Holidays in Italy
Please read our guide to self catering Italian holidays
From culture to nature and from history to night-time entertainment, it would be fair to say Italy has it all. Holidays in Italy attract millions of visitors each year meaning you are sure to find Italy vacation rentals to meet your requirements and holiday budget exactly.
For family holidays, Italy offers a rich variety of activities to enjoy. In the northern-most part of the country, the Alps provide plenty of skiing opportunities as do the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto in the north-east. There is plenty more than just the world-class slopes to keep you entertained. Many of the ski resorts, including Cortina d'Ampezzo offer other activities such as toboggan rides and adventure trails suited for children.
For sun and sand, halfway down the coast is the immensely popular region of Tuscany, an ideal location to enjoy some of the country's stunning rural landscapes. Its shores are highlighted by warm sandy beaches and a short trip to the Island of Elba can have you swimming in the pristine clear blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Rental farmhouses in Tuscany and the neighbouring region of Umbria provide the perfect getaway for an idyllic escape into the countryside, or an ideal starting point to explore all the wonders of the area.
In addition, Tuscany holiday rentals offer an ideal base to explore one of the country’s most beautiful monuments to Renaissance art – Florence. Self catering holiday apartments in Florence allow you to spend your days soaking in the abundant history and culture of this majestic city and, if you are planning a short break with your significant other, it is one of the many locations where you can bask in the rich and romantic Italian atmosphere.
If it is culture and history you’re after, the capital city of Rome is literally overflowing with inspiration and wonder. The Coliseum, St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica are just a few of the world-renowned attractions that make up this beautiful part of the country. Rome holiday rentals provide a great base to enjoy the best shops, restaurants and bars in addition to the areas great attractions.
Although Rome is famed for its romantic location for couples, a serious contender has to be the captivating city of Venice. A gondola ride under the charming bridges and through the enchanting buildings on its waterway streets is something every visitor to the city must experience. The city has some stunning architecture (as you will find in St. Marks Square) surrounded by its quaint cobblestone streets all combining to give the city of Venice its truly distinct passionate flavour.
Southern Italy is where the Mediterranean temperatures really start to move up the scale. The south is more popular in the later months of summer and early autumn, because of the intense heat in the height of the summer season, while the north experiences more of a temperate climate.
There is a vast range of resorts and famous beaches to choose from in this part of the Mediterranean. The truly remarkable coast of Calabria is a perfect example. Often called the ‘Caribbean of Europe’ this region is home to some of the most naturally stunning clear water beaches in the country.
You can find real gems hiding between the rugged cliff faces as well vast open beach fronts that offer a wide amount of activities aimed at children and adults. Surfing, sailing, water skiing and banana boats can all be found by the beach. Dino Island with its unique blue caves is a must-see when visiting the region.
When it comes to heritage, Southern Italy is not without its fair share of outstanding landmarks. The ancient Roman city of Pompeii, which is located in the Campania region near Naples, provides a step back in time like no other location in the world. So much of the city has remained preserved after Mount Vesuvius erupted and immortalised it in volcanic ash. Many of the casualties of the disaster can still be found in the same poses that they were in on that fateful day.
Whether you're planning a fun-filled and inspirational family holiday or a cherished and memorable city break, Italy offers something to suit all tastes.
The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Its history has it marked as the country with the highest number of Word Heritage sites in the world and its celebrated fine cuisine can be found in any region you choose to call home for your holiday. The wonders of Italy are just waiting to be discovered. For more information why not read our guide to the top 10 cities in Italy.
