カテゴリー: Wanderlust

The capital of Andalucía is proud, beautiful and packed full of culture. Many civilizations have left their mark on this colorful ciudad and Seville wears its heritage with pride. Its sensual blend of Islamic, Gothic and Renaissance architecture is on magnificent display in the royal palace and mighty cathedral. 

Beyond the elaborate mansions and verdant parks that Seville is most famous for, the city’s spirit thrives in countless tapas restaurants, in bar-strewn plazas and along the banks of the Guadalquivir river. From soul-stirring flamenco to glorious gastronomy and gregarious neighborhoods, here are our 10 favorite things to do in Seville.

Marvel at the Real Alcazár

Remarkably well-preserved, the royal palace is one of Spain’s most beautiful buildings and serves as a palimpsest of Sevillian history. Originally built as a fort in the 10th-century, subsequent rulers – from the Moors of North Africa to the Spanish Christians six centuries later – left their indelible mark on the palace complex. Let your imagination run amok beneath intricately carved archways and in staterooms whose geometric tiles have witnessed the scheming of sultans and kings. Don’t miss the stunning Patio de las Doncellas which archaeologists uncovered in 2004 or the subterranean baths of Doña María de Padilla. The sensual, foliage-filled gardens look prettiest in the soft light of the late afternoon – keep an eye out for a glimpse of peacock feathers. 

Unwind in the Arab baths

After the glare of Seville’s sunny squares, the candle-lit depths of the Baños Árabes offer instant respite. Like much of the city’s architecture, the act of communal bathing harks back 700 or so years to when Seville was the seat of Moorish power. Then Muslims would cleanse by moving through a series of marble pools before seeking purification of the spiritual sort in a nearby mosque. Today the experience is less authentic but no less pleasurable. The ritual of steam, scrub and soak is heavenly at Aire Baños Árabes; spa baths housed inside a grand 16th-century Mujédar palace. After floating through the thermal circuit beneath cavernous ceilings bedecked with bronze lanterns, head up to the roof terrace for a view over the medieval cathedral and bell tower. This is one of Seville’s most romantic activities: reserve a slot at dusk before a late-night meal. 

Tour the rooftop of the largest Gothic cathedral in the world

The Catedral de Santa María de la Sede is a staggering affair that melds Gothic, Renaissance and Moorish architecture. In true Sevillian style, Spanish Christians transformed the city’s 12th-century mosque into a cathedral between the 15th and 16th-centuries. These layers of history are best viewed on a rooftop tour, where you can get up close with startling gargoyles, the intricate stained glass windows and even see the sculptors’ initials, etched into the stonework. 

If you can bear the crowds of tourists traipsing through it, make time for the cathedral’s cavernous interior, home to Christopher Colombus’ tomb and several valuable works of art. Ogle Francisco de Goya’s haunting painting Santas Justa y Rufina, the martyrs who are the city’s patron saints, before stepping out into the peaceful Patio de los Naranjos, an inner courtyard named after the sixty-six orange trees within.

Clap along to an entrancing flamenco show

Raw, passionate and utterly hypnotic, flamenco in Seville is rooted in Triana, a typically working-class neighborhood that was originally home to the Roma community, people who migrated from eastern Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. Intimate flamenco shows at night are the most powerful; let the frenzy of stamping feet and quavering voices transport you in Triana’s CasaLa Teatro. Close to the cathedral, shows in La Casa del Flamenco unfold between Mujédar arches or for something simpler, try the tiny Casa de la Guitarra. 

With its low-slung ceilings, wooden beams and program of top-quality artists, atmospheric El Arenal hosts one of the best  “tablaos” of flamenco in the city. For more of a casual setting try Lola de los Reyes, an authentically Sevillian bar whose elegant proprietor frequently joins in. Facemasks may be required during some performances so have one on hand.

