What's a guest farm?
We Italians call it agriturismo, and agriturismo siciliano, or "Sicilian Agritourism," is much more than a stay on a working farm, which in Sicily could be a rural holiday surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, citrus orchards, oak woods or endless wheat fields.
Agritourism is different from camping yet closer to nature than a superficial visit into the country. Guest farms are working estates far removed from the usual tourist trail, so you'll have to rent a car to get there from Palermo or Catania.
But it's worth the effort. In fact, agritourism is the perfect choice if you enjoy traveling on your own and discovering new places far beyond the city. It is even possible to use a guest farm as a "base" for excursions to archeological sites and other places of interest, or to add a special experience - a cooking class, a winery visit, a cultural tour - to your visit.
Expect the food to be exceptional and the lodging to be comfortable but rustic, and enjoy the real Sicily!

TRAVEL TIPS
Visas: If you're an EU citizen you probably won't need a visa to enter Italy. Visitors from certain other countries can visit Italy for up to 3 months without a visa, though their passports must be valid for the entire duration of their stay. These countries include the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and others. Check the Italian Foreign Ministry website or contact the nearest Italian consulate to see whether you need a visa to enter Italy.
Credit Cards: Some restaurants and shops only accept cash. Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards; fewer Sicilian establishments accept American Express.
Currency Exchange: Italy's currency is the euro (€). Banks cannot exchange large amounts of currency, usually limiting transactions to €400 at a time. Visit our currency converter for current exchange rates.
Dining: Lunch, the main meal of the day, is usually served around 1, dinner at 8. Expect exceptional Sicilian wines, but no poultry. Few restaurants in Sicily serve chicken, which is roasted on a skewer and sold at stands as a take-away meal. Pizza is an evening food, and coffees containing milk (cappuccino) are usually served in the morning.
Tipping: 10% is normal in restaurants.
Smoking: Not permitted in restaurants or in any buildings open to the public, including stores and hotels.
Safety: To discourage purse snatchers women should carry small purses, if any, Along streets, carry your purse on the side away from traffic, as some thieves steal them while riding motor scooters. Backpacks should not be worn (but instead carried) in crowded areas or on buses.
Dress: In churches, including Monreale Abbey, Cefalù Cathedral and Palermo's Palatine Chapel, women should not enter with uncovered arms or wearing miniskirts or very short pants. Men should not enter wearing short pants.
Weather: Visit Best of Sicily's weather page for forecasts and current conditions.
Business Hours: Most stores and offices are closed in the afternoon from 1 until 4, when they open until 7 or 8.

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