After a long, cold winter, most of us are more than ready for some warm summer sun. Here in Sicily, temperatures start to creep up as early as April which means that by June and July, you can be sure of long sunny days on the beach and balmy evenings. Here are just a few of our best villas in Sicily for summer sun.
Pool with a view in chic Taormina
If you are looking for glamour and sophistication, head straight for Taormina. Perched high on a rocky promontory, with sweeping sea views and Mount Etna as a backdrop, the town still attracts celebrities and holidaymakers to its sandy beaches and its classy boutiques and restaurants along the main Corso Umberto.
Villa Eloi is a stylish 4-bedroom villa with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, huge sweeping terraces and extraordinary coastal views. Curving round the hillside, the main terrace features lounging and dining areas and a pool. One week in August from £4390 (sleeps 8).
Beach or pool?
Get the best of both worlds at Villa Stella which has a considerable-sized pool and private steps down to the sea where a platform at the water’s edge provides the ideal spot for soaking up the sun. Thanks to its location just 10 minutes’ drive from Palermo airport, the villa is perfect for a quick escape to the sun.
Travel a little further afield to visit the archaeological site of Segesta and the astonishing Norman cathedral at Monreale. A week at Villa Stella starts at £2102 (sleeps 8) at Whitsun or at £3445 in August.
Holiday with another family
Twin up with another family for the best value for money. At Casa Turi (sleeps 8-11), the sprawling garden includes several terraces, a large covered outdoor kitchen with full cooking facilities and dining area, table tennis and a magnificent pool with graduated steps that are idea for families with younger children. Inside, there’s a sleek contemporary kitchen and a vast open plan living space which leads on to the outdoor terraces.
Situated between Palermo and Cefalù, the villa is within easy reach of the Greek temple and theatre at Segesta. One week at Casa Turi from £2540 (sleeps 8) at Whitsun, or from £4250 in August.
Stay on the beach
Check into Casa Ulisse for a classic on-the-beach break. Situated on the same latitude as northern Tunisia, the south east corner of Sicily is renowned for its sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. Prepare al fresco meals at the outdoor kitchen on the villa’s terraces, then zig-zag your way through palm tree-dotted lawns to the vast stretch of powder soft sand at the end of the garden.
Nearby, visit the UNESCO world heritage towns of Ragusa Ibla, Noto and Scicli or enjoy walks in the Vendicari and Cassibile Nature Reserves. One week at Casa Ulisse in May from £2013 (sleeps 6), rising to £2890 in August.
