This was the second time I stayed at Gianluca's apartment with my friend and we will definitely be back again when we visit. It's always comfortable and clean with all the amenities one needs, plus it is in one of the most convenient central locations - on Via Roma - which makes things super easy for getting around.
There are two large bedrooms facing the main street, each with their own adequate balconies and both are very bright and airy. The rest of the apartment is lovely, very modern. Via Roma can get a little noisy at night, so if you're a light sleeper like me, I recommend ear plugs which solve the problem :)
Gianluca is always an extremely helpful, kind and enthusiastic host. He left us a kettle which we asked for as extra, and also, thoughtfully, he left us some soya milk as we are vegan. On top of that, he visited the apartment twice to help with some other minor issues such as dropping off beach towels for us and was always prompt in replying queries. I thoroughly recommend staying here!
A few tips on the area: unless you're planning on travelling around Sicily, a car isn't necessary. Most sites, restaurants and shopping are all within strolling distance, or for venturing out further into the main town, Siracusa, just over the bridge(s) there are reliable bus services. We took the Interbus from the airport to Siracusa's last stop (approx €6) taking about an hour and 15 minutes, and from the same stop, we took the free shuttle on an electric bus into Ortigia which is about ten minutes. Of course, as the Ortigia shuttle is free, there is a downside in that the drivers can be a little lax, stopping without notice for a cigarette break, but it all adds to the Sicilian slow paced charm.
For vegans like me, you'll be glad to know that this apartment is practically next door to a wonderful, home style Italian restaurant with plenty of vegan options, 'A Putia', although tables fill up early from around 7pm, but even better, there is also a vegan dedicated restaurant with live entertainment on Via Roma called, 'Moon'. Most other eateries, including pizzerias, are moving in the direction of including vegan options as well and soya milk is widely available in supermarkets. There is also a biologica health foods mini market in the north of Siracusa, a short bus journey away, called, 'Bio', which sells dairy free foods and cheese and dairy free milk alternatives.
Nearby, a couple of streets away, on 'Judeca' is a water filling tap, where you just have to pay around 60cents per litre. This is totally worth it because the tap water in Ortigia is terrible and so salty that it's practically undrinkable. To reach the water machine from the apartment on Via Roma is about 5 minutes walk.