Villa Sul Mare | 8-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Acireale

Fourteen guests arrive at Villa Sul Mare in Acireale expecting a large house by the sea. What they discover instead is a whitewashed sanctuary perched on volcanic rock, where the Mediterranean doesn’t just frame the view—it becomes the rhythm of every day. This 8-bedroom luxury villa rental in Acireale, Eastern Sicily, commands a position so close to the water that guests wake to the sound of waves breaking against the shoreline below.

Inside Villa Sul Mare

Villa Sul Mare sleeps 16 guests across 8 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, with every bedroom featuring its own en-suite facility. The interior spans 240 square metres of thoughtfully designed space across two main levels, plus ground-floor access.

The ground floor operates as a self-contained zone, accessed directly from the exterior. A generous living space combines sitting and dining areas with a fully equipped kitchen—the kind of kitchen that makes even reluctant cooks volunteer for dinner duty, fitted with dual ovens, a full complement of appliances including a Nespresso machine and coffee percolator, plus ample counter space. Three bedrooms occupy this level: a king-bedded room with a full bath and soaking tub, a twin-bedded room with shower ensuite, and a double-bedded room with shower. A games room with table tennis, table football and a punch bag provides informal entertainment; a separate bathroom with shower serves additional guests.

The first floor, accessed via an external staircase, houses the main living hub. An expansive open-plan living and dining area overlooks the sea through full-width doors opening onto a terrace. Four smart televisions are positioned throughout this zone. The dining table seats eight guests comfortably. The kitchen on this level mirrors the ground-floor facilities and opens directly to the outside, creating seamless flow between cooking and entertaining. A dedicated laundry room houses two washing machines. Five additional bedrooms occupy this floor: two king-bedded rooms with terrace access and shower ensuites, two double-bedded rooms (one with terrace access, one interior-facing, both with showers), and a French-bedded room with terrace doors and shower ensuite.

Air-conditioning runs throughout. Wi-Fi connectivity supports the whole property. Practical touches include hair dryers, irons and full linen provision.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The outdoors is where Villa Sul Mare truly distinguishes itself. A 20-metre swimming pool (6 metres wide, ranging from 1.5 to 4 metres in depth) operates seasonally from April through early November, its long axis aligned to frame the sparkling sea beyond. Sun loungers dot the manicured gardens—lawns, mature trees and plantings create natural screening and shade.

Three distinct entertaining zones serve different moods. The main first-floor terrace accommodates a dining table for eight and multiple seating groups with sofas. Steps lead down to a gazebo with built-in seating—the spot where sunset drinks taste different, where conversations drift into the sound of water lapping at the rocks below. A barbecue area allows for informal grilling. Direct sea access is the exceptional feature: guests slip from the terraces into the water via the natural rock formations, an experience most villas only promise in their marketing copy but rarely deliver.

The shoreline itself invites exploration. Black sand beaches intersperse with rocky inlets and hidden coves, each revealing a different perspective of the coast. The nearby marina is a short walk away—a working fishing village atmosphere where boats move steadily across the water and local restaurants operate from humble waterfront locations.

Location: Acireale and the Surrounding Area

Acireale sits 15 kilometres north of Catania, positioned at the foot of Mount Etna’s eastern flank. The town is defined by its Baroque architecture—Piazza del Duomo serves as the ceremonial heart, flanked by the Basilica of San Sebastiano with its distinctive black and white marble facade, and the church of San Pietro e Paolo with its sweeping staircase. Between late January and early February, Acireale hosts one of Sicily’s most significant Carnevale celebrations; flower-laden floats and masked processions transform the streets for a week of festivities.

The beaches most convenient to Villa Sul Mare lie within 8-12 kilometres. Giardini Naxos, approximately 12 kilometres south, offers sandy strands backed by restaurants and bars—a family-friendly environment popular with both visitors and locals. Recanati beach, similar distance, provides a quieter alternative. La Playa in Catania city centre, 20 kilometres away by car (approximately 25 minutes), stretches for nearly 3 kilometres with golden sand and comprehensive facilities including beach bars and lifeguard stations. The ancient city of Catania itself warrants a full day: Palazzo Biscari, an ornate 18th-century mansion, showcases noble Sicilian life; the Cathedral of Sant’Agata dominates the central piazza and remains one of Sicily’s most important religious sites.

Taormina, perched dramatically on a clifftop 45 kilometres south (45 minutes by car), draws visitors specifically to Teatro Antico di Taormina—a Greek theatre built around 250 BC with commanding views across the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. The town’s medieval streets, designer boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants make it Sicily’s most glamorous destination.

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, lies approximately 50 kilometres inland (one hour by car). The lunar-like terrain around the summit—accessible by cable car or hiking routes—provides an otherworldly experience. On clear days, the volcano is visible from Villa Sul Mare’s terraces, a constant reminder of the geology that shaped this entire coast.

