Reviews of Villa Rental in Modica Sicily with Pool and Air Conditioning
Villa Modica (8)
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Customer Reviews
Overall:
It was a very pleasant, peaceful place to stay, very good for families with spacious rooms and terraces.
Enjoyed Most:
The pool area was especially attractive and relaxing even though it was too cool in late March to swim. The property owner obviously works very hard to maintain it and he provided more kitchen supplies and food than we have ever experienced before in our several European rentals. There was a delicious lasagna, salad, potatoes, wine, water and milk waiting for us when we arrived. Also supplied were olive oil, balsamic vinegar, tomatoes, sugar, flour, coffee and oranges we could pick off the tree beside the pool. There was even a hair dryer for our use. The linen supply was extremely generous: sheets, towels; but the Italians apparently do not use washcloths.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The electric coffee maker took an hour and a half to brew 8 cups of coffee! The bathrooms are not en suite.
Surrounding Area:
It was a good base for day trips to the beach, Ragusa, Siracusa, Noto, the Castle at Donnafugata. Mt. Etna a bit of a stretch at 2 1/2 hours. The villa is located on a hill with an excellent view of the town on the opposite hill.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The villa is located just on the outskirts of Modica, not really within walking distance. A car is needed.
Tips or Restaurants:
We got good restaurant recommendations from the owner and other local people whom we asked. One was in Hotel San Benedetto and another was La Rustica.
Directions:
Did not use a GPS.
Check In Out:
The owner is friendly, gracious, very accommodating and speaks perfect English.
Ann, March, 2010
Overall:
Our overall experience was idyllic. I personally loved the tranquility! Villa Modica really did become "our" villa for seven days!
Enjoyed Most:
The views, the scent of the jasmine, the fresh herbs that we could use in our cooking, and the colourful flowers throughout the property.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The pool was rather chilly.
Surrounding Area:
The solitude, the countryside, access to walks in the fields, proximity to town by vehicle.
Tips or Restaurants:
The owners stocked the cupboards and the refrigerator very well! We were so grateful indeed! Additionally, there was delectable food in the oven for our first evening. How lovely! What would be advantageous is a working knowledge of Italian and a small phrasebook, particularly with restaurant-cuisine vocabulary.
Check In Out:
The owner handled this professionally and expediently. When we learned that he had lived in Canada, we all instantly bonded!
Murray, May, 2008
Overall:
We had a marvelous time exploring Modica and the surrounding area. The villa was perfect for our group of 2 parents, 2 children and 3 grandparents - because everyone had their own space and there was plenty of room. The scenery around the villa was exquisite and we enjoyed it from the lovely pool area and the sun room. The owner was very friendly and helpful, giving us good recommendations and taking us to the local restaurants where the locals go. We really appreciated having a stocked kitchen upon arrival as well as a homemade lasagna that we ate for our first meal in Sicily.
Enjoyed Most:
The pool area and gardens were lovely and well tended. The landscaping was very tasteful. The views from the villa of the countryside and hills of Modica were lovely. The bedrooms were spacious and there was plenty of storage.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The kitchen was a bit dark--I wish there was a nicer dining area inside because it was too cold to eat dinner outside when we were there.
Surrounding Area:
Gorgeous scenery. The towns of the Val de Noto were all within a short drive: Ragusa and Noto and Scicli. Baroque architecture was really nice.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Modica was within walking distance, but I would never walk on the road to town. It was too dangerous with no sidewalk or shoulder and lots of blind curves.
Tips or Restaurants:
Remember that stores are closed during most afternoons, although they open in the evening. On Sundays it is difficult to buy anything. We found the villa to be very well stocked with basics such as coffee, cereal, fruit, vegetables, bread. Also nice that there were pantry items such as olive oil, vinegar, spices for those who like to cook.
One of our best meals was prepared by 2 local women that the owner arranged for us. They cooked us a multi-course seafood feast! Highly recommend it.
Jennifer, April, 2008
Enjoyed Most:
the owner/caretaker was wonderful and very help and hospitable.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Too far to walk to town although we found wonderful walks in the countryside.
