It is never too early to think about how to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Whether you are travelling with family or friends, spending a few days in a beautiful, elegant and exclusive luxury villa on New Year’s Eve is always a good idea.
Should you decide to spend New Year’s Eve in a villa in Le Marche, Tuscany or Emilia Romagna, in a cosy holiday home in Umbria, Abruzzo or Lazio or in Apulia or Sicily, you will certainly not be short of entertainment or places to discover. Here are some useful suggestions.
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Ville in Le Marhe for New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve in a luxury villa in Le Marche will allow you to discover wonderful villages and live unforgettable experiences in the midst of nature.
In Ascoli Piceno you cannot miss the wonderful historic centre. This medieval city, with its walls and squares still perfectly preserved, will transport you to a magical era. Piazza del Popolo is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Italy: here are the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, the Church of San Francesco, the arcades and loggias and the historic Caffè Meletti, where the famous Anisetta is produced.
Pesaro is also one of the entertainment centres in the region, with its numerous clubs and restaurants, where you will be spoilt for choice as to where to celebrate 31 December. If you are looking for a magical atmosphere, we recommend instead a visit to Urbino, the birthplace of the painter Raphael. Urbino is also a real architectural gem. Don’t miss a visit to the Palazzo Ducale and the University.
Ancona, the main town of the region, is a seaside town. But, while during the summer you can find some enchanting beaches here, during the winter months it’s its city centre that wins the eyes and hearts of visitors.
Every year in the square there is a special event to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, with music and lots of fun: however, if what you are looking for are nature and tranquility, you can experience it from the cathedral of St Ciriaco. Also, don’t miss the Teatro delle Muse and the Lazzaretto monument.
If you love nature, the right place for you is the Monti Sibillini National Park. Unspoilt landscapes will allow you to start the year in the best possible way, amidst mountains, lakes and solitary paths.
Another unmissable destination in the Marche region is also Recanati. Famous for being the birthplace of the poet Giacomo Leopardi, Recanati has an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, among which the ermo colle della poesia (the hill of poetry). Here you will also find a museum dedicated to the poet.
Those who prefer cities will certainly love Macerata with its spectacular Sferisterio, a neoclassical amphitheatre that hosts a famous opera festival in summer.
These are just some of the places to visit, should you decide to spend New Year’s Eve in a villa in the Marche region.
Villas in Tuscany for New Year’s Eve
A New Year’s Eve in Tuscany is always the best way to pamper yourself and start the year in the most relaxing and enjoyable way possible. In fact, Tuscany offers a combination of medieval villages, wineries, cities of art and spas that few other places can boast.
Those who love big cities cannot miss Florence, with its Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. It is also home to one of the world’s most famous museums, the Uffizi Gallery, as well as the Pitti Palace, the Vasari Corridor and the Boboli Gardens. Another city that will certainly not fail to entertain you is Siena. Strolling around the beautiful shell-shaped piazza is always a thrill, as is enjoying a good traditional dish, accompanied by a glass of red wine.
If you prefer the hills to the cities, all you have to do is move on to Chianti, where you can visit the region’s most famous wine cellars. This area is perfect for those seeking slow rhythms and small pleasures of life, especially regarding food. Among the most interesting villages are: Greve in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti and Gaiole in Chianti.
Lucca is also worth a visit: its cosy historical centre, enclosed by walls surrounded by greenery, makes it a small Tuscan jewel. After a tour of the walls, you can make a stop at the café in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. Among the most interesting museums, you can visit is the house of Giacomo Puccini.
The region of Tuscany, as you might have guessed, offers a combination of art, culture, nature and traditional cuisine, making it an ideal place to celebrate the start of the New Year.
Villas in Emilia-Romagna for New Year’s Eve
In Emilia Romagna you can enjoy all of life’ pleasures: good food, incredible art, beautiful landscapes and stunning cities.
Our little vademecum on everything you should not miss during your New Year’s Eve in Emilia Romagna undoubtedly includes the regional capital: Bologna. In the streets, on the night of 31 December, celebrations take place practically everywhere: in the square, a few steps away from the Neptune fountain, as well as in the numerous clubs in the historic centre.
Don’t miss Ferrara, with its Palazzo dei Diamanti: inside you can admire a fine exhibition of classical or contemporary art, ideal for a cultural start to the year. The palace is in fact composed of more than 8,500 marble blocks, which cover its surface and give it its so original shape. Legend has it that among the many marble blocks there is a real diamond. Have you ever tried to find it?
