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Did you know that in the heart of Tuscany there is a wonderful nature trail that retraces the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci? Passing from Vinci, Anchiano and Montevettolini, which are the places where the artist spent his life, the Leonardino path was inspired by a drawing made by Leonardo in 1473, which depicted a view from the oratory of Santa Maria della Neve in Montevettolini. There are two paths: one is called "the high path" and passes through the Montalbano ridge for a total of 17 kms, while the "low path" crosses the marshy area of the Padule and continues for a total length of 19 km. Passing through some of the most beautiful places in the Tuscan countryside, these paths allow you to discover hidden beauties and landscapes which are often ignored by popular itineraries. Ideal for people of all ages, they can be covered by foot in 5-6 hours or by mountain bike in 2-3 hours. Would you like to know more? Discover more about the Leonardino road and start organizing your tour following the footsteps of the Tuscan genius! The first route passes through some places of great historical value. It starts from Anchiano, where Leonardo's birthplace is located: he was born here on April 15, 1452 and the house remained in the possession of his until 1624. The road then continues towards Sant'Amato, it crosses the "Path of the Ancient Mills" and the remains of a wall of the Barco Reale, which is the name of a construction commissioned by the Medici Family to protect the game of Montalbano. Then, you arrive at Costareccia, the place where one of the family properties was located, and continue towards Orbignano. In this small village there is the Church of Santa Maria al Pruno, which preserves a wooden statue of the Madonna which was found abandoned in the midst of brambles after a theft, according to a legend. The route continues towards Lamporecchio, where you can visit the Pieve di Santo Stefano and see the marvelous terracotta altarpiece from 1524, made by Giovanni Della Robbia. Later, the route passes through Larciano, a village dominated by the tower of a fortress, as well as through the medieval village of Cecina, finally reaching Montevettolini. In this locality, the Medici built a villa in 1597 that dominates the whole valley! The second route best enhances the natural beauties of the place and starts from Anchiano to continue towards the Church of Santa Lucia, which is considered Leonardo's place of baptism. From here, it continue towards the Torre di Sant’Alluccio, where the saint created a hospice for pilgrims during the Middle Ages and where you can also enjoy a splendid view of Valdarno and the plain of Pistoia. On the ridge road, there is also the Abbey of San Baronto, which was an important stopping place for Medieval pilgrims. You will also come across the remains of the Barco Reale, a wonderful hunting bandit commissioned by the Medici between the 16th and 17th centuries, where the game was raised and kept. The wall was interspersed with gates and today it is still possible to see one of the floodgates used for the flow of water. It is a splendid place that should not be missed! Other places you must see are the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Faltognano and the 17th century Cappella del Barco, which are located near this path. Finally, you reach Montevettolini , where you can fall in love with the beauty of the Medici Villa. Are you ready for your itinerary retracing the steps of Leonardo da Vinci? Book now one of our properties near Vinci, such as Nicola, Il Sole di Vino and Villa Nora, and get ready to discover the beautiful places of Leonardo's life!

