Santa Maria travel tips

Sandra has recently returned from her native Azores, where she was researching the upcoming Pocket Azores guidebook, out in October 2024. Here she shares her local knowledge of the archipelago to help you choose the best island for your trip.

When you first look through the airplane window and down at the Azores, you’ll be left speechless. From this very first glimpse, you’ll understand why many call this Portuguese archipelago the “Hawaii of Europe” and the “Islands of Colors.”

There’s no better way to get a local perspective on life in Cuba than behind the wheel of a car.

Just a short drive from Cuba’s bustling capital lie white sands, palm trees and beautiful coral reefs. The beaches east of Cojímar town, famed for its Hemingway connection, are collectively known as the Playas del Este. Hugging the Atlantic coast, three swathes of fine sand form a long golden stretch that vanishes in the summer beneath the crush of weekending Habaneros and tourists.

Find beach holidays in Italy with Natasha Foges who shares her favourites from peaceful beaches in Puglia, Sicily and Sardinia to seaside breaks in Tuscany and south of the Amalfi Coast. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Italy your travel guide for visiting Italy.