The artist's retreat
14 Guests
7 Bedrooms
7 Bathrooms
Generously proportioned, warmly welcoming, and immersed in glorious countryside, Masseria Cardinale is infused with ancient Sicilian DNA and yet is very much a home for today. Myriad original features - not least the warm honey-hued local stone - firmly root the property in its context, while a thoughtful, creative and minimally invasive conservation project has rejuvenated the whole, bringing a new dynamism, a sense of vivacity, and a series of discreet, softly-spoken 21st-century comforts.
Speak to our experts
For expert advice on this villa, things to do in the area, or to discuss how we can make your stay truly bespoke, call our Villa Specialists today. We are open every day of the week, weekends included.
Keyholder highlights
- Authentic Sicilian masseria
- Enchanting and original restoration
- Secluded grounds and pool
Gallery
Ariel views of Masseria Cardinale
The main gate takes one into Masseria Cardinale's impressive central courtyard.
The awe-inspiring main living area (or great hall!).
Masseria Cardinale's splendid pool is immersed in greenery.
The shady, secluded al fresco dining area.
The pool area with its countryside views.
Noto, Sicily
Masseria Cardinale
Available exclusively through The Thinking Traveller
Dates
Guests
Bedrooms
/15.00%2C37.04%2C9%2C0/1280x600@2x%3Faccess_token%3Dpk.eyJ1Ijoiem9ldHR0IiwiYSI6ImNsc2l2eGJvaDJlNzEya3BjYW1lc3dxbDUifQ.67_ngEQp0DGdJhoF7bdiBQ)
The Area
Masseria Cardinale is set in the millennial Monti Iblei, between the ancient Greek town of Palazzolo Acreide (13km) and gorgeous baroque Noto (23km).
Palazzolo Acreide is one of Sicily's hidden gems, very much off the beaten track, but full of interest and history. It is home to an ancient Greek theatre, a series of lovely churches dating between the 15th and the 18th century, and a good array of shops, restaurants, bars and other amenities. Noto, meanwhile, is the most easterly of a chain of baroque towns (including Modica, Ragusa and Scicli now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each one was rebuilt in flamboyant style following a major earthquake in 1693 and they're all well worth a visit. To get a "before-and-after" feel of Noto, we also recommend a visit to the ruins of Noto Antica, just 15km down the road from the villa.
Down on the coast is the beautiful nature reserve of Vendicari, which boasts some of the finest sandy beaches in Sicily and provides a temporary migratory home for thousands of migrating flamingos and a nesting spot for sea turtles.
If hiking in the hills is your thing, then there is some spectacular scenery in the rushing streams and waterfalls of Cassibile and at the Paleolithic burial sites in the dramatic valley of Pantalica.
Siracusa is less than an hour's drive away, and a day there is not to be missed for anybody spending a week or two at Masseria Cardinale.
Catania airport:
86km-54miles-1hr05Palermo airport:
315km-195miles-3hr30Trapani airport:
375km-245miles-4hr45Comiso airport:
58km-36miles-1hr10Nearest beaches:
at Fontane Bianche, 34km-20miles-35mins; at Vendicari Nature Reserve, 35km-22miles-50minsPalazzolo Acreide (nearest shops, restaurants and other amenities):
14km-8.5miles-15minsNoto:
24km-15miles-30minsSiracusa:
34km-21miles-40minsModica:
50km-32miles-1hrRagusa:
54km-33miles-1hrLocal Experiences
Helicopter tours in East Sicily
A helicopter trip in Sicily over Etna and to the Aeolian Islands is a highly moving experience, enough to reduce grown men and women to tears! Book with us for a truly unforgettable addition to your Sicilian holiday.
Discover.jpg)
Wine tastings in Southeast Sicily
Nero D’Avola, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Frappato, Syrah and Moscato Bianco are just a few of the grape varieties cultivated in the Noto area, and we heartily recommend a vineyard visit during your stay. We know the right people and the most prestigious wineries in the area, and we’d be delighted to arrange a chauffeured wine tasting tour with lunch for you.
Discover
Private guided tours in Southeast Sicily
The southeastern tip of Sicily is home to mile after mile of largely unspoilt sandybeaches and an impressive list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica, the towns ofthe Val di Noto, and Villa Romana del Casale.
Discover
Culinary experiences in Southeast Sicily
The southeast of Sicily is famed for its superb tomatoes, cheeses, meat, olive oil, vegetables and seafood. Our culinary experiences in the area will enable you to transform these exquisite ingredients into some of southeast Sicily's most celebrated dishes.
DiscoverFrom the Guest Book
Read the thoughtful reviews that travellers have left after their time with us.
We loved, loved, loved the interior design of Masseria Cardinale! It was a wonderful Sicilian get away! Located in a preserved area, the villa is surrounded by wonderful country roads to walk. The interior of the Masseria was perfectly furnished with a combination of old and new styles. Each room had its own theme and the common area was elegant and warm. The staff is very professional and cooked wonderful meals sourced locally. The absolute highlight of the trip are the wonderful owners, who were gracious and charming.
Emily Taylor September 2024
Masseria Cardinale is a glorious villa, offering peace and tranquillity, and warmth of reception. The owners were terrific - respectful but available whenever needed. And they have exquisite taste! The housekeeper worked tirelessly for us all. Thank you for steering us to Masseria Cardinale! I really appreciated your personal knowledge of the villa options. It’s a very special service you offer.
Anonymous August 2024
Masseria Cardinale oozes old world charm with contemporary imagination. It's the perfect family retreat where every wish is taken care of. The owners have great taste and have created a wonderful world in which the family was happy to immerse itself. The chef was perfect. She focused on preparing fresh Sicilian meals that were tasty and healthy. Our daughter is a chef and she was thrilled by the quality of the cooking. The housekeeper was indefatigable: we were a party of 15 and she made sure everything was shipshape.
Kito de Boer June 2024
Masseria Cardinale is the most beautiful villa with a local team who ensured every detail of the week was setup with the utmost care - from dinners to excursions, they were always on hand to help wherever needed. I would highly recommend using The Thinking Traveller. Thank you for all your help is making my mum's 75th so very special.
JG May 2024
Beautiful villa with wonderful and accommodating hosts. Memorable experiences.
Anonymous August 2023
The owners of Masseria Cardinale were wonderful, the staff were super nice and the food was delicious.
JL, Italy August 2022
