Honeymoons in Cornwall and Devon

Honeymoons in Sicily

Honeymoons in Sicily

Honeymoons in Sicily

Whether your idea of a dream honeymoon is lying on the beach, climbing mountains or eating gelato for days...




...one thing's for sure - Sicily is a gem of a newly-weds' destination that will treat and amaze

If you've never had one of those 'oh my goodness' moments as you step foot into your very own holiday oasis, be prepared for lots of them on the Italian island of Sicily. A country peppered with sights, history and terrain to make you gasp, every new road will take you on a twist or turn of delight. The winding roads boast scenic views aplenty to break up any drives across the varied landscapes - in fact, taking around three hours to drive north to south, or east to west, it's the perfect spot to get off the plane, jump in a hire car and unleash your inner adventurer.


It's also an island as diverse as it is beautiful. As well as rugged and striking coastlines, the countryside and cities boast their own unique delights. Take a city such as Noto in the south, which was completely rebuilt in Baroque style after being destroyed by an earthquake in 1693; the entire city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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From the mountain ranges in the north to the picturesque cities of the south, the island has a volcanic landscape, surrounded by aquamarine waters. Think sheer cliffs jutting out over azure-blue seas, sunshine that lasts for months on end (yes, really! In parts of Sicily in 2017, it didn't rain at all from March to September) and sunsets that cast evening magic. It's an island rich for exploring, and where better to do it from than your own retreat, leaving you with flexibility to discover, cook, hike and even swim directly from your own romantic hideaway.

Terrazza Sul Mare, Pozzillo
For those newly-weds who want almost guaranteed sunshine, scenery to stun and delight, and the finest of Italian cuisine, there's only one thing to do: fly to Catania airport, drive straight up the east coast and in less than an hour you'll reach the tiny town of Pozzillo. It's here, alongside the harbour and on a totally unspoilt stretch of coastline, you'll find Terrazzu Sul Mare (translated as 'terrace on the sea'). It's an area known for its citrus orchards, and the drive down the coastal road to your property is lined with Sicilian lemons and the scent of orange blossom.

Arriving at the harbour, the ornate wooden doors to the property do little to give away the luxe offerings beyond. As you enter, it's hard to know what to do first: recline on the large (and we mean massive!) terrace that sits above the gentle waves of the Ionian Sea, throw open the balcony doors that afford views of the majestic Mount Etna, or curl up among the fluffy pillows of the king-size bed and have a siesta. Rustic terracotta floors throughout keep the rooms cool, and there are shuttered doors in every room to fling open and let the sunshine in.

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The master bedroom's balcony is a perfect spot to sit awhile over a strong espresso, and watch as tables of older men gather to play cards in the piazza below. Directly opposite the property is a 'pescheria', a fishmonger offering fresh seafood every day, landed on Pozzillo's own harbour. You could scarcely get a fresher meal than the one caught that morning and cooked on the terrace's barbecue by lunchtime, sure to sate the most indulgent of appetites.

For those wanting to try more of the region's best cuisines, it's a short drive to Taormina, Sicily's chicest resort town. It's a gorgeous area of colour and sophistication, which boasts medieval laneways, a cable car down to the beaches, and arguably the best granita and gelato in Sicily.

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One truly remarkable aspect of Terrazza Del Mare, which you'll be remembering for years to come, is the private walkway that takes you directly down to your very own stretch of coastline, where you can swim off the rocks into the aquamarine waters, or grab a snorkel to explore the sea - although you really don't need one, the water is that clear! It doesn't really get more romantic than your own private beach. There's even an outdoor shower, fringed with palm fronds, for rinsing off after a cooling dip, and an outdoor bar for a refreshing sundowner to start your evening relaxation.

Cosy waffle dressing gowns, an Italian coffee machine and free Wi-Fi - it's easy to believe you're in a luxe hotel, rather than your very own secluded two-bedroom abode. Every detail has been considered, and the result is nothing short of the holiday dream.

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Casetta in Pietra, Cornino
From the moment the friendly owners lead you up a tranquil path, with grand homes dotting the landscape, you know you're in for an authentic Sicilian retreat, packed with all the gems that make this area so special. Casetta in Pietra (which translates to 'stone cottage', far too modest a description for the charm of this sweet Sicilian property) is a two-bedroom apartment situated next to the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, which hints at the surrounding landscape that will take your breath away.

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Sicily is awash with colour, and this part of the island in the north-west is no exception, with bougainvillea that blooms brightly around the garden, and azure seas beyond. Inside Casetta in Pietra itself, you're greeted with even brighter accents, the mustard walls and sky-blue decor typically Sicilian in its design. It's the perfect home away from home, thanks to large comfortable beds, sofas perfect for sprawling out with a book from the well-stocked shelves, and Wi-Fi so you can upload your envy-inducing photos straight to Instagram. The kitchen is stocked with everything you need to create your very own Sicilian masterpiece, including good coffee, local olive oil and even 'confettura zucca', a traditional Sicilian preserve that has to be tasted to believe the delicious combination of sweet pumpkin and cinnamon. There's little better than plating up a fresh dish of locally grown produce as you watch the sun setting from your very own terrace.

The property, just an hour from Palermo airport, is nestled in what can only be described as the perfect location - tucked between the mountains and the sea. The beach is less than a minute's walk away, and it's easy to take a small diversion through a field of olive trees.

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Although such a gorgeous setting inspires tranquillity and restfulness, this is also a property that will suit more adventurous couples, as Cornino is a gateway to some of the region's most stunning locations. Its backdrop is Monte Cofano, a 700m-high mountain whose paths and trails start mere metres from your front gate. Take a day to climb the mountain and be awestruck at the sights from the top - views in all directions, including towards San Vito Lo Capo, an area renowned for its beauty, mountain ranges, caves, and even a couscous festival!

Fish couscous is a speciality here, thanks to the proximity of north Africa; Tunisia is 170 miles directly west of the region, and its influences can be tasted in the cuisine. Of course, Italian food is plentiful here too, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a better cassatelle (a traditional ravioli-style pasta, which can be made sweet or savoury) than in the nearby restaurants, many just walking distance from Casetta in Pietra. Take an evening stroll along the beachfront, ending at the main street, which is peppered with eateries serving authentic cuisine.

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One thing to fully embrace here is siesta time. Away from the more touristy spots, the shops and restaurants will close for a few hours in the middle of the day, so make sure you plan ahead if you're after a late lunch or a few Aperol Spritzes in a bar overlooking the ocean. It's one of the beauties of exploring the less built-up areas of Sicily - you gain a glimpse into real life here, which includes the siestas, fiestas and traditions of real Sicilia, all from the comfort of your beautiful seaside villa.
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words Lucy Higgins
photography Andy Lawrence

Copyright Wed magazine 2017