Villa Marettimo

The villa

Set amid a lush, landscaped garden within view of the sea, Villa Marettimo is a dream for large groups who love contemporary comfort in a pleasant, countryside setting. Located in the fascinating north west corner of Sicily, the villa makes a good base for exploring an array of sights. Discover the nearby saltpans around Trapani, the ancient hilltop town of Erice and the Egadi islands which are visible from the pool.

A gentle approach to the villa takes you along the coast through rural landscapes and beautiful open vistas. As you go through the villa gates, you enter an oasis of calm. A smooth, white, single storey structure, the villa is nestled amongst a variety of green palms, mature trees and immaculate lawns. Designed for making the most of the warm summer and unwinding in peace, an inviting pool takes centre stage, while terraces for dining and relaxing set the scene for meals and siestas.

Step inside into the open living area with its comfortable seating, sea coloured, tiled floors and white walls adorned with an eclectic mix of artworks and colourful local ceramics. An attractive mix of modern and antique furnishings give it a homely feel. Large French windows make for a light filled space while air conditioning ensures you never over - heat. Perfect for couples or groups who appreciate an extra degree of privacy, the five spacious bedrooms have their own bathrooms, each unique in style.

The dining table sits just outside the kitchen on a covered terrace, accessible through large sliding glass doors. Here time just slips by naturally as you savour the simple pleasures of long summer meals and drinks together in tranquil surroundings.

For a larger group, a depandance featuring 2 double bedrooms with en - suite bathroom is available. Boasting its own kitchenette, it is an independent unit.

Villa Marettimo is situated on the north western Sicilian coast in a relatively untouched part of the island, just south of Trapani.

The villa is named after one of the Egadi islands which can be seen on the horizon from the villa. Still wonderfully undiscovered yet easily accessible by hydrofoil from Trapani and Marsala, the islands of Marettimo, Favignana and Levanzo are well worth a visit for their attractive blue bays, countryside and marine reserve.

The area around Trapani is known for its saltpans with their ancient windmills. The vast flat plains and piles of white salt is a mesmerising site. Here you can also spot migrating birds, including flamingos on their way to Africa as the area is a large nature reserve.

For sea swimming and sand castles, head to the beaches which line the coast between Trapani and Marsala, the nearest to the villa being Marausa Lido. The historic centres of Trapani and Marsala are lovely for a stroll and gelato or coffee.

Leave the car behind just outside Trapani and take a cable car to the medieval hill town of Erice. The views across the coastline to the islands on the journey up are breath - taking. At the top, you can visit a 12th - century castle, an array of churches and indulge on almond cakes, a local speciality.

Within an hour drive are the impressive archaeological sites of Segesta and Selinunte which are an unmissable part of the holiday. For a taste of Sicily’s past, you can wander down ancient streets of cities since abandoned and marvel at impressive temples nestled in magnificent scenery.