Masseria degli Ulivi

Activities

• Explore nearby Unesco World Heritage town of Noto , one of the Baroque gems of Sicily, rebuilt from scratch after the 1693 earthquake: ornate palazzi, honey-stoned churches (the duomo was recently restored), and a pedestrianised Corso Emmanuele (people-watchers' paradise)
  
  
• You're well placed for a day trip to nearby Syracuse, once the most important city in the Mediterranean and settled for over 2000 years; its old town (Ortigia) sits on a sea-washed spur, with a newly restored cathedral bearing traces of every passing culture, and a Greek theatre and ancient quarry in the new town
  
  
• Further afield (1-1.5 hours) are the equally stunning Baroque towns of Modica (famous for its chocolate), Ragusa (home to a Michelin-starred restaurant) and – our favourite – Scicli (walk up to the abandoned cathedral for stunning rooftop views)
  
  
• Drive 10 mins up the road - or borrow bikes from the hotel - to Noto Antica to explore the old hilltop fortress and ruined town; little survived the 1693 earthquake apart from the city walls, but the site and the spring flowers are stunning
  
  
• A must-see for hikers is the spectacular Cava Grande gorge just 5km from the hotel - it's 300m deep and bissected by an emerald river which forms deep (and chilly) green pools; to escape the weekend crowds, turn left when you reach the valley floor and picnic on the smooth-rocked banks
  
  
• The pretty town of Palazzolo Acreide, famous for its Greek theatre, is also nearby (20km)
  
  
• Drive down to the coast and check out some of the beautiful beaches (both free and paying lidi with sunbeds and beach umbrellas); the nearest is Lido di Noto, 16km away, but far lovelier are the secluded coves of the Vendicari reserve, like Calamosche and nearby Eloro
  
  
• There's great birdwatching in the wetlands around Vendicari, including flamingos, herons, spoonbills and collared pratincoles
  
  
• Other activities include diving courses in Syracuse; and horse riding around Noto
  
  
• Or laze around the gorgeous pool, enjoying the view and the peaceful atmosphere