Save this story Save Story Save this story There is always a reason to talk about Italy. Perhaps it’s to celebrate the country’s craft heritage , which has been passed down for generations. Or to explore the merits of its multitudinous pasta shapes and grape varietals (around 500 each, if you can believe). The natural landscapes are so mind-bogglingly beautiful they tend to invite clichés, and the country’s landmarks—from Rome’s Colosseum to Florence’s Ponte Vecchio—manage to awe and inspire even the most jaded travelers among us. Suffice it to say, it is always a good time to visit Italy.
If you’re itching to plan a dolce vita getaway, start by perusing the compelling vacation rentals below to pick out a home base. We’ve scoured listings in the country’s most breathtaking regions—from a Sardinian home with a sea access staircase built into the rocks, to a 1700s-era apartment nestled in the old Sicilian town of Modica. Or perhaps you’re in need of isolation? We found a home in a car-free, medieval village in the hills of Tuscany. Whatever your pursuit, the 25 Airbnbs below deliver in spades.
Courtesy of the Airbnb photography community This 17th-century stone farmhouse, part of a larger, four-hectare property, sits in the heart of Chianti Classico on a landscape dotted with olive trees and centuries-old oaks. There’s a fireplace for snuggling up inside, and a sprawling garden and swimming pool for afternoons enjoyed outdoors. When you’re ready to explore the region, buzzy destinations like Siena and Florence are easily reached by car.
Courtesy of the Airbnb photography community Within a 1920s Liberty-style building on a hill behind Corso Vittorio Emanuele, this peaceful apartment gives you a chance to see a sleepier side of Naples. Guests enjoy sweeping views of the sea and Capri, but can also hop out to the Petraio stairway, where nearby shops and restaurants await. The eclectic interiors reflect the owners penchant for design, while period details like high ceilings and original windows give it an authentic touch.
Courtesy of the Airbnb photography community If you’ve checked off Italy’s heavy-hitters and want to venture somewhere lesser-known, consider the ancient city of Matera . The destination is renowned for its labyrinth of cave dwellings carved into a limestone ravine, and this beautiful villa places visitors in the midst of it all. When you’re not exploring, take a glass of wine out onto the various outdoor areas, which has direct views of the 10,000-year-old town.
Photo: Courtesy of the Airbnb Photographer Community Surrounded by olive trees, mountains, and even a few friendly donkeys, this two-story home in Tuscany is a slice of heaven. It was designed by a prominent Italian architect and features a double bedroom as well as a wooded cabin with two single beds (ideal for families traveling with small children). There is a garden with two charming terraces and a pool with awe-inspiring views—plus, a small cellar stocked with local wines and regional products for your own aperitivo hour.
Courtesy of the Airbnb photography community Escape to Italy’s “toe” for a memorable stay in this private villa set on eight glorious hectares. The home comes with a swimming pool that’s carved into the tuff and faces the sea, plus there are summer-ready essentials like a wood-fired oven and flowered pergola to keep the festivities going all day long.
Courtesy of the Airbnb photography community Choose a historic palazzo in Venice’s equally historic center: This one is right next to a vaporetto stop and in the true heart of the city. Peeks of the Giudecca canal come from every room in the house, which includes grand touches like antique Venetian furniture, a 1,000+ title-strong library, and an exquisite floral mural drawn in the bar area.
Courtesy of the Airbnb photography community Just south of the Dolomites in the Prosecco Hills, this farmhouse stay is quite the idyllic retreat. You’ll be surrounded by rolling vineyards and mountain views (the area is a UNESCO World Heritage site) as you take in your morning cappuccino from the sunny greenhouse. In the warmer months, take your meals outdoors: The garden has plenty of seating space for dinners at home.
Courtesy of the Airbnb photography community Live out your Under the Tuscan Sun dreams in this treetop rental in the heart of the region . The spacious apartment grants you access to a quiet private garden, which is covered in English roses and bushes of herbs. As for the rooms themselves, they’re impressive on their own—we doubt you’d wake up to a nicer view anywhere else.
Courtesy of the Airbnb photographer community This breathtaking country house in the Dolomites has a core that dates back to the 1600s—in fact, it sits on an ancient Roman watchtower. Exposed wood and stone give the interiors a true alpine feel, while modern amenities like underfloor heating keep it cozy throughout the winter. In the warmer months, grab a racket and head to the rental’s private court, voted the most beautiful tennis court in the world by Wilson (yes, that Wilson).
Courtesy of the Airbnb photography community Your Roman pied-à-terre, this sweet spot is in the middle of Trastevere and just the right size for a couples’ getaway. You’ll start your day on the sunny terrace—which overlooks the city’s terracotta rooftops—before heading out to explore the lively streets. Charming touches are a given in this building, which dates back to the 1800s with one notable update: It has an elevator.
