AZIENDA AGRITURISTICA "FONTANA MURATA"
Owner: Cosimo Mario Gioia
Address: C.da Fontana Murata -
Sclafani Bagni PA
Tel.: +39 0921542018 - 337889882
Fax: 0921543553
Rating ****
The Site

The farmhouse is in the middle of this large 300 ha holding, stretching out below the impressive Madonie Mountains. The surrounding countryside is really Sicilian, with its large spaces and uniform hills, going from the bright yellow of the wheat fields to the green of the vineyards and olive trees. Flocks of sheep beat time with their seasonal movements up and down the hillside. The homestead produces, processes and sells direct, wine, extra virgin olive oil, fresh and mature cheeses, including excellent ricotta.
How to Get There:


By car, from the A20 Palermo-Messina highway, exit at the fork for Termini Imerese, then take the SS 285 state road as far as the Roccapalumba junction, take the SS 121 and follow signs to the homestead, a further 10 km. It is a few km from the railway/bus station of Valledolmo.
Accomodation:


Guests are put up in 3 comfortable apartments, all with ensuite bathrooms and separate entrances. It sleeps 16 in total. The lodges are covered in creepers and bordered by flowerbeds. In the other farm buildings one can watch milk processing and enjoy local white wine tasting.
Sport & Activities:


From bicycling to tennis, guests can also follow the paths through the wheat fields or the vineyards to the lakelet on foot. A swimming pool, five-a-side field and other sports facilities are 5 km away.

The Cuisine:

The cuisine is that of the rich Madonie tradition, making the best use of local produce. Freshly made ricotta is the basic ingredients of the antipasti, of the fresh pasta course and delicious desserts. The excellent house red is the perfect accompaniment to the mixed grilled mutton and sausages and casseroled lamb.

What to See:

Excursions are organised to the Madonie Regional Park, where one can admire rare species of flora and fauna. Caltanissetta, famous for its nougat, is nearby. There are lots of pretty little villages in the area, full of monuments, for example Alia, with its churches of Sant'Anna and San Giuseppe and the Madonna delle Grazie sanctuary. The Grotte della Gurfe caves are a magnificent example of rock architecture. If you want to spend a day at the sea, Cefalù beach is a few km away.