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

Venice is unique. This magical city immersed in the water of its famous Lagoon seems to breathe following the rhythm of the tide. It's a treasure of art masterpieces and wonderful architectures, made with "calle" streets and "campielli", bridges and "gondolas". Obviously, Venice is also its Carnival, a unique celebration organized once a year that deserves to be lived in first person at least once in a lifetime. The word "Carnival" derives from the latin “Carnem levare”, meaning "remove meats from meals". Together with abstinence, this represented one of the behaviors that "good Christians" needed to follow and respect during Lent, which is the forty-days period starting the day after Fat Tuesday. Since ages, Carnival has been associated with words like liberty, fun and freedom of customs, as this popular rite was an occasion to forget about differences between social classes, religions, sexes and hierarchies. This is why transgression and camouflage later became the main aspects of this festivity. Carnival celebrations in Venice reach their moment of splendor in the 18th century, the period of foundation of the well-known Venetian Commedia dell’Arte by Carlo Goldoni. Therefore, the link between the city, Carnival and the Masks of the "Commedia" became very profound. The brillian Lagoon craftsmen started manufacturing beautiful facial masks, adding the rich details and bright colors that soon became the symbol of the lavish celebration. Nothing has changed since those years! In occasion of Carnival, Venice tranforms itself into an enormous theatre stage populated by thousands of masks and costumes that dance, celebrate and have fun enjoying their total anonymity. One of he best-known masks is called “Bauta” and is composed by a black cape, a red cocked hat and a white mask that can be worn both by men and women. Singularily, the shape of the face mask allows to drink and eat with no need to take it off, while the shape of the nose can even disguise someone's voice. Taking part to the Carnival of Venice is indescribable. Walking next to century-old buildings dressed as a "Bauta", dancing with a colorful flow of people in the centre of one of the most beautiful town of the world, is really something priceless! What are you waiting for? Book one of our properties in Veneto, like Ca' Marcello! © Alice Pilastri

Are you looking for a special destination for your next summer holidays? Milano Marittima is the ideal solution if you are a family with children or a group of young friends seeking fun in this world of entertainment! Glamour pubs, fantastic events, comfortable beaches, natural wonders and cultural initiatives are just some of the infinite opportunities offered by this charming seaside locality, which will surely render your stay an unforgettable experience. What is popularily known as MiMa is a lovely toiurist destination located on the Adriatic coast, not far from Ravenna. Famous for its beautiful pine grove dominating the seaside promenade, it has become a renowned località attracting millions of Italian and foreign visitors every year. The buildings of this "garden town" perfectly integrate with the surrounding vegetation, guaranteeing tranquillity and quiet to all its guests. While the ones who love relax have the occasion to enjoy the pleasing pine trees' shadow from the balcony of a luxurious accommodation in front of the beach, party-goers will be dancing in the best disco clubs of Italy having fun during the best holiday of their life. The best period to visit MiMa is certainly summer, when the city becomes livelli and full of unmissable events. It is better to book the stay in advance, or to visit this locality in June or September, as high-season months are very requested and crowded. Still in Summer, nightclubs host the best-known international DJs and organize some sensazionale parties. Do not miss a night in the famous Pineta by Visionnaire, a classy club with a an elegante design inviting many VIPs. Villa Papeete is another must-do in in Milano Marittima, as this 19h century villa immerse in the green is an exclusive location with a matchless charm offering shows, live music and concerts. But first, remember to start the evening in the most adequate way! Everybody stop in a central street bar before going to the clubs, as thousands of people gather here every night to have a good "aperitivo" together! Caino Fashion Club, Vanquish or Zouk Santana are just some of the nice pubs you will find along your way. However, Milano Marittima is not just for the youngest visitors! Inside the century-old pine wood, you will find the modern "Terme di Cervia", a termale centre where couples and families decide to spend a realxing day out. Kids will also love the exciting Butterfly House, where they will be left with their mouth open in front of the explosion of colors of the wonderful animals. Do not forget to walk inside the splendid Natural park and to visit the thrilling adventure park called "CerviAvventura", where children and adults can have a great fun! And, last but not least, a day in Mirabilandia park will make your kids live the experience of a lifetime! Are you ready to plan your trip to Milano Marittima? hurry up and book now Villa Guidi or one of our charming properties for rent in Emilia-Romagna! © Alice Pilastri

