From Italy to Greece: The Scents Behind Summer Vacay 2026

There are holidays you take to switch off, and then there are the ones that follow you home. I've just come back from a trip through Italy and Greece, taking in Rome, Sicily, Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Ephesus and Thessaloniki. I went for the sights and the history, but it was the smells that stayed with me: citrus groves on Sicilian hillsides, herbs growing wild in Athens, salt air on the ferries between the islands. Those scents became the starting point for our new Summer Vacay Collection 2026, our joy-filled collaboration with artist Pia Reynolds bringing Australian artwork to life through scent and candlelight.

Rome: golden hour and gelato

We began in Rome, where every evening felt like golden hour. We joined the crowds tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain, wandered ancient streets and ate far too well. The city smells of warm stone, espresso and blossoms spilling over balconies, and it set the mood for the whole trip.

Watch: What To Do In Rome | Ultimate Rome Travel Guide

Sicily: oranges and sunshine

Sicily stole my heart. Sun-drenched afternoons, chilled spritzes and markets full of citrus inspired our Sicilian Orange & Cassis Pure Soy Candle and matching Fragrance Diffuser, a bright, fruity blend that feels effortlessly sophisticated. It's Italian afternoon in a jar.

Watch: The Best of Sicily

Athens: herbs and history

Athens was a revelation. Beneath the Acropolis we wandered neighbourhoods where lemon trees line the streets and fresh herbs perfume the air. That crisp, green, sun-warmed freshness lives on in our Lemon Verbena & Basil Leaf Pure Soy Candle and Fragrance Diffuser, reminiscent of Mediterranean gardens and long lunches under the summer sun.

Watch: Visit Greece | Athens

The islands: Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes

Then came the islands. Mykonos brought barefoot beach days and whitewashed lanes; Santorini gave us those famous caldera sunsets; and Rhodes wrapped us in medieval streets and sea breeze. The coastal air of the islands, salty breezes and sun-warmed sand, inspired our Coastal Spinifex & Vetiver Pure Soy Candle and Fragrance Diffuser, a fresh, earthy blend with a hint of floral that captures the feeling of a coastal escape.

Watch: Best Things To Do In Mykonos Greece 4K, How to Spend 3 Days in Santorini Greece and Rhodes Greece: 10 Things To Do In Rhodes

Ephesus and Thessaloniki: ancient wonders and market spice

Standing among the ruins of Ephesus, one of the great classical cities of the ancient world, was a genuine pinch-me moment. Thessaloniki surprised us too, with its lively markets full of spices, olives and warm Greek hospitality. Both places reminded me how much a place can be known by its smells.

Watch: Ephesus, Turkey: Ancient City - Rick Steves' Europe and Things to Do in Thessaloniki | Greece's Most Underrated City

Explore the collection

Can't decide which scent you love most? The Summer Vacay Votive Candle Trio brings all three fragrances together in beautifully packaged mini candles, perfect for gifting or as a table centrepiece for your summer festivities. Like all Blushing Ivy candles, they're made with lead-free cotton wicks and 100% pure, vegan-friendly soy wax, with Australian made, essential oil based fragrances.

Planning your own Mediterranean summer?

If this post has you dreaming, start with the official tourism sites for Italy and Greece. And if you can't get away just yet, light a candle, close your eyes, and let Summer Vacay take you there.