Save up to 20% on Wish Sicily villas

Italy’s recent announcement that it has dropped its 5-day quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated Britons puts Sicily firmly back on the holiday map. Villa specialist Wish Sicily is offering up to 20% off selected apartments and villas in September and October when, given Sicily’s location just 100 miles or so northeast of Africa, you can expect temperatures in their early 20’s and sea water that has been warmed by the summer sun.

Discounts are available on the following holidays:

City break in Syracuse

Feeling culture starved? Make up for lost time with a week in Syracuse. Wander through the city’s historic narrow lanes and alleyways on the island of Ortigia, explore its magnificent Duomo and visit the vast archaeological park, home to a 5^th century BC Greek Theatre and a Roman Amphitheatre.

When you’ve had your fill of culture, head for the colourful Mercato di Ortigia to drink in the atmosphere and stock up on food provisions, or soak up the sun on one of Ortigia’s sundecks. Out-of-town options include the beaches at Arenella and Fontane Bianche or the clear pools and waterfalls at the Cavagrande Nature Reserve.

New apartment for 2021: Save 20% at Stella in Ortigia, a one-bedroom duplex with a large furnished city-view terrace, set in an atmospheric palazzo on Ortigia. One week from £1002 (after discount) for 4 guests.

Explore the baroque Val di Noto

Rocca di Pietra, a magnificent traditional Sicilian ‘masseria’ close to Ragusa, is a superb base for exploring southeast Sicily. Alternate between lazy days on the nearby sandy beaches and jaunts to the extraordinary baroque towns of Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Scicli.

Outside the villa, tiered terraces shaded by fluttering canopies overlook the infinity pool and beyond that, the local landscape of patchwork fields crisscrossed by dry stone walls. Interiors include 6 bedrooms featuring rustic stone walls, brightly painted blue shuttered windows, family heirlooms and ceramics from nearby Caltagirone.

Prices: Save 15% throughout September and October. One week from £2366 (after discount) for 12 guests.

October half-term

In late October, the Vendicari Nature Reserve is home to thousands of flamingos, egrets and other aquatic birds, on their last stopping point before the final leg of their journey to Africa. Popular with walkers and beach-goers, the Reserve is awash with thyme, rosemary and juniper bushes and fringed by golden dunes which tumble down to the sea.

Recently refurbished but retaining much of its traditional Sicilian charm, Oasivera hovers on the edge of the Reserve, set amidst a vast garden of palm tree-dotted lawns with a pool. There’s a splendid wind-shielded tiled courtyard, a covered veranda for cooler evenings and views from the roof terrace over the Reserve and the sea. The nearest stretch of sand is just 200m from the villa and the baroque town of Noto close by.

Prices: Save 10% at October half-term. One week from £3132 (after discount) for 10 guests.