Archive for 'Activities'

The Amalfi Coast is a famously lovely coastal area of Italy and a vacation rental on the Amalfi Coast certainly will offer plenty of opportunity to relax by the sea with a cocktail or a good book or both, to cool down in the bluer than blue waters, to enjoy a whole range of different water sports, to hike while taking in some incredible views, and to generally make the most of some spectacularly beautiful natural surroundings. However, if you have found your villa on the Amalfi Coast and you’re looking to get outdoors, get active, and to enjoy the most untouched and lovely of natural settings, then we suggest setting aside some time to explore the Punta Campanella Marine Reserve. An area of unblemished beauty, this is a highly popular diving spot that boasts some truly extraordinary sights, has great hiking routes in the area, has a flourishing and diverse flora and fauna and marine life, and is swathed in ancient myths of sirens and heroes. For adventurers planning on spending time on vacation in Campania and this part of Italy, it is definitely a must!

Sardinia is an island that is famed for its unique and distinct culture and its diverse and exceptionally beautiful landscape. In particular, it is home to a large number of incredibly pretty beaches all around its craggy and fascinating coastline. From long stretches to secluded little gems, there is a range of different types of beaches, all with their own particular charms, to discover. The area around the seaside town of Cala Gonone in the province of Nuoro to the east of the island, in particular, boasts some especially lovely examples of Sardinian beaches. Part of the Parco Nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu (or the Gennargentu National Park), this part of the coast is famed for the quality of its waters and is a popular destination for tourists seeking sun and fun and relaxation as a result. The beaches immediately surrounding the town of Cala Gonone include the Spiaggia Centrale (or central beach), S'Abba Durche, Cala Luna, Cartoe, Osalla, Sos Dorroles, S'Abba Meica, Ziu Martine, and Cala Fuili. Among these then, Cala Fuili is particularly scenic and lovely and is an ideal spot to spend a day by the sea for those who have found a villa in Sardinia. 

Abruzzo is a region of Italy that abounds in stunning beaches. Its lengthy coastline is dotted by craggy cliffs, pretty little coves, wide sandy bays, a great wealth of different kinds of beaches to chose from, and many other spots that boast idyllic marine beauty. However, one of the most picturesque areas along the whole coast, that is a true must-see for anyone who finds a villa in Abruzzo and is looking to plan perfect days by the sea, is the Riserva di Punta Aderci, or Regional Nature Reserve of Punta Aderci. This utterly evocative and picture-perfect stretch of the Abruzzo coast with its homonymous promontory, was the first reserve to be set up in Abruzzo on the coast back in 1998 and is a gorgeous and wonderfully preserved gem that boasts some of the most truly extraordinary beaches in all of Italy.

Extending over 285 hectares and 5km along the coastline from the Punta Penna beach in the south to the mouth of the Sinello River in the north, this is an unspoiled and utterly remarkable part of the world that Vanity Fair ranked at the top of their list of the loveliest and cleanest beaches in the globe. Open to the public year round, with free access, it is a hub of natural beauty and potential activities and adventures. 

Wes Anderson’s films are immediately recognisable by their distinct visual aesthetic that usually makes use of symmetry, pastel shades, retro elements, and impossibly quaint and scenic settings. Due to the immense popularity of his films and just how specific the look of them is, many people have come to see all sorts of real-life places as Wes Anderson-esque. One example that we have stumbled across recently is Lake Misurina that is a must-see for those considering a vacation rental in Veneto. Looking rather reminiscent of setting of the titular hotel from his movie, The Grand Budapest Hotel, the view across this alpine lake takes in the symmetrical and dollhouse-like Istituto Pio XII. Though this building is actually a healthcare centre specialising in the care of children and not actually a hotel, it is one more element that makes this already scenic and lovely lake a must-see.

Known as the, “Pearl of the Dolomites”, Lake Misurina is the largest natural lake in the Cadore district and is located in Misurina, in the hamlet of Auronzo di Cadore. A truly picturesque part of the world, it is a spot steeped in local legend and boasts a long list of activities and outdoor pursuits, making it an ideal place for a scenic and fun day out while on vacation in Veneto. Just one of many utterly lovely corners of this region full of vineyards, pretty towns, historic villas, rolling hills, alpine peaks, and more, there is much to see, discover, and explore for lovers of the Great Outdoors once they find a villa in Veneto.

Though Milan is famous as a fashion capital of the world, those who have found a luxury villa in Lombardy or a vacation rental in Milan itself, and who are looking to bring a little bit of Italian style home with them, might not know exactly where to head for the best shopping experiences in the city. We have previously put together a guide to some of the city’s most beloved and best vintage boutiques and stores but for those in the market for an upmarket purchase to remember their trip by, an investment piece to indulge in on a special occasion, a little taste of the designer lifestyle, or simply some excellent window-shopping and people-watching, then a visit to the main shopping street of Milan, Via Monte Napoleone, is a must. The third most expensive street in Europe and home to stores for Gucci, Moncler, Roger Vivier, Bulgari, Versace, Armani, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada, Saint Laurent, Rolex, Cartier, Dior, Burberry, Tod’s, Fendi, and many more luxury brands, it is an upscale shopping street that will make fashion-lovers googly-eyed with excitement. So, whether you have the budget to directly shop in this neighbourhood yourself or you simply want to see how the fashionable set of Milan live and dress with your own eyes, be sure to take a wee stroll in this gilded part of the city...