The Moorish castle
8 Guests
4 Bedrooms
4 Bathrooms
An intriguing, welcoming, refined and luxurious castle in a location that is central to all that is best of western Sicily, Al Jafar offers wonderful views of the sea, the Egadi Islands and Erice, an ancient walled garden with stunning pool, furnishings and fittings of the highest standard, and discreet, efficient service that is the hallmark of Sicilian hospitality. Have a read of this article on The Financial Times featuring Al Jafar (subscription needed).
Speak to our experts
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
- Historic castle
- 18m-long pool
- Wide-open views
- Intriguing architecture
- Luxuriant walled gardens
- Children's play area and pool
Gallery
Ariel views of Al Jafar
Al Jafar's superb pool is set in a charming sunken garden.
A stunning view of the property.
The main courtyard where you will most likely take your meals.
The elegantly slender pool stretching out before you.
Just across a country track is Al Jafar's very own children's garden.
Paceco, Sicily
Al Jafar
Available exclusively through The Thinking Traveller
Dates
Guests
Bedrooms
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The Area
Al Jafar is ideally situated for an exploration of Western Sicily. The nearby towns of Trapani, Erice and Marsala all boast beautifully restored centres with fascinating histories and some great restaurants. The Phoenecian island of Mozia is just a few km away, as are the beautiful salt pans where migrating flamingoes nest. There are a couple of beaches in and around Trapani itself while the one at nearby San Vito Lo Capo is one of the finest anywhere in the Med. A day trip or two to beautiful Favignana and the Egadi Islands is a must: a 15-minute hydrofoil trip and you'll be in an island paradise of beaches, idyllic coves and transparent waters! If all that weren't enough, the dramatic Greek sites of Segesta and Selinunte are within easy striking distance too.
Palermo airport:
85km-53miles-50minsTrapani airport :
16km-10miles-16minsCatania airport:
313km-194miles-3hr30Comiso airport:
337km-209miles-4hrsNearest sandy beaches:
a 15-minute drive away in Trapani or Lido MarausaNearest shops and amenities:
Paceco, 5mins drive, or Trapani, 7km-4miles-20minsNearest restaurants:
in Trapani (20 mins)Erice:
19km-12miles-25minsSegesta:
32km-20miles-20minsMarsala:
25km-15miles-35minsSan Vito Lo Capo:
42km-26miles-1hrThe Egadi Islands:
20mins (Favignana and Levanzo) to 1hr (Marettimo) via a regular and cheap hydrofoil service from the port of Trapani.Local 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.
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Private 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.
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Private 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.
Discover
Private 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.
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Wine 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.
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Bike 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.
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Culinary 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.
We had a very relaxing stay at Al Jafar. What stood out was the excellent staff. This is the first time we have used The Thinking Traveller and would certainly use you again.
CB August 2024
It was glorious to return to Al Jafar and to the staff. Every thought is taken care of, breakfasts are enormous and the Moorish castle and surroundings are divine.
Sue Cunningham August 2024
Al Jafar is a unique and comfortable property with excellent service and a fascinating location.
Tim Youdan March 2024
Al Jafar was absolutely stunning! The setting, the pool and the castle were wonderful and there was so much to do and discover in the area. We loved it so much and we hope to return next year.
Sue Cunningham July 2023
Al Jafar was a great place on the historical ground and well equipped.
Trond Rangnes July 2023
A wonderful experience, above expectations.
Anonymous June 2023
