Looking for holiday inspiration in the Med? With a mild climate throughout the year and an average of up to 7 hours of daily sunshine as early as April, Sicily is a great place to make up for lost time by squeezing in an extra sunny break. While most tourists, including Italians, flock to Sicily in August, the island is at its best between April and June, and later in the year during the autumn months.
Easter celebrations and a villa with heated pool
Enjoy all-out luxury at half the price of an August holiday on a family Easter break at Gemma, a new addition to Wish Sicily’s collection, where family-friendly highlights include a heated pool and trampoline, outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, and several comfortable poolside lounge areas. Wander down to the beach at Santa Maria del Focallo or pop along to nearby Pozzallo for a spot of surfing or kitesurfing. Marvel at the baroque treasures of the UNESCO world heritage towns of Ragusa and Scicli, and also at Modica where you can watch one of Sicily’s most spectacular Easter processions, the Madonna Vasa Vasa.
One week at Gemma in April from £2793 (sleeps 8).
Weekend break in the May spring sunshine
Make the most of the first May bank holiday (2 May) and grab a weekend of sunshine and culture in the fascinating city of Syracuse. Wander through the city’s historic narrow lanes and alleyways on the pedestrianised island of Ortigia, explore its magnificent Duomo and baroque palaces, and visit the vast archaeological park, home to a 5th century BC Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheatre. When you’ve had your fill of culture, sit and people-watch over a cappuccino in the vast Piazza Duomo or head for the colourful Mercato di Ortigia to drink in the atmosphere and stock up on foodie treats.
Stay at Stella in Ortigia, a romantic duplex apartment with huge sea-facing terrace set in a palazzo at the entrance to the island of Ortigia. A 4-night stay in May starts at £524 (sleeps 4).
Family holiday during the Queen’s Jubilee
Take advantage of the extended break to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and get more for your money by taking your main family holiday at the end of May. Wish Sicily’s newest villa, Nefele, has an infinity pool, table tennis and a striking outdoor kitchen/dining area with sea views. Interiors are elegantly furnished in neutral colours with natural stone flooring, and the second living room ticks the box for teenagers in need of their own space. Enjoy the beaches, restaurants and gelaterie in the seaside resort of Capo d’Orlando or venture into the hills of the Nebrodi National Park to explore villages and towns that still feature the remains of Byzantine monasteries and churches.
A week at Nefele in late May starts at £3654 (sleeps 7).
A multi-gen celebration at any time of the year
Learn about Sicilian food and culture while you holiday with all your favourite people on a celebration week in a private villa in northeast Sicily. Available throughout the year for groups of between 10-30 people, Wish Sicily’s Cooking & Culture week includes gastronomic experiences, cookery classes, market trips and private guided tours. Culinary highlights include a trip to the renowned panettone producers, Fiasconaro, and a visit to a family-owned producer of sweet treats made from locally-grown almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios. There are also excursions to Mount Etna, with a thrilling 4 x 4 ride to the crater, a private excursion by boat to the spectacular Aeolian Islands, and wine-tasting.
Stay in luxurious hotel-style en suite bedrooms at Pizzo dell’Ovo which has two private infinity pools with views over the Sanctuary of Tindari, set amidst olive and oak tree-carpeted countryside. Cooking and Culture in Sicily costs from £1670pp per week, including all meals, cookery classes, excursions and transfers.