Surrounding Area:
The countryside is beautiful. The town is wonderful and we enjoyed the evening promenades in town. The chocolate was wonderful and we tasted a wide variety and enjoyed them all.
Tips or Restaurants:
The kitchen was fully stocked.
Maryann, December, 2007
Overall:
The owner was the perfect host. He was always available but never intruded. We loved having the meal ready Saturday when we arrived along with some provisions. After a long, tiring travel period, that was wonderful and delicious!
Enjoyed Most:
The meticulous attention the owner gave to his property and the villa. The beautiful views.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Italian beds never seem to meet American standards.
Surrounding Area:
Modica is a truly charming town. Good shopping, good restaurants, great ambiance. Every Sunday the center of town is closed so everyone is in the streets, strolling and enjoying the night air.
Nearby Events or Locales:
We drove everywhere. I didn't feel like there was anyplace nearby to walk to.
Tips or Restaurants:
Have the dinner prepared at the villa! The food was fabulous and eating outdoors with the view was a treat.
Katherine , June, 2007
Overall:
We enjoyed eating out in the gazebo by the pool. Our weather was spectacular, and we loved the general ambiance of the villa.
Enjoyed Most:
The villa was beautiful, situated in a very quiet area just outside of the town of Modica. Rosa had stocked the kitchen with milk, bread, juice, cheese, eggs, cereal, toilet paper and paper towels, and left a big bowl of wonderful fruit on the table. She and her husband couldn't have been nicer.
Unpleasant Surprises:
We didn't realize out spread out Sicily was, and how difficult it was to get around. Of course, this had nothing to do with the villa itself, but we found ourselves spending hours in the car going from Modica to Taormina for example. or Modica to Syracuse. We never did get to Palermo or the sights in that area.
Surrounding Area:
The immediate area and all of Sicily that we saw was lovely. The town of Modica had everything you might want, from shopping to restaurants. The people throughout Sicily were friendly and welcoming.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The nearest town was Modica, and it was a good two or three miles away - a good walk!! One thing that surprised us was the size of the towns in Sicily. We found them to be much larger than we anticipated and difficult to walk through - hilly and big!
Tips or Restaurants:
In Modica we ate in Nicastro - difficult to find in Modica Alta, and Fattoria delle Torri Gastarea, right off of Corso Umburto. Both were very good and were recommended in a travel book on Sicily that we brought with us. But in all honesty, we never found a restaurant we didn't like.
Check In Out:
The hosts were most accommodating.
Irene, October, 2006
Overall:
Superb value, and if you like your own space, this villa has it.
Enjoyed Most:
Garden areas and pool - they are beautiful and huge!
Unpleasant Surprises:
This is a tough question as this is a beautiful villa. The master beds were a little uncomfortable.
Surrounding Area:
Lovely rural aspect.
Tips or Restaurants:
Be aware there are no taxi services in Modica after 8pm. La Torre d'Oriente is an excellent restaurant.
Paul, August, 2006
Overall:
We had a wonderful stay and we can't thank the owner enough for sharing his lovely home.
Enjoyed Most:
The outdoor area is lovely. The view of the town of Modica is breathtaking. The owner is extremely friendly - available, but not ever in our way.
Unpleasant Surprises:
There was a strange smell in the house the first few days - my guess was from lack of use over the spring. It went away as we ran the water, etc.
Surrounding Area:
It has a secluded feel while close to many lovely sites.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Modica is the closest town - but it is not a walk. Driving into Modica is a bit of a challenge.
Tips or Restaurants:
Make sure you bring enough food to last until Monday as all shops are closed on Sunday.
Julie, June, 2006
Overall:
The property was clean, restful and the satellite TV was a nice reminder of home, since we were traveling for just under a month.
Enjoyed Most:
The pool, by far! It was clean and the swimming was great. Angelo and Rosa were extremely kind and informative, and the cook for hire was excellent! We were eating and eating and eating. The sun and the area were given to a relaxing atmosphere that was wonderful.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The water pressure-temp in the showers was hard to get a handle on, especially for one with a bit of sunburn.
Surrounding Area:
The people of Modica were friendly and helpful, the store owners never pressured us and dealt honestly, all a refreshing change form the bustle of the popular sites on the mainland.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Modica, and it was within walking distance.
