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.
Visiting the Mani Peninsula: How Much Time Do You Really Need?
Visiting the Mani Peninsula deserves more than a quick stop. Two nights let you experience its villages, coastline and slower rhythm, while three days provide enough time to explore without constantly watching the clock. There’s a version of the Mani that gets ticked off in an afternoon: a stop south of Gytheio, a coffee in Areopoli, a glance at the tower houses, back on the road by three. Plenty of travellers do it that way. 🧭 Why the Mani Takes Longer to Reveal Itself Than Most Places The Mani isn’t
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.
Chocolate Hills in Bohol: Independently or Tour?
Chocolate Hills in Bohol can be visited independently or as part of an organised tour, and the better option depends on how much flexibility you want. Independent travel gives you
Baroque Ragusa, Beaches & Modica Chocolate
Baroque Ragusa brings together far more than historic architecture, making the wider area particularly rewarding for travellers who want variety. Its UNESCO-listed heritage can be combined with nearby beaches and
Cabo Home Galicia: Walking the Wild Atlantic Paths
Cabo Home in Galicia is an exposed Atlantic headland where relatively straightforward walking trails lead through pine forest and out towards cliffs, open sea and the entrances to the surrounding
Settling Into Ragusa: Between Cappuccinos and Clifftops
Settling into Ragusa for several days gives you time to experience the city as a base rather than a sightseeing stop. Historic streets and local cafés are close at hand,
Sitia and Palekastro: Exploring Far East Crete
Sitia and Palekastro offer two very different ways to base yourself in Crete’s far east. Sitia provides a working harbour town with restaurants, shops and evening life, while smaller Palekastro
Lisbon to Comporta: How the Landscape Arrives
Lisbon to Comporta takes roughly 90 minutes by car, but the route you choose can turn a simple transfer into one of the highlights of the trip. The faster motorway
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
