The Peloponnese is one of the most flowery spots in Europe and is a truly spectacular sight during the springtime. Huge areas are swathed with gorgeous colour and sweet scents hang upon the air. There are some 2,300 species of flowers on the Peloponnese, of which 350 are found nowhere else in the world. One
What is striking on arrival to Casa do Ludo are the magnificent pine trees which soar above the roof of the villa. Tropical palm trees and a luxurious well kept-lawn add opulence to the massive 10,000 square metre expanse of enclosed gardens. The tennis court and 10 x 4 metre swimming pool round things off
Rambling around a twisting and turning 100-mile coastline, enveloping ancient hilltop villages to rival those of Tuscany, Istria and Provence, Le Marche in Italy is an incredible region to explore. Being one of Italy’s lesser known areas one tends to assume it might be more economical to the tourist than the likes of Tuscany and
In the heart of Ibiza close to the bohemian town of Saint Gertrudis you’ll find Villa Escandell, set in beautiful gardens where green is the visible colour of all four points of the compass. A house surrounded by flourishing plants and trees, Escandell is a true natural escape from the noise and busy goings on
Vejer de la Frontera in the Spanish province of Cadiz is a classic white-washed old Spanish pueblo, which is, by and large, missed by the tourist hordes. The reason for this traditional village’s relative anonymity is because it is ten miles inland and therefore off the densely-travelled coastal route. The long period of Moorish rule
It is well-known amongst scholars of ancient writing that an ancient city once existed at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River in Andalucia. It is said that long ago the present day Guadalquivir had two mouths and the city of Tartessos was built upon an island in between them. Today there is only one river
With its pine-clad, stone-path walks that twist and turn around an interesting coastline, legendary cities, autonomous culture and favourable year-round climate, it’s not difficult to understand why Catalonia remains a top tourist destination.
There is always something comforting about converted old buildings. It could be down to the warmth of their history or maybe just the simple fact that they don’t build them with such robust materials any more. Mulina d’Anna is a converted old mill set in the vast and beautiful wine country of Tuscany. They
Perched on the verdurous and undulating Tuscany-Umbria border close to the village of Mercatale, there could not be a more apposite spot for Casale Seano. This vast and luxurious holiday let in Tuscany dates back to 800 AD when its life began as a medieval monastery. Casale Seano has been restored to an impeccable standard,
A small city with a rich history settled in dazzling Tuscan countryside. What city are we talking about? Lucca of course. Traces of Roman, Medieval, Renaissance and the nineteenth century can all be found in Lucca’s urban fabric, much of which has remained surprisingly well self-preserved. Narrow medieval streets wind and twist, presenting a hidden
