Beyond Tourist Trails.
Unconventional summer travel tips and more cool stuff, in your 1st-of-the-month newsletter.
Ciao,
How's it going?
As many of you who recently joined me on a tour know, July in Rome was scorching hot – the kind of heat that made it nearly impossible to breathe. While the north of the country experienced a tornado and the south was grappling with wildfires, I found myself celebrating my 39th birthday in surprisingly mild temperatures in Rome (though, sadly, it only lasted for that special day).
Between juggling tours and meeting writing deadlines, I haven't had a chance to leave the city.
Surrounded by concrete, I finally started writing my street art travel guide of Sardinia. As I browsed through last summer's beach photos, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of longing. To lift my spirits, I decided to hit up my neighborhood's swimming pool, alongside children on summer camp and elderly women doing water aerobics (yes, I joined them too!).
I also had the pleasure of attending a couple of concerts -Goran Bregović and The Blaze. It was a welcomed change, as I hadn't experienced live music since before the pandemic. The Blaze, in particular, was the soundtrack of my lockdown, so listening to them amidst thousands of sweating people felt meaningful.
Although I couldn't escape the city, I made sure to bring the holiday vibes to this month's newsletter. You'll find loads of inspiring travel ideas, handy tips, and, of course, street art travel guides to all those places I wish I could visit right now.
Remember, sometimes the real magic of a trip lies not just in the destination but in how you explore. Even the most touristy destination is full of off-the-grid places waiting to be discovered (and trust me, I’m from Rome, I know!).
Until next month,
Giulia
P.S. This August, I'll be back at Ibug urban art festival. This year's location is inside a former train yard in Leipzig, Germany. If you happen to be in the area, let's meet up for a cold beer and enjoy the art together! ;)
BeSpoke, BeLocal
Bespoke travel service to personalize your holidays in Europe.
Where are you spending your holidays? Wherever you are heading this summer, let me help you with finding the coolest spots and the best street art!
“Bespoke, BLocal” is my new travel design service for curious travelers who like to discover the most unusual and off-beat spots in town. I will create a custom travel itinerary based on your interests and passions, connecting you with the creative side of a city, and revealing locations of street art, abandoned places, alternative spots, and more hidden gems you won’t easily find around the web.
NEW on the blog!
Street Art in Sardinia: From Political Muralism to Contemporary Urban Art.
Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, is known for its stunning beaches, rugged landscapes, and ancient history. However, the island also boasts a thriving street art scene that often goes unnoticed by tourists. From the bustling city of Cagliari to the remote mountain villages of Barbagia, Sardinia is home to a diverse array of street art, ranging from politically charged murals to graffiti writing.
Rewilding the Streets with Nuart Aberdeen.
When executed thoughtfully, street art challenges individuals’ relationships with the built environment. The 6th edition of Nuart Aberdeen street art festival went even further, questioning the very notion of a ‘built environment.’
Do we really need so much curation in our lives?
This query shaped the theme of “Rewilding” for this year’s festival.
See you at Ibug 2023!
Over the years, Ibug street art festival has become my cherished summer escape. Thanks to a long-time media partnership with Ibug, I’ve experienced the festival’s creative phase alongside dozens of street artists from all over the world.
Each passing summer, a new abandoned factory became our sanctuary, bearing witness to the metamorphosis of artistic expression.
Here’s a photo of the industrial wasteland that will become our home for this August:
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Handpicked by yours truly
Let me try something different this month. I've curated a selection of handpicked articles and street art travel guides to help you plan an unconventional and memorable vacation, embracing hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path spots that even the most touristy places have to offer.
Before we dive in, don't forget that there are over 500 travel articles waiting for you on the blog, and that there’s always a link to ALL my free Google maps at the bottom of each newsletter.
That said, get ready for an exciting journey, and don't forget your sunscreen!
1. Berlin
In summer, Berlin is more vibrant than ever: days are longer and filled with an array of events, from music festivals to open-air cinemas. Personally, I adore Berlin's city beaches, where the sun's warmth is just right for relaxation.
Click the button below to access the ultimate street art travel guide for Berlin, my food and drink recommendations and a list of not-to-miss contemporary art and quirky museums in the city.
Extra tip: Stay up to date with anything happening in Berlin this summer via this Instagram page: @kultursommerfestival.berlin
2. Lisbon
In Lisbon, summer is all about embracing nature. Parks and gardens invite locals to unwind amidst a variety of outdoor activities, such as picnics, open-air concerts, and art festivals. For those seeking coastal delights, the nearby beaches of Cascais and Estoril offer the perfect escape to enjoy the sun and refreshing Atlantic waters, while surf enthusiasts will find exhilarating waves at the beaches of Guincho.
Go to the blog for the ultimate street art travel guide of Lisbon, alongside food and drink recommendations, and a long list of offbeat places to visit.
Extra tip: Don’t miss Urban(R)Evolution, a group show retracing the evolution of urban art by juxtaposing the American founders with the contemporary Portuguese scene.
3. Amsterdam
When I was living in Amsterdam, summer was my favorite time of the year, as the sun sets late, and cycling is much more enjoyable in dry weather. I had a soft spot for places like Amsterdamse Bos, a vast forest just outside the city center, and Het Twiske, a beautiful natural park in the north.
Visit the blog for extensive articles on Amsterdam and get my Amsterdam Google map to check out the many beloved local spots I’ve pinned there. Enjoy the city I once called home!
