From the beaches of Ibiza to a tranquil lakeside in the Balkans, the Food and Travel team share their favourite late-summer escapes. Whether you’re after sun, good food or a slower pace, these are the places we think are worth making time for
This article was taken from the August/September 2025 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.
Why go? Set in the heart of the Cyclades, Paros has long lingered in the shadow of glitzier neighbours like Mykonos, but this Aegean island is increasingly gaining attention. Central to its appeal is an unhurried charm – the kind that comes with traditional fishing villages, quiet beaches and family-run tavernas that haven’t changed in years. The capital, Parikia, is a tangle of whitewashed alleyways and flower-filled courtyards, where daily life moves at a slower, more grounded pace.
My tips Paros may feel relaxed to the point of being almost horizontal, but its stunning, crystal-clear waters practically demand you get moving. Early mornings are perfect for paddleboarding over glassy bays or hiking your way through olive-studded hills. Windsurfers and kiteboarders flock to the shores of Tserdakia beach, while Kalogeros beach on the east coast offers a chance for a therapeutic natural mud bath.
For more gentle adventures, set off by boat to explore hidden coves and sea caves alive with marine life. Then head north to Naoussa, where the island’s cosmopolitan heart beats. The harbour is a postcard blend of tradition and trend, with tables spilling out on to cobbled quaysides beside docked fishing boats, while chic boutiques line the streets. The scent of grilled octopus and freshly caught lavraki (sea bass) drifts from the waterfront tavernas. As night falls, the town transforms into a lively mosaic of flickering candles, clinking glasses and music echoing through the alleyways. A ten-minute ferry unlocks another island to explore, Antiparos. Wander along its narrower streets draped in vibrant bougainvillea and keep your eyes peeled – Hollywood actor Tom Hanks has a holiday home here.
Stay Five minutes from the Naoussa’s centre, Nauma is a boutique hotel where sleek, contemporary design meets laid-back island comfort. Each room is a private haven, thoughtfully styled for unwinding, whether you’re cooling off after a day of exploring or soaking up the sunset from your own rooftop hot tub. Doubles from £386.
Travel plans Take a direct flight (just under 4 hours) from London to Mykonos, then board a 45-minute high-speed ferry to Paros.
Tess Harris, Senior Publishing Executive
Photography credit: Unsplash, Tobias Rademacher
Why go? A name more widely recognised in recent years, Italy’s Apulia region, or Puglia, stretches along the sun-soaked heel of the country’s boot. Step beyond the better-known towns and you’ll find the peaceful rhythms of local life: quiet coves, slow strolls through villages of traditional trulli houses, and the herbaceous aromas of regional cooking drifting through the air. Meander along back roads and you’ll discover a warm, understated hospitality. To experience Puglia at its most authentic, leave star-ratings and stilettos behind and ease into a slower pace, whitewashed alleys, courtyard dinners and long days that slip gently into night.
My tips Rise early and join the local nonne for their morning swim, where the gentle sound of waves is laced with cheerful Italian chatter. Torre Incina, near Polignaro a Mare and Bari, is my go-to beach; a quiet cove sheltered by limestone cliffs, reached by a short downhill walk, where aquamarine water stays clear and calm. Arrive early to have it all to yourself – by mid-morning, local families begin to filter in. From here, it’s a 40-minute drive inland to the town of Noci, named after the walnut trees that still grow here. Wind through its narrow, shaded streets to L’Antica Locanda, a family-run trattoria where you can escape the heat under vaulted stone ceilings. The kitchen plays to the region’s strengths: creamy buffalo mozzarella, freshly made orecchiette and just-caught seafood, best paired with a generous glass of robust Primitivo.
Stay For a real home-from-home experience, head to the outskirts of Noci, where Abate Masseria & Resort invites you to stay in your very own traditional cone-shaped trullo, surrounded by ancient olive groves and walnut trees. Doubles from £146.
Travel plans Fly direct from London to the cities of Bari or Brindisi, which takes around two hours and 50 minutes.