Feast on tapas in Seville’s best restaurants

Seville is truly the epicenter of tapas – the small plates that have become one of Spain’s most prolific exports. More than 3,000 tapas bars hide along Seville’s side streets. Some are traditional affairs of wood, tiles and waiters that could be as old as the bar itself; others are swankier fusion joints. Feast on Andalucían classics such as pescaíto frito (deep-fried fish) or artichokes with jamón at Casa Morales. Stand with the locals at the back of this bustling bodega, a jarra of local brew Cruzcampo in hand. Just around the corner, haunches of ham swing from the ceiling of Cafe Bar Las Teresas, a friendly tapas bar replete with tiles and loyal customers. 

If you – ever – tire of the platters piled high with fried slivers of berejenas (aubergines) and casseroles of chickpeas and spinach, then make your way to La Brunilda, an unassuming whitewashed building where inventive cuisine is beautifully served. Locals may squabble over who serves the best acorn-fed jamón ibericó bellota in Seville, but everyone agrees that the wafer-thin slices of the cured, salty meat are delectable at Casa Román, a 19th-century institution on the Plaza Venerables. Pencil in time for a siesta after lunch.

Climb the Giralda for unbeatable views of Seville

An icon of Seville’s elegant skyline, the Giralda gleams golden against the blue sky that stretches above Andalucía nearly all year round, The scalloped archways and Islamic ornament found on the lower section belies the Giralda’s origins; it was formerly the minaret of the 12th-century mosque. Climb the 35 ramps and flight of stairs during the morning, while it is cool. It’s worth the effort; at the top lie 24 mighty bells and panoramic views of Seville, with the hazy outline of the Sierra Norte mountains in the distance.

Cycle around Seville, from the Santa Cruz to Triana

Flat and sunny Seville is one of Spain’s most cycle-friendly cities. Grab a pay-as-you-go bicycle, Servici, and head off along 111 miles (180km) of smooth, interconnected bike lanes. Set out from the old Jewish district of Santa Cruz, a labyrinth of cobbled streets and squares shaded by orange trees, then head north towards the La Macarena neighborhood. En route, you’ll pass the ochre-and-white Basílica de La Macarena and the soaring arches of the Palacio do los Marqueses de la Algaba, a restored Mujédar palace that doubles as a cultural center. 

After refueling on café con leche, peddle south past the two-millennia old Roman columns on Alameda de Hércules square and over the river into Triana. The old heart of Seville’s old ceramics industry is less picturesque than Seville’s other neighborhoods but still worth a visit. It is lined with popular cafes and eye-catching tiles adorn shop fronts, though not much happens here during the hours of siesta. 

Learn about Spanish history at Plaza de España 

Glorious and sun-drenched, this grand monument to Spain’s historic towns and cities is crammed full of the azulejo tiles that Seville is famous for. An ambitious commission for the 1929 Exposición Iberoamericana, it took local architect Aníbal González 15 years to complete the Plaza de España. Each of the four bridges over the crescent-shaped canal represents the old kingdom of Spain: Castile, León, Navarre and Aragón. In between snapping pictures, brush up on your Spanish history; tiled murals in each alcove tell the story of Spain’s provinces. Visit during the quiet of siesta, while the rest of the city naps. 

Get up-to-date COVID-19 travel guidance in CheckMyTrip

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Sources: Lonely Planet

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Temps are low in Europe in February, but so are the crowds—and hotel rates. Isn’t that reason enough to get those 2020 travel plans off to a roaring start?

1 Madeira, Portugal

If you want to avoid the cold and wet weather that hits much of Europe in February, visit the island of Madeira, which sits in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa.

This environment makes Madeira the perfect place for outdoor activities, even during the winter months. Try hiking Ponta de São Lourenço, which is a nature reserve filled with red-streaked volcanic rocks that offers majestic views of the ocean. Or, if you don’t want to hike, but still want amazing views, visit the Cabo Girão Skywalk, which is a clear platform that hangs off of Europe’s highest cliff— definitely not for those afraid of heights. Be sure to sample some of the area’s wine while you’re here, too. Head to Blandy’s Wine Lodge, where you can take a tour and find out how this region’s wine is made.

You can also try paragliding, or even the famous street tobogganing. Plus, if you visit at the end of February, you can take part in the Carnival festivities.

