Make a Splash in These Sicily Airbnb Alternatives With Pools
From coastal abodes to countryside hideaways, Sicily offers plenty of options for the perfect Italian getaway
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The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is the ideal destination for a sun-soaked holiday. It’s a place where stunning natural landscapes blend with charming towns and cities packed with history and culture. If you’re sold on Sicily, then all that’s left is to book your accommodation. Our travel experts at Plum Guide have selected the very best Sicily Airbnb alternatives with pools. Whether you’re travelling with your other half or with a big group of friends, these homes will make the most of the Sicilian sunshine.
Villa’s Bluff
Villa's Bluff, Plum Guide home in Sicily
Set on a cliff top looking out over the Cava d’Ispica canyon, the location of this home is hard to beat. There are many vantage points to drink in the views, whether that’s from the pool or two alfresco dining areas. When you want to enjoy a little pamper session, head down to the hot tub, set in its own little enclosure in the garden. The interiors are dated but charming, with terracotta floors and stone walls creating a homely feel. In the bedrooms, the French doors open onto the terrace or balcony to let the fresh countryside air in. If you feel like venturing out, the town of Modica is just a short drive away – it’s known for its chocolate-making heritage, so those with a sweet tooth will definitely want to pay a visit here.
Barefoot Beach
Barefoot Beach, Plum Guide home in Sicily
Searching for the perfect coastal getaway? It doesn’t get better than this chic little beach house. Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll make the most of the stunning sea views wherever you are. Wake up to the sound of waves drifting through the French doors, savouring the peacefulness before tucking into breakfast in the alfresco dining area. There are no bad options when it comes to planning the day – take a dip in the plunge pool, stroll along the sands or sightsee in the nearby baroque city of Noto. Just be sure to come back in time for sunset, which you can enjoy with a glass of Prosecco on the terrace.
Sicilian Sky
Sicilian Sky, Plum Guide home in Sicily
Travelling with a large group? We simply had to include this eight-bedroom home on our list of Sicily Airbnb alternatives with pools. It’s made up of two villas, each one with a modern kitchen and living room when you feel like being indoors. There’s plenty of space for guests to spread out and socialise outside, too. Make the most of sunbathing sessions by the pool or escape to the lovely open-air terrace when you need the shade. Meanwhile, the rooftop terrace boasts blissful sea views, making it the perfect spot for a sundowner. When you want to explore, the home has direct access to Spiaggia Reitani with its golden sands and clear blue waters.
Giardino Lagoon
Giardino Lagoon, Plum Guide home in Sicily
Nestled in the Valley of the Temples and surrounded by greenery, this home is like a Sicilian oasis. It’s the ideal choice for family getaways, with a main house and additional annexe. We love how the villa brings the outdoors in with its alfresco kitchen and dining area. There’s ample space for barbecues, sunbathing and swimming in the lagoon-style pool, plus an outdoor Jacuzzi, football pitch, table football and pool table. There’s even a hammam-like shower, indoor hot tub and hydrotherapy bath should you feel like unwinding. While you have everything you need in the home, Agrigento and its ancient ruins are just a short drive away.
Oh-so-Moorish
Oh-so-Moorish, Plum Guide home in Sicily
Tucked away amongst the vineyards, this country estate is easily one of the most impressive properties in Sicily. Outside, enjoy cooling dips in the swimming pool, lunches in the outdoor kitchen and dining area, and siestas in the shade. Moving inside, the rooms are rustic and homely, featuring vintage furniture, fireplaces, artwork and a country-style kitchen. You also have a Jacuzzi (with huge windows for views of the garden), a Turkish bath and a sauna. Once relaxed and rejuvenated, head to the wine therapy room for a tasting session before ending the day on the rooftop terrace, watching the sun go down over the ancient vineyards.
