Archive for 'Products & Specialities'

When one thinks of truffles and Italy, it is the truffles of Tuscany and Umbria that first come to mind for many but, if you are interested in eating well while vacationing a little further south, then you might consider one of our holiday rentals in Abruzzo.

Abruzzo, too, is famous for its truffles, which have been beloved foodie delights for centuries now. Typical of the region, the Abruzzo Truffle is listed as one of the PAT Traditional Agri-food Products and is a true treat for truffle-lovers who come to traverse the diverse landscape of this beautiful part of the country. 

One of the best things about being on holiday is getting to indulge in delicious treats and try incredible local delights. With this in mind, we have been thinking and dreaming of our favourite Italian chocolate here at Italy Villas and decided to compile a list of the best brands and places where you can get some sweet treats if you book a villa in Italy and are truly diving into all aspects of her rich and flavourful culinary scene.

All jokes aside, Italy really does offer some of the tastiest chocolate in the world, in various forms, to sample so be sure to visit these gems once you have found your perfect vacation rental in Italy with us...

Campania and the city of Naples, in particular, is an area of Italy where many of the country’s beloved dishes and specialities come from. Among these, there is a hearty, tasty, and unforgettable pasta dish that any seasoned foodie who books a villa in Campania should make a point to seek out and try during their culinary adventures while on holiday in the area. This the regional ragù of Naples, the Neapolitan ragù or ragù alla napoletana/ragù napoletano.

Along with the variety from Bologna, this is one of the two most famous ragù meat sauces in Italy and for good reason... Made of meat and tomato sauce and seasoned to perfection, this wholesome and comforting dish is just what pasta-lovers on vacation in Italy are looking for!

Wine-lovers, and especially port or sherry fans, who decide to book a villa in Sicily should make note that (among the endless delicious things to eat and drink while on holiday in this part of the world) there is one wine that you should make a point to try. This is the local Marsala wine.

A fortified wine from the area around the city of Marsala in Sicily, Marsala wine can be dry or sweet and is a DOC and PDO product protected by Italian and European law. It is made with the Grillo, Inzolia, Catarratto, and Damaschino white grape varietals, among others.

If you are a fan of Italian pastries and you were dreaming of a festive break in Tuscany, then we highly recommend browsing our villas in Siena. Not only is this charming and well-preserved historic gem exceptionally pretty at this time of the year with Christmas decorations, lights, and cheer in abundance, but it is also where many of the region’s most beloved festive treats were born. 

Siena is a perfect festive foodie option that is particularly well-known for her pastries made using recipes that have been passed down for generations upon generations. For those with a sweet tooth, it is the perfect destination this Christmas! So, if you have booked your vacation rental in Siena and are headed to the nearest bakery, these are some of the unmissable seasonal treats that you should try: