AltaRocca - Quatre Chambres Villa, Couchages 8

Taormina has been long been a magnet for travellers. Its unforgettable views of Mount Etna and Sicily's east coast, its ancient architectural wonders, and its labyrinth of pretty streets are hard to beat. The same can be said of AltaRocca, a beautifully restyled house with a pool, whose panoramic terraces gaze out over the town and the sea. Enjoy Taormina's numerous attractions when you're in the mood; retreat to the tranquil confines of AltaRocca when it's time for some R&R.

Inside: accommodation at AltaRocca is spread over four floors.

The main entrance leads into a luminous, stylishly furnished open-plan communal space with parquet flooring, white walls and ceilings, integrated lighting, and a pair of French doors allow a seamless flow outside. Unforgettable views of Taormina, the sea, and even a glimpse of the renowned ancient Graeco-Roman theatre, make this a truly special spot. The atmosphere is at once welcoming, luminous and airy, all features, along with the overall design, that are echoed throughout.

To one side is a large sink-in sofa and TV, to the other an oval dining table. An opening near this latter leads into the well-equipped contemporary kitchen, whose white-and-green geometrically patterned tiles are a leitmotif of the property that is repeated in numerous variations. Accommodation on this floor is completed by a smart guest WC with more tile style.

A white spiral staircase in the corner of the open-plan communal space leads up to the first floor, where there are two bedrooms, both with wonderful views and access to a shared wrap-around balcony:

• a double with sea views and an en-suite shower room resplendent in shining olive-green tiles
• a double with sea views and a shower room featuring bottle-green tiles just across the corridor

The spiral staircase continues from the first floor up to the second floor, where there is another bedroom, a double-twin with en-suite shower room. Due to its lower ceilings, this room is most suitable for children.

The fourth and final bedroom at AltaRocca, a double-twin with en-suite shower room (blue and white geometrically patterned tiles this time), and a little kitchen area, is located below the main terrace and accessed via an external flight of steps. Again, due to the lower ceiling height, this bedroom may be most suitable for independent teenagers.

Outside: al fresco life at AltaRocca is played out over a series of terraces, rising up below the spectacular rockface of Monte Tauro, on top of which sits the 10th-century Arab-Norman castle of Taormina.

The open-concept communal space on the main floor opens out on to two connecting terraces, both of which offer incredible views out over Taormina and the sea. To one side is the main al fresco dining area, which is served by a well-equipped outdoor kitchen, with barbecue, a sink and plenty of worktops. The motif of white and green tiles we encountered inside provides a colourful and striking backdrop.

Following this terrace around the front of the house one comes to the main al fresco sitting area, sink-in modular sofas and easy chairs sit beneath a shady canopy.

Steps lead from the al fresco dining area up to the magical pool area, which is furnished with sun loungers and a shaded sitting area, equipped with a small fridge and sink, and served by a nearby WC. The pool itself has a shallow beach area with a jet-massage system.

Steps on either side of the pool area lead up to a pair of fabulously panoramic terraces, both of which are furnished for sitting and lounging.

There are low ceilings in the dependence (2.05m) and attic bedrooms (2m)

AltaRocca is located right in the centre of bustling Taormina and therefore has neighbours. Some areas of the property are overlooked from a couple of angles. If you're looking for seclusion and total peace, this is not the property for you. If you love being at the centre of a vibrant historic town, however, it's hard to beat.

The number of steps that must be negotiated to get into and around this property (including the internal spiral staircase) might make it unsuitable for people with mobility problems.

Please note that the centre of Taormina is virtually car-free and there is no private parking at AltaRocca. Taormina does get busy, especially in the summer months, so parking places can sometimes be difficult to find. This said, for everyday life at AltaRocca, you won't need a car, as everything you need is right on your doorstep. If you wish to make the occasional excursion, why not let us arrange a driver?

You may also wish to know that the pool has a single depth of 1.4m.
Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.

The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.