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Pool villa in peaceful location. Breathtaking views of sea, Mt. Etna & Taormina

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Pool
Pool
Pool
Exterior
Pool

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 81506.9 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Taormina, Province of Messina
  • Corso Umberto
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Taormina Cable Car
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Greek Theatre
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Taormina (TFC)
    ‪5 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Pool villa in peaceful location. Breathtaking views of sea, Mt. Etna & Taormina

'A magical retreat' as featured in The Telegraph (UK).

Welcome to your exclusive retreat in Sicily… Set 'away from it all' on a fabulous hill top position overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea in the Mediterranean, the villa boasts breathtaking and unrivalled views stretching across from Mount Etna to the surrounding area of Taormina on the east coast of Sicily.

The villa is a traditionally built stone detached property, with air conditioning and its own private 'infinity edge' swimming pool and garden. Completely independent, the villa assures you total privacy. A large panoramic terrace and shaded patio, with a barbecue and woodfired pizza oven, offer ample ‘al fresco' dining space from which, at near 500 meters altitude, you will truly feel on top of the world.

Inside, furnished and equipped to a high standard, the villa provides and caters for the expectations of the discerning modern traveler, whether you are holidaying as a couple, family or with friends. The villa can accommodate up to 8 people (6 adults and 2 kids/teenagers), and has one family bathroom and a smaller bath/toilet.

The charm and attraction of the villa span from having the space and privacy to do whatever you please, at your own pace… to visiting the areas of Taormina, Castelmola and Giardini-Naxos, and local beaches all within a 25-35 minute drive. For sightseeing, Mount Etna, the Alcantara Gorge, Syracuse, the Aeolian islands including Stromboli, the villa provides an excellent and comfortable base in a rural and quiet location.

Whether it is tranquility, culture, sun, beaches, sightseeing or living 'la dolce vita' you are looking for, we welcome you.

Saluti,
Michael & Marianne


IMPORTANT: Info about the road to the villa: The villa is located 500 m above sea level, and is reached in 25 min. from the seaside town Giardini Naxos by a narrow, and in few places steep and quite bad asphalt mountain road. The road is not fenced. Some guests do not want to drive the road after dark, and are thus not able to go out for dinner, while others are totally fine with the road, And the reward is one of the best views on the island, once arrived at the villa. We offer optional "Meet & Greet" service on arrival day, for a smooth drive up to the villa.
In general, please note it requires good driving experience and a confident driver to negotiate the roads and traffic in Sicily,

Property manager

Michael Fjording

Languages

Danish, English
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Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number IT083015C2KI56GDI4

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed USD 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation

About the area

Castelmola

Located in Castelmola, this villa is in a rural area and in the mountains. Corso Umberto and Greek Theatre are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Giardini Naxos Beach and Isola Bella. Villa Comunale Garden and Passopisciaro are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and mountain biking nearby.
Map
Taormina, Province of Messina

What's nearby

  • Corso Umberto - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Piazza IX April - 5 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Spisone Beach - 5 min drive - 4.5 km
  • Taormina Cable Car - 5 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Greek Theatre - 6 min drive - 3.8 km

Getting around

  • Taormina Giardini Station - 26 min drive
  • Reggio di Calabria (REG-Strait of Messina) - 156 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪L'Arco - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Villa Zuccaro Taormina - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪La Pignolata Guinness Cannoli - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Bar Turrisi - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Da Cristina - ‬19 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Pool villa in peaceful location. Breathtaking views of sea, Mt. Etna & Taormina have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Pool villa in peaceful location. Breathtaking views of sea, Mt. Etna & Taormina pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Pool villa in peaceful location. Breathtaking views of sea, Mt. Etna & Taormina?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Pool villa in peaceful location. Breathtaking views of sea, Mt. Etna & Taormina?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Pool villa in peaceful location. Breathtaking views of sea, Mt. Etna & Taormina located?

