Villa Il Mirto

The seaside resort of Mazzaforno is only 3 kilometres from the well-known Cefalù. The coastal coast of Mazzaforno is characterized by a perfect mix of sea, mountains, sand and rocks. You can reach the turquoise and crystalline waters of this town via the State Road 113 towards Palermo, following the signs for Mazzaforno.

Castelbuono is one of the most beautiful villages on the island, thanks to its strategic location and the perfect combination of art and nature. Of Byzantine origin, it has countless priceless historical buildings. Strolling through the streets of the centre, one can see the different types of architecture linked to the change of ethnic groups, and the emerging talent of young artists is highly valued by dedicating special galleries to them. The central square is dominated by the large Old Matrix Church, with its Gothic bell tower, a place of great curiosity. Rising inland and being part of the Madonie Park, the surrounding nature makes the air fresh and pleasant and offers a great quality of life.

On Mount Barone, with Mount Etna in front, stands Gangi; one of Sicily’s award-winning medieval villages. It is marvellous for the art that rises from its stones and for the narrow streets of the centre enriched by splendid houses with their flowered balconies, a remarkable number of churches and extraordinary historical palaces. Being immersed in nature, it is possible to enjoy it by taking long horseback rides, trekking and excursions to discover a wide variety of fauna and flora.

The Madonie park is one of Sicily’s most important historical, cultural and natural heritage sites. Its rocky impact, in contrast to the coastal strip, makes this place unique and allows countless species of fauna and flora to live in protection in a continuous evolution. Even among the highest peaks, there are ancient monasteries, ruins and evidence of dwellings dating back to prehistoric times. This geo park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are various activities to be enjoyed, such as excursions to the Tiberio gorges, walks to sanctuaries and assisted trekking.

At about 90km from Palermo, you can reach Pollina, a historic and picturesque village located inside the park of Madonie at about 750m of altitude. By going to Pollina, you’ll be able to breathe the pristine air. You will also enjoy a breathtaking panorama rendered unique by the mix of the green forest of the Madonie and the blue sea. Finally, Finale di Pollina is famous for its immense beaches, situated a few km away from Pollina.

Located at the foot of the Madonie Park, in the Province of Palermo, are two atypical villages according to Sicilian tourist traditions: Petralia Soprana and Petralia Sottana; mountainous and picturesque villages.Visitable in one day, they offer sensational, bucolic landscapes with numerous pastures. The buildings made entirely of stone, the countless historic churches and the typical narrow streets make these places unique. Having undergone several dominations including Roman, Byzantine, Islamic and Norman, they present a curious and unique aspect of history.