By the time I discovered Sciacca in Sicily, I no longer made my living as a travel writer. But my years as an author for Frommer's (Brazil, Chicago) and for such magazines as Geo and Travel & Leisure, had sharpend my tastes for teasing the unique from the conventional at any given stop along the trail. Against the grain of the very market I was writing for, I was always drawn toward travel out of season and off the beaten path. At a stage in life when I was seeking a destination in 'Old Europe' where I might retreat for extended yearly stays, I happened to tour Sicily, and stumbled upon - it was virtually ignored by the travel industry - Sciacca, a "zona tranquilla" on the island's southeastern coast. I was taken instantly by the city's perfect scale and traditional way of life. But the hotel situation in Sciacca was dismal, and I might not have stayed there - and certainly not returned time after time in the following years - if I had not also discoverd one of the more gemuetlich little inns I have known in a well-traveled life. This was in the late 1990's, and Verdetecnica, with only two or three units then, was just getting started. The inn has grown and expanded over the years, but the essence of Verdetecnic'a appeal has remained a reliable constant. Verdetecnica's location, thoroughly private, is only minutes from the city-center, the sea and the surrounding countryside. Each accommodation at Verdetecnica is a self-catering apartment providing comfort and all modern conveniences in an ambience of tasteful simplicity, adorned in the ceramic style of a Sicilian 'casa di campagna.' Bath rooms are modern. Water is alway hot. Central heating and fireplaces provide warmth in cool weather. Wi FI and Skype international long distance are included in the daily rate. And best of all, you are hosted by Pascale and Salvatore, the affable and cosmopolitan pair who own the inn, and who, when desireable and if circumstances permit, make the best of company at day's end over a glass of wine on the central patio amidst the lush grounds and gardens that Salvatore - known as Toto - has created in his capacity as landscape architect and nurseryman. In addition to the main inn, I would also recommend Verdetecnica's elegant villa, set in an olive grove in the nearly agricultural district of Lucchese, where larger families and groups can be accommodated under the same roof. Michael Uhl, Walpole, Maine

On arrival to our apartment, it was obvious that the smell of stale cigarettes would have made for an unpleasant stay. Pascale immediately moved us to the three bedroom house, which was far nicer. We spent 10 nights here, and used Sciacca as a base. We actually liked Sciacca, which is not a major tourist destination but nevertheless does have charm, friendly locals, and lots of independent shops (bread, fruit/veg, meat, etc). I wouldn't have described the location totally quiet - there do seem to be a lot of noisy wild dogs in the neighborhood. Also, we did receive a good number of mosquito bites. I think rustic charm does sum up the place well; the owners are on-site, and are genuinely very helpful and full of advice. The house is air-conditioned, which is definitely essential if you arrive after the middle of may. It is also heated, so out of season would also be comfortable enough. The bathroom is quite small 9especially bath), but there is a downstairs shower. The kitchen is reasonably well-equipped, though as a holiday house if one was catering for a whole family, you might miss a dishwasher. There is no swimming pool, but there are many beaches a short drive from the house. Do bear in mind that realistically you can only reach the tourist sites located from Palermo/Trapani/Marsala/Agrigento from here; we made it as far as Piazza Armerina, but it was quite a trek. So I do recommend it, but I am trying to be as helpful and honest as I can be, just like the MANY locals we met in Sciacca.

Location:
This isn't very far from the town, but it is a distance from Palermo airport. We hired a car, it's about an hour and a half to Sciacca from Palermo.

It is walkable to the town, there are two supermarkets on the way to town and a few mini grocery stalls. One of the supermarkets is a cheap supermarket a bit like Morrissons for those in the UK, but there wasn't much choice as the other market.

The apartments themselves are on a hill with a wonderful. The ocean to the left and hills to the right. We didn't have a view of the town, as that's on the other side of the hill.

Apartments:
We stayed in Praga apartment for 2-4 people. It has a mezzanine floor, and an open plan kitchen living room and dining room. With it's own back door. The front door is shared with next door.

They were very clean. Although the sheets did smell very heavily of smoke, a few days into our trip we realised that this is because next doors were smokers and it leaked under the doors to the communal front exit! Not good, as I suffer asthma.

The walls are very thin, and we could hear absolutely everything that went on next door. As if they were in the same room! This was a tad annoying, but the smokey sheets were worse than that.

Bathroom clean and lots of towels supplied.

Hospitality:
You are given a wonderful basket on arrival with home made olive oil, eggs, butter, cereal, milk, etc. Also supply you with washing up liquid and a hair dryer. They will also do laundry for you! And Salvadore has a wonderful CD collection, we enjoyed the jazz compilations!

Salvadore was always helpful in directing us around town. You can even make free phone calls. And use their PC in reception if you don't have your own laptop (else there's free wi-fi).

Also bikes you can use for cycling into town, ideal really, although cycling back up the hill might be a bit difficult!

Overall, a really enjoyable stay. The only bad were the smokey sheets and noisey neighbours. But they were staying there for 3 months! All apartments are next door to each other, apart from the standalone house Alice i think. I'd recommend that one for anyone else!

We stayed here, which is just outside Sciacca for 3 days and had a great time. Now be warned, that Sciacca is not the most beautiful spot in Sicily but there are some nice places to eat and good bars. It is also great value and has a nice feel to it. The apartments are a 3 min drive from town or a 20 minute walk which is doable. There are also a few nice beaches a 10 min drive away and the fantastic ruins at Selunite which are a must see. The apartments are beautiful and very private. The kitchens are really rustic and the bedrooms a great throw back to olden times. The owners are very friendly and relaxed and there is a good selection of music and dvds if you want to take it easy. A must place to drop out for a few days.