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February 21, 2025April 11, 2025Beach life, Culture, Sicily, Vacation in Sicily

Wine Regions in Sicily: Menfi

Southwest Sicily is home to Menfi, a small town just 15km from the sea. It has captured the hearts of visitors for centuries. The area is one of the best wine regions in Sicily. Thanks to the gentle rolling hills, sea breezes, fertile soil, and sunny weather, Menfi DOC wines shine bright on any Sicilian table.

I wanted to visit the Menfi area to see the vines, and to taste the local wines in-situ. Luckily, many of the local wineries offer wine-tasting tours. Together with a group of friends, I leapt at the chance to learn about the wines, and to visit this beautiful part of Sicily.

Wine Tastings in Menfi

As you get closer to Menfi, you can see how perfect it is for growing wine. The undulating hills are covered in vines, olive trees, and even pomegranate trees. It’s a beautiful sight, especially with glimpses of the sea below.

We chose to visit Planeta, one of the best-known wine producers in the area for their wine tour. They offer several options of tours, catering to wine novices or experts! The summer sun shone down on us as we pulled up to the winery. We were ready to try some wine! Our guide was fantastic, taking us around the winery and explaining the wine-making process. The highlights were seeing the barrels, the vines, and then tasting! We tried four of Planeta’s delicious wines (one of our favourite was Alastra, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Grecanico), as well as some locally produced olive oil. It was a perfect Sicilian afternoon. Afterwards we headed down to the beach for an aperitivo and a sundown swim.

So Much to See around Menfi

There’s an endless list of things to see and do near Menfi. Here’s just a few things that we enjoyed and fully recommend!

Nearby Porto Palo di Menfi has a Blue Flag beach. Its cool, shallow water make it ideal for families with small children. There are many lidos to choose from, as well as one of Sicily’s most famous restaurants, da Vittorio. Make sure you try the pasta con i ricci, sea urchin pasta, for an unreal gastronomic experience!.

The Belice Nature reserve is a large sandy beach where Caretta Caretta turtles return to nest every year. Thanks to its size, this beach never feels crowded. It is ideal for the feeling of pure relaxation that only a day at the beach can provide!

History lovers will adore the Selinunte archaeological park. It is Europe’s largest archaeological park and is home to the remains of several ancient Greek temples, and an acropolis with sea views. Visiting the park brings history vividly to life. Stroll around the temples, walk up to the acropolis, all with the scents of local Mediterranean plants and the sea breeze surrounding you. It’s an evocative experience that combines Sicily’s natural beauty and historic culture in stunning settings.

If you want to see small-town life, we suggest a trip to Sciacca with its bustling port and seafood restaurants. Pick any of the restaurants near the port and you’ll enjoy the freshest fish around! Or, if you prefer hilltop magic, Caltabellotta is a joy with views over the countryside that left us breathless.

Villas near Menfi

For a holiday destination that combines gastronomy, history, culture, and natural beauty, Menfi makes so much sense. Whether you want to explore the island, or crave peace and quiet by the sea, we have many villas in the area. Choose a seafront villa, a villa with a pool, or a villa for families. Whatever type of villa you are looking for, we have a villa for you!

We have villas all over Sicily. Our collection includes larger properties for groups or large families, or smaller villas for couples. Our team are always ready to help. So, take a look at our website and find your perfect villa. Then get in touch with us to consolidate your Sicilian holiday plans. We look forward to hearing from you!

February 7, 2025April 11, 2025Beach life, Culture, Sicily, Vacation in Sicily

Sicilian Traditions and Wonder: Catania

Catania erupts into celebration in honour of its patron Saint, Sant’Agata in early February. This three-day event – from 3^rd and 5^th February – is one of the many Sicilian traditions that offers a unique experience full of solemnity, beauty, community spirit, and bright celebration. Catania transforms, and festivities are found around every corner of the city.

Visiting Catania is always a great choice, as there is so much to do in the city itself and in the local area. Surround yourself in the Sicilian traditions of the area, and feel that vibrant, Sicilian atmosphere that is so loved! Thinking about a holiday in east Sicily? Find out what you can enjoy in and around Catania.

