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

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

Puglia is a splendid region of Southern Italy full of artistic and natural wonders. As well as being a renowned summer tourist destination with stunning beaches (discover the best beaches here), Puglia can offer unforgettable experiences and stays in every period of the year, surprising each visitor with its beauty. It's right in "Italy's heel" that you'll spot some splendid cities, distinguished by historical centers filled up with art and beauty to discover in each single angle. Have you booked a holiday in Puglia? If you wish to organize it in the best way, read more about the best five localities to visit in this region to choose the most charming to see during your tour. Follow our travel tips and get ready to have the holiday in Puglia you've always been dreaming of! 5) Otranto Otranto is a gem found in Salento area presenting a splendid Romanesque Cathedral and an imposing Aragonese Castle dating back to the 15th century. This town rises on a cliff overlooking the cliff and offers various charming spots with wonderful panoramic views. Suitable for a nice summer vacation, Otranto features some beautiful beaches to visit in the warmest days, such as the famous Baia dei Turchi. Are you looking for a holiday rental in Otranto? Choose Villa Safiria! 4) Ostuni Located in Brindisi's province, Ostuni presents a splendid historical center made of dozens of lovely white houses. The so-called "White Town" is a charming locality castled on top of a hill in the area of Murge and is surrounded by ancient city walls. As well as walking along its peculiar streets, its steep stairways and discovering the wonderful Cathedral, we suggest renting a boat to admire a new nice panoramic view from the sea. Are you looking for a holiday rental in Ostuni? Choose Trullo Santo Stefano! 3) Polignano a Mare Not far from Bari you will find one of the best-loved tourist destinations in Puglia: Polignano a Mare. This ancient town built on top of a beautiful white cliff overlooks the sea and offers countless panoramic views. The most photographed glimpse is definitely the one of Lama Monachile, which is a very popular beach in the summer months. Are you looking for a holiday rental in Polignano a Mare? Choose Masseria Lamacerase! 2) Lecce Thanks to the Baroque-style palaces, to the numerous churches and to the beautiful historical center, Lecce is also called "the Florence of the South". Italian art lovers will get astonished in front of the inestimable treasure conserved in this town, where they will have the opportunity to see Piazzetta dell'Addolorata or Basilica di Santa Croce and where must-sees are never missing. But there's more: Lecce is also the perfect place to visit if you'd like to spend a "gourmet" holiday appreciating some Italian "Dolce Vita" and good local food specialties! Are you looking for a holiday rental in Lecce? Choose Tenuta Arcadia! 1) Alberobello Alberobello is an unmissable stop of your Apulian tour! The characteristic "trulli", which are the typical cone-shaped buildings famous in all the world, have also been recognized as a UNESCO "World Heritage Site". In the two ancient city districts, called Rioni Monti and Aia Piccola, you will spot some fabulous views and buildings such as the wonderful Casa Pezzolla or Casa d’Amore. Alberobello is a unique, stunning destination that will certainly give you incredible emotions! Are you looking for a holiday rental in Alberobello? Choose Trullo Oak! © Alice Pilastri

Greece is a beautiful country conserving a valueless artistic and cultural heritage. The first findings of Ancient Greek Art date back to 1000 BC, when the Cycladic and Minoan civilizations started developing. Later, they gave birth to Western classical art in the subsequent Geometric, Archaic and Classical periods. In each of these historical ages, Greek artists produced some of the most wonderful masterpieces every created by mankind. We can mention the imposing Parthenon, the Pergamon altar, the bronze statue of Zeus or the Doriphorus to give you a small idea of how beautiful some of these works were, ad still are. If you have planned a trip to Greece, you will probably be happy to know that most of these masterpieces are conserved in museums open to the public! Tourists can admire the perfection of Classical art on a memorable tour inside the halls of some of the most important museums of this country, which exhibit many of the artefacts found during the excavations in the archaeological sites. Do you wish to know where you can see some of the best-known Greek art masterpieces? Check out the top 6 museums to visit at all costs in Greece and enjoy your culture trip! Also, we added some useful travel tips about the holiday rentals you might book to get the most out of your stay. 1) The Acropolis Museum in Athens Right next to the stunning Acropolis of Athens and its Parthenon, you will find one of the most beautiful museums on earth. This modern building made with glass and iron first opened its doors in 2009, substituting the previous museums. Its 14000 square metres host thousands of valuable artefacts found excavating the Acropolis area. Sculptures coming from the Erechteum, marble columns, a fantastic reconstruction of the original Parthenon with its decorations and a lot of other surprises will leave you speechless! 2) The Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Santorini In the city of Fira, you are invited to visit the wonderful Museum of Prehistoric Thera, where you can admire some of the most important artefacts of the Minoan civilization. The amazing frescoes and unique paintings will show you a new facet of Greek art that was probably unknown to you! Looking for a holiday rental? Choose among our villas for rent in Santorini! 3) Heraklion Archaelogical Museum in Crete This is one of the largest Greek museums and it conserves some inestimable works of Minoan art. Its splendid artefacts cover a period of time of more than 5000 years and most of them date back to prehistory. If you're staying in Crete, don’t miss it! Looking for a holiday rental? Choose among our villas for rent in Crete! 4) Archaelogical Museum of Delphi It's in Delphi that the legend tells that lived the famous oracle who predicted the future. The objects found in the historic Delphic sanctuary are conserved in the amazing Archeological Museum found in the Area of Fokida. Its statues, metopes, remains of ancient temples and funerary objects found in century-old graves form one of the best collections of Greek art in the world. 5) National Archaeological Museum of Athens The National Archaeological Museum located in the capital is the largest permanent art exhibition of Greece. Its halls conserve more 10000 pieces of art dating back to ancient times. Famous masterpieces such as the Kouroi, the Dypilon Vase and the famous Mask of Agamemnon are all shown inside its glass showcases: are you ready to see them with your own eyes and get charmed by their beauty? 6) Archaeological Museum of Olympia The splendid Museum of Olympia contains some important masterpieces coming from the site where the first Ancient Olympic Games took place. In addition of these, you will find the well-known Nike of Paioinios and the stunning ornaments coming from the Temple of Zeus. © Alice Pilastri

