Location of Villa Zagami
Location and Surroundings
The area between the volcano Mount Etna and the beautiful old town of Taormina is rightly considered to be one of the most stunning parts of Sicily.
The area where Villa Pantalemi lies is particularly interesting because it is in the natural reserve of the 'Parco Fluviale dell'Alcantara'. One of the advantages is that further construction is forbidden in this reserve.
Mt Etna and the valley of the Alcantara River
Resting below Mt Etna is the lush and fertile valley of the Alcantara River, famous for its agricultural produce and it's spectacular gorge, where surreal lava rock formations have been carved out over centuries by the Alcantara river. The inhabitants of this area have happily taken advantage of the possibilities afforded to them by nature for centuries. The fertile volcanic soil of the valley ensures an ever changing landscape, rich in diverse flora. The higher altitude areas are green with beech and pine-nut trees and the low lying areas are wooded with oak trees, vineyards, olive groves. While oranges and lemons are the principal fruit grown, the valley is carpeted with a huge variety of fruit and nut trees. The overwhelming nature of the Valle d'Alcantara, the Nebrodi nature reserve and the Parco dell'Etnea all offer fantastic outings and wonderful walking possibilities.Original villages and famous Taormina
Scattered throughout the area you'll find many picturesque medieval hilltop villages like Castiglione di Sicilia and Motta Camastra, all offering great rustic Sicilian food made from the local produce. The magical town of Taormina, the tourist heart of Sicily, is close by and offers spectacular views, fascinating archaeological monuments, and great restaurants and shopping.Siracusa, Catania, Ragusa and Piazza Armerina
A little further away are many ancient cities of historical interest, such as Syracuse and baroque Ragusa to the south, the Roman Villa at Piazza Armerina with it's stunning mosaic floors in the centre, and the breath-taking valley of ancient Greek temples at Agrigento. The city of Catania, known as 'Milan of the South', is also close by, a seething and buzzing city with an old baroque centre and a lively fish and food market.Coast & Beach
Another great advantage of the position of the villa, apart from the privacy, peace and solitude it offers, is that the beautiful beaches of the Ionian Riviera are close and easily accessible. Giardini Naxos with its azure sea, sandy beaches, and good restaurants, bars and nightclubs is within an easy drive from Villa Muscianò. The seaside village of Letojanni is another favorite for fun at the beach and delicious fish restaurants. If you're looking for a more isolated and very relaxing place to sunbathe then the beach of San Marco is for you. Reachable within 15 minutes from the villa.
From the big balcony at the back of the house you'll have wonderful views of the fantastic scenery of the valley and the sky-blue Ionian sea at the mouth of the valley, some seven kilometers away.
See pictures of the location of Villa Zagami