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

Arezzo is one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany, but it's often unfairly undervalued compared to its sisters Florence, Pisa and Siena. We are talking aboutArezzo, a a real gem located on the hills in Tuscany. The city contains all the cultural, artistic and gastronomic characteristics of the entire Region and can offer its visitors peace and tranquility, as it is much less crowded and more intimate. The artistic heritage of Arezzo is vast, but confined within the walls of its city. Among its ups and downs, among its lanes and squares, you will be entranced by the beauty of Arezzo. View on Arezzo Let's find out the 10 must-see attractions in Arezzo! THE SAINT FRANCIS BASILICA The Saint Francis Basilica, built in the XIV century, is famous particularly for the Storia della Vera Croce, a cycle of frescoes byPiero della Francesca which tells the story of the wooden branch which later became the material for the Cross of Christ. The basilica is known for being the second Franciscan basilica in the city: the first, in fact, was built outside the walls of Arezzo and destroyed for defensive reasons. Recently restored, this beautiful church will leave you breathless! SAINT FRANCIS' SQUARE In front of the namesake Basilica, there is one beautiful square that is a renowed meeting place for the citizens of the city. The square hosts a historical caffe, opened in the 1809, called Caffè dei Costanti. Since it resisted for more than two centuries in the Sain Francis' Square, this catering activity became a real monument in Arezzo. THE FORTEZZA MEDICEA (Medieval Fortress) The Fortezza Medicea Built in the 16th century by order of Cosimo II de Medici, the Medici Fortress represents an ancient example of military defense architecture. It was built on the hill of San Donato, taking its shape: the perimeter, in fact, is irregular and is delimited by five bastions from which the military could observe the arrival of any attacks. From here, however, you can also admire a splendid landscape, which includes the city of Arezzo, its surrounding rolling hills, the Arno valley and Pratomagno. Since the nineteenth century the Fortress has housed a beautiful garden, site of the numerous cultural events of the city, first of all the Antiques Fair when its square Grande is occupied by the Giostra del Saracino (see point 6). THE SAINT PETER AND SAINT DONATO CATHEDRAL The Duomo of Arezzo Built between 1278 and 1511, the Cathedral of Santi Pietro e Donati is a wonderful example of Gothic art. Its construction, which took two centuries, was troubled by the historical and war events of the city and was therefore completed several times over the course of history. Its bell tower also has a special history: it was rebuilt three times! The first risked ruining the windows due to its extreme proximity to the church and was replaced with the second, then demolished for an aquifer that undermined its stability, replacing it with the one we see today. The Duomo features various materials inserted in different eras, making it even more special and authentic. In addition, the sixteenth-century front staircase enhances it by raising it in all its beauty. THE AMPHITHEATER Near the station you can find the ancient Roman Amphitheater, probably built between the 1st and 2nd century AD to carry out the activities of the games, but also to celebrate the various festivities at inside, being able to contain more than 10000 people inside. Visiting the Archaeological Museum of Arezzo you will better understand the events that go from the construction to the demolition of the Amphitheater and you can also admire a splendid collection of Etruscan and Roman ceramics and glass objects there found. The Amphitheater has suffered many looting and damage, so what remains now are the two entrances, the arches and the elliptical shape. It is now used during the summer for the representation of plays and concerts. THE PIAZZA GRANDE The Piazza Grande in Arezzo