Gardens and Villas of Sicily March 2026

There’s something truly magical about Sicily in early spring. As the Mediterranean sun begins to warm the island, wildflowers burst into life, citrus trees hum with blossom, and ancient towns emerge from their winter hush. For garden lovers, culture seekers, and anyone with a passion for travel, Brightwater Holidays’ March 2026 tour of Sicily offers the perfect opportunity to experience this enchanting island at its very best.

Why Sicily?

Sicily has always stood apart—a crossroads of civilisations, where Greek temples, Norman cathedrals, and Baroque palaces sit side by side, framed by dramatic coastlines and fertile volcanic soils. In March, the island is refreshingly peaceful, far from the summer crowds, and the landscape is alive with colour. This is the ideal time to explore its celebrated gardens, historic sites, and vibrant towns.

The Brightwater Holidays tour is thoughtfully curated to showcase Sicily’s unique blend of natural beauty, horticultural treasures, and rich heritage. Each stop on the itinerary reveals a different facet of the island’s character, from bustling cities to tranquil gardens and timeless villages.

The tour starts in the east of the island, with a visit to Villa Trinità, an elegant garden that offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of the local streets. Spring is the perfect time to see its trees and shrubs in bloom. Then it’s a scenic drive up the slopes of Mount Etna brings you into a landscape shaped by fire and ice. Vineyards and orchards thrive in the rich volcanic soil, and the panoramic views are unforgettable.

Taormina: gardens with a view

No visit to Sicily is complete without experiencing the beauty of Taormina. Starting at Casa Cuseni with its links to the Arts and Crafts movement, it’s then down into the town itself, perched high above the Ionian Sea. This elegant town has captivated travellers for centuries. The views stretch from the ancient Greek Theatre to the smoking summit of Mount Etna – a backdrop that’s nothing short of breathtaking.

This multi-centre tour also takes in the gardens of Princess Maria Carla Borghese the estate of San Guiliano before arriving at Ragusa, where there’ll be time to explore the spectacular old town. We’ll also visit the Gli Aromi for a guided tour of their herb farm and to enjoy a delicious home-made lunch.

Then it’s off, cross country, to Palermo, the island’s vibrant capital, stopping on the way for lunch in the heart of the mountains, before taking in the crowning glory of Monreale Cathedral and Abbey.

The tour includes a visit to the renowned Orto Botanico di Palermo, one of Europe’s oldest and most important botanical gardens. Founded in 1789, the gardens are a haven for rare palms, succulents, and Mediterranean flora—a living testament to the island’s diverse plant life and historic trade routes.