Italy offers an incredible range of destinations, from northern forests to southern beaches, with plentiful options for every type of traveler. Whether you’re drawn to the rustic charm of a restored farmhouse, the modern comfort of a villa, or the unique experience of glamping, there’s a perfect Italian escape waiting for you.
Northern Sicily Adventures
Our journey begins with a stay at Terre di Bea, a traditional Sicilian cottage nestled within the Madonie natural park in northern Sicily. It’s a place that truly embraces outdoor living. The restoration has masterfully incorporated local stone, chestnut beams, and ancient clay tiles, all adorned with art from Sicilian craftspeople. Imagine waking up and stepping out to a pool and terrace, complete with a hammock and sun loungers. There’s a covered outdoor kitchen perfect for al fresco dining and a comfortable indoor living area for cooler evenings.
This cute, colorful cottage is ideal for a small group or family, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The surrounding park offers fantastic hiking opportunities, and the coast is a mere 10-minute drive away. We also found the nearby medieval town of Cefalù to be absolutely charming, a perfect afternoon excursion.
Further south, Casa d’Eraclea presents a different, more modern take on a Sicilian retreat. This villa is all about serene relaxation. The absolute highlight is the stunning infinity pool that appears to spill right into the Bay of Eraclea. The sandy beach is conveniently located just 500 meters away. We loved the terraced garden and the decked area around the pool, dotted with loungers and hammocks.
The covered veranda, equipped with a dining table and barbecue, made for delightful evenings. A first-floor terrace offers sweeping sea views that are truly breathtaking. Inside, the open-plan layout is spacious, with two double rooms, two singles, and two bathrooms, comfortably sleeping six. The proximity to the archaeological site of Heraclea Minoa and the UNESCO World Heritage site Valley of the Temples at Agrigento is a major draw for history buffs.
Island Escapes in Sardinia
Heading to Sardinia, Casa Querce offers a truly unspoiled experience in the southern part of the island, not far from Pula and about a 30-minute drive from Cagliari. What makes this villa stand out are its expansive, meticulously kept grounds. You’ll find a swimming pool, a tranquil pond, lush lawns, a rock garden, and mature trees, all set against a backdrop of picturesque mountain views. The single-storey house is perfect for a family, sleeping four.
Inside, a split-level lounge provides a cozy space, and the kitchen opens directly onto the terrace. One of the bedrooms is a double with an en suite, and there’s also a twin room and a separate bathroom. A barbecue is available for grilling, and we appreciated the welcome pack of Sardinian wine, beer, and snacks – a thoughtful touch. Nearby attractions include the Roman ruins at Nora and three beautiful sandy beaches.
For a more budget-friendly yet stylish option, MuMa on the island of Sant’Antioco offers a unique waterfront experience. While it calls itself a hostel, it feels more like a bright, modern hotel. It has a variety of rooms, many with sea views, all featuring minimalist decor and sea-themed murals by local artists. The building itself is shared with the Museum of the Sea and Shipwrights, adding a cultural layer to your stay.
The breakfast here is something special; imagine enjoying homemade cakes, muffins, and pies with local jam, honey, and yogurt, either in the cafe or the garden. We found exploring the Santa Caterina lagoon and the Sant’Antioco salt pans on foot to be a peaceful way to spend an afternoon. Bike hire, canoe trips, and guided birdwatching excursions are also readily available.
Basilicata’s Atmospheric Charm
Venturing inland to Basilicata, La Voce del Fiume offers a luxurious bed and breakfast experience in the medieval village of Brienza. Situated near the rushing waters of the Melandro river, this place is all about atmosphere. The rooms, including a suite, feature exposed rock walls, antique furniture, and vintage prints, creating a wonderfully romantic setting. The suite boasts original beams, shutters, and even an old bread oven, plus its own terrace.
Breakfast is a delightful affair, served in the garden overlooking the valley and featuring plenty of homemade and regional produce. This area is a ski destination in winter, and we noted that guests can book guided walking and cycling excursions, complete with packed lunches. Open-air massages are also an option here. Caracciolo Castle is just a five-minute walk away, and the B&B provides direct access to the Appennino Lucano-Val d’Agri-Lagonegrese national park.
Puglia’s Romantic and Glamping Options
Puglia beckons with its distinctive charm. Casa Rosanna is a beautifully restored one-bedroom cottage that excels in outdoor living. It boasts a garden with an olive grove, a pool with a hammock, and a terrace and balcony, both offering sea views and dining areas. Inside, the cottage is light and serene, featuring stone floors and carved wooden furniture. The ground floor is open-plan, with the bedroom and en suite shower room located upstairs.
