The Guardian recommends a half-term break in Syracuse, Sicily

Who wouldn’t enjoy some October sunshine, a last chance to swim in balmy seas before winter sets in and a daily fix of a brioche bun crammed with gelato?

Those are just three of the reasons the Guardian chose to include Sicily, and specifically Syracuse, in its recent round-up of ten best half-term holidays.

Guests at Casa a Ortigia in October can hop over to the urban beach across the road from the villa and enjoy dips in waters that still retain some of the summer heat. Alternatively there are baroque palazzi to admire, the chance to learn the ancient art of chocolate-making in nearby Modica or the simple pleasure of wandering up to Syracuse’s extraordinary Piazza del Duomo for a gelato.

Situated on the waterfront on the island of Ortigia, the historic centre of Syracuse, the 2-bedroom contemporary property has a living room, kitchen and roof terrace with sea views. Read more about Casa a Ortigia and Syracuse here.