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Would you like to visit a charming Spanish island avoiding the chaos of Ibiza and being able to visit some splendid beaches? Then, Menorca is the perfect destination for you.
It is the second largest Balearic Island and its landscapes are so unique that UNESCO recognized them as part of a World Biosphere Reserve. It’s less popular than other Spanish islands, so it is still a wonderful destination to choose if you are seeking tranquillity and relax in a typical and wonderful atmosphere. Serene, pleasant and very sunny, Menorca is a holiday location that makes everybody falls in love with its charm.
What does it make Menorca so special and what are the best things to see and do on this island? Read more and start planning an unforgettable trip to this destination!
First of all, we cannot talk about Menorca without mentioning its amazing beaches. Its coastline presents more than 80 bays and each one distinguishes itself from the others with its colors, kind of sand and vegetation. In the north, you will find some wild jagged cliffs between dark sand beaches, while the south presents a sweet coast with white beaches and a beautiful Mediterranean scrub. Do not miss the beaches of Son Bou, which offers a lot of comfortable services, Cala Morell with its picturesque caves, Cala Mitjana, Cala’n Bosch or San Saura, which is famous for its fine white sand.
If you’d rather spend a day in a quiet natural park to enjoy the unique flora and fauna, you can go to Monte Toro, which is a high panoramic spot, or the park of s’Albufera des Grau, where the rich vegetation will leave you speechless.
But there is more: Menorca owns a fantastic treasure of history and archaeology, as it witnessed frequent invasions in its past. As well as the famous 500 Megaliths dating back to the III century BC, Menorca shows the remains of Roman, Greek, English, Arab and Carthaginian conquests in its principle towns. These are Mahon and Ciutadella, as well as the smallest Es Fornells and Alaior.
Mahon is the current capital of the island and it was founded by Magon, who was Hannibal’s brother. Its old town centre includes a wonderful Gothic Cathedral and various charming squares, like Bastiò, Miranda or Sant Francesc.It is a lovely city to discover in its streets and in the characteristic natural harbour.
The ancient capital was instead Ciutadella, a wonderful Arab and Medieval city that is also known as the main religious centre of the island.
It’s in these big centres that you can also enjoy a nice nightlife entering one of the numerous pubs or disco clubs! Also, the lovely bars, cafés and restaurants are perfect places to spend a charming evening out. Here, taste some local specialties such as the sweet Ensimadas, the liquor Xoriquer or the main dish called Caldereta de Langosta and discover the typical flavors of this island!.
Yes, Menorca really is the perfect destination for your next holiday in the Mediterranean, no matter if you’re with a group of friends, your family or your partner. The incredible natural wonders, nightlife amusements and historical sites of interest make it a wonderful place that will make you regret going back home at the end of your journey.
What are you waiting for? Book your dream vacation now!
© Alice Pilastri
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August 26, 2018
6 Amazing Summer Destinations for Young People in Greece
Is there a better place to spend an unforgettable summer vacation than the Greek islands? We don’t think so!
Greece is very renowned for its ancient history and the beautiful cultural heritage that it conserves in the main museums and archaeological sites. Athens is definitely a charming site to see at least once in a lifetime alongside the beauties found in the Dodecanese Archipelago. Moreover, some of its beaches are extremely beautiful, as the transparent waters of the Mediterranean Sea touch splendid sandy coastlines and impressing rocky cliffs.
However, we all know that groups of young friends in their 20s are not looking for museums or culture when they travel abroad. Of course, they might appreciate charming landscapes or an interesting museum tour, but summer is when young people want to have fun, meet new friends of their age and enjoy an amazing nightlife. And yes, Greece can offer this and can transform their holiday into a real dream!
Here’s a list of the best destinations to choose in case you’re a group of young people looking for fun: follow our travel tips and discover which islands are most suitable for your holiday!
6) Corfu
Thousands of young groups choose this destination for their special holiday because fun is guaranteed and prices are moderate. You will always find a nice bar to have a drink, especially in the lively town of Ypsos. Disco clubs such as the Edem Beach Club, Montecristo or 54 Dreamy Nights will make you dance until the first lights of dawn, while pubs like Passoa or Mojitos will start setting your night on fire with some good cocktails!
Looking for a holiday rental in Corfu? Choose our Villa Di Giovanni!
