Luxury Villas, Cottages & Apartments in Sicily

Why Rent a Luxury Villa with a Pool in Sicily?

Sicily is a Mediterranean island where dramatic coastlines, ancient ruins and vibrant culture come together to create an unforgettable travel experience. Visitors staying in a luxury villa, cottage or apartment in Sicily can explore historic towns like Taormina and Syracuse, wander through Greek temples, or climb Mount Etna for panoramic views of volcanic landscapes and fertile valleys. Sun-soaked beaches and hidden coves offer moments of relaxation while charming villages reveal traditional crafts, local markets and authentic Sicilian cuisine. Olive groves, vineyards and citrus orchards dot the countryside, adding fragrance and colour to scenic drives or leisurely walks. The island's rich history, natural beauty and culinary delights reward curious travellers at every turn.

You could also explore villas in Giardini Naxos for spacious retreats near golden beaches and clear Ionian waters. Alternatively, consider the villas in Taormina to experience dramatic coastal views and an elegant historic centre packed with boutiques and cafés.

What Are the Luxury Villas, Cottages & Apartments in Sicily Like?

The luxury rentals in Sicily combine rustic charm with modern amenities, ranging from renovated historic estates to brand-new contemporary homes. Many feature terraces and private pools, making them perfect for enjoying the Mediterranean climate. Popular areas for these luxury rentals include Sicilian towns like Giardini Naxos, Taormina and Syracuse, where visitors find excellent accommodation options in picturesque landscapes. Some of the luxury villas and cottages in Sicily even come with private pools, ideal for families or groups seeking a tranquil escape near the coast.

For a different type of lodging with a focus on city-centre convenience and cosy interiors, you might explore holiday rentals in Sicily, which offer a large range of stylish stays with easy access to cultural hotspots and local dining scenes.

Luxury villas and cottages typically provide a wealth of amenities including:

• Private parking
• Air conditioning
• Wi-Fi
• Flat screen TV
• Gardens and/or private pool
• Barbecue facilities

Sicily for History Lovers

History lovers renting luxury accommodation in Sicily can explore a wide range of sites spanning Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman and Baroque periods. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento presents some of the best-preserved Greek structures in Europe including Concordia, Juno and Heracles. In Syracuse the Neapolis Archaeological Park contains the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Ear of Dionysius which demonstrates advanced ancient engineering. Palermo offers Arab Norman monuments such as the Palatine Chapel, San Giovanni degli Eremiti and Palazzo dei Normanni. Visitors can also see Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale and coastal fortifications around Trapani dating from several historical eras.

Sicily for Culinary Enthusiasts

Culinary enthusiasts in Sicily can sample regional dishes shaped by Greek, Arab and Spanish influences across markets, coastal towns and inland villages. Palermo's street markets such as Ballaro offer arancini, panelle, grilled fish and produce taken directly from local farms. Catania is known for pasta alla Norma, swordfish dishes and vegetables grown on the slopes of Mount Etna. Coastal restaurants throughout the island serve sardines, tuna, calamari and dishes prepared with citrus, capers and olives. Travellers can also visit wineries near Marsala and Mount Etna to sample regional wines made from native grapes. More information about these unique tasting experiences can be found on the Lonely Planet Sicily page. For a culinary-focused stay, consider browsing the wide variety of villas in Sicily which offer easy access to markets and top dining locations.

1. Explore the Valley of the Temples
2. Visit Historic Towns and Medieval Districts
3. Explore Sicily's Volcanic Landscapes
4. Try Regional Sicilian Cuisine
5. Explore Coastal Towns and Seaside Landmarks
6. Visit Artisan Workshops and Local Craft Studios
7. Discover Roman Villas and Mosaic Floors

1. Explore The Valley of the Temples

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento contains seven major Greek structures including the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Heracles and the remains of ancient city walls. Each temple sits on marked ground with clear signage that explains dates, construction materials and excavation findings. In Syracuse the Neapolis Archaeological Park includes the Greek Theatre carved directly into limestone, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Altar of Hieron II. Selinunte, on the southwest coast, contains large temple platforms, restored columns and an extensive ancient street plan that visitors can explore section by section.

2. Visit Historic Towns and Medieval Districts Like Ragusa Ibla

Discover the many beautiful towns around Sicily, which all have their own stories to tell. Venture into Ragusa Ibla with its steep stone lanes, narrow alleys, small staircases, and Baroque palaces such as Palazzo La Rocca, Palazzo Arezzi and Palazzo Cosentini. Explore Erice, which sits on a mountain top with the Norman Castle of Venus. And of course there is Palermo, where old quarters contain Arab Norman sites including Palazzo dei Normanni, the Church of the Martorana, and the historic markets of Ballaro and Vucciria.

3. Explore Sicily's Volcanic Landscapes

Mount Etna offers access to Silvestri Craters, cooled lava fields, long volcanic channels and multiple observation points reached from Rifugio Sapienza. Cable cars operate from the base station to higher sections used for guided ascents. The Alcantara Gorge near Taormina contains tall basalt walls, deep channels, cold pools and river access during warmer months. The Nebrodi mountains contain lake areas such as Lago Maulazzo, forest sections with native oaks, chestnut trees and open clearings. The Madonie region includes limestone peaks, highland fields, rural hamlets and a mix of cultivated and natural terrain.

4. Try Regional Sicilian Cuisine

Palermo's Ballaro Market sells freshly cooked panelle, arancini, grilled fish, citrus fruits and seasonal produce taken directly from local farms. In Catania visitors can find pasta alla Norma, swordfish steaks, fried anchovies, meat dishes and vegetables grown on the slopes of Mount Etna. The town of Bronte is known for pistachios used in sauces, pastries, biscuits and gelato. In Modica traditional chocolate is produced using an old stone grinding method introduced during Spanish rule. Coastal restaurants serve sardines, tuna, cuttlefish, calamari and dishes prepared with capers, olives and tomatoes.

5. Explore Coastal Towns and Seaside Landmarks

Taormina's coastline includes Isola Bella, a protected island connected to the mainland by a narrow shingle strip. San Vito lo Capo has a long sandy bay positioned under Monte Monaco with clear shallow water suitable for swimming. Mondello near Palermo contains early twentieth-century bathing structures, a long curved beach, a central pier and wide sandy areas. The coast around Trapani includes the salt pans of Nubia and Stagnone where visitors can see salt ponds, windmills, tool stores and processing areas used for traditional salt extraction.

6. Visit Artisan Workshops and Local Craft Studios

Caltagirone is known for ceramic staircases, pottery workshops and artisan studios that produce vases, bowls and decorative panels. Palermo contains puppet theatres where craftsmen build traditional Sicilian marionettes using wood, cloth, metal fittings and painted armour. In Erice, long-running craft shops produce almond pastries, decorated tins and woven textiles. Towns around Taormina offer glasswork studios, tile workshops and small galleries where visitors can observe the production stages and purchase regional designs.

7. Discover Roman Villas and Mosaic Floors

The Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina contains more than three thousand square metres of mosaics including the Bikini Girls, hunting scenes, banquet halls and geometric floors in reception areas. The site includes raised walkways that allow visitors to view mosaics without damaging the originals. The Roman Villa of Tellaro near Noto contains detailed panels showing banquets, mythological figures and marine life. Other Roman remains across Sicily include baths, private chambers and painted walls that outline the scale of former residential complexes. Let your stay be as memorable as the history with a luxury villa in the countryside in Sicily.