Archive for 'Pretty Views'

While the region of Emilia-Romagna is famous for towns like Ferrara, Ravenna, Bologna, and Modena, among others, there are obviously some lesser-known gems that are well worth exploring, particularly if you want to get away from the regular tourist crowds. One such destination is the charming town of Comacchio, known as the, “Little Venice,” of Emilia-Romagna. Located 3km from the coast in the Po Delta, 50 km from Ferrara, 35 km from Ravenna, and 110 km from the actual Venice, a villa in Comacchio offers both the chance to enjoy a beautiful, peaceful hidden gem while still being able to take day trips to some of Italy's most famous and incredible cities and to spend days exploring the wonderful beaches and seaside fun of Emilia-Romagna.

A lagoon town, steeped in history, swathed in sea air blowing in from the coast, Comacchio is now known as the capital of the Po Delta Park and boasts endless architectural gems, seven nearby beaches, and pretty canals. Best visited between April and mid-October, when the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy all of the outdoor and seaside charms of the destination, there is an endless list of things to see and do while on vacation in Comacchio . Here is our guide to some of the highlights!

While summer is still going strong in some parts of the world, across much of the globe, fall colours are taking over and a nip is suddenly in the air. Very quickly, autumn will fully descend, the holidays will be upon us, and ski season will be in full swing. If you're looking for some mountain breaks to look forward to this fall and winter, whether you're interested in hiking or winter sports, it is time to start booking before it's too late!

One of the best mountain destinations for those who want to vacation in Italy has to be South Tyrol. A northern region of Italy with unique, Germanic-influenced traditions and culture, a section of the Alps cutting through it, and some exceptionally pretty towns and scenery, a vacation rental in South Tyrol is perfect for those who want to experience the best of the outdoorsy fun and stunning views that can be offered by a holiday in Italy's alpine areas.

A particularly lovely part of South Tyrol, however, has to be the area around Seiser Alm and the Alpe di Siusi ski resort. Utterly stunning, this plateau is nestled among the craggy and romantic peaks of the Dolomites and is the largest high-altitude Alpine meadow. A major tourist attraction for both skiing and hiking, it is an exceptionally picturesque part of the world and the perfect blend of that combination of outdoor adventure and gorgeous surroundings that draws visitors from all over the globe.

The coast of Liguria is dotted by incredible seaside cities and towns and beaches and is a wonderful place to go if you are a sun-lover or water baby. However, one of the most singularly picturesque swimming spots of all (and that truly is saying something in this utterly stunning and photogenic part of Italy and the world) has to be the lovely Baia Cannone. Located in Portofino, near the world-renowned and beloved Cinque Terre, this gem is an absolute must-see for those who have found a villa in Liguria and who are looking for the best places to cool off, splash around, swim, lay out with a good book, or simply sit back and admire the impossible beauty of your surroundings.

Beach-lovers of the world will discover that a villa in Apulia is definitely in order as there is truly an astounding array of the most exceptional beaches and seaside beauties to be explored and enjoyed across the region. However, in particular, if you head to the province of Salento, to the very south of Apulia, you will find a rather impressive selection of some stunning naturally-occurring swimming pools that have been carved out of the cliff-sides and coastlines of the area by the sea and wind and geological phenomena. We have previously mentioned the impossibly lovely Grotta della Poesia, which was named among the most beautiful natural pools in the world by both National Geographic and CNN Travel, but another charming example is the Piscina Naturale di Marina Serra, or the Marina Serra Natural Pool.