Towns and cities in Sicily
Menfi Travel Guide
Not to be confused with its rather more illustrious Egyptian and American cousins, Menfi, Sicily, is a small agricultural centre sitting between Selinunte and Sciacca in southwestern Sicily. Surrounded by rolling vine-covered hills that descend gently down to the to the dunes and the seemingly endless golden sandy beaches of the coast below, it has the disarmingly humble charm of an authentic, working Sicilian town.
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About the town
Menfi's ancient origins date back to the time of the Sicanian King Cocalo, who founded the town of Inycon long before the first Greek settlers arrived in Sicily. Greece was not unknown, however, and the area entered the book of myths when Daedalus (father of Icarus) arrived, pursued by King Minos who was enraged that the creator of the Cretan labyrinth had absconded. Nothing much else is heard of Inycon until the arrival of the Arabs, who founded the village of Burgimilluso. Its castle was developed and further fortified by Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, in the first half of the 13th century. After several centuries of decline, in 1638 the village was repopulated and became known first as Terra di Memphis and then as Menfi.
Things to do in Menfi
- Visit the centre: Menfi was largely destroyed during the earthquake of 1968 and rebuilt a modern grid system. THe two main thoroughfares (Via Garibaldi and Via della Vittoria) are populated by bars, restaurants, historic palazzi, and shops selling locally produced food, wine and olive oil. Frederick II’s mediaeval castle was rebuilt in modern style next to one of the town’s historic buildings, Palazzo Baronale Pignatelli. Other survivors of the earthquake include the 18th century neoclassical Palazzo Ravidà, and the similarly aged Palazzo Planeta,
- Head to the beach: Menfi’s coastline is a paradise for beach lovers. An unspoiled expanse of dunes, golden sand and translucent waters runs for some 15km between Selinunte in the west to San Marco, near Sciacca, in the east. It is easy, even in the high summer season, to find one’s own stretch of empty sand, though there are also plenty of beach clubs to choose from if you're looking for facilities.
- Go wine-tasting: the rolling hills that surround Menfi are carpeted by acre upon acre of vineyard, The town became a DOC region in 1995 and one of the most prestigious producers is Planeta, which has two cantine in the area. If you're staying with us, we'd be delighted to organise a wine-tasting and lunch at one of them.
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