It’s no secret that one of my favorite destinations in the world is Sicily.
Since moving to the U.K., I’ve been swept away with stories from my Italian friends who have showered me with tales of the tastiest food and southern Italy’s world-famous hospitality.
One such experience that was quite genuinely Sicilian was staying at an authentic farm villa near Syracuse. There has been a massive resurgence of farm-to-table experiences and I’ve encountered one that was low-key yet ultra-charming.
When I think of Sicily I think about living coral hues, subdued mustard gold architecture, lots of embellished wood, deluxe swimming pools and elaborate tiles everywhere. I also think about “Nonna’s cooking”, as the Italians would say. And believe me, I found this all in Agriturismo Villa Cristina just minutes away from the famous Ortygia Island in gorgeous Syracuse.
We entered this fancy farm after the most picturesque drive from city center Syracuse and onto something like a nature reserve. Plenty of other holiday farms surround the area but word on the streets is that Villa Cristina offers an “excellent taste to the best Sicilian specialties” included at full-board stay.
We were greeted by the lovely Cristina who told us narratives of how life was in the farm, which then included horse stables for her kids who loved the sport when they were growing up. This personal narration was filled with delightful reminiscence of what life was in Sicily. Today, she has resplendently transformed her farm into an elegant holiday farm villa for those looking to escape the bustling city life and enjoy a quieter and simpler holiday.
Her beautifying efforts was quite a sumptuous success. Her concept of a fine farm is complete with gratifying in-house gastronomy. Villa Cristina is often times fully booked and bustling with travelers all over the world in search for that authentic Sicilian holiday experience – delightful countryside comfort, luscious food, distinctive wine & sure-fire good times. Prego!
Thanks to Villa Cristina | Traversa Cozzo Pantano, 15, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy | +39 348 512 1829