Traditional Sicilian estate with infinity pool and Mount Etna Views
Nestled within the tranquil countryside of the Madonie Regional Natural Park, Villa Ruggero is a masterfully restored olive oil farmhouse. Situated at an altitude of 800 metres, this expansive estate offers absolute privacy and panoramic vistas stretching across the Sicilian landscape to the volcanic peak of Mount Etna. It is an ideal sanctuary for large families, group retreats, or special events seeking an authentic experience in the heart of historic Sicily.
The villa combines ancient dry-stone masonry with thoughtful modern design. The property is comprised of three distinct buildings connected by traditional cobblestone paths. Guests can enjoy the 16-metre infinity swimming pool, extensive private gardens, and high-speed wifi throughout the estate.
LOCATION AND AMENITIES
The estate is located just 5 minutes from the village of Castellana Sicula, where you will find essential services including local restaurants, pharmacies, banks, and a post office. The historic town of Polizzi Generosa and its archaeological sites are within 3 kilometres, while the coastal charm of Cefalù is a one-hour drive away.
A car is essential for exploring the region. Private taxi transfers from Palermo (1h 30m) or Catania (1h 45m) airports can be arranged upon request.
ACCOMMODATION LAYOUT
The villa provides en-suite accommodation for up to 28 guests across 11 bedrooms. The layout is designed to offer both communal spaces and private retreats.
APARTMENT GROUND FLOOR: 2 single beds (2 guests) FIRST FLOOR: 1 double bed and 1 single bed (3 guests) Features two bathrooms and an internal staircase.
MAIN BUILDING GROUND FLOOR: 1 double bed (2 guests) 1 double bed (2 guests) 1 accessible room: 1 double bed and 2 single beds (3 to 4 guests) The ground floor also houses a grand dining room for 28 people, a lounge with a feature fireplace, and a professional-grade kitchen.
FIRST FLOOR: 1 double bed (2 guests) 1 double bed and 1 bunk bed (4 guests) - ideal for families 1 double bed and 1 single bed (3 guests) 1 double bed (2 guests) 1 double bed and 1 single bed (3 guests) Three first-floor rooms include balconies overlooking the Italian garden and entrance courtyard.
SEPARATE UNIT Independent entrance with 1 double bed and 1 single sofa bed (3 guests).
EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS
Villa Ruggero is a versatile venue for weddings, art courses, and wellness retreats. Enhance your stay with locally arranged activities, including:
- Guided trekking in the Madonie National Park - Horse riding (3km away) - Traditional cheese and olive oil production tours - On-site Sicilian cooking lessons
Whether you are planning a large celebration or a quiet escape into the Sicilian interior, this estate provides the perfect balance of historic character and modern comfort.
LOCATION
Villa Ruggero offers a secluded retreat in the authentic Sicilian countryside, providing guests with absolute privacy and tranquility. Situated at an elevation of 800 metres on the edge of the Madonie Regional Natural Park, the estate serves as a gateway to the rugged beauty of the island's interior while remaining within reach of the northern coastline.
NEARBY AMENITIES IN CASTELLANA SICULA
While the villa is a peaceful sanctuary, modern conveniences are located just a 5-minute drive away in the town of Castellana Sicula. This local hub provides everything required for a self-catering stay, including:
- Local restaurants and traditional trattorias - Pharmacies and medical services - Banks and ATMs - Post office and local shops
EXPLORING THE REGION
The location is ideal for those looking to experience the historic and archaeological richness of Sicily. The ancient site of Polizzi Generosa is only 3 kilometres away, offering a glimpse into the island's deep heritage. For nature enthusiasts, the surrounding Madonie Park provides endless opportunities for guided trekking and exploration of a landscape famous for its biodiversity.
Coastal excursions are easily accessible, with the celebrated seaside town of Cefalù and its sandy beaches located approximately one hour away by car. Additionally, the estate’s elevated position offers clear views of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, which dominates the eastern horizon.
TRANSPORTATION AND ACCESS
To fully enjoy the freedom of the Sicilian countryside and the diverse attractions of the Madonie region, the hire of a private car is advised. The villa is accessed via scenic rural roads that showcase the typical island landscape. For guests requiring alternative transport, a professional taxi service can be arranged for a fee upon request to assist with local excursions or transfers.
