Augusta, Siracusa

Augusta is not on the usual beaten tourist-track.  There is a reason for this – at first glance it is perhaps not as exquisite in appearance as most other towns in the region.  The old town is on an island where there are some historical and architectural left-overs, one would say,  such as, a little-not-so-well-kept fort, a Swabian Castle and a Baroque church that stand out as evidence of  a more glorious past when Frederick II declared this his favorite Imperial city. Hence its majestic name.

Augusta’s coastlines are amongst the most beautiful in all Sicily. The unfortunate decision to locate the island’s petrol refineries on the coast between Priolo and Augusta has given rise to one of Sicilian continuing major controversies. Yet his part of Sicily remains unmissable.

One of the loveliest corners of this area is the point of Santa Croce with its Lighthouse where there is a bar which is a favorite with the locals for granita, ice-cream and aperitifs at sunset. Our villa Al Faro is tucked away in the bay facing the lighthouse and the gorgeous sea. All this makes a visit to these lesser-known parts of Sicily a quiet  and a meditative experience that suits every pocket.

Augusta is in a strategic position, only a 10 minute drive to the charming fishing village of Brucoli and 30 minutes from Siracusa. The Nature Reserve of Vendicari is one hour away.