Donkey excursions are possible

The residence is on the seafront

solation is splendid upon the island of Marettimo, 38km from the Sicilian mainland and seemingly even further from modern life. Perched on the hillside to the south of the small village of Marettimo - the only civilisation on the island - Residence Marettimo combines creature comforts with a spectacular seaside setting and a deep respect for nature.

Sea-facing terrace of a suite

Perhaps due to its solitary position and to the connections with the other Egadi islands that were unreliable before the introduction of hydrofoil networks, the islanders of Marettimo have learnt to be thrifty with resources. This is particularly true at Residence Marettimo, which prides itself on being eco-friendly and in keeping with traditional architecture. The materials from which the 42 apartments are constructed are ecological, solar panels supplement the electricity supply (there is no gas) while irrigation systems ensure efficient use of water

The love of nature that is prevalent on the island pervades all areas of Residence Marettimo. Pictures of the local flora adorn the apartment walls and the same plants and flowers can also be seen in the grounds of the Residence. The vegetable patches and herb gardens - which guests may help themselves to - are indicative of the island’s desire to be self-sufficient.

A panorama of the 4* residence

Indoors: Residence Marettimo is the only hotel structure on the island, and consists of 42 tasteful apartments - 10 with two bedrooms, 18 with one bedroom, 10 studio apartments, two junior suites and two suites (one-bedroom apartments with large terraces at the front of the residence overlooking the sea). The one and two bedroom apartments each have a sofa bed in their living room and as such can sleep a maximum of four and six guests respectively.

Apartments are smartly furnished in a modern style that contrasts tastefully with the more traditional hand-woven rugs and pine furniture. Kitchens are well-equipped and all the double bedrooms and living rooms feature a ceiling fan. As well as a television and a safe, each apartment has an outdoor space - either a veranda or a terrace equipped with tables and chairs and a sunlounger - and at least partial sea views.

Tastefully decorated bedrooms

Some open out onto a terrace

Outdoors: As well as the outdoor dining area of their own apartment, guests who wish for an al fresco meal can dine in the large wooden communal gazebo that has been constructed on the hillside above the residence. Using its enormous barbecue and outdoor oven, guests can enjoy special dinners together while admiring the panoramic views of the sea. During major sporting events, this room is set up with large screens.

Two Jacuzzis are above the pool

A network of paths leads down the hillside from this room, past the vegetable patches and onto the fitness trail. Here, guests might choose (or be coerced!) to complete the various stages of the trail, following the instructions for each piece of equipment. Conveniently located near to the end of the trail, and set into the rock, are the small swimming pool and twin Jacuzzis in which you can rapidly cool down (open mid-May to mid-October). Visitors who wish to do something more fun than pull-ups and star-jumps will be tempted to take a canoe out into the harbour or borrow a mountain bike with which to attempt Monte Falcone. Smaller exercise-enthusiasts will appreciate the see-saws and rocking animals that can be found in the residence’s play area!

The front of an apartment

Fragrant herbs scent the air

Surrounding Area: Marettimo has scarcely been touched by tourism, and the residence itself is the best place to arrange excursions. The island is renowned for the underwater world that surrounds it, and the residence can organise underwater photography trips, underwater fishing trips and PADI certificates can be taken with a local diver. Donkey treks can also be arranged and so can boat trips around the island, the prices of which local fisherman are also happy to negotiate at the harbour.

The village viewed from above

These exciting activities will give participants fond memories of Marettimo, but the simple pleasure of walking and experiencing the natural beauty is extremely rewarding and should not be underestimated. The paths and trails are well maintained by the forestry commission and lead towards the beach at the south end of the island, to the castle at the northern tip and, best of all, up the steep slopes of Monte Falcone. From here, the views through the pine forests and down to the coast are nothing short of breathtaking.

View back to village & port

After a long ramble on the mountainside, guests will have a large appetite that the local restaurants will be delighted to satisfy. Menus are usually recounted verbally and vary according to what the fishing boats have managed to catch. Il Veliero is particularly recommended by both Italian Islands and by Marettimo Residence. The bar in the village’s small main square is ideal for aperitifs and digestives.

Back at the residence, the bar is open until 8pm so that guests are not disturbed any later. The bar, with indoor and outdoor seating, doubles as a breakfast bar in the morning and triples as a snack bar at lunchtime, when light vegetarian meals are served.

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

The ideal location

Follow the fitness trail

Italian Islands Insight: Despite the solitude of the island, the equipment and expertise on hand at Marettimo ensures that visitors can pursue a new pastime each day. Of particular importance is the reception that is open from 8:30 to 19:30 - the helpful employee, who speaks good English, is happy to arrange excursions, day trips to the Sicilian mainland or the other Egadi Islands, bird-watching trips, barbecue hire, laundry and extra cleaning, amongst many other things.

The custodian in reception also has access to the utility room of the residence, which contains pamphlets and books about the local area, an internet point, board games, books, heaters and extra fans.

Built in the typical island style

The gazebo next to the bbq

The residence is also happy to arrange transfers from the airport, which is important given that visitors are not allowed to bring cars upon the island and car hire is therefore redundant. After depositing guests at the port in Trapani, guests and their luggage are retrieved from the harbour of Marettimo and taken to the residence by the owner in his electric buggy. Such a welcoming, silent, environmentally-friendly reception is particularly apt for the tranquil island of Marettimo.