Altamira

The ground floor holds a large living area, a dining room, and a well-equipped kitchen ready for anyone keen to try their hand at Sicilian cooking. One suite here includes a sitting area, double bedroom and bathroom, while a second double bedroom comes with its own en-suite. A guest bathroom serves the communal spaces. Upstairs, a further suite offers a sitting area with television, double bedroom and bathroom, giving it a sense of its own quiet independence.

Outside the main house, a separate annex provides a double bedroom, a bathroom with shower and a kitchenette, a practical setup for anyone who appreciates a bit of extra privacy. The garden is landscaped and generous, with space for al fresco dining and a private pool that makes a persuasive case for staying put. Large windows throughout the villa draw the surrounding landscape inside, and air conditioning keeps things comfortable when the Sicilian sun is at its peak. Wi-Fi is available throughout.

Noto's restaurants, shops and cultural sites are a short drive away, so evenings out require very little planning. The coastline is close enough for day trips to the sea, while the countryside around the villa rewards those who like to walk or simply take in the view. It is the kind of base where you can fill your days with exploration or do very little at all, and both options feel equally right.