Now more than ever, people are wanting to get into the fresh air and spend their downtime surrounded by nature. According to a leading Italian website, this summer more holiday home searches than ever are focused on properties far from the madding crowd in Italy’s beautiful scenery. We went in search of Italy’s coolest countryside…
By the end of June some regions had already seen temperatures over 40 centigrade (104F). Those lucky enough to own a villa with a pool stocked up on fresh produce at the crack of dawn from the weekly market then settled down with a good book by the pool. Making dinner could wait until the cool of the evening…
For the rest trying to keep cool, especially those in the cities, there are two options – mountains or sea.
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While northern Italians tend to head to southern beaches, southerners take summer breaks in the mountains. Here they can escape the heat and enjoy outdoor activities in stunning scenery. The busiest time is around “Ferragosta”, which is a public holiday on 15 August.
With Italy’s varied landscape there are many options to choose from. Whether you like hiking in the mountains or swimming in the sea, fresh air and exercise can be enjoyed in beautiful surroundings.
Holiday homes in Italy’s farmland
As well as the National Parks and forests, over 40% of Italy’s land is deemed agricultural. Farmland changes as you move through the country, with the north primarily producing grains, meat and dairy products, while the south specializes in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, wine, and durum wheat. Wherever you go, the markets and farm shops will sell fresh local produce, and do ask what is local, whether it be the truffles of the forests or the famous lemons of Sicily.
Tourists will always be drawn to properties with views of vineyards and olive groves in Tuscany and Puglia. Also, the sun flower fields in the regions of Tuscany, Umbria and Le Marche. But, have you seen the amazing flower fields near Castelluccio di Norcia, Umbria? Thousands of colourful flowers create a patchwork pattern on the plateau, featuring lentil flowers, poppies, violets, narcissus, daisies, clovers and more.
Flower season in Castelluccio di Norcia, Umbria
Many large farmhouses also offer accommodation, referred to as “Agriturismo”. They offer a great opportunity for people to experience life in the countryside on a working farm. They may also offer extra activities such as cooking and grape picking.
If you buy a farm it is a great way to subsidise your income. The ideal location for us was in the countryside, but just five minutes drive from a town. We have learnt to how to make the most of our life in the countryside.
Holiday homes in the mountains
Almost 40% of Italy is mountainous. As well as the beauty of a mountain looming above you, or the view from on top, mountains tend to come with crystal clear lakes and rushing waterfalls, forests, alpine meadows and wildlife. Some of the most popular regions for tourists this summer are the mountains of Trentino-Alto Adige and Lombardy. However, the Alpine ridge also passes through Liguria, Valle d’Aosta, Piedmont, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, which are just as stunning.
Check out some lovely and affordable and affordable mountain homes at our property pages.
The mountains are a top destination for those wanting to escape the summer heat and go hiking. The scenery is spectacular and there are plenty of outdoor activities such as cycling, horse riding, golf and water sports. Holiday rentals can attract both summer and winter visitors, if they are near ski resorts.
Italy’s mountains – the Apennines form the spine of the country
The Apennine mountain range stretches from Liguria right down to Calabria, passing through Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Lazio, Umbria, Abruzzo, Molise, Campania and Basilicata. The mountains of the Apennines aren’t as high as the peaks of the Alps, but they are still home to some important skiing areas, such as Roccaraso, Campo Felice, and Rivisondoli. Residents of Rome and Naples escape the city for holidays in the fresh cool air of the Apennine mountains.
Holiday homes in the Italian forests
Over 31% of Italy’s land area is forest, and 11% is protected natural areas. Therefore, there is plenty of stunning scenery and nature for everyone to enjoy. Many of the northern and central regions have wonderful wooded hillsides. Therefore, creating many opportunities to purchase a property with those dream views across rolling green hills.
Bagni di Masino Forest in Lombardy
Do you love to see the changing colours of autumn leaves transforming the landscape? Then head to Monte Beigua Regional Park in Liguria, Bagni di Masino Forest in Lombardy or Umbra Forest, where a woodland of old beech, oak and maple trees turn a range of warm hues in autumn. Families always love holidays where they can look for mushrooms or chestnuts, and spot deer.
Holiday homes where country meets sea
The boot-shaped Italian mainland is in an envious location as it extends into the Mediterranean Sea and boasts a coastline of about 7,500 km. To the west is the Tyrrhenian sea and to the east is the Adriatic. The Italian coast, with its countless coves and inlets, ports and sandy beaches, offers something for everyone. There are fishing villages, towers and castles, cities and seaside resorts.
Country meets coast on the island of Elba
Beyond the shores of the mainland there are also the magnificent islands of Sardinia and Sicily, both popular with Italian and foreign tourists. In addition, there are many small islands and archipelago to explore. Holiday homes near the sea aren’t always expensive either. Especially if you venture a little way along the coast or inland of the most popular resorts.
Want a holiday home but worried about the cost? Why not pool finances and buy with family? Explore our guide, Buying Abroad with Family.
Italy has so much to offer as a holiday home destination, the difficult part is deciding where to buy. If you choose an area with good transport links, it’s possible to use your property as a base to explore many other regions. Train services and internal flights are a great way to explore further afield and a countryside home is lovely to come home to.
