Sicily’s hugely varied landscape means that wherever you stay, you will never be too far from a gasp-inducing view. Ancient ruins dot the island’s dramatic coastline, imposing castles tower above hilltop towns and in the east of the island, the shadowy presence of Mount Etna looms large. Enjoy some stunning views from your luxury Sicily villa but if you are keen to explore more of the island, get inspiration here on some of Sicily’s most spectacular vistas.
Taormina
Perched on the side of a mountain, the views from Taormina are dazzling. Stop by the Greek Theatre to take in the panoramic spectacle of the Bay of Naxos framed by a smoking Mount Etna, and stroll along the main Corso d’Umberto to the Piazza 9 Aprile to gaze out from the terrace over the Ionian Sea.
Things to do in Modica (Italy)
Climb to the top of the 164 steps of Cathedral of San Giorgio to fully appreciate the view in Modica (famous for its chocolate). From here, you can look down over the rooftops and baroque architecture of the UNESCO world heritage town and enjoy wide sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. Stay in an apartment or villa in the historic older part of town, Modica Alta, and enjoy an early evening glass of wine on the terrace as the twinkling lights come on in the town below.
Ragusa Ibla
Not far from Modica, Ragusa Ibla is one of Sicily’s most extraordinary towns. Set on its own separate hilltop, the views as you approach Ragusa Ibla from the upper newer part of town, Ragusa Superiore, is quite unlike anything you will have seen before, a tumbling mass of houses, palazzi and picture perfect churches that appear to cling to the hillside. Once inside the heart of the town, there are more magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and countryside from the Giardino Ibleo, the town’s public park.
Valley of the Temples, Agrigento
The astonishing archaeological park, with its eight temples, is situated on a rocky ridge around three miles to the south of modern day Agrigento on Sicily’s south coast. For the best views of the ancient Greek temples, charter your own boat for the day or book an organised excursion around Sicily’s southern shores.
Erice
Hop on the cable car at Trapani in western Sicily and head up to the medieval hilltop town of Erice for jaw dropping views of the coastline and the Egadi Islands. Once you have finished gawping at the view, wander through the town’s maze of cobbled streets to explore its numerous churches and two castles. Find out more about our villas with views in western Sicily.
Holidays to the Aeolian Islands
On a clear day, the silhouetted Aeolian Islands are visible from the coastline around Milazzo in north east Sicily and are also easily accessible on a day trip by ferry or hydrofoil from Milazzo or Messina. Of all the Aeolian Islands, Stromboli is perhaps the most spectacular, thanks to its regularly erupting volcano. Stay in a villa on the island and enjoy daytime sea views and dramatic evening ‘fireworks’ displays as the active volcano spews sparks and flames.
