The allure of this bustling city never fails to attract many visitors from around the world. Marrakech is a must-visit destination for travellers seeking out a quintessential Moroccan experience with a whole lot of surprises. If you’re yet to find out what the hype about Marrakech is after seeing endless images on your social feeds, heard stories from a friend-of-a-friend who visited or are simply out of the loop on just how magical Marrakech is, you’ll quickly find reasons to love it too. Here are 9 reasons why everyone loves Marrakech (so prepare to be seduced).

1. Exploring the medina by foot is one of Marrakech’s best thrills as you try to get oriented in the web of narrow streets. It can be seriously hectic, but it’s that much more rewarding when you locate historical gems like the 19th century Bahia Palace and sniff out Rue de Bab Debbagh for the leather tanneries.

2. The riads of Marrakech aren’t just a place to lay your head at night, they are seriously impressive works of art. Riads adored for a number of characteristics such as the multicolour-tile mosaics, ornately carved archways, grand pillars, spa-like dipping pools, bold colour accents, plush cushions, and the list goes on!

3.The main souk of Marrakech is the epitome of eclectic. The souk (or market) is full of goods organised by their respective section. You can browse handmade bags, nibble on fresh olives, gawk over the artisan-crafted jewellery and even find locally-sourced saffron to take back home with you (just make sure you check for any customs or immigration restrictions before you transport goods back home). Shopping in the never-ending souk is the perfect way to start chatting with locals and master your negotiation skills.

4.Marrakech masters the art of ornate tile work. Whether it’s a fountain tucked around an inconspicuous corner or the mosaics at the Saadian tombs, that have been hidden for nearly 200 years, there any many decadent patterns in an array of colours. Painted, cut and all placed by hand, no tile masterpiece is the same and each makes its environs that much more unique and beautiful.

The island of Mykonos is known for its emblematic windmills and its narrow streets with whitewashed facades. This small island in the Aegean Sea is also one of the most popular destinations in the area and is an ideal choice if you want to find modern hotels and restaurants. 

Spend your day strolling through the streets of Little Venice or relaxing at one of the many beaches before heading to one of the buzzing night clubs.

Visiting Mykonos is the perfect opportunity to discover Byzantine architecture and to visit the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Delos. If you start feeling crowded in the main city, head to one of the smaller inland villages or take a drive around the island to admire the wild landscapes.

What to do in Mykonos

1. Little Venice: Waterside Vibes

The highlight of the Mykonos waterfront is Little Venice, named for its delightful fishing houses that fall mystically into the blue water like buildings along the Venetian canals. The stormier Aegean Sea greets the bases of these iconic white homes, and photo opportunities abound from every direction. Wandering the back streets reveals charming galleries and delectable cafés and bars with a distinctively Greek atmosphere.

2. Windmills of Mykonos: A Pretty Picture

These 16th-century windmills are adorable hilltop wonders, overlooking Mikri Venetia and the expansive sea. Built centuries ago by Venetians, the engineering is simple but lasting. Visitors to Mykonos arriving to the island catch their first glimpse of land with the silhouettes of these iconic buildings towering over the picturesque port. Sunset views from the base of the beautiful buildings are incomparable, as the white houses are bathed in golden light.

3. Church of Panagia Paraportiani: Five in One

In the Kastro neighborhood by the sea, Panagia Paraportiani is one of the most unique church buildings in the world. White through and through, this angelic structure has gradually expanded since the 14th century and celebrates a diversity of architectural styles. From tip to toe, five different churches have been combined and built into one. Don't you leave without snapping a selfie!

4. Delos: Beautiful Gods

A beautiful boat ride away from Mykonos, Delos is an island rich in ancient history. One of the most important sites in all of Greece, it is archaeological heaven for experts and tourists alike. Wander every corner of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in search of traces of the civilization that once worshipped the sacred land as the birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis. Highlights include the Terrace of the Lions and the Sacred Way, lined with countless temples, statues and mosaics.

Warning: wanderlust ahead

We are sharing with you our top 10 hotspots to visit if you’re heading to Greece this summer season. From Mykonos to Zakynthos find out which island beachses you have to visit! 

1. Plaka, Agios Ioannis, Pelion

You don’t have to leave the mainland to see the best beaches on offer – this mainland treasure is at the south eastern part of Thessaly in central Greece.

2. Egremni, Lefkada

If paradise was a colour, it could be the striking light blue of the water at Egremni Beach on the island of Lefkada. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, Lefkada is one of the few Greek islands that is accessible by car. 

