Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

We have discussed the beautiful town of Polignano a Mare in Apulia many times before as a picturesque gem defined by whitewashed buildings perched high on the edge of rugged cliffs and overlooking impossibly blue waters below. Of course, there is more to the town, including the iconic and pretty little beach nestled between two of those cliffs right at the centre of the town, the charming piazze, the winding streets, the perfect places to sit out and eat or sip on a coffee, the balconies with flowers spilling over them, and much more besides. However, those cliffs are actually rather important and worth paying attention to if you are thinking of booking a villa in Apulia.

Over a staggering 20m in height, made of bright creamy limestone, craggy and dramatic, and overlooking the deep and beautiful waters of the Adriatic below, the unbelievable cliffs of Polignano a Mare are almost always annually one of the key stops or legs of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. Earlier this year, on the 2nd of July, they hosted one of the primary European legs of the tour for 2023. In fact, the town is often labelled the Home to European cliff-diving!

Apulia is truly awash with grand architectural feats varying from towns featuring skylines filled with the conical roofs of the large number of remaining traditional trulli houses, to grand and sumptuous Baroque cities and beyond. However, one of the most iconic buildings in the entire region, even amongst these many wonderful contenders, has to be the magical Castel del Monte.

Located not far from the town of Bari, this UNESCO-awarded 13th century wonder was commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia. Perched in a strategic position atop a hill, it boasts astounding panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. Like something plucked right from the pages of some epic fantasy novel, this extraordinary octagonal fortress is a must-see for those who find a villa in Apulia and who come to dive into the region’s rich cultural and artistic heritage on vacation.

The stunning Villa del Balbianello is already an impossibly beautiful architectural gem that is well worth exploring should you find a villa on Lake Como but in addition to being an important historical and artistic attraction, it has also been the filming location for some famous films.

It is no wonder that the Villa del Balbianello has caught the eye of location scouts multiple times – its good looks are truly cinematic! Perched prettily over Lake Como with blooming manicured gardens that directly overlook and flow down to the water, a lovely example of 18th century architecture, and filled with incredible works of art and furniture from all over the world, it is exquisite and utterly romantic. 

Sometimes, getting to your destination, heading off to go do the thing that you are excited for, is an absolute chore. Other times, and certainly in other places, this is all part of the experience and is a delight all on its own.

Picture this, for example: you have booked one of our incredible vacation rentals in Tuscany and you are off to see one of her famous and beloved tourist attractions. Say you are staying in a villa in the Orcia Valley and you are headed to Pisa for the day to see the wonderful Leaning Tower or you are based in a holiday rental in Siena but have decided to explore the endless world-class museums and architectural gems of Florence, well getting there is going to be just as exceptionally beautiful an experience as the outings themselves... 

If you find a villa in Campania and you are a fan of palaces and unbelievable architectural gems, then a visit to the incomparable Royal Palace of Caserta is a must. Located in Caserta in Campania, this massive and beautiful building is a former royal residence that was originally built for the Bourbon kings of Naples in the 18th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a truly breathtaking sight to behold and for those who love to get a little lost in time and spend hours admiring the extraordinary homes of nobles, it is utterly unmissable. The largest palace in Europe, the size alone of the Royal Palace of Caserta is awe-inspiring and mind-boggling. However, this in addition to the staggering wealth of artworks, the gorgeous architecture, and the stunning gardens all adds up to a singular experience.

Begun in 1752 under the reign of Charles VII of Naples and designed by Luigi Vanvitelli in close collaboration with Charles, it never actually was his home as he abdicated in 1759 to become the King of Spain. The palace is inspired by the social model of Versailles and in design by the Royal Palace of Madrid, where Charles had grown up, as well as the Charlottenburg Palace.