For me, the olive trees of Corfu aren't just a landscape. They're a feeling I return to. I've seen them in different ways. In the morning—calm, almost transparent, when the light filters through the foliage and doesn't linger. In the afternoon—dense, collected, when the shade beneath them becomes the only place of peace. But most of all—at sunset. Sunset comes slowly in Agios Gordios. It doesn't fall, doesn't break—it seems to unfold in time. First, the air changes. Then the

In my "Notebooks," I write about the light, wind, and scents of Hellas. But there's one chapter that many skip: a chapter under the starry sky, written not with ink, but with the whisper of pine trees and the sound of the surf. If you're looking for more than just a vacation, but a way to experience Greece with your skin and heart, forget about walls for a moment. Your true Greek adventure awaits you at campsite. Reason 1: Freedom and boundaries that you draw yourself Greec

Zakynthos in the Ionian Sea is becoming increasingly popular. Stylish hotels and sophisticated residential complexes are springing up. Hopefully, the days of British nightlife in Laganas, the Greek Las Vegas, will soon be over. On Zakynthos, as the island is colloquially known, it can be difficult to keep track of the many hotels . Beach Hotels in Zakynthos Luxury beach resort SEA ZANTE Location: Drosia (East Zakynthos) Distance to the airport: about 15 km, approximately 25

I discovered Zimmermann by chance, browsing through FARFETCH on one of those quiet evenings when you want to add something light but full of soul to your wardrobe. One glance at their dresses instantly warmed me up: flowing fabrics, delicate lace, floral prints that seem to come alive in the breeze. These aren't just clothes—they're a mood you want to wear wherever time moves slowly: on a villa terrace overlooking the sea, by the pool, or on a sunset stroll through the garden

Photo from the official websiteLa DoubleJ I discovered La DoubleJ completely by chance, during one of those quiet strolls through Milan when your feet lead you down narrow streets and your eyes search for something that touches your soul. It was a small pop-up shop in Brera—bright colors, prints that seem to come alive on the fabric, and the air filled with energy. I walked in, touched a silk blouse with enormous flowers, and felt something light up inside. It was as if this

In 1962, British Pathé, renowned for its 20th-century chronicles, captured Corfu in a way almost no one remembers. It was a different island—one of silence, simplicity, and untouched light. Corfu hadn't yet experienced mass tourism. The beaches were empty, the villages were slow-paced, and the natural environment was almost untouched. No smooth coastlines, no concrete on the horizon. Just the sea, the slopes, the prickly pears, and the people. Real people. The footage shows o

Budapest has always been a city of two souls for me: one bustling, with the lights of the bridges and the Danube reflecting the lights; the other hidden, almost intimate, where time slows down and you can simply be. It was in this second Budapest that I found The Ritz-Carlton Budapest—a hotel that doesn't shout about its luxury, but whispers it in your ear like an old friend. It's located in the heart of Pest, in a historic late 19th-century building that was once the Stock E

Paleokastritsa Corfu Corfu is an island where the sea meets the sky, and time slows to the whisper of the waves. There's no room for hustle and bustle here: the beaches are hidden between cliffs and olive groves, and the most beautiful ones don't shout about themselves from the main road. They await those willing to detour, stroll, or simply follow their instincts. I love Corfu precisely for this reason—for the small bays where you can be alone with the water and the silence.

Those familiar only with the Aegean islands will see a completely different Greece in Corfu. Instead of white, cubic houses, there are colorful, magnificent villas, and the desert landscape gives way to lush, green pine forests. Slender cypress trees reach toward the sky above hills where olive groves and vineyards intertwine to form an endless carpet of green. Corfu is a true paradise for nature lovers. Especially in spring, when the island is in full bloom, it's so pleasant

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to the best hotels in Corfu! With a whopping 4,000 resorts on the island, 1,200 of which are in Corfu Town alone, you're in for a truly unforgettable holiday. Hold on to your sunhats, because Corfu's tourism infrastructure is second to none. I've selected the best accommodation options for you, guaranteeing a luxury vacation that meets your every desire. But that's not all – Corfu isn't just a popular destination in Greece; it's a global se

