Crete

One of the best parts of traveling to Crete is that there is an airport on the island, so you can fly directly there without stopping over in Athens and taking a ferry.

On the island, there are several small towns worth visiting, but we spent our time in the Elounda region near Plaka which is where most of the luxe resorts are located. Next time, I’d stay longer and explore more of the island and its smaller inlets.

Where to Stay

We had the pleasure of staying at Phāea Blue during our time in Crete. It was without a doubt one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever experienced. Upon arriving, our bags were immediately taken to our suite while we went to check in.

At check-in, we were greeted with cold lavender towels and sparkling wine garnished with rosemary sprigs. It was so refreshing and spa-like after traveling all morning. The sparkling wine was made on the property and absolutely delicious. I should have known from that moment that I was about to experience some of the best food of my life at this hotel.

After a seamless check-in experience, we were shown to our suite which was absolutely stunning. There was a huge walk-in closet, a living area equipped with wine, homemade pastries, and fresh fruit from the garden. A canopy bed with plush feather pillows (heavenly). A massive bathroom with both a shower and bathtub (there was even a TV above the tub for a Pretty Woman moment). Not to mention the heated floors.

But that isn’t even the best part. When you open the sliding glass doors, there is a huge balcony with a small bistro table for morning espresso and then… a private pool overlooking the sea. It was literally perfect. I travel a lot, but most of the time it’s go go go, so this was the exact type of relaxation I was looking for on this trip. Next to the pool were two lounge chairs and an umbrella (insert me with a bottle of local wine and my latest romance novel). Love that for me.

Where to Eat & Drink

We spent the majority of our time in Crete at the hotel (& trust me you would too). Phāea has a few different restaurants, all of which were some of the best food I’ve ever had. Yes, even better than Italy (I know).

Quick note on food quality. Phāea makes most of their food onsite, down to their own olive oil from their olive groves. It made everything taste insanely fresh because it was.

Blue Door Taverna
We started with lunch at Blue Door Taverna which is their beachfront restaurant. As soon as we sat down and ate the first course, Brandon asked if we could come back for dinner. We had the anchovies, fresh pita, fish soup, wood-fired grouper, local white wine. The food was insane, but the view was maybe better. Overlooking the blue water and view of Spinalonga. We finished the meal with 2 shots of Greek water (see: Ouzo)

Anthós Restaurant
This was literally my favorite meal of the trip and not to be dramatic, but maybe favorite meal of my life. The ambiance is a 10, the food is an 11, Maria is a 12. We had the artichoke salad, grilled octopus, souvlaki, and wine the first night. It was so good, I had to get the souvlaki again on night two. We also had the lamb chops the second night and they were maybe even better which is crazy.

Daily breakfast is also served at Anthós, and when I say this is an experience not to be missed, I mean it. Breakfast here is - I’m actually at a loss for words. It’s so fresh and delicious, iced lattes, greek yogurt bar, fresh farm eggs with feta, pastries, fresh fruit, honeycomb from the Phāea bees (!) I loved eating here if you couldn’t tell.

Phāea Garden Dinner
The weather did not cooperate, so we were unable to experience this. But Phāea hosts a family-style dinner served over one long table with all of the hotel guests with dinner made from their garden. I was so sad to have missed this because knowing Phāea, it was probably perfection.

Votsalo Bar
If you know me, you know I’ll be at the bar. After dinner each night, we had a night cap at the hotel bar (either in the lobby on chilly nights or by the pool on warm nights). The perfect way to end the night.

Ta Kymata
Outside of Phāea, we went to Ta Kymata for a little afternoon aperitivo. This is located right in the small village of Plaka, which is adorable btw. It was a little chilly when we went, but on a warm summer day, it would be magic. We got the fried feta with warm honey, need I say more.

What to Do

Honestly relaxing on the hotel property is my top recommendation. They have the private suite pools, the main pool area, and a private beachfront next to Blue Door Taverna.

They also offer a traditional caique experience which is a wooden boat that sails around the nearby island. We had this on our itinerary, but the weather was a little spotty and had to cancel.

I was also lucky enough to squeeze in some time at the spa and get a deep tissue massage which was the perfect rainy day activity.

I’d also recommend venturing into Plaka and around Elounda. Both of which are within walking distance from the hotel.

What to Wear

My first recommendation for what to wear in Greece involves stalking , who is the Greek style icon. Think effortless, yet elevated. Loose linen, flowing sets, neutral tones, raffia bags.

Needless to say, Crete deserves a spot on your summer schedule.

Yamas,
x Alex

Champagne sits just an hour outside of Paris and makes for the perfect weekend escape. There’s plenty to see across the region, so I’d recommend at least two days.

We had a perfect 48 hours in Champagne, so I’m breaking down exactly where to stay, what to eat and drink, and of course, what to wear.

Champagne

There are two small cities within the Champagne region, Reims & Épernay. We chose to do one night in each to experience both, but they are super close (30 mins by car or train), so you could definitely just choose one as your base. Transport note: it’s very easy to get an Uber in both cities, so no need for a rental car.

Épernay has Avenue de Champagne, which exactly as it sounds, is an avenue dedicated to all of the luxury champagne houses. It’s a bit smaller than Reims and more of a sleepy town feel — everything closes on the early side, definitely more liquid lunch and less late night.

Reims is more of a proper Euro city with plenty of restaurants, shopping, and champagne houses.

