Sicilian villages among the most beautiful in Italy

Castelmola (Province of Messina) is a charming medieval village perched on the hill above Taormina, renowned for its scenic narrow streets and its spectacular views of Mount Etna and the Ionian coast. With its stone houses, flower-filled balconies and small, traditional cafés, Castelmola retains an authentic charm, making it the perfect destination for those seeking history, stunning views and local traditions away from mass tourism.

Cefalù (Province of Palermo) is one of the most evocative destinations on the whole island. Nestled on the northern coast of Sicily, this fishing village captivates visitors with its monumental historic centre, at the heart of which stands a true gem: Cefalù Cathedral. Along with the cathedrals of Palermo and Monreale, it is one of the unmissable stops on the UNESCO itinerary focusing on Arab-Norman architecture in Sicily.

Allure and charm, traditions and stories, beauty and wonder. You can experience all of this when you arrive in Erice (Province of Trapani). To explore the town, you start at Porta Trapani and wander through its narrow streets and small squares, lined with churches (it's no coincidence that Erice is known as the 'City of a Hundred Churches') and stately mansions that overlook a majestic panorama.

Gangi (Province of Palermo) is a small town perched on a headland, famous for one of the island’s most eagerly anticipated events: the evocative Living Nativity Scene, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. The historic centre is a little gem, rich in ancient remains and traditions, and has its origins in the mythical city of Engyon, founded by the Cretans near the spring of the same name.

Militello in Val di Catania (Province of Catania) is a place that captivates visitors with the charm of its historic route, making it one of Sicily's most precious gems. Already included on the World Heritage List as one of the 'Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto' and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Militello in Val di Catania is one of the must-see villages for anyone visiting this part of the region. 

 Montalbano Elicona (ME) is an unforgettable village built around its castle, which stands in a panoramic position. You can reach the castle via the narrow lanes of the historic centre, medieval streets lined by the Romanesque Church of Santa Caterina and the Duomo dell’Assunta, which can be accessed via a spectacular staircase in the main square.

Palazzolo Acreide (SR) is a noble, ancient village built on the remains of the ancient city of Akrai, which was founded by the Syracusans in 664 BC. It stands on a hilltop, in the very same location where the Greek Theatre, a venue for classical performances, is preserved today. Meanwhile, in the ‘I Santoni’ area, you will find the unmissable Rock Complex of the Goddess Cybele, an ancient Phrygian deity identified as the ‘Great Mother’. 

Nestled on a hill in the Valle del Belice, Salemi (Province of Trapani) lies amidst the greenery of vineyards and olive groves, clustered around the Norman-Swabian Castle. The town of Salemi, with its medieval and multicultural character, is a maze of pale stone streets that wind through the ancient Jewish quarter of Giudecca and the Islamic quarter of Rabato, leading to the old Chiesa Matrice, of which only a few remains survive. 

Far from the usual tourist routes, Savoca (ME) is the perfect village for a relaxing weekend. World-famous as the setting for Francis Ford Coppola's film 'The Godfather', Savoca stands on a hill surrounded by citrus groves and vineyards. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a magnificent work of art: bas-relief ceramic panels that tell the story of the village, from the Norman era to the traditional activities of the old spinning mill.

In the heart of the most rugged and tranquil part of Sicily, Sperlinga (EN) captivates visitors with its natural treasures and the authenticity of a simple, timeless way of life. The village boasts one of the most spectacular medieval castles in the region, built around the year 1000 on the rock where an even older fortress once stood. At the foot of the castle lies the rock village of Sperlinga, a veritable open-air ethnographic museum made up of around fifty caves, including the one that houses the Museum of Rural Life.