ONE: The windmills That jump-into-the-postcard feeling: amazing! The iconic windmills that are a synonim for Mykonos and for the Cyclades can be seen from just about everywhere in the bay area or from up the hill in the city. Incredibly famous and photogenic, they are the soul and signature of Mykonos. Built in the 1700 to mill the wheat using the revolutionary power of wind, they have been a symbol of wealth and welvome for all visitors: trade ships, fishing ships, merchants and travellers. The most famous ones are the Kato Milli, the row of six mills on the shore cliff in Chora, next to Little Venice. You can reach…
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#SINEQUANON LONDON: THE UNCROWNED CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
ONE: THE CLASSICS, AT NIGHT 360 view in the heart of London: a late night stroll crossing Westminster Bridge, taking in the view up and down the Thames, The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Eye, all in a splendid swirl. TWO: THE HIGH(EST) VIEW London seen from above is more than extraordinary, is utterly dramatic and incredibly enjoyable, especially with a glass of prosecco to complement the view. Book your ticket to The View from the Shard (yes, it’s worth every penny and then some) or/ and to Sky Garden for a true show of wonder. Tip 1: Sky Garden is free entrance, but you need to…
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SINEQUANON Sardinia: Probably The Most Beautiful Beaches in The World
ONE: South of Olbia & Tavolara It’s hard to pick a number one sight in a realm that already has the most beautiful sea ever; but if you must, there can only be one with Tavolara in it. With Tavolara guarding the surreal beauty of the shores of Costa Dorata like an immense, white-scaled fantastic creature, the views are showstopping. Sardinia’s typical beauty, the marriage between lush vegetation, sculpted rocks and epic beaches, is at its best here. From Capo Cerato to Capo Coda Cavallo, absolutely every inch of Costa Dorata is a postcard, with the fantastic creature as a backdrop. Explore the beaches and go on top of Capo…
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February Challenge: The Sensory Raid On The French Riviera
Et voila! everything pops into scented bubbles, wild colours and shocking beauty. For the happy few, this late winter escape on the French Riviera is the surprise conquest of forgotten festivity. THE FIND A sensory raid on the Riviera during Carnival. Nice, Menton, Mandelieu-la-Napoule This is a masterclass in regional celebration. This Riviera adventure is the ultimate antidote to grey skies, the unlocking of unexpected extravaganza. In February, the happy few go to Nice for the Carnival and stay for the myriad parties, for the golden explosion of mimosa, and for the discovery of Menton’s fantastical citrus architecture. INTEL When to Visit: The main window spans two weeks in February…
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Bet you didn’t know: Carnival was born in Nice!
Nice is the original When you think Carnival, Rio and Venice instantly come to mind, but the Nice Carnival is, in fact, the oldest ever documented, with its earliest mention attributed to the Count of Provence Charles d’Anjou in 1294. While the initial festivities were likely more spontaneous revelry before Lent, it evolved significantly in the 19th century. In 1873, a dedicated Carnival Committee was established, transforming it into the grand, structured spectacle we enjoy today. Partly continuing the legacy and partly designed with the mission to attract winter tourism to the Côte d’Azur, this marked the birth of the modern carnival, complete with themed parades and elaborate floats. How…
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ISRAEL #SINEQUANON: THE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME PILGRIMMAGE, YOUR WAY
ONE The Western Wall, Jerusalem TWO Temple Mount, Jerusalem This is the place which holds the most religious significance in the world for Jews and Muslims altogether. The Dome of the Rock harbours the planet’s most important rock, namely the one where the Muslims believed the world was created and where Mohamed rose to the heavens, but also where the Jews believe God created Adam and the world and where Solomon built the First Temple. Judaism considers this place as the most sacred of all, where God’s presence is most felt. Temple Mount is only accessible to non-Muslims at very specific visiting times, going through one checkpoint located on the…
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AMALFI COAST #SINEQUANON: THE CORNERSTONES
ONE: RAVELLO This might just be a surprising number one for many. The usual day-trippers and rather ‘efficient’ travel guides tend to miss it entirely. And that’s a good thing, because the inevitable crowds already make it difficult enough to reach and truly savour its aristo beauty. Ravello, incidentally, isn’t actually on the Amalfi Coast at all, but rather perched elegantly uphill, just above Amalfi. It is spectacular, undeniably noble, and yes, rather expensive – but worth every penny. The narrow road leading up to Ravello is carved into the rocky mountain, feeling like an initiation path. It’s called, quite evocatively, the Valley of the Dragon. Ravello is also delightfully…
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Acqua Alta in Venice, a beautiful disaster
Like all great beauties, she is too much: La Serenissima is incredible, irresistible, fragile and dramatic, altogether. Venezia’s destiny as a forever-endangered realm of wonder has a tragic beauty to it, and nothing makes it more obvious than the acqua alta days. On October 29, 2018, an exceptional high tide flooded Venice. It was the fourth highest ever recorded, and the most dramatic in over a decade. Then, in 2020, the MOSE flood barrier system has happened, and everybody became more relaxed. THE FIND Acqua Alta in Venice, when the waters hold a mirror to her ancient face, revealing her resilience and dramatic vulnerability. During these times, the city transforms.…
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NORMANDY #SINEQUANON: FROM D-DAY TO MAGIC DAY
ONE: MONT SAINT MICHEL There is only one possible number one. Though more intimately connected to Brittany’s wild coast, Mont-Saint-Michel remains the absolute top-of-mind wonder for any escape in Western France. It is an island fortress of faith, an ethereal vision, a pilgrimage of the sea, a place where tourist guides seem inadequate and only a magnificent mystery remains. I wrote more about “the Wonder” here. TWO: THE ALABASTER COAST AND PAYS DE CAUX The Côte d’Albâtre is the French counterpart to the famous white cliffs that define the English Channel coastline. It’s a road trip of striking beauty, with quaint villages and the high falaises. Stop in Etretat, Yport,…
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ROME SINEQUANON: Love Eternal For The Eternal City
Rome wasn’t built in a day and you can’t see all of it in a day. But if you have just a weekend or a few days for the Città Eterna? You’ll read hundreds of travel guides and a million tips on blogs and forums, most of them accurate in their own way. Here is the extra-intel you need to navigate Rome with your sanity intact – and actually enjoy it. INTEL ONE: THE ICONS Let’s cut to the chase. You are in the most magnificent city that has ever ruled the world and there are quite a few heavy hitters you absolutely can’t skip. Stand in the shadow of…
