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

Menorca is an extraordinary gem emerging from the Mediterranean Sea that is chosen by many couples and families as their ideal summer holiday destination. Quieter, calm and immersed in a typical nature, it is the second largest islet of the Balearic Islands and it is protected by UNESCO for being an important natural biosphere. Its tranquillity makes it the perfect place for those who would like to escape the ordinary city chaos relaxing in an uncontaminated paradise-on-earth. Even though it becomes very crowded in high season months, Menorca remains a magical and mysterious island that just waits to be discovered in its remote corners. Wild beaches, nice towns such as Ciutadela or Mahòn, turquoise waters and splendid beaches will be the highlights of a memorable stay here! Also, Menorca conserves some one-of-a-kind Prehistoric sites that really deserve to be visited. With its 216 kilometers of coast, the beaches to see do not lack. Among the 80 bays and coves, which are the ones that you really need to visit in occasion of your holiday? Check out our top 10 beaches in Menorca to plan your stay in the perfect way and to avoid any regret! Looking for a holiday rental in Menorca? Discover our selection of villas for rent in Menorca, especially in Alaior and Cala'n Bosch! 10) Cala Galdana This resort beach is an elegant place to visit with children, as it offers plenty of comfortable facilities. Cala Galdana is located in the south and presents a lot of restaurant, bars and hotels to relax in front of the transaprent sea. Large and very busy, this beach is surrounded by pine topped cliffs and immersed in a wonderful vegetation. 9) Cala Morell A magic bay for snorkelling lovers! Cala Morell conceals some splendid subterranean Prehistoric caves with ancient columns and decorations to admire during a memorable scuba diving. Although it is quite touristic, it's a special locality to see. 8) Cala Turqueta Probably the most popular beach in Menorca, Cala Turqueta is renowned for its azure waters and white sand. Located between Punta des Tombors and Punta Na Foradada, this is a natural wonderland near Ciutadela that can be reached by foot. 7) Cala Pregonda There is no place like Cala Pregonda. In complete contrast with the rest of the coastline, this is a reddish beach encircled by high, rocky cliffs. It is not easy to reach, but the beautiful colors and the extreme tranquillity of the place make it a highly recommended locality to see in Menorca! 6) Cala Mitjana Cala Mitjana is located on the Southern coast and is enclosed between high rocky cliffs. Its shallow waters are lit up by bright blue colors and are perfect for snorkelling and swimming. Unfortunately, it is remote and there aren't many facilities, but it is a nice cove to visit during a relaxing afternoon. 5) Cala Maquarella This Cala is busy and big and situated in the South of the island. The Mediterranean scrub and pine trees adorn the beauty of this charming blue bay, where water is crystalline and sand is white. There are many facilities for visitors and it is quite popular, but it still keeps a wild, picturesque charm. Near Cala Maquarella there is also the smaller Cala Maquarellata, ideal for naturists. 4) Playa de Cavalleria This beach doesn't present any facilities, but presents an exceptional, wild beauty. Sand dunes accompany rocky cliffs to create a very special atmosphere, that snorkelling lovers can enjoy to the fullest! 3) Son Bou Son Bou is Menorca's largest beach, presenting more than three kilometers of golden sand. It's the perfect place to visit with your family, as it's comfortable and easy to reach. Also, it is found next to the natural reserve of Es Prat, a protected area safeguarding rare species of animals and plants. 2) Cala Trebalùger In a quiet hideaway in the south, you will come acoss a small bay at the mouth if river Trebalùger. It can only be reaches by boat or foot and offers a singular environment inhabited by a rich variety of wildlife. It's a nice place to visit if you are looking for tranquillity and nature! 1) Cala Coves The charm of Cala Coves is incomparable. This beach conserves the largest necropolis found in Menorca, where plenty of important findings have been discovered. It can be reached by foot and it conserves a special magic that you cannot find in any other part of the island. © Alice Pilastri

