news and special offers

Hotel Il Podere

This four star hotel has been very recently renovated from a late 19th century farmhouse. The hotel is situated in a rural location close to the river Ciane but within a few kilometres of the main town of Siracusa and the sandy beaches of Arenella and Fontane Bianche. Catania airport is approximately one hour’s drive away. The hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, reading room, tea room, swimming pool, heath and beauty spa and private parking. 

The hotel is offering a special discount for bookings between 21 June and 31 July 2009.

discounted rates

Double rooms B&B - usual rate €158 per per night / discounted rate €115 per night.

Triple room B&B - usual rate €193 per per week / discounted rate €144 per night.

If you are interested in this promotion then please speak to one of our travel consultants regarding availability.

Villa Gioia

This elegant villa is located on the North East Coast of Sicily and boasts a fantastic sea view with the Aeolian Islands as a backdrop. The villa is split into two - the main part offers a large lounge, 3 bedrooms, a kitchen and 2 bathrooms. The smaller part of the villa offers a lounge/kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. Catania airport is approximately 90 minutes drive from the villa whilst Palermo airport is a little over two hours.

July bookings

usual rate €3500 per per night / discounted rate €2500 per night.

September bookings (5 - 12 Sep, 12 - 19 Sep, 19 - 26 Sep)

usual rate €2500  per per night / discounted rate €2250 per night.

If you are interested in this promotion then please speak to one of our travel consultants regarding availability.

Villa Caucana

This charming villa is located between the small town of Santa Croce Camerina and the beaches at Punta Secca within the province of Ragusa.

The property features many of the original characteristics of the period farmhouse from which it was created and offers a lounge, a kitchen-diner,

two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large garden with private swimming pool. Catania airport is approximately 2 hours drive away.

13 June 2009 (7 nights) - usual rate €1285 per week / discounted rate €1030 per week 

Antico Feudo San Giorgio is set in a stunning, tranquil, rural setting within the hills of ˝Le Madonie˝ in the province of Palermo. The building orginates from the 19th century and has been completely renovated and restructured. The farm offers s/c apartments, suites and double rooms. The communal areas include a swimming pool, lounge and bar area, internal courtyard, restaurant and a small childrens farm area.

The farmhouse are offering a special discount for July bookings in which the accommodation is being offered at the Off Peak rate.

example of discounted rates

Double rooms B&B - usual rate €100 per per night / discounted rate €80 per night.

Suite for 2 guests B&B - usual rate €770 per per week / discounted rate €550 per week.

Large Suite for 4 guests B&B - usual rate €1050 per per week / discounted rate €700 per week.

Largest Suite for 6 guests B&B - usual rate €1150 per week / discounted rate €750 per week

Self catering apartments for 4 guests - usual rate €1100 per week /  discounted rate €750 per week

If you are interested in this promotion then please speak to one of our travel consultants regarding availability.

This unique residence has been delightfully converted from an ancient palazzo that has been completely renovated whilst maintaining many of its medieval features. The charm and character of the communal areas of this residence are apparent from the moment you enter.  The residence offers self catering

apartments and includes a breakfast room, bar and a communal lounge area, which are open to guests during the reception hours.

Special Offer for June Bookings

(bookings of 7 nights or more)

s/c apartment for 2 guests B&B usual rate €110 per  night / discounted rate €100 per night

s/c apartment for 3 guests B&B usual rate €145 per  night / discounted rate €130 per night

s/c apartment for 4 guests B&B usual rate €170 per  night / discounted rate €150 per night

La Scogliera

La Scogliera is a lovely property which overlooks the sea in the coastal resort of Plemmirio. It is only 12km from the main town of Siracusa and one hour’s drive from Catania airport. It offers a lounge/kitchen/diner, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a further separate, independent unit with a small kitchen/diner, a double bedroom and a bathroom. The shaded veranda and paved garden area provide stunning sea views and also direct access to the sea.

Apartment Caterina

This delightful apartment is located in the heart of Taormina, can accommodate up to four guests and offers a double bedroom, two bathrooms, a lounge-diner and a kitchen. A balcony provides outside space and offers stunning views of the town and the Ionian Sea. Catania airport is approximately 40 minutes drive from the accommodation.

