The Mediterranean Wow Factor

“Where is your favourite travel destination?” is a question I get asked frequently.  And the answer is anywhere along the sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean,  a region where all the things I enjoy most can be found: gorgeous, fresh, Mediterranean food, a wonderfully laid-back attitude, an azure sea sometimes framed by dramatic mountains and stunning Venetian architecture. When these things come together, that’s the “Wow” factor.  

In particular, I love Venetian architecture that can be found not just in Venice but in every place where the Venetian Empire (called the Stato da Màr) staked a claim.

Its fusion of Gothic style and Byzantine and Islamic elements, is the sketcher’s dream. The ogee arches, delicate loggias, funky chimneys, marble veneers, and decorative roofline crenellations are a joy to draw and paint.

At its height, the empire had total control of the Adriatic Sea and its merchant fleets controlled the flow of spices, silk, and luxury goods from Egypt and Asia into Europe.

The Empire stretched from northeastern Italy to present day Croatia and Slovenia, mainland Greece and the Greek islands, three quarters of the Byzantine Empire, Crete and as far south as Cyprus. It was so far-flung, that it was impossible for Venice to defend it at all points.

The expansion of the Ottoman Empire steadily stripped Venice of its eastern Mediterranean outposts and trade routes. Portuguese explorers found direct sea routes to Asia around Africa in the late 1400s, bypassing Venetian middlemen and, pressured by European powers, the independent Republic of Venice ended in 1797 when Napoleon ceded the city to Austria.

The Venetian Empire left behind architectural marvels. Eye candy. And it is no wonder that high season in Venice and Dubrovnik and Mykonos and Rhodes is crowded with tourists.

This November when the crush of tourists has waned and the temperature is reasonable, we’re going to marvel at the Venetian architecture, relax by the sea, sample all the local specialties and paint, paint, paint in stunning Mykonos, Greece and you’re invited! Nov 23-27, 2026 featuring art classes with Hazel Soan! For more info click HERE