Bagheria, a town near Palermo, is creating a brand built on its beautiful villas and the flavours of its cuisine.

A brand to highlight villas and gastronomic excellence

At the Bagheria stand at Palermo’s recent Borsa del Turismo Extralberghiero (Extra-Hotel Tourism Exchange) tourism councillor Francesco Gurraddo explained the vision behind the city’s evolving identity. “We created the “Bagheria, Città delle Ville e del Gusto” (Bagheria City of Villas and Flavour) brand to highlight the beauty of our 18th-century villas and the strong connection with our gastronomic excellence.” 

Michelin chefs, cultural and natural attractions

Bagheria is proud to have two Michelin-starred chefs, alongside a deeply rooted local cuisine that is increasingly admired across Italy and by visitors. “We hope to win over tourists through taste,” Gurraddo says.  Beyond gastronomy, Bagheria is investing heavily in cultural and natural attractions. “We are focusing on promoting our landscapes, our natural heritage and the beauty of our villas.”  

A museum showcasing the anchovy

Bagheria has over 25 historic villas, four of which are municipal properties. Villa Cattolica houses the famous Guttuso Museum, while Palazzo Butera, dating back to 1658, and Palazzo Certosa, which is home to the Wax and Toy Museum, add to our cultural offer. Another unique villa is Villa Valguarnera di Trabia in Aspra which has the Anchovy Museum. “Michelangelo Balistreri brings this museum to life, welcoming visitors from all over the world,” says the councillor.

A rising wedding destination

Bagheria’s historic villas also attract couples seeking a special setting for their wedding. “We are working on expanding this segment, and several villas are already hosting important wedding events,” says Gurraddo. 

Sicilian Baroque’s renaissance is experiencing strong global growth, propelled by a coordinated strategy and an expanded set of destination-marketing tools.

“We are seeing clear growth in international tourism”

“Sicilian Baroque is sailing full speed ahead. We have completed a wide range of key destination-marketing products, and we are very satisfied with the results. The next step is to involve all territorial stakeholders in a meaningful and structured way,” says Christian del Bono, President of the DMO Barocco Siciliano. Tourism linked to Sicily’s five iconic Baroque towns continues to expand in major international markets. “We are seeing clear growth; Germany and France are the two top markets, followed by the United States.”

Investing in advanced technology 

Strengthened air connectivity has further supported demand as del Bono explains: “New direct flights to the island’s main airports are helping us attract long-haul travelers, especially from the United States and emerging regions.” South America is one of the most promising new markets. he adds, “although the numbers are still modest, it has great potential, as do Austria and Switzerland.” The DMO is investing in advanced technology.“We have created AI-guided visitor tools, storytelling podcasts and information points across the five municipalities,” and it has also strengthened its visibility with press trips, trade workshops, and participation in major international tourism fairs like Munich, Berlin and London. 

The islands: Sicily’s most precious treasures

Sicily’s islands remain among the region’s most valuable assets. Seasonal, and logistically challenging, they are exceptionally rich in natural and cultural heritage “Operating on the islands is demanding due to their isolation and seasonality, but the wealth of natural and cultural attractions is extraordinary.”  The islands have marine protected areas, like Ustica which is the largest in Europe, Pantelleria and the Eolian islands which are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as an outstanding concentration of archaeological and natural treasures spanning more than 7,000 years.” 

Baglio Oneto is the story of how one family’s dream became a luxury wine resort.    

An old family farmhouse transformed into a luxury resort

It all began with Sabina Oneto, who wanted to breathe new life into the house where, as a child, she used to spend her holidays with her grandmother, “amidst the scents of tomato sauce cooking in the courtyard, the rooster crowing at dawn and games by the light of oil lamps.” It was there that Sabina learnt about rural customs and traditions as well as the flavours and smells of Sicilian cuisine, dreams that she carried with her into adulthood. It was her husband, Elio Palmeri, an architect who made that dream come true, by rebuilding the old rural complex of 16th and 17th-century fortified farmhouses typical of western Sicily and with landowners' dwellings, stables, cellars and warehouses, as it once had been, respecting the historical structure but adapting it to modern architectural and construction needs. “We wanted the baglio to remain the heart of the estate, a jewel set amidst architecture that enhances its beauty without betraying its soul,” says Elio.

The family is still involved in running the estate

Here, within the walls of Baglio Oneto, Sabina and Elio’s children Anna and Gabriele grew up, and today they run the resort with passion: Anna at reception and Gabriele, who is an oenologist, who looks after the food and beverage. “We felt the need to share with the world not only the history of our family, whose roots go back to the 13th century, but also the beauty and richness of this part of Sicily,” explains Sabina. So, in the 1990s, the family opened a small bed and breakfast that, over the years, became the Baglio Oneto dei Principi di San Lorenzo – Luxury Wine Resort.

