Villa in Balestrate-Terrasini, Sicily, Italy with private pool for 14 persons
Balestrate is a small but perfectly formed example of a traditional, Sicilian, seaside town. Situated on the coast, in the Golfo di Castellammare, this 17th century tuna-fishing village provides a snapshot of life in Sicily, with all the idyllic ingredients necessary to make your Balestrate holiday one to remember.
The town itself consists of just 6,000 inhabitants and is centred round the ancient fishing grounds that have provided an important source of sustenance and income for Balestrate over many centuries. Its postcard-worthy scenery is a colourful patchwork of sweeping sandy beaches kissed by sparkling waves and ringed with picturesque, green countryside, ideal for hiking and exploring the farms and wine-producing vineyards for which this region of Sicily is renowned.
Choosing a Balestrate villa offers a beautiful base that reflects all that is enchanting about Sicily whilst providing excellent access to other popular hotspots of the west and northwest regions. You will be within easy reach of treasures such as the quaint, cobbled town of Erice; the ruins of Selinunte and Segesta; and the protected reserve of Lo Zingaro. Balestrate becomes a popular holiday destination for visitors and Sicilians alike during the holiday months when the town bustles with action. However, should you prefer a more tranquil escape, you can visit out of peak season and relax into the leisurely lifestyle of Sicily.
Balestrate is a popular seaside town with a selection of places to eat, an atmospheric town centre and beautiful stretches of sandy beach. It has everything you could want for a Sicilian self-catered holiday and the surrounding areas are rich in natural beauty and filled with interesting sights. Our Balestrate villas have been specially selected by our experienced team for their range of unique features. Those who prefer a sea view will fall in love Villa Canto del Mare in Balestrate with its spacious terraces, spellbinding views and direct access to the crystal clear waters below. Additional services can be arranged in order to make your stay more comfortable. Contact us for information on housekeeping or babysitting services, or for further assistance selecting your dream holiday home.
Villa Canto del Mare
Easily accessible from the larger hubs of Palermo and Trapani, with a tempting selection of golden, sandy beaches and a traditional, Sicilian ambience, Balestrate ticks all the boxes for the perfect self-catered holiday base.
Renting a car will give you the freedom to explore nearby sites of interest – the hill-top village of Erice and the fascinating Greek ruins of Segesta are just two of the gems of Sicily’s western region. Or if you are looking to simply soak up some sea, sun and sand whilst sampling Sicilian cuisine, you will find the village of Balestrate does not disappoint.
One of the great attractions of Sicily is that the island boasts miles of captivating coastline and sun-seeking beach-lovers that choose holiday villas or apartments in Balestrate will be spoiled for choice.
Balestrate offers a selection of sandy beaches – both public and private – as opposed to the pebble beaches that can be found in other areas of Sicily. Sparkling sea vistas and crystalline waters abound and if it gets too busy during peak season, explore the area around nearby Castellamare del Golfo with its lesser-known coves, just begging to be discovered. The waters of this region are ideal for divers, swimmers and snorkelers looking for aquatic action beneath the waves.
Balestrate is a fishing town, so foodies in search of mouth-watering seafood suppers will find this the ideal location to indulge in fresh off-the-boat offerings from the deep. Restaurants in this town are reasonable and the quality of food is high – expect to see a strong Italian influence in the dishes on offer with spaghetti galore and pizzas topped with a wide variety of seasonal produce. You can also spot a touch of North African cuisine in dishes such as seafood couscous, a nod to the rich cultural heritage of Sicilian cuisine.
The lip-smacking pastry shops and abundance of colourful gelaterias will delight those with a sweet tooth. Try a cornetto, a croissant served with cream, jam or sweet ricotta, or an ice-cream brioche.
Café culture is very much alive in Balestrate so linger over a delicious coffee or sample the local wines of the west as you watch the world go by.
A popular destination to rent a villa or apartment, Balestrate itself is a quaint town with an attractive piazza, perfect for whiling away sunny afternoons and watching Sicilian life unfold around you. The Chiesa Madre (Mother Church) has been recently renovated and is worth a look. Alternatively, up on the hill there is a Byzantine fortress, Castello di Calatubo, which creates an atmospheric landscape, particularly when lit up at night. Don’t miss out on exploring the historic harbour and seafront promenade, alive with the hustle and bustle of fishermen bringing in the daily catch
Balestrate’s convenient location is easily accessible from the key transport hubs of capital city, Palermo (40 kilometres/about 35 miles away), and picturesque, coastal town, Trapani (50 kilometres/about 31 miles away) – Trapani is also the gateway to the stunning Egadi Islands. Balestrate also opens the door to much of western Sicily. The golden sands of Castellammare del Golfo and natural landscapes of Lo Zingaro make a fun day trip for families whilst the historical wonders of Selinunte and Segesta, ancient Greek ruins that have stood for thousands of years, are just a short drive away. Visit the cobbled streets of Erice or venture into the Mediterranean countryside to sample the delicious local wines of the region. Explore our location guide for additional information on specific destinations and to discover more about our holiday villas in Balestrate, Sicily.
