Eating in Venice
Posted in: Campania Central Italy Chianti Emilia-Romagna Food and Wine Localities Northeast Italy Northwest Italy Piedmont Southern Italy Tuscany Umbria Veneto

One of those pretentious things that you hear people say but that is actually rather true is that certain foods are never as good as the version available on their home ground. While you may be able to find very tasty examples elsewhere, the expertise, experience, and innate understanding of locals means that eating the real deal can be a totally different experience. Foodies who love Italian food, in particular, will find that it is truly hard to compare to Italian food in Italy. So, if you have booked a villa in Italy or you are coming to explore and move about the country, these are the foods that we think you need to ensure that you try while you are in Italy – but don’t blame us if nothing else ever quite compares...

Carthusia laboratory
Posted in: Activities Campania Shopping Southern Italy Travel Tips

Often, when you go into the store of a nationally famous beauty brand in any country, you will see that they proudly proclaim, “Established in” and then a year. For many this might have been in recent history, some throughout the 20th century, maybe the 19th century, more rarely they will be slightly older still. If you come to Italy, however, it is not entirely uncommon to find that major heritage brands have far longer histories. 


Take, for example, the brand Carthusia, hailing from the gorgeous island and exclusive tourist destination that is Capri. While the current iteration has been in existence for just over 20 years, it has a background of centuries of history and tradition and the brand is intertwined with legendary tales of monks on the island going all the way back to the 14th century. While stores throughout Italy sell the brand, those who find a vacation rental in Campania and who come to the island should make a point to visit their stunning fragrance laboratory for themselves to discover the perfect scent by which to remember a dream holiday...

Amalfi
Posted in: Amalfi Coast Campania Localities Southern Italy Travel Tips

The 50km stretch of coastline in the southern region of Campania in Italy that is the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s best-known and most beloved tourist destinations and for good reason. Those looking to truly escape the mundane routines and surroundings of daily life and leave their stresses and worries behind would be hard pressed to find a location as truly idyllic as this stunning part of the world. Book a villa on the Amalfi Coast and expect impossibly blue waters, pretty little beaches, pastel-coloured fishing villages, thrilling winding roads along rugged cliffs, fragrant lemon groves, and much more besides!

Chocolates
Posted in: Campania Central Italy Food and Wine Main Islands Northwest Italy Piedmont Products & Specialities Sicily and Sardinia Southern Italy Tuscany

One of the best things about being on holiday is getting to indulge in delicious treats and try incredible local delights. With this in mind, we have been thinking and dreaming of our favourite Italian chocolate here at Italy Villas and decided to compile a list of the best brands and places where you can get some sweet treats if you book a villa in Italy and are truly diving into all aspects of her rich and flavourful culinary scene.


All jokes aside, Italy really does offer some of the tastiest chocolate in the world, in various forms, to sample so be sure to visit these gems once you have found your perfect vacation rental in Italy with us...

Ragù
Posted in: Campania Food and Wine Products & Specialities Southern Italy

Campania and the city of Naples, in particular, is an area of Italy where many of the country’s beloved dishes and specialities come from. Among these, there is a hearty, tasty, and unforgettable pasta dish that any seasoned foodie who books a villa in Campania should make a point to seek out and try during their culinary adventures while on holiday in the area. This the regional ragù of Naples, the Neapolitan ragù or ragù alla napoletana/ragù napoletano.


Along with the variety from Bologna, this is one of the two most famous ragù meat sauces in Italy and for good reason... Made of meat and tomato sauce and seasoned to perfection, this wholesome and comforting dish is just what pasta-lovers on vacation in Italy are looking for!