Chloe, one of our Byron store angels, recently returned from her European summer… Take a look at what she wore abroad along with her favourite locations and top tips.
Greece
Begin your Mamma Mia summer in Greece by the turquoise Aegean Sea. You won’t be able to help but sing out ABBA’s famous tunes as you dance through the gorgeous white-washed streets and dive into the silky sea.
Santorini
Santorini is famous for its postcard-perfect sunsets. Just a few streets back from The Castle of Oia is the Three Blue Domes which offers a view that captures even more of the scene with lesser crowds. My advice is to scout out a spot early. Pop into a local market for some Greek wine and snacks (think tzatziki, crackers, dolmades and grapes)! You’ll be set for sunset.
Milos
Island hop to Milos and you might just find yourself on the moon. Zoom over to Tisgardo beach by ATV (arguably the best and most fun way to get around the island). It’s a steep climb down a ladder but worth it for the clearest blue sea you’ll ever see.
Ios
We visited just outside of peak season and were pleasantly surprised to stumble upon a quiet island with serene views and almost empty beaches. For a secret beach spot, walk over to Tzamaria Beach. It has the clearest water that laps at the shore, with a beautiful blue door tucked away on the shore (the perfect photo spot)! You might be lucky enough to have it all to yourself like we did.
Italy
Amalfi Coast
Head to the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast to enjoy la dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing). Spend slow Summer days swimming in the azure seas, resting under red-striped beach umbrellas and dining on fresh pastas and pizzas. For the perfect sunset spot, trace Viale Pasitea by foot. This is the road that winds down to the sea. Here you will find a plethora of fine dining restaurants and little hole-in-the-wall bars and eateries.
Spain
Mallorca
Mallorca has made it onto the world map with its postcard-perfect beaches framed with stunning stone houses. My three favourite beaches would have to be Cala Llombards, Calo des Moro and S’Almonia. S’Almonia is the spot to finish your day. This beach has food and drinks available at the bars and cafes so you can refuel with Spanish tapas.
While in Mallorca, Hotel Corazon is a must-visit. Brainchild of photographer Kate Bellm, the space is an island oasis nestled in the mystical Tramuntana Mountains. It’s not just a hotel, but also a farm, art space, cafe/restaurant and yoga studio. Escape here to find your peace and wild bliss.
France
Biarritz
Nowhere quite seems to have the elegance, class and charm of France. Biarritz is a beautiful mix of elegant Parisian architecture and dining with surf-cool culture. Begin your days by riding a bike or Vespa to your morning coffee or brunch spot. Some of my favourite spots were Cafe Ekia, Bali Bowls and Milwaukee Cafe. You also can’t miss Les Market Halles for daily gourmet goods and local market treasures.
Paris
You can’t leave this romantic city without a few essential stops. Le Consulat and La Maison Rose are also popular cafe choices. La Maison Rose is set atop one of the prettiest streets in Paris, where scenes from Emily in Paris have been filmed. So even if you don’t dine here, it’s worth wandering past and snapping some photos.
I hope this has inspired your European summer dreaming and planning. This is your life, don’t let anyone take it from you. Fall in love with it. Live your movie how you want to. Chase the sun. Dance beneath the moon. Create magic. And be grateful for it all.
Words by Chloe Gonzalez