Local Guides

Our Local Specialist in Sicily, Chiara, shares her top picks for the best food, activities, villas and more, all on the Italian island of your dreams.

Puglia, Italy's sun-drenched heel, has transformed from a well-kept secret into one of Europe's most captivating destinations. With its whitewashed hilltop towns, crystal-clear Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, centuries-old olive groves, and baroque architecture, choosing where to stay in Puglia can feel overwhelming.

Zakynthos (known to many as Zante) is a captivating Greek island in the Ionian Sea that effortlessly balances natural splendour with authentic Greek culture. Whilst the island is celebrated for its iconic Navagio Shipwreck Beach, there's a wealth of experiences waiting beyond the tourist trail—from secluded coves accessible only by boat to traditional mountain villages where time seems to stand still.

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany's rolling hills, San Gimignano and Siena represent two of Italy's most captivating medieval destinations. San Gimignano is a small walled medieval hill town in the province of Siena, famous for its medieval architecture and preservation of about a dozen tower houses, whilst Siena captivates visitors with its Gothic grandeur and vibrant cultural heritage. Together, these destinations offer an unforgettable journey through Tuscany's rich history, stunning landscapes, and authentic Italian culture.

Discover the best areas to stay in Zakynthos, from quiet retreats to lively beaches. Explore luxury villas with breathtaking island views.

Mykonos isn't just another Greek island – it's a mesmerising blend of sugar-cube architecture, turquoise waters, world-class dining, and an energy that shifts seamlessly from peaceful morning wanderings to sunset cocktails and legendary nightlife. Whether you're seeking romantic hideaways, family-friendly beaches, historical treasures, or that famous party scene, this comprehensive guide reveals everything you need to know about experiencing Mykonos at its finest.

Discover Trapani's best beaches with our complete guide. Pink sand shores, hidden coves, crystal-clear waters, family beaches & Mediterranean beauty

Deciding where to stay in Tuscany represents one of the most consequential decisions of any Italian holiday. This isn't a region with a single character—Tuscany encompasses radically different experiences stacked within 23,000 square kilometres. Renaissance masterpieces and medieval streets in Florence differ profoundly from cypress-studded vineyards in Chianti, dramatic coastlines at Monte Argentario, or the ethereal landscapes of Val d'Orcia.

Planning a trip to Palermo and wondering where to stay? You're not alone. Sicily's vibrant capital welcomes over 900,000 visitors annually, yet many arrive without clarity on which neighbourhoods suit their travel style, what accommodation offers genuine value, or how to avoid the tourist traps that plague Italy's popular destinations.

Corsica, France's "Île de Beauté" (Island of Beauty), rises dramatically from the Mediterranean like a mountain range thrust from the sea. This rugged paradise, lying north of Sardinia and south of the French Riviera, offers an intoxicating blend of pristine beaches, soaring peaks, medieval citadels and a fiercely independent culture that sets it apart from mainland France.

Ortigia represents the very essence of Sicily concentrated onto a small limestone island barely one kilometre long. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, connected to Syracuse by just two bridges, contains layer upon layer of Mediterranean civilisation: Greek temples that became Christian cathedrals, Arab influences woven into Norman architecture, and Baroque palaces rising from ancient foundations. Yet despite its remarkable heritage, Ortigia remains refreshingly unspoilt, where local fishermen still mend their nets beside ancient fortifications and washing lines stretch across medieval alleyways.

Sicily, the Mediterranean's largest island, captivates visitors with its extraordinary blend of ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and distinctive culture. From the smoking summit of Mount Etna to sun-drenched beaches and UNESCO World Heritage sites, this Italian island offers experiences that rival anywhere in Europe.