A beautiful little Greek island is way off the tourist map and close to Italy. Othonoi is a small inhabited island in the Ionian Sea, located northwest of Corfu, and is the westernmost point of Greece. 

It is the largest and most populated of the Diapontian Islands and is also known as Calypso Island, in reference to Homer’s The Odyssey. The enchanting nymph who lives on the island keeps Odysseus captive for seven years, preventing him from returning to his wife.

Ammos is the most populous settlement and has a number of restaurants, cafes, markets, and hotels. The rest of the island consists mainly of villages that are little more than a cluster of houses.

Most beaches on the island are accessible by boat, including Molos, Kamini, Kanoula, Kontoskes, and Aspri Ammos. Many have white sands and turquoise waters to enjoy..

Othonoi is well-known for underwater photography because of the peculiar geomorphology of the seabed and the many caves. Other points of interest are the Cave of Calypso, Moshopontikas, Xylosermi, and Fyki Bay (where the sunken wreck of the Sarah ship is located).

The walking trail was created by the first inhabitants. Visitors can now use it to reach almost every part of the island on foot, including Mount Imerovigli, the highest peak of the island at over 390 metres, with views of the other Diapontian Islands, the Ionian Sea, and the Adriatic Sea.

The island is almost completely covered by 300-year-old trees that produce a small species of olive, the “Elea the cherry”. This olive produces the high-quality oil common in all the Ionian Islands. 

Othonoi can only be accessed by ferry from Corfu, which runs a few times weekly and takes three hours. There are also services from Agios Stefanos, which take one hour and go to the other Diapontian islands.

If you’re planning a road trip to Europe this summer, make sure you’re not caught out by local laws that could land you with fines of up to £2,560. Each European country has its own legal requirements for what drivers must carry in their vehicles and being unaware of these could cost you a lot. According to Ed Sharp, Head of Car Hire at TravelSupermarket, checking your rental vehicle is properly equipped before hitting the road is crucial.

Not having a motorway toll sticker, for example, could cost you up £2,560 in various countries like Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Czechia and Slovakia. These can be bought before entering toll roads and though some rental companies include these in the hire agreement, this is not always the case so make sure you check with your provider before taking the wheel. 

In most European countries, you’ll need a warning triangle and failing to have one could lead to some big fines. 

In serious cases, failing to carry a warning triangle or a reflective safety vest could result in fines of up to £640 in France, according to the French government website.

If you wear prescription glasses, you may also be legally required to carry an spare pair while driving in some countries.

Legal in several countries and always a smart idea, a first-aid kit must meet specific local standards.

In Germany, for instance, it must comply with the DIN 13164 regulation.

Pre-packed kits are available and typically include essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, gloves, scissors, and emergency blankets.

Before hitting the road this summer, double-check the rules in each country you’re visiting to stay compliant with local driving laws.

Failing to meet these requirements could lead to hefty fines or even make your vehicle unroadworthy.

Spain is no stranger to tourism, and few cities attract the crowds quite like Barcelona. With its world-famous architecture, beaches, and cultural landmarks, it drew a staggering 7.3 million overnight visitors in 2023, according to the city’s hotel occupancy survey.

But just 40 minutes away by train, there’s another Catalan gem waiting to be explored, Girona, a historic and vibrant city that welcomed just 342,600 overnight visitors in 2023. That’s over 7 million fewer tourists, making Girona the perfect getaway for travellers craving authenticity, beauty, and breathing room.

Girona might not boast the global fame of its bigger neighbour, but it has a quiet magic that’s all its own. Tucked between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, the city is known for its incredibly preserved medieval architecture, cobbled alleyways, and the iconic pastel-colored houses that line the Onyar River.

Wander through the Barri Vell (Old Town), and you’ll find yourself stepping into a storybook. The labyrinthine Jewish Quarter, or El Call, is one of the best-preserved in Europe, offering a haunting glimpse into the city’s medieval past.

You can climb the old city walls for panoramic views, stroll along the ancient Roman Via Augusta, or visit the Girona Cathedral, whose wide stone staircase has become a favourite Instagram backdrop (and a Game of Thrones filming location, for fans of the show).

Despite its modest size and laid-back vibe, Girona punches well above its weight when it comes to food.

The city is a pilgrimage site for foodies, thanks in part to El Celler de Can Roca, once ranked the best restaurant in the world.

But you don’t need a reservation at a Michelin-starred spot to enjoy Girona’s culinary scene. From local bakeries serving fresh xuixos (a sugar-dusted, custard-filled pastry) to family-run restaurants dishing up botifarra and suquet de peix, Girona is a place where flavours are both rooted in tradition and fearlessly creative.

Girona’s charm is amplified by how easy it is to reach. A high-speed AVE train from Barcelona takes just 38 minutes, and there’s even an airport nearby that connects to other European cities. Once you’re there, everything is walkable, picturesque, and welcoming.

Whether you’re looking to spend a quiet weekend among medieval streets or base yourself somewhere peaceful while exploring Catalonia, Girona offers a little bit of everything, with none of the stress.