Perfect for families with small kids.
We were 7 people - 4 adults and 3 children (aged 3.5, 2 and 8 months) staying in Sicilia for a week. Originally we were planning to stay in Katania but then we found Carmela's villla in Acireale and we felll in love with the idea of the garden (with turtles), the terrace and some more space for us and for the kids.
Nino, the son of Carmela, welcomed us on the arrival and was there as and when we needed him. Always smiling, happy to help and with useful tips.
The house itself was exactly what we needed. Two bedrooms - one with double bed, single bed and 2 baby beds, and the second one with double bed. Plus a large living room connected to the kitchen (with two baby chairs). And a bathroom with shower.
Nino also gave us a bag full of toys and 3 strollers for the kids so we didn't have to take them with us on plane. That was extremely hempfull because we have already had many luggages, bags, car seat, children, etc.
What we loved most about the house was the garden (with turtles!!!) and large sun terrace with playing area for the little ones. Our daughters loved to wake up there and run to say Buongiorno to the turtles in the garden, and then play in the little house on the terrace while we were having coffe in the sun. This is what I call perfect holiday :) Happy kids and relaxed parents and grandparents.
We also liked Acireale a lot. It is real Sicily with its unique rhythm. Busy in the morning, quiet and sleepy in the afternoon and then again lively and vibrant in the evening. Staying in Carmela's house we were in city centre and everything was within walking distance - when you go to the left, you'll have a bakery with dellicious things, few steps further there are fruits and vegetables, two more steps and you see a great pizzeria where we met only local peope buying pizza to take-away. On the other side of the street a mini market with delicious fresh ricotta, olives, prosciutto and italian mortadella. And the best tip - just across the street there is a tiny place, an old shoemaker. When you go there and say you want to buy some vino, you'll get one of the best Sicilian wines - Nero D'Avola for 1,50Euro per liter.
From Acireale you can easily go to Taormina, Castellmola (the most beautiful town in Sicilia!), Aci Trezza, Siracuse, Catania... and probably some more :)
The one and only disappointing thing during our week in Sicily was a trip to Catania. It is big, chaotic, loud and the main street, via Etnea is just like any other street in a big busy city with shops of big brands. ALready after 2 hours we had enough and were tired and wanted to go back to our quiet garden in Acireale :) I am soooo glad we didn't book an appartment in Catania.
Thank you Nino! Thanks Carmela! We had a perfect vacanza in your casa :) We will be back!