La Picca
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Overview
This beautiful stone house with views right down towards the sea encapsulates the authenticity of rural south-eastern Sicily.
Step inside and appreciate how wonderfully the owner’s architect son has transformed this local stone casa into a stunning Sicilian holiday home with true character and such pretty designs. Everything has been thought of to make this house as delightful as it can be from gorgeous fabrics and joyful paintings to a wealth of contemporary touches including air-conditioning, a Smart TV and a Bose Bluetooth speaker.
Downstairs, the living and dining areas are open-plan to give the feeling of ample space and a master bedroom has the luxury of both a bath and shower room. French windows from the ground floor open up to the home’s lovely long terrace. Upstairs, two charming double/twin bedrooms, each with an en suite shower room, can be found under the traditional eaves.
In an elevated position, the views from the characterful stone terrace are glorious – it’s a perfect spot for a glass of local Nero D'Avola as you gaze out over the surrounding valley as far as the sea. Find a shady spot for summer meals under one of the carob trees and wander down the stone steps to the magical swimming pool.
It’s not far to drive to the sea – within 6km you can be dipping your toes in the turquoise-coloured water, backed by a protected nature reserve. There are other idyllic beaches close by at Donnalucata and Marina di Ragusa or travel a little further to discover more of the captivating coastline of south-eastern Sicily.
You are also so close to one of the region’s most exquisite Baroque towns, Scicli, where the palazzi and churches are so incredibly beautiful. Ragusa and Modica are also breathtakingly magnificent – all three towns are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites as part of the Val di Noto region.
It’s a joy to stay in this gorgeous holiday home and a privilege to be so close to some of Sicily’s most alluring beaches and enchanting Baroque towns.
What you should know…
- The house is better suited to older children due to the open staircase and the beautiful terraced grounds with low walls.
- Both upstairs bedrooms feature characterfully low and sloping ceilings as well as small windows.
- When the villa is occupied by four guests only, one bedroom will be closed.
- The owners may sometimes stay in the neighbouring villa, around 300m away, although they remain discreet at all times.
- Guests can also rent out this villa alongside La Picca - see La Picca Estate for details (in July and August the owners tend to only rent both houses together).
- Check in outside of arrival time must be confirmed at the time of booking, and if approved may be subject to an extra cost.
- A cot and highchair are available on request. Please bring your own cot linen.
- Please note that the tap water is not drinkable. A wel 30m below the house provides the water. Please remember that water is scarce is Sicily.
- Please abide by the strict bin/waste regulations that you will find instructions for on arrival.
Property Features
Villa Interiors
Ground Floor
- Living room with fireplace
- Second lounge
- Open-plan dining area
- Kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, fridge, freezer, oven, hobs, kettle, toaster, juicer, microwave, blender, Italian Moka coffee-maker and filter coffee-machine. Doors lead to terrace
- Bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom with bath tub and interconnecting separate shower room
First Floor (via open staircase, sloping ceilings)
- 2 x bedrooms with double/twin beds and en-suite bathrooms with showers
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (12x4m, depth 1.5m). Open approximately mid-May to October
- Sun-beds
- Shaded al-fresco dining area
- Large terrace
- Terraced gardens (low walls and steps)
- Parking
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Fireplace
- Heating
- Smart TV with Netflix
- DVD player
- Bose Bluetooth amplifier
- Hairdryers (x2)
- Safe
- Mosquito nets (first floor bedrooms)
- Ironing facilities
- Cot and highchair (on request)
Location
About the surrounding area of La PiccaSet overlooking a valley of carob trees in south-eastern Sicily, just a 10-minute drive from the beach, La Picca enjoys an enviable location in the most authentic surroundings, close to some of Sicily’s most exquisite Baroque towns.
As you drive along country lanes and nearby hills you’ll notice captivating landscapes of farmhouses, many beautifully renovated, alongside dry stone walls and farmland cultivating fruit and vegetables. There are plenty of opportunities to buy fresh produce grown locally in nearby villages and towns.
Drive down the hill towards the coast and within around 6km you will reach a sandy beach, part of a protected nature reserve. There is a wonderfully positioned beach club open in the height of the summer serving delicious food and renting sun-beds and umbrellas. If you prefer a more isolated spot, pack your picnic and water and walk further towards the nature reserve and appreciate the beauty and calmness around you.
Other superb beaches across this part of Sicily can be found along this coastline including Donnalucata, Sampieri and, in the other direction, Marina di Ragusa.
There are eight towns across the Val di Noto that have gained UNESCO World Heritage status. The nearest one, Scicli, will take your breath away with its charm. The old town with its Baroque architecture is magnificent and its position in a gorge is simply spectacular. Furthermore, fans of the detective series, Montalbano, will recognise Scicli’s gorgeous townhall as Montalbano’s police station.