5) Ios
Ios is a famous party island located between Naxos and Santorini. The main centre for nightlife is Chora, a beautiful town bursting with life in its eastern side and downtown, as it offers a wide variety of charming bars and nightclubs. The wild fun starts on the major beach party scene of Mylopotas and continues in clubs like Disco 69 or the Scorpion Club, where friends between 18 and 25 years old enjoy some crazy nights.
4) Santorini
Santorini is one of the major destinations for couples because of its romantic and relaxing atmospheres. However, it is also a lively locality for young people looking for a good nightlife, as it offers many beautiful bars on the beach in Perivolos, Kamari and Perissa and some elegant disco clubs in the town of Fira. And what about an unforgettable apéritif in front of an amazing sunset behind the sea? You really don't want to miss this spectacular scene!
3) Rhodes
More than one hundred bars, disco clubs and pubs is what you will find in the main towns of the beautiful island of Rhodes! Here, paradisiac landscapes will be the background of your relaxing days on the beach and the charming frame of your nights of fun. While "Bar Street" in Rhodes City offers bars with any kind of music, discoclubs like Paradiso Beach Club or Blue Lagoon will be open until 7am to make you dance on the music of the best-known DJs.
2) Zakynthos
This wonderful Ionian Island presents some of the most photographed beaches of the world. Though it is definitely a romantic place to visit in couple, the summer season is when the best nightlife events are organized and when hundreds of visitors looking for crazy fun crowd its towns. If you are looking for wild dancing nights, you can't miss Tsilivi, Boschali, Vassilikos and their amazing clubs, while if you prefer enjoying a good cocktail in front of the sea you should spend an evening at the bars of Laganas. And why don't you take part to a buzzing boat or beach party? It's the best way to enjoy Zakynthos to the fullest!
1) Mykonos
The island of Mykonos is the craziest nightlife destination of the Mediterranean. This “Greek Ibiza” is a wild mix of beach bars, parties on the beach, famous disco clubs and memorable nights dancing with the best DJs of the world. While Mykonos Town is a charming locality with typical Greek buildings and lovely mills to capture in a photo, those who are looking for great places to dance and make new friends are clubs such as Tropicana, Cavo Paradiso, Space Club and the Skandinavian Bar. Enjoy these endless nights in one of the livelier summer destinations and watch the dawn next to your best friends!
© Alice Pilastri
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Tuscany is not just sweet hill and arts towns, but much more! In summer, the famous islands forming its Archipelago get huddled with thousands of tourists came to appreciate their beauties and dive into the wonderful sea. The seven paradises included in the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago are the islands of Elba, Giglio, Giannutri, Pianosa, Montecristo, Capraia and Gorgona. Schools of colored fishes and a special type of flora grows in this protected and uncontaminated area. This is why it is not easily accessible and, in some cases, you even need to book your visit in large advance or to take advantage of extraordinary occasions that allow visitors to reach their coasts. However, if you are lucky enough to be part of these "chosen ones", you will admire some views and visit beaches that will certainly make this experience unforgettable!
But what should you see on these islands and how can you reach them? Follow our travel tips and start planning your memorable tour in this Thyrrenian Sea atoll! Also, if you are looking for the perfect holiday rental to book for your stay, choose Casale Argentario in Porto Santo Stefano!
1) Elba Island
The largest island of the Archipelago is the perfect base for your tour to the discovery of the nearby places! Elba is an ideal summer destination: breathtaking views, splendid beaches and countless ways that young people have to enjoy their vacation to the fullest make it popular in the months of July and August. The narrow streets immersed in the green Meediterranean scrub conceal some marvellous glimpses and important monuments, like those connected to Napoleon's exile period.
How to reach it? Elba Island is connected to the ports of Piombino, Livorno and San Vincenzo with a daily ferry line. It's also possible to get there by plane landing at the small Marina di Campo airport.
2) Pianosa Island
This island is a small trait of emerged land known for being very flat ("piana" in Italian), as its maximum elevation is 29 meters above the sea level. For years, Pianosa has been a maximum-security prison and it was closed to the public, but as soon as it was shut in 1998 it became a well-loved tourist destination! Who reaches the island can enjoy this exclusive location, have fun on a kayak tour to see its hidden caves or relax on the large beach of Cala Giovanna, while sleeping in this desert island under a flaming starry sky surrounded by an incredible silence is a privilege reserved to the lucky guests of its only hotel.
