Sicily
The local area
Famous the world over for its stunning vistas, rich history and sublime cuisine, the island of Sicily has become synonymous with culture and elegance - accolades it truly deserves. There are few better or more authentic ways to experience the enriching Sicilian lifestyle, than by enjoying a stay at our luxurious villa; a true home-from-home.
On the south-east coast, between the pretty town of Avola and the charming city of Noto, you will find The Old Mill. The property, a once-fully-operational olive press mill and now stunningly restored, is set within fruitful almond and olive groves and four hectares of land in the protected area of Monti Iblei DOP. It is a unique place to experience a seamless blend of traditional Sicilian culture, and modern luxury.
The History and Culture of Sicily
As the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and due to its excellent strategic position, countless civilisations and cultures have called Sicily home over thousands of years. Sicily frequently changed hands, with Germanic, Byzantine, and Arab civilisations laying claim to the island before Giuseppe Garibaldi's successfully conquered it for Italy in 1860.
From the Paleolithic cave paintings at Levanzo, to the utterly magnificent ancient Greek and Roman ruins (such as those at Agrigento's Valle dei Templi), few destinations offer travellers a range of historical experiences this diverse. With deep traditions in wine, citrus and oil production, and forever remembered as the home of the Corleone family in Mario Puzo's masterpiece The Godfather, history and culture are an integral part of Sicilian life.
What to See & Do in Sicily
Whatever your tastes, you'll be spoilt for choice during a stay at the Old Mill. If peace and relaxation are your priority, reading by the private pool or taking a lazy stroll among the olive and almond trees couldn't be more suitable; or spending an afternoon enjoying an authentic Italian coffee on the terrace of one of Avola's cafés are just some of the ways to unwind at this luxury property.
If you have a penchant for adventure and exploration, taking a day trip to Mount Etna could satiate your cravings. As the largest volcano in Italy, and one of the most active in the world, this natural wonder is a must-see for any holidaymaker or traveller who appreciates the exceptional. Combine this with spending a day in the beautiful town of Taormina, and enjoying the nightlife and restaurants of Catania, and you have the makings of a truly unforgettable Sicilian experience.
Food & Drink in Sicily
With a cuisine which draws on the broad and varied culture of the island's history, Sicilian food has something for all tastes and preferences - and is simply flawless. This is due largely in part to the sheer quality and freshness of the ingredients that Sicilian chefs have to choose from, and the best way to experience it is undoubtedly in one of the stunning restaurants on the island, such as 'Duomo', in Ragusa.
The lemons and olives of the island are world-famous, as are the pistachios grown on Mount Etna. The warm currents of the Mediterranean provide some of the best-tasting fish and seafood, including fresh anchovies, tuna and prawns. Paired with one of the sublime local wines, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you will be well fed throughout your stay in your luxury villa.
The Experience
La Prua
Advance Booking Required
A fine dining restaurant, 15 minutes' drive from the villa with relaxed ambience, high quality...
Il Porto Matto
Advance Booking Required
Located a 15 minute drive from the villa, Il Porto Matto is a fine dining restaurant on the...
Crocifisso
Advance Booking Required
Fine dining, family run restaurant in the heart of Noto serving an à la carte menu with modern...
Malafemmina
Advance Booking Required
A seafood fine dining restaurant overlooking the beach offering amazing local cuisine....
Agriturismo Leone
Advance Booking Required
The Leone Farmhouse offers meals "zero km" meaning with seasonal produce from nearby fields...
Il Ristorante Dammuso
Advance Booking Required
An amazing family run traditional cuisine restaurant set in a beautiful indoor and outdoor...
Giufa Bistrot
The Giufa Bistrot is situated on the seaside with both indoor and outdoor seating as well as...
Garibaldi Theatre: Avola’s Cultural Gem
Advance Booking Required
Intimate Performances in Avola's Heart
Located in the heart of Avola in Piazza...