Place of historical, cultural and folkloristic interest, you cannot fail to stumble upon Piazza Grande during your visit to Arezzo. This square is the real heart of the city and is surrounded on one side by splendid arcades , designed by the renowned artist Vasari, and on the other by historical palaces such as the Pieve di Santa Maria (see point 8) and the Palazzo della Fraternità dei Laici . Under the arcades, bars, clubs and restaurants enjoy its magnificent view. The square was built downhill, with a drop of at least 10 meters to collect rainwater and is home to the famous Antiques Fair (held every first weekend of the month) and the Giostra del Saracino, a typical city game of Arezzo which is held twice every year: the penultimate Saturday of June (Giostra di San Donato) at night and the first Sunday of September (September carousel) by day. Curiosity: this square is also the location of La vita è bella by Roberto Beningni (1997), in which it is seen going down several times to its descent! The film was awarded the Oscar for the best foreign film, also managing to give visibility to the city. THE CLOCK TOWER Piazza Grande is not only Palaces and Games: here, in fact, there is also the very famous Clock Tower, which rises from the Palazzo della Fraternità dei Laici. It is the only astronomical clock in Italy and one of the very rare in Europe. Its uniqueness and beauty are therefore internationally recognized. The Tower can be visited and you can thus discover all secrets about its functioning and the procedures used in the past to rearrange it. In addition, the Tower houses a terrace from which you can enjoy a splendid panoramic view over the whole city. SANTA MARIA DELLA PIEVE Santa Maria della Pieve Piazza Grande is a true triumph of magnificent and scenographic architectures, among which it is worth mentioning the church dedicated to Santa Maria della Pieve. Built around the year 1000, it is one of the most important examples of Romanic architecture in the entire Tuscany region. Its external walls are characterized by a series of columns that cover them almost entirely and each column has a capital different from the other: this makes Santa Maria della Pieve a work admirable for hours, if he lingered carefully on every detail. The interior, on the other hand, is particularly sober. The apse of the church overlooks the Piazza Grande and contributes to making this site even more attractive and fascinating. THE VASARI MUSEUM Since Vasari gave a great contribution to the city and to the whole of Tuscany, his house, which he bought in 1511, has now become a museum. This place houses works, sketches and writings by the renowned artist from Arezzo. In addition to his works, it is interesting to dwell on the walls of the house: the frescoes that dominate them are not only work of Vasari, but also of his numerous pupils who attended the house to learn the techniques and secrets of a formidable artist. AREZZO'S CUISINE A “Tagliere (Platter)” Arezzo is surrounded by hills and mountains, by fertile lands and skilled workers, who have been able to exploit all the products of the land to build their own culinary identity. To end the city tour in the best possible way, you just have to try its cuisine! The gastronomy of the city of Arezzo is homemade, but we know that the most authentic flavors are also the tastiest. We advise you to order platters of Casentino cold cuts and cheeses, to be enjoyed together with excellent local honey. Do not miss the Arezzo's acquacotta, the pappardelle with meat sauce, the gnocchi with ricotta and spinach, the pici with various toppings. Its main courses are mastered by Chianina, the Tuscan cut of meat par excellence. The typical dessert of Arezzo, on the other hand, is Gattò Aretino, a log of sponge cake dipped in chocolate and alchermes. What are you waiting for? Arezzo is definitely a city to visit in every season! This beautiful city can be easily reached from our holiday villas, like Villa Casentino, Villa Capolona and Santa Flora.

