La Lanterna Delle Stelle Region: Sicily Sleeps: 6

Overview

Is there a finer place to be than on your spacious and stylish roof terrace, next to the lighthouse’s original lantern, staring out towards Mount Etna and the sparkling sea, perhaps with a glass of Sicilian white wine in hand?

On the south-eastern coast of Sicily, just north of Syracuse, it’s no wonder that Lanterna Delle Stelle has featured across a variety of glossy magazines – this is a dreamlike home that has been painstakingly restored over very recent years. Originally dating back to the early 20th century, the architect and designers have created a unique place which greatly respects its natural and historic surroundings yet offers the 21st century luxuries that you would expect to find in such a contemporary and high-end abode.

The interiors are all about sleek design, beautiful furnishings and state-of-the- art appliances from the professionally equipped kitchen to the Smart TV with Sky and Bluetooth speakers throughout. Upstairs, two indulgent bedrooms feature romantic bath tubs as well as spacious showers whilst guests in the third double bedroom have a spa-style bathroom downstairs with a hammam and chromotherapy shower.

Across the open-plan living space you will be stopped in your tracks by the remarkable views from picture-perfect windows yet step outside and the vistas will take your breath away even more. Relax in the hot tub outside gazing over to mighty Mount Etna or climb the spiral stairs towards the top of the lighthouse and be amazed by the gorgeous roof terrace and incredible landscapes around you.

A privileged position on the seafront, with direct access to the sea, you are surrounded by history with an impressive 15th century Aragonese castle beside you and a former fishing village a few steps behind. Enjoy sea-food and other regional delights in local restaurants, many with equally wonderful views, followed by a cocktail as you soak up the village’s charming ambience.

From the terraces, watch boats pass by or arrange your own skipper for the day and set sail on the owner’s Italian gozzo, a traditionally styled boat available to hire, perfect for exploring the hidden corners of south-eastern Sicily.

Visit nearby beaches from sandy shores to idyllic rocky coves, explore the

Page 1 island’s remarkable natural landscapes such as the Necropolis of Pantalica and spend time in Sicily’s wonderful cities and towns from vibrant Catania to stunning Syracuse, just forty minutes away and home to the enchanting island of Ortigia, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Surrounded by sea, history and remarkable nature, La Lanterna Delle Stelle is an exceptional place to stay allowing you to fully experience authentic Sicily in a grand and unique setting. Facilities Wow Factor • Quirky • Instagrammable • Wellness • Beach Nearby • Ideal for Teens • Wi-Fi/Internet • Air-Con • Pets Welcome • Hot Tub • Walk to Beach • Walk to Village • Walk to Restaurant • <1hr to Airport • BBQ • Smart TV • Sauna/Steam • Working Fireplace • Heating • Caretaker/Owner on Site • Cot(s) • High Chair(s) • Walking/Hiking Paths • Wine Tasting • Cycling • Fishing • Outstanding Landscapes • Outdoor Pursuit & Activities • Tourist Towns & Villages • Historical Sites • Romantic • Scuba Diving • Boat Trips • Seafront

Page 2 Interior & Grounds

Lighthouse Interiors

Main Floor

- Open-plan living room with Smart TV and central fireplace - Open-plan kitchen-diner, professionally equipped including dishwasher, microwave, fridge, ice-maker and wine cabinet. Doors lead to al-fresco dining terrace - Bathroom with shower (with chromotherapy feature) and hammam

Upper Floor

- 2 x bedrooms with double bed, bath (in the room) and large shower - Bedroom with double bed

Outside Grounds

- Large roof terrace with outdoor seating and sea views (accessed via spiral stairs) - Terrace with al-fresco dining area - Hot tub with sea view - Barbecue - Direct access to sea (via steep steps and wooden walkway) - Private parking

Facilities

- Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning - Smart satellite TV with Sky and Netflix - USB sockets - Bluetooth speakers (living area and bedrooms) - Portable Bluetooth speaker (for outside) - Hammam - Hot tub - Washing machine and dryer

Page 3 Location & Local Information

Lanterna Delle Stelle is set at the very end of an authentic Sicilian former fishing village, perfectly located between Syracuse and Catania, with incredible sea views towards the bay of Catania and Mount Etna.

