https://www.facebook.com/300203059848860/

Eco Travel Inspo, Ιερα Μονη Μεγαλου Μετεωρου, Kalampáka (2026)

15/03/2026

One of the most incredible landscapes you’ll see in Greece 🇬🇷

{Hi! I’m Nefelie 👋 Follow for more slow & mindful luxe travel inspiration}

👉 Would you visit Meteora?

📍 Meteora is one of Greece’s most breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage sites, where monasteries sit on towering rock pillars rising up to 400 metres above the valley.

Built in the 14th century by monks seeking solitude and protection, these monasteries feel almost suspended in the sky. Several are still active religious sites today, open for visitors to explore.

But what makes Meteora truly unforgettable is the landscape itself. These dramatic rock formations create a setting that feels almost otherworldly, and photos barely capture the scale.

WHAT TO DO 🏞️

Visit the most famous monasteries: Great Meteoron, Varlaam, and Roussanou

Stop at the viewpoints for sunrise or sunset

Hike some of the trails connecting the monasteries

Explore the nearby villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO ✨
• Most monasteries close around 4pm, so start early
• Some monasteries are closed on Fridays, so check opening times in advance
• Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) as they are active religious sites
• Expect quite a few steps, so comfortable shoes are essential

ITINERARY TIP 🗺️
• 1–2 days is enough to explore the monasteries and viewpoints
• Stay in Kalambaka or Kastraki for easy access
• Combine with a mainland Greece road trip through Zagorochoria, Lake Plastira, or Tzoumerka

Have you been to Meteora or is it on your Greece list? ✨

Meteora travel | Greece UNESCO sites | Mainland Greece itinerary | Greece road trip | Slow travel Greece

22/02/2026

One of the most pristine nature escapes 🌿

{Hi! I’m Nefelie 👋 Follow for more mindful, lesser-known destinations}

We spent the New Year period here with family and friends, using Lake Plastira as a slow base for exploring central Greece. Even during the holidays, it felt calm and uncrowded. Many Greeks now choose mountain and lake destinations year-round, not just the islands. My favourite time to visit here is autumn, winter, or spring, when the colours, light, and cooler temperatures make exploring even more beautiful!

Did you know?
Lake Plastira was created in 1959–1960 after the Tavropos Dam was built and it still produces hydroelectric energy. The surrounding area is a protected ecosystem and part of the Natura 2000 network, home to rare bird and fish species. Its alpine landscape even earned it the nickname “Switzerland of Greece.”

Must-see & Things to Do 🏞️
🌊 Hydro-biking, kayaking, or canoeing on the calm lake
🏡 Explore villages like Neochori, Kalivia Pezoulas, and Neraida for viewpoints, local cafés, and boutique stays
☕ AGNATI (Neochori) or Skiouros (Neraida) - incredible lake views
🍽️ Dinner at Fylakti - famous for grilled specialties
🏔️ Panagia Pelekiti Monastery (1,400m altitude)
🚗 Short drive to Meteora - monasteries perched up to 500m above the valley, sunrise or sunset viewpoints, and hiking trails

IMPACT and WHY it matters 🌿
Supporting small villages, local cafés, and family-run stays keeps tourism sustainable, benefits the community year-round, and helps preserve these pristine landscapes.

👉 Would you add Lake Plastira and Meteora to your next Greece itinerary?

Mainland Greece | Lake Plastira | Meteora | Slow travel Greece | Sustainable travel | Things to Do | Greece Guide | Things to see & do

18/02/2026

Hi, I’m Nefelie! 👋

Travel has always been a part of my life - through living abroad, working abroad and my own personal adventures.

Through my lens, I want to share more mindful travel inspiration - from lesser-known and less travelled destinations to under-the-radar neighbourhoods, no matter the length of your stay.

That might still mean visiting well-known places too, but choosing different locations, exploring new neighbourhoods and supporting local areas

Here, you’ll find itineraries, guides, and places worth visiting. Even on short stays, I share insights from destinations I’ve personally experienced — living, working, or travelling slowly, taking my time, and embracing meaningful, intentional travel.

I love discovering the story and essence behind each place — whether it’s where you’re travelling, staying, or eating. You might even see interviews with founders giving a deeper insight into the stories that make each destination unique.

I’m also a big advocate for responsible travel and heritage, so you’ll see stories about impact, provenance, and history sprinkled here — making your journey richer and more connected.

✨ Follow along for mindful, lesser-known destinations and travel inspiration

24/01/2026

Unpopular Opinion: Visit Mountainous Greece

We spent the New Year period here with family and family friends, using Lake Plastira as a slow base for exploring central Greece. Even during the holidays, it felt calm, uncrowded. Many Greeks are choosing mountain and lake destinations year-round, not just the islands.