Menorca: an earthly paradise that emerges from the Mediterranean Sea. Often underestimated, this island belonging to the Balearic archipelago has nothing to envy to its sisters Ibiza and Mallorca. Indeed, Menorca has wonderful treasures to offer that you probably don't know about! In addition to its wonderful coves, splendid beaches and unforgettable sunsets, Menorca embodies all those characteristics that make it a perfect holiday destination, especially in case you dream a stay dedicated to peace and simplicity. To discover all the curiosities about the island of Menorca, keep reading our article and start planning your holiday on this beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea. THE TALAIOTIC CULTURE Originating between the Bronze Age and the Iron Age, the culture of the Talayot civilization is the distinctive sign of the Balearic Islands, especially Menorca, which with its particular architectural constructions knows how to amaze the most curious visitors and tourists. Typical of the Talayotic culture are the navetas, talayots, taulas and necropolis, with their characteristic circular stone structure. In the Talayotic civilization can be identified various social stratifications, with differentiations of rank that allowed or not access to common resources. Furthermore, it seems that the Balearics were related to the Balari, a nuragic people inhabiting the North-West Coast of Sardinia: the affinities, as well as being architectural, are also linguistic. POC A POC LIFESTYLE If you say Menorca, you say relax. In fact, the inhabitants of Menorca are recognized and appreciated by visitors for their affable character, calm and hospitality. Their motto is to live a life "poc a poc": slowly, away from the hustle and bustle, in order to enjoy the present moment to the fullest. Their coffee breaks at the bar can last for hours, as can their lunches. They prefer to go to the sea around sunset or rest under the pine forests near the beaches. In the morning they have the custom of going fishing and on weekends they are great lovers of equestrian competitions. A further sign of the poc a poc lifestyle are the numerous footpaths that cross and surround the island. THE 7 LIGHTHOUSES OF THE ISLAND Among the beauties that the island of Menorca offers there are also its magnificent lighthouses, located in different areas of the island, three of which in Ciutadella. Until recently, these were inhabited by families who kept them and took care of them, while now that they are uninhabited they can be visited safely. From each lighthouse it is possible to admire a splendid and unique panoramic view of the surrounding nature, especially the Cavalleria Lighthouse is the perfect spot to appreciate breathtaking sunsets! The other other lighthouses on the island are Favàritx Lighthouse, Punta Nati Lighthouse, Aire Island Lighthouse, Isla del Viento Lighthouse, Cap d'Artrutx Lighthouse, Sa Farola Lighthouse. THE WRECKERS The island, especially near its Northern Coast, has been the site of numerous shipwrecks throughout history. These tragic events are told of events since 1475, but the most famous shipwreck that occurred on the jagged coasts of Menorca is certainly that of the French ocean liner General Chanzy, dating back to 1910 in Cabo Bajolì, where the Punta Nati Lighthouse was later built. This tragic event gave its name to the inlet where the boat sank, since then called Cales Morts (The Dead's Bay). STELLAR RESERVE Not just a destination for inveterate vacationers, nature lovers and adventurers. Menorca is also the perfect location for those who practice astrotourism! Thanks to its very low level of light pollution and the particularly pure air of the island, Menorca was named Stellar Reserve in 2019, thus confirming itself as one of the places best suited on the planet to observe the stellar vault in all its splendor. For this occasion, specific areas of the island have been identified and special hotels and structures have been set up in order to fully appreciate the night sky. What are you waiting for to plan your holiday on the Island of Menorca? For a dream stay, we recommend that you book one of our villas in Menorca!

