For centuries, travellers and holiday makers alike have been enchanted by Italy’s landscapes, history, cuisine, and luxury shopping, or the myth created by all of these combined. From the turquoise waters of Sardinia to the pink peaks of the Dolomite Mountains at sunset, the country is a feast of colours, scents, sounds and flavours that would enchant even the most jaded visitor.
But in such a popular – and therefore busy – destination, making the best of the experience and not being derailed by last-minute blunders can be tricky, especially for first-time visitors who have never experienced Italian life. Planning your adventure ahead and securing your experiences in advance is a must. Here are our top tips to make the most of your visit to some of Italy’s most popular holiday spots.
Apulia
Blue waters, quaint trulli, imposing masserie, whitewashed towns perched on a sea cliff or atop perfectly rounded hills – it’s no wonder that Apulia has quickly become one of the most demanded destinations in Italy. Sprawling olive groves hint at the best and not-so-hidden treasure of the region: the cuisine. The fresh produce, delicious dairy products, tasty catch of the day, and – of course – the freshly-baked focaccia are some of its main attractions. Our best advice is to enjoy it all from the comfort of a private villa.
Hiring a local chef for a night or two instead of queuing up at a restaurant will enhance the taste of the traditional, homemade food the area is famous for. Most properties – like the six-bedroom Trullo delle Dame – have an outdoor kitchen with an oven that can be put to good use while guests indulge in a glass of local wine under the stars.
Amalfi Coast
The winding roads along the Amalfi Coast are amongst the most picturesque of the peninsula, allowing for romantic tours or happy family car trips, with plenty of stops for sightseeing. However, this idyllic image can be easily disrupted by the busy traffic of the summer months. As such, the best way to experience the coast is from the sea–rent a boat for an exciting excursion or enjoy several day trips!
The view of picturesque little towns glittering with lights at dusk, seen from an elegant catamaran, is incomparable. Such a beautiful sight will quickly become a favourite holiday memory. Towering over the charming town of Nerano – which has given its name to the famous pasta recipe – is the six-bedroom Villa Neranyum, the ideal base to explore the Amalfi Coast from both land and sea.
Umbria
Often lauded as “The green heart of Italy”, Umbria is the only Italian region without a coastline. However, it more than makes up for it with a gorgeous landscape dotted with historic towns full of artistic treasures. It is the perfect destination for outdoor lovers as bird watching, hiking, lake sailing, and cycling are incredibly popular activities. Artsy types can also enjoy the region with many famous churches graced by masterpieces from medieval and renaissance masters, and lively music festivals filling the summer months.
But it’s another kind of masterpiece that attracts many visitors to the region: local wine. Full-bodied reds and crisp whites are both produced in the area, and it’s best to reserve your wine-tasting experience well in advance. Better yet, head to La Villa, an elegant six-bedroom property with breathtaking views and a cellar showcasing its niche wine production.
