Nothing captures the imagination of a holiday in Sicily like the Baroque cities, ancient ruins and of course the magnificent Mount Etna. So, a holiday in Acireale in the sun-blessed Southeast of the island is always a great idea. Yes, this city has it all. Sitting on a layer of volcanic rock between the Mediterranean Sea and the iconic volcano itself, youll also discover the fantastic Piazza del Duomo, streets lined with traditional trattorias, bars and cafes and world renowned carnival - at the right time of year, of course. Right in the midst of Acireales Timpa nature reserve, youll find Villa Balestrate blending in perfectly with its pretty surroundings. Lush Mediterranean shrubs frame the terrace overlooking that deep blue Ionian Sea - ideal for relaxing on a sun lounger, G&T in hand. Or, you might be too busy in the unique-shaped turquoise swimming pool set above the house - especially when you realise it has its own slide. Good luck with trying to keep the kids off that one! Although, as part of a villa complex, you may be able to tempt them with a walk down the private path to the sea below. Feeling peckish? Throw together a fresh bowl of pasta or succulent grilled seafood platter at the outdoor kitchen so you dont miss out on any of the fun in the sun. Such panoramic seas vistas and a fantastic swimming pool make Villa Balestrate a fantastic holiday break, and thats before youve even entered this lovely holiday home. Inside, a bright yet cosy living room awaits you. Featuring inviting sofas, you can sit back and relax with a good book or magazine while gazing out on yet more sea views from the floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening out on to the terrace. With an open plan dining area, its a fabulous space to share with family or friends. The bedrooms are plentiful too. Four bedrooms, sleeping up to eight people, with four bathrooms means there will be no arguing over whose turn it is to have a shower! Individually decorated, the bedrooms are stylishly simple with little characteristic touches in the rustic wooden furnishings or artwork. One of the bedrooms has doors opening out on to the terrace for a fantastic morning view of the sea. Make use of the nearby Santa Tecla Palace for the use of additional facilities, at an extra cost. With satellite TV, an iPod docking station and Wi-Fi youll have all the creature comforts of home, but with the wonderful aspects that come with staying in a Sicilian villa such as this - those sea views for a start. #### Features 1) 6 guests = 3 bedrooms (first floor), 3 bathrooms 2) 8 guests = 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms The Villa Ground Floor - Fully-equipped kitchen with fridges, freezer, dishwasher, toaster, cooker with hobs, 2 electric ovens and microwave - Double bedroom - Bathroom with shower - Double bedroom (accessed from the outside) with ensuite bathroom with shower First Floor - Living room with LCD TV - Two double bedrooms - Bathroom with shower Outside Grounds - Private salt-water swimming pool, with slide and hydromassage corner (7m x 4m, depth 1.30m), open approximately end-March to mid-November - Terraces, with Mediterranean gardens - Outside kitchen & barbecue - Porch with dining area - Poolside shower - Bathroom - Dressing room - Sun loungers and parasols Facilities - Wi-Fi - 4 air-conditioning units - Two TVs with satellite - Stereo system & I-pod docking station - CD player - DVD player - Washing machine - Iron - Hairdryer - Safe - Mosquito nets #### Location If you were cast away on an island, you may want that island to be Sicily, a beguiling place of contrasts. From bewitching Baroque hilltop towns to sun-blessed beaches, ancient Greek temples, Roman theatres, astounding food and an iconic volcano - its certainly one of Italys top draws. Here, in the south-east of Sicily youll discover the most stunning examples of those Baroque cities. Enter Syracuse, home to one of the greatest ancient Greek theatres thats still in use today, a Roman amphitheatre, picturesque piazzas, sandy beaches and olive-green seas. Or, the beautiful town of Ragusa, renowned for its jaw-dropping buildings and wonderful Piazza Duomo, brimming with bars and restaurants (a few Michelin star ones at that). And then theres Modica. What can we say? Aside from its world renowned chocolate, the churches, palazzi and bewitching buildings that line the narrow streets of Upper and Lower parts of the city are joyous. Acireale, another Baroque town. Overlooking the Ionian Sea, its fascinating architecture, a world renowned carnival, historic churches and that fact its near the magnificent Mount Etna - are real pulls. Sightseeing done, head for the beach. Crescent shaped sandy bays, rugged coastlines, rocky coves and long stretches of white sand await you - with enough water sports to keep the whole family entertained. Or, you could just relax in the glorious southern sun of course, with an arancino or two. The local street food in Sicily is unsurpassing.