We loved this place. It’s not for everyone. I would say that for people looking for hotelier type service, high finish, luxury look, etc, this place will not answer their needs. If instead you like something unique, authentic, in the most incredible position, familiar, idiosyncratic, unpolished, eccentric , close to nature, then you will find it here.
This is really a family home, and it is a very likeable Sicilian family , so even better if you speak some Italian. There are separate lodgings on the property, which is nestled in a crease in the steep clay hills running down to the sea, and planted with lush vegetation. There are many animals on the property, which for us was a delight. Our children were thrilled by them. There are hammocks in the shade of a magnificent tropical ficus and chirruping parrots.
There is a small pool by the centre of the ‘republic’, it is a basic pool, nothing luxurious, and perfect for children. There were other children there and our two were constantly playing and making friends.
Mimmo and his family are kind and attentive and always had an eye for them, or something special to show them, or a slice of home made cake to give them.
The view from our room was stunning and it was wonderful to hear the waves in the night. To be so close to the water changed everything.
The beach is almost empty and full of natural beauties.
Around there are innumerable things to see and do , however we were so happy there we hardly left.
I went into Porto empedocle with Mimmo’s son Gasparre to buy fish. He was helpful and funny and also wonderful with the children, and on one evening made a delicious barbecue for us all of Sicilian red shrimp.
The place has a wildness about it which works for travellers who like something off the beaten track. It is a bit of a retreat , and in a way it’s ‘rough edgedness’ is intentional, there to discourage a certain kind of tourist.
Many thanks to Mimmo and his family, we will be back!