Exclusive Places to Visit, Things to do and Experiences in Italy, Greece, Spain and Croatia

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

As well as stunning landscapes and natural wonders, the surroundings of Montalcino present one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy. The Abbey of Sant’Antimo is a wonderful church immersed in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, not far from some of its best-known villages. The building is located on top of a hill in Val d'Orcia and it's surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, groups of cypresses, scattered farmhouses and other countless wonders that always amaze first-time visitors. Want to know more about this tourist attraction? Discover more about Montalcino and the amazing Abbey of Sant'Antimo to plan your perfect tour in Tuscany! As we already said, the abbey of Sant'Antimo is located a stone's throw from the center of Montalcino. This town standing on a green hill is surrounded by numerous Sangiovese vineyards, which are used to produce excellent red wines such as Brunello, Rosso and Sant’Antimo. Entering this church is like taking a journey through time and returning to the Middle Ages. It was built during the Carolingian period in the IX century. According to a legend, Charlemagne stopped in this valley on his return from Rome, because his army had been hit by the plague. An angel appeared to the king in a dream, telling him to make soldiers drink an infusion made with a local herb. Thanks to this brew, all the soldiers recovered and Charlemagne decided to build a chapel as a sign of thanks. The so-called Carolingian Chapel stood in place of the current abbey: today, thanks to recent restoration works, you can still see the splendor of the original construction. The abbey is built with a spectacular material that gives it a unique shine, which is travertine with alabaster veins. The bell tower is in Lombard Romanesque style, while the interior of the abbey has beautiful pillars with decorated capitals. There is also a 9th century portal called "Portale dei Battezzanti", a painting of Madonna and Child Enthroned dating back to 1260 and a polychrome wooden crucifix from the second half of the 12th century. Well, as you can see, this abbey is a treasure trove of beauties to discover! Don't forget to go to the Monastic pharmacy in the Treasure Hall , where you can find traditional herbal products such as honey, jams, herbal teas and many other products! You can also buy Amaro di Sant’Antimo , a typical liqueur made with the essence of a local variety of grass called "Carlina". Another thing worth seeing is the vegetable garden of Santa Ildegarda, a mystical place with a thousand colors and a profound sacred meaning. Surely, one of the best ways to experience the abbey is to get involved by its magical atmosphere. Concerts, Gregorian singing courses, medieval miniature courses and various workshops are organized in the abbey and you can easily take part to them. The special environment will make these experiences unforgettable! Are you ready to go? Book one of our rental properties in Montalcino, like Villa Montalcino and start planning your visit! © Alice Pilastri

A visit to the island of Corfu needs to start from its most beautiful city! As well as having stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and a unique nature, this Greek island also hides a treasure of architectural and artistic wonders. Among these, Corfu Town is certainly one of the top places to visit if you like to discover the beauty found between the lovely streets of a typical Greek center! Want to know more about it? Keep reading and check out the best things to see and do in Corfu Town to plan your perfect tour! This ancient city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007. It really deserves to be included in the list of the paradises on earth: Corfu Town still shows traces of Byzantine and Venetian art in many of its buildings and it's something special to see. Actually, this is the only island in Greece that didn't go under the Ottoman influence, so it still presents the heritage of a long Venetian domination. The most interesting neighborhood is Campiello and it looks like a labyrinth of alleys (called "kantounia") surrounded by tall buildings. You can continue your tour crossing Via Filelinnon, a road located between the districts of Campiello and Spilia that presents a 15th century building and a romantic balcony looking like that of Romeo and Juliet. Then, walk until you reach "Spianada Square", whose name refers to the total lack of buildings overlooking it, because in the past it was needed to fire with the Fortress cannons. The square presents many monuments recalling illustrious Corfiot characters, as well as beautiful palaces dating back to various past dominations. One of these is called Liston Palace and it has been built during the French domination: its design was inspired by the buildings of Rue de Rivoli, it presents a long portico full of restaurants and cafes and it has also become the center of Corfiot social life. Another nice palace is the British Palace of Saints Michael and George, also called the Royal Palace. Today, it hosts the civic Art Gallery and the Asian Art Museum, which includes some important Chinese, Japanese and Central Asian works. If you'd like to visit another good art collection, don't miss Antivouniotissa Museum, as it houses important icons coming from various historical eras. Religion is an important part of Greek tradition: in fact, the historical center hosts twenty churches! The most famous religious monument on the island is Church of Saint Spiridone, a building built in 1590 presenting a stunning golden ceiling and the tallest bell tower of the city. According to a story, this Saint has made four miracles to save the Corfiot population, so every year the inhabitants celebrate him with some suggestive processions. After a walk in the city alleys, don't miss a visit to the ancient Fortress! This is the first thing you see when you arrive by sea and the panoramic view from its terraces is unique. The ancient and the new Fortress are the two fortified citadels that dominate the city and they had functions of sighting and defense. The entrance to the ancient castle is located right in front of the Liston, while the new one rises above the old port. At the end of your cultural tour, have some shopping in Corfu town! Don't forget to buy the typical Kumquat liqueur, as well as some typical olive wood objects, gold jewelry or local textiles. These are perfect gifts for your friends and family! Every period of the year is right to visit the oldest town of Corfu! In summer's coolest days, you can enjoy getting lost in the narrow streets trying to spot century-old monuments and churches between the countless shops. However, in winter you can visit it with fewer tourists, admiring the unique alternations of cultures and appreciating its enormous attractive power. Ready to book your holiday in Corfu? Check out our selection of properties on the island, like Beach Villa Blue and book your favorite one! © Alice Pilastri

