Casa Talìa
Inspired Sicilian Design
Of my hours spent at Casa Talia, the memory that left the greatest impression is of a moment chatting with Marco, the owner, in the stone garden. I couldn't tear my eyes from the view––Modica in front of us looks like a painting. I didn't want to be rude, but I couldn't help myself and he didn't seem to mind. He's used to people being mesmerized overlooking the protected UNESCO Heritage site across the valley. Marco makes guests feel incredibly comfortable and so I think Casa Talìa could not bear a different name."Home" is precisely how you feel immediately, even if you find yourself there only passing through.
The hotel
When Marco and his wife, Viviana––two architects out of Milan––arrived in Modica years ago, they glimpsed through the maze of Modica's streets, nestled in the rock, among caves and the prickly pear, and saw the remote and enchanted wonder that it was. They found their nook across the valley and used their design eye to create a contemporary haven inspired by the essence of Sicily's past which brings us the stylings of The Medina, Spain, and Greece. The end result is Casa Talìa––a small urban oasis of the Mediterranean.
Casa Talìa consists of ten small houses, gathered around a delightful garden––a meeting point and communication between all the rooms. Each house and the community area (nestled in a cave) have been restored and/or preserved using traditional Sicilian methods and materials like ancient black stone, bamboo ceilings, terracotta floors, and stone walls. You are guaranteed a terrace or balcony with views to the ancient city in any of the available rooms. The colors are those of the region (pitch stone, tuff, reeds, fall harvest) are combined with modern and bold color accents.
Food and drink.
The Ragusa province is a Mediterranean gastro delight. Oils, wine, cheese, tomatoes, chocolate are masterfully produced in the region. There is no restaurant or bar on site, but a light, organic and locally sourced breakfast is included in your rate, and lunch boxes can be prepared for you as well. If you're hanging out on the property, you're welcome to grab a complimentary beer or beverage from the community fridge and rest in the garden in the shade of the olive and pomegranate trees at any time.
The Area.
Casa Talìa offers you culture and nature when you visit. Numerous baroque UNESCO heritage cities are available for short day trips. The wide, sandy beaches of Ragusa––a stretch of 60 kms between Pozzallo and Scoglitti––can be reached in a half hour from Modica and are normally free from crowds during the week. The area has managed a slow growth despite the rise in tourism, in order to maintain and protect the natural environment. For those that prefer the small and quaint over the hip and happening, there are lovely fishing villages to check out as well.
Good things to know.
The hotel is family friendly––children under three stay for free (€50 for older children), and babysitters are available upon request. There is a minimum two-night stay and the hotel closes from November to March each year. The streets of Modica are incredibly steep and often have staircases to climb. Parking is located 200m from the hotel.
One last word.
Marco and Viviana invite you to live life slow for a moment in their little corner of sun-baked Sicily. Enjoy a cultural escape to the city, view the ancient baroque gem from afar while relaxing in the garden, or bask in the natural wonders of the landscape surrounding. Both urbanites and nature enthusiasts will find respite at Casa Talìa. Marco and his wife live here, Casa Talia is their home, and once you cross the threshold, it will also be yours.
Good Trips perks
Flexible check-in / check-out when available
Tell them GOOD TRIPS sent you when booking
At a glance
Location: Modica, Sicily, Italy
Price: from €160
Rooms: 10
Suitable for: Families (young children included)
Nearest Airport: Catania (CTA)
Arrive by: car or bus to Modica from plane or boat
Open: April-October
Check in: 2pm, Check out: 12pm
Sustainability in practice
The owner-architects have meticulously, and creatively restored all structures using traditional methods and materials and were inspired by local culture and constructed to reflect the natural surroundings. The couple savours slow living and has integrated aspects of this into your experience.
Ecological / organic food
Ecological / organic cleaning products
Ecological / organic toiletries
Water-flow reducers
Water-wise landscape
Passive/green architecture
Plastic-free / Zero waste
Ecological / organic bedding
Ecological / antique furniture
Supports local community and economy
Motion-sensor lights