Secrets of Sicily Cycling

Highlights

This 8-night cycling route explores Sicily's unspoilt western coast, a sun-drenched landscape of golden bays, azure waters, swaying vines and tiny farming hamlets unchanged over the years. Lots of historic interest too: mediaeval Erice, ancient Segesta and sea-facing Marsala.

Tenute Plaia Agriturismo, Scopello

The Tenute Plaia Agriturismo is located just below the hamlet of Scopello. Unlike most Italian agriturismi, the Tenute Plaia is a new construction and was only opened in June 2004. It is a sympathetic building, based on the traditional Sicilian 'baglio' (fortified farmhouse) with the rooms built around a central courtyard. It is situated above the sea and you have wonderful coastal views from many angles of the agriturismo.

The rooms have been decorated in a modern but simple style, using wrought iron furnishings to lend a traditional feel. Each of the ten ensuite rooms are spacious and either open out onto the hotel's courtyard or overlook the vineyards.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor.

Baglio Fontana, Buseto Palizzolo

Baglio Fontana is an 11-room agriturismo built in the traditional Sicilian farmhouse style (baglio), with the accommodation located around a cobbled central courtyard. Some of the rooms open directly onto the courtyard and others are located over two floors.

All rooms are ensuite with shower and are equipped with hairdryers, television (Italian channels only) and air-conditioning. The large rooms are furnished in a traditional rustic style with tiled floors, teak furniture and bright curtains and bedspreads.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor.

Relais Antiche Saline, Nubia

Relais Antiche Saline is a gorgeously renovated 'baglio' (old Sicilian farmhouse style)

The hotel has just 16 rooms located across two floors. All have ensuite facilities, although almost all rooms just have showers rather than bathtubs. The rooms are tastefully decorated with marble floors and bright white furniture contrasted with blue fabrics.

Headwater clients will be allocated standard rooms, although it is possible to upgrade at a supplement to a deluxe (with sea view and balcony).

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor.

Villa Favorita, Marsala

Villa Favorita, a gorgeously restored *** baglio crammed with antiques, paintings and original furnishings, is located just 2km from the centre of ancient Marsala.

The hotel is divided between the old baglio building (where 13 bedrooms are located) and 29 individual bungalows, which are designed like igloos! Headwater clients will be allocated rooms within the baglio building unless previously advised.

The baglio rooms are all individually furnished in a traditional style.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor.

Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Palermo

Located just a stone's throw from one of Palermo's main streets - the Via Vittorio Emanuele that runs through the heart of the historical centre - the Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa is a stunning conversion of 2 historic buildings. The origins of the hotel date back to the 16C convent of the Mercedarian Monks; the hotel's picturesque cloister dates back to this era.

In the early 1800s, the monks joined the convent with the Briuccia family's neighbouring palazzo. However, by the 1860s, the monks had left Palermo and the building was used as the Sicilian stock exchange - in fact the former trading floor is now the hotel's Kemonia restaurant.

Today, the Piazza Borsa is a comfortable 4* hotel, fully equipped for the needs of the 21C traveller, with a gym and spa (including jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath and massage rooms), bar and elegant restaurant.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor