Sabbatical in Fabulous Sicily
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About the home
This beautiful villa, owner’s summer residence, is ideal if you want to stay away from commercial properties. It can accommodate up to 10 guests, but you will be charged only for the number of guests in your party and will have the exclusive use of the residence. For larger parties we can add an attached Studio Suite, complete with kitchen and bathroom and can accommodate up to 13 guests, with a total of 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 2 kitchens (please see property #9665 for more info on this).
The villa is available year round. Its unique style and comfort will surprise you to an unforgettable holiday. The residence is developped on two floors and is exquisitely furnished with antiques and family heirlooms. Custom-made beds and 100% cotton linen will insure you the best comfort while you sleep. In the evening you will relax in the shade of the secluded subtropical garden. You will feel free to move in and out to the covered patio and the luscious garden from the intimate and comfortable living room, furnished with 18th century furnishings, as well as from the large kitchen.
The villa has high ceilings, air-conditioned, cable TV, stereo/ CD player, three new washrooms with showers (one includes a tub as well). The new kitchen, fully equipped with all you need for gourmet cooking, has a supply for your basic needs, such as oil, sugar, salt, etc. It is furnished with love and care to the smallest detail and includes dishwasher, fridge, four-burners stove with oven, and all the utensils. Coal barbecue unit and exterior burners allow you to barbecue, griddle or deep fry on the covered patio. In the villa you will find fresh bed and shower linen. Clothes washer is available at no extra cost. Smoking, barbequing, griddle, deep frying on patio only.
| Size: | Sleeps up to 10, 4 bedrooms |
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| Nearest beach: | Casteldaccia, 2km |
| Access: | Car advised Nearest amenities: 100m |
| Family friendly? | Suitable for children of all ages Suitable for people with restricted mobility |
| Notes: | Pets welcome Smokers welcome Self-catering |
Facilities
| Luxuries: | DVD player |
|---|---|
| General: | Air conditioning, TV, CD player, Safe |
| Standard: | Kettle, Iron, Hair dryer |
| Utilities: | Dishwasher, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine |
| Rooms: | 4 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms of which 2 family bathrooms and 1 en suite |
| Furniture: | Single beds (2), Double beds (3), Cots (2), Dining seating for 10, Lounge seating for 10 |
| Other: | Linen and towels provided |
| Outdoors: | Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ |
Further details indoors:
We have provided you with a wall safe, should you wish to have extra protection for your jewellery and valuables.
Further details
Use of barbeque, griddle, deep-frying and smoking on covered patio only,
Photos
The Sicily region
About Sicily:
Sicily is the largest and most important island in the Mediterranean, it extends for 25,460sq km. Planes of fertile red soil, excellent for the cultivation of vine grapes, citrus orchards and olive groves, alternate with hills, green in spring for the cultivation of wheat and, among the majestic mountains, Mount Etna, the most popular of active volcanoes. The climate is typically Mediterranean along the coasts, with mild, short winters and moderate rainfall.
Freeway connection, located 200 meters away, will allow you to quickly connect, explore and discover remote areas of the island.
Excursions:
Casteldaccia is east of Palermo, so you will be closer and will not meet the city traffic when driving for a day trip to Cefalu', Taormina, Mount Etna, Siracusa, Agrigento, Selinunte. We recommend excursions to: Palermo e Monreale (20 km), Cefalu' (50 km), Segesta, Agrigento, Madonie Natural Park (80 km), Taormina (200 km), Mount Etna (200 km), Siracusa (250 km), Eolie Islands.
The Palermo / Casteldaccia area
This villa is located in the heart of Casteldaccia, a quaint village on a Sicilian hill, two km from the sea and 20 min. easy drive to Palermo. The location offers all the best. Placed in the centre of the town, the villa overlooks an intimate garden, while at the same time it offers you a taste of local life and easy walks for your shopping. Excellent is the local production of wine. Don’t forget to taste the world renown 'Corvo, Duca di Salaparuta', the pasta Tomasello, exported in USA and Canada and the extra virgin cold press olive oil 'Giada'.
Close-by centres:
Palermo, 1.500.000 inhabitants, capital of Sicily – an island in the sea of sunlight – is a splendid city adorned in the course of 2500 years by Greeks, Arab Emirs, Norman Kings and Spanish Viceroys; it offers an incomparable example of beauty, history, culture and traditions to excite the mind and the eye. It has a wide selection of museums and entertainment. Casteldaccia is well connected to Palermo by freeway and by public transportation.
Near-by centres:
Santa Flavia and Solunto, with its Graeco-Roman archaeological site, 3 km west.
Bagheria, an active and very alive town, ideal for elegant shopping, with its seventeenth century scenographic mansions once summer retreat of the Palermitan aristocracy, 5 km west.
Porticello, a delightful fisherman village, 3 km west; Aspra, another unspoiled fisherman village, 5 km west.
Altavilla, with its Sanctuary to the Holy Mary, 2 km east.
All are offering plenty of tourist attractions.
How to get there
Click map icons for more information
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| Nearest Travel Links | |
| Airport: | Falcone Borsellino (Palermo): 50 km |
| Railway: | Casteldaccia: 1 km |
| Ferry: | Palermo: 25 km |
This property can be easily reached by plane, ferry, train, car, bus.
