A 1913 tuna fishery on Sicily’s northwest coast has been transformed into a guesthouse that blends historic charm with modern touches, offering travelers a retreat far from crowded tourist hubs.
The building’s past
Tonnara Foderà di Magazzinazzi once served as the operational heart of a Sicilian family’s tuna fishing empire. Constructed in the early 20th century, the structure functioned as a watchtower, storage facility, and residence for the family that controlled the region’s tuna industry until the 1960s. Its Art Nouveau design, featuring golden stone and a terra-cotta roof, reflects an era when tuna fishing shaped the coastline.
The same family has owned the property for six generations. After a careful renovation, the building now operates as a guesthouse and future wedding venue, maintaining its original character while serving new purposes.
A stay that feels like borrowing a private home
The guesthouse includes four apartments, each with distinct layouts. Some have kitchenettes, while others offer spacious bedrooms and living areas. Guests can book individual units or reserve the entire property, sharing common spaces like a dining room, lounge, and a vintage-style kitchen filled with rustic cutting boards and jars of fresh fruit.
Owners Leonardo and Rosa Maria describe the space as more personal than a traditional hotel. There is no reception desk, daily housekeeping, or breakfast service. Instead, they invite guests to treat the property like a private home, complete with historic details and playful decor, including a Murano glass light fixture in the watchtower.
The watchtower stands out with its vaulted ceilings, offering views of the water.
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A quiet stretch of Sicily with plenty to explore
The guesthouse is located on a secluded beach near Alcamo, a 35-minute drive from Palermo’s airport. The closest town, Castellammare del Golfo, sits less than 10 minutes away, with seaside restaurants, cafés, and boutiques along its marina. The historic center, Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi, is ideal for evening walks, where fairy lights and pink sunsets create a picturesque setting.
A short trip away, Tonnara di Scopello—a former tuna fishery turned museum and cove—boasts turquoise waters and shaded deck chairs. The museum offers insight into the region’s fishing history, though most visitors come for the swimming.
Another nearby attraction is Erice, a medieval hilltop town with a 2,500-year-old fortress. The drive up the winding mountain road is steep, but the views from the top reward the effort. Ancient churches and cobblestone streets await, along with the Castello di Venere, perched on a cliffside. Visitors should bring a jacket, as the wind at 2,464 feet above sea level can be strong.
Though the guesthouse feels remote, Palermo’s city center is only 30 minutes away, providing urban energy when desired. The real draw, however, is the property’s tranquility, where waves replace tourist noise and a takeout pizza on the sand becomes the perfect way to end the day.
For those seeking an Italian escape away from mass tourism, this restored watchtower offers a unique experience. It isn’t flawless, but that imperfection adds to its appeal—a piece of history repurposed for travelers who value character over conventional luxury. If you prefer travel upgrades, the nearby towns provide plenty of options to enhance your stay.