Isabella Machin, Writer
Why go? Few destinations spark the imagination quite like an Ibizan summer. Yes, it has a reputation as a clubbing hotspot, but this small island (just 41km long by 22km wide) has an entirely different side too, punching above its weight in natural beauty, rustic cuisine, unmatched vistas and a rich history that traces back to the Phoenicians in 654BC. Waters here are so pure – thanks to the lush oceanic posidonia carpeting the seabed – that they’re Unesco-protected. Add in sun-washed cliffs, hidden coves and thick pine forests, and it’s no wonder Ibiza is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful destinations. It has long attracted bohemians, creatives and sunseekers – drawn not just to the scenery but to a spirit that feels both timeless and free. While designer boutiques, chic hotels and a world-class bar scene undoubtedly bring a cosmopolitan edge, the island remains effortlessly cool – ever-current yet never one to follow the crowd.
My tips For a cultural deep dive, start at the Unesco-listed Dalt Vila (‘Upper Town’, Ibiza Town’s old quarter). The medieval hilltop fortress is one of the Mediterranean’s oldest and best preserved. Wander past boutique-lined streets to Portal de Ses Taules, the grand stone gateway, and follow winding streets through to Ibiza Castle and Cathedral of Santa Maria. The clear waters are sure to tempt you in and a string of unspoilt beaches deliver daytime escapism – try Cala Bassa, Cala Saladeta and Cala d’Hort.
Those keen to test their sea legs can hop aboard a day trip to neighbouring Formentera, only accessible by boat.
Head inland to pine-clad hills and centuries-old farmland. Olive oil and wine have been cultivated here since Greek and Roman times, with Bodegas Can Rich now offering some of the finest tastings. For a contemporary take on farm-to-fork dining, head to Juntos House in the village of Sant Mateu, where seasonal menus and zesty cocktails come together in a relaxing outdoor setting.
Stay Just steps back from Ibiza Town’s marina, Ibiza Gran Hotel brings understated luxury and Michelin-starred gastronomy to the fore. Under the helm of chef Oscar Molina, the onsite restaurant, La Gaia, creatively showcases the very best island fare. Doubles from £440,
Travel plans You can take a direct flight from London to Ibiza, which takes around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Megan Dickson, Assistant Editor
Photography credit: Nassima Rothacker
Why go? Next door to, but a million miles away from, the busy port of Marseille, the Calanques (translated as ‘rocky inlets’) offer a 20km-long Tolkien-esque escape. Slightly acidic river water has dissolved the limestone massif over time, resulting in a series of 28 fjord-like inlets being etched out of the headland plateau. Difficult to access in bygone days, some of the larger Calanques now have road access, but by far the most rewarding way to explore is to take the well-marked trails that lead to translucent waters.
My tips The Calanques National Park entices boaters, swimmers or anyone who simply loves nature. Leaving the fishing port of Cassis, follow the beach along Avenue des Calanques and reach Calanque de Port-Miou. From this point, you can inlet-hop your way down along the rocky coast – but be aware there is no running water in many of the Calanques, so bring plenty with you.
Watch fish dart in and out of seagrass through crystal-clear water at Calanque d’en Vau, and meander down paths into a scene of cliffs cascading into those ever-inviting waters.
Reservations are essential at restaurants (note: not all take cards), including at local favourites Le Nautic Bar in Calanque de Morgiou and Le Château in Sormiou. Fresh fish and shellfish feature heavily, often in the form of bourride, a simpler version of Marseille’s bouillabaisse, along with classic Provençal dishes.
Be sure to celebrate a day’s adventure with the local Crème de Cassis blackcurrant liqueur – in the form of a kir (with white wine) or kir royale (with fizz).
Stay Art deco luxury hotel Les Roches Blanches has panoramic views of the Mediterranean from its perch on the highest sea cliff in France, and offers boat trips to the Calanques. Doubles from £479.
Travel plans Fly direct from London to Marseille in around 2 hours. From your accommodation, venture to the Calanques by car, boat or even kayak.
