Wish Sicily, Author at Blog Wish Sicily

Nov 25 2020

When is the best time to go to Sicily?

Take a look at some of the highlights of each season in Sicily Dreaming of a 2021 holiday in warmer climes? Just 100 miles from north Africa, Sicily’s location means that sunshine’s on tap for a good part of the year. Throw into the mix sandy beaches, delicious food and wine, stunning nature reserves, and a fascinating history, and you’ll soon see why Sicily is such an appealing destination for so many. In fact the biggest decision is not where to go in Sicily but when to go! Naturally, what you enjoy doing on holiday will have a bearing on…

Nov 16 2020

A Sicilian Feast

Take a mouth-watering culinary journey in Sicily Spend any length of time in Sicily and you quickly realise that no milestone passes without a substantial feast … and what a feast! Sicilian cuisine wisely makes the most of what nature throws its way, packed with flavour-busting vegetables, fresh fish, and dishes and delicacies crammed with home-grown almonds and pistachios. Yet it’s also a cuisine that draws on its multi-layered history and so, in common with all Italian regions, has its own set of very unique flavours, traditions and recipes. In Sicily, for example, you may find yourself starting the day…

Nov 12 2020

Sunshine in Syracuse | Wish Sicily in the New Zealand Herald

Dreaming of a 2021 getaway? We guarantee you’ll be inspired by this review in the New Zealand Herald, in which Anna King Shahab describes her stay with us in Syracuse! Amidst all the heartache and anxiety that has accompanied 2020, many of us have recognised the important place holidays hold in our lives. Exactly what we miss is, of course, hugely personal. It may be as simple as the warmth of the sun or a break in routine. While for others, it could be the pleasure of exploring new places, eating different food and experiencing another culture. Which is where…

Nov 10 2020

Getting set for 2021

Oasivera featured in the 21 recommended pool villas by The Sun As we creep towards the end of a rather unpredictable year, it was heartening to see the Sun newspaper’s new series on planning for 2021 holidays. Just what we all need to look forward to! The series kicked off with 21 fabulous villas for 2021. Recognising the importance of having our own space, each of these villas has its own pool and plenty of room to kick back and enjoy the sunshine. Take your pick of villas from a selection that spans countries and continents, from Barbados to Portugal,…

Ott 30 2020

Syracuse and Ortigia

A practical guide to Syracuse and Ortigia, Sicily Unlike Rome, Florence and Venice, Syracuse – or Siracusa in Italian – still manages to hover slightly below the tourist radar, in spite of its enormous cultural wealth. At the height of its influence, it was the most important city of Magna Graecia with a population at times in excess of 500,000. Today, the city, with its 120,000 or so inhabitants, still boasts some of the finest Baroque art and architecture, and Greek and Roman ruins, although there’s also plenty to do beyond the cultural attractions. Basically, if you’re planning a holiday…

Ott 29 2020

Welcome to Oasivera in Vendicari, Sicily

The ultimate two-family villa in Sicily for rent! Of all the things we’ve learnt over the years of organising villa holidays in Sicily, perhaps the issue that stands out most is the importance of space – and never more so than when the villa is for a small group of friends or two families. Let’s face it, most of us appreciate being able to creep away to our own little corner, either inside or outside, even if just for a fleeting half hour. Which is why when a villa like Oasivera comes along, we know it’s going to be popular!…

Ott 07 2020

Should you book your 2021 holiday now?

A few things to consider before you book your 2021 holiday in Sicily The 2020 summer holiday season is now well and truly over, leaving some of us yearning for an autumn break and perhaps even more of us thinking ahead to our dream holiday destinations in 2021. It’s going to feel like a long winter in the northern hemisphere and there’s nothing quite like the anticipation of a holiday to pull us through. The fact is, though, that nothing is as straightforward as it was pre-Coronavirus. Most countries have seen the introduction of lockdowns, border closures and quarantine periods…

Set 26 2020

Walking in Sicily

As the fierce summer sun retreats and autumn colours appear, Sicily undergoes something of a personality shift. The sun is still warm enough for beach-goers but for visitors who want to hike across rural landscapes and along rugged coastlines, the temperature couldn’t be more perfect. In addition to the gentle temperatures, you’ll be treated to some dazzling colours. Warm reddish-brown hues shroud the slopes of the Madonie and Nebrodi mountains, in sharp contrast to the island’s dazzling blue sea and rocky coastlines. Some of these trails are busier than others but visit in October and there’s a good chance you’ll…

