Ortigia Island, the historical heart of Siracusa in south-eastern Sicily, is a charming mix of beautiful Baroque buildings, picturesque churches, piazzas and fountains. Overlooking the Ionian Sea, it is a delight to wander along the perimeter sea walls with the waves crashing below, or meander around the narrow streets lined with crumbling palazzi adorned with decorative balconies, reminiscent of a grander bygone age. Founded in the 7th Century BC, historic sites worth a visit include the impressive Duomo situated on the attractive main square, famous for its fancy Baroque facade and large Doric columns, the ancient Greek ruins of the Temple of Apollo and Fonte Aretusa, a fresh-water spring named after the Greek nymph. The Island also offers a great choice of restaurants, al-fresco cafés and bars, while a bustling market sells the freshest fish, fruit and vegetables, together with local specialities, ideal for self-catering. Don't miss the region's speciality of cannoli – delicious pastries filled with sweetened ricotta. Several stunning sandy beaches can be reached by car or from the bus station in Siracusa, while in summer, bathing platforms are put up in Ortigia giving easy access to the sea for a cooling swim. Slightly further afield, Siracusa's impressive Greek and Roman ruins, including one of the largest Greek theatres in the world, are within easy reach by car or public transport. Linked by three bridges to mainland Sicily, Ortigia is the ideal base for a holiday in this rewarding region.
Casa Siciliana alla Giudecca – Sleeps 6 + cot
Situated in the quiet Jewish quarter, this lovingly-restored luxury apartment set over two floors, is ideally located for exploring the Baroque centre of Ortigia and enjoying the many bars, excellent restaurants and independent shops to be found here. Following an extensive refurbishment, the accommodation offers guests a high level of comfort, with stylish décor and quality fittings. After entering the main front door at ground floor level, three flights of stairs lead to the apartment entrance on the second floor. Here the spacious kitchen/breakfast room with seating area, a large dining table and the option of a cosy log burner or air-conditioning, provides a relaxing space for family living whatever the season. Two sets of French doors opening onto small balconies with roof top views, add to the charm and help keep the room cool in summer. Further living space is available in the lounge/study area, equipped with a comfortable three-seater sofa and desk. The beautifully furnished master bedroom, with its elegant Art Nouveau king-size bed, antique French armoire and French doors overlooking small patio, is also on this floor, in addition to a bathroom with shower and WC. Stairs lead up to the top floor, where two further bedrooms and another bathroom with shower and WC can be found. Here, a large terrace with amazing views over the roof tops to the sea completes the picture and is perfect for al-fresco dining or just relaxing in the sun.
First Floor
Large entrance hall with balcony.
Light and airy kitchen/dining room with extending dining table seating up to 8 people. Stainless steel appliances comprising cooker with 5 ring gas burner and electric oven, dishwasher and large American style fridge freezer. Seating area, log burner and air conditioning. Two balconies with superb views over the roof tops of Ortigia and the local church.
Living room/study with comfortable three-seater sofa and wide screen TV with HD.
Master Bedroom with elegant Sicilian Art Nouveau double bed (5'), beautiful double French armoire and French doors overlooking small terrace.
Bathroom 1 with shower and WC.
Second (top) Floor
Landing area with small kitchen servicing the terrace with 2 ring gas burner, small fridge/freezer and washing machine.
Bedroom 2 with double bed (5') and large fitted wardrobe.
Bedroom 3 – loft room with ( double or 2'6” twin) beds and Velux window with views over the rooftops to the sea in the distance.
Bathroom 2 with shower and WC.
Large terrace with beautiful far reaching views of rooftops to the sea. Dining table seating up to 8 people.
NB The apartment is reached by 3 flights of stairs, so may not be suitable for those with mobility difficulties.
Features
Minimum 5 day stay
WiFi
Air conditioning
Log burner
Travel cot and stair-gate provided
Smoking outside only
Terrace furniture
Sea and bathing platforms (in summer only) within 2 minutes' walk
Supermarket, shops, bars, restaurants approx. 2 minutes' walk
Traffic free location
Sea and night sky views