📍 LAKE PLASTIRA, CENTRAL GREECE
Created in 1959 after the Tavropos River was dammed, Lake Plastira is one of Greece’s largest artificial lakes. Set within forests and mountains, it blends seamlessly into the landscape and is often referred to as Greece’s “little Switzerland” thanks to its alpine feel and cooler climate.

🚴‍♀️ DAY 1 — LAKE PLASTIRA EXPERIENCES
– Hydro-biking, canoeing or kayaking on calm waters
– Quiet coves, birdlife and scenic corners of the lake
– Picnic stops near Niagas Island
– Drive to key viewpoints including the dam wall and Lake Plastira Observatory
– Visit Panagia Pelekiti Monastery, carved into the rock at 1,400m altitude

🚗 DAY 2 — ROAD TRIP TO METEORA (1–1.5H)
– One of Greece’s most dramatic landscapes
– Monasteries built atop towering rock pillars
– A UNESCO World Heritage Site

🏡 DAY 3 — VILLAGES AROUND THE LAKE
– Neochori and Kalivia Pezoulas for views, tavernas and stays
– Botanical Garden in Neochori showcasing endemic plants
– Local produce, herbal teas and small village shops

🌱 WHY THIS ITINERARY WORKS
– Supports year-round travel in lesser-visited regions
– Encourages low-impact outdoor experiences
– Keeps tourism income within local communities
– Offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds

👉 Would you save this road trip for a future Greece visit?

Slow Travel Greece | Mainland Greece Itinerary | Winter Road Trips | Lake Plastira | Meteora

31/12/2025

After slow travelling for 90+ days, this surprised me

Another year to be very grateful for and appreciative that I have been able to explore each place ❤️ These destinations are places I’d recommend for 2026!

COSTA RICA 🇨🇷
• The food scene was far better than I imagined
• The energy felt open, warm and genuinely welcoming
• Locals deeply care about their country and natural environment
• More expensive than expected, but incredibly well organised
• Easy to move around with shared shuttles and regional transport

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN 🇸🇪
• Public transport is excellent once you understand the system
• Learning basic Swedish words was harder than expected 😅
• Outstanding bakeries and a strong food culture
• Not nearly as cold as I imagined for mid-September

VALENCIA, SPAIN 🇪🇸
• One of the best city energies I experienced all year
• So much to explore beyond the city itself
• Easy access to Madrid, coastal towns and small villages
• European Green Capital 2024

BILBAO, SPAIN 🇪🇸
• Felt surprisingly Germanic and incredibly green
• A beautiful, walkable city unlike elsewhere in Spain
• Things close early, which gives it a calmer pace
• Excellent food culture and access to mountains, lakes and hikes
• Home to world-class museums like the Guggenheim

SAN SEBASTIÁN, SPAIN 🇪🇸
• A rare mix of beaches, nature and city life
• Lively and busy
• Food ranges from affordable pintxos to Michelin-level dining
• Limited taxis! Good transport
• Strong cultural identity and beautiful viewpoints

MENORCA, SPAIN 🇪🇸
• Exceptionally friendly locals
• Quiet, slow and ideal for agritourism and boutique stays
• Bigger and flatter than I expected - a car helps
• Taxis are expensive
• A surprising variety of beaches, coves and landscapes
• UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 🇩🇴
• I spent most of my time working
• Still feels like a place I need to return to properly

SERIFOS, GREECE 🇬🇷
• Uncommercialised and refreshingly raw
• Dramatic, rocky scenery
• Some of the most impressive beaches I have ever seen

SPETSES, GREECE 🇬🇷
• More bikes than expected
• Beautiful beaches and a relaxed pace
• Larger than I remembered, with more to explore

30/12/2025

These places surprised me in Spain

Hi! I’m Nefelie 👋 Follow for more slow & mindful luxe travel inspiration

👉 What matters most when you travel?

I spent over a month slow travelling across Spain, living or staying, understanding its rhythm. Some places surprised me more than others. I would absolutely go back to visit all of them again!

