Archive for 'Pretty Views'

Rome is already the kind of destination that endless people have on their bucket list and dream of visiting at least once in a lifetime. As the major stop on the Grand Tour, a practice by which British and European nobles set out for months or years to travel and take in Europe after finishing their studies, Rome has also historically been one of the world's major tourism destinations since even before mass tourism was established and there are plenty of good reasons for that. It is undeniably an astounding centre of western art and incredible creations from the time of the Ancient Romans to the present day. History is wherever you turn, there are famous landmarks dotted throughout, and there is a truly endless list of things to see and do. In fact, it has been estimated that one would need several years of unbroken excursions throughout the city to visit all of the Eternal City's attractions. However, if you don't have years and years to spend on travelling and you're looking for some good reasons to finally plan that vacation in Rome today then here are just five excellent traits that make it a perfect holiday destination and that might sway you into action...

A villa on the Amalfi Coast means access to endless beautiful seaside towns, pretty beaches, and charming spots with incredible views over the coast. It is an innately scenic part of Italy and the world and if you're fond of wonderful panoramas and visiting impossibly picturesque attractions then it is a great option for your next holiday in Italy. Among all of the lovely things to see and places to visit in the region, however, one of the most magical of all has to be the Giardino della Minerva in the town of Salerno. Browse our vacation rentals on the Amalfi Coast and get planning your trip today to take in this gorgeous garden and the infinite list of other beautiful attractions in the area.

The Giardino della Minerva (or Minerva's Garden) is a rather special botanical garden located on a high terrace that boasts sweeping views over the city of Salerno and out over the coast. Found in the medieval core of the city, in an area that was once known as the Plaium Montis, the garden traces its roots all the way back to the 12th century and is a very special gem that is now open to the public to be enjoyed for its educational, aesthetic and therapeutic qualities.

There are lots of wonderful coastal destinations and natural gems to explore in Apulia and great swathes of this beautiful region in the south of Italy are protected but one particular area that combines all of the above and is a must-see for those who have found a villa in Apulia is the incredible Laghi Alimini, or Alimini Lakes.

Located north of Otranto, the Alimini Lakes is one of the most beautiful natural areas of Salento and Apulia by far and consists of a protected oasis extending over around 1000 hectares, two bodies of water, and a stunning chunk of the coast. These two bodies of water are the main stars of the show here (though the beaches are also quite stunning) and are known as the Alimini Grande and Alimini Piccolo.

Apulia is a famously beautiful part of Italy and if you find a villa in Apulia you will never be in want of things to see and do. You just need to rent a car, hit the road with no particular destination in mind, and then you will quickly find yourself just happening to stumble across all sorts of truly incredible surprises and wonders along the way. However, if you want to head our out with a destination in mind that you can be sure is certain to wow you with its impossible natural beauty, then we highly recommend a visit to Gargano.

Gargano is the name given to an area of Foggia in Apulia that is made up of a series of peaks and highland that projects out into the Adriatic. Much of the upland part of the area is located within the protected Gargano National Park that was founded back in 1991 and some of the peninsula is home to the remains of the Foresta Umbra, an ancient forest that is all that is left in Italy of the oak and beech forest that once covered much of Central Europe. Heading to the coastline, Gargano is also home to some fascinating rock formations and cave systems, pretty bays, charming beaches, and idyllic little towns. All of these different factors ensure that Gargano is, undoubtedly, one of the most picturesque parts of Italy and, thankfully, well-preserved.

For many, the novelty of simply having the time and freedom to sit out and watch the world go by while enjoying a meal or a coffee or a glass of wine is one of the best parts about being on holiday. While seeing famous landmarks and trying out new and interesting activities is all well and good, truly relaxing and having some proper down time to unplug and unwind is key to a good vacation. There are, of course, particular spots that are especially well-suited to this kind of leisurely relaxation such as markets, town squares, seafront promenades, and more. Or, if you have found a vacation rental in Lombardy, along an impossibly picturesque canal lined with restaurants and bars.