Welcome to Sicily by the sea

Sicily by the Sea is an independent small business owned by Anna Russo and Shelley Hilliker. We’d like to introduce the Mediterranean on the east coast of Sicily to you.

We are a premium concierge service that rents private villas and curates unique experiences to make your stay on the south-east coast of Sicily memorable. We have personally scouted each dwelling and can help you unwind and enjoy a relaxed pace of life with delicious local food and wine, go shopping, bathe under the sun on well-maintained beaches and explore a region rich with history and architecture.

Shelley and Anna met in 2003 in Ragusa where Shelley ran a food tourism business in the area. Shelley eventually moved back to Canada but visits Sicily regularly, while Anna is a native Ragusani lawyer and real estate agent who has lived in Sicily all her life. Our personal connections and lived experiences in Ragusa allow us to bring the very best this region has to offer to you.

Our Villas

All our villas are private family and vacation homes made available to us while the owners are away. We ensure they are clean and well-stocked with items that will make your stay comfortable.

They can sleep from 4 to 8 people and are perfect for a family celebration or a memorable holiday away with your group of best friends.

Many include swimming pools, outdoor kitchens and terraces with exquisite views of the Sicilian countryside. And, depending on the season, you might be able to pick your own olives, lemons and oranges from the trees on the property!

Now Booking
for 2026 + 2027

Experiences

Sicily by the Sea is more than a villa rental business. Our deep personal connections in the area open doors to both villas and experiences. Our circle of chefs, licensed tour guides, local farmers, and business owners allow us to immerse you in the culture of Sicily with cooking events, trips to wineries, markets, beach clubs, delightful small shops and restaurants, and local attractions that you might not find on your own.

About The Region

Italy has the most UNESCO Heritage Sites in the world, and seven are on the island of Sicily!

From the Green ruins in Agrigento, Baroque architecture in Noto, artisan ceramics in Caltagirone and hand-made chocolates in Modica, you will discover the heartbeat and soul of Sicily. There is no shortage of places to visit and things to do.

We are your concierge service to create a Sicilian vacation of a lifetime.