Lake Garda never disappoints as a holiday destination

Lake Garda or Lago di Garda as it is known locally, is the largest lake in Italy. It is located in Northern Italy, about half-way between Brescia and Verona, and between Venice and Milan.

The northern side

The northern part of the lake is narrower, surrounded by mountains, the majority of which belong to the Gruppo del Baldo. Here you can visit the towns of Riva del Garda and Torbole both very popular among those who love sailing and windsurfing, Arco and Malcesine, town the latter where you can find the Funivia del Monte Baldo, a cableway that connects the town to the Monte Baldo, with cabins on the second section that rotates on itself to give passengers a 360° spectacular view of the lake and its surroundings.

Antica Fabbrica in Riva was originally a large old house owned by a local count in the late 18th Century. Recently renovated carefully to ensure its original charm has not been lost, it provides great holiday accommodation.

The east

Thanks to Lake Garda's temperate climate vines and olive trees dominate the landscape of the eastern shore of the lake, called Riviera degli Olivi (Olives Riviera), where excellent wine and oil are produced. Here famous wines like Bardolino, Valpolicella, Bianco di Custoza, Lugana, Soave are produced. On this side of the lake beautiful towns like Torri del Benaco, Garda, Bardolino and Lazise welcome you, for relaxing strolls on the lakes side, sunbathing on the small nice beaches or a bit of fun for the families in amusement parks like Gardaland, Caneva and Movieland.

Barolini Ulivi is a lovely and reasonable 2 bed house situated on a hill in a residential area of Bardolino, just a few steps from the historical centre and with shared swimming pool.

The south

In the south Peschiera, Desenzano and Sirmione are the most popular villages. In this area you can find the liveliest nightlife of Lake Garda, with small bars on the beaches where to enjoy your aperitivo or a night out in one of the many clubs on the lakes side. In the picturesque peninsula of Sirmione the Scaliger castle dominate the scene and give the landscape a magic touch. Strolling in the quiet centre, among its little nice shops, you can reach the end of the peninsula with the Grotto of Catullus a three-story patrician villa from around 150AD (Catullus died in 54BC) and the Terme di Catullo, thermal baths that use the water which bubbles out of Lake Garda near the northern shoreline of the Sirmione peninsula: this is mineral-rich water at a temperature of 70°C that is used for health treatments in the two thermal baths and spas which exist on the peninsula.

Sirmione apt is located midway between the famous towns of Sirmione and Desenzano and offers 3 swimming pools, childrens playground, restaurant and bar. The lake is only 300 m away!

The western shore

The western shore is called Riviera dei Limoni (Riviera of the lemons), due to the important presence of lemon trees cultivation, with beautiful villages like Limone, Tremosine, Tignale, Gargnano, Salò, San Felice del Benaco and Manerba, where with an easy climb on its tower, called "La Rocca" , you can enjoy one of the most amazing views of the lake.

Villa Blu Benaco is situated in one of the most exclusive areas of San Felice del Benaco, in a splendid panoramic position standing above Lake Garda.

The islands

The lake has numerous small islands and five main ones, the largest being Isola del Garda where at the beginning of the 20th century a venetian neo-Gothic style villa has been built an imposing harmonious building, rich in surprising architectonic details. The Cavazza Family, who owns it, organizes tour to visit and discover the beauty of this island.

Nearby to the south is Isola San Biagio, also known as the Isola dei Conigli ("Island of the Rabbits"). Both are offshore of San Felice del Benaco, on the west side. The three other main islands are Isola dell'Olivo, Isola di Sogno, and Isola di Trimelone, all further north near the east side.

Travelling around

Verona and Venice are within easy reach for a beautiful day out: they are both well connected to the villages on the lake both by motorway and by public means of transport as trains and buses.
Lake Garda is the place to go if you are looking for a relaxing holiday, for those who love relaxing on the beaches, sightseeing or also walking in the mountains and the surrounding hills. A holiday that can meet everybody's needs!

Accommodation

Holiday Homes in Italy has a great selection of property around the lake, click to view our accommodation in Lake Garda.

How to get there

Nearest airports: Milan Bergamo, Verona (Catullo airport), Milan Malpensa.

Our top 10 self-catering villas in Le Marche

Le Marche has been almost unknown to tourists until the last few years. This beautiful region offers its own rich diversity of arts, history and culture that sets it apart from the rest of Italy and it a perfect location for a relaxing holiday in a traditional and unexplored part of Italy.

