
‘What landscapes have you been immersed in this week?’ asks my watercolour teacher at the start of every session. She’s made me want to seek out scenic views, and to look further afield, too – for bragging rights at my weekly art class, yes, but also for inspiration. It’s a good time of year to book a creative break: spring in Europe, where light and landscapes are a-changing.
According to GetYourGuide’s 2026 travel trends report, almost a third of travellers now prefer to learn something new, over the time-honoured holiday staple of buying a souvenir. Figs on the Funcho, a small, Algarve-based retreat in Portugal has seen a rise in interest for its art holidays. “Particularly among people looking for holidays that feel more meaningful and restorative,” says co-founder, Cheryl Smith.