Hitsicily Newsroom

Tips, ideas and travel itineraries in Sicily

The Towers in Sicily and their ancestral power.


27 April 2023 - Categorie: The places of the heart, Cultural tourism, Travel Tips Tags: Tourism in Sicily, Itineraries in Sicily, Art and Culture in Sicily, Villages of Sicily, Nature in Sicily, Eastern Sicily, Western Sicily, History of Sicily, Beauties of Sicily, Places to visit in Sicily

The tower is one of the strongest and most evocative symbols of the ideology and spirituality of numerous peoples who over the centuries have given them essentially different and among the most varied interpretations and nuances. The tower has always been the subject of metaphors and similes by many exponents of Italian and international literature, also by virtue of this reason. Since childhood, listening to fairy tales read by parents in the evening, we are inclined to give the tower a particular meaning. We go from that of Babel to the princess locked up in the castle tower, from Leopardi to Quasimodo, from the symbol of ascent towards the Divine to the symbol of defence and protection of the city.

For these reasons and for their imposing appearance and almost mystical aura, it is not surprising that the towers are one of the most loved and sought-after attractions every year by hundreds of tourists on a national and international scale. And today we want to tell you about those present in the Sicilian territory which exceed 200 and which have taken on various functions over the inexorable passage of time; they cannot fail to be part of your itinerary during your journey to discover Sicily.

The towers in Sicily, as well as the castles, had a fundamental role for the safety and the peaceful life of the people and in fact they were part of the territorial defence system, rising both on the coast and in the hinterland and, depending on their origin, showing off different architectural features. We can group them into three main macro categories: the Saracen, coastal and hammer towers.

The Saracen towers represent the oldest buildings in the area and are characterised by their circular plan development. Those of defence were built near the inhabited centres and had their own armed garrison. Examples of this typology are the Torre Saracena in Corleone and the Torre Saracena in Gangi.
The coastal ones constituted the defensive, sighting and communication system (through smoke or light signals) of the Kingdom of Sicily and had the purpose of stemming the incursions of the Barbary corsairs. Examples are Torre Alba in Terrasini, Torre del Cofano and Torre di Scopello.
Finally, the Martello Towers were built in the first half of the 19th century for protection from the Napoleonic armies. Precisely due to the excessive volume of fire from the gunboats, these towers assumed the model of real fortresses and only two still survive today: Forte degli Inglesi in Messina and Torre di Magnisi Priolo Gargallo in Syracuse.

But the story and the surprises do not end here because one of the most beautiful and fascinating examples of Saracen Tower is just a click away from you and is waiting to be lived: it is our Torre del Drago, dating back to the 16th century and then used as an outpost to spot the dangers that came from the sea. Today it is a unique place in Sicily, located on the stretch of coast between Castel di Tusa, Finale di Pollina and Cefalù, where you can spend a holiday to contemplate the sea and the beauties of nature.

Torre Alba
Torre del Drago
Torre del Drago
Torre di Scopello
Torre Magnisi Priolo Gargallo
Saracen Tower (Gangi)
Saracen Tower (Corleone)
We highly recommend Cefalù, Santo Stefano di Camastra (renowned for its beautiful ceramics), Tindari, the Madonie Nature Reserve surrounded by villages such as Gratteri e Castelbuono, the Nebrodi park up to the wonderful Etna Park. Along the coast there are numerous sandy beaches among which we suggest the ones in Pollina (8 km.) and Castel di Tusa. An hour's drive gets you to Palermo in one direction and to Taormina in the other.

Recommended villas


Torre del Drago: Unique residence of its kind, symbol of a Sicily characterised by different cultures and traditions that have followed one another throughout its history. Torre del Drago has no equal: an ideal place to spend a holiday in peace and nature surrounded by the blue Sicilian sea. From every corner of the tower the view is breathtaking, from sunrise to sunset, while a gentle breeze will touch your faces. Ideal for groups of friends or large families, this splendid property near the tourist-seaside village of Cefalù is just waiting for you.

