OVERVIEW

ART + PLEIN AIR PAINTING

This course will be a special new style where we focus on specific art and painting techniques together - with an emphasis on plein air painting on location. Our week is carefully organized to give us time in the on-site studio as well as curated outings to show us the sites and unique surroundings of this part of Sicily. We’ll draw inspiration from the sites, culture, and landscape that this area has to offer - and translate this into some pieces of art to take hom.

A Plein Air Painting Retreat of Light, History & Sea

Stay in the tranquil elegance near Marsala where salt air, open skies, and the rhythm of western Sicily create the perfect setting for artists seeking inspiration. This thoughtfully designed itinerary blends cultural discovery, coastal beauty, and dedicated painting time—capturing the spirit of our creative escapes focused on immersion, beauty, and slow travel.

*NO PREVIOUS ART BACKGROUND REQUIRED. All levels are welcome, and participation is voluntary. Projects and classes will be offered as a completely exploratory, non-intimidating and personal experience.

SICILY

Western Sicily is one of the island’s most atmospheric and painterly regions—a place where ancient civilizations, sea winds, and open landscapes have shaped both the land and its culture. Around Marsala, the scenery feels expansive and elemental: vineyards stretch toward the coast, salt pans shimmer like mirrors, windmills punctuate the horizon, and the Mediterranean light changes by the hour. It is quieter and less crowded than Sicily’s eastern side, offering a slower, more authentic rhythm ideal for artists and travelers seeking beauty without rush.

This part of Sicily is layered with history. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards all left traces here—from archaeological wonders like Greek temples to hilltop towns like Erice, where cobbled lanes and stone courtyards feel untouched by time. Marsala itself is elegant and lived-in, known for its historic center, baroque facades, local markets, and of course its world-famous fortified wine.

Nature is just as memorable as history. The Stagnone Lagoon, where we’ll be located, and surrounding salt marshes create one of the island’s most iconic landscapes, with shallow reflective waters, flamingos, island silhouettes, and dramatic sunsets. It is a region made for plein air painting: strong geometry, luminous skies, ancient textures, and endless tonal variation.

ACCOMMODATION

Our home for the week will be at Salinara - a creative retreat - where we’ll have an exclusive and private stay of the entire property for our group. Salinara is more than a place to stay—it is a retreat designed around beauty, calm, and creative living. Set in a lovingly restored historic Sicilian farmhouse near Marsala, the property is surrounded by countryside, vineyards, and close to the sea and salt pans. It has hosted art and wellness retreats for many years, with a focus on painting, yoga, nature, and slow travel.

The atmosphere is peaceful and intimate: whitewashed walls, gardens, terraces, rustic elegance, and views that invite reflection. Guests stay immersed in nature while remaining close to many of western Sicily’s most inspiring locations—Marsala, Erice, Segesta, the salt pans, and the Egadi coast. Salinara emphasizes hospitality, fresh Sicilian cuisine, local wines, and the kind of unhurried pace that allows creativity to flourish.

For painters, it is an ideal base. Each day offers different subject matter nearby: ancient ruins, fishing villages, market color, mountain towns, coastal skies, and vineyard landscapes. Then, after excursions, artists return to a setting that feels restorative and quietly beautiful.

In essence: Western Sicily provides the inspiration, and Salinara provides the space to absorb it.

ACTIVITIES

Guests will not only enjoy the peaceful beauty of our accommodations and its traditional Sicilian character, but will also have ample time to explore the surrounding landscapes of western Sicily—each rich with its own history, atmosphere, and artistic inspiration. The week includes with a visit to Marsala, allowing guests to get their bearings in this elegant coastal town, stroll its historic streets, discover local markets, and learn about the many cultures that have shaped this corner of the island. Another day takes us to the famed salt pans and lagoons, where windmills, mirrored waters, and brilliant skies provide unforgettable opportunities for plein-air painting and photography. We will also journey to one of the magnificent Greek temples of this area, one of Sicily’s great archaeological treasures, where artists can sketch among rolling hills and ancient columns. Also included in the week, we ascend to the medieval hilltop town of Erice, with its stone lanes, hidden courtyards, and sweeping sea views—an inspiring setting for painting and wandering. An on-site wine tasting will introduce guests to the celebrated wines of Marsala, complete with tasting and regional cuisine. Throughout the retreat there will be dedicated time for painting, relaxing at Salinara, and exploring independently, making this an immersive and creatively fulfilling experience of Sicily.

ART

Daily art classes will be offered in a beautiful studio space on site as well as a focus on plein air excursions to also work on our paintings and sketches while on location around the area. Please note that all art materials needed will be supplied. Our courses are carefully designed for complete beginners with no previous experience as well as intermediate artists who would like to improve their skills/techniques, and, of course, practicing artists looking for a new inspiration. Julian, the host and instructor, has nearly 30 years of experience teaching students of all ages and abilities, and always strives to create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Read more about his story on the ABOUT page. These unique courses also reflect the culture, art, and history of the area and are interwoven with art-history excursions, providing inspiration, variety and interest throughout the week. Above all, this is a real opportunity for developing artists to work in small groups alongside an experienced teacher.

* Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!

DETAILS / PRICING

• 6 days / 5 nights

• Regular Inclusive Retreat Price = £2595(gbp) (shared room*) +£450(gbp) (single room supplement)

• Deposit to hold space = £850(gbp)

• Max # Guests = 14
  * Guests traveling alone can choose the shared room and we match up based on guest profile. Rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms.
  ** 50% of final balance due 120 days before retreat start date, and remaining 50% due 60 days before retreat start date.
  Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED*:

• Hotel accommodation (spacious bedrooms, luxury bathrooms, linens)

• Daily Breakfast and Dinner, selected lunches

• Welcome Reception

• Transportation to/from day trips

• Daily art classes and plein air excursions

• Visit to one of Sicily’s most famous ancient greek temples

• Visit to the Baroque town of Marsala

• Dinner in Town

• See Sicily’s famous salt pans

• Visit to the hilltop Medieval town of Erice

• Wine Tasting

• Taxes

* airfare not included

**tentative schedule, activities may be substituted based on weather and seasonability. All activities are carefully chosen based on the best experience for the guests.

LOCATION:

• Nearest airport: Trapani–Birgi Airport (TPS) - just 15min away by taxi (there are several Europe flights into this smaller airport)

• Nearest major international airport: Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO) - about 1h10 away. There will be one group transfer provided on retreat start day at 3pm and one departure group transfer offered from the hotel at 10am on the retreat end day. For those who prefer to arrive at a different time, we can recommend a private driver.

SUGGESTED PACKING:

Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you.

• General art supplies are provided, but feel free to bring any specific materials that you prefer

• Smart phone with camera and/or digital camera

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Plug adaptors / converter