Situated in the mountains, this villa is 3 mi (4.9 km) from Castelmola Castle and 3.1 mi (4.9 km) from Church of San Nicolo di Bari. Saraceno Castle and Sanctuary of Madonna della Rocca are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 65 out of 73 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 73 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 73 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 73 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 73 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Helen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An amazing relaxing villa

We loved our stay at Villa Etna Mare. The setting is amazing with the most wonderful views of Mount Etna and the coast. The villa is very well equipped with a great outdoor cooking area. The drive up to the villa is quite a drive! but the instructions from Michael meant that you knew exactly where you were and therefore didn't miss any turnings! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend it. Michael, the host,was very helpful with any questions we had too about the local area.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nina G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Sublime!

We cannot express enough how much we enjoyed our stay at Villa Etna Mare. The accommodation is in an unbelievable spot. The views are just extraordinary. The bedrooms are comfortable. The kitchen has everything one could want. The outside area — not only the pool and chairs but also the patio / terrace dining room area are ideal for enjoying the relaxed holiday experience. The owners are exceptional in looking after the villa and its guests. We first stayed in the villa over a decade ago and this was our reprise. For sure; we won’t let it go so long between our stays this time. Indeed, we will be back! What can we say but we highly, highly recommend Villa Etna Mare. Absolutely Sublime!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our best stay yet.

Having just returned from our third stay in Villa Etna Mare, I can confirm that no matter how many times you ascend the hill to the villa it will never become less awe-inspiring. It is a truly unique outlook that will take your breath away upon arrival. Villa Etna Mare provides absolutely everything you need as a comfortable base to explore Eastern Sicily but it’s so good, and in such a great position, that you could simply lounge away multiple days enjoying the scenery. Everything you could need is present within the villa and all of a great standard; a rustic Sicilian feel with an incredibly well-appointed outside space to wile away the hours. Michael and Marianne are outstanding hosts, with a great knowledge of the area that they are more than happy to share with guests. The pre-trip information received via email, and correspondence throughout is incredibly helpful allowing people to build the perfect trip to Sicily. We will undoubtedly be back for a fourth time soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elaine W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular views and a great villa

The views from the villa are truly spectacular! The villa has everything you could possibly ask for. Michael is an amazing host and very attentive. We would definitely recommend the “meet and greet” especially if arriving after dark as the road takes a little familiarisation. However the view from the villa is worth journey up. The pool was very welcome and pizza oven was great fun. We would recommend this villa to anyone, it’s a wonderful escape from everyday living. Thank you for a wonderful time.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Simon B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great holiday

We’re just home from a fabulous 2 week break at Villa Etna Mare. Michael was a superb host, always on hand and super responsive to our many questions to provide valuable advice to ensure we maximised our holiday. The final stretch of road to the villa is in poor condition and did put us off going out in the evenings. However given the views and tranquility from the villa we were more than happy to stock up on provisions, dine in and enjoy the vista.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Stephen G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular views and comfortable villa

The views from the villa were spectacular. The pool and gardens were lovely. The house itself was comfortable and appropriately equipped. However, you should note that the road to the villa is difficult to navigate - it's very narrow, steep and winding, with limited barriers and the condition of the road itself is very poor. If you are not a very confident driver or if your group includes people who do not do well with heights, this could be a deal-breaker. Furthermore, the realistic journey time from Taormina to the villa is 35 minutes plus. The journey time to any shops is 20 minutes plus. That does have the effect of being a very peaceful, tranquil place to be, with the great views, but you should bear that in mind when renting this place. What is maybe not 100% clear in the listing as well is that of the two bathrooms, one is a family bathroom upstairs, but the other (shower) room is downstairs and is also the downstairs toilet with limited additional space. So there is really only 1 main bathroom where you can put all your toiletries etc, so bear that in mind for your family group dynamics. Overall, we loved our time gazing out at the view, but given the challenges of reaching the location, would not return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anjelie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic villa!

