Spain

It’s 7am in the month of July and I am in Pamplona, Spain.  Today the town holds the Fiesta de San Fermín, where the main event is the terrifying Running of the Bulls.  It's cold and my sangria-splattered white costume is sticking to my body. Hundreds around me wear the same expression I'm trying to muster: staunch commitment in the face of fear.

You can smell the danger. Four tonnes of danger, to be exact.  Four tonnes of hurtling, human crushing, live beef. Four tonnes of ‘get the fuck out of my way'. Four tonnes of reasons why I shouldn't be standing here... But I am.

Gastronomy, golf, beaches, nature and history: the tourist attractions of the Costa del Sol are undoubtedly some of the most complete in the world. Malaga province may be the smallest in Andalucia in terms of size, but because of its situation and its climate, it is hard to beat.  The location is fundamental in understanding the success of the Costa del Sol as an international tourist destination. It is the European Mediterranean coast which is closest to the Atlantic, but it is also south of the great Guadalquivir valley.

Sometimes when the temperature start sizzling, all you really wish for is soft sand to push your toes into, and bright blue water to jump in.  If you live in London like I do, you can rest happy in the knowledge that there are a whole host of sensational beaches within three hours’ journey from the here – and let face it, we’ve had had commutes that took longer than that.  So, hop on a plane and before you know it, you’ll be soaking up some rays, getting your surf on and ordering pina colada in a coconut, if that’s what tickles your fancy.

It's impossible to understand Andalucía as is it today without considering the Moorish era that spanned more than seven centuries. Cordoba, Seville and Granada are three cities where the charm of Al-Andalus meets that of modern Andalusian culture.

It can be difficult to know what to look for when choosing a city break. Cultural hotspot? Foodie paradise? Or maybe you want to get back to nature? Solve the problem by going somewhere that has it all: Madrid, along with its own unique charms - it's the perfect base from which to explore four incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Eye-poppingly beautiful, Florence – or Firenze as the Italians know it – is rich with unforgettable architecture and beautiful scenery. The city features historic works of art including Michelangelo’s David and the birth of Venus in the world – renowned Uffizi gallery. Perfect for couple, you can take a stroll through the stunning Boboli Gardens, enjoy a late-night walk along the Arno River and see the Golden Bridge before a romantic meal at one of the city’s many top restaurants.

There is only one horse race in the world that can be won without a rider, but not without a headdress. Steeped in rich, often bizarre tradition, this July dash around Siena’s Piazza del Campo is a unique experience. Unless you go to the one in August as well, that is. If you go to either, you will join a throng of 50,000 sardines packed into the middle of the square to witness 75 seconds of chaotic, heart-palpitating action.

If ever proof was needed that Spanish festivals are the craziest and biggest, Las Fallas in Valencia is it. The concept of setting the city alight for a four-day celebration seems insane, but the result is an amazing visual spectacle. Guy Fawkes has nothing on these Spaniards!
The festival of Las Fallas, which means ‘fire torch’ in Spanish, dates back to the 18th century and pays tribute to St Joseph – the patron saint of carpenters.

SKIWELT, AUSTRIA
Ninety minutes from Salzburg and Innsbruck airports, SkiWelt is a collection of eight villages, with Ellmau, Soll and Scheffau best for beginners, as they have good nursery slopes on the lower runs and efficient snow-making facilities.  For more advanced skiers and boarders, there are black runs around the Hohe Salve peak. And the Hahnenkamm, host to the treacherous downhill race, is a short shuttle bus ride away in the neighbouring resort of Kitzbuhel, which is fabulous for both intermediates and beginners. The mountains are not that steep but you still get beautiful views.

KUMANO KODO ANCIENT TRAIL (Japan)
This Unesco-approved network of trails leads deep into the heart of the Kii Mountains, southeast of Kyoto. Numerous tracks criss-cross these cedar-scented, waterfall-laced mountains dotted with shrines and temples; you can trek a section in a few days or complete the whole pilgrimage as Kyoto’s ancient emperors did, in roughly six weeks.

Duration: From one night to six weeks.

Level: Easy/moderate. Paths are well-maintained and shady, and you’re never far from help.