Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

We have discussed some of the famous cafés in Italy that are steeped in history and the country's unique coffeehouse culture before, such as Venice's famous and beautiful Caffè Florian, which dates back to the 18th century. There are plenty other such establishments dotted around the country and, if you're headed further south, don't worry because a particularly beloved example will be near at hand if you have found a vacation rental in Naples.

The Caffè Gambrinus is a historic institution located in the centre of Naples, on Piazza Trieste e Trento, in the rear of the Palazzo della Prefettura. It was named for Gambrinus – a legendary “tipsy figure of joviality” whose name has been commandeered by plenty of brands and establishments around Italy – and founded in 1860 by Vincenzo Apuzzo. The city's oldest and most venerable café in the city, known to have welcome the likes of Oscar Wilde and Gabriele D'Annunzio, it was a meeting site for intellectuals and artists for centuries and is now an elegant spot to grab coffee or a drink, depending on the time of day, or food, depending on your budget.

While it might sound a bit strange or macabre, if you have found a vacation rental in Rome and are planning on spending a Valentine's break in the city, then you have to make time to go and see St. Valentine's skull...

Or, what, at least is claimed to have been the skull of St. Valentine. The tricky part is that there were two saints by that name in Italy at the same time (around the 3rd century AD) and a third in North Africa. After the creation of a feast day for St Valentine on the 14th of February by Pope Gelasius I in 496, the stories of the three seem to have merged together and by the 14th century this singular entity had become a patron saint of lovers, who (according to the newly created mythology) had helped early Christian couples marry in secret.

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.

Bikes are a pretty central fixture of Italian life and the visual character of the country from the image of Audrey Hepburn speeding, carefree, through the streets of Rome, to the iconic scenes of a man and his son desperately combing the streets for his stolen bicycle in, “The Bicycle Thieves.” You may have even imagined cycling through the historic streets of an Italian city or the open countryside. That can be readily achieved but if you're a serious cycling and bicycle enthusiast and want to learn more about the history of it in Italy or experience more cycling related activities, then you'll also find lots to see and do. If you have found a vacation rental in Milan, for example, you need to make time to head to Bianchi Café & Cycles.

You would be forgiven if Japan was the first place that came to mind when you were talking about cat cafés but if you are a cat lover who has found a vacation rental in Milan then rejoice, as the city is home to its very own kitty coffee shop; the Crazy Cat Café. Full of feline friends, delicious treats and feline-friendly menu options, this highly Instagrammable cafe has become a firm favourite amongst those in the know and really is a must-see if you love cats.

Located very centrally, on via Napo Torriani, the café was opened in the October of 2015 and is home to a clowder (yes, that is the collective term for cats, though “clutter”, “glaring” and, “pounce” are all also used) of rescue cats that have been adopted and taken care of by the owners. The first and only such establishment in Lombardy, it has taken a Japanese idea and adapted it to the tastes and pace of Italians.