Our guide to the most beautiful understated luxury vacation homes for rent in Italy

Puglia, or Apulia in Italian, derives its name from the Greek term apulos, meaning “without rain.” This region consists of five provinces, each more captivating than the last. Here, la dolce vita is a way of life, with sunshine gracing the skies for 300 days a year. From the picturesque villages to the pristine sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Salento, Puglia offers something for everyone.

What’s on the agenda? Farniente, pasta, stunning landscapes, turquoise seas, lush valleys, sprawling vineyards, majestic basilicas, panoramic pools, and dreamy beaches… In other words, Puglia!

Now all that’s left is to pack your bags and find your next favorite vacation home: a city stone palazzo with a pool, an architect’s villa nestled in an olive grove, a restored farmhouse with panoramic countryside and vineyards views, or an old castle overlooking the Mediterranean… The hardest part will be choosing — or coming back again!

Ah, Tuscany! The birthplace of the Renaissance, panzanella, and home to Florence… With its rolling hills and charming hilltop villages, Tuscany is a timeless gem.

Amidst its picturesque landscapes, ochre-colored farmhouses emerge between vineyards and cypress trees. These authentic homes, often boasting pools with panoramic views, offer the perfect setting for an idyllic getaway and the promise of a peaceful retreat into nature.

Looking for even more tranquility? The Tuscan archipelago offers hidden gems: very old properties that have been transformed into dream vacation homes. Here, you’ll be disturbed only by the sound of seagulls as you enjoy sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. With exclusive activities and premium services, it’s the perfect escape for a vacation far from the bustle of civilization. We’re spending the holidays making the most of everything the seaside has to offer: snorkeling, boating, and some serious beach lounging…

Tuscany also boasts charming medieval towns with Renaissance buildings that have been lovingly restored by inspired architects. The perfect way to immerse yourself in the rhythm of a small Italian village: morning espresso on the terrace with a pasticceria, a stroll to the market for fresh goods, wandering through charming alleys, and ending the day with dinner at a local trattoria.

The Italian Alps, home to the renowned Lake Como, attract vacationers year-round with their breathtaking landscapes and rich, diverse culture. Sharing borders with France, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Austria, northern Italy offers stunning scenery and equally impressive accommodations.

Whether it’s a chalet perched in the forest, a futuristic house facing the mountains, or a lakeside villa on Lake Como, you’re guaranteed an immersive natural experience. Combined with premium services, these stays promise an unforgettable vacation.

The islands are to Italy what Corsica is to France: a cherished Mediterranean gem beloved by summer travelers. Each island has its own unique identity and qualities.

Sicily, located to the south of Italy, is the largest island in the Mediterranean. It draws visitors with its archaeological sites, beaches, cities like Palermo and Syracuse, and its rich culinary heritage. For a stay away from civilization, head to the lesser-known Sicilian islands, such as Pantelleria, where you can live in fully renovated dammusi (round-roofed volcanic stone houses). Here, only peace and tranquility prevail.

Similar vibe, Sardinia style, to the west of Italy, where you’ll find stone shepherd’s huts with old-world charm. What could be better than staying in a local property and enjoying the Sardinian countryside? Here, the itinerary is refreshingly simple: admire the Mediterranean, stroll through a medieval village, hike, swim, and savor some pasta… What more could you ask for?

Another island, much smaller than its counterparts yet equally famous, is Capri! As beautiful as it is exceptional, this island in the Bay of Naples dazzles with its spectacular coastline dotted with grand villas (with pools and beach access, please), offering an exclusive vacation experience.

Often called the “green heart of the country,” Umbria is renowned for its perched medieval towns, dense forests, local cuisine, and countryside homes. It’s the perfect region for hiking enthusiasts, cyclists, or anyone who loves beautiful landscapes.

For a true escape into nature, what better than a traditional house right in the heart of a small village? Here, the favorite activities of guests include watching the elderly tending their vegetable gardens or sipping an espresso in the village square, accompanied by the sound of the fountain and church bells. A region still off the tourist radar, and well worth more than a quick stop.