Villa Elis overlooks the rocky and verdant coast of Mongerbino, a peaceful haven that you would never believe was just a few kilometres from the heart of Palermo, Italy’s fifth-largest and most culturally diverse city.

The headland of Capo Zafferano, on which the villa sits, is famous as a summer escape for the residents of the city fortunate enough to be able to escape to the cool breeze and beautiful coastline of the area for the summer. The incomparable view of the Gulf of Palermo is perfectly angled to take advantage of the enchanting sunsets for which Sicily is justly famed..

A wide driveway through an automatic gate leads you into the spacious grounds of Villa Elis. On your right is a car park and children’s play area. A path leads up past the immaculate garden, planted in perfect Sicilian style with lemon and palm trees, taking you to the elevated plateau from which the villa commands a perfect sea view.

The sunny, inviting terrace area is furnished with benches, deckchairs, a large dining table, a permanent barbecue and a well-stocked open-air kitchen. You’ll never even need to run inside to fix yourself a snack on a warm afternoon or leave your guests as you whip up a local-style feast on a tranquil summer evening.

A staircase leads up again to the first floor of Villa Elis, where you find yourself in a spacious, cleanly-furnished living room with a comfy sofa, large TV and wooden dining table. Twin double French windows lead onto the wrap-around balcony, not quite as large as the terrace below but with even better sea views. Stretched across the entire front and southern side of the villa, it offers a choice of different areas for sitting, relaxing and taking shade from the brightest midday sun.

Next to the living room, the fully equipped, modern and well-stocked kitchen also offers direct access to the balcony. A corridor leads from the living room to the three bedrooms, each of which offers a large, comfortable double bed and wardrobe. A pair of bathrooms are each fitted with showers.

Several air conditioning units are distributed throughout the villa to make sure your stay is as comfortable as possible, whatever the weather.

Mongerbino – Indulge your senses by the sea

The villa in Mongerbino is a dream come true for lovers of the sea. Every morning you can start your day with a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the warm Tyrrhenian and enjoy the peace and privacy that characterise this place.

The sunrise is indescribably beautiful, with a breathtaking view out over the water all to yourselves. The evocative fragrance of jasmine and orange blossom hangs in the air, blending and contrasting with the salt scent of the sea.

The gentle lapping of the waves, the quiet song of cicadas and the chorus of seagulls create a unique soundscape. Let the cares of the world float away on the tide and breathe it all deeply in.

The Monte Catalfano nature reserve is close at hand, while the fascinating ancient ruins of Solunto are only five kilometres away.

Even closer at hand is the railway station of Bagheria, just 4km up the road and ready to carry you to the very heart of Palermo in twenty minutes.