Archive for 'Southern Italy'

Carpino, in Puglia, is within a two hour drive of the busy international airport Bari but is probably not a name that many are very familiar with. Yet, each summer, thousands descend upon this little town for an incredible music festival: the Carpino Folk Festival.

The setting could not be more perfect or picturesque with the sun shining overhead, kissing the white-washed buildings, open piazza, cobbled lanes and buzzing crowds, excited to take in the music and festivities.

Down below, the lovely Lake Varano, olive groves, beach resorts and Gargano National Park all stretch out like a painting. The whole thing makes for an incredible atmosphere that can not be replicated elsewhere.

Procida is a small island located in the Bay of Naples in the south of Italy. It is a place where locals make up the vast majority and there aren't many typical or well-developed tourist sights but, as a result, it is all the more authentic and unspoiled. Unlike Capri and Ischia, it is not a buzzing tourist destination and is devoid of large crowds and long lines.

If you are in search of a typical holiday destination with plenty of cultural attractions and things to see and do, it may not be the place for you. However, if you are looking for something a little quieter and more laid-back, where you just enjoy a place and its scenery, then Procida is the destination for you. Just find a luxury villa in Campania, head to Procida and take in the stunning views, try the fresh local food and lay out on the perfect beaches.

The Basilica di Santa Croce, or Church of the Holy Cross, is one of the oldest and best-known of Lecce's Baroque buildings.

In a stunning city of architectural and cultural gems, it manages to still stand out as one of the most beautiful. Just find a vacation rental in Apulia and you can explore this gem of a destination for yourself.

Work on the basilica began in 1549, as part of the renewal of the area declared by emperor Charles V in response to the threat of an invasion by the Ottoman Turks. The Battle of Lepanto came and went and, all the while, local artisans, architects and artists transformed the city.

The basilica was the work of Gabriele Riccardi, Cesare Penna and Giuseppe Zimbalo and is a grand project that catalogues mythology, religion and history on the interior and exterior.

Once you have found the perfect luxury villa in Campania and are planning what to see and do in the area, you might consider taking a break from busy itineraries of trying to see everything and take a breather by Fusaro Lake.

The lake is one of the most peaceful and stunning spots in the area and is a perfect little paradise that has gone unspoiled and untarnished by time and change.

Not only is it a destination for the nature lovers of the world but it is also a spot that will please culture vultures as there is an architectural and artistic gem on the lake that has gone on to inspire some of the most famous musicians, poets and artists of the world to create further works of art.

We have now put together two posts that share some of our picks for our favourite beaches in Italy – both famous hotspots and hidden gems alike – but there are many more beaches around the country that deserve a mention. If you are planning on holidaying in Italy and one of your major concerns is pretty coastal scenery, maritime adventures or seaside relaxation, these articles may help you choose a destination as we are rounding up the best of the best from tropical paradises to havens of calm and quiet and perfect destinations for watersports to historic bays.

No matter your budget, who you are, when you're going, who you are bringing with you or how long you're going for, there is a perfect choice for you. Read on and figure out which of our favourite beaches sounds like it might just become your favourite too!