The Torre Merlata houses a two-level suite

In addition to the manor house, the restaurant, the historic wine cellar and a conference centre, there is a wing with guestrooms overlooking the seawater swimming pool, which is heated during the cold season, and from which there are views as far as the Egadi Islands.  There are around 50 rooms all told including superior, connecting rooms for families, deluxe and junior suites and the historic Torre Merlata tower which houses the only suite on two levels. All  rooms and suites have balconies or terraces facing the garden or the pool from where the view extends to the sea and the islands. The furnishings reflect the local tradition in the colours and with majolica tiles.

Fine dining with sea and Mount Erice views

In fine weather the Terrazza di Venere becomes a natural stage for lunches and dinners overlooking the sea, the islands and with the backdrop of Mount Erice with its castle. In the restaurant guests can enjoy Sicilian cuisine and Mediterranean specialties prepared with local organic ingredients selected by Gabriele: "We are strongly linked to this land and our vineyards and we love to share this, which is why the historic wine cellar, with wines produced on the estate, has been opened to guests.” Guests can take cooking classes with Baglio Oneto’s chef, and next year the spa will open.  

Close to Trapani Airport and Marsala

Baglio Oneto is part of the tourist district of the province of Trapani in an area general manager Pierpaolo Nuzzo describes as a “golden throne:” a cultural and gastronomic heritage of Marsala wine, cheeses made from ancient recipes, artistic ceramics and an experiential craftsmanship that offers a rewarding experience and inspires repeat visits. The nearest airport is Trapani, only eith kilometres away, while the city of Trapani is 20 and Marsala only 11 kilometres. The resort is a perfect choice for conferences and workshops and in particular for weddings, with the roses cultivated by the Princess creating a magnificent backdrop for photos of the bride and groom.

Aimed at European and North American markets

The resort is mainly aimed at international markets like Great Britain, North America, France, Germany and Switzerland.  The aim is to align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainability “to create value in the area through jobs for locals, the well-being of guests and a mutual respect between those who welcome and those who are welcomed.” In the courtyards and public areas it is not unusual to see the grandfather, Elio, playing with his grandchildren, underscoring the family atmosphere and values of Baglio Oneto. In a world full of luxury resorts, it is this warmth that makes Baglio Oneto unique, a place where the Sicily of a thousand emotions becomes an authentic and unforgettable experience.

The 8-12 May West of Sicily fam trip, organized by ItaliAbsolutely, brought 18 international buyers on a journey of discovery of the island’s most authentic side.  

18 international buyers from eleven countries

The West of Sicily fam trip, organized by ItaliAbsolutely by Travel Open Day put the emphasis on outdoor, green, and wellness tourism, showcasing the region’s cultural richness to 18 buyers from eleven countries who through a rich programme of site visits, B2B meetings, and hands-on activities explored the area’s historical, cultural, and natural excellence.  The buyers were divided into three groups which explored different facets of the territory through distinct itineraries. ItaliAbsolutely spoke to the women powering the tourism revival of the West Sicily District:  Rosalia D'Alì, Germana Abbagnato, Rossella Cosentino, and Emanuela Magaddino. These four prominent local women leaders welcomed the international buyers, inviting them to explore the authenticity and year-round appeal of this unique part of Sicily.

“Every season here has its own attractions”

"This event is very close to our hearts,- said Rosalia D'Alì, of the West of Sicily Tourist District. -We wanted to give our tourism operators practical experience and bring international buyers to discover our services." She described the gathering as a "first experiment" in a broader plan to promote and commercialize the region's diverse offerings, and thanked the organizer ItaliAbsolutely for this unique opportunity. “The West of Sicily,- she said -is a destination for all seasons.  It is not a place to visit only in summer. Every season has its own colors, attractions, and experiences, from beaches to archaeological parks, and from mountain trails to culinary gems, the area invites exploration any time of year.” With two airports, Trapani-Birgi and Palermo, access is easy. "We promote the airports as gateways to a more authentic Sicily. Once you're here, travel around. There’s so much to see."

The sea is a major attraction

This region doesn’t just shine above ground—it sparkles underwater too. "The sea isn’t just for swimming,- said D'Alì. -We have underwater archaeological sites and shipwrecks. Fishermen still find artworks in their nets." D'Alì said that speaking with two international buyers the impression they were taking away with them after touring around was that “you could stay more than a week just in this area,” adding that the goal is to encourage longer, richer stays. “Our slogan is ‘One discovery every time.’”

A region to be discovered while touring

Germana Abbagnato, who is also a member of the board of directors of the West of Sicily Tourism District, highlighted the variety across villages. "Every village has different traditions. This is why it has to be a touring holiday, you can come for 15 days and discover something new every day." She pointed to Gibellina, named Italy’s Capital of Contemporary Art for 2026, as a must-see. "Sicily is a melting pot of cultures. Mazara del Vallo has the only European casbah, a unique experience in today’s world."

