucher. The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet, will win a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website. If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it's your words that will be judged for the competition. Keep your tip to about 100 words We're sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition. The competition closes on Monday 2 June at 10am BST Have a look at our past winners and other tips Read the terms and conditions here You can share your travel tip using the form below. Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. First name only if you prefer This competition is only open to UK-based readers If you're having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.
The Guardian
11-04-2025
- The Guardian
Your favourite bars, beaches, swimming spots and more: readers' top 10 travel tips on Portugal
Chus, who owns the local bar where I used to live in Galicia, shuts every September and decamps to Portugal. This entails a journey of 10 miles to the seaside town of Moledo. On his recommendation we caught the ferry across the wide estuary and reached Moledo within 20 minutes. The town beach is sheltered by a fortress island and Monte de Santa Trega. It's popular with Spaniards who can't resist the lower prices on this side. Moledo has a long season because it's a haven for kitesurfers. Think Donegal with warm weather. Chus recommended Hotel Porta do Sol (doubles from about €110). As with most things, he was right. Well-appointed and unpretentious. A bit like my old Follow a bumpy lane down from Aljezur to Praia da Amoreira in the Vicentine Coast natural park and you'll discover a fantastic swimming spot, where a crystal clear river hits the roaring waves of the Atlantic, creating a natural water slide every few minutes as the tide ebbs and flows. Plenty of shallows for kids to play safely in too and nearby Aljezur is filled with super-hip vegan lunch spots set by the river in the old Roberts Guardian Travel readers' tips Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage - A converted 18th-century monastery, Albergue Casa do Sardão (from £15 for a dorm bed or £45 for a private room) offers rest mainly to walkers on the coastal Camino de Santiago, which passes its front door. Its swimming pool, local vinho verde and panoramic coastal sunsets from the spacious communal courtyard will help revive weary walkers. It's in the village of Carreço (a five-minute walk away from the railway station with its regular trains to and from Porto), the next day's walk reaches the Spanish border and the ferry – from Caminha (Matriz) e Vilarelho to A Guarda - across the mouth of the River Minho to coastal Galicia. Stephen Ten minutes' drive from the pretty little Algarve mountain town of Monchique is the easily missed but search-worthy Alecrim food truck, perched on the summit of 902-metre Mount Fóia with its 360-degree views. Grab a cold beer and a pão recheado – homemade bread stuffed with melted cheese, garlic, tomato and onion – and find a deckchair to soak in the stunning views extending down to the coastal towns and beaches miles below. Alex Behind an anonymous door in a quiet street of the Baixa area of central Lisbon is an archaeological treasure trove that's free to visit. Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros reveals the previous occupants of the city over a period of 2,500 years from Roman through the medieval and Pombal (18th-century) eras. The building is owned by Millennium bcp bank and the artefacts were discovered by accident during renovations in the 1990s. The presentation of the history is outstanding, enhanced by sympathetic use of technology. Tours are offered twice a day, six days a Bridges Hands down, our favourite place in Lisbon was the Lisboa Bar. It's not really hidden, except that nothing about it really stands out as you walk past it behind the Rossio station, other than some neon lights. Inside (or upstairs on the rooftop terrace) you find well-made, reasonably priced cocktails and beer and the most friendly, chilled vibe in the city. By the end of the night, we were friends with fado singers, migrant workers and students. We didn't even have to Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion Convento do Cristo (entry is €15) in Tomar, 80 miles north-east of Lisbon, is a fabulous complex of buildings associated with the medieval Knights Templar. Famous for its round chapel, so the knights could attend services on horseback, our highlight was the refectory. With massive marble tables, barrel-vaulted stone ceiling, tiled floor and stone walls it has the most amazing echoes. After exploring, we found ourselves returning to it again and again so we could sing together. With the delay and reverb we sounded like a choir. Fantastic!Derek Gale Last August I discovered Alto Minho, Portugal's greenest region hidden away in the north-west corner of the country. A cool cocktail of pleasant temperatures, plentiful rainfall and thermal springs keep it verdant all year round and on a hot summer's day it's easy to find a shady walking path through the forests or in the hills. I stopped at village tavernas to sample a glass or bottle of vinho verde - the famous wine of the region – finding that the locals were all to happy to chat; they don't see many tourists in this area. The wine is slightly effervescent, with a hint of fruits, and to enjoy a glass on a summer's day surrounded by woods and waterfalls is to feel in harmony with nature – an authentic Portuguese pleasure full of Lusitanian languor. Alto Minho's main town is Viana do Castelo, in a pleasantly sleepy town with a medieval centre full of ancient mansions, winding streets, crumbling churches and somnolent squares. A perfect Portuguese watering hole and feeding station for a few days after exploring Alto Minho on Tucked away in the stunning Peneda–Gerês national park, Poco Azul Gerês offers a serene wild swimming spot surrounded by majestic mountains. After a scenic hike up in the hills, it's the perfect place to unwind, dip into the refreshing waters, and enjoy a packed lunch beside the shimmering blue We stayed at Camping Asseiceira in the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede in the centre of Portugal in spring time. It was so serene with easy and beautiful walks, and bike rides from the site with views of hilltop castles, gorgeous rivers and remarkably biodiverse meadows. The sheer number of flowers in the verges of the quiet roads was astounding. It was incredibly peaceful and felt very safe with our small children. The owner of the site was helpful in suggesting walks and trips. The tiny but stunning hilltop village of Marvão was a short drive away. Esme