3. Agia Anna, Amorgos

Agia Anna (Saint Anna) became the most famous beach in Amorgos after featuring in French director Luc Besson’s 1988 film The Big Blue.

4. Polyaigos

Polyaigos Island is the largest uninhabited island in the Aegean. The name means ‘many goats’ and these are the only residents you’ll find here. 

5. Vrika, Antipaxos

This tiny island is the perfect little paradise for those seeking seclusion and relaxation.

6. Myrtos, Kefalonia

Consistently voted as one of the best beaches in Greece, you’ll want to spend an entire day on this beautiful stretch of sand. Myrtos lies at the feet of two mountains, Agia Dynati and Kalon Oros, and is backed by steep limestone cliffs. 

7. Vatera, Lesvos

Idyllic and unspoiled, Vatera is one of the longest beaches on the island. This is my local beach when I’m visiting family, and I have spent many memorable summers here. 

8. Kleftiko, Milos

Accessible only by boat, Kleftiko is an old pirate’s hideout on the south-west of the island that is famous for its impressive rock formations. 

10. Agios Sostis, Mykonos

The view from Kiki’s Tavern – where there’s no signage, reservations or telephone – makes this tiny taverna overlooking Agios Sostis Beach the place to be. 

10. Porto Katsiki, Lefkada

The waters of Porto Katsiki are an incredible shade of iridescent blue thanks to its Ionian Sea locale. 

Leather Jacket: Diesel / Sunglasses: Saint Laurent

It has been called England’s answer to Malibu. But that’s a bit like calling Hugh Grant England’s answer to Brad Pitt. A nonsense. Nevertheless, it’s not hard to see why the analogy sprang up.

Sandwiched between the seaside towns of Bournemouth and Poole on England’s South coast the Sandbanks peninsula juts like a pointed finger about a mile out to sea. It is so narrow at one section that you can see the waves lapping along the edge of both of its sides from the road.

People pay a high price for the awesome views out across one of the world’s largest natural harbours, taking in the golden dunes of Studland nature reserve on the opposite shore and then out over the English Channel to the Isle of Wight. In fact, it is said to be one of the most expensive places on earth per square metre to buy a home and the property price tags have given it a reputation as a seaside playground for the ultra rich.

There are a few fantasyland lairs, from which Bentleys and Porches glide in and out, but if you come here hoping to spend a few days living the millionaire lifestyle you will be largely disappointed.

Think instead of wide stretches of golden coastline where kids fish for crabs in the rock pools, as Dad finishes off the sandcastle development they started earlier. Both desert their pursuits in a flash when the ice-cream boat arrives. The real Sandbanks is the traditional British seaside resort of yesteryear.

Leather Jacket: Diesel / Sunglasses: Saint Laurent

Leather Jacket: Diesel / Sunglasses: Saint Laurent

Spetses is both cursed and blessed by its assets; being too pretty and too accessible have made it too popular. The last of the Argo-Saronic islands that include Aigina, Poros and Hydra off the northeast coast of the Peloponnesos, Spetses was so green in antiquity that it was called Pityoussa – covered with pines. Cruel winds rarely buffet it, yet every midday in summer a delicious breeze springs up to cool it. Although it has to import water, bougainvillea, hibiscus, plumbago, jasmine and trumpet vines thrive in the mild climate, spangling white walls with pink, mauve, red, baby blue and orange petals. Handsome mansions dominate the seafront between the Old Harbor (Paliolimani) and ∏-shaped Dapia, where sea taxis and kaikis huddle under cannons left from the War of Independence. Adjoining the modern jetty, where the hydrofoils dock, stands an ochre elephant of a hotel – the grand Posidonion Hotel, where Athenian gentry holidayed a century ago.

Spetses is easy to get to know, superficially at least. Its only town, with about 5,000 permanent residents, stretches along the north coast from the Old Harbor, considered the classiest district, to Dapia, the port, and west to Kounoupitsa, with its more modest houses. It doesn’t take much more than half an hour to walk from one end to the other, but nobody would be caught dead using their feet in Spetses. The locals, young and ancient, male and female, are latter-day centaurs, almost welded to their motorbikes. Sometimes whole families of four or five squeeze onto one, while I’ve seen the most improbable things being carried. Most memorable was the guy wearing a canoe on his head, driving with one hand, holding it with the other, barely able to see as he bounced along a patch of stony road.