This peaceful spot in the Valle d’Itria is conveniently located a short drive from picturesque towns like Cisternino, Alberobello, and Locorotondo. For a more unique experience, consider Nordisk Village, a Scandi-style glampsite within the grounds of the historic Masseria Cuturi wine estate near Manduria. Here, you’ll find spacious cotton tents nestled in an ancient oak forest, each equipped with comfortable beds.
Campers share a pool, shower block, bar, and relaxation room. Breakfast, featuring local produce, is served on the terrace of the 17th-century farmhouse, offering lovely views of the olive groves and vineyards. Guided wine tastings, foraging, and cycling tours are popular activities, and the nearest white-sand beaches are just a 10-minute drive away. We found the combination of rustic charm and modern comfort to be perfect for a relaxed getaway.
Adventures on the Amalfi Coast
For those seeking a more rugged adventure, the mountains above the Amalfi coast offer a compelling alternative to the bustling coastline. The Alta Via dei Monti Lattari is a challenging yet rewarding six-day trek along the ridge of the Lattari mountains, providing spectacular views of the coast, Vesuvius, and Naples. Walkers stay in mountain huts along the way, such as Rifugio di Santa Maria dei Monti, a historic refuge dating back to the 1800s.
This hut accommodates 13 people and offers incredible views over Amalfi, Ravello, and Atrani. If a full trek seems too much, a shorter walk from Agerola, a half-hour hike away, or from Ravello or Scala, a 90-minute walk, can still provide a taste of the mountains’ beauty. The sense of accomplishment after a day of hiking, surrounded by such dramatic scenery, is unparalleled.
Abruzzo’s Inland Serenity
Moving to Abruzzo, The Pool House offers a unique cabin experience on an olive farm in the hills above Pescara. As the name suggests, the cabin boasts its own pool with stunning views of the Maiella mountains. The open-plan space features large windows overlooking the pool, a woodburner, and a freestanding bath, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere. The shady terrace with a dining table and sun loungers is perfect for relaxing.
The owner, who produces biodynamic olive oil, offers guests the chance to participate in farm tasks like pruning and harvesting. Excellent hiking and cycling routes are readily suggested, and bikes are available at the cabin. The nearest restaurant is a short walk away, and the Adriatic coast beaches are about 30 minutes by car.
Also in Abruzzo, Cirelli Wine Glamping provides an eco-friendly stay on a family-run organic farm. Two pine lodges with canvas roofs are surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Each lodge features a terrace, kitchenette, and en suite shower room, with comfortable sleeping arrangements for families. Breakfast is delivered to your door, and a convenient “pay as you use” fridge offers local wine and snacks. Wine tours, tastings, visits to a nearby nature reserve, or the historic town of Atri are all possibilities, with the coast just nine miles away.
Umbria’s Ecoresort and Agriturismo Charm
Umbria, known as the “green heart of Italy,” offers tranquil retreats. Il Cantico della Natura is an ecoresort set in a former convent, abandoned after WWII and now beautifully restored. This 17th-century stone building is furnished with antiques and Umbrian fabrics. The rooms and suites are thoughtfully named after the months of the year and inspired by rural life. Situated in an olive grove, surrounded by forest and overlooking Lake Trasimeno, it offers a pool with panoramic views, a vaulted restaurant, and a spa.
A meditation trail winds through the gardens, providing a peaceful escape. We found it to be a perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature. Perugia is just a half-hour drive away for a taste of city life.
Agriturismo Podere le Olle offers a more intimate experience on a farm in Montegabbione. Staying in one of two restored country houses, you’ll enjoy a large garden, a swimming pool, and a surrounding wood. The farm produces organic olive oil, cereals, fruits, and vegetables, many of which feature prominently in the breakfast spread. The spacious rooms offer lovely views of the valley or garden.
The owners also run popular cooking holidays, which include all meals with wine, cooking lessons, truffle hunting, and excursions to wineries and foodie towns. It’s a wonderful way to fully immerse yourself in the local culinary traditions. Orvieto is about a 40-minute drive from here.
Tuscan Villages and Le Marche Estates
Southern Tuscany presents the chance to stay in a charming period property in Vivo d’Orcia, a hilltop village crowned by a castle. This semi-detached house is part of a private estate and opens onto a small square, with its own garden. A shared saltwater swimming pool, located at the end of a path through an orchard, is shared with three other holiday homes. The old house has been lovingly restored, featuring a farmhouse kitchen, a living room with a grand fireplace, and a beautiful terracotta staircase.
