My wife and I are looking forward to spending our third consecutive summer holiday at C’era una Volta. We have fallen head-over-heels in love with Ragusa province and particularly the wonderfully atmospheric baroque towns of Scicli and nearby Modica. Francesca and Luigi could not be more thoughtful hosts and they have restored the house to make it an ideal base from which to explore. It is perfect for a couple or young family and is simply but immaculately equipped and furnished. Views from the roof terrace are superb and extend over the town which sits at the bottom of a gorge and is flanked by steep cliffs containing many caves. At night it is a wonderful place to stargaze. Scicly is small enough to cover on foot but you will want a car to explore the surrounding countryside, nearby towns and great beaches that are a short drive from Scicli. A typical day for us would start with breakfast on the roof terrace, then the day on the beach at Sampieri. In the evening we would watch the world go by while sitting outside a cafe with a drink or a gelato before settling on somewhere for dinner. If you want seafood it is worth the short drive to Donnalucata for the freshest fish. Lovers of the TV detective Inspector Montalbano will be in heaven with much of the series having been shot in Scicli and the surrounding area. Thanks to Francesca and Luigi for their hospitality and apologies for not posting a review until now…we had wanted to keep your house a secret! David and Eleni.

David and Eleni – London – UK