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.
Vila do Conde Fort: Where the River Meets the Atlantic
Vila do Conde fort stands directly at the mouth of the River Ave, where the sheltered estuary opens into the Atlantic. Built between 1570 and 1641, Forte São João Baptista once protected the river entrance and the town behind it from attacks arriving by sea. Today, the fort forms part of a continuous waterfront walk connecting the river, harbour, marina and coast. Its low stone walls still occupy the crucial point between sheltered water on one side and the exposed Atlantic on the other. Vila do Conde Fort at the
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.
Marina di Ragusa: Strolling Along the Coast Below the Hill
Marina di Ragusa is a relaxed seaside resort where wide sandy beaches, a lively promenade and clear Mediterranean water provide a complete contrast to the historic streets of Ragusa Ibla.
Best Beaches in East Crete
The beaches in East Crete are one of the strongest reasons to explore this quieter side of the island. Beyond Agios Nikolaos, the coastline becomes less developed, crowds begin to
Places Around Sintra: How Many Days Do You Need?
How many days in Sintra depends on what you want from the trip. One day covers the highlights. Two days covers them properly. Three days in Sintra or more starts
Korčula vs Dubrovnik: Which Medieval Town Still Feels Real?
Korčula vs Dubrovnik isn’t really a contest over which has the better walls, towers or Adriatic views. Both are beautiful medieval towns. The difference is how they feel once you’re
Comporta Village Feels Smaller Than You Expect
Comporta village is surprisingly compact. What many visitors expect to be a bustling seaside town is actually a quiet collection of whitewashed streets, boutique shops and cafés that can easily
The Comporta Coast: Seven Villages, One Landscape
The Comporta Coast stretches for around sixty kilometres between the Sado Estuary and Melides, yet it feels less like a collection of individual destinations than one connected landscape shaped by
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