Le Marche is immersed in Renaissance art and architecture that makes the region an outdoor museum, with a backdrop of historical hill towns, countryside villages and beautiful beaches. Set along the Adriatic Sea, with 80km of spectacular coastline, Marche harbours 26 resorts; from the picturesque views offered by Sirolo and Numana to the wonderful seafronts of Porto s. Georgio and Civitanova Marche, there are endless sandy or pebbly shores and natural bays along the rocky coast to explore. The Sibillini mountains are an outstanding backdrop to the rolling countryside - it is hard to describe the beauty of the landscape with the green valley below and the towering peaks covered in snow. This area is great for walking and outdoor activities.

Where to stay

Holiday Homes in Italy offers a wide range of self-catering accommodation in Le Marche, here is our top ten villa selection for 2013:

La Scala  -  a beautiful villa with a large pool and an endless panorama on the hills. From £1,300 per week. Sleeps 10.

Le Ruote - Nestled in the Le Marche countryside but only minutes from the beaches of the Adriatic, we love this villa for its location and seaviews! From £1,145 per week. Sleeps 6.

La Lanterna - A private villa within the beautiful grounds of a larger property. A spa & wellness centre plus restaurant all within the grounds and within walking distance! what more do you need! From £3,300. Sleeps 12.

Villa Luce - is the result of the fantastic renovation of an old barn. The natural lighting, and choice of furnishings make the house warm and comfortable. To strengthen this feeling is the reception and helpfulness of the owners, who take care of the house to the smallest detail. From £947 per week. Sleeps 8.

Villa Le Marche - A fabulously large villa, perfect for large parties and families with uninterrupted views of the countryside. From £1,900 per week. Sleeps 17.

Villa Il Camino - The beautifully appointed villa with pool is located in the heart of the country, yet a mere five minute drive from the village. Surrounded by pretty hills and lavender and wild roses, it is perfect for groups and families. From £1,500 per week. Sleeps 8.  

Villa Sarnano - Beautiful small gem of a villa cosily tucked away  in a peaceful nook surrounded by the superb scenery of the Sibilini Mountains. This perfectly restructured stone farmhouse is charming and lovingly cared for by its owner in every detail. We think it’s the perfect place to enjoy your most romantic holiday, but it is also very good for small families. From £785 per week. Sleeps 4.

Ca’ del Bosco – A typical farmhouse of the Marches, built with local stone; it has been completely renovated and is surrounded by nature and is suitable for those looking for privacy, peace and relaxation.  From £1,205 per week. Sleeps 8. 

Villa Giardini – This villa is furnished with refined elegance and will satisfy the needs of those who love to enjoy unforgettable vacations immersed in nature, without giving up city comforts. The residence is surrounded by a large garden that conveys a sense of profound peace and tranquillity and there is a lovely pool in the garden – perfect for a relaxing holiday! From £1,300 per week. Sleeps 10.

Casa Sibillini is a beautiful historical residence, once owned by a local famous noble family, it has been restored beautifully to offer fantastic accommodation with stunning views from every corner of its 150acre land. Located in the heart of Le Marche close to the village of Taccarelli it is in the stunning National Park of the Sibillini Mountains, an area famous for its natural beauty. The perfect place for families, couples and groups of friends wanting to enjoy the natural surroundings. From £1,000 per week. Sleeps 6.

Summary

As a holiday destination, Marche is a gem of a region with its own low cost airport, offering most of the highlights of its nearest and most popular neighbours without the tourists. Beautiful countryside, impressive towns and a great coastline make this region worth exploring. If you are looking for a peaceful holiday, welcoming atmosphere and your own slice of Italy, then Le Marche hits the spot.

For a complete selection of properties in the region, click here.

Polignano a Mare, a beautiful seaside paradise in Puglia

Puglia is a diverse region with a perfect blend of rustic landscapes and kilometres of pristine coastline; it boasts some of the cleanest beaches in Italy and it is rare to see overcrowding like in the northern beach resorts.

Polignano, the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’

Located a mere 47 km or a 30 minute car ride from Bari airport, the beautiful seaside resort of Polignano a Mare is considered by many to be the pearl of the Adriatic sea. Originally a fishing village, the town is now a thriving holiday resort (although mostly for the locals).  The buildings are all whitewashed, and there is a stunning cathedral. Steeped in history, this pretty town is the perfect location for a holiday in Italy. Polignano offers a beautiful historic old centre with impressive architecture and outstanding cliffside views over the sea. It is also famous for its caves, with grottos and caverns with stalactites and stalagmites.

