Maria is a wonderful host and her apartment is fantastic. As I had a car for the week she arranged to meet me and show me where to park. Without her I am sure I would have got ticket or had the car towed. She showed us the immediate area to the apartment, where we could get a morning coffee and bakery items, she informed us about good restaurants and cafés and generally ensured we were sorted for the week. She even provided us with breakfast items, water etc and a guide book in english and a local map - brilliant.

The apartment is in a pedestrian only area but is right on the doorstep for the Duomo right in the heart of this town.

The photos are an accurate representation of the apartment. The large bedroom with a double and a single we found very comfortable. The apartment was naturally very cool but aircon is available and there are extra covers if you were to get chilly in the night.

We had an wonderful week in Maria's home and would definitely come back and stay here again.

For those geeks out there that require internet, Wifi is available in virtually all cafés and restaurants. The small bakery just at the top of the street where the apartment is located, is a great place to log in in the mornings have a cuppa and a pastry and watch the world go by outside in the Duomo.

My overall advice would be unless you have a real need to explore far afield forget the car. Use the bus/train system which will get you to all main locations, there are even excursions to Etna if you feel the need to (email hidden) volcano! Even with a reasonable level of fitness you will be able to walk all round this little island and Syracuse. We considered driving first to the amphitheatre in Syracuse but walked in the end and it was so interesting. It is not that far (took us 20mins), and we were able to stop of at churches, museums etc on route. Just make use you have lots of water no matter what you do. It gets very hot in the summer. June for me was pleasant, but I would not want it any hotter.

Overall great location, amazing host - stay here.