Right on your doorstep
Isola delle Femmine
A small, friendly seaside town between Capaci and Capo Gallo, with a long sandy beach, a little fishing harbour and some of the clearest water near Palermo.
The beach & seafront
A few minutes’ walk from the house: soft sand and shallow, turquoise water. Beach bars and sunbeds in high season; cafés and restaurants all year round.
The islet nature reserve
The islet that gives the town its name is a protected nature reserve managed by LIPU, crowned by a 16th-century watchtower. Boat trips run from the little harbour.
Marine protected area
The sea between Capo Gallo and Isola delle Femmine is a marine protected area – perfect for snorkelling, diving and boat trips.
The village
Fresh fish at the harbour, gelato on the seafront, the Chiesa Madre and spectacular sunsets behind the islet.
Within about 30 minutes
Nearby favourites
Sferracavallo
A lively fishing village famous for its seafood restaurants – go hungry.
Capo Gallo Nature Reserve
Coastal trails with sweeping sea views, such as the Piano dello Stinco path (around 3 km, about 2 hours).
Mondello
Palermo’s much-loved beach, with its Art Nouveau lido, white sand and a buzzing promenade.
Palermo
The Cathedral, the Palatine Chapel and the Arab-Norman monuments (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Fontana Pretoria, Quattro Canti and the historic markets of Ballarò, Capo and Vucciria.
Monte Pellegrino
Drive or hike up to the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, Palermo’s patron saint, for views over the city and the bay.
Monreale
The cathedral’s glittering golden mosaics are among the wonders of Sicily.
Carini
A hilltop town with a medieval castle and views across the gulf.
Terrasini & Cala Rossa
Red cliffs, rocky coves and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkelling.
Day trips
Further afield
Cefalù
A beautiful medieval town with a Norman cathedral and a sandy beach.
Scopello & Zingaro Reserve
Sea stacks, a historic tuna fishery and wild coastal paths down to hidden coves.
San Vito Lo Capo
One of Sicily’s most famous white-sand beaches.
Segesta
A remarkably well-preserved Greek temple and theatre in rolling countryside.
Erice & Trapani
A medieval hilltop town, the salt pans and windmills on the coast below.
Ustica
A volcanic island and marine reserve, loved by divers and snorkellers.
A taste of Palermo
Western Sicily is a food lover’s dream. Don’t leave without trying:
- Arancine – golden fried rice balls
- Panelle e crocchè – chickpea fritters and potato croquettes
- Sfincione – Palermo’s soft, tomato-topped pizza
- Pasta con le sarde – sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts and raisins
- Cannoli and cassata – ricotta-filled pastries and cake
- Granita with brioche – the Sicilian summer breakfast
Ask Natalia
Excursions arranged for you
Ask about boat trips, mountain walks, city sightseeing and days out for a taste of local cuisine and hospitality. Natalia will share details and prices.
Message Natalia on WhatsAppWhen to visit
- June–September: beach season, with the warmest sea in August and September.
- April–May and October: warm days, fewer crowds – ideal for walks and sightseeing.
- Winter: mild and sunny days, perfect for Palermo, food and culture.
Travel times are approximate and depend on traffic and season.