After spending 2 days in the ancient cave city of Matera (read about this in part 1, which covers the first few days of our Puglia trip), we headed south to explore the quiet hilltop towns and coastal landscapes of Italy’s heel. While Matera is all about history and atmosphere, Puglia is about slowing down: swimming in turquoise grottos, wandering…
Read the PostA few years ago, I spent a week town-hopping through Puglia and fell in love with how undiscovered this corner of Italy still felt. When planning my return to Southern Italy, I knew I wanted to start with a bucket list stay in one of Matera’s ancient cave dwellings. This two-part guide shares my complete week in Southern Italy —…
Read the PostLooking for where to stay in Athens for the best restaurants, local hotspots, or design-forward hotels? This guide to the best neighborhoods in the city has you covered. Last updated May 2026 Athens is a unique blend of opposites: ancient marble structures lie among busy residential streets, while century-old family tavernas sit steps away from tourist-trap restaurants. Most travelers to…
Read the PostLast updated April 2026 Why Choose Lourmarin as Your Provence Home Base Nestled in the heart of the Luberon region, Lourmarin stands out as one of the most charming villages in Provence. This picturesque town, officially recognized as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France), has the perfect blend of authenticity and convenience that…
Read the PostOne of the most authentic ways to experience Provence is through its markets. These colorful gatherings are not just places to shop, they’re cultural institutions that have been at the heart of Provençal life for centuries. From the scent of freshly baked bread and lavender to the vibrant displays of local produce and handcrafted goods, French markets are the ultimate…
Read the PostUpdated for 2026 with current hotel recommendations, restaurants, and travel tips. Naxos is the largest of the Cycladic islands, and one of its most underrated. With nearby Paros getting a lot of recent attention, and neighboring Mykonos and Santorini making for easy ferry transfers, Naxos is a great pick if you’re looking for a quieter, more authentic Greek island experience….
Read the PostClick here to shop the digital guide. After years of exploring the Greek Islands and falling deeper in love with each return visit, I’m thrilled to announce that The Greek Islands Digital Guide is here. This isn’t just another travel guide — it’s a comprehensive, beautifully designed resource that distills everything I’ve learned from countless island-hopping adventures into one…
Read the PostUpdated for 2026 with current hotel recommendations, restaurants, and travel tips. Paros has become increasingly popular in recent years since we first visited during this Greek island hopping trip; it was initially recommended to us as a ‘foodie’ island. Naoussa town in particular attracts visitors seeking both authentic Greek charm and cosmopolitan amenities. Paros is incredibly diverse: this crowd-pleasing island…
Read the PostWhen I first learned of Tinos, I was surprised no one had recommended it to me before. Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Mykonos, Tinos remains relatively undiscovered: quieter, more authentic, and dotted with traditional villages that feel worlds away from its famous neighbor. After 10 days exploring hidden corners and uncovering one gem after another, Tinos has become one…
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