Rural Sicily: Development of Rural Areas
A project dedicated to enhancing Sicily’s rural areas, supported by the Sicilian Region and the European Union.
Discover how we are transforming our territory through sustainable and innovative initiatives.
Our Mission
Discovering Rural Sicily is a pioneering project that, for the first time in the island's history, brings together seven Local Action Groups (GAL) in a shared mission: to unveil the authentic soul of rural Sicily. From the majestic Etna to the gentle hills of the Belice Valley, from Baroque gems to the lands of Nisseno, through the evocative Peloritani Mountains to the ancient Greek cradle of the Gulf, our initiative weaves a tapestry of experiences that reveal a different, more intimate, and surprising Sicily.
Sicily is often associated with its most popular tourist destinations, but there is another Sicily waiting to be discovered: a realm of hidden treasures, rich history, and genuine encounters. Our goal is to create a network of unique experiences that allow travelers to explore the island’s more intimate and unexplored side.
Through carefully curated itineraries, visitors can discover the Belice Valley with the haunting Cretto di Burri that embraces the ruins of Gibellina, or explore Southern Etna and the spectacular Alcantara Gorges with their unique basalt formations. In the Nisseno lands, the Castle of Mussomeli clings dramatically to the rock, while the elegant Greek Theatre of Taormina frames views of Mount Etna and the sea. The Valleys of the Gulf guard the ancient Greek colony of Kamarina, the Lands of Aci enchant with the mythical Riviera dei Ciclopi and its sea stacks, while the Baroque Lands shine with Scicli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing refined post-1693 earthquake architecture.
The philosophy of Discovering Rural Sicily is rooted in slow, responsible, and place-based tourism. We believe in a development model that generates shared value, where economic growth goes hand in hand with the preservation of local identity. By supporting micro-enterprises, traditional agro-pastoral practices, and historical crafts, we not only safeguard Sicily's cultural heritage but also create real development opportunities for rural communities.
Thanks to a strategic network of partnerships with institutions, tourism boards, and research centers, Discovering Rural Sicily is redefining the concept of travel in Sicily. Our integrated approach aims to build a sustainable tourism ecosystem, where the authenticity of the experience meets the innovation of the services.
Come and discover the truest Sicily, where every journey becomes a story, every flavor an emotion, and every encounter a bridge between tradition and the future.
We invite curious and mindful travelers to explore this hidden Sicily, where every backroad leads to adventure, every meeting unveils a story, and every moment becomes an unforgettable memory. Welcome to the most authentic side of Sicily, where time slows down so you can savor the true essence of our land.