The Guardian
04-04-2025
- The Guardian
‘A stunning campsite with views of the fjords': readers' best camping trips in Europe
Veganeset Camping (tent pitch from £18 a night) is a stunning campsite in the Norwegian fjords – remote, but an easy drive to the village of Balestrand. The views were to die for, and in the summer there was still some light at midnight. No frills, but good-quality bathrooms. It was the best campsite we found in Norway and also the Tucked away on the banks of the Soča River in a remote corner of Slovenia, and surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Triglav national park, Camp Jelinc (from €10 per adult per day) is a picturesque campsite in a stunning setting that lured me out of my tent in the morning with views of pine forests, glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains. The fast-flowing river outside my pitch had water so brightly turquoise that I couldn't decide whether to drink it or dive in. There are only a small number of pitches and simple facilities, but I felt totally in harmony with nature during my stay. On Saturdays, hearty Slovenian 'soup and song' nights made for beautiful evenings under starry Guardian Travel readers' tips Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage - On a road trip through Georgia, we stayed at Damba Camping in Samegrelo-Zemo. Though it was difficult to find (a local we asked for directions ended up driving us there as he realised his instructions were too complicated to follow), the immediate peace and beauty we found when we arrived made us forget the journey. Set amid cherry groves, the site has tables right on a riverbank, with views across the lush fields of western Georgia to the towering white wall of the Caucasus beyond. As the sun descended, the host grilled mtsvadi (meat skewers), served with fresh salads, while his brother cycled back from the village bakery with a stack of megruli khachapuri (a regional variation of stuffed bread which has cheese inside and on top). Amazing food, the river, the mountains, Georgian hospitality and the prospect of hiking to an 11th-century monastery the next day – I'd love to go back, if I can ever find it One of the highlights of our campervan trip round the coast of Portugal in 2023 was a night at the Salema Eco Camp (adults from €6, tent pitch from €7 a night). It sits almost at the far west corner of the Algarve, which is much quieter and less developed than the better-known areas. You choose your own pitch on the terraced hillside, and then head down to the bar and play area. The pizzas were incredible, and our kids had a blast playing on the pirate ship and making friends with children from all over Europe. Lucie Dragsö Camping (pitches from £14 a day) in the island city of Karlskrona, Sweden, offers pitches right next to the water. There's a beach on the site and lots of walks. Rent a bike and cycle into the Unesco heritage city of Karlskrona. Visit the naval museum, where you can go into a submarine and see old naval ships. Or rent a kayak and find your very own beach – Allemansrätten (the right of public access) means there are loads of islands you can Arrive at Delphi Camping (tent pitch for two from €27 a night) at night and pitch your tent under a sky the colour of dark wine among the pines of Mount Parnassus, haunt of the gods. The Kanatas family will serve you pine-scented retsina wine and slabs of creamy goat's cheese, generously doused in oil harvested from their ancient olive groves. Awake at dawn and wander a dusty mountainside path to the archaeological sites, catching a glimpse of the temples through the trees before the crowds arrive. Return for an early dip in the campsite pool, perched above the Gulf of Corinth, 300 metres below. Emma Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion Camping Campéole Navarrosse Plage (pitches from €27 a night for two) has idyllic surroundings in the Landes region of south-west France – pine trees and a sandy lake beach – perfect for early morning and evening dips. Rented bikes took us along riverside paths to the hydroplane museum in Biscarrosse and over sandy forest hills to the coast. Our daily routine included fresh baguettes from the on-site shop and evening table tennis. As the French holidays began, the campsite came to life, filling up with holidaymakers playing pétanque and football, and zipping around on bikes – our son chatted with some fellow tweens over games of table Our best camping holiday was to Camping Eden (adults from €9 a night, pitch from €16), near Porto di Portese, overlooking Lake Garda in Italy. The pitches were on terraces above the lake, there was a private beach from which we could swim in the lake, and a beautiful small port was a five-minute walk away. Simon I am a solo parent, and Marvilla Parks' Le Domaine du Clarys (from €80 for four people for two nights) on the west coast of France has become our annual retreat since my daughter was three. The static caravans with decking offer a