Archive for 'Main Islands'

Sicily has a landscape that is not only often breathtakingly beautiful but is also full of lots of surprises and magical hidden gems. One particularly special example of this is the Gorges of Alcantara. A wonderful protected area near Taormina, this landscape of black volcanic walls in the typical prism shape that is characteristic of rocks formed from cooling lava and cut through with channels of gem-coloured waters, is an incredible feast for the eyes and a perfect place for photographers and those who love the great outdoors and the endless wonderful forms of nature. Come to trek, explore, swim, have a little bit of an adventure, and wonder at the great beauty of the world around you. Just browse our luxury villas in Sicily and our vacation rentals in Taormina to get planning your trip to this astounding natural gem to see it with your own eyes!

Located between Messina and Catania, this 50km long river channel is full of unique and unusual natural features. There is actually no one agreed upon origin tale for the Gorges of Alcantara, though there have been many hypotheses throughout the years. What we know for sure is that an outstanding lava eruption from Mount Etna flowed into the area in prehistoric times but what exactly happened next is still subject to study and debate. According to one theory, the glowing mass split due to internal tensions during the consolidation phase, though the heterogeneous structure of the rocks does not back this up. Another theory posits that the two branches of lava flow were recombined at the site of the gorges and surrounded a mass of much colder soil, which caused an abnormal cooling of the flow and saw it lose heat so quickly that it would have given off the crystalline material present in the magma. The movement of the river Alcantara through the area over thousands of years would have then dug away at the earth in the area, giving rise to the incredible canyons of the Gorges of Alcantara.

If you're looking for a wonderful sun holiday destination, then a luxury villa in Sicily is a perfect option. Boasting incredibly hot and sunny summers, a unique and diverse cultural history, a rich cuisine, a striking landscape, and lots of truly amazing beaches, this slice of paradise on earth has all that you could ask for for an idyllic summer getaway.

Then, off the western coast of Sicily you will find the three Isole Egadi, also known as the Aegadian Islands or Egadi Islands in English; Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo. While not as famous as the dramatic and volcanic Aeolian Islands or as chic and exclusive as Capri, this group of Sicilian Islands have their own perfectly laid-back appeal. Expect smaller crowds of international tourists (this is one of those spots Italians have largely kept to themselves), better value for your money, stunning azure waters and excellent swimming and diving spots, and lots of surprises along the way – all of it making the Egadi Islands and ideal place to spend some time if you have found a luxury villa in Sicily and are exploring this part of Italy.

The Archipelago of the Egadi, in addition to the islands of Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo, is also home to the islets of Formica and Maraone. There have been archaeological findings indicating the presence of people on the islands dating back to at least the Paleolithic era and prehistoric cave paintings suggest that these islanders have always lived with, and by, the sea. To this day, fishing remains a core industry on the islands, though overfishing in previous eras has lead to a great decline in the numbers of fish in the waters surrounding the Egadi and in the value of the industry to the local area. The islands have also gone through many different rulers and changes throughout the centuries. They have been a key Carthagian stronghold, a stepping-stone of the Arabs in taking control of Sicily, owned by Genovese bankers, and then a branch of the lucrative tuna empire owned and run by the Florio family in the 19th century, until they finally became a part of the Italian state in 1937.

Lots of people prefer to holiday outside of the peak tourism months and May is a great time to plan a trip to Italy as the real tourist crowds have yet to descend but the temperatures have begun to get rise in earnest, prices for flights and accommodation remain a little lower, and, as the season is just about to turn, you get the best of both spring blooms and beauty and summer fun. A luxury villa in Sicily, in particular, is perfect for a May getaway and if you are spending time in Sicily during the third week of the month there is one town that you should definitely visit, Noto.

Noto is a beautiful town with cinematic good looks that features UNESCO-awarded Baroque architectural gems and very pretty and typical winding little streets. In May, it becomes even more beautiful when the annual Infiorata di Noto festival takes place and the scent of flowers becomes heavy in the air. Infiorata happens in cities all over Italy in May and June and is a festival of floral art displays, with works of art created from flower petals to adorn city streets and historic buildings, but the Infiorata celebration in Noto is the most famous of all.

If you find a vacation rental in Sicily, you will likely find yourself in the capital city of Palermo at some point. Or you might find a vacation rental in Palermo itself. This incredible city is a melting pot of cultures and history with its stunning Arab-Norman architectural gems, rich and diverse cuisine, Italian traditions but uniquely Sicilian identity, and almost tropical weather. Like many cities in Italy, it boasts historic markets including Ballarò, Il Capo, Mercato delle Pulci, and Lattarini but one of the best-known and most beloved is La Vucciria. Extending between via Roma, La Cala, the Cassaro, along Via Cassari, Piazza del Garraffello, Via Argenteria Nuova, Piazza Caracciolo, and Via Maccheronai, within the Castellammare district, it was originally largely a meat market. In fact, the name comes from the word, “bucceria,” taken from the French, “boucherie,” meaning butcher's shop. Over time, it also became a market for the sale of fish, fruit, and vegetables and became a vibrant and integral part of the city. However, “vuccirìa," also means, “confusion,” in Palermo, which is rather fitting as the market is a place full of loud colours, scents, flavours, and voices all clamouring for attention.

The island of Sardinia is a part of Italy but also has its own rather distinct culture, history, and charm. For those who love Italy and Mediterranean getaways but who are looking for something just a little bit different, it is the perfect destination: a luxury villa in Sardinia will ensure a holiday experience boasting the strong culinary traditions (don't try ordering a pizza in a restaurant before 7pm), incredible natural beauty, ancient ruins, Spanish remnants and influences, and the endless list of things to see and do on the island.

The Sardinian capital of Cagliari, equally, is uniquely distinct and lovely. Home to around 155,000 inhabitants, Cagliari is a university town and an ancient archiepiscopal district that is divided into four quarters: Castello, Stampace, Marina and Villanova. The historic core of the city is the district of Castello, which is one of the most picturesque Old Towns in all of Italy and the kind of place where one should aim to get a little lost in order to have a proper wander and to soak up the unique atmosphere of the place. If you're taking the time to really see Cagliari then you really should come to explore the wider avenues and winding little roads, the pretty little squares framed by colourful houses, the lines of washing strung between buildings, the medieval gates and historic buildings, and the views out over the harbour in this picturesquely ancient part of the city.