Official source The Guardian: “10 classic European islands on a budget”
Western Sicily is less well-known than the east, but similarly endowed with wonderful beaches and charming towns. Foreign tourists rarely go west from Palermo, but it is worth venturing off the beaten track. The prices are lower, too.
Stay In Palermo, A Casa di Amici is a boutique hostel in the centre (€20-€60pp for private rooms, less for dorms). If staying near the sea is a must, try the south-west coast. Le 4 Stagioni is on the beach a 15-minute drive from the sleepy town of Menfi, and has doubles from €75 B&B in June. Its restaurant is particularly good.
Hang out Scala dei Turchi, further west on the way to Agrigento, is a white rocky cliff dropping down to a sandy beach – those happy to tackle the slightly challenging path can hang out at Lounge Beach Scala dei Turchi a cool glass cube of a place right on the sand. North of Marsala, on the west coast, Mamma Caura is the perfect place for generous aperitivo overlooking the salt pans of the Stagnone lagoon.
Eat Trattoria delle Cozze in the rather gritty town of Mazara del Vallo is a favourite with locals for its fresh fish and affordable prices (€20-25 a head).
Day trip Ancient Greek temples in Selinunte, near Menfi, are less busy than Agrigento’s, and no less impressive. Further north, the medieval hilltop village of Erice deserves a visit.
Way to go Ryanair flies to Palermo from Manchester and Stansted, and easyJet from Liverpool, Luton and Gatwick.
Anna Ditta