Journey to the Web
The national press
at the discovery
of the world of the Sicans
From April 16 to 19, press tour
with major tourism-related publications
National press to discover the Sicans. From April 16 to 19, trip to Sicily for a group of journalists from some of the most prestigious newspapers dealing with tourism. Objective: to get to know up close the recipe of that experiential tourism, from the slow pace that in a friendly atmosphere brings one into contact with the most interesting and genuine realities of the territory; a tourism that is the peculiarity of the network of Sicani Villages, and that focuses, as its most valuable resource, on human capital.
From the sea to the mountains, passing through the soft hills, the stages of the press tour will explore the world of the Sicans, in a journey that among the treasures of the artistic heritage, the natural beauties of a still unspoiled nature, the excellent food and wine and craftsmanship, will bring to the attention of newspapers such as Bell’Italia, I Viaggi di Repubblica, Identity Style, style.corriere.it, 2tomorrow.it. the resources of a unique territory: a Sicily within Sicily, yet to be discovered.
“The focus of these days,” says Mariolina Longoni, who is in charge of theSicani Villages press office and who organized this tour, “will be the human capital that, in my opinion, in these parts is remarkable, the most valuable resource. Generally, in Sicily the welcome is always warm and very sincere, but traveling in the Sicani, I realized that, thanks also to the more human, slow pace that characterizes this corner of the island, the encounters are really nourishing and good for the soul. To our colleagues from the national press, we can’t then fail to introduce them to the food and wine and artisan excellence of the area; and the many stories behind some of the most interesting companies. Stories that speak of young people who went abroad to study or work and who, then, chose to return home with a baggage loaded with ideas and dreams to realize. Young and not-so-young people who put to good use what they have learned far from Sicily and who today, with confidence, bet on their land.”
From the splendid and kilometer-long beach of Bovo Marina, among the wonders of the archaeological area of Eraclea Minoa and the nature reserve of Torre Salsa, to the Scala dei Turchi; from the alleys that smell of genuine cuisine of Sant’Angelo Muxaro, with its archaeological museum that holds the precious artifacts found in the nearby necropolis, to the Prince’s Tomb, a fascinating hypogeum rich in history and stories. And, then, the Easter Arches of San Biagio Platani with its excellent extra-virgin olive oil; the unique charm of the Andromeda Theater by visionary Quisquina shepherd artist Lorenzo Reina, with its seats made of stone blocks, positioned in such a way as to reproduce the constellation of Andromeda. In Santo Stefano Quisquina, one can, on the other hand, learn the secrets of theart of tatting, which skilled local craftswomen decline into precious jewelry. Then, the beautiful ceramics of Burgio where one of the oldest bell foundries in Italy has still been active since 1500. The press tour, then, will stop in Giuliana, the medieval village dominated by the beautiful Frederician castle, complete with breathtaking views. Inevitable is the passage to Aragona for an aperitif at the restaurant Lo Sperdicchio, which with its barrel has become a symbolic stage of the Magna Via Francigena journey ; and for lunch at the Fontes Episcopi Bio resort. Leading the group and the educational is Pierfilippo Spoto, territorial animator of the Sicani and a face now inextricably linked to these lands.
Going, finally, through alleys, one can appreciate the most genuine flavors of the area. And some of its most interesting wines, as in the wine tasting at Borgo Giallonardo. Last stop on the press tour, Locanda Perbellini al Mare, the restaurant of theLuna Minoica Hotel on Bovo Marina beach, which is the brainchild of star chef Giancarlo Perbellini.
Text by Editors