There are many reasons to visit Val d’Orcia: its landscapes, its history and its food specialties make tourists dream during their holiday in Tuscany. Maybe not everyone knows that this is also a perfect destination for cinema addicts! If you want to visit some locations of the most famous Hollywood films, an itinerary of cinema locations in Tuscany is what is right for you. Many films have been shot in this region and each of them has underlined the beauty of the Tuscan countryside and villages. Read more to discover which masterpieces have been filmed in Val d'Orcia and start planning your amazing tour! Surely, one of the most successful films set in Val d'Orcia is Ridley Scott's "The Gladiator". The movie has been released 18 years ago, but it continues to enjoy an incredible success around the world, thanks to its excellent actors and the splendid landscapes. The first scene shot in Val d'Orcia is the initial one, where two tragic deaths occur in the Gladiator's house. Do you remember the famous image of the hand stroking the wheat? Yes, it s taken from this part of the film! The second scene filmed here is the unforgettable finale, where the protagonist crosses a ripe wheat field to reunite with his family. These two places can be easily found and visited by those who want to retrace the footsteps of the gladiator! The house is located in San Quirico d’Orcia: along the SP146 road that leads to Pienza, you will find on the left the gate of the Manzuoli farm. That's the entrance for the famous house! Instead, the landscape of the final scene is found in Pienza, at the end of a dirt road that descends from Pieve di Corsignano. Another Oscar-winning film, "The English Patient" , was shot between Montepulciano and Pienza. The protagonist, seriously injured, is treated in an abandoned convent near Pienza and stays in Monastery of Sant’Anna in Camprena, which is currently a farmhouse. Most of the shooting were carried out between Piazza Pio II in Pienza and the streets of Cosona, a fortified complex from the 1400s. Many scenes from the film "Under the Tuscan Sun" were also shot between Montepulciano and Pienza, although the main location is the village of Cortona, located 30 km from Arezzo. In this movie, the landscape is both the protagonist and the magnificent scenery of the whole story! Who hasn't seen a movie of the Twilight saga? Did you know that some scenes of "New Moon" were shot in Val d'Orcia? In the film, Edward Cullen decides to go visit the Volturi family in Volterra to end his life, as he believes that Bella is dead. However, "New Moon" was shot in Montepulciano and its Piazza Grande, because this location was more appreciated by the director. Finally, we cannot forget to mention the great Tuscan director Franco Zeffirelli, who set his films "Romeo and Juliet" and "Brother sun sister moon" here. Walking along the main road of Pienza, you will plunge into the scenes of these famous films, imagining Juliet dancing in the courtyard of Palazzo Piccolomini and Mercuzio crossing Piazza del Duomo with Romeo. Instead, going to the Abbey of Sant’Antimo you will get immersed in one of the enchanting scenes of the film about Saint Francis Are you ready to organize your itinerary to discover the locations of the best Hollywood movies? Book one of our properties in Val d'Orcia, like Villa San Michele and Casale Santa Francesca! © Alice Pilastri

According to some, Pistoia is like a "little Florence" with an enormous amount of art and beauty inside. Although it is less known than other cities such as Pisa or Lucca, Pistoia is a delightful center where you can stroll in peace, admiring amazing monuments and the architectural traces of a flourishing past. Observing the medieval palaces, the main squares and the lovely buildings, you can retrace the history of the city and discover its smallest details. Fall in love with every glimpse of this stunning Italian town! If you love nightlife, art and the charm of small Tuscan centers, Pistoia is the ideal destination for you! It is located halfway between Pisa and Florence and is the perfect place to have a holiday in Tuscany. But what are the best things to see in Pistoia? Read on and discover the list of the most beautiful attractions you can find in this city! 1. Cathedral of San Zeno and Piazza del Duomo Piazza del Duomo is certainly the center of city life. The main monument is the Cathedral of San Zeno, a building erected on Roman ruins which is also the oldest building in Pistoia. The Cathedral was built in the Middle Ages, but it only acquired its present appearance in the 14th century. The magnificent marble facade is made of white and green serpentine marble and features columns, arches and artistic decorations. 