Sambuca di Sicilia…
Sambuca di Sicilia – One of Sicily’s Beautifully Preserved Secrets
Sometimes, you stumble upon places that truly stay with you. For us, Sambuca di Sicilia was one of those — discovered almost by chance. We had planned a journey to visit wineries across Sicily, and our choice fell on the producer Planeta. In addition to their vineyards, Planeta also offers unique accommodations scattered across the island. One of them is a magical apartment — located inside a museum — in the hilltop town of Sambuca di Sicilia.
We thought, “why not?”, and booked our stay, without really knowing what to expect.
It turned out to be an experience we’ll never forget. Sambuca di Sicilia is a small town in the province of Agrigento, founded by the Arabs in the 9th century — a legacy still clearly visible today. With around 5,000 inhabitants, it sits beautifully on a hillside surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and overlooking Lago Arancio.
Casa Panitteri – The Artist’s House
In the heart of the historic center lies Museo Panitteri, and inside it, Casa Panitteri, also known as the Artist’s House. It’s a truly unique place to stay — with hand-painted ceilings, carefully curated interiors, and a blend of history and modern artistry that gives the house its special character. This apartment is part of Planeta Estate, one of the wine producers many places to stay in Sicily.
A Walk Through Sambuca di Sicilia
Even though Casa Panitteri itself was an experience, it was when we stepped outside that we understood why Sambuca di Sicilia has been named one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages — I Borghi più belli d’Italia.
On our first evening, we wandered through the golden streets at sunset. The narrow alleyways, steep lanes, and tiny piazzas were everything we had dreamed of from a classic Sicilian village. Around every corner, there was something new to discover — ancient stone houses, small palazzos, and quiet squares where everyday life unfolded at its own pace.
Sambuca is also known for its wine. Here, local grapes like Inzolia thrive, as well as Chardonnay, used in Planeta’s famous white wines.
Sette Vicoli – The Old Arabic Quarter
At the top of town lies Sette Vicoli, the ancient Arabic quarter. Walking through these narrow passages feels like traveling back in time. The scents, the sounds — and the silence — all tell stories of the past.
You can clearly see the influence of Arabic culture throughout the town. There are art installations and murals celebrating the Arabian horse, a symbol of strength, beauty, and intelligence. At the same time, the streets are decorated with colorful modern street art, creating a vivid contrast against the ancient stone walls. It felt like walking through a living art gallery, right in the middle of a still-inhabited neighborhood.
Local Life and Festivals
During our stay, the town suddenly came to life — we had quite literally stumbled into a truffle festival! We had no idea truffles were harvested in this area. That evening, Sambuca celebrated its culinary treasure with food, music, and a lively atmosphere in the main square. Families gathered, children ran around, and we were welcomed with warmth and open smiles.
And here’s a little travel tip from us: If you’re visiting a small Sicilian village, check if there are any local festivals happening during your stay. They’re truly unforgettable — and often worth the visit on their own. It’s not always easy to find information online, but try searching for “Tutti Eventi” followed by the town’s name. Still, the best way to find out is often the simplest — just ask the locals you meet in town.
A Town Finding New Life
We fell completely in love with Sambuca di Sicilia — but it’s not a place for everyone. Like many small Sicilian towns, Sambuca was once losing its population. People moved to larger cities for work, and many historic homes were left empty.
To reverse the trend, Sambuca became one of the first towns in Italy to launch the now-famous “1 Euro House” project, selling abandoned houses for just one euro.
The initiative gained international attention and has since brought new life and diversity to the community. It’s still peaceful and quiet here, with very little tourism — but when you walk through town, you hear many different languages.
There aren’t many restaurants, but you’ll find everything you need to experience authentic Sicilian life — unfiltered and real.
