Happy travels!

* All images courtesy of Airbnb
** All prices in $CAD

FRANCE – Eiffel Tower Airbnb

• Airbnb in Paris, France
• $150 per night

Imagine waking up to this view every morning! Of course, such a privilege comes at a premium; with rates going as high as $650 per night, not just anyone can afford to marvel at the Paris skyline while sipping on their morning café au lait. But it sure is an unforgettable experience!

Iceland – Luxury villa

• Luxury villa in Iceland
• $650 per night

Experience this ultra-modern, bold villas in the tranquil village of Akureyri in Northern Iceland, with nature at your doorstep. This is an excellent option year round, as you can both enjoy the midnight sun in the summertime as well as the aurora borealis in the wintertime – as you know, Iceland is always a good idea.

Ireland – Restored church in Galway

• Church in Ireland
• $150 per night

Experience life in a 200-year old restored church just a few minutes from lively Galway, on the scenic western coast of Ireland. Although the church is equipped with every modern amenity, it’s also kept many of its original features – definitely an unforgettable, unique adventure!

Cinque Terre, Italy

• Airbnb in Cinque Terre
• $128 per night

Quite possibly the best balcony in Italy! The apartment is small but frankly this is not the main selling point here, as the romantic terrace overlooks the village of Corniglia in Italy’s legendary Cinque Terre.

Norway – Sognefjord Airbnb

• Cabin in the Norway fjords
• $350 per night

This old thing? Just a fabulous cabin by one of Norway’s most famous fjords. Perfect for hikers and boat enthusiasts – as for me, I will just enjoy a chilled glass of white wine on that lovely waterfront terrace, thank you very much.

Scotland

• Waterside cabin on the Isle of Skye
• $118 per night

A luxury self-catering studio for two on the edge of a bird sanctuary with stunning views of Beinn na Caillich mountain, this bijou Airbnb is close to many Skye attractions as well as a number of shops. The power shower, the cosy fireplace as well as the downright idyllic setting make it a top accommodation of the Isle of Skye. I stayed there myself and had a wonderful time; Fiona is a lovely host.

Scotland – Wigtown Bookstore Airbnb

• The best Airbnb in Scotland
• $55 per night

Bookworms of the world, rejoice: this amazing Airbnb features not only a flat but most importantly the first ever bookshop holiday/residency experience at The Open Book, a charming bookshop in the heart of Scotland’s National Book Town, Wigtown. Meet fellow book lovers and learn everything there is to know about Scottish literature with the help of friendly locals.

Switzerland – Après-ski cabin

• Luxury chalet in the Alps
• $191 per night

Whether you’re in it for the ski or the après-ski, this beautiful luxury chalet in the French Alps (just a few kilometres from a ski resort) features an unusually high cathedral ceiling as well as a wood-burning fireplace – the perfect backdrop for a well-deserved cheese fondue. When in Rome, right?

• https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/49372736
• https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/283638
• https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/49374597
• https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/34444025
• https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/18132082
• https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/36105750

The post The Best Airbnbs in Every Country in Europe appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

It must be said that the largest of the Cyclades islands has an undeniable charm that has not (yet) been affected by mass tourism. Naxos offers a small excursion into the Greek way of life as a true pole of Hellenic and Byzantine culture.

The charming port of Chóra

The “metropolis” of Naxos (a very relative title, as it has only a few thousand inhabitants) is a photogenic port with blue Aegean boats, winding cobblestone streets and cheerful merchants.

This is also the birthplace of the island’s culinary traditions. Think of the freshly caught octopus garnishing the fillet at Fisherman’s Harbor. Or the decadent yogurt garnished with candied grapes at Irini’s Tavern – so creamy, it’s easy to hold a spoon upright.

It is steeped in Venetian heritage, too. It is even possible to attend a classical concert in an old dungeon, organized by a flamboyant aristocrat.

The steep and pedestrianized streets of the Kastro, once the Roman Catholic quarter (as opposed to the Bourgos, which was the Greek Orthodox quarter), are lined with pretty shops. The fuchsia azaleas and the countless cats that frequent them make a visit worthwhile.

The Temple of Apollo

The topological and touristic highlight of Chóra is just a few steps away from the historical center of the town.

On one side, the Temple of Apollo on the harbor peninsula, with its great arch that seems to enter another dimension. On the other, a vast mountainous area where villages hide and time stops. It’s impossible to go to Naxos and not climb those few dozen meters in order to see the sunset that glitters on the sea and lights up the fruitful hills of the hinterland.

Unspoiled beaches

Naxos is not just home to some of the best food and culture in the Cyclades. It’s got beaches, too! Tourists flock to Naxos for the sun and warmth, and obviously, the beaches.

Here the beaches are divided into two categories: the wild ones and the managed ones. The former have no furniture or toilets. While the latter are usually busier and have a small tavern offering food and drink, as well as changing rooms.

In any case, visitors can expect very fine golden sand and pleasant waters.

Millennial villages of Apeiranthos and Halki

Hidden behind the hills that contain marble and emery quarries, two of Naxos’ biggest exports, are over 30 pretty villages that have stood the test of time.

