This was my second time in Sicily and I enjoyed this trip even more than my first-which I didn't think could be possible! Lamberto was a great host and tried to help us as much as possible.. In Milan at the time of his arrival his mother came to greet us and showed us around the apartment. We communicated in very basic Italian, but that was perfect and we managed to find out where the nearest supermarket was and how to get in and out of the building. The apartment in Ortigia was perfect. Two large bedrooms -with the most comfortable mattresses I have ever slept on - a bight and airy bathroom alongside a kitchen/ dining room with a sofa bed for extra people, where roomy enough for 3 ladies with a fair amount of clothing! The real delight of the apartment is the terrace. It a wonderful sun trap, perfect for sunning yourself, looking out over the dilapidated rooftops, practising early morning yoga in the fresh air, or simply enjoying a meal under the canopy, whilst green lizards scamper up the walls. Ortigia has a sense of romantic dishevelment and the view from the terrace encompasses this completely.

The island itself is heaven. Explore the food market, wander the streets- remember to always look up, the architecture is stunning -, envelope yourself in the history and culture and importantly, take a plunge in the cool waters around the island. We found them to be crystal clear and wonderfully refreshing. In the busier months take a the bus out to Arenella for a day trip or get a boat taxi to take you to secluded beach. It's best to research this as much as possible before you leave so you know what you want when trying to arrange excursions, or simply hire a car. The tourist office down by the port can be very helpful,as is everyone for the most part, but you can get taken advantage of as a tourist quite easily.

Do your homework: you can't go too wrong with the food, the pricing in all restaurants is very similar, but you can get have a great meal for the same price as an average one. L'ancora, close to the apartment is a treat. The fish antipasti is an experience I'll treasure. Perhaps share this and then a pasta or secondi, the pasta with prawns and pistachios is a Sicilian speciality. Hunt down Aranci shops, we found one a few streets away, making those delicious rice concoctions filled with everything from traditional meat sauce to courgette and aubergines: heaven.