Palms & Pearls
Palms & Pearls, Plum Guide home in Sicily
It may be one of the smaller villas on our list of Sicily Airbnb alternatives with pools, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking wow factor. Quite the opposite, in fact – inside, floral sofas and wallpaper, chandeliers, and vintage furniture create a classic Italian feel. Some may find it a tad dated, but we love the traditional kitchen with its huge arched window that looks out onto the garden. Meals, meanwhile, are best enjoyed under the vine-covered pergola. The swimming pool and sun terrace offer tons of space to sprawl out and socialise with friends and family, while the garden has plenty of lawn for younger guests to run around and kick a ball about.
Sicilian Cubism
Sicilian Cubism, Plum Guide home in Sicily
If you prefer something a little more modern, this five-bedroom Cubist villa offers sleek and contemporary interiors. Its open living spaces, white colour scheme and floor-to-ceiling glass windows create a bright and breezy space to relax in, with plenty of nooks and crannies to escape to should you need a quiet moment away from the group. Each level has its own entrance and kitchen. Outside, views of swaying palm trees and plenty of loungers to tan on mean you could easily spend all day by the pool. It's shared with the owner, who lives on-site, but it can be heated for a fee. If you do get restless, take a walk down to Marakaikko Beach, less than fifteen minutes away, and relax on its white sands and splash about in its shallow waters.
Alture Celesti
Alture Celesti, Plum Guide home in Sicily
Boasting a private rooftop terrace and panoramic views of Noto, this apartment is truly something special. Whether you're enjoying a quick dip in the plunge pool or tucking into alfresco meals as the sun goes down, chances are you won't be able to tear your gaze from the ancient buildings. Inside, it's super stylish, with four chic bedrooms and design-led finishes everywhere you look. But with Noto quite literally on your doorstep, we reckon sightseeing will be at the top of your to-do list. Followed by cooling off in the pool, of course.
A Tale of Two Villas
A Tale of Two Villas, Plum Guide home in Sicily
Just 5 kilometres from the seaside town of Cefalù, these villas offer an idyllic escape by the sea. Most of your time will be spent on the large terrace, which boasts breathtaking views of the coast – there’s plenty of seating, perfect for eating meals, reading a book and enjoying cocktails in the seafront setting. The pool is another peaceful spot to unwind, surrounded by shaded trees and offering views of the green hills in the distance. The interiors are modern and understated, with clean lines and high, lofty ceilings that let the sea breeze drift through. A word of warning: not all the bedrooms open onto onto the terrace, so you may have to fight for them.
Coastal Colours
Coastal Colours, Plum Guide home in Sicily
Located deep in a forest reserve, this two-bedroom cottage offers a tranquil escape for couples or groups of friends. We love the boho-chic decor that creates a fun and friendly feel to the place. Our favourite part about the home, however, is that there are numerous spots to relax, whether you want to snooze on the linen-draped gazebo, curl up with a book in the hammocks, top up your tan on the loungers or watch the sunset from the outdoor sofas. Thanks to the alfresco kitchen and dining area, you’ll never have to tear yourself away from the views, even at mealtimes.
Sicilian Spirit
Sicilian Spirit, Plum Guide home in Sicily
With its ample indoor and outdoor spaces, this three-bedroom villa is one of our favourite Sicily Airbnb alternatives with pools. You can tell that everything has been given thought and attention, from the beautiful gardens to the choice of chill-out areas. Adults can make use of the outdoor kitchen and barbecue area, while kids can entertain themselves with ping pong and table football. But the highlight of the home is that you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Mount Etna, which you can admire from the comfort of a sun lounger. If you fancy seeing it up close, Etna Park and the towns of Taormina, Catania, Syracuse and Ragusa are just a quick drive away.
Slow Daze
Slow Daze, Plum Guide home in Sicily
Fancy something a bit more sumptuous? Ideal for large groups, this villa is ideal for exploring Sicily's Tyrrhenian coast. When you're not kicking back on the sands of Spiaggia di San Gregorio, make the most of the three different terraces and enjoy some time in the sun. Inside, expect glossy marble finishes, gilded headboards, and sparking chandeliers. Outside, a private swimming pool is the cherry on top – oh, and did we mention the sea views? Evenings are best for alfresco dinners under the stars before heading into the formal sitting room for a sing-along by the piano.
