Salina is an island paradise in the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily, Italy. And on this Aeolian jewel lies Villablu'. More than a holiday villa, it's a little Eden tucked halfway up a hill, perfectly camouflaged among the Mediterranean vegetation.
Salina is one of the islands that make up the Aeolian archipelago, which lies just north-east of Sicily at Italy's foot.
The villa, sleeping up to eight people, is itself lost within 20,000 square metres of private grounds on the island. On one side the grounds slope down toward the sea. On another they border a nature reserve.
The ground floor comprises a living/dining room, with TV and fireplace, and with two double divan beds. This leads onto a fully equipped terrace of approximately 50 square metres, giving views of Panarea and Stromboli. From the terrace you can step into the gardens, complete with vegetable patch, flower beds, and lemon, orange and mandarin trees.
From the living room, walk up five stairs and you enter the kitchen, complete with oven, dishwasher and fridge-freezer. This leads onto a terrace equipped with a dining table and an outdoor kitchen - with wood-burning oven, barbecue and sink.
Next you come to two double bedrooms, a bathroom with shower, and a small utility room with washing machine. One of the double bedrooms gives onto a third terrace. This circular balcony has views of Lipari and the other islands.
Throughout, this top-class villa is comfortably furnished, and cosily heated with stoves. Villablu' is a haven of peace and comfort, blending naturally into its backdrop. With breathtaking views of the sea and the other islands, it is renowned as one of the most beautiful houses on Salina. And with its three terraces it offers, both by day and at night, charming views of the sea.
From the eastern terrace there is a view of Panarea and Stromboli, while from the southern terrace there are views of Lipari. This house is designed for outdoor living - the two bedrooms and the living room have direct access onto the terraces. The outdoor dining table is shaded by a rare pepper plant and is served by a second (and well-equipped) outdoor kitchen. The outdoor shower, another charming feature, is fashioned from a small artificial cave.
Prices range between €1713 and €3227 per week, as well as a weekly €10 per head and a final cleaning fee. Please confirm details when booking.
The beach at Puntafaro is only 600 metres away and easy walkable. The island has three small towns. Approximately 2.5km away is Santa Marina Salina, a little port with plenty of useful and interesting shops. Another small port, Rinella, lies 10km away. Lingua, the third town, has lovely views of Lipari. Minibuses link the island's three centres, and in the summer there are boat trips to the other islands of the archipelago. You can also take rubber dinghies for hire.
[ local map | map of region ]
Or head inland and explore the nature reserve of Mone Fossa and Felci, where you can see the very rare prehistoric ferns and where the Falco della Regina (the Queen's eagle) still nests.