Set 15 2020

Wish Sicily featured in the Telegraph

We were delighted to be included in the article suggesting different holidays in Sicily in this week’s Telegraph. With Italy’s Covid rate still sitting below the UK quarantine threshold, and the promise of sunny days through September and October, Sicily remains an obvious choice for anyone looking to re-charge their batteries. The selection of Sicily holiday ideas featured includes our Casa a Ortigia, a 2-bedroom seafront property in prime position on the tiny outcrop of Ortigia, the historic centre of Syracuse. Wander through Ortigia’s atmospheric winding streets and alleyways into the magnificent Piazza Duomo, or hop across the road for…

Set 11 2020

Five of Sicily’s most appealing towns and villages

Discover our favourite Sicilian towns and villages Soaring mountain backdrops, dramatic sea views and historic hilltop towns interwoven with medieval stone lanes are familiar sights in Sicily. The fact is, if you’re looking for a small town that’s big on beauty, Sicily is jam-packed with options. Our favourite Sicilian towns and villages varies according to the season but these five generally feature in our top ten at any time of year! Baroque beauty in Ragusa Ibla You couldn’t fail to be dazzled by the sight of Ragusa Ibla, the jewel in the crown of the UNESCO-listed Baroque towns in the south east…

Set 02 2020

Sicily Villa Carlotta in the Times

If you thought that chic went hand-in-hand with pricey, think again. We were delighted to see that the Times’ recent round-up of Europe’s chicest holiday villas for 2021 included our popular seafront Villa Carlotta, where you’ll find everything you could possible want for a relaxing week in the sun. The garden and pool are guaranteed to be a big hit with the kids, but up on the rooftop terrace, an away-from-it-all jacuzzi is the perfect spot to relax back, lulled by the sound of the waves below. For anyone who likes to kickstart the day with an energising swim, the…

Ago 27 2020

October half-term in Sicily from Girl About

Our thanks to Girl About for including our lovely Casa dei Sogni in its round-up of October half-term holiday ideas. The sun’s still shining here in Sicily but for anyone who didn’t get away this summer, the idea of catching some last rays of sunshine when the kids are off in October is understandably appealing! Casa dei Sogni is a great option for families. It’s just a short drive from Catania airport so getting there is quick and easy and, if you enjoy sightseeing, there’s plenty to see nearby. Take the kids to climb Europe’s largest most active volcano or…

Ago 26 2020

Why you need to book your celebration villa in Sicily now!

Are you one of the unlucky ones who had to shelve plans for a special celebration in 2020? Whether it was a wedding, a milestone birthday or a family reunion, hopefully the disappointment has now faded, and you may even have started to think about re-scheduling. The numbers involved may be smaller but, on the upside, that possibly leaves a little bit of leeway for a more luxurious celebration and concierge-planned activities. With warm sunshine generally lasting into October, Sicily is still a good option for this autumn, but if you intend to wait until 2021, our advice is to…

Ago 06 2020

Five of the best villas in Sicily to visit this September

Here in Sicily, we’re still in the midst of long, lingering summer days, of sparkling sundowners at sunset, and al fresco lunches and dinners. For many of us, 2020 has been the year of the staycation, a time to enjoy holidays close to home. If, however, you fall into the category of those who have watched the summer months slip by without taking any time off work, you may now be wondering how wise it is to miss out completely on this year’s holiday. The good news is there’s still time to book a holiday in September in one of…

Ago 04 2020

Villa Dioscuri in the Times’ ‘Best villas in Italy’

We were thrilled to see our lovely Villa Dioscuri included in the Times’ ‘Best Villas in Italy’ feature at the weekend. As our customer reviews testify, this villa really is unique – from its extraordinary views to its superb 16m pool. Get ready too for an extra warm welcome from owner Filippo who always goes out of his way to make you feel at home, starting with some traditional foodie treats and also sharing tips and advice on his favourite local spots. The beauty of Villa Dioscuri is the feeling of space: outside, the pool is surrounded by large areas…

Gen 23 2020

Wish Sicily introduces week-long Cooking & Culture experience

Learn about Sicilian food and culture through cookery classes, market trips and private guided tours with Wish Sicily. Instead of staying in a hotel, enjoy the luxury of staying in a private villa in north east Sicily surrounded by all your favourite people! Wish Sicily’s new Cooking & Culture week is available throughout the year for groups of between 10-30 people. Comments Wish Sicily director, Gioacchino Sortino, ‘We organise a wide range of tours and activities for many of our guests who, increasingly, want to do more than just sit by the pool. We’ve designed this comprehensive itinerary for private…

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