The medieval towns and the picturesque countryside of Tuscany are peppered with ancient villas. Some villas are still privately owned family homes; others have been turned into hotels or bed-and-breakfasts. Some are available to rent for extended stays. The Tuscan town of San Gimignano is home to several renowned ancient villas. Of the original 72 tower houses built by the city's medieval elite, only 14 survive today.
Tourist traffic within the Italian region of Lazio often centers around Rome. The region has a Mediterranean coast where tourists can find many historic and picturesque villas. As in other parts of Italy, some of these villas are available to visitors for a night or extended stays. For a purely scenic tourist experience, the Villa Lante in Bagnaia is an unforgettable Italian castle complete with stunning gardens.
Tourist traffic in Campania is often focused on Naples. However, the region boasts many attractions along its Mediterranean coast. In particular the villages Posatano and Ravello offer many authentic Italian sights and you can rent nearby villas for the week or by the night. In Ravello, the Villa Rufolo is a must-see as it hosts Wagnerian concerts in the summers. Close by, the Villa Cimbrone presents clear views of the imposing coastline.
Located in the toe of the Italian boot-shaped peninsula, Calabria is surrounded by ocean on three sides. Dozens upon dozens of medieval villas stand in the five provinces of Calabria, some of which are available for rent. Reggio is perhaps the most famous of the regions. It offers a long coastline ideal for tourists wishing to experience a true Italian summer holiday. Travelers can rent villas downtown and in the Calabrian countryside.
Sicily is a relatively small geographical area, but it is home to hundreds of villas, some of which are for sightseeing only. Tourists may rent other villas and experience accommodations with a more historical aura. Villas are available throughout the island. The main villas open to tourists are centered in Palermo. The Castello della Zisa and La Cuba are ancient villas steeped in medieval mystery and charm.
