This Month's Guide
Updated every month, we handpick one of our most-read guides and place it at the forefront of the site for all our readers to enjoy.
One Day in Chania: How Much Can You Really See?
One day in Chania is enough to understand why the city is one of Crete’s most popular destinations, but it isn’t enough to experience everything. With a realistic plan, you can explore the Venetian harbour, wander the Old Town, enjoy authentic Cretan food and discover the atmosphere that makes visitors return. The secret to making one day in Chania worthwhile isn’t trying to see every attraction. It’s knowing which experiences deserve your time and which are better saved for a longer stay. 🚍 How to Get to Chania and How
Explore Guides by Region
Discover some of Ian’s favourite regions, with plenty of insider knowledge, practical advice and travel inspiration.
Discover the best of Spain, from lively cities and historic landmarks to beautiful beaches, traditional towns and authentic Spanish culture.
Discover Portugal through practical travel guides covering vibrant cities, coastal escapes, local food and some of the country’s best places to visit.
Explore Greece travel guides, from historic cities and beautiful islands to traditional villages, beaches and unforgettable places to visit.
Explore France with travel guides covering iconic cities, charming towns, beautiful countryside, coastal destinations and memorable local experiences.
Soft Footprints
So, what are you waiting for? Join me on this incredible journey, and let's discover the world together, one Soft Footprint at a time.
Ian's Most Recent Travel Guides
Explore six of Ian’s latest travel guides in one place. These feature destinations he has recently visited, along with newly updated guides from previous trips.
Kathisma Beach Lefkada: Long, Loud and Hard to Leave
Kathisma beach is Lefkada’s easiest west coast beach to reach, combining a long sandy shoreline, striking turquoise water and excellent facilities without the steep staircases found elsewhere. Expect dramatic scenery,
Mani Peninsula Beaches: Where People Actually Go
Mani Peninsula beaches are mostly pebbled, remarkably clear and far less developed than those elsewhere in Greece, with sandy exceptions around Stoupa and quieter coves deeper south. The coastline here
Comporta Rice Fields: How the Landscape Changes by Season
The Comporta rice fields are far more than a scenic backdrop to the village. They form a vast working landscape that changes dramatically throughout the year, with flooded paddies, vivid
Vila do Conde Festival: Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes
The Vila do Conde festival of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes takes place in Caxinas, the working fishing parish on the town’s northern edge. On the first Sunday of August, local
Ragusa in December: Sun, Stairs, and Discoveries
Ragusa in December offers mild days, quieter streets and clearer views of its Baroque architecture, making winter one of the most rewarding times to explore the city. The tourist season
Best Time to Visit Cabo da Roca
The best time to visit Cabo da Roca depends on what matters most to you. Early morning brings quieter viewpoints, while late afternoon offers warmer light and the possibility of
Unsure Where to Next? Start With a Series
Deciding where to visit next? Explore the destinations Ian has written about most extensively, with guides covering almost every aspect of your trip.
Series 1: Everything you need to know about Paxos
Series 2: The full guide of Comporta
Series 3: Discover the hidden gems in Korcula
The Person Behind the Path
All Guides Are Written by Ian Howes
Ian Howes is a travel writer and the founder of Soft Footprints, a publication focused on lesser-known destinations, local culture, and experiences that most travelers overlook. His approach centers on slow, intentional travel and first-hand research, shaped by time spent exploring regions beyond mainstream tourism routes.
Ian’s interest in meaningful travel began after a formative stay on a small Greek island, which reshaped how he engages with destinations and local communities. Since then, he has built extensive on-the-ground experience across diverse regions, with a focus on local traditions, overlooked landscapes, and sustainable travel practices.
Through Soft Footprints, Ian provides practical, experience-based guidance for travelers seeking authentic, off-the-tourist-path journeys. His work emphasizes accuracy, cultural respect, and responsible exploration, helping readers develop a deeper understanding of the places they visit.
Leave nothing but soft footprints