Extra tip: The first weekend of August is Pride Weekend in Amsterdam. With its famous Canal Parade, Amsterdam Pride is one of the greatest gay events in the world!
4. Athens
Beyond its ancient wonders, Athens has emerged as the new underground capital of Europe, embracing a vibrant and innovative art scene. Explore the city's street art culture, which I guarantee will become your new favorite.
Head to the blog for an early street art travel guide (but worry not, the google map is updated!), with a wealth of not-touristy places to visit and foodie recommendations.
Extra tip: Are you up for a rooftop rave? In Athens, there’s one every Friday, check this page for details: @athens.rave.culture
5. Albania
Remember the time when my travel website was all about road trips around the Balkans? Though some articles are no longer available, I've kept my travel dispatches from a memorable summer road trip through Albania in 2014. With its turquoise coasts, rugged mountains, and warm hospitality, Albania offers an unforgettable adventure.
Discover this hidden Balkan gem before it becomes mainstream. Pack your sense of adventure and check out my dispatches from Albania.
Extra tip: A few years after my trip, a street art festival was born in Tirana. Check their Instagram page @muralfesttirana to locate the murals across the capital city.
6. Macedonia
Macedonia, another gem from my past travels, boasts rich history, stunning landscapes, and UNESCO-listed sites that are often overlooked by tourists. For me, Macedonia is a place of special memories, from my friend's big, fat, Balkan wedding to a solo road trip through mountains, ghost towns, and monasteries.
Uncover the beauty of Macedonia before the crowds arrive. The blog holds articles that will spark your wanderlust.
Extra tip: Enjoy Skopje’s numerous Brutalist buildings, as they may soon disappear. On the blog, I've showcased some of them, but there are many more scattered throughout the Macedonian capital.
7. Barcelona
In Barcelona, the warm Mediterranean spirit embraces visitors with its architectural marvels, sandy shores, and lively festivals. The city's beaches, like Barceloneta and Badalona, invite beach lovers to indulge in relaxation and beachside cocktails at vibrant beach bars.
Though my Barcelona street art travel guide awaits an update, you can already find online the Google map I used last March, guiding you to the city's street art gems, restaurants, bars, museums, and galleries.
My summer goal is to publish a fresh Barcelona street art travel guide upon returning from the Ibug festival (around mid-August). If you are planning to visit Barcelona this summer, inundate me with emails and DMs to motivate me to deliver. I thrive when working under pressure! :)
Extra tip: Don't miss "Uter," the show by Gonzalo Borondo at the Konvent Zero, a former nun’s convent and textile colony that has been converted into an experimental laboratory for contemporary art.
8. Rome
It’s no secret that August is my favorite month in Rome. August brings a noticeable change as the city's pace slows down. Many locals escape the urban heat by heading to the coast or countryside, leaving the streets with a quieter charm.
Check the blog for many suggestions on how to spend summer in Rome like a local, and join me on a private street art tour to explore Rome’s underground scene.
Extra tip: If you plan to visit Rome in August, my suggestion is to alternate city days with day trips (and don't forget that Rome has a neighborhood that stretches along the sea: Ostia). In this article, I have compiled numerous day-trip ideas to help you explore the surrounding areas.
9. Italy’s countryside
If you prefer to escape big cities, Italy offers an excellent option for street art enthusiasts. Many rural villages throughout the country have embraced street art and public art festivals, giving new life to their surroundings. From Fondi, Formia, and Gaeta on the seaside to Aielli, Stigliano, and Civitacampomarano in the mountains, explore these idyllic locations with hidden artistic treasures.
Discover the tranquil beauty of Italy's countryside and rural villages, where rolling vineyards, picturesque olive groves, and historic hillside towns offer an authentic Italian experience.
Extra tip: Interested in catching street artists in action? Don't miss the itinerant summer festival Gulia Urbana, happening until September across Calabria (the region in the "toe" of the Italian "boot").
10. Munich
Though unconventional for a summer holiday, Munich offers a unique adventure. As the birthplace of German graffiti, the city awaits with diverse activities to explore. Whether you're immersing in the street art scene, savoring beer in a shaded beer garden, or venturing into nearby alpine landscapes, a visit to Munich promises an unforgettable Bavarian delight.
Extra tip: Don't miss the immersive exhibition in the former air raid shelter next to the MUCA Museum, ongoing until September.
5 Street Art Festivals Happening in August 2023
Beside Ibug, more street art festivals are happening this August. Here are five festivals I wish I could attend if I weren’t working at Ibug:
3rd - 6th August: Street Art Festival Groningen is happening in Groningen, The Netherlands.
5th - 26th August: BUMP Festival is happening in Calgary, Canada.
11th - 20th August: Waterford Walls festival is happening in Waterford, Ireland.
26th August - 3rd September SAFMO (Street Art Festival Mostar) is happening in Mostar, Bosnia.
28th August - 3rd September: Hola Utopia is happening in Hannover, Germany.
Hi Giulia, just a note to applaud your work and writing - brava! In this ocean of accounts that write on Italy, I find yours to be authentic and original. You are also so generous in your offerings, a rarity in this space where we all walk a fine line between sharing our love for Italy and monetizing it. I look forward to supporting you and to meeting up sometime in Rome soon. Buona estate!
Exactly how hot was it in Rome?
I'm always curious as to local conditions.