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Western Sicily's Highlights

City treasures and tranquil coast

Enjoy scenic walks in the Zingaro Nature Reserve

In this enchanting north-west corner of Sicily, enjoy wonderful contrasts - Baroque cathedrals in vibrant Palermo, ancient temples set amid quiet hills and valleys, and the rugged, beautiful coastline, carved into rocky outcrops and white-pebbled coves by an azure sea. This region of Sicily is alive with history, mythology and classical scenery, and is an exciting blend of cultures shaped by numerous Mediterranean and North African civilisations.

With the chance to explore the city of Palermo and its treasures, time for leisurely walking on coast and countryside pathways, and endless opportunities to sample Sicily’s colourful cuisine and famous wines, this holiday offers a satisfying combination of culture and relaxation. Autumn and spring are the perfect times to view Sicily’s shores and ancient sites - free from crowds, warm and golden in autumn, freshly carpeted with flowers in spring - and with the freedom of a hire car, you can wander where you choose.

Nights: 7
Hotels: one 4-star hotel; one 3-star hotel
Meals: breakfast each day, plus 1 dinner
Grade: 2
Terrain: coast, countryside and hills
Climate: given its location in the Mediterranean, Sicily is known for its hot, sunny climate. Temperatures average 12ºC in March, 15ºC in April and November, and 20ºC in October.

Palermo

Graceful mansions line Palermo's streets

Palermo, Sicily's capital, is a thrilling city, and its blend of architectural styles – from Saracen to Baroque, Arabian to Spanish, and Byzantine to Norman – makes it truly unique, reflecting an extraordinarily chequered three millennia of history. Amid the numerous sights are verdant gardens, oases of tranquillity sheltered from the bustle of everyday city life. Take time, too, to visit the shimmering gold mosaic interior of Monreale’s cathedral nearby – the most extensive Byzantine mosaic cycle extant in Italy.

You stay at the 4-star Hotel Principe di Villafranca, an elegant hotel stylishly decorated with the best of Sicilian furnishings, antiques and embroideries. It's sited close to the heart of the city, so you can readily explore Palermo's fascinating streets, squares and historic landmarks on foot. Both nights in the city are on a bed and breakfast basis.

Palermo's many gardens are oases of tranquillity

Torre Bennista, Scopello

Your base for your remaining five nights is picturesque Scopello, which you reach by road, having picked up your included hire car from Palermo. Situated on the north-west coast of the island, the town was once home to a busy tuna fishing fleet, and is ideally sited to explore the coast, a range of historic highlights and beautiful countryside.

The Torre Bennistra is a stylish 3-star hotel perched above the village’s secluded cove. The hotel’s restaurant serves traditional Sicilian food, characterised by fresh fish and unique family recipes. We include dinner here on your first night, leaving you free to choose between the hotel's and the town's other restaurants on subsequent nights (pay locally).

Walking and sightseeing from Scopello

Hills plunge into the sea in the Zingaro Nature Reserve

There are numerous places of interest to visit from Scopello, and we also provide route notes for several walks in the area, all easily accessed with your hire car. Be sure to include at least one walk in the Zingaro Nature Reserve just north of Scopello – a wild stretch of coast where precipitous cliffs swoop down to a series of idyllic white-shingled coves, behind which are mountains that shelter a rich diversity of wildlife, including golden and Bonelli’s eagles.

Monte Monaco (7km, 3hrs): paths wind at times steeply to the summit of Monte Monaco, where you are rewarded with an exceptional 360-degree panorama over north-west Sicily, as well as a bird’s-eye view of the white sandy beaches and fishing port of San Vito Lo Capo.

Zingaro North Route (10.5km, 4hrs): this beautiful route explores a particularly quiet section of the Zingaro Nature Reserve, ascending to the wild and lonely uplands of Borgo Cusenza. From here, you descend through a narrow valley back to the coastline, returning to your car via one of Sicily’s most beautiful coves.

Zingaro South Route (10.5km, 3.5hrs): you head inland, ascending across open hillsides via Pizzo del Corvo, where magnificent views stretch for miles in all directions. The return route follows a wonderful cliff-top path, with the chance to descend to one of the many idyllic coves to cool your feet at the end of your walk.

Follow tempting paths through the Zingaro Nature Reserve

Monte Cofano (6.5km, 2.5hrs): Monte Cofano is a towering limestone peak on a rocky headland whose pink cliffs are mirrored in the calm, crystal-clear sea. The wild landscape is almost African in character, and shelters over 300 species of plant in addition to various raptors and aquatic birds. Our route starts from Monte Cofano’s western flank, then follows an inviting coastal path around its lower slopes to reach a watchtower and old tuna station on the other side of the bay. You ascend the hillside gradually from here to reach a saddle that reveals stunning views up and down the coastline.

Egadi Islands (11km, 3.5hrs): our suggested walk explores Levanzo, the lesser-visited of the three islands and a real joy to discover on foot. Paths and tracks lead across pastureland grazed by sheep and goats, a cultivated plain, and shady pinewoods, offering frequent views along the coast. You may be able to visit the Genovese Caves, where Mesolithic rock carvings and Neolithic paintings have been discovered. Pay locally for the ferry to the island.

Segesta (10km, 3hrs): Segesta’s astounding Doric temple is nearly 2,500 years old, yet almost intact, and is sited amid ravishing scenery which is carpeted with flowers in spring. From here, you can stroll to the equally impressive Greek theatre on a neighbouring hill, or ascend to the ridge of Monte Pispisa (513 metres) for a bird’s eye view of the temple and wide-reaching views over Western Sicily.

Walk in the hills above Segesta's astonishing Doric temple

Erice: this intriguing medieval town comprises a labyrinth of handsome buildings and narrow alleys which from time to time open out to reveal sensational views over the southern Mediterranean towards Tunisia, 160km away.

Salemi: Salemi is another medieval hill-town and boasts a castle, a number of churches and a network of medieval alleys.

Marsala: famed for its dessert wine, the coastal town of Marsala is also worth a visit to experience the formal architecture of the 16th-century old town with its tall buildings and grand courtyards.

Prices & travel

Room upgrade: Scopello, twin room add £5pp/n

Extra night prices:

Recommended destination airport: Palermo
Latest flight arrival time: flexible (hotel is 0h20 from airport; pay locally for taxi)
Earliest flight departure time: flexible (drive to airport is 1h)
*Included travel: 5 days’ category B car hire, starting on day of departure from Palermo (drop off at Palermo airport on return)
Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route, times and price to suit you
Start: any day

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