Holiday home for max. 6 persons
Modica, Sicily, (Marina di Ragusa and the surrounding area), Italy

Ideal for two couples, or a couple with adult offspring, with additional space for two more guests: a light-filled town house with its own independent guests' apartment in the fashionable Cartellone district of the Unesco preserved baroque town of MODICA, southeast Sicily, about 12 km (7 miles) from the coast and close to many archaeological and historic sites. It's located in the pedestrian area of the city centre, so it's very quiet, yet only a stone's throw from the main central street with shops and bars.

The two dwellings are linked by a 30 m2 terrace with a magnificent view of the historic centre.

The main house is on three levels: ground floor, study with a sofa bed, and unique cave bathroom with a large mosaic bathtub as well as shower, wc and bidet. The intermediate level consists of a bedroom with a vaulted ceiling and hardwood floor. A beautifully designed spiral staircase leads up to the top floor, which comprises a light-filled sitting room, dining area, kitchen, large balcony and access to the terrace.

The guest's flat consists of an airy bedroom with balcony, a sitting room with kitchen, and a bathroom with a walk in shower. A staircase leads up to the terrace and a laundry room with wc.

Apart from the famous baroque architecture, the landscape, the vicinity of sandy beaches and extensive nature reserves, the area is also renowned for Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a light, slightly peppery red wine that was the first Sicilian wine to obtain the coveted DOCG rating (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin). Modica also vaunts a time-honoured artisan chocolate tradition. Whet the appetite at Bonajuto chocolate!

Two extensive, dry caves found at the back of the property were probably once used for winemaking, which is auspicious (they also help keep the dwellings cool in summer). Wine-tasting on the terrace with the finest view in Modica is a favourite pastime - and since the kitchen is well equipped, you may want to extend the experience to dinner.

MODICA IS NOW EASILY AND INEXPENSIVELY ACCESSIBLE THANKS TO NEWLY OPENED COMISO AIRPORT, 40 MINS AWAY. INEXPENSIVE FLIGHTS FROM STANSTEAD, DUBLIN, ROME, PISA, BRUSSELS, FRANKFURT.

The Sicily region

MODICA is a charming and totally safe town in southeast Sicily, in an area that has achieved UNESCO World Heritage site status for its baroque architecture. It's about 12 km (7 miles) from the coast (lovely sandy beaches) and close to many archaeological and historic sites, such as the famous Roman Villa at Piazza Armerina, Noto with its baroque cathedral, the ceramics of Caltagirone and the ancient city of Siracusa, where you'll also discover one of Italy's best archeological museums.

Staying in Modica gives you the chance to visit lots of places, try different beaches, and in the evening sit out on the terrace for an aperitivo before walking down to the main street, which is 2 minutes away on foot, to sample some of the restaurants.

Modica

The climate in this area is mild and sunny from late April through to late May, then lovely and hot through to the end of September, and warm throughout October. This accounts for the profusion of fruit trees and vegetables in the surrounding countryside, as well as the rich pastureland for the cows whose milk goes into some delectable local cheeses. Another pride of the area is chocolate, which was introduced to Modica under the Spanish domination of Sicily in the 16th century, and still has a number of features in common with the original product discovered by the Spanish in Mexico. Wine lovers will also be happy to discover a wide range of Sicilian wines, some of them rich and fruity, other lighter and more elegant, like the Cerasuolo di Vittoria red, made in this area, that pairs very well with fresh fish such as local tuna.

There is a fine new golf course close by, near Marina di Ragusa.