Among the numerous travel destinations that we have recommended one of the most beautiful and unmissable for the summer is certainly Greece. If you decide to spend a holiday outside of Italy, Greece and its islands are the most spectacular places in the Mediterranean and the most suitable for all needs and tastes. This ancient, beautiful destination offers a stunning cultural heritage, as well as relaxing beaches to visit in summer. In Greece, there are also infinite places to choose for a great family holiday, as children can have fun in safety in some of the best Mediterranean localities. Let's discover together the best islands to visit with children in Greece and choose where to spend your next summer holidays! We are here to give you advice on the most beautiful, economical, fun and relaxing places for your well-deserved summer break. Crete offers various nice opportunities for families, both for its accommodations and for the beautiful localities. The pink beach of Elafonisi, the splendid Balos lagoon are just two of the countless places to see, which also include historic towns like Candia, the museum of Heraklion or the ancient palace of Knossos. In this island full of history, you will find some suitable beaches for children near the main tourist areas, such as Herakleio, Chania and Malia. If you want to discover more about Crete, read our useful travel tips in the blog article! A holiday on the island of Corfu offers a variety of activities for everyone. As well as being a wonderful island, it is child-sized and an ideal place for a family holiday. The beaches are equipped and comfortable, the seabed degrades gently, and the temperature is mild. Moreover, getting to Corfu by ferry or airplane is very easy and comfortable. The best places to go with children are the beaches of Avlaki and Glyfada, two equipped white beaches with crystal clear water, Agios Giorgios, Stefanos Beach or Paleokastritsa, an impressive beach by families on holiday. Are you curious to discover the most charming places to see in Corfu? Read our exclusive article about the top 7 tourist destinations! Are you ready to discover Greece? Check out our holiday rentals Crete or Corfu to spend an unforgettable holiday with your beloved ones! © Alice Pilastri

Christmas is considered the major festivity of the year, the most sacred and important. As most of the Greeks are Orthodox, they passionately celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25 and associate a strong religious meaning to this day. But how do Greeks celebrate Christmas? Discover the main traditions of this beautiful country and plan your last-minute trip to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of this magic period! In Greece, the Christmas period starts on Agios Nikolaos Day (6th December) and ends on Epiphany’s Day. Saint Nicholas is a well-known Saint in Greece and his popularity is greater than that of Santa Claus, who is almost absent in Greek culture. Another strange aspect is that no Christmas tree is decorated in people’s houses: at its place, there are beautiful wooden sailing ships adorned with lovely details that symbolise the strong link between Greek islands and the sea. Surprising! Even without Christmas firs, Greece presents some charming ambiances. Towns get embellished with colourful light, holiday decorations, music and traditional Christmas markets offering many beautiful gift ideas and handicraft items. The big celebration begins on Christmas Eve, when children receive a bag and a wooden cane and go from door to door playing the “trigona”, a typical musical instrument. They sing some traditional Christmas songs called “calanda” or narrate popular poems about Jesus Christ to obtain some gifts from the other inhabitants. Usually, they receive dried fruit, special cookies called “kourabiedes” or some coins. On the evening, families gather to have a wonderful supper together and get ready to celebrate the day after, although they will abstain from eating meat as the Eve is the day of the fast. Again, the family is the centre of Christmas Day's celebrations: after the Mass, people prepare the delicious Christmas lunch cooking some local food specialities and spend the whole day together. Usually, Christmas tables present “gourounopoulo psito”, a roasted pork, the “galopoula”, which is a tasty stuffed turkey, “kourabiedes” and “melomakarono”, some good sweets made with honey, eggs, oil and flour. The lunch starts with a prayer and the cut of the “christopsomo” bread by the host, who wishes “chronia polla” to his relatives. Are you ready to discover Greece? Have a look to our charming holiday rentals in Crete or in the Ionian Islands to get the best out of your stay! © Alice Pilastri