Tips or Restaurants:
A suggestion would be not to order too many groceries if you also hire the cook, as we had way too much food!
Directions:
The roads in Sicily tend to be well marked BUT the route numbers of the roads may double up at certain points, for the SS 194 and the 514. We got a bit confused at that point.
Matthew, May, 2006
Overall:
We recommend it in warm weather. Harder to enjoy all the home has to offer in the winter months, but still quite relaxing and enjoyable.
Enjoyed Most:
The property was very well equipped and livable. It was a bit too chilly to enjoy the patio and enclosed porch, but in warm weather the outdoor areas would be a huge asset. The owner's sister and her husband made the stay most enjoyable as they really went the extra mile to help us out including helping us get bikes to use and taking us to the local olive oil fattoria.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Nothing really, except we wish it were a bit closer to the nearest town.
Surrounding Area:
Lots to do around the area. Modica is lovely and Ragusa and other small towns are worth visiting. We biked around the countryside and found it very appealing. The beach area is a short drive or a longer bike ride.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Modica is the nearest town but it really is not within walking distance. This is unfortunate if, like us, you have older kids who would like some independence. Also, parking in Modica is quite difficult.
Tips or Restaurants:
Fattoria delle Torri is a wonderful restaurant, more upscale. We also found several charming local restaurants through the tourism office. Explore the back roads on bike, if possible.
Directions:
We took the wrong exit, our fault, and the owner's sister met us and directed us into the property. Very nice.
Check In Out:
A nice surprise that there was some basic food purchased for us, including a bottle of wine and a cake for the New Year.
Maryann, January, 2006
Overall:
Had a great time..comfortable home...little pricey on the utilities for a week -
no water pressure in the shower, no clothes dryer, but I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Enjoyed Most:
Location just outside Modica, beautiful, quiet, safe, and yet just a few minutes to Modica. The rooms were spacious, comfortable for 7 adults and a baby. Beautiful views from all of the windows. Beautiful landscaping.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Steep slanted driveway made it difficult to drive the cars down to the entrance of the house, especially if it was raining, it was slippery.
Surrounding Area:
Modica was within a few minutes by car. Lots of great shops and friendly people. Easy access to grocery stores. Went to Siracusa....EXCELLENT choice for the day..very much worth seeing. Saw the Greek amphitheater ruins, the harbor and the city itself is very beautiful.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Modica. I would not recommend walking to the town as streets are narrow and winding and the drivers are very aggressive and NUTS. But surprisingly, we never saw an accident or anyone run over by drivers who obviously come out of their shell when they're behind the wheel of their car.
Tips or Restaurants:
Reserve the cook, Marcella, for EVERY night. She is fantastic and reasonable. I wish I could have brought her home with me.
Nancy, December, 2005
Enjoyed Most:
The garden was very attractive and beautifully maintained - owner's family who look after the villa were extremely helpful and friendly - kitchen well stocked and house unusually well equipped - spacious and clean - plenty of French doors and balconies - quiet and scenic location not far from town. N.B. Your description refers to access road 50 m. from property, but with virtually no traffic noise. We were expecting a nearby motorway, but there is nothing of the kind - just the local road which the villa is situated on. Your description raises needless concerns.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Living room a bit dim, lights weak and no windows - no land line and intermittent cell service - have to drive to town for everything, nothing in walking distance.
Surrounding Area:
Modica has interesting architecture, typically Sicilian, not a tourist trap - good restaurants available ranging from pizza to one really outstanding restaurant, Fattoria delle Torri - don't be put off by the entrance - other interesting sites - Ragusa, Noto, Siracusa, etc. within driving distance.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Modica. Not walking distance, not far to drive but the roads are skinny and the driving dreadful, as elsewhere in Sicily. Plenty of parking space at the villa but elsewhere parking not easy - rent a SMALL car.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring a wash cloth. Restaurant, Fattoria delle Torri in Modica is exceptional.
John, October, 2005
Overall:
Rosa had a delicious meal waiting for us upon arrival. What a first impression!
We did not anticipate having to pay extra for electricity and gas.