The town has freeway connection to all the major cities in Sicily.
Ryanair flies from London to Trapani.
Best to hire a car on the internet, pick it up at arrival and returnit it at the airport at departure.
Activities near Palermo
Walking holidays
Rural / countryside retreats
Beach or lakeside relaxation
A winter sun break
Good nightlife
City breaks
Cycling holidays
Reviews
 30 Jan 2012 |
This house will appeal to most people. It is very spacious and secure and is situated within a non 'touristy' Italian town. It is very spacious with a large kitchen / diner and 3 bathrooms, it also has a large patio in a mature garden. It is ideally situated being close to Palmero and Cefalu. The town of Casteldacchi is charming with it's main square being within a stones throw, bakeries and supermarkets are all close by. We all enjoy Italian cuisine and found that Pomodoro e Mozzarella to be the best, this restaurant is a little stroll away and is situated on a quiet, little square. We would encourage the hiring of a car to visit the marvellous sights of Sicily, Syracuse / Ortigia and Monreale are a must so is Cefalu - especially for swimming - & nearby Castlebuono. |
27 Jan 2012 |
This was a really spacious, typical Italian villa in a typical Italian town. My wife and I stayed for two weeks, and our daughter, son-in-law and baby spent one week with us: we were very comfortable and happy there. The only downside was that the property is on a very busy main road through the town, and it was extremely noisy at night:: the traffic noise went on until about 2/3 o'clock in the morning and then started up again by 6 am with people off to work, etc. We also had difficulty in finding somewhere close to the property to park, and with all the baby paraphernalia, it would have been easier to be able to park closer to the property. For the week we were on our own, we travelled on public transport, and had no problem with the trains and buses, all mostly ran on time, and were reasonably priced. The property would have excellent if in a quieter location. |
Guestbook for Sabbatical in Fabulous Sicily
Date of stay: 13-16 September 2011
We can't stop talking about how much we loved Sicily and the site, the people, the landscape, the food - all that nourishes the soul. Thank you again for greeting us, for introducing us to your land and for being so very generous and hospitable to all four of us. What a great way to begin the trip!
I can't tell you how nice it is to be able to picture you both in your lovely home in Sicily and recall that fabulous orchard of yours right in town! (email from Mary Ellen, 7 Oct 2011)
Four guests from Canada and USA: Mary Ellen, Ken, Marty, Joan
Date of stay: 13-16 September 2011
We had the honor of being the guests in the work of art that is the home of Maria and Riccardo. Two more lovely and vivacious hosts do not exist in all of Sicily - all of Italy. Bravo!
We loved living inside and outside. The outer world of garden life is part of the inner house. Two worlds in one. Thank you
Four guests from Canada and USA: Mary Ellen, Ken, Marty, Joan
Date of stay: 15-25 August 2011
Thanks for your hospitality Riccardo, we do wish Maria a speedy recovery, sorry we didn't get to meet her.
Your house has been a fantastic base to visit Northern Sicily.
Highlights for visitors (well ours): beaches by Cefalu' or Mondello for beautiful seas and great sunbathing.
There's a great restaurant up the road, about 15 doors on the left - L' Arsenale delle Apparizioni. The owner, Sergio, and his wife made us feel so special. Lovely place, great garden - just don't expect a menu!
There is a lively coffee bar in the next square.
Four guests from England: Dave, Laura, Ruby, Milla
Date of staay: 30 July-13 August 2011
We really enjoyed our stay in your lovely house. Garden, kitchen and especially the barbeque were a real treat.
Warm memories will go out to the parties on the Piazza Matrice where we were allowed to get a good taste of local dance and music. Thanks! (Onno)
What a splendid holiday! It was tempting to hang around the house and it's magnificent garden, but after we settled in, we managed to embark on a wide variety of one-day trips.
As noted "warm memories will go out to the parties on Piazza Matrice", a fine display of Casteldaccian hospitality!
Thank you and a big hug to "the founding fathers" of Casteldaccia. (Tim)
Nine guests from Amsterdam, Netherland: Joris Albert, Onno, Micha, Pia, Joris van R., Tim, Manita, Maria Jolie, Willemjn
Date of stay: 28 April-5 May 2011
We enjoyed the house, spacious and well equipped. The garden and terraces are very pleasant in the morning and evening quiet.
Sicily is spectacular. Cefalu' was pretty and the view from the beach memorable. We had a good walk round the temples at Agrigento and the baroque of Palermo is unequalled anywhere. Segesta was like a dream. Food was fantastic Traffic crazy.
Two guests from England: George and Sylvia
Date of stay: 22-27 April 2011
It was great! Lovely place, lovely home! Greetings from Poland!
Visit via Cappuccini, 2 restaurant in Palermo
Seven guests from Poland: Kasia, Mateusz, Joanna, Bohdan, Natalia, Magdalena, Piotr
Date of stay: 9 -13 April 2011
Dear Maria,
Thank you for all your help with the house. We had a great stay and the house was beautiful. [They rented Studio Suite + Main House - From email.]