🥇 VALENCIA - BEST OVERALL ENERGY

I worked and studied at a Spanish language school here, which helped me really settle into daily life.
– Vibrant arts and culture scene with a strong local community
– Easy access to vineyards, agritourism stays and mountain road trips
– Excellent connections: Madrid in ~2 hours, Barcelona slightly longer, ferry to Ibiza
– Friendly locals, fantastic food scene and endless day trips
– Awarded European Green Capital 2024 for sustainability

🥈 BILBAO - GREEN & CULTURAL

Bilbao felt almost Germanic to me - very green, very polished and incredibly walkable.
– Stylish city with strong cultural identity
– Home to the Guggenheim Museum and excellent Basque cuisine
– Great access to mountains, lakes and hiking
– Quieter evenings with earlier closing times than most of Spain

🥉 SAN SEBASTIÁN - FOOD & COAST

A rare mix of old town charm, nature and beaches.
– One of the best food scenes (from pintxos to Michelin dining)
– 2-3 main beaches plus a dedicated surf beach
– Beautiful viewpoints and coastal hikes
– Can feel pricey, but the quality is exceptional

🏝 MENORCA - SLOW ISLAND LIFE

Much larger and flatter than I expected, with a deeply relaxed pace.
– Agritourism and boutique stays surrounded by nature
– Incredibly friendly locals and strong community feel
– Stunning variety of beaches, from turquoise coves to red sand
– Ideal for slow travel, but a car is essential

Slow travel Spain | Valencia slow travel | Basque Country travel | Menorca Island | Sustainable Travel Spain | Spain Travel Guide | Spain Itinerary

07/11/2025

For all design, nature & slow travel lovers 🌿✨

Set in the treetops of the Miramón Forest, Arima Hotel & Spa is where sustainability and luxury meet - a serene forest luxe hotel retreat just 10–15 minutes from San Sebastián’s centre. Over four days, I experienced calm mornings surrounded by greenery, minimalist design rooted in nature and a team whose warmth makes you feel instantly at home.

I spoke with Erima Imaz, about Arima’s story, their sustainable philosophy and what makes this place truly special

💬 Comment “ARIMA” and I’ll send you my full interview: including the hotel’s philosophy, guest favourites and insider tips for exploring San Sebastián

HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS 🏨
🌿 Member of the Considerate Collection by
💧 Passivhaus certified - 70% more energy efficient
🔥 Powered by 28 geothermal wells + aerothermal system
🪑 Natural, recyclable materials throughout
🍳 Breakfast with local Basque produce: artisanal cheeses, breads & fruit
🚗 EV charging stations + forest trails right outside your room

LOCATION 📍
Right in the Miramón Forest, yet only 10-15 minutes from the city: perfect for those who want tranquillity with access.

THINGS TO DO IN SAN SEBASTIÁN 🌊
🍴 Pintxos tour in Old Town or visit La Bretxa Market
🏖 Relax at Playa de la Co**ha or surf Zurriola Beach
🚶‍♀️ Stroll Paseo Nuevo for ocean views
🚲 Cycle the river route through local neighbourhoods

SUSTAINABILITY & IMPACT 🌱
☀️ Solar panels & low-energy lighting
🥗 Organic, locally sourced menus from nearby farms
🌳 Native landscaping to protect biodiversity
♻️ Responsible waste & water management
🤝 Partnerships with Basque artisans

19/10/2025

History meets modern design in Valencia 🏰

👉 Which hotel detail matters most to you?

📍 Caro Hotel is a historic palace turned boutique hotel. Every corner tells a story of Valencia’s past, while the modern interiors make the stay extremely comfortable. Experiencing this hotel gave me a deeper appreciation of the city: its heritage, design and story

🔗 Comment CARO and I will send you the full interview I had with the hotel team! From their story, heritage, what guests love and more.

HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS 🏨
🏛 2000-year-old building with preserved architectural details
🪑 Modern interiors with thoughtful design touches
🍽 Local, seasonal cuisine inspired by Valencia’s culinary traditions

THINGS TO DO IN VALENCIA 🌇
🏰 Explore Valencia’s Old Town and heritage buildings
🌿 Visit Central Market for fresh, local produce
🚲 Cycle through Turia Gardens and riverside trails
🍷 Wine tasting at local vineyards near the city

SUSTAINABILITY & IMPACT 🌱
🥗 Ingredients sourced seasonally and locally
♻️ Renovation materials chosen for low environmental impact
🌎 Promotes mindful heritage travel and boutique hotel stays

04/10/2025

Hotel Interview: Inside Son Vives 👇✨

{Hi! I’m Nefelie 👋 Follow for more slow & mindful luxe travel inspiration}

👉 What would you love most about staying here?

I visited Son Vives, an adults-only agritourism stay in Menorca, and instantly felt at home. It’s a family-run haven where every detail reflects care, from the award-winning cheeses to the chef-trained meals and the calming, design-forward spaces. Guests leave feeling restored, connected to the land and part of the family.