Who doesn't like pizza? This ancient recipe is one of the symbols of Italy in the world and its red, green and white colors suggest the ones of the national flag. Every tourist visiting Italy cannot handle the temptation and tasting its excellent flavour is a must-do for each of them! It was in Naples that the first Margherita pizza was taken out of the oven and here is why this city is known as its hometown. The event took place in 1889, when Don Raffaele Esposito and its wife were invited to King Umberto I and Queen MArgherita to taste the famous "pizza" that everybody was talking about back then. Three different kinds of pizza were prepared, specifically a Vanesicola, a Marinara and a Margherita, which name was given in honor of the Queen. Would you like to discover more about it? Read the articl dedicated to the history of pizza! For this reason, Italians firmly believe that the "real" Italian pizza is Neapolitan, that its border is high and soft in contrast with its center, presenting a thin layer of pasta. Ingredients must be fresh and high-quality, while the cooking has to take place inside a wood-burning oven that ensures the right consistence. Although the traditional pizza presents a round shape, there are some variations like the "pizza by the meter", the pizza cooked in a rectangular pan or the famous "pizza al taglio" ("pizza by the slice"), which is also a well-loved street food. Also, in the last few years the "gourmet pizza" has emerged: these chic restaurants select unusual and refined ingredients, such as chestnuts, salmon or honey, to season some unique and innovative pizza dishes. But which is the best pizza flavour to choose? When you enter a pizzeria and start to read the infinite quantity of dishes on the menu, you might find some diffiulties in choosing your pizza. The best thing is to order one of the traditional and "evergreen" recipes that always please everybody with their simple tastes. Choose a Margherita, the one and only "queen of pizzas", maybe adding some buffalo mozzarella that enriches your dish with an irresistible flavour. Those who don't love cheeses can select a classic Marinara, while if you are looking for something stronger and flavourful you can ask for a Capricciosa, seasoned with mushrooms, tomato sauce, artichoked, olives and ham, a spicy Diavola or an excellent Quattro Formaggi (four cheeses). And where can you eat the best pizza in italy? Undoubtedly, Naples presents some great options for your unforgettable meal in Southern Italy. Historical restaurants like Da Michele, Starita or Da Sorbillo are places you just need to enter if you are staying in Naples and a stop you need to do at least once in your life. Campania is actually the region that appears the most in Tripadvisor top 10 Italian pizzerias, created on the basis of customers' opinions and online reviews. Let's discover where they are ! TOP 10 ITALIAN PIZZERIAS: 1. N’ata Cosa, Rende, Calabria 2. Pizzeria da Arturo, Modena, Emilia Romagna 3. Pizzeria 'OSarracin, Nocera Inferiore, Campania 4. Pizza e Sfizi, San Vito lo Capo, Sicilia 5. Pizzeria Spillo, Treviso, Veneto 6. Pizzeria La Pecora Viziosa, Golfo Aranci, Sardegna 7. Fratelli Pummaro', Torino, Piemonte 8. Pizzeria Erreclub di Carmine Ragno, Avellino, Campania 9. Pizzeria Dal Cilentano, Giulianova, Abruzzo 10. Pizzeria La Smorfia, Salerno, Campania TOP 10 CITIES TO EAT PIZZA IN ITALY: 1. Napoli, Campania 2. Salerno, Campania 3. Modena, Emilia Romagna 4. Treviso, Veneto 5. Avellino, Campania 6. Trapani, Sicilia 7. Latina, Lazio 8. Campobasso, Molise 9. Cosenza, Calabria 10. Cremona, Lombardia Cannot wait to taste your pizza? Book now one of our properties in Campania, near San Vito Lo Capo or near Golfo Aranci to eat a pizza you won't easily forget! © Alice Pilastri

February is the month of Carnival in Greece and it’s time to get ready for celebrations! Greece will surprise you with its huge celebrations taking place in villages and towns, where thousands of dancers and masked participants have fun together in the name of joy and happiness. There is no better period to enjoy the cheerful Greek life: get accompanied by traditional music and by your fellow masquerades and taste the local food specialities in the best city bars and restaurant! Do you want to know more about Greek Carnival and how it is celebrated? Read more and take part to the next events booking an unforgettable holiday in Greece! The name of Carnival in Greece is “Apokries”, which means “abstention from eating meat”. The festival starts ten weeks before the Orthodox Easter and ends with the beginning of Lent, so it takes place on the three weeks before the so-called “Clean Monday”. Actually, Greece was Carnival’s homeland. The tradition began in Ancient Greece, where people celebrated the god of wine Dionysus with pagan rites that were already associated with earthly pleasures and transgressions. Nowadays, Carnival has adopted a deep religious meaning and it is celebrated in almost every country of the world! In Greece, the first week of Carnival is called “Profoni” and starts with the “opening of the Triodon”, an event referring to the three odes sung in Orthodox churches before Holy Saturday. The second week, called “Kreatini”, is when Greeks cook roasted meat in every house, filling streets’ air with a delicious, irresistible smell. On Thursday, called “Tsiknopempti”, families and friends gather to have a nice meal together, dancing and drinking wine listening to traditional music. With the beginning of the third week, called "Tyrinì", people are no longer allowed to eat meat and “Cheese Week” officially starts! These will be the last days of parties and celebrations, as the following Monday marks the beginning of Lent period. "Kathara Deftera” or “Clean Monday” is a day of purification and sobriety that puts a definite end to the excessive Carnival celebrations. However, Clean Monday is a festive day symbolizing harmony, hope and happiness: traditionally, families spend this day out to have a picnic together, tasting some special foods such as “lagana” bread, “taramosalata” sauce or “halvas” cake. Also, children make their kites fly in the blue sky, as this game is a symbol of the positivity associated with this day. As in other countries, Carnival is a wonderful occasion in which children and adults can dress up in fanciful ways, wearing masks and costumes. Although Carnival is celebrated everywhere in Greece, usually with the symbolic “Carnival King” figure, there are some towns that organize it in a very special way. Let’s discover where they are! One of the most singular events is the one taking place in Patras, hosting a one-week fantastic party featuring colorful floats, dancing parades, firework shows and traditional events like the “chocolate battle”. This is the largest of its kind in Greece and one of the biggest of Europe! Another nice place to visit in this occasion is Rethimno, a small town organizing a humoristic Carnival with a unique Venetian style. Besides, in Spiros men usually dress up as goats to take part to the singular “Goat dance” in the main streets, while the celebration taking place in Naoussa is beautifully different from all the others, as it’s dedicated to freedom and independence. Take part to the next Carnival celebrations in Greece! Check out our selection of holiday rentals in Greece to book your favourite one and spend a memorable stay in this beautiful country! © Alice Pilastri

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