In the summer, the town is alive with Baresi doing the ‘passegiata’ through the squares, eating ice-cream or relaxing in the various bars and restaurants, many of which have exceptional sea views. There are many events with music, art, theatre, folklore, sport and food all adding to the uniqueness of the town.

Behind the old centre is a large square which hosts markets twice a week with stalls offering a variety of Pugliese specialities.

The coast

For beach lovers, there is the main beach in the town and some rocky bathing areas, however a short drive away, you will see the largest lido style beaches with facilities at Torre Canne (near Fasano). Those looking for peace and quiet, can also find their own private cove along the route and swim from the rocks!

A little further south, you will also find kilometres of beautiful coastline around the Torre Guaceto nature reserve, which boasts some of the cleanest beaches in Italy.

Travelling around

For those venturing out of Poliganano, the surrounding area offers a raft of whitewashed towns and villages.  Ostuni (also known as the ‘White City’) and one of southern Italy’s most beautiful small towns is located around half an hour’s drive away. Alberobello, another gem of a town, which is home to more than 1,000 Trulli properties is a similar distance away.

Accommodation

Polignano offers some beautifully renovated properties, all offering a great standard of accommodation and ranging from Trulli (cone roofed buildings dating to the middle ages which are unique to the region) to Masserie (Puglian farmhouses, once large agricultural centres for farming the land, many of which are now being converted into either private accommodation or hotels) and apartments.

Click to view a range of accommodation in Polignano and surrounding areas through Holiday Homes in Italy.

Alternatively, view all properties in Puglia.

Holidays in Positano – the jewel in the crown of the Amalfi coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most inspiring and surprising stretches of the Mediterranean coastline and Positano is the jewel in the crown. With its pretty coloured villas, winding cobbled streets, a quaint little beach and plenty of café's, restaurants and boutiques, Positano is the pin-up of the coast.

A dramatic approach

If you are driving from the west, Positano is the first town you will come across. No journey here is dull; seen from the sea, Positano is set in a dramatic vertical panorama of colours with breath-taking cliffs and vivid painted Mediterranean houses against a backdrop of the blue sea.

The town

The town has been popular with an group of travellers since the early 20th century, attracting poets, artists, authors and celebrities alike. It is not hard to guess why they chose it as their preferred holiday destination. The pastel colours give the town a theatrical feel not found elsewhere on the coast and with world-class restaurants, boutiques and statement villas and hotels, the town still attracts a smart, affluent crowd. 

What to see and do

Much has been written about this area of Italy but it isn’t all glitz and glam. In the town, the cathedral and the 13th century Church of Santa Maria Assunta are worth a visit. The surrounding landscape is simple and sumptuous; full of vineyards, lemon trees and olive groves with explosions of bougainvillea. 

For a relaxing break, the main beach, Spiaggia Grande, is one of the largest on the Amalfi Coast and great to watch the world go by. Positano's Fornillo beach, which can be reached via a coastal path, is a more peaceful spot and perfect to spend a lazy afternoon in the Mediterranean sun. 

There are many other paths leading to the little mountain districts above Positano, perfect for those looking for a walk with spectacular and dramatic views.

For those wishing to venture further afield, a wander down to the harbour will give access to a number of boats, where you can explore some of the little bays in the area or visit other famous places along the coast.

Accommodation

Holiday Homes in Italy offers a wide selection of apartments and villas in the area. To view a selection of self-catering properties in and around Positano, click here.

Holidaying in August in Italy? Take a look at the last two weeks where prices drop and there is far more availability

August is a month where millions travel on their holidays and it is also the ‘staycation’ month for Italians where many take their holidays in their beautiful homeland. In manufacturing, you will still see a huge shutdown, where many businesses force their employees to take their four week holiday allocation throughout August. This is also takes place in the service industry with a mass exodus from the cities to the countryside, beaches, lakes and mountains. In the cities many businesses close, stores shut down and nothing gets done as literally most Italians are enjoying their ‘ferie’ (holidays) - up to 60% of the Italian population take their holiday during this period. However, Italy is evolving and you will now see many Italians are starting to take the last two weeks of July and the beginning of August.

If you are looking to travel to Italy in August, you will certainly find the first two weeks as peak season, especially around the national holiday of Ferrogosto (our Lady of Assumption day) which falls on 15th August. Around that time, not only will you find Italian holidaymakers but also many other holidaymakers from other neighbouring European countries. Not only are the prices high during this period but availability is also minimal with many people booking villas and apartments up to a year in advance.

