Archive for 'Food and Wine'

While the region of Emilia-Romagna is famous for towns like Ferrara, Ravenna, Bologna, and Modena, among others, there are obviously some lesser-known gems that are well worth exploring, particularly if you want to get away from the regular tourist crowds. One such destination is the charming town of Comacchio, known as the, “Little Venice,” of Emilia-Romagna. Located 3km from the coast in the Po Delta, 50 km from Ferrara, 35 km from Ravenna, and 110 km from the actual Venice, a villa in Comacchio offers both the chance to enjoy a beautiful, peaceful hidden gem while still being able to take day trips to some of Italy's most famous and incredible cities and to spend days exploring the wonderful beaches and seaside fun of Emilia-Romagna.

A lagoon town, steeped in history, swathed in sea air blowing in from the coast, Comacchio is now known as the capital of the Po Delta Park and boasts endless architectural gems, seven nearby beaches, and pretty canals. Best visited between April and mid-October, when the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy all of the outdoor and seaside charms of the destination, there is an endless list of things to see and do while on vacation in Comacchio . Here is our guide to some of the highlights!

We've noted before that if you find a villa in Sorrento and spend time in the area, you're going to encounter limoncello sooner more likely than later. The famous lemon-flavoured liqueur is iconic and one of the most famous foodie products in the area that is almost always served after meals out in the area so, even if you have never tried it before, you'll quickly become acquainted after a holiday in this part of Italy. If it proves to particularly tickle your fancy or you want to get your hands on some to bring home as great foodie souvenirs (the best kind!) for the neighbour who kept an eye on your house and watered your plants then you should definitely make a point to head to Limonoro Fabbrica Liquori Di D'Esposito Ciro.

Bronte is not just the surname of a famous family of authors but is also the name of the town in Sicily that is well-known for one of its culinary outputs: the delicious pistachio. There are plenty of other reasons to choose a luxury villa in Sicily and enjoying the foodie delights of the region is one of the most important among them! Once you have found a villa in Sicily and are exploring the wonders of the island, including those of the culinary variety, be sure to head to Bronte to try some of the town's, “green gold.”

Modena is a city famous for its balsamic vinegar, opera, and sports cars (Ferrari and Lamborghini are both headquartered in the city). For many, however, it is most well-known as a key foodie destination that is a must-see for food-lovers who are exploring Italy as, in addition to balsamic vinegar, it is a place that produces two other important Italian heritage foods: parmesan cheese and prosciutto ham. If you are interested in stocking up on the highest-quality Italian ingredients to enjoy at home and in trying some of the most delicious food made with said ingredients while holidaying, then finding a vacation rental in Emilia Romagna and planning a culinary-themed day trip to Modena is an absolute must. Not only will you eat well throughout the entirety of your time in the region but your visit to Modena will give you ample opportunity to stock up on some of the best of the best foodie bits in all of Italy! And if you're looking for the best place to do exactly that then we highly recommend a visit to the Mercato Storico Albinelli, a covered historic food market that is opened six days a week and boasts amazing stalls, sellers, and products!

Venice is unique in many ways. The layout for which the city is so famous, built on a lagoon and navigated by a series of waterways rather than roads, of course, is rather unusual. Public transport consisting of water boats is also an uncommon trait of the city. Half-flooded book shops, pretty Skittle-hued houses in Burano, former leper colonies, rich museums, incredible architectural gems, astounding churches, endless ghosts and tales of hauntings, exceptional restaurants, elegant hotels, and more all can be found throughout this unforgettable and magical and sometimes strange city. But, as with any other destination in Italy, if you have found a luxury villa in Veneto or vacation rental in Venice and are spending time exploring all that the city has to offer, you might be wondering about what you should eat while in the area! This is always one of the first questions you should ask when travelling in Italy.

While there are all sorts of specialties – from Cicchetti (plates of finger food), to Baccalà Mantecato
(one of the city's most traditional dishes made from stockfish), to Buranelli biscuits, to the beloved Spritz and the many famous cocktails whose origins are attributed to the city – to be tried during your time in Venice, there is a rather unique jam that the most discerning of foodies should make a point of acquiring. This is Vartanush, a rare rose petal jam made by Armenian monks...