Secretplaces Blog

Our Finest Destinations and Places to Stay


  • The most beautiful and authentic places to stay on the Peloponnese

    Roundtrip Peloponnese Part 1: Athens, Nafplio, Sparti and Monemvasia When planning your tour of the Peloponnese and Kythira Island, the decision to stay in Athens beforehand largely depends on your arrival time and whether you've already explore... Read Post

    03 March 2023
  • Our 7 best luxury villas and 5 nicest budget holiday homes in the Algarve

    Secretplaces has been in search for special, beautiful, outstanding and authentic places to stay for more than 22 years.  In our second article about the best and most beautiful places to stay in the Algarve we will present you a list of our... Read Post

    08 February 2023
  • The best places to stay in Comporta and Melides

    Do you think mass tourism has conquered even the last remaining paradises of Europe? Not really. Those landscapes that make us look in awe at what nature can accomplish still exist. The area between the Sado estuary and the port city of Sines... Read Post

    02 January 2023
  • Our 11 best boutique hotels and guest houses in the Algarve

    Secretplaces has been in search of especially beautiful and authentic places to stay in the Algarve for more than 22 years.  The Algarve is blessed with a mild climate, a beautiful coastline where orange coloured cliffs surrounding small bea... Read Post

    30 November 2022
  • Visit Lisbon like a Local - Our Secret Places & Off the Beaten Track Tips

    We, the Secretplaces team, are based in Lisbon. As a guide to some of the most beautiful and authentic places to stay, we thought it is about time to share our local knowledge and favourite spots in Lisbon with you. True secret places that have no... Read Post

    03 November 2022
  • Lefkada, the undiscovered Ionian Island

    Lefkada is still somewhat of a secret island, having been spared the mass tourism of the other, more famous, Greek islands. It is also the only Greek island that can be reached by car as it is connected to the region of Epirus via a bridge. Bri... Read Post

    31 October 2022
  • Comfy Holidays & Heart-warming Trips for Fall & Winter 2022/23

    Do you feel like shortening the long winter with an invigorating trip. We have put together some inspirations for cozy ‘hygge’ destinations to consider for a colourful autumn getaway, a Christmas weekend trip to get into the spirit or... Read Post

    24 October 2022
  • Explore Portugals Unique National Park - Gerês Travelguide

    The national park Peneda-Gerês in the north of Portugal, close to the Spanish border is still a hidden gem in the popular travel destination Portugal. While the Algarve and Lisbon’s Coast are packed with tourists, Gerês still rem... Read Post

    03 October 2022
  • WHERE TO STAY IN PUGLIA

    Situated on the ‘heel of the boot’ of Italy, Puglia’s charms are becoming more known to those who are open to venturing somewhere a little different in Europe. For decades, it has been a popular summer location for northern Itali... Read Post

    26 September 2022
  • TAKE YOUR PET ON HOLIDAYS - 10 Places that welcome dogs and other pets

    Our pets are part of our family & we want to take them with us on vacation - because they deserve it too! But it’s not always easy to find hotels and accommodations that allow you to take your dog or cat. This guide is here to help you t... Read Post

    19 September 2022
  • AMALFI COAST GUIDE - Positano, Amalfi, Ravello & Capri

    The stunning Amalfi Coast is on most travellers' bucket list for a reason. The views over the small Italian villages built into the cliffs with the crystal clear turquoise sea rolling onto the beaches or crashing onto the coast are like no other.... Read Post

    09 September 2022
  • The 7 Best Stays for Digital Nomads in Europe

    Working remotely brings the pleasure of being able to work from anywhere in the world. Office Meetings while sipping an iced coffee in your Co-working space in Berlin? Or watching the boats pass by from your balcony while working in the Algarve? O... Read Post

    01 September 2022
  • 12 Dream wedding locations in Europe for the Best Day of Your Life

    We have collected the most breathtaking wedding venues to celebrate love. 12 wedding locations, one more beautiful than the other – from a romantic Tuscan wedding villa, to an old brick estate in Ireland, a Spanish casa to a chateau in Franc... Read Post

