Lovely Olive Villa close to Baroque City of NotoN°001
Sicily, Italy
Private Pool
From $10,465 per night
Sicily is the Mediterranean's largest island, a sun-soaked crossroads of Greek temples, baroque towns, volcanic landscapes and exceptional food and wine. Renting a luxury villa here gives you space, privacy and a private base near the coast, with concierge support to shape an unhurried, authentic island escape.
- Luxury villas with private pools, gardens and sea or Etna views
- Within reach of Taormina, Noto, Siracusa and the Valley of the Temples
- World-class Sicilian cuisine and distinctive indigenous wines
- Active volcano hikes on Mount Etna and unspoiled coastline
- Concierge service and direct booking through Smiling House
Known forGreek temples, Mount Etna, baroque towns, Mediterranean cuisine and indigenous wines
Best time to visitMay to June and September to October for warm seas and fewer crowds
Nearest airportCatania Fontanarossa (CTA) and Palermo Falcone Borsellino (PMO)
Ideal forFamilies, couples and groups of friends seeking culture, coast and gastronomy
Oasis Villa of Parco Silvania in AnacapriN°002
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Private PoolSea View
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Private poolgardenair conditioning
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Elegant Villa Offering An Atmosphere Of CalmN°004
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Private PoolSea ViewHot Tub
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Villa IrisN°005
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Refuge Villa With Amazing Paradise IslandN°006
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Private PoolSea View
From $3,634 per night
97homes available
1–10bedrooms
up to 22guests
56with a pool
Events not to miss in Sicily
- Early February
Festa di Sant'Agata
Catania's three-day festival for its patron saint is among the largest religious celebrations in the world, with immense candle-bearing processions through the baroque streets.
- March or April
Holy Week processions
Sicily's Easter rituals are extraordinary, above all Trapani's Misteri, a near twenty-four-hour procession of sculptural groups carried through the old town on Good Friday.
- Third weekend of May
Infiorata di Noto
Noto's Via Nicolaci is carpeted with intricate designs made entirely of flower petals, set against the town's honey-coloured baroque palazzi. A short, spectacular window worth timing a stay around.
- June to September
Summer season at Taormina's Greek Theatre
Concerts, opera and film screenings fill the ancient theatre with Etna and the sea as a backdrop, anchored by the long-running Taormina Film Fest in early summer.
- Late September
Cous Cous Fest
San Vito Lo Capo hosts an international couscous competition and week of Mediterranean food and music beside one of Sicily's finest beaches.
Sicily through the seasons
- Spring (March – May)
Blossom, baroque and empty temples
Almond and citrus blossom scent the island, and Agrigento, Siracusa and the baroque south-east are at their best before the heat. Ideal touring weather from a countryside villa.
- Summer (June – August)
Beaches and the Aeolian Islands
Long beach days from San Vito Lo Capo to the south-east coast, with boat trips to the Aeolians and evening performances in Taormina. A private pool is essential equipment in the Sicilian sun.
- Autumn (September – October)
Harvest on Etna's slopes
The vendemmia sweeps the Etna wineries, the sea stays warm into October and the crowds thin. The gourmet's season, from pistachio harvests in Bronte to new-vintage tastings.
- Winter (November – February)
Mild coasts, snow on Etna
Gentle coastal temperatures, citrus season in full colour and the surreal sight of a snow-capped, sometimes skiable Etna. Palermo's markets and museums reward unhurried winter days.
The Area
Sicily sits at the toe of Italy, separated from the mainland by the Strait of Messina. Layered with Greek, Phoenician, Arab, Norman and Spanish history, it rewards travellers who like culture alongside their coastline. The east is dominated by Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, with the elegant cliff-top resort of Taormina nearby. The southeast holds the honey-coloured baroque towns of Noto, Ragusa and Modica, while the southwest is home to the temples of Agrigento. Palermo and its markets anchor the northwest. Beaches, vineyards, citrus groves and dramatic mountain interiors are never far apart, making the island feel like several destinations in one.
Where to Stay
Our curated collection of luxury villas in Sicily spans the island's most desirable corners. Around Taormina and the Ionian coast you will find villas with sweeping sea views and easy access to chic dining. The baroque southeast, near Noto and Siracusa, suits those wanting quiet countryside estates and golden-stone towns. The west, around Palermo and Trapani, offers wine country and wilder coastline. Many villas come with private pools, mature gardens, terraces for outdoor dining and staff such as chefs or housekeepers. Whether you want a coastal bolthole for a couple or a generous estate for a multi-generational gathering, there is a fitting base.
Things to Do
Hike or take a cable car up Mount Etna for lunar craters and panoramic views. Explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, one of the world's great archaeological parks, where the Temple of Concordia ranks among the best-preserved Greek ruins anywhere. Wander the baroque streets of Noto and Ragusa Ibla, browse Palermo's Ballaro and Vucciria markets, and visit the Greek theatre at Siracusa. Boat trips reach the Aeolian Islands and the coves around Cefalu and San Vito Lo Capo. Wine lovers can tour vineyards on Etna's volcanic slopes, while beaches and nature reserves such as Zingaro fill slower days.
Dining & Nightlife
Sicilian cooking is its own tradition, shaped by Greek, Arab, Spanish and French influence and built on superb local produce. Expect arancini, caponata, fresh seafood, pasta alla Norma and pasta con le sarde, finished with cannoli, granita and cassata. Street food in Palermo and Catania is a highlight in itself. The island is a serious wine region, with indigenous grapes such as Nero d'Avola and the prized whites and reds of Etna. Evenings tend to be relaxed and social, centred on long dinners and the passeggiata. Taormina and the larger cities offer stylish bars and seasonal beach clubs for those wanting a livelier scene.
When to Visit
Late spring and early autumn are ideal. May, June, September and October bring warm seas, comfortable temperatures and thinner crowds, perfect for combining sightseeing with beach time. July and August are hot and busy, best for those set on long sunny days and full coastal energy. Spring brings wildflowers and almond blossom, while autumn aligns with the grape and olive harvest. Winter is mild and quiet, suiting culture-focused trips to Palermo, the baroque towns and the temples, with the bonus of snow on Mount Etna against the coast below.
Getting There
Sicily is well connected by air, with two main international gateways: Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) on the east coast and Palermo Falcone Borsellino (PMO) in the northwest, plus smaller airports at Trapani and Comiso. Both major airports receive direct flights from across Europe. You can also arrive by ferry from the Italian mainland and Naples, or drive across the Strait of Messina. A hire car is strongly recommended for exploring at your own pace, as the island is large and many villas sit in scenic rural or coastal settings. Our concierge can arrange transfers and car hire.