Stunning must-book Sicily villas

The island of Sicily is arguably one of the most interesting holiday destinations in Europe, with its abundance of ancient ruins and archeological sites, including six UNESCO World Heritage sites (seven if you include the Aeolian islands, just off the coast of north-eastern Sicily). The island is also very appealing for visitors for its long summer seasons and mild winters, its beautiful beaches, charming villages and towns, as well as its excellent food and wine. Whether you enjoy physical pursuits such as hiking, cycling and scuba diving, exploring the stunning countryside and coast, or lovers of history; local festivals, wine tastings and culinary delights… Sicily offers all these experiences, and more.

Positioned between north Africa and mainland Italy, Sicily offers a mix of interesting cultures, especially when it comes to food, which is inspired by Spanish, Greek, and Arab cuisine, as well as a variety of fresh fish, and locally grown vegetables, often served with couscous instead of pasta. A Couscous Festival is, in fact, an annual event in Sicily (16-25 September 2022), and considered as a cultural integration event between nearby countries. The island is also renowned for its many other festivals all year round, covering everything from almond blossom, to music, food and religious festivals. Moreover, Sicily is the largest wine producing region in Italy, and with its mountains and hills, the excellent wine here offers a distinctive Mediterranean flavour. We recommend Winery Tasting Sicily which can arrange great food and wine tours and tastings for visitors.

Most of our villas to rent on Sicily are situated to the east and south-east of the island, where visitors will discover much evidence of Sicily’s ancient past, including the historic city of Syracuse, with its Temple of Apollo, a Roman amphitheater, and the largest Greek theatre in the ancient world, built around 470 B.C. The charming historic island of Ortigia, which is linked to the mainland by a short footbridge, can be reached from Syracuse by car (2 minutes), or by foot (18 minutes). With its narrow medieval lanes, Ortigia also offers a good choice of shops, markets, and restaurants. It has a particularly lovely atmosphere in the evening! The many other historic treasures on Sicily include the wonderful archaeological area of Agrigento with the remains of Doric temples, in the south-west of the island, as well as the Baroque architecture in the cities of Noto and the Necropolis of Pantalica in the south east.

Recommended: Villa Trabia (10 Bedrooms, 22 Guests)

The property consists of a main house, and three cottages, each of which can be rented separately, or together for up to 22 people in total. Within the beautifully maintained garden of Mediterranean and tropical plants, there are three pools on three levels connected by two waterfalls, and a collection of exotic palms. From the main pool (20 x 8m) a waterfall flows into a large whirlpool which seats 12 people. From here, the water overflows into a children’s pool (6 x 3m). Both the whirlpool and children’s pool can be heated on request. Adjacent to the main pool is a pool house with showers, WC and an external covered kitchen and dining area. Next to the pool area, an open gazebo provides a shaded area for relaxing outdoors.

Vista Etna (4 bedrooms, 8 guests)

Originally an ancient ‘masseria’, this impressive villa is located in a small village on the slopes of Mount Etna, just 27 kms from Catania airport, and around 40 kms south of Taormina. The villa is well situated in one of Sicily’s most prestigious wine producing areas, as well as known for its excellent fruit, vegetables and local honey. Lovers of outdoor adventure sports will be spoilt for ideas – including trekking, mountain-biking, pot-holing, river rafting and tubing as well as snorkelling, kitesurfing and water-skiing. The interiors are stunning, with the living room boasting high vaulted and frescoed ceilings. Additionally, there are stylish and high tech comforts throughout the villa, which includes a gym. Outside, the lawn leads to a beautiful large pool, and a Modernistic glass-screened pavilion, which was designed as a reception area for parties, also making the villa perfect for a special occasion.

Giardini Naxos (7 bedrooms, 12 guests)

The Giardini Naxos luxury Sicily villa rental is located on Giardini Naxos beach, just 5 kms south of Taormina. Halfway between Messina and Catania, Giardini Naxos was one of the first Greek colonies in Sicily, with a large archeological area. The location is also convenient for exploring the eastern part of the island, including Mt Etna, the wild gorges of Alcantara and medieval villages such as Savoca, Forza d’Agrò and Castelmola and, of course, the elegant town of Taormina.

The villa offers both fabulous sea views, as well as direct access to the sea. A beautiful garden surrounds the whole villa, with a swimming pool area and an outdoor dining area adjacent to the kitchen with a pergola roof and sea view. Then, there is a solarium terrace with patio near the sea, also with a shady space for relaxing just in front of the water.

Villa Cassibile (5 bedrooms, 8 guests)

Just 9 kms south from Syracuse, this unique villa is located on the coast in the Gelsomineto Reserve, just a few steps from Il Gelsomineto Marchesa beach, one of the most unspoilt beaches in the south-east of Sicily. Surrounded by a large private garden, visitors here can enjoy privacy, as well as beautiful views over a citrus grove to the sea. Within the grounds there is also a large furnished terrace, and a wonderful infinity swimming pool with sea views, and a barbecue area. The ancient city of Syracuse and the UNESCO Baroque town of Noto are close by, and there are also wonderful hiking opportunities in the Cava Grande di Cassibile. Guests will also be close to the Cassibile River, and the stunning gorge of Pantalica, with several thousand Neolithic tombs on its limestone cliffs.

Villa Scordia (8-11 bedrooms, 16-28 guests)

The beautiful Villa Scordia luxury villa rental in Sicily is situated in the east, between Mt Etna and the sea, and is surrounded by lush gardens, hillsides, pastures and orange groves. The estate specialises in producing high quality organic varieties of citrus fruit, as well as having a collection of palm species from around the world. Within one hour’s drive you can visit Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, the city of Catania with the “Pescheria” (the famous fish market), Teatro Massimo Bellini, Castello Ursino, and numerous other archeological sites and museums. Also not to be missed are Piazza Armerina’s famous Roman mosaics, Villa del Casale in Syracusa, famous for its Greek history, and Militello Val di Catania and Noto, known for their exquisite Baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites. A bit further and you can enjoy the Greek theatre and good shopping in Taormina, or head south to the Valle dei Templi in Agrigento, yet another World Heritage site.