Moving on to Parma, we suggest a visit to Bardi Castle. Built to protect the city from barbarian assaults, the fortress still towers over the surrounding area from a rocky spur. If you like hot springs and dream of a relaxing New Year’s Eve in Emilia Romagna, we suggest visiting the Terme di Tabiano, or Terme Respighi, also called Terme del Respiro. Their sulphurous waters have infinite benefits and are among the best in Europe. They are located near Salsomaggiore, inside elegant historical buildings.
In Modena, don’t miss the majestic cathedral, an example of Romanesque art.
Art lovers should definitely make a stopover in Ravenna, which, attracts many tourists from all over the world every year, with its rich early Christian and Byzantine mosaics. One of the most shining examples is the Basilica of San Vitale, dating from the late Roman period. Here you will be astounded by the opulence of the mosaics, which are also subject to oriental influences.
Moving further south, towards Romagna, we find the small village of Santarcangelo, in the province of Rimini. This small mediaeval town, very elegant and perfectly preserved, offers New Year’s Eve parties and events in the many restaurants and clubs, and often also in the square.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for something more lively, you can move to Rimini. In spite of its fame, in addition to many entertainments, here you will also find some masterpieces of art and architecture, such as the Malatesta Temple, inside which is preserved Giotto’s wooden crucifix, or the monuments from the Roman era: Tiberius Bridge and the Arch of Augustus.
Villas in Umbria for New Year’s Eve
Spending New Year’s Eve in Umbria will appeal especially to those who wish to renew their relationship with nature. It is no coincidence that Umbria is called ‘the green lung of Italy‘. If you have decided to discover this wonderful Italian region, we recommend our personal itinerary.
We start in Assisi, a small medieval town popular with pilgrims and famous for its majestic basilica of San Francesco. Don’t miss the two churches, the Lower Basilica and the Upper Basilica, with Giotto’s frescoes.
The second stop on our ideal tour is Perugia, a city with many different sides: medieval, Renaissance, Etruscan. In the central square you will find the Fontana Maggiore: concerts and parties are often held here to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Overlooking the square you can also admire some examples of medieval sculpture and ancient buildings such as the Palazzo dei Priori, now home to the National Gallery of Umbria, and the cathedral of San Lorenzo.
Spoleto, like Perugia, can also boast an enormous artistic and cultural heritage. Your itinerary cannot miss the imposing Rocca Albornoziana, from which you can enjoy a splendid view of the entire city, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, or Duomo. Inside, on the apse, you can admire the frescoes by Filippo Lippi.
Among the most beautiful places in all of Umbria, but also in Italy, is Orvieto. The Duomo is the symbol of the city and brings together different styles: Gothic and Romanesque, in particular.
Then there is Lake Trasimeno, enchanting in all seasons with its three islands emerging from the water: Isola Polvese, Isola Maggiore and Isola Minore.
Then, after so much wandering around the beauty of the region, you can return to your holiday home in Umbria that you have rented for New Year’s Eve and enjoy the time with friends or family, celebrating the arrival of the New Year in an elegant and refined environment.
Villas in Abruzzo for New Year’s Eve
Booking a holiday home in Abruzzo for New Year’s Eve could be the right idea for those who want to spend a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. The villages, the unspoilt nature, the mountain peaks for winter sports, the castles, the hermitages, the lakes. Abruzzo is truly a unique region yet to be discovered.
Rocca Calascio is one of the most magical places you will encounter in our peninsula. In the province of L’Aquila, inside the Gran Sasso Park, this castle will take you back in time, among knights and ladies. For lovers of extreme landscapes, the Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio is also not to be missed. Amidst the forests of the Majella, this place far from contemporary life will steal your heart.
If you are looking for snow, you will find it in Roccaraso. In fact, this town is home to an important ski resort that experienced great development at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, the Alto Sangro district offers more than 110 km of slopes, not only for skiers, but also for snowboarders.
Moving to the coast instead, you will find Ortona, with its splendid coastline and charming old town centre that is wonderful even in winter.
Booking a holiday home in Abruzzo for New Year’s Eve will be the right way to enter the New Year in a relaxing way, enjoying the beauty of these ancient places.
Ville Lazio for New Year’s Eve
Those who are thinking of celebrating New Year’s Eve in Lazio will be spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment. Rome is in fact famous for its concerts in the squares, as well as for the many unmissable events in the capital’s numerous clubs. But that’s not all. By booking a villa in Lazio for New Year’s Eve you can also take the opportunity to discover many other places that you don’t know yet in the rest of the region or just a few kilometres from Rome.
The whole of Lazio is in fact worth discovering, even if visitors often limit themselves to the capital.
Viterbo, for example, is a small city that has nothing to envy from more famous towns. Its historical centre is pretty and in the many restaurants you can eat delicious local specialities, accompanied by local wines. In addition, there are also some free spas in the Viterbo area that are pleasant even in winter. Have you ever thought of celebrating the start of the New Year in relaxation, immersed in the warm water of the thermal baths? The most famous are the Piscine Carletti, but they are certainly not the only ones. You can choose between the Bagnaccio or San Sisto SPAS.
