Slip Into Serenity: Top 5 Mediterranean Gems

Most Ideal Time to Visit: June to September

With azure Aegean Sea and beaches made up of black, white and red lava pebbles — the small island of Santorini in Greece is a traveller’s favourite, be it for romantic cruises, sunsets, sightseeing or simply just cruising by! Although Santorini is a very popular Greek destination, this postcard-perfect island offers a serene escape from the vibrant beach vibe and action-packed nightlife of the nearby party islands like Corfu, Mykonos and Paros. This windswept Greek island boasts a volcanic landscape, scenic sunsets and quaint towns and villages. Santorini’s distinct charm lies in its white-washed houses with cobalt blue domes and bougainvillaea-strewn terraces, situated high amongst the cliff tops and commanding breathtaking sea views…

What Makes Santorini Special?

Nothing quite compares to the spectacular sighting of the sun dipping into the horizon of Santorini’s villages, with Oia being the most popular spot to witness the sunset! Besides sunsets, romance is undoubtedly one of the island’s greatest appeals — attracting couples searching for an ideal venue for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, bridal shoot or wedding. From luxurious cliffside hotels to excellent local wineries, Santorini is an idyllic haven that seems to have been formed and tailored with lovers in mind!

Best Things to Do in Santorini:

• Chase the sunsets. Climb the watchtower of Oia Castle to watch the sunset in all its glory, backed by the endless sea and caldera beyond. You can also catch the slightly lower yet equally magnificent sunset views along the old castle walls for lesser crowds. 

• Ride a cable car to Fira. Hop on a scenic cable car ride to reach the popular town of Fira, the capital of Santorini, and marvel at the panoramic views of the nearby volcanic island of Nea Kameni as you go up.

• Hit the Red Beach. Be in awe of the Red Beach’s rare beauty and unique features! This extraordinary beach was formed by volcanic eruptions and earthquakes — a series of catastrophic events that led to the erosion of cliffs that now line the beach. 

Most Ideal Time to Visit: April to June

Although often overshadowed by the tourist-famous cities like Rome and Venice, Portofino is one of the most picturesque settings in Italy. Colourful houses, lavish boutique shops and seafood restaurants occupy the Piazzetta — a tiny, cobbled square at the harbourfront, where you'll see a myriad of bobbing boats and yachts. This small commune was once a sleepy fishing village on the Italian Riviera coastline until it was transformed into a glitzy and lavish holiday resort, perfect for turning the dream of a jet-set lifestyle into reality!

What Makes Portofino Special?

Striking natural scenery, artistic and cultural heritage, brightly-coloured architecture and a cosy coffee culture all blend well together in Portofino — creating an atmosphere that’s unlike any other. Portofino is undoubtedly a place of quirky aesthetics, unmatched beauty and effortless elegance. Thanks to its isolated location, that’s only accessible by a yacht or boat, it makes an ideal getaway destination for those seeking for secluded serenity and an extravagant lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle.

Best Things to Do in Portofino:

• Wander around the Piazzetta. Saunter around the sprawling main square, where most of the action in the commune happens. Admire the yachts anchored at the port while sampling the famous local ice cream called “paciugo.” 

• Step back-in-time at Castello Brown. Revisit the notorious past of Portofino as you explore this historic house museum perched atop the harbour, which served as a military fortress during the Roman era.

• Visit the San Martino Church. This centuries-old Romanesque Lombard-style church sitting by the marina, with a striped facade and stylish interior, is worth a visit for history buffs and pilgrims alike! 

Most Ideal Time to Visit: June to September

Valletta is the UNESCO-protected port and capital of Malta, boasting impressive Baroque architecture, such as St. John's Co-Cathedral and the Grandmasters Palace. The captivating walled city is steeped with fascinating military history and culture, evident in the staggering Grand Harbour and plethora of museums! Once an enclave for the Knights of St Johns, this culturally-rich capital radiates a dynamic fusion of Baroque charm and modern sophistication. From grandiose churches to war museums, Valletta hosts a wealth of sites that provide insight to the city’s storied past and rich culture.

What Makes Valletta Special?

