A late, lazy breakfast on your private terrace, an afternoon swim, or maybe a snoop around a pretty Italian town — then there’s the pull of a lively bar at aperitivo hour, where scrummy snacks arrive alongside that Aperol spritz. On a villa holiday in Italy, you’re free to be as laid-back as you wish. No annoying hotel breakfast hours to dent your downtime, no extraneous noise from other guests — and for a party of friends or family, even the swishest villa can save you money over an equivalent luxury hotel stay. In a villa, the hours you keep and the noise you make are your own.
Whether you’re planning a couple’s getaway or a family treat — maybe even a multigenerational get together, there’s plenty of choice available through Italian villa specialists. Luxury travel should mean hassle-free arrangements, dreamy surroundings, and a villa that leaves you weeping at the very idea of returning home. Be it a romantic seaside hideaway, a swanky Venetian palazzo, a waterfront retreat with your own chef or a remote, splendidly renovated historic country villa, you’ll find something to suit every need in our collection of the best luxury villas in Italy.
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1. Trulli La Pietrina, Puglia
££ | POOL | SLEEPS 6 | Best for garden ingredients
La Pietrina has three charming double bedrooms, all with en suites and access to the pretty garden — where you’ll find a pool, dining area and barbecue. This whitewashed Puglia property is delightful, with an original stone fireplace and a large panoramic roof terrace: the perfect spot for gazing out over the olive groves. The 110 olive trees at La Pietrina are harvested by hand every November, to produce top-quality extra virgin olive oil. A herb garden thrives alongside vines of sweet cherry tomatoes, giving you almost all the ingredients for bruschetta.
2. Trulli Le Mandorle, Puglia
£ | POOL | SLEEPS 4 | Best for traditional style
Villas in Italy don’t get much more traditional than this. Puglia’s countryside is dotted with trulli: charming, conical stone houses that were originally home to the area’s peasant families. Today, many of these quirky dwellings have been given a luxurious refurbishment. Trulli Le Mandorle is one such property: a 250-year-old elegantly restored villa, with original features galore, set in five acres of peaceful countryside scattered with olive groves and fruit trees. Help yourself to the garden’s abundant seasonal cherries, plums, figs and pears. You’ll also love the new saltwater pool, and the outdoor shower that’s under a 150-year-old ancient olive tree in the garden.
3. Casa Arcobaleno, Amalfi coast
£££ | POOL | SLEEPS 8 | Best for views
Casa Arcobaleno has some of the most impressive views on the Amalfi coast: from its pool terrace you can look out over the Gulf of Naples towards Mount Vesuvius and the islands of Ischia and Procida. The property itself is spectacular too: complete with stylish interior design, spacious bedrooms, and glorious private gardens surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The local village is just a few minutes away, and reaching Sorrento is quick and easy too — its incredible architecture, culture and coastline are only 20 minutes’ drive away.
4. Villa la Dolce Vita, Puglia
££ | POOL | SLEEPS 6 | Best for sightseeing
They say location is everything and that’s certainly true of Villa La Dolce Vita, set on the outskirts of one of Salento’s most attractive hill towns, Oria. The villa itself blends contemporary design with old-world charm, so expect lots of exposed stone, antique furniture and cream decor in its three spacious bedrooms and relaxing communal spaces. Life also centres on the villa’s exteriors: that gorgeous pool, a fragrant orange grove patio, a dining area under a shaded gazebo with a wood oven and barbecue, alongside exquisite mature gardens. We dare you to drag yourself away, but then again, you’re within easy reach of Puglia’s gem towns, Alborello, Ostuni and Cisternino.
