The beautiful Isola dei Conigli

n the African landscape of Lampedusa, the contrast provided by Villa Mar d’Africa’s lush gardens is all the more appreciated, and the large terrace that looks upon it all the more justified. Situated near the sandy cove of Cala Madonna, the stone walls that surround the detached villa seem like the boundaries of a secret garden. Those lucky enough to enter within are treated to a verdant, shady position from which to enjoy the sea view and the lapping of the waves.

Surrounded by lush foliage

Villa Mar d'Africa & its garden

Outdoors: The luxuriant garden contains palms, dwarf palms, pines, olive trees, agaves, vines and cacti as well as pink-flowering bougainvillaea, and is overlooked by the raised, semi-circular terrace. The stone walls of this terrace are lined with cushioned benches which double as both comfortable seats while dining at the long wooden table and a cosy place to recline on after a satisfying meal. Two comfortable loungers also sit beneath the shaded terrace, though these can be moved into the garden for those seeking the Lampedusa sun. Despite the density of the foliage, the paved paths – which are illuminated at night – lead to a few sunny spots that can accommodate the full-size loungers. The paths also lead to the large barbecue area with its simple dining area, which provides a handy surface during food preparation as well as a rustic alternative for enjoying the resulting meal.

The long covered terrace

Rustic outdoor seating area

Indoors: The villa is accessed through the terrace, immediately opening into the living area and partially separated kitchenette. A country cottage style pervades this room (which can be used as sleeping quarters for one extra guest), and bright ceramics in the local style stand out from the rustic wooden furnishings. The kitchenette is well equipped for preparing meals, which can be served on the terrace or on the large wooden table inside.

The kitchenette

One of the double bedrooms

A small archway leads from the living area to a corridor running between the two shower rooms (one with bidet). The corridor also opens onto the two double bedrooms, each spacious with plenty of storage and cooled by a ceiling fan.

Cala Croce - 500m walk

Surrounding Area: Villa Mar d’Africa is located a mile outside Lampedusa town, just off the main road that runs along the centre of the island and bordering the nature reserve that seeks to reverse the consequences of deforestation. The property has few neighbours beyond the walls of the garden and is found on the small dirt track that leads round to Cala Madonna. This small sandy creek is served by a small café during the tourist season, and a steep path leads over the promontory on the far side to Cala Croce, a much larger cove featuring two sandy areas and a café that is open for a longer portion of the year.

The Madonna statuette set in the
rocks at near by Cala Madonna

Beaches and rocky coves are dotted along the south and east coasts of Lampedusa and over the course of their stay, guests can learn to appreciate the benefits of each. Boat trips open up the cliffy north coast to exploration as well as the possibility of visits to the neighbouring Pelagian islands of Lampione and Linosa. Fishing is traditionally the island’s main occupation and this is evidenced by the fantastic restaurants of Lampedusa town. Instead of purely appreciating these traditions through the gastronomic delights of restaurants such as La Cambusa, fishing and diving expeditions would bring guests face to face with the species that the islanders have learnt to cook so exquisitely.

Sandy beach not far away

Sea view from the garden

Italian Islands Insight: With Tunisia just 180km to the west and Libya due south, the stretch of the Mediterranean that Villa Mar d’Africa overlooks can justifiably be referred to as the African sea. The warmth of the waters until very late in the year certainly bear testament to this evaluation, and the villa is suitable for occupation until late in the season.

Indoor dining area

There is a neighbouring property (Villa Mar d'Africa & Casa Tonino), on either side of the villa although all three properties are detached with their own separate entrance. Villa Mar D’Africa’s owner also owns these two smaller cottages and has cleverly designed them all so that as well as having their own private space and all facing different directions, their grounds can interconnect. This would be useful for groups of up to 9 who wish to rent all three properties simultaneously, subject to availability. The spacious terrace of Villa Mar d’Africa is sufficiently large to comfortably seat all nine residents. Guests who are not holidaying in a group are unlikely to even notice that this possibility is available as the grounds are only connected by very discreet stone archways at the foot of the respective private gardens and none of the properties overlook any of the others.

Pretty stone arches

Cycling is a great way to explore the island, but although the owner of Villa Mar d’Africa can arrange bicycle hire for guests in advance, these do not always provide lights and helmets so guests who wish to get into town at night should consider motorised transport. Scooters are a fun and widely available alternative and the owner can also assist with the hire of these and ‘Mehari’ dune buggies, or a normal car if you prefer.

This side looks out to sea

With two double bedrooms, Villa Mar d’Africa is ideal for two couples and the property is also an excellent choice for families as the grounds are enclosed. In addition, the single sofa bed in the living room means there is space for a fifth person. Any guest staying here is bound to fall in love with the shady garden and terrace, as well as the tranquillity offered by its secluded location just 300m from the beach!