Hiera

Marettimo, the Egadi Islands, Sicily

Hiera is available exclusively through The Thinking Traveller

The fisherman's cottage

4 Guests

2 Bedrooms

2 Bathrooms

Authentic in spirit, but reassuringly contemporary in terms of comfort, Hiera offers guests the perfect base from which to explore one of Italy’s most fascinating but least visited islands: a pebble’s throw from the beach, a gentle meander to a series of excellent trattorie, and a short stroll from the start of the walking paths that circumnavigate and scale Marettimo’s mountainous interior. If you’re in need of a rest after all that exploring, you can relax in Hiera’s al fresco roof-top tub, looking out to sea and counting your blessings.

Keyholder highlights

  • IncludedSuperb sea views
  • IncludedRooftop terrace and al fresco tub
  • IncludedShops, restaurants and a beach on your doorstep

Gallery

The panoramic tub on Hiera's roof terrace offers spellbinding views out to sea..

A refreshing al fresco shower on the roof terrace.

The handy kitchen-dining area on the roof terrace.

The kitchen-diner with its sea and harbour views.

The welcoming living area.

Includes

  • IncludedSole use of the villa and the grounds
  • IncludedThe support of our Villa Specialists to help you select your perfect villa
  • IncludedThe expertise of a dedicated team to help you fine-tune the logistics of your trip and to plan a range of experiences, many of which are exclusive to The Thinking Traveller
  • IncludedAccess to our award winning local support, knowledge and personal recommendations during your stay
  • IncludedA comprehensive guide to your villa and its surrounding area, including our restaurant recommendations, cultural highlights and other activities
  • IncludedAn easy-to-use online holiday planner to keep all your booked experiences and services in one place, ensuring that nothing gets missed during your stay
  • IncludedThe ability to coordinate and share the details of your trip with your group via Your Account
  • IncludedAll sales taxes, electricity, gas, Wi-Fi, linen, bath towels, pool and/or beach towels
  • IncludedAccess to our in-villa wine delivery service – choose from our handpicked menu of the best regional wines and find them waiting for you at your villa
  • IncludedA mid-week cleaning and linen change service

Excludes

  • Not IncludedFlights
  • Not IncludedCar hire
  • Not IncludedTransfers
  • Not IncludedMeals (unless otherwise specified)

Looking to know more about Hiera?

If booking online does not suit you, our experts have visited each villa personally, so they can share the finer details and help explore flexible date options.

View Hiera on Map

The Area

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.

Getting to and around

From Palermo airport to the port in Trapani:

90km-55miles-1hr

Trapani airport to Trapani port:

25mins

Palermo airport to Trapani port:

90km-55miles-1hr

Catania airport to Trapani port:

315km-195miles-3hr35

Comiso airport to Trapani port:

340km-211miles-4hr

Hydrofoil from Trapani:

1hr20-1hr30

Hydrofoils to Favignana and Levanzo:

30-45mins

Nearest shops and restaurant:

1-5 mins walk

Nearest swimming bays:

right below the house

Marettimo Port:

5-10mins walk

From the Guest Book

Read the insightful reviews from travellers who have experienced this villa and our service firsthand.

An illustration of a 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

Local Experiences

Exclusively available to clients of The Thinking Traveller

Private boat charters in West Sicily

Private boat charters in West Sicily

Private guided tours in West Sicily

Private guided tours in West Sicily

Culinary experiences in West Sicily

Culinary experiences in West Sicily

Similar Villas

Condé Nast Choice 2025

Extraordinary, Exclusive Villas

Our villas are only operated exclusively through us, ensuring award-winning quality of both properties and service. This exclusivity also guarantees secure, 24/7 online booking with real-time availability, meaning you can reserve with complete confidence.

Request Tailored Suggestions