Archive for 'Hiking'

Right along the border between the famously picturesque, rolling green landscapes of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, you will find the Appennino Parmense Orientale, a chain of mountains located in the Eastern part of the Province of Parma. For those who have found a vacation rental in Emilia-Romagna or a vacation rental in Tuscany and who are looking to go hiking during their stay in Italy, it is definitely a place to take note of as it boasts lots of different routes and incredible views. Whether you are an experienced hiker, a hobbyist, or a budding photographer looking to simply dip your toes in the water and get some great shots, whether you want to stretch your legs or have an adventure, whether you have a whole day to spend or just hours, you'll find a trail (or a part of a trail) that will suit your needs in this part of the world. However, if you're particularly interested in pretty scenery and breathtaking views, then there is one section of the mountain range that we would recommend: Monte Sillara and her twin lakes that offer an extraordinary panorama right over the surrounding landscape, right out to the islands of the Tuscan Coast and to Corsica on the clearest days.

The famous, “heel,” of Italy and the most south-eastern part of the country is the region of Apulia, a place in which life is slower, there are two long strips of coastline framing the land that boast endless lovely beaches, large tourist crowds are absent and have yet to discover or descend on the area, and the landscape is beautiful, clean, and bountiful. This is where you will find some of the cleanest beaches in the Mediterranean, little fishing villages where you'll get some of the best and freshest seafood in the world, more than a tenth of all of the wine production and half of the olive oil production in the country, marvelous ancient Greek and Roman ruins, stunning cathedrals, and an endless list of outdoor pursuits to choose from. If you're interested in tradition, getting off the beaten tourist track, and staying active and having adventures, there is no doubt that Apulia is the destination for you!

Lombardy is one of the biggest regions of Italy and is characterised by her varied and beautiful landscape that is home to both Alpine peaks and Italy’s stunning lake district (including Lake Como, Lake Garda, and more). If you are an outdoorsy type or in search of incredible views and backdrops, it is a perfect holiday destination. Just browse our vacation rentals in Lombardy and come explore the impossible beauty and endless outdoor pursuits offered by this amazing part of Italy for yourself!

While there is much to do in the region, many are drawn to Lombardy particularly for hiking and walking. However, there is a wide range in difficulty and distance that different hikers can be looking for. Some may be up for major expeditions but if you’re interested in simply taking in some pretty views and stretching your legs rather than hikes that last hours upon hours, one popular peak that is easily accessed, not too much of a climb, and offers incredible panoramic views over the surrounding area is Canto Alto.

To the very north of Italy, where it borders with France, Switzerland, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Slovenia, you will find the majestic Alps. This part of the world is a stunning kaleidoscope of towering craggy blue peaks, lush green valleys, pastures filled with a rainbow diverse flora and fauna, pretty little villages perched up high, and rivers winding down slopes in glittering silver lines. This is where you will take in the freshest air you can imagine, sip the clearest, tastiest water from fountains and natural sources, and admire the most jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring views of your life.

If you want to get a taste of the Alps for yourself on your trip to Italy but maybe aren’t up for a whole holiday of hiking, then find a vacation rental in the Val D’Aosta and head along the via Valpelline-Comba d'Oren-rif Nacamuli, take the A5 motorway, leaving at Aosta Est, follow the route for the Sant Bernard tunnel, pass the village of Valpelline, head towards Place Moulin, and tackle the stunning Mont Brulé.

Tuscany is home to the Apuan Alps, a mountain range nestled between the valleys of the Serchio and Magra rivers, not far from the Garfagnana and Lunigiana areas. It is a beautiful part of the world that boasts even more beautiful views over the picturesque and distinctive landscape of Tuscany. Monte Sagro then, is a mountain in the Apuan Alps, overlooking the city of Carrara, that is one of nine main peaks in the range and an excellent place to go hiking if you have found a vacation rental in Carrara and want to get some fresh air and stretch your legs.

Located closest to the sea, in the northern part of the mountain range, Monte Sagro means holy or sacred mountain and there are several theories as to how this name first originated. According to one theory, the mountain is said to have been a sacred place for the ancient Liguri tribe, along with Monte Bego, which is located at the modern border between France and Italy. It is thought that these Ligurian-Apuan people, with Pliny the Elder noting this belief, believed the mountain to be home to a generous god who was prone to blessing them with rain. Other ideas about how it became a sacred mountain include its grandeur simply attracting such a name, or the idea that its particularly elegant pyramidal shape warranted the title, or because it was one of the main sanctuaries of the ancient Ligurian-Apuan people and allowed direct visual communication with Monte Penna, another important mountain for the local tribes. All of these theories come from the same period and all suggest that, though we do not know which one is exactly right (or if it might not actually be a combination or blend of these reasons), this grand and imposing mountain, usefully positioned for communication and for attracting clouds and rain, has long captured the imagination of those who saw it.