2. Battistero di San Giovanni The baptistery of San Giovanni is located in the center of Piazza del Duomo and has a charming Gothic style, with decorations in white and green marble. It has an octagonal plan and is covered with a dome frescoed by the famous artist Andrea Pisano. Inside the baptistery, it is also possible to admire a baptismal font from the 13th century. 3. Piazza della Sala While Piazza del Duomo can be considered the artistic and historical center of the city, Piazza della Sala is certainly the commercial and social spot. It is one of the oldest squares, where the city market has been taking place for centuries. In the morning, the square is filled with the voices and noises of those who go to the market to shop, while in the afternoon the atmosphere is pleasant and quiet. During the night, the square comes alive with hundreds of people flocking to its bars to have an aperitif or to meet their friends! 4. Palazzo del Comune Palazzo del Comune is the seat of political power in Pistoia, which has resided there since 1294. The building was completed in 1348 and is also known as Palazzo di Giano, the name of the Podestà who commissioned its construction. The plan of the building is rectangular and the austere facade has important arches with mullioned windows and three-mullioned windows. It is an impressive building that today houses the beautiful Municipal Museum, full of Italian works of art created between 1200 and 1800. . 5. Ospedale del Ceppo The ancient Ospedale del Ceppo is located in Piazza Giovanni XXIII and was founded in the 13th century, when it played an important role for the community during the period of the Black Plague. The beautiful facade has many decorations, some of which are made by Benedetto Buglioni and Giovanni della Robbia, two famous terracotta decorators in Italy. Its frieze is, in fact, very famous: the beautiful scenes portray the theological and cardinal virtues and shed light on the theme of assistance and Mercy. 6. The Zoo of Pistoia The Pistoia zoological garden is a must! The zoo is home to an incredible variety of animals, which come from all over the world. It is a unique place to introduce the little ones to new exotic breeds and to spend a pleasant afternoon with their family! It is located only 15 minutes from the center of Pistoia and is certainly one of the most fun places to discover with children. Are you looking for a holiday home for rent near Pistoia? Discover more about Antico Fienile, one of our beautiful properties for rent near Pistoia! © Alice Pilastri

Everybody knows that Corfu is a nice holiday destination to choose. However, how to choose the best place to stay? There are tens of villages, beaches and towns to see, but where should your villa be located? Don't worry, we are here to help you! We have selected the best properties to rent depending on the part of Corfu you'd like to explore. Seaside, mountains, towns or traditional villages...what do you prefer? Read more to discover what to see in each tourist destination and which villa you should book for your magical stay in Corfu! 1. Sidari Sidari is a place to explore with calm, as its bays are hidden between hills and rocks. It offers some of the most charming beaches to see in Corfu, as well as the local atmosphere of a Greek village that hasn't lost its charm with the passing of times. Sidari is suitable for families, but also for couples and friends who look for a comfortable place to sunbathe and enjoy the sea. Our suggestion for you is Sidari Beach Villa, situated 600 m from the nearest beach. This is the ideal choice if you are a large of friends looking for a comfortable villa to reach the sea in a bunch of steps. Also, the sunset views will leave you breathless! 2. Corfu Town Corfu Town is the major city of the island. In this mix of architectural styles and tourist attractions, you will get lost in a labyrinth of winding lanes where street signs are written in Greek characters. The center presents a Venetial influence and offers a large variety of restaurants and bars where you can taste some flavours of the local cuisine. The best villa to choose if you'd like to stroll in the streets of Corfu Town is Villa Jewel, a luxury property with a strategic position that can host up to 10 guests. With its pools and lovely interiors, Villa Jewel always guarantees a wonderful stay in the best area of the island. 