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Villa Segreta, Etna, Sicily

Apartment with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and shared pool in Belpasso, Sicily

From £637 per week

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Newly refurbished, Lovely Villetta in Agriturismo, located Etna National park. Wonderful Mountain/Sea views. Centrally positioned for Taormina, Siracusa and sea. Private swimming pool

Overview

Set in the natural beauty of the National Parco di Etna, Villa Segreta is an ideal destination for your “secret” holiday. The newly refurbished accommodation is made up of a comfortable apartment in a 300 year old restored Sicilian Farmhouse and Vinery. Set on two floors with an open galleried bedroom upstairs, and a second bedroom and other facilities on the ground floor the holiday Villetta is ideally situated for holidays throughout the year.

Summer and Winter!

A beautiful shared swimming pool is available for use from May to September, and a cosy open fire available for those looking to use it as a base for skiing on Europe’s southernmost ski runs (usually from December to February ). If you come in December, you may have an opportunity to assist in making Olive oil, in October winemaking.

Grounds and location

The grounds are made up of approximately 15 acres of Olive groves, and vineyards with fig, sweet chestnut, cherry, peach, mulberry and apricot trees and lead directly on to some beautiful walks, good for serious ramblers and for those just fancying a stroll after dinner. In fact Villa Segreta is an ideal position to allow you to explore all of Mount Etna’s beautiful countryside and experience the untamed countryside. A walk in the spring surrounded by wild crocuses and a host of other flowers is a real delight.

If your intention is to visit the cultural heritage of Sicily, then you will be centrally located to visit Taormina, Siracusa and the so-far undiscovered gem that is Baroque Catania (with some fantastic restaurants!)

With new caretakers who are getting 5* reviews and are on site but out of sight unless needed and always ready to help

There is a reasonable restaurant within walking distance and many more just a 5-10 minute drive. and in summer another pizza restaurant 250 metres away

There are two good double bedrooms and a cot is also available.

A gas BBQ is provided for guests (gas costs extra)

Reviews

26 verified reviews

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22 out of 26 people recommend staying here

Tony

Family from Swansea, United Kingdom Sep 2015

We booked this villa as we liked the photos and wanted to be near Etna. What a lovely place, really. Though the weather was against us and we were ill, the caretake Salvatore completely made up for it. Looking back at the reviews now, none of the issues raised seem to be a problem now, except perhaps the hot water pressure, which is not really a huge problem due to the heat, though a pump would make this place flawless. The dogs are no problem at all and are well behaved to the point that they won't even come into the guest accomodation, if you like dogs they are wonderful company and if you don't they just get on with their own thing. The owners are extremely accomodating - we suggested a microwave as families with babies might appreciate this (we weren't bothered) and Salvatore went out that day to buy one!

On our first night we arrived late and were hungry and tired - a large glass of wine each, a bottle of prosecco and beautiful pasta meal provided by Salvatore was so welcome. He couldn't do enough for us, extremely accomodating for us and our children, who were free to run in the acres of olive groves, safe and fenced in from the road on the estate. The pool is one of the best we have come across at such accomodation, and was being meticulously cleaned by Salvatore every day. Yes its slightly cool but welcome in 30 odd degree heat. The poolside relaxation area was lovely and its incredible when there to think that you have such a facility completely to yourself.

All in all a very comfortable and enjoyable stay where we all felt at ease the entire time and would definitely stay again.

Dan

Family from Espergærde, Denmark Jul 2015

We looked forward to our stay in Sicily and were not disapointed. The caretakers (Christine and Salvatore) know how to make people feel at home. They also have three very friendly dogs (Cokie, Luna, and Beagle). The premises were fine, and cleaning in top. It was pretty hot when we were there, so a cold dip in the big pool was refreshing. There were some slight problems with hot water in the guest house because of some problems with the water pressure. The caretakers will take care of it eventually. But because of the heat it was no problem, you just need to let the hot water run for 2-4 minutes and then it should be fine. We had good advise from the caretakers regarding places to see and places to eat. It's a very peaceful area, and there are nice views of Etna. If the caretakers invite you for homemade Sicilian food, you can definitely look forward to that. They also have an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven and a Weber gas grill. We didn't use it but we are sure you could make a nice homemade pizza or beef. There are many good places to dine out both nearby and in Nicolosi. But remember, don't order to much food at once as they generally serve big portions in Sicily.
We have given the area four stars because of its nice location and surroundings, but you just have to ignore the fact that the Sicilians leave garbage along the roads.
We hope to be able to come back some day. The owners have done a good job in renovating the place, and with the ideas they have for the future we would love to visit another time.