Seven guests and a baby from Italy, UK and USA: Sophie, Tony, Vince, Kasey, Wanda, Vince, Dominic, Camilla baby
Date of stay: 27 March-9 April 2011
Tomorrow we leave after two perfect weeks in Sicily and your home in Casteldaccia was the ideal location for wonderful day trips in all directions. The house had all we needed to feel at home and the village all we needed to make wonderful meals that were enjoyed in the garden.
If we ever come back to Sicily - and we hope we will - it will be in April again. The weather was glorious and the wildflowers - especially at Segesta - were spectacular.
If you're wine lovers, head up to Castelbuono early in your stay and visit Santa Anastasia where you can buy great wine for your stay and see a beautiful 12th century Abbey.
Don't miss the outdoor markets in Palermo and the Focacceria del Massimo for lunch. The Chapel Palatina is jaw-dropping beautiful and Monreale more so. We loved Caccamo and Acireale near Taormina and, like everyone else, the hike to La Rocca in Cefalu'.
Everyday was a wonderful surprise - a beautiful, beautiful island.
Four guests from California, USA: Kurt, Alice, Geoffery, Michelle
Date of stay: 2-8 February 2011
We had some cold and rainy days here, but food and wine were some kind of compensation.
You really have some good books on your shelves. We wish good luck for the palm tree!
Two guests from Germany: Axel, Petra
Date of stay: 15-20 February 2011
Dear Maria,
Thank you so much for letting us stay in your lovely house! We spent four lovely nights in your main house. Although the weather could have been better, we spent some lovely time in Casteldaccia, which we all agreed is a great town, with its amazing roast chicken, gelato, pizzeria and restaurants! We especially love your recommendation in Bagheria with the traditional Sicilian food and a seafood restaurant by the bay.
I am sure we will be back again, hopefully when the weather gets warmer! Ciao
Six guests from Hong-Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, UK: May, Han-Fang, Wai-Yip, Chih-Yun, Tzu-Hua, Lau-Tong
Date of stay: 18-21 November 2010
Thank you for letting your villa our home away from home. We greatly enjoyed our stay and we're looking forward to staying again in the future! Ciao!
Four guests from Italy and USA: Rory, Kim, Fred, Cora
Date of Stay: 7-14 Oct 2010
Maria,
Thank you for letting us stay at your beautiful villa. It has to be the best bargain Palermo has to offer. We found the people of Casteldaccia friendly, helpful and very tolerant of our language difficulty. The villa provided us with all we wanted and needed. All is comfortable and easy to live in. We were able to see a lot of Sicily and we loved it. We will be sure to tell our friends about it. Thank you especially for helping us with our "difficulties". Ciao & Amore
Four guests from NY, USA: Ronald, Mary Ellen, Jean and Suzanne
Date of stay: 20-27 September 2010
Thanks a lot for a lovely week in this beautiful house and garden.
We were three families from Uppsala/Stockholm in Sweden, here.
We have had the most wonderful time in both Casteldaccia and the surrounding cities. To any future guests we could really recommend climbing the surrounding mountains, especially la ‘Rocca del Castello’ in Cefalu'. It definitely takes some time getting used to the traffic, however it’s given us several stories to tell our friends back home. The people in Casteldaccia and on the rest of Sicily have been friendly and also warm. Also there is a restaurant in Palermo called ‘Ferro di Cavallo’ which served fresh, astoundingly cheap, genuine Italian food. We really suggest you visit said restaurant during your stay.
Big thanks to Maria and Riccardo first of all for letting us stay here and secondly for the support you’ve given us whilst we’ve been here.
‘Hej do!’
PS – Hope your palm tree will survive!
Guests: Bob, Boel, Alf, Carina, Elsie, Johannes, Teodor, Ronja – 8 guests from Knivsta + Upsala, Sweden
Date of stay: 10-17 September 2010
After 7 days we are ready to depart for another 6 in Taormina. It has been great fun meeting the people of Casteldaccia and Palermo, Cefalu', Agrigento, Monreale, Segesta, et al.
Ruins at Agrigento and Segesta were the best and so scenically situated.
Driving in Palermo was actually fun to see the ‘flow’ of traffic and mostly all the friendly faces of other drivers.
Restaurants sampled included ‘La Rotonda’, ‘Pomodoro e Mozzarella’, and others but we enjoyed them best when we were so tired to cook supper in this wonderfully-equipped kitchen.
Enjoyed the garden in the morning and evening, just sitting out, having a drink and BBQing some sausages. Would love to see the potter’s wheel in use and learn more about the art being created at ‘Casa Sammarco’.
May you all continue to live and enjoy for many years to come.
Amore,
‘i Canadeses’
Guests: John, Connie, Randy, Roberta, Peter – 5 guests from Ontario, Canada
Date of stay: 24 Dec 2009-4 January 2010
I am the Mother of Teri, who thoughtfully invited me to accompany them here to Casteldaccia.
