When summer arrives in Europe, life moves outdoors. Tables spill into cobbled piazzas, rosé is poured with the sea at your feet, and the rhythm of each day slows to savor the sunshine.
At Bella Vita Travels, we curate summer experiences that blend luxury, location, and local flavor. This first part of our two-part series showcases our favorite ways to live beautifully outdoors—in four iconic destinations where eating, drinking, and relaxing under the sun is an art form.
Italy: Slow Living on the Amalfi Coast
Where to eat outdoors: La Sponda, Positano
Candlelight glows against whitewashed walls and bougainvillea spills overhead at this Michelin-starred restaurant in Le Sirenuse. Dine on fresh lobster and Amalfi lemon risotto as mandolin players serenade you, all with Positano’s pastel cliffside unfolding below. It’s romance, redefined.
Where to stay: Il San Pietro di Positano
Built into the rock with private terraces and an elevator descending to the sea, Il San Pietro offers seclusion with unmatched views. Sip your morning espresso overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, or book a massage in their oceanfront spa carved into the cliffs.
Best beach moment: Fiordo di Furore
Hidden between soaring cliffs, this small, dramatic beach is a dreamlike escape. Reach it by descending stone steps from the old bridge above. Here, you’ll find turquoise waters and an unforgettable swim beneath soaring arches.
France: Charm of the outdoors in Provence
Where to eat: Le Jardin de Berne, Lorgues
Tucked in the hills of Provence at Château de Berne, this garden restaurant blends organic Provençal ingredients with refined gastronomy. Set beneath olive trees and surrounded by vineyards, lunch here means zucchini flowers, truffle accents, and house rosé poured generously.
Where to stay: Crillon le Brave, Vaucluse
This five-star hilltop retreat is a collection of historic stone houses. It boasts a panoramic pool and terrace dining that feels suspended over the countryside. A haven of French elegance with authentic village charm.
Best beach moment: Plage de l’Espiguette, Camargue
For a wild and windswept contrast to the Riviera, head to this protected natural beach near Aigues-Mortes. Vast dunes, untouched sand, and a sense of timelessness—it’s France at its most raw and beautiful.
Greece: Sunset Dreams in the Cyclades
Where to eat: Kiki’s Tavern, Mykonos
No sign, no electricity—just open grills and endless views. Kiki’s is a Mykonos institution, perched above Agios Sostis beach. Come early, wait under the trees with a glass of wine. Then, feast on grilled octopus, fresh salads, and simplicity done right.
Where to stay: Canaves Oia Epitome, Santorini
This luxurious hideaway blends minimalist Cycladic architecture with unmatched service. Each suite has a private plunge pool. The rooftop sunset bar is one of the island’s best-kept secrets for cocktails with a view.
Best beach moment: Paralia Koloumbos, Santorini
Far from the crowds, Koloumbos is a dramatic black-sand beach framed by wild volcanic cliffs. It’s quiet, raw, and otherworldly—perfect for those who want nature and tranquility with every swim.
Spain: Beachside Bliss outdoors in Ibiza
Where to eat: La Paloma, San Lorenzo
Nestled inland in a tranquil garden setting, La Paloma serves organic, Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with love. Dine under fruit trees strung with lights, sip sangria, and enjoy the boho-chic ambiance that defines rural Ibiza.
Where to stay: Six Senses Ibiza
A holistic haven on the island’s wild northern coast. Expect sea-view suites, a world-class spa, farm-to-table dining, and sunrise yoga with views over the Mediterranean. Ideal for unwinding in luxury.
Best beach moment: Cala Xaracca
Framed by red cliffs and pine trees, this small bay is a favorite for its natural beauty. Also, the incredibly calm waters. Take a paddleboard, snorkel in the clear coves. Or, simply unwind with your feet in the sand and a chilled glass of cava in hand.
Ready to Spend Your Summer Outdoors, Bella Vita Style?
Whether it’s dining under olive trees in Provence, watching the sun dip below Santorini’s caldera, or swimming in secret coves in Spain, your summer escape deserves to be unforgettable. Let us plan your perfect outdoor journey—tailored, luxurious, and effortlessly you.
Contact us today to start planning your dream holiday.
