Archive for 'Southern Italy'

Roca, also known as Rocavecchia or Roca Vecchia, is an archaeological site and area along the Adriatic Sea in Salento, between San Foca and Torre dell’Orso, that is known as one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Italy. It is made up of a rocky coastline marked by a series of coves and little beaches, underwater canals, swimming holes, and more, with some of the most picturesque and unique geological features and stunning spots you'll want to hang out at all day, as well as plenty of fascinating leftovers of human activities from throughout the centuries. If you have found a vacation rental in Apulia and are looking for places to swim, explore, and have fun and impossibly beautiful settings, you'll find plenty of options here.

Being able to boast a Blue Flag and a 5 Sails, which is flag awarded to the most beautiful beaches by the Italian environment protection agency of Legambiente, means you have some pretty excellent beaches but these aren't just your cookie-cutter pleasant and clean strands. These magical inlets are special and unlike anything you have seen before.

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.

The Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo sul Gargano, or Il Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo, often simply referred to as “Monte Gargano”, is a Catholic church and sanctuary located on Mount Gargano in northern Apulia. A UNESCO-awarded World Heritage Site as part of a group of seven Longobard sites in Italy, it is an old and historic building that is both beautiful and fascinating.

As the oldest shrine dedicated to the archangel Michael in Western Europe, it has been an important pilgrimage site since the early Middle Ages and today it remains of religious importance but is equally of historic and artistic interest to tourists.

Breakfasts in Italy tend to be simple affairs and mostly comprise of grabbing a cappuccino and a pastry. While on holidays in Italy, there could be nothing better than getting your hands on some fragrant coffee and a fresh pastry, sitting outside an amazing cafe, and taking a leisurely breakfast while enjoying your new surroundings. That's how to best start off any day holidaying in Italy.

If you have found a vacation rental in Lecce, there is one pastry that you should keep in mind and make sure to sample during your stay. That is the pasticciotto: a golden brown flaky shortcrust pastry with a creamy vanilla speckled centre. There are also variations on the original that can have chocolate cream, pistachio cream and more but the OG is a must for first-timers.

Matera is an incredible city in the south of Italy that we have discussed on many an occasion. Carved into cliff-sides in the region of Basilicata, the town is eight thousand years old and is an utterly unique and picturesque gem. If you find a vacation rental in Basilicata, it truly is a must-see.

This beautiful and ancient place will be more relevant than ever in the next couple of years as the European Capital of Culture 2019 (alongside Bulgaria's Plovdiv). Planning for the year began in 2014 and a whole calendar of events will take place next year, making the must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site even more fascinating and even richer in things to see and do.