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

You probably think that November is not the best period to visit Spain. This is the country of beaches, sun, sea and summer, isn't it? However, you should definitely rethink your opinion: this month is full of events and nice opportunities to discover Spanish lifestyle and traditions! Also, temperatures are often quite pleasant and warm, so you might be able to enjoy some beautiful sunny days that you have been missing since September. Here is a list of the best tourist attractions and events taking place in Spain in November, to give you an idea of the best things to do and see during your trip. 1) Drink some Orujo at Cantabria’s festival November is the month of Orujo! This typical liquor is similar to the Italian grappa and is the protagonist of a popular festival taking place in Potes, a small town near Santander, at the beginning of November. Musical events and traditional folklore are the soul of this local festival! 2) Enjoy the warm weather and events of Canary Islands Yes, November might be a good period to visit islands such as Tenerife, Fuerteventura or Lanzarote! On November 29th and 30th, Puerto de La Cruz (Tenerife) hosts the amazing “San Andreas Festival”, that also corresponds to the opening of wine season. Chaos, music, drinks and parties is what distinguishes this crazy celebration including the so-called “Arrastre de los Cacharros” (meaning “dragging of pots and pans”) and the “Arrastre de las Tableras (meaning: “dragging the boards”). 3) Visit Madrid in occasion of film and music festivals Madrid is a charming and vibrant capital city with plenty of things to do. Museums, monuments, nightlife events and good restaurants always guarantee a pleasant stay to their visitors… but why don’t you take the chance of visiting Madrid in occasion of the Madrid Jazz Festival, the LGBT Madrid Film Festival and the Madrid Dance Festivals? These events will surely make your holiday unforgettable! 4) Take part to Benidorm Annual Festival Every year, one of Spain’s major tourist destinations turns into a lively, colourful and cheerful celebration in honour of the town’s patron Saints la Virgen del Sufragio’ and ‘San Jaime Apóstol’. This huge festival takes place on the second and third week of November and includes open-air theatres, concerts, music parades and many other events that entertain people of all ages. In Playa de Poniente area, there is also a wonderful float parade with fireworks that marks the end of the Festival and the beginning of another out-of-the-ordinary celebration called “Benidorm Facy Dress”. 5) Participate to the International Sherry Week There is no better way to discover one of Andalucia’s major culinary traditions that taking part to the famous Sherry Festival! This takes place in Jerez and offers plenty of opportunities to taste the newest wines or to discover the beautiful territory where sherry is produced. 6) Discover Granada’s historical centre After the hottest months, Granada turns into a charming destination for your holiday escape. Streets are less crowded, and you can relax enjoying its wonderful monuments, including the imposing Alhambra. Go on a city tour and admire the amazing cultural mix while tasting some excellent food specialties! © Alice Pilastri

Crete is a magical island considered one of world’s best holiday destinations. Also called “Megalònisos”, meaning “Great Island”, its territory is so large that it might also be considered as a country itself. Its amazing localities satisfy everyone’s needs: art, culture, history, natural wonders, beautiful beaches and a lively nightlife are the highlights of a trip to this charming Mediterranean gem! Discover more about Crete and follow our useful travel tips to spend an unforgettable time on this Greek island! Centuries ago, Crete was the main centre of Minoan civilisation, which flourished until a natural disaster that made Achaeans and Dorians dominate the island. After a long period of Classical Greek civilisation, Crete was occupied by Romans and became an important Christian site. After various centuries of wars and battles, Crete was finally united with Greece in 1913. Crete is divided in four regional units. Chania’s capital presents a wonderful old town to discover on a tour, Rethymno offers many popular attractions to see, in Lasithi you can find the charming coastal town of Agios Nikolaos, while Heraklion is a treasure of art and history. When is it the best period to visit Crete? Even though this island presents an unbelievable charm in each period of the year, summer months are surely great to enjoy warm temperatures and get suntanned on the nice sandy beaches. However, this high-seasos is always accompanied by crowds of tourists that will not make you appreciate your stay to the fullest. Here is why we suggest visiting Crete between May and June, when the weather is already very agreeable. What to see in Crete? This island is famous for its numerous Minoan excavations, presenting some inestimable ancient ruins and works of art. An example is the wonderful palace of Knossos (discover more about this attraction here), the sites of Phaistos or Agìa Trìada. Many of these findings are now conserved in some museums, like the splendid Heraklion Archaelogical Museum, which is one of the largest and most important of the whole Greece. Looking for a holiday rental? Choose among our villas for rent in Crete! © Alice Pilastri

