ntelligently and creatively orientated around a little courtyard, Casa Elena is unusual in the sense that its main dining area does not interconnect with its bedrooms. The peace that the little courtyard offers contrasts well with the hubbub of activity just five minutes walk away in the centre of San Vito lo Capo, while the shade provided by the parasol canopy and over-spilling flowers offers relief from the sunshine that you can bathe in at the beach just 20 metres away.

Casa Elena's courtyard entrance

The long sandy beach

The sandy beach is amongst the best in all of Sicily, not just because of its expanse of sand, its crystal clear waters, its gentle incline, its low-rise beachfront or its amenities, but also because of the protective bulk of Monte Monaco - a rock so large it looms over the eastern extremity of the beach, marking the entrance to the enchanting Zingaro reserve.

Indoors: Inside Casa Elena’s sleeping quarters are two bedrooms and a bathroom. One of the bedrooms is air-conditioned and has a double bed in addition to a small television area, while the second bedroom, containing a bunk bed and a free-standing fan, is connected to the shower room.

Tasteful double bedroom

Dining room with kitchenette

The marine décor in Casa Elena's main living area - which comprises a well-equipped kitchen area with washing machine, an indoor dining table and a built-in bench - is perfectly suited to the property's fantastic beachfront location, particularly since the boats in the small fishing harbour immediately opposite are predominantly blue and white.

Outdoors: The centre of San Vito lo Capo has a wide choice of restaurants, ice cream parlours and bars, but the courtyard of Casa Elena gives guests an additional option for how they might spend a warm summer evening, enjoying a barbecue and listening to waves as they lap the shores and rock the fishing boats.

Outdoor dining & bbq

San Vito's medieval church

The courtyard is lined with climbing plants that flower brightly, and features a tiled bench built into the flower bed. Smart wooden furniture with a tiled tabletop makes al fresco dining a comfortable option, while two large sun loungers can double as a spot to recline and recover from any over-indulging. A very large parasol provides shade and privacy, which is appropriate because the rear patio of neighbours sits above the living area of Casa Elena.

Surrounding area: Casa Elena is in a perfect location at one end of the enormous beach of San Vito Lo Capo, near the point at which a harbour wall segregates fishing boats from the sparkling sands. This is truly one of the best beaches in Sicily and perhaps in all of Italy, and Casa Elena’s location could not be better. At the opposite end of the beach from the hotels and car park, guests are more likely to have plenty of beach to themselves while still benefiting from the tourist conveniences nearby.

Easter celebrations

The centre of San Vito Lo Capo contains plenty of useful shops including mini-markets, pharmacies and a photography shop. There is also no shortage of places to eat and drink, with the main street – Via Savoia – providing so many options that guests will only stray further for the sake of exploration an a pleasant evening stroll. In fact, guests at Casa Elena need not even take the 5 minute walk to the town centre in order to be well fed - Ristorante Mediterranea is just 50m down the road!

Opposite the beach & port

Beyond the exciting town centre, guests can visit the vast Zingaro nature reserve and the delightful old village of Scopello that lies at its opposite extremity. Roads in the opposite direction must skirt the perimeter of the reserve and because San Vito Lo Capo is at the tip of a promontory, a 30 minute drive is necessary to get back to the main roads, from whence Erice, Trapani, Palermo and Castellammare del Golfo are just a quick drive.

Sightseeing: Macari, Zingaro Nature Reserve, Scopello, Castellammare del Golfo, Segesta, Erice, Trapani, the Egadi Islands, Selinunte.

Main bedroom & TV area

Italian Islands Insight: Once guests have arrived at Casa Elena, they may find that they have little use for a car since the town has all the necessary amenities and plenty of things to see and do. Renting a car does open up the region for exploration, which is extremely rewarding, but guests who are devoted to a relaxing stay in a beautiful resort may prefer a taxi transfer to-and-from the airport, renting cars locally as and when required.

The glorious beach

With its ingenious design set around a courtyard, Casa Elena will surprise many visitors. Its double bedroom and bunk-bed room will suit a couple, or a family with young children, in particular those that prize a beachfront location above all else. Guests at Casa Elena need not begin a day at the beach by worrying about packing a bag, remembering sun-tan lotion and ensuring they have plenty to drink. Instead, simply wander across the road with your towel, book and mask, and pop back for anything else whenever you need it!