C’era una volta is a peaceful, charming house in a pretty area in the stunningly picturesque town of Scicli. The house is small and sensitively modernised, with all mod cons (apart from internet) and a great roof terrace. As the photos show, it is comfortable and tastefully furnished and is in a superb location, just a few minutes’ stroll from the centre of Scicli, which has plenty of shops and excellent restaurants and cafes. Scicli is unspoilt and fairly untouched by tourism, and, although it’s quiet, it has a lively passegiata and the people are helpful and nice. Fans of the Montalbano TV series will recognise some streets! The town is near the sea – the lovely sandy beach of Sampieri is closest at only ten minutes’ drive away – and there are renowned sights within an hour’s drive, such as Ragusa, Modica and the caves at Ispica. Renting a car is strongly recommended if you want to travel beyond Scicli but you will need to be careful in the hairpin bends to the town and in Scicli’s narrow streets! Francesca is very friendly and pleasant, and is a thoughtful yet discreet host, who provides lots of information and recommendations for Scicli and the surrounding area. Her house is an extremely relaxing, comfortable place to stay and is a great base for exploring south-eastern Sicily.
Jasmine K. – London