Mediterranean memories

With a pandemic grounding travel to a halt, I find myself looking at travel magazines, articles, photographs differently. For me, these photos always carry a sense of longing, but today with a sense of nostalgia rather than sense of inspiration. I’m certain this feeling will shift for back to that of inspiration and looking forward, but am embracing this heightened feeling of nostalgia. Below are some of my favourite photographs of summers spent in the Mediterranean by Georgia Macgregor. I’ve know Georgia for some time, and often lusted over her summer pictures, only recently has she collated these beautiful memories as prints.

Qu: When were these photos taken?

My travel prints are a collection of photos I have taken over numerous summers. I research a lot before going away, but often find the best discoveries are unplanned and stumbled upon.

Qu: What is it that you love about the Mediterranean?

When I think of the Mediterranean, I think of drapes of hanging laundry, distressed shutters, worn patterned tiles, crinkled linen table cloths and beaches full with umbrellas… capturing these candid and timeless moments is the style of photography I love. From an interiors perspective, I find taking inspiration from these simple things leads to thoughtful design with an authentic feel.

If I had to choose a favourite it would be Italy. I love the culture & obviously the food! There are so many small coastal towns & beautiful beaches it’s hard not to love.

‘Visiting Cinque Terre, Portofino & Santa Margherita, you are spoilt for choice with spectacular beaches. The buildings, all built into waterside hills, are various shades of red, yellow & orange, creating an aesthetic collection of colours. My Italian travel prints were taken here.’

Qu: Insights into Italy?

Genoa & Puglia

Whilst staying in Genoa, we had a modest city room which we used as a base, enjoying daily train rides to different coastal towns in the Liguria region of Italy. Visiting Cinque Terre, Portofino & Santa Margherita, you are spoilt for choice with spectacular beaches. The buildings, all built into waterside hills, are various shades of red, yellow & orange, creating an aesthetic collection of colours. My Italian travel prints were taken here.

In Puglia we stayed in Monopoli, taking advantage of the many lovely local restaurants and beaches. From here we also visited the better known Polignano a Mare. I enjoyed the rustic, traditional interiors of Monopoli, a good reflection of the town’s exteriors.

Qu: Where are your is your favourite spots in Greece?

Santorini and Athens.

The daily ritual of walking from our apartment to Ammoudi Bay for a swim is something I often think about. Finding a rock to sunbathe on, floating in the salty sea & enjoying the stunning sunsets away from the crowds. There’s a cluster of seafood restaurants on the seafront perfect for a relaxed evening meal. Above Ammoudi Bay is the town of Oia where there are plenty of small apartments. The style is the classic Greek combination of white and blue, a fitting colour scheme to match the nations flag.

During our stay in Athens we visited the island of Agistri, an hour by boat from the Port of Piraus. What I loved about this small island, with its rugged coastline and roads surrounded by lemon & fig trees, was the many little hidden beaches and pathways to be discovered. It gave us the feeling like we were the only ones on the island. The interiors were natural and organic, complementing the environment they were in. In Athens itself, Plaka is a trendy district at the foot of the Acroplis, with great restaurants and bars.

Qu: Recommendations in and around Lisbon?

Last summer we spent a couple of weeks travelling around Portugal. Lisbon & Porto are amazing, with inspiring handcrafted tiles everywhere & lots of rooftop hangouts. The interiors are very bold and stylish. In Lisbon there is also a great Brazilian concept store, Casa Pau-Brasil. Going south, the interior style became more rustic and quaint. We wanted to have a base in the idyllic countryside & found a beautiful old farmhouse in São Brás de Alportel. There is an abundance of stunning beaches to explore in Southern Portugal. Many of them carved into rocks with small wooden steps down to them and scattered with colourful umbrellas.

Qu: Suggestions for the south of France?

From a recent trip to Cassis and La Ciotat, I have a new love for the South of France and an eagerness to return! Enjoying the breath-taking hikes in the nearby Calanques, sun-soaked beaches & giant pots of moules. All delightful. Vintage wooden shutters adorned the exteriors, whilst the interior styles were a combination of traditional & mid-century modern.

PRINTS can be purchased here ~ during May (2020) all profits go toward NHS charities.

Travelmegan sadlerMay 14, 2020