At just a two-minute walk from a relaxed, sandy beach, Flaviana's place couldn't have been more perfect for the type of trip we were after. Due to COVID, we decided on a quiet, rural location where we could spend long lazy days swimming and snorkelling and cook all our own meals to enjoy on the patio. Supermarkets are a five-minute drive away, so this was super easy to do. And the beach is sandy, with clear, warm water and a local feel.
The space is clean and simple - the living area and kitchen/dining are all in one room... normally we like a bit more space but we were only ever indoors to cook and sleep so it didn't bother us in the end. The outdoor space is ample, which is where we wanted to be anyway. The two bedrooms with double beds were both very comfy, and the bathroom is bright and airy. We especially loved the outdoor shower, residential neighbourhood (the night noises from neighbours in Sicily are wonderful), the built-in grill/bbq, and falling asleep with the windows open to the sound of crickets and the sea.
The hosts are super friendly and there if you need them but not at all intrusive. The vibe is very family-oriented, relaxed and beachy. If it rains, nearby at a short drive are Siracusa, Ortigia, and Noto - all surprisingly lovely little cities to explore. And Avola (of Nero D'Avola wine fame) is a five-minute drive away, which means even the inexpensive bottles in the supermarkets are delicious. If you wander into Avola town, try the pistacchio (pronounced pista-kk-io -- and they WILL correct you!) granite at Bar Girlando. A thing of beauty.
You will need a car and it is nose-bleedingly expensive to rent (you must get the full coverage - no exceptions!) but in our opinion it's worth it! We'd love to go back.
*Note that if you have dietary restrictions (like me, the vegan), the local supermarkets don't have the greatest selection. A half-hour drive away in lovely Siracusa, though, there are more options at the Deco!
*Also note that Flaviana and her family's home is within view of the patio, in case ultimate privacy is what you are looking for.