This historic farm with much character and history is a wonderful place from where you can experience the real Sicily, in the heart of the hills, with nature in abundance on your doorstep.
Soak up the incredible atmosphere
The entire farm is huge and dates back to the middle ages with an interesting history. It later came under a Catholic Spanish domination and much evidence of this was left behind by the Alvarez de Toledo family in 1880, such as paintings, pieces of furniture etc. The beautiful stone ceilings and picturesque loggia and various charismatic features create an incredible atmosphere throughout.
Read more about Il Vecchio Frantoio
Taste the homemade olive oil
Il Vecchio Frantoio means 'The old olive press' in Italian and the Cipolla family who own the house today still use an olive press to produce a delicious olive oil. In one of the living rooms you can still admire the original olive press machinery made from stone which dates back to the 18th century. In addition to producing olive oil, the family also produce cheese, cereals and wine. Also they rear various animals that provide milk and meat for the farm.
Try the tasty food in the restaurant
All this fresh produce can be tasted at the restaurant on-site where there are always different specialities on offer, depending on what is fresh that day. They serve wholesome and plentiful portions of dishes prepared from traditional recipes by local cooks. It is a popular spot with locals, especially for Sunday lunch when they flock here from the nearby valleys and all the way from Catania. The food must be good!
Cosy country rooms
All rooms are furnished with air conditioning, TV and a private bathroom with a toilet, shower and hairdryer. The rooms with a loft that can accommodate up to 4 people are recommended for families with children. These are in the same building as the reception, restaurant and olive press. Other rooms are located in a different building approx. 30 yards away and they can accommodate up to 3 people: the decor is rustic and less influenced by Sicilian original furniture from the old noble families. You can spend some time in the communal living area, in the garden and in the lovely pool which is perfect for a refreshing dip in the hot Sicilian sun.
Get out and about
From here you can reach Sicily's northern coast easily and in around 30 minutes by car you can reach the historic city of Cefalu (approx. 41km). It is 45 minutes from Palermo (approx. 70km) and about an hour from Palermo airport. The farm is located close the main highway which circles the island and Catania is around 1.5 hours away also. If you choose to stay here, there are an infinite number of possibilities for exciting excursion to see the authentic and genuine Sicily.
