Italy’s recent announcement that British holidaymakers who have been vaccinated, test negative or have immunity, will be able to travel to Italy from the second half of May without having to quarantine, puts Sicily back on the holiday map.
Catch up with friends and family – new villa for 2021
Escape to 5-bedroomed Oasivera, set on the edge of the Vendicari Nature Reserve in south east Sicily, and spend time with the people you’ve missed most over the past year.
The recently refurbished villa still retains much of its traditional Sicilian charm, with shady covered dining spaces, a spectacular tiled outdoor kitchen, and striking tiling in the courtyard and 4 bathrooms. Garden highlights include vast expanses of palm-tree dotted lawns and terraces, a private pool, and a roof terrace with views across the nature reserve and the sea. Take your pick from some of Sicily’s top beaches, such as horseshoe-shaped Calamosche, or stroll down to the nearest stretch of sand, just 200m from the villa.
Prices: a week in June from £4524 (sleeps 10). Easyjet, Gatwick-Catania.
Family villa with pool
If sea air and mesmerising views top your priority list, Infinito should be a winner. The attractively designed villa has huge picture windows that let in sea views at every turn, with the same vistas offered from the infinity pool and garden.
The open-plan living room and child-pleasing den are filled with vintage nautical-themed objets d’art. Upstairs, the 3 bedrooms and bathrooms open on to a huge panoramic terrace with views of the Aeolian Islands. Pop into family-friendly Capo d’Orlando for provisions and a gelato and spend days on one of several local sandy beaches with lido-style facilities.
Infinito (sleeps 6) has excellent availability in July and August. One week from £3393. Easyjet, Gatwick-Palermo.
City break in Syracuse – save 20%
Compensate for a year devoid of the buzz of city life and cultural highs with a week in Syracuse. Wander through the city’s historic narrow lanes and alleyways on the island of Ortigia, explore its magnificent Duomo and visit the vast archaeological park, home to a 5th century BC Greek Theatre and a Roman Amphitheatre.
When you’ve had your fill of culture, head for the colourful Mercato di Ortigia and drink in the atmosphere while you stock up on food provisions or soak up the sun on one of Ortigia’s sundecks. Out-of-town options include the beaches at Arenella and Fontane Bianche or the clear pools and waterfalls at the Cavagrande Nature Reserve.
Stay at Stella in Ortigia, a one-bedroom duplex with a large furnished terrace that overlooks the city, in an atmospheric palazzo on Ortigia.
Save 20% from June-September. One week in June or July from £1003 (after discount) for 4 guests.
Covid-19 Cancellation
Wish Sicily is offering a free cancellation policy which includes a full refund up to 30 days prior to arrival, or a credit voucher within 30 days of arrival, in the event of local lockdown or an enforced quarantine period.