All seasons are perfect for travelling in Italy, not just summer. In autumn, nature dresses itself in warm and evocative colours, creating unique landscapes. The golden hills, the woods that seem to be painted, the silence. Even the sea in this season has a different light.
In spring, however, everything is brilliant, from the green of the countryside to the sky, bluer than ever. If the temperatures are mild and the air is fresh and pleasant, after exploring towns and admiring landscapes, diving into a heated pool will be the best way to end the day.
Today we would like to suggest some destinations for your holiday in a villa with heated pool. Read on to find out which ones they are.
Discovering Marche
In autumn, Marche is the ideal destination for those in search of excellent cuisine, thanks to the abundance of seasonal products such as mushrooms, chestnuts and truffles. In fact, in the many gastronomic festivals organised in this season, one can savour regional delicacies, accompanied by fine local wines that are loved throughout Italy.
One of our favourite places in Le Marche is Piobbico, an enchanting place nestled among the peaks of the Umbria-Marches Apennines. This is the best place for those who love walking in nature and enjoying the fresh air. This picturesque village seems to call for idleness and tranquillity.
Among the most beautiful villages in Italy is Corinaldo, with its fortified centre, whose imposing wall system has been magnificently preserved. Among the many historical monuments worth visiting, do not miss the Church of Sant’Agostino, which was dedicated to the young martyr Santa Maria Goretti in the last century, and the Mascherone Fountain. Piazza del Popolo is the lively heart of Corinaldo, with its characteristic cobblestone pavement and elliptical shape. Also make a stop at the Municipal Theatre, which is considered one of the jewels of Corinaldo’s architectural heritage.
In short, this small town is a place rich in history and charm, definitely worth a thorough visit.
Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, as beautiful in summer as in winter, Grottammare offers not only golden beaches, but also many historical sites and monuments to see. The old part of the village is located on the slopes of the hills, where you can stroll along its cobbled streets and admire the colourful houses that date back to the Middle Ages, and that we are sure will steal your heart. Must-sees include the Church of Santa Lucia and the Orange Theatre. The waterfront, on the other hand, will appeal to those who want to play sports, but also to those who want to relax, thanks to the presence of restaurants and bars.
Cingoli is nicknamed the ‘Balcony of Le Marche‘ because of the village’s terrace that offers an extraordinary view over the entire Marche region. From up here, the view stretches from Montefeltro to Ascoli, between the hills of the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea, with Monte Conero on the horizon. Strolling through the historic centre, one can admire squares, churches and noble palaces of great beauty, such as the marvellous Palazzo Castiglioni, where one can dine in the prestigious Cantina del Palazzo, accompanied by delicious local wines.
Si arriva poi a San Severino Marche, dove la splendida piazza duecentesca rappresenta il cuore pulsante della città. Qui è possibile visitare la suggestiva Pinacoteca, l’incantevole Teatro Feronia del XVIII secolo e la maestosa Torre del Castello Medievale, simbolo indiscusso del centro storico con i suoi 40 metri di altezza e la leggera inclinazione che la rendono ancora più affascinante.
Next comes San Severino Marche, where the splendid 13th-century square represents the beating heart of the town. Here it’s possible to visit the suggestive Pinacoteca (Art Gallery), the enchanting 18th century Feronia Theatre and the majestic Medieval Castle Tower, the undisputed symbol of the old town centre with its height of 40 metres and slight inclination, which makes it even more fascinating.
Have you ever heard of Morrovalle? Nestled in the rolling hills of Macerata, this small village is a precious medieval town that is well worth a visit. You can explore its narrow alleys and admire the numerous noble palazzos, among which the evocative Palazzo Comunale with its 14th-century Civic Tower stands out. In addition, in the ancient basement of the Augustinian Fathers’ convent houses you can explore the International Nativity Museum, where no less than 150 paintings and almost 800 nativity scenes from all over the world are on display.
Back in the province of Pesaro Urbino, we recommend a visit to Fermignano, which was the scene of the Battle of the Metauro between the Romans and Asdrubale’s Carthaginians. Today you can still admire the three-arched Roman bridge, symbol of the town. On the bridge, in 1400 Federico da Montefeltro had a shrine dedicated to the Madonna and Child placed. Don’t miss the Church of Santa Veneranda, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1784. The Palio della Rana di Fermignano, a historical costume tournament, also takes place in April. Perfect for those who want to discover and immerse themselves in the ancient traditions of the Marche region.