Santorini is a true tourist magnet and rightfully ranks among the most popular Greek islands. Besides the dazzling white villages of Oia and Fira, this volcanic island boasts numerous other charming places worth discovering. If you're staying longer than a day, you can take a variety of Santorini excursions . Numerous local tour operators offer a variety of ways to explore Santorini. In this article, I've compiled the best tours to Santorini for you. These guided tours, whet

Perhaps you've long dreamed of visiting history-rich Greece and finally put together an itinerary that includes one (or more) of its countless islands, as well as visits to the mountainous mainland and stops in its vibrant cities. Now it's time to ensure your arrival goes smoothly. For many tourists, a valid passport is sufficient to enter Greece, but others need to obtain a visa several months in advance. Here's our guide to the requirements for traveling to Greece, how new

The three-capped peninsula is a popular summer resort on mainland Greece. During our month-long trip, we were also truly amazed by Halkidiki's countless beaches, with their stunning coastal landscapes and mostly crystal-clear waters. "Chalkidiki's nearly 550-kilometer coastline offers enough fabulous beaches to last a lifetime." Of the 625 beaches in Greece awarded the Blue Flag for excellence in 2024, 104 are located in Chalkidiki. This means that this green peninsula near T

Flowers in Corfu don't demand attention. They aren't arranged in compositions or wait to be seen. They simply grow—where they're allowed sun, wind, and a little earth. Sometimes it seems the island speaks through them. Not with words, but with shades, scents, and the shape of petals. White, pink, yellow—they appear suddenly, without warning, along roadsides, against stone walls, between steps. Corfu flowers aren't decorative. They aren't created to beautify. They're a part of

Cats appear on Corfu before people. You might not even have time to wake up, and they're already sitting on warm steps, on stone fences, at doors that have long since ceased to be just doors. They don't ask for attention. They allow it. It seems as if the island belongs to them as much as the sea. They know all the shadows, all the shortcuts, all the hours when the sun sets softly, and the moments when it's best to retreat deeper into the yard. Corfu cats don't fuss. They liv

I didn't see it right away. It wasn't conspicuous and didn't try to be noticed. White, almost transparent, it grew right in the scorching sand—where, it seemed, nothing should grow. The sun was high. The sand was hot, almost scorching. And right there, at the very edge of the shore, the lily bloomed. It seemed fragile. But the longer I looked at it, the clearer it became: its strength wasn't in its defense, but in its ability to exist. It didn't hide. It didn't seek shade. It

With a coastline stretching over 200 km, the Ionian island is ideal for a beach holiday. Corfu's stunning beaches and bays, mostly composed of light sand or pebbles, offer activities for every taste. The island's most beautiful beaches are located on the west coast, while the east coast is dominated by pebble beaches. Some beaches in the north and west stretch for kilometers, so even in high season, everyone can find a quiet spot. However, a certain degree of mobility is requ

In Greece, you don't have to adjust to the  time.It  is already configured differently here. The morning doesn't start  abruptly.It  unfolds gradually, through the light, the air, the silence of the streets.Even the traffic is softer here, as if the world knows in advance that there is no hurry. The rhythm of Greece is not about  slowness.It 's about  consent.It 's about the ability not to resist the day, but to go along with it. I've often noticed how easy it is to make...

Photo: PixAl Photography - Alan Jacobs (Facebook) I heard them first. Not saw them—I heard them. A subtle, almost weightless scent appeared in the air so unexpectedly that I stopped, trying to figure out where it was coming from. It was softer than any perfume—not insistent, not sweet, but pure and transparent, like morning light. It was in Monrepos. The park still held the warmth of the past summer, but a different breath was already in the air—calm, damp, autumnal. And only

This is Corfu. View of the old fortress. For a long time, I couldn't pinpoint the moment when Greece became more than a country. It didn't happen right away. Not on my first visit, and not on the most beautiful day. At first, it was a backdrop—the light, the sea, the lines of the houses. Then, it became a habit. And then, it became a state that doesn't end when you leave. In Greece, everything happens more slowly, but not lazily. Time doesn't drag here—it simply takes its tim

I don't remember addresses. I remember light. Every house we lived in remained not just walls, but a feeling—the morning air, the sound of footsteps on the floor, the view from the window that eventually became familiar. Some houses were temporary, but they felt more secure than permanent ones. It was easy to breathe in them. Easy to be silent. Easy to be yourself—without the role of a guest. We arrived briefly, and when we left, it was as if we had to leave something behind.

