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Holiday villas in Sicily
Set just off the toe of Italy’s boot, Sicily is one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating islands – rich in history, dramatic landscapes and seriously good food. It’s impossibly beautiful. Coastal roads wind past jaw-dropping viewpoints, whitewashed towns tumble over green hillsides, and hidden coves sit beside stretches of luminous turquoise sea.
A villa holiday in Sicily invites you to slow down and explore. Spend your days discovering secluded white-sand beaches, swimming in warm, clear waters, wandering through UNESCO World Heritage Sites or riding a cable car up the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Palermo, the island’s vibrant capital, is home to grand palaces, ornate churches and lively street markets that showcase Sicily’s colourful spirit. Across the island, ancient Greek temples and ruins, including the remarkable Valley of the Temples, stand as a powerful reminder of its classical past.
Food is at the heart of everything here, from Arabic-influenced street snacks to indulgent desserts (like the delicious cannoli) created centuries ago in convent kitchens. With its rich culture, diverse landscapes and effortless charm, it’s easy to see why Sicily sits so high on so many travellers’ must-visit lists – and why it’s such a magical place to experience from the comfort of your own villa.
Things we love…
“This is such a magnificent island and there’s so much to see – from ancient ruins to seriously stunning beaches and beautiful inland vineyards. We recommend hiring a car so you can explore the island at your own pace and find some special off-the-beaten-track spots!”
Things to be aware of…
“Many shops and small businesses close from roughly 1-4pm (sometimes later), especially outside major tourist centres, for a siesta to escape the heat and rest. So, it’s best to plan errands in the morning and use this time for relaxing indoors, swimming, exploring sites that remain open – or you could even take a siesta yourself!”
– Ginnie, Managing Director
Things to do in Sicily
Sicily offers an extraordinary mix of experiences, where ancient history, vibrant culture and dramatic natural beauty sit side by side. You can wander through remarkably preserved Greek and Roman ruins, from Taormina’s iconic hilltop theatre to the awe-inspiring Valley of the Temples, before losing yourself in the energy of cities like Palermo or the elegant streets of Ortigia in Syracuse. Hike or take cable cars up Mount Etna, explore the wild coastline of the Zingaro Nature Reserve, or simply relax along beautiful stretches of coast such as Cefalù or the striking white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi. Visit famous Godfather filming locations or graze your way through bustling markets filled with arancini, cannoli and freshly caught seafood.
Best beaches in Sicily
Sicily’s beaches are wonderfully diverse. You’ll find long stretches of soft, sandy shoreline alongside dramatic rocky coves and unique black sand beaches created by volcanic activity. San Vito Lo Capo is especially popular with families thanks to its shallow, calm waters, while Isola Bella near Taormina is known for its crystal-clear sea and striking setting. Along the east coast near Mount Etna, black sand beaches offer something a little different.
Family activities in Sicily
Sicily is a brilliant choice for families, particularly when staying in a villa where space and flexibility make all the difference. Children will love Sicily’s beaches, boat trips and gelato stops, while the older ones will be fascinated by castles, ruins and volcanoes. There are also excellent waterparks, including Etnaland – one of the largest in Europe – as well as snorkelling spots, nature reserves and relaxed seaside towns where family life feels easy and welcome.
Best restaurants in Sicily
Food is at the heart of Sicilian life, and eating well here comes effortlessly. From simple seaside trattorias serving fresh fish and pasta to elegant Michelin-starred restaurants, Sicily caters to every taste. Palermo is famous for its street food scene, while Taormina and the Val di Noto offer refined dining with spectacular views. Fancy eating like a local? Start with arancini, golden fried rice balls stuffed with ragu, mozzarella or pistachio, then try pasta alla Norma, a Catania classic with eggplant, tomato sauce, ricotta salata and basil. Save room for dessert: creamy cannolli filled with sweet ricotta and crunchy cassata, a rich sponge cake layered with ricotta and marzipan.
Best time to visit Sicily
Sicily can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly appealing for villa holidays. From April to June and September to October, the weather is warm but comfortable, ideal for exploring and outdoor living. Summer is perfect for beach lovers, with a lively atmosphere and long, sun-filled days, while winter offers a quieter, more cultural experience – especially in cities like Palermo and Catania.
Where to Stay in Sicily
Sicily is wonderfully diverse, and each region offers a slightly different experience. The east coast is a favourite for first-time visitors, with Taormina and the surrounding areas combining dramatic sea views, historic charm and easy access to Mount Etna. Along the north coast, Cefalù and the countryside near Palermo offer a mix of beautiful beaches, cultural sights and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere. The south of the island feels quieter and more unspoilt, with areas near Noto and the Val di Noto known for golden beaches, Baroque towns and a slower pace of life. Inland Sicily reveals rolling hills, vineyards and traditional villages where time seems to stand still – perfect for those looking to experience the island beyond the coast.
