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Sicily Villas & Luxury Vacation Rentals
Luxury Villa Rentals for 2+ people
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Your Guide to Sicily Villa Rentals
A glorious mix of cultures, histories, and landscapes, Sicily is one of the most diverse and dynamic destinations in Italy, if not across Europe. Sicilian villa rentals reflect this diversity by offering a variety of luxury experiences, from restored farmhouses to contemporary oceanfront estates.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate. Accordingly, much of Sicilian villa life revolves around the sea. People from around the world flock to its shores in the warmer months to enjoy some time in the sun and by the water - which is why the pool and the views are so often the focal points of luxury villas in Sicily.
Top destinations within Sicily include Taormina on the east coast, famous for its beaches; Siracusa, a UNESCO site rich in charm and history; and the capital Palermo, the cultural centre of Sicily and a great place to catch an opera.
Because Sicily can get very hot in the summer, your choice of where to go will probably depend on the season. The first step to choosing a luxury villa in Sicily, then, is to decide on your travel dates. From there, you’ll want to look at your approximate party size, as well as if there are any children in your party.
Your Rental Escapes villa specialist will then be happy to present you with the best villa options in Sicily for your dates and party size.
Luxury Villa Rentals in Sicily
Part of what makes Sicily so special is that it has passed through so many cultures – from the Phoenicians to the Greeks to the Arabs and the Normans – but it’s the Romans that really started the tradition of building and maintaining luxury villas in Sicily.
This tradition lives on, and today Sicily is home to a fine collection of both historic and contemporary luxury villas. Because of the summer's heat and the superb landscapes surrounding them, the majority feature large pool areas that serve as the villa's focal point.
To that end, because so much of Sicilian culture revolves around gathering with friends and family, the most popular options in Sicily tend to be large villas, villas with private pools, and family villas.
Large Villas in Sicily
For many, Sicily is a place to gather with friends and family and enjoy the weather, history, and culture together. Large villas in Sicily let you do just that by providing ample accommodation for each guest and spacious common areas to congregate and entertain. Top choices include:
Tangeri: Set within an orange, mandarin, and clementine grove, Tangeri is a 10-bedroom estate that lets you experience the absolute best of the Sicilian countryside. Its verdant, manicured gardens are home to an impressive array of plants and flowers, while the interior is dotted with antiques. Pick an orange from a tree, take a dip by the pool, or play a game on the private tennis court – it’s all on offer here.
Baya Bella: Located between Taormina and Naxos, Baya Bella is a hilltop villa delivering uncompromising ocean views, a heated saltwater pool, multiple terraces, contemporary interiors, and a wealth of amenities not usually found in Sicilian villas, including a full gym. A stylish and modern masterpiece for up to 20 guests.
Villa Maya: With its prized oceanfront location in southeastern Sicily, Villa Maya is a great choice if you want to relax and enjoy the sound, sights, and feeling of the water – whether it’s the sea or the large private pool. It’s also perfectly located near historic towns like Modica, Scicli, and Noto, making it a great spot for day trips to explore the Baroque architecture this region is famous for.
Luxury Villas in Sicily with Pool
With all the beautiful weather and the Mediterranean Sea around you, you’ll want to spend your time outdoors. Luxury villas in Sicily with pools let you do just that in unparalleled privacy, allowing you to create truly unforgettable moments. They include:
Don Mimi Guarnaschelli: With a rich history that includes having hosted King Edward VIII, Don Mimi Guarnaschelli is a hilltop, oceanfront villa that perfectly encapsulates what makes Taormina so special. From its fragrant gardens to its vine-coloured façade through to its expertly appointed interior, it is an absolute feast for the senses.
Villa Greta: A modern, spacious construction, Villa Greta is just a short drive from the beaches of Fondachello and Giardini Nexos, though its large pool area offers guests plenty of chances to cool down on its own, as does the cool, open interior. It also features two bedrooms in a separate annex, for guests that want more privacy. A stylish choice.
Diffusa: If you want to enjoy the pedestrian-friendly Taormina without having to rent a car, then Diffusa makes a great choice. It features beautiful ocean views, especially from its large pool and hot tub area, and is well-appointed, stylishly decorated, and, above all, perfectly located.
Family Villas in Sicily
If you’re travelling with children or a multi-generational group, then family villas in Sicily make a perfect choice. They often have amenities that appeal to travellers of different ages, have flexible bedroom setups, and even staff to help out when needed. Top family villas in Sicily include:
Cornelia: A restored 17th-century farmhouse, Cornelia is a 12-bedroom villa that offers the quintessential Sicilian experience, complete with views of Mt Edna, a verdant central courtyard, orange and olive groves, and even a horse-riding facility. Ideal for a large family gathering.
Ninella: Situated in the beautiful town of Cefalu, Ninella features what is easily one of the most impressive outdoor living areas in Sicily, complete with three distinct pools flowing into one another via waterfall. Its mix of tasteful design, different bedroom layouts, and fun amenities make it a perfect choice for families travelling with children.
