Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel S.S. 115 km 131 - Agrigento, Sciacca, Italy 92019

A magic venue located on the famous Scala dei Turchi beach, one of the most suggestive places in Sicily. From here you can enjoy your aperitif or dinner at sunset, with an amazing view of the white rocky cliff. www.lbscaladeiturchi.com Tel. 331359 7864

A beach side restaurant known for its seafood. Here you will taste the best catch of the day, immersed in a romantic atmosphere for dinner. www.ristorantevittorio.it Tel: +39 0925 78381

The Sicily’s most exciting new art space, Farm Cultural Park is an art project which transformed the historic centre of Favara into a contemporary cultural hub. Known for thought-provoking art exhibitions by local and international artists, Farm brings visitors and locals together with cultural events, talks, screenings, workshops and performances. www.farmculturalpark.com Tel. +39 092234534

Visit the small town of Burgio and its foundry of bronze bells. Its production dates back to 1500; the only foundry been running since then is the one of Virgadamo family. Their manufacturing process is still faithful to tradition and they are the only bell foundry in southern Italy. http://www.campanevirgadamo.it/ Tel. +39 0925 64088

Housed in the stately 15th-century Palazzo Abatellis, this art museum – widely regarded as Palermo's best – showcases works by Sicilian artists dating from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. The gallery is full of countless treasures, which collectively offer great insight into the evolution of Sicilian art. www.gampalermo.it Tel. 091 8431605

Agrigento is home to the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage-protected site. Eight ancient temples, thought to have been built between 430 and 510 BC, stand almost unaffected by time and weather to this day. Book your visit with a private guide to know all secrets of this glorious place. www.parcovalledeitempli.it Tel. +39 0922 1839996

Palermo’s distinct architecture combines Byzantine, Islamic and Latin styles, a monument to the cultures who have made their mark on the island. Nine of these structures in Palermo and nearby Monreale and Cefalù are celebrated by UNESCO as World Heritage sites.

Tumbling down a scenic hillside along Sicily’s southern coastline, Sciacca is a 15 minute drive from Verdura Resort. Explore its history city centre with the Sicilian Association’s Museo Diffuso dei 5 sensi programme: book guided tours, visit artisan workshops and see how the town’s famous Carnival floats, coral jewellery and ceramics are made. Pause at a café on Piazza Angelo Scandaliato and drink in the views of the sea and the fishing port below. www.museodiffusosciacca.it Tel. +39 349 07706839

Awaken your inner child and step back in time with a visit to the Museo del Giocattolo in Sciacca. This playful museum is a tribute to the power of toys to inspire creativity and happiness in children. Admire the vast collection of toys from 1880 to 1980 and learn how they helped shape the lives of generations of Sicilians. Look for favourite pieces from your childhood and share your stories with your children. Tel. 335 844 4230

The Leopard is a novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa that chronicles the changes in Sicilian life and society during the Risorgimento. It became the top-selling novel in Italian history and is considered one of the most important novels in modern Italian literature. The novel was also made into an award-winning 1963 film of the same name, directed by Luchino Visconti and starring Burt Lancaster, Claudia Cardinale and Alain Delon. At Verdura, you can find a copy of this book in each room.