Author Profile: Sarah Wilson

Tirana, Albania’s capital, is a city full of history, energy, and charm. It’s certainly not the most beautiful city I’ve ever visited, far from it. However, as a solo traveller, I felt safe wandering around by myself. It was fascinating to explore, and I really loved the...   view more

If you’re spending time in Switzerland in the Swiss canton of Valais, Sion is a really easy and lovely day trip to do. It’s well connected by train, and from the moment you arrive, you’ll spot two impressive hilltop landmarks that have to be explored: Tourbillon Castle and the Basilique de Valère. Just be warned — both involve a bit of...   view more

Stavanger is a small city on Norway’s southwest coast, and it’s a great place to spend a couple of days. It’s easy to get around on foot, has a delightful mix of old wooden houses, colourful streets, fjord views, and a few surprises, like a big street art scene and even a museum about canning...   view more

Utrecht is one of the Netherlands’ most picturesque cities. With its scenic canals, medieval landmarks, and relaxed vibe, it is just a 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam. This makes it an excellent choice for a short getaway, whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to explore beautiful cities at a leisurely...   view more

Tirana, Albania’s Capital is famous for its busy streets, bustling outdoor cafés, and colourful architecture. However, during my nearly two-week stay in the city, I experienced seven days of rain straight, so what do you do in Tirana when it...   view more

Located along the Øresund Strait, just a short drive from Copenhagen, Dragør is a charming coastal town known for its well-preserved historic centre, scenic harbour, and maritime heritage. I spent two weeks house-sitting here during the summer, and it proved to be an excellent base for exploring Copenhagen while also enjoying the quieter charm of a traditional Danish fishing...   view more

Carcassonne, located in the Aude department of the Occitanie region in southern France, is a must-visit for history buffs and anyone fascinated by medieval architecture. With its cobblestone streets, towering walls, and historic buildings, the city offers an incredible glimpse into the...   view more

Located near the Mediterranean coast, Montpellier is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively streets. It is also home to the University of Montpellier, one of the oldest universities in the world, established in...   view more

Sète nicknamed the “Venice of the Languedoc,” is a picturesque coastal town on France’s southern coast. It is a port city with a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century. Founded in 1666 by King Louis XIV, the town is a strategic port linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Canal du Midi. The town is famous for its canals, fresh seafood, and fun traditions, such as the annual “Fête de la...   view more

Narbonne was founded in 118 BCE as the Roman colony of Narbo Martius, making it the first Roman settlement in Gaul. It became an important hub due to its location on the Via Domitia, the first Roman road linking Italy to...   view more

Fener and Balat are two historic neighbourhoods in Istanbul, known for their colourful streets, rich history, and cultural diversity. Having visited Istanbul a couple of times before, I decided to forgo the popular attractions this time, like the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque and discover new neighbourhoods instead. And that’s how I found myself wandering through the charming streets of Fener and...   view more

Ankara is definitely worth visiting. It may not have Istanbul’s fame or glamour, but Ankara has a quieter, more genuine ambience. As a solo female traveller, I felt totally comfortable walking around, using public transportation and exploring by...   view more

Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Italy, is known for its ancient cave dwellings, historic architecture, and stunning landscapes. Although Matera is technically in Basilicata, not Puglia, it is so close that it should be part of any trip to this region. It was certainly a highlight on my two weeks in...   view more

If you’re looking for an easy day trip by train from Copenhagen, Roskilde is the perfect choice. Located just 30 minutes away by train, it offers a lovely blend of history, charm, scenic beauty, and...   view more

I spent ten days housesitting for a gorgeous cat in Basel. This lovely city is often overlooked in favour of Zurich or Geneva, but it’s definitely worth a visit. While ten days is probably too long for most people, I would highly recommend spending at least two to three nights...   view more

A day trip by train from Basel to Colmar is really easy to do and a great way to explore this charming Alsatian town, known for its picturesque half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and rich...   view more

Lecce is located in the “heel” of Italy’s boot and is around 150 km (93 miles) south of the regional capital, Bari, and 605 km (375 miles) south of Rome. Up until the 1990s, Lecce’s old town was largely abandoned, with buildings covered in lichen, plants growing uncontrollably, and cars parked across the cathedral...   view more

Start your day early to skip the crowds by strolling through the Centro Storico, the old town. Wander through the narrow, winding streets and admire the whitewashed buildings, charming alleys, and painted...   view more

