Agriturismo Sicily

Are you looking for a bit of a different experience this holiday? Take a look at our Italian agriturismo accommodations in Sicily. Blue skies, friendly people, white beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters, tallest volcano in Europe are just some of the reasons why you should pick the island as your next vacation destination. Agritourism is a combination between agriculture or farming with the concept of tourism, meaning that you will be living on a farm. Most of the available accommodations are in a separate building of the main farmhouse, giving you and your family all the privacy you need.

Breathe the fresh air of the countryside, learn some handicrafts from you farmer hosts, which are famous for their great Italian hospitality. Eat natural products that came directly from the garden next to you and relax in your vacation home, which is furnished with the most beautiful furniture. Most places allow pets, have internet and some of them even have private swimming pools.

Life on an island

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Its most prominent landmark is Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world, currently 3,329 meters high. But that doesn't scare the 5 million inhabitants living on the island. There are archeological sites dating back 12,000 BC. Some of the more popular amongst tourist sites are the Necropolis of Pantalica, the Valley of the Temples, Erice and Selinunte.

The terrain of inland Sicily is mostly hilly and is intensively cultivated wherever possible. Along the northern coast, the mountain ranges of Madonie, 2,000 m, Nebrodi, 1,800 m, and Peloritani, 1,300 m, are an extension of the mainland Apennines. Sicily and its surrounding small islands have some highly active volcanoes. The Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, to the northeast of mainland Sicily form a volcanic complex, and include Stromboli.

The island is crossed by several rivers, most of which flow through the central area and enter the sea at the south of the island. The longest river is Salso with its 145 km of length, but other important for the island rivers are Belice and Platani, as well as a dozen more. The Alcantara Gorge in Messina is a perfect example of the power of water with its breathtaking gorge, carved in the volcanic rock by the Alcantara River over a period of many years.

Vendicari Nature Reserve consists of shallow wetlands and sandy coasts, giving a perfect feeding opportunity for flamingos in the spring and autumn. Walk through whistling reeds and along untouched beaches to discover numerous bird species, reptiles and amphibians including Sicilian pond turtles, rat snakes and golden toads. Zingaro Nature Reserve is famous for its glittering seaside scenery comprising hidden coves and inlets, turquoise ocean and pale shingle beaches. Monte Pellegrino Nature Reserve consists of numerous walking trails high into the rugged forested peaks, where you can spot reptiles and birds of prey like peregrine falcons, kestrels, buzzards and owls. The Nebrodi Mountains Regional Park contains the largest forest in Sicily - the Caronia. Sicily has a wide variety of fauna. Species include red fox, least weasel, pine marten, roe deer and many more. The Zingaro Natural Reserve is one of the best examples of unspoiled coastal wilderness in Sicily. Surrounding waters are home to varieties of birds and marine life, including larger species such as greater flamingo and fin whale.

Fun times under the shining sun

The best way to spend a nice summer day in Sicily would be by taking a dip into the ice-cold water of Cavagrande del Cassibile. This canyon oasis is made of a series of freshwater pools and gentle waterfalls. After that you can take a hike to the top of the canyon only to discover the mysterious and ancient tombs carved into the cliff face known in Italy as dieri. Little is known about their history or origin. Because many different cultures settled, dominated or invaded the island, Sicily has a huge variety of archaeological sites.

Also, some of the most notable and best preserved temples and other structures of the Greek world are located in Sicily. Valley of the Temples is one of the most outstanding examples of Greater Greece art and architecture, including the remains of seven temples, all in Doric style. Structures are not the only ancient thing on the island. You can go and take pictures in front of the Hundred Horse Chestnut on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna, which is the largest and oldest known chestnut tree in the world at 2,000 – 4,000 years old.

If you are not a fan of exploring and just want to rest this holiday, what better way than going on one of the many stunning beaches with crystal-clear blue waters. You can go surfing, canoeing, kayaking or observe the coastline and marine life on a guided boat trip. Try catching some fish from the rivers, under a big shady tree. Find a quiet and private place and have a nice picnic afternoon with your loved ones. Then cycle through the countryside to your agriturismo Sicilian house and open a nice bottle of Italian red wine, while watching the beautiful sunset.

From snowy mountain tops to shiny golden beaches

Sicily has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild and wet winters and hot, dry summers with very changeable intermediate seasons. On the coasts, especially in the south-west, the climate is affected by the African currents and summers can be scorching. Winters are warm on the island. Snow falls above 1000 meters. The summit of Mount Etna is usually snow-capped from October to May. Rainfall is scarce through the year. The maximum temperature 48.5 °C was recorded in 1999. Impressive and quite scary!