Other towns in this area include Modica, again with beautiful Baroque palazzi and churches, and a joy to explore with its narrow lanes and steps. Make sure you try some of its delectable chocolate, known across the island.
Ragusa is another incredible place to visit filled with historic gems from the Baroque period whilst Noto is also a wonderful day out. Whilst driving to Noto you may also want to take the opportunity to spend time at some of the idyllic beaches dotted along this part of Sicily’s south-eastern coast.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Comiso Airport
(40km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Catania Fontanarossa Airport
(123km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Plaia Grande
(6km) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
Plaia Grande
(6km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Scicli
(8km) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
Plaia Grande
(6km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Scicli
(8km) |
||
Region
Eastern Sicily, a captivating region in Italy, boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty that leaves visitors spellbound. This part of Sicily, with its enchanting landscapes and charming towns, offers a myriad of attractions and activities that beckon travellers from around the world.
Kids
Best Suited For: TeensJust 6km from the beach, pack a picnic and plenty of water and head off with your family to the beautiful coastline close by, backed by a protected nature reserve. In the height of the summer there is also a lido near the main part of the beach with sun-loungers and parasols to rent.
The beaches around Marina di Ragusa and Donnalucata have better facilities in the summer and are also stunning. There is a lovely ambience in Marina di Ragusa – perfect for an evening stroll and a cooling gelato or typical Sicilian granita.
You will also find summer watersports around Marina di Ragusa as well as paddle-boats and boat excursions, so something fun for all the family.
Finally, marvel at the wonders in three of the most exquisite Baroque towns when exploring Scicli, Modica and Ragusa. One particular appeal of Modica is its associations with chocolate – look out for chocolate making classes taking place!
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Beach Nearby
- Watersports
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- DVD
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Pre-Stocked Fridge Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Bathroom Toiletries
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras included at this property:
- Welcome hamper upon arrival with mineral water, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar, vinegar, detergents and firewood
- 3 hours housekeeping on Tuesday and Thursday
- Gardener and pool cleaner (approx once a week)
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Change of linens
- Extra cleaning
- Extra towels
- First shopping/fridge stocking
- Dinner service
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | €500 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m. Check-in outside this time may be allowed at an extra cost and must be requested at time of booking. Arrivals after 9:00pm are not permitted. Please enquire for more details. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €500 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m. Check-in outside this time may be allowed at an extra cost and must be requested at time of booking. Arrivals after 9:00pm are not permitted. Please enquire for more details. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Extra cost based on consumption, payable locally. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. All other changeover days on request. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. All other durations on request. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately mid-May to end of October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Tax | Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€3 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). |
| Internet access? | Wi-Fi internet access included (no streaming). |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please note that your booking will only be confirmed once we have checked availability with the owner or their property manager. |
| Insurance | Please note that published rates are only valid for the current year. Any bookings for subsequent years will be on request only and correct rates will be confirmed at the time of booking. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please note home security devices may be installed at the villa, please enquire for further information. |
| Property Licence Number | Pending. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 6 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Nov 13th 2024 - Dec 14th 2024 | £2,464 |
| Dec 14th 2024 - Jan 4th 2025 | £3,646 |
| Jan 4th 2025 - Jan 11th 2025 | £2,760 |
| Jan 11th 2025 - Feb 8th 2025 | £2,464 |
| Feb 8th 2025 - Mar 1st 2025 | £2,760 |
| Mar 1st 2025 - Apr 5th 2025 | £2,464 |
| Apr 5th 2025 - Apr 19th 2025 | £2,760 |
| Apr 19th 2025 - May 3rd 2025 | £3,745 |
| May 3rd 2025 - May 31st 2025 | £2,760 |
| May 31st 2025 - Sep 13th 2025 | £3,745 |
| Sep 13th 2025 - Oct 4th 2025 | £2,760 |
| Oct 4th 2025 - Jan 3rd 2026 | £2,464 |
| Jan 3rd 2026 - Jan 10th 2026 | £2,760 |
| Jan 10th 2026 - Feb 7th 2026 | £2,464 |
| Feb 7th 2026 - Feb 28th 2026 | £2,760 |
| Feb 28th 2026 - Apr 4th 2026 | £2,464 |
| Apr 4th 2026 - Apr 18th 2026 | £2,760 |
| Apr 18th 2026 - May 2nd 2026 | £3,745 |
| May 2nd 2026 - May 17th 2026 | £2,760 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Reviews
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Lovely villa
The villa was lovely, really nicely decorated and well equipped. The host, Angela, was incredibly friendly and helpful with lots of suggestions of places to visit and restaurants to try. We had a great holiday, thanks.
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Difficult to leave!
The house was better than expected, it was extremely well equipped and beautifully furnished. Angela was extremely helpful and a real pleasure to meet. We had a wonderful week staying at La Picca. The only problem was it was difficult to leave! Many thanks for the opportunity to experience such a fantastic place.
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