Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

San Fruttuoso is a tiny little bay along the coastline of Liguria that is a truly magical place. It is completely tucked away, accessible only by boat or by foot, and, as a result, often goes unknown to most who have found a vacation rental in Liguria and are exploring the area. Overlooked by a beautifully preserved Benedictine monastery that is topped by a tower with a small dome and home to the hidden Christ of the Abyss, a spectacular bronze statue 15 metres under the water a few hundred metres away, it boasts two rather extraordinary attractions in a very small area.

The region of Apulia is filled with lots of charming little coastal settlements and, among them, the cute seaside town of Avetrana is a lesser-known gem. You can't find any tourist pages about it in English and it is not particularly primed for tourism, in general but this is a bonus rather than something that detracts from its charms. It is an authentic place, well off the beaten tourist path, and remains largely untouched by the outside world. You won't find endless things to see and do but you will discover an incredibly pretty town to have a wander around, some great beaches, and some surprises along the way. If you have found a vacation rental in Apulia and are looking for somewhere to spend a day, it is a great place to escape from real life for a little while and fall in love with the coastal Italian way of life...

While there is absolutely no shortage of things to see or do in Rome – in fact, there are lifetimes worth of activities to keep even immortal beings amused – there are reasons to venture further afield if you have found a vacation rental in Rome. Head to Tivoli, for example, and you will discover the truly extraordinary Villa Gregoriana. In fact, it is the least well-known of Tivoli's three ancient villas (all worth visiting) but it is, perhaps, the most scenic and beautiful of all despite this.

This natural park complex is made up of wooded parks, paths, waterfalls, grottoes and plant-life, all set at the base of an ancient acropolis, was commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI in the 1830s. It went on to attract both local nobles and artists from near and far, as well as becoming an important pitstop for international members of the nobility and gentry who were undergoing their Grand Tour (a practice of travelling all over Europe to take in major historic sites at the end of one's schooling) in the 19th century.

Termoli is a pretty seaside town on the coast, overlooking the Adriatic, in the small region of Molise in the south of Italy. It was once a fishing port but, today, is better known as a quaint resort town that is populated by some striking fortifications and winding streets and little alleys. If you have found a vacation rental in nearby Campania or a vacation rental in Apulia and are looking for a great place for a beach day, it also boasts lots of nearby options to choose from. So, come and discover everything that the charming town of Termoli has to offer.

There are several free beaches in the area but the long Beach of Sant’Antonio, is the best equipped for visitors and prepared for tourism with bathing facilities, umbrellas, loungers, showers, campgrounds, eateries and more. The sand here is perfectly soft and golden and the sea is an impressively rich blue shade. It is also both a Blue Flag and Green Flag beach, the latter being an accolade given only to child-friendly beaches. With the town and the Castello Svevo as a scenic backdrop and the loveliness of the beach itself, it is a picture-perfect spot that the whole family can enjoy, stress-free.

Recently, we discussed the beautiful building, art space, and cafeteria of Chiostro del Bramante, a cloister that was originally part of a monastery complex in the centre of Rome, just steps away from the famous Piazza Navona. It is a stunning space that now acts as a cultural centre, which is used for various purposes, including hosting events and regular excellent temporary exhibitions. Currently it is hosting the highly photographed and visually stunning, “Dream: L'Arte Incontra I Sogni” (“Art Meets Dreams”), which will continue into May and is a magical must-see art experience in Rome at the moment. If you have found a villa in Rome, it is definitely something to pencil in to your itinerary.