When visiting Siracusa one can choose to stay in the truly remarkable old city of Ortigia and experience the hustle and chaotic atmosphere of a town that has become a tourist destination—Or one can stay with Tiziana, Luigi, and Georgia on the idyllic and peaceful upscale peninsula across the bay in Plemmirio.
Georgia's Casa di Vacanza is an experience that should not be missed. You will be minutes away by car from Ortigia, Siracusa, and sandy beaches. Catania and Mount Etna are an hour to the north while the Italian baroque towns of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica are about the same distance to the south. Piazza Armerina is a very worthy day trip west.
The Casa di Vacanza is outfitted with full kitchen in case you want to take advantage of the awesome 6 day a week open air market in Ortigia where you can buy fresh seafood caught that same day or previous night, seasonal produce, herbs and spices, and much more. We had our daily breakfast, we stayed five days, on the covered patio with million dollar views as well as a few "pranzas" or afternoon meals. The three bedrooms were comfortable and peaceful with queen size beds in each. The solid stone tiled floors and equally tiled bathrooms gave the apartment the feeling of a luxurious small vacation home.
On calmer days of the sea one can swim at one of the many Varcos, a gap or break in the rocky shore line. Be forewarned that one has to be agile and strong enough to climb out of the water on to a sometimes sharp and uneven solid rock shore line. Even on rough days the Varcos are worth a visit. There is a store near the house that will have everything you need within walking distance. Of the several restaurants on the peninsula Osterica Park was our favorite with very good quality and reasonable prices making it one of the best values.
There is no public transportation on the peninsula. You will need a car.
Tiziana, the matriarch, did her very best to fulfill all of our wants and needs. The host's english is limited. Speaking Italian would be very helpful but not necessary.
It was very hard to say goodby to the Casa Di Vacanza. I hope to return, often.