3. Acharavi Acharavi is a renowned holiday destination, but it hasn't lost its traditional charm. Plunged in the green, this is a modern town with all comforts and activities, as well as a long stretch of sand beach where families can enjoy their afternoons. If you love adventures and extreme sports, this is the place for you! Hiking, trekking trails and water sports are just some of the things you can do during your holiday here. Looking for a villa to rent? Book our Acharavi Beach Villa,one of the most charming properties in the region. Made in marble, wood and stone, it is a luxury house that satisfies the needs of the hardest guests. Check it out! 4. Dassia Dassia is a popular destination located on the coast, filled with hotels, resorts, bars and restaurants. You will find everything you need to enjoy a fantastic vacation in Greece! Its lovely narrow streets lead to a child-friendly beach made of sand, where families can have a relaxing time under the sun. If you like water sports, this is surely the place for you! Banana boats, paragliding and water ski are some of the memorable things you can do here. For those visiting Dassia, the best property to rent is Villa Eleni! Located 500m away from the wonderful village fo Barbati, it offers a stunning panoramic pool that will make you fall in love with Corfu. 5. Benitses This small town with romantic charm is made of colorful houses and splendid views. Benitses is not so popular among the youngest groups, so it is a quiet place for a couple's getaway. However, the ruins of an ancient Roman bath make this destination suitable for history lovers! There are also a few walking paths to try in its surroundings: we recommend discovering the natural springs located in the green and do some hiking in the mountains! There is no better way to discover Benitses than staying at Beachfront Villa Rania, where you'll be able to listen to the sound of waves touching the beach underneath. A relaxing holiday in a luxury property is all you need! © Alice Pilastri

The Cathedral of Siena is definitely a must-see tourist attraction in town! The beauty of its exterio and the grandeur of this architectural work leave visitors speechless. Made entirely of white marble, with some decorations in red and green, the Cathedral dates back to the 13th century and is a perfect example of Italian Gothic style. However, its beauty does not end outside: upon entering the Cathedral, visitors are surrounded by a series of infinite masterpieces, created by the greatest Italian artists. The part that certainly surprises the most is the magnificent floor in marble, a unique work in Italian art for its richness! From 17 August 2020 to 7 October 2020, the floor is uncovered and open to the public, who can visit it taking part to the unmissable guided tour organized by the Opera del Duomo of Siena. Want to know more? Read on and find out how to book your visit! The floor is not always open: this only happens in some months, while in the other periods it is possible to see only a part of it. In total, the floor has 56 squares, created between the fourteenth and nineteenth centuries by the greatest Italian artists. This immense iconographic program has seen the participation of Sienese artists, such as Sassetta or Domenico Beccafumi, but also of the Umbrian painter Pinturicchio. In the fifteenth century, Giorgio Vasari defined the floor as "the most beautiful ... great and magnificent (pavement) that had ever been made" and, in fact, it is not difficult to understand why. Using the technique of marble intarsio and graffiti , the artists represented a symbolic journey based on the value of wisdom and on the celebration of the city. The mosaics cover the naves, the transept and the choir, plunging the visitor into a timeless story. if you would like to book a visit to the floor of the Siena Cathedral, you must contact Opera del Duomo on +39 0577 286300 or write an email to opasiena@operalaboratori.com. The visit hours are from 10:30 to 18:00 from Monday to Saturday, while on Sundays the visits start at 9:30. Tickets can cost € 20 (for a visit to the roofs of the Duomo, the Duomo with uncovered floors, the Piccolomini Library, the Opera Museum with a view from the Facciatone, the Crypt and the Baptistery) , € 15 (for a visit to the Duomo with uncovered floor, the Piccolomini Library, the Opera Museum with a view from the Facciatone, the Crypt and the Baptistery) or € 8 (for a visit to the Duomo with an uncovered floor and the Piccolomini Library) . Are you ready for your visit to the Cathedral of Siena? Organize a stay in Siena now and discover its most beautiful monuments! We sugget booking one of our splendid properties in the city, like Podere Orietta or Villa Capannino, to have an unforgettable holiday in Tuscany! © Alice Pilastri