How to reach it? A daily ferry connection departs from the ports of Rio Marina and Marina di Campo, but it is better to book the trip in advance as places on board are limited.
3) Giglio Island
Lily Island is the second biggest islet of the Archipelago. As well as being famous for the Costa Concordia shipwreck in 2012, Giglio offers some stunning beaches in the area of Campese and tourists can experience wonderful boat trips, scuba diving or incredible snorkeling activities. While the area of Giglio Porto looks like a pictoresque fishermen village, the center of Giglio Castello presents some splendid Medieval buildings to see at all costs.
How to reach it? It is possible to get to the island departing from Porto Santo Stefano, which is a coastal locality near Grosseto.
4) Montecristo Island
The island of Alexandre Dumas's Count is a remote and uncontaminated place with a fragile ecosystem that it is only possible to visit with a special permission. The purity and the extreme tranquillity of this unique islet fascinates all the fortunate guests and it conciliated the meditation of a community of monks that has resided here until 1971.
How to reach it? You need to request a permission to "Corpo Forestale di Follonica" paying €50, but waiting times are very long and they can last for more than two years.
5) Capraia Island
Steep seafront cliffs, isolated beaches, a blooming vegetation and an arid inland are some of the characteristics of Capraia Island, which is a tiny volcanic island near Gorgona. It's an authentic and wild land with rocky coasts and small inhabited centers near the port and the castle of San Giorgio is frequented by rare species of birds and is chosen by many tourists looking for a relaxing ambiance.
How to reach it? The island can be reached from Elba, Livorno or San Vincenzo, where daily ferries depart everyday.
6) Giannutri Island
Giannutri is the southernmost island of the Archipelago and its rocky coast hides some beautiful marine caves. Snorkeling lovers and scuba divers will find a treasure of coral and rare fish species, while history enthusiasts have the opportunity to visit the majestic Roman Villa dating back to the first century BC.
How to reach it? You can get to the island with one of the boats departing from Giglio Island or Porto Santo Stefano.
7) Gorgona Island
The minuscule island of Gorgona is a heaven on Earth located north, in the middle of the Ligurian Sea. Visitors are welcome to explore its private beaches, the hidden caves and the numerous natural wonders behind each corner as this is a real eden of tranquillity. Howver, it is also a famous prison and it is only possible to visit it in small groups accompanied by a guide.
How to reach it? The ferries directed to Gorgona Island depart from Livorno, but available tickets are limited.
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Every year, millions of tourists crowd the localities forming the famous Amalfi Coastline to admire the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
However, a day trip to this place can transform into a frustrating and unpleasant experience if you forget to organize it properly. The very high temperatures, the confusion and the endless queues might ruin a visit to this wonderful tourist destiation!
Here's why we prepared a guide to the best towns to visit during your tour in the Amalfi Coastline to allow you to choose your favorites spending a sensational time here!
- Sorrento
Sorrento rises up at the beginning of the Amalfi Coastline and it undoubtedly is the best place to start your tour. As it's comfortable, extremely accessible and near Pompeii and Naples, Sorrento is the ideal base to choose for your visit, although it is huddled all-year. The footsteps left by the various civilizations that dominated this ancient tourist locality mixed to create some stunning ambiances in the middle of some of the best landscapes of the world. This "land of colors" known as the "city of gardens" is a treasure of art and culture to be discovered step by step.
- Sant'Agata and Nerano
Sant’Agata is an adorable town separating two nice gulfs whose panorama includes the majestic figure of Mount Vesuvius. This trait of coastline is absolutely spectacular and breathtaking views combine with some inestimable remains of the Greek civilization. Next to it we have Nerano, a lovely fishermen village located inside the Marine Reserve of Punta Campanella whose crystalline waters and rocky sea bottom attract scuba divers from all Europe. But don't worry: not only nature lovers will enjoy this destination, but also "bon vivants"! Taste the delicious spaghetti with zucchini pesto, Monti Lattari cheese or Sant'Anna tomato in one of the local specialties prepared in this heaven on earth!
- Positano
In Positano, pastel-colored houses built on top of steep cliffs face the waters of a wonderful sea. This "vertical town" must be explored hiking a staircase after the other, but the panoramic views seen from the highest spot are worth the effort! Many celebrities choose it as their summer holiday destination, as they like the lively nightlife offered by the exclusive seafront clubs, where fun is always guaranteed. But generally, if you love shopping, luxury, sandy beaches, chic and glamour localities, Positano is certainly the perfect destination fro you!