Depending on the type of trip you’re taking, both cities have their perks. If you have time, I’d recommend a night or two in each to get the best of both worlds.

Where to Stay

Épernay:

We had the pleasure of a hosted stay at Besserat de Bellefon during our time in Épernay. It’s located right off of Avenue de Champagne and perfectly central. The hospitality was truly unmatched. Upon arrival, we were taken to the champagne cellar and greeted with a tin of caviar and a bottle of blanc de blancs (my new favorite type of champagne).

After polishing off our first bottle, we went to the outdoor terrace for a long lunch. The food was so fresh and light, all perfectly paired with a bubbly to match. The first course was naturally fois gras, followed by a bright and citrusy salmon salad, a selection of fresh cheese, and lastly a raspberry sorbet with a champagne rosé pour over. Say less.

The maison consists of 3 spacious suites, each with their own charm and character. The Brigette Bardot Suite — named after her champagne collaboration with Besserat de Bellefon — would be my top choice for its simple elegance, an ode to the icon herself. The suites are so luxurious with fresh robes, cozy slippers, Nuxe toiletries, a complimentary bottle of champagne, I rest my case. For longer stays, there is even a small kitchenette. Our suite, French Touch, was the largest, so there were two rooms and two beds.

The stay also included a full breakfast spread which was welcome after [over]-indulging in a full day of champagne.

Truly a 10/10 experience and cannot wait to return.

Reims:

I’d recommend Domaine Les Crayères for a luxury stay. It’s a gorgeous estate with 20 suites, all decorated with chic, vintage-inspired decor. We didn’t get a chance to stay here this go round, but it’s on my list for next time.

Where to Eat & Drink

Épernay:

• Lunch at Besserat de Bellefon — a must, whether you stay there or stop by for the BB experience

• Dinner at La Grillade Gourmande — a delicious family-run restaurant in town, highly recommend ordering from the wood-fired grill

• Drinks at Bar le Pub & Le Progrès — perfect spots for a quick pint if you need a break from champagne

• Champagne tasting at Perrier-Jouët — the most gorgeous courtyard on the Ave with a vintage feel and elegant ambiance

• Coffee at Miblo Coffee Shop — wonderful iced latte and the pastries/sandwiches looked delicious

Reims:

• Lunch at L’Epicerie Au Bon Manger

• Dinner at Restaurant Le Parc — the Michelin-starred restaurant at Les Crayères

• Drinks at Café du Palais — great brasserie to stop for a drink and snack between tastings

• Champagne tastings at Champagne Thiénot, Taittinger, Veuve-Clicquot (pro trip: watch Widow before you go)

• Coffee at Moklair Café

What to Wear

Think effortless elegance. Linen, silk, neutrals, nothing too loud or over the top. Shop outfits here.

Santé,
x Alex

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What. A. Weekend.

Four days in AMS for the wedding of my 2015 Craigslist roommate turned best friend (hi, P) — and we truly couldn’t have asked for a better celebration or a better excuse to live our best lowland lives. Even with such a short trip, we crammed in an impressive amount. Let’s get into it.

Wednesday

Afternoon & Evening
A near-effortless travel day: a row to myself, homemade dinner, two glasses of wine, and my latest romantasy novel — the recipe for a perfect overnight flight.

Thursday

Morning
Checked into Amsterdam Soho House (a true 10/10 stay — hotel recap coming). Started the day with a quick sauna session, shower, and a change into a daytime fit, then headed to the club lounge for coffee and breakfast. Pro tip: I sent ChatGPT my travel itinerary and asked how to beat jet lag — he told me to stay up and power through, so I withheld the nap.

Afternoon
By early afternoon, my friends had arrived — also staying at Soho — so we met in the lounge over coffee, tea, ginger shots… all the bevvies. We wandered through De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets) and stopped for drinks (naturally).

Evening
The bride kicked things off with dinner and drinks on a boat through the famous canals. Fifteen bottles of rosé later, we headed to another bar for more wine and limoncello shots, then to a club called Chin Chin… ending the night with pizza back at the hotel.

Friday

Morning
Cue hangovers.

Afternoon
Brunch at Oeuf (so cute), shopping in De Pijp (stop at Penny Lane vintage), coffee at Café Baskèts, a quick cultural moment at the Rijksmuseum, and then some damage on P.C. Hooftstraat, Amsterdam’s designer shopping street.

Evening
Dinner at Boon & de Koot — amazing food and wine, especially the fried sardines. Our lingering hangovers and jet lag called for an early night after dinner.

Saturday

Morning
The big dayyy. Coffee and breakfast at Soho before getting ready. I also had some work to catch up on, so was able to squeeze that in the morning also.

Afternoon & Evening
The wedding started at 2pm, so we got ready and headed to the stunninggg venue for the ceremony & reception. It was so much fun and so gorgeous. I’m honestly still recovering.

Amsterdam, you were a dream. Until next time.

x Alex

For my third installment of Summering In Sicily, we’re taking our talents to Taormina. Where Cefalù is more laid-back and local, Taormina is her bougie older sister—designer boutiques, Belmond hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Indulgence, but understated.

