Spectacular sea, cities steeped in history, art and architecture, the magic of “a’ muntagna” – as Sicilians call Mount Etna, one of the few active volcanoes in the world that’s easily accessible – are just a few of the excellent reasons to treat yourself to a holiday on the Island. There’s something for everyone: sports lovers, serious sea-goers, foodies – no need to remind you how rich and eclectic the culinary tradition is here – and cultural travellers. There’s also a wealth of agriturismos to choose from, for holidays immersed in nature, good food, and a uniquely warm hospitality that only Sicilians know how to offer.
Where to eat at a Farmhouse in Sicily
Baglio Vecchio
Surrounded by centuries-old olive trees, ancient vineyards and thick woodland, this agriturismo offers comfortable rooms and apartments and a typical, wholesome cuisine based on seasonal produce. Only short supply chain or “homemade” ingredients from the farm are used, such as the oil. Caponata, fresh pasta with wild boar ragù, fried and roasted meats are staples of the menu. The wine list features house wines and others from the local area.
Baglio Vecchio – Castelvetrano (TP) – c.da Zangara s.da prov.le 13 – 335 8335275 – bagliovecchio.com
Casale Drinzi
A stone farmhouse nestled in the nature of the Madonie Park, with wooden tables, fireplaces and a high-altitude atmosphere. The local wild vegetables and herbs add great flavour to game dishes and homemade pasta. In season, don’t miss the Madonie snails with warm crostini, mushrooms in autumn, and often wild boar (stewed with juniper berries). Excellent pizzas too. Gluten-free, vegetarian and lactose-free menus available. Sicilian wines. Friendly service.
Casale Drinzi – Collesano (PA)– c.da Drinzi – 0921 664027 – casaledrinzi.it
Duca di Castelmonte
Typical Trapani-style Sicilian cuisine from both sea and land is the star of the show here. The estate’s agricultural produce, according to the season, is the basis of family recipes and traditional dishes. Try the rich starters and delicacies like risotto with courgettes, scamorza and pancetta, busiate with basil cream, sausage and toasted breadcrumbs, pork loin with pistachio, roasted potatoes. Gluten-free, vegetarian and children’s menus available. Excellent wood-fired pizzas. Local wines on the list. Guests can stay in apartments or try glamping.
Duca di Castelmonte – Trapani – via Salvatore Motisi, 11 – 0923 526139 – ducadicastelmonte.it
Masseria La Chiusa
Over 100 ingredients are produced directly on the certified organic farm and used in the kitchen: oil, olives, cheeses and meat from free-range livestock – delicious grilled – make up traditional local recipes. A delight also the cheeses and cured meats, as well as homemade pasta with seasonal sauces. Accommodation available in rooms or apartments surrounded by lush vegetation.
Masseria La Chiusa – San Giuseppe Jato (PA) – c.da Chiusa – 349 8719459 – masserialachiusa.it
Terre di Himera
Near the Archaeological Park of Himera and the sea of Cefalù, this small trattoria offers traditional Sicilian recipes made with seasonal vegetables and other ingredients from the farm’s organic garden. Meat and fish mains are available by reservation only. Every Sunday there’s a rich brunch. Sicilian wines on the list. Five comfortable rooms for a holiday fully immersed in nature.
Terre di Himera – Termini Imerese (PA) – c.da Villaurea – 338 7908230 – terredihimera.it
Lago Verde
Grandmother-style cooking, naturally leavened bread made with ancient grains and local flour, country-style breakfasts with biscuits and croissants baked in a wood oven: at Lago Verde, you’ll enjoy a true rural stay, feasting on traditional dishes made with ultra-local produce paired with local wines. The rooms are furnished with rustic-style furniture. The estate boasts orchards, olive groves and a vegetable garden overlooking beautiful inland valleys. There’s also a small lake nearby.
Lago Verde – Alia – c.da Timpi – 091 8219121 – lagoverdeagriturismo.com
Mandranova
A farm completely immersed in nature, where care for the land and love of hospitality are at the heart of its operations. The cuisine offers traditional local dishes with a modern twist – a true expression of Sicilian countryside cooking. Don’t miss the falso magro. Vegetarian and vegan options available. Sicilian wines on the list. All produce is cultivated with respect for nature, biodiversity and sustainability. Oil, almonds and garden fruits are also used in cooking classes. Accommodation is spread out across several buildings, all overlooking the garden.
Mandranova – Palma di Montechiaro (AG) – s.s. 115 km 217 – 393 9862169 – mandranova.com
Casa Mirabile
Among olive trees, almond groves and caper plants, this agriturismo – once an 18th-century hunting reserve – offers a simple cuisine made with vegetables from its own garden, as well as fish and meat from trusted small local producers. The menu changes with the season and the day’s market, featuring both ancient family recipes and more modern ones tied to the local tradition. Try the pasta alla Norma. House-produced wine available. Rooms available for a totally relaxing stay.
