LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Pinterest

---

7 THINGS TO DO IN SUTERA: A SHORT GUIDE.

---

Sutera is the sort of place that will totally surprise you. Tucked away in the hills of central Sicily, this tiny town may not have the fame of Palermo or Agrigento, but it offers something just as powerful, a chance to slow down and experience a side of Sicily where the modern world feels distant.

Perched on the slopes of Mount San Paolino, Sutera whispers of the island’s past with its Arab-Norman history, maze-like alleys, and whitewashed homes. Life here moves to a slower rhythm, and as you wander through the narrow streets, Sutera’s simplicity becomes its greatest gift. There are no rush hours or bustling crowds, just warm smiles and cobblestones that echo with history.

We happened upon Sutera as we were walking the Magna Via Francigena from the North to the South of Sicily. Arriving here on our sixth day of walking, we had no expectations. But as soon as we saw Sutera town in the distance, a few buildings that looked to be clinging to a rock, we were intrigued.

Sutera remains a strong memory for us, a standout feature in the month that we spent on the island. And a total contrast to anywhere else we have encountered.

In this blog post you can find out more about Sutera – why visit, things to do, how to get there and where to stay.

Why visit Sutera?

We first saw Sutera looming in the distance on the sixth day of our slow walk across Sicily on the Magna Via Francigena. Mount San Paolino stands tall with the town of Sutera wrapped around it like a scarf.

After we visited and continued our walk, Sutera followed us – from every view point we could track how far we had come. But it also stood our in our memory, as somewhere totally unique.

Sutera isn’t the kind of place that shows up on glossy travel brochures, but that’s precisely its magic. This small, unassuming town offers a window into a different side of Sicily, a slower, more intimate experience that’s all about connection.

Mount San Paolino with a church atop it, gives the town it’s uniqueness. From the town, you can see to all corners of Sicily, with wide open landscapes.

Come here if you’re ready to slow down. Come if you’re willing to let go of the rush and embrace a different pace of life.

7 wonderful things to do in Sutera

Based on our experience, here are seven wonderful things to do in Sutera.

1/ APERITIVO IN THE SQUARE

Every Italian town has its gathering place, and in Sutera, that place is Piazza Sant’Agata, the beating heart of the town. As the sun starts to dip, locals gather for an aperitivo, sharing conversation over drinks and nibbles.

For the perfect aperitivo, head to Bar Kaleidos. This charming bar offers a front-row seat to the slow life of Sutera. Sip on a spritz or a local win.

2/ VISIT THE ETNOANTROPOLOGICO ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

For those who love a dose of history with their travels, Sutera’s Etnoantropologico Archaeological Museum is a must-visit. This small but fascinating museum offers a glimpse into the town’s rich history, from its ancient roots to its more recent agricultural past.

The museum displays a variety of artifacts that tell the story of Sutera’s evolution, from its Arab and Norman periods to its rural Sicilian traditions

3/ GO TO THE TOP OF MOUNT SAN PAOLINA

The towering Mount San Paolino is Sutera’s ever-present guardian, and climbing to the top is an essential part of the Sutera experience.

For a structured tour, join the group offered by the museum at 17:00 daily, which takes you on a guided walk to the summit. If you prefer to go at your own pace, you can hike up independently.

At the summit, you’ll find the Sanctuary of San Paolino, a peaceful spot where you can take a moment to reflect, surrounded by nothing but sky and silence. The views from here are stunning – you can see for miles in every direction, across rolling hills and distant mountains, all bathed in the golden Sicilian light.

4/ VISIT THE CHURCH OF SAINT AGATHA

Sutera’s history is rich with devotion, and the Church of Saint Agatha is the town’s spiritual heart. This beautiful little church is a place of quiet reflection, where locals come to pray and celebrate life’s milestones. The church has a simple but elegant interior and like many churches in Sicily, it is open to visitors at any time of the day.

5/ DINE AT SAMBRIGLIA

When it comes to dining in Sutera, Sambriglia is a bit of a surprising special. When we saw that it had a 4.9 rating on Google, I immediately booked a table.

The chef at Sambriglia makes eclectic plates of Sicialian food, but with a modern twist. The Caponata is delicious, followed by a pasta dish with fish or meat. Inside the restaurant is spacious and chic, in summer there’s a cute terrace with twinkle lights.

If it’s a special night, consider the Tasting Menus and a bottle of Sicilian wine.

6/ WATCH THE SUNRISE

One of the most magical experiences you can have in Sutera is to wake up early and watch the sunrise over the hills. If you stay at B&B Poggio, you may be gifted a sunrise view direct from your bed. Otherwise, it is best to view from the East of the town, around Via Giuseppe Garbaldi.

We didn’t try it, but I imagine that the sunrise from Mount San Paolina could be spectacular.

7/ GET LOST IN THE OLD STREETS

To truly appreciate Sutera, you have to let yourself get lost. The town’s Rabato district is a tangle of narrow streets and steep alleyways, many of which seem to twist and turn in every direction. There are a fair few properties that have sadl been left derelict in the streets. But this is all part of the charm.

How to get to Sutera

Sutera may feel hidden from the world, but it’s relatively easy to reach once you know where to look. Sicily’s major cities, Palermo and Agrigento, are both about two hours away by car, making Sutera an ideal stop on a wider Sicilian road trip. The drive itself is part of the experience: winding roads that snake through quiet valleys, dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and the occasional roadside cafe where a quick espresso is always on offer.

Public transport, while possible, can be tricky. Buses connect Sutera to nearby towns like Caltanissetta, Mussomeli and Grotte, but they run on rural schedules – translation: infrequent and sometimes unpredictable.

We visited Sutera on foot as part of the Magna Via Francigena trail that stretches 186km from Palermo to Agrigento. On the Magna Via Francigena, most walkers reach Sutera at the end of day six.

Where to stay in Sutera

We recommend spending the night in Sutera so that you can take advantage of dining out in a wonderful restaurants and crucially, enjoy the fabulous sunrise over Sutera.

Accommodation in the village is refreshingly simple – there is actually only one place accepting bookings currently. This is B&B Poggio, a small bed and breakfast with only a handful of rooms and traditional Sicilian decor. We spent a glorious night here and loved the simplicity of the room, with the fabulous terrace.

Where to next in Sicily?

We’ve got loads of similar guides to help you explore Sicily more. Find them below:

• One day in Palermo: A guide to seeing the best bits
• Visiting Mondello Beach from Palermo
• One day in Cefalu: A day trip from Palermo
• One idyllic day in Syracuse & Ortigia
• Palermo or Catania: Where should you start your Sicily adventures?
• One day in the city of Catania: An unexpected gem
• Day trips from Catania: 9 of the best
• Best things to do in Modica for the day
• A guide to Ragusa: things to do and where to stay
• Modica or Ragusa – which is better?
• Pozzallo Beach – the traditional sandy beach town dream
• Best things to do in Sutera, Sicily
• Walking in Sicily on the Magna Via Francigena
• A two week itinerary in Sicily – how to travel without a car

Written by Emma

Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.

---

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Pinterest

---

---

Most of our planning is done using other blogs, but you can’t beat a guide book at the bottom of your case.

Find them here on Amazon.

---