Ager Costa: Ager Costa makes a great choice if you want to explore Sicily’s historic western coast. The villa itself sits on the edge of the charming town of Buseto Palizzolo and is just 20 minutes away from the medieval town of Erice, the temple of Segesta, and the beautiful, historic port of Trapani. The villa itself is a great mix of contemporary and historical and can accommodate up to 16.
Sicily FAQ
What are the Entry Requirements for Sicily?
Visitors to Italy will have to show a valid passport upon entering the Schengen area, which includes many countries in the EU. Once in the Schengen area, a passport is no longer required to be shown when travelling to another Schengen country.
How to Travel to Sicily?
Though the closest point of Sicily to the mainland of Italy is only 2 kilometres, there is no land crossing, meaning visitors from continental Europe must arrive on the island by either air or sea.
Sicily’s two largest airports are Palermo Airport and Catania Airport. They are well-serviced by a number of European airlines, including budget airlines. That said, if you are arriving from outside of Europe, then you will most likely need to fly into Rome or Naples first (or elsewhere in Europe through a connecting flight).
Sicily is also well-serviced by ferries, including numerous high-speed options (though do be aware that these are bumpier rides).
Once you arrive in Sicily, the island has good train service. Driving in Sicily is also not difficult, especially compared to the rest of Italy.
Your Rental Escapes concierge can assist with car rentals, boat charters, private drivers, airport transfers, and more.
When is the Best Time to Visit Sicily?
September is peak season in Sicily, providing lovely, warm weather without the oppressive heat of the summer.
That said, if you want to enjoy Sicily with fewer crowds, then consider travelling in shoulder season. April, May, June, and October are lovely months to visit, with the weather still warm enough to enjoy time by the pool, and there are plenty of festivals to enjoy as well.
Unlike other parts of Italy, low season in the winter is still a viable time to visit, though many smaller towns may have fewer services available.
Best Things to do in Sicily?
Mount Etna: The largest active volcano in Europe and the oldest volcano in the world, Mount Etna dominates the scenery of Western Sicily. A visit offers a chance to experience one of Italy’s most imposing landscapes and take in some of its most breathtaking views. You can even ski here in the winter!
Valley of the Temples: A must-see archeological site, Valle dei Templi features the ruins of temples to Juno, Concordia, Zeus, and Hercules. These ruins rival those in Athens, and a visit allows you to get up close and experience this stunning history and mythology firsthand.
Palatine Chapel: Situated in Palermo, the medieval Palantine Chapel is a true testament to Sicilian history and features Byzantine, Norman, and Fatimid architectural influences. It’s especially well-regarded for its stunning mosaics, Muqarnas ceiling, and elaborate chapel.
How’s the Food in Sicily?
Sicilian food has distinct and bold flavours that separate it from other kinds of Italian cuisine. Almost all of the food you find in Sicily will utilize local ingredients, and there’s a big emphasis on simple preparations.
Native ingredients include tomatoes, zucchini, garlic, onions, chickpeas, red prawns, and olive oil. Sicily is also world famous for its citrus, especially its oranges and lemons.
There’s also plenty of pasta to enjoy, with top dishes including pasta ala norma (with eggplant) and pasta con sarde (pasta with sardines).
Veal, beef, pork, and lamb are also very popular dishes from livestock raised on the island.
And for dessert, nothing beats a fresh cannolo, Sicilian style – stuffed with ricotta and a dash of lemon. Delizioso.
Your Rental Escapes concierge can also arrange chef service and villa pre-stocking at any of our Sicilian villas, so you can enjoy all your favourites.
How’s the Weather in Sicily?
Sicily benefits from a Mediterranean climate", with temperatures in the summer varying between 20°C-30°C (68°F-86°F). Summers are also very dry, with July and August only receiving between 10-17mm of rain. Water temperatures at this time are also exceptionally warm at about 26°C (78.8°F).
Autumn sees average temperatures drop to about 17°C (62.6°F) in October and 13°C (55.4°F) in November.
Winter then sees temperatures drop even more to between 5°C-10°C (40°F-50°F). Winter is also the wettest time of the year, with December being the wettest month with 79mm of rainfall.
By spring, temperatures pick back up to 13°C (55.4°F) in March, 16°C (60.8°F) in April, and 19°C (66.2°F) in May.
Book a Villa in Sicily with Rental Escapes
If you’re hoping to visit this beautiful part of Italy, Rental Escapes can elevate your Sicilian villa rental into a true luxury experience.
Our portfolio includes the finest villa rentals in Sicily, including villas with private pools, historic villas, family villas, and more.
Your Rental Escapes reservation expert can find the best villa for your group, and your concierge personalizes your trip to create the ultimate Sicilian luxury villa experience.
Contact us today to book your next dream holiday!
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