Archive for 'Southern Italy'

If you are looking for something a little bit different to do in Italy on your next vacation, look no further as we have compiled a list of some of the most adventurous and exciting things to do in the county: extreme sports in Italy.

1. Calcio Storico

This extreme sport is exceptionally Italian and, therefore, the best extreme sport to pick for those seeking a thrill in Italy. Il calcio storico fiorentino is a precursor to soccer that is played annually during the third week of June in Florence. Quite unlike the game that we are all familiar with, calcio storico is a brutal, violent sport intimately interconnected with the city's history, rivalries and codes of honour. It is more like a blend of soccer with rugby and boxing. It is also a rather unique experience. While you can't participate yourself, watching this thrilling and brutal sport makes for an exciting outing – if you can stomach it!

Italy and food are pretty synonymous, right? Most people who have found a vacation rental in Italy and are planning their trip will be researching galleries, museums and attractions to visit but they are likely to also be impatiently awaiting all of the delicious meals that they have in store. While there are countless foods to be tried while in Italy, not to mention local specialities, there are some foods that are must and should not be missed while there. Even foods you may have tried plenty of times before can taste completely different in Italy and in a very, very good way.

1. Pizza

Pizza is an obvious choice but an important one. I am not a crazy pizza fan, personally, but there really is something completely different about the pizza in Italy. It's lighter and crispier and just tastier, overall.

Spaghetti con le Vongole is a Neapolitan culinary tradition that is served year round but is also one of the core dishes of the Cena della Vigilia di Natale, the traditional dinner served on Christmas Eve in Naples. It is made of two main ingredients, clams and pasta, and some other, minor, ingredients for flavour and depending on where you are from or your family's own recipe. We're tentatively putting this version out there but don't kill us if you do things differently! We know how passionate people can be about such things. For the real deal, just find a holiday rental in Naples and try it out while exploring the city.

The stunning city of Matera in Basilicata in Southern Italy is famous for being one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and for its well preserved historical centre with its ‘Sassi’. These are carved caves that were hewn into the steep ravine leading down to the River Grauna. Occupied until the first half of the 20th century, when over population became a problem, these cave dwellings are famous and iconic structures.

Mount Vesuvius is, perhaps, the most famous volcano in the world. Located in the southern Italian region of Campania, this volcanic cone shaped mountain is still active and has erupted many times over the last few centuries. Don't be afraid, however, as it hasn't erupted since 1944 and the fertile lands that surround are populated by over three million people! While it is still active and considered a relatively dangerous volcano, it is not at all unsafe to visit and we would highly recommend it! Just find a villa in Campania and pay a visit.