Nesting in the valley
Looking out over a peaceful valley planted with olive groves and citrus orchards, Saia thrums to the calming rhythms of country life. If, after a couple of days enjoying all this by your pool, you're ready to explore further afield, it's good to know that the fascinating towns and the long sandy beaches of the Val di Noto are just a short drive away.
Our team has visited each of our villas, so they can share the finer details and help explore flexible date options
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Saia is set above a fertile plain between the fascinating Baroque town of Noto and the beautiful natural reserve of Vendicari. Noto is the most easterly of a chain of baroque towns, including Modica, Ragusa, and Scicli. All were all rebuilt in flamboyant style following a major earthquake in 1693 and today they are protected as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Val di Noto. Vendicari Nature Reserve, meanwhile, boasts some of the finest sandy beaches in Sicily, which are pleasingly under populated even in the height of summer. Vendicari is also home to thousands of migrating flamingos and other species of bird, not to mention the sea turtles that nest on its beaches. Just to the west of Vendicari are the remains and superb mosaics of Villa Romana del Tellaro, a 4th century Roman villa.
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, which, along with fascinating, historic Syracuse form another UNESCO WOrld Heritage Site.
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.
DiscoverNero 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.
DiscoverThe 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.
DiscoverThe 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 here until the southeasternmost tip of Sicily, the coastline is an uninterrupted stretch of sandy beach, dotted with picturesque little resort towns, including Punta Secca (Inspector Montalbano's home), Marina di Ragusa, Donnalucata, Cava d'Aliga, Sampieri and Marina di Modica. The last strip, made up of several miles of dunes, is where the Allied forces landed in the 2nd World War. At the southernmost tip of Sicily is Isola Delle Correnti, offering an almost African scenario. Indeed, here we are considerably further south than Tunis.Just around the southeastern tip and heading north up the east coast, are the beaches of Marzamemi, San Lorenzo and Vendicari Nature Reserve. The reserve's salt water lagoons and varieties of flora offer the ideal habitat for a wide range of fauna, including nesting turtles and migrating flamingos.Continuing up the east coast, between Vendicari and the historic Greek town of Syracuse, are the popular sandy beaches of Marina di Noto, Calabernado, Marina di Avola, Gelsomineto, Fontane Bianche and Arenella.
DiscoverFrom the Guest Book
Everything was wonderful at Saia. We had a relaxed holiday in a beautiful setting!
SR September 2024
Relaxing, comfortable and carefree.
Anonymous July 2023
I guess the easiest way to describe the experience is to say that I already recommended Saia to two friends and encouraged them to stay there. My family and I spent 3 weeks in Sicily, 2 weeks travelling the island and one week at Saia. The group included 8 adults and 2 babies. Having 5 bedrooms was essential for us. The location was gorgeous, the house beautiful - welcoming and ideal for our time there. We relaxed, we visited other surrounding towns/cities and even walked the local roads enjoying the views, flora and fauna. In summary - the perfect stay in Sicily is at Saia!
T.G. May 2023
Saia was excellent.
DR, United Kingdom September 2022
Saia was stunning, actually much better than in the images which is a first for most places we've stayed in. We'd love to come back to the same villa one day.
Anonymous, United Kingdom September 2020
Saia is lovely! The views over the countryside are beautiful and the layout of the house works very well - everyone can be together when they wish or in their own private space. The house overall and kitchen were well-equipped and all furniture and aspects of the house are modern and comfortable. Proximity to Noto and the beach was a plus.
Ms Andrea Kaplan, United States of America October 2019