Villa Agrodolce

Description

Built in the late 19th century, Villa Agrodolce is a characterful holiday home that's ideally located for exploring world-famous Mount Etna. It sits within a typically laid-back Sicilian village, surrounded by greenery and rambling gardens. The villa's elevated position means you can enjoy idyllic views over the Simeto river valley from its lovely terrace.

Villa Agrodolce features high vaulted ceilings and pieces of period furniture throughout; creating a sense of history as you relax in its spacious rooms. Modern features such as a television, DVD player and a range of outdoor leisure facilities ensure every member of the family is kept entertained.

The living area is both elegant and comfortable. There are two areas to suit unwinding with a film in the evenings, as well as appreciating quiet moments at any time of the day. Open the doors to the large terrace and take a seat for panoramic views over the treetops.

Having two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom is another family-friendly aspect of Villa Agrodolce and each one is wonderfully light and airy. Beautiful features such as traditional tiled floors and decorative tiles in the bathrooms make every space feel authentic and reflective of the villa's age.

You can also soak up the feeling of history and heritage outside, as you stroll through the gardens that are filled with mature trees and plants. Make the most of the peaceful atmosphere with al fresco meals on the main terrace and dips in the swimming pool, with its terrace bordered by rugged ancient rock.

Villa Agrodolce sits close to the stunning area that surrounds Mount Etna and its dramatic landscapes. At Mount Etna itself you can follow trails to the summit or take a cable car ride for an especially exciting journey.

A great place for a family day out is the historic city of Catania, which is just 40 minutes away by car. It offers plenty of sightseeing, sandy beaches and swims in the sea. There's also the hilltop town of Taormina with its ancient Greco-Roman sites and buildings, such as the Teatro Antico di Taormina.

#### Features
Villa Interiors

Ground Floor

- Living room with sofas, armchairs, TV, DVD player, doors to outside
- Dining room with table for six guests
- Kitchen with hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, coffee machine
- Double bedroom with ensuite bathroom with shower
- Double bedroom with ensuite bathroom with shower
- Twin bedroom
- Bathroom with shower

Lower Floor

- Laundry with washing machine, iron and ironing board

Outside Grounds

- Private, heated swimming pool (8m x 6m, depth: 1.2m – 2.4m) with diving board
- Outdoor dining terrace with table for six guests
- Garden with lawn, trees, plants
- Terrace with outdoor seating
- Terrace with table and chairs
- Barbecue
- Play area/swings
- Table football
- Trampoline
- Outdoor shower and toilet
- Sun loungers and parasols
- Off-road parking
Facilities

- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Mosquito nets in bedrooms
- Hairdryers

#### Location
It's just a 10-minute walk into the heart of the village that Villa Agrodolce sits peacefully within. Here you'll find many amenities, such as restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. There's also a supermarket, bakery, post office and bank.

The green and naturally beautiful spaces around Mount Etna are just a short drive or around a 30-minute walk away. They include the atmospheric caves of Grotta Galifi Belpasso (2km) and Grotte della Catanese (3km).

The still-active volcano, Mount Etna (20km), is definitely a must-visit site. You can follow rugged hiking trails and explore craters that make you feel as if you're on another planet! There's also a cable car that takes you up to the summit as part of an unforgettable experience.

The city of Acireale (31km) sits at the foot of Mount Etna and offers wonderful views over the Ionian Sea. It's also known for hosting one of Sicily's most famous festivals. If you visit during the week's festivities in February, you'll be treated to the sight of flower-covered floats and masked parades down the streets. Acireale is a great place to visit at any time of the year, with many Baroque buildings to marvel at, including Piazza del Duomo, the church of San Pietro e Paolo and the Basilica of San Sebastiano.

Other fascinating places to visit include Catania and Taormina. And between them is a long stretch of coast dotted with beaches. Catania's most popular beach is La Playa with its golden sand and range of facilities. Also tour the city's impressive buildings, such as Palazzo Biscari and the Cathedral of Sant'Agata.

The hilltop town of Taormina is probably most famous for its ancient Greco-Roman theatre called Teatro Antico di Taormina. Like Catania, it also boasts sandy stretches where you can swim in calm waters and hire sun loungers for ultimate relaxation. Drive 20 minutes south to visit the archaeological park and museum of Naxos with remains of what is said to be the first ancient Greek colony in Sicily.