Experiences

There’s something about a villa that invites romance. Perhaps it’s the privacy, the sense of having the world, or at least a very beautiful corner of it, entirely to yourselves. Or maybe it’s the way time seems to slow when there’s no shared corridors, no schedules beyond your own, and no rush for the pool loungers. This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the love stories that have unfolded across our villas: proposals and vow renewals, milestone anniversaries and quiet moments shared over long dinners under the stars. These are stories shaped by place but defined by people, and by the magic that happens when everything feels just right.

Nestled on Corfu's dramatic northwestern coast, Paleokastritsa Beach stands as one of the most breathtaking destinations in the Ionian Islands. With its emerald-turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and scattered coves adorned with cypress trees, this coastal paradise has captivated visitors for centuries—even inspiring legends of Odysseus's mythical landing.

The Mediterranean is a place of light, colour and centuries-old traditions, where every town and village has its own story to tell. From lively local festivals and religious celebrations to seasonal feasts, music events and time-honoured rituals, the cultural calendar here is rich and varied — reflecting the deep histories, seasonal rhythms and diverse influences of the region. Whether it’s stepping into a sun-soaked Greek panigyri, witnessing an extraordinary feast day in Sicily or joining a local celebration along the Italian coast, Mediterranean cultural events offer authentic, unforgettable experiences that bring communities together and invite travellers to share in their spirit and joy. Below you’ll find guides to the main events across different parts of the Mediterranean — from mainland Greece and the Cyclades to Corsica, Sicily, Puglia and Tuscany — so you can discover the celebrations that bring each destination to life.

With its rolling hills, glorious coastline, and timeless, art-filled cities and towns, Tuscany is an irresistible destination in so many ways. To experience the region at its most soulful, we recommend joining in with the locals as they celebrate their traditions, their folklore and their music. There are so many events and festivals going on throughout the year that you’ll always be able to experience what really make Tuscans tick. This 2026 Tuscany events calendar gives an idea of the wealth of magical moments that can transform a great holiday into one that will linger long in the memory.

Mainland Greece rewards those who travel beyond the obvious. Ancient landscapes, living traditions and quietly beautiful coastlines define regions such as Evia, Corinth and Porto Heli, where days are shaped by the sea, village life and long meals under the sun. If you would like to begin your holiday with a short cultural stay in Athens, the capital’s spring and summer events offer a stimulating contrast, an ideal prelude before continuing your journey to the calmer pace of a Thinking Traveller villa.

Planning a villa holiday in the Ionian Islands? From Corfu’s Venetian elegance to the tranquil harbours of Paxos and Meganissi, these islands offer far more than beautiful beaches. Throughout the year, local festivals and events bring each destination to life with music, food, ritual and celebration. This guide highlights the best events in the Ionian Islands in 2026, focusing on Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Zakynthos, Paxos, Antipaxos, Meganissi and Kastos. These are the moments that reveal the region’s character and make an Ionian holiday truly memorable.

Across the Aegean, each island group has its own rhythm. The Dodecanese offers spirituality and serenity, the Saronic Islands combine elegance with artistic heritage, and the Sporades are defined by lush landscapes and a deep connection to the sea. This guide explores the most evocative cultural, gastronomic and seasonal events in 2026 across Patmos, Hydra, Spetses, Alonissos, Skiathos and Skopelos: moments that reveal the character of these islands and enrich a villa holiday with local tradition, atmosphere and a sense of place.

The Cyclades are instantly recognisable: whitewashed villages glowing in the sun, cobalt domes against a cloudless sky and a deep-rooted sense of tradition shaped by wind, sea and faith. Yet beyond their iconic beauty lies a cultural calendar rich in music, gastronomy and centuries-old ritual. This guide explores the best events in the Cyclades in 2026, focusing on Antiparos, Kea, Mykonos, Paros, Syros and Tinos, the islands where The Thinking Traveller offers its villas. From springtime religious celebrations to summer festivals and early autumn feasts, these are the moments that reveal the Cyclades at their most authentic and compelling.

Corsica is a land of contrasts: mountainous interior maquis rising from turquoise seas, Genoese towers watching over fragrant vineyards, and traditions that balance fierce independence with heartfelt celebration. In 2026, spring, summer and early autumn bring a rich spread of events that are as memorable as the island’s beaches and mountain villages. From open-air concerts and traditional feasts to world-class sailing and adventure racing, Corsica’s calendar is a compass for travellers seeking deeper connection and cultural resonance during a villa holiday.

Sicily is a destination where history, devotion and joy are woven into daily life, and its calendar of events reflects the island’s kaleidoscope of culture. In 2026, there are moments worth planning your travel around in every season: from Baroque floral pageantry in May to vibrant patron saint feasts in July, ancient theatre under starry skies in summer and harvest celebrations in autumn. Whether you time your stay with epic processions, sensory food festivals or centuries-old rituals, Sicily’s events unfurl a deeper layer to this island of turquoise seas and dramatic landscapes.

Sun-splashed towns, ancient olive groves and baroque hilltops: Puglia is a region where tradition is lived as much as it’s observed. In 2026, spring processions, summer music and harvest gatherings unfold against the Adriatic and Ionian seas, inviting travellers to experience the region’s food, folklore and faith in a deeply local way. This 2026 Puglia events calendar weaves together the region’s most compelling moments, from early spring to winter lights, with the cultural context that makes each one meaningful.

Florence or Firenze, as Italians lovingly call it—is the birthplace of the Renaissance, a living museum where every cobblestone street whispers tales of artistic genius and architectural brilliance. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, this compact city packs more cultural treasures per square kilometre than almost anywhere on Earth. Whether you're standing before Michelangelo's David, climbing Brunelleschi's magnificent dome, or savouring a scoop of artisan gelato whilst watching the sunset over the Arno River, Florence offers experiences that will stay with you forever.