Sicilian villages are experiencing a surge in tourism, with an increase of over 7 percent in the past year alone. These small towns, rich in history, art, and authenticity, offer visitors a unique and immersive experience for all five senses.
One village in particular, Militello Val di Catania, has been recognized as the winner of the prestigious Rai Il Borgo dei Borghi contest. This baroque historic hamlet, with a population of 7,000, boasts 21 churches and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002. This is the fifth time a Sicilian village has won the Borgo dei Borghi crown, with previous winners including Gangi (2014), Montalbano Elicona (2015), Sambuca di Sicilia (2016), and Petralia Soprana (2018).
The victory of Militello Val di Catania has had a tangible impact, with an increase in visitors and a flood of tourists on spring weekends. The Sicilian Region is using this success as an opportunity to promote sustainable and culturally aware tourism. This is evident in the entire Val di Noto region, which includes Modica, Ragusa, Noto, and Caltagirone, and has seen a 10 percent increase in overnight stays in extra-hotel facilities (such as b&bs and inns) in 2024. This number has continued to grow by 15 percent between 2022 and 2025, as more and more visitors seek an authentic experience.
Other villages in Sicily have also seen a boost in tourism thanks to their recognition in various contests and awards. For example, Montalbano Elicona, the Borgo dei Borghi winner in 2015, has seen a 5 percent increase in overnight stays. Petralia Soprana, the winner in 2018, has seen about 40,000 overnight stays, and Buccheri, although not a winner, was recognized as the “best culinary destination” in 2021 and has seen a 20 percent increase in agritourism facilities.
These villages are not only known for their historical and cultural attractions, but also for their unique flavors. From the PDO Bronte pistachios to Monti Iblei oil and PDO cheeses, each product offers a taste of the authentic experience. The Borghi dei Tesori network, which unites 70 small municipalities in a territorial regeneration project, has also helped to promote cultural and landscape heritage. Each year, this network offers a variety of itineraries that include visits to churches, museums, monasteries, and traditional restaurants and workshops.
This focus on authentic experiences has attracted a diverse range of visitors, including digital nomads looking for a high quality of life and young people who are returning to their family businesses or starting new ones in the region. These investments and new business ventures are helping to boost the local economy and create a brighter future for these small villages.
For more information, please contact Ms. Daniela Lo Cascio, Head of the Department of Tourism, Sport and Entertainment of the Region of Sicily, at +39 095 7470254 or daniela.locascio@regione.sicilia.it. Visit their website at https://www.visitsicily.info/.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.