Picolo recommends · Hotel in Palermo, Sicily
Villa Igiea
A grand Art Nouveau villa at the water's edge, where the garden runs down towards the bay and Monte Pellegrino rises behind.
Villa Igiea stands on the waterfront at Acquasanta, on the northern edge of Palermo, below the bulk of Monte Pellegrino. The building is a Belle Époque villa in the Sicilian Art Nouveau style known locally as Liberty.
Today it is part of Rocco Forte Hotels. Terraced gardens lead down towards the sea, and there is a pool looking out over the bay, a welcome retreat after a hot day in the city.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we chose Villa Igiea
We chose Villa Igiea for travellers who want Palermo's markets and churches by day and a sea breeze by night. Few city hotels in Sicily give you this much space and history.
It is outside the historic centre, so expect taxis into town for sightseeing and dinner. Travellers who want to step straight out into the old streets may prefer a hotel in the centre.
What you get
- Views over the bay of Palermo
- Pool by the sea
- Terraced gardens
- Restaurant and bar
- Historic Art Nouveau villa
A day at Villa Igiea
- Morning
- Breakfast on the terrace with the bay below.
- Midday
- A taxi into town for the Ballarò market and the cathedral.
- Afternoon
- Back to the pool while the city is at its hottest.
- Evening
- An aperitivo in the garden as the light softens over the water.
Location
Acquasanta, Palermo, Italy
Open in MapsQuestions about Villa Igiea
Is Villa Igiea in the centre of Palermo?
No. It is on the waterfront at Acquasanta, north of the historic centre, so most guests take a taxi into the old town.
Does Villa Igiea have a pool?
Yes, there is an outdoor pool looking out over the bay, with gardens around it.
What style is Villa Igiea?
It is a Belle Époque villa in the Sicilian Art Nouveau style, often called Liberty in Italy, and is now run by Rocco Forte Hotels.
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Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles
How Picolo chooses
Our editors pick every hotel themselves, and most of them we have stayed at. No hotel can pay to be included or ranked higher. When you book through our links, Hotels.com pays Picolo a small commission. It never changes the price you pay, and it never decides what we write.
