"It's not just a story, it's the story," emphasized director Christopher Nolan about Homer's epic poem that has just hit the big screen. The Odyssey, one of the most anticipated releases of the year, is also an invitation to travel. With a budget of 250 million dollars and 91 days of filming, the director of Oppenheimer took his stellar cast (Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya...) to locations in six different countries. A list of destinations that can inspire us, why not, to live our next summer adventure. Among them stands out Favignana, the largest of the three Egadi islands located off the west coast of Sicily with an enviable collection of paradisiacal coves. In the movie, we will also see many scenes from the Peloponnese, especially from the region of Messenia.
Voidokilia Beach, one of the best in Greece (and the world), is one of the featured spots. Nolan also traveled to Scotland to film on its spectacular coasts... We know that the journey back to Ithaca entails many dangers. And to Iceland, where the black sands and caves of Mount Hjörleifshöfði and the port of Landeyjahöfn are recognizable, among other places. From Morocco, he chose a UNESCO World Heritage gem, the fortified city of Ait Ben Haddou, which has always been highly coveted by Hollywood and, on this occasion, is none other than Troy. By the way, the royal ship used in the movie, the Draken Harald Hårfagre, a 35-meter long Viking-style drakkar, can be visited in Oslo until July 31.
El Monasterio de Piedra: a prize and 10 degrees cooler
The historical enclave of Monasterio de Piedra.
A historic park-garden dotted with waterfalls, a 13th-century Cistercian abbey, and a spa hotel. All this is hidden in the Monasterio de Piedra, the unique enclave in Nuévalos (Zaragoza) that the writer and politician Juan Federico Muntadas transformed and promoted 150 years ago. This summer is a must-visit. On the one hand, because in this new era of consecutive heatwaves, it becomes a natural refuge with temperatures 5 to 10 degrees lower than those in Madrid. On the other hand, because the Hispania Nostra Awards have just recognized, once again, its commitment to the conservation and care of its natural heritage. More information at monasteriopiedra.com
Sculptures by Alejo de Vahía in Becerril de Campos.
The Campos del Renacimiento Territorial Museum celebrates its fifth anniversary with a new proposal to bring its heritage to a wider audience: a series of theatrical visits that will tour, during July and August, its five venues in the province of Palencia. An initiative that adds to the many attractions of this museum project and will allow you to discover the rich artistic legacy of the region accompanied by historical figures such as Pedro and Alonso Berruguete, Jorge Manrique, Alejo de Vahía, or Cardinal Cisneros. More information at camposdelrenacimiento.com
One of the spaces of the new hotel.
Known as the Florence of the South, Lecce stands out for its facades of golden stone (the famous Pietra Leccese), the richness of its Baroque architecture, and its strong cultural identity. Furthermore, it is the ideal starting point to discover the Salento peninsula and the Puglia region, with its enviable coastline and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Need another excuse? Here it is: a brand-new hotel in an old palace, the new Tivoli Palazzo 1880 Lecce, with an impressive rooftop and spa. More information at www.tivolihotels.com
Mallorca between lavender and craftsmanship
Mallorcan night with blooming lavender.
If you are looking for a complete plan this summer, this might interest you. The Lodge, the luxury retreat in the heart of the Sierra de la Tramontana, is launching the Vesteix The Lodge initiative, a collaboration with the Consell de Mallorca and the Moda Artesana Mallorca brand that will dress their already iconic lavender dinners with local craftsmanship throughout the summer season. This action aims to give new cultural, aesthetic, and emotional value to one of the hotel's most unique experiences: its outdoor nights in the largest lavender field in the Balearic Islands.
Through pieces created by a selection of Mallorcan artisans, the dinners will incorporate textile elements, natural fibers, ornamental details, and decorative objects that interact with the table, the landscape, and the Mediterranean atmosphere of The Lodge. During the season, eight selected artisans will intervene in the experience on a rotating basis, incorporating their pieces into the lavender dinners every Thursday until the end of September. The proposal is subtly and deeply integrated into the spirit of the hotel, enriching the experience with layers of Mallorcan identity and naturally showcasing the island's artisan talent. More information at www.unicohotels.com
Parador de Santillana Altamira
The parador occupies one of the most unique historical villas in Cantabria.
It's no secret that Santillana del Mar is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved ensembles in our country. Nor is it a secret that it maintains a close connection with the 'Sistine Chapel' of cave art: the Altamira caves. What's new is the interior design of the Parador Santillana Altamira, one of the two establishments in the village, which had been closed for five years. It can now be booked to discover its new image, which combines Cantabrian craftsmanship with contemporary art and all the comfort expected by the most demanding traveler.
and The best European museum of the year is...
There are many reasons to go to Denmark, although perhaps this one was not on your list... until now. Because one way to get to know the most traditional culture of the Scandinavian country is to head to Den Gamle By (The Old Town), the wonderful open-air museum recognized as the Best European Museum 2026. Located in the Botanical Gardens of Aarhus, the space brings together 75 authentic historical buildings moved brick by brick from 20 different locations across the country.