Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

We recently discussed the exceptionally beautiful and lesser-known wine region of the Langhe in Italy and how it is actually the home of beloved wines such as Barolo as well as some of the most picturesque landscapes in the entire country. For those who are thinking about finding a vacation rental in Piedmont and who are wine-lovers, foodies, simply lovers of pretty surroundings, or all of the above, then a visit to the Langhe during your holiday in Italy is definitely a must. There are endless little family-run wineries to visit, larger enterprises that run like clockwork, pretty little villages, countless bars and restaurants serving delicious local specialities paired with incredible vintages, some charming hiking routes among the rolling hills and vineyards, and much more besides to enjoy and explore during your time in the area but there are also some little surprises, some little whimsical gems to stumble upon. Among these, the brightly-coloured, so-called Barolo Chapel, or Cappella delle Brunate, is a particular highlight. Like something from a pop art image or a child’s drawing come to life, it is a magic little wonder to make time to visit amidst your strolling, sipping, and sampling in the region.

If you love a holiday on the Amalfi Coast but you are looking for something new, a little bit off the beaten tourist path, and with fewer tourist crowds to contend with during your vacation in Italy then we have to recommend the Cilento Coast. Located just around the corner from Naples and the Amalfi in the province of Salerno in Campania, the Cilento Coast is part of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula. It is, therefore, both an area of immense natural beauty and home to some truly incredible historical sites and cultural attractions. That it was made a UNESCO World Heritage in 1998 can come as no surprise and for those who find a villa in Campania and are looking for things to see and do in the region, it offers endless opportunities for beauty, leisure, and excitement. Whether you want to visit astounding ancient ruins perched on cliffs overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean, you want to hike through lush green surroundings that have remained perfect and untouched by man, you want to visit some of the most idyllic beaches in all of Italy, you want to zipline high over stunning valleys, you want to hang out on a boat and enjoy a lazy day bobbing on the water, or you want to indulge in classic local dishes made with incredible regional produce, then this is the place to go!

Sardinia is a destination famous for its incredible natural beauty and, in particular, the unbelievable array of stunning beaches that abound along her coastline. From long sandy stretches to hidden little coves, remote and untouched gems to well-equipped hotspots, popular hangouts to little slices of heaven that you might sometimes manage to have all to yourself, there are perfect beaches for all sorts of people and lots of different needs and preferences and all kinds of days at the sea while on vacation in Sardinia. However, among all of the picturesque beaches to choose from along the coast of Sardinia, one of the most beloved and most popular of all is Cala Brandinchi.

Located 7km north of San Teodoro and 2km east of the little village of Monte Petrosu, Cala Brandinchi is famous for its striking looks and vivid colours that have earned it the nickname (which it more than lives up to), “Little Tahiti.” Facing east and 700m long, this impossibly pretty beach boasts a soft and white sandy shore that contrasts sharply with the crystal clear and rich blue waters of the sea.

Many people have certain preconceived ideas of Naples and, as a result, choose to pass it up when they plan a vacation in Campania. However, if you come prepared and if you prefer destinations that are not in the least touristy, then a holiday rental in Naples or a day-trip to the town while spending time in a villa in Campania is just the thing. With a long and rich history, a wonderful cultural heritage, an authenticity that can often be lost in other destinations in favour of making those new to a place more comfortable, an incredible culinary tradition to indulge in, friendly locals, and much more besides, Naples has more than enough to entice visitors and endear itself to them. Grand in a charmingly slightly dishevelled sort of way, utterly full of character, and a beating heart of Italian life and heritage, there is far more to Naples than travellers of decades past might lead you to believe...

There are endless reasons to find a vacation rental in Milan as it is the fashion capital of Italy, a cosmopolitan gem full of incredible bars and restaurants, home to some rather extraordinary architectural feats both very old and very new, boasts some brilliant museums and attractions, and more. However, for those who are interested in the life and work of one Leonardo Da Vinci there are particular attractions in town that will appeal and a long list of traces of the artist-inventor all over the city that are just waiting to be discovered. One can easily spend a whole holiday just following his trail and seeing how he is still felt all over Milan today.

Why is Milan home to such an array of buildings, monuments, places, artworks, and more that are connected to the Tuscan-born Da Vinci, you may ask? Well, that is because the city was his home for two different periods during his lifetime, from around 1482 to 1499 and then again from 1508 to 1513. While his Last Supper in the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie is, undoubtedly, his most famous extant piece in the city, Da Vinci worked on all sorts of projects while in Milan, particularly for Ludovico Sforza who later became Duke of Milan and to whom Lorenzo de’ Medici sent the Renaissance master as an ambassador.