The castle-style villa

nhabit a castle just 70m from the beach! Named after the young daughter of its owner, and therefore built in the style of a fairytale castle, Villa Sofia comprises two apartments close to the popular Guitgia beach in Lampedusa. The upstairs and downstairs apartments (Su and Giu`) are very similar, each sleeping four guests and featuring rustic wooden and cane furniture against walls of raw sandstone blocks and each has its own separate entrance and private terrace area.

Surrounding area: A short walk down a quiet road leads guests to Guitgia beach, a safe place for a family to swim in the divine waters of Lampedusa. In addition to the fine sand and turquoise sea, guests can hire sunloungers and quench their thirst at the beach bars that are open during the long summer.

Palms line Porto Vecchio

Despite its convenient location near the town’s best beach and some of its best bars and restaurants, Villa Sofia is not in the heart of Lampedusa Town and retains much tranquillity as a result. Nevertheless, the town centre is less than a fifteen minute walk away (or a 4 minute scooter ride) and has many shops in additions to the lively bars on the main street.

Guitgia beach

Excursions can also be arranged in the town or in its two ports, and a boat trip is the best way to see Lampedusa’s principal asset: its coastline. Bicycles, scooters and cars can also be rented in the town, thus opening up the island for exploration. The renowned Isola dei Conigli is well worth a visit to bathe in the pure waters of the untouched beach.

The attractive gazebo

Outdoors: Attractive wrought iron gates are the main entrance to the villa’s grounds and the wall encircling Villa Sofia features the same crenulations as the building itself, and adds to the fairytale effect by containing two enormous palms. The gates open onto a large courtyard at the front of the villa, with a well opposite the entrance to the downstairs apartment, Sofia Giu`. To the left, along the side of the ‘castle’, is the outdoor area belonging to Sofia Giu` and comprising thick cane furniture beneath a bright gazebo. Beyond the gazebo is a barbecue and sink area for preparing meals outdoors.

Villa Sofia's exterior

On the opposite side of the villa is the gazebo and terrace appointed to Sofia Su, the upstairs apartment. Also featuring a barbecue, this outdoor dining area is in front of the external stairs leading to the apartment. Sofia Su also has a number of balconies.

Both the courtyard and the two side terraces are beautifully paved and have borders full of lush plants and shrubs.

Indoors: The villa is entirely built from sandstone blocks except for the dominating turrets that frame the front. Unexpected curves characterise the interiors, the bare stone corridors bending slightly to once again create a slightly fairytale feel to the place. Upstairs, the balconies offer those with long enough hair the chance to play Rapunzel!

Characteristic interiors

Curving corridors of sandstone

Villa Sofia contrasts bright pastel colours with heavy wooden furniture and naked stone walls with thick beamed ceilings. The living areas of each apartment feature a dining table in addition to plenty of comfortable seating and a television. In a wide corridor area preceding the living areas at the front of each apartment is the kitchen corner, were you can prepare accompaniments to barbecued meals. The kitchen areas are sufficiently well equipped for cooking simple meals, and the living areas are air-conditioned.

Sofia Giu`s four-poster

Another corner of this room

Each of the apartments contains two bedrooms. Sofia Giu`s main double bedroom has a special four-poster bed and air conditioning, while the second bedroom can be a double or twin. Upstairs in Sofia Su, there is a smaller bunk bedroom and a bedroom with a carved wooden double bed and air conditioning. Each apartment has a partially tiled shower room.

The stunning Isola dei Conigli

Italian Islands Insight: There are cars available for hire on the island, and these will offer convenience to families as well as opening up the island to exploration. However, with the owners of Villa Sofia providing an initial transfer service from the airport/port and the town centre within walking distance, car hire is certainly not a necessity. Families with older children might also consider hiring bicycles and scooters are another fun option. Either way the owner can pre-arrange any transport you may require so that it is there when you arrive or you may prefer to just hire something for a day or two instead.

A very appealing factor of this property is the fact that a free boat trip round the island, run by one of Lampedusa’s top hotels, is included for all guests. This is a fantastic way to experience the island and it is a great day out – you even get lunch on board!

Easy walk to Guitgia beach

Villa Sofia is a very special place for a family, and will really capture the imagination of most young children, while the sophisticated and slightly unusual furnishings will appeal to adults. Fully enclosed and close to a safe beach, parents will be able to find plenty of worry-free time to relax in the warm sun and soothing waters of Lampedusa. Subject to availability, two families could rent the whole villa, sleeps 8. As there are two double bedrooms, Sofia Giu` would also be a good option for two couples, and the proximity to restaurants and bars in the evenings means you can try out some Sicilian wines without having to worry about driving home afterwards!