Salento: place of historical and cultural heritages, of centenary culinary traditions and above all of natural beauties, among which marvellous beaches and crystal clear water bays. In this area of the Heel of Italy, you get lost in breathtaking and scenic landscapes and in Roca Vecchia, between the coastal locations of San Foca and Torre dell'Orso, there is one of the most suggestive and visited attractions all over Apulia. The so-called "Salento Pearl" is the renowned Poetry Cave: a natural pool at 30 metres from the seaside. Its popularity is due to popular legends and historical testimonials which animate it. As its name suggests, this natural pool was previously a cave: it was therefore covered by rock that has been eroded over time and collapsed by rain, sea and karst phenomena. The term posìa, deriving from Greek, names a place where you can find fresh water to drink, a source now extinct. However, the beauty of the Cave, with its emerald water and its white rocks, is also linked to a special legend: it is told that a charming princess used to swim in its water and that poets and singers, enchanted by the girl, would write poems and songs in her honor. It is obviously an invented history to justify the name of the cave, but the human presence in this historical site is proved by testimonials left here, such as Messapian inscriptions (but also Greeks and Latins) discovered on the walls in God Taotor honor. A few metres from here you could also admire remains of city walls, ruins of a sixteenth-century watchtower and of a manor overlooking the sea and the sanctuary of the Madonna di Roca, dating back to the seventeenth century. It should be remembered and underlined that since last year there is a bathing ban in force, as the cliffs surrounding the Poetry Cave are increasingly fragile, but access to the archaeological area of Roca Vecchia is in any case possible from 9 to 19 by paying a ticket that allows you to visit the area and participate in events and workshops. There is certainly no shortage of beautiful beaches in the surroundings where you can bathe and swim in equally beautiful waters, like Torre dell'Orso. The Potery Cave can be easily reached from our villas in Puglia , like Trullo Pascarosa and Lamia Santo Arcangelo

The Island of Hvar, with its 270 km of coastline, is the longest island of Dalmatia and is located among the islands of Vis, Brac and Korcula. Its paradise beaches, unspoiled nature and millenial history played in favor of Hvar, turning it into one of the most visited and loved places in Croatia by tourists from all over the world. If you are going to stay in Hvar and you don't know what to do, read our top 10 list of unforgettable activities and unmissable places to visit on the island of Hvar! 1.     ST. STEPHEN'S CATHEDRAL Located in the historical centre of Hvar City, St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of the main attractions for tourists. The original building was built in the XII century, but it has been demolished and rebuilt many times, until 1755 as we can see it now. The Cathedral is dedicated to St. Stephen Pope and martyr and houses three poorly decorated naves. The real beauty of this Cathedral is its frontal square: ruled by the color white, it has many bars and restaurants on its stone pavement.. Wherever you are, every road will lead you to this beautiful square! 2.     THE FORTRESS The main panoramic point is Fort Fortica, also called Spanjola. It has a huge historical value for the city, in facts it was built in the XVI century on a 100 m high tall hill under the Venetian rule and then it was used as a shelter in 1571 by the island's inhabitants when they were invaded by the Turkies. Inside the Fortress, you can find an interesting museum, but the real beauty of this place stays in its breathtaking panoramic view extending on the city of Hvar to the nearby Pakleni Islands. 3.     FRANCISCAN MONASTERY The Franciscan Monastery is a place of peace, silence and serenity. It was built during the XV century as a shelter for sailors and then turned into a Monastery. Inside, there is a rich museum which collects coins, amphoraes and books, besides several paintings, among which the most important is "The last dinner". 4.     THE THEATRE AND THE ARSENAL The theatre of Hvar has got a huge historical value: it was opened in 1612 and is one of the oldest theatres in Europe. The Teatre was built on top of the Arsenal, one of the most beautiful buildings in Hvar City., which was used as a storage of boats and other nautical materials. The Theatre hosts the Contemporary Art Gallery and is still active, especially in the tourist season. 5.    BEACHES Don't foget to visit the magnificent island's beaches! There are several beaches because, as mentioned, the coastline extends for 270 kilometres! Three marvellous beaches selected for you nearby Hvar City are Dubovica, Zarace and Milna, three charming bays where you can relax, sunbath and enjoy wonderful sunsets. 6.     PAKLENI ISLANDS Pakleni Islands are a small archipelago consisting of little islands and sea rocks. The meaning of their name is controversial: it literally means "Hellish Islands", but pakelna also means pine. In facts, these islands houses meny pines, used mainly for the construction of boats and buildings. Over a long period of time, the term paklina has been linked to the term pakao (hell) and that's how a linguistic mistake changed the whole meaning of the Islands' name. The main island is Saint Clement, that has a small village built by Egen Meneghello, a pharmacists, in 1848. In the village there is a Greco-Roman amphoraes' museum, which represents the biggest collection of amphoraes in the whole country! Other beautiful Islands of the Pakleni Archipelago which are worth a visit are Jerolim, Marinkovac and Šćedro, where you can enjoy crystal clear water, cuisine traditions and many activities as water sports. 