n an elevated position, Casetta Fenice, a comfortable and air-conditioned holiday apartment, benefits from panoramic views from its balcony. It overlooks Sicilian countryside, the Mediterranean coastline of distant cliffs, the nearby long sandy Pineta beach and the adjoining tree-studded Belice nature reserve. Nestled on the outer rim of a small residence of holiday apartments, this accommodation is well located to explore the nearby picturesque coastal resort of Marinella di Selinunte, and further afield the many other sites of interest that the West and South of the island have to offer.

Surrounding Area: Explore the protected natural area of the Belice estuary on your doorstep and you may spot the marine turtles and the rich birdlife; herons, ducks and other waterfowl. This unspoilt terrain includes an expanse of sandy beach large enough not to be crowded even in high season. The only restaurant within the confines of the nature reserve, a 700-metre walk away, is a truly excellent seafood restaurant specialising in crayfish. Another unique experience, this time within the precincts of Selinunte, would be to visit Europe’s largest Ancient Greek archaeological site with architectural remains including an impressive temple resembling the Parthenon in Athens, and an acropolis on the edge of the sea. The charming centre of Marinella di Selinunte is host to several beaches, a small port ideal for fishing and boating, as well as a variety of pizzerias, restaurants, and bars.

Indoors: The whitewashed walls and terracotta floor tiles help create a bright interior. This simple air conditioned lounge area with colourful mounted pictures is a pleasant room to relax in. It features a double sofa bed and a stylish cane settee, which, if you prefer, can also be moved out onto the balcony. This room leads through to the modern kitchenette with dining table, and this in turn leads out onto the balcony where meals can be accompanied by the beautiful view. The comfortable main bedroom has the same stunning far-reaching views and the second bedroom, at the other side of the house has a bunk bed. The bathroom with shower cubicle has been tiled from floor to ceiling.

Outdoors: Unless you are on the balcony you do not really notice that Casetta Fenice is actually on the first floor, since access to the property is from a high up road at the rear, so the whole of the accommodation is on the same level. The advantage of this is the unmissable views. The outside front off-road area consists of a covered gazebo which can either be used for your car or as a shaded spot to dine, with views of the sea in the distance. Outdoor table and chairs can be set up here, and a few steps lead down to a compact covered room with a washing machine and barbecue.

Sightseeing: Porto Palo. Cusa quarries. Marsala. Sciacca. Caltabellotta. Agrigento. Eraclea Minoa. Mazara del Vallo. Castellammare del Golfo. Zingaro Nature Reserve. Segesta. Erice. Trapani. Egadi Islands. Palermo.

Italian Islands Insight: A good choice for families, this compact, comfortable, affordable apartment with memorable sea and landscape views is a really excellent base from which to take advantage of local sites or services. It is suited to those who like to venture further afield, which is why a hire car is strongly recommended, especially for ease of access to the apartment. Being situated on the north-eastern outskirts of Marinella di Selinunte travel by road to other parts of the region is fairly direct, and connection soon made with the faster autostrada or main roads. One superb restaurant, La Pineta da Angelo, located on the sandy Pineta beach is not far on foot. On request, it may be possible for a couple of bicycles to be provided by the owner. For larger parties the ground floor apartment, Casetta Belice, can also be rented subject to availability.