Villas on Sicily's islands

Sicily’s outlying islands are all excellent holiday destinations. The Unesco-protected Aeolian archipelago comprises seven islands (Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi), each with their own distinctive style. With cobalt-blue seas, water sports are a big attraction on all the islands, with swimmers, sailors and divers taking to the water.

The three Egadi Islands to the west of Sicily are easily accessible fromTrapaniandMarsala. Less dramatic than theAeolian Islands, they offer a gentle easy-going pace of life, with an appealing local atmosphere, great swimming and diving.  Butterfly-shaped Favignana is the largest of the three.

To the south of Sicily, volcanic Pantelleria is closer to Africa than Europe. Popular with celebrities, this is an island of steaming fumaroles and mud baths, gorgeous secluded coves and superb hiking trails.