An ancient Sicilian tuna fishery dating back to the 17th century, brought back to its original, magical atmosphere by careful and expert restoration, the structure covers the whole site of an historic fishing village looking out over the sea and immersed in gardens. Situated on the slopes of Mount Erice, near Trapani, the Hotel Tonnara di Bonagia is one of the last fishing centres in the world to continue every year in May and June the ancient tradition of the “Mattanza” (the ritual killing of tuna fish). This exclusive tourist/residential complex is located next to the 17th century Saracen Watch Tower, inside which is the Tonnara Museum holding the historic memories of the rituals of tuna fishing are preserved the songs, the sounds, the equipment, the boats and everything else which today as in the past makes up the ritual of tuna-fishing.

The Hotel Tonnara di Bonagia bedrooms, including seven suites and the majestic Rais Suite, are furnished with valuable pieces in the typical local style and some of them have balconies with panoramic views over the Baia di Cofano. The Residence has 55 apartments looking out on either the sea or the gardens, which latter are still cultivated using ancient techniques.
The deluxe rooms, junior suites and suites are equipped with linen sheets, DVD player and coffee maker.
Inside the estate there are the sport centre with swimming-pool, tennis court, bowling green, diving centre.

The Conference Centre of the Hotel Tonnara di Bonagia can accommodate up to 400 delegates and is equipped with the most modern audio-visual aids and the services of specialised staff.
The Salone Marfaggio, constructed from the old warehouse where the boats of the “Mattanza” were stored, and the separate neighbouring meeting room, accommodates a total of 40 persons. The restaurant La Muciara looks out over the picturesque little port and here can be sampled delicious dishes prepared according to the noblest culinary traditions of the Trapani area. Outside is an area which can be used for functions.

The countryside around Erice is like the entrance to unspoiled areas in which the land and the sea entwine and blend with each other, between little inlets and ancient villages, between the present and the past, offering landscapes that seem to have been created to seduce the visitor. Here begins a fascinating journey. Starting from Valderice, perched on the hill, one arrives in the green pine woods at the shore and the old Tower of the Tonnara di Bonagia, today transformed into a museum. Continuing on the road towards Erice, an ancient medieval hamlet, one joins the Via del Sale, a thousand hectares of marine nature reserve, encircled by windmills and heaps of salt covered with terracotta tiles. Also easily reached from here are the island of Mozia and the harsh outlines of the Zingaro reserve. An itinerary to relax and enjoy, living the true emotions of a journey in time to be completed by a visit to Segesta with its two splendid jewels: the Siculo-Doric temple and the Greek theatre.

Interesting point: Egadi Islands, Palermo.

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