Da Emilia alla Curtiglia found on the western side of Isle of Capri has some of the best food, drinks and sunsets on the island.
Run by classic Capri family from mum/dad, brothers, kids, cousins the place is warm and inviting. They were happy to pick me up from Villa San Michele and drop me back! I felt like royalty and was the service at the restaurant was similar.
Being gluten free can be hit and miss but their GF bruschetta was to die for!
Painting the sunset, drinking a delightful gin cocktail and eating the delicious olives and bruschetta will be some of my fondest memories of Isle of Capri this trip.
There is something wholesome and encompassing about eating fresh local produce that hasn’t been mass produced but lovingly grown by Nonno. Most of the smaller regions still (and staunchly) opt for traditional farming methods so the produce can be grown mostly pesticide and weedicide free. The depth of flavours embarrasses your average super market produce.
Equally the main dishes don’t disappoint. Lashes of local olive oil, fresh seafood and vibrant garnishes. If I didn’t have a trillion other reasons to go back to Capri, I would certainly go back for the Vognole from this restaurant and sunset. GF, delicious and home made with love.
Below one of the chefs and the very big kitchen able to cater for weddings, parties anything.
Click here to book. I would make this the destination and Isle of Capri the incidental.
A beautiful hotel needs a few prerequisites: such as friendly welcoming staff, a great buffet breakfast, a pool to escape to and well serviced rooms.
Hotel San Michele has all this and an incredible view, which is worthy of staying for if the only reason.
The rooms are well kept and have a nostalgic charm. I had a very small, tiny room on the second floor with possibly the best views of the island. It was room 203 but it was a single bed and so tiny you could NOT swing a cat in there. I affectionately called it my Capri Grotto.
Given the time of year, it was very hot and the pool along side the hotel is free to use for guests, including a beach towel and sun chair. It can get busy so pick the times that you go.
The pool restaurant was definitely a stand out. With fresh fish, yummy salads, attentive staff, I only really discovered it on my last day and of course, the obligatory bellini ( a spritz type drink with prosecco and peach juice).
Not normally a fan of breakfasts nor buffet bars, it’s not something I factor in when considering a hotel. However, the buffet breakfast at Hotel San Michele was exceptional. Not on a Sheraton cook anything you want level, but on another level. Lots of cheese, cold meats and small selection of hot foods. The usual Americana junky breakfast foods. And lots of fruit and salad ingredients.
I don’t normally have breakfast but did enjoy my breakies at the hotel which are included in the price.
I will be going back to stay as the rooms, the views, the staff and pool/bar next door make this an easy place to stay.
Regardless of the time you have in Monaco, every minute is gold (or diamonds)!
Monaco is a small sovereign country. It has its own monarchy and is encapsulated by France on either side. French is the native language but English is spoken in everywhere.
The strip itself is only a couple of kilometres long and approx 1km wide from the ocean up to the hill. Or Le Rocher as it is known to locals.
I joke with my friends that you have to be a mountain goat as there are many stairs and maps are deceiving. You need sensible shoes, most locals wear flats, and some stamina. Fortunately there are many escalators and lifts. I try to take advantage of these short cuts and even if you take them, you will still walk up a lot…
After many trips here my breath is still stolen wandering the streets around the Casino and by the marina, marvelling at the beauty that money really can buy.
Considered the rich man’s play ground there certainly is a lot on offer if you have a fat cheque book. Alas, most of my favourite activities don’t require millions to participate but certainly leave you feeling richer and wealthier for the experience.
These are my favourite things and no doubt there are many more.
Larvotto Beach
A drink on the balcony of the Fairmont Monte Carlo
Sitting at Cafe Paris watching cars arrive in front of the casino
Boat watching
Musee de Oceanographics de Monaco
Walking around the palace area
La Marche Monaco
Metropole Shopping Centre
Beach clubs
Night Clubs
1. Larvotto Beach
This is one of my favourite beaches in the world. For a variety of reasons. It is not a sandy beach more a small pebble/shell beach. This means you don’t carry around pesty sand all day if you want a swim then wish to dine out afterwards.
The beach is enclosed so if you are worried about the bigger fish you are OK. There are no predatory sharks however in the South of France. You will see big fish off this beach and it is great to go snorkelling if you have younger children.
The beach is patrolled – which some people like. For me, being ablle to swim 300meters in one direction on a flat ocean is superb and much better than swimming in a chlorinated swim pool. This to me is its real draw card.
