A journey through Sicily exploring culture, tradition, nature, and history, accompanied by a touch of spirituality.
Today we have planned to visit some places and areas unknown to us, located in the provinces of Caltanissetta and Agrigento. We arrive early in Caltanissetta, where while sitting at a café we are tempted by the delicious look of a fresh mulberry granita ordered at the next table. There, we meet Alice and Irene, our guides for the day, who show us in an unusual way the beauty of the city, through churches, alleys, and the history of a Sicily unknown to us.

The village of Santa Rita and the revived bakery

After a short tour of the city, we get in the car and reach Pierfilippo, who is waiting for us in the village of Santa Rita, not far from Caltanissetta: a small abandoned village where Maurizio, a determined and forward-thinking young man, has brought life back to the old family bakery, continuing traditional baking methods. Everything feels magical and surreal, a ghost village where it is only us and the smell of freshly baked bread in the air, making us, as always, very hungry. While waiting for Maurizio to finish kneading and baking, we walk through the village streets, discovering beautiful corners and breathtaking views. Today the sky has a spectacular color, enhancing even more the golden yellow of the fields.

Bread, friendship, and Salvatore’s donkeys

After a few photos, we return to the bakery to taste excellent bread seasoned with homemade olive oil, olives, and good cheese… delicious!!! Naturally, everything is accompanied by excellent local wine and beer. Enjoying this simple yet genuine food, under the shade of a courtyard tree, and chatting with new friends always feels special. It almost feels like being at home! After lunch, we take a walk under the “pico” sun (midday heat, when it is best to stay in the shade), to reach Salvatore’s donkeys, which he lovingly cares for. Like his father, he is a visionary and determined person.

Aragona and the 19th-century estate

It is time to move on, as our journey is just beginning and many surprises await us! Next stop: Aragona, in the province of Agrigento, where we stay in a beautiful resort surrounded by greenery and nature. A 19th-century farmhouse renovated while preserving its original essence, enriched with antique objects that give it a timeless Sicilian charm. From the moment you enter, you feel at home, among lounges, a reading area, a small spa, seven cozy rooms, a wonderful saltwater pool, and a kitchen that evokes memories of grandparents. Upon arrival, we are welcomed in the kitchen as if we were family, and Maddalena, the cook, offers us coffee and freshly picked figs while preparing dinner. We also chat with Maurizio, the owner, who shows us the resort and tells us stories about the place and the territory. In a nostalgic moment, he calls a friend who, from the other end of the phone, sings a traditional Sicilian song. Truly moving!

The Girgentana goat and dairy excellence

After a short break, we set off again to discover an agricultural farm in Joppolo Giancaxio (Raffadeli), run by a young couple who about 10 years ago, almost by chance, began raising the wonderful Girgentana goat, an endangered breed known for its beauty and high-quality milk, which is now used to produce excellent cheeses. We tour the farm, meet the “queens of the place,” and finish with a tasting of goat cheeses: tuma, robiola, and various aged cheeses produced on site.

Dinner with friends and traditional flavors

We return to the resort for dinner, and sitting at the table with a glass of wine, we chat with Alice and Pierfilippo as if we had known them forever. Pierfilippo tells us anecdotes about the elders of his village and makes us laugh heartily! Dinner is delicious, from battered vegetables as an appetizer, to soup with vegetables and fresh pasta, to rabbit with herbs, and lemon jelly for dessert. To finish, a herbal tea with bay leaf and lemon, commonly called “canarino,” a traditional digestive remedy. Much needed! A few more conversations and then off to bed—another day full of experiences awaits us.

Sant’Angelo Muxaro and local discoveries

We wake up early and, before leaving for new discoveries, enjoy an excellent breakfast prepared especially for us: fig cake, homemade biscuits, fresh fruit, and jams… the perfect energy boost before visiting a small village perched on a mountain, rich in history and timeless atmosphere: Sant’Angelo Muxaro, where Pierfilippo acts as our guide.

Zia Maria’s bakery and secret flavors

Coffee break and we head to Zia Maria’s bakery, a family-run business where everything is made in a wood-fired oven from the 1950s. Maria surprises us when she speaks a few words of English with a perfect British accent. We discover she is originally English when she tells her story and how she ended up here. During our short visit, people keep coming and going. Everyone knows each other and Maria already knows what they will ask for. While talking, she prepares delicious seasoned bread, which we devour in minutes, even though it is still morning, sitting on a bench outside the bakery. We also enjoy a tasting of biscuits with honey and toasted almonds. Delicious! Want the recipe? You’ll have to visit Maria’s bakery—it’s a secret!

Murals, archaeology, and the young shepherd Angelo

We say goodbye and walk through the streets of Sant’Angelo, admiring beautiful and unique murals created by the local youth, then visit the museum with archaeological finds from the area, including necklaces, jugs, and various tools. The highlights are the four golden paterae, symbol of Sant’Angelo, and three heavy gold rings with various engravings, discovered by archaeologist Paolo Orsi in the early 20th century. We then head to the countryside and meet a very young shepherd named Angelo, who tells us about his life while his sheep graze peacefully.

San Biagio Platani and Aldo’s home

After some photos, we continue to San Biagio Platani. We reach Aldo’s home, where he welcomes us warmly. After retiring, he dedicated himself to medicinal plants, animal care, essential oil production, and above all, the care of the soul. Here time seems to stand still: nature, genuine food, and a table set under a shelter create a truly unique and authentic experience.

Drum circle and shepherd’s dinner

The day ends with a musical and social experience: the “Drum Circle”, a collective music-making session with tambourines, djembes, and various instruments. This is followed by a rich shepherd’s dinner with local products and the traditional dessert “battaglione.” A magical evening full of emotions and sharing.

Conclusion of the journey in Sicily

Satisfied with the new experiences lived and the wonderful people met, we say goodbye to everyone who accompanied us through these two intense days discovering yet another piece of our Sicily. Tomorrow we head home!

But we are ready for a new experience … and you?