Maremma is a splendid area located in the south of Tuscany , famous for its green landscapes, enchanting villages and dream beaches! You don't really need to go to the Caribbean Sea to dive into crystal clear waters and see the turquoise shades of a wonderful sea! Thanks to the fine sand and the stunning locations, the beaches in Maremma can be some stunning travel destinations to spend a summer holiday. Do you want to know which are the most beautiful beaches in Maremma? Read on and check out the list of the best places to see on a summer holiday in Maremma! 9. Gulf of Follonica The first stop on a trip to Maremma is the Gulf of Follonica, where you can spot some wonderful beaches. This stretch of coast is made up of fine sand and the seabed slopes gently, so as to allow people of all ages to enjoy their holiday. One of the most suggestive bays is Torre Mozza, located just 3-4 kms away from the center of Follonica. In front of the crystalline sea, there are the remains of a coastal watchtower from the 16th century. 9. Il Bagno delle donne (Women's Baths) in Talamone The name of this beach has fascist origins, because during this period, the entrance was allowed only to women. Now, it is a suggestive place frequented by snorkelers and trekking lovers, as you have to walk for a couple of kilometers between stones and rocks to reach the bay. However, the colors of the sea will reward all the effort! Bagno delle Donne stands on a fine gravel beach and the colors of its waters are truly spectacular. 8. Beach of Ansedonia If you love sand, but also history, you can't miss the beach of Ansedonia! As well as being a beautiful bay, Ansedonia houses a medieval defensive tower (where the composer Giacomo Puccini has also lived) and the "Tagliata Etrusca", an engineering work made by Ancient Romans. Another impressive site is "Spacco della Regina", a natural fissure in the rock where, according to a legend, Queen Ansedonia hid an enormous treasure. 7. Beach of Marze "Spiaggia delle Marze" is a perfect bay for those looking for comfort and a wonderful place to swim with friends and family! The coast is located between Castiglione della Pescaia and Marina di Grosseto, it is 100 meters wide and 6 km long. So, it is suitable for everyone, both for those who practice extreme sports, both for those who want to relax under the sun on the large free beach. What makes this beach enchanting is the contrast between the bright blue of the sea, the golden color of the sand dunes and the green of the Mediterranean scrub: you really cannot miss it! 6. Cala di Forno Cala di Forno is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Maremma Natural Park, a green area near Marina di Grosseto. Unfortunately, it is not easy to reach it: you must be accompanied by a park guide to walk the natural path, which is 12.4 km long. However, the walk will be rewarded with a beautiful place at the end! This paradise on earth is a long strip of white sand surrounded by the green and it is often possible to meet deer, fawns, seagulls and other wild animals walking on it. 5. Beaches of Giannella and Feniglia Giannella and Feniglia are two twin beaches located in the Orbetello lagoon and they connect the mainland to the Argentario promontory. Both are sandy, 8 km long and recognized as two of the most beautiful traits of coast in Tuscany. However, they also present some differences between them: Giannella beach faces north and it offers numerous services, while La Feniglia is mainly a free beach surrounded by a splendid natural reserve. Based on the wind and on your particular needs, you can choose the beach that suits you best! 4. Beaches of Argentario The Argentario needs no introduction! This famous tourist destination is loved by many VIPs and tourists looking for the beauty of wild nature. The promontory offers many beaches and coves, such as Cala di Gesso, La Soda, Bagni di Domiziano or Cala Grande. Some can be reached on foot via paths, but others can only be visited by arriving from the sea with a boat. The view from the top of the Argentario is always breathtaking: immersed in the vegetation, the rocky coves are bathed by a turquoise sea that create a splendid landscape! 3. Beach of Capalbio Are you looking for a fascinating, tropical beach that is frequented by VIPs and celebrities? Then you can't miss the beach of Capalbio, one of the southernmost bays in Tuscany! This sandy stretch of coast is famous for its beautiful dunes, which follow each other for all its 10 km in length. Capalbio offers a free beach, but also a series of bathing establishments and bars where you can have an aperitif at sunset. The crystal clear water is the setting for an enchanting place, ideal for groups of young friends or couples. 2. Beach of Rocchette This magnificent beach is located near Castiglione della Pescaia and has been elected as one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy for two consecutive times! This bay presents some light and fine sand, but also a trait of coast with pebbles and reddish stones. It is perfect for families because it offers all kinds of services, for couples looking for an intimate place , but also for snorkelers, who can look for wild animals in the pebble bottom. Well, this tropical island is worth visiting at all costs! 