A guide to this summer’s hot spots. Expert tips on sights and attractions of some of the most iconic celebrity destinations in Europe. Glamorous locations, from Taormina to St.Tropez, are more than just fine dining, bar hopping and shopping, but an exploration of culture, architecture and natural beauty.
TAORMINA
Love at first sight
Taormina is a picturesque hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily. Perched 204m above sea level, it has some of the best views on the island, if not the entire country. The beautiful Ionian Sea reaching as far as the eye can see and the immense Mount Etna with its continuous stunning yet humbling presence. The town exudes old-world charm and romance from every angle. From lounging on the sandy beaches to enjoying great food accompanied by luxurious wines and beautiful scenery, you will not be left wanting. Between relaxing, shopping and soaking up the sun Taormina offers a plethora of culture too.
Greek Theatre
Constructed in the third century BC to accommodate tragedies and musicals, today, it’s grand presence offers a glimpse of a bygone era and its theatrics. Fascinating remnants can still be found here, from the cavea and orchestra to some of the columns still visibile on the actual stage.
Piazza IX Aprile Viewpoint
No trip to Taormina is complete without taking in the sights from Piazza IX Aprile and strolling across this checkered square to stare out over the sea. Possibly the city’s most famous viewpoint, particularly at sunset.
Corso Umberto
Taormina’s main pedestrian-friendly high street, Corso Umberto, is lined with Medieval buildings and Renaissance-style architecture. Packed with restaurants, stores, and boutiques to explore, along the way, you’ll also see the Palazzo Duca di Santo Stefano, a 13th-century mansion that formerly belonged to a Spanish aristocratic family.
Blue Grotto
Visit Taormina’s Blue Grotto by boat, a sea grotto located on Isola Bella’s Mazzaro beach. Exploring this geological wonder up close is a truly magical experience. The cave has a blue reflection on the water in the grotto that completely lights up the cave. While this may sound unusual there are few things more spectacular than witnessing the blue glow reflected within the cave.
MARBELLA
Jet set hot spot of Europe
Join the international jet set. Marbella is located on the renowned Costa del Sol in the province of Malaga. The city of golden hues and the Costa Del Sol’s most polished jewel, a sanctuary for luxury guests and the glamorous jet set. The region boasts a rich cultural legacy and an idyllic setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its international jet set image, Marbella has a genuine Andalucian atmosphere, and a visit to the Old Town of Marbella might cause you to believe that you’ve travelled back in time to another world.
Wander around the Marbella’s Old Town, also known as the Casco Antiguo, features several cobbled streets with colourful flowers scattered throughout with boutiques, art galleries, tapas bars and restaurants. Orange Tree Square, also known as Plaza de los Naranjos, is the pulsating heart of Marbella Old Town. The Town Hall, a magnificent fountain and buzzing restaurants with beautiful patios beneath orange trees. A truly charming way to spend the afternoon meandering through tradition and innovation.
The Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation, or Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, is one of the biggest churches in Andalucia and dates from the Baroque period. It features a cheerful yellow and white façade with interior frescoes depicting the 12 apostles.
The Encarnacion or Church of St Mary on Plaza de la Iglesia is not to be confused with this religious monument. This majestic Marbella church houses one of Spain’s biggest organs.
Well worth a visit are also the castle walls, or Murallas del Castillo. Built in the 9th century by the Moors, this fortress and its walls formerly covered 90,000 square metres. Although the castle and most of the walls have since been demolished, remnants can still be found on Calle Salinas. Plaza Santa Cristo is located in the top portion of the ancient town, known as Barrio Alto.
Ensuring some downtime in the sun at some of the best beaches in Marbella is a must: Playa de Cabopino, Playa Nagueles, and Playa Real de Zaragoza.
CAPRI
Pearl of the Mediterranean
The island of Capri, is a little paradise nestled in the Bay of Naples, home to home to lavish restaurants, magnificent beaches, and an abundance of history. Capri, was once the home of Emperor Tiberiusan and unsuprisingly known for its lavish indulgence. An iconic location in itself, depicted in countless films and novels, has two distinct faces: during the day, it is buzzing with visiting tourists, but once the last ferry departs the island comes alive with locals and visitors enjoying the glamorous nightlife.
Capri promises guests a plethora of dreamy spots, whether you’re looking for a relaxing break or something more adventurous. Throughout the island natural wonders leave you speechless, such as the incredible Blue Grotto, and the Faraglioni Rocks. Rich cultural heritage is not lacking either, with Villa San Michele offering a fascinating insight into Italian history, the ancient remains at Villas Jovis and the panoramic views from Monte Solaro. Further notable elements of this Italian hotspot are the Augustus Gerdens and Via Kruppo.
All you need to bring are fashionable comfortable shoes and an adventurous spirit.