We LOVED the fully stocked kitchen--both the edibles and all the gadgets and pots and pans we could have needed.
Enjoyed Most:
The care takers. Their attention to details of comfort and their welcome and assistance were beyond all expectation.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The exterior on the front door facade is plain. This matters very little if at all. It is the only thing we can come up with!!
Surrounding Area:
CHOCOLATE! The warmth of the towns people of Modica was fantastic. The town itself has more to do and see than we expected
Nearby Events or Locales:
Modica. Distance is walkable but the road to town is not safe to walk on---no shoulder or sidewalk to stay out of the motorway
Tips or Restaurants:
Villa Fattoria is a fabulous restaurant to experience, an exquisite multi-course meal. The chef comes to introduce himself to the patrons. The setting is modern decor in an historic and gorgeous out-of-the-way building down a charming alley Also, there is a small store called Casa Formaggio. The owner was an outstanding tour guide for cheese. We learned a tremendous amount about Sicilian cheese and those typical of the Modican/Ragusan area. Lastly, he went out of his way to assist us with directions, parking practices, etc.
Monica, October, 2005
Enjoyed Most:
Grounds were beautiful and so was the view. Interior was sparkling clean, though some furnishings were a bit dated.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Dated living room and noise---particularly the carob farmers with their tractors harvesting most of the week just a few feet off the pool deck. Also, didn't appreciate that, as we were paying for electricity, the property had 6-8 floodlights that turned on automatically each night.
Surrounding Area:
Beautiful hillsides, very charming neaby city of Modica.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Modica. 20-30 minute walk.
Tips or Restaurants:
Mezzamemi, a seaside town about a 45-minute drive. In Modica, La Contea for pizza.
Kevin, September, 2005
Overall:
Go! It's really wonderful. The caretakers made us fantastically welcome.
Enjoyed Most:
The villa setting is stunning and location perfect -- about five minutes from a charming un-touristy town yet with the feeling that no one is around you. It's equipped with every modern convenience -- including dishwasher and microwave which make housework particularly easy.
Unpleasant Surprises:
Pretty much nothing, but if forced, I would offer up a few small things -
1. Didn't like the 10:00 a.m. departure time.
2. The second master bedroom didn't have an air-conditioner, although the other three bedrooms did.
3. We really could have used some instructions on how to work the TV and VCR.
4. An umbrella by the pool for shade would have been nice, though there was a cupola that you could bring the lounge chairs to.
Surrounding Area:
Loved the town of Modica itself. The chocolate is unusual - made without milk and a must try, as are the morning granitas with creme and brioche...
The Marina di Ragusa, has excellent seafood restaurants and great people watching along the boardwalk.
Tips or Restaurants:
There's really nothing the house needs. Carmello's in Marina di Ragusa about 20 minute drive is an excellent restaurant recommended by some local friends of ours. Fattoria di Toni is in Modica and very haute Sicilian cuisine - worth an evening out like that.
We weren't thrilled with Noto -- very dirty and in disarray. We wished we had gone to Siracusa, instead.
Prepare to get lost when driving -- it's not a big deal -- but pretty much happens on every excursion!
Kathy, August, 2005
Overall:
The villa was fantastic. We will definitely book with you again because the quality of the villa, the excellent cook and your helpful staff made all the difference.
Angie, July, 2004
Overall:
The hosts are amazing. They have a very well stocked house and they think of everything that you need.
Enjoyed Most:
The spectacular view and beauty of the property in terms of the pool and gardens. Everything is very well maintained.
Unpleasant Surprises:
The weather was cool on several days and we literally were freezing and had to buy heavy sweat clothes to stay warm in the house. I was extremely surprised that given how cool it gets in this part of Sicily that there was no way to deal with how cold the house gets.
Surrounding Area:
This part of Sicily has stunning baroque architecture and lovely dramatic hills.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Modica is not within comfortable walking distance
Tips or Restaurants:
Warm clothes--even in late spring.
Fabulous restaurants: Il Cortelleto and Fattoria
Check In Out:
The owner is delightful. She received us with warmth and grace. She explained how everything worked. We loved meeting her.
Lori, May, 2004