Sicily is a gem in the Mediterranean and is Italy's largest island. It seduces visitors with its ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and sun-kissed beaches. Explore Palermo's chaotic markets and Baroque splendour, marvel at the Greek temples of Agrigento, and lose yourself in the timeless streets of Taormina.
A charming melting pot of cultural architecture– ruins of Arabian castles, baroque buildings, and Byzantine mosaic-covered archways, along with a dramatic landscape of mountains, and some of the best UNESCO World Heritage sites Italy has to offer makes Sicily a veritable playground for holiday-goers.
Indulge in culinary delights like arancini and cannoli, savoring the island's rich gastronomic heritage. From the majestic Mount Etna to the serene Aeolian Islands, Sicily enchants with its contrasts and complexities, promising an unforgettable journey through layers of history and flavours.
Villas with private pools, beaches nearby and within walking distance to nice villages, our collection of villas in Sicily have been handpicked by our destination experts for their character and location.
Discover the Oliver’s Travels way, where style and character define every handpicked villa in Sicily. Our destination experts curate unique homes in beautiful locations that are perfect for families and guaranteed to ‘wow’.
Once you book a holiday, the service doesn't stop there. Our Concierge Service means you'll be in good hands to arrange in-house chefs, fridge stocking, housekeeping, and so much more, to make your stay truly extraordinary.
Sicily is not only the largest island in the Mediterranean, it’s arguably the most breath-taking, too. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and fringed with beaches, Sicily is a delightfully distinct part of Italy, where the local population often juggle two identities – though they’re very much Italian, they’re also fiercely Sicilian and proud of their unique island culture.
For international visitors making the trip to one of our villas in Sicily, the island is serviced by four international airports. Falcone Borsellino is the closest to Palermo, while Fontanarossa, Vincenzo Florio, and Vincenzo Magliocco Airports are in Catania, Trapani Birgi, and Comiso respectively.
This pride in the island’s unique cultural and natural heritage is expressed in one of the world’s most respected cuisines and culinary masterpieces; in Sicily, food is so much more than a good meal - it’s an integral part of the community. Fresh seafood features prominently but citrus, pistachios, almonds, and ricotta are all local favourites, too.
Discovering the remarkably diverse Sicilian landscape is also a joy. From the magnificent smoking peak of Italy’s largest active volcano, Mt Etna, to the tiny coves and sweeping stretches of golden sand that ring the island, Sicily is a natural paradise that boasts something for everyone. Whether you enjoy snorkelling, hiking, swimming, cycling, or birdwatching, Sicily offers the ideal environment for a fun-filled family holiday.
Sicily also boasts several spectacular coastal cities and towns, most notably Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina, and Cefalù. Each is loaded with the weight of Sicily’s long and storied history. Relics, ancient ruins, and eye-catching architecture are always just around the corner.
If you want more information, check the Sicily Travel Guide or get some ideas on things to do in Sicily in our blog.
Family holidays to Sicily aren’t complete without a trip to Palermo to explore its delicious street-food scene. Try traditional arancini (deep fried balls of rice with various fillings), panino can le panelle (fried chickpea fritters) or, if you’re brave, stigghiola (animal guts).
Good to know: The Sicilian dialect differs considerably from mainland Italian, and even those with a good grasp of the language may struggle to understand the locals.
Besides splashing around in the sea and hanging out on the beach, there’s plenty of things to see and do on a family holiday to Sicily. If you’re an active bunch who like to get out and see places under your own pedal-power, a guided bike tour is the perfect way to spend a day. Sicily Bike Routes offer both half-day and full-day tours, as well as straightforward bike rental for those who want to head off and do their own thing.
For those who like a wet and wild time, EtnaLand boasts both an impressive aqua park and an adrenaline-fuelled theme park.
For older kids with an interest in history or an imagination that favours the grisly and macabre, the Palermo catacombs are a fascinating visit. Featuring the remains of the capital’s historic nobility, it’s an intriguing and, at times, spooky attraction.
A family trip up Mount Etna in the classic cable car is also a good option. Accessible from the Sapienza Ski Resort, the car takes you up to around 2,500 metres above sea level, from which the views of the island are magnificent and the crater area is easily reached. Getting up close and personal with an active volcano is an experience your young ones won’t forget in a hurry.
