Archive for 'Hiking'

Trentino is a northern region of Italy, set amongst Alpine backdrops, lush valleys, rolling hills, wide pastures, and little villages that is, undoubtedly, utterly picturesque and completely lovely. However, there are particular corners of Trentino that are especially beautiful and magical and that should be sought out by anyone who has found a vacation rental in Trentino and is thinking about exploring the region. One of those little gems is Arco Castle, a romantic ruin that sits majestically atop a cliff and surveys the surrounding landscape. Come and stretch your legs by hiking to the castle, admire the incredible panoramic view from the top, and explore this stunningly lovely ruin.

Perched over the plain of the River Sacra, just at the point at which it widens, Arco Castle (Castello di Arco) dominates the skyline of the area and is an iconic structure in the landscape. It is the symbol of the town of Arco and a beloved memento of times past. While its exact origins are somewhat steeped in mystery, we know that it existed at least after the year 1000 AD. The area has been inhabited since before the Middle Ages and it is thought that the castle was originally built by the people, only to be later taken over by the local nobles.

The Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park was established in 1991 and covers a surface area of 150,000 hectares or 2,014 square kilometres. It is one of the largest parks in Italy, located almost entirely in the region of Abruzzo and is one of the largest protected areas in Europe. Composed of the mountains of Gran Sasso, the Monti della Laga and the so-called Twin Mountains, it is a diverse and beautiful area that is predominantly alpine plain but is dotted with vast pine, beech and birch forests, streams, waterfalls, ponds, prairies, pastures and pretty Middle-Age villages.

Mount Vesuvius is, perhaps, the most famous volcano in the world. Located in the southern Italian region of Campania, this volcanic cone shaped mountain is still active and has erupted many times over the last few centuries. Don't be afraid, however, as it hasn't erupted since 1944 and the fertile lands that surround are populated by over three million people! While it is still active and considered a relatively dangerous volcano, it is not at all unsafe to visit and we would highly recommend it! Just find a villa in Campania and pay a visit.

Mont Blanc stands on the French-Italian border between the Val d'Aosta in Italy and Chamonix in France. It is the tallest mountain in the Alps and most only admire its immense beauty from the surrounding resorts. However, it is not actually that difficult, comparatively, to reach the summit. One should take in its majesty as a whole from a distance but actually reaching its towering peaks is a completely different experience. If you want to discover this great natural beauty for yourself, just find a vacation rental in the Val D'Aosta and pencil in some time for the mighty mountain that several countries fight to lay claim to.

For those less mobile, less actively inclined or who might be a little worried about undertaking this behemoth, fear not! You can take the cable cars from Courmayeur to Chamonix and take in the fantastic views en-route.

Marettimo, off the coast of Sicily is a stunning island that is probably less familiar to most than Capri or Patelleria. Yet, the sea is no less blue, the beaches are no less beautiful and, in fact, they are both all the lovelier for the lack of tourist crowds, queues and gimmicks. It has become more well-known to the outside world in recent years but retains its unique charms and is still relatively unknown. For this reason, it really is the perfect place to sit back, relax and well and truly get away from it all. Just find yourself a luxury villa in Sicily and spend some time on this preserved and hidden gem.

Remarkably lush and green, it is a place that tends to attract cultured regulars who return year after year rather than confused crowds of day-trippers, moving around together in a gaggle. It is an Italian island paradise that attract walkers, scuba-divers and sun-seekers and is a place to indulge in hobbies that may never normally garner much time or attention or to merely lie out on a perfect beach with loved ones and a good drink in hand.