Even further south lies Island of the Currents at Portopalo, the southernmost point of Sicily, where you can wade to the small island via a sandbank at low tide. Marzamemi, an old fishing village, is good for an evening: a small square, ice cream, and fish. Syracuse is also picturesque. The archaeological park with the Greek theater and the Orecchio di Dionisio cave is manageable with children, and the morning market on the island of Ortigia is a very fun outing. Modica It is the chocolate village: work is done there at low temperatures, causing the sugar to remain granular. Ragusa Ibla en scicli are the two other Baroque centers that are worth visiting and inland lies the Cava Grande del Cassibile, a canyon with natural pools. Do be careful, though: the descent is steep and long, and in the summer the area is frequently closed due to fire hazard (this is really not an option with small children).

Pictures speak louder than words… And so we fell for this pink dream in the heart of Noto. A beautiful example of how contemporary design and centuries-old Italy come together in Silesia. The villa is spread over two floors. On the ground floor, there is a private parking space with an automatic gate and access to the private garden featuring a beautiful olive tree and native plants, a private swimming pool, a veranda with large windows and a fully equipped kitchen decorated with typical Sicilian cement tiles, a beautiful bathroom with a shower off the living room, and an indoor and outdoor patio with a fireplace and large glass doors overlooking the pool and the private garden.

Noto, Italy

An Airbnb home that does exactly what it’s supposed to do: provide a wonderful home away from home for—if possible—a long vacation. From the exclusive entrance door, you have access to a staircase leading to the first floor of the house, which consists of two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Both double bedrooms are equipped with large wardrobes, a windowed door overlooking Vico Telesio, and air conditioning. Going up a second flight of stairs, you reach the second floor where you will find the living room with a large kitchen. From the living area, two large windowed doors provide access to the first large outdoor terrace with a table and chairs, comfortable and practical for dining and relaxing, while an outdoor staircase leads to the rooftop terrace overlooking Noto and the Church of the Crucifix. On the third and final terrace, guests have access to an outdoor shower, washing machine, and sink.

Noto, Italy

It is virtually impossible not to fall in love with the insane tiled floors and art of this house. The Sicilian house is a Baroque retreat where history, light, and color come together, according to the host. It is tucked away in the streets of Noto, is both timeless and historic and charming, and there is a small plunge pool on the roof terrace (see sitting behind the blue and white raised platform in the next image). Ah, you have already booked.

Noto, Italy

And yet another reason why you can't help but be crazy about Airbnb: oh, the gems you find there! We can't. Moreover: personally, 'we' don't necessarily need to live in the countryside forever, every day, but getting a taste of rural life for a few days or weeks—yes, that is something we would certainly enjoy. Preferably in Sicily, if at all possible. Country House Pantanello is a dream: a house that is actually lived in—we imagine it as being lived in by an (old) aunt with taste and a green thumb.

Noto, Italy

In the category of 'superlatives': how amazing is this house! You can find it in Sampieri on the east coast of Sicily, overlooking Malta. There is little chance you will actually see that island from your bedroom window, but you will absolutely see the sea. We are huge suckers for the combination of wood and concrete in this house, and the swimming pool is the whole family's dream. In any case, this part of Sicily is the 'undiscovered' part: it is truly beautiful and very quiet, even during the high season. Nemini Tenerife, as the villa is called, stands in the middle of the Sicilian countryside among carob and olive trees, with a breathtaking view of the sea and an artificial lake that supplies natural water to the bio-pool. There are three bedrooms and just as many bathrooms.

Sampieri, Italy

Once slept yours truly in Puglia, also in Italy, booked in a house via Airbnb that reminded us of a classic ballroom, still one of our favorites stays with the kids. This house in Sicily reminds me enormously of that and seems wonderful to me. You can find it in Modica, a bit further inland in Sicily (still southeast Sicily). A big plus? It's in the atmospheric old town, and the house has one of Modica's rare private gardens and original floors from the late 18th century. The property has already been featured in various magazines such as AD France, Elle Italia, and Conde Nast Traveler, and for good reason. Stunning.
Sampieri, Italy

If there is one thing we regret about our holiday in Sicily last summer, it is that we didn't stay longer in Syracuse. What a beautiful and lovely city. Should we go again – which is a certainty – we have already saved this house: an incredibly bright and spacious old country house that is atmospheric, comfortable, and cozy, and suitable for couples, families, and/or groups of friends. There are three bedrooms, a large common area with a large dining table, and, of course, a delightful outdoor space. Originally, in the early twentieth century, the house was a stable with millstone, transformed into a country house in the 1970s.

Syracuse, Italy