Browsing CategoryWish Sicily in the Press

The_times_blog_wishsicily

Stay like a local in Syracuse A big thank you to the Times Scotland correspondent, Kenny Farquharson, for the lowdown on his stay at Casa a Ortigia in Syracuse. The city is easily accessible to Scottish holidaymakers (Edinburgh to Catania on Easyjet) and ideal for either a weekend or longer stay. In fact, with so much to see in the city, you’ll be hard pushed to squeeze everything into a fleeting weekend. Visiting Syracuse’s ancient Greek amphitheatre is a must, but the city’s historic centre on the island of Ortigia is the magnet for most holidaymakers. Stroll through the narrow,…

the-mom-edit-wishsicily-blog

Casa a Ortigia and swimming in Syracuse Unsurprisingly, most people typically associate Syracuse with extraordinary ancient Greek ruins, baroque palaces and, naturally, the mathematician and physicist, Archimede. Somehow, the sea and beach slip into second place. But if you’re visiting during the heat of the summer, a chance to cool off in the sea is just what you need at the end of a tiring day of exploring, as Shana reveals in her holiday review on The Mom Edit. And when kids are involved, the promise of fun in the water can be a wonderful incentive during a morning of…

The_Daily_Mail

The hottest last-minute summer holidays under £1000pp Wish Sicily’s Aqua Turchina was in prime position in the Daily Mail’s weekend round-up of the hottest last-minute summer breaks for under £1000pp. A week’s holiday for up to 8 people at the seafront villa in Sicily was the first of 28 brilliant holiday ideas in the sunshine break article, with other holidays featured including Caribbean beach resorts, glamping in Istria and an all-inclusive holiday in Turkey. Set in a sea-facing position just outside the village of Finale di Pollina on Sicily’s north coast, Aqua Turchina is the perfect choice for families or…

sicily-villa-to-rent-the-telegraph-2

Short break in Syracuse Great to see Syracuse included as one of 20 recommended destinations in the Telegraph’s recent round-up of perfect places for a long weekend. With more flexible working available for many, and the welcome arrival of summer bank holidays, it’s easier than ever to add an extra day to make that weekend away last even longer. Significantly less crowded than some of Italy’s other hotspots such as Florence, Venice and Rome, and crammed with impressive sights, Syracuse ticks plenty of boxes for a weekend away. You’ll easily find enough to do to fill a couple of days,…

wish-sicily-villas-JC-logo-web

Enjoy a bucket list escape in Sicily We were delighted to see Wish Sicily recommended by the Jewish Chronicle in an article on the best Passover holidays. We all know that holiday prices – accommodation and flights – rise during peak holiday periods such as Easter or summer school holidays. But with the Jewish holiday of Passover falling several weeks later than Easter this year, families with children at Jewish schools have the flexibility to book lower-priced holidays when everyone else is back at school. Together with suggestions on visiting Canada, St Lucia and Sri Lanka, Sicily was the preferred short-haul…

spectator-wishsicily-blog

If you’ve experienced Sicily personally, the chances are you won’t need us to tell you how great the food is. But if you need written evidence, Amy Rose Everett’s recent article in Spectator World on eating her way through Sicily will leave you in no doubt that if you’re a foodie, this is the place to be! From simple snacks of doughy brioche rolls oozing with almond milk granita to Michelin-approved restaurants, Amy’s 3-week stay in Sicily was crammed full of mouthwatering experiences. Arancini, chocolate cannoli and pasta all norma all found their way on to her plate, providing the…

sicily-villa-to-rent-the-telegraph-2

It’s that time of year again, that pivotal moment in the annual calendar when so many of us turn our thoughts to holidays and travel. Maybe it’s the short days and cold temperatures but there’s no denying that planning and booking a holiday is probably the most effective way to get through January and February. For those looking for ideas for a family holiday, the Telegraph’s 50 best family holidays round-up is packed with inspiration. Organised into a selection of ideas for each main school holiday, you’ll find plenty of suggestions for the February, May and October 2024 half term…

Ham_and_High_logo.svg

Low season sunshine and affordable prices Tempted by a low season sunshine break in Sicily? Journalist Bridget Galton describes in the Ham & High newspaper how her recent holiday at the fabulous Casa del Carrubo ticked every box, with special mention of the amazing hospitality extended by ‘the loveliest of hosts, Giuseppe’. Bridget took her family holiday in October, following the disappointment of a soggy August break in the UK. She stayed at one of our most popular family villas in Sicily, the fabulous Casa del Carrubo. Situated within walking distance of Noto beach, the 2-bedroom villa has a fantastic…

sicily-villa-to-rent-the-telegraph-2

Best family holiday in Sicily for 2024 It seems we’re not the only ones looking ahead to 2024. With news that British holidaymakers will have access to a record number of seats for 2024, the Telegraph has come up with 20 of the best summer holidays for its readers. Holidays featured included short and long-haul suggestions, ranging from Austria and Cyprus to Florida and Mauritius. Sicily – and specifically our Case di Tindari – was amongst those recommended for a break at May half-term, when families are most likely to enjoy gentle sunshine and value for money compared to the…

The_Daily_Mail

Looking for sunshine without the long-haul flight? Early autumn is the perfect time to catch some late summer sun in southern Europe before the nights draw in and temperatures drop. The Daily Mail has put together an inspiring list of destinations where temperatures are still in their mid-20’s in October, and the Med waters have retained the heat from the summer sun. While temperatures in Sicily in August are possibly too hot for some, in October they’re warm enough to bask in gentle sunshine over an alfresco lunch and soak up some rays on the beach, but not too hot…

