Archive for 'Pretty Views'

The island of Elba, off the Tuscan Coast, is already an exceptionally beautiful place. For those who have found a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast, it is a must-see.

However, there is something that makes it even more incredible: a butterfly sanctuary that is part of the Arcipelago Toscano National Park, in a natural oasis that stretches from the picnic area of Monte Perone and ends on the slopes of Monte Capanne.

Tuscany is not particularly famous for her beaches and, yet, boasts many incredible beaches. If you are looking to combine a beach getaway with a trip to Tuscany, just browse our vacation rentals in Maremma and find a villa on the Tuscan coast.

Here you'll have the perfect place to enjoy the seaside and from which to explore the cultural and natural gems that have made the region famous.

One of the best areas of the Maremma for beaches is along the Monti dell'Uccellina, a system of wooded mountains that stretches along the coast.

Covered with a thick Mediterranean forest vegetation and lower slopes that have been deforested and transformed into olive groves and pastures.

If you have found a vacation rental in Arezzo and are looking for things to see and do in the area, you might consider heading to the Sanctuary of La Verna. This Franciscan monastery is located on Mount Penna, perched above Chiusi della Verna in the province of Arezzo.

One of the places where St. Francis is venerated, it is an important and beautiful artistic, cultural, historical and spiritual centres. Visitors flock to the site each year for its many charms and as St. Francis is one of the most adored saints in the world.

The mountain was actually donated to St. Francis in 1213 by Count Orlando Cattani of Chiusi of La Verna, who described it as the ideal place for contemplation of the bounty of God's earth, saying, “I have in Tuscany a faithful mount that is named Mount of La Vernia, which is really isolated and wild and perfect for those who want to do penance in a remote place or to those who want to live in solitude.”

If you have been seeking out the perfect holiday destination in Tuscany, then you might consider a vacation rental in Sorano. This picturesque hill town in the south of Tuscany, is part of a chain of stunning ancient villages including Sovana and Pitigliano and is a beautifully preserved gem that has changed very little in the past hundred years.

It is the ideal location for those looking for an authentic and old slice of Tuscan life, for those who like to holiday off the beaten tourist track and to find something more unique.

The most distinctive feature of the town, clearly visible from a great distance, is the Orsini Fortress, originally built in the 14th and then rebuilt in the 16th century, which is raised on an outcrop above the town itself. It is a crowning glory to the romantic tangle of winding streets and alleys that make up the village itself.

The crete senesi, or the Clay hills of Siena, are a truly stunning part of Tuscany's countryside. For those looking to take in the most typical and postcard-worthy scenery, it is a must-see. You can browse our villas in Montepulciano and luxury villas in Pienza and come discover the natural beauty of this area for yourself.

However, there is also a wealth of natural beauty that is not entirely natural. By this, we mean that man has had a hand in its creation; in the creation of some exceptional gardens.

Villa La Foce is a historic villa and farm, overlooking the Val d'Orcia that boasts a wonderful garden. While the villa was built in the 15th century, the gardens date to the early 20th century and can be attributed to Antonio Origo and his Anglo-American wife Iris, who bought the property in 1924.