A beautiful corner of heaven on earth: the Kolymbethra Garden

Diane Ackerman writes: “Nothing is more memorable than a smell. A perfume can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, and yet evoke a childhood summer on a mountain lake.” That's right: when many of us travel to Sicily, chosen as an ad hoc destination for our holidays or as an undisputed stop on our itinerary dedicated to relaxation and fun, they decide to let themselves be inebriated by the characteristic and peculiar scents and colours of our beautiful island.

For this reason, for that silent and respectful contact with nature, today we want to tell you about the Kolymbethra Garden. The term comes from the Greek and indicates a type of swimming pool used in Roman times for aquatic games. The garden is an archaeological site of great naturalistic and landscape importance, located in a small valley in the heart of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.

In 1999 the Sicilian Region entrusted it free of charge to the Italian Environment Fund (FAI) for a period of 25 years which proudly made it one of the places of archaeological and naturalistic interest of great importance at a territorial and national level. In fact between 2007 and 2009 the Garden of Kolymbethra entered the ranking of "The most beautiful park in Italy '' placing itself among the 10 finalists of the competition.

The Kolymbethra Garden extends for just over five hectares, inside which you can find a rich agricultural variety typical of the Valley of the Temples. In the valley floor there are various species including citrus fruits, carob trees, pistachios, mulberries, walnuts, pomegranates, banana trees; along the river and at the foot of the limestone walls there are almond trees, olive trees, traditional vegetable gardens and the Mediterranean scrub with myrtles, laurels, mastic trees, brooms, dwarf palms, carob trees and much more.
Thanks to this naturalistic richness, it is possible to divide the land of Kolymbetra into five zones based on land use classes. There are:

• the citrus grove area;
• the almond-olive grove area;
• an area rich in plants typical of the Mediterranean maquis;
• an area with riparian vegetation;
• an area with rocky vegetation.

And if all this weren't enough, the territory of Agrigento is ready to offer you an infinite number of places and corners that truly deserve special attention and an excellent starting point to visit them as part of your itinerary in south-western Sicily: the nature reserves of Torre Salsa and Foce del Fiume Platani, the sandy beaches of Bovo Marina and Eraclea Minoa, also at a short distance from the cliffs of Scala dei Turchi, the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento, the Archaeological Park of Selinunte, Sciacca and its thermal baths, the Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco. And if at this point you are very tired, you can always rest in one of our luxury villas with private pools in the area!

Olivastro: Wonderful house located inside the Torre Salsa Reserve, an oasis protected by the WWF. Whether you decide to enjoy the splendid view of the valley full of olive trees from the comfortable and shady patio in front of the house or to walk a suggestive path made of vineyards and prickly pears, this is the ideal home for a beach holiday in complete relaxation and in total privacy.

Casa Moresca: In the heart of 10 hectares of Sicilian countryside dedicated to the cultivation of olives for oil, the house is located near the town of Castelvetrano and a few kilometers from the Selinunte Archaeological Park. Let yourself be lulled by the scent and sounds of the surrounding nature in its splendid infinity pool located close to an idyllic lake.

Rosmarino: Exquisite house located within a large estate planted with citrus and olive trees. Its location close to the town of Castelvetrano is an excellent starting point for visiting the wonders of Western Sicily but also an excellent destination for a holiday dedicated to relaxation and the sounds of Sicilian nature while diving into its delightful infinity pool. or you can rest comfortably in the cool of the gazebo in the garden.

La Robazza: Rich in history and a few hundred meters from a still active millstone, this delightful residence stands on a small promontory which is part of an ancient Sicilian fiefdom where exquisite extra virgin olive oil is produced. In front of the house stands its suggestive infinity pool that will give you unforgettable sunsets and an unprecedented view of the Sicilian countryside full of olive trees.

Villa Sara: Splendid modern residence with a Mediterranean taste, nestled on a sweet promontory that will give you an idyllic view of the Sicilian countryside between Menfi and Sciacca that sinuously slope down towards the sea. Ideal for a break from the hectic city life that will seem like a distant memory while during the sunset you will enjoy a sparkling happy hour on the covered patio in front of the swimming pool.

Camemi: Delightful modern villa with luxurious details, Camemi offers you an almost endless panorama with different shades that starts from the vineyards of the south-west of Sicily and ends with the turquoise of the sea. If you were looking for a place of peace and Sicilian colors and scents, this is the right home for you and perfect for any age.