Cottages and holiday homes in Italy

Susan Roscoe
( Travel Expert)

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Amalfi Coast cottages and holiday homes

The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful and renowned stretch of mountainous coastline in Campania, south of Naples. With many picturesque towns and villages dotted along the cliffs, this area is one of Italy's major tourist attractions.  Prices are generally high around this area but the views are simply breathtaking and the food is amazing.

The main coastal town is Amalfi, which is a good base for exploring the area. Other popular destinations are Ravello and Positano. Ravello is famous for its beautiful gardens perched high in the mountains above the sea, and for its classical music concerts. Positano is on the coast to the west of Amalfi and is a traditionally upmarket resort filled with boutiques and great restaurants. Take a boat trip from here to the classy island of Capri or the touristy town of Sorrento.

Dolomites cottages and holiday homes

The Dolomite mountain range is Italy's most dramatic and beautiful range of mountains. Situated in the north east of the country, its jagged peaks can be explored through one of the most complex systems of hiking trails in Europe. With the assistance of numerous cable-cars and chairlifts, its spectacular beauty is well within the abilities of all levels of walkers and hikers. In the skiing season the Dolomites enjoy sunny skies and plenty of powdery snow, with slopes suitable for all abilities and ages.

Cottages, lodges and holiday homes in the Dolomites tend to be situated around the major resorts, such as Val di Fassa, San Martino di Castrozza, Val Gardena and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Italian Lakes cottages and holiday homes

The Italian Lakes in the north of Italy has been a popular holiday destination since Roman times.  Each lake has something different to offer, with the most popular ones being Lake Garda and Lake Como. 

Lake Garda, the largest Italian lake, is embedded between the Dolomite mountains, olive groves and vineyards.  The lake is long and slim, stretching from north to south. The southern lakeshore is low, rolling land and fairly built-up, in contrast to the northern end which is surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs. Most of the lakeside towns are popular as holiday resorts; they differ in character but all are well-connected by boat services.  The towns around the lake are all pretty, pleasant places to stay.

You'll find cottages and holiday homes to rent around  Lake Garda's most popular tourist areas, including Desenzano del Garda, Riva del Garda and Malcesine. 

Desenzano del Garda has many areas of modern development with a castle on the hill where you can get a lovely view of the lake. There are plenty of good restaurants, shops and lively bars around here too. Riva is primarily a tourist destination with pretty gardens along the waterfront. There is a market and shops although the lakeside area is packed mostly with gelaterie (ice-cream shops), cafés and restaurants aimed mainly at the tourist market. The waterfront is dominated by one of Garda's fortresses, the Rocca, which contains the towns' museum. Steep wooded slopes loom above, with ruined towers emerging from the trees. North of Riva, walking or driving excursions give access to some of the regions' most dramatic scenery.

The charming town of Malcesine is pretty, atmospheric and packed with tourists.  A cable-car takes you right up to the high grassy summit of the Monte Baldo ridge, where the air is fresh and cool, the views are stunning, and you can refresh yourself at several café bars. Walkers can begin high-level hikes here, while the lazier among us can return to the town to browse amongst the many gift shops.

Not far from Milan is Lake Como.  Most of the towns around its shores are popular with tourists, walkers, swimmers and cyclists and renting a self catering cottage or holiday home here is a wonderful way to explore the local area. The most popular towns around the lake include Como, Menaggio, Bellagio, Varenna and Lecco.  Como is a lively and pleasant town with an impressive cathedral, art galleries and shops.  Menaggio is a very popular tourist destination, mainly because it has a beach and great hotels along the shore. Bellagio is a beautiful hilly town whilst Varenna is a much more peaceful resort and great if you're looking to relax.

Tuscany cottages and holiday homes

Florence is Tuscany's regional capital famed for its architecture, art, culture and museums.  Away from the city, you're surrounded by golden fields, rolling vineyards, and pretty towns and villages - many of which are host to traditional cottages and holiday homes, giving visitors who stay here a real flavour of the Tuscan way of life.  Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa or walk on top of the ancient wall surrounding the village of Lucca. Relax in the hot thermal baths of Montecatini Terme, Bagno Vignoni or Saturnia, to name just a few of the natural springs located throughout the province. Alternatively, take a tour of the wineries throughout the Chianti Classico region, or visit the towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino to sample their famous red wines on location and visit the medieval towns of Siena and San Gimignano. All of these villages and many more are within easy reach of each other no matter where you choose to stay in the region.

Umbria cottages and holiday homes

Next to Tuscany is Umbria, Italy's smallest province.  It boasts pretty hill towns such as Assisi and Spoleto, and has rich agricultural produce such as black truffles, lentils and salami. 

Assisi is one of Umbria's most-visited destinations, attracting pilgrims to its sites associated with St. Francis. Spoleto is a well-preserved hill town surrounded by attractive countryside, and is famous as the home of the annual Festival dei Due Mondi, when festival goers crowd the narrow streets and you can hear music everywhere! Orvieto is also a popular tourist destination - a lovely hilltop town, offering fascinating underground archeological tours.

Lake Trasimeno is Italy's fourth-largest lake, and is another of Umbria's quiet jewels, located to the west of Perugia.

Puglia cottages and holiday homes

Located in the sunny south of Italy, this area is a popular resort with the Italians who flock here every summer - but yet to be overcrowded by other tourists.  With the golden sands, olive groves and family atmosphere, it's a great place to rent a cottage or holiday home.

Cottages and holiday homes near Rome

The Eternal City of Rome, situated on the River Tiber and steeped in history, is one of the most amazing cities in the world.  Whether it's a short family break or a romantic weekend away, there is something to suit everyone with its piazzas, its fountains, its stunning architecture and fabulous restaurants.

Cottages and holiday homes near Venice

Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world.  Whether it's a short break or a romantic weekend for two this is a great city to spend time in with its enchanting canals, Gondolas, tiny maze-like streets, charming stone bridges, pretty squares and great restaurants.

Sicily cottages and holiday homes

The island of Sicily lies to the south of Italy and is great for a touring holiday if you want to get a flavour of the most popular destinations. One of Sicily's leading holiday destinations is Taormina, a fashionable resort with beaches. The hilltop town of Enna is inland, set at the heart of Sicily, and offers a different perspective on the island. Palermo, the regional capital, is one of Italy's largest cities; chaotic but with many placesof interest. Over to the south-east, the Baroque city of Catania, birthplace of the composer Bellini is worth a visit, and makes a good base for those who wish to visit Etna.

Sardinia cottages and holiday homes

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily. Holidays here are a great experience as the island offers a mixture of culture, beaches and scenery - the beaches being some of the cleanest in Italy.  For a beach based holiday, head for the Costa Smeralda region or the beaches around Baia de Sardinia which are great for water sports. However, if you're looking for a little more sightseeing, base yourself near Alghero with its medieval walls and ancient narrow streets.

Who do we recommend?

With so many companies to choose from, we have researched the market to find those with a wide range of choice as well as some that are more specialist. Browse our list below to find the right company for you, then click through to their web site for more information and how to book. It couldn't be easier!

Further guides on cottages, gîtes and holiday homes