Terrasini is a charming Sicilian holiday resort, situated on the north coast of the island and characterised by higgledy-piggledy, white buildings, huddled together and looking out to sea. This popular town can trace its roots back to the early Medieval period, and the winding coastline is peppered with ancient grottoes that are thought to have been inhabited during the Paleolithic period. The name Terrasini is thought to refer to the beautiful bays that encircle the shimmering waters of Sicily's north coast, waters that dazzle like multi-faceted gems – sapphire, emerald and all shades in-between. These waters have provided the town of Terrasini with a lucrative fishing industry – the town depends on fishing and tourism for its income – and a lively harbour where you can watch local fishermen bringing in the daily catch and whet your appetite for a fresh-off-the-boat seafood supper come evening. If your idea of the perfect Sicilian experience includes sun, sea and plenty of delicious, local cuisine, enjoyed in picture perfect surroundings,Terrasini holidays re bound to deliver the goods.
Experience the natural beauty of this region of Sicily with a stay in one of our villas. Choosing self-catered holiday accommodation with Sicily4u means you can pick from a range of beautiful options, hand-selected by a team with an extensive knowledge of this fascinating island. Our Terrasini villas are chosen for the unique features and facilities they offer. A larger group might prefer the charming Villa Canto del Mare which boasts four terraces offering fantastic views over the sparkling waters as well as an outdoor kitchen and BBQ for alfresco dining en masse.
– please see individual villas for more detailed descriptions of the amenities on offer.
Alternatively, if you are undecided on where you would like to base your Sicilian escape, explore our location guide to find out more about what the different regions of Sicily have to offer.
The principle attractions of Terrasini revolve around wandering the pretty streets, admiring sights such as the impressive town cathedral, and exploring the magnificent coastline. Additionally, the bustling harbour is well worth a look as it offers further adventure with boat trips running to nearby sites of interest such as Erice, Segesta, Monreale and the capital of Palermo, to name but a few.
As is typical of many Sicilian towns, Terrasini boasts a magnificent duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria delle Grazie with its twin bell-towers presiding over a honey-coloured square.
The cathedral, originally constructed in 1663, is the top sight of Terrasini and houses some historical paintings and statues within its Romanesque interior.
For inquisitive minds, the Terrasini museum with its archaeological, natural and anthropological treasures makes for a fun afternoon – the collection of ornithological specimens is one of the highlights.
Terrasini villas are popular amongst visitors due to the close proximity of the glittering northern coastline. The rugged bays and glorious beaches in and around the municipality of Terrasini offer a variety of different environments and activities to suit those that prioritise a holiday by the sea. From the formidable rock wall of Cala Rossa, rising up from a sunlight-dappled underwater kingdom that enjoys great renown amongst the diving community, to the sweeping stretch of sand at Praiola, in front of the D'Aumale Palace, it is likely you will find the beach of your dreams whilst exploring this region of Sicily.
Self-catering villas in Terrasini may offer the chance to buy and create your own meals but with the mouth-watering local produce on offer, it might be difficult to resist the odd night out on the town.
Fresh pasta dishes, cooked with all the fruits of the sea, can be found in abundance whilst tempting cheeses, olives and delicious Sicilian wines are all par for the course in Terrasini. Taking place during Easter, the Feast of the Schietti (feast of the bachelors) is a tradition that has been practised since the 19th century and affords the perfect opportunity to sample some of Terrasini's choicest culinary specialities.
From Terrasini, it is easy to access and explore more of Sicily's northern and western sites of interest. Journey south to relax in idyllic seaside fishing towns such as Trappeto and Balestrate or to discover the beautiful beaches of Castellammare del Golfo.To the west lies the historical town of Erice, set high in the hills with its castles, panoramic views and crisp mountain air; whilst to the east you will find the capital town of Palermo with its bustling city streets and fast-paced lifestyle. Finally, the south presents the option to head into the heart of Sicily where you can experience the beauty of the Sicilian countryside, the fertile valleys around Monreale, dotted with almond, orange and olive groves.