Multi-faceted and ever captivating, Sicily demands several visits for anyone looking to really get under its skin. While its gorgeous beaches, baroque towns and extraordinary volcanic landscapes are a great introduction to the island, a deep dive into its ancient history and gastronomic culture catapults you straight into a more textured world.

Staying in a Wish Sicily villa is one way of opening that door onto life in Sicily. But the company’s villa holidays are much more than just luxurious living – they are also about indulging in tailor-made experiences that take you beyond the well-trodden routes, broadening your knowledge of the island and creating lasting memories. Whether you want to see cultural treasures, embark on a high-end adventure or set off on a fabulous culinary journey, Wish Sicily will make it happen.

Sicily from the water

Exploring Sicily from the water means leaving the crowds behind and setting your own itinerary and pace. Visit hidden coves and remote stretches of coastline, swimming in dazzling turquoise seas and feasting on fresh seafood lunches. Cruise along the south coast for snapshots of the Valley of the Temples or along the east coast for views of the Cyclops Riviera, Mount Etna and Taormina. Choose Villa Panarea in northern Sicily as your base and your private taxi will whisk you to Milazzo and on to a private chartered yacht to sail around the volcanic Aeolian Islands.

Culinary journeys in Sicily

Delving into Sicily’s food and wine is an intrinsic part of any holiday in Sicily, whether you’re feasting on mouthwatering arancini in Palermo’s Vucciria market or enjoying Michelin-starred dining at a high-end restaurant. And indulging in the services of a Wish Sicily private chef in a luxury villa such as Villa Dionisio is a memorable way to immerse yourself fully in Sicilian gastronomy, allowing you to learn how the freshest, local ingredients are prepared and transformed into top-notch dining. Complete your culinary journey through Sicilian gastronomy with a bespoke cooking class or winery visit.

Vineyard Tours and Wine Tasting Experiences

With over 2,500 years of winemaking history, wine production is intrinsically linked to the island’s landscape and culture, and this rich wine-making tradition deserves to be experienced in all its glory. Winery visits are available right across the island, from Marsala and Menfi in the west to the prestigious wine production on the slopes of Mount Etna in the east. Wish Sicily creates unique, tailor-made experiences, whether at an intimate artisan producer or as part of a bespoke tour of several vineyards on the volcanic lava terraces of Mount Etna. For a truly unforgettable experience, book a sunset tasting, a farm-to-table multi-course lunch or a vineyard picnic.

Dive into Sicilian Culture on a Guided Tour

Getting to grips with a city like Syracuse or Palermo without some local expertise can be hard work, and particularly during the heat of the summer. Engaging a local guide for an expert-led experience allows you to forget about directions and fact cramming and instead be swept up in local knowledge and stories, breaking your day with an exceptional lunch, away from the crowds. In Syracuse, step back in time at the Neapolis Archaeological Park before exploring the labyrinthine streets and historic sights on Ortigia Island.

Explore Sicily’s Natural Landscapes

Sicily may have over 1,000 km of coastline, but heading inland to explore its more rugged terrain is as big a part of the picture. Mount Etna is a very real presence for anyone living or staying on Sicily’s east coast, looming over the city of Catania and, as Europe’s tallest active volcano, visible as far as Calabria on mainland Italy. Experience it up close with a stay in a luxury Wish Sicily villa on the flanks of Mount Etna and a private jeep tour across its rugged terrain, exploring ancient lava flows and learning about the history of the volcano.

Private guided hiking tours are also available to Wish Sicily guests in other natural locations. Hike through dense beech forests and green meadows around the lakes of the Nebrodi mountains, in the Vendicari and Pantalica Nature Reserves, and in the Malabotta forest, where mysterious rock formations and ancient stone carvings dot the landscape.

See Wish Sicily’s full range of Experiences.

W: WishSicily