I spent a month summering in Taormina and it was as dreamy and gorg as you would imagine. A day in the life was something like this: wake up to a surreal view of the very active Mt. Etna volcano, stroll into town for an espresso, head down to the Lido La Pigna beach club for a sun-shaded beach lounger, dive into my latest romantasy novel (see: smut), break for a seaside linguine alle vongole lunch accompanied by 1-3 Aperol spritzes, a quick dip in the near-navy Mediterranean, and end the day with a coffee and cream granita at Bam Bar. Taormina is tough to beat.

How to Get to Taormina

The easiest way to get to Taormina is by flying into Catania Airport and taking a taxi to Taormina, which takes about 45 minutes. We actually came from Palermo, which is more of a journey—we hired a driver and it took about three hours.

Where to Stay

The first thing to know about Taormina is that there are two main areas: the beach and the town. In order to get to the beach from the town and vice versa, you have to take a cable car because the city sits up on the cliff. We chose to stay in town and venture down to the beach when needed. I preferred this because we were close to shopping, grocery stores, etc. That said, we were there for a month, so being near amenities was important. The beachfront hotels would be great for a shorter trip.

Some chic hotels and Airbnbs for your stay:

• Belmond - there are two Belmond hotels in Taormina—Grand Hotel Timeo (in town) & Villa Sant Andrea (beachfront)

• Hotel Villa Belvedere - stunning views and elegant suites in a central location

• Airbnb - this terrace is just begging for a bottle of Mt. Etna wine. The vintage interior is also to die for and the location is super central

What to Eat & Drink

Repeating my recommendations from the Cefalù guide, there are a few key Sicilian staples for your food bucket list before we can get into the restaurant recs:

• Arancini - these are deep-fried risotto balls usually stuffed with cheese or meat

• Cannoli - creamy ricotta filling stuffed into a crunchy shell
  Pro tip: don’t order the pre-made cannolis, the shells are typically soggy—find a place that has empty shells and adds the ricotta after you order—this way it’s fresh and the shell maintains the perfect crunch

• Granita - like a fruit slushy, but better—while I consider this a dessert, Sicilians actually eat it for breakfast (…when in Rome?)

• Gelato - ice cream adjacent, pistachio flavor is a must

• Swordfish rolls - a Sicilian classic, thinly sliced swordfish wrapped around breaded pine nuts, capers, and sometimes raisins—usually grilled & topped with lemon (salivating)

• Mt. Etna Wine - OKAY THIS. I could write a thesis on Mt. Etna wine. It’s my favorite of all time. Mt. Etna is an active volcano and the Sicilian vineyards sit at its base, so all of the Mt. Etna wine has a super mineral-y taste. It’s light, crisp, not-too-sweet. Since the wine served here comes right from the source (aka isn’t imported), it doesn’t usually contain sulfites/preservatives. Sulfites are what cause headaches and hangovers, so needless to say, the Mt. Etna wine goes down like water and there’s no hell to pay the next day

Where to Eat & Drink

The food here is simply incredible. I don’t think written word can do it justice (at least not my words). Below are some of my favorite restaurants and bars to overindulge:

• Ristorante Baronessa

• Osteria Rossodivino

• La Botte

• Re Di Bastoni

• Trattoria Da Nino

• Ristorante La Scala

• Bam Bar

• Otto Geleng

What to Do

• Beach day – Highly recommend Lido La Pigna for amazing food, drinks, and atmosphere

• Visit a Mt. Etna winery – We spent a day at Benanti Winery, which is local, family-run, and has incredible wines and a gorgeous estate

• Teatro Antico di Taormina – Open-air Greek theatre. Great for a cultural fix between your afternoon Aperol and evening wine

• Rent a boat – With swimming stops around the coast and Isola Bella

• Shop around Corso Umberto – The main street for shopping, espresso, and aperitivos

• Hike Mt. Etna – If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike the volcano. I can’t speak to this—I preferred drinking Mt. Etna win vs. hiking its terrain

• Overnight stay at Zash – This hotel was so insane and stunning. I’ll do a full separate post, but it’s definitely worth a night or two in your itinerary

• Horseback riding in the countryside - Surprisingly this was one of my favorite parts of our summer. We were picked up by a local guide and taken to a family ranch where we rode horses throughout the grounds, had lunch with ingredients fresh from the farm, and stopped in a small town for an espresso on the way home

What to Wear

Taormina style is low-effort, high-impact. Matching sets, pastels, vintage jewelry, strappy sandals—you want to look like you didn’t try, but obviously did. Here’s some inspo—shop the outfits:

Taormina gives you the best of both worlds—the perfect blend of luxe and local. It’s definitely having a moment, so add it to your summer plans before it turns into the next Positano.

Ciao,
x Alex

Elegant. Charming. Coastal. This little Basque beach town is all of these things & more. I spent the summer in Bia and fell in love with the laid-back luxe atmosphere. It’s oftentimes overlooked for the more flashy French Riviera (don’t tempt me with a good time), but this gem of a city is well worth a trip.

My summer days in Bia looked a lot like this: wake up & open the shutters to the backyard garden, enjoy an espresso next to the Juliet balcony, get dressed in a loose linen set, walk to the Halles market for fresh-out-of-the-oven croissants & farmer’s market fruit, grab an iced latte from Lobita, take my Kindle to the beach, head home for an afternoon siesta, snack on local cheese & wine, get ready for a chic seaside dinner, leisurely stroll home talking about how much I love this place. Oh, and probably fall into a cliff-side cocktail bar for a little night cap.

