Sicily is not just about the sea and beaches: there are many mountain areas full of charm and tradition that offer a peaceful and authentic lifestyle. Living in the mountains in Sicily means enjoying breathtaking landscapes, fresh air, and a slower pace of life, far from the chaos of the cities. Today we're taking a look at 5 of the villages to consider when looking for a home, along with their unique features. These are the best mountain towns to live in Sicily.
Troina
Troina is a picturesque town located in the heart of Sicily, specifically in the province of Enna. Perched at over 1,100 metres above sea level, the quality of life is high thanks to the unspoiled natural environment. Additionally, Troina offers a generally lower cost of living compared to the larger cities in the area, making it an attractive destination for retirees or families looking to live in Sicily.
The town has shops, supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, and schools. Furthermore, it is well connected by the main road, which allows easy access to both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts. The surrounding cities and towns can also be reached via a bus line.
Cesarò
Moving to the province of Messina, in the heart of the Nebrodi Park, lies the mountain village of Cesarò, situated about 1,150 metres above sea level. It offers a pleasantly cool climate, especially during the summer months. Just a short drive from the slopes of Mount Etna, you can easily reach Sant’Agata di Militello, Taormina, and Catania.
One of the main advantages of living in Cesarò is the quality of life, which allows you to enjoy essential services while living in Sicily on a budget. In Cesarò, you can find shops, schools, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. For example, from Cesarò, you can easily reach Lake Maulazzo and Lake Biviere.
Gangi
Gangi is located in the Madonie Park, one of the most beautiful mountain areas in Sicily. This picturesque town in the province of Palermo has a population of 6,180 residents and sits on a hill at about 1,000 metres above sea level, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Gangi was recognised as "Borgo dei Borghi" in 2014, thanks to its historic architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Among the advantages of moving to Gangi, one of the best places to live in Sicily, is the high quality of life and affordable cost of living. Services for residents include supermarkets, schools, sports centres, and shops. Additionally, there is the possibility of taking a bus to Palermo.
Prizzi
Also in the province of Palermo is Prizzi, a village perched at just under 1,000 metres above sea level. The town is renowned for its cultural traditions and local festivals, such as the Easter Devil's Dance Festival. Moreover, being surrounded by nature, there are many trails and paths to explore in the area.
Properties for sale range on average from 400 to 500 euros per square metre. Essential services are available and easily accessible, making daily life quite convenient. If you decide to live in Prizzi, it might be useful to know that the town is connected to Palermo via a bus line.
Petralia Sottana
If you're looking for a place to live in Sicily during the winter, Petralia Sottana could be the right choice for you. The town, also situated at 1,039 metres above sea level, includes the tourist destination of Piano Battaglia, where you can practise winter sports. Housing costs here range from 600 to 700 euros per square metre, and in terms of transport, a bus ride to Palermo costs between 7 and 13 euros.
Essential services are available, and if you need to travel frequently, living in Petralia Sottana means being "halfway" between the Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean coasts. For more on living in Sicily, check out our guide with everything you need to know.
- Property for sale in Petralia Sottana
- Property for rent in Petralia Sottana
- Holiday rentals in Petralia Sottana
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