Villa Le Palme  

Perched along Via delle Mandorle just outside Valderice, this independent Mediterranean villa sits in a panoramic spot with sea views. The town centre with shops and restaurants is about 1 km away; San Vito Lo Capo's fine sandy beach is 12 km and Erice with the Castle of Venus about 15 km. Vincenzo Florio Airport (Trapani) is roughly 40 minutes by car. Nearby sights include Catacombe dei Cappuccini, Cappella Palatina and d'Orleans Park.

A Mediterranean-style house set in a garden of ancient olive trees and palms. Interiors are cosy and warmly decorated with a fireplace and wooden stair; rooms range from doubles to triples. One first-floor double has sea views and the suite opens via an external stair and features a large Jacuzzi tub. Large verandas give panoramic spots for coffee and sunsets.

Take a dip in the large geometric private pool, lounge on the solarium and rinse off at the outdoor showers. Alfresco dining is easy with a functional barbecue area and a wood-fired oven. The villa is equipped with air conditioning in all rooms, a kitchen with dishwasher, oven, microwave, electric kettle and toaster, plus a washing machine, TV in living areas and private unattended parking. Expect sea-breeze mornings and laid-back poolside evenings.

Use the fully equipped kitchen to cook Sicilian staples, grill on the barbecue or fire up the wood oven for communal meals on the veranda. If you want to eat out, restaurants and markets are about 1 km away so you can sample local flavors and fresh seafood near San Vito Lo Capo.