Casa Artemisia | 4-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Castroreale (ME)

Ten guests, four bedrooms spread across ground level, and sweeping views toward the Aeolian Islands from a hillside perch above Castroreale (ME)—Casa Artemisia sits in that rare category of Sicilian rentals where isolation and village proximity coexist without compromise. This is not a showpiece villa. It’s a lived-in home where families and groups actually want to stay, anchored on the eastern flank of Sicily where the northern coast reveals a quieter, more authentic version of the island than its better-known southern reaches.

Inside Casa Artemisia

Casa Artemisia sleeps 10 guests across 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, arranged entirely on the ground floor—a practical advantage for multi-generational groups or anyone preferring to avoid stairs. The master bedroom features a super king-size bed paired with a full en-suite bathroom fitted with a bathtub. A second bedroom offers a king-size bed and its own en-suite with both shower and a Jacuzzi tub designed for two. The third bedroom contains another king-size bed with access to the shared family bathroom, while the fourth bedroom provides twin beds, making it ideal for children or companions who prefer separate sleeping arrangements. The lounge includes a sofa bed, allowing flexible sleeping capacity to reach the upper limit of ten guests.

The kitchen commands the heart of daily life here. Fully equipped with a dishwasher, electric oven, induction hob, separate fridge and freezer, microwave, kettle and coffee machine, it’s the kind of space where group meals become less of a logistical challenge and more of a pleasure. A chef service is available on request, transforming the kitchen from cooking station into creative workspace. The adjoining dining and lounge area flows together naturally, with television (Google Chromecast enabled), a stereo system, games, and books creating an inviting atmosphere for evenings when the Sicilian heat finally breaks.

Three bathrooms across the property mean no morning queues or scheduling conflicts. Heating and air-conditioning are throughout, with laundry facilities on-site, iron and ironing board for those who care about such details, and Wi-Fi connecting the villa to the wider world—or allowing you to ignore it entirely.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Two thousand square meters of terraced gardens surround Casa Artemisia, transforming the hillside into a private sanctuary. Ancient olive trees, their gnarled trunks telling centuries of stories, share space with fruit-bearing palms and specimen trees that provide both shade and visual depth. The landscaping feels neither manicured nor wild—precisely the middle ground where Mediterranean gardens thrive.

A ten-meter by five-meter private pool with hydromassage jets sits as the focal point, large enough for meaningful swimming yet intimate enough for a gathered group to converse poolside. Six guests can occupy the hydromassage zone simultaneously. Sun loungers and umbrellas are positioned throughout, responding to the sun’s arc across the day. An outdoor shower allows you to rinse off salt water or chlorine without trailing it indoors.

The veranda accommodates ten for al-fresco dining, with a barbecue built in for evening meals under the stars. This is where the villa’s true social life unfolds—long tables laden with local produce, voices carrying across the gardens as the light fades toward the Aeolian Islands on the horizon. Parking for three cars sits nearby, practical rather than decorative.

The villa operates as part of Excellence Luxury Villas’ Sustainable Collection, with solar panels displacing gas dependency and an EV charging station for electric vehicles—a thoughtful integration of environmental responsibility without sacrificing comfort.

Location: Castroreale (ME) and the Surrounding Area

Castroreale itself, perched at 420 meters elevation between Tindari and Milazzo, recently earned recognition as Italy’s second-most beautiful village—a ranking that becomes immediately evident upon arrival. Medieval architecture, churches dating to the 13th century, and cobblestone streets create an atmosphere that feels genuinely lived-in rather than curated for tourism. A 15-minute walk downhill brings you to village restaurants serving pasta con le sarde, arancini, and wines from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, 90 kilometers inland.

The immediate coastline offers multiple access points. Tindari, 40 kilometers southwest, combines a Greek-Roman archaeological site with a Sanctuary of the Black Madonna and dramatic clifftop views over Gela Bay. The village of Milazzo, 25 kilometers south, functions as the main departure point for UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands ferries—hydrofoil crossings to Lipari, Vulcano, Stromboli and Salina depart daily, with journey times ranging from 45 minutes to three hours depending on destination. For those exploring further afield, Cefalù—approximately 85 kilometers west—showcases a 12th-century Norman Cathedral with Byzantine mosaics and the Mandralisca Museum’s extensive art and archaeological collections.

Taormina, 100 kilometers southeast, anchors Sicily’s northeastern cultural landscape around the Teatro Antico (still hosting performances two millennia after construction) and Isola Bella, a nature reserve accessible via a natural sand causeway at low tide. Mount Etna’s upper slopes lie just beyond Taormina, with trekking routes to Europe’s tallest active volcano’s crater rim achievable within a 2.5-hour drive from Casa Artemisia. The Parco Jalari, just 15 kilometers inland on the Peloritan Mountains, displays over 40 artisan workshops and hundreds of sculptures set within quarried stone amphitheaters.