You can swim to two pontoons not far from the beach and bath or simply enjoy the escapement of units behind you.
There are a variety of shops and restaurants along the foreshore. Some expensive, ,others more reasonable. Back towards the casino is the Jardin Japanoise – a nice little garden that you can sit in and relax.
2. A Drink at the Fairmont
Monaco is infamous for it’s casino and attached to is a hotel called the Fairmont. There are many options inside the Fairmont to have a drink, including a roof top pool and dining area called Niki Beach. On this trip I chose to have a French Chenin Blanc watching the moon rise for the balcony. It is a great place to regroup and acknowledge the efforts it took you to get here.
The wines are not cheap however you are also served some nibbles, usually olives, lava beans and nuts.
3. Cafe De Paris and car watching
For many this is their bucket list. Sitting at the famous cafe beside the casino watching the spectacular cars come and go. You don’t have to line up for a seat and can just drift around Infront of the casino which many people do. Don’t feel ashamed to take photos of the car – everyone is doing it.
4. Boat watching
Whether you like boats or not, the super yachts are a much adored outing for myself and many others. You can get up close and personal to these boats.
In the past, I have attended three Monaco Yacht Shows which is held the last weekend in September. It is certainly an eye opener and after being fortunate to have partied on some of these boats, I can assure you they are every much as luxe as they look on the outside to the inside. In fact, I liken many of them to floating art galleries, housing incredible sculptures, art works and textiles and finishings. If you have the opportunity to get on one of these boats, scoop it up.
There is a little ferry that does port crossings and also a fun activity giving you the perspective of being on the water.
5. Le Musee de Oceanographique de Monaco
On the hill near the palace is an aquarium that is world class. The building itself is fantastic with a former prince highly engaged in marine biology and preserving the seas. On the top floor is an interactive 3D display which I thought was very cool. In the past they have had aquariums where you can touch and handle marine life. Open hours are here.
This time I arrived late and thought they may give me a discount, which they didn’t. It was a bit disappointing as I only have 30 minute before they shooed me out. Alas, a good experience anyway.
6. Walking around the palace & port
Wandering around the port area is very pleasant with lots to see and do.
If you wander (more to the nice side) you can ascend to the top of the hill above Port Hercules where the Monachy reside. The guards can be seen doing a change of guard and are a spectacle in themselves. Cannon balls and guns can be seen along the old wall as can many sculptures and tributes to Princess Grace Kelly.
7. La Marche Monaco
This happy little market has food, clothes, flowers and trinkets. Found near the Santa Maria cathedral it operates on 5 days of the week.. Inside the Marche are a couple of seafood places, hot roast meals and two bars. You will also find a large health food shop inside. It is cheaper to eat at the markets like this, rather than only eating at restaurants which can be pricy in Monaco so if you are on a budget make your way here.
8. Metropole Shopping Centre
I really like this shopping centre. It has designer clothes, swim wear, a range of other services (beauty etc) and a food court down stairs. This is where the Monageuse shop and it does feel great – looking at clothes and other items. If it is hot outside it offers a welcome haven from the dry heat. Even if you don’t like shopping this centre is worth a drift by.
9. Beach clubs
There are many beach clubs in Monaco and attached to some hotels. It is customary to pay for a beach chair at clubs, but most of the ones at Monaco are free to use but they expect you to dine/purchase drinks there. The image here is from Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
Niki Beach Club onto of the Fairmont is reasonable and has great views on Monaco.
10. Night Clubs
Being seen is a big thing in Monaco. I personally do not go there for that, but many do.
The clubs vary from a pub/sit down style at Monaco Brassier to Rascasse, Jimmys or Buddy Bar. This trip I went to Amazonica which is upstairs from Cafe De Paris and has a fun fit out. It is expensive though with a cocktail being 25-30 Euros. But definitely wonderful service and a bit of a splurge!
Leave comments on your favourite experience in Monaco.
These super cute nooks or windows are cut into buildings in Florence. In the 16th century they were used for trade, and passing of goods when the plague sieged the city offering people inside the house protection.
Many were sealed over last century but a few are still used as small windows, for decoration or for serving wine.
There are 140 windows over Florence but only a few function as wine windows now days.
It is a pretty simple process. If the window is serving, there will be a dinger bell sitting in the window. Simply ding and a person will appear to take your order.
