About this property
Can you imagine a more spectacular setting as you gaze out towards Cefalù and the Mediterranean from Taio’s beautiful balcony and sea-facing terrace, with the waves lapping against the rocks below?
Villas Taio and Gio are two wonderful yet contrasting homes, one set behind the other, just a short stroll to the beach and 5km from the charming seaside town of Cefalù.
The larger Villa Taio, has been designed by an architect couple and offers sophisticated living in a stunning location atop a cliff with direct access to the sea below via the steps and rocks. The vast terrace faces the sea and the inviting hot tub is a superb spot for relaxing with a glass of wine as you look out towards the azure-coloured Tyrrhenian.
Inside, expect minimalist style alongside modern furnishings and exquisite touches such as the strikingly tiled floors and splashes of bold colour. The open-plan living and dining space has a splendid sea view whilst upstairs there are four en suite bedrooms as well as the most gorgeous large balcony looking out towards Cefalù and the Mediterranean.
Wander along the driveway to charming 2-bedroom Casa Gio, with its glorious gardens filled with olive trees and an inviting 8m long swimming pool. The casa is all about simplicity and Sicilian style with traditional furnishings as well as understated modern touches. We love the pretty tiles in the master bedroom upstairs – you can even catch a glimpse of the sea through the window. This could be a lovely option for accompanying grandparents or family looking for a little privacy, if they don’t mind visitors from Taio for a swim!
Stroll down the lane and just 700m away is a delightful little beach, perfect for a swim or perhaps a bite to eat in the summer restaurant, or drive to the sandy shores of Cefalù’s main beach, just 5km away, with its lidos, watersports and more. The town itself is a joy to explore with winding cobbled lanes, atmospheric café-bars and its magnificent Duomo. Climb to the top of La Rocca for amazing views or discover more of Sicily’s northern coastline by boat.
Palermo is a grand day out, whether by car or train, not just its eight UNESCO World Heritage sites but also its world-famous street-food markets. The perfectly preserved medieval village of Enna is another great trip or head to the Madonie National Park to admire the mesmerising landscapes of olive groves, hilltop villages and fabulous nature.
After all that exploring, return to your home, pour a glass of Nero d'Avola, and appreciate the stunning Sicilian scenery all around you at Villas Taio and Gio.
Villas Taio and Gio are just 5km from Cefalù on the beautiful north coast of Sicily, within walking distance to a beach and summer restaurant. Villa Taio enjoys an especially spectacular setting atop a cliff and benefits from direct access to the sea via the rocks below, whilst Casa Gio is set just behind amongst the olive trees.
So, the most nimble of guests can climb down the steps and rocks below and be swimming or snorkelling in minutes. Or you may prefer to just wander down the lane for around 700m and reach the nearest beach, a mixture of sand, smooth rocks and pebbles, with its restaurant (summer only) and a picture-perfect setting. There are a couple of other beaches a little further away, also within walking distance but trickier to access – great for adventurers looking for idyllic spots for sunbathing and swimming in the Tyrrhenian sea.
Historic Cefalù is a much-loved seaside town with a long sandy beach and a charming centre. Get there early in busy months for a spot on its public beach or look out for lidos as well as watersports and boat trips at the port. The promenade is wonderful for an evening stroll, soaking up the vibrant ambience, or head to the heart of the town and admire the enchanting lanes, atmospheric cafes and bars, excellent restaurants and the grand Duomo in the magnificent piazza. Climb La Rocca for exceptional views of the coastline and town.
A little further away is pretty Sant'Ambrogio (13km), a wilder stretch of coastline with picturesque beaches and a traditional village. Perhaps stop off on the way to the Madonie National Park, an exceptional part of northern Sicily with glorious landscapes of olive trees, wild goats, hilltop villages and great biodiversity. Whether discovering nature, hiking through the hills or just driving to a little village for a coffee or lunch, this is a great way to discover the beautiful interiors of this part of the island.
By contrast, Palermo (66km) is a vibrant city with historic street-food markets, amazing restaurants and so much spectacular architecture, including no less than eight unesco World Heritage sites. It’s a city worthy of a day out and is around an hour by car or you could catch the train from Cefalù.
If you are also keen to visit some of Sicily’s archaeological sites then Agrigento (140km), on the south coast, is around 2 hours by car. Slightly closer to home, Enna (about 90 minutes away) is another one of the island’s highlights – this medieval village has been beautifully preserved and you may even be able to catch a glimpse of Mount Etna as you gaze east.
Accommodation
Villa Taio Interiors (approx. 200m2)
Main Floor
- Open-plan living and dining area with doors to large terrace with sea-view
- Open-plan kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, fridge, freezer, oven, microwave, kettle, espresso machine, blender and toaster
- Laundry room
- Shower room
Upper Floor (via open staircase)
- Bedroom with double bed and en suite shower room
- Bedroom with double bed and en suite shower room
- Bedroom with double bed and en suite shower room
- Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with bath and shower
Villa Taio Outside Grounds
- Hot tub (6m2) and outdoor shower
- Terrace with sea views
- Upper balcony with sea views
- Barbecue
- Private sea access
- Fenced grounds
- Parking
Villa Taio Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Underfloor heating
- Fireplace
- Satellite TV
- Mosquito net (living room)
- Safe
- Hairdryers
- Washing machine and ironing facilities
Casa Gio Interiors (approx. 100m2)
Ground Floor
- Living area (extra bed on request)
- Open-plan kitchen, well-equipped including oven, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, kettle, espresso machine, fridge-freezer and table
- Bedroom with double bed
- Bathroom with shower
First Floor (via partially open stairs)
- Bedroom with double bed
- Bathroom with shower
- Space for extra bed (on request) in “relax” area
Casa Gio Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (8x3m, depth: 1.7m), open seasonally
- Outdoor shower
- Sun loungers
- Al-fresco dining table
- Barbecue
- Al-fresco lounge area
- Garden with olive trees
- Fenced grounds
- Parking
Casa Gio Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Underfloor heating
- Satellite TV
- Safe
- Hairdryer
- Ironing facilities