- Conca dei Marini and Praiano
These two towns situated between Amalfi and Positano are considered the most romantic localities of the whole Costiera. Their beaches are fabulous, the views become incredibly beautiful at sunset and the glimpse found along the "Sentiero degli Dei" are something unique. The two small "borghi" near the sea are inhabited by less than a thousand people and their tranquillity will make you enjoy the true Italian "dolce vita" next to your beloved ones!
- Amalfi and Atrani
Amalfi is the biggest city found in the Costiera and surely one of the best-known alongside Positano. This town is a destination that can adapt to every visitor's need and it can be appreciated by everyone, both those who love luxury and those who look for art and culture. In fact, the past of Amalfi as a Maritime Republic enriched the city of some wonderful buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and to other important monuments. Then we have Atrani, one of the smallest villages of Southern Italy whose beauty is just as great as Amalfi's.
Are you looking for a holiday rental in Amalfi? Choose La Maison dei Desideri!
- Ravello
Ravello is a small village castled on a seafront rock cliff. It does not have a direct beach access, but it is the perfect place to be to relax and enjoy the quiet surrounded by stunning panoramas. It is surely one of the most romantic localities and it's very famous for its colorful gardens and splendid villas.
- Maiori e Minori
Are you travelling with your family and you're looking for a place where your children can have fun as well? Then Maiori and Minori are tthe ideal destinations for you, thanks to their large sandy beaches with equipped lidos! Here you will even find the remains of a splendid Roman Villa, a charming cave called "Grotta di Pandora", countless panoramic terraces to take pictures from, lemon trees cultivations and excellent typical restaurants to taste a good pasta!
- Vietri sul Mare
Vietri sul Mare is a tiny town near Salerno that became famous because of its rich production of ceramic objects. The village itself seems to be covered by majolica and the magnificent colors of its decorations make it incredibly wonderful!
Are you looking for a holiday rental? Choose one of our Villas on the Amalfi Coastline!
© Alice Pilastri
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Corfu is a wonderful gem of the Mediterranean Sea. This fabulous Greek island is part of the Ionian archipelago and can be easily reached from Italy, as ferries sail everyday from ports like Brindisi or Ancona. A lively nightlife, innumerable natural beauties, splendid beaches and historical treasures are just some of the reasons why millions of young tourists or families decide to spend here their summer holidays. The Ionian Islands offer an immersion in Greek mythology, nature with their sandy beaches and beautiful olive groves.
But which are the best places to visit in Corfu? If you would like to plan your trip to this Greek island in the best way, follow our travel tips and check our list of the top 7 places you absolutely need to see!
If you are looking for a holiday rental for your stay, we suggest booking our Villa Di Giovanni or Beach Villa Blue, that will surely guarantee a dream stay near the sea. Don't miss our selection of villas in Corfu.
7) Relax in Paleokastritsa
This village located on Corfu west coast is intimate and extremely beautiful. Famous for its ancient monastery, visited by pilgrims and worshippers looking for the magic of such a sacred place, Paleokastritsa is also a major summer destination in Corfu because of its wonderful beaches. It presents six stunning bays and it is the ideal site to spend a relaxing afternoon under the sun!
6) Explore the streets of Corfu Town
The main city of the island is a pastel-colored gem built in wood and stone that presents countless Venetian buildings. Corfu Town is a UNESCO “World Heritage Site” to explore and discover in all its corners that will certainyl stun you with beautiful places such as the Liston, the Old Fortress, Spilias Square or Saint Spyridon Church.
5) Visit the amazing Cape Drastis
We are on the northern point of the island and definitely one of the most charming. Near Sidari, on the north-western coast, there is a stunning clay cliff called Cape Drastis which is surrounded by woods and olive trees. Its beauty is undescribable and it is a stop you really do not want to miss!
4) Swim in the famous Canal d'Amour
The “love canal” is a romantic site where it is believed that those who swim in its waters will marry soon. The beauty of its rock formations is stunning and it is very visited in summer, both by lovers and tourists.
3) Go out on an adventure trip to Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is the name of a wonderful destination near Paleokastritsa that can only be reached by boat. The silence and the quiet of this natural context will make you fall in love with this natural reserve that many visitors choose to reach to escape the confusion of the crowded cities. Board on a boat departing from harbors such as Ypsos and discover its unique white cliffs, blooming vegetation and transparent waters!