Mid Season (Jun & Sep) usual rate €945 per week / discounted rate €895 per week 
Peak Season (Jul & Aug) - usual rate €1100 per week / discounted rate €1000 per week 

Villa Mediterranea

This is a standard but comfortable property, set in the countryside near the town of Floridia, within the Province of Siracusa. The main part of the villa includes two large lounges, a dining area, a kitchen, three bedrooms and two bathrooms whilst a separate unit offers a bedroom and a bathroom. The villa also has a large swimming pool, shaded verandas and a large garden. Catania airport is approximately 1 hours drive away.

6 June 2009 (7 nights) usual rate €1365 per week / discounted rate €1295 per week 

13 June 2009  (7 nights) usual rate €1365 per week / discounted rate €1295 per week 

Villa Fabiana 
Villa Fabiana has a quiet rural setting and offers a large swimming pool and garden along with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a lounge/diner with kitchen and a further external kitchen area. The villa is located near the town of Floridia, approximately 15km from the main city of Siracusa and the beaches at Fontane Bianche. The airport at Catania is approximately an hour’s drive away.

Villa Pindaro

This spacious three bedroom, two bathroom villa has a hill-side location just outside of the town of Solarino in the Province of Siracusa, so offers wonderful views. The villa is set out on two floors and is surrounded by a large garden with private swimming pool and panoramic views extending to Siracusa and the coast. Catania airport is a 1 hour drive away whilst Palermo is approximately 3 hours drive.

14 June 2009 (7 nights) usual rate €1565 per week / discounted rate €1400 per week 

21 June 2009 (7 nights) - usual rate €1565 per week / discounted rate €1450 per week 

28 June 2009 (7 nights) - usual rate €1565 per week / discounted rate €1450 per week 

If you are interested in this promotion then please speak to one of our travel consultants regarding availability.

Agriturismo Casalicchio has a rural setting in the Province of Agrigento and overlooking the valley of the River Plantani. Cottages are available on a s/c basis or B&B basis for nightly or weekly bookings. Facilities at the farmhouse include two communal lounge areas, a reading room, a dining room, swimming pool, tennis court, children’s play area, bowling green, table-top football, archery, sauna, jacuzzi and bicycles for guests to use.

Cottages (studios and one bedroom) B&B
usual rate €55 per person, per night / discounted rate €40 per person, per night.

Cottages - self catering
Orchidea (1 bedroom cottage) usual rate €900 per week / discounted rate €750 per week.
Ginestra (2 bedroom cottage) usual rate €1200 per week / discounted rate €950  per week.
Fresia (3 bedroom cottage) usual rate €1800 per week / discounted rate €1500 per week.

If you are interested in this promotion then please speak to one of our travel consultants regarding availability.

Villa de Leva is an old 19th century Sicilian mansion located on the outskirts of the baroque town of Modica. Within the courtyard of the old mansion there are three independent lodges that provide self-catering accommodation. The lodges all benefit from the use of the mature garden with swimming pool, as well as the main courtyard.

June - usual rate €645 per week / discounted rate €410 per week
July (1-11)  - usual rate €825 per week / discounted rate €550 per week
September - usual rate €645 per week / discounted rate €550 per week

These rates are quoted based on 2 guests sharing a lodge.

If you are interested in this promotion then please speak to one of our travel consultants

Open Sicily can now offer a self catering option in the picturesque resort of Scopello in the Province of Trapani. 

Case del Baglio is located on the outskirts of Scopello and offers two bedroom apartments along with a private veranda. The accommodation is within two minutes walk from a sandy beach and also convenient for the Zingaro National Reserve, so ideal for couples or families.

The accommodation is ideally located for clients flying into either Palermo or Trapani airports - both of which are under an hour's drive away.

If you require confirmation of availability and pricing for Case del Baglio then please either submit an online availability request or contact an Open Sicily Travel Consultant on 0800 083 9108, or if dialing from outside the UK, +44 208 144 9812.

Open Sicily can offer two self catering options in the popular beach resort of Cefalu , which as located approximately an hour's drive from Palermo airport.

Palazzo Santa Maria is located in the heart of the town, overlooking one of the principle piazza's and offers one bedroom apartments along with a private balcony and a communal roof terrace. The accommodation is also within walking distance of the sandy beach.