5. Tenuta Montanaro, Puglia
£ | POOL | SLEEPS 6 | Best for rustic elegance
This traditional trullo sits among vineyards, with manicured gardens and a sun-drenched outdoor pool. Tenuta Montanaro’s three bedrooms have characterful conical roofs, and the interiors are rustic yet elegant, with a cosy indoor living room and leafy outdoor dining area. Villa holidays in Italy don’t have to be isolated. Just a couple of miles away, Locorotondo is the nearest town, a labyrinth of pretty whitewashed houses huddled together on the hilltops of the Valle d’Itria, enjoying superb views.
6. Villa Il Gufo, Tuscany
££ | POOL | SLEEPS 20 | Best for historical features
Villa Il Gufo consists of three ancient dwellings — all of which have been carefully restored, complete with original features. Here you can can relax in the swimming pool, hide away in the snug among the olive trees and dine alfresco on the veranda surrounded by roses. This Tuscany villa is surrounded by beautiful private parkland with a huge variety of flowers, yet is within walking distance of the medieval town of Anghiari — famous for its art and culture.
• Best luxury villas in Tuscany
7. Casa Melograno, Puglia
££ | POOL | SLEEPS 6 | Best for a rural retreat
This is the perfect villa if you want to discover the rural charm of Puglia. Casa Melograno is a three-bedroom villa in the countryside outside Ostuni and just a short drive from the seafront. Set across one level, it is easily accessible for all guests — with patio doors in each bedroom that open out onto the garden, where a swimming pool and dining area await. Spend your days lounging on sandy beaches or strolling through one of the many local market towns, stepping through the history of Puglia and feasting on Italian cuisine.
8. Villa Lu Muntiggiu, Sardinia
££ | POOL | SLEEPS 12 | Best for celebrations
Located in north-eastern Sardinia and surrounded by the dramatic mountainscapes that characterise this gorgeous island, Villa Lu Muntiggiu offers a pleasingly affordable house-party hideaway. With a separate annex sleeping four about 15m away, you’ve also the flexibility for a multi-generational holiday. Pared-back contemporary decor in cool cream tones mixes with rustic detailing; outside you’ve pergola-shaded dining spaces and mature gardens of holm oak, junipers and strawberry bushes leading to a pool. Sure, it’s a tad old-fashioned in style but the location — with its sunset views over to the Limbara mountains, the town of Arzachena, Baia Sardinia and San Pantaleo — is unforgettable.
9. Trulli Gabriella, Puglia
£ | POOL | SLEEPS 2 | Best for gorgeous gardens
Surrounded by fruit trees and landscaped gardens, pretty Trulli Gabriella is a charming romantic retreat for two. Its interiors combine both luxury and tradition, with original features such as the conical roof and cosy alcoves, as well as a large private pool and terraces for alfresco dining. If you’re looking for a villa that offers extra touches, you’ll be delighted to find that there are plenty of fruit trees which you can enjoy at your leisure: a real treat, especially in May and June when the fruit is ready to pick.
10. Villa San Michele, Puglia
££ | POOL | SLEEPS 8 | Best for tranquillity
Set amid five acres of olive and almond trees, Villa San Michele was once a chapel and monastery dating back to the 1300s. It is now one of the most tranquil Italian villas in our collection, with traditional stone architecture throughout — blending classic decor and antique furnishings with stylish modern features. The property also has a secret underground limestone cave, which dates back to the seventh century — complete with medieval frescoes.
11. Villa Rita, Sicily
££ | POOL | SLEEPS 6 | Best for dreamy panoramic views
Set just above Cefalu and a short hop from the village of Sant’Ambrogio, Villa Rita has some of the best views over Sicily’s northern coastline towards Cefalu and the Aeolian islands. This modern white villa sleeps six in three airy ensuite bedrooms where a neutral colour scheme and minimalist furniture enhance the sense of space. Downstairs, there’s an open-plan kitchen, while outside features a decent-size pool, plenty of loungers and a shaded dining area. Above all, you’ve easy access to beaches and, if you don’t fancy cooking, the village has an excellent pizzeria.
