Archive for 'Main Islands'

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.     Read More

Marettimo, off the coast of Sicily is a stunning island that is probably less familiar to most than Capri or Patelleria. Yet, the sea is no less blue, the beaches are no less beautiful and, in fact, they are both all the lovelier for the lack of tourist crowds, queues and gimmicks. It has become more well-known to the outside world in recent years but retains its unique charms and is still relatively unknown. For this reason, it really is the perfect place to sit back, relax and well and truly get away from it all. Just find yourself a luxury villa in Sicily and spend some time on this preserved and hidden gem.

Remarkably lush and green, it is a place that tends to attract cultured regulars who return year after year rather than confused crowds of day-trippers, moving around together in a gaggle. It is an Italian island paradise that attract walkers, scuba-divers and sun-seekers and is a place to indulge in hobbies that may never normally garner much time or attention or to merely lie out on a perfect beach with loved ones and a good drink in hand.     Read More

The Grotta Mangiapane is one of those tourist destinations that is so far off the beaten track that, while it may be of interest to tourists, it really isn't made for the itineraries of most. It is a bit of a secret that is unfamiliar to anyone but locals.

However, it is well worth a visit. Just find a luxury villa in Sicily and explore this unique site for yourself!

The giant cave, located on the west coast of Sicily, is home to an ancient village, that may date back some 10,000 years and which has remained untouched and untainted for decades. It is the largest of nine Scurati Caves in Custonaci where prehistoric men first settled. For a long time thereafter it was a small town and community. Today, it is abandoned and is now basically a large, open-air museum, dedicated to Italy of the past and which allows visitors to step back in time.     Read More

Glamorous seaside getaways in pretty coastal towns and bustling cities where the sand is soft and white, the seas are crystal clear and the food is fresh and delicious, are one of the things that best sell Italy as a holiday destination for many. As the country has such a long coastline and several stunning islands, there is endless choice in beaches and seaside locations.

However, there are always some beaches and locations that are going to be more desirable, and have more to offer, than others. In our last article, we discussed two such beaches: the very famous and world-renowned Rabbit Beach, on the island of Lampedusa off the coast of Sicily, and the beaches of Trani, a lovely town known as the “Pearl of Puglia”. There are plenty of others worth mentioning so we have prepared more of our favourite picks to help you plan the perfect coastal vacation in Italy!     Read More