Posts about Italy

North Sardinia has an alluring sparkle that draws travellers from across the globe. Along its northeastern edge, charcoal rockfaces cascade into water of almost implausible clarity, maquis-rich slopes perfume the air, and a coastline of chalk-white and pink sand and translucent inlets unfold in near-unbroken succession.

We pride ourselves on knowing our destinations inside out. Our villas are not just places to stay; they are gateways to a slower, more thoughtful way of travelling. From Sicily’s sun-drenched coastlines to the understated elegance of the Greek islands, our team spends time in every destination we offer. Somewhere between the early morning market visits and long, languid dinners, we’ve picked up an idea or two about how to pack well for a truly memorable villa holiday. Packing, as it turns out, is less about what you bring and more about how you prepare to experience a place. Here, we reveal our expert’s packing tips for stress-free villa travel: thoughtful, practical, and shaped by years of exploring the Mediterranean.

There’s something about a villa that invites romance. Perhaps it’s the privacy, the sense of having the world, or at least a very beautiful corner of it, entirely to yourselves. Or maybe it’s the way time seems to slow when there’s no shared corridors, no schedules beyond your own, and no rush for the pool loungers. This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the love stories that have unfolded across our villas: proposals and vow renewals, milestone anniversaries and quiet moments shared over long dinners under the stars. These are stories shaped by place but defined by people, and by the magic that happens when everything feels just right.

There are certain places in the world that feel cinematic the moment you arrive. Light dances differently. Colours seem richer. Landscapes unfold with a quiet sense of drama. Across Italy, Greece and Corsica, the Mediterranean has provided the setting for some of the most iconic films and television series ever made, and it continues to captivate directors, actors and travellers alike. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the turquoise waters of Skopelos, from Sicily’s Baroque towns to the rugged coastline of Corsica, these are destinations that belong on the big screen. Yet they are far more than film sets. They are living, breathing places of extraordinary beauty, ideal for a picture-perfect Mediterranean holiday. Below, explore the most famous Mediterranean filming locations and discover how you can step into the scene yourself.

The coastline near Ostuni, Puglia's celebrated "White City," stretches for approximately 20 kilometres along the Adriatic Sea, offering an extraordinary collection of beaches that have earned the prestigious Blue Flag designation for their pristine waters and environmental excellence. Just 8 kilometres from Ostuni's historic hilltop centre, this coastal paradise known as Marina di Ostuni presents an enchanting blend of golden sandy beaches, dramatic rocky coves, towering coastal dunes, and protected nature reserves surrounded by lush Mediterranean scrub.

Sicily isn't just Italy's largest island, it's a continent in miniature. Stretching across 25,711 square kilometres, this Mediterranean gem rewards strategic planning when selecting accommodation. Whether you're drawn to ancient temples overlooking azure seas, volcanic landscapes dotted with vineyards, or pristine nature reserves where flamingos nest, your choice of where to stay fundamentally shapes your Sicilian experience.

Sardinia is a land of layered identities: wild granite mountains, ancient nuraghi (unique Bronze Age megalithic stone towers) rising quietly from the landscape, and luminous coastlines that shift from emerald to deep cobalt. In 2026, spring, summer and early autumn reveal an island alive with ritual, music, and celebration. From sacred processions and horseback spectacles to open-air concerts and coastal festivals, Sardinia’s event calendar offers a deeper way to experience the island, one shaped by tradition, community, and a profound sense of place.

The Mediterranean is a place of light, colour and centuries-old traditions, where every town and village has its own story to tell. From lively local festivals and religious celebrations to seasonal feasts, music events and time-honoured rituals, the cultural calendar here is rich and varied — reflecting the deep histories, seasonal rhythms and diverse influences of the region. Whether it’s stepping into a sun-soaked Greek panigyri, witnessing an extraordinary feast day in Sicily or joining a local celebration along the Italian coast, Mediterranean cultural events offer authentic, unforgettable experiences that bring communities together and invite travellers to share in their spirit and joy. Below you’ll find guides to the main events across different parts of the Mediterranean — from mainland Greece and the Cyclades to Corsica, Sicily, Puglia and Tuscany — so you can discover the celebrations that bring each destination to life.

With its rolling hills, glorious coastline, and timeless, art-filled cities and towns, Tuscany is an irresistible destination in so many ways. To experience the region at its most soulful, we recommend joining in with the locals as they celebrate their traditions, their folklore and their music. There are so many events and festivals going on throughout the year that you’ll always be able to experience what really make Tuscans tick. This 2026 Tuscany events calendar gives an idea of the wealth of magical moments that can transform a great holiday into one that will linger long in the memory.

Sicily is a destination where history, devotion and joy are woven into daily life, and its calendar of events reflects the island’s kaleidoscope of culture. In 2026, there are moments worth planning your travel around in every season: from Baroque floral pageantry in May to vibrant patron saint feasts in July, ancient theatre under starry skies in summer and harvest celebrations in autumn. Whether you time your stay with epic processions, sensory food festivals or centuries-old rituals, Sicily’s events unfurl a deeper layer to this island of turquoise seas and dramatic landscapes.

Sun-splashed towns, ancient olive groves and baroque hilltops: Puglia is a region where tradition is lived as much as it’s observed. In 2026, spring processions, summer music and harvest gatherings unfold against the Adriatic and Ionian seas, inviting travellers to experience the region’s food, folklore and faith in a deeply local way. This 2026 Puglia events calendar weaves together the region’s most compelling moments, from early spring to winter lights, with the cultural context that makes each one meaningful.

Florence or Firenze, as Italians lovingly call it—is the birthplace of the Renaissance, a living museum where every cobblestone street whispers tales of artistic genius and architectural brilliance. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, this compact city packs more cultural treasures per square kilometre than almost anywhere on Earth. Whether you're standing before Michelangelo's David, climbing Brunelleschi's magnificent dome, or savouring a scoop of artisan gelato whilst watching the sunset over the Arno River, Florence offers experiences that will stay with you forever.