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Experiences and Activities
Welcome to the land of the sun
Sicily is a land steeped in history, culture and unbelievable natural beauty. A captivating world capable of astonishing and inspiring, each time, an infinite sense of awe.
Decide what you want to see during your holiday in Sicily and rely on the advice of the staff at Alba Palace for a wonderful stay in the area around Agrigento, to explore southern Sicily.
Favara
Just 7 km from Agrigento, Favara sits on a hill at 300 metres above sea level. Stone houses, alleys and cobblestone streets can be found here. Nicknamed the 'City of the Easter Lamb', after a traditional treat made with almonds and pistachios, it has the oldest inhabited centre surrounding the town castle, built by Frederick II Chiaramonte in the 13th century. From here, it is possible to admire a splendid panoramic view of the entire valley below.
Farm Cultural Park
The Farm Cultural Park, opened in 2010 based on an idea of the notary Andrea Bartoli, is a cultural centre and multifunctional art hub. It is the first tourist park in Sicily, an open-air art gallery where art, culture and urban renewal have secured the city of Favara the title of the new contemporary art centre of southern Italy. A vibrant artistic workshop hosting permanent exhibitions of paintings, photography, music and events of all kinds. In 2011, it won the Culture Management Award by Federculture and the British blog "Purple Travel" named it 6th among the 10 must-see destinations for lovers of contemporary art from around the world.
Valley of the Temples
Only 15 minutes away from Favara, the Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park is an incredible testament to the Hellenic period and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. A vast area of around 1,300 hectares, where you can admire the well-preserved vestiges of no less than 10 temples in the Doric order, 3 sanctuaries and numerous necropolis and fortifications. A spectacle that will leave visitors speechless, transporting them back to the feel and atmosphere of the Greek period for a few hours, in direct contact with ancient history and a stroll back in time.
Sicilian Almond Museum
The Sicilian almond museum is part of a network promoting the excellence of Sicilian agricultural and food products sponsored by Marzipan. Favara is the city of the Easter lamb and a strategic location for the diffusion of almonds. An outing to learn about the history of the almond tree, its properties, harvesting and processing, up to the use of the fruit in confectionery and cooking, through the presentation of a number of tools related to the work phases. The museum seeks to let everyone get a glimpse of the high quality and beauty of almonds in Sicily, with over 200 varieties that are unique in the world.
The Kolymbethra Garden
Situated between the temple of Castor and Pollux and the Vulcan temple, within the Valley of the Temples, this garden is a small naturalist jewel, which has been revived thanks to the work carried out by the FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) since 1999. In 2001, it was reopened to the public, now a fertile valley with a remarkable variety of trees. There are typical species of the Mediterranean maquis and a citrus grove where ancient varieties of lemons, mandarins and oranges flourish. There are also almond trees, carob trees, mulberries and Indian fig opuntia in the driest part of the garden.
Scala dei Turchi
Just 20 minutes away from Favara is one of the most beautiful, evocative and famous sceneries in the entire region: the Scala dei Turchi. It is a paradisiacal place, a popular destination for tourists and onlookers from all over the world, a mountain appears to have natural steps, and at the top of which one can enjoy an unparalleled stunning view. White, imposing and overhanging the celestial waters of the sea. This marvellous attraction is capable of astounding anyone who arrives here for the first time.
Torre Salsa Nature Reserve
Torre Salsa is a nature reserve operated by the WWF in agreement with the Sicily region, and is a half-hour drive from Favara. Created in 2000 and located in the Siculiana municipality, within the province of Agrigento, this reserve offers a nature trail of rare beauty. A crystal-clear sea, lush flora and many animal species populate this spot that, in the past, served as an old watchtower. A piece of paradise with beaches that are still wild and far from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism.
Stoai - The Symposium of the Gods
Against the captivating backdrop of the Valley of the Temples, the spectacle of the Symposium of the Gods is poised to lead you through art, nature and culture in an exhilarating experience. While enjoying food from an ancient tradition, listening to music with ancestral vibrations and witnessing ritual dances, you will be reliving the mythic enchantment of the Greek world. Celebrations of the gods come to life driven by the emotions, overcoming every word to express themselves through the language of Rite, Symposium and Legend.
