Set amongst the olive trees, a short walk to the sea and just 5km from Cefalù, Casa Gio benefits from a wonderful location on the north coast of Sicily.
Sharing a driveway with
Villa Taio, you can walk to the nearest beach in 700m via a private lane. This small beach has sand, pebbles and smooth rocks and is a lovely spot for paddling, swimming and snorkelling. There is also a beachside restaurant open in the height of the summer. Within a kilometre or two there are some other beaches that you could walk to as well, mostly with steep access but you are rewarded with glorious surroundings.
Cefalù (5km) is a much loved seaside town which is full of historic charm as well as beauty. Its sandy beach is popular with public areas, watersports and lidos (get there early in the summer) and an attractive promenade for evening strolls. In the heart of the town, explore its winding lanes, pretty cafes, restaurants and atmospheric bars as well as many historic sights such as the grand Duomo, set in a bustling piazza. Climb La Rocca for magnificent views of the northern Sicilian coast or take a boat excursion to swim or snorkel off the shore.
A little further east, the old village of Sant'Ambrogio, 13km away, is a pretty place for a morning coffee or a visit to one of its wild and beautiful beaches. It is also the gateway to the mesmerising Madonie National Park, a paradise for walkers and nature lovers with stunning landscapes, hilltop villages, olive groves, wild animals and a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Catch the train (from Cefalù) or drive to Palermo (66km) and experience its vibrancy when visiting its old street-food markets, admiring its historic architecture and visiting some of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Cappella Palatina, La Zisa castle and the Palazzo Reale.
A trip to Enna is another way to discover the heart of the island, around ninety minutes by car. It’s a beautifully preserved hilltop town with an enchanting medieval centre and distant views towards Mount Etna. If you are keen to visit some of Sicily’s ancient sites, then Agrigento is a great place to start, around two hours away near the southern coast.
The Region
Nestled on the westernmost tip of the stunning island of Sicily, Western Sicily is a region that offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine. It is a place where the ancient meets the modern, creating a unique atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.