Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Venice's lovely canals are lined with famously beautiful churches, palaces, and architectural gems, many of which contain all sorts of incredible surprises - particularly astounding works of art. As such, if you are considering your next getaway and you happen to be a bit of an art-lover looking to go museum-hopping then doing so via boat while on vacation in a holiday rental in Venice is just the thing for a truly memorable and magical experience. Discover the endless museums inside palaces where noble families once lived and the churches elaborately adorned with paintings, sculptures, and decorative elements by some of the greatest artists in the history of the world. Take in key pieces of ancient art and the most cutting edge examples of contemporary movements. Enjoy carefully curated experiences and impossibly rich collections. Do all of this and more, with a art-lovers break in Venice on your next vacation!

Of course, while there are endless different institutions and venues to visit all over the romantic city of Venice, one of the newest and coolest art spaces among them has to be the Fondazione Prada in the Ca' Corner della Regina (or Palazzo Corner della Regina).

Opened in May of 2021, the Fondazione Prada took on a space in the building back in 2011 for their Venetian branch of their art program and then spent years restoring their various rooms meticulously before opening them as an engaging and fascinating new art venue in the city. Also home to the History Archives of the Contemporary Art Exhibition of the Biennale di Venezia, this incredible 18th century building is a lovely and striking place in which to display and observe exhibitions.

The coast of Liguria is dotted by incredible seaside cities and towns and beaches and is a wonderful place to go if you are a sun-lover or water baby. However, one of the most singularly picturesque swimming spots of all (and that truly is saying something in this utterly stunning and photogenic part of Italy and the world) has to be the lovely Baia Cannone. Located in Portofino, near the world-renowned and beloved Cinque Terre, this gem is an absolute must-see for those who have found a villa in Liguria and who are looking for the best places to cool off, splash around, swim, lay out with a good book, or simply sit back and admire the impossible beauty of your surroundings.

Beach-lovers of the world will discover that a villa in Apulia is definitely in order as there is truly an astounding array of the most exceptional beaches and seaside beauties to be explored and enjoyed across the region. However, in particular, if you head to the province of Salento, to the very south of Apulia, you will find a rather impressive selection of some stunning naturally-occurring swimming pools that have been carved out of the cliff-sides and coastlines of the area by the sea and wind and geological phenomena. We have previously mentioned the impossibly lovely Grotta della Poesia, which was named among the most beautiful natural pools in the world by both National Geographic and CNN Travel, but another charming example is the Piscina Naturale di Marina Serra, or the Marina Serra Natural Pool.

While a vacation in Italy is all about culture, good food, and incredible natural surroundings and a holiday in Sardinia, in particular, is all about amazing beaches and the uniquely Sardinian heritage and way of life, there is always much more to any destination than its most obvious and famous attractions. For example, there are plenty of fun adventures, theme parks, and kid-friendly activities that can be enjoyed all over Italy and that often fly under the radar of those who are focused on the country's more well-known attributes. If you have found a villa in Sardinia, are spending time exploring this magical part of Italy, and are looking for attractions that are a little less obvious, a lot of fun, and perfect for kids (and the young at heart) then an afternoon splashing around and playing at Splash Aquapark is just the thing!

The unhurried and relaxed atmosphere, absence of the largest tourist crowds, beautiful medieval hill towns, perfect beaches, an deliciously sun-ripened food and wine all make finding a vacation rental in Apulia a good idea for those looking to unwind and get away from it all on their next holiday. However, what might be less apparent to those planning a visit to the, “heel,” of Italy is that it is an ideal destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. With countless archaeological museums, Greek and Roman ruins, astounding cathedrals, and imposing castles and fortresses dotted throughout the region, Apulia has an impossible wealth of cultural heritage and history to explore, though it may not get the same kind of coverage in international media or tourist guides. Endlessly fascinating and without the queues that can plague other destinations in Italy, this is an ideal spot to continue that relaxed holiday vibe without interruption, even while trying to check out local attractions and gems. Among said gems is the storied and picturesque Abbazia di Santa Maria in Cerrate...