7.     STARI GRAD (OLD TOWN) Stari Grad is a very ancient town (its name literally means ""Old Town"") founded in 384 b.C.. It's located on the North-West side of the Island in a  gulf safe from attacks, so Stari Grad was known as a  strategic spot where Adriatic Sea's sailors could stop during their long trips. This town hosts every year music and sport events and is a real jewel of the Island. With its vineyards and its fertile fields it offers to its visitors excellent typical products, among which a  delicious wine. Stari Grad is for sure an unmissable place during your stay in Hvar! 8.     BRUSJE If you want to see the authentic side of Hvar, Brusje is made for you. Among gardens, paths and stone walls, the silece reings. This beautiful village has been  abandoned since the end of II WW, but the true Island life took place here. Populated since the 15th century by farmers and shepherds, Brusje now has only 150 inhabitants, who are involved in tourism and the production of essential oils, especially of lavender derivatives. The town is famous for its characteristic roofs dating back to the Roman era and for the Mediterranean atmosphere that you can breathe: visiting Brusje is like diving into the authenticity of the past of  the Island of Hvar. Here you can visit the Church of St. George, the fish market and the retirement home of Macirovo 9.     JELSA Located in the central area of the island, the town of Jelsa is a gem not to be missed. It has indented coasts and offers its visitors an incredible panorama. It is surrounded by mountains and nature, so much so that it is home to one of the most beautiful parks in Dalmatia, Perivoj. The city has always been inhabited and visited by tourists, presenting monuments and buildings of historical, artistic and cultural interest, as well as its characteristics villae rusticae , houses built across the fields and used for rest and relaxation. Later, the same houses were used by ethnologists and herbalists as a support to carry out their research. 10.     VRBOSKA The beautiful town of Vrboska is the smallest on the whole island of Hvar. It is known as little Venice for its canals and bridges. Its architecture is made up of buildings in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles and the attractions that are worth a visit are the fishermen's museum (which houses a collection of nets, fishing tools and fish processing machinery), the church and fortress of Saint Mary Grace. What are you waiting for? Book now you stay in Hvar! Browse our selection of villas in Hvar, like Villa Liza, Villa Mare and Villa Cvita.

The Alcantara Gorges, also called Larderia Gorges, represent one of the most suggestive and less known place in Eastern Sicily. This paradise is located between the provinces of Messina and Catania, more precisely between the municipalities of Castiglione della Sicilia and Motta Camastra. The canyon was formed by the lava stone erosion, which took place over thousands of years by the Alcantara river, one of the most important rivers in Sicily. The most impressive and famous gorge of Alcantara is located in Fondaco Motta and is more than 6 km long, but only the first 3km can be reachable. The lava stone walls, eroded by Alcantara, date back to more than 8000 years ago! In fact they are the result of lava flows open at that time and in more recent times as a result of volcanic eruptions, which have created overlapping different prismatic forms of the lava stone itself. The territory of the Alcantara Gorges obtained in 2010 the European recognition of European Destination of Excellence (EDEN). The access routes to the gorges are different and varied: you can choose between a visit to the small gorges, the path of the Gole di Larderia and the of Montagna Grande, the path of Castiglione di Sicilia, the path of the Castello di Calatabiano or the one that runs along the banks of Alcantara. The difficulty levels are different, to give the possibility to beginners and advanced to enjoy this wonderful place. Even if you are not an expert in walking, the Alcantara Gorges are worth a visit for its crazy panoramic views and its naturalistic landscape. For sports lovers, the activities proposed are many. There is, in fact, the possibility of practicing canoying, body rafting, kayaking, trekking in the gorges and quad excursions. In addition, you can organize bike tours, hiking between Etna and the gorges, wine tastings and much more! This little hidden paradise can be easily reached from our villas in Eastern Sicily, such as Villa La Boeme, Torre Isola Bella, Villa Angelina and Villa Torre Etnea.

