Trapani hotels, Sicily

Hotel Le Chiavi Di San Francesco, Trapani

This comfortable four-star hotel is located in the historic centre of Trapani, on the extreme western coast of Sicily. A busy port, it is also renowned for some beautiful old churches, perhaps the finest of which is the cathedral of San Lorenzo. Their baroque steeples make a wonderful view from the roof terrace of the Hotel Le Chiavi Di San Francesco, where breakfast is served in the warmer months. The hotel has been converted from a handsome 19th-century villa, and a colourful display of international flags hung from its facade welcomes visitors of all nationalities. The rooms are cosy in feel, and feature comforts such as air conditioning, refrigerated minibars, televisions and direct-dial phones. The staff are friendly and professional, and happy to advise on tourism in the area.

In Trapani, don't miss the Pepoli Museum, which features a large collection of decorative art, much of it made from local coral. From the harbour, there are regular ferry and hydrofoil services to the Egadi islands of Favignana (famous for its tuna fisherman, who enjoy the same kind of reputation as Spanish matadors), Levanzo and Marettimo. The islands can be seen in the glorious view from the hotel, and the three floors of the building are called after them. This hotel would also make a good base for exploring the charming hill city of Erice, sometimes called the Assisi of the south, with its winding cobbled streets and no fewer than ten churches, including the 14th-century Duomo (cathedral). Nor should the temple and theatre at Segesta, one of Sicily's greatest ancient sites, be missed.

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Double room from €58