Home / Destinations / Sicily
Inland Sicily is where the island keeps its biggest landscapes. From a hillside near Ciminna the view runs over mountains and villages to the sea, and everything the island is known for is a drive away: Palermo’s markets, the mosaics of Monreale, the castle at Caccamo and the beaches of the north coast.
Ciminna is a hill town of around three thousand people in the mountains south-east of Palermo. In 1962 Luchino Visconti filmed much of The Leopard here; the town’s mother church became the church of the fictional Donnafugata, and a false palace front was built for the Salina family on the square. The townspeople appeared as extras.
From the villa, the city and the coast are both within reach. Palermo, roughly an hour away, has the street-food markets of Ballarò and the Capo, Arab-Norman palaces and the cathedral at Monreale on the hill above. Caccamo’s castle sits on its rock over the valley, and the forest of Ficuzza spreads beneath the limestone wall of Rocca Busambra.
Further afield, Cefalù is the classic day out: a beach, a Norman cathedral and an old town pressed against the sea. Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples and the ruins at Selinunte are long, rewarding days for those who want the Greek island as well as the Italian one.
The property feels spacious, peaceful, and full of charm, with a setting that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.
Six acres of olive trees, a pool, and the whole of Sicily in view.
We have no photograph of our own for this entry, so the crest stands in its place.
Ciminna
A relaxed village restaurant close to the villa for a traditional Sicilian dinner. Regional cooking, generous portions and a local atmosphere; good for families and groups.
We have no photograph of our own for this entry, so the crest stands in its place.
Ciminna
Breakfast, coffee, pastries or a light lunch before heading out for the day. Simple, local and convenient.
We have no photograph of our own for this entry, so the crest stands in its place.
Ciminna
A family-friendly spot in the village for pizza, coffee and casual food. The easy option after a long day exploring.
We have no photograph of our own for this entry, so the crest stands in its place.
Ciminna
A village café for a morning coffee, an evening aperitivo or a light bite between outings: and the natural place to meet before dinner.
We have no photograph of our own for this entry, so the crest stands in its place.
Caccamo
One of the largest and best-preserved Norman castles in Sicily, stacked on a rock above the town with views along the valley. A strong half-day, paired with a walk through Caccamo’s old streets.
We have no photograph of our own for this entry, so the crest stands in its place.
Cefalù
A coastal town under a great limestone crag: a long beach, a Norman cathedral with golden mosaics, and an old town of narrow streets that end at the sea. The classic Sicilian day out, and a full one from the villa.
Tell us where and when. We check the calendar ourselves and reply with availability and a written quote, usually within a day.
