dossier
Secrets of Sicily Walk
SECRETS OF SICILY WALK | WHERE YOU STAY
Tenute Plaia Agriturismo ****
Scopello, Days 1+2
The Tenute Plaia Agriturismo is located just below the hamlet of Scopello. Unlike most Italian agriturismi, the Tenute Plaia is a new construction and was only opened in June 2004. It is a sympathetic building, based on the traditional Sicilian 'baglio' (fortified farmhouse) with the rooms built around a central courtyard. It is situated above the sea and you have wonderful coastal views from many angles of the agriturismo. The rooms have been decorated in a modern but simple style, using wrought iron furnishings to lend a traditional feel. Each of the ten rooms has ensuite facilities, satellite television, minibar, air conditioning and direct dial telephone. The rooms are spacious and either open out onto the hotel’s courtyard or overlook the vineyards.
Further details on the hotel website.
Saturday Arrive in Scopello
We meet you at the airport and brief you on your week then take to your hotel in Scopello (40 mins) in time for apéritifs on the terrace before dinner .
Sunday Zingaro Nature Reserve 13km/8mi/3.5hr or 20km/12mi/6hr
There’s lots of choice of distance for your first day - so you can walk as much or as little as you like. Wind your way up through asphodel, wild fennel, dwarf palm, pomegranate and citrus trees to amazing view points overlooking the stunning coastline of tiny sandy coves lapped by sapphire waters.
Monday Segesta, Trapani and on to Marettimo
By private transfer (30 mins) to the 2,500 year old temple of Segesta and the marvellously preserved theatre. After lunch in Trapani to taste the famous granite – lemon, almond or even coffee flavoured - you catch the ferry to Marettimo (1hr), arriving in time for a swim or short walk before your first dinner in the old town. You spend three nights here.
Marettimo Residence AAA
Marettimo, Days 3+4+5
The Marettimo Residence is a cluster of whitewashed apartments, overlooking the port in the only residential area of Marettimo island. The accommodation is separated into apartments, which are located on two levels. We have selected the bilocale apartments which feature a living area with kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. The décor is modern and bright, with slate floors, pine furniture, white walls and colourful textiles. Most apartments have a balcony or terrace.
Further details on the hotel website.
Tuesday Punta Libeccio Lighthouse Walk 14km/9mi/4.5hr
A path through pine woods and across citrus-carpeted hillsides takes you from the east ot the south west coasts, with striking views from high above the village. There’s complete peace and quiet as you picnic by the lighthouse - look out for red kites and Bonelli’s eagles cruising the thermals - and gaze down at the sparkling waters and at the Egadi Islands shimmering in the distance.
Wednesday Levanzo 7km/4mi/3.5hr
It’s a short crossing to Levanzo where a coastal path bright with lilac scabious leads past deserted stone farm houses and olive trees to the Grotta del Genovese. Time to admire the marvellously well preserved 11BC cave paintings and engravings lining the cavern walls. The bay here is a good picnic spot. Time for a swim in the pool or jacuzzi before your final evening meal in Marettimo.
Thursday Medieval Erice and on to San Vito lo Capo
Today you return to the mainland and visit the hilltop town of Erice. Its smooth marble winding streets reveal Medieval churches, old city gates, ancient squares and a stunning Norman castle set against a backdrop of the entire north western shoreline. A private transfer takes you to Daniela’s charming little B+B where you spend your final two nights.
Baglio La Luna AAA
San Vito Lo Capo, Days 6+7
Baglio La Luna is a 5 bedroomed hotel that lies in a marvellous cliff top position on the edge of the Zingaro Nature reserve on the road to San Vito Lo Capo. A converted private house, the 5 rooms are all decorated in their own individual style, there is also a large sun terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the stunning sea views.
Further details on the hotel website.
Friday Monte Cofano 10km/6mi/4hr
A scenic lift to the foot of Monte Cofano is followed by a gentle ascent through twisted olive trees -breathtaking views over the Bays of Bonagia. Descending, you reach an old tonnara (tuna factory) whose sapphire waters are perfect for a dip. Then a cliff path fringed with red valerian and field gladioli leads into the village of Cornino for late lunch before we meet you and take you to your hotel.
Saturday Leave for home
We take you to the airport (1hr) in time for your return flight.
WALKING DETAILS
This holidays follows mainly stony coastal paths, with frequent small ascents and descents. There’s a good choice of walks at different levels on Marettimo, however walking boots are essential throughout.
For extra nights we recommend Palermo or Scopello.