Located on Italy’s Adriatic coast, roughly 30 kilometres south of Bari, Monopoli is a picturesque coastal town in the Puglia region. Two days in Monopoli offer the perfect chance to enjoy its historical charm, relax on beautiful beaches, indulge in delicious cuisine, and visit its neighbouring beach town, Polignano a...   view more

Located on the stunning Adriatic coast in the Puglia region of southern Italy, Polignano a Mare is a picturesque town renowned for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed houses, and crystal-clear waters. Just a 15-minute train ride from Bari, this lovely destination offers breathtaking views and a charming seaside...   view more

Alberobello is located in the Puglia region in southern Italy, renowned for its unique and picturesque trulli houses. You will spot trulli all over Puglia, but Alberobello has the most extensive collection of just trulli buildings in one...   view more

Bari Vecchia, Bari’s historic centre, sits on the beautiful Adriatic coast in southern Italy. It’s a lovely old town with its labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, impressive churches, and incredibly delicious street...   view more

I recently spent four nights in Zagreb, Croatia’s lovely capital and what a lovely city it was. Yes, you could easily see all the main sights in a day, but Zagreb is worth more than just a flying visit. Allow yourself time to sample the local cuisine, explore the city at leisure and take a day trip to nearby Plitvice Lakes National Park or the...   view more

Thinking about taking a short break in Prague in the winter? Great idea! Many European cities are so much more enjoyable in winter – prices are lower, and there are fewer crowds (unless it’s Christmas market season). Prague is simply stunning – yes, even in winter. Don’t let the cold weather stop you – the city’s beauty stands out with its charming streets, historic squares, and breathtaking architecture everywhere. I honestly didn’t expect Prague to be this beautiful or that...   view more

Nestled in the heart of Andalusia, Granada is a beautiful city with a rich history. While the impressive Alhambra dominates the town and is a must-visit, there’s much more to see and do in Granada than just...   view more

Situated on the estuary of a river, Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, faces the Atlantic Ocean. The coastline in this area of Morocco has long, continuous stretches of white sandy...   view more

Is Bordeaux worth visiting? Yes, most definitely, it’s an absolutely beautiful city. After a week of housesitting in Beziers and before starting my next housesit in Chabanais, I found myself with a few days to spare. Bordeaux was conveniently located halfway, making it an ideal stop for a few days. The city is beautiful, with stunning architecture, and, of course, it’s famous for its wine. It was the perfect choice for a relaxing city...   view more

Béziers is a gorgeous city in the south of France, in the Occitanie region, and I was fortunate enough to spend a week house-sitting there and looking after two lovely...   view more

Córdoba is a lovely, walkable city with a rich history and culture, and it is a must-visit for anyone visiting the Andalucia region in...   view more

Known in Italian as “Genova”, the lovely city of Genoa is the capital of Italy’s Liguria region. Despite being Italy’s sixth largest city, most visitors arriving in Genoa tend to bypass the city and all its highlights, moving on quickly to other destinations along the Ligurian coast, such as Cinque Terre, Portofino or Sestri...   view more

Fes or Fez, once the capital of Morocco, is still considered to be the country’s cultural and spiritual centre. It’s hectic, busy, and noisy, but what a fascinating city to explore. One day in Fes will give you enough time to explore the wonderfully chaotic medina, lose yourself in its narrow alleyways, see traditional handicrafts, visit the tanneries and relax at the end of the day in one of the...   view more

Chefchaouen, the “blue pearl of Morocco,” is a small town in northwest Morocco, in the Rif Mountains. It’s known for its charming blue-washed buildings. Despite Chefchaouen being a popular tourist town, the town still retains a laid-back authenticity. Or maybe it just felt that way because I was visiting there in the middle of February in the low season. But the experience was certainly more relaxed than what you’ll likely experience in Marrakech or...   view more

Is Thessaloniki worth visiting? Well, if you love good food, enjoy history, love shopping and great nightlife, then yes, Thessaloniki is well worth visiting. In a nutshell, Thessaloniki is a great city for foodies, history buffs, shopaholics, and lovers of...   view more

The city of Bergen is located on Norway’s west coast, in the heart of the fjords. It’s both a UNESCO World Heritage City and a European City of Culture. And yes, it’s a wonderful city to visit in...   view more