THE FAMILY STORY
👩‍🌾 Founded by Francisca Fullana and her family, Son Vives started with a few cows and a dream.
🏆 Today, the finca produces award-winning cheeses, with meals crafted from the family’s own garden produce.
🍳 Francisca trained as a chef at 50, blending culinary expertise with local, homegrown ingredients.

SUSTAINABILITY & IMPACT
☀️ Powered by solar energy
🥗 Seasonal fruits, vegetables, and cheeses grown onsite
🪑 Furniture and décor sourced from local artisans in Ferreries

LOCAL TOUCHES & EXPERIENCES
🐎 Excursions around the finca with family guides
🍷 Recommendations for local restaurants and boat trips
🌊 Close to Menorca’s northern beaches, including Pregonda and Cavalleria

✨ At Son Vives, thoughtful design, culinary passion and family-run care create a truly unforgettable experience.

🔗 Comment VIVES for the full interview 🌿

🇪🇸

21/09/2025

Places I’ve truly lived & loved 👇

{Hi! I’m Nefelie 👋 Follow for more slow & mindful luxe travel inspiration}

👉 How do you like to travel?

I especially love living and working in the places I visit. That extra layer of connection lets me truly learn, meet locals and really feel the place.

That’s why the places I share here are ones I’ve experienced, loved and can recommend from personal insight and meaningful encounters (along with lots of local insider recommendations!)

🌍 Take Your Time

Not just staying a few extra days, but staying within the same destination to see it in more depth and from different perspectives

🕰️ Explore Differently

Visit places off-peak or at different times of day, or discover them in another season. It’s easier on the destination and helps spread income to local communities

🤝 Who & How You Travel

Connect with locals and guides who can open doors to stories and history. Do you know anyone locally? Ask around!

🎨 Immerse in Culture

Learn a craft, take a cooking class, attend local events or exhibitions. Support local businesses and initiatives, while also connecting deeper with the culture and people

07/09/2025

Would you ask your hotel this?

{Hi! I’m Nefelie 👋 Follow for slow & mindful luxe travel inspiration}

Whenever I book a hotel, I always like to interview about the founder or the story behind the property. It’s my favourite way to really get to know the place.

Experiencing the property firsthand, falling in love with the design and care and seeing their ethos in action is what makes a stay truly memorable. Even just calling or meeting them in person and seeing how happy they are to share their story is a big green light for me

Why it matters:
✨ Founder & hotel story
✨ Local impact & sustainability
✨ Unique design, comfort and location – I want the full experience, from what they offer to the beauty around them
✨ What guests particularly love
✨Food is very important to me too! I look for agritourism/finca stays, boutique hotels, or family-run and historical properties - places that give you a sense of story, care and connection

🔗 Comment BLOG to see the full hotel interviews, insights, and personal experiences on my website!

28/08/2025

Born in Greece, raised in London 🇬🇷🇬🇧👇

{Hi! I’m Nefelie 👋 Follow for more slow & mindful luxe travel inspiration}

I grew up between Athens & London, going back and forth multiple times a year. My family always made sure we stayed connected to our culture while also understanding the nuances of life in a different country. This upbringing sparked my curiosity for other cultures, environments and local traditions ✨

🌸 Growing up, we even had the chance to grow a lot of our own food. My grandparents taught us about where food comes from - not only for tradition, but for our health and learning. Other things like the importance of reading, the value of culture and learning things for yourself has been something very important.

These lessons became the lens through which I view life - the lens I carry with me in everything I do.

🌸 And a key reason for why living abroad or travel has been a priority for me (personally, but also professionally). The best way to deepen your understanding of what you do or believe in is by experiencing it “firsthand” and learning from others and being open.

Family, independence, a love for food, city life and beach life, history, arts and culture - all of this shaped not just my tastes, but how I approach travel, work and life. It gave me a foundation in design, heritage and meaningful experiences, which has grown over time with new layers of learning.

✨ Celebrating both cultures, people and environments is something I am deeply grateful for and I will never stop learning. Curiosity remains at the heart of everything I explore and do.

A value in our family has always been to embrace a holistic view - cultivating principles, wisdom, knowledge, the arts and experiences that shape our growth and understanding of the world. By doing so, we are taking our learnings beyond borders

✨👉 Anything that your way of life, value or culture has taught you or brought to you?

P.S. Sadly I don’t have on hand many pictures from both places while growing up (or just too many people in the picture itself) .. so these will do for now!

Eco Travel Inspo

15/03/2026

22/02/2026

18/02/2026

24/01/2026

31/12/2025

30/12/2025

07/11/2025

19/10/2025

04/10/2025

21/09/2025

07/09/2025

28/08/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category