I arrived with a photograph of a Church in San Cataldo that my grandparents were married in (they emigrated to the US in 1912). We traveled to the town of San Cataldo in Caltanissetta province and showed the picture to some locals who were gracious enough to lead us to the Church. I took some photographs of the Church outside and of the interior to share with an Uncle in California (he is the last remaining of 11 children). I did this in honor of my Dad who never had the chance to make this trip. I loved staying in your home. I really felt a connection to my Sicilian heritage here in Casteldaccia. The people here are so warm and friendly. All the shop keepers were so helpful and began to recognize us, as we shopped daily. This was a dream trip for me.
Guests: Anthony, Theresa, Nicholas, Hannah, Joshua, Domenico, Jean – 6 adult guests and 1 child from Pennsylvania, USA and Rabat, Morocco
Date of stay: 16-23 October 2009
Lovely apartment (serendipitous surprise behind the white gates), as a base to explore Palermo and its environs. Gorgeous garden, persimmons and herbs enjoyed! Sicily: a delight with beautiful scenery, countryside and ports.
Strongly recommend a visit to Segesta, followed by enormous lunch at ‘Arcudaci Agriturismo’ [Buseto Palizzolo, Frazione Bruca].Best value meal for our trip.
Sicilian cuisine hard to beat – didn’t attempt ‘spleen’ sandwich, though (tried everything else). Would like to know what the men do for a living, seem to have ample time to sit/stand in square!! [They work in the fields from 6am to 1pm, so they have the afternoons free!].
All in all, fantastic time. Promise to introduce Italian road rules to Australia.
Guests: Mark, Margaret, Ron, Lydall, Terry, Liz – 6 guests from Brisbane + Wavell Heights + Bunya Downs, Australia
Date of stay: 9-16 October 2009
Thank you very much for the use of your very comfortable house for the last 5 days. We were able to visit many places using your house as our base. The closeness of produce stores and gelaterias was nice. All people were very nice and very helpful. We bought chicken at ‘Pollo Arrosto’ our last night here. It was great and we didn’t have to cook. We also were able to check on our Sicily grandparents who came from Carini and Cinisi. Wonderful.
Thanks again.
Guests: Richard, Ruby, Linda, David, Beatrice, Allen – six guests from Ohio + California + North Carolina, USA
Date of stay: 3-15 October 2009
Thank you for a comfortable house and beautiful garden. We enjoyed our stay in Casteldaccia. We ended up getting around on foot and by train, the driving and car culture amazed us! Gorgeous weather.
We loved Palermo markets and Teatro Massimo. Cefalu' was so picturesque, even though we got kicked off the train on the way back for not having correct tickets.
The shops in Casteldaccia provided us with fresh bread, eggs, fish (excellent outdoor gas cooking set-up to cook this), roast chicken, baked potatoes, chips, biscotti, caffe', ice-cream and pizza.
Thanks Carlo for all the emails regarding transport. We ended up using your taxi connection.
Thanks again to the whole family from the Adam family of Australia.
Guests: Ann, Philip, Jessica, Grigor, Lucy – 5 guests from Victoria, Australia
Date of stay: 12-23 August 2009
We were lucky enough to stay in the villa during the festival of St. Giuseppe.
I think Maria and Riccardo stay in the villa at this time of the year so it was very good of them to be flexible for us and let us stay this week. The festival is announced daily at 7:30 am with Etna-esque explosions shaking the Casteldaccia foundations. The festival evenings culminated in some terrific Anglo-Italian renditions of 80’s pop classics performed by live bands in the square. Terrific atmosphere. Riccardo visited us on one day and showed us around the fruit garden allowing us to sample a few. Fantastic figs, lovely lemons but it was the size of his plumbs we couldn’t believe. Also in the garden, don’t be fooled by the look-alike pizza oven and pizza-base spinner on the patio. We have a hunch it is actually a kiln and will probably result in very well-done pizzas!
We had a fantastic time and visited some great beaches. Our favorite is a 1 hour drive away to Castel di Tusa. A bit off the beaten track but lovely and quiet and great for the kids.
As we are familiar with driving in Birmingham we had no issue with Sicilian driving. We occasionally forgot to drive the right bur it appeared to make no difference.
Really enjoyed our stay. Thank you!
Guests: Gareth, Elizabeth, Andrew, Karen, Zoe, Edward, Sophie, Ella – 4 adult guests and 4 children from Warwickshire + County Antrim, North Ireland
Date of stay: 12-23 August 2009
Hi Carlo,
Just to say many thanks, we had a really great time at your place.
We all thought Sicily was excellent – lovely beaches, food and very welcoming people. We also met your parents who showed us how to pick prickly pears, which was a new experience!
We look forward to returning.
Many regards.
PS - took a while to work out that it's not a pizza oven in the garden…
(email from Gareth, 28 August 2009)
Guests: Gareth, Elizabeth, Andrew, Karen, Zoe, Edward, Sophie, Ella – 4 adult guests and 4 children from Warwickshire + County Antrim, North Ireland
Date of stay: 17-24 May 2009
Your home provided us with everything we wanted. Clean and comfortable and spacious. A great kitchen for cooking and a lovely outside area to enjoy our breakfasts and evening meals. The local shopkeepers were friendly and kept smiling through our very limited Italian.
Thank you.
