Three-bedroom Villa Erice lies on the edge of a small coastal village on Sicily's west coast, with a sandy beach and restaurants just a short walk away. This family-friendly villa nestles within a small but typically Mediterranean garden that offers lovely views of majestic Mount Cofano.

An attractive and down-to-earth abode, there's plenty of comfort on offer at Villa Erice. With all the living spaces being on ground level, walk through the front door straight into the lounge and onto the sofa. You'll have just walked past the al-fresco dining area on the main terrace too, which itself can be reached via the kitchen. With such a free-flowing, open-plan layout that connects indoor and outdoor spaces, everything feels so easy and sociable.

The bright, modern style of the ground floor continues downstairs where the three bedrooms can be found. Two have a double bed, with the third being great for children as it boasts twins. Being tucked away on the lower floor, each feels restful and calm.

The highlight of the tree-dotted garden is a swimming pool set into manicured lawns surrounded by lush greenery and stone walls. Enjoy a refreshing dip, or keep your feet dry on a poolside lounger and refresh with a cocktail instead. You might also choose to unwind by cooking up a storm on the barbecue or finding a shady spot to read. Always in the background is stunning Mount Cofano.

Wander down the road to a beautiful sandy beach, just a 5-minute stroll away, and even closer are a handful of places to eat and drink. You're also never too far from the ancient sites that dot the land of western Sicily. These include the Scurati Caves close by or drive further to discover the Temple of Segesta and Selinunte.

Only half an hour by car, the medieval village of Erice is a particularly lovely place to spend a few hours, followed by the impressive coastal city of Trapani with its Renaissance churches, ancient fish market and surrounding salt pans.

Of course, you will also want to experience the marvel of Mount Cofano and its nature reserve, then tick another natural wonder off your list by visiting Zingaro Nature Reserve - within just half an hour you can reach San Vito Lo Capo with its idyllic bay and glorious cous cous restaurants.

Villa Erice sits in a semi-residential area near a small coastal village at the foot of Mount Cofano, with a restaurant just a few steps away and other places to eat or drink within a short stroll. The nearest supermarket for stocking up on essentials is a five minute drive away. Stroll down to the beach in just 5 minutes, where lovely sand and clear and calm swimming waters are waiting for you.

There are so many natural wonders in the immediate area, with the Scurati Caves (Grotta Mangiapane) being one of the most fascinating, just a few minutes away by car. Explore a prehistoric cave with village homes, free-roaming animals and historic re-enactors. If you visit at Christmas, there's a living nativity to enjoy too.

Mount Cofano and stunning nature reserve are less than a 15-minute drive away, with the area a must-visit on family days out. Varied landscapes offer beach relaxing, swimming in crystal-clear waters and hiking along rugged trails and up the mountain.

The medieval village of Erice is a beautiful place to while away a few hours exploring cobbled, winding streets. Due to its elevated position, it also offers fantastic views over Trapani, the Aegadian Islands and San Vito Lo Capo. A cable car takes you to the coastal city of Trapani in around 10 minutes, with some stunning scenery along the way.

A 30-minute drive from the villa, Trapani, is a place of ancient history and natural beauty. Probably most-known for its vast salt pans, visit the salt production site with museum and old salt-grinding windmills. It's also a nature reserve that's home to marsh plant life and sea birds. Follow the salt road that takes you along the salt pans to Marsala, famous for its wine.

The other highlight of Trapani is its much-restored old town. Marvel at Renaissance-era churches, elegant, informative museums and Piazza Mercato del Pesce, the site of the city's historic fish market. It's also a popular place for festivals and other cultural events.

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