Cala Brandinchi
Posted in: Beaches Main Islands Must See Attractions Pretty Views Sicily and Sardinia Tourist Attractions

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.

Naples
Posted in: Architectural Gems Campania Food Must See Attractions Pretty Views Southern Italy Tourist Attractions Travel Tips

Many people have certain preconceived ideas of Naples and, as a result, choose to pass it up when they plan a vacation in Campania. However, if you come prepared and if you prefer destinations that are not in the least touristy, then a holiday rental in Naples or a day-trip to the town while spending time in a villa in Campania is just the thing. With a long and rich history, a wonderful cultural heritage, an authenticity that can often be lost in other destinations in favour of making those new to a place more comfortable, an incredible culinary tradition to indulge in, friendly locals, and much more besides, Naples has more than enough to entice visitors and endear itself to them. Grand in a charmingly slightly dishevelled sort of way, utterly full of character, and a beating heart of Italian life and heritage, there is far more to Naples than travellers of decades past might lead you to believe...

A bridge along the Bernina Express route
Posted in: Day Trips Lombardy Northwest Italy Pretty Views Tourist Attractions

If you were considering booking a vacation rental in Lombardy and were hoping for some spectacular less obvious gems in the region beyond its famous capital, Milan, and beloved Lake District then you are very much in luck. While those two destinations alone are more than enough reason to plan a holiday in Lombardy as soon as possible, there is much more to the region, many surprises and wonderful treats and fantastical beauties. For example, as this northern region of Italy abuts the Alps and Switzerland, it is an ideal place to go if you want to weave some excursions to those famous peaks and stunning landscapes while also enjoying days in the most cosmopolitan part of the already ever-chic Italy, fun by the lakes, the wonders of Italian cuisine and culture, and much more besides. Simply get in the car early some morning and head to the town of Tirano where you will find the most extraordinary adventure awaiting you and then return back to a lovely villa with pool in Lombardy with incredible lake views at the end of the day afterwards...the best of all worlds in one wonderful trip!

Milan
Posted in: Architectural Gems Churches & Religious Buildings Localities Milan Museums & Galleries Must See Attractions Tourist Attractions

There are endless reasons to find a vacation rental in Milan as it is the fashion capital of Italy, a cosmopolitan gem full of incredible bars and restaurants, home to some rather extraordinary architectural feats both very old and very new, boasts some brilliant museums and attractions, and more. However, for those who are interested in the life and work of one Leonardo Da Vinci there are particular attractions in town that will appeal and a long list of traces of the artist-inventor all over the city that are just waiting to be discovered. One can easily spend a whole holiday just following his trail and seeing how he is still felt all over Milan today.

Why is Milan home to such an array of buildings, monuments, places, artworks, and more that are connected to the Tuscan-born Da Vinci, you may ask? Well, that is because the city was his home for two different periods during his lifetime, from around 1482 to 1499 and then again from 1508 to 1513. While his Last Supper in the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie is, undoubtedly, his most famous extant piece in the city, Da Vinci worked on all sorts of projects while in Milan, particularly for Ludovico Sforza who later became Duke of Milan and to whom Lorenzo de’ Medici sent the Renaissance master as an ambassador. 

National Archaeological Museum of Venice
Posted in: Architectural Gems Localities Museums & Galleries Pretty Views Tourist Attractions Venice

A vacation rental in Venice means a holiday full of stunning surroundings, excellent food, plenty of boat trips, and endless cultural gems to visit, view, and absorb. And, like so many other ancient and great cities, Venice really does boast a truly endless list of incredible architectural gems, wonderful museums, astounding churches stuffed full of amazing works of art, private galleries, temporary exhibitions, cultural festivals, beautiful palaces, and much more besides to discover. Some, of course, are more famous than others but a less celebrated gem located in a very prominent position in the city is the National Archaeological Museum of Venice, which is right on the beloved and iconic Saint Mark’s Square. This brilliant museum is beautiful, boasts truly fascinating and wonderful collections, and affords visitors a prime viewing spot over the often crowded Saint Mark’s Square. You will likely already find yourself in this piazza at some point over the course of your holiday in Venice so be sure to make a point to also set aside some time to go and explore the National Archaeological Museum – you will not be disappointed!