Archive for 'Architectural Gems'

Tropea is one of those destinations that is so exceptionally picturesque that it can often seem utterly unreal. The turquoise blue of the waters, the pale sands, the lush green hillsides and white cliffs, the rainbow of sun umbrellas and towels along the strand, the market stalls overflowing with vibrant fresh produce, and the gorgeous pink sunsets all make this town look like a stunning painting rendered in the brightest and loveliest hues. In addition to being fronted by one of the prettiest stretches of beaches in all of Italy, adorned with one of the most scenic monasteries in Italy (which is really saying something), and overlooked by one of the most charming towns in Italy, this often lesser-known gem for international tourists is a true must if you find a villa in Calabria. An ideal spot to spend a day sunning yourself on the beach, splashing around and cooling off in those bluer than blue waters, wandering about the pretty tangle of streets throughout the town, taking endless pictures, and finding some cute little place to grab food, it is a perfect place for a day-trip while in the area. Come and see its exceptional looks with your own eyes and discover the endless charms and delights that it has on offer...

Those who want to enjoy a slower pace of life, incredible weather, stunning surroundings, deliciously ripe food, flavourful wines, and picturesque scenes at every turn on their next vacation in Italy would be hard pressed to find a better option than a villa in Apulia. This southern region and heel of Italy’s, “boot,” often doesn’t get half the praise it deserves from international tourists but is, without a doubt, one of the most magnificent travel destinations in the entire country. There are endless reasons to visit and an infinite number of things to make you fall in love with the region but, to start you off, here are just ten excellent reasons to plan a vacation in Apulia today!

1. The Natural Beauty of the Region is Truly Extraordinary

Apulia’s landscape can be roughly divided into two areas: the lengthy coastline and the plains inland that make up over half of the region. Dotted by picture-perfect beaches, staggering and awe-inspiring rock formations, well-preserved and remarkable nature reserves, seas so blue that seem like they can’t possibly be real, and pretty and historic towns perched on remarkable rocky promontories, the 800km long coastline (the longest coastline of any mainland region in Italy) is immediately striking and appealing. However, while the good lucks of the coast are not to be missed and worth celebrating, the less well-known landscape of the plains of Apulia are also incredibly lovely. The flattest region of Italy, there is only a small mountainous area that is part of the Apennines and the rest of the landscape is largely made up of vast and lush hilly plains that are often blanketed in olive groves and vineyards. In fact, parts of Apulia can look quite like the more internationally renowned picturesque countryside of Tuscany but it is a bit more of a hidden gem and for those in the know. Certainly, no matter what part of the region you are wandering at any given time, a vacation rental in Apulia ensures that you’ll never be far from the next remarkable landscape to explore, enjoy, capture, and remember forever – the perfect surroundings for a holiday in Italy!

There are plenty of amazing architectural gems located all around Italy that are then further enhanced and complemented by artistic decorations inside the property such as frescoes, sculptures, paintings, and more. As it is Italy and has long been a hotspot for great creative talent it is not uncommon, therefore, to come across two, or many more, wildly famous and world-renowned artists at work in the same great house. This is very much the case at the Villa Barbaro, or Villa di Maser, one of the stunning villas that was formerly the sprawling home estate of the noble stock of Veneto and was designed by the impossibly influential and incredibly gifted architect Palladio. Inside, the talent continues in abundance with truly stunning frescoes by lauded painter Veronese, among other great talents. Those who were considering a vacation rental in Veneto, therefore, who consider themselves fans of beauty, art, architecture, and/or culture should definitely add it to their list of must-see gems in the region as it is a true masterpiece and utterly breathtaking. 

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.

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...