Willem

Family from Middelburg, Netherlands Apr 2014

Nice holiday home in a great location with view of the Etna volcano. The area is really quiet and a good starting point to explore eastern Sicily. Theres a huge private area around the house (garden, olive groves) which is excellent for kids to explore. The owner welcomed us at two in the morning after we got lost driving from the airport great service (whatever your satnav or description tells you, when leaving the airport first get onto the highway and only then drive towards Messina). There are three dogs and a horse roaming the area, the dogs are friendly, prefectly trained and OK with kids. You should definitely try baking your own pizzas in the traditional brick built pizza oven which is surrounded by a large outdoor kitchen and bar, we had great fun doing this and trying to get it right. The security camera on the terrace is a bit intimidating. While he was on business, the owner asked us to use the services of a caretaker but he was unavailable most of the time, unfortunately. Other than that: highly recommended.

Reply from Maria

Thank you for your review. In reply to the mention of the security camera I would like to advise that the camera isn't activated when we have guests but is only ever activated when guests and owners are absent from the property for obvious security reasons. The care taker is there to welcome guests on their arrival to show them around the property, hand over keys and gate controllers and is there for any advice guests may need. Villa segreta is a self catering holiday rental not a B&B or a hotel so a concierge service isn't available. Contact numbers for the caretaker and the owners are given to guests should guests need to contact someone in emergencies or a problem has arisen with the property.

Judith

From Co. Kildare, Ireland Jun 2012

We had a great stay at Villa Segreta. The location was excellent- rural yet within reasonable distances of the major sites to visit on the east coast of Sicily and of course Mt. Etna. Wonderful views from the garden.
The hospitality of Maria, Jason and family was very welcoming and genuine and we enjoyed making pizzas in their their newly built pizza oven! They were also very helpful in providing recommendations for places to visit, shop etc. The Villa was comfortable and well equipped so although we enjoyed eating out, cooking at the Villa was a pleasure.
We had a lovely time in Sicily, made all the more pleasant by our stay at Villa Segreta.

Matthew

From Exmouth, United Kingdom Oct 2011

After a very long journey and an unexpected late arrival at the property, we were welcomed into a beautiful home for a week and couldnt have been happier with what we received. The log fire was lit and inviting and the proprietors had very kindly left us some supplies to get us through until the morning.

The best thing about the property was the beautiful rural setting. We have travelled a lot and this is the first time we have actually been quite jealous of the life that somebody else has living abroad! We were on holiday with a toddler who was allowed to collect the eggs from the chickens, which she absolutely loved, and really get close to the animals. We enjoyed exploring the grounds, were called out to have a look when the volcano erupted (very cool) and were always made to feel like nothing was too much trouble. My husband even got invited on a camping trip up the volcano with the family!

The only reservation that I did have was that the cot was on the gallery and was too heavy to move so with a slightly older and active child we did have some worries about her climbing out and falling down the stone steps. I would perhaps recommend to the owners to either move the cot to the downstairs bedroom or invest in a travel stair gate just for peace of mind but this really was a minor thing amongst a whole host of brilliant things about the place.

I would definitely recommend staying here if you are in the area - I have always vowed that I would never stay at the same place twice but I may have just changed my mind and go back for a visit soon.

Reply from Maria

Thank you so much for your lovely comments. A stair gate is a very good idea and will invest in one. However if you had asked we would have only been too happy to move the cot for you (I would have got Jason to do it !!!) We hope to welcome you back in the near future you were splendid guests.

Guy

From Robertsbridge, United Kingdom Aug 2011

Lovely villa in a beautiful location which exceeded expectations. Swimming in the pool watching Etna erupt is quite something.
The owners, Jason and Maria and family, are extremely kind and convivial the atmosphere is always relaxed and comfortable. We had a wonderful afternoon and evening altogether which was very special. Getting to know them all was a real highlight and our children rarely wanted to leave the property. The animals do not intrude in any way and, if anything, enhance the experience. We visited the newly opened pizza restaurant many times (great for kids) and the owner and staff also became friends by the end of the holiday. About a three minute walk but only open in the summer months.
We hope to return again soon to catch up with everyone and continue exploring the area.
Thanks very much to the lovely Smith family!
PS Come on Chelsea !!!

Reply from Maria

Thank you for your review, you were very easy guests and such fun can't wait to see you all again. All say hi from Pegasus!


3 other reviews

When I stayed in this gorgeous villa my family and I had a magnificent time. The view of Mt.Etna is spectacular.If you have the chance to go on the season that the olives come out, you will have a wonderful time and it will be a experience that you wont forget. I would definitely go there again. Im pretty sure that who ever goes their will be delighted by its enchanting views. Also the owners are really outgoing and nice. So I hope who ever goes there, will have a wonderful vacation! (:

Reply from Maria

This review was sent to the owner 's email address and they have sent it to Villa renters who posted it on here.