Biarritz is equal parts fun & chill - it has something for everyone, whether you’re going as a couple, on a group trip, or a family vacay. I personally was coming off of a wedding marathon bender, so I spent my time in Bia enjoying a slower summer life. That said, there are plenty of spots to get drinks and go out if you’re on more of the hot girl summer train.

Biarritz is actually a former royal resort of Empress Eugénie (Napoleon III’s wife). I believe Eugénie was Spanish, so Napoleon built a palace for her in Bia since it’s only 11 miles from Spain. Never settle, ladies. The palace is still in use today as a hotel:

Originally built in 1854 as a summer villa for Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, the Hôtel du Palais is Biarritz’s most iconic landmark—a grand Belle Époque palace perched above the Atlantic. What began as the Villa Eugénie evolved into a luxury hotel in the early 20th century, drawing European aristocrats, creatives, and jet-setters alike.

Restored by The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, today it’s high ceilings, sea views, and old-world opulence.

We love a place with a little history. The palace is stunning and perfectly located along the beach. It’s now a luxury hotel, complete with a gorgeous restaurant and chic cocktail bar (more on this in the recs section).

Today Biarritz is known as a coastal, laid-back surf town, but it still maintains some of the effortless luxury from its royal roots. It has a lot of co-working cafes that are equipped with showers so you can rinse off after you spent your lunch break surfing or laying at the beach. Goodbye florescent-lit corporate offices, hello work from beach-side surf cafes.

Let’s get into the good stuff - where to eat, drink, stay, surf, etc.

Where to Stay

I’d recommend staying near the Halles market to be perfectly central. That puts you close to the market obvs which is a huge perk since that’s where everyone shops, but also puts you close to the beach and all of the restaurants & boutiques. A few hotel & Airbnb recs:

• Hôtel du Palais - The palace again. While it’s not directly near the town center, it still has to go on the list

• Hotel Edouard VII - Adorable boutique hotel in a great location right near the center of town

• Airbnb - Charming & cozy apartment in a great location close to the beach

Where to Eat & Drink

As per usj, the French know what they’re doing when it comes to bars & restaurants. Everywhere we ate in Bia had delicious food, crisp wine, a cozy ambiance, and great service. Honestly anywhere you go will be incredible, but a few of my favorites:

• Eden Rock Cafe - Ugh, I love this little place. This is the perfect spot to 1) grab lunch during your beach day 2) have a cocktail & watch the sunset 3) have several cocktails with friends. It’s located next to the Plage du Port Vieux (aka Old Port Beach) - this isn’t the main beach, but more of a hidden cove surrounded by restaurants

• Etxola Bibi - The spot for sunset - it’s located a little further from the town center and everyone goes here for happy hour drinks

• La Rotonde - This is the restaurant within Hôtel du Palais we didn’t get dinner here, but we stopped in for drinks and the ambiance is absolutely gorgeous - it would be great for date night or a more formal night out

• Bar Napoléon III - & this is the vibey cocktail bar within Hôtel du Palais - definitely recommend grabbing a drink here before or after dinner

• Chez Albert - Located in the harbor surrounded by other cute restaurants, go here and have a glass of wine on the water while you wait for your table

• Hungry Belly - This local bakery is well worth a visit & was recommended by the locals

• Halles de Biarritz - While this is the go-to food market, they also have restaurant-style seating where you can order & eat from the local stands - it’s that classic Euro atmosphere that you just can’t replicate anywhere else

Day Trips & Surrounding Towns

We took a weekend trip to San Sebastian, and I highly recommend adding this into your itinerary if you can. I personally liked Biarritz better for my slow girl summer, but San Sebby is known as the foodie capital maybe of the world, I think it has the most Michelin stars by city density. Don’t quote me—this isn’t a factual journal, just my inner thoughts personified. Okay fine, I’ll google it… Seems like I was pretty damn close.

Another day trip to add to the agenda is Bordeaux which is about 2 hours by train or car. We didn’t get a chance to go here, but it’s on my list to go and drink 3 bottles of wine.

What to Do

This isn’t really a place you go with a checklist of activities. Biarritz is a place to live like a local & enjoy the seaside summer. Stumble into a cute restaurant that catches your eye, grab a bottle of wine at the local shop, explore the side streets, shop the Halles market stalls, take a surf lesson, read a romance novel on the beach, just enjoy.

What to Wear

At risk of sounding cliché - Bia is very quiet luxury. Nothing too over the top or risqué — save that for St. Tropez. Biarritz has an effortless elegance that should be maintained — here is some inspo:

Biarritz is definitely worth adding to your Euro summer itinerary. I’d recommend staying for at least a week, so you have time to add on a day or two in San Sebastian. Biarritz also has a cooler climate than the French Riviera and a lot of the other coastal summer towns, so it’s a great place to go in July or August when it’s a little too hot elsewhere.

x Alex

Summer in the city can be a lot of things, but this past weekend in NYC was perfect. I was worried I’d be escaping Miami only to head into another heatwave, but the weather was perfection — it was giving crisp fall day, which was an amazing reprieve from the South Florida sauna that is summer.

Anyway, I went to NYC for my BFF’s wedding, which was stunning, gorgeous, perfect — as you maybe saw on my Instagram stories. If you didn’t, even better, because I’m gonna give you all the deets here. This is going to be a little different than my usual Summering In series because 1) it’s not Europe, and 2) this is really just like a bonus episode. Idk, I’m making this up as I go.

