
Hiera is available exclusively through The Thinking Traveller
The fisherman's cottage
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A former fisherman's cottage, Hiera is located on the old harbour of unspoilt Marettimo, the westernmost of the three Egadi Islands.
A 70-minute hydrofoil crossing from Trapani, Marettimo is a real island hideaway, a quiet, sleepy place most of the year round. In the summer months, expat islanders return to see their families, a few tourists arrive and the island's only village thrums with a very gentle buzz.
Sitting in a prime village location above the old harbour, Hiera is perfectly placed for exploring Marettimo’s many attractions. A pebble beach and the sea is on your doorstep, the village's shops, cafés and excellent trattorie are a lazy stroll away. A stay at Hiera offers a fantastic opportunity to become part of a welcoming and fascinating community.
Marettimo packs a surprising amount of history and archaeological interest for such a small, relatively remote place. The remains of a Roman military outpost, built after the First Punic War, sit next to a Norman-era church looking out over the sea, while a dramatic castle of Arab origins dominates the northeastern tip of the island (a promontory called Punta Troia).
Well-marked walking paths lead out from the village, crisscrossing the island, offering unending views of heart-quickening beauty. Perhaps the best of these is to be seen from the top of Pizzo Falcone, the island's highest peak at about 500m above sea level.
Marettimo's coastline is one of dramatic charm. Numerous grottoes puncture the precipitous dolomitic cliffs as they plunge into the sea, and a day or two exploring these on a boat is a fabulous experience. Sea lovers will also delight in the swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities Marettimo has to offer. Its waters are transparent and extremely clean, thanks to its being part of the Egadi Islands Marine Reserve (one of the largest in Europe).
Should you wish to explore further afield, a day trip to the other Egadi Islands is great fun. Favignana is a buzzing island with wonderful beaches and bays. It was once home to thriving tuna fisheries and the main town has some impressive architecture. Levanzo, meanwhile, is quieter and less frequented, though its 20,000-year-old cave paintings in the Grotta del Genovese do attract some visitors.
From the Guest Book

Hiera is an exceptional property.,Hiera is an exceptional property.,Hiera is an exceptional property.,Hiera is an exceptional property.
,,,, United Kingdom October 2019
We loved everything about Hiera and felt so blessed to be staying there. It was an amazing experience, a dreamy, romantic honeymoon. I could see us coming back in 10 years to do it again. Marettimo was such a gem of a place, genuinely authentic, not touristy at all, and we fell in love with it.
Mr Tyler McArthur, United States of America July 2019
Hiera was paradise - our expectations were totally exceeded. Marettimo was amazing for us.
Mr Kim Humphreys, United Kingdom October 2018
When I first saw Hiera advertised I worried it was too remote but it looked so beautiful that I took the punt. As it turned out I was very glad I did. The remoteness and unspoiled nature of Marettimo is its appeal. It is the perfect antidote to busy urban living. My wife, 12 year old son and I had a wonderful week. The house is amazing. It is right on the harbour with tranquil sea views from the kitchen, main bedroom and rooftop. We had a very short walk in the morning to buy fish straight from the fishing boats as they docked. The house is beautifully renovated with everything you need. Cooking, eating and drinking on the rooftop is a joy. The town itself is very relaxed but with plenty of good restaurants, bars, cafes, bakeries, gastronomies and supermarkets. The island is stunning and a perfect place for walking, swimming and boat trips. We were sad to leave.
PM, United Arab Emirates September 2018
5 out of 5 for Hiera. On Marettimo we particularly liked the lack of cars, the slow pace of life and the gentle hum from the Cafe Tramontana next to Hiera. The lady who looked after us was excellent. We particularly appreciated were the store cupboard of foods so that we didn’t have to buy everything.
SM, United Kingdom August 2018
Hiera sits in arguably the finest position in town above a beach and with outstanding views. The terrace was a constant source of delight and the accommodation was very comfortable. Marettimo is wonderfully car-free and we found it be the perfect escape from hectic city life. The islanders are very welcoming and justifiably proud of what they have
JL, United Kingdom July 2017
Excellent
4.7/5
1,174 Reviews



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