Overlooked by the Narikala Fortress, the Old Town of Tbilisi (also known as Kala) is a magnificent labyrinth of narrow winding streets, balconied houses, leafy squares, tiny shops, cutesy coffee shops and fabulous...   view more

Kutaisi, the second-largest city in Georgia after Tbilisi, is located in the mid-west of the country in the Imereti Region. Georgia and its neighbouring countries – Russia to the north, Armenia and Turkey to the south and Azerbaijan to the east are part of the Caucasus region, which links Europe with...   view more

An old university city, Bologna, with its porticoed walkways, beautiful piazzas, historic buildings, and medieval centre, is a great place to visit. One day in Bologna allows you to see the city’s highlights, but be sure to stay overnight to experience the food. Bologna is, after all, the culinary capital of...   view more

Most people visit Cesky Krumlov on a day trip from Prague, but it’s three hours each way, so I would highly recommend staying a night or two. Once the day-trippers have left, that’s the perfect time to explore this enchanting, well-preserved medieval...   view more

Milan in northern Italy is one of Europe’s most underrated cities. Many visitors arriving at Milan Airport are just passing through, on their way to the Italian lakes, mountains, or prettier cities like Verona or...   view more

I have to admit I had never heard of Ferrara before, but on a sunny Sunday in March, I hopped on the train, and off I went on a mini-adventure, and I’m so glad I did. Located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, the Renaissance city of Ferrara is an easy and enjoyable day trip from Bologna, Venice, Verona and even Milan, especially if you enjoy culture, history, good food and wonderful aimless strolling around beautiful...   view more

Trapani is located beneath Mount Erice between the Mediterranean and the Ionian Sea on Sicily’s northwest coast. It’s not as popular with tourists as some of Sicily’s east coast towns. Its primary industry sources come from salt extraction and trade, bluefin tuna fishing, and marble exportation. But there’s plenty to do and see in the area, and Trapani makes an excellent base for exploring this side of the...   view more

Montreux, nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva with a stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps, is a lovely place to visit and a really easy day trip to do from Lausanne. As I was house sitting nearby for two gorgeous cats, I thought I’d sneak out and pay a...   view more

Vevey is a town in French-speaking Switzerland in the canton of Vaud. It’s located on Lake Geneva’s north shore and is a lovely, easy to do day trip from Lausanne. Nestlé, founded in 1867, has its headquarters based in Vevey. And Vevey was also home to Charlie Chaplin, who spent the last 25 years of his life here, and that’s why I was...   view more

Most visitors to Agrigento in southern Sicily come to visit the impressive Valley of the Temples on a day trip and then move on. But honestly, it’s really worth staying in Agrigento old town for at least one night. I stayed two because that’s just how I roll. Actually, by the time I had taken the ferry from my home in Malta and then battled with busses across Sicily, I wasn’t ready to do much else on that first day. Just a gentle stroll through Agrigento’s old town, enjoy a fabulous...   view more

If you are looking for a gorgeous Italian city that’s jam-packed with historic sites, tales of romance, plus fabulous food and wine, then Verona is for you. I’d recommend spending at least two full days in Verona. I stayed three nights and two days; I wish I had allowed myself at least one more day. Nicknamed ‘The Little Rome of the North’ and ‘The City of Love’, many visitors only visit Verona as part of a day tour from Venice or Milan. But this beautiful city truly deserves more...   view more

If your idea of a perfect city break includes enjoying delicious food, sampling local wines, exploring a fascinating old town, admiring lake and mountain views, and devouring Swiss chocolate! – then, Lausanne in French-speaking Switzerland could be just what you’re looking...   view more

The picturesque town of Delft is located in South Holland in the Netherlands, between Rotterdam and The Hague. This beautiful little university town with its many canals and the charming historic centre is absolutely perfect for a short...   view more

After an eleven day house-sit in Paris, I hopped on a train and headed south to lovely Lyon. What a gorgeous city. Jonathan and I had planned to visit here in April 2020, but we all know what happened to travel plans that year. We both wanted to visit this city because Lyon is known as the culinary capital of France and we love French food (and Sicilian food, and Slovenian food). In fact, all food! Ah, and I so miss Jonathan’s cooking, but I...   view more

Ragusa is located in southern Sicily. This charming old town is built on a wide limestone hill between two deep valleys, Cava San Domenica and Cava Santa...   view more

We started our Sicilian adventure in Catania, Sicily’s second-largest city, after Palermo. It’s located on Sicily’s east coast facing the Ionian Sea and lies under the shadow of Mount...   view more

