soloSicily has added three new properties to its portfolio, available exclusively through the Sicilian villa specialist. Perfect for anyone looking for late summer sun, the villas have availability in September and October - two of the best months to visit Sicily when temperatures are mild, the seas are warm and there are fewer crowds.

From hazelnuts and pistachios to olives and mushrooms, September and October is harvest season in Sicily and the best time to find one of the lively festivals held throughout the island to celebrate the produce.  Several of the most popular are within easy reach of the new villas - Couscous Fest held in San Vito Lo Capo in north-west Sicily, the Sherbeth ice cream festival in Cefalù and the mushroom festival in Castelbuono, both north Sicily.

Sleeping between four and seven, the new villas are in the north and west of the island, featuring plenty of outdoor space with countryside or sea views. Each villa is well positioned to explore Sicily in these late summer months.

Calura

Cefalù, Sleeping Six

Lovingly restored, Calura is set above the beach with sea views. Featuring exposed stone walls and spacious living areas, Calura sleeps six and is traditional in design creating a serene home-from-home feel. The highlight of the villa is its outdoor space. The well-kept garden has a shaded dining area for leisurely al fresco lunches and gazebo with comfy sofas. For games lovers, there's a ping pong table and for foodies, a barbecue area and outdoor kitchen.

Whether it is exploring the UNESCO World Heritage towns of Cefalù, Monreale and Palermo, hiking in the Madonie Mountains or spending time on the beach, Calura is a superb villa for exploring all that Sicily's north coast offers.

One week at Calura costs from £2,262 (Euros 2,500 euros) in October for six people. http://www.solosicily.com/calura.aspx

Punta Marina

Realmonte, Sleeping Four

Punta Marina has an infinity pool, sea views and a large garden. Ideal for a small family or two couples, the garden has hammocks to relax in, a covered outdoor barbeque area and kitchen and table football. Large windows and French doors bring the outside into the villa, making it a light and airy space to spend time in.

Situated in South-West Sicily, Punta Marina is close to many beaches, the nearest being only a few minutes' drive away. A little further is Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, with unspoilt sandy beaches and wildlife, or Eraclea Minoa with a lively beach and restaurant scene. For nearby shops, the small town of Realmonte is just down the road or the towns of Agrigento and Sciacca are not far away.

One week at Punta Marina costs from £1,855 (Euros 2,050 euros) in October for four people. http://www.solosicily.com/punta-marina.aspx

Rubina

Fulgatore, Sleeping Seven

Surrounded by olive trees, Rubina is a peaceful countryside villa, ideal for exploring west Sicily. The newly built villa is light and airy, with whitewashed walls and furnished with traditional paintings. Offering ample outside space, there is a large pool, terrace and covered gazebo area, as well as a table tennis table. Guests can walk straight from the terrace into the high ceilinged sitting room and there are four bedrooms, including a master bedroom with views over rolling fields.

Rubina is in a great location for gourmands! A local Agriturismo, Don Carlo, is within walking distance offering the chance to sample delicious Sicilian cuisine and wine, or for the traditional Sicilian sweet treat, cannoli, Bar Vultaggio famed from its sweet pastries is nearby. The pretty town of Trapani, is also close with its charming centre. From here it is possible to take a cable car (with extraordinary views) up to Erice. This medieval hilltop town has the best almond pastries in Sicily, and is full of churches, palazzi and a castle.

One week at Rubina costs from £1,810 (Euros 2,000 euros) in October for seven people.  http://www.solosicily.com/rubina.aspx

For reservations visit www.solosicily.com or call soloSicily on 020 7097 1413.

Ends

10 August 2017

For more information and images please contact Emma Hill or Tiggy Dean at Hill & Dean PR on 020 8875 9923.

Notes to editors

Founded in 2006, soloSicily is a private villa rental company with a collection of over 40 hand-picked villas in Sicily.  The portfolio is designed to suit all needs, with romantic hideaways, chic beachfront villas, family-friendly holiday homes, luxury villas with private pools and aristocratic country estates.  Based in Palermo, soloSicily has a dedicated team of people who are passionate about Sicily and use their local knowledge to find the best villas on the island.