It may come as a surprise to some but the end of August is a different picture all together; prices drop dramatically, there is far greater choice of accommodation throughout Italy and the beaches, lakes, restaurants and importantly the roads are far less congested. It may not be as ‘cool’ for Italians to holiday at this time but it is certainly more appealing for the rest of the world! Just take a look at how holidaying at the end of August will help the budget with a few ideas from Holiday Homes in Italy;

Castellina – 6 bedroom Villa in Tuscany. £2,633 up to 24 August. Only £1,610 from 24 August.

Tao apt – 2 bed apartment in Taormina, Sicily. £1,306 up to 24 August. Only £1,095 from 24 August.

Masseria Bianca – 3 bed villa in Pulia. £1,933 up to 24 August. £1,288 from 24 August.

Gardone Riviera 2 - bedroom apartment in on Lake Garda. £934 up to 24 August. £603 from 24 August.

Byron apartment – 3 bedroom apartment in Portovenere, Liguria. £1,640 up to 24 August. £660 from 24 August.

To search for your perfect holiday this August in Italy, click here.

Sizzling Sicily, the land of plenty

Sicily is Italy's largest island and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It's also a geographical and political region of Italy, famed for its beautiful beaches, cuisine, and fascinating history.  Holiday Homes in Italy, look at some of the reasons behind the island's appeal...

Mother nature

Nature seems to have endowed all its wonders to this land: mountains, hills and above all the sea, with its incredible colors, its crystal-clear water and the beauty of its seabeds, in no way inferior to those of other seas. Here, the Mediterranean Sea, with its many little islands scattered around the coasts of Sicily - the Aeolians, Egadi and Pelagie Islands, Pantelleria and Ustica - offers unique and the intense sceneries, scents and flavors of uncontaminated nature. 

Last but not least, its great volcanoes are symbols of the irresistible beauty and vitality of this incredibly charming region. Etna, the greatest active volcano in Europe, is on Sicily's eastern coast and is one of the fundamental stops for those wanting to discover this region. Its spectacular eruptions have created unique landscapes over the centuries. A world treasure certified by UNESCO is the archeological area of Agrigento, one of the most important towns of Magna Graecia. The famous Valley of the Temples - surrounded by green olive groves, almond trees, citrus orchards and vineyards that stretch out to the sea with all its imposing and elegant monuments - fantastically evokes an atmosphere of 2500 years ago, when the ancient Akagras Agrigentum was a center of power and learning.

Taormina

It is worth visiting Taormina, hitting on the essence of this little jewel midway between Messina and Catania. Taormina 'the Mediterranean Pearl', is sited on a natural terrace sheer above the sea. The Greek theatre is one of the most suggestive spots, sited on a fantastic position and dipped into the blooming nature of this land. It is hard to say if the audience, today as well as at that time, attend the performances without sustaining the fascination of the wonderful view that it is possible to admire from the ancient stalls. The view goes straight across the sea and reaches the Calabria coasts, the town of Siracusa and the Etna's peak. In this peerless scenario a lot of cultural events  take place like for example the significant  international event of the Movie Festival.Taormina is an ideal destination all year round, thanks to the mild climate and the touristic offer oriented to fun, relaxation and joie de vivre.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a much smaller resort but still offers a  lot for the potential tourist; not only are there wonderful beaches but a beautiful medieval heart with plenty of restaurants, shops and café’s to watch the world go by. There are kilometres and kilometres of gorgeous beaches and south of the town is the Madonie National Park with its enchanting villages, breathtaking scenery and impressive mountains and some wonderful walking.

Be active

Trekking lovers can go on a guided excursion along the routes of Sicily's natural parks, while those who prefer other means can choose to explore these wonderful places on a horse's back or riding a mountain bike.

It should be mentioned that in recent years Sicily has even become an important destination for lovers of golf. Several new courses have made their home on the island, which is host to the by-now famous Sicily Open.

Unwind

The Belpaese has always been considered one of the most sought-after destinations for thermal cures, a form of natural medicine existing in Italy since the Roman ages. Sicily is a region of water and volcanoes and it offers a wide range of treatments for those who wish to unwind from stress and daily life by "spa-ing". In thermal spas and wellness centers one can find various regenerating, therapeutic and, without a doubt, beauty treatments. The most renowned spas are Sciacca, with its famous Stufe di San Calogero, caves where the high concentration of steam reaches a temperature of about 40° C, or the Thermae of Acireale, where underground seawater mixes with sulphur water from Etna.

