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Sardine Day in Florence
April 1st is the favorite date of all pranksters across many countries like the UK, France, Italy, Finland, Austria, Germany, and more. It is a tradition loved by all that never fails to leave a smile in the faces of its hapless victims. It is known as April Fools’ Day in the UK; as Día das Mentiras (day of lies) in Portugal and Brazil; and as April Fish in Italy, France, Wallonia, and Switzerland. But what is the real story behind this practice? Where did the tradition of April 1st originate? Well, the theories are many. One of the most popular ones states that it has its origins in France, after the Edict of Roussillon changed the date of New Year’s Day (but “fools” continued to celebrate the new year from March 25th through to April 1st). But there’s a different theory that states it started in Italy… If you are well-acquainted with Italy, you’ll know that Tuscany is also renowned for its special sense of humor. And according to this theory, this charming tradition finds its origins in Florence, precisely. From a young age, Italians spend hours devising pranks to play on their friends and family. And Italy’s April Fish (Pesce d’aprile in Italian) gives one the chance to have a laugh at anyone’s expense, always ending in a resounding “April Fish!” And so we wonder about the history of its name… Why April Fish? As the story goes, there seems to have been a tradition in Florence to send fools every first of April to buy fish at a marketplace where there was nothing but an effigy...
The Best Apartments with Terrace in Croatia, Mallorca, and Greece
PREVISIC – From 90€/Night Apartment Milos – From 66€/Night Apartments Francesca – From 50€/Night Queen’s- From 100€/Night Slavica – From 120€/Night VILLA GAIA – From 468€/Night Fabrica Canava – From 357€/Night Azalea Houses Cave – From 145€/Night Stilvi Studio- From 102€/Night Astrea House – From 566€/Night Aenaon Villa E -From 720/Night INES – From 134€/Night Can Valero – From 233€/Night CARROS- From 220€/Night Bonavista – From 143€/Night ARXIDUC -From 96€/Night Sun, come to me! The winter always has a way of dragging on and it’s no surprise that by now we are all looking forward to the milder months, planning barbeques and garden parties. If you don’t want to miss out on an aperitif outdoors, or a chill out moment watching the sunset, take a look at this hand-picked list of our best apartments with terrace, put together so you can enjoy the sun in Croatia, Mallorca, or Greece. CROATIA- DUBROVNIK Take full advantage of this privileged view over the rooftops of the historic center of Dubrovnik and the vastness of the Adriatic Sea. PREVISIC – From 90€/Night Just 50 meters away from the shore… Apartment Milos – From 66€/Night Perfect for a meal with friends Apartments Francesca – From 50€/Night Imagine having a milkshake here at sunset, or reading a book in the stillness of this magical spot… Queen’s– From 100€/Night Ideal for starting off the day with a good outdoor breakfast and amazing views Slavica – From 120€/Night GRECIA – SANTORINI With outdoor Jacuzzi and the constant feeling of diving into the cool blue sea VILLA GAIA – From 468€/Night Simplicity and rest in the whiteness of...
Holy Week in Seville
All serious travelers should experience Seville’s Holy Week at least once in their lifetime. This liturgical festivity that takes place in the Andalusian capital is a vibrant display of passion for tradition; a passion that permeates every corner of Seville during the days of celebration. This year, the Sevillian Holy Week begins on March 29th, and ends on April 5th, coinciding with Easter Sunday. During the celebration the city dons its festive attire, and 60 fraternities and cofradías (church brotherhoods) take over the streets of Seville, with more than 120 pasos (floats) commemorating the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Ready to experience a liturgical celebration of medieval origins during your Easter holidays? Follow in our footsteps through the Andalusian capital: In the Footsteps of Jesus Christ Seville’s Holy Week was declared Fiesta of International Tourist Interest in 1980, and together with the Feria de Abril it is one of the city’s biggest festivals. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, but it wasn’t until the end of the 19th century, during the Spanish Restoration period that brotherhoods gained momentum and became a tourist attraction. In their early days processions followed routes revolving around the vicinity of their home church, but nowadays the Carrera Oficial (or Official Path) of the brotherhoods must necessarily end at Seville’s Cathedral. This joint route departs from the Plaza de la Campana, passing through Calle Sierpes, Avenida Constitución, and ending up at the Cathedral. There is one procession per day, with those of Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and the popular ‘madrugá’ (the most anticipated night of Seville’s Holy Week) being among the most...
Early summer holiday deals – Up to 25% discount
The clock changes and so do our plans. The days become longer, and our mind starts to picture us in blissful holiday scenes. A drink at a terrace, a walk on the beach, a picnic in the countryside… We start to chase after the sun, and at Only-apartments we won’t let it get away. And for that reason, from now and up until April 30th, you can enjoy amazing savings of up to 25% off your apartment Early summer holiday deals (check-in date between June 1st and September 15th). Stay ahead of the summer and save up to 25% on your apartment booking for the holidays. Over 100 destinations to dream about! Visit our webpage right now to find participating apartments bearing the summer icon (a pair of flip-flops). Vacation for less this summer at...