Of course, renting a Sicily villa with a pool also ensures that your kids are kept busy when you head back home.
Discover more information about things to do with family in Sicily in our blog.
Sicily is famed for its beaches and you can spend years exploring the island’s varied coastline. Whether you’re looking for the sandy, crescent bays, craggy coves, or fantastic snorkelling spots, you’ll find something to satisfy your tastes.
Our villas in Sicily are close to the beach, ensuring you can enjoy your local beach without ever having to venture too far. However, we would also certainly recommend renting a car and heading out to discover your own little slice of paradise.
As with most islands, the Sicilian people’s connection to the sea is intrinsic to local culture and the beaches are so much more than sun-traps. While you can kick back and relax on golden sands and top up your tan, the coastal reaches are also bursting with sea-faring culture.
Beachside restaurants serve some of the freshest seafood in Italy – often straight from the boat – and the many quaint fishing villages and towns spread along the coast offer an insight into the Sicily of old.
Calamosche is situated in Vendicari Nature Reserve on the south side of the island and is within easy reach of our luxury villas near Modica. Along with stunning lagoons and hidden sandy beaches, you’ll be able to spot lizards, flamingos, exotic fish and lots of exotic birds.
Benefiting from a fantastic retro feel, Mondello is one of the most popular beaches amongst Palermo residents thanks to its Art Nouveau villas and uber-cool Antico Stabilimento Balneare bathhouse.
Cefalù boasts a long stretch of sandy beach that backs onto the idyllic old town with its steep, winding streets and fantastic restaurants. A great place to go if you can’t sit still on the beach all day.
Located on the quieter south side of the island, Sampieri boasts an enormous stretch of perfect golden sand. Nowhere near as busy as other beaches during peak season, it’s also close to the picturesque towns of Noto, Ragusa, and Scicli.
This beach is named after the bright, white rock that juts out of the sea. It features great swimming spots for young kids but your older ones will also get a kick out of jumping off the rocks.
A beautiful, pebbled cove that’s a fantastic place to try out your new snorkel. Cafes and bars line the informal promenade so you can always grab a bite to eat or a thirst-quenching drink after a refreshing dip.
If you like to be able to explore smaller beaches, caves, crags and lagoons, the empty coves of Lo Zingaro are perfect for you. The coast is rugged and the beaches require a little walk to get to, but they’re certainly worth it.
With a perfect climate and incredible natural diversity, Sicily makes for the perfect destination for family holidays. Whether you’re exploring the countryside by bicycle or horseback, snorkelling for underwater treasures, or beach-hopping, there’s plenty to keep the family happy.
For the foodies out there, Sicily is one of the most exciting holiday destinations in Europe. Even if you’ve experienced mainland Italy’s delicious dishes, you can’t be prepared for just how unique the island’s food is. From iconic pasta alla norma to the Mount Etna wine boom, Sicily is a joy for the taste buds.
Sicily has always been an important crossroads in the Mediterranean and it wears its influences proudly. Those who love a little history on their holiday can be wowed by the majesty of the Greek archaeological sites at Segesta, discover Archimedes’ Syracuse, or marvel at the mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale.
Segesta's Temple
Take a 4x4 tour of Mount Etna with the Gruppo Guide Alpine Etna Sud. This experienced tour company can get you as close as is safely possible to the crater of the most active volcano in Europe. At approximately 3,000 metres high, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Sicily’s size and position in the Mediterranean mean that its town and cities are remarkably diverse, ensuring there’s plenty to see and do for those who want to get to grips with urban life on the island.
While all Sicilian cities boast an impressive history and often contain several ancient monuments, Syracuse is where the island’s ancient Greek heritage is most apparent. The capital, Palermo, is a foodie’s paradise that you could easily spend days exploring. On the north coast, hilly Cefalù has captured the hearts of visitors for centuries and allows you to go from people watching in curb-side cafes to relaxing on a white, sandy beach within minutes.
Many of our villas in Sicily are close to towns and cities. In the south, we have several properties within touching distance of Syracuse and Noto. On the east coast, our luxury villas are ideally situated to allow for easy exploration of an idyllic stretch of coast, as well as Sicily’s second city, Catania. In the north, we rent a number of villas a short distance from the ever-popular Cefalù. Many of these are located in an elevated location, so you’ll be rewarded with incredible views over one of the island’s most breath-taking cities.
