Archive for 'Parks & Gardens'

The Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park was established in 1991 and covers a surface area of 150,000 hectares or 2,014 square kilometres. It is one of the largest parks in Italy, located almost entirely in the region of Abruzzo and is one of the largest protected areas in Europe. Composed of the mountains of Gran Sasso, the Monti della Laga and the so-called Twin Mountains, it is a diverse and beautiful area that is predominantly alpine plain but is dotted with vast pine, beech and birch forests, streams, waterfalls, ponds, prairies, pastures and pretty Middle-Age villages.

The Arcipelago di La Maddalena National Park is a truly stunning geomarine national park on the coast of Sardinia that was established in 1994. Covering an area of over 12,000 hectares and stretching along 180 kilometers of coastline, it is comprised of a group of islands and islets located on the north-east of the coast of Gallura, in the stretch of sea between Sardinia and Corsica known as Bocche di Bonifacio, which is soon to be recognised as an international marine park.

All of these islands are either deserted or are only scattered with small human settlements, beside La Maddalena. As a result, it is an area of natural beauty that has largely been untouched and unaltered by human hands. It is just endless, impossibly blue skies and seas, lush hills and greenery, coves, inlets, and long stretches of pretty beaches. An unforgettable and beautiful place, it is a must-see for anyone who has found a vacation rental in Sardinia.

Villa Monastero is an eclectic villa that is built in the Nordic style and located not far from the pretty village of Varenna on Italy's beautiful Lake Como. Originally the site of a 12th century Cistercian convent that was eventually closed by a papal bull in the 16th century, it became a private estate a couple of years later and passed through various hands over the years.

The eclectic style that it is known for today can be attributed to 19th century alterations and rebuilding under architects Emilio Alemagna, Achille Majnoni, and Enrico Citterio. Home to a botanical garden, a museum, a convention centre and some exceptional views, the whole place is a wonderful spot to spend some time relaxing on Lake Como.

Just find a vacation rental in Lake Como and discover its many charms, Villa Monastero being just one of them.

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.

If you are a dog lover and have found a vacation rental in Campania, we have the ultimate tourist attraction for you! Foof, located in a coastal town called Mondragone in the Caserta province of Campania, about 45km north of Naples, is a dog museum. It is, in fact, the first dog museum in Italy and was opened very recently, back in 2013.