Filicudi – Aeolian islands
Filicudi is a small island, and we advise you not to bring a car. Other scooters may be rented on site. Motor boats can be rented in the island for tours around the island.
The Aeolian islands derive their name from Aeolus, the Greek god of the winds who, according to Homer, had his kingdom here. It is an archipelago full of contrasts and surprises.
There are active volcanoes, bizarre rocky islets and coastlines thrown up by volcanic explosions and sculpted by wind and sea, as well as luxurious vegetation, prehistoric villages and, on display in the prestigious Museo Eoliano on
Lipari, many archaeological treasures.
The Aeolian islands have strong traditions and ways of life. Many people fish, if not for a living, at least for the family table, and have small holding where they grow fruit and vegetables. In autumn grapes and olives are harvested – again, mostly for family consumption, although there are prestigious wine makers on Salina – while the main commercial crop is the caper, a flower bud preserved under salt, which is harvested in May and June.
The Aeolians are kind and warm people and they will receive you with full heart.
Spring arrives early on
FILICUDI, when the island can seem to explode with multicoloured flowers. This is a perfect time to explore the island on foot, along narrow mountain paths, where donkeys are still the main means of transport.
Capers and vineyards, olive and carob trees give a strong character to the landscape, which is dominated by craggy red rocks.
The sea can change from green to blue to violet. Perhaps the most striking natural phenomena is La Canna, a 70 meter high phallic rock surrounded by splashing waves.
The lack of lights on the island makes Filicudi is the
perfect place to skywatch at night.
Tag: about sicily, Aeolian islands, Filicudi, Lipari, Salina, sicily holidays, sicily small island, sicily vacations rental, siciy villas
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Sicily offers more than just sea
“In Sicily lies the key to everything”…perhaps the great Goethe was completely infatuated when he wrote this famous phrase in his “Italian Journey”, but the region has certainly lost none of the charm that bewitched travellers on the Grand Tour, although today it is often tinged with modernity.
We want to highlight some of the main events in Sicily between February and April that confirm the island’s place in specialised publications as one of the best world destinations 2012.
The calendar includes Catania with its celebrations in honour of the city’s patron saint, Saint Agatha (3rd-5th February) accompanied by fireworks and culminating in a huge procession in which an endless crowd follows the saint’s reliquary.
Many cities are organising fantastic parades for Carnival, but the most famous are probably the Sciacca Carnival and the Acireale Carnival (15th – 21st February).
March sees the world-famous “St. Joseph’s Dinners” in Salemi, and the tradition of using a variety of differently-shaped breads to build an altar in honour of the saint (19th March).
The 6th April marks the eagerly-awaited return of maesto Abbado to Teatro Massimo, Palermo, where he will conduct Verdi’s Requiem.
Finally, there are a wealth of events for Easter (5th – 9th April): the renowned Trapani Mystery Plays, the Arbëreshë traditions from Piana degli Albanesi, the ‘Devils’ Revelry’ of San Fratello and Prizzi, and the festival of the Vasa Vasa Virgin in Modica.
10% off the advertised price of
all villas in our catalogue from 1st February – 18th April 2012 if you book by January 20th.
This offer is also valid for bookings during the Christmas period.
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Tag: acireale Carnival, advanced booking with travelsicilia, Claudio Abbado in Teatro massimo, Discounted luxury villa sicily, Easter in sicily, Pani di Salemi, Saint Agatha, salemi festa dei pani, sicily, St. Joseph’s Dinners Salemi, Trapani Misterys
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Villa Festosa grande
16 sleeps
Elegant modern villa with swimming pool, a short distance from a sandy beach
With its beautiful towns, its rugged green landscape crisscrossed with drystone walls, its long sandy beaches and rich historical and architectural legacy, Ragusa is perhaps Sicily’s most immediately appealing province. Add to this the opportunity to stay in a comfortable and elegant villa, and you have all the ingredients you need for an unforgettable holiday.
Villa Festosa is a contemporary villa, that re-invents the elements of the country houses typical of the ragusana area, with extensive outdoor spaces and large rooms organised in an intelligent and practical way. The gardens are still in their infancy, but will soon be lush and mature.
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Tag: luxury villa near ragusa, luxury villa sicily ideal for large groups, luxury villa sicily sleeps16, ragusa sandy beach, sicily villa with pool by the sea, villa festosa
Pubblicato in Sicily Villas - East Coast, Ville di Lusso in sicilia | Nessun commento »
Masseria Pernice
An old country masseria that has been restored; marvellous natural environment; swimming pool; close to Palermo
12 Sleeps
The Masseria Pernice is the property of a family of Sicilian aristocrats and lies on a 135 hectare estate of vineyards, olive groves and pastureland.
The farmhouse, or baglio, was built at the beginning of the 20th century and has a classic Sicilian-style internal courtyard. The four apartments facing the main farmhouse were used by workers during the grape and olive harvests and have been restored according to the principals of bio-architecture, and decorated with family heirlooms, Sicilian ceramics and antique prints.
The baglio retains its traditional cobbles, and its pale pink walls are covered with bougainvillea, jasmine, roses and geraniums, creating an atmosphere which is at the same time simple, welcoming and peaceful. There is a salone – open to all guests — created within what was once the granary. From here, you pass into a splendid garden set against hills covered with pines and eucalypti, where you will find a large swimming pool (14m x 7m) where you can keep cool in the heat of the summer, as well as a shady patio and an area for barbeques.
Tag: masseria pernice, Old country sicily masseria, sallier de la tour, sicily farmhouse, sicily luxury masseria with pool, sicily masseria for large groups
Pubblicato in Sicily Villas - East Coast, Ville di Lusso in sicilia | Nessun commento »
Il Piccolo Casale
Ancient olive press with panoramic views of the Aeolian Islands; swimming pool
Sleeps 4/6
The nucleus of the ancient farmhouse is a 17th century watchtower that was later converted into an olive press.
It remains a typical Sicilian casale, part of it designed to meet the needs of the farm, the other part a refined living space for its landed gentry owners , with little formal garden and antique majolica tiles on its floors.
The current owners have retained the original structure, restored the ancient stone-vaulting, and used natural pigments on the walls, yet have transformed the house into one that has all modern comforts. The spacious living room has a fireplace and a large window with lovely views over the lawn and swimming pool to the Tyrhenian seaand the Aeolian Islands. There is also an extremely well-equipped kitchen , and each elegant bedroom has an ensuite bathroom. Piccolo Casale has a lovely location, secluded and verdant, yet it is just 500 metres from the sea – perfect for anyone who likes to swim, yet wants peace and quiet at home.
Tag: luxury villa near capo d'orlando, piccolo Casale, sicily luxury villa with pool near the beach, sicily restored ancient farmhouse, sicily villa sleeps 4, sicily villa sleeps 6, sicily villa with pool a few metres to the sea, typical sicilian casale with pool
Pubblicato in Sicily Villas - East Coast, Ville di Lusso in sicilia | Nessun commento »
Villa Festosa grande
Masseria Pernice
Il Piccolo Casale 