We had an absolutely fantastic stay at Villa Etna Mare. The location was perfect, offering breathtaking views of both the mountains and the sea, including a stunning view of Taormina, and Mt Etna. It was a sight that took our breath away every single day. Michael’s communication, before and after arrival was top-notched. The villa itself was a dream. As a family who loves to cook, we were thrilled to find that the indoor and outdoor kitchen was fully equipped with everything we needed. We enjoyed preparing delicious meals and dining on the terrace, surrounded by the incredible Sicilian landscape and Mt Etna. The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the lovely pool. It was well-maintained and provided a refreshing oasis where we spent many enjoyable hours. Our 7-year-old child absolutely adored the pool and had endless fun playing in it. We used the meet-and-greet service which I think is a must if you arrive late at night. The directions provided were clear, and although it seems a little challenging at first, the journey was well worth it. The winding roads added to the charm of the area, and we had no difficulties reaching this hidden gem. The villa is in google maps and location is quite accurate. In summary, our stay at this villa was nothing short of perfect. The breathtaking views, and excellent amenities has made our Sicilian holiday better. We would highly recommend this villa to anyone seeking a peaceful retreat with all the comforts of home.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Highly recommend

A lovely villa with outstanding views ideally appointed for friends or family. It's entirely possible to while away entire days just wafting round the pool and looking at the view. BBQ/pizza oven area is a plus, and the kitchen has everything you need (including a big drinks fridge). The journey to the villa from sea level is 'fun' but absolutely worth it.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dave E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Villa Etna-Mare

Lovely villa situated with stunning views, peaceful & quiet.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Hans N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place!

Fantastic house, garden and pool with a fabulous view. Challening road to the house but it’s worth it 100%!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Naomi V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous break

What a lovely property with the most spectacular views. Beautifully and thoughtfully appointed with the best welcome pack I’ve seen in any villa. Very welcome guide up the hill for the first time, seamlessly organised despite easyJet getting us into Catania significantly late (it was Etna’s fault, not easyJet’s to be fair). Etna was quite volatile while we were there, so we could see red lava moving when it got dark on our first night. Elder son is studying geology at uni so apparently this was very exciting (it was really!) We did moderate our plans a little and so didn’t go out in the evenings to avoid the drive up the hill in the dark but our evenings were really lovely eating around the outside table. We had planned lunches out according to recommendations but despite checking websites etc we found a lot of places were only open in the evenings though. Fabulous pool. Very welcome aircon! We didn’t feel we really did Sicily justice to be honest, we went to Taormina and to Etna so we will have to come back again. Thanks to you both especially for being so accessible and checking we were ok.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Moonika N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gre

We had a wonderful week at Villa EtnaMare. Thank You.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Claire &Ben T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

It’s all about the view....

Wow. That’s how we reacted when we arrived at this villa. The winding and steep drive up is everything other reviewers have said - first time is unnerving but you get used to it (and having the guided drive up the first time is such a help). But it is WORTH IT for the amazing view of the Ionian coastline, Taormina, Castelmola and of course Etna. The villa is superbly maintained and furnished to a high standard, and we felt so comfortable and relaxed the moment we stepped inside. Our two girls (aged 9 and 6) were so excited by the pool and would have happily spent the entire week in it! We did venture out though, enjoying Taormina and Gardini Naxos - including a great private boat trip with Blue Diamond Excursions (you can book via their website). The weather was mixed, but mostly sunny and warm enough. One clear night coincided with an eruption from Etna, which we could see with amazing clarity from the patio. An unforgettable experience. The attention to detail, comprehensive instructions, well-stocked amenities and regular check-ins from Dan made this such an easy and stress-free vacation. Thank you!

10/10 Excellent

Corin P.

