Villa Idda
Villa set between the slopes of
Mount Etna and the sea
Dreamy contemporary villa set between the slopes of Mount Etna and the blue Ionian sea. Idda is located between Catania and Taormina , near the small seaside town of Acireale. According to mythology, it was on this stretch of coast that the one-eyed monster Cyclops, blinded by Odysseus, threw great boulders into the sea, creating the offshore rocks known as the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi. Whatever the truth, this quiet coastline, where the volcanic landscape of Etna meets the sea, is unique.
Reviews
Find out more
Idda, emerged among the citrus groves in the foot hills of Mount Etna , is an ancient country house exquisitely restored by its owners –skilled in the use of recycled materials and in the inventive and original use of space. The villa is divided into two units connected by communal external areas.
First building
Spacious, luminous and panoramic open space on several levels, one for the large, comfortable kitchen with dining area, from which three steps lead up to a zone designed for conversation or listening to music. This in its turn is separated by a wall from a zone designed for relaxing and watching TV. Completing this floor is a bathroom with shower. A contemporary cement staircase – designed as an architectural feature – leads to a large loft space with balcony opening off which one ensuite bedrooms and a studio. High beamed ceilings and floor-ceiling windows mean that there are 360 degree views from just about every corner of the house. The external areas are likewise elegant and beautiful, with dedicated areas for dining, conversation and just being lazy.
Second building
Large open-plan space with kitchen, living room and conversation area dividing from an alcove with bed by three long white linen curtains – giving a result that is both romantic and contemporary. This sleeping area has its own bathroom with shower.
There is also a huge completely private bedroom with a chic contemporary sunken bath, as well as a separate bathroom with shower. Opening off this room is a single bedroom – designed for a child – and a games room with table tennis.
A staircase leads up to a studio, from which there is access to the outside area, covered and furnished for al fresco living, with a large table and chaise longue. This area links the two buildings. The large garden has a number of different ‘furnished’ zones, each with a different view of the volcano and the sea. There is also a small swimming pool (7m x 4m) with panoramic views (and two outdoor showers).
Your villa at a glance
FIRST BUILDING
Open plan space with:
Kitchen area
Dining area
Music area
TV area
Bathroom
Gallery loft with: double bedroom with ensuite bathroom and shower
Studio
SECOND BUILDING
Open-plan space with: Living area Alcove with double bedroom with ensuite bathroom and shower Double bedroom with sunken bath and ensuite bathroom and shower
Single bedroom
Games room
OUTSIDE
Garden/orange grove
Swimming pool (7m x 4m)
Covered and open-air furnished zones
We like
Having the feeling that the sea and Mount Etna are inside the house!!!
Having small seaside villages such as Pozzillo and Santa Maria La Scala close by – they are little-known, and still feel very authentic and a huge contrast to the international glamour of Taormina. The opportunity to live in an original space, and appreciate the ingenuity and aesthetic vision of the owners. Cooling off in the little swimming pool with its breathtaking views.
We think
Idda is the perfect villa for groups of families or friends who want a holiday that takes in both sea and mountains.
Perfect base for exploring eastern Sicily – the lunar landscapes of Mount Etna, the dramatic rock formations of the Alcantara gorge, Taormina and effervescent Catania are all close at hand, and historic Baroque towns such as Ortigia, Noto and Modica are easy day trips. Also worth considering organising an excursion by boat from the nearby marina at Riposto
Nearby
- Catania airport 17 miles
- Taormina 27 miles
- Acitrezza 7.4 miles
- Siracusa 49 miles
- Golf club 28.6 miles
Things to do
- Explore Mount Etna with a private guide. Whether you want to explore in a jeep or on foot, we can’t emphasise how much more you will get out of a trip to Etna in the company of someone who understands its volcanology, geology and history.
- Explore the Alcantara valley, formed by the Alcantara river carving its way through lava deposited by the eruption of Monte Moia around 2400BC. There are lots of ways to explore, ranging from the gentle riverside walks from Francavilla di Sicilia, to river-trekking and canyoning.
- Visit the the little hilltown of Castiglione di Sicilia, for its weathered houses, pantiled roofs and stunning views across the valley to Etna. Don’t miss the local cheesemakers, Alcantara Formaggi, on Via Federico II.
- Spend a morning in Catania. See the Duomo and the nearby. fishmarket, the Pescheria, and visit the Museo Belliniano, dedicated to the city’s most famous son, opera composer Gioacchino Bellini.
- The impressive Ciclopi’s Riviera between Aci Castello and Acireale.
