The 15 most beautiful villages in Sicily

The historical center of this village in the province of Agrigento reflects, in its urban planning, two of the most significant historical moments of the area: the Arab one with its residences around the fortress of Zabut, and the seventeenth-eighteenth century (outside the walls).

The main street (Umberto I) with its stately buildings in sandstone connects to the oldest streets of the city with its historic 250 courtyards and thirteen churches.

The Arab quarter with its tangled alleys, has an almost labyrinthine conformation; a casbah in which to get lost observing the remains of the ancient domination, from here we move to the baroque area mainly represented by the historical palaces and churches of the city: Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, the casino of the Beccadelli marquises, the church of Carmine and the Panitteri palace. The urban planning of Sambuca reflects architectural styles and historical periods very different from each other, visiting it means being able to appreciate the two faces of a center whose history continues to evolve.

Would you like to stay nearby for a night or two to enjoy the beauty of this village? We have selected for you the Don Giovanni Hotel, a structure nestled in the hills just 5 km from the centre of Sambuca.

From Sambuca, in just over an hour's drive you can visit the wonderful Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.

In this mountain village time seems to have stopped. The narrow streets, the Arab area, the squares and the baroque churches are framed by the mountains of Ragusa and the Iblea countryside.

The main square of the city is crowned by the church of San Giovanni Battista, placed on a natural terrace on a wide staircase, around stand the precious nineteenth-century and neoclassical palaces.

In the highest part of the town there are still the old peasants' houses until you reach the ancient quarter of the Cava, which preserves its original medieval aspect.

At the end of the village is the area called "Affacciata" which offers a wonderful view over the valley of the river Amerillo.

In this village of eastern Sicily, Giuseppe Tornatore has shot several scenes of "L'uomo delle stelle" capturing every aspect of this beautiful and authentic territory.

Erice stands on a mountain ancient seat of the cult of the goddess of fertility Astarte to which the Phoenicians dedicated a temple in this area. The goddess protector of sailors, continued to be celebrated even in later times.

The Norman castle of Venus (XII-XIII century) still stands out on the profile of the old town and is visible for miles around. The village starts from Porta Trapani, beyond which opens the Corso Vittorio Emanuele with the baroque facades of the surrounding buildings. The churches in the city are many and range from the Norman era up to 800.

The Mother Church, is located near the cyclopean walls of the period elimo-phenician (VIII-VII sec. BC) and was erected by King Frederick of Aragon. It deserves a visit also the Spanish quarter, risen in the XVII century. The village fully reflects its nature as a melting pot of cultures and ancient populations.

The charming village of Erice is also a wonderful place to stay as a couple or with the family. We would recommend a characteristic place immersed in the nature such as the Residence Erice Pietre Antiche & rooms.

The small center of the Val di Noto was entirely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693. The baroque architecture and natural beauty have earned it the Unesco title of "World Heritage Site". The entire air of Ferla is populated by rocky complexes ranging from Greek to Christian times, from the Byzantines to the Lombards and from the Arabs to the Normans. The Via Sacra, so called because here stand the five religious buildings of the old town, is the main road from which to visit the baroque monuments of the city and its beautiful center. The surrounding countryside, characterized by Sicilian cultivations, offers a sunny and pleasant panorama.

If you are looking for a charming place to stay near Ferla, take a look at the Casa Giuliva property, surrounded by greenery and charm.

Extra tips: less than an hour's drive from Ferla, don't miss a visit to the Greek Theatre of Syracuse and the Neapolis Archaeological Park.

To dominate the profile of this village, among the most beautiful in Sicily, is the castle built on Byzantine and Arab pre-existences, in Norman-Swabian age. The building is one of the most important medieval testimonies of the whole Sicily and reflects, in its numerous architectural phases, the different foreign dominations on the territory. The village winds on a rocky promontory; next to the castle is the church of Santa Caterina (1300) while entering the historical center you can get lost among the fifty medieval houses restored and used as a hotel.

From the Portello belvedere you can admire the Nebrodi peaks, the Milazzo cape and the Eolie islands.

Do you want some advice on where to stay near Montalbano Elicona? Take a look at Luna - Aragon home holiday.

Situated almost in the center of Sicily, this village preserves one of the most fascinating castles of the entire island. The origin of Sperlinga is dated to the twelfth century BC and still the antiquity of the territory is reflected in the conformation of the town formed by fifty artificial caves, dug by man in ancient times and connected by narrow streets and alleys. A rocky village where everything is preserved at its best and where nature and anthropic traces coexist giving charm and suggestion to anyone who visits.

If, after visiting the caves, you would like to stay in this charming village, this place could be for you.

This suggestive sea village is set in the Ionian Sea and surrounded by clear and inviting waters. The main attraction of the city is certainly the seventeenth-century tuna fishery, typical of fishing villages. Next to this the two natural ports of Fossa and Balata that offer a view on the enchanting beaches of the village. The narrow streets and the small houses of the sailors add suggestion to the center whose views remain impressed in the eyes of visitors. A real postcard, ideal to photograph and take forever the memory with you. 

Would you like to stay in Marzamemi? We recommend Casa di Memi, a few metres from the beach and right in the heart of this charming village.

Located over 600 meters above sea level, a few kilometers from Giardini-Naxos, the panorama that surrounds this village offers a variety of exceptional landscapes. From the imposing volcano Etna to the woods, from the orange groves to the gorges of Alcantara, the nature that surrounds the small town in the province of Catania attracts explorers and adventurers from everywhere.