Residence Santa Barbara is located towards the outskirts of the town and offers one, two & three bedroom apartments, ideal for couples or families. All of the apartments offer a private terrace or balcony, many include sea views and there is also a communal swimming pool.

If you require confirmation of availability and pricing for either of these Cefalu options, then please either submit an online availability request or contact an Open Sicily Travel Consultant on 0800 083 9108, or if dialing from outside the UK, +44 208 144 9812.

When Doug McKinlay of the The Times wanted to visit Sicily he turned to Open Sicily to assist him with choosing suitable accommodation.

Doug wanted to stay in traditional Sicilian accommodation so choose various options from our  Sicily farmhouse section. These included Baglio Fontana in Trapani Province, Baglio San Vincenzo in Agrigento Province & Sant’ Agata in Palermo Province.

If you want to read the details of Doug's trip to Sicily in full then click on the following link . . . . . .  Sicily’s Mafia lands turned over to tourism

If you would like Open Sicily to help you organise a similiar holiday, then contact us on 0800 083 9108 or review our Farmhouse accommodation on the Open Sicily website.

Air Malta will be increasing the number of direct flights between London Gatwick and Catania airport to five flights a week. This is with the addition of a Friday service which commences from 4th April 2008.

Please refer to www.airmalta.com for details of availability and pricing or contact Air Malta on 0845 345 6045.

A new Ryanair flight has launched between Birmingham and Trapani airport. This service offers twice weekly flights departing on Wednesdays and Sundays. Commencing 2 July 2008.

www.ryanair.com

Open Sicily are delighted to announce that they are now recognised members of ABTOI.

ABTOI (the Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy) was founded in January 2005 and is supported by the Italian tourist board.

The aim of the association is to raise the profile of Italy as a holiday destination amongst the British public by offering them a “one-stop shop” for all their holiday needs where they can not only learn more about the country but also about the different companies that arrange holidays there.

Siracusa and the Necropolis of Pantalica
These two new sites have now been added to the UNESCO World Heritage listing.  In a ceremony held in Siracusa, the president of the Italian Republic, Carlo Ciampi presented the City with a UNESCO parchment declaring Siracusa and Pantalica as World Heritage Sites.Pantalica, the largest necropolis in Europe, is a site of up to 5,000 rupestrian tombs which date back to the XIII century BC.  The archeological zone of Siracusa includes one of the largest ancient Greek theatres outside of Greece.  The two new sites join the existing World Heritage sites in Sicily which include the Temples of Agrigento, Villa Romana di Casale and the 8 baroque town of Val di Noto.

Ryanair have announced that from February 2007 they will be launching a new direct service between Dublin and Trapani airport in Sicily. The service will initially be offered twice a week. For further information and flight details please visit www.ryanair.com.

Sicilian travel guide & map of Sicily Italy
Website containing information about traveling to Sicily.
Website: Travel Map of Sicily

by Alta MacAdam (Author), Sicily Macadam (Author) Comprehensive and detailed book that covers it all. Drawings of the greek temples of Agrigento, Selinute and Segesta. Maps of what the sites would have looked like. Explanations of the dozens of layers of history and conquest that is Sicily's legacy. 319 pages of well layed out information in a region by region basis. Good overview of transporation options and how to get to the more remote sites. Good color map section in the back.

by Ellen Grady (Author)
Revised and extensively updated, Blue Guide Sicily offers an in-depth history of this historically rich destination. Ellen Grady offers a comprehensive overview of Sicily—from what to see and where to eat to detailed analyses of individual museum pieces. Color photographs, maps, floor plans, diagrams.

Click on the links below to view area maps of Sicily with "Google map".

By zooming in or out of the map, you can identify the exact location in Sicily and the surrounding area in detail.

Province of Siracusa
Arenella Avola Belvedere Canicattini Fanusa Fontane Bianche Isola Ortigia Noto Plemmirio

Province of Catania
Adrano Catania San Giovanni La Punta Mascali Milo Zafferana Etnea

Province of Ragusa
Contrada Giubiliana Donnalucata Marina di Ragusa Modica Poggio Ragusa

Province of Messina
Castel di Tusa Letnojanni Pietra Ucria Taormina

Province of Enna
Enna Gigliotto Piazza Armerina

Province of Palermo
Borgo Molara Cefalu' Castelbuono Palermo Piana degli Albanesi Polizzi Generosa Trabia

