About this property
The hilltop town of Taormina sits on the east coast of Sicily and found nestling on one of its many lush cliffsides is tranquil Villa Fantastica. A 20-minute walk down a nearby stepped pathway will bring you to the sandy stretches at Mazzarò and the small island of Isola Bella. And the heart of historic Taormina with all its amenities and ancient attractions is just a short walk away.
Four-bedroom Villa Fantastica is contemporary in style and perfect for a relaxing holiday. Unspoilt views over the water can be enjoyed from inside the comfortable interior and from around the terraced gardens. The en-suite master bedroom is an especially calming space, as it boasts a terrace for starting each morning with the sight of the sea.
The bright and stylish accommodation is set over three levels, with a great family room on the lower floor that has an area for everyone. Doors lead out into the garden; increasing the sense of light and space.
Also full of light is the main living/dining area on the upper floor. Chill out on the sofa after a day spent exploring Taormina as you soak in sea views through doors that open onto a pretty terrace. Here you can enjoy al-fresco meals, with the chic indoor dining table an ideal option on cooler evenings.
And it's not just seating and dining terraces that Villa Fantastica has to offer in terms of outside space. The villa is set within typically Mediterranean, terraced gardens; the highlight of which is an infinity pool for refreshing dips and the most breathtaking views.
Sandy beaches can be reached by following the pathway down the cliffside to the coastline. Mazzarò is a lovely place to pass a lazy afternoon, with the tiny island and nature reserve of Isola Bella being a particular paradise.
The town of Taormina is rich in history, with the ancient Greek open-air theatre, Teatro Antico di Taormina, being one of its most-impressive sites. There's also the remains of old town walls, a medieval cathedral and hilltop church to visit.
More ancient history is on offer at nearby Giardini Naxos and famous Mount Etna is just over an hour's drive away.
Villa Fantastica really does occupy a fantastic setting in the town of Taormina. Sweeping sea views that come from being on a cliffside are yours to enjoy, with the town centre within easy reach. Close to the villa is a stepped pathway that will take you down to the beaches at Mazzarò and Isola Bella in around 20 minutes. You can also stroll into town and take the cable car down to these beautiful sandy stretches instead.
Taormina offers a great choice of bars and restaurants for evenings out, with most being within a 15-minute walk. Head to Corso Umberto for some retail therapy, with this street being the town's top shopping destination. It's lined with luxury boutiques and shops selling souvenirs, clothing and jewellery.
Taormina is also full of ancient landmarks, with history around every corner and many attractions just a stone's throw from the villa. These include the medieval cathedral, Duomo di Taormina, Palazzo Ciampoli, and Porta Catania; the ancient arched gateway to the town. The town is most-famous for the ancient Greek open-air theatre, Teatro Antico di Taormina.
If you walk up the slopes above Taormina you'll reach historic Chiesa Madonna della Rocca by following a stepped pathway cut into the rocks. The views over the sea and the ancient Greek theatre from this tiny church are simply stunning.
The resort of Giardini Naxos offers sandy beaches and is said to be the first ancient Greek colony in Sicily. Visit the archaeological park and museum to see ruins of the settlement and learn about its fascinating past.
Majestic Mount Etna is just over an hour's drive away and is an absolute must-see. The volcano overlooks the city of Catania, known for its lively atmosphere, bustling markets and good quality cuisine.
Accommodation
Villa Interiors (200 m2)
Lower Floor (split-level)
- Family room with sofa, TV, fireplace, kitchenette, dining table for eight people, work space, doors to garden
- Bedroom with twin beds (can be double)
- Bathroom
- Gym
Middle Floor
- Bedroom with double bed, TV, doors to terrace with sun loungers, en-suite bathroom with shower
- Bedroom with double bed
- Bedroom with queen-size bed
- Bathroom with bath and shower
Upper Floor (split-level)
- Open-plan living/dining space with sofas, dining table for six people, fireplace, doors to terrace
- Open-plan kitchen with oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge with ice maker, toaster, coffee/tea maker, TV
- Bathroom
Outside Grounds
- Infinity pool (13x6m)
- Pool terrace with sofa, sun loungers, umbrellas, small lawn areaCovered upper-floor terrace with dining table for 10 people and sofas
- BBQ
- Terraced gardens with trees, plants, flowers
- Private parking for up to 4 cars
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning and heating
- Satellite TV with Sky
- Washing machine
- iPod dock
- Iron
- Hair dryer