In the streets of both Apeiranthos and Halki, which are thousands of years old, you will find artisans whose happiness is contagious. They sell everything from figs, pottery, olives, jewelry, textiles, honey – a specialty of Naxos – and kitro, a lemon liqueur.

The two villages are similar because of their terraces shaded by holm oaks and the endearing inhabitants. Often elderly, they sit there playing dice, discussing anything and everything, laughing at tourists who indulge in self-portraits, and occasionally sipping a small glass of kitro to stay healthy.

Occasionally, the village donkey will clumsily make its way along the stone paths to transport food from the farms to the homes. A typical scene that unfolds in Greece and couldn’t be more idyllic.

How to get to Naxos

From the two ports of Athens a ferryboat goes three times a day to the central Cycladic island. It is also possible to travel to the island by plane.

Upon arrival, visitors have two choices. Firstly, rent a car and drive to different places on the island. Secondly, book a villa at the Naxian Collection in Chora and drive from there on a motorbike.

The post Is Naxos The Best Island in the Cyclades? appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

Where the sky and the earth meet

The hotel is perched on a rocky promontory with slopes that defy logic. Furthermore, it evokes an inescapable feeling of abundance in its guests as they approach, higher and higher, the sky so richly evoked in mythology.

A privileged view of the sea and the Cycladic duo of Naxos and Paros, whose mountainous silhouettes can be seen on the horizon, can be uniquely enjoyed from the main terrace overlooking the sandy beach of Elia.

Deck chairs and rustic straw umbrellas are provided exclusively for Royal Myconian guests on this beach, one of the most popular on the island. There’ll be no need to get up at dawn to secure your place in the sun.

Royal treatment

Granted, it’s easy to get carried away with the extraordinary views. It’s also worth noting that the Royal Myconian has earned the prestigious Leading Hotel of the World status, henceforth offering its guests royal, attentive and impeccable service.

There’s also a thalassotherapy spa and a gym to relieve guilt from inevitable overeating at Ambrosia Restaurant. At dusk, guests dressed to the nines pass through the imposing wooden doors to discover the panorama terrace. There, they enjoy an à la carte cuisine of disarming simplicity, flawlessly executed by head chef, George Oikonomou. The dishes, inspired by the Mykonian tradition, are enhanced by the subdued lighting of the thousands of candles that dot the stone walls and vaulted ceilings.

A multi-sensory evening that deserves the highest praise, one that few hotels can provide.

Finally, vacationers looking to learn more about the local culture can hop on a daily minibus transfer until the wee hours of the morning to the main village of Mykonos. The stop is conveniently located just a few steps away from the emblematic white mills.

Five room categories

The Royal Myconian skillfully combines new-age common areas and bold architecture. How? With art and rooms that don’t stray too far from Aegean tradition. Except perhaps for free Wi-Fi throughout the property, an irrefutable sign that ancient Greece is a thing of the past.

All rooms have spacious private patios covered with aromatic fuchsia bougainvillea and aquamarine window blinds. While the majority of the rooms have ocean views, some categories even have a private Jacuzzi or infinity pool.

In conclusion, it is an incredible privilege to be in a heavenly setting. Here, guests rub shoulders with the gods and goddesses whose legends have fueled our imaginations. The Royal Myconian is truly the stuff of dreams.

The post A Royal Stay at Royal Myconian in Mykonos appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

Santorini

Formed by one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions known to mankind, the dramatic reddish cliffs of this crescent-shaped island surround the submerged caldera, also known as Atlantis in the literary world. Santorini’s unmatched sweeping vistas, though, are very much real. Whether you choose to enjoy them from the hilltop patios of Oia (with a glass of locally-made Vinsanto, of course) or at sea on a catamaran (far from the narrow streets bursting at the seams with passing cruise passengers) is up to you, as long as you promise to stay overnight and truly see what this world-famous island has to offer, minus the suffocating crowds.

Aside from entertaining people watching and remarkable sunsets, Santorini has no shortage of enjoyable things to do:

• Bronze Age Akrotiri, one of the most underestimated archaeological sites in the region and Greece’s version of Pompeii
• Snorkel or dive off Perissa Beach and Caldera Beach
• Visit a winery and learn more about the unique local viticulture (hint: they grow vines close to the ground in a basket shape)
• Hike the vertiginous cliffside from Oia to Fira
• Shop for locally made oils and condiments
• Enjoy the view of the island from atop the high-perched village of Pyrgos
• Watch fishermen at work in Amoudi Bay and devour impossibly fresh seafood
• Shop for books from around the world at the cute Atlantis Bookshop in Oia

Mykonos

Often referred to as the “party island” by locals, this is indeed where hundreds of twenty-something Europeans flock and relentlessly dance the night away. The glitzy, glossy, glittery destination mostly caters to a festivity-minded crowd, as demonstrated by the dozens of nightclubs and abundant beaches where calm and quiet are out of the question.

Mature or tranquil travellers will, however, enjoy the bougainvillea-dotted web that is the old town of Chora and its Venice-like waterfront; this is also where the emblematic Mykonos windmills are, greeting visitors to the lively harbour since the 16^th century. And if the party scene really isn’t up your alley, then perhaps the plethora of luxury hotels with indulgent spas overlooking the Aegean Sea will do the trick.

