SICILY BEYOND IMAGINATION
THE CHARM OF SIMPLICITY
Just a few kilometres away from Ibla, one finds oneself immersed ina different, wilder, more authentic Sicily. The white stone farmhouses, surrounded by dry-stone walls, stand out against the
deep green fields of carob and olive trees. Here, time has a different rhythm: slow, marked by the
seasons and the skilful hands of those who work the land.
For those who want a taste of real rural life, there are unforgettable experiences:
Oil and cheese tastings in localfarms, where the flavour of tradition is mixed with the passion of those who hand it down
Visits to Iblean farms, to discover how ricotta cheese is made (perhaps to be tasted warm, freshly made) or Caciocavallo Ragusano DOP, a symbol of prestige and tradition, a concentrate of typicality, with the aromas of the stables and the warmth of a genuine welcome. Food and wine tours of Sicilian wine cellars, where Nero d’Avola and Cerasuolo di Vittoria tell the story ofthis land in every sip.
THE SEA: SCENES FROM A MOVIE
If the countryside is the ancient soul of this land, the sea is its energy. Less than half an hour from Ibla, the coast opens up into a series of picture-postcard scenery: golden beaches, limestone cliffs, small fishing villages. Marina di Ragusa, with its elegant promenade, is perfect for a sunset aperitif. Punta Secca, with its iconic lighthouse, is the destination for those seeking tranquillity and the scent of saltiness.
And then there is the sea experienced at first hand:
Boat excursions with dinner on board, to discover the coastline to the rhythm of the waves
Snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Sampieri and Donnalucata, among sea caves and colourful seabeds
Lunches in harbour restaurants, where the fish comes directly from the fishing boats and is trans- formed into memorable dishes.
THE BAROQUE CITIES: JEWELS OF STONE
Ibla is only the beginning. A few kilometres away, other baroque towns enchant with their splendour. Modica, with its overlapping churches and unique chocolate, still made according to an ancient Aztec recipe. Scicli, Montalbano’s open-air set, with its aristocratic palaces telling stories of a sumptuous past. Noto, with its scenic main street that, at sunset, lights up with a golden colour impossible to forget.