There are roads you don't take to get to a destination. You don't look at your watch or check your route. They exist not to get you somewhere, but to keep you moving. I didn't fall in love with these roads right away. Before, I always needed to know where I was going and why. Now, all I have to do is leave the house and let the day unfold. This is especially noticeable on the islands. The road can end abruptly—at the sea, at a village, at a turn where there's nothing left. An

Winter arrives unnoticed in Corfu. No sudden cold, no dramatic changes. The island simply becomes quieter—as if someone has removed unnecessary sounds and left only the essentials. The sea changes color. It no longer tries to be a postcard—it becomes deep, heavy, and real. The wind brings the scent of rain and wet earth, and the island's greenery seems to become even denser, even more vibrant. In winter, Corfu belongs to those who live here. The beaches empty, the roads clear

After a while, Corfu ceases to be an island. It becomes a backdrop—like the light outside the window, like the familiar sound of the sea, like a shadow that falls a little differently every day. You stop noticing that you live "in a beautiful place." The beauty doesn't disappear—it just stops demanding attention. And that's when you realize: you're not a guest here. Days begin to take shape from little things. From morning commutes you know by heart. From stores where they no

Corfu entered my life quietly. Without promises, without flashy gestures, without any desire to please. It simply was—in the greenery that never fades even in the sun, in the soft air, in the feeling that the day can last as long as it needs to. Here, time isn't divided into "to make it" and "not to make it." It simply flows—like a road between hills, like the shade of an olive tree, like the sea, always nearby but never demanding attention. In Corfu, I felt for the first tim

Bali is an island where the choice of neighborhood directly impacts the overall experience. There's no "right" or "wrong" place to live here—there are different rhythms, landscapes, and moods. That's why, when choosing a villa, it's important to understand the kind of Bali you're looking for. Below are the neighborhoods best suited for villa living, each with its own character and atmosphere. Ubud – Silence, Greenery, and Inner Rhythm Ubud is located inland, amid rice fields,

Bali has long ceased to be just an exotic island. For many, it has become synonymous with a unique rhythm of life—calm, mindful, and filled with space. It is here that the villa experience unfolds most harmoniously. In Bali, a villa is neither a luxury nor an exception. It's a natural and familiar way to travel, allowing you to experience a place more deeply and peacefully than in a hotel. Space and Privacy One of the main advantages of a villa vacation is the feeling of pers

Near Thessaloniki, Katerini welcomes guests with a cheerful atmosphere and unique accommodation options. Katerini is a small town located near Greece's northern capital, Thessaloniki . Don't miss it! Katerini, a city of four seasons, will surprise you with its diverse entertainment options. From bustling roads to the snow bars of the Elatochori ski resort. From the impressive Dion Archaeological Park with its fascinating artifacts from antiquity to the vast Platamonas and Oly

The Meteora Monasteries rise between heaven and earth on mighty, dark rock peaks. These impressive structures in Thessaly, located in northern mainland Greece, are masterpieces of human ingenuity and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. "The magic of Meteora unfolds in the evening, when the bustle of the day gives way to the silence and solitude of this sacred place." The name Meteora comes from the Greek word "meteoros," meaning "soaring high." Thousands of yea

Crete is the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and also the largest island in Greece. Situated in the southernmost part of the Aegean Sea, it boasts a coastline stretching over 1,060 kilometers. Crete is considered a miniature version of Greece, with beautiful beaches, fertile plateaus, historic towns, and quiet mountain villages. “Anyone who has ever visited the island of Crete will be charmed by the hospitality of the locals with their Greek joy of life and infe

