Sicily is a stunning island off the coast of the
southernmost part of Italy and only 100 miles away from the coast of North
Africa. It has had a chequered past, with many different civilisations invading
and each leaving their own distinct mark on both the language and food. It is a
truly fascinating and beautiful place to visit on a holiday.
The Stunning Western Coast
There are many excellent villas in Sicily to choose from
all over the island, but the western coast is particularly lovely, being away
from the busier tourist areas. Trapani has one of the loveliest stretches of
coastline in all of Italy. Here it is possible to experience the peace and
tranquillity of the region and swim in the immaculate crystal blue waters. There
are also some protected natural reserves where you can find different walks,
discovering beautiful beaches, flowers, cliffs and caves along the way.
The small seaside town of Cornino is overlooked by Monte
Corfano, which forms part of the Monte Cofano Natural Reserve, and has a small,
protected bay where you can swim in the stunningly clear water. This is a
wonderful place to visit to enjoy invigorating hikes along the unspoilt coastal
path. Villas in Sicily situated within access of this lovely area are ideal to
use as a base for further exploration.
Nature and History
The nearby nature reserve is not just astoundingly
beautiful, there are some fascinating archaeological sites to visit as well.
You can explore caves that were used as prehistoric settlements and, in the 9th
century, by religious hermits. More recently, during the Second World War, they
were used as shelter by refugees. The remains of fortifications built in the
16th century to protect the coast from Barbary pirates can be found at either
side of the peninsula. During the 1500s to the 1800s Barbary pirates from North
Africa caused fear and panic among the Mediterranean population, resulting in
many people abandoning the coastal areas.
Butterfly Island
One of the highlights of the area is the Egadi Islands
(Isole Egadi). Another advantage of renting one of the villas in Sicily in this
region is that these islands can be visited by ferry from Masala or Trapani.
Favignana, the largest of the three islands, is often referred to as 'la grande
farfalla'- which translates to 'the large butterfly', as its shape resembles.
The islands were all bought by the Sicilian Florio family, in 1874, as an
investment relating to the tuna trade.
There are plenty of wonderful opportunities to try scuba
diving here, as the sea is so wonderfully clear. There are also sea caves to
explore if you decide to go diving, such as Grotta Azzura, Grotta dei Sospiri
(Grotto of sighs) and Grotta degli Innamorati (Lovers' Grotto). These spectacular
caves can also be accessed on boat tours.
Cave Drawings
Perhaps the most exciting thing to see on the smallest of
the Egadi Islands - Levanzo - is the cave drawings at the Grotta del Genovese.
The prehistoric images of bison and deer and depictions of tuna, a dolphin, men
and women are well worth the trip. The wall-art could date back 13,000 years
and the location is thought to be a place where religious rituals took place.
Activities such as hiking, swimming, diving and
experiencing the incredible history of this part of the island are, in fact, a
very small taste of what is available. If you choose any of the beautiful
villas in Sicily along the western coast, you'll be truly spoilt with a magical
combination of magnificent scenery, culture and wonderful food and drink. What
more can you ask?
Author: Jonathan Magoni
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