One of the finest ways to explore Italy is from the comfort and convenience of a self catering villa or vacation home. Equally, one of the finest ways to relax and recharge is from the comfort of a deck chair in the shade of a self catering villa or vacation home. Whatever, it is much better to be wise before the fact, and the following notes and suggestions may be useful to you...

Swimming pools.

First of all, not all properties have pools. The typical 'season' for pool opening runs from the beginning of June until the end of September. A few pools are heated and it is normal for the pool to be cleaned for you during your stay.

Duration of stay.

Most rentals run from Saturday to Saturday. You are usually asked to arrive after 16.00 hours and depart before 10.00 hours. You may find that you have to pay a supplement for a stay of less than two weeks in some of the larger properties. Remember also that all dates on this site are in the European Day - Month - Year format.

Type of property.

Be sure of what you are renting. Some villas and large dwellings have been converted into a series of holiday apartments. Other properties may have a resident owner in one part and rent out a self-contained apartment in another part. Whereas it is certainly the norm for you to rent a house or villa on an exclusive basis, there are occasions when this may not be the case. Click here for a page going into greater detail on Italian property types and how they are arranged on this site.

Deposits.

It is quite common to be asked to pay a security deposit on arrival to cover possible breakages and damage. If the property you are letting has an outgoing telephone you may also be asked for a deposit against charges incurred during your stay. Both of these deposits are often expected to be in cash.

Utilities.

Domestic electricity in Italy is 220V but the average supply is only three kilowatts. Take one hairdryer, add an electric kettle and stir in a washing machine to taste and you have an instant recipe for circuit-breaking. Be sure you know where the fuse box is. There is little mains gas outside of towns and cities. You'll quite likely find that your oven will run off a small gas canister and that gas central heating will be run from a larger tank in the grounds of your property. Water shortages in summer are quite common. Use sparingly as many country properties have water tanks that are only topped up (from the mains) at irregular intervals.

Shopping.

If you are arriving on a Saturday, don't leave the shopping until Sunday. Practically nowhere will be open. If the villa or house you are renting offers a 'shopping list' service you may well be grateful that you took advantage of it when you arrive hot and tired from the airport or long drive.

If you have arrived at our site through this page then perhaps you would like to know that knowital aims to be the definitive guide to staying Tuscany and Italy, with hotels, holiday accommodation, vacation rentals, private apartments, villas and homes to let.