Calabria – Apulia – Namibia

Pure nature & experiences

The “Coast of the Gods” lives up to its name: clear bays, white sandy beaches and the intense blue of the sea characterise the landscape. Boat trips to Capo Vaticano followed by snorkelling or kayaking excursions to the caves of Dino’s Island allow you to experience the element of water intensively. Those who like adventure can try rafting in the canyons of the Lao River or climb the active Stromboli volcano at night, guided by an expert.

Villages with soul and history

Hidden in the mountains or dramatically built on cliffs, Calabria’s villages tell stories. Bova is considered the cultural heart of Grecanica (a historically Greek-speaking region) and is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. The mountain villages of Morano Calabro and Pentedattilo impress with their views and authenticity. Reggio Calabria and romantic Scilla score points with their Art Nouveau architecture, promenade flair and the sound of the sea.

Active between the coast and the hinterland

Tropea offers white sandy beaches and a beautiful old town. Hikes through olive groves, sailing trips along the coast or bike tours to waterfalls such as Capelli di Venere are ideal ways to combine nature with exercise. A special recommendation: cooking classes in rural surroundings with fresh regional ingredients provide a wonderful insight into the culture. Gourmets can look forward to antipasti, homemade pasta, desserts and, of course, good wine.

Culinary spice & enjoyment

Calabrian cuisine is hearty, down-to-earth and a feast for lovers of Mediterranean flavours. Try zuppa di asparagi, rigatoni alla silana, melanzane ripiene and, of course, pizza calabrese. The legendary tartufo di Pizzo – a hazelnut and chocolate ice cream with a liquid chocolate centre – is a must for dessert fans. Particularly popular are the ME Restaurant in Pizzo, the Michelin-starred restaurant Qafiz and the Ristobottega in Reggio Calabria. La Cascina 1899 also serves authentic cuisine. Da Ercole in Crotone and Brezza fish and chilli bring the taste of the sea to your plate.

Charming hotels with sea views

Tropea offers several charming accommodations: the stylish Villa Paola with its centuries-old history, Il Borghetto Resort & Spa, or the centrally located and new Solmaris Tropea. If you want to holiday right on the beach, the Sunset Beachclub is the place for you. Boutique hotels such as the Plaza Boutique Hotel offer charming comfort with typical Italian hospitality – a retreat for a relaxing holiday.

Dolce vita between city, beach and countryside

Bari, the lively capital of Apulia, surprises visitors with its magnificent churches, monuments and the longest promenade in Italy. Some of the country’s most beautiful beaches are nearby: Polignano a Mare with its iconic Lama Monachile bay, Baia dei Turchi and the coasts of Salento and Gargano. In the hinterland, wine tastings in the Itria Valley, day trips to Cisternino and Locorotondo or a Vespa tour beckon. The Castellana Caves, Castel del Monte Castle and cooking courses in Monopoli or Alberobello make Apulia wonderfully diverse.

From Baroque to Bond: experience culture

Lecce is known as the “Florence of the South” and delights visitors with its Baroque façades and Mediterranean flair – it’s no surprise that stars such as the Beckhams and Beyoncé have made their home here. In Gravina di Puglia, the impressive scenes for the James Bond film “No Time To Die” were shot on the Roman bridge. Special highlights include the trulli of Alberobello (white round houses with cone-shaped stone roofs) and the Sassi cave city of Matera – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Small towns such as Monopoli and Ostuni invite you to stroll and linger.

Nature & exercise with pleasure

On foot or by e-bike: Apulia is a place to be discovered actively. Hikes through the Murgia Materana Nature Reserve or a visit to the rock caves of Lama D’Antico and the rock church are highly recommended. If you like, you can go truffle hunting in the forest with a truffle dog or glide across the sea on a SUP for breakfast. A boat trip to the caves of Polignano a Mare is just as worthwhile as a stroll along the long promenade in Bari. Golfers can look forward to four courses (our tip: San Domenico Golf) – ideally combined with a stay at the stylish Borgo Egnazia.

Cuisine with character

Apulia serves up down-to-earth delicacies: orecchiette with cime di rapa, bombette pugliesi and tiella barese are among the classics. Burrata and focaccia barese are also essential. Fine dining is available at Angelo Sabatelli in Bari or at the Michelin-starred Due Camini in Brindisi. In Taranto, we recommend Casamatta or Bros’, and in Trani, the Michelin-starred restaurants Quintessenza or Casa Sgarra. Street food fans should try their way through Monopoli.

Charming accommodation

From boutique hotels to family resorts: in Apulia, you will find the perfect home for every trip. The Robinson Club is ideal for families, while the Bra Hotel Bari is a great choice for modern comfort. Other highlights include the exclusive boutique hotel Palazzo Giusti in Lecce, Nohasi Palace Hotel & Spa in Noha and the luxurious Masseria Auraterrae in Polignano a Mare. For luxury right above the sea, we recommend the Hotel Grotta Palazzese – spectacular views included. In Gallipoli, we recommend the Torre Assunta or Biancodonda Greenblu Hotel and Spa.

Between dunes, canyons and rock art

Anyone who has ever stood at the edge of the Fish River Canyon knows how small humans can be. At almost 160 km long and 27 km wide, it is the second largest canyon in the world. Equally impressive are the red-glowing dunes of the Namib and the ghost town of Kolmannskuppe, the petrified wood in the “Petrified Forest” and the granite formations of the Spitzkoppe with 700 million years of history and ancient Bushman drawings. In Twyfelfontein, you can marvel at rock paintings that are thousands of years old – an open-air UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Safari moments that will stay with you forever

Etosha National Park is home to elephants, zebras, giraffes and big cats – pure safari experience across more than 22,000 square kilometres. Private safaris allow travellers to experience nature intensively and individually, guaranteeing unforgettable moments. The Waterberg region, the Kalahari thorn bush savannah and the Skeleton Coast offer unique safari experiences – whether on foot, in a jeep or with binoculars from the lodge deck.

Adventure & outdoor enjoyment

Namibia is perfect for adventure seekers: sandboarding in the dunes, sailing or kayaking in Walvis Bay, horse riding or hiking through the savannah and steppe – the possibilities are as varied as the landscape. The Ruacana Falls – a waterfall on the Namibian-Angolan border river Kunene – also promise impressive views. Swakopmund offers colonial architecture and great restaurants, and history buffs should also plan to visit Duwisib Castle.

Namibian delights between tradition and exoticism

Namibian cuisine combines authenticity with surprising diversity. Classics such as zebra steak, exotic ostrich kebabs, potjiekos – a hearty stew – or roasted mopane worms are not for the faint-hearted, but are extremely exciting from a culinary point of view. For something more refined, try Walvis Bay oysters or Zambezi bream. In Windhoek, establishments such as Joe’s Beerhouse, The Stellenbosch Wine Bar and Bistro, The Cork and Fork, the Windhoek Sky Restaurant and Leo’s Garden Restaurant invite you to enjoy delightful evenings with local character and international flair.

Stay overnight in style and soul

Namibia delights with exceptional accommodation – from exclusive safari lodges to elegant desert resorts. Our expert Olivier Lorenzo recommends three special highlights: Serra Cafema in the remote Kaokoveld on the Kunene River, surrounded by golden yellow mountains and endless dunes; the romantic Fish River Lodge high above the canyon with spectacular views; and Wilderness Little Kulala with luxurious villas and views of the bright red dunes of Sossusvlei. Other recommended addresses include the stylish Zannier Sonop, The Weinberg Hotel in Windhoek, Burning Shore on the Atlantic coast and the Chala-Kigi Apartments in Swakopmund.