After traveling around Sicily for 5 weeks or so, we felt that we had come home when we got to the Verdetecnica Apartments just outside Sicily. We had booked only 2 nights, but were happy to come back, after a quick jaunt to Modica, for 5 more nights. It was the perfect place to de-compress and relax.

We very much appreciated the apartment--with the well-equipped kitchenette where we were able to cook delightful meals--the sense of space and coziness--the 2 level apartment, with a TUB where I could, after weeks in Sicily, indulge my sense of luxury. The common room also had DVDs, CDs, books (including many good ones in English) and computer access--I know, I know, we are in Sicily with so much else to see! but after a few weeks, these creature comforts were wonderful--as were our hosts. Pascale told me, after I asked her, about a near-by swimming pool in Menfi where I could swim laps, and she even called to find out the hours of a thermal pool not too far away, a pleasant, easy day trip.

For those who are in Sicily only a short time, this area is a great base for exploration. We had a car, so it was very nice to take easy day trips to the near-by mountain villages--for instance, in Caltabellotta, there is a traditional, authentic restaurant named Mates(park your car and ask directions). The charming waiters packed the pork soaked in wine and the fresh fresh ricotta that we could not eat so we could take it away. A very nice trip, besides the more famous places, is to the lovely, quiet ruins of Ericlea Minoa--perhaps, after wandering in the remains of the ancient acropolis there, you might want to wander along the sandy beach for a time--and even stop at a restaurant (only one open when we were there in November) and enjoy a plate of simple pasta with some house wine.

Our hosts Pascale and Salvatore were charming beyond belief--AND did I mention they speak perfect English? And that Salvatore gives very good directions?

Thanks, Pascale and Salvatore--our hope is to get back within a few years?
Sue and Gordon from Langley, BC