Page 534 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

Tourist office Mazara’s tourist office is on Piazza Mokarta (Tues–Sat 8am–1pm & 3–
7pm, Sun 8.30am–1pm; 0923 942 776).

ACCOMMODATION

Foresteria Monastica 0923 906 565 or 347 722 5069,
foresteriasanmichele.com. Very plain but clean and quiet rooms in this old-town
convent annexed to San Michele church. You probably won’t see any sign of the seven
Benedictine nuns who are resident here, and who make the local pastries served at
breakfast, which costs €5. Closed Nov–Feb. €50

Hopps Hotel Via G. Hopps 29 0923 946 133, hoppshotel.it. Large resort-style

three-star centred on a palm-fringed pool, a 5min walk down the lungomare from the
public gardens. Rooms are spacious if a bit dated, and breakfast is by the pool. All in
all good value for what you get, though poolside entertainments in summer can be
noisy. €75

Nosteon Via Plebiscito 9 0923 651 619 or 347 571 8904, nosteon.it. Great-
value B&B off Piazza Plebiscito, with a double room and an apartment consisting of a
double in the loft and a bunk downstairs, with a kitchen and bathroom. Breakfast is

taken at the nearby Bar Garden. No credit cards. €40

Villa Altair Via Salemi 9 0923 944 088 or 347 666 2963, villaaltair.com. A
couple of kilometres southeast of town (call for directions), this peaceful B&B
occupies an old baglio, or farmhouse, in the middle of vineyards and olive groves.
The five rooms have a/c and wi-fi connections, and the owners can arrange airport

transfers, excursions and vehicle rental. €80

EATING AND DRINKING

RESTAURANTS

Alla Kasbah Via Itria 10 0923 906 126. Don’t be fooled by the name: apart from a

very acceptable fish couscous, the food here is modern Sicilian rather than North
African. You can just have antipasto, couscous and wine for €15; other fixed-price
menus are €20–25. The ambience is relaxed and friendly. Daily lunch & dinner;
closed Mon Sept–June.

La Béttola Via Maccagnone 32 0923 946 422. Near the train station, this simple,
old-fashioned place is recommended for regional fish and seafood specialities. Try

the catch of the day, sliced thin and marinated, and the fish couscous (€12). Mon–Tues
& Thurs–Sun lunch & dinner.

Eyem Zemen Via Porta Palermo 36 347 386 9921. Tiny place, with three or four
tables outside and authentic and cheap Tunisian snacks – brik (fried pastry parcels),