    30 August 2022
  • Where to Stay in Rome – 10 Best Boutique Hotels & Apartments for your City Trip to Italy

    Your guide to the best hotels with authentic Italian charm, bed & breakfast hotels designed to make you feel comfortable and well taken care of, and self-catering accommodation that will fit all your individual needs. We have collected 10 diff... Read Post

    19 August 2022
  • 5 Secret Places to Stay in Europe on Your Next Holiday

    Are you dreaming of vacation off the beaten path? Discover these hidden gems in Europe, while escaping the hustle and bustle of your daily lives to fully enjoy the calmness and solitude of these 5 secret places we collected for you. Destinations o... Read Post

    12 August 2022
  • Colares, Lisbon Coast’s Best Kept Secret

    Just a few kilometres west of the world-famous town of Sintra with its crowds of tourists spending a sightseeing day away from Lisbon, you will find a beautiful and authentic landscape with picturesque villages, stunning beaches and magic rain for... Read Post

    26 July 2022
  • Smart & Sustainable Astypalaia - The Best Destination for Eco-friendly Holidays in Greece

    Anyone who lives in a noisy, congested big city knows that feeling for sure: On holiday, what we look for most is relaxation in untouched nature. We hike through green-covered mountains and valleys, observe native plant and animal species that we... Read Post

    21 February 2022
  • Embrace your Inner Child - Stay in a Tree House!

    Let's be honest: we all dreamed of having our own tree house as a child, as a retreat for fantastic adventures out of sight of our parents, and as a private playground for our beloved hobbies. Climbing around in the treetops, watching over the who... Read Post

    28 January 2022
  • Our 5 Favourite Glampings

    Anyone can go camping - but have you ever tried glamping? Currently, "glamping" (a combination of glamour and camping) is the ultimate trend for rural holidays: Guests enjoy direct contact with nature without having to forego the comfort of a luxu... Read Post

    14 January 2022
  • A dream hotel on an Italian hill

    What makes a hotel a true Secret Place? A location in an unspoilt setting? A family atmosphere? A unique interior and decoration? Definitely. But last but not least, a special background story. One of our favourite hotels in Italy is the Bed &... Read Post

    05 December 2021
  • San Giovanni d'Asso - The White Truffle Secret

    San Giovanni d'Asso, the white truffle secret. Following up on our last post about the truffle season in Northern Italy, we wouldn’t be Secretplaces if we would not have another secret spot up our sleeves: Truffles in Tuscany. Tuscany... Read Post

    28 November 2021
  • Truffle Season in Alba - our Secretplaces to stay.

    Alba Truffles. A destination. A lifestyle. For some even a currency. But for all of them a heavenly experience. The most wanted mushroom in the world has its prime time once again. Every year when fall turns into winter, masses of self-proclaimed... Read Post

    08 November 2021
  • Percebes – a dangerous delicacy

    Have you ever tried some delicious percebes? If you have traveled to the western European Atlantic coast, you might have noticed them on the menu in some cute little restaurant right by the coast. However, this seafood is still one of the best-... Read Post

    20 October 2021
  • South Bahia, Brazil: Boipeba and Moreré

    This is the fourth of a series of 4 posts about the little paradises we found during our recent trip along the coast of Southern Bahia in Brazil. The other three are Trancoso, the only one that is a bit more known, at least in Brazil, Caraí... Read Post

    10 September 2021
  • South Bahia, Brazil: Algodões and the Peninsula of Maraú

    This is the third of a series of 4 posts about the little paradises we found during our recent trip along the coast of Southern Bahia in Brazil. The other three are Trancoso, the only one that is a bit more known (at least in Brazil), Caraí... Read Post

    13 August 2021
  • South Bahia, Brazil: Caraíva

    This is the second of a series of 4 posts about the little paradises we found during our recent trip along the coast of Southern Bahia in Brazil. Caraíva is one of our favourites. The other three are Trancoso, the only one that is a bit mor... Read Post

    28 July 2021
  • South Bahia, Brazil: Trancoso

    This is the first of a series of 4 posts about 4 little paradises we found during our recent trip along the coast of Southern Bahia in Brazil. Trancoso is the only one that is a bit more known, at least in Brazil. The other three (Caraíva... Read Post

