Sicily: Rural destinations from Palermo
Alto Belice Corleonese, Monti Sicani
Valle del Torto and del Sosio

Alto Belice Corleonese, Monti Sicani, Valle del Torto and del Sosio

This area covers a large part of the territory (43 Communes) of the Palermitan hinterland. Most of the land is given over to agriculture but there are also a great many natural reserves including Bosco di Ficuzza ( Godrano), Monte Genuardo, S.M. del Bosco Grotta di Entella (Contessa Entellina and Giuliana, Monti di Palazzo Adriano e Valle del Sosio (Palazzo Adriano; Chiusa Sclafani) to name just a few. Here are also several greatly interesting archaeological areas and prehistoric sites which add to the attraction of destinations such as:

Other buildings of historic, architectonic and ethno-anthropological interest include fortified country houses, hamlets, chapels, paper mills, windmills, bridges and drinking troughs, all of which, alongside the archaeological and prehistoric sites, are a fully integral part of the territory and highly representative of the area’s history.

An essential characteristic of this area is its rural identity, not only thanks to the presence of specific crops (vines and olive trees..) but also, and more often, of vast areas of cereal and grain cultivations (ex large landed estates).

Of particular interest are the Byzantine religious festivals for Epiphany and Easter, though ordinary weddings and christenings are also worth witnessing. These towns also specialise in the production of religious icons, hand-made jewellery and traditional female costumes.

This area of the Province of Palermo can be visited in all periods of the year though it is arguably at its best in Spring or Autumn. It particularly attracts visitors looking for a relaxing holiday immersed in nature, those who like outdoor sports or those whose passion is to investigate gastronomic delights.

Typical produce
D.O.C. Wine - Monreale, Alcamo and Contessa Entellina
Cheeses, fruit and vegetables, olive oil, honey, bread and sweetcakes (in particular we recommend the Cannoli of Piana degli Albanesi).

Courtesy of AAIPT Provincia di Palermo, Palermo Official Tourist Board www.aapit.pa.it