The most beautiful villages in Sicily

Sicily, Land of Colors and Unmistakable Scents

The Sicilian villages are true hidden treasures that preserve centuries of history and tradition. In this land full of contrasts, between crystal clear sea and majestic mountains, each village tells a unique and fascinating story, ready to be discovered by anyone who wishes to experience an unforgettable adventure. Immersed in the winding alleys of Erice, with its ancient walls and evocative views of the sea, you feel catapulted into a distant era, where time seems to have stopped to preserve the authenticity of a time now gone by. And what about Cefalù, with its imposing Norman cathedral and the narrow cobbled streets that tell stories of ancient sailors and travellers?
All of Sicily is a land of unmistakable colors and scents and its villages are its true custodians. The narrow streets of these villages are a feast for the senses, where the intense aromas of traditional cuisine mix with the bright colors of artisanal ceramics and local markets. From Taormina, with its enchanting beaches and its traditional desserts, to Ragusa Ibla, with its fascinating baroque architecture, each Sicilian village is a journey into the heart of the island. Discover Sicily, Jewel of the Mediterranean, Precious Jewel of Traditions, Flavors and Places of Historical and Cultural Interest.

Erice

Erice
Perched on Mount Erice and of medieval style, this village is one of the unmissable stops of an itinerary in Sicily not far from Trapani. The real beauty of Erice in addition to the alleys and gray stone buildings are the incredible views over the landscapes. 752 meters above sea level, it is not uncommon for the fog to envelop it, but this makes it even more fascinating. A nice feature is to reach the village by cable car that leaves from Trapani in just 10 minutes and you will reach Erice leaving the city behind and enjoying the views of the sea and the salt pans.
The first thing to see in Erice is the mother church with adjoining Bell Tower. After this first taste of the village, entering the alleys you will admire the church of San Martino with its pink facade and a few steps from the church is the most popular tourist attraction of this village, the "Maria Grammatico" pastry shop, where you can choose delights such as cannoli. , marzipan fruit, almond pastries and Sicilian cassata among the best.
Continuing in the direction of the church of San Pietro you will arrive in one of the most beautiful alleys of Erice in the heart of the historic center, and continuing you will arrive at piazzetta San Domenico. You then arrive at Porta Carmine, the second of the three entrances to cross the walls of the small village of Erice, and here you are enchanted to admire the pebbles, the stone houses and the clouds; it will seem as if they could be touched. The third access to the city is Porta Spada from here you can admire a great panorama, where you can visit the Castle of Venus, or the last of the stages of this itinerary in Erice.

Marzamei

Marzamemi is the most beautiful fishing village in Sicily. The village is very small which is why in two hours you can get around it all, in any case in this unmissable place you have to start from the “Regina Margherita” square, the main hub that attracts hundreds of visitors a day. The real symbols of this square are pastel colors, plants and fruit. Moving a little, you find yourself in another square, "Piazza Giardinella" located right on the seafront, an ideal place to enjoy a granita with an excellent view. Along via "Marzamemi" there are particular restaurants and numerous shops in this small village Finally, you can dedicate yourself to visiting other points of interest nearby. I list 4 in particular: "the natural reserve of Vendicari" (which contains several beaches with a wild charm), the beach of Calamosche (the most famous beach of the city), Isola delle Correnti (it is the southernmost point of continental Italy and is famous for being the place where the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea meet). Fourth and last place to visit is Portopalo, another Borgo Marinaro where you can taste the famous borage ravioli with tuna bottarga.

Buccheri

Buccheri
In the province of Syracuse there is a village rich in history. Greeks, Romans and Byzantines lived there, while Arabs and Normans fortified the territory. The Buccheri area is rich in archaeological remains, a series of pastoral huts are among the first traces. The Normans built the territory, building the castle. The original nucleus of the town is made up of the houses around the castle. To the west of the town stands the small and suggestive sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie. From piazza Loreto, you reach the cave of s. Nicola, where there is a Christian church carved into the rock.
The peasant tradition is an integral part of this place. Very famous is the extra virgin olive oil, in fact, the municipality of Buccheri has officially become part of the national association "city of oil". It remains only to discover this village in one of your holidays in beautiful Sicily.

Castelmola

Castelmola: Perched on the boulder that rises above Taormina, Castelmola is a small village in Sicily that seems to have remained immune to the passage of time. In fact, an air of tranquility and ancient light-heartedness hovers among the small and narrow streets that wind through the town. Due to its beauty, Castelmola has been included in the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The name of Castelmola derives from the Sicilian "a mola" and indicates the particular conformation of the boulder on which it stands which, in fact, resembles that of a tooth. To visit the village you need two hours on foot. The natural entrance to the village is characterized by the Piazza Sant'Antonio viewpoint, from which it is possible to admire the view overlooking Taormina. The Ancient Roman Arch overlooks the square, placed at the top of a staircase in limestone, which once represented the entrance to the Castle. It is an ancient defensive fortification that once included the nearby fortress of Taormina. Currently the Castello di Mola houses the Museum of the Sicilian Middle Ages and is the seat of falconry. Among the main things to see are the churches including the small Church of San Biagio and San Giorgio. And the Cathedral of San Nicola di Bari. From its terrace it is possible to admire a splendid panorama overlooking Etna and the Gulf of Naxos. Among the most folkloristic places in Castelmola, the Bar Turrisi deserves a place of honor. It is a real tourist attraction whose fame is linked to the phallic element that characterizes the entire environment, from the stairs to the tables, from the chairs to the chandeliers, from the menus to the toilets. A real "must" for anyone who decides to stop for a few hours in the village and taste its typicality such as the wine alla mondorla dry white wine flavored with almonds.

Climate, curiosity and advice

Climate: Sicily has a Mediterranean climate, summers are hot and winters mild. the coastal area is the one that is most affected by African currents so that summers can be torrid.
Curiosity: two of the 3 active volcanoes in Italy are located in Sicily, Stromboli and Mount Etna. Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and about 25% of the Sicilian population lives on its slopes.
Tips: Sicily also has its own Grand Canyon, these are the Alcantara Gorges. The gorges have been created over the centuries due to seismic events and it is possible to cross the Alcantara river, which flows in its lava bed, equipped with appropriate overalls and boots that will be given to you on the spot. the gorges are one of the must-see places in Sicily. A real adventure!
Most Beautiful Villages In Italy