Province of Trapani
Buseto Palizzolo Castellammare del Golfo Contrada Fontanasalsa Contrada San Consumano Erice Mazzara del Vallo Paceco Pantelleria San Vito Lo Capo Trapani Valderice Xitta

Province of Caltanisetta
Caltanissetta

Province of Agrigento
Agrigento Cammarata Memfi San Leone Valle dei Templi

Egadi islands
Favignana Levanzo Marettimo

Aeolian Islands
Panarea Lipari Salina Stromboli Volcano

Open Sicily can accept payment by credit or debit card including American Express.  Please be aware that for credit card transactions a 2.5% surcharge is levied whereas debit card transactions are free of charge.

Wines of Sicily by Kate Singleton (McRae Books)
For those clients interested in finding out more about Sicilian wines, this is an excellent book with indepth detail and first-hand knowledge. The book is available in Italian and English.

Wines of Sicily website
A website dedicated exclusively to the wines of Sicily. The website offers objective consumer information about Sicilian wines, viticulture and wine-related cuisine.

Visit: www.winesofsicily.info

Circumetnea is a narrow railroad track operating since 1859 that goes around Mount Etna, among the lava trenches and citrus orchard, unravelling all its most peculiar secrets. It is a fascinating way to discover the imposing scenery of Etna and to explore the towns that for centuries have been perched on the slopes of the great volcano.

Your journey can start from one of the two train terminals: Catania Borgo station, located on Via Etna in Catania, or Giarre station, located near the mainline Trenitalia station. This second option is the most convenient solution for travellers coming from Taormina.

The train goes up the slopes of the Etna through a landscape that alternates betweem citrus orchards, olive and prickly pear plantations and the rugged terrain where the tracks go through old lava pour.

The train service operates from Monday to Saturday.

On Sundays you have the option of taking a tour organized by the Etna Wine Route Association. A trip aboard an old 1937 railcar will get you to visit some wineries where you will savour Etna wines and other local products. Departure and journey termination is at Riposto.

Website - Ferrovia Circumetnea

Travellers Information Center - info@circumetnea.it

Every year the last week of May is dedicated to l'infiorata of the city of Noto, an event in which this year is affiliated with the national lottery ( the infiorata lottery of Noto ).

This event Is one of the best events on the Island of Sicily.It came about 20 years ago when Gezanese and Noto artists met and it is right at Genzano in the Province of Rome that this beautiful picturesque Technique is developed.Corrado Nicolaci is the street in which l'infiorata is born, the impact is strong where the church of Montevergini is opposed to the Palace of Prince Nicolaci "Villa dorata" With balconies which have been defined as the most beautiful in the world.

In the street a series of Palaces belonging to the nobility which create a surprising prospective:Modica palace, Giunta palace But it is the actual city of Noto that brings all these things together that creates an architectonic Stage.On Friday the artists are ready to recreate on the ground their designs with flowers which Beforehand are created with pastels and brushes and so the long hard work begins and ends at dawn On Saturday when the artists retire to a worthy rest and the crowd of visitors will admire their Masterpieces till Monday afternoon when it will be destroyed by a parade of children that run on the flowered carpet.

Palermo's famous Teatro Massimo is located in Piazza G Verdi, in the heart of Palermo. It offers visitors to the city the chance to experience classical opera, ballet as well as pop concerts.

For this season's current schedule please refer to:

www.teatromassimo.it or call on (0039) 091 6053111

Skiing on the slopes of Mount Etna - 22 Dec - 21 Mar
Catania
Each slope is in a different district: the northern one ends in Linguaglossa and the southern one leads down to Nicolosi. There are ski lifts on both slopes, with the northern one ascending from 1800-2300 metres and the southern one from 1900-2600 metres

Festival of ricotta  - March
Mussomeli (Province of Caltanissetta).

Festival of ricotta & cheese - April
Vizzini - Province of Siracusa

Bread festival - Easter week
Province of Agrigento

Days of suffering - Easter week - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Province of Caltanissetta
Processions

Devils dance - Easter week  - Sunday
Prizzi - Province of Palermo
Masked men performing the devil's dance

Classic theatre in open-air greek theatre - May
Siracusa & Segesta - Provinces of Siracusa and Trapani 

Egadi week - May
Island of Favignana
Celebration of the traditional "Mattanza" - tuna fishing method

Flower festival - May
Noto - Province of Siracusa
During the Infiorata, amazing floral displays line the streets and squares of the Baroque town of Noto. It's an unforgettable sight.

