Who are we?
Welcome to Lilybaion, a brainchild of Paolo and Ella’s adventures! Paolo is a Marsala local. Ella and Paolo crossed paths during their time in Perth, Australia and, together with their two spirited, trilingual kids (English, Italian and Mandarin), they now call Melbourne home.
Lilybaion arose from a desire to showcase western Sicily’s hidden gems amidst its underdeveloped tourism scene. We’re all about making your trip stress-free and unforgettable as we know all too well that without a local, getting around this part of Sicily can be nerve-racking due to the limited services available. Share your dreams and let Sicily surprise you!
Who are we?
Welcome to Lilybaion, a brainchild of Paolo and Ella’s adventures!
Paolo is a Marsala local.
Ella and Paolo crossed paths during their time in Perth, Australia and, together with their two spirited, trilingual kids (English, Italian and Mandarin), they now call Melbourne home.
Lilybaion arose from a desire to showcase western Sicily’s hidden gems amidst its underdeveloped tourism scene. We’re all about making your trip stress-free and unforgettable as we know all too well that without a local, getting around this part of Sicily can be nerve-racking due to the limited services available.
Share your dreams and let Sicily surprise you!
WHY LILYBAION
What is so special about us
Local
Paolo is a proud Marsala native from Sicily's sunny west side. He called it home until he moved to Australia after finishing his uni studies. He has all the right connections in Western Sicily!
We love to travel ourselves!
Paolo and Ella, avid travellers, understand the essentials for crafting the perfect journey. They go to Sicily on yearly basis with their 2 kids.
Based in Australia
Paolo and Ella live in Melbourne and they're more than happy to chat with you face to face or online.
In case you were wondering…
What is Lilybaion?
Marsala, located in the Province of Trapani in the westernmost part of Sicily, is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Lilybaeum (Latin) or Lilybaion (Greek). The modern name ‘Marsala’ likely derived from the Arabic words مَرْسَى عَلِيّ (marsā ‘aliyy, meaning ‘Ali’s harbour’) or مَرْسَى اللّٰه (marsā llāh, meaning ‘God’s harbour’). In Greek mythology, Butes was the only Argonaut who jumped into the sea while sailing past the Sirens because he couldn’t resist the charm of their singing, but Aphrodite saved him and brought him to Lilybaion.
