Archive for 'Main Islands'

Have you been thinking about a holiday in Italy? Dreaming about ticking things off your bucket list, indulging in incredible food, taking in magical scenery, slowing down and unwinding, and generally enjoying la dolce vita? Well, then we can certainly help you out with our range of incredible villas in Italy! But, with thousands to choose from, you might need help narrowing it down. So, here are the questions you might need to ask yourself before you start looking...

Those who choose to book a villa in Italy are, statistically, rather likely to be pasta fans and you will find it pretty easy to get your hands on some incredible pasta dishes while enjoying your getaway. From local family-run eateries, to food festivals serving and celebrating regional varieties, to famous restaurants and Michelin-starred wonders, you’ll find amazing pasta in locations all over Italy without having to look very far. However, the more ardent foodies who are planning a getaway in the homeland of this beloved cupboard staple might be after something a little more special. If you’re up for an adventure and you want something unforgettable, then why not seek out the rarest pasta in the world, the so-called, “Threads of God?”

If you are willing to go on a very special kind of pilgrimage – an edible variety – then you can seek out su filindeu, these Threads of God, while staying in one of our vacation rentals in Sardinia. This rare kind of pasta comes from the Barbagia region of Sardinia and is notoriously difficult to make. It is produced by only a vanishingly small group of women from the Sanctuary of Saint Francis, a little church in the village of Lula, and traditionally only for the biannual Feast of San Francesco – on the 1st of May and the 4th of October. 

For those dreaming of a perfect seaside break in Italy, Sicily is one destination that offers an endless list of gorgeous coastal towns, resorts, and little coves and bays that can be enjoyed on all sorts of days at the beach. From days spent luxuriating at beach resorts with a well-made cocktail, to holidays where water sports are tried for the first time or skills are improved upon, to escaping to a little gem where you can enjoy the sound of the lapping waves and enjoy peace and quiet – there’s a perfect beach option for anyone who books a villa in Sicily.

Among all of the pretty seaside towns and areas on the island, however, we think that one of the most picturesque and charming of all has to be Scopello. Located on the north-west of the island, this little village is in the Province of Trapani, 10km from Castellammare del Golfo, and borders the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro. Down in a little bay, framed by green hills and striking cliffs, looking out onto impressive rock stacks jutting out of impossibly blue waters, is a collection of charming stone buildings that constitute this photogenic village.

So, you have found a perfect vacation rental in Sicily and you are looking forward to enjoying the incredible beaches, ancient towns and astounding archaeological sites, the pretty villages and fascinating towns, the excellent hiking trails and natural splendour, and all that the island has to offer. As you explore and wander, you might work up an appetite or, perhaps, eating is, itself, a key activity that you are looking forward to. Either way, you will want to delve into the cuisine of Sicily.

While Sicily is part of Italy and you can expect many of your favourite and familiar fixtures of Italian cuisine on offer in eateries throughout the island, there are also plenty of regional treats and specialities that you won’t want to miss. Sicily has its own distinct culture, heritage, and flavours and diving into them is a key part of any vacation in Sicily!

Planning a trip to Italy in May or June means that you are coming at the tail end of spring and the beginning of summer, just as tourists really begin to arrive and while everything continues to fully bloom. Not only is this when weather is milder but more than pleasant enough for days in a luxury villa with pool in Italy or by the sea but it is also when Italy is at its potentially prettiest. The coming summer days and this natural splendour, as well as harvests beginning to load tables with delicious produce, means that there are plenty of reasons to celebrate.

As a result, May and June are a time when there is an especially large number of sagre, traditional local festivals that can celebrate saints, holy days, historic events, particular food products, and more with feasts, parades, parties, concerts, and other events. Those who book a vacation rental in Italy at this time of the year, will be able to enjoy authentic, traditional experiences alongside locals, sample incredible wines, enjoy regional dishes, and really get a genuine look into Italian life.

Of course, while the food-related events and parties are well worth seeking out and enjoying, we also recommend experiencing one of the infiorata events that take place around Italy each May or June. These particular celebrations, or “flowering” events, are the pride of several towns located around Italy and involve the creation of breath-taking, elaborate flower-based decorations that wow guests and locals alike.