2) Get to the magical island of Vlacherna Monastery
You have probably spotted a small island in the middle of the sea from one of Corfu’s main roads. This charming piece of land hosts the small Vlacherna Monastery, a sacred site built in 1685. It is connected to the coast with a stone bridge, but we suggest sailing on a boat to enjoy a beautiful tour.
1) Take a picture to the wonderful Porto Timoni
This is maybe the best beach of the island! Porto Timoni is located a few kilometers from Paleokastritsa and its strip of land separating the two stunning coves is what distinguishes Corfu. Visit this site and spend a memorable time there!
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Since the beginning of April until the end of October, all those who are staying in Florence have the opportunity to visit a charming park located north of the city center. We are in Pratolino (Vaglia), on top of one of the innumerable hills that distinguish the Tuscan countryside and which are crossed by wonderful panoramic roads, where the simple act of travelling becomes a great pleasure.
It is here that you will find the Medici Park of Pratolino, and enormous garden surrounding the modern Villa Demidoff. This is a magical place with an ancient history that hosted some of the most important Florentine noble families and whose decorations were made by prestigious artists. Today, it is also the day trip destination chosen by hundreds of people who wish to spend a relaxing afternoon under the trees' shadow and who are always left speechless in front of the incredible beauty of the artistic frame they see around them.
The Park is situated in front of a Medici Villa built in 1568 by Buontalenti, who worked for Francis I. He wanted to make a luxurious and richly decorated building, where art would mix with nature and
science to create a fairytale place. Its enormous "garden of wonders" extended for 20 hectares and included fountains, games of water, labyrinths, artificial caves, magnificent gardens and some impressing artworks.
However, the building was abandoned following the death of Francis I and his wife and the first restoration works were carried out in the 19th century by the Lorraines, who almost demolished it completely. The family sold the property to a Russian prince called Pavel Demidoff in 1872 and it was him who built his own villa above the reamins of the previous strusture. This new Romantic-style villa was then bought by the Province of Florence in 1981 and in 2013 the site has been included in UNESCO's "World Heritage Sites" with other Medici Villas in Tuscany.
Hopefully, the wonderful Park still conserves some of the wonderful Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. The most famous one is certainly the statue of the "Apennine Colossus" made by Giambologna in 1580 ca. representing the allegory of the mountain as a giant who seem to come out from the lake waters. The sculpture also hides some caves and rooms which are accessible through an internal staircase.
Furthermore, this splendid place is ideal for trekking and nordic walking lovers, who can enjoy its nature at the fullest. As the Park is a natural reserve, it also hosts many protected animal species, small woods and century-old trees. The huge garden is the perfect spot to choose for a picnic or a relaxing day out with your family, especially on sunny days!
If you are looking for a property to rent for your stay, we suggest booking one of our countryhouses, like Villa Mugello, Villa Caruso and Villa Tenuta Lonciano, or our Suite Michelangelo if you prefer staying in Florence's center.
© Alice Pilastri
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Cefalù is a splendid fishermen village near Palermo, located in Northern Sicily. Some of the best beaches of the entire region are hidden here, alongside some stunning sites of interest that you cannot miss to visit during your tour. Its unique beauty has been awarded by UNESCO as it inserted its Cathedral, the Cloister, the Seminary and Palazzo Vescovile among its "World Heritage Sites". In summer, thousands of tourists come to throng this picturesque town embedded in the stone which is also defined one of Italy's most beautiful "borghi".
The monuments and places of interest are innumerable: discover where you can find them to plan your short trip in best way!
First of all, you must take advantage of a sunny day to go to the seaside and spend a nice day on the beach! The Lido di Cefalù is located near the city and it will allow you to look at the center from a new wonderful point of view. Its crystalline waters, the various services offered and the shallow seabed make it a perfect place to visit with your family, as you'll have the opportunity to enjoy this special atmosphere in total tranquillity. Another beach we recommend is Spiaggia Caldura, which is suitable for those who love diving from cliffs and doing water sports.
A stop of your tour should definitely be the magnificent Cathedral built by Ruggero II in an Arab-Norman style in the 12th century. This church presents a Latin cross planimetry and a façade with two majestic stone towers, while its interiors feature some wonderful golden mosaics.
Instead, one of the best panoramic views of Cefalù belongs to its Rocca, which is a stone fortress located on top of a hill 340 meters high connected to the center through a pathway immersed in the green. Another beautiful spot to take photographs is Porta Marina, the only still-existing arch part of the stone city walls built in the 5th century BC.