Guests: Nicky, Richard, Tara, Yustin, Luke – 5 guests from London, UK + Wellington, New Zealand + Julians, Malta
Date of stay: 6-9 May 2009
Very good Internet find! Enjoyed the patio and garden. We stayed very busy in this friendly town.
Guests: Kim, Mary, Tom, Shirley – 4 guests from Montana, USA
Date of stay: 25 Apr-6 May 2009
Thank you for a lovely week in Sicily. Spring is so beautiful here. What an amazing display of wild flowers, especially the yellow daisies and red poppies. We loved Monreale, Segeta, the brilliant turquoise waters at San Vito Lo Capo. All of us enjoyed the restful garden, your kitchen and the local shops for gelato e cannoli. Bustling Palermo and Catania (where we visited cousins). The next time friends mention Italy, we will tell them to come to Sicily.
(by Barbara and John)
Guests: Anthony (AGE 91!), Ed, Kathy, John, Barbara, David, Vicky – 7 guests from California, USA
Date of stay: 25 Apr-6 May 2009
Your house in Casteldaccia was a great find. As we drove up to the ‘white gate’ I was a little nervous, but behind the gate we found a spectacular garden and a spacious house. ‘Pomodoro e Mozzarella’ is a great place where to eat, as well as ‘Stella Marina’. Did not like ‘La Rotonda’, too Americanized (modern).
Definitely go to Segesta, Piazza Armerina, the beaches of San Vito Lo Capo, Catania, Alcamo.
Gelato is fantastic anywhere.
We enjoyed relaxing in the yard.
(by Kathy, Ed, Tony)
Guests: Anthony (AGE 91!), Ed, Cathy, John, Barbara, David, Vicky – 7 guests from California, USA
Date of stay: 16-25 Apr 2009
We have travelled to Sicily 5 times, this is the first time we have rented a home. It was marvelous to be able to shop at the local markets and buy in season produce, fresh, fresh, fresh.
We love to cook and your kitchen was perfect to prepare meals and relax in, after a long day of travelling the beautiful countryside.
The location of your home has been convenient for all our travels to Bronte, Segesta, the Roman Villa [Piazza Armerina], and so many drives in the Madonie [mountains].
The Nespolo tree was a treat, we had never tasted the fruit before and what a wonderful surprise. In fact we have had wonderful surprises over and over again. The Wine and Oil shop is a must for all your guests.
Thank you,
Guests: Ken, Diane, Patrick, Anita, Peter – 5 guests from New Hampshire + Virginia + Maryland, USA
Date of stay: 16-25 Apr 2009
Dear Carlo,
Your Villa was as promised, beautiful, centrally located; a great place to come home to and cook supper. Thanks for the map, you are right, your favorite baker does make some fine bread.
We were surprised at the butchers, bakeries, produce stores, etc. all within a few blocks of the house, quite convenient. Oh yeah, we saw a donkey cart coming down the mountain between Termini Imerese and Caccamo, quite a rarity from what I understand. A most satisfactory vacation thanks to you and your parents. Ciao!
(email from Peter, 26 Apr 08)
Guests: Ken, Diane, Patrick, Anita, Peter – 5 guests from New Hampshire + Virginia + Maryland, USA
Date of stay: 8-15 Nov 2008
This was our first time staying in a home in Europe. And our first time staying in a ‘small’ town. Although, the town is larger than we expected.
We’re from the ‘country’, so the traffic on the street took some getting used to.
It is a lovely home. We are in the Main House and there is more than enough room. It was very enjoyable.
I wish we were able to enjoy the garden more. We took day trips and returned home too late to enjoy it.
The pastry shop across the street makes a variety of good things. He also has drinks for sale on his shelves.
On via Costantino we enjoyed ‘The Number One’. He has a variety of ‘paninis and panelle’! It’s a small place. The owner is friendly.
We also ate 2 times at ‘Pomodoro e Mozzarella’ (on the map). Excellent pizza! Also enjoyed ‘risotto with mushrooms’ and ‘pasta with clam sauce’! Again – friendly owners.
We all enjoyed our day in Cefalu'!
We’ve noticed on our excursions that Tourist Attractions aren’t always clearly marked. Even with GPS we frequently found ourselves lost in a town – it pays to be patient and have a sense of humor!
In Enna we ate at ‘Tiffany’s’ on the street towards the Castle. They speak English and the food was excellent! (‘Pasta alla Norma’ and ‘Spaghetti alla Carbonara’). It’s a lovely day trip from here.
If you go to Agrigento we suggest using the 121 Highway. Our GSP took us down via Caccamo and Rocca Palumba – enjoyed the sights, but the road is very twisty. The ruins are beautiful.
Take the train to Palermo – 2 euro each way. Get the tickets at Tabacchi on the Piazza. Validate in yellow box at station. Much better than driving.
We went to Etna via Zafferana Etnea. Good signs to it. (about 2 ½ hour drive). Take gloves and hat. Enjoyed hiking on the craters!
Enjoy your holiday! We did.
Guests: Debbie, Scott, Kaitlyn, George-or Giorgio as we call him now – 4 guests from Pennsylvania, USA
Date of stay: 8-15 Nov 2008
We arrived back from our week in Sicily last night and want to thank you for opening up your lovely home for us to use as a base during our travels.
