A guide to
MONGERBINO COAST
Ten kilometres east of Palermo, where the coast turns wild and dramatic, Mongerbino hides some of the island’s most spectacular villas behind a string of secluded coves. Let’s discover what made the area so popular with the city’s rich and famous.
Sicily’s Little-known Answer to Amalfi
Mongerbino is the stretch of coast on the headland of Monte Catalfano, running north from the town of Aspra and wrapping around the rocky scenery towards Capo Zafferano. This is home to some of Sicily’s most spectacular luxury villas, often built into the cliffs themselves, but the privacy and seclusion with which they have been build keeps it almost undiscovered by mass-market tourism. It’s an unbeatable escape in a location that’s still convenient for the city and its airport.
The stretch rewards a slow exploration. A string of secluded coves, among them Spiaggia del Sarello, Ippocampo and the Tre Piscine, are real hidden gems. Some can be reached on foot, down steep footpaths, others are the preserve of those lucky enough to arrive by boat. The water is crystal clear and popular with knowledgeable divers and snorkellers, discovering hidden grottoes beneath the cliffs. Above, the coastal path along the headland offers stunning views, culminating in Monte Catalfano’s beautiful nature reserve. If you are lucky enough to find yourself staying in one of the sensational villas here, though, you may struggle to leave it at all!
The Perfect
Destination for…
Mongerbino is a fabulous choice for larger families and groups who want real space and privacy. Many of the villas along this stretch, including some we already manage, will comfortably sleep ten or more. It’s a natural fit for travellers who can prioritise luxury over budget, with amenities like private pools and direct access to secluded coves all on offer. If you want to get your exercise in, the coast road is amazing for jogging and cycling, and the park of Monte Catalfano offers up some rewarding hiking trails and photogenic panoramas. To get there, leave and venture further afield you’ll want a hire car, though..
Investment Advice
The Solemar Group’s buy-to-let specialist Fabian Gruessner shares his guide to Mongerbino and insights for prospective buyers in the area
“Mongerbino is a special market, all about size and what you can offer your guests. A private pool, direct beach access, a sun-drenched terrace or an immaculate lawn are all going to be big winners. This isn’t going to be an area where you shop off-the-peg. Homes don’t come on the market that often and sometimes they can be snapped up before the general public even hears about them. So if you’re serious about buying here, talk to us early and we’ll support you right through the search.”
Our Properties
Local Favourites
Pupi
Līmū
Trattoria Don Ciccio
TuMa
Trattoria Buttitta
Spiaggia dei Francesi
Arco Azzurro
Sicilia Sub Diving Center
Getting There
The drive from Palermo along the coastal SS113 takes about twenty minutes, while Falcone e Borsellino airport, on the far side of the city, is under an hour away. There’s no bus service along the coast road itself, so you’ll need a car to reach villas here directly.
To visit Sicily’s capital city without worrying about parking, drive five minutes inland to Bagheria station, on the Messina to Palermo line, and you can be in the heart of the old town in less than half an hour.
Book a Transfer Today
Are you visiting Mongerbino soon? Would you like to book a comfortable, safe and fast private transfer? Solemar Sicilia can arrange it for you immediately.
Let us know your travel dates and times, the size of your party and how much luggage you will be bringing.
Prices start from 70 euros.
Sicily All in One Place
To discover more recommendations, trivia and insider tips for this region and throughout Sicily, we strongly recommend the blog of our fabulous friend Britta Bohn, Sicily All in One Place.