Casa Mirabile – Menfi (AG) – c.da Agareni – 345 4616300 – casamirabilerelais.it
Parco Vecchio
A family-run farm that for years has been producing cheese, raising hens, sheep and pigs, cultivating vegetables, and making oil, honey and jams. The farmhouse restaurant uses only what is grown and raised on-site; anything not made in-house comes from nearby small suppliers in Marineo or the valley. Comfortable, quiet rooms overlook the woods. The Primavera room hosts events and special occasions. Horseback riding also available. Cheese, ricotta, salami, olives and EVO oil for sale.
Parco Vecchio – Marineo (PA) – c.da Parco Vecchio – 338 4108945 – agriturismoparcovecchio.com
La Pietra Antica o’ Munti
Just 9 km from Mascali and bordering Sant’Alfio, this is a carefully restored old palmento, preserving original materials and integrating eco-friendly technologies (notably solar panels). Set in a beautiful 4,000 sqm estate with panoramic terraces, vegetable gardens, orchard and a manicured garden, it offers accommodation in various types of rooms and one apartment, perfect for families or long stays. The restaurant serves traditional dishes made with seasonal, quality ingredients: fresh pasta, preserves and desserts all homemade, accompanied by Etna wines. Abundant breakfast and equipped swimming pool.
La Pietra Antica o’ Munti – Mascali (CT) – fraz. Puntalazzo – via Livio Andronico sn – 345 8208985 – lapietraantica.it
Al Poggetto
A pleasant countryside retreat in a hilly area, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, with comfortable rooms for a few days of total relaxation. The kitchen features dishes made with the farm’s own produce, seasonal, and prepared with attention to health – both in selecting ingredients and in cooking methods (there are actual “wellness menus”). Rustic, comfortable dining room and summer outdoor area. Booking recommended.
Al Poggetto – Santa Cristina Gela (PA) – via Spagna, 3 – 091 8570213 – alpoggetto.it
A Rametta
Located in the heart of the Madonie Park, in the typical landscape of the Palermo countryside, among prickly pears and dry stone walls. The property is a farmhouse in a typical rural style with spacious common areas, comfortable rooms, and a magnificent outdoor space. Meals feature traditional peasant recipes, with homemade bread and pasta, vegetables from the garden, local meats, cured meats and cheeses. The location is also ideal for green excursions and local tours.
A Rametta – Castelbuono (PA) – c.da Rametta – 0921 672837 – arametta.it
San Leonardello
This lovely organic farmhouse is run by women and surrounded by greenery, just 3 km from the sea, in a strategic location. The hosts are warm and attentive, offering various types of accommodation in restored old farmhouses – all with private entrance, well-furnished, quiet and comfortable. Breakfast features mainly the farm’s own products, especially citrus fruits and fresh produce; dinner (by prior booking only) is a rich fixed menu. On-site: parking, children's play area, equipped pool, bike rental, free Wi-Fi, and the chance to buy jams, preserves, citrus fruits, liqueurs and herbs. Cooking classes are also offered.
San Leonardello – Giarre (CT) – via Madonna della Libertà, 165 – 095 964020 – sanleonardello.it
Torre Tabia
A 15th-century historic home, restored a few years ago by the Termine family, who still manage it. The setting is magnificent, between the countryside of Sciacca and the sea (Porto Palo beach is just a few kilometres away). The rooms are beautifully cared for, there’s also a large pool, and an excellent in-house restaurant that uses only ultra-local ingredients – often from their own farm: seasonal vegetables, ultra-fresh fish, homemade bread and fresh pasta.
Torre Tabia – Sciacca (AG) – c.da San Marco – Ragana – 349 8426026 – agriturismotorretabia.it
Agriturismo Vultaggio
Set in the countryside around Trapani, the Vultaggio family’s agrirelais is the ideal place to enjoy the best traditional cuisine, along with excellent pizzas and local wines. Wheat, extra virgin olive oil and vegetables are all grown on-site. Among the rich starters: uovo alla matalotta, caponata, Vastedda del Belice chips, tripe with cheese, boiled mutton and snails “ca muddica”. Follow up with busiate with stewed mutton and Trapani-style larded rabbit. Impressive wine and beer list. Outdoor area with panoramic view, relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Agriturismo Vultaggio – Misiliscemi (TP) – fraz. Guarrato – c.da Misiliscemi, 4 – 0923 864261 – agriturismovultaggio.it
Cover photo: Masseria La Chiusa