The offerings are usually Rose, Bianco (white), Rosso (red) or appertif.
They will then ding the bell again to serve your wine and you can pay then, or sometimes after upon returning the glass. You can drink the wine in the street and return the glass when you have finished.
San Sebastian in the Basque Region of Spain is a safe, beautiful part of the world. Renown for its gastronomic experiences, scalloped around a beautiful bay, there is something to find all year round.
Playa de La Concha
Whilst there are many options travellers often become overwhelmed and may miss the beauty and random joyful moments substituting it for stress.
This guide is to remove that stress so you can focus on the day and making this day, this destination on of the best in your lifetime.
This is a suggestion and any order can apply but understand, exercise is often better in the morning (then it is done). Food and wine feels less like a guilty pleasure when exercise has been done.
It is fun to wander around with no commitments and explore.
This is not to steal the serendipitous moments but to give you a fall back plan and one that will make you look in control not lost.
Walk to the Castle
You can see the castle here on top of the hill.
On the hill behind the old town is the Castle. Also known asCastillo of La Mota.
It is on top of the hill surrounded by a big park (Parque de Urgull).
The walk up can be dramatic and step (there are stairs leaving from behind the old town near the boat harbour, or gradual if you follow the boat harbour round past the aquarium and head up.
Just follow your nose – heading up is the main goal and you will find many little tracks.
There is a secret bar that is open in Summer.
Once up the top you will have amazing views of San Sebastian and the surrounding hills.
The view from the top
Alternative options to climbing the hill
These are some other walking options that are more flat terrain for those with injuries or unable to climb a hill.
If climbing is too tricky there are many walks around San Sebastian.
You can head to the left of the bay towards the south and find the amazing art sculptures of Spanish Artist Eduardo Chillida called Peine del Viento. Also a romantic beautiful spot.
Or you can walk around the Parque to Urgull and head over to Zurriola beach and head back along the river with the trees and shade.
2. Pinxos in the Old Part of Town
This gastronomic delight should be on every foodies global tour.
pinxos
Apparently San Sebastian has more michelin awarded restaurants than anywhere else in the world – but I think their pinxos are the stand out.
There are two famous cheese cake shops here.
Saint Telmos is my favourite has the best foie gras, blood pudding and iberian pork cheeks and grilled octapus.
Grilled octapus
Tintos (red wines) are awesome everywhere.
3. La Perla
This day spa (thermalogica) water treatment retreat is fantastic.
Right on the beach at Playa De La Concha, this magnificent building has great views from the far infared chairs. If you go between 130 – 4pm you can get a reduced rate for the two hours.
You can hire a towel and everyone has to wear the sexy blue cap.
La Perla
Hot steam room, hot sauna, multiple spa pools, relaxation zones and a cold plunge pool. Definitely worth it if you like water and day spas. No need for bookings unless during busy season. Click here for more information.
4. Santa Maria Cathedral
Have a pinxos in front of the cathedral
This iconic landmark is found in the old city.
It is 3 euros to pass through but worth it if this is the only church you are going to. There is another up near Saint Telmo which is equally breathtaking and of a different era.
5. Ferry trip
For a small fee (7 euros when we went) you can jump on the ferry and go to La Concha. Here you can disembark for exploring, or in summer swimming and a drink at the bar.
Otherwise you can stay on the ferry and do the round trip.
It’s a great way to get a different aspect from the water.
Other activities
There are so many sporting activities to do. Stand Up Paddling, swimming, sailing, bush walking, bike riding and more.
Simply walking along the promenade later in the day is wonderful as buskers line the wide pavement entertaining children and tourists. Grab an icecream and slowly meander long.
There is an art gallery, library with an exhibition hall beneath it, museum, aquarium and more.
It is the perfect place for a weekend or a week. Relax, drift and enjoy.
This family run winery Luis Canas Bodega is in the La Rioja region in north Spain. La Rioja is about 80km from Bilboa and has many little villages with boutique hotels.
Front wine tasting bar
Some people (especially groups) will often take a cab from Zaragoza or hiring a car will give you independence.
We found this fantastic vineyard in the village of Villabuena de Álava and stayed at Hotel Viura.
You can go for a wine tasting at Luis Canas but I highly recommend a tour.
Wine tasting flight
The vivacious knowledgable Carmen will take you on an exceptional tour, explaining all the grapes grown in the region, some history and finishing on the cusp of the vineyards valley of grape vines.