Watch The Sunset At The Picturesque Lighthouse
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a spectacular sunset across the Mediterranean. The only place to do that on the island is at the Punta Carena lighthouse. Spending a few tranquil hours there beforehand thanks to its beautiful beach, crystal waves and quaint bars will certainly not disappoint too.
Explore The Villa Jovis
Two of Capri’s most renowned occupants, Emperor Tiberius and his nephew and future Emperor Caligula, palaces can be reached on foot. There are two 45-60 uphill hiking paths to climb to the summit, but it’s well worth it.
Villa Jovis ruins is incredibly well-preserved and still holds buildings completed in the year 27 AD. When the complex finally opened in 1937, it was the archaeologist Amadeo Maiuri who stringently managed the excavation project. Also located here is the little Church of Santa Maria del Soccorso.
Roam Around The Gardens Of Augustus
With views of the Faraglioni Rocks on one side and the Marina Piccola and Via Krupp on the other, a gentle stroll through the Gardens of Augustus is a must. Its collection of flower-decked terraces are perfectly positioned near Capri Town’s city centre and just a few steps from the Certosa di San Giacomo. Due to possible falling rocks, Via Krupp is not always accessible.
Enjoy A Cocktail In Piazzetta Di Capri
The Piazzetta has traditionally been the focal point of life on the island. Previously a market where people would buy and sell fish, vegetables, and meat. Today, it’s a popular location for eager paparazzi to photograph celebrities and tourists hoping to spot their favourite Hollywood star. Whatever the reason, spending time in the outside cafés people-watching and enjoying an aperitif or espresso will make for a truly memorable moment.
ST.TROPEZ
Gem of the French Riviera
The most iconic village on the Côte d’Azur: St.Tropez. The town owes its reputation to its celebrity lined beaches, buzzing nightlife and being home to the wealthy. But it’s so much more than just a jet-set haven that makes it so unique. The home port of Brigitte Bardot has in fact managed to retain its exquisite Provençal charm. The Provençal light is perhaps the first thing you notice, it’s clear and dazzling at first, which later softens into velvety twilight shadows. It’s no surprise that generations of painters and artists have gravitated here over the years. A renowned location for high-end shopping, eating, drinking, and dancing the night away, but Saint Tropez attractions don’t stop there, with its incredible natural landscapes walking, biking and day trip excursions are well worth exploring.
The Saint-Tropez Harbour & Old Town
The Vieux Port, is the hub of the town. A bustling ancient port and colorful buildings dazzle just as much as the flock of superyachts. A wonderful place to enjoy an ice cream or cool drink in one of the numerous harbour-side cafés and people watch. A stroll through the Old Town means you’ll find yourself in a fairytale world of cobbled lanes and pastel-hued houses. Beautiful lanes that lead to adorable squares where you can join the locals for a drink on the patio and watch pétanque players battle it out. You won’t go hungry either thanks to delicious food markets in Place des Lices where you can find cheeses herbs, garlic, and olives, and Place aux Herbes offers nutritious vegetables and freshly caught fish.
Tour Pourtalet
At the edge of St.Tropez’s harbour is situated the 15th-century Tour Portalet, where a spiralling walkway takes you around the coast before connecting to the Sentier du littoral. Enjoy dipping your toes the sparkling waters at the rocky, colourful Plage de la Glaye before continuing down the coast to Plage de la Ponche, which is enclosed by tall terraced buildings and fragrant with orange blossom.
The Citadeò and Maritime Museum
One of the most visited historical attractions in the region is the Citadeland and the Maritime Museum. The fortress, built in the early 17th-century on the hill above the town, is made up of a hexagonal keep, bastions, and a rooftop terrace, boasting breathtaking views across the dazzling Mediterranean. The contemporary maritime museum offers visitors an insight into Saint-Tropez and lives of ordinary locals as well as the area’s most celebrated residents, characters and heroes.
An Art Revolution at Le Musée de l’Annonciade
Due to the arrival by sea of Neo-Impressionist Paul Signac in 1892, Saint-Tropez became the European hub of progressive painting in the early twentieth century. After abandoning his ship, L’Olympia, he built a house and studio here called la Hune. Other painters quickly followed, including Henri Matisse, Henri-Edmond Cross, André Derain, and Albert Marquet. A prominent period of time which gave rise to revolutionary movements which have influenced modern visual arts, in architecture, dance, fashion, photgraphy, cinema and advertising for rest of time.
In honor of this historic time and accomplishment, the extremely engaging Annonciade Museum was created. This 16th-century church, located on Place Georges Grammont, was turned into a museum in 1922 and displays works by major contemporary painters associated with Saint-Tropez from 1890 to 1950. Aside with Signac, Matisse, and Cross, the large collection also contains works by Seurat, Bonnard, Dufy, de Vlaminck, and others.