However, Cefalù is a treasure chest containing countless artistic wonders which are hidden in every angle of its center and date back to ancient times. Here, you will find a magnificent 19th century theater, a Medieval wash house, Roman findings, Renaissance buildings and other bijoux that mix with the splendid landscape to create a place you will really not want to leave.
Book one of our villas in Cefalù to spend a memorable time in Sicily! We suggest our Villa Rocca or Villa Nettuno!
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Are you looking for a wonderful place to spend the next summer holiday? Do you want to dedicate to relax surrounded by natural beauties, enjoying some fun and great nightlife? Would you like to visit a new place in Italy, somewhere where the best celebrities and VIP spend their summer?
We surely have the solution for you: a stay in Costa Smeralda!
The Emerald Coast is a famous trait of coastline found in North-Eastern Sardinia near Sassari and it includes some exclusive localities such as Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo. Its name derives from the amazing color of its emerald waters, which light up of incredible shades thanks to the white sea bottom, to the light effects on the granitic rocks and to the stunning sea transparency. A wonderful natural framework is the background of one of the best-known Italian tourist destinations, where dream beaches mix with luxury villas, huge golf courses and fantastic nightclubs.
In fact, the Caribbean-like beaches you must visit here are innumerable! We suggest spending one day on the beach of Porto Pollo, which is 3 km long and features a crystalline sea, on the so-called “Long Beach”, which is one of the major tourist destinations in Sardinia, on the famous “La Cinta” beach in San Teodoro or on “Rena Bianca” beach, where the white sand presents some splendid pink coral shades. Even the island composing La Maddalena Archipelago located in front of the Emerald Coast conceal various wonderful places: visit the amazing natural reserve of Piana Island, go to Cappuccini Island, spend a day at the “Lo Spalmatore” beach on Tavolara Island or visit "Cala Corsara" on Spargi Island to enjoy some breathtaking sea views!
The livelier centers on the Coast are definitely Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo, two luxury towns chosen by many VIP as their holiday destinations which are full of charming villas, expensive shops, lovely pubs, typical restaurants and other services of any kind.
And what about nightclubs? Obviously, this destination is the perfect choice for those who love to live the night in the best way! Go to the “Ritual Club” in Arzachena, "Phi Beach” in Baia Sardinia, “Country Club” in Porto Rotondo, the “Billionaire” in Porto Cervo, the “Bal Harbour” in San Teodoro or "Estasi’s Disco" in Santa Teresa di Gallura! This wonderful clubs will surely guarantee an absolute fun in one of the best exclusive locations of the Mediterranean.
What are you waiting for? Book one of our wonderful villas for rent and spend the holiday of your dreams in Sardinia!
We recommend our Casa Adriano and Villa Franca in San Teodoro, Villa Coligu in Porto Rafael or Villa Twin in Golfo Aranci, which are some beautiful properties near the Emerald Coast.
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There is a small village built on top of a beautiful Chianti hill, right in the middle of the region of Montagnola Senese. Vineyards, olive trees and fields of colorful flowers frame this fairytale town called Monteriggioni, which is surrounded by wonderful Medieval city walls. Tiny but very charming, the ancient Medieval architectures that you will find here will really turn your visit into a trip back in time!
Monteriggioni is located a few steps away from Siena and it looks majestic from afar, stunning all those who see the shape of its stone walls.
The city walls covering a perimeter of 570 meters are almost intact and date back to the 13th century. They present fourteen huge stone towers and some access doors to the town center, such as Porta Franca or Porta di Ponente. Since 2005, visitors are welcome to walk over the walls’ promenade o admire a stunning panoramic view over the surrounding countryside!
The ticket cost also includes a visit to the interesting “Monteriggioni in arme” museum, which contains reproductions of Medieval weapons and armours, reenacting the city history focusing on the peculiar ancient techniques and lifestyles. Visit this museum with your family and children, as kids will love wearing some armours pretending to be a real knight for some time!
Do not miss a tour inside the famous Monteriggioni castle, which was erected in the 13th century by the Republic of Siena in order to defend from Florence’s attacks and to control those passing along the Via Francigena!
