Pool at Casa Giuseppina

Ancient Greek temple

magine relaxing by the inviting pool sipping cocktails made with fresh Sicilian ingredients, and anticipating your evening barbecue of fish that you selected or bartered from the local fishermen’s catch that morning, at the nearby picturesque port of Marinella di Selinunte. This could be a typical day’s holiday in this delightful small resort, which as well as hosting the largest archaeological park in Europe, also boasts enchanting beaches, some of which adjoin the beautiful Belice nature reserve.

Nearby Cantone beach

Mediterranean garden

Outdoors: Located on a private road leading to the beach, this modern property offers many places to relax and dine. Facing south there is a pool with a patio providing sun loungers, deck chairs, table and parasol, and an adjoining garden with small lawn, an impressive tall cactus, a banana and a lemon tree. Each of the three terraces has a different function. The private north terrace off the kitchen is the perfect place to enjoy Sicilian cuisine. This covered area with large table and chairs is shaded from the heat of the day and also lit up at night. At the back of the house is the excellent gas barbecue and outdoor kitchen so you can choose whether to cook indoors or outdoors. The separate laundry room is also located here, as is a bathroom with shower and toilet. At the front of Casa Giuseppina is a delightful paved and covered terrace furnished with wicker chairs, benches and coffee table, a perfect spot to enjoy your evening aperitif.

Main bedroom

Stylish living area

Indoors: The fact that the owners choose to spend their own holidays here is reflected in the tasteful décor and personal touches. The rooms are spacious, airy and well lit. One of the many unusual features of the lounge is the cast iron coal burning stove in one corner of the room. There is an emphasis on dark wooden furniture, glossy stone floor tiles and colourful ceramics and paintings. Books about the local area and Sicily in general have been thoughtfully provided on bookshelves that divide the well-equipped kitchenette from the dining area. Both bedrooms look out on the garden and pool. The good-sized master bedroom has a comfortable double bed with a wrought-iron and wicker headboard, and a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe. The smaller second bedroom has twin beds, and there is a separate storeroom housing a camp bed, iron and ironing board. The stunning bathroom is beautifully tiled and uniquely features a special shower with various Jacuzzi jet streams.

A restaurant by the sea

Lido di Zabbara

Surrounding Area: Marinella di Selinunte has a lot to offer its visitors: beautiful sandy beaches, a good choice of restaurants, a nature reserve, and, just 500 metres from the house, the famous Selinunte archaeological park with Greek temples, acropolis and necropolis. It is an ideal location for walks, bathing, boating, fishing and tennis. The nearest beach, La Spiaggia del Cantone, is just a couple of minutes walk away. You can also walk to the lovely long sandy beach in the Belice Nature Reserve, where marine turtles sometimes lay their eggs. The local supermarket selling typical Sicilian products and fresh fruit and vegetables is just 200 metres away and a restaurant is also a short walk from the house. There is a good choice of larger supermarkets in Castelvetrano 15 minutes drive away.

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.

Relax in the shade

Aperativo on front terrace

Italian Islands Insight: Casa Giuseppina is the ground floor of a detached villa. The first floor is a separate dwelling that can also be rented out, called Casa Marinella, and both share the same main entrance gate. If availability allows, larger parties can rent both properties together to sleep 8 in total, and the pool would then be private to this group. Otherwise, the pool is shared with whoever is occupying the upstairs accommodation, the entrance to which is by the pool.

Families with children will be pleased to learn that the property is fully enclosed by a wall. However, please be aware that the pool is not fenced off, so children will need to be supervised at all times. In our opinion, Casa Giuseppina is of a high standard both within and without, and is an excellent choice for a restful holiday, with the advantage of being able to walk to beaches, shops and restaurants, as well as to a site of archaeological and historical importance. It is also well placed for exploring the South and West of Sicily by car.