It’s a privileged position, just in front of an impressive 15th century castle (not open to visitors) and a short stroll to the heart of the old fishing village, a charming place to spend time alongside locals and tourists alike. The village has a great ambience, especially in the summer when you may be able to hear music from the village in the lighthouse.

There is a handful of restaurants serving seafood and other Sicilian delights, a small supermarket and other amenities as well as cafes and bars, some with yet more wonderful sea and Etna views. The little marina on the canal is a lovely place to watch boats go by and at various points around the village there are rocky edges you can swim from.

Beach lovers can drive a little further north to find long stretches of sandy shores such as Spiaggia Agnone Bagni (15km) or find rocky and sandy coves along the Costa Saracena, around a 15-20 minute drive away. Heading south, park and then walk down the rocky paths to reach idyllic swimming spots around Vetrano or with even steeper access the Sbarcatore dei Turchi is another special place, especially ideal for snorkelling. South of Syracuse, the well known beaches of Fontane Bianche (50km) and Arenella (47km) can be reached in around 45 minutes by car.

A visit to the historic and stunning city of Syracuse is a must during your stay in south-eastern Sicily. The island of Ortigia, connected to the mainland via one of three bridges, will captivate you as you wander around the winding lanes, admiring beautiful Baroque palaces, spotting cacti on narrow balconies, catching glimpses of the sea and dining in authentic restaurants and bars. The cathedral will take your breath away, set in an impressive piazza lined with cafes and restaurants. A visit to the Saturday morning market is also a wonderful experience, followed by a coffee or granita as you watch the world go by.

Noto (65km) can also be reached in an hours drive, another town filled with historic treasures, or spend the day in bustling Catania (42km), getting to know the island’s capital and its fascinating history and culture.

Further afield, Taormina (103km) is a magical place to spend the day with its exquisite architecture and views or discover the deep south of the island with enchanting towns such as Modica and Ragusa, both around 100km away.

History lovers can drive to the dramatic landscapes around the Necropolis of

Page 4 Pantalica (30km) whilst the nature reserve at Cassibile is an incredible place for hiking and swimming with its 10km long canyon and wonderful natural scenery.

Local Amenities

Nearest Airport Catania Fontanarossa Airport (38km)

Nearest Village (Within 100m)

Nearest Restaurant Local village (Within 100m)

Nearest Bar/Pub Local village (Within 200m)

Nearest Supermarket Local village (Within 500m)

Nearest Beach Access to sea from walkway and rocky ledge (Just below the lighthouse )

Nearest Town Augusta (7km)

Nearest City Syracuse (32km)

Nearest Golf I Monasteri Golf (47km)

Page 5 What Oliver loves… What you should know…

The views towards Mount Etna are incredible from the huge roof terrace If visiting with young children, outdoor supervision is needed due to the unique nature of the layout and low-walled terraces. Enjoy more sea and Mount Etna vistas from your hot tub with a glass of As the lighthouse is in such a prime position, with public access nearby, a member of staff is usually present eight hours per Sicilian white wine day to ensure that the cliff and sea access surrounding the lighthouse is used by guests only. There's direct access to the sea from the steps and rocks below the lighthouse It's wonderful being so close to the village and to be able to soak up its vibrant ambience, especially in the summer when you Contemporary design and comfort compliment the unique and historic may be able to hear music playing from the village whilst in the lighthouse. surroundings Hire the owner’s boat, a traditional Italian gozzo, for the day with a private skipper It’s just a forty-minute drive to Syracuse and the enchanting island of Ortigia, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Page 6 Terms & Conditions

- Security deposit: €2000 paid via bank transfer to the owner two weeks before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.

- Arrival time: 5.00 p.m.

- Departure time: 10.00 a.m.

- Energy costs included?: Yes.

- Heating costs included?: Yes.

- Linen & towels included?: Yes, including mid-week linen change. Beach towels also included.

- End of stay cleaning included?: Yes, plus mid-week clean on a Wednesday. 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.

- Changeover day: Saturday.

- Minimum stay: 7 nights.

- Smoking Allowed?: Outside only.

- Pets welcome?: Small dogs/cats may be allowed, on request only and with prior agreement with the owner.

- Internet access?: Wi-Fi internet access is included.

- Insurance: Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, personal belongings, public liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay.

- Tax: Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€3 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required).

- Other Ts and Cs: A cot, highchair and pushchair are available on request.

- 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.

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