Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

Catania is Sicily’s second city and a rather special gem in Italy. Overlooked by Mount Etna (and by a lot of travellers, unfortunately), it is a picturesque cityscape that is a little rough around the edges but in the most rugged and charming of ways. It is filled with architectural beauties, cultural and historical riches, Baroque piazzas, grandeur that is crumbling just a little, famously vibrant markets full of famously delicious food, hip bars, excellent museums, abundant energy, bargains, and surprises. If you have found a vacation rental in Sicily and you are exploring the wider island, it is a must-see. Or, if you are looking for a holiday destination within Sicily, Catania, which is often overlooked in favour of the capital of Palermo, is a wonderful and unexpected delight. Browse our vacation rentals in Catania here.

There is lots of see and do in the city and lots of unique charms to be uncovered so, if you’re heading to Catania, keep an eye out for these highlights…

As there are incredibly lovely surroundings and views, an elegant and relaxing atmosphere, and leisure activities aplenty to choose from, Lake Garda has long been a place where the rich and famous have chosen to make their homes or to build holiday homes. Accordingly, along the shores of Lake Garda and on the islands throughout the lake, you will find some of the most impossibly beautiful estates, villas, and mansions in the entire world. If you have found a vacation rental in Lombardy or a holiday rental on Lake Garda and you are exploring the region or, better yet, if you have a particular interest in stately homes, architectural gems, and amazing gardens, then you will be very much in luck as there are lots of astounding treats to discover in and around Lake Garda. One such fascinating (albeit controversial) site is the Vittoriale degli Italiani (The Shrine of Italian Victories), a hillside estate in the town of Gardone Riviera.

The Vittoriale degli Italiani’s most famous inhabitant was the Italian poet Gabriele d'Annunzio who has left the biggest mark on the property to this day and under whom large expansion and reconstruction was undertaken. D’Annuzio is, today, a controversial figure, a talented writer and famous rogue who is considered a proto-fascist and was once a rival to Mussolini’s leadership of Fascist Italy.

With the new year, we are starting a new series that introduces excellent photo spots in different locations around Italy for those of you who are all about getting that perfect shot to commemorate your vacation. If you have found a vacation rental in Campania and are exploring the stunning island of Capri, you will quickly discover that there is no shortage of wonderful spots to get that incredible photograph. However, if you are in search of one especially charming area for great shots, then we might suggest the Punta Carena Lighthouse and the beautiful coastal area that surrounds it.

The island of Capri, in Campania, is an impossibly and famously beautiful island that boasts incredible beaches, upscale eateries and bars, pretty boutiques, great parties, and amazing views. There is lots to see and do but if you have found a vacation rental in Campania and are heading for a day trip to Capri then there is one spot that you definitely have to pencil in to your itinerary: the Gardens of Augustus.

Originally known as Krupp Gardens, this botanical garden was established by the German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp in the early twentieth century when he came to the island to build a home for himself. Located close to the Certosa di San Giacomo, the garden is made up of a series of terraces that overlooks the Via Krupp on one side and the Bay of Marina Piccola on the other. It was renamed the Gardens of Augustus in 1918 and is today a must-see for anyone visiting Capri.

Milan, the beautiful fashion capital of Italy and regional capital of Lombardy, is a chic, metropolitan gem that is a must for anyone who likes excellent museums, impossibly cool boutiques, headquarters for famous fashion brands, stylish residents perfect for people watching, elegant and trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants to hang out in, a vibrant nightlife, and much more besides. It is the epitome of a chic urban destination and if you find a vacation rental in Milan itself or visit on day trips from a holiday rental in Lombardy, you will quickly be able to see for yourself exactly why it continues to hold its title as one of the most fashionable cities in the world. However, as you dart around to see and do all that Milan has to offer, you may need a bit of an oasis of calm to retreat to for a while and catch your breath before carrying on. If so, Sempione Park is a perfect choice: a vast and beautiful park in the centre of the city!