Catania’s Gastronomic Traditions

Source: Etna Est

Food is always important in Sicily. The local gastronomy is a highlight for many, and Catania is famous for its great food options. What’s on the menu in Catania? Arancini, scacciata, and cipollina are delicious street food options. For pasta, you can’t beat Pasta alla Norma. Brave foodies can try carne di cavallo (horse meat). For sweet treats, cannoli, minuzze, and granita are a must. You can find fantastic food all over Catania, come come with an empty stomach!

Beauty, Culture, and History in Catania

As Sicily’s second city, Catania is a treasure trove of sights to see, flavours to explore, and history to discover. With its unique atmosphere under the shadow of Mount Etna, its Baroque buildings made with dark lava stone, its ancient fish market with a bustling atmosphere, and its stylish shops and bars, Catania is a great city for a short break or a day trip. Catania is a joy to discover. See roman ruins, 17^th Century churches, ancient crypts, and even the beach all in one day! Plus the city’s authentic atmosphere is charming, and the locals will always warmly welcome you!

Whether you visit for warm summer sun, or local Sicilian traditions in the winter, Catania has so much to enjoy. Stay in one of our Catania villas and fall in love with this city on Sicily’s east coast.

Close to Catania: What to See and Do

Catania is a wonderful starting point for a holiday in east Sicily thanks to its international airport. What’s more, there are many small towns and villages – both by the coast and in the foothills of Mount Etna – which are great choices for a holiday base.

Taormina

Everyone knows about Taormina! Its chic style mesmerises anyone who visits. The sea views, the Roman theatre, the charming town centre full of top-class restaurants; it’s clear why this town draws VIPs every year for their holidays. Don’t miss Taormina’s beauty and charm.

Isola Bella beach is a highlight, that you can reach via a cable car from the town centre. What better place to cool off on a hot day. For a classy holiday in east Sicily full of style, sea breezes, and great food, Taormina is clearly the answer.

Our Villas near Taormina

Giardini Naxos

Giardini Naxos is a popular sleepy seafront town. Visitors love the chilled-out atmosphere where you can enjoy leisurely meals at seafront restaurants, or spend fun-filled days by the sea under blue skies. Choose a beach bars with sun loungers for complete comfort.

Once a fishing town, Giardini Naxos has an authentic atmosphere that shows off the very best of Sicily. It perfectly mixes traditional ambiance with a carefree holiday feeling. Relax and unwind at this charming seaside town and feel your cares disappear.

Our Villas in Giardini Naxos

Acireale

The area surrounding Acireale is known as the Riviera dei Ciclopi, and is full of myth, legend, and beauty. Acireale is a small town with a great beach, and a pretty centre where you can stop off for a coffee and a snack in the main piazza during your visit.

The waters off the coast is crystal-clear and is a protected area so make sure you bring your snorkel! You’ll be able to spot all sorts of marine life! Acireale ticks all the boxes for a holiday with culture, small-town life, and amazing coastlines to explore.

Our Villas near Acireale

Nature Calls

For a breath of fresh air, head to the Alcantara Gorges where a clear river runs through a basalt canyon. It’s perfect for hiking, or a refreshing dip in the icy waters. The canyon walls are incredible thanks to centuries of water erosion creating a unique sight that will amaze you.

Or head to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Visit the summit with its smoking peak, and hike over ancient lava flows in the National Park, or explore the small foothill towns below, and visit some of the local wineries that produce exceptional wines.

Our Villas near Etna

Where is the Villa in Sicily for you?

Where is the right villa in Sicily for you? Is it close to Catania? Or perhaps you prefer Palermo and the northern Sicilian coast, or maybe the south with its sandy beaches and Baroque towns? In Sicily, you’re spoilt for choice as every area of the island is beautiful. However, wherever in Sicily you want to go, we have something for you! Read all about which part of Sicily is the best for your needs and start planning your trip!