12. La Canonica, Asolo, Veneto
££ | SLEEPS 4 | Best for access to Asolo
Known as the “city of a hundred horizons”, hilltop Asolo was home to Robert Browning and the explorer Freya Stark, and from here the exiled Renaissance Queen Caterina of Cyprus enjoyed a gilded life, gathering the cream of painters and poets to her court. At La Canonica you’re in the centre of this lively yet low-key arcaded town, with easy access to prosecco-producing vineyards. This private villa with its delightful garden melds rustic charm (parquet floorboards, wrought-iron staircases and exposed stonework) with luxe contemporary touches, and from the bedroom you’ve panoramas over Asolo and Veneto countryside. Vineyard tours, cookery classes and bike tours can be pre-booked. Don’t miss the buzz of aperitivo hour at Bar Centrale.
13. Al Plemmirio, Sicily
£ | SLEEPS 6 | Best for the sea
You don’t have to lug a carload of stuff to the beach when you’re staying at Al Plemmirio. A private gate at the bottom of the villa leads directly on to a pebbly patch, part of the protected marine reserve on the coast south of Syracuse. Little ones can snorkel in the small sandy coves watching out for sea urchins, and grown-ups should make the most of the vast tiered terraces and double daybeds of the villa. Inside it’s rustic chic with pans on the walls, quirky hanging lights and a dreamy four-poster. Sicily’s famous ancient sites, including the island of Ortigia, are nearby.
14. Villa il Colle di Moriano, Lucca, Tuscany
£££ | POOL | SLEEPS 6 | Best for Lucca life
Lovely Lucca: it’s one of Tuscany’s most appealing towns, but in high season a stay in its centre can quickly kill off its charms. Opt instead for this charming villa in Lucca’s surrounding hills, where silvery olive groves lead the eye up to Monti Pisani. Typically Tuscan, with a rich ochre-toned exterior and sunshine-warm decor, this sprawling retreat has a garden filled with cypresses, flowerbeds and Mediterranean herbs; a shady portico, alongside a pool and solarium. Inside there’s an exquisite blend of Carrara marble detailing, terracotta floors, oriental rugs and enormous stone fireplaces. There are plenty of nooks and crannies too, for quieter moments away from the family.
15. Le Saline, Sardinia
£ | SLEEPS 6 | Best for value
Affordable, yet with luxury twists, the cluster of modern villas at Le Saline resort in Sardinia is only 400m from crystalline sea and a private sandy cove. Each villa is finished with a modern Mediterranean vibe, alongside Sardinian touches with art motifs, local granite and soft linen furnishings. A stay here is all about alfresco fun: villas come with outdoor showers, barbecues, and enclosed gardens. Enjoy laid-back beach days, then head to nearby Palau and La Maddalena for buzzy bars, squeaky-clean beaches and that lively evening passeggiata.
• Best luxury villas in Sardinia
16. Rosa Dei Venti, Cinque Terre, Liguria
£££ | SLEEPS 14 | Best for sea views
Liguria has a string of colourful Cinque Terre fishing villages and is an absolute delight. Book Rosa Dei Venti, a short stroll from Levanto, to feel as if you’ve bagged a private island escape right in the heart of its coastline. This handsome villa has the feel of a castle perched on a rocky promontory at the end of a sandy beach and is incredibly light throughout. You’ll get panoramic sea views from most rooms, idyllic terraces, and — perfect for teenagers — a hideaway tower bedroom.
17. Villa La Pace, Amalfi
££ | POOL | SLEEPS 7 | Best for location
Halfway between the towering cliffs of Sorrento and Positano, this cute-as-a-button casa is in prime coastal position. The crazy-paving style walls won’t be for everyone, but you’re here for the location, the views and the garden, lit at night, with its palm trees, butter bean-shaped pool and loungers — for when you can’t face the Amalfi coast crush. If you’re bold enough to compete with the locals, there’s a wood-burning oven for pizza-making, and lemon trees will make your gin and tonic zing.
