LETTER OF

THE WEEK

Guide books are excellent for planning a holiday from home – but on the ground, it always pays to listen

to local people because they really

do know best.

At our hotel in Marsala,

Sicily, we spotted a beautiful photograph

of salt flats at sunset, which I thought were in Trapani. No, said the waitress, it is Saline

dello Stagnone.

With a combination of my broken Italian and Google translate, we

found the place she meant and she explained how to get there and the best time to go. She also

told us about more must-see places and restaurants in Marsala. Following her advice,

we had a wonderful couple of days watching

a magical sunset overlooking salt flats and medieval windmills while sipping cocktails,

enjoying a wine tour at Florio’s Marsala Winery, some people-watching at

the Piazza della Repubblica and two

excellent meals at the restaurants she recommended next to the hotel. Now that is a real

city break.

Martin Magee, from Co Antrim, wins a £250

Sunvil voucher