Once you have decided where in Sicily you want to go, just take a look at our collection of villas and find your perfect one. We have small villas for couples, or larger villas ideal for groups and families all over the island. Every villa has wonderful views and great style, and is a great choice for a relaxed holiday under the sun. Plus, we are constantly adding to our collection, so keep your eyes open for new villas on our website! Our team are always happy to help you choose the villa that’s exactly right for you. Get in touch with us today and make your Sicilian villa holiday a reality.

January 23, 2025April 11, 2025Apartments, Beach life, Culture, Sicily, Vacation in Sicily

Your Sicilian Holiday – Where in Sicily is Right for You?

Sicily is blessed with a varied landscape, and each area of the island has its own personality and style. Which part of Sicily is right for you? What do you want to do on your next Sicilian holiday? There are so many options! Whether you are looking for art and culture, quiet beaches, vibrant towns, or unspoilt nature, Sicily has what you are looking for. Don’t forget that a villa holiday is the best way to really get to know Sicily. Luckily, we have amazing villas all over the island! Find out which part of Sicily is right for you today; a Sicilian holiday is just around the corner.

East and Northeast Sicily

East Sicily is a wonderful choice for a holiday where you can explore outstanding nature and get to know chic towns. Don’t miss Catania with its beautiful cathedral, colourful fish market, great shops and outstanding restaurants. Messina is another larger town with views over to the mainland and a unique astronomical clock tower! The foothills of Mount Etna have some characteristic small towns such as Trecastagni that show off real Sicilian life. There are also many traditional seaside towns like Giardini Naxos and Letojanni on the Ionian coast. Or, pick Capo d’Orlando on the north coast which buzzes with bars and a long sandy beach. Whichever town you choose as your home during your Sicilian holiday, you’ll be delighted by what you find.

If getting out into nature is your thing, then east Sicily is a great choice too. Mount Etna is an imposing presence, and is a great choice for a day trip; take the cable car up the volcano and then hike up to the summit. You can enjoy amazing views, unique scenery with lava flows, and unusual flora and fauna in an otherworldly environment. The nearby Alcanatara Gorges are also a natural wonder with the cool Alcantara river running though basalt gorges. It’s magical! East Sicily also boasts some beautiful beaches. Choose from sandy La Playa in Catania, the protected marine area near Acireale, Blue Flag Santa Teresa di Riva, and many more.

Our Villas in East and Northeast Sicily

West and Southwest Sicily

Sometimes overlooked, western Sicily is a treasure trove of pretty towns, great beaches, and amazing culture. The coastline in this part of Sicily is diverse and has something for everyone, whatever style of beach you love; San Vito lo Capo has one of Sicily’s best sandy beaches that seems to never end, whilst the Lo Zingaro Nature reserve is a series of unspoilt rocky bays that can only be reached on foot or by boat! West Sicily is also home to the Egadi islands where you can experience snorkelling in crystal-clear waters surrounded by mesmerising sea life. This part of the island is also a paradise for water-sports and has many areas where you can kite-surf or wind-surf if you want a dose of adrenaline during your Sicilian holiday!

West Sicily has small picturesque villages, as well as larger cultural towns, and historic sights. The ancient temples of Segesta and Selinunte, as well as Medieval hilltop Erice will charm history lovers. If you prefer great wine and food, then you must visit Marsala which is world-famous for its sweet wine. This area also has the best sunsets around; visit the sultans for a unique landscape a jaw-dropping colours as day turns to night. Trapani is a small town that is the gateway to the Egadi Islands, but also has a wonderful food culture with pesto alla trapanese as a highlight. Mazara del Vallo is another unique town with a strong north-African culture and a busy working port. Finally, Agrigento is one of the most important classical sites in Europe; The Valle of the Temples archaeology park has some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. Plus, Agrigento town itself is delightful, as are the local beaches.

