The oasis by the beach
4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Simplicity at its best at this quintessential summer house with direct access to sandy beaches... Refreshing summer breezes, shady terraces and never-ending sea views ... Cinnamon is a perfect retreat for those looking for a relaxing, peaceful holiday. While there is plenty to see and do in the area, guests often prefer the comfort of their hammock and an occasional stroll through the garden down to the sandy beaches below.
Looking to know more about Cinnamon?
Our team has visited each of our villas, so they can share the finer details and help explore flexible date options
Keyholder highlights
- Short walk to a quiet sandy beach
- Far-reaching sea views
- Peace and quiet
Gallery
Ariel views of Cinnamon
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The path leading down to the beach starts at the garden gate.
The beautiful gardens of Cinnamon look out to the sea.
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Ready for a tasty Sicilian lunch with a view!
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Looking out to sea from the shaded terrace.
The lawned gardens overlooking the sea.
Includes
- Sole use of the villa and the grounds
- The support of our Villa Specialists to help you select your perfect villa
- The expertise of a dedicated local team to help you fine-tune the logistics of your trip and to plan a range of experiences, many of which are exclusive to The Thinking Traveller
- A Local Specialist, based near your villa, to assist you during your stay (between 9am and 7pm daily, with 24/7 emergency support)
- A comprehensive guide to your villa and its surrounding area, including our restaurant recommendations, cultural highlights and other activities
- An easy-to-use online holiday planner to keep all your booked experiences and services in one place, ensuring that nothing gets missed during your stay
- The ability to coordinate and share the details of your trip with your group via Your Account
- All sales taxes, electricity, gas, Wi-Fi, linen, bath towels, pool and/or beach towels
- Access to our in-villa wine delivery service – choose from our handpicked menu of the best regional wines and find them waiting for you at your villa
- A mid-week cleaning and linen change service
Excludes
- Flights
- Car hire
- Transfers
- Meals (unless otherwise specified)
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The Area
Porto Palo di Menfi is on the south west coast of Sicily, between Sciacca and Mazara del Vallo, just a few kilometres east of the fabulous archaeological site of Selinunte. The beaches along this stretch of coast (including that of the Belice Nature Reserve) are amongst the most beautiful in Sicily.
Most of the gently undulating countryside around Menfi is given over to vineyards and wine-tasting is a must for anyone staying at Cinnamon.
Easy day trips from Cinnamon include Sciacca, Selinunte, and Mazara del Vallo, a vibrant fishing port.
Also within easy range is historic Marsala, with its old town centre full of wineries, the Phoenician island of Mozia, the Greek temple and theatre of Segesta and Erice.
About 90km southeast along the coast, meanwhile is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
The beaches in the area of Porto Palo, Menfi and the Belice Nature Reserve have received over 20 consecutive Blue Flags, attesting to the cleanliness of the water and their general ecological excellence.
Cycling in the Menfi area is a very pleasurable pastime, thanks to both the quiet back roads and the purpose-built cycle track along and around the old railway line between Menfi, Porto Palo and Sciacca. We’d be delighted to have bikes delivered to your villa and, if anyone in your group is an inveterate pedaller, arrange for a local guide to show them the best routes.
Trapani Airport:
100km-62miles-1hr20Palermo Airport:
102km-63miles-1hr15Catania Airport:
251km-156miles-3hr30Comiso Airport:
200km-125miles-3hr5Sandy beach:
a 5-minute walk down the natural path below the house (please note that the way up is uphill) or at Porto Palo (about 10mins drive)Nearest restaurants:
in Porto Palo, Menfi and the surrounding area (10-20mins drive). La Pineta, one of the area's best restaurants, is just over a 3.5km walk away along the beach and nature reserve below the houseCycle path:
900m-1min to asphalted road. Then 8km-4.9miles-20-30mins to cycling pathSciacca:
30km-19miles-35minsSelinunte:
12km-8miles-20minsMazara del Vallo:
38km-23miles-35minsAgrigento:
88km-55miles-1hr30Local 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.
Discover
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.
Discover
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.
Discover
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 wonderful time at Cinnamon! We would return for the wonderful location, the almost private beach, and the beautiful garden and surroundings.
Anonymous July 2024
Sum up our stay at Cinnamon in a few words? Incredible views and setting. We appreciated the extras including food and wine upon arrival and the ability to contact the local specialist if / when needed.
Anonymous May 2024
Cinnamon is a lovely small home for two near the sea in beautiful Sicily.
Anonymous June 2024
Cinnamon is a great villa with lovely views.
Anonymous April 2024
Cinnamon was fantastic - wonderful access to a great beach and so quiet.
LC, United Kingdom September 2022
Cinnamon was excellent.
LL, United Kingdom August 2022