Then, have a good time exploring the historical town center and enjoy its quiet ambiance stopping in one of the pretty local restaurants and shops. The main square is called Piazza Roma and it includes the major city church, called “Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta”. Do not forget to take pictures to the magnificent glimpses on the beautiful Tuscan countryside that you will be meeting during your tour or to taste some local specialties, like the red Chianti Classico wine, the typical saffron or the extra-virgin olive oil!
We sincerely suggest visiting Monteriggioni in July, when a famous festival called “Monteriggioni di torri si corona” takes place! It is a historical reenactment which sees the participance of hundreds of participants in typical dresses dealing with some 13th century activities belonging to ceramists, armourers or weavers. This year, it will be organized on July 5th-8th and 13th-15th and you really do not want to miss it!
Looking for a villa to rent during your stay in Monteriggioni? Book our Villa Marie!
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Spring just started and it is the right moment to organize a memorable weekend out! Thanks to the pleasant temperatures, to sunny days and to the thousands of colorful flowers that adorn landscapes, the period between April and June is maybe the best one to travel to Italy. The nature lights up of a thousand shades that you will not find in other moments and that will add a unique nuance to your photographs. This is also a great period to travel on a budget, as low season offers that will allow you to spend an unforgettable and cheap holiday!
What are you waiting for? Discover which are the best destinations to choose for your next Spring trip and start planning now!
1. Venice and the unmissable events in Veneto
The beauty of Venice is always breathtaking. However, it is in Spring that you can really enjoy a pleasant walk near the Canals visiting Piazza San Marco and Ponte dei Sospiri avoiding the usual tourist crowds. We also suggest visiting some close towns that organize some amazing flower festivals such as Noale, which turns into an enormous colorful garden center for just a single day.
If you are looking for a property to rent in Veneto, choose one of our villas!
2. Perugia and Umbria's countryside
Umbria is the "green heart of Italy" and it is famous for its stunning countryside landscapes, which are even prettier when flowers start to blossom. You should also visit Perugia, a charming Medieval town that organizes a fantastic event in May called “Perugia Flower Show” exhibiting hundreds of hydrangeas, roses and rare tropical plants!
If you are looking for a property to rent in Umbria, choose one of our villas!
3. Palermo and the "Infiorata di Noto"
This town is the perfect destination for a short trip to Sicily based on relax, history, art and beauty. Visit "Teatro Massimo", the Dome, the magnificent Palazzo dei Normanni and walk along the splendid seafront promenade! Do not miss the traditional "Infiorata" taking place in Noto on the third Sunday of May, which will color town's streets with flower mosaics and petals waterfalls!
If you are looking for a property to rent in Sicily, choose one of our villas!
4. Napoli and the stunning Amalfi Coastline
An "on the road” trip in Southern Italy cannot skip Naples, where you can visit the beautiful Castel dell’Ovo, San Gregorio Church and you can taste some local delights in its best pizzerias! Spring is the perfect period to fall in love with the colors of Amalfi Coastline and especially those of Ravello, where sparkling flowers decorate the walls of its historical villas.
If you are looking for a property to rent on the Amalfi Coastline, choose one of our villas!
5. Tuscany between Florence, the Orcia Valley and the Medici Villas
In Spring, the Boboli Garden shines in a unique way and turns into an open-air museum embellished by flowers. If you are lucky, you will even be present at the blooming of more than 2000 flower varieties in "Giardino dell'Iris", which usually takes place in April/May! We also suggest visiting the ancient Medici Villas and to travel in Orcia Valley, as its hills are colored in electric green and create some wonderful contrasts with the newborn flowers.
If you are looking for a property to rent in Tuscany, choose one of our villas!
6. Lecce, Salento and their fantastic events
Spring in Lecce is a period of some musical, cultural and artistic events that you cannot miss! Take part to “Cortili Aperti” initiative at the end of May, as you will have the occasion to visit some wonderful historical villas which are usually closed to the public admiring the charming glimpses of their balconies' blossoming.
If you are looking for a property to rent in Apulia, choose one of our villas!
7. A dive in Sardinia and its history
Why don't you have the first swim of the year in these beautiful transparent waters? Sometimes, Spring temperatures are so warm that it is possible to dive into the amazing Sardinian sea enjoying the tranquility of the empty beaches! Costa Smeralda is certainly the favorite holiday destination of most of the tourists, but we also suggest visiting the inland to see the splendid Nuraghi!
If you are looking for a property to rent in Sardinia, choose one of our villas!
© Alice Pilastri
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