The Durrells is a magnificent TV series on air since 2017, produced by Sid Gentle Films and Masterpiece and which made the whole world discover the beauties of a Corfu of the past, when there were still no holiday villages, discos and luxurious clubs on the beaches of the island. The series is in fact set starting from 1935, when an entire family with British origins decides to change their lives and move to Corfu. The progenitor of the Durrells, however, died during the war, so Louisa, the mother, has to face a series of events that take place between the tragedy and the comedy together with her children and the inhabitants of the island, still unaccustomed to foreigners. Did you know the Durrells really existed? The Durrells, indeed, is the television reinterpretation of the trilogy of autobiographical books "My Family and Other Animals Birds", "Beasts, and Relatives" and "The Garden of the Gods" written by the real Gerald Durrell, a British naturalist, zoologist and explorer who lived in Corfu with his family between 1935 and 1939. Compared to the book and fiction, however, the eldest son had already moved to Corfu with his wife a few years earlier and was then joined from his family. The house where the daily life scenes of the Durrells are filmed has become a tourist spot and is known as the "White House" of the Bay. It still exists and is super requested to stay! The locations on the island where the series was filmed are mainly Kalami, Agni Beach, Corfu Town and Danilia, all located in the northern part of Corfu. If you want to spend a stay in the same locations as the Durells, take a look at our Villas in Corfu as Villa di Giovanni! SEE OUR HOLIDAY RENTALS IN CORFU CORFU Corfu is the second largest island of the Ionian archipelago after Kefalonia. The island is known for its lively nightlife and its dream beaches, which frame the crystal clear water of the Ionian Sea. Few people know that it was under Venetian, French and English rule, before the island became part of Greece in 1864 and therefore hosts architectural examples attributable to each of its governments, making it a destination suitable for all types of travelers! Its villages and its nature are certainly destinations to go to as an alternative to the aforementioned paradisiacal beaches. Take a look at our travel tips and search for the right one for you! Old Perithia: a Charming Ghost-town In Corfu. Where To Stay In Corfu: 5 Travel Tips. 7 Beautiful Places You Need To See In Corfu.

Puglia: the heel of the Italian peninsula, where histories, cultures, and civilizations have come together since antiquity to create one-of-a-kind traditions. Puglia’s territory and location have cultivated a rich diversity of farming, animal husbandry and fishing. The resulting dishes are simple—and simply delicious—examples of the renowned Mediterranean diet. Grains, legumes, fresh vegetables and fish take center stage, as well as delicious desserts that are adored by visitors to this splendid region. Let’s discover the top 10 traditional dishes from Puglia, and get ready for our next food and wine tour! 1. Orecchiette e cime di rapa: Orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe Handmade by skilled pasta artisans, this one-of-a-kind pasta is called “little ears” for its ear-like shape. There are many different sauces and gravies used with orecchiette, but the most delicious and famous is broccoli rabe sautéed with anchovy filets to lend incredible flavor to the whole dish! It’s impossible to resist a second helping, which you will surely be offered. 