Patrizia is a delightful host; she is very thoughtful, interesting and generous spirited as is her lovely husband who helped us with our luggage (we don't travel light!)

As the front door of the apartment opened our eyes popped out at the wonderful sight of this beautiful old apartment with its high ceilings, large chandeliers, arched doorways and carefully chosen colour schemes that immediately drew us in and made us feel at home. Photos cannot do justice to the experience of staying here. The apartment is beautiful, airy, comfortable, spotless and most welcoming.

Patrizia had filled a vase with wonderful fresh bougainvillea to welcome us in the hall on our arrival. She gave us a tour of our new holiday home then presented us with a fabulous basket, brimming with tasty Sicilian treats, some homemade and in addition a huge bowl of delicious peaches from her home. She left other useful supplies in the kitchen, such as pasta and lots of large bottles of water.

The apartment is beautiful, airy, comfortable, spotless and welcoming!

Ortigia is a wonderful secret treasure and not overly touristy. My daughter and I stayed for 8 days and didn't even venture off the island as we were so content with what there was to do there. The weather was high 30's whilst we were there but there is a very gentle breeze from the sea which made it very pleasant to walk around the partly shaded streets.

Although Oritigia boasts many restaurants and tavernas we also cooked several meals in the well equipped and delightful airy kitchen. The apartment is so elegant and comfortable that it seemed a waste not to stay in and enjoy it and relax there. We ate up on the peaceful terrace which has a sea view and a big sky and is private and not overlooked. A perfect place for sunbathing or a sundowner. Patrizia's pretty plants on the terrace and in the apartment make one feel right at home. We enjoyed playing cards and fully intended to play Scrabble, supplied by Patrizia, but we fell into deep relaxation reading our books (and Patrizia's) in the lovely cream leather and sofa and chairs in the lounge.

Comfortable beds in air-conditioned bedrooms gave us the perfect end to 8 perfect days. With one bathroom ensuite, another bathroom, and plenty of wardrobe space, we had everything we could have wished for. Whilst there is air-conditioning also in the lounge we didn't feel the need to use it as there are plenty of windows and shutters, which when opened, give a delightful flow of air throughout the apartment.

We loved our stay and I know we will go back one day as my man hasn't been to Ortigia and I would like to enjoy Patrizia's apartment again with him.

I would only say that if you have difficulty walking up a couple of flights of steps this apartment is not for you. For everyone else it is a gem.