knowledge italy & mediterranean islands
Quiet destinations
Searching seas of tranquility
The islands of the Mediterranean lend themselves perfectly to getting away from the crowds. John Law goes in search of undiscovered gems with the real “Ssssssh” factor
BALEARIC ISLANDS.
Avoid the seething hotspots and there
are plenty of places to unwind – even in Majorca. Leaving the main Inca-Alcudia road in the north of the island, you reach the 18th-century converted manor house and 556-acre estate of Monnaber Nou after a 10-minute drive along country roads and through parkland. There are 25 bedrooms but clients can easily lose themselves in rustic surroundings at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains.
Gary Boyer, head of purchasing at Classic Collection, says: “It suits couples aged 30-plus who enjoy tennis, riding, cycling, hiking and also nature lovers and bird watchers, and older couples in search of total relaxation.” Activity specialist Headwater recommends Menorca for easy independent walking holidays off the beaten track. Its Coastal Trails of Menorca itinerary is based at the four-star Morverdra Nou, an historic estate offering country and sea views six miles from Ciutadella and five miles from beautiful, quiet beaches. Ramblers can discover ancient coastal castles and watchtowers, swim in quiet bays and picnic in cherry orchards and wheat fields. Seven nights with half board, flights and car hire costs from £1,253.
SICILY.
Sicily offers lots of opportunities to enjoy the quiet life in idyllic surroundings. The Thinking Traveller recommends a house sleeping eight that’s ideal for families – or even honeymooners – in the south-east of the island. Casa Carcicera sits on a low hill surrounded by fields and olive groves. Both the town of Noto and the usually empty beaches of the Vendicari Nature Reserve are a 10-minute drive away. A week’s rental in June costs from £3,660.
For an even bigger party, Ingham’s Villas offers a castle owned by Sicilian aristocrats since 1447. Castello Mortellito sleeps 16 and is set among olive trees and lemon groves overlooking the sea near the small village of Venetico. In June a week costs from £4,999.
SARDINIA.
Alison Nurse, marketing director at Just Sardinia, claims it is easy to find a secret hideaway on the Med’s second-largest island. Hotel Valkarana is situated inland on Lake Liscia, a tranquil alternative to the Costa Smeralda 19 miles away and ideal for couples. A mile from a little village down an unmade lane, it has just 18 traditional-style rooms and overlooks the lake and countryside.
Hilltop hotel Casa Carcicera in Sicily
Alternatively, San Pietro is a small island off the south-west coast. Sardatur’s managing director Gianni Bonuglia describes it as a “true jewel of natural beauty and a peaceful oasis” and recommends Carloforte, with its cliffs, fjords and pristine beaches. There are only a few small hotels and a week’s bed and breakfast in the Riviera Hotel in June costs from £498, including charter flights and transfers.
AEOLIAN ISLANDS.
Lipari is the largest of these volcanic islands, scattered north-east of Sicily, and the family- run Rocce Azzurre hotel is positioned on the seafront in a quiet bay a 20-minute walk from the harbour. Sunvil says there are buses and frequent boat services for excursions so car hire isn’t needed.
Rather grander, the four-star deluxe
ttglive.com
48
30.04.2010
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64