This is a very special place and, after our experience, I would happily recommend it to anyone wishing to visit Sicily or simply looking to spend time in, not only a calm and peaceful setting, but in a spotless and welcoming place where you instantly feel at home.
We loved that we could pick and eat some fruit and collect freshly laid eggs to eat. The pool area is lovely, and it was very much enjoyed by the children despite the spells of cooler weather we had at the end of August. There is an outdoor stone oven which is worth using - food is cooked in minutes if not seconds and it tastes lovely- not to mention the actual fun in setting it up and using it.
We enjoyed visiting the Etna, Etna adventure park in Milo, Alcantara gorges, Taormina as well as some smaller villages in the area such as Presa. All locations were roughly within 1-2 hours. We also loved the views from the place and driving to and from it - we also stopped picking delicious blackberries which we found growing along the roads surrounding the place.
We found it easy to get to the place. Andrea was very kind to meet us at the church to show us the way, and considering that our car was full to the brim with cases and children, it was straightforward enough to drive up the little hill to get to the property.
We also loved the way that the church bell tolls on the hour - it was essentially the only man made sound we could hear, so for us, looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, it was 👌 perfect. To top it all up, Andrea is very welcoming, helpful, approachable and available. He also welcomed us with fruit, Sicilian almond biscuits (which I love), wine and his own olive oil upon arrival, which was absolutely delicious.
We were sad to leave and hope that we will some day return to see Andrea and Pioppi. In the meantime, we hope that others are lucky enough to visit this place and enjoy it 😊