If you choose to stay on the coast, you can of course still easily access the island\u2019s interior but if you\u2019re looking to get under Sicily\u2019s skin, then inland is the place to be!<\/p>\n
Feast on delicious food in hideaway mountain villages<\/strong><\/h3>\nOne of the joys of holidaying in Italy<\/a> is its food and Sicily\u2019s certainly no exception. In common with most Italian regions, much of Sicilian food is locally produced and recipes are handed down from one generation to another. Don\u2019t be surprised to find that what you eat inland is quite different to the food on the coast: while freshly-caught fish and seafood are naturally more popular by the sea, stay inland and you\u2019ll be feasting on delicious cheese, salami and sausages and, of course, the freshest of seasonal vegetables and fruit. In the Nebrodi and Madonie, peas, broad beans and aromatic herbs such as wild fennel are an indication that spring has arrived, while in autumn, you\u2019ll find richer, earthier ingredients including mushrooms, roasted chestnuts, olives and grapes.<\/p>\nIf you get the opportunity to experience a local food festival, grab it! Stay in the sleepy medieval village of Castel di Lucio<\/a> in May or August and you\u2019ll be treated to the spectacle of a traditional food festival in honour of the town\u2019s local cheeses. When you\u2019re ready to explore more of the area, head for Gangi, nominated the \u2018most beautiful village in Italy\u2019, and the twin towns of Petralia Soprana and Petralia Sottana, all in the Madonie mountains.<\/p>\n![\"Villa](\"https:\/\/www.wishsicily.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/luxury-villa-in-sicily-2.jpg\")
<\/a>Villa Olmo, Castel di Lucio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nVolcanoes and wine<\/strong><\/h3>\nIt\u2019s impossible to stay in the east of Sicily without a constant reminder of the looming presence of Mount Etna. The coastline between Catania and Taormina is wonderful but if you\u2019re a wine aficionado, think about staying on the slopes of the volcano where wine-making gets a natural head start thanks to the superb fertile soil. While you\u2019re there, be sure to explore black lava stone hillside towns such as Zafferana Etnea and Milo. Choose from a selection of villas such as those at Le Case dell\u2019Etna<\/a>, or Villa Rosa Antica<\/a>, set on the outskirts of the village of Trescastagni which you\u2019ll find excellent restaurants and striking Baroque architecture. The beaches of the east coast are only around 30 minutes away.<\/p>\n![\"Villa](\"https:\/\/www.wishsicily.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/F4A1057.jpg\")
<\/a>Villa Rosa Antica, Trecastagni<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nValue and space<\/strong><\/h3>\nAnother big plus to staying inland is that you\u2019ll get more for your money, including more floorspace and a bigger garden. Case Fil<\/a>, which is set just slightly inland amongst olive groves and vineyards in the countryside near Trapani, has a huge 18m pool<\/a>, space for the kids to play and a sizeable outdoor dining area.<\/p>\n![\"Case](\"https:\/\/www.wishsicily.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/DJI_0026.jpg\")
<\/a>Case Fil, Trapani and Erice<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nDramatic settings<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf you\u2019re looking for a dramatic backdrop, look no further than Casa al Castello<\/a>, a beautifully restored 7-bedroom villa set on a rocky outcrop near Ispica. Get the best views from the hot tub or the hammock and retreat to one of the terraces to simply sit and absorb the remarkable landscape. Despite the proximity of the baroque towns of Modica and Ragusa, and the fabulous sandy beaches, you\u2019ll find it hard to tear yourself away from the spectacular setting.<\/p>\n
If you get the opportunity to experience a local food festival, grab it! Stay in the sleepy medieval village of Castel di Lucio<\/a> in May or August and you\u2019ll be treated to the spectacle of a traditional food festival in honour of the town\u2019s local cheeses. When you\u2019re ready to explore more of the area, head for Gangi, nominated the \u2018most beautiful village in Italy\u2019, and the twin towns of Petralia Soprana and Petralia Sottana, all in the Madonie mountains.<\/p>\n It\u2019s impossible to stay in the east of Sicily without a constant reminder of the looming presence of Mount Etna. The coastline between Catania and Taormina is wonderful but if you\u2019re a wine aficionado, think about staying on the slopes of the volcano where wine-making gets a natural head start thanks to the superb fertile soil. While you\u2019re there, be sure to explore black lava stone hillside towns such as Zafferana Etnea and Milo. Choose from a selection of villas such as those at Le Case dell\u2019Etna<\/a>, or Villa Rosa Antica<\/a>, set on the outskirts of the village of Trescastagni which you\u2019ll find excellent restaurants and striking Baroque architecture. The beaches of the east coast are only around 30 minutes away.<\/p>\n Another big plus to staying inland is that you\u2019ll get more for your money, including more floorspace and a bigger garden. Case Fil<\/a>, which is set just slightly inland amongst olive groves and vineyards in the countryside near Trapani, has a huge 18m pool<\/a>, space for the kids to play and a sizeable outdoor dining area.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a dramatic backdrop, look no further than Casa al Castello<\/a>, a beautifully restored 7-bedroom villa set on a rocky outcrop near Ispica. Get the best views from the hot tub or the hammock and retreat to one of the terraces to simply sit and absorb the remarkable landscape. Despite the proximity of the baroque towns of Modica and Ragusa, and the fabulous sandy beaches, you\u2019ll find it hard to tear yourself away from the spectacular setting.<\/p>\n<\/a>Volcanoes and wine<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Value and space<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Dramatic settings<\/strong><\/h3>\n