Perla Nera

Ancient roses, jasmine and camellias weave their way around faded stone columns and walls, ornamental hedges frame tree-filled manicured lawns and the fragrance of flowers and plants fills the air.

The pièce de résistance, however, is undoubtedly the pool, fringed with towering palms and built with black lava stone resulting in inky-blue waters. The pool also has a hydrojet for an extra touch of luxury. Alongside the swimming pool is a changing room with bathroom.

A wonderful barbecue area is found surrounded by atmospheric plants and sculptures whilst a beautiful outdoor dining area is on the patio outside the main villa, creating the perfect spot for al fresco meals. Two vast conservatories, dotted with large planters containing citrus trees are also found in the garden.

This is traditional Sicily at its best: painted wooden bed frames and imposing wardrobes preside in the bedrooms, magnificent carved dressers and ornamental tables are distributed throughout the villa, and an atmosphere of historic elegance reigns throughout the house.

Perla Nera has a grand entrance hall, furnished in a wonderful traditional Sicilian style. Elegant chairs surround a colourful fireplace creating a formal sitting area. Next to this is the estate's original wine press, now transformed into a sitting room with a small dining table. Turning the corner you enter a large corridor, with antique sofas lining the wall. From this corridor you can access a pretty dining room which leads on to the traditional and colourful Sicilian kitchen, both of which have direct access to the garden.

A lovely reading room gives access to the ground floor bedrooms. One beautiful double bedroom has an adjacent bathroom. The other two bedrooms are adjoining (accessible only via the reading room or the dining room), and both have ensuite bathrooms.

A staircase is found near the reading room, leading up to the two double bedrooms on the upper attic floor, both of which have ensuite bathrooms.

For more than 10 guests, a guest house on the property is available for up to four extra guests, with one double and one twin bedroom. The twin bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom whilst the double room has an adjoining bathroom close by. There is also a living room and fitted kitchenette.

Beaches

Leaving the foothills of Mount Etna, you can find some beautiful beaches in east Sicily. Santa Teresa di Riva is a lovely beach in a seaside town. There are great facilities including lidos and beach bars to enjoy. Giardini Naxos and Letojanni are also coastal towns that were once fishing villages, but now boast well-organised beaches and wonderful seafront restaurants. Isola Bella in Taormina is unmissable thanks to its beauty. It’s clear why this beach continues to charm, with its pebbles, clear water, and unforgettable setting. It’s a must for a chic day by the sea! 

Towns & Sights 

Mount Etna is the star of the show in this part of Sicily. Make sure you visit the National Park to see the unique scenery and amazing views. Etna’s foothills have many traditional towns like Milo, Trecastagni, and Nicolosi. Visit and be charmed by their small-town feel and great food. If you want to experience city life, then don’t miss Catania. Sicily’s second city has amazing architecture built with lava stone, and a captivating atmosphere. Perla Nera is also close to Taormina. Needing almost no introduction, Taormina is famous all over the world for its style and beauty, as well as its lovely beach, top-quality restaurants, and incredible views. 

Activities 

Plan an amazing meal at the villa with an in-villa cook service, or learn some Sicilian culinary secrets with a cookery lesson! Etna offers lots of space for fun experiences. Either visit a winery and enjoy a tour and tasting, or organise a jeep tour to the summit where you can admire the amazing views, and ancient lava flows. Another great option for nature is a quad tour of the Alcantara Gorges – you’ll see incredible natural scenery and have an adrenaline-filled afternoon! Or you could always head to the coast and spend a day on the sea during a boat trip.