2. Prague, Czech Republic

Explore the winding streets of Prague’s Old Town to admire the pastel-colored buildings this February. Take a walk down Karlova Street, which historically was the way Bohemian kings traveled to their coronations, and check out the local shops selling glassware, wooden toys, painted eggs, puppets, and other crafts that make great gifts.

Warm up from the cold by visiting one of the city’s museums, like the Prague Jewish Museum, the National Museum, or the Museum of Beer. For a unique experience, check out the Franz Kafka Museum, which is devoted to the famous writer.

3. St. Moritz, Switzerland

There’s no wrong time to visit this swish alpine resort town, which stuns both in summer and winter, but February is arguably the best. Ultra-luxe ski resorts are in full swing, the winter temps are at their warmest (ideal for lingering on the high slopes), and Switzerland’s world-famous White Turf horse-racing event takes over three weekends on the town’s frozen lake.

4. Paris, France

Paris is an obvious choice for a Valentine’s Day trip across the pond. The city is known as the most romantic in the world, and it certainly won’t disappoint if you decide to visit this winter.

Plus, February is often the cheapest month to fly to Paris, and you can enjoy off-season hotel prices and fewer crowds at the big attractions. Skip the lines and still get a chance to see some of the most popular tourist sites in the world, including the Eiffel Tower, Versailles Palace, and the Arc de Triomphe.

One night, take a Seine dinner cruise, where a heated boat will take you down the iconic river that flows through the center of the city. Consider booking a ticket to performances at the famous Moulin Rouge or Opéra Garnier for another exciting night in Paris.

5. Tenerife, Canary Islands

Your options are limited, but it is possible to squeeze in some European beach time during the second month of the year. While mainland Spain fluctuates from cool to cold, the southernmost Canary Islands—specifically Tenerife—are warm year-round. February is one of the best times to visit Tenerife’s southern beaches, when temperatures hit the low 70s and there’s less chance of rain.

Lounging by the water at Playa de la Tejita is requisite, but if you’ve got more time to spare, don’t miss a hike through the forests of the Anaga Mountains or a walk through Garachico, where you can also swim in rock pools formed by lava. Heads up: time your trip for the tail-end of the month and you’ll be just in time for the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival (February 19–March 1, 2020), a celebration of music, color, and life.

Sources: Travel and Leisure, JetSetter

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Thailand has reopened to vaccinated tourists from 63 countries this week, as officials significantly ease border restrictions.

The Thai government has approved (almost) quarantine-free entry to tourists from 63 countries ahead of its peak tourism season under the so-called Test-and-Go tourism plan. The new plan requires fully vaccinated arrivals to have COVID-19 insurance cover of at least US$50,000 (£36,600), and present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test before they depart for Thailand.

Welcome to Thailand!

It’s hard to summarize the diversity of travel to Thailand. Its capital, Bangkok, is a teeming metropolis with gilded temples and palaces, while the two coastlines, on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, have postcard-perfect beaches. In the mountainous interior, hill tribes live as they have for millennia. And wherever you travel in Thailand, there’s the food: fresh seafood, countless curries, and noodle dishes so delicious you’ll never want to return to your local Thai take-out.

Best time to visit Thailand

The weather in Thailand is split into three seasons: rainy (roughly May–Oct) cool (Nov–Feb) and hot (March–May).

The rains usually builds momentum between June and August, hitting its peak in September and October. The cool season is when travelling in Thailand is most pleasant, though temperatures can still reach a sticky 30°C. In the hot season, you’re best of hitting the beach.

The best time to go to Thailand is the cool season: more manageable temperatures and less rain, it offers waterfalls in full spate and the best of the upland flowers in bloom. Bear in mind, however, that it’s also the busiest season.

Where to go in Thailand

Bangkok

The clash of tradition and modernity is most intense in Bangkok, which forms the first stop on almost any itinerary. Within its historic core you’ll find resplendent temples, canalside markets and the opulent indulgence of the eighteenth-century Grand Palace. Downtown’s forest of skyscrapers shelters cutting-edge fashion in decor boutiques and some achingly hip bars and clubs.