The Mediterranean region always stuns everybody with its lovely coastlines and views. There is no better way to discover its beauties than visiting its wonderful islands with the one you love the most, as you can enjoy a romantic getaway to its best-known localities. Cannot decide which island is perfect for you and your partner? Take a look at our top holiday destinations for couples to spend a very good time in one of Europe's best destinations! - Kefalonia, Greece Kefalonia’s atmosphere is wildly romantic. This jewel of the Mediterranean is waiting for you to be discovered and appreciated in its unbelievable charm. Its landscapes are stunning and its hidden corners of paradise guarantee a relaxing and memorable holiday to each couple. If you love nature and you would like to discover some nice folkloristic Greek traditions, this is definitely the destination for you. - The Balearic Islands, Spain : Yes, it might be very hot and crowded in the high season here. But how can you renounce to those beautiful panoramic view and dreamy beaches? Ibiza, Mallorca and, most of all, Menorca and Formentera are wonderful holiday destination for couples. Wouldn’t you like to have a romantic vacation where you can also party in the world’s best clubs and pubs? You and your partner can have the best time of your lives here. Looking for a holiday rental? Choose among our villas for rent in the Balearic Islands! - Capri, Italy Located in Southern Italy, Capri is an adorable islet with picture-perfect scenarios. Its glowing sea cave called Blue Grotto is a magic place to reach with a private boat, while the Faraglioni Archway is a beautiful place that will leave you speechless. Couples from all around the globe decide to visit this locality together, some of themto celebrate their wedding or honeymoon. Looking for a holiday rental? Choose among our villas for rent in Campania! - Folegandros, Greece Not so popular, but still one of the most beautiful, Folegandros enchants with its white town streets and stunning landscapes. The islands is filled with typical Cycladic buildings and natural beauty, made of splendid sea views and picturesque scenarios. - Santorini, Greece Santorini is a dream. Its famous sunsets are the unique protagonist of the holiday, as sun rays reflect on the beautiful white house walls creating splendid atmospheres. Thisis definitely one of the most popular destinations for couples in Greece, and it’s not difficult to understand why. Beautiful to be discovered by land and by sea going on a memorable private boat tour to visit its secret hidden corners of paradise. Looking for a holiday rental? Choose among our villas for rent in Santorini! - Crete, Greece Crete is the largest Greek island and it’s one of the best for a romantic vacation. It offers some of the most superb beaches of Europe and an incredible treasure of art and culture that will enrich your Greek experience making it unforgettable. A lively nightlife, an incredible variety of activities and a delicious offer of local food will delight you and make you live one of the nicest times you’ve ever had. Looking for a holiday rental? Choose among our villas for rent in Crete! © Alice Pilastri

You have just arrived at a countryside town and you have seen street posters talking about a well-known “sagra” that is about to start, but you really don't know what it is about. How can you take part to it? Will it be a good place to taste some local specialties? What to expect from an event of this kind? Don't worry: we can help you! Here's a short guide to give answers to all your questions about the popular town "sagre"! First of all, what's a sagra? A sagra is a kind of festival organized by hundreds of Italian towns to celebrate a Saint Patron and, more generally, the seasonal local food products. On this occasion, the inhabitants of the town and the surrounding centres gather to spend some pleasant evenings together, eating good food and watching nice live shows with some music. It definitely isn't an elegant atmosphere, but it really has something magical in it! People of all ages sit side by side and socialize in front of some delicious dishes. Usually, each sagra is dedicated to a regional product or recipe which becomes the night's protagonits. However, there