The Palio
Posted in: Architectural Gems Events Food Localities Museums & Galleries Siena Top 10 Lists Tourist Attractions
While Siena is, arguably, one of the most stunning cities in Italy, it is also not that well-known to many international travellers, which is a crying shame. With lots to offer and a beautiful Gothic veneer, it is a perfect holiday destination and in this and the previous post, we are counting down ten great reasons to find yourself a villa rental in Siena and get exploring the city ASAP!

6. The Stunning Piccolomini Library

Another great architectural gem, this beauty is on the grounds of the cathedral and can be visited at the same time! Just turn left about halfway along the length of the cathedral's aisle and you'll discover the library, built by Pope Pius III (a member of the powerful local Piccolomini family) in memory of his uncle and to conserve the rich collection of manuscripts that he had lovingly collected. Said collection never really made it to the library and the series of frescoes by Pinturicchio and his workshop are now the real stars of the show. Truly stunning and awe-inspiring, this is a must-see space.
Centre of Siena
Posted in: Churches & Religious Buildings Food and Wine Localities Pretty Views Siena Top 10 Lists Tourist Attractions Unesco World Heritage Sites
If you need convincing, here are ten great reasons to find a villa rental in Siena and to get planning a trip to the city as soon as possible...

1. The Historic Centre

Incredibly rich and interesting historic centres are not uncommon all around Tuscany. However, the UNESCO awarded historic centre of Siena is one of the best preserved and most beautiful among them all. A Gothic masterpiece that was created in competition with Florence, the city largely reflects the period between the 12th and 15th centuries today. The city had substantial influence on art, architecture and town planning during the Middle Ages, both in Italy and elsewhere in Europe and is a true gem.
Masseria Ilary
Posted in: Apulia Liguria Localities Lucca Northwest Italy Pretty Views Southern Italy Top 10 Lists Tourist Attractions Villa Spotlights Villas and Farmhouses
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.
Casa Farfalla
Posted in: Apulia Central Italy Lakes Localities Lucca Pretty Views Southern Italy Top 10 Lists Tourist Attractions Umbria Villa Spotlights Villas and Farmhouses
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.
Varazze, pool
Posted in: Central Italy Liguria Main Islands Northwest Italy Pretty Views Sicily and Sardinia Top 10 Lists Tourist Attractions Tuscany Villa Spotlights Villas and Farmhouses
Think of your dream vacation in Italy. Just imagine it. It probably involves a cosy and beautiful rental all to yourself (we've got you covered there), a nice terrace to eat out on with friends or family, and a pool to play around in. Sounds relaxing and idyllic, right? Do you know what could make it even better? A pool with a view.

We have plenty of vacation rentals in Italy but this curation of some of our most extraordinary, all around the country, also boast pools where you can take in the beauty of the Italian landscape, watch the world float by, enjoy your surroundings and truly get away from it all. Immerse yourself in the immense loveliness of Italy with any one of these villas...

1. Varazze (Available from € 350 per night)

While this pastel-coloured three bedroom villa on the Italian Riviera has many charms, its greatest selling point has to be its pool.