AZIENDA AGRITURISTICA "DUCA DI CASTELMONTE"
Owner: Salvatore Curatolo
Address: Via S. Motisi 3 -
Xitta TP
Tel.: +39 09233526139 Fax: 0923883140
E-mail: agriduca@libero.it
Rating ***

The Site

At the extreme tip of western Sicily, on the slopes of mount Erice, on a hill surrounded by a vast countryside shaded by secular pine trees, stands the old `Duca di Castelmonte' homestead. This 7 ha homestead produces vegetables, fruit, flowers and olives. Guests can also buy excellent extra virgin olive oil, home made jam and liqueurs. Babysitting is provided. The homestead has a special arrangement with a car hire company. The pretty little family chapel renders the place even more quaint. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, it makes for a nice relaxing holiday.
How to Get There:


By car, at the exit of A29 Palermo-Trapani highway turn left and keep going for 1,500 m, then follow signs to the homestead. The homestead is 5 km from Trapani bus/railway station, 80 km from Palermo airport and 15 km from Birgi airport.

Accomodation:


This 19" century building, of architectural value, has been carefully restored and the old warehouses have been converted to make lodges for guests. There are 8 autonomous apartments, sleeping 27 in total, all typically furnished, with heating, kitchen and bathrooms. The homestead is open all year round, minimum stay two nights. A lounge is available for guests.
Sport & Activities:


Five-a-side, bowls, mini-volleyball, swimming pool, table tennis and bicycles are available for guests. For children, a special area is equipped with bicycles, swings and a playground. Tennis courts and other sports facilities are only 2 km away. For those who love swimming and sunbathing, the golden beaches of Trapani coast are a few km away, with clear waters thanks to the marine currents.

The Cuisine:

Signora Pina prepares many typical Sicilian dishes using fruit and vegetables from the farm. You can start with an excellent couscous, or pasta with sardines, or with broad beans, or broccoli. To entice you, main courses, mostly meat dishes. Not to be missed the rabbit, cooked according to an ancient recipe, and the Sicilian meat rolls. For dessert, home made `cassatelle di ricotta' and `pignolata'.

What to See:

Worth a visit is the living Nativity play in Custonack with an interesting museum, and the suggestive procession of the Misteri, that takes place every Easter in Trapani. Also of interest, the medieval hamlet of Erice, 10 km, the island of Mozia 15 km, Segesta, 30 km, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve, 40 km. The homestead is an excellent base for visiting the Egadi islands.