Angela Dukes, Creative Director
Why go? Roughly the size of Northern Ireland but with only a third of the population, Montenegro offers the kind of space that’s becoming increasingly rare in Europe. It’s often likened to Croatia before the crowds – less polished, easier on the wallet and all the more appealing for it. Wedged between the Adriatic and the Dinaric Alps, its landscapes shift quickly and dramatically from glassy bays to rugged mountains where wolves and bears still roam. Inland lie glacial lakes, alpine meadows and the Tara River Canyon, one of the deepest in the world.
My tips The spectacular, fortified island of Sveti Stefan (now home to an Aman resort) is perhaps the most photographed spot of all. A little off the main tourist trail, the old port town of Perast, on the Bay of Kotor, is a quieter gem: all faded stone villas and ancient churches. Hire a kayak early and paddle out to Our Lady of the Rocks before the tour boats arrive. For dinner with a view, head to the rooftop at Trattoria Rosmarino, where chef Nikola Čelić serves dishes that let the ingredients speak – grilled octopus, squid ink risotto and Peraška torta, the local almond cake. The wines, little known outside the region, are surprisingly good: Vranac is a bold red, while crisp white Krstač pairs well with seafood. Follow up with an immersive inland experience: head to Lake Skadar National Park, with its wetlands, forests and opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Stay Base yourself at Villa Miela Lake Retreat near the lakeside village of Virpazar, a beautifully restored stone farmhouse with a pool and sweeping views over the valley towards Lake Skadar. Run sustainably by adventure-loving couple Ben and Emma Heywood, their week-long activity holiday strikes just the right balance between exertion and ease: hiking to hidden waterfalls, kayaking through lily-filled channels and past island monasteries, wild swimming, birdwatching and wine tasting. At dusk, when the light fades over the still water and the mountains slip into shadow, it’s enough to make you start browsing the local property listings. Seven-night, self-catering activity holidays from £795pp in August, including some lunches, activities and use of mountain bikes and excluding flights.
Travel plans Direct flights from London to Tivat or Podgorica take around 2 hours 50 minutes.
Rod Mackenzie, Editor
Photography credit: Marina Spironetti
Why go? Come summer, this Italian alpine region trades ski crowds for hikers, cyclists and food lovers, all drawn by its cool climate, craggy limestone peaks and South Tyrolean menus that mix heartiness with flair. Shaped by centuries under Austro- Hungarian rule before its annexation by Italy, the region retains a distinctive cultural identity – part alpine, part Mediterranean. This includes Ladin, which is protected not simply by high mountains and international laws, but by dress and a language spoken by 30,000. The northern town of San Cassiano, nestled into the Piedmont end of La Varella mountain in the region of Alta Badia, offers a true insight into the region’s originality and beauty.
My tips Just a short drive from San Cassiano, Passo Falzarego offers access to high-altitude hikes and sobering glimpses of the World War I front line, where tunnels and galleries were cut directly into the rock. On the descent, make time for stops at local dairies and mountain huts (rifugios) for local specialities such as canederli/knödel (bread dumplings), spätzle (egg pasta) oozing with spinach, flaky apple strudels and kaiserschmarren (fluffy, caramelised, shredded pancake) served with a plum or apple jam, as well as local cheeses, hams and yoghurts. Pretty much any restaurant will ensure a great food experience, with Michelin stars liberally dotted among the peaks and valleys. Alpinn, at Plan de Corones, has no fewer than three: here, chef Norbert Niederkofler focuses on hyperlocal, zero-waste cooking. Wash it all down with crisp whites like nosiola or robust reds such as teroldego or rotaliano.
Stay Check into Hotel Sassongher, a traditional South Tyrolean family-owned hotel located in the heart of the glamorous town of Corvara, part of the Dolomites Unesco World Heritage Site. The head barman, Rosario Margareci, will inspire you with his cocktail creations – not to be missed. Doubles from £392.
Travel plans Fly direct from London to Bolzano in around 2 hours 20 minutes. The scenic drive from Bolzano to San Cassiano takes around two hours, winding through alpine valleys.
Gregor Rankin, Publisher
Photography credit: Angela Dukes
Subscribe and view full print editions online... Subscribe