Most budget travellers head for the Banglamphu district, where if you’re not careful you could end up watching DVDs all day long and selling your shoes when you run out of money. The district is far from having a monopoly on Bangkok accommodation, but it does have the advantage of being just a short walk from the major sights in the Ratanakosin area:

• Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo
• Wat Pho
• National Museum

Chiang Mai

If you’re wondering where to visit in the northern uplands, then start with Chiang Mai. It’s both an attractive historic city and a vibrant cultural centre, with a strong tradition of arts, crafts and festivals.

Self-improvement courses are a strong suit – from ascetic meditation to Thai cookery classes – while the overriding enticement of the surrounding region is the prospect of trekking through villages inhabited by a richly mixed population of tribal peoples.

Plenty of outdoor activities and courses, as well as hot springs and massages, can be enjoyed at Pai, a surprisingly cosmopolitan hill station for travellers, four hours northwest of Chiang Mai.

Many colourful festivals attract throngs of visitors here too: Chiang Mai is one of the most popular places in Thailand to see in the Thai New Year – Songkhran – in mid-April, and to celebrate Loy Krathong at the full moon in November, when thousands of candles are floated down the Ping River in lotus-leaf boats.

Samui archipelago

The pick of the coasts are in the south, where the Samui archipelago off the Gulf coast ranks as one of the best places to go in Thailand. Ko Samui itself has the most sweeping white-sand beaches, and the greatest variety of accommodation and facilities to go with them.

Ko Pha Ngan next door is still largely backpacker territory, where you have a stark choice between desolate coves and Hat Rin, Thailand’s party capital. The remotest island, rocky Ko Tao, is acquiring increasing sophistication as Southeast Asia’s largest dive-training centre.

Tucked away beneath the islands, Nakhon Si Thammarat, the cultural capital of the south, is well worth a short detour from the main routes through the centre of the peninsula – it’s a sophisticated city of grand old temples, delicious cuisine and distinctive handicrafts.

Central plains

With Chiang Mai and the north so firmly planted on the independent tourist trail, the intervening central plains tend to get short shrift. Yet there is rewarding trekking around Umphang, near the Burmese border, and the elegant ruins of former capitals Ayutthaya and Sukhothai embody a glorious artistic heritage, displaying Thailand’s distinctive ability to absorb influences from quite different cultures.

Even if you’re just passing through, you can’t miss the star attraction of Nakhon Pathom: the enormous stupa Phra Pathom Chedi dominates the skyline.

To get an idea of what shopping in Bangkok used to be like before all the canals were tarmacked over, many people take an early-morning trip to the floating market (talat khlong) at Damnoen Saduak. Sixty kilometres south of Nakhon Pathom and just over a hundred kilometres from Bangkok.

The Andaman Coast

Across on the other side of the peninsula, the Andaman coast offers even more exhilarating scenery and the finest coral reefs in the country, in particular around the Ko Similan island chain, which ranks among the best dive sites in the world.

The largest Andaman coast island, Phuket, is one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations and graced with a dozen fine beaches, though several have been overdeveloped with a glut of high-rises and tacky nightlife.

Beautiful little Ko Phi Phi is a major party hub, surrounded by the turquoise seas and dramatic limestone cliffs that characterize the coastline throughout Krabi province. Large, forested Ko Lanta is, for the moment at least, a calmer alternative for families, but for genuine jungle you’ll need to head inland, to the rainforests of Khao Sok National Park.

Deep South

Further down the Thai peninsula, in the provinces of the deep south, the teeming sea life and unfrequented sands of the Trang islands and Ko Tarutao National Marine Park make this one of Thailand’s top places to go. There’s now the intriguing possibility of island-hopping your way down through them – in fact, all the way from Phuket to Penang in Malaysia – without setting foot on the mainland.

The greatest interest in the deep south is currently all over on the beautiful west coast, where sheer limestone outcrops, pristine sands and fish-laden coral stretch down to the Malaysian border.

