With its pristine, 12-metre swimming pool and private tennis court, Villa Zagara Bianca is a wonderful choice for a family with active kids looking to enjoy the seclusion of a private villa with masses of outdoor space. With three double bedrooms, it would also work well for two or three couples; there are loungers for everyone around the pristine pool, and shaded dining space for a leisurely breakfast or lazy lunch whilst you plan out the next excursion or fuel up after an hour on the tennis court.

There’s no need to do anything quite so energetic if you don’t want to however; surrounded by orange trees (gloriously fragrant if you’re lucky enough to be here when the blossom arrives in spring) this is a brilliantly tranquil base to just kick back, relax and enjoy the Sicilian sunshine, with no near neighbours to disturb your peace. As evening falls, take a glass of something cool up to the roof terrace (unfurnished) and enjoy a 360-degree panorama over pretty countryside and the craggy limestone hills so typical of this region, or hop in the car to discover one of the local restaurants within a short drive of the villa.

This area is an idyllic base for a villa holiday, rich in history with good access to some of Sicily’s finest beaches. Fontane Bianche, with its white sand and turquoise water is idyllic for swimming, while Capo Murro di Porco is the place to head for waves and a wilder, more natural feel. The celebrated Baroque towns of the Val di Noto – including Ragusa, Noto and Modica – make perfect day trips, or you can experience the rich history of Syracuse and old town Ortigia in around 25 minutes from your front door.