After a fabulous three days exploring Catania, it was time to move on to our next spot on our Sicilian adventure – Taormina. We had heard mixed reports about the place: tourists loved it, while locals and ex-pats hated it, complaining it was too busy, too touristy and very expensive. We decided to see for...   view more

The charming walled city of Mdina, perched high on a hilltop, at the highest point of Malta was the island’s first capital city. Its history dates back more than 4000 years, so it’s considerably older than Valletta, the current...   view more

The city of Krakow offers beautiful architecture, incredible food, and fun to explore – everything we love. But, although we won’t be moving there or anywhere else any time soon, we both very much look forward to visiting other regions in...   view more

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the largest city in Southern Italy -Naples is a fascinating, chaotic place to visit, but is it possible to see Naples in a day? Yes, we covered a lot of ground in one day but we appreciated the raw beauty of Naples a lot more when we returned for a longer...   view more

Bethlehem is located in the West Bank, in the Palestinian Territories. Just ten kilometres from Jerusalem, there are so many things to see and do in Bethlehem, it makes for a perfect side trip or a place to stay. If we hadn’t been house sitting in East Jerusalem, we would definitely have extended our visit to Bethlehem for a night or...   view more

Admittedly, we were a little bit hesitant at first about visiting Jerusalem. Despite knowing there were so many fascinating things to see and do in Jerusalem, we believe that spending travel money is, in a way, like voting, and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict had us both...   view more

Skopje, North Macedonia was a very last-minute getaway for us. As our lovely dog sitters Neil and Orla from All The Ways You Wander were staying at our home for an extra week after we returned from Slovenia, we decided to sneak in another trip away. Well, my dog loves them and hey, never turn down an opportunity for an...   view more

The charmingly picturesque town of Skofja Loka, meaning Bishop’s Meadows, is considered to be the best-preserved medieval city in Slovenia. Located roughly halfway between Ljubljana and Lake Bled, this delightful town is certainly worth a...   view more

Piran, located on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, is a must-visit. There’s so much to see and do in this gorgeous old town that’s jam-packed with charming Venetian architecture. Venetian? Thought we were in...   view more

There are several great things to do in Lake Bled. It’s a destination that had been on both our bucket lists for a very long time. And we are delighted to say we weren’t disappointed. The setting is even more picturesque in real life. Located on the edge of the Triglav National Park, Lake Bled with its crystal clear waters, a tiny island, mountainous backdrop, and castle perched high on a hillside makes an ideal getaway. It’s easy to see why this place is so...   view more

There are so many things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, and largest city. It’s a town that’s best explored on foot. It’s not a large city, but when you do tire from walking, you’re never too far away from one of many riverside bars or cafes. Ljubljana owes much of its current charm to a catastrophe. In 1895, a devastating earthquake reduced much of the area to ruins. Fortunately, Jože Plečnik, a 20th-century Slovene architect, designed many of the gorgeous Art Nouveau...   view more

Munich or München as it’s called in German is the capital city of Germany’s state of Bavaria. It is located around 30 miles north of the Bavarian Alps and is the third-largest city in Germany. It is currently home to about 1.5 million...   view more

The city of Valletta is the southernmost European capital city. It’s built on what was once Mount Sceberras, a peninsula that’s located between two natural harbours – Marsamxett Harbour to the west and the Grand Harbour to the...   view more

Tavira, Portugal was by far our favourite town in the Algarve. We had taken a five-day road trip through the Algarve from Sagres to Tavira. Have to say, the coastal scenery along the way in the Algarve is spectacular, as were some of the inland villages and towns we drove through. But we weren’t impressed with the massive high rises and many ugly looking coastal resorts that we passed in central...   view more

The city of Viseu is located in Central Portugal. It’s an attractive hilltop city in the Beira Alta region, situated between the mountain ranges of Serra do Caramulo and Serra da Estrela. Plus, it’s right in the heart of the famous Dao wine valley...   view more

The popular fishing and surfing town of Nazare on Portugal’s Silver Coast is divided into three main districts. There’s the Praia (beach), Pederneira and Sítio. During the summer months, the wide sandy beach and narrow streets of Praia are jam-packed with...   view more

Do you want to visit as much as possible of Lisbon in one day? I warn you now, it’s going to be a full day so make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes, start early and bring plenty of water with...   view more