The coutdown to December 25th is almost over it's time to think about gifts, Christmas celebrations and... what you are going to cook on the lovely Christmas lunch with the whole family! In Italy, numerous traditional dishes are cooked in the special occasion of Christmas day. Each region presents different recipes, as they refer to their ancient culture and local history. From North to South, from East to West, and even from a city to another, the typical flavors of Italian cuisine mix together to enrich meals with amazing colours and tastes. However, there are some "classic" recipes that cannot lack on Christmas tables, no matter where you are. Here's the list of the five best-loved traditional dishes in Italy, along with some travel tips to spend an unforgettable Christmas holiday! 1) Tortellini in broth Although tortellini are typical of Emilia-Romagna and Bologna in particular, this first course is always a must-have on Christmas day! The lunch cannot miss a delicious capon broth with homemade tortellini filled with meat, mortadella, ham, eggs, parmesan cheese and walnuts. Tasty and rich, this dish pleases everybody. There can also be some variations: as well as using some thin noodles instead of tortellini, people in Umbria, Marche, Tuscany and Latium usually choose the traditional "cappelletti". 2) Lasagna Whether they are accompanied with a Bolognese, Neapolitan or vegetarian sauce, lasagna still remain one of the best-loved dishes served on December 25th! The history of this recipe is century-old, it begins in Ancient Greece and it later moved to Italy, as the Romans conquered the area adopting the culture and food traditions of its inhabitants. Lasagna are made piling numerous layers of pasta and separating them with a sauce with béchamel, cheese and other ingredients that may vary according to preferences, such as vegetables, meat "ragù", pesto or ricotta. 3) Stuffed Capon Christmas holidays are the ideal moment to cook a tasty "cappone ripieno" for the entire family! While it was initially stuffed with animal innards, now people prefer to use pork or beef meat with eggs, sausages, ham, cheese and candied fruit. The place of origin of the recipe is Piedmont, but it is also proposed by many other regions and it is now considered a "luxury food". In Lombardy and Tuscany the "cappone" is stuffed, in Umbria and Liguria people boil it, while the animal is cooked roasted in Piedmont and in the Marches. 4) Capitone The "capitone" is the name of the female eel and it is traditionally prepared in Southern Italy. While in Molise it is stewed with garlic, in Campania and Latium the fish is fried and served very hot, usually in occasion of Christmas Eve's supper. A popular superstition is hidden behind this course: the eel is usually seen as the symbol of evilness because of its resemblance with the snake, so eating this fish on the day of Jesus' birth is associated with the victory of the good over the devil. 5) Panettone/ Pandoro Panettone or Pandoro? Whichever is your choice, it's certain that there is no Christmas day without a slice of these desserts at the end of the lunch! The Pandoro is typical of Verona and it presents a soft, golden dough covered with sugar. To make it more appetizing, you can also add some chocolate or cream! On the other hand, the Panettone is a cake made in Milan flavored with raisins and candied fruit, which also became the symbol of Christmas celebrations. Do not forget to taste this dessert! © Alice Pilastri

You probably did not know that Corfu hided a beautiful ghost town. With no inhabitants, Old Perithia has turned into an abandoned place in the middle of nature chosen by many people for a unique Greek getaway. Time in Old Perithia has stopped around 40 years ago and today it is considered Corfu’s best-preserved and oldest heritage. Awarded as a “heritage protected” in “a designated area of beauty”, this is certainly a place that deserves at least a visit if you are staying in the wonderful island. Why don’t you spend a day far from the wonderful beaches and Greek tavernas to discover the real, authentic spirit of the island? Surrounded by an incredible silence, in older times it was a populous and charming village made of stone houses and iconic churches. Once, it was inhabited by more that 1200 people and has flourished basing its economy on vines and agriculture, as the immense countryside framing its walls was suitable for this kind of activities. However, 40 years ago the last inhabitants abandoned the city seeking fortune away during a positive economic period, leaving Old Perithia forever. Now, a city tour turns into a magnificent time-travel. You will pass next to old ruins and walk on grassy roads stumbling into some imposing stone palaces which beauty was not lost with the passing of centuries. Their walls still present frescoes and decorations, recreating a wonderful Venetian atmosphere, and the cozy houses that were once so warm and friendly still look charming. Above all, the churches are particularily fascinating, as their position in the village seems chosen to protect it from foreign attacks. Actually, even the localization of Old Perithia aimed to avoid pirates’ menaces and made it a safe place to hide and install. The settlement developed on the side of a mountain invisible from sea and unreachable by land. Today, it has become a nice tourist destination and some restaurants and bars have opened to offer some delicious local specialites. This is certainly an unmissable opportunity to discover one of Corfu’s nicest and oldest corners! Plan your visit and do not forget to book one of our charming holiday rentals in the region, like Villa di Giovanni! © Alice Pilastri

