Boundaries sometimes overlap when categorizing Southern Europe as many of the countries listed in this part of the continent are also listed in other broader regions. However, the one unifying factor in this group of sixteen countries that make up this part of Europe in the Mediterranean Sea. Quite predictably, the food and culture are influenced by the climatic conditions of the region, as is the landscape. Visitors head to Greece’s Santorini or Croatia’s coastline in droves to experience first-hand the wonders of the Mediterranean lands. While Spain and Italy are the most industrialized countries in Southern Europe, the rest of the countries in the region rely greatly on agriculture.
Southern Europe too is dipped in history, and the remnants of great civilizations and cultures are visible in the ancient ruins and great monuments. The grand Colosseum of Rome, the Alhambra in Granada, and the San Giovanni Fortress in Montenegro are a testament to the region’s glorious past. Southern Europe’s fascinating present is reflected in the well-heeled cities of Milan and Barcelona and in the gastronomic centers of San Sebastian and Bilbao.
Day or night, there’s always something to do in Barcelona. It’s no wonder, then, that it’s among the most visited cities in Spain! History buffs will marvel at the centuries-old buildings, while foodies will have a feast with Catalan cooking. In Barcelona, world-class art museums brim with the works of artists like Joan Miró and…
What comes to mind when you think of Barcelona? Historic buildings? Beautiful churches? Or sun-kissed beaches? If the latter makes you most excited, you have come to the right place. A beach getaway is not just about spending time at the beach. But it’s also about soaking the ambiance of Barcelona’s shore. And the best…
Most travelers use Makarska as a quick ferry stop on their way to the islands, but they’re actually missing the best part. By staying here, you can find quiet pebble coves and late-night wine bars tucked away in stone alleys. But because the town is squeezed between the cliffs and the coast, where you stay…
When we first stood on the white stone of a Split pier, watching a ferry disappear toward the islands, we finally understood why many are so obsessed with the Dalmatian Coast. We loved spending our morning exploring a Roman emperor’s basement and our afternoon swimming in water so clear it felt like a swimming pool.…
While the beautiful shores of Dubrovnik and Split often steal the spotlight, those who venture inland discover that Croatia’s true crown jewel is Zagreb. As the city with the most museums per capita in the world, Zagreb offers a sophisticated cultural backdrop that is perfectly mirrored in its high-end accommodations. Here, luxury isn’t just another…
Planning a trip to Zadar often presents a challenge: how to experience the city’s 3,000-year-old history without sacrificing the modern comforts of a high-end resort. Many find themselves choosing between charming but noisy boutique stays in the Old Town or secluded hotels that are too far from iconic sights like the Sea Organ and the…
Barna, as locals call Barcelona, sits on Spain’s northeastern coast, overlooking the Balearic Sea and the great blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea beyond. It’s one of the world’s most visited and greatest cities and is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and many, many Gaudí landmarks. But the Catalan capital is so much more;…
At the starting point of the stunning Dalmatian Coast in Croatia sits Rijeka, its vibrant port city. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, specifically the Kvarner Gulf, this lovely city uniquely blends culture, history, and stunning Adriatic views, making it a very popular destination. Hotels in Rijeka, Croatia, are much the same, unfolding like chapters in a…
Home to the famous Summer Olympic Games in 1992, world-famous soccer clubs, and majestic architectural buildings, Barcelona, Spain, is a top-notch holiday destination. Tourists instantly fall in love with the sunny climate, lovely beaches, and the famous local cuisines. Wherever you look, the Catalan capital is alive with unique experiences drawn from the colorful street…
Looking for the perfect base to explore Italy’s stunning Campania region without the five-star price tag and crushing crowds of the Amalfi Coast? Salerno is your answer. While many travelers view it as just a transit point to Positano or Capri, this historic port city offers amazing accessibility, genuine Italian life, and excellent value. Home…
