Discover Our Team's Favourite Hidden Gems from Home

Discover Our Team's Favourite Hidden Gems from Home

AVEIRO, PORTUGAL

Meet Rita, our enthusiastic travel expert from Portugal. For Rita, it was Aveiro, a quaint city often referred to as the "Venice of Portugal" that came to mind as her hidden gem from home.  Here are her top recommendations for tasting the famous Ovos Moles, exploring the historic architecture and indulging in all that Aveiro has to offer!

THINGS TO SEE

• Aveiro Canals, you can do a boat trip here on the traditional boats, known as Moliceiros.
• Unique Architecture - Aveiro is famous for its colourful Art Noveau buildings.
• Stunning beaches - Costa Nova beach (with the infamous stripey houses), Barra beach and the Natural Reserve of Sao Jacinto Dunes.

MUST-TRY FOODS

• Ovos Moles - soft eggs
• Tripas de Aveiro and Bolacha Americana - A kind of a crepe/pancake
• Fish-based dishes - Fish is a very popular delicacy in Portugal, a must-try when you visit!

Podbanské, Slovakia

Next we have Katarina, our seasoned traveller from Slovakia, introducing us to the breath-taking views of the Slovakian Tatra Mountains. What are traditionally ski resorts in winter, become beautiful summer sanctuaries the rest of the year. Her personal favourite? Podbanské.

"Nestled in the High Tatras mountains, this hidden gem offers a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Just 2 hours from my hometown, Podbanské has always been one of my favourite places to visit when I'm home in Slovakia. I usually go with my parents to relax, unwind, and use the stunning spa facilities.

Things to do

• Wellness treatments - Sauna bathing and ritual at the resort.
• Activities - Rent a bicycle and try mountain biking as you explore the wild and wonderful surroundings.
• Food - A true gastronomic experience awaits you at the Podbanské Resort!"

PENICHE, PORTUGAL

Next up, Inês , our fabulous Marketing Manager hailing from Portugal, has decided to highlight Peniche, her must-see Portuguese destination.

"Peniche is very dear to my heart, I used to visit with my parents and my sister on staycations. Located just 1 hour away by car from Lisbon, situated on Portugal's stunning Silver Coast. It is one of the largest traditional fishing ports in Portugal and a surfer's paradise with magnificent beaches and powerful waves!"

Things to see



• Beaches: Baleal, Praia de Areia Branca, Praia do Areal, Porto das Barcas, Foz do Arelho, Praia de Porto Novo.
• Peniche Fort, served as a political prison under the Estado Novo regime, holding some of the most important public personalities in the fight against Fascism.
• Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Sanctuary with seventeenth-century painted azulejo tiles in traditional blue and white.
• Cabo Carvoeiro this site offers spectacular views over the sea and the Berlenga islands and is also an excellent spot for observing sea birds.
• You also can't miss the Nature Reserve on the Island of Berlengas."

BRESCIA, ITALY

Our final stop is Brescia, Italy, where Luisa's heart lies. Luisa, our Italian intern explains how her hometown is the perfect spot for Italian immersion. "Brescia is the town where I grew up and live to this day, so I can assure you that it is a real Italian treasure. It is settled in a marvellous landscape, where mountains and rolling hills merge together. Brescia is a city that "has it all", from long walks in the mountains, to the adventure of discovering the Roman treasures of the town centre.

Located near Milan (just 1 hour by car) it is easy for tourists to reach. If you're looking for an authentic Italian experience look no further than Brescia which (along with Bergamo) earned the Italian Capital of Culture in 2023.

Things to see

• Il castello di Brescia - Brescia Castle
• Capitolium (Tempio Capitolino) - This was the main temple of the old Roman town, today it remains an archaeological site, including a Roman amphitheatre and museum in Brescia's centre.
• Piazza della Loggia and Piazza della Vittoria - A prominent Renaissance-era palace.
• Museo Santa Giulia - One of the main tourist and cultural attractions of this city, a great start to understanding the history of Brescia.
• Teatro Grande - Featuring opera, dance and concerts, there is plenty to experience at this magnificent theatre!
• Parco Ducos - A breath of fresh air and gorgeous green space to relax in Brescia.

Food to Try (of course!)

• Polenta Taragna e Spiedo - This is a wheat/grain based meal that accompanies spiedo, a traditional dish consisting of different kinds of skewered meats.
• Casoncelli alla Bresciana - A type of stuffed pasta, typical of the Lombardy region. In Brescia it is traditionally made of leftover beef, pork, breadcrumbs and grated cheese.
• Bossolà - A traditional Brescian dessert.

So there you have it, avoid the typical tourist traps and live like a local! Which is your favourite?

Chat to one of our agents today and be matched with your perfect getaway!