The Greek Theatre of Syracuse: A 5th-Century BC Marvel
Explore Syracuse's Greek Theatre
Dating back to 5th Century BC, the ruins of this...
Discover the Charm of Noto: A UNESCO Gem
Wander Cobblestone Streets and Stunning Architecture
A beautiful UNESCO historical...
Marzamemi: Sicily's Charming Fishing Village
Discover Seafood Delights and Handcraft Shops
Marzamemi is a picturesque seaside...
Agua Beach Club: Caribbean Vibes on the Sicilian Coast
Advance Booking Required
Relax Under Palm Parasols with Local Food
A beautiful Caribbean style beach with...
Modica: Sicily’s Charming Hill Town
Climb to the Cathedral and Savor Sicilian Delights
An incredibly beautiful small hill...
Ortigia: Sicily’s Enchanting Island Town
Explore Charming Streets
Ortigia is a small pretty island town connected to the...
Avola: Wine, Almonds, and Coastal Charm
Sicilian Seaside Treasure
Avola is well known for the production of...
Vendicari: Sicily’s Hidden Gem of Nature and History
Sicily's Coastal Natural Paradise
A beautiful nature reserve with lots of greenery,...
Ragusa: Sicily’s Baroque Masterpiece
UNESCO Treasure in Baroque Splendor
Ragusa is one of the most beautiful UNESCO towns...
Scicli: A Baroque Beauty for Architecture Lovers
Sicily's Baroque Jewel
With its stunning Baroque architecture, Scicli is a beautiful...
Lido San Lorenzo: White Sands and Luxury
Advance Booking Required
A Perfect Day by the Sea
A beautiful white sandy beach offering concierge services,...
Fontane Bianche: A Seaside Paradise in Sicily
Sicily's Idyllic Beach Escape
A stunning seaside resort with a long stretch of beach...
Taormina: Sicily’s Timeless Charm
Where History Meets Sicilian Delights
A popular destination among the wealthy,...
Cavagrande Nature Park: A Hidden Oasis in Sicily
Sicily's Waterfall Wonderland
A stunning nature park with lush vegetation and...
Catania: A Town of Contrasts
Historic Charm and Modern Chic
A buzzing town where chic modern bars and grand...
Golf dei Monasteri
Advance Booking Required
Golf Amidst Citrus Groves
A landscape like no other, between the scents of the...
Sailing around Sicily
Advance Booking Required
Hire your own sailing or speed boat with or without skipper or join a boat excursion to...
Horseriding in Sicily
Advance Booking Required
Explore the beautiful Sicilian countryside with an instructor who will show you picturesque...
Tennis Club in Avola
Advance Booking Required
The tennis club situated in Avola offers two courts and an outdoor covered terrace where you...
Scuba diving in Sicily
Advance Booking Required
Being such a beautiful oceanic destination it is well catered to by dive centers, whether you...
Aretusa SPA & Wellness
Advance Booking Required
In a space of 350 sqm exclusive Aretusa & Wellness Spa is designed to ensure privacy and...
Eureka Spa
Advance Booking Required
A luxurious Spa with sauna, Turkish bath, Mediterranean bath, Kneipp Wasser Paradise, ice...
Fontane Bianche Beach Club Spa
Advance Booking Required
Set in a beautiful peaceful setting the Fontane Bianche Spa covering 500 sqm offers a...
Taste of Sicily: Nero d'Avola Wine Tasting
Advance Booking Required
Wine, Cheese, and Sicilian Delicacies
Discover the taste of Sicily with a free Nero...
Discover Etna Volcano and Taormina
Advance Booking Required
A Day of Nature and History
A day out to discover the highest active volcano in...
Cookery class - Sicilian cuisine
Advance Booking Required
Hands-On Culinary Experience
Learn to cook traditional Sicilian dishes in the comfort...
Discover Zisola Wines
Advance Booking Required
Tasting Packages for Every Preference
Zisola offers a range of wine tasting packages...
