
Civitanova Alta Marche, Italy
Villa Castelletto
As featured as a personal recommendation in Frances Mayes' (Under the Tuscan Sun) new Italian travel guide.
From £8,113 per week
Noto, Province of Syracuse, Italy
Sleeps 126 bedrooms6 bathroomsPrivate pool

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Villa Reale is set in an idyllic location bordering the Vendicari Nature Reserve in southeast Sicily. Nestled within enchanting grounds, the villa offers stunning views from two rooftop terraces, overlooking lush landscapes and the coast, where wild beaches await. The reserve’s marshland is teeming with wildlife, providing a tranquil and natural backdrop. The villa features six double bedrooms, with five in the two-story main building and a separate one-bedroom annex, ideal for a second group. Each bedroom is designed for comfort and has an en-suite, with access to either a terrace or garden. Inside, the villa exudes character, with quirky design elements, vibrant color schemes, and stylish furnishings. The living areas are welcoming and sociable, providing spaces to relax or read in peace. In the evenings, the dining room sets the stage for memorable meals with friends and family. The rambling grounds, lush and tropical in feel, include a sunken garden accessed by rooms on the lower floor, and an arcaded patio perfect for taking in the serene surroundings. The beautiful pool offers a refreshing escape, while the larger rooftop terrace, with an outdoor kitchen and dining area, is ideal for al-fresco meals. With the Vendicari Nature Reserve just minutes away, guests can explore diverse landscapes, spot wildlife such as flamingos and pelicans, and enjoy the historic charm of the area. The reserve leads to beaches like Spiaggia di Cittadella, which can be reached by a scenic walk or a 10-minute drive. The Baroque city of Noto is just 20 minutes by car.
Bordering Vendicari Nature Reserve with its calm and rugged beauty, Villa Reale is an escape to quiet seclusion. You can be exploring the reserve's varied landscapes in minutes, and there's over 1,500 hectares of marshland and coast to cover. It's a birdwatcher's dream in particular, as flamingos, pelicans and egrets are just some of the birds you're likely to spot. Also dotted across the land are interesting archaeological remains and remains of traditional old buildings.
There's over 13km of rocky coastline included in the reserve, so you have a choice of beaches on which to stop and appreciate your surroundings. Uncrowded and wild, you can swim and snorkel in total peace. Spiaggia di Cittadella is one of the closest beaches to the villa, with it being either a 10-minute drive or just under an hour's walk. A short drive away is pretty Pachino. Enjoy sightseeing your way around the town, with the central piazza being where you can find many lovely 18th-century buildings. And history goes even further back in Pachino, as it features several fascinating ancient sites including a Roman village and Greek temple.
One of the most impressive historic destinations in this part of south-east Sicily is the city of Noto. You can reach it in around 20 minutes by car. Noto is UNESCO-protected, in part due to the wealth of baroque buildings in the city. One must-visit is 18th-century Noto Cathedral, with plenty of palaces and churches to see too. Corso Vittorio Emanuele is the city's main shopping street and is lined with cafes, restaurants and gelaterias, as well as the chic shops.
Noto, Province of Syracuse, Italy. Farmhouses and palazzi where dinner is the main event.
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Civitanova Alta Marche, Italy
As featured as a personal recommendation in Frances Mayes' (Under the Tuscan Sun) new Italian travel guide.
From £8,113 per week

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