The modernist villa with a gate to the sea
10 Guests
5 Bedrooms
5 Bathrooms
The immaculate white-washed walls and impeccably modernist lines of Ai Faraglioni sit amidst a veritable oasis of sea-view terraces overlooking one of Sicily's most picturesque and evocative stretches of coastline. Add to this heady mix an infinity pool, a Jacuzzi and direct access to the transparent waters below, and it's not hard to see why Ai Faraglioni is such an irresistible proposition.
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For expert advice on this villa, things to do in the area, or to discuss how we can make your stay truly bespoke, call our Villa Specialists today. We are open every day of the week, weekends included.
Keyholder highlights
- Modernist architectural pedigree
- Stunning sea and coastal views
- Infinity pool
- Hot tub
- Garden gate sea access
Gallery
Ariel views of Ai Faraglioni
Scopello, Sicily
Ai Faraglioni
Available exclusively through The Thinking Traveller
Dates
Guests
Bedrooms
The Area
Set on the coast between the Golfo di Castellammare and the nature reserve of Lo Zingaro, Ai Faraglioni occupies a prime spot on one of the most beautiful and striking stretches of coastline in Sicily.
The small village of Scopello just up the hill has a good selection of restaurants and bars, and can be reached by car in about 5 minutes. There is also a mini-market (with an excellent deli, butcher's and wine selection), a good bar and an organic farm shop selling superb fruit and vegetables about 5 minutes drive away on the road towards Guidaloca beach.
The old tuna fishery (tonnara) of Scopello, a few hundred metres walk away (or a 200m swim!), occupies a very suggestive setting, and Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve offers a range of spectacular walks and some beautiful crystal clear bays for swimming. There is a diving centre in Scopello for SCUBA lovers and a pebbly beach with equipped lidos just a 5-minute drive away at Guidaloca.
The town of Castellammare del Golfo a few kilometres up the road has several seafront bars and restaurants and a daily fish market.
The spectacular Elymian/Greek site of Segesta is about 30 minutes' drive away and Erice, Palermo, Trapani and Selinunte can all be reached in under an hour.
Palermo Airport:
53km-33miles-45minsTrapani Airport:
65km-40miles-1hourCatania airport:
283km-176miles-3hr20Comiso airport:
265km-164miles-3hr45Nearest sea access:
at the bottom of the garden (about 40 steps)Pebbly beach at Guidaloca:
5mins driveNearest shops and restaurants:
1.5km-2km along the road approaching the villa and in the village of Scopello. It is possible to walk (about 20-30mins but there are no pavements and it is uphill most of the way)Castellammare del Golfo (shops and beach):
15-20mins driveZingaro Nature Reserve:
5mins driveSegesta:
30km-18miles-30minsErice:
35km-22miles-45minsSelinunte:
70km-44miles-55minsPalermo/Monreale:
75km-47miles-1hrLocal Experiences
Culinary experiences in Western Sicily
Every civilisation that dominated Sicily was inspired by the produce this fertile land offers. In western Sicily it was the Arabs, French and Spanish who shaped the roots of the local culinary tradition, that went on to develop throughout the centuries into the unique, rich and eclectic specialities we find there today.
DiscoverPrivate boat charters in West Sicily
Transparent waters lap dramatic, time-scarred sea stacks and weather-beaten cliffs, home to tumbling prickly pear trees and 16th and 17th-century watch towers. The old tonnara (a tuna fishing hub) is set evocatively between the cliffs, and a little time spent snorkelling here will be time well spent indeed. Then it’s off again, sweeping through the limpid waters of Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve, whose towering mountains rise majestically from the sea. Idyllic pebbly coves break up the sheer rocky masses, and before you know it you’ll be rounding the headland and sailing west to Sicily’s most northwesterly town, the fishing village and seaside resort of San Vito Lo Capo, renowned for its golden sands, electric blue waters, and delicious fish couscous.
