La Gioia di Sicilia b&b, rooms with a patio and parking in Avola
La Gioia di Sicilia b&b is a bed and breakfast in Avola, in Sicily, with air-conditioned rooms, a private patio and parking. I recommend it to anyone driving around the south-east of the island who wants a simple, clean base, but it is worth asking for a room facing the courtyard to avoid street noise.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of La Gioia di Sicilia b&b.
Where La Gioia di Sicilia b&b is in Avola
La Gioia di Sicilia b&b is on Via Fratelli Rosselli, in Avola, in the province of Syracuse. Guests describe it as close to both the beach and the centre of town, although one review points out that it is not really central. For me it is a comfortable base for the south-east of Sicily, as long as you have a car.
The property's information mentions the Pantanello beach nearby, Noto Cathedral about 10 km away and the Vendicari Nature Reserve about 17 km away. Catania Fontanarossa airport is 78 km away, and the B&B can arrange a shuttle for a fee.
One guest advises you to rent a car, and I agree. With a car, Syracuse, Noto and Ragusa Ibla become easy day trips.
What the rooms are like
You can choose between rooms and apartments, all with air conditioning and a private patio. According to the listing there are flat-screen TVs, a bathroom with a bidet and hairdryer, a fridge, a microwave and a coffee machine.
The happiest guests talk about new, well-furnished and spotless rooms. One room opens onto the private courtyard, where you can enjoy the sun and the quiet in the morning. The Italian-style breakfast is served on the premises, and there is a shared lounge for reading or chatting after a day at the beach.
What guests say
On Google the rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 47 reviews. Most comments are very positive and keep coming back to the same points.
- The welcome. The owners are described as polite, helpful and happy to give advice.
- The cleanliness. Rooms and bathrooms are described as spotless, with modern furniture.
- The breakfast. Several people find it generous, fresh and typically Sicilian.
- The parking. One guest says there is no problem finding a space to leave the car.
- The value for money. Several people call it excellent.
Someone also mentions a children's playground a few metres away.
What to know before booking
Opinions are split here, and there are some complaints. I will tell you what I read, and you can decide for yourself.
| Aspect | What guests say | My advice |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | One person writes that the rooms face the street and there is noise at night, while others heard no traffic | Ask for a room on the courtyard |
| Wi-Fi and TV | The listing mentions free Wi-Fi, but two reviews complain that it was missing or did not work | Check before you arrive |
| Payment | One couple could not find a cash machine and had to withdraw cash | Bring cash or ask how to pay |
| Beach | One guest expected a beachfront property, while for others the sea is a walk away | Look at the map before you decide |
| Bed and price | Pillows and bed described as hard, and a small increase on the agreed price | Confirm the rate and conditions |
The negative reports are few compared with the positive ones, and some date back several years. Still, they are specific enough to be worth asking the owners about before you book.
Who I recommend it for
I would choose it for people touring Sicily by car who want a clean, quiet place with breakfast to come back to after a day in Noto or at the beach. It also suits a work trip, since one guest chose it for exactly that reason.
I would avoid it if you are a light sleeper and might be given a room on the road, or if you cannot do without a secure Wi-Fi connection. I would not rely on it being on the seafront without checking the distance.
What to see around Avola
From Avola you can reach Noto, Marzamemi, Syracuse and Ragusa Ibla in a short time, all mentioned by guests. One person also recommends Lido Joy Beach, where you can go from the beach to lunch without moving.
If you are planning a longer trip, have a look at B&B Casa a Liu in Portopalo di Capo Passero or Villa Nunziatina in Carlentini, two places to stay in Sicily for other stops.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