UNESCO described Valletta as “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world,” when it was recognised as a World Heritage Site. It’s renowned for its impressive churches, museums and palaces. This historic capital makes an ideal escape to enjoy the jaw-dropping turquoise sea views and the remote tranquillity in a laid-back island away from the urban flurry — all while being able to soak up the Old-World charm and abundant culture of the Baroque city!

Best Things to Do in Valletta:

• Go museum-hopping. Learn about Malta’s military history in the National War Museum, admire artworks in the National Museum of Fine Arts and discover the long lost civilisations in the National Museum of Archeology. Or step inside the Palace Staterooms inside the Presidential Palace! 

• Find inner peace. Breathe fresh air as you take a leisurely walk around the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a public garden in Valletta with a quaint terrace that provides visitors uninterrupted views of the fortified city, the Grand Harbour and beyond to the Mediterranean Sea.

• Get a taste of the life of Malta’s ancient nobility. The 16th-century Casa Rocca Piccola, often described as a “living museum,” is a privately-owned residence of an aristocrat family, where you can learn about the unique customs and traditions of a Maltese nobility. 

Most Ideal Time to Visit: March to May, September to November

A whirlwind of one-of-a-kind experiences awaits in Istanbul — a major city in Turkey that straddles the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia. This buzzing metropolis is the country’s cultural and historical hub, bridging both the west and the east in an exceptional position at the crossroads of two civilizations. The legendary city is also the capital of four kingdoms, including the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman Empires, so you can expect nothing less than enchantment and nostalgia as you relive some of the greatest empires in human history at every turn. 

What Makes Istanbul Special?

Istanbul is a melting pot of cultures between European and Asian civilisations, delightfully capturing the essence of both. In this transcontinental city, you’ll be enchanted by the fantastic combination of European elegance, Asia’s exotic allure and hospitality and Middle Eastern cultural influence. From UNESCO-listed landmarks and tantalising culinary feasts to pulsating nightlife and a lively shopping scene, you’ll get the best of everything in Istanbul. 

Best Things to Do in Istanbul:

• Relax with a Turkish bath. Immerse yourself in Turkish culture as you soak your cares away on traditional hammams, which are age-old spa facilities with a history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. 

• Listen to the call of prayer. Take a spiritual journey to Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque — two of the most remarkable mosques in Istanbul. Whether you want to seek blessings or go sightseeing, these sites are definitely a must-visit!

• Bargain at the Grand Bazaar. Go shopping in the country’s largest marketplace, containing winding streets filled with multiple shops, a kaleidoscope of sparkling lanterns and a variety of items to choose from at affordable rates! 

Most Ideal Time to Visit: May to September

Where the hills and the ocean meet, Lisbon echoes a glorious colonial past, elegant architecture and rustic Fado music tradition. Nicknamed as the “City of Seven Hills,” this mediaeval city is mostly built on the rolling hills with dramatic views of the Tagus River. This rugged coastal capital enjoys warm summers and mild winters, making it one of the sunniest capitals in mainland Europe. You’ll be welcomed by the iconic Belém Tower – a symbol of the Age of Discoveries in Portugal, which served as the main gateway to Lisbon, so it’s the first and last thing sailors would see once they dock in and leave the capital…

What Makes Lisbon Special?

In Lisbon, the heavenly lookouts on top of the hills and the traditional Fado music heritage, as well as the stunning architecture and delicious cuisine, will surely keep you wanting for more! The rewarding uninterrupted views at the different observation points definitely make up for the challenging hike up the hills. Once the evening plays out, the city’s energetic atmosphere turns into a mood of bittersweet romance as the mournful tunes and lyrics of Lisbon blues seep into the streets, from the full on Fado restaurants to lively bars…

Best Things to Do in Lisbon:

• Watch a Fado performance. This local genre of music, characterised by nostalgic melodies and emotive storytelling, has been recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity — reflecting the Portuguese concept of 

• Take the Tram 28. Trams have been ferrying locals and tourists down the city’s hills for a long time. The classic tram goes past so many sights and quaint districts, making it a unique and convenient way to discover and experience Lisbon’s slice of life.

• Stroll around Alfama District. Fall for the charm of one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Lisbon as you explore its steep streets, lined with whitewashed houses, boutique shops and cafes. The melancholic Fado music can be heard in the area at night. 

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