6 Top Reasons to Travel to London
Whether on your first visit, or whether you know the Tube map like the back of your hand, traveling to London is always a joy. The truth is that England’s capital has an air of magic about it that envelops you from the minute you step out of the plane. But if you remain unconvinced, here is our list of reasons that make London that must-see that we can never get enough of. 1. Because you will learn the true meaning of the word POLITE Stereotypes abound for good reason, and they often hold a certain degree of truth in them. Such is the case of the British and their polite, refined manners. But it just so happens to be one of those stereotypes we are amply grateful for when visiting the city. You feel it right away: people offering to help you buy train tickets; waiters giving you their full attention and best smile; and people making way for complete strangers on escalators, so those in a rush can get through. Small gestures that make life a little more pleasant- an example we should all take home. 2. Because you will discover that all the world’s a stage And not in vain did William Shakespeare grow up in this land. The high value Londoners’ place on general culture and art deserves full admiration. Wherever you go, art is ubiquitous in any of its myriad forms. From the world-famous West End musicals, flooding city streets with posters and fliers prompting you to go to the show, to the street performances of Covent Garden and Portobello Road, passing through the...
We Love Traveling
A short while back we published the results of our International Day of Happiness poll that clearly showed that our favorite thing everywhere is traveling. And why is that? You all seem to know. Last February 14th we launched our Facebook contest #OnlyBeTravelLovers where we specifically asked you why you love traveling. And even though the prize could only go to one of you, the truth is all your answers touched us, and made us dream and get excited about more and more traveling. That is why we wanted to make this small compilation of your declarations of love to travel. Because if anything is clear, is that we just love...
The Paris Marathon guide
Paris, “Ville Lumière”, in just a few days thousands of people will wait at the Champs-Élysées, ready to run the Paris Marathon . On April 12th, the Paris Marathon provides a unique way of exploring the city, running the 42,195 meters that make up one of the most important and toughest races in the world. A total of 16,000 foreigners representing 140 countries, and over 50,000 runners will compete in the streets of the French city; some run for sporting glory, and many as an important personal feat. The backdrop to the race couldn’t be better; athletes will start at the world’s best known boulevard, the Champs-Élysées, and finish at Avenue Foch, passing through some of the French capital’s legendary sites. The most striking city in the world will be all theirs! Ready? The personal challenge of the race mixes in with the breathtaking views of the city. The mostly flat course of the race crisscrosses through the city’s key points. The Arc de Triumph will be the site of the Paris Marathon’s start line, from which runners will sprint down the Champs-Élysées towards the Place de la Concorde. Then, Rue de Rivoli, will lead these participants to the Place de la Bastille. Pacing differences will start to become obvious, and it will soon be time for the runners to have a drink and recharge, to withstand the remaining 35 kilometers. Around 12 kilometers into the race, runners will reach Versailles with its unrivaled views over Louis XIV’s abode. The Paris Marathon is the best time to see the city. The next course of the race will lead...
Pillow Cinema and Hot Tub Cinema in London
Movie theaters reinvented. Pillow Cinema and Hot Tub Cinema are new movie theater concepts. Imagine a huge room filled with pillows, or an outdoor terrace full of hot tubs in the warmer months of the year. They’re no doubt the perfect plan for lounging around, or soaking in a tub with your love interest or with friends. There’s just no wrong way to enjoy the seventh art.
International Day of Happiness. And, what makes YOU happy?
Have you ever wondered whether what makes Spaniards happy is the same as what makes Italians happy? Or how about the Germans? Does happiness even have a nationality? Do Englishmen and Frenchmen smile the same? To celebrate the International Day of Happiness, at Only-apartments we have tried to sharpen the contrast between our differences and our common ground when it comes to being happy. We polled over 300 people from five European nationalities, and this is what we found: Traveling- an Infallible Recipe for Happiness. Whether a family trip or a couples retreat- traveling is what makes Europeans happy. A solid 58% of Spaniards polled admits their favorite family plan is traveling, in sharp contrast to the 21% who concede that theirs is a family meal, followed by a lengthy after-dinner session. The British, the French, the Italians, and the Germans agree that traveling makes for the perfect family plan (with the 62%, 75%, 69%, and 80% respectively); closely followed by a weekend away in the country as a popular second favorite. When it comes to couples, a staggering 66% of Spaniards prefer a short getaway to a European destination, as opposed to the 13% who asserts they’d be happier with breakfast in bed and a slow morning. Topping the list for the British and French, however, is a romantic dinner and a night at the theater, which they hands-down prefer to breakfast in bed with their lover. Arriving at our holiday destination and being helped by a complete stranger are the two top activities making Europeans smile. Intimacy Improves while on Vacation Only the Italians and the Germans...
