Archive for 'Sicily and Sardinia'

Those who are interested in archaeology and who are planning a trip to Italy will find themselves in no short supply of incredible archaeological sites and museums to visit. Considering the country's long and complex past, with many different periods of rule and civilizations, it makes sense that these archaeological institutions are dotted all over the country and, among them, are some of the most famous examples in the world. For every Pompeii and Colosseum, however, there are also endless local sites worth perusing. If you have found a vacation rental in Sicily, for example, you may want to head to the island of Isola di San Pantaleo, which is basically one great archaeological site called Mozia, to explore the past.

Mozia can be reached by ferries that launch from two spots on the lagoon shore between Marsala and Trapani. Run by two different companies, these ferries leave and return continuously throughout the day (except during lunch) and return tickets cost around five euros. When you get to the island, you will find a ticket office by the ferry jetty where you can pay for admission to the island and museum. On the island are basic facilities like a restroom, benches, a water fountain to get a drink, and a little cafe serving pastries, pizza, and some other small bits to eat and drink.

The city of Palermo, in Sicily, is a stunning place that is full of Arab-Norman architectural gems, elegant churches and palaces, fascinating attractions, and more. If you have found a vacation rental in Sicily, a visit to Palermo is highly recommended and, while you're in the area, you should also make your way to the nearby seaside resort of Mondello. It is just a short drive from the centre of the Sicilian capital and is more or less a suburb of the city. While often very busy as it is a famously beautiful beach, it is just that, famously beautiful, and, therefore, worth visiting. You'll find both locals and tourists alike, enjoying the turquoise waters, soft sands, and pretty surrounding neighbourhood featuring Liberty-style villas built in the early 20th century.

Long and curving, topped by powdery white sand, sloping down to the crystal clear turquoise sea, dotted by pastel-coloured changing cabins, full of families, groups of elderly ladies, teens bunking school, the beach is both a beautiful place and a culture in its own right. Beloved for generations and very much part of local life, it is a lively and bustling place with plenty of character and a great atmosphere.

The Orto Botanico, or Botanical Garden, in Palermo is a truly magical place and an idyllic space of calm and beauty to go and relax while exploring the city. If you have found a vacation rental in Sicily and are heading to Palermo to sightsee, taking in the incredible Arab-Norman architectural gems, beautiful churches stuffed with elaborate works of art, and excellent beaches, then you might welcome the lush gardens as a peaceful place to escape the heat and bright light of the sun in Sicily. For those exploring Palermo, the Botanical Garden really is a must-see attraction, located a few blocks from the seafront, bordering the Kalsa district, in the Villa Giulia park.

Created to study medical and agricultural plant species, the Botanical Garden is part of the University of Palermo, an important Italian academic institution, and a centre of scientific research that is, today, deeply involved in the study and conservation of the environment. Amongst the oldest modern centres of botanical studies in the globe, it was opened in 1795, and remains a vibrant and active centre of research to this day, as well as a wonderful tourist attraction. Neo-Classical structures based on designs by Trombetta, Marabitti and the famous Venanzio Marvuglia and sculptures like the two sphinxes flanking the steps leading to the main building by sculptor Vitale Tucciom, all add to the character of the garden and showcase its age and heritage.

There are lots of truly incredible beaches in and around the island of Sardinia. If you find a vacation rental in Sardinia you won't find excellent beaches in short supply. However, some are more famously perfect than others. Some of the island's beaches are especially powdery soft, some have bluer, more crystal clear water, some have more picturesque rock stacks and cliffs, some are less frequented, some are more kid-friendly, some are better for adults, and some are almost too beautiful to be real. No matter what you're looking for, there are all sorts of beaches to appeal to your needs on Sardinia.

One such beach is Cala Mariolu, on the eastern coast of the beautiful island of Sardinia. It is both especially pretty and boasts especially clear and vibrant turquoise waters. A little inlet that is framed by craggy limestone cliffs lined with lush green trees and vegetation, this strip of a beach is a mixture of golden sand that is dotted with small pebbles rounded and made smooth by the endless gentle lapping of the waves (though they can be painful for some to walk on so be sure to bring some footwear along the beach with you!).

With endless, impossibly green rolling hills, fields of flowers, more pleasantly cool weather, smaller tourist crowds, and lower prices, Spring is an excellent time to visit Italy. Hit up any of the cities and you'll find things a little slower and calmer than in Summer or head to the most popular destinations and you'll find it easier to book your rental and activities. All of which is a real bonus and takes a lot of the stress out of travel.

However, instead of simply choosing a destination that is a little bit more accessible and easy during the Spring months than the Summer, why not head to a destination that is actually also at its best during Spring?

These are the places in Italy that are at their loveliest and most charming over the next few months...