Archive for 'Localities'

Some buildings are so incredibly beautiful and fantastical that they don't seem to be real and Sammezzano Castle definitely fits into that category. The castle, known for its outlandish moorish inspired architecture, is a bit of a hidden gem located in Tuscany in Reggello, just a twenty minute journey from Florence. The reason it is a lesser-known architectural treasure is that it is not normally open to the public and its future is rather uncertain. Despite being abandoned for decades, however, it remains a stunning testament to the wonders that sometimes arose from the eccentricity and quirky personalities of nobles.

The gardens can still be visited, the outside admired and you can sometimes see the interior but there is a rather long waiting list. Still, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and want to get out of the city, it is worth popping out to the castle, even if you can only gawk at the impressive (but slightly less jaw-droppingly beautiful) facade.     Read More

Sicily is an exceptionally beautiful place, this is a well-known fact. The pace of life, blue skies, charming villages, rich historical sites, rugged coast and crystal clear seas are all celebrated features of the island and its natural beauty is well-regarded. However, the most stunning scenery on the island is found in the Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve. Created in 1981 as the first nature reserve on the island, it is located West of Palermo, just after Castellammare del Golfo.

Here the rugged coastline is at its most spectacular and has been shaped by the sea, creating coves, grottos and sculptures in the hard limestone cliffs. Stretching 7km along the coast between the lovely little village of Scopello in the east to near San Vito Lo Capo in the west, it covers more than 1600 hectares and is an unspoiled, natural stunner with plenty to see and do and beaches plucked right from your dreams.     Read More

The Church of San Pietro is a stunning little church, exceptionally popular for weddings, that is perched picturesquely on the tip of the promontory of Portovenere, surrounded by craggy rocks and cliffs and blue seas.

Once the site of a Temple to Venus (Venere in Italian), after whom the town of Portovenere was named, an early Christian building made of black marble was then built there in the 6th century.

In the 13th century a campanile and Gothic extension clad in bands of black and white stone were added to the earlier structure.

Small and a little rugged but very striking and framed by perfect scenery, it is a building that has captured imaginations for centuries and which continues to do so.     Read More

Vieste is a small but perfectly formed town that is located right on the very tip of the spur of Italy's boot. Positioned on the most eastern part on the Gargano peninsula of Italy, in the Puglia region, it is a charming little fishing village that offers stunning views and where you will find a surprisingly long list of things to see and do. Whitewashed buildings crowd up from the soft sand and blue seas of two beaches and the town is strategically placed atop the steep Pizzomunno cliffs.

The result resembles a cross between Naples and Dubrovnik and is at once Italian and a little more exotic. Outdoor pursuits and water sports, in particular, are on offer here for those who seek adventure but there are plenty of quieter and calmer activities as well. As such, it is a location that can cater for families, groups of friends and couples alike. For a dreamy seaside holiday in Italy, all you need to do is browse our vacation rentals in Vieste.     Read More