SURROUNDINGS
GROCERIES
Small minimarkets are available at Testa Dell’Acqua, a tiny village only a few minutes ride from Casa Balat, as well as a local butcher, two coffe shops and a bakery. For proper supermarkets, the closest ones are in Noto and Palazzolo Acreide, both at 15 minutes driving distance.
DINING
5 min drive in the direction of Noto and you will find a farmhouse and wineyard where you can eat well and plenty, Agriturismo Leone. If you continue towards Noto also Casa Rossa is highly recommended (cheap and 100% ‘real’) and in Noto city plenty of well renowned (but quite touristic) restaurants. If you want to eat amazingly, closeby within a 20 minutes range and more deep in the nature: Tenuta San Marco (fine dining), Fattoria del Cavaliere (a farm where you can also book horseback riding), Feudo Bauly (medieval castle in a super beautiful private forest, also horseback riding avail), La Trota (they have a salmon trout farm where you can fish yourself and eat your fish). Then in Palazzolo, way less touristic than Noto and super beautiful: La Mia Sicilia (fine dining and very good friend of the owner of Casa Balat), Settecento, Trattoria del Gallo, Lo Scrigno Dei Sapori and many many more. We can always book a table for you.
NATURE AND SEA
Cavagrande - A terrestrial paradise, Cavagrande del Cassibile is a nature reserve featuring incredible canyons with gorgeous waterfalls, swimming holes and clear blue pools, awe-inspiring limestone formations framing ancient peoples tombs and constructions.
Vendicari - The Wildlife Oasis of Vendicari is bathed by a crystalline sea and very rich in local flora and fauna. A true ornithologist and bird-watching paradise.