Baia Smeraldo
: The emotions that this splendid property is ready to give you are truly indescribable: from the marvelous panorama of the crystalline sea that will accompany your gaze up to the promontory of Cefalù with its incomparable gold-coloured Arab cathedral, to the luxuriant flowery garden, to the delightful private swimming pool in which to cool off in the hottest hours of the Sicilian summer. Equipped with 4 bedrooms with a modern and Mediterranean taste, the house is ideal for hosting families and groups of friends up to 7 people.


Coda di Volpe and Punta a Mare: two magnificent villas with a simple and Mediterranean taste located in the splendid tourist-seaside area of ​​Cefalù, full of trattorias and restaurants where you can enjoy excellent fish-based dishes and more. Although the residences do not offer a private swimming pool, they do have direct access to the sea: on one side, the comfortable platform between the rocks and on the other, the golden sandy beach. The properties can be rented individually or together up to a maximum occupancy of 19 guests.

Terre di Lula: There are very few words to describe Terre di Lula because this is not just a residence, it's a sensation. It is located in the heart of the Madonie Natural Park in a fantastic medieval village called Polizzi Generosa, one of the few where you can still experience the real rural Sicily. Choose this breathtaking villa to experience the colors and scents of Sicily, to experience Nature and become one with it in absolute peace and relaxation as you bathe in the stunning private infinity pool that looks like a lake flowing over the beautiful rich mountains of trees and friendly animals

Carlotta: Carlotta is a delightful residence with a simple and modern taste, equipped with all the comforts one may need on holiday. It is located in the area of ​​one of the most famous seaside resorts in Sicily: Cefalù. Apart from the proximity to this town full of restaurants and shops, the house has direct access to the sea.

Faraglioni: Elegant villa born in one of the most fascinating areas of Sicily, the Kalura in the wonderful area of ​​Cefalù. The view of the sea and the fantastic Kalura stacks that the house offers you from its wonderful garden will leave you speechless. The property is built near a small beach access to which is reserved only for the owners of the villas in the area. On the other side, there is also a small concrete platform on which to enjoy the warm Sicilian sun and from which to dive into the wonderful turquoise sea. This platform is private. With 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, the house is suitable for families or small groups of friends looking for a relaxing and peaceful beach holiday.

Casa dei Nomadi: Are you looking for a residence a few steps from the sea, with a private swimming pool and hydromassage tub for a holiday of both relaxation and fun? Go no further as Casa dei Nomadi is right up your alley. This delightful property is located between Finale di Pollina and Castel di Tuna, in north western Sicily in an exquisite bay called Baia Turchina. With 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, it is absolutely ideal for large families and groups of friends.

Calaluna: Delightful cottage born among the rocks, and partially obtained from them, of the wonderful area of ​​Cefalù called Kalura. It was born in front of the fantastic stacks of the area and is located almost on the water. Not surprisingly, you will almost feel like you are on a boat. Equipped with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, this splendid property is suitable for couples or small families who wish to enjoy a relaxing beach holiday away from the chaos of the city.

Casa dell'Acqua: Unique property of its kind, belonging to the Baron of Fatta (owner of the surrounding lands and grandfather of the current owners). The house is located a few kilometres from the highway at the Buonfornello exit, close to Cefalù and the Madonie Park so as to make it far from the bustle of the city but not too far from the sea. Ideal for groups or families of up to 9 people who want to relax and enjoy each other's company between the barbecue and the delightful private pool.

Lalli House: Located on one of the most suggestive promontories of the Sicilian coast from which to enjoy unforgettable sunsets, this delightful charming retreat is ideal for couples of friends and small families who wish to spend a beach holiday away from the chaos of the city. The small beach, which is accessed via a stone staircase, is in fact reserved only for the owners of neighbouring villas.

Solemar: Superlative residence with private infinity pool, on the sea and located in Terrasini in the wonderful province of Palermo, the capital of splendid Sicily and the main destination of national and international tourism. Solemar is ready to give you a holiday full of emotions and relaxation: the undisputed protagonist is the breathtaking and uninterrupted view of the wonderful Gulf of Castellammare that you can observe from any point of the house. Its location is not far behind being almost halfway between the province of Palermo and that of Trapani, keepers of the wonders of north-western Sicily.