The Place
Villa Athena is situated 200 metres from the Concordia temple, an ancient Doric site of special interest and one of the best preserved Greek temples outside of Greece. Having undergone extensive renovations, the hotel reopened its doors in 2000 and now offers guests a thoroughly luxurious stay. Villa Athena has everything you’d expect of a five-star hotel but where it stands out is in the detail: furniture is smart but not over-the-top and there is a comforting feeling of everything serving a purpose. The swimming pool brings a welcome break from the sometimes searing heat and the landscaped garden is the perfect place to take a stroll or enjoy an evening drink whilst taking in the vast expanse of the valley beyond.
This is not the place for a traveller on a modest budget – rooms start at 190 Euros per night – and this might put off those more interested in spending the majority of their time exploring Sicily. But, if you are looking for good service and complete relaxation, Villa Athena is most certainly worth a look.