Local life

From Tzatziki to Moussaka, Greek cuisine is renowned the world over for a reason. Read our traditional Greek recipes guide and cook up your own Mezze feast.

Deciding where to stay in Tuscany represents one of the most consequential decisions of any Italian holiday. This isn't a region with a single character—Tuscany encompasses radically different experiences stacked within 23,000 square kilometres. Renaissance masterpieces and medieval streets in Florence differ profoundly from cypress-studded vineyards in Chianti, dramatic coastlines at Monte Argentario, or the ethereal landscapes of Val d'Orcia.

Join us as we dive into the wonderful sights you can see on a boat trip from Zakynthos, from sea turtles and shipwrecks to gorgeous beaches you’ve only ever dreamed about before.

Planning a trip to Palermo and wondering where to stay? You're not alone. Sicily's vibrant capital welcomes over 900,000 visitors annually, yet many arrive without clarity on which neighbourhoods suit their travel style, what accommodation offers genuine value, or how to avoid the tourist traps that plague Italy's popular destinations.

Discover the fascinating connections between the histories and cultures of Sicily, Puglia, Greece, and Corsica in our A-Z Mediterranean destination guide.

The breeze is warm as it gently caresses your face. You look out across the shimmering sea and feel an overwhelming sense of calm - there's nothing quite like the Italian coast. Here, we explore some of the many coastal gems that Italy has to offer.

Corsica, France's "Île de Beauté" (Island of Beauty), rises dramatically from the Mediterranean like a mountain range thrust from the sea. This rugged paradise, lying north of Sardinia and south of the French Riviera, offers an intoxicating blend of pristine beaches, soaring peaks, medieval citadels and a fiercely independent culture that sets it apart from mainland France.

Ortigia represents the very essence of Sicily concentrated onto a small limestone island barely one kilometre long. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, connected to Syracuse by just two bridges, contains layer upon layer of Mediterranean civilisation: Greek temples that became Christian cathedrals, Arab influences woven into Norman architecture, and Baroque palaces rising from ancient foundations. Yet despite its remarkable heritage, Ortigia remains refreshingly unspoilt, where local fishermen still mend their nets beside ancient fortifications and washing lines stretch across medieval alleyways.

Christmas in France is a magical celebration that blends centuries-old traditions with regional customs, creating an unforgettable festive experience. From the twinkling lights of Parisian boulevards to the enchanting Christmas markets of Alsace, France transforms into a winter wonderland each December.

Sicily, the Mediterranean's largest island, captivates visitors with its extraordinary blend of ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and distinctive culture. From the smoking summit of Mount Etna to sun-drenched beaches and UNESCO World Heritage sites, this Italian island offers experiences that rival anywhere in Europe.

Puglia, the sun-drenched heel of Italy's boot, remains one of the country's most enchanting yet underexplored regions. Whilst millions flock to Rome and Venice, this southern paradise offers something increasingly rare: authentic Italian culture, pristine coastline, and medieval villages untouched by mass tourism. With over 800 kilometres of coastline, baroque cities, ancient olive groves, and world-class cuisine, Puglia rewards those who venture beyond the well-trodden path.

Discover the fascinating history of the Sicilian towns of Syracuse, Gibellina and Poggioreale and learn how human influence and nature have shaped them.