Vacation Rentals & Villas

The Florida Keys is chain of over 1600 islands extending from the tip of the Everglades in the North to Key West in the South. It is a destination with a great deal to offer for visitors interested in subjects as varied as the arts, big game fishing and seven toed cats.

It can take a while to traverse this chain of islands so choosing a suitable located holiday letting is a challenge and the decision will be influenced by what is on offer. At the head of the island chain is Key Largo, the self proclaimed 'Diving Capital of the World' because the living coral reef a few miles offshore attracts thousands of scuba divers and sport-fishing enthusiasts. Key Largo's proximity to the Everglades also makes it a premier destination for kayakers and wildlife enthusiasts coming to spot gators, bald eagles, deer and even bobcats. Up close dolphin encounters are possible here at one of three specialized facilities in Key Largo. A multitude of marinas offer the opportunity for waterfront condo rentals and there is a varied selection of other holiday lettings in the area.

Marathon, situated about half way down the Keys is a major destination for sport fishing enthusiasts – accessing the Gulf and Atlantic waters from the same destination charters depart every day in search of Dolphinfish, Sailfish and other big game fish whilst the plentiful reefs in the area offer great snorkeling and spear fishing and even lobster “tickling” for those with more fingers than sense. The number one rated beach in the continental USA is located not 15 minutes from Marathon at Bahia Honda State Park. Tropical Hardwood “hammocks” can also be found here – comparable to miniature rainforests they hold an amazingly diverse array of animal and bird species. Holiday lettings available here come in variety of guises from the smaller condo rentals to larger holiday homes but this is a location with limited real estate so availability is limited and often booked well in advance.Running south out of Marathon is Seven Mile Bridge – originally a rail bridge and rebuilt as a road bridge after the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935. Famous for spectacular views and occasional sightings of sharks in the water on clear days as well as its starring roles in films such as True Lies and 2 Fast 2 Furious and License to Kill.

At the very tip of the archipelago is Key West, or the Conch Republic, as it is affectionately known, is the historic home to Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and 400,000 cruise ship visitors per annum. It is a unique town with a lively mix of history, arts and lively festivals and nightlife. Originally a port town, it was at one time the richest town in the USA, its wealth gained by salvaging from the regular shipwrecks on the reefs that abound in the area as trading vessels navigated shallow waters, reefs and hurricanes whilst rounding the peninsula from Gulf to Atlantic Coast. To this day, the houses of the Old Town quarter of Key West have an unusually high number of chandeliers and fine furniture – bounty salvaged from shipwrecked vessels transporting households of rich merchants from Cuba, the Gulf and beyond. Hemingway's House on Old Town is open to the public and home to the famous six and seven toed cats – direct descendants of Hemingway's [apparently very virile] pet “Snowball”.

Duval Street is home to Key West's bar and restaurants offering fine dining and laid back bars and clubs including the world famous Sloppy Joes. Key West hosts innumerable parades, festivals and events throughout the year so there's always an excuse for visitors to kick back and party with the citizens of the Conch Republic. Whether you are looking for Cuban influenced holiday cottages in Old Town or more a modern beachfront holiday letting Key West's diverse architecture and cultural mix will have something for every visitor.