GMT™ Halaesa-Nebrodi meets with Nicosia di Sicilia to develop unique experiential itineraries-Sicily
Winning synergies for the tourism promotion of inland areas of Sicily
Halaesa Nebrodi 07/02/2025 0
Today, through the pages of our website, we're launching a new partnership that not only unites nearby communities but, more importantly, brings together two territories of immense tourist appeal under one grand project: the Sicilian hinterland and the Tyrrhenian coast.
This exciting collaboration is thanks to the experiential tourism initiative spearheaded for several years by Nicosia di Sicilia and the team of Salvatore Burrafato, Samuel Granata, and Valentina Bircher. By combining captivating accommodations, delectable food and wine itineraries, and a wealth of professionalism, they've crafted some truly interesting tourism packages. The heart of this project lies in the beautiful town of Nicosia, in the province of Enna, home to the accommodations managed by Valentina and Manuel. However, its scope extends with keen interest across the entire hinterland, where the Erei mountains gaze upon the majestic Etna, stretching across vast fields of cereals and grains, and where prickly pears, olives, and fruit trees have always thrived.
These are also the very places where cattle and pig farming, along with sheep herding, were and remain driving forces of the local economy. Today, these areas are also looking with renewed interest at forgotten crops like saffron. Just a few kilometers from Nicosia lies Salvatore's ancient and charming farmhouse, carved into the rock, where guests can embark on a delightful food and wine journey, perfect for indulging in genuine flavors and fully relaxing amidst nature.
With Salvatore, Manuel, and Valentina, we've envisioned uniting our projects to create a truly special and unique tourism package. This package starts in the hinterland, travels along the ancient "Via del Grano" (Grain Route), and culminates in Halaesa, a place where, in ancient times, ships at anchor in the port were loaded with foodstuffs to be distributed to Rome.
The days our guests spend with us will be enriched with food and wine tastings and guided tours that, starting from Nicosia, will touch various municipalities within Halaesa-Nebrodi. There will also be time to enjoy moments of pure relaxation, ensuring travelers' memories are filled with truly unforgettable images and experiences.
The complete Halaesa-Nebrodi Catalog, featuring all the proposed tourist packages, will be released shortly.
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Halaesa Nebrodi 15/11/2025
The promotional video for GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi was presented at the BTE 2025 in Palermo
A great milestone for the GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi!
This video, skillfully produced by Torrefilms and Realeyez srls, represents an important goal achieved by the GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi in its path of territorial enhancement and promotion.
This is a project self-financed by the Operators adhering to the GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi, also made possible thanks to the significant financial contribution of two local companies: Mammana Group and Azienda Sacco Franca.
The film was presented during the participation of GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi at the BTE (Borsa del Turismo Extralberghiero/Non-Hotel Tourism Exchange) 2025 in Palermo.
Our sincerest thanks go to all those who contributed with passion and willingness, becoming authentic protagonists of this visual narrative and fully embodying the collaborative spirit that drives our project:
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-Teresa Torcivia, with her extraordinary seccagno lemon granita from Pettineo;
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-The little ones Maria Sole and Aurora, along with their mother Katia, who opened the film shoot with sweetness and spontaneity;
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-The Chiella-Mascarello family, who made their home available during the evocative Festa della Madonna della Luce (Festival of Our Lady of Light) in Mistretta;
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-Sebar Cafè, for offering the ideal location to enjoy an aperitif dedicated to conviviality;
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-Carla Testa, Giuseppe Cacciato, and their very friendly group, who brightened the scenes filmed in Mistretta;
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-Rosario Di Francesca from Castel di Lucio, a historic master cheesemaker and true artist of caciocavallo horses (murriti), along with the entire staff of Azienda Sacco Franca;
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-Giuseppina Azzolina from Al Passo di Eolo, the delightful kiosk at the foot of the Labyrinth of Ariadne in Castel di Lucio, an authentic reference point for local gastronomy;
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-Placido Presti, one of the last stonemasons who, with tenacity and love, continues to work in his land, keeping an ancient art alive.
Special thanks go to our territory, a true treasure chest of beauty, history, and traditions.
A precious heritage to be preserved, narrated, and passed on with pride, because only by knowing one's roots can a shared and sustainable future be built.
Riccardo Zingone 18/08/2026
I Cosi Duci – Traditional Sweets Festival in Castel di Lucio
Castel di Lucio, a member of the Authentic Villages of Italy network, hosts an evening devoted to traditional sweets and much more.
Beginning at 7:00 p.m., the event invites visitors to taste local confectionery specialities in a lively programme enriched by craft displays, music and comedy.
The promotion of traditional local products is particularly important to the community. Another major event is the Sagra du Cascavaddu, the annual caciocavallo cheese festival traditionally held on 17 August.
At 9:00 p.m., popular Catania comedian and storyteller Giuseppe Castiglia takes to the stage with his well-known jokes and cabaret performance.
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A Sea for Everyone in Castel di Tusa
Following the success of last year’s event, “A Sea for Everyone” returns to Castel di Tusa for its second edition, scheduled for 30 July 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at the Approdo di Halaesa marina.
The event aims to remove physical barriers and promote access to the sea for people with disabilities. It was conceived and organised by Nehemia APS, chaired by Fabrizio Gandellini and Parisi Di Gangi, with Salvatore Cangelosi as vice-president. The initiative is supported by the Municipality of Tusa, with logistical and operational assistance from Approdo di Halaesa marina.
The project seeks to uphold the universal right to enjoy the sea, giving people with reduced mobility or other motor difficulties the opportunity to experience a day devoted to inclusion, socialising, sharing and discovering the distinctive qualities of the area.
Water-access equipment, qualified staff and volunteers will be available to provide safe assistance throughout the event. The day will also help raise public awareness of the importance of accessibility in public and natural spaces.
Thanks to the cooperation of the Madonie Nebrodi Slow short supply-chain project, participants will be able to share a dinner featuring local products, while also supporting businesses from the surrounding area.
To provide practical support for the organising association, volunteers—together with the Il Melograno Social Farm—will run a fundraising stand offering handmade items and local products. Proceeds will support future projects.
The programme will also include a moment of community and reflection during a Mass celebrated by Father Bernardo Ndim.
The Municipality of Tusa has confirmed its support for the initiative, recognising it as a positive example of solidarity and civic responsibility. “A Sea for Everyone” is more than a symbolic event: it is a practical step towards a fairer society in which no one is left behind.