Check out 8 of our favourite romantic villas

With the rapid approach of Valentine’s Day, it’s the perfect time to think hot tubs with views of the ocean, hideaway terraces framed by fragrant jasmine and dazzling bougainvillea, and rural bolt holes for two set amidst olive and oak tree-carpeted countryside. In fact, when it comes to romantic villas and dreamy settings, sometimes checking into your own hideaway retreat for two beats a luxury hotel experience. Read on to discover eight of our favourite romantic villas for couples in Sicily.

Dimora Pietra Nica

Escape to Dimora Pietra Nica where nothing stands between you and the crystal clear waters of southern Sicily except your own private terraced garden, where you can lounge on sunbeds or soak in the hot tub and watch the sun dip over the ocean. There’s a selection of pizzerias and restaurants in nearby Cava d’Aliga and Scicli, but with an outdoor kitchen, barbecue and shaded sea view terrace, you may struggle to tear yourselves away from this perfect paradise.

Villa Alti

Staying in a small villa needn’t mean missing out on the frills of a larger holiday home. At beachfront Villa Alti, highlights include a private pool, sea view roof terrace with a hot tub, and a wellness area with fitness equipment. With a patio heater and a remote controlled pergola, alfresco dining on the terrace is an option for most of the year.

Casetta Mola

Casetta Mola is one of several beautifully converted barns and former farm buildings on the luxurious Tindari estate in north east Sicily. No expense has been spared in transforming the four bougainvillea clad stone cottages into boutique retreats for couples, with local ceramics, exquisitely tiled kitchens, antique furniture and cosy fireplaces. Set in a rural landscape carpeted by olive and oak trees, the cottages each have a double bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen, and shared use of a stunning 18m infinity pool flanked by sun terraces and with dramatic views of the Sanctuary of Tindari.

Casa a Ortigia

There’s actually space for four at Casa a Ortigia but the villa still ticks every box if you’re planning on visiting Siracusa as a couple. Perfectly located overlooking the waterfront on Ortigia island and close to a public sunbathing platform, the villa also has a secluded rooftop terrace where you can drink in the views while you sip your evening aperitivo. Leave plenty of time to unravel Siracusa’s extraordinary history including the unrequited love story marked by the Fonte Aretusa.

Casa del Carrubo

Casa del Carrubo on Siciy’s east coast is another small villa that really packs a punch. Retreat to this tranquil villa and spend a week just enjoying being together cocooned from the outside world. Soak up the sun in the gorgeous garden, flitting between the pool and jacuzzi. Dine under the stars on fresh fish and meat prepared in the outdoor kitchen or wander down to the nearby pizzeria for a pizza and glass of wine.

La Nave

Live it up at La Nave, a super-chic single-storey villa with a to die for infinity pool and astonishing views of the Tyrrhenian coast and the Sanctuary of Tindari. The two-bedroom villa offers the ultimate upmarket romantic retreat, with elegantly designed interiors and a huge outdoor terrace with upscale barbecue and covered dining area.

Agapanto Cottage

Escape to the floral-scented world of the Villa Cecilia Trabia estate which offers several accommodation options and direct access to a pebbly beach. Tucked away from the other properties, Agapanto Cottage is a cottage for two with a studio-style bedroom, ensuite bathroom and kitchen. Outside, a pretty covered terrace with sea views is a heavenly retreat within the estate’s extraordinary gardens, with plenty of space to dine and relax. The estate on Sicily’s north coast features several pools, including a large jacuzzi, available to all guests.

Terrazza sul Mare

Skip the frills and enjoy the romantic simplicity of living like a local in the small fishing village of Pozzillo. At Terrazza sul Mare, you’ll soon step into the local rhythm of daily life, popping out in the morning to the fresh fish stall for the catch of the day, slipping down to the sea for a refreshing swim, and relaxing on the large panoramic terrace at night to dine under the stars and watch the twinkling lights of the fishing boats out at sea.