You are fortunate to have a beautiful home to visit every summer!
The house is so much bigger than we had imagined.
I wish we had more time to sit and enjoy your garden… but we were gone every day… We drove to Enna, Trapani, Agrigento, Cefalu' and Mount Etna.
We opted to take the train into Palermo for the day.
It is a beautiful island!
We found the notebook useful and added our own comments…
Thank you again for the use of your beautiful home…
Best regards.
(email from Debbie, Scott, Kaitlyn, George, 3 Dec 2008)
Guests: Debbie, Scott, Kaitlyn, George-or Giorgio as we call him now – 4 guests from Pennsylvania, USA
Date of stay: 6-11 Oct 08
Enjoy Sicily and this lovely home.
It is always a pleasure when you are travelling to have an opportunity to experience a city or town from the perspective of a resident. There are all sorts of possibilities for meeting neighbors. Our upstairs neighbors (visitors from Australia) locked themselves out of the garage and found a way in through a neighbor's window!
The little store across the street has lovely pastries and bread, and the owners are very sweet.
If you are up for a nice day drive, about 2 hours away in the southwest, along the coast go to the lovely town of Selinunte. We agree with Lonely Planet’s description, ‘The ruins of Selinunte are some of the most impressive of the ancient Greek world, and the site is one of the most captivating in Sicily.’
Another gem that few have written about in this book is the Cattedrale di Monreale, in the town of Monreale, about 10 Km south of Palermo. Per Lonely Planet ‘The interior is one of the most impressive creations of the Italian Middle Ages.’ Beautiful mosaics. The view from the town is exquisite and the town is charming.
Enjoy your stay.
Guests: Joe, Sharon, Alice, Jan – 4 guests from California + NY, USA
Date of stay: 5-19 July 2008
We have really enjoyed these two weeks in your beautiful house, though spent most of our time travelling around the island.
Some tips accordingly to our experience:
Best beach for our children: Cefalu'.
Best wine: NES from Pantelleria.
Congratulation for the fine artwork everywhere in the house... In Hungary we are managing an art gallery in Budapest. If you are interested, feel free to contact me about the possibility of exhibiting your paintings or sculptures.
Again, thank you very much for your kindness and hospitality.
Guests: Zoltan,Veronika. Krisztina, Miklos, Szuzsanna – 5 adult guests and 4 children from Budapest, Hungary
Date of stay: 6 Jan - 3 Feb 2008
Four weeks: this is too long to attempt to summarize for a guest book. But it was not too long for this island. With a rented car we were able to cover a vast majority of the sites and still have time for the experiential part of this community. The food, sights, sounds, language, history can only be experienced – not described. As for the season, while some sites are closed, others gave us undivided attention. To be the only couple at Segesta’s temple or walking through the Roman Villa at Piazza Armerina was stunning.
A very good visit and a place we called ‘home’.
Guests: Jim & Shirley – two guests, 4 weeks stay, from Northfield, Minnesota, USA
Date of stay: 22 Dec 07 - 5 Jan 2008
We had a magical two weeks. Your home was perfect for allowing us to settle into Sicilia.
This town has so much and sometimes it appears hidden away. Make sure you learn where everything is and be sure to taste every pastry! We drank the wonderful wine every night (from the local store €1.20!).
We ventured out on some day trips and also spent three days in Taormina and Siracusa.
Our favorite town was Cefalu'. Be sure to climb to the top.
The time is ending too quickly. For the next guests, you will want to take Sicilia home with you by the end, as we do!
Guests: Jeddie, Alyssa, Nicholas – 3 guests from Santa Rosa, CA, USA
Date of stay: 1-28 November 2007
We had a lovely month! The weather was incredibly kind to us – as were all the people in Casteldaccia.
Gabriella S. and Carlo C. drove us about, and treated us with great kindness.
Once again – thank you for a wonderful Sicilian month.
Guests: Robin, Stella, Diane, Kerstin – 4 guests for a 4 week stay, from Kingston + Hartington, Ontario, Canada
Date of stay: 28 September-12 October 2007
Notes on our stay here of 12 days:
Wine and olive oil co-op has great buys – the oil is a must and white ‘frizzante’ is key buy, bring y.o.b.
If you go into Palermo – train is a short walk away and more dependable than bus.
Go to Cefalu' if you possibly can: great beach, shopping, gelati, etc, etc.
This location is a great base for exploring West Sicily – go to Segesta, Erice, Agrigento if you can.
Siracusa and environs make a nice overnight trip. Worth an outing!
Guests: Michael, Jane, Kathleen, Brian – 4 guests from San Leandro + Berkley, California, USA
Date of stay: 28 September-12 October 2007
Thank very much for the use of your house in Casteldaccia… we enjoyed Sicily very much. While in Sicily we visited (among others) Palermo, Monreale, Segesta, Erice, Agrigento, Cefalu', Villa Romana del Casale [Piazza Armerina], and Siracusa.
Thanks again
Mike
(email from Mike, 18 October 2007)
Dear Mike,
Thank you for the lovely dinner you cooked for us in our kitchen, we will not forget!
