Sicily is a culturally rich, beautiful island. Throughout its history it has absorbed many influences in its architecture, food and culture. Everybody has left their mark here, from the Arabs to the French. Most famous for Mount Etna and the Aeolian Islands, you can visit Sicily throughout your life and always discover something new.

Milazzo is a charming little town at the beginning of a 6km long peninsula on the Northern coast of the island, situated some 30km west of Messina. Known mainly for its port, it is the main link to the Aeolian Islands. Often overlooked by mainstream tourism, it is a little haven with a thriving town and a splendid 2km tree-lined promenade where you can enjoy watching or joining in with the classical Italian “passeggiata”. Fishermen still haul in their catch and sell a vast array of fresh produce in the lively market most mornings. An ample selection of boutique-style shops and supermarkets is available within a short drive from the property.

The old town is stunning, buzzing with life on long summer evenings. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. The castle, which dates back as far as Byzantine times, provides an other-worldly setting for concerts and plays during the summer months.

Even in high summer Milazzo, offers relaxation and tranquillity. There are fabulous long pebble beaches and secluded coves along the 6km promontory.

Like most Italian towns, Milazzo has its own good share of history. Inhabited from very ancient times, its historical origins are Greek, with a colony which settled there in around 750 BC. In the surrounding waters, Caius Duilius defeated the Carthaginian fleet in 260 BC and more recently, during the Napoleonic wars, a 15,000-strong British Army was stationed there from 1802 until 1812. It was from Milazzo that the Army moved and defeated Napoleon at the battle of Maida in nearby Calabria.

In Milazzo too, in 1860, Garibaldi won a decisive battle against the Bourbons of Naples to secure Sicily to the newly born Kingdom of Italy.

Due to its convenient geographical position, Milazzo is an ideal starting point for innumerable enjoyable journeys of discovery. By sea to the nearby Aeolian Islands, by land to places of interest, easily reachable thanks to a network of good roads and motorways.

The fertile plains inland from the town stretch back to the Peloritani Mountains, an impressive chain that divides the eastern part of Sicily from the straits of Messina to Mount Etna. This offers a hidden paradise to nature lovers who can discover it on foot, horseback or mountain bike.

In the surrounding area or perfect for a day trip.

Aeolian Islands, Mount Etna, Gole Alcantara, Taormina, Catania, Palermo, Messina, Tindari, Castello Nelson, Santo Stefano.

Diving/Snorkelling, Climbing, Mountain biking, Sailing/boat hire, Kayaking, Fishing.

Possible excursions from Villa Flavia

Catania

• 129 Km (90 mins, all motorway))
• Second largest City in Sicily (1.058.000 inhabitants).
• Good shopping centre, lively night life in Summer, Greek and Roman remains, Norman castle, baroque churches and buildings; birthplace of musician Vincenzo Bellini: Beautiful Opera House.

Mount Etna (2,200 mts)

• 140 Km (130 mins)
• Highest volcano in Europe (3.323 mtrs), breathtaking views.

Acireale

• 110 Km (130 mins, all motorway)
• Small provincial town, amazing Baroque, outstanding Sicilian patisserie.

Lipari

• 50 mins away by hydrofoil
• Capital of the Eolian Archipelago of seven islands. 10,000 inhabitants, outstanding museum, cute and attractive little town, good restaurants and local specialities.

Capo D’Orlando & Nebrodi Mountains

• 50 Kms (40 mins, all motorway)
• Pleasant seaside town, ideal as a base for a full day excursion up the Nebrodi Mountains, noted for its wild life and flora. Good hill-cuisine.

Bronte

• 91 Kms (90 mins, motorway to Fiumefreddo and then A and B roads up the slopes of Mount Etna as far as Bronte)
• Site of Nelson’s Castle and the Admiral’s Duchy, bestowed upon him by the King of Sicily in 1801: A medieval fortified house turned by Lord Nelson’s successors into a pleasant English Home in the centre of Sicily. Noted for its good country cuisine and the unique green pistachio orchards.

Troina

• 139 Kms (140 mins, motorway and A and B roads)
• Attractive town in the interior of Sicily. Norman capital of Sicily for a short time.

Piazza Armerina

• 224 Kms (150 mins, motorway as far as Enna)
• In the interior of Sicily, strong Norman influence; amazing Roman Villa and mosaics.

Siracusa and Noto

• 220 Kms ( 140 mins, mainly notorway)
• Greek Capital of the ancient world, surpassing at times the power of Athens. The Archaeological zone and museums are a must. To note the baroque Cathedral of Saint Lucia, built over the ruins of a Norman church, built in turn over the ruins of a Greek temple. Unique Sicilian baroque at Noto.

Ragusa

• 180 Kms (150 mins, motorway past Catania then A roads)
• Capital of the richest Sicilian Province. Together with nearby Modica and Scicli, the cradle of Sicilian baroque. Good cuisine based on local specialities.

Cefalu`

• 142 Kms (90 mins, all motorway)
• Attractive holiday resort with outstanding Norman Cathedral bult in 1131 during the Kindom of Roger II of Sicily. Site od a much earlier Greek settlement B.C.

Palermo

• 205 Kms (120 mins, all motorway).
• Capital of Sicily (1.237.000 inhabitants).
• Beautiful and variegated. Strong Arab-Norman influence. See, under Frederick II (Stupor Mundi/Wonder of the World), of the most enlightened Kingdom of 13th Century’s Europe. Outstanding Cathedral in nearby Monreale. Not to be missed.
• Overnight advisable.

Agrigento

• 297 Kms (200 mins, motorway and A roads)
• The essence of Classical Greek Sicily, boasting some of the best preserved Geek temples in the world.
• Overnight advisable.

Marsala

• 324 Kms (210 mins, all motorway).
• Ancient Phoenician colony at the centre of an extremely interesting area, comprising the sea-salt works at Trapani, Trapani itself, the fishing town of Mazara del Vallo, the hill top Medieval town of Erice, the beaches of San Vito Lo Capo, Segesta Greek Temple and Theatre, and, last but not least, Wine Capital Of Sicily.
• Overnight advisable.