Thursday

Morning: Arrived on an early flight because I had the wedding ceremony that evening.

Afternoon: Grabbed an amazing wine-fueled lunch at Café Maud in East Village, then picked up a latte from La Cabra before getting ready for the wedding.

Evening: The elopement ceremony was held in a quaint West Village garden, followed by dinner at Palma, which was amazing. It’s a must for date night.

Friday

Morning: Coffees at Librae Bakery. The sea salt mocha latte was incredible, and the pastries looked to die for.

Afternoon: Went to Dumbo House for lunch and to relax by the rooftop pool.

Evening: We had reservations at Don Angie — another West Village Italian spot and also amazing. The lasagna.

Saturday

Morning: Started the day with brunch at Friend of a Farmer, followed by matchas at Hutch and Waldo.

Afternoon: Headed back to East Village to do some damage at DUO NYC, which is the cutest and such a well-curated vintage store. I picked up a stunning ‘80s Armani blazer. Afterwards, got a lavender latte and lemon cake at From Lucie before getting ready for the wedding reception.

Evening: Before the reception, we met for drinks and apps at Bar Bianchi. The wedding reception was at Talea in Williamsburg — it was so much fun and had the perfect NYC touches (aka Fini Pizza).

Late Night: The afterparty was hosted at Café Balearica, which was the perfect disco after-hours locale.

A New York Minute indeed. Everything was so amazing, and every time I go back to the city I miss living there. Ugh, maybe I’ll move back — twist my arm.

x Alex

This post is a tough one for me to write because part of me doesn’t want anyone to know about this absolutely perfect gem of an island. That said, my current subscriber count is not at risk of virality, so here goes.

While I was summering in Sicily, I knew I wanted to take a trip to the Aeolian Islands. However, I was having a hard time figuring out which island to go to—there are seven islands, all with different vibes: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi, and Panarea. When I was initially researching, I remember being able to find the most info about Lipari and Salina.

Lipari is the biggest and main island—where most people start their Aeolian journey—but I wanted something a little more... magical. I shifted focus to Salina. This seemed like an amazing option: lush landscapes, wineries, luxury hotels—just not quite what I wanted.

The next option I came across: Panarea. I could actually hardly find any information on it. This was back in 2022, so there wasn’t an abundance of TikTok content or travel posts on this hot spot. I remember reading one outdated blog post about the Aeolian Islands, and there was a single sentence on this 2011 website about Panarea referring to it as the “jet-set party island”—well, if that doesn’t have my name written all over it, I don’t know what does.

I remember telling Brandon before we went that it would either be amazing or awful—I simply didn’t know what to expect because there was so little information available at the time. Luckily, it turned out to be the former and my all-time favorite summer destination. In fact, my friends haven’t heard me shut up about how I’ll be planning a group trip there (you know who you are).

Now, for a little background. I’m typically someone who likes going to somewhat undiscovered places. I want to be there before it’s cool, not after it’s been plastered all over your Instagram feed for two years—so you’re probably not going to catch me in Positano (no offense).

While Panarea wasn’t on my radar, it wasn’t fully undiscovered. The in-the-know Italian crowd was already there. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have a house there. A few American A-listers have been seen there as well—Jay-Z and Beyoncé have even rented out an entire hotel on the island. Yet, it remains one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.

Needless to say, Panarea is so fucking cool. One of the most beautiful, unique, and fun places I’ve ever been. There are no cars on the island (my dream). An effortless luxury fashion scene that screams generational wealth. Stunning architecture, incredible views, amazing food. Late dinners and later dancing. It’s absolutely iconic in every way.

I once heard someone compare it to Capri in the ’70s… What Panarea is effortlessly is what the Hamptons tries so hard to be. It’s where the see-and-be-seen crowd goes not to be seen—where they can simply live, party, and enjoy la dolce vita without watchful eyes.

If you’re on the island, you just get it. While everyone there is a tourist, it’s not touristy. You’re not going to see selfie sticks or TikTok tripods here—it’s understated, and people know not to post too much. There’s an aura of discretion to the island. There are only 280 residents, and most of them winter in Bali. Perhaps Wintering In should be my next series? Don’t tempt me with a good time.

Okay, per usj, I’ve lost the plot and gotten carried away with my intro. Let’s talk logistics.

Type of Trip

Panarea is so much fun. To really make the most of the island, you’ll want to go with a group of 6–8 people. It would be amazing for a few couples or a girls’ trip. Brandon and I went just the two of us and immediately realized we wanted to go back with friends.

When to Go

July or August. The island is so small that if you go in the off-season or shoulder season, there just won’t be much there.

How to Arrive

Maybe the reason Panarea remains undiscovered is the journey required to get to the island. Planes, trains, automobiles, ferries, helicopters, golf carts—it’s not easy to arrive.

There are a few ways to get there, but here’s how we did it: we flew into Palermo, booked a taxi to the port, and then took the ferry directly from the Palermo port to the Panarea port (about 5 hours). Once we arrived, our hotel had a golf cart waiting to take us to the hotel (no cars on the island, remember?).

You can also rent a private boat from Palermo, but that’s a little too wind-swept for me. Or a private helicopter. I’m personally a little scared of helicopters, but it’s definitely a you-know-how-to-make-an-entrance way to arrive in style.

