Archive for 'Beaches'

While Tuscany remains our first love and the region in which we have the widest range of vacation rentals to choose from, there are some other destinations where we have both a great variety of villas in Italy, particularly charming examples, and that also have a special place in our hearts. In particular, Apulia is increasingly on our minds. Not only is this where we have some of our most amazing luxury villas in Italy but it is also an incredible holiday destination that more and more customers are discovering and falling for.

Though not some unknown gem and certainly a popular holiday spot, Apulia has been historically less well-known among international tourists in Italy. This has been changing in recent years and more and more travellers from around the globe are falling for the charms of the heel and most south eastern part of Italy.

We talk about a lot of different destinations with impossibly blue waters and incredible beaches but one of the most truly magical and unbelievably colourful spots in the world can be found if you book a villa in Sicily and head out on a day-trip to the sensational Egadi Islands.

Sometimes known as the Aegadian Islands in English and called the Isole Egadi in Italian, the three islands of the group include Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo. Those who have been dreaming of a vacation in Sicily may already be familiar with the famous volcanic Aeolian Islands and the exclusive island of Capri, but this group of islands has more than enough appeal and acts as a perfectly laid-back spot to escape to. Largely popular among Italians, there will likely be smaller crowds of international tourists and you’ll not only find better value for your money but also awe-inspiring azure waters, perfect spots to go swimming and diving, and much more besides. 

While the long coastlline of the region boasts many incredible beaches, those who have found a villa in Apulia and are looking to spend a day at a beach that remains untouched and undeveloped and, instead, is a preserved natural beauty, should definitely plan to head to the Dunes of Campomarino in Taranto.

Some of the best-preserved dunes in all of Italy, in fact, the Dunes of Campomarino are an extraordinary natural wonder that stretch out over 41 hectares and astound visitors with their amazing views, varied flora and fauna, and outstanding colours. Lush green Mediterranean scrub, gleaming white sands, impossibly blue and clear waters, and pops of bright pinks, purples, yellows, and more from the wildflowers all paint an incredibly lovely image. 

Sardinia boasts some of the most amazing beaches in all of Italy, so those looking for a perfect beach holiday destination should definitely browse our vacation rentals in Sardinia and plan a trip to this magical part of the world. Among all of the gorgeous beaches on this stunning island, the one most often labelled the best and favourite amongst locals is the iconic and picture-perfect Spiaggia della Pelosa.

Spiaggia della Pelosa is around 2km from the village of Stintino on the Capo Falcone and is a 300m stretch of the coast facing north-east. With shallow and crystal clear waters in a magical deep shade of blue, soft white sands, a framing of lush vegetation, views out to Piana (Flat) Island, Asinara Island, and the Asinara Cliffs, and the picturesque 16th century Saracen Torre della Pelosa overlooking it all, it is a scenic gem that encapsulates the beauty of a vacation in Sardinia. 

Polignano a Mare is one of the most impossibly picturesque towns in Apulia and in Italy. Let us paint you a picture: white washed buildings perched right up to the edge of rugged cliffs, jewel-toned water sharply contrasting below, endless pretty and winding little cobbled streets, balconies overflowing with plants and flowers, a charming little bay nestled between two of those rugged cliffs right at the centre of town with a pebble beach, and elegant piazze with canopied cafés for sitting out and watching the world go by. A magical gem of a place, it is a wonderful spot in which to enjoy a day-trip if you have found a villa in Apulia and are exploring the area.

However, we would note that Polignano a Mare is an especially idyllic spot to visit if you are planning a spring getaway in Apulia. The region is lovely pretty much no matter when you visit but there is no doubt that those who prefer to avoid tourist crowds will find that the hot and exciting summer months, when all sorts of events taking place in the area and the weather draw holidayers to the seaside towns, are perhaps not the ideal time to plan a trip. Never fear, though, a vacation in Apulia in spring is wonderful for many reasons and Polignano a Mare, in particular, has lots to recommend it at this time of the year. Here are just five of the excellent reasons to come and find a holiday rental in Apulia and plan a day-trip to Polignano a Mare this spring...