Archive for 'Main Islands'

Cannoli are one of the most famous and beloved of all Italian desserts, particularly among Italian-Americans, and are pastries that come from the Sicily region. The origins can be traced back to the Arabs during the Emirate of Sicily and similar pastries are known to have been popular across the Islamic world during that period. They have been traced back to the Palermo and Messina areas and were traditionally prepared as a treat during Carnevale season. The dessert eventually became a year-round staple throughout Italy. In singular form they are known as cannolo, a word that means "little tube" and they are just that, little tube-shaped fried pastries with creamy, sweet fillings, usually comprised of ricotta.

In our final post on our best interiors and our houses with the most intriguing and well-realised décor, here are two seaside properties that make use of their lovely surroundings with style. If the interior of a vacation rental in Italy is as important to you as the location and facilities offered, then these properties will delight. Elegant and stylish, these are rentals that you will look forward to returning to after exploring each day, that will facilitate complete rest and relaxation and in which you could gladly spend your whole holiday.

9. Ruta Di Camogli (Ge) Ill630

This property is an elegant apartment that is located in a complex situated in the incredible National Park of Portofino in Ruta di Camogli. The large windows of the living room and the large natural plot in front of the house offer fantastic sunsets and an awe-inspiring view over the Gulf of Portofino.

The Aeolian Islands are seven small islands located off the northern coast of Sicily. They are famous and well-regarded for their great natural beauty and as perfect holiday destinations, where you can get your fill of sun, sea and fun.

One of their most fascinating features is that they were formed by volcanic activity that has not yet stopped and two of the islands are still active volcanoes. As a result they are the perfect place to hike and explore.

In fact, these islands are considered so lovely, unique and attractive that they have even been labelled a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just find a luxury villa in Siena and come fall for their singular charms yourself.

Italy is an absolute paradise for food lovers and, as a result, we decided that it might be a good idea to compile a list of foodie experiences that are a must for those holidaying in the land of crowd pleasing meals.

If you feel like eating the best ice-cream in the world, for example, you should find a luxury villa in San Gimignano, as, located in the central Piazza della Cisterna, is the Gelateria Dondoli or Gelateria di Piazza. This little shop is known all over the world and has been visited by a large number of celebrities over the years. It has won countless awards, invents flavour combinations that attract gourmet-lovers to the town on a regular basis and has made it World Champion on two occasions. Arguably, this is one of the best places in the entire world to try some ice-cream. Owned by Sergio Dondoli, one of just ten Master Ice-cream Makers in Italy today, the gelateria places importance on passion and creativity and they are constantly innovating new flavours and recipes.

One of the things that most commonly attracts tourists to Italy and that people most look forward to when planning their vacations is the food. Pizza, pasta, wine and coffee are probably top of your list of things to try but one shouldn't overlook Italian desserts. There are some iconic treats, in particular, that are a must and taste quite unlike their incarnations abroad.

Tiramisu is a good example of this. It is one of the most famous and beloved of all Italian desserts and the versions that you find in their homeland are far superior to those found elsewhere.

As a result of the popularity and fame of the dessert, many want to stake their claim to it across Italy. Its origins, therefore, have become uncertain. Most accounts, however, attribute the dish to a restaurant called Le Beccherie in Treviso.