Archive for 'Beaches'

If we're talking about the Amalfi Coast, we can't skip out on talking about the beaches – I mean, obviously, right? It is the most famous coastline in Italy, after all! There are some extraordinary beaches in the area and if you have found a vacation rental on the Amalfi Coast, you'll be spoiled for choice. However, two of the most beautiful of all have to be the beaches of Praiano.

Located smack in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, between the most famous towns of Positano and Amalfi, is the lesser-known and beautiful village of Praiano. A fashionable and lovely seaside resort, it was once the favoured summer residence of the powerful Doges of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi and now attracts a wide range of visitors from all around the world. Laid-back and friendly, it is a beautiful place that still retains the feeling of a quiet seaside village but boasts plenty of stylish restaurants, cafes, bars and shops to choose from. Come try the local dishes and sample regional wines while taking in the town's incredible views or sip coffee as you enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the place.

Maiori is a fishing town and peaceful bathing resort on the Amalfi Coast that boasts one of the largest beaches in the area, a colourful nightlife, great restaurants, cute shops, and plenty of pretty buildings. Once the Republic of Amalfi's principal port, with streets lined with stunning patrician palazzi, in the Middle Ages King Filippo IV even declared the town the Città Regia.

Located at the mouth of the valley of Tramonti, the town is said to have been founded by the Etruscan Lucumone Reghinna, though there is debate about whether the Romans, Etruscans or Greeks were the actual founders.

Its ancient name is Reghinna Major, in contrast to the nearby town of Reghinna Minor (called Minori today). Reghinna Major and Reghinna Minor were actually the names of two rivers, with Maiori having been built at the mouth of the Reginna Major river.

All this week we've been asking our staff members to pick and share some of their favourite spots all around Italy because who better to make great travel suggestions than locals, Italophiles and Italian travel professionals and experts?

If you have been thinking of planning a trip to Italy but haven't quite settled on a location, read on and consider the most beautiful places we've ever seen. Who knows, you just might find the perfect holiday destination of your dreams?

4. The Tuscan Archipelago

Few people outside of Italy ever consider the coast when they think of Tuscany. Instead, they focus on the cities and the cultural gems. However, as one of our staff-members notes, there is one part of the coast that is a serious beauty this part is “the Tuscan archipelago with [its] beautiful islands like Pianosa, Capraia, Montecristo, all inside the natural park.”

Another highlight is Giannutri, a small island south of Grosseto, where you will find the ruins of the lovely Roman Villa Domizia and incredible views over the sea.

If you have been thinking of visiting Tuscany and considering various locations, why not browse our incredible listings and find a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast? Then you can spend lazy days exploring the many beautiful sights that it boasts for yourself.

Cilento is a region of Campania and is part of the national park of Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni along with the Vallo di Diano and the Monti Alburni. The park was actually founded in 1991 in order to protect the territory of Cilento from the area being built up or from being damaged by mass tourism and was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

One of the most unspoiled and beautiful regions of Italy, it remains largely off the radar for most tourists and is a great spot to explore if you're looking for something a little more relaxed and quiet. Just find a vacation rental in Campania and get a little closer to nature.

Come and explore the wild and rugged Cilento Coast where there are plenty of hidden gems like the incredible Cape of Palinuro. Palinuro is dotted with sea caves and is home to Italy’s most extensive cave system.

While there aren't all that many traditional tourist sights or monuments on Ponza, Italy there are things to see and do on this beautiful island. A long time favourite holiday destination of Romans, it has a lot to offer and makes for a wonderful spot to vacation. Just find a holiday rental in Latium and then spend even just a day discovering this gem for yourself.

One of the things that is most attractive about the island is the selection of stunning beaches and there are some seriously great ones to choose from such as Chiaia di Luna, a pretty pale crescent of sand lapped by aquamarine waters and Lucia Rosa with its incredible sunsets.

The whole island is a perfect seaside destination where there are a wealth of diving companies to choose from and a seabed lined with ancient Roman ships, sunken World War II steamship remnants and a diverse wildlife to discover.