Italy and Greece have long been popular summer vacation destinations. The weather is beautiful, and visitors are spoiled for choice.
Despite the fact that we are not the typical visitor, we are always on the lookout for destinations that combine art, culture, history, nature, peace, and good healthy food. Being close to the sea is always a plus, but that comes with the territory.
So, after careful consideration, we’ve selected a few destinations that check all of the boxes.
In Italy
Puglia and Sicily are unquestionably our favorites. And, because both regions are quite large, we recommend the province of Brindisi in Puglia and the province of Siracusa in Sicily.
If you’ve never heard of Brindisi, you’ve most likely heard of Ostuni or Cisternino. Both of these towns are located within the province. Brindisi has its own international airport, which makes traveling easier for everyone.
But the city of Brindisi, once upon a time, was the capital of Italy. And for anyone who has read or heard about Orient Express and its route, Brindisi was one of the main stops at the time…
And let’s not forget that the local cuisine is to die for.
We don’t believe Siracusa in Sicily requires a special introduction because of its history. Choosing Ortigia or Noto as your base would enhance your stay and experience.
In Greece
The region of Epirus, and specifically its coastline, is at the top of our list. Anywhere between Igoumentisa and Preveza will suffice. This is the area where you can enjoy all of the above while also experiencing Greek hospitality. Please, however, do not expect to find more than a few large hotels in the area. If you’re looking for a high life or nightlife, this isn’t the place to be. However, it is without a doubt the best for anyone who enjoys the sea, visiting ancient sites, exploring lakes and rivers, and, of course, sampling the local cuisine.
Islands-wise, we will go with Corfu, Paxos, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Crete. Corfu for architecture, music, arts, and culture. Paxos for its unique beauty. Zakynthos and Kefalonia for the amazing beaches. Crete for all of the above and much more.
And, if you have the time, you can combine both countries on your trip! This is an added benefit.
You could easily spend a week in Puglia and then take a ferry to Epirus, Corfu, Zante, or Kefalonia, or vice versa. Unfortunately, Crete is a bit further away and will require more time.
Alternatively, you can easily spend a week in Puglia and another week in Sicily. Hiring a car is strongly recommended since you could drive through to Calabria and catch the ferry to Messina. Then you can just continue your journey exploring the beauties of Sicily.