A Curated List of Music, Books and Films

The Mediterranean Dream: Card Games, Slow Evenings, and the Amalfi Coast

By Antonia Fest

March 20, 2023

A hand holding a bitten mango hovers over an open book, which rests on a vibrant blue towel in bright sunlight.

A nighttime outdoor dining scene with two glasses of white wine, a jug of water, falafel, fries, bread with tomatoes and feta, and city lights visible in the distance.

Your Mini Cultural Escape to the Med

Summer is beginning to creep up on us and it seems we are all ready to shake off our winter coats in favour of the sun’s warm embraces. Mercifully, balmy weather, aperols at golden hour and salt water dips are soon to become a reality once more. Whilst we keenly wait for those sweet days to come, we can already get in the mood for our Mediterranean travels. To prepare and inspire us on our journeys, we can start to immerse ourselves in the worlds of those who proudly hark from some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations. Through the written word, song and film, they have manifested the atmosphere of their homeland which contributes to the allure and enchantment of the Mediterranean as a whole. Here is a list of books, films and songs from countries around the Med, which can transport us there for the time being and enrich our understanding of the many beautiful cultures which await our eager return.

Greece: Island Dreams and Crystal Waters

GREECE
With over 6000 islands and islets speckling the Grecian seas, it is no wonder that such an eclectic range of creative minds have emerged from Greece ever since ancient times. It is a country of beautiful contrast, both idyllic and hedonistic, calming and dynamic, peaceful and powerful. Writers, singers, and film-makers have portrayed these facets of Grecian culture and everything in between which pulls us into the mystery and magic of its many worlds.
Book: Three Summers, Margerita Liberaki
Film: Suntan
Song: Plateia Vathis, Sotiria Bellou

A small white sailboat floats on calm, deep blue water under a clear blue sky, with the horizon visible in the distance.

A person stands on a balcony at night, looking at the full moon over a coastal town with illuminated buildings and the sea reflecting the moonlight.

Portugal: Honest Beauty and Timeless Charm

PORTUGAL
The honesty and frank beauty of Portuguese works is unlike any other. Portugal is a country without pretension or deception, and this is emulated in the works which have emerged from its creatives over the years. The depth of these beautiful pieces reveals a country of candour in every corner of its mainland and islands of supreme natural beauty.
Book: Empty Wardrobes, Maria Judite de Carvalho
Film: Our Month of Beloved August
Song: Uma casa portuguesa, Amalia Rodrigues

Black and white image of Amalia Rodrigues holding a cigarette, looking thoughtful. The text above reads Amalia Rodrigues Uma Casa Portuguesa with a list of song titles below in Portuguese.

A book open to a page with the text to softness as a weapon when the mind attacks itself. - Arca alongside a yellow handwritten note, lit by sunlight.

Spain: Romance, Passion, and Poetry

SPAIN The robust romance of Spanish culture is enigmatic and passionate. The poet, Pablo Neruda uncovers the country’s soul in sparing words, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem’s on screen chemistry exhibit its palpable seductiveness and Carmen Amaya’s powerful song and dance reveal its elegant strength. On the surface, Spain is already oozing with intrigue but dig a little further into its culture and even more surprises lie in store.

Book:Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair, Pablo Neruda
Film:Jamon Jamon
Song:Cuando Pa Chile Voy, Carmen Amaya

A narrow stone street in a quaint village, lined with rustic buildings. A man sits on steps near a no parking sign, petting a black cat. A street lamp and green leaves hang overhead.

A woman in a flamenco dress dances with arms raised. Below her, large text reads “Carmen Amaya” and smaller text says “Cuando pa Chile me voy.” The image background is turquoise.

Italy: Endless Discovery

ITALY
Italy is a country you can visit a thousand times over and never relive the same way twice. Whether you are sprawling along its glimmering coastline, losing yourself in its deep history, or drowning yourself in its irresistible food and wine, there is joy. It is a country that has mastered its pace and enjoyment of life to such an extent, that it is no wonder keen travellers come back time and again to fixate on enjoying life to the fullest. The country’s greatest minds have created literature, film and music that radiates with this philosophy.
Book: All our Yesterdays, Natalie Ginzburg
Film: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Song: Il Pescatore, Fabrizio d’Andre

A blue and white boat floats on clear water beside a wooden dock. A pile of wet shellfish or sea creatures sits on the dock near the boat, which is dirty and filled with some water.

A black crate filled with yellow-green pears sits on a stone floor, partially lit by sunlight streaming in from the left side.

France: Romance and Wine-Drenched Days

FRANCE
Romance, lost paradise and endless wine-drenched days await on French soil. There is nothing more enticing than summer days on some riviera or summer evenings among the sprawling vineyards which bedeck rustic countrysides. In the meantime, soak up the pages of one of the most beautifully written French novels, watch the glittering scenes of an erstwhile Parisian glamour and listen to the nostalgic jazz that epitomises the chic mystique of France’s magnetic charisma.
Book: The Lost Domain, Alain Fournier
Film: La Belle Epoque
Song: Si Tu Vois Ma Mere, Sidney Bechet After your armchair escape, bring the Med to life in your kitchen — start with a hearty Greek Lamb Fricassee, or make a show-stopping Grilled Zucchini with Hazelnut Salsa Verde and Labneh. For everyday inspiration, read about how to Shop for Groceries Like a Mediterranean, and pour a glass of Gratsi White Wine while you plan your next trip.