A Green Weekend in Sicily

Crossing azure blue waters in search of a greener lifestyle, turn to the Mediterranean’s largest island and you’ll discover a thriving community of organic farmers, wine producers and local artisans making Sicily a centre for sustainable travel.

Dreaming Organic 

Organic and immersive, unearth a haven of olive groves, fruit trees and prickly pear cacti, at our lush farm at Verdura Resort, on Sicily’s southern coast. Carefully cultivated and grown completely naturally, row after row of seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs ripened by the Sicilian sunshine are freshly picked and fashioned into delicious dishes and drinks in the resort’s restaurants and bars.

Immerse yourself in the rustic rewards of our land and join one of our talented chefs in a cooking masterclass at Casetta nell’Orto, the cottage in our vegetable garden. Don a chef’s hat and roll up your sleeves as you create a Sicilian feast amongst orange groves and pomegranate trees.

Sustainable Spa Life

Whether you choose to stay in town or by the beach, continue to reap the benefits of naturally grown produce in the spas of our two Sicilian properties, Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort. Ingredients from our organic farm are at the heart and soul of the soothing lotions and replenishing oils of Irene Forte skincare products, meaning you’ll reap the rewards of a Mediterranean diet on the skin’s surface and from within.

Sicily’s Organic Wines 

With fruitful soils, ideal conditions and soaring hills positioned perfectly for island winds, Sicily is an optimal natural setting for sustainably made, organic wine. Around the island grow over 70 varieties of grape ensuring there will always be a well-rounded and earthy choice to pair perfectly with dishes curated by our culinary maestro, Chef Fulvio Pierangelini, at the restaurants of Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort.

Sicily’s famous Nero D’Avola red wine grape complements Zagara’s sirloin steak, cooked on a heated Himalayan salt stone, the soft yellow Grilla pairs wonderfully with Florio’s freshly-caught salted sea bass while purple Perricone is an excellent companion to Sicilian aubergine parmigiana served at Verdura Resort’s trattoria, Liola.

If you’d prefer to forgo the food and focus solely on the wine, many of Sicily’s vineyards offer tours with tastings. Elios’ vineyard in Monreale, a 30-minute drive from Villa Igiea, will take you on an evening wine tour where you can sample natural wines and be swept along by the owners’ passion for small batches of honey, olive oil and wine, made using traditional chemical-free methods.

Planet-friendly Shopping in Palermo

Palermo is the ideal spot to give you some ethical retail therapy. The coastal city hosts a network of artisans and talented creatives working with the Associazione Liberi Artigiani-Artisti Balarm (ALAB) who have devoted themselves to supporting craftsmanship, reviving traditional trades and restoring the historical centre of Palermo to its original vibrance. 

In a shop filled with the earthy scent of brand new leather, Elena Gambino and Fabrizio Lisciandrello – the duo behind Elena and Fabrizio Handmade – sculpt one-of-a-kind accessories, shoes and bags by hand, with no help from electricity or machines. 

If you’re seeking ways to document your travels, invest in a bespoke hand-sewn notebook, diary or photo album made from recycled materials at Libbra. Or carefully select a unique souvenir from A’ Putia, run by three sisters who crochet, knit and sew ornamental objects inspired by Sicily’s natural beauty.

Following a busy day of shopping or tasting organic wines in Sicily, unwind with a relaxing facial at Irene Forte Spas at Verdura Resort or Villa Igiea.