18. Villa Art-Wine, Lazio
£££ | POOL | SLEEPS 24 | Best for wine lovers
This extravagant property set in extensive gardens is full of rustic charm, and is ideal for larger groups or family gatherings. There are a handful of en-suite bedrooms in the main villa, with cottages on the estate providing additional rooms for those who need the separate space. Vineyards surround the property, and there’s even a wine cellar in the basement of the villa; a wine tasting is included as part of your stay here. Elsewhere, a spa with a heated indoor pool and Turkish steam bath ensure you’re in total relaxation mode.
19. Villa Sarno, Abruzzo
££ | POOL | SLEEPS 8 | Best for hilltop living
An oasis of peace in lesser-known Abruzzo, Villa Sarno combines rustic Italianate charm with spacious contemporary decor. Enjoy mesmerising views over vineyards and undulating hills towards the sea; pop in the car and you’re five minutes from the sandy beaches and historical heart of Pescara; or simply snooze in the garden or on the shady terrace of this isolated hilltop villa. There’s a small pool and Jacuzzi, hammocks and a barbecue, and shops and restaurants are just a short drive away.
20. Villa Boffalora, Lake Como
£££ | POOL | SLEEPS 14 | Best for Lake Como views
From its elevated position, Villa Boffalora has unobstructed views of Lake Como that are simply breathtaking — and the property takes full advantage of this, whether it’s from the balconies of each of the bedrooms, the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, the infinity pool or the gym. The interiors are thoroughly modern, with a Scandi vibe running through it. Elsewhere there’s a games room with pool table, plus an outdoor play area with a treehouse and slides for the kids.
21. Trullo Raffaella, Puglia
££ | POOL | SLEEPS 5 | Best for lots of space
Trulli — traditional conical houses — are a hallmark of Puglia. This one is a rare example of one that feels airy and spacious inside. The five turrets of this beauty, named after the owner’s wife, are striking, with elegantly curved ceilings in nearly every room, cool white walls and simple iron bed frames. Outside there’s a pergola and barbecue for easygoing suppers plus a private pool. You can compare trulli in the surrounding villages, including Locorotondo and Martina Franca.
22. Villa La Lavandaia, Tuscany
£££ | POOL | SLEEPS 4 | Best for activities
Villa La Lavandaia is part of the sensitively restored country estate of Borgo Pignano — it’s a romantic two-bedroom property perched at the resort’s summit. Dreamy views from the covered terrace or sun-drenched infinity pool span cypress-dotted hills and vineyards. Inside you’ve luxe hotel-standard decor. It’s ultra-private yet, being only steps from the estate’s restaurants and spa, you can access all of Borgo Pignano’s activities: summer concerts, painting and cookery classes, riding, trekking and yoga, and of course, wine tasting. A short drive takes you to the medieval towns of Volterra and San Gimignano; Florence and Pisa are an hour away.
23. Villa Oliveto, Le Marche
£££ | POOL | SLEEPS 8 | Best for luxury
Rural, hill-speckled Le Marche — think Tuscany before the tourists arrived. If that floats your boat, book into idyllic Villa Oliveta, a hilltop retreat at Civitanova Alta, set within a private nine-acre olive grove. Clean lines, contemporary muted colour schemes and luxury furnishings hallmark this spectacular villa. Add in coastal views of the Adriatic, a huge infinity pool, gym and a yoga studio. The concierge team can arrange extra services from in-villa chefs, truffle-hunting expeditions or massages to cultural day trips.
olivetoestate.com
24. Villa Elaia, Cefalu, Sicily
£££ | POOL | SLEEPS 16 | Best for a big family celebration
Perfect for that long-awaited family get-together, glamorous Villa Elaia carries a chic boutique-hotel vibe within its expansive contemporary interiors and cool sea-facing terraces. You’ve breezy double-aspect bedrooms and a separate garden annexe for teens or grandparents, as well as plenty of scope for relaxation: a pool and separate Jacuzzi deck, alongside canoes and a panoramic perch overlooking the sea. Vibrant Cefalu is close by, and a short walk takes you to Mazzoforno beach, offering diving, snorkelling and pedalos.
