Archive for 'Southern Italy'

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...

A stack of white-washed buildings atop a hill, cut through by the occasional domed roof rises like a pile of dollhouses just inland from the coast of Apulia, a maze of alleys and staircases unfolding throughout, palm trees rustling in the sea breeze, lush green fields stretching all around the city limits, and the impossibly blue sea glittering in the background: this is the utterly picturesque city of Ostuni, also known as La Città Bianca, the White City. Historic (its founding dates back to 600 years before Christ), charming, picture-perfect, and almost untouched by time, a vacation rental in Ostuni is just the thing for those who have been considering a holiday in Apulia and want to be near the sea, get a taste of the rich history and culture of the region, enjoy the distinctive architectural heritage of Apulia, take in incredible views, and have plenty of bars and restaurants to stroll down to in the evenings and shops to browse during the day. The best of all worlds, Ostuni combines Apulia’s quaint charm with all of the amenities and necessities one might require from a city. While not quite a city break to rival Milan or Rome in terms of scale or choice, it is, however, an ideal urban destination for those who like to take things easy, slow their pace, and just really enjoy the best things in life: good art, good food, good people, and good surroundings. What more could you possibly ask for from a vacation in Italy? 

So, if we, and the city, have caught your attention, then read on for our guide to what to see, do, and eat if you are considering booking a villa in Ostuni...

There are lots of wonderful walks located all across Italy so that, no matter your fitness level or interests or time constraints, there will probably be something perfect for you. Whether you are merely wandering and admiring the pretty surroundings of a palace garden or you are undertaking a proper trek through Alpine trails or across the famously beautiful Tuscan island of Elba or something in between, a vacation rental in Italy means plenty of opportunities to enjoy a nice stroll. However, if you are particularly interested in fascinating, almost alien, somewhat exotic, impossibly beautiful landscapes as surroundings then there is nothing for it but to find a villa in Apulia. The whole region of Apulia is known for being gorgeous but we reckon it deserves even more praise as a holiday destination and, in particular, as a destination for those who enjoy hiking and exploring. There is much to see and do in the region but one of the loveliest and most magical trails that one could possibly undertake while on vacation in Apulia has to be the Sentiero delle Orchidee, or Path of the Orchids. Come and stretch your legs, take in the delicate and incredibly stunning blooms, enjoy the scent, take in the other surroundings, and forget about the rest of the fast-paced modern world for a nice chunk of time during your holiday...