We had the pleasure to stayed in this wonderful villa and share a unforgettable time with its lovely owners. Definitely we will return again. Ciao cari amici

Reply from Maria

This review was sent to the owner's email and they sent it on to Villarenters who in turn posted it on their behalf on their website.

We arrived at the address and were surprised by the road side appearance of the property. Although it was positioned with a great view of the mountain from the road the villa doesnt look anything. However when we entered the gate and saw the pool and grounds we were not disappointed! It was great just like the photos on thw website. The pool and poolside has beautiful views of the mountain and (just about) the sea. The Villetta/Apartment is part of an old winery and farmhouse and has been restored in a cosy Sicilian cottage style (if there is such a thing). The bedrooms were a good size, but we probably could have done with 2 bathrooms for two couples rather than the just the one. We spent most of our time by the pool, although the owner pointed out some fantastic walks - the flowers were incredible. We took a trip to Taormina (45 minutes there but 1 hour back) and only went to the beach once. One thing I would recommend is talking to the owners (who live on-site) about restaurants. The quality is highly variable locally varying from excellent to dire. It was not the first time we had been to Sicily so we knew what to expect of the Island, although it was a lovely change to stay on the mountain -. peaceful! Would we go to Villa Segreta again? Yes

Reply from Maria

Thanks for the lovely review. Since this was posted we have refurbished the side of the property roadside to the same high standard as the rest of the property as you can see from the photos on the advert. Electric gates to replace the manual ones are due to be installed in February 2011! Please note that we will probably have to ask for an extra €10 euro returnable deposit per controller.

This review was sent to the owner's directly who in turn sent it to Villarenters who poster it on their behalf

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Location

Distances to locations

Nearest beach 6km Nearest bar 1km Nearest restaurant 1km Nearest ski lift 6km Nearest supermarket 1km Catania Fontanarossa Airport 32.5km Taormina Harbour Airport 65.3km Taormina 45km Siracusa 45km

Local activities

Boat hire 45km Climbing 15km Fishing 45km Flying 45km Golf 45km Horse riding 1km Sailling 45km Scuba diving 45km Sports center 5km Tennis 5km Water skiing 45km Wind surfing 45km

Sights and attractions

Historic site 15km Museum 15km Shopping 15km Theatre 15km Theme park 15km Zoo 15km Cinema 15km Waterpark 5km

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Prices and availability

Updated 27 October 2023

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Select your travel dates on the calendar

Changeover days and minimum stays

  • 28 March 2024 - 7 January 2025: the minimum stay is 4 nights.
  • 8 January - 24 March 2025: the minimum stay is 3 nights.
  • 25 March 2025 - 7 January 2026: the minimum stay is 4 nights.
  • 8 January - 24 March 2026: the minimum stay is 3 nights.
  • 25 March 2026 - 7 January 2027: the minimum stay is 4 nights.
  • 8 January - 24 March 2027: the minimum stay is 3 nights.

Early booking discounts

  • Receive 10% off if the booking is made 120 days before the arrival date.

If more than one discount matches your arrival date, please be aware that only one discount of the highest amount will be applied to your booking.

Compulsory extras

  • final clean

    £32.00 per booking, paid with booking

Optional extras

  • cot inc linen

    £10.00 per booking, paid with booking

  • beach towels

    £5.00 per person per week, paid with booking

  • High Chair

    £10.00 per week, paid with booking

  • basket of logs for log burner

    per basket, paid locally

  • Laundry service

    €10 per load inc wash,dry & ironed, paid locally

Facilities

Bedrooms

2 bedrooms, Sleeps 4:

  • 1 double bed
  • 1 double bed

There is also 1 cot

Bathrooms

1 bathroom, 1 Separate WC

Swimming pool

Shared pool, Size 12m x 6m, Depth 1.4m to 2m

Entertainment

CD player, DVD/Blu-ray player, WiFi, TV Languages in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Local, Satellite / cable

General

Living area seats 5, Dining area seats 4, Central heating, Open fire, Clothes drier, Hair dryer, Iron / board, Towels / linen, Washing machine, High chair, Car hire essential

Kitchen

Cooker, Crockery, Cutlery, Fridge, Glassware, Kettle, Microwave, Oven, Pots / pans, Toaster

Outside

Barbecue, Parking, Private garden

Leisure

Table tennis

Suitable for

Children, Infants

Extra information

Beautiful views from garden and pool area and amongst the olive groves of Mount Etna. Guests have use of the owners washing machine or can indulge in the laundry service that we provide for a small charge your load of washing will be delivered back to you clean and pressed.

Maria

Average rating from 26 reviews

Private Owner From Belpasso, Italy Member since Jul 2010

Past bookings: 80 bookings

Last logged in: 4 months ago

Number of properties: 1