Archive for 'Activities'

To the north of Italy, the majestic and magical Alps line the top of the country and in various other spots throughout the different regions, there are less massive but impressive mountain ranges. Italy, therefore, is a wonderful holiday destination for those who love the various outdoor pursuits and incredible scenery of mountainous areas. In the spring, summer, and early autumn, there are endless excellent hiking and biking trails to be explored but as the weather grows colder, these same spots become ideal places to enjoy a wide range of winter sports. In fact, Italy is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world. So, if you are a fan of skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, cross-country skiing, sledding, and more and you are looking to indulge in these activities this winter, then browse our villas in Italy’s ski region.

Among the different ski destinations within Italy, there are some great options to choose from depending on your interests, the sort of price point you might have in mind, the kind of group you are travelling in (solo, with friends, family, as a couple), et cetra.

For example, some of the best ski resorts and ski areas in Italy include:

After the sizzling summer months, there are plenty of travellers who look forward to the mild weather of fall in Italy and being able to get out and comfortably explore the stunning landscapes all across the country. In particular, the mountainous areas and vacation destinations of Italy really come into their own again once fall rolls around and you can plan hikes, cycling trips, and more without worrying about sun burns or sweating too much or lugging around adequate hydration. One ideal spot in which one can do all that and more while enjoying the lush peaks and lovely alpine scenery of Italy is Merano. Located in the South Tyrol region, Merano is a gorgeous town located in a valley that is hugged by leafy hillsides and towering mountains and boasts endless walking paths, parks, gardens, hiking and biking trails, pretty little streets winding through the historic centre, and many more routes to explore while the weather is mild and the surroundings transform into a gorgeous array of gold and red tones. Browse our villas in Merano and then discover our guide to a perfect fall getaway in this cinematically lovely part of Italy...

We have previously discussed various spots to shop if you have found a vacation rental in Milan. As the fashion capital of a nation famous for being chic, Milan obviously has no shortage of cool places to get a bit of a sartorial fix while exploring the city. From vintage boutiques, to trendy concept stores, to streets of high street favourites, to bustling local markets, to stunning flagship stores of some of the most beloved designer labels in the world, there are all sorts of incredible places to shop in Milan. However, if you love colour and have a particularly playful sense of style, then one perfectly curated little gem of a boutique that you should definitely make time to see while on vacation in Milan has to be Wait and See.

Wait and See is a clothing boutique that is located on a pretty little street right in the heart of the historic core of Milan, on Via Santa Marta. Housed in an 18th century building that was a convent in a former life, this vibrant and exciting store was opened back in 2010 by the discerning Uberta Zambeletti who curates a treasure trove of gorgeous objects from all over the world. From new to handmade to vintage pieces of clothing, accessories, jewellery, stationery, homewares, small gifts, and more, sourced from everywhere from the UK to California, Zambeletti’s store is bursting with colour and surprises and unexpected gems at every turn. The shop itself is also utterly full of colour and character and interesting decor and is a wonderful space in which to browse for something really special, making the whole experience of coming here memorable and enjoyable.

Italy might not be the first place that leaps to mind for many when they think of surfing but given just how much coastline the country boasts – both along the mainland and on all of the countless islands off the coast – it makes sense that there are some excellent spots to surf while on vacation in Italy. Those who find a villa in Sardinia, in particular, will find that there are lots of brilliant surf spots to enjoy pretty much year round along the 1,849km of this stunning island’s coastline.

The famously beautiful beaches of Sardinia are not only wonderful gems for working on your tan, splashing around and having fun, swimming, snorkelling, and various other water sports but they also offer small to medium waves around 300 days out of the year, something that even many more famous surfing destinations find hard to compete with! Along the west coast of the island, you’ll find strong winds that make it a hotspot for another kind of surfing, kite-surfing, but areas along this stretch are also sought out by the more experienced surfers for the bigger waves that can be on offer. 

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!