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We found this quiet oasis, close to Ognina, that provided us with an ideal base for visiting Siracusa, the surrounding countryside and beaches. We thoroughly enjoyed the large beautiful garden (including a massive swimming pool) and the relaxed unpressured atmosphere - much appreciated after a hard days sightseeing! The family were delightful and the breakfasts excellent.
Via Ognina, 45 - Siracusa
Tel. 0931.794516 (mobe.3394902782)
www.asparano.it
email: info@asparano.it
Before going to Sicily I was surfing the net and I found out this directory full of hotel websites. They are arranged into different categories, even if some of them are empty, it is clear and you find what you need immediately.
I would recomend this site for who don't like to deal with middle men, but want to contact the hotel directly.
That's Amore B&B is situated only 5km distance from the motorway exit of Giardini Naxos (if you are travelling from Catania e/o Messina), 9 Km from Taormina, 7 Km from the Alcantara Gorges, 28 Km from the northern side of Etna and 50 Km from Catania airport.
The river Alcantara marks the boundary between the Provinces of Messina and Catania. The Greeks called the river Akesines, the Arabs Al-cuantara (the bridge).
Along 48 Km (30 miles) of its length it brushes up against the territory of Randazzo and flows on towards the coast, separating the volcano Mt.Etna from the mountains to the north.
The spectacular gorges were created by the erosion and cooling of the lava flowing from the crater of Mount Dolce, between Linguaglossa and Randazzo, on the Etna massif.
The gorges show the inner part of the flow with the splendid, columnar fissures of magma rapidly cooled by the gushing water.
More than 20m (57 ft) deep the gorges have bizzarre basalt prisms dotted here and there with cool spontaneous vegetation.
Check the following url
www.thatsamorebedandbreakfast.com
An easy to use website for holiday houses in Sicily. It is about holiday rentals mainly by private owners and it allows to contact these owners directly. There are houses of different sorts, as apartments and villas, and in different tourist locations, which is good if you intend to travel in the island rather than staying in one place and need to look for more places where to stay. The best thing is that where owners have done a good job you can find many pictures of the house and very good local information. If you are travelling in Italy and not just to Sicily then look for other Italian tourist destinations with houses listed.
For a slice of unpolished Sicily, catch the hydrofoil from Trapani to the Egadi, a mini-archipelago off the north-west coast. We stayed on Marettimo, the smallest and most remote. There are walking trails across the island but the real joy is in the simple pleasures — sunning yourself on an empty, rocky beach, ordering a brioche con gelato in La Scaletta, the local ice-cream parlour, watching the fishing boats offload their catch on to wooden trolleys to be sold through the village.
When you arrive at Marettimo’s tiny harbour you’ll be greeted by locals offering rooms in fishermen’s houses. To guarantee a bed for the night — and more space — book into the Residence, the island’s only hotel. May and September are sleepy; in July and August the Italians pile over.
Okay, I'm going to be totally perverse here by suggesting a place that isn't in Sicily. Vulcano is actually one of the Aeolian Islands just north of Sicily (others include Stromboli and Lipari) and is quite unlike anywhere else I've visited. The name's a bit of a giveaway (Vulcano/volcano geddit), as these islands are all volcanic (and there's Etna on mainland Sicily of course. Vulcano itself has (apparently) Italy's largest 'non submarine' volcanoes, there are little 'fumaroles' spouting steam, the beach has black sand - unbelievable - and there are thermal spas and mud baths. A bit like Iceland with hot weather we reckoned. Stayed at a very nice modern hotel on the Gulf of Ponente.
Want a taste of Aeolian island luxury, but can't afford the prices over on Panarea? Located on nearby Salina, the lushest Aeolian island in the archipeligo, Signum makes for a deeply relaxing, stylish retreat. After a short hop on the hydrofoil from Milazzo, and a thrilling cliff-edge bus ride to the village of Malfa, drag your suitcase down a winding footpath past traditional white washed houses to a cacti-filled, antiques laden reception.
All the components of a trendy boutique hotel are in place: myriad balconies with splendid sea views, (modest) horizon pool, and vine covered terrace where you can feast on terrific local seafood by candlelight. And don't miss the cute pebble beach, backed by crumbling fishermen's huts.
Hotel Signum, Via Scalo 15
Tel: 0039 090 984 4222
www.hotelsignum.it/
I've not done the whole villa thing before but with 6 of us on holiday this worked out at about £100/person for the week. Italian Breaks is run by Cristina, a Sicilian ex-pat, so just about every nook and cranny on the island is covered and we had the best value for money holiday for a long time. Recommended!
www.italianbreaks.com/main_pages/sicily.htm
Tel: 020 8666 0407
This is a hotel almost in the centre of Palermo. It is in a traditional old Sicilian building and has large rooms, some with balconies overlooking the street. The staff are friendly and efficient, and the breakfast buffet is pretty reasonable.
Via Roma 72, Palermo 90133
Opposite modern Ragusa, Ragusa Ibla is a baroque jewel and the best centre to explore south-east Sicily, the least spoiled corner of the island.
This B&B has beautiful rooms, a splendid terrace and a very kind hostess. Go off season, there is no stinting on central heating!
Chiasso Guerra 13, Ragusa Ibla.
Tel: +39 0932621809 (Italian only).
www.giardinodipietra.com
Email: grgtum@tin.it
Difficult to find without asking. Parking may be available, but do not risk narrow streets with a car larger than a Ford Focus, for ex..
A low-key, seafront hotel with high ceilings and a lovely terrace. Food is served by students at a local catering college and can be al fresco, weather permitting.
The village of Leni is pretty tiny, but if you're here to hike or stroll, it's a great family-run base. Rinella, where the ferries dock is not too far either. Try to bag a more spacious room on the ground floor. Doubles from 80 euros a night.
An agriturismo and working vineyard on the slopes of Mount Etna with comfortable, stylish rooms. Run by the noble family of the Baron Scammacca del Murgo - the hosts are full of character!
The estate produces very drinkable red and sparkling wines - tastings and tours available - and you can really taste the volcanic minerals in the red wine.
www.insicilia.it/sicily/farm_house_sicily_tenuta_san_michele.htm
I've just come back from an (all too) brief stay at this hotel in Taormina, Sicily. It's nestled on the side of Monte Tauro so all the rooms have balconies with spectacular views along the coastline. The room was very luxurious, with flooring made from volcanic rock from mount Etna!
I booked through Perfect Places - www.perfectplacesoline.co.uk or 08703 331771 and flew to Catania from Gatwick with BA.
Just got back from an (all too) brief stay in this slightly larger than boutique hotel in Taorminain Sicily. It's perched on the side of Monte Tauro so all rooms have balconies with spectacular views across the coast. The room was very luxurious, with floors made from volcanic rock from Mount Etna!
I booked through Perfect Places - www.perfectplacesonline.co.uk or 08703 331771 and flew into Catania from Gatwick with BA.
The Villa Gaia Hotel is situated in the historic center of Taormina, just 30 meters from the Duomo, and offers a magnificent view of the crystal-clear blue waters of the Ionian Sea! I've been here with my wife and had a very pleasent stay.
Via Fazzello, 34, 98039 Taormina Messina
www.hotelvillagaia.com
info@hotelvillagaia.com
Tel. +39 0942 23185
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