In the peaceful western hills
8 Guests
4 Bedrooms
4 Bathrooms
Sitting in a privileged position on a small farm, and ideally located for discovering all that western Sicily has to offer, Chirchiaro is the perfect country retreat for anyone who loves unspoilt nature, far-reaching vistas, immense skies and the restful rhythms of rural life. The addition of a superb infinity pool from which to enjoy all this is the coup de grâce.
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
- Breathtaking views
- Panoramic infinity pool
- Quintessential Sicilian country experience
Gallery
Ariel views of Chirchiaro
The infinity pool and views at Chirchiaro.
Looking from the lawned pool area towards the house.
Chirchiaro and its pool with a backdrop of hills and fields.
Approaching the house.
A shady spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Salemi, Sicily
Chirchiaro
Available exclusively through The Thinking Traveller
Dates
Guests
Bedrooms
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The Area
Chirchiaro is situated in the rolling hills of western Sicily, a few kilometres as the crow flies from historic Salemi. The nearest small town for shops and amenities is Vita, just a 10-minute drive away. For cultural day trips, Chirchiaro is ideally placed, thanks to its relative proximity to both legs of the A29 motorway (one running between Mazara del Vallo and Palermo, the other between Trapani and Palermo). The stunning Greek temple and theatre of Segesta are just over the hill to the north while the fascinating archaeological sites of Selinunte and Cave di Cusa are about 40 minutes' drive away to the south. Western Sicily's major historic towns, including Trapani, Marsala and Palermo are all between 50 and 80 minutes' drive away, while for a day at the beach you can choose north or south: 45-50 minutes to Castellammare del Golfo and Scopello to the north or the long sandy beaches of the Selinunte and Menfi area to the south. The ruins of Old Gibellina - now an enormous open-air work of art - and those of Old Poggioreale - now a Ghost Town - make for a fascinating day out and can be reached in about 45mins. Guests staying at Chirchiaro might be interested in a tour of Gibellina and Poggioreale with an expert English-speaking guide.
Palermo airport:
78km-48miles-55minsTrapani airport:
47km-30miles-50minsCatania airport:
288km-180miles-3hr40Comiso airport:
230km-145miles-3hr30Nearest shops, amenities:
10mins drive in Vita or 25mins drive in SalemiSegesta:
17km-10miles-30minsSelinunte:
40km-25miles-40minsGibellina Vecchia and Poggioreale Vecchia:
17km-11miles-45minsBeaches:
45-50mins in the Menfi or Castellammare del Golfo areasPalermo:
80km-65miles-1hr20Trapani:
42km-26miles-50minsMarsala:
45km-28miles-1hr5Local 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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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.
Chirchiaro is an incredibly beautiful house in a stunning location. It's perfect in every way, inside and out. It's well-equipped, has stunning views and a lovely pool, and is very quiet. It can't be faulted! We would return because it's just gorgeous and very relaxing!
VC October 2024
Chirchiaro had been exceptionally and thoughtfully prepared, with gorgeous table arrangements and flowers in every room. The oil, wine, honey, vegetables from the farm and other treats from the owners were very much appreciated by all of us. It is a beautiful house for a relaxing family break. The views are glorious and the pool is lovely. The generosity of the owners and the cook's meals meant that we ate extremely well, and the cooking lesson with Signora Antonella was a real highlight of our stay.
SP October 2024
We had a superb experience from start to finish! Chirchiaro was stunning (which I knew as I had been before) and the Villa Specialists were incredibly responsive and helpful at all times.
Anonymous August 2024
We particularly appreciated the cleanliness of Chirchiaro, which was really exceptional. As keen cooks, we loved that the kitchen was so well equipped - again exceptional.
ES, United Kingdom September 2022
We fell in love with Chirchiaro, its charm and authenticity, its extensive grounds, its beautiful swimming pool and its superb views of the surrounding countryside.
ML, France August 2022
Chirchiaro was amazing and all the people, the owner who met us, the cook and cleaner, the babysitter all made this experience.
TT, Australia July 2022