The word Epiphany literally means "revelation" and refers to the appearance of Christ to men through the Three Kings. So why do Italian children wait for the Befana to bring them chocolate and sweets on January 6th? What does an old lady who rides a broom mean? Discover more about the history of Befana and all the unmissable events taking place around Italy to celebrate Epiphany! According to a legend, the Three Wise Men on their way to Jesus's birthplace asked for information to an old woman, because they could not find the right path. To thank her for her help, they insisted to make her join their road, but she declined their invitation. However, the old woman soon repented bitterly of her decision and she quickly prepared a basket of sweets to bring to the newborn child. She went out to look for the three Men, but it was too late and she couldn't find them. So, she started knocking on the door of every house she found in search of Jesus, leaving sweets to every child she met hoping that he was Baby Jesus in person. And after more than two thousand years, that's what she's still doing! On January 6th of each year, children sing a famous refrain waiting to receive sweets and other delights. The translation is: "The Befana comes at night with her shoes all broken, with the patches on her skirt: viva, viva the Befana!". This is how this old woman is represented by all kids. On the night between 5 and 6 January, she descends from the fireplace to fill the empty hanging socks left by children. The good ones will receive gifts and sweets, while the naughty will find some awful coal! Each Italian region celebrates the Befana in a special way, organizing markets, traditional festivals and some typical auspicious stakes, as it represents that the past year is "burned" to make room to the new one. In Tuscany, in the province of Grosseto, there is a group of boys called "befani", who accompany the old woman through the streets of the city singing some songs. In Florence, the so-called "Cavalcade of the Three Kings" is organized every year: this is a procession consisting of about 700 figures leaving from Piazza Pitti, crossing the entire historic center and arriving at the Baptistery, simulating the journey of the Wise Men to Bethlehem. Moving to Lucca and its surroundings, we suggest taking part to the Befana celebration in Barga, where Epiphany is deeply felt: the children disguised as a Befana move from house to house singing songs and finally gather around a bonfire forming a large circle. In the locality of Pegnana, there is also a small Befana house that can be visited at any time of the year. In Liguria the Befana comes from the sea making every child very joyful, while the most famous Epiphany market in Lazio is located in Rome in Piazza Navona, where a Befana in person comes to greet the children among stalls full of sweets. The streets of Naples, on the other hand, are full of markets where you can buy sweets for stockings, especially in Piazza Mercato. What do you eat on this special occasion? Tuscan tradition includes Cavallucci of Siena, which are soft biscuits made with water, sugar, honey, candied fruit, anise, nuts and yeast, as well as "Befanini", which are cookies coming from the Lucca area made with rhum and citrus fruits. In Liguria, people prepare the "anicini" biscuits, usually eaten with a glass of sweet wine, and the donut of the Three Wise Men , a dessert covered with raisins, candied fruit and sugar. In the south of Italy, precisely in Campania, people prepare the first pastiera of the year and some delicious struffoli, which are small balls of sweet fried dough, dipped in honey and decorated with candied fruit and sugared almonds. © Alice Pilastri