(email reply, 18 October 2007)
Guests: Michael, Jane, Kathleen, Brian – 4 guests from San Leandro + Berkley, California, USA
Date of stay: 7-14 September 2007
A very enjoyable holiday. The highlights were our trip to Etna (although we left in such a hurry that we forgot most of our cold weather gear!!); Erice which we thought to be a clean, peaceful place, despite the tourists; the old town of Cefalu'; and the lovely drive (taken from the itinerary in the booklets you supplied) to Baucina, Ciminna (a real gem) and the surrounding nature reserves. On the way home we found a lovely sandy beach between Trabia and Statale which was far closer than the two near Casteldaccia and far closer than Cefalu'.
Wine from the ‘Oil and Wine’ shop was everything others had promised and we enjoyed long hours of food and drink in the garden each day.
Many thanks and best wishes.
Guests: Michael, Linda – two guests from Ashtead, Surrey, UK
Date of stay: 12-19 May 2007
Thank you so much for the use of your lovely home.
We especially appreciated your thoughtful maps & suggestions. It made our stay here so much easier.
We treasured your garden & spent many hours in it: coffee in the morning – vino at night. We were embraced by a loving, generous & kind family in Misilmeri & will return to them tomorrow. It is hard to understand why anyone would ever leave Sicily. It is so beautiful.
This town has such nice people, the woman at the ‘Olio e Vino’ shop, the man across the street at the Pasticceria. Wonderful people.
We especially enjoyed lovely & majestic, so untouched, Segesta, went to Erice (interesting), Cefalu', Monreale Cathedral (a must see; ornate, intricate & spectacular mosaics), Misilmeri (of course) and, today, Selinunte.
The restaurants you recommended were wonderful.
We hope to come back someday to your lovely home.
Until then, arrivederci.
Guests: Jonathan & Marie – 2 guests from Virginia, USA
Date of stay: 5-12 May 2007
On behalf of our group of five, somewhat independent and crazy family members, we enjoyed the house, Casteldaccia and the flexibility it gave us.
Having a very local house gave us the feeling of family in the local culture. In particular, the couple who run the ‘Castello Bar’ at the main square were real ambassadors for the community.
Highly recommend using the train to Palermo or Cefalu'.
We slept, ate, laughed and truly appreciated the opportunity to enjoy your residence in Sicily.
Mille grazie e Buona Fortuna!
Guests: Peter, Trudy, Claudette, Herbert, Annette – 5 guests from USA + UK
Date of stay: 5-12 May 2007
We want to thank you so much for the use of your house in Casteldaccia. We enjoyed the location with access to many areas. Most importantly, the town is full of wonderful people especially the Tomasellos of ‘Il Castello’ on the square.
Best wishes to you, your husband and famiglia!
(Email from Peter and Trudy, 18 June 2007)
Guests: Peter, Trudy, Claudette, Herbert, Annette – 5 guests from USA + UK
Date of stay: 3-10 March 2007
Buongiorno to all,
Well this has been an interesting unforgettable experience.
We enjoyed the local food shopping experiences. The ‘Vino and Olio’ store, the fruit-vendolo, the super-mercati and the gelato-pastry shop in Piazza Matrice.
All the fresh vegetables and fruits, cheeses and meats made all our ‘at home’ meals extra delicious. We spent most evenings in the kitchen – rarely venturing in the living room. Your kitchen is the perfect space in the house for enjoying food, conversation and relaxation.
Your artwork is lovely, Maria. You are quite talented.
Loved the ‘vino rosso da tavola’ at the ‘Vino e Olio’ store; at €1.19 per liter, it was hard to go wrong.
Loved the restaurant ‘La Rotonda’ – great food, desserts to die for, nice view, high tech, modern design.
Loved having a lemon tree outside – used a couple for cooking.
Guests: Kit, Jessica – 2 guests from Nashua, New Hampshire, USA
Date of stay: 21-28 Oct 2006
A lovely house with a dreamful garden – very relaxing.
Casteldaccia [is] a much bigger place than we expected, with lots of little nooks and crannies of interest. Local people [are] very friendly and helpful and very patient when you are trying out your Italian.
A stunning range of Halloween costumes! But you have to come in October for those!
If you want to go to Palermo, go by train. Cefalu' and Agrigento [are] well worth a visit.
Had a great time. Loved the local wine & gelati.
Guests: Sue, Joan, Val, Jean & David – 5 guests from Norfolk + Suffolk, UK
Date of stay: 7-15 Oct 2006
Had a great time in Casteldaccia - people very friendly, food great, easy access to a bunch of sites.
I’d recommend reading the comments in this book, very helpful to us.
Best coffee – in Piazza Matrice (main plaza), on left had side of statue as you walk up via Lungarini. Best gelati – ‘La Rotonda’. Best restaurant – ‘La Rotoanda’. Best Supermarket – ‘Di Meglio’
Driving scary but worth it: can get lots of places fast.
Unlike others, we went to Palermo by bus from Piazza Matrice rather than by train. Easy – though timetable (pinned up in coffee shop mentioned above) more limited.
