With approximately 3,500 stalls spread throughout the winding streets of Madrid's oldest residential neighborhood, El Rastro is considered the largest flea market in Europe. However, the best treasures can often be found on the side streets. As pickpocketing is common in the area, it's important to keep a close watch on your belongings.

Experience the rich heritage and artistry behind a timeless classic handcrafted in Ireland, with a visit to Thomas Dillons, the original makers of the Claddagh ring. Featuring two hands embracing a crowned heart, the Claddagh ring symbolises love, loyalty, and friendship—often used as an engagement ring. This tradition traces its roots back to the quaint fishing village of Claddagh, where a close-knit community of Irish-speaking families continues to elect their own "King."

Across the Douro River, you can visit the port wine caves of Vila Nova de Gaia. There are over fifty wine companies found in this area, with wine lodges offering organised tours and tasting sessions.

Tucked into the Akamas Peninsula’s rugged coastline, the Baths of Aphrodite — a mossy grotto where water trickles into a shallow pool — feels more like a quiet woodland chapel than a grand spa. According to legend, this was where the goddess bathed and first locked eyes with Adonis. The site’s magic lies in its simplicity: a single ancient fig tree drapes shade over the spring, its roots tangled in the rocks like something from a Pre-Raphaelite painting. More than just a photo stop, the baths anchor the Aphrodite Natural Trail, a network of walking routes through the peninsula’s botanical gardens and coastal cliffs. The easiest (200 metres) path winds past oleanders and carob trees to a babbling stream, while longer hikes like the 5-kilometre Adonis Trail reveal sea views and hidden coves. Practicalities are well managed: a car park, clean toilets, and a no-frills café sit near the entrance, while the Archaeological Museum of Marion-Arsinoe (15 minutes’ drive) adds context for mythology buffs. Come early to beat the coach tours; dawn light through the fig leaves makes the grotto glow.