comfortable blend of camping and convenience – perfect for those who prefer a bit of luxury without the extremes of traditional camping. The parks, water slides and vibrant kids' club activities provide endless fun for my daughter, and while she attends I savour a few precious hours of calm. She enjoys the fun activities delivered by the young and enthusiastic team, and I go for jogs along the coast, hire a bike to explore nearby towns (like Saint Jean de Monts), enjoy a glass of Provence rosé, or simply unwind with a book by the quiet pool. With friendly fellow travellers and a supermarket nearby, it's the perfect safe escape for a solo female We were lucky to get the last pitch at Kamp Koren (pitches from €13 per person per night), near Kobarid in Slovenia, when we arrived in August without a reservation. The small pitch, at the top of a terraced hillside with trees for shade and privacy, was perfect for our tent. The campsite is on the banks of the Soča River and it was a short clamber over the rocks to reach the bracing, crystal-clear, green water for a dip. The pretty town of Kobarid has plenty of traditional restaurants, which made a welcome change from campsite cooking. Becs
The Guardian
21-03-2025
- The Guardian
On the hoof: readers' favourite horse riding breaks in Europe
Sierra Trails, run by Dallas Love and her brother, Mordecai, based in Bubión, two hours' drive from Málaga, offers exceptional village-to-village rides in the Sierra Nevada. Dallas paired us with well-schooled Spanish horses that we rode across varied terrain, stopping to picnic under trees and staying in lovely family-run hotels. After a long day riding, soaking in a hot bath, followed by amazing meals with wine (vegetarians no problem!) was a treat. Five nights' accommodation with four full days riding, including pick up from Málaga airport, was €1,465. Rucha Eldridge Burrowhayes Farm campsite near Porlock in north-west Somerset is a family-friendly campsite on the edge of the beautiful Horner Wood. We have been multiple times, and love the location and the horse-riding. It has a good range of horses and ponies to hire for escorted rides across the Exmoor hills. All riding abilities are catered for and even our eldest, with years of riding experience, had a fun and challenging ride. From £35 an hour for an escorted ride; camping pitches from £19 a Guardian Travel readers' tips Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage - We return to Freerein in Clyro (Cleirwy), Powys, every year. It's a fantastic way to view the Welsh countryside; you can self-guide with the maps and instructions provided or have an experienced guide with you. Everything is included, including your meals and stays in beautiful country inns or guesthouses. Holidays are from 2-7 days with prices starting at £ Jones Ride the ancient tracks of the Monte Ferru mountain range (meeting bareback Sardinian riders), canter across the empty sandy beaches of the Sinis peninsula or just have a riding lesson at Country Hotel Mandra Edera near Abbasanta. The west coast of Sardinia is still underdeveloped, so it makes for a relaxing riding holiday. It's best to ride in the morning or evening, and relax by the pool in the heat of the day. The countryside is dotted with the remains of bronze age nuraghe buildings, which are also worth visiting. The highlight, though, is the beach Allen Galloping along the limitless beaches south of Bordeaux (professional photographer to hand), riding across dunes and through shady pine forests, and cooling down in the sea or in the pool back at the comfortable chalets on the Unicorn Trails' Atlantic coast trek (eight days from €1,439) made for a holiday of a lifetime for my 16-year-old daughter. It was all about the horses and riding (all day every day), but there was time enough for riverbank picnics and evening dinners. The camaraderie of a diverse (and dusty) group of riders and expert guides was essential to an exciting and unforgettable Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion Horses and ponies have privileges in the New Forest due to ancient laws that defend the rights of animals and commoners to roam freely. Our riding holiday last summer was a brilliant way to explore the paths, forests and free land of this lovely area. I based myself with the friendly and helpful Burley Villa Riding School, which rents out ponies or horses with a guide for £99 for a couple of hours. The horses often have right of way, so being in the saddle was a peaceful way to see the countryside. There are plenty of watering holes – for man and beast – such as the White Buck in Burley. One tip: get the New Forest Card for just £10 to access discounts at shops, pubs and cafes – for riders and I did a ride in the western Sierra de Gredos mountains with Jerebeque Trails, which is run by a couple, Emilio and Mamen. This involved a five-day trek across a variety of terrain in rural central Spain: mountains, villages, farms and rivers. What made it unique was Emilio's expertise. He is next-level in his knowledge of the area, and the training of his horses … they don't even use bits. He perfectly matched me with one of his horses, which made it all the better. Be specific about the kind of horse you want to ride and the experience you're after. Celine Northfield Farm's two-day ride (£400pp inc lunch and transfers) offers fantastic variety in the Derbyshire Dales. Day one's route crosses the viaduct over Monsal Dale, continuing through a former railway tunnel. Spine-tingling echoes of hooves reverberate. After a welcome lunch stop at Edensor, it's time for Haddon Hall and a gallop through Chatsworth park. Think period drama vibes without the dresses. Day two is stunning, taking in the High Peak Trail and Staffordshire moorlands. Unflappable horses and guides, and a huge variety of terrain in a weekend. Charlotte
