Paul and Amanda have been holiday-ing in Sicily (alright for some) and whilst they were there they kept note of disabled access and the nicest places to eat. Here’s the first installment of their holiday blog, the rest will be on BBS very soon.
Day 1: Marsala
We decided to travel to Tripani on Ryanair. The flight arrived late, at about 23.00hrs. I called the hotel, Stella D’Italia, from the UK to ask if they had a transfer bus from the airport to the hotel. They do not but they said that they could book a taxi from the airport to the hotel for €25, which I booked.
The hotel is part of the Best Western Group. It is located in the centre of Marsala old town, close to all shops and restaurants. We checked in and dumped our bags then went out to find a bite to eat and a drink. We ended up at a sidewalk bar in Via Gabrialdi, a five minute walk from the hotel. The staff spoke English and were very chatty and helpful. The food was good and the Sicilian wine……….Belissimo.
The hotel is wheelchair friendly and I was informed that they have two wheelchair accessible rooms. Unfortunately I could not view either room as they were occupied. Our room was on the top floor, a large room with a terrace and great views over the old town. The only complaint I have of the hotel is that they omitted to tell us about a bus service to and from the airport. I asked on three occasions if there was such a service and I was told three times that there was not. Well I can tell you that there is a very good bus service to and from Marsala and the airport and at €2.40 it is cheap!
Day 2: Marsala to Ragussa
In the morning we had our inclusive breakfast at the hotel which was very good. We then had a walk around the town, going to the open food market and an antique market, all walking distance from the hotel. We then found another sidewalk restaurant, again in Via Gabrialdi. We were serenaded by a mandolin playing busker while eating a plate of seafood pasta and drinking a bottle of White Donnafugata Sicilian wine……….Fantastico!
The drive to Ragussa takes about four hours, passing through Palermo, Enna and Gela, arriving at the Donnafugata Golf Resort and Spa. It was a great drive with fantastic vistas of hills and valleys, driving on good roads with virtually no traffic. We arrived at the hotel at about 18.00hrs, after check in we were shown to our room. The room was very good with a small sun terrace facing the golf course. As it was late and we had been in the car most of the day we decided to eat at the hotel the first night.
The Donnafugata has two restaurants, a five star a la carte and a wine bar / bistro. We went to the bistro and were served by Christina who was lovely and spoke good English. We had a long chat about places to go and sights to see. We shared a very large Italian salad to start then we both had the veal ragu spaghetti with a bottle of Sicilian Ronna (red). The desert, which we shared, consisted of three large scoops of ice cream, pistachio, hazelnut and ricotta (which I have never had before). They were all delicious and were all made in house at the hotel. Christina also treated us to a glass of Sicilian Muscalo with the ice cream………Excellento!
Day 3: Donnafugata and Ragusa Ibla
After a hearty breakfast we went to the golf reception to book a tee time for Friday morning, then down to the large pool for some serious sunbathing for Amanda. I sit in the shade now as I’ve had enough sun to last me a lifetime.
Later on we decided to drive to Ragusa Ibla for a bit of sightseeing and dinner. The 30 minute drive from Donnafugata is well worth it. Ragusa Ibla is the old town built on an outcrop of rock full of narrow streets and baroque churches. We ate in the square under the moonlight. I had the the lamb chops and Amanda had the grilled prawns in garlic butter followed by the chocolate and ricotta ice cream. Then a gentle stroll (passajata) through the streets back to the car……!
Day 4: Donnafugata and Scogoitti
I was up bright and early at 7am as I had a 8am tee time booked on the Arnold Palmer parkland course. I also booked a buggy so Amanda could come with me and caddy – the only problem was every time I sunk a long putt she jumped up and down on the green…….embarrassissimo!
In the evening we ventured out to Scogoitti, about 8km from the hotel. We had been advised to eat at Sakalloe restaurant. It is a seafood restaurant with no menu…….You just sit down and the lovely waitress starts bringing you food! You will receive a very warm welcome from the owners Roberto and Pasquale. However, as the restaurant is upstairs it is a no go for wheelchair access.
We’ve reached the half way point here. More tales of Paul and Amanda’s trip to come soon.
Hi We have just travelled down from Liverpool to Marcela in Sicily by car , my wife has M. S and uses a wheel chair so far so good . Stopped of at Holliday Express at Folkstone ( exerlant) right by the Eurotunnel then on to Mulhouse hotel not to bad the only problem they didn’t keep the room wanted (drove a bit to far if the truth is known ) then on to Genoa ( traffic was terrible just like the M6 on Friday )stayed in the Best Western ( exerlant ) . Ferry to Palermo ( exerlant ) good food . Very room cabin. Now staying camping Lilybeo village for 20 nights in a small apartment/ chalet owners very helpful , all the best Peter & Veronica .