Poetto beach

If there is one thing that Sardinia is not short of it is stunning beaches, so we’re starting off with the one closest to Cagliari – Poetto beach. Spiaggia del Poetto di Cagliari is a long stretch of white sand with the rocky headlands of Tempio Punico rising above the harbour. Poetto beach is eightContinue reading “Poetto beach”

Religious art

The Cathedral of Santa Maria, or the the Cathedral of Cagliari, has an incredibly ornate interior with geometric marble inlay creating mesmerising patterns. Heading underground to the crypt you come to the Martyrs’ Sanctuary, so called because there are around 179 niches containing the relics of the martyrs of Cagliari. Heading back into the cityContinue reading “Religious art”

Scintillating Sardinia

We’ve off on our third trip of 2017 now. To the stunning Italian island of Sardinia. Sardinia is one of those places that doesn’t seem to register very highly on people’s travel radars but is an absolute hidden gem. Over the next ten days we find majestic old cities, hidden coves and stunning beaches soContinue reading “Scintillating Sardinia”

Hot rocks and ruins

Close to the village of Pyli in Kos island, there is a half-ruined, abandoned settlement known as Old Pyli. This atmospheric (and sweltering!) collection of old tumble down houses, churches and other ruins can be explored on foot. Above this abandoned village is the Castle of Pyli which was built in the Byzantine times andContinue reading “Hot rocks and ruins”

Dazzling Zia

Continuing our exploration of some of Kos’s mountain villages we’re making a beeline for Zia. Set on the mountain side of Dikeos, Zia is surrounded by scented pine forests and stunning vistas. Essentially it’s a tiny village with shopping streets lined with boutique shops and traditional souvenirs. If you’re after snaps of a more traditionalContinue reading “Dazzling Zia”

Mountain villages

Hiring a car we’re off to explore the mountainous interior of Kos for a few days now. First on our trip is a visit to the Monastery of Agios Ioannis. This stunning little building is a revelation at the end of a non-descript road. This tiny gem is covered from floor to ceiling with colourfulContinue reading “Mountain villages”