Tenuta Aguglia

The weak wifi and 4G were a little inconvenient, but Daniella gave us maps and our car had navigation, so it wasn't much of a problem. We also appreciated finding water bottles in the fridge each day. The breakfasts Daniella made were delicious, with different egg dishes, a sweet treat, fruit, yogurt, cereal, jams, mild cheese, and coffee. Our room was airy and spacious, with high ceilings, lovely authentic furnishings, a big bathroom, and even slippers. The pool was a refreshing break from the heat, and the sun loungers were super comfy. Tenuta Aguglia is a special, peaceful place among rolling hills and olive trees, with clear, starry skies at night. We stayed there last week and already miss it. Grazie for having us, Daniella and Renato! Daniella was so helpful with tips for the area. Following her advice, we saw the San Paolo celebration in Palazzolo and hiked the Necropolis of Pantalica, places we might not have gone otherwise. With a car, it's a great base for exploring southeast Sicily. From there we also visited Ortigia Island and the Vendicari Nature Reserve, had dinner in Marzamemi one night, and got pizzas from the nearby Mobydick Pizzeria another night. We hope to stay again one day. Love, Sabine and Esteban xxx

If you want a slow day, you can lounge by the pool like a lizard or start with one of Daniella's sweet or savory breakfasts. There's also a 5pm Aperol Spritz. Tenuta Aguglia is a family-run bed and breakfast Agriturismo, about 7 km outside Palazzolo Acreide, within the confines of Noto. Daniella and Renato run the place with the aim of making you feel at home, and they do. The grounds have grass, palm trees, hectares of olive trees, and quiet spaces to lounge. They make their own delicious olive oil, too. Breakfast is made with local produce from their land and nearby farms. The ricotta is made that same morning, and Daniella turns it into delicious ricotta cake. There's also Palazzolo sausage cooked in orange sauce, omelette or frittata, and a ricotta flan I found especially good. Daniella isn't a professional chef, but her homemade Palazzolese food tastes like the kind Mamma used to make. Palazzolo Acreide is one of Sicily's quieter spots, tucked into the Hyblean hills at over 700 metres above sea level. It's a former Greek bastion, about 20 minutes from bustling Noto, and has milder weather than Noto, which can get oven-hot in summer. It can reach 38 degrees here too, but there's a lovely breeze. Sicily has plenty of hidden places like this, away from the better-known destinations such as Catania, Palermo, Ragusa, Siracusa, Modica, and Noto.

Because Agiglio Agriturismo is out in the middle of nowhere, in the hole of Pluto, make sure you enter the GPS coordinates: latitude 37.010143, longitude 14.930195. Dear Daniela, you were such a lovely and caring hostess. The accommodation, breakfast, garden, and everything else were perfect. Emiel and I still talk regularly about the wonderful stay at your Agiglio Agriturismo two years ago. Anyone lucky enough to book your guest room will find paradise. Pascal Mortier, Gent.

The breakfast was good, and the place was very nice.