Archive for 'Apulia'

The Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo sul Gargano, or Il Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo, often simply referred to as “Monte Gargano”, is a Catholic church and sanctuary located on Mount Gargano in northern Apulia. A UNESCO-awarded World Heritage Site as part of a group of seven Longobard sites in Italy, it is an old and historic building that is both beautiful and fascinating.

As the oldest shrine dedicated to the archangel Michael in Western Europe, it has been an important pilgrimage site since the early Middle Ages and today it remains of religious importance but is equally of historic and artistic interest to tourists.

Breakfasts in Italy tend to be simple affairs and mostly comprise of grabbing a cappuccino and a pastry. While on holidays in Italy, there could be nothing better than getting your hands on some fragrant coffee and a fresh pastry, sitting outside an amazing cafe, and taking a leisurely breakfast while enjoying your new surroundings. That's how to best start off any day holidaying in Italy.

If you have found a vacation rental in Lecce, there is one pastry that you should keep in mind and make sure to sample during your stay. That is the pasticciotto: a golden brown flaky shortcrust pastry with a creamy vanilla speckled centre. There are also variations on the original that can have chocolate cream, pistachio cream and more but the OG is a must for first-timers.

Italy is a beautiful place to holiday and the south of Italy, in, boasts hot summers and plenty of excellent beaches. For seaside and sun getaways, it's undoubtedly the best part of the country to head to.

However, if you are looking for a quasi-tropical destination in Italy, then you need to find a vacation rental in Apulia and make your way to the exceptionally beautiful town and comune of Porto Cesareo in the province of Lecce, in the heart of the Terra d’Arneo. This area has stunningly, impossibly azure crystal clear waters and powdery white beaches and feels like you somehow accidentally stumbled into the Caribbean...how magical does that sound?

All this week on Italy Villas, we have been drooling over some of the most amazing villas and apartment rentals on our site that not only have wonderful pools but pools that boast truly extraordinary views. With picks for various purposes (family holidays, weddings, etc), price points, locations and more, there is something for everyone. To round out our list, here are the last of our picks of some of the best of the best...

8. Masseria Ilary (No long available)

Masseria Ilary is a beautiful six bedroom farm property located in the countryside near Ceglie Messapica, in Apulia. Surrounded by ancient olive trees and peace and quiet in a traditional area, the property consists of trulli, typical traditional Apulian houses, and another building. It is this attractive, historic and charming complex of buildings that forms the backdrop to this incredible pool.

This week, we are focusing on some of our best villas with amazing pools in Italy. There are many to choose from – so, so many – so we had to narrow things down a bit, which got us thinking: what's even better than a great pool once you have found a vacation rental in Italy?

How about a pool that also boasts an amazing view? Well, you're in luck: here are more of our pools with a view in Italy...

4. Casa Farfalla (Available from €965 per night)

We have mentioned this six bedroom villa previously, as one of our most amazing interiors. Located on a hilltop in the countryside surrounding Lucca, in Tuscany, it is owned and was designed by a husband and wife architect team and is beautiful inside and out.