Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Marettimo, off the coast of Sicily is a stunning island that is probably less familiar to most than Capri or Patelleria. Yet, the sea is no less blue, the beaches are no less beautiful and, in fact, they are both all the lovelier for the lack of tourist crowds, queues and gimmicks. It has become more well-known to the outside world in recent years but retains its unique charms and is still relatively unknown. For this reason, it really is the perfect place to sit back, relax and well and truly get away from it all. Just find yourself a luxury villa in Sicily and spend some time on this preserved and hidden gem.

Remarkably lush and green, it is a place that tends to attract cultured regulars who return year after year rather than confused crowds of day-trippers, moving around together in a gaggle. It is an Italian island paradise that attract walkers, scuba-divers and sun-seekers and is a place to indulge in hobbies that may never normally garner much time or attention or to merely lie out on a perfect beach with loved ones and a good drink in hand.

Turin is one of the most fascinating and beautiful cities in all of the north of Italy. It is absolutely full of immense, grand, classicising buildings, open squares, arcaded walkways, greenery and a wide range of attractions and sights.

Whenever you visit, you are sure to enjoy its beauty and find plenty to see and do, but if you find a vacation rental in Piedmont and decide to visit the city over the holiday season, you are sure to fall immediately in love.

Turin is particularly stunning during Christmastime and this is largely down to the incredible Christmas lights that you will find there. They are no normal Christmas lights but, rather, something altogether more unique and interesting.

Luci d’Artista is an outdoor exhibit of Contemporary art that reinvents the streets and piazzas of Turin by illuminating them with striking light installations. It takes place from late October into January of each year and sees pieces contributed by internationally famous artists.

There are many ghost towns around Italy, all of which have been abandoned for one reason or another – natural disaster, a bad location, poor foundations or planning, or migration – but one of the most fascinating of all has to be failed Las Vegas of Italy, Consonno in Lombardy.

Although the town had ancient origins, its decline came after it was completely bought up and rebuilt in the 60s. This was a time of economic prosperity in Italy and in the spirit of fast cars, rock 'n' roll and glamorous lifestyles, entrepreneur Mario Bagno took it upon himself to transform the town.

He bought every piece of land in the area and forced locals to relocate before knocking everything down bar the church and a few houses.

Bergamo is a stunning city in Lombardy that is surrounded by captivating scenery and stuffed full of architectural and cultural gems. One of the most beautiful buildings in the whole city, however, has to the Cappella Colleoni.

Built between 1472 and 1476, it was constructed as a mausoleum-cum-chapel for the Bergamese mercenary commander Bartolomeo Colleoni. One of the most famous mercenary captains in Italy, he led Venice's armies in campaigns across northern Italy and was known as a fearless soldier.

With a charming exterior and stunningly lovely interior, his chapel is a must-see for visitors coming to the city. Just find a vacation rental in Lombardy and spend time exploring Bergamo and her architectural boons.

The Grotta Mangiapane is one of those tourist destinations that is so far off the beaten track that, while it may be of interest to tourists, it really isn't made for the itineraries of most. It is a bit of a secret that is unfamiliar to anyone but locals.

However, it is well worth a visit. Just find a luxury villa in Sicily and explore this unique site for yourself!

The giant cave, located on the west coast of Sicily, is home to an ancient village, that may date back some 10,000 years and which has remained untouched and untainted for decades. It is the largest of nine Scurati Caves in Custonaci where prehistoric men first settled. For a long time thereafter it was a small town and community. Today, it is abandoned and is now basically a large, open-air museum, dedicated to Italy of the past and which allows visitors to step back in time.