2. Polpette di pane: Bread fritters Bread fritters are a homemade specialty of southern Italian mothers and grandmothers, in the tradition of frugal housekeeping. Nothing goes to waste! Egg, parsley and other herbs are added to stale bread soaked in milk, then the batter is fried until crispy and delicious. Fresh out of the oil, enjoyed while waiting for lunch, they are the perfect finger food! 3. Pasticciotto An authentic breakfast in Lecce isn’t complete without pasticciotto: a flaky pastry shell filled with custard. Nothing more, nothing less, but the pasticciotto’s simplicity is what makes it irresistable. Legend has it that pasticiotto was the result of a pastry chef’s mistake in the 1700s. When he didn’t have enough ingredients for an entire cake, the chef decided to make a small dessert instead, and pasticiotto was born. It’s available in all bars and pastry shops, and not just at breakfast, so you can indulge at any time of day! 4. Cozze arraganate: Baked mussels These mussels from the province of Taranto are the most delicious in Puglia! They are stuffed with egg, parsley and cheese, then broiled in the oven: a succulent and original way to eat Italy’s most delicious mussels. You can find them in any restaurant along the coast of Taranto, as well as in the area of Salento. 5. Focaccia barese: Bari-style focaccia Soft, thick dough with crunchy edges and just the right amount of oil. Sweet cherry tomatoes and oregano top this focaccia, which has become the symbol of Puglia street food. It’s as famous as the pizza of Naples, but seldom made in other regions because frankly it’s one of a kind! Bari-style focaccia can be found hot out of the oven at bakeries and takeaway shops, not just in Bari, but all over Puglia! 6. Melanzane ripiene: Stuffed eggplant The pride of homecooks, each with their own recipe: the recipe for stuffed eggplant is simple, but the flavor evokes Sundays with family. Whole eggplant skins, cut in half, are stuffed with eggplant flesh cooked in plenty of oil and tomato, mixed with cheese, sometimes meat, breadcrumbs and plenty of love. Baked in the oven until golden and voilà: it’s a simply exquisite dish. 7. Panzerotti Fried in boiling oil, panzerotti are Puglia’s specialty! These half-moons filled with tomato, mozzarella and anchovies are a must for foodies and the perfect alternative to a simple sandwich. There is a wide variety of creative and refined fillings to please all palates. So bring on the fillings with cured meats, cheeses, vegetables and delicious sauces. Don’t miss out! 8. Cartellate The one and only holiday treats: cartellate! Their traditional rose shape resembles baby Jesus’s crown. Cartellate are made from a simple dough of flour and white wine, and then they are, of course, fried. After cooking, honey or vincotto are added according to individual taste and the cook’s recipe. Don’t turn your back or they’ll be gobbled up before you know it! 9. Friselle During the hot summer, friselle are the key to a light and fresh lunch between a dip in the sea and your afternoon nap. Also called frise, friselle are made from an O-shaped roll that’s divided in half and toasted. Friselle are soaked in water according to taste, topped with oil and rubbed with cherry tomatoes just like normal bruschetta. And don’t forget oregano, the omnipresent herb of Puglia cuisine. Recently, gourmet friselle have also become popular, with burrata, anchovies and pesto, as well as salmon and avocado! 10. Fave e cicorie: Fava beans and chicory Last but not least: the real tradition from inland Puglia, made from simple, wholesome ingredients by humble farmers. Fava beans and chicory is not just a dish, it’s an aroma, an emotion, the feeling of home and wholesomeness. Dried white fava beans are cooked for hours until they soften into a puree, and chicory from the fields is lightly sauteed. They come together on the plate and are topped with a simple drizzle of oil. It’s a dish that will stir your emotions by taking you back in time. There are many more traditional dishes in the small but incredibly diverse region of Puglia. To discover them all your only choice is to go try them in person! For a fantastic vacation in Puglia tasting the region’s specialties, we recommend staying in one of our vacation villas in Puglia like Trullo Santo Stefano, Meadow Luxury Villa!

