A forty-minute by bus ride from Palermo takes you to the Cathedral of Monreale. This cathedral was constructed during the reign of William II of Normandy, between 1172 and 1190, and is a living example of the fusion of cultures and religions that existed in Sicily during that period. It boasts a syncretic style as it was built by combining Norman architecture with aspects of Moorish art. It consists of a main nave with two wings and an apse. The most surprising features are the interior walls, as they are covered with more than 6,000 m2 of Byzantine gold mosaics inspired by those in the Palatine Chapel in Palermo. The mosaics recount episodes from the Bible, from the creation to the passion of Christ in chronological order from left to right. An impressive Christ Pantocrator crowns the apse leaving visitors speechless.

Adjacent to the cathedral can be found the cloister and its 228 columns, each one supporting a different ornament, along with a number of Arab-inspired arches.

You can travel to Monreale by bus (number 389), which passes by the Piazza Independencia in Palermo. It costs nothing to get into the cathedral but you can hire an audio-guide for 5 euros. Entry to the cloister costs 6 euros.

Image:Urban

By Isabel Romano from Diario de a bordo

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Words by Magda Albis from METAL

Santa Catalina, a few meters away from the sea, is one of the most emblematic and dynamic neighborhoods in Palma. Which once was the fishermen’s suburb, has now turned into one of the city areas with more character and personality. The Market acts as heart and hub of the district with a great number of attractive shops and restaurants filling the city streets.

One of these enchanting corners is Frida Watson, a cosy shop selling vintage furniture. Original pieces from the 50s, 60s and 70s land in Mallorca coming from all sorts of places worldwide and in perfect condition. Dressers, center tables, couches, as well as different decoration elements, are all collected and arranged along the various rooms that make the establishment. The carpets made by the brand Brita Sweden, produced in vinyl and with geometric patterns, are simply irresistible, together with the retro futuristic lamps imported from Denmark. A warm space were one can find classic design pieces and functional works of art, were one only feels like getting an “Old-Fashioned” cocktail and settle to live in.

Mon-Fri/ 10.00 am-2.30pm, 3.00pm-6.30pm, Sat /10.00 am-3.00pm

A place well worth discovering! Check out our flights here.

Words by Magda Albis from METAL

The entire stretch of the coastline of the Amalfi Coast, which runs from Salerno to Sorrento, was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1997. And this is because the road that runs parallel to it, and pass by beautiful bays, coves and picturesque villages hanging along the coast like Sorrento, Ravello, Amalfi or Positano Vietri sul Mare.

It is to say that Positano is one of the most beautiful villages and it has been the setting for shooting of numerous movies like The Talented Mr. Ripley, Under the Tuscan Sun or Only You.

To walk through the steep alleyways between bright coloured houses and flowery balconies, you need to have good legs. It is worth visiting La Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta and enjoy the beautiful views over the Gulf of Naples. To find good beaches is not necessary to go too far. The town itself has one and in about 15 minutes you can reach the beach of Arienzo.

On the Amalfi coast grows a big lemon very appreciated because it gives off a unique smell, which is ideal for making limoncello. You get used to drinking from a ceramic cups also very characteristic in the area.

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Located in a charming valley close to the village of San José in Ibiza, La Casita Verde is a small nature and education centre run by volunteers that opens to the public every Sunday and where visitors can discover, in a direct and entertaining manner, that a more sustainable way of life is within reach of everyone.

The buildings that comprise La Casita Verde are made from such recycled materials as bottles, tin cans and wood. They include such alternative living spaces as a house in a tree, a house made from bottles and house built inside a lime oven. What’s more, the place makes daily use of alternative energy sources, such as the sun and the wind, and grows medicinal plants and herbs. That is why La Casita Verde exists as an educational tool to demonstrate alternative living techniques.

Besides being amazed by a pure hippy atmosphere, visitors will be able to enjoy some of the activities on offer: the chance to observe the preparation of healthy vegetarian food, learn how to prepare natural juices from local products (including aloe vera), take a one-hour tour around La Casita Verde, listen to (often live) atmospheric music, receive “natural beauty” treatments with masks made from aloe vera harvested from its own fields and many other interesting things.

Somewhere well worth discovering for yourself! Check out our flights here.