The smaller city of Castiglione di Sicilia is the perfect place to explore if you want to get a feel for authentic, traditional Sicily. It’s also a great base for exploring the Mt Etna vineyards, where you’ll find some of the finest white wines in all of Italy.
The island’s capital is a hive of activity, striking architecture, and mouth-watering street food. For those who enjoy historical attractions, there’s the Norman Palace, botanical gardens, and catacombs. For those who enjoy kicking back with some local wine and excellent food while watching the world go by, you’re also in for an absolute treat!
Situated within a short drive of a number of our luxury villas in Sicily, Syracuse is famed for both its food and history. Once the city of both Cicero and Archimedes, its pedestrianised, cobbled streets, grand monuments, and verdant balconies are now home to some of the island’s top delis and cafes. It’s the perfect place to pick up some local ricotta or try a traditional sweet pastry.
Cefalù is the Sicilian town you’ll most regularly see on postcards and in tourists’ holiday snaps. And rightly so – its historic architecture and imposing cathedral are simply beautiful, while the way its narrow, winding streets lead down towards one of the island’s most iconic beaches ensures the city has remained a firm favourite amongst tourists and locals alike.
Though the island’s second city has often struggled to escape the shadow of its bigger brother Palermo, it’s one of the island’s most attractive towns to visit. Catch a performance at the impressive Teatro Massimo Bellini, explore its lively fresh fish market, and marvel at the awe-inspiring Mt Etna backdrop. It doesn’t get much more spectacular than this.
Destroyed in 1693 in a devastating volcanic eruption, Noto was completely rebuilt in the Sicilian Baroque style. The result was an idiosyncratic and extravagant architectural delight that have made many consider it the island’s most striking city. It’s particularly beautiful at sunset, when the dying light washes over the buildings’ limestone rock and changes the colour of the entire city.
Built into a steep and rocky hillside, Taormina is difficult to navigate by car, so it may be worth opting for the bus on this one. However, the trip is certainly worth it and visitors are rewarded with commanding views of the quiet town and surrounding landscape. The town’s ancient amphitheatre is also a popular attraction for those interested in the island’s history.
International visitors will arrive at one of three airports. Falcone Borsellino serves Palermo, while Fontanarossa is ideally suited to those staying near Catania. Vincenzo Florio Airport is closest to the area surrounding Trapani Birgi and Vincenzo Magliocco is a great choice if you’re heading to Syracuse. Crossing from the northwest of the island to the southeast, or vice versa, takes approximately 2 hours and a half by car, so it’s often worth paying a little extra to ensure you fly into the closest airport to your villa in Sicily.
Some visitors choose to fly to the Italian mainland and then catch a ferry across to the island. This typically involves the short crossing across the Strait of Messina or a longer crossing from Naples or Genoa to Palermo. In both instances, it’s worth making a booking well in advance of your holiday dates.
Though Sicily’s major urban areas do benefit from fairly extensive public transportation systems, they don’t always extend into more rural areas. If you want to experience the island’s hidden gems or simply want to be able to hop from beach to beach, we’d highly recommend renting a car for the duration of your stay. It’s possible to rent a car at all three of Sicily’s major airports.
Along the main coastal routes, trains are a relatively inexpensive and reliable means of moving around Sicily. However, services are much less frequent in the island’s interior. This makes them a great way to move from beach to beach, though buses are a safer bet if you want to head into the island’s heartlands.
Buses are often the quickest means of public transport in the rural areas away from Sicily’s coast. However, schedules can often be linked to school hours or market days, so it’s always worth checking the timetable to ensure you’ll be able to catch a return service.
Taxis are often expensive in Sicily. The official white cabs should always be metered and can usually be found in urban centres, bus stations, and train stations.
Bike hire isn’t as widespread as on other Mediterranean islands but many coastal resorts and agriturismi hotels will offer bike rental by the day. Several businesses also offer guided tours of lesser-known parts of Sicily.
If you call a taxi service and arrange to be picked up, you’ll usually be expected to pay the cost of the driver’s journey to your location, as well as your ride to your eventual destination.
Sicily is not always the easiest of places to drive. While road conditions are good, traffic can occasionally be chaotic, particularly in towns and cities. However, a rental car is often recommended if you’re to get the most from your holiday.