    16 July 2021
  • Our newest collaboration - discover Venice with us!

    We are proud to announce our most recent collaboration with the German Golf Magazine Golf 'n' Style ! We had the pleasure to organize a short trip to the beautiful Italian city Venice for the team of Golf 'n' Style which they combined with a tr... Read Post

    01 July 2021
  • Viennas old-fashioned and yet beautiful charm

      We adore Austria, and especially its capital. Vienna is a nonconformist aristocrat. It cherishes its glorious historical patrimony without repressing its constant desire for new horizons.This beautiful city is perfect for a visit any t... Read Post

    19 May 2021
  • Soul Spaces – Places where you can let go

    The today's world is constantly changing and evolving. Every day, hour, minute and even every second an infinite number of things are happening. Adventures are being experienced, memories are being created and new concepts are being developed. The... Read Post

    04 May 2021
  • The best places to hike in Europe - make this summer wanderful!

    Taking care of our mind as well as our body has never been as important as now. There has been a change in attitude toward re-discovering nature, reconnecting with ourselves, and realizing the mental health benefits of exposure to the great outdoo... Read Post

    21 April 2021
  • Portugal’s best beaches – Life is even better with warm sand between your toes – The South

      Part 2: From Lisbon to the Algarve Although being on the same western coast, the ocean south of Lisbon is quite different to the one in the north. Big waves can be found here as well, but the water starts getting warmer and the waves... Read Post

    15 April 2021
  • Portugal’s best beaches – Life is better with sand between your toes – The North

    Portugal’s best beaches: from Caminha (Minho) down to Lisbon When beautiful landscapes turn into golden sand just before they meet the waves of the Atlantic Ocean you are probably in Portugal. Long stretches of the 667 km of Portug... Read Post

    04 April 2021
  • Roundtrip North Portugal and Douro Vineyards

    Porto You should definitely spend two days in Porto at the beginning or at the end of the round trip through Northern Portugal. This beautiful city, previously forgotten by visitors, has become one of the most popular travel destinations in Portu... Read Post

    05 March 2021
  • Filé a Parmegiana – The only Italian dish you will not find in Italy

    You know how it is being taken to an Italian restaurant in some far away country wondering why you are not in a restaurant serving local food? Well, sometimes it is worth waiting before judging too soon. The good thing about food is that there are... Read Post

    26 February 2021
  • The Future is Green

    Green, greener, green hotels. Lately a special type of hotels has appeared in searches more and more often, but a lot of people don’t really know what this eco-friendly holiday option is all about. What is special about a green hotel, what i... Read Post

    21 February 2021
  • Our Top Luxury Hotels

      We all love luxury. Being the pleasure of driving a nice and fancy car or the delight of enjoying a Ladurée macaron on the Champs Élysées, we all like and deserve to treat ourselves sometimes. Well, we thought abou... Read Post

    14 February 2021
  • Our best oceanfront and seaside hotels

      When the crowds of tourists start leaving the beaches and coastal areas and the weather become more mellow, it starts the best time to relax and enjoy the view across the water from your bedroom or hotel terrace. We have put together a... Read Post

    28 January 2021
  • Our best holiday villas in Portugal

    At Secretplaces we are always seeking to add new, exciting and stylish accommodation options. Last year we were able to begin working with some very exciting new partners all over Portugal. In this blog post we present you the best portuguese vill... Read Post

    21 January 2021
  • Wanderful Madeira

      „Madeira“ – means simply wood. And you can find lots of wood on the island, normally in form of many, many trees. I wanted to dive into the wonderfully natural world of this island, so, took my hiking shoes and searched... Read Post

    16 January 2021
  • Cha Gio Heo Tôm – Vietnamese spring rolls get the ball rolling

    Wanderlust can be quite persistent. I learned this the hard way at home on my couch. I was totally hungry after my Vietnam-trip this year and so I was longing for spring rolls. Authentic, Vietnamese spring rolls with a good filling. So I pulle... Read Post

    15 January 2021
  • Azores – Secretplaces Guide

    Up until a few years ago, you would be forgiven for not knowing much or anything at all about the Azores, a Paradisaical archipelago situated 800 miles from mainland Europe.  Fast forward and these luscious green islands in the middle of t... Read Post

    14 January 2021