Western Europe never looked better. The warm temperate climate is ideal for Fall travellers looking for a little escape. Add these five hot new locales to your lis
1. PRAIANO, ITALY
Why Here? Southern Italy is beautiful year round. Located in Salerno, Praiano’s “Vettica Maggiore” frazione, part of the Amalfi coast, was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 because of its natural beauty. With a population of almost 2100, this picturesque, sleepy beach town is perfect for
those who want a quiet escape from the buzz of larger surrounding cities
WHERE TO STAY
Casa Angelina A white, minimalist, and modern hotel nestled in cliffs and enhanced by the sparkling cerulean sea. Seeking even more privacy? Try one of four private apartments.
WHERE TO EAT
Le Sirenuse, a hotel and restaurant (La Sponda) in neighbouring positano. The Michelin star restaurant serves fresh seafood, Mediterranean herbs and lemons from the Amalfi coast highlighting Neapolitan cuisine.
Sip an apertivo at Adamo ed Eva Restaurant at Eden Roc in positano. The old school bar features a wine tasting every evening, served alongside traditional pasta, vegetable dishes and fresh fish.
2. ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
Why Here? With a rich history of Moorish rule, this southern region of Portugal has grown to a population of just under half a million inhabitants, and fall is prime for visiting as most summer travellers have left. Faro, where fruit, oranges, carob beans, figs and almonds are gorwn is a delicious culinary destination. Don’t miss Ria Formosa lagoon, a nature reserve of over 170 square kilometres and a resting place for hundreds of different species of birds.
WHERE TO STAY
The 180 room five star Vila Vita Hotel set on 54 acres features spectacular views of the ocean. The extensive Vita Vila Spa menu features dozens of treatments for the face, and body.
WHERE TO EAT
Restaurant São Gabriel Dine on Chef Leonel pereira’s tasting menu. Highlights include crisp dried river shrimp with sea cream and red seaweed powder, and Iberian black pork with vanilla candied potatoes.
Florian Restaurante With a menu based heavily on seafood, try the cold minestrone soup served with Soba noodles and Dutch shrimp, and fillet of Sea bass served with spinach, confit of tomato, butter potatoes and a saffron sauce.
3. CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY
Why Here? This mountainous region made up of Urgup, Goreme, Ihlara Valley, Selime, Guzelyurt, Uchisar, Avanos and Zelve is home
to the ‘fairy chimney’s’, or rock houses carved by inhabitants during the 9th century. e Göreme Open Air Museum is the most visited
site of the monastic communities that once dominated Cappadocia.
WHERE TO STAY
Agros in Cappadocia Located on the site of an ancient monastery in Old uçhisar Village, the hotel carefully restored the remains of historical dwellings and underground tunnels for a truly unique experience.
WHERE TO EAT
Lil’a Modern Turkish cuisine. Start with the Turkish ravioli and mushrooms with melted turkish cheese, and the kebabs for a main. Take a cooking class with chef Mustafa buyukhan.
Altinocak An underground restaurant, carved into the rock, it features typical Turkish fare such as lentil soup, casserole with beans and kobab.
4. GRANADA, SPAIN
Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this region counts Granada as one of its most famous cities. One of the world’s most beautiful architectural sites, the Moorish Alhambra is found in the Albaicín area of the city.
WHERE TO STAY
El Lodge A luxurious retreat in the mountains. The cabin like rooms feature remarkable views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Visit the hotel’s spa and relax, especially as temperatures drop.
WHERE TO EAT
Restaurant Mirador de Morayma Located in the moorish quarter, this restaurant features local wine and food including the remojón salad (salt cod, oranges, black olives, and scallions), and salmorejo, a cold tomato soup;
No trip to Spain is complete without a trip to a tapas bar. pasiegas tapas bar at Catedral Suites features local delicacies like Iberico ham, tortitas, bacalao, langostinos, and peppers all washed down with a beer, cider or wine.
5. BRELA, CROATIA
Located on the Dalmatian coast, with a population under 2000 inhabitants, the municipality is made up of two villages: Brela and Gornja Brela. The icon is the “Kamen Brela” , or Brela Stone, a small rock located on Punta Rata, one of the most stunning beaches in Europe.
WHERE TO STAT
Hotel Damianii A white mansion like structure great for business and leisure travellers. The luxury suites are ultra modern and spacious. Lie in your private outdoor heated jacuzzi while enjoying the spectacular view;
WHERE TO EAT
baccho restaurant Dine on Mediterranean fare, including whole grilled fish, pasta with clams and seafood salads;
Bounty bar A beautiful modern Croatian restaurant, opened in 2005 featuring the best fresh fish including John Dory, calamari, squid, and cockles.
This original travel article first appeared in the Fall 2013 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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