The olive press
11 Guests
5 Bedrooms
7 Bathrooms
Balù is an 18th century frantoio surrounded by olive groves, lawns, citrus trees and a fabulous pool. Tastefully decorated and with plenty of voluminous living space inside and out, the imposing building and its calming grounds provide an ideal base for a relaxing family holiday in close proximity to the sandy beaches and archaeological site of Selinunte.
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
- Large pool and gardens
- Roomy interiors
- Seclusion, peace and quiet
- Excellent outdoor living
Gallery
Ariel views of Balù
The lovely pool at Balu, where you may well end up spending most of your waking hours.
Balu is immersed in secluding, mature gardens.
Al fresco dining at Balu is always a treat.
Approaching the front entrance of Balu through the gardens.
The splendid pool.
Selinunte, Sicily
Balù
Available exclusively through The Thinking Traveller
Dates
Guests
Bedrooms
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The Area
Balù is located just 10km from the superb archaeological site of Selinunte and a host of sandy beaches, including those at Triscina, Marinella di Selinunte, the Foce del Belice Nature Reserve and Porto Palo. For amenities, the town of Castelvetrano is about 5 minutes' drive away.
The surrounding countryside is given over to vast tracts of olive groves and vineyards producing some of the best olive oil and wine anywhere in the Mediterranean.
Apart from the aforementioned archaeological site of Selinunte (which is highly recommended), other nearby attractions include the Cave di Cusa, a fascinating quarry from which the columns for Selinunte's temples were cut. A short drive will take you to the busy fishing port, historic centre and north African Kasbah of Mazara del Vallo, where you may dine on excellent fish couscous after taking a look at the world-famous Dancing Satyr, a stunning bronze Greek statue from the 3rd century BC that came up in the nets of one of the local fishermen in 1998. Just up the west coast, meanwhile, is Marsala, once an important Phoenician, Greek and Roman city, and more recently famous for its dessert wine, first produced by the Englishman John Woodhouse.
Also within very easy reach are Segesta, Palermo, Erice, Trapani, The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and a host of other places of cultural interest.
Palermo airport:
93km-58miles-1hrTrapani airport:
62km-38miles-1hrCatania airport:
258km-161miles-2hr50Comiso airport:
207km-128miles-3hr10minsSandy beach:
14mins drive to Marinella di SelinunteNearest shops, amenities and restaurants at Castelvetrano:
5minsSelinunte:
14km-9miles-15minsMarsala:
45km-28miles-50minsSegesta:
54km-34miles-30minsMazara del Vallo:
25km-15miles-25minsLocal 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.
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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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Beach clubs in Southwest Sicily
The southern coast of Sicily is a broken line of sandy beaches and cliffs, dotted with the remains of Greek colonies such as Selinunte and Agrigento, and the odd modern metropolis. In the southwest are the seaside towns of Porto Palo di Menfi and Sciacca, with its large fishing fleet, the coastal nature reserves of Foce del Belice, Foce del Platani and Torre Salsa, all with gorgeous unspoilt beaches, and the historic site of Eraclea Minoa, which boasts a long expanse of sand flanked by fragrant pine woods. Also along this section of coast are the bright white chalk cliffs and bathing area of the Scala dei Turchi.
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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.
Balu was perfetto! We loved the landscaping - beautifully well maintained. The interior was also beautifully designed and well maintained. We had a wonderful stay and only wish there weren’t so many places to see in Western Sicily, which meant we couldn’t stay and enjoy the villa 24/7! Loved our stay and am very grateful to the team at The Thinking Traveller, who were all amazing! Thank you!
RM October 2024
We would return to Balu because I just loved how they had done the gardens and the internal space - it was beautiful. The local staff and the team on site were great. We had a holiday where The Thinking Traveller over-delivered!
JA September 2024
We loved Balu. It is a very special and beautiful place to relax and recharge. We loved the character and the style and the space was impressive. The garden was also gorgeous and tranquil. The horses and stables are a highlight of the place and added to the character. Thanks for a great experience!
KAW July 2024
Balù is beautifully renovated from an olive oil press into a luxurious villa. It is gorgeous. Every room was comfortable and there was nothing we needed during our stay. The villa, surrounded by olive groves and lemon trees, was something special. We couldn't have been in a better place with a better pool and a better staff. It was the perfect place to bring my family together with children and grandchildren from around the globe to celebrate my husband's 70th birthday. We will never forget it.
Susie Borrome Milne June 2024
Every hope for a villa essentially achieved. The grounds of Balu were near perfection, the kitchen was large and well-equipped, and the property was extremely close to restaurants and shopping. We would return.
Anonymous May 2024
Spacious, characterful villa - beautifully designed and equipped. Perfect pool.
D.D. October 2023