One of the places not to be missed is the Civita di Bagnoregio, also known as ‘the dying city’, because the tuff outcrop on which it was built, which is wearing away every year. To reach it, you have to cross a bridge over the tuff valley.
Also not to be missed is the Parco dei Mostri di Bomarzo, a place where monstrous and grotesque statues guide visitors through a dreamlike path within a forest.
Wonderful, and just a stone’s throw from Rome, is Tivoli. Here you can admire some elegant villas, such as Villa d’Este, Villa Adriana and Villa Gregoriana. Some Roman ruins are still preserved in the village, with columns and parts of ancient temples.
Villas in Apulia for New Year’s Eve
Trulli, centuries-old olive trees, good food. Booking a villa in Apulia for New Year’s Eve is always a good idea. Bari, the capital city, has a wonderful historic centre that even during the Christmas and New Year festivities comes alive with live music and fun for the whole family.
In fact, Bari Vecchia, the heart of the city, is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways paved with stone, where women still prepare and sell the famous orecchiette on the doorstep of their homes. Don’t miss the Cathedral of San Sabino, with its famous rose window, and the Fortino di Sant’Antonio Abate, from which to take a pleasant early-year walk along the seafront, among the Art Nouveau buildings and the Adriatic.
The journey then continues to Lecce, the pearl of the south. Because of its rich architectural heritage, it is comparable to Florence. Its centre is likened to an actual museum, where the Lecce Baroque finds its highest expression. Here, you can admire the Basilica of Santa Croce, with its marvellous, richly decorated façade, and the Duomo with its high bell tower.
In the main square, Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the arrival of the New Year is celebrated on New Year’s Eve with live music concerts and fireworks. Here you will also find the ancient Roman amphitheatre and the famous Palazzo del Seggio, also known as the Sedile.
Next in the Itria Valley is Alberobello, where a stop is an absolute must. This village is in fact famous for its high concentration of trulli, the typical Apulian whitewashed limestone buildings with stone roofs. The view from here will leave you speechless, we are sure.
Another place not to be missed is Ostuni, with its small houses and narrow streets. The ‘white city’, as it is called, is a succession of small squares, churches and houses. Also in the Itria Valley are Locorotondo, Cisternino and Martina Franca, with its Baroque Ducal Palace and the Basilica of San Martino. All three are not to be missed, as are the Apulian ‘bombette’, which will drive you crazy with their aroma and strong taste.
Finally, our last stop is Otranto: white houses leaning against each other, the Aragonese castle dominating the horizon and the sea surrounding the town. Otranto is one of Italy’ gems, wonderful in summer and fascinating during the winter. If you feel like visiting it, take advantage of the New Year to do so.
Villas in Sicily
If you have booked a villa in Sicily for New Year’s Eve and are wondering what you might do during your stay, here are our recommendations.
Sicily is a big and beautiful region, so we have bad news for you: it will be impossible to see it all at once. The good news, however, is that it will be nice to have a good opportunity to return.
The first place we recommend you see during your stay is Palermo. This city is lively throughout the whole year, with its historical buildings and monuments to see, but especially thanks to its markets. Don’t miss the Palazzo dei Normanni, the Cathedral of Palermo, the Teatro Massimo and the famous markets of Ballarò and Vucciria. Fun DJ sets are improvised here on the night of 31 December and it is impossible not to find the fun you are looking for.
Taormina is also undoubtedly worth a visit: in particular, during winter, it may provide a nice surprise to the visitors. You will have the opportunity to admire it in all its splendour, without a large influx of tourists. Don’t miss the Greek Theatre of Taormina in the early morning or at sunset, it will be one of the best memories of your holiday.
Catania, like Palermo, is a lively city with plenty of entertainment throughout the year. On New Year’s Eve, you can take part in concerts and parties in the streets of the city… and of course there will be fireworks! The heart of Catania is Piazza del Duomo, where you will also find the Fontana dell’Elefante.
On the east coast, don’t miss Syracuse and the island of Ortigia, with its historic centre. The Piazza del Duomo, the harbour, Maniace Castle and the Aretusa Fountain are stunning at any time of day, but especially at sunset, when the golden light caresses the white marble.
If you want to explore the Baroque, visit Noto, Modica and Ragusa. These three locations are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the Baroque palaces, churches and cathedrals are sure to impress
Italy is the perfect place to spend an unforgettable New Year’s Eve among art, culture, nature and good food.
And you, have you already booked your villa for New Year’s Eve?