Tomato festival - 1 May
Scicli - Province of Ragusa

World Festival on the Beach - 11-22 May
Mondello Beach, Palermo - Province of Palermo 
This festival in Sicily, renamed World Festival On The Beach, combines windsurfing, jazz, beach-volleyball, kite surfing and sailing in the unique setting of Mondello Beach near Palermo.

International tennis tournament - June
Province of Palermo

Strawberry and berry festival - June
Province of Catania

The Taormina Internation Film festival -  June (tbc)
Taormina (Province of Messina)
The Taormina International Film Festival takes place in the Palazzo dei Congressi and in Taormina's famous Greek Theatre. It is a competitive film festival screening film previews, independent features, documentaries, shorts and tributes to filmmakers of the past.

Verdura festival - 25 Jun - 10 Aug (tbc)
Teatro Massimo, Palermo - Province of Palermo
Variety is what the Verdura Festival in Palermo's Teatro Massimo is all about. Classical, rock, pop, dance and more are all featured during this summer festival. 2006 line-up includes Joaquín Cortés, Graig David and STOMP.

WOMAD Festifal - July (tbc)
WOMAD returns to Sicily in July with three nights of concerts in the stunning Teatro Antico, or Greek Theatre, of the hilltop town of Taormina. World class bands play with a backdrop of smoking Mount Etna.

Festa di Santa Rosalia - July
Province of Palermo
6 day celebration of the Palermo's patron Saint

Pepper festival - July
Province of Caltanissetta

International Medieval and Renaissance Music week - July
Erice (Province of Trapani)

Festa di San Giuseppe - July
Terrasini (Province of Palermo)
Procession of fishing boats bearing the Saint's statue and fried fish is available for everyone in the main square.

Festa di San Giacomo - 24th & 25th July
Caltagirone (Province of Catania)
The infamous ceramic staircase is decorated with lighted candles

Wheat festival - 1st - 10th August
Gangi (Province of Pallermo)
Games, parades and spectacles

Honey Festival - September/October
Sortino - Province of Siracusa

Bread festival - September
Monterosso Almo - Province of Ragusa

Sausage festival - September
Milena - Province of Caltanissetta

The Couscous Festival - 25-30 September
San Vito Lo Capp - Province of Trapani
Dedicated to North African gastronomy, held on the beautiful seafront of San Vito Lo Capo. Alongside the main event there is a full week of entertainment, including fusion and global music concerts, wine tastings and cultural events.

Grape festival - September
Vallelunga  and Ragusa

Horsemanship cup - September
Parco della Favorita - Province of Palermo

Bellini festival - Opera festival - September
Bellini Opera House, Catania - Province of Catania 

Etna wines - September
Milo - Province of Catania
Local wine exhibition and sales

Peach festival - October
Leonforte - Province of Enna

Extempora  Antiques' fair - October
Province of Palermo

20th Century festival - October
Palermo - Province of Palermo
Festival attracting media, artists, writers and film directors

Ottobrata - local produce fair - October
Zafferana Etnea - Province of Catania
Every sunday in October the main square is filled with stalls selling local produce

Religious music week - November
Monreale - Province of Palermo
Musical event held in a medieval abbey

Handicrafts fair - December
Piazza Politeama - Province of Palermo
Exhibition of Handicrafts from all over the island  

Festa di Santa Lucia - 13th December
Siracusa - Province of Siracusa
The statue of the patron saint of Siracusa is carried in a public procession.

Christmas in Taormina - December / January
Taormina - Province of Messina
Christmas fair with street theatre and gospel music

Morgana festival - January / February
Museo Internazionale delle Marionette - Province of Parlermo
International marionette workshop with plays and exhibits.

Almond festival - February
Agrigento - Province of Agrigento
The arrival of spring is celebrated in the valley of temples.

Carnival - 25-28 February
Sciacca - Province of Agrigento
With its colourful costumes and decorated floats, the carnival in the pretty village of Sciacca is a testimony to Sicily's rich cultural heritage.

Sausage, pastry and trout festival - February
Palazzolo - Province of Siracusa