I can only recommend staying at Pino's apartment, as well as Avola, if you want to take a break from the tourist crowds and experience Sicily a bit more authentically (no souvenir shops on every corner and annoying vendors on the beaches). At least this was true in the first half of October (places like Cefalù or Taormina were extremely crowded with tourists at this time).
Pino is friendly and very helpful host, he was always available when we needed something. The apartment is strategically located, about halfway between the beaches and the main square (10-15 minutes quiet walk). There are shops and restaurants next to the apartment (in October some restaurants only opened on weekends or not at all, but still most of them were open).
The well-equipped kitchen faces a nice garden with outdoor shower (can be used even in the dark as it is illuminated). The larger bedroom faces the main street (a bit noisy if you want to keep the balcony doors open overnight and not use the air conditioning). Pino also provided us with a beach umbrella. We preferred Pantanello beach as it has gently sloped gradual entry into the water (ideal for children).