is a large choice of dishes in the menu and nobody ever gets disappointed! The cost of the dinner is relativiley low, so it might be an excellent experience to try some new Italian products for cheap! Where will we sit? This kind of food festivals are distinguished by long laid tables accompanied by plastic charis or wooden benches. In summer, you will enjoy a nice supper under a starry sky getting the most out of the good weather, while in colder months the event is often organized inside large tents or comfortable indoor halls. How do orders work? Usually, you'll be invited to wait in line to pay at the cashier, where you will have to choose all the dishes you want to try and pay them. You will then receive two numbered tickets, one of which will have to be given to your waiter once you have found a free table. Enjoy your meal and relax! And what happens after the dinner? Each sagra is different, but almost all offer a sort of entertainment once everybody has finished eating. You will plunge into a live music concert, a dance competition, a regional dances' show or a disco party with colourful lights and a lot of music to dance all night long! The most traditional events also propose a so-called “pesca di beneficienza”: don't forget to take part to it and discover how it works! Well... you will surely not get bored! Who organizes these sagras? The sagra is a special moment that sees the incredible participation of the whole village, which collaborates and works hard to get the best result! The volunteers are persons of all ages and they have different fucntions in the organization. Children and kids work as waiters at the tables, men cook the meat over the barbecue and think about the wine, while women prepare the other dishes in the kitchen. It's a teamwork that gets out the soul of the entire community! Which are the most famous and beautiful sagras to see? This is not an easy question. Each region presents unique sagras where you'll be able to taste some excellent food specialties and you'll spend a good time having fun. However, if we have to choose the best-known ones, we cannot forget to mention "Primi d’Italia" festival in Foligno (PG), Perugia's Eurochocolate, both happening in October, or Truffle's Festival in San Miniato (PI), taking place in November. Start planning your trip to discover all about Italian regional traditions! We suggest booking one of our villas in Tuscany and Umbria, where countless of food events are organized each year! © Alice Pilastri

November is approaching, and Halloween celebrations are just behind the corner. The popular Disney movie “Coco” has majestically shown how Mexican people usually commemorate the dead ones and what “Dia de los Muertos” is. But what about Spain? Is this celebration popular in the Iberian Peninsula or are there other traditions? Actually, Spain doesn’t present festivals of this kind, as the Mexican "ofrenda para los muertos" is a tradition with Aztecan origins. Here, November 1st is simply known as "Dia de Todos los santos" (All Saints’ Day), Halloween is more like an imported Anglo-Saxon celebration often called "Dia de las Brujas" (Witches' Day) while November 2nd is called "Dia de los Muertos" (All Souls' Day). The souls of the deceased ones rise to heaven and their families visit their graves to bring gifts and to remember them. Families gather to eat abundant meals together and prepare some typical sweets such as “los huesos de santo” or “castañas asadas”. It is a religious celebration that hasn’t been influenced by Celtic traditions, as Spain has always been a Catholic country that wanted to preserve its culture. However, some Spanish regions present unique ways to celebrate these two important days. Let’s discover them together and don’t forget to have a look to our properties in Spain to visit this beautiful country on your next holiday! - Canary Islands: la Noche de los Finaos In the Canarian Islands such as Tenerife or Lanzarote, the grandmother or the mother usually tells stories about their ancestors to the other members of the family while they have a snack with fruits and typical drinks. Today, this tradition is also celebrated in the streets accompanied by music and dances. - Galicia: Samaìn Galician tradition is called “Samaìn” and it has Celtic origins. On this night, the limit between the world of the dead and the world of the alive disappears and people adorn their houses to keep the evil spirits away. Also, families and friends meet to celebrate “magosto”, when they cook chestnuts and tell each other stories in front of the fireplace. - Paìs Vasco: Gaztanerre Eguna This gastronomic celebration is dedicated to cooked chestnuts, accompanied by foods such as “motokil” or “caracoles en salsa”. While it was originally a men’s celebrations, now everybody can take part to it and families also remember the dead ones on this occasion. - Soria: El Monte de las Animas There is a popular legend in Soria telling that on the night of October 31st spirits, skeletons and Templars reunite on the “Souls’ Mount” which has also been described by Gustavo Adolfo Becquér in his famous novel. Usually, people tell the frightening story in front of a fireplace prepared on the top of the mountain. - Madrid: Don Juan Tenorio The annual representation of the play “Don Juan Teorio” by José Zorrilla is one of Sain’s best-known traditions. Thousands of people gather in the open-air square of Huerta del Palacio Arzobispal and it is broadcasted by all TV channels. © Alice Pilastri

