Southwest Sicily is home to Menfi, a small town just 15km from the sea. It has captured the hearts of visitors for centuries. The area is one of the best wine regions in Sicily. Thanks to the gentle rolling hills, sea breezes, fertile soil, and sunny weather, Menfi DOC wines shine bright on any Sicilian table.
I wanted to visit the Menfi area to see the vines, and to taste the local wines in-situ. Luckily, many of the local wineries offer wine-tasting tours. Together with a group of friends, I leapt at the chance to learn about the wines, and to visit this beautiful part of Sicily.
Wine Tastings in Menfi
As you get closer to Menfi, you can see how perfect it is for growing wine. The undulating hills are covered in vines, olive trees, and even pomegranate trees. It’s a beautiful sight, especially with glimpses of the sea below.
We chose to visit Planeta, one of the best-known wine producers in the area for their wine tour. They offer several options of tours, catering to wine novices or experts! The summer sun shone down on us as we pulled up to the winery. We were ready to try some wine! Our guide was fantastic, taking us around the winery and explaining the wine-making process. The highlights were seeing the barrels, the vines, and then tasting! We tried four of Planeta’s delicious wines (one of our favourite was Alastra, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Grecanico), as well as some locally produced olive oil. It was a perfect Sicilian afternoon. Afterwards we headed down to the beach for an aperitivo and a sundown swim.
So Much to See around Menfi
There’s an endless list of things to see and do near Menfi. Here’s just a few things that we enjoyed and fully recommend!
Nearby Porto Palo di Menfi has a Blue Flag beach. Its cool, shallow water make it ideal for families with small children. There are many lidos to choose from, as well as one of Sicily’s most famous restaurants, da Vittorio. Make sure you try the pasta con i ricci, sea urchin pasta, for an unreal gastronomic experience!.
The Belice Nature reserve is a large sandy beach where Caretta Caretta turtles return to nest every year. Thanks to its size, this beach never feels crowded. It is ideal for the feeling of pure relaxation that only a day at the beach can provide!
History lovers will adore the Selinunte archaeological park. It is Europe’s largest archaeological park and is home to the remains of several ancient Greek temples, and an acropolis with sea views. Visiting the park brings history vividly to life. Stroll around the temples, walk up to the acropolis, all with the scents of local Mediterranean plants and the sea breeze surrounding you. It’s an evocative experience that combines Sicily’s natural beauty and historic culture in stunning settings.
If you want to see small-town life, we suggest a trip to Sciacca with its bustling port and seafood restaurants. Pick any of the restaurants near the port and you’ll enjoy the freshest fish around! Or, if you prefer hilltop magic, Caltabellotta is a joy with views over the countryside that left us breathless.
Villas near Menfi
For a holiday destination that combines gastronomy, history, culture, and natural beauty, Menfi makes so much sense. Whether you want to explore the island, or crave peace and quiet by the sea, we have many villas in the area. Choose a seafront villa, a villa with a pool, or a villa for families. Whatever type of villa you are looking for, we have a villa for you!
We have villas all over Sicily. Our collection includes larger properties for groups or large families, or smaller villas for couples. Our team are always ready to help. So, take a look at our website and find your perfect villa. Then get in touch with us to consolidate your Sicilian holiday plans. We look forward to hearing from you!