Did you know that the labyrinth of the Minotaur is not just a simple legend? It’s in one of Crete’s main towns, Knossos, that you can spot what might be the mythical maze that housed the half-bull, half-man Minotaur. Knossos was the centre of Minoan civilisation and the most important archaeological site dating back to Bronze Age. This city was an important political, religious and economic centre that exploited the close river to develop its trades. The beautiful Palace of Knossos was built on top of the hill where it was believed that Zeus was hidden by his mother Rea to save him from its father Cronus, who wanted to devour him. With its 20000 square meters, 1300 rooms and 5 floors, it is the biggest Minoan building ever built. Further to its largeness, the palace surprises for the variety of materials used and the beautiful still-existing decorations that adorn its areas. The best-known wall paintings found in Knossos are the “Bull Jumping” and “The Prince of Lilies”, which colors are still stunningly intact. Another interesting part of the building are Queen’s Baths, which present a modern sewage pipe system and some wonderful decorations. The first site excavations were conducted by Minos Kalokerinos of Herakleion in 1878 and they were continued in the 1920s by a famous English archaeologist called Sir Arthur Evans. The complicated planimetry of a building where it was almost impossible to get orientated suggested that Knossos could be the place that had inspired the popular Minotaur legend. The story tells that the maze was ideated by Dedalus, who was helped by his son Icarus in its realisation. As it was extremely intrigated , both of them were imprisoned by it and could only escape flying away, using the wings that Icarus had just finished building. The project was commissioned by Minos, King of Crete, to enclose the frightening Minotaur inside it. This monster with a half-bull, half-man body was born from Pasiphae, the king’s wife, and a white bull sent by Poseidon that made her fall in love. The wrath of King Minos induced him to oblige Athens, that had just been defeated in war, to send 7 girls and 7 boys in the labyrinth each year, to feed the monster. One day, Theseus arrived in Crete hiding himself in the group of kids and fell in love with Ariadne, the king’s daughter. With the help of Dedalus and Ariadne’s thread, Theseus killed the Minotaur and found the way out of the labyrinth. Are you ready to dream inside this magic palace? Plan your visit and get charmed by the beauty of this site! Full-tickets cost €15 while reduced ones cost €8 and you can easily reach the Palace from the main cities of the island. If you are looking for a lovely accommodation to rent for your stay in Crete, we suggest one of our charming holiday rentals in Crete. © Alice Pilastri

