Lunch by the pool or dinner under the stars is one of the great treats of a villa holiday in the sun. In fact we think having an exquisite outdoor space is a real decider when choosing a holiday villa. From May to September one of the big pleasures of life in Sicily is being outside from dawn to dusk, and beyond. Throw in the luxury of an outdoor kitchen and some dramatic coastal or rural views, and you’re well on your way to a holiday in heaven. Not sure where to start looking for your villa? Read on to find out why these are five of our best villas in Sicily for an alfresco dining experience.
Stunning outdoor kitchen
It seems a shame not to take advantage of the gleaming chrome worktops in Casa Turi’s contemporary indoor kitchen but when the outdoor kitchen looks like this, it’s a tough call. Shaded by a fabric canopy, and with a dining table for 10, there are elegant tiled units, a hob, sink and barbecue corner, and plenty of space for preparing food. Retreat after lunch to one of the shady terraces for an espresso and afternoon snooze.
Casa Turi is a 4-bedroom restored Sicilian country house with pool, set amongst the olive groves close to Palermo. Get up to 20% off selected weeks before 1 November 2019.
Pergola with a view
Enjoy cool breezes and dramatic views when you dine outdoors at Villa Alma. Set in a lofty position between Milazzo and Messina, the villa’s garden and paved terraces have striking views over the surrounding countryside and coastline, including the volcanic Aeolian islands. Shelter from the midday sun under a pergola perched at the far end of the terrace and drink in the view over a lunchtime feast of sweet tomatoes and creamy mozzarella.
Ideal for families, 4-bedroom Villa Alma has a pool, table tennis and children’s play area with swings and a slide.
Terrace with a sea view
Be quick to the table at Villa Dioscuri if you want the best view. Gaze through the wrought iron balustrade on the villa’s outdoor terrace and enjoy sweeping views of the coastline and the magnificent Sanctuary di Tindari, home to the legend-steeped statue of the Black Madonna.
The luxurious villa for 16 has a stunning 18m infinity pool, overlooked by the superb dining terrace. There is also table tennis and a 6-seat inflatable jacuzzi. Book Villa Dioscuri before early July and save €500.
Rural retreat with a twist
Don’t be surprised to see a figure of Spiderman scampering up the wall behind you at Villa Arte Mare Blue’s outdoor dining table. The ostensibly traditional rural villa, set in the hills above Cefalù, is full of surprises, with eclectic art and an extraordinary sculpture collection filling the villa’s interiors and its extensive garden. When it comes to dining al fresco, there’s a fully-equipped covered outside kitchen with wood-burning pizza oven, sink and hob, right next to the terrace.
5-bedroom Villa Arte Mare Blue (sleeps 10) has an infinity pool, table tennis and a large mature garden.
Seafront dining
At Casa dei Nomadi, you’re never too far from the sea. A walkway leads from the villa to the beach, with a pool and jacuzzi on one side and, on the other, a wonderfully secluded decked eating space where meals come with a backdrop of the sound of the sea. If that’s still too far from the water’s edge, the villa has its own private patio, complete with lounge-style furniture, right on the beach!
Casa dei Nomadi is a contemporary beachfront villa (sleeps 12), with a pool and jacuzzi, close to Cefalù on Sicily’s north coast.