Along Trang’s mainland coast, there’s a 30km stretch of attractive beaches, dotted with mangroves and impressive caves that can be explored by sea canoe, but the real draw down here is the offshore islands, which offer gorgeous panoramas and beaches, great snorkelling and at least a modicum of comfort in their small clusters of resorts.

Khao Yai National Park

Another regular in lists of the best places to go in Thailand, Khao Yai National Park – the country’s first national park – encapsulates the phenomenal diversity of Thailand’s flora and fauna. It’s one of the very few national parks to maintain a network of hiking trails that visitors can explore by themselves, passing dramatic waterfalls, orchids and an abundance of wildlife.

Spanning five distinct forest types and rising to a height of 1,351m, the park sustains over 300 bird and twenty large land-mammal species – hence its UNESCO accreditation as a World Heritage Site.

Rangers discourage visitors from exploring the outer, non-waymarked reaches unguided, partly for environmental reasons, but also because of trigger-happy sandalwood poachers. Sandalwood trees are indigenous to Khao Yai, and though oil collection does not usually kill the tree, it does weaken it. Guides can point out trees that have been cut in this way along the trails.

Issan

Few tourists visit Isaan, the poorest and in some ways the most traditionally Thai region. Here, a trip through the gently modulating landscapes of the Mekong River valley, which defines Thailand’s northeastern extremities.

It takes in archetypal agricultural villages and a fascinating array of religious sites, while the southern reaches of Isaan hold some of Thailand’s best-kept secrets – the magnificent stone temple complexes of Phimai, Phanom Rung and Khao Phra Viharn, all built by the Khmers of Cambodia almost ten centuries ago.

Phuket

We may have already mentioned the Andaman Coast, but Phuket is worth looking at in greater detail. Thailand’s largest island and a province in its own right, Phuket is the wealthiest province in Thailand, with tourism driving the economy.

Some tourist developments have scarred much of the island, however, many of the beaches are still strikingly handsome, resort facilities are second to none, and the offshore snorkelling and diving are exceptional.

If you’re after a peaceful spot, aim for the 17km-long national park beach of Hat Mai Khao, its more developed neighbour Hat Nai Yang, or one of the smaller alternatives at Hat Nai Thon or Hat Kamala.

Ko Samui

Despite over a million visitors a year, Ko Samui remains a top places to go in Thailand. Back-packers to bougie fortnighters come to this part of southern Thailand for the beautiful beaches. At 15km across and down, Samui is generally large enough to cope with this diversity and the paradisal sands and clear blue seas have kept their good looks.

The island’s most appealing strand, Chaweng, has seen the heaviest, most crowded development and is now the most expensive place to stay, though it does offer by far the best amenities and nightlife. Its slightly smaller neighbour, Lamai, lags a little behind in terms of looks and top-end development, but retains large pockets of backpacker bungalow resorts.

The other favourite for backpackers is Maenam, which, though less attractive again, is markedly quiet, with plenty of room to breathe between the beach and the round-island road.

How to travel around Thailand

Travel in Thailand is largely cheap, easy and efficient – though not always speedy. For instance, long-distance journeys on land can be arduous, especially if a tight budget means you’re sat in the unforgiving second-class seats and there’s no air con.

That said, the many transport options available makes getting around Thailand a whole lot easier than elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Buses are speedy, inexpensive and frequent, and can be quite luxurious.

Trains are slower, but safer and, there’s more chance to sleep during an overnight trip. It’s also worth nothing that if you’re travelling by day you’re more likely to follow a scenic route by rail than by road.

Songthaews (literally “two rows”) – open-ended vans with as many people squashed into the back as possible – supplement the bus network, especially in rural areas. Slightly more comfortable are share-taxis and air-conditioned mini-buses which connect many of the major towns and cities.

*Sources: Lonely Planet, Rough Guides

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From late October to early November, visitors flock to Mexico for Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). Day of the Dead —that is a celebration of the continuity of life— is one of Mexico’s most important holidays, celebrated in November each year.

Here’s one thing we know: Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is not a Mexican version of Halloween. In 2008, UNESCO recognized the importance of Día de los Muertos by adding the holiday to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today Mexicans from all religious and ethnic backgrounds celebrate Día de los Muertos, but at its core, the holiday is a reaffirmation of indigenous life.

