Villa specialist Wish Sicily has announced a brand new collection of family friendly villas in south east Sicily, all with a pool and many within walking distance of the beach. The villas are situated close to the superb beaches that characterise the coastline between Marina di Ragusa and Santa Maria del Focallo.

The villas start at as little as £117 per person per week at Giaira, a contemporary 4-bedroom villa (sleeps 9) with a private pool and large garden. Gorgeous Santa Maria del Focallo beach, a wide sandy beach backed by pine forests and dunes, is on the doorstep.

Comments Wish Sicily owner, Gioacchino Sortino, 'We're delighted to be able to meet the growing demand for villas by the beach in south east Sicily. Having a private pool and being close to the beach are the two most popular requests from our clients, and the proximity to towns such as Noto and Ragusa adds even further to their appeal.'

Sample properties:

Affordable style in great location
If you're looking for style and an excellent location, Scarlet ticks all the boxes without the hefty price tag. Filled with elegant designer touches and unique furnishings, the 3-bedroom villa has a large pool, overlooked by sunbathing terraces and a sprawling covered veranda.

Set between the baroque towns of Ragusa and Modica, the beautifully refurbished villa is ideally placed for visiting the area's magnificent UNESCO world heritage towns, and for days on the coast. Other local attractions include the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve where you can take refreshing dips in icy pools that form at the base of the reserve's steep canyon walls.

One week at Scarlet from £1229 (sleeps 6) with Wish Sicily (www.wishsicily.com, t. 020 7193 7302).

Watersports for families with older children
Teenagers aren't always the easiest group to please, so a villa with independent living space can be a definite bonus. At Naive, 2 of the 4 bedrooms are housed in a separate annex and all bedrooms have their own bathroom. Outside, there's space for everyone to enjoy al fresco meals on the shaded veranda or gather round the large pool.

Another plus for teenagers is the freedom to walk to the beach. Nearby Tiki Beach, with fine golden sand and crystal clear water, offers teenagers a selection of water sports, including sailing, surfing and kitesurfing. In the evenings, head into nearby Pozzallo for a pizza and ice-cream or to nearby Modica to discover the art of chocolate-making.

One week at Naive from £1405 (sleeps 8) with Wish Sicily (www.wishsicily.com, t 020 7193 7302).

Beach villa with pool
Pop down to the long stretch of golden sand and turquoise sea at Playa Grande, just 100m from Lavinia, a 4-bedroom family friendly villa close to the charming town of Scicli. Choose between a free section of the beach and one of the fully equipped beach clubs offering sun beds, umbrellas and other amenities. The beach is just one of a string of fabulous beaches that includes Punta Secca, Marina di Ragusa and Santa Maria del Focallo.

The simply furnished villa offers excellent value for families, with plenty of outdoor space to enjoy al fresco meals overlooking the garden and pool.

One week at Lavinia from £1098 (sleeps 6) with Wish Sicily (www.wishsicily.com, t. 020 7193 7302).

Wish Sicily offers an extensive collection of villas and apartments throughout Sicily with bookings made directly with villa owners and supported by a price guarantee promise. An extensive programme of in villa services, tours, activities and excursions is available for guests. Properties range from affordable family villas with pools by the beach, to exclusive villas for up to 31. For reservations and further information, please visit www.wishsicily.com, t. 020 7193 7302.