About this property
Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy splendid views over an organic vineyard at Villa Etna, fantastically positioned on the southern slopes of Mount Etna, in the east of Sicily. Bordered by majestic olive trees and rolling greenery, the rustic-chic country house has been recently renovated and is the perfect base for exploring all the glory this island off the coast of Italy has to offer.
The charming house comes with Juliet balconies and wooden window shutters painted in the azure hues of the nearby ocean. Step inside the white-washed interior to discover a modern kitchen – every minimalist lover’s dream. Fitted with first-class appliances and a long island bar, it leads to a light-flooded living and dining area with views over the terraced gardens below.
Patterned tiles and classical paintings create an artistic yet cosy setting, effortlessly drawing upon the island’s aristocratic influences. Most of bedrooms look out towards the volcanic landscape and the Simeto valley and some even boast private terraces made for sun worshipping or enjoying star gazing in the evening.
On sunny days, disappear in the rows of vineyards beneath looming Mount Etna or lay down a blanket in the private gardens full of fruit and olive trees. The infinity pool mirrors the contemporary feel of the interiors, yet it manages to blend seamlessly into the romantic setting while offering a place where you can effortlessly refresh.
Surrounded by a volcanic landscape where the remains of magma intertwine with lush greenery, the area is well known for its fertile volcanic soils that support extensive agriculture. Vineyards and orchards spread across the lower slopes – so put on your walking shoes and set out to explore the breathtaking scenery before cooling down with a glass of wine in one of the nearby towns.
Less than a 5-minute drive away, the local village benefits from amenities such as supermarkets, a post office perfect for sending holiday photographs back home, and a few cosy bars, restaurants and bakeries selling local delicacies.
Alternatively, a 30-minute drive will bring you to Sicily’s second largest city, Catania. Once the most important cultural, artistic and political centre, it has been home to some of Italy's most famous artists and it is filled with beautiful plazzas, Baroque and Renaissance architecture as well as a sun-kissed coastline ideal for soaking up the stunning Italian weather.
Enveloped by vast gardens extending as far as the eye can see, Villa Etna is an elevated take on rural simplicity great for those looking to escape the strain and stress of everyday life.
Villa Etna benefits from an ideal location nestled on the southern slopes of Mount Etna, with plenty of opportunities to explore the coal-tinted crater of Europe’s most active volcano as well as the turquoise shores of the Ionian Sea.
Step outside to the beautiful countryside filled with endless fields of citrus and olive groves before setting out for a walk along the mountainous terrain. Two well-known walking trails are virtually at your doorstep – notably Monte Nero Degli Zappini takes you through lava fields, lava flow caves and forests before reaching the Botanical Garden New Gussonea. The Schiena dell’ Assino is the easiest path through a thick pine forest with rocky soil. A cable car reaching the altitude of 2500 metres is also a sought-after choice for those who want to enjoy unspoilt views minus the effort.
When your legs require some rest, treat yourself to a well-deserved day ‘off’ at the beach in the seaside city of Catania, just a 30-minute drive away. This holiday destination has a long sandy beach lined with parasols, avenues of palm trees and seasonal bars where you can easily go from an aperitif to afternoon snooze.
Those who long for some hustle and bustle won’t be disappointed either - the ancient city is bursting at its seams with iconic landmarks, galleries, museums and rumbling flea markets attracting tourists all year round. Plus, it’s home to an array of family-owned trattorias and first-class restaurants serving photogenic plates full of pasta and pizza. What else could you possibly wish for?
For more exploring, why not plan a day trip to the Amalfi-style Taormina, located just over an hour’s drive away and popular for its clifftop panoramas across the Mediterranean. Here you can admire the Ancient theatre of Taormina, visit the Isola Bella beach (accessible via an aerial tramway dating back to 1992) and walk around the historic streets before spending the evening bar hopping and tasting the island’s unique wines.
Syracuse – a city notable for its rich Greek and Roman history – is also an hour’s drive away. Being the birthplace of the pre-eminent mathematician and engineer Archimedes, it lures crowds of tourists with its unesco World Heritage Site-listed old town along with the Necropolis of Pantalica among many other landmarks.
Accommodation
Villa Interior (200m2)
Ground Floor (with outside access)
- Family suite with connecting rooms (separated by a door)and terrace. In the first room, there is a double bed (140x200cm), air-conditioning and en-suite bathroom with a shower and WC. In the second little room, there is a sofa bed (suitable for 1 child)
- Bedroom with double bed (160x200cm) (can be made into 2 single beds on request) with air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom with a shower, WC and terrace
First Floor (accessed via an external staircase)
- Kitchen with induction hob, oven, microwave, kettle toaster, dishwasher and coffee machine and doors leading outside
- Living room with sofas, dining table, air-conditioning and balcony
- Bedroom with double bed (160x200cm) (can be made into 2 single beds on request), air-conditioning and en-suite bathroom with bath, shower and WC
- Bedroom with double bed (160x200cm) (can be made into 2 single beds on request), air-conditioning and terrace
- Bathroom with shower and separate WC in the corridor
Second Floor
- Double bedroom with double bed (140x190cm), air-conditioning and en-suite bathroom with shower and WC
Outside Grounds
- Infinity saltwater pool (14m x 3.5m, max depth: 1.10m)
- Pool terrace with sun loungers
- Vantage point with chairs and views over the vineyards
- Terrace with al-fresco dining table, covered by umbrella
- Shared garden
- Barbecue
- Deckchairs
- Private parking (for 3 or 4 cars)
Facilities
- WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- TV
- Heating
- Fan
- Washing machine
- Iron and ironing board
- Cot (on request)