Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to Villa Splendida’s FAQ. Whether you’re planning a family getaway or group retreat in Cefalù, Sicily, you’ll find concise answers here on check-in/out times, amenities, local tourist tax, transfers, and everything you need to know for a seamless stay.
What are the check-in / check-out times?
Check-in 16.00
Check-out 10.00
Do I need to hire a car to visit Villa Splendida?
Our enviable position, perched on the hillside overlooking Cefalu, offers you peace and privacy. It does mean that you will need a car to access the property, visit the supermarket and take trips into town.
Is there a 'meet and greet' service?
Yes, our wonderful host Stefano (speaks Italian and English) will meet you and guide your way up to the villa. He will show you around the villa and answer all your questions.
Is there parking at the villa?
Yes, we have a parking area with room for 3 cars.
Where are the closest supermarkets?
MD supermarket is the closest and you can visit without going into town (15 mins).
CONAD supermarket is slightly smaller but a similar distance away.
GOURMET DECÒ supermarket in town has the widest range and paid parking can be redeemed with your shop.
Is Villa Splendida suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Villa Splendida is perfect for families. Our large pool (10m x 5m) has varying depths from 1.3m to 2m with gentle entry steps, making it safe for children. The terraced gardens provide plenty of space for kids to explore, and our shaded outdoor dining area is ideal for family meals. We sleep up to 8 guests across 4 bedrooms, with the separate guest house offering additional privacy for grandparents or additional family members.
What safety features does Villa Splendida have for families?
The villa features secure terraced levels, pool with standing rim for safety, and enclosed gardens. All electrical fixtures meet EU safety standards, and we provide a comprehensive safety guide upon arrival. The pool area has clear sight lines from the main terrace for easy supervision.
What activities are nearby for families and groups?
From Villa Splendida, you can enjoy Cefalù’s beautiful beaches (rent paddleboards and pedal boats), explore the Norman Cathedral and medieval streets, hike La Rocca for panoramic views, visit Madonie National Park (20 minutes), take boat trips along the coast, enjoy wine tasting at local vineyards, and discover charming hilltop villages. The town also boasts a rich selection of superb restaurants. Our location offers both relaxation and adventure.
How many people can Villa Splendida accommodate?
Villa Splendida sleeps 8 guests comfortably. The main villa has 3 bedrooms (all doubles) and 2 bathrooms, while the separate guest house features 1 double bedroom with ensuite. This arrangement is perfect for families, groups of friends, or multi-generational holidays.
How far is Villa Splendida from Cefalù town centre?
Villa Splendida is located approximately 3km from Cefalù’s historic town centre, about a 15-minute drive. Our elevated hillside position offers spectacular Mediterranean views while keeping you close to Cefalù’s restaurants, shops, Norman cathedral, and beautiful beaches. The peaceful location provides privacy while maintaining easy access to all attractions.
How do I get to the beach?
You can park in the town of Cefalù, near the promenade, where you will find both private lidos and public bathing points.
You can also park near Hotel Santa Lucia cafe, where you can take a short walk underneath the train track. You will find steps down to the very end of the seafront with a wonderful view of the town.
There is a beautiful pebble beach at Sant’Ambrogio, a 20 min drive away.
There are other beaches to explore along the coast.
What amenities are included at Villa Splendida?
Villa Splendida includes: swimming pool (10m x 5m), fully equipped modern kitchen, outdoor kitchen & BBQ & dining area, terraced gardens with olive trees, Wi-Fi throughout, air conditioning in all bedrooms, TV, dishwasher, washing machine, and parking. Pool towels, linens, and final cleaning are included. The guest house has its own kitchen and living area for added privacy.
Can we use the BBQ and outdoor kitchen?
Absolutely! Our outdoor kitchen is fully equipped with BBQ, preparation area, and all necessary utensils. It’s perfect for preparing fresh seafood from Cefalù’s harbour or vegetables from local markets. The shaded terrace provides the ideal setting for al-fresco dining while enjoying spectacular Mediterranean views.
What's the best time to visit Villa Splendida in Sicily?
Our enviable location means that our letting season runs all the way from May to October. Late spring (May-June) offers perfect weather, fewer crowds, and blooming gardens. Summer (July-August) provides guaranteed sunshine, warm sea temperatures and holiday events. Early autumn (September-October) features pleasant temperatures, harvest season, and excellent local produce. Each season offers unique charms for your Sicilian holiday.
Is there a minimum stay requirement at Villa Splendida?
Yes, we require a minimum 7-night stay during our peak season from mid June to late August, with Saturday to Saturday bookings preferred. This allows guests to truly unwind and explore the region. Shorter stays and flexible check-ins may be possible during shoulder seasons – please inquire about availability.
What's the best way to get to Villa Splendida from the airport?
The villa is in a great location for arrival at both Palermo (Falcone-Borsellino) Airport (1.5 hours drive) and Catania Airport (2 hours drive). We recommend renting a car for maximum flexibility. Car rental is essential for grocery shopping and exploring Sicily’s many attractions from our hillside location.
Is there a local tourist tax to pay in Cefalù?
Yes, Cefalù has a local tourist tax (called “imposta di soggiorno” or “tassa di soggiorno”) that applies to all visitors staying in paid accommodation. The current rate is €2.00 per person per night (children under 12 are exempt) for the first 5 nights of your stay. This will be collected on site by Stefano.