Where to Stay

This is going to be a short list: Hotel Raya

Hotel Raya is the crown jewel of Panarea. It’s more than a hotel—it’s the scene. Whitewashed walls, bougainvillea terraces, rooftop aperitivos, and vintage Pucci vibes.

The rooms are minimalist but romantic, with hand-painted tiles, light linens, and private patios. It gives slow and sexy summer energy.

By day, there’s the infinity pool. By night, there are strong drinks at the terrace bar for sunsets, followed by chic dinner vibes to full-on DJ sets. It’s effortlessly glam, with an old-world edge—it really does feel like Capri in the ’70s.

Where to Eat & Drink

The island is so tiny that there aren’t many restaurants to choose from. With that, you definitely want to make reservations—and you definitely want to make the later dinner rez. Things don’t really get started until 10 p.m.

• Bridge Sushi Bar – Don’t trust the bad reviews, this place is a VIBE. Chic aperitivo turns fun dinner turns DJ open-air party

• Bar Banacalii – I had too many espresso martinis here to give a full recap, but it’s clearly fun because I went back for more the next night

• Raya Restaurant – Perfect for a rooftop aperitivo at sunset & great for a night out before the real party starts

• Ristorante Da Pina – Amazing food and atmosphere

  

  

What to Do

• Calabeach beach club – Grab a spritz, hop on a golf cart taxi, and spend the day at this cute little beach club

• Raya pool – After breakfast, nurse your hangover at the hotel infinity pool

• Boat day – I was actually too hungover to enjoy this (party island indeed), but it would be super fun with a group

• Day trip to other islands – We didn’t do this, but if you have time I’d definitely recommend either taking a boat or the ferry and doing some days or overnight stays at the other Aeolian Islands

• Shop – So many cute little boutiques and shops to explore

What to Wear

Panarea is luxe, chic, understated. No one is trying too hard, but everyone looks iconic. There are a lot of flowy maxi dresses & Hermes sandals. Think: loose, light, luxury fabrics. Here’s some inspo:

I used all my words in the intro, but Panarea is truly one of the coolest and most amazing places I’ve been. If you go, semi-gatekeep it—so we can keep it like it is forever.

x Alex

Nice is the official headquarters of the French Riviera. In my Paris city guide, I got carried away with the bliss that is a Nice beach club:

An afternoon at a Nice beach club is truly unrivaled—water the crisp color of Glacier Freeze Gatorade, the crunchy chicken cutlet atop chilled romaine lightly dressed with homemade Caesar, a waiter adjusting the umbrella every seven minutes so you’re perfectly shaded. It’s the kind of luxurious tranquility that makes you want to drink a bottle of rosé, post mysterious Instagram stories, and talk shit with your best friend.

Yes, that. But let’s take a step back. Nice is the fifth-largest city in France, so it has a proper airport you can fly into, or it’s about a one-hour flight from Paris (or a six-hour train if you’re feeling wild). I summered in Nice for 10 weeks and I’m going to give you the best breakdown of what to do, see, eat, etc. Equal parts bougie bitch and laid-back local.

STAYS

Starting off with arguably the most important question—where to stay? Nice is a super walkable city and there is also a train you can take throughout the city, or to surrounding towns (more on surrounding towns later). That said, it’s a somewhat big city, so you’ll want to pick a central neighborhood. My top two recs:

1. Old Town (Vieux Nice)
   Close to: Cours Saleya, the beach, charming cafes

   1. Best Airbnb: Chic & airy loft in the heart of old town

   2. Best Hotel: Hôtel du Couvent – timeless luxury, lime-washed walls, organic modern decor, complete with a rooftop pool… say less

2. Carré d'Or
   Close to: Shopping on Avenue Jean Médecin, chic cafés, a few blocks from the beach

   1. Best Airbnb: This bold & luxurious loft with a full terrace… insert me with a bottle of chilled rosé

   2. Best Hotel: Hôtel La Villa Nice Victor Hugo – charming with Parisian-style interiors and the cutest wallpaper (it’s the little things)

RESTAURANTS

The food. Fresh seafood, classic caesar salads, chilled rosé, fresh-out-of-the-oven croissants that literally melt in your mouth. I even found a local coffee shop that makes amazing iced lattes (which is hard to come by in Europe).

• Le Plongeoir – Super popular restaurant near the Nice port. Even though it's popular, the food and vibe were amazing. Definitely recommend for the experience (you need a reservation ahead of time—like months ahead).

• Chez Davia – Cozy restaurant perfect for low-key date night

• Le Country Store – Two words: iced latte

• Hobo Coffee – Cute coffee shop for brunch in Old Town

• Movida – Cocktail bar with a terrace for sunset

• Farago on the Roof – Cute rooftop hotel bar for drinks

• Hotel Amour – Vibey cocktail bar in the hotel

• Oliviera – Cute, casual restaurant in an olive oil shop

• Bocca Mar – Beach club turned dinner club (most beach clubs also do dinner at night that turns into a party)

BEACH CLUBS

The best part about Nice is the beach clubs. The coast is lined with blue-striped umbrellas and even bluer water. It’s the perfect way to spend your first full day in Nice while you shake off the jet lag.

• Hotel Amour Beach Club

• La Vela Beach Club

• Ruhl Plage

• Castel Plage

Honestly, they’re all amazing—you really can’t go wrong, but Hotel Amour & La Vela are my faves.