Corfu is one of the most popular Greek islands. Numerous magnificent hotels and private apartments are available for both individual travelers and package holiday enthusiasts. But how do you find your dream Corfu accommodation with so many hotel booking sites? For your Corfu holiday, I've carefully researched and compiled personalized recommendations for the best hotels on the island, based on guest reviews. These include first-class 4- and 5-star hotels, all-inclusive resort

When I first discovered VoiceMap audio tours, I was in London. The city was quiet and a bit distant, the museums were closed, the streets were empty, and I was learning to listen to its breath—step by step, through the guides' voices, telling stories right in my headphones. Each route became a small revelation: turn after turn, street after street—London revealed itself anew. It was like a journey through a book, where each chapter is a new neighborhood, and each story comes

Travel for those who know how to slow down I love returning to places where the sea feels like a long silken shawl—slow, smooth, and warm. For me, that place was Paralia Katerinis: not far from bustling Thessaloniki (about an hour's drive), but a completely different world in spirit. There are no noisy promenades or crowds here—just a wide stretch of sand, a gentle breeze, and the horizon of the Aegean Sea. In this post, I share my favorite spots, tips, and a selection of hot

Если этот спокойный момент вам близок, найдите больше размышлений и тихой красоты на моем канале YouTube — Aegean Notebooks. Подпишитесь на YouTube → There are moments when the world seems to freeze. Water becomes a mirror, and trees bend over it, as if peering into their souls. Autumn is in no hurry—it breathes softly, with gold and silence. We're used to finding inspiration in movement, but sometimes it comes from stillness. Three minutes by the water—and it seems like ever

Every December, your city is transformed. The streets you rush through every day suddenly light up. Buildings you barely notice are decorated with wreaths and garlands. But when was the last time you explored your hometown the way visitors do? Audio tours VoiceMap — an ideal occasion to slow down the pace and look at familiar places with fresh eyes. Some cities offer holiday-themed walking tours, such as the Chicago Christmas Traditions Tour or Rovaniemi: Santa's Family, bu

This is why I love virtual travel —it brings back the feeling of movement without the need to rush. Today, I invite you to join me in the heart of the American Northwest, to Olympic National Park . This isn't just a tour—it's an audio journey from Shaka Guide , a brand that has turned storytelling into art. 🏔️ "Olympic Symphony" - an eight-hour walk where nature is the main conductor This tour is all about the landscape itself. Glacial lakes flow softly, the coniferous

Royal castles, medieval fortresses and a village in the clouds – these 10 French towns will enchant you. Photo: f11photo / Shutterstock France's fairytale landscapes—majestic Alpine peaks, hilltop castles with towers, and half-timbered medieval towns entwined with vineyards—have inspired everyone from Walt Disney to Van Gogh. Wherever you go in this country, you'll find French villages and towns imbued with a fairytale atmosphere. So, immersed in the magic of Disneyland Paris

In the Netherlands, winter arrives softly: first, Sinterklaas, the smell of cinnamon and fresh waffles, then candles in the windows, outdoor skating rinks, and those same lights that make you want to slow down. This is December, which has room for both childish delight and the quiet happiness of an adult with a cup of mulled wine. I've compiled a list of the most beautiful Christmas markets of 2025 for you – with short routes, cozy stops, and addresses where you can sleep com

There are cities that become a part of you from the first walk. You don't even have time to understand why, but you already know: you'll come back . Tbilisi is one of them. It lives in the rhythm of leisurely steps along old streets, in the aroma of coffee and pomegranate, in the sound of laughter that echoes from every courtyard. Here the sun doesn't just shine—it seems to warm you from within. And if you listen carefully, you can hear the city whispering: stay another day.