There’s a twin bedroom and bathroom downstairs, and an en suite master bedroom and a single room upstairs. It’s an ideal base for exploring the nearby hilltop towns of Pienza, Montalcino, and Montepulciano. We enjoyed the quiet village atmosphere coupled with easy access to such renowned destinations.
For larger groups or celebrations, Le Marche offers Il Melograno, a villa complex designed to accommodate up to 28 people across three properties: a main farmhouse sleeping 18, and two cottages each sleeping five. The estate boasts a large pool, a panoramic roof terrace, and a spacious patio with a barbecue area, perfect for gatherings. There are multiple kitchens and bathrooms, ensuring ample space and convenience. The hilltop location is just 15 minutes from the Adriatic beaches, with restaurants and shops a short drive away. The owners can also arrange catering and wellness activities.
Also in Le Marche, Agriturismo Ramusè is a restored farm run by a local truffle hunter. Situated north of Ascoli Piceno, the grounds feature stepped, vine-clad terraces, an oval pool, and a stream, all surrounded by nature. The farm is also home to a variety of friendly animals. Inside, you’ll find stone floors, original beams, an open fire, and traditional furnishings. The owner’s delicious dinners, often featuring homemade tagliatelle with local truffles, are served outside at long tables.
Ascoli Piceno itself is a gem, located between the Sibillini mountains and the Adriatic coast. We found Le Marche to be a fantastic alternative to its more-visited neighbors, Tuscany and Umbria, offering a quieter, more authentic experience.
Emilia-Romagna’s Medieval Tower
For a truly intrepid escape, consider the 15th-century Tower House in the Apennine foothills of Emilia-Romagna. This “magical and wild place” is reached on foot or by off-road vehicle and offers a back-to-basics experience. It features a woodburner, an outdoor tap, and a composting toilet, with solar-powered shower and lantern lighting. Sleeping up to five, guests have exclusive use of the tower and its garden, surrounded by forest.
Days can be spent trekking to ancient castles, and nights are perfect for star-gazing. The nearest village, Polinago, is two miles away. It’s an unforgettable experience for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature.
Piedmont Wine Country Elegance
Piedmont, a region renowned for its wine and truffles, offers the elegant Langhe Country House, an 18th-century property near truffle capital Alba. The architect owner lives in one wing, while the other houses six spacious guest suites, some with fireplaces and one with a Turkish bath. Much of the furniture has been sourced from local antique shops and markets, adding to the property’s character. A high-end buffet breakfast is served in a converted barn.
The house is set within three hectares of vineyards and walnut and hazel groves and includes a pool. Bike hire is included, making it easy to cycle to the Unesco-listed medieval village of Neive. Arrangements can be made for transfers from Asti or Turin stations, a convenient option to avoid driving.
Trentino’s Enchanting Castle Stay
In Trentino, Castel Pergine offers a historical and cultural experience. This imposing castle, which began as a Roman settlement, dates back to the 13th century and now operates as a hotel, restaurant, and cultural venue managed by a non-profit foundation. Many of the 14 rooms retain their 1910 charm, complete with wood panelling and four-poster beds, while three tower suites offer unique accommodations.
The castle boasts a bistro, a fine-dining restaurant, and beautiful walled gardens. It’s within walking or cycling distance of Lakes Caldonazzo and Levico, which offer beaches, watersports, and thermal spas. Imagine exploring these beautiful lakes after a night in a real castle – a dream vacation for many.
Liguria’s Riviera Charm
The Italian Riviera offers a tranquil escape at Villa Edera in Moneglia. This quiet seaside town, located between Cinque Terre and Portofino, is home to this adults-only hotel run by the same family for 60 years. Nestled in Mediterranean grounds with an olive grove and orchard, it’s just a five-minute walk from the town and beach.
The hotel features an outdoor pool, and breakfast is served on suspended gazebos overlooking it. The Michelin-starred restaurant offers reimagined Ligurian dishes, while a bistro serves a family-style local menu with wine-tasting evenings. It’s a perfect spot for a romantic getaway, enjoying the coastal beauty and excellent cuisine.
South Tyrol’s Dolomite Retreat
High in the Dolomites, the Hotel Monte Sella in San Vigilio di Marebbe provides stunning mountain views from all 40 rooms, some with balconies. The restaurant focuses on local, organic food, with daily tea and cake and a weekly lunchtime barbecue. The spa includes an indoor pool with garden views, sauna, and steam room.
The hotel is conveniently located near lifts that, outside ski season, transport walkers and bikers to mountain trails. We loved the guided strolls with the owners to learn about wild herbs and walks in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies natural park. It’s an ideal base for exploring the dramatic scenery of the Dolomites.