La Lanterna Delle Stelle

Description

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 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.

#### Features
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

#### Location
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. 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 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.