Winter sun: escape the cold and journey through the wonders of southern Italy

Welcome to southern Italy, a land full of charm, history and culture. As well as being an area where you can see the artistic heritage of ancient civilisations that tell of the glorious past of these places, the south of Italy is also the perfect place to enjoy winter sun in 2021, if and when travelling is permitted. It's time to escape the cold journey through the wonders of southern Italy, a tour which you can even enjoy from the comfort of your sofa. 

To help you discover the beauty of the south, we have selected 5 beautiful places to visit between the sea, beaches, works of art, fortresses and tiny villages where time seems to stand still.

Let yourself be surprised by the intense aromas and genuine flavours of these lands, where the hospitality is as warm as the winter sun and where nature shows the best it's got to give. Let the tour begin!

Aci Trezza: a Sicilian town caught between past and future

Aci Trezza, a part of Aci Castello, in the province of Catania, is a beautiful fishing village overlooking the Ionian Sea, facing the archipelago of the Cyclopean Islands: 8 imposing, sharp basalt rocks rise from the sea and, according to the legend based on Homer's Odyssey, were thrown by Polyphemus against Ulysses, who fled.

Literature tells the story of this Sicilian fishing village, because this was where the writer Giovanni Verga developed his novel ‘I Malavoglia’, which later was later transported to the big screen by Luchino Visconti with the film "The Earth Trembles", filmed in Aci Trezza. Photographs from this cinematographic masterpiece are on display in the "Casa del Nespolo", which also includes interesting images taken personally by Verga.

Far from the image painted by Verga in his novel, Aci Trezza is a place that will fascinate you with its breath-taking landscapes. Enjoy the winter sun in this charming area where you can head to fashionable clubs to enjoy the delights of local cuisine, and don't forget to take a trip on the traditional wooden boats to enjoy the Faraglioni rock formations.

• Find your holiday rental in Aci Trezza
• Find property for sale in Aci Trezza

Erice: the sweet jewel in the crown of Trapani

In the province of Trapani, 751 metres above sea level, stands Erice, one of the most beautiful and evocative villages in Italy. A cable car takes you to the top, where you can enjoy wonderful sunny views of the city of Trapani, in the salt flats, and you can even see the Egadi Islands in the distance.

Its privileged position has meant that over the centuries Erice has been ruled by many different cultures, which you can see evidence of in the architecture and artistic works in this stunning town. Don't miss the Venus Castle (Castillo de Venere), the Chiesa Matrice, the Balio Towers, the Torretta Pepoli tower and the city walls.

In the streets of this timeless little village, you’ll find numerous confectioners specialised in the production of almond-based desserts: mostaccioli, genovesi, nougat and the famed ricotta cassata. In addition to these sweet treats, the village is famous for its ceramics, artisanal carpets, oil and wine which you can enjoy on a relaxing winter break.

• Find your holiday rental in Erice
• Find property for sale in Erice

Isola di Capo Rizzuto: a natural oasis in Calabria

Don't be fooled by its name: the ‘Island of Capo Rizzuto’ is not a real island, but rather a promontory located in the eastern part of Calabria, in the province of Crotone. With its fine white sandy beaches and transparent waters, this city is located between the Sila National Park and the Ionian Sea and is one of the most evocative landscapes in the entire Mediterranean and a perfect destination to escape the cold.

The attraction of this place is not limited to the beauty of its wild and unspoilt nature. The territory preserves numerous archaeological and historical sites, such as the Archaeological Park of Capo Colonna, the Hera Lacina Sanctuary and an Aragonese Castle.

To get to know this magnificent land better, don't miss its wonderful cuisine rich in flavours such as: butirri, sardeddra, patati and pipi friuti, rice with fennel and covateddri pasta with a pork sauce.

• Find your holiday rental in Isola di Capo Rizzuto
• Find property for sale in Isola di Capo Rizzuto

Otranto: the best of Salento

Among the jewels of Salento is Otranto which shines brightly, especially in the winter sun. This city, in the province of Lecce, occupies the easternmost point of the Italian boot, so it has always been a bridge between east and west. Due to its geographical position over the centuries, it has been a land of conquests and dominations, of which we still find many traces today.

To go back in time to the history of this city, we recommend a visit to the Aragonese Castle, which is now used as a theatre and museum. Another work of immense artistic and historical value is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata, where there is a splendid mosaic wall that preserves the remains of the massacre of 800 faithful during the Turkish invasion of 1480. It is because of this episode that Otranto is also known as the city of the Martyrs.

Let the pleasant winter climate allow to you venture through the alleys of the old town and get lost admiring the buildings, courtyards and shops. Breathe in the atmosphere of the past, enjoy the hospitality of the people and forget the frenzy of everyday life. Caribbean style beaches with crystal clear waters, bays and caves make this the perfect destination for a winter holiday.

• Find your holiday rental in Otranto
• Find property for sale in Otranto

Posada: Sardinian village between land and sea

Posada is a medieval village, in the province of Nuoro, which stands on a hill of green limestone, dominated by the Castle of Fava. It is one of the oldest inhabited places in Sardinia, is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and has the prestigious recognition of the "5 Vele" of Legambiente, an Italian environmentalist association.

Thanks to a local bike-sharing scheme, you can visit this charming village on two wheels and enjoy a spectacular view of the landscape. If you like trekking and mountain biking, this is also place for you, as you can do these activities in a pure, natural setting under the winter sun.

And finally, we can't leave out the seaside; Posada has that covered, too, with beaches to die for, bathed by turquoise waters. Don't miss the beaches of San Giovanni di Posada and Su Tiriarzu, which will take your breath away.

• Find your holiday rental in Posada
• Find property for sale in Posada