Alexis Steinman

We all like the idea of summertime in Europe – long, lazy days in the Mediterranean sunshine, whiling away an evening people-watching in local bars – but the reality is often much less romantic, with overtourism, sky-high prices and heatwaves blighting many a Euro Summer fantasy. But it doesn’t have to be that way. To inspire your summer holiday plans this year, we asked writers across Europe to tell us about their favourite alternative summer trip ideas. From Croatia’s quieter island-hopping route to an Estonian spa break, here’s where to head for crowd-free bliss and unsung adventures right across the continent. You’re welcome. RECOMMENDED:🏝️ The best alternative Mediterranean beach breaks🗺️ Europe’s most underrated travel destinations

Without doubt, pizza, or ‘pitze’ as we say here, is the most typical Marseillais dish. It’s our common denominator. Many of us have only eaten bouillabaisse once or twice in our lives, but each Marseillais has their own history with pizza, and there’s nothing better than eating it on the rocks in front of the sea. As a kid, I would willingly burn my tongue on slices dripping with mozzarella in our local pizza meccas. In 1962, Jean Méritan invented the pizza truck based on the frites shacks in northern France. True gathering places for locals, these trucks still play an indispensable role in the social life of each neighbourhood, and even more so on Sunday evening. Everyone has their regular pizza truck to whom they remain incredibly loyal. But there's plenty of pizza on offer in this city, truck or not. Here is the best pizza in Marseille. This guide is an excerpt from ‘Taste the World in Marseille: Marseille Cuisine by the Marseillais’ by author and photographer Vérane Frédiani. The English version, translated by Alexis Steinman, was published in November 2023. RECOMMENDED:🐟 The best restaurants in Marseille⛰️ The essential guide to Marseille’s Calanques⛵ The best boat trips from Marseille📍 The best things to do in Marseille

What makes a city great? Some would say it’s all about buzzing neighbourhoods, affordable food and drink and a mighty selection of things to do, from art galleries and museums to live music and theatre. Others might highlight things like the happiness of its locals, access to green space and strong community vibes. We factor in all that and more in our annual survey, which asks city-dwellers around the world to tell us what it’s like to live, work and play in their hometowns right now. Thanks to the opinions and insights of locals on the ground and our global network of city experts, we’re able to create a global ranking of the world’s best cities – and the 2024 results are in. As in previous years, the basis of the ranking remains our global survey of the people who know their city best: the locals. Working with research company Potentia Insight, we surveyed thousands of city-dwellers about the quality and affordability of food, culture and nightlife in their city. We also asked locals how their city makes them feel: are they happy there? Is it a beautiful place? Is it easy to make social connections? Their thousands of responses gave us a unique insight into the reality of living in the world’s greatest cities right now. Now that international travel is forecast to bounce back to the highest levels since 2019, many travellers will be planning a city break this year – so in 2024, we added a little extra weight to a city’s global appeal. Each survey respondent was asked which

It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.  The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local

Thanks to its prime perch on the Mediterranean, one of the best ways to see Marseille is by boat. Hit the high seas and it won’t take long to see why Protis – the legendary sailor said to have founded Marseille in 600 BC – was so smitten with the location. Whether you fancy an all-day jaunt to the turquoise coves of the Calanques National Park or a quick ride to one of the charming fishing villages that lie in the port city’s outskirts, there’s an outing for everyone. And thanks to Marseille’s temperate climes, you can boat year-round. Just be sure to check the weather before you plan a trip: the famous mistral wind that speeds along this part of the coast can occasionally leave you landlocked. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Marseille😋 The best restaurants in Marseille

‘Calanques’ in French translates roughly as ‘rocky inlet’. But the calanques of Marseille aren’t just any rocks: they’re staggeringly beautiful limestone cliffs that spill into turquoise coves, like the Mediterranean’s (much warmer) answer to the Norwegian fjords. A total of 26 make up the Calanques National Park (Parc National des Calanques), a 200-square-mile treasure trove for hikers, boaters, swimmers, and nature lovers. Sprawling across Marseille and Cassis, Europe’s largest peri-urban park seduces in all seasons. Every Marseillais has their calanque of choice. Whether you’re craving a killer hike, a cool dip or a charming port to amble around, this handy guide will help you find yours – along with some advice on how to tread lightly to protect the park’s precious flora and fauna. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Marseille😋 The best restaurants in Marseille