Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

The Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo sul Gargano, or Il Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo, often simply referred to as “Monte Gargano”, is a Catholic church and sanctuary located on Mount Gargano in northern Apulia. A UNESCO-awarded World Heritage Site as part of a group of seven Longobard sites in Italy, it is an old and historic building that is both beautiful and fascinating.

As the oldest shrine dedicated to the archangel Michael in Western Europe, it has been an important pilgrimage site since the early Middle Ages and today it remains of religious importance but is equally of historic and artistic interest to tourists.

Winter is a great time of year to plan a visit to Italy – crowds are smaller, prices and availability are better, and the festive season brings its own unique charms – and we have written about great winter destinations around the country but we thought it might also be a good idea to spotlight some examples of the types of perfect cosy rentals in Italy that make for ideal winter getaway options. Whether you're looking for a city break and to be located right in the centre of the festive fun or you want to get away from it all with a perfectly idyllic mountain hideout, we have chosen some of our truly wonderful winter-appropriate vacation rentals in Italy.

1. Suite Casa Nova in the centre of Venice (From € 208 per night)

Sleeps up to 6, 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms

Rimini's City Museum is an extraordinary gem that is much more than a little local history or a dusty little place, though the name might conjure such images. Opened in 1977, it is housed in an amazing former Jesuit monastery and additional buildings added over the years. In total, the whole building covers more than 3,000 square meters and consists of some 40 galleries, as well as areas dedicated to special archeological exhibitions. Both an archaeological museum and art gallery, it has incredible old objects that tell the history of the city, as well as a rich picture gallery that is spread over two floors, encompasses works from the 15th to the 20th century and boasts works by famous Renaissance names such as Giovanni Bellini, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Simone Cantarini, Giovanni Battista Costa, and Guido Cagnacci. Costing less than ten euro to enter, it is both an excellent cultural gem and quite the bargain. As such, it is a key attraction to pencil in to any trip once you have found a vacation rental in Rimini.

Matera is an incredible city in the south of Italy that we have discussed on many an occasion. Carved into cliff-sides in the region of Basilicata, the town is eight thousand years old and is an utterly unique and picturesque gem. If you find a vacation rental in Basilicata, it truly is a must-see.

This beautiful and ancient place will be more relevant than ever in the next couple of years as the European Capital of Culture 2019 (alongside Bulgaria's Plovdiv). Planning for the year began in 2014 and a whole calendar of events will take place next year, making the must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site even more fascinating and even richer in things to see and do.

If you have found a villa in Sardinia and are exploring the island, then there is one attraction that anyone will say not to miss: Neptune's Grotto. This magical natural gem is an incredible sight and a must-see. One of the largest and most famous marine caves in the country, it is located near the town of Alghero in the Porto Conte Park and can be reached via the 656 steps of the Escala del Cabirol (Steps of the Roe Deer) that cling to the western side of Capo Caccia or by boat from the Port of Alghero or the dock of Cala Dragunara in Porto Conte. Entrance by sea is easier but scaling the steps is, in its own right, an amazing experience that takes in extraordinary views over the water but not recommended for children or those who are less physical able.