UNDISCOVERED WESTERN SICILY
Do you know which area of Sicily today is the least explored and just waiting to be discovered?
This is a different Sicily,
far from the Baroque and the Liberty stile,
still very authentic, almost raw.
Needless to say, we invite you to stay and indulge for a few days.
After all the rural retreat we especially love in this region takes its name from the Arabic word for a place of stay, a stopping point on a journey.
Speaking of the Arabs, they started here their conquer to Sicily, the nearby town of Mazara looks very much like an Arabic medina and cous cous is a local specialty.
So, let’s start with day 1
DAY 1 – MOZIA, MARSALA WINE & THE SALT PANS AT SUNSET
This morning the typical “imbarcadero” boat will take you in 10 minutes to the Phoenician tiny island of Mozia, the world’s best preserved Phoenician site to see the private collection of the archaeologist Joseph Whitaker, whose family made a fortune producing Marsala wine.
This a charming story of archaeology and English merchants and entrepreneurs: in 1773, John Woodhouse landed at the port of Marsala and discovered a local wine which tasted similar to Madeira and Port wines then very popular in England. But how could he get the wine to England without it going bad and lasting long ocean voyages? He added alcohol and … Marsala fortified wine was born.
You are indeed in the Marsala DOC area and will visit one the most interesting wineries producing Marsala – which by the way it’s not just a wine for escalops!
This afternoon, explore further the historic via del sale (salt road), where gleaming salt pans, traditional windmills, and tile-covered salt mounds create a one-of-a-kind coastal landscape.
The salt pans still function as they have for centuries and a guided walk through the salt pans at sunset followed by aperitivo maybe at Saline Genna is pure magic.
If you happen to be here during the salt-harvesting season,
you can join the salt workers and become a salinaro for a day!
DAY 2 – CRETTO DI BURRI E THE DANCING SATYR OF MAZARA DEL VALLO
Far from the crowds and tourist hotspots,
today’s tour takes you into the heart of one of Sicily’s most moving and least-known places,
where contemporary art rises from the ruins of history.
After the devastating 1968 earthquake in the Belice Valley, the town of Gibellina was left in ruins.
Instead of rebuilding on the same site, the town was relocated and reimagined as an open-air museum of modern art. Visionary artists and architects—including Arnaldo Pomodoro, Mimmo Paladino, and Carla Accardi—transformed the new Gibellina into a visionary open-air museum of contemporary art, unlike anything else in Italy.
The highlight of the tour is the Cretto di Burri, a monumental land artwork by Alberto Burri. Spanning over 80,00 square meters, the artist poured white concrete over the ruins of old Gibellina, preserving the street plan of the destroyed town in a vast, cracked labyrinth. Walking through its silent corridors is like stepping into a living monument—an unforgettable tribute to loss, resilience, and artistic vision.
It’s a powerful place—still unknown to most travelers.
DAY 3 – ERICE AND SEGESTA
Your first stop today is Segesta to admire its Temple magnificently standing alone on the top of a hill and the ancient theatre overlooking an unspoilt countryside. A unique setting!
Continue to Erice, a wonderfully preserved hilltop Mediaeval town, offering breathtaking views on the Egadi Islands from its Venus Castle dating back from the Norman period, 12th century. Erice is home to the historic Maria Grammatico’s pastry shop, the legendary pastry chef featured by Mary Taylor Simeti in the book Bitter Almonds.
DAY 4 – THE EGADI ISLANDS
You’ve been watching them from afar since your arrival, at every sunset,
and today, you set off for the Egadi islands.
Think 3 small islands for locals and long-stay regulars surrounded by a protected marine reserve.
From these islands, as well as from the Aeolian Islands, many fishermen set out in the 1950s and went on to make their fortunes in America and Australia.
Your home in Favignana will be a small chic hotel with stunning sea views and stylish rooms converted from restored fishermen’s cottages.
Our go-to spots for aperitivo and dinner are Camparia and Osteria Sotto Sale
DAY 5 – TIME TO HOP ON A BOAT AND EXPLORE THOSE TURQUOISE WATERS
It’s no secret that a wonderful way to experience the islands is by boat. Enjoy a skippered speedboat to discover Favignana’s pristine bays and swimming in the turquoise waters of Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra and Bue Marino.
After a day by the sea set out on a afternoon bike tour and take in the beautiful scenery. The island being mostly flat, cycling is the most popular way to get around the island.
Head to the Stabilimento Florio to see a trove of amphorae and rostrums and get a real sense of the fascinating history of the local “mattanza”. An ancient method of catching giant bluefin tuna during their spring migration from the west coast of Africa, la mattanza was carried out in Favignana until 2007. Rich in marine life and with a number of remains and shipwrecks, these turquoise waters were the theatre of one of the most legendary battles in the history. The final battle of the first Punic War was fought here in 241 BC and many artifacts still lie on the seabed.
DAY 6 – LEVANZO & MARETTIMO
On day 6 you’ll sail out to the little picture-postcard island of Levanzo.
After snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters and grabbing an ice cream by the dock, you’ll step back in time at the Cava del Genovese, home to graffiti and rock paintings from the Paleolithic era.
Or ask your captain to sail off to Marettimo and its dramatic coastline. Named the Dolomites in the sea, and sharing the same rock as the famous Italian mountains, Marettimo has precipitous dolomitic cliffs plunging into the sea and several spectacular grottos to swim in.
Almost untouched by tourism, this fishermen’s island is an authentic hideway. Make your way to the Bar Tramontana for a granita and lunch on a menu dictated by what the fishermen have found in their nets. Don’t miss the lobster soup if available.
DAY 7 – BACK TO SICILY MAINLAND
For more information and to book this exclusive tour, please email us at info@sicilianjourneys.it