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The open nave of Santa Maria dello Spasimo alla Kalsa, a former church, is a romantic venue for performances and film. Music can be heard from the upper outdoor terrace as well, while artworks are on display in the covered exhibition space. It is an innovative and resourceful use for one of Palermo’s damaged historic buildings and one of the first venues to start the revival of the Kalsa neighbourhood (see Santa Maria dello Spasimo).

Sicily’s first nature reserve was instituted in 1980 to protect 7 km (4 miles) of rocky coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea between Scopello and San Vito lo Capo. Marked trails of various levels of difficulty traverse the steep interior, or creep along the cliff above the sea, occasionally forking down to small coves with pebble beaches. The reserve protects flora and fauna such as wild orchids, limonium, wild carnations, dwarf palms, iris, remains of once widespread ilex and cork-oak forests, lichens and ferns, Bonelli’s eagles, Peregrine falcons, Sicilian warblers, owls, porcupines and foxes.

The Locanda has accurately restored a few rooms of the local prince’s castle in this tiny village. They also authentically follow traditional methods in the kitchen. Dishes are innovative mixes of inland vegetables with fish from the nearby sea, each prepared to achieve a harmony of freshness, flavour and texture. Try the cuccìa (cracked wheat, white cabbage and sea snails) or pistachio ravioli with crustaceans and cacao beans (see Locanda del Borgo, Rosolini).

In a restored castle with original frescoes and red drapery, traditional techniques are revisited to create innovative dishes (see Locanda del Borgo, Rosolini).

Born at Caos near Agrigento, Pirandello (1867–1936) is known as the founder of 20th-century drama. His best-known work is the play Six Characters in Search of an Author (1921).

A small hotel in the heart of Ortygia island, in Syracuse. Rooms are spacious and nicely decorated, some with terraces. Parking is available.

Small, four-room pensione in the heart of Noto’s historic centre, in a private courtyard (you enter through an arch, hence the name). Great location, serviceable rooms and helpful staff.

More than 350 mafiosi were convicted during the late 1980s, as a result of which the judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino were murdered in 1992. “Boss of Bosses” Salvatore “Totò” Riina was finally convicted of arranging the murders.