Nestled among centuries-old olive trees and the sea of ​​the Vendicari Reserve, Masseria Costanza is an historic rural estate reborn as a charming retreat—telling a story of family, nature, and bespoke hospitality.

In the pristine heart of southeastern Sicily—just steps away from the beaches and pink flamingos of the Vendicari Nature Reserve—Masseria Costanza is a charming retreat set within an estate spanning over 20 hectares, where citrus fruits, a fragrant lemon grove, olives, and plants typical of the Mediterranean scrub are cultivated.

Along the paths, the eye encounters traces of Vendicari’s ancient past; situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, it was once a major trading port, renowned for its salt pans and tuna processing.

The Art of Hospitality: A Blend of History and Family Memory

Masseria Costanza tells a story of passion for the local area and love for one’s roots. The renovation, strongly championed by the Messina family, successfully preserved the building’s heritage while keeping its soul intact: the thick white Noto stone walls, wooden beams, and internal courtyards evoke the slow, authentic rhythms of country life from days gone by.

Likely part of the Nicolaci di Villadorata estate—with origins believed to date back to the 13th century—the building appears to have been restored in the 18th century based on designs by the great Sicilian Baroque architect Rosario Gagliardi.

Masseria Costanza has been owned by the Messina family since the 18th century; today, it is managed by Costanza, Corrado, and Nicola, who also run the wonderful Gagliardi boutique hotel, featuring a spectacular terrace overlooking the Baroque architecture of Noto.

Interior design bridging past and future

The interior design project establishes a soothing visual continuity with the surrounding countryside, where contemporary design pieces sit alongside historical objects and Sicilian artisanal craftsmanship.

Mirrors, chests of drawers, late 18th-century wardrobes, paintings, a 19th-century grand piano, a 19th-century velvet and silk brocade sofa, Empire and Art Nouveau-style living areas, and other rare decorative objects and works of contemporary Sicilian art—including pieces by Michele Ciacciofera and Sergio Fiorentino—make Masseria Costanza an elegant embodiment of cultured Sicilian identity.

Just steps from the Vendicari Nature Reserve

The property’s location is one of its most exclusive features. Nestled amidst greenery—surrounded by olive trees, carob trees, and fragrant citrus groves—the masseria lies just minutes from the boundaries of the Vendicari Nature Reserve, one of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating coastal ecosystems.

From here, it is easy to venture along the reserve’s trails toward Calamosche Beach, the ruins of the Tonnara (tuna fishery), and the wetlands teeming with migratory birds, or to explore the Baroque wonders of the Val di Noto—spanning from Noto and Modica to Scicli.

…but not before starting the day with an open-air breakfast in the Masseria’s Arab-style courtyard, amidst the aromas of freshly brewed coffee, homemade pastries, and artisanal jams—perhaps while planning exclusive activities like garden dinners or visits to the workshops of the nearby Val di Noto.

The Secret

Inside the Masseria, one of the most intimate rooms houses an antique 18th-century stone millstone—a silent testament to the rural life of days gone by. Today, this space invites you to slow down and let yourself be enveloped by the quiet and the memories of the house. It is a secluded spot for reading, conversation, or simply pausing to rediscover the pleasure of a slower pace of life, marked by simple moments and silence.

Useful Info

Masseria Costanza
Contrada Vendicari, 96017 Noto
96017 Noto, Siracusa
Tel. +39 320 2844203

Rooms: from €200 per night, including breakfast