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.
Explore villas in Apulia
Casa Badra
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 8
From 10,000
to 18,000 EUR
per week
Casale la Nota
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 16,261
to 20,867 EUR
per week
Dimora Biancarancio
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 14,000
to 25,000 EUR
per week
Masseria Antonio Augusto
Bedrooms: 9, Guests: 18
From 21,000
to 49,000 EUR
per week
Masseria Lamacoppa
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 55,000 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Masseria Pezza
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 7,000
to 12,500 EUR
per week
Pettolecchia La Piccola
Bedrooms: 3, Guests: 6
From 8,000
to 20,000 EUR
per week
Pettolecchia La Residenza
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 15,000
to 45,000 EUR
per week
Tenuta Castione
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 9,500
to 20,900 EUR
per week
Trullo dei Pumi
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 13,500
to 30,240 EUR
per week
Trullo delle Dame
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 16,500
to 31,360 EUR
per week
Villa Baraquiel
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 8,750
to 15,250 EUR
per week
Villa Dusenszky Vitale
Bedrooms: 9, Guests: 18
From 16,800
to 30,100 EUR
per week
Villa Ludovica
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 8,750
to 17,500 EUR
per week
Villa Ostuni Art
Bedrooms: 9, Guests: 18
From 14,000
to 30,800 EUR
per week
Villa Serra de Citris
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 8,580
to 19,950 EUR
per week
Villa Tafuri
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 9,375
to 14,375 EUR
per week
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.
Explore villas in Amalfi Coast
Casa Massa
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 11,550
to 19,200 EUR
per week
La Palma
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 10,000
to 23,000 EUR
per week
Villa Affresco
Bedrooms: 8, Guests: 15
From 56,470 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Astor
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 245,000
to 245,000 EUR
per week
Villa Eris
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 17,500
to 23,100 EUR
per week
Villa Frangi
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 21,000
to 29,400 EUR
per week
Villa Il Gioiello
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 15,000
to 20,000 EUR
per week
Villa Il Sogno
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 36,667 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa La Rondinaia
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 63,000
to 119,000 EUR
per week
Villa Lighea
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 9,835 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Luce
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 9,885 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Margherita - Amalfi Coast
Bedrooms: 2, Guests: 4
From 42,700 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Miragalli
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 14,000
to 20,000 EUR
per week
Villa Mon Repos
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 21,000
to 25,000 EUR
per week
Villa Neranyum
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 13,006
to 20,006 EUR
per week
Villa Nereide
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 15,295 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Oliviero
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 29,000 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Sabrina
Bedrooms: 9, Guests: 18
From 22,500
to 37,855 EUR
per week
Villa San Giacomo
Bedrooms: 12, Guests: 24
From 32,900
to 81,100 EUR
per week
Villa Selenia
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 20,000 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Sorrento
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 21,176 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Ulisse
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 15,556 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Villa Wisteria
Bedrooms: 7, Guests: 14
From 17,778 EUR
per week,
to price on request
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.
Explore villas in Umbria
Castello di Procopio
Bedrooms: 8, Guests: 16
From 87,500 EUR
per week,
to price on request
Convento Viandante Del Cielo
Bedrooms: 10, Guests: 20
From 120,000 EUR
per week,
to price on request
La Villa
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 8,900
to 23,900 EUR
per week
Torre Bisenzio
Bedrooms: 8, Guests: 16
From 15,000
to 17,500 EUR
per week
Villa Ada
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 10,000
to 19,200 EUR
per week
Villa Ada & Guest House
Bedrooms: 7, Guests: 14
From 12,500
to 19,200 EUR
per week
Villa Arrighi
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 21,000
to 33,000 EUR
per week
Villa Caminata
Bedrooms: 6, Guests: 12
From 15,000
to 17,000 EUR
per week
Villa Castiglione Ugolino
Bedrooms: 10, Guests: 20
From 28,500
to 29,800 EUR
per week
Villa Penna
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 17,500
to 19,800 EUR
per week
Villa Piantaverna
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 19,000
to 26,500 EUR
per week
Villa San Savino
Bedrooms: 4, Guests: 8
From 15,000
to 17,000 EUR
per week
Villa Santa Croce
Bedrooms: 3, Guests: 6
From 13,000
to 14,800 EUR
per week
Villa Spinaltermine
Bedrooms: 5, Guests: 10
From 19,000
to 29,000 EUR
per week
Villa Subtilia
Bedrooms: 8, Guests: 16
From 17,800
to 20,800 EUR
per week
Villa Torre
Bedrooms: 3, Guests: 8
From 12,000
to 13,800 EUR
per week