Catania airport (Fontanarossa), approximately 35 kilometres south, offers the most convenient arrival point (roughly 45 minutes by transfer vehicle). The town of Acireale itself provides supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants within walking distance. Browse our collection of villas in Metropolitan City Of Catania for additional luxury accommodation options in this region. For deeper destination planning, consult our Sicily travel guide for seasonal recommendations and cultural insights. Explore our full villa collection in Acireale to compare similar properties.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Villa Sul Mare accommodates groups of 14-16 guests, making it ideal for extended families spanning three generations, circles of close friends, or small corporate retreats seeking a coastal setting. The separation of the ground floor creates flexibility: one family or couple can occupy that zone independently while others inhabit the upper level, or the entire property functions as one cohesive retreat. Families with teenagers appreciate the games room and direct pool access. The chef/cook service option (available separately) transforms the kitchen into a hospitality hub rather than a chore centre, particularly valuable for groups where shared meal preparation would otherwise consume vacation time. The combination of 8 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms and ample entertaining space eliminates the spatial tensions that plague many large-group rentals.

Couples seeking a romantic seaside escape can rent the property entirely or, in some circumstances, negotiate for selected bedrooms—though the 16-guest configuration is the standard offering. The marina location suits guests interested in fishing, boat hire, and maritime activities. History enthusiasts will find Acireale’s baroque sites and Catania’s archaeological treasures within short drives.

Practical Information

Villa Sul Mare sleeps 16 guests in 8 bedrooms with 9 ensuite bathrooms. The property is available from mid-June 2022 onwards at the full 16-guest rate. All bedrooms feature en-suite facilities and climate control. Wi-Fi is included throughout. The swimming pool operates seasonally (April to early November). Ground-floor facilities allow wheelchair access to one bedroom and bathroom, though the upper floor is accessed by external staircase. Transfers from Catania airport (Fontanarossa) are available on request; the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. The nearest supermarket is within the town of Acireale, roughly 2 kilometres away. Linen, towels, and basic cleaning are included in the rental; additional housekeeping services can be arranged. Check-in flexibility depends on availability; contact the management team for specific dates and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Sul Mare

How many guests does Villa Sul Mare sleep?

Villa Sul Mare accommodates 16 guests in 8 bedrooms. The configuration includes four king beds (one with a full bath, three with shower ensuites), four double beds (all with shower ensuites), one twin bed (shower ensuite), and one French bed (shower ensuite). Each bedroom features its own bathroom, eliminating shared facilities.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Sul Mare in Acireale?

Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is the primary gateway, situated 35 kilometres south of Villa Sul Mare—approximately 45 minutes by transfer vehicle depending on traffic. The airport serves international flights from major European cities, plus connections via Rome and Milan. Some guests flying into Palermo (approximately 150 kilometres west, 2.5 hours by car) choose to rent vehicles for flexibility, though airport transfers can be arranged for that distance as well.

What is the best time of year to rent Villa Sul Mare?

May through September offers reliably warm weather; July and August are hottest but also most crowded. The pool operates April through early November. For a balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists, May, June, September and October prove ideal. The Acireale Carnevale (late January to early February) brings cultural vibrancy but cooler temperatures. Winter months (November to March) experience occasional rain and cooler sea temperatures, though the property remains functional with heating and air-conditioning.

Is Villa Sul Mare suitable for families with children?

Yes. The heated swimming pool (when in season) is 1.5 to 4 metres deep with varying depths suitable for different ages. Direct sea access via the rocks allows supervised water play in calm conditions. The games room with table tennis and table football occupies children aged 8-16. Sandy beaches at Giardini Naxos (12 kilometres away) provide traditional family beach facilities with lifeguards. The property’s size allows children to play without disturbing adult guests in other zones. Cots and high chairs can be arranged on request.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Sul Mare?

The rental includes Wi-Fi throughout, air-conditioning, all linen and towels, basic cleaning at check-out, utilities (water, electricity, gas), and access to all furnished spaces including the pool (seasonal), gardens, and games room. The chef/cook service is available for an additional daily fee. Housekeeping, laundry services, and airport transfers are optional add-ons available at booking.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Sul Mare?

Acireale town centre, 2 kilometres away, contains multiple supermarkets including COOP and Carrefour, plus pharmacies, bakeries and local markets. Waterfront dining near the marina (walking distance) offers casual seafood restaurants and bars. Acireale’s Piazza del Duomo hosts dining venues from casual to more formal. For fine dining, Taormina (45 kilometres away) contains Michelin-starred establishments including Casa Grugno and Il Vinile. Catania city centre (20 kilometres) offers diverse cuisine from street food markets to contemporary restaurants.