Il Vignale

Throughout the garden, shaded terraces and sunny spots are furnished with deckchairs, large umbrella, tables, chairs, benches, armchairs and sofas, providing endless opportunities to sit peacefully and enjoy the wonderful view over the surrounding countryside. A colourful mosaic path snakes around the garden amidst huge terracotta urns, inspired by the nearby Fiumara D’Arte collection, leading to a breakfast area with superb views. A gazebo provides shade over a dining area where leisurely meals can be enjoyed.

The infinity pool has large decked areas on two sides, providing ample space for sunbathing, and is situated slightly apart from the villa and lawned garden. Enjoy poolside snacks under the shelter of a sun umbrella with the hazy form of Alicudi, one of the Aeolian Islands, visible in the distance.

Entrance to the villa is via the veranda that extends the width of the villa and looks out over the large well-kept lawn.

Stone walls and burnished terracotta tiles add character to a large living/dining room which has an open fireplace and wonderful views through a large door that opens on to a covered veranda. The dining room, which has exposed brick walls and a magnificent ceiling created from a series of curved arches, is a fabulous spot for evening meals if you visit during the cooler months.

The kitchen is extremely attractive and is a real highlight for people who love to cook. There is a large bathroom on the ground floor, decorated with majolica ceramics from nearby Santo Stefano di Camastra, with two toilets, a shower and separate storage room.

On the first floor, the master bedroom has a magnificent four-poster bed and attractive ensuite bathroom with shower, and French windows look out over the island of Alicudi. There are three more double bedrooms on this floor and all with an ensuite bathroom with a shower. There are two more double bedrooms on the second floor, one of which has an ensuite bathroom with bath. The second bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with a shower. There is also a quadruple bedroom (one double bed, two single beds) on this floor with its own bathroom with shower.

A separate guest house for two provides the ideal solution for groups where one couple prefers some additional privacy. The guesthouse has a double bed, a beautiful shower with gorgeous Sicilian tiles (in the bedroom itself) and its own bathroom.

Beaches

Sicily’s north coast has some wonderful beaches. Head to San Gregorio for a chilled-out day by the sea, or Finale di Pollina where you will feel your cares fade away under the sun. Castel di Tusa has a Blue Flag beach with great facilities and a relaxed atmosphere, as well as clear water. Cefalù’s sandy beach is a classic choice thanks to its lidos and free areas, as well as its incredible location in the town, and Sant'Ambrogio beach is a haven of beauty and azure waters that will charm you. 

Towns & Sights 

You can explore Sicily’s north coast, ranging from mountains to the sea, and lovely towns with ease from Il Vignale. Head to Capo d’Orlando for a seaside town with restaurants, bars, and a beach. You can also reach the Aeolian Islands from here. Milazzo is another charming seafront town to visit. For small, traditional towns, head to Castel di Tusa and Santo Stefano di Camastra. You can reach the Nebrodi and Madonie Mountains easily, and both mountain ranges are beautiful. Visit Gangi or Castelbuono for authentic hilltop towns. Further afield, visit Sicily’s capital, Palermo, for a fun day out in a vibrant environment. 

Activities 

Indulging in food and wine in Sicily is easy at Il Vignale. Book a cook service in the villa and enjoy a full meal prepared just for you. Or, learn to make some Sicilian dishes yourself. Pasta-making lessons, pastry courses, and general cookery lessons are all available at the villa. Or drive to Palermo and take part in a Street Food tour for an unforgettable time out. You could also visit a winery and enjoy a tour and tasting, or treat yourself to a boat trip along the coast for a breath of fresh air.