A visit to Spetses begins as you step off the hydrofoil at Dapia, which means “fortified place” in Turkish or Albanian, depending on who tells you. Today, it’s the center of Spetses life, where you go to buy the newspaper (foreign or Greek), do some shopping (for essentials or extravagances) and, most of all, just hang out. The cafés behind the cannon are filled day and night with non-locals nursing frappes or scoffing excellent sweets, while old timers and Spetsiotis patronize Stambolis on the upper left side. Below it are a small Alpha Bank branch, the Flying Dolphin ticket office, a well-stocked periptero (kiosk) and a gleaming new café – so new I’ve never sat there, but it looks pricey.

But what about swimming? Spetses has the kind of beaches I like: more little coves hemmed by rocks than great expanses of fine sand. Snorkeling can be psychedelic thanks to the entrancing pink and mauve patterns on the walls of small caves, while at Agii Anargyri, the island’s biggest beach, you can swim into a large cave where women and children allegedly hid during at least one Ottoman raid. The story goes that their wily menfolk placed fezzes on the asphodels that grow by the hundreds near the lighthouse and frightened the enemy away.

Dapia is the island’s transportation hub. Sea taxis and kaikis bob below the cafés. Besides taking you singly or in a group to the beaches round the island, they’ll also carry you to beaches across the straits on the Peloponnesos, starting with Kosta, which is served by an unglamorous ferry as well. Be warned: the sea taxis are expensive – 20 euros to or from Kosta – while the ferry has got to be the cheapest fare in Greece at 80 lepta (cents)! Kosta, a few miles east of Porto Heli, has a decent beach, but we drive from Athens and park the car there – cars are prohibited on Spetses from Easter to the end of October. And so do a lot of regular visitors and islanders, who balk at paying the 35 euros for a one way ticket on the hydrofoil from Piraeus. Sadly, the more economical boat that took five hours was discontinued a couple of summers ago and there are no plans to reinstate it.

Discovering a secret town? Well that’s one way to get off the beaten path.

We’ve seen a few hidden towns in our day (mostly in America), but never one quite as beautiful as the town of Monemvasia, Greece.Perched on an island off the east coast of the Peloponnese, Monemvasia’s name means “single entrance” in Greek.

The “hidden” spot boasts a massive Byzantine fortress (hence the nickname “fortress town”), but one thing is definitely in plain sight — the huge selection of nearby beaches, open to tourists and locals alike.Poet Yiannis Ritsos once called Monemvasia “a ship of stone,” and those who have visited rave about “rugged, salt-of-the earth beauty” that provides “a refreshing escape” from the real world.

If you need to unplug, hide out on the island and spend your days looking for traces of Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian and Ottoman influences in town, which mean there’s impressive architecture and history nearly everywhere you turn.Though if you’re in for a bit of adventure, the best attraction on the island is the Kastania Cave.

Described as a must-see attraction by tourists, the cave took millions of years to form and is packed full of rare geological wonders. And right next door, you’ll find a cafe and a church that was once visited by pirates. Sign us up!Experts say Greece is great in the winter, meaning now is a perfect time to go. Escape crowds, indulge in the delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and explore the ancient history of Monemvasia.

You can reach Monemvasia by cruise or bus, and a ferry is available during the summer months. We’ll see you there!

London is definitely for me an impeccable destination during winter time.Here’s why London should be on your winter-travel list—and how to make the most of your time while you’re there:

Embrace the Weather: I can’t tell you how many English people have told me—usually with a wink—that it’s not bad weather, just bad clothing! And it’s true. Having the right gear is essential, so be sure to pack your umbrella and rain boots. “The truth is, the weather in England is terrible year-round so coming in the winter only guarantees that there will be less people,” Lauren confided. “At least in the winter, you can feel that the cold and wet is seasonally appropriate!” Once you’re on the ground, there are countless places to escape the drear and drizzle.

Find a New Street to Love: On this trip I discovered Lamb’s Conduit, a pocket-size street tucked away in Bloomsbury and refreshingly free of chain stores. It’s small enough that you can wander in the rain without much trouble and has plenty of cafés and shops  to duck into for respite along the way. For sustenance, try family-run Vats Wine Bar and Restaurant or chic Cigala for Spanish tapas.

Luxuriate Over Lunch: When it’s cold outside, you want to indulge in long lunches. The best place I found to do that was at one of London’s most anticipated restaurant openings, Spring at Somerset House. On a particularly gray day with sheets of rain pouring down, I was happy to be cocooned in a large, airy space with white columns, globed chandeliers, and textured blue walls, dining on grilled fish and bitter chocolate mousse.

Try an Alpine-Style Hangout: Though it’s far from the Alps—or from any mountain range, for that matter—London has its own pop-up alpine-style retreats. Hugo Campbell-Davys, founder of Urbanologie, recommends dining on a high altitude-inspired barbecue menu at Le Chalet, lit with candles and twinkly lights atop Selfridges department store, or ordering “hot and toasty” après-ski cocktails at Piste in Soho.

