Holiday houses & apartments on Sicily

Roam around the island’s capital, Palermo, for a glimpse into the region’s history. There are remnants of diverse architectural styles all over the city, such as the Palatine Chapel and its beautiful Byzantine mosaics, and the Royal Palace of Palermo, showcasing Arab-Norman architecture. Visit the Regional Archaeological Museum Antonio Salinas, also in Palermo, which houses some valuable Greek and Roman artefacts as well as other items related to Sicily’s history. Head to the market of Syracuse on the island of Ortigia, where farmers from the neighbouring countryside sell fresh organic products, sometimes singing traditional songs in a bid to sell their wares. Ricotta and Ragusano, two local kinds of cheese, are popular items here.

Make a trip to Southern Italy from your holiday apartment in Sicily to spend time at the popular Amalfi Coast, where the sea, surrounding cliffs, and picturesque villages come together to create postcard-like scenery. Check out Naples, also in the region, to relish pizza, visit museums, and walk around the historic centre.

Sicily is home to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. Get up close to the 3,300m peak on one of the many tours available. In winter, you can also ski on the volcanic slopes. The Modica Chocolate Museum, a hidden gem, wows adults and children alike. The delicious smell of chocolate wafts through the museum, where various chocolate sculptures are displayed and visitors can learn about the production process and the history of chocolate in the region. In addition, there are plenty of nature reserves where families and travellers with pets can take part in outdoor activities. Alternatively, rent a holiday home by the sea and enjoy the gorgeous beaches for a true tropical island-style vacation.

In a place like Sicily, where there is constantly something to do and see, coming back to a welcoming accommodation at the end of the day is something all travellers wish for. At TUI Villas, this is exactly what is offered. With the large selection of quality choices available, finding a holiday apartment in Sicily that takes care of your specific needs is a breeze. Whether you're looking for a romantic cottage, a pet-friendly apartment, or a large home with a pool for your entire family, you can expect trustworthy landlords and a safe booking process with TUI Villas.

No Italian vacation would be complete without indulging in some of the yummy pasta available all over the island. Seafood is also popular owing to Sicily’s location, and desserts are an all-time favourite here. Granita, cannoli, and cassata are some popular sweet treats to try in Sicily. Arancini, a type of fried rice ball, is a popular fast food to try during your vacation. Better yet, pick up fresh produce from a market and try your hand at this local cuisine in the comfort of your own holiday home in Sicily.

Whereas staying at a holiday home on an island is an exciting affair, Sicily offers more than most island vacations. Due to its location in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, the island has other small but interesting islands close by that make ideal destinations when you're in the area.

Catania and Palermo airports welcome most flights coming into Sicily. Around 1,900 km apart, there are flights between London and Sicily every day. The journey takes about 3 hours with a direct flight. When you have arrived, a hired car is the most convenient way to get around. This lets you explore the island at your own pace - one adventure at the time.

The best months to visit Sicily are from April to June and September through October, as the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. These times are also perfect for beach visits, hiking and sightseeing.Summers tend to be rather long and hot on the island. Although temperatures get particularly high in the peak summer months of July and August, the coastal breeze helps a bit in some areas. Winters are short, but temperatures drop considerably from mid-December to early March.

Sicily has almost 1500 kilometers of coastline, and when you put that alongside the island's Mediterranean climate and beautiful scenery, beach exploration is an absolute delight. Wherever you go for villa holidays in Sicily, there seems to be attractive bays and coves, but here's a quick list of the island's standout coastal attractions to help get you started.

• Taormina - Probably the most famous resort on the island, Taormina is a gorgeous town where whitewashed homes spill down to the sea below. The jewel in the crown is Isola Bella beach, where white sands combine with the island of Mazzaro to create an idyllic setting.
• San Vito - San Vito Lo Capo mixes medieval architecture with sublime beach views. Overlooked by Mount Monaco, the beach is less busy than many popular Sicilian spots, making it great for laid-back summer afternoons during TUI Villas holidays.
• Mondello - Really handy for those staying in Palermo, Mondello is 30 minutes from the city centre and boasts clear water and spotless sands. Despite being close to the capital, it generally escapes the crowds, too, offering the best of everything for beach fans.
• Marina di Modica - Ideal for those enjoying villa holidays in Sicily on the south of the island, this compact bay is stunningly attractive (so charge up your camera battery). It's also a popular spot for surfers - but it's a great destination for all beach lovers.