CEFALU TRIUMPHS – SICILIAN TOWN PUT ON THE MAP BY UNESCO… & SAN PELLEGRINO

After years in the shadow of other major Sicilian attractions, the historic Sicilian seaside town of Cefalù – which is home to the founder of the Massimo Villa Collection - has finally been put on the map. This is in part thanks to the announcement that UNESCO has awarded World Heritage status to its Arabic and Norman cathedral. Particularly admired for its mosaics and the spell binding Christ Pantokrator, the newly crowned Duomo di Cefalù (pronounced chef-a-loo) is bound to give a boost to this northern coastal town. It is no surprise then that this picture perfect spot, with its medieval winding streets and harbourside bustle, was chosen by the Italian soft drinks brand San Pellegrino as the location for its latest feel-good film commercial. With Cefalù shown off to its very best, the town is likely to quench people's thirst for traditional Sicilian life – just as the sparkling fruity drink does. Click here to watch the commercial (1 min 41 secs) which is being shown in Europe and the US.

As Massimo Provenza of the Massimo Villa Collection who was born and brought up in the town points out, the beauty of this authentic workaday town is that it remains totally unspoiled. The towering rocky crag, Rocca de Cefalù, dominates the coastal town sitting prettily below, beside the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. Visiting Cefalù today still gives the impression that it has yet to be discovered by tourism. Yet it's all there: the ancient wash place, the palaces, landmarks, some of Sicily's finest, freshest food and a long stretch of a beach, right there on the doorstep. It even has a railway station giving easy access to bigger, glitzier Palermo.

Massimo Villas has scooped up all the very best villas within the town and within easy access of the town. Among them are:

Villa Splendida is in a peaceful setting high in the hills above Cefalù with panoramic seascapes. Spacious and largely open-plan with lots of splashes of sea blue, the property with pool, outside kitchen, decked terrace and lawn, has a gate leading on to the Madonie National Park, with a host of footpaths to follow. Price: one week's rental from €1,850, sleeps 8.

Terrazza Gabbiano is a smart townhouse that is set in a private palazzo in the heart of Cefalù, perfect for guests who want to immerse themselves in local life. Bursting with character, it is the former home of a well-known local artist. Spread over five floors, all bedrooms have a balcony, while the dining and sitting area with terrace on the top floor overlooks rooftops to the sea. Price: one week's rental from €1,510, sleeps 8.

Villa Talia's panoramic sea views and mountain scenery combine with fresh modern interiors to make it an exceptional holiday home for a family of four. The Sicilian architect designed the house so that almost every room and outside space, including the large decked terrace and the cooling plunge pool, look out to sea. A modern colour palette of greys and whites is peppered with splashes of summer colours in the fabrics and artworks around the villa, giving it a unique character and style. Price: one week's rental from €1,400, sleeps 4.

Villa Magnifica is an unpretentious, large Sicilian villa surrounded by private grounds and mature trees in a wonderful hillside setting overlooking Cefalù. The villa is perfectly in tune with its rural setting. Relax in one of two living rooms or explore the gardens, play tennis, or lounge by the pool. Large palms and other trees provide welcome shade in the heat of the day. Although there is a large dining room, during the summer months, all meals are enjoyed outside on the dining terrace. Price: one week's rental from €3,500, sleeps 10.

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