May and June are the best months to head for Sicily, when the days are long and sunny and local markets are laden with cherries, asparagus and artichokes. Stay in a villa with views over the flower-carpeted slopes of the Madonie Mountains or the sea at the southern tip of the island, close to Syracuse and its spectacular Greek Theatre Festival.
Villa specialist Wish Sicily picks five of its top Spring time villas with views.
Contemporary class: Within easy reach of performances at Sicily’s prestigious Greek Theatre Festival (15 May-28 June) in Syracuse, Casa Blu is a stunning two-bedroom villa with direct access to the sea at Fontane Bianche. Despite its name, much of the décor is a dazzling white, from the interiors through to the blissful terrace with its scattered cushions and pick of sea view dining spots.
A week in May at Casa Blu starts at £1192 (sleeps 4).
Mountain bliss: Get back to nature at this rural retreat in the heart of the Madonie Mountains, with poolside views over rolling hills dotted with picturesque farmhouses and the promise of dining al fresco on a stone-walled veranda framed by the hills. This is a world of sleepy medieval villages, ancient churches and traditional Slow Food.
A week in May at Villa Ai Mulini in May starts at £1262 (sleeps 7).
Hideaway home for two: While modern artwork, terracotta-tiled floors and solid antique wooden furniture characterise the interiors of these four one-bedroom cottages, outside there are acres of olive and oak trees and an 18m pool with dramatic views of the sea and the famous Santuario di Tindari. Each of the four independent cottages has a double bedroom, living room and kitchen.
A week in May at Pizzo dell’Ovo starts at £795 (sleeps 2).
The wow factor: One glimpse of Villa Le Tartarughe’s poolside views across Sicily’s northern coastline and towards the Aeolian Islands and you know you are in for a treat. In fact the villa is the recipient of several awards for its contemporary design and energy efficiency. Surrounded by fruit and flower-filled gardens, colonnaded terraces have sublime coastal views and villa highlights include vast double height windows that look out across the Aeolian Islands from the living room and a master bedroom with a mini spa area and sea-facing terrace.
A week in May at Villa Le Tartarughe in May starts at £5162 (sleeps 9).
Sightsee in style: Gaze out over the water from the nautical themed interiors and the huge wraparound terrace at the Casa sulle Onde, a glorious sea-facing villa on the outskirts of Acireale on the east coast of Sicily. Explore the villages and vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna, visit the baroque architectural sights of Catania’s old town or indulge in some serious people-watching in Taormina.
A week in May at Casa sulle Onde starts at £1300 (sleeps 6).