Discover the Ultimate Escape in Mykonos

Last month, I boarded a three-hour flight from London to Greece to see my family for two weeks.

Ryland Peters & Small, £22

Increasing the use of public transport and minimising car dependency are two significant ways to help Europe reach ambition climate and energy-saving targets. At the heart of achieving both is the continent's railways.

After a summer filled with headlines about iconic European sights buckling under the pressure of overtourism and moronic tourists running amok on the continent, it’s now more obvious than ever that you need to arrive in Europe with a game plan to avoid some of the most crowded situations. 

Krakow, Poland, is a captivating destination that seamlessly marries history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a truly remarkable place to visit. With its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the stunning Wawel Castle and the historic Old Town, Krakow offers a glimpse into Poland’s rich heritage. The city also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with numerous museums and galleries, including the world-renowned Schindler’s Factory Museum. Krakow’s culinary scene is equally enticing, offering a delightful array of traditional Polish dishes and international cuisine. These Krakow Airbnbs put you in the heart of it all.

“Shall we jump in?”

A journey along southern Albania’s Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last undammed waterways, means traversing a landscape that looks much as it has for centuries. Flowing from Greece’s northwestern border to the Adriatic Sea, the Vjosa rushes into box canyons and gorges formed by steep forests of maples, oaks and firs. Ancient stone bridges connect its banks, spanning turquoise water. Sheep graze the valley floor, and vineyards, family farms, orchards and olive groves intermingle with fields of dandelions and red poppies.

The small island of Ikaria, with its 164km (102 miles) of undulating coastline, sits serenely in the midst of the Northern Aegean islands, just a hop from the much larger Samos.

The appeal of the Bavarian capital extends well outside its ornate historic centre — and beyond Oktoberfest season. Buzzy neighbourhoods like Schlachthofviertel put modern Munich’s creativity on show, stylish coffee shops and bakeries set you up for the day, and sprawling parks have helped to build the city’s liveable reputation.

Rajasthan, India’s largest state, is a realm of sand dunes interrupted by silvery lakes and fort-studded cities. Flush with rose-colored palaces, the capital, Jaipur, is better known as the “Pink City”. Home to North India’s finest fort, the westerly “Blue City” of Jodhpur places you at the edge of the Thar Desert. Any odyssey in the “Land of Kings” calls for calm accommodations where you can catch your breath between sights and excursions. Ranging from palace stays to earthen homes, these are the most unique Airbnbs in Rajasthan for experiencing the city, desert, and lakes.

Balmy temperatures, fewer crowds and lower prices: Now is the perfect time to take a trip to Greece.

Some bars in Corfu, a popular tourist destination in Greece, saved patrons' unfinished drinks and then re-sold them to tourists as shots, Greek authorities said.