{"id":3788,"date":"2022-11-09T09:49:54","date_gmt":"2022-11-09T09:49:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wishsicily.com\/blog\/?p=3788"},"modified":"2026-04-01T14:07:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T12:07:06","slug":"discover-secret-sicily","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wishsicily.com\/blog\/discover-secret-sicily\/","title":{"rendered":"DISCOVER SECRET SICILY"},"content":{"rendered":"

SIX OF THE BEST HIDEAWAY VILLAGES IN SICILY<\/h1>\n

Sicily\u2019s beaches and coastline are undoubtedly the big magnet for most holidaymakers, but venture slightly inland to explore several of its hideaway villages and you\u2019ll enter a whole new world. This is where you\u2019ll find glorious views, centuries old architecture and a traditional way of life that allows you to step right back in time.<\/p>\n

Rent one of our villas in Sicily<\/strong><\/a> and explore some of the best hideaway villages on the Island.<\/p>\n

Greek and baroque architecture at Palazzolo Acreide <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Sicily\u2019s massive 1693 earthquake resulted in the rebuilding of eight towns in the Val di Noto, each one subsequently reflecting the late Baroque art and architecture of the 17th<\/sup> and 18th<\/sup> century. Palazzolo Acreide frequently gets overlooked in favour of the better-known towns of Modica, Noto or Ragusa but being slightly under the radar is a definite plus.\u00a0 Highlights include the Palazzo Pizzo, the elegant Palazzo Judica and 19th<\/sup> century Palazzo Caruso with its astonishing 30m long balcony. Make sure you also leave time to explore some of the local authentic flavours \u2013 including cheeses, the town\u2019s signature sausages and ricotta-based pastries – which are all typical of Iblean gastronomy.<\/p>\n

Where to stay: Choose from a selection of apartments and villas in and around Syracuse<\/a>, just 45 minutes by car from Palazzolo Acreide.<\/p>\n

\"Casa<\/a>
Casa a Ortigia apartment in Syracuse<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Caltagirone \u2013 town of ceramics<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In fact Palazzolo Acreide is not the only one of the 8 Val di Noto towns to escape the tourist crowds: Caltagirone is also often overlooked by holidaymakers. The town was also rebuilt after the earthquake, complete with the elaborate frills that characterise the Baroque period and the added charm of brightly coloured ceramics which appear on every street corner. Top spot is the stunning Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte, with 142 individually decorated steps, that connects the upper and lower part of town.<\/p>\n

Where to stay: Check into Rocca di Pietra<\/a>, a magnificently restored villa for 12 where ceramics from Caltagirone add a splash of colour to terraces and interior d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n

\"Ceramics<\/a>
Ceramics in Caltagirone<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Petralia Soprana and the Madonie mountains<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Picking the prettiest town in the Madonie mountains is a tough one but Petralia Soprana would certainly feature in our top three. One of the \u2019Borghi pi\u00f9 belli della Sicilia\u2019, this charming stone town is the highest village in the Madonie mountain range and in spite of its size, is home to several magnificent churches and aristocratic palazzi. Other nearby towns and villages worthy of mention and certainly worth a visit for their medieval centres and picture-postcard piazzas are Polizzi Generosa, Gangi and Castelbuono.<\/p>\n

Where to stay: Get the best of both worlds with a stay at Villa Arte Mare Blue<\/a> near\u00a0the beach but also perfectly placed for visits to the Madonie mountains.<\/p>\n

\"Aerial<\/a>
Aerial view of Villa Arte Mare Blue<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Montalbano Elicano and the Nebrodi mountains<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The unspoilt Nebrodi mountains also have their fair share of picturesque towns and villages. The origins of Montalbano Elicano date back to the 11th<\/sup> century and even today, the medieval village is dominated by Federico II di Svevia\u2019s imposing Swabian-Aragonese Castle, built in 1210, and rising from a maze of alleyways with tiny homes. Several beautiful churches and a calendar of festivals celebrating cultural and gastronomic traditions place Montalbano Elicano firmly on the \u2018must see\u2019 list.<\/p>\n

Where to stay: If you\u2019re tempted by the idea of exploring the Nebrodi mountains but prefer to stay by the beach, take a look at our large selection of villas near the coastal town of Tindari<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Le<\/a>
Le Case di Tindari on the Nebrodi Mountains<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Castiglione di Sicilia<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Staying in eastern Sicily? A trip up Mount Etna is a must, but don\u2019t miss out on the many small towns and villages on the slopes of the volcano, several of which are simply stunning. Castiglione di Sicilia is one such village, set between Mount Etna and the Alcantara Gorge, and part of the 1 euro houses project. The literal highpoint of the town is the medieval Castello di Lauria, with other highlights including the Church of Sant\u2019Antonio and the palazzi Imbesi and Camardi.<\/p>\n

Where to stay: Choose from our selection of villas in and around Mount Etna<\/a>, all ideally located for exploring Castiglione and the hillside towns of Zafferana Etnea and Milo.<\/p>\n

\"Castiglione<\/a>
Castiglione di Sicilia. Copyright: Martin Molcan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Castles and pastries in Erice <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Just a short drive from the ever popular Case Fil<\/a>, the medieval town of Erice is best known for its imposing Pepoli Castle and Venus Castle which tower over the town. Away from the castles, you\u2019ll find winding cobbled streets and simply breath-taking sea views thanks to the town\u2019s lofty position at over 750m above sea level. Plan your visit to include a couple of Erice\u2019s churches \u2013 you may not manage all 60 of them! \u2013 but be sure to factor in a stop at Maria Grammatico\u2019s legendary pastry shop.<\/p>\n