Archive for 'Travel Tips'

Thinking ahead to your next break? Considering a vacation rental in Italy? Not sure where to go? Well, to help you find the right property in Italy, it’s always a good idea to check out our reviews page. In addition to the specifications, details, and images included in our property listings, guest reviews give you an idea of what you can expect from a vacation in a rental based on the real-life experiences of previous guests. These experiences offer a deeper and invaluable insight into the property itself and often the surrounding area and the hospitality of your hosts. So, be sure to check out reviews where possible to help you find the right property for you!

From Alpine chalets in the Italian ski region boasting stunning mountain views to charming villas with pools in Tuscany, there are all sorts of truly incredible properties in Italy that have recently been reviewed by our guests. Here is a sample of just some remarkable holiday rentals in Italy that these valued customers have been loving lately and maybe you will find that one of them is the perfect fit for you too... 

So, you have found a perfect vacation rental in Sicily and you are looking forward to enjoying the incredible beaches, ancient towns and astounding archaeological sites, the pretty villages and fascinating towns, the excellent hiking trails and natural splendour, and all that the island has to offer. As you explore and wander, you might work up an appetite or, perhaps, eating is, itself, a key activity that you are looking forward to. Either way, you will want to delve into the cuisine of Sicily.

While Sicily is part of Italy and you can expect many of your favourite and familiar fixtures of Italian cuisine on offer in eateries throughout the island, there are also plenty of regional treats and specialities that you won’t want to miss. Sicily has its own distinct culture, heritage, and flavours and diving into them is a key part of any vacation in Sicily!

Planning a trip to Italy in May or June means that you are coming at the tail end of spring and the beginning of summer, just as tourists really begin to arrive and while everything continues to fully bloom. Not only is this when weather is milder but more than pleasant enough for days in a luxury villa with pool in Italy or by the sea but it is also when Italy is at its potentially prettiest. The coming summer days and this natural splendour, as well as harvests beginning to load tables with delicious produce, means that there are plenty of reasons to celebrate.

As a result, May and June are a time when there is an especially large number of sagre, traditional local festivals that can celebrate saints, holy days, historic events, particular food products, and more with feasts, parades, parties, concerts, and other events. Those who book a vacation rental in Italy at this time of the year, will be able to enjoy authentic, traditional experiences alongside locals, sample incredible wines, enjoy regional dishes, and really get a genuine look into Italian life.

Of course, while the food-related events and parties are well worth seeking out and enjoying, we also recommend experiencing one of the infiorata events that take place around Italy each May or June. These particular celebrations, or “flowering” events, are the pride of several towns located around Italy and involve the creation of breath-taking, elaborate flower-based decorations that wow guests and locals alike. 

Coffee is one of the things that Italy, a famous foodie destination as it is, is famous for. Not only does it have excellent coffee and a distinct and fascinating coffee culture – which we have discussed at length for those who want to know how to order and drink their coffee without sticking out like a sore thumb in Italy – but coffee is also pretty inexpensive in Italy. So, it’s good news if you’re a caffeine fiend always looking forward to your next coffee fix or if you’re a serious foodie who likes to properly delve into the food and beverages of a place while on holidays – those who book a vacation rental in Italy can expect to spend relatively little for some great coffee.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy (particularly among Italians themselves), Lake Garda is the largest lake in the country and an area of immense natural beauty just to the south of the Alps. With the glassy waters of the lake itself, the blue backdrop of the mighty peaks, the pretty lakeside towns and villages (each with their own distinct characters), and endless curiosities, the Lake Garda area stuns with its good looks. However, there are also countless things to see and do and lots of other factors that have made a vacation rental in Lake Garda and a stay in the area so beloved.