If you're looking to get off the beaten track and experience amazing views and perfect tranquillity, then this is the place for you.
Location: The villa is located up a steep and windy mountain road that takes about 15-20 minutes to drive to from Giardini Naxos. The driveway in is tight but there is room to turn around once parked. You can see Mount Etna, Taormina, Castelmola and the sea - it is a truly spectacular view. The villa is pretty high up, so you might find yourself in the clouds (esp later in the year), but when the sun comes out you will not be disappointed. Parking in the Lumbi carpark in Taormina was fairly straightforward and from there you can walk or get on a free a shuttle bus into Taormina. We walked from Taormina to Castelmola but you can drive - there is parking at the top. The north side of Etna was about an hour away and is a little more scenic and quiet than the south side. We stocked up on the basics at the Lidl on the way up to Giardini Naxos and bought fresh food while out and about during the day. There are no shops near the villa so be sure to get all you need in town before heading up. The location suited us perfectly - we had come for views and peace and quiet, but it was also nice to be within 20-30mins of restaurants , the beach and attractions. We tended to eat out in the day and make food at the villa in the evening, mainly because we didn't have great weather during out stay, but if you do want to eat out at night then I'd recommend the restaurants in Giardini Naxos by the waterfront. The villa is set in a lovely garden, has two terrace areas, and of course the pool. We picked fresh oranges from the trees - heaven!
Facilities: It is very hard to fault this villa at all. It was clean and neat throughout. There were extra towels provided, even beach towels for the pool. It was too cold for us to use the pool but Giorgio still came over and kept it clean and ready should we wish to brave it! There are two double bedrooms - one on the ground floor, one on the first. Each has its own bathroom. There are also two double sofa beds - one up, one down - which can sleep a further four people. We were just a couple so we picked the downstairs room which had the comfiest mattress but otherwise used the upstairs facilities. The kitchen had all the basics, inc. pots and pans, cutlery etc., olive oil and seasoning - even coffee pods for the coffee maker! The fridge, oven and hob were immaculate. Shower was hot and powerful. There is a tv - we took our Firestick to plug in - and the wifi was mostly fine - just needs a turn off and on again if it drops out (one day it struggled but having a digital detox day wasn't a bad thing!).
Hospitality: the villa itself is impressive enough but this listing was taken to another level by Giorgio and Anna's hospitality. They were so welcoming when we arrived and came over most days to just check if we needed anything - and they never came empty handed. We felt thoroughly spoilt! I don't think we'll ever experience this level of generosity from a host again - Giorgio is one of a kind!
We highly recommend this villa and thank Giorgio and Anna so much for sharing such a beautiful place with us.