Favignana and Marettimo

the history of "Mattanza"

Sicily

the most beautiful island of Mediterraneo

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and one of the most beautiful lands on the planet. In this region, as perhaps in no other, art, history and culture blend seamlessly with the landscape and give rise to a universe that is worth to discover. In recent years, Sicily has started to exploit its enormous natural, historic and artistic resources, becoming one of the most visited destinations in Italy. From east to west Sicily is a succession of magical scenery perfectly integrated in the architectural landscape that surrounds them. A Mediterranean climate and wild nature, wonderful islands and inlets, active volcanoes, mountains and plains, and the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean …

Favignana and "La Mattanza"

A few kilometers from the "peak" of Sicily, off the coast of Trapani, Favignana is the largest (about twenty square kilometers) and an important island of the Egadi: an ideal place for sea lovers and for families with clear waters, spectacular cliffs, beautiful coves, beaches and romantic bays, fishing villages and ancient fortresses, along with modern tourist facilities. Resist an island where traditions of secular life and work, like fishing for tuna in the "tuna," one of the few still in operation. And the tuna with the classic "trap in Mattanza", from April to July, is one of the attractions of the island: not just a fishing technique, but rather an ancient rite - and bloody impressive - along with prayers propitiatory chants and Arabic memory, where the death of tuna in its agonizing cruelty, it means the lives and livelihoods of fishermen and their families. The beautiful bay of Favignana is the natural starting point for exploring the whole island, with its spectacular and rugged coastline, which alternates between spectacular rocky cliffs and romantic white sand beaches, gentle coves and wild cliffs, mysterious caves and enchanting islands, with picture-postcard scenery. Among the places to visit, spend perfect days of rest and relaxation, we can mention: the small beach of Cala d'Azur and the wide beach of Lido Burrone (both along the south coast), the charming Cala Rossa and Cala del Bue Marino (in the east), while in the west, much less urbanized, here Cala Rotonda and Cala Grande, and many more. Many, as mentioned, also the caves, to visit during beautiful boat trips: the Blue Grotto, so named for the color of the Grotto of Sighs, and winter has taken its toll, "laments" and the Cave of Lovers, because of two identical rocks side by side on the back wall, and more. Not to mention the opportunities given to diving enthusiasts. In summary, an island for a holiday in the peace of mind, with "all the beauty" of the Mediterranean..


Marettimo

Marettimo is the farthest, the highest, the most mountainous, the wildest, no action, many boats, the total absence of trees, many fishermen's houses, not even a paved road, just trails. Wherever you turn you see clumps of thyme and colorful schools of fish. In summer, one of the stops is customary to tip Troy, north of the island, visit the Cave of the Camel, lit from an opening on the top that creates a fantastic reflection on the water so clear that it may see the colonies of red anemones . Another excursion by sea to be bombed back to the Cave of the tip of Troy, while over land with a short stroll to the castle from which to enjoy Punta Troia, including flowering plants of capers, a magnificent view of the rocks overhanging the sea on both sides of the island. Other port calls to the island are low points and the basin behind Punta Martino clear water and plenty of fish. From the harbor extends the typical fishing village of the town with its small white houses and its climbing flowers: here be sure to stroll along the streets paved with stone up to the Roman ruins through the pine forest, or discovering the mule along the coast between the Mediterranean.

Hiera - Marettimo

lovely house in Marettimo with terrace and charming interior

Living a relaxing holiday inside a cosy and peculiar apartment dated from the XX century of Marettimo. This is the "holiday philosophy" of the house Hiera, accommodation placed in a typical alley just a few metres from Scalo Nuovo.This lovely apartment is a perfect two persons' nest with charming atmosphere. This apartment is composed by one bedroom, a living room, a kitchen and one bathroom - pushes its peculiarity on the harmonious altogether effect of the fittings, perfect fusion of various cultures, where late nineteenth century Tuscan furnishings lovely get together with decorative ethnic pieces of furniture. Of course the two terraces play the main role. The first terrace - facing the living room and the kitchen - is more secluded and endowed with a table for dinners under the stars while the second terrace (placed on the roof) enjoys an amazing sea view that extends along a large space divided into solarium zone and dining zone with table and brickwork seats, for your romantic and quiet moment in Marettimo, one of the pearl of Mediterraneo.