Archive for 'Pretty Views'

The Amalfi Coast is a famously lovely coastal area of Italy and a vacation rental on the Amalfi Coast certainly will offer plenty of opportunity to relax by the sea with a cocktail or a good book or both, to cool down in the bluer than blue waters, to enjoy a whole range of different water sports, to hike while taking in some incredible views, and to generally make the most of some spectacularly beautiful natural surroundings. However, if you have found your villa on the Amalfi Coast and you’re looking to get outdoors, get active, and to enjoy the most untouched and lovely of natural settings, then we suggest setting aside some time to explore the Punta Campanella Marine Reserve. An area of unblemished beauty, this is a highly popular diving spot that boasts some truly extraordinary sights, has great hiking routes in the area, has a flourishing and diverse flora and fauna and marine life, and is swathed in ancient myths of sirens and heroes. For adventurers planning on spending time on vacation in Campania and this part of Italy, it is definitely a must!

Sardinia is an island that is famed for its unique and distinct culture and its diverse and exceptionally beautiful landscape. In particular, it is home to a large number of incredibly pretty beaches all around its craggy and fascinating coastline. From long stretches to secluded little gems, there is a range of different types of beaches, all with their own particular charms, to discover. The area around the seaside town of Cala Gonone in the province of Nuoro to the east of the island, in particular, boasts some especially lovely examples of Sardinian beaches. Part of the Parco Nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu (or the Gennargentu National Park), this part of the coast is famed for the quality of its waters and is a popular destination for tourists seeking sun and fun and relaxation as a result. The beaches immediately surrounding the town of Cala Gonone include the Spiaggia Centrale (or central beach), S'Abba Durche, Cala Luna, Cartoe, Osalla, Sos Dorroles, S'Abba Meica, Ziu Martine, and Cala Fuili. Among these then, Cala Fuili is particularly scenic and lovely and is an ideal spot to spend a day by the sea for those who have found a villa in Sardinia. 

Wes Anderson’s films are immediately recognisable by their distinct visual aesthetic that usually makes use of symmetry, pastel shades, retro elements, and impossibly quaint and scenic settings. Due to the immense popularity of his films and just how specific the look of them is, many people have come to see all sorts of real-life places as Wes Anderson-esque. One example that we have stumbled across recently is Lake Misurina that is a must-see for those considering a vacation rental in Veneto. Looking rather reminiscent of setting of the titular hotel from his movie, The Grand Budapest Hotel, the view across this alpine lake takes in the symmetrical and dollhouse-like Istituto Pio XII. Though this building is actually a healthcare centre specialising in the care of children and not actually a hotel, it is one more element that makes this already scenic and lovely lake a must-see.

Known as the, “Pearl of the Dolomites”, Lake Misurina is the largest natural lake in the Cadore district and is located in Misurina, in the hamlet of Auronzo di Cadore. A truly picturesque part of the world, it is a spot steeped in local legend and boasts a long list of activities and outdoor pursuits, making it an ideal place for a scenic and fun day out while on vacation in Veneto. Just one of many utterly lovely corners of this region full of vineyards, pretty towns, historic villas, rolling hills, alpine peaks, and more, there is much to see, discover, and explore for lovers of the Great Outdoors once they find a villa in Veneto.

If you love a holiday on the Amalfi Coast but you are looking for something new, a little bit off the beaten tourist path, and with fewer tourist crowds to contend with during your vacation in Italy then we have to recommend the Cilento Coast. Located just around the corner from Naples and the Amalfi in the province of Salerno in Campania, the Cilento Coast is part of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula. It is, therefore, both an area of immense natural beauty and home to some truly incredible historical sites and cultural attractions. That it was made a UNESCO World Heritage in 1998 can come as no surprise and for those who find a villa in Campania and are looking for things to see and do in the region, it offers endless opportunities for beauty, leisure, and excitement. Whether you want to visit astounding ancient ruins perched on cliffs overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean, you want to hike through lush green surroundings that have remained perfect and untouched by man, you want to visit some of the most idyllic beaches in all of Italy, you want to zipline high over stunning valleys, you want to hang out on a boat and enjoy a lazy day bobbing on the water, or you want to indulge in classic local dishes made with incredible regional produce, then this is the place to go!

Italy is home to several regions and endless destinations that boast the most incredible scenery and delicious culinary delights that are born in picturesque and fertile landscapes. In particular, one of the most beautiful areas to visit if you want to fill your eyes and stomach with lovely delights has to be Piedmont. Positioned in the north-western corner of Italy, near the border with both Switzerland and France, this is a region that is overlooked by majestic Alpine peaks and is composed of rolling green hills, dense forests, endless and carefully manicured vineyards, pretty medieval towns, elegant cities, and lots and lots of amazing local culinary specialities. Just find a vacation rental in Piedmont and spend a glorious holiday in Italy eating well in the most picturesque of settings. Head to Cuneo for their rum-flavoured chocolates, discover Asti and Alba and their famous truffles, visit the town of Bra in which the Slow Food movement was born and indulge in it yourself, and be sure to pencil in some time to visit the Langhe Hills...

Langhe is the hilly part of Piedmont, the almost too pretty to be real area that you see pictured in guides and articles and postcards from the region most often. It is also one of the most wonderful gastronomic destinations in all of Italy and is where Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo wines were all born, where delicious cheeses can be procured at every turn, and where yet more delicious truffles can be scavenged and devoured. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 due to its cultural landscapes and traditions in winemaking that date back centuries, this is one of the foodie destinations par excellence in Italy and, yet, for many international travellers considering their next vacation in Italy, it is a name that is not all that familiar. Despite this, we would argue that anyone serious about culinary travels in Italy should find a villa in Piedmont and plan a trip to the Langhe area to sample the cornucopia of wonders that await there.