A Sicily weekend break can be a great opportunity to get to visit the most beautiful villages in Sicily included in the province of Messina. Moving in the Northern part of Sicily, it is possible to enjoy some of the most beautiful villages in Italy, whose history is very fascinating: Montalbano Elicona Sicily, Novara di Sicilia and Castroreale Sicily.
They are characterized by a rural background, where visitors can breathe the pure Sicilian atmosphere, walking in the very quiet narrow streets to experience Sicily off the beaten track. Not many cars, no traffic, no phone signal: just the uncontaminated beauty of unique places to visit in Sicily, that is what you need for an unforgettable Sicily weekend break.
Sicily weekend break: places to visit to discover the authenticity of the most beautiful villages in Italy
Discover Sicily off the beaten track is the perfect way to enjoy the medieval heritage of Montalbano Elicona Sicily. The city center of Montalbano Elicona Sicily turns around the Aragonese Castle, dating back to the XIV century. This monument is well preserved and inside it is possible to visit a collection of ancient weapons and armor. In summertime the inhabitants organize a medieval parade, wearing clothes inspired by medieval fashion and playing medieval music. If you want to explore Sicily off the beaten track, then you should not miss a Sicily weekend break that takes you to the marvelous site of Argimusco, one of the most beautiful places in Sicily.
It is a mysterious place where the natural landscape is dominated by very interesting and huge rock formations. It is said that these ancient rocks formed after the wind and rain erosion for centuries, creating curious shapes like the Eagle, the Monkey, and the Praying Woman. But there are also theories based on astronomical studies that would state that in the past this site was considered to be the “mirror of the stars”: in this case, each rock stands for one of the constellations. From here it seems unexpected to enjoy a great view of Mount Etna, which stands in the South of Argimusco.
Just opposite Montalbano Elicona Sicily, another interesting tiny medieval village is located: Novara di Sicilia. Have you ever visited a mill? It’s not an everyday experience to face an active medieval mill but during a Sicily off-the-beaten track tour you can. Mulino Giorginaro, dating back to the XV century, works thanks to the water of Saint George river. Recently this ancient mill has been restored and put again in function, preserving the authentic and traditional process of flour from Sicilian ancient grains (Russello, Maiorca, Perciasacchi or kamut, Timilia).
Also, Novara di Sicilia is one of the most beautiful village in Sicily. Among the most beautiful villages in Italy, the next village to visit is Castroreale Sicily: its name means “Royal Castle” as in the past there was a fortress (currently we can admire just one of its towers) built at the behest of King Frederick Hohenstaufen. The city center of Castroreale Sicily is characterized by the presence of the Cathedral with rich marble decorations and by the remains of a Jewish quarter.
These most beautiful villages in Sicily stand in the area of Nebrodi Mountains, which is dedicated to the activities of agriculture and farming which are focused to the quality of products and respect for tradition. Visiting a farm, during a Sicily off-the-beaten-track weekend, you can taste local cheese like provola and maiorchino, and salami from Nebrodi Sicilian pork: this will complete your experience in Sicily, making your Sicily weekend break a great time also for your palate.
