Founded by the Greeks, Syracuse is centred on the island of Ortigia, linked to the rest of the city by bridges. Further south, Noto and the baroque towns of the Val di Noto are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the narrow streets of Ortigia, a pool is a rare luxury: a heated pool is mostly found in the houses of Noto and the seaside villas, from Plemmirio to Fontane Bianche. I've selected 5 places, all rated at least 8/10; the top-rated is Villa Horama, Waterfront with Infinity Pool (4.93/5).
Each city has its own selection, with a page for each type of accommodation.
Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.
5 places shown
The pool. Heated infinity pool facing the sea, at a five-bedroom villa (sleeps up to 10).
The pool comes up in 2 guest reviews; the view, in a great many more.
Guide's tip. Few reviews so far: get the heating period confirmed before you book.
The pool. Heated private pool in the garden, at a two-bedroom house. A cover is provided to keep the heat in overnight.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. From November to April, heating is charged: ask for the price when you book, and put the cover back on every evening.
The pool. Small 3.5 × 1.8 m private plunge pool, heated up to 32 °C if needed, with heating included in the price.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. It's a pool for relaxing, not for swimming: ideal after a day exploring Noto.
The pool. Indoor pool in the basement spa, with a hot tub alongside.
The hot tub. Hot tub in the spa.
A blogger who stayed at the hotel describes a lovely basement spa with an indoor pool and hot tub, without mentioning the temperature. On Expedia, one guest found the spa very pleasant.
Guide's tip. It's one of the few pools on Ortigia: check the spa's hours when you arrive.
The pool. Rooftop infinity pool, open year-round, heated on request, at a three-bedroom villa.
The pool comes up in 6 guest reviews.
Guide's tip. Heating costs €100 a day and must be requested at least two days in advance; the listing is vague about how to pay, so ask them to clarify.
These places don't have a confirmed heated pool, but they do have a hot tub: the water is hot all year round. A good way to relax in the warm.
These places were suggested to us directly by their owners. The heated pool is declared by them; they don't yet have enough guest reviews to join the selection.
In my selection, the top-rated is Villa Horama, Waterfront with Infinity Pool (Villa for rent · Airbnb), with 4.93/5 (14 reviews · Airbnb). Next come Shati Luxury - Private heated pool (10/10) and Villa Edda (10/10).
Yes at La Cava Boutique Home: the pool is advertised as heated all year round. At Shati Luxury - Private heated pool, heating is seasonal (optional heating november to april). Ortea Palace Hotel, Sicily, Autograph Collection has an indoor pool, sheltered from the wind. Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
Advertised temperatures: Jusqu'à 32 °C at Villa Edda. For the other places the temperature isn't published: ask the property.
Yes: Ortea Palace Hotel, Sicily, Autograph Collection also has a hot tub in addition to the heated pool.
Yes, 4 villas and holiday homes are selected: Villa Horama, Waterfront with Infinity Pool, Shati Luxury - Private heated pool and Villa Edda. Heating is sometimes charged extra: check the listing.
The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.
Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.
A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.
The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.
Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.
I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.
| Place | What the sources say | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Il San Corrado di Noto | Two outdoor pools and a seasonal pool (March to October), heating not stated | 10/10 | Heating not confirmed |
Sources: Orbitz.
