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.
From Chocolate to Cathedrals: Discovering Modica and Ragusa
Modica and Ragusa sit fifteen kilometres apart and reward a combined visit. Each town offers a distinct version of the same Val di Noto baroque. The two towns share a history shaped by the same catastrophe. The earthquake of 1693 destroyed much of what stood across eastern Sicily, and what was rebuilt in both Modica and Ragusa became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation that now covers eight late baroque towns in the region. The architecture is the connection. The chocolate is what makes Modica specifically worth stopping
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.
Cape Lefkatas, Lefkada: The Island’s Southern Tip
Cape Lefkatas is the southernmost point of Lefkada island, a rugged limestone headland where cliffs drop vertically into the deep blue Ionian Sea and the island’s road network simply ends.
Capo Cipollazzo to Ragusa Ibla: A Sicily Road Trip
This Sicily road trip from the western coast to Ragusa Ibla covers five distinct stops. Each one offers something different and the route holds together well. The journey moves from
Cycling Out of Vila do Conde into Vinho Verde Country
Leaving town along the Ave The Ave runs dark past the old shipyard at this hour. The cranes stand where they have always stood. Coffee and a pastel de nata
One Day in Chania: How Much Can You Really See?
One day in Chania covers the Venetian harbour, the old town, and a proper meal. Timing and priorities determine how much you actually see. How to Get to Chania and
Morning Light and Evening Calm: A Day in Vila do Conde
The town sits at the mouth of the Ave, about thirty kilometres north of Porto, and a single day is enough to walk most of it. The river runs through
Korčula Town Day Trips That Actually Work
Rest assured, nobody goes on Korčula Town day trips at dawn. I watched the harbour each morning and the pattern was the same: bags packed slowly, coffee finished at the
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