Yes – Sicily is ideal for villa holidays, offering space, privacy, beautiful surroundings and a relaxed way of travelling. It’s perfect for families, couples and groups who want to experience the island at their own pace.
Palermo is the capital of Sicily. It’s vibrant, atmospheric and full of history, with grand palaces, ornate churches and lively street markets that reflect the island’s rich cultural mix.
The east coast is popular for dramatic scenery, beaches and Mount Etna, while the south offers golden sands, Baroque towns and a quieter pace of life. The north combines cultural cities with beautiful coastline, and inland areas are perfect for a more traditional, rural experience.
Yes – Sicily is welcoming and relaxed, with family-friendly beaches, waterparks, boat trips and plenty of open space. Staying in a villa gives families the flexibility and comfort that makes travelling with children easier.
Yes – Sicily has a thriving wine scene and is one of Italy’s most exciting wine regions. From elegant vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna to sun-soaked wineries producing Nero d’Avola and Grillo, the island offers wonderful wine tastings, vineyard tours and cellar-door experiences, often set against beautiful countryside or sea views.
A car is highly recommended, particularly if you’re staying in a villa. It allows you to explore beaches, towns and countryside that aren’t always accessible by public transport and gives you the freedom to discover quieter, less touristy areas.
Sicily is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from many UK and European airports to Palermo, Catania and, seasonally, Trapani. Flight times from the UK are typically around three hours.
Yes – Sicily has an incredible variety of beaches, from long sandy stretches to secluded coves and dramatic black sand beaches created by ancient volcanic activity. Whether you prefer family-friendly shores or wilder coastal scenery, there’s something for everyone.
Sicilian cuisine is one of the highlights of any trip. Must-tries include arancini (stuffed rice balls), fresh seafood, pasta alla Norma, granita, cannoli and cassata. Street food in cities like Palermo is especially famous and well worth exploring.
There are several easy ways to get to Sicily depending on where you’re travelling from, your budget, and how you prefer to travel.
By plane
Flying is by far the quickest and most convenient way to reach Sicily. The island has two main international airports: Palermo (Falcone-Borsellino) in the northwest and Catania (Fontanarossa) on the east coast. Catania is the busier of the two and serves much of eastern Sicily, including Taormina and Mount Etna, while Palermo is ideal for the north and west of the island.
From the UK, there are direct flights from several major airports, with a flight time of around 3 hours. During the summer months, routes and frequencies increase, making Sicily particularly well connected. Smaller airports such as Trapani and Comiso also operate seasonal flights from parts of Europe.
By car
Driving is one of the best ways to explore Sicily once you’re there, especially if you’re staying in a countryside or coastal villa. Car hire is readily available at Palermo and Catania airports, and the main roads connecting cities and popular destinations are generally straightforward.
If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s also possible to drive from the UK to Sicily. This involves driving through France and Italy, then taking a short ferry from mainland Italy (usually from Villa San Giovanni in Calabria) across the Strait of Messina to Sicily. The ferry crossing takes around 30 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day. While it’s a long journey, it allows you to explore parts of Italy en route.
By train
Travelling to Sicily by train is possible and can be a scenic option if you’re combining your trip with time in mainland Italy. From the UK, you could take the Eurostar to Paris, connect onwards through France to northern Italy, and then travel south to cities such as Naples or Rome before continuing to Sicily.
One of the more unique aspects of travelling by train to Sicily is that trains from mainland Italy are transported across the Strait of Messina by ferry. Passengers remain on board while the train is loaded onto the boat for the short sea crossing before continuing on to Palermo or Catania.
While this route takes considerably longer than flying, it’s a memorable way to travel and ideal for those embracing slower, more scenic journeys.
By boat
Reaching Sicily by sea is both practical and picturesque. There are regular ferries from mainland Italy, including routes from Naples, Salerno, Reggio Calabria and Villa San Giovanni. Crossing times vary depending on the departure point — from around 30 minutes from Calabria to approximately 9–10 hours from Naples.
If you’re travelling with a car, ferries are straightforward and well organised, allowing you to bring your vehicle across with ease. Sicily is also a popular stop on Mediterranean cruise itineraries, with ports including Palermo, Catania and Messina welcoming cruise ships throughout the year.
For those sailing privately, Sicily has excellent marina facilities, particularly in Palermo, Syracuse and along the Aeolian Islands, making it a fantastic destination to approach by sea.
Browse our full selection of handpicked villas, each offering its own unique charm, luxury, and unforgettable experiences.
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