TO DO

• Cours Saleya – This is the outdoor market in Old Town. Every day they have something different, so you can go a couple of times and buy different things—some days it’s food, and some days it’s vintage Chanel (obviously prioritize vintage Chanel day)

• Boat Day – If you’re short a mega yacht, you can rent a boat and spend the day coasting along the Côte d’Azur

• Shopping

  • Mademoiselle Nice Vintage

  • Galeries Lafayette

  • Fragonard

  • Pharmacie du Marché

DAY TRIPS & SURROUNDING TOWNS

Okay, I lied. The best part about Nice is actually the accessibility to the rest of the French Rivi. It’s the perfect base to explore the surrounding towns because it’s so centrally located and super close to some of the most insanely stunning cities in the SOF.

Day Trips (under 1 hour from Nice):

• Antibes – One of my faves. I actually came back and stayed here for five weeks because it deserved its own moment in time. Charming stores, artists working outside their shops, Billionaire’s Bay, Sofia Richie’s wedding venue, incredible food. I’ll do a full Summering In post on Antibes, but it’s definitely worth a day trip

• Èze – Thiisssss. This elegant, medieval hilltop town is truly something out of a fairytale. If you want to explore for the day, I’d recommend wearing walkable shoes because it's hilly and the old stones are slippery (me and my Orans were sliding all over the place). There’s also a gorgeous botanical garden (Jardin Exotique d’Èze) at the top of the town with insane views

  • Le Café du Jardin – This restaurant is absolutely stunning. It overlooks the entire coast—the views are out of this world. Order the pizza and a bottle of wine. Soak it all in & realize you’re probably peaking

• Villefranche-sur-Mer – A local gem about 20 minutes from Nice by car. It’s a little more laid-back than some of its bougie neighbors

  • Lou Bantry – Restaurant along the water—food and vibe were perfect for lunch before or after the beach

• Cannes – As expected, Cannes is amazing and has stunning beach clubs (a bit more expensive than Nice), but they have some extended sun decks—kind of like docks that go from the beach club out into the water. It’s about 40 minutes from Nice, so you can do a quick day trip

  • La Guerite – You’ve seen this on IG, the viral Cannes beach club, wear a chic beach outfit & prepare for pics

• Monaco – Birkins & billions. Honestly, this had a bit of a stiff feel to me compared to some of the other SOF towns. I’ve heard the vintage shops are amazing though, so I’d go back for that alone. If you’re looking for luxury, I’d choose Saint-Tropez over Monaco

Overnight Stays (over an hour from Nice):

• Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – This little Provence town is SO cute, charming, magical—I don’t even have the words. It’s about 2.5 hours from Nice, but well worth the trip. While you’re en route to MSM, you can also stop at the viral Verdon Gorge & also the lavender fields if they’re in bloom

  • Hotel rec: We stayed at this adorable hotel that’s an authentic 16th-century country house & would 100% go back (also they have an amazing homemade breakfast)

• Saint-Tropez – Stunning, gorgeous, everything it’s hyped up to be. Perfect blend of local & luxury. Saint-Tropez is about two hours from Nice, so if you’re planning a trip here, stay for at least a night or two

OUTFITS

I’m personally a visual person, so I’m going to show you vs. tell you.

Okay, having fomo of my past summering self after writing this. Bon voyageeee

Come back next week for Summer In: The Aeolian Islands

x Alex

Sicilian summer is pure magic. And Cefalù is one of Sicily’s crown jewels—it truly has something special that cannot fully be put into words, but I’m going to do my best for the sake of your Euro summer itinerary. I’ve spent two summers in Cefalù, and no, I still haven’t watched The White Lotus.

Let’s set the scene. You’re lying on a sun bed in a perfectly curated beach outfit. A fully charged Kindle. An attentive Italian server bringing your chilled Aperol Spritz, dripping with condensation—not too orange, perfect parts Aperol & Prosecco. A bowl of linguine alle vongole (pasta with clams) for a late lunch. A dip in the cool, calm Mediterranean Sea. Life literally pauses for you to soak in the moment. In fact, the Italians have a saying for this—dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing.

My first recommendation for Cefalù is just that—doing nothing. It’s not one of those places where you want to set a crazy, jam-packed itinerary filled with constant day trips and stringent planning. It’s a place to be savored and enjoyed, without a schedule. I say this right before I’m about to give you a literal schedule, but you get it.

How to Get to Cefalù

First things first—getting there. You’ll want to fly into Palermo and then get a car from the airport. It’s about a one-hour drive, and you can book a driver ahead of time (around €100). I don’t recommend renting a car—once you’re in Cefalù, you’ll be able to walk everywhere, so a car isn’t necessary and Sicilian driving is a little chaotic. I also don’t recommend spending much time in Palermo, so just head to Cefalù right from the airport.

Where to Stay

During both of my summers, I stayed in the downtown area of Cefalù (near Porta Pescara). It’s not a big city, more of a small coastal town, so most anywhere you stay will be pretty accessible and walkable to all the recommended restaurants and, most importantly, the beach.