The estate is well-positioned for international arrivals, situated between the island's two primary airports:
FALCONE-BORSELLINO AIRPORT (PALERMO - PMO) The drive from Palermo Airport to Villa Ruggero takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. This is the most convenient arrival point for those wishing to explore the capital city or the western coast during their stay.
FONTANAROSSA AIRPORT (CATANIA - CTA) The journey from Catania Airport takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. This route offers a scenic drive across the heart of the island, passing through the diverse geological landscapes that lead toward the Madonie mountains.
- Heating, if required, charged by the owner, starts at €600. - Final cleaning fee €300. - Electricity 350 kw/h per week. € 0.50 per kw/h extra to be paid cash upon departure - Refundable security deposit of €1000. - late check in between 8 and 10pm is €30 - late check in after 10pm is €50
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Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Please contact us for more details
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Pets
No pets allowed
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Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Refundable security deposit of €1000.
- late check in between 8 &10pm is €30
- late check in after 10pm is €50
Electricity 400 kw/h per week. € 0.50 per kw/h extra to be paid cash upon departure
Heating, if required, measured and charged by the owner
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number IT082058C28CVNCDEQ
Property # 10957849
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 99
Note from host: Please contact us for more details
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Polizzi Generosa
Located in Polizzi Generosa, this villa is in a rural area. The Madonita Ambientalistic Museum of Polizzi Generosa and Antonio Collisani Civic Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Gal Hassin International Center for Astronomical Sciences and Regaleali Estate. Scuba diving and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and ecotours nearby.
The Madonita Ambientalistic Museum of Polizzi Generosa - 9 min drive - 7.8 km
Chiesa Madre Santa Maria Maggiore - 9 min drive - 7.8 km
Civic Archaeological Museum - 11 min drive - 9.3 km
Vallone Madonna degli Angeli - 11 min drive - 13.0 km
Madonie Regional Park Visitors Center - 12 min drive - 11.9 km
Getting around
Valledolmo Station - 39 min drive
Palermo (PMO-Punta Raisi) - 106 min drive
Restaurants
A Suprana - 17 min drive
Al Pascia - 17 min drive
Pineta Resort - 15 min drive
Muzzo Sabrina - 4 min drive
Regina Di Cuori - 15 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Traditional Sicilian estate with infinity pool and Mount Etna Views have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Traditional Sicilian estate with infinity pool and Mount Etna Views?
As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Traditional Sicilian estate with infinity pool and Mount Etna Views on 29 May 2026 start from AU$1,162, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Traditional Sicilian estate with infinity pool and Mount Etna Views pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Traditional Sicilian estate with infinity pool and Mount Etna Views?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Traditional Sicilian estate with infinity pool and Mount Etna Views?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Traditional Sicilian estate with infinity pool and Mount Etna Views?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Traditional Sicilian estate with infinity pool and Mount Etna Views located?
Situated in a rural location, this villa is within 6 miles (10 km) of The Madonita Ambientalistic Museum of Polizzi Generosa, Chiesa Madre Santa Maria Maggiore and Civic Archaeological Museum. Vallone Madonna degli Angeli and Antonio Collisani Civic Museum are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Authentic, comfortable, clean, spacious, former farmhouse, transformed into a holiday villa. Plenty of bedrooms, living areas. Nice pool. All good, we hadd a great time. Can recommend to everyone
The place was in an amazing setting- every view was like a post card! The weather was unseasonably cool and rainy which made things feel a bit cool and damp and so firewood was a necessary part to keep heat which made it feel like a much more casual “camping” feel rather than resort. We had daily visits from grounds keeper who made sure we had everything we needed (including firewood) and the host was always available and responded quickly to any questions. WiFi a bit spotty at times.
Very spacious place. Less than 3 km to a very charming town where groceries, restaurants and anything we needed was available. We did do a cooking class on the premises that was a lot of fun! Overall, a wonderful stay!
Our stay was wonderful. We had our entire family (20 people from ages 22 months to 73 years). The villa exceeded our expectations. It has been restored and finished very well. We were there during the winter and all of the buildings were warm and comfortable.