The Día de Muertos tradition

Day of the Dead originated several thousand years ago with the Aztec, Toltec, and other Nahua people, who considered mourning the dead disrespectful. For these pre-Hispanic cultures, death was a natural phase in life’s long continuum. The dead were still members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit—and during Día de los Muertos, they temporarily returned to Earth. Today’s Día de los Muertos celebration is a mash-up of pre-Hispanic religious rites and Christian feasts. It takes place on November 1 and 2—All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on the Catholic calendar—around the time of the fall maize harvest.

Calaveras “Skull”

Calaveras are ubiquitous during Day of the Dead. The skulls are often drawn with a smile as to laugh at death itself. They take many forms such as sugar candies, clay decorations, and most memorable: face painting. Sugar skulls are decorated and placed on ofrendas of loved ones. A Calavera, or sugar skull, is a decorative skulls made (usually by hand) from either sugar (called Alfeñiques) or clay which are used in the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead.

The calavera Catrina

In the early 20th century, Mexican political cartoonist and lithographer José Guadalupe Posada created an etching to accompany a literary calavera. Posada dressed his personification of death in fancy French garb and called it Calavera Garbancera, intending it as social commentary on Mexican society’s emulation of European sophistication. “Todos somos calaveras,” a quote commonly attributed to Posada, means “we are all skeletons.” Underneath all our manmade trappings, we are all the same.

In 1947 artist Diego Rivera featured Posada’s stylized skeleton in his masterpiece mural “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park.” Posada’s skeletal bust was dressed in a large feminine hat, and Rivera made his female and named her Catrina, slang for “the rich.” Today, the calavera Catrina, or elegant skull, is the Day of the Dead’s most ubiquitous symbol.

Flor de Muerto “Mexican Marigolds”

Marigolds are believed to be the pathways that guide the spirits to their ofrendas. The flower’s vibrant colors and scent attract the departed souls, as they return to feast on their favorite foods. They are called “Flor de Muerto” (Spanish for Flower of Dead) and they symbolize the beauty and fragility of life. Marigold flowers include around 60 annuals and perennials that are native to Mexico and Central America.

Ofrenda “Offering”

While the most recognizable aspects of Day of the Dead are the representations of skulls and skeletons, the tradition that holds the most meaning is the Ofrenda (Spanish for offering). The Ofrenda is what the whole celebration is about; it’s a collection of offerings dedicated to the person being honored.

A brightly colored Oilcloth covers the table and on top of that sits a collection of photographs and personal items of the departed person. The lower portion of the altar is where the offerings are placed, from traditional Mexican cuisine to other items that represent the honored person’s particular tastes.

Food of the dead

You work up a mighty hunger and thirst traveling from the spirit world back to the realm of the living. At least that’s the traditional belief in Mexico. Some families place their dead loved one’s favorite meal on the altar. Other common offerings:

Pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, is a typical sweet bread (pan dulce), often featuring anise seeds and decorated with bones and skulls made from dough. The bones might be arranged in a circle, as in the circle of life. Tiny dough teardrops symbolize sorrow.

Sugar skulls are part of a sugar art tradition brought by 17th-century Italian missionaries. Pressed in molds and decorated with crystalline colors, they come in all sizes and levels of complexity.

Drinks, including pulque, a sweet fermented beverage made from the agave sap; atole, a thin warm porridge made from corn flour, with unrefined cane sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla added; and hot chocolate.

Sources: Day of dead, National Geographic, Lonely Planet

Get up-to-date COVID-19 travel guidance in CheckMyTrip

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No Time To Die continues the established James Bond tradition of filming in exotic and cinematic locations around the world. The James Bond movies are escapist entertainment that allowed audiences to see parts of the world they might never otherwise have seen.

Filming a James Bond movie on location is a big deal, and often forever associates that location in the mind of the public with 007. For example, after The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed in Phang Nga Bay on the west coast of Thailand, the area was transformed into a major tourist attraction, with the iconic rocks becoming known as James Bond Island. Here’s some of the places movie goers will see Daniel Craig in his last outing as Bond. 