It's aperitivo time,the sun is setting down, the temperature is just perfect to stay out a bit longer and you are looking for the ideal place to get a drink. Don't worry, Florence will show you a vast variety of rooftop bars, restaurants and terraces with some breathtaking views! These are of many genres, but all of them shares an elegant ambiance. The price for a drink, whether it is a prosecco or an Aperol Spritz alongside some snacks, varies around 15 euros and you won't easily find anything cheaper in a location of this kind. However, we are certain that it will be worth it and that you will get amazed by the splendid panorama! Would you like to discover the best places to have an aperitivo with a view in Florence? We offer a list of the top 7 terraces you can find in this town and you need to see at least once. - Hotel Baglioni Since 2017, the Florentine Grand Hotel offers a splendid terrace with restaurant and cocktail area called B-Green. In this large rooftop garden, guests will be invited to taste a delicious "apericena" or to take part to one of the numerous events organized in front of one of the best panoramic views of Florence. - Hotel Minerva In the period between June and September, the sixth floor terrace built on top of Minerva Hotel is glad to provide you with some incredible emotions. A classic aperitivo or an originale cocktail with fresh fruit are much sweeter if drunk in this paradise next to Santa Maria Novella. - The Student Hotel This is the news that everybody was waiting for. The Student Hotel is a luxury accommodation for students located near Fortezza da Basso presenting a unique design. Its roof pool with a 360° view of Florence is a splendid location to sip a typical drink. - La Rinascente After some good shopping in La Rinascente, you cannot skip going to the beautiful Caffè La Terrazza located on the last floor. Open all day long, it enriches its guests' relaxing pauses and offers a magical atmosphere at the moment of sundown. Then, the wonderful view of the town is embellished by an amazing light. - Terrazza Cavour No presentations are needed to describe the stunning "Divina Terrazza" in Hotel Cavour, which is so close to the Dome that it seems possible to touch it with a finger. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most impressing Florentine panoramas! - Florence Glance Hotel The exclusive Glance Hotel, situated between Firenze SMN and Mercato Centrale, offers a wonderful rooftop terrace with pool where you can admire a precious view of Florence. The Sky Breeze Bar and Pool is open in summer only and it also welcomes those who are not staying at the hotel to get a drink and relax in this suggestive café. - Empireo American Bar & Pool having a drink in Hotel Lucchesi's panoramic terrace is a must. This spot on Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia is simply ideal if you qould like to look at Florence's beauty with a good cocktail in your hands. Don't forget to take some pictures, as those taken here are extremely beautiful! Are you ready to go? Book an apartment or villa in Florence to visit its splendid panoramic terraces and to discover the hidden beauties of this charming city of arts! © Alice Pilastri

Summer seems so far away and the days spent on the bech are now just a good memory. However, don't get too sad: autumn and winter months are the ideal period to plan your next vacation in the best summer destinations! We rent dozens of villas in Italy and abroad, especially in the beautiful Mediterranean area, which presents some stunning corners of paradise that just wait to be discovered. This region presents a stunning coastline and some of the world's best beaches. Stop looking at the photographs you find on the internet dreaming of visiting these places and turn your dream into reality booking a holiday with us! Here is a list of the top 7 beaches of the Mediterranean Sea to give you an idea of the natural wonders you will see during your trip. Check it out! 1) Shipwreck Beach (Zakynthos) You have surely seen this beach on a postcard or on a beautiful wallpaper found on the internet! Navagio Beach is the most popular found on this island: the azure sea water, the majestic white cliffs and the tiny bay look stunning from the panoramic point near Volimes. The abandoned relict is still visible and it dates back to an accident of 1983, after which the crew immediately left the ship. It is not easy to reach this famous spot, as you can only get there by boat. Looking for a holiday rental in Corfu? Choose one of our villas! 