Essential Italy’s featured properties showcase the best of southern Italy

While the majority of visitors head to the Amalfi Coast or the hills of Tuscany for some much-needed Italian sun, those who have explored Italy have discovered that the very best sun-kissed getaways can be found in the south of the country. Here you’ll find a quieter and more authentic slice of Italy, located off the beaten tourist track.

Essential Italy’s newest featured Italian villas really shine and showcase just why southern Italy is an unmissable destination, with the properties spanning the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, as well as the region of Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot.

Villa Betta, Sardinia

Offering some of the best views you’ll find in Porto Rafael out onto the sparkling Mediterranean and La Maddalena archipelago, you can soak up this unforgettable sight at Villa Betta from not one but two terraces, with the rooftop terrace offering incredible views of the starry sky by night. Built in the 1960s, this property is characteristic of the region, with its rounded walls and whitewashed exterior. Sleeping up to 6 people across 3 bedrooms, the accommodation is simple yet spacious and makes for the perfect base for exploring Sardinia. A large covered dining table can be found out on the terrace perfect for a meal with a view at any time of the day, while there is also a barbecue, lawn and shady trees throughout the rest of the garden.

Trullo Bellissimo, Puglia

Set among its very own olive grove, Trullo Bellissimo is a charming and traditional Pugliese property. Originally three separate buildings, the buildings have been combined to beautiful results, revealing stone walls and vaulted ceilings. With two bedrooms and bathrooms, the trullo can accommodate up to 6 people, with the addition of two day beds. Inside the property there is also an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, though you are sure to be spending most of your time outdoors. The property not only boasts its own olive groves but also a private swimming pools, gardens and terraces perfect for enjoying your meals on. Located just 8km from the white city of Ostuni as well as a number of pretty hill towns and beaches, you’ll find a number of great restaurants, shops and places to explore nearby.

Villa delle Palme, Sicily

Located only 300m from the stunning sandy beach of Santa Maria Foccallo, Villa delle Palme is perfectly positioned for exploring southern Sicily. Not only is the beach a stone’s throw away but so are the charming towns of Noto, Modica, Ispica and Siracusa. Sleeping up to 6 guests with 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, the villa also boasts a lounge and dining rooms as well as a well-equipped kitchen and laundry room. There is also another kitchen area outdoors, perfect for preparing and enjoying a classic Italian meal under the sun, with a pizza oven and barbecue also supplied ideal for dining al fresco. Surrounding the property are some well-manicured and pretty gardens, perfect for relaxing in with a book or a glass of wine, while the private pool offers a refreshing cool-off from the heat.