Villa Amina is located around 3km from the heart of Mazara del Vallo in the south-west corner of Sicily. There are local restaurants and shops within a kilometre or two and it’s just a few minutes in the car (or a short cycle ride) to reach the centre of the town.
It’s well known just how many civilisations have conquered and passed through Sicily and nowhere is this more evident than in Mazara del Vallo, where you'll discover an amazing labyrinth North African Kasbah, a Norman cathedral, important Greek statues, traditional Italian piazzas and stunning Sicilian beaches. And, with the largest fishing fleet in Italy, you may want to opt for succulent seafood and fish at the many restaurants and trattorias around the town.
Within around 1.5km you can reach a lido with a restaurant and sunbeds by the seafront; it’s a great place to walk and admire the sea-views. On the other side of the town you’ll find beaches with white sand and crystal clear seas; it’s no wonder snorkelling and diving are popular here. Dotted along this coast you’ll find lidos with pretty beach restaurants as well as sun-loungers and umbrellas to rent.
On the lovely west coast of Sicily, you can also visit the sweet town of Marsala (25km), where you should take a tour of one of the many wineries, or continue north to the magnificent port city of Trapani (51km) with its incredible historical sites and wonderful beaches. From here, take a boat trip to the idyllic island of Favignana with its glorious beaches or take the cable car up to the historic town of Erice (60km), also a great place to hike (it takes about two hours to hike from Trapani to the top of Mount Erice where you will find the town surrounded by superb views).
Heading north of Trapani, San Vito Lo Capo (100km) boasts a stunning beach and many excellent restaurants specialising in couscous (there’s a couscous festival in September).
Palermo (130km) can also be visited in a day if you wish to discover its vibrant atmosphere, world-famous street markets, endless museums and historic splendour.
Sicily is of course famous for its archaeological heritage, none more so than in Agrigento (118km) at the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Whilst near Agrigento, look out for La Scala dei Turchi beach with its brilliant chalk cliffs as well as kilometres of sandy beaches along the southern coastline, many almost deserted and absolutely beautiful.
The Region
Nestled on the westernmost tip of the stunning island of Sicily, Western Sicily is a region that offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine. It is a place where the ancient meets the modern, creating a unique atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
