Hidden treasures and unique places in Sicily
Sicily’s history, superb beaches and mouthwatering food are well documented. So too the magnificence of some of its main tourist attractions, such as the ancient Greek temples and baroque architecture of the UNESCO towns of the Val di Noto.
But the island is home to many locations and hidden gems that fall outside the main tourist radar. Take time to explore some of these places to delve deeper into the island’s history and culture, or simply to enjoy relaxing off the beaten track.
Ceramics in Caltagirone
Its location in central Sicily keeps its safely off the tourist trail, particularly during the heat of the summer when most people head for the coast. But venture inland to the historic town of Caltagirone and you’ll find yourself in a world far removed from Sicily’s coastal towns and beach vibes. Top sight in the town is the extraordinary 142-step Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte, an exquisite stairway with each step uniquely decorated with ceramic tiles. In July and August, the town is lit up with thousands of candles for the annual ‘Illuminata’ festival. Get gift inspiration in the ceramic shops and boutiques along the narrow streets and enjoy other architectural highlights, including the Palazzo Senatorio and the Church of San Francesco di Paola. Take a day trip to the town from one of our villas in southeast Sicily.
Roman treasures at Villa Imperiale del Casale
Just 40kms or so deeper into the heart of Sicily, Piazza Armerina is an attractive town with an 18th century Duomo and several interesting palazzi. It is best known, however, for the splendid Villa Imperiale del Casale, a stunning Roman complex with one of the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics. Dating back to the early 4th century, the villa was only fully excavated in the 1950’s. Extending over 3535 square metres, the mosaics depict scenes from everyday Roman life but are best known for their ‘bikini girls’, a series of tableaux depicting Roman female athletes.
Legends and ancient ruins at the Sanctuary of Tindari
Set on the north east coast of Sicily, Tindari is generally overlooked by visitors to Sicily although its stunning Sanctuary plays a starring role in one of Andrea Camilleri’s Montalbano novels. Legend also surrounds the cedar wood-carved Black Madonna that now sits behind the Sanctuary’s altar. Founded in 396 BC by Dionysius 1, the town has a fascinating history as one of the island’s most significant Greek centres, before becoming a Roman outpost in 254 BC. You can still visit its ancient Roman buildings and baths, its Graeco-Roman architecture and a well-preserved theatre which hosts annually a series of Greek plays and performances. Many of our villas in Tindari have views directly over the Sanctuary.
Wild swimming at Cavagrande del Cassibile
But Sicily isn’t just about archaeology and ancient treasures. While powder soft sand and translucent water characterise many of the beaches that fringe Sicily’s south east corner, if you’re looking for an even more memorable dip, head for the pools of fresh water at the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve.
Also known as the ‘Laghetti d’Avola’, the natural bathing spots are set in a dramatic 10m limestone canyon with 300m walls, formed by the river Cassibile. Be prepared for a 1 to 1.5 hour walk through a hillside of plane trees, willows and ferns down to the emerald green pools, with a slightly longer climb back. The pools are situated around 12km from the town of Avola, between Noto and Syracuse. Stay at Casa del Carrubo, a lovely 2-bedroom villa with a pool and hot tub. Or Villa Renata is ideal for larger groups of up to 12, with a pool and garden gate through to the beach. Both villas are 30 minutes’ drive from Cavagrande.
Deserted beaches at the Vendicari Nature Reserve
While many people associate Italian beaches with military-style rows of sun beds and parasols, several sections of the Sicilian coast are characterised by more rugged nature reserves fringed by stretches of dreamy deserted beaches. The Vendicari Nature in south east Sicily is one of the island’s most spectacular natural spots, a little piece of heaven for walkers, swimmers and birdwatchers. Marianelli is the hardest beach to reach and consequently, the quietest. Calamosche is probably the best known while Eloro, the closest to the car park, has a bar and showers.
Want to wake up to views of the Vendicari Nature Reserve? Oasivera is a 5-bedroom villa set on the border of the Reserve, just 200m from the beach.
Necropolis of Pantalica
The Necropolis of Pantalica is a spectacular canyon in the Iblei mountains and a place of incredible natural beauty. Carved out over millennia by the Anapo and Calcinara rivers, the deep limestone ravine is intersected by a track that runs along the floor of the gorge passing through lush vegetation and occasional fruit trees. The significance of the gorge, however, is that it is also home to around 5,000 burial chambers that date back to the Bronze Age, making it the largest rock necropolis in the Mediterranean. Choose from a selection of villas near Scicli and book on to a guided tour of the site to enjoy nature at its best while you delve into the Necropolis’ fascinating history.
