We have just returned from a 10 week trip to Italy, France, the UK and Sarawak and would like to share one of our wonderful experiences. The Al Moro is a B&B in a renovated 13th century Moorish tower in the centre of the old town of Sciacca. After following the abundant signs directing us to Al Moro we found ourselves in a narrow, pedestrian only street and an imposing door which opened onto an ultra-modern foyer and a friendly welcome from Lisa who immediately offered to help us with carrying our luggage from the street one block below (only one warning - there are a lot of step - 85 from the via Licata to our room on the 2nd floor).

Our room looked out over roof gardens and tiled roofs towards the sea and was air conditioned (appreciated even in May). The breakfast room on the ground floor has tables inset with the most beautiful tiled panels, created in a local ceramic workshop, and provided a comprehensive buffet breakfast. Behind the breakfast room was the best find of all - a wine tasting room with an extensive collection of local wines. Wine tastings were held every evening from 8.30 and provided both an aperitif before we went out to try the local trattorie and an overview of the excellent local wines. As we were there for 3 nights, we made good use of this facility.... and as to trattorie recommendations, the Hostaria del Vicolo, just a few steps away and with SlowFood connections, was excellent.

Sciacca is a lovely old town perched on a cliff and is well known for its ceramics. It also provides an excellent base for visiting the Greek ruins at Agrigento (40 minutes drive) and Selinunte (30 minutes). Don't miss the the little known Cave di Cusa (the quarry for the columns in Selinunte) near Selinunte or recently discovered statue of the Satyr in the Museo del Satiro in Mazara del Vallo (on the north west coast of Sicily). In May we were almost the only visitors to the Cave di Cusa, an absolutely magical site.

The Al Moro was excellent value in May - only 80 euro per double and we would love to go back.