Explore a New Museum: London’s museums are (mostly) free to visit, and many house gorgeous cafés in addition to brilliant artwork. On another afternoon, I parked myself in the sumptous mosaic-clad eatery at the Victoria and Albert. In Marylebone, I discovered what feels like a hidden gem, at least for visitors: the Wallace Collection. Though there are Rembrandts and Rubens adorning the walls, I spent the most time in a gallery filled with paintings of Venice, many centuries old and painted for British tourists who visited the city on their Grand Tour.

Go Where the Locals Go: Once again, I relied on locals advises to guide me to their favorite neighborhood spots in Notting Hill. At Walmer Castle, which looks like a classic English pub, I dug into delicious Thai food amid a boisterous local crowd. She also drew my attention to Beach Blanket Babylon, one of her favorite places to meet for post-work drinks with friends. “It lends itself to cozy conversations around their fireplace while sipping sparkling drinks and generous glasses of wine,” they said. “It’s definitely a place someone has to bring you to or you’d never know about it.”

If you’re like most people who visit Paris, you probably want to make sure you don’t miss the must-see sights. Seriously! Who takes their first trip to Paris without seeing Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower? But, at the same time, I’m sure you also want to go beyond the basics and find the best non touristy things to do in Paris. That’s why first-time visitor articles and tips for Paris are just as popular as reads about off the beaten path Paris or Paris hidden gems. So, if you’re visiting Paris for the first time, use my cheat sheet linked above. But then, sprinkle in a few of the top non touristy things to do in Paris for a trip that’s all your own.

1. Paris by Vespa

What’s more quintessential than riding around Paris on a Vespa accompanied by a local who knows where to go and how to get there without GPS or a map? Why not add a local twist to your sightseeing plans with one of Paris best kept secrets? Ride ‘n’ Smile offers visitors the chance to ride on their very own Vespa past popular spots like Notre Dame and the Louvre. Along the way, you’ll drive through several arrondissements discovering Paris off the beaten path including historic streets, markets, and tucked away cafes and shops. Choose whether you want to tour the city by day or all lit up and sparkling at night. If you’ve already visited Paris’ main sights, Ride ‘n’ Smile is happy to customize your tour around specific arrondissements or themes. This is perfect if you want to focus on a specific figure or period of time in Paris history. Even better still, let the guide show you alternative things to do in Paris!

2. Visit a local market.

Paris’ historic food, vintage, and antique markets offer the opportunity to stroll with the locals while searching for that perfect bite, specialty item, or bric-a-brac object telling a story of Paris past. One of the best non tourist places in Paris is the Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves. It’s easier to access, smaller, and less overwhelming than the larger Marché aux Ouces de Saint-Ouen. But, both will have you digging deep looking for that amazing antique find, like a 19th-century chandelier or a vintage flapper dress. Marché Saint Quentin is one of Paris’ covered food markets. You’ll find everything from fruits and vegetables to meats, cheeses, and specialty food items. Eat while you’re there or buy for later. If you’re in the Marais, don’t miss the Marché des Enfants Rouges. It’s Paris’ oldest covered market dating back to 1628. Find stalls selling gourmet food, but the real highlights are the stalls cooking up bites in nearly every cuisine for market-goers to munch on. Chez Alain’s crêpes draw a never-ending line and vegetarians, like me, will love the Moroccan cous cous dishes at Le Traiteur Marocain.

3. Spend time with a local expert

Whether you’re interested in cooking, history, or art, put your guide book away and plan time for an authentic experience with a local expert. In my opinion, these experiences are always one of the most memorable parts of a trip! Context Travel offers small group (no more than 6 people) walks led by an academic versed in a particular topic, like my Hamilton NYC Tour. Not only will you learn about non touristy Paris, your guide will undoubtedly share Paris hidden secrets. Walk through Montmartre and learn about the artists and writers, like Picasso and Hemingway, who once called this Paris neighborhood home. Or taste your way through the Left Bank with a local chef to discover the history and flavors of French cooking

4. Get Quirky

Did you know that Paris has somewhere around 130 museums? Or that Atlas Obscura lists over 100 places where you can explore Paris off the beaten track? The Louvre, of course, is a must. But, it’s overwhelming.In contrast, the sculptures and the garden at the Musée Zadkine, located near the Luxembourg Gardens, highlight the works of this Russian sculptor in the studio where he lived and worked. You’ll appreciate the ambiance and will develop an appreciation for the pieces on display in a way that’s very difficult to do among the crowds surrounding the Mona Lisa.Or really go deep and discover 2 unusual Paris attractions. Take a tour of the catacombs or visit the Musée des Egouts de Paris, French for the Paris sewer system museum. Take a tour through either and discover a maze of tunnels, the remains of more than 6 million people, and how these underground places figure into the history of Paris. What’s more, the Musée des Egouts de Paris is one of Paris most secret spots. Yes, they’re both a bit spooky, but you’ll come away with interesting stories to tell and a different view (literally) of Paris.

