Archive for 'Sicily and Sardinia'

The landscape of Sicily is not soft and pretty but rather striking and beautiful. It is a fascinating thing; rugged, wild, untamed, formed by volcanic processes, dotted by intriguing towns with a multitude of cultural influences marking their architectural characters, hugged by a stunning coast that boasts some of the best beaches in the world. Those seeking a sense of adventure and something new and interesting at every turn will find themselves very much at home in this part of Italy. If you want a great place to trek, hike, cycle, swim, play, and explore, a vacation rental in Sicily is just the ticket.

In particular, we would recommend setting aside some time and heading to the island of Vulcano, 25 km north of Sicily, at the southernmost tip of the eight Aeolian Islands. As the name immediately suggests, this wonderful little island in the Tyrrhenian Sea is a veritable hotspot of volcanic action with several volcanic caldera and one of the four active volcanoes in Italy that are not submarine. However, it is not it that is named after volcanoes but, rather, the other way around, the word for “volcano” coming from the name of the island, which was derived from Vulcan, who was the Roman god of fire. In fact, in both Greek and Roman mythology, the island was a forge for gods, being the labelled as the private foundry of the Olympian god Hephaestus, the patron of blacksmiths, and the chimney of Vulcan's workshop, with earthquakes and explosions of ash thought to have been evidence of the god being busy making weapons for the war god Mars and his armies.

It will likely not come at any surprise at all that Sardinia, as an island in the Mediterranean, boasts many stunning beaches with impossibly blue waters, soft white sand, wonderful views, and lots of fun awaiting. One such example of an especially lovely beach is the Spiaggia di Bidderosa. This stretch of coast is a magical oasis, a technicolor dream and an excellent spot to spend a lazy day enjoying your stunning surroundings, the lapping sound of the waves, and the warm waters if you have found a vacation rental in Sardinia.

Near Orosei, a historic town on the east coast of Sardinia, is the Spiaggia di Bidderosa, one of the most popular beaches in the area and a well-preserved natural gem. Edged by more than 850 hectares of protected pine forests and dotted by five charming coves, this long beach boasts a truly enchanting setting. It also is perfectly located to make the most of the wonderful climate in this part of the Mediterranean, which ensures excellent weather and makes the beach a veritable paradise.

Lots of places the world over have carnival celebrations and Italy has plentiful options when it comes to wanting to enjoy this crazy annual party. However, if you find a vacation rental in Sardinia you will find that the island's most vibrant carnival celebration might just be the only one in the country to be seen at on Shrove Tuesday.

Taking place in the town of Tempio Pausania over the course of several days around Shrove Tuesday, the carnival celebrations in the town date back to around 800AD and are deeply rooted in local history and tradition. It is an especially colourful iteration of the festival, due to the incredible parade and floats that were first conceived and added around 60 years ago. Locals eagerly await and participate in the event, taking over the whole town and flooding the streets with people in incredible costumes and elaborate masks, music, sound, and excitement.

You can basically hear this image, right? The sound of that perfectly blue water lapping gently against the soft white sand of the shore immediately comes to mind and one is filled with the desire to escape to such a spot. This incredibly beautiful beach is one of many fine stretches of coast on the island of Sardinia but has to be up there amongst the best of the best. Spiaggia della Licciola is a gorgeous beach in Santa Teresa Gallura, a wonderful seaside town that is very special and a must for beach-lovers who have found a vacation rental in Sardinia.

While the town has much in the way of nightlife entertainment, with plenty of bars, nightclubs, live music, and a great jazz festival each August, the town and the surrounding area is really an attractive spot for those who enjoy the great outdoors and immense natural beauty.

If you have found a villa in Sardinia and are exploring the island, then there is one attraction that anyone will say not to miss: Neptune's Grotto. This magical natural gem is an incredible sight and a must-see. One of the largest and most famous marine caves in the country, it is located near the town of Alghero in the Porto Conte Park and can be reached via the 656 steps of the Escala del Cabirol (Steps of the Roe Deer) that cling to the western side of Capo Caccia or by boat from the Port of Alghero or the dock of Cala Dragunara in Porto Conte. Entrance by sea is easier but scaling the steps is, in its own right, an amazing experience that takes in extraordinary views over the water but not recommended for children or those who are less physical able.