Inspiration

Our favourite agriturismi hidden in Sicily’s bountiful and beautiful countryside

Guest Expert

5 min read

Beyond Sicily’s baroque towns and beaches, a quieter side of the island unfolds in the countryside, where citrus groves, olive farms and vineyards stretch towards the sea. Here, traditional agriturismi offer a chance to experience rural Sicilian life at what is arguably its most authentic. Think breakfast and lunches made with homegrown ingredients, afternoons floating in the pool or taking part in cooking classes, and long evenings spent around the dining table. From a historic olive mill to a family-run organic farm, these are four of our favourite agriturismi in Sicily, each offering a warm welcome and a taste of rural island life.

Tagged with:

First published in December 2022. Last updated November 2026.

A quick guide to our favourite Sicilian agriturismi

Baglio Occhipinti, Vittoria: Best for beautiful organic gardens, memorable food and wine, and sociable dinners in a historic winery.
Agriturismo La Casa di Melo, near Siracusa: Best for organic vegetarian cooking, citrus-scented gardens and switching off beside the pool.
Masseria Quartarella, near Modica: Best for authentic farm life, generous breakfasts of local produce and warm family hospitality.
Casa Migliaca, near Pettineo: Best for historic olive mill character, home cooked Sicilian feasts and getting involved in the autumn olive harvest.

1. Baglio Occhipinti, Ragusa

This 19th-century winery in Vittoria is on a farm in one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions, with views stretching towards Mount Etna on one side and the sea on the other. Food and wine are very much part of the experience here. Fausta and her family bring genuine passion to the table, serving homemade jams at breakfast, delicious seasonal dishes at dinner and beautiful local wines.

Dinners might be enjoyed in the garden, beside the pool or around a sociable table in the old Palmento, weather depending. You can also book a cookery class to learn some traditional Sicilian skills. Spend your days exploring the baroque town of Vittoria and nearby beaches, or simply relax at the farm. It’s a warm, welcoming place for food lovers, wine enthusiasts and families alike.

What our guests say: “Wonderful food, wine, hospitality and the chance to meet like-minded, interesting guests. Fausta and her family have created a beautifully designed, yet relaxing environment. There are lots of sites and beaches to visit within easy driving distance. This is high on my list for a return visit. Thank you.” – Sally, Bristol

View place >

2. Agriturismo La Casa di Melo, Siracusa

The heady smell of orange blossom on a warm breeze greets you at Lorenzo’s organic farm, where he and his wife live with five adopted dogs. Laid-back Lorenzo has created an alluring retreat with an appeal that comes from artfully combining old and new, with exposed stone walls, arched windows with shutters, and vintage painted furniture, all complemented by smart modern bathrooms.

Breakfasts (and dinner) are organic and vegetarian with lots of farm produce, from freshly baked bread to homemade juice and jams. Shops and restaurants are just a couple of miles down the road, Siracusa is within easy distance, bikes can be hired or stay put and soak up hazy views of the Hyblaean mountains, while you lay by the large pool surrounded by citrus trees.

What our guests have to say: “Lorenzo and Chiara were superb hosts. The food was a treat…vegetarian might sound challenging but with the flavours of the Sicilian country menu it was a joy. Lorenzo’s enthusiasm for Sicilian organic wines meant that we were treated to a whole new perspective on wines of that region. We certainly hope to return to this beautiful place.” – Jeremy, Salisbury

View place >

3. Casa Migliaca, Messina

This 400-year-old farmhouse sits on a 30-acre lemon and olive farm, run by a family with generations of stories to share and who offer a lovely way to experience traditional Sicilian country life. The food here is a highlight. Enza prepares generous Sicilian meals inspired by family recipes, using veg, fruit and herbs from the farm. Breakfasts are equally lovely, with breads, homemade cakes, fruit and cheese served around the kitchen table or outside in the garden.

This is a working farm, producing lemons and olive oil, and if you visit in the second half of October you can join the olive harvest, taking home a share of the oil in proportion the olives you pick. There are hiking routes nearby, the sea is a short drive away and you can even arrange Italian language lessons during your stay.

What our guests say: “We stayed with my parents for three nights but I could have spent much longer here. The dinners are amazing – sitting around a circular table with other guests, meeting people from all over the world and eating sensational Sicilian food. For what you get, this place is great value and Luca, the host, is lovely. You know it’s good as people come back year after year.” – Martha, Abergavenny

View place >

4. Masseria Quartarella, Ragusa

Just 4km from Modica, this authentic working farm is a little slice of rural Sicilian life. Wild flowers and roaming hens surround the farmhouse, where four bedrooms each have their own outdoor space. Indoors, a cosy beamed sitting room with a fireplace, games and a long communal table make it a great space all year round. Breakfast is a particular treat here.

Francesco lays out quite the spread, with fresh ricotta, local pecorino and canestrato cheeses, eggs from the farm’s own hens, freshly baked bread and seasonal fruit. He’s also very handy when it comes to local recommendations, and loves pointing guests in the direction of the not-so-obvious attractions in the area, guiding you to scenic walks, restaurants and local artisans you might not have found otherwise.

What our guests say: “Francesco and Francesca are the ultimate hosts- gentle, kind and generous. Masseria Quatarella is a piece of paradise just outside of beautiful Modica. If you want an authentic experience of Sicilian hospitality this is the place for you.” – Jo, Roseville

View place >

Discover the pleasures of a Sicilian farm stay

Whether you’re joining an olive harvest, learning to cook with ingredients from the garden or bonding with your hosts over breakfast, an agriturismo is a different way to discover the best of Sicily.

These are places where the landscape and the people who care for it are as much a part of your stay as the accommodation itself. Spend your days wandering between historic towns, exploring the coast or simply enjoying the slower pace of the countryside. Whichever corner of the island you choose, you’ll find a warm welcome and plenty of reasons to stay put for a little longer.

Browse our Agriturismo holidays >

Sicilian agriturismo FAQs

What is an agriturismo in Sicily?

An agriturismo is a farm stay, usually a family-run property on an agricultural estate. In Sicily, these might be working olive farms, citrus groves, vineyards or rural estates growing their own fruit and vegetables. Many offer rooms or B&B accommodation alongside home-cooked meals made with local produce, giving guests a chance to experience a more traditional side of Sicilian life.

When is the best time to stay at an agriturismo in Sicily?

Spring and autumn are particularly lovely for a Sicilian farm stay. Spring brings wild flowers, citrus blossom and comfortable temperatures for walking and exploring, while autumn is harvest season, when vineyards and olive groves are at their busiest. October is especially appealing if you’d like to experience the olive harvest. Summer is wonderful for long, sunny days and time by the pool, although temperatures can be high.

What can you do during an agriturismo holiday in Sicily?

Much of the pleasure lies in slowing down and enjoying the farm itself. Depending on where you stay, you might join an olive harvest, take a cooking class, language class, sample home-produced olive oil and wine, or enjoy meals made with ingredients grown on the estate. Many agriturismi also make lovely bases for exploring Sicily’s historic towns, countryside walking routes and beaches.

Want more travel inspiration? Get our email updates direct to your inbox.

Carmen McCormack

Guest Expert

Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.

View more articles by this author