Porto, Get Hammered in Style, at the Yeatman

This summer the streets of Porto will be filled with festivities and the skies with fireworks, as the locals bash each other over the head, which is a traditional part of this festival as the city celebrates their annual São João Festival. With panoramic views across the historic city, luxury wine hotel The Yeatman offers the ideal vantage point for visitors wishing to experience all the event has to offer.  

 

 

Running from 23rd – 24th June and dedicated to “Saint John”, Porto’s patron saint, the São João event is one of Europe’s liveliest street parties and Portugal’s most popular festival. Attracting over 200,000 visitors from all over the world with its infamous street parties, São João is popular with both couples and families alike.  Throughout the festival, the historic city is adorned with street stalls and decorations, congregating in the “Baxia” (old part of Porto) and the Ribiera. Revellers can partake in traditional celebrations, ranging from launching hot air balloons into the sky to waving garlic in people’s faces. On Saint John’s Day, guests at The Yeatman can watch the traditional regatta with the “barco rebelos” (old Port wine boats) racing up the Douro, whilst avoiding the bustle of the crowd below.

 

 

The festival’s “pièce de résistance” is the spectacular fireworks display over Porto, which illuminates the River Douro and its iconic Dom Luis Bridge, providing a sensational sight. With panoramic views of the entire city, The Yeatman provides enviable front row seats to those wanting to watch the display.  

 

On the evening of the festival, The Yeatman Hotel will offer guests an array of festive themed dining experiences prepared by Michelin star Head Chef, Ricardo Costa. 
www.the-yeatman-hotel.com/porto

The Godfather

I am a huge fan of the Godfather films (ok the last one wasn’t brilliant)remember the scene where Al Pacino first sets eyes on his future wife in Sicily where he had been shipped off too, I was in my early twenties when I first saw this, I imagined it was going to be me and Al, as you can imagine this never happened( disappointing I know) but I have always wanted to go,

www.scent-of-sicily.com have a seven night offer on from just £169 pp.

 

Villa Seabreeze

 

Villa Seabreeze is situated in the Hamlet of Mongerbino, Villa SeaBreeze is a modern Sicilian villa with direct access to a private beach. Sleeping up to eight, the villa’s three bedrooms, each with access to a panoramic terrace that overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea, the villa boasts picturesque views as well as a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing break with family or a group of friends. Villa SeaBreeze features recently renovated rooms, terrace over the pool, sunbeds for soaking up the Sicilian sun and a BBQ. Guests can explore the surrounding area with a trip to the local fish market, where fishermen sell the catch of the day or the city of Palermo, which is less than 20 minutes away. A seven night stay in 2015 starts from £1,350 based on a group of eight sharing Villa SeaBreeze. Current availability in June, July, August and October 2015.