Last Updated on 21 January 2025 by Vanessa
In these times of lockdown and travel restrictions, our longing for exploration and adventure has only grown stronger. As we yearn for the freedom to wander the world once again, our minds often drift towards the unforgettable sights, sounds, and experiences that travel brings. And what better way to ignite our wanderlust than by combining it with the undeniable charm of our feline friends?
In this photo series, we have collaborated with a group of passionate travel bloggers who understand the magic that unfolds when cats and travel intertwine. We asked them to share their most cherished travel pictures featuring our whiskered companions, creating a mesmerizing visual journey that will transport you to breathtaking destinations across the globe.
From the sun-drenched beaches of Maui to the bustling streets of Amsterdam, each photograph encapsulates a unique moment where the beauty of travel and the enigmatic allure of cats converge. Whether it’s a majestic feline perched atop a hill or a curious kitty strolling through picturesque alleyways, these images will ignite your imagination and transport you to places both near and far.
Cats around the world
Vasto, Italy
Author and playwright Richard Norton-Taylor called Vasto “an unspoiled corner of the Italian coast where the fish is fresh and the beaches are refreshingly quiet.” Numerous stray cats guard the old town. From here, they can overlook the long, sandy beach and the nearby orchards and vineyards of the Abruzzo region.
Submitted by The Localist Abroad.
Wailea, Maui
The five crescent-shaped beaches and staggering views over the Pacific Ocean turn the luxurious resort community of Wailea in South Maui into idyllic postcard heaven. Just like the rest of the island, Wailea is abound with stray cats, most of which come out in the evening when the barbecues are fired up, hoping to get their share of the meals. The kitty on the picture above is one of the many stray cats that hang around the Fairmont Kea Lani resort.
Submitted by Mac Jahn.
Alexandria, Egypt
This majestic beast was spotted in Alexandria, Egypt, in front of the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress that was once an important defensive stronghold for Egypt. It has been restored and provides stunning views of the sea and the city. There are also several small market stalls lining the street near the entrance.
We spotted quite a few feral kitties around the Citadel of Qaitbay, but this one might have been my favorite. We were told the cats there steal fish right off the boats of the fishermen. I’m positive he was a white bearded sea captain in a former life.
Submitted by Charlene Warren.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Museum Van Loon in Amsterdam is a delightful place to spend the afternoon. It’s one of the best lesser-known museums in Amsterdam, and it’s especially appealing if you’re a cat lover. The home itself is beautifully decorated with stunning views of Keizersgracht. More notably, it has an expertly manicured garden that is often not too crowded, along with a carriage house with a cafe. My favorite part is the friendly neighborhood cat that makes his way into the garden (and into all the hearts of the staff).
Museum Van Loon is open each day between 10:00 am and 05:00 pm.
Photo by Wanderlustingk.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
This little feline friend meandered the streets on a sunny day in Amsterdam this week. He loved strolling through the famous and trendy gay street Reguliersdwarsstraat and had a good look at all the different restaurants and cafés. The cat greeted the passers-by, got some pets, and then went on its way.
Submitted by Stacy Bergener.
Sorrento, Italy
It was getting stormy on the Sorrentine peninsula when this kitty found a sheltered spot overlooking the Bagni Regina Giovanna for nap time. Named after the Queen Giovanna d’Angio of the Kingdom of Naples (who supposedly spent hours in the water with her various lovers) this secluded beach and swimming hole is surmounted by a rock arch on which stand the scenic ruins of a sprawling Roman villa. This popular getaway is only a 45-minute-walk away from Sorrento’s city center, or you can go there by bus.
Have you ever seen a cat in a more confusingly isolated but picturesque spot?
Submitted by Laura Tottenham.
Vela Luka, Korčula
Korčula is a small Croatian island, about 2,5 hours away from Dubrovnik. Tourists often go there to explore the caves, to see the dense forest and pretty beaches, or to enjoy the sounds of folk music while strolling through the alleys of Vela Luka. Like the mainland, Korčula is teeming with community cats, most of which are well cared for. They are familiar with people and don’t mind some petting and playing.
Submitted by vvicca
Bucharest, Romania
The King Michael I Park (formerly Herastrau Park) is a green oasis in the city of Bucharest in Romania. It’s a popular attraction amongst both locals and tourists, who go there to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, to tour the Herastrau lake by boat, or to see the many statues of important people in the history of the EU. However, the best reason to visit the park is the large number of stray cats that roam the premises.
Submitted by Bart Vodderie.
Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
When visiting Tinganes, a peninsula in Tórshavn, we were greeted by this black beauty. After stealing some caresses from us, he – well, we think it was a he – showed us the most picturesque corners of Tinganes. Once he made sure we’d seen them all, he asked for some more caresses, looked us in the eyes and went his own way again. What a way to visit this part of the world.
Submitted by Ursy K Esteloot.
Champex, Switzerland
Located at 1.500 metres altitude, Champex is a small resort village located in the canton of Valais in Switzerland, roughly one hour and a half away by car from Lausanne.
Champex is known for its magnificent and peaceful lake, its exceptional mountain views, its many hikes into the surrounding mountains of the Mont Blanc Massif, and the ski touring between Chamonix and Zermatt.
When I went for a walk in Champex, I came across this cute little cat. The animal wasn’t afraid of the thunderstorm starting behind in the mountains.
Submitted by Thibaut Villenet.
Stamford, England
Some cats are born to be couch potatoes, others become famous for running a hotel.
Meet Cecil, the feline manager of the charming country retreat The William Cecil in Stamford, England.
Cecil’s main area of expertise is managing the hotel terrace and making sure guests are having the times of their lives. Contrary to many other cats, Cecil thinks dogs are cool, too, so he made The William Cecil hotel dog-friendly.
Would you like to be Cecil’s guest and enjoy a glass of wine in his company?
Submitted by The William Cecil (info and bookings).
Harlech Castle, Wales
Constructed by Edward I in 1283 for Welsh suppression, Harlech Castle in North Wales holds a rich history, playing a pivotal role in events like the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the castle not only offers incredible views but also hosts its own adorable permanent resident— this ginger cat.
Oldenburg, Germany
With such cozy balconies, these cats don’t mind spending some time in quarantine. From here, they can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, and they have a pretty view of the outskirts of Oldenburg, a city in Lower Saxony, Germany. For these cats, it’s their little slice of paradise, right outside their door.
Submitted by Solebich.
Pampaneira, Spain
The beautiful village of Pampaneira, in the Spanish Alpujarras region of the province of Granada in Andalusia, is still a largely unexplored destination.
Yet almost all the travel photos of this mountain village have three things in common: picturesque whitewashed houses, magnificent views of the surrounding hills, and… lots of cats strolling down the alleys.
While these cats may not be Pampaneira’s main tourist attraction, their omnipresence is definitely an advantage.
By the way, if you’re in Pampaneira, you should also visit the nearby village of Capileira and its cats (which is only a little over five kilometers away).
Submitted by Claudia Mannes.
Rome, Italy
I used this cat picture for the cover of my book The Cats of Italy/Gatti d’Italia. It was taken at the Largo di Torre Argentina in Rome, a renowned archaeological site dating back to the Roman Republic period (509–27 BCE) and encompassing the remnants of Pompey’s Theatre (where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BCE) as well as four Roman Republican temples dedicated to Feronia, Lares Permarini, Fortuna Huiusce Diei, and an unidentified deity. The square derives its name from the 13th-century medieval tower, Torre Argentina.
Today, Largo di Torre Argentina serves a dual role as an archaeological site and a cat sanctuary, the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary.
Submitted by Janet Wellington.
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