Mediterranean Getaways

As summer begins to wind down, many people may be looking for last-minute holidays. Those people could be you. Away from the hectic work life, away from annoying family members, and away from the dullness of the same routine lies a magical place called the vacation of your dreams. Or at least the vacation that you and your friends are sat on the sofa stressing about booking at the last minute.

Well, don’t fear, as I, your holiday fairy godmother, have a few suggestions and ideas that might just quench your getaway needs.

Museums, art galleries and sightseeing are best done over a couple of days in Milan. Italy has many a great city, but for those with limited time who want to indulge in a bit of culture and history, Milan is the place for you. The Ambrosian Library (also known as the Biblioteca/Pinacoteca Ambrosiana) hosts many a great artefact—from golden trinkets to locks of hair, it has plenty of objects to keep you entertained. Not to mention the artwork, including sketches and work by Leonardo da Vinci.

Right next door, you can visit the frescoed ceilings of the Crypt of San Sepolcro, where the body of an aristocratic lady from before the 16th century is stored, as well as many items of religious symbolism. It’s also a good way of cooling off from the hot summer sun after walking around the city and seeing all the other famous sights.

Whilst the Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II do get very busy, it’s still worth walking around the area (especially as it’s free to do so) to admire the magnificent architecture—and maybe take a couple of photos to help with those post-holiday blues. Once you've seen those, you should make your way over to the Castello Sforzesco, where you can lounge around in the park surrounding it and visit the historical grounds of the castle.

Do remember to bring comfortable shoes, as the easiest (and cheapest) way to get around the city is by walking!!

If you’re tired of constantly being in the city and want a little break from the noise, it’s quite easy to get out, as the trains are super straightforward to use! By downloading Trainline, you can catch a train to Venice, Verona or even Siena. However, I would recommend catching the train and spending a couple of days around Lake Como.

Staying at Lake Como Hostel La Primula is truly magical—you just have to cross the road to swim in the lake, and it’s perfectly placed for transport connections. You can spend your time catching the ferry to different towns, such as the beautiful Varenna, and visiting the stunning villas, including Villa Carlotta and the famous Villa Balbianello. If that’s not your speed, then it’s the perfect atmosphere to kick back and relax—read a book, listen to the ripples in the water, and inhale the aromas of the many great foods Italy has to offer.

Italy isn’t the only country that offers breaks outside of the city. One of my favourite places to travel to is Greece—specifically Athens. If you couldn’t tell already, I’m a little bit of a history buff and love anywhere that has a ruined temple. Whilst you do have to pay for the majority of archaeological sites and museums, the prices are pretty fair, and they’re so fascinating to explore.

Take the Temple of Hephaestus, for example: it’s a reconstructed structure showing what archaeologists think temples once looked like. Who wouldn’t want to step into a space and imagine they’re in ancient Greece? That’s why Athens is a great place to visit—not only for its temples, statues and museums, but also for its culture and food.

Walking around the Acropolis can get tiring, so remember to drink lots of water—and more importantly, have something to eat. Greece has so many delicious treats to offer that’ll tick all your taste buds' boxes. If it’s spanakopita you’re craving, I must urge you not to go to any of the chain cafés that sell it. While it’s better than what most other countries will serve, it can’t beat the subtle flavours of those smaller cafés.

If you’re staying outside of the city centre, then I’d recommend heading towards the Halandri area, as it has smaller bakeries with some of the best baked goods you will ever consume. If you’re more interested in finding a restaurant with cooking that reminds you of your grandma, then make your way to Nostimies Tis Mairis. The staff are super friendly, and you can try the most fabulous authentic Greek food you’ll probably ever have. Right after that, you can head over to the National Archaeological Museum to indulge yourself in even more history!

To escape the dry heat of the city, it’s understandable that you’d want to be near the dazzling Aegean Sea. I would suggest hopping on a bus and making your way to Sounio—or at least nearby. There are many activities to do, such as swimming in the silver sea, trying the local wines, and visiting archaeological sites—specifically the Temple of Poseidon. Walk around its ancient grounds and soak up the sun and history before clambering down the hill and swimming in Poseidon’s cove.

It makes a beautiful beginning—or end—to your trip. Some might even say spiritual. Once you’ve enjoyed your day in the sun, I’d make time to take a trip to a taverna called To Apomero, where I tried—and fell in love with—sardines! Whilst a little on the pricey side, it’s absolutely gorgeous, and if you don’t want to spend that much money, you can still enjoy a delicious coffee.

If you’re interested in taking a dip, then you have to visit Croatia’s one and only Brijuni Island. Saluga Beach is by far the best beach on the island, and the only one I would even consider going to. With toilets nearby and a beach bar—what more could you ask for? It’s also easy to access the water from the beach and is usually quite quiet, meaning there won’t be loads of crowds.

Swimming isn’t the only thing to do on the island—it's such a diverse place that you’ll find a wide range of activities, from visiting the safari park to exploring the dinosaur walking trail. Personally, as fun as those are, I would recommend heading to Tito’s Museum. It holds strange artefacts, photos and paintings, and even has stuffed animals that once lived on the island! Whilst it’s a little strange—and I can fully understand your apprehension—it’s very interesting. A bit like a car accident: you just can’t look away!

The island might not be your scene—and if that’s the case, why not visit one of Croatia’s small seaside towns and try their local fish? Most restaurants serve the most exquisite fried calamari with fries, and if I didn’t tell you to try it, I’d be doing the world a disservice. Croatian seafood is some of the best I’ve tried in the world (at least so far), and I would highly recommend going out of your comfort zone—let the flavours melt in your mouth and introduce you to a whole new palate.

One place I’d say is great for seafood is Pula, what with it being so close to the sea. Whilst you eat your food, look out at your surroundings—you’re more than likely to spot a Roman ruin nearby. The Pula Arena is my favourite: the giant amphitheatre is a spectacle to behold and has a museum containing relics that have been dug up, including old wine vases.

I wish I could revisit all of these places for the first time again and discover my favourite gems. Alas, I can’t—but you can. Why go to a boring, cloudy city when you could visit these absolutely gorgeous places, packed with history, culture, and the best vibes ever?

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