The Top Natural Attractions of Sicily

Villas in Sicily are typically built in locations that provide gorgeous views of hills, mountains or coastlines. Some of them, however, are located conveniently close to beautiful works of natural beauty that you simply must see during your stay on the island.

Some of the more prominent ones you may want to check out include the following.

1. Mount Etna – the tallest stratovolcano south of the Alps is one of Italy’s most revered natural wonders. Its impressive size and majestic nature inspired legends, such as those of Typhon and Hephaestus. It is also one of the most active volcanoes in world, producing extremely fertile soil that has made the island's orchards and vineyards famous the world over. You can find Mount Etna in the eastern side of the island, between Catania and Messina, and many nearby villas in Sicily offer a great view of the mountain.
2. Stair of the Turks – located near Porto Empedocle in the southern side of the island, the Scala dei Turchi is a rock cliff composed of whitish marl. Millions of years of crashing waves and varying sea levels have sculpted these veritable ‘stairs’ out from the whitish sedimentary rock – resulting in a hauntingly beautiful formation that stirs the imagination. Frequent raids by Moors near this cliff face stamped their legacy to the formation, hence the name "Stair of the Turks"
3. Aegadian Islands – many villas in Sicily offer beautiful seaside views, but none are more stunning than those that highlight the azure waters of the Aegadian Islands. Located in the northwest coast, these islands rarely feel the touch of winter and thus provide a year-round venue to enjoy sun and surf to the heart’s content. Hire a local yacht and enjoy a romantic dinner with your loved one while cruising around the waters of the Aegadian. Now that’s what's called having a great time!
4. Ear of Dionysius – the Orecchio di Dionisio is located in the town of Syracuse, which is in the south-eastern part of the island. Many villas in Sicily can be found near Syracuse, making it easy to visit this awe-inspiring wonder of acoustics in nature. The unique s-shape of this old limestone quarry amplifies even the smallest sound, and then reverberates it all around the cave – making the experience an auditory as well as a visual delight.
5. Palermo Botanical Garden – the 200-year-old Orto Botanico di Palermo is, of course, located in the city of Palermo. Various greenhouses, flowerbeds, aquariums, herbariums and research zones make this a must-see for those who love everything related to horticulture. It also gains bonus points for being in one of the island's most tourist-friendly cities. Keep all these in mind and you will have a much easier time choosing where to stay in order to best appreciate the rich natural beauty of the island.

Jonathan Magoni is Senior Manager of Cottages to Castles, a family owned company specialising in high quality holiday villas, apartments and cottages in Italy. For spectacular villas in Sicily or accommodation in the Italian lakes, ski resorts or city centres, we offer only the very best. Discover Italy at your own pace and without time restrictions in our hand picked villas and cottages.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.