The town of Montefiore is a gem in the middle of Conca Valley, which is a fabulous landscape with sweet hills covered with fields extending as far as the eye can see and studded with ancient castles. Recognized as one of “Borghi più belli d’Italia” (Italy's most beautiful towns), this is a splendid tourist destination in Emilia-Romagna madeunique by the union between natural wonders and an incredible artistic heritage. We are describing a magical place which beauty has been enriched with wonderful buildings as centuries have passed, reaching the apex of splendor in the Middle Ages. The coastline is not far away from here. If you reach a high spot, you can admire a wonderful panorama that unbelievably varies from green mountains to the lovely Adriatic beaches! The main tourist attraction of Montefiore Conca is its imposing Medieval castle. The building dominates the whole "borgo" and vally, as it's located on top of a mount to ensure a good defense. Also called “Rocca Malatestiana”, its history is strictly linked with that of Malatesta family, who dominated this region between the 14th and 15th century. In this flourishing period, the fortress was stengthened, embellished and enlarged to include an additional residential area where thenoble family could live or host important personnalities. After 1462, the castle passed to the Holy See and, later, it belonged to Borgias, to the Macedonian prince Costantino Comneno and even to the Medici family. Following some restoration works, the Castle of Montefiore has become a magnificent place to discover during a guided visit. Buy your ticket and visit the wonderful halls such as the "Sala dell’Imperatore" or the "Sala del Trono"! Further to the fortress, Montefiore Conca offers many special places to see! An example is Bonora Sanctuary, an important site of worship, the Onferno Caves, the Natural Park of San Bartolo or some stunning natural itineraries in Monte Carpegna! Book your holiday in Montefiore Conca and visit these charming tourist attractions! If you are looking for a vacation rental, the best solution for you is our Villa Ca Viola, a magnificent villa for rent offering all types of comfort, like a private pool. © Alice Pilastri

If you are looking for charming locality in Corfu for your next vacation, Kassiopi is the ideal destination for you. Relaxing, beautiful and immersed in the vegetation, this seaside town is a magic place that will make you explore the local culture in a unique way. Kassiopi is a traditional fishermen village located in the northern part of the island of Corfu. It is now a vibrant tourist destination with two wonderful beaches that attract many visitors with their stunning beauty. Born as a small coastal town, during the Roman Empire Kassiopi was a flourishing village where economy was totally based on fishing. Later, it enlarged the dimensions of its picturesque centre and featured a lovely byzantine castle that still partly exists. Kassiopi was not born as a touristic town. Situated in front of Pantokratos Mount, it is surrounded by a beautiful vegetation and still conserves the typical simplicity of the rich Greek culture. Of course, an excellent period to visit Kassiopi is summer to enjoy its three nice beaches! The first stony trait of coastline is equipped with facilities and offers various activities like water-ski or scuba diving that will make you live a memorable experience. The other two beaches are smaller but present some charming scenarios adorning them. The things to do in Kassiopi never lack. As it’s become a popular vacation locality, it offers numerous cafés, pubs and good restaurants of local cuisine where you can taste some Greek specialities. In the afternoons, you can enjoy a bike tour or a wonderful mini-cruise to discover the secret spots of paradise along the coast. How can we not mention the great events and festival organized in Kassiopi? Easter is definitely an excellent occasion to visit the town and to take part to its festivals, while August 15th and May8th are two important religious festival not to be missed. Are you ready for your trip? We suggest choosing the wonderful Villa Armonia to enjoy your stay to the fullest, as this beautiful villa located 2 km far from the town centre guarantees an unforgettable stay to all its guests. © Alice Pilastri

Few historical characters boast a story as fascinating, complex and adventurous as San Nicola. This famous figure belongs to Italian popular culture and has become famous in the whole world, although not everyone knows his real name. Would you like to discover more about it? Come with us along this amazing time travel to discover one of the oldest and most interesting Italian traditions! Between the 4th and 5th century, San Nicola was the bishop of Myra, a town located in the current Turkey. His biography is intriguing and unique: he is considered a Saint by Catholics and Orthodoxes, his remains are conserved both in the Cathedrals of Bari and Venice, he lived during the late Roman Empire but is very popular nowadays in the US... how is all of this possible? Also, there is no certainty about his real name either: is it Nicola, Niklaus, Nicholas, Nicolas or Santa Claus? Actually, this is the name that most of the people know. Thanks to Coca Cola's sponsorship, Santa Claus entered children's collective imagination as a magic man who delivers gifts riding his flying sled with reindeers. So... what is the true story of San Nicola? According to legends, the bishop of Myra deeply loved young kids and children, who helped in various ways including saving a girl from prostitution and bringing children back to life after violent deaths. Therefore, San Nicola is a benefactor and a very positive character for children professing different religious faiths and coming from different parts of the world. After a life full of adventures, his remains could not have a different destiny. In the 10th century, his rests were stolen and brought to Bari, where Nicola became the city Patron Saint. Few years later, some Venetian merchants attempted another theft but could not transport more than some bones to Venice's Cathedral, where "San Niccolò" became the protector of Serenissima's fleet. In the 11th century, one of his phalanxes was moved to Lorraine, where a miracle occured and lead to the spreading of his fame throughout Europe, wherehe became known as Saint Nicholas. Pilgrims then exported San Nicola's cult no the "New World", where he progressively assumed the positive value of what was considered as the main American Christmas symbol. For these various reasons, Bari and Venice linked their history and traditions to San Nicola's character, enriching their incredible cultural heritage. This is definitely another good reason to visit these two splendid cities in occasion of your next Italian holiday! Discover our holiday rentals in Veneto and in Puglia to choose your favourite for the vacation you have always dreamed of! © Alice Pilastri

