On Calabria’s coast a fairytale village awakes from its slumber
The abandoned, historic centre of Belmonte Calabro has been converted into a magical place to stay, creating a model of sustainable tourism in the process
Colombia’s cowboy music: vallenato steals the show in Valledupar
Vallenato, the folk music of northern Colombia, was once derided as unsophisticated but is now celebrated at a festival in a city that loves to party
The best views in the UK: readers’ tips
From remote islands to city skylines, seascapes to moorland outlooks, our readers share their favourite landscapes
The best towns and small cities in the US: Portland, Maine
This buzzing city on the New England coast has a strong community spirit running through its art and music scene, as well as food and drink that’s big on local flavours
‘I’m Spartacus!’: gladiators galore at Nîmes’ Great Roman Games
At one of Europe’s biggest re-enactment spectaculars, this year’s show is Spartacus-themed. So, take a seat in the mighty arena alongside 12,000 spectators (togas optional)
A local’s guide to Chicago: 10 top tips
The city’s bars and music scene are among the most vibrant in the US. And with Lake Michigan beaches to relax on and two new budget flights from the UK, now is the time to go
Valletta on view: Malta’s capital shows off its cultural side
With a new flagship gallery and music galore, the 2018 joint European Capital of Culture is putting on more than enough exciting events to shake off its pretty-but-sleepy tag
Green and gold: great city parks around the world – readers’ tips
Our readers find there’s a lot more to do in the world’s best parks than feed the ducks. They hike, bike, admire stunning art and sing along with Elvis
Joshua Tree national park: music, myths and art in the desert
The Coachella festival, starting this week, showcases music in a dramatic landscape but in – and around – Joshua Tree the arts and culture shine all year round
Fine art or daring design? 13 must-see new galleries and museums in Europe
Gallery launches and long-awaited reopenings of some of Europe’s famous museums are taking place at many great city-break destinations this year
Martin Luther King anniversary: the US Civil Rights Trail
Half a century on from the assassination of Martin Luther King, novelist Dolen Perkins-Valdez takes a moving trip on the newly opened trail, from the great man’s birthplace to the site of his death in Memphis
Take the kids to … People’s History Museum, Manchester
A march through Britain’s political and social history may sound heavy-going but clever curation, family trails and interactive exhibits will delight visitors of any age
A local’s guide to Lisbon: 10 top tips
The Serbian-born writer picks the best places in his ‘beautiful, luminous’ adopted city for eating, shopping, walking or just hanging out and soaking up the views
Why I fell in love with Slovenia
Love was in the air the moment US writer Noah Charney set foot in Ljubljana. And after he met his future wife, there was a whole country to get passionate about, with dramatic landscapes, curious traditions and great food
Ireland’s Alcatraz: Spike Island in Cork
The former fort and notorious prison in Cork harbour, once known as ‘Hell on Earth’, has become an award-winning attraction