Hotels in San Vito lo Capo, Italy. Hotel booking in San Vito lo Capo from ahotelinitaly.com

Head as far northwest as you can in Sicily, without toppling over into the blue waters of the Mediterranean, and you hit the town of San Vito lo Capo just before you hit the cape (lo capo) itself. This is a beautiful and still unspoiled part of Sicily (though far from a wilderness, with some very good campsites and pensioni, as well as lots of places to eat). There's good value and a fair diversity too, everything from cheap beachfront eateries, to trattorie, bars and some very nice restaurants.

San Vito lo Capo is a small place, a primarily agricultural town, though now with as much of an emphasis on tourism, and there are fewer than 4000 permanent inhabitants. The cape is carpeted with olive groves, and the local oil and olives are very good. It's a beautiful setting, with San Vito lying sheltered in a valley between soaring mountains. To the back of the town, as you gaze eastward, a small range of mountains shelters the cape, and at the top of the northernmost peak stands a large cross, so large you can see it from the beach below. This is an excellent climb for the fitter visitor, and there are also innumerable caves - though we'd caution that proper gear and a professional guide are a must. You can do a little background reading on the caves in 'Caverna della Capra Guasto' (or 'cave of the dead goat') by Christian D'Angelo and William Spears, the first known people to have explored the cave.

Mountain exploration aside, most visitors will head straight for the excellent public beach. But don't become too seduced by the sun, sea and sand - there is beautiful coastline, countryside and towns to explore. Put Marsala, Trapani, Erice and Castellmare del Golfo on your itinerary. Sicilian cuisine is superb too, an eclectic mix of the expected Italian and the surprising and delightful North African and Greek (and much more). There are great wines too, with the sweet Marsala a delight on a warm Autumn evening ... or pretty much anytime!

To the left you'll find a selection of San Vito lo Capo hotels, just to whet your appetite. See also San Vito lo Capo hotels (full listings) and our San Vito lo Capo hotel map.