Our Villas in West and Southwest Sicily

South and Southeast Sicily

From Baroque towns to beautiful beaches, this part of Sicily is a dream come true, and is a holiday destination like no other. This part of Sicily has some truly exceptional beaches. For wild sandy beaches, the Vendicari Nature reserve will always top the list thanks to its unspoilt nature and clear waters. Fontane Bianche has a lovely sandy beach with lidos where you can treat yourself to renting sunloungers and umbrellas. Santa Maria Focallo is a charming beach, and there are several other small bays close by. For astoundingly clear water, the Plemmirio Nature Reserve is everything you could dream of! Pozzallo is a haven for watersports where you can even learn to windsurf! Brucoli’s small town vibes, pretty restaurants, and azure waters are charming, as are the family-friendly beaches near Marina di Modica, Ispica, and Punta Secca – the home of Montalbano in the hit TV series.

If you prefer to visit towns and villages during your Sicilian holiday, then south and south-east dooes not disappoint. Syracuse (and especially its historic town centre, Ortigia) is a wonder; the main piazza and cathedral, the Fountain of Arethusa, the Greek theatre, there’s just so much to see! Then the towns of the Val di Noto are also worth visiting. Rebuilt following an earthquake in unmistakable Sicilian Baroque style, these towns such a Modica, Ragusa, Scicli, and Noto are jewel-like in their beauty and have excellent food and wine on offer!

Our Villas in South and Southeast Sicily

North and Northwest Sicily

Sicily’s north and northwest are enchanting Palermo – Sicily’s buzzing capital city – is found in this area. With amazing food culture, too many churches to count, great restaurants and bars, and interesting museums, Palermo is a city like no other. Make sure you include a day at this fascinating city during your Sicilian holiday. Another very popular town is Cefalù. It’s clear why Cefalù has been a holiday hot spot for centuries; there’s the large sandy beach, the impressive Arab-Norman church, the charming town centre, and the imposing La Rocca to climb up where you’ll be met with some astounding sea views. This area is also full of seaside towns perfect for chilling out and enjoying the lazy Sicilian holiday vibes. Visit Mondello for chic Palermitan beach life and a Caribbean-like beach. Or, head to Balestrate, Terrasini, or Santa Flavia for small town life.

If you are looking for beaches in this area, then there are many to choose from. Mondello’s beach is a sandy paradise, as is the beach at Cefalù. Pebbly beaches like Finale del Polina or Castel di Tusa offer crystal-clear water to swim in. The Tonnara di Scopello is one of the most famous beaches in Sicily, with its stunning backdrop of sea stacks . Families will love the relaxed atmosphere at Isola della Femmina or Balestrate where you can easily rent sunloungers at a local lido.

Our Villas in North and Northwest Sicily

A Sicilian Holiday at a Sicilian Villa

We have villas all over the island. Pick your favourite area of Sicily, and then find your dream villa exactly where you want it! Our villas have private swimming pools, sea views, luxurious touches, and fabulous style that you will love. They are also homely and welcoming and you will never want to leave as soon as you arrive!

To make your Sicilian holiday dream come true, visit our website and look through our villas. Or get in touch directly with our team who will gladly help you pick the perfect villa according to your needs. Make this year the year you decide to visit Sicily; you’ll want to come back again and again.

Our Villas in Sicily

January 17, 2025April 11, 2025Beach life, Culture, Sicily, Vacation in Sicily

A Family Holiday in Sicily – Your Kids will Adore Sicily!

A family holiday in Sicily is always a great idea. You can relax and enjoy the great food and wonderfully laid-back island atmosphere, and the kids can have fun under the sun! There’s a wealth of fun activities that families can enjoy in Sicily. From cultural highlights to gastronomic treats, as well as outdoor activities and local traditions, Sicily has it all! Find out how you and your family can spend your time during an unforgettable holiday in Sicily!

Chocolate Treats

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Most kids go wild for a sweet treat and so Modica is a must-visit town during any family holiday in Sicily. This town is famous for its Baroque architecture, but also for its unique chocolate culture. Ancient techniques are used to make Cioccolato di Modica that gives the chocolate a grainy texture, rather than the smooth texture that is more common today. Its recipe stems from the Aztecs, and was brought to Sicily by the Spanish. Typical flavours include cinnamon, sea salt, and chili! Bonajuto is the oldest chocolate factory in the town. Visit and find out how the chocolate is made. Then treat yourself to a chocolate feast, choosing between hot chocolate, chocolate granita, chocolate biscuits, or just a classic bar of Modica chocolate. The kids will love it!