© Photo Credit Motorbike Tire Shop  Who hasn't ever heard about the legendary Vespa Piaggio? It is the symbol of Italian "Dolce Vita" and certainly one of the world's most popular scooters! There is no better way to discover the beauty of Italian landscapes than driving a Vespa. Hair blowing in the wind, a nice sunny day and an incredible sense of freedom provide some emotions that cannot really be described in words. Wouldn't you like to enjoy your Italian holiday to the fullest? Then rent a splendid Vespa and go discovering the hidden panoramic views and the small pieces of heaven! Here's why our company offers some special experiences to its customers, like an unforgettable Vespa Tour in Tuscany! Discover more about this service and contact us for more information! The Piaggio society was founded in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio in Genova. It's in 1946 that the Vespa 98 was produced: this was the first model ever made and it was received as a revolution in the transport field that was an immediate success. In 1956, Piaggio manufactured the Vespa 150, a scooter with 150 cc and improved performaces that brought Piaggio to its 1.000.000th sale. The other iconic models were the Vespa 90 Super Sprint made in 1966, the Vespa 125 ET3 in 1976, the Vespa 50S in 1985 and the innovative Vespa ET2/ ET4 produced in 1996, which presented an elegant design and a modern motor that reduced emissions and consumptions. Slim, responsive and sophisticated, the Vespa soon became a "Made in Italy" symbol and legend. It's very popular both in Italy and abroad, especially in cities where traffic is a big problem to handle. Nowadays, Piaggio produces many different models: while the Vespa GTS is quicker and nippier, the Vespa primavera is much more simple and elegant. Of course, "Vespa" is not all about the scooter: there are many gadgets and accessories that will add a touch of style to every biker! Did you know that one of the most important Piaggio factories turned into a special museum in Tuscany? The main production center in Pontedera was transformed into an enormous exposition area conserving the historical heritage of this ancient Italian industry, including some inestimable vintage objects. Guided visits, game areas and various educational activities will accompany you along this interesting tour to show you how Italy and Europe's history was changed by Piaggio's innovations. Do not forget to visit the Piaggio Museum if you are staying in the surroundings of Pisa! Have a look a our holiday rentals near Pisa and choose your favorite to spend a memorable vacation in Tuscany. © Alice Pilastri

Spanish cuisine is one of the most famous and appreciated in the whole world! Each region presents its own distinguishing flavors: coastal areas offer delicious fish dishes, in the North you will taste some excellent cheeses, while the restaurants found in the internal regions offer some good meat main courses. Thanks to the historical past of this country, which experienced the domination of various populations and cultures, its food tradition presents a rainbow of tastes coming from all parts of the world that perfectly mix together. Have you planned a holiday in Spain? Don't forget to try its best traditional dishes! Taste the explosive flavours of the Iberian Peninsula and get the most out of your stay: discover the top 6 Spanish dishes to try before you return home and follow our travel tips! 1) Paella It is definitely the first dish that comes to mind when we talk about Spanish cuisine. The origins of paella are found in Valencia, where restaurants prepare the delicious "paella valenciana". It is basically a main course made with rice, saffron, vegatables like peas and tomatoes, meat and fish mixed in a large pan put over the fire. There are many varieties of it and they might include rabbit, chicken, prawns or mussels, depending on the area you're visiting. Don't miss it! 2) Tapas A "Tapas tour" between city bars is something you absolutely need to try when in Spain! These small appetizers can incredibly vary and make the cook's fantasy fly. It's an infinite universe of tastes that includes all kinds of ingredients and no tray of tapas is like the other. 3) Churros Churros are delightful fried sweets usually served with hot chocolated, where they can be immersed and pleasantly savored. They are often sold in street stands and they are perfect to end your meal in a sugary way or to start your day with a luscious breakfast. 4) Tortilla A tortilla is not a simple omelette: made with onions, eggs and a lot of potatoes, it is prepared with a different procedure and it is one of the best-known Iberian traditions. It's always a good time for a tortilla in Spain! 5) Gazpacho Looking for a fresh entrée to taste on a hot day in Spain? Choose a good Gazpacho, a traditional cold soup born in Andalucìa! This dish is made with onion, pepper, tomato, garlic, olive oil, salt, water and wine vinegar, then it is served with some minced cucumber and onion... you don't need anything more to get this special flavor! 6) Jamón Ibérico Every single restaurant or bar will be glad to serve you some slices of prestigious Spanish ham, which is also called "pata negra" or "carne negra". It is often used to prepare tapas and its flavour is unique! © Alice Pilastri

