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.
A Slow Afternoon Between O Grove and La Toja
An afternoon between O Grove and La Toja works best when you stop treating it as a checklist of sights and let the area slow you down naturally. The distances are short. The atmosphere is not. Most people arrive in O Grove expecting a quick harbour stop before moving elsewhere along the coast. Instead, the pace tends to collapse into a sequence of short walks, waterfront pauses, seafood stops, and slow movement between viewpoints without much urgency. That is especially true once you cross toward La Toja. ⚓ O Grove
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.
Baroque Ragusa, Beaches & Modica Chocolate
Baroque Ragusa combines UNESCO-listed architecture, beautiful beaches and nearby Modica’s famous chocolate, creating one of Sicily’s most rewarding regions for history, food and coastal scenery. 🏛️ Why the 1693 Earthquake
Balos Lagoon: Finding the Best Route for the Experience
Balos Lagoon rewards the effort it takes to reach it. Whether you arrive by car along the rugged Gramvousa Peninsula or by boat across Kissamos Bay, the journey becomes part
Swimming in Korčula Town: Where to Get in the Water
Swimming in Korčula Town works differently from a typical beach day. There is no single beach to aim for. Instead, follow the rocky shoreline and choose from limestone platforms, jetties
Exploring Ragusa Sicily: Walking Between Upper Town and Ibla
Exploring Ragusa Sicily means discovering two distinct towns connected by a dramatic staircase, where the walk between modern Ragusa Superiore and historic Ibla becomes one of Sicily’s most memorable experiences.
Paxos Or Corfu: Which Greek Island Is Better?
If you’re trying to choose Paxos Or Corfu, there really isn’t a wrong answer. The problem is that despite being close neighbours in the Ionian, they offer surprisingly different holidays.
Do You Need A Car In Paxos?
No, you do not necessarily need a car in Paxos. If you stay in Gaios, Lakka or Loggos, you can walk to restaurants and shops, use buses or taxis when
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
