There are places that are not simply visited, but slowly experienced, listened to, and understood through the people who live there. The Monti Sicani are one of those places. I spent a few days here in December, discovering a part of Sicily that is still largely off the radar, yet deeply authentic and rich in human connection.
From the very beginning, it was clear that this would not be a conventional exploration of a destination. It was an immersive experience, built around time, relationships, and a genuine connection with the land, an approach that strongly reflects the way I design journeys for my travellers.
One day was dedicated to an e-bike itinerary through the countryside of Ribera, cycling along quiet back roads surrounded by orange groves. Moving slowly through this landscape allowed us to fully appreciate the area’s agricultural soul, far from the usual tourist routes. Along the way, we met local artisans and artists, including the ceramic workshop La Gioiosa and the artist Domenico Cocchiara. These encounters were simple yet meaningful, rooted in conversation, craftsmanship and shared stories – the essence of experiential travel.
One of the most powerful moments of the journey was visiting the Teatro di Andromeda. This extraordinary place, suspended between art, landscape and sky, is far more than a cultural site. Understanding the vision behind it and standing there in silence was a deeply emotional experience, one that stays with you long after you leave.
Equally moving was the encounter with the community of San Biagio Platani and the Museo degli Archi di Pasqua. Every year, the entire village comes together for months to create monumental ephemeral arches made entirely from natural materials – bread, reeds, grains, herbs, and citrus elements – built to celebrate Easter. Walking among these structures, you immediately feel a powerful sense of belonging and shared identity. It is a place where travel becomes understanding through genuine immersion in the local community.
The experience was enriched by moments of local gastronomy, enjoying simple, honest dishes made with products from the surrounding land, and by unforgettable landscapes, such as the sunset at Capo Bianco, where nature speaks for itself and time seems to slow down.
The experience was also shaped by the sense of care and hospitality that accompanied us throughout the journey. Beyond landscapes and places, what truly stood out was the human dimension: the attention to detail, the warmth of the welcome and the quiet professionalism encountered along the way. Because, ultimately, a destination reveals itself through the people who live it and know how to welcome others into it.
For me, as a travel advisor specialised in tailor-made journeys rooted in local culture, this experience was a powerful reminder of how important it is to experience a destination from the inside – connecting with the people who live there before turning that knowledge into a meaningful travel story.
The Monti Sicani deserve to be discovered slowly, with curiosity and respect. I truly look forward to transforming this experience into tailor-made journeys for my travellers, sharing a lesser-known side of Sicily made of landscapes, communities and authentic stories.