EUROPE WITH MATTIA PELLEGRINI

Creative Director Mattia Pellegrini takes us from the touristy yet fabulous Polignano a Mare to quad biking in Mykonos.

NAME: Mattia Pellegrini

WHAT DO YOU DO: Art Director

STAR SIGN: Gemini (The best sign in the Zodiac)

LIVING: Surry Hills baby

SLEEP

Avoid the hectic touristy stress in the oh so famous Polignano a Mare and explore some villages around Puglia. Highly recommend this little village called Trani in Puglia, it’s apparently know for the best olive oil in the world.

Rumour has it a lil’ bottle of oil goes for $1000+++, fancy! It’s a 30 minute Vespa ride away from PaM, It’s literally not that special but it felt so local and chic.

B&B Al Vico, quintessentially Italian from the outside, modern on the inside.

The place itself is modern, feels like a modern bachelor pad. Industrial vibes, great price & great location. The best part is just being in the middle of this little village, the minute you walk outside you are in this gorgeous bay with fisherman’s boats and mini sailboats. It’s chic AF. There was nothing to do but drinking spritz and going to explore other places.

EAT

Mama Pomelo in the Ibiza old town – I wish I could say we explored more cute and local places. But this is by far the best Paella I’ve ever had in my life. The place is chic, has amazing art on the walls, it’s understated and ran by a family and the original “mama” still greets and serves the customers. Even thinking of it now I wish I had a plate in front of me.

DO

Get a quad in Mykonos and just be cool. Drive around town and go to Elia beach. Make sure you go to the gay friendly section on the left (google it). Get a front row bed for 40 euros a day and enjoy the ocean breeze. (maybe also the cute guys and rosé you sadly enough have to buy) All worth it tho. If you’re a little bit more adventurous have a little look on the rocks.

Mykonos is also known for its infamous sunsets…either go to one of the

amazing pricy bars around town such as Bar180 for a sunset of ‘see and be seen’ vibes with amazing lounge music or the Elysium Hotel and enjoy a fun drag cabaret show. We took our quad bike to this monastery at the highest point of Mykonos. Be prepared to go up, up, up on a steep hill on a rough road. Once you get there, you’ll be blown away by the view, so spiritual and magical. I think I even had a tear or two running down my cheeks when the sun was setting. MUST DO. And it’s free – BYO.

When in Milan – get some content at the Fondazione Prada, great location, great art, great shots.

Avoid airport charges and travel from Rome to Puglia via train… scenic trip! If you book the train in advance you can get cheap first class seats. Do prepare some meals and snacks. The bar on the train is limited but has great wine!

Rent a scooter in Bari and travel to Polignano a Mare, very scenic route, many untouched rocky beaches on the way and you travel through some villages. Cute! On the way from Bari to PaM you’ll pass this random fishing village called San Giovanni. Be prepared to discover a local hot dog truck where all the locals gather and sing karaoke. Very local, very weird, very must do.

SHOP

UNNEI IN MILAN! FUN FUN FUN! Follow them on insta.. legend goes that SUNNEI means “ sunny “ but just said with an Italian accent. Try saying it out loud…It’s true.

PACK

I traveled for a month and had only carry on…so I pack smart. Of course we have the regular beauty stuff but just include a few key must haves for sure: sandals / slides. Oversized shirts & shorts & tees, tiny little bathers and not to forget a kmart sunhat. $7 – score – and it keeps your visage young.