Archive for 'Localities'

In our last article, we outlined the unique nature and particular charms of the Italian interpretation of Christmas markets, before outlining some of the best of the best around the country. In addition to those examples in Rome, Florence and Milan, we have compiled a list of some more of the finest Christmas markets around Italy, should you have found a vacation rental in Italy and be planning on spending the festive season there.

Verona is a very famous Italian city and UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site best known for its connection to Shakespeare's most tragic of lovers. However, come Christmas, it gets a German makeover when a large Christkindlmarkt opens in Piazza dei Signori. Made up of wooden stalls with over 60 exhibitors selling handicrafts, decorations, regional foods, and German specialties, it usually opens late November through to December 21st.

The Christmas markets of Italy are not quite the famous attractions that draw people from all over the world that one finds all over the northern countries of Europe. Yet, despite this, they are lovely events that are fun for couples, groups of friends, families and solo travellers alike.

You will still find all the twinkly lights, hot drinks, delicious delicacies – both local and nordic – crafts, gifts and fun events that your heart desires at Italian Christmas markets, all with a distinct local flavour.

You can also find these markets all over the country now. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a town without a Christmas market at this stage. We have rounded up some of the best examples for you so read on to learn about some amazing Italian Christmas markets! Just find a vacation rental in Italy and visit them for yourself.

There are many ghost towns around Italy, all of which have been abandoned for one reason or another – natural disaster, a bad location, poor foundations or planning, or migration – but one of the most fascinating of all has to be failed Las Vegas of Italy, Consonno in Lombardy.

Although the town had ancient origins, its decline came after it was completely bought up and rebuilt in the 60s. This was a time of economic prosperity in Italy and in the spirit of fast cars, rock 'n' roll and glamorous lifestyles, entrepreneur Mario Bagno took it upon himself to transform the town.

He bought every piece of land in the area and forced locals to relocate before knocking everything down bar the church and a few houses.

Procida is a small island located in the Bay of Naples in the south of Italy. It is a place where locals make up the vast majority and there aren't many typical or well-developed tourist sights but, as a result, it is all the more authentic and unspoiled. Unlike Capri and Ischia, it is not a buzzing tourist destination and is devoid of large crowds and long lines.

If you are in search of a typical holiday destination with plenty of cultural attractions and things to see and do, it may not be the place for you. However, if you are looking for something a little quieter and more laid-back, where you just enjoy a place and its scenery, then Procida is the destination for you. Just find a luxury villa in Campania, head to Procida and take in the stunning views, try the fresh local food and lay out on the perfect beaches.

If one talks of fjords, it is likely that Norway probably comes immediately to mind, however, Italy can also boast its own fjord.

The town of Furore on the Amalfi Coast is a typical town for the area in almost every aspect. However, it is differentiated from others by one extraordinary feature: its fjord. Find a holiday rental on the Amalfi Coast and you can discover it for yourself.

Located at the mouth of an overhanging valley, the fjord is a sharp recess into the rock and cliffside by the sea and was originally formed by a usually dry stream, the Schiato, that cuts down from the edge of the plateau of Agerola. In times long by it was called Terra Furoris, most likely because of how the thunderous sea slaps through the crack during storms.