1. Cala Violina For the top of the ranking we have chosen Cala Violina, a small paradise beach located in a natural reserve. The water is crystal clear, the view is gorgeous and the bay is surrounded by lush vegetation. The name of the beach can be traced back to the sound that the sand makes when it is stepped on, which looks just like that of a violin. This is due to the quartz grains that mix with the white sand! Cala Violina can be reached via some paths traced in the park and about 1 km long: a short walk is enough to discover the unique charm of this beach! Book your holiday in Maremma to see these magnificent beaches! If you are looking for a villa for rent in Maremma, then check out our some splendid properties in this area! © Alice Pilastri

There is an island in the Mediterranean where Greeks believe that Zeus was born. It is a land that embodies the beauty of nature, together with the charm of history and mythology. Yes, we are talking about the stunning island of Crete! There's no better place to spend a wonderful holiday in Greece. Actually, Crete meets every need that a tourist can have, both adults and children. It is rich in history and archeology, but its pristine beaches and crystal clear sea will leave the youngest breathless, making them enjoy a memorable time. There is just a negative thing about Crete: it cannot be visited during one single holiday, as it takes a lot of time to visit it all. You really need to give it more time, as we are talking about the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. Ready to go? Discover the best places to see in Crete and the top localities to visit during an unforgettable vacation! Crete is divided between four provinces, called Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithy. Each one offers unique beauties to discover and it is suitable fora different kind of traveller. Check them out! The province of Chania hosts amazing beaches and traits of coast. Falassarna, Balos and Elafonissi are the most beautiful beaches of Crete and sea lovers will surely appreciate their charm. If you like sunbathing in one of the best beaches you'll ever visit, you won't be disappointed! Among these, Elafonissi is perhaps the one you must see at all costs, as this strip of sand where you can often meets sea turtles. However, Chania is not sea and sun: the famous Archaeological Museum of Chania preserves findings from the Neolithic to the Roman periods and is surely an attraction to include in your to-do-list. Leave some room for culture and discover more about Greek art and history! Instead, Rethymno is the smallest and most mountainous province of Crete. Tiny villages alternate with magnificent beaches in a beautiful landscape, where you can also find the charming monasteries of Arkadi and Preveli. Don't miss the small towns of Agia Galini and Balì, where you'll be enchanted by some gorgeous beaches! Also Lasithy presents some lovely beaches: the best-known is Vai beach, which is surrounded by a surreal palm forest. You can also visit the cave of Psycro: according to the myth, Rhea chose this secret place to give birth to Zeus, so Cronus could not find him and kill him. Actually, one of the children of Zeus was Minos, the god who gave the name to the famous locality in the province of Heraklion. This town hosts the legendary labyrinth where the creature called Minotaur was closed, as well as traces of the Minoan civilization. Heraklion is surely the province that attracts more tourists, as it boasts beautiful beaches and unique archaeological sites. The most famous one is surely the archaeological site of Knossos, which houses an impressive Minoan palace enriched by colorful frescoes and a wonderful throne room. Did you know that the legend of the Minotaur was born because the city was shaped like a labyrinth? Another important archaeological site in Heraklion is that of Phaistos. Being less touristy, you can visit it with tranquility enjoying the natural landscape and the absolute silence. After its discovery, the site has never been object of reconstruction works. It's here that archaeologists found the Phaistos Disc, a famous terracotta disc with double-sided engravings with hieroglyphic designs. The weather in Crete is on the side of tourists: a very short winter next to a very long summer make every moment of the year the ideal time for a holiday. © Alice Pilastri

After visiting the historic center of Corfu, admiring its Venetian-style buildings and lovely alleys, all you need to do is leaving everything behind to take a road in the middle of nature. Once you get to the top of a green hill, an imposing white building surrounded by classical statues and columns will stand out before you. On the gate you will be able to spot a golden lettering: "Achilleion". Discover more about this unique attraction in Corfu and plan your fantastic visit! Actually, this is not a palace like the others. Here, the Empress Elizabeth of Austria, better known as Sissi, spent her holidays and took a wonderful refuge to escape the strict rules of the Viennese court. In Corfu, she had found the ideal place to relax taking a break from the stressful Austrian life and she decided to purchase a villa with a wonderful view of the Gulf of Corfu. The villa was then demolished to make way for an imposing Pompeian-style building built by the Italian architect called Raffaele Caritto. There had to be statues, columns and frescoes in order to recreate the atmosphere of Ancient Greece, which was so loved by the empress. The decoration of the palace was entirely conceived by Sissi herself, who decided to embellish the gardens with lawns, avenues and fountains. To guarantee her privacy, the property covered an area of 80 hectares and also had a secret access from the sea. It was completed in 1891 and named "Achilleion" in honor of the Homeric hero Achilles. In fact, the garden presents a statue made by Gustav Herter depicting Achilles dying in the act of removing the arrow from his heel. However, one of the most characteristic elements is the peristyle of the Muses, which is an Ionic-style portico decorated with the statues of the nine Muses and the three Graces. In 1898, Sissi was killed and the palace passed into the hands of her daughter. She soon sold it to Kaiser William II, a great lover of ancient Greece. He replaced the dying Achilles statue with another one showing the hero in a victorious pose, which better suited to the German expansionist spirit of the time. Over the years, the building has had many vicissitudes: during the First World War, it was a military hospital, while during the Second War it became a Nazi headquarter. Between the sixties and seventies it was a casino: did you know that some scenes of the James Bond film "Just for your eyes" were filmed here? Since the 1980s, the Achilleion has became a wonderful museum to visit in Corfu. Visitors can enter the palace, walk in its gardens and admire the luxury rooms that still present the furniture chosen by Sissi and William II. The Achilleion is a splendid building where the Royal Austrian Family has left some valuable personal objects and a visit is always incredibly interesting. Also, the beautiful garden with its portico and marble statues is a perfect place to take photos! Book your holiday in Corfu and plan a visit to the Achilleion Palace! Check out our selection of villas on the island, like Villa Jewel, Beach Villa Blue or one of the other properties in Corfu! © Alice Pilastri

Did you know that the Putignano's Carnival festival is one of the oldest and longest in Europe? This year, the town celebrates the 626th edition and the theme is "The Earth seen from the Carnival". If you are in Puglia, don't miss the opportunity to participate in this incredible event! Discover more about its history and find all the information you need to take part to it! It all started way back in 1394, when Puglia was the aim of Saracen raids. To protect local treasures, some important objects, such as the relics of Saint Stefano in Monopoli, were brought to safety. The new destination was Putignano and the relics were transferred there on December 26, 1394. A legend tells that many peasants joined the religious procession singing festive, but also satirical songs. They abandoned their work in the fields to participate and they left the vines they were treating with a traditional offshoot technique. This was, in fact, the beginning of "Festa delle Propaggini" (offshoot festival), which is still celebrated with passion after 626 years. Every December 26th, local poets recite their poems in the city's square, recounting the main events of the past year and ridiculing them in a satirical way. Actually, it is a challenge in vernacular language based on satire against local politicians: if you are in Puglia in late December, this is definitely an event you cannot miss! "Festa delle Propaggini" officially kicks off the period of Carnival, which begins on January 17 with the Festival of Sant'Antonio Abate. Every Thursday, satirical shows are organized in the town and each one is aimed at a different objective. Monsignors, priests, nuns, widows, madmen, married women and cuckolds ... nobody is spared! The so-called "Festa dei Cornuti" (cuckold festival) is certainly the most fun: it begins with a procession at dawn where participants walk with large horns on their heads and it is followed by the proclamation of the "horned man of the