Helen's Sicilian Summer holiday 2025

Despite running an Italian villa rental company, planning our own family holiday is never straightforward. The only easy decision? It has to be Italy!

Planning a family holiday sounds simple, but when your children are adults, it becomes a logistical puzzle. Gone are the days of school calendars dictating our travel dates—now it’s music festivals, weddings, and hen parties that complicate things. With three grown-up children, that’s three times the scheduling challenges!

Our criteria were clear: the sea must be on the doorstep. That helped narrow down our options, and this summer we chose Sicily—a destination that ticks every box: incredible food, rich culture, and stunning beaches. More precisely, we headed to Cicirata, just south of Avola, and stayed at the near perfect Mare Dentro 

Why Mare Dentro Was Perfect for Us

• Direct Sea Access: Private steps from the terrace led straight to the rocks and the sea, or a short 50m walk to a sandy beach.
• Local Amenities: Joy Beach Lido and several bars were just steps away. The beach was never crowded, and the sea was warm and calm.
• Ideal Location: Close to Noto for evening strolls, Avola for pizza nights, and Marzamemi for a memorable fish supper.
• Unforgettable Sunsets: Despite the tempting excursions, our unanimous favorite was dining on the terrace at Mare Dentro, watching the sun sink into the horizon—a truly restorative experience..

We couldn’t have wished for a better location or accommodation. We will return!