sicily4u.co.uk
25. Villa Molise, Tavenna, Molise
£ | POOL | SLEEPS 4 | Best for exploring Molise
Villa Molise is the perfect base to discover one of Italy’s lesser-known regions. In the heart of rural Molise, it has sweeping Adriatic views and is close to a charming stone village. The owner’s grandparents originally lived here with their animals, and often gift guests with homegrown produce. Inside, expect an exquisite blend of old and new: walls dotted with baskets made by local nonnas; linen fabrics; and original features melding with a muted contemporary palette. There’s a large pool and a shady terrace, and a short drive brings you to Termoli for day trips over to the heavenly beaches of the Tremiti Islands.
welcomebeyond.com
26. Villa Peduzzi, Pigra, Lake Como
£££ | POOL | SLEEPS 14-16 | Best for infinity pool
Eat your heart out, Clooney — at Lake Como’s Villa Peduzzi you’ll find the ultimate in dreamy retreats with arguably one of the most postcard-picture outlooks possible. This Liberty-style villa has been reimagined by a Singaporean design company: think cutting-edge good looks, sumptuous suites with beautifully restored ceiling frescoes, countless balustraded terraces and, from the huge infinity pool, a dazzling 180-degree panorama over the lake itself. Add to that a cinema room, gym, sauna, pool table — and, for kids, a tree house, trampoline and zip line — and you’ll be forgiven for never wanting to leave.
welcomebeyond.com
27. Palazzino Alvisi, Venice
£££ | SLEEPS 7 | Best for Venetian glamour
What could be more heavenly than gazing across the Grand Canal to Santa Maria della Salute from your private Venice terrace? At the luxurious Palazzino Alvisi your neighbour is the illustrious Gritti Palace, with San Marco only a few steps away. This enchanting palazzo once belonged to wealthy American socialite Katharine Bronson. Henry James was a guest; so was Robert Browning — and its interior reflects that era. Silk wallpaper? Tick. Chandeliers, decorative wooden beams and speckled terrazzo floors? Tick. Antiques? More than you can count. Daily housekeeping service? Certo. Alongside glamorous dusky-pink drawing rooms, a wisteria-clad terrace and private water-taxi entrance are four elegant Venetian-styled bedrooms, all with striking views.
vovcollection.com
28. Santa Restola, Tuscany
££ | POOL | SLEEPS 8 | Best for time on the terrace
Puccini loved this part of Tuscany, setting up home in a villa on nearby Lake Massaciuccoli to compose his most famous operas. Forming a triangle with Pisa and Lucca, this 15th-century farmhouse commands a look-at-me-spot in the hills above the lake and seaside town of Viareggio, 15 minutes away. Narrow, winding roads trickle down through the hills and villages, the closest of which is Massarosa, five minutes’ drive away. Your terrace presides over the lot, providing the ideal location for a crisp vino bianco. Rooms are airy with beamed ceilings, and an open-plan kitchen means everyone can get involved come dinnertime.
tuscanynowandmore.com
29. Villa Selvamaggio, Tuscany
£££ | POOL | SLEEPS 16 | Best for country charm
A sprawling property with a sycamore-lined drive, Villa Selvamaggio is located in the heart of a working farm and vineyard. Both reds and whites are produced here, so you won’t have to go far to pick up a case to enjoy during your stay. Many of the bedrooms overlook the vines, and each has been artfully furnished with antiques. A pool is set in the Italian-style lower garden, and there’s a tennis court that’s shared with other villas on the farm. If you’re looking to explore the area, the walled city of Siena, with its well-preserved medieval architecture, is just a short drive away.
splvillas.com
Additional reporting by Qin Xie
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