Places

A trip to this corner of Sicily is an eclectic experience, in which the sheer beauty of the locations sometimes leaves us lost for words. The Hyblaean area (Italian: Iblei) has an outstandingly beautifularchitectural heritage, reflecting the character of the late Baroque culture so typical of south-eastern Sicily. There is no escaping the beauty of its churches and the splendid town houses featuring anthropomorphic figures that adorn their magnificent balconies: masterpieces which have earned some of these towns the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site.Alongside the Baroque charm, theArt Nouveau façades of historic homes are outstanding, having been described as a “lacework embroidery in stone”, inspiring skilled embroiderers to create their precious filets.

Also fascinating is the archaeological heritage numerous sites hold evidence of an ancient past, some relics even dating back as far as the Greek colonies in the area. Places overflowing with history and charm that have given birth to literary giants such as the poet Salvatore Quasimodo and the writer Gesualdo Bufalino, and have inspired numerous films. In the surroundings, lush vegetation alternates with farmland bordered by dry stone walls, by pastures and Hyblaean farmsteads, olive groves and verdant carob trees, while down at sea level there are whole stretches of unspoilt coastline, where golden dunes make for unforgettable shorelines. This immense variability creates a wonderful backdrop for an amazing holiday.