Shepherds Cottage Retreat

It’s one room and a bathroom, but the feel isn’t cramped thanks to the lovely high ceiling with beams, stone walls and floors and windows which allow light to flood in – artists, nature lovers or those who just wish to be together in private will be very happy here. A double bed (which can be a twin) in one corner has Sicilian wrought iron supports and sits below a window with views, there’s a tiny wood-burner for chilly evenings and a comfy sofa.

Outdoors, find fragrant potted jasmine, olive, almond and carob trees, dry stone walls and loungers under a shady pergola; outdoor meals will be sublime and on clear days you can see a tiny slice of sea in the distance. Create Sicilian dishes over a small electric oven in the kitchen area with its lava stone top and open shelves, find local extra virgin olive oil, herbs and spices.

Doze in the sun, forget your worldly cares, cool off under a large rain shower in the attractive bathroom.