The cellar was impressive!
With a large production and representing many local wine growers, they are committed to sustainability, integrity and looking after the little farmers.
Carmen and excellent guide!
It is hard to put into perspective the gentle sound that the vines make, the smells that the wine emits and the tastes of the region on your palate. It’s a personal experience that has to be taken by you.
The beautiful vines of the bodega
I highly recommend a tour and visit of this vineyard. Book a tour here and find out more.
This fantastic designer Hotel Viura, in discovered in a small town with 43 wineyards (Bodegas). The Hotel Viura is for that holiday where you don’t want to worry and every detail has been paid attention to and is found between Haro and Logrono.
The baby grand in the foyer
With a living art gallery in the foyer and public spaces it is eye candy for the art lovers.
A roof top has many chez lounges where groups can catch up, where you can take a wine from the bar or lie back and relax reading a book looking up at mountain ranges in the back ground.
Starting from the car park you can literally turn off the car and grab some grapes. The reception is very art nouveau with English speaking staff.
A bar with friendly staff(full of local wines), a dining room downstairs that serves complimentary breakfast and a night time menu. It is “fine dining” ie smaller meal sizes but tasty.
You can get meals in town but a different standard and on Sundays nearly impossible.
The rooms are all different with their own personalities, views and private bathroom and toiletries.
My favourite part of the hotel was the art works and room top bar… oh and the grapes in the car park.
When my sis mentioned we were going to a wine museum I was a bit like… well how about you go to Vivanco and I will do a wine tasting.
Silly me. The museum is amazing.
The view from the museum
With four levels going underneath the ground, an insight into the large underground barrel collection and it’s own wines, the Vivanco Museum is worth it.
In fact it is a must for any wine connoisseur.
Each floor shares a different angle about wine.
One on the history (wine is 8000 years old)!
And about the local region La Rioja.
Aa floor on corks and corkscrews
A floor about pesticides and commercialising wines – all very interesting.
Upstairs is a cafe with a small menu, outside art installations and a wine tasting corner.
Wine tasting flights
The last level has some incredible art by Andy Warhol, Picasso and Sorolla.
A Warhol
I highly recommend a visit to this museum if you are in La Rioja.
Simply one of the greatest treats to the La Rioja region in the north of Spain is not just the wine but the food.
We are in for an amazing treat at La Vieja Bodega just outside of Haro.
A vineyard and fine dining all in one.
If you go with a large group you can have a wine tasting in their cellar which has the musty smells of yesterday and wines.
Angel, who owns the restaurant with his wife Marion have a fancy selection of some 400 ones at the front of their restaurant.
The menu for the restaurant is stunning as is the food.
You can’t really go wrong and today I order the ratatouille with cod fish and the shoulder of lamb for main course.
It is all delicious, flavoursome and gluten free!
The shoulder of lamb is one of the most tender sweetest well cooked cuts I have ever had.
Desert is a gin and tonic sorbet – it is enough to wake you up yet lure you towards a siesta.
I would love to bring a group of people through the Basque region showing you these amazing gems. The food and the people are warm, hospitable and excellent at their wines and food.
You will need to book in advance here and if you are lucky enough you will get to meet the wonderful duet Angel and Marion. Thank you, we will be back again for sure. x
The Vatican , as it is referred to, is a principality inside the city of Rome.
As the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, many make the pilgrimage here to pay honour to the home of the Pope and one of the strongest religions world wide.
Inside the grounds of the Vatican are the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Church (St. Peter’s Basilica) , St Peter’s Square and many museums.
This historical and religiously significant venue is best seen before ALL the crowds arrive. It is one of the most visited places in the world… with millions streaming through ever year.
The good news is the Sistine Chapel and church open really early in summer – usually 7-730am. I would suggest setting an alarm clock and being one of the first in queue. If you don’t want to leg it alone, definitely do a tour as you can jump the queues and this is well worth it otherwise you may spend an hour or two(!) in a line up which is plain exhausting.
The police of the Vatican are the Swiss Army and are a step back into medieval times with their kit and custom. They are friendly and don’t mind a photo but are on duty so don’t be a pest.
St Peter’s square is massive and surrounding the periphery are significant people from the Roman Empire. If the pope is in town and giving a sermon, it will be in this square.
For more events at the Vatican, check out the official website here.