Heavenly views

The villa is perched high on the hillside overlooking Giardini Naxos and close to Taormina and Castelmola. The drive up is winding and takes a little while, but takes you to a secluded and wonderfully appointed hillside property. The view from the pool area is breathtaking with a beautiful panorama of Mount Etna and surrounding hills and coastline. The villa itself is fully equipped, pristine and has lovely gardens. The limited development around the villa means that views are unspoilt, roads are quiet and wildlife is abundant. A local guide takes you up to the villa in convoy and the in-depth welcome pack gives you all the information needed for your stay. The owners were easily contactable and very pleasant. We had days in and days out along the coast - we found the car to be quite essential. In May, following a fairly cool period, the gorgeous pool was chilly, but still used most days and regularly checked and cleaned. In summary, we had a magnificent family stay, with a very happy toddler, great excursions to the local towns and beaches and fun days spent at the villa around the pool. We cooked pizzas in the pizza oven, enjoyed the barbecue and spent a lot of time gazing out over Etna - it is impossible to get bored of the view! We would love to return.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Emna S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Superb!

We’ve just had the most glorious seven days at Villa Etna Mare. The place suited us perfectly and exceeded all our expectations. Comfortable beds, clean bathrooms, a well-stocked kitchen, roomy open plan sitting/dining/kitchen space and superb outdoor terrace/barbeque/pizza oven area. The villa instructions were detailed and comprehensive and really did cover everything. I won’t mention ‘The View’. Suffice to say, the photos of Etna outnumbered the family snaps 2:1 - she is such a majestic subject and the view is so compelling, quite wonderful. The drive up to the villa is everything the other reviews say. Our first trip ‘up the hill’ was labelled a ‘white knuckle ride’ by the impressed teenagers in the back of the car. However, the steady, unfaltering lead provided by the charming gentleman who met us in Naxos and led the way to the villa meant that all fears were unfounded. First trip over, we began to enjoy the journey up and down the hill and the views/flora and fauna along the way. Dan and Katherine are superb hosts. Attentive and responsive, they think of everything and resolve any queries/issues at speed. Our grateful thanks to them for going out of their way to resolve an ‘entry level’ user issue with the TV remote control (and sending their electrician to help!). Sicily is a superb island, there is an overwhelming amount to see and experience. The major problem with a stay at Villa Etna Mare is that you don’t get to see or do half that you plan to. Leaving the place is quite hard - largely thanks to the draw of the pool, THAT view and the solitude. We didn’t achieve half that we meant to – so it looks like we’ll have to make a return trip next year. Oh dear. Thank you Dan and Katherine – a wonderful week. It has been by far the best villa rental experience we have ever had. We thoroughly recommend a stay at this magical spot.

10/10 Excellent

Janie P.

Stunning views on top of the world

Villa Etna Mare well exceeded our expectations. The amazing photos of this villa cannot even start to capture the stunning expansive views. We really felt as though we were on top of the world. The drive up (and down) is a bit nail biting but gets easier the more you do it (although we didn't brave it at night). This slightly dictated our activities so we had our meals out at lunch when exploring the local villages, but given we have youngish (10, 12 years) kids this was fine. I'm sure confident drivers that don't suffer from vertigo wouldn't have a problem. We stayed in August so it was hot and humid down at the beach, therefore a relief to climb above the humidity to the villa in the afternoon, take a dip in the pool and open a bottle of the local rose. The villa itself is in a country style; very pretty and well thought out. The bedrooms were particularly lovely with high ceilings and beams. Air con worked well. The open plan ground floor and large well stocked kitchen made meal prep a breeze. The covered outdoor dining area was our base though as it was fabulous. We had a few problems that were totally out of Dan and Katherine's control, but they were extremely helpful and sorted things out as quickly as they possibly could (next day if not before). Dan was a caring and thoughtful host, providing loads of information and communicated quickly and clearly.

10/10 Excellent

Corinne M.