The town, perched on a slope, dominates the bank of the river Alcantara and has a historic center full of monuments to visit: the ancient quarter of the Cameni with the church of Sant'Antonio (1601); the church of San Pietro, built in 1105 by the will of the Norman count Ruggero d'Altavilla; the Castelluccio (Castidduzzu), Byzantine and the basilica of Madonna della Catena, the most important church of the town and the castle of Ruggero di Lauria (XII century) whose importance gave the name to the town. The surrounding area offers many other natural beauties and historical evidences of the important past of this small village.

Would you like to stay in the heart of this charming village? Check out La Dimora del Castelluccio, a breathtaking house with a wonderful view.

The peculiarity of this center in the province of the capital is offered by the three viewpoints: that of Loreto (called u castru) that embraces Etna Enna, Caltanissetta and the valley of the river Imera; that of Carmine that offers the panorama of western Sicily towards Palermo; and that of Piazza Duomo that turns east towards Gangi.

The village is populated by beautiful squares: Piazza Loreto with the Santa Maria di Loreto; Piazza San Michele; Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Frate Umile. But the most scenic square of the city is certainly Piazza Duomo, with the Mother Church dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul, the Norman and the eighteenth-century bell tower. A city to live in its entirety, therefore, and to explore in all its spaces and panoramas.

Extra tips: here is a location we recommend for a stay in Petralia Soprana.

Small alleys, cisterns carved into the rock and ancient buildings rich in history characterize the medieval village of Savoca, famous mainly because it is one of the famous sets of the film "The Godfather" with its Bar Vitelli.

The dwellings of the historical center separated by cliffs and rocks are populated by the elder plant which gave its name to the town. The best way to visit this town is through the "seven faces of Savoca", the seven different panoramic points of the suburb from which it is possible to admire the Mother Church of the XII century, the Pentefur castle, perhaps built by the Arabs and then enlarged by the Normans, the medieval door of the town, the church of San Michele (XIII century) and that one of San Nicolò that guards the statue of the patron of Savoca Santa Lucia. This village represents Sicily in every aspect, from its cinematographic role to its important history, an ideal destination to capture the charm of this island.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Savoca, we suggest a charming and atmospheric solution such as the relais San Rocco, where you can relax in a place that seems to stand still in time. 

Extra tips: did you know that Savoca is about a 45-minute drive from Taormina? A chance to also visit the wonderful Greek theatre. Maybe there is a nice concert to attend ...

Among the most beautiful villages in Sicily, Geraci Siculo is one that will let you breathe in the true Sicilian soul. The cobblestone streets and ancient churches will transport you to a bygone era, evoked also by the small craft shops in the historic centre. The luxuriant and uncontaminated nature of the Madonie Park will give you breathtaking landscapes and suggest scenic routes linked to outdoor activities: trekking, mountain biking, guided excursions. Tastings of local products and visits to oil mills and dairies will introduce you to and appreciate the local cuisine and complete a true sensorial experience. The warm hospitality of its inhabitants is the ideal setting for a holiday of culture, nature and relaxation.

The village of Salemi is located in the Belice Valley, nestled between vineyards and olive groves and rich in a well-preserved artistic heritage that testifies to its history. It is a medieval village surrounding the Norman-Swabian Castle. Its origin dates back to the ancient Elymian city of Halyciae and has undergone several dominations, such as Greek, Roman and Byzantine, which have left monuments of great historical value. Among the visits that you cannot miss, we suggest the Museum of the Risorgimento and the Museum of the Mafia, which are part of the Salemi Museum System that includes and enhances the artistic, cultural and natural resources of one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and Sicily. One of the best-known traditions is that of devotional breads, prepared during religious festivals, which are truly elaborate artistic creations.

Palazzolo Acreide is a Baroque village on the UNESCO World Heritage List, characterised by its enchanting churches, noble palaces and narrow streets. The historical centre is surrounded by ancient walls that lend an authentic and relaxing atmosphere. During the summer season, the village centre comes alive with events and theatre performances that make for pleasant evenings, while during the Carnival period you can watch parades of floats and participate in organised dances. The most imposing church worth visiting is that of San Sebastiano, in Piazza del Popolo, rebuilt after the 1963 earthquake. The beauty of these places has also been appreciated by several Italian directors who have chosen them as sets for their films.

Cefalù is a lively village with an enchanting beach and an historic centre that invites you to take long walks to discover Sicilian culture. Artisan shops will satisfy your craving for shopping and you can make stops to taste the fantastic sweets prepared according to tradition. The majestic cathedral is a masterpiece of Norman architecture and contains enchanting mosaics, while climbing up the rock that dominates the town you can admire the remains of an ancient Norman castle and a truly breathtaking panorama. The village, one of the most beautiful and admired in Sicily, also shows all its beauty from the sea, inviting you to take a boat trip for a different view of the Sicilian coast that will give you indescribable emotions.

If you are looking for a village full of history and charm, perfect for a romantic getaway, you absolutely must visit Castelmola, another of Sicily's most beautiful villages. It is perched on a hill, from which you can enjoy views of Mount Etna, Taormina, the Gulf of Giardini-Naxos, the Strait of Messina and, if the weather is favourable, the coast of Calabria. It has a vantage point that is a real natural terrace and was formed around the remains of a Norman castle. You can reach it by following a path that starts from Piazza Sant'Antonino, the town's central square. The small alleys of the historic centre have remained unchanged over time and reveal the medieval origins of this corner of paradise.

Have you already planned your itinerary to discover Sicily's most beautiful villages? Follow our advice and organise an unforgettable tour of an island full of charm, history and culture!