Hidden Gems of Southern Italy

“Join a bike tour and olive oil tasting in a masseria in Puglia when you stay at Borgo Egnazia. Puglia produces 80% of the olive oil in Italy so this is the best place to experience the olive oil tasting. Biking through hundreds of olive groves with the sea views is an experience in itself!” says Ria.

“The Mt Etna hike was so interesting, we had two geologist guides who knew so much about Etna and we learned a lot from them, plus the scenery was amazing. We drove in a 4x4 to see a lava flow from a 2002 eruption before walking along a couple of Etna's dormant craters that erupted about 100 years ago,” says Bex. Every hike, long or short, should end with a reward, “We also learned how the fertile soil also produces the best wine in Sicily and sampled a wonderful selection in a nearby winery over lunch,” adds Bex.

“To understand Sicily and its rich history, a visit to Valley of the Temples is a must. A good guide helps you navigate through the well preserved ancient Greek buildings avoiding crowds and focusing on the highlights. It was an incredible experience,” says Ria.

“Noto is a beautiful historical town, quaint and traditional donning early baroque architecture from the 18th century onwards. Golden hour is the best time to experience the magic of this place, as the golden facades on the buildings really glow. There are some wonderful local shops selling regional produce, as well as plenty of delicious, authentic restaurants lining every street corner,” says Hannah.

Ria encourages her guests try some of her favourite treats, “Granita is like a sorbet, perfect for hot days. Try the almond granita topped with coffee flavoured granita. Absolutely delicious! Try Caffe Leccese from Lecce – It’s espresso with almond syrup over ice. The people from Lecce were already into iced coffee even before it was a thing! Also look out for Peperoni Cruschi: sun dried red peppers that are totally addictive. It’s a delectable snack and unique to Matera and the region of Basilicata. It’s hard to find them anywhere else.”

Bex is still dreaming of several of her Italian meals, starting with squid ink arancini at a restaurant called Porto San Paolo in Sciacca, “it was honestly the best thing I have ever tasted. But also, the pasta at Taverna de Lupo in Ragusa - everything we tasted was incredible. For seafood, I must recommend the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, particularly the raw red shrimp”.

Livia, who is Italian and knows her local restaurants, gives her top dinner tip: “Grab reservations at Cumpa Cosimo in Ravello, a great spot for classic dishes.”

Brought to the attention of many as the setting of the White Lotus season two, the Four Seasons also has a fascinating history which was brought to life by the hotel's historian on an exclusive guided tour. The property exudes luxury in every sense.

A fantastic location for guests wanting a resort style retreat, surrounded by scenic countryside. A stone’s throw from Noto, Il San Corrado di Noto is ideal for guests wanting the best of both worlds, space and privacy but with the convenience of a historical local town on your doorstep.

Perfection. A one-of-a-kind experience to be living in a borgo (village), with so much to do, you will never get bored. Borgo Egnazia's kids club caters to kids from four months to eighteen years old.

Hotel Q92 Noto has a real personal touch, and a family-run feel. You almost forget you're a tourist and feel instead like a special guest at a family residence. The hotel is right on the main street in Noto so it's perfect for a bit of buzz.

Villa Sant’Andrea has a relaxed atmosphere for guests looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Taormina and spend time by the sea, sharing facilities at Grand Hotel Timeo. The service is top notch, and the views are unrivalled at both.