The_times_blog_wishsicily

Our 25% promotional offer on selected villas in October earned us a place this weekend in a round-up in the Times newspaper of last-minute autumn deals. You can save up to 25% on several Sicily villas in October, including on a selection of family-friendly villas during October half-term week. Prices have been reduced to €3525 (sleeps 10) at Villa Dionisio, which has 5 luxury bedrooms and bathrooms, a stunning infinity pool, a small private gym and art-filled interiors. The villa also has a spectacular seafront location close to the Marinello Lakes Nature Reserve and is within easy reach of the…

the-sun-wish-sicily-villas

Wine-tasting, cannoli and White Lotus sets in Sicily It was our pleasure to recently host Jess Wilson, the Associate Editor of the Sun’s Fabulous magazine, at Casa Franchina on the north coast. One of our most popular family-friendly properties, the villa is a short walk from the coastal town of Acquedolci and is brilliantly located for exploring the whole of the north coast, from Palermo to Cefalù and eastwards to Capo d’Orlando. Jess’s feature in Fabulous magazine highlights some of the simple pleasures of holidaying in Sicily: strolling into town for a cappuccino and home-made Sicilian biscuits at the local…

cna-luxury-web-wishsicily

CNA suggests 6 magical spots to visit in Sicily The smash HBO TV hit White Lotus (series 2) may have finished but the magic of Sicily lives on. The satirical series is hugely entertaining (we can’t wait for series no. 3!) and not surprisingly, has generated a huge amount of interest in Sicily. Apart from attracting big box office ratings, it has also pushed Sicily to the top of many viewers’ ‘must visit’ wish list. In fact, much of the series was filmed at the San Domenico Palace in Taormina but there are plenty of other alternatives, and you may…

LoveEXPORING

Wish Sicily in LoveExploring LoveExploring, the inspirational guide to independent travellers, has included a Sicily villa stay with WishSicily in their recent round-up of best places to visit in October. October is a delightful time to visit Sicily. Days are still filled with sunshine, the most popular tourist sites are now crowd-free, and the sea still retains some of the summer heat. In the southeast of the island, the Vendicari Nature Reserve welcomes the arrival of thousands of flamingos and other aquatic birds en route for warmer climes in Africa. October is also the time when many of the smaller…

The_times_blog_wishsicily

Good to see another great round-up of some of the best places to stay in Sicily in the weekend’s Times newspaper, including our villa Nefele. The feature looks at some of Sicily’s most stylish accommodation, from modest villas to the island’s new generation of wine resorts and luxurious hotels. Wine experiences, extraordinary ancient sites and striking scenery are also par for the course – we’ve even caught the attention of Mick Jagger who last year bought a property near the south eastern tip of the island! A new addition to our collection this year, Nefele continues to attract rave reviews…

sicily-villa-to-rent-the-telegraph-2

Summer holidays are drawing to a close. However, for those who still have the wonderful prospect of a late summer break to look forward to, journalist Anna Selby has pulled out a few suggestions in her Telegraph article on how to holiday like an Italian, including a stay at our Sicily Luxury Villa Dionisio. Yes, we certainly know how to holiday! Years of practice makes perfect and we’ve really turned the concept of ‘dolce far niente’ into an art form! Here, a summer holiday is all about leisurely sea dips, delicious meals with friends and family, and enjoying a simple evening…

The_times_blog_wishsicily

Best Villas in Sicily We’re delighted to be featured again in a Times newspaper round-up of top villas in Sicily, this time with our highly sought after Villa Arte Mare Blue. The villa for 10 is perfectly positioned with rural views over the Madonie mountains, yet is just a short drive from the bustling seaside resort of Cefalù – really the best of both worlds! Its traditional exterior nestles amidst the hills, set in secluded gardens which include a stunning infinity pool and enviable covered outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven. Step inside, however, to interiors that are far from…

The_times_blog_wishsicily

Like the idea of using your holiday as a way of reconnecting with nature? A beach holiday is certainly a change of scene for most of us but what if you want to combine that with staying in some of Europe’s top natural spots? Immerse yourself in the scent of green forests or the beauty of a landscape unspoilt by modern development and you’ll benefit from a double whammy of health benefits. The Times suggests that one way to ensure a good dose of natural beauty is to seek out Europe’s national parks and nature reserves. Some of us may…

prima-wisg-sicily-blog

If you’re looking for a great family getaway in Sicily that’s not going to break the bank, the May issue of Prima magazine is packed with ideas, including our Case Fil. The contemporary villa is a popular option among families with young children who want nothing more than to spend days splashing in the fabulous 18m pool or on one of the many local beaches. Children share a studio-style bedroom with parents but there’s a large communal living and dining room and very well-equipped kitchen. The real highlight, however, is the garden, with its huge pool, large grassy lawn and…

The-Sunday-TImes-blog-wishsicily

If you’re attracted by the idea of staying in a villa where you can either walk or rely on public transport to get around, then this week’s Sunday Times round-up of no-drive villas is just what you need. Choose from a selection of villas in Sicily, France, Croatia, Portugal and Greece, including our Casa Franchina. Without a hire car, your main priority is probably being able to walk to the beach and also to at least one or two local shops that will cover your immediate needs, particularly if you’re holidaying with children. If there’s a pizzeria and/or gelateria within…