villas Archives - Europe Up Close

Eco Friendly Ancient Italian Villas

Published/Revised June 11, 2014 By Staff This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

When we think of escaping to a villa in Italy, we imagine a peaceful retreat in a private and ancient setting. Some may think that this type of accommodation usually comes with old stone walls, leaky faucets and non eco efficient surroundings like a scene from Under the Tuscan SunRecently, Italy has boldly stepped into the future, converting many of their classic villas into eco friendly ... Read Full Article

Italy’s Lake Como: Spectacular Villas, Gardens and Active Sports

Published/Revised May 20, 2016 By Marilyn McFarlane This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Lake Como, about 25 miles north of Milan, is a hugely popular spot, and it’s easy to see why. This gorgeous blue lake, 30 miles long, surrounded by mountains, is Europe’s deepest and has a 106-mile shoreline. There is no limit to the activities available, including bicycling, mountain biking, hiking, sailing, kayaking, and climbing. You can swim, paraglide, windsurf, ride horses and, in the ... Read Full Article

Villas and Gardens of Italy’s Borromean Islands

Published/Revised June 12, 2014 By Marilyn McFarlane This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

The amazing sculptures and gardens on Isola Bella and Isola Madre, in Northern Italy's Lake Maggiore, show what aristocratic taste and plenty of money could do in the 17th century.The islands are two of the three main Borromeans set in the largest of the Italian lakes. The Borromeo family still owns some of the islands. Isola Bella, named after Countess Isabella, was once a ... Read Full Article