Archive for 'Apulia'

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.

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.

Italy is famous for a great many different things - culture, art, history, architecture, food, wine, cinema, fashion, a slower pace of life – but it is particularly blessed with natural beauty, especially lovely beaches.

You can find beaches taken out of your wildest dreams in abundance, all over the country, from dramatic cliffs to sleepy fishing towns and glamorous celebrity hotspots to almost tropical beauties, you'll find the kind of beach you're looking for whether you want to lie around and relax, have kids to entertain or a craving for adrenaline to cater to.

Discover Italy's perfect beaches and sunbathe, swim, surf, explore, stroll, have adventures, try the freshest seafood and make memories to last a lifetime.

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.