Archive for 'Main Islands'

Continuing on from our previous two posts and rounding up our list of ten of our best historic vacation rentals, we have three more amazing properties to discuss.

8. Villa Cerchi

Villa Cerchi is a beautiful villa with private pool that was created from the restoration of an ancient hamlet of houses dating back to the 12th century. Once owned by the prominent Florentine Cerchi family who made their fortune through trade and finance, it is now an incredible rental property that boasts 7 bedrooms and can sleep up to 14. The interiors are simple and modern with a touch of local rustic style in the details. The pool area and courtyard are both particularly lovely and sun spots that catch the warm Tuscan rays. However, it is the tranquil and panoramic location that seals the deal. The surrounding views are stunning and it is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful holiday on the hills surrounding Florence. With prices starting from €450 per night, this is a bit of a steal.

Sassari is Sardinia's sprawling second city; a cultured, bustling university town that can seem a little drab or scruffy at first but which is home to some spectacular surprises.

Once you navigate through the areas of urban sprawl with less personality, you'll find lovely spots to eat and drink, galleries and stores you'll find nowhere else and, at the centre, a historic Old Town that charms.

Medieval alleys, busy piazzas that are alive with the sound of daily life, stunning churches and grand palazzi all await. Once you have found a vacation rental in Sardinia and are planning your itinerary for your trip, be sure to include a visit to Sassari.

Sardinia, by virtue of being an island, has no shortage of beautiful beaches. By virtue of its location in the Mediterranean, it is also assured that those beaches truly are stunning things to behold, all perfect sands contrasted by azure seas. There is, however, a particular stretch of the coast around Sardinia that is well-known for being especially beautiful. This is the Costa Smeralda.

The Costa Smeralda is located on Sardinia's northeastern coast between the Gulfs of Arzachena and Cugnana, the Costa Smeralda or Emerald Coast and owes its name to its particular hue of sea: an emerald blue that almost seems too beautiful to be real. This stretch of coast has much to offer from its beaches to seaside towns and all of the activities and attractions that come with both. If you are looking for a dreamlike holiday, just find a vacation rental in Sardinia and begin exploring this incredible part of the world.

The charms of taking the train can often be lost in the terrors and horrors of commuting but, while on holidays or travelling, there is something quite Old World and delightful about sitting back in a train carriage and just watching the world go by.

This is particularly true of places such as Italy, where the train is both the best way to traverse the country and also happens to cut through swathes of the incredible countryside, offering you wonderful views of the beautiful surroundings and scenery.

If you were to take just a single train route while exploring Italy, however, the Circumetnea train is one keep in mind.

Favignana is the largest and most important of the Egadi Islands, a group of three islands that are located off the western coast of Sicily.

It is a relatively unknown and unspoiled hidden gem that mostly greets Italian holiday-makers and while there are tourist amenities, the original character of the island has been little-altered over time. The atmosphere is authentic and peaceful, not the glamour and glitz that has taken over some of the islands in the area.

If you are in search of a place with a slow pace of life, a lack of bustling tourist crowds, beautiful beaches, a real Italian lifestyle and perfect summer weather, look no further.

Just find a vacation rental in Sicily and spend some time on Favignana.