There were two main buildings. One had the sleeping rooms and two common area lounges. The other building had a very large dining area, a large living area, and a good-sized kitchen. We prepared two meals per day there and it worked well. The separate building was good because people could stay up late and not disturb anyone who was sleeping.
The scenery around the villa was beautiful and it was nice to be in the middle of a working farm.
The owners were very nice and accommodating. They communicated often and responded immediately to any questions or requests we had.
I highly recommend it to anyone.
My husband's family's roots are in Calabria and Sicily, and we were thrilled to find Tenuto Don Ruggero to have as a base for a family reunion. The whole family, 21 of us at a time, 23 in total, fit very comfortably into this lovely property. Polizzi Generosa is a convenient, centrally located base from which we explored the food and history of Palermo, the cathedral at Monreale, the beaches at Cefalu, the Greek ruins of Agrigento, and the history of Siracusa. At night, we gathered for cocktails on the truly stunning veranda overlooking the nearby valley. Four of our nights, we arranged with Friends of Tuscany to have a chef prepare a meal for the whole group in the villa's kitchen, and we had memorable dinners together in the massive, gorgeous dining hall. Two nights we reserved dinner in nearby Castellana, which is only a couple of kilometers away. The rooms are very comfortable, the beds were very comfortable, and the bathrooms were very clean. Many of the rooms had beautiful balconies. An inconvenience for those of us used to American rentals, some of us were disappointed that there was no shampoo in the bathrooms and limited toilet paper, so if you book this lovely place, make sure to bring toiletries and also kitchen cleaning supplies, such as paper towels and detergents. We only had one problem - a fuse blew in one of the rooms - and it was fixed within the hour. The owners, Simonetta and Claudia, were very helpful and communicative. I would strongly recommend Tenuto Don Ruggero to any group, with the understanding that staying at this villa is self-serve and self-catering. This is a working farm and the olive oil in the kitchen is from its own olives. We made sure to buy a jar of it and will enjoy it now that we are home. We hope to come back someday!
Todd G.
Stayed 10 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Dec 2022
Dear Todd and family,
Thank you for the lovely review and I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay in Villa Rugerro.
I'd be delighted to welcome you back and can offer you a returners discount via my agency.
Please keep in touch.
Kind regards,
Molly
Friends of Tuscany Ltd
Lieu superbe Vues à couper le souffle Calme absolu
denis b.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2025
Dear Denis,
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted you enjoyed the superb location, the tranquility, and those breathtaking views. We’d be very happy to welcome you back again — and as a returning guest, you’ll receive a special Friends of Tuscany discount on your next stay.
Best wishes,
Molly
Friends of Tuscany
J’ai fêté mes 30 ans dans cet endroit absolument magique.
Nous étions 18 et chacun de mes amis a adoré.
La maison est magnifique, authentique, très grande, la literie confortable (au delà de mes attentes et encore mieux que sur les photos).
Le lieu est reculé, calme, la vue est magnifique surtout de la piscine.
La communication avec l’agence et la famille parfaite (facile et fluide) et ils n’hésiteront pas à vous rassurer et vous donner des conseils sur les alentours.
Je recommande les yeux fermés pour tout évènements, c’est un petit havre de Paradis.
Le seul point négatif est le retour à la réalité après avoir passé quelques jours dans cet endroit. ☺️
Buen alojamiento, la casa es grande y cómoda aunque dos de los baños no funcionaban y hay demasiadas hormigas en algún dormitorio.
Las instalaciones son estupendas pero hay que pagar bastante más por la piscina y la calefacción (excesiva en los dormitorios)
La atención por parte de los propietarios es muy buena
Beatriz C.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022
About the host
Hosted by Molly McKean
My name is Molly and I work for my family run holiday agency, Friends of Tuscany. We have been promoting villas in Tuscany as well as Sicily since 1988. We provide all our guests with a personalised service, are on call before and during the guests holiday and provide very detailed information about the best things to do in the area.
Why they chose this property
This property is very spacious and a great place to have family gatherings, weddings and other events. The views are magnificent and there are lovely towns under 10 minutes drive away
What makes this property unique
get away from it feel whilst being close to good amenities.