Veranda - Apartment with views over the sea and Ortigia’s promenade

This apartment has a perfect location. It lovely to see nothing but the sea from inside the apartment and from the terrace. The apartment is very well furnished - in particular it has a very comfortable sofa and chairs. The "angolo cottura" is just that - in fact it is almost too small to cook. We just made salads accompanied by cheeses and wine. Lunch on the terrace was a treat. There is plenty of china, but it was a bit short on glasses - particularly large ones for a beer. It needs a new chopping board!

The apartment was very clean. It has wi-fi, which I had not picked up on the details so was a nice bonus. it was great not to have to buy olive oil or washing-up liquid, and the welcome bottle of wine was much appreciated.

A word of caution to anyone over 5' 10" (which I am) - there is a low beam halfway along the apartment. However I quickly got used to it and did not bang my head once.

Max who met us at the apartment was charming and helpful.

I would recommend this apartment to friends.

General points: The taxi driver who is listed in the house book was helpful and worth using if you need a taxi. The bus service to and from Catania airport (Interbus) was pretty efficient, though be prepared for twenty-five minutes driving around the streets of Siracusa to pick up and drop passengers. You have to load your own suitcases into the luggage compartments on the bus.

Ortigia is pretty small, and you can walk everywhere. We even walked to the archaeological park and museum in modern Siracusa, but that is quite a hike. There is a useful small supermarket in Via Maestranza, about seven minutes walk away. The vegetable and fruit market, near the bridge to the mainland is wonderful. Piazza Duomo is beautiful - a perfect location for a coffee or an aperitif. And even if churches are not your thing do visit the duomo. A tranquil and impressive space with columns from an ancient Greek temple which occupied the site embedded in the walls.