2) Porto Timoni (Corfu) Porto Timoni is the name of two splendid bays hidden under Afionas promontory and separated by a trait of land. Unfortunately, it is not easy to reach as it’s the ending of a long and uncomfortable walking path, but it’s certainly worth it! The landscape leaves every visitor with their mouth open and it’s a wonderful must-see in the northern part of Corfu. Looking for a holiday rental in Corfu? Choose one of our villas! 3) Cala Brandinchi (Sardinia) This fantastic, tropical beach is found in the north part of Sardinia, just in front of Tavolara island. Also known as “Tahiti”, this charming locality is a renowned tourist destination that presents two bays separated by a woody peninsula. It’s a dream place to visit! Looking for a holiday rental in Sardinia? Choose one of our villas! 4) Macarella Beach (Menorca) This natural paradise is located n the Southern coast and it’s known a one of the most wonderful. This minuscule beach separates the green Mediterranean scrub to the bright blue water of the transparent sea. Although it gets very crowded in summer, it’s a beautiful place to visit at least once. Looking for a holiday rental in Menorca? Choose one of our villas! 5) Spiaggia dei Conigli (Lampedusa) The “Rabbit Beach” is an authentic wonder found in Sicily! Awarded as one of world’s best beaches, it presents a dream scenario and a magical water colour. As well as being extremely beautiful,it is also easy to reach…what are you waiting for? Plan your visit! Looking for a holiday rental in Sicily? Choose one of our villas! 6) Elafonissi Beach (Crete) On a small island near the western coast of Crete, you will find a splendid pink beach touched by Caribbean-like waters. Its unicity is due to the extraordinary landscapes surrounding this sandy islet which can only be reached walking on a tiny trait of sand emerging from the sea. Looking for a holiday rental in Crete? Choose one of our villas! 7) Platja de Ses Illetes (Formentera) This beach is Formetera’s heaven on earth. The bay is protected by some tiny islets and the fantastic scenario presents sand dunes and a rich vegetation. There isn’t a big difference between this spot and the famous Caribbean islands: the turquois sea colours and the contrasts with the white fine sand will leave you speechless and will maje you fall in love with this place! Looking for a holiday rental in the Balearic Islands? Choose one of our villas! © Alice Pilastri

Summer’s over and you still have to get used to cold weather and stressful days? Do not panic: we have the solution for you! Autumn can be the perfect period to visit Greece, where days are still sunny, and you can enjoy a late relaxing holiday at the seaside. We do not guarantee that you’ll be able to wear a swimsuit and dive in the transparent sea waters, but you’ll sure get the chance to recover a few of your suntan visiting some of the best beaches of the Mediterranean Sea in a period where they are not very crowded. Discover the best places to visit in Autumn and the best activities that will turn your holiday into an amazing experience! Zakynthos is a beautiful, unique island where nature grows almost uncontaminated. Here, modernity mixes with old traditions creating pleasant atmospheres that charm every visitor. Zakynthos city is the capital of entertainments, while the small fishermen villages situated along the coast are nice places to spend a relaxing day. Then, you can enjoy some stunning beaches pretending it is still August, like the intimate Gerakas beach or the famous Ship Wreck Bay! Autumn is also the perfect period to visit some of the wonderful museums found in Crete, one of Greece’s largest islands. Being the southernmost point of Greece, Crete’s weather is rather good, even in October. That’s why you cannot miss a visit to its best beaches to get some suntan, like Balos or Elafonisi. And what about a romantic boat tour around Santorini coasts? This charming island is a major tourist attraction in Greece and the views that you can admire from its sea are just splendid, especially when the sun goes down. Otherwise, you can decide to explore Corfu, where its plentiful activities will surely fulfil your expectations. Corfu Town is a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site to discover, while the beautiful beaches found in the north offer some splendid places to relax. Looking for a holiday rental for your dream stay on a Greek island? Have a look to our properties for rent in Crete, Santorini, Zakynthos and Corfu and choose your favorite one! © Alice Pilastri

