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If you find yourself in Jerez de la Frontera, then you must visit Abaceria Cruz Vieja. It's a tapas bar located in an old grocery store, and in my opinion, it's one of the best in Jerez. It's beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere is great. It is excellent value for money, and the friendly waiters couldn't have been nicer. We sampled various tapas dishes, and even ate breakfast here one morning - the 'pan con tomate' (toasted bread and tomatoes - a classic Catalan tapa) was delicious. At night, we thoroughly enjoyed the delicious jamon with a glass of sherry.  Having visited a couple of times on our time in Jerez (we became regulars during our three day stay!) we went for a quick drink before the wedding we were going to, and were given a sherry on the house - nice to know you can make friends that quickly in your new 'local'! If you miss it, you'll miss out, so if you're planning on a trip to Jerez, and want ...

When you see it up close, it's breathtaking. The Monument to the Discoveries is located on the northern bank of the Tagus River estuary in the Belém district of Lisbon. It was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th aniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. It's 171 feet tall, and shaped like a ship's prow. The monument has 30 statues of people who have played an important role in the discoveries, with Prince Henry at the front leading the way. You can enter the monument, which has a museum, and a rooftop which gives you great panoramic views over Belém. It's easy to reach the monument from the centre of Lisbon - jump on Tram 15, and you can't miss it. There are plenty of other sights that are worth seeing close by, including the Jeronimos Monastery, and the Belem Tower, so you can easily spend a whole day 'discovering' this area yourself!

Today we're returning to Spain, and a fabulous place called Guadix. I came across this cathedral town on a road trip, so it's well off the beaten path in the province of Granada. The scenery in this part of Andalucia is simply stunning, with the Sierra Nevada in the distance, it's just breathtaking. If you plan to stay in this region, then you have to experience the cave district, or 'Barrio Troglodyte' as it's signposted. People live in the caves to escape the summer heat waves, but it's a great experience for us travellers too! If you'd like to read more about the cave hotel I stayed in in Guadix then click back to read my original post  here!

Altapura is a 5-star hotel in the highest resort in Europe, Val Thorens. It's the largest ski area in the world, so if you love your winter sports, then this could be the perfect alpine setting for you. French hotelier Jocelyn Sibuet, who is behind the Maisons & Hotels Sibuet group, handed the creative reins to her son, and this resort is dramatically different to the rest in the group. It is an elegant place that has quirky, contemporary furnishings.  The hotel is set back from the lively centre of Val Thorens, and is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the exceptional scenery. There are 88 rooms and suites - all beautifully modern but very cosy, with deep carpets, and fur throws.  There are three restaurants to choose from, and the outdoor bar is the perfect place for your aprés-ski. It even has heated parasols so you can enjoy your drink while soaking up the winter sun without getting cold! The spa is huge - and you can even relax in ...

Greece is a country I have only recently started discovering and I have to say it has blown me away on several occasions! The islands are stunning, Athens is crazy but fantastic, and the Acropolis.....wow. I visited in September when the temperatures were still high, but it didn't stop me enjoying my visit. I took the shot above from one of the hills on the ancient site, and love how the green trees contrast with the creamy white of the acropolis. The marble can really start to hurt your eyes after a while, such is the reflection in the summer sun, so my top tip would be to go early, and try to beat the crowds. Also take your own water and food if you're going to be there over lunchtime - the stalls inside are expensive. It takes a good four hours to go round, but you could happily spend all day wandering around the site.

Sicily is one of my favourite places in the world. It's such a diverse island - you can enjoy a relaxing beach holiday, or tour the island exploring all the stunning villages it has to offer. One of the best, in my opinion, is Ragusa, set on top of a hill it's not only dramatic, but the Baroque architecture will blow you away.  There is so much to see and do - and so much good food and drink to enjoy that you could easily spend three or four nights here, using it as a base to explore this part of Southern Sicily.  For today's Flashback Friday, I'm taking you to the  Baroque beauty that is Ragusa.

Tiny Green Mountain Falls has been a resort destination side the late 1800's. Situated northwest of Colorado Springs, it rests along the historic Ute pass, with the area's most well known attraction, Pike's Peak, rising in the distance. It's secluded and peaceful in the winter, and it comes alive in the summer when local and national artists take part in annual outdoor events. The Outlook Lodge was built in 1889 and has been turned into a contemporary escape - maintaining a rustic simplicity, but providing the creature comforts you'd want. There is a kitchen in the main lodge that guests can use, and the hot tub seems to be a favourite spot to chill out in as well! There is a wonderful hands-off approach here - you're left to enjoy the lodge as if it were your own. Instead of a front desk, the key to your room will be in a secure lockbox at the Lodge, and all the information you need will be in your room. Having said that, there is a free conci...

The city of Fez is the third largest in Morocco, and is home to over one million people. Fez is famous for its leather products, and most of them come from the leather bazaar, otherwise known as a souq. There are three ancient leather tanneries, one of which is almost a thousand years old.  Vast stone vessels are filled with dyes and liquids (including pigeon droppings!) and look like little pots of paint! The leather is dyed into beautiful colours; and the tanners stomp on the hides working them with their feet until they're soft and pliable, and eventually turned into leather products. The process hasn't really changed since medieval times, and it's an incredible sight. Well worth visiting if you're ever in Fez.