Ibiza: the paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean sea where you can spend unforgettable nights dancing to the beats of world famous DJs, and enjoy long sunsets on golden beaches with your friends. But are nightclubs, beaches and fun all that this marvelous island has to offer? There’s even more than the crystal clear waters and nightlife! Discover inland Ibiza, with its small towns and villages suspended in time in the midst of the stark, wild landscape. Inland Ibiza’s authentic charm lies in the people who live there, away from the crowds. Over the centuries, they have protected their traditions and customs, as well as the art and architecture that can be found only in their villages. Let’s discover inland Ibiza towns that are well worth a visit! Sant Mateu d’Albarca World renowned for its exquisite wine and characteristic Ibizan style San Mateu d’Albarca is a small, unspoilt town inland not far from the coast. Immersed in the countryside dotted with fields of fruit, the village offers unimaginable calm and tranquility. If you visit Sant Mateu d’Albarca in the winter, don’t miss the annual Wine Festival held in December. Just 18 kilometers from the city of Eivissa, it is a must for culture lovers. Sant Carles de Peralta It’s true that this village is on the coast, but it’s the outskirts that will enchant you! Sant Carles de Peralta is considered a miniature Ibiza, mainly because it has preserved island characteristics like old venues that have remained the same since the ‘60s, Mediterranean vegetation and few inhabitants during the low season. Don’t miss the Las Dalias hippy market, with hundreds of stalls where you can find precious souvenirs and characteristic white embroidered dresses, as well as handcrafted objects and Gypsy style jewelry. If you love fashion and are always looking for the perfect, one-of-a-kind item to remember your vacation, Las Dalias market in Sant Carles de Peralta is for you. The market is open year round every Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, and also on Monday and Tuesday nights from June to September. In August it is open on Sundays as well, from 9 am to 1 am. There are also live concerts and Namastè events! Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera This is where thousands of artists from all over Europe found refuge during the ‘60s and ‘70s. In fact, here they organized art galleries and workshops, and bartered art for food with the locals. There are still traces of this unusual exchange at the famous Bar Costa, where splendid paintings are hung among hams. The village itself is very calm, and also known for its Pan amb tomaquet, or bread with tomato, which you can eat at the bars or various terraces in town. Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera is another spot not to be missed! Its church, built at the end of the 1700s, has a splendid white facade in characteristic Ibizan style, but with colorful touches. It is one of a kind! If you would like to visit marvelous inland Ibiza and explore splendid, authentic villages that offer utmost relaxation, take a look at our Villas in Ibiza, like Villa Savonne, Can Pegaso Grande and Blakstand San Rafael.

What could be better than relaxing in a beautiful thermal bath in the midst of nature? And what if I told you that there are magnificent natural hot springs scattered around Tuscany that can be enjoyed free of charge? Well hidden among the Tuscan hills, these natural hot springs are the stuff of dreams. The surrounding wilderness, the peace and quiet in spring and autumn, the health benefits of the warm waters: don’t miss out on the one-of-a-kind experience that only hot springs can offer! If you are looking for a relaxing spot to spend the entire day, even during the colder months, here is a selection of the most beautiful and charming free, natural hot springs in Tuscany. 1) Terme di Petriolo These splendid natural hot springs are immersed in Valle dell’Ombrone between the villages of Monticiano and Civitella Paganico. In the Roman era, their praises were sung by none other than Cicero himself. Also known as Bagni di Petriolo, the springs were once a rest stop for the Medici and Gonzaga families. The 43°C waters are rich in substances that benefit both the body and spirit. 2) Terme di Saturnia Perhaps the most famous and renowned in all of Tuscany, the Terme di Saturnia are ideal if you seek a beautiful place. It is accessible to everyone, with photogenic waterfalls that are very Instagrammable. Legend has it that the god Saturn, irritated at human behavior, launched a lightning bolt that carved out the springs. The mortals were then able to calm their spirits in the spring’s warm waters. A divine day in the pools is waiting for you! 3) Bagni di San Filippo In the heart of the Val d’Orcia at the foot of Monte Amiata, the Bagni di San Filippo is one of the most incredible, relaxing spots in all of Tuscany. Over the years, calcium deposits have formed unforgettable white walls and cascades (called Fosso Bianco and Balena Bianca)! Located in the wilderness, these springs are hard to reach, but the reward for your patience and spirit of adventure is an invigorating bath! In addition to the splendid natural surroundings and hot waters, the beauty of thermal springs is that they are perfect for relaxing with friends, family, or on a couple’s vacation. If you are looking for a place to stay, take a look at our vacation villas near these marvelous hot springs, like Casale Santa Francesca and get ready for a unique, magical experience in Tuscany!

Florence is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in the world, rich in history, art and wonderful places. Before getting lost in the delightful streets of its historic center, why don't you try to see the city from another point of view? Florence offers numerous panoramic points from which you can admire breathtaking landscapes that will make you fall in love. But what are the best scenic spots to see in Florence? Discover it by continuing to read this article!