Montevago and Poggioreale: the ghost towns among the best known in Italy.

The history of Sicily, the largest region of Italy, this island wrapped in the magic of the past and in which the voices of 5 million people echo, is full of events and characters and, as you wish for any narrative, always has a happy ending. This is precisely the case of two of the villages we will tell you about today: Montevago, in the delightful province of Agrigento, and Poggioreale, in the marvellous province of Trapani which for years have become undisputed destinations on the itinerary of thousands of national and international tourists.

Two of the so-called ghost villages that were hit by the 1968 earthquake. But in Sicily present and past have always coexisted, following one another and alternating at a distance of a few kilometres. In fact, these villages provide an excellent starting point for visiting other beauties of western Sicily, metaphorically in the flesh, such as the nearby Zingaro Nature Riserva, Scopello and its tuna fishery, San Vito Lo Capo, the archaeological parks of Selinunte and Segesta, the Stagnone Reserve in Marsala, the mediaeval village of Erice, the salt pans of Trapani, the fantastic Valley of the Temples of Agrigento, and again Sciacca, Selinunte, Mazara del Vallo.

Our story begins on January 14, 1968 when at 1:30 pm, at lunchtime, the people of Belice felt the first strong earthquake shock and so on until 4:48 pm. Thinking the worst was over, the citizens went to bed bewildered but eternally hopeful. On the other hand, the desire to hope for a positive conclusion to a devastating day is part of our Sicilian way of feeling. But it will be the two shocks of 2:33 and 3:01 on 15 January that will overturn the status quo: 14 inhabited centres were hit by the earthquake of '68, some of which were completely destroyed, including Montevago and Poggioreale.

Among the various villages devastated by this catastrophe, Poggioreale and Montevago are the ones of which the most extensive evidence has survived, among them splendid and evocative ruins. Many call them ghost towns because of the emptiness of the buildings and streets but we want to focus on another feeling. The transmitted one of real life, of deep roots, of vivid and important memories, of the desire to revive that lively past. There are not only rubble, the eyes see beyond: one can imagine the children in the school desks, the people going to the theatre, those in the kitchen preparing a good lunch, the craft shops in full swing, the squares still dressed at celebrations and the churches full of faithful while on the streets the wind curiously leafs through the old magazines of the 60s.

Olivastro: Wonderful house located inside the Torre Salsa Reserve, an oasis protected by the WWF. Whether you decide to enjoy the splendid view of the valley full of olive trees from the comfortable and shady patio in front of the house or to walk a suggestive path made of vineyards and prickly pears, this is the ideal home for a beach holiday in complete relaxation and in total privacy.

Casa Moresca: In the heart of 10 hectares of Sicilian countryside dedicated to the cultivation of olives for oil, the house is located near the town of Castelvetrano and a few kilometers from the Selinunte Archaeological Park. Let yourself be lulled by the scent and sounds of the surrounding nature in its splendid infinity pool located close to an idyllic lake.

Rosmarino: Exquisite house located within a large estate planted with citrus and olive trees. Its location close to the town of Castelvetrano is an excellent starting point for visiting the wonders of Western Sicily but also an excellent destination for a holiday dedicated to relaxation and the sounds of Sicilian nature while diving into its delightful infinity pool. or you can rest comfortably in the cool of the gazebo in the garden.

La Robazza: Rich in history and a few hundred meters from a still active millstone, this delightful residence stands on a small promontory which is part of an ancient Sicilian fiefdom where exquisite extra virgin olive oil is produced. In front of the house stands its suggestive infinity pool that will give you unforgettable sunsets and an unprecedented view of the Sicilian countryside full of olive trees.

Villa Sara: Splendid modern residence with a Mediterranean taste, nestled on a sweet promontory that will give you an idyllic view of the Sicilian countryside between Menfi and Sciacca that sinuously slope down towards the sea. Ideal for a break from the hectic city life that will seem like a distant memory while during the sunset you will enjoy a sparkling happy hour on the covered patio in front of the swimming pool.

Camemi: Delightful modern villa with luxurious details, Camemi offers you an almost endless panorama with different shades that starts from the vineyards of the south-west of Sicily and ends with the turquoise of the sea. If you were looking for a place of peace and Sicilian colors and scents, this is the right home for you and perfect for any age.

Villa Blu: A little more than 2 km from the marvelous Zingaro Nature Reserve, in the province of Trapani, stands this delightful farmhouse restored with taste and simplicity. Ideal destination for your holidays in Sicily as it is detached from the city chaos and immersed in 2000 square meters of garden to enjoy the surrounding nature. At 800 m from the sea, you can enjoy wonderful afternoons of fun and relaxation, between a barbecue and a swim in its characteristic private pool.

Profumo di Mare: Located to the east of the wonderful Gulf of San Vito, this enchanting villa with its beautiful private swimming pool and its comfortable and bright rooms, is ready to give you an unforgettable holiday in one of the most popular destinations of Italian and international tourism. It is not for nothing that the area in which it is located is defined as the Caribbean of the Mediterranean Sea.

Yasmin: Splendid residence located near the town of Castelluzzo, a seaside village very close to the famous tourist-seaside city of San Vito Lo Capo. With its wonderful private infinity pool, this villa will leave you speechless. If you were looking for a holiday in Sicily full of emotions, sunsets, colors and scents, go no further: Yasmin is the one for you.

Cala Mancina: Wonderful villa with private pool a few kilometers from the famous tourist-seaside village of San Vito Lo Capo. Located in the heart of Trapani tourism, Cala Mancina is ready to offer you a holiday dedicated to relaxation and fun. The house consists of a large outdoor area with the swimming pool and its solarium, a covered patio divided into a relaxation area with sofas and a dining area with a masonry table. The splendid outdoor kitchen with barbecue will give you rich lunches and dinners, with family or friends.