Magnifico!! We loved our week in Praiola as a family celebrating our daughter’s 30th birthday. The villa was certainly one of the best we have ever stayed in, beautifully and tastefully furnished it retained a rustic charm and the views of the citrus nursery, Ionian sea and Etna were the icing on the cake. The gazebo on the terrace was such a lovely spot for breakfast and evening meals and chats long into the night!
The owner Francesco and his parents couldn’t have been more helpful, offering to meet us so we could find our way to the villa, leaving lovely fruit, and other delicacies as well as beer and wine for us in a well stocked fridge. They are happy to advise on places and restaurants to visit and responded immediately to a couple of enquiries that we made during our time there. The pool was a very good size as was the hot tub and both were well used by all of us! There is even a loo, shower and changing area with clean towels supplied next to the pool. The covered outdoor eating area next to the pool was incredible and we enjoyed a brilliant barbecue on our second night there. The table tennis table was an added bonus. The three double bedrooms downstairs were very spacious and had excellent en-suite facilities although I would say that the upstairs room Is definitely more appropriate for single occupancy or teenage children. We had some leisurely lazy days at the villa (who wouldn’t!) but we would also recommend you visit Tairmorna, we had a wonderful Sunday lunch at Taverna dell Etna but we did book in advance. The views are incredible and it was excellent value for money. Also visit Etna and take a cable car up to near the top, we didn’t take a jeep to the very top but still enjoyed the views from the many viewpoints. On the way back to the villa we visited The Gambino vino winery and for me that was the highlight of our holiday. We were shown around by Nino who was so engaging and knowledgable. We enjoyed tasting the incredible wines and eating cheeses, meats and other delicacies and we ended up ordering a fair few bottles of their very special wine which is shipped free of charge to your home. We also visited Syracuse and other smaller villages like Ragusa and Noto where we tasted Arancini (stuffed rice balls) and the most delicious Sicilian gelato you’ve ever tasted.
Our last evening was spent at LeSerre where the pizzas are to die for. Its in Giarre which is only a 10 minute trip in the car and it was a really fabulous restaurant. I can’t recommend this villa highly enough and would return in an instant. Thank you Francesco and your lovely family for your hospitality, we had a fabulous and unforgettable holiday.