europe holidays
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There are few luxuries, or double beds, but these monasteries near Rome offer divine food at budget prices and treat guests ‘as if Christ himself were knocking on the door’
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We now spend more time deciding what to take with us on our tablets, phones and e-readers than we do packing our bags. Here’s how to organise your digital luggage
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Don’t be thrown by the dainty name and French origins, the ‘little Frenchie’ is a Porto institution – a doorstep layered with pork, smoked sausage, bacon, beefsteak and topped with a fried egg and cheese
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From rocky openings created by natural forces to feats of architecture, here are the best places to swim in natural saltwater around Europe
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In honey-mad Slovenia a new tour takes visitors around bee hives and api-wellness centres – with stops for deliciously sticky bread and cakes
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Portugal’s Douro region is famous for its port, but also produces fine, good-value reds and top nosh. Perfect, then, for thirsty foodies like our writer
top 10s
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Whether it’s wild swimming in lakes and fjords, a sea ‘safari’ in Crete, or a 6km swim in the warm waters of Mexico’s Baja peninsula, this selection of swims (and stays) is a stroke of genius
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See a different side of Europe’s major cities on these innovative walking tours that revel in art, history, food, drink – and even financial mismanagement
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Greece’s economy may still be in the doldrums, but Athens’ arts scene and nightlife are flourishing. Combine that with a wave of new affordable places to stay and the capital is no longer just a gateway to the Greek islands
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With Hobbity hideaways, remote farms and friendly guesthouses, Slovenia offers a wealth of accommodation from which to explore its mountains, lakes and villages
winter sports holidays
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When learning to ski in the Italian Alps, Michael ‘Eddie the Eagle’ Edwards had no idea it would lead to Olympic stardom – or a new Hollywood biopic
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This season’s snowsports fad, an import from the US, is fat biking down the slopes. Sam Hadddad tried the alternative to skiing and snowboarding in the Dolomites. Plus five more places to try it
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A fear of steep slopes put Kate Carter off winter sports as a child. But skiing with a laser gun? That was another story…
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The Cyclades island of Andros is no longer the preserve of Greece’s shipping dynasties now that a local initiative is opening up its 300km of hiking trails
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The sheer abundance of regional specialities in north-west France makes for a thrilling foodie road trip. We sniff out the best local produce, plus great places to eat, drink – and sleep it off
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beach holidays
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Beautiful beach shots of sun, sea and the odd bit of shade … the Italian coast is a constant source of inspiration for the Australian photographer
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activity holidays
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On a guided swimming holiday around the islands off western Greece, Joanna Lodewyke conquers her fear of open water while revelling in coastal beauty
restaurants
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Long trip on the autoroute? Then stop off for a rummage in a brocante (a French flea market/secondhand shop), says Tom Kevill-Davies, who has furnished his house from them
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Some of Italy’s best food is found in rural, family-run places where fresh, local produce is cooked superbly. Readers share details of their most memorable meals
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With Paris about to succumb to football fever for a month, screens are going up in bars all over the city. So where’s best to soak up the Euros atmosphere?
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This week we’re looking for your suggestions on Italian village trattorias. Tell us about your favourite discoveries off the beaten track
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Beaches, food, stays and wild places in Croatia: readers’ travel tips