The B&B Villa San Marco was our first stop on our first night in Sicily, after arriving from Palermo on 17 October. Despite a small difficulty identifying the turn-off from the main road upon arrival (our fault/GPS insufficiency), all was exactly as we expected, as shown in online photos, and as described to us in the email I received after booking. The B&B lies down a skinny (one-lane), winding, dirt road/driveway (such is Sicily!) and is in a completely enchanting position! The view of the Valley of the Temples both day and night was what initially drew me to choose the place and I was not disappointed.

While not entirely self-catering, you do have to accept a certain amount of independence/lack of staff 24/7 during your stay. After all 24/7 availability is pretty much an American concept, isn't it? We were greeted by Salvatore, probably a teen-ager, but he was quite informative and instructed us how to find him or someone else should we have any needs. As he showed us our room, he made sure we had everything we needed and then left us alone. We enjoyed walking around the property to see the animals (mostly birds and a couple of dogs), get more views of the temples, and just generally enjoyed the solitude of the country.

Our room was on an upper floor of a detached building, quite spacious, adequately quiet, and we had the luxury of 2 balconies to relax outside and watch the peacocks or listen to the geese. The bed was spacious and reasonably comfortable--I had to adjust to not sleeping on my beloved Tempurpedic, but nevertheless I slept very well. Drinks from the mini-fridge were complimentary, and there was also a kettle to boil water and tea bags for those who need a cup of tea in the mornings to get going, I suppose. Wonder of wonders, there was even wi-fi! There was a bit of a chill when we awoke the next morning, but the heaters worked efficiently to warm the room and bathroom in no time at all.

For any who complain of a small shower at this property or elsewhere, note that in all my Italy travels (at least 10 or more trips over 15 years), very few showers are "up" to American expectations for size, equipment, water pressure or temperature, etc., but I have long since come to accept this. It is what it is, and it ain't the USA. I am content and actually always a bit intrigued and amused by differences and quirks I find in European hotel rooms and bathrooms. In the case of the B&B Villa San Marco, my husband and I both found the shower adequate in size (meaning we could actually move our elbows), the water pressure great, and the temperature uniform (no hot/cold spells). The owners even go so far as to have extra toiletries available for you to use (soaps, razors, lotions) and had a hair dryer in the room, as well. This was also one of the few times in Italy I have ever had an actual terry cloth towel to dry with.

Breakfast was on the sunny terrace facing the pool and the Valley of the Temples once again. It was a typical Italian breakfast: croissants, rolls/bread, coffee, juice, with butter and jams and preserves. There was also an extra bonus of some homemade cakes. The family dogs lay down contentedly in the sun next to our table but were in no way a nuisance, and the resident doves flitted here and there.

I only wish we could have stayed here for another day or two, and assuming we return to Sicily, I will definitely plan it that way to see much more of the area. B&B Villa San Marco is a place I would love to return to, and would recommend it to my friends and other travelers (and in fact, already have as our Sicily trip progressed).

We did not like this place much. Kitchen was primitive and under equipped. A large dog pushed its way into the room and we had to put a suitcase against the door to prevent it.

We fell in love for this B&B in a gorgeous setting. Very fresh and delicious breakfast. Very clean rooms and the owners made us feel like family. We did like the animals around the place and most of all the dogs. It was the highlight of the vacation.
Big hugs for Leon en Tzutzu.
Ladys Verhoeven from Holland

This was one of the highlights of our recent holiday. The accommodation was lovely with good self catering facilities as well as the most incredible view over the temples. The little pool was spotlessly clean and a lovely way to relax after sightseeing. The whole courtyard is filled with a collection of animals which we absolutely adored! There are peacocks, two very friendly dogs and a sweet natured cat as well as various beautiful birds in a large and very well kept aviary. We ate outside on the terrace and the family made us feel very welcome. In fact, my only hesitation in reviewing it is a selfish one - we will definitely be back and I hope it isn't booked out!!