Apulia for all tastes
Many of us are used to thinking of Apulia only in relation to the sea and beaches, but there is actually so much more to see, even during the colder months of the year.
In the northern part of the region is the white town of Ostuni, in the Murge hills of Salento. This town is famous for its immaculate white buildings. It is a magical place that seems to have come straight out of a postcard!
Continuing northwards, you can admire the beautiful Valle d’Itria, an area characterised by picturesque villages such as Locorotondo and Alberobello with its iconic trulli that have also become UNESCO World Heritage sites.
In Castellana Grotte one can immerse oneself in an unparalleled speleological experience and walk through the depths of the earth. Indeed, Apulia has always been characterised by impressive underground rivers that have shaped its subsoil in surprising ways. And such an opportunity cannot be missed during your stay in Apulia! But don’t forget to wear sports shoes and bring a light jacket.
Then there is Cisternino, known for its famous butcher’s shops where you can taste the tasty freshly roasted knife sausage, and then again Ceglie Messapica and Martina Franca, beautiful towns and home of the famous capocollo.
The city of Bari, with its picturesque historic centre, offers numerous attractions. The Basilica of St Nicola, for example, is one of the most important places of worship for the Catholic Church. The basilica houses the relics of St Nicola, the patron saint of the city. Another beautiful church is the Cathedral of San Sabino, an important example of Romanesque art, also famous for its medieval crypt and 12th century frescoes. The Swabian Castle, located near the harbour, was built by the Normans in the 11th century and then rebuilt in the 13th century. Today it houses numerous temporary exhibitions. If you love art, the Pinacoteca Provinciale di Bari houses the works of the most important Apulian artists, including Jatta, De Nittis and Cascella. Finally, at the end of your stay in Puglia’s capital, don’t miss a stroll along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro with views of the Adriatic Sea and Bari’s old town.
Tuscany, between villages and thermal spas
Visiting Tuscany always leads to the discovery of some treasure. From ancient villages with stone walls to archaeological sites and masterpieces of art, there is always something interesting to visit.
During the autumn months, an interesting stop could be Saturnia. The natural thermal baths are the main reason to visit this area. Immerse yourself in the thermal waters and enjoy the benefits. The natural thermal waterfall is located near the medieval village. Here you can achieve a natural whirlpool effect thanks to the rocks smoothed by the water. Inside the village, on the other hand, you can discover churches, historical fountains and stone portals. Saturnia is also home to the Etruscan Necropolis of Puntone, which the Etruscans who inhabited the area used for burials. A series of tombs excavated in the rock can still be admired today.
To get away from the usual itineraries, we also recommend a visit to Pitigliano, a picturesque town located on a hilltop in the Tuscan Maremma. Famous for its medieval beauty and unique architecture, it is also known as ‘Little Jerusalem’. Pitigliano was in fact built in tuff and has been built preserving its urban structure: a labyrinth of streets, alleys, arches, stairways and squares. Among the most interesting places to visit are the Pitigliano Cathedral with its Gothic style, the Archaeological Civic Museum, the Orsini Fortress and the numerous caves. For those with a good appetite, we recommend among the typical dishes: roast lamb, acquacotta, pici and fritters, which are usually prepared during the Carnival period. The town of Pitigliano is an ideal destination for those who like to visit lesser-known places or border landscapes.
Those who prefer villages and rolling hills, however, cannot miss the Val d’Orcia. This is undoubtedly Tuscany’s trump card. Located in the heart of the province of Siena, the Val d’Orcia has been the setting for many a film, thanks to its hills dotted with rows of vineyards, isolated farmhouses and cypress trees arranged in regular rows. This area can be visited at any season of the year to admire a range of colour nuances, varying from the vibrant green of spring sunrise to the deep yellow after the harvest. It is therefore not surprising that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. Here you can discover wonderful medieval towns including Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia, Castiglione d’Orcia and Radicofani. Among the tourist attractions you should not overlook, we recommend Montepulciano.
Visiting Tuscany, whatever the season, is always the perfect way to unplug from the hustle and bustle of daily life, surrender to the immense charm of a marvellous land and enjoy its unique and breathtaking beauty.
After so much travelling and discovering, however, don’t miss the chance to treat yourself to a warm bath in one of our villas with heated pool. You will find plenty of them on our website, in different regions of Italy. These villas are perfect for hosting you and your friends or family at any time of the year and are ideal for relaxing after an excursion.
And you, have you chosen where to spend your next holiday?
