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.
Peace and Quiet in the Mani Peninsula: Is It Really That Empty?
Mani Peninsula peace and quiet is a major reason to choose this part of Greece if you want to escape busy resorts and heavily developed coastal areas. Although the peninsula is not completely deserted, its peaceful villages, lightly travelled roads and uncrowded coastline create a noticeably quieter experience than many Greek destinations. Away from the busier settlements, long stretches of coast and countryside can feel remarkably still, with the absence of traffic, crowds and large-scale tourism becoming part of the Mani experience. 🤫 Quiet Compared to What The Mani has
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.
Is Rías Baixas Worth Visiting for a Coastal Spain Trip?
Rías Baixas is worth visiting if you prefer exploring a coastline rather than spending an entire holiday in one resort. Days here naturally mix short drives, harbour towns, beaches, seafood
Evenings in Baiona: How the Town Changes After Sunset
Evenings in Baiona move differently from the daytime. The pace slows almost automatically once the light begins changing across the harbour. People stop trying to fit in beaches, viewpoints, or
Solo Travel in Chania: Is It the Perfect Base?
Solo travel in Chania is an excellent choice for independent travellers. Its compact Old Town, welcoming atmosphere, easy transport and accessible day trips make Chania simple to explore alone, whether
How to Spend a Day at Praia das Maçãs
A day at Praia das Maçãs works best when the plan stays loose. The beach is the starting point, but the river, tram, village and nearby coast all shape how
Mani Peninsula in Autumn: Harvest, Empty Roads and the Return of Rain
Mani Peninsula in autumn is especially appealing for travellers seeking warm seas, quieter roads and a slower pace after the busy summer months. October often provides an attractive balance, with
Walking in Ragusa: Steps, Alleys and Piazzas of Ibla
Walking in Ragusa is best experienced by following the steep descent from Ragusa Superiore into historic Ibla. The steps, narrow lanes and Baroque squares make the connection between the upper
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