Our Villas near Modica

Bucket and Spade Days

You can’t beat a day by the sea with the kids on your family holiday in Sicily! There are so many beaches to choose from that you are spoilt for choice. There’s nothing better than relaxing on a sandy beach, making sand castles, swimming in the warm water, and soaking up the sun. Porto Palo di Menfi is a wonderful sandy beach with shallow waters making it ideal for families. Another great sandy beach option is San Vito lo Capo. This seaside town is the perfect holiday destination with a large sandy beach, lots of fun activities, plenty of good bars and restaurants to choose from, and a fun, carefree atmosphere. Pack your bucket and spade, bring the suncream, and enjoy a day by the sea!

Our Villas near Menfi

Our Villas near San Vito lo Capo

Granita for Breakfast?

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and in Sicily, breakfast means granita! It’s true, in the summer months there really is no better breakfast than a granita with a brioche bun. In Sicily, Granita isn’t just a treat to help you cool off, it’s a way of life, and kids will adore such an indulgent breakfast whilst on holiday. The south-east of Sicily is particularly famous for granita, and you must visit Caffè Sicilia, right in Noto’s historic town centre. Visitors from all over the world stop off and enjoy a granita here. Make sure you visit and try some of the unique flavours like prickly pear, or the traditional almond, and enjoy a refreshing granita in stunning Baroque surroundings.

Our Villas near Noto

Volcanic Adventures

Mount Etna and its surroundings are a unique playground for children and adults alike. It’s a fantastic place to go on an unforgettable adventure! There are many hiking trails on the foothills of the volcano that take you through forests and along old lava flows. Or hire a guide and go up to the smoking summit! Visiting Mount Etna is an incredible experience, the kids will never forget it! The Alcanatara Gorges are also nearby and are a great place to visit. The Alcanatara river flows through basalt gorges creating a beautiful setting for a walk and a swim in the cool water. Finally, Sicily’s largest theme park, Etna Land, is near Etna. Etna Land has rollercoasters and rides that children will adore, and there’s also a water park with slides and pools. It’s a great day out for all the family!

Our Villas near Etna

Sicilian Puppet Culture

Puppet shows have been important in Sicily for centuries. Throughout the island you can find puppet theatres that regularly put on shows that entertain and delight in equal measure. The most traditional shows recount the tales of knights, royalty, dragons, and adventure. The puppets themselves are made with outstanding artistry and attention to detail, and master puppeteers create scenes that are truly a marvel to see. Catania and Palermo have the strongest puppet culture, and you can even visit the Puppet Museum in Palermo. It is a wonderful experience that takes you through the island’s puppet history. In both cities there are also theatres where you can catch a show. It’s a great way to see some authentic, ancient Sicilian culture.

Our Villas near Palermo

Snorkelling and Sea Life

What could be better than jumping into the sea and snorkelling to see what’s beneath that clear blue Sicilian water? Sicily has so many areas where snorkelling is a complete joy. It’s a great way for children to see the local sea life and spend a day in the water! The sea that surrounds the Egadi Islands is a great spot for a day of snorkelling. Visit the islands to soak up the laid-back atmosphere and taste the great food, but also to see the crystal-clear water and diverse marine life. You can rent snorkelling equipment on the island, so it is as easy as could be to arrange an experience that the kids will never forget!

Our Island Villas

A Family Holiday in Sicily at a Villa

A villa is the perfect choice for a family holiday in Sicily. There’s all the space you need, and the kids (and adults) can have their own privacy. Plus, our villas have swimming pools that the kids will love, as well as gardens where they can play, and other great family-friendly features. Our villas also have amazing locations that are ideal for planning day trips and adventures all over Sicily.

Take a look at our family-friendly villas and find the one that is right for you. Whatever type of family holiday in Sicily you are dreaming of, we can help you arrange it. Get in touch with our team who are happy to assist you in picking your perfect villa, or take a look at our villas in Sicily and find your dream villa in Sicily. We look forward to seeing you and your family in Sicily soon!

See all our Villas in Sicily

Category: Beach life