Here are some chic stays:

• MORAMUSA Charme Apartment - elegant apartment & has a perfect location, close to the beach and restaurants

• Azzurro B&B - charming apartment steps from the sea

• La Calette Bay - the most luxurious stay in Cef, a 5-star seaside hotel, the location is a bit more secluded (about a 15-minute walk to downtown), but well worth it

What to Eat & Drink

Before I go into restaurant recommendations, I need to touch on a few key Sicilian staples for your food bucket list:

• Arancini - these are deep-fried risotto balls usually stuffed with cheese or meat

• Cannoli - creamy ricotta filling stuffed into a crunchy shell
  Pro tip: don’t order the pre-made cannolis, the shells are typically soggy—find a place that has empty shells and adds the ricotta after you order—this way it’s fresh and the shell maintains the perfect crunch

• Granita - like a fruit slushy, but better—while I consider this a dessert, Sicilians actually eat it for breakfast (…when in Rome?)

• Gelato - ice cream adjacent, pistachio flavor is a must

• Swordfish rolls - a Sicilian classic, thinly sliced swordfish wrapped around breaded pine nuts, capers, and sometimes raisins—usually grilled & topped with lemon (salivating)

• Mt. Etna Wine - OKAY THIS. I could write a thesis on Mt. Etna wine. It’s my favorite of all time. Mt. Etna is an active volcano and the Sicilian vineyards sit at its base, so all of the Mt. Etna wine has a super mineral-y taste. It’s light, crisp, not-too-sweet. Since the wine served here comes right from the source (aka isn’t imported), it doesn’t usually contain sulfites/preservatives. Sulfites are what cause headaches and hangovers, so needless to say, the Mt. Etna wine goes down like water and there’s no hell to pay the next day

Where to Eat

Similar to the rest of Europe, dinner in Sicily is usually later in the day (think reservations anywhere from 8pm to 10pm). And of course, there is the aperitivo. Perhaps my favorite time of a Sicilian day. It’s like a more chic happy hour usually around 6:30-8:00, a pre-dinner snack & spritz. This is when all the locals sit outside in flowy, linen outfits sipping hugo spritzes and snacking on a savory bite. In fact, most restaurants will bring out a little snack trio upon arrival. Little luxuries.

• La Brace - a must. This family-run restaurant is one of the best and most authentic places you can find in Cefalù, the mom of the family makes all of the dishes, while her son makes a mean espresso martini (tell David I say hi)

• Vecchia Marina - amazing restaurant on the water, perfect for lunch or an early dinner if you want to see the sunset, food and wine are both top notch (especially the seafood risotto)

• Zagara Juice Bar - walk-up juice and espresso bar, they also have granita cocktails that are out of this world, when I was living in Cef, I went twice a day lol

• Tatiana Melfa Bakery - amazing brunch spot with a garden patio

• Duomo Gelatieri dal 1952 - located in the square near the Duomo, this little bakery/ice cream shop offered some of the best granita ever - order the flavor combo: pistachio & ricotta (just trust)

Where to Drink

• Enoteca Le Petit Tonneau - adorable wine bar with two outdoor tables overlooking the water (try to get a reservation for one of these around sunset for the ideal experience), this little wine bar also offers charcuterie boards and fresh, just-caught seafood plates to go along with a bottle of Mt. Etna white (or 3)

• Bordomari Sea Lounge Bar - the literal perfect aperitivo bar, it’s located along the coast with a perfect view of sunset, don’t skip this one

• Kalapinta Craft Beer - when you’ve inevitably had a few too many bottles of wine during your Sicilian stay, this is a great place for a nice cold beer, they have a good range of beer and cocktail options with outdoor patio seating

What to Wear

Cefalù is a chic, coastal town with a laidback luxe style. For most of Europe, I don’t recommend heels and Cefalù is no different. Bring chic sandals for dinners out, casual sandals or flip flops for the beach, and sneakers for walking around. In terms of outfits, showing you will be easier than telling, here is some inspo & shopping links:

What to Do

One of the best parts about Cefalù is how close and accessible the beach is. You’ll see people jumping in the water for just a 10-minute dip, or hanging out along the coast for sunset hour. Utter perfection.

• Spiaggia Vecchio Molo - this is less lido and more local, couples & families hang out around the stone dock and jump into the crisp, cool water (FYI a lido is private beach club with umbrellas & rented beach chairs). Pro tip: bring a blanket, a bottle of wine/snacks, a speaker if you’re feeling wild, and hang out here for the afternoon or at sunset before dinner

• Spiaggia di Cefalu - this is the more lido section of the beach on the other side of the town (probably 10-minute walk from Vecchio Molo). This area has a strip of restaurants along the promenade and lidos stationed on the sandy strip of beach (yes, unlike Italy, Sicily has sand beaches)

• Sunset Sail via Sea Land Tours - Captain Alex is an all-around great time no matter if you’re a large group or a couple. For couples: highly recommend a sunset cruise where you’ll be given a crisp bottle of sparkling Mt. Etna wine and a tray of appetizers in between swim stops

• Lavatoio Medievale - historic 16th century laundry house with fresh mountain water flowing down into the sea

• Porto Pescara - popular photo spot

• Bastione di Capo Marchiafava - 17th century fortification, people hang out up here for a little DIY aperitivo at sunset

• Shopping - walk around the streets of Cefalu and stumble into the many cute shops, grab a gelato or a walking cocktail while you’re at it

• Hike The Rocca di Cefalù - it takes a lot for me to hike, and I promise I wouldn’t recommend this if it wasn’t worth it, photo evidence below:

If you couldn’t tell, Cefalù is one of my favorite and most-recommended Summer destinations. Add it to the top of your travel bucket list, you won’t regret it. In fact, if you go, I’ll probably see you there.

x Alex