Archive for 'Food and Wine'

Polignano a Mare is one of the most impossibly picturesque towns in Apulia and in Italy. Let us paint you a picture: white washed buildings perched right up to the edge of rugged cliffs, jewel-toned water sharply contrasting below, endless pretty and winding little cobbled streets, balconies overflowing with plants and flowers, a charming little bay nestled between two of those rugged cliffs right at the centre of town with a pebble beach, and elegant piazze with canopied cafés for sitting out and watching the world go by. A magical gem of a place, it is a wonderful spot in which to enjoy a day-trip if you have found a villa in Apulia and are exploring the area.

However, we would note that Polignano a Mare is an especially idyllic spot to visit if you are planning a spring getaway in Apulia. The region is lovely pretty much no matter when you visit but there is no doubt that those who prefer to avoid tourist crowds will find that the hot and exciting summer months, when all sorts of events taking place in the area and the weather draw holidayers to the seaside towns, are perhaps not the ideal time to plan a trip. Never fear, though, a vacation in Apulia in spring is wonderful for many reasons and Polignano a Mare, in particular, has lots to recommend it at this time of the year. Here are just five of the excellent reasons to come and find a holiday rental in Apulia and plan a day-trip to Polignano a Mare this spring...

One of our favourite regions of Italy to recommend to tourists is the lush and beautiful Le Marche area. With a long coastline full of great resort towns and excellent beaches, this region is well-known to Italian tourists as a perfect spot to escape to from boiling cities during the hottest months of the year. Visiting in July or August, therefore, will mean that you will be surrounded by throngs of Italians on their summer vacations. International tourists, meanwhile, seek out this remarkable part of the country far less often and many have never head of it before. But there are endless reasons to choose it for your next vacation. Impossibly green, full of pretty villages, boasting plenty of amazing beaches to choose from, and steeped in history and culture, a vacation rental in Le Marche means discovering a part of the country beloved by locals who are in the know and that perfectly combines many traits for which other regions are famous. In fact, many people describe it as all of Italy captured in one region. Here are five of its most captivating charms and some excellent reasons that we think make it a perfect spot for your next holiday...

Venice is, without a doubt, the most famous part of Veneto and one of the most famous cities in the entire world. However, the wider region of Veneto is incredibly interesting and lovely and much of it is largely untouched by the immense tourist crowds that descend daily upon the city. Made up of marshes, rolling green hills and vinyards, mountains, forests, nature parks, and a charming coastline, a vacation in Veneto has plenty more to offer beyond Venice – though a visit to that most romantic and fascinating of cities during your time in the region is also always a good idea!

Take the municipality of San Michele al Tagliamento, for example. It is likely a place many have never heard of before but if you find a villa in San Michele al Tagliamento, you will quickly discover that you have access to some gorgeous beaches, historic sites, fun activities for the whole family, some excellent wineries, some wonderful walking and hiking trails through the lush and picturesque landscape of this part of the world, a brilliant wellness centre in which you can perfectly unwind, a host of fun activities to enjoy with your family, and more. So, come and sample all that Veneto has to offer by basing yourself in a vacation rental in San Michele al Tagliamento and then heading out to explore all of the remarkable charms of this region that are close at hand. Among them, there are some particular highlights...

Those going to vacation in Rome are likely to be somewhat overwhelmed by the unbelievably vast list of things to see and do in this extraordinary cultural capital of the world from museums to ruins, palaces to fountains, painted ceilings to soaring cathedrals. However, while we definitely recommend seeing as much as you can and certainly the things you are most interested in, we would also suggest that visitors to the city do not overlook the other kinds of cultural riches to be found in Rome. Namely, the culinary heritage of the city.

There are plenty of dishes, drinks, snacks, famous restaurants and cafes, and more to explore while on holiday in Rome but one of the city’s oldest and most enduring foodie hotspots and must-sees is a tiny little bakery that one might easily walk right past. This is Il Boccione, a kosher bakery with over two hundred years of history, incredible cultural importance, and (vitally) some delicious treats to be enjoyed.

Tropea is one of those destinations that is so exceptionally picturesque that it can often seem utterly unreal. The turquoise blue of the waters, the pale sands, the lush green hillsides and white cliffs, the rainbow of sun umbrellas and towels along the strand, the market stalls overflowing with vibrant fresh produce, and the gorgeous pink sunsets all make this town look like a stunning painting rendered in the brightest and loveliest hues. In addition to being fronted by one of the prettiest stretches of beaches in all of Italy, adorned with one of the most scenic monasteries in Italy (which is really saying something), and overlooked by one of the most charming towns in Italy, this often lesser-known gem for international tourists is a true must if you find a villa in Calabria. An ideal spot to spend a day sunning yourself on the beach, splashing around and cooling off in those bluer than blue waters, wandering about the pretty tangle of streets throughout the town, taking endless pictures, and finding some cute little place to grab food, it is a perfect place for a day-trip while in the area. Come and see its exceptional looks with your own eyes and discover the endless charms and delights that it has on offer...