A few days are not enough to discover all the hidden beauties found in Volterra and its surroundings, but with a good guide and some useful travel tips, even a short tour will make you fall in love with this city. Volterra is a gem located in the province of Pisa, not far from San Gimignano and Colle di Val d’Elsa. Its origins are Etruscan and it reached the peak of its splendor during Middle Ages. Known for being the location of some "Twilight" scenes, as it's the city of origin of the so-called "Volturi" vampires, Volterra is not as famous as major towns of arts such as Siena or San Gimignano, but it absolutely deserves to be visited in occasion of a special tour in Tuscany. But which are the best things to see in Volterra? Check out the most beautiful places to visit and fall in love with the charm of this town! 1) The Etruscan walls and the access doors The ancient defensive walls surrounding the city present six access doors, including Porta dell’Arco, the oldest one. As well as being a magnificent structure to discover and shoot in some photographs, it offers some splendid panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. 2) San Galgano Abbey Some places seem enchanted by a timeless magic and San Galgano Abbey is certainly one of these. This magnificent Cathedral with no ceiling is located in the middle of a splendid Tuscan landscape and is connected to some fabulous legends, like the story of the sword in the stone. Today, San Galgano is a wonderful place to visit with family and friends or in occasion of the special events organized here, like classical music concerts. 3) The Roman Theatre Inside the archaeological area of Vallebuona, there is a stunning I century BC theatre, considered as one of the most beautiful and best conserved. Its mystical and unique atmosphere will make you feel some incredible emotions. 4) Piazza dei Priori This square is a small corner of paradise. Its ancient palaces are the best-known in Volterra and include Palazzo Pretorio and Porcellino Tower. Entirely built using stone, the square presents a typical Medieval aspect and you will feel like traveling back in time! 5) The Dome and the Baptistery In Piazza Duomo there are two charming buildings that you absolutely need to see: the so-called "Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta" and "Battistero di San Giovanni". These two architectural masterpieces were built in the late Middle Ages using precious materials such as Carrara marble. Inside, they also present some beautiful works of art dating back to 16th-18th century. 6) Museo Etrusco Guarnacci This museum is one of the most interesting in Tuscany and conserves some inestimable findings dating back to Etruscan Hellenistic and Archaic periods. Among its masterpieces, the museum exhibits "The Shadow of the Night" bronze statue and the well-known urn portraying a couple of lovers. 7) Palazzo dei Priori Dating back to 1200, the magnificent Palazzo dei Priori is located in Piazza dei Priori and presents various decorations on its façade, including the coat of arms of the main city families. Also known as Palazzo Comunale, it is one of Volterra's main buildings and the oldest City Hall in Tuscany. 8) Teatro del Silenzio We are now in Lajatico, also known for being Andrea Bocelli's town of origin. The famous Teatro del Silenzio is a charming open-air space for concerts surrounded by a splendid natural landscape. This magical location is not far from Volterra and offers memorable experiences to all its visitors, who always get amazed by the beauty of its environment. 9) Piazzetta San Michele In this central square, you will breathe a Medieval ambiance. Domniated by the small San Michele church dating back to 10th century, the Piazzetta presents some charming and century-old "case-torri". 10) San Gimignano Do you really want to miss the "Medieval Manhattan"? San Gimignano is located a few kilometres far from Volterra and is surely a mandatory stop of your Tuscan tour. Its magnificent towers, the charming city streets and the splendid panoramas are famous worldwide and make it one of Italy's best tourist destinations. What are you waiting for? Book now one of our stunning holiday accommodations in Volterra for your next stay in Tuscany! © Alice Pilastri