Archive for 'Northwest Italy'

Liguria boasts a coastline that is flanked by some of the prettiest, most atmospheric, and most charming seaside towns in all of Italy. Of course, there is the famous Cinque Terre region with its picturesque and beloved towns but there are plenty of other equally lovely little towns in the area to choose from that may be less well-known but are no less appealing and often most cost-effective spots to vacation in Liguria. Among these is the city of Imperia, located in the province of Imperia. Known for its cultivation of flowers and olives and its popularity as a summer holiday destination, it is a unique place that was made a city only in the 1920s and combines hamlets and two former rival towns. As a result, there is a doubling up effect with two centres, two historic ports, and two train stations – double the beauty for your money! So, if you are after a scenic and unique destination to holiday on the Italian Riviera then look no further than this highly intriguing city with its rich history, doubled attractions, and unique character. Browse our villas in Imperia and come discover all of the delights of this marvelous stretch of the Italian coastline...

Welcome back to our new series of What to consider when planning a holiday in Italy and the continuation of our guide to the different charms and considerations that one should keep in mind when deciding on the best time of the year in which to plan a vacation in Italy. In the first part of this guide, we looked at winter for all of those who are just itching for a getaway right away or who are after some winter sun or fun on the slopes as well as the gentle charm of the warmer climes and lushness of spring. This half of the guide will introduce our readers to the most popular time for Italian vacations, summer, as well as to the wonderful selling points of autumn, just on its heels. So, if you are thinking about finally booking that trip but you are still trying to decide when to go, then read on and start planning a perfect holiday in Italy today!

The region of Lombardy is an excellent destination for those who enjoy good food, lush scenery, and visiting incredible palaces and architectural gems. Some of Italy’s most sumptuous buildings exist here and it is an ideal spot in which to plan holidays full of day trips, going out to enjoy that beautiful landscape, potter around little towns, discover delicious local products, and explore some truly magical castles and noble homes. If you are a fan of these sorts of rambling but adventurous kinds of holidays then we recommend finding a villa in Lombardy and coming to discover all that this stunning region has to offer the discerning tourist.

Certainly, if you have found a vacation rental in Lombardy and are near Brescia, you should set aside some time to visit Castello di Padernello. This stunning castle looks like something from a fairytale, can be toured, hosts exciting exhibitions and events right through the year, and has some excellent eateries to keep the foodies in your group happy! Located in a particularly lovely part of Lombardy and in the charming village of Padernello, there is plenty to see and do on a day out at this gem!

In addition to being close to all of the winter sports that you could hope to enjoy – from the classics such as skiing and snowboarding to the more adventurous options like paragliding and ice-wall climbing – choosing a vacation rental in Italy’s ski region means that you will also get to enjoy the unique charms and traditions of these gorgeous resort towns and villages. You’ll be able to enjoy hearty cuisines that have influences from all across the Alps, you’ll be able to attend amazing traditional Christmas markets in and around the holidays, you’ll get to enjoy the Italian take on the après-ski lifestyle, and you’ll do all of this in scenic and charming surroundings. The alpine towns of Italy boast those famous peaks and crags, snow-capped or covered, blanketed by firs, and dotted by other resorts as a backdrop and centres that feature pretty cabins plucked from the front of postcards and travel guides. Our holiday rentals in this part of the world are usually this very sort of picturesque and charming cabin, the perfect sort of place to really soak up the atmosphere of this magical part of the world. So, if you’re interested in a holiday in which you enjoy the outdoor pursuits of the winter wonderland outside and then have a warm and cosy and incredibly lovely cabin to return to each evening, if you want to sip on something warm and delicious as you gaze out at those picture-perfect landscapes, and if you want to make memories that will last a lifetime, then check out our guide to some of our prettiest cabins in Italy’s ski region...

To the north of Italy, the majestic and magical Alps line the top of the country and in various other spots throughout the different regions, there are less massive but impressive mountain ranges. Italy, therefore, is a wonderful holiday destination for those who love the various outdoor pursuits and incredible scenery of mountainous areas. In the spring, summer, and early autumn, there are endless excellent hiking and biking trails to be explored but as the weather grows colder, these same spots become ideal places to enjoy a wide range of winter sports. In fact, Italy is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world. So, if you are a fan of skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, cross-country skiing, sledding, and more and you are looking to indulge in these activities this winter, then browse our villas in Italy’s ski region.

Among the different ski destinations within Italy, there are some great options to choose from depending on your interests, the sort of price point you might have in mind, the kind of group you are travelling in (solo, with friends, family, as a couple), et cetra.

For example, some of the best ski resorts and ski areas in Italy include: