Sitting in the shadow of Mount Etna, the Italian island of Sicily is a tapestry of luscious vegetation, historic port towns, citrus groves and crumbling palaces, and sun-seekers can choose from pebbly, muddy (volcanic) or sandy beaches. Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island with a unique history of its own, housing the ruins of Doric-style Greek temples, Byzantine mosaics and former royal palaces of the Kingdom of Sicily. Our villas in Sicily are spread across the island, from the historic city of Syracuse – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful cities in the world – to the charming coastal port of Castellammare del Golfo, known for its beautiful harbour, sparkling seas and grand fortress.
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Brilliant blue seas, the scent of citrus on the warm breeze, gleaming marble palazzos and twinkling marinas, Sicily is dripping in romance. From our couple's villas in Sicily, it's just a short trip to the many beaches that line the coast – one of the most romantic being the secluded Riserva Vendicari – in a nature reserve and a short drive from our couples villas in Syracuse. From the coast it's also possible to hire a sailing boat and enjoy a romantic boat day sailing through crystalline waters and even enjoying the sunset. Sicily is also home to some world-class wineries, and a great day out on your Sicily villa holiday is enjoying wine tasting and a cellar tour. For an unparalleled evening of romance, head into one of Sicily's towns for candlelit trattorias, bar-lined piazzas and gorgeous sea views.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and offers the quintessential Italian holiday experience – but with a unique island vibe. For history lovers, there are few places better than our villas in Syracuse, near the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site island with its maze of Greek and Roman ruins. Sicily is also a beach lover's paradise, and beach bums can choose from sandy, pebbly and volcanic beaches – with fantastic beaches near our Sicily villas. Honey-hued medieval streets with churches, gleaming piazzas and palaces also await guests in our villas in Sicily, and there are also great museums on the island. Dining in Sicily is out of this world, and trying the iconic cone-shaped arancini is an absolute must. Visit a local food market – a fantastic one located near our villas in Syracuse – and cook up a storm back at home in your Sicily villa. Sicily's countryside is also spectacular, all oceans of olive and citrus groves and farmland hiding ancient ruins – perfect for hiking and exploring.
Choose a villa in Sicily for a dreamy Italian island escape, where days are spent lolling on beaches and exploring the hinterland, and eves are spent dining in twinkling harbours and wandering honey-hued old towns. The weather is also fantastic in Sicily, with the island enjoying almost year-round sunshine.
Sicily is a treasure trove of historical sites, and our villas in Sicily are all located near great museums, churches, protected buildings and archaeological sites. The most historical site on the island is Syracuse, where we have many luxury villas with a private pool, dating back to antiquity and home to Greek and Roman monuments and sites like a Greek theatre, temples and Roman amphitheatre. In Castellammare del Golfo, there's the imposing fort for which the port is named, and it's an easy drive into the capital of Palermo. Visit Palermo to see the grand domed cathedral, the eerie Capuchin Catacombs and the famous Archaeological Museum.
Sicily is a fantastic destination for a family villa holiday, offering a laid back island vibe with fantastic beaches and scenery, but also a plethora of vibrant and exciting towns and cities with great facilities. Groups staying in one of our family villas in Sicily will want to scope out the nearest beaches, with sandy, pebbled and volcanic beaches all just a short walk or drive away – many with umbrellas and great facilities. Sicily's towns and cities are also great for kids, not too crowded with plenty of family-friendly eateries serving up favourites like gelato, pizza and pasta. Sicily is also home to a handful of waterparks – try the pirate-themed Aretusa Park when staying in our villas in Syracuse – with colourful slides, pools and lounging spots for adults.
From its dazzling blue coastline to its rugged hinterlands, Sicily offers plenty of activities for an adventure-packed villa holiday. If you fancy a challenge, then head for Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe and reachable by car from your Sicily villa. Ignore the cable car and hike up to the Mountain Hut from Rifugio Sapienza. Watersports are also popular in Sicily, especially diving and snorkelling thanks to its gin-clear waters, but kitesurfing is popular too. Head into the rugged countryside for an adrenaline-packed off-road tour in a quad bike of 4x4, offered throughout the island with many near our villas in Syracuse.