You are a foodie explorer

Your favourite way to experience the world is through changing tastes, regional dishes and local delicacies. Meals are at the centre of your day, every one an event and an experience, from the finest dining to the hastiest street snack. They don’t have to be grand, but they do have to be authentic and delicious. You easily slip into local time, dining late on tapas, rising early for pastries and espresso, or gamely trying whatever you’re offered.

You know you’re on holiday when: you’re sitting under the canopy of a harbourside restaurant sharing a plate of garlicky seafood and a bottle of crisp white.

Your perfect destinations

San Sebastian, Spain

The city has something for everyone and is a lovely mixture of historic and modern architecture. There are plenty of interesting independent shops, including delis full of regional specialities like olive oil, salt fish and local wine, as well as gift and interior shops with woven baskets piled up outside and stacks of beautiful souvenirs inside.

Places to stay near San Sebastian >

Malton, England

This small town in the north has emerged as the food capital of the whole region, thanks to an unprecedented community initiative. You need to come hungry, and you’d have to stay a while to sample all the bistros, bakeries, delis, breweries, gelateria and patisseries. Come for the monthly food market or street food Sunday (described as an al fresco lunch party) or take a food tour and sample all that Malton has to offer.

Places to stay near Malton >

Provence, France

Few places make food more experiential than Provence. In summer, the smell of lavender is everywhere, the flavour even creeps into cocktails, and you can stroll rows of vines and sip Côtes du Rhône with the soil still on your shoes. On the wine road from Avignon, Roman ruins crumbling on the slopes and hilltop villages washed by the sun give you a visual treat to match the regions deep flavours.

Places to stay in Provence >