A Sicilian Beach Vacation
Once again, we flew Ryanair, and for the prices, who wouldn't? Departing Frankfurt was straightforward and we landed in Catania, located south of Mt. Etna, basically on-time. The AirBnB we had reserved was located about an hour south of the airport, so we were eager to get on our way... only to find out that our rental car, reserved many months in advance, wasn't available. The short version was that the van we reserved had been checked out prior to our arrival and the agency allowed the prior renter to extend their reservation--putting our 7-person group in a quandry. Two hours later, we had two vehicles (the second one at no-cost to us), and were finally on our way south to Lido di Noto.
During this entire episode, I had been in communication with our AirBnB host regarding our status, who was genuinely shocked and dismayed at our experience. Once we were on the road, our host asked if her in-laws, who lived on a section of property, could prepare some pasta for us once we arrived; we accepted this gracious offer, not realizing what was about to happen.
After the tumult of the rental car agency, we welcomed the easy drive on the Sicilian highway. We arrived at the AirBnB parked the cars inside the gated yard and were shown the residence. Then our host's in-laws provided some food. Fresh bruschetta was laid out before us on the table, as was a small meat and cheese tray. Being well past 10 pm, we figured we'd call this dinner and retire for the evening--then the pasta came. A huge bowl of piping hot pasta, sauce and fresh basil. Never before had we had such a meal or hospitality! We went to bed with full stomachs looking forward to the next day.
Daybreak came, everyone slept in, some arose; then a knock at the door. It was our host bearing a tray of fresh garlic bread. A short while later, another knock and a fresh pizza was presented. To this day, I am blown away by the Sicilian hospitality we experienced. If you go to southeast Sicily, definitely considering this AirBnB!
We selected our AirBnB for its proximity to one of the island's family friendly beaches. The Italian government rates beaches using a color system, and Lido di Noto owns the highest rating. An easy 10 minute walk from the house, the beach was perfect for our boys. We spent three long mornings on the sand and in the water. The boys enjoyed the sandbar and Sam taught himself to swim with his float vest! We ate dinner twice at the Alta Marea restaurant right on the beach. The food, the wine and gelato were great and we'd recommend it to you all.
About 30 minutes inland from Lido di Noto is the city of Noto, a UNESCO world heritage site. Known for its three cathedrals, it was amazing to see not one, but three Sicilian weddings taking place in their finest suits and dresses. We walked the main thoroughfare, pausing for dinner at a small restaurant near the central cathedral and watched in amusement as the photographer attempted to wrangle the wedding party for photos before the happy couple departed in their Maserati.
Our departure day came and it was hot. Sweltering. An area of high pressure came up from the Sahara Desert and began settling itself over Europe delivering above 100 degree temperatures. As we drove north toward Catania, we stopped in Syracusa to visit the Neapolis Archeological Park, which was one of the larger settlements of Magna Grecia. The highlight is the Greek amphitheater that could seat several thousand. Have I mentioned that it was hot? After walking to the amphitheater, we took refuge in a dug-out cave before making our way to the Ear of Dionysius. The Ear is a man-made cave carved into the solid rock and extends for some 65 meters. The boys enjoyed hearing their voices echo throughout the chamber.
We wrapped up our time at Neapolis with cold drinks and ice cream, and then fled to the air conditioned confines of a mall near the airport. Yes, we hid out in a mall for a few hours--the heat was downright unbearable--especially with Janet being just past 20 weeks pregnant at the time. We grabbed lunch, and another ice cream before heading to the airport and our flight back to Frankfurt.
We loved Sicily and only scratched the surface of all there is to see. Sicily is a place that we'd definitely go back to with Palermo and the Valley of the Temples at the top of our list to visit.
Daybreak came, everyone slept in, some arose; then a knock at the door. It was our host bearing a tray of fresh garlic bread. A short while later, another knock and a fresh pizza was presented. To this day, I am blown away by the Sicilian hospitality we experienced. If you go to southeast Sicily, definitely considering this AirBnB!
We selected our AirBnB for its proximity to one of the island's family friendly beaches. The Italian government rates beaches using a color system, and Lido di Noto owns the highest rating. An easy 10 minute walk from the house, the beach was perfect for our boys. We spent three long mornings on the sand and in the water. The boys enjoyed the sandbar and Sam taught himself to swim with his float vest! We ate dinner twice at the Alta Marea restaurant right on the beach. The food, the wine and gelato were great and we'd recommend it to you all.
About 30 minutes inland from Lido di Noto is the city of Noto, a UNESCO world heritage site. Known for its three cathedrals, it was amazing to see not one, but three Sicilian weddings taking place in their finest suits and dresses. We walked the main thoroughfare, pausing for dinner at a small restaurant near the central cathedral and watched in amusement as the photographer attempted to wrangle the wedding party for photos before the happy couple departed in their Maserati.
Our departure day came and it was hot. Sweltering. An area of high pressure came up from the Sahara Desert and began settling itself over Europe delivering above 100 degree temperatures. As we drove north toward Catania, we stopped in Syracusa to visit the Neapolis Archeological Park, which was one of the larger settlements of Magna Grecia. The highlight is the Greek amphitheater that could seat several thousand. Have I mentioned that it was hot? After walking to the amphitheater, we took refuge in a dug-out cave before making our way to the Ear of Dionysius. The Ear is a man-made cave carved into the solid rock and extends for some 65 meters. The boys enjoyed hearing their voices echo throughout the chamber.
We wrapped up our time at Neapolis with cold drinks and ice cream, and then fled to the air conditioned confines of a mall near the airport. Yes, we hid out in a mall for a few hours--the heat was downright unbearable--especially with Janet being just past 20 weeks pregnant at the time. We grabbed lunch, and another ice cream before heading to the airport and our flight back to Frankfurt.
We loved Sicily and only scratched the surface of all there is to see. Sicily is a place that we'd definitely go back to with Palermo and the Valley of the Temples at the top of our list to visit.
