Villa Taio Italy

Peer through the arched balcony with a glass of Nero d’Avola and gaze out towards Cefalù and the azure-coloured Mediterranean from this exclusive and stylish villa in a clifftop setting with direct access to the sea below.
Designed by an architect couple, Villa Taio is both sophisticated and stunning, set in a garden with Sicilian olive trees and the most spectacular terraces. With minimalist yet elegant style, expect contemporary furnishings set against beautifully tiled floors and light décor with splashes of Sicilian colour. Downstairs is all about open-plan living and dining with a sea-view, leading to the spacious terrace outside. Upstairs you will find four superb en suite double bedrooms, many with doors out to the lovely upper balcony with yet more Mediterranean vistas as well as glimpses of historic Cefalù and its imposing Rocca.
Outside, chill out on the vast terrace in the sunshine, lie back in the inviting hot tub as the sky turns pink in the evening and dine al-fresco by the barbecue, with the soothing sound of waves lapping on the rocks below. The most nimble-footed can access the Tyrrhenian Sea below, perfect for swimming or snorkelling in crystal-clear water. Or you can simply wander down the private lane to the nearest beach and its summer restaurant, around 700m away.
Charming Cefalù can be reached in a short drive with its sandy beaches and lidos as well as its historic town filled with enchanting alleys, enticing osterie and atmospheric cafes, not to mention the incredible Duomo and its wonderful piazza. Carry along the coast to discover yet more beaches such as Sant’Ambrogio or admire the landscapes of northern Sicily’s shoreline by boat.
Hop on a train to Palermo, a grand city with awe-inspiring architecture, UNESCO World Heritage sites and the most amazing markets and street-food. Drive inland to the hilltop town of Enna and you may even be able to see Mount Etna in the distance, whilst closer to home is the beautiful Madonie National Park, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Villa Taio encapsulates much of what Sicily is all about – stylish character, gorgeous views, glorious nature and close to one of the island’s most charming, historic seaside towns. Just 5km from Cefalù on the striking north coast of Sicily, Villa Taio enjoys the most incredible setting atop a cliff, with direct sea access and within walking distance to a beautiful beach.
Keen swimmers can get to the Tyrrhenian sea via the rocks below and bathe or snorkel in the emerald water whilst you can also wander to a beach around 700m away. This small beach can be reached via a private road and is a mixture of sand, pebbles and smooth rocks. In the height of the summer there is a beachside restaurant with glorious views. There are a couple of other beaches within a kilometre or two, trickier to reach but worth the trek on this mesmerising coastline.
The historic town of Cefalù (5km) is a delight whether exploring its charming centre or relaxing on the sandy shores of its long beach with lidos, watersports and restaurants. The Duomo is magnificent, set in a wonderful piazza with atmospheric cafes, bars and restaurants. Explore the town’s ancient lanes, coming across historic sites, lovely shops and welcoming gelaterias, climb up La Rocca for exceptional views, then head to the beach to cool off in the azure-coloured sea. There are both public parts of the beach and private lidos where you can rent sun loungers for the day.
A boat trip is another fantastic way to visit the coastline – look out for companies in Cefalù offering excursions, including opportunities to swim and snorkel or boat rental is possible too.
Heading east, Sant’Ambrogio (13km) is another idyllic stretch of Sicilian coastline with a lovely village as well as wilder beaches. It’s located at the gateway of the magical Madonie National Park with its endless olive groves, wild goats, breathtaking natural landscapes and great biodiversity. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts or you can just visit by driving to a tiny village for a coffee in a local bar or lunch in stunning surroundings.
The vibrant city of Palermo (66km) is just over an hour away (or pick up the train from Cefalù), home to historic markets, exquisite sights, impressive shops, restaurants and bars as well as amazing street-food. The spectacular Duomo is just one of Palermo’s UNESCO World Heritage sites alongside the Palazzo Reale, Cappella Palatina and La Zisa castle amongst others. The buildings throughout the city are awe-inspiring with spectacular examples of both Arabic and Byzantine architecture.
If you are hoping to visit the heart of the island then Enna is a fine day out, around a 90-minute drive away. Stroll around its beautifully preserved medieval centre, soak up the hilltop town’s old-fashioned charm and admire distant views towards Mount Etna. History-lovers can also drive further south to Agrigento (140km), around two hours away, to visit one of the island’s ancient sites. At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the
concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning – Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– Cook – Extra cleaning
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!