5. Wander

It’s no secret that sometimes the most obvious idea is the best. Exploring on foot is hands down the best way to discover non touristic places in Paris. For the most fearless among you, just wander is a simple thing. However, I know not everyone feels comfortable doing this in a new place. So, here are some points on the map to get you started.Don’t just go to Montmartre for the Sacre Coeur. Zig zag your way through the tiny streets and you’ll find some of the best non touristy places in Paris! Not only might you stumble upon the best meal of your life or that perfect scarf, you’ll get a feel for the culture and daily life.

This is my Paris,
My reality.

No-one sees what I see ~
It belongs to me.

This is my sky,
These are my clouds,
My reality.

I belong to no-one;
Paris set me free.

 

Paris is as I mentioned a true love to me! I try to come back once per one or two years. This city inspires me every single time that I am here. I enjoy strolling around the city taking pictures and sketching amazing views.  

The camel coat is always a good idea if you want to stand out and dress up yourself. I founded mine shopping online in Massimo Dutti. The price was good enough and the materials super fine. I wore it with a total black outfit and I felt comfy and stylish to walk around all day long in Paris. 

Paris may be the city of love and one of the most romantic places in the world but today I’ve been having a little romance with the city itself. It turns out I LOVE Paris.

I spent the day wandering among some of the main attractions, stopping for café lattes and macaroons, shopping in the boutique stores and generally loving every corner of this gorgeous city.

My first night in Paris, I slept with my curtains open so once again woke up to that incredible view. Waking up to a pinky sky and the Eiffel Tower was an absolute dream come true and I had to tear myself away to go for breakfast. After a breakfast of croissants and fresh fruit I took the short walk to the Eiffel Tower. I wandered around taking photos while doing my very best to avoid all the scammers and touts. I decided not to go up the tower because the queue was so long and I had so much I wanted to see. I headed to the Palais de Tokyo for a quick look around on my way to the Musee Galliera. This is also known as the Musee de la Mode, or the fashion museum. Of course, I went inside and loved it. My first day in Paris was just amazing. 

Shoes: Santoni Shoes

Hey guys!

This is my second photo diary from Sifnos! I loved this photos of my outfit and I wanted to share them with you! Check out my sifnos photodiary vol.1 for more informations about the island and tips.

Don't hesitate to contact me for anything! 

Cheers,

Pasquale 

Shoes: Santoni Shoes

Shoes: Santoni Shoes

Shoes: Santoni

If you are looking for that perfect Greek island with a balance of beautiful beaches, low-key nightlife, white Cycladic villages, low-impact tourism and maybe the best food in the Cyclades, then look no further than Sifnos, where I have been coming for over thirty years. Just three hours from Athens by High-speed or five hours by normal ferry, Sifnos is easy to get to and you may never want to leave. Most people who visit Sifnos return again and many make it a yearly sojourn, while some go as far as to buy houses here and call it home. 

I consider myself very lucky for being Greek. Traveling all the time is hard but I am trying to visit my spend each summer a few weeks or more in the Greek islands.The climate in the summer is very warm so you need to pack light. Also you should consider that the atmosphere in the islands is laid back so casual clothing is a must. But for my more dressing looks I am choosing a couple of lightweight suits and comfortable shoes that I can wear all day long and explore every corner of those islands. For this trip i chose my favorite santoni shoes which you can see upclose on the pictures. You know how much I love Santoni Shoes, you can check my posts on my instagram profile! 

To choose your own pair of Santoni shoes go check the Santoni official site ( www.santonishoes.com ). Sales are on!!!!

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Boasting the largest wine collection in the Maldives, the ivory-white Tavaru tower includes a restaurant with a Michelin-starred chef, Champagne lounge and more. A look inside the structure shows an impressive cylindrical cellar and maze-like staircases connecting the different floors. The owner of the island, Jiri Smejc, teamed up with Prague-based architect Petr Kolar to build this exclusive vacation resort, where a night stay can run anywhere from $1,500 to $30,000 USD. Thus, it’s no surprise that the resort doesn’t skimp when it comes to wining and dining its guests. 

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Source: CONTEMPORIST