A lot of first-time visitors show up in Ischia and realize they booked the wrong hotel. Maybe it’s halfway up a hill, nowhere near a beach, or the “thermal spa” turns out not to use real spring water at all. Been there, done that! With six different towns and more than 100 thermal springs across…
Choosing where to stay in Varenna can feel surprisingly overwhelming, especially for such a small village tucked along the eastern shore of Lake Como. Yes, we’re talking from experience! With hotels ranging from historic villas dating back to the 1500s to boutique hideaways overlooking the water, the options are beautiful but not always easy to…
Perched 365 meters above the Mediterranean, Ravello has long drawn artists, writers, and royalty seeking peace and beauty, from Wagner composing his operas here to Jackie Kennedy finding refuge in its quiet gardens. That’s why visiting this commune is a must when you’re in Italy. That said, choosing where to stay in Ravello can feel…
Authentic and peaceful, Volterra might just become your new favorite town in Tuscany. This historic hilltop destination dates back over 3,000 years to the Etruscan period and sits comfortably away from the tourist crowds. We’ve loved our visits here, as it’s a quieter alternative to popular cities like Florence, yet it still captures the true…
Family vacations in Tuscany are the kind that our kids talk about for years, filled with shared experiences everyone can enjoy. From exploring medieval towns and UNESCO sites to relaxing in the countryside, this region offers endless opportunities for family-friendly fun. And with that comes an equally impressive selection of family hotels. Since the choices…
Nestled between Siena and Florence, Chianti is the epitome of the charm and beauty of Tuscany. Stretching more than 100 mi (161 km), the region is famed for historic estates, scenic vineyards, and rolling, undulating hills. So, it’s not surprising that it has as many as 8 wine subregions with hundreds of winegrowers producing some…
Arezzo has been inhabited since the 9th century BC, making it even older than Florence and Siena. Surrounded by vineyards that produce exceptional wines, it’s no wonder the city itself seems to age just as gracefully. Why do we love Arezzo? From its authentic charm to its antique markets and rich cultural heritage, there are…
Idyllic villages and towns, stunning, lush landscapes, and unique stays make Tuscany one of the most romantic places in the world, and not just Italy. That’s what makes it such a perfect destination for romantic getaways and anniversaries. It was also why we chose it for our second honeymoon, and frankly, you should choose it for…
If you’re looking for an always-sunny destination surrounded by the sea and steeped in history (and free from cars), then Dubrovnik should be at the top of your list. This UNESCO World Heritage city is one of our top European coastal escapes. Beyond its cinematic beauty, made even more famous by Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik…
When people think of Tuscany, many instantly picture Florence or Siena. However, if you love wine tasting and prefer somewhere more intimate, we highly recommend visiting Montalcino. Located in the heart of Tuscany’s UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia, Montalcino is a small medieval town best known for producing one of Italy’s most celebrated wines, Brunello di Montalcino…
Dubrovnik is certainly having a moment: whether it’s because of increased flight routes, the arrival of cruise ships, or the continuing Game of Thrones mania. The town is home to a fantastic food culture, spectacular architecture, and even more amazing beaches. While some beaches lie right outside the historic walls of the Old Town, the ones…
What makes Split in Croatia so special is that not only is it the country’s second-largest city, but it’s also a beautiful little tourist town. Built around the magnificent Diocletian palace, this town also connects the hip islands off the coast of the country to mainland Dalmatia. Thus, Split has the rare distinction of being…
Been dreaming of experiencing a memorable Greek island retreat? Head to Paros! With its whitewashed villages, shimmering Aegean views, and laid-back charm, this island has become one of Greece’s fastest-rising destinations. And with its growing popularity, the number of hotels is increasing, too. Thankfully, we’ve explored enough of them to bring you our list of…
As someone who has been there before, we can say that choosing where to stay in Dubrovnik can feel like navigating its famous city walls: beautiful, but overwhelming. With thousands of accommodation options available and a surge of more than 1.5 million visitors annually, preparing for your trip can quickly feel like a daunting task.…