Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

We recently discussed the exceptionally beautiful and lesser-known wine region of the Langhe in Italy and how it is actually the home of beloved wines such as Barolo as well as some of the most picturesque landscapes in the entire country. For those who are thinking about finding a vacation rental in Piedmont and who are wine-lovers, foodies, simply lovers of pretty surroundings, or all of the above, then a visit to the Langhe during your holiday in Italy is definitely a must. There are endless little family-run wineries to visit, larger enterprises that run like clockwork, pretty little villages, countless bars and restaurants serving delicious local specialities paired with incredible vintages, some charming hiking routes among the rolling hills and vineyards, and much more besides to enjoy and explore during your time in the area but there are also some little surprises, some little whimsical gems to stumble upon. Among these, the brightly-coloured, so-called Barolo Chapel, or Cappella delle Brunate, is a particular highlight. Like something from a pop art image or a child’s drawing come to life, it is a magic little wonder to make time to visit amidst your strolling, sipping, and sampling in the region.

If you love a holiday on the Amalfi Coast but you are looking for something new, a little bit off the beaten tourist path, and with fewer tourist crowds to contend with during your vacation in Italy then we have to recommend the Cilento Coast. Located just around the corner from Naples and the Amalfi in the province of Salerno in Campania, the Cilento Coast is part of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula. It is, therefore, both an area of immense natural beauty and home to some truly incredible historical sites and cultural attractions. That it was made a UNESCO World Heritage in 1998 can come as no surprise and for those who find a villa in Campania and are looking for things to see and do in the region, it offers endless opportunities for beauty, leisure, and excitement. Whether you want to visit astounding ancient ruins perched on cliffs overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean, you want to hike through lush green surroundings that have remained perfect and untouched by man, you want to visit some of the most idyllic beaches in all of Italy, you want to zipline high over stunning valleys, you want to hang out on a boat and enjoy a lazy day bobbing on the water, or you want to indulge in classic local dishes made with incredible regional produce, then this is the place to go!

Italy is home to several regions and endless destinations that boast the most incredible scenery and delicious culinary delights that are born in picturesque and fertile landscapes. In particular, one of the most beautiful areas to visit if you want to fill your eyes and stomach with lovely delights has to be Piedmont. Positioned in the north-western corner of Italy, near the border with both Switzerland and France, this is a region that is overlooked by majestic Alpine peaks and is composed of rolling green hills, dense forests, endless and carefully manicured vineyards, pretty medieval towns, elegant cities, and lots and lots of amazing local culinary specialities. Just find a vacation rental in Piedmont and spend a glorious holiday in Italy eating well in the most picturesque of settings. Head to Cuneo for their rum-flavoured chocolates, discover Asti and Alba and their famous truffles, visit the town of Bra in which the Slow Food movement was born and indulge in it yourself, and be sure to pencil in some time to visit the Langhe Hills...

Langhe is the hilly part of Piedmont, the almost too pretty to be real area that you see pictured in guides and articles and postcards from the region most often. It is also one of the most wonderful gastronomic destinations in all of Italy and is where Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo wines were all born, where delicious cheeses can be procured at every turn, and where yet more delicious truffles can be scavenged and devoured. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 due to its cultural landscapes and traditions in winemaking that date back centuries, this is one of the foodie destinations par excellence in Italy and, yet, for many international travellers considering their next vacation in Italy, it is a name that is not all that familiar. Despite this, we would argue that anyone serious about culinary travels in Italy should find a villa in Piedmont and plan a trip to the Langhe area to sample the cornucopia of wonders that await there. 

Breathtaking fields made up of bands of rich yellow, red, and blue blooms, swathed in early morning fog or golden light in the last rays of the day or sharp in colour under clear skies, snowy peaks in the background, winding little roads snaking past, the odd building in the distance or hilltop village perched overhead, a herd of sheep grazing nearby. This is the picture that one comes across should they venture to the area around Castelluccio di Norcia while on vacation in Umbria during the late spring and summer. Called the fiorita, or flowering, this magical annual phenomenon is truly extraordinary and quite the sight to behold. Those who love blossoms and who want to take in the incredible natural bounty and spectacularly vivid colours of this time of year should definitely plan a spring getaway in Italy and head to see this wonderful spectacle for themselves while exploring Umbria...

Sardinia is a destination famous for its incredible natural beauty and, in particular, the unbelievable array of stunning beaches that abound along her coastline. From long sandy stretches to hidden little coves, remote and untouched gems to well-equipped hotspots, popular hangouts to little slices of heaven that you might sometimes manage to have all to yourself, there are perfect beaches for all sorts of people and lots of different needs and preferences and all kinds of days at the sea while on vacation in Sardinia. However, among all of the picturesque beaches to choose from along the coast of Sardinia, one of the most beloved and most popular of all is Cala Brandinchi.

Located 7km north of San Teodoro and 2km east of the little village of Monte Petrosu, Cala Brandinchi is famous for its striking looks and vivid colours that have earned it the nickname (which it more than lives up to), “Little Tahiti.” Facing east and 700m long, this impossibly pretty beach boasts a soft and white sandy shore that contrasts sharply with the crystal clear and rich blue waters of the sea.