My Home in Sicily

Alina and Antonio are incredibly welcoming, friendly, and helpful. The property is also well placed for the main tourist spots around Etna, while still being quiet and relaxing. Guests get exclusive use of a beautiful, generously sized pool, which is a real treat.

The hosts were attentive to what we needed, always courteous and ready to help. Breakfast was continental, with local treats made very professionally. The place is beautiful and cared for down to the smallest details, and the large pool has a well-equipped sunbathing area. An unforgettable holiday! ❤❤❤❤

The garden around the house is beautiful and well kept, and the pool is a good size, around 16 by 8m by my estimate, so it's possible to swim laps. The pool furniture has seen better days, though. From the front there's a direct view of the active volcano Etna. The back of the house has a bit of a palatial feel, while the entrance to the bedrooms has a homely scent that brings the past to mind. We found the place a little confining at first, perhaps because we had just come from I GIARDINI DELLA CASTELLANA near Marina di Ragusa. Viagrande itself doesn't have much to offer. The accommodation is about 15 km from the airport, roughly a 45-minute to one-hour drive. The hostess welcomed us wonderfully, with an open, warm, enthusiastic manner. She speaks English, French, and Italian. Antonio was just as enthusiastic at breakfast. Our room had an Audry Hepburn look, and the walls had photos of Viagrande in earlier times. The room and bathroom were clean, but the shower floor needs a thorough scrub and the bathroom walls show signs of deterioration. Breakfast is served outside on a raised terrace and bar, with a direct view of the large pool and greenery around this 3-room accommodation. Antonio will fry an egg if you ask, while chatting with you. It is fresh and packaged! The expiration date needs attention. You apparently have to ask for meat and cheese. The espresso was good. The smoking policy wasn't very clear. Smoking isn't allowed inside, but the earthenware ash bowls outside suggest it's allowed there. Antonio's two darling little dachshunds leave natural traces on the lawn. It was a pity that the owner tried to excuse it, though it was eventually cleaned up. Those issues are why we aren't giving it five stars. It's a beautiful place in a beautiful location, but the whole property could use renovation and freshening up.

Antonio made this holiday enchanting. He's thoughtful and kind, with a knack for making you feel at home and getting you to smile whatever the circumstances. He was always ready with advice, on just about anything. And thank you for all the Iris we found in the morning, and for all the food he provided for us. He managed to be friendly, ironic, profound, and light-hearted all at once. This is probably turning into a short essay, but I wanted to say it: thank you, Antonio. I can only recommend staying at this property.