Alcantara & Olive

This home is an atmospheric 19th-century villa perched above the Alcantara Valley, with Mount Etna filling the horizon from the terraces and the living room. The terraced gardens – dotted with centuries-old olive trees and a wrought-iron hilltop gazebo – offer a quieter setting for alfresco dinners, and the pool terrace comes into its own as the light fades each evening. Antique furniture adds character to these historic interiors, and an independent bedroom suite offers additional space for groups. Teatro Antico Taormina, one of the great Greco-Roman theatres, is less than thirty-minutes away, and the beach in Naxos even closer.

Home truths:
* Due to this home's location, we recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your stay. You'll have parking for two cars on the terracotta brick road that leads into the villa. If you're arriving as a larger group with multiple vehicles, bear that in mind when planning.
* The fourth bedroom sits outside the main house and is reached via the terrace downstairs rather than through the internal staircase. It works well for adults, but it's worth bearing in mind if you're travelling with young children.
* Air conditioning is available in all four bedrooms.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot and high chair at no additional cost. You'll need to request them in advance.
* There are steps inside and outside this home, so it may not be the best choice for guests with reduced mobility.