Think of luxury Med villas and you'll probably picture the Cote d'Azur, Mykonos, perhaps Sardinia. But Sicily? It evokes images of rugged landscapes dotted with quasi-medieval towns, volcanic mountains and ancient temples, all fringed by deep blue seas. If you think of accommodation here, it's probably a friendly agriturismo.
Turns out the island does have its share of super-stylish, ultra-secluded villas; you just need to know where to look. Down in the southeast corner is one place, between the theatrically beautiful Baroque hilltown of Noto and the flamingo-filled lagoons and sandy coves of Vendicari; we’ve unearthed two stunning supervillas here. Or in Taormina - a popular, pedestrianised town famed for its Greek theatre, arty boutiques and long views out to smoking Mt. Etna and the sweeping Catania coastline. Here, hidden on a terrace overlooking the Isola Bella, is a chic white house whose pool has some of the best views in town.
Holding them all together is the ultra-capable Massimo, a London-based Sicilian who has exclusive rights to these rentals, who - ably assisted by Carla and her team - can patch in a private chef, wine guide or yoga teacher to create the ultimate villa holiday for you and your clan. The Cap d'Antibes? So passé, darling.
Highs
- All these houses have wonderful outdoor spaces - dining verandas, poolside terraces, private patios - for Sicilian-style summer living
- The Taormina house works well without a car: you can walk to restaurants, shops and beaches (or take a cable car!)
- The others have huge gardens for complete privacy and seclusion
- Vendicari, near the Noto and Vendicari villas, has some of Sicily's loveliest beaches, great birdlife, and no crowds
- Impressive kit lists include power showers, satellite TVs, big BBQs, even a private gym and foosball in one house
Lows
- With 3-5 bedrooms, these villas are a bit larger than you need for a family - so bring your parents, or another family!
- They're not cheap, especially in July or August; but still better value than neighbouring Sardinia
- Interior design in both the Noto villa and the the Vendicari villa is quite busy: we liked it, you may not
- Most bedrooms are double (not twin) bedded
Best time to go
We love the quieter shoulder seasons (April-June and September-October), especially in Taormina which, being one of Sicily’s most popular resort towns, is packed with visitors in high summer. The weather in spring is balmy, and in autumn the sea is still warm enough for swimming. Don’t rule out winter stays: some villas are open all year (not their pools, though).
Our top tips
The lovely terraces in these villas are perfect for a spot of early morning yoga al fresco; Massimo can book you an English-speaking teacher for any level (from EUR 150 for a 90-minute session for four). Or head out to the open sea on a boat excursion (from EUR 100 + fuel for a 120-minute trip for four), along with guided fishing for the anglers among you. You can snag grouper, dentex, sea bass, amberjack, even the mighty Bluefin Tuna if you're lucky.
- Luxury Villas
- 3 villas for 5-10
- Self-catering (chef on request)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Vendicari Villa (4-5br)
We think the southeast corner of Sicily is so beautiful - with the sandy coves of Vendicari below, and the handsome Baroque town of Noto above - that any villa here is a find. This stylish, spacious 4 bedroom house has landscaped grounds with aromatic shrubs and exotic cactus gardens, a big decked pool with infinity edges and sleek loungers, and a covered pergola for sitting and dining. In this climate, life is lived outdoors.
Interiors are more conventional, though still eye-catching. Double height beneath lime-washed eaves, the living-dining space has floor to ceiling racks of carefully arranged books and objets (we’re not sure how you reach the top shelves, though). In the upstairs bedrooms, bold polygonal fabrics contrast with terracotta-and-cream check floors; bathrooms are a riot of ceramic Sicilian tiles and matching wallpapers. The kitchen is comparatively traditional - and perhaps all the better for it. Best of all, though, is the sunken 16-metre pool, especially under a huge sunset or a skyful of stars.
Taormina Villa (4br)
To be so close to the town centre - Taormina’s boutiques and bars are a 15-minute stroll - and yet to have such uninterrupted coastal views is a rare privilege. This ultra-desirable 3 / 4-bedroom house is tucked almost out of sight on three leafy terraces, midway down to the beaches of Mazzaro and Isola Bella; from the pool terrace (or the dining or bedroom terraces) you gaze out past bobbing boats to distant Calabria on the sparkling horizon. Morning birds can walk (steeply!) down in 10 minutes for a morning swim before the crowds hit.
Indoors, all is calm and classy: white walls, parquet floors, bright downlighters, sliding picture windows. There are pops of art and patches of exposed rock (on which the house directly rests), but the views do the talking. The focal point is the open-plan living-dining space. A smart kitchen comes with gleaming black-and-chrome appliances. There are two bedrooms on this level - a huge master with ensuite shower room, and a small double (or single) with adjacent bathroom.
If you need more, a separate downstairs apartment almost doubles the space, with its own living-dining area, small kitchenette, double (or twin) bedroom and shower room. Best of all - for the teens it's aimed at - is the foosball table, indoor gym and giant TV.
The only minor quibble we could find is that the roof of the municipal pool slightly spoils the view from the lower levels.
Kids
Children of all ages are welcome at all the villas.
We think the Noto villa is the most family-friendly, thanks to its big pool and proximity to sandy beaches; but mind the cactus gardens!
The Taormina villa is great for (older) teens; its semi-separate apartment has a foosball, Sky TV and indoor gym.
The Caltagirone villa is best for a three-generation holiday, using the separate annexe for grandparents; though the others also work brilliantly for a 3G break.
And all of them could fit 2 families travelling together, though it might be a bit of squeeze in Taormina as one of the double bedrooms is pretty tight.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Kids Activities on site:
- Private pools
- Satellite TVs with big screen
- Foosball (table football) in Taormina
Distances:
- Noto Villa: Shops & Hospital 20 mins (Noto), Airport 1 hr 10mins (Catania)
- Taormina Villa: Shops & Hospital 5-10 mins (Taormina), Airport 1 hr (Catania)
- Caltagirone Villa: Shops & Hospital 10 mins (Caltagirone), Airport 1 hr 10mins (Catania)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The villas are located near Noto (on Sicily's southeast coast), and in Taormina (east coast).
> See all villa locations on a Google map (new window)
By Air:
The closest airport is Catania Fontanarossa which is about 100km (1hr15) from the Noto villa, and 70km (1hr) from Taormina. Alternatively, you could fly into Palermo, but it's about 300km from all locations.
From the Airport
You'll almost certainly need a rental car. All villas have off-street parking.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Catania 90.0 km CTA
- Palermo 120.0 km PMO
Other:
- Beach 10.0 km
- Shops 5.0 km
- Restaurant 5.0 km
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