A panoramic, seafront pied-à-terre in Ortigia, Syracuse's beautiful historic centre.

With its seafront position, its panoramic roof terrace, its proximity to excellent restaurants and a vibrant street market and its comfortable, bright and airy accommodation, Ortigia is an ideal solution for anyone wishing to get the very best out of Syracuse, one of Italy's most delightful towns.

Inside: accommodation at Ortigia develops over the ground and first floors of a charming, beautifully restored seafront townhouse. The private entrance takes one into a small hallway, off which are the first two bedrooms: a twin (suitable for children) and a double sharing a shower room.

Stairs lead up to the first floor, which is home to a luminous, panoramic and comfortably furnished living area looking out to sea, a dining area, a small but cleverly-designed and well-equipped kitchen, and a lovely sea-view double bedroom with its own en-suite shower room.

Outside: a second flight of stairs lead up from the first floor to the fabulous roof-top terrace, which offers stunning views over the sea and the coastline of Syracuse. Here there is a sink, a gas barbecue and a fully furnished lounge and dining area, where you will be able to eat, relax and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere from on high.

Being located in the historic centre of Ortigia, you may consider this wonderful little island to be your own back yard, with its restaurants, bars, fabulous daily street market and shops all but a gentle, highly pleasurable stroll away. In the summer months you can also enjoy a swim from one of the platforms erected just a stone's throw from your front door.

Ortigia, the apartment, is an excellent option for those not wishing to hire a car. There is a wonderful daily street market just a few blocks away selling fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, while all of Ortigia's myriad charms are within a walk.

The number of steps that must be negotiated to get into and around this property might make it unsuitable for people with limited mobility. Please note that the stairs up to the roof terrace have risers that are a little higher than normal stairs.

Due to its location in the centre of Ortigia, some areas of this property may be overlooked, and road noise, both from traffic and passing pedestrians is audible, particularly on the ground floor.

There is no private parking, though public parking is available nearby.
There are few town centres in Italy that are as beautiful, as historic or as intriguing as Ortigia, Syracuse's ancient island heart. Remains of Greek temples rub shoulders with sumptuous baroque palaces, labyrinthine streets offer surprise vistas out to sea and open out into splendid piazzas, restaurants, bars and cafés spill out onto the streets, and a daily market offers up a vast array of irresistible local produce. Following its triumph over Athens in 413 BC Syracuse was arguably the most important city in the Mediterranean (and hence perhaps the world). Remains of that period are beautifully preserved on Ortigia, at Neapolis and in the fabulous archaeological museum, all of which are within a few minutes walk or drive of the apartment. Also within easy distance are white sandy beaches, towns such as Noto, Modica and Ragusa, Mount Etna, and much more.

Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.

The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.