Archive for 'Southern Italy'

Trani is a town in the south of Italy that is often known as the “Pearl of Puglia” and it is easy to see why it draws comparisons to precious materials.

The beautiful town is made up of whitewashed buildings against impossibly blue waters and skies that turn vibrant pinks and oranges as the sun sets.

It is a sophisticated and elegant place that attracts tourists used to the good life who sit in the marina-side bars and gaze across the yachts and fishing boats after spending days wandering the historic centre, past the palazzi, stone streets and mediaeval churches.

If you want to get a taste of it for yourself, just choose one of our vacation rentals in Puglia and spend lazy days in this stunning seaport town.

Ostuni is a famously beautiful town in Italy though it is not so well-known internationally and is a bit of a hidden gem. Its key selling point is its architecture, which is a charming example of typical Mediterranean style. The lush green of the surrounding area frames the impressive image made by the rows and rows of whitewashed houses, staircases, roads, alleys and arches that rise up into the sky and look down onto the blue sea below.

This is further accented by the Medieval remnants, in the form of churches and convents, that can be found at every corner of the town.

With its rich history and such a wonderful seaside location, Ostuni has plenty of cultural attractions to see and outdoor pursuits and watersports to enjoy so you'll never be stuck for something to see or do or photo opportunities in this beautiful town.

Once you've found the perfect holiday rental in Naples and are exploring the city, you might spend some time visiting any one of her many historic and beautiful castles. During these visits you're likely to learn all about the history, architecture and art of the buildings. However, there are a few that have particularly juicy histories and stories to tell which seem less like a lesson from school and more like the plots of soap operas. One of the lesser known, but rather important, castles among their number is Castel Capuano.

Castel del Monte is probably one of the most memorable castles and buildings that you will ever see. Its distinctive appearance, architectural brilliance and historical importance have meant that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site (one of 50 in Italy). The building, located in Apulia, near Bari, was commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia in the 13th century and sits on a hilltop, surveying the beautiful surrounding landscape. Whether you're interested in history or not, this sight is well worth a visit for the views that it offers and its dominating octagonal structure which seems like something plucked right from the pages of Game of Thrones or some other grand fantasy novel. Just find a luxury villa in Apulia and head to the castle one day to explore, admire and learn.

Ravello is a southern Italian town on the famous Amalfi Coast, perched high above sparkling azure seas and with stunning views across the water. It has long captured the hearts of many and is often included in lists of best holiday destinations, lesser-known Italian gems and beautiful towns. In fact, many of the town’s biggest fans have been artists and writers, such as D.H. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf, who became so enamoured with the place that they have spent extended periods in the town or have lived there. Why were they so taken by the town? Well, it offers the perfect mix of culture, relaxation, delicious food, luxurious accommodation and stunning views. In fact, Gore Vidal once described the panorama here as “the most beautiful in the world.” If you want to take in the most beautiful panorama in the world for yourself, just find a vacation rental in Campania and spend some time in the stunning town of Ravello.