Archive for 'Southern Italy'

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.

Capri is a great natural beauty full of endless tourist attractions to choose from but it is also a wonderful place to go hiking. If you have found a villa with pool on the Amalfi coast and are planning a trip there, be sure to set aside some time to enjoy the great outdoors, the excellent hiking routes and the incredible views.

Via Krupp is considered to be one of the prettiest roads in the world and is a distinctive area to go walking in Capri. Reopened in June 2008 after a 30 year restoration, it can be found by heading to Capri's Piazzetta Umberto I, heading along Via Vittorio Emanuele to Via Matteoti before reaching Via Krupp. The lovely Gardens of Augustus and the Carthusian Monastery are at the top of the trail and the pretty Marina Piccola is at the bottom – the perfect spot for a tipple or a dip in the ocean.

The beautiful town of Tropea is often called the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian” and a mere glance at the town is enough to see why. Perched on a cliff that picturesquely overlooks the bluer than blue sea, beneath endless clear skies, it was a traditionally prosperous town.