Summer 2023 is a Euro Summer, with 55% more American travelers visiting Europe this year than last (Forbes) and “Euro Summer” overtaking TikTok with European-inspired fashion trends and destinations. In particular, Italy and Greece are considered two of the most popular destinations for right now (Travel Weekly). For travelers looking to experience a true Italian summer or one of Greece’s hidden gems, here are destinations that are not to be missed:
Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany
Forte dei Marmi remains Tuscany’s best-kept secret for a true Italian summer, brimming with high-fashion boutiques, Michelin Star restaurants, and exclusive beach clubs, but no tourists. Nestled away and in the often overlooked Forte dei Marmi, Villa Roma Imperiale under Collezione EM is a hidden gem offering a tranquil and idyllic Italian haven, with its fine golden sands and calm oceans making it the perfect spot for a relaxing beach-side holiday. Villa Roma Imperiale is a luxurious retreat offering guests a perfect blend of elegance and comfort, featuring 31 bedrooms ranging from classic rooms to deluxe suites and tailor-made to meet guests’ needs with four-poster beds, balconies, libraries, and access to the pool and gated private gardens, providing privacy in the rich greenery.
With its ideal location, guests can indulge in the iconic exclusive beach clubs—just a five-minute walk from the Villa, enjoy the cultural festivities and shopping of nearby Pietrasanta, take a boat ride to the colorful Cinque Terre, and hike the Apuan Alps to experience Forte like a true local. The quaint beach house features a cultivated glamour with the privilege of slowing down. A perfect hideaway boasting the pleasure of understated luxury, Villa Roma Imperiale offers a true Italian summer experience.
Paros, Greece
Secluded in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, the island of Paros is an enchanting destination that beckons travelers seeking a luxurious summer filled by exquisite beaches, culture, and charm. Paros boasts a pristine coastline with a plethora of idyllic beaches framed by azure waters and shimmering golden sands. Visitors to the island will find a variety of options, whether they crave secluded coves or lively beachfronts. They can dive into the crystalline waters of Santa Maria or Pounda, renowned for thrilling water sports, or unwind on the serene shores of Kolymbithres. Explorers can wander through streets of Parikia, the island's capital, where whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant bougainvillea create a picturesque setting, and visit the majestic Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a Byzantine church dating back to the 4th century. For art enthusiasts, the island's art scene thrives, with numerous galleries showcasing works of local and international artists. As the sun sets, Paros reveals a captivating nightlife scene that caters to all tastes from bustling beach bars to cozy tavernas.
For accommodations on the island, MINOIS Hotel invites travelers to escape the crowds and embark on an unforgettable vacation that combines relaxation and exploration like no other. Newly renovated and reopened in May 2023, the property boasts 44 suites offering scenic views of the Aegean Sea or the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape, two restaurants, including Olvo by the Michelin-starred chef Alexander Tsiotinis, and the Aura Spa, showcasing signature wellbeing treatments for a blissful retreat with stunning ocean views. A wide array of carefully curated, tradition-inspired activities, such as salt harvesting hikes, traditional weaving, and ceramic classes, invite guests at MINOIS to explore and experience the island as locals.