Archive for 'Sicily and Sardinia'

Thinking ahead to next year’s summer vacation? Want to make the most of our installment payment plan to secure an amazing property and break down the cost into smaller amounts? Dreaming of a perfect villa in Italy but don’t know where to start? Well, then check out some of our vacation rentals in Italy that recently earned five-star reviews from our customers. Don’t just take it from us, allow our guests to help you find an ideal spot for your next big trip... 

Mount Etna is one of Italy’s most iconic, and destructive, peaks. If you are enjoying a stay in one of our villas in Sicily, it will be a looming presence for the entirety of your time on the gorgeous island, always visible above the stunning landscape. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and the highest in Europe, Mount Etna is located on the east coast of the island and is called mongibello (beautiful mountain) by the people of Sicily. Rising above the city of Catania and the surrounding greenery, the mountain paints a striking picture of white snow against black bands of lava, burning red fires, and smoke rising overhead. Impressive, awe-inspiring, iconic, and boasting amazing views over the island and the coast, it is possible to scale this famous volcano for yourself. So, if you’re staying in one of our vacation rentals in Sicily and you are thinking about an excursion up the Beautiful Mountain, then read on:

Sicily, in particular, is a region of Italy that is full of incredible architectural gems and great architectural cities from the Arab-Norman wonders of Palermo to the ornate and sumptuous Baroque seen in Noto. As such, many of the towns and cities of the island are well-worth simply wandering while keeping your eyes properly open to all of the beauty all around you. Those who find a villa in Syracuse should definitely take this advice to heart as there are ample world-class monuments to visit but the streets, in general, are dotted with gorgeous buildings both famous and little-known that are true architectural wonders. So, seek out the attractions in town but also explore, get a little bit lost, and take in the beauty of this city during a vacation in Sicily. 

One of the best parts of adjusting to the Italian lifestyle on a nice, lazy, relaxing holiday in Italy, is adopting the dining practices of this famous foodie destination. From multiple courses with most meals, to dining over the course of hours and chatting late into the evening with pals, to wine with lunch – there are many elements that are not uncommon (though not necessarily daily for everyone all the time) practices and make for an ideal basis for a vacation full of rest and relaxation. Another of our favourite foodie traditions from Italy that we think everyone should adopt where possible? Going for an aperitivo before your meal, sitting out in a sunny piazza, catching up with your companions and people-watching, and enjoying a spritz and some snacks. Certainly, if you’ve been dashing about to see and do as much as you can on holiday in Florence or on vacation in Rome or in any other Italian destination, it’s the ideal way to unwind, rest your feet, and begin rehydrating before your big evening meal.

The question, then, is what spritz you should go for because, while the Aperol Spritz is the most famous option, there are other ways to go. Here are our favourite Italian tipples for a perfect aperitivo moment on vacation in Italy...

Terrasini Luxury Villa is the perfect escape for those with an artistic flair to get away from it all in luxury surroundings and is a truly plush and remarkable villa in Sicily. Utterly unique and a modernist architectural wonder, this light-filled property is dotted by fascinating works of art, framed by lush green gardens, boasts exceptional amenities, and is located close to the coastal town of Terrasini, not far from the island’s breath-taking capital of Palermo. So, for those looking for inspiration, peace and quiet, rest and relaxation, easy access to Sicily’s coastline, and readily planned day trips to see the endless architectural beauties and cultural riches of Palermo, Terrasini Luxury Villa delivers on all fronts and then some!