Archive for 'Southern Italy'

Those who want to enjoy a slower pace of life, incredible weather, stunning surroundings, deliciously ripe food, flavourful wines, and picturesque scenes at every turn on their next vacation in Italy would be hard pressed to find a better option than a villa in Apulia. This southern region and heel of Italy’s, “boot,” often doesn’t get half the praise it deserves from international tourists but is, without a doubt, one of the most magnificent travel destinations in the entire country. There are endless reasons to visit and an infinite number of things to make you fall in love with the region but, to start you off, here are just ten excellent reasons to plan a vacation in Apulia today!

1. The Natural Beauty of the Region is Truly Extraordinary

Apulia’s landscape can be roughly divided into two areas: the lengthy coastline and the plains inland that make up over half of the region. Dotted by picture-perfect beaches, staggering and awe-inspiring rock formations, well-preserved and remarkable nature reserves, seas so blue that seem like they can’t possibly be real, and pretty and historic towns perched on remarkable rocky promontories, the 800km long coastline (the longest coastline of any mainland region in Italy) is immediately striking and appealing. However, while the good lucks of the coast are not to be missed and worth celebrating, the less well-known landscape of the plains of Apulia are also incredibly lovely. The flattest region of Italy, there is only a small mountainous area that is part of the Apennines and the rest of the landscape is largely made up of vast and lush hilly plains that are often blanketed in olive groves and vineyards. In fact, parts of Apulia can look quite like the more internationally renowned picturesque countryside of Tuscany but it is a bit more of a hidden gem and for those in the know. Certainly, no matter what part of the region you are wandering at any given time, a vacation rental in Apulia ensures that you’ll never be far from the next remarkable landscape to explore, enjoy, capture, and remember forever – the perfect surroundings for a holiday in Italy!

The Amalfi Coast is a famously lovely coastal area of Italy and a vacation rental on the Amalfi Coast certainly will offer plenty of opportunity to relax by the sea with a cocktail or a good book or both, to cool down in the bluer than blue waters, to enjoy a whole range of different water sports, to hike while taking in some incredible views, and to generally make the most of some spectacularly beautiful natural surroundings. However, if you have found your villa on the Amalfi Coast and you’re looking to get outdoors, get active, and to enjoy the most untouched and lovely of natural settings, then we suggest setting aside some time to explore the Punta Campanella Marine Reserve. An area of unblemished beauty, this is a highly popular diving spot that boasts some truly extraordinary sights, has great hiking routes in the area, has a flourishing and diverse flora and fauna and marine life, and is swathed in ancient myths of sirens and heroes. For adventurers planning on spending time on vacation in Campania and this part of Italy, it is definitely a must!

Villa Orama Relais is one of those properties that kind of has it all. A stunning and modern luxury villa in Apulia, it boasts both sea views and a private swimming pool. Furthermore, it is located just 3km from the centre of the gorgeous, so-called, “White City,” that is Ostuni. An elegant and relaxing place to unwind on holidays, perfectly positioned to enjoy privacy and nearby attractions, and with excellent amenities, this is an ideal property for those who are looking for a vacation rental in Apulia...

Spread over four hectares in the peaceful countryside of the Itria Valley in Apulia, the grounds of Villa Orama Relais are planted with ancient olive trees, brightly-coloured blooms, and cacti. Glimpses of the crystal clear waters of the sea can be seen out of various windows in the villa through gaps in the dense greenery of the trees but there is also a terrace that affords both clearer views over the coast and towards the historic centre of Ostuni. 

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!

We have recently highlighted just why Naples has been named one of Italy’s hottest holiday destinations for 2022 and dealt with some of the potential misconceptions about the city that some people might have in our last article. However, suffice it to say, if you are in search of a location with character to spare, incredible attractions, delicious food, stunning surroundings, and somewhere that is a true authentic gem that has remained largely untouched by mass tourism, then Naples is the place for you! And, among our range of properties in and around the city, we have some particularly lovely examples to choose from. From pretty villas on the Amalfi Coast that boast stunning sea views and make for brilliant bases from which to enjoy the sea and day-trips into the city, to endless excellent vacation rentals in Campania, to brilliant holiday rentals in Naples itself for those who want direct access to this vibrant and unstoppable city. Suite Borbone Royal is just one example from this latter category and is a very special and picture-perfect gem that makes us want to head to Naples ASAP even more than we already did! Read on and prepare for a serious case of wanderlust as we focus on this stunning apartment in the heart of Naples...