“Women have always played a major role”

Rossella Cosentino, councillor for Erice and the West of Sicily Tourist District underscored the female presence driving tourism. "From the myth of Venus to our patron saint, and in local crafts like weaving and convent pastries, women shape our culture. Even in our leadership, we are mostly women." The town of Erice,- she noted, is an example of this legacy: -tourism, crafts, and culture here all have strong female roots. Thanks to this event conceived by ItaliAbsolutely we are reaching more international markets."

Living history and authenticity over mass appeal

Emanuela Magaddino, who is an entrepreneur and vice-president of the West of Sicily District shared how the buyers toured Castellammare’s museums, discovering tools of ancient crafts, tuna fishing traditions, and the local way of life. "They were fascinated. We ended with a dinner based on local fish specialties and of course they truly enjoyed it." Mrs Abbagnato summed up their shared vision: "We are not a mass tourist destination. We don’t want to be. We offer authenticity, and that’s our strength. Nothing is fake here, and we want to keep it that way. We realize that alone we are small, but together we are one large entity. Traditions must continue, that is our slogan."

From May 8th to 12th, 2025, the province of Trapani in West Sicily welcomed eighteen international tour operators from eleven countries — including the United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, Poland, Spain, and Turkey — for a fam trip that turned out to be an unforgettable experience, centred on outdoor, green, and wellness tourism.

The initiative, organised by the Tourist District of Western Sicily in cooperation with ItaliAbsolutely By Travel Open Day, aimed to promote the territory through a rich programme of site visits, B2B meetings, and hands-on activities that showcased the area’s historical, cultural, and natural excellence. Participants were divided into three groups, each following a dedicated itinerary to explore the full breadth of the province.

A Warm Welcome Amid Breathtaking Landscapes and Centuries-Old Traditions

Upon arrival, the buyers were immediately immersed in the atmosphere of the region with panoramic tours, traditional dinners, and relaxing moments in Castellammare del Golfo, Erice, and Mazara del Vallo, respectively.

The second day was dedicated to the workshop, held at the charming Baglio Oneto Resort in Marsala. Here, buyers had the opportunity to meet local operators — including hotels, B&Bs, restaurateurs, and tourism service providers — in a full day of networking, exchange, and business opportunities. In the afternoon, they visited the historic Ettore e Infersa salt pans where the day continued with a scenic aperitif with an amazing sunset, followed by a boat transfer to the island of Mothia, where the day ended in true Sicilian style with a sunset dinner featuring local, zero-kilometre products, in the heart of the Stagnone Lagoon.

Three Itineraries, One Grand Discovery

Over the following days, the three groups explored different facets of the territory through distinct itineraries:

• Group A discovered the Zingaro Nature Reserve, the historic tuna fishery at Scopello, and the archaeological park of Segesta. The journey ended with a boat excursion in San Vito Lo Capo and a walk through the Scorace Forest.

• Group B immersed themselves in the medieval charm of Erice, experienced local craftsmanship, visited the salt pans and fishing port of Trapani, and wrapped up with a cooking class in Valderice, preparing traditional sweets like cassatelle and cassata siciliana.

• Group C explored the contemporary art scene in Gibellina, with stops at the Cretto di Burri and the Museum of Mediterranean Weaves. Their route continued through Salemi, Mazara del Vallo, and Marsala with couscous tastings, wine and olive oil pairings, and a Sicilian cooking workshop to end the day.

A journey through history, nature, and flavour

The fam trip concluded on May 12th with transfers to Palermo Airport and heartfelt farewells. Over the course of five days, the international buyers experienced the soul of Western Sicily — a land where history, nature, and gastronomy come together in a powerful narrative.

The success of the initiative reaffirmed Western Sicily’s growing appeal as a prime destination for sustainable, experiential tourism rich in authenticity and charm. A journey that left a lasting impression in the hearts of all participants and opened new doors for international tourism in the Trapani area.

Scilla, situated at the tip of the Calabria region, just under 20 kilometres from Reggio Calabria, is a fascinating town rooted in Greek mythology and maritime traditions. 

A town on the Strait of Messina

This picturesque town lies between the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the slopes of the Aspromonte mountain range, offering breathtaking views and an atmosphere steeped in history and legend. The link between Scilla and the sea is inseparable. The waters of the Strait of Messina, with their unpredictable currents and depths rich in marine life, have always been a fundamental resource for the inhabitants of this town. Maritime traditions, handed down from generation to generation, live on through fishing and the numerous celebrations held throughout the year.

Chianalea

Chianalea, the fishermen's district

One of Scilla's most characteristic districts is Chianalea, also known as The Venice of the South and considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. This ancient fishing village has houses built directly on the rocks, overlooking the sea. The narrow streets of Chianalea, lined with stone houses and with small boats moored at the quays, create a fascinating labyrinth where time seems to stand still. Walking along cobbled streets you catch glimpses of colourful doors facing the sea, old wooden fishing boats and flower-decked balconies that give the quarter a romantic and authentic atmosphere. The transparent waters lapping Chianalea are a paradise for divers and snorkellers, offering the chance to explore the rich marine ecosystem.

The August swordfish hunting ritual  

Scilla is also famous for its traditional swordfish hunting, an ancient practice now controlled and carried out with respect for the fish and the sea, that takes place in the waters of the Strait of Messina. This tradition, which has its roots in antiquity, is a ritual that combines skill, knowledge of the sea and a deep respect for nature. Swordfish hunting takes place during the summer months, when the fish migrate through the Strait to reproduce. Scylla’s fishermen still use felucca rowing boats with a long central mast, from which a crew member, the helmsman, spots the swordfish. The fishermen then silently approachs, and the harpooner throws his harpoon with precision and dexterity. This practice, besides representing a source of livelihood for the local community has, over time, become a tourist attraction, luring visitors curious to witness the fascinating spectacle. The swordfish hunt is celebrated every year in August with a festival that pays tribute to the fishermen and their tradition, offering tourists the chance to taste typical dishes based on fresh swordfish.

Golden beaches, history, culture and nature 

Today Scilla is a popular tourist destination, combining ancient traditions with the demands of modern tourism. The beaches of Marina Grande, with their golden sand and well-equipped lidos, offer relaxation and comfort to those seeking a sea and sun break. Ruffo Castle, dominating the town from the top of a promontory, is another must-see and offers spectacular panoramic views of the coast and the Strait. Scilla, with its unique mix of history, culture and natural beauty, is an ideal destination for anyone wishing to discover the authentic soul of Calabria. The Chianalea district and the tradition of swordfish hunting are just two of the many aspects that make this a fascinating and unforgettable place. You can reach Scilla from Reggio Calabria by train www.trenitalia.it or by car.To get to Reggio Calabria by plane there are many domestic and international flights  https://www.reggiocalabriaairport.it/ and it is also accessible by train. For information: https://turismo.reggiocal.it/  

Hidden amidst the evocative landscapes of the province of Palermo (Sicily), the Gole di Tiberio are in a UNESCO geopark gorge.  

A canyon about an hour's drive from Palermo

Located in the beautiful setting of Sicily’s Madonie Mountains, a protected area since 1981 and a UNESCO Global Network of Geoparks since 2015, the gorges combine the wild beauty of mountain landscapes with the excitement of guided raft excursions.  Named after the Roman emperor Tiberius, who is said to have frequented them for hunting, the gorges are about an hour's drive from Palermo in the northern part of Sicily. Situated 100m above sea level, the area had been carved out over millennia by the Pollina, the only navigable river in the area, and that leads down to the sea. Set between the mountains, there are breathtaking vistas and the area is a natural refuge for varied flora and fauna.

Inflatable boats to admire rock carvings

The gorges offer a wide range of activities, including hiking, climbing, birdwatching and, above all, guided raft tours along the Pollina River. These activities have been joined by the fastest zipline in Italy, with a length of 1600m, a maximum height of 300m and a maximum speed of 130km/h. The most exciting way to explore the Gole di Tiberio is to take a guided raft trip with an experienced and qualified guide, exploring hidden caves, bathing in natural pools and admiring spectacular waterfalls and rock carvings dating back millennia that tell ancient stories and reveal the ancient links between man and the land.  

The wild beauty of Sicilian nature

In addition to their historical and scenic importance, the Gole di Tiberio are also a unique ecosystem that is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, many of which are rare and protected.  The gorges are an unforgettable experience, and with their untapped tourism potential, they are a unique opportunity to discover a hidden corner in the province of Palermo. For information: https://goleditiberio.com/

La Corte dei Mari in Messina is on 4500 sq mt of beach, faces the Strait of Messina (Sicily).

Ideal for weddings, gala dinners and corporate and private events

With its beach and terraces this restaurant, which is just ten minutes from the port and two minutes from the Regional Museum, is ideal for multiple uses from conferences, gala dinners and weddings, to private and corporate events. Open all year round, it boasts two large panoramic rooms and there is a convenient parking area, also for tour buses. 

A Sicilian tasting menu with wines and a folk show

The package of La Corte dei Mari for visitors making a cruise stopover in Messina includes a transfer from the ship and a typical Sicilian tasting menu with a selection of Sicilian wines. Guests are entertained by a show with the Peloritani Canterini and a parade of traditional costumes. The restaurant is open all year round. For information: www.lacortedeimari.it