nhale the fresh unpolluted Levanzo air at Residenza Lisola, a peaceful green oasis run by two brothers and their family and friends. Having opened in 2005, this group are endeavouring to create a little piece of paradise that is entirely unfettered by the anxieties and distractions of modern life, but also seek to retain enough links with the real world to ensure that their guests enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay.

An example of the quasi-isolation is the road that winds along the coast from Levanzo port, before eventually cutting inland to the residence, resplendent in its lovingly reconstructed tufa stonework. The length of this road suggests a level of isolation that is belied by the path that the owners have cut through woods and cacti, to connect the residence with Levanzo village via a picturesque ten-minute walk.

Aware that Levanzo is a quiet island with just 90 permanent residents, the owners and their friends ensure that those guests who are after more than just utter relaxation are suitably occupied and entertained by offering excursions on and off the island, and by organising communal barbecues within the flowery gardens of the residence.

Cala Calara - a typical cove

Spectacular sunrise

Indoors: Residenza Lisola consists of seven apartments built into a beautiful building constructed from the tufa stone for which the Egadi Islands are renowned. From their cool tiled floors to their wood-beamed ceilings, these apartments are immaculately decorated and extremely well furnished. Particularly impressive are the colourful sparkling basins and counters in the bathrooms: one of the owners is an artisan who works marble, and the same artistic tastes are visible in the pastel colour scheme, the special ceramic light shades and the large paintings that adorn the walls.

Melograno's romantic bedroom

Each apartment has a safe, a television, air conditioning, mosquito screens and a suitably-equipped kitchen corner. The apartments are each named after a Mediterranean plant that grows on the island. 'Melograno' is perhaps the most romantic, featuring a 4-poster bed in its main bedroom; it also has a sofa-bed that sleeps one in its living area. Romantic in a different way is the intimate studio 'Cappero', with its double sofa-bed and ingenious kitchen suite enclosed within a cupboard! 'Aloe' sleeps three guests, with a retractable screen separating the double bedroom from the sofa-bed. 'Rosmarino' is slightly larger and boasts a double sofa-bed in addition to an excellent view of countryside, sheep and sea. Even larger is 'Magnolia', which has an independent entrance for occupants of the bedroom so that guests in the living area need not be disturbed. 'Agave' is a carefully appointed apartment that has the addition of being designed for guests with mobility problems, while 'Carrubbo' is another large apartment with double bed and double sofa-bed.

Cappero's little kitchen suite

Smartly furnished interiors

Outdoors: Immediately outside, each apartment has is its own patio area with outdoor tables & chairs, while a larger dining area sits adjacent to the communal barbecue, beneath an enormous parasol. By night, palm trees are illuminated with wonderful effect and by day, bright flowers are strewn throughout the garden, kept lush by the private well that guarantees a dependable water supply - crucial on an arid island. This well has had the undesired effect of attracting thirsty goats on hot summer nights, who try to break in and munch the verdant vegetation!

Opposite the residence is a separate garden containing shady pine trees, where the owners have thoughtfully strung out hammocks to create the ideal area for relaxing and reading in the shade.

The grounds of Residenza Lisola

Apartments with private space

Surrounding Area: The closest manmade structure to Residenza Lisola is a grand old winery that belongs to the Florio dynasty, purveyors of Marsala wine and tuna. The residence has historic links to this winery, having originally been the site on which the peasant workers were housed, before a thorough restoration produced its current glory.

Majestic coastline of Levanzo

The mini-market and tourist shops in the adorable, whitewashed village can be reached on foot via the delightful little path that the owners have carved through the dense foliage. It is imperative that guests pack a reliable torch, as this path is not illuminated at night and passes cacti. Once down in Levanzo village, there is a choice of two incredibly well situated bars, each with a terrace that gazes over the small harbour from either extremity. There is also a choice of two or three restaurants (according to season) and Ristorante Paradiso is particularly good with its sea view, friendly staff, verbally recounted menu and its deliciously fresh fish.

Café overlooking Cala Dogana

Many more restaurants can be found just a ten minute boat ride away, with regular hydrofoils whisking hungry diners to-and-fro from Favignana until 9:30pm (June - September). While the lively town at Favignana has a good choice of restaurants, serious gourmands may be tempted to take the longer trip back to Trapani on the mainland. In addition to the smarter establishments in the old centre, the trattorias that line the port offer a livelier option without denting the wallet! Return hydrofoils to Levanzo run until 22:40 (July - September) and the crossing takes just 20 minutes.

The hydrofoils and ferries that serve the Egadi Islands offer excellent opportunities for day trips. Marettimo is an equally remote island, featuring mountainous paths through thick woods, while Favignana has been more open to tourism and features sandy beaches with amenities.

The small harbour in Levanzo village

Swim or paddle to the Faraglione

While Levanzo serves as a convenient base for trips to the other Egadi Islands and to the mainland, visitors must not forget to explore the island itself. Walking along the coastal paths of the island is extremely rewarding, while the valley that runs through the centre offers silence and tranquillity in abundance. Hikers and nature lovers will appreciate the well-maintained trails that lead through pine forests and up mountainous slopes, offering spectacular views back down to the sea. Levanzo’s most famous feature is the Grotto del Genovese, and the owners of Residenza Lisola can arrange trips to this cave, with its famous prehistoric cave paintings, in a twin-engined dinghy. The same boat is also available to whisk guests around the island to beautiful coves that are difficult to reach by foot, while diving expeditions can be organised using other vessels.

Sightseeing: Levanzo. Favignana. Trapani. Marsala. Segesta. Erice.

Mountainous island with
flat plain at its heart

Italian Islands Insight: Residenza Lisola is fully enclosed and built on a single level and as such is suitable for children and for people with mobility difficulties. A member of staff is always on hand to assist guests in whatever way necessary, including booking you in at one of the local restaurants or helping to hire bikes if required. Car hire, however, is redundant on an island with few roads, and the residence can arrange a transfer service from the airport and back. Lisola’s smart new jeep is then dispatched to Levanzo’s harbour to intercept the hydrofoil service from Trapani and pick up guests and their luggage to deliver them to the residence. The owners, who speak fairly good English, also use this jeep to deliver shopping and to take guests on special trips around the island, including a sunset-appreciation spree to Capo Grosso.

The path into the village

These friendly owners have successfully created the ultimate island retreat, perfect for relaxing, getting away from it all and completely recharging your batteries. While mental exertion is kept to an absolute minimum, there is a wealth of opportunity for physical exercise: gentle strolls or gruelling hikes can both be concluded with a soothing swim in the pure, crystal clear waters that are protected as part of the Egadi marine reserve. This underwater world can also be experienced by snorkelling and scuba diving.

Staying in this unique residence surrounded by beautiful countryside will appeal to those who are after something a little bit different, who like the feeling of adventure holidaying in a remote but wonderful location, without sacrificing those all-important little luxuries in life.