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Travel + Leisure
6 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
This 4-stop Journey Along the Mediterranean Has Beaches, Castles, and Archaeological Ruins All in One Trip
Some of the most rewarding journeys don't involve crossing continents; they unfold along coastlines. The neighboring countries of Greece and Albania present a prime example. A trip to beach towns on the Ionian Sea, bookended by the country's respective capitals, Athens and Tiranë, offers a simple, perfectly-paced experience packed with history, gastronomy, and seaside relaxation. During the spring and early fall, travelers can enjoy mild temperatures, calm seas, and fewer crowds. Through decades of planning Mediterranean trips, I've found that this four-stop itinerary is the ultimate blend of coastal charm and cultural discovery. Here's how to do it. The entrance to A77 Suites in Athens. Start your journey in Athens, where the famed, millennia-old Acropolis offers a window into ancient Greece. See the Parthenon, visit the Acropolis Museum, and enjoy sweeping city views. Then, head into Psyri, a buzzy, creative neighborhood known for bold street art, independent shops, and bohemian cafés. If you have extra time, visit the Museum of Cycladic Art for a glimpse into the ancient Cyclades, one of the oldest cultures of the Aegean Sea. Where to Stay: The Dolli, a luxurious neoclassical property, or A77 Suites, a boutique hotel tucked into the heart of Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood. Where to Eat: The Zillers Rooftop Gastronomy for a sunset meal with Acropolis views, or CTC Urban Gastronomy to enjoy a contemporary Greek tasting menu on the terrace. For classic flavors in a more traditional setting, try Psarras Tavern or Kuzina. The Venetian Well bistro. Next, fly to Corfu, a lush Greek island in the Ionian Sea, unique for its Venetian, British, and French influences. Explore the Old Town, an UNESCO World Heritage site, where pastel tones, quaint shops, and hidden gardens paint a storybook picture, and spend a day cruising along the coast to swim in coves only accessible by boat. For lovers of art, architecture, and history, don't miss the Achilleion, a palace-turned-museum that was once the private refuge of the beloved Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Where to Stay: Domes Miramare, a stylish resort hideaway by the sea featuring private pools and contemporary Greek fine dining. Where to Eat: The Venetian Well for a romantic dinner, or Klimataria for authentic Corfiot cooking in a relaxed courtyard setting. Downtown Gjirokaster, Albania. Take the hour-long ferry from Corfu to Sarandë, Albania, where clear Ionian waters meet rugged cliffs and hills dotted with olive groves. There, travelers can find the 16th-century Lëkurësi Castle; the Blue Eye, a striking 50-meter-deep natural spring; and, just outside the city, Butrint, an archaeological site layered with Green, Roman, and Byzantine history. For a magical day trip, visit Gjirokastër, nicknamed the "City of Stone" due to its distinct local architecture featuring stone roofs, and navigate picturesque cobblestone alleys to the historic Old Bazaar. Where to Stay : LaFe Boutique Hotel for stunning balcony views and a prime location just steps from the beach. Where to Eat : In Sarandë, enjoy fresh mussels, grilled seafood, and seaside seating at family-run Haxhi or cozy La Petite. In Gjirokastër, try Taverna Kuka for rich lamb stews, flaky byrek , and honeyed desserts. Tirana, the capital of Albanian. Wrap up in Tiranë, Albania's energetic capital. Spend an afternoon gallery hopping in the hip Blloku neighborhood, climb the Ottoman-era Clock Tower, and visit the National Historical Museum by the central Skanderbeg Square. To dive into Albanian history, head to Bunk'Art 1, a five-floor, Cold-War-era underground bunker that is now an art and history museum, and for sweeping views over the city, take the Dajti Ekspres cable car to the top of Dajti Mountain. As you wander the streets of Tiranë, keep an eye out for murals and public art installations—and make sure to try some classic Albanian street food, like crunchy byrek and sweet, syrupy Tulumba . Where to Stay: Xheko Imperial Luxury Hotel & Spa, an ornate, glamorous stay with a rooftop terrace and convenient proximity to the beautiful Grand Park. Where to Eat: Padam Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, where Italy-trained Chef Fundim Gjepali combines local ingredients with modern style, offering both à la carte options and a tasting menu. Mina Agnos is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Greece and Eastern Mediterranean trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Agnos at [email protected] .
The Independent
21-05-2025
- The Independent
Bank holiday traffic warning issued by AA – here's how to avoid the queues
The AA has warned drivers to expect heavy congestion across the upcoming bank holiday weekend with millions of journeys predicted each day. A survey released by AA shows that over 20 million journeys will be made on Friday 23 May, while over 19 million will be taken on each of the following days to Monday 26 May. As a result, the AA has issued an amber traffic warning to alert drivers to expect extra congestion on the roads. Half of the trips will be under 50 miles suggesting traffic will be focussed around local destinations and attractions such as retail parks and town centres. "Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Let's make sure we all get there safely and enjoy the time with our loved ones," Shaun Jones, from AA said. Due to the expected significant increase in traffic over the weekend, AA is advising drivers to plan their journeys in advance, stay updated with congestion and roadworks, and ensure vehicles are roadworthy before setting off. 'By following these tips, we can all contribute to a safer and more pleasant travel experience during the bank holiday weekend,' Jones added. One in 10 of those surveyed said they are not driving over the long weekend, while 30 per cent were unsure of their plans. With the recent sun and warm weather, over seven million plan to embark on trips to the coast, sporting events and garden centres on Saturday 24 May, while 3.5 million indicated they intend to take a long weekend break away from home. The Met Office has said to expect more unsettled conditions with rain or showers in many areas in the UK, ending the prolonged dry spell. Mark Sidaway, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'Whilst the bank holiday won't be a complete washout, with some sunshine expected, this weekend represents a notable shift from the fine and settled weather pattern that has dominated so far this month.' While the AA reported that fewer respondents than they expected were planning to head to the coast, it anticipates that routes to popular coastal destinations to be busier than usual, if the previous good weather continues. These include roads heading towards the east coast such as Skegness as well as the south west and Cornwall, including the A303, M5 and A38, and those leading to Wales such as the M4.
