Castello di Falconara

Dramatically clamped to a rocky crag and dominating one of the most splendid beaches on the coastline in a private area of southern Sicily stands a magnificent Medieval castle, improved and altered in several phases since it was originally built as fortress in the 14th Century. The experience of living, not merely in a castle by the sea, but in a castle suffused with all the sumptuousness and excess of the Bourbon aristocracy is a rare treat. The rental includes the services of a chef and kitchen staff as well as housekeeping of course, but its a short drive into Licata for dinner at Madia, one of the finest restaurants in Italy.
Castello di Falconara is surrounded by a beautiful and exotic palm grove of aromatic, rare and historic plants (many of which are normally to be found only in botanic gardens) as well as a fantastic swimming pool, and direct access to the sea through an ancient flight of steps carved into a tunnel of natural tufa.
The castle is set on two levels connected by a grand staircase. On the top floor is a recently constructed and very comfortable apartment comprising a large living room, kitchen, terrace and 7 bedrooms (six doubles and one twin) each with private bathroom. Two of the bedrooms on the upper level have an quirky bathroom created inside a large wardrobe — ideal for children! On the piano nobile is a typical Baroque “enfilade” of grande reception rooms culminating in the Blue Room, two dining rooms, a guest bathroom and two bedrooms (one double and one single) accessed up a small staircase. A sweeping terrace runs alongside the numerous reception rooms. A second staircase leads down to more bedrooms (five doubles, one twin and a single). All the bedrooms have views of the sea.
The property gives onto private, sandy beaches, accessed on foot from its gardens. The interiors are furnished and decorated with antique pieces and family vestiges including an imposing collection of hunting trophies; the swimming pool and sun area are in the gardens made bright and breezy by the facing Mediterranean waters. Ideal for parties and large gatherings, for an extra fee guests can use the spa facilities and tennis courts of the adjacent hotel, Falconara Resort.