Archive for 'Southern Italy'

Ischia Island, off the coast of Naples, has been a resort destination since Roman times due to its thermal waters.

Since then it has played host to film stars, like Liz Taylor and Richard Burton, and films themselves, such as Anthony Minghella's “The Talented Mr Ripley” and “Cleopatra”, starring Taylor.

Located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, this volcanic island is comprised of dramatic rock formations and lush vegetation. Not only is it a visual treat, there is also lots to do on this island.

Find a villa with pool in the Campania region or on Ischia Island and come discover it for yourself.

Basilicata, one of the lesser-known regions of Italy, is less densely populated than much of the country and is both rich in history and has unpolluted natural scenery all around. The city of Potenza is its capital and is the highest regional capital in Italy. Perched up high, it has beautiful views sweeping over the lush Basento Valley. This could be the perfect tranquil spot for your next escape to a italian luxury villa. The city's origins go back to the 9th century B.C. and, as a result, it is steeped in history and things to see and do. One of the most impressive sights is the Duomo, or Cathedral, of San Gerardo.

La Notte della Taranta is an annual music festival held in Salento, Apulia (or Puglia) and is the largest music festival in Italy. Established in 1998, it has grown and grown into the event it is today which has a fantastic international reputation and draws huge crowds each year.

Events take place in a variety of locations in the municipalities of the province of Lecce from the 5th of August culminating in a giant closing concert in Melpignano on August 22nd .

Supposedly founded by Ancient Greek hero Diomedes after the Trojan war and birth-place of famous Ancient Roman poet Horace, the town of Venosa in the Basilicata region is an architectural and historical gem with ancient origins just waiting to be explored. Why not find yourself a luxury villa nearby and make a day-trip to the quaint town?

The name Venosa apparently comes from a dedication to the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite (Venus to the Romans), to appease her after Troy's defeat in the war. A Roman colony was later established in the area in 291 BC and became inextricably connected to the empire when the Appian Way was extended there in 190 BC.

If you’re spending some or all of your Italian vacation in the southern region of Basilicata then be sure to stop off for a day in the medieval town of Melfi! This quaint place is tucked in at the foot of an extinct volcano in the province of Potenza.

Melfi is enveloped by majestic Norman walls, the only town of this kind in the south of Italy. It was once the Norman capital of Italy’s south when it gained a lot of wealth and importance during the Middle Ages. Without a doubt, the most striking feature of this town is Melfi Castle. This majestic fortress is framed by ten large lookout towers and was the favourite residence of the Roman Emperor Federico II.