Centro Il Giardino: Explore a Garden of Shopping Delights
A Unique Shopping Experience
Centro Il Giardino is a charming shopping destination in...
Piazza Santa Lucia and San Sebastiano: Market Mornings
Fresh Fruits, Seafood, and Meat
Every Thursday morning, the vibrant street market at...
Avola Shopping: Explore Charming Streets and Local Boutiques
Shop Local Treasures
In the heart of Avola, vibrant shopping awaits along Corso...
Abbunnanzia
Advance Booking Required
Mediterranean cuisine and fish specialties, offered in the historic center of a beautiful,...
Il Terrone
Advance Booking Required
This charming deli is the perfect spot for lunch. The rustic setting compliments the great...
Verdura Resort
Advance Booking Required
Golfing Excellence by the Sea
Verdura Resort offers a superb composite 18-hole...
Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort
Advance Booking Required
Golf on the Slopes of Mount Etna
Sicily's first ever 18-hole golf course! On the...
Advance Booking Required
Siracusa: A City Where Past Meets Present
The Heart of Sicily's Ancient Wonders
More than any other city, Syracuse (Siracusa)...
Don Camillo Restaurant
Advance Booking Required
There are many Sicilian elements that can be found in Don Camillo's menu, but there are also...
Ci: Vulia Restaurant
Advance Booking Required
This restaurant offers the best specialties of Sicilian cuisine. They select the freshest fish...
Regina Lucia Restaurant
Advance Booking Required
Contemporary Italian cuisine constantly evolving.
Embellished with a magnificent view of...
Lido San Lorenzo Plus Restaurant
Advance Booking Required
A beautiful white sandy beach offering concierge services, sunbeds or cabana, parasols and a...
La Taverna Del Pescatore
Advance Booking Required
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Cortile Spirito Santo
Advance Booking Required
Cortile Spirito Santo is located inside the Palazzo Salomone Luxury Suites, occupying a...
La Piazzetta Ristorante
Advance Booking Required
It was 1997 when La Piazzetta restaurant stood in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, a baroque pearl of...
Summeat
Advance Booking Required
Steakhouse in Avola
Antico Casale degli Ulivi
Advance Booking Required
Pizzeria and Sicilian restaurant set in a beautifu outside location.
Manna Noto
Advance Booking Required
This restaurant offers Mediterranean, Italian, Seafood, European, Healthy, Sicilian, and...
Cortile Arabo
Advance Booking Required
This restaurant serves Mediterranean, Italian, Seafood, European, Sicilian, and...
Agriturismo Terra Di Pace - Ristorante Café de la Paix
Advance Booking Required
Terra di Pace was born in 1989 from the will of Vincenzo and his family as a community...
RitroVino
Advance Booking Required
In Noto, a place to meet and feel good. Wine shop, wine bar, craft beers, platters, tapas, and...
Quadrilatero
Advance Booking Required
Far from city traffic, surrounded by the greenery of our olive trees, with over 200 seats and...
Niche
Advance Booking Required
Italian cuisine is to the pleasure of all clients here. It's time to try nicely cooked fish,...
Ristorante Pizzeria Casamatta
Advance Booking Required
A few steps from the center of Noto (Syracuse), in a welcoming environment, Alberto and Danilo...
Viva Il Bistrot
Advance Booking Required
VIVA IL BISTROT is Viviana Varese's new restaurant in Palazzo Nicolaci, Noto.
Love for...
Cattedrale di Noto: Rich Ecclesiastical Heritage
Advance Booking Required
Historic and Spiritual Hub
The cathedral of San Nicolò di Mira, dedicated and...
Sail Sicily's Coastline
Advance Booking Required
Boat Trip from Avola
Set sail from Avola and explore the stunning Sicilian coast from...
Experience the Majesty of Mount Etna
Advance Booking Required
Mount Etna Adventure
Embark on a private or shared tour of Mount Etna with an expert...