Perfect week in a breathtaking location

My husband, our two teenage sons and I spent a week here in late July and just loved it. The villa is superbly appointed with large comfortable bedrooms and an big open plan kitchen/sitting/dining room though to be fair we spent very little time inside the house - who wouldn't want to spend all their time outside? From the moment we arrived we were blown away by the unparalleled scene beneath us. A panoramic view from Castelmola to Etna, taking in Taormina (with the amphitheatre just visible) and the super yachts in the bay, Naxos below us and the countryside all the way to Catania. Simply breathtaking. Most days we would venture down the hillside for an excursion but it would never be long before we were pulled back to the villa again. Afternoons saw my husband and sons spend hours boisterously playing in the pool whilst I lounged under the shade of the walnut tree with a book. Evenings we cooked together as a family, homemade pizzas in the outside oven (it does help to have a teenager who has worked in a pizza restaurant though not obligatory) or super locally bought produce on the bbq followed by cards and wine sat around the huge table on the terrace. Bliss. Thank you Dan & Katherine, we have taken happy memories home that will last a very long time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn J.

Stunning views, perfect villa, wonderful holiday!

We had a fantastic holiday at this property. The villa is situated up a significant hill, so that by the time you arrive at your destination, you feel as though you've escaped the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and the views are absolutely stunning. The villa is spacious, the pool is a lovely size and depth, and there is plenty of shade in the surrounding gardens if required. Dan and Katharine were excellent throughout the process of booking, with clear and helpful communication, and they ensured that everything went smoothly. We'd highly recommend this property to anyone!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

chris w.

beautiful location, excellent accomodation.........thouroughly recommend.

very good location for views and visits to Taomina, Castelmola (definitely recommend visiting) and the surrounding area. Confident drivers will not be put off by the winding roads up the mountain, but it should be taken into consideration. They are wide enough but with all the twists and turns with the ground falling away steeply, it is a breath-taking journey.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Elisabeth D.

Stunning view

The stunning view from the villa and the pool and the piece is worthwhile the trip up the mountains. The villa is well equipped and clean and the terrace garden exhibits a great selection of plants seen around in Sicily. The villa and the pool are well maintained . Communication with owner excellent. Really enjoyed the stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Charles R.

Simply Stunning

Our family's wanderlust means we never revisit a holiday location - we will however be making an exception with this gorgeous villa, and it's most beautiful, stunning views. The villa's elevated mountainside location provides stunning panoramic views. Cooling off in the swimming pool you admire the imposing Mount Etna, the coastal, village dotted, plain below and then out to the Mediterranean Sea. Glance over your shoulder and there are a few super-yachts anchored near Giardini-Naxos and the historic Taormina. The villa itself (pretty and blended well into the environment) was very clean, comfortable and had more than enough space for our 4 adults and 3 teenagers. There was certainly nothing we were in need of and air conditioned bedrooms meant a cool night's sleep for all. Although we weren't about to use them in the heat of Summer, there is a wood burning fireplace, plus terrace pizza oven and BBQ (presumably for the cooler late Autumn/Winter guests). The graduated depth swimming pool was lovely - clean and checked every other day by an unobtrusive pool cleaner - and a small shaded grass/garden area beyond was a relaxing venue for evening sundowners. Excluding terracing, the villa is on a relatively small mountainside site but somehow it never felt as such. The English owners were incredibly helpful, even checking up with us on day 2 of our holiday to make sure everything was o.k. Any negatives..? The mobile 3G/4G wi-fi is patchy, so streaming internet content was not an option (but why waste life when you have those views!) however it was sufficient for emails and other quick browsing even if it took several connection attempts. The drive up the mountain to the villa is, as one might expect, winding and the owners say might not be for the very nervous driver. However, the owners organise a local, driving in front, to guide you on arrival, and frankly, if you are able to hold your nerve driving amongst the southern Italians this should be no real issue. The views are certainly worth the drive up. Lovely & peaceful, within driving distance to many activities, and a gorgeous panorama - we will be back. Thank you for a wonderful holiday location.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

John G.

