What a wonderful stay we had in Scicli with our host Francesca making it extra special. The place had everything we needed for our 6-night stay. It was clean, comfortable and close to all markets and the historic center. We used the location to tour the other Baroque Cities, Ispica, and the beach village of Sampieri. Francesca suggested we use the local car rental, Jolly Motors, to rent a car for three days. I highly recommend their friendly service. They came and picked us up and brought us back to the apartment after we turned in the car. On the last night of our stay Francesca arranged for us to have a tour of the historic Santorio of Santa Maria Nova given by a group of local teens and the musical composer who restored the church’s rare, Orchestral Organ built in 1776. His musical performance demonstrated the organ’s massive range of orchestral sound. Great overall accomodation.

We had a wonderful weeks stay in Scicli. The house was perfect with everything we needed and Scicli itself was beautiful. Francesca was a fantastic host, friendly, helpful and incredibly knowledgable on Scicli and the surrounding area. We throughly enjoyed our week and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to others.

I can highly recommend Francesca's house. She is the perfect host. So much useful information is provided. The location is ideal. Having the roof terrace makes all the difference. I would love to stay there again. Thanks Francesca. Bryony and Kerry

Our fourth visit to Cera una Volta, and probably not the last! We just feel so at home in this beautiful traditional Sicilian house tucked away in one of the older parts of Scicli. with friendly neighbours and a view across to the caves. Everything is exactly as it says on the web site.The house is always immaculate. and homely. its uniqueness sets it apart from other holiday homes. Other years we have always eaten out in the evening. however this year, my wife had a swollen knee so I did the shopping and cooked. It was simple fare, but the local supermarket - Deco - and the butcher just down towards Piazza Italia are really helpful, have wonderful fresh produce and really good prices. Everyone is so helpful, and someone even brought round some home made massage oil for Caths knee.Once she was more mobile we went to Donnalucata by bus. We enjoyed lunch at Mezzaparola and a stroll along the sea front in the sunshine.We wanted to venture further afield than we could manage on the bus, and we booked a day trip, by taxi, with Elios in Piazza Italia. We chose to go to Piazza Armerina. We went along the coast toward Gela and then up to the Roman Villa, about a 2 hour drive. Amazing and well worth a visit. Afterward, the three of us went for lunch and then he took us on a scenic route back to Scicli. The driver was brilliant and by the end of the day, I think my poor Italian was a bit better and he had learnt some more English!We ate out on the last two nights, firstly at Quore Matto ( not impressed) and then at Baqqala which was very good. We also went to Millenium for coffee, cakes and Internet. There are a couple of small bars just past San Bartolomeo church which serve excellent coffee and pastries at an extremely cheap price.I revisited a rutti ri Ron Carmelu the museum depicting life in the caves, it is very good.It was sad to say good bye on the Saturday, and used EliosTaxis again to go to Catania.Francesca really makes the stay at Piedagrotta something special. We will be back, hopefully at an earlier time in the year, to see one the amazing festivals that take place.