DiscoverPrivate guided tours in West Sicily
From first glance, it would seem that the Saracen and Norman rulers of Sicily could have had very little in common. The former had arrived from North Africa and were part of the Golden Age of Arab civilisation that had made such huge strides in the fields of mathematics, economics, agriculture, science, poetry, and architecture. The latter were an offshoot of the Vikings from the frozen north of Europe, adventurers and hardened warriors.When the Normans ousted the Saracen forces in 1090, however, there was no obliteration of all things Arabic. Indeed, the men from the north were hugely impressed by what they found, and rather than destroying Arabic culture, they embraced it. Many institutions were retained, Islam was tolerated, and Saracen landowners were allowed to keep their estates. North African habits were adopted by many Normans as they acclimatised to life in the middle of the Mediterranean. Souks prospered, cool Arabic courtyards were de rigueur, and many Normans, including some of the sovereigns themselves, lived more like Emirs than knights. Where the fusion of cultures really stood out, however, was in the architecture.
DiscoverPrivate Guided Tours in Southwest Sicily
Our private guides are tried and tested experts in their field, with many holding PhDs in their particular specialism. Book a tour or two with them and you'll come away with fascinating insights into your destination's towns, archaeological sites, food, wine, landscapes and geology.
DiscoverWine tastings in Southwest Sicily
The triangle of Menfi, Marsala and Sciacca is one of the oldest outpost for wine production in Sicily thanks to the versatile and mite climate created by the sea breeze coming from the coast. Some of the most important Sicilian indigenous grapes, such as Grillo and Inzolia were born here and throughout the centuries have been wisely combined to produce among the most popular wines of the region. If you want to start exploring Sicilian wine you should probably start here, and we would be pleased to help.
DiscoverBike rental
Menfi, that haven of vineyard-carpeted hills sloping down to crystalline-sea-lapped sandy beaches, has redefined the term “riding the rails”. Where a narrow gauge freight railway once ran, connecting Sciacca, Menfi and Porto Palo, there are now 20km of cycle paths, allowing locals and visitors alike to pedal (or run) through the area’s gorgeous landscapes without worrying about traffic. It’s an ideal way to discover the area and you can even stop off for a swim in the waters of the Mediterranean to cool off.
DiscoverCulinary experiences in West Sicily
The west of Sicily is a great destination for food lovers. Inland, the scenery is dominated by vast expanses of vineyards and olive groves, and some of Sicily's best wines – for example those of the Alcamo, Trapani, Erice and Marsala areas - and olive oils are produced in this corner of the island. Restaurant menus offer a fabulous array of fresh fish and seafood dishes. Fish cous cous is one of the signature dishes, a tradition that is celebrated every September at San Vito’s international Cous Cous Fest. Other stand-out specialities include busiate al pesto trapanese - a homemade pasta served with a pesto of tomatoes, garlic, almonds and basil - and spaghetti alla bottarga - salt-cured tuna fish roe grated on steaming pasta.
DiscoverFrom the Guest Book
Read the thoughtful reviews that travellers have left after their time with us.
Ai Faraglioni was extraordinary - the amenities and the location along with the outstanding views. Would we return? Yes, yes for sure it was incredible location and had many little bonuses like steps to the ocean, a pool and a Jacuzzi. I look forward to always trusting The Thinking Traveller for my travel needs - I felt like you have screened only the best places!
Anonymous September 2024
Ai Faraglioni is heaven.
Anonymous July 2024
Ai Faraglioni is a beautiful property with amazing service. Really all you can ask for. Our stay was perfect.
Anonymous April 2024
Ai Faraglioni was everything we expected plus more. What particularly stands out is the fabulous view and the layout of the villa.
Anonymous June 2024
Ai Faraglioni's location and set up creates unbelievable views and relaxing experience. Ai Faraglioni awesome! The Thinking Traveller awesome! Scopello awesome!
Anonymous May 2024
Ai Faraglioni is a beautiful property with amazing service. Really all you can ask for.
Anonymous April 2024