Obidos, Portugal is a lovely old castle town just an hour north of Lisbon, so perfect for a day trip. There are many things to do in Obidos and plenty of day tours from Lisbon include a stop in the old town, but it’s actually a really easy trip to do independently. Details about how to get to Obidos can be found at the end of this...   view more

Porto (also known as Oporto in English) is a great place to explore on foot, but there are hills, lots of them and lots of steps, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. However, if the hills all get to be too much, there is a funicular, historic trams, metro and buses to get around on and plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes to relax those tired...   view more

Seville is one of my favourite cities. We were only supposed to stop for one night on our way to Gibraltar but it turned into two, and we could happily have stayed longer. It’s a city best explored on foot, so we found a car park (no easy feat) close to our guest house and set out to...   view more

Evora, Portugal is well worth a visit. It’s a town with a long history, some excellent restaurants, and charming guesthouses. Here’s a list of some of the best places to visit in...   view more

Explore the lovely old city of Angra do Heroísmo. The town is best explored on foot. Admire the old architecture and charming homes. For ideas on where to get the best viewpoints of the city and places to eat, see...   view more

Tucked away in the hills of Molise—one of Italy’s least-visited regions—is the town of Agnone, known for its ancient bell-making traditions, artisan heritage, and stunning views over the countryside. It’s not a place that shouts for attention, but spend a little time here, and you’ll quickly understand its quiet...   view more

Amersfoort is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for an easy day trip from Utrecht. Just 15 minutes away by train, this picturesque city offers medieval streets, scenic canals, and a fascinating history—all without the crowds of bigger Dutch...   view more

The pretty town of Locorotondo, one of the Borghi Più Belli d’Italia (Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages), is gorgeous. It has excellent restaurants, cafés, and even a vineyard, but it doesn’t feel like it’s just there for tourists. And that’s what I loved about...   view more

The resort of Sestri Levante, located roughly halfway between the more famous towns of Portofino and Cinque Terre on the Gulf of Tigullio, is one of those places that the Italians have managed to keep to themselves and it is not so well known by overseas...   view more

Spello is a stunningly picturesque Umbrian town located at the foot of Mount Subasio in the Valle Umbra, less than ten minutes by train from the more well-known town of Assisi. The town is small and can easily be seen in a day, but it’s a lovely place to linger for a while and an ideal base for exploring other towns around...   view more

The lovely town of Cefalù on Sicily’s northern coast is an easy day trip from Palermo – only forty-five minutes away by train. But if you have time, it is really worth spending a night or two there. It’s a beautiful place to relax, to explore the old town at leisure, bask on a golden sandy beach, climb the Rocca for breathtaking views and enjoy fantastic Sicilian...   view more

Gruyères, voted as one of the “Best Tourism Villages” by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) in 2021, is a cutesy medieval town in the Fribourg canton of Switzerland. It’s famous for its cheese bearing the same name. Being a massive cheese fan and looking for an easy day trip from my house sit in Switzerland, I knew I had to...   view more

Ronda was one of those places that caught me off guard in the best way. Within a few hours of wandering around, I found myself thinking, “Oooh, I could live here.” Yes, I know I say that about many places, but the mix of dramatic scenery, easy walking streets, and a relaxed atmosphere makes it one of the most enjoyable towns my friend and I visited in...   view more

When most people think of the Czech Republic, they picture Prague’s spires, Charles Bridge, and the crowds that come with them. However, a few hours east lies Olomouc, a smaller city rich in history, charm, and excellent coffee. It’s relaxed, walkable, and full of...   view more

Cádiz was one of our stops on our six-night road trip through southern Spain, and it turned out to be one of my favourites. I visited with a friend, and during the trip we also spent time in Ronda and Málaga. We stayed in Jerez de la Frontera and visited Cádiz for a day. The city is easy to walk around, which is great if you like to explore at your own pace. Cádiz is in south-west Andalusia, right on the Atlantic coast. The old town sits on a narrow strip of land almost completely surrounded...   view more

Málaga was the final stop on our six-day Andalusian road trip, which took us through Ronda, Cádiz, and Jerez before looping us back to the Mediterranean coast. I’ve always thought of Malaga as the “airport city,” but spending a day here changed my view completely. You can spend the day sightseeing, but it’s the Old Town that really makes the city shine. It’s lively, colourful, and easy to wander without any agenda — exactly what you want at the end of a road...   view more