Would you like to visit a charming Spanish island avoiding the chaos of Ibiza and being able to visit some splendid beaches? Then, Menorca is the perfect destination for you. It is the second largest Balearic Island and its landscapes are so unique that UNESCO recognized them as part of a World Biosphere Reserve. It’s less popular than other Spanish islands, so it is still a wonderful destination to choose if you are seeking tranquillity and relax in a typical and wonderful atmosphere. Serene, pleasant and very sunny, Menorca is a holiday location that makes everybody falls in love with its charm. What does it make Menorca so special and what are the best things to see and do on this island? Read more and start planning an unforgettable trip to this destination! First of all, we cannot talk about Menorca without mentioning its amazing beaches. Its coastline presents more than 80 bays and each one distinguishes itself from the others with its colors, kind of sand and vegetation. In the north, you will find some wild jagged cliffs between dark sand beaches, while the south presents a sweet coast with white beaches and a beautiful Mediterranean scrub. Do not miss the beaches of Son Bou, which offers a lot of comfortable services, Cala Morell with its picturesque caves, Cala Mitjana, Cala’n Bosch or San Saura, which is famous for its fine white sand. If you’d rather spend a day in a quiet natural park to enjoy the unique flora and fauna, you can go to Monte Toro, which is a high panoramic spot, or the park of s’Albufera des Grau, where the rich vegetation will leave you speechless. But there is more: Menorca owns a fantastic treasure of history and archaeology, as it witnessed frequent invasions in its past. As well as the famous 500 Megaliths dating back to the III century BC, Menorca shows the remains of Roman, Greek, English, Arab and Carthaginian conquests in its principle towns. These are Mahon and Ciutadella, as well as the smallest Es Fornells and Alaior. Mahon is the current capital of the island and it was founded by Magon, who was Hannibal’s brother. Its old town centre includes a wonderful Gothic Cathedral and various charming squares, like Bastiò, Miranda or Sant Francesc.It is a lovely city to discover in its streets and in the characteristic natural harbour. The ancient capital was instead Ciutadella, a wonderful Arab and Medieval city that is also known as the main religious centre of the island. It’s in these big centres that you can also enjoy a nice nightlife entering one of the numerous pubs or disco clubs! Also, the lovely bars, cafés and restaurants are perfect places to spend a charming evening out. Here, taste some local specialties such as the sweet Ensimadas, the liquor Xoriquer or the main dish called Caldereta de Langosta and discover the typical flavors of this island!. Yes, Menorca really is the perfect destination for your next holiday in the Mediterranean, no matter if you’re with a group of friends, your family or your partner. The incredible natural wonders, nightlife amusements and historical sites of interest make it a wonderful place that will make you regret going back home at the end of your journey. What are you waiting for? Book your dream vacation now! © Alice Pilastri

The city of Florence is surely one of the favorite tourist destinations in Italy. Its sweet landscapes and wonderful monuments also make it a perfect place to discover in couple, as its romantic atmospheres are as romantic as few others in the world. Would you like to book a holiday in Florence with your beloved one? Aren't you curious to discover the best spots you absolutely need to visit together? We offer you a list of the top six romanic places in this Tuscan town, along with some advice to help you enjoy this sensational experience. Are you ready for this splendid vacation? You will not need to worry about anything except relaxing and appreciating the wonders of one of the most beautiful cities you'll ever visit. If you are looking for a holiday rental for your stay, we recommend having a look to some of our charming accommodations in Tuscany, like Villa Tenuta Lonciano! 6) Giardino di Boboli Boboli is a magnificent ltalian garden located behind Palazzo Pitti which is richly decorated. Fountains, grottos, marble statues and other surprises will stun you in this fantastic park! It is an open-air museum which ambiance turns into magic when crowds are fewer and a hand-to-hand walk with your partner can really be a dream experience (discover more about Giardino di Boboli in our article). 5) The Dome and Giotto's Campanile Reaching the top of Giotto's bell tower or Brunelleschi's dome is a perfect way to admire the city with a new and unique perspective. The stairs you will find on your way will be many, but we guarantee that the panorama will be worth it! Climb on this splendid terraces next the one you love and get ready to see one of the most beautiful skyline views of your entire life. 4) Ponte Vecchio This is one of Florence's best-known monuments and it is thus very visited and crowded. In weekends and high-season, it won't be easy to enjoy its beauty in tranquillity. However, if you visit the bridge at nighttime, you'll find an almost desert place where you will be able to spend a special evening. Another nice location is the colonnade on the Arno river, just next to Ponte Vecchio. Many couples choose this small piece of heaven to sit on the rock wall, sip a glass ofgood wine and enjoy the charming panoramic view. 3) Giardino delle Rose This garden is found near Piazzale Michelangelo and presents a large collection of splendid plants, included lemon trees, roses and orchids. Walking between the rows of colorful flowers is a very special experience that you can choose to accompany with some glances to the wonderful panorama you will find in front of your eyes sitting on one of the benches. 2) Ponte Santa Trinita Are you looking for a quiet place to admire Ponte Vecchio and Lungarno? Then Santa Trinita Bridge is the spot for you! It is not huddled at all, and its walls are comfortable places to sit and watch the reflections of sunset on the river waters. Moreover, the ice-cream shop found here is one of the best: do you really want to miss it? 1) Piazzale Michelangelo How to resist the temptation of seeing the wonderful view of the famous Piazzale? On the top of a hill that you can reach through a long tree-lined road, you will find one of the most romantic squares of Italy, which is located in front of San Miniato al Monte Basilica. Next to a dominating bronze copy of Michelangelo's David, you will enjoy a 360° view of Florence and its most charming monuments. No matter if it's daytime or nighttime, if it snows or it is sunny: Piazzale Michelangelo will enrich your tour with some splendid emotions and romantic moments with your beloved one. May this be the lovely location you were looking for to make the most important question of your life? © Alice Pilastri