AUTUMN: SICILY AT ITS BEST

With summer having come and gone, those yearning for sun, sand and sea should look no further than Sicily this autumn, when prices tumble, the crowds melt away and the temperatures are warm, but more comfortable than the highs of summer. Sicily villa rental specialist, the Massimo Villa Collection still has availability left for September, October and November, with jaw-dropping villas available at affordable prices. A collection of new properties are also introduced this autumn, with the portfolio now featuring 60 properties, from designer villas to converted farmhouses, and seafront pads, townhouses and sprawling countryside retreats, sleeping between 2 and 28 guests.

According to Massimo Provenza, the Sicilian born MD of the Massimo Villa Collection, autumn is the perfect time to visit Sicily. He says: “After the summer holidays, property rental prices can fall by as much as half, so savvy holidaymakers can grab a real bargain. Plus they benefit from less crowded beaches and historical sites, and temperatures in their mid 20's – perfect for sightseeing and hiking. Autumn is a great time for foodies to visit too, when the vendemmia (grape harvest) is in full flow, and pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds, prickly pears, chestnuts, mushrooms and olives are being harvested.”

AUTUMN ABODES

Choose from one of the following properties for a special Sicilian autumnal escape:

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION: VILLA FARO BLU (NEW)
Situated on the very north-eastern tip of Sicily, Villa Faro Blu is all about the location. Not only does it have a sandy beach at the bottom of the garden, it is also set in the Capo Peloro nature reserve and enjoys views across the Straights of Messina to Italy's mainland. The beach is where the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas meet, plus there are two natural salt-water lakes close by, making it ideal for those who want to be surrounded by water. The property sleeps up to seven guests in four bedrooms, two of which boast a balcony overlooking the sea, and is largely open plan and beautifully furnished in neutral tones. Outside is a large terrace and lawn, ideal for sunbathing and dining alfresco, and a shower for rinsing off after a trip to the beach. The village of Torre Faro is within easy walking distance with its laidback atmosphere, traditional fisherman's houses, shops, restaurants and watersport centre or, for a change of scene, head to Messina to catch a ferry across to Italy's mainland. Price: one week's self-catering rental costs from £3,131 (sleeps 7).

GREAT FOR GRAPES: VILLA JAMAL
The perfect bucolic retreat, Villa Jamal is situated on a large estate in Sicily's south west and within the island's biggest wine region. Stay in September when the region is alive during the grape harvest and don't miss a visit to Menfi and the Planeta winery. The single-storey property sleeps six in three large en suite double bedrooms, while the comfortable living area, well-stocked kitchen, carved wooden furniture, ethnic prints and ample windows to bring the outside in complete the picture of the interior. It is the outside however that is this property's main attraction. Step outside, where an oasis of citrus groves, olives trees and a perfectly manicured lawn surround an inviting swimming pool and decked sunbathing terrace. Spend the days relaxing here and soaking up the views, whether dining alfresco under the covered terrace, curling up with a book in the shaded outdoor seating area, or dipping into the pool to cool off. There is plenty to entertain locally too, with the Belice Nature Reserve, the ancient archaeological site of Selinunte, the farming commune of Castelvetrano and one of the island's best golf courses, the Verdura Resort, all close by. Price: one week's self-catering rental costs from £1,550 (sleeps 6).

OLIVE HARVESTING: VILLA RESPIRO
Set in a gorgeous garden with twisted olive trees, this property boasts a private swimming pool and enjoys panoramic sea views with the beaches of Cefalu and Sant Ambrogio both close by. Those staying during olive harvest in mid November are invited by the villa owners to join in with the harvesting of the olives from the trees which surround the villa. Guests can handpick and shake the ripened green and black olives down into the nets waiting below before taking them to a local factory to watch them turn into liquid gold. Another highlight might be walking through the Madonie Natural Park to the Santa Anastasia Winery (about an hour's hike away) for a guided tour and wine tasting. Villa Respiro is the perfect spot for a group of friends this autumn as the property comprises a main stone house and two separate annexes, sleeping up to eight - great for those who want their own space while holidaying with others. The chic accommodation has a laid back feel with whitewashed wooden beams, wooden flooring and splashes of coastal blue. This property was designed for outdoor living, with an outside kitchen, large covered dining terrace, private lawned garden and swimming pool with sea views to the front and mountain views to the rear. Price: one week's self-catering rental costs from £1,221 (sleeps 6-8).

For more information on the Massimo Villa Collection call 0203 529 8013 or visit www.massimovillas.com  

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PRESS ENQUIRIES: Julia Spence or Natalie Postlethwaite
Julia Spence Public Relations
T: 01491 824524 or 07802 443113
Email juliaspence.pr@gmail.com