Where to find the best panorama of Florence? At Piazzale Michelangelo, obviously! This splendid terrace built in the 19th century is a balcony overlooking the historical centre of this town. Its architect was Giuseppe Poggi, who wished to celebrate Michelangelo Buonarroti dedicating to him the name of his artwork. The square had to host all his masterpieces, but the project was soon abandoned. However, a copy of his best-known statue, the David, was exposed in the centre of it to honor the Florentine artist. From this wonderful window, you can spot all the famous monuments of Florence from an original perspective that will certainly surprise you, leaving you speechless. Santa Croce Church, Uffizi Galleries, Vasari Corridor, Palazzo Vecchio and the imposing Brunelleschi Dome dominate the city's skyline, embellishing its charm. Both by day and by night, the Piazzale offers some unique emotions to all its guests. It's a dream location where you can spend some very romantic moments together with the person you love. Do not forget to bring a camera to shoot this special day! How to get there? It's possible to reach the Piazzale climbing the staircase from Piazza Poggi. It's a quite long and tiresome walk, but the panoramic view will surely be worth it! Otherwise, there are two bus lines run by ATAF (12, 13) that connect the city centre with the square, making it easy to get there comfortably. It might be inconvenient to use the car, as parks are limited and this area is always very crowded. Moreover, the Piazzale offers some fantastic events you cannot miss! In occasion of New Year's Eve celebrations, it hosts a big stage where the major Italian artists perform all night long, while September is the period of "Gelato Festival", an important international contest dedicated to the best Italian ice-creams. What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Florence and book one of our properties for rent in the city centre to turn your dream into reality! © Alice Pilastri

Santorini’s fame comes before any description. It is probably one of the most iconic Mediterranean islands and its glimpses come to mind when it is time to talk about Greece. This volcanic island emerging from the Aegean Sea presents unique landscapes and stunning sunsets that add a wonderful touch of romanticism to a lovely holiday with the beloved one. But which are the best things to do in Santorini? There are activities you cannot skip to do and places you absolutely need to visit before returning home full of regrets. Discover them with us! If you are looking for a holiday rental in Santorini, don't forget to check Villa Dreams and Lighthouse Villa, two charming properties that we rent on this island. 1) Watch the Sunset in Oia Oia is a small but very charming village located north that mixes tourist attraction with traditional atmospheres. Its sunset are stunningly beautiful and will leave you speechless. The perfect spots to watch the sun go down is the Byzantine Castle, Akrotiri lighthouse, Santo Winery or at a romantic restaurant. 2) Spend a day at the beautiful beaches What’s better than spending a hot summer day at the beach? Santorini offers various beaches with different features that fit the need of every visitor. While Red Beach is wild and colorful, Perissa Beach is very frequented , White Beach can only be reached by sea and Kamari Beach presents an endless trait of fine white sand. You just need to choose your favorite and relax. 3) Take part to a delightful Wine Tour One of the things that distinguish Santorini is its unique viticulture, that differs from any other around the globe. It is not a holiday without a glass of wine, right? And why not choosing an incredible 18-Greek wine tasting in the famous Santo’s Winery? 4) Visit an archaeological excavation site The western coast of Santorini presents the wonderful archaeological site of Akrotir. Here, an ancient Minoan civilization was discovered, after being buried for centuries under the ashes of a 15thcentury BC eruption. Don’t miss it! 5) Discover the beauty of Fira Fira is Santorini’s largest town and certainly the most visited by tourists. Its attractions are countless: spend some time shopping in the numerous boutiques of have a coffee in a panoramic café! Then, continue your tour between picturesque churches and don’t forget to take some gorgeous photographs. 6) Hike to the top of Santorini Volcano This island presents a famous “caldera” born from volcanic activities. Get the most out of your experience and try to hike to the top of the volcanic island of Nea Kameni that you can find in this area! You will spot smoking craters, lava formations and beautiful landscapes that you will not be able to see in any other place. Also, the panoramic view will be worth the long walk! © Alice Pilastri