Culture vulture

For enthusiasts of cultural tourism, Sicily is a source of knowledge, history, art and culture. It is here, this island with its mild climate and enchanting surroundings that famous writers such as Salvatore Quasimodo, Giovanni Verga, Luigi Pirandello, Leonardo Sciascia, and Tomasi di Lampedusa found their inspiration to write great works including The Leopard and The House by the Medlar Tree. Those wanting to travel even further back in time will be content to see the Greek Temples of Selinunte and Syracuse, as well as those of Agrigento and of Imera. Not to be forgotten is the Greco-Roman theatre of Taormina and the cathedrals left by the Normans, especially the Martorana, San Giovanni degli Eremiti and San Cataldo Churches.

If it's customs and traditions you're looking for, a visit to Acireale is practically obligatory; there one can see the Opera of Marionettes and the story of Orlando Furioso. There is plenty of choice for those who enjoy festivals and cultural events, too.

Foodies

The exuberance and warmth of the island of Sicily is evident in its food as well, which tells of Sicilians' passion and care for good food and genuine flavors.

A wide array of appetizers to whet your appetite, from rice croquettes to cazzilli and crispeddi of Catania, before tasting rich first courses and fish or meat dishes.
And finally, one should not pass up the famous Sicilian pastries, mainly prepared with ricotta cheese and almond paste.

Many Sicilian products are protected by DOP and IGT quality marks, making Sicily one of the  core diets of Mediterranean; it is famous the world over for the genuineness of its ingredients. 
Extra-virgin olive oil, juicy red oranges and the sweet grapes of Canicattì, Pachino tomatoes and Pantelleria capers, prickly pears and the olives of Nocellara del Belice are some of the excellent products that distinguish Sicilian food.

Yet, we cannot forget the most famous cheeses, like Ragusano and pecorino, or tasty sausages, like Sant'Angelo salami, or the different types of crispy bread, like the loaves of Dittaino.
And pour a glass of one of the island's exquisite, strong and full-bodied wines, ideal when partnered with its unbeatable cuisine.

Casa mia - Sicilian accommodation

From townhouses to apartments and villas, Sicily offers some wonderfully comfortable accommodation,  to make that stay in Sicily special. For a list of self-catering accommodation in Italy, click here.

Cefalu – Sicily’s up-and-coming holiday destination

Sicily is Italy's largest island and famed for its beautiful beaches, cuisine, and fascinating history.  Nature seems to have endowed all its wonders to this land: mountains, hills and above all the sea, with its incredible colors, its crystal-clear water and the beauty of its seabeds, in no way inferior to those of other seas. Taormina may be the obvious destination for a holiday here but Cefalu, which is located a mere hour from Palermo is slowly creeping up on its famous sister resort.

Cefalu is a much smaller resort but still offers a  lot for the potential tourist; not only are there wonderful beaches but a beautiful medieval heart with plenty of restaurants, shops and café’s to watch the world go by. The history of the town overshadows most of the more modern resorts along the coast and the grandeur from its past, makes it unique. The magnificent Piazza del Duomo, which is surrounded by typical pavement cafes and restaurants, houses Cefalù’s cathedral , a jewel in the Arab-Norman crown. The town is endowed with elegant buildings in a mixture of styles, which reflect Sicily's varied influences, from Norman to Byzantine, and Arab to European.

The picturesque harbour is also worth a mention and is a perfect spot to buy fresh fish.       And for the food lover, Cefalu has a great reputation for its cuisine.  From the famous Sicilian pastries to great pizza and pasta and famous Sicilian cheeses, there is plenty on offer.

For those venturing out of the town, there are kilometres and kilometres of gorgeous beaches and south of the town is the Madonie National Park with its enchanting villages, breathtaking scenery and impressive mountains and some wonderful walking.

All in all, Cefalù makes the perfect holiday destination; beautiful sunsets, unpretentious charm, great food and friendly locals.

Accommodation

Holiday Homes in Italy have a wide selection of self-catering properties in and around Cefalu, all carefully selected to ensure a perfect stay. Here are just a few ideas:

Casa Blu - gorgeous town  with terraces in the heart of medieval Cefalu

Casa Seaview - a 2 bed apartment with breathtaking seaviews in Cefalu

Il Genepro - stunning 5 bedroom house in the hills surrounding Cefalu

Villa Cefalu - luxury villa in a very peaceful location in the Madonie park, near Cefalu