Discover This Incredible Coastal Nature Reserve On Holiday In Abruzzo

Posted in: Abruzzo Activities Beaches Central Italy Hiking Parks & Gardens Tourist Attractions Water Sports

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. 

—    Colette Fitzpatrick
Fiorita in Castelluccio
19
Jan
2022

Find A Villa In Umbria And See The Mountains Covered In Blooms

Posted in: Central Italy Landscape Pretty Views Tourist Attractions Umbria

Breathtaking fields made up of bands of rich yellow, red, and blue blooms, swathed in early morning fog or golden light in the last rays of the day or sharp in colour under clear skies, snowy peaks in the background, winding little roads snaking past, the odd building in the distance or hilltop village perched overhead, a herd of sheep grazing nearby. This is the picture that one comes across should they venture to the area around Castelluccio di Norcia while on vacation in Umbria during the late spring and summer. Called the fiorita, or flowering, this magical annual phenomenon is truly extraordinary and quite the sight to behold. Those who love blossoms and who want to take in the incredible natural bounty and spectacularly vivid colours of this time of year should definitely plan a spring getaway in Italy and head to see this wonderful spectacle for themselves while exploring Umbria...

—    Colette Fitzpatrick
Colosseum
13
Nov
2021

What To See, Do, And Eat During Hanukkah On Holidays In Rome

Posted in: Central Italy December Events Latium Winter
Rome may be home to the Pope and the centre of Catholicism but it is also the capital of Italy and a major urban area. As a result, there are plenty of people of all sorts of faiths in the city and, in particular, the city is home to one of the world’s oldest Jewish populations who have remained despite the various efforts to force them out throughout history, so if you were considering spending the Holidays in Italy then you might be glad to know that it is not only a wonderful place for those who celebrate Christmas, with all sorts Christmas-themed things to see and do, but it is also a wonderful place to spend Hanukkah. While the general cheer and excitement of lights, markets, good food, and shopping can be enjoyed universally and make a vacation in Rome all the more wonderful, picturesque, and enjoyable during the winter, there are also specific events and attractions pertaining to those who are of the Jewish faith that will make a trip in the city at this time all the more memorable and meaningful. So, if you want to do something different for Hanukkah this year but don’t want to miss out on tradition, then Rome really is a perfect place to spend the Holidays in Italy. Here are some of the main things to keep an eye out for...
—    Colette Fitzpatrick

A Special Japanese Christmas Market To Visit On Vacation In Rome

Posted in: Central Italy Christmas Events Latium Markets
Those who browse our incredible vacation rentals in Rome and decide to spend the festive period in the city will quickly realise that there is no better time to visit. As a major seat of Catholicism, it is no surprise that they go crazy for Christmas and, as a major world capital, there are plenty of folks celebrating other holidays too, ensuring that the festivities are well and truly under way and the holiday spirit is in the air. The streets absolutely come alive with lights that make the city’s famous monuments, like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, and the endless pretty streets and squares throughout the historic centre of Rome all the more picturesque and lovely. Delicious seasonal treats can be found and enjoyed wherever you turn, whether you’re grabbing a pastry full of spice to go with a coffee as you sit out and watch the world go by or you are picking perfectly hearty favourites at meals. Excitement is well and truly palpable in the air. And, of course, German-style markets pop up throughout the city selling hand-crafted goods, local specialities, and perfect winter warmers to keep you toasty as you explore the Eternal City. However, if you’re browsing the various markets that can be found in Italy and Rome at this time of the year and you’re looking for something a little different and a little more special, then you should make a point to also head to the beloved Mercatino Giapponese, or Japanese Market.
—    Colette Fitzpatrick

Testaccio Market: Shop In A Local Fave On Vacation In Rome

Posted in: Activities Central Italy Events Latium Markets Shopping
If you are looking to plan a city break over the coming months and you are looking for a destination that perfectly combines beautiful surroundings with an unbelievable wealth of things to see and do (from museums to galleries, architectural gems, historic sites, activities, parks, and more), a great culinary scene, and also some excellent shopping, then the Eternal City is, without a doubt, one of the best options around. For a taste of that Dolce Vita, a vacation rental in Rome is just the thing, as it truly is a place that lives up to its name. Rome is always lovely, always fascinating, always a good idea, and always a perfect place to indulge in a bit of retail therapy. And, while there are plenty of interesting independent boutiques, elegant flagship stores for some of the world's best-loved labels, buzzing shopping streets, and more to be explored, a shopping trip is never complete without a visit to a local market. Wouldn't you know it? Rome happens to also have one of the best markets we've laid eyes on! A contemporary, well-oiled gem with the freshest of produce and some really cool traditional and new retailers, if you're planning a getaway in Rome and you're thoroughly exploring her shopping scene then you should definitely make time to visit the Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio, or Testaccio Market.

One of the best food markets in Rome today and home to some incredibly stylish shops, Testaccio Market in the Testaccio Quarter has been utterly transformed in recent years. Formerly shambolic and untidy, it is now a very smooth operation with a little bit of something for everyone and just lots to see...and eat! Among the oldest markets in the city and a neighbourhood fixture for over 80 years, Testaccio Market was moved to its current location back in 2012 and, with the move, became the more orderly beast that it is today. Glass-covered, bright, clean, and charming, the market is made up of nearly one hundred different stalls and retailers, many of which have been run by the same families for generations.
—    Colette Fitzpatrick