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.
Elafonisi From Chania: Scenic Drive and Coastal Insights
The drive from Chania to Elafonisi beach takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. It is not a highway run. The road demands attention, and the landscape earns it before you arrive. How to Get to Elafonisi from Chania Elafonisi beach in Crete sits roughly 75 kilometres southwest of Chania town. Most people drive. A rental car gives the most flexibility and is the most practical option for this part of western Crete. Public buses run from Chania to Elafonisi in summer, though the schedule is limited. The journey takes around
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.
A Simple Korčula Town Winery Day That Fits Your Stay
There is no need to set an alarm for this one. A Korčula town winery day works best when you leave at your own pace, spend a few hours in
How Many Days Do You Need in Rías Baixas?
Rías Baixas is not the kind of coastline that works best when you rush through it ticking off landmarks. The region spreads across several estuaries, ferry routes, beach areas, fishing
Praia da Aberta Nova: Comporta’s Wildest Atlantic Beach
Praia da Aberta Nova is a three-and-a-half kilometre Atlantic beach south of Carvalhal, backed by high dunes and ending at a fossil cliff formation to the north. It is one
Chrissi Island from Ierapetra
Boats from Ierapetra and How the Day Works Chrissi Island is the main offshore excursion from Ierapetra, but it is not the automatic easy beach day some brochures make it
Where People Actually Walk in Korčula Town at Sunset
It took me most of a day in Korčula Town to understand what I was watching. People were not sightseeing by late afternoon. They were settling into a pattern. Particularly
Sitia and Palekastro the Far East Peninsula
Sitia and Palekastro sit in the far eastern corner of Crete, where the island starts feeling quieter, emptier, and less shaped around tourism. Once you drive beyond Agios Nikolaos and
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
