Archive for 'Pretty Views'

We have discussed the beautiful town of Polignano a Mare in Apulia many times before as a picturesque gem defined by whitewashed buildings perched high on the edge of rugged cliffs and overlooking impossibly blue waters below. Of course, there is more to the town, including the iconic and pretty little beach nestled between two of those cliffs right at the centre of the town, the charming piazze, the winding streets, the perfect places to sit out and eat or sip on a coffee, the balconies with flowers spilling over them, and much more besides. However, those cliffs are actually rather important and worth paying attention to if you are thinking of booking a villa in Apulia.

Over a staggering 20m in height, made of bright creamy limestone, craggy and dramatic, and overlooking the deep and beautiful waters of the Adriatic below, the unbelievable cliffs of Polignano a Mare are almost always annually one of the key stops or legs of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. Earlier this year, on the 2nd of July, they hosted one of the primary European legs of the tour for 2023. In fact, the town is often labelled the Home to European cliff-diving!

The stunning Villa del Balbianello is already an impossibly beautiful architectural gem that is well worth exploring should you find a villa on Lake Como but in addition to being an important historical and artistic attraction, it has also been the filming location for some famous films.

It is no wonder that the Villa del Balbianello has caught the eye of location scouts multiple times – its good looks are truly cinematic! Perched prettily over Lake Como with blooming manicured gardens that directly overlook and flow down to the water, a lovely example of 18th century architecture, and filled with incredible works of art and furniture from all over the world, it is exquisite and utterly romantic. 

Sometimes, getting to your destination, heading off to go do the thing that you are excited for, is an absolute chore. Other times, and certainly in other places, this is all part of the experience and is a delight all on its own.

Picture this, for example: you have booked one of our incredible vacation rentals in Tuscany and you are off to see one of her famous and beloved tourist attractions. Say you are staying in a villa in the Orcia Valley and you are headed to Pisa for the day to see the wonderful Leaning Tower or you are based in a holiday rental in Siena but have decided to explore the endless world-class museums and architectural gems of Florence, well getting there is going to be just as exceptionally beautiful an experience as the outings themselves... 

For those who are thinking about planning a stay in one of our villas in Tuscany come autumn for an off-season getaway and who love nature and natural beauty, there is one particular area that many international tourists have yet to hear of but that should top your list of attractions. This is the Orbetello Lagoon.

One of the best preserved and most unspoiled natural areas in all of Italy, it consists of 1500 hectares of marshland along the Tuscan coast that is separated from the sea on the west and east by two 6km strips of land and by the Argentario headland. On a third strip of land that stretches into the centre of the lagoon, you will find the town of Orbetello itself and a bridge connecting it to Monte Argentario, creating a dramatic picture overall. 

The rolling green hills, ancient towns, pretty villages, and peaceful surroundings of the Umbrian countryside make for an idyllic retreat. Close to Tuscany and all of her charms but with plenty of her own as well, Umbria is a lush and picturesque part of the world with culinary delights, cultural riches, historical heritage, and much more besides to offer. So, if you have been browsing our Italy Villas, then why not consider a getaway in Umbria?

One incredible option, especially for those who might want to travel with some family members or friends, is Casa Vacanze Paradiso. This magnificent villa in Italy is nestled near the charming village of Case Lunghe and is just 30km from the famous Tuscan wine town of Montepulciano. Beloved destinations such as Cortona, Montalcino, Perugia, and Assisi are all within a near enough distance for easy day-trips while the likes of the Tuscan Coast, Florence, and Rome could be included should you put aside a day and get up early.