Courtesy of the Airbnb photography community With original floors that date back to the 18th century, high, frescoed ceilings, and stunning tilework, it’s hard to imagine a more architecturally impressive Airbnb. Enjoy views of the town from the balconies and the garden, and if you’re planning a day trip to a nearby beach, the host offers portable WiFi to take with you.
Courtesy of the Airbnb photography community Visiting Pompeii? Book a stay in this 18th-century apartment with a prime location. It has a stunning outdoor terrace, where mountain views and ocean views vy for your attention, while the inside is equally impressive. Two-tone tiled floors, extra-tall ceilings, and crystal chandeliers make for quite the elegant design.
Courtesy of the Airbnb photography community For travelers who are determined to spend their summer as close to on the Mediterranean as possible, this breathtaking Sardinian home is just the ticket. The property is located at the tip of a dead end road on a promontory, with a smattering of outdoor areas for dining and relaxing—all enveloped by wild gardens and glittering sea views. It can sleep a large group, making it ideal for a longer family vacation.
Photo: Courtesy of the Airbnb Photographer Community Savor the beauty of the Piedmont hills in this country house, surrounded by a sprawling private garden. The property is shaded by olive trees and features several outdoor spaces for relaxing, including a large outdoor dining table, where you’ll want to take most of your meals. Inside, natural textures like marble, granite, and wood mix and mingle with decorative touches, like hanging tapestries and lush house plants.
Courtesy of Airbnb The port city of Genoa has a lot to offer, from bustling shopping streets to art-filled museums. This spacious apartment in the city’s historic center almost looks like a museum itself: Soaring ceilings give way to intricately painted frescoes, while the elegant furnishings do justice to the building’s 1400s-era origins. If you’re traveling with children, the property offers several suitable amenities for convenience, too, like a travel crib that's available upon request.
Courtesy of Airbnb Perfectly tranquil and perched above the sea, this island stay captures the best of indoor-outdoor living. The outdoor dining space and living area is where you’ll want to spend most of your time; both offer unobstructed views of the Tyrrhenian. Inside, a cozy space is ideal for a small family.
Courtesy of Airbnb In the heart of Milan’s Chinatown neighborhood, this 20th-century building hides a small but well-appointed apartment ideal for a quick stay to the fashion capital . An eclectic mix of antique furnishings makes the space feel homey, and while the location is central, the house itself is relatively quiet.
Courtesy of Airbnb Terracotta floors and wood beams run throughout this cozy space. The building itself dates back to the 16th century, and while there are a few modern conveniences (like a Nespresso machine and a sound system for your playlists), the apartment is old-school. You’ll get a healthy dose of antique charm and may come away from your stay with a hankering to explore your own local vintage markets for similarly rustic furniture.
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb Adventure to the heel of Italy’s boot to stay in this sun-dappled property that overlooks rolling hilltops and the sparkling sea in the distance. Design details feel distinctly Italian—arched doorways, tiled floors, shuttered windows—and picturesque nooks scattered throughout the property make it easy to while away the afternoon.
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb Live out your Sicilian villa fantasy in this three-level 1920s estate. The waterfront home is just a few miles from Palermo, but feels like a world of its own with details like Art Nouveau facades and an elegant turret. Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit : You can stroll directly to the sea from the property’s garden via a small gate.
Courtesy of Airbnb Bright, breezy, and full of character, this property perched high on the Positano cliffside is a picturesque getaway. Modern baroque interiors set the tone for a glamorous stay, with Renaissance paintings and colorful frescoes in abundance. Wander outside and you’ll discover a picture-perfect swimming pool that overlooks the famed coastal city and its vibrant buildings.
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb This picturesque villa overlooking the Bay of Naples was built by American Painter Elihu Vedder in the typical Moorish style. The large terrace is equipped with lovely sun beds and a rustic wooden dining table for al fresco meals. Inside, an open kitchen takes center stage, with pops of color via tiles and decor accents.
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb This beautiful stone house overlooking the sea is located in Montemarcello Natural Park, not far from Cinque Terre. Every bedroom has views of the water, and there’s a large garden that comes with an outdoor kitchen and traditional pizza oven. While you’re outside, you might as well pop into the al fresco shower for an afternoon cool off, followed by a sunset spritz on the tiled terrace.
Courtesy of Airbnb Close to grottos and dramatic cliffside, this striking property lets nature do the talking. Interiors are calm and clean, while the coastline exteriors serve up top-notch vibes. If your idea of the perfect rental is one that affords you boundless opportunities to savor the great outdoors (perhaps with a spritz and plate of olives in hand), this is the booking to make.
Courtesy of the Airbnb photographer community For travelers wanting to explore the historic center of Reggio Emilia, you’ll be teed up well in this stylish apartment located within walking distance of it all. The home is spacious and bright, with tall ceilings, elegant decor, and a sanctuary-like bedroom that will feel wonderful to return to after a day of sightseeing.
Source: Lifestyle
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