A Sicilian delight

It was our first trip to Sicily as a family. We arrived after sundown and were glad of the meet and greet service to take us up the hill to the villa. I won't lie, the first time driving up the winding road in the dark was scary. However as the week wore on and we were up and down each day we got used to it. We awoke to discover the most amazing view of both Etna, the sea, Castelmola, Taormina and Giardini Naxos. Truly spectacular. The temperatures were in the high 30s the entire week and the fabulous pool really came into its own to keep us cool and we really appreciated the air con in the bedrooms guaranteeing comfortable sleeping. The villa is extremely well appointed, the kitchen having every utensil and facilities necessary to eat in. We used the BBQ and made our own pizzas (from scratch!) which was great great fun. There's a very informative user guide with info on everything you might have a query on and a great DVD library if you want to watch a movie before bed. Wifi was an added bonus but is possibly not as fast as you may have at home. This wasn't an issue for us...relaxing, swimming, eating and drinking with THAT VIEW was what we enjoyed. The only downside was that you definitely cannot walk down the hill into town. A car is therefore essential, but it's a great base from which to tour eastern Sicily. Taormina is fantastically picturesque (we did a three hour segway tour), we discovered all the main highlights and even managed to watch a Sicilian wedding in the Duomo! Great local produce in Giardini Naxos. We had a truly memorable holiday at Villa Etna Mare, thank you Dan and Katherine.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kirsteen W.

Beautiful property with amazing views.

Beautiful property that lived up to all our expectations and more. Great location with spectacular views, we would thoroughly recommend it as a place to unwind and sample the best of Italian culture. Dan and Katherine's attention to every detail from arranging a welcoming meet and greet service to a thorough helpful household manual was much appreciated. We definitely hope to return soon.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Angela R.

Great views, comfortable villa

Sometimes heart stopping drive up to the villa but lovely surprise once you get up there. So peaceful. Very nice villa with everything you need. We didn't venture out at night, but cooked meals and had movie nights. It was quite cold, but Dan kept in touch and we felt it was ok to get some heating on. Too cold in April to use the pool but we did sunbathe when the sun came out. Quite nice being above clouds at times. Great views all around. Can see the cruise ships in the harbour. Had a relaxing time and nice to have peace and quiet.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Katie M.

An absolute gem!

We thoroughly enjoyed our week away staying at Villa Etna Mare. The villa is well located for absolutely fabulous views across Etna and beyond. The drive up the mountain on the first day was a little scary but we were soon used to the roads and our little Vauxhall Corsa did excellently!!! We visited with my two children, my partner and my partners mother. my children loved it, they enjoyed the swimming pool (although being mid-April it was a bit chilly!) and loved exploring the villa and gardens. My mother in law thoroughly enjoyed her first trip abroad! On arrival, we were greeted with a lovey bottle of Prosecco. Alessio, our guide up the mountain, was very pleasant and cheery. Dan and Katherine were excellent hosts and were very helpful. It was a nice touch for them to text and ask how our first day was. We shall definitely be staying again some time in the future! I would thoroughly recommend Villa Etna Mare to anyone wishing to stay in Sicily. There is plenty to do within a 25 minute drive. The locals were lovely and extremely helpful (despite my poor attempt at Italian!!)
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2017

About the host

Hosted by Michael Fjording

Host profile image
We are Michael & Marianne from Denmark. Having travelled for many years, we have been fortunate to see some of the most amazing places on Earth. We have always looked for these special places to stay, where a magical atmosphere, great views and beautiful natural surroundings gave us a truly unique experience. And we have always been keen on sharing such experiences with others, which earlier lead us to write travel articles and publish several guidebooks.

Why they chose this property

When we, by chance, saw Villa Etna Mare, we were sold. The villa defined everything we had travelled the globe to find, and here we got the opportunity to call such a place "home". As always, we are eager to help fellow travelers get unique travel experiences, and renting out the villa is a great way to do just that.

What makes this property unique

Being able to enjoy the Mount Etna views from the villa is a privilege. The ever changing light, clouds, smoke and occasional lava or ash fountain means you are never getting tired of just sitting by the pool and look at this iconic natural wonder.

Languages:

English, Danish