WINTER WARMERS IN SICILY FROM MASSIMO VILLAS

Summer may be a distant memory, but there is no need to feel glum at the thought of winter approaching. The season is a surprisingly good time to visit Sicily according to rental specialist, the Massimo Villa Collection, because there is so much to see and do, yet the crowds are smaller and the weather cooler for sightseeing.

Everyone from the Greeks and Romans to the Normans and Arabs have left their mark on this small island, and the important archaeological and historical sites are wonderfully free of tourists in the winter months.

Massimo Villas is offering a range of heated properties for rental during the winter season, including the following:

Villa Barocca and Villa Terazza Barocca, Modica
These two beautifully appointed apartments in the centre of Modica are unique in style. Elegantly furnished, with colourful Sicilian tiles and carefully chosen artworks, each apartment has a balcony, with panoramic views of the old town.

In the province of Ragusa, Modica is a pretty town with a medieval centre, bustling streets and a spectacular baroque cathedral. Visit Sicily's oldest chocolate factory and watch the chocolatiers at work. An appealing destination for food-lovers, there are numerous tempting restaurants offering local specialities. Travellers with an interest in antiquities shouldn't miss the town museum, the Museo Civico and, for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle, Cava d'Ispica which stretches 13kms from Modica to Ispica is a must-see, with its thousands of natural grottoes and Neolithic tombs.

PRICE: One week's rental of Villa Barocca, sleeping 4, costs £733. Villa Terrazza Barocca, also sleeping 4, costs £990.

Terrazza del Principe, Noto
Live like a prince and stay in this enchanting palazzo, the ultimate in luxury set right in the centre of Noto. Guests are surrounded by what is one of Sicily's most beautiful historic centres, with immediate access to the town's pedestrianised boulevard.

Wander around the narrow streets, admiring the golden-coloured stone buildings and fantastical facades, visit the grand cathedral and see some of the fanciest balconies in town at the Palazzo Nicolaci. In the evening, head for Anche gli Angeli, a great spot for dinner and the best cocktails in Noto. Perfect for lovers of nature and the great outdoors are the nearby Cavagrande lakes, accessed along the path down into the gorge.

PRICE: One week's rental of Terrazza del Principe, sleeping 6, costs from £925 per week.

Villa Degli Agrumi, near Taormina
A truly stunning Sicilian villa with panoramic mountain and sea views situated in the north-east of the island near Taormina. With nine en suite bedrooms, this is an ideal holiday home for large groups looking for luxury. Explore the sprawling grounds where there is a nature trail and a variety of walks around the citrus groves; or hop onto one of the bicycles available to pedal further afield. While the chic resort of Taormina, known for attracting celebrities, is extremely busy in July and August, it virtually shuts down in the winter months, making it much easier to explore. Other places in the vicinity well worth a visit include Mount Etna, Syracuse and Catania.

PRICE: One week's rental of Villa Degli Agrumi, sleeping, 20, including breakfast costs from £18,900.

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

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PRESS ENQUIRIES: Julia Spence, Claire Moores or Natalie Postlethwaite
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