year". In the evening, all the horns are cut to symbolize the erasure of the signs of betrayal. Another important date is the Bear Festival, celebrated on February 2, which is also the day of Candlemas. The beautiful allegorical float parades take place every Sunday in February (9,16,23,25 and 29 February 2020). They include seven allegorical floats made by masters of papier-mâché, which represent facts of national and international importance in an ironic way. These works of art can also be admired with a closer look by visiting the sheds where they are created: it is a unique experience, suitable for the whole family! This year, the theme of the parade is the Earth, which must be protected through sustainable development and reducing environmental impact. On the eve of Fat Tuesday, Putignano organizes another important procession attended by people dressed as priests, who impart extreme unction at the Carnival. Then, "his funeral" is celebrated on Shrove Tuesday evening: to symbolize the end of this period, a large papier-mâché pig is burned in the main square and the Maccheroni Bell rings 365 strokes to mark the beginning of Lent. The typical mask of Putignano is Farinella , which takes its name from a product based on barley, chickpeas and salt cooked by farmers in this period. What are you waiting for? Book a

Even in winter, some Spanish islands still present a mild climate. Here, nature awakens with the flowering of almond and orange trees and landscape get coloured of unique shades. Yes, we are talking about the stunning Balearic Islands, a small piace of paadise emerging from the Mediterranean Sea. Do you want to discover why visiting the Balearics is an excellent idea? Check out the best things to see and do on these islands during winter months and start planning your holiday! The flowering of the almond and orange trees is always a wonderful sight. The plants begin to bloom in the end of December and landscapes get covered by white small flowers. There are various itineraries that make you admire the beauty of flowering. On the island of Mallorca you can go to Llucmajor or to other central localities like Sierra de Tramuntana and Son Servera, as these towns host the incredible Almond Blossom Festival between the end of January and the beginning of February. otherwise, you can choose to visit Ibiza and take part to "Llum d'Ametller", which is a special night walk between the almond trees of Santa Agnès de Corona, followed by a typical dinner based on torrada and sobrasada (a typical salami). At the end of the walk, you can also stop in one of the lovely traditional villages to taste some almond preparations: one of the best-known dishes are Gatò de l'Almendra, a flourless cake served with barley or almond ice cream, and Coca de Torró, a sweet made of wafer filled with almond nougat. For sports lovers, the Balearics offer plenty of opportunities to practice outdoor activities. For example, you can jump on your bicycle to enjoy some beautiful rides surrounded by nature! The entire territory of Formentera can be visited by bike, while Mallorca and Ibiza offer hundreds of cycle paths, suitable for all levels of preparation. Nordic walking can also be practiced in all the islands, thanks to the coastal paths connecting the most beautiful beaches. In Formentera, there are 32 "green" itineraries covering a total of 100 kms that can be travelled by foot, bicycle or Nordic walking in order to discover the rosy waters of Ses Salines, Ses Illetes beach, or the beautiful Faro de La Mola. How can we not consider the important historical sites located on these islands? Mallorca and the other smaller islands present some noteworthy places to visit if you like archeology and history. For example, in Menorca, you can take a military path called "ruta fortificada" to discover the history of the island, passing from the port of Maó, the Fortress of the Mola and the castle of San Felipe. Also, don't forget to see the towers of the prehistoric site of Talaiot and to follow the "ruta Britanìca" in search of traces of the English domination! Instead, Ibiza offers you the possibility to visit the Punic necropolis of Puig des Moulins watching a unique thatrical performance: this is surely the best way to appreciate its beauty! Finally, if you like being surrounded by flora and fauna, go visit Menorca's natural park, called S'Albufera d'Es Grau, as you can admire many rare species of birds in a wonderful environment! So take advantage of the winter season to get to know the Balearic islands! Stay away from the crowd of tourists and enjoy the tranquility of these beautiful islands in this period. If you are looking for a property for rent in the Balearics, discover more about our selection of villas and apartments! © Alice Pilastri