Villas Taio And Gio

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. 

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

At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:

- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off

Extras available at this property (payable locally):

- Cook
- Extra cleaning
- Laundry service (Casa Gio)

Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!

Security deposit
€1000 charged to client’s credit card by the owner up to one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.

Arrival time
4.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. Check-in outside this time may be subject to an extra cost. Please enquire for more details.

Departure time
9.00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m.

Energy costs included?
Yes.

Linen & towels included?
Yes.

Pets welcome?
On request only and with prior agreement with the owner

Other Ts and Cs
Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed.

Two additional beds (per house) are available for two extra guests in each villa, on request only and subject to a charge of €50 per bed per day, payable locally.

Please note that published rates are only valid for the current year. Any bookings for subsequent years will be on request only and correct rates will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Please note that your booking will only be confirmed once we have checked availability with the owner or their property manager.

The delightful pool is not fenced, so children should be supervised when outdoors.

Due to the different levels of the property, this villa is not suitable for those with mobility issues.

Please note home security devices may be installed at the villa, please enquire for further information.

Changeover day
Flexible.

End of stay cleaning
Standard changeover clean and mid-stay cleaning are included in the price. Guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.

Smoking Allowed?
Outside only.

Minimum stay
7 nights. All other durations on request.

Heating costs included?
Yes.

Tax
Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required).

Internet access?
Wi-Fi internet access included.

Pool towels included?
Yes.

Pool opening dates?
Please note that pool and jacuzzi opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.