Delos

Don’t even think about travelling to Mykonos and not jump off on a day trip to neighbouring Delos. Despite its minuscule size, the islet remains, to this day, one of the most significant archaeological sites not just in the Cyclades, but in all of Greece. Indeed, Delos is one of those places where reality and fiction play an equally inherent role: as Apollo’s and Artemis’ birthplace (in theory) and as the Aegean Sea’s largest trade port back in the Hellenistic period (in fact), Delos is home to more stories than we could possibly count. A professional guide is an absolute must in order to fully appreciate the grandeur of this time-capsule island.

Naxos

If an underrated, blossoming, untouched island that encompasses everything that makes Greece so enticing is what you’re truly after then you’ll definitely want to spend a few days in idyllic Naxos. No superlative could possibly convey just how splendid this island is, with its high-perched whitewashed villages, its tranquil seafront, its friendly locals of both the human and feline kind, and, ultimately, its vivid connections to Greek mythology – it was here that unappreciative Theseus hypothetically abandoned Ariadne after she helped him escape the Cretan labyrinth.

More than just a pretty face, though, Naxos boasts fascinating culture and history and a strong sense of culinary tradition with plentiful family-owned manufactures of ouzo and raki, Greece’s most beloved aperitifs, around the scenic hilltop villages of Apiranthos and Moni. Closer to the waterfront capital of Hora is the gorgeous Apollo temple and its unparalleled views (especially at sunset), the Venetian castle and the maze-like cobblestoned old town filled with inviting tavernas and artisan shops. So yes, in case you were still wondering – Naxos is a giant living postcard, and definitely the most authentic island in the Greek Cyclades.

The post Welcome to the Cyclades: the 4 best Greek islands appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

Mind you, I did take photos of noteworthy attractions — Greece is nothing if not photogenic and awe-inspiring. BUT CATS. They were everywhere. On taverna terraces, at ferry docks, in alleys, in staircases, in shops. And I truly couldn’t have been happier.

If you are looking for a destination to indulge your love of cats or if you’re feeling lonely and need a companion, go to Greece. You won’t be disappointed (for that, and other trivial reasons like history, mythology and food, if you’re into that kind of thing).

Cats in Greece, a random sampling

Cats in Greece, a word of advice

Now, before you go all PETA on me, I’d like to remind you that customs regarding pets vary from one country to the other. While it is normal for most North Americans to not only keep cats indoors but almost completely domesticate them, that’s just not how it works in Greece — pet ownership and licensing is not nearly as closely regulated here, if it exists at all. Cats breed more or less freely (which certainly explains why there are SO many of them) and live outdoors, in the wild. That’s not to say they’re stray cats; most of them have a house they go to every day to be fed and regularly mark it as their territory.

In fact, most locals people I spoke to about cats in Greece said that they like having them around as they are far more talented than humans at keeping mice, snakes and scorpions at bay. They really are more of an asset than a nuisance.

Not to mention they make the absolute best photos of Greece????

The post I went to Greece and all I got are cat photos appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

As it turns out, it wasn’t even remotely close to reality. I found Greece to be stunningly beautiful – that was to be expected, of course – and widely unaffected by the turmoil in Athens. The silver lining of this drama? The plummeting prices for tourists. There are great deals to be had as far as holidays to Greece are concerned at the moment; so much so that many specialists agree that now may be the best time to visit the Hellenic Republic.

Still not convinced? Then perhaps this photo essay will do the trick.

Athens

I only got to spend a fast-paced, all-too-short 24 hours in Athens before I sailed off to the Cyclades, but the capital was just like I imagined it to be. Lively, dense, gritty at times, with an edgy side that complements the historical landmarks so perfectly. My only regret: not being able to enjoy the terrace culture!

Naxos

Naxos was, without the hint of a doubt, my favourite part of Greece. The island isn’t nearly as touristy as more famous counterparts like Mykonos, Crete, and Santorini – it offers an authentic, truthful look at what life really is like for Greek people in the Cyclades. In fact, I actually considered leaving Naxos out of this post altogether for fear of ruining it, but that would be unfair as it is just too fantastic not to share.

Santorini

Santorini was quite a shock to the system after spending a few days on tranquil, laid-back Naxos. I think I would be right in saying that the famous Greek island, perhaps the most famous of all, has suffered the consequences of its popularity; the shine has wore off in many places despite Oia being home to pristine luxury boutiques and hotels. Santorini, in most aspects, didn’t feel real to me.

With that being said, there’s a reason why this half-moon crescent shaped island is so popular with tourists and cruiseship passengers: it’s absolutely stunning.

Mykonos

Some call it the Greek party capital, others the most idyllic place on Earth, and neither of them would actually be in the wrong. While I am just a little too old to enjoy the apparently legendary nightlife, I do have a working set of eyes and I was floored by the stunning scenery before me. I walked around saying ‘woahhh’ for most of my time in Mykonos, occasionally picking my jaw up off the floor.

The post Greece itinerary: Athens, Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini travel guide appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.