‘I was not ready for this jaw-dropping place’: readers’ favourite travel discoveries of 2024

Perfect pastry in Europe’s surfing capital, Portugal

Sweet, soft, crispy, satisfyingly dense yet fluffy – we have found the perfect pastry. It’s all we think about when we wake up in delightful Ericeira, 30 miles north of Lisbon. We are here for the surf – Ericeira is in a world surfing reserve – but really the ouriço, a pastry unique to this town, is reason enough to visit. It translates as “hedgehog” but also “sea urchin” (Ouriço-do-mar) and sea urchin statues adorn the town. We enjoy the confusion – even our Portuguese friend seems unsure of the pastries’ origin. We get them at Casa da Fernanda. We say we’ll take them to the beach, it’s just a few steps down the road, but in fact we can’t wait and eat them right outside the cafe. We’ll be back for more.
Fran

Mosque and munchies, Prizren, Kosovo

Since visiting Prizren in Kosovo, I’ve been thinking about when I’ll go back. From the hill fortress overlooking the city to the winding streets, Prizren is a gem of the Balkans. At Burek Sarajeva, I paid €1.50 for a winding portion of cheesy pastry; at Çigköfte Evi, I ate one of the best vegan dishes I’ve ever tried with its bulgur wraps; and at Saray Sweets, I found some of Prizren’s legendary baklava. All this just a few minutes’ walk from the enchanting Sinan Pasha Mosque and main square.
Danny Baker

I’m finding the London Loop a capital adventure

The 150-mile, self-guided London Loop route I’m walking with friends is split into 24 sections (all with map and instructions) combining gorgeous historic buildings and beautiful open spaces – on most days we forget we are still in London. The highlight to date was finding a boardwalk surrounded by colourful flora and fauna, alongside the Heathrow perimeter fence. The juxtaposition of the serene natural world against roaring aeroplanes a few metres overhead as they came in to land was absolutely amazing. We bring a packed lunch from home so for the price of a travel card, each section is an incredible adventure and excellent value for money in these challenging times.
Hannah

Damme fine countryside near Bruges

Bruges has loads to offer, but I can’t recommend enough a trip to the picturesque village of Damme. To get to Damme, either cycle the three-mile route along the canal from Bruges, or, in the summer months, catch the Bruges to Damme boat, called Lamme Goedzak. The village dates back to the 15th century and boasts amazing gothic architecture – particularly its town hall and church. Damme’s small high street is lined with antique shops, bookstores, galleries, cafes and restaurants. To eat, Siphon is a well-known establishment up the road, with a large menu offering traditional Belgian delicacies and an on-site brewery.
Charlotte Jose

Moroccan movie set

Visiting Aït Benhaddou in Morocco felt like stepping on to a movie set – literally. The Unesco site is Hollywood’s go-to desert backdrop​, seen in Gladiator and Game of Thrones. To truly experience its magic, stay overnight in a local hotel. After the tourist ​vans left​ and the sun began to set, the place became ​still, quiet, and mine to explore​. And sunrise from my roof terrace was a sight I will never forget. Don’t miss the amazing pizzeria run by a friendly Italian couple nearby.
Jonathan Sankey

Genteel, scenic and fascinating Lausanne

Lausanne is an underrated Swiss city that punches well above its weight. Time in Lausanne requires effort as the city is full of winding hilly streets like San Francisco. From the railway station it’s a climb up steep streets taking you to medieval squares with lovely churches and breathtaking views. There are snow-clad Alpine peaks, shimmering across Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) to the south and east, as you stroll the palm-fringed promenade by the water. I even managed an invigorating swim there. The city has a genteel atmosphere with classy cafes serving French-influenced dishes such as steaks cooked in creamy mushroom sauce and white wine. Check out the fascinating Olympic Museum and don’t miss the sadly neglected Collection de l’Art Brut, which features unusual paintings and sculptures from self-taught artists who produce work outside the mainstream.
Joe

Adventure every day in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

A holiday in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan provides an adventure, surprise or experience every day. The scenery and hiking are outstanding. The countries have an alpine feel but none of the crowds. The culture is all about yurts and horses. We walked one way to a mountain lake and rode back, visited a yurt felt-making workshop and watched a demonstration of eagle hunting. A swim in Issyk-Kul, the second largest mountain lake in the world (behind Lake Titicaca in Bolivia/Peru) was another highlight. There are interesting Dungan (Muslim people of Hui origin) and Soviet influences particularly in the mosques and war memorials of the cities Almaty and Bishkek.
Paul Kirkwood

A national park in Ireland with sensational walking

It’s well documented that Galway is a fun and charming city with lots to offer in terms of food, culture and nightlife. And it certainly does, particularly on the weekend I visited, during St Paddy’s Day celebrations. But I was not ready for the jaw-dropping Connemara national park. A short drive north-west of Galway, Connemara offers heaps of hikes, with views across the mountains to the Atlantic. My favourite was the well-trodden yet breathtaking Diamond Hill peak. The landscape spans mountains, woodland and grasslands. I could have spent over a week exploring all that Connemara has to offer.
Josh

A town in Hungary with erotic allure

Keszthely on Lake Balaton in Hungary has it all. Sunbathing and swimming on the lake, boat trips to wine-tasting country, beer festivals, a gorgeous palace and historic town centre. There’s even an erotic wax museum for the adventurous – its website states: “We hope that prudes will stay away.”
Vicky

Winning tip: Better than Barcelona – the joy of Tarragona

Tarragona is just over an hour by train from Barcelona, and it’s well worth the trip. It offers an authentic Spanish vibe, unlike its tourist-packed neighbour. The medieval old town is beautifully preserved and alive with locals, while its own Rambla (Rambla Nova) invites evening strolls. Explore Roman ruins, enjoy tapas and beer at the bustling market, or head to the harbour for fresh, affordable seafood. To top it off, Tarragona boasts a stunning beach, making it the perfect escape from Barcelona’s crowds.
Paul Hartley