Atlantic Road, Norway

If you’re an aficionado of the Dangerous Roads website – and anyone with a car and a death wish really ought to be – you’ll probably already know about this spectacular eight-kilometre stretch of tarmac hugging Norway’s north coast. 

What to expect An easy journey from the nearby city of Molde, followed by a drive along the edge of the world, with a series of dizzingly undulating bridges carrying you from island to island. Bad weather – or Bond villains – can render it borderline terrifying, so pick your moment.

Matera, Italy

Italy has been one of Bond’s favorite escapes in recent movies. It’s been reported that filming happened in the small southern town of Matera, where a high-speed car chase takes place through the winding streets in the iconic Aston Martin DB5.

Matera is well known for its cave dwellings that are carved into the mountainside – you can even stay in a cave hotel to experience it firsthand. The incredible scenery found in this location has earned it a place on Unesco’s World Heritage List. Exploring this site makes a great adventure for any avid traveler, let alone Bond fans looking to pinpoint where the film’s most iconic scene takes place.

What to expect: In short? Rustic charm and off-the-beaten-track vibes, plus regional cuisine big on hot peppers, lamb and juicy belts of lagane pasta. Other movie locations are available in Italy, of course, but if you’ve seen Rome and Venice, Matera is a perfect slow-holiday destination for Bond nerds. And it’s only 30km from another key No Time to Die location: the Gravina aqueduct from which Bond will hurl himself in the film.

Kalsoy, Faroe Islands

No Time To Die filmed in the epic one-lane tunnels on the Faroe Islands (an archipelago situated in between Iceland and Norway). Past the one-way tunnels, the islands (18 to be exact) are a majestic set of green rolling hills and a hiker’s paradise. If you find yourself on the island of Kalsoy, everyone will tell you to hike up to Kallur Lighthouse. It’s mostly to see the exquisite panoramas of the Atlantic and the other islands in the distance, but it’s worth every minute of the climb up the rugged cliffs.

What to expect Precipitous crags, audacious hiking trails and lots and lots of puffins. Sure, they might end up on your plate, but the cuisine is mostly fermented mutton and fish, with the odd bit of blubber thrown in for good measure. The islands are also a great spot for spotting the Northern Lights – one good reason for visiting in the depths of winter.

Port Antonio, Jamaica

James Bond was born in Jamaica, at the home of author Ian Fleming. His villa doesn’t actually feature in No Time to Die, but the film begins with the reluctant spy relaxing near his creator’s hideaway in Port Antonio. We’re sure the movie will have its fair share of actual sexy bits, but the sleek shutters in Bond’s modernist home could well be hottest part of the trailer. This franchise adores a knowing wink to a previous instalment, and you may recall Jamaica was where Honey Ryder emerged from the sea in Dr No. Expect things to get just as steamy in Bond 25 too.

What to expect Wander into the rainforest and gaze at waterfalls cascading into river pools, or sail through the reeds on a bamboo raft. It’s a much quieter spot than a lot of Bond’s travel destinations, so lap up the sunshine and forget about the daily grind, why don’t you.

Cairngorms, Scotland

Driving loch-side is almost always a fraught task for 007, and here he is, speeding along Loch Laggan as a Land Rover careers down the hillside behind him. No matter – Bond is used to alarming interpretations of the Highway Code. His last outing to Scotland saw him reckon with his past at childhood home Skyfall, and witness the death of Judi Dench’s M. This time, he’s a little further east, in the Cairngorms national park: a beautiful location for a spot of dangerous driving and demon confronting. (Don’t drive dangerously on your visit, pls.)

What to expect Pine forests, glittering lochs, rare wildlife. Start at Aviemore, and enjoy the on-the-nose Scottish symbolism of faltering stags and peaty whisky. This town has a ski resort, too, so pack your Union Jack parachute and go full The Spy Who Loved Me by taking to the slopes.

Sources: TimeOut, Lonely Planet