Tenuta Zannafondo

Nestled in the tranquility of a grove filled with carob trees and ancient olive trees, Tenuta Zannafondo is located on the Ibleo plateau, at an elevation of about four hundred meters, between Ragusa and Marina di Ragusa. The surrounding landscape is organized and authentic, characterized by typical dry-stone walls and the white farmhouses that dot the Sicilian countryside all the way to the coast, which is visible in the distance.

The property consists of two historic stone buildings from the 1800s, meticulously restored to honor the original architecture and local materials, such as the pitch stone floors. The main building houses the reception, common areas for breakfast and dinner, a private parking lot, terraces, and internal courtyards where guests can relax in the sun at any time of year, thanks to the mild climate of this region. Nearby, a small village of rural houses clusters around gardens and stone courtyards, creating an intimate and unique atmosphere.

On the upper floor reside the young owners, Elio and Ivana, who have transformed the estate into a place of genuine hospitality. Elio, a technical designer experienced in restoration, has a deep knowledge of the local area and its historical sites, while Ivana shares her passion for local cuisine, skillfully reinterpreting traditional Sicilian recipes and using produce from the garden and estate.

The seven rooms, accommodating a total of eighteen guests, are furnished with traditional furniture and equipped with every comfort: private bathrooms with toiletries, air conditioning, satellite TV, minibars, safes, kettles, and furnished verandas. Each room is named after a Sicilian element that reflects its uniqueness. The first two, “Timpa” and “Vignanu,” are located in the main building, while the others overlook terraces, courtyards, and gardens, each offering a distinct position and ambiance: “Scaluneda,” a quadruple room with a panoramic terrace; “Fico d’India,” a triple room with a private courtyard; “Ciapperi,” a double room with a caper garden; “Sterna,” a triple room with a courtyard and ancient cistern; and “Vadduni,” a double room overlooking a valley of Mediterranean scrub.

A stay at Tenuta Zannafondo is designed for those seeking to reconnect with nature. Stone dominates the landscape and guides guests along the paths and medieval "trazzere" that weave through the surroundings, accessible by foot or mountain bike. The estate provides a small guide to easily explore the baroque and archaeological sites in the area, such as Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Scicli, the Donnafugata Castle, Cava d’Ispica, and Kamarina. The coast, with its long stretches of golden sandy beaches and clear waters that often exceed 28 degrees from May to late December, is just a few minutes away. Guests can also take advantage of affiliated beach clubs with complete services.

Breakfast is a special occasion, featuring fresh products that reflect the local area: warm ricotta, freshly milked milk, honey from the estate, cakes, cassatelle, tarts, and DOP cheeses. Ivana also offers tastings of traditional dishes such as arancini, focacce, and pasta with sardines and wild fennel for an authentic gastronomic experience.

Tenuta Zannafondo provides free Wi-Fi throughout the property, private parking, mountain bikes for guests, outdoor equipped areas, and a solarium. Pets are welcome. Additional services include babysitting, guided excursions, and partnerships with local beach establishments and restaurants. Comiso Airport is about twenty minutes away, while Catania can be reached in an hour, even by public bus.