Every December, Europe turns into a fairytale. The smell of mulled wine, the soft glow of fairy lights, and heart-warming music. It's that time of year when you want to wrap yourself in a scarf, hold a mug of hot chocolate, and simply wander—where the lights twinkle and the people smile. Today I want to invite you to a place where Christmas is not just a holiday, but a mood, a smell, a taste and a feeling of home away from home. 1. Berlin, Germany – the aroma of roasted almon

Hotel: NYX Thessaloniki — Leonardo Hotels Thessaloniki is a city where everything is alive, warm, and genuine . A city where mornings begin with coffee by the sea, and evenings with the sounds of bouzouki in small taverns. It doesn't try to please—it simply lives. And that's what captivates. When you first find yourself here, the city seems to glow from within: the façades with worn plaster, the smell of fresh bougatsa and spices from the Modiano market, voices, music, the

(and it’s worth staying right here – at NYX Esperia Palace Athens) Athens is a city where the sun illuminates the marble of the Acropolis just as it did two thousand years ago, and the air still carries the scent of jasmine, coffee and the morning sea. Every time I return here, I feel: Athens is more than just a capital. It's a state of mind. A city where history lives at every step, but life flows easily, beautifully, almost Italian-style, with a Greek accent. ✦ Where to sta

Sometimes life itself pushes you to change. When you stop dreaming of "going somewhere someday," and just pack your suitcase and go. Not running away from something, but moving towards yourself. Traveling can be more than just a vacation, but a lifestyle and even a way to earn money. Today I'll tell you how you can work, get inspired, and earn money while living by the sea, on the road, or simply without an office. 1. Write and share your story Writing means creating a world

Sometimes inspiration strikes not in the office, but over a cup of Greek coffee on a terrace overlooking olive trees. My journey to a "life on the move" began in Corfu —an island of emerald slopes and tranquil sunrises. It was there that I first realized that work and travel can go hand in hand, as long as there's peace, stable Wi-Fi, and a little magic around you. Today I'm sharing a selection of places where you can work and live in harmony. Where the day begins with the s

Sometimes the most amazing places aren't found along the route, but in a turn in the road, where you find yourself almost by accident. That's how I first found myself in Kastoria —a quiet, ancient city in northern Greece, where Lake Orestiada mirrors the sky, and the houses recall Byzantium and the Ottomans, merchants and poets. The journey from Thessaloniki took a little over two hours. The bus glided past hills, and suddenly—the silvery expanse of water, rooftops immersed

There are trips where everything is predetermined: hotel, breakfast, route, dinner. And then there are others—when you just go. No rush, no schedule, no walls or scribbled checklists. Just the road, the morning light, the smell of coffee, and the wind that decides where to turn. With CamperDays, that's exactly it. You choose a campervan—a compact van for two, a family camper, or a motorhome—where you can live by the sea, among vineyards, or at the foot of the Alps. No restric

My acquaintance with Greece began with Corfu—an emerald island where the sea reflects the sky and ancient olive trees hold the memory of centuries. It was then that I first realized that Greece is not just a country, but a special state of mind: calm, warm, and endlessly inspiring. Since then, I've returned again and again—to the Cyclades, Athens, Crete, and the Peloponnese—and each time Greece reveals itself in a new way. There's no "wrong" time to travel here—there's only y

1) NH Collection Madrid Gran Via If you're planning to spend your Christmas holidays in Madrid, why not stay at a newly opened hotel? NH Collection Madrid Gran Vía ? Here you can enjoy a fun holiday break, visiting museums and squares, as well as shops and boutiques located right on your doorstep. And after a busy day, why not head to the hotel's stunning Picalagartos restaurant and bar for dinner and unrivaled views of the city skyline? In the evening, catch a musical at o

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino Perched on a majestic hill overlooking the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, Costa Navarino (a Mandarin Oriental property) is perfect for those seeking peace and absolute relaxation. This resort blends harmoniously into the natural landscape, surrounded by pristine beaches, olive groves, and sun-drenched slopes where every sunset seems magical. Inspired by the soft colors of the Messenian landscape, suites and villas offer a sense of coz

A journey through the UK's country hotels is an invitation to a world of English elegance, Scottish charm, and uncompromising comfort. From majestic estates in Hampshire and Devon to boutique hotels in the Cotswolds and on the shores of Loch Lomond, each preserves its own history, atmosphere, and unique style. This collection features the finest hotels and estates where tradition and modernity blend: Four Seasons Hampshire, The Gleneagles, Cameron House, Grantley Hall, Whatle