When thinking of visiting Italy for a holiday, many things come to mind. From the glory of ancient Rome to the incredible emotions stirred by a visit to Pompeii as it lives in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, but to think of the peninsula only in those terms is to do a disservice to what is a wonderfully vibrant destination for many other reasons.
Luxury travel company, IKH villas are specialists of the Italian holiday market and have provided some wonderful information when it comes to choosing your luxury holiday retreat.
All across the country there are numerous places to visit away from the usual tourist locations, offering an opportunity to not only take in all that amazing culture but also enjoy the sun, sea and mountains many never take the time to savour.
Few nations in the world offer as stark a contrast as parts of Italy, with the gloriously picturesque scenery of Tuscan is closely bordered by some of Europe’s most fashionable and cosmopolitan cities. Along its coastline are countless beach resorts, from obscure villages visited only by locals to the upmarket Riviera ports littered with waterfront cafes and lavish boutiques.
The Adriatic lies east, with towns such as Rimini famous for its high temperatures and thriving beaches during the day, matched only by the lively nature of its nightclub scene once the sun goes down. To the south and the west are much slower paced more subdued resorts, with the hot, dry climate of the former delivering a wonderfully relaxed environment that is complimented perfectly by the delicious seafood and full-bodied local wines.
The latter meanwhile, particularly just below Rome is home to towns such as Sperlonga while steep hills hide away a plethora of luxury retreats that allow visitors to truly get away from the hustle and bustle below, with incredible views of the town and out to sea.
Further north, the province of Genoa boasts arguably the most attractive of all the Mediterranean coastlines in Europe, with traditionally popular resorts that attract visitors from near and far. Chief among them is perhaps Portofino, a town that manages to be both busy and tranquil at the same time, offering some superb restaurants and bars to the discerning traveller.
San Remo has long attracted celebrity visitors, drawn as they are to the casino and breathtaking views, while the five villages that make up the “Cinque Terre” are linked by well-managed walking trails. Winding through olive groves and vineyards, each is unique and manages to retain its old fashioned charm while delivering thoroughly modern amenities.
Should you wish to enjoy them, Italy also boasts a large number mountain destinations which are ideal for no matter what time of year you wish to see them, delivering yet more beautiful and evocative scenery and no end of activities.
From the Alps that define the country’s northern border, to the Apennines which run from Liguria to Calabria, these mountainous retreats invite visitors to experience a wide array of cultural and outdoor activities, from snowboarding and skiing to horse riding or walking.
So whether you wish to disappear among throngs of tourists in a thriving resort or relax with the locals in a tranquil village, you can be certain that Italy has a location to suit your taste.
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