For wine enthusiasts, the volcanic terroir surrounding Mount Etna produces some of Italy’s most distinctive white wines. Local markets in Castroreale itself operate Wednesday mornings with vendors selling produce from surrounding farms. The best months for visiting span April through June (spring wildflowers, moderate temperatures, village festivals) and September through October (warm but not oppressive, harvest season, reduced summer crowds). Explore our villas in Metropolitan City Of Messina for additional options throughout the region, or browse our full collection in Italy for alternative Sicilian properties. For comprehensive destination inspiration, read our Sicily travel guide.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families requiring four distinct sleeping spaces will find Casa Artemisia’s ground-floor layout practical and comfortable. Groups of 8–10 friends seeking shared vacation time without cramped quarters appreciate the dual bathrooms and separate bedrooms that preserve privacy. Multi-generational trips benefit from the accessibility (no stairs, space to spread out, chef service option) and proximity to both quiet village culture and active excursions. Couples seeking a private retreat can easily occupy the villa with just the master suite, enjoying the pool and gardens as their own. Parents managing teenage children appreciate the clear sightlines across the ground floor and nearby village attractions that don’t require long car journeys.

Practical Information

Capacity & Layout: 10 guests, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, entirely ground floor.

Nearest Airports: Catania Fontanarossa (85 kilometers southeast, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes drive) and Palermo Falcone-Borsellino (170 kilometers west, approximately 2 hours 45 minutes drive). Transfers are available through Excellence Luxury Villas upon request.

Nearest Supermarket: Milazzo town center, 25 kilometers south (approximately 35 minutes drive) provides full-service shopping and weekly markets. Pre-stocked fridge service is available on request through the villa’s concierge.

What’s Included: Utilities (electricity, water, heating), Wi-Fi, bed linens and towels, pool heating and maintenance, air-conditioning, and basic cleaning are standard. Maid service, chef/cook service, babysitting, and vehicle transfers are available as paid add-ons. A selection of books, games, and toys are provided.

Check-In Flexibility: Flexible arrival and departure windows can be arranged with advance notice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Casa Artemisia

How many guests does Casa Artemisia sleep?

Casa Artemisia accommodates 10 guests across 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The master bedroom sleeps 2 (super king), the second bedroom sleeps 2 (king with Jacuzzi en-suite), the third bedroom sleeps 2 (king), the fourth bedroom sleeps 2 (twin beds), and the lounge sofa bed provides capacity for 2 additional guests, bringing the total to 10.

What is the nearest airport to Casa Artemisia in Castroreale (ME)?

Catania Fontanarossa Airport is the closest major airport, approximately 85 kilometers (53 miles) southeast of Casa Artemisia, with a typical transfer time of 1 hour 15 minutes by car. Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport, 170 kilometers (105 miles) west, is an alternative with approximately 2 hours 45 minutes drive time. Excellence Luxury Villas arranges transfers to and from both airports upon request.

What is the best time of year to rent Casa Artemisia?

April through June offers spring conditions with wildflower displays, comfortable temperatures (18–24°C), and village festivals celebrating Easter and early summer patron saints. September through October provides warm weather (22–28°C) without the peak July-August heat (which frequently exceeds 35°C), plus harvest season activity around Mount Etna’s wine regions. November and December bring mild temperatures and fewer visitors but increased rainfall. January through March are cool (10–16°C) with occasional rain, though ideal for hiking and solitude. Swimming is reliably comfortable from June through September.

Is Casa Artemisia suitable for families with children?

Yes. The 10m × 5m private pool with hydromassage provides safe swimming without public beach crowds. Twin-bed and sofa-bed options accommodate children of varying ages. Babysitting services are available through the villa’s concierge. Nearby Milazzo beaches (25 kilometers south) provide family-friendly swimming and shallow zones. The village of Castroreale itself is walkable and traffic-free in its medieval core, making it suitable for exploration by foot. Games, books, and toys are provided on-site.

What is included in the rental price at Casa Artemisia?

All utilities (electricity, water, heating, air-conditioning), Wi-Fi, linens and towels, pool heating and maintenance, and basic weekly cleaning are included. Chef/cook service, maid service, babysitting, and vehicle transfers are available as separate paid services. The kitchen is fully equipped with appliances. Books, games, toys, television with Google Chromecast, and a stereo system are provided.

What restaurants and shops are near Casa Artemisia?

Castroreale village center (1.5 kilometers downhill) offers several family-run trattorias serving traditional Sicilian cuisine, particularly pasta con le sarde and arancini. Wednesday morning markets in Castroreale sell local produce, cheeses, and prepared foods. Milazzo town (25 kilometers south) contains supermarkets, fishmongers, bakeries, and restaurants with seafood specialties. Cefalù (85 kilometers west) features upscale dining venues alongside casual pizzerias and a large Saturday market. Local specialties include wines from Mount Etna’s volcanic slopes, citrus products from the Peloritan Hills, and granita breakfast culture throughout the region.