Best local site – Solunto ruins and views. Best site – Roman villa near Piazza Armerina (but beware [coaches of tourists and pushy guides). Best than Pompei!!
We also liked Segesta, but were --- with Mt Etna – too foggy to see anything.
House is fine – has all the basics and lots of space – and we found people in Casteldaccia (and in Sicily, in general) always very friendly & willing to help.
Saw lots, drove and walked lots, and ate tons of gelati – a happy experience, and well worth it.
Hope your holiday is as great as ours.
Guests: Chris, Cathy, Rebecca and James – 2 adult guests and 2 children from Red Hill Act, Australia
Date of stay: 2-9 Sept 2006
I can’t believe our week is nearly up; we’ve seen so many fantastic sights and had so many wonderful experiences. We can even speak a little Italian!
Your house is fantastic and we have come to view on that as ‘home’, so we are sad to go! I hope our next week in Taormina is just as great.
Thank you so much for the friendly advice and tips and also the little glimpses into what sounds like the very interesting and fulfilling times you have and continue to have living your lives between Vancouver and Sicily.
We are looking toward to putting up our new ceramic Christmas decorations and will be able to remember our great holiday and the lovely warm weather, as we do so!
Have a great holiday and enjoy being ‘tourists’ in Barcelona and Rome. Hope your holiday is as good as ours!
Best wishes.
PS If you are in England come and visit us in Cambridge!
Guests: Kirsty & Mark – two guests from Cambridge, UK
Hi Maria, just to let you know we had a wonderful time in Sicily and couldn't believe the beauty of the place! Your home is full of character and it was so restful to be able to come back after travelling all day and make our own meal if we wanted, etc. Thank you again and we shall certainly recommend you to any of our friends who might be travelling to Sicily. Kind regards, L.W., P.D., P.W. and J.W., England
Thank you for making us feel welcome from day one and helping to make our stay in Sicily a wonderful experience. We have driven from coast to coast and seen the true beauty of your country and the people here. We hope one day to return to Sicily and in the mean time we’ll recommend a lovely place we know in Casteldaccia! I.L.& S.V. from London, England
We had an absolutely fantastic time in Sicily and we want to thank you again. What a wonderful home you have!! And we did enjoy Casteldaccia... M.J.H.and L.V., from Victoria, Canada
Rental prices
| Rental prices originally quoted in: Euros € | Convert to: |
| Prices for group size 2 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| Nov 2011-Feb 2012 | 12 Nov 11 | 1 Mar 12 | € 330 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| March-April | 1 Mar 12 | 1 May 12 | € 400 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| May-June | 1 May 12 | 1 Jul 12 | € 440 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| July-August | 1 Jul 12 | 1 Sep 12 | € 715 | - | - | 1 Week |
| September | 1 Sep 12 | 1 Oct 12 | € 495 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| October | 1 Oct 12 | 1 Nov 12 | € 440 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| Nov12-Feb13 | 1 Nov 12 | 28 Feb 13 | € 363 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| Prices for group size 4 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| Jan-Feb 2012 | 6 Jan 12 | 1 Mar 12 | € 396 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| March-April | 1 Mar 12 | 1 May 12 | € 480 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| May-June | 1 May 12 | 1 Jul 12 | € 528 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| July-August | 1 Jul 12 | 1 Sep 12 | € 857 | - | - | 1 Week |
| September | 1 Sep 12 | 1 Oct 12 | € 593 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| October | 1 Oct 12 | 1 Nov 12 | € 528 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| Nov12-Feb13 | 1 Nov 12 | 28 Feb 13 | € 435 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| Prices for group size 10 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| Jan-Feb 2012 | 6 Jan 12 | 1 Mar 12 | € 594 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| March-April | 1 Mar 12 | 1 May 12 | € 720 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| May-June | 1 May 12 | 1 Jul 12 | € 792 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| July-August | 1 Jul 12 | 1 Sep 12 | € 1283 | - | - | 1 Week |
| September | 1 Sep 12 | 1 Oct 12 | € 887 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| October | 1 Oct 12 | 1 Nov 12 | € 792 | - | - | 4 Nights |
| Nov12-Feb13 | 1 Nov 12 | 28 Feb 13 | € 651 | - | - | 4 Nights |
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
Basic quoted prices are for single or double occupancy/week/Euros/cash
Additional guests: 10% of basic price
Four nights minimum stay/guest. July and August 1 week minimum stay
"ALL-INCLUDED" - no hidden costs
Rental prices and final cleaning tailored to your group
10% rent discount to 12 years old children or younger
Free rent for babies on travel cots: we supply cot and high chair
Electricity, Heating and Air Conditioned all included
Free High-Speed Internet
Free laundry facility and basics such as soaps, sugar, salt!
Please check with the owner for full details and charges by the night for less than 7 nights stay
All guests need to be registered
Pets to be approved and registered
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
| Key: | 11 | 12 | Booked | 11 | 12 | Available | 11 | 12 | Unknown | 11 | 12 | Arrival/Departure dates |
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Contact the owner
* Required fields Please check the following errors: | 5 years listed You are contacting Maria Sammarco
Languages spoken    The owner is based in the United States and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2006. This villa has received 2 reviews from previous guests.  |
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